Review: Indentured: A 99 cent odd ball
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 13, 2012
First of all, I am a fan of Kindles large .99 selection. I am weary when I buy one, and sample them and read reviews.At first, the plot sounded ok, and I had a "free" Prime book to borrow and this was there so I got it. I finished the 90-some page book in 2 sittings, which is rare for me even with shorter books.I am not going to go over the plot in too much detail, as I will assume you know the basics of it if you're reading reviews, so I will go over a pros/cons list:Cons:The writing was a bit chunky at times, but it is easily ignored or overlooked. Just in need of a professional editor.Some events happen so quickly that you're left with a "uh...?". Although this is in the "Con" list, I personally thought the story benefited from the jarring plot twists and I enjoyed it, but I think most people would want some build up first...I'd have REALLY liked more character development (which would have made the book longer). I say this as someone who loved the characters and the large amount of character development within such a short book, but I think the ending would have been more powerful if we got to know the characters a little more.All the cons above are SLIGHT, and honestly I have to try pretty hard to think of something even kind of worth noting lest I sound like a raving fan boy.Pros:TONS of character in a short time. The characters are very believable, especially given their situation. While the story has a great plot, the characters really drive it home which is rarely done so well in the 99 cent bracket.Plot twists abound! Honestly, the whole book is saturated with them. There isn't just one big one at the end to wow everyone, but 3 or 4 well placed twists through-out. The characters again shine in bringing the reader through them, and I only "predicted" one of them (which was pretty obvious and I dont think the writer was trying to fool us).The perfect amount of action, dialogue, humor and sci-fi situations. This book has it all, and again in such a short time. And it's well done to boot. Some best selling 15 dollar books tend to have half the spirit and enjoyment as this independent novel. With some better editing and some additional meat on it's bones, it could easily compete with the top big-dollar sellers.Lastly, the ending was great! Anti-climatic yet oddly climatic at the same time. However, I warn readers that the second book in the series does not leave off where you think it will. It was jarring for me at first, but I am in the middle of thoroughly enjoying it. I will be blindly purchasing the 3rd book in the series without question (and there BETTER be a 3rd one).I give it 4.5 out of 5, but prudence made me give it 4/5 on Amazons scale. Very entertaining book, and some mind bending aspects that seem to be absent in sci-fi now days (which is one of the reasons I love the genre). Any fan of science fiction would be at a loss without at least sampling Indentured.Lastly, please review the book after you read it. Books like this needs some love and attention for others to get it. If the author/publisher is reading this: PLEASE continue this series!