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Poor Man's Fight #3
Dead Man's Debt
“WE REQUIRE A DIFFERENT BATTLEFIELD.”
Nobody expected the war to last three hours, let alone three years. The star system of Archangel holds the line against invading corporate fleets, but a quarter of its territory is already lost. The navy can’t hang on much longer. Faced with this grim truth, Archangel’s leaders shift their strategy to diplomacy and espionage. For both arenas, they call upon a reluctant weapon: a frontline grunt named Tanner Malone.
These days, Tanner doesn’t aspire to win the war. He merely wants to survive it. Now he’ll be thrust into the center of events once again, pulled back and forth from covert missions to the media spotlight. Yet with every battle, he gets closer to the old enemy hidden in the shadows, and the ugly truth about the war that could unravel everything Archangel might hope to win.
Nobody expected the war to last three hours, let alone three years. The star system of Archangel holds the line against invading corporate fleets, but a quarter of its territory is already lost. The navy can’t hang on much longer. Faced with this grim truth, Archangel’s leaders shift their strategy to diplomacy and espionage. For both arenas, they call upon a reluctant weapon: a frontline grunt named Tanner Malone.
These days, Tanner doesn’t aspire to win the war. He merely wants to survive it. Now he’ll be thrust into the center of events once again, pulled back and forth from covert missions to the media spotlight. Yet with every battle, he gets closer to the old enemy hidden in the shadows, and the ugly truth about the war that could unravel everything Archangel might hope to win.
573 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 21, 2016
I wasn't sure about including the "Space Opera" shelf here but I did as there are battles between space fleets and so on. The book..the series is however several cuts above what we usually think of as Space Opera. Just my opinion of course.
I love military science fiction, at least good military science fiction. Of late there are 3 series I've been following. One hasn't had a book published in over a year, the second had it's latest installment this year and then there's this one.
This is of the 3 I believe my favorite. And this volume ends in a way that could make this a trilogy in that it ties up our hero's story in a fairly satisfactory manor.
Of course...there are still some loose ends so another book...or for that matter another series could be coming.
I hope so.
With humanity having reached out into space it now exists in the form of several different systems and "civilizations. We are in contact with alien cultures. That said of course, we're still fighting each other. The aliens we had to fight for a place in the more distant part of the galaxy and with whom we now have shaky peace are known to think that humanity is it's own worst enemy.
As said I think this is one of the best military science fiction series it's been my pleasure to read. Highly recommended. Enjoy.
I love military science fiction, at least good military science fiction. Of late there are 3 series I've been following. One hasn't had a book published in over a year, the second had it's latest installment this year and then there's this one.
This is of the 3 I believe my favorite. And this volume ends in a way that could make this a trilogy in that it ties up our hero's story in a fairly satisfactory manor.
Of course...there are still some loose ends so another book...or for that matter another series could be coming.
I hope so.
With humanity having reached out into space it now exists in the form of several different systems and "civilizations. We are in contact with alien cultures. That said of course, we're still fighting each other. The aliens we had to fight for a place in the more distant part of the galaxy and with whom we now have shaky peace are known to think that humanity is it's own worst enemy.
As said I think this is one of the best military science fiction series it's been my pleasure to read. Highly recommended. Enjoy.
July 13, 2022
The plot has thickened. Boy-o-boy, did it thicken!
It's been a few years since the events in Book Two. The Archangel system is in a full-blown war against the united corporations. Readers could practically trip over the sneaky factions, duplicitous traitors, spies, backstabbers, corrupt politicians and the obligatory incompetent ship officer(s). There were also a lot of honorable, likeable and moral characters. I don't mean to give the impression that most of the characters were scummy.
Master-at-Arms Tanner Malone is still dealing with the heavy emotional trauma from military life in this toxic atmosphere. The frequency of combat, the occasional special ops, his guilt stemming from his own actions, and the deaths of comrades have all taken a toll. He is still functioning, (sheesh, is he!), but I can't help but to worry about him. It's not as if he's my son or anything, but I still worry. It's really strange how you can come to care so much for people that aren't even real, for Pete's sake. This book has quite a lot of Things Happening, so it's a good thing that the MC is still hanging in there.
There is a Major Reveal in the plot but I won't say a peep about it in other to avoid spoilers. I will say that this was even better than the last book. Really good! The next book, #4, is a side story. Apparently it is book 2.5 rather than a linear 4 in the internal timeline, and the story deals with two minor characters. I'm going to hopscotch over to book #5 instead because holy moly, I need to find out how all of these current events play out!
It's been a few years since the events in Book Two. The Archangel system is in a full-blown war against the united corporations. Readers could practically trip over the sneaky factions, duplicitous traitors, spies, backstabbers, corrupt politicians and the obligatory incompetent ship officer(s). There were also a lot of honorable, likeable and moral characters. I don't mean to give the impression that most of the characters were scummy.
Master-at-Arms Tanner Malone is still dealing with the heavy emotional trauma from military life in this toxic atmosphere. The frequency of combat, the occasional special ops, his guilt stemming from his own actions, and the deaths of comrades have all taken a toll. He is still functioning, (sheesh, is he!), but I can't help but to worry about him. It's not as if he's my son or anything, but I still worry. It's really strange how you can come to care so much for people that aren't even real, for Pete's sake. This book has quite a lot of Things Happening, so it's a good thing that the MC is still hanging in there.
There is a Major Reveal in the plot but I won't say a peep about it in other to avoid spoilers. I will say that this was even better than the last book. Really good! The next book, #4, is a side story. Apparently it is book 2.5 rather than a linear 4 in the internal timeline, and the story deals with two minor characters. I'm going to hopscotch over to book #5 instead because holy moly, I need to find out how all of these current events play out!
August 11, 2025
Kay does a nice job here wrapping up the story arc of the trilogy (although he penned a few sequels as well). In the last volume, the system of Archangel stalemated the invasion fleet of Northstar, one of the 'big three' corporations in Union space, but Northstar did manage to hold one of the worlds in the system. Nobody expected the situation to last long, but after two years of negotiations, the stalemate continues. Tanner, now Master of Arms (something like a MP) of one of the captured Northstar battleships, just wants the war to be over and to muster out. Yet, he continues to go on covert missions...
Kay does a fantastic job in these books capturing the flavor of the navy and Tanner's role within it. While there is less action here than in previous volumes, the political scene Kay develops more. The Union, something akin to humanity's parliament, wants to resolve the crisis at Archangel. Yet, many members of the Union are beholden to Northstar, in part to bribes and such. With some cards up their sleaves, Archangel's bigwigs heads to Earth to once again attempt to resolve the stalemate. I love the world building here and it seems so real and plausible. The 'big three' corporations have managed to keep most of humanity in debt to them; the 'plebs' pay for their education, medical, etc., usually by amassing more debt. Archangel seeks to break from their clutches, declaring the debt of their population null and void, which after all, lead to the Northstar's invasion of Archangel in the last volume.
My only real issues here are some erratic pacing, but other than that, pretty close to a 5 star read.
Kay does a fantastic job in these books capturing the flavor of the navy and Tanner's role within it. While there is less action here than in previous volumes, the political scene Kay develops more. The Union, something akin to humanity's parliament, wants to resolve the crisis at Archangel. Yet, many members of the Union are beholden to Northstar, in part to bribes and such. With some cards up their sleaves, Archangel's bigwigs heads to Earth to once again attempt to resolve the stalemate. I love the world building here and it seems so real and plausible. The 'big three' corporations have managed to keep most of humanity in debt to them; the 'plebs' pay for their education, medical, etc., usually by amassing more debt. Archangel seeks to break from their clutches, declaring the debt of their population null and void, which after all, lead to the Northstar's invasion of Archangel in the last volume.
My only real issues here are some erratic pacing, but other than that, pretty close to a 5 star read.
March 6, 2017
I knew that. No doubt many readers will see the superbly fitting conclusion coming - but they, like me, will not care. One still has to find out how, and who, and when, and whether Tanner ever gets together with what's-her-name.
This third book has rather less of the constant action in it, but carries a planet-load of strategy, intrigue, and the unfolding revelations to the reader. There's still some fighting, still a space battle or two, but things become increasingly political and personal, especially into the final chapters. My reviews of the first two books mentioned 'fair characterization', but you know what? They've grown on me, and in this book we see new facets to gunny Janeka, Andrea, Casey, Vanessa Rios, and others, something I really appreciated.
The plot is excellent, the pace very good, the story completely engaging. Elliot Kay has managed some very plausible subtlety in the storyline which is great fun - for example, what happens when Malone is drafted to escort Prince Khalil at the Union Assembly.
In this third book I did notice a few editing failures, typically sentences which had been half-rewritten. It was not, for me, significant enough to deduct any points; it's still a five-star read.
Very highly recommended for all mil-SF fans, and SF readers generally.
This third book has rather less of the constant action in it, but carries a planet-load of strategy, intrigue, and the unfolding revelations to the reader. There's still some fighting, still a space battle or two, but things become increasingly political and personal, especially into the final chapters. My reviews of the first two books mentioned 'fair characterization', but you know what? They've grown on me, and in this book we see new facets to gunny Janeka, Andrea, Casey, Vanessa Rios, and others, something I really appreciated.
The plot is excellent, the pace very good, the story completely engaging. Elliot Kay has managed some very plausible subtlety in the storyline which is great fun - for example, what happens when Malone is drafted to escort Prince Khalil at the Union Assembly.
In this third book I did notice a few editing failures, typically sentences which had been half-rewritten. It was not, for me, significant enough to deduct any points; it's still a five-star read.
Very highly recommended for all mil-SF fans, and SF readers generally.
September 5, 2021
DEAD MAN'S DEBT is the third volume of the series and feels very much like a resolution to all the existing story arcs. The war between the Big Three and the Archangel system has lasted three years despite the fact it was supposed to be over in a single battle in the corporations' favor. The corporations are being bled white with one of them having already collapsed but they are now so in debt that they *have* to win. This results in a last ditch and desperate political gamble that Tanner is unwittingly at the heart of.
There's a tremendous twist at the end which has been foreshadowed well but still caught me off guard. I really enjoyed it but kind of wish it hadn't been a coda to this book but the basis for an entire volume's story. With so much build-up between Casey and Tanner's rivalry, I kind of wish it had been a longer story.
There's more books at the story but if you were wanting a place to stop then this might be a good one.
There's a tremendous twist at the end which has been foreshadowed well but still caught me off guard. I really enjoyed it but kind of wish it hadn't been a coda to this book but the basis for an entire volume's story. With so much build-up between Casey and Tanner's rivalry, I kind of wish it had been a longer story.
There's more books at the story but if you were wanting a place to stop then this might be a good one.
March 14, 2018
It was as good as the previous - until the part, where the main conflict ended. I was at 90% of the book. The next 9% has totally ruined it for me. It did have some use, since the book (and story) was closed with a satisfactory way. Yet, when I started the 4th book immediately, I simply lost interest after 20 pages. The problematic 9% left a very sour taste...
June 22, 2019
I was disappointed by the second volume of this saga, which was too scattered in multiple points of view, and often lost sight of the main protagonist of the series, the young and not-so-naive-now Tanner Malone.
In this third part, the author raises up the bar: the narrative is centered on Tanner, and narrative threads that do not directly concern him do not drag on.
Unfortunately the book is a little too predictable for my taste and the conclusion trails in length and suffers from a lack of credibility.
That said, it's still a good book.
More than just a military space opera, Elliott Kay manages in this series to build a credible universe. His way of thinking about systemic excesses, both political and economic, is quite impressive in the context of a space adventure.
And his vision of the war is never embellished. People dies in wars, and it's rarely funny.
If the end of this book wasn't so mediocre, I would have easily given it four stars.
In this third part, the author raises up the bar: the narrative is centered on Tanner, and narrative threads that do not directly concern him do not drag on.
Unfortunately the book is a little too predictable for my taste and the conclusion trails in length and suffers from a lack of credibility.
That said, it's still a good book.
More than just a military space opera, Elliott Kay manages in this series to build a credible universe. His way of thinking about systemic excesses, both political and economic, is quite impressive in the context of a space adventure.
And his vision of the war is never embellished. People dies in wars, and it's rarely funny.
If the end of this book wasn't so mediocre, I would have easily given it four stars.
March 25, 2016
This is a good conclusion to a sci-fi trilogy (if it is). It's got the same faults I have noticed in the previous books, but it still delivers and unpredictable and suspenseful last installment.
April 17, 2016
I found this one too grim, actually. The tone has changed quite a bit through the series; I preferred the first book, which had the balance more as I prefer.
April 23, 2019
The third book in the Poor Man’s Fight series could have been the closing book of a trilogy. It wraps up all of the important storylines and even gives Tanner his chance to bring the pirate, Casey, to justice. It’s a good novel, but not quite up to the quality of the first two books in the series.
Despite all of the politics and the space battles, this series has always been principally the story of Tanner Malone, a book smart and extremely ethical young man who keeps finding himself in the proverbial fire having to take on extraordinary odds to save the day. Tanner is extremely likeable, keeping a tight rein on his temper—most of the time. This third novel shows what the wear and tear of too much warfare will do to that temper and the lengths to which a very smart young man will go to find out if his nation’s enemies are the only bad guys in this fight.
Tanner doesn’t always make good decisions, but it’s really hard not to respect his choices—especially when he knows what sort of penalties he will have to pay to remain true to himself and his ethical code. I’m glad to see that he will be a major player in the fifth book of this series and I’m hoping he gets some significant screen time in the fourth.
I guess I’ll have to keep reading to find out.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
Despite all of the politics and the space battles, this series has always been principally the story of Tanner Malone, a book smart and extremely ethical young man who keeps finding himself in the proverbial fire having to take on extraordinary odds to save the day. Tanner is extremely likeable, keeping a tight rein on his temper—most of the time. This third novel shows what the wear and tear of too much warfare will do to that temper and the lengths to which a very smart young man will go to find out if his nation’s enemies are the only bad guys in this fight.
Tanner doesn’t always make good decisions, but it’s really hard not to respect his choices—especially when he knows what sort of penalties he will have to pay to remain true to himself and his ethical code. I’m glad to see that he will be a major player in the fifth book of this series and I’m hoping he gets some significant screen time in the fourth.
I guess I’ll have to keep reading to find out.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
May 28, 2018
First off - this is going to be a review of the first story arc covering the first three books. If you are looking for a review of this book only, this is not the book review you are looking for.
**Spoiler alert for the whole first story arc.**
**Warning – I am long winded. If this becomes TL:DR for you, skip to the summary in the last paragraph.**
The Poor Man's Fight first story arc ends in this third book of the series. It was a somewhat satisfying end to the first story arc, and a decent place to take a break. I understand that book #4 of this series, should really be considered book #2.5 as it takes place between books #2 and #3, but features Alicia as the MC and lets us know what happened to her after she and Tanner split and went to their first commands.
The first story arc, Poor Man's Fight has an unexpected ending for me; something that I enjoyed. Poor Man's Fight is decent Space Opera, featuring a little stronger romantic entanglements that I do not care for.
I am old romantic softy - I like the guy to get the girl (or girl get the guy- whichever) at the end and ride into the sunset. I was rooting for Alicia and Tanner to become a permanent item somewhere in this first story arc.
My main dislike of Poor Man's Fight comes from how the romantic aspect of the Space Opera was handled by the author. All good Space Opera includes an element of romance. I almost believe that the first story arc would have been better without so much romance, cutting it down to just action with some suggested romantic involvement in the background.
I strongly disliked the Andrea Bennett character, having known people such as her in real life. Political tools such as Andrea sacrifice everything for a career, which is fleeting, including love. Often these types of people (and characters) at the end of their career realize that along the way they have tossed aside a (or several) great lover and partner. A career, no matter how great, cannot hold you and comfort you while going through life's trials.
I hope that Andrea has a good "Come to Jesus" moment and realizes that she tossed aside Tanner, who might have been a great life partner (if a little unconventional) for a hollow career. Often these "career oriented people" realize when it is too late that they missed out on a great love when they see that lover has moved on and is very happy while they are quite miserable.
I seriously dislike how Andrea callously tossed aside Tanner as an “off and on fling” when, from Tanner’s point of view at least, I think that there was what could have been a great love. With longevity treatments extending life spans so much, you would not think that society would look at a mere 30 year age difference as all that uncommon. When people can live 150+ years, a 30 year difference in age seems fairly trivial, and a stupid reason to discard a great man for a hollow, loveless career.
I can empathize with how the relationship with Madelyn (Allison) Carter matured. My boyhood crush went on to become a fantastic woman and marry a great guy and have a house full of kids. In hindsight, we would have been miserable together. So watching Tanner’s boyhood crush, Madelyn go on and intend to marry someone else was something that I could relate to and empathize with.
Being an old romantic softy, I did not like the fact that Alicia and Brent hooked up. I have watched military couples through a little more than 30 years of experience. I counseled young military persons assigned to my units to not date another service member, if they could, especially within our own unit. When you put young, single boys and girls together shit is going to happen and there is going to be some mess from fallout.
Older sergeants such as me had to learn how to deal with distraught platoon mates when a relationship between members of our unit went to shit. Getting a Dear John letter in the mail (or email or text now in the new electronic world) is far different than getting dumped in the chow hall or rec building.
Very few first military relationships last, so while the results of Alicia and Tanner’s parting was realistic, and even though realistically in line of what happens in real life with many young military relationships, I still didn’t like it. I wanted Tanner and Alicia to become a permanent item, and perhaps they will eventually.
One of my favorite Space Operas, The Frontline Series by Marko Kloos (lots of shit blowing up - light on the romance), features boot camp lovers (nighttime shower hookups – naughty, naughty) who despite several year-long or more separations, remain faithful and even finally marry remaining together no matter what.
Not that many relationships in the military survive long separations, so Alicia and Tanner finding others and being realistic about their relationship was believable, even if I didn’t like it. I think that author hinted that perhaps Tanner was Alicia’s first lover, once referring to Brent as “only the second man she had slept with.”
Women most of the time (or so I am told) remember their first lover, and some have a slight romantic attachment to their first time. I would like to see Tanner and Alicia beat the odds and become a permanent couple riding into the sunset.
I’ve read enough Space Opera to see old lovers reunite after 50 years apart or more. With longevity treatments extending the average person’s life, it is not completely impossible that Tanner and Alicia may end up together. I’ve seen Space Opera lovers reunite after having other life partners, children, and even great grandchildren, so who knows.
Although the ending of the first story arc has Alicia quite happy with Brent, even introducing him to her parents, and Tanner is with Lynette, I still hope Alicia and Tanner becomes a permanent item at the end whenever the author ends this series.
I do like the Lynette character, and am glad to see Tanner with someone. Since Tanner is such a shit magnet, it is good that he has someone to love. A person that goes through crap such as Tanner and does not have someone to hold and love can go crazy.
Humans are social creatures and we crave the touch of another. Being touch starved is a dangerous predicament for someone who is almost always at the heart of a shit storm. I have not decided if I want Lynette as a permanent part of Tanner’s life, yet. I would love for Andrea to see Tanner and Lynette together and realize what she lost.
The thing that I dislike about Tanner and Lynette’s relationship is this stupid idea of “uncommitted monogamy.” WTF? Call it what it is – an open relationship. Both can go screw other people and when they manage, hook up with each other. At least this author did not call such a relationship something really stupid such as “together, but apart” like another author did.
In a little over 30 years of being exposed to the military, I know of only one couple with an open relationship that is still together. I am sure that there are other couples out there in open relationships that work through the years, but in my somewhat limited exposure to military couples with open relationships – very, very few last.
I am not judging those that choose an open relationship – if it works for them who am I to say anything? An open relationship is not something that I would choose to enter, but I have no problem with others choosing such a relationship for themselves.
Through the wonders of the internet and platforms such as Facebook, staying in touch with former military acquaintances is much easier these days. Catching up with a lot of my former platoon mates, I was amazed to discover how few of them were still with the partner they had when I served with them.
With my military relationship experience I do not expect Tanner and Lynette to last. I expect that both Tanner and Lynette will find someone else and drop the other whether by intent or not.
The main reason that I stopped reading Poor Man’s Fight at the end of this story arc, is that it is too romantically messy. I like my Space Opera more action with a lot of shit blowing up, rather than who is screwing whom with all the damn angst that goes with relationships going to shit and former lovers happily screwing other people.
**Spoiler alert for the whole first story arc.**
**Warning – I am long winded. If this becomes TL:DR for you, skip to the summary in the last paragraph.**
The Poor Man's Fight first story arc ends in this third book of the series. It was a somewhat satisfying end to the first story arc, and a decent place to take a break. I understand that book #4 of this series, should really be considered book #2.5 as it takes place between books #2 and #3, but features Alicia as the MC and lets us know what happened to her after she and Tanner split and went to their first commands.
The first story arc, Poor Man's Fight has an unexpected ending for me; something that I enjoyed. Poor Man's Fight is decent Space Opera, featuring a little stronger romantic entanglements that I do not care for.
I am old romantic softy - I like the guy to get the girl (or girl get the guy- whichever) at the end and ride into the sunset. I was rooting for Alicia and Tanner to become a permanent item somewhere in this first story arc.
My main dislike of Poor Man's Fight comes from how the romantic aspect of the Space Opera was handled by the author. All good Space Opera includes an element of romance. I almost believe that the first story arc would have been better without so much romance, cutting it down to just action with some suggested romantic involvement in the background.
I strongly disliked the Andrea Bennett character, having known people such as her in real life. Political tools such as Andrea sacrifice everything for a career, which is fleeting, including love. Often these types of people (and characters) at the end of their career realize that along the way they have tossed aside a (or several) great lover and partner. A career, no matter how great, cannot hold you and comfort you while going through life's trials.
I hope that Andrea has a good "Come to Jesus" moment and realizes that she tossed aside Tanner, who might have been a great life partner (if a little unconventional) for a hollow career. Often these "career oriented people" realize when it is too late that they missed out on a great love when they see that lover has moved on and is very happy while they are quite miserable.
I seriously dislike how Andrea callously tossed aside Tanner as an “off and on fling” when, from Tanner’s point of view at least, I think that there was what could have been a great love. With longevity treatments extending life spans so much, you would not think that society would look at a mere 30 year age difference as all that uncommon. When people can live 150+ years, a 30 year difference in age seems fairly trivial, and a stupid reason to discard a great man for a hollow, loveless career.
I can empathize with how the relationship with Madelyn (Allison) Carter matured. My boyhood crush went on to become a fantastic woman and marry a great guy and have a house full of kids. In hindsight, we would have been miserable together. So watching Tanner’s boyhood crush, Madelyn go on and intend to marry someone else was something that I could relate to and empathize with.
Being an old romantic softy, I did not like the fact that Alicia and Brent hooked up. I have watched military couples through a little more than 30 years of experience. I counseled young military persons assigned to my units to not date another service member, if they could, especially within our own unit. When you put young, single boys and girls together shit is going to happen and there is going to be some mess from fallout.
Older sergeants such as me had to learn how to deal with distraught platoon mates when a relationship between members of our unit went to shit. Getting a Dear John letter in the mail (or email or text now in the new electronic world) is far different than getting dumped in the chow hall or rec building.
Very few first military relationships last, so while the results of Alicia and Tanner’s parting was realistic, and even though realistically in line of what happens in real life with many young military relationships, I still didn’t like it. I wanted Tanner and Alicia to become a permanent item, and perhaps they will eventually.
One of my favorite Space Operas, The Frontline Series by Marko Kloos (lots of shit blowing up - light on the romance), features boot camp lovers (nighttime shower hookups – naughty, naughty) who despite several year-long or more separations, remain faithful and even finally marry remaining together no matter what.
Not that many relationships in the military survive long separations, so Alicia and Tanner finding others and being realistic about their relationship was believable, even if I didn’t like it. I think that author hinted that perhaps Tanner was Alicia’s first lover, once referring to Brent as “only the second man she had slept with.”
Women most of the time (or so I am told) remember their first lover, and some have a slight romantic attachment to their first time. I would like to see Tanner and Alicia beat the odds and become a permanent couple riding into the sunset.
I’ve read enough Space Opera to see old lovers reunite after 50 years apart or more. With longevity treatments extending the average person’s life, it is not completely impossible that Tanner and Alicia may end up together. I’ve seen Space Opera lovers reunite after having other life partners, children, and even great grandchildren, so who knows.
Although the ending of the first story arc has Alicia quite happy with Brent, even introducing him to her parents, and Tanner is with Lynette, I still hope Alicia and Tanner becomes a permanent item at the end whenever the author ends this series.
I do like the Lynette character, and am glad to see Tanner with someone. Since Tanner is such a shit magnet, it is good that he has someone to love. A person that goes through crap such as Tanner and does not have someone to hold and love can go crazy.
Humans are social creatures and we crave the touch of another. Being touch starved is a dangerous predicament for someone who is almost always at the heart of a shit storm. I have not decided if I want Lynette as a permanent part of Tanner’s life, yet. I would love for Andrea to see Tanner and Lynette together and realize what she lost.
The thing that I dislike about Tanner and Lynette’s relationship is this stupid idea of “uncommitted monogamy.” WTF? Call it what it is – an open relationship. Both can go screw other people and when they manage, hook up with each other. At least this author did not call such a relationship something really stupid such as “together, but apart” like another author did.
In a little over 30 years of being exposed to the military, I know of only one couple with an open relationship that is still together. I am sure that there are other couples out there in open relationships that work through the years, but in my somewhat limited exposure to military couples with open relationships – very, very few last.
I am not judging those that choose an open relationship – if it works for them who am I to say anything? An open relationship is not something that I would choose to enter, but I have no problem with others choosing such a relationship for themselves.
Through the wonders of the internet and platforms such as Facebook, staying in touch with former military acquaintances is much easier these days. Catching up with a lot of my former platoon mates, I was amazed to discover how few of them were still with the partner they had when I served with them.
With my military relationship experience I do not expect Tanner and Lynette to last. I expect that both Tanner and Lynette will find someone else and drop the other whether by intent or not.
The main reason that I stopped reading Poor Man’s Fight at the end of this story arc, is that it is too romantically messy. I like my Space Opera more action with a lot of shit blowing up, rather than who is screwing whom with all the damn angst that goes with relationships going to shit and former lovers happily screwing other people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2017
This series has done something for me no other has ever done before: make me hate the main character. The obvious political bias of the author and evil corporation trope is hard enough a self righteous pinhead that refuses to be held accountable or work to make his world a better place is no different than many of the other snowflake sjw types protesting today. It is too bad because Elliott can tell a good story and if he had put just a little effort into it this could grow into something as deep and rich as the Honorverse series. I do hope so and will read the rest of the series in hope he does but the only place I want to see this "Hero" is at the firing squad.
July 12, 2016
The beginning dragged, Tanner Malone's antics started to feel a little samey, but Kay does manage to deliver some great action scenes and does a good job at building tension. The book hooked close to half-way through and the rest was pretty easy to get through.
I must say though, after reading this I'm less excited about what comes next.
I must say though, after reading this I'm less excited about what comes next.
November 18, 2021
I think in this third book Kay has really started to find his stride. The characters are a bit more developed. The events are sharper and clearer.
This book has great tension. Our hero is in perilous situations and the outcome is not a foregone conclusion, or even overly quickly resolved. I like that.
On to the next one.
This book has great tension. Our hero is in perilous situations and the outcome is not a foregone conclusion, or even overly quickly resolved. I like that.
On to the next one.
March 16, 2016
I loved this series. I hope to see it continue in a post war environment.
March 22, 2016
Action, intrigue, heroes, villains, humor....what's not to like? Oh yeah, one thing; that it's not longer. Great book with great characters.
December 3, 2019
Action filled ending to this series
This is the third and final installment in the Poor Man’s Fight series, and like its predecessors, it does not lack for action.
The stalemate between Archangel and North Star is lingering on, with time on North Star’s side. Unable to break North Star’s hold on Michael, Archangel embarks on a chancy strategy to hijack all of North Star’s share holders on their home planet of Fairhaven. Incredibly, the strategy works; the war ends, Archangel gets all of its occupied territory back, and North Star is forced to forgive all of the massive, crippling debts, both public and personal, for Archangel and all its citizens.
Tanner Malone is discharged from the navy but has one more personal task to perform - get the pirate captain who caused so much callous damage and death at the start of the story. This opens up a deadly government conspiracy that includes use of the pirates that includes the highest officials and ministers of the Archangel government.
Overall, I enjoyed this series; not terribly complex, but full of action. This last book, however, seemed to rush the story a little in order to finish the story in this last book.
This is the third and final installment in the Poor Man’s Fight series, and like its predecessors, it does not lack for action.
The stalemate between Archangel and North Star is lingering on, with time on North Star’s side. Unable to break North Star’s hold on Michael, Archangel embarks on a chancy strategy to hijack all of North Star’s share holders on their home planet of Fairhaven. Incredibly, the strategy works; the war ends, Archangel gets all of its occupied territory back, and North Star is forced to forgive all of the massive, crippling debts, both public and personal, for Archangel and all its citizens.
Tanner Malone is discharged from the navy but has one more personal task to perform - get the pirate captain who caused so much callous damage and death at the start of the story. This opens up a deadly government conspiracy that includes use of the pirates that includes the highest officials and ministers of the Archangel government.
Overall, I enjoyed this series; not terribly complex, but full of action. This last book, however, seemed to rush the story a little in order to finish the story in this last book.
September 17, 2017
Tanner's service comes to an end. As the quasi-ending volume of the trilogy, this book really manages to keep things exciting while carefully driving all plot-lines to their respective ends. There is another book available in the series, but as far as I see, this is the last one with Tanner Malone as the protagonist. I really liked this book. It's a nice military space opera with some politics involved. I would really recommend it to anyone, especially for those who read the first two parts. I may take a break from Kay's universe know but probably will come back for the story of Alicia Wong in part 4.
July 12, 2021
6.5 Some unrealistic events (typically okay but at bit too much). Tanner wants to be out of the spot light but is but into it by the government. To raise a motion in the 'assembly' they need to reinstate the 'sultan' they use Tanner to push this. All kinds of fighting and push the motion that big companies also become a country. This enables Archangles to take military actions. Successful. However, still linger strange feeling about cover ship. Takes action in secret part of the shipyard. Plan to kill complete crew. Fight with pirate captain and fight with government, escape but enables to kill pirate and topple government.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2019
The war has gone on too long and it's time to end it. The corporations, the two of the former three, that remain are beginning a death spiral and our jaunty heroes have one world under occupation and others on the wrong end of the logistics chain. So what we need is a bold daring plan and a requisite amount of pure violence.
Things explode, people get hurt, others die, and Tanner maintains his reading list. Our favourite marines, spooks, and naval personnel all get some time in the light as we rush towards a conclusion. Been a damn fine ride.
Things explode, people get hurt, others die, and Tanner maintains his reading list. Our favourite marines, spooks, and naval personnel all get some time in the light as we rush towards a conclusion. Been a damn fine ride.
March 18, 2020
Superb sci-fi .
The third episode in this series does not disappoint.I strongly recommend reading the books in order. In this one Tanner Malone continues to be involved in non-stop action , intrigue and interplanetary politics. The supporting cast of friends colleagues and villains are well portrayed and the tale rattles along at pace. Definitely up there with my favourite sci-fi series and I will move swiftly to the fourth instalment.I tend to be quite generous with my star ratings which means on my scale this should get six methinks!Highly recommended.
The third episode in this series does not disappoint.I strongly recommend reading the books in order. In this one Tanner Malone continues to be involved in non-stop action , intrigue and interplanetary politics. The supporting cast of friends colleagues and villains are well portrayed and the tale rattles along at pace. Definitely up there with my favourite sci-fi series and I will move swiftly to the fourth instalment.I tend to be quite generous with my star ratings which means on my scale this should get six methinks!Highly recommended.
March 28, 2020
Excellent Action Entertainment!🌟
This series is simply awesome.It has everything a reader can want in an action adventure thriller: Great characters, a plethora of action sequences, suspense, and a little romance. Did I mention "Great Characters?" And they are abundant and well developed. The storyline is well-written to make maximum use of the attributes of each character regardless of whether it is major or minor. I was very pleased that Mr. Kay plans for more in this series. Was series is simply excellent action entertainment!🌟🌟🌟
This series is simply awesome.It has everything a reader can want in an action adventure thriller: Great characters, a plethora of action sequences, suspense, and a little romance. Did I mention "Great Characters?" And they are abundant and well developed. The storyline is well-written to make maximum use of the attributes of each character regardless of whether it is major or minor. I was very pleased that Mr. Kay plans for more in this series. Was series is simply excellent action entertainment!🌟🌟🌟
April 11, 2021
Ranged between good to great throughout. Some point of view shifts and scene changes made it a little confusing for me at some points. Because I don’t remember everyone’s names so well, there were points where I muddled through, more due to my own weaknesses as a reader than any fault in the writing, but it was probably going to be a 4-star book. However the last 5% of the book was very enthralling and satisfying, pushing it over the top to 5 stars.
I am glad I read this and am looking forward to subsequent works in the series!
I am glad I read this and am looking forward to subsequent works in the series!
September 1, 2020
A great conclusion to the story!
Although there are now 2 more books to the series, this book brings a conclusion to the main story arc and by doing so, revealing all the secrets that were hinted throughout the first 3 books.
I got really hooked to that book, reading up until late in the evening and picking up the book again right after waking up!
I liked the fact that got to know better some of the other side characters making the whole story not just about Tanner.
I hope the latest books are as good as the first 3.
Although there are now 2 more books to the series, this book brings a conclusion to the main story arc and by doing so, revealing all the secrets that were hinted throughout the first 3 books.
I got really hooked to that book, reading up until late in the evening and picking up the book again right after waking up!
I liked the fact that got to know better some of the other side characters making the whole story not just about Tanner.
I hope the latest books are as good as the first 3.
February 2, 2018
This just totally nailed it. Some things are really brought to a comfortable close, but of course there's more to come. I was up after midnight with this one, it was just so gripping. And having reread the first 2 so I followed straight on really bumped up the urgency of getting through this, I really just didn't want to put it down.u
October 16, 2021
If you liked Poor Man's Fight #1 and #2, this one will certainly please you as well. At least it did for me. Same pacing, characters, fights, military SF. And all with much appreciated maturity in the characters and motives. I like particularly how Tanner Malone is a hero, but isn't and is being played being a chess piece, but with an own agenda. 5 stars.
December 31, 2022
It was an enjoyable read - but it felt a little longer than the others. Also there's a stretch in the middle of the book that is poorly edited - "The six story building was at least six stories high" (roughly - from memory) and a few other similar phrases - which is unusual for the series.
I am totally reading the next one.
I am totally reading the next one.
September 29, 2023
Love this series so far
This is a great series and I'm sure looking forward to reading the next book. I like the characters. Tanner doesn't have to do it alone. He's got backup and they are well developed personalities too. I like the humor throughout the book. I recommend this series.
This is a great series and I'm sure looking forward to reading the next book. I like the characters. Tanner doesn't have to do it alone. He's got backup and they are well developed personalities too. I like the humor throughout the book. I recommend this series.
April 12, 2024
Intrigue, an uncommon young man, and twists
Tanner just wants to finish his enlistment time and continue his education. War and circumstances won't let that happen soon enough as friends call all around him. Storyboard a little in last third as the back story and twists come together, but the ending is worth plowing through.
Tanner just wants to finish his enlistment time and continue his education. War and circumstances won't let that happen soon enough as friends call all around him. Storyboard a little in last third as the back story and twists come together, but the ending is worth plowing through.
May 22, 2017
It had more politics than the second book and, that for me was a pleasant surprise, I was a bit disappointed, that the author made a half-end, I would have appreciated a full end or no end, but overall I enjoyed it a bit extra than the second one.
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