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Lady Hellgate #1
Last of The Nighthawks
Helga ATE is finally getting her chance. Chosen for a coveted slot in the glorious Nighthawks, Special Forces, she will certainly be able to prove herself as more than a half-alien outcast. But when her team deploys to the moon of Dyn, tragedy strikes and Helga is put to the ultimate test--survival. Facing insurmountable odds and escaping torture, Helga and her mentor, Cilas Mec, are forced to face a fate worse than death. Battling brain-eating aliens and human pirates, the odds are stacked against them in every way. The rescue should be coming. Unless the Alliance is involved in this botched mission... Can Helga survive the odds to get out alive, or will she be the last of the Nighthawks?
281 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2018
232 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Greg Dragon
57 books233 followersGreg Dragon brings a fresh perspective to fiction by telling human stories of life, love and relationships in a science fiction setting. This unconventional author spins his celestial scenes from an imagination nurtured from being an avid reader himself. His exposure to multiple cultures, multiple religions, martial arts, and travel lends a unique dynamic to his stories. You can enjoy excerpts from his work by visiting his website at https://gregdragon.com.
Join Greg's mailing list for free stories/books & new releases: http://gregwrites.co
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Join Greg's mailing list for free stories/books & new releases: http://gregwrites.co
Facebook: http://facebook.com/anstractor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hobdragon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 29, 2018
“In the field your brain is a liability. Shut it off and rely on your instinct and training.”
Based in the Anstractor Universe, the Desperate measures and
natural instinct for survival are basic concepts. We’re not always sure if the good guys really are the good guys. Colourful and tumultuous story of the female protagonist and her stand in warfare. There is heart in this story and it shows in the mmost magnificent ways. It’s jam packed with action and if you like that sort of thing, you won't be disappointed! Loved it!
I am voluntarily giving a review of an advance copy I received from the author.
Based in the Anstractor Universe, the Desperate measures and
natural instinct for survival are basic concepts. We’re not always sure if the good guys really are the good guys. Colourful and tumultuous story of the female protagonist and her stand in warfare. There is heart in this story and it shows in the mmost magnificent ways. It’s jam packed with action and if you like that sort of thing, you won't be disappointed! Loved it!
I am voluntarily giving a review of an advance copy I received from the author.
September 5, 2021
If you like lots of action in your books then this one could be for you, unfortunately it didn’t have much else going for it. For me it felt like the author was trying too hard to make Helga and the story interesting.
New things were happening nearly every page as the story jumped from one crisis to another. It certainly seemed like a case of ‘Over Egging the Pudding’. Helga had potential, but even though I don’t mind my heroines having issues, I found Helga quickly became annoying and the rest of the characters were just dreadful
I’m afraid I didn’t make it all the way to the end of the book, I really couldn’t get on with the authors style. His publicity blurb describes him as; ”an unconventional author that brings a unique dynamic to his stories”. I thought the universe he constructed didn’t make sense and his ‘unique dynamic’ was just throwing in more and more random incidents.
New things were happening nearly every page as the story jumped from one crisis to another. It certainly seemed like a case of ‘Over Egging the Pudding’. Helga had potential, but even though I don’t mind my heroines having issues, I found Helga quickly became annoying and the rest of the characters were just dreadful
I’m afraid I didn’t make it all the way to the end of the book, I really couldn’t get on with the authors style. His publicity blurb describes him as; ”an unconventional author that brings a unique dynamic to his stories”. I thought the universe he constructed didn’t make sense and his ‘unique dynamic’ was just throwing in more and more random incidents.
November 2, 2018
Thank you, Greg Dragon for the free copy of your book on the Audiobook Boom! web site.
I enjoy listening to all types of military stories. This one however, was not one of them. I did like that the protagonist was female. She had to get "thick skinned" early on and real fast. She takes a lot of schtill. She made mistakes, stepped up, and owned her shit. Standing her ground was her best asset.
There is a lot of action going on in this story. Helga has some growing up to do. She is a "Five Percenter", and is placed with a team of elite fighters that are already established. Awkward. She has to try hard to fit in. With all that, the crew members have a huge battle on their hands, well, the ones that are left. They soon learn that all is not as it seems as the story progresses. Somebody has some other unforeseen plans for them. There are questions that need answers, betrayal, doubt, and mistrust. Who are the real enemies?
But really, if you're gonna cuss, dammit, cuss! Schtill? Thype--thyping? What is that? Is that cussing? I did hear the word "ass". I was so thrown out of the story because of this and other expletives, that I gave up. Overall, this one just didn't work for me.
I enjoy listening to all types of military stories. This one however, was not one of them. I did like that the protagonist was female. She had to get "thick skinned" early on and real fast. She takes a lot of schtill. She made mistakes, stepped up, and owned her shit. Standing her ground was her best asset.
There is a lot of action going on in this story. Helga has some growing up to do. She is a "Five Percenter", and is placed with a team of elite fighters that are already established. Awkward. She has to try hard to fit in. With all that, the crew members have a huge battle on their hands, well, the ones that are left. They soon learn that all is not as it seems as the story progresses. Somebody has some other unforeseen plans for them. There are questions that need answers, betrayal, doubt, and mistrust. Who are the real enemies?
But really, if you're gonna cuss, dammit, cuss! Schtill? Thype--thyping? What is that? Is that cussing? I did hear the word "ass". I was so thrown out of the story because of this and other expletives, that I gave up. Overall, this one just didn't work for me.
October 3, 2021
Very interesting
Well that was a great read. Although for me seemed a bit slow then seemed to pickup some pace to slow down again with a bit of confusion when they got captured time periods seemed out maybe me lol.. Still I will be reading book two
Well that was a great read. Although for me seemed a bit slow then seemed to pickup some pace to slow down again with a bit of confusion when they got captured time periods seemed out maybe me lol.. Still I will be reading book two
November 9, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Should have been born with wings."
It starts like many other military S.F. books, young rookie pilot joining the elite team of the special forces squadron, the legendary Nighthawks. The seven man team knew and trusted each other, had worked together, were already a 'family'. She was new, young, and a woman who had, all her life, experienced rejection by virtue of her birth and didn't like the way they looked down on her. She had to prove herself to become one of them. But almost before she has a chance to do so, things change, throwing the whole story not just into a series of battling aliens (with whom the Alliance had been at war for more than a century) and pirates but also with a central mystery - why was everything going so wrong now?
Clearly written, with an host of well characterized protagonists, and excellent world building formed with a paucity of words, the story weaves it's way between characters and ships, suspicions and fighting, the brooding mystery becoming ever more prevelant. Fear is palpable. This is fighting for survival.
Narration by Cari Scholtens is good, not easy for a woman to give realistic voicing to a predominantly male range of characters. But she does it , and does it well, each being distinctive in tone and accent. The text reading between conversation is also steady, well paced with good intonation and conducted in the manner more of observer than participant, not getting excited when the action hotted up but leaving that part to the reader's imagination. It works well.
Last of the Nighthawks is the first in Greg Dragon's new series, Lady Hellgate, which will presumably follow the progress of our rookie, now much more experienced, into future adventures, a series i personally do not want to miss. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my reqhest, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I am an admirer of the author's previous books, but this is one of his best. Good science fiction, and recommended.
"Should have been born with wings."
It starts like many other military S.F. books, young rookie pilot joining the elite team of the special forces squadron, the legendary Nighthawks. The seven man team knew and trusted each other, had worked together, were already a 'family'. She was new, young, and a woman who had, all her life, experienced rejection by virtue of her birth and didn't like the way they looked down on her. She had to prove herself to become one of them. But almost before she has a chance to do so, things change, throwing the whole story not just into a series of battling aliens (with whom the Alliance had been at war for more than a century) and pirates but also with a central mystery - why was everything going so wrong now?
Clearly written, with an host of well characterized protagonists, and excellent world building formed with a paucity of words, the story weaves it's way between characters and ships, suspicions and fighting, the brooding mystery becoming ever more prevelant. Fear is palpable. This is fighting for survival.
Narration by Cari Scholtens is good, not easy for a woman to give realistic voicing to a predominantly male range of characters. But she does it , and does it well, each being distinctive in tone and accent. The text reading between conversation is also steady, well paced with good intonation and conducted in the manner more of observer than participant, not getting excited when the action hotted up but leaving that part to the reader's imagination. It works well.
Last of the Nighthawks is the first in Greg Dragon's new series, Lady Hellgate, which will presumably follow the progress of our rookie, now much more experienced, into future adventures, a series i personally do not want to miss. My thanks to the rights holder who, at my reqhest, freely gifted me a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I am an admirer of the author's previous books, but this is one of his best. Good science fiction, and recommended.
January 16, 2022
Disclaimer: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. The book that I was given was a series of Lady Hellgate Book 1 to 3.
An intense and exciting scifi read, the book started out strong and fast, Greg Dragon launches us straight into action at the very start. Despite being thrown in headfirst like this, I was not confused when listening and it made the experience very fresh. Feels like I was watching a movie. His world creation is wonderful, the visuals of the book are all very strong and it feels like I am a part of the world, experiencing it alongside the characters.
I also really like the characters and have grown attached to them greatly. I like how vastly different the characters are, and their development throughout the book, including their backstory and how it resulted in how they are.
Overall it was a good book for me, I still think about certain scenes a lot after finishing the book.
Narration by Cari Scholtens is incredible. She brought forth the characters in the book wonderfully, as well as emotions and tension within each scenes.
An intense and exciting scifi read, the book started out strong and fast, Greg Dragon launches us straight into action at the very start. Despite being thrown in headfirst like this, I was not confused when listening and it made the experience very fresh. Feels like I was watching a movie. His world creation is wonderful, the visuals of the book are all very strong and it feels like I am a part of the world, experiencing it alongside the characters.
I also really like the characters and have grown attached to them greatly. I like how vastly different the characters are, and their development throughout the book, including their backstory and how it resulted in how they are.
Overall it was a good book for me, I still think about certain scenes a lot after finishing the book.
Narration by Cari Scholtens is incredible. She brought forth the characters in the book wonderfully, as well as emotions and tension within each scenes.
April 2, 2020
When Helga is selected for her first mission, she isn’t sure what to expect. As the only female on an all male crew, there are challenges to overcome. Even more when her heritage is factored into the mix. Being only half-human has its advantages though as she learns while in Geralos captivity. As Helga fights her way through every challenge tooth and nail, she proves herself to those around her, slowly but steadily earning her title Hellgate.
Science fiction isn’t something I listen to a lot, but I found Greg Dragon’s work to be thoroughly engrossing. This is a military fiction/science fiction mix which made it even more intense. The world that he created in the story was sound, and the action was well-written. There were a few hiccups with the plot, but I found the book to be very enjoyable regardless.
Cari Scholtens did a fantastic job with voices. Her telling of the story was so smooth that I was able to devour this book in one sitting.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Science fiction isn’t something I listen to a lot, but I found Greg Dragon’s work to be thoroughly engrossing. This is a military fiction/science fiction mix which made it even more intense. The world that he created in the story was sound, and the action was well-written. There were a few hiccups with the plot, but I found the book to be very enjoyable regardless.
Cari Scholtens did a fantastic job with voices. Her telling of the story was so smooth that I was able to devour this book in one sitting.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
August 6, 2018
I liked how it threw the elite group of the elitists on its head. Straight away schtill hits the fan, everyone is tested to their very limits from the get-go. Even when she officially became a Nighthawk she still made mistakes, she let her anger and her focus pull her away from what she shouldn’t do. And people called her out for it. She realized what she did and stepped up and apologized. She knew she wasn’t perfect, knew that she thyped up. (Love it when an Author makes their own swear words.)
It wasn’t overly predictable either, it had its unique twists and ways to keep the story fresh. You have all this action happening on one layer, while on another layer someone or some people are working against them. It was interesting to see them figure it out.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Author. Does not affect my review)
It wasn’t overly predictable either, it had its unique twists and ways to keep the story fresh. You have all this action happening on one layer, while on another layer someone or some people are working against them. It was interesting to see them figure it out.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Author. Does not affect my review)
May 2, 2019
Our heroine is new to the NIghthawks and get a rude introduction to combat.
This is a new military SF, space opera series by a new (to me) author. My initial impressions are actually rather favorable. The book got off to a decent start and only got better from there. Like most space opera stories, there is a lot of moving parts which can make the story rather complicated, but I felt the author did a good job. We got to know more about the characters along the way, as well as more about the setting. By the end, I was quite engaged in the story and, since there were lots of things left unresolved, I am looking forward to the next book to pursue some of those threads.
Overall, a quite enjoyable read.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is a new military SF, space opera series by a new (to me) author. My initial impressions are actually rather favorable. The book got off to a decent start and only got better from there. Like most space opera stories, there is a lot of moving parts which can make the story rather complicated, but I felt the author did a good job. We got to know more about the characters along the way, as well as more about the setting. By the end, I was quite engaged in the story and, since there were lots of things left unresolved, I am looking forward to the next book to pursue some of those threads.
Overall, a quite enjoyable read.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
November 2, 2018
This book involves the development of a young girl who has been assigned to an elite military unit. She is the newest member and joins them after several missions where they have lost members. Her role as backup pilot quickly morphs into being a fighter in order for her to stay alive after the mission finds itself betrayed and almost destroyed.
The book is well written and the action top notch. It reveals the inner struggles of a futuristic battle to defeat an alien invader and the courage of the people and also the betrayal from within.
The story is narrated exceptionally well and the narrator does an outstanding job with multiple voices and is clearly understandable.
This book was provided free of charge with the expectation of an honest review.
The book is well written and the action top notch. It reveals the inner struggles of a futuristic battle to defeat an alien invader and the courage of the people and also the betrayal from within.
The story is narrated exceptionally well and the narrator does an outstanding job with multiple voices and is clearly understandable.
This book was provided free of charge with the expectation of an honest review.
November 18, 2018
The Best Military Si-Fi I Have Ever Read
Last of the Nighthawks is more than your average trek through an unknown galaxy. In a genre filled with tropes and clichés, Greg Dragon is able to bring a story to life in such a new and vivid way it makes you believe that you have entered into his world. This book blew me away with the quality of the storytelling, the depth of the characters, and the complexity of the world building. It is easily one of the best science fiction works that I have ever read and I cannot wait for more. I received this book free, in exchange for an honest review.
Morality rating- Last of the Nighthawks contains and abundance of violence and gore, nudity, and a single sex scene.
Last of the Nighthawks is more than your average trek through an unknown galaxy. In a genre filled with tropes and clichés, Greg Dragon is able to bring a story to life in such a new and vivid way it makes you believe that you have entered into his world. This book blew me away with the quality of the storytelling, the depth of the characters, and the complexity of the world building. It is easily one of the best science fiction works that I have ever read and I cannot wait for more. I received this book free, in exchange for an honest review.
Morality rating- Last of the Nighthawks contains and abundance of violence and gore, nudity, and a single sex scene.
December 18, 2018
Very interesting and confusing book, heroin is quite a mess, not for me. A unique take on a heroin, book is not for me. Confusing mess.
First of all this book was not for me, it was because of the heroine herself, she was all over the place mentally, I could not get into her head to see where she was coming from. Some others may like this type of character I do not. Like most first books in the series too much introspection, not enough action. if she, the heroine is supposed to be something special it was not proven in this first book but other people might like this type of science fiction book not me. Not enough science not enough fiction.
First of all this book was not for me, it was because of the heroine herself, she was all over the place mentally, I could not get into her head to see where she was coming from. Some others may like this type of character I do not. Like most first books in the series too much introspection, not enough action. if she, the heroine is supposed to be something special it was not proven in this first book but other people might like this type of science fiction book not me. Not enough science not enough fiction.
March 7, 2019
I really loved this book and found myself not wanting to take a break from reading it for anything! I Have never read anything by this author before, but I can say that I intend to read more by him, as I loved his writing style and I loved the plot. The characters were likeable and well rounded. In fact, there isn’t anything I could say that I didn’t like or love about this book, from the cover artwork to imaginative plot, it’s just a really awesome book! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2019
The recent death of a member of the elite Nighthawks squad has led to the appointment of pilot Ensign Helga Ate, a star academy graduate but lacking in real life combat experience. It proves to be quite the baptism of fire for the rookie, the mission seemingly compromised from the outset and with several members of the team killed. But she comes through it a seasoned warrior and a rising star in the ranks after a huge battle that destroyed ships and revealed some senior officers not to be what they had seemed.
December 6, 2021
Confusing and slow at times but does have a good climax.
I found conversations between characters hard to follow. The constant flipping back and forth between first and last names was distracting. Having been in Air Force ROTC, I understand always being called by your last name. The flipping back and forth between first and last names was confusing and just odd to the reader. Part of the story becomes very slow and as I think back not really a necessary component of the novel. The climax was excellent and I enjoyed this part of the novel.
I found conversations between characters hard to follow. The constant flipping back and forth between first and last names was distracting. Having been in Air Force ROTC, I understand always being called by your last name. The flipping back and forth between first and last names was confusing and just odd to the reader. Part of the story becomes very slow and as I think back not really a necessary component of the novel. The climax was excellent and I enjoyed this part of the novel.
March 25, 2024
High class military sci-fi
A high class start to what looks like a classic series. Helga is just out of the academy and I to the war. As a new recruit to the elite Nighthawks she is dropped into an impossible situation. A well written story full of action, savage aliens, pirates, betrayals and conspiracy. The characters are good, strong and with a bit of depth. The action is an entertaining mix of high tech and traditional. A good old fashioned sci-fi adventure. The narration is generally excellent but with the odd background noise that is audible.
A high class start to what looks like a classic series. Helga is just out of the academy and I to the war. As a new recruit to the elite Nighthawks she is dropped into an impossible situation. A well written story full of action, savage aliens, pirates, betrayals and conspiracy. The characters are good, strong and with a bit of depth. The action is an entertaining mix of high tech and traditional. A good old fashioned sci-fi adventure. The narration is generally excellent but with the odd background noise that is audible.
November 2, 2018
First off, Cari Scholtens does an amazing job narrating this book. She had unique voices for each character and her voice was enjoyable to listen to.
This is my first time reading a book by Greg Dragon. I really liked it. There's lots of action and adventure and keeps moving along. The ending could have been a little better, but it leads to the next book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is my first time reading a book by Greg Dragon. I really liked it. There's lots of action and adventure and keeps moving along. The ending could have been a little better, but it leads to the next book.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 20, 2018
I’m torn as to how I would characterize this book. It’s an entertaining, never-dull, storyline with a compelling, albeit somewhat linear plot. With the exception of the main character, the others are thinly drawn. The prose is downright clunky and there are whole paragraphs that read like shopping lists.
May 11, 2020
Exciting action adventure set in the future featuring a military special forces unit known as the Nighthawks. The future still holds racial dislike, gender bias, and infighting among military personnel to move up in rank. With a change of weaponry, this is a great story that could take place in any time frame from the old west to the distant beyond. I was gifted this from the author.
June 16, 2018
What a great start to a new series. It starts out full of action and adventure and continues all the way through! Some of the twists and plots will get your blood pressure up, and that's a good thing. Can't wait to see what Greg comes up with next!
October 24, 2018
Good to great space opera! Looking for the second book.
Good world building, good character development, thoughtful plotting and clear storytelling. Very relatable main character, with a good background that fits into the world the author has built. Would recommend. ☺
Good world building, good character development, thoughtful plotting and clear storytelling. Very relatable main character, with a good background that fits into the world the author has built. Would recommend. ☺
November 9, 2018
Helga is very good strong commander of a ship and also trying to get a slot in the glorious Nighthawks, Special Forces. Her team is deployed to Dyn and then things go wrong and she and her team are in a survival test. A good fast with many twist and routing for Helga all the way.
April 11, 2019
1 star. DNF at 10%. Maybe it gets better, but I'm not willing to waste my time bucking the odds. Book has a trite story-line, unlikable MC, and bad narrative and dialogue. Making things worse was the author's obvious ignorance of the way any real military operates.
October 16, 2020
Gritty and realistic
Has the feel of real?it. Love the characters and how they develop from page one. Looking forward to seeing what happens to Helga and the crew next. Highly recommended.
Has the feel of real?it. Love the characters and how they develop from page one. Looking forward to seeing what happens to Helga and the crew next. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2021
A great story that is a joy to read.
As the primary heroin makes her way to become a famous pilot the story follows a plot line that keeps the reader enjoying the many twists and turns and makes the need for a second book emparitive.
As the primary heroin makes her way to become a famous pilot the story follows a plot line that keeps the reader enjoying the many twists and turns and makes the need for a second book emparitive.
March 6, 2023
Disappointing. It's not much more than a series of disconnected battle scenes with not much of a story line to connect them together. What story line there was meandered along, often with huge unexplained jumps between scenes, and then just stopped without any meaningful resolution.
August 13, 2018
Space opera
Likeable characters. Good story. Easy to follow, but keeps you entertained. Ending could have been better. Still I recommend the book.
Likeable characters. Good story. Easy to follow, but keeps you entertained. Ending could have been better. Still I recommend the book.
August 19, 2018
Loved the story! Can't wait for the next Lady Hellgate book.
September 1, 2018
Standard new recruit/mil scifi.Got a bit maudlin in middle section,but plenty of real action at begining and end.Good solid start for a series of books.Well done so far mate!
February 1, 2019
More please!!
Book kept my interest. Need more strong female characters in the book world and Greg Dragon has provided one . Am hanging waiting for his next Nighthawk.
Book kept my interest. Need more strong female characters in the book world and Greg Dragon has provided one . Am hanging waiting for his next Nighthawk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews