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Vigilante #3
Bound By Law
An uneasy peace broken by an old enemy
An old ally owed debts and obligations
A new mission to bring light into darkness
In the aftermath of the destruction of the Cadre’s main base, there was a period of quiet in the Solar System. Now, however, pirate attacks are on the rise again. When the Cadre ambushes a medical convoy under the protection of Brad Madrid and the Vikings Mercenary Company, the attacking warship turns out to be of a type and class the pirates should never have come into possession of.
The Cadre is no longer limited to pirate corvettes and scratch-built destroyers. Somehow, they’ve come into possession of a modern fleet of warships no one outside the Commonwealth should possess.
Brad Madrid owes the Agency and the Commonwealth his allegiance and his life. So when Kate Falcone calls on him to help seek out the Cadre’s new shipyard, he answers without hesitation. Their investigation, however, will draw his mercenary company into a newborn conflict unlike anything he’s ever faced before.
An old ally owed debts and obligations
A new mission to bring light into darkness
In the aftermath of the destruction of the Cadre’s main base, there was a period of quiet in the Solar System. Now, however, pirate attacks are on the rise again. When the Cadre ambushes a medical convoy under the protection of Brad Madrid and the Vikings Mercenary Company, the attacking warship turns out to be of a type and class the pirates should never have come into possession of.
The Cadre is no longer limited to pirate corvettes and scratch-built destroyers. Somehow, they’ve come into possession of a modern fleet of warships no one outside the Commonwealth should possess.
Brad Madrid owes the Agency and the Commonwealth his allegiance and his life. So when Kate Falcone calls on him to help seek out the Cadre’s new shipyard, he answers without hesitation. Their investigation, however, will draw his mercenary company into a newborn conflict unlike anything he’s ever faced before.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2018
472 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
116 books1,750 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 28, 2018
I don't really have much to say about this one. It's good enough to read the next one but not gripping.
November 3, 2018
Incomplete series?
The characters get flatter and the battles move to center stage. That highlights the impossibly small unit sizes, both ship crews and ground forces. The battles become less and less plausible as a military backdrop to the story. The structure of the Commonwealth government and economic foundation is still skimpy. It's non-existent, really. That was the part of the books that would have interested me the most. The fleet itself is either a lost cause (endemic stupidity and/or acceptance of bad practice) or its efforts to become effective are obviously (to officers and sailors alike) being stymied at the high command and civilian government level. Exploring those possibilities would have been a nice story.
The battles are washed out scenes, since the emotional connection to the characters is so tenuous. The ship types and sizes are weird (Mixon did a much better job of that in another series). The small unit sizes are well below what the story calls for. At one point, a corvette has a crew of about 4 sailors but 8 boarding troops? Trust me, that doesn't work in so many ways for any value of the classification of corvette (a lot of naval classifications are or have been specific to a particular navy and aren't really universal, try identifying landing craft in Wikipedia for example).The writer mentions big unit sizes like divisions and brigades but is limited in his experiences to writing units no bigger than a large squad or short platoon. Likewise his ship crews are small not because of tech but because of limited naval knowledge, I think.
Commandos which is a very vague term (see Boer War references for the origins of the term and British Army usage since), seem to include every ex-marine pirate in the story. Mercenaries with no ground force or marine background can outfight them every time? This is an example of what combat might look like to a supply clerk in an airborne unit or a videogame warrior perhaps but knife or gun skills are not the total or even most of what a soldier is or does. There are so many other holes in the action that making the book about the battles, makes it impossible to overlook them in favor of character insights or relationships.
I wish that the book had more punch but it still is an OK adventure story, albeit with thin characters and background. Don't look too closely and it can be fun. The series seems to just end with no resolution of the background questions. Maybe there will be more but the story is unfinished. I probably wouldn't bother to read it anyway.
The characters get flatter and the battles move to center stage. That highlights the impossibly small unit sizes, both ship crews and ground forces. The battles become less and less plausible as a military backdrop to the story. The structure of the Commonwealth government and economic foundation is still skimpy. It's non-existent, really. That was the part of the books that would have interested me the most. The fleet itself is either a lost cause (endemic stupidity and/or acceptance of bad practice) or its efforts to become effective are obviously (to officers and sailors alike) being stymied at the high command and civilian government level. Exploring those possibilities would have been a nice story.
The battles are washed out scenes, since the emotional connection to the characters is so tenuous. The ship types and sizes are weird (Mixon did a much better job of that in another series). The small unit sizes are well below what the story calls for. At one point, a corvette has a crew of about 4 sailors but 8 boarding troops? Trust me, that doesn't work in so many ways for any value of the classification of corvette (a lot of naval classifications are or have been specific to a particular navy and aren't really universal, try identifying landing craft in Wikipedia for example).The writer mentions big unit sizes like divisions and brigades but is limited in his experiences to writing units no bigger than a large squad or short platoon. Likewise his ship crews are small not because of tech but because of limited naval knowledge, I think.
Commandos which is a very vague term (see Boer War references for the origins of the term and British Army usage since), seem to include every ex-marine pirate in the story. Mercenaries with no ground force or marine background can outfight them every time? This is an example of what combat might look like to a supply clerk in an airborne unit or a videogame warrior perhaps but knife or gun skills are not the total or even most of what a soldier is or does. There are so many other holes in the action that making the book about the battles, makes it impossible to overlook them in favor of character insights or relationships.
I wish that the book had more punch but it still is an OK adventure story, albeit with thin characters and background. Don't look too closely and it can be fun. The series seems to just end with no resolution of the background questions. Maybe there will be more but the story is unfinished. I probably wouldn't bother to read it anyway.
December 12, 2019
This book was my favorite of the Vigilante books so far, mainly because the series plot really took off in this one. There's a lot more involving the storyline we learn about, and a lot more for the Vikings to deal with in said storyline. There were also much more serious consequences for Brad to deal with, these added to the book and made it more interesting. This book has a good balance of highs and lows, not too much of either, and you aren't left feeling cheated at the end. Overall this book has a lot more to offer from every angle.
If you've already read the first two then read this one for sure...then the rest of the books of course. The books are actually getting a depth to them, and since we know the characters they become the leader of the story.
These are really easy, fun, and quick reads. Listening to them on audio I blow through one a day without really trying. The plot moves at a good pace, and you always have a reason to read the next chapter.
If you've already read the first two then read this one for sure...then the rest of the books of course. The books are actually getting a depth to them, and since we know the characters they become the leader of the story.
These are really easy, fun, and quick reads. Listening to them on audio I blow through one a day without really trying. The plot moves at a good pace, and you always have a reason to read the next chapter.
June 20, 2018
Victory At A Cost
Brad has built his mercenary company into a formidable small fleet. A good thing since fighting the cadre takes power and will. The trail of the cadre gets more and more strange. I like the action, strategy, and the bit of romance. I look forward to the next book.
Brad has built his mercenary company into a formidable small fleet. A good thing since fighting the cadre takes power and will. The trail of the cadre gets more and more strange. I like the action, strategy, and the bit of romance. I look forward to the next book.
October 31, 2018
Worth a kindle read
This is the third in a series. I have read a lot of Glynn's work and will go and look up more of Mr. Mixon. It was an ok story some familiar tropes and maybe one to many mcguffins for me to really dig in.
If you started on the first two read this one it doesn't disappoint but it doesn't curl my toes.
This is the third in a series. I have read a lot of Glynn's work and will go and look up more of Mr. Mixon. It was an ok story some familiar tropes and maybe one to many mcguffins for me to really dig in.
If you started on the first two read this one it doesn't disappoint but it doesn't curl my toes.
June 17, 2018
Good progress on series
Reaaly enjoyed reading the story. Characters developed more than previous books. Only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that the beginning provides little reference to the 2 year gap that happen between books 2 & 3.
Reaaly enjoyed reading the story. Characters developed more than previous books. Only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that the beginning provides little reference to the 2 year gap that happen between books 2 & 3.
July 13, 2018
Bound by Law! Great Read!
Great Series. I have enjoyed reading this book and the previous two books. Science fiction really interesting and full of action. Good Guys take a beating, so not a one sided story for most part. Pick it up and give them a read!
Great Series. I have enjoyed reading this book and the previous two books. Science fiction really interesting and full of action. Good Guys take a beating, so not a one sided story for most part. Pick it up and give them a read!
August 2, 2018
Who are the Cadre really
Brad and company follow bread crumbs to over take a tanker. The take the tanker and continue on its mission to capture Cadre ships. They find out what ship builder has committed treason. Read to find out the wins and losses.
Brad and company follow bread crumbs to over take a tanker. The take the tanker and continue on its mission to capture Cadre ships. They find out what ship builder has committed treason. Read to find out the wins and losses.
December 31, 2020
Decent!
Good words in a row, kept me reading. So, he got more ships he will need to crew, more Marines to fill the empty slots. Will take money to make it all work. Unless, he could sell one of them for money to pay his bills.
Good words in a row, kept me reading. So, he got more ships he will need to crew, more Marines to fill the empty slots. Will take money to make it all work. Unless, he could sell one of them for money to pay his bills.
September 13, 2021
excellent
This series started a bit slowly in terms of characters actually being three dimensional, but it really hits its stride in this book.
Fast paced and action packed, with flashes of humour — a great read.
This series started a bit slowly in terms of characters actually being three dimensional, but it really hits its stride in this book.
Fast paced and action packed, with flashes of humour — a great read.
September 5, 2023
There is no war without heartbreak
Eventually the odds catch up with all of us. So it is with Brad Madrid. The Cadre is stronger than ever. Betrayal and sabatage bring destruction, but our heroes will persevere. Cant wait for the next book.
Eventually the odds catch up with all of us. So it is with Brad Madrid. The Cadre is stronger than ever. Betrayal and sabatage bring destruction, but our heroes will persevere. Cant wait for the next book.
June 22, 2018
It drags its feets a bit
September 23, 2018
Incredible!
Another awesome book in the Vigilante series, incredible characters, epic space battles, great plot unraveling throughout the whole series... 5 stars!
Another awesome book in the Vigilante series, incredible characters, epic space battles, great plot unraveling throughout the whole series... 5 stars!
October 26, 2018
This series is probably my least favorite from either author, but it's still worth reading once, most likely.
November 12, 2018
A nice continuation of the story.
January 26, 2019
Review on www.Audible.com please listen to this book
May 1, 2019
Continuance
Excellent follow-up to the original duology, I look forward to reading more from both authors. Long may it continue. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Excellent follow-up to the original duology, I look forward to reading more from both authors. Long may it continue. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
October 25, 2019
This series is drifting into cliche. What started out with an original flavor has now become formulaic space warfare.
August 20, 2020
Fantastic Series!
I loved this series the first time I read it and still love rereading it after the sixth reread! Well worth the price of purchase!
I loved this series the first time I read it and still love rereading it after the sixth reread! Well worth the price of purchase!
September 4, 2021
A good series
This series has it all. Great characters as well as an intriguing storyline that will keep you wanting more and more
This series has it all. Great characters as well as an intriguing storyline that will keep you wanting more and more
May 23, 2023
A good space opera miltary romp with mercenary crew against space pirates.
September 13, 2018
good book to curl up with.
September 28, 2018
I have really enjoyed this trilogy. Well at least for now it is a trilogy. I would say there is ample opportunity to continue Brad’s adventures if the author so wishes. I for sure would welcome more books about Brad and his mercenaries.
Brad has come a long way from being a lonely survivor of a freighter attacked by pirates in the first book. He is still pursuing his quest for revenge but the story has expanded to put it mildly.
Brad has further built up his company and now has a small fleet. Unfortunately he is about to discover that the pirates have a large fleet…and that they are not “just” pirates. As the conspiracies and the diabolical truth behind the “pirates” emerges Brad & Co finds themselves fighting for more than revenge.
One thing that I like about these books is that Brad (and his friends) are very likable and very kick-ass heroes. No whining, no self-doubt, just straightforward heroes. Add to that a story that is an equally straightforward adventure story with just the right dose of revenge and punish the wicked stuff added to it and it is already a good book. Then we have the action and space combat which is also very well done.
Speaking of combat, there is of course a decent amount of that in this book given that we build up to yet another big show down. Terror might be dealt with but the head of the snake is still wiggling around. Both side will have to pay a dire price although one side’s price will of course be steeper than the others.
These three books have really been my style of books.
Brad has come a long way from being a lonely survivor of a freighter attacked by pirates in the first book. He is still pursuing his quest for revenge but the story has expanded to put it mildly.
Brad has further built up his company and now has a small fleet. Unfortunately he is about to discover that the pirates have a large fleet…and that they are not “just” pirates. As the conspiracies and the diabolical truth behind the “pirates” emerges Brad & Co finds themselves fighting for more than revenge.
One thing that I like about these books is that Brad (and his friends) are very likable and very kick-ass heroes. No whining, no self-doubt, just straightforward heroes. Add to that a story that is an equally straightforward adventure story with just the right dose of revenge and punish the wicked stuff added to it and it is already a good book. Then we have the action and space combat which is also very well done.
Speaking of combat, there is of course a decent amount of that in this book given that we build up to yet another big show down. Terror might be dealt with but the head of the snake is still wiggling around. Both side will have to pay a dire price although one side’s price will of course be steeper than the others.
These three books have really been my style of books.
February 14, 2022
NOt just BOund by Law but Bound in Heart.
Once again, the Viking mercenary work on destroying the Cadry and their ilk. What' that saying? "Cut the head of a hydra, another grows"? Well that fits in this book.
While I'm giving a 5 star rating to this book, I' a little teary eyes due to a few losses that started since book one.
If you like stealth, mercenary backed by Common Wealth agency and space battles? then this is the book to read. Just be sure to guard your heart.
Once again, the Viking mercenary work on destroying the Cadry and their ilk. What' that saying? "Cut the head of a hydra, another grows"? Well that fits in this book.
While I'm giving a 5 star rating to this book, I' a little teary eyes due to a few losses that started since book one.
If you like stealth, mercenary backed by Common Wealth agency and space battles? then this is the book to read. Just be sure to guard your heart.
Read
May 20, 2019I really liked this 3rd book of the series, much action. I am sure you will enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews