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Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire #4
Imperial Hijacker
Fleeing a smashed rebellion and near execution by their supposed allies, Dirk, Gavin, Dena, and Ana abandon Scruggs and Lee during battle. When local medical treatment isn't enough, Lee surrenders to the Imperials and arranges to surrender to Devin's ship to save Scruggs's life. When a botched meet-up leaves them all in Devin's custody and surrounded by his Marines, it looks like time's up for our heroes. But Devin gets startling news, and it's not what it says, but what it doesn't that worries him. He has a proposal of his own for Dirk and company. They'll get Scruggs and what they want, but they might have to change sides!
If you like Galactic Empires, honorable enemies, and snappy dialog, this one's for you!
If you like Galactic Empires, honorable enemies, and snappy dialog, this one's for you!
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2023
316 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Moriarty
55 books281 followersAndrew Moriarty has been reading science fiction his whole life, and he always wondered about the stories he read. How did they ever pay the mortgage for that space ship? Why doesn’t it ever need to be refueled? What would happen if it broke, but the parts were backordered for weeks? And why doesn’t anybody ever have to charge sales tax? Despairing on finding the answers to these questions, he decided to write a book about how space ships would function in the real world. Ships need fuel, fuel costs money, and the accountants run everything.
He was born in Canada, and has lived in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Germany, and Maastricht. Previously he worked as a telephone newspaper subscriptions salesman, a pizza delivery driver, wedding disc jockey, and technology trainer. Unfortunately, he also spent a great deal of time in the IT industry, designing networks and configuring routers and switches. Along the way, he picked up an ex-spy with a predilection for French Champagne, and a whippet with a murderous possessiveness for tennis balls. They live together in Brooklyn.
He was born in Canada, and has lived in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Germany, and Maastricht. Previously he worked as a telephone newspaper subscriptions salesman, a pizza delivery driver, wedding disc jockey, and technology trainer. Unfortunately, he also spent a great deal of time in the IT industry, designing networks and configuring routers and switches. Along the way, he picked up an ex-spy with a predilection for French Champagne, and a whippet with a murderous possessiveness for tennis balls. They live together in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 29, 2023
I picked up Mr. Moriarty’s Trans Galactic Insurance: Adventures of a Jump Space Accountant awhile back, it intrigued my whimsical side and got hooked immediately. Surfed about as fast as possible thru the Trans Galactic Insurance series and decided to jump over to his Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire series and loved it. Some wonderful stuff that reminded me of other series and love the character development. For full disclosure I got asked to be a Beta reviewer for Imperial Hijacker and as such I’ll tell you about what I told Mr. Moriarty…
I’ll open by saying this a good book that follows in the vein of the Delcine and Fall of the Galactic Empire. The characters are as strong as they ever were and what I love is they’re continuing to develop. For openers Dirk is becoming a stronger character and in Imperial Hijacker he steps up more so and gives further hope that he’ll return to being the strong person he was (this was shown in Imperial Deserter when Marines who’d served under him busted him out of prison) and continues with his stronger character throughout the book. Merging this with Dena becoming more integrated more important within the crew and Scruggs showing she can function independently and with intelligence and things are coming further together for the Hearts Desire (or is it Heavy Items, ok, same thing). There’s only a few things needed to solidify the crew and future stories and hopefully it comes about.
Plot and storytelling wise this follows along the path that Mr. Moriarty has established in his Decline and Falll series and there’s nothing wrong with this. Plot wise I’ll say it’s solid with a little drag in the middle area. Not that I was looking for more action or anything like that but looking for “more” and that’s not uncommon with series we follow (I’ve said the same about CJ Cherryh’s works and she’s top shelf to me). What I do know is that I was wondering how things were going to end and how the story finished worked within what we’ve seen in the Decline and Fall series and what the characters have done.
Rating wise I’m calling this a 4 star book but it’s better than that, really about 4.3 for me. I was entertained and looked forward to reading more in the story. The characters and plot met expectations and the storytelling is what I want for this, a little whimsical but with solid character play well within their roles and their interactions with other characters. I am planning to read they published book and will update as necessary.
I’ll open by saying this a good book that follows in the vein of the Delcine and Fall of the Galactic Empire. The characters are as strong as they ever were and what I love is they’re continuing to develop. For openers Dirk is becoming a stronger character and in Imperial Hijacker he steps up more so and gives further hope that he’ll return to being the strong person he was (this was shown in Imperial Deserter when Marines who’d served under him busted him out of prison) and continues with his stronger character throughout the book. Merging this with Dena becoming more integrated more important within the crew and Scruggs showing she can function independently and with intelligence and things are coming further together for the Hearts Desire (or is it Heavy Items, ok, same thing). There’s only a few things needed to solidify the crew and future stories and hopefully it comes about.
Plot and storytelling wise this follows along the path that Mr. Moriarty has established in his Decline and Falll series and there’s nothing wrong with this. Plot wise I’ll say it’s solid with a little drag in the middle area. Not that I was looking for more action or anything like that but looking for “more” and that’s not uncommon with series we follow (I’ve said the same about CJ Cherryh’s works and she’s top shelf to me). What I do know is that I was wondering how things were going to end and how the story finished worked within what we’ve seen in the Decline and Fall series and what the characters have done.
Rating wise I’m calling this a 4 star book but it’s better than that, really about 4.3 for me. I was entertained and looked forward to reading more in the story. The characters and plot met expectations and the storytelling is what I want for this, a little whimsical but with solid character play well within their roles and their interactions with other characters. I am planning to read they published book and will update as necessary.
October 11, 2023
Consistently excellent (and fun) sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is great, and the characters are engaging.... Ok, whatever! I shouldn't laugh so much reading a book filled with graphic violence, dead bodies, and destruction, but I was definitely cackling. I never thought I would like Devin, let alone love him, but the Mad Dog of the Verge has grown on me. And his crew is hilarious; Lionel and Imin are awesome. Dirk tries so hard, and his crew makes his life difficult; it's impossible to dislike him. Scruggs has definitely learned her lessons well, and Ana is a big evil, violent teddy bear. Both Ana and Gavin still have secrets. I hope Hernandez and Weeks stick around. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and look forward to book 5.
The worldbuilding is great, and the characters are engaging.... Ok, whatever! I shouldn't laugh so much reading a book filled with graphic violence, dead bodies, and destruction, but I was definitely cackling. I never thought I would like Devin, let alone love him, but the Mad Dog of the Verge has grown on me. And his crew is hilarious; Lionel and Imin are awesome. Dirk tries so hard, and his crew makes his life difficult; it's impossible to dislike him. Scruggs has definitely learned her lessons well, and Ana is a big evil, violent teddy bear. Both Ana and Gavin still have secrets. I hope Hernandez and Weeks stick around. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and look forward to book 5.
September 29, 2023
I think this is the best/most fun of the series so far. One of the more fun parts in this book involve Devin, which we read about quite a bit more than in the previous ones.
This book has multiple intertwined stories where we find out what is going on in different parts of the universe ... there is even a dinner (or was it lunch?) shared by all of the main characters!
I guess that the author finally realized that the series is called "Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire" so we get to see some bigger steps toward the empire falling apart.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy to review but I still bought the book on release :)
This book has multiple intertwined stories where we find out what is going on in different parts of the universe ... there is even a dinner (or was it lunch?) shared by all of the main characters!
I guess that the author finally realized that the series is called "Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire" so we get to see some bigger steps toward the empire falling apart.
Disclosure: I received an advance copy to review but I still bought the book on release :)
September 15, 2023
Adventure Awaits- Number 4 is another solid entry in the Imperial Universe. Dirk is acting more like an Imperial Officer, much to others Chagrin. We find out new and interesting things about Scruggs, Lee, and Lord Devin.
Like Frances Ancien Regime evidently the Empire is big on primogeniture. The eldest child gets the title, the second child goes into the military (the Navy by preference as the senior service), and the third child goes into the priesthood.
Meanwhile Devin is fighting a brushfire war.
Like Frances Ancien Regime evidently the Empire is big on primogeniture. The eldest child gets the title, the second child goes into the military (the Navy by preference as the senior service), and the third child goes into the priesthood.
Meanwhile Devin is fighting a brushfire war.
October 7, 2023
Well done
Most of the plot strands are untangled, our crew is back in good shape, and we had a space battle preceded by splendid logistics problems. And it's still a good stand-alone book, with back story almost unnoticeable.
On the personal front, I'm a bit sad. You know how authors are supposed to make sure that readers can slot themselves into one of the characters and enjoy action vicariously? Turns out I'm not Dirk. Not even Gavin. I'm Ana, dammit.
David
Most of the plot strands are untangled, our crew is back in good shape, and we had a space battle preceded by splendid logistics problems. And it's still a good stand-alone book, with back story almost unnoticeable.
On the personal front, I'm a bit sad. You know how authors are supposed to make sure that readers can slot themselves into one of the characters and enjoy action vicariously? Turns out I'm not Dirk. Not even Gavin. I'm Ana, dammit.
David
September 30, 2023
What a great story!! ( I received an advance copy of it.) We really get to know a couple of characters who were introduced in prior books and I really like them. There’s tension, excitement, battles, scheming, and of course the witty and crazy humor from the author who is so good at writing it all. I’m going to have to read this book again!
September 30, 2023
Imperial Hijacker is the newest in a very good series of stand alone books. This book is an especially enjoyable romp by a couple of lively characters who have been kidnapped but are allowed free range on an interstellar space liner and the adventures that they manage to get into.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Emperor’s balls! This book is awesome!
I received this book as an advanced copy for beta reading. I loved this book. In fact, this series improves with every book. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but you will definitely be glad you took the time to invest in this series.
Andrew should put out a series of Mad Dog of The Verge hats. I’d buy one.
I received this book as an advanced copy for beta reading. I loved this book. In fact, this series improves with every book. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but you will definitely be glad you took the time to invest in this series.
Andrew should put out a series of Mad Dog of The Verge hats. I’d buy one.
September 29, 2023
The empire declines, but the story develops. Nice twists, good characters and a lot of potential for more stories with this crew. Looking forward to read. And yes, I got to read it a few weeks ago as beta version.
October 7, 2023
Adventure Awaits!
God bless Scruggs! Was worried about her but Ana’s training has paid off. Take a ride with the oddest bunch of misfits in the galactic empire. One of my favorites in the series which just keeps getting better and better. Loved it.
God bless Scruggs! Was worried about her but Ana’s training has paid off. Take a ride with the oddest bunch of misfits in the galactic empire. One of my favorites in the series which just keeps getting better and better. Loved it.
March 30, 2024
Worst crew in the Imperium? Check! Worst Pilot? Check! And the little girl? Well you'll just have to find out. Pick up the first book in this series, and see if you can stop reading them all.
I couldn't, troubles, terror, sticks and stones, naked and one really, really big rattlesnake. That's the least of their worries.
I couldn't, troubles, terror, sticks and stones, naked and one really, really big rattlesnake. That's the least of their worries.
September 29, 2023
We need a ship!
But it can't be just any ship.
How about that one?
Um, it's a little a, a, a big don't ya think?
Nah, it's perfect.
How are we gonna crew it?
Not a problem it's in the bag, man. Besides we've got Rocky, with him along we can handle ANYTHING.
But it can't be just any ship.
How about that one?
Um, it's a little a, a, a big don't ya think?
Nah, it's perfect.
How are we gonna crew it?
Not a problem it's in the bag, man. Besides we've got Rocky, with him along we can handle ANYTHING.
October 3, 2023
Very enjoyable. Light and frothy, silly and witty, fun characters. Adventure awaits!
November 30, 2023
Magnificent 7 meets game of thrones in space
You will love this crew. They own a dog. Space Marines, crazy baby marine & sexy farmer turned pirate. I want the next books: NOW!
You will love this crew. They own a dog. Space Marines, crazy baby marine & sexy farmer turned pirate. I want the next books: NOW!
October 2, 2023
A delightful book to read
I can't remember when I laughed this hard while reading.
Could have read it in one sitting.
But I deliberately spaced the reading over two days just for the joy of it.
Thank you so much, Andrew.
Love your work!
I can't remember when I laughed this hard while reading.
Could have read it in one sitting.
But I deliberately spaced the reading over two days just for the joy of it.
Thank you so much, Andrew.
Love your work!
October 16, 2023
Adventure Awaits
A slightly off-center crew thrown together by fate of accident. Somehow, it just seems to work, how I do not know. If you like things a bit irreverent, this the book for you. The Empire!
A slightly off-center crew thrown together by fate of accident. Somehow, it just seems to work, how I do not know. If you like things a bit irreverent, this the book for you. The Empire!
March 27, 2024
Adventure Awaits
Great scify series
Humorous but believable
Great pacing and characters that make you root for them even when you shouldn't
Adventure Awaits!
Great scify series
Humorous but believable
Great pacing and characters that make you root for them even when you shouldn't
Adventure Awaits!
September 30, 2023
good solid read
If you like the previous books, this one does not disappoint.
Fun, well written adventure. Looking forward to the next instalment
If you like the previous books, this one does not disappoint.
Fun, well written adventure. Looking forward to the next instalment
October 1, 2023
This was a very enjoyable series. I read them all, one right after another. I liked how the characters developed over the 4 books to the point were they were a crew and friends.
March 24, 2024
This is an excellent series of book. Engaging characters, humour and action. Most enjoyable.
December 11, 2023
Fun series
Lot of action, interesting characters. Dog loving crew made up of the worst of the best willing to break every rule in the name of
loyalty, honor, family, and friendship.
Lot of action, interesting characters. Dog loving crew made up of the worst of the best willing to break every rule in the name of
loyalty, honor, family, and friendship.
September 15, 2025
The story continues
The story continues each character is always evolving. The plot line always developing fast action great drama. They are a great team and always escaping dangerous situations !!!
The story continues each character is always evolving. The plot line always developing fast action great drama. They are a great team and always escaping dangerous situations !!!
December 23, 2023
Latest entry in the Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire. A great addition too. The story continues directly from the previous book and then completes that story line. Fun crew of misfits who don't like each other, but who refuse to runout on their friend/enemy? and make sure they have each other's back. This is also what the story of Patty Hearst should have been, instead of the one we got in the 1970s. Scruggs is a much more likeable rogue character and all around decent person than Patty the Terrorist of historical shame to herself. Andrew Moriarty please keep the fun rolling along. :)
Well I am still in recovery from major surgery and I have finished re-reading these four books. Fun series for light reading that has lots of humor. I picked right in deciding on re-reading these books. I do not disagree with my reviews. The books have interesting characters and hold up well. Hopefully the next one comes out soon. Read the books in order as the characters do grow and change. I highly recommend this series.
Well I am still in recovery from major surgery and I have finished re-reading these four books. Fun series for light reading that has lots of humor. I picked right in deciding on re-reading these books. I do not disagree with my reviews. The books have interesting characters and hold up well. Hopefully the next one comes out soon. Read the books in order as the characters do grow and change. I highly recommend this series.
February 18, 2024
The best yet.
Enjoyed it to the extreme. Writing was better. I thought the flow and transitions from local to local and back was much better. It just seemed that the author’s storytelling skills were more developed. Enjoy.
Enjoyed it to the extreme. Writing was better. I thought the flow and transitions from local to local and back was much better. It just seemed that the author’s storytelling skills were more developed. Enjoy.
April 21, 2024
Yes, things occur conveniently at times but why not?
Thoroughly enjoyed this next installment. This series is a fast read and very satisfying for a devoted space opera lover!!
As Scruggs says, "Adventure Awaits!"
Thoroughly enjoyed this next installment. This series is a fast read and very satisfying for a devoted space opera lover!!
As Scruggs says, "Adventure Awaits!"
May 7, 2024
All coming together
Enjoying the series immensely! The fourth volume answers a lot of questions and fleshes out the main characters very effectively. Pacing remains great, with interesting diversions. I really like the ending, and am very interested to see where book 5 goes!
Enjoying the series immensely! The fourth volume answers a lot of questions and fleshes out the main characters very effectively. Pacing remains great, with interesting diversions. I really like the ending, and am very interested to see where book 5 goes!
January 5, 2025
This series is amazing!
I am really enjoying the crew, the Mad Dog of the Verge and his crew and just everything about this story.
I am really enjoying the crew, the Mad Dog of the Verge and his crew and just everything about this story.
September 2, 2025
Great book!
Good story, likeable characters, and setting up at last to finally find out what is really going on in the core
Good story, likeable characters, and setting up at last to finally find out what is really going on in the core
August 10, 2024
#4 in the Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire series.
I love, love these characters! They seem to become funnier with each book. The conversations they have, with the various verbal darts thrown, are the best part of this series. I don't even know how many times I burst out laughing. Even the occasional side characters have good personalities. I enjoyed the two hijacked shuttle pilots and the cruise liner staff in particular. I liked that we're seeing a little bit of loyalty showing through the main cast, too. They're not the total ruffians they portray and they care about each other, although they're loathe to admit it.
So the Heart's Desire, under the alias Heavyweight Items, sets out to rescue Scruggs from the hands of the Imperials. The crew all agreed on this course of action, because it's "Baby Marine" needing their help. But she is hardly one to need rescuing, especially when she's packing several cans of pork & beans. She's growing up :)
Of course I'll be reading the next one. I'm not looking forward to this series ending!
I love, love these characters! They seem to become funnier with each book. The conversations they have, with the various verbal darts thrown, are the best part of this series. I don't even know how many times I burst out laughing. Even the occasional side characters have good personalities. I enjoyed the two hijacked shuttle pilots and the cruise liner staff in particular. I liked that we're seeing a little bit of loyalty showing through the main cast, too. They're not the total ruffians they portray and they care about each other, although they're loathe to admit it.
So the Heart's Desire, under the alias Heavyweight Items, sets out to rescue Scruggs from the hands of the Imperials. The crew all agreed on this course of action, because it's "Baby Marine" needing their help. But she is hardly one to need rescuing, especially when she's packing several cans of pork & beans. She's growing up :)
Of course I'll be reading the next one. I'm not looking forward to this series ending!
October 4, 2023
I received an advance copy for review of Imperial Hijacker, and I was not disappointed. This is my favorite book series right now. Each book has improved from the one before it, and Hijacker is the best one yet. I love space opera and scifi, and I simply can't get enough of these characters. Andrew Moriarty has created a set of people that you feel like you are right there beside them at every turn, or wish you were (even with the constant threat of Ana shooting you). In Imperial Hijacker our favorite team of misfits must find and save one of their own, while she is fighting to find her way back, all while the imperials are trying to stop a war. Humor and intrigue abound. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Can't wait for the next! CG
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews