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Cry Pilot #3
Kill Orbit
A hostile fleet. A planet killer. And one shot to make it right.
In this gripping new military science-fiction novel, a battle-tested infantry squad pursues an inhuman enemy into the vacuum of space.
Maseo Kaytu's squad is yanked from a much-deserved furlough by an emergency deployment off-planet. But why is Command sending grunts into the "Big Empty"? Without CAVs, without backup--hell, without gravity--the squad is more vulnerable than ever. Tasked with a mission that only they can complete, they track the enemy across the killing vastness of space, from a bizarre interplanetary warehouse to the hidden heart of a research habitation...and beyond.
But the enemy is tracking them, too. Scanning, calculating, preparing. Kaytu joined the military to redeem the bad choices of his past, yet now--trapped in hostile territory--he learns that soldiers face the hardest choices of all.
In this gripping new military science-fiction novel, a battle-tested infantry squad pursues an inhuman enemy into the vacuum of space.
Maseo Kaytu's squad is yanked from a much-deserved furlough by an emergency deployment off-planet. But why is Command sending grunts into the "Big Empty"? Without CAVs, without backup--hell, without gravity--the squad is more vulnerable than ever. Tasked with a mission that only they can complete, they track the enemy across the killing vastness of space, from a bizarre interplanetary warehouse to the hidden heart of a research habitation...and beyond.
But the enemy is tracking them, too. Scanning, calculating, preparing. Kaytu joined the military to redeem the bad choices of his past, yet now--trapped in hostile territory--he learns that soldiers face the hardest choices of all.
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First published July 7, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 4, 2020
"Kill Orbit" is the third book in the Cry Pilot trilogy. Keep that in mind as you read this as the background and the relationships between the characters were established in the first two books. Kaytu and his merry band of misfits have already saved the world from the lampreys created by the AIs buried deep beneath the sea and reawakened by the terraforming machines. Sweetwater, the AI, they battled shot up into space and there has mass produced thousands of space packets al heading to earth, an extinction event for humanity. Once more into the breach, Anvil Squad is called into duty, this time for a mission in space with the stakes as high as can be. Misfits they might be, but they are the tightest knit most fearsome fighting force imaginable and maybe, just maybe, they've met their match. It's a fast moving science fiction battle, but it is highly recommended that the first two books be read first to understand the relationships between the characters. Also, lots of geeky technical stuff in addition to bang bang blow me up stuff.
July 24, 2021
All the emotional interactions and characterization introduced in book two are completely abandoned here and what is left is just one long action scene that was kind of a letdown. The action was clear and well written and there was definitely a sense of urgency by the end, in Kill Orbit everything gets a lot bigger because they finally get into space and are no longer planetarily confined. There is a lot to like about this entire trilogy and I was entertained throughout but what made book two better than book one were the feelings and I felt absolutely nothing while reading this.
August 12, 2020
A thoroughly satisfying conclusion to an epic and imaginative military SF trilogy.
The defeat of the lampreys on Earth has sparked a new danger in space with the core of the lamprey threat (I won't name it for fear of spoilers) producing an even nastier type of killing machine nicknamed "phenakytes". In a desperation move, the surviving members of Anvil squad are deployed to help fight them before they can wipe out all life on Earth. Space provides a whole different set of problems and opportunities for Kaytu and Tingting and the other squaddies, and a new understanding of their enemy.
This is really Ting's book, as much of the previous two books have been. So much of Kaytu's story is simply because he's deeply entwined with a powerful technopath. It seems inevitable that the final book was always going to be a confrontation between a monstrous creature of technology and the most powerful technopath that there's ever been, with Maseo Kaytu along to witness it all.
The defeat of the lampreys on Earth has sparked a new danger in space with the core of the lamprey threat (I won't name it for fear of spoilers) producing an even nastier type of killing machine nicknamed "phenakytes". In a desperation move, the surviving members of Anvil squad are deployed to help fight them before they can wipe out all life on Earth. Space provides a whole different set of problems and opportunities for Kaytu and Tingting and the other squaddies, and a new understanding of their enemy.
This is really Ting's book, as much of the previous two books have been. So much of Kaytu's story is simply because he's deeply entwined with a powerful technopath. It seems inevitable that the final book was always going to be a confrontation between a monstrous creature of technology and the most powerful technopath that there's ever been, with Maseo Kaytu along to witness it all.
July 31, 2020
Extra violent and really good.
Anvil squad is in space! They're deployed to deal with the phenakytes, and the literal world-ending threat they present.
The action is fast and brutal, and while the pace of the story makes this fun to read, it’s the squad’s interactions, their humour, banter and how well they fight together that really makes this story work for me. And Tingting—I absolutely love her “like elephants”.
And damn! The author had me tearing up at the end, which says to me that he made me fall in love with Maseo, Tingting, and my third fave character, Cali “orca”. And, of course, M’bari, Jag, and Shakrabarti. I had no idea that I’d become so fond of this Anvil Squad over this trilogy; this story ended well, and was a satisfying end to this trilogy.
Anvil squad is in space! They're deployed to deal with the phenakytes, and the literal world-ending threat they present.
The action is fast and brutal, and while the pace of the story makes this fun to read, it’s the squad’s interactions, their humour, banter and how well they fight together that really makes this story work for me. And Tingting—I absolutely love her “like elephants”.
And damn! The author had me tearing up at the end, which says to me that he made me fall in love with Maseo, Tingting, and my third fave character, Cali “orca”. And, of course, M’bari, Jag, and Shakrabarti. I had no idea that I’d become so fond of this Anvil Squad over this trilogy; this story ended well, and was a satisfying end to this trilogy.
July 20, 2020
Honestly quite a disappointment after the first two. Dane tells us again and again that space is big and boring, and, to his credit, he definitely gets that across. Having essentially dismissed the anime-in-a-good-way premise that names that series entirely by the end of the second book, this third novel doesn't deliver much of the worldbuilding and its vibrancy that complemented the premise so well. The story just leads to an inexorable conclusion that seemed obvious from the early chapters.
I'm hoping this is an unfortunate blip in a career that will continue to produce books more like the first two.
I'm hoping this is an unfortunate blip in a career that will continue to produce books more like the first two.
August 25, 2020
bro why this author gotta fuck my shit up for?????
January 9, 2022
I did not expect the, well, quite expected ending to be quite so satisfactory, but here we are, ad the end of the trilogy (and thank goodness it is an open-and-shut trilogy – not an open-ended series as so many authors seem to pump out in these kinds of settings). At first, having a bunch of ground-pounders slung out into space seemed like a contrived plot point that made the book slow going at first, but by the end literally all of it makes sense with the different character abilities and traits, even with all the minor technological deus-ex elements peppered throughout. Oh, and although the cast is still large, thankfully there are noticeably fewer names to remember until some of them are inevitably killed off, which is a plus compared to the previous volume.
February 9, 2021
How do you know you enjoyed a series?
In my case simple. I read Burn Cycle (book #2 of the Cry Pilot series) exactly one year ago, and when I started this one, the story was as fresh as the day I finished the last book. Ironically, just last month I also read the third installment of another series by a different author, and the entire time I could not remember what happened in the previous two books!
The strength of this book/series lies in the authors ability to create vivid characters in a world that is just as lucid. Add a fantastic, innovative story, to those two pillars of authorship and you end up with some of the most enjoyable sci-fi that your eyes will feast on.
The overall arc is engaging enough that every time you need to put the thing down, you find yourself making up excuses to tackle one more chapter.
Kill Orbit puts the cherry on top of this hot fudge Sunday. I really dont want to ruin the experience, but if you are like me (and a friend of mine who also read this story would agree) during the first two books you want more of Ting. You want the author to point his looking glass at our little team member with special powers! Then along comes Kill Orbit to unravel the mystery and build up to an unexpected crescendo.
The only negative I would atribute to this series is that the author doesn't let some of the characters grow. I'm looking at you Cali and Schrek***** (can't remember the spelling of his name LOL). They are stereotypical to what the author has outlined for them from the first page to the last page.
Completely enjoyed this book/series.
Read and enjoy.
In my case simple. I read Burn Cycle (book #2 of the Cry Pilot series) exactly one year ago, and when I started this one, the story was as fresh as the day I finished the last book. Ironically, just last month I also read the third installment of another series by a different author, and the entire time I could not remember what happened in the previous two books!
The strength of this book/series lies in the authors ability to create vivid characters in a world that is just as lucid. Add a fantastic, innovative story, to those two pillars of authorship and you end up with some of the most enjoyable sci-fi that your eyes will feast on.
The overall arc is engaging enough that every time you need to put the thing down, you find yourself making up excuses to tackle one more chapter.
Kill Orbit puts the cherry on top of this hot fudge Sunday. I really dont want to ruin the experience, but if you are like me (and a friend of mine who also read this story would agree) during the first two books you want more of Ting. You want the author to point his looking glass at our little team member with special powers! Then along comes Kill Orbit to unravel the mystery and build up to an unexpected crescendo.
The only negative I would atribute to this series is that the author doesn't let some of the characters grow. I'm looking at you Cali and Schrek***** (can't remember the spelling of his name LOL). They are stereotypical to what the author has outlined for them from the first page to the last page.
Completely enjoyed this book/series.
Read and enjoy.
April 15, 2021
Loved the whole trilogy and felt the ending was a good wrap up of the story and characters...even if parts of the book were emotional. Definitely would recommend and read again.
July 7, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I read Cry Pilot and Burn Cycle right afterward to start the Cry Pilot series. The story went right on as the military is fighting a new threat. You do want to read the series in order so you understand what is happening. Each book adds to the development of our characters, primarily Anvil Squad and the fight against the enemy. Our perspective is Kaytu and he has made some eye-opening choices.
Telling you about Kill Orbit is difficult without spoiling any details from earlier books but I'll keep it general. Anvil Squad is the most unusual but most successful fighter against the enemy. But those in charge, the "corpos" don't trust them really. That's why Rana is back with them, even though she is a Flenser, part of the space fleet where they are ground troops. She's here to lead them on what is highly likely a suicide mission.
Throughout the series, the camaraderie and inside jokes of this team of diverse misfits is built. Rana, at least, understands them. But I don't like her. She sees herself as better than them, and she is to the "corpo" world, but this team is the one who gets the worst jobs done. They are sent again as a sacrifice.
The situation looks and is very bad. The enemy is killing the space fleet and people on Earth as fast as it can. Everything the Flensers and the team has tried has failed. Ting is left on an enemy ship and so Kaytu jumps into space untethered to save her. It's a heart-stopping battle with the only chance for humans is those they would throwaway as too violent or too dangerous or too undisciplined.
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I read Cry Pilot and Burn Cycle right afterward to start the Cry Pilot series. The story went right on as the military is fighting a new threat. You do want to read the series in order so you understand what is happening. Each book adds to the development of our characters, primarily Anvil Squad and the fight against the enemy. Our perspective is Kaytu and he has made some eye-opening choices.
Telling you about Kill Orbit is difficult without spoiling any details from earlier books but I'll keep it general. Anvil Squad is the most unusual but most successful fighter against the enemy. But those in charge, the "corpos" don't trust them really. That's why Rana is back with them, even though she is a Flenser, part of the space fleet where they are ground troops. She's here to lead them on what is highly likely a suicide mission.
Throughout the series, the camaraderie and inside jokes of this team of diverse misfits is built. Rana, at least, understands them. But I don't like her. She sees herself as better than them, and she is to the "corpo" world, but this team is the one who gets the worst jobs done. They are sent again as a sacrifice.
The situation looks and is very bad. The enemy is killing the space fleet and people on Earth as fast as it can. Everything the Flensers and the team has tried has failed. Ting is left on an enemy ship and so Kaytu jumps into space untethered to save her. It's a heart-stopping battle with the only chance for humans is those they would throwaway as too violent or too dangerous or too undisciplined.
July 28, 2020
This time we're in space.
We've trashed the Earth, governments have fallen and now corporations rule the roost. While terraforming is repairing the damage and ressurecting extinct wildlife we're living in heavily controlled cities around the planet. We created three AIs who soon became self-aware and starting doing their own thing as really, we were beneath their notice. Then someone murdered them.
Now in book three we know one of the AIs was resurrected by the terraforming tech and is not entirely happy with the situation. Genocidally unhappy. Hence our band of screw ups who have the most experience dealing with the situation are now in space helping recover a weapon to finally end the AI once and for all.
Ever been in the middle of telling your story and suddenly realise it's someone else's story and you're just the sidekick? We're not talking the Pork Chop Express here by the way.
We've trashed the Earth, governments have fallen and now corporations rule the roost. While terraforming is repairing the damage and ressurecting extinct wildlife we're living in heavily controlled cities around the planet. We created three AIs who soon became self-aware and starting doing their own thing as really, we were beneath their notice. Then someone murdered them.
Now in book three we know one of the AIs was resurrected by the terraforming tech and is not entirely happy with the situation. Genocidally unhappy. Hence our band of screw ups who have the most experience dealing with the situation are now in space helping recover a weapon to finally end the AI once and for all.
Ever been in the middle of telling your story and suddenly realise it's someone else's story and you're just the sidekick? We're not talking the Pork Chop Express here by the way.
April 4, 2022
The squad goes in space for the boss fight. Till the first half of the book I really missed the vibe of the first two novels: the worldbuilding, the secret past, the whole aspect of discovering each other in the squad, the unknown enemy and the fact they lost and lost, and then won some. Not too much Mary Sue at the mc, some real boyish talk ongoing which I liked.
And in part 3, not so much of this. A new squad was introduced, not so funny. The specials of Anvil (CAV pilots), not so much in action. The energy between Maseo and Rana, not present. It all felt so much less interesting than the previous two novels, I would rank it 2 stars max. But the end brought it more together and the story restored a personal touch again. The Tingting vs Maseo story ended the book nicely. So 3 stars for #3 in the series, the whole series closer to a 4.
And in part 3, not so much of this. A new squad was introduced, not so funny. The specials of Anvil (CAV pilots), not so much in action. The energy between Maseo and Rana, not present. It all felt so much less interesting than the previous two novels, I would rank it 2 stars max. But the end brought it more together and the story restored a personal touch again. The Tingting vs Maseo story ended the book nicely. So 3 stars for #3 in the series, the whole series closer to a 4.
June 1, 2023
Dane's third and final volume in his "Cry Pilot" series starts a tiny bit unsteadily, as the remains of Anvil Squad are plucked for a mission for which they are wholly unequipped; the fish-out-of-water feeling at the beginning extends just a bit longer than necessary, but the major plot-arc settles in and gives our familiar cast of characters plenty to do. It becomes readily apparent not far into the book (and well before Kaytu himself comes to the realization) that this whole trilogy hasn't really been Kaytu's story, but someone else's. The conclusion wasn't predictable, but it _did_ feel natural enough that it wasn't a surprise, and there are a few potential sub-plots or further developments that might justify the author returning to this world and its characters. I would certainly be happy enough to join them again. :)
July 18, 2020
I rated each book 3 stars, but the series as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
From reading Ting's introduction in the first book I never would have guessed that she would be the focal point of the series, and that I would care so much for her.
Throughout the series the weak romantic relationship between Katyu and Rana is abandoned for a much more satisfying big brother/ little sister pairing and like Katyu, as the series went on I felt incredibly protective towards our best girl Ting, and I loved how his feelings for her mirrored my own.
Looking forward to more from Joel Dane.
From reading Ting's introduction in the first book I never would have guessed that she would be the focal point of the series, and that I would care so much for her.
Throughout the series the weak romantic relationship between Katyu and Rana is abandoned for a much more satisfying big brother/ little sister pairing and like Katyu, as the series went on I felt incredibly protective towards our best girl Ting, and I loved how his feelings for her mirrored my own.
Looking forward to more from Joel Dane.
September 24, 2020
Ting's Story:
This story and really the three books that surrounds the st0ry wasn't really about Kaytu. By this books end I'm of the opinion that it was more about the girl he sheltered...Ting. Her growth and protection over the course of the story was afforded to her by a throwback to these modern times, a big mean Patriot from the gutta...an insurrectionist in a uniform as he was lovingly dubbed. His POV moved the story on but her abilities and selflessness added a nice touch to what was essentially a 90's throwback action movie in a book.
Cover: 4/5
Narration: 5/5 David Shih
Favorite line: "You can take the roach out the gutta but you cant the gutta out the roach"
This story and really the three books that surrounds the st0ry wasn't really about Kaytu. By this books end I'm of the opinion that it was more about the girl he sheltered...Ting. Her growth and protection over the course of the story was afforded to her by a throwback to these modern times, a big mean Patriot from the gutta...an insurrectionist in a uniform as he was lovingly dubbed. His POV moved the story on but her abilities and selflessness added a nice touch to what was essentially a 90's throwback action movie in a book.
Cover: 4/5
Narration: 5/5 David Shih
Favorite line: "You can take the roach out the gutta but you cant the gutta out the roach"
February 12, 2023
This definitely wouldn't work as a stand alone (so go back and read the first two books if you haven't already, because the world building in this series is incredible.) Dane does an excellent job with dialogue and this sci-fi adventure has a lot of dark humor wound through some really imaginative action.
This story has a slower start, but once the plot picks up it really gathers speed, and the last third was really unputdownable. Unlike previous books, this one was all action driven, so while I don't think it was as strong as the prior books, it was a satisfying end to a really great series.
This story has a slower start, but once the plot picks up it really gathers speed, and the last third was really unputdownable. Unlike previous books, this one was all action driven, so while I don't think it was as strong as the prior books, it was a satisfying end to a really great series.
July 18, 2020
A very solid conclusion to this military sci-fi trilogy.
Once again we follow our rag-tag band of cry pilots on a final mission to save the world. Everything from the first two books built up to this one and made logical sense. The highlights were once again the camaraderie between the cry pilots and the action as they battle a sentient world destroying A.I.
If you like sci-fi with people piloting mech suits then I would recommend this one as a good trilogy to get into.
This trilogy also had excellent audio narration.
Once again we follow our rag-tag band of cry pilots on a final mission to save the world. Everything from the first two books built up to this one and made logical sense. The highlights were once again the camaraderie between the cry pilots and the action as they battle a sentient world destroying A.I.
If you like sci-fi with people piloting mech suits then I would recommend this one as a good trilogy to get into.
This trilogy also had excellent audio narration.
August 5, 2020
I hope we get to peer in on these characters again someday, perhaps in a sequel set in the same worldscape? I will miss them all. Even Cali, who made me laugh more than any written character in a long time.
In terms of story, I think this was a fitting end for a grand-sweeping sci-fi epic tale. The whole series would make a great movie. Hint hint.
Still irritated that there is no physical copy available!
In terms of story, I think this was a fitting end for a grand-sweeping sci-fi epic tale. The whole series would make a great movie. Hint hint.
Still irritated that there is no physical copy available!
November 26, 2024
Red Rising x Attack On Titan
For fans of: Red Rising (Pierce Brown); Attack on Titan (Hajime Isayama); The Expanse (James S.A. Corey); Bobiverse (Dennis E. Taylor); Old Man’s War (John Scalzi).
The best military sci-fi series I’ve ever read. The best squad banter I’ve ever read. Struggled to keep reading because I didn’t want anyone to die. HIGHLY recommend the audiobooks as David Shih’s character voices are distinct and moving.
For fans of: Red Rising (Pierce Brown); Attack on Titan (Hajime Isayama); The Expanse (James S.A. Corey); Bobiverse (Dennis E. Taylor); Old Man’s War (John Scalzi).
The best military sci-fi series I’ve ever read. The best squad banter I’ve ever read. Struggled to keep reading because I didn’t want anyone to die. HIGHLY recommend the audiobooks as David Shih’s character voices are distinct and moving.
November 12, 2020
This one kinda dragged for me for about half of it. Not sure why; I truly think it was my mindset vs author writing. But then the action heated up. Until my heart was broken. Not ok, Joel Dane. Not ok.
A great trilogy with amazing characters that I fell in love with and some fantastic action sequences. I'll "miss [it] like elephants".
A great trilogy with amazing characters that I fell in love with and some fantastic action sequences. I'll "miss [it] like elephants".
October 31, 2020
A reasonable end to the series, finally answering some questions about the AIs that became sentient. However, some things aren't wrapped up, beware. The team goes to space to track down the "hive mind" and try to destroy it. Ting's developing issues take center stage.
March 30, 2021
I don't usually read this type of military science fiction but I really enjoyed this series. Lots of action and worth my time. It was sort of a random read at first but I'm picked it and stuck with it!
December 17, 2021
This is the 3rd book in the Cry Pilot series. I loved the characters, the story and the ending. I recommend reading the whole series to fully enjoy the character development ... but you could read this story alone and fully enjoy the book.
February 21, 2022
Love these books. The sassy interplay of the main characters keeps me laughing while also developing a deep affinity for them. The plot was a bit weaker in this one, to many Lampry battles that added little to the story, but a fun read through-and-through.
May 17, 2020
Really good story but since I had not read the first two books in the series it was hard to get into.
July 12, 2020
WOW, what a way to finish this series. Brilliant as always.
October 1, 2020
could not finish
December 1, 2020
Loved this trilogy!
March 15, 2022
Great finish for a great story
July 10, 2022
Closure
I wouldn't say it's incredible, but if you've enjoyed the characters and world building enough to finish the first two books, then you'll enjoy this finale just like i did.
I wouldn't say it's incredible, but if you've enjoyed the characters and world building enough to finish the first two books, then you'll enjoy this finale just like i did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews