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Oldest Starfighter #1
The Oldest Starfighter: A Military Sci-Fi Series
The fate of the free universe comes to rest in the hands of the Oldest Starfighter, when grizzled veteran ace fighter pilot, Gordy Harmen, once again heeds the call to battle.
In this gripping new military science fiction novel, the universe teeters on the brink of invasion, and the Obsidian Union scrambles to assemble a formidable force of combat pilots. Enter Gordy Harmen, once a legendary Air Force pilot whose illustrious career came to an end due to physical limitations.
Desperate and with nothing to lose, Gordy is approached with a tantalizing join the Obsidian Union's fight, and they'll rejuvenate his weary body, granting him the chance to fly once more. With his unmatched skills in the cockpit, Gordy must adapt to a new battlefield—the vast expanse of space.
As the tension mounts and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance, "The Oldest Starfighter" takes readers on a thrilling journey through epic space battles and pulse-pounding action. Will Gordy's courage and expertise be enough to turn the tide of war? Find out in this captivating first installment of Jamie McFarlane's exhilarating new series, promising to enthrall fans of sci-fi adventure.
Buy The Oldest Starfighter today and stop the invasion, now!
In this gripping new military science fiction novel, the universe teeters on the brink of invasion, and the Obsidian Union scrambles to assemble a formidable force of combat pilots. Enter Gordy Harmen, once a legendary Air Force pilot whose illustrious career came to an end due to physical limitations.
Desperate and with nothing to lose, Gordy is approached with a tantalizing join the Obsidian Union's fight, and they'll rejuvenate his weary body, granting him the chance to fly once more. With his unmatched skills in the cockpit, Gordy must adapt to a new battlefield—the vast expanse of space.
As the tension mounts and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance, "The Oldest Starfighter" takes readers on a thrilling journey through epic space battles and pulse-pounding action. Will Gordy's courage and expertise be enough to turn the tide of war? Find out in this captivating first installment of Jamie McFarlane's exhilarating new series, promising to enthrall fans of sci-fi adventure.
Buy The Oldest Starfighter today and stop the invasion, now!
- GenresScience FictionAmazon
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2024
612 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
May 20, 2024
For the Audiobook:
Punched out 5 hours in.
Does every modern sci fi book need a sassy, extremely competent black woman to be a girlboss now? In this case, the world's best Army helicopter pilot - which is as funny as a zombie series I used to follow that had a special forces female Somalian sniper (LOL just LMAO).
This is pretty cookie cutter with a grizzled old ACE who still friends with his ex wife and pays STILL pays her alimony BECAUSE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!!! (ridiculous).
Are there any NON-SIMP authors left out there? Are they allowed to make audiobooks? Someone please message me with recommendations as I've lost my patience with the girlboss/simp genre.
Punched out 5 hours in.
Does every modern sci fi book need a sassy, extremely competent black woman to be a girlboss now? In this case, the world's best Army helicopter pilot - which is as funny as a zombie series I used to follow that had a special forces female Somalian sniper (LOL just LMAO).
This is pretty cookie cutter with a grizzled old ACE who still friends with his ex wife and pays STILL pays her alimony BECAUSE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!!! (ridiculous).
Are there any NON-SIMP authors left out there? Are they allowed to make audiobooks? Someone please message me with recommendations as I've lost my patience with the girlboss/simp genre.
July 25, 2024
Just like you're in the hot seat with the hero
Unrelenting action sporting no-BS talk and back-talk that felt like real life armed forces repartee in battle. I ripped through this.
Unrelenting action sporting no-BS talk and back-talk that felt like real life armed forces repartee in battle. I ripped through this.
July 21, 2024
Another great read from Jamie McFarlane, 100mph all the way
As many have said below this book goes from zero to 100mph in chapter one and continues all the way to the end. There really is no let up either for the characters or the reader, brilliant.
It's a great US of A military story but with the added bonus of space travel, sci-fi and humour for me.
All of his books are well written and this is no exception.
Get reading people.
As many have said below this book goes from zero to 100mph in chapter one and continues all the way to the end. There really is no let up either for the characters or the reader, brilliant.
It's a great US of A military story but with the added bonus of space travel, sci-fi and humour for me.
All of his books are well written and this is no exception.
Get reading people.
June 23, 2024
Good read with enjoyable characters.
I enjoyed how physics were used in a believable and relatable way. Great turning of phrases for both plot progression and humor. I hope he can pull off a sequel to this book without turning it into just a boilerplate repetition like some authors have at late, looking at you B.V. Larson.
I enjoyed how physics were used in a believable and relatable way. Great turning of phrases for both plot progression and humor. I hope he can pull off a sequel to this book without turning it into just a boilerplate repetition like some authors have at late, looking at you B.V. Larson.
May 18, 2024
VT. FAN
I just recently discover "Space Opera " books and Jamie McFarlane. I am presently on #9 in his Privateer series which is fantastic! Because I am enjoying that series I decided to get this first book in his new series. I CAN NOT WAIT!! for book 2. This was imaginative and edge of your seat action. I fell in love with the characters. The story line drew me in from page 1. I am a 75 yr old widowed women who has been an avid romance reader for many years. Mr. McFarlane has definitely broaden my horizons. I will read all his books and have now bought many of his audiobooks (narrator is fantastic). If anyone is reading this do yourself a favor GET THIS BOOK!. His "Rebel Call" series is also great.
I just recently discover "Space Opera " books and Jamie McFarlane. I am presently on #9 in his Privateer series which is fantastic! Because I am enjoying that series I decided to get this first book in his new series. I CAN NOT WAIT!! for book 2. This was imaginative and edge of your seat action. I fell in love with the characters. The story line drew me in from page 1. I am a 75 yr old widowed women who has been an avid romance reader for many years. Mr. McFarlane has definitely broaden my horizons. I will read all his books and have now bought many of his audiobooks (narrator is fantastic). If anyone is reading this do yourself a favor GET THIS BOOK!. His "Rebel Call" series is also great.
May 25, 2024
An Old Fart's Delight!
A great read for all of us who ever finished a sf adventure and came away feeling that they really wished they lived in that time/dimension/multiverse. And that maybe they belonged there. If you always wanted to find/be contacted by an advanced alien civilization... And that you could be the one to teach them to "kick ass and take names"... And the idea of (closely related humanoid) interspecies appeals to you... This book is for you!
Fun.. Fast.. & Ferocious!
A great read for all of us who ever finished a sf adventure and came away feeling that they really wished they lived in that time/dimension/multiverse. And that maybe they belonged there. If you always wanted to find/be contacted by an advanced alien civilization... And that you could be the one to teach them to "kick ass and take names"... And the idea of (closely related humanoid) interspecies appeals to you... This book is for you!
Fun.. Fast.. & Ferocious!
May 11, 2024
Heart racing action and old veteran trash talk sufficient for the day.
Imagine Chesty Puller as a worn out fighter ace recruited to defend peaceful aliens against a predatory horde. Throw in another dozen Worn out fighter jocks and you have an idea.
I loved the book such that I read it all with only restroom breaks.
I may be easy to impress but that's how it was. And there is a bit of romance and a bit of rejuvenation.
Imagine Chesty Puller as a worn out fighter ace recruited to defend peaceful aliens against a predatory horde. Throw in another dozen Worn out fighter jocks and you have an idea.
I loved the book such that I read it all with only restroom breaks.
I may be easy to impress but that's how it was. And there is a bit of romance and a bit of rejuvenation.
May 11, 2024
super action
Great characters, action and believable science. Gotta love an over the hill group of former military members given an extension to revive their knowledge,skills and abilities. Add in aliens and a youngish human scientist with an eye for merging advanced science with a little human ingenuity and you get a rip roaring story told by another wizened quill pusher. Good thing I have other reads while waiting on this emerging story to travel on.
Great characters, action and believable science. Gotta love an over the hill group of former military members given an extension to revive their knowledge,skills and abilities. Add in aliens and a youngish human scientist with an eye for merging advanced science with a little human ingenuity and you get a rip roaring story told by another wizened quill pusher. Good thing I have other reads while waiting on this emerging story to travel on.
May 14, 2024
Washed up old pilot meets alien and finds new life among the stars
It's an oft-told story that touches primal chords of the hero quest intertwined with aging and wasting away (reading the same story over and over?). McFarlane here shows mastery of this sub-sub genre. Wish I could go to the stars he envisions.
It's an oft-told story that touches primal chords of the hero quest intertwined with aging and wasting away (reading the same story over and over?). McFarlane here shows mastery of this sub-sub genre. Wish I could go to the stars he envisions.
September 11, 2024
This was a quick and energetic read. I really enjoyed this book, the only down grade I would give this would be the fight sequences. There I lost some of the translation in what was going on and it was hard for me to follow. Other than that it was a great read, and I really enjoyed it. I'm glad I gave it a chance.
August 9, 2024
This story begins with a knock at the door, Retired Air Force flying ace Gordy Harmen is bored with sitting on his couch, watching baseball, and drinking beer. When Korsic from the Obsidian Union comes to his door and recruits him to fight in their war, Gordy is intrigued enough to sign up.
Gordy quicky finds out that there are problems that Korsic didn't mention to him. Gordy and the other Earth pilots soon learn that they will be facing overwhelming odds against an enemy with more advanced technology than they will have. They also have a population to defend that is having trouble believing that the enemy is coming their way and may have been infiltrated with the enemy too.
The story is filled with action and adventure as Gordy and his fellow citizens of Earth fight battles with the enemy and the government that hired them. The story reminds me of Old Man's War by John Scalzi in some ways: advanced medical technology and the need to recruit fighters with experience.
I liked the writing style. I liked Gordy's "take no prisoners" style and complete willingness to tell it like it is. I liked the comradery among the recruited pilots. I even liked the potential romance with his alien liaison.
This is the first in a new series and ends with a lot unresolved. I look forward to reading more.
Gordy quicky finds out that there are problems that Korsic didn't mention to him. Gordy and the other Earth pilots soon learn that they will be facing overwhelming odds against an enemy with more advanced technology than they will have. They also have a population to defend that is having trouble believing that the enemy is coming their way and may have been infiltrated with the enemy too.
The story is filled with action and adventure as Gordy and his fellow citizens of Earth fight battles with the enemy and the government that hired them. The story reminds me of Old Man's War by John Scalzi in some ways: advanced medical technology and the need to recruit fighters with experience.
I liked the writing style. I liked Gordy's "take no prisoners" style and complete willingness to tell it like it is. I liked the comradery among the recruited pilots. I even liked the potential romance with his alien liaison.
This is the first in a new series and ends with a lot unresolved. I look forward to reading more.
November 16, 2024
Pulled from retirement, a crew is formed to protect alien planets far from Earth.
Captain Gordon Harmon, retired combat fighter pilot, living on the edge of life, fat and sassy, was approached by an obvious alien to come to his planet and defend it from a hostile conglomerate. With a few more 'recruited' human pilots Gordy formed an a cadre fighting force. Against superior numbers and technology, could the new starfighter pilots fight effectively?
Hard to find a slow spot to break away from the intense action, catch my breath and take it all in. The characters are amazing, from the pilots to the ground crew supporting the new outfit, all are fleshed with care. The storyline grabs you, pulls you in and the action takes you to awesome heights. Great characters, intense action and a story told by a master wordsmith! This is a great read!
Captain Gordon Harmon, retired combat fighter pilot, living on the edge of life, fat and sassy, was approached by an obvious alien to come to his planet and defend it from a hostile conglomerate. With a few more 'recruited' human pilots Gordy formed an a cadre fighting force. Against superior numbers and technology, could the new starfighter pilots fight effectively?
Hard to find a slow spot to break away from the intense action, catch my breath and take it all in. The characters are amazing, from the pilots to the ground crew supporting the new outfit, all are fleshed with care. The storyline grabs you, pulls you in and the action takes you to awesome heights. Great characters, intense action and a story told by a master wordsmith! This is a great read!
July 25, 2025
Jamie McFarlane’s *The Oldest Starfighter* is a thrilling return to duty for Gordy Harmen, a grizzled veteran pilot whose second shot at saving the universe is both inspiring and pulse‑pounding. McFarlane builds a believable future where the Obsidian Union resurrects Gordy's battered body, then throws him into epic space battles that leave you breathless. I loved how Gordy’s decades of experience collide with cutting‑edge technology; his inner struggle to overcome his past and adapt to the vast, zero‑G battlefield made him easy to root for. The story mixes old‑school dogfighting with imaginative science fiction weapons and aliens, and the stakes feel huge as the free planets teeter on the edge of invasion. Fans of military sci‑fi will cheer for Gordy's grit and the fast pacing, and I can’t wait to see where this new series goes next.
January 12, 2025
Retired from his military career as an Air Force fighter pilot, Gordy Harmen figures he can live a life of ease. That is, until an alien shows up requesting his help to save their planet. They’re under attack from a hostile force and lack the training to fight back. If Gordy accepts, it’ll likely be a one-way trip, but it beats counting out the days to the end. Among the recruits are some pilots he’s worked with before, and together they set out to mount a defense. It’s only through Gordy’s skill and experience that they have a chance of success against overwhelming odds. This action-packed space opera tale has a sympathetic protagonist who isn’t afraid to take risks or issue orders. While the story leads to a satisfying conclusion, it does leave an option open for a sequel.
October 10, 2024
At first wasn’t impressed by the dialogues or the style of writing, in some cases the level of characters’ US patriotisim was over the top. Eventually, though, I couldn’t put the book down - story pulled me in. Few days later the book was finished 😅
The book had a nice mix of issues related to politics, leadership, relationships, sense of honor and strategy that it touched on.
I bet it could have been a much longer book with those themes ans the world building. Would read a second part for sure!
The book had a nice mix of issues related to politics, leadership, relationships, sense of honor and strategy that it touched on.
I bet it could have been a much longer book with those themes ans the world building. Would read a second part for sure!
February 3, 2025
In John Scalzi’s 2005 Old Man’s War, 75-year-olds are given new bodies and fight aliens. In The Last Starfighter, a low-budget 1984 movie, an alien con man uses a video game to recruit a young human to fly a starfighter. He saves the alien civilization using a superweapon called the Death Blossom. In The Oldest Starfighter, aliens recruit a retired fighter pilot, give him rejuvenating treatment, and put him in command of a squadron of starfighters. He saves the day by testing a “gravity harpoon” in combat. Reading The Oldest Starfighter will give you a new appreciation of its progenitors.
May 26, 2024
Cracker of a book
Normally books have some variation in pacing, but this one hits the ground running and *never stops*. It's almost exhausting to read but it's so gripping that it actually just heightens the experience. Absolutely cracker of a book that any space warfare enthusiast absolutely must read. Although this book tells a complete story that doesn't leave you badly hanging, I can't wait to see if there's a sequel.
Normally books have some variation in pacing, but this one hits the ground running and *never stops*. It's almost exhausting to read but it's so gripping that it actually just heightens the experience. Absolutely cracker of a book that any space warfare enthusiast absolutely must read. Although this book tells a complete story that doesn't leave you badly hanging, I can't wait to see if there's a sequel.
August 1, 2024
Really good book with great characters
This was a can’t put it down until finished kind of book....it is now almost 1am.....silly me, I should have started it earlier in the day. Lots of action, great alien races, planets, and scenarios. Loved the character interactions and how they all worked together to get what they needed done. Hopefully there will be follow up books as these characters definitely need me re time to shine. I totally recommend this book.
This was a can’t put it down until finished kind of book....it is now almost 1am.....silly me, I should have started it earlier in the day. Lots of action, great alien races, planets, and scenarios. Loved the character interactions and how they all worked together to get what they needed done. Hopefully there will be follow up books as these characters definitely need me re time to shine. I totally recommend this book.
August 4, 2024
Read quickly
This was an unexpected treat for me. I'm an avid reader but have been limiting my scope as I'm getting older. Finding this book was a good thing. The story goes quickly but as I was reading I soon discovered that it could continue for many more exciting moments in the imitation of a space adventure. Take the time and read this book and be entertained. You won't be disappointed.
Thanks Jamie, your friend, Ed Zulko (just some old guy in Florida)
This was an unexpected treat for me. I'm an avid reader but have been limiting my scope as I'm getting older. Finding this book was a good thing. The story goes quickly but as I was reading I soon discovered that it could continue for many more exciting moments in the imitation of a space adventure. Take the time and read this book and be entertained. You won't be disappointed.
Thanks Jamie, your friend, Ed Zulko (just some old guy in Florida)
September 10, 2024
Wow! One Great Story
The story felt very familiar even with the SciFi aspects. The understanding of Air Force pilots and their crews really nailed it. The story line was realistic with the right pacing of action, training, and down time. Character development was well done. The budding romance added a personal touch that keeps the reader understanding that service men and women are humans behind the sometimes large sense of self.
The story felt very familiar even with the SciFi aspects. The understanding of Air Force pilots and their crews really nailed it. The story line was realistic with the right pacing of action, training, and down time. Character development was well done. The budding romance added a personal touch that keeps the reader understanding that service men and women are humans behind the sometimes large sense of self.
September 22, 2024
Solid well written adventure
This book had a unique angle and a solid sense of purpose that kept me engaged throughout, I could hardly put it down. Good old-fashioned values and work ethic combined with the force of personality to make a difference in life. I find it inspirational.
How he managed to make the politics and management as interesting as the battle scenes took real skill. Great job!
This book had a unique angle and a solid sense of purpose that kept me engaged throughout, I could hardly put it down. Good old-fashioned values and work ethic combined with the force of personality to make a difference in life. I find it inspirational.
How he managed to make the politics and management as interesting as the battle scenes took real skill. Great job!
October 4, 2024
Wow! That was a fast, and fun read. US fighter pilots recruited to help save an alien race who has forgotten how to fight ... a great take on this idea.
The only downside: This is a series, and the rest haven't been published yet .... typically I like to wait to a series is fully published before I dig into it ... so I'm sure I'll need to catch up a bit when the next book drops, but the characters are simple enough that I should be able to pick things back up quickly.
Recommended!
The only downside: This is a series, and the rest haven't been published yet .... typically I like to wait to a series is fully published before I dig into it ... so I'm sure I'll need to catch up a bit when the next book drops, but the characters are simple enough that I should be able to pick things back up quickly.
Recommended!
August 24, 2025
I usually don't read sci-fi action/adventure novels. This one piqued my interest, and I'm glad that it did -- it was a very good read, having just enough of a rational explanation as to why an alien group would be contacting earth pilots to help them in an alien war, and having some good communication and interaction between those races/species. I will be looking forward to the next installment in this series!
August 5, 2024
Wow!
This book started slow and then took off! It did not ever slow down . I hope that there are going to be more very soon and that Torch controls has on his path as a master of space warfare! Whether you believe this or not if you do not purchase this book you will sadly be missing a very very good book!
This book started slow and then took off! It did not ever slow down . I hope that there are going to be more very soon and that Torch controls has on his path as a master of space warfare! Whether you believe this or not if you do not purchase this book you will sadly be missing a very very good book!
August 8, 2024
interesting and fun read
I enjoyed the premise of the story and how the author integrated the races and their beliefs. I’m not a military expert therefore the attitude of the main character was surprising and refreshing. By the end it was easy to see his point and root for success!
I enjoyed the premise of the story and how the author integrated the races and their beliefs. I’m not a military expert therefore the attitude of the main character was surprising and refreshing. By the end it was easy to see his point and root for success!
August 8, 2024
This is an interesting sci-fi story of a peaceful alien race recruiting old fighter pilots to help them ward off an act on their planet. I had a little trouble understanding the use of the gravity lance but otherwise it was somewhat a believable plot. Would have liked the romance to have gone further.
August 14, 2024
Exciting!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's reminiscent of the Star Wars stories, but was more challenging due to the existence in technology and lack of weapons. It was strategy that won the day not bigger or better weapons or superior numbers. Gordy is certainly a "take charge" guy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's reminiscent of the Star Wars stories, but was more challenging due to the existence in technology and lack of weapons. It was strategy that won the day not bigger or better weapons or superior numbers. Gordy is certainly a "take charge" guy.
August 19, 2024
Jamie McFarlane has written another winner!
“The Oldest Starfighter” is a wonderful yarn from the future, or maybe it’s happening right now, and we just don’t know about it! Either way, buckle up for a fast paced adventure with plenty of twists and turns, and heroic people (human and alien) doing heroic things. You won’t want to put it down!
“The Oldest Starfighter” is a wonderful yarn from the future, or maybe it’s happening right now, and we just don’t know about it! Either way, buckle up for a fast paced adventure with plenty of twists and turns, and heroic people (human and alien) doing heroic things. You won’t want to put it down!
August 20, 2024
Excellent well written book
Best book I have read for quite a while. Full of tension and excitement. You don't want to put it down. Excellent development of the plot and environment with comprehensive, understandable and imaginative detail. I can't imagine a Sci-Fi reader that wouldn't enjoy this book. I look forward to reading further books in the series.
Best book I have read for quite a while. Full of tension and excitement. You don't want to put it down. Excellent development of the plot and environment with comprehensive, understandable and imaginative detail. I can't imagine a Sci-Fi reader that wouldn't enjoy this book. I look forward to reading further books in the series.
September 12, 2024
A great story. Can’t wait for the next book.
I enjoyed reading this book. I’m looking forward to the continuing saga in this series
I noted that only pilots from the US represented Earth yet there are pilots from other countries of the world that are just as good. This is just a minor concern.
I would recommend this book, if you are interested.
I enjoyed reading this book. I’m looking forward to the continuing saga in this series
I noted that only pilots from the US represented Earth yet there are pilots from other countries of the world that are just as good. This is just a minor concern.
I would recommend this book, if you are interested.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews