Valiant (The Lost Fleet, Book 4) by Jack Campbell
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.07 You Save: $3.92 (49%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.71 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Valiant (The Lost Fleet, Book 4)
Book Review: There *is* still good "space opera"...
Summary: 5 Stars
Parts of this review copied from forum posts...
There's something about the "Lost Fleet" series that just draws me in, and I can't quite put my finger on it. I was thinking about it the other day, and about my first steps in SF - I think it was Heinlein in a school library, but some of my major early purchases were second hand copies of "Doc" Smith novels, and a lot of Edmund Cooper if anyone remembers him. Oh and a lot of JT Edson Westerns. So I guess I get a lot out of good old basic "good guy vs bad guy" stuff, with "good guy gets the girl" thrown in. Hmm - doesn't that describe 90% of SF?
I was *going* to say that "Valiant" seems to slow down the seeming breakneck pace of the Lost Fleet through Syndic space, but a quick review tells me that isn't really true (four systems if my count is correct).
What is true is that the first two thirds of the book (more or less) deal with the return of the fleet to the Lakota system, and what they encounter there after so recently fleeing from it. What we see here is a great example of Jack Campbell's ability to bring naval battles in space to life for us. Some of my earliest reading in SF was "Doc" Smith, and although this is a little more "realistic", it made me nostalgic. (Nobody uses the word "ravening" any more. Why?!)
What we also see in this first section, and even more so later in the book, is excellent development of existing characters and plot elements and some exciting new twists. I won't discuss them in any length for fear of spoiling the fun, but hint at treason and possible new allies in unexpected places.
I am becoming thoroughly engrossed as the series progresses, and I think the story is developing a depth to match.
I must say, the thing that has me wondering now is whether or not the series will end in a triumphant return to Alliance space, or if the return will be a mere prelude to even more shenanigans. The way it is being set up, I think there are going to be many more questions and plot elements to resolve once the fleet gets home, and I hope the author is planning to answer them.
Book Review: fine military science fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
Captain John "Black Jack" Geary knows his Alliance fleet is in deep trouble as they struggle to return to home base. He knows his numerous enemies from within Alliance want him to fail as his heroism and that of his unit allowed others to escape a death trap, which made him a legend embellished by his return from the grave generations after his peers and family died out. However, his predicament is that supplies are extremely low and an external foe is preparing to attack.
Desperate Geary chooses a Hail Mary strategy that he prays will get his force safely into the Alliance sector. His feint gambit works and it seems he has bought the time needed to escape. However, someone apparently wants Geary dead and collateral damage by destroying several vessels and their crew is acceptable.
This military science fiction tale will grip the audience as realism in terms of the vastness of space as communications and maneuvers take time and can be countered leading to the loss of ships and lives; this concept is critical to the story line. Black Jack is a fascinating hero; mindful especially in his decision making of Honor Harrington as both accept death as real outcome. His family's descendants detest him as much as his jealous Alliance fleet leaders; several who choose betrayal to eliminate him. Fans will appreciate the fourth Lost Fleet tale, but to better comprehend how many light years Black Jack has traversed, this reviewer suggests reading the previous entries first (see THE LOST FLEET: DAUNTLESS, THE LOST FLEET: FEARLESS, and THE LOST FLEET: COURAGEOUS).
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: It's a serial SciFi. No more, no less
Summary: 5 Stars
A lot of reviews about this series of books say this these books tread on tired territory, repeating the same themes every book and just barely improving on the concept at all before printing "THE END" and making you wait for the next book.
They're absolutely right, and that's exactly why I absolutely love these books. When I opened the first book in this series, I was looking to get into a good serial Sci-Fi that would actually keep me waiting for future episodes, and that's precisely what this is. The story isn't terribly original, but it's very well-written and involving. The themes aren't that new, but they're complex and interesting. Above all, Jack Campbell writes some of the best space battles I've ever read, and I'll honestly keep coming back just for that.
This series of books is like a modern novelized Flash Gordon or Star Wars. It's not about what the individual elements are, it's how they add up. The sum total of this series is an excellent little space opera punctuated by Hollywood-worthy battle scenes, and I absolutely must see how it all ends. Bring on the next book, Mr. Campbell!
And in case you're wondering about the plot- Geary's still trying to get the fleet home and treachery abounds. Sound familiar? Good. If you're expecting much more, you've honestly missed the entire point of this series.
Book Review: My favorite (new) sci-fi series
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great entry in Jack Campbell's series. It delves a bit more into the increased intrigue (and boy, is there a lot of it this time 'round) and machinations of fleet politics and is a little lighter on the battles than the first few books but that doesn't mean it doesn't stand up to its predecessors in every respect.
It's been interesting to see the evolution of the characters over the past four books by Geary and his core group of captains, Duellos, Cresida, and especially Desjani, who I believe to be one of the most well-written and interesting characters in sci-fi these days. I've never much cared for Co-President Rione. I think she's a bit too histrionic for anybody who could possibly be president of anything. Then again, she's the one they sent on the potential suicide mission so maybe her people see her that way, too.
The sense of impending dread is getting larger, the stakes are getting higher, and Black Jack Geary is facing even more dangerous enemies...foreign, domestic, and alien. I'm not sure what is going to happen next, but I was a lot happier when I bought and finished the first three books in a week and only had to wait two months for the next one to come out.
Book Review: Book 4 does not disappoint
Summary: 5 Stars
I was somewhat discouraged after reading the negative reviews about this book, but since I loved the first 3, I went ahead and downloaded it anyway (ebook). I am very pleased to say this one is as good as the first 3. IMO it all depends on what you expect out of your reading material.. are you the type of person who will relish a 12 book saga like the wheel of time.. or do you like your books short and sweet. I am of the former category and so.. I really liked this one. Characters get threshed out further.. yes Rionne gets even more irritating but it is necessary to allow a certain twist in Geary's personal life. Some new developments occur within the fleet captains that only adds an element of subterfuge and mystery to the day to day struggle of remaining alive against the syndicate. The alien menace storyline proceeds a little further, not much though. This is fine as I hardly expect much to happen in that direction without the syndicate problem being resolved first. The battles and ship maneuvres are as always, excellent. I look forward to Geary's return in #5!!