TRADE WORLD SAGA: trade world 1 - 4

This is a compilation of a set of novellas (Manual Interpretation, the first novella, was originally written in 1985). The humans are a fairly forgettable bunch; it’s the aliens that steal the show. Although as usual in such space operas the aliens behave just like humans do but with odd characteristics. This is fine because the reader wouldn’t identify with aliens who were truly ‘alien’ anyway. The technology described is interesting. The protagonists are no superheros, though they might as well be because they somehow manage to sweep aside all opposition. This results in a lack of dramatic tension and if you are expecting a gradual build up to a great climax at the end, you will be disappointed. Technically the prose would benefit from proof reading by someone familiar with conventional punctuation, in particular the use of commas. I can’t help feeling the whole saga would have benefited from a complete rewrite in half the space. Overall it’s an interesting if one-dimensional read. But don’t expect to get emotionally involved.

Worth your time. A fine story with neat aliens and battles galore. Recommended highly.I enjoyed the fact that all 4 volumes were included. Saves a search.

That gee whiz feeling of Doc Smith and the Skylark of Space lives again in Pence's Trade World. Brilliant extrapolation of technology, swashbuckling occasionally sobering story.

I do not understand why there is so many grammar errors. Most platforms for essays, story writings and general sentence structure have built in highlighted correction tools.

Very poor spelling, grammar and punctuation. Can't keep the tense straight. The writing is simplistic and not very good.

First, I hate writing reviews, but I must say, I was disappointed when I found this was all in this universe. To that end, I am biting the bullet to write this review to hopefully get the author to write more.To summarize the story some without posting spoilers;In the not so near future, after a devastating plague killed a portion of the population, we find Earth still is dealing with the same problems has today. After an encounter with an alien, things start to change, while others stay the same. Humanity starts to go out into the galaxy, eyes wide shut, but not for long.Overall, I found the story to be fascinating and followed along with my own thoughts of what would we, has humans do if certain technological advances became available? How would different governments and businesses react? Throw aliens into the mix and what would you trade them for?The negative portions of this series is the same for the majority of books, movies and such. That being the "Fortunate coincidence", though I will give the author credit for doing some of it in a clever way. Also, minus some minor grammatical errors, the characters were well thought out and gave a good accounting of themselves in the story.Overall, I highly enjoyed this series and would recommend it to anybody that sits back and wonders about life amongst the stars.