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USS Hamilton #12

USS Freedom: Hydromass

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"Bar none, this was my favorite Hamilton book yet. I'm a grown-ass man, and now I want a ChronoBot Hardy Action Figure!"
— Brian Dyer, ARC Reader

USS FREEDOM — HYDROMASS

Just when Captain Galvin Quintos was about to lay his beach towel down next to the lovely bikini-clad Gail Pristy, there on Monaco's sun-drenched Côte d'Azur—having earned his retirement—a terrifying new threat emerges from the depths of space. A mysterious alien race known as the Hydrosapiens has been systematically draining ocean worlds across the galaxy… and, apparently, Earth is next on the list. When USS Ike vanishes while investigating a colossal space-borne ocean world, Quintos must postpone his peaceful life with his XO to lead a desperate rescue mission aboard the newly commissioned USS Freedom.

Joined by his niece Sonya, the battle-scarred ChronoBot Hardy, and a loyal crew of Marines and Arrow pilots, Quintos plunges into an impossible battle against an ancient civilization that has perfected the art of planetary theft. But the Hydrosapiens aren't working alone. The shadowy Inheritors of Tenebrosity have struck a devastating deal that could spell doom for Earth and its allies.

From pulse-pounding dogfights in vast crystalline structures to desperate last stands in alien facilities, Quintos and his team race against time to save not only USS Ike's crew but their own world. As if commanding an untested ship weren't challenging enough, Quintos must also protect his reckless teenage niece, keep his deteriorating ChronoBot functional, and prevent four thousand crew members from drowning in an alien ocean.

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled plunge into the unknown in this latest installment of the USS Hamilton Series. USS Freedom hurls readers into a high-stakes underwater adventure where ancient technology meets human determination, and the price of failure is Earth's demise. Can Quintos find a way to defeat an enemy that has spent millennia perfecting their craft, or will humanity become just another conquest?

Pre-release
I bow to Hardy and Quintos
Great military scifi story. USS Hamilton Book 12, USS Freedom, keeps you riveted. I love the characters—Captain Quintos, Hardy, etc.. The plot is a fun adventure science fiction, which I happen to love. If you enjoyed USS Rebellion - Varnathi Territory by Mark or even Steel World from BV Larson… you'll love this book and the whole USS Hamilton series. Looking forward to the next book. – Serentity
Brilliant Syfy Space Opera.
Freedom was riveting, and sophisticated… while being totally fun. There were many side elements going on that fed into the bigger story. A deadly water world in deep space, a renegade captain, a sinister cult, and a multitude of evil alien forces. I like Joshua Dalzell and Joel Shepard, But Mark Wayne McGinnis has become my favorite author… I could not put down this book once I started to read it! Please keep writing, Mark.— Cypress Elliot
Fun Adventure SciFi.
Freedom is Book 12 in the series and it is phenomenal. Great characters, funny, nice visionary metaphysical flavor, sharp dialogue, supported by a good scifi space opera fun. I really enjoyed this book with the only disappointment being the next one is not available to read!! —Vance
Read it in One Day.
USS Freedom has all the elements of a top-notch military scifi space opera—space battles, captivating aliens, and characters with depth. Thank you, Mark Wayne McGinnis, for a truly spectacular book.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2024

236 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

Mark Wayne McGinnis

58 books279 followers

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5 stars
386 (68%)
4 stars
128 (22%)
3 stars
43 (7%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
7 reviews
January 7, 2025
love the series but…. (possible spoiler alert)

I have been really wrapped up in this series by Mark McGinnis. But the ending in USS Freedom was getting really good until it wasn’t.

It seemed like Mark had other things to do so just needed the story quick??… (spoiler… maybe)

How did Hardy get back… he was dead with no hope of finding him then there he is saying hi to cap… is that another story or too may words in the book already so just finish the story… hmm
Mr. McGinnis Could have planned a better finish to the book!

2 reviews
March 25, 2025
It's fiction. It doesn't have to make sense.

In McGinnis' universe things don't have to be common sense, or even make sense as long as the story proceeds apace. Most of us will get thrown out of the story at some point - or several points! - by no longer being able to suspend disbelief. You have to decide if it is worth it to shake your head and say, "Really??" and dive back in.
36 reviews
January 18, 2025
Water World in Space

Another excellent entry in this series. Most of the gang is united again for saving earth again. This book is unique in creating an enemy who wants earth water. I enjoy the characters the science and action. If you read the previous books you will definitely enjoy this one.
47 reviews
January 18, 2025
I really like this series.. 1st because Mr. McGinnis always comes up with another new plot.. I read about 3 books a week; for about 60 years.. It's hard to find a plot i haven't read. That said you love the characters and strong family connections..
I could go on and on but the fact that this is the 12th book in the series I've read and looking forward to the next , about sums it up
Profile Image for Leanne Hardy.
403 reviews
February 25, 2025
This felt a tad rushed, still loved having the characters back.
The start with Hardy well it had my heart in my throat I was literally on the edge of my bed reading to make sure he was ok!! About time this Chronobot had a range of toys, posters, stationary etc been too long waiting! Planning the tattoo though!
205 reviews
April 1, 2025
Mark Wayne McGinnis never disappoints. I always enjoy an adventure with the crew. It is always a palate cleanser and brings a smile to my face. The enemy was well thought out and the water element added to the excitement.

What is going to happen to Galvin and Gayle? Do we have a new romance with Sonya and Thom?

Keep it going!
120 reviews
July 7, 2025
A good addition to the series. This book presents a new environment and challenges for Captain Galvin Quintos and his crew. The Hydrosapiens are formidable and challenging, pulling the Captain from near retirement back into the middle of the latest universe ending crisis. The book is well crafted, but perhaps a bit familiar in its 12th edition in the series.
Profile Image for David Harcourt.
259 reviews5 followers
January 2, 2025
What a great book.

I was so happy when I learned of this book twelve of the series. I enjoyed all twelve of these books, and I hope there will be more. I have been reading science fiction for over fifty years, and this set is one of the best ever. I feel you will love it also.
Profile Image for Chuck Woodbury.
378 reviews
January 5, 2025
love these folks.

Quintos an Pristy make a great team and this was a delightful addition to their misadventures. Sonya and Hardy shine as well. Always fun, exciting, and oh so entertaining.
6 reviews
January 8, 2025
good old fashioned fun reading

As science fiction this one is easy to read. A little unbelievable at times but that’s what makes it fun. Check your brain at the door and enjoy the ride.
28 reviews
January 13, 2025
Mark has done it again.

He continues to have you waiting with baited breath for that happy ending. So much so the book/story is over before you realize it. I can not wait until the next in this series.
3 reviews
February 8, 2025
Great read.

The USS Hamilton series is a great read. The characters are well developed and the plot is engaging. I look forward to the next book in the series.

To parents- Rated PG-13



387 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2025
Excellent

I really enjoy this authors books. This was book12 of the series. Normally I can make it through 3 or 4 before I need to move on... Is there a # 13? If there is you can bet I'll be reading it next. 🙂
3 reviews
March 3, 2025
Great book

Mark Wayne McGinnis has once again done a terrific job writing this book. It has twists and turns that make it hard to put down the book. I recommend the entire USS Hamilton series.
11 reviews
June 3, 2025
I enjoy reading Mark McGinnis books. What disappoints me is his style of leaving open ends. He tells a story that is coming to 90% and then ends it abruptly or crushes a main character in a sinking ship, mourns the character and in one sentence revives the character unharmed. He could of at least explained how that could happen.
Anyway, I can make up my own filler to close the loop.
8 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2025
Same old same old

Quite tired of Galvin having the "most advanced ship" in the fleet, only to be outdone by alien technology time and time again. Then, always at the brink of defeat, a miracle. Switch things up. Have a mission that goes to plan. I'm done.
239 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2026
Couldn't put it down

Like the rest it is one you will have problem putting it down i couldn't. The more you read the more you find out what happens and the end will oopps nearly gave it away.
Profile Image for James.
1 review2 followers
January 2, 2025
great read as always

A++ always a fun read. You can’t go past more chrono bots combined with mark wayne McGinnis, highly recommended read
30 reviews
January 8, 2025
Really enjoy this series of books.

This book carried on as the rest of the series has.

On a scale of 1 - 10 I'd have to give it a 12.

Keep'm coming Mark!!
8 reviews
January 14, 2025
The stories get better and better

Fast and fun read. Enjoyed every second of this one. Keep them coming. Your books are getting me through a rough time. Thank you
430 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2025
Outstanding

Another really Outstanding Book in the USS Hamilton Series. It was really hard to put down even when going to bed. It is an exciting read and easy to follow.
22 reviews
February 2, 2025
Wonderful

Mark, this series is stupendous. I read many and.waited anxious ly.for.the.next. Can't wait for the next.

Sorry. My PERIOD button is right next to the SPACE
3 reviews
February 8, 2025
The best!

fantastic! good, good, better, better, even better, even better, even more better. I hope the next books will be even better. Keep doing that!!!
73 reviews
July 24, 2025
Superb!

The continued maturity of Sonya with Gail and Galvin's romance takes this series rock. I look forward to each book. Great job, Mark!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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