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Alpha Protocol #3
The Privateer
The greatest threat humanity has ever faced lies beyond the frontier of its galactic civilisation, but dangers closer to home have been overlooked and allowed to grow.
As greed and personal ambition in the Terran Union push the common good aside, the Navy is forced to turn to unconventional means. Jack Samson is ordered to team up with former allies to uncover and destroy the rot eating the Union from the inside.
Chasing down a trail of smuggled alien technology through the Union’s underworld, they soon discover the web of treachery reaches farther than anyone could have expected…
As greed and personal ambition in the Terran Union push the common good aside, the Navy is forced to turn to unconventional means. Jack Samson is ordered to team up with former allies to uncover and destroy the rot eating the Union from the inside.
Chasing down a trail of smuggled alien technology through the Union’s underworld, they soon discover the web of treachery reaches farther than anyone could have expected…
- GenresScience Fiction
384 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2023
144 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Duncan M. Hamilton
26 books1,094 followersHi, thanks for visiting my page. I’m Duncan, a fantasy and science fiction author from Ireland. I love to blend my passion for Medieval and Renaissance history with the freedom of fantasy environments to create fast paced heroic fantasy adventures with compelling characters and high stakes—exactly the types of stories that I love to read, so I hope you’ll like them too.
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
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December 1, 2023***Not a review - Just a Placeholder for Updates!***
1-12-23 Wow, it's December already! The Privateer is out today and available to buy over on Amazon!! I really hope you al enjoy it!
28-11-23 One week to go! The Privateer will be released this coming Friday, 1 December!
20-11-23 The Privateer is pretty much done and ready to go. It should be available for preorder on Amazon in the next 24 hours!
1-12-23 Wow, it's December already! The Privateer is out today and available to buy over on Amazon!! I really hope you al enjoy it!
28-11-23 One week to go! The Privateer will be released this coming Friday, 1 December!
20-11-23 The Privateer is pretty much done and ready to go. It should be available for preorder on Amazon in the next 24 hours!
December 23, 2023
I love the characters Hamilton has developed over the previous books and the build toward the climax in this book, (Although I felt the build up took way too long and the resolution or ending way too short) My issue is this book, which guess is the final in Alpha Protocol series of 3, feels like the start of a new series or a connector book rather than the finale. It took all the way until the last 2 or 3 chapters to suddenly come to action leaving so many unanswered question, and then when I expected for the book to continue…. it just ended. I have to assume the series will continue, in which case I would have given it another star.
November 27, 2023
I usually find, when I read the third book in a series, that it's good, but not nearly as good as the first. Not so in this case. Once again, Mr. Hamilton has surpassed my expectations. I absolutely loved seeing an old character's return, the introduction of a new character and the growth of both Jack and Hannah. The changing POVs every chapter and the taut battle scenes made it very difficult to put down and get into bed on time. This book leaves us with more questions than before and eagerly awaiting the next installment. I'm thrilled to have received an ARC of this story for an honest review!
December 16, 2023
I deeply enjoy Duncan Hamilton's books - his world-building, adventures, deep characters, and wide range of stories are just a few of the many reasons. The Alpha Protocol has been my favorite series - until now. However, I expect that to change in the next book.
Lord of the Rings has three books, with The Two Towers being the middle of the series. I disliked this book as it built on the world, characters, and plot but lacked clear adventure and constant flow. Book two resulted in nothing being completed - just advanced. Return of the King was the finale, which brought everything together, making Book 2 critical. I expect Privateer to be in the same category.
In The Privateer - Samson is back, along with Hannah and a new person called Price. Please STOP reading now if you don't want to hear more about the story - slight spoiler alert.
Samson is looking for his command (the last ship was blown up by the aliens) but is offered an assignment to work with Smith - a loveable rouge whom Samson got arrested in the previous books. Private companies are buying alien artifacts, which the government wants to stop; Samon and Smith are brought together to identify these companies.. Yeah, it's interesting but not very exciting.
Hannah turns from a nerdy scientist to a nerdy Special Forces member - very cool. We learn how she builds herself up along with a few twists - none being aliens. Yeah, it's a good backstory but it's not very exciting.
Price passed special forces training but is shifted to identity companies stealing alien artifacts. He does this by being the bodyguard for a politician. Yeah, good, but aside from a few assassination attempts, it's not very exciting, and there are no aliens.
In the end, all three come together, which clearly sets up book four and the rest of the series. Yes, there is a MINOR alien encounter, but it is minor and more of an afterthought. The primary goal is to identify companies looking to buy alien artifacts and bring the three characters together. Like JRR Tolken's Two Towers, the Privateer is important and a decent read but slow.
One ANNOYING style that makes this book difficult to read - is the lack of flow. Normally, I'll read Duncan's books in a few days - I can't put them down. The Privateer took me about a month due to a lack of flow. When the action starts, Duncan frustratingly jumps to another character. This constant interruption of action was frustrating and different from the first two books. The first two books were primarily Samson with nonstop flow and action. The Privateer is the opposite.
Please note that I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. As you can see, I am being honest. I'd have bought this book regardless of the ARC. I've typically paid for all of Duncan's books, and am excited to read Book 4. Like the Two Towers setting up the Return of the King, I expect the Privateer will truly open up the world Duncan has created in book four! Hopefully, he brings back the flow, allowing the action to build and then explode.
Lord of the Rings has three books, with The Two Towers being the middle of the series. I disliked this book as it built on the world, characters, and plot but lacked clear adventure and constant flow. Book two resulted in nothing being completed - just advanced. Return of the King was the finale, which brought everything together, making Book 2 critical. I expect Privateer to be in the same category.
In The Privateer - Samson is back, along with Hannah and a new person called Price. Please STOP reading now if you don't want to hear more about the story - slight spoiler alert.
Samson is looking for his command (the last ship was blown up by the aliens) but is offered an assignment to work with Smith - a loveable rouge whom Samson got arrested in the previous books. Private companies are buying alien artifacts, which the government wants to stop; Samon and Smith are brought together to identify these companies.. Yeah, it's interesting but not very exciting.
Hannah turns from a nerdy scientist to a nerdy Special Forces member - very cool. We learn how she builds herself up along with a few twists - none being aliens. Yeah, it's a good backstory but it's not very exciting.
Price passed special forces training but is shifted to identity companies stealing alien artifacts. He does this by being the bodyguard for a politician. Yeah, good, but aside from a few assassination attempts, it's not very exciting, and there are no aliens.
In the end, all three come together, which clearly sets up book four and the rest of the series. Yes, there is a MINOR alien encounter, but it is minor and more of an afterthought. The primary goal is to identify companies looking to buy alien artifacts and bring the three characters together. Like JRR Tolken's Two Towers, the Privateer is important and a decent read but slow.
One ANNOYING style that makes this book difficult to read - is the lack of flow. Normally, I'll read Duncan's books in a few days - I can't put them down. The Privateer took me about a month due to a lack of flow. When the action starts, Duncan frustratingly jumps to another character. This constant interruption of action was frustrating and different from the first two books. The first two books were primarily Samson with nonstop flow and action. The Privateer is the opposite.
Please note that I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. As you can see, I am being honest. I'd have bought this book regardless of the ARC. I've typically paid for all of Duncan's books, and am excited to read Book 4. Like the Two Towers setting up the Return of the King, I expect the Privateer will truly open up the world Duncan has created in book four! Hopefully, he brings back the flow, allowing the action to build and then explode.
December 1, 2023
This has been an interesting series, but something about this one just didn't quite land for me. I like how the writer builds on the themes of the previous books, I like how each person's different experiences and perspectives inform the narrative, I like how he deepens the mystery and hints at greater secrets, but... it's not quite all there.
I think my main complaint is that it feels like a connecting book. Don't get me wrong, it's more The Two Towers than Back to the Future Part 2, but it seems to be doing more to set up the rest of the series than to tell its own story. We have three point of view characters (who we have already met in the previous books) and each one follows their own thread without truly connecting; I can see how they will come together in the end, but this is a book with three stories which weave together only in the final chapters and even then only loosely.
Oddly, that just makes me more excited for the next book because he's set the groundwork for something special. This feels like the book he needed to write to let the series blossom.
I think my main complaint is that it feels like a connecting book. Don't get me wrong, it's more The Two Towers than Back to the Future Part 2, but it seems to be doing more to set up the rest of the series than to tell its own story. We have three point of view characters (who we have already met in the previous books) and each one follows their own thread without truly connecting; I can see how they will come together in the end, but this is a book with three stories which weave together only in the final chapters and even then only loosely.
Oddly, that just makes me more excited for the next book because he's set the groundwork for something special. This feels like the book he needed to write to let the series blossom.
December 1, 2023
I’ve read every book by Duncan Hamilton and started reading his science fiction due to my love for his fantasy books. Although I grew up watching Star Trek and I am a die hard fan of Star Wars, I don’t typically read science fiction. That said, I am really enjoying this series! Although I don’t find the characters as multidimensional as I would like, I think they are typical for this type of storytelling. This author is really talented when it comes to world building and in this book in particular, how he weaves the three independent, seemingly unreleated threads from three different characters together. I read every night and usually have no issues putting a book down to go to sleep. This one kept me up wanting to know more! If you’ve read his other science fiction & enjoyed it, or if you’re generally into sci fi books, I would recommend this book.
December 2, 2023
As always, I look forward to Duncans next release, this book especially . This Si-fi saga follows the exploits of Samson and the companions he meets during his travels. This book continues those stories and cleverly weaves all their stories into one final outcome .
The book is written in a way that it's effectively like reading 3 separate books , all intervidual stories following how each character has evolved and ultimately how there paths meet , this makes you want to keep reading , always a cliffhanger , so if you haven't followed the series then I highly recommend you do, and for those who have well its a no brainer get the book now ..
The book is written in a way that it's effectively like reading 3 separate books , all intervidual stories following how each character has evolved and ultimately how there paths meet , this makes you want to keep reading , always a cliffhanger , so if you haven't followed the series then I highly recommend you do, and for those who have well its a no brainer get the book now ..
January 9, 2025
Alpha protocol: first book was very good. Second was absolutely epic, i could not let go and loved every bit of it. Nonstop action, tense, aliens exploding under the fire of gauss guns..wohoo! And then comes this book. The author just talks about ..i dont even know what!! 85% of the book is about characters training/contemplating about corruption or deep philosophical motives, flying around galaxy discovering…wait for it…nice lakes where they want to retire/go for vacay. And then in the last 7 or so chapters, when the action finally DOES get going, the book ends. 🤷♂️ clearly prepping for 4th book, but im not sure i want to read it anymore. Mega disappointed.
December 2, 2023
Great addition to the Alpha Protocol series. Duncan M. Hamilton further develops his characters Samson, Smith, Hannah, and Price so well in this book that you truly want a whole series for each of them. While not quite as many battles as in previous Alpha Protocol books, you get an extra dose of political intrigue and a better glimpse of organized crime on an intergalactic scale.
I encourage all sci-fi fans to check this series out and prepare for a wild ride in a wonderfully created universe.
I encourage all sci-fi fans to check this series out and prepare for a wild ride in a wonderfully created universe.
December 8, 2023
Good story!
This is book 3 so don’t start with this one! The first two were good, this one is a bit different as three of the main characters go off in different directions. Price to a protective detail for a politician, Hannah to spec ops training, and Samson goes undercover to find out who’s dealing in alien tech. Much of their stories are separate but eventually all lead to the same place. It appears there is a lot more to come and the Alpha Protocol is just getting started.
This is book 3 so don’t start with this one! The first two were good, this one is a bit different as three of the main characters go off in different directions. Price to a protective detail for a politician, Hannah to spec ops training, and Samson goes undercover to find out who’s dealing in alien tech. Much of their stories are separate but eventually all lead to the same place. It appears there is a lot more to come and the Alpha Protocol is just getting started.
November 29, 2023
An excellent continuation of a great story. More problems follow our heroes (not surprisingly) as they come to terms with the alien factor at home and at the Frontier. A brilliant instalment in the Alpha Protocol series. Already looking forward to the next.
Duncan M Hamilton is a master storyteller, now showing his considerable talent in the Sci-fi genre, already well known in Fantasy. Long may this venture continue.
Duncan M Hamilton is a master storyteller, now showing his considerable talent in the Sci-fi genre, already well known in Fantasy. Long may this venture continue.
December 1, 2023
I haven’t finished reading the book yet, but I felt the need to review it and I’m only half way through. The anticipation of when and where the story lines intersect makes an already exciting book that much more exciting. Duncan has the ability to describe the characters and places so well that you can vividly see them in your mind’s eye. I highly recommend this, and all of Duncan’s books; they never disappoint.
December 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this third instalment in the Alpha Protocol series, the first two reignited my interest in science fiction and this one also didn’t disappoint.
Moving between the stories of three separate characters we explore more of the universe learning more about alien tech, human politics, the criminal element and more.
If you are thinking of reading these books then I would definitely recommend them.
Moving between the stories of three separate characters we explore more of the universe learning more about alien tech, human politics, the criminal element and more.
If you are thinking of reading these books then I would definitely recommend them.
November 24, 2023
Part 3 of the series continues the storyline of Jack Samson & Hannah Wolff and introduces Warrant Officer Price. Of the 3, I found the Price storyline the most interesting and look forward to reading more about him as the series develops.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Not as much science and tech speak as the first two books which was more to my liking.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Not as much science and tech speak as the first two books which was more to my liking.
December 1, 2023
I've been antsy to read this installment, ever since I put down my copy of the second book in the series. The universe has become so immersive in such a short time, and the pacing of the books keeps you engaged the whole way through. My only complaint is having to wait for the next part of the story to be told!
December 1, 2023
Another enjoyable book from Duncan. The main characters have new duties and are out of the comfort zones and learning to adapt. This feels like a set-up book, but it was entertaining from start to finish and worth reading in it's own right and not just for future books. Looks really good for the next in the series.
December 11, 2023
Focus Hannah
This is another fun book that advances the story a short distance. My only issue, and it’s a personal preference, is that when in intense combat situations the characters, esp Hannah, have long thoughts not closely related to the action at hand. In a tense situation people focus closely on the task and don’t consider what they did at some time in the past.
This is another fun book that advances the story a short distance. My only issue, and it’s a personal preference, is that when in intense combat situations the characters, esp Hannah, have long thoughts not closely related to the action at hand. In a tense situation people focus closely on the task and don’t consider what they did at some time in the past.
December 18, 2023
Hamilton continues his science fiction series with a fine addition. This book continues this action packed series from a slightly differing perspective from the earlier books, but does a good job of advancing the story. I have been surprised at the ability the author has shown to go from fantasy to science fiction and look forward to the next book.
December 23, 2023
More brilliance!
My only real issue with Duncan's writing, is that he doesn't have the next book in the series finished when I have finished reading the current one. Everyone should read this series in my opinion. I am a fantasy novel fan, but am completely engrossed and eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.
My only real issue with Duncan's writing, is that he doesn't have the next book in the series finished when I have finished reading the current one. Everyone should read this series in my opinion. I am a fantasy novel fan, but am completely engrossed and eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.
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August 12, 2024DNF
I am supposed to have read the first two installments six months ago. To say that I have no memory of them is an understatement. Almost a third in and still no memory is stirring, nothing at all. What I am getting instead is a slow deployment of Sci-fi military clichés and stereotypes and am struggling to keep any interest in the story.
I am supposed to have read the first two installments six months ago. To say that I have no memory of them is an understatement. Almost a third in and still no memory is stirring, nothing at all. What I am getting instead is a slow deployment of Sci-fi military clichés and stereotypes and am struggling to keep any interest in the story.
September 19, 2024
Outstanding
This book continued the story of the three major characters in a fast , approachable manner. The plot was fine, but I believe Hamilton's real strength in this series and in His other books is his characterizions. He creates characters one cares about. Highly recommended.
This book continued the story of the three major characters in a fast , approachable manner. The plot was fine, but I believe Hamilton's real strength in this series and in His other books is his characterizions. He creates characters one cares about. Highly recommended.
November 28, 2023
You won't hear any spoilers from me(well maybe a tiny one unless you've read the other books then carry on).. but--Space , Twists, action, adventures! Wishing for an anywhere drive to take me to the conclusion in book 4!
December 6, 2023
I have always loved Hamilton's writing and The Privateer kept that streak going. Whether it's fantasy or sci-fi, you can't go wrong with these books. You can't go wrong with the Alpha Protocol series, so pick this one up today!
December 6, 2023
I loved it
I enjoyed Book 3 and look forward to more. Duncan does a lot of building up to the climax that keeps me reading. I wish the climax to his books was a little more intense though. Nonetheless, the build up is more than enjoyable.
I enjoyed Book 3 and look forward to more. Duncan does a lot of building up to the climax that keeps me reading. I wish the climax to his books was a little more intense though. Nonetheless, the build up is more than enjoyable.
January 20, 2024
Enjoyable book, but the ending was kind of disappointing. I was hoping for some "relative" answers to questions, but abruptly the book ended with perhaps more hanging questions than it started with. Not dissimilar to book 2, but I cut that one a break because it had Dyson Spheres!
February 15, 2024
Excellent Series! Every page was action packed and fast moving!
I really enjoyed the Alpha Protocol series. Duncan Hamilton doesn’t disappoint in each storyline he creates. I’m hooked, looking for his next read now!
I really enjoyed the Alpha Protocol series. Duncan Hamilton doesn’t disappoint in each storyline he creates. I’m hooked, looking for his next read now!
September 25, 2025
Story Continues On
A solid storyline continues on. The characters are believable and easy to root for. The story is solid and keeps you going. The authors writing is easy to read and the editing is good. Look forward to continued installments.
A solid storyline continues on. The characters are believable and easy to root for. The story is solid and keeps you going. The authors writing is easy to read and the editing is good. Look forward to continued installments.
January 15, 2024
I very much enjoy this author. He is venturing into the world of science fiction, and I can’t wait to see where he lands.
April 19, 2024
4/5 Stars
July 6, 2024
Slower than most of DH’s books- typically this is for world / legend building in my experience reading his books. Didn’t hate it, but took a minute to get into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews