Title: Half Share
Author: Nathan Lowell
First published January 1, 2007
252 pages, Podiobook
Rating: 4.16
Overview
In the sequel to Jonathan Maberry’s thrilling novel, Dust & Decay, six months have elapsed since Benny Imura and Nix Riley’s lives were changed by something they saw in the sky. After receiving extensive training from Benny’s zombie-hunter brother Tom, the duo, along with Benny’s best friend Lou Chong and Lilah the Lost Girl, are prepared to leave their home in search of a better future.
But things go awry before they can even leave when a zombie attack occurs in their town. Once they enter the Rot & Ruin, they must contend with hordes of zombies, dangerous wildlife, and the horrors of Gameland, a place where teens are forced to fight to the death.
And to make matters worse, the sinister Charlie Pink-eye may still be alive. In this harsh and unforgiving world, survival is far from guaranteed, and not everyone in Benny’s group will make it out alive.
About the Author
Nathan Lowell is a seasoned writer with over four decades of experience. His journey in the literary world began by podcasting his novels.
His interest in space operas and his prior experience in the United States Coast Guard inspired him to create The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper sci-fi series. Unlike most sci-fi works that focus on larger-than-life heroes, Nathan’s novels revolve around ordinary people trying to survive and thrive in the depths of space.
He creates a realistic and vivid world, devoid of bug-eyed monsters and space battles, where hard work and talent are key to improving one’s station and the lives of the community.
Dr. Nathan Lowell has an impressive educational background. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology, specializing in Distance Education and Instructional Design.
He also has an M.A. in Educational Technology and a BS in Business Administration. Nathan grew up on the south coast of Maine and has a deep connection to the maritime heritage of the sea-farer.
He served in the USCG from 1970 to 1975, patrolling the North Atlantic on a cutter and stationed at a communications station in Kodiak, Alaska. Nathan currently resides in the plains east of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two daughters.
Nathan’s work has been recognized with several awards and nominations. He was a finalist for the 2008 Parsec Award for Best Speculative Fiction for Full Share and South Coast.
He also won the 2008 Podiobooks Founder’s Choice Award for Double Share and the 2009 Podiobooks Founder’s Choice Award for Captain’s Share. Nathan’s books have been well-received by readers, with four of his books making it to the top 10 rated by votes on Podiobooks.com as of January 4, 2009.
Editoral Review
Half Share by Nathan Lowell: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Nathan Lowell is an American science fiction author best known for his solar clipper series. The Half Share, published in 2007, is the second book in the series and offers a unique blend of adventure and self-reflection that captures the essence of the genre.
The book follows the journey of the protagonist, Ishmael Horatio Wang, as he continues his apprenticeship aboard the Louise Armstrong. The story is set in a futuristic universe where space travel is a reality, and interstellar commerce is booming.
The novel’s themes vary from self-discovery, teamwork, and the pursuit of happiness to the uncertainties of life, love, and death. The novel’s characters are well-crafted and engaging, with Ishmael being the most developed.
The Louise Armstrong crew is a tight-knit group of spacefarers who have formed a family unit, with Ishmael being the newest addition. The protagonist’s coming-of-age story is beautifully interwoven with the crew’s daily operations as they navigate the perils of interstellar travel.
The novel’s pacing is consistent, not too slow nor too rushed, and the plot structure is well-planned, with a satisfying conclusion. Lowell’s writing style is simple, straightforward and eloquent, drawing the reader into the novel’s universe effortlessly.
His use of technical jargon and nautical terminology adds a unique touch to the story’s authenticity, making it feel more genuine. Lowell’s novel has a broad cultural significance, highlighting the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and self-reflection.
The book’s themes are universal, relevant to our current society’s uncertainties, and it offers a hopeful outlook in the face of adversity. The novel’s setting also offers a glimpse into a possible future of space travel and commerce, with the author’s attention to detail making the universe feel like it could become a reality.
Half Share, like any book, has its limitations. One such limitation could be its lack of complexity in the overarching plot, but Lowell more than makes up for it with the novel’s character interaction, world-building, and thematic focus.
Overall, Half Share is an excellent read for anyone interested in science fiction, coming-of-age stories, or self-reflection. It is the perfect blend of adventure and introspection, offering a hopeful and inspiring outlook on life’s uncertainties.
A must-read for anyone looking for a well-crafted story with engaging characters and a realistic science-fiction universe. Rating: 4/5
