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Ark Royal #13
Para Bellum
On her last mission, HMS Invincible discovered an alien threat beyond human a sentient virus that has already absorbed a number of intelligent races into its multitude and now intends to do the same to humanity. Defeat means the end of everything, the end of existence as nothing more than mindless host-bodies, the end of humanity and its alien allies alike. The stakes could not be higher. As a deeply divided humanity struggles to prepare a defence, with enemies inside and outside the human sphere just lurking to strike, Invincible is sent deep into alien space on what should have been a simple reconnaissance mission. But, as Captain Shields and his crew begin their mission, it rapidly becomes clear that a juggernaut is bearing down on Earth ... ... And, no matter what they do, they may never make it home again.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2018
239 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 17, 2023
Interesting Plot
This book has potential, I personally find the plot very interesting. However, the book is not perfect.
The combat, just like in the majority of books in the series so far, feels extremely hollow. The losses never feel substantial, even though they should.
My other issue is the characters. I didn't pick up on this earlier in the series, but now, looking back, I noticed it has been an issue from the start. The majority of the main line characters are extremely one-dimensional. Typically, with a single "quirk," personality trait, or flaw, taking up the entirety of the character/character arc.
That being said, I have been enjoying the series so far and look forward to reading more
This book has potential, I personally find the plot very interesting. However, the book is not perfect.
The combat, just like in the majority of books in the series so far, feels extremely hollow. The losses never feel substantial, even though they should.
My other issue is the characters. I didn't pick up on this earlier in the series, but now, looking back, I noticed it has been an issue from the start. The majority of the main line characters are extremely one-dimensional. Typically, with a single "quirk," personality trait, or flaw, taking up the entirety of the character/character arc.
That being said, I have been enjoying the series so far and look forward to reading more
November 25, 2018
This is listed as Arc Royal 13 but it really is Invincible 2 in the Arc Royal universe. It is the middle book of a planed trilogy and had a great deal of that 'middle bookish' feel. The story line followed a mission behind enemy lines so by itself it was fairly complete. It is only the middle of a larger story arc and there is a great deal unfinished as well as some elements glossed over from the previous tale.
November 24, 2018
For me Christopher Nuttall is usually a safe card when it comes to books. I have enjoyed almost every book I have read from this author (the count is at about 70 books from him right now) and I have enjoyed a lot of them greatly. This one definitely falls into the greatly category.
The current Ark Royal story arc is good solid military science fiction with, as the book blurb states. a divided humanity against an alien foe with a very unusual twist.
As usual the characters are well done. Especially the main protagonist which is a quite likable and quite competent person. Of course there are also the usual bunch of very unlikable politicians and other kind of screw-ups making life harder than it needs to be for the hero. As always those bits are not my favorite parts of the book, of any book for that matter.
The book ticks quite a few boxes for me though. Good hero, part exploration and discovery, part military action and well done space combat both behind and beyond the front lines. On short a lot of the stuff that I really like in a book like this.
The fact that Captain Shields task force is a multi national one of course creates problems of its own and I was rather happy about how that part was implemented and played out.
In short another rock solid military science fiction book from Christopher Nuttall. I really look forward to the next one in the series. However, should I complain about something it would be the pretty big cliffhanger at the end. Sure it makes me eager to get my hands on the next book but I would have been eager anyway and I just don’t like cliffhangers.
The current Ark Royal story arc is good solid military science fiction with, as the book blurb states. a divided humanity against an alien foe with a very unusual twist.
As usual the characters are well done. Especially the main protagonist which is a quite likable and quite competent person. Of course there are also the usual bunch of very unlikable politicians and other kind of screw-ups making life harder than it needs to be for the hero. As always those bits are not my favorite parts of the book, of any book for that matter.
The book ticks quite a few boxes for me though. Good hero, part exploration and discovery, part military action and well done space combat both behind and beyond the front lines. On short a lot of the stuff that I really like in a book like this.
The fact that Captain Shields task force is a multi national one of course creates problems of its own and I was rather happy about how that part was implemented and played out.
In short another rock solid military science fiction book from Christopher Nuttall. I really look forward to the next one in the series. However, should I complain about something it would be the pretty big cliffhanger at the end. Sure it makes me eager to get my hands on the next book but I would have been eager anyway and I just don’t like cliffhangers.
December 26, 2018
Highly Recommended
My top military sci-fi writers are Jack Campbell and Christopher Nuttall. Nuttall has delivered another exciting story in this middle volume of the trilogy about the alien virus. His characters are always well written. I believe in them as military people who hold the line for their cause. I look forward to the next book and wish Nuttall good health.
My top military sci-fi writers are Jack Campbell and Christopher Nuttall. Nuttall has delivered another exciting story in this middle volume of the trilogy about the alien virus. His characters are always well written. I believe in them as military people who hold the line for their cause. I look forward to the next book and wish Nuttall good health.
August 16, 2019
A very good read and as an ex British soldier I can say he has the details off to a tee even mentioning Panda Cola next book I want to hear about cookhouse horror bags (packed lunches) range stew and ginsters pasties. As I said a good read and a good series worth 5 stars
November 30, 2018
Nuttal is good.
A typically engaging read. If you’ve read Nuttal you’ll know what I mean. If you haven’t read Nuttal you really ought.
A typically engaging read. If you’ve read Nuttal you’ll know what I mean. If you haven’t read Nuttal you really ought.
January 17, 2019
Another interesting read from this author.
February 11, 2019
Excellent
Another excellent novel in the Ark Royal series. The enemy is truly terrifying and plausible. Keep them coming Mr Nuttal.
Another excellent novel in the Ark Royal series. The enemy is truly terrifying and plausible. Keep them coming Mr Nuttal.
March 10, 2019
Excellent
Good grief!!! Well at least he promises that the next book is the last of the series... And we need to see how the hero's will save the galaxy
Good grief!!! Well at least he promises that the next book is the last of the series... And we need to see how the hero's will save the galaxy
September 19, 2019
Good as always
Liked the story and the characters. The premise is good but down right scary. Can’t wait for the next one.
Liked the story and the characters. The premise is good but down right scary. Can’t wait for the next one.
December 9, 2019
Very good. Waiting for the next one.
September 26, 2023
A 'by the numbers' space battle book, but enjoyable.
November 11, 2019
Another fine space war
I like this series as much as I like the early Honor Harrington books. If there is one thing the British do well it's tradition and this book brings it in spades. I'm looking forward to future books in this universe.
I like this series as much as I like the early Honor Harrington books. If there is one thing the British do well it's tradition and this book brings it in spades. I'm looking forward to future books in this universe.
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December 4, 2018A far away fight comes Home!
The Captain is sent on a desperate mission and much is achieved but seems not enough. My favorite character stays under suspicion almost the whole time and winning the battle is almost not enough. Then the real challenge shows up just when a pause seems hard earned! The action is steady in it's move forward but the story hangs unfinished... We need the final book Mr. Nuttall. Stay healthy and safe and write fast! That's our prayer for you.
The Captain is sent on a desperate mission and much is achieved but seems not enough. My favorite character stays under suspicion almost the whole time and winning the battle is almost not enough. Then the real challenge shows up just when a pause seems hard earned! The action is steady in it's move forward but the story hangs unfinished... We need the final book Mr. Nuttall. Stay healthy and safe and write fast! That's our prayer for you.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews