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Fleet Ops #1
Trapped
We fought them for decades.
And we won.
But victory hurt us more than defeat.
Years after defeating aliens bent on burning down the galaxy, the Interstellar Union is breaking apart, its member species undermining each other at every opportunity.
When an interdimensional distress signal arrives, only humanity is interested in helping.
Captain Vin Husher is sent in with a task force…
…right into a trap laid by humanity’s old enemy.
Surrounded by a bioengineered super-species and unable to return home, Husher must draw on decades of experience just to keep his people alive.
If he can’t survive long enough to escape this hellish pocket universe and warn humanity of the impending danger, all will be lost.
And it might already be too late.
RUNNING TIME ➼ 8hrs. and 10mins.
©2019 Scott Bartlett, Joshua James (P)2019 Mirth Publishing
And we won.
But victory hurt us more than defeat.
Years after defeating aliens bent on burning down the galaxy, the Interstellar Union is breaking apart, its member species undermining each other at every opportunity.
When an interdimensional distress signal arrives, only humanity is interested in helping.
Captain Vin Husher is sent in with a task force…
…right into a trap laid by humanity’s old enemy.
Surrounded by a bioengineered super-species and unable to return home, Husher must draw on decades of experience just to keep his people alive.
If he can’t survive long enough to escape this hellish pocket universe and warn humanity of the impending danger, all will be lost.
And it might already be too late.
RUNNING TIME ➼ 8hrs. and 10mins.
©2019 Scott Bartlett, Joshua James (P)2019 Mirth Publishing
Audible Audio
First published November 23, 2019
451 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
115 books303 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 9, 2020
In the first book of a new series, we find Captain Vin Husher, our hero from previous galactic wars. Who had literally saved the human race plus the entire universe, once again finds himself as an outcast despite his heroic actions. The top brass at the admiralty want him out of the way, by giving him assignments that would have little chance of him getting back into the news. But that is never going to happen 😊. I have read and enjoyed all of Scott Bartlett’s Ixan books, and recommended the all to you, with the collaboration with Joshua James we now have a new series to start reading.
I received an advance copy and wound up buying a copy to support these great authors.
I received an advance copy and wound up buying a copy to support these great authors.
January 18, 2020
Trapped is the first book in the Fleet Ops series. This series continues the story of both Vin Husher and Make. You can read this book without having read their previous series. But the storyline makes more sense if you know the backstory of the Progenitors and their AIs. There is a lot of violence. Even though I enjoyed the previous Husher series, I struggled with this book. I hope book two holds my interest more than this one did.
January 29, 2020
If you enjoy military science fiction, you will not be disappointed in this book. I just added the rest of Scott and Joshua's books to my Audible wish list. The narration will not let you down either.
January 22, 2020
Starting a new series again. I’ve read books by both of these authors and they write pretty good. The only trepidation I had about diving into this book is that it references another series, the “Ixan Legacy Trilogy”, as a prelude to this series. I haven’t read that series, but as it turns out this new one stands pretty much on it’s own.
Captain Vin Husher did something in the aforementioned series that caused the death of everyone in a parallel universe, and evil twin universe of his own. He even was able to capture his twin from the other universe and had him incarcerated in the brig on his current starship. This “alternate” Vin Husher was deadly and had proven himself so by torturing on of Captain Husher’s closest friend, “Fesky”, a brilliant combat fighter pilot. What Captain Husher planned to do with his evil twin wasn’t really explained, but it’s a good thing he had him aboard as you’ll find out.
Right off the bat, you’ll find yourself going into combat although there has been peace in the galaxy for some time now. A faction called the Quatro want admission into the Interstellar Union and are looking to take over some currently owned human worlds. Why they think the United Common Wealth (UCH) would stand for such was a mystery. Of course the UCH wouldn’t allow the Quatro to take any of it’s planets for any reason. Yet, something else was going on that would cause Captain Vin Husher and his starship to go on an entirely different mission.
A distress signal had arrived at UCH headquarters a while back. It was encrypted and until someone could break the encryption, it was going to stay a mystery. Admiral Iver, Captain Husher’s immediate boss tasked Husher with the job of finding out what was in the message and where it would lead. Husher had some interesting contacts within the Interstellar Union that didn’t care much for IU politics, so they gladly worked on the mysterious message.
The message was from another universe. It gave the coordinates of where help was supposed to come, but no indication of who or what had sent the message. Since Earth now stood alone, it was thought that they could possibly find some new allies if they helped whomever sent this distress message. So, Admiral Iver ordered Captain Husher and the UCH Rentless to make conrtact in this alternate universe and also try to make some new friends.
This mission turns out to be a very dangerous one. It’s also one they might never return from!
Captain Vin Husher did something in the aforementioned series that caused the death of everyone in a parallel universe, and evil twin universe of his own. He even was able to capture his twin from the other universe and had him incarcerated in the brig on his current starship. This “alternate” Vin Husher was deadly and had proven himself so by torturing on of Captain Husher’s closest friend, “Fesky”, a brilliant combat fighter pilot. What Captain Husher planned to do with his evil twin wasn’t really explained, but it’s a good thing he had him aboard as you’ll find out.
Right off the bat, you’ll find yourself going into combat although there has been peace in the galaxy for some time now. A faction called the Quatro want admission into the Interstellar Union and are looking to take over some currently owned human worlds. Why they think the United Common Wealth (UCH) would stand for such was a mystery. Of course the UCH wouldn’t allow the Quatro to take any of it’s planets for any reason. Yet, something else was going on that would cause Captain Vin Husher and his starship to go on an entirely different mission.
A distress signal had arrived at UCH headquarters a while back. It was encrypted and until someone could break the encryption, it was going to stay a mystery. Admiral Iver, Captain Husher’s immediate boss tasked Husher with the job of finding out what was in the message and where it would lead. Husher had some interesting contacts within the Interstellar Union that didn’t care much for IU politics, so they gladly worked on the mysterious message.
The message was from another universe. It gave the coordinates of where help was supposed to come, but no indication of who or what had sent the message. Since Earth now stood alone, it was thought that they could possibly find some new allies if they helped whomever sent this distress message. So, Admiral Iver ordered Captain Husher and the UCH Rentless to make conrtact in this alternate universe and also try to make some new friends.
This mission turns out to be a very dangerous one. It’s also one they might never return from!
July 15, 2020
I liked this novel, though it made frequent references to a prior series that I haven't read. This episode did not captivate me enough to continue with the journey. Perhaps it is best to start with the original epic, then graduate to this series.
February 5, 2020
A high-octane SFF novel that is light on characterization but overly indulgent in the plot and world-building. Such a romp!
January 3, 2020
Absolutely fantastic. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Winning a war doesn’t always mean victory. Total action. Don’t miss out.
February 1, 2020
Got this title for free from the author on a Reddit giveaway. Audio, narrated by Mark Boyett
I was excited to discover a new space opera. It was a good story, if a bit predictable. I liked the cast, but it seemed a bit unevenly split between the "brass" and "grunts." The narrator was fantastic, and the story was well paced. By the end of it, I really enjoyed it and was looking forward to a sequel. I was sad to discover this is a new release and there is no sequel (yet).
It was an enjoyable story, but was worth the price of admission for the narrator.
I was excited to discover a new space opera. It was a good story, if a bit predictable. I liked the cast, but it seemed a bit unevenly split between the "brass" and "grunts." The narrator was fantastic, and the story was well paced. By the end of it, I really enjoyed it and was looking forward to a sequel. I was sad to discover this is a new release and there is no sequel (yet).
It was an enjoyable story, but was worth the price of admission for the narrator.
January 7, 2020
Action pack military space opera space battles mechs infantry action (what more do we need)
It's my first book in this universe it's good place to start not necessary to listen to prior books in the series to enjoy (never felt like I was missing anything)
Like always Mark Boyett did a great job narrating this book
It's my first book in this universe it's good place to start not necessary to listen to prior books in the series to enjoy (never felt like I was missing anything)
Like always Mark Boyett did a great job narrating this book
April 12, 2020
A bit mixed
Some interesting ideas but ultimately very confused and strange. No great characterisation. Don't think I would rush to read anymore by this author.
Some interesting ideas but ultimately very confused and strange. No great characterisation. Don't think I would rush to read anymore by this author.
May 9, 2021
With a stellar cast and amazing imagery, this is a riveting bit of scifi.
With a story that is very structured in the action scenes, this book pulls you in and focuses your mind on the interplay between the strong characters and their seriously dangerous enemies.
If you enjoy space opera with plenty of violently played out action and well rounded and fiesty characters then this is the book for you.
There's a lot of courage with a sprinkling of foolishness on display during the fight scenes, plus unbelievable aliens jumping here, there, and everywhere in this book. In fact, the aliens were one of my favourite parts of this story! I think it must be difficult to write convincing and acceptable aliens. They make up such a large part of any scifi story that it's important to get them right, right from the beginning, because if they are not weird enough or freaky enough then the book can feel a little dull. But the aliens in this book were seriously cool and frighteningly, differently, bad a**ed critters! They were enough to make me realise that had I met them alone on a dark night then I would genuinely be scared out of my mind.
I lost myself in this story on quite a few occasions, which turned into me forgetting to wash the dishes after sunday lunch. And then the next meal I did the very same thing at supper time too shamefully! That's what getting engrossed does to you!
Having said that, it shows that the book has the right combination of stomach churning action, great dialogue, and brilliant worldbuilding to keep my eyes on the page and my head in the story!
I enjoyed this rather intense and riveting book for all the reasons you would expect as stated above but because of one more - pure escapism. This book lifted me up and whisked me away from my normal life, and took me on a wonderful space adventure.
Who would ever be unhappy with that? That's the whole point of reading, isn't it - to enjoy a bit of escapism?
With a story that is very structured in the action scenes, this book pulls you in and focuses your mind on the interplay between the strong characters and their seriously dangerous enemies.
If you enjoy space opera with plenty of violently played out action and well rounded and fiesty characters then this is the book for you.
There's a lot of courage with a sprinkling of foolishness on display during the fight scenes, plus unbelievable aliens jumping here, there, and everywhere in this book. In fact, the aliens were one of my favourite parts of this story! I think it must be difficult to write convincing and acceptable aliens. They make up such a large part of any scifi story that it's important to get them right, right from the beginning, because if they are not weird enough or freaky enough then the book can feel a little dull. But the aliens in this book were seriously cool and frighteningly, differently, bad a**ed critters! They were enough to make me realise that had I met them alone on a dark night then I would genuinely be scared out of my mind.
I lost myself in this story on quite a few occasions, which turned into me forgetting to wash the dishes after sunday lunch. And then the next meal I did the very same thing at supper time too shamefully! That's what getting engrossed does to you!
Having said that, it shows that the book has the right combination of stomach churning action, great dialogue, and brilliant worldbuilding to keep my eyes on the page and my head in the story!
I enjoyed this rather intense and riveting book for all the reasons you would expect as stated above but because of one more - pure escapism. This book lifted me up and whisked me away from my normal life, and took me on a wonderful space adventure.
Who would ever be unhappy with that? That's the whole point of reading, isn't it - to enjoy a bit of escapism?
January 5, 2020
I do like audiobooks that set out their stall early and then keep consistent. It's obvious from the start that this is going to be an all-action space opera rather than any kind of high-brow, deep thought style sci-fi - and I don't mean that disparagingly, I was brought up on the mean streets of Luton dreaming of being a Lensman or a Jeddi!
A mysterious distress call from an unknown race in an unknown universe . . . who are they? Why are they in trouble? From what I understand of the back story you'd expect humanity's response to be 'Sorry, your distress call is important to us but all of our agents are busy right now'. Oh no, Captain Vin Husher is dispatched with a task force with all haste to investigate. What follows is a high octane action fest full of space battles, mech-suited warriors and gung-ho fighter pilots and Bartlett and James incorporate some interesting combinations of space battle tactics.
The narration is well worth a mention. At first I wasn't at all convinced by Mark Boyett as some of his accents seemed to slip in and out a bit but once he started doing Fesky I think I came to appreciate what he was doing a little bit more and really started enjoying it. Even if she did sound like something out of the Simpsons!
The only point that I would add is that I blundered into this assuming it was a brand new series. Not a big problem as the story stood up well on its own but I suspect I missed a certain amount as there is considerable backstory in these characters from previous books.
To sum up. This one won't be one to trouble the likes of Adrian Tchaikovsky and his adherents but it is a straight out, good fun, high action read with some nice touches around the edges of the characters.
A mysterious distress call from an unknown race in an unknown universe . . . who are they? Why are they in trouble? From what I understand of the back story you'd expect humanity's response to be 'Sorry, your distress call is important to us but all of our agents are busy right now'. Oh no, Captain Vin Husher is dispatched with a task force with all haste to investigate. What follows is a high octane action fest full of space battles, mech-suited warriors and gung-ho fighter pilots and Bartlett and James incorporate some interesting combinations of space battle tactics.
The narration is well worth a mention. At first I wasn't at all convinced by Mark Boyett as some of his accents seemed to slip in and out a bit but once he started doing Fesky I think I came to appreciate what he was doing a little bit more and really started enjoying it. Even if she did sound like something out of the Simpsons!
The only point that I would add is that I blundered into this assuming it was a brand new series. Not a big problem as the story stood up well on its own but I suspect I missed a certain amount as there is considerable backstory in these characters from previous books.
To sum up. This one won't be one to trouble the likes of Adrian Tchaikovsky and his adherents but it is a straight out, good fun, high action read with some nice touches around the edges of the characters.
January 8, 2020
This novel brings all of the other books in Scott Bartlett's universe together. Be forewarned this book contains tons of spoilers for Scott's other novels. Though the author does a fairly good job providing back story in this novel and the reader doesn't need the other novels to fill in the past. The reader will miss a ton of rich history between the characters (in particular 1. Vin and Fesky; 2. Steam and Clutch). The scene where Vin holds back tears staring at the Providence model won't have the same bittersweet memories without knowing about Vin's relationship with Captain Keyes. You also wouldn't know about the Ixa and their devastating blow to mankind. Nor about Darkstream and what destruction a galactic corporation can bring about.
It's like visiting old friends you have spent time with in a while. I teared up with the scene with Fesky kicking butt like she did in the past. One thing this novel did have was more profanity than other books in this universe. Though I'm not particularly fond of novels that use it. I think Scott deserves a pass in this regard. The humans in the universe have been in Three Galactic Wars and have been constantly in the face of death.
I listened to the Audible version, and I love Mark Boyett great narrator and love his Fesky, though with this novel Rooster sounded similar.
For the best experience it is highly recommended that you read all the Bartlett novels in the following order:
Ixan Prophecies Series:
* The Gauntlet (Novella)
* Traitor (Prequel)
* Supercarrier
* Juggernaut
* Reckoning
Mech Wars Series
* Onslaught (Prequel)
* Powered
* Dynamo
* Meltdown
* Infliction
Ixan Legacy Series
* Captain and Command (Prequel)
* Capital Starship
* Pride of the Fleet
* Dogs of War
Fleet Ops Series
* Trapped
It's like visiting old friends you have spent time with in a while. I teared up with the scene with Fesky kicking butt like she did in the past. One thing this novel did have was more profanity than other books in this universe. Though I'm not particularly fond of novels that use it. I think Scott deserves a pass in this regard. The humans in the universe have been in Three Galactic Wars and have been constantly in the face of death.
I listened to the Audible version, and I love Mark Boyett great narrator and love his Fesky, though with this novel Rooster sounded similar.
For the best experience it is highly recommended that you read all the Bartlett novels in the following order:
Ixan Prophecies Series:
* The Gauntlet (Novella)
* Traitor (Prequel)
* Supercarrier
* Juggernaut
* Reckoning
Mech Wars Series
* Onslaught (Prequel)
* Powered
* Dynamo
* Meltdown
* Infliction
Ixan Legacy Series
* Captain and Command (Prequel)
* Capital Starship
* Pride of the Fleet
* Dogs of War
Fleet Ops Series
* Trapped
July 17, 2020
I picked this one up because it was an Audible deal of the day. I found it disappointing and comical. It was disappointing in that it was marketed as the first book in a series. It is not. It's #1 the way a new Fantastic Four comic book is #1. All the characters, including their past enemies, have a history in some number of earlier books.
It's comical in that every character is filled with gusto while facing overwhelmingly poor odds. Every bad choice necessary to get the fleet into a mess is made. Why make a reconnaissance with a small ship when you can take the whole fleet? Why maintain quarantine? Why not put an old and random guy in place as admiral, when every other officer is exceedingly brave, smart and quick? Why answer a call for help from another universe when it was sent by a race that does not understand time? After all, the message might have been sent at any time, from the beginning until the end of time.
There's also a huge problem with distance. Giant space cannons defend a whole solar system. OK, just have your ships move in unpredictable patterns, so that the odds of each slow shot hitting become unbelievably low.
The aliens are easily beaten by objects rather than energy. This is in space. Every object can easily be made into a weapon that will devastate the aliens. Did the author not read, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress"?
Not for me, but if you like the crazy non-science of "Star Wars," you will probably enjoy it.
It's comical in that every character is filled with gusto while facing overwhelmingly poor odds. Every bad choice necessary to get the fleet into a mess is made. Why make a reconnaissance with a small ship when you can take the whole fleet? Why maintain quarantine? Why not put an old and random guy in place as admiral, when every other officer is exceedingly brave, smart and quick? Why answer a call for help from another universe when it was sent by a race that does not understand time? After all, the message might have been sent at any time, from the beginning until the end of time.
There's also a huge problem with distance. Giant space cannons defend a whole solar system. OK, just have your ships move in unpredictable patterns, so that the odds of each slow shot hitting become unbelievably low.
The aliens are easily beaten by objects rather than energy. This is in space. Every object can easily be made into a weapon that will devastate the aliens. Did the author not read, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress"?
Not for me, but if you like the crazy non-science of "Star Wars," you will probably enjoy it.
January 3, 2020
Just because you win a war doesn't necessarily mean a victory. The Interstellar Union, created to keep peace, was crumbling. Then a call for help comes. Only no one answers except us. Captain Vin Husher is sent to answer the call. He's saved humanity many times over, sending him and a fleet for rescue should be a no brainer. But what turns out to be a rescue becomes a trap. Set specifically by the very same enemy we thought we had defeated. Now Captain Husher and all of his fleet are unable to return home, and seemingly unable to defeat this super species. But he has no choice -- fight to save humanity and fight to save their lives, it all falls on the Captain's shoulders. Again. Bartlett pens this new series as he always does. Well thought out, plot twists and turns, characters to love and/or hate, another winner. This is another series to read and not put down by Bartlett. A fast paced, enjoyable read. Go for it!
January 28, 2022
I must have gotten a free copy of this Fleet Ops trilogy from the author. This is my first experience with this universe and I am missing something. Apparently there are some half a dozen previous books in this universe, so I am going to skip past some of the lack of character development and just assume you already know something about what is going on. I would recommend the new reader start at the beginning.
There is lots of action in this book. Some of the physics is not exactly right, but I tried to ignore the minor oversights. I do hate to say this, but it is just action, gore, and death on a grand scale, but little plot. I reminds me of watching the later Transformer movies. You came for the action, so just sit back and enjoy. Check your brain at the door. I do want a bit more. I will continue with the next in this trilogy for the time being.
Have a GoodReads.
There is lots of action in this book. Some of the physics is not exactly right, but I tried to ignore the minor oversights. I do hate to say this, but it is just action, gore, and death on a grand scale, but little plot. I reminds me of watching the later Transformer movies. You came for the action, so just sit back and enjoy. Check your brain at the door. I do want a bit more. I will continue with the next in this trilogy for the time being.
Have a GoodReads.
September 13, 2022
Fast paced compelling read
OK, this is the first book in a series that is preceded by the six novels in the Ixan Universe series. And, as often happens when I find a book highly recommended, I started it before noticing that fact.
Still, I quickly got to know the main characters, and while kicking myself for not having gotten to know them earlier, I still thoroughly enjoyed the tempo of the book, a few innovative space opera elements such as the aliens encountered, some of the combat tactics, the moral issues that arose, and the brain-staggering way the book ended (though the series goes on, but not in a way one might have anticipated up to that point.)
With this one whetting my appetite, it was awesome to discover that Scott Bartlett has grouped most of the books into bundles that sell for an affordable price, so the potential for binging all things Scott Bartlett awaits.
OK, this is the first book in a series that is preceded by the six novels in the Ixan Universe series. And, as often happens when I find a book highly recommended, I started it before noticing that fact.
Still, I quickly got to know the main characters, and while kicking myself for not having gotten to know them earlier, I still thoroughly enjoyed the tempo of the book, a few innovative space opera elements such as the aliens encountered, some of the combat tactics, the moral issues that arose, and the brain-staggering way the book ended (though the series goes on, but not in a way one might have anticipated up to that point.)
With this one whetting my appetite, it was awesome to discover that Scott Bartlett has grouped most of the books into bundles that sell for an affordable price, so the potential for binging all things Scott Bartlett awaits.
January 15, 2020
5 out of 5 starsWOW! A New Level for Scott Bartlett. If you thought the Ixan were bad, YOU MUST read this.
Everything we went through in the Ixan universe and SO much more.
This is a must-read for all Scott Bartlett fans and now his new co-Author Joshua James.
The intensity of this book is amazing whether you read or listen or do immersion reading.
I am an Alpha team member of Scott Bartletts' reading group. I have read everything he has written. This book, by far, has surpassed anything he has ever written before.
Don't trust me; just read the book.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0835SKF4... 1 of series Fleet Opps 'Trapped'
Ben Varela
Everything we went through in the Ixan universe and SO much more.
This is a must-read for all Scott Bartlett fans and now his new co-Author Joshua James.
The intensity of this book is amazing whether you read or listen or do immersion reading.
I am an Alpha team member of Scott Bartletts' reading group. I have read everything he has written. This book, by far, has surpassed anything he has ever written before.
Don't trust me; just read the book.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0835SKF4... 1 of series Fleet Opps 'Trapped'
Ben Varela
September 24, 2020
When a mysterious inter-dimensional distress comes across the terribly fractured Interstellar Union, Vin Husher and the crew of the Relentless are tasked with finding out who sent it. They find themselves in a pocket universe at the mercy of their old enemy 'The Brood'- who've trapped them with one way to get home: give them Captain Husher. With no better choices, Husher lays his live on the line and enters the bizarre existence of 'The Brood'. A sacrifice that could give humanity the edge over their enemy... or become the catalyst that will ultimately lay waste to an entire species. Brilliantly crafted story with a heck of a bone-chilling epilogue, highly recommended.
December 17, 2025
4 Stars
Trapped is the first book in The Fleet Ops series by Scott Bartlett - which is a high-octane blend of military sci-fi action, tactical intrigue, and character-driven storytelling that thrusts us into a universe where space warfare feels both thrillingly cinematic and still entirely believable.
Mr. Bartlett’s worldbuilding is crisp and the fleet engagements are described with a clarity that makes you feel like you’re right there on the bridge, watching the tactical displays light up. The stakes escalate naturally, and by the final book, the sense of urgency is almost palpable.
A must-read for fans of tactical space battles and character-driven sci-fi.
Happy Reading…
Trapped is the first book in The Fleet Ops series by Scott Bartlett - which is a high-octane blend of military sci-fi action, tactical intrigue, and character-driven storytelling that thrusts us into a universe where space warfare feels both thrillingly cinematic and still entirely believable.
Mr. Bartlett’s worldbuilding is crisp and the fleet engagements are described with a clarity that makes you feel like you’re right there on the bridge, watching the tactical displays light up. The stakes escalate naturally, and by the final book, the sense of urgency is almost palpable.
A must-read for fans of tactical space battles and character-driven sci-fi.
Happy Reading…
January 5, 2020
This is my first book by Scott and Joshua, and boy do they know how to do military science fiction... non-stop action, in a novel that continues a story but without it being necessary to have read the previous books. Very believable characters, aliens and human, some of whom are damaged, mentally emotionally and physically, and interactions between them that ring true. I did receive an ARC version of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review. I look forward to reading more ... and will probably go back and read some of the prior books in the series.
October 4, 2020
I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of Scott Bartlett’s Ixan books and one of Joshua James’ books before reading this collaboration. This is a great read! There is a lot of action and character development as the explorers travel into an alternate dimension, where the laws of physics are different, and they are attacked by an overwhelming alien race who are determined to exterminate them. The story is well-written and is hard to put down, even to eat or sleep. I want to read the next book in the series. I received an advance copy and wound up buying a copy to support these great authors.
September 21, 2022
This crew of the Relentless have more lives than the proverbial cat as they fight against an almost invincible enemy to survive in spite of lukewarm support from an ally. By the time I finished the book I was exhausted just reading about the battles while wondering what would be left of their spaceship having lost so much in men, munitions and machines. Lots of angst, action, adventure and pages to keep a space nerd happy. Personally I would have liked it a bit more succinct with less pages but that just me.
January 4, 2020
Captain Vin Husher is back and on another mission with everything on the line as he tries to keep everyone alive so they can return home. It was fun and interesting. I have not read the first series but found it easy to follow and figure out what was going on. I enjoyed the setup to the new mission and what happened once the mission started. Now I cannot wait to see what happens next and what Captain Vin Husher will come up with next.
January 12, 2020
Wow! The saga continues.
How can you defeat the undefeatable? Husher and his crew do a good job of stopping acid spitting aliens, and making new, but useless allies as this war against their own kind continues. As odd as it sounds, the action is non stop. The characters are good, the battles leave you deflated as the next one is just around the corner, with a new worser (is that a word?) alien just around the corner.
How can you defeat the undefeatable? Husher and his crew do a good job of stopping acid spitting aliens, and making new, but useless allies as this war against their own kind continues. As odd as it sounds, the action is non stop. The characters are good, the battles leave you deflated as the next one is just around the corner, with a new worser (is that a word?) alien just around the corner.
August 28, 2020
While this was very good - interesting sci-fi with varied aliens and lots of technology based weapons and ships used by the always resourceful humans - I feel I missed something even though this was the first book in the series. While the author did a yeomanlike effort to catch me up, it just wasn't enough to really make me feel comfortable I had enough information to completely immerse myself in the story. I truly liked this very much. I have a feeling I could have loved it.
September 29, 2020
I’m a big fan of anything Scott Bartlett and the team with Joshua James is fantastic as well. Trapped is a well written and edited book. This book continues the multiverse series with gusto. The characters continue to be three dimensional and effected by the action in the earlier books. I highly recommend this book. However you should read thru all the earlier book first. It’s a long form saga that credibly continues and IMHO it deserves being read in order.
February 10, 2020
Exciting science fiction novel with the good guys warring against some extremely unique and scarier-than-hell creatures and spacecraft! Following a distress call they are sucked into a battle of epic proportions. The authors keep you hanging in there with amazing scenes of extreme fighting and unbelievable carnage. A terrific book with characters you can identify with.
May 29, 2020
Fast Paced Space adventure
If you like action, then this is the book for you. From the very beginning of is full of action and adventure.The storyline will keep you glued to the page and unable to put it down. I really liked the characters and found them to be believable and easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book to all space opera lovers.
If you like action, then this is the book for you. From the very beginning of is full of action and adventure.The storyline will keep you glued to the page and unable to put it down. I really liked the characters and found them to be believable and easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book to all space opera lovers.
June 5, 2020
Husher times two
Great sequel to the never ending fued against the exterminators of humanity and humanities allies....Husher is here to save the day...Husher two is here to hate.....Fesky is back..not quite whole but still Fesky....and heroic!....really really baaaaaad guys too!
The darn AIs......machines suck!
Great sequel to the never ending fued against the exterminators of humanity and humanities allies....Husher is here to save the day...Husher two is here to hate.....Fesky is back..not quite whole but still Fesky....and heroic!....really really baaaaaad guys too!
The darn AIs......machines suck!
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