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Ark Royal #12
Invincible
All is not well in the Human Sphere. The alliance between the Great Powers is starting to fall apart, the human economy cannot keep up with the urgent need for newer and better starships and politicians are demanding an end to military spending. For the Royal Navy, desperately trying to do too many tasks with too few ships, it is the worst possible time for a new threat to appear.
When a generation starship is detected approaching a British colony world, HMS Invincible is dispatched to intercept the aliens before they can make landfall. But the newcomers bring with them tidings of a new and deadly threat, an expansionist alien race far too close to the Human Sphere for comfort ...
... And a sinister horror beyond human understanding.
When a generation starship is detected approaching a British colony world, HMS Invincible is dispatched to intercept the aliens before they can make landfall. But the newcomers bring with them tidings of a new and deadly threat, an expansionist alien race far too close to the Human Sphere for comfort ...
... And a sinister horror beyond human understanding.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2018
355 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 18, 2018
A new threat, and a Different Enemy. . .
As is the pattern in the Ark Royal series, several years have passed from the last cycle (the tales of the Battleship Vanguard).
We have a new ship, a new Captain (and, given the OTHER patterns, the future First Space Lord somewhere around Ark Royal book 18...😉). And, a new challenge. A Slower-than-Light Generation Ship is approaching the new British colony world of Wensleydale. But. . .something is odd.
Also, given Nuttall's tradition, there is an unexpected plot twist that changes EVERYTHING. . . an intriguing start to another chapter in the Ark Royal universe. . .
A side note: I kept waiting for a character or moon named 'Wallace' or 'Gromit' to show up. Neither did. .
As is the pattern in the Ark Royal series, several years have passed from the last cycle (the tales of the Battleship Vanguard).
We have a new ship, a new Captain (and, given the OTHER patterns, the future First Space Lord somewhere around Ark Royal book 18...😉). And, a new challenge. A Slower-than-Light Generation Ship is approaching the new British colony world of Wensleydale. But. . .something is odd.
Also, given Nuttall's tradition, there is an unexpected plot twist that changes EVERYTHING. . . an intriguing start to another chapter in the Ark Royal universe. . .
A side note: I kept waiting for a character or moon named 'Wallace' or 'Gromit' to show up. Neither did. .
April 13, 2018
A lot going off with this one, both on the home front and on the warships. It has expanded the Ark Royal universe with a new twist in the adversary role and a host of fresh characters.
February 8, 2022
Invincible is a newly launched armored assault carrier applying the lessons of the last war in the Ark Royal universe. The problem is that Invincible may have to fight the next interstellar war. Nuttall writes Military SciFi. The ship names aptly suggest this series honors the United Kingdom's military and political traditions. But other of Earth's Great Powers are players as the Solarian system is not a united polity. So far Sol and humanity spread across multiple systems are muddling through political disunity when faced with outside threats. But the Great Game tempts.
Nuttall does both compelling character-driven stories and page-turning events or plots. In this, the twelfth of the Ark Royal series, the author jumps right into the action but still fleshes out the characters' histories and motivations. Key characters include both a Royal Marine, Invincible's commanding officer, and a starfighter pilot. In fairness, the machines are also key characters. Each ship or starfighter comes with its own strengths and compromises. Like the Tornado multi-role fighter that is neither space superiority fighter nor atmospheric fighter. The Tornado tries to do both but a jack-of-all-trades is the master of. . . .
And Earth's space navies continue their historic national "personalities."
There's an intriguing mystery embedded in the plot. And a cliffhanger.
Invincible worked for me. Ready for the next book.
Nuttall does both compelling character-driven stories and page-turning events or plots. In this, the twelfth of the Ark Royal series, the author jumps right into the action but still fleshes out the characters' histories and motivations. Key characters include both a Royal Marine, Invincible's commanding officer, and a starfighter pilot. In fairness, the machines are also key characters. Each ship or starfighter comes with its own strengths and compromises. Like the Tornado multi-role fighter that is neither space superiority fighter nor atmospheric fighter. The Tornado tries to do both but a jack-of-all-trades is the master of. . . .
And Earth's space navies continue their historic national "personalities."
There's an intriguing mystery embedded in the plot. And a cliffhanger.
Invincible worked for me. Ready for the next book.
April 10, 2023
An interesting plot
(Yes, i skipped the previous 2 books because i am uninterested in the stand-alone stories)
I want to like this book. I feel the plot is a number of steps above what we were given in the vanguard trilogy. However,
Spoilers from here on:
Why do they keep trusting the Russians??? At this point, it's just annoying. Whenever they are involved in the story , I expect them to betray humanity, why? Because they do it all the time! But yet they are still included in all of the international operations that are relatively important and they always find/have a way to screw everyone else over. I'm over it. It's been almost 2 decades since the events in the first trilogy. And now 12 books in, and an encounter with a 5th alien race and Russia is still up to the same stuff we seen in the first trilogy. It's honestly annoying, and not in a "it's good for the story" kind of way. Because this book did not need an epilogue.
(Yes, i skipped the previous 2 books because i am uninterested in the stand-alone stories)
I want to like this book. I feel the plot is a number of steps above what we were given in the vanguard trilogy. However,
Spoilers from here on:
Why do they keep trusting the Russians??? At this point, it's just annoying. Whenever they are involved in the story , I expect them to betray humanity, why? Because they do it all the time! But yet they are still included in all of the international operations that are relatively important and they always find/have a way to screw everyone else over. I'm over it. It's been almost 2 decades since the events in the first trilogy. And now 12 books in, and an encounter with a 5th alien race and Russia is still up to the same stuff we seen in the first trilogy. It's honestly annoying, and not in a "it's good for the story" kind of way. Because this book did not need an epilogue.
October 13, 2018
The main plot device is good but there are some odd faults
It seems the author doesn't grasp basic space physics. I'm certainly no expert but objects under propulsion in vacuum should not have an acceleration curve that "flattens out". Also, referring to things being light-minutes away is an enormous distance and implies that any danger at that distance is not a problem for the next several days almost regardless of the acceleration available. More so if the acceleration tops out at some point. As the book contains a lot of space battles I would have expected more realistic mechanics.
It seems the author doesn't grasp basic space physics. I'm certainly no expert but objects under propulsion in vacuum should not have an acceleration curve that "flattens out". Also, referring to things being light-minutes away is an enormous distance and implies that any danger at that distance is not a problem for the next several days almost regardless of the acceleration available. More so if the acceleration tops out at some point. As the book contains a lot of space battles I would have expected more realistic mechanics.
March 17, 2018
I have enjoyed most of the "Ark Royal universe" books. The last one felt flat, and this one feels like a lot more of the same. There is conflict and action, but large segments were skimmed over because the read so much like sections of other books in the series.
The saving grace of this book are characters that have some dimension and depth. Not large amounts, but enough to carry the story along.
The saving grace of this book are characters that have some dimension and depth. Not large amounts, but enough to carry the story along.
April 15, 2018
Another great addition to the series
The writing is good enough to make me consider it a sad thing not to be British! Great action! The plot is strong and moves along at a good pace without dragging in the transitions. If the book has C Nuttall as it's author I just buy it! He never disappoints. And his other series are just as strong.
The writing is good enough to make me consider it a sad thing not to be British! Great action! The plot is strong and moves along at a good pace without dragging in the transitions. If the book has C Nuttall as it's author I just buy it! He never disappoints. And his other series are just as strong.
June 8, 2018
Great story
An absolutely great follow on to the Ark Royal series! Things have really picked up with heart stopping scenarios!!! Just when thing seem normal the author dumps you On your head and shakes things up... This is another great story from a master story teller.
An absolutely great follow on to the Ark Royal series! Things have really picked up with heart stopping scenarios!!! Just when thing seem normal the author dumps you On your head and shakes things up... This is another great story from a master story teller.
September 22, 2019
I have enjoyed all of the Ark Royal series. My only complaint is that they are too short.☺☺ There are three(3) instances that the characters acknowledge * they are Missing Something.... * but it isn't highlighted later as an *Ahha* moment.
March 22, 2018
Great read
Typical Nuttall book, well written, engaging and well developed characters, interesting twists. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Typical Nuttall book, well written, engaging and well developed characters, interesting twists. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 30, 2018
Another good read from Nuttall
Expanding the Ark Royal universe with a new twist in the adversary role and a host of fresh characters to root for
Expanding the Ark Royal universe with a new twist in the adversary role and a host of fresh characters to root for
December 25, 2018
Ark Royal Forever!
March 7, 2019
Excellent
Bring on the continuation - Para Bellum - I'm enjoying this series as much as I've enjoyed any other series.
Bring on the continuation - Para Bellum - I'm enjoying this series as much as I've enjoyed any other series.
November 30, 2020
Goodish
Another interesting jaunt into the Ark Royal storyline, but the characters are starting to feel a bit jaded. Still it’s a good read that keeps you,hooked
Another interesting jaunt into the Ark Royal storyline, but the characters are starting to feel a bit jaded. Still it’s a good read that keeps you,hooked
September 20, 2023
A solid entry in the series. More aliens, more mysteries and more ships blasted into atoms.
May 6, 2018
I really liked this book, the twelfth installation in the Ark Royal series. All the books in this series have been good to great with most of them in the latter end of the range. This one was definitely a great one.
The book starts a new story arc in the Ark Royal universe. A new (flag)ship, new characters and, of course, a new enemy. To me it breathes new life in the series. The rehashing of the old conflict started to become a bit stale to me.
The book blurb pretty much describes the beginning of the story but there are indeed some twists and nasty surprises coming the way of our dear human friends. “…expansionist alien race…”? Well, you have no idea! The author has indeed come up with a very interesting twist as to the nature of the enemy. I have to say that I am still a bit on the fence as to whether we are still in the land of science fiction or if the science part got dropped on this one. For now I’ll go with it though. The book is really good after all.
As usual in a book from Mr. Nuttall the characters are good with good dialogue, a well developed universe, good story and great action. I was about to say good bad guys as well but I’m not sure the term “bad guys” is a correct qualifier here. No spoilers, read the book to see what I mean.
There are of course the usual bunch of human asswipes roaming around and complicating life for the good guys as well. That always frustrates me enormously but I guess c’est la vie.
Anyway, great book. Looking forward to read more in this story arc.
The book starts a new story arc in the Ark Royal universe. A new (flag)ship, new characters and, of course, a new enemy. To me it breathes new life in the series. The rehashing of the old conflict started to become a bit stale to me.
The book blurb pretty much describes the beginning of the story but there are indeed some twists and nasty surprises coming the way of our dear human friends. “…expansionist alien race…”? Well, you have no idea! The author has indeed come up with a very interesting twist as to the nature of the enemy. I have to say that I am still a bit on the fence as to whether we are still in the land of science fiction or if the science part got dropped on this one. For now I’ll go with it though. The book is really good after all.
As usual in a book from Mr. Nuttall the characters are good with good dialogue, a well developed universe, good story and great action. I was about to say good bad guys as well but I’m not sure the term “bad guys” is a correct qualifier here. No spoilers, read the book to see what I mean.
There are of course the usual bunch of human asswipes roaming around and complicating life for the good guys as well. That always frustrates me enormously but I guess c’est la vie.
Anyway, great book. Looking forward to read more in this story arc.
October 25, 2019
A good addition to the series.
Once again we have a new alien threat. It's a good story line, characters are a little less fleshed out but the action is immediate. Not my favorite in the series or my favorite author. The book delivers some good solid sci-fi.
Once again we have a new alien threat. It's a good story line, characters are a little less fleshed out but the action is immediate. Not my favorite in the series or my favorite author. The book delivers some good solid sci-fi.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews