What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolfe Pack #1
Strong-Arm Tactics
Lt. Daivid Wolfe has been assigned to X-Ray Company, a repository for outsiders, oddballs, and undesirables that the Galactic Defense Force doesn't want to have to deal with but can't find a legitimate way to discharge. He is the eldest child and only son of one of the most powerful figures in the Thousand Worlds Confederation, who can't imagine why Daivid would ever want to join the army. Central Command - uneasily aware of his connections - sent him to the most unsavory unit in the space service, the Cockroaches. Wolfe takes the assignment as almost a sacred cause, determined to straighten out his company, whip it into a self-respecting fighting force, and make it proud of itself. As for the Cockroaches, they've chewed up and spat out gung-ho young lieutenants before-but have they underestimated Daivid Wolfe? They're sent on what ought to be a cream-puff assignment, a simple courier mission to the greatest amusement park in the galaxy, and end up defending the population from a ruthless enemy in the only way the Cockroaches know how: unconventionally.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
17 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Jody Lynn Nye
311 books287 followersJody Lynn Nye lists her main career activity as ‘spoiling cats.’ When not engaged upon this worthy occupation, she writes fantasy and science fiction books and short stories.
Before breaking away from gainful employment to write full time, Jody worked as a file clerk, book-keeper at a small publishing house, freelance journalist and photographer, accounting assistant and costume maker.
For four years, she was on the technical operations staff of a local Chicago television station, WFBN (WGBO), serving the last year as Technical Operations Manager. During her time at WFBN, she was part of the engineering team that built the station, acted as Technical Director during live sports broadcasts, and worked to produce in-house spots and public service announcements.
Over the last twenty-five or so years, Jody has taught in numerous writing workshops and participated on hundreds of panels covering the subjects of writing and being published at science-fiction conventions. She has also spoken in schools and libraries around the north and northwest suburbs. In 2007 she taught fantasy writing at Columbia College Chicago. She also runs the two-day writers workshop at DragonCon, and is a judge for the Writers of the Future contest, the largest speculative fiction contest in the world.
Jody lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, with her husband Bill Fawcett, a writer, game designer, military historian and book packager, and three feline overlords, Athena, Minx, and Marmalade.
Before breaking away from gainful employment to write full time, Jody worked as a file clerk, book-keeper at a small publishing house, freelance journalist and photographer, accounting assistant and costume maker.
For four years, she was on the technical operations staff of a local Chicago television station, WFBN (WGBO), serving the last year as Technical Operations Manager. During her time at WFBN, she was part of the engineering team that built the station, acted as Technical Director during live sports broadcasts, and worked to produce in-house spots and public service announcements.
Over the last twenty-five or so years, Jody has taught in numerous writing workshops and participated on hundreds of panels covering the subjects of writing and being published at science-fiction conventions. She has also spoken in schools and libraries around the north and northwest suburbs. In 2007 she taught fantasy writing at Columbia College Chicago. She also runs the two-day writers workshop at DragonCon, and is a judge for the Writers of the Future contest, the largest speculative fiction contest in the world.
Jody lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, with her husband Bill Fawcett, a writer, game designer, military historian and book packager, and three feline overlords, Athena, Minx, and Marmalade.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 29, 2015
Strong Arm Tactics is a light and entertaining read with little depth and nothing really new as far as plot or world creation goes. It’s a familiar old Military SF trope: a green young officer stepping into his first command: a squad of misfits and protocol screw-ups who he must either whip into shape, or become one of them--preferably both.
Very predictable, but by no means a wearisome or bad read...just, not very fulfilling.
I realize it’s meant to be a humorous book, but I found its humor to be pedestrian and not very dark (as you might expect from the graveyard humor of combat troops). Perhaps it’s just meant for a younger audience than me? I felt that the book never became serious enough to allow its humor to stand in stark enough contrast to the characters' situation. War is hell, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to laugh at it. Problem was, war in this book isn't hell. And it actually gets to be very silly in places.
It's interesting to note that this book was published the same year as John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War. Both address similar themes. Both look at military service and society in general with a spark of humor and absurdity. But where Old Man’s War builds its world on a very unique foundation, Strong Arm Tactics is built upon a fairly mundane and uninspiring far-future history. Where Scalzi manages to wring both humor and tragedy out of his characters, Nye delivers only light mainstream entertainment. For example, the combat losses suffered by the main character’s squad during the book's biggest battle seem trivial in the end, barely registering as real events, the characters marking their fallen comrades with a brief moment of ire, followed by an immediate return of lighthearted jocularity, and later a commemorative ceremony that felt more like an office going away party than a wake for people once treasured as dearest family.
So, yeah. It’s OK. But it never digs into the fiber of its characters, nor does it succeed in tugging the emotions of the reader. Not this reader, anyway.
Very predictable, but by no means a wearisome or bad read...just, not very fulfilling.
I realize it’s meant to be a humorous book, but I found its humor to be pedestrian and not very dark (as you might expect from the graveyard humor of combat troops). Perhaps it’s just meant for a younger audience than me? I felt that the book never became serious enough to allow its humor to stand in stark enough contrast to the characters' situation. War is hell, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to laugh at it. Problem was, war in this book isn't hell. And it actually gets to be very silly in places.
It's interesting to note that this book was published the same year as John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War. Both address similar themes. Both look at military service and society in general with a spark of humor and absurdity. But where Old Man’s War builds its world on a very unique foundation, Strong Arm Tactics is built upon a fairly mundane and uninspiring far-future history. Where Scalzi manages to wring both humor and tragedy out of his characters, Nye delivers only light mainstream entertainment. For example, the combat losses suffered by the main character’s squad during the book's biggest battle seem trivial in the end, barely registering as real events, the characters marking their fallen comrades with a brief moment of ire, followed by an immediate return of lighthearted jocularity, and later a commemorative ceremony that felt more like an office going away party than a wake for people once treasured as dearest family.
So, yeah. It’s OK. But it never digs into the fiber of its characters, nor does it succeed in tugging the emotions of the reader. Not this reader, anyway.
June 20, 2022
Excellent
I really enjoyed this story when I read it for the first time, and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. The humor... It hits the right note, for combat troops and anyone whose profession can be grim and deadly. Well done growth as we watch the unit solidify and Daivid Wolfe become the leader. I'd love to read another book or more with this group!
I really enjoyed this story when I read it for the first time, and I enjoyed it just as much this time around. The humor... It hits the right note, for combat troops and anyone whose profession can be grim and deadly. Well done growth as we watch the unit solidify and Daivid Wolfe become the leader. I'd love to read another book or more with this group!
August 31, 2021
Really good, funny and surprisingly serious military science fiction. Didnt expect thst due to the cover but I really liked it. To bsd there isnt a book two putf due to the publishers shutdown.
November 9, 2021
Strong Arm Tactics by Jody Lynn Nye is the first book in the Wolfe Pack series. It is set in the far future when human space has been through several political transformations. The Thousand Worlds Confederation, which has only 650 planets, is the latest empire to be in power.
In this novel the TWC Space Service is fighting a war against the Insurgency. The leaders of the insurgents want to replace the current leadership and change the weak internal policy with firm control of the masses.
Daivid Wolfe is the eldest child in his family with three sisters. He had been the heir to the Family, but he decided to join the Space Service instead. In an effort to convince him to quit the device he is assigned to command the worst platoon in the service, the"Cockroaches". Daivid will do his best to whip them into shape. They are sent on a mission to protect an amusement park but things are not what they seem and they end up defending it against a ruthless enemy.
If you like your sci-fi with a bit of humor and whimsy, you'll enjoy this book.
In this novel the TWC Space Service is fighting a war against the Insurgency. The leaders of the insurgents want to replace the current leadership and change the weak internal policy with firm control of the masses.
Daivid Wolfe is the eldest child in his family with three sisters. He had been the heir to the Family, but he decided to join the Space Service instead. In an effort to convince him to quit the device he is assigned to command the worst platoon in the service, the"Cockroaches". Daivid will do his best to whip them into shape. They are sent on a mission to protect an amusement park but things are not what they seem and they end up defending it against a ruthless enemy.
If you like your sci-fi with a bit of humor and whimsy, you'll enjoy this book.
March 31, 2024
“You’re not taking this seriously.” “You’re taking this too seriously. It’s just life.”
Fun, if formulaic, lightweight space opera. Scion of incredibly rich, powerful family joins military to prove self. His company of losers turns out not to be. Fills the right squares, pushes the correct buttons.
“Is it more important to overwhelm an enemy, or persuade him he is overwhelmed?”
Wolfe’s easy way out—his deux ex machina—is tempered by his adding to the family database. (A six-legged, fire-breathing dog has represented Agip Oil (now Eni) since 1952.)
“Thinking like a Cockroach.”
Fun, if formulaic, lightweight space opera. Scion of incredibly rich, powerful family joins military to prove self. His company of losers turns out not to be. Fills the right squares, pushes the correct buttons.
“Is it more important to overwhelm an enemy, or persuade him he is overwhelmed?”
Wolfe’s easy way out—his deux ex machina—is tempered by his adding to the family database. (A six-legged, fire-breathing dog has represented Agip Oil (now Eni) since 1952.)
“Thinking like a Cockroach.”
Read
December 25, 2020Jody Lynn Nye has written some really fun and funny science fiction and fantasy over the years. I especially enjoyed her Mythology 101 series, and her short story collection, Don't Forget Your Spacesuit, Dear. That said, Strong Arm Tactics is merely readable, but breaks no new ground in the field; it's vaguely reminiscent of the Phule's Company series by Robert Lynn Asprin. Hey, same middle name! What's up with that?
This is the first book in The Wolfe Pack (not Packe?) series, and tells the story of Lt. Daivid Wolfe, scion of one of the Families (think future Cosa Nostra), who has eschewed his inheritance to make a career for himself in the Space Navy. We don't get any backstory on this - it may be in one of Nye's short stories - but he somehow disgraced himself in his previous billet, and ends up being assigned to command The Cockroaches, a bunch of screw-ups and misfits who are generally only sent in to assignments where the going is so rough that ordinary units aren't nonessential enough to send.
This story is of a classic type, in that it's been told over and over again, in so many different media. I'm afraid Nye doesn't bring a whole lot of "new" to the tale. The only thing that I found original is that the Cockroaches, when sent to procure an important piece of technology from an inventor patterned on Walt Disney, end up using all of the androids (tho some are technically non human-formed, so not really androids) in his theme park to battle with the bad guys, a group of rebels called the Surges (insurgents).
Of course, Wolfe must earn the respect of his ragtag rabble, endure the slings and arrows of other naval units' disrespect, and save the day against impossible odds. True to form, not many surprises here. I still might pick up the next book in the series, for one of those long winter nights. Nye is a good writer, and maybe things will get more interesting in later installments.
This is the first book in The Wolfe Pack (not Packe?) series, and tells the story of Lt. Daivid Wolfe, scion of one of the Families (think future Cosa Nostra), who has eschewed his inheritance to make a career for himself in the Space Navy. We don't get any backstory on this - it may be in one of Nye's short stories - but he somehow disgraced himself in his previous billet, and ends up being assigned to command The Cockroaches, a bunch of screw-ups and misfits who are generally only sent in to assignments where the going is so rough that ordinary units aren't nonessential enough to send.
This story is of a classic type, in that it's been told over and over again, in so many different media. I'm afraid Nye doesn't bring a whole lot of "new" to the tale. The only thing that I found original is that the Cockroaches, when sent to procure an important piece of technology from an inventor patterned on Walt Disney, end up using all of the androids (tho some are technically non human-formed, so not really androids) in his theme park to battle with the bad guys, a group of rebels called the Surges (insurgents).
Of course, Wolfe must earn the respect of his ragtag rabble, endure the slings and arrows of other naval units' disrespect, and save the day against impossible odds. True to form, not many surprises here. I still might pick up the next book in the series, for one of those long winter nights. Nye is a good writer, and maybe things will get more interesting in later installments.
September 9, 2020
Laughed on every page
Jody. (And ask a military person about the name Jody in our lexicon). Military humor is hard to write. (Like any humor). You nailed it with this book. A group of misfits devise a coping mechanism to survive. And thrive. The story is a coming of age for a young LT. (I was one once). Great story. Outstanding humor that had me laughing every page. I read it and thought back to some of our shenanigans. I will wait for a sequel. And if I ever run across you at a con it’s worth a drink on me. You did that great of a job on this one.
Jody. (And ask a military person about the name Jody in our lexicon). Military humor is hard to write. (Like any humor). You nailed it with this book. A group of misfits devise a coping mechanism to survive. And thrive. The story is a coming of age for a young LT. (I was one once). Great story. Outstanding humor that had me laughing every page. I read it and thought back to some of our shenanigans. I will wait for a sequel. And if I ever run across you at a con it’s worth a drink on me. You did that great of a job on this one.
February 27, 2019
A Humorous Look at a Singularly Unfunny Job
This book is a joy to read. It has all the marks of someone who knows the role of humor in any military undertaking. A fun ride with a serious purpose. If you're a sailor, soldier, marine or airman you'll enjoy this story from the git go.
This book is a joy to read. It has all the marks of someone who knows the role of humor in any military undertaking. A fun ride with a serious purpose. If you're a sailor, soldier, marine or airman you'll enjoy this story from the git go.
December 4, 2017
Very enjoyable. If you enjoyed the Phule's Company series, read this.
November 8, 2021
Fantastic
Really love the characters in this story, hope to read more about the continuing adventures and this incredible universe. See you soon.
Really love the characters in this story, hope to read more about the continuing adventures and this incredible universe. See you soon.
December 1, 2015
Lt. Wolfe has just taken command of the Cockroaches, a platoon full of some of the most highly skilled--yet least regarded--soldiers in the Galactic Defense Force. They don't always follow the rules, but in a pinch, they'll get things done, and they're a good squad to lead... if you can earn their respect.
This is a light comedic military SF story, first in a series, apparently, although there don't seem to be any sequels in the ten years since it was first published, so perhaps that plan fell through. In any event, it's something of a mix between traditional military SF, with pitched battles and (at least in the first books) various training sequences, but with a vibe something like McHale's Navy added on top of it. These are the types of soldiers who have prank wars and rivalries with other groups, who in their off hours might make some extra money by running an illegal still, or creatively using official equipment.. but when lives are on the line, they're among the best there is. Of course, some of the battles themselves get to be humorous as well, but the characters take it seriously like the professionals they are.
Honestly, it didn't leave a huge impression on me... it was mildly diverting, I cracked a smile now and then, but it wasn't especially my kind of book and nothing novel enough that convinced me to jump past it. And there were a few irritations, like it being set something like 5000 years in the future but, aside from it being a galactic community, seemingly very little change in society or how people live. The villains, also, were rather cartoonish, which I guess fits into the spirit of the book, but I didn't see the need to read a decent chunk of the book from their perspective.
It was an easy read, never a slog, and I don't regret the time I spent on it, but I don't think I'd go out of my way to read more if there were sequels available.
This is a light comedic military SF story, first in a series, apparently, although there don't seem to be any sequels in the ten years since it was first published, so perhaps that plan fell through. In any event, it's something of a mix between traditional military SF, with pitched battles and (at least in the first books) various training sequences, but with a vibe something like McHale's Navy added on top of it. These are the types of soldiers who have prank wars and rivalries with other groups, who in their off hours might make some extra money by running an illegal still, or creatively using official equipment.. but when lives are on the line, they're among the best there is. Of course, some of the battles themselves get to be humorous as well, but the characters take it seriously like the professionals they are.
Honestly, it didn't leave a huge impression on me... it was mildly diverting, I cracked a smile now and then, but it wasn't especially my kind of book and nothing novel enough that convinced me to jump past it. And there were a few irritations, like it being set something like 5000 years in the future but, aside from it being a galactic community, seemingly very little change in society or how people live. The villains, also, were rather cartoonish, which I guess fits into the spirit of the book, but I didn't see the need to read a decent chunk of the book from their perspective.
It was an easy read, never a slog, and I don't regret the time I spent on it, but I don't think I'd go out of my way to read more if there were sequels available.
August 26, 2015
Very good book. Captures the feeling of a Group of 'misfit' soldiers that are relegated to the sidelines and only chosen for extremely high threat missions. The Newest commander has a secret of his own. He is one child of a star spanning Organized crime family, trying to make it in the military on his own mettle. The Cockroaches, are a unit of highly trained and extremely unorthodox combat veterans. They are the bad boys and girls of the Space Service, adept at 'scrounging', fighting and pulling together when it counts. LT Wolfe has his work cut out for him. His First 'Mission' with the Cockroaches is briefed as a typical courier run to a planet that is home to the Happiest Amusement park in the Universe. BUT....it's the off-season for the recreational park, it snows there meters deep during the winter, WOLFE's unit has stolen a vehicle from the starship that dropped them planet side and The device they are sent to procure is not ready when they arrive. They cannot get cooperation from the populace. And....OH, yeah, LT WOLFE's unit is NOT the most disciplined soldiers he has ever met, Nor are they the only folks trying to get the 'package'.
LT. Wolfe is not your typical first mission officer and his misfits are not the lackadaisical troopers that they portray.
there are some ruthless enemy soldiers coming to collect the package and they will not hesitate to hurt or kill people in their way.
Fight's On!
LT. Wolfe is not your typical first mission officer and his misfits are not the lackadaisical troopers that they portray.
there are some ruthless enemy soldiers coming to collect the package and they will not hesitate to hurt or kill people in their way.
Fight's On!
did-not-finish
September 23, 2020I'm stopping at the end of chapter 8 (42%) though to be fair I started skimming partway through that chapter. I just wasn't having any fun, so I figured it was time to stop. I got this as part of the Women in Science Fiction bundle.
This is ... ok. It's supposed to be a lignt and funny book but I wasn't finding it even a little funny. That's humour for you though. Just because it doesn't work for me doesn't mean it isn't good. Otherwise, it's just a tandard military SF story. There's nothing truly wrong with it other than the fact that it's got nothing new in either story of world or characterization. It's no better or worse than many other examples of its kind.
This is ... ok. It's supposed to be a lignt and funny book but I wasn't finding it even a little funny. That's humour for you though. Just because it doesn't work for me doesn't mean it isn't good. Otherwise, it's just a tandard military SF story. There's nothing truly wrong with it other than the fact that it's got nothing new in either story of world or characterization. It's no better or worse than many other examples of its kind.
August 26, 2015
Fun read. Old style military/space opera. Think Heinlein or Andre Norton. Had the most unusual final battle I have ever read. The story follows a bad luck company of space marines on what is supposed to be a cake walk of a mission. It, of course, turns into a memorable crazy fight in an unusual setting, with unusual weapons, tactics and allies.
The narrative is set in past tense with 3rd person limited, and mostly from the new company commander's perspective. I think any readers of military fiction from middle school on up would enjoy this. Be aware that the style of writing is old school, like the golden age of science fiction.
The narrative is set in past tense with 3rd person limited, and mostly from the new company commander's perspective. I think any readers of military fiction from middle school on up would enjoy this. Be aware that the style of writing is old school, like the golden age of science fiction.
April 8, 2016
Some fun parts, and some very clever action scenes. The main character and his predicament—a young lieutenant newly in charge of a singularly lively and rebellious unit of underdogs—had some definite charm. Unfortunately, most of the characters never really drew me in; it took most of the book for me to learn to keep track of who who was who. The villain was little more than a cardboard caricature, and getting through his scenes felt like work. So while it was a nice light read, I don't know that I'll look for the next one.
September 6, 2015
Although the setting and the arc of the story were quite different, this tale of a band of military misfits and their Lieutenant reminded me of the book and movie "Mr. Roberts" from the nineteen fifties. "Strong Arm Tactics" is great fun, comic military sci fi with interesting characters and a rollicking plot. The climactic battle has to be one of the funniest and strangest sci fi setups ever. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next! I hope there is a Wolfe Pack #2.
February 23, 2015
Military sci-fi with heart and humor
Jody Lynn Nye mixes war and humor in this story of a young Lieutenant and his first command--an undisciplined band of rugged rejects. But there's far more to these characters than first meets the eye, and the author does an excellent job of plumbing their emotional depths. A great read from start to finish.
Jody Lynn Nye mixes war and humor in this story of a young Lieutenant and his first command--an undisciplined band of rugged rejects. But there's far more to these characters than first meets the eye, and the author does an excellent job of plumbing their emotional depths. A great read from start to finish.
January 30, 2016
A fun and interesting read, though rather predictable.
I just now realize that this is the first in a series of books that focus on the Wolfe pack. I liked this enough to seek out more books in this series.
I just now realize that this is the first in a series of books that focus on the Wolfe pack. I liked this enough to seek out more books in this series.
November 12, 2015
I should really make a shelf for space naval fantasy because I really like naval fantasy and sf and they go together well. This book was great and hilarious and worth reading. I'm glad that it seems to be part of a series because that hopefully means that there are more.
May 29, 2016
good story
the only part that didn't feel right is the combat at the end
it felt as if wolf side was playing a game, and not trying to kill as many of the enemy soldiers to make the final trap more likely to work
the only part that didn't feel right is the combat at the end
it felt as if wolf side was playing a game, and not trying to kill as many of the enemy soldiers to make the final trap more likely to work
February 2, 2008
I looked forward to reading this book ever since I got to sit for the author reading from it. I think I enjoyed her reading it more then I enjoyed reading it myself, but I still liked the book.
September 11, 2010
An excellent book, hopefully the series will be picked up by another publisher soon!
April 9, 2012
Promising start of a comic military sci-fi series, sort of in the same vein as Harrison's "Bill, the Galactic Hero."
December 31, 2014
An excellent read. Great fun, and very action packed. Highly recommend this one to anyone who likes a good story, adventure, and just plain great all around fun.
November 6, 2015
Fun and decently written. A little fluffy but makes for good light reading.
November 14, 2015
Very light military science fiction about a group of "misfits" doing great work
January 1, 2016
Fluffy, but entertaining.
March 31, 2017
Solid 3.5 stars. A good fun read.
October 12, 2018
Simple easy and quite entertaining little romp thru space. Believable characters and interesting way of putting them thru their paces.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews