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Jack Forge, Fleet Marine #1-9
Jack Forge, Fleet Marine Boxed Set
One man must save humanity, whether he wants to or not.
The complete Amazon bestselling Jack Forge, Fleet Marine series in one omnibus edition
Jack Forge started as an unwilling recruit, but quickly established himself as a top-notch Marine and an inspired leader. When faced with impossible odds, he repeatedly saved the day…and his fellow marines. As his status grows, he must fight to keep a secret that could cost himself and his friends everything. And save the human race. Can Jack find his place in the universe and save humanity from the hostile aliens who inhabit it?
The Jack Forge Fleet Marine Boxed Set includes all nine books in the Jack Forge, Fleet Marine series. If you like fast paced military science fiction, Jack Forge is the kind of hero you can root for.
The complete Amazon bestselling Jack Forge, Fleet Marine series in one omnibus edition
Jack Forge started as an unwilling recruit, but quickly established himself as a top-notch Marine and an inspired leader. When faced with impossible odds, he repeatedly saved the day…and his fellow marines. As his status grows, he must fight to keep a secret that could cost himself and his friends everything. And save the human race. Can Jack find his place in the universe and save humanity from the hostile aliens who inhabit it?
The Jack Forge Fleet Marine Boxed Set includes all nine books in the Jack Forge, Fleet Marine series. If you like fast paced military science fiction, Jack Forge is the kind of hero you can root for.
- GenresScience Fiction
2046 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2019
970 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
James David Victor
200 books92 followersJames David Victor is the pen name used by science fiction and fantasy author David J. VanBergen Jr. for co-authored projects. It is his way of sharing more stories with you than he could write by himself.
If you would like to check out all of his books, under both pen names, and get a free short story, be sure to sign up for his Science Fiction newsletter by visiting:
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If you would like to check out all of his books, under both pen names, and get a free short story, be sure to sign up for his Science Fiction newsletter by visiting:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 2, 2019
This is a collection of novellas chronicling the adventures of a space marine named Jack Forge. It was OK at best. I did enjoy the overall story line but as a retired military man I found it very frustrating and kept rolling my eyes at points.
There were a number of real weaknesses in the author's depiction of combat and how the marines are organized that were very distracting. The type of training at boot, the lack of crew served weapons, zero indirect fire support were bad enough. But the organization of the marines in particular was just strange. All you have are squads and companies. The squads have a leader and that's it. No team leaders. Companies have a commander and 12 squads. No exec, no first sergeant, no lieutenants or platoon sergeants, no logistics personnel, no medics etc. The marines pretty much only have their very powerful rifles and armor. But no heavy/crew-served weapons or grenade launchers to cover dead space and no artillery support. I just think this could have been a far better series with some more research. The price was right though and if you enjoy space combat you might consider getting it.
There were a number of real weaknesses in the author's depiction of combat and how the marines are organized that were very distracting. The type of training at boot, the lack of crew served weapons, zero indirect fire support were bad enough. But the organization of the marines in particular was just strange. All you have are squads and companies. The squads have a leader and that's it. No team leaders. Companies have a commander and 12 squads. No exec, no first sergeant, no lieutenants or platoon sergeants, no logistics personnel, no medics etc. The marines pretty much only have their very powerful rifles and armor. But no heavy/crew-served weapons or grenade launchers to cover dead space and no artillery support. I just think this could have been a far better series with some more research. The price was right though and if you enjoy space combat you might consider getting it.
February 17, 2019
TLKM - Excellent!
A well written and well paced series that kept me interested in it’s entire 1000 pages. For those who said that the ending was a disappointment, I would only say that there is a second series coming, per the authors note on kindle, with the same characters. I am looking forward to more adventures with Jack, Sam, Sarah and the Fleet Marines - against a new alien threat.
A well written and well paced series that kept me interested in it’s entire 1000 pages. For those who said that the ending was a disappointment, I would only say that there is a second series coming, per the authors note on kindle, with the same characters. I am looking forward to more adventures with Jack, Sam, Sarah and the Fleet Marines - against a new alien threat.
May 11, 2019
This was an omnibus of all nine "Jack Forge" novellas. The first three books have a good 'coming of age' style story arc and work together nicely. After that it becomes a lot of more of the same.
I do want to comment on Victor's nomenclature. Words mean things. A destroyer is not bigger than a cruiser. A major does not outrank a commander. If you are going to make up ships and ranks, make up names for them as well. It will help the story immensely. Of course Victor couldn't keep track of his made up names as well. The kraken was at sometimes a single seat fighter, at others a troop carrier and occasionally a corvette equivalent. Again whether taking from established usage or making up your own.... words mean things.
I do want to comment on Victor's nomenclature. Words mean things. A destroyer is not bigger than a cruiser. A major does not outrank a commander. If you are going to make up ships and ranks, make up names for them as well. It will help the story immensely. Of course Victor couldn't keep track of his made up names as well. The kraken was at sometimes a single seat fighter, at others a troop carrier and occasionally a corvette equivalent. Again whether taking from established usage or making up your own.... words mean things.
April 1, 2020
Escape the current social isolation with this mostly family-friendly space opera which never gets worse than PG13 and will fill about 28 hours of reading time. Perfect for reluctant readers as the action is swift and they won't realize they are actually gaining reading comprehension. A great read-aloud story for fluidity.
Lost Marine: Allow about four hours for this family-friendly space adventure which opens with a battle scene, then switches to Jack and Sam trying to get blue goop for food.
Rescue: Allow three hours for this family-friendly continuation of the space adventures of Jack Forge which pick up just after Lost Marine.
Escape: Book 3 of the Jack Forge Lost Marine series continues right along and takes less than three hours to read.
New Enemy: Major Jack Forge and Com Sam Torent are sent on a suicidal mission.Alliance: It takes about three hours to read this family-friendly space yarn in which Major Jack Forge goes on a solo survey mission.
Betrayal: PG13 space opera, this one kept me up past my bedtime, requiring more than four hours (or perhaps the entire world situation is more tiring than I thought). It starts with Major Jack Forge leading a squadron of tacs providing flank protection for the fleet.
Enemy Within: This PG13 space military procedural in which Major Jack Forge is trying to train replacements for the Marines who have been lost takes about three and a half hours.
New Home: A new planet is in sight, but there are still some old enemies lurking in this three-hour read.
Last Stand: This is the concluding book in the Jack Forge, Lost Marine saga and takes about three hours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lost Marine: Allow about four hours for this family-friendly space adventure which opens with a battle scene, then switches to Jack and Sam trying to get blue goop for food.
Rescue: Allow three hours for this family-friendly continuation of the space adventures of Jack Forge which pick up just after Lost Marine.
Escape: Book 3 of the Jack Forge Lost Marine series continues right along and takes less than three hours to read.
New Enemy: Major Jack Forge and Com Sam Torent are sent on a suicidal mission.Alliance: It takes about three hours to read this family-friendly space yarn in which Major Jack Forge goes on a solo survey mission.
Betrayal: PG13 space opera, this one kept me up past my bedtime, requiring more than four hours (or perhaps the entire world situation is more tiring than I thought). It starts with Major Jack Forge leading a squadron of tacs providing flank protection for the fleet.
Enemy Within: This PG13 space military procedural in which Major Jack Forge is trying to train replacements for the Marines who have been lost takes about three and a half hours.
New Home: A new planet is in sight, but there are still some old enemies lurking in this three-hour read.
Last Stand: This is the concluding book in the Jack Forge, Lost Marine saga and takes about three hours.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2019
To be fair I bought these books because it was such a good deal. That being said James David Victor made it onto my favourite author list with book 1 and carried that decision all the way through to book 9. The storyline has been told before...young man off to fight a war he doesn't want any part of.
Yet he is driven to be the best soldier he can be no matter the circumstances he finds himself in including the usual and unusual protaginists. In fact he holds an empathy towards the enemy throughout the series and I can't help but identify with him.
The action is almost non-stop taking place in many different environments including ground battles, space battles, boarding battles, hunting the enemy and being hunted.
This is not a technical science fiction read but rather an honest to goodness seat of your pants ride from one adventure to the next misadventure.
The characters are easily identified with and their personalities constant.
Buy these books and get comfortable. There is an enormous amount of fun and excitement for the price you pay. This is one of those box sets where you just can't go wrong!
Yet he is driven to be the best soldier he can be no matter the circumstances he finds himself in including the usual and unusual protaginists. In fact he holds an empathy towards the enemy throughout the series and I can't help but identify with him.
The action is almost non-stop taking place in many different environments including ground battles, space battles, boarding battles, hunting the enemy and being hunted.
This is not a technical science fiction read but rather an honest to goodness seat of your pants ride from one adventure to the next misadventure.
The characters are easily identified with and their personalities constant.
Buy these books and get comfortable. There is an enormous amount of fun and excitement for the price you pay. This is one of those box sets where you just can't go wrong!
April 22, 2019
Rather enjoyable space opera
I was considering giving it only two stars because every now and then I spotted some or other typo or grammatical issue, but in the end, it deserves to be conceded, the story is full of suspense.
One ends up wondering how on earth this is going to close, even though we're not even anywhere near earth for this one and I ended up rooting for Jack, but be forewarned, all the suspense created some unexpected and delighful surprises.
All in all some good, some bad, in short, an endless roller coaster of non-stop action producing an acceptable amount of bang for a modest buck.
I was considering giving it only two stars because every now and then I spotted some or other typo or grammatical issue, but in the end, it deserves to be conceded, the story is full of suspense.
One ends up wondering how on earth this is going to close, even though we're not even anywhere near earth for this one and I ended up rooting for Jack, but be forewarned, all the suspense created some unexpected and delighful surprises.
All in all some good, some bad, in short, an endless roller coaster of non-stop action producing an acceptable amount of bang for a modest buck.
June 5, 2019
Brilliant! I loved this awesome story!
This exciting and riveting story grabbed my attention and maintained it right through to the last page of the 9th book. I haven't been this enthralled in a series like this since I read Harry Potter.
Jack Forge was a superbly written, full bodied character who was really easy to like. I also liked how this marines story flowed, it was very interesting with enough technical info to make the story interesting and enough drama to keep it exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes scifi, with a lot of action and a little drama added into the mix.
This exciting and riveting story grabbed my attention and maintained it right through to the last page of the 9th book. I haven't been this enthralled in a series like this since I read Harry Potter.
Jack Forge was a superbly written, full bodied character who was really easy to like. I also liked how this marines story flowed, it was very interesting with enough technical info to make the story interesting and enough drama to keep it exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes scifi, with a lot of action and a little drama added into the mix.
July 22, 2019
A warrior made.
I've given this boxed set a four star rating. The first book reads in part like some of the of the methods used by drill instructors in all branches of the military service with and toward new recruits. Our hero Jack, seems to be leading a life similar to Audie Murphy. If you've seen the movie "To Hell And Back" you'll get my reference. Jack advances from lowly recruit to becoming a Battalion Commander during the remaining eight books. There is plenty of action both on land as well as space. This is a fun read that will keep you interested and entertained.
I've given this boxed set a four star rating. The first book reads in part like some of the of the methods used by drill instructors in all branches of the military service with and toward new recruits. Our hero Jack, seems to be leading a life similar to Audie Murphy. If you've seen the movie "To Hell And Back" you'll get my reference. Jack advances from lowly recruit to becoming a Battalion Commander during the remaining eight books. There is plenty of action both on land as well as space. This is a fun read that will keep you interested and entertained.
March 7, 2019
This book needs a big editing. Writing feels rushed, huge plotholes and I do not need a huge scientific background but other books have managed to explain the technology a bit better. Action scenes do not match, once the enemy is unstoppable and at other times they can shoot hundreds of them with a small unit and the same guns.
The premise is really good and for the low price I was expecting some good light entertainment but I had to put the book down after the third book.
The premise is really good and for the low price I was expecting some good light entertainment but I had to put the book down after the third book.
February 15, 2019
This is a collection of nine short novellas in the military hard sci-fi genre.
The first, entitled “Recruit”, is dire. Simplistic, dull, derivative, bringing absolutely nothing new to the genre. The intellectual level of the characters’ interactions would disgrace a junior school’s playground. Readable, but only just.
I don’t think I’ll read the others.
The first, entitled “Recruit”, is dire. Simplistic, dull, derivative, bringing absolutely nothing new to the genre. The intellectual level of the characters’ interactions would disgrace a junior school’s playground. Readable, but only just.
I don’t think I’ll read the others.
February 23, 2019
Entertaining Read
The Chitin hoard is threatening humanities outposts on Eras and Eros and the Marines are struggling to keep the battle going. Jack Forge is enlisted against his will but soon becomes a true hero. He will not rest until the Chitins are beaten. It takes a while but Jack is up to the task. Join him as he battles this powerful enemy.
The Chitin hoard is threatening humanities outposts on Eras and Eros and the Marines are struggling to keep the battle going. Jack Forge is enlisted against his will but soon becomes a true hero. He will not rest until the Chitins are beaten. It takes a while but Jack is up to the task. Join him as he battles this powerful enemy.
March 9, 2019
Good reading
Weird story with a weird ending. After more than a thousand pages of excellent science fiction the story ended with a definite ending. We don't know if the planet was saved, we don't know if the boy got the girl, we don't know if humanity was saved, etc. Im kinda feeling cheated!
Weird story with a weird ending. After more than a thousand pages of excellent science fiction the story ended with a definite ending. We don't know if the planet was saved, we don't know if the boy got the girl, we don't know if humanity was saved, etc. Im kinda feeling cheated!
April 11, 2019
Barebones writing and character mixup between 1&2?
The writing narration is barebones at best. I did not finish book 2 or further. Spoiler alert , Bill Harts was Forge’s best friend in Book 1 yet in book 2 suddenly he is Forge’s nemesis from training? While Torent, the nemesis from book 1 is suddenly Forge’s bff in book 2?
This kind of inconsistency plus the writing made me all of meh to finish it.
The writing narration is barebones at best. I did not finish book 2 or further. Spoiler alert , Bill Harts was Forge’s best friend in Book 1 yet in book 2 suddenly he is Forge’s nemesis from training? While Torent, the nemesis from book 1 is suddenly Forge’s bff in book 2?
This kind of inconsistency plus the writing made me all of meh to finish it.
April 9, 2019
Outstanding!
Character development, plot, etc. were all terrific. The continuity was so well executed that I was able to deliberately read one book out of sequence and had no issues with the story line and retained complete understanding of the story. I am a binge reader and am eager to continue the saga as soon as finish my current series.
Character development, plot, etc. were all terrific. The continuity was so well executed that I was able to deliberately read one book out of sequence and had no issues with the story line and retained complete understanding of the story. I am a binge reader and am eager to continue the saga as soon as finish my current series.
September 22, 2019
Not bad
Really interesting story was kinda paced a little weird and it had some moments where it was kinda stale and the books had a few times where it would start going one direction then do a 180 and kinda just push aside a few things but I liked the characters and the overall story
Really interesting story was kinda paced a little weird and it had some moments where it was kinda stale and the books had a few times where it would start going one direction then do a 180 and kinda just push aside a few things but I liked the characters and the overall story
December 16, 2021
The writing was cringeworthy, very repetitive.
I kept going because on a kindle you can't see how much is left, and I didn't think it could keep the low standard the whole distance.
Straight afterwards, I read the first of the Halo series, and considering this was based on a computer game, the writing was soo much better.
I kept going because on a kindle you can't see how much is left, and I didn't think it could keep the low standard the whole distance.
Straight afterwards, I read the first of the Halo series, and considering this was based on a computer game, the writing was soo much better.
January 28, 2019
Books 1-9
Mistakes: I didn't find any writing mistakes, but the training and the interpersonal relationship between characters was a joke.
Plot: This reminded me of a bad remake of Starship Troopers. Just as bad as the movies are.
Characters: Not likeable or believable.
3.5/10
Mistakes: I didn't find any writing mistakes, but the training and the interpersonal relationship between characters was a joke.
Plot: This reminded me of a bad remake of Starship Troopers. Just as bad as the movies are.
Characters: Not likeable or believable.
3.5/10
May 20, 2019
Was Different!
This set was definitely different from what I'm used to reading. I really like the story the author was telling but in a different way.
I would definitely recommend this 9 book series! I'll be looking for the next set.
This set was definitely different from what I'm used to reading. I really like the story the author was telling but in a different way.
I would definitely recommend this 9 book series! I'll be looking for the next set.
April 12, 2019
Unbelievable
Absolutely a great series. Once started I found it hard to put down. Continuous action and I believe the fastest I have ever read a 9 book series. Can't wait to see what you bring on next. Congratulations on a well written series.
Absolutely a great series. Once started I found it hard to put down. Continuous action and I believe the fastest I have ever read a 9 book series. Can't wait to see what you bring on next. Congratulations on a well written series.
April 12, 2019
Great tale
First book (or should I say books) I have read from this author and it was enjoyable. I did find it difficult to put down. Jack Forge, what a guy definitely want him on my side in a fight. Well worth a read
First book (or should I say books) I have read from this author and it was enjoyable. I did find it difficult to put down. Jack Forge, what a guy definitely want him on my side in a fight. Well worth a read
April 19, 2019
Jack did this, Jack did that
The story is routine and it seems like every other word is Jack said this or Jack did that. Very little character development and plot seems non-existent. I had enough only 5% into the story.
The story is routine and it seems like every other word is Jack said this or Jack did that. Very little character development and plot seems non-existent. I had enough only 5% into the story.
April 27, 2019
Not that good
Many unexplained events. Flaws in plot - example: marine killed by booking liquid while supposedly wearing a suit that will withstand exposure to vacuum and some energy weapons
Many unexplained events. Flaws in plot - example: marine killed by booking liquid while supposedly wearing a suit that will withstand exposure to vacuum and some energy weapons
June 6, 2019
Great read , felt like I'm was actually in the story or back in the military. Thanks
I'm had read the lost marine first, couldn't put it down. I'm was done before I KNEW it. Thanks for your books
I'm had read the lost marine first, couldn't put it down. I'm was done before I KNEW it. Thanks for your books
June 7, 2019
More, more, more
Just like the old pulp science fiction magazines, only better. Space Marines, a near-invincible alien race, boy meets girl kept apart by war, and a story book hero
Just like the old pulp science fiction magazines, only better. Space Marines, a near-invincible alien race, boy meets girl kept apart by war, and a story book hero
July 9, 2019
Excellent series
From start to finish, an excellent story. A great coming of age epic that anyone can enjoy. I found it hard to put away once I started reading. Well worth the price.
From start to finish, an excellent story. A great coming of age epic that anyone can enjoy. I found it hard to put away once I started reading. Well worth the price.
August 27, 2019
Good fun read
Read this boxed set over a few weeks and became engrossed with the character and the adventure.
Have just bought the next in the series and will read along till there are no more.
Read this boxed set over a few weeks and became engrossed with the character and the adventure.
Have just bought the next in the series and will read along till there are no more.
October 8, 2019
Marines getting things done
Very enjoyable series to read. Great action from start to finish. Fantastic characters that develop continuously throughout the series. Buy this collection save a bit of money and enjoy your reading
Very enjoyable series to read. Great action from start to finish. Fantastic characters that develop continuously throughout the series. Buy this collection save a bit of money and enjoy your reading
March 11, 2020
Solid war in space story!
The author has written a strong, solid story of what a war in space against aliens would be like. There are well developed tactical battles that will raise your heart rate!
The author has written a strong, solid story of what a war in space against aliens would be like. There are well developed tactical battles that will raise your heart rate!
June 15, 2020
Captivating
Space and land battles against aliens. Jack Forge, the best hero, not seeking glory, but to accomplish the mission. Hard to put down an adventure that keeps you wanting to read the next mission.
Space and land battles against aliens. Jack Forge, the best hero, not seeking glory, but to accomplish the mission. Hard to put down an adventure that keeps you wanting to read the next mission.
July 6, 2020
I really enjoy reading the 9 books, all of them are pack with action and the development of the characters during the evolution of the story is realy good.
The way the scenes are described makes u "feel" inside the situation.
I really recommend the 9 books to people who likes to read sci-fi.
The way the scenes are described makes u "feel" inside the situation.
I really recommend the 9 books to people who likes to read sci-fi.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews