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Starship Blackbeard #4
Rebellion of Stars
With the alien death fleet destroyed, and a temporary truce shattered, Captain Drake and his crew flee from the vengeful Lord Admiral Malthorne, who has seized the throne of Albion. When half the fleet joins Drake in rebellion against the usurper, civil war embroils the kingdom. Meanwhile, a new alien threat is gathering that threatens to exterminate all human settlement in the sector.
Book #4 of the Starship Blackbeard series, by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Michael Wallace.
Book #4 of the Starship Blackbeard series, by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Michael Wallace.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2015
55 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wallace
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 24, 2017
This is the story in which the Drake and his crew must face off against Malthorne, who has now seized complete control of Albion, anyone who doesn’t stand with him is either labelled a traitor and jailed, or is executed.
With most of the fleet, and the fearsome Dreadnought, Malthorne is not just an idol threat, and with his ragtag fleet of pirates and misfits, Drake could be well out of his league this time around.
Rebellion was a fascinating read, although there were the standard ship battles, there was a lot of other types of combat, as Drake sets about destroying Malthorne’s other interest’s to try and weaken him, as well as use a lot of strategic and tactical manoeuvres, making for some really interesting sub-plots.
This is a book about the Rebellion as such, about bringing down Malthorne, and without the sheer firepower to do so straight up, Drake has to do it with strategy and cunning. As such, there are a lot of interesting little battles, ground battles reminiscent of the Rebel Alliance tactics in Star Wars type battles. Drake is also trying to get the cure to the Hroom, those that are willing to take it.
In the middle of all of this, there is the threat of the Apex looming, and Drake has realised that if Humanity is divided as it currently is, they will be devoured by this new threat. Worse, if they do not help the Hroom, the Hroom could well be destroyed, making the Apex even more powerful.
There is a lot of political and fascinating reading in this story, however, some things were still lacking a bit.
Again, there was not a lot about the Hroom Empire, their past, just any real background to sort of flesh them out a bit, which would have been nice. After 4 books, Tolvern and Drake are still making silly eyes at each other and acting like love sick teenagers, but nothing ever happens, and it is getting a bit annoying now as far as character development goes, and what happened to Vargas and her brave new world? She has just disappeared! This has been one of the only minor downfalls of this story series, the character development has not been wonderful, and the story would have been even better if there had been some decent character growth along the way.
Having said that, there is a good amount of story development with the actual arc, just not those involved. The space battles, and the fighting on the ground has been exceptional and is beautifully described, immersing you into the story.
Overall – this has been a great read, just a few minor hiccups.
With most of the fleet, and the fearsome Dreadnought, Malthorne is not just an idol threat, and with his ragtag fleet of pirates and misfits, Drake could be well out of his league this time around.
Rebellion was a fascinating read, although there were the standard ship battles, there was a lot of other types of combat, as Drake sets about destroying Malthorne’s other interest’s to try and weaken him, as well as use a lot of strategic and tactical manoeuvres, making for some really interesting sub-plots.
This is a book about the Rebellion as such, about bringing down Malthorne, and without the sheer firepower to do so straight up, Drake has to do it with strategy and cunning. As such, there are a lot of interesting little battles, ground battles reminiscent of the Rebel Alliance tactics in Star Wars type battles. Drake is also trying to get the cure to the Hroom, those that are willing to take it.
In the middle of all of this, there is the threat of the Apex looming, and Drake has realised that if Humanity is divided as it currently is, they will be devoured by this new threat. Worse, if they do not help the Hroom, the Hroom could well be destroyed, making the Apex even more powerful.
There is a lot of political and fascinating reading in this story, however, some things were still lacking a bit.
Again, there was not a lot about the Hroom Empire, their past, just any real background to sort of flesh them out a bit, which would have been nice. After 4 books, Tolvern and Drake are still making silly eyes at each other and acting like love sick teenagers, but nothing ever happens, and it is getting a bit annoying now as far as character development goes, and what happened to Vargas and her brave new world? She has just disappeared! This has been one of the only minor downfalls of this story series, the character development has not been wonderful, and the story would have been even better if there had been some decent character growth along the way.
Having said that, there is a good amount of story development with the actual arc, just not those involved. The space battles, and the fighting on the ground has been exceptional and is beautifully described, immersing you into the story.
Overall – this has been a great read, just a few minor hiccups.
May 25, 2022
"Rebellion of Stars" is the fourth and "final" book in the 'Starship Blackbeard' series - it has a completely arbitrary and inconclusive ending which leaves many unanswered questions.
What became of Catarina Vargas? Is Captain Drake a complete idiot in matters of the heart? If Drake isn't going to tackle the Apex invasion who is? Will the Hroom honour their alliance?
And, a little research showed that the series does continue, albeit under a different name, in "The Sentinel Series". All that's missing is Captain Drake, this time Captain Jess Tolliver is at the helm.
I've always been a fan of Space Opera but this series, while strong on battle, lacks the vision of a greater universe required. There's a planet or two, a couple of space stations, and lots of battleships zipping about, but it feels limited and confining.
Through the series the characters have never evolved - even the malevolent Lord Malthorne is one-dimensional and seems to be solely dependent on a single planet.
However, I don't continue reading any series which bores me and the 'Starship Blackbeard' series was a fast and interesting read.
3 Stars.
What became of Catarina Vargas? Is Captain Drake a complete idiot in matters of the heart? If Drake isn't going to tackle the Apex invasion who is? Will the Hroom honour their alliance?
And, a little research showed that the series does continue, albeit under a different name, in "The Sentinel Series". All that's missing is Captain Drake, this time Captain Jess Tolliver is at the helm.
I've always been a fan of Space Opera but this series, while strong on battle, lacks the vision of a greater universe required. There's a planet or two, a couple of space stations, and lots of battleships zipping about, but it feels limited and confining.
Through the series the characters have never evolved - even the malevolent Lord Malthorne is one-dimensional and seems to be solely dependent on a single planet.
However, I don't continue reading any series which bores me and the 'Starship Blackbeard' series was a fast and interesting read.
3 Stars.
August 12, 2017
This is a very good summation novel and answered my questions except for the new alien attack. The ending was about the Admiral getting his punishment, the Pirates going their own way and Tolvern gets a promotion. Tolvern's success in the many hard tasks assigned to her by Captain Drake and her honor in dealing with the Hroom allowed her to achieve her goals. The Royal family appointed a new King from the potential successors despite the Admiral's attempt to take over the Kingdom. Of course an author does not give up a well established set of characters and society so the ending is ripe with the setup of one or more sequels.
April 22, 2025
did not hold my attention
I did not enjoy reading this book at all. There are few books that I start that I at least try to muddle through in an effort to finish. This is one of them. I found myself reading and going back to confirm something or realizing that I’d read along and didn’t remember what I’d read before or led up to something. If it were possible to give a lower rating I would do so without reservation. I absolutely DO NOT RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE. Do not waste time on it.
I did not enjoy reading this book at all. There are few books that I start that I at least try to muddle through in an effort to finish. This is one of them. I found myself reading and going back to confirm something or realizing that I’d read along and didn’t remember what I’d read before or led up to something. If it were possible to give a lower rating I would do so without reservation. I absolutely DO NOT RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE. Do not waste time on it.
June 10, 2017
Recent space-opera writing, of very high quality.
April 12, 2019
Solid space opera military adventure
Well developed characters and edge of your seat action make this book a true page turner. This book stands out in its genre.
Well developed characters and edge of your seat action make this book a true page turner. This book stands out in its genre.
February 25, 2022
Overall, a good series, well worth a read. The series continues onwards but divides into two separate series, with two of the main charters. There may be more, I just havn't looked yet.
March 2, 2022
Excellent reading
ook 4 in the series is excellent enjoy reading 2019
ook 4 in the series is excellent enjoy reading 2019
November 15, 2022
Good ending to this series
April 4, 2016
A thrilling conclusion, with just the right number of loose ends!
Wallace brings the series to a great conclusion, with satisfactory outcomes for one and all... and the promise of another trilogy with Captain Drake. I hope the next series will be paired up with Audible - the combination was excellent!
Wallace brings the series to a great conclusion, with satisfactory outcomes for one and all... and the promise of another trilogy with Captain Drake. I hope the next series will be paired up with Audible - the combination was excellent!
August 30, 2015
Great finish!
Highly recommended as a great 4 book series. This book wraps everything major up but leaves room with some great unanswered questions. I can't wait for the start of the next one!
Highly recommended as a great 4 book series. This book wraps everything major up but leaves room with some great unanswered questions. I can't wait for the start of the next one!
October 7, 2015
Every body gets what they deserve.
Fast pace , not over military. The development of the characters was on line throughout the books. I'm used to reading 10 or more book series. And it's nice to have a finally.
Fast pace , not over military. The development of the characters was on line throughout the books. I'm used to reading 10 or more book series. And it's nice to have a finally.
February 14, 2016
This was the better book in the series to me. It contained serious actions, consequences, military tactics, and even a little romance and sex. Granted, the innuendo were still there concerning the British Navy, but now you would be accustomed to them.
June 15, 2016
Great fun
I really enjoyed this series- the mashup of age of exploration naval tropes with more conventional scifi works really well, and the characters are nicely fleshed out. I definitely look forward to reading the follow-up trilogy.
I really enjoyed this series- the mashup of age of exploration naval tropes with more conventional scifi works really well, and the characters are nicely fleshed out. I definitely look forward to reading the follow-up trilogy.
August 29, 2015
Satisfying Space Opera
Well plotted page turner with realistic characters and realistic aliens. I read all four and hope the author considers a fifth in the series.
Well plotted page turner with realistic characters and realistic aliens. I read all four and hope the author considers a fifth in the series.
September 1, 2015
A GREAT EVENING TO THIS TRILOGY...
This was a good ending to the story. I look forward to the next chapter in the story. How will they handle the Apex threat???
This was a good ending to the story. I look forward to the next chapter in the story. How will they handle the Apex threat???
September 12, 2015
Very satisfying end to the first part of the Starship Blackbeard saga. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
September 13, 2015
Wow...a great end to the trilogy
Blackboard is swashbuckling great...a nice take on an age old theme. Read all three...I can't wait for the next trilogy.
Blackboard is swashbuckling great...a nice take on an age old theme. Read all three...I can't wait for the next trilogy.
December 20, 2015
Best of the series so far.....
March 10, 2016
Fitting ending to an enjoyable space opera series. Not sure if there will be more But strong probabilities exist.
Read
August 14, 2016I have enjoyed this series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews