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Wizard scouts were once the elite, deep-recon forces of the Intergalactic Empire. But now they are a dying breed. Or are they?

A black dreadnaught has been raiding star lanes near the outer fringes of the Empire. Is it just another pirate ship? Or is it the key to reviving the wizard scout corps? And what about the discovery of a mysterious anomaly reportedly found by cantankerous asteroid miners? Does it have something to do with the black dreadnaught?

Wizard Scout Richard Shepard, the last of the legendary wizard scouts, is sent to investigate. Aided by the crew of the recon ship, Defiant, Richard must circumvent an increasingly convoluted political landscape in his search for the truth. But what is truth? And can Richard handle the truth - if he finds it?

Faced with a decision which could mean the life or death of millions of helpless innocents, Richard must make a choice. What his choice will be, no one knows; least of all, Richard.

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2016

112 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

Rodney W. Hartman

21 books111 followers
Rodney Hartman is a retired US Army veteran with over twenty years of experience in military operations ranging from Infantry Private in the paratroops to Chief Warrant Officer flying helicopters during the Persian Gulf War. Mr. Hartman worked for many years as a computer programmer before retiring and pursuing a career as a fulltime writer. Mr. Hartman lives in North Carolina with his wife and family along with their cat, McKenzie.

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5 stars
437 (49%)
4 stars
317 (36%)
3 stars
102 (11%)
2 stars
16 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Nick.
75 reviews
Read
July 10, 2017
Excellent series

Just continues to maintain the high level of this series. Still keeps you guessing about how things are going to progress. It is best to start this from the beginning.
Profile Image for Robert Spellmann.
332 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2017
Keep Reading!

I thought there were only 4 volumes in this series! This epic is vying with The Wheel of Time series as my all-time favorite.

Once at a book signing an elderly woman is said to have told Robert Jordan to hurry up because she wanted to know the ending before she died. I wonder if it happened.

Well, I'm only 74 and health is good --- keep writing Hartman!
Profile Image for James Koryan.
1 review
October 31, 2016
What a ride!

I liked the call hanger ending. I like Ricks constant battle with the 'darkness'. Give me more! When is the next one coming out?
Profile Image for Jay Collins.
1,630 reviews15 followers
November 6, 2017
Another pretty sold book, I liked it and if you liked the others I am sure you will like this one. I look forward to the remaining books in this series.
69 reviews
March 12, 2017
Is this the end of the series?

The reason I ask is that Rick is told by both his parents that they will see him again yet that did not happen! There are several other disconnected issues unresolved. Otherwise it is still a great read.
Profile Image for Jim McCauley.
33 reviews
February 22, 2017
Love this series

For me, it is the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy, character driven and plot driven storylines. Each book can be read as a standalone but as a whole, they combine to a complex and rich tapestry that I love. I relate to the personalities, wish I had some of the abilities, and love having these shared adventures. I have recommended this series to my family and they have enjoyed them also.
51 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2016
Outstandingly good book.

I have read and enjoyed all off these books , and this one has been excellent.

The story grabs you and keeps pulling you through to the end, where it tells you just enough to make the wait for the last book unbearable ! Lol!
Really , do your self a great service and read, and really enjoy this book.
,
Profile Image for Blu Davis.
34 reviews
October 5, 2016
Good read

This most recent installment in the wizard scout series does not disappoint. The characters show growth in their power s and personalities without getting stale and the story flows. The best praise I can give it is that it has convinced me to buy the next installment when it becomes available.
339 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2016
good series

I remember reading the first of these, was not expecting much, the blurb sounded mildly interesting, but each and every book in this series has exceeded my expectations. Sort of a mix of space opera and fantasy, the two things I read the most of, well done, good characters, engaging storyline, has a little of everything, all good, look forward to the next one.
50 reviews
October 13, 2016
Mr. Hartman Delivers Again

Good pace, complete single story with good progress in overall arc. I love the team Rick is getting put together. As long as Mr. Hartman keeps finding intelligent villains and difficult situations and avoiding the protagonist suddenly losing IQ we should have a few more to look forward to reading. Keep up the great work Mr. Hartman.
Profile Image for Javier Medero.
25 reviews
October 24, 2016
Story line improves with each book

The story started as an interesting twist on magic and science fiction and as developed into a well thought out universe. The first books were a little shallow on character development while being high on the action but this book shows a good balance of both. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
790 reviews7 followers
October 25, 2016
Well, I had a lot of fun.

I liked this well put together series. I can't help rooting for a MC that gets kicked around a lot and keeps getting up. Oh yes, there were explosions! By the end of this one I felt satisfied while at the same time was own for more. Very much worth the read.
28 reviews
November 26, 2016
Interesting

I like the world model and the space magic. The only glaring blemish is the writer's over use of "said". I look forward to reading more. Thank you for sharing this with me.
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,583 reviews12 followers
December 13, 2016
This was a very entertaining fast paced action packed series that I really enjoyed reading. It mixes technology and magic but is seperated somewhat by different realms. Cannot wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Jonathan Rae.
7 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2016
Hours of entertainment for such a small price. Wonderfully original, it's not a cookie cutter science fiction plot.
50 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2016
Great story

Rick finds himself in all kinds of hot water, will he succeed? This story move's well and fast. I can't wait for the next one!
15 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2016
Loved the series

Have really loved this series, one of those rare ones which seems to improve as it progresses. Nice to find a conscientious author :)
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,162 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2016
Wow

So much it going one and something's are becoming more clear. Can't wait to start the next one!! Happy reading!!
Profile Image for Jeff Miller.
168 reviews
February 2, 2017
Great book , I just had to keep reading it knowing i will be waiting on tender hooks for the next one to be released.......now i am sad
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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