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Lance
Planet Nibiru wants them dead. All of them.
Trapped by the destruction of their own satellites, the Marines on Nibiru suddenly find themselves without orbital or air superiority.
With help months away, Po and his brothers must quickly figure out how to stabilize and survive against an exploding alien insurgency.
Po learned young to rely on no one but himself. Now, he's slowly realizing that nothing from bootcamp, or from his trials on Earth's moon, could have prepared him for this.
If he can't rip up some deep-rooted beliefs about his place in the universe, and fast, it may cost him his life.
Get ready for this exciting next chapter 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.
Trapped by the destruction of their own satellites, the Marines on Nibiru suddenly find themselves without orbital or air superiority.
With help months away, Po and his brothers must quickly figure out how to stabilize and survive against an exploding alien insurgency.
Po learned young to rely on no one but himself. Now, he's slowly realizing that nothing from bootcamp, or from his trials on Earth's moon, could have prepared him for this.
If he can't rip up some deep-rooted beliefs about his place in the universe, and fast, it may cost him his life.
Get ready for this exciting next chapter 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.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2024
228 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
115 books305 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 17, 2026
Lance is the third book in the Conscript Universe series, written by Scott Bartlett. It follows directly up on the second book, where the military of Earth has one mission, which is to find and neutralise the famous Niberian terrorist Toe Shefth Rin (Spelling?). We follow Abbato and his colleagues of marines as they have reached Nibiru, where civil war is raging. They move from city to city, building to building, taking out insurgents, trying to pin down where they can find Toe Rin.
The book is full on military scifi, and pretty much all of the story is close combat situations, and the consequences of said actions. Still very well written, with interesting characters, it does have the same issue as the second book. The main story is pretty much all there is, and while good, the book suffers from a complete lack of side plots to keep things really interesting. His family and the alien Zanth, both major plot lines in the first book, are merely briefly mentioned a couple of times in the book, and has no impact on the story at all. I do feel the military scifi parts were more tight than in the second book, so that’s something, but I felt that I wanted more from the book than I got. We do get a bit more on politics in the universe, but I would have liked to hear way more of it. As to Po, we are mostly left with a few squabbles with his fellow marines, where the first book made the problems of his personal life a major, and interesting, part of the story.
The book ends more or less as expected, but as there are several major unanswered questions, and I hope Scott Bartlett takes up everything a notch in the next book, to make it more engaging than this and the previous one. Book one masterfully weaved multiple plot lines, and that just made for a more interesting book. But I am sure we’ll at least get some conclusion to the Zanth storyline in the fourth book, as the alien Emplors are likely to make their big entry into the story.
I listened to the audiobook, where Mark Boyett did as wonderful narration as he did with the previous two. He is top of his class when it comes to narration!
If you enjoyed book two, you’ll love this one.
I received this audiobook for free from the author, and wanted to credit him with an honest review. I have no affiliation with the author, the narrator, the publisher, or their pets (Although I am sure the latter are quite nice!).
The book is full on military scifi, and pretty much all of the story is close combat situations, and the consequences of said actions. Still very well written, with interesting characters, it does have the same issue as the second book. The main story is pretty much all there is, and while good, the book suffers from a complete lack of side plots to keep things really interesting. His family and the alien Zanth, both major plot lines in the first book, are merely briefly mentioned a couple of times in the book, and has no impact on the story at all. I do feel the military scifi parts were more tight than in the second book, so that’s something, but I felt that I wanted more from the book than I got. We do get a bit more on politics in the universe, but I would have liked to hear way more of it. As to Po, we are mostly left with a few squabbles with his fellow marines, where the first book made the problems of his personal life a major, and interesting, part of the story.
The book ends more or less as expected, but as there are several major unanswered questions, and I hope Scott Bartlett takes up everything a notch in the next book, to make it more engaging than this and the previous one. Book one masterfully weaved multiple plot lines, and that just made for a more interesting book. But I am sure we’ll at least get some conclusion to the Zanth storyline in the fourth book, as the alien Emplors are likely to make their big entry into the story.
I listened to the audiobook, where Mark Boyett did as wonderful narration as he did with the previous two. He is top of his class when it comes to narration!
If you enjoyed book two, you’ll love this one.
I received this audiobook for free from the author, and wanted to credit him with an honest review. I have no affiliation with the author, the narrator, the publisher, or their pets (Although I am sure the latter are quite nice!).
September 12, 2024
Po Abbato's life was a train wreck from the get-go. But now, having survived boot camp on Cycler 3, arrived on Nibiru, and fought for survival, he is gaining experience and maturity. This book picks up exactly where Book 2, Rifleman, leaves off.
The most important thing to know about this latest book 3 in the Constcript series by Scott Bartlett is that you can't put it down. You can't stop reading. It is that gripping, that action-packed, and that engaging. It would help if you had some really good willpower skills to put the book down, or you're going to be as sleep-deprived as I have been reading it... (Just one more page, I need to see what happens next).
And then there's Xanth. The invisible Emplor is an alien from a race with unclear motives. The problem is that only Po can see Xanth. And Xanth has complete access to Po's implant. Will he turn out to be a friend or foe? Will the Emplors support the humans? Or try to destroy the human race?
While some books get a little tamer as the series continues, Scott Bartlett breaks that mold. His books get better, more action-packed, more exciting, and you come to really get to know the characters and situations, and really get invested in them. Scott's got some of the best characters and world-building in the business. You get to know the characters like real living people. You have emotional reactions to them and their situations.
If you're looking for an incredibly well-written book that will completely absorb you, look no further. The style of a young man, nearly beaten down by circumstance and really bad choices, finding himself in life-and-death situations, and trying to fight the good fight and survive will keep you turning pages long after the time of night is forgotten.
I can't recommend the author and the Conscript series strongly enough. I've already pushed the button to order Book 4. And trust me, you're going to want to read it too. Do yourself a favor and start at book 1, Conscript. Just know going into it that you'll be along for the full ride of the whole series.
Now I just have to figure out how to catch up on my sleep.
The most important thing to know about this latest book 3 in the Constcript series by Scott Bartlett is that you can't put it down. You can't stop reading. It is that gripping, that action-packed, and that engaging. It would help if you had some really good willpower skills to put the book down, or you're going to be as sleep-deprived as I have been reading it... (Just one more page, I need to see what happens next).
And then there's Xanth. The invisible Emplor is an alien from a race with unclear motives. The problem is that only Po can see Xanth. And Xanth has complete access to Po's implant. Will he turn out to be a friend or foe? Will the Emplors support the humans? Or try to destroy the human race?
While some books get a little tamer as the series continues, Scott Bartlett breaks that mold. His books get better, more action-packed, more exciting, and you come to really get to know the characters and situations, and really get invested in them. Scott's got some of the best characters and world-building in the business. You get to know the characters like real living people. You have emotional reactions to them and their situations.
If you're looking for an incredibly well-written book that will completely absorb you, look no further. The style of a young man, nearly beaten down by circumstance and really bad choices, finding himself in life-and-death situations, and trying to fight the good fight and survive will keep you turning pages long after the time of night is forgotten.
I can't recommend the author and the Conscript series strongly enough. I've already pushed the button to order Book 4. And trust me, you're going to want to read it too. Do yourself a favor and start at book 1, Conscript. Just know going into it that you'll be along for the full ride of the whole series.
Now I just have to figure out how to catch up on my sleep.
September 8, 2024
The Conscript series with Lance is sure taking a turn for the worse with Nibiru natives having a huge turnout of rebels, under the leadership of a Nibiru called Rin, intend on killing off the marines on the planet.
And somehow Po is everywhere in the thick of things, especially the most dangerous spots ever and claiming the lives of some fellow marines.
However, it is striking how mistrusting the marines are of the Nibiru, even to a very racially offensive and denigrating attitude and actions.
Can one expect trust and support from the Nibiru at all under such circumstances?
Po is about to discover that answer in a way even he could not foresee.
Enjoy.
And somehow Po is everywhere in the thick of things, especially the most dangerous spots ever and claiming the lives of some fellow marines.
However, it is striking how mistrusting the marines are of the Nibiru, even to a very racially offensive and denigrating attitude and actions.
Can one expect trust and support from the Nibiru at all under such circumstances?
Po is about to discover that answer in a way even he could not foresee.
Enjoy.
September 12, 2024
Po Abbato and his group of Marines are out to try to find To'Sheth Rin, the instigator of the attack on Cycler 3, the recruit training base. But what a trek they had to go through which included the loss of many of their teammates, including Sergeant Young and injuring Gunny Emery. And the surprise at the end of the book was quite shocking, too. Scott Bartlett did an excellent job of researching Marines to get their take on tactics and the reality of war. Thank you, Scott, for such a great piece of work. The intensity of it was amazing. Can't wait for the next book in the series. Bravo Zulu.
September 8, 2024
Had the great fortune to Read this book early as an ARC. Another excellent action packed story from beginning to end,previous characters developing to form a formidable team capable of achieving the seemingly impossible and the story lines becoming more and more absorbing , I found myself absorbed and found it very hard to put down, I enjoyed it greatly and if you like this genre of book so should you. I recommend it highly just in case you didn't get the message.
September 20, 2024
This the third book on the Conscript series. The action continues with the characters battling fatigue leaving no room for a breather. The Marines battle across alien cities, deserts and jungles among other difficult terrain. The internal dialogues enrich our understanding of the troops. I recommend this book to all adult readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2024
Another fast and furious action packed story in this excellent series. The character development and interactions are fascinating as the relentless pace propels things along taking the marines from one dangerous situation to the next. All the while, there is the inevitable feeling of strings being pulled somewhere behind the scenes, perhaps to be revealed in the next book.
September 19, 2024
Afghanistan in Space
If you like reading about battles and tactics you will enjoy this. Our Conscript who joined up rather than going to prison has trained as a Marine, and seems to be pretty good at it. The battles for survival against alien species with special talents are hard to beat. Meanwhile his family are in need of his wages.
If you like reading about battles and tactics you will enjoy this. Our Conscript who joined up rather than going to prison has trained as a Marine, and seems to be pretty good at it. The battles for survival against alien species with special talents are hard to beat. Meanwhile his family are in need of his wages.
September 19, 2024
This is another very good read by Scott Bartlett. The book picks up right after his second book, Rifleman. The author keeps the story moving with a lot of action and still delivers additional character development (which I always enjoy). You’ll find yourself having a hard time putting the book down. I enjoyed the story and I recommend it highly.
September 27, 2024
The continuing story of a marines life , but this time placed in a situation that is definitely life and death. No help from destroyed satellites so no aircraft this all comes down to training .
This in my opinion has a brilliant storyline and the characters human and aliens are well written.
I have absolutely no problem recommending this book.
This in my opinion has a brilliant storyline and the characters human and aliens are well written.
I have absolutely no problem recommending this book.
September 23, 2024
Po Abatto rises to the challenge
The continuing progress that Po is making but what influence is Zanth having on him? Loss and accomplishments are in the life of a conscripted
marine, but can Po survive it?
The continuing progress that Po is making but what influence is Zanth having on him? Loss and accomplishments are in the life of a conscripted
marine, but can Po survive it?
January 27, 2025
Great reading
Believable action and comradery other than the lack of reporting to higher headquarters because the main character isn't of the rank to do so. He reports within his platoon, until his responsibility changes. But the lack of reporting doesn't, just an observation.
Believable action and comradery other than the lack of reporting to higher headquarters because the main character isn't of the rank to do so. He reports within his platoon, until his responsibility changes. But the lack of reporting doesn't, just an observation.
December 26, 2025
Good Read
Po and his “boot” platoon are headed in force to neutralize the planet were the Janus insurgents hail from. It’s should be a quick and decisive battle, but we know how those turn out. These books are well written and thoughout. Battle on!
Po and his “boot” platoon are headed in force to neutralize the planet were the Janus insurgents hail from. It’s should be a quick and decisive battle, but we know how those turn out. These books are well written and thoughout. Battle on!
January 9, 2025
Hood Third Book in Conscript Series
Good book. Recommended for anyone who like this time of book. A little slow in spots but overall, a very good book.
Good book. Recommended for anyone who like this time of book. A little slow in spots but overall, a very good book.
November 12, 2025
Great book loved the story can’t wait to listen to the next one it’s a great book series I highly recommend it 👍😀⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews