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Privateer Tales The Beginning: Boxed Set

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In a galaxy filled with space pirates, three heroes must risk everything to fly free…5 books. 500+ five-star reviews. Over 900 pages of rollicking adventures through the cosmos!

Liam Hoffen would give anything to leave his hometown mining colony in a blaze of rocket fuel. But his dreams of navigating the stars are impossible… until a pirate attack forces him to reveal the hero within.

Celina Dontal is a free woman after 18 months trapped by the brutal Red Houzi Clan. Her freedom comes with a her sister is missing and the only clue points to a massive Mars metropolis…

Decades earlier, Liam’s father Pete was a Marine Sergeant trapped behind enemy lines. To get his men out of a war zone, his only choice is to disobey orders. But when he’s captured, who exactly will rescue the rescuer?

Privateer Tales The Boxed Set combines these thrilling space opera tales in a five-book collection. If you like fast-paced action, eccentric casts of characters, and modern takes on classic sci-fi fun, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s captivating tales amongst the stars.

Buy the boxed set to start the exhilarating planetary joyride today!

1030 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2016

324 people are currently reading
69 people want to read

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Jamie McFarlane

64 books451 followers

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5 stars
397 (69%)
4 stars
142 (24%)
3 stars
29 (5%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
November 24, 2017
I actually bought each of the books in this series separately and wrote individual reviews which I've copied below. The series as a whole easily deserves 5 stars. The stories (most of which are mercantilist / privateer tales but a number of which divert into military sci fi) really do compare well stacked up against the best of Weber and Heinlein, which is the epitome of praise in my book.

Here are the individual reviews:

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Rookie Privateer

Bottom line: if you like Weber and Heinlein (the highest of praise in my book) then you'll enjoy Rookie Privateer.

This was a truly well written book with strong characters and an excellent action-filled plot line in an extremely well constructed universe. The only negative is that it took about 1/5th of the way in before the main plot got going. That first fifth was relevant and necessary backstory about life where the main characters grew up, but with the word "privateer" in the title I just knew they'd be going elsewhere and was over eager for that to happen. I suspect that if I hadn't known that then the backstory (well written in itself) would've been more fun. I know that I will be reading this book again (which in itself shows how much I enjoyed it) and I'm sure I will savor those opening chapters more when I do.

This is the first of a series but it's not a serial so there is no cliff hanger here. Having said that, I'm going to get book 2 and I'm sure most readers will want to as well.

So, excellent writing, strong plot with great action scenes and really great character development = super easy to recommend this book. I almost gave it five stars, which I almost never do (to me only the best of Heinlein or Weber, the original Dune, or equivalent books, would get five stars). If you like adrenaline filled fun the go for it.

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Fool Me Once

Having just finished the excellent Rookie Privateer I was looking forward to further adventures of its two main characters, Liam Hoffen and Nick James, when I turned to the second of the Privateer Tales series books, Fool Me Once. To my surprise this novel was all about a secondary character, Lena Dontal. I was very tempted to skip the novel but didn't as I presume that it will somehow be important to later books. So...as to Fool Me Once itself? I actually ended up enjoying it even more than Rookie Privateer. You have to read Rookie (free in kindle) first so that you know Lena's own back story, but there is no cliff hanger in Fool Me Once and with that back story in hand it is a truly excellent stand alone novel. Great plot with plenty of well down action scenes and a compelling story, string characters and top-notch writing. I compare this to the best of David Weber and David Drake. Highly recommended.

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Parley

This is a continuing adventure of the characters Liam Hoffen and Nick James who were first introduced in Rookie Privateer. It's part of a book series so you have to read at least Rookie Privateer first (but it's free on kindle so that shouldn't be an issue). You can skip the second book in the series, Fool Me Once, if you want to, but I strongly recommend you don't both because it is an excellent story in itself and because it provides great back story to characters brought into the main plot line who weren't in the original book.

I'm going to try to bottom line this: I highly recommend this book. Enough that I'm breaking my own rule and giving it five stars. It's really right in the group of great space adventures like the Best stories put out by authors such as David Weber and David Drake so, if you like either of those authors' works I'm very comfortable that you'll really enjoy this book.

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Big Pete

This is a "Privateer Tales" novella that can either be read entirely as a stand-alone by someone who knows nothing about the series or as part of the series. Jamie McFarlane labels it series book 4, but it can really be read anytime before book 5 ("Smuggler's Dilemma"). Since it takes place before the events of the first book in the series ("Rookie Privateer") it could easily be read before that. The book itself tells the story of Big Pete Hoffen (father of the series main character Liam Hoffen) at the end of his Marine career and thus before he became an asteroid miner. It includes how Pete met Liam's mom. There is another novella, "Pete, Popeye and Olive", that tells Big Pete's story as a new Marine. It's available for free from the author. "Big Pete" doesn't at all need that story as a prequel but, if you're thinking of getting it then I suggest reading it prior to reading "Big Pete". Bottom line of both novellas is that they are very strong and extremely well written (great, action filled, plot with strong character development) but they're pure military sci-fi (think Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" but without all the political science speechifying), and don't have the merchant trader / privateer feel of the other Privateer Tales books. Nevertheless, they're top notch and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys military sci fi and / or readers who have been enjoying the Privateer Tales stories.

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Smuggler's Dilemma

Despite the teaser at the end about further adventures (and the fact that there are indeed several other stories that followed), "Smuggler's Dilemma" can be read as effectively being the end of Jamie McFarlane's "Privateer Tales" (or at least the first batch of them). I won't summarize the story, as others have done so very well, but I will say that it's a fantastic finish that ties up then plot line effectively with an extremely satisfying conclusion. It has the author's signature excellent writing with great action sequences and further strong character development and is, quite simply, a wonderful ride. I've once again broken my personal "avoid 5 stars" rule for this novel. It hits all the right spots and well deserves that 5th star.
24 reviews
August 27, 2017
Loved it

I couldn't wait to get home from work and read the next pages. Well written. Can't wait to pick up book 6.
36 reviews
September 9, 2017
These books...damn. These books are pretty epic. By volume three I was deeply sold and invested in the characters. These are lighter weight readers, and fun, dont go getting all hard sci fi here. This is Privateers meets Teenagers with Space Marine backing to fight the bad guys. The Tech back ground and details are solid, believable and very well written.

A couple of side bar stories started to bother me, but it all came together in the end ....and I see why ;)
2 reviews
August 5, 2021
Loved this fast paced well written story from the start and the reference to some of my fav music and movies just topped it off
Profile Image for WyoGal.
487 reviews
July 22, 2019
Skip to the good parts, please...

The story moves very slowly. I quit reading the book(s) about 20% in. Often there is no compelling problem keeping the reader moving forward from page to page. The stakes are not urgent enough. While the author lovingly details much about the main character’s actions, we really don’t need to know all about cleaning the toilet system in a spaceship or repairing each rusted panel of the ship (is there rust in space?) There are too many sections in the story with way too much description, and other sections with too little. The pod ball tournament is one such scene that would’ve been great to read, but it is skipped altogether. The relationship between Liam and his dad needs more time, and other conversations related to conflicts could’ve been longer. The initial fight scene against the pirates is good and could have been extended, but most importantly, it should have happened way sooner in the book. I recommend better editing to improve the pacing of the story. The sci-fi tech is interesting but not at the cost of losing the momentum of the plot.
86 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2017
I bought this set (1 through 5) - a great price at 99 cents - for an exposure to a new SF author (to me) and a break from multiple story line, deep thought type stories I had been reading. VIOLA! Jamie's stories grabbed me by my wattle (you will get there, trust me) and wouldn't turn loose. The clock became my enemy because I knew life was going on outside my read-bubble .... and yet I didn't care. What more can I say? Just finished Vol 12 (Corsair Menace) of the entire series in maybe 10 days. At age 75, I can assure you that I have been at this (reading) for a while, and a story-line of this kind, the depth of the characters, the quality of the visual images and the response it generated (in me) is a rare occurrence. GO THERE! You will never regret it. Oh, and it ain't over yet. I can't wait for what comes next in this superlative fracking (SF?) series.
232 reviews1 follower
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May 6, 2021
I wish I had Liam Hoffen's luck, let alone that having that luck when I had just left school. And was a better soldier after 3 months of casual training than my father ever managed in 8 years of warzones. And was a better pilot than absolutely everyone in the solar system because I spent a few years driving the equivalent of a moped around some asteroids.

Thoroughly enjoyable book/compilation, but you'll need to put your credulity module into storage while you read it, because it's more than a little fanciful throughout most of the book - I mean this kid makes Luke Skywalker's rapid rise to fame seem like he was the 60 yard dash at the school sports day.
Profile Image for Jonathan Jenkins.
1 review
October 28, 2017
Got a few minutes to kill?

Picked up this series on special and wasn't disappointed. The concept of long-distance flight over days or even weeks could make for a long, drawn out story but the author does a good job of maintaining a good tempo. The technicalities of shipping and contracting were fun to digest.

All in all, not a bad series. Not fantastic if you are used to Clancey- and Ludlum-level detailed character development and plot lines, but if you are looking for something light to take you away for an hour or two, Privateer Tales certainly fits the bill!
254 reviews
October 14, 2018
Terrific read

If you like space adventure with pirates, you’ll love this story box set of the first 5 books. I bought and read first two before box set and then to save money bought the box set. I really wish there were more box sets to save money and read more! I understand the author / publisher (if gotten successful) not putting them out there but I really enjoy reading a whole series all in go!
Already bought the next two books so will continue on with this really great series - storyline and characters.
Keep writing and I will keep buying and reading!
Profile Image for Raymond White.
212 reviews12 followers
March 14, 2021
A friend of mine from South Africa recommended Jamie McFarlane's Privateer Tales and I'm glad he did. While the first book in the series started out like a YA novel it quickly evolved into something much better. McFarlane's world building is superb, his characters are human and compelling and his dialogue skills are superb. I got so hooked I quickly read the entire 6 book box set and am now on book 8 and have already purchased Book 9. To say I'm hooked is an understatement. This is the most brilliant space opera since The Expanse.
7 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2022
Complements on subject matter

I liked the concept of personal honor even in war.I am a disabled veteran. Hungarian refugee I have 119 confirmed kills before I turned ten.I am still angry with my brothers not telling me that you have to throw a grenade after you pull the pin,I threw the grenade into the back of a Russian BMP. 34 stiches later I learned aà lasting lesson. Anyway you must learn to respect your honor if you don't want to review your nightmares. Thanks excellent work
57 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2025
Outstanding!

I read the series end-to-end. I haven't done that with a series in a couple of years. Marvelously written, and not the usual series progression. The first book introduced our protagonists and a couple of minor characters. The second book picked up with the minor characters and introduced new minor characters. Everybody gets woven together into one big story at the end. Absolutely sensational. And where can I get one of those cats?
15 reviews
June 6, 2019
2nd time around

You know when something is that great to read you just want to read it again in case you missed it! Well that is where I am right now. Just finished book 5 on my second time around.

Love the series and would recommend it to everyone in a heartbeat. Get started right now and you will not regret it.
Profile Image for Drew.
185 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2019
Superb superb superb

God I love this series, all the main characters make me smile and I’m off to get the rest of the series so I can continue to read Loose Nuts adventurous life.

Get this series and enjoy a well paced, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable read that is well edited and written.....more more more please 😁
905 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2020
First 5 Books are Outstanding

Wow, I just finished the first 5 Books and they were awesome! Characters are well thought out and written. You really get pulled into the story, how a small crew with audacity takes on superior forces, faeces the fire and goes out on top. I cannot recommend this series strongly enough. You'll enjoy it!
10 reviews
February 22, 2021
Great reading...a good escape...

If you like space and action...this series is for you...plenty of action, real stuff...not everything goes as planned, kinda like real life...I like characters that are not perfect, but still have stones to do what is right...the books read easy and were hard to put down...very much looking forward to reading the rest...enjoy
4 reviews
June 26, 2021
Another great franchise for McFarlin

McFarlin again has developed a great set of characters that are sympathetic and very easy to cheer. He brings the team together over the series adding new characters to the central cast to allow them to accomplish what they are required by circumstances to accomplish.
Profile Image for Theo.
57 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2021
Sure glad Jamie teamed up with one of favorite authors recently or I wouldn't have discovered this outstanding series! The Privateer Tales do an outstanding job of mixing the day-to-day life and action that makes for great Space Opera! I read these first 5 stories (3 novels, 1 novella, and 1 short story) in about a week and am very much looking forward to reading the rest of this long series!!
233 reviews
January 24, 2022
Great Series

This is a great series with swell developed theme contains many unexpected twists and turns that maintains your interest. The characters are attractive and believable with interesting maturation during series. Background character storylines and great space warfare action completes this great story.
36 reviews
March 3, 2022
A Satisfying Read

On reading the first chapter I was concerned that this might be another juvenile book about first loves and bubblegum.. Boy was I wrong! Reminiscent of Heinlein’s original stories,this was well written. It is refreshing to read a book written by someone who knows the difference between “bring” and “take”. Great job Jamie.
12 reviews
March 10, 2022
Liam and friends do it again. Fun read

Another fun tale of the Privateer’s, and a happy ending for Tabby as we all hoped. The plot was exciting, but the pace just a bit erratic. I still don’t understand why our crew doesn’t lean on the Navy for a bounty for the pirates they have captured?
Profile Image for George Sterling.
204 reviews
June 21, 2022
Privateer

I just finished reading this series and once I started I couldn't stop. Right from the beginning it was a great read with plenty of action and science fiction the people in the series are written in a way that makes you want to meet them and take a trip with them.This is an outstanding read.
Profile Image for Roland  Hagge.
8 reviews
June 19, 2017
Oooohhyeah!

This is a series of the old school sci-fy. I love it. Action and love what more can you ask for. The world this is set up is believably the action is fun. Recommend to all.
Profile Image for Constance Dady.
23 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2018
Excellent!!

This was a very Intriguing series - I enjoyed it very much. The characters were real and reached out and I was pulled into their lives. I would recommend this book to all sci-fi fans.
Profile Image for Alex Jackl.
135 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2018
Not bad - basic but entertaining

I thought this was a good series- well thought out and fun to read. The heroes were a, little too successful and smart sometimes and had a certain Heinleinian smugness but overall fun if not great literature.
78 reviews
August 8, 2019
Excellent Sci-fi with intriguing characters

Well-written and imaginative with plenty of characters to like and dislike. A great collection of stories at a great price. I am looking forward to continuing the series.
65 reviews
December 5, 2019
Nice group of tales

Nice relaxing reading and enjoyable although it had too much love story line that contributed little to advance the plot. Good overall concept with some excellent twists to the main plot. Get it and have an enjoyable reading adventure.
Profile Image for John Stilwell.
2 reviews
April 16, 2020
Perfect for a getaway

Great read. Fast paced easy style makes it hard to put down. Looking for something to get your mind off of current events? This is just the ticket. Highly recommended.
21 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2020
This book rocks!

It's got it all: Great action on many levels as in getting the bad guys on numerous occasions, tight friendships, interesting technical and other gadgets. I've been reading Sci-fi for 70 years now and can truly recommend you buy this book
17 reviews
January 27, 2021
Fun reading

Great story line that doesn’t get way out of hand with stuff like materializing through walls or people having weird super powers. All in all just fun reading with plot turns that may be a little predictable, but still believable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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