The Blackcollar Series Books 1–2: Blackcollar and The Backlash Mission

by Timothy Zahn

The first two novels in the epic sci-fi series from the #1 New York Times–bestselling and Hugo Award–winning author of Star Thrawn. Decades after the Earth and the Terran Democratic Empire were conquered by the hostile, reptilian Ryqril, one man must find and resurrect the only fighting force that can free humanity . . .    Resistance member Allen Caine was preparing for the most important mission of his life—until the plan takes a turn and he ends up abandoned on the outpost planet of Plinry. His only hope to salvage the mission and buy time for TDE is to reform the legendary Blackcollars, the genetically enhanced guerilla force famed for their exploits battling the Ryqril. But if he’s going to find them, he will have to become one of them.  The Backlash After completing his yearlong Blackcollar training, Caine is returning to Earth at the head of an elite squad of warriors to strike at the puppet human government collaborating with the alien Ryqril. The only There is already a strong Blackcollar element on Earth—in the criminal underworld. And Caine doesn’t know if they are going to fight alongside him or against him.   As with his million-copy bestselling Star Wars novels, the Blackcollar series shows once again that Timothy Zahn “is a master of tactics and puts his own edge on complex hard-SF thrillers” (Kevin J. Anderson, New York Time–bestselling author).

745 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2017

About the author

Timothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.

Reviews

[Katherine Matzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently re-read these books and they are still wonderful.

Imagine life as a very special warrior on the losing side. And how hard it is to wait for an opportunity to change that fate.

Then just read the book. You'll love the characters (even the cranky ones) and the action will keep you turning pages later than you plan to. It will be worth it.

[Rowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow start strong ending

The book went slow for me in the beginning and I never did get a real attachment to the characters. This is unlike some books by Zahn where I did connect with the characters. The story sped up towards the end so I have higher expectations of the second book in the series.

[Bill Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much ado about nothing! Don't waste your time reading#

[Paul or Bonnie Gallaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Great character development and plot as always and draws you into the lives and struggles as if you are right in the mix with them.

[Allen Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and entertaining. Not his best. I found it a little laboured in parts.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 is pretty good, he draws you in with good character development and story background. Book 2 started slow but got really interesting. However the ending felt rushed and not enough exploration/detail once they reached their objective location.