What do you think?


Terran Scout Fleet #6
Blackheart
Viper
It’s a name that is infamous within the galactic quadrant. A name that inspires awe.
… and fear.
For nearly a century the famed assassin has struck terror within the hearts of those she has been hired to terminate. In that time the Viper, a human cyborg named Carolyn Whitney, has been a lone wolf. She prefers being on her own, neither requiring nor desiring the company of others. She has very few people she can consider a friend, and now one of those is coming for her.
The Viper’s latest hit has put her in Earth’s crosshairs and Captain Jacob Brown has been tasked with bringing her in. Or, barring that, putting her down. Captain Brown, a genetic augment, has tangled with the Viper before… and lost. Will he prevail in the rematch?
It’s a name that is infamous within the galactic quadrant. A name that inspires awe.
… and fear.
For nearly a century the famed assassin has struck terror within the hearts of those she has been hired to terminate. In that time the Viper, a human cyborg named Carolyn Whitney, has been a lone wolf. She prefers being on her own, neither requiring nor desiring the company of others. She has very few people she can consider a friend, and now one of those is coming for her.
The Viper’s latest hit has put her in Earth’s crosshairs and Captain Jacob Brown has been tasked with bringing her in. Or, barring that, putting her down. Captain Brown, a genetic augment, has tangled with the Viper before… and lost. Will he prevail in the rematch?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 12, 2024
I liked that this one had a slightly more serious tone than most of the series. It was also good that we got to know The Viper a little better.
July 17, 2024
Just great. Love the action, love the characters, love the story.
June 18, 2024
Great! Well done! Can't wait for the next!
October 12, 2024
They’re breaking up the old gang!
We learn quite a lot during this story that I hope means that we will either get a fair number of new books or potentially migrate to a spinoff series.
In this story, as advertised in the teasers we not only encounter the Viper but we also learn about how she came to become the cyborg assassin.
Jacob Brown learns things that help him to understand his father Jason Burke more than he did before. He is busy trying to survive when his team has their types of missions being given to them becoming increasingly dangerous when a “chairborne” warrior is put at the top of their chain of command. He has a typical inflated opinion of himself which makes the worldview that means that the more grandiose the expectations are for the mission, the more glory he’ll accumulate. Besides that problem he becomes aware that not only does he have more enemies than he realized but that there are more players involved.
The reader learns still more about this, but only enough to tantalize us with a peek…
We learn quite a lot during this story that I hope means that we will either get a fair number of new books or potentially migrate to a spinoff series.
In this story, as advertised in the teasers we not only encounter the Viper but we also learn about how she came to become the cyborg assassin.
Jacob Brown learns things that help him to understand his father Jason Burke more than he did before. He is busy trying to survive when his team has their types of missions being given to them becoming increasingly dangerous when a “chairborne” warrior is put at the top of their chain of command. He has a typical inflated opinion of himself which makes the worldview that means that the more grandiose the expectations are for the mission, the more glory he’ll accumulate. Besides that problem he becomes aware that not only does he have more enemies than he realized but that there are more players involved.
The reader learns still more about this, but only enough to tantalize us with a peek…
April 26, 2024
Dalzelle has, once again, created another fast paced military-intrigue novel that I really loved. The plot twists make for an interesting mental ride, while the character development draws the reader into a closer, more personal relationship with the main characters.
While there were a few grammatical errors, the story is outstanding, and continues to build the ongoing series. With a little more character development (if the format permits), this series could become G.O.T. level.
I highly recommend this novel (and the entire series)!
Thank you, Dalzelle, for creating a marvelous universe for my mind to roam around in.
While there were a few grammatical errors, the story is outstanding, and continues to build the ongoing series. With a little more character development (if the format permits), this series could become G.O.T. level.
I highly recommend this novel (and the entire series)!
Thank you, Dalzelle, for creating a marvelous universe for my mind to roam around in.
June 6, 2024
You get the feeling you know where this is going
As a previous reviewer stated the storyline seems to be going in an obvious direction and that's not necessarily a bad thing
For the team things go from not very good, to bad, to worse and treachery abounds at every turn
There are hidden power brokers calling the shots and by the end of the book some are exposed, buts it's clear that more exist
I highly rated all of Joshua's books and if he is new to you, first off why did you start at book 6, but also look at the other series, especially Omega Force
As a previous reviewer stated the storyline seems to be going in an obvious direction and that's not necessarily a bad thing
For the team things go from not very good, to bad, to worse and treachery abounds at every turn
There are hidden power brokers calling the shots and by the end of the book some are exposed, buts it's clear that more exist
I highly rated all of Joshua's books and if he is new to you, first off why did you start at book 6, but also look at the other series, especially Omega Force
October 4, 2024
…. ands then a miracle happened
Deus ex machina is expected in sci fi. But a little forethought in plot would be nice. One of the weaknesses in Robert Heinlein’s books was the steady progression of protagonists to superhero to cover plot holes. This series raises that fault to a ridiculous level. The dialogue is good. Everything else makes me hate myself for continuing to read the books. Feels like literary crack.
Deus ex machina is expected in sci fi. But a little forethought in plot would be nice. One of the weaknesses in Robert Heinlein’s books was the steady progression of protagonists to superhero to cover plot holes. This series raises that fault to a ridiculous level. The dialogue is good. Everything else makes me hate myself for continuing to read the books. Feels like literary crack.
February 8, 2026
Great read.
This book was a great read it was full of action both on different planets and in space . In this book in the series you had good people turning bad and bad people helping the good guys and girls . There was a lot of things discovered in this book that nobody had known about , like different command words made people do different things that they did not remember doing and plenty more . The book was well worth the time to read it .
This book was a great read it was full of action both on different planets and in space . In this book in the series you had good people turning bad and bad people helping the good guys and girls . There was a lot of things discovered in this book that nobody had known about , like different command words made people do different things that they did not remember doing and plenty more . The book was well worth the time to read it .
March 24, 2024
Jacob Brown and his Obsidian team are sent after Carolyn 'The Viper' Whitney. Not an easy mission, which is further complicated by politics and hidden conspiracies. Good story, that moves at a fast pace as one would expect from Joshua. The characters continue to grow, although a pity the team was split up for long periods.
April 4, 2024
makes me sad this is coming to a close
While I respect your decision, I didn’t think it was possible to enjoy Jacob and crew as much as Jason’s. But the dynamic with Tin Man and Jacob really flourished in this one, and I would love to see them turn into a buddy team up series. Great job.
While I respect your decision, I didn’t think it was possible to enjoy Jacob and crew as much as Jason’s. But the dynamic with Tin Man and Jacob really flourished in this one, and I would love to see them turn into a buddy team up series. Great job.
April 5, 2024
Growing pains
Jacob just gets better and better! To see all that Obsidian has gone through together and the new direction they will be going now is so exciting and sad. I love the progression and growth of your characters it makes reading this series and the Omega Force so much fun to read.
Jacob just gets better and better! To see all that Obsidian has gone through together and the new direction they will be going now is so exciting and sad. I love the progression and growth of your characters it makes reading this series and the Omega Force so much fun to read.
April 23, 2024
WOW!!!
Thiamin’s one of the most riveting books in the series, can’t say otherwise. More unexpected developments of character, even more devious backgrounds — it just doesn’t stop! The bit of dialogue between Tin Man and Jacob even made me laugh out loud like I did so much with the Obsidian series. Great, great work!!!
Thiamin’s one of the most riveting books in the series, can’t say otherwise. More unexpected developments of character, even more devious backgrounds — it just doesn’t stop! The bit of dialogue between Tin Man and Jacob even made me laugh out loud like I did so much with the Obsidian series. Great, great work!!!
July 1, 2024
This is the five-star rating system I use:
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
★★★★★ Great book! Can’t wait to read it again (and I will).
★★★★☆ Good book. I am glad I read this.
★★★☆☆ OK book. Nothing special but not bad.
★★☆☆☆ Not good. Why did I waste my time?
★☆☆☆☆ Lousy. I didn’t finish.
If for whatever reason, I go back and reread a good book, I will change the rating to five-star because I read it again.
July 19, 2024
Who do you trust?
This entry in the series is the best in my opinion. The story telling is great the the mystery is constantly being solve yet somehow each clue leads to deeper. The characters are fully developed and we don't just follow Jacob Brown. I won't spoil the book but it as lots of action and twists. Who do you trust?
This entry in the series is the best in my opinion. The story telling is great the the mystery is constantly being solve yet somehow each clue leads to deeper. The characters are fully developed and we don't just follow Jacob Brown. I won't spoil the book but it as lots of action and twists. Who do you trust?
March 21, 2024
Author always makes great reading
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Like all novels that Joshua Dalzelle has written I could not put it down. I read the entire novel one read can’t wait to see the next
Issue .
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Like all novels that Joshua Dalzelle has written I could not put it down. I read the entire novel one read can’t wait to see the next
Issue .
March 23, 2024
Awesome book
Thus was a much anticipated book. I have enjoyed thus series very much. Have been patiently waiting for the next installment. This was worth the wait. Amazing addition to the story. It was hard to put down . Now begins the wait...... again ! Lol.
Thus was a much anticipated book. I have enjoyed thus series very much. Have been patiently waiting for the next installment. This was worth the wait. Amazing addition to the story. It was hard to put down . Now begins the wait...... again ! Lol.
March 27, 2024
Always a good read
Another instalment of the scout fleet and another solid adventure. Little twists that lead to an eventual confrontation that reveals a piece of history for one character that most want to know more about.
Another instalment of the scout fleet and another solid adventure. Little twists that lead to an eventual confrontation that reveals a piece of history for one character that most want to know more about.
March 28, 2024
Androids, super human-beings, and thrills.
A battle against an unknown, makes for a challenging time for the Earth force assigned to handle the problem. Will the team be able to succeed before the world is overtaken by the evil forces.
A battle against an unknown, makes for a challenging time for the Earth force assigned to handle the problem. Will the team be able to succeed before the world is overtaken by the evil forces.
April 2, 2024
Incredible!
These books are so exciting, so well-written that I can hardly wait between installments. This is the best one yet. Events and players are starting to erupt across the galaxy. So good!
These books are so exciting, so well-written that I can hardly wait between installments. This is the best one yet. Events and players are starting to erupt across the galaxy. So good!
April 27, 2024
Good on biotechnology
I liked descriptions of cyborgs aka augmented human in various degrees of augmentation.
I found the descriptions of the underlying politics between the various races tedious and underdone.
It was a compelling g story.
I liked descriptions of cyborgs aka augmented human in various degrees of augmentation.
I found the descriptions of the underlying politics between the various races tedious and underdone.
It was a compelling g story.
April 28, 2024
Exciting twists in the story that keeps one loosing sleep
The continued twists and turns in the story are amazing. I found myself thinking oh no. This person cannot die only to be surprised. Additional information regarding characters is good. Providing Ah Ha moments.
The continued twists and turns in the story are amazing. I found myself thinking oh no. This person cannot die only to be surprised. Additional information regarding characters is good. Providing Ah Ha moments.
June 24, 2024
Another fantastic installment from the Omega Force universe. Dalzelle manages to keep me interested from cover to cover. The characters continue to be funny and enduring and the intrigue is top notch. I really enjoy this series and am excited to read more in the future.
July 4, 2024
The whole. Universe is going to......
May you live in interesting times, seems apt for this book.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
May you live in interesting times, seems apt for this book.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
August 24, 2024
excellent adventure
Loved seeing more of Tin Man and Carolyn Whitney. The use of duplicates/avatars is predictable in the future and I hope Webb can escape being caught and a duplicate put in his place
Loved seeing more of Tin Man and Carolyn Whitney. The use of duplicates/avatars is predictable in the future and I hope Webb can escape being caught and a duplicate put in his place
September 6, 2024
Good old fashioned space opera
It is hard to find good old fashioned sci fi, without a lot gratuitous sex or unbelievable plots. I think Heinlein or Asimov would feel right at home with this universe.
It is hard to find good old fashioned sci fi, without a lot gratuitous sex or unbelievable plots. I think Heinlein or Asimov would feel right at home with this universe.
November 6, 2024
Another good book in the series
This was another good book in the series. The depth of the characters increased from the previous book. The overall plot of the series was exposed more and gave teasers for the next book.
This was another good book in the series. The depth of the characters increased from the previous book. The overall plot of the series was exposed more and gave teasers for the next book.
January 15, 2025
Space crazy
This to me was like fast and furious in space! The action kept going and going. So I could not put the book down! Finished it in two or three days. I really hope Joshua does more with this series. Maybe have Jacob team up with his dad?!!?
This to me was like fast and furious in space! The action kept going and going. So I could not put the book down! Finished it in two or three days. I really hope Joshua does more with this series. Maybe have Jacob team up with his dad?!!?
July 11, 2025
Love this series
One of the best space marine/spec op Opara’s in circulation. Highly recommend this read. Someday soon I’ll read the Jason Burke series and read about Jacob’s dad and his adventures. On to the next one.
One of the best space marine/spec op Opara’s in circulation. Highly recommend this read. Someday soon I’ll read the Jason Burke series and read about Jacob’s dad and his adventures. On to the next one.
September 28, 2026
Another excellent sequel to the Terran Fleet series
These books are such a fast read. It’s the only thing disappointing about them. Before you know it, you’re 95% of the way through. On the next one.
These books are such a fast read. It’s the only thing disappointing about them. Before you know it, you’re 95% of the way through. On the next one.
March 20, 2024
Just keeps getting better
All the scout fleet books are great and just keep getting better. So excited to see where they go from here.
All the scout fleet books are great and just keep getting better. So excited to see where they go from here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews














