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The Lost Stars #1
Tarnished Knight
The New York Times best-selling author puts the Alliance fleet’s enemy in the spotlight as the people of the Syndicate Worlds attempt to rebuild their lives after Admiral John “Black Jack” Geary defeated them....
The authority of the Syndicate Worlds’ government is crumbling. Civil war and rebellion are breaking out in many star systems, despite the Syndic government’s brutal attempts to suppress disorder. Midway is one of those star systems, and leaders there must decide whether to remain loyal to the old order or fight for something new.
CEO Artur Drakon has been betrayed. The Syndic government failed to protect its citizens from both the Alliance and the alien enigmas. With a cadre of loyal soldiers under his command, Drakon launches a battle for control of the Midway Star System - assisted by an ally he’s unsure he can trust....
CEO Gwen Iceni was exiled to Midway because she wasn’t ruthless enough in the eyes of her superiors. She’s made them regret their assessment by commandeering some of the warships at Midway and attacking the remaining ships still loyal to the Syndicate empire. Iceni declares independence for the Midway Star System on behalf of the people while staying in charge as “President”. But while she controls the mobile fleet, she has no choice but to rely on 'General' Drakon’s ground forces to keep the peace planet-side....
If their coup is to succeed, Drakon and Iceni must put their differences aside to prevent the population of Midway from rising up in rebellion against them, to defend Midway against the alien threat of the enigma race - and to ferret out saboteurs determined to reestablish Syndic rule....
The authority of the Syndicate Worlds’ government is crumbling. Civil war and rebellion are breaking out in many star systems, despite the Syndic government’s brutal attempts to suppress disorder. Midway is one of those star systems, and leaders there must decide whether to remain loyal to the old order or fight for something new.
CEO Artur Drakon has been betrayed. The Syndic government failed to protect its citizens from both the Alliance and the alien enigmas. With a cadre of loyal soldiers under his command, Drakon launches a battle for control of the Midway Star System - assisted by an ally he’s unsure he can trust....
CEO Gwen Iceni was exiled to Midway because she wasn’t ruthless enough in the eyes of her superiors. She’s made them regret their assessment by commandeering some of the warships at Midway and attacking the remaining ships still loyal to the Syndicate empire. Iceni declares independence for the Midway Star System on behalf of the people while staying in charge as “President”. But while she controls the mobile fleet, she has no choice but to rely on 'General' Drakon’s ground forces to keep the peace planet-side....
If their coup is to succeed, Drakon and Iceni must put their differences aside to prevent the population of Midway from rising up in rebellion against them, to defend Midway against the alien threat of the enigma race - and to ferret out saboteurs determined to reestablish Syndic rule....
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First published October 1, 2012
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About the author
Jack Campbell
115 books3,031 followersJack Campbell is a pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
October 26, 2013
Like many readers of Jack Campbell's prior books/series, I held off on this series-was hesitant because I wasn't sure I wanted to read a series about Syndicate CEOs. It is a testament to his prior series that I had developed a deep hatred for the Syndicate and didn't want to read a series from their view. Well, as a further testament to Mr. Campbell's writing, this book made me appreciate the characters, albeit former Syndicate CEO's, and I wondered why I had not started this series sooner. I'm already on book 2 and will write more a more detailed review when I finish, but, wanted to encourage fans of Mr. Campbell to read this 1st installment of his spin-off series (yes, I know we were taught over many books to dislike the Syndicate)....
October 31, 2012
An offshoot of his Lost Fleet novels, with this first in a new series Campbell takes his now-familiar universe and explores it from a new angle. By focusing on the heretofore antagonists, he humanizes what were up to this point a fairly monolithic and cartoonish enemy force. There is quite clearly a different tone with this volume as well, which also offers a nice change of pace. Where the Black Jack books have mainly focused on concepts of Leadership and responsibility, this new series has taken a more morally ambiguous focus on questions of trust. I'm looking forward to future installments to Campbell's rapidly expanding catalog.
September 26, 2012
You may also read the review here:http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/09/...
“Treason could be as simple as walking through a doorway.”
So begins Jack Campbell’s latest novel, The Lost Stars: Tarnished Knight, a spin off of his Lost Fleet series. As first sentences go, this one not only piqued my interest, it also set the hook firmly in my mouth and began reeling me in. Usually it takes me a few dozen pages to get into a new book and feel comfortable in the world. Tarnished Knight had me joining the wild ride right out of the gate.
The Lost Stars series focuses on the collapse of control of the Syndicate Worlds. Like all empires throughout time, no matter how firm the control, eventually the empire crumbles be it from external pressures or internal rot or both. What happens as a society wrests control of their worlds/lives from the distant overlords and struggles to create a new order while protecting their hard won gains. I have always been fascinated by the transitions more than the results. People seem to think, for example, that the time from the surrender at Yorktown and the birth of the United States is only backstory. In reality that time is a massive upheaval where different factions competed for their own objectives. This is truly the time when small differences can bring about large changes.
Tarnished Knight begins the coverage of this transition time. The Midway system is the focus where threats from an alien race (the Enigmas) and other humans (the Alliance) are everyday concerns. The collapse of the Syndicate strength leaves the Syndicate not only unable to defend the far flung reaches of their empire but also requires them to pull resources back to protect their own necks. Two of the leaders (referred to as CEOs in Syndicate speak) in the Midway system, Iceni and Drakon, are not comfortable with being left unprotected and stage a coups of the system under the very noses of the “snakes” of the ISS, the Syndicate’s not-so-secret police.
In reality, this is a story about trust. Things would go so much easier, if people were able to trust one another and not worry about ulterior motives. Two CEOs who have grown up and risen in the ranks of a system that rival the worst excesses of Stalinism, are now forced to trust one another in order to succeed. To have reached the level they have has required them to never give trust to anyone for any reason, never provide anyone with information that can be used against you and never let your guard down. Now with the limited forces available to them, they need to consolidate their position to prepare a defense against the Alliance, the Syndicate or worse against the alien Enigmas! It’s a race against time. How much easier everything would be if both could be sure of the other’s motives.
The Lost Stars: Tarnished Knight is a true page turner as Jack Campbell takes you from one cliff-hanger to the next before you’ve had time to readjust to the newest twist. You feel just a little bit of the paranoia and fear that is an everyday accompaniment to a world that is just getting its first taste of freedom. I look forward to the next book to continue the adventures!
“Treason could be as simple as walking through a doorway.”
So begins Jack Campbell’s latest novel, The Lost Stars: Tarnished Knight, a spin off of his Lost Fleet series. As first sentences go, this one not only piqued my interest, it also set the hook firmly in my mouth and began reeling me in. Usually it takes me a few dozen pages to get into a new book and feel comfortable in the world. Tarnished Knight had me joining the wild ride right out of the gate.
The Lost Stars series focuses on the collapse of control of the Syndicate Worlds. Like all empires throughout time, no matter how firm the control, eventually the empire crumbles be it from external pressures or internal rot or both. What happens as a society wrests control of their worlds/lives from the distant overlords and struggles to create a new order while protecting their hard won gains. I have always been fascinated by the transitions more than the results. People seem to think, for example, that the time from the surrender at Yorktown and the birth of the United States is only backstory. In reality that time is a massive upheaval where different factions competed for their own objectives. This is truly the time when small differences can bring about large changes.
Tarnished Knight begins the coverage of this transition time. The Midway system is the focus where threats from an alien race (the Enigmas) and other humans (the Alliance) are everyday concerns. The collapse of the Syndicate strength leaves the Syndicate not only unable to defend the far flung reaches of their empire but also requires them to pull resources back to protect their own necks. Two of the leaders (referred to as CEOs in Syndicate speak) in the Midway system, Iceni and Drakon, are not comfortable with being left unprotected and stage a coups of the system under the very noses of the “snakes” of the ISS, the Syndicate’s not-so-secret police.
In reality, this is a story about trust. Things would go so much easier, if people were able to trust one another and not worry about ulterior motives. Two CEOs who have grown up and risen in the ranks of a system that rival the worst excesses of Stalinism, are now forced to trust one another in order to succeed. To have reached the level they have has required them to never give trust to anyone for any reason, never provide anyone with information that can be used against you and never let your guard down. Now with the limited forces available to them, they need to consolidate their position to prepare a defense against the Alliance, the Syndicate or worse against the alien Enigmas! It’s a race against time. How much easier everything would be if both could be sure of the other’s motives.
The Lost Stars: Tarnished Knight is a true page turner as Jack Campbell takes you from one cliff-hanger to the next before you’ve had time to readjust to the newest twist. You feel just a little bit of the paranoia and fear that is an everyday accompaniment to a world that is just getting its first taste of freedom. I look forward to the next book to continue the adventures!
November 13, 2019
Tarnished Knight works well as a spin-off expansion to the Lost Fleet series by Jack Campbell, as it allows a full development of character perspectives from among the erstwhile antagonists of the original series. Engaging action sequences keep the story moving along a fast pace.
However, an appreciation of this book’s setting and characters requires too much context to be worth reading it as a stand-alone story. Chronologically, the events of this book fall between the Lost Fleet entries Dreadnaught and Invincible.
Also, Tarnished Knight ends on a cliffhanger, so a prospective reader would be well-advised to have the next installment (Perilous Shield) at hand.
However, an appreciation of this book’s setting and characters requires too much context to be worth reading it as a stand-alone story. Chronologically, the events of this book fall between the Lost Fleet entries Dreadnaught and Invincible.
Also, Tarnished Knight ends on a cliffhanger, so a prospective reader would be well-advised to have the next installment (Perilous Shield) at hand.
January 27, 2022
Confession: I find Artur Drakon and Gwen Iceni easier characters to get into than I did John Geary. They're less idealistic, and frankly simpler for me to get immersed in. Perfect heroes like Geary always make my teeth hurt a little.
October 7, 2012
In this spinoff series from his Lost Fleet series, Jack Campbell refocuses on a couple of ex-Syndicate (the dystopian corporate empire that served as the antagonists in the lost fleet books) CEO's who cut ties with their old masters and try their hand at a little revolution (more out of pragmatism than idealism), throwing off (some) of the shackles of the Syndicate to establish their own independent star system. The strange thing about this book is that it's a fairly elaborate science fiction rewrite of the Arthurian legends. The names are a dead giveaway (Artur Drakon (Arthur Pendragon), Gwen Iceni (Guinevere), Morgan (Morgana the Fey), Malin (Merlin), Kai (Sir Kay), etc.), but if you pay attention, despite its story of interstellar warfare and political revolution, the story actually hits a lot of the classic Arthurian plot points, though with everything told through a science fiction rather than fantasy lens, which is interesting but could be taken as a weakness. What makes the story really work is that Campbell doesn't just rip off an ancient legend and dress it up with science fiction bells and whistles, rather he creates an interesting synthesis of the two. It's not on the level of David Weber's Honor Harrington books, but as with the Lost Fleet series, Campbell writes good functional intelligent space-navy stories. Finally, I'd like to note that I was amused by how Campbell used his Lost Fleet hero, Black Jack Geary, in this book as we see him from the Syndic perspective for the first time, a respected but seemingly capricious and terrifyingly unknowable force of destruction.
August 29, 2021
I'm a huge fan of the LOST FLEET series starring Blackjack Gerry and it's a good comfort food for me. This is a very different series set in a different world with the evil, conniving, backstabbing Syndics. It's a bit like going from reading a series about Captain Picard or Kirk to one about the Romulans. General Drakon and President Iceni are the least repellent of the Syndics, though, and they want to free their home system of Midway from its tyrannical rulers. Well, so they can become its rulers in their place. But they're not tyrants! Sort of!
Much of the book is how it is hard to unlearn being a paranoid backstabbing jerk when it's all you know as well as the difficulties of creating a democracy [which they don't want] in a totalitarian dictatorship. As usual, Jack Campbell does a great job of writing the many battle scenes and tactics that make the series fun. Still, the leads are a bit unlikable compared to Captain Gerry.
Much of the book is how it is hard to unlearn being a paranoid backstabbing jerk when it's all you know as well as the difficulties of creating a democracy [which they don't want] in a totalitarian dictatorship. As usual, Jack Campbell does a great job of writing the many battle scenes and tactics that make the series fun. Still, the leads are a bit unlikable compared to Captain Gerry.
June 9, 2015
Unfortunately I couldn't finish this. I liked the Lost Fleet, but when I came back to try this series, it all seemed too...basic? Most every character felt the same as the next, they acted predictably, and they talked blandly. I couldn't stand it.
To be fair, I had just finished an intricate mystery/political/military thriller, and this wasn't the best choice for follow-up. I started The Wise Man's Fear after I quit this, and loved every bit.
To be fair, I had just finished an intricate mystery/political/military thriller, and this wasn't the best choice for follow-up. I started The Wise Man's Fear after I quit this, and loved every bit.
June 6, 2013
Four stars is well-earned for this book. It did take a while to read, but it was a good mix of action and character development that I enjoyed reading. I love the game of chess played out by General Drakon and President Iceni. I definitely want to continue this series!
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.
May 9, 2020
I'm interested in these two main characters. I want to find out what happens to them. Jack Campbell is very good at conveying that these are not pure-as-the-driven-snow people. They have lived through difficult times and done wrong things. Are still doing wrong things sometimes. But I get an inkling that they want to change... Excited to see where this leads us.
June 10, 2019
This is the first Book in "The Lost Stars" series by Jack Campbell a.k.a. John G. Hemry. This is the story of the aftermath of the Syndicate World's defeat by the Alliance and the attack on the Midway system by the alien Enigmas. It is up to former CEO Artur Drakon and former CEO Gwen Iceni to form a new government and find a way to protect their star system from the remnants of the Syndicate government and also to protect their system in case of a return of the Enigmas. They will find this difficult with many hurdles to overcome. The biggest hurdle will be the mistrust they have for each other. If they can corporate and not kill one another they might be able to pull it off. A good beginning to this spin-off of the Lost Fleet series which shows the inner workings of Black Jack Geary's and the Alliance's former enemies.
July 6, 2018
Not enjoying this as much as the previous books in the original Lost Fleet series, mostly because all the characters in this are kind of awful (on purpose). Will give it another book or so to see if it gets better...
July 7, 2020
Good fast read, fun characters, good political intrigue, good space battles, epic story of the lost fleet series from a different point of view.
November 19, 2021
Finally we get the ground battles we have been waiting for. So far so good I am enjoying this quite a bit.
May 14, 2025
4.7 ⭐
Generally good throughout, getting better in later stages. Looking forward to reading the next one
Generally good throughout, getting better in later stages. Looking forward to reading the next one
May 8, 2013
Tarnished Knight marks the first book outside of Jack Campbell’s two Lost Fleet series. Part of a new subseries entitled The Lost Stars, The Tarnished Knight, is Campbells first work to feature protagonists not from the Alliance worlds. Picking just before the Alliance fleet arrives in the Midway star system (I believe it was in Dreadnaught) this novel features two former Syndicate CEOs Artur Drakon, and Gwen Iceni. The two CEOs, having formed a tenuous alliance, have hatched a plan to overthrow the Syndicate security forces in their system and take control of Midway. Assuming you’ve read Dreadnaught you know that their initial coup succeeds but Tarnished Knight delves deeper into the shaky alliance between these two individuals and the actions they had to take to ensure the safety of the people of Midway and the strength of their own positions.
From the get go Tarnished Knight is going to draw comparisons to Campbell’s other Lost Fleet series. This is not necessarily the best comparison to make since unlike the majority of the Lost Fleet series Tarnished Knight is much more about the politics and government than it is about military action. We, the readers, have been told (and seen demonstrated) countless times over the course of the Lost Fleet series just what kinds of people the Syndicate Worlds have placed in charge and it is in Tarnished Knight that we get to seem people who defy established conventions; at least to an extent.
While Campbell has never provided an inside look at how the core Syndicate Worlds work through the two protagonists seen in Tarnished Knight readers can quite easily draw some conclusions about several things. The level of distrust between Iceni and Drakon ties into the emphasis on personal power that the title CEO has come to represent. Countless times over the course of the novel the seeds of distrust are expressed by both characters and are frequently enhanced by their subordinates. The level of fear and mistrust that must exist in the Syndicate Worlds is palpable over the course of the novel and the way both Iceni and Drakon walk a thin line in trying to be something more that a Syndicate CEO, they even change their titles to President and General, while struggling against the type of cutthroat brutality ingrained by their past is both interesting and engaging.
At many times over the course of the novel watching Iceni and Drakon emerge from the yoke of Syndicate rule is like watching a newborn calf take its first stumbling steps. Except for this calf those missteps end in assassination and murder. Nowhere is this more evident than in Iceni’s and Drakon’s opinion of the judicial system. To them it is a tool of CEOs, a thing meant to punish, their version of the law all that matters. It is fascinating to watch the bafflement when the notion of actual justice is brought up. There is another wonderful moment in the novel when, in a somewhat candid conversation, Drakon and Iceni try to imagine who or what they might be had they not grown up in the Syndicate Worlds and find themselves with a rather depressing shortage of answers.
Tarnished Knight is not without its stumbling blocks. The novel feels like it meanders and while there is some action over the course of the novel it doesn’t quite engage the same way that the Lost Fleet novel do. Tarnished Knight is a book targeted more at Campbell’s establish reader base and I don’t think that someone picking this book up at random would enjoy it though Campbell does provide enough background that new readers could definitely grasp what was going. Character relationships remain a bit of a problem for Campbell, particularly when it comes to romance, there is an awkward almost adolescent feel to the realtionships that often feels a bit forced.
Overall I enjoyed my times with Tarnished Knight. While it didn’t grab me with fervent need to plow forward it provided a consistent and entertaining read that served as a mid-meal snack during the wait for the next new Lost Fleet novel; in fact the ending of Tarnished Knight leads directly into that next novel. All in all I’m definitely looking forward to more novels in the Lost Stars series and it will be interesting to see if Campbell continues with the characters seen here or moves to a different system all together. While I can’t honestly recommend Tarnished Knight to Campbell newbies I can say that long-term fans of Campbell’s Lost Fleet series should find a lot to like in this interesting diversion.
From the get go Tarnished Knight is going to draw comparisons to Campbell’s other Lost Fleet series. This is not necessarily the best comparison to make since unlike the majority of the Lost Fleet series Tarnished Knight is much more about the politics and government than it is about military action. We, the readers, have been told (and seen demonstrated) countless times over the course of the Lost Fleet series just what kinds of people the Syndicate Worlds have placed in charge and it is in Tarnished Knight that we get to seem people who defy established conventions; at least to an extent.
While Campbell has never provided an inside look at how the core Syndicate Worlds work through the two protagonists seen in Tarnished Knight readers can quite easily draw some conclusions about several things. The level of distrust between Iceni and Drakon ties into the emphasis on personal power that the title CEO has come to represent. Countless times over the course of the novel the seeds of distrust are expressed by both characters and are frequently enhanced by their subordinates. The level of fear and mistrust that must exist in the Syndicate Worlds is palpable over the course of the novel and the way both Iceni and Drakon walk a thin line in trying to be something more that a Syndicate CEO, they even change their titles to President and General, while struggling against the type of cutthroat brutality ingrained by their past is both interesting and engaging.
At many times over the course of the novel watching Iceni and Drakon emerge from the yoke of Syndicate rule is like watching a newborn calf take its first stumbling steps. Except for this calf those missteps end in assassination and murder. Nowhere is this more evident than in Iceni’s and Drakon’s opinion of the judicial system. To them it is a tool of CEOs, a thing meant to punish, their version of the law all that matters. It is fascinating to watch the bafflement when the notion of actual justice is brought up. There is another wonderful moment in the novel when, in a somewhat candid conversation, Drakon and Iceni try to imagine who or what they might be had they not grown up in the Syndicate Worlds and find themselves with a rather depressing shortage of answers.
Tarnished Knight is not without its stumbling blocks. The novel feels like it meanders and while there is some action over the course of the novel it doesn’t quite engage the same way that the Lost Fleet novel do. Tarnished Knight is a book targeted more at Campbell’s establish reader base and I don’t think that someone picking this book up at random would enjoy it though Campbell does provide enough background that new readers could definitely grasp what was going. Character relationships remain a bit of a problem for Campbell, particularly when it comes to romance, there is an awkward almost adolescent feel to the realtionships that often feels a bit forced.
Overall I enjoyed my times with Tarnished Knight. While it didn’t grab me with fervent need to plow forward it provided a consistent and entertaining read that served as a mid-meal snack during the wait for the next new Lost Fleet novel; in fact the ending of Tarnished Knight leads directly into that next novel. All in all I’m definitely looking forward to more novels in the Lost Stars series and it will be interesting to see if Campbell continues with the characters seen here or moves to a different system all together. While I can’t honestly recommend Tarnished Knight to Campbell newbies I can say that long-term fans of Campbell’s Lost Fleet series should find a lot to like in this interesting diversion.
March 29, 2022
Book 1 in series. Military SF starring 2 former 'bad' guys (ex-Syndicate CEOs) who are tossed into the role of protectors. They face a myriad of new challenges, including the evil Syndicate proper--still reeling from an a$$-whupping, but not to be underestimated.
Better than I expected, but not a full 3 stars for me. The characters are a bit stiff, as usual. The action bits were enjoyable if too brief. There's never any doubt these new heroes will overcome, which takes away from any real suspense.
As with most Campbell books, I sped-read to the action bits or the more interesting dialogues. The tiresome worship of 'BlackJack' Geary continues, even though he's not seen in this particular book.
VERDICT: ~2.5 for me, or 3 to 4 if you dig military SF.
Would I read Books 2+ in this series? Maybe.
Better than I expected, but not a full 3 stars for me. The characters are a bit stiff, as usual. The action bits were enjoyable if too brief. There's never any doubt these new heroes will overcome, which takes away from any real suspense.
As with most Campbell books, I sped-read to the action bits or the more interesting dialogues. The tiresome worship of 'BlackJack' Geary continues, even though he's not seen in this particular book.
VERDICT: ~2.5 for me, or 3 to 4 if you dig military SF.
Would I read Books 2+ in this series? Maybe.
July 3, 2015
I am a fan of Jack Campbell's Military Science Fiction. His original Lost Fleet series was almost like crack for me; as soon as I finished one, I had to pick up the next. That continued when I read his first "Beyond the Frontier" novel...with one exception - my own writing was taking off and I didn't have the time to invest in reading (much to my own sorrow).
Fast forward to now. I was in the bookstore looking for the next in his "Beyond the Frontier" series. Unfortunately, the bookstore didn't have it and I needed something to read (only a small window to do so). I pick up Tarnished Knight.
I had some big concerns when I bought the book. I had never seen the "Syndicate" side of things in any of the previous books and I was worried the book wouldn't be able to stand up to my expectations. Those concerns kept up for the first few chapters as Mr. Campbell built up a view of the Syndicate way of life. Totally necessary, but I kept expecting it to fall flat into the realm of propaganda and rhetoric about why their way of life was wrong and not-so-hidden messages about the world we live in today.
That never happened and I began to care about extremely flawed characters. Drakon and Iceni could easily have become caricatures of all the bad people in this world but instead became living, breathing and most importantly, imperfect people. This is something Mr. Campbell has always done very well in his past books so I shouldn't have been surprised it happened again here.
There was more political power wrangling in this book than I think I have seen in others which meant less room for battles. That was okay because I really didn't miss it. The non-battle portions of the story were very engaging.
A very good start to what could have been an extremely tricky series. Of course, we are cliff-hangered at the end of the book, which I find annoying, but still a good start. When I next have time to read (instead of write) I will be looking for the next one.
Fast forward to now. I was in the bookstore looking for the next in his "Beyond the Frontier" series. Unfortunately, the bookstore didn't have it and I needed something to read (only a small window to do so). I pick up Tarnished Knight.
I had some big concerns when I bought the book. I had never seen the "Syndicate" side of things in any of the previous books and I was worried the book wouldn't be able to stand up to my expectations. Those concerns kept up for the first few chapters as Mr. Campbell built up a view of the Syndicate way of life. Totally necessary, but I kept expecting it to fall flat into the realm of propaganda and rhetoric about why their way of life was wrong and not-so-hidden messages about the world we live in today.
That never happened and I began to care about extremely flawed characters. Drakon and Iceni could easily have become caricatures of all the bad people in this world but instead became living, breathing and most importantly, imperfect people. This is something Mr. Campbell has always done very well in his past books so I shouldn't have been surprised it happened again here.
There was more political power wrangling in this book than I think I have seen in others which meant less room for battles. That was okay because I really didn't miss it. The non-battle portions of the story were very engaging.
A very good start to what could have been an extremely tricky series. Of course, we are cliff-hangered at the end of the book, which I find annoying, but still a good start. When I next have time to read (instead of write) I will be looking for the next one.
June 2, 2013
I started reading Mr. Campell's "Black Jack" series a while ago when I was looking for some new military scifi to read. I found his early books to be fun, very accurate in regards to space battles, but light on the character development side. And Black Jack never seems to lose a battle.
This book is the best of the series. (Potential spoilers)
Instead of following the footsteps of Black Jack, we are taken into the world of the Syndics and CEO's Iceni and Drakon. Mistrustful and wary of each other, they form a provisional government after the fall of the local Syndicate. Each treads carefully not knowing when and if the other will arrange to have the other assasinated. They both have loyal followers, though it's pretty easy to figure out who the moles are. What isn't clear is the motivations/agendas of their subordinates which makes it even more fun.
Mr. Campbell has used the device of neither Iceni or Drakon knowing each other very well at the beginning of the book so the reader (and the characters) are able to discover who they are together. It works without being expository. Then throw in the ying and yang of Malin and Morgan and you come with a very good story ripe with conflict. And I love the early earth history references.
Fast-paced and very enjoyable, this book could be read on its own, but I think you'll get more out of it if you've read the other books in the series.
This book is the best of the series. (Potential spoilers)
Instead of following the footsteps of Black Jack, we are taken into the world of the Syndics and CEO's Iceni and Drakon. Mistrustful and wary of each other, they form a provisional government after the fall of the local Syndicate. Each treads carefully not knowing when and if the other will arrange to have the other assasinated. They both have loyal followers, though it's pretty easy to figure out who the moles are. What isn't clear is the motivations/agendas of their subordinates which makes it even more fun.
Mr. Campbell has used the device of neither Iceni or Drakon knowing each other very well at the beginning of the book so the reader (and the characters) are able to discover who they are together. It works without being expository. Then throw in the ying and yang of Malin and Morgan and you come with a very good story ripe with conflict. And I love the early earth history references.
Fast-paced and very enjoyable, this book could be read on its own, but I think you'll get more out of it if you've read the other books in the series.
January 28, 2013
This book is the first in what I expect will be a series looking at the aftermath of the Alliance Syndicate Wars from the losers , the Syndicate, perspective. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Now that Black Jack Geary has delivered a decisive victory to the Alliance what is going to happen on the scattered Syndicate worlds ?
Well, CEO’s Drakan and Icenci have a plan , sort of. Although impossible to discuss in any detail in their current environment they none the less know that the Syndicate way of governing is not the way to go. So an intricate plan is executed on both land and space is launched by the pair.
Although successful for the most part CEO’s Drakan and Icenci are still having a hard time believing that the other one is being totally truthful about their ultimate intentions.
Based on this uncomfortable alliance they pursue different models of governance and explore their immediate neighbours to see how they are dealing with the results of the war.
Great character development and multiple, but linked, story arcs are consistent with Jack Campbells’ other books.
This series is a spin off from the Lost Fleet series which I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
This is military science fiction and space opera all delivered at a very high level of enjoyment.
Now that Black Jack Geary has delivered a decisive victory to the Alliance what is going to happen on the scattered Syndicate worlds ?
Well, CEO’s Drakan and Icenci have a plan , sort of. Although impossible to discuss in any detail in their current environment they none the less know that the Syndicate way of governing is not the way to go. So an intricate plan is executed on both land and space is launched by the pair.
Although successful for the most part CEO’s Drakan and Icenci are still having a hard time believing that the other one is being totally truthful about their ultimate intentions.
Based on this uncomfortable alliance they pursue different models of governance and explore their immediate neighbours to see how they are dealing with the results of the war.
Great character development and multiple, but linked, story arcs are consistent with Jack Campbells’ other books.
This series is a spin off from the Lost Fleet series which I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
This is military science fiction and space opera all delivered at a very high level of enjoyment.
October 7, 2012
It takes a good author to make aliens seem ... well ... alien. Jack Campbell ... aka... John Hemry ... has already proven he can do that in the Lost Fleet series.
It takes a great author to make the human protagonists seem alien while at the same time sympathetic. I am thrilled to say that he has done just that in his new book, The Tarnished Knight. Both of Campbell's heroes in this book, while likable, have beliefs and ingrained notions of reality that are both "alien" to someone living in a western democracy like myself and yet at the same time completely consistent with the syndicalist empire in which they were raised. It makes for a fascinating character study. Nor does Campbell skimp out on the military action, adding ground actions to the space-based combat of the Lost Fleet universe.
I want to add another comment. Both of the protagonists were first introduced in the Lost Fleet. This is important because I enjoyed seeing the previous encounters from their perspectives. It was also fun to watch them try and understand Geary's actions based on their prejudices.
All in all, I highly recommend this novel to any fans of the Lost Fleet or of Space Opera in general.
November 12, 2014
A very entertaining Military Science Fiction novel showing us those on the other side of the conflict from The Lost Fleet series.
Although the latest few books of that series were not as exciting as the first ones this new spin-off series has the potential to outshine TLF entirely.
We have a larger cast of more interesting protagonists, many of which won't be out of place in a Byzantine tale of political backstabbing and intrigue like A Song of Ice and Fire.
It definitely feels more like a political/spy thriller than Military SF, ut it has enough space and ground combat to IMO satisfy fans of the genre.
Although the latest few books of that series were not as exciting as the first ones this new spin-off series has the potential to outshine TLF entirely.
We have a larger cast of more interesting protagonists, many of which won't be out of place in a Byzantine tale of political backstabbing and intrigue like A Song of Ice and Fire.
It definitely feels more like a political/spy thriller than Military SF, ut it has enough space and ground combat to IMO satisfy fans of the genre.
March 12, 2014
This starts Campbell's look at the actions of the other side of the war. The survivors in the Midway system must decide who they are and how they will govern themselves in the wake of the Syndicate government's fall. Which is more important, ensuring that you live another day and can help guide the system to freedom, or taking the risk of trusting the motives of formal rivals that may allow you to make the progress needed before everything falls apart? It's a decision that must be faced every day.
400 pages and a reasonably quick read.
400 pages and a reasonably quick read.
July 2, 2015
This is no 'Lost Fleet' series - and all the flaws of the author become glaringly obvious in this new series. His inability to provide well round, three dimensional characters is the biggest obstacle for the reader. Without the care factor this read becomes Boring and slow.
I have read all the Lost Fleet/Beyond Frontiers novels but gave up half way through this book. Not enough action, and the characters just failed to make me give a damn about their inane problems.
I have read all the Lost Fleet/Beyond Frontiers novels but gave up half way through this book. Not enough action, and the characters just failed to make me give a damn about their inane problems.
July 23, 2015
This is a spin off of the Black Jack Geary series. I prefer the Black Jack series, which focused on space and spaceship battles.
This series focuses on the planet of Midway and breaking away from the Syndicate.
There are a lot of interesting characters. The mysterious past of Morgan and whether Malin has a crush on her is a nice sub plot.
I think you need to read the Black Jack Geary series before this series. Too much is not explained for new readers.
This series focuses on the planet of Midway and breaking away from the Syndicate.
There are a lot of interesting characters. The mysterious past of Morgan and whether Malin has a crush on her is a nice sub plot.
I think you need to read the Black Jack Geary series before this series. Too much is not explained for new readers.
January 4, 2013
Anything in the Lost Fleet series is good when you want fleet vs fleet action, and Tarnished Knight continues the tradition. Unfortunately it also follows the tradition of cardboard characters and poor quality writing.
April 8, 2013
Not sure what to make of this. I enjoyed the story, but I struggled to visualise the world and got a bit tired of all the information loading.
Perhaps I should read the 'Jack Black' series and then judge it again. I might be able to visualise the world better in that case.
Perhaps I should read the 'Jack Black' series and then judge it again. I might be able to visualise the world better in that case.
June 30, 2021
My first re-read and I still adore it much more than I like The Lost Fleet series - sue me.
I seriously wonder now if Drakon and Iceni finalized their joke-deal and ran naked through the forest on some point of time xD
I seriously wonder now if Drakon and Iceni finalized their joke-deal and ran naked through the forest on some point of time xD
March 2, 2013
Enjoyable, but not quite as good as its companion series.
January 16, 2020
Orson Scott Card was already an incredible world builder, and an even better character builder remembered for Ender's Game and he did not fail in his book of Tarnished Knight. Orson has been able to build a futuristic universe where Humans have long since explored and even colonized beyond Earth. Humans however, tend to have different ideals on ways of governing and leadership, So at some point since leaving Earth, Humanity split into two very powerful factions, one with a style of leadership similar to a Republic and another in the form a very, very corrupt company with all the leaders being “elected” in a faulty system and trying to backstab each other non-stop, they call themselves the Syndicate. So as you can probably tell without even reading the book, that those two big factions eventually started fighting each other. Turns out they fought for one hundred years, and it wasn’t until a legendary Alliance commander from the early days of the war who was supposedly dead, that the Alliance won. But they did not conquer the Syndicate, instead they put new leaders in charge. Those leaders were just as corrupt, but not as powerful and they started pulling back to fortify where they got most of their money. That leads to where the book starts, where two desperate leaders of a planetary system far from where the war was, as well as the still powerful government leaders (All leaders of the Syndicate government have the title of CEO.
Two CEOs in a star system called Midway dangerously plotted together and eventually overthrew the weakened hand of the Syndicate government in an attempt to not be purged by the new head honchos. But having grown in the corrupt ways of the Syndicate the two leaders figuratively pointing a gun at each others heads, but as the book moves on they start to learn how to govern in new ways and how to do it in a not so corrupt way, they start to discover that they simply can’t afford to not trust each other. Anyway, the book is pretty fast paced and there is almost never a paragraph of the book that is not helping to build the story and characters in some way. Later they start gaining vital resources, defences and allies to help defend them from when the Syndicate will eventually counter attack, or aliens with unknown capabilities. I would rate the book at about four stars and I caution about the amount of language the book, for while its not the most serious curses, it has lots of them. There are also a few suggestions in the book leading to drinking and sex, so beware of those as well. But if your fine with going through those, then go ahead and read the book.
Two CEOs in a star system called Midway dangerously plotted together and eventually overthrew the weakened hand of the Syndicate government in an attempt to not be purged by the new head honchos. But having grown in the corrupt ways of the Syndicate the two leaders figuratively pointing a gun at each others heads, but as the book moves on they start to learn how to govern in new ways and how to do it in a not so corrupt way, they start to discover that they simply can’t afford to not trust each other. Anyway, the book is pretty fast paced and there is almost never a paragraph of the book that is not helping to build the story and characters in some way. Later they start gaining vital resources, defences and allies to help defend them from when the Syndicate will eventually counter attack, or aliens with unknown capabilities. I would rate the book at about four stars and I caution about the amount of language the book, for while its not the most serious curses, it has lots of them. There are also a few suggestions in the book leading to drinking and sex, so beware of those as well. But if your fine with going through those, then go ahead and read the book.
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