The Lois McKendrick Omnibus: Trader's Tales 1-3

This is a great series where after starting the series I had to go buy the rest of them, books 4-6 and hope for further books in the series. This is the story of Ishmael Wong, an older teen whose mother has just died in an accident on a corporate world where he is no longer welcome as he doesn't work for the corporation. He finds himself needing to get off world with no money. He meets a very helpful recruiter for space ship workers and signs on to work on a ship. He meets the crew and works in the galley where he instantly gets fans simply by fixing the coffee making situation. Such a simple thing as making the coffee drinkable starts him on a long series of events and adventures. An extremely fun read of personal interactions and Ishmael finding out what it takes to live in space and make a new life for himself. Found myself staying up just to read what happens next. See Double Share for the my review of the next 3 books. A definite must read for anyone that enjoys scifi books.

Nathan Lowell kindly put up this trilogy in the midst of the opening days of the pandemic. I found great pleasure in reading these books. I have always complained that in real life, the bridge officers would not go jaunting off on adventures. These novels are exactly what I think should happen on space adventure, sans bug eyed monsters and first contact. They were engrossing and an easy read, just what I needed. Ishmael Wang is a smart, self-effacing lad, who verges on too perfect, but his youth and outlook save him from a saccharine sweet toothache. An excellent adventure for this or anytime!

Believe it or not Robert Heinlein was criticised for lack of plot. HOWEVER that was because he was one of the 1st to develope intriguing character driven stories. This Author, Nathan Lowell has developed character driven tales that kept me totally gripped in a page turning frenzy. His multi-dimensional characters are real to life, loveable, and with clever dialogue. The1st book (of 3 compete books), Quarter Share takes an ordinary young man, Ishmael Horatio Wang on an adventure to the the stars as the lowest apprentice. We then follow him developing interesting relationships with the crew, including the somewhat mysterious character, Pip. And of course I loved the shaggy dog "call me Ishmael" humor - enjoy. The next book, Half Share continues this page turning saga as Ishmael continues to evolve and mature. He becomes involved with Pip in some very intriguing trading ventures and continues with the very interesting and humourous characters, Brill and Bev - enjoy. The last book (not in the series) finds Ishmael continuing his development and coming to grips with the paradoxical ship policy of the Lois about fraternization between the crew. There are many more award winning books in this series that are just as page turning- enjoy.

I read all of the great golden age masters of SciFi. Even met about half of them. This man's writing style brings me home to the golden age. I missed it so much! A must read. A must own. I want more.

Whenever I am loose-ends about what to read, I reach for this series. I read this entire series 2-3 times a year. I have the free podcast saved and listen. I also have this, the first three books featuring the callow Ishmael Wang before he goes off to college, and the final trilogy of the series in printed form. It is always a fun read. It is also interesting to see some of the changes that were made to the text in the transition from free podcast to paid for volume. I am waiting for an omnibus edition of the middle trilogy.

I really enjoyed the books in this omnibus edition and got it at a great price. Wonderful space opera stories. After I devoured these, i started reading everything else in the series. New favorite author. Well written, nicely edited, very readable.

This is a totally fascinating trio of Stories telling the tale of a young man growing up in the spacefaring service of the Merchant Traders. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy spacefaring.

Reading that flows along with action, terrific characters who are strong and believable, both men and women that grow and change throughout the series.

fell in love from the podcasts and had to get the books for the written word as well. Fabulous story

I really enjoyed all three books of the trilogy and continued reading to learn how Ish fared moving on from his chosen family. I rooted for him and Pip and it is just a really heartwarming story.

This is a great series where after starting the series I had to go buy the rest of them, books 4-6 and hope for further books in the series. This is the story of Ishmael Wong, an older teen whose mother has just died in an accident on a corporate world where he is no longer welcome as he doesn't work for the corporation. He finds himself needing to get off world with no money. He meets a very helpful recruiter for space ship workers and signs on to work on a ship. He meets the crew and works in the galley where he instantly gets fans simply by fixing the coffee making situation. Such a simple thing as making the coffee drinkable starts him on a long series of events and adventures. An extremely fun read of personal interactions and Ishmael finding out what it takes to live in space and make a new life for himself. Found myself staying up just to read what happens next. See Double Share for the my review of the next 3 books. A definite must read for anyone that enjoys scifi books.

Nathan Lowell kindly put up this trilogy in the midst of the opening days of the pandemic. I found great pleasure in reading these books. I have always complained that in real life, the bridge officers would not go jaunting off on adventures. These novels are exactly what I think should happen on space adventure, sans bug eyed monsters and first contact. They were engrossing and an easy read, just what I needed. Ishmael Wang is a smart, self-effacing lad, who verges on too perfect, but his youth and outlook save him from a saccharine sweet toothache. An excellent adventure for this or anytime!

Believe it or not Robert Heinlein was criticised for lack of plot. HOWEVER that was because he was one of the 1st to develope intriguing character driven stories. This Author, Nathan Lowell has developed character driven tales that kept me totally gripped in a page turning frenzy. His multi-dimensional characters are real to life, loveable, and with clever dialogue. The1st book (of 3 compete books), Quarter Share takes an ordinary young man, Ishmael Horatio Wang on an adventure to the the stars as the lowest apprentice. We then follow him developing interesting relationships with the crew, including the somewhat mysterious character, Pip. And of course I loved the shaggy dog "call me Ishmael" humor - enjoy. The next book, Half Share continues this page turning saga as Ishmael continues to evolve and mature. He becomes involved with Pip in some very intriguing trading ventures and continues with the very interesting and humourous characters, Brill and Bev - enjoy. The last book (not in the series) finds Ishmael continuing his development and coming to grips with the paradoxical ship policy of the Lois about fraternization between the crew. There are many more award winning books in this series that are just as page turning- enjoy.

I read all of the great golden age masters of SciFi. Even met about half of them. This man's writing style brings me home to the golden age. I missed it so much! A must read. A must own. I want more.

Whenever I am loose-ends about what to read, I reach for this series. I read this entire series 2-3 times a year. I have the free podcast saved and listen. I also have this, the first three books featuring the callow Ishmael Wang before he goes off to college, and the final trilogy of the series in printed form. It is always a fun read. It is also interesting to see some of the changes that were made to the text in the transition from free podcast to paid for volume. I am waiting for an omnibus edition of the middle trilogy.

I really enjoyed the books in this omnibus edition and got it at a great price. Wonderful space opera stories. After I devoured these, i started reading everything else in the series. New favorite author. Well written, nicely edited, very readable.

This is a totally fascinating trio of Stories telling the tale of a young man growing up in the spacefaring service of the Merchant Traders. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy spacefaring.

Reading that flows along with action, terrific characters who are strong and believable, both men and women that grow and change throughout the series.

fell in love from the podcasts and had to get the books for the written word as well. Fabulous story

I really enjoyed all three books of the trilogy and continued reading to learn how Ish fared moving on from his chosen family. I rooted for him and Pip and it is just a really heartwarming story.

I have listened to this many times, but this is the first time reading it. Great story!

A series I would never have found except for Kindle Unlimited. Had to buy my own copy of the Omnibus to always have it available even when I am without internet

These are excellent stories that are very well told!

The storyline is great, and the author has many books to pick from to suit your tastes

This is my second reading of this series. I find Mr. Lowell’s writing to be quite enjoyable.

I didn’t intend to buy even the first book, which is not really in the sci-fi universe I prefer. I like big battles, with dark enemies, and heroic saviors. Lowell doesn’t touch on any of these. Instead, he writes from the human perspective; one with self doubt, longing, the loss of loved ones due to distance or tragedy. He is without a doubt a profound speaker of the truth of the human condition — the hero in these books is the hero in ourselves that modern media pushes down and makes us feel weak or fruitless. Lowell reminds us of the calm heroism in everyone’s daily life. Once you get through the first book of the omnibus, you will be back here buying all of them, and then you’ll hang on updates on the Facebook group daily, eagerly awaiting the next one. It’s not just good writing, it’s amazing, endearing, captivating and at the end of each segment, there’s no alien apocalypse or massive fleet movements or killer plague. Buy the omnibus, make a pot of coffee, lock the bedroom door, take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lowell’s written voice.

Mothers advice and witticisms stay with you all your life. I enjoyed this little journey personally as my mother recently passed. This was so different from my usual sci-fi genre. This author really knows a LOT about trading and education which added expertise to this trilogy. Ishmael is one of the most endearing characters I have ever read. However, while the cliches are appropriate for an ancestor in 2020, I don’t think they work quite so well as ancient lit in 2353. And future technology is practically non existent. I experienced all the emotion and vicarious accomplishments intended throughout Ish’s movements on the Lois. I loved the aspect of Lois and Sarah as Shaman. I loved all the characters. I loved the intelligence and the wit and the many gifts Ish has. But I have the same issues as some other reviewers in the succeeding 4-6 books. And I think I will just stop reading with this one. Something I have RARELY done. I am easily addicted and want to follow on. I just don’t want to be disappointed with a narrow male view that appears to get narrower. I enjoyed the Lois McKendrick. And I will keep it at that.

Trader's Tales 1 - 3 I enjoyed this series. The book begins with a young man losing his mother in a freak accident. He is left alone and finds that no one is sympathetic to his loss. He is now an expense and liability that the system (company world) wishes to be rid of. So before he gets kicked off the planet, he takes the only course of action available--sign on with a freight hauling ship, travel the stars and try to stay employed and so begins his on-the-job education and eventual climb up the ranks. This series is different from what I normally seek out in space opera. It is NOT non-stop action. As a matter of fact, it has very little in the way of action and thrills. But it does give insight into the daily workings of a freighter ship in space or at least how the author thinks a freighter would function and I found the concept most interesting. I think most sci-fi readers would enjoy these books if they give them a chance. I certainly did.

Okay, it took me 4 books by this author before I could come up with the right word to describe his books. The word is, I think, SOOTHING. He spends so much time describing simple things that normally, I would start to get irritated but instead, I'm enthralled. The oddest books. I'm on on the fourth book. The first 3 were totally enjoyable and they have subtle messages regarding growing up and finding your place in the world. The Wizard's Butler was the same. That all the woman on a freighter were gorgeous and hot for the protagonist was a bit unrealistic but the fourth book takes a more serious and more mature turn. If you want to relax and enjoy some peaceful reading, I think you will find these books enjoyable.

I actually purchased the three books in this trilogy as separate e-books long before this omnibus edition was released. I don't give out five stars that often because I reserve that rating for the very best in the genre. These three novels set a new standard in what I look for in entertaining reading. No evil galactic empires, no fate of the world crap, just a good story with engaging characters living kinda normal lives and overcoming smaller, more personal, goals and obstacles. Thank you Nathan Lowell, for letting me travel on the Lois McKendrick and meet her crew.

If this is your first exposure to Nathan’s work then you are in for a real treat as you have so much more to read while you catch up with the rest of us. I don’t do many reviews, good or bad the work has to inspire me to bother. Nathan’s writing has been on my frequent reread list for years. Don’t just buy this book, buy them all.

Mistakes: Extremely well edited. No problems found. Plot: This is a coming of age story spread over multiple books. You have an early death, a mugging, and an abused woman at different points. Lots of good reading. Characters: The growth of the characters is the something special in these books. I enjoyed every minute. 9/10

Fast, funny,good story of a young man who looses his mother in an accident and forced off planet by “the corporation” which runs/owns it and the university. He ends up on a large cargo liner as a mess cook and finds some amazing friends, bosses and shipmates who help guide him as he learns about the strange new existence forced on him.

Found this series individually and fell in love with this story. If you like welll written, thoughtful books you will love Ishmael Wang. This is a coming of age, well more like a coming to life story. If you are looking for flashy writing this is not it...it is well written, touching, entertaining and inspiring series with great characters and terrific storyline. I was sucked into this space story of adventure and friendship. So refreshing and such a solid read after getting tired of the typical kindle drivel.

As I said in my video review, the story of Ishmael Wong is one of my favorite. I loved how easy it was to get to know him and enjoy life through his adventure into space. I have listened to this series multiple times over, and look back with great fondness at having discovered it.

Not much for me to dislike. This has been a sweet series so far. I listened to this long ago, and Nathan Lowell’s voice and reading skills are worth getting it on audible. Especially if you’re traveling.

I've listened to these books as audiobooks and these are great stories. The story keeps your interest all the way through the series. Well done! I've read/listed to more of Mr Lowell's books and have enjoyed all of them.

I often recommend the Traders tales to high schoolers that are having trouble deciding what they want to do with themselves for the rest of their lives. By the first book they are usually hooked and well on their way deciding their course.

It’s been a while since the first read, but it’s like meeting old friends and remembering the warmth of family.

This is a great read for lazy afternoons. The hero is down to earth in the deep dark and makes some good growth. I recommend this book to any one who just wants a relaxing read.

Nathan Lowell is a rare gem of an author. I had a hard time putting this book down. I wanted to read the whole thing at once, but I had to sleep, eat, etc. I really enjoyed it.

An engaging young man coming of age, a realistic description of life aboard a deep space freighter, quirky characters deeply committed to their ship and each other—what's not to love?

This is a great read of a young mans journey an a trading space ship. There is a lot of good character development and realistic situations. You can really see the authors nautical background. I great read!

Different sort of space opera. It's a lot like the old sea stories of day gone by.

It starts so quietly, yet somehow sucks you into this vivid Universe. Lowell describes life in space in such a way that you feel like you truly experience it, rather than just read about it. My wife turned me onto the audiobooks, and they are among the most repeated on my playlist.

I just ate these up and looked for more.

thoroughly enjoyed these simple fun story's. Good author , well written

Kept you wanting to learn more about characters.

Ok, by Amazon rating standards, this series rates 5 stars because it uses actual words, half the pages aren't blank, and it actually tells a story. On a scale of 1-to-Tolkein, it's average. To the author's credit, the stories are interesting, structured, and he does a good job of making even the most mundane tasks (and there are a lot of them in these books) seem interesting. I don't want this review to be too harsh, so I will note that I read them all and will likely continue to read the series. That said, I have three main issues with these books: 1. There is very little drama or tension. Everyone likes everyone. Everyone is nice. Everyone works together to solve problems, nothing too dangerous ever happens. Good stories need a little drama, some conflict, something for protagonists to resolve or overcome. At least give us an occasional case of pink eye or something. 2. Our protagonist, Ishmael Wang, is an 18 year old nerd who has a special talent for brewing a killer pot of coffee. Apparently, that talent makes half the females on the ship fall in love with him. The other half soon succumb to his ability to go shopping and buy clothes, or from his penchant to continually tell them what wonderful creatures they are. Young Ish even restores the self worth of a female ship captain at least twice his age by doing nothing more than giving her some cheesy one liners in a bar. I mean... come on. 3. There is a lot of repetition. Ship flies to a system, picks up goods, Ishmael and Co. find some personal goods to trade, then they fly to another system where they sell said private goods at flea markets. This is interesting maybe the first few times, but after 3 books of the same formula I was wishing for more of that mad coffee-making drama. 4. (Yes, I know I said three issues. Sue me.) The book uses the term "stan" or "stans". It means either hours or days. After three books I still can never remember which it is. I dunno why authors always have try to change everyday terms into something futuristic. It's like saying someone is 15 grimbolds tall and leave the readers scratching their heads to convert grimbolds to feet or meters or ells in their heads. Final conclusion: I give these books 3.5 shagrats. Enjoy.