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Columbus Day
- Expeditionary Force, Book 1
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 1
- Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
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SpecOps
- Expeditionary Force, Book 2
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,553
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,432
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,425
Colonel Joe Bishop made a promise and he's going to keep it; taking the captured alien starship Flying Dutchman back out. He doesn't agree when the UN decides to send almost 70 elite Special Operations troops, hotshot pilots, and scientists with him; the mission is a fool's errand he doesn't expect to ever return from. At least, this time, the Earth is safe, right? Not so much.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Not as good as book one but still interesting
- By Anonymous User on 24-04-2019
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Paradise
- Expeditionary Force, Book 3
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,233
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,050
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,039
While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying to assure that hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been stranded on the planet they nicknamed "Paradise". The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise. But Colonel Joe Bishop warns that they might not like what they find, and they can't do anything about it without endangering Earth.
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5 out of 5 stars
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This is one of the best books I've read/listened to for a long time
- By Kaz on 29-07-2017
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Black Ops
- Expeditionary Force, Book 4
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,914
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,768
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,759
The elite crew of the pirate ship UNS Flying Dutchman had a simple mission: determining whether the Thuranin are sending another starship to Earth. Along the way, they became sidetracked by securing a future for the UNEF troops on the planet Paradise. When asked whether Earth was now safe, their ancient alien AI responded "Not so much"...now they have to deal with the consequences.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Love it
- By Mike on 20-10-2017
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Zero Hour
- Expeditionary Force, Book 5
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,896
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,755
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,751
United Nations Special Operations Command sent an elite expeditionary force of soldiers and pilots out on a simple recon mission, and somehow along the way they sparked an alien civil war. Now the not-at-all-merry band of pirates is in desperate trouble, again. Their stolen alien starship is falling apart, thousands of light years from home. The ancient alien AI they nicknamed Skippy is apparently dead, and even if they can by some miracle revive him, he might never be the same.
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2 out of 5 stars
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What Has Happened To This Series?
- By Ryan on 08-05-2018
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Mavericks
- Expeditionary Force, Book 6
- By: Craig Alanson
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- Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,528
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,412
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,407
The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet "Paradise" get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first....
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3 out of 5 stars
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A change of pace
- By Jono on 07-10-2018
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Renegades
- Expeditionary Force, Book 7
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- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,219
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,139
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The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Last quarter is best part
- By Calista on 28-03-2019
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SpecOps
- Expeditionary Force, Book 2
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,553
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,432
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Colonel Joe Bishop made a promise and he's going to keep it; taking the captured alien starship Flying Dutchman back out. He doesn't agree when the UN decides to send almost 70 elite Special Operations troops, hotshot pilots, and scientists with him; the mission is a fool's errand he doesn't expect to ever return from. At least, this time, the Earth is safe, right? Not so much.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Not as good as book one but still interesting
- By Anonymous User on 24-04-2019
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Paradise
- Expeditionary Force, Book 3
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,233
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,050
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While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying to assure that hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been stranded on the planet they nicknamed "Paradise". The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise. But Colonel Joe Bishop warns that they might not like what they find, and they can't do anything about it without endangering Earth.
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5 out of 5 stars
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This is one of the best books I've read/listened to for a long time
- By Kaz on 29-07-2017
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Black Ops
- Expeditionary Force, Book 4
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- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 16 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,914
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,768
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,759
The elite crew of the pirate ship UNS Flying Dutchman had a simple mission: determining whether the Thuranin are sending another starship to Earth. Along the way, they became sidetracked by securing a future for the UNEF troops on the planet Paradise. When asked whether Earth was now safe, their ancient alien AI responded "Not so much"...now they have to deal with the consequences.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Love it
- By Mike on 20-10-2017
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Zero Hour
- Expeditionary Force, Book 5
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,896
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,755
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,751
United Nations Special Operations Command sent an elite expeditionary force of soldiers and pilots out on a simple recon mission, and somehow along the way they sparked an alien civil war. Now the not-at-all-merry band of pirates is in desperate trouble, again. Their stolen alien starship is falling apart, thousands of light years from home. The ancient alien AI they nicknamed Skippy is apparently dead, and even if they can by some miracle revive him, he might never be the same.
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2 out of 5 stars
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What Has Happened To This Series?
- By Ryan on 08-05-2018
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Mavericks
- Expeditionary Force, Book 6
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- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,528
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,412
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,407
The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet "Paradise" get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first....
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3 out of 5 stars
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A change of pace
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The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Last quarter is best part
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Armageddon
- Expeditionary Force, Book 8
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 17 hrs and 51 mins
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,084
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 990
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After the Renegade mission by the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman, the UN Expeditionary Force thought Earth was safe for hundreds of years, at least. After there was trouble on the home front and the president had to authorize a nuclear strike on an American city, UNEF decided they did need the Merry Band of Pirates again. So, the Flying Dutchman is sent out on a simple recon mission. But for the pirates, nothing is ever simple, and their mission will become Armageddon.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Story evolves way too slowly!
- By Jordan Van Den Bosch on 04-12-2020
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Trouble on Paradise
- Expeditionary Force, Book 3.5
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,107
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,037
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,035
While the crew of the UN Expeditionary Force's pirate starship Flying Dutchman are enjoying a luxury vacation cruise (not!), UNEF troops are still stranded on an alien-controlled planet. Major Emily Perkins and her team are busy picking up the pieces, and it's not easy, because there is trouble on Paradise...
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4 out of 5 stars
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Good book but should be cheaper as half a book
- By Andrew Haughan on 13-11-2017
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Valkyrie
- Expeditionary Force, Book 9
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 19 hrs and 45 mins
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,099
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 999
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Story5 out of 5 stars 997
After saving the world many times, the Merry Band of Pirates have accepted the inevitable: Earth is doomed. All they can do is try to bring a few thousand people to safety, before vicious aliens arrive to destroy humanity's home world. No. There is one other thing they can do: hit the enemy so hard that the aliens will regret they ever heard of humans.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Love this series
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- Length: 19 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,281
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,175
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Story5 out of 5 stars 1,175
The Merry Band of Pirates are in desperate trouble after the end of their last mission, and the real danger to humanity is just getting started. Hostile aliens have discovered there is something odd going on with wormholes in the galaxy, and their investigations could lead to finding a shortcut to Earth....
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4 out of 5 stars
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Loosing impact
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Brushfire
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Peacetime can be a rough adjustment for the battle-hardened Merry Band of Pirates.
Especially when aliens don’t get the memo that the shooting is over.
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2 out of 5 stars
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When will it end
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Homefront: An Expeditionary Force Audio Drama Special
- Expeditionary Force, Book 7.5
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: Zachary Quinto, R.C. Bray, Kate Mulgrew, and others
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- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 872
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 817
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 815
After the latest mission of the starship Flying Dutchman, Earth is safe not just for a year, but for hundreds of years. The ship’s weary crew wonders what they will do with their lives in peacetime, but the enemy has other plans, and there is danger on the Homefront. Starring Zachary Quinto, R.C. Bray, Kate Mulgrew, Robert Picardo, and everyone's favorite AI, Skippy the Magnificent, alongside a full cast. Includes plenty of pew-pew-pew, original sound composition, and maybe some singing by R.C. Bray.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Music tunes + sound effects
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Breakaway
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The Merry Band of Pirates offered the bad guys a ceasefire. We won’t mess with them, if they don’t mess with us. Easy, right? No. The aliens chose to do things the hard way. So, the Pirates are racing around the galaxy to clean up the threat to Earth. The infant UN Navy has their own mission with the Alien Legion: Get humanity some allies in the fight. And the Ethics & Compliance Office might have to do something...ethical. Unless they can find a way around it.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Think some content editing is required
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Match Game
- Expeditionary Force, Book 14
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 446
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 424
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Story5 out of 5 stars 423
For years, the ancient alien AI known as Skippy (the Magnificent, don’t forget that part) has been able to do one impossible thing after another. What is his secret? It’s simple: 100 percent Grade-A extreme awesomeness. And also because he had never been faced with an opponent of equal power. Until now. This time, he might need a little help from a band of filthy monkeys.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Can’t get enough of this series!!
- By Amazon Customer on 06-08-2022
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Fallout
- Expeditionary Force, Book 13
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 22 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 880
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 836
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Story5 out of 5 stars 834
The problem with lying about having a super weapon is that the bad guys might believe they have nothing to lose by doing something stupid that both sides will regret. Or, they might just call your bluff. Either way, the Merry Band of Pirates need a plan to deal with the Fallout.
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5 out of 5 stars
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good but
- By Richard McKenna on 15-01-2022
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Deathtrap
- Expeditionary Force Mavericks, Book 1
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 537
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 498
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Story5 out of 5 stars 496
The human soldiers stranded on the planet Paradise have been recruited into an alien legion to do the dirty jobs that the high-tech species won't do. Their first mission is to kick the enemy off a backwater planet no one cares about. It's a simple assignment, except everyone has a hidden agenda, and the planet could become a deathtrap.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Chapter 18
- By Pete on 20-05-2019
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Freefall
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- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 19 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 428
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 425
The Alien Legion has a new mission, and this time, they are working for the enemy. Also against the enemy. Like every operation that Emily Perkins plans, it’s complicated. But plans require good intel, and when the plan falls apart, the Mavericks are in freefall....
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3 out of 5 stars
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Limits of a narrative and likeablility crutch
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Wayward Galaxy
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 401
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 373
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A company of Army Rangers is sent on an interstellar colony ship to secure a foothold on a dangerous, alien planet through violence of action. Leaving behind a warring Earth flung headfirst into a conflict of mutual assured destruction, the Rangers and the accompanying crew of first colonists are guided on a 40-year journey by an unprecedented artificial intelligence. But when they emerge from the frigid embrace of cryosleep, they awake to a nightmare, finding themselves greeted by the same ruthless enemy that brought about the ruin of Earth.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Awesomely awesome
- By Ethan on 07-10-2020
Publisher's Summary
Nominee, Audie Awards - Audiobook of the Year, 2018
We were fighting on the wrong side of a war we couldn't win. And that was the good news.
The Ruhar hit us on Columbus Day. There we were, innocently drifting along the cosmos on our little blue marble, like the native Americans in 1492. Over the horizon come ships of a technologically advanced, aggressive culture, and BAM! There go the good old days, when humans only got killed by each other. So, Columbus Day. It fits.
When the morning sky twinkled again, this time with Kristang starships jumping in to hammer the Ruhar, we thought we were saved. The UN Expeditionary Force hitched a ride on Kristang ships to fight the Ruhar, wherever our new allies thought we could be useful. So, I went from fighting with the US Army in Nigeria, to fighting in space. It was lies, all of it. We shouldn't even be fighting the Ruhar, they aren't our enemy. Our allies are.
I'd better start at the beginning.
More from the same
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What listeners say about Columbus Day
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Matthew willey
- 27-09-2017
Overly fond of the marines
It's a great but not very original idea for a science fiction book, the Earth finds itself in between two vastly superior foes. But this book relies really heavily on gun-totin' redneck marine corps fatigues and rations and ammo fetishism to be readily accessible to anyone who has subtler sensibilities.
Think Independence Day and the US of A saving the world. Interesting to start with, but then tedious because it is one noe played over and over. Maybe it's because I'm not american.
12 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jotham
- 04-03-2017
Beer cans are all the rage
started a little slow, the story moved quickly but it took time to get over the intro and setup but once there .... oh my, could not stop listening. Give it a shot, it's well worth it. This better turn into a long running series.
24 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jess
- 04-07-2017
Bang Bang Boom
I must admit that a first I found the narrator slightly annoying but now I can't imagine it being performed by anyone else. I loved the first book and have binge read the next books of the series. Loved it.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jake
- 31-03-2017
fun and funny, with some trek references
This was great. R.C Bray does another great performance and the story is really interesting. it's somewhat believable as far as sci fi goes.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Miss Kris
- 22-06-2017
loved it. great narration and great story.
loved it. great narration and great story. the humour really adds to the story. recommended even if you arent sure about space related books.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jacob
- 23-01-2017
Epic!
the story progressed more quickly than i wanted meaning i was always left wanting more. I really liked this,quite a few scifis a very drawn out not this one.I enjoyed it from start to finish well done to both Alanson and Bray 👏👌
13 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mike
- 20-08-2017
Enjoyable
What did you like most about Columbus Day?
Good start to an interesting story
What did you like best about this story?
It follows the same theme as many of the same types of stories but it is easy to listen to and the story is well written
Which character – as performed by R.C. Bray – was your favourite?
the AI his interpretation of the character is brilliant.
Any additional comments?
Recommended, the narrater is excellent and easy to listen to.
The story is involved and interesting.......keeps me wanting to buy and listen.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Kaz
- 26-06-2017
The can makes me laugh
When I first started this book I decided it was just going to be another 'war' story book and put it down. I went back to it when I had nothing else and WOW. I can't put it dow. I find myself chuckling at Skippy and just love Bishops personality. A must read (or listen to). The narrator is fantastic.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ben Allwood
- 15-01-2017
loved it - great story and great narrative
intresting exciting innovative fun hilarious performance of a great story. highly recommended. has the same flavour of the fear saga but is completely different at the same time.
7 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Kiwireader K
- 06-06-2019
A tale of two halves
The first half of the the tale was slow moving, and tedious. Almost nothing of interest happened, and I wasn't drawn in by the protagonist. There was some good action scenes but these were few and far between. The real story began about half way through with the introduction of an entertaining comic character who was a lot of fun, and the relationship with this character and the protagonist. However, I can't rate the story that highly because of the first half. I expect the series will get better if the author has played to his strengths.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- melissa
- 19-07-2019
Mind numbing !
This book lacks style and substance . I have no interest in any of the characters as the story seems rushed. The main character goes from one impossible situation after the other , after the other , after the other. But you never really get the feeling like he is in any danger.
The narration is poorly done. He seems to drone on and on, like one of those movies where the mobster is narrating the movie. He is probably thinking “ If i just talk faster with a Brooklyn accent that will be entertaining enough.” Maybe they should have listened to Ready Player One for an example of narration perfection. Will Weaton sold the show!!!
The editor could have chopped this book in half and it would have been better.
48 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Klaumbaz
- 02-08-2017
fun listen
maybe my monkey brain can't understand the innumerable forces at work to allow Joe the ability be at the right place at the wrong time. very tropish ( that means you need to understand all of the science fiction theories out there, or you're going to get lost) but it goes from mediocre to entertaining when you find Skippy
24 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gary Glenn
- 27-06-2017
Sci Fi I didn't know I wanted
I usually over analyze anything I read or watch, not wanting to waste my time on dribble or uninteresting content. After spending too much time sorting through different audio books, I settled on the Expeditionary Forces series as it appeared interesting and is, well, a series. If I enjoyed it, that would postpone the excruciating task of finding another book.
I am ecstatic that I made this choice. As much as the story is engaging, the narration is as good or better than any I've listened to. Even sound effects are not needed to add anything. Very well done.
A little more science fiction detail wouldn't hurt but does not detract from the enjoyment of this writing.
The humor throughout was unexpected but welcome and well done. Not found very often in well written Sci Fi.
Off to start the second book!
408 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tim
- 29-06-2017
Brilliant, Funny, Clever... a Sci Fi must have
It’s hard to know where to start when describing this instant modern classic. I’ve loved Sci Fi since I was yay high…I cut my teeth on space operas like the works of EE. Doc Smith. This is the next generation of space opera and it’s fabulous. It’s also quite funny in many places. It’s action packed but doesn’t feel silly like a lot of action fiction does. The plot includes dueling alien races of giant hamsters and lizards, faster than light travel and a snarky deus ex machina artificial Intelligence the size of a can of coke. Sounds ridiculous but is actually compelling, weirdly credible and wildly entertaining. I’m already most the way through book two which puts me close to a third of the way through a 50 hour epic. If you love hard Sci Fi, if you are a Trekki or a Star Wars fan you will lap this up.
256 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eileen
- 30-01-2018
Alanson and Bray ROCK!!!
This audible book is the perfect union between author and narrator, really, it doesn’t get better! I loved this book, sci-fi with humor, you can’t go wrong! R.C. Bray is freaking awesome, I don’t think anyone could have done a better job, he’s totally a gifted narrator! I’m already through to book 4 and waiting on book 5 if that tells you how much I like this series so jump on this train, it’s a great ride!
49 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Michael
- 08-12-2019
Basic Military Sci Fi
Not much Sci-Fi, lots of military. Military jokes, military gripes, military grunts, incompetent superiors. Fighting. A little funny (but not as funny as Starship Troopers). I found the twists not very twisty, and the Sci-Fi not very Sci. The best part was the super-powerful AI beer can. The rest was more than predictable.
Bray does a fine job of narration of the material.
11 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Christine D.
- 07-07-2017
Slapstick Meets Sci-Fi
Would you consider the audio edition of Columbus Day to be better than the print version?
Yes, the reader gave a fantastic performance.
What was most disappointing about Craig Alanson’s story?
Skippy....just....Skippy. And how everything after that worked out conveniently fine for our heroes. Hardly any real conflicts because the soda can went behind the scenes and magically solved the issues they were having. Roses and rainbows after that.
Which scene was your favorite?
Some of the interactions between Skippy and Joe were entertaining; Skippy discovers the internet.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Chuckles, but nothing extreme.
Any additional comments?
The story stopped being good after Skippy showed up....think, Jar Jar Binks with a brain. After that, it felt like a comedy sitcom like "Alf", goofy alien saves the day. And the condescending nature of the beer can reminded me of the little green alien that showed up once in an episode of the Flintstones..."dumb dumb"... I likely won't be buying the next book in the series as long as Skippy's around to conveniently fix everything before anyone gets hurt. The story becomes predictable...oh no, lizards!..oh, wait...never mind, Skippy will just blow up their ship from the inside and 100 light years away. No need to panic. Rinse, repeat.
61 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jim "The Impatient"
- 04-01-2017
WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT
CHEESEBURGERS
A few months ago I VOLUNTOLD you that BOB would have legions of fans. Now I am telling you this will be the next book to hit number one in Sci-Fi Contemporary. This book has science galore, comedy galore, aliens galore and space battles. To say I love it would be an IMPLIED DUH, but than OVERKILL IS UNDER RATED.
YOU GOT SOME SPLAINING TO DO LUCY
The book is over 16 hours long, and Jim The Impatient listened to all 16+ hours and was entertained all the way. Alanson has great timing and knows how to keep a story from going stale. For example, just when I thought the book was going to enter a shoot-em up phase and become boring, we are introduced to SKIPPY, an A-HOLE AI, who is witty and funny. There is something here for all Sci-Fi fans. Nothing is really new, but a lot of the good old stuff is used. For instance there are ELDERS, CLIENT RACES, PATRONS, ANCIENT ARIFACTS AND THE COLLECTIVE.
EMBRACE THE SUCK
I am not saying this is my favorite, just that it will hit number one. My favorites in the category and in order are, The Martian, Ready Player One, Bob and than this book. Some might roll their eyes at the serendipity of finding Skippy and all that he does to get them out of trouble, but if you can get past that you will love this.
SCREW ONE SHEEP
I have been listening to books since the cassette days. I have heard lots of great narrators. I don't believe I have ever heard one grow in their job as well as Bray. He started out good, with his great voice, but what he has put into the last couple of books, I have listened to has just blown my mind. Based on the last two books, he read for me, I would say he has to be my favorite.
ALPHA MIKE FOXTROT
622 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Erin
- 24-11-2019
not my thing
Craig Alanson uses violence against female characters as props for the motivation of male characters
7 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Christopher P.
- 12-09-2019
Had a Great Start But!!!!!
Like I said I had a great start but started to become very predictable. And later on with the introduction of the AI character it became very annoying very quickly. It does have some entertainment value but it's not the best listen.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- S. Morris
- 05-03-2017
Hampsters, Beer Cans & Cheese Burgers
I've read a lot of books and a fair bit of science fiction and so when I saw this novel from an author I had not previously read anything from, I was curious. I listened to the sample and was hooked instantly. Not only was the narration handled by one of the very best in the business, R C Bray, but the writing style of this author was superb.
So, I purchased the title hoping the book would be as good as the brief sample promised. I have to report that this book wasn't as good as I had first thought ... it was far better! Not that I had low expectations, quite the opposite but it is rare indeed to find a story so well written and so pacey and so utterly entertaining that I was fairly certain it could not maintain even the expectations I had based on the sample.
How would I sum this book up? Well, simple ... just about perfect! Perhaps a bold statement and of course, I realize that any opinions on such things are largely subjective but as science fiction stories go, this one ticks all the boxes and does it with such aplomb. Of all the science fiction writers I've read, I'd say the style and content of this story is perhaps closest to another favourite author of mine, B V Larson. Larson writes uncomplicated military based science fiction and Craig Alanson has a very similar style which, in my humble opinion, makes science fiction fun, entertaining, never boring and action packed. In several ways Columbus Day reminds me of Larsson Star Force series of books in that we have a hapless hero who is thrust into situations that allow his adaptability to get him in and out of all sorts of trouble. Where Alanson differs is that his style of writing has humour and irony woven into the two lead characters - our human hero, Joe Bishop and an artificial intelligence dubbed Skippy buy said hero. The interactions between these two alone make the book at times a hilarious read. However, this humour doesn't detract from the often gritty elements of the story but are perfectly done. This was the first science fiction book I actually laughed out loud to on several occasions and it only made the book that much better. The Joe Bishop character is not the straight laced stereotype hero but a real person who asks the sort of question the reader thinks of to ask or points out the flaws in a plan that the reader has figured out which proves to be very satisfying.
Alanson's prose are engaging, funny and efficiently move the plot along at a good clip not wasting dialogue or lengthy narrative on things not required for the story. You will not find pages of dialogue wasted here by people idly chatting when it's not needed and as such the plot develops at a pace and in a way to keep the reader hooked. I actually tried to ration my listening of this book because I didn't want to finish it too fast! Before I'd finished chapter 1 I had pre-ordered the second book in this series so now I've finished this book I only have two days before the next part is released ... thank goodness!
Incidentally, we are treated to a sample of book 2 at the end of this book just to whet your appetite. However, rather oddly, there seemed a glaring production error in that final section of the recording as the sample appeared to have the first half of it loop through twice before continuing with the second part. Weird.
Also of minor interest to me was the fact that assuming the book is written in a contemporary timeframe, then based on the date of release, it would appear that the author, like most of us, assumed that Hillary Clinton would win the presidency and Alanson has duly worked a female president into his story.
Interestingly, either the author has had direct military experience himself or has done a lot of research as many of the little details in the book hint at this. Familiarity with current military hardware, organization and even slang is impressive and something lacking in some other authors writing.
I first came across R C Bray's narration in the Fear saga books and was impressed immediately. If possible, his narration here is even more impressive and I would dare to say, flawless. About the only other narrator that could pull off a good job of this would be the equally excellent Mark Boyett.
Although already mentioned, I will reiterate that Columbus Day is just about perfect which I know is a very controversial comment to make but until I find a book I enjoyed more and felt was better written and read then the statement stands.
Get it! ... NOW!!
22 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr R Tate
- 27-04-2017
Fun in a can
The story trots along quite nicely at the beginning but when the intelligent beer can cracks open this story gallops into a whole new level. Excellent fun.
13 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- M. Penny
- 21-12-2020
Perfect distraction to 2020
I’m sat at home, 7 days into Covid, feeling horrible and struggling to breath and this have been a lifesaver. Keeps me distracted, calm and it is perfectly pitched and the RC Bray is superb.
11 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 21-05-2020
Just a whole lotta fun.
This in not heavy SciFi like Peter F. This is fun.
Craig C. Has managed to take some form of serious adventure and also make it humerus. This isn’t slapstick as some reviews imply but it’s also not overly serious and deep like a Iain B. It’s really funny and a darn good adventure too. Some have complained it too formulaic, but so is a drink, and who doesn’t need a drink from time to time just to relax and enjoy. Just like this book.
7 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- ZX80
- 26-02-2017
Clearly I'm in a minority but...
Don't get this review wrong, I did generally enjoy this book but I don't think it is the 5 star gem other reviewers seem to agree on. The idea is great and the mix of humour is fairly unique given that this is not the focus of the book, this is a really difficult balance to achieve, so the author deserves kudos for the attempt. However the characters are shallow and the plot is simplistic; motivation for uber-intelligent species to be conducting a galaxy encompassing war is never explored and the aforementioned humour is school-boy at best. Coupled with a overly large dollop of American jingoism and you're left with a basic if enjoyable yarn to waste a few hours on but not a 5 star listen. I doubt I'll continue with the series.
139 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Robyn
- 30-03-2018
Good fun
Think Independence Day meets Star Trek.
Of course, when an alien star ship turns up in earth's atmosphere, followed closely by a second alien race, you just know it's all not going to work out in Earth's favour. Our little earth-weapons clearly aren't up to the task! Naturally, the cunning humans' plan is to simply nick the other lots' ships, weapons etc et.... I've totally overly simplified the plot with that statement - but that's the feel of the book.
It's good fun, great narration, and I've downloaded the next book in the series for when I need some light relief. The adjective "jaunty" seems to fit the bill. Onwards then, for a merry jaunt through the universe.....
12 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- GiffRock
- 02-01-2017
Fantastic start to what I hope is a great series
This was an impulse buy and I was a little worried at first. I needn't be though as it was gripping from the start. It's well written and easy to listen to, R.C Bray was as usual, a spot on choice for the narrator. The book has a great change part way through that really sent the story in another direction that was very well delivered. Overall it's a great easy listen. There's some obvious ideas liberated from other sci-fi greats, both written and televised but it works really well.
37 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Daniel Salmon
- 02-04-2018
FANTASTIC!
Great start to an amazing series! R.C Bray is amazing as usual!!!!
Love it and want more!!!!!
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Simon
- 06-03-2017
The Star Trek Spirit
If you're hankering for the old spirit of Star Trek, well at least the more humorous episodes, with perhaps a little Starship Troopers blended in then freshly seasoned with some Blake's 7 then this is the place to come! Alanson strikes an excellent balance between injecting plentiful humour and making the story serious enough and the action tough enough to make you care. If, on the other hand you are looking for a modern-day Heinlein then you can stop reading now, these aren't the pages you're looking for.
There are lots of hi-lites in this book including a classic choice of vehicle early on to conduct an attack and some genuinely original sci-fi gags. There are of course some "classics" in there but what steals the show is the relationship between Joe and "Mr Skippy" (think Oracs with huge upgrades especially in the personality department) which had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
The narration? Well I've Spent a lot of time in the company of Mr RC Bray recently and I love him doing his thing in books like the Arisen and Mountain Man series. He injects great tension and drama into the situations and action scenes. But who would ever have guessed from that he could really do comedy too?? Well it seems he can, he sounded like he was genuinely having a blast at times reading this one.
I always try to avoid spoilers but this book ends by setting up a real Star Trek exploring the universe against the backdrop of warring factions scenario. I am very much looking forwards to where the remaining crew will boldly go.
22 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 07-05-2020
Naff
Children's story pretending to be for adults. Might be interesting if it wasn't being read as if by a dumb ass.
2 people found this helpful
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