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Rebel Fleet #2
Orion Fleet
What enemy could be more terrifying than a soulless, alien machine?
A year ago the Kher Empire was forced to retreat, but they were not beaten. In ORION FLEET they return with a new weapon. A huge ship driven by AI begins methodically grinding inhabited worlds to dust. This unstoppable enemy is without fear or remorse, and the Rebels begin a desperate battle just to slow its advance.
Leo Blake takes Earth’s first warship into space to find a counter to this deadly new attack. The Imperial Fleets take notice of Earth’s interference, and they’re intent upon revenge. Even if he wins, Blake might have doomed our homeworld.
ORION FLEET is the second book in the Rebel Fleet series, Military SF by bestselling author B. V. Larson.
A year ago the Kher Empire was forced to retreat, but they were not beaten. In ORION FLEET they return with a new weapon. A huge ship driven by AI begins methodically grinding inhabited worlds to dust. This unstoppable enemy is without fear or remorse, and the Rebels begin a desperate battle just to slow its advance.
Leo Blake takes Earth’s first warship into space to find a counter to this deadly new attack. The Imperial Fleets take notice of Earth’s interference, and they’re intent upon revenge. Even if he wins, Blake might have doomed our homeworld.
ORION FLEET is the second book in the Rebel Fleet series, Military SF by bestselling author B. V. Larson.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2016
882 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
B.V. Larson
135 books1,529 followersBrian Larson is an American science fiction and fantasy author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 20, 2018
We’re back on Earth with Leo Blake and his crew. They have, almost single-handedly, saved he universe, but they also don’t want the notoriety that comes with being a hero. They just want things to settle down which they do in a hurry. So much so, that most of the crew is getting really bored. With the Imperials pulling back, it doesn’t appear that their will be any further combat for a long time. So, Blake finds himself in limbo not knowing what he’s supposed to be doing.
Except, none other than Captain Ursahn of the Rebel Fleet ship Killer, shows up with some Earthly intel she’s not supposed to know. She has found out that Earth is building a spaceship! Even Captain Blake wasn’t sure of this, but he kind of figured out that was what happened to is old ship, the Hammerhead. He stole it from the Rebels just for the purpose of letting Earth’s scientist reverse engineer the things so we could possibly defend ourselves. It turns out that the ship Earth built was a phase-ship. This is the very kind of ship that the Rebels despise and have made it almost illegal for one of their members to create such a ship. Still, the Earth is new to this Rebel stuff and plays things they way they want to. Now that the ship is known to the Rebel Alliance, they demand that Earth send it into combat.
So, once again, Leo Blake is about to go back to space. This time, he’ll be the Captain of his own ship, which just happens to be name the Hammerhead after his original ship. Still, this is a phase-ship and not a heavy fighter. He’ll have a much larger crew and even that gets screwed up at the start. Earth’s High Command hasn’t decided who owns space. The Air Force believes that they should rightly flight ships ito space since it’s just and extension of the sky. The Navy believes it should be in charge since these ships will be going on long and extend voyages and not be flying around Earth. In the meantime, both services agree that Captain Leo Blake isn’t going to be the Commander of Earth’s first spaceship. They sent Colonel Miller and his crew of Air Force personnel to run the Hammerhead. Blake and his crew are treated as secondary crew and told to stay out of the way. Of course, Colonel Miller has no idea of how the Rebel Alliance conducts it’s military operations, but he’s about to get a very serious and almost deadly introduction. Once they become part of the Rebel Alliance fleet, they are to follow Rebel Alliance military procedures, no matter how brutal they are. Colonel Miller and his crew don’t last long.
Still, the new Hammerhead and the Rebel ship, Killer, are ordered to a distant space station to get their new orders. It seems that the Imperials have developed a new automated ship that is huge and is doing mind-boggling stuff in Rebel space. It is actually chewing through entire planets destroying everything including the planets inhabitants. Nothing can seem to stop it. There’s a sneaky hunch that the Imperials are controlling it, but that’s not actually known. At the space station, they meet up with Admiral Flex which was a gigantic surprise since they thought he was long gone. It seems he was unsuccessful in his bid to become a Secretary and then regulated to this miserable little space station. Now he orders Captain Ursahn and Captain Blake to go and destroy the automated Hunter. It’s just their two ships and nothing else. It seems that Admiral Flex is out to get rid of both Captains and their ships!
Great read although Blake isn’t any where near as irreverent back on Earth as he is when dealing with the Rebels. Most of the aliens he deals with have no idea how to react to humans or primates. They consider such to be very tricky, untrustworthy, sly and deceitful, but also very smart. Blake applies all of these traits to perfection and thoroughly confuses most aliens who he manipulates into doing usually the right thing even though they don’t want to. There’s just the right amount of humor in these books.
I’m already into book three, “Alpha Fleet”, and it’s getting better.
Except, none other than Captain Ursahn of the Rebel Fleet ship Killer, shows up with some Earthly intel she’s not supposed to know. She has found out that Earth is building a spaceship! Even Captain Blake wasn’t sure of this, but he kind of figured out that was what happened to is old ship, the Hammerhead. He stole it from the Rebels just for the purpose of letting Earth’s scientist reverse engineer the things so we could possibly defend ourselves. It turns out that the ship Earth built was a phase-ship. This is the very kind of ship that the Rebels despise and have made it almost illegal for one of their members to create such a ship. Still, the Earth is new to this Rebel stuff and plays things they way they want to. Now that the ship is known to the Rebel Alliance, they demand that Earth send it into combat.
So, once again, Leo Blake is about to go back to space. This time, he’ll be the Captain of his own ship, which just happens to be name the Hammerhead after his original ship. Still, this is a phase-ship and not a heavy fighter. He’ll have a much larger crew and even that gets screwed up at the start. Earth’s High Command hasn’t decided who owns space. The Air Force believes that they should rightly flight ships ito space since it’s just and extension of the sky. The Navy believes it should be in charge since these ships will be going on long and extend voyages and not be flying around Earth. In the meantime, both services agree that Captain Leo Blake isn’t going to be the Commander of Earth’s first spaceship. They sent Colonel Miller and his crew of Air Force personnel to run the Hammerhead. Blake and his crew are treated as secondary crew and told to stay out of the way. Of course, Colonel Miller has no idea of how the Rebel Alliance conducts it’s military operations, but he’s about to get a very serious and almost deadly introduction. Once they become part of the Rebel Alliance fleet, they are to follow Rebel Alliance military procedures, no matter how brutal they are. Colonel Miller and his crew don’t last long.
Still, the new Hammerhead and the Rebel ship, Killer, are ordered to a distant space station to get their new orders. It seems that the Imperials have developed a new automated ship that is huge and is doing mind-boggling stuff in Rebel space. It is actually chewing through entire planets destroying everything including the planets inhabitants. Nothing can seem to stop it. There’s a sneaky hunch that the Imperials are controlling it, but that’s not actually known. At the space station, they meet up with Admiral Flex which was a gigantic surprise since they thought he was long gone. It seems he was unsuccessful in his bid to become a Secretary and then regulated to this miserable little space station. Now he orders Captain Ursahn and Captain Blake to go and destroy the automated Hunter. It’s just their two ships and nothing else. It seems that Admiral Flex is out to get rid of both Captains and their ships!
Great read although Blake isn’t any where near as irreverent back on Earth as he is when dealing with the Rebels. Most of the aliens he deals with have no idea how to react to humans or primates. They consider such to be very tricky, untrustworthy, sly and deceitful, but also very smart. Blake applies all of these traits to perfection and thoroughly confuses most aliens who he manipulates into doing usually the right thing even though they don’t want to. There’s just the right amount of humor in these books.
I’m already into book three, “Alpha Fleet”, and it’s getting better.
August 14, 2017
Flat Characters, Predictable Plot
Don't get me wrong - if you're like me and you love reading junk sci-fi, then this book is perfect for you. But it's not going to win any literary awards.
Don't get me wrong - if you're like me and you love reading junk sci-fi, then this book is perfect for you. But it's not going to win any literary awards.
June 18, 2020
Boredom has led me to attempt to complete Larson's series - a decision that is increasingly regrettable. As I've mentioned before, there's a deeply misogynistic streak in all Larson's 'heroes', and it is all the more prevalent here. I'm not prudish, but the character flaws shown by the protagonist are writ large, not only is there an unrestrained (and completely unnecessary) lust, he is a woefully inept leader, strategically challenged, unobservant, demanding respect (rather than earning it), swayed by nepotism, egotistical and being slow to listen and quick to anger. He makes terrible decisions that are later applauded for their success but would undoubtedly be defeated by a gram of reality. Fundamentally, our supposedly heroic captain is actually unlikable.
Such flaws are present in many a leader, and, if it were a study of such ineptitude, perhaps it would be a worthy characterisation - but, it appears clear that the author seems to admire his protagonist's unpleasant traits, as he oft repeats them in his other series. Perhaps Larson is even unaware of their corruption and ineffectiveness. As a result, his writings too often read like a teenager's puberty filled musings, self-congratulatory in their assumed depth and insight, but astonishing in their naivety.
All that said, Larson is to be credited for his creative imagination, and there are some truly interesting plot ideas. Finding them is like sifting for gold, and I'm increasingly seeing the exercise as more chore than entertainment. Unless we strike a vein in the coming books, we might have to accept that the river bed is all tapped out.
Such flaws are present in many a leader, and, if it were a study of such ineptitude, perhaps it would be a worthy characterisation - but, it appears clear that the author seems to admire his protagonist's unpleasant traits, as he oft repeats them in his other series. Perhaps Larson is even unaware of their corruption and ineffectiveness. As a result, his writings too often read like a teenager's puberty filled musings, self-congratulatory in their assumed depth and insight, but astonishing in their naivety.
All that said, Larson is to be credited for his creative imagination, and there are some truly interesting plot ideas. Finding them is like sifting for gold, and I'm increasingly seeing the exercise as more chore than entertainment. Unless we strike a vein in the coming books, we might have to accept that the river bed is all tapped out.
May 27, 2017
That Rebel Fleet. I’m really glad that even in this very consumable science fiction author doesn't stagnate and he is moving main story line forward in lighting speed. He is also developing motivation of main characters. So even if you can really turn of your brain to this books it still makes sense even if you start think about it more. This is complemented by very good narration skills of Mark Boyvett – his voice is like made for this role.
July 3, 2021
Larson breaks from reality to contrive unrealistic scenarios and disappointing the reader. Examples include: a scout mission to Raul where they linger, obviously to allow the wormhole to close; Dropping their "phase" cloaking for no good reason; Not prearranging a meetup point with Killer in case the wormhole closes, etc. It just goes on an on, disappointing the reader. I guess Larson is hoping that his readers are not that smart, or targeted more towards children. Step it up Larson!
September 10, 2017
Quite Enjoyable
Another well written Sci-Fi book and series, I read ALOT, it's one of the few things that I can still do to escape from my PTSD and being where I am so to physical issues.. This is another well written series that takes you out to space and make it believable by characters and story. Keep up the great work.
Another well written Sci-Fi book and series, I read ALOT, it's one of the few things that I can still do to escape from my PTSD and being where I am so to physical issues.. This is another well written series that takes you out to space and make it believable by characters and story. Keep up the great work.
September 16, 2017
Great Sequel
Loved the first book, especially if you are into sci-fi. And this one carried much over from the first and built upon it. I love Leo and his crew dynamic and watched them grow in the first book and it only expanded in this one. Can't wait to read the third of this series!!
Loved the first book, especially if you are into sci-fi. And this one carried much over from the first and built upon it. I love Leo and his crew dynamic and watched them grow in the first book and it only expanded in this one. Can't wait to read the third of this series!!
November 30, 2017
Star Wars redux
A most enjoyable series, I am about to jump into book 3. A ragtag rebel force going up against the powerful and nasty empire, a clever and resourceful protagonist - it's a fun story.
A most enjoyable series, I am about to jump into book 3. A ragtag rebel force going up against the powerful and nasty empire, a clever and resourceful protagonist - it's a fun story.
May 18, 2018
The second book in the seriesd
This book is as good or better than the first. There is no way to know what the next book will lead but I know I will be expecting a new twist in the plot. Stay tuned for more .
This book is as good or better than the first. There is no way to know what the next book will lead but I know I will be expecting a new twist in the plot. Stay tuned for more .
June 30, 2018
More pleased
Another great series from Larson. 1950's science fiction meets modern day science fiction. Brilliant , I really can't put these books down. A lot of dark humour and insight into the darker side of human nature,
Another great series from Larson. 1950's science fiction meets modern day science fiction. Brilliant , I really can't put these books down. A lot of dark humour and insight into the darker side of human nature,
July 27, 2018
A good twist top a nice tale
I was impressed by the first book, but kept wondering how will they span the gap between the two. But i have to admit it was nicely done. Now looking forward to the third book
I was impressed by the first book, but kept wondering how will they span the gap between the two. But i have to admit it was nicely done. Now looking forward to the third book
April 30, 2020
Nothing sophisticated, just an interesting, imaginative space adventure with intriguing characters. Escapist Sci-fi that doesn't strain the brain but also doesn't insult your intelligence. I'm reading all of his series of books.
November 20, 2016
Great Second book in series
This is real sci-fi that will never win a Hugo. Plucky out of the box humans will always defeat the alien hordes.
This is real sci-fi that will never win a Hugo. Plucky out of the box humans will always defeat the alien hordes.
December 19, 2016
Excellent
Any excellent book from a true master of sifi and I can't wait for a follow up as there is at least 1 or2 more books in this series
Any excellent book from a true master of sifi and I can't wait for a follow up as there is at least 1 or2 more books in this series
March 2, 2017
Yes I am a fan!
B.V. Larson ask at the end if you are a fan and more in the series will be written. Yes, I'm a fan!
B.V. Larson ask at the end if you are a fan and more in the series will be written. Yes, I'm a fan!
April 3, 2017
Fun continuation. I am looking forward to another long and enjoyable series
May 16, 2017
Great read, further character development and new characters added to the story. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
June 2, 2017
Fun read
I enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be more books in the series. Two books is not enough.....
I enjoyed reading this book and hope there will be more books in the series. Two books is not enough.....
July 25, 2017
I am really enjoying these books, I just love the characters.
September 6, 2017
The second it what promises to be a wonderful series. I loved it.
July 28, 2018
book 2 of this series picks up where the first ended, and I am enjoying the ride so far
August 4, 2018
Still Gary Stu-ish, but still entertaining.
August 10, 2018
A fun fast read.
October 25, 2018
Great read
If you like science fiction space opera books you'll like this book.There is technology and space battles. I can't wait to read the next book.
If you like science fiction space opera books you'll like this book.There is technology and space battles. I can't wait to read the next book.
February 26, 2019
Enjoy
This was a great read from start to finish. Truly kept me interested through out characters were well though out.
This was a great read from start to finish. Truly kept me interested through out characters were well though out.
July 1, 2019
I cant wait for the next one to come out .. I like anything BV Larson puts out great books
November 22, 2019
Entertaining. I actually enjoyed this one more than the first. On to the third in the series.
February 20, 2020
Fun read
Hey, if you want a fun series with funny characters and great action you won't go wrong. Bv is doing a good set of series.
Hey, if you want a fun series with funny characters and great action you won't go wrong. Bv is doing a good set of series.
May 25, 2021
As good as the first one. Little more world building can not complain as ot was good from start to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews