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Battlestations
"Battlestations is bold, action-packed military science fiction with characters so real, they feel alive—exactly what I've come to expect from Daniel Gibbs. Once you pick it up, you won't put it down until the book's finished." - Rhett C. Bruno, USA Today Best-Selling Author
War never promised an easy tomorrow.
Lt. Colonel Arthur Hanson suffers from imposter syndrome. While grateful for promotion to second-in-command of the CSV Margaret Thatcher, he’s still a nerdy engineer at heart. The CDF’s presence in the Orion Spur is to project strength and maintain peace among the former League-held settlements. Confronting minor skirmishes is a cakewalk compared to open war.
But freedom demands a price.
Without warning, coordinated terrorist strikes across the Spur leave the fleet limping on life support. The Margaret Thatcher herself narrowly escapes destruction—at an unspeakable cost.
With the fleet decimated and backup stalled behind political power plays, Colonel Hanson is forced into shoes he feels ill-qualified to fill. But as ranking officer, survivors look to him to lead the charge against terrorists who wantonly rape and murder with no regard for the innocent.
Now Arthur must steel his spine and rise to the challenge of his namesake ship.
Because the Iron Lady does not turn from the fight.
War never promised an easy tomorrow.
Lt. Colonel Arthur Hanson suffers from imposter syndrome. While grateful for promotion to second-in-command of the CSV Margaret Thatcher, he’s still a nerdy engineer at heart. The CDF’s presence in the Orion Spur is to project strength and maintain peace among the former League-held settlements. Confronting minor skirmishes is a cakewalk compared to open war.
But freedom demands a price.
Without warning, coordinated terrorist strikes across the Spur leave the fleet limping on life support. The Margaret Thatcher herself narrowly escapes destruction—at an unspeakable cost.
With the fleet decimated and backup stalled behind political power plays, Colonel Hanson is forced into shoes he feels ill-qualified to fill. But as ranking officer, survivors look to him to lead the charge against terrorists who wantonly rape and murder with no regard for the innocent.
Now Arthur must steel his spine and rise to the challenge of his namesake ship.
Because the Iron Lady does not turn from the fight.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
1595 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 23, 2025
the premise is very good and the book itself is interesting. however, the book is far too reliant on tropes. Hacksaw Ridge was basically copy pasted into a few chapters of this book, just to name one. despite my rating, it was engaging enough for me to continue on to the second. only time will tell if the series picks up from here.
eta: the constant Bible thumping is quite annoying
2.5/5
eta: the constant Bible thumping is quite annoying
2.5/5
August 11, 2025
The author has a decent story and writes well, but is relying on some over the top tropes at times. The corpsman for the marine is Desmond Doss, the WWII medic in the Pacific Theater. He takes lines directly from the movie about him. Similarly, the PFLOS are cartoonish level evil with this constant escalation of wanton violence. We don’t really get a profile or motivation for their attacks beyond “capitalism bad”. I’m enjoying the story and the action scene, but the author should try to branch out on their own and see where they land instead of relying on other works as much.
April 11, 2025
Hornblower Lives!
A very good "seafaring tale" in the tradition oh Horatio Hornblower! I had a hard time putting it down last night. I'm looking forward to book 2.
A very good "seafaring tale" in the tradition oh Horatio Hornblower! I had a hard time putting it down last night. I'm looking forward to book 2.
April 12, 2025
Good read.
This was a different book then the others as it pertains to a different ship then the Lion . This is about the start of a new war but with the ship Margaret Thatcher as the main ship in battle . The bad guys (the league) are totally barbaric in this series. Waiting for book 2.
This was a different book then the others as it pertains to a different ship then the Lion . This is about the start of a new war but with the ship Margaret Thatcher as the main ship in battle . The bad guys (the league) are totally barbaric in this series. Waiting for book 2.
April 7, 2025
Great start to what I am sure will be another great series
Once again Daniel has taken the readers back to one of his previous great series of books. Where we find that terrorists from the league have attacked CDF ships, not just warships but passenger ship and supply ships. Killing without mercy. It's left to colonel Hunter to lead the fight back. With the needed help from the government, he is limited to what he can do, but he is now in command of the Iron Lady. And she is not for turning.
Once again Daniel has taken the readers back to one of his previous great series of books. Where we find that terrorists from the league have attacked CDF ships, not just warships but passenger ship and supply ships. Killing without mercy. It's left to colonel Hunter to lead the fight back. With the needed help from the government, he is limited to what he can do, but he is now in command of the Iron Lady. And she is not for turning.
April 8, 2025
Good entertaining space opera
Good balance between developing the main characters and military action. The denial and wishful thinking of the political leaders preventing a reasonable military response is frustrating and all too real. As an old vet, I've been there and witnessed the price of their incompetence. So far this book captures some of the anger and emotions of being the unsupported tip of the spear.
Good balance between developing the main characters and military action. The denial and wishful thinking of the political leaders preventing a reasonable military response is frustrating and all too real. As an old vet, I've been there and witnessed the price of their incompetence. So far this book captures some of the anger and emotions of being the unsupported tip of the spear.
April 6, 2025
Great read!
Another great read by an author at the top of his game! Tons of action against long odds, despicable enemy ready to be beaten.
Another great read by an author at the top of his game! Tons of action against long odds, despicable enemy ready to be beaten.
April 2, 2025
Fast paced action. Great read!!!
March 24, 2025
Harrowing story great action and characters can't wait for the next book.
May 16, 2025
==[Note: As of 12/03/2023, this will not be published on Amazon since I have been banned from posting reviews for some unknown reason. Once the ban is lifted, assuming it does get lifted, I’ll go back and post this to Amazon.]==
Ok, we get to start a new series with a great first book. This is the kind of situation every XO (Executive Officer) hopes never to find themselves in. Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Hanson is and has been a very competent XO aboard the *CDF Margaret Thatcher*, an Ajax-class destroyer. He loved his previous assignments and former job as an Engineer aboard various starships but now his job took him out of Engineering and placed him over all shipboard maintenance. His boss, Colonel Anton Savchenko was what you’d expect of a commander officer, very proficient and very capable of running the ship as it should. But their current situation lent towards a relaxed attitude aboard the warship since there had been peace in this region of space for quite some time.
Then as things tend to do, everything changed. New contacts came out of the deep dark and the ship found itself under attack. The crew responded as a well trained crew should going to General Quarters as soon as they saw these new contacts heading straight for the *Thatcher* with no intent on stopping! Colonel Savchenko knew exactly what to do even thought these ships appeared to be civilian freighters. They also seemed to have been up-gunned why more than was normal and they also were traveling at speeds no normal space freight should be flying. But, above all, they were threatening his ship and that wasn’t going to be ignored. So, the *Thatcher* began firing missiles trying to avoid an imminent collision.
One missile connected with the now labeled hostile ships and blew it to pieces. But, those drifting pieces were going mighty fast on their own and they were coming straight for the *Thatcher*. Everyone on the bridge braced for the impact but a few of the crew didn’t have time! When Lt. Col. Hanson came to he checked to make sure he didn’t have anything broken, then once his hearing started coming back he looked around the bridge to see how others were doing. The Captain was still sitting in his command chair, but his voice was weak and he had a piece of steel sticking out of his chest! Hanson got to him as quick as possible and heard the Colonel ask for a damage report, but Hanson knew immediately that the Colonel needed to be taken care of. He called for medics to the bridge and was told they were on their way.
Meanwhile, as Hanson looked around the bridge he saw several other stations with personnel either slumped over their consoles or completely absent. Blood was everywhere so he knew a lot of people weren’t going to make it through this. Still, somethings had to get done now. Someone needed to be in-charge and start giving orders. A strange coldness swept through his body when he realized that he was that “someone” and he was next up and now in-charge of the ship! That’s not how an XO wants assume command of any ship, but when the time comes you can’t wish your problems away.
So, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Hanson stepped up! He began doing what he knew had to be done. He did what should have been done and that was to get the ship out of harms way if possible and start getting the crew and ship back into the fight. Arthur Hanson’s problems were just beginning. He had no idea who this enemy was or why they had attacked a peaceful region of space. He soon found out that his ship had no local communications so he couldn’t even send for help. That’s how things are going to go in this book. Nobody is going to come in to save your bacon, it’s just you and your ship fighting against an unknown enemy.
Eventually, Hanson does get the local tactical picture back, but it’s still not good. It seems that every CDF ship in this outer region of space has been simultaneously hit and most didn’t survive. Now we’ll see if the *CDF Margret Thatcher* and a small number of other CDF ships can withstand an enemy so evil that it’s beyond comprehension. I think this series is going to be very, very good.
Oh, and there’s a political side to the story which is kind of strange, but I guess possible. I also don’t necessarily like the use of Army ranks on a starship, but at least the author got them in the right order. So, the writing is very interesting and the story moves along very well. I’m going to continue reading this series for sure.
The next book, “Intervention”, has a strange title so I’m not exactly sure what it means. Still, it’s on my reading list now.
Ok, we get to start a new series with a great first book. This is the kind of situation every XO (Executive Officer) hopes never to find themselves in. Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Hanson is and has been a very competent XO aboard the *CDF Margaret Thatcher*, an Ajax-class destroyer. He loved his previous assignments and former job as an Engineer aboard various starships but now his job took him out of Engineering and placed him over all shipboard maintenance. His boss, Colonel Anton Savchenko was what you’d expect of a commander officer, very proficient and very capable of running the ship as it should. But their current situation lent towards a relaxed attitude aboard the warship since there had been peace in this region of space for quite some time.
Then as things tend to do, everything changed. New contacts came out of the deep dark and the ship found itself under attack. The crew responded as a well trained crew should going to General Quarters as soon as they saw these new contacts heading straight for the *Thatcher* with no intent on stopping! Colonel Savchenko knew exactly what to do even thought these ships appeared to be civilian freighters. They also seemed to have been up-gunned why more than was normal and they also were traveling at speeds no normal space freight should be flying. But, above all, they were threatening his ship and that wasn’t going to be ignored. So, the *Thatcher* began firing missiles trying to avoid an imminent collision.
One missile connected with the now labeled hostile ships and blew it to pieces. But, those drifting pieces were going mighty fast on their own and they were coming straight for the *Thatcher*. Everyone on the bridge braced for the impact but a few of the crew didn’t have time! When Lt. Col. Hanson came to he checked to make sure he didn’t have anything broken, then once his hearing started coming back he looked around the bridge to see how others were doing. The Captain was still sitting in his command chair, but his voice was weak and he had a piece of steel sticking out of his chest! Hanson got to him as quick as possible and heard the Colonel ask for a damage report, but Hanson knew immediately that the Colonel needed to be taken care of. He called for medics to the bridge and was told they were on their way.
Meanwhile, as Hanson looked around the bridge he saw several other stations with personnel either slumped over their consoles or completely absent. Blood was everywhere so he knew a lot of people weren’t going to make it through this. Still, somethings had to get done now. Someone needed to be in-charge and start giving orders. A strange coldness swept through his body when he realized that he was that “someone” and he was next up and now in-charge of the ship! That’s not how an XO wants assume command of any ship, but when the time comes you can’t wish your problems away.
So, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Hanson stepped up! He began doing what he knew had to be done. He did what should have been done and that was to get the ship out of harms way if possible and start getting the crew and ship back into the fight. Arthur Hanson’s problems were just beginning. He had no idea who this enemy was or why they had attacked a peaceful region of space. He soon found out that his ship had no local communications so he couldn’t even send for help. That’s how things are going to go in this book. Nobody is going to come in to save your bacon, it’s just you and your ship fighting against an unknown enemy.
Eventually, Hanson does get the local tactical picture back, but it’s still not good. It seems that every CDF ship in this outer region of space has been simultaneously hit and most didn’t survive. Now we’ll see if the *CDF Margret Thatcher* and a small number of other CDF ships can withstand an enemy so evil that it’s beyond comprehension. I think this series is going to be very, very good.
Oh, and there’s a political side to the story which is kind of strange, but I guess possible. I also don’t necessarily like the use of Army ranks on a starship, but at least the author got them in the right order. So, the writing is very interesting and the story moves along very well. I’m going to continue reading this series for sure.
The next book, “Intervention”, has a strange title so I’m not exactly sure what it means. Still, it’s on my reading list now.
June 6, 2025
Yeah, so...I inhaled this book in less than 24 hours. Just exactly up my alley: military sci-fi that focuses on the (space) navy. I was put in mind of the titans in this genre: David Weber and Jack Campbell. Military science fiction--often (but not always) written by veterans, is conservative in the classical sense of the word: honor, tradition, sacrifice, order, freedom and (often) religion. In this particular universe, it's the space commies vs. the capitalists! I realized when I was about 1/2 way through that this was a new trilogy in a longer series, and now I need to go back the read all the rest! I truly enjoyed this book. The writing was very solid, the characters interesting (especially Arthur, the unwilling captain of the Thatcher), the action intense, and the story compelling. I don't know who you are, Daniel Gibbs but you just gained a fan. Well done, sir.
February 10, 2026
Ok writing for a Fox News polemic
The story is decent, and the writer is not bad but the villains are cartoonishly evil. Full on mustache twirling nonsensical antagonists. The author really wants you to understand the good guys are capitalist Christian and the bad guys are bad because ... communism? Seriously, the bad guys motivation is a 5th grade understanding of communism and that they love murdering children because..... Yeah, that's about how well thought out they are.
It's a shame because the writing isn't half bad though the constant references to religion aren't exactly subtle. Toward the end every conversation with the protagonist(s) include long speeches about God and Bible quotes. The bad guys can't go 5 minutes without complaining about free markets and "Individualists!". It really takes you out of the story.
If you love people complaining about the commies, but in space, this book is for you. Otherwise find something else to spend your time on.
The story is decent, and the writer is not bad but the villains are cartoonishly evil. Full on mustache twirling nonsensical antagonists. The author really wants you to understand the good guys are capitalist Christian and the bad guys are bad because ... communism? Seriously, the bad guys motivation is a 5th grade understanding of communism and that they love murdering children because..... Yeah, that's about how well thought out they are.
It's a shame because the writing isn't half bad though the constant references to religion aren't exactly subtle. Toward the end every conversation with the protagonist(s) include long speeches about God and Bible quotes. The bad guys can't go 5 minutes without complaining about free markets and "Individualists!". It really takes you out of the story.
If you love people complaining about the commies, but in space, this book is for you. Otherwise find something else to spend your time on.
April 22, 2025
This is a new main character and book set in a different part of the author's large mil sci fleet universe.
The MC is an engineer turned XO of a second rate patrol cruiser in a more or less free region of space after the huge space war (think the mandates after WWI), but the remnants of the evil empire that was mostly defeated have sponsored a quasi religious-toned mass terror campaign from nowhere to somehow terrorize the free planets back to their sphere.
Anyway, after the first attacks he is now not only CO but also senior officer, and the patrol fleet is losing as the terror groups grows insanely more powerful, mostly magically.
For political reasons the new president of the good guy side and her cabinet want only weak ships sent slowly to the region to somehow encourage peace in some unspecific way. It is silly and a clumsy porting, almost satire, of democratic leaders here in the US.
So there are some good to great space battle scenes interspaced with a poorly developed enemy and even worse done leadership of the good guy side.
The MC is an engineer turned XO of a second rate patrol cruiser in a more or less free region of space after the huge space war (think the mandates after WWI), but the remnants of the evil empire that was mostly defeated have sponsored a quasi religious-toned mass terror campaign from nowhere to somehow terrorize the free planets back to their sphere.
Anyway, after the first attacks he is now not only CO but also senior officer, and the patrol fleet is losing as the terror groups grows insanely more powerful, mostly magically.
For political reasons the new president of the good guy side and her cabinet want only weak ships sent slowly to the region to somehow encourage peace in some unspecific way. It is silly and a clumsy porting, almost satire, of democratic leaders here in the US.
So there are some good to great space battle scenes interspaced with a poorly developed enemy and even worse done leadership of the good guy side.
November 2, 2025
Typical space fleet adventure, but ..
Commies vs Capitalists
Humanity has somehow managed to expand beyond the Milky Way into another galaxy. Premise is that humankind's sector of the Milky Way is surrounded by alien civilizations.and yet, somehow, we've traveled to another galaxy.
One human faction at war is a bunch of stikkin' commies, another is the happy and enlightened capitalists.
The commies are cruel and heartless and commit war crimes as easily as eating breakfast.
The writing is childish, the premise is ludicrous, the characterization of capitalist vs commie as good vs evil is childish, a 10 year old's logic. It's not just simplistic and childish, it's a false narrative.
Not to mention the tech described in the story is ridiculously clumsy and antiquated.
Commies vs Capitalists
Humanity has somehow managed to expand beyond the Milky Way into another galaxy. Premise is that humankind's sector of the Milky Way is surrounded by alien civilizations.and yet, somehow, we've traveled to another galaxy.
One human faction at war is a bunch of stikkin' commies, another is the happy and enlightened capitalists.
The commies are cruel and heartless and commit war crimes as easily as eating breakfast.
The writing is childish, the premise is ludicrous, the characterization of capitalist vs commie as good vs evil is childish, a 10 year old's logic. It's not just simplistic and childish, it's a false narrative.
Not to mention the tech described in the story is ridiculously clumsy and antiquated.
December 15, 2025
What's worse than commies? Space commies.
What's worse than space commies? Godless space commies.
What's worse than godless space commies? This book.
The year is 2474. Humanity has expanded to [this and] another galaxy. At one point the main character compares the state of things to the lawlessness of the old west. Are you kidding me? That is the opposite of world building. Hundreds of years of human expansion into this and another galaxy and the lawless period you think of is the old west. Literally half a millennium in the past and who knows how many worlds (including one with famously little government) and the wild period this character harkens to is the wild west.
In addition, the politics and religion from the author feels heavy handed compared to, say, Heinlein. With no redeeming features to make up for it.
What's worse than space commies? Godless space commies.
What's worse than godless space commies? This book.
The year is 2474. Humanity has expanded to [this and] another galaxy. At one point the main character compares the state of things to the lawlessness of the old west. Are you kidding me? That is the opposite of world building. Hundreds of years of human expansion into this and another galaxy and the lawless period you think of is the old west. Literally half a millennium in the past and who knows how many worlds (including one with famously little government) and the wild period this character harkens to is the wild west.
In addition, the politics and religion from the author feels heavy handed compared to, say, Heinlein. With no redeeming features to make up for it.
February 8, 2026
A very good read
This is the first book I have read by this author. I have to say WoW, what a first book. I am very engaged and cannot put it down, so to that I read it in just one go. If you like space battles, intrigue , corrupt and stupid politicians, and a military officer who is just trying to keep his people alive and civilians safe. Said officer being thrust into a position that he was never prepared for. Having to project certainty and authority while scared, uncertain, and unsure, is difficult by all measures but to do this while fighting for everyone’s lives is extremely difficult. The author brings all of this to life. I throughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next book.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I have to say WoW, what a first book. I am very engaged and cannot put it down, so to that I read it in just one go. If you like space battles, intrigue , corrupt and stupid politicians, and a military officer who is just trying to keep his people alive and civilians safe. Said officer being thrust into a position that he was never prepared for. Having to project certainty and authority while scared, uncertain, and unsure, is difficult by all measures but to do this while fighting for everyone’s lives is extremely difficult. The author brings all of this to life. I throughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next book.
May 18, 2025
I was sorely disappointed by the future world built by the author. The Sci-fi world a few centuries into the future reflects the exact same geopolitical divide propagated by a typical USaid-funded pro-Western media; Good guy are the future iterations of current-day USA and its NATO allies, Bad guys are future iterations of present day Russia, China and Communist states. Good guys are all bible-touting-Christians following the teaching of Jesus Christ. Bad Guys are all faithless degenerates hell-bent on murdering all good guys. It is shallow to the extreme! I consider it a shame because the author is otherwise capable of constructing very believable tactical space battles.
January 21, 2026
A surprise attack thrusts the XO (Lt. Col. Hanson) into the role of CO of the destroyer (CSV Margaret Thatcher). The ensuing challenges (lead the crew thru the crisis, repair the ship, and bring the fight to the attackers) push Hanson far beyond his engineering comfort zone. This provides a combination of character development and action that is satisfying. The story is not single dimensional. Definitely look forward to the next book in the series.
March 24, 2025
Daniel Gibbs never fails to deliver. This first book in what promises to be another gripping series, is another testament to that. Other than compelling story lines, Daniel continues to develop his main characters by giving us insight to the trials and tribulations they face. Arthur Hanson, thrown into a situation he could never have imagined, must overcome them. This is his story.
May 31, 2025
New crisis, new characters and still good
There were times the overt religion and conservatism grated, especially the confusing of what communism and socialism actually is. That needs to be explored in depth and not given to the rather simplistic American view of socialism. The doubts and how character matters is what keeps me reading every single series.
There were times the overt religion and conservatism grated, especially the confusing of what communism and socialism actually is. That needs to be explored in depth and not given to the rather simplistic American view of socialism. The doubts and how character matters is what keeps me reading every single series.
August 16, 2025
A New Society and Enemy
we're dealing with two adversarial belief systems. One is based on a communist society where everyone is equal (just like it was in the USSR) and hate individualism. The other society prides themselves in respecting everyone's beliefs.
This is a war without any quarter.
we're dealing with two adversarial belief systems. One is based on a communist society where everyone is equal (just like it was in the USSR) and hate individualism. The other society prides themselves in respecting everyone's beliefs.
This is a war without any quarter.
January 25, 2026
Compelling Start
OK so I may not have given the first "Gibbs" book I started a fair shake. This was a very compelling series start. Grabbed my attention in the first 5 pages. Took longer to read but only because of a very busy week on my part. Loved the point where this one leaves off!
OK so I may not have given the first "Gibbs" book I started a fair shake. This was a very compelling series start. Grabbed my attention in the first 5 pages. Took longer to read but only because of a very busy week on my part. Loved the point where this one leaves off!
April 4, 2025
Great character development, that gives insight to inner turmoil and conflict with moral lessons that highlights humanity challenges faced in war. How does one confronted by barbaric acts that questions the very fabric of being human and respond without losing one's moral compass in response?
April 17, 2025
Fighting for human survival
I really enjoyed this read. High speed space battles, intrigue, and political stupidity. All in all a real page turner. My only caveat is where we’re the black people? 🤷🏿
I really enjoyed this read. High speed space battles, intrigue, and political stupidity. All in all a real page turner. My only caveat is where we’re the black people? 🤷🏿
April 28, 2025
What do you do when the rules of war are broken?
Absolutely brilliant military sci-fi fiction.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
Extremists in space verses the CDF.
I look forward to the next one.
Absolutely brilliant military sci-fi fiction.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
Extremists in space verses the CDF.
I look forward to the next one.
July 26, 2025
Excellent
Really enjoyed the story. I found it hard to put down. The characters are well developed and strong. The story line is legit and the bad guys - it's easy to hate terrorists commies.
Really enjoyed the story. I found it hard to put down. The characters are well developed and strong. The story line is legit and the bad guys - it's easy to hate terrorists commies.
August 13, 2025
There is much more “military” than “action” here - and even that is flawed. Ship captain rank as colonel, for example.
Too many axes to grind. Too much philosophizing about religion and war. And too many references to earlier books/series that don’t stand alone.
Too many axes to grind. Too much philosophizing about religion and war. And too many references to earlier books/series that don’t stand alone.
October 25, 2025
Not bad, but not great. Characters are a bit hard to connect to. Religious references are numerous enough to feel preachy. A lot of direct transmission of current world politics and jargon takes away a bit from the sci-fi nature.
Pretty good action scenes.
Pretty good action scenes.
November 4, 2025
Fast and furious
I seldom give a book 5 stars but this story, this author, amazed me.
The story started fast and kept going with strong characters, blended story lines and good old fashioned human faults, fears, and hopes.
I seldom give a book 5 stars but this story, this author, amazed me.
The story started fast and kept going with strong characters, blended story lines and good old fashioned human faults, fears, and hopes.
May 4, 2025
Great start to good adventure
The author has laid a great start to make the story. It will be a great new adventure😆 thank you for sharing your vision
The author has laid a great start to make the story. It will be a great new adventure😆 thank you for sharing your vision
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews