Courageous (The Lost Fleet, Book 3) by Jack Campbell
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Book Reviews of Courageous (The Lost Fleet, Book 3)
Book Review: Lost Fleet Still Lost--but I'm still enjoying this series--so that's OK by me.
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't know what it is, but I'm hooked on this series. It's true that the Lost Fleet is still lost. But in the first two books I liked seeing the beleaguered Captain have to deal with his own insecurities, his odd situation of being a hero come back to life 100 years after he supposedly died, having his captains be rebellious, having his lover threaten to kill him if she needs to AND having to still get his fleet out of enemy space--and that's what he's still doing in this book.
True, things haven't changed much from book 2, but I enjoyed book 2, so why shouldn't I also enjoy book 3? Maybe I have a bit more patience than some of those who complain about the plot not developing a bit more? Perhaps Campbell is playing it a bit too safe and not throwing in some more unexpected twists and developments? But really--the first book and the second were short, sweet and simple, so why should the third suddenly be different?
In the second book Geary has his fleet head into enemy territory, since going forward to friendly space would probably mean being gradually worn down by engagements until the fleet was destroyed. So by this book, the fleet is still fairly intact, aside from losses due to some captains not following Geary's orders, but going off with the mad Captain Falco--but also no closer to home. To shake things up a bit, Geary tries to run to Alliance space. Of course, it isn't easy--and it is revealed that it's not just the Syndics who have made things difficult. So a bit more about possible Alien involvement in the course of the war is revealed. Like in previous books, it's only a small revelation.
If that's not enough for you, then this isn't the book for you. But if you liked the battles of the first books, and yes, more of Geary trying to deal with the two important women in his life as well as trying to keep the rest of those in his command happy, then read on. I am waiting (not terribly patiently!) for the next book, myself!
Book Review: Perfect Mix of Action and Characterization
Summary: 5 Stars
All three books of The Lost fleet are excellent. Campbell has the perfect mix of action and characterization. I find that I cannot wait until the next volume comes out.
Most of the new sci-fi I pick up these days suffers from various problems. In the worst case, many of the books are so badly written they are borderline nonsensical. I cannot count the times I picked up a book , attempted to read the book and simply could not understand what the heck was going on. That's usually when I get angry and write a review on Amazon. Then, there are the books that although rational, are incredibly boring, because the author feels he turn a book that should be 300 pages, it into a 700 page book. These books will have about 30 pages of action and 600 pages of boring conversation. Lately, David Weber and Harry Turtledove's books have been like this. Often the problem is that the author, in an attempt to write a series (usually at least three books), simply uses filler to stretch out the books. Each individual novel will leave the reader feeling cheated and empty.
Campbell is a gifted writer, and is not guilty of any of the above sins. His books are military Sci-fi and extremely well written. Although, he spends a lot of time describing the thought processes of the main character and hero, Jack Geary, I found it quite fascinating. The characters are very lifelike, and interesting. The only complaint I have ,is that we never meet the Syndics, who are the humans Geary is fighting against. We are told very little about them. There also should be more backdrop about what the human civilization is like. Evrything takes place on the battleship, so we really learn very little about what human culture is like in that era.
Book Review: You could start reading the series with this one.
Summary: 5 Stars
You might want to read the books in THE LOST FLEET series in order. But if for some reason you can't get #1 THE LOST FLEET: DAUNTLESS or #2 THE LOST FLEET: FEARLESS -- you can start with this one without fear of being bewildered or confused.
Even the characterizations are crystal clear so that you aren't wondering why this person does this or "who" this other person is.
And after you've read COURAGEOUS, you'll still want to read the previous ones if you haven't already. In fact, you may want to reread the previous ones!
This series is Military SF at its best - but it's not all plot. It doesn't read like the worst of the Arthurian Legend novels, detailing one battle after another until you don't care who wins. Each battle is set up perfectly so that the personalities of the Captains commanding ships in Geary's Fleet figure into the orders Geary gives.
It even matters, politically, who Geary is sleeping with (and who not) all for good reasons rooted in character as well as politics.
If you've had a little too much Fantasy interdimensional battle novels lately, you should try this one.
The writing is clean, compelling -- and trust me, it's hard to write a mid-series novel that's as "transparent" as this one to the compelling forces detailed in previous novels without spoiling the current one.
This Series takes its place beside Edward E. Smith, Ph.D.'s LENSMAN SERIES, but unlike the Lensman Series, THE LOST FLEET is not "space opera" at all. It's more like the Dragnet, or Columbo of Interstellar Warfare with a dash of THE DRESDEN FILES plotting thrown in.
THE LOST FLEET: COURAGEOUS is just pure enjoyment.
Book Review: Perfect Mix of Action and Characterization
Summary: 5 Stars
All three books of The Lost fleet are excellent. Campbell has the perfect mix of action and characterization. I find that I cannot wait until the next volume comes out.
Most of the new sci-fi I pick up these days is suffers from various problems. In the worst case, many of the books are so badly written they are borderline nonsensical. I cannot count the times I picked up a book , attempted to read the book and could not simply understand what the heck was going on. That's usually when I get angry and write a review on Amazon. Then there are the books that although rational, are incredibly boring, because the author feels he must take a book that should be 300 pages, and turns it into a 600 page book. These books will have about 30 pages of action and 500 pages of boring conversation. Lately, David Weber and Harry Turtledove's books have been like this. Often the problem is that the author, in an attempt to write a series (usually at least three books), simply uses filler to stretch out the books. Each individual novel will leave the reader feeling cheated and empty.
Campbell is a gifted writer, and is not guilty of any of the above sins. His books are military Sci-fi and extremely well written. Although, he spends a lot of time describing the thought processes of the main character and hero, Jack Geary, I found it quite fascinating. The characters are very lifelike, and interesting.
Book Review: No longer running
Summary: 5 Stars
Black Jack Geary is a Hero (notice the capital). A larger than life military hero who rescued his comrades against impossible odds. And died fighting. At least, that's how the story goes until Jack is rescued from a stasis pod. And ends up in charge of a space fleet on the run (yes, there are downsides to being the oldest officer by a few centuries). Jack not only has to flee from the enemy fleet. He's also constantly on the run for the Spirit of Black Jack Geary, whispering in his ear to take control, call the shots, be the man he can be. And I'm leaving aside the aliens who're lurking backstage.
Joking aside, this is an excellent book! The first two parts of 'Lost Fleet' held a lot of promise, as does this one (managing that in itself already isn't quite bad for an author). Where the previous books were perhaps a little weak, this book excels: it brings the characters to life. Vividly. In subtle shades, with believable challenges.
The ending makes you long for the 4th installment. Suddenly this military SF turns into a road movie: Jack has traveled, resisting his evil twin Black Jack Geary. Then he's forced to look Black Jack in the face, to see him reflected in the eyes of the people around him. He braces himself, gets a grip and decides to face the future on his own terms. He turns around and... (Now we'll just have to wait for part 4)