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Fourth Fleet Irregulars #4
Dark Running
Penetrating deep within Marfikian territory, the Fourth seeks out the legendary world of Samart. Their task: to make contact and establish the basis for an alliance. The problem: the Samartians have responded to every previous effort to contact them with four incomprehensible words and a barrage of missiles. Can the Fourth’s extraordinary problem solving skills succeed in what no other expedition has ever achieved? They will need all their courage and resolve when they find that making friends with Samart is more dangerous than they ever imagined.
566 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2015
18 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
S.J. MacDonald
22 books74 followersI am a primary school teacher living in Cardiff, Wales, UK. I live in a tiny house full of books, animals, rocks and fossils.
I love travelling by myself because you get to meet more local people that way. My favourite trips so far have been ice fishing in the arctic circle, the Canadian Rockies in winter and camping with my sister in Devon (Every bit as adventurous!)
I have been writing stories since I was a kid but have only recently taken the plunge into publishing. I've also recently started a science fiction review site http://www.starshipsandaliens.com which is nearly as much fun as writing.
I love travelling by myself because you get to meet more local people that way. My favourite trips so far have been ice fishing in the arctic circle, the Canadian Rockies in winter and camping with my sister in Devon (Every bit as adventurous!)
I have been writing stories since I was a kid but have only recently taken the plunge into publishing. I've also recently started a science fiction review site http://www.starshipsandaliens.com which is nearly as much fun as writing.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 13, 2019
After reading the first chapter I turned to chapter two which starts; Three months before. I hate this, fortunately the first chapter doesn’t provide ‘spoilers’ for the rest of the story, but I wish authors wouldn’t do this.
After four books I have got used to the authors style of writing and I have found ways of skipping past some of the repetitive descriptions and explanations. However, I did find that the first half of the book was a bit boring, the every day life of space folk became a bit too much like a cosy soap opera.
Once the expedition to Samart got underway I thought the story became more purposeful and a lot more interesting.
After four books I have got used to the authors style of writing and I have found ways of skipping past some of the repetitive descriptions and explanations. However, I did find that the first half of the book was a bit boring, the every day life of space folk became a bit too much like a cosy soap opera.
Once the expedition to Samart got underway I thought the story became more purposeful and a lot more interesting.
June 23, 2016
Live this series
Every so often I find a science fiction series that is so entertaining that I know I will read it again and again! Alex Von Strada is a great character and inspiring leader. The cast and crew are smart, funny and always up for a laugh. The universe they inhabit is challenging and presents the Fourth Irregulars with many future challenges and adventures. I am happy to have another book to read in this series and will put Mr McDonald as an author to watch.
Every so often I find a science fiction series that is so entertaining that I know I will read it again and again! Alex Von Strada is a great character and inspiring leader. The cast and crew are smart, funny and always up for a laugh. The universe they inhabit is challenging and presents the Fourth Irregulars with many future challenges and adventures. I am happy to have another book to read in this series and will put Mr McDonald as an author to watch.
October 18, 2020
It doesn’t get much better than this
I am a very fast reader, as well as a very discerning one, especially when it comes to science fiction. This series checks all the boxes and then some! I have just finished book 4 in 6 days, with at lest 6 books tho go, and am enjoying every minute of it.
S. J. MacDonald has the rare gift of being able to spin a truly entertaining story that is also unique and original- something sorely lacking in most authors today.
If you like the classic masters like Heinlein, McCaffrey, Nimitz, Asimov and more, you will longer this serigb
I am a very fast reader, as well as a very discerning one, especially when it comes to science fiction. This series checks all the boxes and then some! I have just finished book 4 in 6 days, with at lest 6 books tho go, and am enjoying every minute of it.
S. J. MacDonald has the rare gift of being able to spin a truly entertaining story that is also unique and original- something sorely lacking in most authors today.
If you like the classic masters like Heinlein, McCaffrey, Nimitz, Asimov and more, you will longer this serigb
November 14, 2018
slow but good
October 7, 2015
Excellent series. Can't wait for the next one
I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions. The stories are a perfect mix of character, adventure, technology and just plain fun. I can't wait for more of these stories and the next adventure. I could happily read a dozen more.
I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions. The stories are a perfect mix of character, adventure, technology and just plain fun. I can't wait for more of these stories and the next adventure. I could happily read a dozen more.
November 21, 2015
Great read
This is the fourth book in a great series of books. We have followed the adventures and sometimes on going problems that Alex and his crew face. I am looking forward to reading the next book, in which l am sure that there will be battles both with the crew of the second ship that Alex now has been given.
This is the fourth book in a great series of books. We have followed the adventures and sometimes on going problems that Alex and his crew face. I am looking forward to reading the next book, in which l am sure that there will be battles both with the crew of the second ship that Alex now has been given.
October 29, 2015
Next book please.
Very good continuity from first book thru this one, good scenarios each stands alone but builds on the previous. Love the radicals prevailing over the dumber than a bunch of rocks establishment.
Very good continuity from first book thru this one, good scenarios each stands alone but builds on the previous. Love the radicals prevailing over the dumber than a bunch of rocks establishment.
October 30, 2015
Great space opera
This is a continuation of a good series with a decent plot line and realistic characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is a continuation of a good series with a decent plot line and realistic characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 23, 2016
It is starting to become quite a merry bunch of adventurers, great fun, and a promising sequel!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews