Patrick G. Cox

First into the Fray by Patrick G. Cox is a thrilling science-fiction novel that takes the reader on an intergalactic adventure. Cox's descriptive language creates a vivid and imaginative world that captivates the reader from the very beginning. The plot revolves around the battle between the Consortium and the Fleet, and the Captain's efforts to protect his crew and loved ones from harm.

One of the strengths of the book is the character development, particularly of the protagonist Captain James Heron. His internal struggles, as well as his sense of duty and loyalty to his crew, make him a compelling and relatable character. The introduction of the Pantheon and the mysterious Agent Bast adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

Overall, First into the Fray is an exciting and well-written novel that is sure to satisfy fans of the science-fiction genre. The plot is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the world-building is immersive. Cox's writing style is easy to follow, and he creates a universe that feels both familiar and original.… (lisätietoja)

South Africa born author Patrick G. Cox earned his degree from Selborne College, served in he Fire Service in both South Africa and the UK, is a minister in the Church of England, and now writes novels - including his six volume Henry Heron Series, for which CAPTAIN JAMES HERON FIRST IN THE FRAY is the prequel. The series is a collection of books ‘centered on a trio of shipmates plucked from the HMS Spartan during the Napoleonic Wars and thrust into an unknown future.’ Pertinent to this volume is a brief reflection on the Into the Unknown volume the book serves to edify: - ‘A freak accident on board the HMS Spartan during a sea battle with the French navy in 1804 catapults Midshipman Harry Heron and his shipmates Ferghal O'Connor and Danny Gunn four hundred years into the future, landing them on the NECS Vanguard, flagship of the World Treaty Organisation Fleet. While Captain Blackwood and Major Heron sort out the mystery and determine whether the young men are alive or dead, Harry and his friends are faced with the challenge of learning new roles aboard a spaceship. Just as they have found their footing, they are called upon to assist the Fleet in a rescue mission on the planet Pangaea, giving them the opportunity to prove that their unique skills from the past are still very relevant in the far distant future.’

With his richly colorful, vividly descriptive language and imagination, Cox weaves an in depth background, distilled as follows: ‘The year is 2202, and the recently widowed Captain James Heron is appointed to stand by his next command, the starship NECS Vanguard, while she is being built. He and his team soon discover that they are battling the Consortium, a shadowy corporate group that seeks to steal the specs for the ship’s new super weapon. The Consortium hires the Pantheon, a mysterious espionage agency, to do their dirty work as they lay plans to take down the Fleet and gain supreme power on an intergalactic scale. When Pantheon Agent Bast and her team kidnap Felicity Rowanberg, a Fleet agent and friend of the Captain, this clash of titans becomes personal. Bast is an expert in bio-disguise and evades several traps as Fleet Security close in. The Captain honors his oath to the Fleet and his growing love for Felicity, and takes decisive action to thwart the Pantheon and protect Felicity at all cost.’

Novels addressing time travel can be perplexing to readers, but Cox has such a gift for realistic drama that even concepts of the future seem immediately real! Read this novel and likely searching for the other volumes will occur. Very highly recommended - for both fantasy and historical fiction lovers.… (lisätietoja)

An excellent solo effort from an author that does write a very good series, the Harry Heron series. Which series starts out with an "Age of Fighting Sail" story then transforms quite neatly into a science fiction series.

The characters in this book are quite interesting. A sea captain skilled in business and diplomacy with a wife that is trained and interested in metallurgy; truly deserves a series. The war has ended but several prequels that come to mind: midshipman, Copenhagen, Trafalgar, and perhaps a cruise or two to the Med or Caribbean. His wife's role would be more challenging but she definitely deserves a featured role, in a continuing series.… (lisätietoja)