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Delphi in Space #9
Delphi Challenge
Delphi Challenge finds the McCormack having to defend Artemis from the same Aliens that attacked the Paraxean colony fleet over 70 years before. Follow along as Catie finally graduates from the Academy. Discover the secrets of the invading Aliens, what do they want, where do they come form.
269 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2021
342 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Bob Blanton
50Ìýbooks310ÌýfollowersBob Blanton has been an avid reader ever since his mother first took him to a library at age five. He has toyed with writing for years since college but was always too busy to start a novel. The "stone series" developed almost by itself as he was trying to sleep on long flights to Asia and Europe. He managed to write it and two follow-on novels while he was working, but never had the time to polish them. After he retired to the beach in Mexico, the only thing that competes with writing is the sound of the ocean and sunsets over the water. Now that he has published his series, he hopes you enjoy reading them as much as he has had writing them. Check back for other books as he continues to ply his new trade.
Now that he has published his series, he hopes you enjoy reading about Matthew and his developing powers as much as he has enjoyed writing about them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 7, 2022
Excellent!
April 12, 2021
I just blew through all the books in this series (1-9 as I’m certain more are coming). As a result I am doing one review for all the books. The top item is: these books are significantly better than 95% of self-published books. Book one is by far the worst of the series and it is still okay. Book one’s main problem is that it lacks story resolution, something I hate and generally do not forgive. Here, however, the author tells a more character driven story which reduces the need for a firm resolution. In fact another review for book 9 caught my eye and it was complaining about a lack of action, something I would typically complain about as well but did not even consider as the development of the characters was fascinating.
After book one the author uses a recipe: resolve main story but end on a teaser for the next book. Personally I find using teasers a bad idea as it distracts from the story just told. It also seems to me that a truly competent author would not require teasers as readers would come back for more without them. Oddly enough I am reminded of Lilian Jackson Braun’s “Cat Who� series. It was also character driven and yet she never felt the need to end one of her books with a teaser for the next book (and I read this entire series even though I am not a mystery reader).
Bottom line: good, enjoyable books.
After book one the author uses a recipe: resolve main story but end on a teaser for the next book. Personally I find using teasers a bad idea as it distracts from the story just told. It also seems to me that a truly competent author would not require teasers as readers would come back for more without them. Oddly enough I am reminded of Lilian Jackson Braun’s “Cat Who� series. It was also character driven and yet she never felt the need to end one of her books with a teaser for the next book (and I read this entire series even though I am not a mystery reader).
Bottom line: good, enjoyable books.
January 8, 2021
I’m not sure the author really had a ‘main� story planned for this book, there are lots of short ‘filler� stories, some of which were just nauseating e.g. the Golf lessons and others that were quite interesting.
What should have been the main story about possible invading aliens is pretty much ignored until a last minute plan is produced.
Overall I would have given 2.5 stars, but because I like Catie I have raised this to 3, but it is still probably my least favourite book so far.
What should have been the main story about possible invading aliens is pretty much ignored until a last minute plan is produced.
Overall I would have given 2.5 stars, but because I like Catie I have raised this to 3, but it is still probably my least favourite book so far.
May 5, 2025
Still going strong
The biggest complaint I have is the use of the term Ex Marine. It is Former Marine and, no, I was not a Marine I was a Bubble head. Hope the series continues. Read one complaint about the murder, it was a small diversion. Not necessary for the overall story but not a detraction either. I would love to see this series wind up on Netflix available in Mexico. If the screen writers do as well as Harry Potter it will be great. No ideas about actors. The ones I would pick are too old or dead.
The biggest complaint I have is the use of the term Ex Marine. It is Former Marine and, no, I was not a Marine I was a Bubble head. Hope the series continues. Read one complaint about the murder, it was a small diversion. Not necessary for the overall story but not a detraction either. I would love to see this series wind up on Netflix available in Mexico. If the screen writers do as well as Harry Potter it will be great. No ideas about actors. The ones I would pick are too old or dead.
January 7, 2021
Sad book of a great series
First let me say I've enjoyed every book so far until this book, all I can say is "Fluff" it looked like the writer was rushed and he just threw someone random stories together and said here! I word say half the book was fluff and the other half was what we're used to from this writer. This book turn into adolescent girls trolling for boys with other pages of good sci-fi. The murder was a thoughtless exercise in futility. Cliche jilted lover murder scenario?!?! Please! The good sci-fi was good...so I guess he was pressured to get something out??!?! I would've waited another 4 month for a better product get the book if your a hard-core fan of this series but it's not really necessary except for a couple of chapters of skimming you'd be caught up!
First let me say I've enjoyed every book so far until this book, all I can say is "Fluff" it looked like the writer was rushed and he just threw someone random stories together and said here! I word say half the book was fluff and the other half was what we're used to from this writer. This book turn into adolescent girls trolling for boys with other pages of good sci-fi. The murder was a thoughtless exercise in futility. Cliche jilted lover murder scenario?!?! Please! The good sci-fi was good...so I guess he was pressured to get something out??!?! I would've waited another 4 month for a better product get the book if your a hard-core fan of this series but it's not really necessary except for a couple of chapters of skimming you'd be caught up!
January 9, 2021
The ninth volume of the series and still going strong. Better balanced than the prior volume this series has become very much a literary soap opera with multiple plotlines going at the same time. Thankfully the whole academy plotline was completed and done better then than previous. I have to admit it's the off world stuff that really holds my interest and thankfully there was plenty this time around.
Generally a good addition to the series which I absorbed in a couple of days. Only issue I'd have is the story has progressed so much it just wouldn't work as an introduction to the series for a new reader.
Generally a good addition to the series which I absorbed in a couple of days. Only issue I'd have is the story has progressed so much it just wouldn't work as an introduction to the series for a new reader.
November 3, 2024
Author is Improving
The authors craft has improved tremendously from book one. The storyline is tighter and clearer. Sentences are tighter, less wordy.
There are still times where it feels like a third draft where actions are relegated to character blocking. He did this, she did that. Then this happened. Character emotions are still written quite high level.
Overall, Bob Blanton is a very promising new author. I look forward to reading my way to book 18. I’m very glad it no longer feels like I’m wading my through words. The storyline shines through and it is a fun and well plotted story.
The authors craft has improved tremendously from book one. The storyline is tighter and clearer. Sentences are tighter, less wordy.
There are still times where it feels like a third draft where actions are relegated to character blocking. He did this, she did that. Then this happened. Character emotions are still written quite high level.
Overall, Bob Blanton is a very promising new author. I look forward to reading my way to book 18. I’m very glad it no longer feels like I’m wading my through words. The storyline shines through and it is a fun and well plotted story.
January 5, 2021
Ok book 9
Good read, continuity is good and not excessive. Since I “found� the series, I have been pleased with the writing. My only complaint would be a few were too short. Yes, the emphasis has shifted to Space, but I miss some of the life in Delphi City. And some of my favorites had very limited page time. I can tell the author he has a satisfied and faithful reader. If I had to try to describe the books, a combination ofDavid Weber, the juvenile Heinlein, and maybe a touch of Issac and Eric Flint.
Good read, continuity is good and not excessive. Since I “found� the series, I have been pleased with the writing. My only complaint would be a few were too short. Yes, the emphasis has shifted to Space, but I miss some of the life in Delphi City. And some of my favorites had very limited page time. I can tell the author he has a satisfied and faithful reader. If I had to try to describe the books, a combination ofDavid Weber, the juvenile Heinlein, and maybe a touch of Issac and Eric Flint.
January 16, 2021
A Bit More Fun
I find it interesting that my reviews are rating better for books 8 & 9 than the earlier books. Perhaps it is as much an indication of the author’s consistency as anything else? New situations, with some of the same characters and some story thread resolutions, some continued. I’m pleased that nine books into the series the author remains consistent with character and story development. This book ends on a positive note and an expectation from the reader for the next in the series.
I find it interesting that my reviews are rating better for books 8 & 9 than the earlier books. Perhaps it is as much an indication of the author’s consistency as anything else? New situations, with some of the same characters and some story thread resolutions, some continued. I’m pleased that nine books into the series the author remains consistent with character and story development. This book ends on a positive note and an expectation from the reader for the next in the series.
February 4, 2021
I admit that Catie is a Mary Sue, a character that always wins and always has the great ideas and yeah, she's a 17-year-old billionaire. And a princess. But I enjoy every bit of this series (9 books so far).
I like her, her dad, her stepmom, the AI named ADI, and most of the aliens too. I like the way they are not starstruck about the UN or the "Federation of Planets."
In this book, Catie is nearing the end of her time at the Academy, and the aliens are nearing the colony at Artemis. Both story lines have terrific developments in this book.
Don't miss it!
I like her, her dad, her stepmom, the AI named ADI, and most of the aliens too. I like the way they are not starstruck about the UN or the "Federation of Planets."
In this book, Catie is nearing the end of her time at the Academy, and the aliens are nearing the colony at Artemis. Both story lines have terrific developments in this book.
Don't miss it!
March 29, 2021
Wonderful!
How wonderful it is to see how Catie again comes to the rescue to see what the others somehow miss. While being incognito during her time as a cadet and working on her school work and observing her many other interests, Catie seems to juggle everything and does all this multi tasking so well. Yes, she has help from the computers and ADI, but it seems a bit much for this one sixteen year old. Plus she decides to start dating. This installment has really kept her busy. And I have enjoyed it very much and look forward to the last book. Thanks Mr Blanton!
h
How wonderful it is to see how Catie again comes to the rescue to see what the others somehow miss. While being incognito during her time as a cadet and working on her school work and observing her many other interests, Catie seems to juggle everything and does all this multi tasking so well. Yes, she has help from the computers and ADI, but it seems a bit much for this one sixteen year old. Plus she decides to start dating. This installment has really kept her busy. And I have enjoyed it very much and look forward to the last book. Thanks Mr Blanton!
h
January 9, 2021
It’s fun, even if not credible
Sometimes you just like a series because it’s fun. You like the characters. Makes you feel good. And it’s just fun. That’s where this falls. I sit in two worlds. I like a fine Cabernet and a good cold beer. I like a marbled rib eye and a greasy Philly Cheese Steak. And I like hard sci fi and a good simple spaceship story. This one is the latter. Don’t over analyze it. Just sit back, turn off your BS detector and enjoy. I recommend it.
Sometimes you just like a series because it’s fun. You like the characters. Makes you feel good. And it’s just fun. That’s where this falls. I sit in two worlds. I like a fine Cabernet and a good cold beer. I like a marbled rib eye and a greasy Philly Cheese Steak. And I like hard sci fi and a good simple spaceship story. This one is the latter. Don’t over analyze it. Just sit back, turn off your BS detector and enjoy. I recommend it.
January 16, 2021
Another good book in the series, just keeps rolling along. Could use more action.
Plenty of world building, could use more action. All the characters you’ve come to know and love are here.Very fun and light read, if you haven’t started the series do s Katie is still a joy as I said in an earlier review. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. The story just keeps getting better.o
Plenty of world building, could use more action. All the characters you’ve come to know and love are here.Very fun and light read, if you haven’t started the series do s Katie is still a joy as I said in an earlier review. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. The story just keeps getting better.o
April 6, 2021
Blanton, Bob. Delphi Challenge. Delphi in Space No. 9. Kindle, 2021.
Sadly, tis series seems to be running out of steam. The plot here is all over the place, The main characters seem to be just hanging out, and we still haven’t gotten into alien psyche and culture as much as one would expect. Blanton needs to rethink where he wants the series to go before he writes the next one. Two and a half stars rounded up.
Sadly, tis series seems to be running out of steam. The plot here is all over the place, The main characters seem to be just hanging out, and we still haven’t gotten into alien psyche and culture as much as one would expect. Blanton needs to rethink where he wants the series to go before he writes the next one. Two and a half stars rounded up.
January 12, 2021
Incredible Story
I have no idea why this Author’s books let me slide right back into this world with no recap needed. How a twelve to sixteen year old girl genius is so captivating. How this story is so realistic yet impossible. I just know that I will drop whatever I am reading to read the next book of this series. Great Read
I have no idea why this Author’s books let me slide right back into this world with no recap needed. How a twelve to sixteen year old girl genius is so captivating. How this story is so realistic yet impossible. I just know that I will drop whatever I am reading to read the next book of this series. Great Read
January 16, 2021
The humans step farther into space
Trials.and tribulations of establishing a new colony light years from home! Delphi City joins the rest of the world.when it's first murder is recorded! And the other race that claims the new colony world gets snotty about the humans stealing THEIR new colony world! Grab this new #9 in the Delphi series !
Trials.and tribulations of establishing a new colony light years from home! Delphi City joins the rest of the world.when it's first murder is recorded! And the other race that claims the new colony world gets snotty about the humans stealing THEIR new colony world! Grab this new #9 in the Delphi series !
March 2, 2021
What Next?
Great series that is highly entertaining and thought provoking. The characters are very well created and dynamic. The practical and idealistic aspects of human and non human dynamics are challenging and compelling as the fast pace of development and progress plays out on the plot.
Great series that is highly entertaining and thought provoking. The characters are very well created and dynamic. The practical and idealistic aspects of human and non human dynamics are challenging and compelling as the fast pace of development and progress plays out on the plot.
October 27, 2021
Entertaining and humorous
Resumed reading this story after a year hiatus. Characters are consistent and the storyline very interesting. Descriptions of the response of the world nations parallel current history and progression of the. Delphi nation keeps you interested. Look forward to future episodes.
Resumed reading this story after a year hiatus. Characters are consistent and the storyline very interesting. Descriptions of the response of the world nations parallel current history and progression of the. Delphi nation keeps you interested. Look forward to future episodes.
February 28, 2022
Just finished the 9th book in the Delphi series
Mr. Blanton has a different style than most
authors but I've really enjoyed reading his books he manages to keep it exciting and I also enjoyed the many different characters And what's going on in their lives. I would recommend this series to anyone that enjoys reading intriguing science fiction novels.
Mr. Blanton has a different style than most
authors but I've really enjoyed reading his books he manages to keep it exciting and I also enjoyed the many different characters And what's going on in their lives. I would recommend this series to anyone that enjoys reading intriguing science fiction novels.
January 9, 2021
entertaining
Not as enjoyable as the earlier books, it is like the author is torn between writing a young adult book and an adult adventure,the main plot moves forward but the younger characters are annoying and contribute nothing,don't know if I'll read the next book.
Not as enjoyable as the earlier books, it is like the author is torn between writing a young adult book and an adult adventure,the main plot moves forward but the younger characters are annoying and contribute nothing,don't know if I'll read the next book.
January 12, 2021
An Exciting Adventure
This is another exciting adventure in the Delphi series. The MacGregors are colonizing planets and in this book they find more than one new aliens. I see more adventures in this series.
ENJOY!
This is another exciting adventure in the Delphi series. The MacGregors are colonizing planets and in this book they find more than one new aliens. I see more adventures in this series.
ENJOY!
January 13, 2021
Another Winner!
Definitely my favorite Sci-fi series. Very easy reading and entertaining. Mr.Blanton, I have to rank your work with my other favorite self published novelist, Javan Bonds. You do a helluva great job in your story telling.
Definitely my favorite Sci-fi series. Very easy reading and entertaining. Mr.Blanton, I have to rank your work with my other favorite self published novelist, Javan Bonds. You do a helluva great job in your story telling.
January 13, 2021
Good read, fast paced, easy to follow.
Characters are well developed. Books read fast and seem short. Good storyline looking forward to more action and different storylines outer space provides.
Characters are well developed. Books read fast and seem short. Good storyline looking forward to more action and different storylines outer space provides.
January 15, 2021
Enjoyable read
It is good to Catie is coming of age. Reminds me of my two girls who are well past seventeen. The sample series has been a delight to read. Looking forward hot the next book.
It is good to Catie is coming of age. Reminds me of my two girls who are well past seventeen. The sample series has been a delight to read. Looking forward hot the next book.
January 24, 2021
Love this series
Always ends with me wanting more! The explanations on the scientific aspects of the story are fairly easy to understand and the personal interactions are fun and interesting. I want more on the aliens and a little more action, though.
Always ends with me wanting more! The explanations on the scientific aspects of the story are fairly easy to understand and the personal interactions are fun and interesting. I want more on the aliens and a little more action, though.
Read
January 28, 2021Does not disappoint...
This latest issue in the series was great. I am anxiously awaiting to read what happens to the characters as they continue to find new ways to get into mischief. I see no reason that all of this can't become real.
This latest issue in the series was great. I am anxiously awaiting to read what happens to the characters as they continue to find new ways to get into mischief. I see no reason that all of this can't become real.
January 29, 2021
Great Read!
I picked up the first book by chance and I have been hooked ever sense. Bob does a great job of telling the story and continuing the character and story arcs in each book. Look forward to the next.
I picked up the first book by chance and I have been hooked ever sense. Bob does a great job of telling the story and continuing the character and story arcs in each book. Look forward to the next.
February 2, 2021
Great evolution
I just love how this story has progressed. That there is always something that is different makes it so enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book in the series. If you have not read any of the books in this series then I highly recommend that you get started.
I just love how this story has progressed. That there is always something that is different makes it so enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book in the series. If you have not read any of the books in this series then I highly recommend that you get started.
February 11, 2021
An easy and enjoyable read. Best to read the books in sequence starting with book 1
Looking forward to reading other books by Bob Blanton. The series drew me in and kept me entertained in all books.
Looking forward to reading other books by Bob Blanton. The series drew me in and kept me entertained in all books.
February 14, 2021
A simple lighthearted good read
Pleasant uncomplicated series that reads easily and rapidly. Sometimes you just want a decent little book to pass the time and leave you in a good mood when you’re finished.
Pleasant uncomplicated series that reads easily and rapidly. Sometimes you just want a decent little book to pass the time and leave you in a good mood when you’re finished.
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