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Sunken Spaceship #3

Final Crucible

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The enemy took everything from Fin. And he wants it back.

First, they stole his dog. Then they destroy his ship. And after a violent space station attack, they devastate his home in the stars.

Unidentified enemy forces execute a spectacularly violent assault within the Union on a Ranger Corps-affiliated space station. Fearful of a mole in their ranks, the Ranger Corps locks down all nearby space stations and planetary systems as they seek to flush out the traitor.

Complicating the matter, the enemy liberated a cadre of the galaxy’s most dangerous outlaws from the Rangers’ Protected Species Division prisons. And with the prisoners, they kidnapped many of Fin’s allies, including stalwart friend Warrox.

Fin, Renata, Drake, Audrey, Theta, and a freshly rescued Jacques must outmaneuver the Ranger Corps’ own security protocols in frantic pursuit of their close allies and the Ranger Corps fugitives.

As if this mission weren’t already personal enough, the raiders of the Ranger Corps station may also be responsible for the disappearance of Drake’s broodmates.

With no support and a brand-new spaceship salvaged from an intergalactic junkyard, Fin and the crew embark on their most perilous mission yet. They have only one Jacques is back and ready for action. Or at least moral support.

Book 3 of this rollicking sci-fi adventure from Anthony J. Melchiorri. It's perfect for fans of JN Chaney, MR Forbes, and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

563 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2024

247 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

Anthony J. Melchiorri

109 books363 followers
Anthony J Melchiorri is a scientist with a PhD in bioengineering. Originally from the Midwest, he now lives in Texas. By day, he develops cellular therapies and 3D-printable artificial organs. By night, he writes apocalyptic, medical, and science-fiction thrillers that blend real-world research with other-worldly possibility. When he isn't in the lab or at the keyboard, he spends his time running, reading, hiking, and traveling in search of new story ideas.

Read more at http://anthonyjmelchiorri.com and sign up for his mailing list at http://bit.ly/ajmlist to hear about his latest releases and news.

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5 stars
292 (65%)
4 stars
121 (27%)
3 stars
31 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Bukcrz.
296 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2024
I really struggle to find words because I keep going back to the book description and I cannot think of anything else to add to it. All a reader needs to know about the book is there.
I have not read the first two books in this series but I do not feel I am missing anything. Still, I can only guess there could be nuances that I am missing. But, back to this book...I think this is a good beginning book for any reader trying this genre. It is not a sweeping story but it is still a good read/listen for me. It is like that fun greeter at the door welcoming you into the event, or genre.
I like Fin and his crew, they all have their own reason to be in the ship and in the battle but when the rubber hits the road, they come together. They will be in surrounded by mystery, they will be in suspenseful fights, and they will save their world and people who will never know they did and will never thank them. Very noble, but it is a book.
For me, there is nothing 'new' in this book as I have gone through several books of Michael Anderle. They are practically the same to me with that rambunctious lead that will be put through the wringer but somehow manage to make it through with the same swagger from the beginning. So yes, this book is rollicking listen and will deliver its promise of entertainment.
Thanks to netgalley for the audiobook.
Profile Image for Yazmin Del toro.
76 reviews
April 18, 2025
I wasn’t expecting Drake,s broodmates to be the bad guys but it was an interesting turn out. What it was obvious however was that someone within the Union was working with the bad guys. love this series but this time I do have a big issue with this book. They rescued this alien lady, she didn’t want to come back to that place where she managed to escape, but Fin convinced her to guide them there. I really hated this part. Please let the poor lady alone she has reasons to be traumatized. The worst is that she ended up being killed. Why killing her?. I really think they could find another way to get there without her or at least not her ended up being killed. Other than this series is still great I will keep reading it.
176 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2024
lots of action and drama

lots of action and drama in this one. Never know who’s the good, the bad or the traitors. We see more of the Ranger system this time as well as the planet, moons and space stations within the space system. It’s a big world to create in. I’m looking forward to those future stories.
I have to also comment on the animal crew on our heroes ship. I just love them. It brings a fresh kind of cuteness and definitely loyalty that many humans and other aliens just don’t have. Just say’n. They’re very different outwardly yet their true natures of loyalty and protection are the same, along with a craving for fun. Love that!
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
941 reviews11 followers
June 24, 2024
The Black Sheep are in it to their eyeballs.

Aboard their new ship, the Black Sheep, Fin, Renata and Drake, with help from Theta and Jacque, with ship AI Audrey, face overwhelming odds against surviving, let alone overcoming the opposition! They face an array of the worst of their evil opponents all by themselves, no back-up, no help from any quarter. Survival seems doubtful. But they surge ahead anyway.
Absolutely the best characters! A storyline to die for, and this time they just might. The only problem I faced - waiting for a lull in the action to stop for the night. The action is non-stop, relentless. I can't wait for book 4! This is an amazing read!
75 reviews
March 5, 2025
A must read whether you're into sci-fi or the humanities/sciences

Magnificent story arc! Final objectives met in an absorbing, page turning, unexpected ending in the "Final Crucible" (if it is indeed the ending). Dr. Melchiorri integrates many human areas of study (like Earth places he's traveled to, philosophies, theology, history, etc.) into a refreshing science fiction story. Highly recommend reading the trilogy back to back for a unique ride from Earth into space.
215 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2024
Reward

Thank you dear author for creating another great episode in your story line. The group goes through hell in The group goes through hell in a handbasket but comes out well Which is expected when you have excellent Characters that you have created Thank you you Thank you you again can't wait to read the next Episode.
32 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2025
The Story Just Gets Better and Better

The suspense and storyline made this installment a great addition to the Sunken Spaceship book series.

I liked the ups and downs throughout the crew's journey along with their struggle to save friends, end wrongdoing, and keep themselves alive.

I can't wait to start the next book!
539 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2024
Very great series

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
Profile Image for Neil Plucknett.
48 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2024
An excellent story continues...

Well worth the read, the third installment of this series carries on the tale at a cracking pace with some interesting plot twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am looking forwards to reading the 4th.
38 reviews
July 4, 2024
Opinions

This book is a lot of fun to read.The characters are very interesting and varied. The action never got dull.
Profile Image for Darren.
517 reviews11 followers
July 7, 2024
Pretty good story

Exciting and enjoyable storyline. Good character depth. Love a good rag tag crew. Interesting storyline. Well worth a read but not sure it can carry another book.
31 reviews
July 20, 2024
Fun

I enjoyed the characters and the dog. Too bad the Golden Retriever didn't get modified. It seems to flow pretty good.
1,173 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2024
More of the same action packed Fin and company. This wrapped up the storylines I was interested in so this will be the end of the series for me.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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