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Expeditionary Force #8
Armageddon
After the Renegade mission by the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman, the UN Expeditionary Force thought Earth was safe for hundreds of years, at least.
After there was trouble on the home front, and the president had to authorize a nuclear strike on an American city, UNEF decided they did need the Merry Band of Pirates again.
So, the Flying Dutchman is sent out on a simple recon mission. But for the pirates, nothing is ever simple, and their mission will become Armageddon.
After there was trouble on the home front, and the president had to authorize a nuclear strike on an American city, UNEF decided they did need the Merry Band of Pirates again.
So, the Flying Dutchman is sent out on a simple recon mission. But for the pirates, nothing is ever simple, and their mission will become Armageddon.
18 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 31, 2019
1387 people are currently reading
1578 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
42 books4,242 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
December 26, 2025
This one is a game changer
This is one hell of a book.
So far, every adventure the Merry Band of Pirates has had to endure was directed towards protecting the Earth secretely. We had a problem (okay, maybe a couple Hundred problems), Joe and Skippy would come up with some far fetched idea and that was that. All the shenanigans would be extremely dangerous, full of tension, but, in the end, prove successful. We'd also get a lot of humor and banter between the pirates and the beer can to defuse those situations and help us transition through the hard times. We don't get that here.
As the title says, this is Armaggedon, not just another wacky adventure. The book isn't lighthearted, it's hard, and puts humanity at a risk it has never been in before. It also puts a lot more pressure onto the pirates, especially Joe. It was a nice change of pace to see a more 'serious' book, it also upped the tension the reader feels and the story advanced a lot in a single book.
We also get more questions, and maybe a few answers on the Elders mystery. I must admit I am theorising like crazy about how it will all turn out and I am sure Alanson is going to blow my mind.
Luckily, book 9 is ready for me to read ASAP, but knowing I have to wait till August for book 10 is making me anxious. This book changed the paradigme under which humanity, and especially the Flying Dutchman operate, I can't wait to see more.
This is one hell of a book.
So far, every adventure the Merry Band of Pirates has had to endure was directed towards protecting the Earth secretely. We had a problem (okay, maybe a couple Hundred problems), Joe and Skippy would come up with some far fetched idea and that was that. All the shenanigans would be extremely dangerous, full of tension, but, in the end, prove successful. We'd also get a lot of humor and banter between the pirates and the beer can to defuse those situations and help us transition through the hard times. We don't get that here.
As the title says, this is Armaggedon, not just another wacky adventure. The book isn't lighthearted, it's hard, and puts humanity at a risk it has never been in before. It also puts a lot more pressure onto the pirates, especially Joe. It was a nice change of pace to see a more 'serious' book, it also upped the tension the reader feels and the story advanced a lot in a single book.
We also get more questions, and maybe a few answers on the Elders mystery. I must admit I am theorising like crazy about how it will all turn out and I am sure Alanson is going to blow my mind.
Luckily, book 9 is ready for me to read ASAP, but knowing I have to wait till August for book 10 is making me anxious. This book changed the paradigme under which humanity, and especially the Flying Dutchman operate, I can't wait to see more.
July 28, 2020
"You know what Joe Bishop said?"
Skippy didn't wait for an answer.
"Joe Bishop said 'Hey universe! Hold my beer!'"
^Expeditionary Force in a nutshell hahaha!!!
Decent continuation but it lacks true progress. Still enjoying the banter and characters. I know that some said it was getting old but honestly I will never get tired of Skippy's jokes and asshole attitude. I feel like I know him personally and love everything about his character. First book in the series to actually tug at my heart strings and make me tear up too. BUT. I gotta say. I'm ready to learn about the Elders! I keep thinking we will find out more and then it's like just kidding......
As always R.C. Bray is a legend.
Skippy didn't wait for an answer.
"Joe Bishop said 'Hey universe! Hold my beer!'"
^Expeditionary Force in a nutshell hahaha!!!
Decent continuation but it lacks true progress. Still enjoying the banter and characters. I know that some said it was getting old but honestly I will never get tired of Skippy's jokes and asshole attitude. I feel like I know him personally and love everything about his character. First book in the series to actually tug at my heart strings and make me tear up too. BUT. I gotta say. I'm ready to learn about the Elders! I keep thinking we will find out more and then it's like just kidding......
As always R.C. Bray is a legend.
May 27, 2022
ARMAGEDDON by Craig Alanson is yet another installment in the immensely entertaining Expeditionary Force series. Unfortunately, the book suffers from essentially having the exact same plot as a number of other previous books. There is a force of aliens about to discover Earth is not as as completely under alien control as everyone thought. Now Joe Bishop must come up with yet another plan that will miraculously save the planet from being discovered. The recycling of plots and trying to think up new spectacular ideas to keep Earth hidden was wearing thin last book and unfortunately reaches its nadir here.
Its still mostly enjoyable but I really would like the author to move the plot along. I'm also not too fond of the "Site B" plotline since I think any of the people who would abandon the billions of Earth people to death and enslavement because they can't think of any other route than hiding don't really seem worthy of being astronauts, let alone Merry Band of Pirates.
Just my .02.
Its still mostly enjoyable but I really would like the author to move the plot along. I'm also not too fond of the "Site B" plotline since I think any of the people who would abandon the billions of Earth people to death and enslavement because they can't think of any other route than hiding don't really seem worthy of being astronauts, let alone Merry Band of Pirates.
Just my .02.
November 26, 2019
Another solid entry in the rapidly expanding Expeditionary Force series, Armageddon is another universe-saving adventure with grunt Joe Bishop and the asshole beer can AI Skippy and their merry bands of space pirates. Yep, you read that right. This is no literature. This is pure, lightweight, unadulterated pulp reading pleasure.
And while the book is labeled "Book 8", really it should be read after the subseries - and the Audiodrama "Homefront" - as the order of the books is important here if you want the events to make sense.. As mentioned, this one takes up immediately after the events of the Audible audio drama "HomeFront" (yep, audio drama - not a book).
But if you are enjoying the pulp craziness of the Expeditionary Force Adventures, you will enjoy this one as well.
And while the book is labeled "Book 8", really it should be read after the subseries - and the Audiodrama "Homefront" - as the order of the books is important here if you want the events to make sense.. As mentioned, this one takes up immediately after the events of the Audible audio drama "HomeFront" (yep, audio drama - not a book).
But if you are enjoying the pulp craziness of the Expeditionary Force Adventures, you will enjoy this one as well.
March 13, 2020
I use these EF (audio)books for workout or falling asleep. If I missed 15 minutes here and there, no biggie. I could still follow the narrative as there is not much of the narrative, just on endless and boring and repeating and pretty lame jokes.
Here is a universe that could make a for great and diverse story, just use a bit more of imagination, and we end up with a boring sitcom.
I am looking for different workout books, no more EF.
Here is a universe that could make a for great and diverse story, just use a bit more of imagination, and we end up with a boring sitcom.
I am looking for different workout books, no more EF.
August 16, 2019
Another in a long line of entertaining sci-fi.
I like the direction the storyline is heading. The “pirates” are back and doing some serious damage to the egos of alien d$cks. A little more character development would be nice...learn, adapt,grow. Love the series!
I like the direction the storyline is heading. The “pirates” are back and doing some serious damage to the egos of alien d$cks. A little more character development would be nice...learn, adapt,grow. Love the series!
May 22, 2024
Can't believe I almost cried at the end of the book.
The start of the book was a bit slow, but I still enjoyed it. I love the fact that there's a larger mystery of the Milky Way shield and transporting humans to make a colony, which is fantastic. Even with the slow start, it went bunkers, and then I realized I just love when they have issues on top of issues and finding different crazy ways to solve it. The author needs to stop teasing me with Joe romance because I am upset, especially the ending. I want him in a relationship now!!
This is my comfort read, scratch that, my comfort audible read. Listening to this book is better than reading.
Can't wait...... so on to the next.
The start of the book was a bit slow, but I still enjoyed it. I love the fact that there's a larger mystery of the Milky Way shield and transporting humans to make a colony, which is fantastic. Even with the slow start, it went bunkers, and then I realized I just love when they have issues on top of issues and finding different crazy ways to solve it. The author needs to stop teasing me with Joe romance because I am upset, especially the ending. I want him in a relationship now!!
This is my comfort read, scratch that, my comfort audible read. Listening to this book is better than reading.
Can't wait...... so on to the next.
May 7, 2021
There's a lot to like about this series. The big personalities, the character moments, the high stakes. Yay!
But I felt like this book could have benefitted from extra reader feedback before publication. Like--
Skippy seems to take a step backwards in Book 7, in terms of character development and empathy, and that continues here in Book 8. That feels like an inconsistency, and it adds to the repetitive nature of these books.
I'm not sure I'll enjoy the next one. My love for this series is cooling off quite a lot.
But I felt like this book could have benefitted from extra reader feedback before publication. Like--
Skippy seems to take a step backwards in Book 7, in terms of character development and empathy, and that continues here in Book 8. That feels like an inconsistency, and it adds to the repetitive nature of these books.
I'm not sure I'll enjoy the next one. My love for this series is cooling off quite a lot.
July 3, 2024
After taking a break from this series for a while, Armageddon felt a bit more fast paced than the previous books. I also enjoyed that there were more character interactions other than solely Skippy and Joe. There was more emotional attachment and higher stakes for this mission as well, which felt more authentic than the usual escape with no consequences action.
Overall, though, the concept is the same thing over again from the other books. There are interesting subplots and relationships that have the potential to be really solid, but it’s been 8 books and those still haven’t developed, which is getting frustrating. (7/10)
Overall, though, the concept is the same thing over again from the other books. There are interesting subplots and relationships that have the potential to be really solid, but it’s been 8 books and those still haven’t developed, which is getting frustrating. (7/10)
March 29, 2025
Audiobook
January 17, 2021
I continue to endure the audiobook series because my spouse loves it. RC Bray's read makes it palatable enough. Personally, I much prefer the well thought out world building and storylines of Peter F Hamilton. The EF universe is missing a lot of opportunities in hard sci-fi, relying too heavily on Skippy magic. We had to stop mid-way through this volume to read the Mavericks spin-off book "DeathTrap" because it became obvious that there would be some spoilers and also some missing information. This book has that problem in 2 ways, it also heavily references the audio only Homefront (volume 7.5), which was so bad I stopped about 15 minutes in, got a refund, and then read the online synopsis to understand the continuing story line. Homefront (7.5) was as bad as an opera written and performed by Skippy. Really dude.
This volume 8 was ok, but has a lot of flaws. It feels like each book that slides down the chute is a cash grab, rather than quality fiction. The cultural references are increasing in the series, like Alanson just read the Bobiverse and though to himself "I should do more of that cultural reference thing to". It will make this series so very dated in just a decade, not to mention 20+ years from now.
This volume 8 was ok, but has a lot of flaws. It feels like each book that slides down the chute is a cash grab, rather than quality fiction. The cultural references are increasing in the series, like Alanson just read the Bobiverse and though to himself "I should do more of that cultural reference thing to". It will make this series so very dated in just a decade, not to mention 20+ years from now.
August 18, 2019
I can’t wait for the next one!
I’ve always been into military sci-if books. I took a break from reading about three years ago and started back up again about a year and a half ago with the first book in this series. That was awesome because I got to binge read nearly the whole series! I had some down time before this book came out and had been keeping tabs on when it would be released. The wait was worth it. This book was incredibly long compared to other sci-fi books but dang did I immediately want more right after I finished it. Honestly this is one of my favorite book series I have read. Reading all the character development mature makes it feel like you’re right there with them. Please keep them coming as long as you can write! Thanks a ton for the cliffhangers...
I’ve always been into military sci-if books. I took a break from reading about three years ago and started back up again about a year and a half ago with the first book in this series. That was awesome because I got to binge read nearly the whole series! I had some down time before this book came out and had been keeping tabs on when it would be released. The wait was worth it. This book was incredibly long compared to other sci-fi books but dang did I immediately want more right after I finished it. Honestly this is one of my favorite book series I have read. Reading all the character development mature makes it feel like you’re right there with them. Please keep them coming as long as you can write! Thanks a ton for the cliffhangers...
January 23, 2023
This series just gets better & better for me. I really enjoyed Armageddon. Skippy finally got a bit of what it's like to be human. Unfortunately the cost of this lesson was brought about by a very extreme tragedy. One that leaves two crews heavily beat down in grief from the huge losses they suffer. The price of protecting everything they hold dear, their home.
Once again, Bray's narration makes this part of the Expeditionary Force's journey. The tragic ending, whilst upsetting, having lost a few favourites left me itching to find out what they all go through next.
Once again, Bray's narration makes this part of the Expeditionary Force's journey. The tragic ending, whilst upsetting, having lost a few favourites left me itching to find out what they all go through next.
December 1, 2019
Not bad.
February 2, 2020
The end of this book gutted me. It’s the first time I’ve cried in the series and I hope I don’t have to do it again. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
August 14, 2022
This was a more serious entry in the series, it ups the danger and the results of them getting into danger. Joe and Skippy save the day as usual but not before serious damage is done to the merry band of pirates. I am not sure if they will find a way to undo some of that damage later on or not. This was in many ways the series Empire Strikes Back in that it ended on a down note with the merry band of pirates hurt and many of them dead. This series continues to be incredibly riveting and I look forward to book 9.
#skippythemagnificent
#skippythemagnificent
October 16, 2025
This is a ripper of a book. Impossible to put down, a great plot with some twists (what else from the Merry Band of Pirates?) The book has great humour and some tragedy to add to the mix. As usual, Skippy the Magnificent pulls his usual miracles. I love these books. I should be writing my thesis on AI in astrophysics. I blame my supervisor. He recommended them.
There are typos in the book. Not enough to distract from a great story, but seriously, run it through ChatGPT or Claude and they'll fix it in a jiffy. It is the 21st century, after all!
There are typos in the book. Not enough to distract from a great story, but seriously, run it through ChatGPT or Claude and they'll fix it in a jiffy. It is the 21st century, after all!
March 1, 2023
Solid 3.5
Redundant but fun. I do like that this book feels real. There are consequences and not everything is magically perfectly fixed by Skippy and Joe. I also like that some of the past decisions are coming back to haunt them.
This continues to be a fun series but due to the repetitive nature I can't quite give it a higher score. Excited to see more of that happens in the universe and I kind of hope the pirates say "fuck secrecy " and we can get the mavericks and pirates together.
Redundant but fun. I do like that this book feels real. There are consequences and not everything is magically perfectly fixed by Skippy and Joe. I also like that some of the past decisions are coming back to haunt them.
This continues to be a fun series but due to the repetitive nature I can't quite give it a higher score. Excited to see more of that happens in the universe and I kind of hope the pirates say "fuck secrecy " and we can get the mavericks and pirates together.
June 10, 2025
Continuing in the same style as the previous books with a lot of sneaky remarks, extreme obstacles and amazing MacGyver like solutions.
It's a little repetitive, but it's also a lot of fun with being to serious.
It's a little repetitive, but it's also a lot of fun with being to serious.
October 23, 2020
The stakes have been raised and some of the merry band of pirates have eaten their last banana.
Finally some real jeopardy in the series, looking forward to the next one.
Finally some real jeopardy in the series, looking forward to the next one.
January 31, 2023
Fitting title, best book so far
March 20, 2023
Great writing in just a stunning story! This series just continually gets better!
April 20, 2023
Best book so far. It's awesome watching the characters evolve!
September 23, 2019
This book was wonderful.
Some people think this series is getting stale, and that there's always some crazy event to react to. This book ups the stakes. There's a reason why this book is called "Armageddon". There are some revelations, and ideas I haven't heard of in other science fiction series.
Craig Alanson really portrayed the rivalries between different countries in his series quite well. This series has really good representation and diversity, and alien species feel very unique.
This series also has some good character development. Joe Bishop often questions himself and has many doubts, and it makes him human.
There have been so many events that the Expeditionary Force had to deal with, that every time the author references them, I start getting them mixed up. It would be nice if there was a list of events that have happened so far. A timeline would be nice. Maybe a map of the galaxy would also help us imagine different locations in space. Overall, there were some moments that were confusing, such as why the main characters had to cancel a cover story.
However, there is an event mentioned in this book that is quite confusing. There is mention of a Kristang attack on Wright-Patterson Air Force base, but I don't recall any such attack happening at the end of Book 7. If Craig Alanson meant for this to be backstory of what happened between books 7 and 8, he could have explained it in a clearer manner.
There are also many typos in this book. I feel like the quality of the editing dropped a little from the previous books in the series. There were probably about 20-40 typos in the book, and while it didn't take me out of the story, it was a small hindrance. The beginning of the book was also a little slow, and lacked action.
There was also one frustrating moment, which is a series of frustrating moments in this series. The main character, Joe, had the chance to pick up some advanced alien technology, yet didn't. I'd like to see a progression of technology, for characters and humanity to grow, to better be able to handle the alien threats out there. It keeps the story interesting and the plot moving. I felt like this was just an excuse to not write some more imaginative alien technology. However, there are advances in the technology in other ways, so that's nice.
The author also had the main character say "I avoided using the temporary name 'Avalon' because part of the team resented that Eurocentric Anglo-Saxon name, or some politically correct ... I didn't care about (location 2769). While Craig Alanson has done a great job including diversity and country rivalries in his series, this comment was a little off the mark. He could have shown different countries having different opinions about what to name Avalon (I won't say what it is because I don't want to spoil it for you), but Joe's thought, above, just didn't make sense.
Finally, Craig Alanson does a great job bringing his world to life. Even inanimate objects are brought to life, such as in the case of missiles that "talk" to each other.
Can't wait for the next book in the series. I'm currently trying to read the Mavericks book, which is supposed to be read before this book. But that book is hard to get through because it has way too many typos and is pretty boring to read compared to book 3.5 in this series about the ExForce team stuck on Paradise.
Some people think this series is getting stale, and that there's always some crazy event to react to. This book ups the stakes. There's a reason why this book is called "Armageddon". There are some revelations, and ideas I haven't heard of in other science fiction series.
Craig Alanson really portrayed the rivalries between different countries in his series quite well. This series has really good representation and diversity, and alien species feel very unique.
This series also has some good character development. Joe Bishop often questions himself and has many doubts, and it makes him human.
There have been so many events that the Expeditionary Force had to deal with, that every time the author references them, I start getting them mixed up. It would be nice if there was a list of events that have happened so far. A timeline would be nice. Maybe a map of the galaxy would also help us imagine different locations in space. Overall, there were some moments that were confusing, such as why the main characters had to cancel a cover story.
However, there is an event mentioned in this book that is quite confusing. There is mention of a Kristang attack on Wright-Patterson Air Force base, but I don't recall any such attack happening at the end of Book 7. If Craig Alanson meant for this to be backstory of what happened between books 7 and 8, he could have explained it in a clearer manner.
There are also many typos in this book. I feel like the quality of the editing dropped a little from the previous books in the series. There were probably about 20-40 typos in the book, and while it didn't take me out of the story, it was a small hindrance. The beginning of the book was also a little slow, and lacked action.
There was also one frustrating moment, which is a series of frustrating moments in this series. The main character, Joe, had the chance to pick up some advanced alien technology, yet didn't. I'd like to see a progression of technology, for characters and humanity to grow, to better be able to handle the alien threats out there. It keeps the story interesting and the plot moving. I felt like this was just an excuse to not write some more imaginative alien technology. However, there are advances in the technology in other ways, so that's nice.
The author also had the main character say "I avoided using the temporary name 'Avalon' because part of the team resented that Eurocentric Anglo-Saxon name, or some politically correct ... I didn't care about (location 2769). While Craig Alanson has done a great job including diversity and country rivalries in his series, this comment was a little off the mark. He could have shown different countries having different opinions about what to name Avalon (I won't say what it is because I don't want to spoil it for you), but Joe's thought, above, just didn't make sense.
Finally, Craig Alanson does a great job bringing his world to life. Even inanimate objects are brought to life, such as in the case of missiles that "talk" to each other.
Can't wait for the next book in the series. I'm currently trying to read the Mavericks book, which is supposed to be read before this book. But that book is hard to get through because it has way too many typos and is pretty boring to read compared to book 3.5 in this series about the ExForce team stuck on Paradise.
February 5, 2020
February 4, 2020
Mostly, I did not love the end. I stretched this one out for as long as I could as Book 9 is being released this month. Overall, it was decent. Much like the previous 7. Not as fun. Not as interesting. Just fine.
But the ending just stunk for me. I’ve been able to suspend my disbelief that with the help of a trusty beer can, Joe Bishop has been able to pull miracle after miracle out of thin air. But listening to his emotions take over when the crew clearly needed a commander was disheartening. Everything that happened, it’s hard to swallow that the crew would still be gung-ho to follow him into the deep. His arrogance is astonishing. His irritation is growing annoying. He blithely decided to go into battle with a Level 1 race that humans don’t even measure up to because his Elder AI is that smart. But he goes doubting Skippy and his crew time and time again. And then, because it would feel better, he’s willing to risk everything they fought so hard for to get pay back? Man, I’m glad an Nagatha told him off in the end. And can we get a credible AI expert on the crew sometime soon. It’s seems bizarre that there are no computer programmers onboard. No to do anything but if anyone, it would seem they would be able to learn the most from an actual AI—or even a subroutine.
I’ll still read book 9. Alanson’s writing has been consistently uneven. But fortunately, RC Bray makes up for everything. Sometimes, listening to him tell a story, makes the nonsense writing worthwhile.
But I’m in complete agreement with the reviews that are saying it’s time for this story to move forward. Let’s find Skippy some answers. Humans are pets to him and it’s selfish of Joe and the rest of them not to recognize his need to find some answers if not his kind. Also, as readers, we need some more on the elders. You can only string us along so far before we start questioning if there really is an endgame here, or if we’re really just suckered into a string of wormholes and now locked outside the galaxy.
Also, I was probably going to go back and read Mavericks, the short story, just to finish up the series. But to find out Alanson did another one and then completely ruined it by putting in all the good bits in this one, I will never read those short stories unless they’re free. Write a side story. Scalzi does it all the time. But he doesn’t ruin them by putting spoilers in his main series. Reference things by all means. But seriously, spoiling the book for me just tells me I don’t have to get the book now.
Mostly, I did not love the end. I stretched this one out for as long as I could as Book 9 is being released this month. Overall, it was decent. Much like the previous 7. Not as fun. Not as interesting. Just fine.
But the ending just stunk for me. I’ve been able to suspend my disbelief that with the help of a trusty beer can, Joe Bishop has been able to pull miracle after miracle out of thin air. But listening to his emotions take over when the crew clearly needed a commander was disheartening. Everything that happened, it’s hard to swallow that the crew would still be gung-ho to follow him into the deep. His arrogance is astonishing. His irritation is growing annoying. He blithely decided to go into battle with a Level 1 race that humans don’t even measure up to because his Elder AI is that smart. But he goes doubting Skippy and his crew time and time again. And then, because it would feel better, he’s willing to risk everything they fought so hard for to get pay back? Man, I’m glad an Nagatha told him off in the end. And can we get a credible AI expert on the crew sometime soon. It’s seems bizarre that there are no computer programmers onboard. No to do anything but if anyone, it would seem they would be able to learn the most from an actual AI—or even a subroutine.
I’ll still read book 9. Alanson’s writing has been consistently uneven. But fortunately, RC Bray makes up for everything. Sometimes, listening to him tell a story, makes the nonsense writing worthwhile.
But I’m in complete agreement with the reviews that are saying it’s time for this story to move forward. Let’s find Skippy some answers. Humans are pets to him and it’s selfish of Joe and the rest of them not to recognize his need to find some answers if not his kind. Also, as readers, we need some more on the elders. You can only string us along so far before we start questioning if there really is an endgame here, or if we’re really just suckered into a string of wormholes and now locked outside the galaxy.
Also, I was probably going to go back and read Mavericks, the short story, just to finish up the series. But to find out Alanson did another one and then completely ruined it by putting in all the good bits in this one, I will never read those short stories unless they’re free. Write a side story. Scalzi does it all the time. But he doesn’t ruin them by putting spoilers in his main series. Reference things by all means. But seriously, spoiling the book for me just tells me I don’t have to get the book now.
December 20, 2019
Starting this book it felt like I missed a lot, I didn't read the book/audio drama "homefront", which was advertised as a side story to the exfor series instead of the main storyline. There are vague references to what happened here and there, but it turns out it didn't really matter if I read homefront or not, the main storyline was pretty much untouched.
It was pretty crappy of the author to do this, and it felt like pretty much a money grab, but I really didn't care.
And once I got into this book (book 8 of the series, mind you) The story felt like it grinds on now. Nothing new has happened (for book 8, you'd expect some big revelation to have been made but nope... nothing apart from a little bit here, a little bit there). The story arc is predictable, the characters don't really grow or get challenged, things just happen and you're just like "oh ok, but when will it get to the good bit". And then the book ends.
R.C Bray narrating and me wanting to know what is behind the elders disappearance are the only things keeping me from ditching the series.
2/5 stars. If the next one is dull, I will definitely return it.
It was pretty crappy of the author to do this, and it felt like pretty much a money grab, but I really didn't care.
And once I got into this book (book 8 of the series, mind you) The story felt like it grinds on now. Nothing new has happened (for book 8, you'd expect some big revelation to have been made but nope... nothing apart from a little bit here, a little bit there). The story arc is predictable, the characters don't really grow or get challenged, things just happen and you're just like "oh ok, but when will it get to the good bit". And then the book ends.
R.C Bray narrating and me wanting to know what is behind the elders disappearance are the only things keeping me from ditching the series.
2/5 stars. If the next one is dull, I will definitely return it.
November 14, 2019
So much repetition! He repeats the same information over and over in an effort to fill out the book. The 1st novel was rich and original. The following novels have become increasingly repetitive and use the same plot mechanics over and over again.
Bishop is more of the same, no character growth at all.
Skippy is more of the same, no character growth at all.
The love interest "Adams" pisses me off. She becomes more unlikable and unsupportive (to Bishop) with every novel. The author's attempts to make her tough instead make her look like a serious asshole. She's abrasive, emotionally dysfunctional, has a hero crush on Bishop, but regularly treats him with contempt and verbally abuses him. If I met somebody like her in real life I would tell them to "F off"!
To be fair the 2nd half of the book is decent with fast paced action and drama. But the 1st half just draaaaags.
It's more of the same, lame jokes and stop-start action with paragraphs of repetitive filler. Even Skippy the Magnificent's humor is getting old.
Bishop is more of the same, no character growth at all.
Skippy is more of the same, no character growth at all.
The love interest "Adams" pisses me off. She becomes more unlikable and unsupportive (to Bishop) with every novel. The author's attempts to make her tough instead make her look like a serious asshole. She's abrasive, emotionally dysfunctional, has a hero crush on Bishop, but regularly treats him with contempt and verbally abuses him. If I met somebody like her in real life I would tell them to "F off"!
To be fair the 2nd half of the book is decent with fast paced action and drama. But the 1st half just draaaaags.
It's more of the same, lame jokes and stop-start action with paragraphs of repetitive filler. Even Skippy the Magnificent's humor is getting old.
May 20, 2021
Wow - what a shocking ending! I didn't see that coming at all.
I felt that there was a bit too much explanation of what happened in previous books here - I kept wondering if I'd skipped a book by mistake or missed something. Does anyone jump into a series by starting with book 8?
I also found out that Adams is black. I've gone the whole series without realising this - found out at the end when Joe mentions about her hair. Gosh.
Overall, this is another fun read in the series. I still love Skippy and Joe, they are great characters, though the formula is getting a bit stale. I do hope we start to find out about the Elders very soon, it feels like we get close then something else happens instead. Looking forward to finding out how the gang get out of the next mess though - I have already got the next book and pre-ordered the upcoming one (possibly the last in the series?).
I felt that there was a bit too much explanation of what happened in previous books here - I kept wondering if I'd skipped a book by mistake or missed something. Does anyone jump into a series by starting with book 8?
I also found out that Adams is black. I've gone the whole series without realising this - found out at the end when Joe mentions about her hair. Gosh.
Overall, this is another fun read in the series. I still love Skippy and Joe, they are great characters, though the formula is getting a bit stale. I do hope we start to find out about the Elders very soon, it feels like we get close then something else happens instead. Looking forward to finding out how the gang get out of the next mess though - I have already got the next book and pre-ordered the upcoming one (possibly the last in the series?).
August 3, 2021
I love this series, so my reviews will be admittedly favorable. I listened to the audiobook version of the book, which are expertly done.
It should be stated that one should listen to the audio drama "Homefront" before reading Armageddon. As audiobooks go, I didn't love Homefront, but there are many references to it at the beginning of Armageddon. I've also been told that one needs to read the first "Renegades" book before reading Armageddon. I have not read that one yet.
Armageddon was longer than many of the previous Expeditionary Force books and also a bit darker. It was still very enjoyable though and highly recommended. I cannot get enough of Skippy and Colonel Joe!
It should be stated that one should listen to the audio drama "Homefront" before reading Armageddon. As audiobooks go, I didn't love Homefront, but there are many references to it at the beginning of Armageddon. I've also been told that one needs to read the first "Renegades" book before reading Armageddon. I have not read that one yet.
Armageddon was longer than many of the previous Expeditionary Force books and also a bit darker. It was still very enjoyable though and highly recommended. I cannot get enough of Skippy and Colonel Joe!
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