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Dauntless
Trapped in space, and isolated from the rest of the galaxy, the fearless rogue Cayden Castle has been forced to a standstill. Having survived another deadly encounter with the Xenist Inquisition – his former allies, turned hunters – alongside his crew of outcasts, he takes a brief moment of pause, as he contemplates his next move.
Lost and directionless after the destruction of the Nonaligned, Cayden is forced to confront a face from his past in Darragh Atticus, a former childhood classmate and rival, who threatens to destabilise his newfound family.
But Darragh is not the only ghost that Cayden must face. After carefully evaluating his options, he realises that all paths he can choose lead to the same The planet Tuiredh, the frozen wasteland where he lost everything.
But as Cayden and his friends decide on their course of action, dark forces move into position to take control the galaxy. The Xenist’s most ancient enemy has returned, and among them, a mysterious warrior that threatens to change Cayden’s - and the galaxy’s - destiny forever…
Set five years before the events of their original novel, “Sojourn,” Dauntless is an epic space opera western by Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth, and the third of a prequel series in the Vanguard War known as “Scoundrel.” Centring on the rogue Cayden Castle, and his motley crew of heroes and villains alike, it follows their journey trying to uncover a conspiracy that will bring the galaxy to its knees.
Lost and directionless after the destruction of the Nonaligned, Cayden is forced to confront a face from his past in Darragh Atticus, a former childhood classmate and rival, who threatens to destabilise his newfound family.
But Darragh is not the only ghost that Cayden must face. After carefully evaluating his options, he realises that all paths he can choose lead to the same The planet Tuiredh, the frozen wasteland where he lost everything.
But as Cayden and his friends decide on their course of action, dark forces move into position to take control the galaxy. The Xenist’s most ancient enemy has returned, and among them, a mysterious warrior that threatens to change Cayden’s - and the galaxy’s - destiny forever…
Set five years before the events of their original novel, “Sojourn,” Dauntless is an epic space opera western by Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth, and the third of a prequel series in the Vanguard War known as “Scoundrel.” Centring on the rogue Cayden Castle, and his motley crew of heroes and villains alike, it follows their journey trying to uncover a conspiracy that will bring the galaxy to its knees.
535 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 22, 2025
The strongest entry in the series so far
After the quiet character driven introspection that was provided by ‘Acolytes’, ‘Dauntless’ very quickly kicks the plot into high gear and never once lets up.
Both the action and the emotional beats are at their deepest and darkest in this entry of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, with Cayden being forced to make increasingly questionable moral choices in order to keep his new family safe, as the arrival of two old faces from his past threaten to tear them asunder.
‘Dauntless’ is not afraid to show the lengths that good people are prepared to go in order to survive, the devil’s bargains they are prepared to strike, and the innocent third parties they are willing to deceive. Yet in spite of it this, ‘Dauntless’ is neither bleak nor nihilistic, as there is an undercurrent of hope running throughout the novel, with each member of the Raven’s Claw possessing a strong moral centre in spite of their rough edges; being willing to see the good in those who have lost the ability to see it in others or themselves.
Plenty of questions are answered in this book, while others remain shrouded in mystery, showing that writers Sproule and Smyth know how to keep their readers coming back for more. The author’s particular brand of humour is on full display in this novel, with the introduction of a certain character who will have readers wanting to choke the life out of and share a beer with in equal measure.
‘Dauntless' is easily the most action heavy of the entire franchise. While the length of the book may be off-putting to some, I can assure my fellow readers that the plot does not meander; not a single line is wasted on pointless action or unnecessary drama. Each character interaction builds upon the next, as the momentum steadily builds to the novel’s climax, which culminates in a final epic confrontation that is the largest the ‘Vanguard War’ has put to page thus far. The characters will be changed forever by the time the dust has settled, with the ramifications of two particular revelations having far reaching consequences that will hang like the Sword of Damocles over the heads of the cast in future entries, as the audience just waits for the blade to drop.
The third entry of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’ will more than scratch the itch of those who hunger for high quality sci-fi entertainment, and will have them reaching for the next book by the time the final page of this one has been flipped.
After the quiet character driven introspection that was provided by ‘Acolytes’, ‘Dauntless’ very quickly kicks the plot into high gear and never once lets up.
Both the action and the emotional beats are at their deepest and darkest in this entry of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, with Cayden being forced to make increasingly questionable moral choices in order to keep his new family safe, as the arrival of two old faces from his past threaten to tear them asunder.
‘Dauntless’ is not afraid to show the lengths that good people are prepared to go in order to survive, the devil’s bargains they are prepared to strike, and the innocent third parties they are willing to deceive. Yet in spite of it this, ‘Dauntless’ is neither bleak nor nihilistic, as there is an undercurrent of hope running throughout the novel, with each member of the Raven’s Claw possessing a strong moral centre in spite of their rough edges; being willing to see the good in those who have lost the ability to see it in others or themselves.
Plenty of questions are answered in this book, while others remain shrouded in mystery, showing that writers Sproule and Smyth know how to keep their readers coming back for more. The author’s particular brand of humour is on full display in this novel, with the introduction of a certain character who will have readers wanting to choke the life out of and share a beer with in equal measure.
‘Dauntless' is easily the most action heavy of the entire franchise. While the length of the book may be off-putting to some, I can assure my fellow readers that the plot does not meander; not a single line is wasted on pointless action or unnecessary drama. Each character interaction builds upon the next, as the momentum steadily builds to the novel’s climax, which culminates in a final epic confrontation that is the largest the ‘Vanguard War’ has put to page thus far. The characters will be changed forever by the time the dust has settled, with the ramifications of two particular revelations having far reaching consequences that will hang like the Sword of Damocles over the heads of the cast in future entries, as the audience just waits for the blade to drop.
The third entry of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’ will more than scratch the itch of those who hunger for high quality sci-fi entertainment, and will have them reaching for the next book by the time the final page of this one has been flipped.
March 13, 2025
Hot off the heels of Acolytes, Dauntless is the darkest of the Scoundrel series thus far and there are some scenes of intense action and emotion, especially the arrival of the Black Knight.
There is little to be said that hasn't already been said for the characters, they are still likeable, funny and witty in their family unit. There are some new characters though that are particularly memorable, especially the hilarious Loafy.
In terms of locations and lore, Dauntless expands on both immensely, from the new planets that the characters explore to the addition of the Kett, a Nordic inspired confederation of nomads.
I look forward to seeing where the series takes us next. A great continuation.
There is little to be said that hasn't already been said for the characters, they are still likeable, funny and witty in their family unit. There are some new characters though that are particularly memorable, especially the hilarious Loafy.
In terms of locations and lore, Dauntless expands on both immensely, from the new planets that the characters explore to the addition of the Kett, a Nordic inspired confederation of nomads.
I look forward to seeing where the series takes us next. A great continuation.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews