What do you think?
Rate this book
Starship for Sale #10
Last Licks
SERIES FINALE! As war rages and the enemy’s sigilships systematically trample any opposition in their path, Ben, Matt, and the crew of Head Case embark on a desperate, last-ditch effort to stop Sedaya for good. With the fate of the galaxy at stake, will they rise to the challenge… …Or go down swinging?
- GenresScience Fiction
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2023
425 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
166 books1,009 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 24, 2023
Fun read through the universe
Loved the series as a whole, some parts are definitely a let down and became a bit insane - using a guitar was a bit too out there. But on the whole, it's a fun sci-fi read through a crazy universe, no hard sci-fi science going on which kept things let and easy to read. Overall the series is pretty short, and some parts could of been fleshed out more. Glimpses into more of the characters backstories and the free time they all have during long hyper jumps through space could of been used rather than skipping over the time.
The disappointing aspects for me was how the author developed Ben's relationships with love interests through the series (made more insane by the bonus chapter). Especially around Em as he happily accepts her flirting and returns it, but when it comes down to things he always backs out due to needing to save the universe - despite the long hyper jumps that they have to go through where he should of been unwinding and focusing on what he wants as a young 21 year old. It was disappointing they didn't end up together as they had great chemistry and balanced each other out. It could have also been a great continuation of the series where the two run around the universe, removing or converting the last Archons and exploring the two characters more.
Loved the series as a whole, some parts are definitely a let down and became a bit insane - using a guitar was a bit too out there. But on the whole, it's a fun sci-fi read through a crazy universe, no hard sci-fi science going on which kept things let and easy to read. Overall the series is pretty short, and some parts could of been fleshed out more. Glimpses into more of the characters backstories and the free time they all have during long hyper jumps through space could of been used rather than skipping over the time.
The disappointing aspects for me was how the author developed Ben's relationships with love interests through the series (made more insane by the bonus chapter). Especially around Em as he happily accepts her flirting and returns it, but when it comes down to things he always backs out due to needing to save the universe - despite the long hyper jumps that they have to go through where he should of been unwinding and focusing on what he wants as a young 21 year old. It was disappointing they didn't end up together as they had great chemistry and balanced each other out. It could have also been a great continuation of the series where the two run around the universe, removing or converting the last Archons and exploring the two characters more.
June 7, 2025
I just finished reading this series and on the whole I enjoyed it very much and I do recommend it.
That being said, I do have a large issue with the ending.
Spoilers from here on out.
My problem was with the whole Blorp was Alter all along thing. My problems wasn't even the fact that the author did that (wasn't a huge fan of it, but fine), it was in the execution of it.
Alter was such a deep, nuanced character that we got to know and love over several books and Blorp was such a one-dimensional, mustache twirling megalomaniac that I just didn't buy it. If you're going to do this, then at least give Blorp some depth and some shared qualities with Alter. That way when you pull the old switcheroo then we can look back on our time with Alter, look at it from a different perspective and go, oh yes, I can see that now. Instead we got this scooby-doo, rip the mask off, "IT WAS ME ALL ALONG! MOUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" garbage that made it so unsatisfying.
Again, I really enjoyed the series (hell, I'll even buy the whole guitar thing), but found that it really whiffed on that part of the story.
That being said, I do have a large issue with the ending.
Spoilers from here on out.
My problem was with the whole Blorp was Alter all along thing. My problems wasn't even the fact that the author did that (wasn't a huge fan of it, but fine), it was in the execution of it.
Alter was such a deep, nuanced character that we got to know and love over several books and Blorp was such a one-dimensional, mustache twirling megalomaniac that I just didn't buy it. If you're going to do this, then at least give Blorp some depth and some shared qualities with Alter. That way when you pull the old switcheroo then we can look back on our time with Alter, look at it from a different perspective and go, oh yes, I can see that now. Instead we got this scooby-doo, rip the mask off, "IT WAS ME ALL ALONG! MOUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" garbage that made it so unsatisfying.
Again, I really enjoyed the series (hell, I'll even buy the whole guitar thing), but found that it really whiffed on that part of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
I found the Starship for Sale series a very entertaining read. When I first started reading the series I thought there were fewer books than I ultimately discovered to be the case. The series was light-hearted and filled with lots of action. I did have to suspend belief when Ben needed a guitar to connect to the Chaos. When he was in a comma Chaos energy was levitating him and he was spinning objects around the room. I thought "really he now needs a guitar" but isn't sigil in reality an embedded guitar? Having said that I still felt he had to let go of it before the end of the series, which he, thankfully, did. I suspect there are some die-hard SciFi readers who would poopoo the story using some purist arguments about how they thought this-and-that aspect couldn't happen, etc. But, then, that is what SciFi is. I would point out that Asimov's Foundation, at the time, was considered way out there and "that just couldn't be realistic" and now many aspects of Foundation are fact today. Robots, AI, rockets carrying people into space; not so far out there now is it? Again, a very entertaining and enjoyable read I highly recommend it.
April 8, 2023
Great fun and highly entertaining..
I’ve looked forward to each new episode since reading the 1st in the series.
Ben has grown from strength to strength, meeting adversity with resolve - challenging himself to do better while respecting and accepting the mistakes of others.
His fight has taken him across time and space, his bravery and relentless defence of freedom earning him only ever greater challenges but his grace and humility earn him loyal friends and confederates in his quest to stop an invasion that threatens known space.
An entertaining series with madness, mayhem, explosions, aliens, more explosions, spaceships, magic, and finally, more explosions.
I’ve looked forward to each new episode since reading the 1st in the series.
Ben has grown from strength to strength, meeting adversity with resolve - challenging himself to do better while respecting and accepting the mistakes of others.
His fight has taken him across time and space, his bravery and relentless defence of freedom earning him only ever greater challenges but his grace and humility earn him loyal friends and confederates in his quest to stop an invasion that threatens known space.
An entertaining series with madness, mayhem, explosions, aliens, more explosions, spaceships, magic, and finally, more explosions.
April 1, 2025
pushing it, spoiler alert
Ok…. I read alot of syfy, and in syfy there’s oft times farfetched ideas, characters and events but always seem to be "plausible". However,,, the guitar thing,,, while I can understand music and chaos becoming a bridge,,, I just could not settle on the guitar requirement,,, it’s a ridiculous notion. A different object should have, imo, been chosen to "draw and commune" with inter-dimensional energies… thought it was dumb. Strumming a guitar whilst fighting powerful "wizards" . This is the first book in this series and written by Forbes that I found cringeworthy.
Ok…. I read alot of syfy, and in syfy there’s oft times farfetched ideas, characters and events but always seem to be "plausible". However,,, the guitar thing,,, while I can understand music and chaos becoming a bridge,,, I just could not settle on the guitar requirement,,, it’s a ridiculous notion. A different object should have, imo, been chosen to "draw and commune" with inter-dimensional energies… thought it was dumb. Strumming a guitar whilst fighting powerful "wizards" . This is the first book in this series and written by Forbes that I found cringeworthy.
April 11, 2023
It's so nice to find a series that has a proper ending after all the chaos and mayhem of characters, plot twists, subplots and unforseen arc tangents, etc. This series has character and has been a delightful and thoroughly wonderful feel-good romp through time and space. It was exciting and mysterious enough to keep me reading all the way through to the feel good ending, hungry for the next book! And I loved the musical score! All the music played in my head as I was reading each scene... I guess that shows my age! Ciao...
August 26, 2024
The Satisfying Conclusion
The whole Starship for Sale series was a real sleeper for me. I cringed through the first book, questioning why anyone would start a series with a terminal cancer diagnosis for their main character, but I kept reading because Forbes has something special here. Goofy at times, yes; shallow characterization, sure; main character shrouded in impenetrable plot armor, definitely; but fun and addictingly readable, hell fucking yes.
Lean into it. There's a lot to love.
The whole Starship for Sale series was a real sleeper for me. I cringed through the first book, questioning why anyone would start a series with a terminal cancer diagnosis for their main character, but I kept reading because Forbes has something special here. Goofy at times, yes; shallow characterization, sure; main character shrouded in impenetrable plot armor, definitely; but fun and addictingly readable, hell fucking yes.
Lean into it. There's a lot to love.
April 2, 2023
Probably one of my favorite series of all time.
The characters are so well conceived and written, they remain right in place in my mind, no matter how much time between books. The plot moves relentlessly onwards no matter the risks or setbacks. This means each book was a page turner for me. Author Forbes is one of the leaders in the genre and it's well deserved. Read it!
The characters are so well conceived and written, they remain right in place in my mind, no matter how much time between books. The plot moves relentlessly onwards no matter the risks or setbacks. This means each book was a page turner for me. Author Forbes is one of the leaders in the genre and it's well deserved. Read it!
Read
April 7, 2023An excellent ending to a terrific storyline!!!
When you reach the ending of any story you wonder if the author will finish all the threads or leave a few hanging for other posdible stories. While l think the story is at it's end there were a few remaining threads, so, time will tell. I, for one, will miss Ben and Matt, along with he rest of Team Hondo!!!
When you reach the ending of any story you wonder if the author will finish all the threads or leave a few hanging for other posdible stories. While l think the story is at it's end there were a few remaining threads, so, time will tell. I, for one, will miss Ben and Matt, along with he rest of Team Hondo!!!
April 7, 2023
Loved it! A must read series
Just excellent, just don't let Ben and Matts stories end! There has gotta be a ton more stories you can slip them into, after all, the spiral is a huge place!
Anyway,
Love your work, you really have a way weaving your words together. Great action and drama, tons of adventure and excellent characters. What more could anyone want?
Just excellent, just don't let Ben and Matts stories end! There has gotta be a ton more stories you can slip them into, after all, the spiral is a huge place!
Anyway,
Love your work, you really have a way weaving your words together. Great action and drama, tons of adventure and excellent characters. What more could anyone want?
April 7, 2023
emAn enjoyable and entertaining 10 book series
I like Forbes’ work, usually his stories are a lot darker, but this one was more of a lighthearted adventure tale. There are still dark moments, but a lot of humor and pop culture references that make it a fun read.
Start from book one though, or you will be lost.
I like Forbes’ work, usually his stories are a lot darker, but this one was more of a lighthearted adventure tale. There are still dark moments, but a lot of humor and pop culture references that make it a fun read.
Start from book one though, or you will be lost.
May 19, 2023
Wow! Do not miss this phenomenol ending!
My eyes could not read fast enough!! What a great finale for this series! All the pieces "pulled" together quite nicely. I don't know how the author kept track of all the characters but he did! You will love Book 10. Friends lived. Friends died. Some bad guys won; others did not. You'll just have to read for yourselves.
My eyes could not read fast enough!! What a great finale for this series! All the pieces "pulled" together quite nicely. I don't know how the author kept track of all the characters but he did! You will love Book 10. Friends lived. Friends died. Some bad guys won; others did not. You'll just have to read for yourselves.
May 26, 2023
What a wild ride!
I loved all the elements with science fiction and character development. The story is definitely out of this world and epic. This is supposed to be the final book in the series and it was concluded very well. However, I would welcome any other stories that might continue some of the characters' tales.
I loved all the elements with science fiction and character development. The story is definitely out of this world and epic. This is supposed to be the final book in the series and it was concluded very well. However, I would welcome any other stories that might continue some of the characters' tales.
August 21, 2023
Fantastic Series
I loved following this crew and was sad at some of the losses! I've read a number of books in a series, but this is the first series where I read all 10 books before moving on to another M R Forbes book! I actually didn't want it to end, but hopefully the main characters will return in the future!!
I loved following this crew and was sad at some of the losses! I've read a number of books in a series, but this is the first series where I read all 10 books before moving on to another M R Forbes book! I actually didn't want it to end, but hopefully the main characters will return in the future!!
July 30, 2024
Poor end
Not the expected ending at all. A few surprises that given previous storylines weren't really that surprising and space battles that dragged on for far too long
Overall not as good as the previous books, would say it was possibly the weakest of the 10, was glad to get to the end and reach the co clusion
Not the expected ending at all. A few surprises that given previous storylines weren't really that surprising and space battles that dragged on for far too long
Overall not as good as the previous books, would say it was possibly the weakest of the 10, was glad to get to the end and reach the co clusion
October 10, 2024
Amazing for sure…WOW!!!
I ‘ve read a lot of really great stories and visited countless worlds, but this series is most definitely in the top tier of space operas on my very long list. Superior to say the least. Do not miss out on this one, or any of this authors work for that matter! Quickly becoming one of my top five world weavers…
I ‘ve read a lot of really great stories and visited countless worlds, but this series is most definitely in the top tier of space operas on my very long list. Superior to say the least. Do not miss out on this one, or any of this authors work for that matter! Quickly becoming one of my top five world weavers…
April 6, 2023
I'm so depressed
I've read all 10 books in this series and the bonus chapter of Book 10 as they came out. I became emotionally attached to these characters and I've enjoyed the escape so much. I'm sad to see it end, for now at least, but I will cherish our time together.
I've read all 10 books in this series and the bonus chapter of Book 10 as they came out. I became emotionally attached to these characters and I've enjoyed the escape so much. I'm sad to see it end, for now at least, but I will cherish our time together.
April 9, 2023
Good read...
It's always a really good book. I've read all of the books in the series and enjoy them all. I really hope that some of the characters in this book might do a crossover in another series.
It's always a really good book. I've read all of the books in the series and enjoy them all. I really hope that some of the characters in this book might do a crossover in another series.
April 10, 2023
A great finish
The last couple of books in the series were so much better. A couple of books in the middle kind of dragged. I had to push through them. But the last few have been terrific.
The last couple of books in the series were so much better. A couple of books in the middle kind of dragged. I had to push through them. But the last few have been terrific.
April 15, 2023
Great Sci-Fi
From the first page to the last page in the series it will keep you wanting more.
Great imagination and thought.
Easy to keep interested in the story line.
We done Mr. Forbes!
From the first page to the last page in the series it will keep you wanting more.
Great imagination and thought.
Easy to keep interested in the story line.
We done Mr. Forbes!
May 4, 2023
alls well that ends well
Apart from the hundreds of thousands that died for Ben in his last battles that is!!!
But it’s satisfyingly tied up in a nice bow in the last book when you suddenly realise you’ve shelled out 10 times for a saga! Oh well, it was worth the read!
Apart from the hundreds of thousands that died for Ben in his last battles that is!!!
But it’s satisfyingly tied up in a nice bow in the last book when you suddenly realise you’ve shelled out 10 times for a saga! Oh well, it was worth the read!
May 21, 2023
Great series
Thoroughly enjoyed this series, as I have other M.R. Forbes novels. Great read, good characters, twists and turns and a fantastic finale to the series. Well worth reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed this series, as I have other M.R. Forbes novels. Great read, good characters, twists and turns and a fantastic finale to the series. Well worth reading.
May 23, 2023
This was a good story and also good to finally finish it :-) I was going tired of the constant drag of the bad guys winning no matter what the heroes accomplished - but the last two books pulled me through and kept my interest to finish the series.
June 4, 2023
Nice conclusion to a breezy 10-book series. M.R. Forbes creates a galaxy of adventures while addressing friendship, loss and a terminal illness. The good guys and bad guys are pretty clear -- with some surprises -- and the story moves along nicely. Just a fun read.
June 10, 2023
very entertaining sci fi series
Enjoyed reading this work. It somewhat juvenile but takes me back to all of the pleasures and memories of my past I am a slow reader but the many weeks it took me to read were a constant pleasure. The story keeps building. Recommend reading.
Enjoyed reading this work. It somewhat juvenile but takes me back to all of the pleasures and memories of my past I am a slow reader but the many weeks it took me to read were a constant pleasure. The story keeps building. Recommend reading.
June 18, 2023
Escapism at its best.
Thank you. I really enjoyed this series. I hope you continue with it. And now I have to fill this review with blah, blah, blah in order for it to be published. Cheers!
Thank you. I really enjoyed this series. I hope you continue with it. And now I have to fill this review with blah, blah, blah in order for it to be published. Cheers!
July 11, 2023
excellent adventures
Loved the amount of action and twists in this final book of the series. The characters are compelling and who wouldn’t want a Shag on their shoulder. The brotherhood between Matt and Ben is wonderful to see. One of the best series I have ever read
Loved the amount of action and twists in this final book of the series. The characters are compelling and who wouldn’t want a Shag on their shoulder. The brotherhood between Matt and Ben is wonderful to see. One of the best series I have ever read
July 28, 2023
Dun series
I enjoy being able to relax and read a fun Storey that takes me from every day life. Especially one that puts me on a Dun adventure. Thanks for the story and I can’t wait for your next series to read.
I enjoy being able to relax and read a fun Storey that takes me from every day life. Especially one that puts me on a Dun adventure. Thanks for the story and I can’t wait for your next series to read.
January 9, 2024
Over too soon!
This series of 10 books is too short by at least 10 books! Extremely well written, lots of solid science, fantasy interpretation of chaos theory (maybe it's not fantasy?), and awesome characters you just fall in love with!
This series of 10 books is too short by at least 10 books! Extremely well written, lots of solid science, fantasy interpretation of chaos theory (maybe it's not fantasy?), and awesome characters you just fall in love with!
April 2, 2023
spoilers
I love this universe. I already read the last chapter and I am so stoked that the sheriff is being extended. I read all your books they are ambrosia to me. <3
I love this universe. I already read the last chapter and I am so stoked that the sheriff is being extended. I read all your books they are ambrosia to me. <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews