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Empire of Bones Saga #6
Reconnaissance in Force
When going to war, it pays to know your enemy. Particularly when they can crush you like a bug.
Princess Kelsey Bandar has one slim chance to steal the tech her people needs to survive. Only a bold strike deep into enemy space keeps the New Terran Empire alive.
Success gives them a chance. Failure dooms them to death and worse.
Kelsey and her friends once again risk everything for their people. If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galactic scale, grab “Reconnaissance in Force” and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!
Princess Kelsey Bandar has one slim chance to steal the tech her people needs to survive. Only a bold strike deep into enemy space keeps the New Terran Empire alive.
Success gives them a chance. Failure dooms them to death and worse.
Kelsey and her friends once again risk everything for their people. If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galactic scale, grab “Reconnaissance in Force” and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 2, 2016
485 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Terry Mixon
88 books299 followers#1 Bestselling Military Science Fiction author Terry Mixon served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He later worked alongside the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at the NASA Johnson Space Center supporting the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and other human spaceflight projects.
He now writes full time while living in Texas with his lovely wife and a pounce of cats.
He now writes full time while living in Texas with his lovely wife and a pounce of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 9, 2016
This book continues a great series
First of I will say if you have not read any of the books from this series. You are missing out. In this book, we see the Terran Empire and it allies continues the fight with the rebel empire. Kelsey and her half brother Jared go once again in battle, with the prize this time being bigger than they expected. But can they get it back to the empire's space safely. I will be looking forward to the next book, but hope that Terry doesn't make us wait to long.
First of I will say if you have not read any of the books from this series. You are missing out. In this book, we see the Terran Empire and it allies continues the fight with the rebel empire. Kelsey and her half brother Jared go once again in battle, with the prize this time being bigger than they expected. But can they get it back to the empire's space safely. I will be looking forward to the next book, but hope that Terry doesn't make us wait to long.
January 21, 2018
These stories are so like Star Trek. We get personal life and the big action and adventure and danger. Then we come out at the other end with a huge sigh. My heart beats for the characters and their dangers. I love this creation.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Do I need to tell of my love of the voice acting work? Veronica is amazing at different voices, personalities, accents, and infliction. At this point of the series, book six, she is all the characters. There have been several over the books and she has made each individual and unique to hear. In doing so, I feel like I'm watching an amazing tv series and not even listening to a book. Thank you for such a great experience!
The Empire is working to get many things in action and done to protect them from what's coming - More ships like what Jared found, AI's like Marcus made, flip point jammers made, and implants produced and implanted. All of which could take several months to several years to finish. They are working against the clock to be prepared for when Rebel Empire arrives for war.
The beginning places us where everyone is and what the Empire has to do in order to prepare for the Rebel Empire eventually coming to attack. There is a lot to be done. But they have it all in order. In this breakdown we see what Jared's next mission will be - a reconnaissance mission. They need data of the area and the supplies on the supply ship from the Rebels to make more Raiders.
The first few hours of this book could be seen by some as slow, but for me it's exactly what I want. This is book six and I'm HIGHLY invested in these characters and what happens to them. This part is on more a personal level rather than the fighting and space quests of unknown danger. Terry writes these characters in such depth that I feel their anxiety as they are re-positioned in the lives they know. None of this is a bad thing. It's all elevating their statuses that they deserve. And yet there's a lot of events that happen in their lives as well. Families and friends. lol.
I love the family connections that have grown with these characters. Not only the sibling feel that's grown between Jared and Kelsey, but also the matching of others and friendship bonds that have formed rather strongly. The characters and their stories and troubles smoothly flow through the story.
Then we go out on our next mission. The threats escalated more than we could have expected. Wow. What is found here are things that are highly needed and could be used by the Empire. Where our friends end up... Let me just say, it is something to have seen how they've all grown in their abilities. With what they've learned and lived through, they may still doubt themselves but they are ready for the tricks they need to work up in order to live.
These stories are so like Star Trek. We get personal life and the big action and adventure and danger. Then we come out at the other end with a huge sigh. My heart beats for the characters and their dangers. I love this creation.
Goodness. Where's the next book!?! lol. We come in with the major expedition done. Now real life sets in before we are shipped out again. On this mission we end with more than expected. We conclude what we are looking for, but we are left hoping for the safety of all. I know the next book is going to bring us much adventure and danger that leads to fighting. I can't wait!
I don't want to give anything away with this book, as it's the sixth and it's growing harder to not tip the hat. So you need to read this series! That way we can talk about it in more depth. Believe me, it's worth it.
****FULL REVIEW****
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Do I need to tell of my love of the voice acting work? Veronica is amazing at different voices, personalities, accents, and infliction. At this point of the series, book six, she is all the characters. There have been several over the books and she has made each individual and unique to hear. In doing so, I feel like I'm watching an amazing tv series and not even listening to a book. Thank you for such a great experience!
The Empire is working to get many things in action and done to protect them from what's coming - More ships like what Jared found, AI's like Marcus made, flip point jammers made, and implants produced and implanted. All of which could take several months to several years to finish. They are working against the clock to be prepared for when Rebel Empire arrives for war.
The beginning places us where everyone is and what the Empire has to do in order to prepare for the Rebel Empire eventually coming to attack. There is a lot to be done. But they have it all in order. In this breakdown we see what Jared's next mission will be - a reconnaissance mission. They need data of the area and the supplies on the supply ship from the Rebels to make more Raiders.
The first few hours of this book could be seen by some as slow, but for me it's exactly what I want. This is book six and I'm HIGHLY invested in these characters and what happens to them. This part is on more a personal level rather than the fighting and space quests of unknown danger. Terry writes these characters in such depth that I feel their anxiety as they are re-positioned in the lives they know. None of this is a bad thing. It's all elevating their statuses that they deserve. And yet there's a lot of events that happen in their lives as well. Families and friends. lol.
I love the family connections that have grown with these characters. Not only the sibling feel that's grown between Jared and Kelsey, but also the matching of others and friendship bonds that have formed rather strongly. The characters and their stories and troubles smoothly flow through the story.
Then we go out on our next mission. The threats escalated more than we could have expected. Wow. What is found here are things that are highly needed and could be used by the Empire. Where our friends end up... Let me just say, it is something to have seen how they've all grown in their abilities. With what they've learned and lived through, they may still doubt themselves but they are ready for the tricks they need to work up in order to live.
These stories are so like Star Trek. We get personal life and the big action and adventure and danger. Then we come out at the other end with a huge sigh. My heart beats for the characters and their dangers. I love this creation.
Goodness. Where's the next book!?! lol. We come in with the major expedition done. Now real life sets in before we are shipped out again. On this mission we end with more than expected. We conclude what we are looking for, but we are left hoping for the safety of all. I know the next book is going to bring us much adventure and danger that leads to fighting. I can't wait!
I don't want to give anything away with this book, as it's the sixth and it's growing harder to not tip the hat. So you need to read this series! That way we can talk about it in more depth. Believe me, it's worth it.
December 25, 2017
Getting silly
It felt as if a third of the book was dedicated to Royal and Imperial wedding plans. Perhaps it was only a quarter. Included was every groom cliche, bride stereotype, mother/mother-in-law intervention and the goofiness that might be believable of undergraduates (though not any that I've known).
If he doesn't understand how the characters might process these events, he would be better served by alluding to them in passing instead of exhaustive and exhausting detail. I also found it difficult to picture naval and military commanders juggling dress and formal wear concerns with strategic and operational planning sessions. It made it difficult to follow the real plot.
I'm uncomfortable trying to describe what a marriage or wedding might mean to a society, thousands of years in the future. The present day reader only pays lip service to the two person, married for life romantic comedy model. Characters expecting to live two to three centuries are likely to not commit to long-term legally binding contracts before the age of seventy, at least. It's just something to consider.
Last but not least, it's insulting to portray any wedding as the most important day in a woman's life outside of Bridget Jones' Diary. if that one day is that important why is the love of her life unable and/or allowed to do more than show up and do as he or she is told.
I'm going to try to read the next book but the story has become a record of descent into madness.
I just looked at my book list and found another book of his "Liberty Station". I was unable to finish it because of the number of racist comments he worked into the first few pages. This explains a lot about the makeup of future humanity, add in his demonstrated ignorance of all things military, economic, politics or history and I have to call him (as the Australians say), a Keeper.
It felt as if a third of the book was dedicated to Royal and Imperial wedding plans. Perhaps it was only a quarter. Included was every groom cliche, bride stereotype, mother/mother-in-law intervention and the goofiness that might be believable of undergraduates (though not any that I've known).
If he doesn't understand how the characters might process these events, he would be better served by alluding to them in passing instead of exhaustive and exhausting detail. I also found it difficult to picture naval and military commanders juggling dress and formal wear concerns with strategic and operational planning sessions. It made it difficult to follow the real plot.
I'm uncomfortable trying to describe what a marriage or wedding might mean to a society, thousands of years in the future. The present day reader only pays lip service to the two person, married for life romantic comedy model. Characters expecting to live two to three centuries are likely to not commit to long-term legally binding contracts before the age of seventy, at least. It's just something to consider.
Last but not least, it's insulting to portray any wedding as the most important day in a woman's life outside of Bridget Jones' Diary. if that one day is that important why is the love of her life unable and/or allowed to do more than show up and do as he or she is told.
I'm going to try to read the next book but the story has become a record of descent into madness.
I just looked at my book list and found another book of his "Liberty Station". I was unable to finish it because of the number of racist comments he worked into the first few pages. This explains a lot about the makeup of future humanity, add in his demonstrated ignorance of all things military, economic, politics or history and I have to call him (as the Australians say), a Keeper.
August 11, 2025
A wild romping good time read!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep I like this one so much I just had to read it again and again!!
Yep I like this one so much I just had to read it again and again!!
December 19, 2017
Not as good as the other books, to much focus on love relationship and not enough on the ongoing saga.
November 13, 2017
Results too predictable
We always root for the main characters when they are faced with seemingly impossible odds or challenges but that is not true in this book for me. From the outset it has been apparent that every scheme dreamed up by kelsi and the princess works out flawlessly. What’s the point of the story if you know the end within the first few chapters. I find it unreasonable to expect that this group of adventurers are smarter than everyone they encounter and that they get all the good fortune allocated by the author. What I also find laughable is the fact that the military rules of conduct only apply to some the force. Certain admirals, commodores and captains routinely deviate from established procedures and or withhold information from senior officers to suit their own purposes. The fact that rules are ignored is clear and the authors attempt to create unnecessary drama by sneaking the princesses mother on a warship is just pathetic. This series started out great but has now devolved to a state of boorish mediocrity that’s simply not worth wasting any further time and energy reading.
We always root for the main characters when they are faced with seemingly impossible odds or challenges but that is not true in this book for me. From the outset it has been apparent that every scheme dreamed up by kelsi and the princess works out flawlessly. What’s the point of the story if you know the end within the first few chapters. I find it unreasonable to expect that this group of adventurers are smarter than everyone they encounter and that they get all the good fortune allocated by the author. What I also find laughable is the fact that the military rules of conduct only apply to some the force. Certain admirals, commodores and captains routinely deviate from established procedures and or withhold information from senior officers to suit their own purposes. The fact that rules are ignored is clear and the authors attempt to create unnecessary drama by sneaking the princesses mother on a warship is just pathetic. This series started out great but has now devolved to a state of boorish mediocrity that’s simply not worth wasting any further time and energy reading.
March 19, 2022
"Reconnaissance in Force", sixth in the Empire of Bones series, is more of a scene setter for future works than a novel in its own right.
It's the usual mix of space opera, politics and personal relationships but rather too many pages are given over to the wedding(s).
The series still suffers from lack of depth, both in plot and character development. But, wth, it's science fiction!
There's a lot of science thrown in, most of which went straight over my head, but the author does have a certain predictability, i.e. if a discovery is made, however odd, it will become absolutely vital within the course of the book.
I've been binging on the series and can't, even after only a few days, tell where one ends and the next begins. It's more of an ever-expanding story arc.
3 Stars.
It's the usual mix of space opera, politics and personal relationships but rather too many pages are given over to the wedding(s).
The series still suffers from lack of depth, both in plot and character development. But, wth, it's science fiction!
There's a lot of science thrown in, most of which went straight over my head, but the author does have a certain predictability, i.e. if a discovery is made, however odd, it will become absolutely vital within the course of the book.
I've been binging on the series and can't, even after only a few days, tell where one ends and the next begins. It's more of an ever-expanding story arc.
3 Stars.
August 14, 2017
RIF MEANS MORE SHENANIGANS FROM PRINCESS KELSEY
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
Terry Mixon, one of the best space opera writers today (and we currently have the best space opera writers working), has created this great galaxy-wide story which includes dynastic struggles, kings and emperors, lots of wrecked starships, space pirates, cutting edge scientific research ... and he mixes the story elements so well that only after I finished, did I realize that he had included these in his multi-volume plot line. Excellent characters, tight dialog and constant actions will keep discriminating readers very happy!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!
Terry Mixon, one of the best space opera writers today (and we currently have the best space opera writers working), has created this great galaxy-wide story which includes dynastic struggles, kings and emperors, lots of wrecked starships, space pirates, cutting edge scientific research ... and he mixes the story elements so well that only after I finished, did I realize that he had included these in his multi-volume plot line. Excellent characters, tight dialog and constant actions will keep discriminating readers very happy!
December 21, 2017
There is some exciting stuff happening in this book, but that said, it's one of the weaker ones in the series. The ups were decent rather than excellent, and even the lowest points weren't that jarring. It was a middle-of-the-road book. It just didn't seem to reach the emotional highs and lows of Paying the Price or Empire of Bones.
It did, though, introduce yet another character that I'm ready to see get fully slapped in the face. After Wallace Breckenridge and Ethan Bandar, we needed someone else to detest completely.
In this book, we get it. And it's carrying over into book 7!
It did, though, introduce yet another character that I'm ready to see get fully slapped in the face. After Wallace Breckenridge and Ethan Bandar, we needed someone else to detest completely.
In this book, we get it. And it's carrying over into book 7!
September 23, 2020
Somewhat Dubious
This book moves the story along, as expected and in ways not expected. Good character development is continued for existing and for new characters. Actions and responses are acceptable within the tech and sci-fi realities previously established. This book leaves no doubt there is another in the series. The ending doesn’t require the reader to continue, but certainly strongly encourages that action.
This book moves the story along, as expected and in ways not expected. Good character development is continued for existing and for new characters. Actions and responses are acceptable within the tech and sci-fi realities previously established. This book leaves no doubt there is another in the series. The ending doesn’t require the reader to continue, but certainly strongly encourages that action.
June 8, 2017
What a great read
Wow!!! I wasn't ready for this book to end. I was at the edge of my seat for the last couple of chapters. The whole book was full of suspense, a touch of humor and spice and seat of the pants excitement. I'm going to start book 7 right now. I can't wait to dig in.
Wow!!! I wasn't ready for this book to end. I was at the edge of my seat for the last couple of chapters. The whole book was full of suspense, a touch of humor and spice and seat of the pants excitement. I'm going to start book 7 right now. I can't wait to dig in.
May 21, 2017
Great story telling
Space opera at its best. I enjoy Terry's mixture of military rank and basic procedure without being daunted by too much information. Terry adds just the right amount of detail and character driven story.
Space opera at its best. I enjoy Terry's mixture of military rank and basic procedure without being daunted by too much information. Terry adds just the right amount of detail and character driven story.
September 15, 2017
Another fun entry in the Empire of bones series by Terry Mixon. Great story lines, quick pace and unique situations propel the reader or listener through this entry. Narration by Veronica Giguere is both entertaining and easy to listen to. Highly recommended!
December 2, 2017
It becomes more convoluted... I am starting to lose track of all the fractions.
And I do not care for the "romance" part - this felt like channel surfing while watching scifi and accidently hitting a soap opera.
I still want some conclusion on this epic space adventure.
And I do not care for the "romance" part - this felt like channel surfing while watching scifi and accidently hitting a soap opera.
I still want some conclusion on this epic space adventure.
September 12, 2020
Excellent
Darn cliff-hangers! Good yarn, plenty of action, two weddings and a stolen space station. Confusion to the enemy! It would take an excellent artificial intelligence to figure this one out.
Darn cliff-hangers! Good yarn, plenty of action, two weddings and a stolen space station. Confusion to the enemy! It would take an excellent artificial intelligence to figure this one out.
July 19, 2021
Fabulous
Just half way through the series this set of story is a not put down able read gosh I feel as if I am in the story and I do not want it to stop brilliant righting thank you
Just half way through the series this set of story is a not put down able read gosh I feel as if I am in the story and I do not want it to stop brilliant righting thank you
November 12, 2018
This series is one of the best of the Space Opera genre!
November 9, 2019
A fun read. The story was hard to put down.
June 11, 2021
Yes
Very good! I am glad there are more books in the series. I cannot wait to stsrt on the next book.
Very good! I am glad there are more books in the series. I cannot wait to stsrt on the next book.
October 24, 2021
Super
Superb! 7777778888888 888 88 8899. 000000000 000 0000 0000000 0987654321 76 2 4 4 h j k l ok mms
Superb! 7777778888888 888 88 8899. 000000000 000 0000 0000000 0987654321 76 2 4 4 h j k l ok mms
February 6, 2017
Reconnaissance in Force is the continuation of Paying The Price but in a way it also starts a new story arc in The Empire of Bones Saga universe. In the last book our heroes finally came back home and even though they encountered a few issues that they had to solve with their usual application of sneakiness, technology and good old fashioned stuff that goes boom it felt like it kind of finished a first story arc. Once the dust settles we move over to this book where a new adventure starts.
As the book blurb states Jared and Kelsey departs on a new mission deep into enemy space. Before that however there are a few minor things that has to be dealt with. Such as a couple of weddings, finding some interesting old artifacts from the old empire including a “key” of some importance, breaking in a new XO of Invincible and a few other things.
All of this leads up to the mission that brings our heroes back behind the enemy lines again and it looks like, again, they will stay there for some time. At least some of them.
Not surprisingly the book is similar to the other books in the saga in that it has simple but functional story tying together the preparations, the interactions, the discoveries and the action. As before I liked the characters a lot with the exception of the ones that were supposed to be dickwads. I am quite interested to see where the author takes the story next.
As the book blurb states Jared and Kelsey departs on a new mission deep into enemy space. Before that however there are a few minor things that has to be dealt with. Such as a couple of weddings, finding some interesting old artifacts from the old empire including a “key” of some importance, breaking in a new XO of Invincible and a few other things.
All of this leads up to the mission that brings our heroes back behind the enemy lines again and it looks like, again, they will stay there for some time. At least some of them.
Not surprisingly the book is similar to the other books in the saga in that it has simple but functional story tying together the preparations, the interactions, the discoveries and the action. As before I liked the characters a lot with the exception of the ones that were supposed to be dickwads. I am quite interested to see where the author takes the story next.
August 25, 2017
What did you love best about Reconnaissance in Force?
I am glad much of the home front conflict was resolved. Now we can get down to defeating the rebels.
What did you like best about this story?
I like taking care of sub-plots and not letting them pop up books later to disturb the main story line. This is fine with mysteries and shorter works, but it doesn't fit the grand space opera Terry is creating.
Which character – as performed by Veronica Giguere – was your favorite?
Veronica still does a great Princess Bandar. She has expanded to other female characters such as the ex-queen, the fighter squadron leader (great voice there) and the love interest/body guard for our young scientist.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I'm not really moved by action or character play, but I do like Veronica's handling of the emotional scenes.
Any additional comments?
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I am glad much of the home front conflict was resolved. Now we can get down to defeating the rebels.
What did you like best about this story?
I like taking care of sub-plots and not letting them pop up books later to disturb the main story line. This is fine with mysteries and shorter works, but it doesn't fit the grand space opera Terry is creating.
Which character – as performed by Veronica Giguere – was your favorite?
Veronica still does a great Princess Bandar. She has expanded to other female characters such as the ex-queen, the fighter squadron leader (great voice there) and the love interest/body guard for our young scientist.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I'm not really moved by action or character play, but I do like Veronica's handling of the emotional scenes.
Any additional comments?
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 14, 2016
Another great installment in the Empire of Bones series. With the large spaceship crews in the cast, it stands to reason that new romances would crop up, and they do. There is lots of desperate action again, though I can't remember any situations where I worried about the outcome for any given characters.
This series reminds me a bit of the sci-fi of David Weber, which is a high compliment coming from me.
This series reminds me a bit of the sci-fi of David Weber, which is a high compliment coming from me.
March 18, 2021
First, this is the fifth time I've listened to this series and I still love every second of it. This novel is another winner from Terry Mixon and Veronica Giguere! This series one I love and revisit like an old friend, if you haven't checked it out, you're missing out! I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Terry is one of my auto-buy authors and he could be yours too if you give him a chance!
December 13, 2016
Good sequel
It makes you wish the next one was out already, always a good thing to say about a series ☺ Back to the story, brass balls, big ones, daring enterprises and crazy gambles, all of them in spades in this one, enjoy!
It makes you wish the next one was out already, always a good thing to say about a series ☺ Back to the story, brass balls, big ones, daring enterprises and crazy gambles, all of them in spades in this one, enjoy!
December 17, 2016
Great series
I have been waiting for the next book in this series, the only thing wrong with it is I read it in 1 day, now its a couple months for the next one, wish he could write as fast as I can read.
I have been waiting for the next book in this series, the only thing wrong with it is I read it in 1 day, now its a couple months for the next one, wish he could write as fast as I can read.
December 24, 2016
Next February is to long a wait!
Book 7 will come out sometime in February 2017. I'm willing to wait as this will make a perfect birthday present for me.
Book 7 will come out sometime in February 2017. I'm willing to wait as this will make a perfect birthday present for me.
January 14, 2017
Sex for EVERYONE
February 17, 2021
One of my favorite series! Terry is incredibly talented, and I highly recommend checking it out!
April 26, 2017
I am a huge fan of this series! Each book only keeps better! The storyline is so awesome and the author keeps throwing in twists you never see coming! The dialog and characters are aesome and so well developed! I can't wait for the next book already! I very highly recommend this series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews