Hard Knocks

SC Marva Collins, Book 3

By: Nathan Lowell

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

It pays to take a second look.

In the Deep Dark, it's a long walk home.

The Marva Collins runs into unexpected problems a long way from port. Faced with some hard decisions and uncertain about the choices, Ishmael has to roll the dice with inadequate information.

Is he sailing too close to the edge of forever?

©2023 Nathan Lowell (P)2024 Podium Audio

Weaker than the previous installments in this seri

The story comes basically in three parts:

The first section covers the training cruise, and is consistent with the previous book. Done well, and enjoyable for the same reasons.

The second section covers a life-threatening challenge, but the challenge is overcome without much difficulty. There is a subplot that starts here, but that subplot is abandoned without much point and could have easily been edited out of the book. There is an interesting political plotline that begins here.

The last section is something of a denouement to the main Ishmael Wang plotline (so far, anyway), and feels both drawn out and perfunctory ... as if Lowell couldn't figure out how to tie off the various subplots and ended up just stopping.

This is a heartwarming conclusion to this storyline. The boy gets the girl and the girl gets the boy, and most things are right with the world. Unfortunately, the ending was not especially well written.

The book is recommended for anyone who has been following Capt. Wang's exploits, but as a standalone, it's not especially strong.

A continuation of a great story

It didn’t hold my interest as much as earlier books in the series. I hope the next one will bounce back with a more dramatic edge.

Space Odesy

I love Nathan Lowell books. very refreshing and believable. All his books are captivating.

A fine finish and a fresh start.....

Thank you Mr Lowell. Hopefully your remodel goes well. As I have since Quater share. I await more from This universe of yours. I am a fan of and do recommend the other world's you vist. This one is my favorite blend of honor, loyalty and playfully execution of a strong work ethic. The amount of wisdom you place in your writing, never leaves me disappointed. even if the first two books of this series were a bit..... uneventful. The end of this one has me excited for the next chapter. Thanks again.

another great story!

this was another great story in the series. it did feel a little flat towards the end but they left room for The story to continue. would highly recommend

Another gem from Nathan.

Honestly, I've never been let astray by a single book by Nathan Lowell. This was no exception. It has been a pleasure following Ishmael from his beginnings.

Excellent

Exactly what I was hoping to get from this series again. My favorite of this trilogy. So happy we got more Ishmael.

Great Listen

This Marva Collins series is not as intense and not as eventful as the other 3 series were. But I do love how they blend together. Not so many moving parts to follow and a well done conclusion.

The Words and style of Nathen Lowell from Quarter Share to Hard Knocks and the Growth of Ismael.

I enjoy Nathen’s style of writing, I am a Heart Transplant Patient and I have been reading and listening to Nathen’s words since my diagnosis of needing a new (refurbished) Heart in 2002 until today. I find them soothing and familiar even when reading or listening to a new book in the series, When I was first diagnosed I was living from one Star Wars film to another. Then I discovered Nathen’s pod casts, and since my iPhone kept forgetting to present them in order, I started buying the Audio Books. I have a new heart, 2009 and 15 years later I am doing well and stil reading and listening to Nathen’s stories. I look forward to the “Wizard’s Cat” which should be making it to the publisher shortly. The “Wizard’s Butler” was an interesting diversion from the Life of a Spacer, but an interesting read just the same. To Nathen; “I wish fair winds and beware the following sea.”

A great storyline

Story with great character development and no gratuitous sex or violence. Would love to listen to more about these characters