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Ark Royal #6
A Small Colonial War
Excellent Book
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2015
As usual books from Christopher Nuttall are a fairly safe bet. Well, I guess it depends on your reading preferences of course but personally I quite like the books from this author and this one is no exception. Mr Nuttall often spins his stories from real world situations and events. Sometimes the link is rather direct and sometimes the link is somewhat stretched and quite embellished in the fictional parts of the book. In this book the influences from the Falklands war as well as the geopolitical state of the world in general (with quite a bit of fictional extrapolation into the future of course) are fairly obvious.
The book continues the story as it was left in the previous book in the series. If I should compare the two then this one is a more traditional military space opera. The story follows a fairly logical path given the events so far and there are really not many surprises along the way. The war breaks out of course and we get to follow it both in space and on the ground.
Warspite and its crew is of course present although they do not have such a central role as in the previous books. Nevertheless their contribution to the war effort is significant. Several other people from previous books are also back and, as usual, the characters and the story is good and well written.
The book was a pleasant read although it felt a bit more like a “standard” book in the genre than some of Mr Nuttall’s work which have been a bit more wow-inspiring. Still, it is quite high on the upper half on the scale though and the overall story of the book was definitely my cup of tea. The two warring factions do, naturally, have a few aces up their sleeves to prevent the action to be “just” a slug feast but, as I wrote, none of them were too surprising. The fact that there is a nice conclusion and a fairly happy ending, well not for the bad guys of course, is a plus as well. Some of Mr Nuttall’s books are having a somewhat dark tone and not so happy endings. This book is quite firmly in the other camp.
Something that annoys me a lot though are these idiot politicians that not only seems to be unable to collaborate but even starts wars when they continue their squabbling and pissing contents despite the fact that they have now realised that the humans are not alone in the universe and that there is a clear and present danger to the survival of the human race. Unfortunately that is probably a less fictional and more realistic part of the book though given the utter nincompoops that manages to get themselves elected over and over again in real life.
Bottom line, this is a very good book and I would not mind if Mr Nuttall continued with the stories in the Ark Royal universe. If nothing else I would really like to see one of those new Vanguard ships become reality and dish out some pain against whoever or whatever that got in their path.
The book continues the story as it was left in the previous book in the series. If I should compare the two then this one is a more traditional military space opera. The story follows a fairly logical path given the events so far and there are really not many surprises along the way. The war breaks out of course and we get to follow it both in space and on the ground.
Warspite and its crew is of course present although they do not have such a central role as in the previous books. Nevertheless their contribution to the war effort is significant. Several other people from previous books are also back and, as usual, the characters and the story is good and well written.
The book was a pleasant read although it felt a bit more like a “standard” book in the genre than some of Mr Nuttall’s work which have been a bit more wow-inspiring. Still, it is quite high on the upper half on the scale though and the overall story of the book was definitely my cup of tea. The two warring factions do, naturally, have a few aces up their sleeves to prevent the action to be “just” a slug feast but, as I wrote, none of them were too surprising. The fact that there is a nice conclusion and a fairly happy ending, well not for the bad guys of course, is a plus as well. Some of Mr Nuttall’s books are having a somewhat dark tone and not so happy endings. This book is quite firmly in the other camp.
Something that annoys me a lot though are these idiot politicians that not only seems to be unable to collaborate but even starts wars when they continue their squabbling and pissing contents despite the fact that they have now realised that the humans are not alone in the universe and that there is a clear and present danger to the survival of the human race. Unfortunately that is probably a less fictional and more realistic part of the book though given the utter nincompoops that manages to get themselves elected over and over again in real life.
Bottom line, this is a very good book and I would not mind if Mr Nuttall continued with the stories in the Ark Royal universe. If nothing else I would really like to see one of those new Vanguard ships become reality and dish out some pain against whoever or whatever that got in their path.
December 8, 2015
This is book six in the Ark royal Series. This story has the Indian government in open rebellion and seizing British held plants and demanding to be recognized as a serious world power. After the Interstellar War the United Kingdom is struggling to rebuild its military as well as its war-torn country. The last thing it needs is a war with India. Can the dispute be solved with diplomacy or does the Royal Navy need to be sent out?
One thing I enjoy about the space opera genre as well as the westerns is the straight forward story of the good guys protecting everyone from the bad guys. Nuttall often takes his ideas from current affairs and puts them onto an interstellar stage. I think that in this story you can think of the Falkland War as the current affair idea.
The plot is straight forward, the pace is fast and the story is well written. Nuttall is continuing to develop the key characters with every story. The space battles are classic, the story entertaining and enjoyable. Ralph Lister does a good job narrating the story.
One thing I enjoy about the space opera genre as well as the westerns is the straight forward story of the good guys protecting everyone from the bad guys. Nuttall often takes his ideas from current affairs and puts them onto an interstellar stage. I think that in this story you can think of the Falkland War as the current affair idea.
The plot is straight forward, the pace is fast and the story is well written. Nuttall is continuing to develop the key characters with every story. The space battles are classic, the story entertaining and enjoyable. Ralph Lister does a good job narrating the story.
June 28, 2017
Christopher G. Nuttall is just a brilliant author, he has such a wide range of series to his name, but this particular series is just exceptional.
A Small Colonial War is perhaps the best of the series so far in the Ark Royal Series, as the Indian’s invade the British colonies, leading to War.
The Indian fleet have taken Vesy and Pegasus, refusing to give them up and have taken hostages as well.
With all negotiations with ambassadors failing to reach a satisfactory outcome, there is only one conclusion.
This book brings together all the pieces from the first 2 books in the series, Admiral Fitzwilliams, and his Flagship, the Theodore Smith, the Warspite and her Captain John Naiser, as well as a substantial number of other ships.
The Indians only have one carrier as well, but have a substantial number of ships, as well as a weapon placement on the planet of Pegasus to surprise the fleet.
Nuttall provides us with some brilliant battles in space in this book, the tactics and strategy are just remarkable, and the writing is just outstanding. He builds such suspense with each of the characters and the different scenes as he takes you through each of the minor battles through to the last of the major confrontations to decide the outcome of this Colonial War.
As with all of his works, Nuttall’s characters are just exceptional, from the kids, Percy and Penny, who are now adults, and we get to see the Colonial War through their eyes. It provides a different perspective to the story to go with the view of Fitzwilliams and Naiser and the SAS. Nuttall also uses the colonists, as well as the Enemy Soldiers, to provide part of the story as well, allowing for a comprehensive story to be created.
The dialogue and interactions between each of the characters is brilliant, as a reader, we have already built a connection to some of the characters through the earlier books, but this book builds amazing tension as the events of the earlier books reach their climax. The insight into the each of the Commanders heads as the different conflicts unfold allows for a real understanding of what is going on, and something we don’t normally get, most books are only one sided.
One of the other interesting parts of this book is that the story is broken into multiple sections, with the fleet conflicts, the surface battles at the colony level, the political interactions as well as the family and the colony interactions.
A Small Colonial War is the true definition of Military Sci-Fi, with strong characters, outstanding combat scenes both on the ground and in space, and a brilliant storyline that ties it all together. If you haven’t gotten into the Ark Royal series yet, then you are missing one of the best series out there. If you are into the series and haven’t gotten to part 6 yet, you are in for a real treat.
The Indian and British are poised for war in this climatic conclusion – the best of the Ark Royal series so far!
A Small Colonial War is perhaps the best of the series so far in the Ark Royal Series, as the Indian’s invade the British colonies, leading to War.
The Indian fleet have taken Vesy and Pegasus, refusing to give them up and have taken hostages as well.
With all negotiations with ambassadors failing to reach a satisfactory outcome, there is only one conclusion.
This book brings together all the pieces from the first 2 books in the series, Admiral Fitzwilliams, and his Flagship, the Theodore Smith, the Warspite and her Captain John Naiser, as well as a substantial number of other ships.
The Indians only have one carrier as well, but have a substantial number of ships, as well as a weapon placement on the planet of Pegasus to surprise the fleet.
Nuttall provides us with some brilliant battles in space in this book, the tactics and strategy are just remarkable, and the writing is just outstanding. He builds such suspense with each of the characters and the different scenes as he takes you through each of the minor battles through to the last of the major confrontations to decide the outcome of this Colonial War.
As with all of his works, Nuttall’s characters are just exceptional, from the kids, Percy and Penny, who are now adults, and we get to see the Colonial War through their eyes. It provides a different perspective to the story to go with the view of Fitzwilliams and Naiser and the SAS. Nuttall also uses the colonists, as well as the Enemy Soldiers, to provide part of the story as well, allowing for a comprehensive story to be created.
The dialogue and interactions between each of the characters is brilliant, as a reader, we have already built a connection to some of the characters through the earlier books, but this book builds amazing tension as the events of the earlier books reach their climax. The insight into the each of the Commanders heads as the different conflicts unfold allows for a real understanding of what is going on, and something we don’t normally get, most books are only one sided.
One of the other interesting parts of this book is that the story is broken into multiple sections, with the fleet conflicts, the surface battles at the colony level, the political interactions as well as the family and the colony interactions.
A Small Colonial War is the true definition of Military Sci-Fi, with strong characters, outstanding combat scenes both on the ground and in space, and a brilliant storyline that ties it all together. If you haven’t gotten into the Ark Royal series yet, then you are missing one of the best series out there. If you are into the series and haven’t gotten to part 6 yet, you are in for a real treat.
The Indian and British are poised for war in this climatic conclusion – the best of the Ark Royal series so far!
January 18, 2022
This was a much a geo-political thriller as it was a Sci-fi military novel. This concluding novel of the Warspite arc of the Ark Royal series tells of how India push on with their attempt to get official recognition as a Great Power. After their coup on the newly discovered planet of Vesy, they expand and take control of the British systems of Pegasus and Clark and landing troops on the Clarke III moon. Britain has a choice weakened as it has been following the war with the Tadpoles, they have to choose if they are going to give into the Indian demands or go to war and risk being wiped out by a defeat. The problem of acquiescence though is that it would leave Britain vulnerable to other nations making a land grab as they wouldn't fear a reprisal. So Britain declares war and thus starts the first interstellar was between to human nations.
Once again Captain John Naiser takes the Warspite to war and is given the dangerous mission of stealth scout with the mission of finding out where the Indian forces are gathered, as well as landing a small troop of SAS on the occupied moon. James Fitzwilliam (now Vice Admiral) is given command of the task force aboard the new carrier Theodore Smith. Against him are 2 modern Indian carriers, although will they risk both being in the same system and leave their own claim worlds vulnerable? Can the British space navy find the tactics to win the day?
This series just keep getting better, with solid geo-political plot lines, and battle scenes that are dramatic, exciting yet still believable given the futuristic nature of the series.
Once again Captain John Naiser takes the Warspite to war and is given the dangerous mission of stealth scout with the mission of finding out where the Indian forces are gathered, as well as landing a small troop of SAS on the occupied moon. James Fitzwilliam (now Vice Admiral) is given command of the task force aboard the new carrier Theodore Smith. Against him are 2 modern Indian carriers, although will they risk both being in the same system and leave their own claim worlds vulnerable? Can the British space navy find the tactics to win the day?
This series just keep getting better, with solid geo-political plot lines, and battle scenes that are dramatic, exciting yet still believable given the futuristic nature of the series.
January 14, 2017
This review will be posted with each book in the Ark Royal series with separate ratings for the individual books as I found them.
Christopher Nuttal is one of my favourite authors. I enjoy his plots and characters equally and, with the exception of his fantasy novels, I read whatever I can find. And he is prolific.
Ark Royal is the first book in a great series. So far, it goes on for 9 books in three separate trilogies. The first and last trilogy are the best but the other three are worth reading. For the most part, the stories contain a number of characters that are well developed with heroic aspects as well as the fatal flaws. The reader gets to know them well. The action is fast paced and contains a healthy dose of space opera and military on-the-ground action.
You often end up with a sense of loss but with the feeling that it is all worthwhile.
Christopher Nuttal is one of my favourite authors. I enjoy his plots and characters equally and, with the exception of his fantasy novels, I read whatever I can find. And he is prolific.
Ark Royal is the first book in a great series. So far, it goes on for 9 books in three separate trilogies. The first and last trilogy are the best but the other three are worth reading. For the most part, the stories contain a number of characters that are well developed with heroic aspects as well as the fatal flaws. The reader gets to know them well. The action is fast paced and contains a healthy dose of space opera and military on-the-ground action.
You often end up with a sense of loss but with the feeling that it is all worthwhile.
November 25, 2020
A Small Colonial War by Chris Nuttall follows the action of A Savage War of Peace in the now fully engaged war between Britain and India over India’s actions on the planet Vesy.
India has continued to challenge Britain and has now seized British colony worlds, an open act of war. Diplomacy fails, the die is cast.
Well-written as always, I suspect that Chris is a outliner and plotter. Solid characters, lots of action. Good job.
India has continued to challenge Britain and has now seized British colony worlds, an open act of war. Diplomacy fails, the die is cast.
Well-written as always, I suspect that Chris is a outliner and plotter. Solid characters, lots of action. Good job.
December 14, 2017
A fine conclusion to the trilogy, the action is stepped up a bit and as enthralling as ever, although there are some quick and easy wins that seem too simplistic given the complexity of the overall story.
Looking forward to the Vanguard series....
Looking forward to the Vanguard series....
November 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this trilogy
I started with the first trilogy with Ark Royal, which I quite enjoyed. I enjoyed the Warspite trilogy just as much. I'm looking forward to the Vanguard trilogy.
I started with the first trilogy with Ark Royal, which I quite enjoyed. I enjoyed the Warspite trilogy just as much. I'm looking forward to the Vanguard trilogy.
July 29, 2020
Enjoyable Series
The series was enjoyable. The idea of the trampolines is interesting button still need to suspend belief! You will be engaged with and by the characters within too.
The series was enjoyable. The idea of the trampolines is interesting button still need to suspend belief! You will be engaged with and by the characters within too.
April 19, 2021
The personal, political, and military history of a war in space.
Carrying forward the lives and careers of some of the characters from the Ark Royal series to add interest and having plausible battle sequences makes reading this series a pleasure.
Carrying forward the lives and careers of some of the characters from the Ark Royal series to add interest and having plausible battle sequences makes reading this series a pleasure.
March 27, 2023
What a great finish
This series is very good, following the characters through this adventure has been great, and seeing how they progress through the events and their careers has been awesome. I just wish the space combat seemed more impacfull, other than that it's been great fun
This series is very good, following the characters through this adventure has been great, and seeing how they progress through the events and their careers has been awesome. I just wish the space combat seemed more impacfull, other than that it's been great fun
July 10, 2017
Great payoff
The build up in the last book was a little slow but well worth the payoff, great space battles and human drama
The build up in the last book was a little slow but well worth the payoff, great space battles and human drama
September 25, 2017
Really liked this one, the storytelling seemed much better done than the last book
January 21, 2019
Just one thing for me to say; Another first class book from this author.
February 5, 2019
Excellent
I'm so glad he got back to doing what he is best at... Which,in my opinion,is wrapping intense military action with great human interaction. I'll order the next one!
I'm so glad he got back to doing what he is best at... Which,in my opinion,is wrapping intense military action with great human interaction. I'll order the next one!
May 6, 2021
Best of the Warspite books. This one was absolutely riveting.
August 10, 2023
Betrayed and humiliated, the British are in a tight spot. The SAS deploy on the stealth shuttle Sneaky Bastard. What more could you ask for? Further excellent military tension on the borders of the British Space Empire.
August 21, 2021
Falklands War in Space
Imagine the Falklands War fought in the Ark Royal universe. Only the aggressor is not Argentina but India. It's the same idea: will Britain fight and regain its colonies? Or give up control because a war would be too costly? In this fictional universe, Britain knows that it cannot weaken itself, especially after the turmoil of the First Interstellar War. Yet to defeat India means losing the Indians as potential allies when the next war comes.
Into this turmoil, you have the relationships between Percy and his sister Penny who has chosen to become an embedded reporter. In a war zone, if you are wearing a helmet, loose approximation of a uniform, you are fair game. Snipers at 300 yards can't tell the difference. Strangely, the way Nuttall uses his prose, you get the feeling that neither was really, truly in danger of getting killed. There was no "my sibling is MIA, presumably KIA" around 70% through the book and reappears miraculously at the end. And Nuttall does wrap up the thread with their father in book 3. If you had read book 3, you would have known what happened but due to the embarrassing and dangerous situation, it was best that the truth be hidden from all. Brother and sister learn the terrible truth and agree to never speak of it.
Fitzwilliam, Nasier, and the officers from both sides act honorably at all times, but some of it was not as dramatic. Fitzwilliam and Soskice's arguments on warfare was somewhat reminiscent of another debate in David Weber's Honor Harringon universe where two top admirals had a longstanding feud between tactics versus technology. In Weber's universe, both of them come to an agreement and reconciliation 7 books into the series. Here, Nuttall shortened it to 3 books. This was probably one of the weaker elements of the book.
I'd still give it 4 stars out of 5.
Imagine the Falklands War fought in the Ark Royal universe. Only the aggressor is not Argentina but India. It's the same idea: will Britain fight and regain its colonies? Or give up control because a war would be too costly? In this fictional universe, Britain knows that it cannot weaken itself, especially after the turmoil of the First Interstellar War. Yet to defeat India means losing the Indians as potential allies when the next war comes.
Into this turmoil, you have the relationships between Percy and his sister Penny who has chosen to become an embedded reporter. In a war zone, if you are wearing a helmet, loose approximation of a uniform, you are fair game. Snipers at 300 yards can't tell the difference. Strangely, the way Nuttall uses his prose, you get the feeling that neither was really, truly in danger of getting killed. There was no "my sibling is MIA, presumably KIA" around 70% through the book and reappears miraculously at the end. And Nuttall does wrap up the thread with their father in book 3. If you had read book 3, you would have known what happened but due to the embarrassing and dangerous situation, it was best that the truth be hidden from all. Brother and sister learn the terrible truth and agree to never speak of it.
Fitzwilliam, Nasier, and the officers from both sides act honorably at all times, but some of it was not as dramatic. Fitzwilliam and Soskice's arguments on warfare was somewhat reminiscent of another debate in David Weber's Honor Harringon universe where two top admirals had a longstanding feud between tactics versus technology. In Weber's universe, both of them come to an agreement and reconciliation 7 books into the series. Here, Nuttall shortened it to 3 books. This was probably one of the weaker elements of the book.
I'd still give it 4 stars out of 5.
June 4, 2016
A befitting end to the second series of books for the Ark Royal storyline.
Admittedly I have been a fan of Christopher Nuttall for a while now, and tremendously enjoyed the story of the first series. Warspite, the second series was a bit more challenging to fall in love with, especially since the first series was so good.
The first two books of the series I felt were slightly more difficult to warm up to, however the addition of this final book, A Small Colonial War, brought the series right back on track. The combination of politics, naval warfare as well as ground operations combined some of the finer elements of the author's storytelling strengths into an outstanding finale to the second series.
If you are a fan of space warfare fiction (capital ships combat, starfighter dogfights, ground-based special ops missions, etc), this is a great book within an outstanding story. However, it's necessary to read the preceding books to fully appreciate the book in it's role within the saga.
So if you are a fan of space opera/ military science fiction, this is a book and a saga that you can't miss. The books are reasonably priced for the quality of storytelling you get, so it's a good investment of your time and money, you won't go wrong.
Admittedly I have been a fan of Christopher Nuttall for a while now, and tremendously enjoyed the story of the first series. Warspite, the second series was a bit more challenging to fall in love with, especially since the first series was so good.
The first two books of the series I felt were slightly more difficult to warm up to, however the addition of this final book, A Small Colonial War, brought the series right back on track. The combination of politics, naval warfare as well as ground operations combined some of the finer elements of the author's storytelling strengths into an outstanding finale to the second series.
If you are a fan of space warfare fiction (capital ships combat, starfighter dogfights, ground-based special ops missions, etc), this is a great book within an outstanding story. However, it's necessary to read the preceding books to fully appreciate the book in it's role within the saga.
So if you are a fan of space opera/ military science fiction, this is a book and a saga that you can't miss. The books are reasonably priced for the quality of storytelling you get, so it's a good investment of your time and money, you won't go wrong.
October 12, 2015
Expectations of the genre happily fulfilled.
Christopher Nuttall continues the saga. His British perspective is a welcome change from purely American views although he retains the standard stereotypes of politicians and journalists.The great merit of this story is that it could not have been set on a sailing frigate in the Napoleonic wars. For this reason and his journeyman writing skills I rate the book HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Christopher Nuttall continues the saga. His British perspective is a welcome change from purely American views although he retains the standard stereotypes of politicians and journalists.The great merit of this story is that it could not have been set on a sailing frigate in the Napoleonic wars. For this reason and his journeyman writing skills I rate the book HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
September 12, 2015
This was a fine conclusion to the Warspite trilogy. The characters are interesting and continue to grow and develop. The pacing was fast and steady. I thought the finish was a bit forced and even glossed over, but overall it was another fine tale from Nuttall.
August 19, 2015
once again a great read, bring on the Vanguard!
August 26, 2015
I feel similar to when I read the first book, but then in reverse. The book feels like a half-book, with disappointingly brief encounters and very little room for suspense.
January 5, 2016
Yeah another one in the series - its a defo an odd one. I think maybe trying to prove a point/bend the story about falklands/thatcher got in the way of doing a better story IMHO.
August 4, 2016
Another great read. On to the next one.
April 23, 2017
"A Small Colonial War," by prolific writer Christopher Nuttall, continues the timeline that began with the Ark Royal and its battle with the alien race nicknamed the Tadpoles. At this point, John Naiser, captain of the small but deftly designed Warspite, has been brought into the resulting conflict between India and Great Britain. The Indians have long wanted to join the rest of the great powers and see an opportunity to gamble on increasing their interstellar profile by bloodying the nose of their former colonial masters. However, all is not as simple as they would hope. Despite the dangers of a pointless human war, the English don't back down. In a conflict roughly fashioned after the Falklands War, in which Argentina decides to forcibly take islands it claims as national land. This took place back in 1982, and the residents consider themselves British. Nuttall explores all the elements of the crisis but through a battle on a planet that has little to offer other than a poisonous atmosphere and small colony. The battles are well chronicled and the plot inventive. There's even a small love story between a marine and a young navy crew woman who had been exiled. The more I read Nuttall, the more I like it. And as long as he keeps turning out novels, I'll be buying and reading them.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews