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The Lost Fleet Universe
Rendezvous with Corsair: A Lost Fleet Collection
Jack Campbell’s New York Times bestselling The Lost Fleet sci-fi adventure series has transported legions of fans out of this world and into the heat of battle. Now, listeners will discover how it all began—not only for John “Black Jack” Geary and his descendant Commander Michael Geary, but for those who fought and sacrificed so much alongside them.
Spanning from before the Alliance/Syndicate war to the devastating initial conflagration that would lead to decades of unremitting conflict and beyond into full-blown war, from the Geary’s own epic heroics to where their surviving compatriots found their own fates, this volume reveals the triumphs, tragedies, and life-altering events that made these warriors living legends in their universe.
Packed with high-stakes military action and drama as well as humor and humanity, this volume explores the foundations of The Lost Fleet series as well as past exploits of its most popular characters—and also includes the novelization of the Lost Fleet graphic novel Corsair, which was praised as “a Tom Clancy thriller in space” (Publishers Weekly).
Spanning from before the Alliance/Syndicate war to the devastating initial conflagration that would lead to decades of unremitting conflict and beyond into full-blown war, from the Geary’s own epic heroics to where their surviving compatriots found their own fates, this volume reveals the triumphs, tragedies, and life-altering events that made these warriors living legends in their universe.
Packed with high-stakes military action and drama as well as humor and humanity, this volume explores the foundations of The Lost Fleet series as well as past exploits of its most popular characters—and also includes the novelization of the Lost Fleet graphic novel Corsair, which was praised as “a Tom Clancy thriller in space” (Publishers Weekly).
Audible Audio
First published January 23, 2024
About the author
Jack Campbell
112 books3,066 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 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 24, 2024
RENDEZVOUS WITH CORSAIR by Jack Campbell is supposedly an anthology set in the Lost Fleet universe, but I am going to argue it's actually 75% of a novel with some bonus short stories. This makes reviewing it something of a difficult prospect as I am by no means an unbiased source. You see, I *LOVE* The Lost Fleet universe.
The adventures of Jack "Black Jack" Geary are my comfort food. Captain Kirk plus Paragon Shepard is the best fleet commander the galaxy could ask for and he does so by abiding by the rules of war as well as not being a military maverick. It's almost unprecedented in the history of science fiction. They were an influence on my books (Space Academy Dropouts) and I devour them like candy.
The majority of this book is actually an adaptation of another character's adventure, though. Michael Geary, Black Jack's great-great-great nephew was captured by the EVIL Syndics (Boo! Hiss!) and ends up having to escape with a beautiful rebel, Destina Aragon. Who, contrary to what her name sounds like, is not a Harry Potter character but someone that probably would be cast with, "Basically the Black Widow from the MCU. Give her a sexy foreign accent too." Seriously, my reviews of these books always get silly.
This is a story I'm already familiar with because it was told in the Titan comic series, CORSAIR, but is now being adapted to prose. I really enjoyed the comic but can understand if the author thought most of his readers would be unfamiliar with it. The story flows exactly like you expect it to with Michael being the fearless paragon of Alliance morality while Destina suggests the pragmatic ex-Syndic renegade choice. Smoldering sexual tension but they are from different worlds! Etcetera-etcetera.
Then the story ends before its climax and tells us to go buy THE LOST FLEET: BOUNDLESS to get the rest of the story. Seriously, Jack? What the hell? I've already read Boundless, I wanted to hear the events of that book's ending from Michael's perspective as well as maybe go a bit further. Get some more steamy time with the main characters (or any at all really). It's incredibly annoying and knocks a star off the book that really would have been better as a complete novel.
The rest of the book is short stories and they're fine. Just fine. We get to find out how Black Jack got his nickname, we get to see his fateful mission that sent him 100 years in the future like Buck Rogers, a story about one of his old crew mates mourning him, plus a short story that shows plucky second in command Tanya developing into the officer we know and love from the main series. They're fine, really, but Corsair is what I was really enjoying and can't help but feel cheated by the denial of a proper finish for. As mentioned, Boundless is from Black Jack's perspective and it's essentially like reading 75% of a Captain America comic and then switching to the story being resolved from, say, Spider-Man's perspective. Which has happened before and is always annoying.
The adventures of Jack "Black Jack" Geary are my comfort food. Captain Kirk plus Paragon Shepard is the best fleet commander the galaxy could ask for and he does so by abiding by the rules of war as well as not being a military maverick. It's almost unprecedented in the history of science fiction. They were an influence on my books (Space Academy Dropouts) and I devour them like candy.
The majority of this book is actually an adaptation of another character's adventure, though. Michael Geary, Black Jack's great-great-great nephew was captured by the EVIL Syndics (Boo! Hiss!) and ends up having to escape with a beautiful rebel, Destina Aragon. Who, contrary to what her name sounds like, is not a Harry Potter character but someone that probably would be cast with, "Basically the Black Widow from the MCU. Give her a sexy foreign accent too." Seriously, my reviews of these books always get silly.
This is a story I'm already familiar with because it was told in the Titan comic series, CORSAIR, but is now being adapted to prose. I really enjoyed the comic but can understand if the author thought most of his readers would be unfamiliar with it. The story flows exactly like you expect it to with Michael being the fearless paragon of Alliance morality while Destina suggests the pragmatic ex-Syndic renegade choice. Smoldering sexual tension but they are from different worlds! Etcetera-etcetera.
Then the story ends before its climax and tells us to go buy THE LOST FLEET: BOUNDLESS to get the rest of the story. Seriously, Jack? What the hell? I've already read Boundless, I wanted to hear the events of that book's ending from Michael's perspective as well as maybe go a bit further. Get some more steamy time with the main characters (or any at all really). It's incredibly annoying and knocks a star off the book that really would have been better as a complete novel.
The rest of the book is short stories and they're fine. Just fine. We get to find out how Black Jack got his nickname, we get to see his fateful mission that sent him 100 years in the future like Buck Rogers, a story about one of his old crew mates mourning him, plus a short story that shows plucky second in command Tanya developing into the officer we know and love from the main series. They're fine, really, but Corsair is what I was really enjoying and can't help but feel cheated by the denial of a proper finish for. As mentioned, Boundless is from Black Jack's perspective and it's essentially like reading 75% of a Captain America comic and then switching to the story being resolved from, say, Spider-Man's perspective. Which has happened before and is always annoying.
January 8, 2026
I was surprised to find a new story in the Lost Fleet universe, since I thought the series had ended. The book begins with Mark Geary escaping from a Syndic prison camp and later reveals how Black Jack Geary ended up in stasis at the start of the war. At just seven hours and forty-five minutes, it is shorter than most in the series, but still a rewarding listen. Christian Rummel continues his excellent narration, bringing consistency across the entire series. His performance makes the story engaging and reminds me why I enjoy returning to this universe.
March 20, 2025
Appears to me this is one of those authors who primarily works in novels without much shorts fiction, but unfortunately, his short fiction is better than his novels.
That's just based on what's in this book, which is one long novella and a handful of short stories, of which the shorter works came across far better.
In an extra effort for fair, I attempted Corsair a second time after enjoying the short stories, still a no-go.
That's just based on what's in this book, which is one long novella and a handful of short stories, of which the shorter works came across far better.
In an extra effort for fair, I attempted Corsair a second time after enjoying the short stories, still a no-go.
May 18, 2024
Rendezvous With Corsair by Jack Campbell is a collection of stories set in the "Lost Fleet" universe. It consists of the novella, Corsair, and four short stories, Shore Patrol, Grendel, Ishigaki, and Fleche. While Corsair is by far the best of these stories the other four are also very good reads. These stories provide background to the Lost Fleet storyline as well as background to some of the characters whom we have only read about in passing. All in all, this was a very entertaining read and I recommend it to all Lost Fleet fans.
March 1, 2024
These Lost Fleet stories are good ones. I have read several elsewhere and I enjoyed them again. It is nice to have these in one book. A must for Lost Fleet fans. I recommend this book for fans and non-fans. Good book :)
June 2, 2026
This year I decided to take a radically different approach to writing reviews.
From time to time I will be reading an entire series and only posting a review after ending it (or not ending it!)
First to get this treatment is “The Lost Fleet”, a whopping 22 books in total which is spread across five interlocking series and a final short story collection which reveals the answers to some questions raised by the series.
Primarily it is a story about power, warfare and family.
Central to it is the Geary family, in particular the almost mythological 'Black' Jack Geary, a warrior renowned throughout the Alliance system.
One hundred years after the war with the Syndicates began Black Jack is back and through a very singular series of events finds himself in charge of a fleet facing destruction.
But much has changed in the decades since he 'died', not least the loss of any any tactic other than head-on attack.
Ships have lifespans measured in months, as do their crews.
Little or no quarter is given or expected, the rules of war to which Capt. Geary was accustomed have been completely abandoned, leading to many atrocities on both sides.
The generally accepted wisdom is that both sides are too big to fail but neither has the strength to prevail.
However, as a hero returned from the dead and winner of several impossible fights Geary finds himself in a position where he is expected to wield his power to personally lead the Alliance. It is not a position he is comfortable with and one which he consistently tries to put down, but no matter what he says many believe that he doth protest too much and is, in reality, the power beyond the throne.
As his reputation spreads beyond the Alliance borders, others, Syndicates included, see him as their potential saviour.
The Geary family, across the generations, is central to the overall series.
When Back Jack returns two of his descendants are commanders in charge of fighting ships under his command.
They both grew up under the suffocating legend of Black Jack, the family tradition of fighting for the Alliance, and the expectations the family name places them under.
They both, initially at least, are less than happy to see their famous ancestor back.
In the Alliance the central religious belief is a form of ancestor worship (they are the stars in the skies) and it is widely believed that, under the right circumstances, they are capable of guiding the living. It is never made clear whether this belief is true or false but there are several instances in which that guidance may have been given (e.g. When Desjani dreams that Geary never died, or the case of the dripping candlestick).
The “Lost Fleet” series is largely about warfare, tactics in particular, and while the battles do tend to blend together in the mind they are vivid while reading them. At times, too, there is a strong feeling of loss and emotion after battle.
The story arc includes both the past and the present, as well as several books in which Black Jack is largely absent - a case of being able to look at two sides of the story.
Another important element involves space exploration and the eventual discovery of both hostile (very!) and possibly friendly alien races.
However, despite a form of universal translator being to hand, it proves exceptionally difficult to speak to the aliens in any meaningful way. Except for one race which appear to be channelling 'Oddball' (Donald Sutherland) in 'Kelly's Heroes'.
Of necessity there is a certain amount of repetition, recaps of events in previous books, and a constant explanation of how 'left', 'right', 'port', 'starboard' operates in star systems. It is slightly overdone but it is the smallest of niggles.
There is a small but well-managed sense of humour throughout ('Ensign Duck' was a particular joy) and strong emotions are well portrayed.
Frankly I am surprised that the author pulled the plug, even if it was after 22 books, as there are many avenues still open for continuation..
Still, all good things eventually come to an end!
I only give 5 Stars to books that have stayed with me over the decades (at my age it means that there will be few new entries), but the 'Lost Fleet' would have been a strong contender.
4.5 Stars, brought back to 4 Stars.
From time to time I will be reading an entire series and only posting a review after ending it (or not ending it!)
First to get this treatment is “The Lost Fleet”, a whopping 22 books in total which is spread across five interlocking series and a final short story collection which reveals the answers to some questions raised by the series.
Primarily it is a story about power, warfare and family.
Central to it is the Geary family, in particular the almost mythological 'Black' Jack Geary, a warrior renowned throughout the Alliance system.
One hundred years after the war with the Syndicates began Black Jack is back and through a very singular series of events finds himself in charge of a fleet facing destruction.
But much has changed in the decades since he 'died', not least the loss of any any tactic other than head-on attack.
Ships have lifespans measured in months, as do their crews.
Little or no quarter is given or expected, the rules of war to which Capt. Geary was accustomed have been completely abandoned, leading to many atrocities on both sides.
The generally accepted wisdom is that both sides are too big to fail but neither has the strength to prevail.
However, as a hero returned from the dead and winner of several impossible fights Geary finds himself in a position where he is expected to wield his power to personally lead the Alliance. It is not a position he is comfortable with and one which he consistently tries to put down, but no matter what he says many believe that he doth protest too much and is, in reality, the power beyond the throne.
As his reputation spreads beyond the Alliance borders, others, Syndicates included, see him as their potential saviour.
The Geary family, across the generations, is central to the overall series.
When Back Jack returns two of his descendants are commanders in charge of fighting ships under his command.
They both grew up under the suffocating legend of Black Jack, the family tradition of fighting for the Alliance, and the expectations the family name places them under.
They both, initially at least, are less than happy to see their famous ancestor back.
In the Alliance the central religious belief is a form of ancestor worship (they are the stars in the skies) and it is widely believed that, under the right circumstances, they are capable of guiding the living. It is never made clear whether this belief is true or false but there are several instances in which that guidance may have been given (e.g. When Desjani dreams that Geary never died, or the case of the dripping candlestick).
The “Lost Fleet” series is largely about warfare, tactics in particular, and while the battles do tend to blend together in the mind they are vivid while reading them. At times, too, there is a strong feeling of loss and emotion after battle.
The story arc includes both the past and the present, as well as several books in which Black Jack is largely absent - a case of being able to look at two sides of the story.
Another important element involves space exploration and the eventual discovery of both hostile (very!) and possibly friendly alien races.
However, despite a form of universal translator being to hand, it proves exceptionally difficult to speak to the aliens in any meaningful way. Except for one race which appear to be channelling 'Oddball' (Donald Sutherland) in 'Kelly's Heroes'.
Of necessity there is a certain amount of repetition, recaps of events in previous books, and a constant explanation of how 'left', 'right', 'port', 'starboard' operates in star systems. It is slightly overdone but it is the smallest of niggles.
There is a small but well-managed sense of humour throughout ('Ensign Duck' was a particular joy) and strong emotions are well portrayed.
Frankly I am surprised that the author pulled the plug, even if it was after 22 books, as there are many avenues still open for continuation..
Still, all good things eventually come to an end!
I only give 5 Stars to books that have stayed with me over the decades (at my age it means that there will be few new entries), but the 'Lost Fleet' would have been a strong contender.
4.5 Stars, brought back to 4 Stars.
March 10, 2024
Take my review with a grain of salt. I have been a fan of the author since his Stark’s War series and the Lost Fleet is hands down my favourite science fiction series. You’ve been warned.
This collection of stories fills in some details that are mentioned in the main series but aren’t fleshed out there. Well they are here….and with Henry’s characteristic genius for characterization.
There are a lot of military science fiction authors that can describe battles well. Some are even brilliant at it. While I would put Hemry in that category, he really shines in his characters. They come across as real people…and the products of their worlds in a way that feels alien but real.
This collection of stories fills in some details that are mentioned in the main series but aren’t fleshed out there. Well they are here….and with Henry’s characteristic genius for characterization.
There are a lot of military science fiction authors that can describe battles well. Some are even brilliant at it. While I would put Hemry in that category, he really shines in his characters. They come across as real people…and the products of their worlds in a way that feels alien but real.
December 22, 2025
A great collection to read after reading the Lost Fleet series
The stories in this collection range from the humorous (Shore Leave) to heroic, passing through all the emotions between them. I especially loved Fleche which works like an origin story for Captain Desjani. If you always wondered what made her so tough, this story will answer that question. It also touched on the profound sadness that fighting and killing can leave behind. I always thought that Jack Campbell was most like David Weber in his writing, but this collection reminded me more of the writings of Louis McMaster Bujold
The stories in this collection range from the humorous (Shore Leave) to heroic, passing through all the emotions between them. I especially loved Fleche which works like an origin story for Captain Desjani. If you always wondered what made her so tough, this story will answer that question. It also touched on the profound sadness that fighting and killing can leave behind. I always thought that Jack Campbell was most like David Weber in his writing, but this collection reminded me more of the writings of Louis McMaster Bujold
June 4, 2024
I absolutely love the first story in this book. Figured he had started with the best one. Then the second one was outstanding in a completely different way… this is an excellent book folks!
A bit of time passes between his books because authors are only human and can only write so fast , and in that in-between time I read a lot of other books… then I start reading a Jack Campbell book again, like this one, and I’m just blown away by how dadgum good he is! I can’t think of another writer whose books I love more consistently or more thoroughly than I do Jack Campbell’s.
A bit of time passes between his books because authors are only human and can only write so fast , and in that in-between time I read a lot of other books… then I start reading a Jack Campbell book again, like this one, and I’m just blown away by how dadgum good he is! I can’t think of another writer whose books I love more consistently or more thoroughly than I do Jack Campbell’s.
March 24, 2024
This is up Jack Campbell usually standards but in this book we get some more details of some of the stores in detail than in "The Lost Fleet" books The only nagging thing is that Jack Campbell tells us in every book about up and down and starboard and port like we some kind of idiots enough is enough we his fans who have got every book knows what he means without explaining it every time so PLEASE NO MORE UP/DOWN PORT/STARBOARD
September 2, 2024
A solid collection of stories. Most of the page count is dedicated to a novella that adapts the Corsair comics - I much prefer this version because it feels more like a Jack Campbell story in prose. Also included is the tale of Geary's desperate stand at Grendel. I've wanted to read this one for a while and it's a relief not to hunt down an obscure anthology in order to do so.
February 27, 2025
This is a collection of 1 novella and a handful short stories, that fills in some gaps in the story of John Geary (aka Black Jack) and others we have met, or never met. I do like the longer books (which are still quite short) better, but these stories could easily have been chapters in other books as they are very similar in style and tone.
September 28, 2025
This is a collection of short stories with no tie-in or central theme connecting them. The stories are good, such as Michael Geary's escape from syndic captivity, and the early shaping of Black Jack and how he got that moniker. But if you are looking for a “novel,” this is not it. I docked it a star for the failure to tie these stories together somehow. As far as pieces of the overall Black Jack universe, they were nice tidbits.
October 23, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this book. While the stories by themselves are not complete, they fill in some areas covered in the original series. With that in mind I recommend reading the original series first and then picking this one up. It's like reading the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit series and saying, wow I wonder what happened in areas that were only briefly touched on.
January 30, 2024
Nice collection
I enjoyed this collection of short stories that provides some background of the characters in the longer novels. It's a pleasure read these and expand the background of the characters in the lost fleet.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories that provides some background of the characters in the longer novels. It's a pleasure read these and expand the background of the characters in the lost fleet.
March 19, 2024
Worthwhile Group of Exciting Origin and Side Stories
A long and enjoyable side story that ends up a prequel. Then short stories setting up both Black Jack and Desjani. A great read.
A long and enjoyable side story that ends up a prequel. Then short stories setting up both Black Jack and Desjani. A great read.
August 25, 2024
I'm a big fan of the lost fleet series. As such a set of short stories that set up the immediate past history is quite interesting. As usual, Hemry has a great touch and writing style in these tales. It is great that he gives some of the past of two of the main characters Geary and Desjani.
February 7, 2025
Beyond Black Jack
This collection extends the universe created in the Lost Fleet series etc. These novellas go beyond that and explain aspects of those tales, filling out the back stories touched upon in the other books. Loved this book.
This collection extends the universe created in the Lost Fleet series etc. These novellas go beyond that and explain aspects of those tales, filling out the back stories touched upon in the other books. Loved this book.
February 8, 2024
I liked it. Would of liked a little more of went on board Corsair in Kane. But overall was good. Maybe there will be a spinoff book or series with Micheal Geary.Or Aragon.
February 12, 2024
A nice compilation of short stories about characters in the Lost Fleet series that includes the prose adaptation of the Corsair Comic book series. Highly recommend if you enjoy the series.
February 21, 2024
3.5 stars.
June 5, 2024
One novella and four short stories that are
excellent
.
June 24, 2024
Short Stories (some familiar, some not, and one original) that give breadth and color to the Lost Fleet Universe. JC needs to write more of these, and faster.
July 3, 2024
Nice!
This was like a delicious ice cream bar on a hot day. It hit the spot and tied up some loose ends for Black Jack and the storylines connected to him. Good job!
This was like a delicious ice cream bar on a hot day. It hit the spot and tied up some loose ends for Black Jack and the storylines connected to him. Good job!
July 30, 2024
Good collection of short stories building Black Jack universe filling details that I had questions about. Though I enjoyed them all, my fav is still Grendel, where we lose Black Jack for a bit.
October 8, 2024
Excellent especially the world building short stories after the main part.
October 20, 2024
While I always enjoy time in this universe, I found the main story a bit clunky, while the additional short stories were much better at table setting.
October 20, 2024
Great Backstories
While these various backstories stories have been alluded to in the series, it’s nice to actually read a full story about each of the events. Thank you.
While these various backstories stories have been alluded to in the series, it’s nice to actually read a full story about each of the events. Thank you.
February 7, 2025
A Great “Black Jack” Book!
This book explains a lot of the back story of many of the characters that Jack Campbell has created. Well worth reading.
This book explains a lot of the back story of many of the characters that Jack Campbell has created. Well worth reading.
April 26, 2025
Excellent prequel stories
This book brings me back to the series read some time ago. Excellent storytelling is making me want more again.
This book brings me back to the series read some time ago. Excellent storytelling is making me want more again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews