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Spacers #3
Wartorn Cluster
Nothing brings change like war.
A surge of new tech. New weapons. New tactics.
To lead a crew to victory,
a captain must understand change.
He must understand command
and that it is a test.
A test most men fail.
He must be brilliant.
Resourceful.
Every second.
Of every day.
And at night
during scarce moments of rest
he must sleep the sleep of the righteous.
The time has come for Commander Tad Thatcher to look in the mirror.
The time has come to ask himself
Am I that kind of man?
A surge of new tech. New weapons. New tactics.
To lead a crew to victory,
a captain must understand change.
He must understand command
and that it is a test.
A test most men fail.
He must be brilliant.
Resourceful.
Every second.
Of every day.
And at night
during scarce moments of rest
he must sleep the sleep of the righteous.
The time has come for Commander Tad Thatcher to look in the mirror.
The time has come to ask himself
Am I that kind of man?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2020
195 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
115 books305 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 26, 2020
A great chapter to this story
I knowvi call this a chapter that is because I feel the author can write so many chapters and really expand the stories that can be told. Fantastic characters both good and evil. In am excited to see where things continue to evolve.
I knowvi call this a chapter that is because I feel the author can write so many chapters and really expand the stories that can be told. Fantastic characters both good and evil. In am excited to see where things continue to evolve.
August 1, 2020
I’m still not sure I like the premise of a military science fiction book that is about corporations and their private armies or in this case, private space navy. But, that’s what this whole series is about. Commander Tad Thatcher is the commander of the New Jersey, a combat ready fighting starship that was owned by the Frontier Security Corporation ran by Veronica Rose. As you read in the previous books, this part of the galaxy has been catastrophically cut-off from the Solar System due to the collapse of the one and only worm-hole used to navigate between the immense distance between systems. It was so sudden, that those in the Dawn Cluster who had plans on returning to Earth to the families they left there, were now stranded, possibly forever!
Commander Tad Thatcher was one of those people. Still, he kept a firm belief that the worm-hole would some day be repaired or re-established and he would go home to his currently pregnant wife. He knew that by the time he did get home, his son would have been born. He just hoped that he son hadn’t grown to much with him away. He also was hoping that the Xanthic had not already been to Earth and destroyed the planet. There might not be anything to come home to.
Still, he had to live where he was at and that meant he had to make this place as tolerable as it could be. When the corporations were cut off from their home headquarters, they began acting as self-governing bodies with some doing the right things and taking care of their people as they should. But, there were other corporations which viewed this period as an opportunity to grab as much territory as possible while confusion reined. One such corporation was led by Captain Simon Moll. He had just about conquered all the souther parts of this galaxy and was looking for more. Veronica Rose had a desire to ensure that this part of space was free for everyone to come and go as they pleased without having to bow down to any one corporation. She believed their situation would be better enhanced if all the citizens felt secure and free trade was flourishing throughout the Dawn Cluster. Simon Moll didn’t disagree although he wanted the people to pay him for their freedom. He would be providing protection from other corporations and the ever present pirates. Veronica didn’t like Simon Molls methods, but she had bigger problems to worry about.
For one, the pirates were becoming more and more organized. She didn’t know how or why, but they could become a problem down the line. Right now, they had some sub-standard space ships that didn’t stand a chance against her modern star-fleet. But, that problem was put on the back-burner for now. Her very big problem was with Herwin Durk, CEO of the Daybreak Corporation. He was a big problem and getting bigger every day.
The Daybreak Corps had been consuming other corporations all along the Northern border and were becoming the largest threat to everyone including Frontier Security and Sunder Corporation (CEO Captain Simon Moll). So, while, Veronica didn’t like it, she was going to need to ally with Captain Moll in order for both of them to survive. She didn’t know if Moll would want to join together with her corporations temporarily or if he was actually trying to work an agreement with Herwin Durk. Her method of finding out where Moll stood, was to send Tad Thatcher and the New Jersey out to find him and get his agreement to join agains the Daybreak Corporation.
That wasn’t going to be an easy job, but that task was going to be useless if Thatcher didn’t get back soon enough to prevent the Daybreak Corporation from attacking Frontier Security’s HQ and wiping the corporation out of existence.
As you can read, there are several different things going on, but fortunately they aren’t all at the same time. The book does flow pretty well from one mission to the next with some good writing. I just don’t like the concept of corporations making war against each other or against planetary bodies. These corporations aren’t governments and they are all out for one thing and that’s profit. Still, I’ll probably continue reading this series. I would like for the book covers to be a little less cartoonish, though!
Commander Tad Thatcher was one of those people. Still, he kept a firm belief that the worm-hole would some day be repaired or re-established and he would go home to his currently pregnant wife. He knew that by the time he did get home, his son would have been born. He just hoped that he son hadn’t grown to much with him away. He also was hoping that the Xanthic had not already been to Earth and destroyed the planet. There might not be anything to come home to.
Still, he had to live where he was at and that meant he had to make this place as tolerable as it could be. When the corporations were cut off from their home headquarters, they began acting as self-governing bodies with some doing the right things and taking care of their people as they should. But, there were other corporations which viewed this period as an opportunity to grab as much territory as possible while confusion reined. One such corporation was led by Captain Simon Moll. He had just about conquered all the souther parts of this galaxy and was looking for more. Veronica Rose had a desire to ensure that this part of space was free for everyone to come and go as they pleased without having to bow down to any one corporation. She believed their situation would be better enhanced if all the citizens felt secure and free trade was flourishing throughout the Dawn Cluster. Simon Moll didn’t disagree although he wanted the people to pay him for their freedom. He would be providing protection from other corporations and the ever present pirates. Veronica didn’t like Simon Molls methods, but she had bigger problems to worry about.
For one, the pirates were becoming more and more organized. She didn’t know how or why, but they could become a problem down the line. Right now, they had some sub-standard space ships that didn’t stand a chance against her modern star-fleet. But, that problem was put on the back-burner for now. Her very big problem was with Herwin Durk, CEO of the Daybreak Corporation. He was a big problem and getting bigger every day.
The Daybreak Corps had been consuming other corporations all along the Northern border and were becoming the largest threat to everyone including Frontier Security and Sunder Corporation (CEO Captain Simon Moll). So, while, Veronica didn’t like it, she was going to need to ally with Captain Moll in order for both of them to survive. She didn’t know if Moll would want to join together with her corporations temporarily or if he was actually trying to work an agreement with Herwin Durk. Her method of finding out where Moll stood, was to send Tad Thatcher and the New Jersey out to find him and get his agreement to join agains the Daybreak Corporation.
That wasn’t going to be an easy job, but that task was going to be useless if Thatcher didn’t get back soon enough to prevent the Daybreak Corporation from attacking Frontier Security’s HQ and wiping the corporation out of existence.
As you can read, there are several different things going on, but fortunately they aren’t all at the same time. The book does flow pretty well from one mission to the next with some good writing. I just don’t like the concept of corporations making war against each other or against planetary bodies. These corporations aren’t governments and they are all out for one thing and that’s profit. Still, I’ll probably continue reading this series. I would like for the book covers to be a little less cartoonish, though!
March 16, 2021
There are battles and standoffs, but most of all there is hope. Lots and lots of hope.
There are many corporations who are groups of likeminded individual space faring ships who have control of certain parts of the spacelanes in that region of space.
Frontier Security who originally had the oversight of that large area of space, kept the powerful corporations under some semblance of control, which in turn helped to keep the peace amongst them, allowing free trade and travel between the planets in this sector of space. Also, there was a wormhole allowing space travel to and from Earth, and constant trade between corporations
However, with the loss of the wormhole, which just vanished one day; the balance of power has been affected and the dynamic of power and control has changed things greatly.
The military precision on one hand in the Frontier Security corp ships, contrasted widely from the lax 'anything goes' attitude on the other hand in the Pirates and other corps, which makes for a really fun read. They bounce off each other really nicely. These different styles of running the seperate corps was interesting and thrilling to read.
Altogether this was a deeply satisfying read, with plenty to keep my mind focussed on. If you like your space opera with a side order of gut twisting fear and absolute bucketfulls of intensity, then this is the book for you.
I found the battle scenes were pulse quickening stuff. The action was gut wrenchingly good.
Yes, this was space opera at it's very best. It doesn't get much finer than this. You could cut the tension with a knife.
There are many corporations who are groups of likeminded individual space faring ships who have control of certain parts of the spacelanes in that region of space.
Frontier Security who originally had the oversight of that large area of space, kept the powerful corporations under some semblance of control, which in turn helped to keep the peace amongst them, allowing free trade and travel between the planets in this sector of space. Also, there was a wormhole allowing space travel to and from Earth, and constant trade between corporations
However, with the loss of the wormhole, which just vanished one day; the balance of power has been affected and the dynamic of power and control has changed things greatly.
The military precision on one hand in the Frontier Security corp ships, contrasted widely from the lax 'anything goes' attitude on the other hand in the Pirates and other corps, which makes for a really fun read. They bounce off each other really nicely. These different styles of running the seperate corps was interesting and thrilling to read.
Altogether this was a deeply satisfying read, with plenty to keep my mind focussed on. If you like your space opera with a side order of gut twisting fear and absolute bucketfulls of intensity, then this is the book for you.
I found the battle scenes were pulse quickening stuff. The action was gut wrenchingly good.
Yes, this was space opera at it's very best. It doesn't get much finer than this. You could cut the tension with a knife.
December 17, 2025
4 Stars
Wartorn Cluster is the third 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…
Wartorn Cluster is the third 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 8, 2020
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
Bartlett delivers up a gripping, gritty tale in "Wartorn Cluster: Spacers: Book 3." I was hooked from the first page.
The author's world building and character development is top shelf.
I also really appreciate the ongoing evolution of the military tactics/strategies used in the book. Unlike in many other military science fiction universes where the reader is presented with tactics/strategies that have been developed and set in stone, the leaders in the "Spacers" have to make it up as they go along.
I really enjoyed this thought provoking and entertaining page turner. I'm looking forward to reading book four in the series.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
Bartlett delivers up a gripping, gritty tale in "Wartorn Cluster: Spacers: Book 3." I was hooked from the first page.
The author's world building and character development is top shelf.
I also really appreciate the ongoing evolution of the military tactics/strategies used in the book. Unlike in many other military science fiction universes where the reader is presented with tactics/strategies that have been developed and set in stone, the leaders in the "Spacers" have to make it up as they go along.
I really enjoyed this thought provoking and entertaining page turner. I'm looking forward to reading book four in the series.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
April 21, 2020
If you like si fi then you will love Wartorn. The characters are all fleshed out and you will have your favorites. Plenty of space action and it is all about the new tactics of Thatcher that makes the story great. The writing is great and the plot is also. I loved this book and the ending. Just hope it will continue.Wartorn Clusters is simply a great sci fi book. The writing is superb and the characters are wonderfully fleshed out. There is action galore and the Captain Thrasher is a master at battlefield tactics. Truly one of the very best sci fi reads you can buy. The ending still leaves room for another book so I am happy about that.
Don't miss out on a super sci fi book that will hook you from the start.
Don't miss out on a super sci fi book that will hook you from the start.
June 4, 2023
Good Book
The battles continue for dominance in the cluster since everyone was cut off from Earth when the wormhole collapsed. There is no established government so to speak as large corporations control most everything. Now corporates alliances are forming, including pirate alliances and other shady ones trying to dictate how the “civilian population will be run. Oops! Did I mention there is a nasty alien race that wants to wipe out humanity, but the greedy money hungry power grabbers are more concerned about their greed than to unite to repel the next alien attack. There! Did I cover everything?
The battles continue for dominance in the cluster since everyone was cut off from Earth when the wormhole collapsed. There is no established government so to speak as large corporations control most everything. Now corporates alliances are forming, including pirate alliances and other shady ones trying to dictate how the “civilian population will be run. Oops! Did I mention there is a nasty alien race that wants to wipe out humanity, but the greedy money hungry power grabbers are more concerned about their greed than to unite to repel the next alien attack. There! Did I cover everything?
April 25, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The development of the relationship between Tad Thatcher and Veronica Rose is interesting to watch - even though they would both deny it right now. The joining of Sunder with Frontier is interesting, too. Moll is not to be trusted, by all accounts. I think it is going to be a joy to see this develop. I have some thoughts of who Moll is, so I am quite caught up in how Scott Bartlett is going to bring this character to his full potential. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. Have already started to read it.
April 20, 2020
It's not everyday I run across a book I just can't put down until I finish it. The characters have real depth, the technology is well thought out, and the plot twists enough to hold your interest right to the last page.
I can't wait for the next story in the series. Where do the characters go from here? Where do the the aliens stand? Where do the PMCs go now? Once you've read this you too will be checking daily for word on when we'll know.
I can't wait for the next story in the series. Where do the characters go from here? Where do the the aliens stand? Where do the PMCs go now? Once you've read this you too will be checking daily for word on when we'll know.
May 4, 2020
Excellent stories in the Spacers books
First, I bought all three books. Each one is well worth the price.
Second, I love the characters, the worlds created and the way the stories grip you from the start and keep you interested to the book's end. Then you wait in anticipation for the next one.
Third, If you like sci-fy and gripping space battles you will certainly like this series. I highly recommend each book in the series.
First, I bought all three books. Each one is well worth the price.
Second, I love the characters, the worlds created and the way the stories grip you from the start and keep you interested to the book's end. Then you wait in anticipation for the next one.
Third, If you like sci-fy and gripping space battles you will certainly like this series. I highly recommend each book in the series.
April 21, 2020
Wonderfully exciting action filled space warfare
Author Bartlett has created a thrilling story of intrigue, suspense and space battles, with Commander Thatcher and CEO Veronica Rose struggling to hold the line against over whelming odds. Pirates, greedy corporations with despots whose only desire is total dominance over all humanity.
Author Bartlett has created a thrilling story of intrigue, suspense and space battles, with Commander Thatcher and CEO Veronica Rose struggling to hold the line against over whelming odds. Pirates, greedy corporations with despots whose only desire is total dominance over all humanity.
May 10, 2020
Can't wait till the next in this series
This has been like reading about D Day and having the book suddenly end and you never knowing the way t comes out. Are the aliens coming back ?, Will they be friend or foe, Dose the hole to Earth ever open ?
Keep on writing you got me hooked now
This has been like reading about D Day and having the book suddenly end and you never knowing the way t comes out. Are the aliens coming back ?, Will they be friend or foe, Dose the hole to Earth ever open ?
Keep on writing you got me hooked now
April 24, 2020
Review of Spacers; Wartorn Cluster
I think if your an like war situations that depend on tactical decisions to win or lose the battle then you will enjoy this book. The chapters aren't too long and certainly not boring and of course there's a hero.too.
I think if your an like war situations that depend on tactical decisions to win or lose the battle then you will enjoy this book. The chapters aren't too long and certainly not boring and of course there's a hero.too.
April 29, 2020
Commander Tad Thatcher and his Frontier Security ship CEO Veronica Rose face overwhelming odds in Scott Bartlett’s latest book, Spacers: Wartorn Cluster. How they deal with them, and with a war-torn post defeating the Xanthic, has all the makings of yet another truly excellent, complex, and fun story. Happily this is an experienced author who knows how to deliver - and does so yet again. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2020
Good space opera
The characters are well done in all of Bartletts work. This one has a really good interaction between the good guys and bad guys. The upcoming conflicts make this storyline very good. Next one has to a good one
The characters are well done in all of Bartletts work. This one has a really good interaction between the good guys and bad guys. The upcoming conflicts make this storyline very good. Next one has to a good one
December 7, 2020
Thatcher continues to mold the battlefield of space, even as subterfuge continues all around him
This the 3rd book in the Spacers realm, and it just gets better. As the conflict goes on, battles become bigger and bigger.
This the 3rd book in the Spacers realm, and it just gets better. As the conflict goes on, battles become bigger and bigger.
January 2, 2025
Very good space command kinda book... but some of the parts are getting old, this being #3 and a lot of stuff hasn't been finalized yet that should have.
Hoping the next book clears a lot up.
Well worth the read.
Hoping the next book clears a lot up.
Well worth the read.
May 1, 2020
Great Story, terrific cast of characters
Tad Thatcher a newly assigned space ship Commander, based on his ability to find and destroy enemy space fleets, finds himself in trouble.
Tad Thatcher a newly assigned space ship Commander, based on his ability to find and destroy enemy space fleets, finds himself in trouble.
May 22, 2020
Great Storyline
Well another great storyline with plenty of twists and turns and plenty of ship to ship action.. Looking forward to book your coming out soon I hope
Well another great storyline with plenty of twists and turns and plenty of ship to ship action.. Looking forward to book your coming out soon I hope
May 28, 2020
Space war
I enjoyed this third book in the set. Great space battles and a crew you have learned to care for. I simply loved it.
I enjoyed this third book in the set. Great space battles and a crew you have learned to care for. I simply loved it.
June 23, 2020
Two faced
Quite a stimulating read ,can be confusing to understand some of the story plots trying too work out what's was going on all told would recommend.
Quite a stimulating read ,can be confusing to understand some of the story plots trying too work out what's was going on all told would recommend.
May 12, 2022
Excellent Book
This book is just as good as the first two books in the Spacers series if not better. I am looking forward to book # 4.
This book is just as good as the first two books in the Spacers series if not better. I am looking forward to book # 4.
September 13, 2022
The dawn cluster is getting messy. Thatcher is trying to switch things up.
January 17, 2023
Enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews