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Space Assassins #5
Hozark's Revenge
Revenge. Hot or cold, it was about to be served by a professional. And this one had a bone to pick. Hozark may have survived countless attempts on not only his own life, but those of his friends and colleagues, but it had come at a cost. And while he may have miraculously walked away from certain death on more than one occasion, the master assassin was not one to forget. And sooner or later, everyone’s time would come.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2020
13 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Scott Baron
55 books294 followersScott Baron is an American author with a penchant for oddball stories with O. Henry-esque twists.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 20, 2024
May 2024 reread:
The last time I read this series, I read the e-book as an ARC. This time I listened to the audiobook, although I followed along with the ebook when I could. Both experiences were enjoyable and I decided that I really love this series, but I also acknowledge that it occupies a unique niche of stories that is part sci-fi, part fantasy, part space opera, and part quirky. There is an element of dry humor that runs throughout the series. My initial impression of this series was that the first novella is a bit dry, but I think it was the oddness of the idea of vampire assassins who are the good ideas that kept me reading. My husband has only read the first novella, and he wasn't sold on the series. The second book was better as it introduced what has turned out to be some of my favorite side characters. By the time I hit the third book, I was thoroughly hooked by this universe. I loved the way this series ended and I am now starting the series about Bawb (who is briefly mentioned at the end of this book) and enjoying that as well. If you're looking for something a little different, give this book a try, but read past the first novella to decide it if it's for you.
Original Review:
5 stars
This was a very satisfying ending to the series and I was happy to see that my radar on one of the characters was totally correct, although I did not figure out who this person could have been. The story continues as Hozark and his crew continue to search for Henni, Visla Jinnik, and Maktan. There are separate threads as Bud works with the Space Pirates to seek out Henni, Hozark and Demelza search for clues of Maktan, and Henni and Jinnik are imprisoned together and using the most of their time together. I love how each part was equally interesting to me and I never felt like I was trying to while away my time through any of the threads. I also loved how he eventually brought all the threads together into an epic battle that was so well done! I absolutely do not want to reveal any spoilers, but I will say that the surprise ending was not a complete surprise, although how he explained the motivations of this villain was pretty clever and totally in keeping with all the various jockeying of positions in the council. I also love how he handled Hozark and Samara's relationship and what ended up happening with it. I grew to love every member of the crew with the exception of one, but of course I didn't like this person from the beginning so that was okay. Overall, I love how Hozark began the series as someone who worked alone and who didn't like children to the man that he became by the end. This was truly a fun series and perhaps I will check out the audio version of it in the future, but I really enjoyed reading these. I may have to check out his other series set in this universe. If you enjoy space opera or you enjoy RPGs, you should definitely check this series out. It's a bit quirky, but it's highly enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The last time I read this series, I read the e-book as an ARC. This time I listened to the audiobook, although I followed along with the ebook when I could. Both experiences were enjoyable and I decided that I really love this series, but I also acknowledge that it occupies a unique niche of stories that is part sci-fi, part fantasy, part space opera, and part quirky. There is an element of dry humor that runs throughout the series. My initial impression of this series was that the first novella is a bit dry, but I think it was the oddness of the idea of vampire assassins who are the good ideas that kept me reading. My husband has only read the first novella, and he wasn't sold on the series. The second book was better as it introduced what has turned out to be some of my favorite side characters. By the time I hit the third book, I was thoroughly hooked by this universe. I loved the way this series ended and I am now starting the series about Bawb (who is briefly mentioned at the end of this book) and enjoying that as well. If you're looking for something a little different, give this book a try, but read past the first novella to decide it if it's for you.
Original Review:
5 stars
This was a very satisfying ending to the series and I was happy to see that my radar on one of the characters was totally correct, although I did not figure out who this person could have been. The story continues as Hozark and his crew continue to search for Henni, Visla Jinnik, and Maktan. There are separate threads as Bud works with the Space Pirates to seek out Henni, Hozark and Demelza search for clues of Maktan, and Henni and Jinnik are imprisoned together and using the most of their time together. I love how each part was equally interesting to me and I never felt like I was trying to while away my time through any of the threads. I also loved how he eventually brought all the threads together into an epic battle that was so well done! I absolutely do not want to reveal any spoilers, but I will say that the surprise ending was not a complete surprise, although how he explained the motivations of this villain was pretty clever and totally in keeping with all the various jockeying of positions in the council. I also love how he handled Hozark and Samara's relationship and what ended up happening with it. I grew to love every member of the crew with the exception of one, but of course I didn't like this person from the beginning so that was okay. Overall, I love how Hozark began the series as someone who worked alone and who didn't like children to the man that he became by the end. This was truly a fun series and perhaps I will check out the audio version of it in the future, but I really enjoyed reading these. I may have to check out his other series set in this universe. If you enjoy space opera or you enjoy RPGs, you should definitely check this series out. It's a bit quirky, but it's highly enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 24, 2020
Wrapped It Up Nicely
There’s always something satisfying about finishing a series, well there is when you have an author as good as Scott Baron writing it. He’s able to tie things up in a nice way without making it feel completely over. Of course, this isn’t the first, or even second story that’s taken place in this world – so you can tell that Baron knows that he built a great world that is easy to expand on. But, in Hozark’s Revenge you get that nice ribbon on top of the story finish without feeling like you may never see the world again. I don’t know if he has any plans on writing more in this world, but he definitely could.
It’s really difficult to write a review of a book 5 in a series without spoiling anything, but I’m going to try. Just like the other books in this series, Hozark’s Revenge continues the story and adds to it. The world building is still here and the character building is obviously in play – even five books deep. Baron is able to continue the story in an interesting and unique way without making it feel old and tired, or even worse, repetitive.
In a finale book, lots of things jump out at you as you read it, especially because in a Baron series – there are a lot of loose ends being tied up. Because of that, there wasn’t a single or easy to point to “when this happened” to write about, just know that if you’ve read this series up until now, you’ll be extremely satisfied with how Baron wraps things up.
Overall, another great story in this series and in this universe. Baron did it again, and I can’t wait to see what he has planned next.
There’s always something satisfying about finishing a series, well there is when you have an author as good as Scott Baron writing it. He’s able to tie things up in a nice way without making it feel completely over. Of course, this isn’t the first, or even second story that’s taken place in this world – so you can tell that Baron knows that he built a great world that is easy to expand on. But, in Hozark’s Revenge you get that nice ribbon on top of the story finish without feeling like you may never see the world again. I don’t know if he has any plans on writing more in this world, but he definitely could.
It’s really difficult to write a review of a book 5 in a series without spoiling anything, but I’m going to try. Just like the other books in this series, Hozark’s Revenge continues the story and adds to it. The world building is still here and the character building is obviously in play – even five books deep. Baron is able to continue the story in an interesting and unique way without making it feel old and tired, or even worse, repetitive.
In a finale book, lots of things jump out at you as you read it, especially because in a Baron series – there are a lot of loose ends being tied up. Because of that, there wasn’t a single or easy to point to “when this happened” to write about, just know that if you’ve read this series up until now, you’ll be extremely satisfied with how Baron wraps things up.
Overall, another great story in this series and in this universe. Baron did it again, and I can’t wait to see what he has planned next.
December 27, 2020
This was the final, action-packed chapter in the five book Space Assassins series and boy was it everything I’d hoped it would be.
Hozark and the gang are closing in on their goal—to find a most powerful Visla—and when they do, well, let’s just say they don’t see it coming!
Scott Baron takes us on yet another wild ride, teeming with magic, treachery, and revenge. His writing is easy to follow, and the characters are well developed and relatable. This book did an excellent job of tying in all the loose ends.
Eric Bryan Moore is a superb narrator in my opinion. He does a fantastic job breathing (believable) life into the myriad of characters throughout the entire series. I can’t picture Hozark sounding any other way.
Honestly, I’m sad to see this series end. I enjoyed every hour of these books and will likely re-listen to them in the future (yup, they’re that good). However, one saving grace is that Scott Baron has written loads of books that take place in this same universe/world of his—i.e. the Dragon Mage series, Clockwork Chimera. I have already been ensconced in the Dragon Mage series and love those. I highly recommend them to any fans of the Space Assassins series.
Hozark and the gang are closing in on their goal—to find a most powerful Visla—and when they do, well, let’s just say they don’t see it coming!
Scott Baron takes us on yet another wild ride, teeming with magic, treachery, and revenge. His writing is easy to follow, and the characters are well developed and relatable. This book did an excellent job of tying in all the loose ends.
Eric Bryan Moore is a superb narrator in my opinion. He does a fantastic job breathing (believable) life into the myriad of characters throughout the entire series. I can’t picture Hozark sounding any other way.
Honestly, I’m sad to see this series end. I enjoyed every hour of these books and will likely re-listen to them in the future (yup, they’re that good). However, one saving grace is that Scott Baron has written loads of books that take place in this same universe/world of his—i.e. the Dragon Mage series, Clockwork Chimera. I have already been ensconced in the Dragon Mage series and love those. I highly recommend them to any fans of the Space Assassins series.
January 21, 2021
Very well done series
Traps, spells, decoys, power grabs, spies, deceit, experiments, subterfuge and more.
This entire story has been one of trying to figure out who is the mastermind behind the power grab. A good job of mixing things up with the abundance of gritty characters and the multiple sub plots throughout the series. It is easy to lose yourself in this story trying to figure out the direction, but there are plenty of twists that I found myself saying, “I did not see that coming.”
I found myself on the edge of my seat in suspense and anticipation of how it would end, which was very well done.
I loved the story, the characters and the plot and which flowed smoothly. I highly recommend reading this series. I think this is a story that can be read over and over and still enjoy it very much. Great Job. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
Traps, spells, decoys, power grabs, spies, deceit, experiments, subterfuge and more.
This entire story has been one of trying to figure out who is the mastermind behind the power grab. A good job of mixing things up with the abundance of gritty characters and the multiple sub plots throughout the series. It is easy to lose yourself in this story trying to figure out the direction, but there are plenty of twists that I found myself saying, “I did not see that coming.”
I found myself on the edge of my seat in suspense and anticipation of how it would end, which was very well done.
I loved the story, the characters and the plot and which flowed smoothly. I highly recommend reading this series. I think this is a story that can be read over and over and still enjoy it very much. Great Job. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
December 16, 2020
This entire series has been amazing! This book brings new enemies, changes enemies into comrades, and brings hope to the galaxies! Saving all life from evil that crops up in unexpected places (and people) is all in a days work for these wonderful characters. Great author and wonderful series of books!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2025
Great ending and a great series.
December 19, 2020
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. The haunting and wonderfully immersive series finishes as Hozark, Delmelza and their friends and allies hunting down the dark masterminds that have kidnapped Hap's father and their friend, Henni. Exactly what Henni's abilities are unraveled as she works to survive the abuse she endures and are profound in changing the outcome of all the darkness the Council of Twenty has wielded. Highly recommended.
January 18, 2021
There were so many "Oh no" moments followed by "I knew it!" moments. In this book, the reader got all of the questions answered. All of the moments that the reader was waiting for finally happened. If you have read all of the Daisy and Charlie books, the epilogue finally gives you a timeline. Well written and excellent conclusion to this series.
March 27, 2021
Twists and turns!
This was a great series- each book impressively standing alone and yet building on the next one. A little bit of language, but well-written! Definitely recommended!
This was a great series- each book impressively standing alone and yet building on the next one. A little bit of language, but well-written! Definitely recommended!
March 17, 2021
Scott Baron has outdone himself with Hozark’s Revenge, the 5th book in his series, Space Assassins. He has brought forward characters from the previous books providing further depth of character and abilities to each of them along with their interactions with each other. Totally enjoyable with this group becoming tight friends which includes snark and teasing to go along with deadly skills.
Of the many fight scenes within his novels, I would have to vote for the last one as being the best due to the characters, groups, and unexpected occurrences during this particular scene which included the unveiling of a traitor in their midst.
I can’t even begin to say how much I loved the ending. It couldn’t have been more perfect. It brought sadness and joy when I read it. I had thought something similar might occur around book three but it worked out much better the way the author completed the book with it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Of the many fight scenes within his novels, I would have to vote for the last one as being the best due to the characters, groups, and unexpected occurrences during this particular scene which included the unveiling of a traitor in their midst.
I can’t even begin to say how much I loved the ending. It couldn’t have been more perfect. It brought sadness and joy when I read it. I had thought something similar might occur around book three but it worked out much better the way the author completed the book with it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This wrapped up so much cleaner than I thought it would, and I had super high hopes for it in the first place. The action ramped up the entire book, and I could 100% see the cinematics behind this one. I won't say that the plot points weren't cliche, but that's what makes this kind of book fun and engaging, and I'm not happy to be right about some of them simply because I enjoyed where things were going so much. A great ending to a series, and a series I loved the entire way through. Never a dull moment.
This wrapped up so much cleaner than I thought it would, and I had super high hopes for it in the first place. The action ramped up the entire book, and I could 100% see the cinematics behind this one. I won't say that the plot points weren't cliche, but that's what makes this kind of book fun and engaging, and I'm not happy to be right about some of them simply because I enjoyed where things were going so much. A great ending to a series, and a series I loved the entire way through. Never a dull moment.
March 13, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this final book. It wrapped up the loose ends nicely and offered an engaging and intense plot. There were also several plot twists I didn’t see coming and continued character development among all the characters. The ending was bitter sweet but also nicely concluded the series. I also felt a wide range of emotions while reading this book and it was interesting to have unexpected reactions to events in this book I didn’t see coming.
If you enjoyed the series so far, you’ll probably enjoy this final book as well. It was one of the stronger books in this series and I greatly enjoyed reading it.
I really enjoyed this final book. It wrapped up the loose ends nicely and offered an engaging and intense plot. There were also several plot twists I didn’t see coming and continued character development among all the characters. The ending was bitter sweet but also nicely concluded the series. I also felt a wide range of emotions while reading this book and it was interesting to have unexpected reactions to events in this book I didn’t see coming.
If you enjoyed the series so far, you’ll probably enjoy this final book as well. It was one of the stronger books in this series and I greatly enjoyed reading it.
January 5, 2021
An excellent finish to this series. Awesome. Again great characters and plot. A couple of twist at the end. I had seen them coming but am very good at spotting them. You will have to see if you can too. Very well written and enjoyable. Constant action with plenty of good guys and bad. No graphic sexual content but does have a lot of sword fighting and blade work. I think you will enjoy this book and series. I certainly did. I recommend it for all ages. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 9, 2021
Wonderful series
I have thoroughly the whole series! Good story line and great character development. I look forward to reading other books by Mr. Baron.
I have thoroughly the whole series! Good story line and great character development. I look forward to reading other books by Mr. Baron.
February 14, 2021
Great ending
A very very good ending to this series and a bit sad as i would like to see more from the characters hopefully others feel the same and we see more from.
Also liked how the ending was brought out after being such a theme through the book series.
A very very good ending to this series and a bit sad as i would like to see more from the characters hopefully others feel the same and we see more from.
Also liked how the ending was brought out after being such a theme through the book series.
June 15, 2021
HOZARK’S REVENGE
Space Assassins #5
By: Scott Baron
First off, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hozark’s Revenge is the fifth and final book in the Space Assassins series and follows those events with high pace and action-filled chapters. The team is still searching for the father of a child, while also dealing with the power dynamic switch that is happening within the organization. This all gives the book the space to explore more of the world-building, while not dumping too much information on the reader in one go.
My favorite part about this series is still the characters, especially their bonds with each other. They really form a found family, with funny inside jokes and light-hearted moments which you as the reader treasure considering the high stakes they got thrown into. These stakes get only higher when events go down, and without getting too much into those, I liked how that opened the way to explore how much they care for each other.
Besides this trope, this final is a great way to end the series and I couldn’t have wished it to go down any other way. It has a great build-up to it that never felt too slow, though I did wish there weren’t that many POVs during the middle part, considering not every character that had one was so important in the end to know. Besides that, there isn’t much I can critique, since the story flowed naturally faster-paced while also slowing down to show all the emotions of the characters. This was especially present during the big last fight, which really surprised me and hooked me to keep on reading.
In the end, it is a fantastic way to end such a wild ride of a story!
Space Assassins #5
By: Scott Baron
First off, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hozark’s Revenge is the fifth and final book in the Space Assassins series and follows those events with high pace and action-filled chapters. The team is still searching for the father of a child, while also dealing with the power dynamic switch that is happening within the organization. This all gives the book the space to explore more of the world-building, while not dumping too much information on the reader in one go.
My favorite part about this series is still the characters, especially their bonds with each other. They really form a found family, with funny inside jokes and light-hearted moments which you as the reader treasure considering the high stakes they got thrown into. These stakes get only higher when events go down, and without getting too much into those, I liked how that opened the way to explore how much they care for each other.
Besides this trope, this final is a great way to end the series and I couldn’t have wished it to go down any other way. It has a great build-up to it that never felt too slow, though I did wish there weren’t that many POVs during the middle part, considering not every character that had one was so important in the end to know. Besides that, there isn’t much I can critique, since the story flowed naturally faster-paced while also slowing down to show all the emotions of the characters. This was especially present during the big last fight, which really surprised me and hooked me to keep on reading.
In the end, it is a fantastic way to end such a wild ride of a story!
December 18, 2020
This book has Hozark and Samara once again meeting in conflict but this time their fight to the death is interrupted by a building falling on them. To save themselves they immediately lock their magic together to create a defensive bubble around themselves. It saves them but they still have to find a way out through the rubble. The way in which they work seamlessly together once again brings up the question as to why Samara left the Ghalian Order in the first place.
We also meet up with Visla Jinnik and Denni again with interesting results. In fact, this book resolves many of the sub plots while leaving others in limbo.
Bud and the pirates under Lalaynia give a lighthearted touch to the story as usual.
We also meet up with Visla Jinnik and Denni again with interesting results. In fact, this book resolves many of the sub plots while leaving others in limbo.
Bud and the pirates under Lalaynia give a lighthearted touch to the story as usual.
May 5, 2021
**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I have really enjoyed every single book in this series. They all stand out individually. Each one has snark, action, humor, adventure and a cast of strong, individualized, well-thought out characters. When characters were added, they enhanced the plot rather than annoying or drawing away from it.
This last book was no exception. It was amazing and I really enjoyed it per usual. He wrapped up the series quite nicely. Although, I am glad to see, I WAS RIGHT!!! I KNEW SOMETHING WAS UP WITH THAT CHARACTER!!
I have really enjoyed every single book in this series. They all stand out individually. Each one has snark, action, humor, adventure and a cast of strong, individualized, well-thought out characters. When characters were added, they enhanced the plot rather than annoying or drawing away from it.
This last book was no exception. It was amazing and I really enjoyed it per usual. He wrapped up the series quite nicely. Although, I am glad to see, I WAS RIGHT!!! I KNEW SOMETHING WAS UP WITH THAT CHARACTER!!
May 31, 2022
The conclusion to the epic five book Space Assassin's series. This delivered as usual and had it all, mystery, intrigue, fighting, power plays, family reunions, magical exploration and development with just a little bit of romance thrown in. Hozark and his motley crew continue to fight for what is right and the traitor is finally revealled. I'm only sad that the saga has finished though I'm sure new books could follow from these diverse characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2024
Where to start? Finally everything falls into place. Trusted friends not so trustable. Femme fatale definitely under duress. Unknown resources come to fruition. Unexpected allies align. Having powered through the series, I had guessed at a few conclusions. I was slightly off with two of them, but pretty close nonetheless. There is one loose end I wonder about (the feral boy), and with the epilogue written as it was, I can’t help but think there is an opening to another story. I’m on the lookout now, because I would love to see what becomes of the next generation.
June 6, 2021
A great book completing the series which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Kind of sad to see it end but so glad to have been given the opportunity to read them all. Can't praise the author, Scott Baron, enough the imagination and thought that went into this series is nothing but fantastic
Very Highly recommended
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kind of sad to see it end but so glad to have been given the opportunity to read them all. Can't praise the author, Scott Baron, enough the imagination and thought that went into this series is nothing but fantastic
Very Highly recommended
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2023
A great ending to the series. Nicely wrapped up most of the loose ends, and left me feeling satisfied. I had very low expectations going into the series as it is not typically what I like to read, and some of the basic premises of the story seemed far-fetched.
However! I ended up really enjoying the entire series and read them rapidly. The character development was enjoyable creating a family of super powered outsiders.
However! I ended up really enjoying the entire series and read them rapidly. The character development was enjoyable creating a family of super powered outsiders.
March 13, 2025
I enjoyed this series and found I didn't want to put any of them down until I finished them and this
Excellent characters in a unique environment where magic is the rule. The rulers are usually powerful magic users who are somewhat held in check by a group of Elite Assassins of which the protagonist is one. I have found that all of the author Scott Baron well worth reading .
Excellent characters in a unique environment where magic is the rule. The rulers are usually powerful magic users who are somewhat held in check by a group of Elite Assassins of which the protagonist is one. I have found that all of the author Scott Baron well worth reading .
July 26, 2021
Just Wonderful!
Scott Baron has excelled himself. This is a rip-roaring tale of space-going assassins, pirates and mercenaries, laced through with magic. A fantastic rollercoaster ride you won’t want to put down, but don’t want to end. Buy it now, you won’t be disappointed!
Scott Baron has excelled himself. This is a rip-roaring tale of space-going assassins, pirates and mercenaries, laced through with magic. A fantastic rollercoaster ride you won’t want to put down, but don’t want to end. Buy it now, you won’t be disappointed!
August 27, 2021
Great read
I found this series a great read it was not repetitive and something was always going on
Loved this series
I found this series a great read it was not repetitive and something was always going on
Loved this series
Read
November 8, 2021Never saw the twist coming. Excellent.
February 16, 2022
This was an awesome side series. I loved it and learning so much about the back story of certain characters that hugely impact the series of dragon mage.
January 9, 2023
The series was about 2 books too long.
April 3, 2023
The books got a LOT repetitive after book 2, but the ending redeemed this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews