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Expeditionary Force #6
Mavericks
Listening Length: 17 hours and 21 minutes
The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet 'Paradise' get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first...
The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet 'Paradise' get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first...
18 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 25, 2018
1614 people are currently reading
1797 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
42 books4,241 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
July 11, 2018
Ok but more a side story
While I loved the first books in this series, this book fell a little flat. More than half the books is a side story that while a bit entertaining and does set the possibilities of a side series or something, it wasn’t what the book promised.
During the later half of the book many of the incidents and interactions between Joe and Skippy felt forced, more for the sake of having to put something in than actual substance. It didn’t help that many of the romantic parings felt very forced
I look forward to the next book to see how things play out and hope it’s back to the standards of the first few books.
While I loved the first books in this series, this book fell a little flat. More than half the books is a side story that while a bit entertaining and does set the possibilities of a side series or something, it wasn’t what the book promised.
During the later half of the book many of the incidents and interactions between Joe and Skippy felt forced, more for the sake of having to put something in than actual substance. It didn’t help that many of the romantic parings felt very forced
I look forward to the next book to see how things play out and hope it’s back to the standards of the first few books.
October 7, 2018
I've often wondered if the reason that subsequent books in a series are rated higher than previous books is because the readership is being distilled to only the true fans.
This book being rated so high is a indication that this is, indeed, the case.
Everything starts off well enough with Joe and Skippy encountering problems, as is par for the course for these books. Then, for almost the entirely of the narrative, the pov shifts to Col. Perkins and her team. 10+ hours of something that could have been glossed over, by Joe and Skippy in like 20 minutes.
I was extremely disappointed to see we were back to the uninspired storyline of book 3 and 3.5. When book 4 and 5 rolled around and the only shift on pov was when Joe couldn't be along on a mission, it was fine. It didn't take away from the story because it was short lived and important to the story.
The long and drawn out story of Col Perkins team was almost completely done uninteresting and left me wishing the book was finished.
Instead of eagerly swaying the next installment as usual, I am hoping if the series continues, that the story goes back to what works.
This book being rated so high is a indication that this is, indeed, the case.
Everything starts off well enough with Joe and Skippy encountering problems, as is par for the course for these books. Then, for almost the entirely of the narrative, the pov shifts to Col. Perkins and her team. 10+ hours of something that could have been glossed over, by Joe and Skippy in like 20 minutes.
I was extremely disappointed to see we were back to the uninspired storyline of book 3 and 3.5. When book 4 and 5 rolled around and the only shift on pov was when Joe couldn't be along on a mission, it was fine. It didn't take away from the story because it was short lived and important to the story.
The long and drawn out story of Col Perkins team was almost completely done uninteresting and left me wishing the book was finished.
Instead of eagerly swaying the next installment as usual, I am hoping if the series continues, that the story goes back to what works.
January 17, 2019
This book has confirmed my problem with the series, and it is that outside of Skippy and Joe the cast is rather lackluster and boring. The book starts off with another laughable Star Trekkish problem of the week, an energy virus that made me almost cringed in embarressment, can we please have a problem that isn't another 'ship in trouble'. How hard is it to just give the Merry Band a breather or doing something that isn't so pavlovianly predictable.
The crew of paradise is rather uninteresting, and many of the interaction could've been glossed over in a few pages. Through those arduous pages I pretty much had my eyes glazed over, waiting for when the POV would switch back to the Dutchman(which returned to the rather unimpressive 'energy virus'). This would've been done better as another .5 novel that I would've gladly not ever bothered reading.
How is this rated so high? This is another problem I see with these types of books, the first few books do decently enough that people who have invested heavily enough to read the further books eventually become to hardcore to not give actual reviews, and the author rests on his laurels. In this case, another subpar piece that strings the reader along with tidbits of actual contents padded with fillers.
The crew of paradise is rather uninteresting, and many of the interaction could've been glossed over in a few pages. Through those arduous pages I pretty much had my eyes glazed over, waiting for when the POV would switch back to the Dutchman(which returned to the rather unimpressive 'energy virus'). This would've been done better as another .5 novel that I would've gladly not ever bothered reading.
How is this rated so high? This is another problem I see with these types of books, the first few books do decently enough that people who have invested heavily enough to read the further books eventually become to hardcore to not give actual reviews, and the author rests on his laurels. In this case, another subpar piece that strings the reader along with tidbits of actual contents padded with fillers.
June 2, 2018
Ex For (book 6) Marvellous
Marvellous: Story rolling along but the big question remains will Joe get home before the Dutchman runs out of cheeseburgers.
Marvellous: Story rolling along but the big question remains will Joe get home before the Dutchman runs out of cheeseburgers.
December 22, 2025
Definitely action filled
I've seen a few people complain that this is more a trailer for the spin-off series Mavericks than an actual ExForce book, and I don't entirely disagree. That said, this is still a high quality, action filled Expeditionary Force book .
The Merry Band of Pirates is yet again faced with problems concerning their frankenship. While they're solving that particular issue, Joe has time to read up on what's been going on with Perkins and the rest of her team on Paradise. It's like another novellete inside an ExForce group. It provides a lot of action and the background necessary for Joe and Skippy to go on to their next mission, help UNEF on Paradise, yet again
What I liked about Mavericks is that it gives us a better view of the Ruhar civilization, and introduces us to the Verd-Kris. It also gives a better view of the war beyond the limitations of the Merry Band of Pirates. We get to see things that don't involve or affect Earth and it suddenly feels more real, and much, much bigger.
Additionally, slowly but surely we get more questions, and maybe a stray answer or two about the deeper mystery Joe and Skippy want to solve: what's been going in the galaxy since the Elders left?
I really enjoyed this one (I enjoy all of them, duuh) and now, knowing Perkins' ideas for the Mavericks, I am excited to tackle those books too. I've been speculating like crazy about what will happen next.
I've seen a few people complain that this is more a trailer for the spin-off series Mavericks than an actual ExForce book, and I don't entirely disagree. That said, this is still a high quality, action filled Expeditionary Force book .
The Merry Band of Pirates is yet again faced with problems concerning their frankenship. While they're solving that particular issue, Joe has time to read up on what's been going on with Perkins and the rest of her team on Paradise. It's like another novellete inside an ExForce group. It provides a lot of action and the background necessary for Joe and Skippy to go on to their next mission, help UNEF on Paradise, yet again
What I liked about Mavericks is that it gives us a better view of the Ruhar civilization, and introduces us to the Verd-Kris. It also gives a better view of the war beyond the limitations of the Merry Band of Pirates. We get to see things that don't involve or affect Earth and it suddenly feels more real, and much, much bigger.
Additionally, slowly but surely we get more questions, and maybe a stray answer or two about the deeper mystery Joe and Skippy want to solve: what's been going in the galaxy since the Elders left?
I really enjoyed this one (I enjoy all of them, duuh) and now, knowing Perkins' ideas for the Mavericks, I am excited to tackle those books too. I've been speculating like crazy about what will happen next.
September 28, 2018
A Skippy Shandy!
Six books in and still going strong but this isn't going to make everyone happy. The thing that makes theses stories really pop is of course Colonel Joe and Skippy the inter-galactic beer can. Their banter and zany problem solving are the heartbeat of these books and it starts off with a classic example of just that. However, they then take a back seat for more than half of the book as we turn back to follow the characters back on Paradise as they set up a situation requiring more of that Skippy awesomeness! So, it's not quite full strength Skippy, more of a Skippy Shandy!
I still think it's quality stuff and there's still plenty of humour, action and hi-jinx in that side adventure but if you're expecting another seventeen hours of the Joe & Skippy show then you aren't going to quite get it. They do turn up again in their usual inimitable style for a few hours at the end of the book and are as good as ever. For me personally, it works very well and the Paradise characters are strong enough to hold a story though they may lack a little in star quality in comparison.
RC Bray, I must admit I give up now finding new ways to describe his awesomeness, maybe I can just say he is the Skippy of the narration world. I can't help but imagine a broad grin crossing his face as he gets one of these to read because he really throws himself into them and gives every impression of enjoying his task in bringing them to us.
So, I'm a happy camper and enjoyed this thoroughly but it does come with the warning that Joe and Skippy don't feature quite so prominently as before. I liked the change of style, incredibly this is the sixth of these books, or seventh if you count the novella that was Trouble on Paradise, to appear in under two years and they aren't exactly short books. Perhaps a bit of variety isn't a bad thing especially as the side stories still have plenty of Alanson's trademark style about them but overall satisfaction levels with this one are going to vary.
Six books in and still going strong but this isn't going to make everyone happy. The thing that makes theses stories really pop is of course Colonel Joe and Skippy the inter-galactic beer can. Their banter and zany problem solving are the heartbeat of these books and it starts off with a classic example of just that. However, they then take a back seat for more than half of the book as we turn back to follow the characters back on Paradise as they set up a situation requiring more of that Skippy awesomeness! So, it's not quite full strength Skippy, more of a Skippy Shandy!
I still think it's quality stuff and there's still plenty of humour, action and hi-jinx in that side adventure but if you're expecting another seventeen hours of the Joe & Skippy show then you aren't going to quite get it. They do turn up again in their usual inimitable style for a few hours at the end of the book and are as good as ever. For me personally, it works very well and the Paradise characters are strong enough to hold a story though they may lack a little in star quality in comparison.
RC Bray, I must admit I give up now finding new ways to describe his awesomeness, maybe I can just say he is the Skippy of the narration world. I can't help but imagine a broad grin crossing his face as he gets one of these to read because he really throws himself into them and gives every impression of enjoying his task in bringing them to us.
So, I'm a happy camper and enjoyed this thoroughly but it does come with the warning that Joe and Skippy don't feature quite so prominently as before. I liked the change of style, incredibly this is the sixth of these books, or seventh if you count the novella that was Trouble on Paradise, to appear in under two years and they aren't exactly short books. Perhaps a bit of variety isn't a bad thing especially as the side stories still have plenty of Alanson's trademark style about them but overall satisfaction levels with this one are going to vary.
July 21, 2020
Just found out that my previous review never saved and it said I never even read this one. My least favorite out of the series so far. What happened? This was basically a side quest. Don't get me wrong, I like Colonel Perkins, but her side story could've been summed up in a single chapter. It was straight up boring. Skippy and Joe didn't come back into the mix until like 12 hrs into the story, and then that was basically filled with Skippy singing more than usual. It's books like this one that make people want to stop reading a series that is more than 3 books..BUT I know that this story was important now that I am further into the series. Sometimes when you are involved with the other characters, it makes it tough to follow a whole other story line! Still enjoying this series though.
August 1, 2023
July 2023
I think this may be one of my favorites of the series. We get to meet Surgun Jates and he's probably my favorite character of all.
October 2021
What a pleasure to really take my time with this the second time around. I only listened while swimming laps in the pool, so it took a couple of months. But I love this world and can't get enough of Joe and Skippy.
June 2020
The saga continues! Skippy is back on track and scores are settled. There's even a hint of romance! Some dicey moments happen and Joe continues to do his best to be a Colonel and not a regular soldier. I love this series. RC Bray is amazing.
I think this may be one of my favorites of the series. We get to meet Surgun Jates and he's probably my favorite character of all.
October 2021
What a pleasure to really take my time with this the second time around. I only listened while swimming laps in the pool, so it took a couple of months. But I love this world and can't get enough of Joe and Skippy.
June 2020
The saga continues! Skippy is back on track and scores are settled. There's even a hint of romance! Some dicey moments happen and Joe continues to do his best to be a Colonel and not a regular soldier. I love this series. RC Bray is amazing.
May 16, 2022
MAVERICKS is the sixth book of the Expeditionary Force series and one of the last "adventure of the week" ones as Colonel Joe Bishop and Skippy the Magnificent. The Earth is about to be invaded by two alien battleships that wildly outclass anything our heroes possess but can't be thought lost. After all, if they blow the ships out of the sky, that will just draw more attention to Earth's continued existence. What follows is a grandiose heist totally forbidden by the United Nations and its member nations that is worthy of Captain Kirk in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
If you've liked previous ones then you'll probably enjoy this.
If you've liked previous ones then you'll probably enjoy this.
March 4, 2019
This book will try to pull these swerves where it will kill characters and expect you to think everything is going wrong, the problem is if you want to pull that shit you need to start in book 1 with killing some main characters, showing that people die in this universe. As only a handful of no name/character having people have died you know that no plot characters will be harmed, least of all off screen.
It's disappointing and lazy, add to this that the plot drags along with nothing happening, and the stupid banter and I'm done.
After six books I don't want to read anymore. You win.
It's disappointing and lazy, add to this that the plot drags along with nothing happening, and the stupid banter and I'm done.
After six books I don't want to read anymore. You win.
June 15, 2020
My least favorite out of the series so far. What happened? This was a freaking side quest that lasted an eternity. Don't get me wrong, I like Colonel Perkins, but her side story could've been summed up in a single chapter. It was straight up boring. Skippy and Joe didn't come back into the mix until like 12 hrs into the story, and then that was basically filled with nothing but Skippy singing more than usual. It's books like this one that make people want to stop reading a series that is more than 3 books. Hopefully the next one gets the story back on track.
October 24, 2018
More of the same really, with a little side story going on. Which is kind of a good thing, and kind of a bad thing. While I appreciate the author adding in more characters to try and mix it up, and giving us more characters to care about, all while Joe and Skippy doing their thing, the story still feels like it is moving along at a turtles pace. I felt more detached with this book than previous ones, with myself feeling like i’ve skipped chapters and not really missing much to the main storyline.
It’s (the series’) pace has slowed down significantly when compared to 2-3 books ago, and “big” reveals like what is causing all the weird stuff happening in the galaxy (not really a reveal, it just makes you ask more questions) seem to fall flat now, they just don’t hit as hard this far into the series as they would have a couple of books ago.
While I remain optimistic about and kind of look forward to the next book in the series, I feel that my level of excitement for this series is starting to wane.
That’s how I feel anyway. Good book but more of the same. A solid 6/10.
It’s (the series’) pace has slowed down significantly when compared to 2-3 books ago, and “big” reveals like what is causing all the weird stuff happening in the galaxy (not really a reveal, it just makes you ask more questions) seem to fall flat now, they just don’t hit as hard this far into the series as they would have a couple of books ago.
While I remain optimistic about and kind of look forward to the next book in the series, I feel that my level of excitement for this series is starting to wane.
That’s how I feel anyway. Good book but more of the same. A solid 6/10.
May 27, 2019
I enjoyed the Joe and Skippy parts of this book as much as all of the other ExForce books. But for some reason, Alanson decided to devote 60% of the middle of this novel to a band of side characters. These characters have been in the series before, and I had no problem with their sections.... but this time, more than half of this novel was devoted to them. A little investigating, and it turns out that the author did this to launch a spinoff series featuring these characters.
You want to start another series? That's great. But don't slam it into the middle of a Joe and Skippy book. Those of us who love them felt disregarded and ignored. I'm hesitant to read Renegades (#7) now, because I'm not sure what I'm going to have to endure to get to the storyline I know and love.
You want to start another series? That's great. But don't slam it into the middle of a Joe and Skippy book. Those of us who love them felt disregarded and ignored. I'm hesitant to read Renegades (#7) now, because I'm not sure what I'm going to have to endure to get to the storyline I know and love.
January 8, 2022
This was like half a book focused on our normal main hero and half a book dealing with what's going on with the Mavericks, a specific group of human soldiers left on Paradise. It was still quite enjoyable and when it ended I found myself looking forward to the next book in the series. Still, it seemed a little "off-focus" in that it focused so much on what that other team was doing for such a good portion of the book. It was still a fun read, but...yeh, a little disappointed in how that worked out.
October 16, 2018
Two words: "too long".
Halfway through a crisis on the Flying Dutchman, the book cuts to Perkins and talks about the B-plot for (are you sitting down?) more than half the book. Usually I'm glad that the ExFor audiobooks last me longer than a week, but this one was sort of overstaying it's welcome. The main plot didn't seem to move at all.
Halfway through a crisis on the Flying Dutchman, the book cuts to Perkins and talks about the B-plot for (are you sitting down?) more than half the book. Usually I'm glad that the ExFor audiobooks last me longer than a week, but this one was sort of overstaying it's welcome. The main plot didn't seem to move at all.
May 16, 2023
No Subplot Left Behind
Mavericks is, irritatingly, a follow up to Paradise Lost instead of a continuation of Zero Hour. Emily Perkins and her team are the main characters in this episode of the Expeditionary Force, and that fact alone will probably annoy many readers. I spread my arms and welcome the fact that the series will never be a clean piece of storytelling, because Craig Alanson is an author who excels in the details and loves exploring unintended consequences. If there’s ever an obvious path to take, this author will give you five bewildering reasons why it’s not so simple.
Bishop and Skippy start and end the novel, but the bulk of it carries on with details you’ve forgotten from books 3 and 3.5. This being their fourth appearance, I’m finally caring about Perkins and her team, but there’s still not a whole lot to be said about the extended cast. Perkins remains bland and lacking personality, and oddly enough, the most amusing quirk comes from Dave’s unintended chasity. Team Perkins comes across as smarter, more professional versions of Bishop, but even Major Smythe has more personality than all of them put together.
The best part of Mavericks are the human-alien interactions, something that has been sorely lacking so far. There’s good variety and their inclusion makes the novel feel more like science-fiction and less like a thought-exercise in military operational planning. And once the novel returns to our comedic duo, the author will find plenty of opportunities to showcase his highly involved and convoluted strategies
Craig Alanson’s writing explores the consequences of people’s actions and feels natural and realistic. He focuses on internal consistency, deep worldbuilding, and letting his characters drive the plot. Between this and his typically excellent, detailed plans, Mavericks represents the floor of an Expeditionary Force novel. It might not be his finest work, but it delivers the unique flavour of this series.
Recommended.
Mavericks is, irritatingly, a follow up to Paradise Lost instead of a continuation of Zero Hour. Emily Perkins and her team are the main characters in this episode of the Expeditionary Force, and that fact alone will probably annoy many readers. I spread my arms and welcome the fact that the series will never be a clean piece of storytelling, because Craig Alanson is an author who excels in the details and loves exploring unintended consequences. If there’s ever an obvious path to take, this author will give you five bewildering reasons why it’s not so simple.
Bishop and Skippy start and end the novel, but the bulk of it carries on with details you’ve forgotten from books 3 and 3.5. This being their fourth appearance, I’m finally caring about Perkins and her team, but there’s still not a whole lot to be said about the extended cast. Perkins remains bland and lacking personality, and oddly enough, the most amusing quirk comes from Dave’s unintended chasity. Team Perkins comes across as smarter, more professional versions of Bishop, but even Major Smythe has more personality than all of them put together.
The best part of Mavericks are the human-alien interactions, something that has been sorely lacking so far. There’s good variety and their inclusion makes the novel feel more like science-fiction and less like a thought-exercise in military operational planning. And once the novel returns to our comedic duo, the author will find plenty of opportunities to showcase his highly involved and convoluted strategies
Craig Alanson’s writing explores the consequences of people’s actions and feels natural and realistic. He focuses on internal consistency, deep worldbuilding, and letting his characters drive the plot. Between this and his typically excellent, detailed plans, Mavericks represents the floor of an Expeditionary Force novel. It might not be his finest work, but it delivers the unique flavour of this series.
Recommended.
March 13, 2024
I can't believe I enjoyed this book so much with less Skippy
I read this book so fast, even faster than the last two books. Which is kind of surprising because this book Focus mostly on the other humans that was on Paradise. The paradise humans had a Novella that I did not read. However after reading this book I can see myself reading they point of view on dealing with all the aliens.
Reasons why I love this book
1. The explanation of the humans on Paradise what are they doing, money system, and relationships those things was interesting to see.
2. More detailed World building on the different species
3. I love the continuation of the keepers and why they think the way they did and what actually happened to them.
4. I love the fact that they had aliens on the team and they were other alien species that also interact with the humans which was great to see. Reason being the other team don't interact with other species because they're trying to hide from them so seeing that this team actually talked to aliens was very refreshing.
5. All the storyline that happened in the previous book was not wasted. It came back full circle and it actually makes so much sense.
P.s I am happy that I like this book because one of my small issues of the first book Is that I only enjoy the book after the introduction of Skippy the AI. But now knowing that I don't actually need him in the story I can actually enjoy the military alien book which make the writing even better.
I read this book so fast, even faster than the last two books. Which is kind of surprising because this book Focus mostly on the other humans that was on Paradise. The paradise humans had a Novella that I did not read. However after reading this book I can see myself reading they point of view on dealing with all the aliens.
Reasons why I love this book
1. The explanation of the humans on Paradise what are they doing, money system, and relationships those things was interesting to see.
2. More detailed World building on the different species
3. I love the continuation of the keepers and why they think the way they did and what actually happened to them.
4. I love the fact that they had aliens on the team and they were other alien species that also interact with the humans which was great to see. Reason being the other team don't interact with other species because they're trying to hide from them so seeing that this team actually talked to aliens was very refreshing.
5. All the storyline that happened in the previous book was not wasted. It came back full circle and it actually makes so much sense.
P.s I am happy that I like this book because one of my small issues of the first book Is that I only enjoy the book after the introduction of Skippy the AI. But now knowing that I don't actually need him in the story I can actually enjoy the military alien book which make the writing even better.
September 16, 2024
Dłużyła mi się. Miałam sporą przerwę pomiędzy tomami i wysokie oczekiwania, ale byłam średnio zainteresowana przygodami załogi Mavericks, brakowało mi strasznie Bishopa i Skippy'ego. Brak tej dwójki i ich humoru sprawił, że było to zwyczajnie nudne, bo humor w tej serii i te przekomarzania to coś, co bez wątpienia wyróżnia na tle innych serii, przynajmniej dla mnie. Druga połowa wróciła na właściwe tory i o wiele zgrabniej szło mi słuchanie, ale i tak mam wrażenie, że jest duża objętość (704 strony w końcu), ale niewiele treści i mało się dzieje ><
March 24, 2025
Audiobook
February 22, 2022
I experienced this book on Audible, and I REALLY love this series there for a number of reasons: the voice actor who reads these characters is EXCELLENT and you can tell he's really having a ton of fun and brings just as much life as the best animated features. the situational moments and characters themselves are very strong, and lastly the books moves well with plot points not being overly contrived in a way reminiscent of the "2 steps forward, 1 step back" format of the Martian.
However, this book feels a bit too much like filler (for those of you familiar with this tactic in anime and manga, or comics) where we spend about 30-40% of the book on a problem thrown up JUST in this book that isn't a "how are they going to deal with THAT!?" moment so much as it is "ok, well I know the super intelligent AI will solve this in about 5 seconds once these narrative roadblocks are removed". The POV shift also really saps energy by dwelling too long in a complete different viewpoint, to the point where I forgot what our main protagonists were up to and as a result didn't care about BOTH of the "major" obstacles introduced for this book. Craig has done this so much better in other books, 3 and 3.5 especially, so I was about to give this story a 2 star rating.
Luckily, the draggiest plot ends with a good 10-20% of the story left and we get back to Skippy and Joe and some dialogue had a few of my favorite interactions taking place so I left the book in a good mood and also knowing more great stories are to come so bumped this up to a 3!
However, this book feels a bit too much like filler (for those of you familiar with this tactic in anime and manga, or comics) where we spend about 30-40% of the book on a problem thrown up JUST in this book that isn't a "how are they going to deal with THAT!?" moment so much as it is "ok, well I know the super intelligent AI will solve this in about 5 seconds once these narrative roadblocks are removed". The POV shift also really saps energy by dwelling too long in a complete different viewpoint, to the point where I forgot what our main protagonists were up to and as a result didn't care about BOTH of the "major" obstacles introduced for this book. Craig has done this so much better in other books, 3 and 3.5 especially, so I was about to give this story a 2 star rating.
Luckily, the draggiest plot ends with a good 10-20% of the story left and we get back to Skippy and Joe and some dialogue had a few of my favorite interactions taking place so I left the book in a good mood and also knowing more great stories are to come so bumped this up to a 3!
November 28, 2018
Just as interesting as the others in this series. While I understand some of the other reviews stating they feel like this is not as good because of the 'side' story of the Mavericks (oh hey, that's the title of the book...hmmm). I like Skippy and Joe as much as anybody, but I actually feel like this 'side' story helps flesh out the universe these characters live in. It can't be all Skippy all the time - despite what Skippy may say about it.
That said, I think the Mavericks story is actually more strongly written in this book than the Joe\Skippy sections. I was more engaged during that part of the book than I thought I would be. I especially liked the introduction of the Verd Kris (have no idea if I spelled that right, I listened to this on Audible), and the deeper dive into the Ruhah (again, spelling?) and the struggles the Mavericks had to face. Yes, overall a little slower than some of the other books, but still entertaining. I'm looking forward to more interactions of the 'senior' species in future books, particularly the Maksulks and Rindalu. And I hope that the larger mysteries surrounding Skippy will start to get a little more attention as well.
That said, I think the Mavericks story is actually more strongly written in this book than the Joe\Skippy sections. I was more engaged during that part of the book than I thought I would be. I especially liked the introduction of the Verd Kris (have no idea if I spelled that right, I listened to this on Audible), and the deeper dive into the Ruhah (again, spelling?) and the struggles the Mavericks had to face. Yes, overall a little slower than some of the other books, but still entertaining. I'm looking forward to more interactions of the 'senior' species in future books, particularly the Maksulks and Rindalu. And I hope that the larger mysteries surrounding Skippy will start to get a little more attention as well.
July 24, 2021
My rating is based on the structure of the book. The first part is the usual Joe and co. dealing with problems and more problems, etc. Then it switches to many, many chapters about some characters that were left on Paradise and what happens to them as they deal with problems, and more problems, etc. And that section was not as satisfying to me. It seemed to last forever before we got back to Joe and Skippy. Which made me understand one of the main reasons I continue to read this series, even though it seems to go nowhere (one step forward, two steps back) and consists of the characters of just dealing with problem after problem and just when you think things can't get worse, they do, (Though I have to give props to the author for thinking up ways to get them out of dire situations that seem impossible at first) is the humorous back and forth between Joe and Skippy. Without them the story was just okay.
Anyway, they end up saving the day after going through a lot of trouble. Yay! Phew, these poor characters are gonna have a ton of PTSD!
Anyway, they end up saving the day after going through a lot of trouble. Yay! Phew, these poor characters are gonna have a ton of PTSD!
September 27, 2018
This book was exceedingly disappointing. That is largely a fault of my own since I came into it with expectations, which is never a good idea. The story is well told, with interesting situations, characters, and a clever plot. The problem I have with the story is that half of the novel is pure setup for the second half. The first half has almost no Bishop or Skippy which is the most entertaining part of this series which really ruined the overall story. An issue that I brought up my last review is brought into line more prominently in this book, but instead of actually addressing it the author uses it as yet another option to humiliate the protagonist in front of his crew. I have a hard time truly enjoying a series when all the main character gets is crap continuously thrown at them with no relief or understanding from anyone around them.
October 20, 2018
A lot of this series has been very fun. This book expands significantly on the characters on Paradise and ventures away from the main story for a bit more than 50% of the book. It has countless references and feels like it is probably an extension of "Trouble on Paradise," which I did not read because it is a side story and I did not feel it was worth an audible credit. Based on this there were countless moments where I just flat thought about not finishing the book.
The audio performance was as good as it has been for the previous books. I'd be willing to give the series one more chance.
The audio performance was as good as it has been for the previous books. I'd be willing to give the series one more chance.
July 29, 2022
Another fantastic chapter in the adventures of Skippy the beer can and the merry band of pirates. The takes were definitely higher in this book and I am really glad I read the offshoot series as they played a much larger role in this books story. Skippy has changed a little after his run in with the worm and is displaying a few new personality traits but still loves to do horribly inappropriate things causing poor Joe a lot of headaches. I just went on a bender of three of these in a row so I will take a break and then come back. This is shaping up to be my favorite space opera of all time so I want to savor the experience.
September 6, 2022
This is my least favorite in the series thus far. Very little of the mystery is revealed that has been set up in earlier books. Over half the book consists of side characters that I just could not get interested in. Finally, when Skippy and Joe came back the book picked up a little but not enough to add any real value in justifying this book even being written. Seriously contemplating whether or not I'll continue reading anymore in the series. Although, I committed to doing so after enjoying earlier books in the series.
May 20, 2020
Couldn't get myself to read this. It seems mis-seried. Not about Jock and Skimmy anymore, not that those two did not got old. Very old. But about some other characters, some agrarians from the deep south, tiling the land on paradise. Or something. From a series, a different series that I did not bother to read.
April 1, 2019
Not a fan, loved books 1 - 5. Struggled to finish this after two attempts. Just am not connecting with the Paradise saga.
May 7, 2021
Ends on an up note.
This book had too much of a sidetrack featuring the rather uncreative alien species--bugs, lizards, and hamsters. Skippy and Joe aren't really in the story until about 75%.
This book had too much of a sidetrack featuring the rather uncreative alien species--bugs, lizards, and hamsters. Skippy and Joe aren't really in the story until about 75%.
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