What do you think?
Rate this book
Expeditionary Force #18
Gateway
The Expeditionary Force saga continues with
Gateway
from epic sci-fi writer Craig Alanson and narrated by none other than R.C. Bray.
Audible Audio
Published April 29, 2025
535 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
42 books4,208 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
May 12, 2025
If you happen upon this review, please keep in mind that this review is for book #18 in the series. Literally reading the general summary of the plot on goodreads will inevitably spoil plot points along the way because just mentioning certain characters' involvement will mean that they survived whatever perils confronted them in the preceding 17 books. While I will endeavor not to spoil anything within this book, I will inevitably discuss things from prior installments.
EIGHTEEN! That is a lot of books. If you got into this series, it is probably because you enjoyed the bromance between Skippy and Joe. Their love/hate relationship epitomizes true friendship. Despite all the antics and lunacy, at the core is an endearing story about relationships, friendships, love, and the human spirit.
With that sappiness out of the way, I will be blunt: I think that the main plot points and main characters have run their course. I will keep on reading because even recycled and formulaic narratives present here are still a lot of fun. But I think it is time for Alanson to wrap this up.
Through these 18 books, there have been three general phases: (1) humanity's survival with the help of an elder AI because otherwise, they are woefully inadequate on the galactic scale; (2) surviving the elders' traps; and (3) surviving the outsiders' threat. About five books or so dedicated to each story arch. Here's the thing: where do we go from here? This is a common problem with successful books and series. There needs to be escalation or else the stakes aren't high enough. Save one person ... save a few people ... save a country ... save a world ... save the solar system ... save the galaxy .. save the universe ... save the multiverse ... save existence from oblivion ... it goes on and on... We are at a point, at least in my mind, that the Joe/Skippy narrative needs to conclude and, if the series is to continue, we need a new angle (or, as is my preference, we have a satisfying conclusion that isn't rushed or filled with deus ex machina).
I don't read fantasy or sci-fi because I am looking for a realistic story. The fact that Joe has been able to overcome impossible odds (and I mean that somewhat literally based on the elders' story arch) at least three to five times per book is something I can live with. I can live with it happening for 18 books. But at some point I need to feel like there is a plan and a contemplated conlusion or else sure, this could go on forever. While there are stories where we wish things could go on longer, the fact that there is a definite and finite amount of time and pages with characters we have grown to love is what makes it so special. While I hate to say it, I think our time with Joe/Skippy needs to wrap up or risk making this series waterdowned with unnecessary filler.
There is little to say about this book because it is pretty much identical to the last few books. While the precise complications may vary, ultimately, it is the same formula: [Skippy]: Joe. It's impossible. It literally cannot be done under the laws of physics. [Joe]: How about ... daaaaeeeeeeeer. [Skippy]: .... I hate you so much, Joe. Yes. That will work. Rinse/repeat six or seven times and you've got your book. There is a mini-conclusion to one thread but, as is painfully foreshadowed in the closing chapters, when one door shuts another opens. So we are already set up for the next threat that only Joe/Skippy can overcome in a galaxy of untold numbers of sapient entities.
This review turned harsher than I had planned. At the end of the day, even when a series has overstayed, from an intellectual level, that does not mean that you can't still enjoy it. That is the case here. There isn't anything new. Alanson's prose has not become transcendent after gaining so much experience. This book is like going to your favorite local eatery that you've been patronizing for years and where you get the same entree order every time. It is consistently good and you know you'll enjoy it. You know it won't be anything new, but you also know that while it is possible you'd enjoy a different menu option, you don't want to risk ruining the experience bypassing a tried and true option for an unknown.
If you've made it this far, my final takeaway is that you know exactly what you're getting here: what you've gotten for the last 17 books. My hope is that there is an organized end-game plan for the conclusion of this series because right now, the plot is becoming stale.
EIGHTEEN! That is a lot of books. If you got into this series, it is probably because you enjoyed the bromance between Skippy and Joe. Their love/hate relationship epitomizes true friendship. Despite all the antics and lunacy, at the core is an endearing story about relationships, friendships, love, and the human spirit.
With that sappiness out of the way, I will be blunt: I think that the main plot points and main characters have run their course. I will keep on reading because even recycled and formulaic narratives present here are still a lot of fun. But I think it is time for Alanson to wrap this up.
Through these 18 books, there have been three general phases: (1) humanity's survival with the help of an elder AI because otherwise, they are woefully inadequate on the galactic scale; (2) surviving the elders' traps; and (3) surviving the outsiders' threat. About five books or so dedicated to each story arch. Here's the thing: where do we go from here? This is a common problem with successful books and series. There needs to be escalation or else the stakes aren't high enough. Save one person ... save a few people ... save a country ... save a world ... save the solar system ... save the galaxy .. save the universe ... save the multiverse ... save existence from oblivion ... it goes on and on... We are at a point, at least in my mind, that the Joe/Skippy narrative needs to conclude and, if the series is to continue, we need a new angle (or, as is my preference, we have a satisfying conclusion that isn't rushed or filled with deus ex machina).
I don't read fantasy or sci-fi because I am looking for a realistic story. The fact that Joe has been able to overcome impossible odds (and I mean that somewhat literally based on the elders' story arch) at least three to five times per book is something I can live with. I can live with it happening for 18 books. But at some point I need to feel like there is a plan and a contemplated conlusion or else sure, this could go on forever. While there are stories where we wish things could go on longer, the fact that there is a definite and finite amount of time and pages with characters we have grown to love is what makes it so special. While I hate to say it, I think our time with Joe/Skippy needs to wrap up or risk making this series waterdowned with unnecessary filler.
There is little to say about this book because it is pretty much identical to the last few books. While the precise complications may vary, ultimately, it is the same formula: [Skippy]: Joe. It's impossible. It literally cannot be done under the laws of physics. [Joe]: How about ... daaaaeeeeeeeer. [Skippy]: .... I hate you so much, Joe. Yes. That will work. Rinse/repeat six or seven times and you've got your book. There is a mini-conclusion to one thread but, as is painfully foreshadowed in the closing chapters, when one door shuts another opens. So we are already set up for the next threat that only Joe/Skippy can overcome in a galaxy of untold numbers of sapient entities.
This review turned harsher than I had planned. At the end of the day, even when a series has overstayed, from an intellectual level, that does not mean that you can't still enjoy it. That is the case here. There isn't anything new. Alanson's prose has not become transcendent after gaining so much experience. This book is like going to your favorite local eatery that you've been patronizing for years and where you get the same entree order every time. It is consistently good and you know you'll enjoy it. You know it won't be anything new, but you also know that while it is possible you'd enjoy a different menu option, you don't want to risk ruining the experience bypassing a tried and true option for an unknown.
If you've made it this far, my final takeaway is that you know exactly what you're getting here: what you've gotten for the last 17 books. My hope is that there is an organized end-game plan for the conclusion of this series because right now, the plot is becoming stale.
May 1, 2025
Tedious read. Same old, deus ex machina over and over again. The only parts worth reading are the ones which do not contain Bishop and Skippy. Very dissapointing and unfortunately not the end of the series. Shark jumping at its tedious finest.
May 17, 2025
At this point, I’m convinced Craig Alanson has a giant spinning wheel labeled “Something Impossible,” and each new book is just him giving it a hearty tug like he’s on a broken sci-fi Wheel of Fortune. It lands on something like “A Dyson Sphere powered by sarcasm,” and boom, time to drag Joe and the eternally smug beer can into yet another intergalactic hamster wheel of plot loops.
The only thing holding this overlong space treadmill together is R.C. Bray, who could narrate paint drying in the vacuum of space and make it sound like an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Seriously, give that man hazard pay for having to inject life into the same recycled tropes for the 18th time. Sometimes Skippy says something snarky that makes me chuckle, but that’s about the only surprise left.
The formula hasn’t evolved in years.
• Galactic disaster.
• Everyone panics.
• Skippy says it’s impossible.
• Joe, with all the brainpower of a concussed orangutan, figures it out.
• Skippy: “OH SHIT!”
• Rinse. Repeat. Existential Threat #69 narrowly averted by the Power of Vibes and Vague Military Know-How.
We’re 18 books deep and I’m begging, BEGGING, for either a satisfying finale or a spinoff where Skippy opens a cosmic bar and just roasts other species for eternity. Hell, let Colonel Joe retire and open a space burger shack on the edge of the galaxy. Anything.
Anyway, I’m back on my Mitch Rapp bullshit, where at least the violence is cathartic and the pacing doesn’t feel like I’m crawling through molasses with a sarcastic robot duct-taped to my back. Gateway wasn’t terrible…it was just more of the same, and at this point, that’s the worst crime.
I’ll still listen to Book 19 though. I’m not strong enough to quit.
The only thing holding this overlong space treadmill together is R.C. Bray, who could narrate paint drying in the vacuum of space and make it sound like an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Seriously, give that man hazard pay for having to inject life into the same recycled tropes for the 18th time. Sometimes Skippy says something snarky that makes me chuckle, but that’s about the only surprise left.
The formula hasn’t evolved in years.
• Galactic disaster.
• Everyone panics.
• Skippy says it’s impossible.
• Joe, with all the brainpower of a concussed orangutan, figures it out.
• Skippy: “OH SHIT!”
• Rinse. Repeat. Existential Threat #69 narrowly averted by the Power of Vibes and Vague Military Know-How.
We’re 18 books deep and I’m begging, BEGGING, for either a satisfying finale or a spinoff where Skippy opens a cosmic bar and just roasts other species for eternity. Hell, let Colonel Joe retire and open a space burger shack on the edge of the galaxy. Anything.
Anyway, I’m back on my Mitch Rapp bullshit, where at least the violence is cathartic and the pacing doesn’t feel like I’m crawling through molasses with a sarcastic robot duct-taped to my back. Gateway wasn’t terrible…it was just more of the same, and at this point, that’s the worst crime.
I’ll still listen to Book 19 though. I’m not strong enough to quit.
May 12, 2025
Eighteen books is a hell of a run, but Gateway proves that maybe, just maybe, it should’ve ended at fifteen.
Craig Alanson’s latest (and hopefully last) main entry in the Expeditionary Force series brings back the familiar charm: Joe Bishop is still dreaming impossible plans, Skippy is still a lovable asshole, and the banter still mostly lands. But while the characters are coasting on nostalgia, the plot stalls in orbit.
What worked:
The rapport between Joe and Skippy remains the series’ lifeblood, and some of the stellar side characters (shout-out scoraundum). If you’ve made it this far, it’s probably because you enjoy these characters, and their dynamic doesn’t disappoint. There are still flashes of the breezy, chaotic energy that made early books sing.
What didn’t:
The stakes feel flimsy. Several key events are reversed or undone within chapters, undercutting any real tension. It’s hard to feel invested when it all resets so easily. Worse still, the ending doesn’t feel like a payoff to an 18-book arc. It feels like a teaser for spinoffs. After that many hours, that many battles, and that many beer can shenanigans, readers deserved a finale, not a sales pitch.
Overall thoughts:
Gateway isn’t a terrible book, it’s just a tired one. It plays the hits, but without the heart. The jokes land, but the plot doesn’t. I stuck around for the whole ride, but I still can't decide if it was worth it in the end.
2/5
Craig Alanson’s latest (and hopefully last) main entry in the Expeditionary Force series brings back the familiar charm: Joe Bishop is still dreaming impossible plans, Skippy is still a lovable asshole, and the banter still mostly lands. But while the characters are coasting on nostalgia, the plot stalls in orbit.
What worked:
The rapport between Joe and Skippy remains the series’ lifeblood, and some of the stellar side characters (shout-out scoraundum). If you’ve made it this far, it’s probably because you enjoy these characters, and their dynamic doesn’t disappoint. There are still flashes of the breezy, chaotic energy that made early books sing.
What didn’t:
The stakes feel flimsy. Several key events are reversed or undone within chapters, undercutting any real tension. It’s hard to feel invested when it all resets so easily. Worse still, the ending doesn’t feel like a payoff to an 18-book arc. It feels like a teaser for spinoffs. After that many hours, that many battles, and that many beer can shenanigans, readers deserved a finale, not a sales pitch.
Overall thoughts:
Gateway isn’t a terrible book, it’s just a tired one. It plays the hits, but without the heart. The jokes land, but the plot doesn’t. I stuck around for the whole ride, but I still can't decide if it was worth it in the end.
2/5
May 21, 2025
This is book 18 in a series so expect some spoilers.
I never know how to review a book in a long running series. Especially this one where it's best to read them in order because there's a progression. They start with one ship, then upgrade it, then later get a better ship and upgrade that. Personal interactions develop. That kind of stuff. Each book does have it's own story that gets resolved at the end (and then he throws a cliffhanger at us at the very end) but there's a greater story in the background that changes as the Merry Band of Pirates do their wacky things. The law of unintended consequences looms large in this series.
Anyone who's read the series til now won't need to read a review before reading this new one because they'll want to find out what happens after the giant cliffhanger the author threw us at the very end of the last book. So what can I say? There's no point in summarizing the events up to a certain point like I normally do. Readers already know the writing style of the author so no point in talking about that.
So yeah, per usual it's a rollicking adventure. Expect curve balls and Joe taking walks and throwing free throws in order to try to think of a way forward only to have a conversation with someone about something completely irrelevant and suddenly Joe stops and stares into space. He's got an idea.
Skippy Rules! I want a Skippy plushie!
I never know how to review a book in a long running series. Especially this one where it's best to read them in order because there's a progression. They start with one ship, then upgrade it, then later get a better ship and upgrade that. Personal interactions develop. That kind of stuff. Each book does have it's own story that gets resolved at the end (and then he throws a cliffhanger at us at the very end) but there's a greater story in the background that changes as the Merry Band of Pirates do their wacky things. The law of unintended consequences looms large in this series.
Anyone who's read the series til now won't need to read a review before reading this new one because they'll want to find out what happens after the giant cliffhanger the author threw us at the very end of the last book. So what can I say? There's no point in summarizing the events up to a certain point like I normally do. Readers already know the writing style of the author so no point in talking about that.
So yeah, per usual it's a rollicking adventure. Expect curve balls and Joe taking walks and throwing free throws in order to try to think of a way forward only to have a conversation with someone about something completely irrelevant and suddenly Joe stops and stares into space. He's got an idea.
Skippy Rules! I want a Skippy plushie!
May 3, 2025
I CALLED IT!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
Craig, Skippy, and Joe Never disappoint
I had to actually read this book in the series because the Audio book was delayed but I still like to think R.C. Bray fulfilled his duties in my mind. I’m happy I got to read the book and sad that I’m done. Don’t make us wait another year Craig.
I had to actually read this book in the series because the Audio book was delayed but I still like to think R.C. Bray fulfilled his duties in my mind. I’m happy I got to read the book and sad that I’m done. Don’t make us wait another year Craig.
April 17, 2025
love this series! But…
Love this series. I’m always on the lookout for the next release date because I’m excited for what the Merry Band of Pirates might get up to next. It’s always such a great combination of drama, intrigue, sneakiness, and action but most of all humor that I just can’t put them down and the stories bring such joy and escape to another cinematic vision in my brain that I literally become enthralled. Lol. But seriously, the writing is such that it plays like a movie in my brain, scenes described, actions carefully described, science dumbed-down so that we get it— even if it’s not a true reality. It’s enough for me to believe it’s possible. But that’s what I truly love about a writer this good with his words; the magic of the flow and the style of laying down the storyline.
Although there was plenty of action in this one, for some reason it just seemed rather slow moving this time. For the first time ever, I did not begin and not diligently read the book at all times possible until I was finished. Literally the very first time I’ve ever done that with this series. There are also more editing errors in this one than others. They’re words that are easily missed by an AI or autocorrect because they fit in the context of the sentence, are duplicates that are repeated with one or two words in between, etc. It needs a fresh(not read it), yet thorough Beta reader to read it and send corrections to the writer. If I had been on my kindle I would have completed this task as I read. However, on my iPhone, the only way to do that is through the Notes task, which shows up in Highlights. Not an optimal strategy for this type of scenario, basically editing. I think this is something the Writers should work on with the app performance coding department at Amazon. It could be extremely beneficial for the writers with the goal that edits NOT show up as an intriguing Highlight to be incorporated for all readers to peruse as well as those looking and commenting on Good Read’s application. I used to do edits all the time on my Kindle, but those edits could be sent directly to the writer/book publisher staff for perusal. And, I do not recollect those notations being apart of the Goid Reads notes. One other suggestion would be for Kindle and Kindke app to incorporate an option for that person sending those edited Notes to the Writer/publisher to have the option to then delete those highlighted sections and the edits after sending them. I hesitate to suggest tgus because it’s possible for attachments or messages to have issues and follow ups ti be resent, which would be an issue if they’re deleted afterwards. However, the deletion allows the book to be freed up of the underlined, highlighted areas that following readers would identify and will make it stick out more so than without it highlighted. In some cases my edits would be almost complete pages. Autocorrect and AI, I’m sure gave helped with that mines self though. But, I’m just pointing out a way to alleviate that potential annoyance and unnecessary highlight if it can be fixed rather easily & quickly. ***This is definitely worth the writers time to pool their resources and talk to Amazon in order to transfer that application or come up with a new strategy for cell phones. This might be acceptable, some readers and even writers saying, “it happens.” But for most readers, as well as quality, high standard writers, these kind of things bug the crap out of them. Thus my thoughts on how you (writers/publishers/Amazon&even Good Reads) might be able to help yourselves by helping helping us to help you. Lol 😂
Anyway….. I always love the Skipster & his antics & *I especially loved the surprising metamorphosis that occurred, practically out of nowhere. THAT was cool for reasons I will not specify. For me, THAT was the highlight of the book, along with all the potential in future storylines. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍
By the end of the book…do they stop the invasion; do they get their man; is it finally all over; & most importantly, will Joe be able to make it back to Jaguar for the birth of his kid?
Read it & enjoy! If you happened to read and understand what I was discussing concerning the editing option to help writers then please make a vote notation &/or express yay or nay in your own reviews. Change starts by the smallest of voices but especially if they’re within a dynamic powerhouse like Amazon & Good Reads Reviews. Thanks!😉
Love this series. I’m always on the lookout for the next release date because I’m excited for what the Merry Band of Pirates might get up to next. It’s always such a great combination of drama, intrigue, sneakiness, and action but most of all humor that I just can’t put them down and the stories bring such joy and escape to another cinematic vision in my brain that I literally become enthralled. Lol. But seriously, the writing is such that it plays like a movie in my brain, scenes described, actions carefully described, science dumbed-down so that we get it— even if it’s not a true reality. It’s enough for me to believe it’s possible. But that’s what I truly love about a writer this good with his words; the magic of the flow and the style of laying down the storyline.
Although there was plenty of action in this one, for some reason it just seemed rather slow moving this time. For the first time ever, I did not begin and not diligently read the book at all times possible until I was finished. Literally the very first time I’ve ever done that with this series. There are also more editing errors in this one than others. They’re words that are easily missed by an AI or autocorrect because they fit in the context of the sentence, are duplicates that are repeated with one or two words in between, etc. It needs a fresh(not read it), yet thorough Beta reader to read it and send corrections to the writer. If I had been on my kindle I would have completed this task as I read. However, on my iPhone, the only way to do that is through the Notes task, which shows up in Highlights. Not an optimal strategy for this type of scenario, basically editing. I think this is something the Writers should work on with the app performance coding department at Amazon. It could be extremely beneficial for the writers with the goal that edits NOT show up as an intriguing Highlight to be incorporated for all readers to peruse as well as those looking and commenting on Good Read’s application. I used to do edits all the time on my Kindle, but those edits could be sent directly to the writer/book publisher staff for perusal. And, I do not recollect those notations being apart of the Goid Reads notes. One other suggestion would be for Kindle and Kindke app to incorporate an option for that person sending those edited Notes to the Writer/publisher to have the option to then delete those highlighted sections and the edits after sending them. I hesitate to suggest tgus because it’s possible for attachments or messages to have issues and follow ups ti be resent, which would be an issue if they’re deleted afterwards. However, the deletion allows the book to be freed up of the underlined, highlighted areas that following readers would identify and will make it stick out more so than without it highlighted. In some cases my edits would be almost complete pages. Autocorrect and AI, I’m sure gave helped with that mines self though. But, I’m just pointing out a way to alleviate that potential annoyance and unnecessary highlight if it can be fixed rather easily & quickly. ***This is definitely worth the writers time to pool their resources and talk to Amazon in order to transfer that application or come up with a new strategy for cell phones. This might be acceptable, some readers and even writers saying, “it happens.” But for most readers, as well as quality, high standard writers, these kind of things bug the crap out of them. Thus my thoughts on how you (writers/publishers/Amazon&even Good Reads) might be able to help yourselves by helping helping us to help you. Lol 😂
Anyway….. I always love the Skipster & his antics & *I especially loved the surprising metamorphosis that occurred, practically out of nowhere. THAT was cool for reasons I will not specify. For me, THAT was the highlight of the book, along with all the potential in future storylines. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍
By the end of the book…do they stop the invasion; do they get their man; is it finally all over; & most importantly, will Joe be able to make it back to Jaguar for the birth of his kid?
Read it & enjoy! If you happened to read and understand what I was discussing concerning the editing option to help writers then please make a vote notation &/or express yay or nay in your own reviews. Change starts by the smallest of voices but especially if they’re within a dynamic powerhouse like Amazon & Good Reads Reviews. Thanks!😉
May 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
June 15, 2025
I enjoy this series as a whole, but it's getting tedious. We are 18 books in and the last 5 have been nothing but filler. Okay sure, I love the banter between Joe and Skippy, and RC does the best job narrating (he gets 5 stars all day errday), but come onnn.
Let me just sum it up for you Barney Style:
Skippy: Impossible!
Joe: Does something mundane and boom! I can fix it!
Skippy: We are doomed!
Joe: Hold my beer. I know physics. I'll fix it.
Skippy: It's REALLY impossible this time!
Joe: Heh heh.
Skippy: FML a monkey figured it out.
See where I'm going with this?
Also...where the fuck is Gunnery Sargent Adams! I know she's on Earth being a mom and all but c'mon! She is now 0.001% involved in this story.
Let's wrap things up, Craig. I will finish this series until it's over, but I'm going to be honest with you.....
I'm getting slightly salty using my Audible credits for filler books.
Let me just sum it up for you Barney Style:
Skippy: Impossible!
Joe: Does something mundane and boom! I can fix it!
Skippy: We are doomed!
Joe: Hold my beer. I know physics. I'll fix it.
Skippy: It's REALLY impossible this time!
Joe: Heh heh.
Skippy: FML a monkey figured it out.
See where I'm going with this?
Also...where the fuck is Gunnery Sargent Adams! I know she's on Earth being a mom and all but c'mon! She is now 0.001% involved in this story.
Let's wrap things up, Craig. I will finish this series until it's over, but I'm going to be honest with you.....
I'm getting slightly salty using my Audible credits for filler books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
Fun, as usual. I'm starting to get a bit...I don't know...about this series.
The stakes keep getting higher...kinda.
The dialog and the shenanigans with Skippy are funny, but I feel like things are getting drawn out...because people keep buying the books.
Still excited to read the next one, though.
The stakes keep getting higher...kinda.
The dialog and the shenanigans with Skippy are funny, but I feel like things are getting drawn out...because people keep buying the books.
Still excited to read the next one, though.
May 21, 2025
Same as it ever was and I have no issue with that.
July 17, 2025
I’m all caught up now and I enjoyed this book more than the previous few! I can’t say more without spoilers.
April 5, 2025
The Skippy saga continues
I love the stories and in some way I hope they never end , but I'd be nice to eventually have a conclusion with some closure.
I love the stories and in some way I hope they never end , but I'd be nice to eventually have a conclusion with some closure.
August 17, 2025
4/5 stars
Last I checked this was to be the LAST book but I guess plans change. Not that I'm complaining, now I get more Skippy the Magnificent in my future.
Last I checked this was to be the LAST book but I guess plans change. Not that I'm complaining, now I get more Skippy the Magnificent in my future.
April 9, 2025
Here’s my review of the latest entry in “the never-ending repetitive sequence of contrived events and plot devices that if it wasn’t free and I wasn’t bored, I never would’ve read, but because I like shitting on popular, bad books, I simply can’t help myself because you meatsacks wouldn’t know good writing from bathroom graffiti” — also known as “Expeditionary Force #18.”
Once again, our crew is faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, despite some of the solutions appearing rather obvious. Our cast of characters plays their parts well. Opining about who is stupid and who is awesome. Brainstorming, giving up, coming back to it, giving up, then magically having an epiphany so the plot can progress. The normal schtick of this lowest of brows series proceeds as usual, some plot device is introduced to solve all the problems. But of course it’s not as easy as just getting it, it working, and how to use it. No, we need to go through at least five figures of words on each of those stages before eventually using it in the most obvious manner, since it’s a ripoff of a science fiction series, equally known for its own contrived plot devices.
These books are so lazy, so predictable that I can literally skim through multiple pages of needless filler of someone working out, complaining about this or that to each other, rehashing their complaints or ideas endlessly, manipulating Skippy’s emotional state in whatever form it takes for the moment until finally, about 5% of the book is action. But too bad this one was so predictable thanks to being a shameless ripoff. Better than the time the author had a cliffhanger, now that was cold af.
I just don’t understand the logic behind the escalating stakes of this series. What could possibly be next? The author could have written a much more engaging and interesting story by instead focusing on maybe liberating other races from their client systems? Creating a new paradigm for the galaxy? Nah, Joe just wants to retire and only comes out to play if the stakes are bigger than last time.
My complaints are the same as they’ve always been. This series and its characters never evolve. They are just introduced to greater and greater stakes. This is probably one of the most shamelessly lazy science fiction series ever written and yet it sells like crazy.
Once again, our crew is faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, despite some of the solutions appearing rather obvious. Our cast of characters plays their parts well. Opining about who is stupid and who is awesome. Brainstorming, giving up, coming back to it, giving up, then magically having an epiphany so the plot can progress. The normal schtick of this lowest of brows series proceeds as usual, some plot device is introduced to solve all the problems. But of course it’s not as easy as just getting it, it working, and how to use it. No, we need to go through at least five figures of words on each of those stages before eventually using it in the most obvious manner, since it’s a ripoff of a science fiction series, equally known for its own contrived plot devices.
These books are so lazy, so predictable that I can literally skim through multiple pages of needless filler of someone working out, complaining about this or that to each other, rehashing their complaints or ideas endlessly, manipulating Skippy’s emotional state in whatever form it takes for the moment until finally, about 5% of the book is action. But too bad this one was so predictable thanks to being a shameless ripoff. Better than the time the author had a cliffhanger, now that was cold af.
I just don’t understand the logic behind the escalating stakes of this series. What could possibly be next? The author could have written a much more engaging and interesting story by instead focusing on maybe liberating other races from their client systems? Creating a new paradigm for the galaxy? Nah, Joe just wants to retire and only comes out to play if the stakes are bigger than last time.
My complaints are the same as they’ve always been. This series and its characters never evolve. They are just introduced to greater and greater stakes. This is probably one of the most shamelessly lazy science fiction series ever written and yet it sells like crazy.
Read
May 25, 2025all reviews in one place:
night mode reading
; skaitom nakties rezimu
My Opinion: Okay, where do I start. This book tricked me twice. I thought I got the point at the start, with the first resolution of the problem. But the problem appeared again, and then massively increased too. Anyway, this unknown being, this Outsider, something from another galaxy, some other point of the Universe, roams this here edge. Its alone for now, so it needs allies, and allies it does find, because humanity’s enemy, alien or native to Earth is fucking stupidity, you must agree. Plan seems to be to get a fleet of outsiders in, open a gateway or whatever the hell, and it’s intense. Because we don’t know what they are, what they want, where they come from, what they will do. We only assume they’re hostile, because it messes with our team, and because our team is only interested in survival, not conquest, we can assume they’re, we’re the good guys. Okay, goodish guys, because the higher the stakes, the higher the price of pulling a plan off. So, in short, goddammit, when’s the next book??
A 5 out of 5. In my humble opinion, by now, or at least by the time the old geezers die out, we should agree that if anyone so much as utters a desire to go invade another country or cause it harm: we throw those people into rehabilitation center and have them on a watch list forever. Wars are awful, and they can only ever get worse as we, humanity, progress in the wrong way.
My Opinion: Okay, where do I start. This book tricked me twice. I thought I got the point at the start, with the first resolution of the problem. But the problem appeared again, and then massively increased too. Anyway, this unknown being, this Outsider, something from another galaxy, some other point of the Universe, roams this here edge. Its alone for now, so it needs allies, and allies it does find, because humanity’s enemy, alien or native to Earth is fucking stupidity, you must agree. Plan seems to be to get a fleet of outsiders in, open a gateway or whatever the hell, and it’s intense. Because we don’t know what they are, what they want, where they come from, what they will do. We only assume they’re hostile, because it messes with our team, and because our team is only interested in survival, not conquest, we can assume they’re, we’re the good guys. Okay, goodish guys, because the higher the stakes, the higher the price of pulling a plan off. So, in short, goddammit, when’s the next book??
A 5 out of 5. In my humble opinion, by now, or at least by the time the old geezers die out, we should agree that if anyone so much as utters a desire to go invade another country or cause it harm: we throw those people into rehabilitation center and have them on a watch list forever. Wars are awful, and they can only ever get worse as we, humanity, progress in the wrong way.
May 14, 2025
Moral Ambiguities Abound
For the first time in the series, Joe is confronted with the unintended consequences of his actions in previous novels, although you do feel for the man. The alternatives would have been subjugation at best and genocide at worst, yet Joe feels particularly burdened here by his actions in the battle at the end of the last book. The people he betrayed and the friends he almost sacrificed might eventually forgive him, but he won't forgive himself. Skippy of course is not at lost as we feared but he is lost in other ways, constantly seeing disaster and apocalyptic outcomes. He allows himself to be vulnerable only with Joe, and we discover that there are things that truly frighten him. Yet their dynamic still includes the usual insults and put-downs. As for the story itself, it's a natural progression from the previous books, with nothing being easy and everything requiring new ways of thinking to solve the problem. And like the previous books, this one also ends in a cliffhanger, which ensures that the Merry Band of Pirates will be busy for quite some time.
For the first time in the series, Joe is confronted with the unintended consequences of his actions in previous novels, although you do feel for the man. The alternatives would have been subjugation at best and genocide at worst, yet Joe feels particularly burdened here by his actions in the battle at the end of the last book. The people he betrayed and the friends he almost sacrificed might eventually forgive him, but he won't forgive himself. Skippy of course is not at lost as we feared but he is lost in other ways, constantly seeing disaster and apocalyptic outcomes. He allows himself to be vulnerable only with Joe, and we discover that there are things that truly frighten him. Yet their dynamic still includes the usual insults and put-downs. As for the story itself, it's a natural progression from the previous books, with nothing being easy and everything requiring new ways of thinking to solve the problem. And like the previous books, this one also ends in a cliffhanger, which ensures that the Merry Band of Pirates will be busy for quite some time.
May 14, 2025
This is more of a 7 than a 6. I just love these characters that even in a story that just barely moves the needle, I just care. They rescue skippy from the star (that he was never in), they bring back Nagatha (who was never really gone) and they stop the outsider! (Who already completed what they intended). This content felt more like the first quarter of a book than a standalone. But damn, I just Craig’s writing and characters so much, can I really complain? Maybe a little, but I’ll enjoy the books the whole time. Biggest disappointment is Margaret being written basically completely out of the books. Sad, makes sense how the story went, but still makes me sad. This series is so huge it’s surprising I’m only complaining about this in the last 2 or 3. I miss Margaret, Smyth, the mavericks (who did get some love last book and a bit early this book), chotek…
April 14, 2025
With Skippy taken off the board, Joe must come up with a plan. How can a bunch of humans fight the Outsider which even the Ancients feared? Fortunately, Joe comes up with plan. Without going into details, Joe comes up with one.
This is the 18th book and I found that Alanson was able to keep it fresh. The relationship and the conversations between Joe and Skippy could be wearing at times as they disparage each other. At the same time, they rely on each other as true friends. Throw in the lovable AIs Nagatha and Bilby, and Joe continues to grow and evolve.
Alanson has started to serialize his novels. I don't know if they are any more spinoffs like the Mavericks. He reunited the storylines. Joe and his old squad are now different people to the point Joe lies to his friends even as he regrets having to do so. We will also see how Alanson deal with how Joe and Dave reconcile.
This is the 18th book and I found that Alanson was able to keep it fresh. The relationship and the conversations between Joe and Skippy could be wearing at times as they disparage each other. At the same time, they rely on each other as true friends. Throw in the lovable AIs Nagatha and Bilby, and Joe continues to grow and evolve.
Alanson has started to serialize his novels. I don't know if they are any more spinoffs like the Mavericks. He reunited the storylines. Joe and his old squad are now different people to the point Joe lies to his friends even as he regrets having to do so. We will also see how Alanson deal with how Joe and Dave reconcile.
April 24, 2025
You’re letting the bugs in, close the door!
Just when you think you have pacified the galaxy, another higher level being rears its ugly spatially displaced ugliness! Joe and Skippy leave us hanging again… and guess what? I can’t wait to find out what happens next. There is a lot of sci-fi serials in the Kindle universe. After entertaining me for multiple reads, I lost interest in many of them. Expeditionary Force series is so enjoyable that I can’t recommend it enough. Fantastic seat of your pants action, cutting edge dialogue and mind ripping exploration into the galaxy titillates! If you’re bouncing around the Kindle library looking for a great adventure, go to book number one, Columbus Day and enjoy the ride!
Just when you think you have pacified the galaxy, another higher level being rears its ugly spatially displaced ugliness! Joe and Skippy leave us hanging again… and guess what? I can’t wait to find out what happens next. There is a lot of sci-fi serials in the Kindle universe. After entertaining me for multiple reads, I lost interest in many of them. Expeditionary Force series is so enjoyable that I can’t recommend it enough. Fantastic seat of your pants action, cutting edge dialogue and mind ripping exploration into the galaxy titillates! If you’re bouncing around the Kindle library looking for a great adventure, go to book number one, Columbus Day and enjoy the ride!
May 28, 2025
Book 18 - Meh
I’ve read entire series as they’ve come out. This one in particular was a slog to read, as in the author seemed distracted when writing it. Skippy & Joe don’t really mesh this round. Several instances where they happen to be in a serious convo and one cracks a very poorly timed (& received) joke. Felt like the “awesomeness” was absent, not much of a page turner. But after 18+ books, I’d probably check out the next one with a hope that the series rebounds back to its stellar roots.
**Spoiler-ish Alert**
I did not enjoy the cascading series of constant emergencies. Solve one challenge to have something else break two paragraphs later. Lots of tiny issues that distract from the flow of the book and act as random filler.
I’ve read entire series as they’ve come out. This one in particular was a slog to read, as in the author seemed distracted when writing it. Skippy & Joe don’t really mesh this round. Several instances where they happen to be in a serious convo and one cracks a very poorly timed (& received) joke. Felt like the “awesomeness” was absent, not much of a page turner. But after 18+ books, I’d probably check out the next one with a hope that the series rebounds back to its stellar roots.
**Spoiler-ish Alert**
I did not enjoy the cascading series of constant emergencies. Solve one challenge to have something else break two paragraphs later. Lots of tiny issues that distract from the flow of the book and act as random filler.
July 24, 2025
These books are getting rather tedious. I want to follow the characters and this universe but Alanson is making it hard when the characters continue to remain stupid in order to further the plot. E.g. Skippy didn't think the energy anomoly was worth looking into when they are facing a threat that has shown time and time again that it can manipulate energy?
It doesn't help that the timer plot in this one is stolen straight out of BSG episode 33, down to the same numbers, same outcome and all.
I can look past all the dues ex machina-esque solutions that resolve every conflict because at least they are generally interesting but when the characters are only in these situations because of a complete lack of awareness it really lessens the impact of the scenario.
It doesn't help that the timer plot in this one is stolen straight out of BSG episode 33, down to the same numbers, same outcome and all.
I can look past all the dues ex machina-esque solutions that resolve every conflict because at least they are generally interesting but when the characters are only in these situations because of a complete lack of awareness it really lessens the impact of the scenario.
June 1, 2025
"𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙨. 𝙒𝙚'𝙡𝙡, 𝙪𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙."
"𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗀𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝖿𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇' 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗈𝗋𝖽." "
"𝙔𝙚𝙨, 𝙄, 𝙊𝙤𝙤𝙝, 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙅𝙤𝙚? 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣, 𝙞 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮'𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚-"
"𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗈𝗋𝖽, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗃𝖺𝖼𝗄𝖺𝗌𝗌
"𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙅𝙤𝙚, 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮?"
Honestly, if I didn't love the characters so much I probably wouldn't be still reading the series. These books have become formulaic and I am surprised Alanson hasn't wrapped it up. I in no way want him to kill off a bunch of characters but maybe find a cohesive and satisfying ending to the MBP.
"𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗀𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝖿𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇' 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗈𝗋𝖽." "
"𝙔𝙚𝙨, 𝙄, 𝙊𝙤𝙤𝙝, 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙟𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙅𝙤𝙚? 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣, 𝙞 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮'𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚-"
"𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗈𝗋𝖽, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗃𝖺𝖼𝗄𝖺𝗌𝗌
"𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙅𝙤𝙚, 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮?"
Honestly, if I didn't love the characters so much I probably wouldn't be still reading the series. These books have become formulaic and I am surprised Alanson hasn't wrapped it up. I in no way want him to kill off a bunch of characters but maybe find a cohesive and satisfying ending to the MBP.
June 3, 2025
At this point its just the same old same old. Nothing new, nothing changes. Skippy forgets something, doesn't think something is possible, and Joe gives up. THEN JOE GETS AN IDEA, and suddenly they have a way.
Its been like that every book since book 4. But this one hit a new low for me. "Spoilers" here (but not really), nothing happens. The entire book was pointless, we didn't get any new information, nothing really happened, the consequences from the last book didn't matter. Nothing mattered. We could have skipped all but like 3 chapters and it would not have changed the story AT ALL.
Please Craig, I'm begging you, just end the series.
Its been like that every book since book 4. But this one hit a new low for me. "Spoilers" here (but not really), nothing happens. The entire book was pointless, we didn't get any new information, nothing really happened, the consequences from the last book didn't matter. Nothing mattered. We could have skipped all but like 3 chapters and it would not have changed the story AT ALL.
Please Craig, I'm begging you, just end the series.
June 12, 2025
4 stars, but really more of a 3.5 i'd say. Naturally, to reach book 18 of any series, there is an inerrant need to enjoy the series- because this is a LOT. But, after 18 iterations, 1 "finale," and a smattering of novellas, I am feeling it being a bit past its prime. Don't mistake my thoughts, I still enjoy the antics of Joe, Skippy, and the rest of the Merry Band of Pirates, but it did feel to me like a lot of this book was just filler and time killing. If you like ExFor, hey, you know you're in for the ride. But, if you're on the fence, eh, its nothing tense or fresh.
ALL THAT SAID- I am curious for the next book now after the ending. Which, ok, damnit.
ALL THAT SAID- I am curious for the next book now after the ending. Which, ok, damnit.
April 13, 2025
Skippy and Joe are back!
After a disappointing previous books, this one reminded me of why I absolutely love this series. I read the whole thing in a day, damn work interfered, but oh well. Despite Joe’s self doubt, he again shines with his crazy ideas. I even enjoy seeing Kinta and Scorandum working together again. Love those beetles. I can’t wait for the next book to see how the Merry Band of Pirates proceed. Nope, not telling you what happened, just have to read to find out.
After a disappointing previous books, this one reminded me of why I absolutely love this series. I read the whole thing in a day, damn work interfered, but oh well. Despite Joe’s self doubt, he again shines with his crazy ideas. I even enjoy seeing Kinta and Scorandum working together again. Love those beetles. I can’t wait for the next book to see how the Merry Band of Pirates proceed. Nope, not telling you what happened, just have to read to find out.
May 2, 2025
I love this series and will read it until the very end. Alanson is one of my favs and I’ll read anything he writes; especially if narrated by Bray.
However…
For the past few books, the back and forth/ribbing between Bishop and Skippy is starting to feel a bit like a crutch or something to take up space. IMHO I feel as though they could’ve moved past that (just a bit) considering we’re 18 books in. This one does seem to tone it down but it’s still there.
Regardless, this one is great and I hope the series keeps going!
However…
For the past few books, the back and forth/ribbing between Bishop and Skippy is starting to feel a bit like a crutch or something to take up space. IMHO I feel as though they could’ve moved past that (just a bit) considering we’re 18 books in. This one does seem to tone it down but it’s still there.
Regardless, this one is great and I hope the series keeps going!
May 9, 2025
This one is great! This is a classic Merry Band of Pirates adventure with Skippy and Joe playing whack-a-mole with a whole list of problems and seemingly impossible scenarios. When the new books started coming out I felt like they were slow to ramp up to the adventures I was used to. This book however keeps it turned up to 11 the whole time. There are great big emotional moments and surprises and new problems to be found anywhere you look. Not to mention the sketchy stuff that our favorite beetle gets up to. If you like the pirates you'll love this one.
May 13, 2025
3.5 stars for this one. I’m 18 books into this series, by book 3 or 4 you pretty much get the gist of how these go. They’re fun reads. You don’t really read them for the plot necessarily, but more for the back and forth between the characters, mainly Joe and Skippy. The banter is pretty funny and keeps you entertained the whole time. The stories are hit and miss sometimes. The story in this one was just okay. It ends on a cliffhanger of course like most of them do. Looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews