Double Share

Trader's Tales, Book 4

By: Nathan Lowell

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

An inexperienced officer. A dysfunctional ship. Life in the Deep Dark just got a whole lot harder.

In his first assignment as an officer, Ishmael Horatio Wang finds himself fresh out of school, wet behind the ears, and way out of his depth. Aboard the William Tinker the senior officers are derelict and abusive, the crew demoralized and undisciplined, and change unwelcomed and dangerous. Can Ishmael use what he learned aboard the Lois McKendrick to help the crew find the ship's heart? Or will he discover that bucking the system may come at too high a price? Return to the Deep Dark with Ish in this fourth installment of the award-winning Solar Clipper series, as he makes the transition from crew to officer.

©2016 Nathan Lowell (P)2016 Podium Publishing

Entertaining story with good characters

Entertaining story with good characters. A good listen if you want a book to keep you involved but not too much drama. He brings the listener along, not with conflict but, because the characters are engaging. But there is enough action to keep the listener engaged. Some listeners may find the pace a little slow, but it suits me very well.

Reversal of previous story line

I have enjoyed the low stress of the previous three books in the series, where the plot focused on the protagonist adapting to the new life of a spacer and the ship is a place where women and men are on an equal footing with mutual respect all around. In this book, Ish finds himself on a ship where the female crew is harassed, abused and raped on a daily basis. Ish helps to fix the problem. Told in the same time and level of detail as the other books, one’s imagination supplies the horrific situation for the women of the ship.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Double Share picks up the story of Ishmael Wang as he leaves four years of officer training. With the ink scarcely dry on his certificate, he is signed on as third mate of the William Tinker. The Lois McKendrick was a nurturing home for those who sailed on her, but the Billy Tinker is an example of how a negligent captain and a bullying first mate can make a dangerous environment for the crew on board. I would recommend this book to anyone who is planning to take a position of responsibility anywhere.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Double Share?

Like many of the books by Nathan Lowell, the plot builds from the beginning. To mention the most memorable moment would involve spoilers. What I will say is that the most poignant moment is the one in which Ishmael and his friends aboard the Tinker realize there are some things beyond their control, but the climactic event pulls them together to correct the dangerous situation on board.

Have you listened to any of Jeffrey Kafer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the third performance by Jeffrey Kafer to which I have listened. He just keeps getting better -- and he was good in the beginning.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, and some that made me feel angry and then relieved when they were resolved. You'll have to read to find out -- it truly would ruin the book to relate them here.

Any additional comments?

Check out that ending. Lowell is truly building toward something here, as we learn more about Ishmael's character.

best so far

best in the series up to this point! Story is very engaging and well written.
I had listened to the books through owner share years ago on podcast. after full share I almost stopped. gladly I didn't. this book really revitalized the the story for me. already picked up captains share!

Wonderful series!

I have so enjoyed this series from start to finish. Very similar to the Hornblower books.