The Gangster

Galactic Football League #6

by Scott Sigler

Set against the backdrop of a professional American football franchise seven centuries in the future, the Galactic Football League puts huge humans on the field with five alien races to create a game that is faster, stronger and deadlier than anything we know today. Quarterback Quentin Barnes has grown from a racist, small-town standout into a proven leader, a uniter of peoples, and the Galaxy’s most-famous athlete. Willing to do anything for his team, his Ionath Krakens have bound together through shared sacrifice, tragedy, devastating losses and thrilling victories. The GFL series combines science fiction, crime and blistering sports action to create a non-stop, pulse-pounding adventure that you can’t put down until the last second ticks off the clock.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Sports, Crime, Thriller, Action

659 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2021

About the author

THE CRYPT: SHAKEDOWN is Book I of a new five-book series. It’s out October 3, 2023 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.

iTunes by subscribing to his podcast.

#1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of fifteen novels, six novellas and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized, audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.

Scott launched his career by releasing his novels as author-read podcasts. His rabid fans were so hungry for each week’s episode that they dubbed themselves the “Junkies.” The first hit is always free …

He is also is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. He lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and wee little Dogs of Døøm.

Reviews

[Blaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is literally a magic potion that would solve all of my problems. It seems too convenient.”
“Oh, it won’t be convenient,” Mike said.
…
If Quentin learned one thing from this experience, it would be to read all of the instructions before beginning.

I've been a fan of Scott Sigler since I first found his podcast of Infected many years ago. Most of his books and short story collections are a solid mix of humor and R-rated horror. The Gangster, part of his Galactic Football League series, is a space opera series written for a YA audience.

The Gangster picks up right at the end of The Champion. Quentin is trying to recover from the injury he suffered near the end of that story, and is grieving the loss of his coach. Meanwhile, the Krakens’ owner, Gredok the Splithead, is trying to figure who was behind the attempts to kill both him and Quentin. But soon, Quentin and Gredok find themselves barreling towards a final confrontation years in the making.

In my review for The Champion, I noted that “[i]n the same way that each book in the Harry Potter series became a little less about school and more about the larger world, each book in this series has become a little less about football and more about the sci-fi elements of the story.” But I never expected to read a GFL book with no football games in it. Still, The Gangster is very satisfying, focusing on a more streamlined story of interpersonal rivalry. It also continues to be very imaginative in its world building. With two more books planned in the series, I’m still interested in seeing where the story goes next. A quick, fun read.

[Jim C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a series. Up to this point I would have said that a reader could jump into this series with any book. Not with this one as the author has been world building throughout the series and that knowledge is needed for this book. I will take it a step further as there is a side book, The Stone Wolves, that should be read before this one. In this one we some major developments for Quentin's personal life as he continues to mature and be a leader.

A good way top describe these books is Star Wars meets the game of football. In the previous books we would deal with the personal life of Quentin Barnes and also how his team progresses during the season. Not so in this one as it is the off season and we deal solely with Quentin and off field life. I have to admit I missed the on field action and rooting for the Krakens (Quentin's team). This is ironic because I am not the biggest football fan but the author does a terrific job of making me care about the Krakens. This book deals with Quentin taking on responsibilities. These responsibilities ranged from significant others, his physical health, or his responsibility to humankind. In every book we have seen Quentin mature and this book takes it to the next step. If you have been reading this series there are some major changes to his life and to the GFL league and I was surprised with this direction the author took. These changes were thrilling and I was really enjoying this book.

One doesn't have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book and series. It does help but it really comes down to the characters. I was so glad to be back in this universe with Quentin and the Krakens. Even though the Krakens take a back seat it was still a very good book. It sets the table for the next chapter in Quentin's life and I am eagerly waiting the next book in this series.

[Scott Sigler]

December 14, 2020
We have released THE GANGSTER as a free, unabridged, serialized podcast. You can get the episodes each week at scottsigler.com, or subscribe to my podcast and get them via Spotify, iTunes and more. Visit scottsigler.com/subscribe to get them weekly goodies.

THE GANGSTER audiobook is in edits, while the hardcover and eBooks are in the layout phase. We don't have a publish date for either yet, but it won't be long! I'm grateful to all my readers for being patient — we were already behind when COVID hit, and our printer went bankrupt.

[Paul Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to be back with Quentin.
Now this book doesn’t follow the other GFL books format with one book taking you through the full tier one season. Actually, there is very little football in here, which is kind of sad. There is a lot of action and Quentin finds himself in all sorts of trouble. No spoilers but a lot of changes in the Krakens organization, on the field and off. There was a bit too many sappy love scenes with Becca and Quentin professing their undying love for each other.
We know that Scott thought he might be able to finish the series with book six so this feels like a Book Six Part One to me.
The Abernessia are still rumored to be one the way and Quentin still doesn’t think he should have anything to do with it. We will see when book seven comes out

[Bryan Jacop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a junkie since 2009 or so, and man, I love the ride these books. I cannot recommend the GFL series to anyone more strongly. (I probably listen/read one of them once a year at least)

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six?!?!? This is the sixth GFL (Galactic Football League) book? Wow. The sports-and-sci-fi space opera mash-up train just keeps chugging along, with all of the familiar players (groan, no pun intended) back and along for the ride...

I have little or no objectivity when it comes to these books - this series resides in a warm, soft spot in my heart. My younger one (now an adult), an athlete (who went on to play baseball in college) and I read through the first five together and discussed them endlessly. We both love sports ... and sports statistics ... and the early books in the series pushed all the right buttons. [Side note: my elder loves sci-fi and fantasy, but not sports ... but these appealed less ... whereas my younger loved the football angle but had limited attention span for the space and species angle... To each their own.] The author, Scott Sigler, also scored lots of points with me responding to my email inquiries about other suggested readings for my young readers....

I found this volume's progression of the saga logical, but I wonder how Sigler's readership - or this series's base - will react to a (alas) an entire book without a single football game.

The most important point for anyone reading this review is that it would make no sense to start with this one. The saga of Quentin Barnes (he's the QB, the quarterback, get it?) is extremely linear, sequential, progressive, whatever.... If you're going to read one, start at the beginning! And, yes, be forewarned: the coin of the realm here is the story, the relationships, and the action - this isn't literary sci-fi - just strap in and enjoy the ride.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best of the Series!

This is the best of the GFL series! I was surprised by what was missing but even more surprised by what was added. Scott Sigler has this way of making you feel every emotion before the book ends. You’ll root for characters, cry for allies and enemies, or hate the ones you love. And let’s not forget no sentient is safe. I was just really impressed with this book. Our protagonist isn’t a kid anymore. Shoot, our author isn’t a kid anymore! The science and history is always so detailed. It’s easy to follow and makes me want to enroll in some galactic courses. I’m so invested. Love every minute of it.

[Abby Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I pick up a GFL book, I think I won't get sucked in. And then I get sucked in.

Fair warning to sports fans: This one doesn't have much football. But it does have high stakes, plenty of action, and it was entertaining af. The intergalactic plot thickens.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am probably not being fair to this book since I was waiting so long for it. I love the GFL series and think the potential is huge but this book is a dense stepping stone, a very drawn out pivot. Many of my favorite characters are largely sidelined in this and, here is the big spoiler: there is no football, the whole story takes place in the off-season and we start to see Quentin morph into just another sci-fi action hero. Now I will say the ending gives me a lot of hope, that is assuming we get back to football. Again, the potential for the next book is tremendous, so much so it could rehabilitate The Gangster but as it stands now The Gangster is the weakest offering in the GFL. Here's hoping for an awesome next book. (I pre-purchased a signed hardcover of The Gangster, I don't regret it and look foward to receiving it, Sigler is a great writer that I am happy to support).

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Galactic Football League read. The only downside is waiting for the next one. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Mcgardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest chapter in the GFL series was a great trip into the brain of Scott Sigler. I have enjoyed all the the GFL books, but this one, was the best yet. The depth in the characters, along with his way of twisting the plots keeps this reader very into the story. I f-ing hate it when the book is over, I just want it to keep going. This is an author everyone should be reading.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my least favorite in the series so far, and unique in that there are no football games in this one... I still enjoyed it though. It's sort of a transition book closing up outstanding plot threads and opening up several new ones.

[Alex Molik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the way the gangster politics are going to be turned on their heads. Wish there was more about the possible intergalactic war, but still love this one.

[Nathan McConville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another entertaining read in the GFL series. I just can't get enough and I'm not sure why exactly. But please keep them coming Scott Sigler.

[Michael Paris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, quite deep and dark in places but also plenty of laughs. Great addition to the series

[Colin Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gangster:

There's probably a clever sporting analogy to be made to describe how this book sits in the GFL series - like having been running headlong down a football pitch, coming to a dead halt, having a bit of a think, pivoting and running off at 90 degrees to your original path.

I don't particularly care that there's no so-called "football" in this volume, that's not what I come to the series for, but the side effect is that many of our favourite characters and inter-character relationships are sidelined for much of the book.

Yes, a lot of new plot elements are brought into play which will probably pay off big-time in the final (or so we are told) two volumes, but it did feel like a surprisingly long book (and a long time coming!) to not advance the plot that much.

As ever, there is much to gain by listening to the author's own reading of this. It's really the best format for these books.

[Donna Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the wait

The Sixth book in the GFL series is worth the wait. The pandemic wreaked havoc on attempts to get the book to press. Scott Sigler did an amazing job getting The eBook (and Audible) to his rabid readers. Looking forward to more in this series.

[Joaquin Escudero-Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading/listening to Scott's books since his days on PodioBooks. This latest installment in the GFL series is the best so far. While their isn't a whole lot of football, the story which is laid out off the field is gripping and will have seating on the edge of your seat from start to finish. While I won't drop any spoilers here, I can say with confidence that I haven't said WTF at the top of my lungs that often before. Scott is a great writer and the GFL is his best work hands down. Can't wait to see where his crazy mind takes us next. This book is further proof of why he is known as the FDO (Future Dark Overlord) by his fanbase.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good book by Scott Sigler, the first in the series to not revolve around a football season. I loved the book, but I did miss the football. This is totally setting up the final two books of the series which I look forward to tremendously. A must read for anyone who is a Scott Sigler fan.

[Dave Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missing Crazy George and Bumberpuff a lot.

[Rif A. Saurous · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of the first five books (I gave the omnibus edition five easy stars), but this was a huge step down.

While the first five books were actually about football in space, this book was primarily about the ongoing feud between Quentin Barnes (human probably-former-due-to-injuries quarterback, our hero) and Gredok the Splithead (Quyth leader, owner of Barnes' Ionath Krakens, gangster), and features of heavy doses of torture and revenge. The central plot hinges on the question of whether it's better to Gredok or give him a drug that forcibly transitions him to female; female Quyth are no longer able to own properties or run empires. They do give Gredok the drug, Gredok's personality "dies" and becomes Queen Gredok'ah, who is deeply grateful and wills her entire empire to Quentin, so huh.

These books are described as "Godfather" meets "Any Given Sunday" meets "Star Wars." This was the first book that through out the "Any Given Sunday," aspect, and I didn't care for that. I will also say it's becoming more "Dune" and less "Star Wars"; Quentin meets his father, and it's becoming clear that he is genetically significant and his unborn baby even more so.

Anyways, a huge step down from the first five. But I'm definitely still going to read book seven.

[Amy Braun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve missed this universe and its many, eccentric characters! THE GANGSTER focuses on many of familiar and favourite characters, though the crux of the story is the contentious relationship between Quentin Barnes and Greedok the Splithead. There is no love lost between them, and the situation quickly escalates into a memorable confrontation.

Quentin’s journey after winning the GFL is far from over, and it was refreshing to see him take on challenges that focused on his future character. He matures, grows, and faces some hardships that require him to be more than the best quarterback in the galaxy.

Greedok also has an interesting arc that showcases his intelligence and ruthlessness. He is a great antagonist and I really enjoyed him use his cunning to get what he wanted.

Side characters like Rebecca and Shoto return, which made me happy as they are two of my favourites.

There were great twists and unexpected plot lines that added to the story and the depth of Quentin’s character. The action scenes and pacing were exciting and kept the story moving. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all fans of the GFL series!

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably Scott's weakest book in the series so far. While it's to be expected that the football seasons would come to play a less critical role in Quentin's story as he finds himself dealing with the issues of a larger universe, I didn't find this transition very satisfying. It's hard to say exactly what it was that didn't click, but I think it's mostly that Quentin's character development seems to have stunted this time. I feel like his character growth was artificially held back going into the final book of the series.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 outta shucking 5.
I loved the first 5 books. I was so excited to read this one. The beginning gave a change of pace but it dragged on and on. I loved the idea and the way series is starting to tie together. BUT, It's called galactic FOOTBALL league. I shall quote John Tweedy "What the shucking shuck?"
There is no shucking football in the whole shucking book. Kinda bummed about that part, like super mega bummed. Now release book #7 asap. My offer has been tendered....

[Barry Sk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, but not as enjoyable as The Champion. Without giving away spoilers, there was a large portion of the book that was frustrating and difficult to get through. I'm not sure if this was the case of the writing being bad or the writing being so good that I was frustrated with the decisions that Quentin was making.
Anyway, in hindsight I can see that this is a journey that we had to go through to get to the next part of the story which I'm excited about. I can't wait for the next book

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Scott Sigler delivers another great volume to the GFL world, with his excellent and fun narration of some very interesting characters, both new and also those that have been seen and heard through the many previous editions of the GFL world. This had some interesting twists to it and I'm eager for the next book to come out. Great plot, action, and depth of character in this half football/half space opera world!

[Dakkith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series, but I was a little disappointed with this one. My feelings were probably influenced by the long wait between books 5 and 6, but it didn't progress the storylines as much as I would have liked. I'm probably a bit greedy, because I really enjoyed what was there...I just wanted it to be twice as long, and include more of my favourite characters from the previous books.

[Jeff Hexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better!
No spoilers, but a LOT of loose ends get connected in this book. And in VERY satisfying ways. The continuity across the authors books and within his universe is startling! You will enjoy the story on its own, but you’ll get much more out of it if you also read his other works. I think this is the best yet, and I eagerly await what he writes next.

[Paul Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new entry in a fantastic space cowboy/sports universe!

It has been way too long coming.... But this is a fantastic new book in the series. I read it thinking Scott would tie it all up and be done... But it ain't over yet.

Likely the best one of the series, and here's hoping we don't have to wait years for the next one!

[Clayton Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading through this book. It was great. You know the testament to a good series, is when you finish the last page, and you immediately begin googling and looking through Reddit for information about the next book . . . well what better testament is there? It was great. Really enjoyed it, and I miss the series already. I hope that there is more.