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Galactic Football League #5
The Champion
THE CHAMPION is the fifth book in the Galactic Football League series. Seven centuries in the future, the sport of American football has never been bigger, never been faster, never been more lethal. Trillions of fans from all over the galaxy watch six unique races battle in contests so violent that deaths are part of the stat sheet. Star quarterback Quentin Barnes has led his beloved Ionath Krakens to glory on the gridiron and become the most-recognized individual in history, but it is off the field where his world crumbles around him. Over four seasons with Ionath, he's picked up powerful enemies: one of which drove his sister into the Portath Cloud, a place from which no ship returns. Because his enemies include his team owner a possessive crime lord who treats players like property and the ruling government that controls the shipping lanes, Quentin and his friends must hide from the media spotlight as they search for a way to rescue his sister.
625 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
31 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Scott Sigler
132 books4,335 followersTHE CRYPT: SHAKEDOWN is Book I of a new five-book series. It’s out October 3, 2023 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.
iTunes by subscribing to his podcast.
#1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of fifteen novels, six novellas and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized, audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.
Scott launched his career by releasing his novels as author-read podcasts. His rabid fans were so hungry for each week’s episode that they dubbed themselves the “Junkies.” The first hit is always free …
He is also is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. He lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and wee little Dogs of Døøm.
iTunes by subscribing to his podcast. #1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of fifteen novels, six novellas and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized, audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.
Scott launched his career by releasing his novels as author-read podcasts. His rabid fans were so hungry for each week’s episode that they dubbed themselves the “Junkies.” The first hit is always free …
He is also is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. He lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and wee little Dogs of Døøm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 21, 2019
This continues the story of Quentin Barnes and the Krakens. The Krakens are champions and face new problems as they try to repeat. Can they repeat or fall into disarray as their new found glory goes to their heads? This series needs to be read in order.
Yes, this is a football novel in the future but trust me when I say one doesn't need to know or like the sport to enjoy this series. Even though football is prevalent throughout it is about the characters. I love how we have seen Quentin grown throughout the years and he is the undisputed leader of this team. Can he still lead while being saddled with responsibility that he did not ask for? I did think this book was a step down because of this new responsibility. It was touched upon but never really explored. This could be partly my fault as I thought this was the last book of the series but obviously not. I also thought this was a step down from previous books because the events of the outside world seemed to be a separate entity while in the earlier books they coincided. I really enjoyed when they exist together as it adds tension to the season.
Even with these flaws this is still an enjoyable book and series. I am not a fan of football but I do love this series and I am a fan of the Krakens for life. These books make you feel like you are really rooting for an actual team.
Yes, this is a football novel in the future but trust me when I say one doesn't need to know or like the sport to enjoy this series. Even though football is prevalent throughout it is about the characters. I love how we have seen Quentin grown throughout the years and he is the undisputed leader of this team. Can he still lead while being saddled with responsibility that he did not ask for? I did think this book was a step down because of this new responsibility. It was touched upon but never really explored. This could be partly my fault as I thought this was the last book of the series but obviously not. I also thought this was a step down from previous books because the events of the outside world seemed to be a separate entity while in the earlier books they coincided. I really enjoyed when they exist together as it adds tension to the season.
Even with these flaws this is still an enjoyable book and series. I am not a fan of football but I do love this series and I am a fan of the Krakens for life. These books make you feel like you are really rooting for an actual team.
May 11, 2015
Damn you, Scott Sigler! That was an amazing ride. And now we have to wait HOW LONG for the next book in the series? And you've said it's a seven book series? How the hell are you going to top what just happened? I had been listening each week to the podcast patiently every Sunday, but after listening to the penultimate episode today, I had to bust out my copy to finish it now. And I am glad I did - no way I could have waited another week to listen to that final chapter.
Listen, folks. You need to read this entire series NOW! There is nothing like it out there. NOTHING! Yes, there are flaws in the writing. But you know what, who cares? When you are reading these books (or listening to the audiobooks, Scott does an amazing job reading his own books and the production quality on the GFL series is just about the best ever), you are completely absorbed in the story. And EVERY book has flaws. The flaws here are so minor that they aren't even worth addressing in detail. And they are completely overshadowed by the fact that all you want to do is know what happens next.
I know I said above that I have no idea how Scott can top this for another two books, but at the same time, I never want the story of Quentin Barnes and his Krakens to end. I want MORE. And all this book did was increase that hunger tenfold.
Listen, folks. You need to read this entire series NOW! There is nothing like it out there. NOTHING! Yes, there are flaws in the writing. But you know what, who cares? When you are reading these books (or listening to the audiobooks, Scott does an amazing job reading his own books and the production quality on the GFL series is just about the best ever), you are completely absorbed in the story. And EVERY book has flaws. The flaws here are so minor that they aren't even worth addressing in detail. And they are completely overshadowed by the fact that all you want to do is know what happens next.
I know I said above that I have no idea how Scott can top this for another two books, but at the same time, I never want the story of Quentin Barnes and his Krakens to end. I want MORE. And all this book did was increase that hunger tenfold.
October 18, 2014
THE CHAMPION was another great story in Scott Sigler's Galactic Football League series. I enjoyed how the story continued on from the last book (The MVP) and how threads from the other books came somewhat full circle in THE CHAMPION. The ending was definitely not what I had expected, but it did turn out really well.
Overall an excellent story and wonderful addition to the GFL series.
Overall an excellent story and wonderful addition to the GFL series.
October 27, 2021
Another fun one in thie series! So much fun. The ending was not something I saw coming. Can not wait to start the next one! Seems football may be less of what happens there, but the whole series sort of felt like that was were it was going as these are not just football books. That is why I think I enjoy them as much as I do.
August 22, 2024
Sports centered books tend to get very ... formulaic. Especially in a series. But this installment had a wow ending that was just great. 4.5 rounded up for a captivating close.
May 20, 2017
The Champion, the long-awaited Book 5 in Scott Sigler's GFL series is - to be brief - well worth the wait. After the cliffhanger of Book 4 (The MVP), the action of Book 5 picks right up with another grand adventure for our upjumped hero. Over the course of the series, we've seen the orphaned miner Quentin Barnes overcome his own racial prejudices in order to gain success on the Galactic Football field, where he becomes a celebrity and a star player only through the efforts of accepting races he grew up despising. The series starts when he is 19 years old - seflish and immature. Now he's about 23 years old, and while still young, each season in his career presents him with opportunities for personal growth and education.
As a 23-year old, Quentin may be one of the older Young Adult protagonists out there, but make no mistake - this is a Young Adult book at its core, but the shackles of YA don't hold the story back.
In his latest adventure, QB is once again thrust onto the main stage, put in an impossible situation that he must deal with. As with his other impossible situations, there is peril and danger. Thankfully, not everyone makes it out unscathed or even alive. This is a wonderful part of the GFL series - like George R.R. Marin, Scott Sigler does not shrink away from killing his characters or putting them into situations that change them fundamentally.
At this point in his life, Quentin has grown quite a bit intellectually, though he still remains unconvinced about his own supposed role in the universe. The groundwork has been laid in the previous books, and in The Champion, more pieces start to fall into place. We can start to see how this grand epic is being played out.
As with the other stories, the drama unfolds around football. The seasons march inevitably on, and the upcoming seasons are constantly in the mind of our heroes, as they struggle with finding their place in the universe while still trying to make a living and do the thing they love best. Personal relationships are built up and torn down; constant adjustments are required to deal with the consequences of decisions that are made during the off-season.
Step back from the story and you can see how the entire series plays itself out as a football game. As the
quarterback on the field, Quentin Barnes has to constantly observe all of the things going on around him, and make adjustments that will help him win. His ability to focus on ever-shifting variables and make decisions during a football game is well-suited for him to apply to his galactic adventures, making decisions that affect his life and those lives around him while constantly being inundated with inputs from all directions. As he bobs, weaves and calculates on the field, so does he off the field as well.
Those who are around him are his family, both genetic and adopted. He is a beloved friend and teammate, and he uses that ardor to enlist assistance from anyone he can, whether consciously or not. As with any family, there are ups and downs - some of which play out within a book, and some of which play out between books. Either way, the realism of his relationships help lend credibility to his internal struggles.
With only two more books planned in the series, it's interesting to try to figure out how the rest of the story is going to play out. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book.
As a 23-year old, Quentin may be one of the older Young Adult protagonists out there, but make no mistake - this is a Young Adult book at its core, but the shackles of YA don't hold the story back.
In his latest adventure, QB is once again thrust onto the main stage, put in an impossible situation that he must deal with. As with his other impossible situations, there is peril and danger. Thankfully, not everyone makes it out unscathed or even alive. This is a wonderful part of the GFL series - like George R.R. Marin, Scott Sigler does not shrink away from killing his characters or putting them into situations that change them fundamentally.
At this point in his life, Quentin has grown quite a bit intellectually, though he still remains unconvinced about his own supposed role in the universe. The groundwork has been laid in the previous books, and in The Champion, more pieces start to fall into place. We can start to see how this grand epic is being played out.
As with the other stories, the drama unfolds around football. The seasons march inevitably on, and the upcoming seasons are constantly in the mind of our heroes, as they struggle with finding their place in the universe while still trying to make a living and do the thing they love best. Personal relationships are built up and torn down; constant adjustments are required to deal with the consequences of decisions that are made during the off-season.
Step back from the story and you can see how the entire series plays itself out as a football game. As the
quarterback on the field, Quentin Barnes has to constantly observe all of the things going on around him, and make adjustments that will help him win. His ability to focus on ever-shifting variables and make decisions during a football game is well-suited for him to apply to his galactic adventures, making decisions that affect his life and those lives around him while constantly being inundated with inputs from all directions. As he bobs, weaves and calculates on the field, so does he off the field as well.
Those who are around him are his family, both genetic and adopted. He is a beloved friend and teammate, and he uses that ardor to enlist assistance from anyone he can, whether consciously or not. As with any family, there are ups and downs - some of which play out within a book, and some of which play out between books. Either way, the realism of his relationships help lend credibility to his internal struggles.
With only two more books planned in the series, it's interesting to try to figure out how the rest of the story is going to play out. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book.
January 6, 2016
(Some spoilers in general, nothing critical though I don't think.) Not being a fan of the gridiron game, it's surprising that that was the best part of this mostly formulaic book. These all-important games are only represented thinly, as an afterthought, leaving the meat of the story to be made up of the unnecessary over-dramatic self-created crises the main character surrounds himself with.
In front of an interesting political backdrop, the main character, Q sets on his blinkers and ignores everything in a stubborn-stupid fit of denial so strong that it caused cognitive dissonance. Instead of getting involved in more complicated political plots that are spun imaginatively and carefully, Q is maddening in how he treats family, friends and team mates, turns his back on everyone and everything that the reader could identify with, and focuses on his game in an ego-trip that alienates. The rare moments of self-analysis yields a hard-to-swallow realization. This character has amazing cognitive functions necessary to play the quarterback position and yet is painfully retarded in almost every other aspect of his life, except for a rare moment when he makes a masterful plan. Many other characters are set up in intricately woven plot lines, an interesting story that's waiting to happen, but never does.
The book is mostly formulaic because it follows a typical heroes-journey type style, with the hero being called to greatness, resisting the call, then answering the call and through struggle and companionable hardship, stepping up to the big time. Except, the resistance to the call for greatness is a painfully forced plot device, leaving the character hard to empathize with. Instead of answering said call, the character refuses to undergo any character growth in anything except football throughout the entire book. One deeply pivotal moment in the book that changes the character's life is ruined by a cliché'd line. Seriously?
** Spoiler** "Have you ever killed anyone before?" Bam! "Now I have."
Are you kidding me? The first time someone kills someone else and the psychopathic lack of empathy indicated by this line grated just a little too much.
**
But that's OK, once the season is over and the Galaxy Bowl is won, surely then we will finally see plot progression, political involvement and character development, right? Wrong. That's it folks.
Do yourself a favour and wait for the next book, maybe read a short plot synopses and skip this one altogether. It leaves the reader feeling like the writer planned a book twice as long but ripped the book in two. It's unfinished and therefore shouldn't be read, at the very least not yet.
In front of an interesting political backdrop, the main character, Q sets on his blinkers and ignores everything in a stubborn-stupid fit of denial so strong that it caused cognitive dissonance. Instead of getting involved in more complicated political plots that are spun imaginatively and carefully, Q is maddening in how he treats family, friends and team mates, turns his back on everyone and everything that the reader could identify with, and focuses on his game in an ego-trip that alienates. The rare moments of self-analysis yields a hard-to-swallow realization. This character has amazing cognitive functions necessary to play the quarterback position and yet is painfully retarded in almost every other aspect of his life, except for a rare moment when he makes a masterful plan. Many other characters are set up in intricately woven plot lines, an interesting story that's waiting to happen, but never does.
The book is mostly formulaic because it follows a typical heroes-journey type style, with the hero being called to greatness, resisting the call, then answering the call and through struggle and companionable hardship, stepping up to the big time. Except, the resistance to the call for greatness is a painfully forced plot device, leaving the character hard to empathize with. Instead of answering said call, the character refuses to undergo any character growth in anything except football throughout the entire book. One deeply pivotal moment in the book that changes the character's life is ruined by a cliché'd line. Seriously?
** Spoiler** "Have you ever killed anyone before?" Bam! "Now I have."
Are you kidding me? The first time someone kills someone else and the psychopathic lack of empathy indicated by this line grated just a little too much.
**
But that's OK, once the season is over and the Galaxy Bowl is won, surely then we will finally see plot progression, political involvement and character development, right? Wrong. That's it folks.
Do yourself a favour and wait for the next book, maybe read a short plot synopses and skip this one altogether. It leaves the reader feeling like the writer planned a book twice as long but ripped the book in two. It's unfinished and therefore shouldn't be read, at the very least not yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2015
Another fun sci-fi, inter-species, sports/football junkie (young adult) mash-up, well-executed and entirely within character and in keeping with the first four installments in this rowdy and rollicking series. If you (or your teenager) love football and want to experiment with sci-fi (without taking a more conventional plunge through, for example, Ender's Game or Dune), this is a fun place to start.
My son and I have thoroughly enjoyed the series, and my son eagerly awaited (and was ecstatic to learn of) this installment. (My son fears, not unreasonably, that the story arc might have wrapped up at the conclusion of this one - there's no obvious cliff-hanger, although there's plenty of material left (the looming galactic threat) if Sigler wants to return to the well.)
Honestly, part of me is embarrassed that I've enjoyed the series so much. I've never liked the protagonist (whereas my son adores him - that makes sense, he's the target demographic), and there's a world of (arguably) better sci-fi out there. But the vehicle works, and I'm not really sure how or why. Even though the books are quite large (or, as my son would say, huge), he and I tend to read them quite quickly - once the hook is in, it's hard to extract yourself.
Full disclosure: Sigler is pitching this book and this series to a pretty narrow band of readers, but if you fall into that band, it's worth going back to start with round one: The Rookie. If you're waffling on trying this (for yourself or your offspring), rest assured that Sigler covers plenty of (young adult-focused) food for thought, by aggressively addressing, among other things, racism, religion, democracy/governance, romance, leadership, good and evil, education, friendship, family, and even a little economics.
Also, we were sure to buy the hardback early this time (although I read it on my Kindle) - the publisher sells primarily e-books, and only a limited number of hard copies are printed (with prices of some of the earlier books trading at ridiculously high prices).
My son and I have thoroughly enjoyed the series, and my son eagerly awaited (and was ecstatic to learn of) this installment. (My son fears, not unreasonably, that the story arc might have wrapped up at the conclusion of this one - there's no obvious cliff-hanger, although there's plenty of material left (the looming galactic threat) if Sigler wants to return to the well.)
Honestly, part of me is embarrassed that I've enjoyed the series so much. I've never liked the protagonist (whereas my son adores him - that makes sense, he's the target demographic), and there's a world of (arguably) better sci-fi out there. But the vehicle works, and I'm not really sure how or why. Even though the books are quite large (or, as my son would say, huge), he and I tend to read them quite quickly - once the hook is in, it's hard to extract yourself.
Full disclosure: Sigler is pitching this book and this series to a pretty narrow band of readers, but if you fall into that band, it's worth going back to start with round one: The Rookie. If you're waffling on trying this (for yourself or your offspring), rest assured that Sigler covers plenty of (young adult-focused) food for thought, by aggressively addressing, among other things, racism, religion, democracy/governance, romance, leadership, good and evil, education, friendship, family, and even a little economics.
Also, we were sure to buy the hardback early this time (although I read it on my Kindle) - the publisher sells primarily e-books, and only a limited number of hard copies are printed (with prices of some of the earlier books trading at ridiculously high prices).
April 17, 2022
All good things must come to an end; too bad sometimes that end is a horrible train wreck covered in still burning dumpster trash. The first three books were near flawless. They were cheesy space football with grasshopper-like receivers and centipede-like linemen. The gangsters owning the teams were a nice touch and added a lot of action off the field. Why did the author feel the need to add galaxy-conquering aliens? He already had two boogieman aliens that kill everyone on sight that Barnes and team turned into friends. Using this tired trope a third time was disgusting. It made Quentin Barnes go from Flash Gordan to Flash (ahh-ah) Savior of the Universe! (Get that song out of your head).
The aliens ruined a great series. The series wasn't perfect, Why didn't Barnes care about his missing dad anymore once his sister arrived? The one he didn't even remember. How come Barnes has any friends? He doesn't ever listen to them. He manipulates them and only does what he wants. He was a detestable protagonist. This book barely had football compared to the first four. Weird, considering the book series is the Galactic FOOTBALL League.
There is at least one more book, with two on the way, and several novellas. When I finished books 1-3, I knew I would read them. Now, I don't care. Book five ended in a way my head canon can ignore all the stupidity I fully expect in the next books. Sorry, Barnes. You deserved better than what you got.
The aliens ruined a great series. The series wasn't perfect, Why didn't Barnes care about his missing dad anymore once his sister arrived? The one he didn't even remember. How come Barnes has any friends? He doesn't ever listen to them. He manipulates them and only does what he wants. He was a detestable protagonist. This book barely had football compared to the first four. Weird, considering the book series is the Galactic FOOTBALL League.
There is at least one more book, with two on the way, and several novellas. When I finished books 1-3, I knew I would read them. Now, I don't care. Book five ended in a way my head canon can ignore all the stupidity I fully expect in the next books. Sorry, Barnes. You deserved better than what you got.
May 20, 2015
Really the best way to experience the GFL books is the author's own readings of them. The audio production adds a lot of value. I've been listening along to the serialised version on his podcast but, as usual, once the story was nearing it's conclusion I gave in and had to read to the end myself - I just couldn't wait for the finish in weekly chunks. Any book that makes you do that clearly has something going for it!
I find the actual 'football' element of these books can be a little predictable, for which I subtract one star in the rating, but there is so much more than that going on here. The off-field elements are where these books shine and, as ever, we are left with a number of new developments to carry into the next book.
A fitting continuation of an enjoyable series.
I find the actual 'football' element of these books can be a little predictable, for which I subtract one star in the rating, but there is so much more than that going on here. The off-field elements are where these books shine and, as ever, we are left with a number of new developments to carry into the next book.
A fitting continuation of an enjoyable series.
October 26, 2014
I suppose it was inevitable this would happen. The books have moved away from the more GFL-focused story-lines to a more overarching thread and while I understand why this has happened, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others as I really do prefer the GFL bits. It took nearly half the book just to get to the first game! So while writing is high quality I found it less satisfying than the others.
October 22, 2014
The story was incredible. Though football was in this book it was more a secondary plot unlike the previous books in the series.
I am glad that this book did not end in a cliffhanger like the previous one. Can't wait for the next one in the series. Till then I'll shut up and run the plays that you call.
I am glad that this book did not end in a cliffhanger like the previous one. Can't wait for the next one in the series. Till then I'll shut up and run the plays that you call.
April 1, 2016
Awesome novel. As a non-football guy I was a bit annoyed at first because of all these football things, but as Scott said in podcast in The Rookie ... let it try and listen to at least 6 chapters, then love it or leave it. I tried and today I finished book 5 - The Champion. Waiting for book 6.
June 7, 2015
Perhaps the best novel of the series to date. A shocking ending that throws the rest of the series up in the air. Just incredible.
July 26, 2015
rating :17 1/2 billion stars....plus a milky way
May 25, 2015
Great series. I recommend it.
July 25, 2015
The fifth book in the series was very dramatic for main character Quentin Barnes. A lot happens true the game and even the ending is sad. But even so my time on that book was satisfied.
February 17, 2021
Book 5 in the series and still full of surprises. So much more to look forward to. I've lost count how many times I have been through this sereies
January 3, 2019
Possible spoilers in this review but I will try to keep them to a minimium.
Just for the sake of full disclosure, while I have never meet Scott Sigler in person, I have been acquaintances with him on Facebook for a number of years, and we have mutual friends. Scott is also the one that led me to love audiobooks. This was especially important because I went several years where reading books was difficult due to some health issues. Since Scott stopped narrating his own books, it's been a few years since I had visited the land of the GFL (or any of the Siglerverse). In fact, looking back, I missed the MVP book completely (although it's on my shelf). My introduction to the GFL, Quentin and his world was with the Rookie before the series became more focused as a YA series back when everything Scott released was a podiobook and read by him. So I very much consider myself one of Scott's junkies. Enough history though, let's talk The Champion!
It is funny when you re-enter a world you haven't visited in quite sometime. You can either feel like your coming home and nostalgic, or it can feel like a place you don't quite recognize. This was the first GFL (or Sigler book) I have actually read, so it was a little bit of both. I couldn't help but hearing the dark overlords voice whispering in my year at times. There is something special about having the author of a book narrate it himself. That is especially true when that author is Scott Sigler. I have to admit I missed that. Especially when it came to the GFL stats and the portions of the book that were from the GFL broadcasts. I am not a stat geek, so not having Scott reading those to me and making them exciting was a bit of a let down. But that is the only real flaw I can find in this book. Quentin, Ju, John and the rest have become fully fleshed out characters. Scott as always does an incredible job of describing the bizarre, especially when it comes to characters. He has not missed a beat in that department. The battle in the Portath cloud was a perfect example of this, and raised some interesting questions that were still lingering at the end of the book. It's been fun watching Quentin grow from being a completely immature kid the the only thing he cared about was how he played football to mostly a grown up man that puts his team and in some cases at least the entire galaxy first. Scott has the ability to intertwine threads in ways that are pure genius. He has taken a simple story about a boy wanting to play football and turned it into an entire universe. If this does end up being the end of the GFL series, the football part at least ended on a good note with nice closure. But Scott also left a lot of questions in the GFL universe itself unanswered. Dare I hope for a next chapter but will it be entitled "The Coach" or "The Comeback Kid"?
Long live the Future Dark Overlord.
Just for the sake of full disclosure, while I have never meet Scott Sigler in person, I have been acquaintances with him on Facebook for a number of years, and we have mutual friends. Scott is also the one that led me to love audiobooks. This was especially important because I went several years where reading books was difficult due to some health issues. Since Scott stopped narrating his own books, it's been a few years since I had visited the land of the GFL (or any of the Siglerverse). In fact, looking back, I missed the MVP book completely (although it's on my shelf). My introduction to the GFL, Quentin and his world was with the Rookie before the series became more focused as a YA series back when everything Scott released was a podiobook and read by him. So I very much consider myself one of Scott's junkies. Enough history though, let's talk The Champion!
It is funny when you re-enter a world you haven't visited in quite sometime. You can either feel like your coming home and nostalgic, or it can feel like a place you don't quite recognize. This was the first GFL (or Sigler book) I have actually read, so it was a little bit of both. I couldn't help but hearing the dark overlords voice whispering in my year at times. There is something special about having the author of a book narrate it himself. That is especially true when that author is Scott Sigler. I have to admit I missed that. Especially when it came to the GFL stats and the portions of the book that were from the GFL broadcasts. I am not a stat geek, so not having Scott reading those to me and making them exciting was a bit of a let down. But that is the only real flaw I can find in this book. Quentin, Ju, John and the rest have become fully fleshed out characters. Scott as always does an incredible job of describing the bizarre, especially when it comes to characters. He has not missed a beat in that department. The battle in the Portath cloud was a perfect example of this, and raised some interesting questions that were still lingering at the end of the book. It's been fun watching Quentin grow from being a completely immature kid the the only thing he cared about was how he played football to mostly a grown up man that puts his team and in some cases at least the entire galaxy first. Scott has the ability to intertwine threads in ways that are pure genius. He has taken a simple story about a boy wanting to play football and turned it into an entire universe. If this does end up being the end of the GFL series, the football part at least ended on a good note with nice closure. But Scott also left a lot of questions in the GFL universe itself unanswered. Dare I hope for a next chapter but will it be entitled "The Coach" or "The Comeback Kid"?
Long live the Future Dark Overlord.
October 22, 2019
In addition to any comments about the books, or the series for that matter, I want to comment on the presentation. I listened to this whole series while driving and I want to register my compliments to Scott Sigler as a narrator/performer along with his production staff. The audiobooks are very well performed and presented. Well done, Scott.
February 9, 2024
Highly enjoyable addition to the series. You don’t need to know a lot about gridiron at all to enjoy this as the book flows freely both on the field and with events off of it, following Quentin Barnes and his teammates as they try and retain their title, among other personal missions for Quentin and other characters. Really enjoying the series.
March 17, 2018
Excellent continuation of the GFL series, moved the larger story forward and gave the characters interesting arcs. Enjoyed the balance between football action and the off field story. Looking forward to volume 6 in the series as it will feature big changes for Quentin and the Krakens.
September 2, 2024
I give 5 stars to books that I would reread. I am now twice through the series but the last two books of the series were not written during the first read a decade ago. I could read this again, when I need a light read. Meaning 5 stars for me.
May 7, 2017
Amazing series. Loved the characters and the action, and the narration. Wish there were more.
October 1, 2017
Another fun read in the Galactic Football League series! If you like sci-fi and football, then this entire series is for you.
July 12, 2018
Excellent. Heartbreaking. But excellent
August 1, 2018
Great for the genre. Although, how many space opera sports books are there?
October 12, 2018
He did it again
As always Scott Sigler has delivered another masterpiece in the Galactic Football Series. The 5th installment is a good as the others!!!
As always Scott Sigler has delivered another masterpiece in the Galactic Football Series. The 5th installment is a good as the others!!!
May 18, 2019
I actually stayed up an hour late to read about a football game. I hate (hated?) football, but this series made me care about the sport - or at least the far-future multi-species kind.
November 24, 2020
A great end to a great series. Just the right balance of religion, politics, football, and humor. Not enough John, Ju, and Ma Tweedy. Never can have too much Tweedy!
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