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Review Date: 4/6/2009
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"I like books about artifacts. I don't know if i can find enough of them :) this book starts slow although the storyline finaly picks up and draws you in. of course for me it was the wait to find the artifact or in this case a whole alien planet. i'm sure if you enjoyed most of Mcdevitts books you will enjoy this one. Its probably a unknown sleeper."
Review Date: 4/9/2009
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Well here we are Book #3 of "The Lost Fleet". this book starts off slow and although i've been waiting to read this book it was almost to slow, the first space battle was quick, maybe a bit too quick. three or four pages for space battle and 60 or so meandering in hyperspace between planet systems. This book included a neat chart of all the ships in the Alliance Fleet, which give you a feel for how big the fleet is but it didn't include a short excerpt on what basiclly each ship could do, of course you can get a grasp of what they can do in the storyline but it would have been nice to include it. one thing that it does bring to mind is that in space there are different levels or planes that the battle can take place on. and Captin John "Black Jack" Geary is able to take advantage of this type of battleplan using specific formations that expound the resources he has at hand. Something that it seems both the Alliance & Syndics have forgotten how to do. One thing that would have been nice for the reader is a chart of systems and the jump points between them. So after the slow start the storyline returns to the normal pace of the previous two books and ends waiting on the next book addition. :) so onward we go :)"
Review Date: 3/31/2009
10 member(s) found this review helpful.
"I picked this book because i've read several sci-fi military series , i love series and this author looks like he has a winner with The Lost Fleet. The book is original in that it is military sci-fi with character development and a plot that continues to expand. First throw in a Legandary Hero "Black Jack Geary" and his thoughts as he trying to adjust to his new surrounds are amusing and totally in character but as he comes to grip with having been thrown into command of a fleet trapped behind enemy lines with little hope of survival. This book is full of great space battles and a 100 year war with traditions that have been forgottem or thrown out in space, traditions that will soon be reinstalled to continue the traditions that have gone on before. This is a fun and interesting book that keeps the reader involved and waiting for the next book.... I look forward to reading the next book."
Review Date: 6/26/2010
"interesting book , i had read another from the same author and thought i'ld read this one . it has an imaginative storyline and does at times shine but it has a bit of lackluster moments and gives the effect of a Sherlock Holmes meets ET . Its actually a quick fun read i just didn't give it a great rating. has some alien artifact story involvement but don't confuse this with anything like a mcdevitt series. A enjoyable read for 3 stars"
Review Date: 4/16/2009
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
"I don't think i've ever written a bad review for McDevitt but this one will probably rate as one of my lowest for him. I have enjoyed every other book i've read from this author. I would rate it lower than Polaris & Seeker, but it does have a mystery storyline. The Storyline takes about 100 pages just to setup and from then it slowly developes. The story by far delves into the political dynamics of a distant planet Salud Afar, which stands outside the Galactic disk and whose night sky is dominated by only one star. it is a good story and i guess i'm being to cross when dealing with this author, or maybe he's setting us up with a Priscilla Hutchins type book next. Cause the mention of a world with a long gone civilization lies within 1200 light years from this planet "Salud Afar". This book is listed on several peoples' wish list, i just hope they can endure the slow story long enough to enjoy the book. Hopefully the author takes a hint and explores the above mention for his next book."
Review Date: 4/5/2009
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
"This is the second book in the Lost Fleet series that follows the adventures of Black Jack Geary. The second book picks up where the first left off, a Fleet of ships trapped behind enemy lines trying to outguess the defenders and find their way home.Facing impossible odds and challanges that would cause a normal commander to surrender at the first possible chance. This commander continues on driving the Fleet toward ,or away as it seems, home. I enjoyed the first book and I loved this one, so much i went online and couldn't find the next book here so i bought it from amazon so i can continue the adventure. The story talks about jump gates (points) and super jump gates (points). Both are not new to Sci-fi but this author adds a twist that only starts to reveil itself in this book. The super gate technology might have been gained from an alien race , unknown to the Alliance or anybody abord the fleet and no records in the database describe this contact with an unknown alien race. The author leaves this avenue open i'm sure to add more to the plot further down the road in future books of the series.
Jack Campbells view of space travel and space warfare are realistic from a reader point of view and probably more "real like" to future space travel. I'm looking foward to the next book in the series and exploring the unknown alien race and their involvement in this series storyline."
Jack Campbells view of space travel and space warfare are realistic from a reader point of view and probably more "real like" to future space travel. I'm looking foward to the next book in the series and exploring the unknown alien race and their involvement in this series storyline."
Review Date: 5/7/2009
"This is for book #2 of the Inheritance Trilogy. This book meshed a little better than the first but still had some problems, I still enjoyed it as i do most Military Sci-Fi. Like the first book the author has the ability to convey what it probably would be like being a Marine in the 25th Century, the equipment, the weapons, the battle placements were all spot on.
Ian Douglas has presented the Marine in a first person prospective and like Jack Campbell who also had marines in his "The Lost Fleet Series" presented those charaters in a second person prospective. Both authors did a very good job conveying to the reader what was going on but the first person feel sits right at home and lets you view into the soldier. The book flowed fairly well, and i didn't want to nit-pic at the writting but there are two or three places that you will get a deja vu feeling, it wasn't distracting but just added information that looks to have been added several times in the story.
Again (like the first book) If you like action , space battles, a background of what a marine would be like in the future this is probably a book you would want to read. The author continues to upgrade tech improvments to a fighting soldier of the future and to space faring ships. I gave it a 4 1/2 stars but i like Military Sci-Fi, going up against an unknown enemy, exploring the unknown type space series.The author has a lot of high tech ideas and they sound very interesting. The way this book ended it could very well be the end of this series but its called a Trilogy so there must be another planned in the future. Enjoy"
Ian Douglas has presented the Marine in a first person prospective and like Jack Campbell who also had marines in his "The Lost Fleet Series" presented those charaters in a second person prospective. Both authors did a very good job conveying to the reader what was going on but the first person feel sits right at home and lets you view into the soldier. The book flowed fairly well, and i didn't want to nit-pic at the writting but there are two or three places that you will get a deja vu feeling, it wasn't distracting but just added information that looks to have been added several times in the story.
Again (like the first book) If you like action , space battles, a background of what a marine would be like in the future this is probably a book you would want to read. The author continues to upgrade tech improvments to a fighting soldier of the future and to space faring ships. I gave it a 4 1/2 stars but i like Military Sci-Fi, going up against an unknown enemy, exploring the unknown type space series.The author has a lot of high tech ideas and they sound very interesting. The way this book ended it could very well be the end of this series but its called a Trilogy so there must be another planned in the future. Enjoy"
Review Date: 10/13/2010
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Interesting book but somehow it left me wanting. Though the book is lacking sound character development and jumps right into the story. It could really used some build up or explanation of what was going on but fell flat in several areas. The Book has some really good ideas and probably could have expanded on the ending instead of leaving it like it was, so as a trilogy it would have probably fared better. At times the plot was confusing, some issues with the characters which at time were too vague, probably keeps the reading wanting more to develop. At the middle of the book it starts to pull together as the reader realizes what the story has evolved into. The story seems original but also seems like several other books that I've read. I do enjoy this author and intend to read another of his books. I did like it and gave it three stars although many readers will probably rate it closer to 2 or 2 1/2 . Enjoy"
Review Date: 6/26/2010
"My first book from this author ( but a few more on the shelves). This one the storyline on the back cover sounds interesting. this inside story isn't a let down , although is my first read about clones used in this way. Shatterlings flying around the galaxy seeking information. although not a perfect book, i gave it 4 stars for detail and enjoyment. most readers looking for the unknown or searching for the truth , the author has presented a story that will stretch the imagination with this galaxy spanning saga."
Review Date: 2/22/2009
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"The Myriad Tour of the Merrimack #1
This book was enjoyable! Started & finished quickly wanting more. Luckily its a series and i requested Books #2 ( Star Wolf) & #3 (The Sagittarius Command). Started out as a war between Two sides the US & Romans (Palatine Empire) while there are several other parties involved LEN (League of Earth Nations) several Alien planets. It Seemed Strange that after I read Book 1 and now i'm almost finished with book #2 I would have to say the book order almost seems backwards. If i were to start the series again or if i were to suggest this book to someone else i would say start with book #2 first and then read book #1.
Read order
Book #2 Wolf Star
Book #1 Myriad"
This book was enjoyable! Started & finished quickly wanting more. Luckily its a series and i requested Books #2 ( Star Wolf) & #3 (The Sagittarius Command). Started out as a war between Two sides the US & Romans (Palatine Empire) while there are several other parties involved LEN (League of Earth Nations) several Alien planets. It Seemed Strange that after I read Book 1 and now i'm almost finished with book #2 I would have to say the book order almost seems backwards. If i were to start the series again or if i were to suggest this book to someone else i would say start with book #2 first and then read book #1.
Read order
Book #2 Wolf Star
Book #1 Myriad"
Review Date: 1/11/2009
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Slow starting but gained momentum quickly, tends to have a certain ups and downs but over all a good read. this book has some slight scenes with an unknown alien and also deals with an unknown artifact. main story revolves around the pre-industrial race of the planet "World" and their shared reality. Others who do not share this reality are called the "unreal""
Review Date: 5/1/2009
"Book #2 "Probability Sun" The characters are well developed and most are continued from the first book "Probability Moon". The author also throws in characters on ship orbiting the planet, an alien enemy that almost nothing is known of and a artifact that might prove to be the boost the military needs to gain an upper hand in a war they are seriously overmatched in. The story is an engaging blend of military sci-fi and a First contact situation with a culture hard for Earth humans to understand. The Book is enjoyable and has enough detail to keep the reader involved with either unknown artifacts or a alien culture with moral dilemmas and suspense. The ending leaves the door open for a third book."
Review Date: 5/15/2009
"This book takes place after The Hostile Takeover Trilogy (Profiteer, Partisan & Revolutionary) set 200 years after the fall of the Confederacy , but will stand alone and is considered book #1 of the Apotheosis Trilogy. The Author also has several other books out that might play into the story or the base of it. This book started slow and jumped into the religion side of the story and breaks down several sides / rivals of the human & Alien space. The future star-spanning human culture has three specific technological developments; AI's , genetic engineered humans and a hatred, almost to a fear of self-replicating nanomachines of which there is a complete and utter ban on. With this stand against nanotechnology, it allows the bringer of these advances to be seen as the devil. The Story finally speeds up midway through the book and is enjoyable enough to keep the reader interested. Although i didn't care for the ending of the book i'm sure it sets up the storyline for the next book of the trilogy. The story is good, but I couldn't decide between a 3 or 4 Stars so i settled on 3 1/2. I felt the author could have explained certain advancments later in the book , advancments that certainly should have happened just probably by other races in the story , and also my dislike for the ending."
Review Date: 4/26/2009
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"While the author presents a couple of interesting ideas he doesn't explain them much or explore the tech side much. The StoryLine is, overall slow and very drawn-out. The plot takes a long time to develop establishing two main characters reasonably well, but flounders on the background of any other characters. The Storyline involving alien lifecraft is vauge but could be expected when examining the unknown. Once inside the alien spacecraft, the descriptions and action, what little there are , are tiringly repititious and uninspired especially when dealing with the surroundings. The author doesn't convey a good sense of the surroundings and it seemed like to me it left the reader guessing on what the surroundings was like or at least wanting to know more so they could figure out what it would be like. The Story has kinda a "Chindi from McDevitt" feel but just didn't transpire enough information to the reader. with a little work and character background, some tech buildup & information this book could have easily been a 4 or 5 star book, but as it is i gave it a 3 Stars. took about two days to finish but this could easily be one of those book that you place on the may read but if you pass, you haven't missed the best book. Hopefully this author will continue until he reaches his 5 Star Book. There are so few writers out there that can write a book about artifacts and make it seem real, I hope he continues until he has a winning book with a unique feel of its own."
Review Date: 4/30/2009
"Ok Book #5 of the Lost Fleet "Relentless" The story continues and at times it seem to slow or pause and during these slow times or pauses the author was going into deeper detail of things that going on or that had happened. I didn't notice that during the previous 4 books (or notice it as much). I wouldn't say that it cause the book to flow unevenly but it causes you to notice. I actually enjoyed the extra information. Its another good book by the author. I'm sure if you enjoyed the first 4 books of the series that you will enjoy this book too.
I still think Book #4 is the best so far in the series. But I was ready for this book and some will have noticed cause i finished it in less than a day. Although this book clears up most of the loose ends, I feel the author still has left the door open for another book or two or with a name change start another series and continue the story, Ending the long fought war with the Syndics and exploring the unknown aliens on the other side of Syndic space. Who are these aliens? Why have the Syndics keep them a secret? These are question I feel the author will explore next.
Look for more books by this author under his real name " John G. Hemry "."
I still think Book #4 is the best so far in the series. But I was ready for this book and some will have noticed cause i finished it in less than a day. Although this book clears up most of the loose ends, I feel the author still has left the door open for another book or two or with a name change start another series and continue the story, Ending the long fought war with the Syndics and exploring the unknown aliens on the other side of Syndic space. Who are these aliens? Why have the Syndics keep them a secret? These are question I feel the author will explore next.
Look for more books by this author under his real name " John G. Hemry "."
Review Date: 3/3/2009
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Very Good book for this author, lots of room to expand here. would enjoy the author to continue the story or even back date a book or to to explain / explore other storylines within this venue. I've always enjoyed artifact books this one has a Gateway effect with a twist .... lots of other alien races."
Review Date: 8/19/2009
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"I was introduced to this author with Ship of Fools, which for me a Sci-Fi / horror both, thrown together with strong characters, a look into religion and the idea of god in a dark and hostile place "Space". After I read Ship of Fools, I picked up this book looking to see if the author could continue delivering a good reading book maybe a bit less scary with the same intensity in the plot.
The author delivers a good story with a background in artifacts (I love books about artifacts) and being in a hostile environment on a backwoods planet. But his lack of attention to filling in detail in "Ship of Fools" where it helped to add to the sense of mystery and abandonment and lets the readers' imagination run a bit. Here with this story it just falls flat leaving you to feel shortchanged. Russo inserts intriguing ideas here and there in the novel trying to keep the readers interest, but he doesn't follow through in bringing them to the forefront. Mostly in dealing with discovering alien artifacts in and alien city mostly are left very vague.
The story for me never actually kicked in, it just got started and ran at the same monotone speed never giving the reader a spike in interest or climax and no low point's, just one speed.
I enjoyed several ideas in the book and felt it could have been better maybe longer and several areas could use some in depth background so the reader might enjoy delving into the story and ideals presented. This book of the two i read isn't bad but could use some work and falls 2nd out of two. I'll give it 2 1/2 stars (but its boarderline and could easily have been a 2 star book). Another one of those books that s an ok read but if you miss it you probably won't miss much."
The author delivers a good story with a background in artifacts (I love books about artifacts) and being in a hostile environment on a backwoods planet. But his lack of attention to filling in detail in "Ship of Fools" where it helped to add to the sense of mystery and abandonment and lets the readers' imagination run a bit. Here with this story it just falls flat leaving you to feel shortchanged. Russo inserts intriguing ideas here and there in the novel trying to keep the readers interest, but he doesn't follow through in bringing them to the forefront. Mostly in dealing with discovering alien artifacts in and alien city mostly are left very vague.
The story for me never actually kicked in, it just got started and ran at the same monotone speed never giving the reader a spike in interest or climax and no low point's, just one speed.
I enjoyed several ideas in the book and felt it could have been better maybe longer and several areas could use some in depth background so the reader might enjoy delving into the story and ideals presented. This book of the two i read isn't bad but could use some work and falls 2nd out of two. I'll give it 2 1/2 stars (but its boarderline and could easily have been a 2 star book). Another one of those books that s an ok read but if you miss it you probably won't miss much."
Review Date: 3/3/2009
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
"This is book three , it seemed a bit rushed and ran into serious problems that didn't transition very well but recovered shortly. Several venues weren't exploried and probably could have been and extended the series into 4 books. Overall it was ok and completed the series.If the Author was to revise the story line it would be good to expand on the journey to the heart of Hive territory and the hardships getting there."
Review Date: 6/6/2009
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Ok This is book # 3 of the Inheritance Trilogy, I gave the book 5 stars but wait before you rush out and get it... I enjoyed the storyline of the first two books of this trilogy and waited for the third book, everything the first two books were..... this one isn't. This book starts off (or resumes the series) really slow, almost slow enough to loose my interest but i hung in there and the plot did play into the storyline but it sure took a long time getting there. Once there the author resumes the old "i know how to fight" even throwing out some new ideals about technology and the future.I liked everything about this author except how he sometimes throws it into neutral and seems like it gets stuck there. so After you get about 1/2 way the book kicks in and is mostly enjoyable, there are some informative points in the dead zone (or neutral).I did enjoy the ending and maybe look forward to something else from this author... Enjoy"
Review Date: 5/19/2009
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Ship of Fools by Richard Paul Russo
I haven't read anything from this author before but the back of the book sounded interesting. The first person narative is great with Bartolomeo, being unique in himself, and talking about everything around him.
I won't say the book is well written (and it could be me, this isn't usually my style of sci-fi and its a new author for me), but it draws you in and leaves you in the end with a chill down your spine. I'm not a big fan of horror but this one had a twist a "Sci-Fi / Mystery / Horror". The story leaves you with questions or maybe the author allows you to draw your own conclusions. Sometimes this is good and others leaves you wondering.
The book had kind of a creepy feeling about it, and at times an almost "Event Horizons" feel if i can compare it to that movie/book. The book has its internal power-struggles and unique personal situations, on a huge spaceship that has been in space for centuries.The ship has run into problems in the past and is tracking down signals. What they find might be more than what they expected. Enjoy"
I haven't read anything from this author before but the back of the book sounded interesting. The first person narative is great with Bartolomeo, being unique in himself, and talking about everything around him.
I won't say the book is well written (and it could be me, this isn't usually my style of sci-fi and its a new author for me), but it draws you in and leaves you in the end with a chill down your spine. I'm not a big fan of horror but this one had a twist a "Sci-Fi / Mystery / Horror". The story leaves you with questions or maybe the author allows you to draw your own conclusions. Sometimes this is good and others leaves you wondering.
The book had kind of a creepy feeling about it, and at times an almost "Event Horizons" feel if i can compare it to that movie/book. The book has its internal power-struggles and unique personal situations, on a huge spaceship that has been in space for centuries.The ship has run into problems in the past and is tracking down signals. What they find might be more than what they expected. Enjoy"
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