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Syndicate
Having achieved their first significant victory against the Xen Inquisition, Cayden Castle, Kyle Forger, and their eclectic band of misfits return to the planet Macha to rest, recuperate, and tie up loose ends. Finally able to breathe a sigh of relief for the first time in months, Cayden and Kyle relish the company of their new friends and family, while their adversaries nurse their wounds.
However, their respite is abruptly cut short as they find themselves in the crosshairs of an old The Sneerdon Syndicate, determined to expel Cayden's team from their planet and assert their control over their territory.
As they confront the threat posed by the Sneerdon, Cayden uncovers a harrowing revelation that compels him to leave Macha, forcing Kyle to take matters into his own hands.
Separated, and facing some of the galaxy's most dangerous criminals, Cayden and Kyle must delve deep within themselves to survive, knowing that the worst dangers are yet to come...
Set five years before the events of their original novel, “Sojourn,” Syndicate is an epic space opera western by Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth, and the fourth of a prequel series in the Vanguard War series 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.
However, their respite is abruptly cut short as they find themselves in the crosshairs of an old The Sneerdon Syndicate, determined to expel Cayden's team from their planet and assert their control over their territory.
As they confront the threat posed by the Sneerdon, Cayden uncovers a harrowing revelation that compels him to leave Macha, forcing Kyle to take matters into his own hands.
Separated, and facing some of the galaxy's most dangerous criminals, Cayden and Kyle must delve deep within themselves to survive, knowing that the worst dangers are yet to come...
Set five years before the events of their original novel, “Sojourn,” Syndicate is an epic space opera western by Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smyth, and the fourth of a prequel series in the Vanguard War series 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.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 23, 2025
A mixture of poignant romance, daring rescue and deadly revenge
As the ‘Scoundrel Saga’ reaches its penultimate chapter, Cayden and his crew are pushed to their physical and emotional limits as they challenge the dangerous criminal underbelly of the universe.
After the action packed adventure that was ‘Dauntless’, ‘Syndicate’ returns to a smaller more personal story a la ‘Acolytes’. Indeed, ‘Syndicate’ harkens back to a lot of the plot beats that had been established in both ‘Acolytes’ and ‘Ravens Claw’, with Kyle once again taking a more active role in the narrative as he becomes determined to step out from Cayden’s shadow and forge his own personal identity.
Unlike ‘Acolytes’ however, this novel is much more story oriented, with the ground splitting up to achieve two different objectives, ensuring that the reader’s attention is held at all times. There is plenty to be engrossed with in regards to explosive character dynamics; such as Kara’s enigmatic nature and mysterious end goal, Adam warring with his desire for justice and vengeance and Darragh’s loyalties torn between the Xen Order and her new friends.
Love is at the very core of this novel, both the romantic and the familial. It drives the actions of many characters in this book, for both good and ill, with Cayden’s relationship with Adam and Evie, and Kyle’s relationship with Zoe and Kara forming the backbone of the dramatic tension as we witness firsthand what each of these is prepared to sacrifice or preserve in the name of love.
Judeo Christian values have been weaved throughout all the novels of the ‘Vanguard War’, with them being at their most prevalent in this one, which emphasises the importance of honesty, forgiveness and the importance of community. Yet it never once comes across as aggressively preachy or blatantly in your face, instead opting for a more universal display of moral principles that speak to everyone who values compassion and the dignity of human life.
As we reach the final part of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, authors Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smythe know to hook their readers with the bait of one more mystery within the final chapters, leaving readers with a sense of foreboding hanging over them as they speculate how it will affect the cast going forward.
As the ‘Scoundrel Saga’ reaches its penultimate chapter, Cayden and his crew are pushed to their physical and emotional limits as they challenge the dangerous criminal underbelly of the universe.
After the action packed adventure that was ‘Dauntless’, ‘Syndicate’ returns to a smaller more personal story a la ‘Acolytes’. Indeed, ‘Syndicate’ harkens back to a lot of the plot beats that had been established in both ‘Acolytes’ and ‘Ravens Claw’, with Kyle once again taking a more active role in the narrative as he becomes determined to step out from Cayden’s shadow and forge his own personal identity.
Unlike ‘Acolytes’ however, this novel is much more story oriented, with the ground splitting up to achieve two different objectives, ensuring that the reader’s attention is held at all times. There is plenty to be engrossed with in regards to explosive character dynamics; such as Kara’s enigmatic nature and mysterious end goal, Adam warring with his desire for justice and vengeance and Darragh’s loyalties torn between the Xen Order and her new friends.
Love is at the very core of this novel, both the romantic and the familial. It drives the actions of many characters in this book, for both good and ill, with Cayden’s relationship with Adam and Evie, and Kyle’s relationship with Zoe and Kara forming the backbone of the dramatic tension as we witness firsthand what each of these is prepared to sacrifice or preserve in the name of love.
Judeo Christian values have been weaved throughout all the novels of the ‘Vanguard War’, with them being at their most prevalent in this one, which emphasises the importance of honesty, forgiveness and the importance of community. Yet it never once comes across as aggressively preachy or blatantly in your face, instead opting for a more universal display of moral principles that speak to everyone who values compassion and the dignity of human life.
As we reach the final part of the ‘Scoundrel Saga’, authors Timothy Sproule and Daniel Smythe know to hook their readers with the bait of one more mystery within the final chapters, leaving readers with a sense of foreboding hanging over them as they speculate how it will affect the cast going forward.
June 1, 2025
There is little to say about Syndicate that I haven't already said about the other books in the series. The plot remains intriguing, the characters interesting and likeable and it ends on a very intense climax, the forging of the Tirfing and the promise of one final entry in this great series.
Can't wait to see what Schism has in store for our heroes
Can't wait to see what Schism has in store for our heroes
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews