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Halberd #4
Surrender Demand
Where do you find the strength to carry on in the face of unspeakable tragedy?
Somehow the Royal Navy has managed to keep its enemy at bay. Will the passage of time help the Commonwealth, or is it merely delaying the inevitable? Recovering from another attempt on his life, Halberd finds new hope and new inspiration.
Will the tide ever turn in the Commonwealth’s favor?
Somehow the Royal Navy has managed to keep its enemy at bay. Will the passage of time help the Commonwealth, or is it merely delaying the inevitable? Recovering from another attempt on his life, Halberd finds new hope and new inspiration.
Will the tide ever turn in the Commonwealth’s favor?
- GenresScience Fiction
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
About the author
John Spearman
39 books49 followersJohn Spearman is an award-winning author. In the past, he served a Latin teacher and coach at a prestigious New England boarding school. Before joining the world of academia, Spearman had been a sales and marketing executive for 25 years.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 29, 2021
Overload
There's a decent story here, but in my opinion, padded with commentary on ladies' fashions, jewelry, and rather boring "love stories". Other authors pad with descriptions of food, but fashion and food are better experienced than described, and not usually useful to advance the story.
The writing is adequate and no intrusive. In short, this is space opera, popcorn with a little too much artificial butter flavoring.
There's a decent story here, but in my opinion, padded with commentary on ladies' fashions, jewelry, and rather boring "love stories". Other authors pad with descriptions of food, but fashion and food are better experienced than described, and not usually useful to advance the story.
The writing is adequate and no intrusive. In short, this is space opera, popcorn with a little too much artificial butter flavoring.
November 13, 2023
John Spearman- one of the best sci-fi writers of all time…
Space navy or wet navy, John Spearman is at the top of the field. His characters, dialog, plot, pacing, and excitement are tangible, visceral, and satisfying. His work is such that you sacrifice sleep, dread the end of each book, and can’t wait for his next work. There are many good writers, but John Spearman is my favorite. I’m almost 74, but I hope I live long enough to enjoy many more of his books. Better than Heinlein, Weber, and all the rest. Read, enjoy, and dream of what could be…
Space navy or wet navy, John Spearman is at the top of the field. His characters, dialog, plot, pacing, and excitement are tangible, visceral, and satisfying. His work is such that you sacrifice sleep, dread the end of each book, and can’t wait for his next work. There are many good writers, but John Spearman is my favorite. I’m almost 74, but I hope I live long enough to enjoy many more of his books. Better than Heinlein, Weber, and all the rest. Read, enjoy, and dream of what could be…
February 20, 2026
Disappointed, slow read, silly characters
Too much romance, girlie nonsense, happy perfect people. Slow read. The little military science fiction was predictable. I do not think this is worth the effort to push to the end.
Too much romance, girlie nonsense, happy perfect people. Slow read. The little military science fiction was predictable. I do not think this is worth the effort to push to the end.
May 12, 2023
2 stars. I think the series jumped the shark. While the war with the "Chinese" concludes with some rather dry descriptions of events, the majority of the book deals with political events and the MC's social life. Not interesting to me.
May 6, 2026
I know this is just Pulp Space Opera and I shouldn't expect too much, but I was disappointed with this book.
I don’t really like stories where the combat becomes an endless ‘Slug fest’ with little innovation or change in tactics. In the earlier books there was a little creativity that made the combat bearable.
However with this book t seemed like the author had just given up and couldn't be bothered to think of anything new e.g. in the years since missile attacks had become ineffective there was no effort to counter the defence missiles or introduce multiple warheads to overwhelm the enemies defences. So instead he decided to concentrate on writing a Soap Opera.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
I don’t really like stories where the combat becomes an endless ‘Slug fest’ with little innovation or change in tactics. In the earlier books there was a little creativity that made the combat bearable.
However with this book t seemed like the author had just given up and couldn't be bothered to think of anything new e.g. in the years since missile attacks had become ineffective there was no effort to counter the defence missiles or introduce multiple warheads to overwhelm the enemies defences. So instead he decided to concentrate on writing a Soap Opera.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
December 1, 2020
Talk about a good read. This is it! Look
My review is based on the series of four books. It was of well defined characters and the storyline kept you interested in both the human interest and the science fiction plots as they developed. The added storyline concerning royalty was interesting for someone not familiar with that lifestyle. The technology presented throughout the series was interesting and believable. Thank you!
lieed.
My review is based on the series of four books. It was of well defined characters and the storyline kept you interested in both the human interest and the science fiction plots as they developed. The added storyline concerning royalty was interesting for someone not familiar with that lifestyle. The technology presented throughout the series was interesting and believable. Thank you!
lieed.
April 5, 2026
captain Halberd series.
Read these four book series. Very difficult to put down. Series is action packed throughout. Moments of exhilarating warfare, moments of tenderness, caring and heart wrenching sadness, interlaced with everyday officers life, make this an excellent series. J. Spearman knocked this one out of the park. Look forward to reading his other books.
Don’t pass up this space opera.
Read these four book series. Very difficult to put down. Series is action packed throughout. Moments of exhilarating warfare, moments of tenderness, caring and heart wrenching sadness, interlaced with everyday officers life, make this an excellent series. J. Spearman knocked this one out of the park. Look forward to reading his other books.
Don’t pass up this space opera.
January 16, 2025
A great set of books
This series is an excellent set of books, following on from his Perseverance set of space fighting books, again the characters and plot lines are well developed as the reader works through the set.
Also worth noting that although this is based on similar enemies from the first set of books they have their own life and plot. Excellent set of books
This series is an excellent set of books, following on from his Perseverance set of space fighting books, again the characters and plot lines are well developed as the reader works through the set.
Also worth noting that although this is based on similar enemies from the first set of books they have their own life and plot. Excellent set of books
April 18, 2025
decent space opera engaging and worth a go
This is a decent effort at a bit of military space operation based upon a future Royal Navy.
I enjoyed the battles and the characters , could have left the romance out of it for me, but I am sure others would have enjoyed
Overall thoroughly engaging and a good read
This is a decent effort at a bit of military space operation based upon a future Royal Navy.
I enjoyed the battles and the characters , could have left the romance out of it for me, but I am sure others would have enjoyed
Overall thoroughly engaging and a good read
March 16, 2026
Inspired
First, things i like. The characters, not even the main ones but all those surrounding. The action was epic, pitting the English and allies against the Chinese That said, I like it when the author provides a summary of previous books in the series so a.person can keep up
So you keep it up, John Spear man. Loved that story
First, things i like. The characters, not even the main ones but all those surrounding. The action was epic, pitting the English and allies against the Chinese That said, I like it when the author provides a summary of previous books in the series so a.person can keep up
So you keep it up, John Spear man. Loved that story
April 29, 2026
Good read.
This book was a great ending to the series. There was a lot that went on from plenty of space battles to someone falling in love . The book was well written and had a very good storyline. The series itself was a good series with plenty of action where the good guys don't always win. If your into space syfi I would recommend this series to you.
This book was a great ending to the series. There was a lot that went on from plenty of space battles to someone falling in love . The book was well written and had a very good storyline. The series itself was a good series with plenty of action where the good guys don't always win. If your into space syfi I would recommend this series to you.
September 6, 2021
Fun space opera
Not overly taxing to keep up with. Author’s style is more of relating a narrative rather than crafting a story, not a knock on someone whose books I’ve enjoyed but more of an observation.
Simple reading if you’re looking for relaxation and entertainment.
Not overly taxing to keep up with. Author’s style is more of relating a narrative rather than crafting a story, not a knock on someone whose books I’ve enjoyed but more of an observation.
Simple reading if you’re looking for relaxation and entertainment.
January 19, 2022
Excellent series
Fun to read, love the characters and relationships, with heroes both male and female, struggles and setbacks. The guy on the cover is a lot deeper and more interesting than the art work suggests.
Fun to read, love the characters and relationships, with heroes both male and female, struggles and setbacks. The guy on the cover is a lot deeper and more interesting than the art work suggests.
April 12, 2022
Well written
The author does owe tribute to a number of other famous pens, beginning with the Immortal C.S.F. and his HH novels. That said, the books are well written, move nicely, and entertain. I do recommend them
The author does owe tribute to a number of other famous pens, beginning with the Immortal C.S.F. and his HH novels. That said, the books are well written, move nicely, and entertain. I do recommend them
February 11, 2026
Page Turner
Sir, I lost sleep over this and your other novels. I could not put this down. Keep up the great work. You were able to transport me to the stars and feel apart of the story. I say "Keep Up The Fire 🔥"
Sir, I lost sleep over this and your other novels. I could not put this down. Keep up the great work. You were able to transport me to the stars and feel apart of the story. I say "Keep Up The Fire 🔥"
June 6, 2020
Another good book
This is a good finish to a great series of book. I enjoyed the books and the characters. Dang good job
This is a good finish to a great series of book. I enjoyed the books and the characters. Dang good job
September 27, 2025
Very solid series
I’m astounded by the lack of reviews for this series. Very solid entry for the genre and a definite read for fans of such
I’m astounded by the lack of reviews for this series. Very solid entry for the genre and a definite read for fans of such
February 23, 2026
A great read
A real gripping series,full of fantastic characters and plots I hope john Spearman has great success Whispersync writing he needs support from us readers
A real gripping series,full of fantastic characters and plots I hope john Spearman has great success Whispersync writing he needs support from us readers
April 3, 2026
As always, excellent and thrilling story. Enjoyed every book, keep them coming.
April 13, 2026
Not real science fiction!
It was a space soap opera. I had to skip through it. Anyone who really likes science fiction will find this boring... It's for women.
It was a space soap opera. I had to skip through it. Anyone who really likes science fiction will find this boring... It's for women.
April 18, 2026
Great read!
This series is one that grabs you from the start and doesn't let until you finish. Danged good story telling.
This series is one that grabs you from the start and doesn't let until you finish. Danged good story telling.
March 29, 2024
With a new person in his life, Joshua is again challenged by assassins. Royal intervention very positively aids his recovery and it is time to take on the Chinese.
April 1, 2022
Well , I read all 4 in 3 days
As you should be able to guess from the first statement, I enjoyed the stories. Fast and varied action with some excellent plot changes. Very likable characters and fun dialog. Nice heartwarming moments. Can't stop reading novels.
As you should be able to guess from the first statement, I enjoyed the stories. Fast and varied action with some excellent plot changes. Very likable characters and fun dialog. Nice heartwarming moments. Can't stop reading novels.
September 2, 2022
Couldn't put it down!!!!!!!
I found that all the sub story lines came together from the first book through each one of the series installments. The humorous injections,sadness, and joy shown by the characters touched my heart. A series well worth reading again!!!
I found that all the sub story lines came together from the first book through each one of the series installments. The humorous injections,sadness, and joy shown by the characters touched my heart. A series well worth reading again!!!
February 11, 2026
Good series, see comment from book 2. With this book the series seems to have reached a satisfactory conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews