Rogue Commander

Oldest Starfighter #2

by Jamie McFarlane

Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of patience—Gordy Harmen is back, and he’s playing by his own rules. Gordy Harmen thought he had seen it all. Recruited from Earth by the alien Obsidian Union to fight in their war against the ruthless Kadrak, he rose to lead Starfighter Command. But leadership in the stars isn’t just about dogfights and strategy—it’s also about politics, and Gordy’s no politician. After a clash with the manipulative Admiral Shezelkep, who prioritizes bureaucracy over battlefield success, Gordy finds himself stripped of command and locked away in the brig for punching the Admiral square in the face.

For most, it would be a career-ending disgrace. For Gordy, it’s just a pit stop.

When a mysterious energy anomaly devastates the Talonis System and scouts sent to investigate vanish without a trace, the Obsidian Union comes calling once again. Gordy seizes the opportunity, on one he runs the mission his way, without bureaucratic interference. What he finds in Talonis is worse than anyone could have imagined—a deadly Kadrak plot tied to the destruction of a vital scientific outpost, threatening the fragile balance of power in the galaxy.

As war looms on the horizon, Gordy must assemble an unconventional strike force and leverage every ounce of his cunning, skill, and defiance to save Talonis from falling to the enemy. With the weight of countless lives on his shoulders, Gordy’s return to command will test his mettle—and his loyalty to a galaxy that seems intent on undermining him.

Rogue Commander is a thrilling space opera of rebellion, redemption, and relentless action, perfect for fans of The Expanse and Battlestar Galactica. Gordy Harmen is back, and this time, he’s fighting not just for victory—but for the right to lead on his own terms.

Genres: Science Fiction

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2025

Reviews

[Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good continuation from the first book. The setup is a bit longer in this book, but likely provides a path for future books in the series which is much appreciated since this book turns into another very excellent book after the setup. Bureaucracy or politics play a part in this story, just as they did in the first book. The addition of Star Caller is welcome for her ability to get around the bureaucracy and politics. The Kadrak have upped their game, just as Gordy expected. And, as in the first book, the challenge appears insurmountable. But with help from several quarters, Gordy and the team go up against the mighty Kadrak. The story has evolved nicely and does not read as a repeat of the first book. I look forward to a third book in the series.

[C I KESZEI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice and gritty space sci-fi

I've enjoyed all of Jamie McFarlane's books in the Junkyard series and the first in this one.

A strong story with an unknown adversary gave way to a surprising twist towards the end - no spoilers.

There is an ongoing internal political conflict for Gordy to contend with at the same time as the external fight with the Kadrak.

“You should not have hit him,” Taekina said, running her warm hand along my stubbly jaw. “He is not a fighter, like you. He is a functionary.” Cue great reposte “He is something.”

[Charles]

Gotta love a supposed washed up group of old vets getting the chance to ramp it up one more time and put the bad guys down. Be they alien or politicians. When you loose the skills and abitities to defend yourself, ask the old guys to not only show you how but but they’ll train ya too. The action puts your right there. The charachter developement is as real as life makes it. Do enjoy the science and astronomy of the series. Dang now on to the next great quill dipper as i await the next book.

[J.R. Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some authors one can just not get enough of. Mr. McFarlane, is one of them.

Once again we travel to the stars. This story has great action, romance and intrigue.
I have read a lot of McFarlane's stories and find that they have a great style. Always looking forward to more of his adventures.

[David borovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read hope for more

Keeps me reading very well it was very well thought out hopefully he keeps the series going.
I am hoping for more so involved in the series over the last couple days gf had a fit that I was ignoring her please need more to read it gave me a happy place to hide.

[Lish]

Great follow-up to book 1

The saga continues with both professional and personal challenges for Gordy. Great dialog and descriptive details to keep you engaged or on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended!

[Tom Coakley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anomaly

I have read every book by McFarlane and this is the only one riddled with errors. It has extra words, missing words, wrong words, and is not the smooth reading experience I have become accustomed to.

I hope an updated version is released so I can reread.

[Daniel Fedko · Rating 5 out of 5]

gread series

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I nearly gave up after the first two chapters, after the clichéd incompetent, bigoted idiot admiral, I kept going hoping the author wouldn’t dare get any worse, unfortunately the ridiculous drivel continued.

[Richard Brantley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie does it again

Start with book 1 but the excitement continues with the same characters that you’ll grow to love in book 2. Jamie is the best Sci-fi author still writing today after writing a boat load of books!

[Thomas Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action, except for romantic interludes,

Another hero vs. really bad bad guys, and the the hyper-beaurocratic REMF that wants him dead. The love interest of the star (and drop dead gorgeous) reporter for the "Galaxy Enquirer" is also fun.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series

Gordy, Mike, and the other pilots recruited from Earth together with their starfighter trainees are sent to establish a new base and defend the Talonis system against an enemy threat. Lots of space battles. A great story.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally came together.

Strong beginning and ending. The middle seemed to get lost at times. The first book was better and got five stars. I admittedly had to skip through portions of the middle chapters of this one or I would not have been able to finish it.

[RCDinsmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

McFarlane is back

The adventure continues. Few can do space combat like McFarlane. Fast paced and entertaining. You are not going to put this series down partway through.

[Wayne M Buehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Commander is great?

Jamie McFarlane has another great sci-fi Series going with this 2 installment to the "Oldest Starfighter". Can't wait for volume 3!

[W Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book I eagerly await the next book I would recommend this to any avid science fiction reader

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please

McFarlane did it again. Left me wanting more. The oldest starlight era series brings back flavors of 1980s . Fun characters, good plot, good pace...more please.

[Walter Waxmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is getting good

The second book builds nicely on the first. The story rises to the challenge of running star systems. I am waiting for book no. 3

[CAROLYN SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. There were very few typos, the action was enjoyable and the intimate scenes not too graphic. A nice change from fated mate Sci Fi. I would read more if series continued.

[Robert M Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

Character chemistry and the Star fighter tactics make this an excellent read! The juxtaposition of military and government dysfunction add to the story.

[Brent Hulsebus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

McFarlane delivers! In the realm of space operas, Jamie McFarlane is among the best. Allow yourself extra reading time, this story is worth it.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book 2

Was quite good and cleaned up a lot of the dangling items from book one. The ending was a bit of a surprise and nice outside of the box thinking... already for #3!

[Jean O'Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

MORE PLEASE

[Paul Berner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Camander

The story was good and kept you interested in the book. It seems the pace gets faster from book to book.

[Bill Lents · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action abounds!!!!

Another great tale from McFarlane. New series for me, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Looking forward to more of this story.

[Richard John Wozencroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOMBASTIC, ROLLICKING AND SALTY CHARACTERED GALAXY ROMP.

More please. Bent brain requires feeding. 13 to 80 year olds need more winky science and near miraculous characters. Superb.

[John Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It starts off a bit slow. It has more intricate descriptions, plans, and maneuvers than I need. I like faster plot movement amid action and growth. With that being said this is increasingly engaging and I’d read more of what this old starfighter might get into.