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Humanity’s greatest export – Justice.
Space is a dangerous place, even for the wary, especially for the unprepared. The aliens have no idea. Here comes the Bad Company.
When the Bad Company learns of a human colony blockaded by aliens, they take the upgraded War Axe into battle. Once again, nothing is as it seems, but this time, they find a single enemy, evil to its core.
Ending that threat is a cause they are willing to die for. What would you do?
--- PLEASE NOTE ---
*NOTE: If cursing is a problem, then this might not be for you.
- GenresScience Fiction
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2017
324 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
329 books7,887 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 12, 2021
Some bumps in the road.
Love TH and gang in outer space but as with all military units it takes time to gel. This book bounced around a bit too much for me breaking up the action instead of enhancing it. Overall love the books
Love TH and gang in outer space but as with all military units it takes time to gel. This book bounced around a bit too much for me breaking up the action instead of enhancing it. Overall love the books
March 31, 2018
4.25 Stars
February 24, 2018
An awesome series.
What fun! Space Opera at its best. The evil aliens are evil, the good guys are good and stout-hearted. We drink a beer at the end of the day. Could not be better. Keep frosty my friend.
What fun! Space Opera at its best. The evil aliens are evil, the good guys are good and stout-hearted. We drink a beer at the end of the day. Could not be better. Keep frosty my friend.
January 14, 2018
Hahaha! Seppukarian Quisine
With explosive results? I'm with Char...no thanks! And Michael....we know enough of your shenanigans that nothing can surprise us anymore....Craig co-opted your intro? At least he didn't author block you with a video.....
I agree with you Craig, Terry, Char, their family; immediate family, the pack and FDG needed to be able to grow, adapt and move into space. As with Bethany, sometime you have to let go and let your groundwork take on a life of its own. I'm all for helping Earth, but damn, when are humans going to get their sh@t together and take responsibility for their own survival? It was time for them to join the bigger fight. And yes, they have all changed, and the CAT will win....they are purrfect arch nemesis......for some rrason, if the CAT could talk out loud, I feel as if he would sound like Captain Piccard! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.Make it So!
With explosive results? I'm with Char...no thanks! And Michael....we know enough of your shenanigans that nothing can surprise us anymore....Craig co-opted your intro? At least he didn't author block you with a video.....
I agree with you Craig, Terry, Char, their family; immediate family, the pack and FDG needed to be able to grow, adapt and move into space. As with Bethany, sometime you have to let go and let your groundwork take on a life of its own. I'm all for helping Earth, but damn, when are humans going to get their sh@t together and take responsibility for their own survival? It was time for them to join the bigger fight. And yes, they have all changed, and the CAT will win....they are purrfect arch nemesis......for some rrason, if the CAT could talk out loud, I feel as if he would sound like Captain Piccard! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.Make it So!
May 26, 2018
These spinoffs just keep getting better
I've never known a single book series spawn so many different spin-off threads as have the Kurtherian series. That there is an almost supernatural consistency tying all the different stories coherently, more or less, into the same larger picture is beyond belief.
Personally, as much as we all love BA, I'm really glad to see TH and the extended pack so the honourable thing in letting the earth go its own way after 150 years of TLC, and more so that they've so quickly found a niche for their unique skills and teamwork out in the galaxy at large.
Finally, despite my dear of Baba Yaga, let Pepsi drinkers unite, though maybe updating to Pepsi Max might help the team work harder???
Please (repeat x 50) can we have more?
I've never known a single book series spawn so many different spin-off threads as have the Kurtherian series. That there is an almost supernatural consistency tying all the different stories coherently, more or less, into the same larger picture is beyond belief.
Personally, as much as we all love BA, I'm really glad to see TH and the extended pack so the honourable thing in letting the earth go its own way after 150 years of TLC, and more so that they've so quickly found a niche for their unique skills and teamwork out in the galaxy at large.
Finally, despite my dear of Baba Yaga, let Pepsi drinkers unite, though maybe updating to Pepsi Max might help the team work harder???
Please (repeat x 50) can we have more?
June 28, 2018
Good read, however...
Yes, this was a great TH read. A very quick one, as well.
Action, excitement, new species, new home, this has all of it.
But... I'm not thrilled with the fact that Craig is pulling away from an overarching tale in lieu of a serial. This feels like a tv series where the writers have to wrap everything up in 45minutes.
It might have to do with Craig doing too much at one time, or his B5 addiction. I don't know. What i do know is that i want more depth. I know that he's capable of it. We've seen it in most of the other books. I'd like to see it here
Yes, this was a great TH read. A very quick one, as well.
Action, excitement, new species, new home, this has all of it.
But... I'm not thrilled with the fact that Craig is pulling away from an overarching tale in lieu of a serial. This feels like a tv series where the writers have to wrap everything up in 45minutes.
It might have to do with Craig doing too much at one time, or his B5 addiction. I don't know. What i do know is that i want more depth. I know that he's capable of it. We've seen it in most of the other books. I'd like to see it here
May 7, 2018
A whole new galaxy!
TH and his team are meeting new aliens, killing enemies, rescuing the downtrodden, and learning more about the huge universe they now call home. Excellent writing, as always, and great character development. I enjoyed learning some more about Ted, too.
TH and his team are meeting new aliens, killing enemies, rescuing the downtrodden, and learning more about the huge universe they now call home. Excellent writing, as always, and great character development. I enjoyed learning some more about Ted, too.
April 16, 2022
Wow, Wow, Wow!
I absolutely love the Nomad series, but putting TH, Char, and Company into space, feels like the best move ever!
This book had me feeling breathless from the beginning until the end, with it's fast-paced action, and it's seat of the pants emotional roller-coaster of a ride through space.
I'm just so glad that there were cat and dog moments, to relieve the stress! Lol
I so want to read what's going to happen next with The Bad Company, but my reading list has me jumping back over to book five of the Ghost Squadron: Impersonation , which I don't really mind, but it seems that there's a whole raft of other series, before I get back to TBC - this list is such a tease!!!
So, although it'll be a while before I return there, I know I'll be just as entertained with all that comes next, as I have been with this great second book of the BC series.
Ad Aeternitatem...
I absolutely love the Nomad series, but putting TH, Char, and Company into space, feels like the best move ever!
This book had me feeling breathless from the beginning until the end, with it's fast-paced action, and it's seat of the pants emotional roller-coaster of a ride through space.
I'm just so glad that there were cat and dog moments, to relieve the stress! Lol
I so want to read what's going to happen next with The Bad Company, but my reading list has me jumping back over to book five of the Ghost Squadron: Impersonation , which I don't really mind, but it seems that there's a whole raft of other series, before I get back to TBC - this list is such a tease!!!
So, although it'll be a while before I return there, I know I'll be just as entertained with all that comes next, as I have been with this great second book of the BC series.
Ad Aeternitatem...
October 4, 2018
Blockade - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Book 2 in Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle's The Bad Company books, is Blockade: Age of Expansion - A Kurtherian Gambit Series.
It tells of Terry Henry Walton, Char and their 'Bad Company' of renegades and justice bringers of the universe, with a lively mix of old and new characters that develop interestingly, in a quick and enjoyable space-opera.
Blockade contains lots of all-action scenes, including battles, both physical and of the wits needed to survive TEN, their alien foe and would-be mutilator, or escape from the blockaded colony's oppressors, in the upgraded War Axe. Entertaining and well-written, this book is not to be missed!
Buy your copy today (and read it in sequence with Book 1), for an intergalactic experience like never before - then tell all your friends, so they can enjoy the series too!
Book 2 in Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle's The Bad Company books, is Blockade: Age of Expansion - A Kurtherian Gambit Series.
It tells of Terry Henry Walton, Char and their 'Bad Company' of renegades and justice bringers of the universe, with a lively mix of old and new characters that develop interestingly, in a quick and enjoyable space-opera.
Blockade contains lots of all-action scenes, including battles, both physical and of the wits needed to survive TEN, their alien foe and would-be mutilator, or escape from the blockaded colony's oppressors, in the upgraded War Axe. Entertaining and well-written, this book is not to be missed!
Buy your copy today (and read it in sequence with Book 1), for an intergalactic experience like never before - then tell all your friends, so they can enjoy the series too!
November 23, 2018
The Bad Company
I have read the Kurtherian Gambit series, and the second dark ages Dark Messiah series By Michael Anderle and loved them all. I also read some of the co-authored books such as the Terry Henry Walton Chronicles by Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle and liked them, but this new The Bad Company series I am not so sure about. There really isn't enough story involved. New characters aren't introduced well and old characters from the chronicles have gone stale because they are so busy blowing things up and killing people that they don't get a chance to live in between battles and the reader doesn't get a chance to know them. Sorry Mr. Marseille, but I am a bit disappointed.
I have read the Kurtherian Gambit series, and the second dark ages Dark Messiah series By Michael Anderle and loved them all. I also read some of the co-authored books such as the Terry Henry Walton Chronicles by Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle and liked them, but this new The Bad Company series I am not so sure about. There really isn't enough story involved. New characters aren't introduced well and old characters from the chronicles have gone stale because they are so busy blowing things up and killing people that they don't get a chance to live in between battles and the reader doesn't get a chance to know them. Sorry Mr. Marseille, but I am a bit disappointed.
August 28, 2021
So, what can Bad Company do when they find a planet being blockade by a whole fleet of spaceships? The War Axe has had some repairs done but still, one ship against a whole fleet?
Well, why not. It's Bad Company, after all. So, you try to infiltrate enemy ships, try to reduce their number and, at the same time, find who the big bad is and stop him/her/it.
But what happens in the big bad is something very, very different? Somehow they have to break the blockade and neutralize the big bad so that food supplies can get to the starving planet below.
Full of action and adventure, yet another in this really, really good series of books.
Well, why not. It's Bad Company, after all. So, you try to infiltrate enemy ships, try to reduce their number and, at the same time, find who the big bad is and stop him/her/it.
But what happens in the big bad is something very, very different? Somehow they have to break the blockade and neutralize the big bad so that food supplies can get to the starving planet below.
Full of action and adventure, yet another in this really, really good series of books.
July 30, 2019
A CM/MA SYFY Hnovel (B) (AMSOA) (TBCB - 2)
CM/MA have penned the second novel of the Bad Company, which is a Military Combat Action Adventure. The Bad Company agrees to a contract to assist a planet that has been surrounded by unknown space craft who have the intent of eliminating the entire population. The Bad Company and space ship War Hawk are committed to breaking the blockade, destroying the space fleet and feeding the people. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
CM/MA have penned the second novel of the Bad Company, which is a Military Combat Action Adventure. The Bad Company agrees to a contract to assist a planet that has been surrounded by unknown space craft who have the intent of eliminating the entire population. The Bad Company and space ship War Hawk are committed to breaking the blockade, destroying the space fleet and feeding the people. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
December 29, 2017
Plenty of action.
Our intrepid heros continue to work to make the universe a better place in this latest fast paced edition. While the character list continues to grow this story had room and action for all of them. I continue to be amazed at the intricacies of the plot lines. If you haven't visited the Kutherian Universe it is high time you did. If you have, here is more joy for your day!
Our intrepid heros continue to work to make the universe a better place in this latest fast paced edition. While the character list continues to grow this story had room and action for all of them. I continue to be amazed at the intricacies of the plot lines. If you haven't visited the Kutherian Universe it is high time you did. If you have, here is more joy for your day!
December 31, 2017
I was disappointed in the tone of the author's notes. The readers got their nose in a snit? A snit? You could have said anything but you chose to pass along how some of us got our nose in a snit. Craig Martelle, as a reader it appears you take your readers for granted. You seem to assume to look down on the readers.
Craig Martelle, may you get exactly what you deserve from your writing in this fantastic Kurtherian Universe.
Craig Martelle, may you get exactly what you deserve from your writing in this fantastic Kurtherian Universe.
January 1, 2018
Another Action Filled Visit with TH and Friends
Terry Henry Walton and friend's accept a seeming straightforward mission to break a blockade. What could possibly go wrong!? Ted has an important role in this story and it was a lot of fun to watch Ted and TH interact. This mission has all the characters learning new ways to fight with more strategy than killing and introduces new baddies! I love the final teaser at the end!!! Good read!
Terry Henry Walton and friend's accept a seeming straightforward mission to break a blockade. What could possibly go wrong!? Ted has an important role in this story and it was a lot of fun to watch Ted and TH interact. This mission has all the characters learning new ways to fight with more strategy than killing and introduces new baddies! I love the final teaser at the end!!! Good read!
October 13, 2023
The Bad Company has their second mission, and in typical fashion they find themselves once again in the position of being less than informed of the crucial facts about the situation. Once they are in the middle of things they rely on the strengths of each member to work to adapt, improvise and overcome (their SOP)
The addition of the two aliens that they befriended in the last book is an interesting twist that will keep things interesting as the series continues, IMHO.
The addition of the two aliens that they befriended in the last book is an interesting twist that will keep things interesting as the series continues, IMHO.
January 14, 2018
Still a transition book.
It strikes me it is easier to write a story with one protagonist and a few key secondary characters than one with a fully fleshed out cast of a dozen or so protagonists. That said, this series is going to be a lot of fun especially if Craig keeps God out of the machine going forward.
It strikes me it is easier to write a story with one protagonist and a few key secondary characters than one with a fully fleshed out cast of a dozen or so protagonists. That said, this series is going to be a lot of fun especially if Craig keeps God out of the machine going forward.
September 8, 2024
Excellent as usual for this universe
This book was excellent, as is usual for books within the Kurtherian Gambit universe.
While this doesn't affect my star rating in any way, this book barely fit within (on the long side) my preferred average chapter length of taking me about 10-15 minutes per chapter to read.
This book was excellent, as is usual for books within the Kurtherian Gambit universe.
While this doesn't affect my star rating in any way, this book barely fit within (on the long side) my preferred average chapter length of taking me about 10-15 minutes per chapter to read.
December 26, 2017
Another great book.
Craig and Michael , thanks for another great read. I read this in basically one sitting. Lots of action and character interplay . More Bad Company soon , please.
Craig and Michael , thanks for another great read. I read this in basically one sitting. Lots of action and character interplay . More Bad Company soon , please.
December 28, 2017
Another great story
Another great story from 2 of the finest authors indie publishing.
If you want to read a great story get this book. TH and Char continue to go out and bring justice to space.
Another great story from 2 of the finest authors indie publishing.
If you want to read a great story get this book. TH and Char continue to go out and bring justice to space.
December 28, 2017
Bust a blockade
New enemy called TEN! Ten is not just one person (entity). Ten is not really an AI either. Bad Company has to attack enemy ships from the inside to take them down. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
New enemy called TEN! Ten is not just one person (entity). Ten is not really an AI either. Bad Company has to attack enemy ships from the inside to take them down. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
December 30, 2017
Another great THE story
All the characters are and if you read the Chronicles then they are old friends. Another virtually impossible mission and TH pulls it off with only a few scratches. Looking forward to more.
All the characters are and if you read the Chronicles then they are old friends. Another virtually impossible mission and TH pulls it off with only a few scratches. Looking forward to more.
January 1, 2018
One of my favorite book characters
Enjoyed the book and looking forward to reading the next in this series. This series has done an excellent job of expanding the characters which were developed originally in the Nomad series.
Enjoyed the book and looking forward to reading the next in this series. This series has done an excellent job of expanding the characters which were developed originally in the Nomad series.
January 1, 2018
Enjoyed the story
Lots and lots of danger, adventure, excitement and growth. All of TV's children, Christina, and Joseph are growing In Maturity And Confidence. Keep The Books Coming.
Lots and lots of danger, adventure, excitement and growth. All of TV's children, Christina, and Joseph are growing In Maturity And Confidence. Keep The Books Coming.
January 3, 2018
Great fun!
The bad company is definitely a great addition to this book group. This was one of the more enjoyable, page turning reads in this expanding series. This is definitely one of the better books in the group. I look forward to seeing more.
The bad company is definitely a great addition to this book group. This was one of the more enjoyable, page turning reads in this expanding series. This is definitely one of the better books in the group. I look forward to seeing more.
January 8, 2018
Bad company continues
Let's have more bad company . Can't wait to see where else they go to give justice. Let's have many more stories including both TH an Char as well as Valerie and Robin
Let's have more bad company . Can't wait to see where else they go to give justice. Let's have many more stories including both TH an Char as well as Valerie and Robin
January 10, 2018
Read fast to catch up!!
Craig has brought my favorite bad asses into space where the technology heps to enhance their skills. And the opportunity for finding bad guys is endless. Great read from one of the best
Craig has brought my favorite bad asses into space where the technology heps to enhance their skills. And the opportunity for finding bad guys is endless. Great read from one of the best
January 12, 2018
Learning to fight in space.
This was a different kind of warfare. A new experience for Terry W alton. I thought that this story was very well thought out. I will be continuing on with this series.
This was a different kind of warfare. A new experience for Terry W alton. I thought that this story was very well thought out. I will be continuing on with this series.
January 14, 2018
Brilliant as always!
Every time I get to the end of a TH story I wish I had the next one ready to read straight away. I am loving the new direction the story is going in and how well Craig is transitioning it. More! Write faster! I must have book 3!
Every time I get to the end of a TH story I wish I had the next one ready to read straight away. I am loving the new direction the story is going in and how well Craig is transitioning it. More! Write faster! I must have book 3!
February 16, 2018
Great and now there is a new bad guy
Well if it works do it again and again, A nice mix of Sifi and paranormal with enechic thrown in. The Bad Company is very enjoyable with some twist to the super/enhanced life style.
Well if it works do it again and again, A nice mix of Sifi and paranormal with enechic thrown in. The Bad Company is very enjoyable with some twist to the super/enhanced life style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews