Saturday, 10 May 2025

Galen's Heart - Richard Paolinelli - Starquest 4th Age Book 3

Galen's Heart
Starguest 4th Age Book 3
ISBN 9798280496736
ISBN 979-8280496606
ASIN B0DYC5KKWH

Galen's Heart - Richard Paolinelli - Starquest 4th Age Book 3

My introduction to Richard’s work was a story in the anthology Cracked. Since that first story I have read works by him 31 times, not counting contributions to anthologies. I loved the first two novels in this series and this one is even better. With each story I read I am more impressed with Richard’s skill and talent. And this third story featuring Galen is amazing! Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors and all have been well worth the read. I regret that I did not dig into his works earlier, so do not make my mistake pick one up and give it a read. The description of this volume is:

“In the thrilling series finale of Starquest 4th Age, Harmool's Galactic Empire has taken hold and rules the hominid's corner of the Andromeda Galaxy with an iron fist and the fate of all within hangs in the balance.

Galen Dwyn and the Princess Rhiannon have taken refuge, along with the rest of the resistance, on a world with an impenetrable defense surrounding it as they plan a counter-attack.

As ancient prophecies unravel and long-buried secrets surface, Dwyn must navigate treacherous betrayals, harness ancient technologies, and confront his own destiny to save all he holds dear. Packed with pulse-pounding action, intricate world-building, and emotional depth, Galen's Heart is the Starquest 4th Age finale that delivers an epic conclusion that will leave readers breathless. Join the quest—will courage and hope prevail, or will the stars fall forever?”

This is a high octane tale from beginning to end. This book and series reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, and blade weapons, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted, it does a great job of building suspense and drawing the book and series to a conclusion.  I thought the first two stories were intense but this one amped it up even more. The characters masterfully written, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guy. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. But he is also we is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined. The whole universe is in turmoil after the overturn of the government. Galen is trying to save the galaxy, even if it means making alliances with old foes. But Galen has had a lot of help along the way, and has some more from surprising quarters in this one. He knows there is really only one shot at making this work and is doing his best to bend the universe to his will to make it happen.

If you have not read anything by Paolinelli don’t make my mistake. Pick some up and give them a read now. There is a lot to choose from and I am sure you will be entertained. This was an excellent read. It is a book that leaves you desperate for more, the end of this volume teases another in this world as well as a prequel story was teased I cannot help but hope that the series will extend beyond the two currently planned. A great read I can easily recommend. It is a wonderful classic Science Fiction story a great space opera. A fantastic story written large. I can easily recommend this volume to fans of science fiction and adventure stories. A great read that I can easily recommend! Well done Richard!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
For reviews of all books from Tuscany Bay click here.

Books by Richard Paolinelli:
Maelstrom
When the Gods Fell
The Calling
The Last Lonely Trail
A Zombie Christmas Carol

Infinity Series:
Exploring Infinity
Expanding Infinity

Starguest 4th Age Series:
Ranger
Cassandra's Line

Timeless Series:
The Timeless
Secret of the Sphinx

Jack Del Rio Series:
Betrayals
Endgames
Del Rio Omnibus Edition

Divine Trolls Comedies:
The Fall Of The House Of 770 Vile Aromas 
The Corvo

SeaDragon:
SeaDragon 1 May 1986
SeaDragon 2 June 1996

Non Fiction:
Perfection’s Arbiter
From The Fields
The Space Shuttle: 1981–2011 

Contributed to:
To Be Men 
Places Beyond The Wild
Space Force Building The Legacy
Secret Stairs 
A Tribute To H.G. Wells (2019 Edition)
Beyond Watson 
Holmes Away From Home, Vol. 2 
Sherlock Holmes Adventures In The Realms Of H.G. Wells 
Sherlock Holmes Aventures In The Realms Of Edgar Allan Poe
The Art Of Sherlock Holmes 
The Mx Book Of New Sherlock Holmes Stories, Part Xxii

Planetary Anthology Series:
Sol
Earth
Luna
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Best Of Planetary Anthology Series

Galen's Blade Richard Paolinelli

Galen's Way Richard Paolinelli

Galen's Heart - Richard Paolinelli - Starquest 4th Age Book 3

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