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The Last Hunter #16

Operation Endgame

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The clock has run out.

Admiral Jack Romanoff and his people have beaten the Tardans at DuPont, but they failed to get the master control codes that could have ended the invasion without bloodshed. Now, they have no choice but to confront the enemy at the heart of the Earth. One last battle for everything they hold dear.

The midnight hour is upon them.

While the battle for supremacy is fought in space, Lisa Gane and Tina Chen will battle the Poseidon Group on the ground. If they can't overthrow the traitors, humanity will be trapped under their heels. They will do anything to stop their enemies, but will it be enough?

One chance for victory.

With no room for error, they can't afford to leave anything on the table. This is it. The endgame is upon them, and they will either win or perish, and humanity might go along with them. Will they save the Confederation or doom it to oppression and death? This is the day that they must win, or everything they sacrificed will be for nothing.

A single toss of the dice to win everything or fail humanity at the last moment.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2024

278 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

About the author

J.N. Chaney

460 books9,604 followers
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5 stars
738 (69%)
4 stars
230 (21%)
3 stars
68 (6%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Fred Barnes.
316 reviews42 followers
November 15, 2024
☆☆☆☆☆

FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE FANS OF J.N. CHANEY & TERRY MIXON, THIS IS THE SERIES FOR YOU

This science fiction book and series is one for the sci-fi lover. It has just about everything all rolled up in one heck of a storyline. You have your military science fiction, it's action-packed, intriguing, suspenseful, and will have you cheering for Jack, Sara, Derek, Amanda, Lisa, Patrick, and all the rest of the cast as they take the battle to the Tardan's, Lotus, and the Poseidon Group to bring back peace to the Confederation.

This being what appears to be the final book in this series will truly blow your mind at the conclusion and each conforntation and battle from the bring to the end as the heroes within this story put their life's on the line for what they believe in.

This is most definitely a series for all. I hope you will enjoy it as well as I have.
138 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2024
An ok series rife with Chaney's usual internalized Self-hatred though tempered well by Mixon. Shaping up to a very fulfilling conclusion but ruined in the end by the formation of a monarchy, something so poisonous to humanity that we've thrown most of them off in the last 200 years. Worst, as the kingdom of kaldera shows, a monarchy is more rife with corruption and crimes against humanity than a Republic. A monarchy is going to be even more incapable of managing a star spanning empire than a Republic. Only instantaneous travel between two points in the empire might reduce the slow destruction of humanity. The correct response from Jack is to immediately abdicate and leave with his wife and son for the Freeport in the hidden system that held the battleships. I don't think I've seen a worse political or tactical choice in fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
11 reviews
November 14, 2024
Sorry, but this series had a very disappointing ending. The book seemed rushed, light on details, and ended with a dud finish. This book was not up to snuff with the rest of the series.
10 reviews
November 11, 2024
disappointed

Loved the first half of this series, starting around book 12 I noticed a change it was slight at the time but compare book 16 to any of the first half and you wouldn’t recognize them as being the same author let alone the same story total tone shift for the “modern audience” I believe. At least it’s over
Profile Image for Jim.
1,228 reviews50 followers
December 30, 2024
As the title of this book might lead you to beleive that the series is coming to an end, you’re not wrong in your thinking. I do believe this book wraps up a very long and interesting story that started out with Captain Jack Romanoff getting command of a museum ship, the “*Delta Orionis*” a.k.a. the “*Hunter*”. Where he took that ship and its crew is what now will become the history of the Confederation or what the Confederation has now become. Jack Romanoff changed everything.

We know from the last book that Admiral Romanoff was preparing to take the *Hunter* and the *Aries*, a sister battleship commanded by Derek Calvo, to Earth going after the last contingent of Tardans and their automated drones, the Locusts. They haven’t been able to find the command codes for the Locusts. That meant that they were going to have a serious battle ahead of them fighting both the Tardan ships and the Locusts swarms. Romanoff preferred to do that away from Earth, but he wasn’t sure where the Tardans were exactly heading now.

Still, Tina Chen and Professor Alan Prescott, in their stealth spy ship, had discovered that the Tardan fleet was actually heading for Excalibur not realizing that the planet wasn’t the capital of the Confederation. Still, their stop in that system might allow Admiral Romanoff’s small fleet to catch up to them and inflict some damage. So, orders were sent out and the *Hunter* and *Aries* took off to engage in battle. Tina and the Professor sent ahead to tail the Tardans and report their movements back to Romanoff. Jack certainly didn’t want any surprises.

Meanwhile, Lisa Gain and Patrick Tebbe in their stealth spy ship had already departed for the Solar System to check on how things were going. While Admiral Romanoff was attempting to deal with the last of the Tardans and their Locusts, Lisa and Patrick needed to find out the status of the Poseidon Group. They were also something that Admiral Romanoff was going to have to deal with and it seemed that the last of this treasonous group was centered on Earth.

But what Lisa and Patrick found out was that Patrick’s previous efforts to get the Poseidon Group fighting among themselves had worked fantastically. The Poseiden Group on Earth was definitely in disarray with no one really stepping up to claim leadership. It seems when leaders of one faction were identified, the other faction was quick to assassinate the new opposing leader. This was what Patrick had started previously by killing several prominent members while making them look like Poseidon Group members did the killings to each other. The one person Admiral Romanoff, Lisa, and Patrick still wanted to track down was former Vice Admiral Suzanne LaChasse.

So, they headed to battle only to find the Tardans and their Locusts contingent all stuck around a warpgate to Earth. The gate was apparently broken, non-operational and the Tardans had yet to figure out what else to do to get to Earth. This was the opportunity Jack was waiting on. Yet, he knew they would be facing the largest contingent of Tardan ships and Locusts they had face anywhere to date. To fight them now might well mean the destruction of his own two battleships or at least getting both of them seriously degraded. If they could at least destroy the Tardan command vessel that controlled the Locusts, that would prevent the Locusts from having the ability to ever leave this system. Once Jack received more reinforcements, he intended to come back and then destory all the Locusts they had stranded in several systems.

Admiral Romanoff wasn’t sure if he or his battleships could survived this battle. Even if they did, what awaited them in the Solar System. Would the Confederation Navy that had been part of the coup have gathered in force around Earth. He felt the most that had was cruisers, but if they had a large number of them and his battleships were heavily damaged, the didn’t know if he could win that second fight. He also knew that reinforcements from the cluster were still months away.

So, how does it all end? That’s what you’ll find out in this final book of the series. We don’t go as far as to handle the Kingdom of Kastelara yet, so that does leave the author a means to continue this story, but, as you’ll find out, the Confederation no longer exists, yet it just might be the equal to this far distant Kingdom when they arrived. I hope we do read about how the former Confederation and former Admiral Jack Romanoff company eventually attack this problem.
1,010 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2024
A valiant effort to the end!

Admiral Jack Romanoff along with the loyal crew of the battleships Delta Orionis and the Ares first have to overcome a huge fleet of the robotic Locusts before they have to deal with the combined forces of the Tardans and the Kingdom of Kastelara before they can begin their battle against the traitors of the Poseidon group to save the Earth. 🌍

They are aided by their resident hacker and her assassin associate but otherwise they are alone against heavy odds in each encounter. The outcome is in question right up to the last chapter before the authors give the reader a fairly detailed epilogue that wraps up the story well, yet leaves open the possibility of continuing the saga. Nicely done, with respect to the concept of service and sacrifice that every person who has ever served will appreciate!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
November 12, 2024
The End . . .

Admiral Jack Romanoff and everyone involved in this ongoing battle have fought their very best fight. But still, it might not be quite enough. There were so many deaths along the way, sacrifices made, all balanced by determination to win and stop the enemy. But the final question is, has this been “enough” sacrifice? Have they saved the Confederation from further invasion? Or will everything have been for nothing if their final fight isn’t enough?

The characters are amazing and inspiring. The story line absolutely pulls the reader in and is so well done that it is impossible not to react to what is happening. Is this the end? Is it a win? Or has it all been for nothing after all?
347 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2024
A satisfying conclusion to The Last Hunter

Hunter and Aries are on a mission to beat the Locusts to Earth and then free Earth and the rest of the Confederation of the Posideon Group. Their first battle, while successful, leaves them at a distinct disadvantage for the second as they play a game of bluff the cat and mouse! Also Patrick and Lisa are working behind the scenes to uncover the Posideon Group's power players and their plans.
There is much adventure, suspense, mystery, spying, assassination, romance, heroism and sacrifice in this last novel of the series as everything goes full circle.
A highly enjoyable read to cap off a fun series of 16 novels, telling an epic story.
170 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2024
last book? idk. No hints by author

This was definitely a cociusion to the Confederate vs Poseidon Group, as well as the Locusts & Tardens but what isn’t clear is whether there will be more on Jack’s life as well as the other characters but also left out is the overreaching, yet faraway kingdom that will soon be making a play to conquer the Terran nations. Not really very nice of the authors to at least leave us a nugget of information in regards to this topic.
I have enjoyed this series immensely and sincerely hope we have not seen the last of these characters or the series.
Profile Image for Richard.
191 reviews
November 19, 2024
Shocked

I am shocked at the ending of this, book 16, of the Hunter series. Shocked but so happy. Jack finds himself with two battleships facing overwhelming odds in attacking the Tardens. He has a choice to make. Wait for reinforcements or take care of the Tarden threat once and for all. Also, what is next? He still has the Poseidon group that needs to be dealt with. Nixon and Chaney keep this series very much alive with this, number 16. Lisa and Patrick are off doing spy / assassin stuff and Jack and the rest of our beloved characters are going after the Tardis. What a great read. Action packed and story driven. True to form. A must read.
714 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2024
A fitting end

Seemed a longer book with a lot more to fit in to bring the series to a conclusion.
Well thought out, with virtually all of the lose ends tied off, although maybe 1 or 2 that could have been more final
The epilogue closes out everything nicely, with what can only be called a massive divergence from the expected and a surprising and satisfying finale
Obvious next series is to skip 18yrs and have the Kingdom make an appearance
306 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2024
Great Series

Jack Romanoff, his officers, crew, and support personnel have sacrificed almost everything to free the Confederation from alien invasion, internal coup, and other dangers. Many lives lost, sacrifices made. and unrelenting dedication keeps the over taxed crews of the two combat ready battleships held together, fighting for humanity’s future.
28 reviews
November 10, 2024
It has been one neck of a ride!

While not always writing a review I did in fact wait with "baited breath" for each release. I could not stop reading any of the entire series, even while I ate my meals. Much to my wife's chagrin.
Congratulations too the authors for providing me and everyone else with probably the best saga I have ever read.
Thanks to you both.
Kevin Cookmeyer
328 reviews
November 26, 2024
Who would have expected a storybook ending?

War always costs more than you ever thought it could. Jack and his team of young hotshots and steady old hands works every problem til it yields. The price is almost more than can be borne.

The story concludes here, but you can see the next one beginning. A triumphant ending.
36 reviews
November 28, 2024
A fitting End

The entire series is an excellent read action mystery Romance and much more. This book conclude the series in a very satisfying way. All the characters are here and each as a part to play. If you like space opera story lines I suggest you read the first book in the series you will be hooked
44 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2024
What an amazing adventure

I have read and loved all of the sixteen books. The character and their life stories have kept me on the ledge of my seat many times. The world building and details are second to none. I highly recommend this series. Start at Book one and you will be addicted as I was.
33 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2024
A great space opera series.

Definitely one of the better space opera series I've read. The characters were fun to read about as they developed over each story. The plot, action & technology were creative & kept me entertained every moment. I hope there's a spinoff series. This team of authors seem to be on a winning streak. Keep them coming.
2 reviews
March 16, 2025
Resolved not entirely unpredictably reverting to the oldest form of government.

Intense till the end. Perhaps in the upcoming battle with the Kingdom of Kasterlaria they might be more willing to negotiate with another kingdom? Was this the only solution to governing such far flung humanity.
21 reviews
November 6, 2024
Great series

I've really enjoyed this entire series. I've really enjoyed getting to know all the players. I will say the twist at the end took me by surprise, but it seems so appropriate. I kind of sorry that it's over. Maybe there will be a sequel.
Profile Image for John Chapman.
Author 14 books246 followers
November 6, 2024
As fantastic as the rest

Evert bit as good a story as the
other books in the series. Obviously the ending leaves room for a further series dealing with a kingdom conflict. But oh what a dreadful thing to do to Jack at the end!
13 reviews
November 8, 2024
Humanity's saviour King Jack

Wonderful series. More action than a bee hive falling to the ground. Well formed hero's and spies. Can hardly wait for the next series involving Patrick's former home worlds.
12 reviews
November 8, 2024
Really?

I’m not at all pleased with how this fabulous story arc ended. This installment felt rushed in some parts and dragged on too long in others. The final scene is why I gave it three stars.
18 reviews
Read
November 12, 2024
Another Great Book by J.N. Chaney! Keeps one captivated, and can get you to smile, laugh, frown, cry. Which is not easy to get me to have all those emotions just from reading a book, but it has happened on every one of J.N. Chaney's books! excellent reading. Looking forward to more!
244 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2024
Awesome book

Wow, there were some serious plot twists I did not see coming. As usual this was an excellent installment in the series. If you have not read the series I recommend it. You won't be disappointed.
11 reviews5 followers
November 22, 2024
This is a fun series, innovative with the plots shifts, while honoring our humanity.

Entertaining, good character development, sci-fi believable. The ending was even a surprise. A more ow key Honor Harrington with more angst.
3 reviews
December 15, 2024
eh!

Way too much verbiage. The ending was a foregone conclusion. A King! Give me a break. Had to skip 8 books and go to the end before I lost my sanity. Obviously and ultimately, not my style.
Profile Image for Vickii Bendit.
214 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2025
Excellent series

I've loved following Jack and all of his crews.adventures. This series n is extremely interesting and enjoyable to read. It kept me engaged from the beginning to the end.
Profile Image for Rachel.
5 reviews
February 14, 2025
great ending to either the series or the story arc

I found elements of the writing dragged but the story was fun. The story arc was well considered, and the dialogue was well written. Some of the techie elements of the story were slow. It was an enjoyable quick read.
Profile Image for Edwin.
67 reviews
February 17, 2025
Too many words! Needless explanations and justification! Super simplistic characters and lots of deus ex machina suddenly fortuitous solutions. I read all 16 books but there really only needed to be a maximum of 8 books. I kept wondering how old and how immature the authors must actually be.
937 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2025
Absolutely amazing military sci-fi action

A thrilling end to the series.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
What type of assassin are you ? The good kind.
I look forward to more from the authors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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