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Tasmanian SFG #2
Devils to Me
"Devils to me," a siren call that would bring every Tasmanian running to answer no matter what they were doing. Repeated over and over by those answering the call, it would empty bars or a base or a city of Tasmanians, because no member of the elite unit would desert a brother in trouble, reinforcing their unofficial motto, Et Anima Una, Of One Mind. Jolie is the only female in the elite all male Tasmanian special forces group and loving every crazy minute of it–well, except for being made a squad leader. A duty no Tasmanian would want since it means having to make life and death decisions that impact their brothers' lives. But Jolie's true-father's emphasis on Ready, in Ready, Aim, Fire, has proved beneficial on each of her previous assignments, earning her the call sign Fox and giving her a unique latitude on her assignments–a squad leader with no orders or direction. Because, while Jolie can be unpredictable, she never disappoints and always has her squad in the thick of the action. As one Tasmanian commander "That exemplifies Et Anima Una like nothing else could. Jolie walks off to only the space gods know with no orders or direction, and we think it's normal."
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2020
76 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
C.R. Daems
51 books284 followersI was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and joined the military right out of high school. I served twenty-two years in the United States Air Force as a certified internal auditor. While in the military service, I lived in seven states and two foreign countries, and obtained two degrees: a BS in mathematics and an MS in computer science.
After I retired from the Air Force, I secured a position with Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, as a software course developer and instructor. I worked twenty-two years at DEC and held positions as a course developer, course development manager, software engineer, and software engineering manager.
Today, I’m retired and live in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife of fifty-three years. My daughter and two grandchildren live in Maryland. I began writing several years after I retired, when I was seventy. My first two attempts remain in my desk drawer—good ideas, but poorly written. Subsequently, I co-authored, with Jeanne Tomlin, three fantasy novels: Talon of the Raptor Clan, Scales of Justice, and All My Friends Have Wings (young adults). Talon of the Raptor Clan was sold to ePress-online Books and came out in July 2009. Since then I have written two additional novels: The Laughing Hounds (urban fantasy) and The Riss Gamble (science fiction).
My hobbies for the past forty years have been kung fu and tai chi.
After I retired from the Air Force, I secured a position with Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, as a software course developer and instructor. I worked twenty-two years at DEC and held positions as a course developer, course development manager, software engineer, and software engineering manager.
Today, I’m retired and live in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife of fifty-three years. My daughter and two grandchildren live in Maryland. I began writing several years after I retired, when I was seventy. My first two attempts remain in my desk drawer—good ideas, but poorly written. Subsequently, I co-authored, with Jeanne Tomlin, three fantasy novels: Talon of the Raptor Clan, Scales of Justice, and All My Friends Have Wings (young adults). Talon of the Raptor Clan was sold to ePress-online Books and came out in July 2009. Since then I have written two additional novels: The Laughing Hounds (urban fantasy) and The Riss Gamble (science fiction).
My hobbies for the past forty years have been kung fu and tai chi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 10, 2020
This was an enjoyable read as we follow Jolie and her squad through a series of short engagements. It really is more a collection of short incidents than one major story. This was fine, but on a couple of occasions I was just getting into the story when it ended and moved onto a new episode. However I am really looking forward to the next book.
August 16, 2021
Love this author and love this series. Gritty, bad ass, fast paced action all the way! Found myself laughing at some of the hijinks..... The next book is out as of the end of July♡ I promised myself I would start the Shadow Ryana series next, so book 3 will be a bit delayed.
Good reading friends!
Good reading friends!
June 10, 2021
My new fav
August 31, 2024
Great but not quite as good as the first.
This was a really fun enjoyable book. I'm still not sure why a space-faring, drone-wielding nation needs to send small units of special forces across the galaxy to solve small disputes but I don't care, it's fun.
The main character is still the same, a Mary Sue who for some reason is compelling to read about. Her end of mission stories are cripplingly cringeworthy though so I skipped those even though they were only 2-3 mins. All the other characters think she's an incredibly funny super-genius and she plays up to the girl aspect a lot more in this book. A special forces soldier jumping in the air to make cheerleader poses for the amusement of all her male colleagues was a bit weird for example.
The plot is still episodic but it works here with each mission. Some of the stuff about the military officers hurling insults would normally result in discipline of some sort rather than be completely ignored. I also felt that having the Tasmanian leadership structure explained in each episode was repetitive.
The narration was a bit slow. I reckon you need to speed it up to at least 1.1x.
Overall though I really enjoyed this as mindless fun and have already added the next book to my wish list.
This was a really fun enjoyable book. I'm still not sure why a space-faring, drone-wielding nation needs to send small units of special forces across the galaxy to solve small disputes but I don't care, it's fun.
The main character is still the same, a Mary Sue who for some reason is compelling to read about. Her end of mission stories are cripplingly cringeworthy though so I skipped those even though they were only 2-3 mins. All the other characters think she's an incredibly funny super-genius and she plays up to the girl aspect a lot more in this book. A special forces soldier jumping in the air to make cheerleader poses for the amusement of all her male colleagues was a bit weird for example.
The plot is still episodic but it works here with each mission. Some of the stuff about the military officers hurling insults would normally result in discipline of some sort rather than be completely ignored. I also felt that having the Tasmanian leadership structure explained in each episode was repetitive.
The narration was a bit slow. I reckon you need to speed it up to at least 1.1x.
Overall though I really enjoyed this as mindless fun and have already added the next book to my wish list.
February 9, 2020
A awesome follow up
I have been checking Amazon every couple of weeks for the follow up to this series since I read book 1. I have to say that this has become my favourite series by C. R. Daems. I love that instead of one continuous story, the book is split into smaller conflicts that involve Fox and her squad.
It just gets better as the book progresses and I have to say I will now be waiting for book 3. The character development is great and while it is sad to see, some of the Tasmanians don't always make it back. That is the cost of war and I sad but happy about it. While this is an elite group, considered the best of the best, they come up against untenable odds on multiple occasions. It's great to see how Jolie gets them out of every scrape, but they don't walk away Scott free of injuries.
I have been checking Amazon every couple of weeks for the follow up to this series since I read book 1. I have to say that this has become my favourite series by C. R. Daems. I love that instead of one continuous story, the book is split into smaller conflicts that involve Fox and her squad.
It just gets better as the book progresses and I have to say I will now be waiting for book 3. The character development is great and while it is sad to see, some of the Tasmanians don't always make it back. That is the cost of war and I sad but happy about it. While this is an elite group, considered the best of the best, they come up against untenable odds on multiple occasions. It's great to see how Jolie gets them out of every scrape, but they don't walk away Scott free of injuries.
March 16, 2020
An entertaining story with many great tactical adventures. A little weak on the interpersonal side, and attempts to interject romance don't work well. The lack of ranks or awards doesn't seem to work well, with interactions with other military branches resulting fights, killings, and ongoing court martial issues - it is just not practical in a real world environment. A rank and award structure work for teams such as SEALS and Green Berets, and this theoretical concept of Tasmanians becomes increasingly distracting.
March 26, 2020
So much fun!
This series is a fast-paced, energetic series about a futuristic, space adventuring special forces unit and the solo woman in the group. Sometimes military fiction can become boring beyond belief as the author gets caught up in trying to tell the combat scenes. Not the case with this author, not just in this series but the others of his work that I have read. He just writes entertaining, plausible stories.
I recommend this series and just wish that there more about the Tasmanian Devils.
This series is a fast-paced, energetic series about a futuristic, space adventuring special forces unit and the solo woman in the group. Sometimes military fiction can become boring beyond belief as the author gets caught up in trying to tell the combat scenes. Not the case with this author, not just in this series but the others of his work that I have read. He just writes entertaining, plausible stories.
I recommend this series and just wish that there more about the Tasmanian Devils.
January 31, 2020
Give me more
I love these books. They make me think of Matthew Reily's books about Scarecrow. I am waiting with baited breath to see what happens in the next book. Will Jolie go on a date or will her brothers stop it by being protective. What trouble will she find on her next assignment or her down time.
I love these books. They make me think of Matthew Reily's books about Scarecrow. I am waiting with baited breath to see what happens in the next book. Will Jolie go on a date or will her brothers stop it by being protective. What trouble will she find on her next assignment or her down time.
February 7, 2020
Great as always
I’m always surprised when I reach the end of the book since I am so drawn into the story I don’t pay attention to how far along I am. I have waited and waited for this book to come out and read the 1st a dozen times or so in the mean time. I was very curious on how her story would progress and was not disappointed. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book (yes I know this just came out)
I’m always surprised when I reach the end of the book since I am so drawn into the story I don’t pay attention to how far along I am. I have waited and waited for this book to come out and read the 1st a dozen times or so in the mean time. I was very curious on how her story would progress and was not disappointed. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book (yes I know this just came out)
March 1, 2020
Awesome book 2
Love the story and adventures Fox gets into. Hard to stop reading. Love that type. Only problem is waiting to see what's next. Or maybe, this is the end. End on a high note before everyone dies? Guess, I'll wait and see.
Slight note to the author, there were a few grammatically errors.
Love the story and adventures Fox gets into. Hard to stop reading. Love that type. Only problem is waiting to see what's next. Or maybe, this is the end. End on a high note before everyone dies? Guess, I'll wait and see.
Slight note to the author, there were a few grammatically errors.
February 24, 2021
I’m just a sucker for this author’s “woman is totally awesome and kicks ass” schtick. It’s like candy. Fast paced with just enough different scenarios and the supporting characters are fleshed just enough to move things along. No over analyzing and nice dialog the does sound like the way guys kid each other.
February 28, 2020
Good read.
This book is a very action filled all.focused.on the main character Jolie, who is the sole.female tasmanian, a team of special operations soldiers.
Most of the operations are pretty tight but some seem rushed. All in all this was an entertaining book.
This book is a very action filled all.focused.on the main character Jolie, who is the sole.female tasmanian, a team of special operations soldiers.
Most of the operations are pretty tight but some seem rushed. All in all this was an entertaining book.
March 17, 2020
Book III, please, soon!
Comprehensive, cohesive, totally plausible -- seating you amongst the Devils and enthusiastically pitching you in their trials. Couldn't / wouldn't put down.
Comprehensive, cohesive, totally plausible -- seating you amongst the Devils and enthusiastically pitching you in their trials. Couldn't / wouldn't put down.
March 22, 2020
Just great 👍
As was the case with the first book, I couldn't out it down till I had read the book. This series is well conceived and executed so you don't realize how long you have been reading.
As was the case with the first book, I couldn't out it down till I had read the book. This series is well conceived and executed so you don't realize how long you have been reading.
May 7, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
Same things I said about book 1 apply here. But the over glorification of the fmc is overdone. For the first book I understood but this book seemed to be milking it.
But I’m a sucker for a skilled fmc so it was enjoyable if w more than a few flaws
Book 3? Yaaa
Same things I said about book 1 apply here. But the over glorification of the fmc is overdone. For the first book I understood but this book seemed to be milking it.
But I’m a sucker for a skilled fmc so it was enjoyable if w more than a few flaws
Book 3? Yaaa
June 2, 2023
Quick and Entertaining Read
Lots of action in volume two of the series. Less repetition of the principles of Gung Luan. A bit more substance to the character of Joliet Luan, the protagonist.
Lots of action in volume two of the series. Less repetition of the principles of Gung Luan. A bit more substance to the character of Joliet Luan, the protagonist.
February 7, 2020
Another delightful chapter
This book is a true sequel, taking up right where the previous book ends. Jolie continues to prosper doing the unexpected.
This book is a true sequel, taking up right where the previous book ends. Jolie continues to prosper doing the unexpected.
February 10, 2020
Need to get this book
This woman train of thought I'd wished my platoon leaders had. This story tells what I wish combat was, but not
This woman train of thought I'd wished my platoon leaders had. This story tells what I wish combat was, but not
February 13, 2020
Excellent
Unfortunately these books are too few and far between. This one was excel and fun to read and Jolie is a firecracker in the Tasmanians.
Unfortunately these books are too few and far between. This one was excel and fun to read and Jolie is a firecracker in the Tasmanians.
February 14, 2020
Excellence again!
Such a good mc and esprit amongst the group! Quit a few spelling/homonym/etc. errors to be edited. Good book! Thanks!
Such a good mc and esprit amongst the group! Quit a few spelling/homonym/etc. errors to be edited. Good book! Thanks!
February 20, 2020
Quality read
Better then the first one and I thought that wouldn’t be possible. A damn good read, particularly if you like tactics involved with your fighting
Better then the first one and I thought that wouldn’t be possible. A damn good read, particularly if you like tactics involved with your fighting
February 28, 2020
Read the sample and had to buy it!
Really good. Great characters and lots of action. Kept me turning pages to the end. Highly recommend this author and this book.
Really good. Great characters and lots of action. Kept me turning pages to the end. Highly recommend this author and this book.
March 18, 2020
More great action
Enjoyed both books so far looking forward to the next.
The writer is finding his grove with the story and it is only getting better.
Enjoyed both books so far looking forward to the next.
The writer is finding his grove with the story and it is only getting better.
April 8, 2020
Excellent read
As good as the first read for the third, so easy reading without an agenda. Well written and we'll done.
As good as the first read for the third, so easy reading without an agenda. Well written and we'll done.
September 25, 2020
Awesome book
Excellent, I love the main character a very very strong young woman that’s very talented and very centered and knows who she is .
Excellent, I love the main character a very very strong young woman that’s very talented and very centered and knows who she is .
April 16, 2021
This series is awesome. Though do have to say why no space-age laser weapons or things. Still, author writes an awesome story
July 26, 2021
I'll willingly admit it...
I started to re-listen to these 2 books when I finished this one 😂
Why?
Because they're fucking entertaining..!!! 😍
I started to re-listen to these 2 books when I finished this one 😂
Why?
Because they're fucking entertaining..!!! 😍
December 6, 2021
She took out lots of bad guys.
March 12, 2023
Great sequel, just as good as the first.
May 27, 2023
Another incredible read
I love Jolie and I loved this book. Lots of action of different varieties on different terrains and never a dull moment. Taraah
I love Jolie and I loved this book. Lots of action of different varieties on different terrains and never a dull moment. Taraah
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews