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Mavericks #1
Deathtrap
Listening time 15 hours 3 minutes
The human soldiers stranded on the planet Paradise have been recruited into an Alien Legion, to do the dirty jobs that the high-tech species won't do. Their first mission is to kick the enemy off a backwater planet no one cares about. It's a simple assignment, except everyone has a hidden agenda, and the planet could become a deathtrap.
The human soldiers stranded on the planet Paradise have been recruited into an Alien Legion, to do the dirty jobs that the high-tech species won't do. Their first mission is to kick the enemy off a backwater planet no one cares about. It's a simple assignment, except everyone has a hidden agenda, and the planet could become a deathtrap.
15 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 10, 2019
693 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
46 books4,321 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 161 reviews
May 21, 2020
OK. So, Craig Alanson sprung this book upon his ExForce followers (it's a club, not a cult) without any previous warning. And many people were surprised to learn that what was to be a collection of filler novellas set between the main story sequels has now turned into a full spin-off series. Series that (take a deep breath if you're an avid club member) does NOT INCLUDE SKIPPY!
Yes, there is no Skippy in this book. But that does not make this book a lesser read - at all. All the characters from the "Paradise/Mavericks" story arc are here, and they are off to fight a battle which is completely senseless from the start. They don't have the almighty beer can with them, but it does not prevent them from being creative, brave and funny as hell. A new favourite character emerges in this book - one that just might end up in the Comic Relief Pantheon. The plot is complex but believable, the universe canons are held up to a point, the ratio of build-up vs. action is just right, and it's probably the funniest book Mr Alanson has ever written. Again, no Skippy, so you know he did an amazing job. Also, since I listened to the audiobook version, I have to give kudos to R.C. Bray for yet another amazing performance.
If you're an ExForce fan, don't even try to think about skipping this one. Besides all the qualities listed above, this book gives some important clues on how and where the story arc might be bending. So just take it in, enjoy it and say "Do me" to Surgen Jates when you see him!
Yes, there is no Skippy in this book. But that does not make this book a lesser read - at all. All the characters from the "Paradise/Mavericks" story arc are here, and they are off to fight a battle which is completely senseless from the start. They don't have the almighty beer can with them, but it does not prevent them from being creative, brave and funny as hell. A new favourite character emerges in this book - one that just might end up in the Comic Relief Pantheon. The plot is complex but believable, the universe canons are held up to a point, the ratio of build-up vs. action is just right, and it's probably the funniest book Mr Alanson has ever written. Again, no Skippy, so you know he did an amazing job. Also, since I listened to the audiobook version, I have to give kudos to R.C. Bray for yet another amazing performance.
If you're an ExForce fan, don't even try to think about skipping this one. Besides all the qualities listed above, this book gives some important clues on how and where the story arc might be bending. So just take it in, enjoy it and say "Do me" to Surgen Jates when you see him!
May 14, 2019
The Mavericks Take Centre Stage!
The Mavericks, of course, evolved out of Alanson's most excellent 'Expeditionary Force" series and for the most part, have been considered by some to be something of a sideshow getting in the way of the main act in the form of Joe, Skippy and the Merry Band of Pirates. But you know, Alanson has created this wonderful universe with its own intriguingly mysterious history and populated it with an absolute panoply of weird and wonderful alien races. Their zany cultures, especially the Guraptha (I'm sure I've spelled that wrong) with their fabulous gambling habits, their politics, their sheer imperfections and their seemingly infinite variety mean there is more than enough space out there for the Mavericks and the Pirates to explore. It would be a real waste to only base one series in amongst all that lot.
It's also definitely a good move to split this series off into one in its own right. Understandably some were put off when the original series departed from the Joe and Skippy show to concentrate on the Mavericks so now people have a choice. Being me I choose both. The only cautionary note that I would sound is that if you are coming to all this fresh it would be much better to start with the Expeditionary Force series as you will miss so much of the background and some of the nuances of this might pass you by otherwise. And to be fair, if you don't like that series, you likely won't like this one either.
What you get with both is lots of action, lots of Alanson's trademark humour and of course bravura performances from the one and only RC Bray. I have written so many good things about that man and his narration in so many different reviews that I am almost dreaming of the day when he gives a bad performance so that I can slate him for it. In truth it remains but a dream because once again he is simply excellent.
Quite how Alanson manages to turn out books of this length quite so freqently and to this high standard is difficult to imagine. It is clear from his entertaining author's note at the end that he loves what he is doing and is prepared to put in the hard yards to be successful. All I can say is more power to his mighty writer's elbow!
The Mavericks, of course, evolved out of Alanson's most excellent 'Expeditionary Force" series and for the most part, have been considered by some to be something of a sideshow getting in the way of the main act in the form of Joe, Skippy and the Merry Band of Pirates. But you know, Alanson has created this wonderful universe with its own intriguingly mysterious history and populated it with an absolute panoply of weird and wonderful alien races. Their zany cultures, especially the Guraptha (I'm sure I've spelled that wrong) with their fabulous gambling habits, their politics, their sheer imperfections and their seemingly infinite variety mean there is more than enough space out there for the Mavericks and the Pirates to explore. It would be a real waste to only base one series in amongst all that lot.
It's also definitely a good move to split this series off into one in its own right. Understandably some were put off when the original series departed from the Joe and Skippy show to concentrate on the Mavericks so now people have a choice. Being me I choose both. The only cautionary note that I would sound is that if you are coming to all this fresh it would be much better to start with the Expeditionary Force series as you will miss so much of the background and some of the nuances of this might pass you by otherwise. And to be fair, if you don't like that series, you likely won't like this one either.
What you get with both is lots of action, lots of Alanson's trademark humour and of course bravura performances from the one and only RC Bray. I have written so many good things about that man and his narration in so many different reviews that I am almost dreaming of the day when he gives a bad performance so that I can slate him for it. In truth it remains but a dream because once again he is simply excellent.
Quite how Alanson manages to turn out books of this length quite so freqently and to this high standard is difficult to imagine. It is clear from his entertaining author's note at the end that he loves what he is doing and is prepared to put in the hard yards to be successful. All I can say is more power to his mighty writer's elbow!
July 27, 2023
July 2023
I'm doing a re-read of this entire series, and I thought I'd take a break and visit Emily, Dave, Jessie, Shauna, Nert, Jates, Dave and Irene. I seem to have a much better visual image of each character in my imagination now and that makes a difference, oddly. I love these guys. Even Ross was entertaining with his whole ongoing frustration with Emily's tactics and scheming.
The politics are also so well done. We want the planet. Let's go to war to get the planet. Everyone dies. Wait, we don't need that planet after all. OK, let's just give it back. Everybody ok with that? It is maddening and so reflective of the way politics work in real life. Maybe some exaggeration, but honestly not that much.
In the end, I do love this world. That's why I visit so often.
February 2021
I just needed a good dose of Surgun Jates, so I thought I'd re-visit the Mavericks. This time I'm upping my rating to 5 stars - I'm not reading it on the heels of the original series, so I feel like I have a better perspective. This story entertained the heck out of me. It's complicated, well-thought-out sci-fi, but with such great humor! The Jeraptha wagering, the Ruhar conniving, the Kristang pompous attitude - this was just what I needed right now. I never seem to want to leave this world. It is that immersive.
July 2020
Even though I really like these characters - especially Emily Perkins, I miss Joe and Skippy from the original Expeditionary Force series. Then again, here we get Nert the Ruhar Comic Relief. He really is a cute kid. I like the way Alanson draws the contrast between strong human and Ruhar women and the misogyny of the male Kristangs. And the true introduction of the Verd-kris and particularly Surgun Jates was wonderful! I think Jates is one of my favorites also. Gotta love that relationship he has with Dave. Again, drawing that contrast between a kickass Verd-kris woman and a horrible Kristang male is striking.
The behavior of the Jeraptha in this book is hilarious - the way they react to even the possibility of a wager is really, really funny. The Kristang are their usual monstrous selves and even the Ruhar start to behave like little weasels (well, a few of them). But overall, it's a good story and lots of adventure. I love this world and it wouldn't be the same without RC Bray telling the story.
I'm doing a re-read of this entire series, and I thought I'd take a break and visit Emily, Dave, Jessie, Shauna, Nert, Jates, Dave and Irene. I seem to have a much better visual image of each character in my imagination now and that makes a difference, oddly. I love these guys. Even Ross was entertaining with his whole ongoing frustration with Emily's tactics and scheming.
The politics are also so well done. We want the planet. Let's go to war to get the planet. Everyone dies. Wait, we don't need that planet after all. OK, let's just give it back. Everybody ok with that? It is maddening and so reflective of the way politics work in real life. Maybe some exaggeration, but honestly not that much.
In the end, I do love this world. That's why I visit so often.
February 2021
I just needed a good dose of Surgun Jates, so I thought I'd re-visit the Mavericks. This time I'm upping my rating to 5 stars - I'm not reading it on the heels of the original series, so I feel like I have a better perspective. This story entertained the heck out of me. It's complicated, well-thought-out sci-fi, but with such great humor! The Jeraptha wagering, the Ruhar conniving, the Kristang pompous attitude - this was just what I needed right now. I never seem to want to leave this world. It is that immersive.
July 2020
Even though I really like these characters - especially Emily Perkins, I miss Joe and Skippy from the original Expeditionary Force series. Then again, here we get Nert the Ruhar Comic Relief. He really is a cute kid. I like the way Alanson draws the contrast between strong human and Ruhar women and the misogyny of the male Kristangs. And the true introduction of the Verd-kris and particularly Surgun Jates was wonderful! I think Jates is one of my favorites also. Gotta love that relationship he has with Dave. Again, drawing that contrast between a kickass Verd-kris woman and a horrible Kristang male is striking.
The behavior of the Jeraptha in this book is hilarious - the way they react to even the possibility of a wager is really, really funny. The Kristang are their usual monstrous selves and even the Ruhar start to behave like little weasels (well, a few of them). But overall, it's a good story and lots of adventure. I love this world and it wouldn't be the same without RC Bray telling the story.
August 5, 2021
This novel is a tangent from the series "Expeditionary Force" and one might be confused about what's going on and who's who if you haven't read those novels up to and including the novel "Paradise". Also for readers of the Expeditionary Force series, ideally this should be read before book 8. Oh and "SPOILER ALERT" for stuff from the Expeditionary Force series.
Now that that's out of the way, this book features the humans that were left stranded on the Ruhar planet that the humans call Paradise (I forget what the Ruhar call their planet). Emily Perkins decides to form a joint human and Verd-Kris fighting force called the Alien Legion, to show the Ruhar that humans can fight effectively and be useful instead of unwanted pets that were thrust upon them (in book one of the Expeditionary Force series). The Ruhar decide to give this new Alien Legion a try and give them the dirty job of policing and getting the Kristang off a planet that the Ruhar just won in battle from the Kristang. If you know anything about the Kristang you know they won't go politely!
It takes awhile, about halfway through the book, before the crap hits the fan. Our main heroes are separated and stranded in isolated areas of the world and have to fight for their survival with limited resources at hand. And then deal with injuries received during fighting, like a leg injury which makes travel difficult. The narration switches from group to group as they deal with bad situations and no way to communicate for help. And then there's a curve ball that is hilarious, and I won't spoil it. Suffice it to say the second half of the book reads faster and more intense than the first and it's worth it.
Now that that's out of the way, this book features the humans that were left stranded on the Ruhar planet that the humans call Paradise (I forget what the Ruhar call their planet). Emily Perkins decides to form a joint human and Verd-Kris fighting force called the Alien Legion, to show the Ruhar that humans can fight effectively and be useful instead of unwanted pets that were thrust upon them (in book one of the Expeditionary Force series). The Ruhar decide to give this new Alien Legion a try and give them the dirty job of policing and getting the Kristang off a planet that the Ruhar just won in battle from the Kristang. If you know anything about the Kristang you know they won't go politely!
It takes awhile, about halfway through the book, before the crap hits the fan. Our main heroes are separated and stranded in isolated areas of the world and have to fight for their survival with limited resources at hand. And then deal with injuries received during fighting, like a leg injury which makes travel difficult. The narration switches from group to group as they deal with bad situations and no way to communicate for help. And then there's a curve ball that is hilarious, and I won't spoil it. Suffice it to say the second half of the book reads faster and more intense than the first and it's worth it.
October 9, 2020
The book can't end in this cliffhanger!!!
It's true that the Mavericks have a lot less space battles, you miss Skippy and Joe's banter and all the other merry pirates as well... But the books have the same style of action and humor and I had a blast!
The story was solid, and just like with the main ExForce books I had no idea where Alanson was taking it.
I truly want to know what Perkins is planning, she and her team are amazing.
I am also glad their, Nertie and their old friend Surgun Jates were here. They should become official Mavericks. (Although maybe you do need to blow up an island to become part of the team).
It's true that the Mavericks have a lot less space battles, you miss Skippy and Joe's banter and all the other merry pirates as well... But the books have the same style of action and humor and I had a blast!
The story was solid, and just like with the main ExForce books I had no idea where Alanson was taking it.
I truly want to know what Perkins is planning, she and her team are amazing.
I am also glad their, Nertie and their old friend Surgun Jates were here. They should become official Mavericks. (Although maybe you do need to blow up an island to become part of the team).
June 19, 2019
It’s interesting to see this group of people branch off from the series title (Expeditionary force( but it’s still more or less the same crazy wacky space adventure.
June 28, 2022
I'm a huge fan of Craig Alanson's EXPEDITIONARY FORCE series even though it has problems. The series is about humanity's first contact with aliens and how we find an AI that helps us avoid being utterly overwhelmed. The MAVERICKS books are a spin off of the planet settled by humans with abandoned soldiers.
Here, we have the humans of Paradise trying to form an Alien Legion to try to get some support for humanity's lost colony. If you haven't read Expeditionary Force, this probably will make very little sense but as a spin-off, I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoy Emily Perkins and her adventures even if the absence of Skippy removes a lot of Alanson's humor. On the other hand, the stakes are much higher and believable because you know they're not going to pull a miracle out of an AI's code.
Here, we have the humans of Paradise trying to form an Alien Legion to try to get some support for humanity's lost colony. If you haven't read Expeditionary Force, this probably will make very little sense but as a spin-off, I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoy Emily Perkins and her adventures even if the absence of Skippy removes a lot of Alanson's humor. On the other hand, the stakes are much higher and believable because you know they're not going to pull a miracle out of an AI's code.
March 10, 2020
The main Expeditionary Force series deserves five stars. This doesn't.
I've read all the books in the Expeditionary Force series so far, up to Valkyrie. I even read Trouble on Paradise, the novella.
All the books were five star reads. Joe Bishop and Skippy, the main characters, are funny. They feel like a real human and an AI, respectively.
This book failed spectacularly, in a way that Trouble in Paradise didn't.
I like Perkins, Dave, Jesse, Nert, and all the side characters in the main series and the novella.
But this book had so many grammatical errors and missed comas.
The pacing was so bad. The beginning was a scene involving somebody fixing a machine. Then there was some asteroid mission with slow pacing. Then there was so much talking.
I'm quitting this book. I read 30% in ten months and I can't keep reading. I kept trying to finish the book, but whenever I read the book, I was so bored with the dialogue and filler content.
I've read all the books in the Expeditionary Force series so far, up to Valkyrie. I even read Trouble on Paradise, the novella.
All the books were five star reads. Joe Bishop and Skippy, the main characters, are funny. They feel like a real human and an AI, respectively.
This book failed spectacularly, in a way that Trouble in Paradise didn't.
I like Perkins, Dave, Jesse, Nert, and all the side characters in the main series and the novella.
But this book had so many grammatical errors and missed comas.
The pacing was so bad. The beginning was a scene involving somebody fixing a machine. Then there was some asteroid mission with slow pacing. Then there was so much talking.
I'm quitting this book. I read 30% in ten months and I can't keep reading. I kept trying to finish the book, but whenever I read the book, I was so bored with the dialogue and filler content.
March 28, 2022
I really loved this installment that focused on the Mavericks as well as other characters that aren’t aboard the Dutchman. I love Joe and Skippy but it was nice to spend time with others.
June 22, 2019
More carp Sci-fi from Amazon's pulp mill
More pulp scifi carp spewed out by one of Amazon's writer wanna-be's. Book is riddled with the author's idea of clever (and I guess supposedly humorous) references to nearly every bit of contemporary quotes, social comment, or old wives takes you can possibly imagine. This includes famous quotes and tidbits from popular movies going back decades. Narrative transitions are long, boring and largely unnecessary. And it along with most of Amazon published ebooks, reinforces the theory that proofreading is now a lost art. A truly outstanding example of mediocre work, designed only to remove the most money out of our wallets with the least amount of effort or consideration for the reader.
More pulp scifi carp spewed out by one of Amazon's writer wanna-be's. Book is riddled with the author's idea of clever (and I guess supposedly humorous) references to nearly every bit of contemporary quotes, social comment, or old wives takes you can possibly imagine. This includes famous quotes and tidbits from popular movies going back decades. Narrative transitions are long, boring and largely unnecessary. And it along with most of Amazon published ebooks, reinforces the theory that proofreading is now a lost art. A truly outstanding example of mediocre work, designed only to remove the most money out of our wallets with the least amount of effort or consideration for the reader.
July 19, 2019
Although the books with Skippy are funny, the series without the tin can are way better. He is overused as Deus Ex machina which get way over the line most of the times. In the Mavericks series our heroes are presented with problems that they need to resolve with their wits.
July 10, 2023
I like the Mavericks and their struggles. And I love those beetles.
August 21, 2023
This is a one off from the regular Expeditionary Force series. Excellent read! One of my favorites to date in the Expeditionary Force universe.
October 8, 2024
I like the chemistry between the characters of this series a bit more than expeditionary force lately. I also enjoy the interspecies interactions and relationships/politics that comes with it. I think it adds a bit more to the story than humans just running around and trying to hide. (8/10)
May 17, 2019
Another excellent adventure. The Mavericks get the opportunity to demonstrate the human's worth to the Ruhar by participating in a mission to take back a Kristang colony. The mission is beset by all sorts of issues but the Mavericks once again kick butt and win.
August 8, 2019
It was alright, but a bit more character development would be welcome. Mostly it is action, a few overly repeated lines, and a couple of inventive insults.
November 1, 2025
I'm reading this in the chronological order recommended by the author, so it's book 7.5 in the series for me. I've generally enjoyed the series so far...but this book simply isn't good. I'm doing the audiobook. The pacing is bad. The people don't act like normal humans would in any given situation. The main character base is literally known for being mavericks...hints the name they were given, but in the absolute wrong times, when action is needed immediately, this is when they decide to debate if they should stop and get permission first? C'mon. The most overwhelming story telling tactic in this book is stretching it. This could have been, and should have been, a novella size book, by about half the length, IMO.
All ideas that aliens are different with non human motivations is just suddenly gone. A main non human character is basically made into the drill instructor from Full Metal Jacket, colorful human insults and all. All of the humans, no matter how professional they're presenting, uses the equivalent of racial slurs when referring to all aliens, friend or fo, at all times, then has to catch themselves and wonder if they should have said that when the aliens were around. Extremely radical idea here, but maybe just have them stop using racial slurs? I stopped being funny and turned extremely annoying. This has become a series long thing, using racial slurs and immediately apologizing to the alien in their presence.
Every character turns into a nervous school girl at any insinuation of sexual content...while everyone is also having sexual relationships with each other. The author needs to make up his mind. Are these adults who have sexual relationships and a sense of humor, or children who just know sex is supposed to be embarrassing and icky?
The main story plot twist reveal draws out for about a very very annoying hour in audiobook time, with every trope possible for the situation thrown in. 2 characters discover something that we aren't going to tell the reader, while talking about it non-stop, and are just being rude to superiors and acting like they have an immediate reveal vital to all life on the planet, while also drawing it out with a complete "how smart am I" never ending trope, fat far outside the character for them both, and every possible scenario of interrupting them from the reveal happens over and over, for an hour straight, then the reveal falls with a thud, and simply doesn't really matter to the overall story, other than to show these advanced aliens are just greedy and only care about money, just like humans, and there's even a slimy alien lawyer to top the tropes off.
I'm invested in the series now so I finished it, but this was not a well written book at all. I'm really hoping this isn't a sign of the books to come as the main series has definitely developed a clear book pattern of each book starting and ending about the same with a series of unfortunate events carrying the entire story along, with every solution coming from one character by chance when he suddenly has a radical idea because sloshing soup suddenly made the universe make sense.
All ideas that aliens are different with non human motivations is just suddenly gone. A main non human character is basically made into the drill instructor from Full Metal Jacket, colorful human insults and all. All of the humans, no matter how professional they're presenting, uses the equivalent of racial slurs when referring to all aliens, friend or fo, at all times, then has to catch themselves and wonder if they should have said that when the aliens were around. Extremely radical idea here, but maybe just have them stop using racial slurs? I stopped being funny and turned extremely annoying. This has become a series long thing, using racial slurs and immediately apologizing to the alien in their presence.
Every character turns into a nervous school girl at any insinuation of sexual content...while everyone is also having sexual relationships with each other. The author needs to make up his mind. Are these adults who have sexual relationships and a sense of humor, or children who just know sex is supposed to be embarrassing and icky?
The main story plot twist reveal draws out for about a very very annoying hour in audiobook time, with every trope possible for the situation thrown in. 2 characters discover something that we aren't going to tell the reader, while talking about it non-stop, and are just being rude to superiors and acting like they have an immediate reveal vital to all life on the planet, while also drawing it out with a complete "how smart am I" never ending trope, fat far outside the character for them both, and every possible scenario of interrupting them from the reveal happens over and over, for an hour straight, then the reveal falls with a thud, and simply doesn't really matter to the overall story, other than to show these advanced aliens are just greedy and only care about money, just like humans, and there's even a slimy alien lawyer to top the tropes off.
I'm invested in the series now so I finished it, but this was not a well written book at all. I'm really hoping this isn't a sign of the books to come as the main series has definitely developed a clear book pattern of each book starting and ending about the same with a series of unfortunate events carrying the entire story along, with every solution coming from one character by chance when he suddenly has a radical idea because sloshing soup suddenly made the universe make sense.
January 5, 2020
Fantastic
This is a seriously engaging read. Thanks to Jason for turning me on to the series.
First off, There are aliens. This is the feature of these stories that are the most fun for me. The alien perspectives on war, species interests and sensible species interactions are crazy varied. I got a sense of the general shape of the cultures and their military power early on. It was irresistible after that. Surprisingly, even most poor writers get a lot of this right, it seems and it redeems a lot of otherwise lacklustre novels.
Secondly, There is a complicated interstellar politics, with civilizations arranged in wildly hierarchical structures that intertwine, intersect and clash almost at random. It's messy, logical (not necessarily sane from a human standpoint but then are humans as a whole really sane from a human standpoint) and gloriously alive. The machinations are so Machiavellian, any famous Medieval or Renaissance political leader would feel right at home. Humanity caught up in this crazy quilt universe and surviving albeit with difficulty, gave me a character group to cheer on, from the outset.
The UNEF is close to a miniature reflection of the alien civilizations but totally different at the same time. Being at the bottom of the pile, creates limited opportunities but there are some and the humans grab them at every chance. It's a brutal universe out there and a grand adventure.
I think that there might be prequels to this series but the writer introduces the background and history very efficiently. The backstories open up for all characters of importance across all species a bit at a time for some big surprises and the cross purposes make sense, just as they're exposed. It's neat writing.
I'm going to seriously enjoy the rest of this series, if the writing quality stays at the same level.
This is a seriously engaging read. Thanks to Jason for turning me on to the series.
First off, There are aliens. This is the feature of these stories that are the most fun for me. The alien perspectives on war, species interests and sensible species interactions are crazy varied. I got a sense of the general shape of the cultures and their military power early on. It was irresistible after that. Surprisingly, even most poor writers get a lot of this right, it seems and it redeems a lot of otherwise lacklustre novels.
Secondly, There is a complicated interstellar politics, with civilizations arranged in wildly hierarchical structures that intertwine, intersect and clash almost at random. It's messy, logical (not necessarily sane from a human standpoint but then are humans as a whole really sane from a human standpoint) and gloriously alive. The machinations are so Machiavellian, any famous Medieval or Renaissance political leader would feel right at home. Humanity caught up in this crazy quilt universe and surviving albeit with difficulty, gave me a character group to cheer on, from the outset.
The UNEF is close to a miniature reflection of the alien civilizations but totally different at the same time. Being at the bottom of the pile, creates limited opportunities but there are some and the humans grab them at every chance. It's a brutal universe out there and a grand adventure.
I think that there might be prequels to this series but the writer introduces the background and history very efficiently. The backstories open up for all characters of importance across all species a bit at a time for some big surprises and the cross purposes make sense, just as they're exposed. It's neat writing.
I'm going to seriously enjoy the rest of this series, if the writing quality stays at the same level.
January 30, 2026
Definitely a different entry (it is a spinoff of course) in the ExForce series! Very little of this book actually takes place above the atmosphere. Emily Perkins and her Maverick's, the Verd-Kris, along with Ruhar Cadet Dandorf (Nert!), find themselves given a "chance" to prove the worth of the newly formed Alien Legion concept by removing hostile Lizards from a planet of minimal importance to the Ruhar. The competing objectives within the Ruhar society, government, and military, lead to a less than ideal situation for the Mavericks and their allies. They find themselves overwhelmed in multiple situations, only to have surprising players come to their aid.
I had really enjoyed the interspecies and culture interactions with Nert and the other Ruhar characters and the humans in past books, and this book did not disappoint. We get lots of innocent Nert asking many well meaning questions about human slang and customs, as well as the at first tense, but later respectful and even friendly, interactions between the Verds and humans. We even get some human interactions with the beetles! So lots of fun new ground for the series as well as fleshing out existing characters outside the mainline. There is plenty of ground combat action which is also a departure from the mainline. My one negative was that the slow reveal of the "big scheme" made it a bit hard for me to follow until the very end when several players seemed to pop up (or I missed their importance earlier) and I had to re-listen to a few exposition dumps.
RC Bray continues to be masterful in an ever expanding universe of characters and species.
CW: war, gun violence, some gore. Moderate slavery and trafficking as the Lizards continue to have the Keepers (humans) help captive.
I had really enjoyed the interspecies and culture interactions with Nert and the other Ruhar characters and the humans in past books, and this book did not disappoint. We get lots of innocent Nert asking many well meaning questions about human slang and customs, as well as the at first tense, but later respectful and even friendly, interactions between the Verds and humans. We even get some human interactions with the beetles! So lots of fun new ground for the series as well as fleshing out existing characters outside the mainline. There is plenty of ground combat action which is also a departure from the mainline. My one negative was that the slow reveal of the "big scheme" made it a bit hard for me to follow until the very end when several players seemed to pop up (or I missed their importance earlier) and I had to re-listen to a few exposition dumps.
RC Bray continues to be masterful in an ever expanding universe of characters and species.
CW: war, gun violence, some gore. Moderate slavery and trafficking as the Lizards continue to have the Keepers (humans) help captive.
December 18, 2024
A thrilling side story—Deathtrap offers a gritty, immersive experience!
Deathtrap was an interesting departure from the main Expeditionary Force storyline, providing a much-needed shift in focus. While it does reference events from the primary series, which led to some mild spoilers, it was still a treat to dive into a more grounded, gritty narrative. I had to step away from the main series just when things were getting really exciting and questions were finally being answered, but Deathtrap offered a compelling side story that allowed me to see things from a different perspective.
The storytelling in Deathtrap is refreshingly raw and real, bringing a sense of immediacy and urgency to the events unfolding. While the primary series often explores larger-scale battles and galactic threats, this book takes us down to the ground level, where the stakes are personal and the danger is immediate. The writing captures the tension of a small-scale, on-the-ground operation and delivers a different flavor of the Expeditionary Force universe that’s both refreshing and immersive.
Although it wasn’t without its spoilers for the main series, Deathtrap was a fun detour that added depth and context to the larger story. I look forward to more books like this that give us a closer look at the action from a different perspective.
Listened to as an audiobook on Audible.
Deathtrap was an interesting departure from the main Expeditionary Force storyline, providing a much-needed shift in focus. While it does reference events from the primary series, which led to some mild spoilers, it was still a treat to dive into a more grounded, gritty narrative. I had to step away from the main series just when things were getting really exciting and questions were finally being answered, but Deathtrap offered a compelling side story that allowed me to see things from a different perspective.
The storytelling in Deathtrap is refreshingly raw and real, bringing a sense of immediacy and urgency to the events unfolding. While the primary series often explores larger-scale battles and galactic threats, this book takes us down to the ground level, where the stakes are personal and the danger is immediate. The writing captures the tension of a small-scale, on-the-ground operation and delivers a different flavor of the Expeditionary Force universe that’s both refreshing and immersive.
Although it wasn’t without its spoilers for the main series, Deathtrap was a fun detour that added depth and context to the larger story. I look forward to more books like this that give us a closer look at the action from a different perspective.
Listened to as an audiobook on Audible.
May 29, 2019
Noobs need not apply
This book has a fast paced intense and exciting storyline. We're probably grooming colonel Emily Perkins as our main character for the maverick universe. She and her team are active and aggressive. They symbolize an army of one. They handle the situation even though their actions are tantamount to violating the rules. They are getting the job done as they handle treacherous Ruhar, and fight ferocious crocodile men. We have moments of humor (I did like the loose wheel joke). We even try to slip a little bit of political philosophy about the significance of combat. The grammar errors are mostly failure to punctuate properly. Dangling clauses and comma splices (without the comma), and such things (e.g.). My strongest criticism, however, is that anyone who tries to read this book without first reading the expeditionary force first would be hopelessly lost. Characters and references are made without any explanation. This book is not one for beginners. The story is stand alone, but if you don't know about paradise, Nerty, the bergermeister, the significance of wagering, etc. You miss a large chunk of the story.
This book has a fast paced intense and exciting storyline. We're probably grooming colonel Emily Perkins as our main character for the maverick universe. She and her team are active and aggressive. They symbolize an army of one. They handle the situation even though their actions are tantamount to violating the rules. They are getting the job done as they handle treacherous Ruhar, and fight ferocious crocodile men. We have moments of humor (I did like the loose wheel joke). We even try to slip a little bit of political philosophy about the significance of combat. The grammar errors are mostly failure to punctuate properly. Dangling clauses and comma splices (without the comma), and such things (e.g.). My strongest criticism, however, is that anyone who tries to read this book without first reading the expeditionary force first would be hopelessly lost. Characters and references are made without any explanation. This book is not one for beginners. The story is stand alone, but if you don't know about paradise, Nerty, the bergermeister, the significance of wagering, etc. You miss a large chunk of the story.
September 4, 2019
This is another fun entry in the Expeditionary Force (EF) Series (OK, technically it's in the spin-off Mavericks series telling the adventures of some additional characters from the Expeditionary Force Series. But if you haven't read the Expeditionary Force series, do NOT start here! )
It is a recommended entry for those who are enjoying Craig's Alanson's crazy fun EF universe.
It's more of the same: pure, pulpy sci-fi fun. This is not about Joe Bishop and the asshole beer can also known as Skippy the Magnificent, but instead is a related "side adventure" (like several of the previous books)
This is not literature - the writing is engaging and great fun, the characters are the same. Nothing is taken too seriously. (The "solution/ending" to the predicament the characters find themselves in is a perfect example of the humorous and not-too-serious approach to this universe by the author.)
Looking for a escapist beach read full of humor and no so serious fun? This is it.
Looking for a hard-core, serious, literary, and or insightful sci-fi adventure? Look elsewhere.
As for me, I'm looking forward to the next entry in the series...Keep them coming!
It is a recommended entry for those who are enjoying Craig's Alanson's crazy fun EF universe.
It's more of the same: pure, pulpy sci-fi fun. This is not about Joe Bishop and the asshole beer can also known as Skippy the Magnificent, but instead is a related "side adventure" (like several of the previous books)
This is not literature - the writing is engaging and great fun, the characters are the same. Nothing is taken too seriously. (The "solution/ending" to the predicament the characters find themselves in is a perfect example of the humorous and not-too-serious approach to this universe by the author.)
Looking for a escapist beach read full of humor and no so serious fun? This is it.
Looking for a hard-core, serious, literary, and or insightful sci-fi adventure? Look elsewhere.
As for me, I'm looking forward to the next entry in the series...Keep them coming!
August 9, 2023
So I’m seeing a lot of reviews saying that this story was good but the characters in the story arnt as good or interesting as they are in the main series and I whole heartedly disagree I loved this book and I love the Maverick and various other characters I won’t spoil anything but getting insite into the Rohar kristang and Jeraptha and seeing all their versus motivations and interest in this never ending war is dare I say it more interesting then a few of the Main series of novels. I have not read book 8 and after in the series yet but honestly one of the main draw backs to it is that everything is done in secrecy by the pirates so we gain very little insight into the many alien species in this universe and that sucks so I have to admit if the main series doesn’t do anything to change that soon then death trap and most likely the seconds mavericks novel will probably be my favorite in the series.
TLDR: if you want to get a better and more in-depth look into some of the aliens in this series I cannot recommend this book enough
TLDR: if you want to get a better and more in-depth look into some of the aliens in this series I cannot recommend this book enough
December 12, 2024
I know this is an unpopular opinion among ExForce fans, but I don’t particularly care about Skippy the Magnificent. Honestly, ever since he became basically the main character of the series I’ve found myself less and less invested in the stories of Joe Bishop and the crew of The Flying Dutchmen.
The Mavericks, however, is exactly what I wanted when I started this series in the first place. Humans and humanity fighting against the odds, showing their worth, making the best of bad situations and trying to make unlikely allies in the fight for our species survival.
This book has a lot of the same pitfalls as the main series in terms of writing and editing quality (for the love of Skippy hire a fucking editor Mr. Alanson. And stop using the word “fairly” as a descriptor every other sentence) but in terms of plot and characters I think this is much stronger than the last few main entries in the series. Honestly I was strongly considering dropping the series entirely before this, but the Mavericks have roped me back in at least for now.
3/5 for me, leaning close to 3.5/5
The Mavericks, however, is exactly what I wanted when I started this series in the first place. Humans and humanity fighting against the odds, showing their worth, making the best of bad situations and trying to make unlikely allies in the fight for our species survival.
This book has a lot of the same pitfalls as the main series in terms of writing and editing quality (for the love of Skippy hire a fucking editor Mr. Alanson. And stop using the word “fairly” as a descriptor every other sentence) but in terms of plot and characters I think this is much stronger than the last few main entries in the series. Honestly I was strongly considering dropping the series entirely before this, but the Mavericks have roped me back in at least for now.
3/5 for me, leaning close to 3.5/5
October 21, 2025
Notes from 2024 when I read this:
So, there is a novel earlier in the main series called Mavericks, and this one is subtitled as Mavericks but the actual name is Deathtrap, so a bit confusing. But anyway, if you’ve been reading the main series, then this fits right in between books 7.5 and 8, although I’d possibly tell any would be reader to not bother with 7.5, unless you are like me and can’t do that because it will be a hole that will eat at you forever otherwise.
Anyway, this is the book that made book 7 not work as a perfect wrap-up to the main series, although it barely seems to if you read it without reading book 8. So, whatever.
In the end, I liked this, it’s just a good sci-if book. Well done. It strongly sets itself up as a series starter but I’m unaware of there being any follow-ups, so that strikes me as odd, although they could have further adventures that take place within the main series instead of in stand-alone books, so who knows (aside from those that have already read all the books to date).
So, there is a novel earlier in the main series called Mavericks, and this one is subtitled as Mavericks but the actual name is Deathtrap, so a bit confusing. But anyway, if you’ve been reading the main series, then this fits right in between books 7.5 and 8, although I’d possibly tell any would be reader to not bother with 7.5, unless you are like me and can’t do that because it will be a hole that will eat at you forever otherwise.
Anyway, this is the book that made book 7 not work as a perfect wrap-up to the main series, although it barely seems to if you read it without reading book 8. So, whatever.
In the end, I liked this, it’s just a good sci-if book. Well done. It strongly sets itself up as a series starter but I’m unaware of there being any follow-ups, so that strikes me as odd, although they could have further adventures that take place within the main series instead of in stand-alone books, so who knows (aside from those that have already read all the books to date).
June 23, 2020
I will admit that I am a little behind the game when it comes to listening to this entry in the series (I have already completed Valkyrie). This entry in the series was worth the wait as it helps provide more details about what is happening on Paradise with the folks we knew from Columbus Day.
The most intriguing part of this story was listening to the humans interacting and serving with the Verdkris Krystang. We also got to experience more of the gambling culture from the Jeraptha which is always entertaining. I loved the linkage with fantasy football as it is surprised just how interested the Jeraptha were in this human past time.
R.C. Bray, as always, does a wonderful job. In particular, this novel provided him a way to demonstrate his dynamic vocalistics through some very unique characters.
And now, to move on to Freefall and wait for book 10 in the series. As they say, waiting is the hardest part.
The most intriguing part of this story was listening to the humans interacting and serving with the Verdkris Krystang. We also got to experience more of the gambling culture from the Jeraptha which is always entertaining. I loved the linkage with fantasy football as it is surprised just how interested the Jeraptha were in this human past time.
R.C. Bray, as always, does a wonderful job. In particular, this novel provided him a way to demonstrate his dynamic vocalistics through some very unique characters.
And now, to move on to Freefall and wait for book 10 in the series. As they say, waiting is the hardest part.
June 30, 2019
A good branch series of the Columbus day collection of books. As other readers have stated, the Skippy/Joe Bishop arm of the series is getting stale. That series, fun at first, seriously needs to get on a different track - probably one where Skippy gets past his "prime directive/can't share elder tech with monkeys" excuse and earth starts moving up in the galaxy.
In the meantime, we have the Mavericks story arch to better entertain us in the Columbus Day verse.
In this story, the Mavericks and the Jeraptha are paired by the Hamsters to secure a backwater world which some one seems to care about. As they go about their job, the depth of the political and criminal backstabbing by the Hamsters and Lizards becomes evident and the only way to come out ahead is for the Mavericks to play them one better.
In the meantime, we have the Mavericks story arch to better entertain us in the Columbus Day verse.
In this story, the Mavericks and the Jeraptha are paired by the Hamsters to secure a backwater world which some one seems to care about. As they go about their job, the depth of the political and criminal backstabbing by the Hamsters and Lizards becomes evident and the only way to come out ahead is for the Mavericks to play them one better.
September 2, 2019
Alanson done it again!
I never knew I liked military sci-fi until I started reading these books and was hooked by Earth vs the galaxy, aided by a certain smart-alec genius beer can supercomputer with a brain the size of a planet. I followed the main (?) story, with a couple of side jaunts for individuals who operated on their own... Now I find there's a whole new series about some of these guys that's just as immersive as the first dozen books or so... This is the first book in the series (the clue is in the title) where a group of humans gets involved with a mission for their alien 'friends' that threatens to trap them in the hands of the series badder guys. Through luck and some judgement, and a whole lot of basic blowing stuff uppery, the humans prevail. But it's an interesting story with lots of hard tech and humour that has is the author's style. Good fun.
I never knew I liked military sci-fi until I started reading these books and was hooked by Earth vs the galaxy, aided by a certain smart-alec genius beer can supercomputer with a brain the size of a planet. I followed the main (?) story, with a couple of side jaunts for individuals who operated on their own... Now I find there's a whole new series about some of these guys that's just as immersive as the first dozen books or so... This is the first book in the series (the clue is in the title) where a group of humans gets involved with a mission for their alien 'friends' that threatens to trap them in the hands of the series badder guys. Through luck and some judgement, and a whole lot of basic blowing stuff uppery, the humans prevail. But it's an interesting story with lots of hard tech and humour that has is the author's style. Good fun.
December 11, 2019
Felt like I had to read this before Expeditionary Force #8 because I heard that there are tie-ins...but I wasn't psyched about it.
I don't think the reader cares nearly as much about the Mavericks as they do about Joe Bishop...I feel like Czajka and Colter are the same person...I can never remember which one is with Perkins and which with Jarrett. Bonsu didn't have to be in this book at all, but played a minor role just to throw his name in there. There were so many pointless battles with alien races that no one cares about.
However, despite the fact that I would have given up on the novel 2/3 of the way through if I felt as though I didn't have to read it to enjoy Armageddon, the final 1/3 was pretty solid and kind of made up for the frustrating experience for the majority of the read.
The only thing that is certain is that Alanson needs to wrap up Expeditionary Force.
I don't think the reader cares nearly as much about the Mavericks as they do about Joe Bishop...I feel like Czajka and Colter are the same person...I can never remember which one is with Perkins and which with Jarrett. Bonsu didn't have to be in this book at all, but played a minor role just to throw his name in there. There were so many pointless battles with alien races that no one cares about.
However, despite the fact that I would have given up on the novel 2/3 of the way through if I felt as though I didn't have to read it to enjoy Armageddon, the final 1/3 was pretty solid and kind of made up for the frustrating experience for the majority of the read.
The only thing that is certain is that Alanson needs to wrap up Expeditionary Force.
Read
June 17, 2020DNF at 40%. My bad, I did not realize this was not a stand-alone and I'm not going to get into a series as long as where it seems this one came from. I am so lost I can't make sense of anything happening and am just not enjoying any aspect of this book, even if it seems to have a LOT of similarities with other writers' books that I enjoyed previously (Scalzi, Jim C. Hines, even Heinlein). I don't know who the main players are, what they look like, why the Universe is apparently the clusterfuck it is or any of that. The slow reveal nature of the writing combined with the herky jerky plotting is just driving me nuts anyway (oh they have claws but I guess I'll have to wait 100 pages to learn more). So thanks Kindle Unlimited offer and now goodbye.
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