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Top Duck
Bo Duckworth has assembled a ragtag team of ex-Marines and one ex-girlfriend who happens to be a heavily modified former SSI operative. Together they face their first assignment for Tom Savage and Phaethon Corp., the retrieval of a valuable solar unit.
But the Unshaven want someone on Bo’s team. In the midst of open warfare between mining companies on the frontiers of explored space, they seek to capture Bo’s ex and bring her to their leader, Moretti.
It’s a rat’s nest of danger, intrigue, and all-around trouble . . . a perfect environment for Top Duck!
Jump into the second book of this fast-release, high octane Space Marines saga!
But the Unshaven want someone on Bo’s team. In the midst of open warfare between mining companies on the frontiers of explored space, they seek to capture Bo’s ex and bring her to their leader, Moretti.
It’s a rat’s nest of danger, intrigue, and all-around trouble . . . a perfect environment for Top Duck!
Jump into the second book of this fast-release, high octane Space Marines saga!
- GenresSpace Opera
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2025
168 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Jaxon Reed
97 books179 followersJaxon Reed is a speculative fiction author and two-time winner of Amazon's Kindle Scout program.
Jaxon is an Aggie, living in Texas on a ranch with his wife and boys, several cats, and one pound dog.
Sign up for new release alerts, sales and freebies at https://jaxonreed.substack.com
Jaxon is an Aggie, living in Texas on a ranch with his wife and boys, several cats, and one pound dog.
Sign up for new release alerts, sales and freebies at https://jaxonreed.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 24, 2025
A New Team Forms . . .
Bo Duckworth was a former master sergeant with the Republican Marines. Facing excessive violence, Tom Savage decided to gather his own military forces to protect his company’s personnel and tech interests. And Bo seems perfectly capable of satisfying that request. Bo assembles his team using ex-Marines, extremely tall Tobias McMillan, and Bo's fast-thinking, impressive ex-girlfriend, a former SSI operative named Estelle Garcia ("Elle"). The teams head out on their mission together, but Elle is put in danger as a target when the enemy wants to capture her and present her to their leader. But the enemy hasn't met the new team! And none of them know what to expect from the "lady"... yet. Hang on to your weapons, chaos is about to erupt and you won't have a chance to take a calming breath for quite some time ...
Once again, this author has pulled me into yet another of my new favorite series! Even if we start out in a quiet scene, we know better than to relax because sooner or later, a surprise move will put us right back into chaos! Love it! Be prepared for the author’s pulse-pounding fast action story as we join another adventure in the fight for survival. There is so much more included in this book and you won't want to miss a single page!
Bo Duckworth was a former master sergeant with the Republican Marines. Facing excessive violence, Tom Savage decided to gather his own military forces to protect his company’s personnel and tech interests. And Bo seems perfectly capable of satisfying that request. Bo assembles his team using ex-Marines, extremely tall Tobias McMillan, and Bo's fast-thinking, impressive ex-girlfriend, a former SSI operative named Estelle Garcia ("Elle"). The teams head out on their mission together, but Elle is put in danger as a target when the enemy wants to capture her and present her to their leader. But the enemy hasn't met the new team! And none of them know what to expect from the "lady"... yet. Hang on to your weapons, chaos is about to erupt and you won't have a chance to take a calming breath for quite some time ...
Once again, this author has pulled me into yet another of my new favorite series! Even if we start out in a quiet scene, we know better than to relax because sooner or later, a surprise move will put us right back into chaos! Love it! Be prepared for the author’s pulse-pounding fast action story as we join another adventure in the fight for survival. There is so much more included in this book and you won't want to miss a single page!
November 24, 2025
Dive into the captivating Phaethon Corp. series with the thrilling second installment, Top Duck. From the very first page, this page-turner by Jaxon Reed will have you hooked, immersed in its captivating world.
The team of ex-Marines, led by Bo Duckworth, his ex-girlfriend Elle, and Tobias, embark on a mission to retrieve a valuable solar unit for the Phaethon Corp.
Their journey takes them to the planet Helsinki, where they encounter a group called the Unshaven, who have been trailing them.
The Unshaven have a particular interest in Elle, wanting to take her to their leader, Moretti. But Elle has no intention of going anywhere against her will.
As Bo and Elle are held at gunpoint, Tobias engages in a thrilling battle with the Unshaven, relishing the challenge. This captivating world of the Phaethon Corp. series continues to captivate and enthrall readers.
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the captivating universe of Phaethon Corp! This immersive world offers a thrilling blend of interstellar battles, space exploration, and encounters with advanced nanobots, reminiscent of beloved sci-fi classics like Star Trek and Stargate SG-1.
Eager to delve deeper into this captivating realm? The upcoming release of Miner War on December 25, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss your chance to explore this extraordinary universe!
For all you space opera and science fiction enthusiasts, Top Duck is a must-read. Prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime – grab your copy today!
The team of ex-Marines, led by Bo Duckworth, his ex-girlfriend Elle, and Tobias, embark on a mission to retrieve a valuable solar unit for the Phaethon Corp.
Their journey takes them to the planet Helsinki, where they encounter a group called the Unshaven, who have been trailing them.
The Unshaven have a particular interest in Elle, wanting to take her to their leader, Moretti. But Elle has no intention of going anywhere against her will.
As Bo and Elle are held at gunpoint, Tobias engages in a thrilling battle with the Unshaven, relishing the challenge. This captivating world of the Phaethon Corp. series continues to captivate and enthrall readers.
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the captivating universe of Phaethon Corp! This immersive world offers a thrilling blend of interstellar battles, space exploration, and encounters with advanced nanobots, reminiscent of beloved sci-fi classics like Star Trek and Stargate SG-1.
Eager to delve deeper into this captivating realm? The upcoming release of Miner War on December 25, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss your chance to explore this extraordinary universe!
For all you space opera and science fiction enthusiasts, Top Duck is a must-read. Prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime – grab your copy today!
December 21, 2025
Book Two in Jaxon Reed's latest series, The Phaethon Corp., is a Winner
In Top Duck, Book Two of his most recent series, Jaxon Reed is providing readers with a fast paced, action-packed second installment that will make you glad they are coming at a pace of one book a month. As this is the second time we've met the main characters, they are becoming more well-rounded, and flushed out. I'm at the stage were I am beginning to care for the characters. Now, when one of the primary falls, I'm hoping they get back up. This fast-paced story, as with all the other series he has published is well-written and well-edited. The dialog is clear and the primary characters have developed individual personalities and foibles.
I can't wait to download Book Three.
In Top Duck, Book Two of his most recent series, Jaxon Reed is providing readers with a fast paced, action-packed second installment that will make you glad they are coming at a pace of one book a month. As this is the second time we've met the main characters, they are becoming more well-rounded, and flushed out. I'm at the stage were I am beginning to care for the characters. Now, when one of the primary falls, I'm hoping they get back up. This fast-paced story, as with all the other series he has published is well-written and well-edited. The dialog is clear and the primary characters have developed individual personalities and foibles.
I can't wait to download Book Three.
January 1, 2026
Good read
Interesting story line. I liked the constant action, and the station settings. Keep up the good work! Thanks! I'll keep reading.
Interesting story line. I liked the constant action, and the station settings. Keep up the good work! Thanks! I'll keep reading.
December 27, 2025
and a nutshell, league, characters, kick butt, republic characters don’t. Republic. Marines should’ve been super soldiers of some sorts.
I give this book 4 stars instead of five because the MC of the story does not seem to be able to carry the book. The best character in this book is the former SSI agent L. You could’ve at least given the MC some sort of Captain America type abilities to compete with her since this is supposedly a sci-fi story. The mC’s girlfriend L is the most important and most interesting character in this book as far as I’m concerned. She is similar to the character of Remington Rennis from star league assassin series. Even the character of the previous series tom Savage was not a rep republic character. Yes there have been maybe one very interesting Republican character, but for the majority of this series, they’ve been characters in the league or belonging to the Pirates, I also love the character of Toby, a gentle giant. my other issue is the money grubbing cowardly thief. Don’t like thieves, you should’ve had him as a rogue type character. Not a cowardly thief, does not fit in to the marines mystique. It’s my thought process don’t like thieves. the saying there’s no honor among thieves guess is cliché from facts. if you don’t wanna kill the thief add another character and sent him to the background. You could kill him tomorrow and it wouldn’t bother me. good second story except for those issues.
I give this book 4 stars instead of five because the MC of the story does not seem to be able to carry the book. The best character in this book is the former SSI agent L. You could’ve at least given the MC some sort of Captain America type abilities to compete with her since this is supposedly a sci-fi story. The mC’s girlfriend L is the most important and most interesting character in this book as far as I’m concerned. She is similar to the character of Remington Rennis from star league assassin series. Even the character of the previous series tom Savage was not a rep republic character. Yes there have been maybe one very interesting Republican character, but for the majority of this series, they’ve been characters in the league or belonging to the Pirates, I also love the character of Toby, a gentle giant. my other issue is the money grubbing cowardly thief. Don’t like thieves, you should’ve had him as a rogue type character. Not a cowardly thief, does not fit in to the marines mystique. It’s my thought process don’t like thieves. the saying there’s no honor among thieves guess is cliché from facts. if you don’t wanna kill the thief add another character and sent him to the background. You could kill him tomorrow and it wouldn’t bother me. good second story except for those issues.
March 14, 2026
A bit of a side track
Not sure what relevance this story has to the main thread in previous books, but it was interesting enough in its own right. Hopefully things become clearer in subsequent books and a possible indication of that came out in the last 2 pages of the book
This one has all the usual.suspects present, with a Marshal thrown in for good measure. What they are doing on this planet isn't really that clear, but it obvious others are expecting them and traps around
Already have book 3 ready to go, but hopefully more direction in that one
Not sure what relevance this story has to the main thread in previous books, but it was interesting enough in its own right. Hopefully things become clearer in subsequent books and a possible indication of that came out in the last 2 pages of the book
This one has all the usual.suspects present, with a Marshal thrown in for good measure. What they are doing on this planet isn't really that clear, but it obvious others are expecting them and traps around
Already have book 3 ready to go, but hopefully more direction in that one
November 27, 2025
Watch the team come together as Bo and Elle works things out. Continued outstanding action. The team coalesces. Tom Savages tasking and guidance helps 3 marines, a spy, and two fixers become a team. Bo's leadership keeps people on task and safe. But, boy can boys be dumb. I really appreciate a nod to Robert Heinlein, "An armed society is a polite society." Jaxon Reed's story telling is picturesque as well as engaging science fiction. This is another prime example. Exceptional work!
November 25, 2025
Lots of bullets fly in this book, prompting Bo to show that timing is everything in battle. When it comes to love on the other hand, it seems that both Bo and Elle need to read "The Five Love Languages". What surprises me is that Tobias apparently has read it. What an interesting twist ....
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2026
Not as interesting but still good
I’m marking this down a star as it took me most of a week to finish this. I just wasn’t that interested like I was in the first book. I couldn’t figure out what the overall purpose of this book was and how it contributes to the story. Action was entertaining, still like the characters die the most part.
I’m marking this down a star as it took me most of a week to finish this. I just wasn’t that interested like I was in the first book. I couldn’t figure out what the overall purpose of this book was and how it contributes to the story. Action was entertaining, still like the characters die the most part.
March 16, 2026
Bo and company follow their nose to another world to find an object for their boss but nothing comes cheap.The meet a marshall who is looking for a wanted person and they unit but need to go into a hole where gold has been extracted in order to find both objects , man and material.However, what mighr await them. Enough action for everybody.
January 4, 2026
Less compelling im afraid.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews