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Ark Royal #3
The Trafalgar Gambit
Humanity is losing the war. The once-mighty space navies have been crippled, officers and crew have been stretched to the limit and Earth herself has come under heavy attack. The end cannot be long delayed. For Admiral Smith and the crew of HMS Ark Royal, the stakes have never been so high.
The one hope is to make contact with alien factions that might oppose the war. But, as Ark Royal sets off on a desperate diplomatic mission, it rapidly becomes clear that there are both human and alien factions that wish to fight the war to the bitter end - and that her previous missions have sown the seeds of success ... or total failure.
The one hope is to make contact with alien factions that might oppose the war. But, as Ark Royal sets off on a desperate diplomatic mission, it rapidly becomes clear that there are both human and alien factions that wish to fight the war to the bitter end - and that her previous missions have sown the seeds of success ... or total failure.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2014
302 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 28, 2014
I can understand being in a bad spot but this is ridiculous! Earth has almost been destroyed while the Ark Royal was out on it's last mission attacking a supposed important nexus in the aliens empire. The Ark Royal and it's fleet did a good job but almost got wiped out and had to limp home hoping not to get attacked while on the way. They didn't but they arrived back at Earth to find that the aliens had been there and nearly destroyed everything.
Now the Ark Royal is going out again. She is the only ship the Earth Defense Forces have that can survive a battle with an alien fleet. Everything else Earth has built has shown to be paper thin and gets destroyed very quickly. The Ark Royal needs to find a supposed "Peace" faction of the aliens that my desire to end this war before they are both destroyed although Earth appears to be just about done already.
So out on it's next mission they go. Unfortunately, not everyone on Earth wants peace at any price. The Russians were brutally beaten at New Russia and lost not only their colony planet but most all of their space fleet. They are so badly short in space ships that they cannot provide a Russian ship for this new fleet but will send their scientist and a diplomatic corps to assist in peace talks if they happen.
In the meantime, good old Earth scientist have devised a deadly virus that they believe can infect the aliens and quickly wipe out their entire civilization in a matter of months. That's one sure way to stop the war. But is it necessary? And we have some blackmail going on. The CAG has been compromised by video showing him and one of his subordinates enjoying each others company way, way too much. Both consenting adults know that what they have done is against military regulations and could result in their dishonorable discharges if the Admiral finds out. So, what do the blackmailers want of the CAG?
This is a great final story to the Ark Royal adventure. It is pure British with some Americans and Russians thrown in. Very exciting space action that never seems to stop. A lot of answers are given in this final story. A must read if you've finished the first two books.
Now the Ark Royal is going out again. She is the only ship the Earth Defense Forces have that can survive a battle with an alien fleet. Everything else Earth has built has shown to be paper thin and gets destroyed very quickly. The Ark Royal needs to find a supposed "Peace" faction of the aliens that my desire to end this war before they are both destroyed although Earth appears to be just about done already.
So out on it's next mission they go. Unfortunately, not everyone on Earth wants peace at any price. The Russians were brutally beaten at New Russia and lost not only their colony planet but most all of their space fleet. They are so badly short in space ships that they cannot provide a Russian ship for this new fleet but will send their scientist and a diplomatic corps to assist in peace talks if they happen.
In the meantime, good old Earth scientist have devised a deadly virus that they believe can infect the aliens and quickly wipe out their entire civilization in a matter of months. That's one sure way to stop the war. But is it necessary? And we have some blackmail going on. The CAG has been compromised by video showing him and one of his subordinates enjoying each others company way, way too much. Both consenting adults know that what they have done is against military regulations and could result in their dishonorable discharges if the Admiral finds out. So, what do the blackmailers want of the CAG?
This is a great final story to the Ark Royal adventure. It is pure British with some Americans and Russians thrown in. Very exciting space action that never seems to stop. A lot of answers are given in this final story. A must read if you've finished the first two books.
May 12, 2016
It was ok. The whole series, was ok. But I personally found that you have to be, in my opinion, a very tolerant reader. Why? Because this Author feels the need to explain everything, over and over and over. Any conversation between characters, has precisely ZERO flow to it. Rather than having the characters explain their thoughts on the conversation topic, the Author explains it. In detail. Over several paragraphs. By the time the other person in the conversation speaks again, you have to go back and see what was originally said, because you have completely forgotten. It might be a small thing to most, but to me it's a big thing. It ruins the flow. Conversations between characters in books NEED to have some flow to them. Otherwise they don't feel real. Breaking them up to explain every possible minute thought process, is like writing for teenagers. We get it, we understand, we don't need to be told for the 15th time so far. For gods sake, by the end of the third book in this series, I can honestly say I was so god damned happy it was over, and that I could move on.
March 24, 2017
A fine finale & Buckley dies too
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Trafalgar Gambit (Ark Royal Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
In this conclusion to the ARK ROYAL TRILOGY the aliens & humans finally communicate. The origin of the war is discussed & peace talks begin despite the difficulties the two vastly different cultures have with understanding each other. There is one last great battle before the guns fall silent. A battle which ensures that the Ark Royal will live so long as British history survives. Well done. An aside: Buckley dies. If you don't understand this reference see THE MANY DEATHS OF JOE BUCKLEY from Baen Books. Kindle edition available from Amazon.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Trafalgar Gambit (Ark Royal Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
In this conclusion to the ARK ROYAL TRILOGY the aliens & humans finally communicate. The origin of the war is discussed & peace talks begin despite the difficulties the two vastly different cultures have with understanding each other. There is one last great battle before the guns fall silent. A battle which ensures that the Ark Royal will live so long as British history survives. Well done. An aside: Buckley dies. If you don't understand this reference see THE MANY DEATHS OF JOE BUCKLEY from Baen Books. Kindle edition available from Amazon.
December 3, 2014
An enjoyable read, and worthwhile conclusion to this trilogy.
June 11, 2014
There is no doubt whatsoever that this is a great book and a good ending to the Ark Royal trilogy even though it is somewhat tragic.
The book takes off immediately after the events in the previous book and conditions on Earth are somewhat apocalyptic to say the least. All our familiar faces from the previous books are present and accounted for, including the ones the rest of humanity thinks are dead. Needless to say the latter place a crucial role in the story.
As usual the characters are great, the story compelling and the action good. As is usually the case when it comes to alien invasions, they in themselves are never really enough. Almost every author seems to be compelled to show off humanity’s treacherous nature and I would say downright stupidity by including some despicable saboteur or other dark plot. So also in this book. Unlike a lot of books today it is not some muslim faction or communist China that plays the bad guys but Mr. Nuttall have awoken the good old trusty Russian bear. I guess it goes together with recent times. To be honest Mr. Nuttall gives them a believable reason for their actions although I still think they are behaving like idiots.
This book exposes much more of the aliens, their reasoning and, perhaps most importantly, the actual reason for the war. Gradually the book works itself up for the grand finale which, not surprisingly, becomes a showdown between Ark Royal and the alien warmongers. The outcome? Well I do not think that I spoil too much when I say that the outcome is satisfactory…for humanity…but unfortunately not for all the people involved. I am afraid that I am a bit of a simpleton when it comes to book and movie endings. I want happy endings and this one was bit of a mixed feeling.
The book takes off immediately after the events in the previous book and conditions on Earth are somewhat apocalyptic to say the least. All our familiar faces from the previous books are present and accounted for, including the ones the rest of humanity thinks are dead. Needless to say the latter place a crucial role in the story.
As usual the characters are great, the story compelling and the action good. As is usually the case when it comes to alien invasions, they in themselves are never really enough. Almost every author seems to be compelled to show off humanity’s treacherous nature and I would say downright stupidity by including some despicable saboteur or other dark plot. So also in this book. Unlike a lot of books today it is not some muslim faction or communist China that plays the bad guys but Mr. Nuttall have awoken the good old trusty Russian bear. I guess it goes together with recent times. To be honest Mr. Nuttall gives them a believable reason for their actions although I still think they are behaving like idiots.
This book exposes much more of the aliens, their reasoning and, perhaps most importantly, the actual reason for the war. Gradually the book works itself up for the grand finale which, not surprisingly, becomes a showdown between Ark Royal and the alien warmongers. The outcome? Well I do not think that I spoil too much when I say that the outcome is satisfactory…for humanity…but unfortunately not for all the people involved. I am afraid that I am a bit of a simpleton when it comes to book and movie endings. I want happy endings and this one was bit of a mixed feeling.
January 27, 2021
** SPOILERS **
This is the third (out of currently fourteen) books in the Ark Royal series and whilst I enjoyed the story in it, the ending leaves me more than a bit puzzled as to how the series will continue. This is because the book ends not only with a peace agreement between the aliens and the human race but the Ark Royal herself is destroyed.
The story itself starts just after the Ark Royal has returned from Operation Nelson to find that Earth has been savagely attacked by the aliens and due to the types of weapons deployed large amounts of the world is now underwater. Britain is severely hit with millions in refugee camps were food supply and communications are badly understrength.
Ark Royal herself faces a fast turn round so she can get back out in an attempt to contact what is being called Faction 2 (those aliens who tried to help the humans during Operation Nelson) to see if a dialogue can be established that might lead to understanding and peace. Just before she sails the CAG is blackmailed by an unknown group about his illicit relationship with Rose. All he has to do is follow whatever orders he is given during the mission and the film and photographs of the two of the them together will be destroyed. Encourage by Rose he reports this to Admiral Smith, who along with the Marine CO allow Kurt to make contact and report the orders given to him.
When it looks like the peace agreement means the humanity will cede to the aliens those system they have captured during the war (including New Russia) the Russian contingent in the diplomatic party attempt to use a bio-weapon to ensure that no peace agreement is made.
Admiral Smith and the team must prevent the attack and keep the peace accord together.
This is the third (out of currently fourteen) books in the Ark Royal series and whilst I enjoyed the story in it, the ending leaves me more than a bit puzzled as to how the series will continue. This is because the book ends not only with a peace agreement between the aliens and the human race but the Ark Royal herself is destroyed.
The story itself starts just after the Ark Royal has returned from Operation Nelson to find that Earth has been savagely attacked by the aliens and due to the types of weapons deployed large amounts of the world is now underwater. Britain is severely hit with millions in refugee camps were food supply and communications are badly understrength.
Ark Royal herself faces a fast turn round so she can get back out in an attempt to contact what is being called Faction 2 (those aliens who tried to help the humans during Operation Nelson) to see if a dialogue can be established that might lead to understanding and peace. Just before she sails the CAG is blackmailed by an unknown group about his illicit relationship with Rose. All he has to do is follow whatever orders he is given during the mission and the film and photographs of the two of the them together will be destroyed. Encourage by Rose he reports this to Admiral Smith, who along with the Marine CO allow Kurt to make contact and report the orders given to him.
When it looks like the peace agreement means the humanity will cede to the aliens those system they have captured during the war (including New Russia) the Russian contingent in the diplomatic party attempt to use a bio-weapon to ensure that no peace agreement is made.
Admiral Smith and the team must prevent the attack and keep the peace accord together.
October 27, 2014
This is the last book in the Ark Royal trilogy. The book takes off immediately after the events in the previous book “The Nelson Force.” Warning you must read this trilogy in order starting with “Ark Royal”. All the familiar faces are present including the ones that the rest of humanity thinks are dead.
The writing has improved with each book. The characters are good, the story/plot compelling and the action is fast. Earth is losing the war with the aliens. Admiral Smith and the crew of the HMS Ark Royal are sent on a diplomatic mission. Complicating factor is the Russians and a sector of the aliens do not want to stop the fighting.
As the author cleans up all the loose ends of the story we at last find out the cause of the war. At the end of the book we have the excepted showdown between Ark Royal and a sector of Aliens that want to continue the war. What happens? Read the book. I am looking forward to more books from this talented new author. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. Ralph Lister does a good job narrating the trilogy.
The writing has improved with each book. The characters are good, the story/plot compelling and the action is fast. Earth is losing the war with the aliens. Admiral Smith and the crew of the HMS Ark Royal are sent on a diplomatic mission. Complicating factor is the Russians and a sector of the aliens do not want to stop the fighting.
As the author cleans up all the loose ends of the story we at last find out the cause of the war. At the end of the book we have the excepted showdown between Ark Royal and a sector of Aliens that want to continue the war. What happens? Read the book. I am looking forward to more books from this talented new author. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. Ralph Lister does a good job narrating the trilogy.
June 9, 2014
Last flight of the old lady
A fitting end to the Ark Royal series. As the end of the war approaches one way or another, they face betrayal on all sides. I'll miss this series but the author has promised a return to the world. Military Science fiction fans will enjoy this series.
A fitting end to the Ark Royal series. As the end of the war approaches one way or another, they face betrayal on all sides. I'll miss this series but the author has promised a return to the world. Military Science fiction fans will enjoy this series.
June 9, 2014
Brilliant end to the series
July 12, 2022
Alright so this book was ABSOLUTELY amazing! There's a few things I wanna comment on in this which might be classified as spoilers but I'll keep it light and vague.
One of those things is that this book actually has meaningful character deaths! Characters who we've been introduced too in the first book, who've been around for three books worth of development actually die! There's a few fake outs too mixed in to make it interesting but holy hell, this book actually has consequences!
Another thing that I love is how the aliens in this are handled! Apart from being really alien we also find out that not all of them are "bad" and that they have factions among themselves, just like we have nations and races and creeds, except the aliens form factions not out of any of these but from ideology, purely. One group will believe in one thing vehemently and form an echo chamber around it, which complicates the morality of the situation as the aliens have infighting and disagreements and now also, the humans have internal struggles! A certain nation within humanities coalition seeks to screw with the peace negotiations annnnnnnd now we have espionage in the book too!
This book has absolutely moved in the direction I wanted it to go! With novels you don't have to worry too much about wrapping up a story or containing your universe to one little concept or idea, you're free to expand it as far as your imagination permits! You're not limited to set designs, budgets, etc like you have to with other forms of media and it is definitely looking like, at the end of this book novel, well nothing has been confirmed yet but we may be looking at dealing with other aliens. This book actually serves as the climatic final battle with the threat we've been facing, and I see nowhere else to go too now except with threats from other species!
I can't wait to see where this goes and I'm more than looking forward to book 4! I may take a short breather though, this book was pretty intense. I'm still sad about some of my favourite characters dying.
One of those things is that this book actually has meaningful character deaths! Characters who we've been introduced too in the first book, who've been around for three books worth of development actually die! There's a few fake outs too mixed in to make it interesting but holy hell, this book actually has consequences!
Another thing that I love is how the aliens in this are handled! Apart from being really alien we also find out that not all of them are "bad" and that they have factions among themselves, just like we have nations and races and creeds, except the aliens form factions not out of any of these but from ideology, purely. One group will believe in one thing vehemently and form an echo chamber around it, which complicates the morality of the situation as the aliens have infighting and disagreements and now also, the humans have internal struggles! A certain nation within humanities coalition seeks to screw with the peace negotiations annnnnnnd now we have espionage in the book too!
This book has absolutely moved in the direction I wanted it to go! With novels you don't have to worry too much about wrapping up a story or containing your universe to one little concept or idea, you're free to expand it as far as your imagination permits! You're not limited to set designs, budgets, etc like you have to with other forms of media and it is definitely looking like, at the end of this book novel, well nothing has been confirmed yet but we may be looking at dealing with other aliens. This book actually serves as the climatic final battle with the threat we've been facing, and I see nowhere else to go too now except with threats from other species!
I can't wait to see where this goes and I'm more than looking forward to book 4! I may take a short breather though, this book was pretty intense. I'm still sad about some of my favourite characters dying.
September 20, 2017
Before you read this book, please note this is the third book in a series and if you start with this one you'll probably be confused as to the characters and storyline. You need to start with Ark Royal.
Overall, this has been a very enjoyable science fiction / military thriller series. After reading the first two novels, I was anxious to start this one and had a hard time putting it down. Similar to the first two novels, and without having a spoiler, the author does a great job of quickly getting you into the heads of his characters and making you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action: your pulse will race during some of the battle scenes, and you will feel the sadness of losing people you think you have really come to "know" during the story. I was sad to see this trilogy end, but the author left the door open for future installments - I'll be sure to read them when they become available.
I picked this one up for free using my one monthly borrow with Amazon Prime vs. paying the $4.99 Kindle purchase price: I certainly received more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of this installment of the series. If you enjoy a good military-based science fiction thriller, I would recommend starting with book one of the series and reading all three of these.
Overall, this has been a very enjoyable science fiction / military thriller series. After reading the first two novels, I was anxious to start this one and had a hard time putting it down. Similar to the first two novels, and without having a spoiler, the author does a great job of quickly getting you into the heads of his characters and making you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action: your pulse will race during some of the battle scenes, and you will feel the sadness of losing people you think you have really come to "know" during the story. I was sad to see this trilogy end, but the author left the door open for future installments - I'll be sure to read them when they become available.
I picked this one up for free using my one monthly borrow with Amazon Prime vs. paying the $4.99 Kindle purchase price: I certainly received more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of this installment of the series. If you enjoy a good military-based science fiction thriller, I would recommend starting with book one of the series and reading all three of these.
October 14, 2023
There are a lot better and detailed reviews of this book done by there reviewers. All I can add is that this is one one of the few military science fiction books where the aliens are given a voice. The the reader gets to see the world from the alien viewpoint. I got to understand how a bad first contact situation can have disastrous consequences . This was the best book of the 3 I have read in the series. I actually got emotionally involved while reading the fates of the central characters and the ship. It is a pity that I have not been able find copies of this series in my local library. I think that keeps readers who cannot afford to buy copies from getting to read an excellent series.
November 1, 2023
I Hate War
I hate war, although I liked the stpry. Usually, as in this story, there is no real reason for war and we would all be so much better and further ahead without it. The military only takes the very best of our society so only the best die young. Why is it that we spend so much time and money improving on ways to kill each other? That's the only part I disliked about this story. Its written well and has interesting aliens. I think we could learn a lot from each other.
I hate war, although I liked the stpry. Usually, as in this story, there is no real reason for war and we would all be so much better and further ahead without it. The military only takes the very best of our society so only the best die young. Why is it that we spend so much time and money improving on ways to kill each other? That's the only part I disliked about this story. Its written well and has interesting aliens. I think we could learn a lot from each other.
May 1, 2018
The first two books in this series were acceptable if not great. I enjoyed the story and some of the characters.
The wheels fell off here. Forcing in politics and espionage in a ham handed manner. Explaining the same points, over and over. He's been guilty of this all series but it really seemed to ramp up here.
An overall unsatisfying end to the series which is a shame as the first two were not bad.
The wheels fell off here. Forcing in politics and espionage in a ham handed manner. Explaining the same points, over and over. He's been guilty of this all series but it really seemed to ramp up here.
An overall unsatisfying end to the series which is a shame as the first two were not bad.
December 30, 2018
Predictable, radical feminist.
Ark Royal continues to single-handedly destroy fleets many times its own tonnage.
Plince Henly becomes a figure bigger than jebus.
Ark Royal continues to single-handedly destroy fleets many times its own tonnage.
Plince Henly becomes a figure bigger than jebus.
October 31, 2016
Breaking away completely from the BSG-yness from the first the first book, this story yet again focuses on the mission and crew of the HMS Ark Royal. Shifting a little more into the geo-(galacto?politicical realm, we find the crew on a last ditch attempt to open up diplomatic relations with the aliens (which they determine to have serperate factions based on the actions of some of the ships in the second book). But war is politics in another form, so even with the diplomatic mission there is still a lot of action left in this story to satisfy. The trilogy is ended in a satisfactory manner (and only because of a hunch did I realize that there was a follow-on series).
December 2, 2017
A very good ending of a trilogy.
This is book three of ARK ROYAL and it was the best one of all. I liked how the same characters were portrayed; everyone had problems, even the aliens. They had their own extremists and they were just as bad as ours. I especially liked the ending; it wasn't as predictable as I thought .
This is book three of ARK ROYAL and it was the best one of all. I liked how the same characters were portrayed; everyone had problems, even the aliens. They had their own extremists and they were just as bad as ours. I especially liked the ending; it wasn't as predictable as I thought .
February 23, 2018
God help me, I expected so much... what is author’s problem with Russians? Just standard “French are frogs, Russians are dumb bullies” idea of the western ill educated and badly informed politician moronic inbreads?
Loved first two books. This one... pure chauvinistic bollocks.
Just killed my will to keep reading his other books.
Loved first two books. This one... pure chauvinistic bollocks.
Just killed my will to keep reading his other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
It's ok. Read on.
This series doesn't have the story craft of a lot of his other work. It still has good world building, good plotting.
If a really good copy editor were to take it in hand it would reach excellent.
While the story craft is probably a low water mark the story is good.
I don't offer 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners. So anything I 4 star is excellent
This series doesn't have the story craft of a lot of his other work. It still has good world building, good plotting.
If a really good copy editor were to take it in hand it would reach excellent.
While the story craft is probably a low water mark the story is good.
I don't offer 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners. So anything I 4 star is excellent
February 22, 2018
Earth tries to find a way to end the war with the Aliens.
The command crew of Ark Royal have to deal with blackmail, spies and saboteurs. Both humans and aliens have multiple factions, and not all of them want peace.
This book is heavy on the problems of the diplomatic mission.
The command crew of Ark Royal have to deal with blackmail, spies and saboteurs. Both humans and aliens have multiple factions, and not all of them want peace.
This book is heavy on the problems of the diplomatic mission.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2019
A good ending to this part of the series. Love some good space battles and this delivers in spades. Really enjoyed that part of the book. The aliens were not that convincing for me. But overall I enjoyed this series.
January 4, 2020
Excellent series
Excellent series! I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy. I look forward to reading more of his books. Interesting to get a different slant on the military and politics.
Excellent series! I thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy. I look forward to reading more of his books. Interesting to get a different slant on the military and politics.
March 10, 2023
Wow
Honestly, I'm very happy with how this story has played out, and while some issues are still present, the story is very captivating. I am very excited to continue the series. The author has improved in leaps and bounds when compared to the first book in the series
Honestly, I'm very happy with how this story has played out, and while some issues are still present, the story is very captivating. I am very excited to continue the series. The author has improved in leaps and bounds when compared to the first book in the series
July 31, 2023
The series continues to excel with believable story and characters while still remaining a page turner. The Ark Royal faces off against the aliens but enemies strike from an unexpected direction. Tense moments handled perfectly.
October 24, 2025
Even though I'm not a huge Sci-Fi reader, especially in space, I've found this trilogy remarkable. I was saddened to learn that this would be Captain/Admiral Smith's last voyage. I will miss him and the Ark Royal. It's like Star Trek meets Battle Star Galactica.
November 11, 2025
Absorbing with feelings and fairness
This is fitting end to this 3 book series! Storylines and details of the major cast were quite fitting. Heroes aren't made, they simple folk doing thankless jobs.
This is fitting end to this 3 book series! Storylines and details of the major cast were quite fitting. Heroes aren't made, they simple folk doing thankless jobs.
May 6, 2017
Review
Ok but not quite believable as it's predecessors. The plot is weak and not too eliciting. Looking forward to book 4.
Ok but not quite believable as it's predecessors. The plot is weak and not too eliciting. Looking forward to book 4.
May 16, 2017
Awesome end to a great trilogy
A very good story, with well developed characters and tons of action to keep you flipping pages all the way through
A very good story, with well developed characters and tons of action to keep you flipping pages all the way through
March 11, 2018
Brilliant author
Action packed start to finish, anyone of the books have story lines that make you want to read more. Brilliant
Action packed start to finish, anyone of the books have story lines that make you want to read more. Brilliant
January 18, 2019
Awesome wrap up to the story of arc royal
This was a fitting end for the story. Kept me going ask the way till the end. Definitely worth a read.
This was a fitting end for the story. Kept me going ask the way till the end. Definitely worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews