What do you think?
Rate this book
Expeditionary Force #3
Paradise
Listening Length 15 hours and 53 minutes
While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying assure hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been trapped on the planet they nicknamed 'Paradise'. The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise. But Colonel Joe Bishop warns that they might not like what they find, and they can't do anything about it without endangering Earth.
While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying assure hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been trapped on the planet they nicknamed 'Paradise'. The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise. But Colonel Joe Bishop warns that they might not like what they find, and they can't do anything about it without endangering Earth.
15 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 21, 2016
2631 people are currently reading
2002 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
42 books4,241 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
November 21, 2016
Entertaining stories that desperately need an editor
I read the Author's three stories together, so my comments address all three. While the plots are clever, fresh and inventive, and the majority of characters engaging, there are so many mistakes and errors in the writing, that it significantly distracts from the story. Throughout the books passages and phrases commonly repeat themselves almost verbatim. There are a large number of spelling autocorrection mistakes, where the wrong word has been inserted, and even mistakes like confusing the gender of a character, or using different quantities of an item within the same paragraph. Ultimately I found it very distracting.
The stories also are not helped at all (IMO) by the ridiculous idea that a supremely advanced AI, meeting humans for the first time, decides to speak like an snotty human 11 year old boy. The specific interactions between the AI and the hero are so painful, I found myself skipping over the very predictable, and moronic passages that are supposed to be snappy banter. As the repeating pattern throughout the stories is an insurmountable problem, the AI can't resolve, AI mocks hero, hero has brainstorm solution that causes the AI to have a tantrum, AI performs a Deus Ex machina resoution that leads to the next insurmountable problem, the AI protagonist dialogue is throughout.
I think all of these criticisms would have been addressed if the stories had been reviewed and edited sufficiently, and the Author would have a even better story.
I read the Author's three stories together, so my comments address all three. While the plots are clever, fresh and inventive, and the majority of characters engaging, there are so many mistakes and errors in the writing, that it significantly distracts from the story. Throughout the books passages and phrases commonly repeat themselves almost verbatim. There are a large number of spelling autocorrection mistakes, where the wrong word has been inserted, and even mistakes like confusing the gender of a character, or using different quantities of an item within the same paragraph. Ultimately I found it very distracting.
The stories also are not helped at all (IMO) by the ridiculous idea that a supremely advanced AI, meeting humans for the first time, decides to speak like an snotty human 11 year old boy. The specific interactions between the AI and the hero are so painful, I found myself skipping over the very predictable, and moronic passages that are supposed to be snappy banter. As the repeating pattern throughout the stories is an insurmountable problem, the AI can't resolve, AI mocks hero, hero has brainstorm solution that causes the AI to have a tantrum, AI performs a Deus Ex machina resoution that leads to the next insurmountable problem, the AI protagonist dialogue is throughout.
I think all of these criticisms would have been addressed if the stories had been reviewed and edited sufficiently, and the Author would have a even better story.
December 28, 2017
Paradise
Expeditionary Force, Book 3
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 3
This continues the great fun and adventures of Skippy and Joe as they travel the universe again. This time they are cleverly saving the people on Paradise. It is always a lot of crazy situations, lots of humor, and great banter between the team. Lots of action, adventure, and suspense thrown in there too. I truly love this series. Of course I have to listen to the series so I can hear RC Bray do the voices that really make the story POP!!! I enjoy it so much more with the narration. He is awesomeness! This is my favorite sci-fi soap opera series!!!
Expeditionary Force, Book 3
By: Craig Alanson
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 3
This continues the great fun and adventures of Skippy and Joe as they travel the universe again. This time they are cleverly saving the people on Paradise. It is always a lot of crazy situations, lots of humor, and great banter between the team. Lots of action, adventure, and suspense thrown in there too. I truly love this series. Of course I have to listen to the series so I can hear RC Bray do the voices that really make the story POP!!! I enjoy it so much more with the narration. He is awesomeness! This is my favorite sci-fi soap opera series!!!
July 8, 2025
My favourite yet!
Still as funny and action packed as the previous ones, but more balanced between the action and the day-to-day life.
I also loved that we get more points of view, especially from previous characters still stuck on Paradise.
Still as funny and action packed as the previous ones, but more balanced between the action and the day-to-day life.
I also loved that we get more points of view, especially from previous characters still stuck on Paradise.
December 20, 2025
Different but Good
Unlike the first two, we have two parallel stories here. Joe and The Flying Dutchman's journey through the stars and UNEF in Paradise. It's awesome.
Let's start with UNEF and Paradise. When we said goodbye to Paradise on book 1 there were a lot of stories that were left hanging. What happened to UNEF? What do the hamsters think happened with Joe, Adams, Desai and the rest of the original merry band of pirates? How is UNEF faring now that no one has access to Earth and the hamsters, who they consider their enemies, are in charge? This book answers those questions quite satisfactorily, but that's not the awesome part. The awesome part is that it answers them via Joe's friends, so you know you are going to have a good time.
Then, we have our favourite starship. The addition of Count Chokula was great as well. Joe has grown up a lot and has proven himself a good commander, but it would be unrealistic to think that burocrats on Earth would be happy with that. Chokula also offers a new perspective and a challenge that neither Joe nor Skippy had before and it's nice to see them try to work with him.
All in all, it's a good book. The change from first person to third person when telling us about Paradise was a bit weird at first, but it's really well done. It's hits all the good points of ExForce books, we have an unsolvable problem, an ingeniously clever idea, and all the complications that arise from being dumb monkeys in a galaxy of superinteligent, genetically enhanced aliens.
Unlike the first two, we have two parallel stories here. Joe and The Flying Dutchman's journey through the stars and UNEF in Paradise. It's awesome.
Let's start with UNEF and Paradise. When we said goodbye to Paradise on book 1 there were a lot of stories that were left hanging. What happened to UNEF? What do the hamsters think happened with Joe, Adams, Desai and the rest of the original merry band of pirates? How is UNEF faring now that no one has access to Earth and the hamsters, who they consider their enemies, are in charge? This book answers those questions quite satisfactorily, but that's not the awesome part. The awesome part is that it answers them via Joe's friends, so you know you are going to have a good time.
Then, we have our favourite starship. The addition of Count Chokula was great as well. Joe has grown up a lot and has proven himself a good commander, but it would be unrealistic to think that burocrats on Earth would be happy with that. Chokula also offers a new perspective and a challenge that neither Joe nor Skippy had before and it's nice to see them try to work with him.
All in all, it's a good book. The change from first person to third person when telling us about Paradise was a bit weird at first, but it's really well done. It's hits all the good points of ExForce books, we have an unsolvable problem, an ingeniously clever idea, and all the complications that arise from being dumb monkeys in a galaxy of superinteligent, genetically enhanced aliens.
April 10, 2018
Book 3 continues the antics of Joe, Skippy and The Merry Band of Pirates like the previous two books. R. C. Bray also continues with his excellent character portrayals and storytelling.
After saving earth again in Book 2, The Fly Dutchman is back in earth orbit. Joe is called on the carpet for his judgment calls during the last mission. Much discussion and argument ensues until a new mission is developed. One of mission parameters is find out the status of the earth troops stranded Paradise. Since Joe and company are traveling in an advanced alien technology space carrier, the mission must be accomplished without revealing their existence in the process. The consequence would endanger all of humanity. This causes all sorts of complications but nothing that Joe and his smart-assed beer can AI Skippy can't handle.
Meanwhile, back on Paradise, the situation is not good for the humans stranded there. The Ruhar can't continue to protect the planet and are negotiating to turn the planet over to the Kristang. This means certain death for the humans.
This is an entertaining story with a little more depth and action than Book 2. Even though the elements are different, I found character interactions getting repetitious.
The science fiction aspects of the story make for a great read. I will be continuing with the series.
After saving earth again in Book 2, The Fly Dutchman is back in earth orbit. Joe is called on the carpet for his judgment calls during the last mission. Much discussion and argument ensues until a new mission is developed. One of mission parameters is find out the status of the earth troops stranded Paradise. Since Joe and company are traveling in an advanced alien technology space carrier, the mission must be accomplished without revealing their existence in the process. The consequence would endanger all of humanity. This causes all sorts of complications but nothing that Joe and his smart-assed beer can AI Skippy can't handle.
Meanwhile, back on Paradise, the situation is not good for the humans stranded there. The Ruhar can't continue to protect the planet and are negotiating to turn the planet over to the Kristang. This means certain death for the humans.
This is an entertaining story with a little more depth and action than Book 2. Even though the elements are different, I found character interactions getting repetitious.
The science fiction aspects of the story make for a great read. I will be continuing with the series.
August 27, 2022
Skippy - y'all monkeys who cannot appreciate my intellect
Joe - Brilliant idea
Skippy - duh
rinse repeat
but its fun
Joe - Brilliant idea
Skippy - duh
rinse repeat
but its fun
February 9, 2017
Could have been so much better.
I read a lot. I read a lot of science fiction. I read a lot of military science fiction. A cursory glance at my Kindle library supplies adequate proof. I also write quite a bit. I know that avid readers usually have very active imaginations and actually picture what they are reading in their mind's eye. On the rare occasion when I read a piece of fiction that eventually becomes a movie I always marvel at how differently the director imagined the story than I did.
Author Craig Alanson has constructed a marvelous galaxy peopled (dare I use that expression) with dozens of species from scattered points in the galaxy. His story is imaginative and original to some degree. But when I picture the story in my mind, as I read it, the images are cartoons. Nothing wrong with that. I enjoy animated sci/fi just as much as any other form of the genre. I probably do this because most of the imagined aliens encountered are compared to earth creatures by the author. We have aliens who are described as cat like, rodent like, insect like, lizard like, little green martian like and half machine like, amiable super computers or even disembodied super aliens. I love it.
The technology used to overcome the great distances and time is way beyond me but is explained in reasonable enough terms. All in all a well developed scenario. I wish that it had been better written.
When I read a well written book I experience a connection that is something like watching a movie and the written words are the narrative that supports my imagination's vision. I hope that is recognized by dedicated, nearly addicted readers. Therein lies my big problem with this author, generally, and this trilogy specifically.
I did read all three of the books in this trilogy. I enjoyed them a lot. But it could have been so much better. I can best describe reading author Alanson's books as similar to taking a bike tour through a very scenic location but doing so while riding along a dried up creek bed. The view is spectacular but you are constantly being distracted because the bike is constantly being bucked and tipped by the rocky surface of the creek bed.
Mr. Alanson's books cannot be described as polished. The trail the story path follows is strewn with hundreds of grammatical errors and typos. It causes one's attention to stumble and have to back track to be sure that what the author is trying to convey is the same as what you glean from his words. A shame really. Even one good read by a good editor could have cleaned up so much of these mistakes and made for a much more enjoyable read. At least the author made good use of 'spell check'. The are not many misspellings, thank the stars.
Normally, because of the lack of attention to detail, I would only award three stars to this effort. But, since I thoroughly enjoyed the story for the most part and a lot of imagination went into its telling and the Kindle price was reasonable, I begrudgingly gave it four stars.
Mr. Alanson you are a very entertaining writer. As I have suggested to other writers, 'all you need is a good editor'.
I read a lot. I read a lot of science fiction. I read a lot of military science fiction. A cursory glance at my Kindle library supplies adequate proof. I also write quite a bit. I know that avid readers usually have very active imaginations and actually picture what they are reading in their mind's eye. On the rare occasion when I read a piece of fiction that eventually becomes a movie I always marvel at how differently the director imagined the story than I did.
Author Craig Alanson has constructed a marvelous galaxy peopled (dare I use that expression) with dozens of species from scattered points in the galaxy. His story is imaginative and original to some degree. But when I picture the story in my mind, as I read it, the images are cartoons. Nothing wrong with that. I enjoy animated sci/fi just as much as any other form of the genre. I probably do this because most of the imagined aliens encountered are compared to earth creatures by the author. We have aliens who are described as cat like, rodent like, insect like, lizard like, little green martian like and half machine like, amiable super computers or even disembodied super aliens. I love it.
The technology used to overcome the great distances and time is way beyond me but is explained in reasonable enough terms. All in all a well developed scenario. I wish that it had been better written.
When I read a well written book I experience a connection that is something like watching a movie and the written words are the narrative that supports my imagination's vision. I hope that is recognized by dedicated, nearly addicted readers. Therein lies my big problem with this author, generally, and this trilogy specifically.
I did read all three of the books in this trilogy. I enjoyed them a lot. But it could have been so much better. I can best describe reading author Alanson's books as similar to taking a bike tour through a very scenic location but doing so while riding along a dried up creek bed. The view is spectacular but you are constantly being distracted because the bike is constantly being bucked and tipped by the rocky surface of the creek bed.
Mr. Alanson's books cannot be described as polished. The trail the story path follows is strewn with hundreds of grammatical errors and typos. It causes one's attention to stumble and have to back track to be sure that what the author is trying to convey is the same as what you glean from his words. A shame really. Even one good read by a good editor could have cleaned up so much of these mistakes and made for a much more enjoyable read. At least the author made good use of 'spell check'. The are not many misspellings, thank the stars.
Normally, because of the lack of attention to detail, I would only award three stars to this effort. But, since I thoroughly enjoyed the story for the most part and a lot of imagination went into its telling and the Kindle price was reasonable, I begrudgingly gave it four stars.
Mr. Alanson you are a very entertaining writer. As I have suggested to other writers, 'all you need is a good editor'.
May 2, 2020
Paradise has been my favorite of this series so far. Skippy, as always, is the BEST PART OF THIS BOOK. It had me laughing out loud more than a few times. I enjoyed the story and character progress. Looking forward to continuing this journey with the merry band of pirates!
May 31, 2017
I am soooooooooooo obsessed with this series!!!!!!! I wish there were 100 more hours of traveling the galaxy with Colonel Joe, Skippy, and the merry band of pirates to listen to right now!! Also I wish that RC Bray narrated ALL science fiction books, he is clearly the best. Well actually if he could just narrate all books that would be fine by me as well. I hope Craig Alanson keeps cranking these stories out and that Audible continues to provide them! Will definitely reread again and again!
05/22/17 - OMG. Releasing on Audible in 9 hours!!! Yaaaaaayyyyy!!!!
05/22/17 - OMG. Releasing on Audible in 9 hours!!! Yaaaaaayyyyy!!!!
June 20, 2023
June 2023
Comfort re-read.
December 2020
Oh, the banter. Just as good the second time.
June 2020
This series is just so much fun. This moved at a slower pace than the previous two books, but I'm happy they addressed the humans left behind on Paradise. Fortunately for me, the banter between Skippy and Joe hasn't gotten old yet. And some interesting things were thrown out regarding Skippy, so I'm looking forward to discovering what those are.
And RC Bray - what more can be said about how fantastic a narrator he is? Brilliant.
Comfort re-read.
December 2020
Oh, the banter. Just as good the second time.
June 2020
This series is just so much fun. This moved at a slower pace than the previous two books, but I'm happy they addressed the humans left behind on Paradise. Fortunately for me, the banter between Skippy and Joe hasn't gotten old yet. And some interesting things were thrown out regarding Skippy, so I'm looking forward to discovering what those are.
And RC Bray - what more can be said about how fantastic a narrator he is? Brilliant.
March 19, 2021
I was telling a friend about the Expeditionary Froces, and described it as: you know that scifi show with just enough tropes for you to be caught up in it, and it goes on and on, and every episodes is pretty much the same, but just different enough that you keep at it? You sometimes wonder why you're even here, and then something funny happened and you go on for just a little more. That's the Expeditionary Forces but in a good way.
I'll certainly finish the series, just not this month.
I'll certainly finish the series, just not this month.
December 11, 2016
Amazing reading romp...
This is a recommendation that you read the Expeditionary Force series...not just this book o k but all three. Alanson spins a fun realistic tale with great characters, plot and story. He has created my favorite AI ever...worth the read just to meet him. I can't wait for the next book.
This is a recommendation that you read the Expeditionary Force series...not just this book o k but all three. Alanson spins a fun realistic tale with great characters, plot and story. He has created my favorite AI ever...worth the read just to meet him. I can't wait for the next book.
December 9, 2022
No i witam ponownie! Długo nie mogłam się zebrać za trzeci tom, bo nie było audiobooka do czwartego, a ja chciałam mieć możliwość od razu skończenia w kolejny tom (ten lektor to jest złoto totalne). No ale się pojawił i... TĘSKNIŁAM! Tęskniłam strasznie za Skippym i Bishopem - ta dwójka zawsze potrafi mnie rozbawić. Totalnie kocham humor w tej książce, dialogi i postacie! Jedyne, co mi przeszkadza, to fakt, że mogła by być jednak trochę krótsza. Ale mimo to słucha się błyskawicznie (:.
June 14, 2017
Best beer can ever!
November 3, 2025
Joe Bishop y Skippy ya han salvado a la Tierra dos veces. Dos veces.
Vuelven a tomar al Holandés Herrante para otro voltio, van a averiguar si los Kristangos pretenden dirigirse a la Tierra a montar la marimorena, o si ya están a salvo de sus incursiones.
Mientras los humanos que han quedado aislados en Paraíso, bajo mando rujarra, se las ven y se las desean para encontrar sustento y un mínimo de calidad de vida.
Después de tres libros, uno pensaría que ya era hora que me asentara en la serie, me emocionara en los momentos adecuados, me matara la tensión en otros, y estuviera en vilo para averiguar, qué otra idea loca se le ocurriría al coronel Bishop, para sacar del atolladero a los humanos.
Y sí, la serie me ha ganado, y la estoy disfrutando plenamente, sobre todo esas batallas espaciales que nos han regalado aquí. Me ha gustado especialmente que la acción se dividiera y fuera más allá de Skippy (al que todavía detesto, pero menos) y Joe Bishop.
Vuelven a tomar al Holandés Herrante para otro voltio, van a averiguar si los Kristangos pretenden dirigirse a la Tierra a montar la marimorena, o si ya están a salvo de sus incursiones.
Mientras los humanos que han quedado aislados en Paraíso, bajo mando rujarra, se las ven y se las desean para encontrar sustento y un mínimo de calidad de vida.
Después de tres libros, uno pensaría que ya era hora que me asentara en la serie, me emocionara en los momentos adecuados, me matara la tensión en otros, y estuviera en vilo para averiguar, qué otra idea loca se le ocurriría al coronel Bishop, para sacar del atolladero a los humanos.
Y sí, la serie me ha ganado, y la estoy disfrutando plenamente, sobre todo esas batallas espaciales que nos han regalado aquí. Me ha gustado especialmente que la acción se dividiera y fuera más allá de Skippy (al que todavía detesto, pero menos) y Joe Bishop.
January 1, 2023
The audiobooks are fun!
November 25, 2019
Pretty good!
September 15, 2020
Leaving a long gap between books improves the experience.
February 11, 2018
All reviews in one place: Night Mode Reading
Skippy the Magnificent, the glorious sassy ass of an artificial intelligence created by an ancient, now long gone alien race, and Joe Bishop, continue their questing among the stars in search for answers, and, really, anything that could help Skippy find his own folk, and maybe help protect Earth doing so. While they're at it, Joe, with Skippy's help, does his best to try and help humans left on an alien planned they dubbed Paradise, which is now more of a jail if not a death trap.
In the meantime, humans on the said Paradise are just trying to survive. They're planting the crops and raising animals, seed stock they were given back in the day, when things were still going pretty well, and no one suspected it's the first and last shipment. They're trying to avoid conflicts too, which is very difficult, since humans already split in two camps: those who still support the warring alien race that got them into this mess; and those who understand the truth. On top of it, not even the locals wish to help them, in fear it'll be taken as opposing the overlords. Peace is, after all, a very fragile thing.
The book is a little dragged, I admit, and the whole make-a-plan and break-a-plan got repetitive, since after a third such break you're already conditioned to expect it not go accordingly. But the banter, and even the making of those plans, were amusing to read and/or listen to. I can give it a solid 4 out of 5, and be sure, I'll grab the fourth one sometime soon.
Skippy the Magnificent, the glorious sassy ass of an artificial intelligence created by an ancient, now long gone alien race, and Joe Bishop, continue their questing among the stars in search for answers, and, really, anything that could help Skippy find his own folk, and maybe help protect Earth doing so. While they're at it, Joe, with Skippy's help, does his best to try and help humans left on an alien planned they dubbed Paradise, which is now more of a jail if not a death trap.
In the meantime, humans on the said Paradise are just trying to survive. They're planting the crops and raising animals, seed stock they were given back in the day, when things were still going pretty well, and no one suspected it's the first and last shipment. They're trying to avoid conflicts too, which is very difficult, since humans already split in two camps: those who still support the warring alien race that got them into this mess; and those who understand the truth. On top of it, not even the locals wish to help them, in fear it'll be taken as opposing the overlords. Peace is, after all, a very fragile thing.
The book is a little dragged, I admit, and the whole make-a-plan and break-a-plan got repetitive, since after a third such break you're already conditioned to expect it not go accordingly. But the banter, and even the making of those plans, were amusing to read and/or listen to. I can give it a solid 4 out of 5, and be sure, I'll grab the fourth one sometime soon.
March 24, 2020
Another rousing story with Skippy and the Colonel trying to accomplish their mission.
This time they have a bureaucrat on board in charge which adds an extra dilemma to the colonel.
Very reminiscent of Scalzi's style.
The series continues but I am stopping at book 3 and moving to a new series.
Recommended the first 3 books
This time they have a bureaucrat on board in charge which adds an extra dilemma to the colonel.
Very reminiscent of Scalzi's style.
The series continues but I am stopping at book 3 and moving to a new series.
Recommended the first 3 books
March 13, 2025
Audiobook
July 24, 2020
This series has an interesting mix of bouncing between "here are the hard science facts behind this sci fi thing" and "I can't do this thing bc unknown science". Which, I feel like if you are a true sci fi fan then of course you have to embrace this?? Because no, you cannot have hard science explanations for everything + futuristic technology we don't understand = laymans definitions and explanations for everything. Right? Sometimes those explanations in this series feel a little arbitrary, but I think for me it is more about the switching between the two that confused my brain. Especially because I am not a very knowledgeable person with science and tech, you could literally write nonsense with physics terms and I would probably be like "ok sounds good!"
So while I can't check any of the science in this book, and Skippy gets a little grating at times with the constant snark, I still am very invested in these characters and the story and I can't wait to read more about them. I feel like if you enjoyed the first book that is a good marker at least up to this point in the series, and so far I am really enjoying it!
So while I can't check any of the science in this book, and Skippy gets a little grating at times with the constant snark, I still am very invested in these characters and the story and I can't wait to read more about them. I feel like if you enjoyed the first book that is a good marker at least up to this point in the series, and so far I am really enjoying it!
November 17, 2017
Mai bună a 3-a carte ca precedenta. Partea cea mai bună e că a rămas amuzantă ca a și celelalte cărți, chiar dacă a avut nițică super acțiune hollywoodiană. Mi-ar plăcea să văd seria transformată într-un serial, dar nu cred că am vreo speranță prea curând. Fun fact pentru că tot scriu azi pe 17 noiembrie review-ul ăsta, azi a apărut a 5-a carte.
January 12, 2017
Wicked sense of humor
I couldn't put this or the pervious 2books down and I can't wait to read the next installment all I can so is go Skippy lol
I couldn't put this or the pervious 2books down and I can't wait to read the next installment all I can so is go Skippy lol
January 17, 2018
I have read the entire series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am a sucker for books who's theme is based around improbable heros.
May 31, 2017
Fun with a snarky AI.
June 12, 2017
These books just keep getting better and better! Can't wait for the next one.
December 19, 2019
I'm really enjoying this series. Creative writing, and the audiobooks are highly entertaining. Bray has a great voice for the characters—particularly the more humorous among them.
Read
August 6, 2025Rating: minus 3 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5
This review is up for rewrite in my new format, which I doubt anyone will read.
Before I begin I will need a step away to YouTube and TV probably. This was made possible by channels Doctor Who/They Break My Heart - RecklessGirl100, NCMI, Sarah C M Paine, Red Glasgow, LuckyBlackCat, Puddles Pity Party, Fiona Hill, AllShorts, RevolutionarythOt, Mia Mulder, Keffals, Kyiv Post, Welcome to Ukraine, Raw News and Politics, Lily Simpson, JohnTheDuncan, Belinda Strnad, BobbyBroccoli, Ben and Emily, ThePrImeChronus, Chris and Shell, Bobbing Along, Well Deck Diaries, Sailing Melody, FAFO, May, Dr Fatima, Belle of the Ranch, Queen Penguin, Answer in Progress, Fit 2B Read, Mynameismarines, With Cindy, Lady of the Library, Scholars Shelf, Weirdo Book Club, Hardy's Books, Northern Narrowboaters, Trae Crowder, The Brothers Gwynne, Not the Andrew Marr Show, Silicon Curtain, Eugenia from Ukraine, FAFO, Ukraine Calling, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Reese Waters, The London History Show, TIKHistory, Abby Cox, Real Time History, HBomberGuy, Harbo Wholmes, The Yankee Farm Wife, Part Time Hobbit, Jean's Thoughts, BooksLikeWhoa, Verilybitchie, WhatsGood! USA, Alysotherlife, Philosophy Tube, Tom Nicholas, Truth to Power, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Owen Jones, Belinda Strnad, The Cosy Creative, Bernadette Banner, Break N Remake, Engineering Knits, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Matriarchetype, Leena Norms, Riverboat Jack, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Patrick(H)Willem, The Welsh Viking, Belle of the Ranch, Steve Shives, OrangeRiver, Jay Exci, Kat Blacque, SciFi Odyssey, Karolina Zebrowska, Art Deco, Lives and Histories, Gingers are Black, Fall of Civilisations, Ukraine Calling, Jessie Gender, Linguoer Mechanic, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Alba, Winging it on a Budget, Gingers are Black, Tara Mooknee, Garron, Secular Talk, Chris Animations.
I also watched Landscape with Invisible Hand, Mr and Mrs Smith, Ragnarok and Bodkin.
I saw a member of the Village Idiot Party who whilst insulting an essayist, complain to her that I list trans female creators. The epidemic of the stupidly self-important US male is still unchecked. A trigger warning then. I list channels which include modeller, anthropologist, bi, military historian, English, tall, het, older, primatologist, physicist, asexual, redhaired, communist, married, intersex, Indian, miniatures gamer, trans, chess player, marine biologist, cis, artist, linguist, culture critic, gay, Australian, anarchist, WOC and other female creators which by the better socialised are called Women. Almost as damaging to ignorance inflated arrogance are the channels with mathematician, socialist, Ukrainian, boater, other LGBTQI+, neurodivergent, short, economist, model painter, Scottish, musician, boat builder, ginger, philosopher, other BIPOC, military board gamer, chemist, zoologist, Canadian, modeller, woodcutter, farmer, mathematician and other creators whom the sane refer to as Human Beings. Should the voices not yet be stilled, seek emergency therapy, immediate pastoral counselling or our Catholic exorcism. My attitude to them is similar to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when their surrender was demanded by the Russian navy. They responded "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
I now must look at this book. There is no worldbuilding, no character depth or plausibility. There is no evidence of editing in the repetition, silly exposition or dialogue. The insanity of a twenty three year old commanding the warship are the backbone of the series.
These spacey-space, boom-boom books of Kindle Unlimited speculative fiction reflect
the ghettoisation of the genre. They promote juvenile perspectives, videogame shallowness and US Ethno-supremacist fever.
That last is already the bedrock of the US reader's worldview. There is an assumption that the US military alone of all possible alternatives are the sole worthy of authority over a spacecraft which no one on earth can control, duplicate or understand.
The series has no way forward except to repeat the same themes over and over. It was a chore to read and obviously a throwaway effort by the writer. I did not find this to be adult entertainment.
These spacey-space boom-boom books are the new standard for US science fiction print and they dominate the Amazon Unlimited selections. The writers imitate the space shooter universes, which are poor models from which to create their backdrops. I sense that they consider their copies to be worldbuilding. They none of them have displayed understanding of how or why societies develop as they do. This suggests that they have done no research into current or historical models for inspiration.
The characters are devoid of life beyond the expectations of a videogame avatar. Science, engineering, history, financial structures, commercial relationships and the rest are ignored or simplistic recreations of popular history, which deprives the story of
any basis for character development. They are explosion fests and pointless military miracles. The cast are male products of the USA and occasionally include badly drawn female characters.
With all the above the book is still not the worst of Unlimited.
I need another break on the YouTube or TV before I continue. This next was brought to you by the channels Doctor Who/Be Kind -Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, Fiona Hill, Anne Applebaum, AllShorts, Dark Brandon, Novara Media, Keffals, Malinda, Anna from Ukraine, UATV, Kyiv Independent, Elina Charatsidou, Red Viburnam Song, Munecat, Aid Thompsin, Princess Weekes, OliviaReadsaLatte, Books N Cats, A Lil Bit Mads, Autumn's Boutique, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Cruising Crafts, Depressed Russian, Ukraine Matters, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, SK Media, Honest Ads, Twinshangout, Smack the Pony, Julie Nolke, Mercado Media, ScaredKetchup, Fundie Fridays, Outlaw Bookseller, Abbie Emmons, Vlad Vexler, SandRhoman History, Ancient Americas, Eileen, Think That Through, Hello Future Me, Library Ladder, Science of Science Fiction, Dark Docs, Dark Seas, Hej Sokoly, Oceanliner Designs, Casual Navigation, Ask a Mortician, Puddles Pity Party, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, The Book Leo, Emmie, A Life Lit, Warthog Defence, The Kavernacle, Emma Thorne, Tom Nicholas, Jon Batiste, Alt Shift X, Quinn's Ideas, NerdForge, Cecilia Blomdahl, Nomadic Crobot, Kris Atomic, Narrowboat Pirate, Boat Time, Travelling K, Camper Vibe, Table Top CP, Kirkpattiecake, .hSteamPunk Explorer, The Juice Media, Living Anachronism, GirlNextGondor, The Confused Adipose, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Captured in Words, JuLingo, AuroraTrek, Some More News, Mrs Betty Bowers, Randy Rainbow, Ukrainian Jenny, Red Wrench Films, Viva La Dirt League, Squire, Star Wreck, Stories Matter, Jay Reed, Think Ukraine, The Gaze, France 24, Covert Cabal, ConeOfArc, D'Angelo, Angela Collier, Council of Geeks, The Skaldic Bard, The Miracle Aligner, Crecganford, History with Kayleigh, Ben G Thomas, Megalithhunter, Gutsick Gibbon, Michael Lambert, Airlords of Aria, Adele Marie, Hailey in Bookland, PostModern Jukebox, Hildegard von Blingin, DylanBurns TV, Ukraine News TV, The Anka Daily News, Memydogandbooks, Zoe Bee.
I recently saw a NYT article judging an average writing level of age 12 for romance and adjacent titles. I judge the writing level of current science fiction to be age 10 or 11 years. My opinion is based on anecdotal evidence over the last five or six years but is based on a 1000+ sample size of Kindle Unlimited.
Spelling worse than my own, poor prose, character names being swapped or replaced mid book, inconsistent travel times, inconsistent application of stated technological capabilities, inappropriate dialogue, limited ethnic, cultural, gender, national representation are demanded by US readers.
These spacey-space, boom-boom books describe a warfare which while ridiculous on its face bears no relation to historical or current military and naval practice. They do mirror videogame combat. Gods forbid that research were done by these writers.
A a child, my favourite military vehicles were the Spitfire, Mosquito, T34. I admired the Welsh defenders at Roarke's Drift and thought Dunkirk was a heroic retreat. As an adult, I developed more context. The Spitfire was not the best fighter in WW2. The T34 was not a great tank by specs . The Mosquito was a wonderful platform easily adapted to multiple roles. The Welsh at Roarke's Drift were determined but survived because of Zulu strategic necessity. Dunkirk was made possible by the courageous and stubborn defence of Canadian and French infantry who without support died to maintain the perimeter. My world did not collapse. I still think the Spitfire is beautiful and the T34 the tank of the hour. The Mosquito was more incredible than I had imagined. Light research outside of popular history increases understanding.
A steady diet of this type of book may limit imagination, lower expectations of all fiction, degrade critical thinking and erode media literacy.
I need another pause before continuing. This next is brought to you courtesy of YouTube channels - NCMI, Heather Cox Richardson, AllShorts, Gia Armani, Guard the Leaf, Verilybitchie, Business Basics, Girls Rock Asia, Reese Waters, TVP News, Jay Reed, Depressed Russian, FAFO, Ponderful, Owen Jones, Munecat, Dan Davis History, FAFO, Historia Civilis, Vygor, Aid Thompsin, Female Warriors -Teresatessa, Emilie's Literary Corner, Dr Ben Miles, Event Horizon, UATV English, NFKRZ, Katy Montgomerie, Real Time History, Desta Reacts, The Great War, Yeni React, TIKHistory, Megalithhunter, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Prime of Midlife, Kirkpattiecake, The Snake Charmer, Space 1889, League of STEAM, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Riverboat Jack, Planet D, HBomberGuy, Lily Simpson, ATP ,Geopolitics, The London History Show, Abbie Emmons, Jay Reed, May, Supertanskiii, Miranda Mills, Amie's Literary Empire, Nini Music, Meidas Touch, OrangeRiver, Starbound Extra, Under the Desk News, The North Effect, Julie Nolke, Silicon Curtain, Steppe Historian, Chasing Oz.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, something like four years ago, I wrote a simple, short negative review of Powers of the Earth by a Travis Corcoran self-described libertarian and vocal advocate for the return of chattel slavery (now a popular stance in the US), veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin (another popular stance in the US).
I found that besides the horrible writing, glorification of the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that a newly rich twat not pay inheritance taxes to be unhealthy and dangerous. The Corcoran led six fellow outraged patriots in a year long demand for my engagement with their unhinged anti-human and anti-socialist rants. My lack of response was labelled proof of my narcissism. As a communist, the irony was painful.
Finally the writer's deputy, a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a comment declaring that They had "won" (?). It seems that They (and many recruits) had launched a deluge of vile sexual and racist attacks against every channel which I mentioned. The physicist, boater, hobbyist, essayist and many other female creators were neither silenced nor impressed. Still the world's overabundance of ugliness was certainly increased and an eerily accurate self-portrait of the snowflake (deranged US man-child in faux outrage) was delivered to a multinational audience. Quite the Victory. Goodreads, Yay ?? USA, Yay ??
These are the poorly educated thugs who would police the site's range of acceptable opinions. Some of these thugs also are Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads employees. 😂
I have earned another stepaway. This last is made possible by YouTube's Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, Fiona Hill, NCMI, Sarah M Paine, Jormungandr, Timothy Snyder, Dark Brandon, Subha Reads, With Cindy, Emma Thorne, Reads with Rachel, Rebecca Watson, Munecat, Viva La Dirt League, Malinda, It ain't half hot mum, Julie Nolke, Nomadic Crobot, Delamer, Smack the Pony, Squire, Yarmak, Aid Thompsin, Military Aviation History, Cruising Crafts, Supertanskiii, Emilywking, The Gaze, Kat Abughazaleh, Starbound Extra, Professor Tim Wilson, Parkrose Permaculture, This Bahamian Gyal, ScaredKetchup, Asturia Quartet, Jesse Dollemore.
Ominous music begins. 😊 There is a large (?) membership segment with the emotional maturity of the lowest tier popular genre fiction. This is expressed in comment insults, doxxing, stalking and threats towards one star reviewers, including BookTubers. Sadly I experienced myself employee support for that madness.
Kindle/Goodreads shared my limited message history with these mental members. This made possible a request through Pine Gap Centre that Australian Security interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged. The attempt at my personal history failed but did result in two outraged customers, which concerned Amazon not at all. That is, until we shared our experience.
Their sudden concern did not include explanation or apology. It was expressed in the masking of all comments to my page, removal of all Lurkers whom I had previously not been Allowed to remove and more. My one record request to be answered several years ago resulted in a nasty middle finger email. Amazon might consider an overhaul of customer service protocols. 😊
Recently a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions and the ex-employee had been something like the Global Chief of Security. The data corporations have bred scary cultures.
While on Amazon consider precautions. On Goodreads remove all personal information from profile and avoid messaging. Remove all Lurkers, those friends who never post. They are monitors not admirers. With the Goodreads penchant for Alteration of customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening are valuable.
Kindle are different matter. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Email or Contacts unless you are security carefree. I suspected and later proved that Amazon read your Email with no notice or permission. This corporation sell home security records of customers. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks. You own only the device not the download, which may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. A serious mistake I myself made. All Silk searches should be innocuous and non-critical. A single use email address for Amazon may not be amiss.
If you are not a US reader, you are aware that the US government and corporations no longer pretend to privacy security. Imagine the Amazon employee. These madlads know no non-Randian morality (think of the recent UK white race rioters) and are US patriots with all that implies. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all continue learning. 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Some More News, Heather Cox Richardson, EarleWrites, Mrs Betty Bowers, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Tara Mooknee, Tom Nicholas, Owen Jones, Prime of Midlife, Weapons and Warfare, Secret Sauce of Storytelling, Double Down News, Sheila Writes, Jessie Gender, Patrick is a Navajo, The Sword and the Pen, Words in Time, Just in Time Worldbuilding. Mercy Inegbu, Jess Owens, Fit 2B Read, Reads With Rachel, Serena Skybourne, Kanal 13, Dinsart Design, Central Crossing, Stories Matter, Kathy's Flog in France, AllShorts, Invicta, Bella Ciao - Kutuzov, Lady Knight the Brave, Science Fiction with Damien Walker, Scholars Shelf, Renegade Cut, FAFO, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Kings and Generals, Brandon Fisichella, Lily Simpson, Council of Geeks, Friendly Atheist, Raw News and Politics, Liz Webster, Physics Girl, World Science Festival, Octopus Lady, Veritas et Caritas, Jabzy, What Vivi did next, Holly the Cafe Boat, Atun Shei Films, Cruising Alba, RobWords, Olly Richards, Cruising the Cut, British, Perimeter Institute, A Clockwork Reader, A Cup of Nicole, Karolina Zebrowska, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes, Deerstalker Pictures, Abby Cox, Military History Visialised, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, CoachD, Kiko1006, Royal Institution, Zoe Baker, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Geo Girl, Physics Girl, Up and Atom, SciFi Scavenger, Burd's Books, Hailey in Bookland, Petrik Leo, Nerdy Kathi, Anna Gramling. Chess Vibes, Skaldic Bard, The Snake Charmer, The Katie Halper Show, MechWest Show, Viking Cats, Leftist Cooks, Eckharts Ladder, Winging it on a Budget, Northern Narrowboaters, Zoe Bee, Gingers are Black, Octopus Lady, Chem Thug, ExtinctZoo, Narrowboat Pirate, Ship Happens, Sumatha Reads, Fun Size Reader, Guard the Leaf, Anton Petrov, Natasha's Adventures.
I wish you a splendid morning, a sunny afternoon, a pleasant evening, a wonderful might and may we all continue learning.
Silence in the face of Evil is Complicity.
My fifth year nun
This review is up for rewrite in my new format, which I doubt anyone will read.
Before I begin I will need a step away to YouTube and TV probably. This was made possible by channels Doctor Who/They Break My Heart - RecklessGirl100, NCMI, Sarah C M Paine, Red Glasgow, LuckyBlackCat, Puddles Pity Party, Fiona Hill, AllShorts, RevolutionarythOt, Mia Mulder, Keffals, Kyiv Post, Welcome to Ukraine, Raw News and Politics, Lily Simpson, JohnTheDuncan, Belinda Strnad, BobbyBroccoli, Ben and Emily, ThePrImeChronus, Chris and Shell, Bobbing Along, Well Deck Diaries, Sailing Melody, FAFO, May, Dr Fatima, Belle of the Ranch, Queen Penguin, Answer in Progress, Fit 2B Read, Mynameismarines, With Cindy, Lady of the Library, Scholars Shelf, Weirdo Book Club, Hardy's Books, Northern Narrowboaters, Trae Crowder, The Brothers Gwynne, Not the Andrew Marr Show, Silicon Curtain, Eugenia from Ukraine, FAFO, Ukraine Calling, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Reese Waters, The London History Show, TIKHistory, Abby Cox, Real Time History, HBomberGuy, Harbo Wholmes, The Yankee Farm Wife, Part Time Hobbit, Jean's Thoughts, BooksLikeWhoa, Verilybitchie, WhatsGood! USA, Alysotherlife, Philosophy Tube, Tom Nicholas, Truth to Power, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Owen Jones, Belinda Strnad, The Cosy Creative, Bernadette Banner, Break N Remake, Engineering Knits, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Matriarchetype, Leena Norms, Riverboat Jack, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Patrick(H)Willem, The Welsh Viking, Belle of the Ranch, Steve Shives, OrangeRiver, Jay Exci, Kat Blacque, SciFi Odyssey, Karolina Zebrowska, Art Deco, Lives and Histories, Gingers are Black, Fall of Civilisations, Ukraine Calling, Jessie Gender, Linguoer Mechanic, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Alba, Winging it on a Budget, Gingers are Black, Tara Mooknee, Garron, Secular Talk, Chris Animations.
I also watched Landscape with Invisible Hand, Mr and Mrs Smith, Ragnarok and Bodkin.
I saw a member of the Village Idiot Party who whilst insulting an essayist, complain to her that I list trans female creators. The epidemic of the stupidly self-important US male is still unchecked. A trigger warning then. I list channels which include modeller, anthropologist, bi, military historian, English, tall, het, older, primatologist, physicist, asexual, redhaired, communist, married, intersex, Indian, miniatures gamer, trans, chess player, marine biologist, cis, artist, linguist, culture critic, gay, Australian, anarchist, WOC and other female creators which by the better socialised are called Women. Almost as damaging to ignorance inflated arrogance are the channels with mathematician, socialist, Ukrainian, boater, other LGBTQI+, neurodivergent, short, economist, model painter, Scottish, musician, boat builder, ginger, philosopher, other BIPOC, military board gamer, chemist, zoologist, Canadian, modeller, woodcutter, farmer, mathematician and other creators whom the sane refer to as Human Beings. Should the voices not yet be stilled, seek emergency therapy, immediate pastoral counselling or our Catholic exorcism. My attitude to them is similar to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when their surrender was demanded by the Russian navy. They responded "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
I now must look at this book. There is no worldbuilding, no character depth or plausibility. There is no evidence of editing in the repetition, silly exposition or dialogue. The insanity of a twenty three year old commanding the warship are the backbone of the series.
These spacey-space, boom-boom books of Kindle Unlimited speculative fiction reflect
the ghettoisation of the genre. They promote juvenile perspectives, videogame shallowness and US Ethno-supremacist fever.
That last is already the bedrock of the US reader's worldview. There is an assumption that the US military alone of all possible alternatives are the sole worthy of authority over a spacecraft which no one on earth can control, duplicate or understand.
The series has no way forward except to repeat the same themes over and over. It was a chore to read and obviously a throwaway effort by the writer. I did not find this to be adult entertainment.
These spacey-space boom-boom books are the new standard for US science fiction print and they dominate the Amazon Unlimited selections. The writers imitate the space shooter universes, which are poor models from which to create their backdrops. I sense that they consider their copies to be worldbuilding. They none of them have displayed understanding of how or why societies develop as they do. This suggests that they have done no research into current or historical models for inspiration.
The characters are devoid of life beyond the expectations of a videogame avatar. Science, engineering, history, financial structures, commercial relationships and the rest are ignored or simplistic recreations of popular history, which deprives the story of
any basis for character development. They are explosion fests and pointless military miracles. The cast are male products of the USA and occasionally include badly drawn female characters.
With all the above the book is still not the worst of Unlimited.
I need another break on the YouTube or TV before I continue. This next was brought to you by the channels Doctor Who/Be Kind -Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, Fiona Hill, Anne Applebaum, AllShorts, Dark Brandon, Novara Media, Keffals, Malinda, Anna from Ukraine, UATV, Kyiv Independent, Elina Charatsidou, Red Viburnam Song, Munecat, Aid Thompsin, Princess Weekes, OliviaReadsaLatte, Books N Cats, A Lil Bit Mads, Autumn's Boutique, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Cruising Crafts, Depressed Russian, Ukraine Matters, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, SK Media, Honest Ads, Twinshangout, Smack the Pony, Julie Nolke, Mercado Media, ScaredKetchup, Fundie Fridays, Outlaw Bookseller, Abbie Emmons, Vlad Vexler, SandRhoman History, Ancient Americas, Eileen, Think That Through, Hello Future Me, Library Ladder, Science of Science Fiction, Dark Docs, Dark Seas, Hej Sokoly, Oceanliner Designs, Casual Navigation, Ask a Mortician, Puddles Pity Party, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, The Book Leo, Emmie, A Life Lit, Warthog Defence, The Kavernacle, Emma Thorne, Tom Nicholas, Jon Batiste, Alt Shift X, Quinn's Ideas, NerdForge, Cecilia Blomdahl, Nomadic Crobot, Kris Atomic, Narrowboat Pirate, Boat Time, Travelling K, Camper Vibe, Table Top CP, Kirkpattiecake, .hSteamPunk Explorer, The Juice Media, Living Anachronism, GirlNextGondor, The Confused Adipose, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Captured in Words, JuLingo, AuroraTrek, Some More News, Mrs Betty Bowers, Randy Rainbow, Ukrainian Jenny, Red Wrench Films, Viva La Dirt League, Squire, Star Wreck, Stories Matter, Jay Reed, Think Ukraine, The Gaze, France 24, Covert Cabal, ConeOfArc, D'Angelo, Angela Collier, Council of Geeks, The Skaldic Bard, The Miracle Aligner, Crecganford, History with Kayleigh, Ben G Thomas, Megalithhunter, Gutsick Gibbon, Michael Lambert, Airlords of Aria, Adele Marie, Hailey in Bookland, PostModern Jukebox, Hildegard von Blingin, DylanBurns TV, Ukraine News TV, The Anka Daily News, Memydogandbooks, Zoe Bee.
I recently saw a NYT article judging an average writing level of age 12 for romance and adjacent titles. I judge the writing level of current science fiction to be age 10 or 11 years. My opinion is based on anecdotal evidence over the last five or six years but is based on a 1000+ sample size of Kindle Unlimited.
Spelling worse than my own, poor prose, character names being swapped or replaced mid book, inconsistent travel times, inconsistent application of stated technological capabilities, inappropriate dialogue, limited ethnic, cultural, gender, national representation are demanded by US readers.
These spacey-space, boom-boom books describe a warfare which while ridiculous on its face bears no relation to historical or current military and naval practice. They do mirror videogame combat. Gods forbid that research were done by these writers.
A a child, my favourite military vehicles were the Spitfire, Mosquito, T34. I admired the Welsh defenders at Roarke's Drift and thought Dunkirk was a heroic retreat. As an adult, I developed more context. The Spitfire was not the best fighter in WW2. The T34 was not a great tank by specs . The Mosquito was a wonderful platform easily adapted to multiple roles. The Welsh at Roarke's Drift were determined but survived because of Zulu strategic necessity. Dunkirk was made possible by the courageous and stubborn defence of Canadian and French infantry who without support died to maintain the perimeter. My world did not collapse. I still think the Spitfire is beautiful and the T34 the tank of the hour. The Mosquito was more incredible than I had imagined. Light research outside of popular history increases understanding.
A steady diet of this type of book may limit imagination, lower expectations of all fiction, degrade critical thinking and erode media literacy.
I need another pause before continuing. This next is brought to you courtesy of YouTube channels - NCMI, Heather Cox Richardson, AllShorts, Gia Armani, Guard the Leaf, Verilybitchie, Business Basics, Girls Rock Asia, Reese Waters, TVP News, Jay Reed, Depressed Russian, FAFO, Ponderful, Owen Jones, Munecat, Dan Davis History, FAFO, Historia Civilis, Vygor, Aid Thompsin, Female Warriors -Teresatessa, Emilie's Literary Corner, Dr Ben Miles, Event Horizon, UATV English, NFKRZ, Katy Montgomerie, Real Time History, Desta Reacts, The Great War, Yeni React, TIKHistory, Megalithhunter, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Prime of Midlife, Kirkpattiecake, The Snake Charmer, Space 1889, League of STEAM, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Riverboat Jack, Planet D, HBomberGuy, Lily Simpson, ATP ,Geopolitics, The London History Show, Abbie Emmons, Jay Reed, May, Supertanskiii, Miranda Mills, Amie's Literary Empire, Nini Music, Meidas Touch, OrangeRiver, Starbound Extra, Under the Desk News, The North Effect, Julie Nolke, Silicon Curtain, Steppe Historian, Chasing Oz.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, something like four years ago, I wrote a simple, short negative review of Powers of the Earth by a Travis Corcoran self-described libertarian and vocal advocate for the return of chattel slavery (now a popular stance in the US), veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin (another popular stance in the US).
I found that besides the horrible writing, glorification of the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that a newly rich twat not pay inheritance taxes to be unhealthy and dangerous. The Corcoran led six fellow outraged patriots in a year long demand for my engagement with their unhinged anti-human and anti-socialist rants. My lack of response was labelled proof of my narcissism. As a communist, the irony was painful.
Finally the writer's deputy, a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a comment declaring that They had "won" (?). It seems that They (and many recruits) had launched a deluge of vile sexual and racist attacks against every channel which I mentioned. The physicist, boater, hobbyist, essayist and many other female creators were neither silenced nor impressed. Still the world's overabundance of ugliness was certainly increased and an eerily accurate self-portrait of the snowflake (deranged US man-child in faux outrage) was delivered to a multinational audience. Quite the Victory. Goodreads, Yay ?? USA, Yay ??
These are the poorly educated thugs who would police the site's range of acceptable opinions. Some of these thugs also are Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads employees. 😂
I have earned another stepaway. This last is made possible by YouTube's Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, Fiona Hill, NCMI, Sarah M Paine, Jormungandr, Timothy Snyder, Dark Brandon, Subha Reads, With Cindy, Emma Thorne, Reads with Rachel, Rebecca Watson, Munecat, Viva La Dirt League, Malinda, It ain't half hot mum, Julie Nolke, Nomadic Crobot, Delamer, Smack the Pony, Squire, Yarmak, Aid Thompsin, Military Aviation History, Cruising Crafts, Supertanskiii, Emilywking, The Gaze, Kat Abughazaleh, Starbound Extra, Professor Tim Wilson, Parkrose Permaculture, This Bahamian Gyal, ScaredKetchup, Asturia Quartet, Jesse Dollemore.
Ominous music begins. 😊 There is a large (?) membership segment with the emotional maturity of the lowest tier popular genre fiction. This is expressed in comment insults, doxxing, stalking and threats towards one star reviewers, including BookTubers. Sadly I experienced myself employee support for that madness.
Kindle/Goodreads shared my limited message history with these mental members. This made possible a request through Pine Gap Centre that Australian Security interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged. The attempt at my personal history failed but did result in two outraged customers, which concerned Amazon not at all. That is, until we shared our experience.
Their sudden concern did not include explanation or apology. It was expressed in the masking of all comments to my page, removal of all Lurkers whom I had previously not been Allowed to remove and more. My one record request to be answered several years ago resulted in a nasty middle finger email. Amazon might consider an overhaul of customer service protocols. 😊
Recently a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions and the ex-employee had been something like the Global Chief of Security. The data corporations have bred scary cultures.
While on Amazon consider precautions. On Goodreads remove all personal information from profile and avoid messaging. Remove all Lurkers, those friends who never post. They are monitors not admirers. With the Goodreads penchant for Alteration of customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening are valuable.
Kindle are different matter. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Email or Contacts unless you are security carefree. I suspected and later proved that Amazon read your Email with no notice or permission. This corporation sell home security records of customers. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks. You own only the device not the download, which may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. A serious mistake I myself made. All Silk searches should be innocuous and non-critical. A single use email address for Amazon may not be amiss.
If you are not a US reader, you are aware that the US government and corporations no longer pretend to privacy security. Imagine the Amazon employee. These madlads know no non-Randian morality (think of the recent UK white race rioters) and are US patriots with all that implies. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all continue learning. 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Some More News, Heather Cox Richardson, EarleWrites, Mrs Betty Bowers, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Tara Mooknee, Tom Nicholas, Owen Jones, Prime of Midlife, Weapons and Warfare, Secret Sauce of Storytelling, Double Down News, Sheila Writes, Jessie Gender, Patrick is a Navajo, The Sword and the Pen, Words in Time, Just in Time Worldbuilding. Mercy Inegbu, Jess Owens, Fit 2B Read, Reads With Rachel, Serena Skybourne, Kanal 13, Dinsart Design, Central Crossing, Stories Matter, Kathy's Flog in France, AllShorts, Invicta, Bella Ciao - Kutuzov, Lady Knight the Brave, Science Fiction with Damien Walker, Scholars Shelf, Renegade Cut, FAFO, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Kings and Generals, Brandon Fisichella, Lily Simpson, Council of Geeks, Friendly Atheist, Raw News and Politics, Liz Webster, Physics Girl, World Science Festival, Octopus Lady, Veritas et Caritas, Jabzy, What Vivi did next, Holly the Cafe Boat, Atun Shei Films, Cruising Alba, RobWords, Olly Richards, Cruising the Cut, British, Perimeter Institute, A Clockwork Reader, A Cup of Nicole, Karolina Zebrowska, Bernadette Banner, Shannon Makes, Deerstalker Pictures, Abby Cox, Military History Visialised, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, CoachD, Kiko1006, Royal Institution, Zoe Baker, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Geo Girl, Physics Girl, Up and Atom, SciFi Scavenger, Burd's Books, Hailey in Bookland, Petrik Leo, Nerdy Kathi, Anna Gramling. Chess Vibes, Skaldic Bard, The Snake Charmer, The Katie Halper Show, MechWest Show, Viking Cats, Leftist Cooks, Eckharts Ladder, Winging it on a Budget, Northern Narrowboaters, Zoe Bee, Gingers are Black, Octopus Lady, Chem Thug, ExtinctZoo, Narrowboat Pirate, Ship Happens, Sumatha Reads, Fun Size Reader, Guard the Leaf, Anton Petrov, Natasha's Adventures.
I wish you a splendid morning, a sunny afternoon, a pleasant evening, a wonderful might and may we all continue learning.
Silence in the face of Evil is Complicity.
My fifth year nun
Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews