THE ENDURANCE BOX ONE By Tracy Cooper-Posey

THE COMPLETE REVIEW
Book 1 - Greysons Doom - I am so glad that this author finally got around to writing SF cause she's great at it and has proven it by being a SFR winner. The story grabbed me immediately as it surprised me with the age of the heroine and the world this story takes place in. The characters are both wonderfully complex and simple at the same time with a touch of sarcastic humor. We have a curious event that brings the two main characters together and that tells them that death is around the corner for one of them. This later turns out to be true for their entire world and the heroine won't let destiny destroy their world. During the time frame this story takes place in, both characters learn to work together despite the fact that one desperately does not want to be there. They also realize that all their time together has given them unwanted feelings and to top that off they have a really big (and I mean REALLY BIG) event thrown at them. I'm not a good reviewer as I just can't put into words what I really want to say and I also don't like to do spoilers which makes it doubly hard. Let me just say you HAVE to get this book and read about this fantastic world and all the characters in it. So to all SF fans out there, I highly recommend this book be on your reading list. To the author, PLEASE keep giving us these amazing stories.

Book 2 - Yesterday's Legacy - A magnificent addition to The Endurance Series. Although its a fantastic SciFi book, with a very few changes, could fall in other genre, such as Political, Suspense, Thriller, all with the added interest of romance. The author has given us an encapsulated world, on its way to their new home with 5,000 people and nearly 1,000 years away from their destination. Due to several events the future of both man and machine is in extreme danger. Different factions are trying to take over and if they succeed it could actually bring an end to their world. In the middle of this we find our two main characters, each trying in their own way to show the population how they will do more harm than good. That there will be a point of no return for their ship and themselves if they continue to ignore the truth. It gets so bad that they have the first murder ever committed in the centuries they have lived on this world, this ship hurling through space. Amongst all the fears love finds it's way between two very different people. I've tried to give you my feelings and highlights of this thought provoking story without spoilers and for the most part think I have succeeded. We have a winner here, whatever you do, don't pass this one up.

Book 3 - Promissory Note - This 3 book is amazing. Each book gets better and better. Although it is science fiction it could just as easily be a book on man's sociology and financial downfalls. I believe quite a bit of research, along with the authors terrific imagination and ability, went into the writing of this book and it has given us a great story. Two damaged people come together, but completely unaware of each others secrets. Individually they both work towards the betterment of those living in a enclosed environment, but as one is forced to work with the other they discover a way to better the future of all and along the way finally allow themselves to love. I'm glad that in each new book in the series we are able to once again meet people from previous stories, even though decades may have passed. We have a civilization hurling through space to reach their new home a thousand years away from earth. What story will be next in this series, what new problems will arise, what new loves will be discovered, how much further into their future will the story be? I can't wait to find out and neither will you once you begin this fantastic journey with them.

Book 3.1 - Quiver and Crave - A delightful short sci-fi love story. The author has given us a whole lot of story on just a few pages, a story filled with a magnificent game grown from her imagination. A game which can be played by either sex, as long as they have the heart, strength, energy and talent to play. But our heroine is torn between careers and the memory of what once was and her wish to not be hurt again, makes her doubt what she really wants. This is a quick read filled with great moments, be sure and get it and continue to meet some fascinating people living on the Endurance through it's long journey to a new home.

Book 4 - Xenogenesis - This book is, for lack of a better phrase, thought provoking. You don't have to be a sci-fi fan to get the story behind Xenogenesis. It's now been over 500 years into a thousand year journey to a new home and things are not going well. The system is no longer working due to that old earth illness of greed. If something is not done quickly the ship will not be able to continue. Two former lovers, and an impressive IA, have figured out the problem and how to correct it; but the majority of those living on the ship don't even see the problem much less believe in the cure. That means life threatening danger to the one's trying to save the future for all, especially now that they have discovered their feelings for each other is still there. They will have to go to extreme measures to prove what is happening and how it is the end for all if they can't. I don't give spoilers so I hope I gave you enough to be intrigued by what I have said. I highly recommend this book to all sci-fi fans, as well as anyone interested in the economics of running a world that depends so much on its inhabitants working and living for the good of all. Who knows what our future holds; our future generations could one day be traveling through space towards, hopefully, a better world. I truly cannot wait to see what the future holds for the future generations board this ship as it has to travel several more hundred years to its destination. Will it even make it?

Book 5 - Junkyard Heroes- This is by far (to this reader anyway) the most riveting, exciting, surprised filled story with some magnificent characters, and her best work into this world of life on an enclosed space ship traveling from earth to it's new destination 1,000 years away. We have here thousands of people who have never known life on earth and for generations have lived on this "ship" traveling through space. So long that some have forgotten the truth of their beginnings and this has started one of the most dangerous groups among them, "the cavers." Because what many think is a one time dangerous incident, a group of friends gather to hear what happened when one of there own is forced to "save the ship" and what she sees has excited them to discussions. These discussions are mainly brought on by a stranger to their group but not unknown to those who live in this world, and brings them to startling revelations. This starts an on-going learning and teaching experience for them and their leaders, which unfortunately brings dangerous action from the "cavers." I want to say so much more but I do my best not to write spoilers, but to give you the excitement (or not) of how the story makes me feel. And let me tell you that this story makes me gives me such strong feelings of awe, understanding and the ending is nothing short of astounding. If you are a Sci-Fi fan you cannot, must not let this book pass you by much less the entire Endurance series. You can read them individually and they'll still grab you, but I highly recommend you read the series as they were written in order to better understand the centuries these people have lived in this enclosed world and how and why changes occur. I tell you this world the author has given us is amazing and jam packed with excitement and surprises. Go get your copy now, no not just grab, RUN and get it, you won't be sorry.

Book 6 - Skinwalker's Bane - We continue on the 1,000 year journey with those on the Endurance. This is one of the most exciting stories yet; filled with wonderful new passionate characters, secrets, thrills and suspense. The time has come for a vote on a new ships captain and, as it is in our present time, the politics is running full blast with twist and turns, backstabbing and lies. During all this we learn of a new danger to the all the passengers of the Endurance, which in turn is a danger to the ship. How did it begin, who is responsible, how many have already been affected by it, and most important, can it be eliminated before more deaths are claimed. It appears that the Skinwalkers are some how involved, but can it be proven otherwise when it seems that someone is trying to point the proverbial finger at them? Among all the turmoil can two very different people find love and trust? I'm doing my best not to give spoilers so I HAVE to stop now before I give everything away. I love this sci-fi series and each book I've picked up to read doesn't get put down till it's finished. This one had be telling the family to leave me alone and let me read, to fix their own dinner for a change. I most highly recommend this book, this entire series, to lovers of sci-fi adventures.

Book 1 - Greysons Doom -7OMG I am so glad that this author finally got around to writing SF cause she's great at it and has proven it by being a SFR winner. The story grabbed me immediately as it surprised me with the age of the heroine and the world this story takes place in. The characters are both wonderfully complex and simple at the same time with a touch of sarcastic humor. We have a curious event that brings the two main characters together and that tells them that death is around the corner for one of them. This later turns out to be true for their entire world and the heroine won't let destiny destroy their world. During the time frame this story takes place in, both characters learn to work together despite the fact that one desperately does not want to be there. They also realize that all their time together has given them unwanted feelings and to top that off they have a really big (and I mean REALLY BIG) event thrown at them. I'm not a good reviewer as I just can't put into words what I really want to say and I also don't like to do spoilers which makes it doubly hard. Let me just say you HAVE to get this book and read about this fantastic world and all the characters in it. So to all SF fans out there, I highly recommend this book be on your reading list. To the author, PLEASE keep giving us these amazing stories.

Book 2 - Yesterday's Legacy - A magnificent addition to The Endurance Series. Although its a fantastic SciFi book, with a very few changes, could fall in other genre, such as Political, Suspense, Thriller, all with the added interest of romance. The author has given us an encapsulated world, on its way to their new home with 5,000 people and nearly 1,000 years away from their destination. Due to several events the future of both man and machine is in extreme danger. Different factions are trying to take over and if they succeed it could actually bring an end to their world. In the middle of this we find our two main characters, each trying in their own way to show the population how they will do more harm than good. That there will be a point of no return for their ship and themselves if they continue to ignore the truth. It gets so bad that they have the first murder ever committed in the centuries they have lived on this world, this ship hurling through space. Amongst all the fears love finds it's way between two very different people. I've tried to give you my feelings and highlights of this thought provoking story without spoilers and for the most part think I have succeeded. We have a winner here, whatever you do, don't pass this one up.

Book 3 - This 3 book is amazing. Each book gets better and better. Although it is science fiction it could just as easily be a book on man's sociology and financial downfalls. I believe quite a bit of research, along with the authors terrific imagination and ability, went into the writing of this book and it has given us a great story. Two damaged people come together, but completely unaware of each others secrets. Individually they both work towards the betterment of those living in a enclosed environment, but as one is forced to work with the other they discover a way to better the future of all and along the way finally allow themselves to love. I'm glad that in each new book in the series we are able to once again meet people from previous stories, even though decades may have passed. We have a civilization hurling through space to reach their new home a thousand years away from earth. What story will be next in this series, what new problems will arise, what new loves will be discovered, how much further into their future will the story be? I can't wait to find out and neither will you once you begin this fantastic journey with them.

Book 3.1 - Quiver and Crave - A delightful short sci-fi love story. The author has given us a whole lot of story on just a few pages, a story filled with a magnificent game grown from her imagination. A game which can be played by either sex, as long as they have the heart, strength, energy and talent to play. But our heroine is torn between careers and the memory of what once was and her wish to not be hurt again, makes her doubt what she really wants. This is a quick read filled with great moments, be sure and get it and continue to meet some fascinating people living on the Endurance through it's long journey to a new home.

This box is included the first four books of the Endurance series, The endurance is a generational ship on a journey of 1000 years to its destination, in each book we see the development of a new challenge for the inhabitants of the ship and how their society is evolving. It's a great sci-fi story, with a lot of action elements and intrigue, the world creation is very good, and the narrative catches.
In the closed system of a ship travelling through space, the Endurance is designed to provide sustenance to its inhabitants, with the support of artificial intelligence that determines with a system of mentors the occupation of the people in the ship.
Greyson'sDoom: The book with which the saga begins, when the artificial intelligence of the ship assigns the new captain whit a mentor to train, everyone assumes that the captain has little time left to live; Shortly after the AI assigns new mentors in different areas of work, presumably that the ship is close to a catastrophe. It is the duty of Captain Greyson and his pupil Emmaline to find the best way to deal with the crisis. The two very good characters, the story hooks.
Yesterday's Legacy: This story features great action sequences and a lot of intrigues. It has been 100 years since the events of the previous book, after dismantling the pupil system where the AI assigned the trades of the inhabitants of the Endurance, each person chooses what his occupation is. The differences between the districts of the ship have been accentuated and now fractions with political interests are being generated; Jonah and Marlow are involved in the intrigues of the struggle for control of the ship and it is in their hands to avoid the destruction of the ship.

Despite science fiction being my least favorite genre, Cooper-Posey makes her futuristic world so interesting that I found myself fully engaged in the story and characters – and soon I was completely hooked. The Endurance saga is probably one of my top two series by this author and when read as a compilation, the stories are even more enjoyable (because you don’t have to wait for the next installment!). I love this series!

Greyson’s Doom –It's a different world than today - one where AI's play a prominent role in determining the future of an individual. In some ways, it's reassuring to believe that some things can be "theoretically calculated" but it's quite appalling to learn individual choice has been taken away. Does this create a better world? The relationship of Greyson and Emma, as it develops, presents interesting perspectives, as well as involving the power of the mind and "believing" what you are told versus thinking for yourself. My only reservation with the story is that, "the reasoning" for Greyson's doom seemed a bit unbelievable (as a former scientist). However, that being said - it does work for the storyline.

Yesterday’s Legacy – Several decades after Greyson’s Doom, the Endurance now finds itself in a time of stress and turmoil, despite the "enlightenment" brought on by Emma Victore. The failure of farm crops has brought tension to the Endurance, as basic rations are reduced once again. Political factions, disguising themselves as tank game fanatics, begin jostling for position while the Captain of the ship (Sekar), wrings his hands with frustration and self-doubt on how to save the ship from going down. At the forefront of it all are its unwilling leads are Marlow (head of the guards, protector of peace) and Jonah (a thoughtful man, trying to find meaning in his life, and who wants nothing more than to save the Endurance from itself). It’s an enjoyable experience to see the character development of both Marlow (love the strong female lead!) and Jonah. I enjoyed Greyson's Doom, but I liked Yesterday's Legacy even more.

Promissionary Note – In this latest installment, we meet Laura, a quiet but popular woman with a passion for gardening, and Micah Thorn, a misunderstood man with a secret and bitterly painful past. This unlikely pair has become linked by a promissory note traded by a skilled barterer of promises. Thorn proposes an unusual resolution to Laura's fulfillment of the promissory note – to which Laura agrees to (she has no choice) but she is intrigued by Thorn and the secrets he masterfully hides - and eventually uncovers his past to divulge the real man behind the angry exterior. However, Laura also has her own mysterious secret to hide. For those that like tidy endings, you'll be pleased!

Quiver and Crave - Quiver Sheehan rocks at tankball and scores a tryout with the Dream Hawks team of the Palatine, but she doesn’t want to play with Kal Crave, the famous superstar captain. We soon learn that Crave was her childhood sweetheart and broke her heart years later - and he didn't even realize it! Quiver reluctantly agrees to continue training, but is disturbed to realize there is something dangerously wrong with the plasteel walls of the tankball arena (Quiver is actually incredibly smart) – will anyone believe her before tragedy strikes?

 

Greyson's Doom

I couldn’t put it down! After a mind-blowing introduction to the alternative universe this book is set in and then getting acquainted with the main characters, I was intrigued to know what was going to unfold!!
I was impressed with the wonderful alternate world the characters live in: all the repercussions of this environment and its impact on the story. It’s a lovely gentle romance mixed beautifully with SciFi.
I have to add that if you want more, as I did, then the novella "5,001" is the prequel to this series. which I thoroughly enjoyed too.

Yesterday's Legacy

So much more than your average romance, or anything in SciFi, I was challenged to follow the machinations of the characters and loved how it all came together!
I found that the tie-in to other books in the series gave me ‘warm fuzzies’ (translation: it was very emotionally satisfying) so I’d highly recommend reading all the series, and in the correct order.
It is well written with an interesting insight and perspective of how the different characters approach the issues of living on-board the Endurance. Characters are interesting, smart and decisive whilst dealing with the otherworldly situations that arise in the alternate world in which they live.

Promissory Note

I thoroughly enjoyed being drawn-in by the close-up focus on just two characters and their interactions. These characters were delightful in their slowly revealed layers of complexity. The gradual building of their relationship was romantic and understandable too, given the slowly-revealed trials and tribulation that each of them face(d).
This is an imaginative world so different from ours in structure and yet familiar enough to be relatable.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book with eager anticipation = it’s Sci Fi, but not as I previously knew it.

Quiver and Crave

WOW, I love this series and this one was soo​o​o g​o​ood, the best yet!
I was drawn in by the characters so quickly that, looking back, I could have sworn I'd read a full length novel not a shorter novelette!
Strong characters with a hidden mystery and history makes the action zip along!
The story has a dramatic backdrop in the layered gravity field of the Endurance's game tank which has been mentioned in previous novels but never in depth, as it is here. The heroine's enjoyment of the tank and commitment to the game is totally infectious - when can I have a go?!

Endurance Box Set 1

Greyson’s Doom

It was so good to read this again. Emmaline is such an interesting, intelligent, gifted woman, and it was so nice to read her story again. I still love it! A great story set on the Endurance, which is traveling to a distant system with 5,000 people and an AI that makes decisions. What a wonderful story. Nothing like a nice love story set in space on a spaceship to make me smile.

Yesterday’s Legacy

Jonah and Marlow. I liked this story the first time and I continue to like it. I loved that there were some cameo appearances in this story from characters in the first book. It was interesting to see the changes to things on the Endurance. Jonah and Marlow were my favorite characters in this story: two wonderful characters I was happy to read about.

Promissory Note

A wonderful story. Filled with great characters. The ship Endurance is still traveling across space and we get to go along for the ride. It was nice to revisit Micah and Laura’s story again. Grumpy Micah Thorn is so much more than he seems. I enjoyed getting to know him.

Quiver and Crave

A lovely novelette and great addition to the Endurance series. It features Tankball team the Dream Hawks. Laura is a great character: smart, talented, and brave. Set before Promissory Note but best read after it. I liked it. Now I want to read the rest of the Endurance books.

It was great reading these stories one after another in this box set.

Clean, concise, soul capturing writing and clear, well thought out plots. Wonderful characters, excitement, drama, action and romance grab the reader on page one and never let go till the end! I love this series!

The Endurance Box One contains the first four in a long-arc series about the ship, Endurance, as it travels across the cosmos on its way to a new planet and home for the human race.

Greyson’s Doom (years 210-219), number 1.0 in the sequence introduces the reader to this great self-contained universe of a vessel designed for multi-generational travel. The ship’s AI determines all things aboard the ship, including when they should die, and who should replace them in the limited space and consume the supplies.

Yesterday’s Legacy (year 313), number 2.0 takes the reader inside the world of enforcement and men (and women) who think outside the box.

Promissory Note (year 402), number 3.0, is actually set after the fourth installment, Quiver and Crave (year 381). Promissory Note examines the consequences of economic systems. Regardless of your personal stance on the issue, Cooper-Posey gives a thoughtful view into the broad strokes of socialism vs. capitalism.

Quiver and Crave brings the reader back to the narrow world of sports as a microcosm of society and politics.

I read the entire series, though Mongrels United, number 7.0, in sequence, without pause. Each story in the series contemplates a shift in the society, told through the events shaping those people as they hurtle through space. The characters are fully fleshed-out and become real on a visceral level. Their journey becomes your journey, and you will find yourself on the same ship, wondering if you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of them as they walk past you. I loved that references are made to previous characters, and, on occasion, they make cameo appearances to create a cohesiveness the reader will appreciate. A wonderful and creative series, just as I always expect from Cooper-Posey.

Looking forward to the next installment.

The first 4 books in this box set of the Endurance series is exactly what you would expect from Tracy. The characters, the storyline keeps you enthralled and entertained. If you are looking for something different, you won’t be disappointed.

If you like smart science fiction, where you are stepping into an entirely new world, or stories about people who often seem like someone you might actually have met, then by all means you should grab The Endurance Box One, a great introduction to the endlessly interesting world of the generation ship Endurance, and also a great deal.

The first book, Greyson’s Doom, plunges you directly into the world of the Endurance then draws you in, gradually and inexorably, with not only excellent writing but also remarkable detail, impeccable plotting, and exceptional imagination. The four books in this box set each lead the reader into different aspects of this fully-realized world and, as such, are all unique, something I have rarely found even though I read extensively.

There is something new to discover around every corner, not least the game of tankball, which is featured most notably in Quiver and Crave. I was surprised to find such a hotly-contested sport on the Endurance (especially since I have no interest in sports myself), and it is utterly fascinating. I highly recommend this box set and the series as a whole.

I had read all four books some time ago, received a complimentary copy of The Endurance Box One, and was more than happy to read them all again so I could pass on my honest opinion of these marvelous stories. Enjoy them all — I did! Now I’m looking forward to the next book in this series …