Sep 26, 2026
Excellent Trilogy
My introduction to Richard’s work was a story in the anthology Cracked. Since that first story I have read works by him 41 times, not counting contributions to anthologies. I loved the first three novels in this series and hope that someday he expands upon them. With each story I read I am more impressed with Richard’s skill and talent. And this omnibus edition featuring the three Galen stories is amazing! Reading it was alike a visit with old friends after a long absence. Richard is not only an author but the driving force behind Tuscany Bay Books, I have read many volumes from the Bay by a number of authors and all have been well worth the read. I regret that I did not dig into his works earlier, so do not make my mistake pick one up and give it a read. This series is a high octane ride from beginning to end. These stories reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, and blade weapons, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted, across each story and the arc of the series. Galen's Way This is a high octane tale from beginning to end. It reminds me of some of Heinlien’s Lazarus Long stories, Harry Harrison’s Stainless Steel Rat series, the Dex books by Karina Fabian, and even Han Solo, a lot of action, a lot of guns, a great adventure. The plot is well crafted. The characters well crafted, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guys. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. He is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined to not let what done to her or planned against her determine her choices and her future. She will face struggles but does so bravely and with a grit and determination. Galen's Blade The plot is well crafted, I thought the first story was intense but this one amped it up even more. The characters masterfully written, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guy. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. He is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined. The whole universe is in turmoil after the overturn of the government. Several planets embattled in civil war. The rightful government nearly wiped out. And Galen trying to save the woman he loves, her father, and if he can pull it off the whole universe! Galen's Heart The plot is well crafted, it does a great job of building suspense and drawing the book and series to a conclusion. I thought the first two stories were intense but this one amped it up even more. The characters masterfully written, including the hero, the princess, the mentor and even the bad guy. Galen is one of those characters that will just stay with you. He has morals, integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. But he is also we is willing to make the big plays, even if it means potentially sacrificing himself. He will do what must to do the right and just. Princess Rhiannon is strong and determined. The whole universe is in turmoil after the overturn of the government. Galen is trying to save the galaxy, even if it means making alliances with old foes. But Galen has had a lot of help along the way, and has some more from surprising quarters in this one. He knows there is really only one shot at making this work and is doing his best to bend the universe to his will to make it happen. If you have not read anything by Paolinelli don’t make my mistake. Pick some up and give them a read now. There is a lot to choose from and I am sure you will be entertained. This was an excellent read. It is a book that leaves you desperate for more, the end of this volume teases another in this world as well as a prequel story was teased I cannot help but hope that the series will extend beyond the two currently planned. A great read I can easily recommend. It is a wonderful classic Science Fiction story a great space opera. A fantastic story written large. I can easily recommend this volume to fans of science fiction and adventure stories. A great read that I can easily recommend! Well done Richard!
