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Drop Trooper #6
Fire Base
Death stalks the edges of human space.
Cam Alvarez and Vicky Sandoval have pursued the renegade, Tahni Zan-Thint, to his refuge in the outlaw cartels of the Pirate Worlds. On a planet of endless ocean and volcanic fury, Zan-Thint is coming ever closer to learning the secrets of the ancient alien weapons he’s discovered.
And if Cam and Vicky can’t stop him, he’ll unleash the wrath of a long-dead civilization on all humanity.
Don't miss Book 6 in the Amazon Bestselling Drop Trooper series by Rick Partlow. It's Military Sci-Fi the way it's supposed to be!
Cam Alvarez and Vicky Sandoval have pursued the renegade, Tahni Zan-Thint, to his refuge in the outlaw cartels of the Pirate Worlds. On a planet of endless ocean and volcanic fury, Zan-Thint is coming ever closer to learning the secrets of the ancient alien weapons he’s discovered.
And if Cam and Vicky can’t stop him, he’ll unleash the wrath of a long-dead civilization on all humanity.
Don't miss Book 6 in the Amazon Bestselling Drop Trooper series by Rick Partlow. It's Military Sci-Fi the way it's supposed to be!
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2021
637 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Rick Partlow
207 books372 followersRick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 20, 2024
Well… where to start. First I would like to state this is a transition novel in the series. I saw the term used in other reviews and I can not agree more. What I take from the term “transition” is the book will share some growing pains with its readers. To be clear I love the series. It’s full of great space opera, sci-fi action, glorified dramatic battle scenes, and a sense of progress through each book. However Fire base has a shot gun blast of new content and twists that was a little overbearing in the overall plot. In any case I’ll start with the positives before I will go over my personal negatives.
Pros
Interesting Character Dynamics: I loved the intro setting of Cam and Vicky becoming less of a glorified war machine operators and more on the lines of covert spies. We got some of this “new direction” in the last book Homefront where Cam entered the life as farmer and defending his new life and purpose away from being Drop Trooper. It was a refreshing direction that the author Rick Partlow could take the series main characters in that direction. It would seem he could change them again in combing Drop Trooper/counter intelligence operator. All and all I like the dynamic twists in the books progression allowing the reader to not get bored with that same content within the dynamics of the main characters.
Gang Lore: In the begging of the series we learn Cam came from the gang ridden underground’s. That whole story was talked about throughout the books but there was no real depth look of futuristic/sci-fi gang lore besides the first book. In Fire Base you get the meat and juices of some of the crime empires and I found it very compelling especially when Cam was able to shine in negotiations skill in getting in with outlaws. It honestly gave the main character Cameron Alvarez more depth and made me more involved with his personal journey.
Decent Prospective Writing: While I am not a huge fan of the battle scenes or should I say I am a bit of a hit or miss when it comes to Cam describing his movements in battles. Sometimes they are a little confusing and other times he turns me into a page turner. That being said his overall perspective or POV is stellar and the majority of the time I am able to relate to what he feels and thinks. Rick Partlow is a very skilled author and he has a great ability in engaging with his readers. Especially with military affiliated readers. Personaly I am active duty SSgt in the Marines and most of what he says in this series checks in the Marine jargon and it is most appreciated. I encourage anyone reading this to read some of my highlights and you will see some of that great writing I am talking about.
Cons
Way Too Much, Way To Fast: I am sorry to say a-lot of the new twists and new focus points in this series is literally thrown at the reader. In my opinion there was no build up to the new enemy. I won’t give away the book on who they are but just know it’s a roller coaster with comprehending with who the predecessors are and what the actual hell is the artifacts. One moment the enemy is the Tahni renegades of General Zan-Thint hidden fleet and now it’s something entirely different. It was a little too much to handle in one book and I guess that’s why they call it growing pains.
Very Predictable: I hate to say it but I could predict almost every twist and turn. The ending 100% knew what was going to happen and all character deaths and injury’s was always foreseeable. It almost got corny in some scenes when you as the reader was just reading for fun in totally expecting what was next. In some scenes I wanted more carnage more deaths or torture and sadly I didn’t get that but that’s just my dark mind playing it’s worse.
With that being said it was not a bad read and I look forward to continuing the series. I just hope the next one will bring back the old war fighting scenes with a little less talking and more action. We shall see definitely within Rick Partlow’s writing wheel house.
-Alex
Pros
Interesting Character Dynamics: I loved the intro setting of Cam and Vicky becoming less of a glorified war machine operators and more on the lines of covert spies. We got some of this “new direction” in the last book Homefront where Cam entered the life as farmer and defending his new life and purpose away from being Drop Trooper. It was a refreshing direction that the author Rick Partlow could take the series main characters in that direction. It would seem he could change them again in combing Drop Trooper/counter intelligence operator. All and all I like the dynamic twists in the books progression allowing the reader to not get bored with that same content within the dynamics of the main characters.
Gang Lore: In the begging of the series we learn Cam came from the gang ridden underground’s. That whole story was talked about throughout the books but there was no real depth look of futuristic/sci-fi gang lore besides the first book. In Fire Base you get the meat and juices of some of the crime empires and I found it very compelling especially when Cam was able to shine in negotiations skill in getting in with outlaws. It honestly gave the main character Cameron Alvarez more depth and made me more involved with his personal journey.
Decent Prospective Writing: While I am not a huge fan of the battle scenes or should I say I am a bit of a hit or miss when it comes to Cam describing his movements in battles. Sometimes they are a little confusing and other times he turns me into a page turner. That being said his overall perspective or POV is stellar and the majority of the time I am able to relate to what he feels and thinks. Rick Partlow is a very skilled author and he has a great ability in engaging with his readers. Especially with military affiliated readers. Personaly I am active duty SSgt in the Marines and most of what he says in this series checks in the Marine jargon and it is most appreciated. I encourage anyone reading this to read some of my highlights and you will see some of that great writing I am talking about.
Cons
Way Too Much, Way To Fast: I am sorry to say a-lot of the new twists and new focus points in this series is literally thrown at the reader. In my opinion there was no build up to the new enemy. I won’t give away the book on who they are but just know it’s a roller coaster with comprehending with who the predecessors are and what the actual hell is the artifacts. One moment the enemy is the Tahni renegades of General Zan-Thint hidden fleet and now it’s something entirely different. It was a little too much to handle in one book and I guess that’s why they call it growing pains.
Very Predictable: I hate to say it but I could predict almost every twist and turn. The ending 100% knew what was going to happen and all character deaths and injury’s was always foreseeable. It almost got corny in some scenes when you as the reader was just reading for fun in totally expecting what was next. In some scenes I wanted more carnage more deaths or torture and sadly I didn’t get that but that’s just my dark mind playing it’s worse.
With that being said it was not a bad read and I look forward to continuing the series. I just hope the next one will bring back the old war fighting scenes with a little less talking and more action. We shall see definitely within Rick Partlow’s writing wheel house.
-Alex
September 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
December 30, 2021
The Tahni threat isn't over yet. Working with an old friend from the military, Cam and Vicky go to try to crush the newly growing army and keep the humans out of another war with the Tahni.
Great series, give it a go!
Great series, give it a go!
August 29, 2023
The story is very weak, the villains are very evil, but are considerate enough to show the heroes around their villain lair like in the worst James Bond.
Rick Partlow's war stories were quite good, but since the war is over, these sequels are abominably bad.
Rick Partlow's war stories were quite good, but since the war is over, these sequels are abominably bad.
January 20, 2024
An exciting continuation of the story of Cam and Vicky. This one was a real roller-coaster and I finished it in one day. On to the next adventure.
February 24, 2021
Another fun romp...
...in an action-y sort of way. Cam, the main character, is still an interesting guy to follow. The other characters still need filling out; but serve their limited purposes. The pacing is still perfect for the story, and the bits of mystery are still enticing, if not compelling. It's really more of a 3.5-3.75 star book; but certainly worth the read. Definitely more fun to read than most sci-fi on tv is to watch.
...in an action-y sort of way. Cam, the main character, is still an interesting guy to follow. The other characters still need filling out; but serve their limited purposes. The pacing is still perfect for the story, and the bits of mystery are still enticing, if not compelling. It's really more of a 3.5-3.75 star book; but certainly worth the read. Definitely more fun to read than most sci-fi on tv is to watch.
December 5, 2022
This one I liked a little bit less, than the previous books, but that still means I liked it a lot. I see how the little detour in the story arc had to come full circle (or whatever is it that arcs do) and I look forward to the continuation of the story. So, this book felt like what it really is, a transition. Therefore I'm giving it 3 stars and I'm sure I'll continue with the next book quite soon. But now, I need a little break and read something else for a while.
June 27, 2021
Wow!
I honestly don't know how this series just keeps getting better, but it does. This one was different yet again, totally new and cool elements introduced. (Trying so hard not to give spoilers, sorry if it accidentally sounds generic) I'm still seeing the crazy cool fight scenes in my head, still saying wow! Looking forward to #7.
I honestly don't know how this series just keeps getting better, but it does. This one was different yet again, totally new and cool elements introduced. (Trying so hard not to give spoilers, sorry if it accidentally sounds generic) I'm still seeing the crazy cool fight scenes in my head, still saying wow! Looking forward to #7.
March 20, 2022
Nicely done, recruited by the Corporate Security Force to hunt down the artifact and the renegade Tahni general, Cam and Vicky has to team up with a new team, get into shady deals and fight their way out of the unique situations they tend to fall into.
Action packed as usual with the last couple of chapters sure to set your heart raising with the fight sequences.
Definitely one for the year.
Action packed as usual with the last couple of chapters sure to set your heart raising with the fight sequences.
Definitely one for the year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2022
A bit disjointed
It's an interesting follow on from the previous books and the ending when you get there is no real surprise, I just found the whole story jumped around too much, one minute they are spies, the next ex-marines.
No idea how anyone would think Wade was suited as mission commander, but thankfully Alvarez steps in/up and runs the show
It's an interesting follow on from the previous books and the ending when you get there is no real surprise, I just found the whole story jumped around too much, one minute they are spies, the next ex-marines.
No idea how anyone would think Wade was suited as mission commander, but thankfully Alvarez steps in/up and runs the show
February 20, 2021
Great storyline
Wow what a great storyline well worth 5 stars looking forward to the next episode due out in June.. Now that they are back in proper drop suits they should stand better chances lol
Wow what a great storyline well worth 5 stars looking forward to the next episode due out in June.. Now that they are back in proper drop suits they should stand better chances lol
July 27, 2021
More unexpected changes
While avoiding spoilers I'll say that life continues to be complicated for Cam & Vicky as they find out more about the new enemy. Although I started to expect some of the ending before the book ended.
While avoiding spoilers I'll say that life continues to be complicated for Cam & Vicky as they find out more about the new enemy. Although I started to expect some of the ending before the book ended.
August 27, 2022
So tired of hearing how worried he is about Vicky every 30 seconds.
December 1, 2022
That was awesome.
I wondered how this was going to continue since the war was over. Now I know. Give them another enemy and another war. Can't wait to read the next one.
I wondered how this was going to continue since the war was over. Now I know. Give them another enemy and another war. Can't wait to read the next one.
March 15, 2021
Another great read from one of my favorite authors. I have only read thirteen of the forty-three books Mr. Partlow has written, but I'm probably going to read each one some day or another. He's one of the very best military science fiction authors I have read. In this book with continue with Cameron and Vicky Alvarez, Marines who just happened to become farmers on the planet Hausos. It didn't work out so well as you know from the previous book, "Danger Close". Some Tahni rogue General, Zan-Thint, had acquired an ancient weapons of some sorts and was carrying it around before attempting to use it on the good guys. Cam and Vicky found out they didn't like farming all that much so when Wade Cunningham showed up on planet Hausos and they found out he was pursuing this Tahni, they agreed to join him and become part of the Corporate Security Force. Not exactly Marines again, but at least they got their combat mechs called Vigilantes back and could defend themselves a lot better now.
They have now tracked the Tahni General to one of the Pirate Worlds, Bathala. This place was largely a volcanic wasteland with nothing going for it, but, well volcanoes! Most of the land that didn't have a gigantic volcano on it were islands and it was believed that the Tahni had set up a base on one of these islands. But, to get on the planet so they could operate, they had to have a cover. They planned to meet with a pirate gang/family called the Kurotang and pretend to be mercenaries for hire. Essentially, they were spies for the Corporate Council and if that was every found out by the pirates, they wouldn't be leaving this planet alive, ever! They were definitely taking some risks but the Corporate Council was footing the bill and had given Cam, Vicky and Wade their almost military grade Vigilantes to convince the pirates that they could be of use.
Sure enough, they get hired right off the bat to do a mission for the Kurotang, but that of course means their going to have to go against one of the other pirate families. Once they've done that, then there will be the revenge thing that the pissed-off pirate family will fee the need to extract! It's not going to be a safe place on Bathala once they get to doing their thing, and they haven't even located the Tahni, yet.
It just so happens that the Kurotong do know the whereabouts of the Tahni. So, Cam, Vicky and Wade start putting together a plan on how to get to that island and find out what General Zan-Thint is up to. This is where all the trouble starts. They do ally with a information trader in Bathala City who seems completely out of place. Cam and Vicky kind of wonder about this guy, but it turns out he's not at all what they expected and he's very good for them to have around. What is not good is wha they find the Tahni up to and what that secret ancient weapon will do. It unleashes un-holy hell and now they have some idea of how the ancient Predecessors were wiped out. The only problem now is that Cam, Vicky, Wade and every living soul on Bathala are going to be wiped out just the same. If these wapons/things get loose in the rest of the universe, a whole lot of humans and aliens are going to be wiped-out.
So, it looks like there's another war coming. Will Cam and Vicky be a part of it? And, just how do they manage to get back into the Marines? The Marines apparently aren't done with them as you'll find out and that will lead to a lot more stories in the future. These are good stories with some great characters and easy reading. The action is exciting and keeps moving along in the book. I've been reading these books pretty fast because they are so interesting and the writing so smooth.
I'm on to the next one, "Shock Action", which appears to be up for pre-order and appears to be available on or about 15 June 2021! That's not too bad a wait!
They have now tracked the Tahni General to one of the Pirate Worlds, Bathala. This place was largely a volcanic wasteland with nothing going for it, but, well volcanoes! Most of the land that didn't have a gigantic volcano on it were islands and it was believed that the Tahni had set up a base on one of these islands. But, to get on the planet so they could operate, they had to have a cover. They planned to meet with a pirate gang/family called the Kurotang and pretend to be mercenaries for hire. Essentially, they were spies for the Corporate Council and if that was every found out by the pirates, they wouldn't be leaving this planet alive, ever! They were definitely taking some risks but the Corporate Council was footing the bill and had given Cam, Vicky and Wade their almost military grade Vigilantes to convince the pirates that they could be of use.
Sure enough, they get hired right off the bat to do a mission for the Kurotang, but that of course means their going to have to go against one of the other pirate families. Once they've done that, then there will be the revenge thing that the pissed-off pirate family will fee the need to extract! It's not going to be a safe place on Bathala once they get to doing their thing, and they haven't even located the Tahni, yet.
It just so happens that the Kurotong do know the whereabouts of the Tahni. So, Cam, Vicky and Wade start putting together a plan on how to get to that island and find out what General Zan-Thint is up to. This is where all the trouble starts. They do ally with a information trader in Bathala City who seems completely out of place. Cam and Vicky kind of wonder about this guy, but it turns out he's not at all what they expected and he's very good for them to have around. What is not good is wha they find the Tahni up to and what that secret ancient weapon will do. It unleashes un-holy hell and now they have some idea of how the ancient Predecessors were wiped out. The only problem now is that Cam, Vicky, Wade and every living soul on Bathala are going to be wiped out just the same. If these wapons/things get loose in the rest of the universe, a whole lot of humans and aliens are going to be wiped-out.
So, it looks like there's another war coming. Will Cam and Vicky be a part of it? And, just how do they manage to get back into the Marines? The Marines apparently aren't done with them as you'll find out and that will lead to a lot more stories in the future. These are good stories with some great characters and easy reading. The action is exciting and keeps moving along in the book. I've been reading these books pretty fast because they are so interesting and the writing so smooth.
I'm on to the next one, "Shock Action", which appears to be up for pre-order and appears to be available on or about 15 June 2021! That's not too bad a wait!
May 3, 2025
surprise end
I enjoyed reading the drop trooper series years ago but stopped a book or two before this one, & recently started from the 1st story, I wondered where he would take it after the war had finished, I didn’t hold much hope for the future because of previous bad stories from different authors, but I really enjoyed this book, it’s a solid continuation with our favourite drop trooper’s, if you haven’t read all the stories I recommend you do in order, then you can see why Cam makes the decisions he dose, I like the cast of characters, & when some die I felt sad, if you like this type of story I recommend this one & “Wholesale Slaughter” series, which I hope he returns to that series & makes a prequel, & a sequel, I recommend the “Drop Trooper” series & I have already purchased the next 4 books.
I enjoyed reading the drop trooper series years ago but stopped a book or two before this one, & recently started from the 1st story, I wondered where he would take it after the war had finished, I didn’t hold much hope for the future because of previous bad stories from different authors, but I really enjoyed this book, it’s a solid continuation with our favourite drop trooper’s, if you haven’t read all the stories I recommend you do in order, then you can see why Cam makes the decisions he dose, I like the cast of characters, & when some die I felt sad, if you like this type of story I recommend this one & “Wholesale Slaughter” series, which I hope he returns to that series & makes a prequel, & a sequel, I recommend the “Drop Trooper” series & I have already purchased the next 4 books.
February 21, 2024
Book 6
Book 6 had errors throughout and was an okay read. The plot and characters continue to look for the alien from previous books. They end up on a different planet and encounter a new enemy. The characters are predictable and there is a lot of back and forth between events. The plot is a bit slow and has the MC running around trying to find answers. I'm not sure if I'll read book 7 as book 6 if left on a somewhat cliffhanger.
Book 6 had errors throughout and was an okay read. The plot and characters continue to look for the alien from previous books. They end up on a different planet and encounter a new enemy. The characters are predictable and there is a lot of back and forth between events. The plot is a bit slow and has the MC running around trying to find answers. I'm not sure if I'll read book 7 as book 6 if left on a somewhat cliffhanger.
December 15, 2024
Yes, another good action story
I won't keep repeating the same thing. I like Rick's style and his action scenes play out in your imagination like a Star Wars CGI scene. I will be reading the next story and will no doubt enjoy it just as much as these first ones. Well done Rick. Keep at it.
I won't keep repeating the same thing. I like Rick's style and his action scenes play out in your imagination like a Star Wars CGI scene. I will be reading the next story and will no doubt enjoy it just as much as these first ones. Well done Rick. Keep at it.
February 21, 2021
Another great entry to the Drop Trooper series
Another fun, disaster paced adventure for our favorite Drop Trooper! Rick elevates his stories with great characters that actually act like people.
As always, enjoyed reading this, and look forward to the next book!
Another fun, disaster paced adventure for our favorite Drop Trooper! Rick elevates his stories with great characters that actually act like people.
As always, enjoyed reading this, and look forward to the next book!
February 23, 2021
Good read
Another well written addition to this series. We found answers to prior questions in the series while new ones are settling in. And don’t forget the action! Never a disappointment!!!
Another well written addition to this series. We found answers to prior questions in the series while new ones are settling in. And don’t forget the action! Never a disappointment!!!
February 28, 2021
Solid entry
I really like these books. This one started a bit slower than the last few. I’m more of a fan of military action. The latter half of the book really picks up, so stick with it.
I really like these books. This one started a bit slower than the last few. I’m more of a fan of military action. The latter half of the book really picks up, so stick with it.
March 2, 2021
Another one out of the park!!!
Add some Hard hitting fast action -edge of your seat suspense -some twists and turns with a little snark and what do you have?? Another hit by Partlow,watch your finger-tips they might blister from turning the pages!!
Add some Hard hitting fast action -edge of your seat suspense -some twists and turns with a little snark and what do you have?? Another hit by Partlow,watch your finger-tips they might blister from turning the pages!!
March 10, 2021
A great continuation of a great series
As they say, hold onto your seats and get ready for a wild ride. This book in the Drop Trooper series presents a whole new series of problems to be solved and reunites old friends.
As they say, hold onto your seats and get ready for a wild ride. This book in the Drop Trooper series presents a whole new series of problems to be solved and reunites old friends.
March 16, 2021
Great book
Now this was vastly better than book 5. I enjoyed the mystery and spy elements, the subterfuge and eventual action and plot twists. The enemy is an amalgamation of two famous movie enemies so that's pretty cool. Looking forward to book 7.
Now this was vastly better than book 5. I enjoyed the mystery and spy elements, the subterfuge and eventual action and plot twists. The enemy is an amalgamation of two famous movie enemies so that's pretty cool. Looking forward to book 7.
March 17, 2021
Excellent escapist sci-fi Great character development. I was surprised to learn that Mr. Partlow is a Florida Southern alum and former Army officer, as I too went to FSC (‘81) and obtained my commission through their RTOC program. Big galaxy, small world.
March 30, 2021
A good addition to the series
Characters we know, a lot of action, a few plot twist and couple of surprises... what's not to like?
I read this on my treadmill and it kept me walking.
Characters we know, a lot of action, a few plot twist and couple of surprises... what's not to like?
I read this on my treadmill and it kept me walking.
April 14, 2021
Drop Trooper books are captivating reading!
Once you get to reading, you have a difficult time putting the book down! Lots of all types of action and plot twists and turns. Military sci-fi at its best.😁
Once you get to reading, you have a difficult time putting the book down! Lots of all types of action and plot twists and turns. Military sci-fi at its best.😁
August 29, 2021
Generally I have enjoyed this series, but this gets off to a slow start and I put it aside for several months before picking it back up and finishing. The second half gets going again, and I will read the next one in the series, so worth persevering with
November 22, 2021
Apart from a couple of battles, the majority of this book was so boring, I was barely able to finish it. I'm not a big fan of having Cam and Vickie out of the Marines, being farmers. Nor was it particularly interesting to have them working with a mobster clan.
November 30, 2021
Not getting Old
Sometimes a story series like this starts to look like another one you've read before. This, not. The bits are there, but , together they make something totally different. These bits are interesting enough on there own. I want to see what comes out in the end.
Sometimes a story series like this starts to look like another one you've read before. This, not. The bits are there, but , together they make something totally different. These bits are interesting enough on there own. I want to see what comes out in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews