Starhawk

Priscilla Hutchins, Book 1

By: Jack McDevitt

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Priscilla Hutchins has been through many experiences.This is the story of her first unforgettable adventure.…

Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins has finally realized her lifelong dream: She’s completed a nerve-bending qualification flight for a pilot’s license.

Her timing is far from optimal, however. Faster-than-light travel has only recently become a reality, and the World Space Authority is still learning how to manage long-range missions safely. To make matters worse, efforts to prepare two planets for colonization are killing off native life-forms, outraging people on Earth.So there’s not a lot of demand for space pilots.

Priscilla thinks her career may be over before it has begun. But her ambition won’t be denied, and soon she is on the bridge of an interstellar ship, working for the corporation that is responsible for the terraforming.

Her working conditions include bomb threats, sabotage, clashes with her employers - and a mission to a world, adrift between the stars, that harbors a life-form unlike anything humanity has ever seen. Ultimately, she will be part of a life-and-death struggle that will test both her capabilities and her character....

©2013 Cryptic, Inc. (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Not The Hutch I Know...An Origin Story

I picked this up after reading most of Hutch's stories. While I appreciate that the author went back to explain the beginnings of our beloved hero, it was not that exciting for me. Had I started with this book, I would not have continued reading more about her.

Naive and fresh from flight school, Priscilla Hutchins soon discovers that interstellar travel has unexpected consequences to people, the environment and the politics of Earth. In sticking to her convictions and sincere desire to protect people, she finds herself entangled in a web of political plays by upcoming Politicians and activist groups.

Priscilla is awkward, headstrong and trying to stick to what she knows; the world around her won't let her. My issue is that I didn't want to see her like this. The action sequences seemed contrived, her reactions too cliche. I soldiered through because I wanted to find out where the story left off. I was glad to learn the origins of her nickname, but beyond that I was not excited by the plot.

Good but not a 'can't miss'

I enjoy nearly all of Mcdevitt 's stories because they are generally easy listening and entertaining. I enjoyed this book but it felt unnecessary. Not at all his best.

If new to McDevitt, get this title first

Story seemed forced, almost contrived. Much of this could have been exposition in a new novel about those aliens first encountered at Talios. There were so many threads left hanging. I feel like McDevitt's biggest fan and this is not what I've come to expect from him. Even so, I did not feel it was a total waste of time. If you've never read McDevitt, start with this one and you will not be disappointed when you enjoy his other books.

slow story, no peak.

I found it dissapointing how the story seemed to several times slowly build to a exiting peak, that never was delivered.

a good continuation prequel

if you like the Hutch series this gives the back story. Very entertaining a a good diversion.