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Age of Expansion: The Bad Company #5
Destroyer
Humanity’s greatest export—Justice. Peace can never last.
When things are going right, be very afraid. The laws of chance are coming.
And they’re bringing an alien destroyer, invisible to systems, sensors, as well as the naked eye. Even Ted is stymied. Kill or be killed.
Terry Henry Walton isn’t afraid to do things the hard way, and he shows everyone what that means. Skeptical or not, they have no choice. It’s the only chance.
Bad Company’s Direct Action Branch is fully engaged, but when the alien attacks the station, no measure is too drastic. That’s where the line is drawn.
Join the Bad Company as they fight a new enemy to restore the sanctity of their home.
--- PLEASE NOTE ---
* If cursing is a problem, then this might not be for you.
When things are going right, be very afraid. The laws of chance are coming.
And they’re bringing an alien destroyer, invisible to systems, sensors, as well as the naked eye. Even Ted is stymied. Kill or be killed.
Terry Henry Walton isn’t afraid to do things the hard way, and he shows everyone what that means. Skeptical or not, they have no choice. It’s the only chance.
Bad Company’s Direct Action Branch is fully engaged, but when the alien attacks the station, no measure is too drastic. That’s where the line is drawn.
Join the Bad Company as they fight a new enemy to restore the sanctity of their home.
--- PLEASE NOTE ---
* If cursing is a problem, then this might not be for you.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2019
198 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
329 books7,887 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 9, 2021
Enjoyed start to finish
This is not the last book in the series but if it was that would be fine. There is an introduction of a few characters in another offshoot of TKG universe but this is mostly showing how the character development in the other books culminates into a great team with lots of action.
This is not the last book in the series but if it was that would be fine. There is an introduction of a few characters in another offshoot of TKG universe but this is mostly showing how the character development in the other books culminates into a great team with lots of action.
April 16, 2019
Good continuation of the bad company saga
Yay, I've been waiting for another TH and Char book for a while. This one did not disappoint. I enjoyed TH and Char"s antics, and the comfortable camaraderie of the characters. There was a suspense in waiting for the attack, and to see how TH and gang would solve the problem. Its great that the solution took time, and came from an unexpected direction. I did feel like loose ends were not tied up as much as I would have liked (perhaps foreshadowing the next book?) with the enemy in this book (no followup from TH on who they were, where they came from etc) and the visit by the judge and quick battle at her behest seemed to come out of nowhere and left the end of the book feeling a little rushed. I haven't read any of that series... So maybe that's why (or maybe it's been too long since I read a previous book causing me to not recall the introduction to her character)?
Yay, I've been waiting for another TH and Char book for a while. This one did not disappoint. I enjoyed TH and Char"s antics, and the comfortable camaraderie of the characters. There was a suspense in waiting for the attack, and to see how TH and gang would solve the problem. Its great that the solution took time, and came from an unexpected direction. I did feel like loose ends were not tied up as much as I would have liked (perhaps foreshadowing the next book?) with the enemy in this book (no followup from TH on who they were, where they came from etc) and the visit by the judge and quick battle at her behest seemed to come out of nowhere and left the end of the book feeling a little rushed. I haven't read any of that series... So maybe that's why (or maybe it's been too long since I read a previous book causing me to not recall the introduction to her character)?
January 24, 2021
Another great book from Craig Martelle. Not only a good space Opera but a great tie-in to other works
I gave this top marks because it was well articulated carried fourth characters developed in other books very well presented newer challenges that had not happened in prior books but yet had the general feel that you knew what you were reading was of characters that were very established well developed. It is so fun that the universe this is written in can stem from vampire and werewolf type books to space Opera to fantasy all tied together well knit and presented in an entertaining way that's engaging to read makes you want to keep turning pages and spend your money on the next book. Raised in a marine household doesn't hurt as there is a lot of underpinnings that tie into things if you've had that upbringing you totally understand thank you Mr Martelle for giving me another book that I want to find the sequel and keep reading.
I gave this top marks because it was well articulated carried fourth characters developed in other books very well presented newer challenges that had not happened in prior books but yet had the general feel that you knew what you were reading was of characters that were very established well developed. It is so fun that the universe this is written in can stem from vampire and werewolf type books to space Opera to fantasy all tied together well knit and presented in an entertaining way that's engaging to read makes you want to keep turning pages and spend your money on the next book. Raised in a marine household doesn't hurt as there is a lot of underpinnings that tie into things if you've had that upbringing you totally understand thank you Mr Martelle for giving me another book that I want to find the sequel and keep reading.
October 5, 2021
This is a very interesting book in the series. It reminds me of the original Star Trek series episode Balance of Terror which in my opinion was one of the best of all the episodes they did.
The whole thing takes place round Keeg Station where the War Axe is along with a developing shipyard and many ships, although some of them are just kind of junk things left around.
The enemy has a very advanced cloaking system and they can uncloak, fire their weapons and then cloak all withint a matter of seconds. The Bad Company has a great deal of difficulty trying to locate the enemy ship as it manages to destroy some of the ships and also damage the station itself.
Rivka and her group make a short appearance and we see how Ankh ended up on her ship.
It's pretty much all action with a lot of strategic thinking going on for both sides of the battle. Really good addition to the series.
The whole thing takes place round Keeg Station where the War Axe is along with a developing shipyard and many ships, although some of them are just kind of junk things left around.
The enemy has a very advanced cloaking system and they can uncloak, fire their weapons and then cloak all withint a matter of seconds. The Bad Company has a great deal of difficulty trying to locate the enemy ship as it manages to destroy some of the ships and also damage the station itself.
Rivka and her group make a short appearance and we see how Ankh ended up on her ship.
It's pretty much all action with a lot of strategic thinking going on for both sides of the battle. Really good addition to the series.
May 11, 2022
I do love me a good THW book, and Destroyer was definitely that!
The plot idea isn't a new one, as Craig points out himself, in his author's notes, but that's the thing with some ideas - they are just to good not to explore them once again.
I loved that the Bad Company, despite being able to find this invisible enemy, still did everything possible to fins, and destroy, something so evil, that it would target the most vulnerable thing - the space station filled with families!
I thought the solution was wonderful, especially as it showed just how brave Bundin actually is - I really love that alien!
Anyhoo, now that I've finished Destroyer, my reading list tells me that my next read, is book two of the Judge, Jury, and Executioner series: Destroy the Corrupt - as Rivka, and her crew, appeared at the end of Destroyer, I'm hoping to find out more about what happened to them all!
The plot idea isn't a new one, as Craig points out himself, in his author's notes, but that's the thing with some ideas - they are just to good not to explore them once again.
I loved that the Bad Company, despite being able to find this invisible enemy, still did everything possible to fins, and destroy, something so evil, that it would target the most vulnerable thing - the space station filled with families!
I thought the solution was wonderful, especially as it showed just how brave Bundin actually is - I really love that alien!
Anyhoo, now that I've finished Destroyer, my reading list tells me that my next read, is book two of the Judge, Jury, and Executioner series: Destroy the Corrupt - as Rivka, and her crew, appeared at the end of Destroyer, I'm hoping to find out more about what happened to them all!
October 18, 2023
This was a good story, but different from the other ones. The Bad Company is faced with an unusual and enigmatic enemy, who possess unique abilities that are different enough that TH, Char and even the great genius of Ted have first got to decide IF they are being attacked before they can even start to work out the who or why of things, much less the how.
The author notes point out that the story has some interesting similarities to the movies Das Boot and Run Silent, Run Deep. I noticed some of these similarities while reading the story, along with one of my favorite episodes of the original series Star Trek (aka STOS). I can’t reveal the episode without giving a major spoiler, but fellow Trek fans can easily see the resemblance between the two stories after they read this. The suspense alone makes the book stand out well, although I have enjoyed reading all of the Kutherian Gambit series enough that I’m certainly not going to complain about this book adding a new vibe! 😁
The author notes point out that the story has some interesting similarities to the movies Das Boot and Run Silent, Run Deep. I noticed some of these similarities while reading the story, along with one of my favorite episodes of the original series Star Trek (aka STOS). I can’t reveal the episode without giving a major spoiler, but fellow Trek fans can easily see the resemblance between the two stories after they read this. The suspense alone makes the book stand out well, although I have enjoyed reading all of the Kutherian Gambit series enough that I’m certainly not going to complain about this book adding a new vibe! 😁
April 14, 2019
This book was like a long missed friend
This book was like a long lost friend, you really missed it but thank goodness they decided to write another one after 11 months. I don’t know what kind of business decision that was but I’d like to string the persons up who made it. TH and his crew are like a family that you have missed. The action was great the humor, the Snark I have nothing bad to say about this book. The only thing I ask is, don’t have a Suite 11 months for the next one.
This book was like a long lost friend, you really missed it but thank goodness they decided to write another one after 11 months. I don’t know what kind of business decision that was but I’d like to string the persons up who made it. TH and his crew are like a family that you have missed. The action was great the humor, the Snark I have nothing bad to say about this book. The only thing I ask is, don’t have a Suite 11 months for the next one.
April 22, 2019
Bad companies new members
Terry Henry Walton is not himself but he has no time as he has an invisible enemy to fight. Having the upper hand in number of ships is not working against 1 unseen ship. To save the day will be his new bad company members of other species. Bundin is willing to give his life for his team. It’s great the team is back together you will not wish to leave old friends.
Terry Henry Walton is not himself but he has no time as he has an invisible enemy to fight. Having the upper hand in number of ships is not working against 1 unseen ship. To save the day will be his new bad company members of other species. Bundin is willing to give his life for his team. It’s great the team is back together you will not wish to leave old friends.
July 30, 2019
A CM/MA SYFY Novel (D) (AMSO) (TBCB - 5)
CM/MA have penned a Military Combat Action Adventure which takes place in the Bad Company's front yard. An unknown enemy attacks the Bad Company with the intent to destroy the Bad Company's home station. The Bad Company fights back until they locate the unknown series of bombs which continue to attack the home port. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
CM/MA have penned a Military Combat Action Adventure which takes place in the Bad Company's front yard. An unknown enemy attacks the Bad Company with the intent to destroy the Bad Company's home station. The Bad Company fights back until they locate the unknown series of bombs which continue to attack the home port. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
May 4, 2020
Never a dull moment
You can be sure when you pick up a KGU book, that you will be entertained like you never have before. Chuck in some Shakespeare and Star Wars reference, as well as, space talk that just somehow makes sense and you are guaranteed a brilliant read. Martelle and Anderle keep readers on the edge of their seat with this action packed book. The ideas and imagination that are brought about in this book is unbelievable. Can’t wait to read the next in this series.
You can be sure when you pick up a KGU book, that you will be entertained like you never have before. Chuck in some Shakespeare and Star Wars reference, as well as, space talk that just somehow makes sense and you are guaranteed a brilliant read. Martelle and Anderle keep readers on the edge of their seat with this action packed book. The ideas and imagination that are brought about in this book is unbelievable. Can’t wait to read the next in this series.
April 9, 2019
Destroyer
TH and the Bad Company are really in the S#1T this time. A mysterious enemy ship they can't see and can't find, blowing up ships, laying a minefield, and firing up their space station. It's an intense and wild ride my friends. I'm glad I didn't miss it. Awesome story, Craig.
TH and the Bad Company are really in the S#1T this time. A mysterious enemy ship they can't see and can't find, blowing up ships, laying a minefield, and firing up their space station. It's an intense and wild ride my friends. I'm glad I didn't miss it. Awesome story, Craig.
April 17, 2019
Missed this series
I was very happy when Craig Martelle let his fans know this book was coming out. I really missed TH and his mixed werewolves, humans and aliens crew. They are all action with a bunch of humor thrown in. This book was worth the wait and now I hope there will be a lot more to follow.
I was very happy when Craig Martelle let his fans know this book was coming out. I really missed TH and his mixed werewolves, humans and aliens crew. They are all action with a bunch of humor thrown in. This book was worth the wait and now I hope there will be a lot more to follow.
September 6, 2019
Enjoyed
I’m not big on writing reviews. I never leave a bad one. I don’t mess with people’s livelihoods. I only comment on those I enjoy. This series is not my usual type of read but I am enjoying it as I have just finished book 5. If you like werewolves, vampires and all sorts of aliens and badassery, you will enjoy.
I’m not big on writing reviews. I never leave a bad one. I don’t mess with people’s livelihoods. I only comment on those I enjoy. This series is not my usual type of read but I am enjoying it as I have just finished book 5. If you like werewolves, vampires and all sorts of aliens and badassery, you will enjoy.
July 31, 2020
My review.
I have read all the books that I could get my hands on. Ihave done my best to read as much as I can. These are thevery best books that I have ever read in my 72years. They are right up there with best ever written.If anyone ants to enjoy reading this is the way to go. Now on to book 6.
I have read all the books that I could get my hands on. Ihave done my best to read as much as I can. These are thevery best books that I have ever read in my 72years. They are right up there with best ever written.If anyone ants to enjoy reading this is the way to go. Now on to book 6.
April 10, 2019
Love this Bad Company story
This was well worth the wait to see TH and company in action again. To know that Cory is all right after Ramses death. To see how the other aliens are shaping up and fitting in. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This was well worth the wait to see TH and company in action again. To know that Cory is all right after Ramses death. To see how the other aliens are shaping up and fitting in. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 13, 2019
Can't be finished, can it? What about the new enemies?
I have enjoyed the series greatly. I am in the process of writing my own such stories. Hope one day to become as. Good as you guys
I have enjoyed the series greatly. I am in the process of writing my own such stories. Hope one day to become as. Good as you guys
April 15, 2019
Craig did it again
Detailed military action that not boringly long is the strength of Craig's books. With a lot of humor (not sure if this part is more Yoda or Craig) this book really exploit the craziness of Bad Company!
Detailed military action that not boringly long is the strength of Craig's books. With a lot of humor (not sure if this part is more Yoda or Craig) this book really exploit the craziness of Bad Company!
April 16, 2019
Finally !
TH and Char are back. It's been too long since we've heard anything about them . This is a great story , well written , lots of action. Just please write another Bad Company book soon .
TH and Char are back. It's been too long since we've heard anything about them . This is a great story , well written , lots of action. Just please write another Bad Company book soon .
April 17, 2019
Absolutely great!
FINALLY!... I was wondering if this series was dead, and gone.
Thankfully that fear was unfounded, and here it is, better than ever, much to my delight.
Read it in a day!
FINALLY!... I was wondering if this series was dead, and gone.
Thankfully that fear was unfounded, and here it is, better than ever, much to my delight.
Read it in a day!
April 22, 2019
Oh my THW is back
Yes Bad Company is back with crossover story to the authors other series. War Axe is in hunter seeker mode with a cloaked ship so. Hang on and read this and sneak peek for the next Bad Company Book!
Yes Bad Company is back with crossover story to the authors other series. War Axe is in hunter seeker mode with a cloaked ship so. Hang on and read this and sneak peek for the next Bad Company Book!
April 22, 2019
Woohoo!!!
Bad Company returned! With guest appearances. It was too long for this to be published, and I’m begging Craig to write the next one sooner. Pretty please! Another fantastic book in the Bad Company series.
Bad Company returned! With guest appearances. It was too long for this to be published, and I’m begging Craig to write the next one sooner. Pretty please! Another fantastic book in the Bad Company series.
April 26, 2019
Continues to satisfy
One can never go wrong with another Bad Company book. In addition to a devious foe we have a weakening T H! Plenty of action and anticipation. These Bad Company books can't come fast enough for me.
One can never go wrong with another Bad Company book. In addition to a devious foe we have a weakening T H! Plenty of action and anticipation. These Bad Company books can't come fast enough for me.
April 29, 2019
Best military si-fi EVER
Terry and his growing gang of goofballs are the most fun to watch and this episode was crazy scary!
The crossover was great too!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
Terry and his growing gang of goofballs are the most fun to watch and this episode was crazy scary!
The crossover was great too!
Howard S (the S stands for super fan)
May 2, 2019
Great story
Glad TH and the rest of Bad Company are back. I missed reading about them. I can't imagine trying to fight something that can't be seen but they do an excellent job of doing just that.
Glad TH and the rest of Bad Company are back. I missed reading about them. I can't imagine trying to fight something that can't be seen but they do an excellent job of doing just that.
May 11, 2019
Great series!
I really enjoyed the characters, the separate story lines and how they i reconnect to the central story. I am so ready for the next book to find out what kind of trouble Bad Company finds!!
I really enjoyed the characters, the separate story lines and how they i reconnect to the central story. I am so ready for the next book to find out what kind of trouble Bad Company finds!!
May 28, 2019
I love Ted he is hilarious. I mean he is super smart but also, SUPER awkward. Through out this universe I love how his relationship with Felicity has developed. They went from a thing of convenience, to serious love. Got to love him.
September 7, 2019
Hide & seek
Superbly written story best way to explore the whole story plot , starting with an unusual theme compared to the normal gist of sci sci-fi books on the whole . Shame that TH has a pub with no beer .
Superbly written story best way to explore the whole story plot , starting with an unusual theme compared to the normal gist of sci sci-fi books on the whole . Shame that TH has a pub with no beer .
November 29, 2019
A good story!!
Read it on other tablet, it's too early to write something intelligent right now. I will say that any books I finish are worth reading, if it isn't good, the book isn't finished.
Read it on other tablet, it's too early to write something intelligent right now. I will say that any books I finish are worth reading, if it isn't good, the book isn't finished.
December 24, 2019
Excellent
I have read all the Lutheran universe books and I have to say the THW ones rate right up there with the best of them. I average a book a day and enjoyed rereading all the THW books when I bought the new one. Thank you so much for the many hours of enjoyment.
I have read all the Lutheran universe books and I have to say the THW ones rate right up there with the best of them. I average a book a day and enjoyed rereading all the THW books when I bought the new one. Thank you so much for the many hours of enjoyment.
January 2, 2020
Truly a military space opera.
There is a lot of shoot 'em up action! Bad Company - 1 previously unknown alien race - 0. The awards ceremony was a nice way to close the book. It is really hard to write a review without spoilers.
There is a lot of shoot 'em up action! Bad Company - 1 previously unknown alien race - 0. The awards ceremony was a nice way to close the book. It is really hard to write a review without spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews