Steadfast

The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier #4

by Jack Campbell

DEFENDING THE ALLIANCE. The search for two missing lieutenants leads Admiral Geary and the crew of Dauntless on a far-flung chase, ultimately ending at the one spot in space from which all humans have been banned: the moon Europa. Any ship that lands there must stay or be destroyed—leaving Geary to face the most profound moral dilemma of his life. As strains on the Alliance grow, Geary is ordered to take a small force to the border of Syndic space. But what he finds there is a danger much greater than anyone expected: a shrewd and powerful enemy that could finally force the Alliance to its knees.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Military Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Military Science Fiction, Space

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Jack 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'.

Reviews

[Markus · Rating 2 out of 5]

These books are awesome.

No, seriously! This was the least interesting one so far, and was weaker than all the others. But it still is a fun series.

This could have been one of the better books in the Lost Fleet series. It started out so well, but then rapidly deteriorated. Still, I thoroughly enjoy these books and will keep following the series.

[Robert Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I've really liked Campbell's Lost Fleet series: up until this one. The stories have become just the same old, same old, with very little advancement of the story arc. Geary has one thing after another come flying his way, mostly machinations of the politico's of the Alliance. Some are just butt-covering superiors getting "black Jack" to get them out of a mess, others are obvious maneuverings to reduce Geary's influence while advancing hidden agendas.

The "agendas" are still hidden, Geary still isn't actively doing anything, and the Fleet is slowly being whittled away to a force of decrepit wrecks. Unfortunately, as Campbell has done in other writing persona's, the ending of all this is likely to just be a coming together of unlikely events with everybody just falling into line to go forward into a new future of cooperation and unity of purpose. Geary is still reactive to everything while multiple factions are jockeying for position and advancement. Nothing has changed, the problems are still the same ones wearing different names. While I usually snap these books up as soon as they're released, I doubt I shall bother with any future volumes. Stale is about the best term I can use at this point.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally read 2019; Reread and review added October, 2023.
3.6⭐🚀
Although this is number 4 in the 5 book "Beyond the Frontier" arc of Jack Campbell's sprawling "Lost Fleet" series, it feels like a middle book (albeit a pretty good one). It builds up to the next volume's arc conclusion in a satisfying way, with plenty of foreshadowing and heavy hints along with the introduction of villainous new opponents.
It's not exactly subtle but that's not really a hallmark of 'Black Jack' Geary's adventures. It is comfortable and familiar, just what's needed for a cold, late fall day.
Black Jack and his not-so-lost Fleet face more perils on their return from old Earth, not to mention devious traps and tricks from the dark forces within their own government and headquarters ( 'beset by enemies from within and without,' to use a phrase). He also has to continue to contend with his mysterious alien allies, the Dancers ( what do they want?)
Black Jack may be clunky and corny, but he's still an old friend.
-30-

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Jack Geary returns with a visit to the planet Earth. We don't get to see much of the planet but apparently its a pastoral and politically irrelevant world that has great spiritual significance. It's more or less like some tiny countries in Europe now that have since taken to bartering on old glories.

We don't get an explanation who the military defending the planet in the previous book and I find that to be a disappointment. Still, we have a decent plot about trying to retrieve two lost crew members stuck on a planet under the strictest biological quarantine. There's less space opera fleet battles in this book and I think it benefits from that as Black Jack trying to figure out a way to solve a non-military problem is more interesting than watching him pound fleets with genius tactics.

At least for now.

8/10

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Four in the Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier series, so that would make this number ten in the overall Lost Fleet series. And what a cool cover it has! But the marketing department struck again, because only a couple of details in that cover properly reflect the content.

This one was slightly different from the rest. Admiral Geary temporarily transfers his flag to Captain Duellos' ship, Inspire. It was kind of strange not having him on Dauntless with Capt. Desjani, but he has received orders from the Alliance that necessitated the move. He has to return some Syndic refugees to the Syndicate Worlds, specifically to Batara.

As others have probably already mentioned in their reviews, events move at a snail's pace for a large portion of the book. Things really didn't advance to a good clip until they were at Batara. The scene with the mob on the planet while they're trying to land the refugees was very well done. Great scene. Also, whenever he receives orders from the Alliance, not everything is what it seems. Those dirty dogs. The Alliance government has so much corruption that it's a wonder it has been around as long as it has.

This ends with not so much a cliffhanger, but a new unanticipated plot direction. I'm planning to read the next!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I said when Campbell started the second series featuring Jack Geary I did not see how he could keep the same level of tension that he had in the first set of books. After reading the first Beyond the Frontier books I admitted he has succeeded. I was expecting the same in Steadfast but it just was not there. What was there was information needed for the story to continue but it just was not exciting. I kept reading expecting the book to pick up but it did not until the very end. That part was exciting and sets up the next book. If you are a fan of the series as I am you will want to read Steadfast and like me you will be looking forward to the next book. Just don’t expect the same level of tension that is present in previous books. Instead Steadfast is like many middle books in a series it is just a filler to set up the next book.

[Kev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is military science fiction done well! Not too political, not just all space combat - Jack Campbell hits all the right notes with the Black Jack Geary series.

In my opinion, Campbell outdoes Weber at military science fiction. Whereas Weber's excellent Honor Harrington series gets deep into the political actions of ...well, absolutely everyone who ever took a breath, Campbell's Lost Fleet series keeps the long-winded political machinations to a minimum. Oh, you'll still get interstellar politics and conspiracies, but it's always shown from the main characters' points of view.

You also get great space battles, interesting aliens, some exploration (though not in this particular book), and an galaxy in-flux as the war has ended and star systems are trying to figure out where they stand and with whom they stand.

To round out what makes the Lost Fleet series, and Steadfast in-particular, great reading is the characters. Everyone has a story and gets a little bit of the narrative without taking focus from the story.

One of the things I like about this series is each novel is named after a ship in the fleet. We find out what's special about Steadfast towards the end of this book.

While Steadfast, the novel, takes place deep within the series, it does a good job of briefly mentioning what's come before. If this is the first book you pick up, you won't be completely lost as to what's going on and why. I've read a few of the novels in the series before Steadfast, and enjoyed them all.

Fans of the Honor Harrington series, Star Wars or Star Trek, or any other military science fiction series will enjoy the Lost Fleet series.

[L.E. Doggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really three and a half but as I have said before I can't make it a half here.

Good action, could have some more suspense in some of the battles. But other things are happening too so it is not all combat. Some twists in this book too. The descriptions are good too.


A good book but I don't think a great one. But still if you like space opera and that type read this one-after you catch up to it in the series. Lets of good action in the various books before this one. Surprises too.

[keikii Eats Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

To read more reviews in this series and others, check out keikii eats books!

81 points, 4 ¼ stars

Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary managed to get the Dancers back to Alliance space safely. Then they had a request. They wanted to visit Lyons, Kansas, but they wouldn't say why. Things go wrong in a variety of ways, but they're all mostly okay and ready to head back. And then the Dancers leave on another mission. Geary is asked to look after a backwater area of space experiencing a lot of troubles after the war - and finds a force capable of destroying the Alliance.

Steadfast was interesting because it had a lot going on, but not all at once. I liked this book the most in this series to date. This one had at least three major plots that happened throughout the book. It happened to make the story so much more interesting for me.

The first part is Earth, where two separate things start at once. Geary is bringing the Dancers to Earth for some mysterious task. It is actually really quite amazing, and I love it to pieces, but I won't share what it is. But that starts the "just what the hell do the Dancers want with us" arc that spans across the entire book and beyond. The Dancers aren't communicating to their full potential and now they're going off to do their own thing. It is a bit worrisome, but they do appear to be allies.

The second part is that Earth system isn't as wholesome as they had hoped. It is still broken by wars. Mars is a bit of a nightmare planet. And then there is Europa which we have already heard about. A moon that has been completely been put off limits because of an escaped virus. And they have to rescue two of their crew members from there. Interesting development. Then there is the "ha ha funny - not" portion, where the Sol system is a nightmare of bureaucracy and "has too many lawyers". Yes, super funny. Look at all my laughing. Oh all you hear is silence? Imagine that.

When they get back to Alliance space, the politicians have a new task for Geary. There is a small planet near the border with the Syndicate that they want Geary to help. Newly Ex-Syndicate peoples are flocking to this planet as refugees. The planet doesn't have money or forces to solve the problem. So they send Geary and a small portion of the fleet, with no resources or money of his own to work with, only his brains. I am getting really tired of the sheer incompetence of everyone in this series other than Geary and those he has trained. They cannot possibly be the only ones in the entire Alliance that can get things done. The Alliance would have collapsed years ago if that were true. I'm also really tired of Geary having to continually say he isn't going to take over the Alliance. At this point I feel like it is the only way to save everything is for him to take over. Holy hell how is everyone incompetent?

This is also the first time Geary spends any time away from Desjani, and I really like this part of the story. Even if it was kind of uncomfortable to experience. It shows just how much Geary and Desjani work as a pair. I really like the relationship now. The whole Desjani vs. Rione thing is annoying as all hell and really, really old by now. However, Geary and Desjani are quite the pair and work well together.

There was just so much going on in Steadfast. The dancers, keeping the Syndicates from breaking entirely, supporting people breaking from the Syndicates, and keeping the Alliance government off their backs. I really appreciated it because this was the first book so far that I found I wasn't bored during large parts of it. It was just a complete break from what I've come to expect out of this series. Then something happens at the very end of the book, and I'm curious where it is going to take me.

[J.R. Handley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing series that I lost myself in it. So much so that I had to write my review of the whole rather the individual parts. My thoughts don't fit in this block, so read my entire review here.
https://jrhandley.com/2020/04/19/book...

Okay, let’s get into the weeds on this one! I’ve organized my overall assessment by putting the stuff I didn’t like first so we can end on a high note. I also want to be clear that I really loved this series overall, it’s why I plowed through the audiobooks so quickly that I had to write a series review instead of an individual one for each of the six novels that make up The Lost Fleet Series. And the entirety of this series got better as the author continued to expand and grow the universe.

Alright, let’s rip off the band-aide and dive in. There were many parts that I wasn’t thrilled with in this series. There were a lot of places in the series that felt repetitive, re-treading the same events. This often happened between books, which I knew was to refresh the memory of the readers. This was specifically important given the four-year window that existed between the start if this series and when the last book was completed. However, this also manifested with tiresome references to whether or not John Geary was a man of myth and legend. I understand that that part of the story was necessary, but the author was a bit ham-fisted with it.

As well as the repetitive details of the myths, I also felt there were too many secondary characters. I never connected with them, we never really learned anything about them, which made them feel one-dimensional. There were so many officers zooming on and off the stage that I felt like I was going to catch a cold from the breeze. I realize that this was done to add depth to the series, but it just rubs me the wrong way. This could just be an issue of taste, so your mileage may vary.

While I loved the audio narration, I did have one complaint about the production decisions. During several periods where they were trying to set the mood, to ramp up the tension, they added dramatic music to the audiobook. This was done at a volume just below the narrator’s voice, so it created a layered effect that allowed you to still hear Christian Rummel’s dictation. For whatever reason, it annoyed me and I briefly considered putting the audiobook down. I’m glad I didn’t because once I tuned that out, this audiobook became a rollicking good adventure!

Finally, let’s look at one more area that was a little disappointing was the combat scene between the fleets. It was really hard to picture the battles; I knew they were massive, but I never really knew how many forces were in the Alliance Fleet at the start of the campaign into Syndicate space. Without that sense of scope at the beginning, everything was just a list of random ship names and combat maneuver formations. I wanted to see it in my head, but I couldn’t visualize it. That was frustrating because military science fiction is my jam and I want to get to know all of the characters. However, this wasn’t enough to make me put down the series despite having run several times.

Right, now we get to talk about the good things! First, I loved the basic premise of this series. The concept of a long retreating action in space was a lot of fun to see played out, especially given that the technology in most science fiction negates this as a possibility. The way Jack Campbell pulled this off was nothing short of amazing. The tension was high the entire time, and I often wondered if he would live. I forced myself not to acknowledge that the follow-on books existed so that I could experience the tension of their dire situation.

If it wasn’t clear, I really liked this space odyssey. It felt like a modern adaptation of the classic Horatio Hornblower saga, which I’m a huge fan of. If you didn’t know this was set in space – you could almost imagine the smell of salt in the sea and the creaking of the wooden boats. This, when combined with the undercurrent of the Arthurian mythos, made this a highly memorable universe. I really felt like the two concepts merged well together, and I really wish I’d thought of it first!

Next, I’d like to say that this series was a lot harder on the physics than what I’d typically read. However, the focus on the laws of relativity was dumbed down enough that even I could understand them. I didn’t check his math, but it came off as extremely believable. I would probably never try writing a series that wasn’t vetted by professors at Handwavium University, but the author made it work!

Another area where the military culture it was spot on. There was even that rivalry between the fleet and her marine compliment! This was just what I’d expect from a naval officer and ship handling veteran. That’s right, Jack Campbell served in the U.S. Navy, and it showed in his understanding of the culture of the swabbie! Because of this, the author made it clear that his world was flushed out and didn’t fall into some of the traps most military sci-fi did. The sailors run out of bombs and power cores for their cannons, dumb luck happens, and good sailors still die. It was everything you want from the space fleet subgenre of military science fiction. The battle scenes were believable, gripping, and I never felt like the author missed a chance to get creative with the tactics. Well, at least with the parts that I could visualize. Such a detailed portrayal of fleet tactics is rare, so it was nice to add another universe to the list!

Am I gushing too much yet? Because another way that this universe shined brighter than a nova was in the multiple distinct political groups that the author created. There were at least four main polities, and every single one was slightly different, giving some depth to the universe. I really wanted to know more about all of them, to explore the nooks and crannies of life in the worlds that Jack Campbell’s imagination spewed for us to read. I think that you’ll feel the same, so let’s pressure the author to keep writing and giving us more to love!

Okay, have I hinted that I enjoyed this universe yet? Good, I want it to be obvious! So, to wrap this bad boy up, I loved this series. Each one of these novels was at least 90,000 words long, about what you expect from the genre. Despite the length, each book felt like a quick read. If you didn’t know how long each novel was, you could almost imagine them as short stories. This is because they were so engrossing that the reader loses track of time, while they temporarily live in the story. The author definitely made me want more from this universe, and I’ll definitely be reading the follow-on series that are already available. Seriously, any offer that can make me read their books multiple times is doing something right. This is at least the fourth time I’ve read through these books, and I never felt like I was wasting my time in coming back to this familiar stomping ground.

Seriously, I realize I’ve gone full fanboy, but the author definitely raised the bar for space fleet military science fiction authors everywhere. I was hooked from the first page/minute! Jack Campbell wove the action into the onboard drama among the fleet in such a compelling way that you wanted to sign up in the Alliance Fleet, despite the stench of their sailory ways! Basically, Campbell had me hooked from the beginning and kept it going throughout the whole series. These are books that I would happily recommend, and an author I will definitely read again. Buy these novels! But hey, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money! I give these books a 4 out of 5 grenades!

If this book sounds like it’s right up your alley, check it out! You won’t regret it! Well, unless it keeps you up all night and you’re late to work… and then your boss fires you because you became a book addict and a rabid Jack Campbell fan. And then you track him down and climb into his window in your skivvies, and he shoots you with his phasers set to kill. Okay, the fanboy/fangirl syndrome MIGHT kill you. Be warned, but enjoy the high!

[Hermes Vasconcellos netto · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is starting to get boring, but i guess it was kind of expected after ten books. I belive the problem is the author is becoming too formulaic. It is very easy to see how plots will unfold when they are presented to you.

The book becomes interesting only very near to it's end. A very interesting plot twist is presented at that point, one that can force a huge change for Black Jack. However, two things made me completly pissed off with the ending. First, the situation is resolved again in a predictable way. And second and much worse, the book ends in a terrible cliff hanger. You are left with a rushed explanation for one of most important events in the series and the book simply ends.

I really did not like the way this book was written and developed, specially i hated the way the end was presented. My only consolation is that the next book in the series might be a very good one, Jack Campbell just need to invest in the ideias they just planted at the end of this one. Hopefully he can get back the feeling that we had in the first books of the series.

[M Hamed · Rating 1 out of 5]

one more ,just one more

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steadfast continues on from the previous book with Geary and Tanja stopping off at earth and in the process getting introduced to other nations both beyond the Sol System and on Earth itself which is still heavily divided! :D The scenes with the Dancers along with the others are brilliantly played with the aliens showing the best in humanity! :D We also get more in depth look at what has happened to Earth over the years and this lays down plot points that will no doubt pop up in other books! :D

Steadfast also allows for a lot of character development with the senator Sakai, Durin and Suva getting face time and at the same time Geary and Tanja get more developed! :D The books set up things perfectly for sequels and throughout the battles and politics rage in a brilliant way! :D Throughout also more and more plot points are set up which as ever gives the whole book a feeling of depth and adventure! :D As ever though there is humour throughout which pops up all over the place giving the book a light fun feel as well! :D

Steadfast is clever, funny, intriguing and action packed! :D Brilliant and highly recommended! :D

[Michael Burnam-Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steadfast has even smaller stakes than the prior books, as Geary has to take a part of the fleet to deal with some humanitarian issues in the Syndic world. The basic political instability of the Alliance in the peace is an issue that can't be solved with appeals to honor and political supremacy over the military, and things are falling apart all over the place.

The ground action, which takes place on the quarantine moon of Europa, and saves two members of the crew from an ancient super-plague, is better than most. The last fight, against an AI controlled fleet run by a simulation of Geary's own tactics, is the first real threat in a while.

[Mark Hebwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hm - this is getting a bit boring now. This book feels more like a series of battle sequences strung together with some background story. Or was this the other books leading up to this - must admit I dont quite remember the plot, even now. I used to love most of the books in the Lost Fleet series, but I wonder whether the concept is getting a bit old now.

[Margarita Gacía · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nuestro almirante favorito se enfrenta a nuevos retos (como en cada novela de la serie) y los supera con su característico aplomo (como en cada novela de la serie).
A pesar de que tiene mucho politiqueo y pocas batallas, la tensión crece de tal manera que cuando llegas al apoteósico final solo quieres leer la continuación.
Y menos mal que la tengo.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting Military Science Fiction

[Donncha Ó Caoimh · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same, and starting to recycle ideas.. still a great read!

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steadfast starts slowly, then adds dimension to several elements of the Admiral Geary saga as it builds to an unexpected cliffhanger. This penultimate entry in the Lost Fleet series leaves enough open questions to set up the finale, which follows in Leviathan.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

I had wondered in what direction the story would go after what seemed like an arc-ending plot in the previous book, Guardian (finding the Dancers and then bringing them to Earth). But in this book 4 of the Beyond the Frontier saga, author Campbell continues to impress and somehow manages to completely up the ante. But it isn't all new storyline: reoccurring themes such as the mystery of the 'dancing lights' in hyperspace, as well as newer plot developments of the secretly constructed new fleet are brought up here again and more tantalizing hints given. It makes for great space opera: overall story arcs across the entire series, smaller story arcs across subseries, and then several book-only arcs all weave together superbly.

Story: Geary is vacationing on Earth with Desjani, dealing with the homeworld's endless bureaucracy and paperwork. When two of the Dauntless' officers are kidnapped, Geary tracks them down to a world wiped clean by a man-made virus and then strictly quarantined. Meanwhile, he will also be sent on a seemingly insignificant errand to deal with Syndicate refugees. He's going to find that the Syndicate isn't quite done with him yet. And as for the Dancers - they are leaving tantalizing hints that something is very wrong in the universe. And at its heart, the Alliance itself.

All the usual battle scenes are here - with a surprising and inventive new battle at the end. There is also a lot of soul searching as Geary begins to realize he might just be guided by the Living Stars after all. Themes such as his reliance and growth from Rione and Desjani are given new light when he is separated from the Dauntless and instead accompanies Duellos on a seemingly futile mission. And an old menace from the very first book makes a reappearance to cause mayhem.

I have to hand it to Campbell for creating yet a new, highly significant, and very dangerous enemy by the end of this book. He will, literally, have to completely change everything he does/knows about warfare if he hopes to survive. And, of course, his reliance on his officers is now especially important.

The one thing you can count on with Campbell's books are the many Chekhov's Guns throughout most of the early parts of each book. I was greatly surprised this time and didn't spot any of them until the reveals at the end. Some are subtle, some are obvious, but all show the thought that goes into the writing of each of these series.

The question is: in this 10th book in the overall series, are the plots/books still fresh and do we still have all the great space opera action, human characters, and unique plots? And the answer is an unequivocal yes. I eagerly await the next book - and until then will continue to follow the Midway-set Lost Stars series as well (which had an appearance in this book).

Note: I chose the Audible version of this story and it continues with the same narrator as all the previous books.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Steadfast” by Jack Campbell, is book four in the “Beyond the frontier” sub series of the “Lost Fleet” series. This series must be read from the beginning and read book by book or else you can easily get lost. Campbell writes his series as if it is one long continuous story. The book opens where the last one left off with The Fleet accompanying the “Dancers” (a new race introduced in book 2) to Kansas to return the body of a lost astronaut from the early days of the Earth space program. There is an attempt on the life of Black Jack Geary and his wife Captain Tonya Desjani. Unknown agents successful kidnap two officers from Dauntless who Black Jack and crew must rescue. After returning to Alliance space the Fleet headquarters orders Admiral Black Jack Geary to take a squadron out to return refugee back to a syndicate world they are fleeing from. As the Dauntless is in repair, Captain Desjani is placed in charge of the fleet while Black Jack is gone. This is the first time in the history of the series they have been separated. I assume the author is trying to feature other crew members of the fleet to add some more character depth. Black Jack’s ships have to face off with a battleship which creates lots of action and suspense. The planet is apparently involved in a Civil War and as usual Black Jack must help solve some of their problems so refugee will not be fleeing the planet again. On returning to Alliance he and Desjani must take what ships are repaired and quickly return the “Dancers” to their own space. On the return trip home they are attacked by an unknown black fleet that is attacking both Alliance and Syndicate worlds, our Heroes become suspicious that this fleet is actually a secret fleet of the dysfunctional Alliance government who are afraid that Black Jack will take over the government. Lots of space battles, which Campbell is a master of, along with nail-biting suspense, intrigue, some humor and service politics. The book ends by setting us up perfectly for the next book in the series. Christian Rummel does a good job narrating the story. Rummel has been the narrator throughout the series.

[Per Gunnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately it is my opinion that this series is loosing steam. The original series, The Lost Fleet, had a purpose and a goal. Every book advanced the story towards that goal and they were generally quite enjoyable to read. This follow-up series, Beyond The Frontier, started well enough but already the second book felt like it was going downhill and the previous book in the series was not all that impressive. Unfortunately this one follows the same trend.

As I wrote, the book is not really going anywhere. It is just one problem for Geary to solve after another and all of them are created by various more or less intelligent (usually less) political manipulators and career hunters. Geary has recently come back after having discovered not one but several civilisations, all of them travelling the stars but not all of them friendly. Even the dumbass politicians in these books should start to get concerned by this. But they continue with their political machinations as well as trying to cut corners and costs for the military.

To constantly read about these dumbass politicians, their screw-ups, the constantly failing hardware and Geary having to wade through this swamp of political nonsense seeing his fleet gradually being whittled down is tiresome and not at all fun reading. It is really a shame because when the action starts it is quite good. The fleet action is among the better ones around. So are the characters, at least the ones that are not in the political dumbass camp.

I really hope that this series will be shaping up and that the next instalment will bring not just be another string of screw-ups for Geary to solve, tone down the political BS and bring back some focus on a larger goal, preferably involving some of the aliens.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK. “Uncle”. Campbell, you win. I hoped that this was last book in the series – which I have very much enjoyed – but I just want to know how it ends already!

Don’t you dare read this book without prior series knowledge! It picks up right where the prior book ended (on old earth). The living legend, Black Jack Geary, the hero who saved the Alliance, is the conquering hero – yet still disdaining political power. (Darn. He’s near perfect.)

Following the cessation of a century long war, our hero just wants to have a normal life – without the rigors of saving mankind. No chance. He’s got assassins after him. This flagship’s offers have been kidnapped. He has to deal with a plague. The military industrial complex sends him on yet another mission, attempting to setup a failure. There’s a mysterious new enemy. He even has his closest friends and longtime series characters are sent to different ship. (Why the author did that, I’ll never understand.) And, there are STILL loose ends in the storyline…

Yikes! This is the 10th book in the saga – and I’ve had it. I’m swearing off. For me, the series has finally gotten stale. I’m done with it.

I’ve gotten my money’s worth though. Nice trip, Jack. Thanks for the ride.

[Virginia Boylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was eager to read this, as I have been for the rest of the series. It should have been half as long, not to mention half as expensive. Whether it's the publisher or Amazon, someone in real life is getting as greedy in publishing this book as are some fictional politicians in the book. I have paperback or hardback editions of everything in both the Lost Fleet and Lost Stars series--until now. I got the audio version, but unless the price drops, won't get a physical copy this time. As for the story, itself, it was tediously detailed for far too many pages, and we didn't even get a good explanation for why, other than crew loyalty, they took such risks to rescue the kidnapped Dauntless crew. I expected at least a few words about their value to the ship, as well as some personal reflection on how they would be missed as people if they were permanently lost. Their own personal reactions to each other highlighted this lack among their crewmates. The rest of the story picked up from there, but even then no one seemed to give a second thought to the existence of another empire of human-colonized planets in the other end of the galactic arm.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steadfast is book 4 of the Lost Fleet:Beyond the Frontier series by Jack Campbell. It is better than book 3 but I'm still not understanding what the goal is here. (Update: I read book 5 "Leviathan," so now I know, but it sure took long enough.)

The story: Jack Black and his wife, Captain Tanya Desjani are on Earth visiting the sights. They learn lessons there that help them understand a mysterious force that is attacking what is left of the Syndicate Worlds and the Alliance itself.

Any problems with this book? It seems to be two novelettes in one book. There is the first part where they are on Earth and within the solar system. Then they are in Alliance space and chasing the Star Dancers all over the place while trying to figure out why the Alliance is running out of money.

It seems more like a lesson in economics than a SciFi book for a while.

It all settles down and leaves us with a mystery at the end and an exciting opening for the next book.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the series is fumbling a bit here because of over extension. Especially after the dramatic conclusion of the last, for all its drama, this one is a bit episodic. (I think it picks up a continuing thread toward the end for the next books.)

But we have adventures on Earth, where people try to assassinate or exploit their venture, the discovery of a plot to foment dissension among the armed forces, a mission, nominally to contain a refugee problem, that actually goes much deeper, and finally a discovery of what, exactly, the civilian government is up to.

This includes some fancy footwork with orders, a discussion of the dangers of entirely automated systems, a visit to an orphanage, the Dancers' sending two message "Watch the many stars" and "Watch the different stars," a hot-head who's pleased as punch that he saw something was an attempt to provoke him, a discussion about Geary's grand-nephew, and much more.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the series. Black Jack goes from one mess to another, and his enemies aren't always the ones he's expecting. Lots of twists and turns and space battles. The series is going in an intriguing direction.

Reviewed for Bitten by Books. http://bittenbybooks.com.

[Loopy · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 Oct Oh boy, the boredom factor is strong in this one.
Old Earth and Europa were interesting but now, it's a slog and I'm skimming. Heading for 2 stars - if I ever finish it.

8 Oct Ok, finally finished it. 60-85% was a drag. Thankfully, the last 10-15% picked up but it was an obvious set up for another book.

2.5 stars

[Chip · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just read nearly 400 pages (to be honest, started skimming towards the end) with darn near zero plot/story development. Getting a little old - not like anyone's reading these for the writing, which is simply adequate. This is book TEN - what's he aiming for, 20?

[Farhad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admiral Geary now taking side quest missions from NPCs in this book based on lost fleet Role playing game.

well this summarize my feeling about steadfast. worst book so far in series with no doubt.