A NEW NOVEL IN TOM KRATMAN'S HARD-HITTING MILITARY SF CARRERA SERIES
When Patricio Carrera’s family was murdered by Salafist terrorists aided and abetted by the fleet of alien Earth, the only restraint on his ruthlessness and ambition was also removed. Now, after decades of war and preparation for war in his adopted homeland of Balboa, the last of the Tauran Union Expeditionary Force collapses and is herded into prison camps and ships, where their re-education commences.
An Islamic rebellion explodes inside the Tauran Union, bringing the governments and the bureaucracies to their knees . . . except when they’re hauled up by their necks on lampposts. In neighboring Santa Josefina, the Taurans’ Task Force Jesuit is pinned into one small corner of the country, helplessly awaiting destruction. At sea, the Balboan classis and the remaining fleet of the Zhong Hegemony battle for the supply lines that keep the invading Zhong Army in Balboa alive, while the legions, now rid of the Taurans, redeploy against the Zhong, vengeance and massacre in their hearts and minds. And finally, Hamilcar Carrera, Patricio’s young son, stands poised on the bridge of a clandestine assault transport, ready to obliterate the last enemy base on his planet, even as a small ship is poised to remove the alien interstellar fleet overhead.
I have enjoyed this whole series now. To be quite honest, it must be the best I have ever read. Considering I am nearing 40 and have been an avid reader since age 8, when I first picked up The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and just could not stop, that is saying something. As a man from this world's version of the Tauran Union, as a soldier and as a deep thinker, I love these books wholeheartedly. Truly this is the world as it is, and what must be done.
I read the electronic Advance Reader Copy (eARC) available on Baen's websote. The book itself will come out in August 2020. Great continuation of the series that started with A Desert Called Peace. Drama, tragedy, comedy, glorious failures and miraculous successes, it covers the whole range of human expression. War always does. The only thing I will add is that the epilogue was laugh out loud funny. I tried to read it slowly but was too damned good. Finished less than 12 hours after purchase.
Are you trying to out do Ringo? Where is the end? I really enjoyed this series, it was worth having to go back and re-read books six and seven to get caught back up with the story. But, damn it man, I at least wanted something like the end of Watch on the Rhine. When are the Earthpigs getting theirs? I haven't yet read one of Tom Kratman's book that I didn't thoroughly enjoy, and most of the time re-read because he is that good of a storyteller. Thank you, sir.
i have read all of the carrera series. humans have devoted themselves to perfecting war. all knowledge old or new is eventually directed to this end. once knowledge reaches a critical level the civilization embodied by it will self destruct. as long as good and evil balance each other life goes on. when either takes full control itis game over.
There was a several year gap between the prior book and this final (?) chapter in the Carerra Series. I would have liked a cleaner ending but Kratman left enough room for another sequel. It wasn't the best in the Series, but it also wasn't the worst. Overall, it was still a good investment of my reading time.
Kratman writes a well considered tale with a mix of intrigue, tactics, strategy and character development. It truly does look at deeper meanings and it entertains. I am already looking forward to more of his outstanding work.
Kind of sad to have finished it. But while the "main story" is wrapped up, there is still room in the Carreraverse for storytelling. I can't mention loose ends without spoilers, so.... Maybe there's another anthology soon? I can hope. :)
Carrera continues. Great read, militarily accurate. Characters are strong but believable. I have enjoyed the series and hope the next one concentrates on the next Alexander! Thank you Mr Kratman. Bravo Zulu
Excellent read. Ties up the series nicely. I hope there is another series in the works about the son. This is not a standalone book. You need to read most of the other books.
Carrerra's war continues, but now the tide has turned. Revolutionaries are turned lose in his enemies countries and finally he gets to strike at the earth planetary peace fleet. I could not put this book down.
I wish the series would come out with a new story in this series I have followed this series since it first ce put. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
A great nail biter of an ending. Sail ho To Earth! Enjoyed the quotes to no end. what a great writer to envelop the reader in a different world where blood can pay forward to freedom.
This book clearly ties up all the various storylines but does possibly open up a new series. Overall book was interesting and kept your attention. I hope the author either continues this series or start a New one based around earth
Thoroughly enjoyed this as Carrera takes the war to the next phase. He has started a rebellion in the Tauran Union, got the Zhong out of Balboa, and has attacked the UEPF directly. In each phase, Carrera has a master plan, but as the man himself said, some may say this was perfect but he knows he has made multiple mistakes, even avoidable ones.
Kratman is a great storyteller. Looking forward to book 9 and what he would do to take on Old Earth.