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Central Galactic Concordance #2.5
Zero Flux
A couple investigating murder on a cold planet discovers their first challenge is staying alive.
Forensic investigator Luka Foxe has begun a new life with Mairwen Morganthur (Overload Flux), and left his troubled past far behind. Only a plea from his old friend and mentor can lure him back to investigate a violent crime scene frozen in an ice cave. Unfortunately, Luka's old friend knows far more than he's telling, which could get them all killed, even with security specialist Mairwen on their side.
An unexpected ice fall reveals a hidden lab buried deep in a mountain and the find of a lifetime. Now someone is trying to make sure those secrets stay frozen in time, even if it means more deaths …
Hang on for a space opera murder mystery in the far reaches of deep space—get your copy of Zero Flux today!
Zero Flux is a complete story. It can be enjoyed without having read the series, but your experience will be enhanced if you've read Overload Flux.
Forensic investigator Luka Foxe has begun a new life with Mairwen Morganthur (Overload Flux), and left his troubled past far behind. Only a plea from his old friend and mentor can lure him back to investigate a violent crime scene frozen in an ice cave. Unfortunately, Luka's old friend knows far more than he's telling, which could get them all killed, even with security specialist Mairwen on their side.
An unexpected ice fall reveals a hidden lab buried deep in a mountain and the find of a lifetime. Now someone is trying to make sure those secrets stay frozen in time, even if it means more deaths …
Hang on for a space opera murder mystery in the far reaches of deep space—get your copy of Zero Flux today!
Zero Flux is a complete story. It can be enjoyed without having read the series, but your experience will be enhanced if you've read Overload Flux.
Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2015
About the author
Carol Van Natta
32 books314 followersCarol Van Natta writes science fiction and fantasy, including
Overload Flux, Minder Rising, Zero Flux, Pico's Crush,
and
Jumper's Hope,
the first five books in a space opera series;
In Graves Below (Magic, NM)
, a paranormal romance; and
Hooray for Holopticon
, a retro science fiction comedy. She shares her Fort Collins, CO home with a sometime mad scientist and various cats. Any violations of the laws of physics in her books is the fault of the cats, not the mad scientist. Be the first to know about new releases by signing up for her newsletter at bit.ly/CVN-news or read her blog at Author.CarolVanNatta.com, or find her on Facebook at CarolVanNattaAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 3, 2024
I was stoked to see this tweenie follow-up story to Overload Flux spotlighting Luka and Mairwen once again. They are back on Luka's icy homeworld to solve a cold case with his old mentor knowing more than he lets on.
Zero Flux comes between Mind Rising and Pico's Crush in the series order, but really it can be read any time after book one, Overload Flux.
Zero Flux jumps right into the situation with some detail of the culture and politics of the homeworld Luka gladly left behind. This was a quick read and more short story than novella so it got to point with not as much story development as one gets used to in the main books in the series. That said, I was more than happy to be back with Luka and Mairwen as a cold case warms up and danger threatens. There was a little work on the murder and a little exploration for the pair of lovers who are tied by love, but neither has said the words or pushed for them. I felt the situation with Luka's homeworld connection was actually less defined and then realized that this made sense the way things were.
I love this pair so I was only disappointed because I wanted longer time with them and see them continue working on their investigations and navigating a world of secrets that they must keep. It was a nice interlude that fans will enjoy.
Zero Flux comes between Mind Rising and Pico's Crush in the series order, but really it can be read any time after book one, Overload Flux.
Zero Flux jumps right into the situation with some detail of the culture and politics of the homeworld Luka gladly left behind. This was a quick read and more short story than novella so it got to point with not as much story development as one gets used to in the main books in the series. That said, I was more than happy to be back with Luka and Mairwen as a cold case warms up and danger threatens. There was a little work on the murder and a little exploration for the pair of lovers who are tied by love, but neither has said the words or pushed for them. I felt the situation with Luka's homeworld connection was actually less defined and then realized that this made sense the way things were.
I love this pair so I was only disappointed because I wanted longer time with them and see them continue working on their investigations and navigating a world of secrets that they must keep. It was a nice interlude that fans will enjoy.
December 13, 2018
Did I liked it? Yes.
Was it as good as the Overload Flux? No.
It could be because it was short. It's like one of the adventures from OF. Just one. Full. Stop.
There's no CPS, just a couple of people trying to gain power and money from a scientific find (that's the find of a lifetime!!). It was rather anticlimatic.
I still loved Luka and Mairwen and their closeness and love. Just for that I gave it 4 stars.
Was it as good as the Overload Flux? No.
It could be because it was short. It's like one of the adventures from OF. Just one. Full. Stop.
There's no CPS, just a couple of people trying to gain power and money from a scientific find (that's the find of a lifetime!!). It was rather anticlimatic.
I still loved Luka and Mairwen and their closeness and love. Just for that I gave it 4 stars.
January 23, 2017
3.5 stars! I enjoyed the short story but thought the ending didn't live up to expectations!
January 13, 2019
I've had this for a while now, but I kept putting off reading it because I knew I was just going to end up jonesing for more. I finally caved and yes, I am jonesing for more. I love these two characters and while a novella was fun, I desperately want more full length novels about them. And boy was it fun, it was pretty much nonstop mystery and action. *cries* I just want mooore!
February 3, 2016
After reading the first two books in the Central Galactic Concordance series, I was excited to see this novella featuring the two main characters from the first book, Overload Flux. I enjoyed seeing Luka and Mairwen again, and watching them investigate a case at the request of an old friend on Luka’s home world. It’s a cold, frozen world, and the crime scene is in an ice cave that holds more than just a couple of bodies. Luka uses his forensic skills, while Mairwen does what she does best, using her enhancements to keep them safe - as they work together to solve a case that hits really close to home for Luka. This was a great warm up for the next book in the series, Pico’s Crush, which I’m reading next.
December 30, 2015
Fun, but hampered by the length a bit. I could see this easily expanded in to a full length novel involving horrendous family/ planetary politics, a murder conspiracy, and perhaps some CPS lurking around the edges.
However, it does work as a briefer novella and though I found the "find of a lifetime" promised in the blurb to be a tiny bit of a let down (I guess technically it was, but it never really came across as an "OMG! This is the most amazing thing ever!" event), it was great to get a little more of Luka and Mairwen before I move on to book 2 of this series and the new characters.
However, it does work as a briefer novella and though I found the "find of a lifetime" promised in the blurb to be a tiny bit of a let down (I guess technically it was, but it never really came across as an "OMG! This is the most amazing thing ever!" event), it was great to get a little more of Luka and Mairwen before I move on to book 2 of this series and the new characters.
April 11, 2016
This is a short novella situated after book 2 and before book 3 in the Central Galactic Concordance series. The story brings back the two main characters from Book 1, taking Luka (and Mairwen) back to his cold, and definitely not beloved, home planet.
There's action, mystery, conflict, and a touch of romance. It was a nice brief read.
There's action, mystery, conflict, and a touch of romance. It was a nice brief read.
September 24, 2015
Nice quick read of two characters seen in the first novel of this series. Will be interesting to see how this novella gets tied into the events of subsequent books.
June 10, 2018
This was a fun short novella following Mairwen and Luka when they go to Luka's home planet to solve a very cold case. There is a bit of mystery and I enjoyed spending a bit more time with Luka and Mairwen.
The mystery and the case they had to solve wasn't as complex or long as the ones in the full length books, but it still was a fun read. I liked how they slowly figured out what had happened here and how far someone would go to protect their secrets.
There are some small mentions of events in the main series and Luka and Mairwen are already an established couple, but this one might work as introduction to the series. Although personally I think it works best read in order. I wonder if the events in this novella will tie in with the main plot lines as well eventually.
I really like both Mairwen and Luka and it was great to spend some time with them again in this novella. I also liked seeing how they were doing now and how the were settles into their new lives and in their relationship a bit more than at the end of Overload Flux. It was lovely revisiting them again and I hope to see them in the rest of the series too. They are just so great together and I am happy the author wrote this novella about them.
To summarize: this was a fun addition to the series. I liked spending a bit more time with Luka and Mairwen. The mystery is a bit shorter than in the main novels, but it was still a fun read and I enjoyed discovering what had happened here. I also thought it was interesting we got to visit Luka's home planet and I liked the bits we see about how Luka and Mairwen are doing now. It can be read as standalone probably, but I think it's most fun when read in order and it's a great series so far. All in all this was a fun read and an awesome series so far and I like every new bit we learn about this universe and the people in it.
The mystery and the case they had to solve wasn't as complex or long as the ones in the full length books, but it still was a fun read. I liked how they slowly figured out what had happened here and how far someone would go to protect their secrets.
There are some small mentions of events in the main series and Luka and Mairwen are already an established couple, but this one might work as introduction to the series. Although personally I think it works best read in order. I wonder if the events in this novella will tie in with the main plot lines as well eventually.
I really like both Mairwen and Luka and it was great to spend some time with them again in this novella. I also liked seeing how they were doing now and how the were settles into their new lives and in their relationship a bit more than at the end of Overload Flux. It was lovely revisiting them again and I hope to see them in the rest of the series too. They are just so great together and I am happy the author wrote this novella about them.
To summarize: this was a fun addition to the series. I liked spending a bit more time with Luka and Mairwen. The mystery is a bit shorter than in the main novels, but it was still a fun read and I enjoyed discovering what had happened here. I also thought it was interesting we got to visit Luka's home planet and I liked the bits we see about how Luka and Mairwen are doing now. It can be read as standalone probably, but I think it's most fun when read in order and it's a great series so far. All in all this was a fun read and an awesome series so far and I like every new bit we learn about this universe and the people in it.
September 24, 2017
likeable story!
This novella fits perfectly between two stories and it's a wonderful story that continues from the book previous story. It brings in characters that were enjoyed in Overload Flux, and brings policing the universe to a new level. Luka and Mairwen are once again brought together, and for a short, it's very well put together, with great detail and closure to the story. It is a good segway into the next book in the series.
This novella fits perfectly between two stories and it's a wonderful story that continues from the book previous story. It brings in characters that were enjoyed in Overload Flux, and brings policing the universe to a new level. Luka and Mairwen are once again brought together, and for a short, it's very well put together, with great detail and closure to the story. It is a good segway into the next book in the series.
April 23, 2018
Thoroughly engaging story. Reading Overload Flux first is definitely a good idea. Luka and Mairwen are on another adventure, this time on his home planet. As always, Ms. Van Natta includes terrific, but unobtrusive, world building, likable characters, and life or death situations. Her books are always great reads.
March 9, 2018
Good story
Unfortunately, because this is a novella, it leaves too many loose ends for my taste; however, it gives us a taste of Lukas background and a bit of life in his new agency. As usual, lots of exciting action.
Unfortunately, because this is a novella, it leaves too many loose ends for my taste; however, it gives us a taste of Lukas background and a bit of life in his new agency. As usual, lots of exciting action.
July 4, 2019
This novella seemed mostly to remind readers that the characters from the first book still exist.
August 30, 2017
Goodness what a book. Wouldn't let me put it down until I finished it. First time for this author, superb read.
February 6, 2018
I wished it were a longer story, because I really enjoyed revisiting the protagonists from the first novel.
May 24, 2018
not bad but also not that engaging
July 12, 2021
Zero Flux
Too short and cold. Mairwen is impressive as is Luka in their talents but ice and snow wait for no one and neither does family or murder.
Too short and cold. Mairwen is impressive as is Luka in their talents but ice and snow wait for no one and neither does family or murder.
July 27, 2021
Old friends
Glad to see Luka and Mairwen once again. They are cool characters and have distinctive skill sets. This series continues to be a fun read.
Glad to see Luka and Mairwen once again. They are cool characters and have distinctive skill sets. This series continues to be a fun read.
March 6, 2022
DNF due to boredom at 45%
April 2, 2024
Another Great Story
Loving this series & lovely to see the characters from book oneagain. I'm off to read the next book - Pico's Crush
Loving this series & lovely to see the characters from book oneagain. I'm off to read the next book - Pico's Crush
September 15, 2016
What I liked:
Although I mistakenly took this mid-series side story to be a prequel, I didn't feel lost or out of depth. There was enough back story and strength of character for this to be read as a standalone/out of sequence story, though probably better read in its correct series order. I'm also a sucker for psi abilities/genetic and/or mechanical enhancements, so those elements in this novella had me hooked. The tech was a comfortable level for those who don't want a shedload of science but enough to interest me and leave me wanting more ie to read the other books.
What I didn't like:
Despite the MCs precarious position, the tension was lacking. I didn't really feel the full sense of danger and possibility of death. It also felt a touch abrupt/incomplete at the end but as part of a series I didn't have a huge problem with that particular issue.
In conclusion:
This is a murder mystery for fans of space opera along the lines of Star Trek/Farscape, and who like a reasonable level of tech but are willing to find their SciFi smexiness in the other books (since there was only a hint in this particular story). Also for those who like ice planets, and for those who want a quick SF mystery fix. While it can stand alone, I would probably recommend reading it in correct sequence.
Although I mistakenly took this mid-series side story to be a prequel, I didn't feel lost or out of depth. There was enough back story and strength of character for this to be read as a standalone/out of sequence story, though probably better read in its correct series order. I'm also a sucker for psi abilities/genetic and/or mechanical enhancements, so those elements in this novella had me hooked. The tech was a comfortable level for those who don't want a shedload of science but enough to interest me and leave me wanting more ie to read the other books.
What I didn't like:
Despite the MCs precarious position, the tension was lacking. I didn't really feel the full sense of danger and possibility of death. It also felt a touch abrupt/incomplete at the end but as part of a series I didn't have a huge problem with that particular issue.
In conclusion:
This is a murder mystery for fans of space opera along the lines of Star Trek/Farscape, and who like a reasonable level of tech but are willing to find their SciFi smexiness in the other books (since there was only a hint in this particular story). Also for those who like ice planets, and for those who want a quick SF mystery fix. While it can stand alone, I would probably recommend reading it in correct sequence.
October 14, 2016
The novelette, Zero Flux, from the Central Galactic Concordance series revisits the characters introduced in Overload Flux. I think the novelette works as a stand-alone, but since I read this book the day after I finished Overload Flux I can't really judge.
A science fiction police procedural with some action-adventure on the side and a breath of romance (our main characters are still deeply in love).
This time the murder mystery centers around a cold case - literally and figuratively - the murder happened over 20 years ago and has been frozen in-situ thanks to the ice planet. Several red herrings keep the reader guessing as the story unfolds, combine nicely with the danger of working in the ice and snow. Winter doesn't like it frozen vignette being investigated and dumps several additional challenges on our hero and heroine; the cold is only the beginning.
Ms. Van Natta is doing a good job of slowly introducing readers to the Concordance universe; the worldbuilding is getting better each manuscript.
A science fiction police procedural with some action-adventure on the side and a breath of romance (our main characters are still deeply in love).
This time the murder mystery centers around a cold case - literally and figuratively - the murder happened over 20 years ago and has been frozen in-situ thanks to the ice planet. Several red herrings keep the reader guessing as the story unfolds, combine nicely with the danger of working in the ice and snow. Winter doesn't like it frozen vignette being investigated and dumps several additional challenges on our hero and heroine; the cold is only the beginning.
Ms. Van Natta is doing a good job of slowly introducing readers to the Concordance universe; the worldbuilding is getting better each manuscript.
September 30, 2015
Nice little story
Not much of a murder mystery. More of a thriller. A small amount of backstory.
It really lacked depth. While it was mildly interesting, there wasn't anything to figure out. You don't know too much more about the characters and the world than you did at the beginning.
Still, nice enough as a momentary diversion.
Not much of a murder mystery. More of a thriller. A small amount of backstory.
It really lacked depth. While it was mildly interesting, there wasn't anything to figure out. You don't know too much more about the characters and the world than you did at the beginning.
Still, nice enough as a momentary diversion.
June 19, 2016
Another fun visit with Luka and Mairwen.
July 30, 2016
Not much to this. I suppose I got what I paid for, but it's not even a nice vignette. Feels more like a short story that never had quite enough legs to make it.
September 8, 2020
Novella featuring Luka & Mairwen. I liked it cause I love these 2 together and Mairwen's almost stoic demeanor which hides such terrifying competence.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews