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Privateer Tales #19
Black Cutlass
He thought the bloodshed was over. The true terror is just beginning…
Captain Liam Hoffen has no time to relax after defeating the Mendari. Hastily organizing an expedition to their home world, he brings his beleaguered crew across the stars to install the new leadership. But as soon as he arrives, a massive prototype warship slices into their path and threatens the entire mission.
After a daring confrontation, Hoffen pushes through to the planet. But once there, he discovers a terrifying weapon of mass destruction was launched at the end of the war. And the Mendari people are mind-controlled from revealing any secrets… including its deadly course.
Can Hoffen break through the horrific mental manipulation and stop an apocalyptic attack?
Black Cutlass is the nineteenth standalone novel in the galaxy-spanning Privateer Tales military science fiction series. If you like desperate heroes, fast-paced action, and explosive battles, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s thrilling space opera.
Buy Black Cutlass to voyage into danger today!
Captain Liam Hoffen has no time to relax after defeating the Mendari. Hastily organizing an expedition to their home world, he brings his beleaguered crew across the stars to install the new leadership. But as soon as he arrives, a massive prototype warship slices into their path and threatens the entire mission.
After a daring confrontation, Hoffen pushes through to the planet. But once there, he discovers a terrifying weapon of mass destruction was launched at the end of the war. And the Mendari people are mind-controlled from revealing any secrets… including its deadly course.
Can Hoffen break through the horrific mental manipulation and stop an apocalyptic attack?
Black Cutlass is the nineteenth standalone novel in the galaxy-spanning Privateer Tales military science fiction series. If you like desperate heroes, fast-paced action, and explosive battles, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s thrilling space opera.
Buy Black Cutlass to voyage into danger today!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2020
250 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 11, 2023
Another really enjoyable read.
September 16, 2020
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
"Principles for first dates and those for sailing in dangerous waters are the same," Ada said. "Don't be predictable and make sure you have plenty of time for evasive maneuvers."
Oh, it was great to be back with the gang again. Although, I have to admit, at first I didn't think this one could possibly live up to the last instalment in the series. And maybe it didn't quite (that last one was a doozy), but by the end of the book, I was sold on the continuing story arc.
Who the heck pissed in Noah's boot? I do not like that man. How Silver could raise two different boys, I don't know. But it does make for a good story.
I loved reading Prajna's lines again.
"I'm caps of my own glidey," Prajna said. "Ferments not so difficult."
And some of the new characters joining the line-up aren't so bad, either.
"Very strange. I feel that you are not very good at being an evil overlord."
Marny, Nick and Ada are their usual great selves. And then there's Tabby. Still not 100% on Tabb's side. I think Liam deserves better. But that's just me.
A great addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next one. Hurry up and write, Mr McFarlane. No pressure! ;)
"Principles for first dates and those for sailing in dangerous waters are the same," Ada said. "Don't be predictable and make sure you have plenty of time for evasive maneuvers."
Oh, it was great to be back with the gang again. Although, I have to admit, at first I didn't think this one could possibly live up to the last instalment in the series. And maybe it didn't quite (that last one was a doozy), but by the end of the book, I was sold on the continuing story arc.
Who the heck pissed in Noah's boot? I do not like that man. How Silver could raise two different boys, I don't know. But it does make for a good story.
I loved reading Prajna's lines again.
"I'm caps of my own glidey," Prajna said. "Ferments not so difficult."
And some of the new characters joining the line-up aren't so bad, either.
"Very strange. I feel that you are not very good at being an evil overlord."
Marny, Nick and Ada are their usual great selves. And then there's Tabby. Still not 100% on Tabb's side. I think Liam deserves better. But that's just me.
A great addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next one. Hurry up and write, Mr McFarlane. No pressure! ;)
September 19, 2020
Captain Liam is back, fighting and then saving an alien race. In return, they give him a shiny new starship to race around the galaxies saving an old friend, or should I say a group of friends.
December 28, 2021
Great series!
I have read Privateer Tales from book one. Now, 19 books later I am still enthralled. Not many series maintain the quality of story telling, the ability to shift and generate story arcs so seamlessly.
I have read Privateer Tales from book one. Now, 19 books later I am still enthralled. Not many series maintain the quality of story telling, the ability to shift and generate story arcs so seamlessly.
April 16, 2021
I've read some bad books, but this might be one of the worst. I can't imagine how someone could enjoy the train wreck this series has become.
Idiot plot is so thick and heavy in this book, and the author has required Liam to play the role of idiot. It is blatant with no attempt at a subtle hand. The only way Noah can be what he turned into is for Liam to be beyond an idiot and act out of character. It is actually quite offensive that the author thinks it is passable and something no one would pick up on. Granted going off other ratings most readers don't seem to notice it.
I have 0 interest in the chapters from Liam's brother Noah's perspective. He has never been a likable character, and his chapters drag on forever. They interrupt what would otherwise be a well paced book. The bull shit that comes up in these chapters is painful to slog through. They are ruining what would otherwise be a pretty great book. I could go on about how bad this is for two thousand words, but it would only be beating a dead horse. I have enjoyed everything about this novel, but these chapters have brought it from five stars to one star. Every time they come up I just want to skip to the next chapter.
I have disliked this book more than any other I've read in this series...and that is really saying a lot. I think this might finally be the one that brings it to a close for me. This book is the latest published novel at this time, and I have no interest in knowing more about the characters in later books. The author can't be trusted to make believable and feasible plots within the bounds of the created characters. This just means the author can't be trusted, and it is more frustration than it is worth.
Everything that happens involving Noah is so remarkably unbelievable it instantly brings me out of the story. I can't enjoy the book because I want to stop reading every time Noah comes up. It might be the worst case of an author forcing something uncharacteristic I've ever ran across. There is a entire cast of competent and remarkable characters, but they have all had their stupid level cranked up to impossible levels when it comes to Noah. It is a cheap and poorly done plot, and it is only possible by ruining a cast of characters who are otherwise enjoyable.
Idiot plot is so thick and heavy in this book, and the author has required Liam to play the role of idiot. It is blatant with no attempt at a subtle hand. The only way Noah can be what he turned into is for Liam to be beyond an idiot and act out of character. It is actually quite offensive that the author thinks it is passable and something no one would pick up on. Granted going off other ratings most readers don't seem to notice it.
I have 0 interest in the chapters from Liam's brother Noah's perspective. He has never been a likable character, and his chapters drag on forever. They interrupt what would otherwise be a well paced book. The bull shit that comes up in these chapters is painful to slog through. They are ruining what would otherwise be a pretty great book. I could go on about how bad this is for two thousand words, but it would only be beating a dead horse. I have enjoyed everything about this novel, but these chapters have brought it from five stars to one star. Every time they come up I just want to skip to the next chapter.
I have disliked this book more than any other I've read in this series...and that is really saying a lot. I think this might finally be the one that brings it to a close for me. This book is the latest published novel at this time, and I have no interest in knowing more about the characters in later books. The author can't be trusted to make believable and feasible plots within the bounds of the created characters. This just means the author can't be trusted, and it is more frustration than it is worth.
Everything that happens involving Noah is so remarkably unbelievable it instantly brings me out of the story. I can't enjoy the book because I want to stop reading every time Noah comes up. It might be the worst case of an author forcing something uncharacteristic I've ever ran across. There is a entire cast of competent and remarkable characters, but they have all had their stupid level cranked up to impossible levels when it comes to Noah. It is a cheap and poorly done plot, and it is only possible by ruining a cast of characters who are otherwise enjoyable.
April 5, 2021
Okay, it's official. I just binged all 19 books in Jamie MacFarlane's Privateer Tales series and now I'll have to go through withdrawal awaiting Book 20, which should be out later this year. Heavy sigh.
All of these books are stand alone novels but they really are best read in order as the characters grow and develop in each new book. I'm pretty sure I gave them all 5 stars, mostly because they are so incredibly fun to read. There's plenty of action and excitement to move things along but there's also plenty of good, zippy dialogue to add spice and humor to the mix. Add an ability to make living in space feel real and you have a truly masterful series of books that will hook you like a trout hitting a well cast fly.
As for me, I'm on to his Junkyard Pirate series next (I've already ordered the first 3 books).
All of these books are stand alone novels but they really are best read in order as the characters grow and develop in each new book. I'm pretty sure I gave them all 5 stars, mostly because they are so incredibly fun to read. There's plenty of action and excitement to move things along but there's also plenty of good, zippy dialogue to add spice and humor to the mix. Add an ability to make living in space feel real and you have a truly masterful series of books that will hook you like a trout hitting a well cast fly.
As for me, I'm on to his Junkyard Pirate series next (I've already ordered the first 3 books).
September 3, 2020
Jamie does it again!
Jaime just keeps getting bette and better. The story arcs and the way he knits each book together reminds me of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. Also the same feeling of glee when I get my hands on the new installment of each series.
I am looking forward to the next one!
P.S to the editor, there were a few instances where the pov jumped from third person using spoken dialogue referring to "I" immediately followed by Liam, replying in first person and taking on the habitual viewpoint: a minor issue and this is the first time it's happened ! Just if you were curious about that
Jaime just keeps getting bette and better. The story arcs and the way he knits each book together reminds me of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. Also the same feeling of glee when I get my hands on the new installment of each series.
I am looking forward to the next one!
P.S to the editor, there were a few instances where the pov jumped from third person using spoken dialogue referring to "I" immediately followed by Liam, replying in first person and taking on the habitual viewpoint: a minor issue and this is the first time it's happened ! Just if you were curious about that
October 24, 2020
Big John
I've read the whole series, couldn't put the books down. Although I'm not a space expert I do love a good story. Jamie has a skill that created multiple characters and aloud them to grow and develop as in real life, some good and some bad. Laim a true leader, Nick a loyal confident, Manny a warrior, a friend , and a stabilizing teacher who became second in command. Tabby a childhood sweetheart and grown up lover who was wounded, mechanically rebuilt, with a mind of her own and tough to manage. Aby, orphaned and adrift in space and the third in command. To know more you need to read the books.
I've read the whole series, couldn't put the books down. Although I'm not a space expert I do love a good story. Jamie has a skill that created multiple characters and aloud them to grow and develop as in real life, some good and some bad. Laim a true leader, Nick a loyal confident, Manny a warrior, a friend , and a stabilizing teacher who became second in command. Tabby a childhood sweetheart and grown up lover who was wounded, mechanically rebuilt, with a mind of her own and tough to manage. Aby, orphaned and adrift in space and the third in command. To know more you need to read the books.
March 20, 2021
Captain Liam Hoffen and friends are on a mission to save the Mendari people and add them to the House of the Bold after their fleet’s surrender. But when his ship arrives at their home world, they’re met by a huge warship run by a contingent of emaciated and ill youths who’ve been bred to follow commands. It’s this same way with the citizens on the planet. Most of their resources have gone to the warriors, who’d lost the decisive battle. Now it’s up to Liam and his crew to get these skilled survivors in shape to defend their territories against another threat. It’s fun to be back with old friends in this latest installment of the Privateer Tale series.
February 18, 2021
The End??
I'll leave it to the reader to decide if this is truly the end of the "19" book series. I'm not trying to spoil things. If you have gotten as far as number 19 then it goes without saying that you have enjoyed the story. If the reader started at one then you enjoyed it a lot. There are plenty of specialised space warfare books that ( perhaps) describe space battles better, but one cannot critique only on that basis. The total of these 19 books should be marked somewhere near 100% in the good reading index.
I'll leave it to the reader to decide if this is truly the end of the "19" book series. I'm not trying to spoil things. If you have gotten as far as number 19 then it goes without saying that you have enjoyed the story. If the reader started at one then you enjoyed it a lot. There are plenty of specialised space warfare books that ( perhaps) describe space battles better, but one cannot critique only on that basis. The total of these 19 books should be marked somewhere near 100% in the good reading index.
May 29, 2022
WOW!
Adventure and treachery abound. Silicate robot warriors and suicidal spider people are just a few of the highlights. Here’s a quote from the last part of the book: “"Conflict is built in with people. It's basic to our nature. Survival wouldn't be possible without it. We start by competing with animals for food. We compete with others for natural resources. Eventually, sane people realize that conflict requires peacemakers."”
— Black Cutlass (Privateer Tales Book 19) by Jamie McFarlane
https://a.co/2nC6xWZ
Adventure and treachery abound. Silicate robot warriors and suicidal spider people are just a few of the highlights. Here’s a quote from the last part of the book: “"Conflict is built in with people. It's basic to our nature. Survival wouldn't be possible without it. We start by competing with animals for food. We compete with others for natural resources. Eventually, sane people realize that conflict requires peacemakers."”
— Black Cutlass (Privateer Tales Book 19) by Jamie McFarlane
https://a.co/2nC6xWZ
August 9, 2020
WOW, This is another great book by Jamie McFarland. It has got to be hard to keep a good series going,but he is doing a fantastic job. Do not get this book, if you want to leave it and come back to it, because you will not want to set this book down. Jamie’s books are the most addictive thing you can read, as you want to immediately go for the next one. Things for another great book, Jamie. I just hope you can keep them going and not burn your self out.
August 12, 2020
Great new story
New and improved ship, old crew to save the day. Seems like the whole book is to setup the next book. Not liking the pogona influence on little brother but I have to trust that you know what you're doing. Waiting for the Strix shoe to drop along with kifeda looming large in the future. Great job but too short of a book. Now I have to wait again for the next book. Barely a day's read.
New and improved ship, old crew to save the day. Seems like the whole book is to setup the next book. Not liking the pogona influence on little brother but I have to trust that you know what you're doing. Waiting for the Strix shoe to drop along with kifeda looming large in the future. Great job but too short of a book. Now I have to wait again for the next book. Barely a day's read.
March 4, 2021
Jamie McFarland nails it yet again in this latest and hopefully not final installment of the Privateer Tales series. Great character development and plot twists galore. And done so in a way that you are in the room and mind of the character. Privateer tales is a Space Opera of epic proportions and of the finest example. Yes I'm unabashedly a fan. Now waiting and hoping for yet another "story for another time..."
August 15, 2020
Very good series
I have enjoyed every book in this series. The only thing I don’t like is how long it takes the author to write the next one. By the time the next book comes out, you have forgotten some of the previous details. Otherwise, I think you will enjoy the books and I recommend them.
I have enjoyed every book in this series. The only thing I don’t like is how long it takes the author to write the next one. By the time the next book comes out, you have forgotten some of the previous details. Otherwise, I think you will enjoy the books and I recommend them.
March 28, 2021
Mostly enjoyable
The last third feels rushed and somewhat contrived. Too many plot points crammed into too little time.Also the ships of the Kifeda incursion fleet were left one dimensional, with no personality or apparent will at all, essentially walking into the blasters of Noah's fleet.
The last third feels rushed and somewhat contrived. Too many plot points crammed into too little time.Also the ships of the Kifeda incursion fleet were left one dimensional, with no personality or apparent will at all, essentially walking into the blasters of Noah's fleet.
May 5, 2021
The story continues for our heroes and begins another great adventure for Liam, Tabby, and the rest of the gang. Blockade Runner keeps you reading and then when you get to the end, it leaves you wanting more. Go ahead get this series and be ready to take off to another universe. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!
August 16, 2021
Privateer Tales excellent sci-fi action series.
I have just finished all 19 of the Privateer Tales. What an imagination Jamie McFarlane has, as the entire series had me from the first book.I was not able to stop reading until I ran out of books. If you are a sci-fi fan and enjoy ongoing action then by all means read this series. Great read.
I have just finished all 19 of the Privateer Tales. What an imagination Jamie McFarlane has, as the entire series had me from the first book.I was not able to stop reading until I ran out of books. If you are a sci-fi fan and enjoy ongoing action then by all means read this series. Great read.
December 19, 2024
Whiplash!
Following the story line is crazy. Mental whiplash is an understatement!
Readers should definitely start with the first Privateer story to enjoy the full flavor of McFarlane’s character development. Possible to start anywhere in series but seriously you won’t regret starting at the beginning.
Following the story line is crazy. Mental whiplash is an understatement!
Readers should definitely start with the first Privateer story to enjoy the full flavor of McFarlane’s character development. Possible to start anywhere in series but seriously you won’t regret starting at the beginning.
August 9, 2020
Another great tale
Superb, as always...though I really really do not like the direction of Noah'a tale. This was much better than the previous two novels. I hope this is a sign the stories will be getting back on track.
Superb, as always...though I really really do not like the direction of Noah'a tale. This was much better than the previous two novels. I hope this is a sign the stories will be getting back on track.
August 10, 2020
Much fun
Liam and Co are again up to their ears in troublems, squeaking from one potential disaster to another, all while attempting to rescue the needy...
A good story, well written.
Liam and Co are again up to their ears in troublems, squeaking from one potential disaster to another, all while attempting to rescue the needy...
A good story, well written.
August 11, 2020
Complexity goes nuclear as Liam and Company save the day! Again.
Too many competing subplots make this story less enjoyable than most novels in the series. Even the great Liam Hoffen should try not to take on more than one unbeatable foe at a time.
Too many competing subplots make this story less enjoyable than most novels in the series. Even the great Liam Hoffen should try not to take on more than one unbeatable foe at a time.
August 22, 2020
Back on target
Story is finally back on the path of the heart of the saga. Last 2 books were disappointing but this brings back the story we love. Looking forward to reading more of the series. Highly recommend to fans of Privateer Tales.
Story is finally back on the path of the heart of the saga. Last 2 books were disappointing but this brings back the story we love. Looking forward to reading more of the series. Highly recommend to fans of Privateer Tales.
August 28, 2020
Most excellent!
I'm always impressed with the amount of trouble that the Bold can find themselves stepping in. For the most part, things here run according to plan, then... well, there's a new player in the board. The trouble is coming from an unexpected source.
C'mon book 20!
I'm always impressed with the amount of trouble that the Bold can find themselves stepping in. For the most part, things here run according to plan, then... well, there's a new player in the board. The trouble is coming from an unexpected source.
C'mon book 20!
August 28, 2020
Love this series. Trying something new - having Alexa read it to me from Kindle when I’m driving. It works well but makes the book finish way fast.
Keep writing these amazing stories because the privateer universe just keeps getting better and better.
Keep writing these amazing stories because the privateer universe just keeps getting better and better.
October 10, 2020
Audio book review. 19 books in and the story is fresh and edge of my seat page turner. Also narrator is one of the best Story Tellers around. Not just a reader of books out loud, a "Story Teller". Thanks
February 4, 2021
The ending of this story seemed rushed and the story itself is repetative of all they other storyines in this series. It would have been nice to have something different other then find a new enemy race, defeat enemy race and save save helpless race.
March 31, 2021
Great series...
This a great series...quick action with lots of twists and turn...difficult to put down...anxiously waiting for more, soon....read and enjoy...escape into a different world...
This a great series...quick action with lots of twists and turn...difficult to put down...anxiously waiting for more, soon....read and enjoy...escape into a different world...
June 8, 2022
Black Cutlass
This is the 19th book in the Privateer Tales by Jamie McFarlane. These stories only get better. This is a rip roaring action-packed series that just increases the excitement again. If you like sci-fi, this book will not disappoint.
This is the 19th book in the Privateer Tales by Jamie McFarlane. These stories only get better. This is a rip roaring action-packed series that just increases the excitement again. If you like sci-fi, this book will not disappoint.
February 20, 2023
Great read...
Another great book in the series of books. I'm just loving all of these main characters and all the books. And I'm bummed out because I know the book I'm fixing to start is the 20th and last book in the series. I'm really gonna miss this series and the characters.
Another great book in the series of books. I'm just loving all of these main characters and all the books. And I'm bummed out because I know the book I'm fixing to start is the 20th and last book in the series. I'm really gonna miss this series and the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews