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Privateer Tales #8
Buccaneers
The crew of the Hotspur just happens to be looking for a new home. If Nick James is right, and he usually is, the Tipperary solar system is about to become the busiest trading hub in the galaxy. To sweeten the pot, the cloud-city of Lèger Nuage is offering free warehouse space to qualified traders. It's a deal that seems too good to pass up. Of course, nothing's as simple as it seems. Just like Earth’s Old West, the Tipperary system is as full of promise as it is Buccaneers who are happy to prey on the weak. No one expects it to be easy, but deceit, piracy and murder kindle the pioneering spirit in each of them. Only the strong will prosper and the question is - can Liam, Nick and the rest of the crew carve out a place to call their own? Be sure to also check out Rookie Privateer, which is free and the first in this exciting science fiction series.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2015
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231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 15, 2017
I’m afraid the start of this book really irritate me, to begin with, it is now clear that the short story Cutpurse is out of sequence and nearly everything happens after this book. I hate reading books out of sequence especially when I have been conned into doing it by the author. The blurb states;
‘Cutpurse provides background and intersecting story line for the next Privateer’s story’
No it doesn’t! It just creates a set of spoilers that wrecks the start of this book.
I am also getting a little bit annoyed with Liam, he doesn’t seem to learn from his previous experiences that some people can’t be argued with and just need eliminating before they do it to you. He also keeps selling his offensive assets to pay for the damage done to his ships instead of using them to stop the damage in the first place.
The actual story wasn’t bad, but I think the series title Privateer Tales should be Trader Tales as the majority of the book is really about the buying and selling of items.
‘Cutpurse provides background and intersecting story line for the next Privateer’s story’
No it doesn’t! It just creates a set of spoilers that wrecks the start of this book.
I am also getting a little bit annoyed with Liam, he doesn’t seem to learn from his previous experiences that some people can’t be argued with and just need eliminating before they do it to you. He also keeps selling his offensive assets to pay for the damage done to his ships instead of using them to stop the damage in the first place.
The actual story wasn’t bad, but I think the series title Privateer Tales should be Trader Tales as the majority of the book is really about the buying and selling of items.
August 10, 2019
Fun, though stuff is getting serious :)
May 20, 2023
The best yet, in this enjoyable series.
April 11, 2021
This is another great book in the Privateer Tales series. In the first few books the series was finding it's stride, but in the last two it's safe to say it has been found.
Liam and cast hop out to a new system, and we get a full blown look at how another settled region of space looks in this universe. Of course not all was what it seemed, and the book is about them dealing with those problems while trying to keep their company afloat. This brings back the mix of old and new which is present in most of the books. New settlers and miners going somewhere unknown on the promises of a company, but when they reach their destination they realize not all that was promised was on the up and up. This is a story that has been told many times, but here it is unique and different enough to make the story quite enjoyable. No small part of this is because of the well known and developed cast, but that would be expected from any series, and the Privateer Tales doesn't disappoint.
This book has that perfect mix of trading and unique space combat, the same way Smuggler's Dilemma had. It is great to see the cast build a co-op while at the same time fighting off a clearly presented "bad" group of antagonists. In a time where a lot of books try and live in the gray area of good and bad, it is so nice to see some sticking to good vs evil. Some people may claim it is simplistic, but it is much more satisfying for me to read a book with clear sides and intentions.
The only scene I really had an issue with was the one that took place in the brig of the first waypoint of their journey when they are getting tabby. The way Liam backs down to some of the other characters was a bit much for me, and though it could be seen as necessary for the plot, I found it out of character. If it didn't more than pay off down the road I would have had serious doubts about the series going forward. As it is, I still didn't like it, but it won't be an issue for me going forward.
This is a great story, and it shows the series has found it's groove. It is well worth going through the growing pains of the earlier books to get to the later stories. Buccaneers and Smuggler's Dilemma were very enjoyable, and they make me look forward to reading the other books in the series all the more.
Liam and cast hop out to a new system, and we get a full blown look at how another settled region of space looks in this universe. Of course not all was what it seemed, and the book is about them dealing with those problems while trying to keep their company afloat. This brings back the mix of old and new which is present in most of the books. New settlers and miners going somewhere unknown on the promises of a company, but when they reach their destination they realize not all that was promised was on the up and up. This is a story that has been told many times, but here it is unique and different enough to make the story quite enjoyable. No small part of this is because of the well known and developed cast, but that would be expected from any series, and the Privateer Tales doesn't disappoint.
This book has that perfect mix of trading and unique space combat, the same way Smuggler's Dilemma had. It is great to see the cast build a co-op while at the same time fighting off a clearly presented "bad" group of antagonists. In a time where a lot of books try and live in the gray area of good and bad, it is so nice to see some sticking to good vs evil. Some people may claim it is simplistic, but it is much more satisfying for me to read a book with clear sides and intentions.
The only scene I really had an issue with was the one that took place in the brig of the first waypoint of their journey when they are getting tabby. The way Liam backs down to some of the other characters was a bit much for me, and though it could be seen as necessary for the plot, I found it out of character. If it didn't more than pay off down the road I would have had serious doubts about the series going forward. As it is, I still didn't like it, but it won't be an issue for me going forward.
This is a great story, and it shows the series has found it's groove. It is well worth going through the growing pains of the earlier books to get to the later stories. Buccaneers and Smuggler's Dilemma were very enjoyable, and they make me look forward to reading the other books in the series all the more.
September 13, 2015
Excellent series. One of the best books in the series.
September 4, 2020
A SHOWING ON NOT SACKING UP.
Liam went from a guy who would take on pirates with his friends unarmed to letting ships attack innocent miners without doing anything and making trade deals with slavers.
No matter how provoked and threatened he gets on this book even having all his enemies dead to rights multiple times, he just lets them go.
He loses over 3 million credit in this book and makes none of it back and when he gets chance to make deals he doesnt. At one point there is a ship that needs taking out by someone else and their own miliatary will do it but Liam jumps in saying he'll do it for free ,sorry trading rights with a nation that already is desperate for ore that has selling. Even saying he will return the ship he goes after when he is flat broke. Risking the lives of his crew and family and his ship and missiles all for no profite when he could sit back and not do it and they would themselves or get a good deal.
Liam basically from having 3 million of assets to 0 money in the bank and lots of stuff lost becuae he refuses to fight or defend his people.
WORSE Tabby wanted to fire and destroy them all when there was no risk and he stops her, they invade his mining spot, have all the right to do it but nope Liam tries to talk his way out of it. If he doesnt sack up soon or learn to make real trade deal then I'm done with this series, before it was mostly luck that he got pirate loot and ships, I dont want to keep seeing him magically luck in everything . Plot armor is boring either make him attack a ship on purpose or make a good deal for their risking their lives, a stumbling bafoon captian lucking into things isnt interesting.
So good book it you like a Liam turning into a pacifist who only flee from people ,only letting his crew attack when they are under fire or see someone make horrible deals or no deals and always leaving money on the table.
Liam went from a guy who would take on pirates with his friends unarmed to letting ships attack innocent miners without doing anything and making trade deals with slavers.
No matter how provoked and threatened he gets on this book even having all his enemies dead to rights multiple times, he just lets them go.
He loses over 3 million credit in this book and makes none of it back and when he gets chance to make deals he doesnt. At one point there is a ship that needs taking out by someone else and their own miliatary will do it but Liam jumps in saying he'll do it for free ,sorry trading rights with a nation that already is desperate for ore that has selling. Even saying he will return the ship he goes after when he is flat broke. Risking the lives of his crew and family and his ship and missiles all for no profite when he could sit back and not do it and they would themselves or get a good deal.
Liam basically from having 3 million of assets to 0 money in the bank and lots of stuff lost becuae he refuses to fight or defend his people.
WORSE Tabby wanted to fire and destroy them all when there was no risk and he stops her, they invade his mining spot, have all the right to do it but nope Liam tries to talk his way out of it. If he doesnt sack up soon or learn to make real trade deal then I'm done with this series, before it was mostly luck that he got pirate loot and ships, I dont want to keep seeing him magically luck in everything . Plot armor is boring either make him attack a ship on purpose or make a good deal for their risking their lives, a stumbling bafoon captian lucking into things isnt interesting.
So good book it you like a Liam turning into a pacifist who only flee from people ,only letting his crew attack when they are under fire or see someone make horrible deals or no deals and always leaving money on the table.
February 13, 2021
This story is sub par compared to the previous entries.
Love these privateer takes stories but if you are going to write a book with trade and negotiation at least do some research. This author clearly lacks any trade craft knowledge for example to get the funds to repair the Hotspur they 're odd to sell missiles but give away a sleek fast shuttle. The shuttle would be worth more than four missiles and you would be a poor trader to give it away.
Not sure Why The author caters to Jake he is the least integrating character that seems to be willing to take advantage of Liam and Nick at every opportunity. i feel like Jake should have been the one to die in this story. Also Liam being afraid to kill the buccaneers who were bullying everyone mid story was garbage and out of character. The author should have had a authority figure the from the Belirand Corporation to make that scenario work so they would be tempted but not carry through. Especially when the right hand woman said they were buccaneers aka pirates Liam would have not let them leave. Poor story telling in that instance. Could have been better but fails short of previous books from mistakes that should have been common sense.
Love these privateer takes stories but if you are going to write a book with trade and negotiation at least do some research. This author clearly lacks any trade craft knowledge for example to get the funds to repair the Hotspur they 're odd to sell missiles but give away a sleek fast shuttle. The shuttle would be worth more than four missiles and you would be a poor trader to give it away.
Not sure Why The author caters to Jake he is the least integrating character that seems to be willing to take advantage of Liam and Nick at every opportunity. i feel like Jake should have been the one to die in this story. Also Liam being afraid to kill the buccaneers who were bullying everyone mid story was garbage and out of character. The author should have had a authority figure the from the Belirand Corporation to make that scenario work so they would be tempted but not carry through. Especially when the right hand woman said they were buccaneers aka pirates Liam would have not let them leave. Poor story telling in that instance. Could have been better but fails short of previous books from mistakes that should have been common sense.
May 24, 2017
2017 grade B
Series book P8
Another fun novel in the tales of the Loose Nuts corporation, a fitting name. This time they pack up lock, stock, and barrel and move to another solar system to make a new asteroid mining and refining operation. The big difference is the Earth system has an official government and military which backed up our intrepid heroes. The new system, not so much. It mostly seems to be governed by a corporation and their hired security forces but I never fully figured it out. I think there were actually two new nations but it didn't really matter.
The events are actually pretty routine being mostly the days in the lives of the crew as they go about their business - interrupted by various nefarious characters who have to be outwitted, if not outgunned. I really like the excellent science extrapolations based on current technology and the real life aspects of making sure there is enough fuel, oxygen, food, and money so they can continue living. It feels like it really exists, not that I would want to live there.
Series book P8
Another fun novel in the tales of the Loose Nuts corporation, a fitting name. This time they pack up lock, stock, and barrel and move to another solar system to make a new asteroid mining and refining operation. The big difference is the Earth system has an official government and military which backed up our intrepid heroes. The new system, not so much. It mostly seems to be governed by a corporation and their hired security forces but I never fully figured it out. I think there were actually two new nations but it didn't really matter.
The events are actually pretty routine being mostly the days in the lives of the crew as they go about their business - interrupted by various nefarious characters who have to be outwitted, if not outgunned. I really like the excellent science extrapolations based on current technology and the real life aspects of making sure there is enough fuel, oxygen, food, and money so they can continue living. It feels like it really exists, not that I would want to live there.
March 24, 2019
This is pretty good because they are finally exploring new space and meeting a lot more new characters really like the fact that it isn’t just one hierarchical society but lots of spilt up ones and this book shows that a lot more then the others up till now, like the books especially if you don’t want a sense of maybe it won’t work out for the crew, if you have gotten this far in the series you will understand why I think it’s a no fear of loss read so pretty refreshing from what I’m used too, thought tabby was gonna be redeemed but now she is even more powerful than the Mary Sue she already was seriously give that girl some flaws, Marny is still my main girl, and last but not least Liam I wish I could find at least one male protagonist that isn’t an idiot with women but no this is the flaw every young male protagonist must have for no reason. Abit of a ramble sorry first review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
I was really enjoying this series until Tabby came back. What an unlikeable character. She managed to spoil my interest in this series in less than a couple dozen pages. She's jealous, controlling, abrasive, quick to anger if her boyfriend doesn't say the exact correct words, but happy to mock him to their friends. Real wife material, and Liam just lets her walk all over him.
Doesn't help that the book starts out with "We're sparring and you used your artificially enhanced strength to nearly kill me. Isn't that cute? Let's get married!"
I like Jamie's work for the most part, and like I said, I really enjoyed the first 7 books of Privateer Tales, but this is the end of this series for me.
Doesn't help that the book starts out with "We're sparring and you used your artificially enhanced strength to nearly kill me. Isn't that cute? Let's get married!"
I like Jamie's work for the most part, and like I said, I really enjoyed the first 7 books of Privateer Tales, but this is the end of this series for me.
November 20, 2020
Good, But Not the Best.
This was my least favorite book of the eight that I've read so far. Not that I considered to be necessarily bad, it simply was my least favorite. In my opinion, there was too attention to much minutiae involving the characters, especially considering this was the eighth book in the series. Also, the interactions and relationships between the characters seemed off somewhat. Tammy. Her abusive behavior is getting repetitive. If I had a girlfriend like her, regardless of her physical beauty, I'd bail. In summary, it did extend the storyline, and finished off with a cliffhanger. Good. Not the best......
This was my least favorite book of the eight that I've read so far. Not that I considered to be necessarily bad, it simply was my least favorite. In my opinion, there was too attention to much minutiae involving the characters, especially considering this was the eighth book in the series. Also, the interactions and relationships between the characters seemed off somewhat. Tammy. Her abusive behavior is getting repetitive. If I had a girlfriend like her, regardless of her physical beauty, I'd bail. In summary, it did extend the storyline, and finished off with a cliffhanger. Good. Not the best......
March 17, 2023
This book finished the series for me. It was a slog even to get half way where I finally gave up to a DNF. The main characters haven’t grown, don’t learn lessons from previous encounters with pirates and react in unrealistic ways. The plots are repetitive and increasingly dark and drag down the finale. I’ve been generous to give 3 stars to most of the earlier books in the series, but I just dreaded picking up this story even to read one more chapter.
August 21, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better. The story line keeps changing but it is always moving forward. I really hope that future books brings in the characters left on Mars. The ones that have read this series from the start now what I am saying. But the new ones for the story are just as great. You will not be disappointed in reading this series!! Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!
August 25, 2017
Back to the main story again. Finally get to "gate travel" that was hinted at when they acquired the Hotspur. I think why I like these stories is that they show the characters doing what would be considered everyday mundane tasks with the same energy that they use for their more adventuresome tasks. Also the adventuresome tasks really heat up in this one.
September 8, 2017
Space the final frontier
I love space stories, Star Trek, Star Wars and this series. I usually get tired of a series after book 4 if it's longer. But this series has kept me going. I love the "crew of Hotspur", Liam, Nick, Tabby, Marney, and Ada. They are well rounded and believable. You will enjoy these books!!
I love space stories, Star Trek, Star Wars and this series. I usually get tired of a series after book 4 if it's longer. But this series has kept me going. I love the "crew of Hotspur", Liam, Nick, Tabby, Marney, and Ada. They are well rounded and believable. You will enjoy these books!!
March 3, 2018
The crew of the Hotspur move their operations to a distant solar system that promises to become a major training center. Also they are offered cheap mining claims and free warehouse space. However the promising situation quickly turns sour when they are harassed by rogue elements of a major corporation, turned pirates.
October 13, 2018
Adventurous
This is an adventurous addition to the Privateer Tales. Really, though, Cutpurse (book 6) really should have come after Out of the Tank (book 7). It would have flowed much better. Some of the story in Buccaneers didn't have a good enough basis so it didn't really seem authentic. I like the direction the series is going, though.
This is an adventurous addition to the Privateer Tales. Really, though, Cutpurse (book 6) really should have come after Out of the Tank (book 7). It would have flowed much better. Some of the story in Buccaneers didn't have a good enough basis so it didn't really seem authentic. I like the direction the series is going, though.
July 14, 2019
Once again excellent
What a great read, twists and turns aplenty in this one. Love the wee details like the trade for nic nacs and how every small part character seems to have a part to play.
It’s well written and the pace sucks you in and keeps you turning the pages. On to the next one 😁
What a great read, twists and turns aplenty in this one. Love the wee details like the trade for nic nacs and how every small part character seems to have a part to play.
It’s well written and the pace sucks you in and keeps you turning the pages. On to the next one 😁
June 24, 2020
Another Great Tale
Loose Nuts makes the big jump to the Tipperary system. A new start for many of their friends, Silver and Big Pete. On the journey they become embroiled in a conflict with a petty oligarchy and and entire kingdom of ass hats as Tabby say. Great characters and another well crafted story. You'll enjoy reading it!
Loose Nuts makes the big jump to the Tipperary system. A new start for many of their friends, Silver and Big Pete. On the journey they become embroiled in a conflict with a petty oligarchy and and entire kingdom of ass hats as Tabby say. Great characters and another well crafted story. You'll enjoy reading it!
June 29, 2020
8/10: Excellent read, well written, fell right into the fictional world created.
"We can't think about what we lost. We have to think about what we have and how best to use it."
This was a goodie. New location, different villains, and the same old crew facing tough odds. Superb!
"We can't think about what we lost. We have to think about what we have and how best to use it."
This was a goodie. New location, different villains, and the same old crew facing tough odds. Superb!
February 8, 2021
Progressively Better.
Apart from my dislike of short books, which THIS book is not, the books in this series have just progressively been getting better. It's as if the author has been growing up. That is hardly the case if one looks at the amount of books he has written. Let's just say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Apart from my dislike of short books, which THIS book is not, the books in this series have just progressively been getting better. It's as if the author has been growing up. That is hardly the case if one looks at the amount of books he has written. Let's just say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
April 25, 2021
Another great one in this series!
This is the type of series I can sink my "reading" teeth into. I was not convinced this series was going anywhere after the first book, but I am looking forward to reading the whole series. Thank you, Jamie MacFarlane, I appreciate your efforts for writing something that completely takes you to another world!
This is the type of series I can sink my "reading" teeth into. I was not convinced this series was going anywhere after the first book, but I am looking forward to reading the whole series. Thank you, Jamie MacFarlane, I appreciate your efforts for writing something that completely takes you to another world!
July 7, 2021
Privateer Buccaneer Trader
Might as well tag him with all three. I read a few other reviews, both good and bad, and I feel a little bemused when they take the author to task over literary finesse or pick on his science which I am not qualified to do. What I see is a hero that doesn’t know it, and no swelled head to go with it. Great job moving the story forward.
Might as well tag him with all three. I read a few other reviews, both good and bad, and I feel a little bemused when they take the author to task over literary finesse or pick on his science which I am not qualified to do. What I see is a hero that doesn’t know it, and no swelled head to go with it. Great job moving the story forward.
June 15, 2022
Dumb decisions
I've liked the series thus far but I'm at 48% of the way through this book and I'm about done with it. You would think Liam would start making the smart choice of killing his enemies instead of letting them go. His romantic ideals keep getting him into trouble and it's infuriating to read.
I've liked the series thus far but I'm at 48% of the way through this book and I'm about done with it. You would think Liam would start making the smart choice of killing his enemies instead of letting them go. His romantic ideals keep getting him into trouble and it's infuriating to read.
December 11, 2017
Loose Nuts Corporation strikes again
Liam and the gang are transporting goods from system to system and the pirates are a constant problem. The gang has to foil the pirates plans several time during their trip.
Liam and the gang are transporting goods from system to system and the pirates are a constant problem. The gang has to foil the pirates plans several time during their trip.
May 8, 2018
Exciting New Adventure
I love the new worlds and new places we get to explore in this book. Of course that means there are new bad guys and new dangers to overcome, but that's the whole point!
I love the new worlds and new places we get to explore in this book. Of course that means there are new bad guys and new dangers to overcome, but that's the whole point!
June 8, 2019
A good light read.
Good read, decent character development. Good story line, technology is a little far fetched. A note to the author, two ships ( one a tug at that) do not constitute a fleet.
Good read, decent character development. Good story line, technology is a little far fetched. A note to the author, two ships ( one a tug at that) do not constitute a fleet.
August 22, 2019
This has been on ok, not spectacular, series. The only drawback is that is only available in a digital version. I'm not able to get these from the library. I don't like this series to continue purchasing it. So, until he gets published, I'm out.
December 13, 2019
The best book so far
Liam, Tabby, and the rest of the gang join a convoy to a new system and stake mining claims. Their intent is to work the claims and ship the ore to a trading center. Trouble starts on the way out and things quickly get nasty. I highly recommend this book.
Liam, Tabby, and the rest of the gang join a convoy to a new system and stake mining claims. Their intent is to work the claims and ship the ore to a trading center. Trouble starts on the way out and things quickly get nasty. I highly recommend this book.
April 24, 2020
The privateers are moving to a brave new world and taking along anyone remotely involved in any of the past stories. It looks like the Privateers have come up with more enemies in their new world and have lots of adventures/action around those conflicts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews