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Galactic Football League #3
The All-Pro
Seven centuries into the future, aliens and humans compete for the greatest prize in the universe: the Galaxy Bowl trophy. Quarterback Quentin Barnes enters his third season at the helm of the Ionath Krakens. He's reshaped the team in his image, and the time for excuses is over; it's win, or be replaced.
Quentin's championship quest carries him and his teammates across the galaxy in a brutal twelve-game season fraught with injury and death. But he faces more than just on-field challenges. As he enters a free-agent year, several franchises vie for his services. Will he play for a new team, or will he remain with his beloved Krakens? And then there’s the slight distraction that someone, somewhere, is trying to assassinate him—and he doesn't know why.
Quentin's championship quest carries him and his teammates across the galaxy in a brutal twelve-game season fraught with injury and death. But he faces more than just on-field challenges. As he enters a free-agent year, several franchises vie for his services. Will he play for a new team, or will he remain with his beloved Krakens? And then there’s the slight distraction that someone, somewhere, is trying to assassinate him—and he doesn't know why.
10 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2011
29 people are currently reading
489 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 107 reviews
October 13, 2018
Unfortunately, despite some great sci fi elements, an interesting human angle and a great cliffhanger ending, the main character is getting more and more frustrating each book, and doesn't seem to be learning many of the lessons he's being taught. There's enough development to keep me interested, but I had to take a star off because I'd like to see different plot angles other than him being rude, ignorant, arrogant or both by now.
September 21, 2011
Wow, what a ride. This book starts out hitting the ground at full speed, introducing us to a completely new type of future spectator sport. The familiar cast is back, ready to take on their second season of Tier 1 football and make it all the way to the Galaxy Bowl.
Along the way, their leader, Quarterback Quentin Barnes, encounters obstacle after obstacle. Some are beyond his control; some are things he tries to take control of. His co-horts' loyalties come into question, and divisions begin to be formed. And all along the way, Quentin has to face his own weaknesses and learn about sacrificing for the greater good.
Moreso than the previous two books in the great GFL series (The Rookie, The Starter), this book ends with less of a feeling of completion. Sigler sets the stage for book four, The MVP, which his fans, known as Junkies, will be clamoring for until it finally comes out next year.
This Young Adult novel series is a great read for teens and tweens, with many life lessons taught to the protagonist that many young adults may connect with. Politics, crime, sex and religion are all addressed with maturity and some viewpoints that may surprise some young readers. I found them to be refreshing and very modern, showing a healthy respect for young men and women who are constantly bombarded with pressures and ideals that are difficult to live up to.
Oh yeah, and there's football. The Galactic Football league is the backdrop for the entire story, and Sigler's love of the game shows in every detail. The print version of the books in this series have some gorgeous full-color inserts; The All-Pro has a beautifully done playbook showing offensive and defensive sets, and a few images of some of the intergalactic football stadiums from the story.
If you haven't already been reading this series, start with The Rookie, and work your way through them. You'll love them all, and soon join the ranks of the Rabid Junkies who are all desperately waiting for their next fix.
Along the way, their leader, Quarterback Quentin Barnes, encounters obstacle after obstacle. Some are beyond his control; some are things he tries to take control of. His co-horts' loyalties come into question, and divisions begin to be formed. And all along the way, Quentin has to face his own weaknesses and learn about sacrificing for the greater good.
Moreso than the previous two books in the great GFL series (The Rookie, The Starter), this book ends with less of a feeling of completion. Sigler sets the stage for book four, The MVP, which his fans, known as Junkies, will be clamoring for until it finally comes out next year.
This Young Adult novel series is a great read for teens and tweens, with many life lessons taught to the protagonist that many young adults may connect with. Politics, crime, sex and religion are all addressed with maturity and some viewpoints that may surprise some young readers. I found them to be refreshing and very modern, showing a healthy respect for young men and women who are constantly bombarded with pressures and ideals that are difficult to live up to.
Oh yeah, and there's football. The Galactic Football league is the backdrop for the entire story, and Sigler's love of the game shows in every detail. The print version of the books in this series have some gorgeous full-color inserts; The All-Pro has a beautifully done playbook showing offensive and defensive sets, and a few images of some of the intergalactic football stadiums from the story.
If you haven't already been reading this series, start with The Rookie, and work your way through them. You'll love them all, and soon join the ranks of the Rabid Junkies who are all desperately waiting for their next fix.
February 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the third in the GFL (Galactic Football League) series, once again following quarterback Quentin Barnes and his team mates in the Ioanthe Krakens as they compete in Tier 1 football. I have no interest in gridiron whatsoever but this series is absolutely brilliant. You end up cheering for the Krakens when they win or feeling a little down when they lose. Besides that though there is a lot going on besides the actual sport including an ending that I didn’t see coming and a lot of interesting aspects of off field moments trying to get players in, scandals, organised crime etc. You definitely have to read the first two, The Rookie and The Starter, to truly appreciate this book, but it is a humdinger.
June 23, 2021
4.75 overall but rounded up. Another fun instalment in the series for sure. Fun to see the characters change and develop as the books go. Sort of predictable that they make the playoffs but not win it all, seems to be the logical progression of the books. Also sort of called the dad being a fraud, just seemed to nice lol. But the ending I did not see coming, cannot wait to see how the next book starts!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
Cliffhanger! Other than that, loving how Barnes is maturing and figuring himself out. Ma Tweedy cracks me up.
January 6, 2015
Caveats and disclaimers abound, so where to start?
It is what it is, but what's not to like? Sci-Fi, football (re-imagined, but with deep respect for tradition and history), politics, organized crime, religion, etc... OK, maybe it's not for everyone, but my son and I are really enjoying the series.... Granted, I'm still enamored with the 1970's movie classic, Rollerball. (filmed in Munich, starring James Caan and John Houseman - classic stuff!!!) - yet disgusted with the half-baked remake - and, while this isn't nearly as cerebral, it's a fun platform to contemplate the future of intergalactic sport....
No one in their right mind would start with this book, but if you liked the first two, you've got to read this one. There are a number of creative plot twists (that I found lacking in the second installment, which seemed unnecessarily predicable), and - without offering spoliers - although one plot twist won't fool most readers, there are couple of gratifyingly large surprises and directional alterations.
I do NOT understand the publishing business. I read this on my Kindle (which is no big deal, particularly because I bought it for under $4), but - get this - you can't get in in print (either in hard back or softback) in stores and, frankly, good luck getting your hands on one anywhere. Apparently, there was a limited hardback run, but those are selling on the secondary market for $500 - no, I'm not making that up - $500!!! Why isn't this book in print? We've got the 1st, 2nd, and 4th installments in softback or hardback. What went wrong with book 3?
Is this book in the same class with most books that I rate 4 stars? Of course not. But, hey, it's fun, it's a surprisingly fast read (given its length), it's hugely entertaining (which is slightly surprising given that the second one wasn't nearly as compelling as the first, but the author seems to have regained his mojo for the third installment), and - no hiding the ball here - it earned 4 stars because, basically, it was REALLY hard to put down.
It is what it is, but what's not to like? Sci-Fi, football (re-imagined, but with deep respect for tradition and history), politics, organized crime, religion, etc... OK, maybe it's not for everyone, but my son and I are really enjoying the series.... Granted, I'm still enamored with the 1970's movie classic, Rollerball. (filmed in Munich, starring James Caan and John Houseman - classic stuff!!!) - yet disgusted with the half-baked remake - and, while this isn't nearly as cerebral, it's a fun platform to contemplate the future of intergalactic sport....
No one in their right mind would start with this book, but if you liked the first two, you've got to read this one. There are a number of creative plot twists (that I found lacking in the second installment, which seemed unnecessarily predicable), and - without offering spoliers - although one plot twist won't fool most readers, there are couple of gratifyingly large surprises and directional alterations.
I do NOT understand the publishing business. I read this on my Kindle (which is no big deal, particularly because I bought it for under $4), but - get this - you can't get in in print (either in hard back or softback) in stores and, frankly, good luck getting your hands on one anywhere. Apparently, there was a limited hardback run, but those are selling on the secondary market for $500 - no, I'm not making that up - $500!!! Why isn't this book in print? We've got the 1st, 2nd, and 4th installments in softback or hardback. What went wrong with book 3?
Is this book in the same class with most books that I rate 4 stars? Of course not. But, hey, it's fun, it's a surprisingly fast read (given its length), it's hugely entertaining (which is slightly surprising given that the second one wasn't nearly as compelling as the first, but the author seems to have regained his mojo for the third installment), and - no hiding the ball here - it earned 4 stars because, basically, it was REALLY hard to put down.
January 17, 2016
My rating is 4.5 stars.
This is the third book of a series and the first two must be read before this one. Barnes and the Krakens are back for another season of football. Their eyes are on a bigger goal than just staying in the league. They want to do some damage and make the playoffs.
I don't know how Scott Sigler does it. I have no interest in football but I am loving this series. Within pages I am back in this universe and hoping for the Krakens to succeed. One aspect I love about these books is the reader travels the path of a season and gets to cheer for the team. One gets the feeling of triumph when the Krakens win or the sensation of sorrow when they suffer a setback. All of the action does not take place on the field though. The reader gets a look at behind the scenes and what the players experience as they go through the season. There are enough side story arcs to keep the story going and wait until you read the final ten pages. What a terrific ending and cliffhanger. I am looking forward to the fourth novel.
This one might be the best book of the series so far and all of them are enjoyable. One doesn't need to be a football fan to enjoy this book. There is plenty of character plots for everyone. The football enthusiasts will like the action on the field as the author does a fantastic job portraying the game.
This is the third book of a series and the first two must be read before this one. Barnes and the Krakens are back for another season of football. Their eyes are on a bigger goal than just staying in the league. They want to do some damage and make the playoffs.
I don't know how Scott Sigler does it. I have no interest in football but I am loving this series. Within pages I am back in this universe and hoping for the Krakens to succeed. One aspect I love about these books is the reader travels the path of a season and gets to cheer for the team. One gets the feeling of triumph when the Krakens win or the sensation of sorrow when they suffer a setback. All of the action does not take place on the field though. The reader gets a look at behind the scenes and what the players experience as they go through the season. There are enough side story arcs to keep the story going and wait until you read the final ten pages. What a terrific ending and cliffhanger. I am looking forward to the fourth novel.
This one might be the best book of the series so far and all of them are enjoyable. One doesn't need to be a football fan to enjoy this book. There is plenty of character plots for everyone. The football enthusiasts will like the action on the field as the author does a fantastic job portraying the game.
September 6, 2011
This is the third book in the SF/Sports mashup as we again follow the career of Quarterback Quentin Barnes. Scott Sigler being the sick-twisted person he (and I mean that affectionately) is means we don't get a feel-good sports story. This is not Rocky in outer space. What we do get is an immensely satisfying plot that crosses multiple genres without seeming forced. Then you have the character building elements as players develop in their relationships and make mistakes in those relationship along the way. Written in such a way that I was glad I started it on a weekend so that I could go through a longish book in two days. The ending took me aback, even though I realize that plot clues revealed the direction the novel and series was taking. Now I just have to suffer and wait for the next book to come out.
February 2, 2017
I’ll say it. I’m hooked. I already love this story, having read the source books many, many times. And I was a little turned off by how different this production is from the audiobook. In the first volume (The Rookie) I was initially critical, but satisfied at the end. In the second volume (The Starter), I was more than satisfied. Perhaps even quite pleased. With the All-Pro, it’s official - I’m in it for the long haul. The story is so engagingly told by the huge cast, it adds another dimension to the story entirely.
Standout performance this time around is the actor who portrays George Starcher. Wow, a great, touching performance. I’ve pre-ordered the next volume and simply cannot wait to get it. Well done, GraphicAudio!
Standout performance this time around is the actor who portrays George Starcher. Wow, a great, touching performance. I’ve pre-ordered the next volume and simply cannot wait to get it. Well done, GraphicAudio!
February 10, 2013
I've been a fan of Scott Sigler since I first found his podcast of Infected. His early works are solid horror, mixed with humor. They will never be confused with literature, but both the books and his readings of them are entertaining.
The All-Pro is the third book in a planned seven-book series. The story keeps getting bigger, with more character development, and more context for the action. One plot-line was rather predictable (Quentin and his father), but it was still consistent with the naiveté of Quentin Barnes' character. But other plot-lines were quite unpredictable, and the book ended with a huge cliffhanger. A quick, fun read.
The All-Pro is the third book in a planned seven-book series. The story keeps getting bigger, with more character development, and more context for the action. One plot-line was rather predictable (Quentin and his father), but it was still consistent with the naiveté of Quentin Barnes' character. But other plot-lines were quite unpredictable, and the book ended with a huge cliffhanger. A quick, fun read.
November 18, 2011
WOW what an ending. Barnes must have screwed something up in an earlier life. Great book, just when I thought is over time to imagine the future..... BOOM!!!!! KAPOW!!!!! Sharp left, and the story ends in an inexplicable way. Thanks for the book,i now am waiting for another... or will this tie in to "the crypt" series? Hmmmmm.
July 16, 2020
I am a little tired of our lead not learning his lessons, after three books it is becoming a bit annoying. But everything else around that is so go, the plot, the characters, the pacing of the book are all on key. And I think John and Ma Tweedy are two of my favorite characters of all time! Funny when it needs to be and intense when it needs to be this series is great.
December 9, 2014
I LOVE THIS SERIES! The GFL books are a lot of fun. Plus, with the audio versions, my teenage son and I listen to the adventures of Quentin Barnes and his teammates together and have a great time.
May 24, 2018
This is the third in the Galactic Football League series, and Quentin Barnes and the Krakens are back for another season of football. This time, they are gunning for the Galactic Bowl and are determined to win the championship. As usual, it's not a smooth road to victory and there are things surrounding the team and Quentin that threaten not only their season but the team as a whole, their friendships, and even their lives.
I love this series. I am a fan of American football (I say that to distinguish our beloved game from that other one the rest of the world knows as football). The Galactic League was born of football, now spanning a galaxy-wide array of teams and a variety of sentient beings, not just earth natives. The basics of the game are familiar but the brutality is ramped up quite a few notches. Deaths during games are not unheard of. The books aren't excessively bloody or gory, but players get hurt, sometimes devastatingly so. The series is a futuristic homage to a game the author definitely knows and loves.
I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but things don't quite go the way Quentin plans them to, and the title might mislead some readers. The alien sentients are diverse and, well, alien. They have distinct societies and governments, although most are part of a greater empire, ruled by bat-like creatures who conquered and gave order and peace to the various worlds. They are also pretty universally hated. A few new characters are introduced and they fit in well with our known cast. More bits and pieces of the people we know from previous books are revealed. Quentin himself shows some glimmers of growth, but he (IMO) might be a bit more grown-up by now. Then again, I do see some things about him that remind me of certain celebrity types, both within the football world and without. He is a still a bit of a spoiled brat, and lets his emotions and temper get away with him. I suppose that just makes him human (and he is one of the humans in the story). This book ends on a cliffhanger which is different for the series so far.
It's a good book, with lots of action. The pacing is fast with small breaks in the action that let you catch your breath for a moment. It helps if you know at least a little about football since a lot of the book is set during games. Sports fan? Sci-fi fan? Action fan? These books will satisfy all of that.
I love this series. I am a fan of American football (I say that to distinguish our beloved game from that other one the rest of the world knows as football). The Galactic League was born of football, now spanning a galaxy-wide array of teams and a variety of sentient beings, not just earth natives. The basics of the game are familiar but the brutality is ramped up quite a few notches. Deaths during games are not unheard of. The books aren't excessively bloody or gory, but players get hurt, sometimes devastatingly so. The series is a futuristic homage to a game the author definitely knows and loves.
I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet, but things don't quite go the way Quentin plans them to, and the title might mislead some readers. The alien sentients are diverse and, well, alien. They have distinct societies and governments, although most are part of a greater empire, ruled by bat-like creatures who conquered and gave order and peace to the various worlds. They are also pretty universally hated. A few new characters are introduced and they fit in well with our known cast. More bits and pieces of the people we know from previous books are revealed. Quentin himself shows some glimmers of growth, but he (IMO) might be a bit more grown-up by now. Then again, I do see some things about him that remind me of certain celebrity types, both within the football world and without. He is a still a bit of a spoiled brat, and lets his emotions and temper get away with him. I suppose that just makes him human (and he is one of the humans in the story). This book ends on a cliffhanger which is different for the series so far.
It's a good book, with lots of action. The pacing is fast with small breaks in the action that let you catch your breath for a moment. It helps if you know at least a little about football since a lot of the book is set during games. Sports fan? Sci-fi fan? Action fan? These books will satisfy all of that.
April 14, 2022
Another winner! As this story progresses, I look more and more eagerly toward Barnes' next game. He constantly has to re-learn life lessons about bigotry, anger issues, and manipulation, just like in real life. Many times this story has taken me on an unexpected tangent compared to the paint-by-numbers storytelling I'm used to. The ending especially resolved itself differently than I imagined. The only downside was Barnes' family life. It had a bit more page presence in this novel. I'm not a fan of the long lost family member trope. Although this was disappointing, it wasn't enough to lower my overall enjoyment. Barnes and Gredok had amazing growth in their relationship. I look forward to seeing how setbacks will play out in the next novel. Mostly, I want to know how that unexpected cliffhanger will be resolved.
March 26, 2022
Quentin Barnes is back and he wants to make this a season to remember for The Ionath Krakens, he is targeting a Play-Off spot and nothing less will do.
He is backed up by the mad-as-hatters and funny-as-feck John and Ju Tweedy and whether or not he wants it, the support of Becca The Wrecker Montague. He also has to bring his team together, with the misfits George Starcher and Tara the Freak causing cracks in the unity of the team.
Gredok the Splithead helps Quentin more than he can ever expect and joy fills the air - but for how long can this last, with contract negotiations in the air, a Play-Off spot up for grabs and a rather surprising ending involving The Touchback and Pirates(not the TO kind) then this all adds up to a cracking read and a great season for our team.
He is backed up by the mad-as-hatters and funny-as-feck John and Ju Tweedy and whether or not he wants it, the support of Becca The Wrecker Montague. He also has to bring his team together, with the misfits George Starcher and Tara the Freak causing cracks in the unity of the team.
Gredok the Splithead helps Quentin more than he can ever expect and joy fills the air - but for how long can this last, with contract negotiations in the air, a Play-Off spot up for grabs and a rather surprising ending involving The Touchback and Pirates(not the TO kind) then this all adds up to a cracking read and a great season for our team.
February 11, 2024
Such a fun book series!
I never thought I’d read a book like this; my good friend bullied me into it, and I am SO glad!
The characterization of the worlds and of the Galactic football players has so much depth, it really pulls you in. The writing is go colorful and so full of energy, it will keep you hooked.
And at the end of the day, it’s all about the story- this has a multiple storylined journey, and it about friendship, family, the right of passage in leadership maturity and of tolerance. There are no bad messages here. ;)
I never thought I’d read a book like this; my good friend bullied me into it, and I am SO glad!
The characterization of the worlds and of the Galactic football players has so much depth, it really pulls you in. The writing is go colorful and so full of energy, it will keep you hooked.
And at the end of the day, it’s all about the story- this has a multiple storylined journey, and it about friendship, family, the right of passage in leadership maturity and of tolerance. There are no bad messages here. ;)
August 12, 2024
A genuine struggle to read at times, the prose is so poor. It's so simplistic, it's as if written for children.
The only redemption for this book is the twist. It wasn't exactly unpredictable, but the context and consequences of it are pretty rich.
Every woman is a sex icon. Thank god there are so many non-humanoid female aliens. At least they got a bit of respect.
Not sure if I can push through to the next book. I was enjoying the concept. Maybe that was all I was enjoying. Still, we'll see next off-season. Go Dolphins! (The real ones, not the animals in mech suits in this book).
The only redemption for this book is the twist. It wasn't exactly unpredictable, but the context and consequences of it are pretty rich.
Every woman is a sex icon. Thank god there are so many non-humanoid female aliens. At least they got a bit of respect.
Not sure if I can push through to the next book. I was enjoying the concept. Maybe that was all I was enjoying. Still, we'll see next off-season. Go Dolphins! (The real ones, not the animals in mech suits in this book).
August 25, 2017
Dinolition, celebrity dating, contract negotiations, and the search for his family. With all of this on his plate can Quentin Barnes guide his Krakens to a playoff run or will it be another fight to avoid relegation?
Another very enjoyable chapter in the Galactic Football League series. This book felt like it delved a bit deeper in off the field character growth. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Another very enjoyable chapter in the Galactic Football League series. This book felt like it delved a bit deeper in off the field character growth. Can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
July 5, 2019
I really enjoyed the first two books but this one was to predictable. When Quentin's "dad" was found I instantly knew he was not his real dad. I also didn't enjoy how short some of the games were described. Some were just a paragraph, just wish it had some more depth in the game aspect. I really did like what happened in the epilogue and like the mystery it is giving the series. Can't wait to read the next one. Overall the series is awesome but this book just fell short of its predecessors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
The third season of quarterback Quentin Barnes' career in the Galactic Football League. Quentin must make a decision about transferring some of his favorite receivers in order to stabilize his offensive line. I learned a lot more about football than I really wanted, but am enjoying the series. Unfortunately, this is the last of the books that I was able to find in podcast. I'm going to have to break down and buy the remainder of the series.
December 24, 2017
Infantile plot is what comes to mind. Entertaining enough to keep reading to find out how things turn out but mostly read because I already committed to reading the series since I bought all the books. Glad there's only one more but I'll wait a while before reading the finale.
August 3, 2019
I've never been interested in sport related books, American football least of all, being British it's hard to get into.. I love these books, I'm hooked and seriously, anyone with reservations, just try it! These books are so well written. GO KRAKENS
January 17, 2021
Didn´t read the book, listened to it and I must say that it is the first time I have appreciated sport. The audiobook is read in a way that highlights the theme of the book, with referee segments, blaring borns and cheering crowds.
January 23, 2023
Darn you, Scott Sigler. This one had me on the edge til The End!!!
Very excited to have books 4 to 6 waiting in the wings. And anxious to get book 7.
Thanks for the great stories and the awesome amazing universe you have created!!
Life long junkie, Paul-the-reader. :)
Very excited to have books 4 to 6 waiting in the wings. And anxious to get book 7.
Thanks for the great stories and the awesome amazing universe you have created!!
Life long junkie, Paul-the-reader. :)
June 13, 2018
Excellent series
July 4, 2018
Good fun... Enjoying the series even though American Football isn't my sport...
July 6, 2020
It is GREAT!!!!
Great plot! Really made me want to keep on reading. Great ending to the story can't wait to read the next.
Great plot! Really made me want to keep on reading. Great ending to the story can't wait to read the next.
November 6, 2020
Quentin is growing up. Not sure if it is fast enough. Hope so for next book
February 27, 2021
A big brawny galactic soap opera. Will the uarterback fin his family? WIll they make it to the play-offs. The big plot point is about contract negotiations and it was reveting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews