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Rifleman
The system erupts into war
Having barely escaped Cycler 3 with their lives, Po Abbato's battalion is headed for the moon, where the ones who killed their brothers are said to have trained.
A reckoning is being visited on Planet Nibiru, and it's there the Marines are truly eager to go. But Earth's moon holds a terrifying secret of its own. Po and his brothers must unravel it first, lest millions perish.
Only then can they cross the system to Nibiru, where they will face the ultimate test.
Get ready for this pulse-pounding next installment in the Conscript series. If you're a fan of Marko Kloos' Frontlines or Ender's Game, you'll love this epic military scifi series.
Having barely escaped Cycler 3 with their lives, Po Abbato's battalion is headed for the moon, where the ones who killed their brothers are said to have trained.
A reckoning is being visited on Planet Nibiru, and it's there the Marines are truly eager to go. But Earth's moon holds a terrifying secret of its own. Po and his brothers must unravel it first, lest millions perish.
Only then can they cross the system to Nibiru, where they will face the ultimate test.
Get ready for this pulse-pounding next installment in the Conscript series. If you're a fan of Marko Kloos' Frontlines or Ender's Game, you'll love this epic military scifi series.
- GenresScience Fiction
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2024
406 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
115 books303 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 23, 2024
In Rifleman, the second volume of the Conscript series, Po Abbato and his marines are sent to Shackleton Crater on the Moon to duke it out with alien invaders. Po still gets grudging telepathic advice from an alien of another species. The advice gets him in and out of trouble in unpredictable ways. And, of course, the Obsidian Angels are still a problem.
I wish the character of the telepathic alien was more fully developed, and I could do with less no-atheists-in-the-foxhole philosophizing.
I wish the character of the telepathic alien was more fully developed, and I could do with less no-atheists-in-the-foxhole philosophizing.
June 29, 2024
Things have drastically changed for Po Abbato. Having survived the Nibiran attack on Cycler 3, the Marine Corps training cylinder, they were now aboard the *S.S. Gear Issue*. They were also told that they were now Marines and were expected to act like Marines and boots. Abbato also found out that the *S.S. Gear Issue* was headed to a deep crater on the Moon. From there they would eventually be assiged to find out if there were active insurgents operating on the Moon that were threatening Earth. Rumor had it that Janus sympathers were on the Moon and they needed to be rooted out.
Things were different here on the Moon. Once the *S.S. Gear Issue* was allowed to dock to the central Moon dome, the Marines found significantly more space and things to do than they had while in training. There were shopping malls, bars and more bars catering to these young Marines and other Marines who had already been stationed her. PFC Po had been assigned a Fire Team Leader but one of his charges was Pvt. Paisley. He’s the same guy that had given Po lots of trouble while they had been in basic training. Paisley thought he was smarter than Po or anyone else for that matter, and should have been appointed the Team Leader. He definitly had a chip on his shoulder and Po wasn’t exactly sure how to handle it.
One evening the Marines had been allow to freely explore this Moon dome and had went to a bar for some drinks and maybe entertainment. They were strictly told not to get drunk and even had sensors on them that would warn them when they were approaching their limit. Most of the Marines in Po’s platoon were somewhat disappointed in that they hadn’t been sent directly to Nibra to fight. That’s where all the action was taking place so that’s where they wanted to be. Still, they were told that they would definitely see some action if the Janus sympathizers were operating on the Moon as Marine Corps Intelligent thought they were. While in the bar, Pvt. Navarro mentioned that he thought he heard a couple of guys near them speaking Nibiran.
So, Po took the initative to take his Fire Team with him to see if they could follow these guys once they left the bar. Little did Po realize that this would be their first action of their short careers. It turns out that they had found quite a nest of Janus sympathizers who had planned on doing something very dreadful towards Earth. Po and his fellow Marines definitely got some action with a few of them even getting wounded in the fire fights. So, now with the fight on Cycler 3 and this lates combat action, Po and his fellow Marines thought they should also be ready to go to Nibra and engage in the war there. They soon got their wish.
Meanwhile, Po was having problems of his own. His sister was writing him that she had gone to visit his father in simjail and she believed that he had reformed. He was up for parole soon and his caretakers thought they might let him out this time under heavy observation. Po hated his father. He had done nothing for his Mother, younger brothers and sisters, nor did he help Po or his older brother. He was an alcoholic and a gambler that put his family deep in debt. He was abusive to every one he was around and Po was very glad when he went to simjail. Of course that left Po trying his best to earn enough money to support his family. His sister was sick and needed meds constantly, but wouldn’t buy them if she thought she wanted something for herself or his oldest brother. Po didn’t know what was going to happen to his family if his father returned. He definitely wasn’t going to ever return home if his father was around.
Additionally, Po was being visited from an alien Emplor called Zanth. He didn’t know how or why this alien appeared to him and was really confused when no one else around him could see or hear Zanth. It also didn’t help that this Zanth characters was something of a smart-ass that told Po what to do in certain situations. Unfortunately for Po, Zanth’s instructions were spot on and had save Po’s life on several occasions. Po was afraid to tell anyone that he was seeing this invisible Emplor because that might get him an immediate discharge.
So, the orders came and Po’s Marine Battalion was going to Nibra. In fact, every Marine in the Corps was heading towards Nibra. This was going to be the final showdown between To’sheth Rin and the Corps. And it was going to take place on a moon called Eremus. While in Po’s mind he figured this Janus rebel had bitten off more than he could chew with the entire might of the Marine Corps coming down on him on this one moon, he also thought that there was something else going on that maybe Marine Corps Intell hadn’t pickedup on. Well, he was soon to find out. He and his fellow Marines were in for the fight of their lives.
This story continues to be very interesting. The only thing I would knock the author about is why in the world would he name his main character, “Po”. That’s about the worst name I could have come up with to be a Marine. I think his name would have been turned into such an idiotic nickname that he would have dreaded hearing it every day. I know this story is continuing since this latest battel isn’t quite over. So, we’ll be reading more in book 3, “Lance”, up for pre-order now and available 15 Oct 2024. We have quite a wait for this next book!
Things were different here on the Moon. Once the *S.S. Gear Issue* was allowed to dock to the central Moon dome, the Marines found significantly more space and things to do than they had while in training. There were shopping malls, bars and more bars catering to these young Marines and other Marines who had already been stationed her. PFC Po had been assigned a Fire Team Leader but one of his charges was Pvt. Paisley. He’s the same guy that had given Po lots of trouble while they had been in basic training. Paisley thought he was smarter than Po or anyone else for that matter, and should have been appointed the Team Leader. He definitly had a chip on his shoulder and Po wasn’t exactly sure how to handle it.
One evening the Marines had been allow to freely explore this Moon dome and had went to a bar for some drinks and maybe entertainment. They were strictly told not to get drunk and even had sensors on them that would warn them when they were approaching their limit. Most of the Marines in Po’s platoon were somewhat disappointed in that they hadn’t been sent directly to Nibra to fight. That’s where all the action was taking place so that’s where they wanted to be. Still, they were told that they would definitely see some action if the Janus sympathizers were operating on the Moon as Marine Corps Intelligent thought they were. While in the bar, Pvt. Navarro mentioned that he thought he heard a couple of guys near them speaking Nibiran.
So, Po took the initative to take his Fire Team with him to see if they could follow these guys once they left the bar. Little did Po realize that this would be their first action of their short careers. It turns out that they had found quite a nest of Janus sympathizers who had planned on doing something very dreadful towards Earth. Po and his fellow Marines definitely got some action with a few of them even getting wounded in the fire fights. So, now with the fight on Cycler 3 and this lates combat action, Po and his fellow Marines thought they should also be ready to go to Nibra and engage in the war there. They soon got their wish.
Meanwhile, Po was having problems of his own. His sister was writing him that she had gone to visit his father in simjail and she believed that he had reformed. He was up for parole soon and his caretakers thought they might let him out this time under heavy observation. Po hated his father. He had done nothing for his Mother, younger brothers and sisters, nor did he help Po or his older brother. He was an alcoholic and a gambler that put his family deep in debt. He was abusive to every one he was around and Po was very glad when he went to simjail. Of course that left Po trying his best to earn enough money to support his family. His sister was sick and needed meds constantly, but wouldn’t buy them if she thought she wanted something for herself or his oldest brother. Po didn’t know what was going to happen to his family if his father returned. He definitely wasn’t going to ever return home if his father was around.
Additionally, Po was being visited from an alien Emplor called Zanth. He didn’t know how or why this alien appeared to him and was really confused when no one else around him could see or hear Zanth. It also didn’t help that this Zanth characters was something of a smart-ass that told Po what to do in certain situations. Unfortunately for Po, Zanth’s instructions were spot on and had save Po’s life on several occasions. Po was afraid to tell anyone that he was seeing this invisible Emplor because that might get him an immediate discharge.
So, the orders came and Po’s Marine Battalion was going to Nibra. In fact, every Marine in the Corps was heading towards Nibra. This was going to be the final showdown between To’sheth Rin and the Corps. And it was going to take place on a moon called Eremus. While in Po’s mind he figured this Janus rebel had bitten off more than he could chew with the entire might of the Marine Corps coming down on him on this one moon, he also thought that there was something else going on that maybe Marine Corps Intell hadn’t pickedup on. Well, he was soon to find out. He and his fellow Marines were in for the fight of their lives.
This story continues to be very interesting. The only thing I would knock the author about is why in the world would he name his main character, “Po”. That’s about the worst name I could have come up with to be a Marine. I think his name would have been turned into such an idiotic nickname that he would have dreaded hearing it every day. I know this story is continuing since this latest battel isn’t quite over. So, we’ll be reading more in book 3, “Lance”, up for pre-order now and available 15 Oct 2024. We have quite a wait for this next book!
December 15, 2025
Rifleman is the second book in the Conscript Universe series, written by Scott Bartlett. It continues directly after the first book, Conscript, and we now follow Po Abbato and his fellow marines on Earths moon. They are still recovering from the sudden attack on their training station, Cycler 3, and are now directly involved in the search for terrorists and who is responsible attack. The moon is known to habor some, but as we follow Po, it turns out that the situation is more dire than first expected.
I did not feel the second book was as strong as the first one. While still well written and with great characters, the overall plot wasn’t as complex, and I didn’t feel the various plotlines were as well developed.
In the first book we hear about Pos problems with his family, how he is having trouble fitting in with the other marines, how he suddenly discovers an alien that can hack into his visor, with his training, and we deal with the alien attack. Apart for the latter plotline, everything else didn’t progress very much. Po complains a lot about his family, but the story doesn’t really progress much, and apart from his father getting out of jail, nothing else develops. His problems with his fellow marines is no longer an issue at all, and the entire Zanth plotline is also at a standstill. There’s a bit of character development for Poe in that he makes certain decisions with regards to his marine promotional status that doesn’t work out well, but that is also all, and in the end they don’t have much of an effect anyway.
We spend a lot of time on the Moon, and here we discover certain things that sets up for the marines to move to Nibiru instead. While interesting, in the end it didn’t really have much of an effect on the overall storyline. Based on the first book we were already expecting Po to end up on Nibiru, so the whole Earth Moon plot seems more like a detour speed bump in the overarching plot. The overall story does pick significantly up in the latter part, and sets up for a lot more story development in book three.
Mark Boyett did as wonderful narration as he did with the first book, so that was a joy.
If you enjoyed book one, chances are you’ll enjoy this one too, but don’t expect as captivating a story as in the previous book.
I received this audiobook for free from the author. I have no affiliation with the author, the narrator, the publisher, or their pets (Although I am sure the latter are quite nice!).
I did not feel the second book was as strong as the first one. While still well written and with great characters, the overall plot wasn’t as complex, and I didn’t feel the various plotlines were as well developed.
In the first book we hear about Pos problems with his family, how he is having trouble fitting in with the other marines, how he suddenly discovers an alien that can hack into his visor, with his training, and we deal with the alien attack. Apart for the latter plotline, everything else didn’t progress very much. Po complains a lot about his family, but the story doesn’t really progress much, and apart from his father getting out of jail, nothing else develops. His problems with his fellow marines is no longer an issue at all, and the entire Zanth plotline is also at a standstill. There’s a bit of character development for Poe in that he makes certain decisions with regards to his marine promotional status that doesn’t work out well, but that is also all, and in the end they don’t have much of an effect anyway.
We spend a lot of time on the Moon, and here we discover certain things that sets up for the marines to move to Nibiru instead. While interesting, in the end it didn’t really have much of an effect on the overall storyline. Based on the first book we were already expecting Po to end up on Nibiru, so the whole Earth Moon plot seems more like a detour speed bump in the overarching plot. The overall story does pick significantly up in the latter part, and sets up for a lot more story development in book three.
Mark Boyett did as wonderful narration as he did with the first book, so that was a joy.
If you enjoyed book one, chances are you’ll enjoy this one too, but don’t expect as captivating a story as in the previous book.
I received this audiobook for free from the author. I have no affiliation with the author, the narrator, the publisher, or their pets (Although I am sure the latter are quite nice!).
April 23, 2024
This is book 2 in the Conscript series. As with book 1 in the series I found it very difficult to put down once I began reading it.
This book takes off into fast paced action and intrigue. The characters in this book have completed training and are dropped into the action. This book is also a first person story and it is so well executed as to pull the reader into the battles. The interaction of the soldiers as they find their own places amongst themselves.
Again this book pulls us along the making of not just any soldier but a marine. Our main character has become a squad leader and his training has prepared him well. The heartbreak of losses of fellow troops and the need for few to do more in battle. It’s a circle that gets more and more intense with each shot fired.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book takes off into fast paced action and intrigue. The characters in this book have completed training and are dropped into the action. This book is also a first person story and it is so well executed as to pull the reader into the battles. The interaction of the soldiers as they find their own places amongst themselves.
Again this book pulls us along the making of not just any soldier but a marine. Our main character has become a squad leader and his training has prepared him well. The heartbreak of losses of fellow troops and the need for few to do more in battle. It’s a circle that gets more and more intense with each shot fired.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2024
In time of war there is nothing romantic about the moon. Nibirans surprised Po Abbato before but the moon may hold clues for more than the training the Nabirans obtained there apparently.
Oh, boy! And did that moon hold a shocking secret.
The Rifleman is rife with action and battle from start to finish and not all of it so good. In fact, the tide of war seems rather unbalanced most of the time what with the Marines fighting an uphill battle most of the time.
But then, there is nothing pretty in war either.
Enjoy.
Oh, boy! And did that moon hold a shocking secret.
The Rifleman is rife with action and battle from start to finish and not all of it so good. In fact, the tide of war seems rather unbalanced most of the time what with the Marines fighting an uphill battle most of the time.
But then, there is nothing pretty in war either.
Enjoy.
April 19, 2024
Like most of Scott’s story's, the setting of this book moves to new locations. The description of the new locations are detailed and gives you a good sense of what the characters are experiencing. The plot moves at a fast pace and is definitely a page turner. There are lots of twists in the story and it keeps you reading. There are also questions still to be answered relating to the main character Po and his alien helper(?). I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book.
May 6, 2024
Typical USA propaganda
Author seems to have a hate-on for anyone not from USA- other nationalities written with disdain, Marines never question the morality of their actions, holier-than-thou Christian overtones, derisive depiction of aliens because they’re ‘different’, ‘liberating’ species by invading & occupying their territory etc. Really just reads as atypical American propaganda.
Author seems to have a hate-on for anyone not from USA- other nationalities written with disdain, Marines never question the morality of their actions, holier-than-thou Christian overtones, derisive depiction of aliens because they’re ‘different’, ‘liberating’ species by invading & occupying their territory etc. Really just reads as atypical American propaganda.
April 23, 2024
The pace of this story is quite amazing and the action is gripping throughout as the marines battle through situation after situation with hardly time to draw breadth. The characters are increasingly well developed as the series unfolds and the interactions in future books will be fascinating, not to mention the mystery that Zanth represents in the background.
May 16, 2024
Now this is a good story!
The first book in the series I wasn't too happy with. This book is much, much improved! Well written military action and plenty of it! Unusual that the main character is not an overall fantastic individual, but instead is an average human. You will like this book!
The first book in the series I wasn't too happy with. This book is much, much improved! Well written military action and plenty of it! Unusual that the main character is not an overall fantastic individual, but instead is an average human. You will like this book!
April 14, 2024
I absolutely loved this book, with a gripping storyline and a great cast of characters. The new boy riflemen are dropped in the deep end from the start and then it carries on at a fast pace leaving you wanting more. I would have absolutely no problem recommending this book.
April 22, 2024
Another exciting ,nail biting episode in this developing series of books, book one was good this one even better. Characters and story line developing into what is promising to be an excellent series. I would recommend very highly
Read
April 27, 2024Po🐺💪🔫🗡 is moving up in the world🌏
Military sci-fi space opera.🚀💫💥🗡🔫
I got this e-book from amazon with kindle unlimited.
3rd and last book in this series is not out until October 2024! I will probably have forgotten all about it by then as I do not reorder. Maybe I will get an email about it.
Military sci-fi space opera.🚀💫💥🗡🔫
I got this e-book from amazon with kindle unlimited.
3rd and last book in this series is not out until October 2024! I will probably have forgotten all about it by then as I do not reorder. Maybe I will get an email about it.
April 30, 2024
They want to avenge their fallen and so they head to the moon to learn more. They will find there are secrets they need to uncover first before going to get the enemy. What will they find out? Can they go after the enemy at last? See how they get on
May 13, 2024
Oorrah! Terrorists want you to kill them, they just want to take you with them.
Absolutely brilliant military sci-fi. A gruelling look into urban combat.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
Absolutely brilliant military sci-fi. A gruelling look into urban combat.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
July 24, 2024
Good plot line
2nd book in the series. A little to Catholic preachy for my taste. I don’t mind references to faith and forgiveness, but several pages trying to convert the reader and the protagonist is a bit much and too heavy handed.
2nd book in the series. A little to Catholic preachy for my taste. I don’t mind references to faith and forgiveness, but several pages trying to convert the reader and the protagonist is a bit much and too heavy handed.
April 24, 2025
Better than book #1
Couldn't put it down once I started it, action from cover to cover 👍👍 great story line and it flows well. Dont think that there is a single character that I dont like 😁 need to get book three next.
Couldn't put it down once I started it, action from cover to cover 👍👍 great story line and it flows well. Dont think that there is a single character that I dont like 😁 need to get book three next.
December 23, 2025
Good Series
You get everything, action, drama, fear, ridicule, joy, and determination. Wrap that all up and you have an adventurous, emotional ride via a well written and executed storyline that keeps you wanting more.
You get everything, action, drama, fear, ridicule, joy, and determination. Wrap that all up and you have an adventurous, emotional ride via a well written and executed storyline that keeps you wanting more.
May 2, 2024
Nice run
I enjoyed the book.
The combat sequences were well written.
And the crucible of war was lived.
If the writer is not former military he knows someone who is.
I enjoyed the book.
The combat sequences were well written.
And the crucible of war was lived.
If the writer is not former military he knows someone who is.
May 4, 2024
Action pacted
What a great war story. You are with the soldiers in battle after battle. I simply loved this piece of work, and you will too.
What a great war story. You are with the soldiers in battle after battle. I simply loved this piece of work, and you will too.
May 16, 2024
Excellent story with a lot of action and great characters
May 25, 2024
Yep
Just here to give another 5*review. Not sure what to say other than its a dang good read! So, leather typing so I can hit submit.
Just here to give another 5*review. Not sure what to say other than its a dang good read! So, leather typing so I can hit submit.
May 28, 2024
Good read, but I want more.
Good character development. Lots of action mixed with the 'realities' of war started and run by powerful men's egos but fought by the young.
Good character development. Lots of action mixed with the 'realities' of war started and run by powerful men's egos but fought by the young.
September 9, 2024
The Adventure Continues
The adventures of Po Abbato continue in this sequel as he continues to grow as a marine, a man, and a leader in a marine corps story set in the future.
The adventures of Po Abbato continue in this sequel as he continues to grow as a marine, a man, and a leader in a marine corps story set in the future.
November 4, 2024
Rifleman (Conscript Book 2)
This is a critical and must-read addition to the series. A lot of action! You will need this background to prepare for Conscript Book 3, LANCE. - Mr.Bill
This is a critical and must-read addition to the series. A lot of action! You will need this background to prepare for Conscript Book 3, LANCE. - Mr.Bill
January 25, 2025
Action Packed
Another well written book in the series with plenty of action all the way to the moon. Realistic battle tactics versus aliens on a different planet.
Another well written book in the series with plenty of action all the way to the moon. Realistic battle tactics versus aliens on a different planet.
Read
November 7, 2025DNF @33%
November 9, 2025
Great book loved the story can’t wait to listen to the next one I highly recommend it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😀👍
June 3, 2025
Book 2, Rifleman, takes us into the first real battles for Po and the rest of Echo and we get to see them grow and mature as the story progresses. I'm really looking forward to finding out more about Zanth and his machinations and am also curious to see if we learn more about the Nibiran mysticism that was hinted at throughout the story. There are plenty of hooks for Book 3. I can't wait to hear it when it comes out.
A tip of the hat as usual to Mark Boyett, who lent his usual sense of humor and gravitas to the proceedings. Truly, Bartlett and Boyett are the dream team of military sci-fi. Long may they reign!
A tip of the hat as usual to Mark Boyett, who lent his usual sense of humor and gravitas to the proceedings. Truly, Bartlett and Boyett are the dream team of military sci-fi. Long may they reign!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews