CassaFire-Alex J. Cavanaugh

Today is the Catch Fire Blog Party, celebrating the release of CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh! The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex’s site for details: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities. 

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Available today!

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

You can visit the author’s site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Cassastar- book review

Cassastar is the Freshman effort of author Alex Cavanaugh.  Full disclosure:  I read Alex's Blog and enjoy it, he also has been known to visit my blog.  I was actually leary of reading the book as I didn't want to not like it.  I mean, I read his blog and while Cavanaugh can be entertaining in short bursts, I didn't know if he could carry it over to long form.  I was worried for nothing it seems. 

Cassastar follows youn Byron through flight school and his first assignment as he learns to fly star fighters.  Yes, the theme music from Top Gun was running through my head the whole time I was reading the book, but I think Byron is probably more like Iceman that he is Maverick.  It is fully scifi, and while the characters are humanoid there is nothing that I noticed that said that they were specifically human.  So this is a book that should be accessable by all humaniod life forms (which I am sure was the intent). 

Plot-  This is a familiar plot.  Not only is it similar to Top Gun, but also to other scifi novels.  I wouldn't say that it is cliche, but it is a well worn path.  In my estimation, if you choose the well worn path, you have to do something to set yourself apart. 

Characters-  Character is where Cavanaugh really makes his impression.  The reader will start out not liking Byron that much, but through the narrative, the character grows and his motivations are revealed.  Characters don't just act a certain way, Cavanaugh shapes their pasts and makes them real, makes their actions seem in character. 

Overall-  It was an enjoyable book and a pretty quick read.  Cavanaugh proved to me that he is in fact capable of long form fiction and that his strength seems to lie in characterization.  Cassastar will soon be followed by another book that follows Byron on the next leg of his journey and I am looking forward to it.  If you like Top Gun and science fiction, give this one a try.  If you didn't like top gun because of tom cruise, but you still like the flying part, you are pretty safe as well.  It is appropriate for all ages and all sentient humanoid species. 

C day bonus post Cassastar

C is for Cassastar and Cavanaugh, its author.  While I won't do a full review as I just finished the book, I really enjoyed it.  It is authored by fellow blogger/ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh co-host of this whole A-Z madness.  Madness I tell you! 

My only regret with the book is that I read it so quick that it only got a weeks exposure on the "T" in Boston (sorry Alex).  Check out Cassastar and support one of our own. You won't be let down and will likely be pleasently surprised. 

Friday Quiz

Image via Wikipedia

All answers must be in the form of a question, answer in the comments, and no cheating. First person with the most correct answers will get a SciFi Media "no prize" button to display on their website.


This week our topic will be Authors.  All answers will be an author's name.

1.  This Mormon, science fiction author stirs up controversy with the political views that he posts on his blog.
2.  He wrote under the name Richard Bachman at the beginning of his career.
3.  This comic book writer also penned Babylon 5 as well as 4 Babylon 5 short stories.
4.  This Alliterative author wrote Fire upon the Deep and Deepness in the Sky.
5.  Speaking of alliteration, this comic book author used it on a lot of his heroes, such as Reed Richards and Bruce Banner.

Special Bonus for some of my followers that came to me through blogfests:
He is the author of Cassastar, both on sale now and now on sale. 

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh- Available Today

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh
October 19, 2010
Science fiction/adventure/space opera
ISBN 9780981621067
Dancing Lemur Press LLC

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…
Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.
Much to Byron’s chagrin, the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.
As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He’s experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/