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Ark Royal #14
The Right of the Line
The war is on the verge of being lost.
The alien virus has begun its offensive, punching through the human defences and sending advance elements to threaten Earth itself. HMS Invincible and her crew, having barely returned from their last mission, are thrown into a desperate mission to strengthen the inner line of defences before the virus can smash them too and destroy the human race. The stakes have never been so high. Defeat means the end of everything.
But when the virus continues its offensive, brushing through all opposition, Invincible must mount a desperate raid deep into enemy space to win time for the human race...
...Or watch, helplessly, as humanity faces a fate worse than death...
The alien virus has begun its offensive, punching through the human defences and sending advance elements to threaten Earth itself. HMS Invincible and her crew, having barely returned from their last mission, are thrown into a desperate mission to strengthen the inner line of defences before the virus can smash them too and destroy the human race. The stakes have never been so high. Defeat means the end of everything.
But when the virus continues its offensive, brushing through all opposition, Invincible must mount a desperate raid deep into enemy space to win time for the human race...
...Or watch, helplessly, as humanity faces a fate worse than death...
460 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2019
290 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 13, 2020
I have enjoyed the entire series, and I am looking forward to #15 in the series. As an American I find the British slant on military and world politics interesting and enlightening.
July 7, 2019
Ark Royal is a great military science fiction series by one of my favorite authors, Christopher Nuttall, and this is another good book in the series. It is perhaps not one of the best ones in the series but definitely a good one. Of course, with this author, “good” means quite a lot.
This latest installment is the continuation of the intelligent virus story arc that started a couple of books back. As the book blurb states, things are not looking good.
As usual the author’s writing is very good. The story is fairly nicely paced although, at times, the internal monologue becomes a bit too much. There is plenty of quite large fleet action going on as well which, of course, are my favorite bits.
This intelligent virus story is indeed a bit of a unusual one. However, it is a bit weird for me when the virus sometimes appears quite intelligent and sometimes stupid as a slimy puddle of bacteria. I am not sure weather I am entirely convinced about the virus idea or not but at least it is original and I guess it gives the author a bit of latitude with the story. I do hope he wraps up this story arc fairly soon though.
Both parties are taking quite a bit of a beating and the losses mounts on both side. Something the virus seems to be less concerned about though. At the end of the book it is difficult to tell who won, if there even is a winner. We do get some hints that new and shiny toys are coming off the human shipyards as the story evolves. Hopefully we see some of this in the next book. To me it is high time for some virus kicking now.
This latest installment is the continuation of the intelligent virus story arc that started a couple of books back. As the book blurb states, things are not looking good.
As usual the author’s writing is very good. The story is fairly nicely paced although, at times, the internal monologue becomes a bit too much. There is plenty of quite large fleet action going on as well which, of course, are my favorite bits.
This intelligent virus story is indeed a bit of a unusual one. However, it is a bit weird for me when the virus sometimes appears quite intelligent and sometimes stupid as a slimy puddle of bacteria. I am not sure weather I am entirely convinced about the virus idea or not but at least it is original and I guess it gives the author a bit of latitude with the story. I do hope he wraps up this story arc fairly soon though.
Both parties are taking quite a bit of a beating and the losses mounts on both side. Something the virus seems to be less concerned about though. At the end of the book it is difficult to tell who won, if there even is a winner. We do get some hints that new and shiny toys are coming off the human shipyards as the story evolves. Hopefully we see some of this in the next book. To me it is high time for some virus kicking now.
November 21, 2020
Very good read
I have read much of Nuttall writing. I have read many other writings from other authors.
I have found that the Ark Royal series to be more...balanced.
Certainly enough good war fighting but the characters are not just fighters. Nuttalls inclusion of the characters real lives seems to me to be more even handed than several other sci-fi works I have read.
His "British-ness" style is also something that, to my eyes, adds a freashness to the story. I also do GREATLY appreciate his inclusion of the various slang terms he uses and that I would never have understood otherwise.
Christopher; be well my friend and continue to take us further and further down the tramlines.
Peter
I have read much of Nuttall writing. I have read many other writings from other authors.
I have found that the Ark Royal series to be more...balanced.
Certainly enough good war fighting but the characters are not just fighters. Nuttalls inclusion of the characters real lives seems to me to be more even handed than several other sci-fi works I have read.
His "British-ness" style is also something that, to my eyes, adds a freashness to the story. I also do GREATLY appreciate his inclusion of the various slang terms he uses and that I would never have understood otherwise.
Christopher; be well my friend and continue to take us further and further down the tramlines.
Peter
May 26, 2019
Three and a half stars. Nuttall does another excellent job of telling a complete story while continuing a larger story arc. I really wish more indy authors could figure this out.
There isn't a great deal new here. The characters continue on and a couple show a bit of development but overall it is mostly tavelog with a nice bit of action peppered in. Some of the situations feel a bit formulaic especially with the fighter pilot core. (Did we read this part already six books ago?) The Virus also seems a bit too powerful and all encompassing but this just makes me want to see how Nuttall pulls it all together. A solid work, but nothing dramatically new.
There isn't a great deal new here. The characters continue on and a couple show a bit of development but overall it is mostly tavelog with a nice bit of action peppered in. Some of the situations feel a bit formulaic especially with the fighter pilot core. (Did we read this part already six books ago?) The Virus also seems a bit too powerful and all encompassing but this just makes me want to see how Nuttall pulls it all together. A solid work, but nothing dramatically new.
August 18, 2019
War is Hell
Nuttall presents war as it is—not glory or even heroism—but grim work that has to be done. Good people do their duty, perform as well as they can, and many die. Commanders bear the burden of carrying those deaths around with them. Ultimately, humanity survives and individuals do their best to make meaning in their lives by honoring those who gave all. Nuttall is not always easy to read but he is honest about the fears, foibles, and commitment of his military people. You like them and feel loss when they die. Although this is fiction, it reflects reality. Thanks for another moving account.
Nuttall presents war as it is—not glory or even heroism—but grim work that has to be done. Good people do their duty, perform as well as they can, and many die. Commanders bear the burden of carrying those deaths around with them. Ultimately, humanity survives and individuals do their best to make meaning in their lives by honoring those who gave all. Nuttall is not always easy to read but he is honest about the fears, foibles, and commitment of his military people. You like them and feel loss when they die. Although this is fiction, it reflects reality. Thanks for another moving account.
August 24, 2019
Another astonishing story
I have read a loved the ark royal stories and have followed the characters through the bitter struggles of space warfare that has inevitably formed the core of the series. The excitement and detail draw the reader in and are well thought out, I'm a great fan and wish Christopher the very best in his life battle s that is currently his lot, good luck and keep fighting.
I have read a loved the ark royal stories and have followed the characters through the bitter struggles of space warfare that has inevitably formed the core of the series. The excitement and detail draw the reader in and are well thought out, I'm a great fan and wish Christopher the very best in his life battle s that is currently his lot, good luck and keep fighting.
May 30, 2023
Conflicted
It has taken me awhile to finish this installment compared to all the others, is that due to the quality of the book or because I needed a break after reading the 12 other main line installments in a row remain to be seen.
The book really feels to just drag on once you hit the middle, but it does improve gradually and overall has an acceptable conclusion.
Interested to see how the series progresses from here.
It has taken me awhile to finish this installment compared to all the others, is that due to the quality of the book or because I needed a break after reading the 12 other main line installments in a row remain to be seen.
The book really feels to just drag on once you hit the middle, but it does improve gradually and overall has an acceptable conclusion.
Interested to see how the series progresses from here.
May 22, 2019
Another great read
The Atk Royal series was my first introduction to a great new crop of sci-fi authors like Mr. Nuttall. And what an introduction it was! I was always a heavy reader, but with the Ark Royal and Empire's Corp series I've become an insatiable book addict.
Cheers to you, Mr. Nuttall, for keeping me young through the amazing stories you tell.
The Atk Royal series was my first introduction to a great new crop of sci-fi authors like Mr. Nuttall. And what an introduction it was! I was always a heavy reader, but with the Ark Royal and Empire's Corp series I've become an insatiable book addict.
Cheers to you, Mr. Nuttall, for keeping me young through the amazing stories you tell.
June 4, 2019
Characters really need to stop internal monologue-ing. When you're in the middle of a pitched battle and there's 4 pages of just... Thoughts and Yammer between action, there's a problem. When there's 5+ pages of internal yammering between lines of dialogue, you've completely lost my interest by the time we actually get back to the story.
June 4, 2019
Death and Glory
Invincible is back in the battle line. Where others go big, Brits go tough... The virus keeps flat footing the multinational human forces. As big ships falls, she keeps on fighting. Her crew are tired, nervous, strung out. He captain is facing great odds and great responsibility. Her marines keep paying in blood. Another great romp through the Ark Royal universe.
Invincible is back in the battle line. Where others go big, Brits go tough... The virus keeps flat footing the multinational human forces. As big ships falls, she keeps on fighting. Her crew are tired, nervous, strung out. He captain is facing great odds and great responsibility. Her marines keep paying in blood. Another great romp through the Ark Royal universe.
June 23, 2019
Christopher Nuttall continues his string of superlative military science fiction
The Ark Royal universe continues with a bang. Humanity’s survival is on line once again, with an enemy so alien that there is no negotiation. The story line is excellent, and the character development is superb.
The Ark Royal universe continues with a bang. Humanity’s survival is on line once again, with an enemy so alien that there is no negotiation. The story line is excellent, and the character development is superb.
August 27, 2020
Extraordinary well written and riveting
I am a strong Christopher Nuttall fan having read the Ark Royal series several times. I look forward to reading the new book 15 right away. My prayers are with Chris and his family as he battles his disease successfully. Cheers, Chris Wright
I am a strong Christopher Nuttall fan having read the Ark Royal series several times. I look forward to reading the new book 15 right away. My prayers are with Chris and his family as he battles his disease successfully. Cheers, Chris Wright
May 24, 2019
Keeps getting better
The Ark Royal series continues to be a high quality series in a well written universe that keeps the reader engaged. The new virus storyline has added a new dimension. Keep em coming Chris!
The Ark Royal series continues to be a high quality series in a well written universe that keeps the reader engaged. The new virus storyline has added a new dimension. Keep em coming Chris!
May 26, 2019
Another light goodread from Nuttall
Nice book. Follows the formukae of earlier books but a few twists that make it more interesting and a bit less repetition. Overall really enjoyed the read so if you like this author (or not!) Give this one a go
Nice book. Follows the formukae of earlier books but a few twists that make it more interesting and a bit less repetition. Overall really enjoyed the read so if you like this author (or not!) Give this one a go
May 31, 2019
In the best Space Navy tradition
Good story well placed in the best military style and tradition with surprises all rolled together to make a terrific read. Can't wait for the next. Hope your health improves Christopher.
Good story well placed in the best military style and tradition with surprises all rolled together to make a terrific read. Can't wait for the next. Hope your health improves Christopher.
June 8, 2019
Excellent
Another wonderful addition to the series. It's great to see a series of military Sci fi that isn't all gung ho American and this one ticks all the boxes. Can't wait for the next trilogy. Keep going Chris.
Another wonderful addition to the series. It's great to see a series of military Sci fi that isn't all gung ho American and this one ticks all the boxes. Can't wait for the next trilogy. Keep going Chris.
June 13, 2019
Ark Royal series is excellent
Awesome as always. Truly hope the author overcomes his health issue soonest so that he can continue his superb work! Sincerely wish him the best in the future and eagerly await his new books!!
Awesome as always. Truly hope the author overcomes his health issue soonest so that he can continue his superb work! Sincerely wish him the best in the future and eagerly await his new books!!
June 22, 2019
Excellent
As always the author has outdone himself. Excellent story and character development. I hope Mr Nutall’s health improves and he can continue sharing his imagination and excellent writing prowess with his faithful readers.
As always the author has outdone himself. Excellent story and character development. I hope Mr Nutall’s health improves and he can continue sharing his imagination and excellent writing prowess with his faithful readers.
August 13, 2019
Wonderfully written
I'm so glad that there is another whole trilogy to come. I have waited patiently as each book has been written and I highly recommend the Ark royal series to all lovers of space fiction.
I'm so glad that there is another whole trilogy to come. I have waited patiently as each book has been written and I highly recommend the Ark royal series to all lovers of space fiction.
May 1, 2020
Great read
We go into desperate situation get beat up but come out with good info and maybe a way forward. I enjoyed the Royal Marine female and her situation and contribution. Read to find out
We go into desperate situation get beat up but come out with good info and maybe a way forward. I enjoyed the Royal Marine female and her situation and contribution. Read to find out
April 10, 2021
Continuing a great story.
Ark Royal series is an awesome collection. Space opera at its best with awesome character development. This is the second time I've read through the series and it's as entertaining as the first.
Strongly recommended.
Ark Royal series is an awesome collection. Space opera at its best with awesome character development. This is the second time I've read through the series and it's as entertaining as the first.
Strongly recommended.
September 9, 2021
ARK ROYA. SERIES
I like his style and non American setting. Makes a real change to have a story incorporating strands of RN culture. Characters and story lines well developed.
I am up to book 14 and still going
I like his style and non American setting. Makes a real change to have a story incorporating strands of RN culture. Characters and story lines well developed.
I am up to book 14 and still going
April 8, 2022
Excellent military space opera series
I don't offer 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula award winners.
Inspite of some copy editing problems this is an excellent read of this series.
Military action. Memorial/flawed characters. Flawed heroes.
A death ground plot. Enjoy.
I don't offer 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula award winners.
Inspite of some copy editing problems this is an excellent read of this series.
Military action. Memorial/flawed characters. Flawed heroes.
A death ground plot. Enjoy.
July 26, 2024
Lots of military trope and fun read
If you can keep up with the repetitions of trope lines, it is a great read on prospective space navy tactics. Keeping the interests in individuals in line with lives of battleships and carriers.
If you can keep up with the repetitions of trope lines, it is a great read on prospective space navy tactics. Keeping the interests in individuals in line with lives of battleships and carriers.
May 25, 2019
Love your stories
Hope you can keep going with the great stories.
I always enjoy and keep an eye out for your exceptional stories.
Hope you can keep going with the great stories.
I always enjoy and keep an eye out for your exceptional stories.
May 29, 2019
Well worth a read good reading.
Well worth a read. CN fans will love this book. Carries on from the last book with a good solid story line. Looking forward to the next one.
Well worth a read. CN fans will love this book. Carries on from the last book with a good solid story line. Looking forward to the next one.
June 4, 2019
Don’t let the blob get you
The whole of humanity is in danger from a virus that can be anything including a blob. The blob is knocked back be not out. The story is a good ride.
The whole of humanity is in danger from a virus that can be anything including a blob. The blob is knocked back be not out. The story is a good ride.
June 16, 2019
I am a big fan of Chris and have most of his SiFi books, I have enjoyed the Ark Royal series but I am afraid this part of the series boars me to tears and this last book I found it hard to keep my attention. I feel it is time to knock it on the head. You have other series you started that need attention
June 29, 2019
Another great read
Can't wait for the next segments to appear hope his health problems are sorted soon waiting with proverbial baited breath
Can't wait for the next segments to appear hope his health problems are sorted soon waiting with proverbial baited breath
October 13, 2019
Goatfoot49
Another great book from Nuttal in the Ark Royal series. Can't wait for the next book in the series. How do you defeet an intelligent virus?
Another great book from Nuttal in the Ark Royal series. Can't wait for the next book in the series. How do you defeet an intelligent virus?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews