Soldier of Fortune: A Gideon Quinn Adventure (The Fortune Chronicles) (Volume 1)

In Soldier of Fortune, Kathleen McClure has created a fascinating future steampunk world on a planet called Fortune which was colonised by refugees from Earth. The settlers landed without knowledge of the advanced tech that enabled them to make the trip to the new world, the idea being that without it, they would be less likely to destroy the planet in the way humans had on Earth.When a crystal power source was found technology advanced, but only to the point of airships and steam vehicles, thus, though not set on Earth in the late 19th century, this fantasy has a distinct steampunk flavour. The power source became the cause of a war, but it’s over when this story begins.The world of Fortune has the roughness of a frontier society and we meet our central character Gideon Quinn in a brutal prison, where he was sent after an incident during the war. We find out why in bits and pieces as the author weaves flashbacks in throughout the unfolding story. It’s a risky format, but Ms McClure pulls it off. Gideon gets a reprieve and sets off for Nike city in search for the man that killed 6 of the Corps he lead and forced him to sign a confession for the supposed crime.The plot is an unpredictable series of events that lead, among other things, to the unravelling of the identity of a mystery spy. It was one of those stories I just wanted to keep on reading, not just because of the great story, but also because of the characters and the great mix of humour and action packed drama.Gideon meets a dodger called Mia and has a pet draco called Elvis, a reptile resembling a small dragon, and both characters are complex, likeable and well-drawn. The secondary characters are also well-rounded.The central characters, though rough around the edges are ‘decent’ people, actually I like to call such characters noble characters because, though they are willing to kill those they deem deserving of it, they are always willing to lend a hand to those in need of one. They also respect those on a different side if they’re just earning a buck and it’s nothing personal.The prose is excellent with great rhythm, punctuated with lovely quips, but the book does need a proofread. Had it not had the many copy errors, I would have given this 5 stars. As it is I can only give it 3 stars, and that’s being generous, because I don’t want to put people off what is, despite this problem, a great read.  It wasn’t bad enough for me to walk away from the story, but only because the story and characterisation were excellent.If you like sci fi with a steampunk flavour and can put up with a bunch of copy errors, then I recommend this book, but it doesn't seem fair that if the author isn't prepared to pay an editor to proofread their work that we should have to pay to buy it. Luckily, I got it on a promo. I'd have been annoyed if I'd  paid full price for it.

My rating 4.3The book "The Soldier of Fortune: A Gideon Quinn Adventure (The Fortune Chronicles # 1)" by Kathleen McClure is a very good novel, for which I honestly don't know what genre I would put it in. We can say that this is a western, science fiction, dystopia, fantasy, action, thriller and military genre in one, but everything works great. The world in which the story takes place is the planet Fortune. The settlers from the destroyed Earth have found their new birthplace there and the Earth is long past. Gideon Quinn is a soldier who ends up in prison for alleged treason, but to his surprise, he is released for six years. The reason he ended up in jail is because of the obvious set up during the war. But he is determined to take revenge on the one who destroyed his life and put him innocent in prison. With his five Draco Elvis, he found in the crystal mines, Gideon takes a ship to Nike City on a quest for justice. But it is obvious that they expect him and that this will not be an easy task. If you are a fan of good action and fun science fiction, with a really good story then this is the book for you.

Kathleen McClure has written an superb, action-packed thriller with multi-layered world building, and believable, and at times, humorous characters. I was positively stunned by her intelligent and vivid imagination in building not only the characters, but the setting and the language, oh, the language! This first book was a fascinating peek into the planet Fortune's universe that just resonates with realism (especially if you are a Brit!) I found myself cheering on Gideon Quinn as he planned and executed his adrenaline-infused plans to facilitate; not only his own problems but those of at least 4 others - all at the same fell swoop. Also, kudos, Ms. McClure for the innovative innuendos to the busy bee society they lived in. I always leave an unbiased review now for every book I purchase or receive from the author, InstaFreebie, ebookdiscovery, etc. I originally received this book free but after reading it, I had to purchase it to make sure it would be there to read again. Yes, it is that good and I didn't even mention the eye-rolling humor! Well, guess I did now.

I found this little gem on one of those email lists for .99 and took a chance. Glad I did.McClure does a great job of creating a character to love, as well as move the story along in a rip roaring fashion. The book doesn't follow the cookie cutter format authors are starting to churn out with back story and flashbacks all neatly interspersed.Gideon Quinn went to prison willingly and then surprised his enemies by surviving. He is released by a mysterious set of circumstances and turned loose in the city to track down a spy. What happens next is general mayhem with an interesting and interconnected cast of Characters that kept me turning pages until the end.It is not a book that will change the world, there's been those like it before, but I will definitely be reading the next in the series.

And then wondered if I had Time Traveled back to High School English Literature, where I was reluctantly forced to read Oliver Twist. Although the beginning was intriguing and I enjoyed the Draco Elvis, a lot of the book read slow for me. The last portion did finally come together and catch my interest again. And to give credit, it was a good ending (and not a cliffhanger).This was a decent story. The book had action. The main characters were interesting. The locale had possibilities. But just like Oliver Twist....it wasn't really my cup of tea. I might have been tempted to read the next book if Gideon's adventures were continuing (I did rather like both him and Mia), but it appears that Book two is about another group of characters, so I believe that I'll pass.If you're looking for something different and not heavy on the Science Fiction, you'll likely enjoy it. 3-1/2 Stars for me.

Gideon Quinn is released from prison after his soldier bosses realize he wasn't guilty of treason. Why heconfessed to the crime 6 years before is later explained. He wants revenge on the man who killed his soldierfriends and who landed him in prison. That man also tries to remove the problem of Gideon - permanently.Gideon is followed by 13 year old dodger, Mia (think Oliver Twist) who has been charged with stealing Gideon's draco,Elvis. However, she ends up helping Gideon as she knows the alley ways and the criminal types better than him.I liked her character and Elvis's contribution to the fights Gideon got involved with. Gideon certainly "didn't takeprisoners", though he could be gentle with Mia.The book did jump back and forth a lot to explain why Gideon was on the mission where his men died and abouthis ex-girlfriend, and even back to his own childhood as a dodger in another city. I also didn't think it was necessaryto change things like hours in the day, etc. and I never quite understood about Keepers. Some of them seemed towork as hotel waiters, etc. but they could give sanctuary to children? Also I wasn't sure about the constant referencesto hives and bees. I know this was set in the future on a different planet from earth, but I didn't think these things wereexplained that well. Hence my giving it 3.5 stars.

After six years in prison the protagonist is set free and sets in motion a trail of fights and other problems. After being called a traitor he is released because the real traitor is still at work. This is the story to sort out the history of the main character before other stories of how he interacts with his new surroundings can be told. Interesting story. Fast paced and enjoyable. Look forward to reading more adventures of the soldier of fortune!!

Plot flows well and is an easy read. An ex con looking to find out who framed him. So quite straight forward. A bit of fantasy/sci-fi thrown in. Only thing that annoyed me was using Earth names for things like towns named after sports manufacturers such as Nike and Adidas, for no reason that I could see. May even try others in the series

Great story, I loved the Gideon character full of charm, violence when needed, but also a well hidden caring person. Really well spun storyline, which never let up for a minute, exciting,riveting, and kept me entertained right up till the end. Can't wait to read the next one. Fab

This a good military mystery in a different world in the future. The author writes well and the story moves at pace, without over telling, keeping the reader interested. Ok, so some military nuances are lacking, but it doesn't matter. It is fun to read.