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Squad Kill
A new military science fiction adventure from Jack Campbell, the NYT bestselling author of Lost Fleet.
Getting home alive will take everything they have...
Osiris “Oz” Aquino is an underprepared Navy officer put in command of seven castoff Marines on a research starship dispatched to an alien planet.
His sergeant is hostile, his Marines have records full of infractions – not to mention that they’re plagued by old weapons and missing supplies due to budget cuts – and the crew and scientists would rather have nothing to do with him.
As the ship approaches the planet it’s investigating, they find plenty of signs of intelligent life in the form of ruined cities and skeletal remains. The only things living in the ruins are adorable aliens which the researchers dub squonks.
It all seems run-of-the-mill, until it isn't...
Suddenly, the squonks get loose in engineering and go ballistic, the crew sent to investigate aren’t coming back, and Oz and his team have a fight on their hands.
He must restore safe access to engineering before the crew on the ship run out of air all while figuring out what turned the squonks from cuddly to killer. And if he doesn't act fast, the squad who’ve evacuated to the planet’s surface may not survive.
From Jack Campbell, NYT Bestselling author of Lost Fleet, comes this action packed, science fiction thrill ride filled with military action, detailed alien worlds, and characters you can't help but root for.
Getting home alive will take everything they have...
Osiris “Oz” Aquino is an underprepared Navy officer put in command of seven castoff Marines on a research starship dispatched to an alien planet.
His sergeant is hostile, his Marines have records full of infractions – not to mention that they’re plagued by old weapons and missing supplies due to budget cuts – and the crew and scientists would rather have nothing to do with him.
As the ship approaches the planet it’s investigating, they find plenty of signs of intelligent life in the form of ruined cities and skeletal remains. The only things living in the ruins are adorable aliens which the researchers dub squonks.
It all seems run-of-the-mill, until it isn't...
Suddenly, the squonks get loose in engineering and go ballistic, the crew sent to investigate aren’t coming back, and Oz and his team have a fight on their hands.
He must restore safe access to engineering before the crew on the ship run out of air all while figuring out what turned the squonks from cuddly to killer. And if he doesn't act fast, the squad who’ve evacuated to the planet’s surface may not survive.
From Jack Campbell, NYT Bestselling author of Lost Fleet, comes this action packed, science fiction thrill ride filled with military action, detailed alien worlds, and characters you can't help but root for.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jack Campbell
106 books3,055 followersJack Campbell is a pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 26, 2026
A new MilSF by "Jack Campbell"/John Hemry. Here's Andrew Liptak's preview:
"I love a good military science fiction romp, and it seems that Jack Campbell has taken a break from his various series for a new adventure, Squad Kill. It follows Navy officer Osiris "Oz" Aquino, who's tasked with commanding a squad of Marines dispatched to an alien planet. The group is a mismatch of troublemakers, the scientists and crew don't want to be around them, and they've been issued old and outdated gear.
When they reach their destination, they find that there was some sort of inhabited life, with lots of ruined cities and skeletons. The only lifeforms are these cute aliens that the crew names Squonks. It seems like everything might go smoothly.... until it doesn't."
My review: First-rate mil-SF thriller, but VERY dark. War brings out the best and worst of humans, and (it appears) led to the extinction of the aliens, on the planet now being evaluated by the civilian research ship Darwin. The ship rates a Marine detachment because it might face hostile aliens on new worlds. But the ship's Captain doesn't have much use for her Marines, and the platoon she got doesn't inspire confidence. Nor do the Marines get much support from their military supply and support system. Wishful thinking and pass-the-buckism are rampant....
As always, Hemry's prose is utilitarian, but thoughtful. Ensign Aquino whips his 7 misfit grunts into a fighting force. The ship's cats turn out to be key in tracking the murderous and VERY fast Squonks....
I'm not sure selective breeding works quite how it's described here. Oz find True Love with KT, a sweet data analyst, whose parents were Navy. Oz's motley crew comes up with some clever ideas to kill the squonks, and all but one of his Marines survive, but there are plenty of other deaths. Claustrophobes beware! For me, this was a strong 4-star read. I'm likely to reread it down the line. Recommended reading, if this is your kind of book. I was happy. First-rate novel.
KU or $5 to buy. Deal! Published 5 May 2026.
"I love a good military science fiction romp, and it seems that Jack Campbell has taken a break from his various series for a new adventure, Squad Kill. It follows Navy officer Osiris "Oz" Aquino, who's tasked with commanding a squad of Marines dispatched to an alien planet. The group is a mismatch of troublemakers, the scientists and crew don't want to be around them, and they've been issued old and outdated gear.
When they reach their destination, they find that there was some sort of inhabited life, with lots of ruined cities and skeletons. The only lifeforms are these cute aliens that the crew names Squonks. It seems like everything might go smoothly.... until it doesn't."
My review: First-rate mil-SF thriller, but VERY dark. War brings out the best and worst of humans, and (it appears) led to the extinction of the aliens, on the planet now being evaluated by the civilian research ship Darwin. The ship rates a Marine detachment because it might face hostile aliens on new worlds. But the ship's Captain doesn't have much use for her Marines, and the platoon she got doesn't inspire confidence. Nor do the Marines get much support from their military supply and support system. Wishful thinking and pass-the-buckism are rampant....
As always, Hemry's prose is utilitarian, but thoughtful. Ensign Aquino whips his 7 misfit grunts into a fighting force. The ship's cats turn out to be key in tracking the murderous and VERY fast Squonks....
I'm not sure selective breeding works quite how it's described here. Oz find True Love with KT, a sweet data analyst, whose parents were Navy. Oz's motley crew comes up with some clever ideas to kill the squonks, and all but one of his Marines survive, but there are plenty of other deaths. Claustrophobes beware! For me, this was a strong 4-star read. I'm likely to reread it down the line. Recommended reading, if this is your kind of book. I was happy. First-rate novel.
KU or $5 to buy. Deal! Published 5 May 2026.
May 21, 2026
I’m apparently in a military sci-fi mood because I can’t seem to get enough of marines in space and killer aliens. In Squad Kill, think of the movie Aliens but instead of terrifying bug looking aliens, we have adorable “squonks”.
I had a blast with this group of motley marines led by Oz, a Navy officer.
On a routine mission to take scientists to an alien planet with sentient beings, the scientists bring aboard a couple of “pets” of the vanished aliens which are deemed squonks and are very cute.
Of course the squonks aren’t so adorable after all as they destroy everything they can find, but mostly the human crew and scientists.
Enter Oz and his motley marines to hunt down the apparently very intelligent squonks. Talk about a nail biter. I’m shocked I have any nails left after reading Squad Kill.
I got very attached to each and every marine and a few of the scientists. But especially to Oz. I hope more books will be forthcoming with more of these characters.
*Thanks so much to @aethonbooks for the gifted finished copy!*
I had a blast with this group of motley marines led by Oz, a Navy officer.
On a routine mission to take scientists to an alien planet with sentient beings, the scientists bring aboard a couple of “pets” of the vanished aliens which are deemed squonks and are very cute.
Of course the squonks aren’t so adorable after all as they destroy everything they can find, but mostly the human crew and scientists.
Enter Oz and his motley marines to hunt down the apparently very intelligent squonks. Talk about a nail biter. I’m shocked I have any nails left after reading Squad Kill.
I got very attached to each and every marine and a few of the scientists. But especially to Oz. I hope more books will be forthcoming with more of these characters.
*Thanks so much to @aethonbooks for the gifted finished copy!*
May 8, 2026
Mr. Hemry/Campbell returns to squad based combat akin to his old Stark's War series. Where Stark's War was in many ways a commentary on the gamification of war/war as entertainment mentality, this had a different commentary. Although politicians expecting the military to solve problems without resources has been a common theme throughout, its more front and centre here. His continuing commentary on corporatism that we have seen in other books is also a factor here.
Now, to the meat. Of Hemry/Campbell's many strengths as a writer, the thing that brings me back every time is his characters. This is true here as well. Each of the Marines came across to me as well rounded individuals that I was rooting for (with the possible exception of Sgt. Anteaus).
Now, in an effort to find something to be critical of, the romance story in the novel felt too "scripted" to me. But I had to struggle to find something to dislike about this book.
Now, to the meat. Of Hemry/Campbell's many strengths as a writer, the thing that brings me back every time is his characters. This is true here as well. Each of the Marines came across to me as well rounded individuals that I was rooting for (with the possible exception of Sgt. Anteaus).
Now, in an effort to find something to be critical of, the romance story in the novel felt too "scripted" to me. But I had to struggle to find something to dislike about this book.
November 15, 2025
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
I can't say I've loved any of the non-Los Fleet series: the relationships were cringe and characters incredibly annoying. This standalone was a bit different, at least in the first part, in that it was engaging with some good action and twists. But this homage to Alien/Aliens movies did get a bit wearisome in the end with the usual Jack Campbell morality musings and painfully awkward romantic relationships. But as a whole, it was a quick and enjoyable read. Dare I even say, fun.Story: Osiris “Oz” Aquino is a Naval man forced to take a Marines leadership position on an exploration vehicle. His Marines all have terrible records, they are understaffed, and it is clear he was given a bum assignment. But when exploration of a new planet gets out of hand, both he and his marines will have to step up if they are going to not only save themselves but also the crew of researchers they were tasked to protect.
This was a fun little story with cute little alien squirrels instead of a face hugger or chest burster. I saw several similarities with the Kiks (bear-cows) from the Los Fleet, just a lot more deadly. Author Hemry (Campbell) does have fun with alien species though at times it feels like he tries too hard to explain/defend his creations. Most of the book is about trying to discover more about the alien species that has taken the crew by surprise.
As with the Lost Fleet books, we have a great cast of side characters. Yes, they are always black and white good and bad/morally unconflicted. Yes, the main male character is yet another aw shucks I'm just doing the reasonable thing everyman and he'll be interested in a complicated and smart but emotionally explosive woman. but added to them, we have a fun group of Marines - all with crazy histories that Aquino will have to manage in order to save the day. There is a great heartbreaking moment near the end with one of the Marines that, yes you'll see the punchline coming but it was still a cheer worthy moment.
This particular novel is more about close combat/outsmarting opponents rather than space battles [an amusing aside is that the spacemen holding guns on the cover is actually correct for a Jack Campbell novel for once!]. The story is self contained on the ship and the author throws some fun twists at Aquino that he has to solve to save lives.
As noted earlier, the romance is still cringe. I feel like Campbell has two archetypes for his main male and female characters and he never deviates from them. It would be really appreciated to see him write more morally grey or nuanced lead characters in order to achieve some depth and growth in his books. In many ways, the writing can often feel like it is a 1950s nuclear family aesthetic rather than a more modern science fiction approach. It's nice for awhile but gets rather old and boring when repeated ad nauseum.
The other elephant in the room is the morality soapboxing. With this book, it became especially egregious and with the subtlety of a mack truck. Admittedly, I did a lot of eye rolling at this point near the end of the book but it's just something you have to get used to with Campbell books.
In all, despite the negatives above, I enjoyed most of this book. It was a quick and fun read with some cute homages to the Alien/Aliens franchise (Jones the Cat, Vazques/Rodrigues, outsmarting aliens, etc.). Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
May 20, 2026
The first book in a new series by Jack Campbell. It's a story that might be more familiar to those that have read the older "JAG in Space" series involving Paul Sinclair and originally published under the John G Hemry name as it follows a very junior officer newly posted to an exploration ship called "Darwin", and the struggles he has with trying to fit in and lead a small team of misfits. As can be expected, everything does not proceed smoothly and Ensign Osiris "Oz" Aquino is called upon to address the situation despite being woefully unprepared.
Like his other books, there is plenty of action but that is interspersed with significant character building and conversations. This isn't info dump, but strong character and relationship building in what will obviously be a group of characters that moves into future books in the series.
Unlike previous books by Campbell, this particular book had more of a horror element to it as the team fought to survive against an opponent for which they were wholly unprepared and in many ways outclassed them. The setting also added to that feeling. Definitely not hundreds of warships executing maneuvers in space against enemy fleets.
That didn't change my appreciation at all, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you like Jack Campbell then you will like this new series. I'm just hoping that Mr Campbell already has a couple more "in the hopper" as it were.
Like his other books, there is plenty of action but that is interspersed with significant character building and conversations. This isn't info dump, but strong character and relationship building in what will obviously be a group of characters that moves into future books in the series.
Unlike previous books by Campbell, this particular book had more of a horror element to it as the team fought to survive against an opponent for which they were wholly unprepared and in many ways outclassed them. The setting also added to that feeling. Definitely not hundreds of warships executing maneuvers in space against enemy fleets.
That didn't change my appreciation at all, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. If you like Jack Campbell then you will like this new series. I'm just hoping that Mr Campbell already has a couple more "in the hopper" as it were.
May 11, 2026
Not as good as I'd hoped it would be. Listened to the audiobook while I was doing other things and it's the sort of book that works for that.
Plot - I felt it was a mash-mash of Aliens and Tribbles from Star Trek. A new inexperienced officer commanding a small squad of disreputable marines, where the reason for them getting into trouble just happens to be useful in their battle. Unlike his previous books this concerns a single engagement rather than a sequence of battles.
The author understands military tactics, and has great respect for the traditions, dedication to duty and sacrifice of service members. This is shown in the Lost Fleet series and particularly well in the Genesis Fleet series.
If you felt that the romantic side of the story from The Lost Fleet series between Geary and Desjani was a little, cheesy, you'll feel the same about the romance in this book.
Maybe not a deep read. Popcorn, but quality popcorn.
Plot - I felt it was a mash-mash of Aliens and Tribbles from Star Trek. A new inexperienced officer commanding a small squad of disreputable marines, where the reason for them getting into trouble just happens to be useful in their battle. Unlike his previous books this concerns a single engagement rather than a sequence of battles.
The author understands military tactics, and has great respect for the traditions, dedication to duty and sacrifice of service members. This is shown in the Lost Fleet series and particularly well in the Genesis Fleet series.
If you felt that the romantic side of the story from The Lost Fleet series between Geary and Desjani was a little, cheesy, you'll feel the same about the romance in this book.
Maybe not a deep read. Popcorn, but quality popcorn.
November 30, 2025
Taut, thrilling military SF about a small detachment of Marines on a routine deployment on a scientific research vessel. No one expects the mandatory Marine presence on ships that land on uncharted planets to actually have to DO anything, so the brass uses it as a dumping ground for problem children, including a newly minted Navy ensign who has been assigned to lead the detachment. At first everything is as boring--and annoying--as expected. But then a pair of cute animals escape from the isolation lab. Suddenly six Marines are all that stand between several hundred people and certain death.
Well-written, with solid characterizations and believable tactics. Campbell is a Navy veteran and knows his stuff.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well-written, with solid characterizations and believable tactics. Campbell is a Navy veteran and knows his stuff.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2026
A stand alone novel, that Jack Campbell could theoretically turn into a series. The novel is not particularly complex. As we have come to expect from Jack, the novel centers around a navy man, this time one who is put in charge of a group of marines on a civilian ship. Our protagonist has a series of growing pains as he takes on his new assignment, and does his best not to appear as a fish out of water. In a nod to the original Alien, this book explores the plot from that movie, what if an alien is brought onto a ship to study, and the thing gets loose? What if that alien is not what we have come to expect? Can one naval officer on a brand new assignment save the day...?
May 26, 2026
Typical Jack Campbell!
What you would expect from a writer of J.C's pedigree. Characters you come to care about. A plot that builds tension towards the perfect heroic conclusion - everyman/person heroism, that is.
I hope there's a follow up - I'd love to learn how this group develops after finally getting to show what they're capable of.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys proper stories written with proper storytelling flair.
What you would expect from a writer of J.C's pedigree. Characters you come to care about. A plot that builds tension towards the perfect heroic conclusion - everyman/person heroism, that is.
I hope there's a follow up - I'd love to learn how this group develops after finally getting to show what they're capable of.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys proper stories written with proper storytelling flair.
May 20, 2026
Another Jack Campbell stellar great story.
Great story. Well paced with well defined and relatable characters. Story is plausible with the military nuances explained without making it seem like it's condescending to non=military. This is something Jack excels at as well was his ma!ing the characters relatable. A great book as always.
Great story. Well paced with well defined and relatable characters. Story is plausible with the military nuances explained without making it seem like it's condescending to non=military. This is something Jack excels at as well was his ma!ing the characters relatable. A great book as always.
May 23, 2026
Oz is a Navy ensign assigned to command a squad of Marines on a first-contact mission. He was an enlisted man who rose through the ranks. He has leadership skills, but he needs a crash course in Marine tactics. Eventually, his squad and the snooty scientists they must protect are glad to have him. It is a tense Hornblower-in-space adventure that kept me up late.
May 7, 2026
another amazing story
Jack Campbell did it again. He created another awesome space adventure that I stayed up way too late to finish reading because I didn’t want to stop. Thanks Jack!
Jack Campbell did it again. He created another awesome space adventure that I stayed up way too late to finish reading because I didn’t want to stop. Thanks Jack!
May 16, 2026
Great telling of a story
Jack Campbell showed his story telling skills in this tale of a marine squad finding itself in peril and getting on top of the situation. Very different to the scale of the Lost Fleet. Highly recommended.
Jack Campbell showed his story telling skills in this tale of a marine squad finding itself in peril and getting on top of the situation. Very different to the scale of the Lost Fleet. Highly recommended.
May 21, 2026
Jack Campbell does it again!
I have read every book published by Jack Campbell. For me it started with The Lost Fleet. Squad Kill I finished in two days. Could not put it down. Could be the start of a great series!
I have read every book published by Jack Campbell. For me it started with The Lost Fleet. Squad Kill I finished in two days. Could not put it down. Could be the start of a great series!
May 25, 2026
only too true
VERY fun read for me..I particularly enjoyed military aspects. Good leaders in tough situations, misunderstood enlisted that proved themselves and a bit of thought provoking humanity questions.
VERY fun read for me..I particularly enjoyed military aspects. Good leaders in tough situations, misunderstood enlisted that proved themselves and a bit of thought provoking humanity questions.
May 27, 2026
Great military sci-fi
What happens when a Naval ensign gets put in charge of a group of misfit marines on a civilian research vessel? Things go sideways!
Campbell does a great job of being action and character work. All of the characters seem like real people.
What happens when a Naval ensign gets put in charge of a group of misfit marines on a civilian research vessel? Things go sideways!
Campbell does a great job of being action and character work. All of the characters seem like real people.
May 30, 2026
Enjoyable military SF action
The action is fast and furious enough to carry you over the numerous plot holes with little more than an amused eye roll.
It's pulpy fun with little in the way of character development or plot twists.
The action is fast and furious enough to carry you over the numerous plot holes with little more than an amused eye roll.
It's pulpy fun with little in the way of character development or plot twists.
June 1, 2026
A fun read from start to finish. Reminded me of early Heinlein stories.
Well written, entertaining, and thought provoking. I really enjoyed the ending. Just one question for John H. Who picked the names for the cats?
Well written, entertaining, and thought provoking. I really enjoyed the ending. Just one question for John H. Who picked the names for the cats?
May 14, 2026
Great story
Always enjoy the work of Jack Campbell and this was another excellent book. Well written and great characters with an interesting mystery
Always enjoy the work of Jack Campbell and this was another excellent book. Well written and great characters with an interesting mystery
May 15, 2026
looking forward to more.
Very entertaining, Hope there will be more adventures with this group of marines and to what to what comes next.
Very entertaining, Hope there will be more adventures with this group of marines and to what to what comes next.
May 16, 2026
Good but the romance could REALLY use work.🤣
May 17, 2026
Very quick listen. It wasn't what I expected, much different from his other other works.
May 19, 2026
Pretty good sci-fi Marines vs Aliens
This was a pretty good story and was fun to read. It wasnt hard science or military, more like a space romp.
This was a pretty good story and was fun to read. It wasnt hard science or military, more like a space romp.
May 20, 2026
Good read. Enjoyed it.
May 20, 2026
Good Action
A different type of space operating inside a research ship that comes under attack from an unexpected adversary. Good characters and action with creative answers.
A different type of space operating inside a research ship that comes under attack from an unexpected adversary. Good characters and action with creative answers.
May 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. I hope we get more .
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews