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Spacers #2
Free Space
It's not the size of the ship in the fight...
It's the size of the fight in the ship.
The Xanthic are hitting the Dawn Cluster hard. All signs point to their invasion beginning with a star system in the distant north.
To stop it, Commander Thatcher and Veronica Rose put together the biggest fleet they can - a force that still seems hopelessly small.
With that, they set sail against impossible odds, to see if a miracle can be worked one more time.
It's the size of the fight in the ship.
The Xanthic are hitting the Dawn Cluster hard. All signs point to their invasion beginning with a star system in the distant north.
To stop it, Commander Thatcher and Veronica Rose put together the biggest fleet they can - a force that still seems hopelessly small.
With that, they set sail against impossible odds, to see if a miracle can be worked one more time.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2019
348 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
118 books318 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 36 reviews
March 8, 2021
The human race is deeply flawed, we all know this, but now this fact could destroy them.
They need to work together, but with each corporation vying for supremacy and no one willing to back down for the greater good, things can only get more complicated.
Using all of the information they have at their disposal, the human forces are attempting to get the drop on their fiercest enemy, the Xanthic forces.
Not only are these Xanthic insectoid creatures tall and dangerous as hell with their bio type of projectile weapon
But they also have long vicious swords type weapons which they are very proficient with. And to top all that, they are really hard to kill.
With this serious threat hanging over them, you would think humanities forces would band together and put aside all petty grudges. But arguments persist. Contracts are swiftly made between them, and just as swiftly broken as aliances trade places.
The tension in this story is thrilling. It masterfully plays with the lives of each and every member of the cast.
I loved the way you could almost see the situation becoming a huge brawl with no holds barred battles. But will any of them survive the attacks by the Xanthics first?
They need to work together, but with each corporation vying for supremacy and no one willing to back down for the greater good, things can only get more complicated.
Using all of the information they have at their disposal, the human forces are attempting to get the drop on their fiercest enemy, the Xanthic forces.
Not only are these Xanthic insectoid creatures tall and dangerous as hell with their bio type of projectile weapon
But they also have long vicious swords type weapons which they are very proficient with. And to top all that, they are really hard to kill.
With this serious threat hanging over them, you would think humanities forces would band together and put aside all petty grudges. But arguments persist. Contracts are swiftly made between them, and just as swiftly broken as aliances trade places.
The tension in this story is thrilling. It masterfully plays with the lives of each and every member of the cast.
I loved the way you could almost see the situation becoming a huge brawl with no holds barred battles. But will any of them survive the attacks by the Xanthics first?
June 3, 2020
es of books are really colorful and interesting. I wish more science fiction books had covers like these. Now, the story was developed in the first book where Earth has settled many planets through a worm-hole. Everything was going fine for quite some time when the worm-hole collapsed and cut off the two civilizations. Commander Thad Thatcher was one of the military personnel that was caught in the non-Earth system so he kind of had to find a new job. He was already heading that way since it didn’t appear he was going to actually get command of his own military starship, so the separation came a little early. He’s also separated from his wife and child with no idea of when they will be back together, if ever.
Now the universe he’s in is run by giant corporations. They have their own security services which Thad was invited to join. Doing so allowed him to finally get command of a starship. As commanding officer of the Jersey, he was responsible to only Frontier Security’s CEO, Ms. Veronica Rose. She usually operated from behind a desk and that was just fine with Thad. He had his ship running like he wanted it to and the crew was responding very well, although Commander Thatcher was a pretty strict disciplinarian. An outside observer might think he’s command style was a little too strict and they would have been mostly right.
In my reading this book, Commander Thatcher has been come one boring stuff shirt afraid to show any or most emotions to let his crew know that he’s human just like them. He makes them so afraid of making a mistake, that one such incident occurs where one of his principal CIC crew-members freezes up and can’t do anything! Now on this new mission, his boss, Ms. Rose will be onboard the entire time.
Word has come that the pirates who have been terrorizing shipping all through this universe, are now attempting to mass at one place and kind of establish their own domain. From that central location they would be able to strike any where with a sizable force to take what they wanted. The rest of the corporations don’t want that to happen so they are banding together in hopes of having sufficient security forces available to counter any large pirate attacks.
Frontier Security, led by Veronica Rose, wants to attack the pirate stronghold immediately before they can consolidate. She is willing to take the Jersey, Commanded by Thatcher, along with some other Frontier Security ships, plus any ships from the other corporations that want to help and understand that the pirates need to be stopped now. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get much support!
So, Commander Thatcher has a mission without a whole lot of assets in which to accomplish it. He doesn’t know how many pirates he’ll face nor how well they will be armed. Usually, his combat ships are no match against poorly armed and even poorly maintained pirates vessels. So, if he only has to contend with pirates, he just might accomplish his mission.
Still, the terrority he’s going to also has been reported as a location of the Xanthic, as race of aliens that have already attacked humanity back on Earth before the separation. Thatcher is hoping that he doesn’t come into contact with them, but you now how things usually work out.
A pretty good read although I’m not sold on these quasi-corporation military setups. I don’t see how they are making money by going alone to fight someone or something. Where’s the profit in that. Losing a corporate ship costs money, so how are they making that money to replace a lost ship or even repair the ones that have? That side of the story isn’t explained very well, but otherwise the writing is pretty good.
Now the universe he’s in is run by giant corporations. They have their own security services which Thad was invited to join. Doing so allowed him to finally get command of a starship. As commanding officer of the Jersey, he was responsible to only Frontier Security’s CEO, Ms. Veronica Rose. She usually operated from behind a desk and that was just fine with Thad. He had his ship running like he wanted it to and the crew was responding very well, although Commander Thatcher was a pretty strict disciplinarian. An outside observer might think he’s command style was a little too strict and they would have been mostly right.
In my reading this book, Commander Thatcher has been come one boring stuff shirt afraid to show any or most emotions to let his crew know that he’s human just like them. He makes them so afraid of making a mistake, that one such incident occurs where one of his principal CIC crew-members freezes up and can’t do anything! Now on this new mission, his boss, Ms. Rose will be onboard the entire time.
Word has come that the pirates who have been terrorizing shipping all through this universe, are now attempting to mass at one place and kind of establish their own domain. From that central location they would be able to strike any where with a sizable force to take what they wanted. The rest of the corporations don’t want that to happen so they are banding together in hopes of having sufficient security forces available to counter any large pirate attacks.
Frontier Security, led by Veronica Rose, wants to attack the pirate stronghold immediately before they can consolidate. She is willing to take the Jersey, Commanded by Thatcher, along with some other Frontier Security ships, plus any ships from the other corporations that want to help and understand that the pirates need to be stopped now. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get much support!
So, Commander Thatcher has a mission without a whole lot of assets in which to accomplish it. He doesn’t know how many pirates he’ll face nor how well they will be armed. Usually, his combat ships are no match against poorly armed and even poorly maintained pirates vessels. So, if he only has to contend with pirates, he just might accomplish his mission.
Still, the terrority he’s going to also has been reported as a location of the Xanthic, as race of aliens that have already attacked humanity back on Earth before the separation. Thatcher is hoping that he doesn’t come into contact with them, but you now how things usually work out.
A pretty good read although I’m not sold on these quasi-corporation military setups. I don’t see how they are making money by going alone to fight someone or something. Where’s the profit in that. Losing a corporate ship costs money, so how are they making that money to replace a lost ship or even repair the ones that have? That side of the story isn’t explained very well, but otherwise the writing is pretty good.
March 28, 2026
This is the complete Starship New Jersey series, all 10 books in one complete audiobook.
The series follows Tad Thatcher, a young Commander who is initially with the US Space Forces, but without a command. His Superiors recognise that he is ready for command, but more than that, Thatcher has the potential to be something special.
In this future, several things have happened. A wormhole between our galaxy and another galaxy known as the Dawn Cluster has been found, and humanity has colonised multiple systems. This has been possible, because ‘Corporations’ have taken over space, with dozens of competing factions fighting for resources. The Corps as they are known, each have their own military and space fleets – but these are limited under an agreement.
One of these, Frontier Security, offers Thatcher a Captain’s position on a Light Cruiser, the New Jersey. Their CEO, Veronica Rose is keen to have her company become one of the main players in the Dawn Cluster, and she sees Thatcher as the key to her plans.
Thatcher is initially reluctant to leave the Sol sector and join Frontier, as he has a pregnant wife on Earth, and the Sol sector has been dealing with attacks from an alien race known as the Xantic. But his wife convinces him that it is the right thing to do – and so he goes.
However, things don’t go to plan.
Shortly after entering the cluster, the wormhole closes for unknown reasons, separating the Dawn Cluster from Earth and Thatcher from his wife.
Thatcher though, doesn’t miss a beat, taking up the challenge, and rallying the crew of the New Jersey, leading them in several one sided victories in battles in which they are severely outnumbered. Thatcher has a keen eye for tactics and the flow of battle, being able to follow everything that happens.
Without giving too much away, we follow Thatcher as he, and the CEO of Frontier, Veronica Rose, try and take a grip on the Dawn Cluster as it has become rife with pirates and squabbles with greedy Corporations. The closure of the wormhole has only made things more desperate.
This is a fascinating series, one that is part military sci-fi in which we have epic space battles following Thatcher and his tactical genius, but at the same time, the story is also a complex political thriller, as we follow the different corporations fight for dominance in a sector that is full of precious resources.
As the series moves from book 1 through 10, we get to learn more about Thatcher, his history and how he becomes this brilliant genius, mainly from time with his grandfather who was a Captain in the US Space Force. Bartlett has always written powerful, and clever character driven stories, and this is no exception, with Thatcher, Veronica Rose, and multiple other major characters amongst the crew and Corporations.
The story is not just about the Corporations though, threading through this constant intrigue, and political interplay of the Dawn Cluster, there is a much more insidious threat at play. The same threat that has plagued humanity in the Sol Region, that they had to fight off 50yrs ago, and are now fighting again, is in the Dawn Cluster – the Xanthic. It was Thatcher’s grandfather that defeated the Xanthic all those years ago, and inspired Tad to become a Captain in the Space Fleet.
Bartlett has created something special with this series, with his unique blend of characters, epic story telling, and meticulously detailed battle scenes – this is one series that just shouldn’t be missed. And with all 10 books in one boxset – it is an absolute bargain!! This is Scott Bartlett at his best!
The series follows Tad Thatcher, a young Commander who is initially with the US Space Forces, but without a command. His Superiors recognise that he is ready for command, but more than that, Thatcher has the potential to be something special.
In this future, several things have happened. A wormhole between our galaxy and another galaxy known as the Dawn Cluster has been found, and humanity has colonised multiple systems. This has been possible, because ‘Corporations’ have taken over space, with dozens of competing factions fighting for resources. The Corps as they are known, each have their own military and space fleets – but these are limited under an agreement.
One of these, Frontier Security, offers Thatcher a Captain’s position on a Light Cruiser, the New Jersey. Their CEO, Veronica Rose is keen to have her company become one of the main players in the Dawn Cluster, and she sees Thatcher as the key to her plans.
Thatcher is initially reluctant to leave the Sol sector and join Frontier, as he has a pregnant wife on Earth, and the Sol sector has been dealing with attacks from an alien race known as the Xantic. But his wife convinces him that it is the right thing to do – and so he goes.
However, things don’t go to plan.
Shortly after entering the cluster, the wormhole closes for unknown reasons, separating the Dawn Cluster from Earth and Thatcher from his wife.
Thatcher though, doesn’t miss a beat, taking up the challenge, and rallying the crew of the New Jersey, leading them in several one sided victories in battles in which they are severely outnumbered. Thatcher has a keen eye for tactics and the flow of battle, being able to follow everything that happens.
Without giving too much away, we follow Thatcher as he, and the CEO of Frontier, Veronica Rose, try and take a grip on the Dawn Cluster as it has become rife with pirates and squabbles with greedy Corporations. The closure of the wormhole has only made things more desperate.
This is a fascinating series, one that is part military sci-fi in which we have epic space battles following Thatcher and his tactical genius, but at the same time, the story is also a complex political thriller, as we follow the different corporations fight for dominance in a sector that is full of precious resources.
As the series moves from book 1 through 10, we get to learn more about Thatcher, his history and how he becomes this brilliant genius, mainly from time with his grandfather who was a Captain in the US Space Force. Bartlett has always written powerful, and clever character driven stories, and this is no exception, with Thatcher, Veronica Rose, and multiple other major characters amongst the crew and Corporations.
The story is not just about the Corporations though, threading through this constant intrigue, and political interplay of the Dawn Cluster, there is a much more insidious threat at play. The same threat that has plagued humanity in the Sol Region, that they had to fight off 50yrs ago, and are now fighting again, is in the Dawn Cluster – the Xanthic. It was Thatcher’s grandfather that defeated the Xanthic all those years ago, and inspired Tad to become a Captain in the Space Fleet.
Bartlett has created something special with this series, with his unique blend of characters, epic story telling, and meticulously detailed battle scenes – this is one series that just shouldn’t be missed. And with all 10 books in one boxset – it is an absolute bargain!! This is Scott Bartlett at his best!
December 17, 2025
4 Stars
Free Space is the second book in the Spacers Series by Scott Bartlett. It is a thrilling, character-driven space opera series that blends high-stakes action with moments of camaraderie and personal growth.
Across its ten books, we meet and follow Captain Tad Thatcher on a journey from an inexperienced rookie to a seasoned leader navigating the vast, dangerous expanse of space.
The battles are cinematic, the political intrigue is layered, and the stakes feel real - whether it’s a skirmish in deep space or a moral dilemma in the captain’s chair. The world-building is rich yet accessible, with just enough technical detail to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts without bogging down the story.
I also discovered that Mr. Bartlett has a knack for injecting humor into tense and dramatic moments, making the series as entertaining as it is gripping.
A binge-worthy read for fans of fast-paced military sci-fi with relatable characters, clever twists, and a touch of heart.
Happy Reading…
Free Space is the second book in the Spacers Series by Scott Bartlett. It is a thrilling, character-driven space opera series that blends high-stakes action with moments of camaraderie and personal growth.
Across its ten books, we meet and follow Captain Tad Thatcher on a journey from an inexperienced rookie to a seasoned leader navigating the vast, dangerous expanse of space.
The battles are cinematic, the political intrigue is layered, and the stakes feel real - whether it’s a skirmish in deep space or a moral dilemma in the captain’s chair. The world-building is rich yet accessible, with just enough technical detail to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts without bogging down the story.
I also discovered that Mr. Bartlett has a knack for injecting humor into tense and dramatic moments, making the series as entertaining as it is gripping.
A binge-worthy read for fans of fast-paced military sci-fi with relatable characters, clever twists, and a touch of heart.
Happy Reading…
May 27, 2024
Scott Bartlett’s Spacers series continues to be competently written military sci-fi straight out of the C. S. Forester playbook. We have a budding romance on the down low because the chain of command inhibits both parties. The rigors of command dominate character drama in Free Space as they did in First Command. The fictional world features conflict between government forces, private space navies, pirates, and powerful aliens. Action, of course, is a major plot element—both in space and on the planet. Suspense in the series comes from the Xanthic aliens. Will we finally defeat them? Will we ever understand them? Maybe not until the next book in the series.
March 7, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Always give them honey."
Continuing the story of Tad Thatcher and the crew on board the New Jersey in their fight to save Oasis, and route both pirates and the Xanthic as well as find a way home.
This is the second book in the Savers series, expertly narrated by Mark Boyett.
"Always give them honey."
Continuing the story of Tad Thatcher and the crew on board the New Jersey in their fight to save Oasis, and route both pirates and the Xanthic as well as find a way home.
This is the second book in the Savers series, expertly narrated by Mark Boyett.
September 3, 2025
Great follow up book. Very consistent with the first book and very enjoyable. The action was great and the story line. The different factions seem to be moving together and becoming a force for humanity. It’s very sad and believable that certain people are so selfish and partisan that they fight other humans instead of the real enemy the aliens. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 23, 2020
Great Science Fiction
Space war from start to finish. Action packed edge of your seat story. I read this book in almost one night, I just couldn't put it down. I loved it, thank you.
Space war from start to finish. Action packed edge of your seat story. I read this book in almost one night, I just couldn't put it down. I loved it, thank you.
April 19, 2020
Free Space is a truly sci fi book that will satisfy the most devout sci fi reader. This book leads up to the Wartorn book and Free Space is filled with action. You won't want to stop reading it. Excellent writing and great characters that you get to know well.
April 19, 2020
Spacers
Excellent reading this is second of the series. And yes I start the third book today. Save time and get the complete series, because you will want to keep reading until the conclusion.
Excellent reading this is second of the series. And yes I start the third book today. Save time and get the complete series, because you will want to keep reading until the conclusion.
April 19, 2020
Another wild ride!
The character development is in par with Scott's other works, meaning IT'S GOOD! I enjoyed reading the undertones of how the dilemmas of the Books universe, mirror our own... or perhaps I just over-read into things, haha. You'll love this book!
The character development is in par with Scott's other works, meaning IT'S GOOD! I enjoyed reading the undertones of how the dilemmas of the Books universe, mirror our own... or perhaps I just over-read into things, haha. You'll love this book!
May 6, 2022
Excellent Story Line
Free Space is an exciting extension of the previous book , First Command with a few surprises tossed in to increase the expectations of the series. You will enjoy this book as much as First Command.
Free Space is an exciting extension of the previous book , First Command with a few surprises tossed in to increase the expectations of the series. You will enjoy this book as much as First Command.
August 22, 2022
Fighting pirates and their little alliance after the wormhole to earth gets closed. Getting by with what little they have. The tension is building and the aliens are out there, but there's some timey wimey stuff at play.
May 19, 2020
Great Storyline
Well once again another great storyline in fighting aliens and pirates lol.. Plenty of action and blood and guts lol..
Well once again another great storyline in fighting aliens and pirates lol.. Plenty of action and blood and guts lol..
July 5, 2020
Very entertaining 2nd book in the series. A confrontation with the Xanthic and betrayal by humanity's biggest enemy, a human corporation. Looking forward to the conclusion.
Read
April 29, 2022DNF
September 5, 2024
Another Great Installment
The story continues at breakneck speed. Getting complicated, to say the least. Will they get back to Earth? And what will they find? On to the next.
The story continues at breakneck speed. Getting complicated, to say the least. Will they get back to Earth? And what will they find? On to the next.
October 2, 2024
Super Series
Like the flow and developmenton of the characters. Makes me anticipate each book. Continue on to the next part of the story.
Like the flow and developmenton of the characters. Makes me anticipate each book. Continue on to the next part of the story.
December 18, 2024
Another great book in the series! Can't wait to start the next one!
July 4, 2025
read all ten books. the last book ruined the entire series do not read I can never recommend these
August 30, 2019
Book 2 picks up seamlessly after book 1, taking us immediately back to the battle with the Xanthic. CEO Veronica Rose does her best to antagonize Captain Tad Thatcher. The wormhole to Earth has been destroyed. Thatcher desperately wants it to be re-opened as his wife and unborn child are there. Rose has an agenda of her own, though. She wants to win the war at all costs, and does everything she can to swing Thatcher's focus to her and the war with the Xanthic. The war should be dealt with first, but will another miracle battle for Earth happen? The Xanthic's major purpose is to take over and destroy Earth which Thatcher has vowed to not allow. Book 2 is as fast paced and exciting as Book 1. Bartlett is a master in writing alien/military/space novels, and he's in his element here. By creating characters for us to love, and some to hate, he keeps the reader's interest solidly through Book 2. If you've read any of Bartlett's work, you know this will be another winner.
September 10, 2019
As expected with Scoot book 2 picks up seamlessly after book 1, taking us immediately back to the battle with the Xanthic. With the wormhole to Earth closed and people don’t know if it can be reopened, Captain Thatcher desperately wants it to be re-opened as his wife and unborn child are there. Book 2 is as fast paced and exciting as Book 1, with plenty of action. Scott is a master in writing alien/military/space novels, and he's in his element here, you know this will be another winner. I've enjoyed both books in this series. They are fun and fast paced reads. If you are up to it give the audible books ago as well.
September 10, 2019
Free Space is not Free
Once again we learn that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. It is paid for by the blood and lives of those who fight for it. This story reads like it is transitional or foundational to whatever comes next. The good guys almost didn't win this one. They got lucky. Like has its place in warfare (and life) so it is not to be belittled. I do think that if they are to ultimately win they need better weapons and.more knowledge of their enemy. But we will see where this goes.
Once again we learn that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. It is paid for by the blood and lives of those who fight for it. This story reads like it is transitional or foundational to whatever comes next. The good guys almost didn't win this one. They got lucky. Like has its place in warfare (and life) so it is not to be belittled. I do think that if they are to ultimately win they need better weapons and.more knowledge of their enemy. But we will see where this goes.
February 22, 2026
What a great book to read. I am particularly impressed with the EWar ships, along with the directional and omnidirectional targeting that interferes with everyone's sensors, including their own if the ships were too far behind them. Also, I was quite interested in the idea of other ships using their abilities to "top up" a ship's shields. Great concept and nice to read something new in how space wars are fought. Thank you, Scott Bartlett, for another good read. I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 15, 2019
Robert's Review and Comments
Good follow on to the first book. Good pace to the development and pace of war in this universe. I like the mech warfare, more of that please. The twist with the temporal engagement was awesome and looks like a book in its own right. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Good follow on to the first book. Good pace to the development and pace of war in this universe. I like the mech warfare, more of that please. The twist with the temporal engagement was awesome and looks like a book in its own right. Thanks for a GoodRead.
September 9, 2021
Good read
It a good read. It a good read. It a good read. It a good read. It a good read. Appealing Apparent Absolutely. Twenty words are a pain. Four stars and a thumbs up should be good enough
It a good read. It a good read. It a good read. It a good read. It a good read. Appealing Apparent Absolutely. Twenty words are a pain. Four stars and a thumbs up should be good enough
September 13, 2019
This is a good Space Opera with characters you will mesh with and all the action you can want. The storyline will keep you reading as the space battles heat up and there is a twist you will not see coming. I enjoyed this read and look forward to the next one.
September 14, 2019
Hats off to Scott Bartlett!
Bartlett’s space opera books read like a futuristic spacefaring Horatio Hornblower series. Plenty of rollicking good action with the hero Captain Thatcher plus intrigue and sexual tension. Can’t wait to read the third book!
Bartlett’s space opera books read like a futuristic spacefaring Horatio Hornblower series. Plenty of rollicking good action with the hero Captain Thatcher plus intrigue and sexual tension. Can’t wait to read the third book!
September 15, 2019
Scott Bartlett has created a very solid universe with the Spacers series. The politics, technology and space combat is well rooted in reality which enables the reader to experience an epic adventure with the characters. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of Spacers.
November 23, 2019
War. Space battles. Enemies human and alien.
Good reading! Action is almost nonstop. All the necessary elements: Space tactics, armed and hand to hand fighting, spies and intrigue, advanced alien technology. What more could you ask for?
Good reading! Action is almost nonstop. All the necessary elements: Space tactics, armed and hand to hand fighting, spies and intrigue, advanced alien technology. What more could you ask for?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews