What do you think?
Rate this book
Starship Blackbeard #2
Lords of Space
Captain James Drake is desperate to clear his name. Pursued relentlessly by the Royal Navy, he takes his loyal crew to attack Admiral Malthorne's estate and seize the evidence that will prove his innocence.
But their search uncovers something else the ruthless admiral has secreted away - the key to stopping a brutal and decades-old war with the Hroom, an ancient alien race. What they find sends Drake on a dangerous mission deep into Hroom territory. Joined by his valiant crew and the daughter of a former rival captain, Drake risks his life and his freedom to stop the war and save what's left of his world.
Book #2 in the Starship Blackbeard Series, by Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author Michael Wallace.
But their search uncovers something else the ruthless admiral has secreted away - the key to stopping a brutal and decades-old war with the Hroom, an ancient alien race. What they find sends Drake on a dangerous mission deep into Hroom territory. Joined by his valiant crew and the daughter of a former rival captain, Drake risks his life and his freedom to stop the war and save what's left of his world.
Book #2 in the Starship Blackbeard Series, by Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author Michael Wallace.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
85 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wallace
73 books316 followersWould you like an alert when the next Michael Wallace book is published? Sign up for Michael's email list and receive a free Kindle copy of The Righteous novella "Trial by Fury." This list is used to announce new releases and occasional offers of free advance copies, not for any other purpose.
Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Michael also welcomes email from readers at m.wallace23(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 10, 2017
This series is a lot of fun. We left the Blackbeard on the way to attack a plantation and discover a cure for an addiction.
This time around Captain James Drake has really done it. He has gone after the plantation of the Admiral and things are really getting hot. This is a very fast paced read with lots of action and not a moment to really collect yourself. It works out great so far. Drake is joined by a real pirate on this one the daughter of an old foe. Then they discover another race of aliens and he decides to take his chances with the Hroom.
You know the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". Drake intends to go out there to prove it. and I am really looking forward to the third book in the series.
This time around Captain James Drake has really done it. He has gone after the plantation of the Admiral and things are really getting hot. This is a very fast paced read with lots of action and not a moment to really collect yourself. It works out great so far. Drake is joined by a real pirate on this one the daughter of an old foe. Then they discover another race of aliens and he decides to take his chances with the Hroom.
You know the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". Drake intends to go out there to prove it. and I am really looking forward to the third book in the series.
May 8, 2015
Book one ended with Captain James Drake and crew on the way to attack Admiral Malthorne’s sugar plantation to look for evidence that will prove Drake innocence and find the antidote for the Hroom sugar addiction.
What they learn causes Drake and crew to join forces with the daughter of a former rival pirate captain. They go off on a mission into deep Hroom territory to try to stop a war. Wallace provides lots of action and space battles in this book, along with building suspense over Ajax.
What added some interest and humor to the story is the interaction between the regular navy personnel and the pirates that have been added to the crew of the Blackbeard. The book is easy to read, packed with action that moves at a very fast pace. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Steve Barnes narrated the story. I am looking forward to more in this series.
What they learn causes Drake and crew to join forces with the daughter of a former rival pirate captain. They go off on a mission into deep Hroom territory to try to stop a war. Wallace provides lots of action and space battles in this book, along with building suspense over Ajax.
What added some interest and humor to the story is the interaction between the regular navy personnel and the pirates that have been added to the crew of the Blackbeard. The book is easy to read, packed with action that moves at a very fast pace. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Steve Barnes narrated the story. I am looking forward to more in this series.
October 1, 2018
The universe according to an entitled white male...So so. Short books.
September 6, 2017
In the 2nd evolution of this series, Captain Drake and Commander Tolvern are still on the run.
However they are making their way to Admiral Malthorne’s estate to gather evidence to try and gain a pardon for Drake and his crew. Having defeated the Pirate Vargus, they now encounter his Daughter, Catarina.
What starts out as a plan to free Drake and his crew soon turns into a mission to gain an item that could free the Hroom of their addiction to the sugar forever, but as Drake risks his life to get this, he realises that it may be very costly indeed, for if the Hroom are freed of their addiction, they may come after those that caused the addiction in the first place. And the Hroom outnumber Humanity immensely.
This series is exceptionally brilliant. Not only does it have the allure of starships fitted out like old fashioned naval ships, with cannons etc, but those that command the ships are also just like the aristocratic elite that once commanded the high seas also. Only those of the highest breeding are allowed to follow the path of command, and thus Drake (and his friend Rutherford), are of Noble birth.
Add to this that there are Pirate ships, full with Pirates that would sell their grandmother for a bit more loot and the chance at some booze. The combat scenes are beautifully detailed, with ships of war exchanging weapons like the battles of old, before they latch onto each other with harpoons and board one another with armed boarding parties.
It is just like a swashbuckling navy/pirate adventure, but in Space!!
Add to this the incredible political and strategic conflict that is also occurring that is going to destabilise the entire sector, and destroy entire systems, possibly all of humanity if the Hroom have their way.
In amongst all of this, there are the personal stories of the actual characters as well, Drake, Tolvern, Capp and Carvalho, who were added in as Pirate crew when the Ajax first mutinied and needed help, and became the ‘Blackbeard’. There is also the story of the other Pirates, such as the Vargus clan, and the relationship forming between the Captain and Catarina, much to Tolvern’s horror.
If you love your Mil Sci-fi, or just any Sci-Fi, then this is definitely for you, this is a must read for anyone who likes the genre, loves a good read with brilliant characters and a swashbuckling storyline!
However they are making their way to Admiral Malthorne’s estate to gather evidence to try and gain a pardon for Drake and his crew. Having defeated the Pirate Vargus, they now encounter his Daughter, Catarina.
What starts out as a plan to free Drake and his crew soon turns into a mission to gain an item that could free the Hroom of their addiction to the sugar forever, but as Drake risks his life to get this, he realises that it may be very costly indeed, for if the Hroom are freed of their addiction, they may come after those that caused the addiction in the first place. And the Hroom outnumber Humanity immensely.
This series is exceptionally brilliant. Not only does it have the allure of starships fitted out like old fashioned naval ships, with cannons etc, but those that command the ships are also just like the aristocratic elite that once commanded the high seas also. Only those of the highest breeding are allowed to follow the path of command, and thus Drake (and his friend Rutherford), are of Noble birth.
Add to this that there are Pirate ships, full with Pirates that would sell their grandmother for a bit more loot and the chance at some booze. The combat scenes are beautifully detailed, with ships of war exchanging weapons like the battles of old, before they latch onto each other with harpoons and board one another with armed boarding parties.
It is just like a swashbuckling navy/pirate adventure, but in Space!!
Add to this the incredible political and strategic conflict that is also occurring that is going to destabilise the entire sector, and destroy entire systems, possibly all of humanity if the Hroom have their way.
In amongst all of this, there are the personal stories of the actual characters as well, Drake, Tolvern, Capp and Carvalho, who were added in as Pirate crew when the Ajax first mutinied and needed help, and became the ‘Blackbeard’. There is also the story of the other Pirates, such as the Vargus clan, and the relationship forming between the Captain and Catarina, much to Tolvern’s horror.
If you love your Mil Sci-fi, or just any Sci-Fi, then this is definitely for you, this is a must read for anyone who likes the genre, loves a good read with brilliant characters and a swashbuckling storyline!
July 5, 2018
This story has strong action but some weaker elements. Story rating 3.75; Narration rating 4.5.
Captain Drake is on the run with his crew and a pirated spaceship dubbed the Blackbeard. Drake insists on striking back at Admiral Malthorne who has manipulated the predicament that set Drake and his crew on the run. He leads his loyal crew to raid the Admiral’s estate looking for evidence that will prove him innocent of the accusations made. Instead he finds another secret that could change the face of the decades old war with the Hroom. Of course they will have to escape and get somewhere safely with their find which may not be too easy with all the Royal Navy fleet pursuing them.
Drake teams up with an unlikely ally in the daughter of a former rival ship captain. They are two strong personalities and she envisions then as “lords of space”. He is more interested in clearing his name, but he is practical enough to accept help to fend off the enemy. The two dance around trust until they form a shaky alliance – in more than piracy. Captain Drake and his XO, Commander Tolvern, have an interesting and sometimes tense relationship. Their camaraderie is stressed by the female ally.
As the journey deep into enemy territory continues Drake comes face to face with his old friend, Captain Rutherford, who has been following orders to chase Drake down. Their encounter sets the stage for more intrigue in book 3.
I enjoyed the action in this story but the plot didn't move along as much as I would have liked. The entertainment was marred for me by a bit of crudeness and gratuitous sex (including a beginning in rather poor taste). The awkward love triangle with the Captain was another area that I wasn’t taken with. These have left me somewhat ambivalent about proceeding with the rest of the series. I might, but probably not anytime soon.
Audio Notes: Steve Barnes does a good job with narration. He portrays the strength of Captain Drake, the emotional upheavals of the women, and he provides good accents for various characters making them easily distinguishable. I also liked the intensity and energy he brings to the audio. I enjoyed listening to this book.
Captain Drake is on the run with his crew and a pirated spaceship dubbed the Blackbeard. Drake insists on striking back at Admiral Malthorne who has manipulated the predicament that set Drake and his crew on the run. He leads his loyal crew to raid the Admiral’s estate looking for evidence that will prove him innocent of the accusations made. Instead he finds another secret that could change the face of the decades old war with the Hroom. Of course they will have to escape and get somewhere safely with their find which may not be too easy with all the Royal Navy fleet pursuing them.
Drake teams up with an unlikely ally in the daughter of a former rival ship captain. They are two strong personalities and she envisions then as “lords of space”. He is more interested in clearing his name, but he is practical enough to accept help to fend off the enemy. The two dance around trust until they form a shaky alliance – in more than piracy. Captain Drake and his XO, Commander Tolvern, have an interesting and sometimes tense relationship. Their camaraderie is stressed by the female ally.
As the journey deep into enemy territory continues Drake comes face to face with his old friend, Captain Rutherford, who has been following orders to chase Drake down. Their encounter sets the stage for more intrigue in book 3.
I enjoyed the action in this story but the plot didn't move along as much as I would have liked. The entertainment was marred for me by a bit of crudeness and gratuitous sex (including a beginning in rather poor taste). The awkward love triangle with the Captain was another area that I wasn’t taken with. These have left me somewhat ambivalent about proceeding with the rest of the series. I might, but probably not anytime soon.
Audio Notes: Steve Barnes does a good job with narration. He portrays the strength of Captain Drake, the emotional upheavals of the women, and he provides good accents for various characters making them easily distinguishable. I also liked the intensity and energy he brings to the audio. I enjoyed listening to this book.
October 25, 2021
Whimsical and running on rule of cool. Author is more preoccupied to carbon copy British mentality and world views from 18th century nobility then to make realistic space battles or societies. Which is not inherently bad, but quite odd. Why did monarchy took root in this far away colony that fetishizes Commonwealth and old Earth Anglo sphere? Why is nobility a thing in the enlighten age of space travel and rampant classism so ingrained into characters. The amount of time the phrase 'well-bred' or paraphrase of it is used is way too high. I could understand if it was about horses but people and it makes me uncomfortable. Is there in universe explanation or just authors penchant for romantic notions of kings and lords and heroic spaceship captains turn pirates for injustices done upon them and all the historical dark side it comes with it? Mention of space barnacles and space leviathans got me curious as well. I am sucker for space born organisms.
May 24, 2022
Captain Drake, on the run and turned pirate, launches an attack on his former commander's estate to find the cure for Hroom sugar addiction.
But he is unsure about what to do - if the Hroom Empire regains even some of its former strength it could mean the end for humanity. It's never in doubt what his final decision will be but it will require a push from some other factor - and it is not long in arriving.
Admiral Malthorne attacks Drake's ancestral home, killing his sister Helen in the process. This means war!
Drake, meanwhile, has joined forces (in more ways than one) with Catarina Vargas. Their combined strength make piracy mostly a doddle.
And the determined Captain Rutherford of the Royal Navy is in continual hot pursuit. Life as a pirate is never boring.
I've always liked space opera and "Lords of Space" scratches that itch nicely. There's nothing new in it but bring on the space battles and I am a happy reader.
3 Stars.
But he is unsure about what to do - if the Hroom Empire regains even some of its former strength it could mean the end for humanity. It's never in doubt what his final decision will be but it will require a push from some other factor - and it is not long in arriving.
Admiral Malthorne attacks Drake's ancestral home, killing his sister Helen in the process. This means war!
Drake, meanwhile, has joined forces (in more ways than one) with Catarina Vargas. Their combined strength make piracy mostly a doddle.
And the determined Captain Rutherford of the Royal Navy is in continual hot pursuit. Life as a pirate is never boring.
I've always liked space opera and "Lords of Space" scratches that itch nicely. There's nothing new in it but bring on the space battles and I am a happy reader.
3 Stars.
December 29, 2018
Same song; second verse. Wallace's lite, space opera, is at least consistent in quality. It appears the four novels were released in short succession, so I might assume they are essentially one novel. So, again, this is not good space opera, but it's readable and enjoyable in a pop-corn/Saturday morning cartoon sort of way. This is not literature, and I am curious where some of the political/social aspects are going, such as (sexism in the military, slavery and addiction, sexuality and fraternization, remorse or lack thereof for military actions, etc.).
Again, it's far from perfect, but for some reason I'm enjoying it enough to continue. 2.5 (It was ok/I liked it). See my review of the previous installment here.
Side note: I like the cover art.
Again, it's far from perfect, but for some reason I'm enjoying it enough to continue. 2.5 (It was ok/I liked it). See my review of the previous installment here.
Side note: I like the cover art.
August 5, 2017
Well the action has picked up a lot and a character from the first book has been fleshed. She is now a major player in the story and has Drake in a position of compromise. Drake has made up his mind about what to do with what he was after on Barsa. His old friend is back in the action and has given Drake the motivation he needed to get the Admiral back in his action plans. The repercussions of plans if implemented could be great.
June 10, 2017
Recent space-opera writing, of very high quality.
February 20, 2019
This series is just one book split into sections.
May 1, 2020
Still interested in seeing where this goes.
February 17, 2022
More gung-ho shooting and killing, with battles in space.
February 27, 2022
Great reading
Excellent reading in the series. Enjoy reading 2019
Excellent reading in the series. Enjoy reading 2019
November 11, 2022
Interesting second story with plenty of action and a new alien treat
January 2, 2016
Capt Drake and his crews story continues in this second book of the series, more plot twists and surprises, who needs one mortal enemy when you can have two instead. Especially when one is a complete unknown, with abilities and technologies never before seen by humans. Another great read, fast paced and entertaining.
What is Admiral Malthrone's plan? Why is he doing what he is doing, is he trying to take control from the King or just be the power behind the throne or is he just insane?
James Drake life is getting more and more complicated and his final action to this book could be the salvation to Albion or its complete destruction. I can't wait to read the next book!
What is Admiral Malthrone's plan? Why is he doing what he is doing, is he trying to take control from the King or just be the power behind the throne or is he just insane?
James Drake life is getting more and more complicated and his final action to this book could be the salvation to Albion or its complete destruction. I can't wait to read the next book!
February 8, 2016
More perils for Captain Drake!
Nicely done continuation of the series. Plenty of intrigue, battles, betrayal and even romance. I appreciate the reasonably priced ($1.99) Audible narrations and have already picked up the third book and audio.
Wallace does a good job pillaging the past with his "triangle trade"-like situation with the ancient Hroom and their sugar addictions and the neo-Brit humans with their sugar plantations. Add in pirates, skullduggery in the admiralty and a mysterious alien enemy - there is a nice mix of complex storytelling.
Nicely done continuation of the series. Plenty of intrigue, battles, betrayal and even romance. I appreciate the reasonably priced ($1.99) Audible narrations and have already picked up the third book and audio.
Wallace does a good job pillaging the past with his "triangle trade"-like situation with the ancient Hroom and their sugar addictions and the neo-Brit humans with their sugar plantations. Add in pirates, skullduggery in the admiralty and a mysterious alien enemy - there is a nice mix of complex storytelling.
February 9, 2016
This book is the second in the series and even though new characters have been introduced, along with new villians, I'm finding it a little hard to fully submerge myself in the books. There is plenty of action, even though one can make a reasonable agreement that it's based off of the Royal Navy battle tactics of the 17th century, interesting characters who seem to be struggling to interact with each other, a complex romantic relationship, and a series of subplots that are distractions from the main theme.!
February 18, 2015
The sequel to the Starship Blackbeard tears along at a breakneck speed and introduces us to a new villain that will last beyond the initial few novels and potential allies to keep it from getting predictable. As the crew breaks into Lord Montgomery’s planet fortress to steal the cure to sugar addiction a new type of spaceship appears to test the mettle of Earth’s defenders. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure series.
March 4, 2015
Great read
Really enjoyed this book. Wallace keeps you busy without spending too much time away from the story. I have pre ordered the next book and can't wait for it's release in late April.
Really enjoyed this book. Wallace keeps you busy without spending too much time away from the story. I have pre ordered the next book and can't wait for it's release in late April.
June 27, 2015
This next book in the starship Blackbeard Series is decent - well worth reading but nothing special, at least not yet. The author has promise and is writing a decent story but it needs more pizazz ( whatever that is )
August 21, 2015
Little better than book one
This is a hard book to critique. It has some low points, as well as high points. The book takes up at the conclusion of book one and you must have book three. At least this has some romance in it, just not the right people.
This is a hard book to critique. It has some low points, as well as high points. The book takes up at the conclusion of book one and you must have book three. At least this has some romance in it, just not the right people.
February 16, 2015
Very good second book of the series. Some plot twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to the next installment.
May 19, 2015
Slightly better than it's predecessor, Starship Blackbeard but not enough to make me want to continue with the series.
October 18, 2015
Good entertaining read
Nothing mind blowing, but a good continuation of a good series. A slightly different take on a normal space saga
Nothing mind blowing, but a good continuation of a good series. A slightly different take on a normal space saga
February 10, 2016
Enjoyable episodic space opera Cliff hanger ending are annoying.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews