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Poor Man's Fight #5
Last Man Out
THE DEADLIEST UNPAID INTERN IN THE GALAXY
Some people struggle to get to college. Tanner Malone had to fight through an interstellar war. Far from home, under a cloud of scandal and propaganda, hunted by assassins and haunted by trauma, Tanner is finally enrolled in a top university.
He didn’t plan for an archaeological expedition on the far side of human space. He didn’t want more corporate mercenaries or space pirates in his life, either. Yet ancient alien secrets don’t come without cost. If his classmates want to survive the summer, their infamous intern is the only chance they’ve got.
Some people struggle to get to college. Tanner Malone had to fight through an interstellar war. Far from home, under a cloud of scandal and propaganda, hunted by assassins and haunted by trauma, Tanner is finally enrolled in a top university.
He didn’t plan for an archaeological expedition on the far side of human space. He didn’t want more corporate mercenaries or space pirates in his life, either. Yet ancient alien secrets don’t come without cost. If his classmates want to survive the summer, their infamous intern is the only chance they’ve got.
541 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2018
264 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 9, 2023
Re-read October 2023 just in time for the new book tomorrow. Yay!
Original review:
Tanner is now a civilian. He's pursuing his dream of a university degree in planetary survey. Unfortunately, things aren't all they're cracked up to be.
He is basically ostracized while at school. The students have labeled him a murderer and monster. In their infinite wisdom, they take up protesting his presence on the university campus and they try to intimidate through their numbers and harrass him. He has been suffering with PTSD throughout the war and it continues into his civilian life. I was really angry on his behalf. I had a friend that had served in Vietnam. That war really screwed him up. He always would give me a big smile and say, "Hi, Little Bit!" when he saw me. He's no longer on this earth, and I still think of him and his horrendous emotional wounds. My favorite son-in-law served in Afghanistan; he is still undergoing treatment for PTSD. My husband witnessed something while serving his country...you get the picture. In short, I was so disgusted over the MC's treatment by these kids and their snap judgment. I guess it just hits a little too close to home. Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I'm moving on. But this also could serve as a TW to others.
So, Tanner is still dodging hostility whether it comes from fellow students, faculty or assassins. Not to mention from planetary authorities as well. Although the war has ended the propaganda spewed by the corporations during that war still lingers on. People either hate or fear him. And this just sums up the first third of the story.
There are some different elements in this book compared to the rest of the series. First, it was odd following him in civilian life as opposed to military. In previous books I loved reading about his interactions with Admirals Yeoh and Branch, Gunnery Sgt. Janeka, Sanjay, Lt. Kelly, Vanessa, etc. Some of them make appearances, but not always with the MC. I had also loved the space battles. There were some seriously epic events happening out in the middle of the universe. Aside from the battles between spaceships, there were some terrific military actions that took place on various moons and planets, Scheherazade being one of the more memorable. So from that standpoint I miss his presence in the space Navy. There was still some space action with secondary characters in this one, though. Also unusual in this book is the presence of aliens; we've just heard about them up until now. They make an appearance and a serious impact in one fell swoop. And there is more than just one species.
Rumor has it that there will be more Tanner books forthcoming. If that's the case I'll read them!
Original review:
Tanner is now a civilian. He's pursuing his dream of a university degree in planetary survey. Unfortunately, things aren't all they're cracked up to be.
He is basically ostracized while at school. The students have labeled him a murderer and monster. In their infinite wisdom, they take up protesting his presence on the university campus and they try to intimidate through their numbers and harrass him. He has been suffering with PTSD throughout the war and it continues into his civilian life. I was really angry on his behalf. I had a friend that had served in Vietnam. That war really screwed him up. He always would give me a big smile and say, "Hi, Little Bit!" when he saw me. He's no longer on this earth, and I still think of him and his horrendous emotional wounds. My favorite son-in-law served in Afghanistan; he is still undergoing treatment for PTSD. My husband witnessed something while serving his country...you get the picture. In short, I was so disgusted over the MC's treatment by these kids and their snap judgment. I guess it just hits a little too close to home. Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I'm moving on. But this also could serve as a TW to others.
So, Tanner is still dodging hostility whether it comes from fellow students, faculty or assassins. Not to mention from planetary authorities as well. Although the war has ended the propaganda spewed by the corporations during that war still lingers on. People either hate or fear him. And this just sums up the first third of the story.
There are some different elements in this book compared to the rest of the series. First, it was odd following him in civilian life as opposed to military. In previous books I loved reading about his interactions with Admirals Yeoh and Branch, Gunnery Sgt. Janeka, Sanjay, Lt. Kelly, Vanessa, etc. Some of them make appearances, but not always with the MC. I had also loved the space battles. There were some seriously epic events happening out in the middle of the universe. Aside from the battles between spaceships, there were some terrific military actions that took place on various moons and planets, Scheherazade being one of the more memorable. So from that standpoint I miss his presence in the space Navy. There was still some space action with secondary characters in this one, though. Also unusual in this book is the presence of aliens; we've just heard about them up until now. They make an appearance and a serious impact in one fell swoop. And there is more than just one species.
Rumor has it that there will be more Tanner books forthcoming. If that's the case I'll read them!
May 2, 2018
Like coming home to a friend
An absolutely fun ride from beginning to end and something that a long time reader had been waiting for. So happy to see Tanner and the group again and will be eagerly waiting for the next book!
An absolutely fun ride from beginning to end and something that a long time reader had been waiting for. So happy to see Tanner and the group again and will be eagerly waiting for the next book!
July 28, 2022
I really hope the author continues with the series! 👍
April 25, 2019
From the book itself:
"Can you explain in a single sentence?"
"The ancient aliens who used to own this planet woke up and they're genocidally pissed off at what we've done with the place."
One of the reasons I've liked this series is that the characters and even the novel itself are self aware. By this point *everyone* is aware of Tanner's reputation and his existence as a shit-magnet and plan accordingly. Even the aliens mentioned above who turn up mid-book get their "I'm the Doctor, you've got a library, look me up" moment with the suitable oh shit response.
Like Spider-Man, Tanner is also still self confident, or spiteful as he says, to shit talk people to their face during very tense situations and he just doesn't care enough to be outwardly worried.
In true Chekhov's Gun style this time we have Chekhov's Box of Explosives which turned wonderfully well as expected.
The last in the series but a hell of a ride as always.
"Can you explain in a single sentence?"
"The ancient aliens who used to own this planet woke up and they're genocidally pissed off at what we've done with the place."
One of the reasons I've liked this series is that the characters and even the novel itself are self aware. By this point *everyone* is aware of Tanner's reputation and his existence as a shit-magnet and plan accordingly. Even the aliens mentioned above who turn up mid-book get their "I'm the Doctor, you've got a library, look me up" moment with the suitable oh shit response.
Like Spider-Man, Tanner is also still self confident, or spiteful as he says, to shit talk people to their face during very tense situations and he just doesn't care enough to be outwardly worried.
In true Chekhov's Gun style this time we have Chekhov's Box of Explosives which turned wonderfully well as expected.
The last in the series but a hell of a ride as always.
May 5, 2019
The latest novel in the Poor Man’s Fight series finally brings us past the Debtor’s War and into a whole new galaxy of troubles. Tanner Malone has become one of the most hated men in the galaxy thanks to the propaganda machine of the Northstar Corporation which has succeeded in twisting his heroic deeds against them into the actions of a blood thirsty war criminal in the eyes of much of the Union. Fresh out of the military, Tanner is trying to get his life started again by finally heading to college, but he discovers that many of his fellow classmates are more interested in protesting his presence than in learning anything approaching the truth about what actually happened. To make matters worse, many who lost a lot of money because of the war have decided that killing Tanner would give them no small manner of satisfaction.
With his life in danger and apparently going nowhere, Tanner gets an opportunity to join a xenoarchaelogical dig which would get him away from campus for a semester and earn him tons of college credits. He agrees and in so doing gets himself firmly entrenched in a mystery involving another greedy corporation, colonial insurgents, and an alien technology from a race that died off five hundred years before.
This is the most complicated of the books so far with plots and subplots galore, but ultimately, like all the others it’s a wild ride with the kind of action that makes this series stand out from so many others. By the end of the novel, the galaxy of Poor Man’s Fight has gotten a lot wider. I can’t wait to see where Kay plans to take the series next.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
With his life in danger and apparently going nowhere, Tanner gets an opportunity to join a xenoarchaelogical dig which would get him away from campus for a semester and earn him tons of college credits. He agrees and in so doing gets himself firmly entrenched in a mystery involving another greedy corporation, colonial insurgents, and an alien technology from a race that died off five hundred years before.
This is the most complicated of the books so far with plots and subplots galore, but ultimately, like all the others it’s a wild ride with the kind of action that makes this series stand out from so many others. By the end of the novel, the galaxy of Poor Man’s Fight has gotten a lot wider. I can’t wait to see where Kay plans to take the series next.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
June 15, 2018
Tanner Malone is out of the Navy after being the most well known heroes/villains of the Debtor's War. He is trying to fulfill his dream of attending college but his fellow students aren't keen on having a war criminal/hero on campus. Tanner decides to participate in a archeology field trip to a distant planet to get away from some difficulties. Of course that just means he gets in even more trouble because this is Tanner. Space pirates are his first order of business and he takes care of that in his usual violent way. The archeology expedition turns out to be butting up against a ruthless corporate entity and a long lost alien race that would just as soon kill everyone else on the planet. Tanner ends up in the middle of a big mess and kicks butt and takes name as usual. Top notch adventure.
June 11, 2018
Better than the previous
This had some real meat. A lot happened, and the pace reflected it. Having everyone be sarcastic about Tanner’s propensity for finding trouble made it all more believable, oddly.
I gave it 5 stars because it also addressed PTSD in a way that SF rarely does. Not in a preachy way, but having a character be honest about the aftermath.
This was damn good writing. I will gladly pre-order this author’s next novel. Money is the sincerity form of flattery.
This had some real meat. A lot happened, and the pace reflected it. Having everyone be sarcastic about Tanner’s propensity for finding trouble made it all more believable, oddly.
I gave it 5 stars because it also addressed PTSD in a way that SF rarely does. Not in a preachy way, but having a character be honest about the aftermath.
This was damn good writing. I will gladly pre-order this author’s next novel. Money is the sincerity form of flattery.
April 2, 2020
Top notch military Sci-Fi/ space opera
Book 5 in this series is even better than the first four and I really enjoyed all of those! The Poor Man's Fight series has become one of my favourite Sci-Fi book series - if not the favourite. Tanner Malone is again centre-stage as he is involved in all sorts of activity and mayhem from student demonstrations, archaeological digs and insurgency against exploitative corporations, to conflict with a hitherto undiscovered alien race. There is a big cast of characters, many of whom have featured in the earlier books, the odd 'naval' engagement, lots of ground combat action, but also plenty of character development and interesting dialogue. I hope I do not have to wait long for book 6. Super stuff!
Book 5 in this series is even better than the first four and I really enjoyed all of those! The Poor Man's Fight series has become one of my favourite Sci-Fi book series - if not the favourite. Tanner Malone is again centre-stage as he is involved in all sorts of activity and mayhem from student demonstrations, archaeological digs and insurgency against exploitative corporations, to conflict with a hitherto undiscovered alien race. There is a big cast of characters, many of whom have featured in the earlier books, the odd 'naval' engagement, lots of ground combat action, but also plenty of character development and interesting dialogue. I hope I do not have to wait long for book 6. Super stuff!
May 1, 2018
Really good
Took a little while to get reacquainted with the world as it's been sometime since I last read one of these, a quick summary of events at the beginning would have been nice, but once you get going it's really good. There's a lot going on, and a little bit of everything in these books, plenty of action, good characters, witty dialog, a little intrigue, a little romance, a few moments that make you pause for thought, all in all just really good, hope the next one comes out sooner rather than later.
Took a little while to get reacquainted with the world as it's been sometime since I last read one of these, a quick summary of events at the beginning would have been nice, but once you get going it's really good. There's a lot going on, and a little bit of everything in these books, plenty of action, good characters, witty dialog, a little intrigue, a little romance, a few moments that make you pause for thought, all in all just really good, hope the next one comes out sooner rather than later.
June 14, 2020
Excellent Action Series Continues 🌟
I greatly enjoyed this book as this terrific series continues.The principal characters are interesting, most are likeable, and if not the author has a compelling reason. Supporting characters are substantive and never superficial. Mr. Kay is a quality writer who presents excellent storylines with well developed space and offworld scene building. There is plenty of intense action and intrigue with a little occasional romance. I anxiously await the next installment.
I greatly enjoyed this book as this terrific series continues.The principal characters are interesting, most are likeable, and if not the author has a compelling reason. Supporting characters are substantive and never superficial. Mr. Kay is a quality writer who presents excellent storylines with well developed space and offworld scene building. There is plenty of intense action and intrigue with a little occasional romance. I anxiously await the next installment.
June 2, 2018
Winner
Last Man Out is a great addition to the Poor Man’s Fight series. Kay does a great job of describing and detailing without bogging the reader down in technical jargon.
Tanner Malone is a wonderful main character and he is surrounded by a deep and detailed supporting cast.
Poor Man’s Fight and Good Intentions are two of the better series out in print. Both series are wonderfully crafted.
Last Man Out is a great addition to the Poor Man’s Fight series. Kay does a great job of describing and detailing without bogging the reader down in technical jargon.
Tanner Malone is a wonderful main character and he is surrounded by a deep and detailed supporting cast.
Poor Man’s Fight and Good Intentions are two of the better series out in print. Both series are wonderfully crafted.
February 18, 2020
Exceeds expectations
Elliott Kay writes very good action sequences, snappy and believable dialog, and has crafted a slew of interesting characters that are seen familiar. Because they are people and not just characters. People I would like to share a drink or a meal with. Or provide cover for, if it came to that. The stories are tightly intertwined, like real life often is. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
Elliott Kay writes very good action sequences, snappy and believable dialog, and has crafted a slew of interesting characters that are seen familiar. Because they are people and not just characters. People I would like to share a drink or a meal with. Or provide cover for, if it came to that. The stories are tightly intertwined, like real life often is. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
June 19, 2019
Badass as usual, seems to be the start of another trilogy for Tanner. I skipped book 4 as it was about Alicia Wong but it seems that something in that one happens that's VERY related to the outcome of this. Either way, fun alien romp, introduces things outside of just the human race and gives a bit more history. Fantastic read and I can't wait for the next one
December 30, 2019
As the focus returns to Mr Malone, the series promises a similar return to the strong action that initially grabbed me. However, we are quickly dragged into the world of xeno-archaeology, which could be interesting if the author wasn’t so keen to emphasise how dull it was. Notwithstanding, there’s a clear desire to establish a contrast for the final act, and this is admirably achieved as the mundane escalates to the epic. Still a good story, but it was too forgettable in the starting chapters.
July 16, 2019
This whole series just carries on brilliantly, and poor tanner has to deal with students this time round. Well. Students, and people trying to blow him up, and crazy aliens. And all the stress of everything that he's already been through, which quite understandably is enough to send him a little paranoid and worried. Kay's writing never loses pace, and I look forward to these whenever I hear they are coming out.
September 5, 2021
Another day another crisis
I love the Tanner Malone character. There are some folks who are always on hand to help solve a problem. Like Tanner they don't get good credit. As for the story, it develops quickly and has good character development.
I love the Tanner Malone character. There are some folks who are always on hand to help solve a problem. Like Tanner they don't get good credit. As for the story, it develops quickly and has good character development.
May 21, 2018
Loved it!
This series started as fun light military fiction. Normally sequels get boring, but Elliot just gets better and better at finding his voice. Action packed and consistently amusing. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
This series started as fun light military fiction. Normally sequels get boring, but Elliot just gets better and better at finding his voice. Action packed and consistently amusing. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
May 24, 2021
I have a lot of sympathy for this Eliot Kay series, of which I loved the first part (Poor man's war).
Unfortunately this fifth (and for the moment last) part of the series is not, like its predecessors, free from flaws. Especially the evil aliens, which look like they came out of a 1950s Z-series sci-fi movie.
The construction of the story is sometimes risky, as it multiplies the points of view, not necessarily useful, especially for such a long book. This results in a few small logical flaws and a choppy narrative.
However, the story of Last Man Out, which reconnects with a Taner Malone who now wants to be a simple student, is of very good quality. In line with the series, whose background based on malicious multinationals is often relevant. The tone of the story is often humorous and light, in opposition to the dramatic events that take place there.
The end of the story is a bit weak, unfortunately.
A pleasant and fun reading, which has the big advantage of offering a nice suspense, unlike the previous section.
There will probably be a sequel, there is material for it.
Unfortunately this fifth (and for the moment last) part of the series is not, like its predecessors, free from flaws. Especially the evil aliens, which look like they came out of a 1950s Z-series sci-fi movie.
The construction of the story is sometimes risky, as it multiplies the points of view, not necessarily useful, especially for such a long book. This results in a few small logical flaws and a choppy narrative.
However, the story of Last Man Out, which reconnects with a Taner Malone who now wants to be a simple student, is of very good quality. In line with the series, whose background based on malicious multinationals is often relevant. The tone of the story is often humorous and light, in opposition to the dramatic events that take place there.
The end of the story is a bit weak, unfortunately.
A pleasant and fun reading, which has the big advantage of offering a nice suspense, unlike the previous section.
There will probably be a sequel, there is material for it.
March 19, 2024
Oh wow! This is probably my favourite book in the series so far. Getting to see Tanned trying to live a normal life after the many battles he’s faced and a war he helped to end. His normal is SO incredibly awkward and still so dangerous… for his social life. Assassination attempts, other college students protesting his admittance at school… and a field trip off planet for a boring archaeological dig? Boring not so much ‘cause trouble has a way of finding Tanner!
Man I feel for this guy but he’s got skills and his girlfriend’s a hottie… only he can’t seem to see just how lucky he is at times. Brooding fcuker!
Anyway, if you’re into space and war and funny dialogue, get on this series!
Man I feel for this guy but he’s got skills and his girlfriend’s a hottie… only he can’t seem to see just how lucky he is at times. Brooding fcuker!
Anyway, if you’re into space and war and funny dialogue, get on this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2018
Not enough
Elliot Kay is a gem writer. I love his books. This one start slowly and not focused but once it’s get going it’s hard to let go. I wish that E K will write more and more often. His talent to keep me up at night is great. He is one of the few authors that writes an interesting narrative when his protagonists think, which I usually skip out of boredom, but not here. Tanner Malone is my kind of guy and I look forward to see him more and perhaps content and happy.
Great opening of the next chapter of adventures after the war.
Elliot Kay is a gem writer. I love his books. This one start slowly and not focused but once it’s get going it’s hard to let go. I wish that E K will write more and more often. His talent to keep me up at night is great. He is one of the few authors that writes an interesting narrative when his protagonists think, which I usually skip out of boredom, but not here. Tanner Malone is my kind of guy and I look forward to see him more and perhaps content and happy.
Great opening of the next chapter of adventures after the war.
October 7, 2020
Holy Freaking Monkey Mountains
In a series noted for its excellent action and adventure, the author in this one book takes almost everything that has gone before and turns it on it’s ear. In addition to that, he introduces powerful forces into the plot using new enemies and old friends. This is an amazing military science fiction action yarn that goes above and beyond (and below - heh) to bring you a pivotal book in a series that just keeps on getting better. I have NO idea where the plot goes from here, but I know it will be *amazing*.
Very Highly Recommended (16+)
In a series noted for its excellent action and adventure, the author in this one book takes almost everything that has gone before and turns it on it’s ear. In addition to that, he introduces powerful forces into the plot using new enemies and old friends. This is an amazing military science fiction action yarn that goes above and beyond (and below - heh) to bring you a pivotal book in a series that just keeps on getting better. I have NO idea where the plot goes from here, but I know it will be *amazing*.
Very Highly Recommended (16+)
April 26, 2018
A minor in crisis management
I love this whole series. The characters are well fleshed and interesting. An increasingly complex story and higher stakes in the face of desired normalcy. I guess I was hoping for a bit more resolution at the end this time. Once more left hanging with 'what now?'
I love this whole series. The characters are well fleshed and interesting. An increasingly complex story and higher stakes in the face of desired normalcy. I guess I was hoping for a bit more resolution at the end this time. Once more left hanging with 'what now?'
May 15, 2019
I love this series, but I'd gotten it in my head that this was the series finale. Each book wraps up it's individual story well, but you can tell this isn't the end. Yay and Boo in equal measures. There's something to be said for finishing strong instead of dragging it out. I now eagerly await the next book.
Excellent narration.
Excellent narration.
September 7, 2021
The latest installment of the POOR MAN'S FIGHT series is an entertaining story about how Tanner Malone just can't catch a break. Despite being one of the greatest heroes of the Debtor's War, he's been vilified throughout the Union for the amount of damage he did to the super-rich. Indeed, some of them are still hiring assassins to go after him even as colleges are holding protests over his inclusion.
A chance to get away to the edge of known space for some college course credits shows up but he turns out to have been recruited solely as unwitting security. It saves a lot of lives but ends up killing more people. I feel like a lot has sadly been lost of the series' trademark flavor with non-coporate alien enemies as well as Tanner no longer being in the military.
Still, it was fun.
A chance to get away to the edge of known space for some college course credits shows up but he turns out to have been recruited solely as unwitting security. It saves a lot of lives but ends up killing more people. I feel like a lot has sadly been lost of the series' trademark flavor with non-coporate alien enemies as well as Tanner no longer being in the military.
Still, it was fun.
November 1, 2023
Brilliant! A great mix of combat action, both space and on the ground, as well as character development. I enjoyed getting to know the characters around Tanner better. Cool aliens. I definitely want to know more about them. Ordered the next book. This series is so good. I hope I'll get to more of Tanner's adventures.
February 16, 2021
Poor old Tanner Malone.
As the saying goes "When lightning strikes, he's there."
Still, this time is a bit different, especially since we get to learn more about the alien races mankind has to deal with.
This book was really good, especially a part of an ongoing series.
As the saying goes "When lightning strikes, he's there."
Still, this time is a bit different, especially since we get to learn more about the alien races mankind has to deal with.
This book was really good, especially a part of an ongoing series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2021
5-6 out of 10
Not nearly as good as the first three
Not nearly as good as the first three
February 16, 2021
I love the Poor Man's Fight series
When you need to finish a book that you forget the time and read it through the night, that to me is a 5+ start book, unfortunately Amazon restricts me to only 5. Also Mr Kay I am so glad that you continue to write this series. I must have read the first book at least 5 times, now I wait for the next installment. Hope you are in a few story for the gunny too 😁.
All in all this is a very good read and the struggles the characters feel settling back into civilian life after a war, it's described beautifully in this book. Really loved the way this is written and how the story continues to flow.
When you need to finish a book that you forget the time and read it through the night, that to me is a 5+ start book, unfortunately Amazon restricts me to only 5. Also Mr Kay I am so glad that you continue to write this series. I must have read the first book at least 5 times, now I wait for the next installment. Hope you are in a few story for the gunny too 😁.
All in all this is a very good read and the struggles the characters feel settling back into civilian life after a war, it's described beautifully in this book. Really loved the way this is written and how the story continues to flow.
May 10, 2018
Thankfully the overt politics has been removed somewhat since I read the third book.
There are maybe too many characters at times to care or follow the story clearly, but overall it's action packed and moves along at a brisk pace.
The aliens aren't bad, but don't really have any real characterisation or weight, they are just there to move the plot along.
Anyway, it's popcorn sci-fi and well worth it for the price for the entertainment I got out of it.
There are maybe too many characters at times to care or follow the story clearly, but overall it's action packed and moves along at a brisk pace.
The aliens aren't bad, but don't really have any real characterisation or weight, they are just there to move the plot along.
Anyway, it's popcorn sci-fi and well worth it for the price for the entertainment I got out of it.
February 16, 2021
As the others books I loved it, it had the same structure, and the action as always was pleasent. Now the ending felt forced to end in such a positive theme, and the foreshadow felt really bland, I though we already left behind all the Corporations conspiracys. Good to see such an old character reapear just when we barely forgot about it, I had my doubts but I am pleasently surprised that I was rigth about it.
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