Retaliation

The Slaver Wars #5

by Raymond L. Weil

Over 100,000 copies of the Slaver Wars series were sold in 2013.

Operation First Strike is coming to an end. It has succeeded in buying the Human Federation of Worlds valuable time to prepare for the coming invasion. Now Fleet Admiral Streth needs to get his remaining warships back home to aid in the defense of the human worlds. The AIs and the Hocklyns are determined to follow the admiral and annihilate every single human in the Federation. The humans are massively outnumbered, but they have a daring plan that just might save their worlds. However, the AIs have a plan of their own, one that if it succeeds will ensure the end of the human race.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Military Science Fiction, Military Fiction

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2014

About the author

USA Today Best Selling Author

I live in Clinton Oklahoma with my wife of 40 years and our cat. I attended college at SWOSU in Weatherford Oklahoma, majoring in Math with minors in Creative Writing and History.

My hobbies include watching soccer, reading, camping, and of course writing. I coached youth soccer for twelve years before moving on and becoming a high school soccer coach for thirteen more. I also enjoy playing with my five grandchildren. I have a very vivid imagination, which sometimes worries my friends. They never know what I am going to say or what I am going to do.

I am an avid reader and have a science fiction / fantasy collection of over two thousand paperbacks. The space program has always fascinated me and I've followed it since its inception. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be an astronaut. Now, I just write about it.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, I read it almost non-stop.

[Erwinb · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the same and I don't mean that in a bad way.
If your in the mood for, or just like, plain old fashioned simple sci-fi, then this is for you.

I said it before for other books in the same series, but I have very mixed feelings for these books. On the one hand I am reading them so something must be good. Probably the simplicity of the stories. On the other hand there is a lot I, well dislike is a strong word but that I am having problems with.
The endless repetitions. Again, the simplicity of the storyline, simple may be nice but it's highly predictable. And most annoying to me, apparently everybody and I mean everybody either automatically gets promoted to fleet admiral, admiral, rear admiral, commander and the likes at the age of 12 or is deemed unmissable for the cause because they where the first ones to run like hell from the aliens or just happened to be on the first interstellar vessel etc.

The above may sound very negative, but again I do still read them!

[Richard Amoako · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!

A great story continues especially good with narration! Looking forward to the next chapter's of this epic novel. Recommended wholeheartedly.

[Stephen Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

They moved the story along but it did not hold my interest so much. Hopefully the next book is better.

[Aaron Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ah yes, early in this book we get to see Admiral Amanda Sheen stare at herself naked in the mirror and contemplate her body, as has happened a few times before. It’s quite odd that only females ever ponder themselves in the mirror like this.

While it is never overtly explained anywhere in the entire series to date, their sublight drive appears to be inertialess and if it fails they don’t continue moving at all. I guess it was sort of implied by the way the fighters do loop and loops and other impossible maneuvers in space. Who needs inertia anyway?

Too bad Admiral Sheen still hasn’t instituted seatbelts to her entire bridge, to say nothing about her fleet. She’s fine in a current battle I’m reading, because of her seatbelt, but half her bridge crew got many injuries from not using the advanced seatbelt technology.

The Hocklyn always stare coldly, have dark cold eyes, and speak with cold hissing voices. Every time they are onscreen we are told how cold they are, over and over.

So tired of hearing about the Special Five. Their interactions and gooey saccharine conversations make me want to vomit. Every human in this series so noble and boring. The women are all easily frightened, with a few exceptions, and the manly men have to console them. In fact, I’m beginning to suspect the Federation medical technology removed sarcasm and biting senses of humor out of Earth humans.

Now Jeremy marvels over how not a single hair on Ariel’s head is out of place. She’s an AI projection, WTF?

Colonel Malen the XO just advised Kelsey that she should make sure to have sex with Admiral Strong to help relieve his stress levels. It’s good to know that executive officers are now pimps. But don’t worry, she’s only doing it because (and I quote): “You’re the Special Five and nothing any of you do will ever be questioned.” I have no words.

We now will get subjected to another boring relationship. Our heroic Admiral Streth is going to end up with Captain Janice Duncan. Duncan likes to jog with no bra on, and is larger on top than Streth thought she was. Large breasts and jogging with no bra, that sure makes sense. Even better, we now get another fun time where a female officer is staring at herself naked in the mirror. Perhaps this is a cultural thing with the Federation. Duncan figures if the relationship happens, who cares about regs, because this is the legendary Admiral Streth, rules don’t apply to him. Between him and the Special Five, it seems as if you go into cryo, no rules ever apply to you when you wake up. If people knew this, I bet more would go into cryo.

Fierce Bear aliens. Cat aliens who speak in purring voices. Hocklyn cold evil Lizard aliens. We need some truly alien aliens. I guess that’s supposed to be the AI’s. Odd that they require controls and workstations on their warships. You’d think they could do stuff wirelessly and not have to mess with dials and stuff. Humans’ two friendly AIs can control warships better than these wildly advanced AIs. Doesn’t make much sense. The author even gave the Evil AIs tentacles so they could seem more icky and disgusting.

My reading just confirmed (as expected) that Evil AI ships have FTL transmitters in their ships that can basically reach anywhere. Thus why did the AI ship that was scouting First Fleet’s base not ever send back any info before it was destroyed. I guess we’re supposed to figure that the AIs are too confident (and stupid) to do simple things like that. Also, the Hocklyn base that was taken over was supposed to have had a similar (if overly large) FTL transmitter. Wonder why the humans never found it? It’s also amusing that every single Hocklyn ship is set to self-destruct, but not their bases. Especially when the wily commodore was in charge there.

Well, one of the two expected endings occurred. It was the one I first figured, that the Albanians were Alton descendants and they would come in and save the day. The only other thing I figured might happen was once the AI ships started being used as drones, I thought perhaps Clarissa would somehow manage to take control of them. This author kinda hits you over the head with stuff, as opposed to simply just foreshadowing things. The Albanian=Alton seemed pretty obvious.

You have to love that the computer virus exploded the crystal matrix Clarissa was on, as opposed to just destroying her code/whatever.

It would have been a bit nicer if the Albanians would have coordinated the battle with the humans a bit better. A hell of a lot of people probably died that didn’t have to, but I guess better a late saviour than none at all.

It’s stopped being as much fun reading this series mostly to make fun of it. I think it’s time to be done with it.

[Scott Holstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book has a 4.22 rating on Goodreads, which is damn good, I saw a couple of 1-star reviews of people who hated it more than nearly anyone could hate a book and considered it beyond awful. I don't understand the reaction. While I'm loving this series and thought this was an excellent book in the series, even if I thought less of it, I still have read hundreds of books much worse than this, and while a couple of people complained about a few grammatical errors, this was one of the "cleaner" self published books I've seen. Some are so atrocious that it's like they were written by 9th grade Russian dropouts -- in English! In contrast, this is pretty solid for lack of professional editing and the tale is gripping, for me, so I easily recommend this book -- if you're reading the series. Otherwise, there's probably no point to picking it up.

[James Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rip-roaring good ride.,new friends and Alliances,old enemies and new battles for special 5!!

The battle lines are drawn and the begins! New relationships begin and so old ones are acknowledged, new weapons systems and upgrades are developed.
While the admirals and springs hit trap on New Providence and baits the chickens into following him back to an even bigger trap of New Tell us, the special 5 have decided decided to remain behind to protect a slave race race of new friends from the return of the Hocklyns.

Who will live and who will die, you'll have to it to find out!!

[Michael Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT AUTHOR AND SERIES

I wanted to take a moment to post some words about this author and series. I’m quite impressed by the ability of the author to write about this topic and keep my attention. I sincerely hope he keeps writing as I now look for his books first when looking for something new to read. I don’t like very many authors as I’m pretty picky as to what I read yet this author brings his story together in a very talented way. I have no problems recommending this series to anyone, even those who may not know they like science fiction.

[Nancy M Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Total, repetitive drek

Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful,
Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful,
Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful,
Awful, Awful, Awful, Awful. Even for "free" on Kindle Unlimited,
This series is an insipid waste of time. I'm embarrassed I read so much of it. Will/avoid the author like the plague.

[Mark Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book while watching the soccer and it’s a fun read. Good action sends especially at the end. Which is how a good sci fi book should be. I love a back to the walls shoot out. Start exploring more of the AI’s to and there motivation for their beliefs. I’m going to continue on with this series it’s a good read.

[Mr N.H.Opie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could hardly put it down

Excellent book, following on from the earlier books in the series, If you've read those, you won't be disappointed in this one. Just trying to figure out how he is going to top this one in the later books. Can't wait to read next one in the series

[Constance Dady · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!!

very good continuation of this series! i am looking forward to the next 2 books in the series and hopefully more. i can certainly think of more details and questions to be answered that would require MORE THAN 2 books.

[Warren W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book!

I can’t believe how exciting this book is, and how much I am enjoying it. The characters are my friends, by now, and I worry about each one. Well done, Mr. Weil!

Great story, lots of excitement, quality characters- it just doesn’t get any better than this!

[Steve Elbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must Read

My only criticism of this book was the constant repetition of past events over and over again, very annoying. Great story and a must read.

[Bill Gundred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slaver Wars

Compelling science fiction story. Unexpected twists and turns throughout book. I can't wait to see the conclusion of the series.

[John Emmerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Loved the book! Many twists and turns. I took a star away due to waiting SO LONG for the 2-3 chapter climax.

[Richard Kerby]

All of Weil's books are entertaining and hard for me to put down

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Care Bears! Really! Our author has a sense of humor!

Wow! What a great series! I think I said that before but I’ll probably repeat that in every review because it is a great series. In this book we’re waiting on the Hocklyn’s and their masters, the AIs, to come and take away a forward operating base that we originally took from them. We know that battle is going to be really, really tough and we don’t know how many AI ships will be in the new fleet. Admiral Streth has a plan for the defense of this planet but his primary objective is to get the fight taken back to New Providence so the Federation of Humans can apply their full might against a combined Hocklyn/AI fleet. It’s felt that, at New Providence, we might have a chance if the AIs don’t send an unreasonable fleet against the Federation.

The humans are astounding the Hocklyns by attacking and destroying AI ships. That has never been done in the history of the Hocklyn civilization. They have been directed by the AIs to gather up a huge armada that will completely wipe out the humans at the forward operations base and then follow them all the way back to their home worlds. It is a battle of genocide! The space fighting is really fast paced and described in pretty good detail. I’m particularly pleased that the author has given us the alien side of this war as well as the human. It is interesting to read what the aliens are thinking about during these battles.

I don’t know Admiral Streth expects to defeat the Hocklyns especially given that the Hocklyns have a fleet that measures in the thousands of ships. Most humans fleets number in the 100 to 200 ships including support vessels. It has also taken a lot of firepower just to defeat one single AI ship. How will the Federation stand up to 10 AI ships in one single battle?

The Federation needs help but all of it’s allies are smaller civilizations that can’t provide much in support of the Federation military effort. There is even one ally that has now refused to even discuss becoming involved in this war with the Hocklyns and AIs. I wonder why they have taken such a stand?

You will be surprised what is revealed in this book. There are a lot of things that are not as they seem. The Federation will need help because the AI fleet is much, much larger than anyone every expected and know one in the Federation has a clue.

Continue reading this series. You will not be disappointed.

[Per Gunnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Slaver Wars series. I know that Amazon have labelled it book five but if one looks at the author’s site it is indeed the third one and the books preceding The Slaver Wars books are called The Moon Wreck series.

I really liked this book. It is quite my style of book with a reasonably simple adventure, likable heroes, minimal amount of politics and big and plentiful space battles. I have liked all of Raymond L. Weil’s work with the possible exception of Dragon Wars. His writing style is uncomplicated without venturing too far into young adult land and very enjoyable to read.

The Slaver Wars is a great adventure which really started in The Moon Wreck series. With this book we have ventured far from those humble beginnings and from being a simple little adventure of a man who discovers an alien (well not really alien actually) spaceship we are now in the midst of a Galaxy spanning space opera where humanity (and most other races as well although they do not realize it yet) are fighting for their survival.

A good chunk of the book are about preparations for the upcoming hostilities and another good chunk are when the fleets clash. In between there are some personal relations being taken care of. Mostly of the romantic nature. We also get quite a few glimpses of the other side or rather sides. As I wrote before it is enjoyable reading.

The ending was fun but not really very surprising. Well, a part of it was a wee bit of a surprise but not the general way it ended. I am actually happy that it was not too much of a surprise because throughout the book I was rather hoping that it would end up roughly like it did.

If I should nitpick about something it would be the Albanians. How can the majority of a race, which knows that all organic life in the Galaxy are in grave danger of becoming extinct, just sit down, dig in their heels and refuse to do anything because violence is bad? That part frustrates me. Oh, and their name reminds me too much of the Elbonians in Dilbert as well :-). End of nitpicking.

Anyway, now I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series which is apparently is going to come out sometime in May this year with at least one more book following that one.

[Don Viecelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

From My Newsletter Number 67:

This review is on The Slaver Wars: Retaliation, which is Book Five of The Slaver Wars series by Raymond L. Weil. This story was well worth the wait.

The Human Federation of Worlds is on the offensive against the Hocklyns and their Master AIs. The Federation has freed some of the Hocklyn slave worlds and destroyed several enemy bases. The Hocklyns on the other hand have been busy building a massive enemy fleet to track down and destroy the Human Federation warships, find their home worlds and destroy them as well. This war has been building to a climax for over 400 years now. When these two warship fleets meet, it will be a battle to the death.

The Human Federation has struggled for centuries to rebuild their civilization since the first Hocklyn invasion that destroyed their home worlds four centuries ago. Several of the main characters in this story were put into cryosleep in order to be re-awakened in time to fight the Hocklyns in a final battle for survival. The descendants of the original Federation colonies have been preparing for war ever since their home worlds were destroyed. The time for battle has arrived.

Several story lines exist in this series of battles between the Human Federation of allies and the four alien races that rule other slave worlds under control of the Masters, which have not yet been played out. The Hocklyns are only one of four enemy races under control of the Masters that must be defeated if humans hope to survive extermination. Even if the Hocklyns are defeated, the struggle will continue.

I give this book five stars because the story reaches a thrilling climax and the characters involved are all well rounded and believable. The human (and alien) emotions that result from the battles add the additional element many military science fiction stories lack that make this book a satisfying read. It is even more enjoyable to know that this book will not be the last story in the series since the final battles must be with the truly terrifying Masters who rule the center of the galaxy. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Mike Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

These aliens really don't like humans. And they're nasty, stinking scum. Actually, in this outing author Raymond L. Weil gives his antagonists, the Hocklyns, a bit of dimension. They're really just pawns. Pathetic really. Just trying to get along, living with masters who will blow them out of the sky if they fail to eliminate the evil humans. We also get a look at the AIs and where they come from. The whole story gets good. The start is intense. The battles are horrendous. We lose all sorts of ships. The human race looks doomed from the start. But our heroes don't give up. They'll sacrifice anything to shove a nuclear bomb up the nostrils of the enemy. I like these guys. They're tough. They're heroes you can count on. No sniveling. No wussing out. No pondering taking the easy way out. These are give me freedom or give me death characters. On both sides, actually. The Hocklyns are a worthy rival. I would like to see Weil allow the two sides to actually converse. I mean, Kirk always got on the horn with baddies in Star Trek's TV series. But whatever. There are great elements to this book. I won't mention them. But I craved the ending. And I want more. Weil pounded out these novels. Here's a request that he keeps it up. More please!

[M. Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slaver Wars Series.......

This is hardcore military and interstellar science fiction that starts out in the Moonwreck novellas almost as a story for younger readers, then quickly escalates into a generational, galactic wide struggle against extinction.
A very well thought out plot line that holds interest all the way through the first 5 novels(initial novellas have been compiled into one book, which initiates the series) and has me extremely disappointed that I have to wait until May for the next book. I am really looking forward to it.

[MICHAEL GALLOWAY · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD READ ! But still...

So far, I've enjoyed this story, but the obvious inattention to proof reading , (spelling, grammar, even entire sentences that don't seem to belong), are a constant distraction that takes a lot away. Is it because these books are free to read so they don't spend much time and/or money on editing? I haven't noticed that problem in books I've bought for regular price.

[Robert Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Weil does space war better than his contemporaries. This is the third book in his “The Slaver Wars” series. To have a great reading experience, start with the four novellas in his “Moon Wreck” series, before beginning this series. Author Weil is a competent professional author, and his books are well edited. His characters draw the reader’s interest, and the plot consistently amazes.

[Glenn W. Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, but very clumsily written environment

This is a gripping story. The elements of suspense and the schemes of the characters are well done. Unfortunately the author's descriptive powers with characters and their relationships are incredibly clumsy, stilted, and distracting.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Outstanding continuation of The Slaver Wars series. The Hocklyn's and their AI masters track back with a vegence unseen before. Ship destruction mayem continues until a suprise twist shows itself

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this 4 stars based on the space battles. Pretty good. Without the space battles this book might be a two star book. Repetitive, Repetitive, Repetitive of telling things that happened in the previous books. Taking a break from this series, but will come back to finish it.

[Mick Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another reason to read this series

Once again the author has given us a great follow up book in this series. Ok there is a few spelling errors, but it was a good follow up to the previous book.

[Kevin Sells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yeah!

Devoured it in one sitting... It's 6am and I'm very tempted to start the next one. Love this series! The conundrum is that I know ill be sad to reach the end ... But I can't wait either.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enjoying

Spoiler alert

So five books in but still not really addressing why we don't have more Clarissa and Ariel AI as characters. At least the Albanians have come along - I am looking forward to the next two