Training Daze

A Kris Longknife Novella

By: Mike Shepherd

Narrated by: Dina Pearlman

Length: 1 hr and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

An exciting military Science Fiction novella set between Mike Shepherd’s third and fourth Kris Longknife novels. Kris Longknife dodges assassins, gains an unwelcome (though rather handsome) bodyguard, and puts together a training squad to travel from planet to planet, preparing crews for the newest, fastest, and deadliest fighting ship. And, of course, nothing goes as planned!

©2011 Mike Moscoe (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Ok, but not as good as the full novels

This wasn't bad, but wasn't as gripping to me as the full novels. This is for series superfans who want everything the Kris Longknife series has to offer. If you're new and thinking of dipping your toes into the series with this shorter work - don't. Start with the first novel instead.

New perspective

Loved the story from Jack's point of view. Hope for more like this one.

Nobody Wants to be around a Target!

Mike Shepherd is a master of fun, peppy dialogue in military science fiction. Training Days is a delightful combination of family dynamics, relationships, and humor all woven together seamlessly in Kris Longknife's struggle with the next step of her Navy Career when she keeps having to dodge assassination attempts.

Great short story

This is a novella #3.5 in the Longknife series. Kris and her crew are tasked to set up a training command for foreign navies buying Wardhaven’s fast attack boats.

Kris’s body guard, who works for the Secret Service is drafted into the Marines. This is explained in humorous detail. This adds lots more detail of how Jack got into the marines.
I am enjoying the series and that also includes the novella. Please note it is best to read this series in order, otherwise you will feel lost. I am enjoying the banter that goes on between the key characters. This short story fits in well between book number three and book number four.

I am enjoying the adventures of Kris Longknife and I would to have my own Nelly. This is a fun easy read. Dina Pearlman narrated the story.

Role-playing blueprint.

Fast paced even for a novella. It could be a blueprint for a role-playing game in the future.

Too short ! The content should at least be a story

Too short ! The content should at least be a story, but sadly it was not the case.
The author's style is ok, like the previous series's books.

Didnt notice it was so short

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

First 3 books in the series, Dina does a good job on narration.

Any additional comments?

First, I have to say I am not a fan of short stories. I did not notice this was not a full book
when ordering it. My post impression is that this was written and narrated at the same level as the first 3 books. But ... I have to say that I was left wanting more at the end of it, and not in a good anticipatory way. I do not think this was worth a credit. I noticed it was on sale for 3.95, which would have been more what its worth.

Training Daze should not be listened to as book3.5

What did you love best about Training Daze?

Training Daze lets you see a little more of Kris's Uncle Trouble and a fills out Jack and some of the other main characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Uncle Trouble sounds like a good guy to know and a bad guy to cross

What does Dina Pearlman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dina does a nice job with the different characters voices and gives the characters more life.For those of you who keep track she also prounces the d hard when she reads "Jack asked" unlike the book 3 reader\voice talent that always made it sound like Jackass. This not a slam against the reader Mike Shepard really seems to end every line Jack speaks with "Jack asked".

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

Not really this novella doesnt cover a lot.

Any additional comments?

The story was mostly a filler piece between Kris's exploits on Chance (book 4) and her next adventure. Without giving away any of book 4's plot I found that Training Daze has events occur in it that should have occured before they left for Chance and others that would have had to happened after they left Chance, occurring at the same time. I highly suggest you do not listen to Training Daze before listening to Resolute (book 4) It is a definite spoiler for book 4 and is better listened to as 4.5 not 3.5.

I really like this series, even out of order.

I like the books as an escape from reality and really would like to go into space.

Humanity

How true this segue-way is. Mike Shepherd hits the nail on the head in a candid manner. Looking forward to the next assignment(s).