Put simply: Spinward Fringe is a long running series of Space Opera Books by author Randolph Lalonde. The origin story behind the series is in the First Light Chronicles trilogy, now collected in Spinward Fringe Broadcast 0: Origins (Also known as the First Light Chronicles Omnibus).
The story is set in the far flung future and follows two crews as they make their way through a complicated galaxy in decline. At the core of the story is a ship, a constant fight for survival and the sometimes complex situations that come up personally and on a broader scale.
This series often crosses sub-genres between Hard Core SciFi, Cyberpunk, Noir SciFi, and a few other styles. Through it all the characters are our eyes and ears, providing context and a real emotional connection to events both personal and galactic in scale.
Written like a television series, these books are made for people who don't have much time to sit down and read a hundred pages before they feel they've experienced a significant portion of the story. Someone can often read for ten to fifteen minutes and feel that they've seen into the world and lived there vicariously.
While the books are a series, the author also maintains that each book or trilogy should be good enough to stand on its own, regardless of how much of the story remains to be told in the next. As an independent author Randolph Lalonde realizes that his readers determine the longevity of the series and his overall quality of life. He writes full time, spending most of his efforts on the Spinward Fringe series.
Here are the books in chronological order accompanied by a brief synopsis:
Spinward Fringe Broadcast 0: ORIGINS -Includes all the First Light Chronicles Books
Also known as The First Light Chronicles Omnibus
First Light Chronicles: Freeground
Freeground station houses an entire civilization of humans and it’s under siege. Low on manpower and allies, they discover a group of friends with original thinking who can defeat cadets and trainers alike in detailed virtual combat simulations. Fleet Command has no choice but to send them on a very real, very dangerous mission: to go into the galaxy and acquire allies and technology on their behalf.
First Light Chronicles: Limbo
The First Light crew have emerged from hyperspace into a war zone. Forced to choose a side, Captain Jonas Valent commits them to a fight for freedom against an unknown enemy. The Vindyne Corporation is hell bent on taking the agricultural jewel of the Gai-Ian solar system, Concordia. How Captain Valent and his crew weather this storm will change the crew, the ship and their mission forever.
First Light Chronicles: Starfree Port
The First Light crew enjoy their first safe harbour while repairs are conducted. The consequences of their encounter with Vindyne are becoming apparent. They are being hunted. With enemies circling they're pressed to continue their mission. The crew are faced with their most daunting challenge yet: to balance personal desires with what they must do for the Freeground Nation.
Spinward Fringe: Resurrection
Captain Jacob Valance has no memory. Left on a strange ship on the fringe of the galaxy, he was forced to begin a new life. Years pass. He’s been joined by a ragtag crew of fringers and become a man who can recover lost property, hunt down hardened criminals and go where others fear to tread. Little does he know his search for clues to his past is about to bear fruit.
The Samson crew are caught in their Captain’s problems as his past catches up with him. As new allies start to fall in line old enemies come out of the shadows. While they struggle to deal with their own problems, Regent Galactic starts putting a plan in motion that could bring about the fourth fall of man and position themselves as the saviors. Their ambition could spell disaster for the entire galactic fringe
After narrowly escaping a brush with an old enemy Captain Valance and his crew reach out to their allies for help. Meanwhile, allies and enemies from his past are set to reveal themselves in unexpected ways, changing his life and the galaxy forever.
Captain Valance and his crew are finally learning to work as a unit. Oblivious to the grander designs of the Order of Eden, they are drawn into a brutal conflict over a planet the Order is depopulating so they can use it for themselves. Who will survive the encounter?
Part One Of The Rogue Element Trilogy
The crew of the Triton is making their way to Ossimi Station, a safe haven for independent ships and traders. In a galaxy gripped by conflict and teetering on the verge of chaos, Captain Jacob Valance and his crew will be faced with the unexpected, the unknown, and an opportunity to save thousands of lives. Will their sympathy be their undoing?
Part Two Of The Rogue Element Trilogy
The crew of the Triton continue their misadventure near Ossimi Ring Station. They are forced down different paths and a fight for freedom that will cost them dearly begins. New opportunities, dangers and experiences await them all, as the Order of Eden stirs, advancing their own agenda.
Smashwords: Formatted for every type of eBook reader.
Amazon: For Kindle and Kindle reader apps.
Mobipocket: For Mobipocket reader.
This anthology chronicles events that take place in the universe first developed in the Spinward Fringe series and focuses on characters that deal with problems from a perspective separate from the characters central to the Spinward Fringe books. This is a living document and stories are added to the anthology regularly. This work is open to reader submissions. It's suggested that readers engage in this anthology after reading the regular Spinward Fringe series. [NOTE: We're currently focusing our efforts on the main Spinward Fringe series, which has forced us to put this on the back burner. It will return with much more content in the future, and we're still accepting submissions, keep your eyes peeled.]
Broadcast Numbers
When in doubt, look at the Broadcast Number. On the cover of every Spinward Fringe book is imprinted a Broadcast Number on the right hand side, starting with Broadcast 1 on Spinward Fringe Resurrection. On some websites The First Light Chronicles Omnibus cover is branded as Broadcast 0 since it's the origin trilogy, the place where it all began.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to offer advice on how to improve this mini-guide, please post a comment below.
112 comments:
The trailer looks good!
Why do the books say there is another broadcast call Fragments but I can't find it anywhere?
Fragments will be released in the coming months, and yes, it's a little late.
The book is listed in the front of a few of the Spinward Fringe books in advance so they don't have to be revised later.
For more info on Spinward Fringe Broadcast 6: Fragments, take a look here: http://randolphlalonde.blogspot.com/2010/02/spinward-fringe-release-and-general.html
Thank you very much for reading!
Normally a book will take me a few weeks to read, however, the first book in the spinward fringe series (cronicals omnibus) was something I couldn't put down.
It was a free download from Barns and Nobles (A donation will be made!), and I really didn't expect that much.
This is probably the best SciFi I have read in decades! Keep writing and I will keep reading and donating.
Hopefully you can give up your day job and make a successfull carreer of it.
WOW!
Thanks for a great book!
Wow, this is a great series. I can't wait for the next one!
Fantastic reading!!! Read all of them in just two weeks, just couldn't stop! Can't wait until the next one (broadcast 7) comes. Any idea when that will be?
Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks for commenting, I'm glad you guys enjoy the series!
I'm not sure when the next book will be out, I'm aiming for some time before the holidays, but I can't give anyone a firm date since I'm only in the first third of the book.
I can't wait until it's out though, there are a lot of reveals coming in Broadcast 7 that I think most readers will enjoy.
Cheers!
I haven't picked up or read a Science Fiction book in more than fifteen years. Your series has re-introduced me to this wonderful world of possibility. I have read Broadcasts 0 - 5 in just under a week and am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to purchase Broadcast 6, all the while ignoring the reality of responsibilities to which I should be attending. Ahem.
The characters are real, the story inviting, and I'm forever grateful you haven't dumbed down the science for the sake of an audience possibly uninformed about the finer details of Science Fiction in general.
I think I'm just a little bit in love with Spinward Fringe. And I never thought I'd say this about a series I enjoy so much, but can you please end it so I can stop obsessing and get on with my life! I'm just getting nothing done and now I have to blame you. :)
I'm in love with Spinward Fringe too!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to entertain you, and I hope you enjoyed your stay in my little universe.
I'm a little sorry I distracted you from the world so thoroughly, though that is my job. Even still, I hope everything is pretty much where you left it, or how you left it.
As for dumbing down the science, well, I do a lot of research and while forcing my readers to count the rivets with me isn't my goal, but I do believe that including some of the finer details with regards to 'how' and 'why' at times does inform the setting. Also, I'm a former computer technician, so I have a lot of experience with unexpected maintenance. It's hard to leave that out of science fiction. :P
Thanks for reading, for commenting, and if you look up you'll see that I've added a listing for Broadcast 6 to this page. Enjoy!
Well now you've gone and done it. One more day I can use your books as an excuse to be lazy. lol
I'm absolutely eager to take all the credit and none of the blame!
You're welcome. :)
When I first bought my Nook, I went looking for books I had read years before like the Eon series by Greg Bear and the Antares Dawn series by Michael McCollum. Unfortunately many of the ones I had read I cannot find in ebook format. So after finishing the two series above, I grabbed the free copy of Broadcast 0.
Like others, I was immediately hook and found that over a couple of weeks time had blown through Broadcast 5. Fortunately 6 was out before I finished 5, though not at Barnes & Noble.
I am hooked, finding myself wishing the books were longer or more to read. So needless to say I dying for Broadcast 7.
Fortunately I found the Starfist series to hold me over, a good series in it's own right but not like what I was getting from Spinward Fringe.
Keep up the awesome work and keep the books coming!!
Like a previous post, I too got this through Barnes & Noble. Wasn't sure if I'd like it ... and I LOVE IT! Great characters, fast paced story, and I don't want to stop reading. Can't wait for the next break in my day, so I can grab the nook and READ! So glad I'm just at the beginning of what looks to be a great ride.
Thanks for writing these stories, I have been enthralled by them over the past few weeks. As I am about to finish frontline I am just a little sad that there are only 2 more to go.
Keep up the great work and I will keep telling all my friends to read it!
Like some of these folks on here, I have not read any scifi in years. I downloaded it to my nook & now I am hooked. Keep it coming, hopefully with our purchases, you can make this your real day job :)
Like some of these folks on here, I have not read any scifi in years. I downloaded it to my nook & now I am hooked. Keep it coming, hopefully with our purchases, you can make this your real day job :)
Like some of these folks on here, I have not read any scifi in years. I downloaded it to my nook & now I am hooked. Keep it coming, hopefully with our purchases, you can make this your real day job :)
I don't remember how I found you and your books, but I've read them all on Mobipocket. I agree with so much of what's been said by previous postings (except Nikki Hanna asking you to end the series so he could stop obsessing -- Don't you dare!!!). But I wanted to say: something I really appreciate about your writing is that I can actually visualize the stuff (especially the various ships) you're describing. This has been the case with other authors regarding people, but ships and machines? And it is interesting!! I am a very experienced series reader (meaning I'm a few decades older than you), and man, you are Gifted. Good work! Many thanks.
Great series... Have not missed any and have just started Fracture... Though I must say I am confused and hope someone can help me... Frontline ended with Hampton out before all his followers... When I started on Fracture... the was an catch up on what had been going on before. There are pieces of how Alice dealt a blow to the order of Eden, etc... Have I missed something? Or does Frontline end like it has and Fracture start as it does...with everything in between the two been just those couple of lines in the catch up? I would hate to know that the ending on Frontline was missing in my ebook for some reason :)
Hello Blue, Jasmine, Joel, Les, and 2bresolute!
Thank you for stopping in and for supporting me by buying the books and reading. I'm really glad you're enjoying the romp and I'm doing everything I can to make sure it only gets better.
Justin;
Your question is absolutely valid, and I'll start by saying that you didn't miss anything.
The first book of the Rogue Element Trilogy: Fracture, takes a step away from the galactic political front and focuses on a more personal story, delving deeper into Ayan, Jake and how the rest of the crew are living aboard Triton. Since it was the beginning of the Trilogy, and the Rogue Element trilogy is 90% character driven, it was really important to give the right characters the spotlight before everything around them goes completely berserk.
In the second part of the Rogue Element Trilogy: Fragments, the characters begin to reconnect with the rest of civilization, so the scope of the story expands to encompass a new setting as well as a new chapter in the story driving Hampon and his side of things. It helps that Fragments is also a darker book, with a few niggling questions and bits that aren't supposed to make perfect sense yet because some important information awaits in the final part of the Rogue Element Trilogy.
So, in summary:
You didn't miss anything, you're not alone, and Hampon's still as crazy as a one legged chicken on LSD. Just in a sort of frightening, rational way.
Hope that helps!
I am so glad Barnes & Noble gave the first one away for free. I might not have found this otherwise. I have purchased all but the last one (that will happen soon though). This is great series and I am sad to see I am coming to the end. Write more please!
Got and read all the books with the exception of Broadcast 6 from iBooks.
Once I started I couldn't stop, finished them all within 2 weeks.
Excellent series! Do you plan to continue to distribute thru iBooks?
Hello John,
Broadcast 7 is well on the way, I'm glad you've enjoyed the journey so far!
Art,
Broadcast 6 was late to iBooks, but it was re-sent last week after reformatting. After a few bumps in the road, Spinward Fringe should be bug free and complete on the iBookstore before the end of January.
Thank you both for commenting, welcome to the crew!
Got broadcast 6 from Stanza since iBook didn't have it yet.
From which one do you get more money?
fox4greens,
That's the first time anyone has asked!
To be honest all the eBook distributors have pretty much settled on a common royalty percentage now thanks to Apple setting a new standard with their iBookstore. They wrestled intimidated everyone else into paying us authors more fairly.
So, enjoy Broadcast 6 and don't give my royalty another thought! I'm just glad I'm worth the price of admission.
RL
This has to be the best Sci Fi series since Heinlein and Asimov, you had me hooked with Broadcast0 and I have read the whole series and can not wait for more.
Keep up the good work
I've been reading Sci Fi and Fantasy for several decades. This series is one of the best I've read. Very rarely do I post comments anywhere, but I have to let you and everyone else know what an excellent series this is and what a great author you truely are. Thank you for all you have written and looking forward to the next Broadcast.
After two and a half days of near constant reading I have just finished the First Light Chronicles (BC-0) and all I can think of is WOW! When I downloaded this from Amazon I never had any idea I'd be this good. I think those were some of the best science fiction books ever. As much as I want to get next book tomorrow I need to resist temptation. It'll have to wait a few days or so; I'm getting bags under my eyes, not eating on schedule anymore, terribly behind on getting appointments for work, and my friends are starting to wonder what has become of me. If only I could tell the world to go to... read for weeks. Thank you for this awesome read. You have another dedicated fan of your series and can't wait to continue the adventure.
This is THE most intrigueing series I have read since the Enders Game series. AWESOME read. The characters are very realistic, plot flows along very well, even in the areas that normally would drag along,(love story), and pulls the reader nicely into these scenes while waiting for the next battle. All the little pieces of an excellently written SF story are there! Wonderful Job!!! This should definately become a TV series. Can't wait for more and thank you for doing such a great job!
I have finished your series, pretty much reading nonstop. Received my e-reader for Christmas and randomly downloaded free books to try. Origins was one. Once started couldn't stop. I'm waiting for #7 and wonder if you could tell me when to start looking. Thanks for writing. Would make a good tv series.
Would like to thank the author for the FREE omnibus..It got me to read the series and kudos to Amazon for putting you in my list of books to look at... KUDOS Randolph Lalonde & Amazon... GREAT SERIES!!!
I'm hooked! I downloaded Origins on Jan 28th thanks to a Pixel of Ink recommend as a free book. I have now purchased all of them, and have almost finished Fragments. Great series!
I love the series and I'm spreading the word on Facebook, etc. . . Thank you!
i found origones well looking threw free b&n books and i was hook have almost all of them
Just want to say thank you for such a great read! Like many posters before me it's not something I would have picked up on my own, but with the first being free on my kindle, I just couldn't resist.
I've managed to read all of the books available in the series. Even with two small children, the books are just too good and cannot go on the back burner for later. I've been staying up later just to read. Cannot wait for Broadcast 7!
I bought the first book shortly after I got my Kindle. I then bought all of them. This has got to be one the greatest Space Operas since Star Wars. Thanks.
Just echoing a lot of the other comments here. I haven't read a true Sci-Fi novel since I was a teenager (my dad had a lot of Heinlein around the house so I read a few of those), but found Origins while doing a search of free books at Amazon for my Kindle. While many of the free Kindle books are classics, most of the newer stuff had mediocre to bad reviews, except for this particular book.
Now I'm about halfway through and am absolutely loving this book. I'll be picking up the remainder of the series down the road, no doubt about it!
I just recently purchased an e-reader and was looking for something with which to explore my new toy. Broadcast 0 caught my eye and I downloaded it onto my e-reader unsure as to whether or not I would enjoy it. I've been a bit burned out on science fiction of late and most of the offerings put forth have been... lacking to say the least. I have a habit when reading of (sub)consciously visualizing the scenes as they are described, of hearing the characters when they speak.. yes, I'm an avowed insatiable bookworm :) If I can't do that with a book, then chances are I won't make it past the first chapter or so before tossing it. From the moment I started reading it grabbed me by my shirt collar and dragged me along on a ride I soon found myself wishing would never end. I quickly found myself getting very attached to the crew of the First Light and without saying anything that will reveal the ending for anyone who hasn't read it, I'll say I was VERY unhappy with the ending for MANY reasons! :D I think it took me all of about ten seconds to hop back on the website from which I downloaded Broadcast 0 and purchased every other book I could find in this setting! LOL Thank you very much for writing such a wonderful series of books! :)
Just wanted to say how enjoyable the free Origins books were. I read them straight through and could not put them down. I am off now to Amazon to buy the next ebook in the series.
BTW: I am a 72 year old retired pastor so it is not just youngsters who enjoy good Si-Fi, in a book series or on TV. I have over the past few years been a StarGate, Torchwood, and many others junkie. I have now signed on to your crew for the duration.
I wouldn't have imagined that this page would have so many comments. Not in my wildest dreams.
I re-entered the self publishing arena because I had a space opera novella I didn't think any publisher would pick up, but I still wanted to entertain a few people.
A few have turned into a hundred, and those hundred have turned into a couple thousand, and I started entertaining full time. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this is a great way to make a living and I have you to thank for it.
The compliments here balance the criticism elsewhere, thank you very much.
The first draft of every book is for me, the second draft is for you guys. I plan on enjoying that process over and over again in the future with Spinward Fringe and other single shot books.
Thank you for turning up and for turning pages.
RL
WOW!
Have not had the page turning excitement reading a series since I read the DUNE series by Frank Herbert! Randy exhibits the same thought and in depth insight to his characters which keeps a reader hanging on every word, chapter and BOOK! Can't wait for the next edition!!!
Norm
Started reading the series as a free download and I hadn't read a lot of sci-fi recently so wasn't expecting much....boy was I wrong. Loved it, was hooked within the first few pages and rushed out to buy the rest of the series. Am just starting broadcast 6 so am hoping 7 will be appearing soon.
Keep up the good work, this is brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a really good story with some interesting characters!
Took a chance on Origins because it was a freebie. I blasted thru the entire collection ending in Fragments and I can't wait for #7. Randolph, I hope you are burning the midnight oil...the wait is killing me! I love all the sub plots and how easy the story reads. Great work!
Please hurry with 7
I've been reading sci-fi for about 40 tears now. Man, you got a winner here !!
Absolutely love it, and I'm only on Broadcast 1 & 2.
I am about half way through 'Origins' and I've just gone on to Amazon and downloaded the rest of the available books to my Kindle. Awesome. Spinward Fringe rocks and I want no delay in getting to the next book!
I've read all the Fringe series and now I anxiously await 7. I can only echo the sentiments of other readers that are saying how great this series is. Thank you so much for working so hard to bring Sci-Fi readers something meaty and fun to read! Now you have to work on getting the TV or Film deal!
I still can't believe that one of the most superior sci fi series that I have ever read was made available to me as a free amazon download.
I base this opinion on my library of 5000+ sci/fi novels with the original star trek series novels by james blish in the late 1960s.
Space opera has always been my favorite of the scifi sub~ genres and let me tell you, this series has it all. Believable characters and witty lol dialogue and repartee, unpredictable action based plotline and sub plots which grab you by the scruff of your neck and shake you back and forth.you will want to cheer, sob, gape, and you may need a box of tissues.i like my scifi to be"hard"and mr lalonde's is fair and improving in this department. The "world/universe building"is original, with good depth and crescendoing variety.the interpersonal relationships, friendships among the protagonists, and even the villains are believable with their twisted humanity, autism, and abnormal psychology.
I was happy to finally pay a fair price for the latest broadcast downloaded from amazon.(i think it was Fracture, for $6.99. So that mr lalonde may continue to write full time.i also hope that the books will be picked up by Audible and the scifi channel for development into made for tv serious.
Well, keep up the good work mr lalonde and thank you for the many past and future hours of pleasure and escape into the universe of your fertile imagination.
Leepomd
Houston, Tx.
Finished Broadcast 6 in what seems like an eternity ago. Anxiously awaiting 7. Getting ready to start Broadcast 0 again just for the sheer enjoyment. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Since getting my Kindle for Christmas, I've only downloaded free books. Until Origins. Now you have made me spend good money on a book whose pages will never yellow. What kind of monster are you to do that to an innocent person. I also have to pace myself because you haven't even finished the complete series! If you want to be successful in this game you're going to have to correct these faults immediately. Or at least keep releasing books at a greater frequency than you are currently doing :-)
I had bought a look book and downloaded the first book -- Spinward Fringe 0, since it was free. Reader be warned! You will get hooked. I had torn through the first book in less then a day. I am now to the point of "TRYING" to make them last since I am close to being at the end of the series. Please keep them coming... :) I have really enjoyed reading your work. Thank you so very much.
I am more into reading Fantasy/Horror type novels. Most Sci-Fi Space books go a little over my head. THIS FIRST BOOK READ LIKE A MOVIE!!! This was wonderful! I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series. I am hooked! Thank you.
-John McLane
I just started reading "Broadcast: 0" on Monday and I am addicted. I plan to read the rest of the series. Mr. Lalonde you are an expert writer and I wish I had found this series earlier. Thanks for the excellent read.
I'm hooked, I've read all the broadcasts and I'm craving more. when is the next broadcast coming out?
I am totally addicted to this series. I am having trouble trying to ration out the last book until the next one comes out.
Sir, you're being very coy about when the next book (#7) is coming out. As a fellow writer, I won't say "hurry up" because, as the old song goes, "you can't hurry love, no you just have to wait..."
BTW, your series reminds me of one of the greats of early 20th century space operas, E. E. Doc Smith, except that your characters have more depth and growth.
So, don't hurry...but why are you wasting time reading this??? Get back to writing.
Well done...I've been having a ball with your books. Hope you're making decent $--personally, I'd pay a wee bit more, LOL.
Congratulations on a superb series of books.
I've read very many sc-fi novels over the years and this one bests them all.
What else could you ask for in a sci-fi series?
It has them all, engaging characters you actually care about, superb plotlines, believable technology and massive ass-kicking star ships!
Keep up the good work.. more of the above!
Fantastic read (ignoring the typos here and there). I, like many others have also stated, came upon Origins via a free book listing on Amazon, and loaded it to my Kindle after I'd caught up on the latest Star Wars series.
I had no idea what to expect, but what more needs be said other than I bought the rest May 10th and just finished last night, and can't wait for more!!
I've enjoyed the twists and turns very much, cried a bit, rejoiced a bit, have been shocked a few times, and best of all, I haven't been able to consistently guess where you are going, so I'm constantly being surprised, which just makes me read longer!! You've created a wonderful world, I love the rich background provided by Origins which sets up the varied events for the rest (a shame Lucas didn't do the same when he first wrote Star Wars).
And as others were commenting how they'd love to see this become a TV show or movie, I couldn't help but see this story as a Farscape/BG'esque show. How do we get SyFy channel in touch with Randolph and interested in a nice space opera?!
Randolph, please keep writing, and keep up the wonderfully twisted and complex stories. And nothing wrong with "occasional" technical stuff, makes it more complete for some of us :)
thanks for the fun ride so far,
James L
Dale City VA
Oi! When is 7 coming out???!!! Git to it before I sic those Eden freaks on you!
BTW, Great series! great characters, Great storyline. well done.
From Singapore
This is the best space opera series I've read since Piers Anthony's. I have just finished the last book after 2 weeks of solid reading. I literally could not put it down (even sneaking reads at my desk at work). I simply cannot WAIT until the next book comes out. Don't stop writing...ever!
Waiting for 7
Really looking forward to it.
Any projections on when it will be ready?
I'm with the rest, we need volume 7 ASAP. Like many here, I picked up Origins almost immediately in the usual rush to free books people (myself included) seem to go on after buying their first dedicated ereader. Finished it in two days. Took a while to get the rest (B&N seriously needs to get their licensing in order; I had to rent a VPS server in Texas so I could buy books for my Nook; I'm stationed in Germany.)
Since deploying to Africa, I've just chewed through the entirety of the rest of the series, just finishing 6 about 10 minutes ago (10 minutes being spent checking the B&N ebookstore for volume 7). __Please__ get 7 out soon, we need to find out what happens!
I'm in agreement with one of the other posters here. It's some of the most original and inspired writing I've seen since Heinlein, as a child. The way you create your own technologies and cultures, give detail slowly without drowning someone in it, works perfectly to draw people in, and not worry about having everything revealed too quickly; let's us always know there's more to learn.
Also want to give you some kudos on understanding some of the most important aspects of leadership. Having the characters avoid dressing down their people in front of their subordinates, knowing when to let something slide and when to lay down the law, you definitely have it down. Makes me curious if you've ever done a term of service yourself, and I certainly wish some of my NCOs and officers would take a lesson from it.
I do offer one criticism, however (I've got enough friends who write -- one just got published for the first time! -- and I know that no one wants blind praise; constructive criticism is easily as important as congratulations and encouragement). Throughout the series, I've noticed quite a few typos, odd grammar, and editing mistakes. It doesn't prevent enjoyment of the series, but it's something I notice reading through. There's also some minor continuity quibbles to keep eyes for in the future ("Silkstream" and "Silkworm" are swapped back and forth repeatedly; Bauduin / Beauduin is another example.) As I said, small quibbles, but something to keep eyes for.
Excellent series, and I anxiously await the next!
I haven't replied to this thread for some time, and I apologize. I do see each post as they come in, however, and can't relate how touching, encouraging and humbling it is to read your intelligent, and enthusiastic posts.
I never did a term of service, though I have great respect for people who serve their countries. Even though bad knees and worse eyes would have kept me out of the armed forces in Canada, I still sometimes wish I had signed up when I was younger.
It is my pleasure to address the grammar and proofing errors in the series. I'm working through the series slowly with a fellow writer and hired gun who knows what she's doing. I like working with people who are smarter and more well educated than I am and she fits the bill. A professional editing house may also be looking over the books when we're finished. Either way, a fresh edit will be out for most of the books by Christmas, and everyone who bought a copy will be able to get an update, or your copies will be automatically updated. No double dipping!
Broadcast 7 has split into two books and two completely different concepts. What I wanted to accomplish in that book was too large, so I'm almost finished the first of the two books, which is called Spinward Fringe: The Expendable Few. (More on that here: http://randolphlalonde.blogspot.com/2011/05/expendable-few-briefly-explained.html )
Broadcast 7 itself is about 70% finished, and I expect the last 30% will be much easier to write. I'm proud of what I have so far, and am enjoying it so much that I almost wish I could write it forever. Sadly, all things must come to an end. On the flip side, I'll be writing Broadcast 8 - which will start a new era in the series - within a few months of finishing Broadcast 7.
There's more news on what's going on in my sandbox here: http://randolphlalonde.blogspot.com/2011/06/spinward-fringe-overwhelming-response.html
I am honestly thankful for all your support, and for speaking your mind here. Without your word of mouth and tendency to pay the price of admission, I'd still be working at a call centre writing on my breaks.
Cheers,
RL
Randolph, I started reading SciFi in the late '50s and then veered off course for many years, just this year, whilst visiting the Philippines and my new wife, I discovered you...
Your style has as is mentioned by so many commentors, captured my love of SciFi once again, Your style and storyline are captivating. You are, without doubt, worth the price of admission. I read you on both my iPad and iPhone and now that Apple updates my bookmarks automatiically I am never without your prose to enhance my imagination and temporarily leave the Philippines and soar with the eagles of the Galaxy...
There are many authors of SciFi, but I tell you in honesty, I am glad I discovered you first...
Take care, God's blessings to you and forever be happy. You are doing a good thing and I appreciate your efforts..
I received a Kindle as a gift, and for 2 years have only been reading free books, taking chances with possibly getting one of those Christian "God is great" books (no offense to Christians, too much preaching just sours the stories for me). I read many free "teaser" first books of a series and never felt like parting with my hard-earned money to purchase the remaining books in the series, that is until I read Broadcast 0. Immediately went to search for the rest of the series...oh darn.. not free, but I was happy to pay so I could continue reading. Read through the next 6 Broadcast books in 2 weeks, and was panicking since I couldn't find Broadcast 7 on Amazon. Aaach.. how can I ever go back to those other free books now while waiting for the next Broadcast books??? Thanks so much for the excellent series and entertaining reads... please hurry with the next Broadcasts!
Thank you very much for an absolutely brilliant series of books.
Mu husband has resigned himself to me spending large amounts of time aboard the Triton, and having to call me back to reality on the odd occasion for things like eating and sleeping...
I love the scope of the series, and I like all the characters (even have a bit of a thing for one or two of them), and I am spending too much time wondering and worrying about what is going to happen to them in 7.
I hope you don't kill off my favourites! (I was very worried for a spell in 6...)
All the best for completing your books and I very much look forward to losing myself in your universe again.
I have one comment.
Write faster, I have run out of reading.
This is one of the best SciFi series I have read.
I have been an avid scifi reader since the early 70s. Hamilton, Bear, Asimov, Brin, McDevitt, Clarke ... My list of favorite authors and series of novels goes on.
I have a new author and series to add to those favorites. The Spinward Fringe stories are captivating, characters well developed, and when reading the works it's like i'm there with them. Its hard to put down the iPad and leave the Triton crew, even for just a little while.
Randolph Lalonde, thank you for The Spinward Fringe universe. And to echo what others have stated, I found Broadcast 0 as a free download (iBooks). I have just completed Broadcast 3 and already purchased 4, 5, and 6. Keep 'em coming, and thank you for what you do.
I have been reading several free ebooks from the ReaderStore, going from one to the other. I have found several that I enjoyed but I didn't want to go on with looking for others after I found and read your Spinward Fringe Broadcast 0 - Origins. I instead went on and bought my first ebook Resurrection and Awakening. After reading it I decided I am hooked and just bought all of the rest of the series as I know I will want to read them all. I see there is a new one on the way as well. I am sure I will be picking it up as well. Your books are written so well I feel like I am participating in the adventure! Hope some good carma will be heading the characters way soon. Thanks for the ride.
I like others found your book for my nook as afree book. I could not put it down and bought the rest of them that night after i finished the first one. Can't wait for 7 and 8. Have turned more people on to this series than any other book. I read 3-4 books a week in my night time sessions and can't seem to get enough of spinward fringe. GREAT JOB!!!!
I've been a constant reader of science fiction for over 50 years, and the Spinward Fringe series is one of the best ever IMHO. Like many others I started with the free "Origins" and quickly purchased and read the rest through Broadcast 6. Now I am eagerly awaiting Broadcast 7, the sooner the better. Keep up the good work.
So like many here, I wasn't sure what to expect from this series. Found the Chronicles free on my Nook and thought I'd give it a gander. Now, two weeks later, I am about to finish Broadcast 6 and find myself thinking about the characters before I fall asleep at night.
Just wanted to give a little "atta boy" to you and a little kick in the seat in hopes that Broadcast 7 will be coming soon!! Fantastic work you've done. Definitely a work to be proud of.
I've been looking and looking for a series to capture me. Not since Asimov's Foundation Trilogy or Laumer's Bolo series have I been so enthralled.
An extremely pleasant surprise, from a free Amazon download.
Waiting...patiently...for Broadcast 7.
I just finished Fragments and started looking for more, this is by far the most captivating reading I have encountered. Some on B&N website complain about the editing, but all agree this is the best SciFi written in some time. You have another fan here that will follow you to the Fringe and beyond. I eagerly await the next in the series and any other offerings you come up with. Cheers!
Just got my nook, was looking at the free books by B&N, was ALWAYS a star trek fan, never read sci fi, read Broadcast 0 and i'm hooked. Blew thru Ressurection and awakening, now on to Triton. Glad they have the chronology posted on line...wouldnt want to miss anything.
Steve
Like a lot of others here, I only came across the first trilogy by chance when looking at the free ebooks available - but I'm very glad I did. I downloaded it yesterday and after starting it I just couldn't stop, and I've finished it already - it's just that good! I don't really read a lot of sci-fi generally but the books really hooked me! I shall be purchasing the rest of books tomorrow and will probably finish them by Friday.. it's a good thing I've finished school now ;p
Anyway, I just wanted to say how inspiring I found your writing, so much so that I've been compelled to write a book of my own!
Thank you very much for sharing your works!
I just finished reading Fragments 6 and found this site looking for #7. I want to thank Mr. Lalonde for this series. Being a longtime friend of sci/fantasy books(my favorite is Anne McCaffreys Dragon series), I was so happy to find a series with the style, charisma, and complete concentration this series offers. I have read it straight through and can't wait until the next one arrives. Keep up the good work and thank you for a good read without all the sex. I enjoyed it immensely.
Love the series. All I can say is "more, more, more!" :)
I haven't read sci-fi for years--since it went to so much fantasy. Read Heinlin as a child & loved Star Trek! I prefer believable future science. I have blown through book 6 since July 26 & am hungry for more. This is the most exciting sci-fi series I have ever read! The plots & characters draw you in & you are hooked! I paid $2.99 on my Kindle for the first but would pay much more for others. Thank you for restoring my desire for good sci-fi. Keep them coming! I also believe this would be a great TV series.
Brilliant books, both old fashioned sci-fi with the larger than life characters, and thoroughly modern sci-fi with believable technology, all at the same time.
You're responsible for keeping me up at nights, and being tired at work, so keep up the good work.
Just finished the whole series in 2 weeks... What a fantastic read! Please please please when is Broadcast 7 coming out. Thank you for some really good solid sci-fi
Book six is no longer coming up on Amazon and none of the links on this site work for it. Anyone know what's up with that?
Anonymous:
Spinward Fringe Broadcast 6: Fragments should be back up on Amazon.com in a few weeks. Here's a little more info on what's going on with that book: http://randolphlalonde.blogspot.com/2011/08/editing-week-i-knew-it-was-coming.html
The current version of the novel is still available through Smashwords here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/19286 They have the Kindle and many other versions of the novel, so you won't have any problem reading it on whatever devices you like.
Thanks for bringing this up, I hope you enjoy the book!
RL
After reading Broadcast 0 I had to download the entire series and could not stop reading for the past 2wks...am totally emersed in the Spinward worlds,I am completely hooked, each book a page turner...Always a SyFy fan this series fed my addiction and then some...leaving me bereft at the end of the book.....Susan
What a fantastic read! It has been a long, long time since I was so engaged by a sci-fi series. Looking forward to the next release :-D
After I finished Broadcast 0 I HAD to download the rest of the series.
The withdrawal symptoms I'm experiencing as I wait for Broadcast 7 and the Expendable Few is worse than when I quit smoking.
I need my Fringe Fix!
:D
Thanks Randolph!
I can not get Amazon to stock Spinward Fringe Broadcast 6: Fragments:
Book 2 of the Rogue Element Trilogy:
and what is up with the book naming???
Dear Anonymous;
Here is what's going on with Broadcast 6 and where you'll be able to find it right now: http://randolphlalonde.blogspot.com/2011/08/editing-week-i-knew-it-was-coming.html
Thank you very much for reading!
RL
I found this series on Barnes & Noble in the free section like many others.Then bought all the rest of the books. I love the series and am anxiously awaiting book 7. I have looked everywhere to find updates on when it will be out and can find nothing. I am not sure I can go on to read any of the other free books after this one. I am still so caught up in the story and want to see what happens.Please continue to write. Your fans are waiting very impatiently.
Hi, Anonymous #14, thank you for your support, I'm glad you enjoyed the books!
For news about upcoming books, go to www.spinwardfringe.com or www.randolphlalonde.com and click on the NEWS link in the upper left hand corner of the page.
RL
Any idea when No7 will be out? Having withdrawal at the moment!
if I recall correctly, RL is wrapping up Expendable Few, and may have it off to the test readers, and I think his goal is sometime in November for EF to be available for us.
B7 he'll then get back to finishing up. Hopefully he gets them both out before Dec 20, or where will I find the time to read them and play SWTOR?!! haha
Please........make it into a movie, a series, an online game and anything else you can think of. The writing is getting better and the imagination is unmatched. I like the way the stories go the way of reality in terms of sacrifice and suffering. Life's tough, even in space and even in the future. Well done.
Just at reading these and I am hooked!
Thank you for writing such a brilliant series. I, like others am anxiously awaiting the next instalment!!! I too found Origins as a free ebook and could not put it down. You have great talent and a wonderful imagination. I can't wait to read more. Even though you have stated that you have 3 more books in the series, I find myself saddened that it all will end. Keep up the great work!!!!!!
Thank you for writing such a brilliant series. I, like others am anxiously awaiting the next instalment!!! I too found Origins as a free ebook and could not put it down. You have great talent and a wonderful imagination. I can't wait to read more. Even though you have stated that you have 3 more books in the series, I find myself saddened that it all will end. Keep up the great work!!!!!!
Unemployed and loved the free ebook
"Origins'
just started looking at the web site and keep seeing mentions of a trailer. IS THERE A TV OR VIDEO SERIES?
That would be awesome!
I agree with a few other posters, once you get into the book you want to know what happens to this or that character. Also , I look forward to Daddy's Little Girl or Alice in wonderland.
As soon as I can pay for the next book I'm reading it in one sitting like I did this one!
I just finished reading the entire Spinward Fringe series. It took a about a week of serious eye strain, I just couldn't put it down. I'm a big fan. Waiting for Broadcast Seven will now be torture. Good on ya Sir.
Couple questions, and hopefully I've picked up on the hinting to it in your books. 1)When's Alice coming back?, 2)When/is she and/or Valent going to accept/retreat to the assistance of the exiled from Yuelle Varr, Zarrix the Edxian, whom which is probably their last trump card less sol system?, 3)Because the Edxians are starting a 5th fall of mankind, and putting much strain on the order of eden and all fringe worlds?, and then 4)Sol system defense will force to intervene and enter the picture b/c the Edxians (at this point in the story) are going for an all out human annihilation as they learn more and more of how these evil humans have been using their eggs were used as test tubes and DNA modified? B/c unfortunately, for the majority of the edxian population, one human is no different from another as far as greed, evil, & intent. Yet, for the exiled Zarrix, he's reluctant to assist the likes of Alice &/or Valent, b/c somewher under that lizard like skin of his is a small spark of "compassion", which he(it) has learned to "pick up", so to speak, during his/its time in exile, b/c living in a universe of peace where both organisms can live, accommodate and support each other for the better, is actually better than annihilating one another.
Anyway, just curious. Keep up the good books. I foresee you being able to make this into a great lengthy series, from book 1 to book 50.
Anyway, to make a long post short, looking fwd to you integrating the edxian into the picture. Whether it be they kicking serious order of eden behind, or, having sol system defense come to the human population rescue in the fringe worlds to help stop/dampen the edxian ***kicking.
Akira said...
"Couple questions, and hopefully I've picked up on the hinting to it in your books. 1)When's Alice coming back?, 2)When/is she and/or Valent going to accept/retreat to the assistance of the exiled from Yuelle Varr, Zarrix the Edxian, whom which is probably their last trump card less sol system?, 3)Because the Edxians are starting a 5th fal...."
You're just going to have to wait until some of this comes up in the books.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for your support!
RL
I knew it! Trying to patiently await broadcast 7. Keep up the great work!
Hi RL,
I am eagerly awaiting broadcast 7 when can we expect to see it emerge from hyperspace. The total series has been riveting and addictive so please don't keep us waiting to long.
Ab
After reading the complete series so far, I have had to search high and low to try and find anything to match the series for Action Complexity Inventiveness and storyline
I've failed and had to make do with inferior Reading
Thank-you so much for providing such a superior experience
I need more of this
Wow ... I am addicted. I just finished Broadcast 6 and can't wait for 7. How come Showtime, HBO, or the motion picture industry is not knocking on your door? Or, perhaps they are ... if not, please acquire an agent! But ... don't stop writing. I'm a faithful follower.
These books are brilliant when does broadcast seven come out?
Great series - with a flaw: the Kindle titles all start as "Spinward Fringe Broadcast..." which is all I can see on my Kindle. In other words - the part of the title which actually matters can't be seen. Not a problem if one has only one book - but I got the whole series - and now have to keep opening all until the one I am currently reading can be found. Other than that - great reading - but maybe the Kindle titles should look like this: "1- Spinward Fringe Broadcast..." etc.
good job yo, very addictive.
I have actually been avoiding reading after I burned through all of Ian M Banks Culture books. At hey were soo good that I knew I'd be disappointed when I picked up anything else.
Good news for me! I discovered Spinward Fringe, and I was not disappointed.
HI
I have been reading Sci-fi for almost 40 years now, I started with Arthur C Clarke, and Heinlen. I have now found spinward fringe and I am disapointed. Because I have come to the end of what is available.
This is a well put together, fast,well written story with well developed charictors. My only critisism is, THERE SHOULD BE MORE.
Keep up theexcellent work
My daughter introduced me to the series and I am on my third time reading thru all the books. They were on her Kindle when she gave it to me while I was recovering from a small stroke in the hospital and I could not put them down - that is to say stop reading! Since the 7th isn't here yet, I read them again and now am doing so again as I learned that there were things I missed the first time thru and probably will find that true the third time also. You are an excellent writer and since I love my books, this series is one that I am purchasing in paper so I will always have it. ebooks are nice but what happens when there is no electricity!
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