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Central Corps #3
Breach of Containment
A reluctant hero must prevent war in space and on Earth in this fast-paced military science fiction thriller from the author of The Cold Between and Remnants of Trust.Space is full of the unknown . . . most of it ready to kill you.When hostilities between factions threaten to explode into a shooting war on the moon of Yakutsk, the two major galactic military powers, Central Corps and PSI, send ships to defuse the situation. But when a strange artifact is discovered, events are set in motion that threaten the entire colonized galaxy —including former Central Corps Commander Elena Shaw.Now an engineer on a commercial shipping vessel, Elena finds herself drawn into the conflict when she picks up the artifact on Yakutsk — and investigation of it uncovers ties to the massive, corrupt corporation Ellis Systems, whom she’s opposed before. Her safety is further compromised by her former ties to Central Corps — Elena can’t separate herself from her past life and her old ship, the CCSS Galileo.Before Elena can pursue the artifact’s purpose further, disaster all communication with the First Sector —including Earth — is lost. The reason becomes apparent when news reaches Elena of a battle fleet, intent on destruction, rapidly approaching Earth. And with communications at sublight levels, there is no way to warn the planet in time.Armed with crucial intel from a shadowy source and the strange artifact, Elena may be the only one who can stop the fleet, and Ellis, and save Earth. But for this mission there will be no second chances — and no return.
576 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2017
42 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 26, 2022
*3.5.
Did I just read 60% of this in one go instead of working? Yes, I did.
The Cold Between became one of my favorite guilty pleasures when I read the first book. It was just the ‘perfect mix’ of a real good space opera with preposterous romance (which I usually dislike, but the tug of war between Greg and Elena got me good). The second book, Remnants of Trust, was really good, but the romance situation was at a stalemate and the focus was on the space opera-esque military/political intrigue - no complaints there, the mix still worked.
This time around, however, the story hit differently. Elena is not on Galileo but on a different civilian ship and she ends up being tangled with Ellis systems, a civil war, a very friendly PSI ship, and a mysterious… thing.
You can tell the world has developed because every crew member gets more attention and Jessica particularly, starts being more prominent and getting her own POVs, which was something ‘guaranteed’ after the second installment. The focus is heavily on everything going on and not the current relationships, however. Characters dwell on the past and they interact, but the book has lost the ‘preposterous melodrama’ that made it ‘fun’ so, even if things (finally) develop and start taking shape between some individuals, they hit differently. Less of a fangirl read than it has been a ‘serious read’.
I do think the ‘fewer reasons to fangirl’ have caused a dent in how much I liked the book, but I am happy to say I love the ending. Some things flew over my head throughout the book and I feel I still don’t get why Ellis does what they do, or why PSI/the Corps do whatever else they are doing, but I went with the flow and at least I love where the characters ended up at (sort of, Greg always deserves better than he gets I guess lol).
I wish the rolling pin or Trey had been mentioned though…………….. sigh.
Did I just read 60% of this in one go instead of working? Yes, I did.
The Cold Between became one of my favorite guilty pleasures when I read the first book. It was just the ‘perfect mix’ of a real good space opera with preposterous romance (which I usually dislike, but the tug of war between Greg and Elena got me good). The second book, Remnants of Trust, was really good, but the romance situation was at a stalemate and the focus was on the space opera-esque military/political intrigue - no complaints there, the mix still worked.
This time around, however, the story hit differently. Elena is not on Galileo but on a different civilian ship and she ends up being tangled with Ellis systems, a civil war, a very friendly PSI ship, and a mysterious… thing.
You can tell the world has developed because every crew member gets more attention and Jessica particularly, starts being more prominent and getting her own POVs, which was something ‘guaranteed’ after the second installment. The focus is heavily on everything going on and not the current relationships, however. Characters dwell on the past and they interact, but the book has lost the ‘preposterous melodrama’ that made it ‘fun’ so, even if things (finally) develop and start taking shape between some individuals, they hit differently. Less of a fangirl read than it has been a ‘serious read’.
I do think the ‘fewer reasons to fangirl’ have caused a dent in how much I liked the book, but I am happy to say I love the ending. Some things flew over my head throughout the book and I feel I still don’t get why Ellis does what they do, or why PSI/the Corps do whatever else they are doing, but I went with the flow and at least I love where the characters ended up at (sort of, Greg always deserves better than he gets I guess lol).
I wish the rolling pin or Trey had been mentioned though…………….. sigh.
Want to read
October 9, 2017Maybe I want to read it? The ARC appeared on my doorstep today, unrequested by me, since I don't know a thing about this series. Can I start with the third book here or am I missing too much by not having read the first two?
November 5, 2017
This series is terrific, and grows in complexity with each book. The first book is a romance/caper, while the second expands the universe but keeps the stakes relatively small. This book is a wide-ranging galactic-scale adventure. It takes a little while (around 160 pages) to get going, but once it does it's impossible to put down.
What makes this series special is the way Bonesteel centers on relationships. Just because people are in space doesn't mean that friends, co-workers, mentors, companions, and friends-with-complications aren't the most important parts of people's lives. The characters are lush, and given space to air their (always interesting) internal monologues.
This book has an ending, but I hope it's not The End for this world and these characters. I look forward to visiting them again.
What makes this series special is the way Bonesteel centers on relationships. Just because people are in space doesn't mean that friends, co-workers, mentors, companions, and friends-with-complications aren't the most important parts of people's lives. The characters are lush, and given space to air their (always interesting) internal monologues.
This book has an ending, but I hope it's not The End for this world and these characters. I look forward to visiting them again.
October 4, 2017
Greg and Elena are back. They are not together at first but as the plot firms up they are both fighting on the same side. This is a very complex plot with some old and some new characters. There are factors that are a surprise to most and cause some changes in who believes who. Turns out you need to watch your back when your friends turn out to be something else. A interesting story line with great back story and very complex world building. I loved the story and the characters. My one complaint; main characters I really liked in one book do not show up in the next one.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2017
This started slow for me, but I was invested by the halfway point and the second half was great. I'm thrilled with where the ending left things--the characters are all pretty much exactly where I want them, doing exactly what I want them to do. I'm very much looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing an advance review copy.
Thanks to HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing an advance review copy.
December 19, 2019
Ahoy me mateys! Grab your grog! Here be book 3 of the ninth installment of the 3 Bells trilogy showcase with a minor spoiler about the end of book two. Arrrr!!!
breach of containment (Elizabeth Bonesteel)
This be an impromptu 3 Bells Showcase. I have been meaning to read the Central Corps trilogy ever since Matey Sarah brought it to me attention. So not too long ago I checked out the entire series from the library via interlibrary loan. Then it sat and waited patiently for me to get to it. Time passed and on Sunday I realized the books are due back at the end of the week. Crunch time!
In book two, Greg, Elena, and the crew of Galileo accomplished the mission given to them by Central. However, Central did not approve of exactly how the crew decided to execute orders. Part of the "punishment" at the end of book two was to transfer Elena off the ship she considers home. This makes everyone unhappy.
In this book, the crew of the Galileo are sent on a diplomatic mission to broker peace on the planet of Yakutsk which be experiencing civil war. Of course there be complications. One is that hated Admiral Herrod is chief diplomat and is now living on the Galileo. Two is that the PSI are sending their own task force to Yakutsk. Three is that a mysterious artifact has been discovered on Yakutsk and people will kill to get it. Four is that Ellis Systems still seems to be playing power games. It be a delightful mess.
I actually loved how much time has passed between books two and three and the consequences of that. I loved getting more insight into Admiral Herrod and why he be such a jerk. I actually felt sympathy for his bad choices even if I still kinda hate him. I liked where Elena has ended up and how the switch off the Galileo has impacted her life choices. She is still her lovely sometimes silly self. I continued to enjoy getting Jessica's point of view. I loved the cat. And I really adored the new character, the scavenger Dallas.
But the best part of this book by far was Captain Bayandi. I absolutely loved everything surrounding the PSI ship and its captain. I even cried about part of this story. That does NOT happen to me often. I can't get into it because of spoilers. In fact, I can't really get into any more of this story because of spoilers. The pieces tie together in interesting ways and I do think each book in the series was subsequently better. The ending of the trilogy was just awesome and I wasn't expecting any of it.
I hope that the author writes more in this world and be sad that this adventure is over. But a new adventure can’t start until the last one ends. I do encourage the crew to take a journey to read these fun novels and share ye tales of the experience with yer Captain . . .
breach of containment (Elizabeth Bonesteel)
This be an impromptu 3 Bells Showcase. I have been meaning to read the Central Corps trilogy ever since Matey Sarah brought it to me attention. So not too long ago I checked out the entire series from the library via interlibrary loan. Then it sat and waited patiently for me to get to it. Time passed and on Sunday I realized the books are due back at the end of the week. Crunch time!
In book two, Greg, Elena, and the crew of Galileo accomplished the mission given to them by Central. However, Central did not approve of exactly how the crew decided to execute orders. Part of the "punishment" at the end of book two was to transfer Elena off the ship she considers home. This makes everyone unhappy.
In this book, the crew of the Galileo are sent on a diplomatic mission to broker peace on the planet of Yakutsk which be experiencing civil war. Of course there be complications. One is that hated Admiral Herrod is chief diplomat and is now living on the Galileo. Two is that the PSI are sending their own task force to Yakutsk. Three is that a mysterious artifact has been discovered on Yakutsk and people will kill to get it. Four is that Ellis Systems still seems to be playing power games. It be a delightful mess.
I actually loved how much time has passed between books two and three and the consequences of that. I loved getting more insight into Admiral Herrod and why he be such a jerk. I actually felt sympathy for his bad choices even if I still kinda hate him. I liked where Elena has ended up and how the switch off the Galileo has impacted her life choices. She is still her lovely sometimes silly self. I continued to enjoy getting Jessica's point of view. I loved the cat. And I really adored the new character, the scavenger Dallas.
But the best part of this book by far was Captain Bayandi. I absolutely loved everything surrounding the PSI ship and its captain. I even cried about part of this story. That does NOT happen to me often. I can't get into it because of spoilers. In fact, I can't really get into any more of this story because of spoilers. The pieces tie together in interesting ways and I do think each book in the series was subsequently better. The ending of the trilogy was just awesome and I wasn't expecting any of it.
I hope that the author writes more in this world and be sad that this adventure is over. But a new adventure can’t start until the last one ends. I do encourage the crew to take a journey to read these fun novels and share ye tales of the experience with yer Captain . . .
November 15, 2017
Elizabeth Bonesteel hits it out of the park again with the third installment of her wonderfully human military space opera series. This book starts slow, with Greg and Elena split up by the Admirality, and Elena having resigned from the corps and working as a civilian. There's a mysterious object and a planetary civil war brewing, and an old nemesis has been assigned to the Galileo. All of this takes a little while to set up. However, by the end the conflicts that have been building since book one have spun out to encompass the entire galaxy. Bonesteel continues to spend a lot of time on the relationships between characters to great affect. The consequences of the events of this novel may impact the whole galaxy, but they're most sharply felt at the human level, by characters that Bonesteel has painstakingly built up before us over the course of the series.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for great character work - in space - and am eagerly looking forward to the next book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for great character work - in space - and am eagerly looking forward to the next book.
February 3, 2022
Enjoyable conclusion to the trilogy... door left open for a sequel series...
November 13, 2017
In my review of book 2, I wrote, "a multi-directional romance is one thing and an adventure with space warships is another. Mixing them is risky." That still applies.
First, you must realize that this is the specific sub-genre called military SF. Somehow we always follow the ship that has the BEST crew under the BEST leader, and somehow they're all on the same ship. And the brass are all idiots (usually with one exception).
There are eye tropes everywhere. Foster has gray eyes, of course, because he's a Hero. One person has intelligent eyes, another has clever eyes, another has patient eyes. Later we have someone whose eyes are cold, detached and very slightly bored; that's to distinguish him from the other guy whose eyes are somewhat more bored. No doubt in the next book we'll read that someone has the eyes of a former baker who likes tomatoes and used to play a lot of badminton. Reader, can YOU tell all that from anyone's eyes?
There is a decent bit of plot about a ship's AI. Foster ends up going to check it out (for a captain so concerned about his ship and crew, he spends more time off it than James Kirk). And when he learns what's up, he's not in the slightest curious about this very unusual situation, how it happened and what it might mean. Probably because, as usual, he has to go haring off after Elena. This is the guy whose crew thinks the sun shines out of his fundament. Of course, they see that fundament a lot - each time he leaves the ship.
Did I mention that the crew are ludicrously capable? To give one example, cryptography keeps coming up, and we learn that the small list of the galaxy's best cryptographers just happens to include Elena, Jessica, Ted, someone else I forget, and one of the ground scavengers? How convenient. And of course the villains are cardboard bwa-hah-hah characters.
There had to be a sex scene, and there is. After we are reminded that Greg gets around more than a bit, although there isn't much reference to the many men in Elena's past. Things must be different in the future. At least it's a future where time dilation isn't a factor. Transportation overall is a bit odd. We're told repeatedly that the fleet can't get there in time, but our heroes manage to flit about effortlessly. The Chryse takes forever to arrive, but at least we were told it was at sublight for reasons (probably that the plot wasn't ready for it yet).
Near the end, an important thing happens, and people have to be rescued. Greg and friends appear from parsecs away Just In Time, and somehow get an implausible number of people off the place Just In Time. You can almost see the red LED digits counting down on the timer.
Several people end up in situations where they obviously should be dead, but that won't do so they end up only mostly dead.
We spend a lot of pages in a carefully-worked-out plot that of course brings everything to a smashing climax. At which time the mysterious thing that Elena has been schlepping everywhere
But that ain't all. Here's the Chryse so close to destroying a certain place that everyone has it on visual, and what happens? This is right up there with hacking the aliens' OS in "Independence Day."
I'm done with this juvenile series. Can't wait for Leckie's "Provenance" to fix things. Maybe someday Bonesteel can write a book about the third smartest captain in the galaxy and her mostly-quite-competent crew, carrying out the orders of a very clever admiral in a situation where the things that happen are actually credible.
First, you must realize that this is the specific sub-genre called military SF. Somehow we always follow the ship that has the BEST crew under the BEST leader, and somehow they're all on the same ship. And the brass are all idiots (usually with one exception).
There are eye tropes everywhere. Foster has gray eyes, of course, because he's a Hero. One person has intelligent eyes, another has clever eyes, another has patient eyes. Later we have someone whose eyes are cold, detached and very slightly bored; that's to distinguish him from the other guy whose eyes are somewhat more bored. No doubt in the next book we'll read that someone has the eyes of a former baker who likes tomatoes and used to play a lot of badminton. Reader, can YOU tell all that from anyone's eyes?
There is a decent bit of plot about a ship's AI. Foster ends up going to check it out (for a captain so concerned about his ship and crew, he spends more time off it than James Kirk). And when he learns what's up, he's not in the slightest curious about this very unusual situation, how it happened and what it might mean. Probably because, as usual, he has to go haring off after Elena. This is the guy whose crew thinks the sun shines out of his fundament. Of course, they see that fundament a lot - each time he leaves the ship.
Did I mention that the crew are ludicrously capable? To give one example, cryptography keeps coming up, and we learn that the small list of the galaxy's best cryptographers just happens to include Elena, Jessica, Ted, someone else I forget, and one of the ground scavengers? How convenient. And of course the villains are cardboard bwa-hah-hah characters.
There had to be a sex scene, and there is. After we are reminded that Greg gets around more than a bit, although there isn't much reference to the many men in Elena's past. Things must be different in the future. At least it's a future where time dilation isn't a factor. Transportation overall is a bit odd. We're told repeatedly that the fleet can't get there in time, but our heroes manage to flit about effortlessly. The Chryse takes forever to arrive, but at least we were told it was at sublight for reasons (probably that the plot wasn't ready for it yet).
Near the end, an important thing happens, and people have to be rescued. Greg and friends appear from parsecs away Just In Time, and somehow get an implausible number of people off the place Just In Time. You can almost see the red LED digits counting down on the timer.
Several people end up in situations where they obviously should be dead, but that won't do so they end up only mostly dead.
We spend a lot of pages in a carefully-worked-out plot that of course brings everything to a smashing climax. At which time the mysterious thing that Elena has been schlepping everywhere
But that ain't all. Here's the Chryse so close to destroying a certain place that everyone has it on visual, and what happens? This is right up there with hacking the aliens' OS in "Independence Day."
I'm done with this juvenile series. Can't wait for Leckie's "Provenance" to fix things. Maybe someday Bonesteel can write a book about the third smartest captain in the galaxy and her mostly-quite-competent crew, carrying out the orders of a very clever admiral in a situation where the things that happen are actually credible.
July 14, 2018
You can pick this one up and get involved in the adventure without reading the previous two books, but in order to get the very best out of it, I recommend that you go looking for The Cold Between and Remnants of Trust. Not only do these previous books give you a great insight into the world, Bonesteel tends to write her characters with layers and you will miss out on a fair amount if you aren’t aware of some key moments in their backstory.
It was with great pleasure and anticipation that I found myself back in this riven world, where the colonies, Earth, their appointed peacekeepers – the Corp and the shadowy PSI are all at odds with each other. And that doesn’t factor in some of the worrying moves made by a major terraforming mega corporation. So there is a complicated political standoff where tensions are running high. I love the way that Bonesteel juxtaposes these large major concerns with the issues in the lives of her major characters. As ever, the stage is set for a major adventure to kick off – and this time the domed human settlement of Yakutsk is the hub where the action initially begins. However, it isn’t where it ends…
The plot rackets along at a fair lick, which each character in this multi-viewpoint story giving their slice of the adventure. As ever, my main attention is snagged by the two main protagonists, Elena and Greg, who have been at the heart of the story since the first book. But I also really enjoyed learning more about Admiral Herrod, who was one of the main antagonists in the previous book. I always appreciate a writer who gives me a villain who isn’t your typical evil character, but someone trying to do the best they can while making morally wrong decisions along the way – which is the case for most of the ‘bad’ people I’ve encountered in my own lifetime.
This adventure held me until the end and in places really pulled at my heartstrings – it will be a long time before I forget the scene where Greg accompanies Captain Bayandi on his final mission… All in all, this was another storming addition to an excellent series. I note, with hope, that the ending leaves the way open for more adventures – so fingers crossed, Bonesteel is even now, planning the next slice in Greg and Elena’s lives. Highly recommended for space opera fans.
9/10
It was with great pleasure and anticipation that I found myself back in this riven world, where the colonies, Earth, their appointed peacekeepers – the Corp and the shadowy PSI are all at odds with each other. And that doesn’t factor in some of the worrying moves made by a major terraforming mega corporation. So there is a complicated political standoff where tensions are running high. I love the way that Bonesteel juxtaposes these large major concerns with the issues in the lives of her major characters. As ever, the stage is set for a major adventure to kick off – and this time the domed human settlement of Yakutsk is the hub where the action initially begins. However, it isn’t where it ends…
The plot rackets along at a fair lick, which each character in this multi-viewpoint story giving their slice of the adventure. As ever, my main attention is snagged by the two main protagonists, Elena and Greg, who have been at the heart of the story since the first book. But I also really enjoyed learning more about Admiral Herrod, who was one of the main antagonists in the previous book. I always appreciate a writer who gives me a villain who isn’t your typical evil character, but someone trying to do the best they can while making morally wrong decisions along the way – which is the case for most of the ‘bad’ people I’ve encountered in my own lifetime.
This adventure held me until the end and in places really pulled at my heartstrings – it will be a long time before I forget the scene where Greg accompanies Captain Bayandi on his final mission… All in all, this was another storming addition to an excellent series. I note, with hope, that the ending leaves the way open for more adventures – so fingers crossed, Bonesteel is even now, planning the next slice in Greg and Elena’s lives. Highly recommended for space opera fans.
9/10
December 12, 2019
19% I've said it before I'll say it again: Jessica Lockwood is a goddamn gift. The way she talks Bear down from his parental fear-induced rage is something no one else on the ship could have managed.
"I take off for a couple of hours, and you lose the entire First Sector. What the fuck, sir?"
44% I'm really enjoying the lack of interpersonal drama so far. Instead of angsting over Elena and Greg's will they/won't they, Bonesteel is focusing on the BIG FUCKING CONSPIRACY.
Also, the bullshit Ellis is trying to pull with the comms in the environmental dome tech reminds me of what John Deere is trying to pull with its customers.
53% Why do sex scenes in professionally published books always give me the motts? Ugh.
93% Oh, god, Bayandi, you dear, sweet, old man.
This series just keeps getting better and better, I swear. And the crew of the Galileo ends up exactly where they are supposed to be.
"I take off for a couple of hours, and you lose the entire First Sector. What the fuck, sir?"
44% I'm really enjoying the lack of interpersonal drama so far. Instead of angsting over Elena and Greg's will they/won't they, Bonesteel is focusing on the BIG FUCKING CONSPIRACY.
Also, the bullshit Ellis is trying to pull with the comms in the environmental dome tech reminds me of what John Deere is trying to pull with its customers.
53% Why do sex scenes in professionally published books always give me the motts? Ugh.
93% Oh, god, Bayandi, you dear, sweet, old man.
This series just keeps getting better and better, I swear. And the crew of the Galileo ends up exactly where they are supposed to be.
October 17, 2019
I loved the first two books in this series, and loved this one even more. Perhaps it’s because I’m more invested in the characters after the two previous books, but it's also because the stakes are so high in this one, and it’s such a powerful book emotionally. There's always a danger with multiple plot lines - it's far too easy for one plot to be more engaging than the others, and I often end up skipping big chunks to see what happens. But here, each of the story lines was gripping, so I was never tempted to skip. Okay, maybe once, just to make sure an important character was still alive. But once I knew that (at a glance) I was happy to go back and see how it played out. I love this series unreservedly. A joy to immerse myself in.
January 4, 2018
Great series for any sci-fi fan.
This trilogy of books has a refreshing true equality between sexes, intelligent complexities of technology, true grit, loyalty between humans, flawed human characters, and some romance that is exciting as well as real- boring, mistaken and sad at times. I love the characters who are focused on their jobs and beliefs first.
This trilogy of books has a refreshing true equality between sexes, intelligent complexities of technology, true grit, loyalty between humans, flawed human characters, and some romance that is exciting as well as real- boring, mistaken and sad at times. I love the characters who are focused on their jobs and beliefs first.
November 2, 2017
Good ending to a great trilogy.
September 27, 2017
A well written Science Fiction Novel. The characters were intriguing and the storyline kept up a good pace to keep me pulled in. I enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to fans of sci-fi books.
October 31, 2017
I didn't realize that this was the middle of a series when I started reading it, so all the characters seemed a little flat, and the described universe never really came into focus for me. With that said, it was still fun, though it was a bit of a struggle to stay engaged.
December 6, 2017
A review of this book is really a review of the series of 3 books; The Cold Between, Remnants of Trust, and Breach of Containment. These books would be classified, in my humble opinion, as a military space opera... and a pretty good one at that. A little unrequited love, some sex, but mostly military strategy and the inevitable lack of morality within the military command structure coupled with corporate greed. Overall rating for the series.... 4 stars.
January 19, 2022
4.5 stars. I enjoyed the characters and the world building and look forward to seeing more of Bonesteel’s work.
March 19, 2018
Breach of Containment by Elizabeth Bonesteel
This is the third book in an excellent series. Bonesteel has crafted a future that is exciting and dismaying as it clearly shows the foibles of today are also the foibles of tomorrow. She also provides hope with her characterizations.
Elena, former Chief Engineer of Galileo is back as well as Captain Greg Foster. There is still romantic tension between the two but the main focus of the story is the collusion between political and corporate entities. The colony of Yakutsk is the primary setting where two domed cities are embroiled in petty competitiveness.
Scavengers are depicted as hardy pioneer types while corporate is shown to be sleazy and corrupt. Considering the amount of space junk currently in orbit around Earth it isn’t a stretch to think a couple of hundred years in the future a living could be made off of all the electronic waste we generate. Look at the tons of plastic floating in our oceans.
Artificial intelligence is depicted in various degrees of sophistication. It adds to the flavor of the book.
This book stands alone okay but I would recommend reading Remnants of Trust and The Cold Between for background and for sheer enjoyment.
I highly recommend the book and the series.
Web: elizabethbonesteel.com
This is the third book in an excellent series. Bonesteel has crafted a future that is exciting and dismaying as it clearly shows the foibles of today are also the foibles of tomorrow. She also provides hope with her characterizations.
Elena, former Chief Engineer of Galileo is back as well as Captain Greg Foster. There is still romantic tension between the two but the main focus of the story is the collusion between political and corporate entities. The colony of Yakutsk is the primary setting where two domed cities are embroiled in petty competitiveness.
Scavengers are depicted as hardy pioneer types while corporate is shown to be sleazy and corrupt. Considering the amount of space junk currently in orbit around Earth it isn’t a stretch to think a couple of hundred years in the future a living could be made off of all the electronic waste we generate. Look at the tons of plastic floating in our oceans.
Artificial intelligence is depicted in various degrees of sophistication. It adds to the flavor of the book.
This book stands alone okay but I would recommend reading Remnants of Trust and The Cold Between for background and for sheer enjoyment.
I highly recommend the book and the series.
Web: elizabethbonesteel.com
July 15, 2020
I listened to the first two books through the library and could not languish in wait list hell so I bought the Kindle version of the third. I do not usually get into military SF because the ones I've read felt like watching others play chess and the female characters were cardboard. Not my idea of fun. This was so much more about the people and how they relate to each other. The characters are amazingly well drawn. They feel real. The crew is diverse and this passes the Bechdel test with flying colors. I put the book down hours ago but it feels like they are still talking and living their lives. (Kinda ironic for this book.)
Science Fiction - This series is Space Opera. There is FTL and not really an explanation of how it works. Most of the rest of the advanced tech makes sense though.
Romance - There is a romance. Because the writer writes so much about the lives and relationships some of them get around to more than smooching and it doesn't fade to black. It all fits in the story and with the characters and does not feel gratuitous to me.
Please everyone buy this series so that it becomes famous and is made into a movie.
Science Fiction - This series is Space Opera. There is FTL and not really an explanation of how it works. Most of the rest of the advanced tech makes sense though.
Romance - There is a romance. Because the writer writes so much about the lives and relationships some of them get around to more than smooching and it doesn't fade to black. It all fits in the story and with the characters and does not feel gratuitous to me.
Please everyone buy this series so that it becomes famous and is made into a movie.
November 6, 2021
I'm feeling generous, so 5*. It does build upon the basis of previous 2 books quite well. The already established world makes for a good substrate for characters old and new, and the plot itself is captivating. I admit that at first I thought the author is overdoing it with how extremely pacifistic everyone in the military was, but she sold the idea quite well by the end.
I also appreciate that all of the books were self-contained, so there was no second-book syndrome. That's not to say it doesn't matter where you start - the books do very much build on one another, so you'd be missing out on most of the context that seems to make each successive book in this series better than the last.
Plus, the plots of the three books make for a cohesive narrative arc that seems to open and close in the right places, showing us a tumultuous few years in the character's lives and the changes they effected.
I also appreciate that all of the books were self-contained, so there was no second-book syndrome. That's not to say it doesn't matter where you start - the books do very much build on one another, so you'd be missing out on most of the context that seems to make each successive book in this series better than the last.
Plus, the plots of the three books make for a cohesive narrative arc that seems to open and close in the right places, showing us a tumultuous few years in the character's lives and the changes they effected.
March 1, 2018
What a Finish!!
I'm actually not too sure what to say. It is a massively good novel, just as the other three are. My mind will be digesting components of this work for some time to come - especially related to "We" and the Captain of Chryse. Amazing constructs actually! I am so glad for the remaining human element and how the author united them!! Especially Greg and Elena. I'm happy for Jessica, Ted, Bear, Arin, Dallas, and Bob also.
I love books and novels that take me somewhere other than where I am. It's like traveling. This trilogy does just that. I would recommend anyone to purchase these books. I don't like to analyze written work as it takes away from the joy of the story. So if you want a wonderful read to enjoy you have found it.
I'm actually not too sure what to say. It is a massively good novel, just as the other three are. My mind will be digesting components of this work for some time to come - especially related to "We" and the Captain of Chryse. Amazing constructs actually! I am so glad for the remaining human element and how the author united them!! Especially Greg and Elena. I'm happy for Jessica, Ted, Bear, Arin, Dallas, and Bob also.
I love books and novels that take me somewhere other than where I am. It's like traveling. This trilogy does just that. I would recommend anyone to purchase these books. I don't like to analyze written work as it takes away from the joy of the story. So if you want a wonderful read to enjoy you have found it.
April 3, 2018
I really loved this third book in this series. There was a bit of mystery, a fair bit of action, good character development, and the overall story was intriguing. It's not very often that a science fiction read invokes a lot of emotion but there were a couple of times in this book that the author really pulled out all the stops! I'm not sure if this was the final book in the series or if there will be more to come but in my opinion each book keeps getting better and I am hoping there will be more with these characters. This series has been a fun space opera read with a military setting and enough action/adventure to keep things interesting.
October 1, 2024
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
so many emotions
so many emotions
September 19, 2018
#3 in the Central Corps series. This 2017 series entry from author Elizabeth Bonesteel is a tour de force. In the prior two novels of the series, author Bonesteel has fleshed out her universe. Now, it's been year since Elena Shaw quit the Corps and got a job on a commercial freighter. and evil Ellis Corp. is embarked on a quest to conquer the galaxy. As bad, a faction of the Central Corps ruling Admiralty is aware of the plans and is complicit. The story arcs unfold like three interleaved Saturday morning serials with a cliffhanger in one segment giving way to a different plotline. But fear not, it all comes together in a satisfactory but quite surprising manner.
When hostilities between factions threaten to explode into a shooting war on the moon of Yakutsk, the two major galactic military powers, Central Corps and PSI, send ships to defuse the situation. But when a strange artifact is discovered, events are set in motion that threaten the entire colonized galaxy—including former Central Corps Commander Elena Shaw. Now an engineer on a commercial shipping vessel, Elena finds herself drawn into the conflict when she picks up the artifact on Yakutsk—and investigation of it uncovers ties to the massive, corrupt corporation Ellis Systems, whom she’s opposed before. Her safety is further compromised by her former ties to Central Corps—Elena can’t separate herself from her past life and her old ship, the CCSS Galileo. Before Elena can pursue the artifact’s purpose further, disaster strikes: all communication with the First Sector—including Earth—is lost. The reason becomes apparent when news reaches Elena of a battle fleet, intent on destruction, rapidly approaching Earth. And with communications at sub-
light levels, there is no way to warn the planet in time.
When hostilities between factions threaten to explode into a shooting war on the moon of Yakutsk, the two major galactic military powers, Central Corps and PSI, send ships to defuse the situation. But when a strange artifact is discovered, events are set in motion that threaten the entire colonized galaxy—including former Central Corps Commander Elena Shaw. Now an engineer on a commercial shipping vessel, Elena finds herself drawn into the conflict when she picks up the artifact on Yakutsk—and investigation of it uncovers ties to the massive, corrupt corporation Ellis Systems, whom she’s opposed before. Her safety is further compromised by her former ties to Central Corps—Elena can’t separate herself from her past life and her old ship, the CCSS Galileo. Before Elena can pursue the artifact’s purpose further, disaster strikes: all communication with the First Sector—including Earth—is lost. The reason becomes apparent when news reaches Elena of a battle fleet, intent on destruction, rapidly approaching Earth. And with communications at sub-
light levels, there is no way to warn the planet in time.
January 13, 2020
Full disclosure: I'm not much of a space opera reader. I think the last one I read (if it even counts) was Dan Simmons' Hyperion. I haven't read the other two books in this series. But when I came across this book, I found myself getting pulled in and really enjoying it.
What I liked right off the bat was that the story incorporates both the "little" people—like Dallas the scavenger—and the people who command starships. Bonesteel's universe feels genuinely big, and it feels complex and plausible. The good guys and bad guys aren't always easy to identify, but I instantly related to Elena, Greg, and Jessica and the sense of duty and camaraderie that bonds them. They embody a trope I'm always here for: people who are working within a morally gray power structure but can be trusted to do the right thing.
The book's first half is slower than the second, with a lot of exposition and setup. But I needed the exposition, and my curiosity about the artifact kept me interested—mystery with a mystical tinge is right up my alley. Then came the big midpoint twist, and blam! I was hooked. There's a scene between two characters that I absolutely loved, and a set piece in the last third that's incredibly affecting, cinematic, and chilling.
Overall, this book left me deeply curious about what comes next. I'm tempted to check out the first two books as well, even though this is outside my usual genres (psychological thriller, mystery, realistic literary fiction). It gave me some of that old excitement I got discovering 2001: A Space Odyssey and Ursula K. Le Guin as a kid. If you like your space operas with believable politics and complex characters (including strong female and nonbinary characters), check it out!
What I liked right off the bat was that the story incorporates both the "little" people—like Dallas the scavenger—and the people who command starships. Bonesteel's universe feels genuinely big, and it feels complex and plausible. The good guys and bad guys aren't always easy to identify, but I instantly related to Elena, Greg, and Jessica and the sense of duty and camaraderie that bonds them. They embody a trope I'm always here for: people who are working within a morally gray power structure but can be trusted to do the right thing.
The book's first half is slower than the second, with a lot of exposition and setup. But I needed the exposition, and my curiosity about the artifact kept me interested—mystery with a mystical tinge is right up my alley. Then came the big midpoint twist, and blam! I was hooked. There's a scene between two characters that I absolutely loved, and a set piece in the last third that's incredibly affecting, cinematic, and chilling.
Overall, this book left me deeply curious about what comes next. I'm tempted to check out the first two books as well, even though this is outside my usual genres (psychological thriller, mystery, realistic literary fiction). It gave me some of that old excitement I got discovering 2001: A Space Odyssey and Ursula K. Le Guin as a kid. If you like your space operas with believable politics and complex characters (including strong female and nonbinary characters), check it out!
April 18, 2021
“Breach of Containment” (Central Corp #3) by Elizabeth Bonesteel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Genre: SciFi. Location: Far, far away in outer space. Time: Distant future.-
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Captain Greg Foster and his crew on the space ship Galileo are sent to keep peace on Yakult, an airless moon with two dome cities. The cities are moving toward war with each other when a far greater threat appears from outside the system. Meanwhile, Elena Shaw, who resigned her position on Galileo a year ago, is aboard a civilian space freighter ready to drop off a load of supplies for Yakult.-
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Set in two locations, this 3rd and last novel in the series focuses on a series of dangerous events. On Yakult, Greg’s 2nd in command Jessica focuses on what the evil corporation Ellis Co. has planned. This may include the takeover of Yakult or its destruction. In space, Greg and Elena are focused on a strange artifact and a very mysterious spy ship when an entire space station with 10,000 residents is blown up. Working together and alone, those in both locations must find a way to stop Ellis Co before it destroys Earth.-
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It’s a space opera, that’s for sure. Plenty of action and angst, with star-crossed romances wedged in. It’s just not (in my opinion) a very engaging story.
Although I’ve read all 3 books, I couldn’t find any empathy for Greg’s angst, and my sympathy for Elena’s troubles was low at best. Still, there’s plenty of fighting and action in space and on Yakult, and plenty of communication hacking for those who like that. It’s 3 stars from me. 🌵📚👩🏼🦳”
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Captain Greg Foster and his crew on the space ship Galileo are sent to keep peace on Yakult, an airless moon with two dome cities. The cities are moving toward war with each other when a far greater threat appears from outside the system. Meanwhile, Elena Shaw, who resigned her position on Galileo a year ago, is aboard a civilian space freighter ready to drop off a load of supplies for Yakult.-
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Set in two locations, this 3rd and last novel in the series focuses on a series of dangerous events. On Yakult, Greg’s 2nd in command Jessica focuses on what the evil corporation Ellis Co. has planned. This may include the takeover of Yakult or its destruction. In space, Greg and Elena are focused on a strange artifact and a very mysterious spy ship when an entire space station with 10,000 residents is blown up. Working together and alone, those in both locations must find a way to stop Ellis Co before it destroys Earth.-
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It’s a space opera, that’s for sure. Plenty of action and angst, with star-crossed romances wedged in. It’s just not (in my opinion) a very engaging story.
Although I’ve read all 3 books, I couldn’t find any empathy for Greg’s angst, and my sympathy for Elena’s troubles was low at best. Still, there’s plenty of fighting and action in space and on Yakult, and plenty of communication hacking for those who like that. It’s 3 stars from me. 🌵📚👩🏼🦳”
April 24, 2018
This is an exceptionally great Sci-Fi series and a solid ending to the story arc.
I do not read much Sci-Fi. Not because I do not enjoy it but more so because I find myself getting lost in endless descriptions of technology. I want to know and the characters and their relationships. I don't care where you have placed them or in what time period. Yes, cool gadgets and gizmos are all well and good but I only want enough to understand the world and the characters more. I do not want to feel like I am reading through a technical journal. This series gives me the perfect balance. Just enough about the technology to understand and tons of characters and their relationships.
In this story Shaw is now a mechanic on an independent freighter. She has resigned her commission with the Corps. Captain Foster is still on the "Galileo" and trying to fight the good fight. They are thrown back together by a crisis with a colony that turns into a huge attack on society as they know it. They are forced to make huge decisions without the back up of the Corps, instead based on what they believe to be right and wrong.
I like the wrap up given to us here. The big questions and relationships were resolved, but I am left wanting the next saga in the overall story. I want to turn the page and know what happens next! These are great characters in an excellent world that I do not want to leave just yet. Great series and well worth the read.
I do not read much Sci-Fi. Not because I do not enjoy it but more so because I find myself getting lost in endless descriptions of technology. I want to know and the characters and their relationships. I don't care where you have placed them or in what time period. Yes, cool gadgets and gizmos are all well and good but I only want enough to understand the world and the characters more. I do not want to feel like I am reading through a technical journal. This series gives me the perfect balance. Just enough about the technology to understand and tons of characters and their relationships.
In this story Shaw is now a mechanic on an independent freighter. She has resigned her commission with the Corps. Captain Foster is still on the "Galileo" and trying to fight the good fight. They are thrown back together by a crisis with a colony that turns into a huge attack on society as they know it. They are forced to make huge decisions without the back up of the Corps, instead based on what they believe to be right and wrong.
I like the wrap up given to us here. The big questions and relationships were resolved, but I am left wanting the next saga in the overall story. I want to turn the page and know what happens next! These are great characters in an excellent world that I do not want to leave just yet. Great series and well worth the read.
September 19, 2021
Enjoyable enough conclusion to the trilogy, but it's got a few problems.
Issue #1: this series is definitely working the space romance angle, but Elena & Greg (who are both nursing a deathless romance) are both being morons about it, despite all of their friends basically saying "good god, just fuck already". They're both decent enough people, but it's a bit eye-rolling, which is a problem since they're the ostensible leads.
Issue #2: There's a maguffin added to the fire that really feels like a bit of a portable deus ex machina, which is not something I'm terribly fond of in any fiction. It needed to be either better defined and explained or not around.
Now, one of the other crew and a scavenger from the planet in conflict get good POV writing and their stories are a good counterpoint to the angst of Elena & Greg and there's some interesting maneuvering, negotiation, and occasional bursts of action that keeps the plot moving. Greg does well when he's not moping, but Elena is a bit of a limp rag too often from a personality standpoint to carry her share of the story, i think.
There's an interesting book in here, and the actual writing isn't bad by any means (there's some scenes that are genuinely emotional and pack a real punch), but there's definitely some plot issues going on and feels like it might be missing a chapter or three. For once was there too much editing? who knows.
It's not a bad series, but should have been better.
Issue #1: this series is definitely working the space romance angle, but Elena & Greg (who are both nursing a deathless romance) are both being morons about it, despite all of their friends basically saying "good god, just fuck already". They're both decent enough people, but it's a bit eye-rolling, which is a problem since they're the ostensible leads.
Issue #2: There's a maguffin added to the fire that really feels like a bit of a portable deus ex machina, which is not something I'm terribly fond of in any fiction. It needed to be either better defined and explained or not around.
Now, one of the other crew and a scavenger from the planet in conflict get good POV writing and their stories are a good counterpoint to the angst of Elena & Greg and there's some interesting maneuvering, negotiation, and occasional bursts of action that keeps the plot moving. Greg does well when he's not moping, but Elena is a bit of a limp rag too often from a personality standpoint to carry her share of the story, i think.
There's an interesting book in here, and the actual writing isn't bad by any means (there's some scenes that are genuinely emotional and pack a real punch), but there's definitely some plot issues going on and feels like it might be missing a chapter or three. For once was there too much editing? who knows.
It's not a bad series, but should have been better.
April 9, 2019
I gave the previous two books in the series four stars each. I’m not sure if this is really much worse or if I was just more judgemental.
For supposedly super competent, highly ranked military officers the characters sure behaved like naive idiots with the emotional maturity of 14-year olds. Why is everybody up to the rank of Captain an honest guy but somehow all Admirals are corrupt as hell? Why are you wasting time wallowing on your torrid affair when the universe is going up in flames? Why are going on more stupid away missions than Captain Kirk if your staff is as competent as you keep saying they are?
I finished the book because of Jessica and to find out the resolution to the plot. Not going to read anything else about Greg and Elena.
For supposedly super competent, highly ranked military officers the characters sure behaved like naive idiots with the emotional maturity of 14-year olds. Why is everybody up to the rank of Captain an honest guy but somehow all Admirals are corrupt as hell? Why are you wasting time wallowing on your torrid affair when the universe is going up in flames? Why are going on more stupid away missions than Captain Kirk if your staff is as competent as you keep saying they are?
I finished the book because of Jessica and to find out the resolution to the plot. Not going to read anything else about Greg and Elena.
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