What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lost Fleet: Outlands #3
Implacable
Admiral John 鈥淏lack Jack鈥� Geary fears the greatest threat to humanity may be itself in this gripping continuation of the New York Times bestselling series.
As far from explored space as any human has ever been, Geary and the Alliance fleet are on their own, protecting a diplomatic mission in territory belonging to an alien species with still-unknown motives. His already complex and dangerous mission is further imperiled by deadly challenges from other human factions seeking to harm or exploit the aliens. When another alien species whose technology is far more advanced than humanity鈥檚 arrives, the stakes are raised to the highest possible level. Only the most serious danger comes from an unexpected source. When presented with orders to carry out actions he believes not only are mistaken but would be contrary to the ideals of the Alliance, Geary has to finally decide whether he must invoke the power that his long-revered name holds, all the while knowing that this might endanger his entire fleet, tear apart the Alliance, and destroy everything he has fought for.
As far from explored space as any human has ever been, Geary and the Alliance fleet are on their own, protecting a diplomatic mission in territory belonging to an alien species with still-unknown motives. His already complex and dangerous mission is further imperiled by deadly challenges from other human factions seeking to harm or exploit the aliens. When another alien species whose technology is far more advanced than humanity鈥檚 arrives, the stakes are raised to the highest possible level. Only the most serious danger comes from an unexpected source. When presented with orders to carry out actions he believes not only are mistaken but would be contrary to the ideals of the Alliance, Geary has to finally decide whether he must invoke the power that his long-revered name holds, all the while knowing that this might endanger his entire fleet, tear apart the Alliance, and destroy everything he has fought for.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2023
117 people are currently reading
2,332 people want to read
About the author
Jack Campbell
107听books2,989听followersJack Campbell is a pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 29, 2023
Tension, protection for a diplomatic mission, and alien species kickstart an excellent book by Jack Campbell:
Implacable
. Admiral John Black Jack Geary鈥檚 Alliance fleet has been sent to protect a diplomatic mission to the territory belonging to the Dancers. The Dancers are called that due to their movements. They resemble spiders with a wolf鈥檚 head and their intentions are unknown. When another alien species with superior technology arrives, the mission becomes even more complicated. However, the most serious danger comes when Admiral Geary is presented with orders that he believes are contrary to the ideals of the Alliance. Will he obey them or risk tearing apart the Alliance and endangering his fleet?
It was amazing to see Admiral Geary respond to events as they occurred. His outlook on the Alliance as well as the fleet he is responsible for is always clear. He is viewed as a hero by many, but some of his actions in this novel are questioned by some of his fleet officers. Many characters brim with personality. But which of their agendas are for the good of all and which ones are self-serving?
This book is the third one in The Lost Fleet: Outlands series. There are several other subseries in the The Lost Fleet collection as well. Since this is the first book I have read by this author, it took me a short while to get into the story and understand who was who. There are many characters in this novel, but several have been in prior books. If you鈥檝e read them, it will likely be easy to reconnect with old friends.
The plot is twisty with harrowing scenes, plenty of layers, thought-provoking instances, and a larger-than-life protagonist. The multiple conflicts and the diplomatic challenges move the story forward rapidly. Relationships, power, knowledge, and understanding others who are different play varying roles in this tense science fiction thriller. A new threat seems to lurk around every corner. Trying to understand the fallout from the actions of Admiral Geary, aliens, and other Alliance officers expanded the story and kept me turning the pages. While many of the threads in this story line are brought to a satisfactory conclusion, there are some things left to be revealed in the next book in the series.
Overall, this is a tense and exciting science fiction thriller that kept me on an emotional rollercoaster. It was engaging, atmospheric, and suspenseful and did a great job of keeping me hooked. I can鈥檛 wait to see what happens next. I recommend reading this series in order. Enthusiasts of space exploration science fiction thrillers will likely enjoy this novel.
Berkley Publishing Group 鈥� Ace and Jack Campbell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 04, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------
My 3.91 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
It was amazing to see Admiral Geary respond to events as they occurred. His outlook on the Alliance as well as the fleet he is responsible for is always clear. He is viewed as a hero by many, but some of his actions in this novel are questioned by some of his fleet officers. Many characters brim with personality. But which of their agendas are for the good of all and which ones are self-serving?
This book is the third one in The Lost Fleet: Outlands series. There are several other subseries in the The Lost Fleet collection as well. Since this is the first book I have read by this author, it took me a short while to get into the story and understand who was who. There are many characters in this novel, but several have been in prior books. If you鈥檝e read them, it will likely be easy to reconnect with old friends.
The plot is twisty with harrowing scenes, plenty of layers, thought-provoking instances, and a larger-than-life protagonist. The multiple conflicts and the diplomatic challenges move the story forward rapidly. Relationships, power, knowledge, and understanding others who are different play varying roles in this tense science fiction thriller. A new threat seems to lurk around every corner. Trying to understand the fallout from the actions of Admiral Geary, aliens, and other Alliance officers expanded the story and kept me turning the pages. While many of the threads in this story line are brought to a satisfactory conclusion, there are some things left to be revealed in the next book in the series.
Overall, this is a tense and exciting science fiction thriller that kept me on an emotional rollercoaster. It was engaging, atmospheric, and suspenseful and did a great job of keeping me hooked. I can鈥檛 wait to see what happens next. I recommend reading this series in order. Enthusiasts of space exploration science fiction thrillers will likely enjoy this novel.
Berkley Publishing Group 鈥� Ace and Jack Campbell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for July 04, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------
My 3.91 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
September 29, 2023
3.0猸� Original Review July 21, 2023
This book wraps up nicely the latest arc in the endless space opera saga of Black Jack Geary and his not-Lost Fleet. Let's be honest - it's formulaic with shallow characterization, corny jokes and occasionally painful dialogue. Who cares? It's got all the space battles, aliens ( this time it's hippie octopuses with super advanced technology), and cheap heroics you need. I make no apologies for this guilty pleasure. It provided a welcome few hours of distraction from a miserable cold. I must admit the ending was glaringly obvious but so what? Of course I'll read the next inevitable, installment. -30-
P.s. I did enjoy the crazy ( literally), monomanical tech billionaire who thinks only he has the map to the future. Elon, much?
September 2023 Reread.
Just needed a quick reality break, back in Black Jack Gearyland. Also checking to see if I missed any subtle nuances the first time through. Nope.
This book wraps up nicely the latest arc in the endless space opera saga of Black Jack Geary and his not-Lost Fleet. Let's be honest - it's formulaic with shallow characterization, corny jokes and occasionally painful dialogue. Who cares? It's got all the space battles, aliens ( this time it's hippie octopuses with super advanced technology), and cheap heroics you need. I make no apologies for this guilty pleasure. It provided a welcome few hours of distraction from a miserable cold. I must admit the ending was glaringly obvious but so what? Of course I'll read the next inevitable, installment. -30-
P.s. I did enjoy the crazy ( literally), monomanical tech billionaire who thinks only he has the map to the future. Elon, much?
September 2023 Reread.
Just needed a quick reality break, back in Black Jack Gearyland. Also checking to see if I missed any subtle nuances the first time through. Nope.
July 31, 2023
I am a big fan of Jack Campbell books. I have read all the Lost Fleet Series and the spin offs. Implacable is his latest book. The book is fast moving, and well written as are all the Campbell space opera books. Can not wait for the next edition.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and forty-five minutes. Christian Rummel does an excellent job narrating the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and forty-five minutes. Christian Rummel does an excellent job narrating the series.
2023
June 6, 2024馃摫 Thank you to NetGalley and Ace
July 7, 2023
Excellent installment
Another good Blackjack Geary novel with questions of ethics and insane orders brought up. I had a lot of fun with this one. I will say that I hope they eventually do address the incompetence of the Alliance civilian government.
Another good Blackjack Geary novel with questions of ethics and insane orders brought up. I had a lot of fun with this one. I will say that I hope they eventually do address the incompetence of the Alliance civilian government.
July 15, 2023
Very fun, as usual. About the only things preventing me from giving all 5 stars are the lack of character development and a few aspects of the story that don't seem to have had much relevance.
July 13, 2023
If you have enjoyed Jack Campbell's other series, Lost Fleet and Beyond the Frontier, and Lost Stars, 听Genesis Fleet series, you will love this too.听 I started reading Jack Campbell in 2015 when I was sent an ARC of one of the Leviathon, which was the final book in the Beyond the Frontier series.听 听Of course with my OCD,听 I had to read the previous NINE books before I could read it.听 I was in the middle of moving from Minnesota to North Carolina, so I got the audio CDs from the library.听 And thus, my love affair with this world began.
Everything I have said in previous reviews is still true. I am hopelessly attached to these characters. They have been through so much with the battles and betrayals and greedy businesspeople and politicians.听 In spire of everything, they remain smart and compassionate.听 Yes, you need to read this series in order for the world-building and character developments. 听 And you want to read every book because I love them. So much.
Our main character, Geary, has been sidelined a bit. The Council sent him off to deal with aliens, starting with the Dancers (also called spider-wolves).听 They've sent along a diplomat who is "in charge" but Geary has his own long time team who has communicated with the Dancers.听 They also meet the Taon and Wooareek.
Then the Syndics show up with not just their usual plan to control everything but long jump insanity as well.听 The Dancers leave Geary and his Alliance to handle them.听 Geary doesn't want to fire on them because he doesn't want the Dancers to see him do that but he also doesn't want the Syndics to harm the Dancers.听 The Dancers are determined to stay out of it as human problem is human problem.
So goes the rest of our story.听 Another group from the Alliance shows up with new orders for Geary to get on with making an agreement to secure Dancer technology even if they have to battle them!听 But they don't even know about the Taon and Wooareek, who also have technology well beyond the human capabilities.
The Dancers finally say they want to settle the agreement in 6 days or the Alliance should leave their star system. Everyone tried to figure out how to create an agreement they will accept.听 In the end, Geary comes up with an idea based on history. It's brilliant.
Implacable is the third in the new Outlands series which is the farthest into the future of the Lost Fleet world. I love the chance to see these many beloved characters in their new mission forming relationships with other species.听 听The politicians want Geary out of the way as he is too popular with the people and there are assassination attempts as well.听 Geary is outstanding in the military missions and commanding the fleet, but he is also a great strategist and is learning politics and diplomacy.听 I highly recommend all these series in this world.
One
Everything had gone very smoothly for the last week.
As urgent alerts sounded throughout the Alliance battle cruiser Dauntless, Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary belatedly realized that should have worried him.
The Alliance fleet he commanded was, after all, orbiting in a star system controlled by an alien species, and was as far from human-controlled space as anyone had ever been. At least, as far as was known any humans had ever been. The aliens humanity called Dancers (because of the graceful maneuvers of their spacecraft) had finally provided a copy of a star chart showing how many other intelligent species the Dancers had made contact with, and the star systems they controlled. Humanity while pushing down the galactic arm had unknowingly been bumping up against space already claimed by other species. The Dancers seemed friendly, though their motives and much else about them remained unknown. But other alien species, such as the mysterious enigmas and the ruthless Kicks, had responded to human contact with murderous violence.
Which was why the Alliance had sent Geary and the fleet he commanded to escort a diplomatic mission to the Dancers. And why, even though the fleet was in a supposedly safe Dancer-controlled star system, alarms warning of danger shouldn't be a surprise.
But as Geary walked quickly onto the bridge (because seeing the admiral running could create panic in even the steadiest sailors) and dropped down into the fleet commander's seat, he still stared in disbelief for a moment before he could speak. "Syndics? Here?"
"Syndics. Here," Captain Tanya Desjani confirmed. She was in the ship commander's seat next to Geary's, studying her display as she sized up the new arrivals. "And they have Dancer escorts."
"The Syndics couldn't have gotten here without Dancer escorts. But why did the Dancers bring them here instead of telling them to go home? The Dancers know what Syndics are like." The Syndicate Worlds, a corporate-run human empire, had been falling apart in rebellion and revolt since finally losing a century-long war with the Alliance. The Syndics could still muster the resources of scores of star systems, but with so much of those engaged in internal warfare, the Syndicate Worlds no longer had the ability to field a fleet to match that of the Alliance.
Desjani sat back in her seat, frowning. "A half-dozen battle cruisers, ten heavy cruisers, and twenty-three Hunter-Killers. It's impressive that the Syndics managed to commit a force like that to coming here, but that's a very light force to fight your way through enigma space with. I'm surprised they made it. Maybe they took serious losses while crossing enigma-controlled star systems."
Geary shook his head, frowning as well. The enigmas, obsessed with their privacy, assaulted every human force that tried to enter space controlled by them, and had attacked human-controlled star systems as well. Most recently they had wiped out an attempt by a small group of ships from the Rift Federation to reach Dancer space without Alliance help. "I could believe serious losses, but I'm not seeing any signs of battle damage on any of the Syndic ships that made it here."
"Lieutenant Yuon?" Captain Desjani called to one of the bridge watch standers.
"Yes, Captain," Yuon responded as he studied the display before his watch station. "The fleet's sensors see some hull repairs on two of the battle cruisers, but it's the sort of work that the Syndics only do in space docks. There are no other external signs of combat damage on any of the Syndic warships."
"They got through enigma space without sustaining any combat damage? That rules out a big fight with the enigmas. How did they manage getting through unscathed with so small a force?" Geary wondered.
"Maybe they just got lucky," Desjani said. "We did inflict a lot of losses on the enigmas on our way here. It's possible at the moment the enigmas couldn't muster enough ships to deal with a Syndic force even that small."
"We have an incoming message from the Syndics, Admiral," the communications watch reported.
"Maybe they'll tell us how they did it," Geary said. Not that he was looking forward to discussions with a Syndic CEO. "Accept the message. We might as well get this over with."
Excerpted from Implacable by Jack Campbell Copyright 漏 2023 by Jack Campbell. Excerpted by permission of Ace. All rights reserved.
July 25, 2023
Implacable by Jack Campbell is the third book in "The Lost Fleet: Outlands" series as well as part of the much larger Lost Fleet series.
In this one, Admiral Geary and his fleet are in "Dancer" space with an embassy ship negotiating relations with the Dancers. This is proving to be difficult because of the differences between human and Dancer languages. While there The Alliance force meets two new seemly friendly alien species, the Taon and The Wooareek. In the midst of this another, smaller, fleet shows with orders for Geary to begin forcing relations and to later force Midway and eventually other non-aligned star nations to join the Alliance.
Geray decides that these others are at best insane or at worst fake and decides to invoke "Article 16" which gives him the right to refuse questionable orders.
This book is a great addition to this long-running series.
In this one, Admiral Geary and his fleet are in "Dancer" space with an embassy ship negotiating relations with the Dancers. This is proving to be difficult because of the differences between human and Dancer languages. While there The Alliance force meets two new seemly friendly alien species, the Taon and The Wooareek. In the midst of this another, smaller, fleet shows with orders for Geary to begin forcing relations and to later force Midway and eventually other non-aligned star nations to join the Alliance.
Geray decides that these others are at best insane or at worst fake and decides to invoke "Article 16" which gives him the right to refuse questionable orders.
This book is a great addition to this long-running series.
July 27, 2023
This was a bit of a change from the norm on this series, and I really liked it. Instead of just straight up fleets blowing each other up with occasional politics, this book has a very tense standoff over whether or not new orders to the fleet way out in alien territory are legal, or even legitimate. It's not the action-y sort of thing this series is known for, and I enjoyed the change. It keeps a long ongoing series fresh when the author occasionally tosses in something new like this.
August 12, 2023
This story was amazing! I have enjoyed every book by Jack Campbell and this one has been my favorite! Character growth and world building was worth a sixth star!
July 13, 2023
This review was originally posted on
听
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Everything I have said in previous reviews is still true. I am hopelessly attached to these characters. They have been through so much with the battles and betrayals and greedy businesspeople and politicians.听 In spire of everything, they remain smart and compassionate.听 Yes, you need to read this series in order for the world-building and character developments. 听 And you want to read every book because I love them. So much.
Our main character, Geary, has been sidelined a bit. The Council sent him off to deal with aliens, starting with the Dancers (also called spider-wolves).听 They've sent along a diplomat who is "in charge" but Geary has his own long time team who has communicated with the Dancers.听 They also meet the Taon and Wooareek.
Then the Syndics show up with not just their usual plan to control everything but long jump insanity as well.听 The Dancers leave Geary and his Alliance to handle them.听 Geary doesn't want to fire on them because he doesn't want the Dancers to see him do that but he also doesn't want the Syndics to harm the Dancers.听 The Dancers are determined to stay out of it as human problem is human problem.
So goes the rest of our story.听 Another group from the Alliance shows up with new orders for Geary to get on with making an agreement to secure Dancer technology even if they have to battle them!听 But they don't even know about the Taon and Wooareek, who also have technology well beyond the human capabilities.
The Dancers finally say they want to settle the agreement in 6 days or the Alliance should leave their star system. Everyone tried to figure out how to create an agreement they will accept.听 In the end, Geary comes up with an idea based on history. It's brilliant.
Implacable is the third in the new Outlands series which is the farthest into the future of the Lost Fleet world. I love the chance to see these many beloved characters in their new mission forming relationships with other species.听 听The politicians want Geary out of the way as he is too popular with the people and there are assassination attempts as well.听 Geary is outstanding in the military missions and commanding the fleet, but he is also a great strategist and is learning politics and diplomacy.听 I highly recommend all these series in this world.
Narration:
I'm so comfortable with Christian Rummel.听 Since this is one of the very first series I listened to on audio, he was one of the first narrators.听 I don't care if his voices are well done or not at this point - they are the voices of these characters.听 听The characters voices are differentiated enough I recognize the different people.听 The narration adds greatly to my enjoyment; I don't have to figure out how to pronounce anything!听 I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
Excerpt:
听
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If you have enjoyed Jack Campbell's other series, Lost Fleet and Beyond the Frontier, and Lost Stars, 听Genesis Fleet series, you will love this too.听 I started reading Jack Campbell in 2015 when I was sent an ARC of one of the Leviathon, which was the final book in the Beyond the Frontier series.听 听Of course with my OCD,听 I had to read the previous NINE books before I could read it.听 I was in the middle of moving from Minnesota to North Carolina, so I got the audio CDs from the library.听 And thus, my love affair with this world began.
Everything I have said in previous reviews is still true. I am hopelessly attached to these characters. They have been through so much with the battles and betrayals and greedy businesspeople and politicians.听 In spire of everything, they remain smart and compassionate.听 Yes, you need to read this series in order for the world-building and character developments. 听 And you want to read every book because I love them. So much.
Our main character, Geary, has been sidelined a bit. The Council sent him off to deal with aliens, starting with the Dancers (also called spider-wolves).听 They've sent along a diplomat who is "in charge" but Geary has his own long time team who has communicated with the Dancers.听 They also meet the Taon and Wooareek.
Then the Syndics show up with not just their usual plan to control everything but long jump insanity as well.听 The Dancers leave Geary and his Alliance to handle them.听 Geary doesn't want to fire on them because he doesn't want the Dancers to see him do that but he also doesn't want the Syndics to harm the Dancers.听 The Dancers are determined to stay out of it as human problem is human problem.
So goes the rest of our story.听 Another group from the Alliance shows up with new orders for Geary to get on with making an agreement to secure Dancer technology even if they have to battle them!听 But they don't even know about the Taon and Wooareek, who also have technology well beyond the human capabilities.
The Dancers finally say they want to settle the agreement in 6 days or the Alliance should leave their star system. Everyone tried to figure out how to create an agreement they will accept.听 In the end, Geary comes up with an idea based on history. It's brilliant.
Implacable is the third in the new Outlands series which is the farthest into the future of the Lost Fleet world. I love the chance to see these many beloved characters in their new mission forming relationships with other species.听 听The politicians want Geary out of the way as he is too popular with the people and there are assassination attempts as well.听 Geary is outstanding in the military missions and commanding the fleet, but he is also a great strategist and is learning politics and diplomacy.听 I highly recommend all these series in this world.
Narration:
I'm so comfortable with Christian Rummel.听 Since this is one of the very first series I listened to on audio, he was one of the first narrators.听 I don't care if his voices are well done or not at this point - they are the voices of these characters.听 听The characters voices are differentiated enough I recognize the different people.听 The narration adds greatly to my enjoyment; I don't have to figure out how to pronounce anything!听 I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
Excerpt:
One
Everything had gone very smoothly for the last week.
As urgent alerts sounded throughout the Alliance battle cruiser Dauntless, Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary belatedly realized that should have worried him.
The Alliance fleet he commanded was, after all, orbiting in a star system controlled by an alien species, and was as far from human-controlled space as anyone had ever been. At least, as far as was known any humans had ever been. The aliens humanity called Dancers (because of the graceful maneuvers of their spacecraft) had finally provided a copy of a star chart showing how many other intelligent species the Dancers had made contact with, and the star systems they controlled. Humanity while pushing down the galactic arm had unknowingly been bumping up against space already claimed by other species. The Dancers seemed friendly, though their motives and much else about them remained unknown. But other alien species, such as the mysterious enigmas and the ruthless Kicks, had responded to human contact with murderous violence.
Which was why the Alliance had sent Geary and the fleet he commanded to escort a diplomatic mission to the Dancers. And why, even though the fleet was in a supposedly safe Dancer-controlled star system, alarms warning of danger shouldn't be a surprise.
But as Geary walked quickly onto the bridge (because seeing the admiral running could create panic in even the steadiest sailors) and dropped down into the fleet commander's seat, he still stared in disbelief for a moment before he could speak. "Syndics? Here?"
"Syndics. Here," Captain Tanya Desjani confirmed. She was in the ship commander's seat next to Geary's, studying her display as she sized up the new arrivals. "And they have Dancer escorts."
"The Syndics couldn't have gotten here without Dancer escorts. But why did the Dancers bring them here instead of telling them to go home? The Dancers know what Syndics are like." The Syndicate Worlds, a corporate-run human empire, had been falling apart in rebellion and revolt since finally losing a century-long war with the Alliance. The Syndics could still muster the resources of scores of star systems, but with so much of those engaged in internal warfare, the Syndicate Worlds no longer had the ability to field a fleet to match that of the Alliance.
Desjani sat back in her seat, frowning. "A half-dozen battle cruisers, ten heavy cruisers, and twenty-three Hunter-Killers. It's impressive that the Syndics managed to commit a force like that to coming here, but that's a very light force to fight your way through enigma space with. I'm surprised they made it. Maybe they took serious losses while crossing enigma-controlled star systems."
Geary shook his head, frowning as well. The enigmas, obsessed with their privacy, assaulted every human force that tried to enter space controlled by them, and had attacked human-controlled star systems as well. Most recently they had wiped out an attempt by a small group of ships from the Rift Federation to reach Dancer space without Alliance help. "I could believe serious losses, but I'm not seeing any signs of battle damage on any of the Syndic ships that made it here."
"Lieutenant Yuon?" Captain Desjani called to one of the bridge watch standers.
"Yes, Captain," Yuon responded as he studied the display before his watch station. "The fleet's sensors see some hull repairs on two of the battle cruisers, but it's the sort of work that the Syndics only do in space docks. There are no other external signs of combat damage on any of the Syndic warships."
"They got through enigma space without sustaining any combat damage? That rules out a big fight with the enigmas. How did they manage getting through unscathed with so small a force?" Geary wondered.
"Maybe they just got lucky," Desjani said. "We did inflict a lot of losses on the enigmas on our way here. It's possible at the moment the enigmas couldn't muster enough ships to deal with a Syndic force even that small."
"We have an incoming message from the Syndics, Admiral," the communications watch reported.
"Maybe they'll tell us how they did it," Geary said. Not that he was looking forward to discussions with a Syndic CEO. "Accept the message. We might as well get this over with."
Excerpted from Implacable by Jack Campbell Copyright 漏 2023 by Jack Campbell. Excerpted by permission of Ace. All rights reserved.
October 1, 2023
Not the book I was expecting but still a fun read.
January 12, 2024
OK, I reached the last book for now.
I'll admit it's not a 4 * book for me, but it was a guilty pleasure. Reading book after book is annoying like hell, as people said before the author reminds us over and over and over what happened in the story and the main technical issue, good thing is that you can skip it and loose nothing, as it repeats himself and doesn't add any new details.
Back to the series, it's annoying, goody goody moral,ethical and whatever else you want to add, character overcomes everything with his goody goody nature. Another annoying thing is the silly motif, that continuous war made people really stupid and strategy in space now is basically cavalry charges over and over again. This has no parallel in the real world and it's set up just so that the goody goody with his old strategic mind and morals to take the helm and win, over and over again.
The thing that I like in the book is more like the world building, it feels real and parallel to current society issues just adds more grit to the world and I like the aliens and aliens interactions.
Ohh, and I forgot about weapons and tactics, I was expecting more from space battles. Basically you have 4 weapons types: rails for slugs/buckshot, missiles, lasers and close range bombs, based on the battles you actually need only two ship types battleship and battlecruisers, I don't know why everybody is building destroyers,cruisers and heavy cruisers as they are just useless in the book.
Also the tactics, you have : speed, turn speed, acceleration, weapon damage, weapon range. You can use any basic XX century computer using some algorithms for 3d battles and win every time against a human opponent, but no, human minds are better ... kind of silly.
The only thing I want is to finish this series and never read it again.
I'll admit it's not a 4 * book for me, but it was a guilty pleasure. Reading book after book is annoying like hell, as people said before the author reminds us over and over and over what happened in the story and the main technical issue, good thing is that you can skip it and loose nothing, as it repeats himself and doesn't add any new details.
Back to the series, it's annoying, goody goody moral,ethical and whatever else you want to add, character overcomes everything with his goody goody nature. Another annoying thing is the silly motif, that continuous war made people really stupid and strategy in space now is basically cavalry charges over and over again. This has no parallel in the real world and it's set up just so that the goody goody with his old strategic mind and morals to take the helm and win, over and over again.
The thing that I like in the book is more like the world building, it feels real and parallel to current society issues just adds more grit to the world and I like the aliens and aliens interactions.
Ohh, and I forgot about weapons and tactics, I was expecting more from space battles. Basically you have 4 weapons types: rails for slugs/buckshot, missiles, lasers and close range bombs, based on the battles you actually need only two ship types battleship and battlecruisers, I don't know why everybody is building destroyers,cruisers and heavy cruisers as they are just useless in the book.
Also the tactics, you have : speed, turn speed, acceleration, weapon damage, weapon range. You can use any basic XX century computer using some algorithms for 3d battles and win every time against a human opponent, but no, human minds are better ... kind of silly.
The only thing I want is to finish this series and never read it again.
May 7, 2024
Lu en anglais.
L'amiral John "Black Jack" Geary et sa flotte ont finalement atteint le territoire des Danseurs, des extraterrestres apeurants qui ressemblent 脿 un m茅lange d'araign茅e et de loup. Mais, pour communiquer, c'est un aria et bonne chance pour faire des ententes diplomatiques. Surprise, les Danseurs ont l'air d'entretenir de bonnes relations avec deux nouvelles races d'extraterrestres, elles aussi plus avanc茅es que les humains de l'Alliance.
Mais la technologie des Danseurs attire les convoitises et certains sont pr锚t 脿 tous les risques pour l'acqu茅rir.
Puis apparait une flotte de l'Alliance avec des ordres officiels compl猫tement contradictoires avec ceux de l'amiral Geary et aussi des id茅aux de l'Alliance. Quel dilemme !
Un roman int茅ressant 脿 d茅faut d'锚tre passionnant. Il r茅ussit 脿 nous faire sentir les probl猫mes de communications avec des intelligences vraiment diff茅rentes, ainsi que l'avidit茅 que peut amener des technologies tr猫s avanc茅es. On a aussi la peur de l'autre surtout avec des extraterrestres aussi repoussants que les Danseurs. On a malgr茅 tout droit 脿 notre bataille spatiale avec la maestria que Jack Campbell apporte 脿 leur description. Et c'est sans compter le conflit de l'amiral entre des ordres qui lui apparaissent non seulement contradictoires mais aussi dans un sens dangereux et contraires 脿 ses convictions.
J'ai beaucoup aim茅. Beaucoup de tension et un vrai tourne-page.
L'amiral John "Black Jack" Geary et sa flotte ont finalement atteint le territoire des Danseurs, des extraterrestres apeurants qui ressemblent 脿 un m茅lange d'araign茅e et de loup. Mais, pour communiquer, c'est un aria et bonne chance pour faire des ententes diplomatiques. Surprise, les Danseurs ont l'air d'entretenir de bonnes relations avec deux nouvelles races d'extraterrestres, elles aussi plus avanc茅es que les humains de l'Alliance.
Mais la technologie des Danseurs attire les convoitises et certains sont pr锚t 脿 tous les risques pour l'acqu茅rir.
Puis apparait une flotte de l'Alliance avec des ordres officiels compl猫tement contradictoires avec ceux de l'amiral Geary et aussi des id茅aux de l'Alliance. Quel dilemme !
Un roman int茅ressant 脿 d茅faut d'锚tre passionnant. Il r茅ussit 脿 nous faire sentir les probl猫mes de communications avec des intelligences vraiment diff茅rentes, ainsi que l'avidit茅 que peut amener des technologies tr猫s avanc茅es. On a aussi la peur de l'autre surtout avec des extraterrestres aussi repoussants que les Danseurs. On a malgr茅 tout droit 脿 notre bataille spatiale avec la maestria que Jack Campbell apporte 脿 leur description. Et c'est sans compter le conflit de l'amiral entre des ordres qui lui apparaissent non seulement contradictoires mais aussi dans un sens dangereux et contraires 脿 ses convictions.
J'ai beaucoup aim茅. Beaucoup de tension et un vrai tourne-page.
June 30, 2024
I first got into the Lost Fleet series when I did one of Amazon鈥檚 2 for 3 sales back in 2007. I bought the next two books over the next year or so in similar sales. And looking at my Amazon history, those are the ONLY books of those sales I read or even still have. The original sextet is a fantastic series. The author, Jackson Campbell (pseudonym for John C Hemry), is a retired navy vet and his writing of a space navy reflects that service. He also does an amazing job describing how space naval battles would work.
However, part of me started thinking it might be time to give his protagonist, Black Jack Geary, the retirement he deserves. After 14 Lost Fleet novels (and 7 associated novels), I thought Campbell was running out of ideas. This most recent trilogy, Outlands, sends Black Jack and the fleet into alien occupied space on a diplomatic mission. Campbell鈥檚 description of the different species and the difficulties humanity has communicating with them has been really interesting. But still, maybe it鈥檚 time to wrap things up. It鈥檚 become a little formulaic. And then I hit the halfway point of Implacable. And I stayed up till after midnight finishing it. I found it a tense and deftly handled thriller. A story that wrestles with questions of duty and honor. I think Campbell has maneuvered his characters into their endgame and, when the next book is announced, I鈥檒l happily request permission to come aboard!
However, part of me started thinking it might be time to give his protagonist, Black Jack Geary, the retirement he deserves. After 14 Lost Fleet novels (and 7 associated novels), I thought Campbell was running out of ideas. This most recent trilogy, Outlands, sends Black Jack and the fleet into alien occupied space on a diplomatic mission. Campbell鈥檚 description of the different species and the difficulties humanity has communicating with them has been really interesting. But still, maybe it鈥檚 time to wrap things up. It鈥檚 become a little formulaic. And then I hit the halfway point of Implacable. And I stayed up till after midnight finishing it. I found it a tense and deftly handled thriller. A story that wrestles with questions of duty and honor. I think Campbell has maneuvered his characters into their endgame and, when the next book is announced, I鈥檒l happily request permission to come aboard!
July 15, 2023
The books in the series have come a very long way. From the beginning, where a single fleet fights to escape enemy territory, to the conclusion of a war between two human factions, to now a giant space opera containing many different alien species, and an infinite potential of stories.
This book can be divided into two parts. The first is a diplomatic mission involving a lot of world building interspersed with a couple of intense battles. The second half is an insurrection in which the alliance is poised on the verge of Civil War.
In some ways, this could be the best book in the series as it reaches new heights of tension and stakes. On the other hand, there is a big flaw in the author鈥檚 writing, because he just can鈥檛 dig deep enough into the emotions of his characters. He skips over entire conversations that need to happen during the buildup of climactic events, especially between the main character in his own wife. We don鈥檛 even get to see deeply inside his head all the doubts and fears he may have. This makes him feel detached, unemotional and inhuman even.
For the stakes to be this high, there should have been more build up and a lot more writing put into it. This book is just too short for what it does, and is an opportunity missed.
This book can be divided into two parts. The first is a diplomatic mission involving a lot of world building interspersed with a couple of intense battles. The second half is an insurrection in which the alliance is poised on the verge of Civil War.
In some ways, this could be the best book in the series as it reaches new heights of tension and stakes. On the other hand, there is a big flaw in the author鈥檚 writing, because he just can鈥檛 dig deep enough into the emotions of his characters. He skips over entire conversations that need to happen during the buildup of climactic events, especially between the main character in his own wife. We don鈥檛 even get to see deeply inside his head all the doubts and fears he may have. This makes him feel detached, unemotional and inhuman even.
For the stakes to be this high, there should have been more build up and a lot more writing put into it. This book is just too short for what it does, and is an opportunity missed.
August 4, 2023
This series, this entire character based around "Jack Black" strikes a huge chord with me.
We all have our historic heroes, regardless of what nation you grew up in, there is probably someone you admired. The entire premise of this entire series is a person who did a thing, gets frozen in time for 100 years, and re appears. The universe he left behind 100 years ago used his actions as some sort of super hero of the military, and built up everything around 'what would Black Jack do' and this guy has to live up to it.
This book is one of many in the series, but knowing the above you could read this book and it's probably to me one of the most inspiring ones of the entire series. Something I wish we could have happen now, something this angry world needs. Somone that would smack some sense into us just by their sheer 'you want me to do what now?' response to something we all feel is normal.
At the end of the day though, this is probably the strongest book in the multiple series built around the Lost Fleet series. I'm so happy I found it. I don't know if it's ending or not, but I hope for more of these just because I find them so well written, such compelling story telling, such compelling morality conflicts, just love this work.
We all have our historic heroes, regardless of what nation you grew up in, there is probably someone you admired. The entire premise of this entire series is a person who did a thing, gets frozen in time for 100 years, and re appears. The universe he left behind 100 years ago used his actions as some sort of super hero of the military, and built up everything around 'what would Black Jack do' and this guy has to live up to it.
This book is one of many in the series, but knowing the above you could read this book and it's probably to me one of the most inspiring ones of the entire series. Something I wish we could have happen now, something this angry world needs. Somone that would smack some sense into us just by their sheer 'you want me to do what now?' response to something we all feel is normal.
At the end of the day though, this is probably the strongest book in the multiple series built around the Lost Fleet series. I'm so happy I found it. I don't know if it's ending or not, but I hope for more of these just because I find them so well written, such compelling story telling, such compelling morality conflicts, just love this work.
January 2, 2024
*
*
*
Audiobook
Story: A, Narration: A
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference.
I could nitpick this book, but it was a real Black Jack book and tons of fun. We got new aliens--highly advanced octopuses/squids who talked (via translation) like surfer dudes. It had enemies hidden within the ranks. It had a bad guy who took me back to the early days of the first series--a dastard so bloated with unwarranted self-love and self confidence that reminded me of a cross between Gaston and Snidely Whiplash. He was almost comically overdone bit was still dangerous and I hated him.
I'm not sure where things go from here. This particular arc could end here pretty satisfactorily, but i hope it doesn't because there are still so many new areas where it could go. I think there's still a lot of work for Geary an Co. left and I really hope Campbell continues to make this world his main focus.
(Reading is something of an escape for me, but it's inevitable that current political and cultural situations will influence the perspective and interpretation of the reader and/or creator. There are certainly inferences to be drawn and lessons to be learned from this book if so inclined.)
*
*
Audiobook
Story: A, Narration: A
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference.
I could nitpick this book, but it was a real Black Jack book and tons of fun. We got new aliens--highly advanced octopuses/squids who talked (via translation) like surfer dudes. It had enemies hidden within the ranks. It had a bad guy who took me back to the early days of the first series--a dastard so bloated with unwarranted self-love and self confidence that reminded me of a cross between Gaston and Snidely Whiplash. He was almost comically overdone bit was still dangerous and I hated him.
I'm not sure where things go from here. This particular arc could end here pretty satisfactorily, but i hope it doesn't because there are still so many new areas where it could go. I think there's still a lot of work for Geary an Co. left and I really hope Campbell continues to make this world his main focus.
(Reading is something of an escape for me, but it's inevitable that current political and cultural situations will influence the perspective and interpretation of the reader and/or creator. There are certainly inferences to be drawn and lessons to be learned from this book if so inclined.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
A human embassy among aliens, what could go wrong?
Admiral Jack Geary is tasked with escorting an Alliance endorsed, diplomatic mission to the alien race of the 鈥淒ancers鈥�. Right from the start major problems occur, personality conflicts with the new 鈥渁mbassador鈥� and other civilians, sabotage of ship systems, attempts on his life, and then even more alien species are encountered. The 鈥淒ancers鈥� as the Alliance has come to refer to the wolf/spider like aliens, are the third alien species the Alliance has come across, and the only one of the three willing to open dialogue with humans. The other two simply opened hostilities, so that navigating their area of space to reach the Dancers, ensures that a large defence force is needed. The two 鈥渘ew鈥� alien races seem willing to engage with humans although only on their terms. Geary is finally thinking all is going well when the human enemies of the Alliance arrive, the officers and crews of the Syndicate ships all seem to be affected by paranoia induced by prolonged exposure to long space jumps, it is not going to end peacefully! This book, like all the other 鈥淟ost Fleet鈥� series is full of action and tension, although this is lightened with a dash of humour. This one was very hard to put down!
Admiral Jack Geary is tasked with escorting an Alliance endorsed, diplomatic mission to the alien race of the 鈥淒ancers鈥�. Right from the start major problems occur, personality conflicts with the new 鈥渁mbassador鈥� and other civilians, sabotage of ship systems, attempts on his life, and then even more alien species are encountered. The 鈥淒ancers鈥� as the Alliance has come to refer to the wolf/spider like aliens, are the third alien species the Alliance has come across, and the only one of the three willing to open dialogue with humans. The other two simply opened hostilities, so that navigating their area of space to reach the Dancers, ensures that a large defence force is needed. The two 鈥渘ew鈥� alien races seem willing to engage with humans although only on their terms. Geary is finally thinking all is going well when the human enemies of the Alliance arrive, the officers and crews of the Syndicate ships all seem to be affected by paranoia induced by prolonged exposure to long space jumps, it is not going to end peacefully! This book, like all the other 鈥淟ost Fleet鈥� series is full of action and tension, although this is lightened with a dash of humour. This one was very hard to put down!
September 16, 2024
Jack Campbell's "The Lost Fleet: Outlands: Implacable鈥� (2023) is the fourteenth book in "The Lost Fleet" series that follows the adventures of Admiral Jack Geary. This one is the third in a new series 鈥淏oundless鈥�, in which Geary leads a fleet of spaceships in a diplomatic and scientific expedition into alien-controlled space. This book focuses on the difficulties of dealing with alien species, who are very different from humankind. As usual, there is lots of political intrigue. 鈥淛ack Campbell鈥� is the pseudonym of John G. Hemry. Hemry is a retired LCDR and Naval Academy graduate who held a number of positions in the Navy, ranging from service on a destroyer up to a staff position for the Chief of Naval Operations. This naval experience informs his portrayal of space battles. He also displays a keen knowledge of game theory as applied to personnel decisions, politics, and space warfare. This is another fine addition to an excellent series. Highly recommended. My grandson John also enjoys this series. Books in the series definitely need to be read in order.
July 10, 2023
Book Three in the Lost Fleet: Outlands series, so that would make this number fourteen in the entire Lost Fleet shebang.
At the end of the previous book, Admiral Geary was sent to Dancer space to strengthen diplomatic relations with those enigmatic aliens. He also encounters one of the Toan and a representative from a new species, the Wooareek. Unfortunately, several really big problems arise while he's trying to carry out his orders. The biggest difficulties come from humanity rather than the aliens.
I really enjoyed reading this. I love the characters! (Ensign Duck still needs a bigger role, though.) The story unfolded at a very slow pace for a while, and then BAM! it was one complication after another. The long scene with the arrival of the insane Alliance CEO- not a Syndic CEO- was excellent.
The ending is sufficiently open-ended to allow for a sequel. I sincerely hope that he doesn't dawdle in writing another! I'll definitely buy that sucker.
July 29, 2023
Another winner
Impeccably written! While fewer are missiles flying in this novel, the action is still gripping. This book is more about our humanity in the face of truly dealing with vastly superior aliens.
Is this how the Taino indigenous people felt when they met Columbus. And imagine Columbus could have trancendented the times he grew up in, his inate culture and pressures from his superiors, and dealt with the "primitive" people in a morally altruistic way.
One can only hope that the aliens that we will encounter treat us with the same compassion as the Dancers do in this work of fiction.
I do hope this series continues as the main characters are very compelling...it would be fun to see admiral Geary in a civilian role for a change. What would he be like without the pressures of responsibility for thousands of sailors, what would he be if he were the captain of an exploration vessel...
Impeccably written! While fewer are missiles flying in this novel, the action is still gripping. This book is more about our humanity in the face of truly dealing with vastly superior aliens.
Is this how the Taino indigenous people felt when they met Columbus. And imagine Columbus could have trancendented the times he grew up in, his inate culture and pressures from his superiors, and dealt with the "primitive" people in a morally altruistic way.
One can only hope that the aliens that we will encounter treat us with the same compassion as the Dancers do in this work of fiction.
I do hope this series continues as the main characters are very compelling...it would be fun to see admiral Geary in a civilian role for a change. What would he be like without the pressures of responsibility for thousands of sailors, what would he be if he were the captain of an exploration vessel...
August 14, 2023
Let me start with I love Jack Campbell's stories.
When we returned to the Black Jack series after forays into Midway and the founding of the Aliance I feared that we were trying to dip into a dry well. But this new series is nearly as good as what came before.
My one criticism is that I think the books are being spread to thin and the first two could have been easily a single book. But no doubt there is a publishining deal that requires a set number of books. that said, there is a whole universe to play with so I can only put it down to the Author either being lazy or working on too many things at once.
Regardless, this latest read is classic Black Jack with his constant internal battle between what is right and supporting the civillian goverment (the battle every military person faces). It was good to see Geary finally embrace his Black Jack persona if even for a minute. I look forawrd to what new obstacles are placed in his way when he returns to Alliance space and how he avoids what seems to be the inevitable need to replace the government.
When we returned to the Black Jack series after forays into Midway and the founding of the Aliance I feared that we were trying to dip into a dry well. But this new series is nearly as good as what came before.
My one criticism is that I think the books are being spread to thin and the first two could have been easily a single book. But no doubt there is a publishining deal that requires a set number of books. that said, there is a whole universe to play with so I can only put it down to the Author either being lazy or working on too many things at once.
Regardless, this latest read is classic Black Jack with his constant internal battle between what is right and supporting the civillian goverment (the battle every military person faces). It was good to see Geary finally embrace his Black Jack persona if even for a minute. I look forawrd to what new obstacles are placed in his way when he returns to Alliance space and how he avoids what seems to be the inevitable need to replace the government.
October 20, 2023
Such fun
So much military SF dislikes its characters, and dislikes the military. The Lost Fleet books, however, not only love their characters, they love the military so much that they call it 鈥渢he service.鈥�
No other books I鈥檝e read, save Battle Cry, marry the romance, adventure, absurdity, and obscene waste of war quite as well as these books.
Implacable is better than many in the series because it keeps you guessing, and keeps its characters guessing. Even though the problems here are of different sorts than the first Lost Fleet series, the rhythm is the same: Geary can rely on his training and expertise to solve military problems, but moral problems are solved at a higher price, with much more at risk. While Geary is reluctant to battle, he鈥檚 comfortable with the risks of battle. He鈥檚 uncomfortable with the risks of the larger moral questions, because that risks the fate of The Alliance, not just his ships and sailors.
So much military SF dislikes its characters, and dislikes the military. The Lost Fleet books, however, not only love their characters, they love the military so much that they call it 鈥渢he service.鈥�
No other books I鈥檝e read, save Battle Cry, marry the romance, adventure, absurdity, and obscene waste of war quite as well as these books.
Implacable is better than many in the series because it keeps you guessing, and keeps its characters guessing. Even though the problems here are of different sorts than the first Lost Fleet series, the rhythm is the same: Geary can rely on his training and expertise to solve military problems, but moral problems are solved at a higher price, with much more at risk. While Geary is reluctant to battle, he鈥檚 comfortable with the risks of battle. He鈥檚 uncomfortable with the risks of the larger moral questions, because that risks the fate of The Alliance, not just his ships and sailors.
July 14, 2024
Imagine, if you will, you've turned up uninvited at a new friends house, just as they are about to host a party.
Whilst surprised to see you, they none-the-less invite you in and introduce you to their friends (new to you).
Then your own relatives, who only have a passing relationship with your mate, start showing up uninvited as well; start being pass-remarkable, making demands and throwing their weight around.
That's pretty much the situation facing Admiral 'Black Jack' Geary, out beyond the frontiers of human space, in this the latest novel in the long-running 'Lost Fleet' series, with - as it turns out - experimental (and dangerous) jump space technology leaked to those left behind after he started his journey - technology that makes everything, in the words of one character 'more so'.
The result is another enjoyable read in the series, with plenty of plot threads left hanging for the inevitable sequel.
Whilst surprised to see you, they none-the-less invite you in and introduce you to their friends (new to you).
Then your own relatives, who only have a passing relationship with your mate, start showing up uninvited as well; start being pass-remarkable, making demands and throwing their weight around.
That's pretty much the situation facing Admiral 'Black Jack' Geary, out beyond the frontiers of human space, in this the latest novel in the long-running 'Lost Fleet' series, with - as it turns out - experimental (and dangerous) jump space technology leaked to those left behind after he started his journey - technology that makes everything, in the words of one character 'more so'.
The result is another enjoyable read in the series, with plenty of plot threads left hanging for the inevitable sequel.
November 11, 2023
John 鈥淏lack Jack鈥� Geary and his fleet are still in alien space and far from home. Theirs is an important mission, but not all non-human species wish them well - others seek to sabotage them by releasing new technology that will endanger the entire future of humanity. Geary doesn't want to disobey his orders or fire upon other Alliance ships, but now he might have to do just that.
A marked improvement over the previous book, though that was obviously suffering from its position as a bridge between two better parts of the series. Implacable delivers exactly what you want from a Geary book and fans will find nothing new or inventive here. And yet Campbell somehow manages to keep it all interesting. I've no idea how he does that. I'm sure I'd find Geary's adventures dull in the hands of another author.
A marked improvement over the previous book, though that was obviously suffering from its position as a bridge between two better parts of the series. Implacable delivers exactly what you want from a Geary book and fans will find nothing new or inventive here. And yet Campbell somehow manages to keep it all interesting. I've no idea how he does that. I'm sure I'd find Geary's adventures dull in the hands of another author.
August 2, 2023
It looks like a lot of us here are Geary series fans, this latest installment was of course welcome, and it was as always entertaining.
I鈥檝e been hooked from Dauntless, skipping the review of the particular book I鈥檓 just going to address the series in that either Hemry is at the end of this series or he鈥檚 got to commit to at least 2 to 3 more Books to entirely close off the Geary saga.
If, in the next book, Geary returns to alliance headquarters finding the orders were genuine, and resigns to retire to GlenLyon, have some kids with Desjani that would be perfectly understandable.
Frankly, I don鈥檛 see Hemry, having Geary take over the alliance, that would basically ruin the 鈥楪eary鈥� We鈥檝e all come to know and admire, if the orders were not genuine, then what?
I鈥檝e been hooked from Dauntless, skipping the review of the particular book I鈥檓 just going to address the series in that either Hemry is at the end of this series or he鈥檚 got to commit to at least 2 to 3 more Books to entirely close off the Geary saga.
If, in the next book, Geary returns to alliance headquarters finding the orders were genuine, and resigns to retire to GlenLyon, have some kids with Desjani that would be perfectly understandable.
Frankly, I don鈥檛 see Hemry, having Geary take over the alliance, that would basically ruin the 鈥楪eary鈥� We鈥檝e all come to know and admire, if the orders were not genuine, then what?
August 7, 2023
implacably excellent!
So what does one human species and 3 other alien species mixed with a Colonel out of left field (or left universe) mixed together create? A damn good story. And forces Black Jack front and center. Geary has always tried to keep him hidden away, the hero he really never was. But now. Extreme events force him to bring Black Jack out of hiding and use him in a way he really hasn鈥檛 been used before. Using the power of his heroic status to solve these problems, Geary then at the end of the book, must return to the Alliance and face the music. I can鈥檛 wait to read what happens next! No slow points in this book. A straight read from beginning to end. A must read for all, esp for Campbell fans.
So what does one human species and 3 other alien species mixed with a Colonel out of left field (or left universe) mixed together create? A damn good story. And forces Black Jack front and center. Geary has always tried to keep him hidden away, the hero he really never was. But now. Extreme events force him to bring Black Jack out of hiding and use him in a way he really hasn鈥檛 been used before. Using the power of his heroic status to solve these problems, Geary then at the end of the book, must return to the Alliance and face the music. I can鈥檛 wait to read what happens next! No slow points in this book. A straight read from beginning to end. A must read for all, esp for Campbell fans.
March 29, 2024
This was a masterpiece of a military space opera. As I have told you before, I am one not much for military novels, but this one was excellently written and was about the characters, rather than the action, although there is plenty of action as well. The main characters John "Black Jack" Geary and his ships' Captain wife, Tanya Desjani are two very formidable characters in a wildly fluctuating diplomatic scene. To top it off, there are powers who want to see the famous captain and the Head diplomat fail in their trying to open diplomatic relations with the "Dancers", a species that had helped them in prior conflicts and doing everything they can to sabotage their efforts. I most highly recommend this trilogy and especially this book.
April 11, 2023
Another solid military SF novel from Jack Campbell. The third in the Outlands sub-series finds him at the edge of alien territory, attempting to make an alliance with the aliens known as Dancers. They remain infuriatingly opaque, as new problems arise and yet another new species enters the mix. And there is yet another problem looming that Admiral Geary has no way to see coming.
If you like military action, fleet maneuvers, genuinely noble characters, and a refreshing lack of jingoism, this is the series for you. This is not the best place to start, however.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you like military action, fleet maneuvers, genuinely noble characters, and a refreshing lack of jingoism, this is the series for you. This is not the best place to start, however.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.