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Squad Kill
New York Times bestselling author Jack Campbell is back with an action-packed new military science fiction adventure!
Twenty-four hours of oxygen. Two apex predators. One chance to survive.
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.
Getting home alive will take everything they have...
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.
Praise for Squad
• "This taut, entertaining military SF plot will appeal to fans of Jack McDevitt."― Publishers Weekly
• “The best bug hunt since ALIENS. What a read!”― Scott Sigler, #1 New York Times Bestseller of Earthcore
• "Throughout the action, Squad Kill reminds us that while organizations and systems may fail us, we can still perform our duty.”― Jason Anspach, Associated Press Bestselling Author of Galaxy's Edge
"Jack Campbell powerfully reminds us of the crushing responsibility we place on young men and women we send into battle. Squad Kill is a must-read!"— Jeffery H. Haskell, author of Against All Odds
"Jack Campbell is one of the all-time-greats of military science fiction."— Michael Mammay, author of Planetside
• “A mind-bending space adventure with relatable characters, weird aliens, plenty of twists, and a rapid-fire pace. Highly recommended!"― Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Red Empire
Twenty-four hours of oxygen. Two apex predators. One chance to survive.
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.
Getting home alive will take everything they have...
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.
Praise for Squad
• "This taut, entertaining military SF plot will appeal to fans of Jack McDevitt."― Publishers Weekly
• “The best bug hunt since ALIENS. What a read!”― Scott Sigler, #1 New York Times Bestseller of Earthcore
• "Throughout the action, Squad Kill reminds us that while organizations and systems may fail us, we can still perform our duty.”― Jason Anspach, Associated Press Bestselling Author of Galaxy's Edge
"Jack Campbell powerfully reminds us of the crushing responsibility we place on young men and women we send into battle. Squad Kill is a must-read!"— Jeffery H. Haskell, author of Against All Odds
"Jack Campbell is one of the all-time-greats of military science fiction."— Michael Mammay, author of Planetside
• “A mind-bending space adventure with relatable characters, weird aliens, plenty of twists, and a rapid-fire pace. Highly recommended!"― Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Red Empire
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jack Campbell
116 books3,083 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'.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 19, 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.
August 12, 2026
This could be a new favorite author! I loved this. Think periscope down meets Alien
May 11, 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.
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.
June 18, 2026
I really liked it, but I'm not sure if it's that good
I'm a big fan of Jack Campbell. I Love his stories, I love idealism, and I love what he's trying to say.
With this one, I think I liked the idealism and message more than the story itself. Reading it was fun, but there were some improbabilities that stretched my suspension of disbelief.
Premise: A navy ensign is place in command of a Marine squad aboard a civilian science vessel. The Marines are there because the science ship is surveying alien worlds, but they are never consulted about security concerns and rarely informed of pertinent events. -like bringing live specimen aboard ship for further study. When crewmen start disappearing it might already be too late.
I'm a big fan of Jack Campbell. I Love his stories, I love idealism, and I love what he's trying to say.
With this one, I think I liked the idealism and message more than the story itself. Reading it was fun, but there were some improbabilities that stretched my suspension of disbelief.
Premise: A navy ensign is place in command of a Marine squad aboard a civilian science vessel. The Marines are there because the science ship is surveying alien worlds, but they are never consulted about security concerns and rarely informed of pertinent events. -like bringing live specimen aboard ship for further study. When crewmen start disappearing it might already be too late.
Read
September 26, 2026New York Times bestselling author Jack Campbell is back with the new, action-packed military science fiction adventure, SQUAD KILL!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... Sudddenly, 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, New York Times bestselling author of Lost Fleet, comes his latest – SQUAD KILL – an action packed, science fiction thrill ride filled with military action, detailed alien worlds, and characters you can't help but root for. PRAISE FOR JACK CAMPBELL "An excellent blend of real science and space action. I enjoyed myself thoroughly from first to last page." - Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn Series "Campbell combines the best parts of military SF and grand space opera." - Publishers Weekly "Campbell's genius is action in space." - Tor.com "The visceral action comes fast and furious. Well up to the high standards established by this intriguing series." - Kirkus Reviews "Is it possible for such a well-established series to surprise readers and shuffle its well-established status quo? Campbell answers that question with a resounding yes in Invincible." - SFFWorld.com "A rousing adventure with a page-turning plot, lots of space action, and the kind of hero Hornblower fans will love!" - William C. Dietz, national bestselling author of the Legion of the Damned novels Jack Campbell is one of the absolute masters of military science fiction. - Michael Mammay, author of The Misfit Soldier "Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series is a must-read for fans of military scifi. Packed with complex characters and even more complex deep-space naval battles, it's the ultimate saga of human perseverance and the will to survive." - Zac Topping, author of Wake of War For In Our Stars: "Space Opera works best when it's operatic. Big and bold, dark and dramatic, characters and concepts that are cheerfully off the scale. In Our Stars is all of these things, with an extra helping of mayhem, just to keep things tasty." - Simon R. Green, New York Times bestselling author "Campbell launches a new series with this energetic human-alien romance wrapped in an inter-planetary thriller...This series is off to a good start. - Publishers Weekly "Campbell asks powerful questions about the way social structures collapse and how the loudest voices take advantage, all in a pulse-pounding adventure about saving the world and staying one step ahead of the forces that would destroy it." - Library Journal "Jack Campbell's In Our Stars is old fashioned science fiction in the best possible way; taking a good hard look at the present through the lens of the future." - Tanya Huff, author of the Valor and Peacekeeper series "Jack Campbell's In Our Stars is a wonderful, engaging, often uplifting adventure about caring and doing what's right, no matter the odds or the cost. And the soul of it all is honestly reminiscent of Heinlein at his best." - Taylor Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Destroyermen series "With In Our Stars, Jack Campbell shows once again why he's one of the best SF writers working today." - Michael Mammay, author of the Planetside Series
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 19, 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.
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.
September 13, 2026
I always seem to find Jack Campbell books entertaining. He has a definite flair for writing military SF where the tactics are well thought out and interesting. Usually, he is writing about space opera; battles between ships in space. This is a change in pace with trying to quell an incursion by aliens that were let on the ship by the civilian crew and scientists. The book is quite good in spending its time whipping a small group of misfit marines into a unified (mostly) team.
Campbell has often been criticized for his main characters being ultra moral both in their regard for the military codes and their male/female relations. I find the first refreshing in our gray world and the latter somewhat annoying. But don't let that detract from what is an entertaining story.
Campbell has often been criticized for his main characters being ultra moral both in their regard for the military codes and their male/female relations. I find the first refreshing in our gray world and the latter somewhat annoying. But don't let that detract from what is an entertaining story.
September 19, 2026
1.5 stars rounded up generously for Mr. Campbell's history. However, this book is awfully thin in many ways--it seems to barely qualify for its various described categorizations. It is fiction, but the science part of sci-fi is just lame, not even YA worthy; the dialogue is often frankly juvenile, and the characters are so stilted in their presentation to be unrealistic on their face. The plot is fantasy, but unbelievable out of the gate when the research team prevails and brings unknown organisms onto a ship with hundreds of individuals aboard (didn't Jack learn anything from Alien in the 1980s?); the "I love you" instant romance is the only real fantasy here. Maybe I should have rounded down . . . I remember better Tom Swift stories in grade school I think.
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...?
July 24, 2026
The problems I have with this book start with the squonks. I found it totally unbelievable that they could learn how to sabotage a spacecraft in a couple days. Breaking out of their cages and going on a killing spree. Sure.
Then there’s the love story. I don’t believe in love at first sight. Lust sure.
But corporations doing things on the cheap and not caring about their employees. That’s just life. The same with the military telling people to do more with less.
But it’s a pretty good story. If there’s a second story I hope they lose the love interest
Then there’s the love story. I don’t believe in love at first sight. Lust sure.
But corporations doing things on the cheap and not caring about their employees. That’s just life. The same with the military telling people to do more with less.
But it’s a pretty good story. If there’s a second story I hope they lose the love interest
August 3, 2026
Another great piece of Jack Campbell storytelling!
Having read and loved pretty much everything that Jack Campbell has ever written when this book popped up on my feed, I figured I had to give it a go. And yet again I have not been disappointed. The story is excellent with just the right amount of action and wry humour, the military SciFi is as always on point, and the characters are well rounded and fully three dimensional. If you are a fan of great military SciFi you will have a good time with this book. Enjoy!
Having read and loved pretty much everything that Jack Campbell has ever written when this book popped up on my feed, I figured I had to give it a go. And yet again I have not been disappointed. The story is excellent with just the right amount of action and wry humour, the military SciFi is as always on point, and the characters are well rounded and fully three dimensional. If you are a fan of great military SciFi you will have a good time with this book. Enjoy!
August 21, 2026
A Fun Read
This was my first read from this author and I will definitely be reading more,this was recommended by Amazon on their kindle unlimited subscription and was a fast paced fun read that definitely kept me turning the pages . The story follows a group of misfit marines trying to capture or kill two creatures that are loose on their spacecraft, I will definitely be reading more of this authors work and this comes very highly recommended especially if you are looking for a really fun read without the heavy science.
This was my first read from this author and I will definitely be reading more,this was recommended by Amazon on their kindle unlimited subscription and was a fast paced fun read that definitely kept me turning the pages . The story follows a group of misfit marines trying to capture or kill two creatures that are loose on their spacecraft, I will definitely be reading more of this authors work and this comes very highly recommended especially if you are looking for a really fun read without the heavy science.
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.
June 13, 2026
Fun and thrilling book. Gets quick to the action and the aliens are one hell of an enemy. Thought maybe they were gonna be cute things that turn ugly but no they way they described them they were scary AF! I was waiting for when OZ figured out to use his marines special skill sets but glad he did cause it ramped up the action. Only unrealistic thing I feel happens is the romance. Saying I love you after being on board a ship for like a month or two dang Navy people move fast!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
This was a fast paced and actionfilled story and I really liked it! I stayed up late to keep reading it. Oz was such a great character but so were so many of the others. You really wanted them to be safe and succeed. Didn't really feel the romance part of the book, which was very small, but really enjoyed the part were the marines saved a lot of people. This was my first Jack Campbell book but I definitely need to read more!
July 19, 2026
A formulaic Jack Campbell space adventure - a chaste and forbidden pseudo-romance, tension between civilian and military forces, fish out of water main character, and the driving spice of a pair of murder monkeys (the name he gives for them tends to grate, visually and mentally, very quickly).
Of course, when you describe something as "formulaic Jack Campbell', it's still going to be better than an awful lot of other genre fiction out there.
Of course, when you describe something as "formulaic Jack Campbell', it's still going to be better than an awful lot of other genre fiction out there.
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.
June 17, 2026
Good story
This story is a little different from most of the sci-fi I have read, a unusual cast of characters, great antagonists and interesting circumstances. It helps that Jack Campbell is one of my favorite authors, if you haven't read his Lost Fleet series i wholeheartedly recommend it. All in all this is a wonderful book.
This story is a little different from most of the sci-fi I have read, a unusual cast of characters, great antagonists and interesting circumstances. It helps that Jack Campbell is one of my favorite authors, if you haven't read his Lost Fleet series i wholeheartedly recommend it. All in all this is a wonderful book.
July 23, 2026
A genuine page turner with originality
I had been struggling with another book by a well known author. The stale plot was boring me to death. I picked up this and knocked it out in two days. Well written with decent character development and originality? I’m amazed. I enjoyed every page.
I had been struggling with another book by a well known author. The stale plot was boring me to death. I picked up this and knocked it out in two days. Well written with decent character development and originality? I’m amazed. I enjoyed every page.
July 25, 2026
Excellent read and great characters
The characters are very real, relatable, and varied. The dynamics of the different perspectives of Navy vs USMC vs ships company vs corporate are all spot on. The extinct aliens and the ones still living lead to a mystery and story that unfolds well.
The characters are very real, relatable, and varied. The dynamics of the different perspectives of Navy vs USMC vs ships company vs corporate are all spot on. The extinct aliens and the ones still living lead to a mystery and story that unfolds well.
August 5, 2026
Jack Campbell writes military heroes like no one else and continues to prove why he is one of the best in the business.
This story for me was The Lost Fleet meets Once An Eagle. Stuck in an impossible situation, a military leader must develop and turn the people around him into a cohesive team, to save the day.
This story for me was The Lost Fleet meets Once An Eagle. Stuck in an impossible situation, a military leader must develop and turn the people around him into a cohesive team, to save the day.
August 22, 2026
This story falls into the vein of brate scifi like critters. That to me is a major plus side and it goes hard into that with the very underwhelming team left to deal with the little monsters the space scientists had decided to mess with. If this was a movie I would most definitely own and watch it.
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!
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