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Lt. Reilly #3
Lt. Reilly and the Phantom Raptor
Lt. Jack Reilly was just settling into his new life on the colony planet called New Harmony with his partner Major Mitchell, and his girlfriend Kayla. Most days in Fleet Investigations were not much more than witness interviews, low-level cases, and data work. But just as life was getting simpler, the job pulled them back to the front lines. Pirates had stolen the fleet's newest warship. Reilly and Mitchelle are called in to help figure out who the pirates are and what they intend to do with the deadliest ship ever built before innocent lives are lost.
- GenresScience Fiction
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2021
256 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Matthew O. Duncan
15 books85 followersMatthew O. Duncan is part of the resurgence of Old School Sci-fi. His books are a mix of Military Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery weaved together with non-stop action.
Visit : http://matthewoduncanbooks.com/index....
Visit : http://matthewoduncanbooks.com/index....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 8, 2021
Matthew O. Duncan Upping His Game
My girlfriend and I were looking forward to reading this continuation of the Lt. Reilly saga and we got exactly what we were looking for and then some. The characters are well developed and believable. The romance feels satisfying and the addition of family issues makes it all so personal. The story flows with lots of highs and no lows.
What grabbed us, though, was the realism and fly by the seat of your pants warfare. We like the characters and didn’t want to see them harmed or killed and yet they were in the thick of it, displaying bravery above and beyond the call, and the white knuckle clenching as we read through the realism of battle kept us turning page after page in anticipation. Add to that, the story has twists and turns, keeping it unpredictable. It’s a war story, a love and growth story, a JAG sleuth mystery, a tech extravaganza, and…oh yeah, it’s all set in a science fiction future universe.
I’m a historian by education and Jess is the daughter of two Marines and both of us bought into the scenes big time. We’ve read the earlier Lt. Reilly story and the author has definitely matured in his craft. That’s a good thing because we plan to read anything he publishes. Well done Lieutenant, you’ve just been promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Now take your additional stripe and gold oak leaf and write us another.
Rebecca Branch and Jessica Rossi
My girlfriend and I were looking forward to reading this continuation of the Lt. Reilly saga and we got exactly what we were looking for and then some. The characters are well developed and believable. The romance feels satisfying and the addition of family issues makes it all so personal. The story flows with lots of highs and no lows.
What grabbed us, though, was the realism and fly by the seat of your pants warfare. We like the characters and didn’t want to see them harmed or killed and yet they were in the thick of it, displaying bravery above and beyond the call, and the white knuckle clenching as we read through the realism of battle kept us turning page after page in anticipation. Add to that, the story has twists and turns, keeping it unpredictable. It’s a war story, a love and growth story, a JAG sleuth mystery, a tech extravaganza, and…oh yeah, it’s all set in a science fiction future universe.
I’m a historian by education and Jess is the daughter of two Marines and both of us bought into the scenes big time. We’ve read the earlier Lt. Reilly story and the author has definitely matured in his craft. That’s a good thing because we plan to read anything he publishes. Well done Lieutenant, you’ve just been promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Now take your additional stripe and gold oak leaf and write us another.
Rebecca Branch and Jessica Rossi
December 27, 2023
I had a hard time completing this book. The story is just not that compelling to me and there are other Science Fiction authors whose works I like more than this author's.
This story is good, but just not that good. If I was bored and my local library had a copy I might read the rest of the series. As it is I am done with this series and most likely the author.
I do like that the MC is an every man - he is not some super soldier that kicks butt and doesn't bother with names, nor is he such a sap that we feel bad for him. I like that the MC has trouble with his weight, and that he makes mistakes.
Makes the MC a little more relatable to rest of us. In my own writing (under my pen name SK Allen on Wattpad) I have attempted to make my MCs more relatable. Not sure that I have done as good as a job as this author, but I have tried.
Not sure the make up of the navy in this world. If Lt Reilly is an Engineering track officer than in only extreme situations should he find himself in command. I doubt on how large the ships were around them, that the LT was the only one who could possibly command the scout ship. Sorry didn't hit the "I Believe" button hard enough on that one.
This story is good, but just not that good. If I was bored and my local library had a copy I might read the rest of the series. As it is I am done with this series and most likely the author.
I do like that the MC is an every man - he is not some super soldier that kicks butt and doesn't bother with names, nor is he such a sap that we feel bad for him. I like that the MC has trouble with his weight, and that he makes mistakes.
Makes the MC a little more relatable to rest of us. In my own writing (under my pen name SK Allen on Wattpad) I have attempted to make my MCs more relatable. Not sure that I have done as good as a job as this author, but I have tried.
Not sure the make up of the navy in this world. If Lt Reilly is an Engineering track officer than in only extreme situations should he find himself in command. I doubt on how large the ships were around them, that the LT was the only one who could possibly command the scout ship. Sorry didn't hit the "I Believe" button hard enough on that one.
April 26, 2021
Fast paced book, good character development plenty of action.
This is an interesting series, Lieutenant Riley and his girlfriend and his almost girlfriend. The inter-relational dynamics are very interesting, the thing I like the most is the inclusion of a new artificial intelligence name max into the story. There is plenty of action and good character development. The only thing I don’t get is why Lieutenant Riley has not had his leg fixed by the military. He has an injury but he’s now on active duty his injury should’ve been repaired. The book is very well done and the series so far is interesting I will go on to read the next one.
This is an interesting series, Lieutenant Riley and his girlfriend and his almost girlfriend. The inter-relational dynamics are very interesting, the thing I like the most is the inclusion of a new artificial intelligence name max into the story. There is plenty of action and good character development. The only thing I don’t get is why Lieutenant Riley has not had his leg fixed by the military. He has an injury but he’s now on active duty his injury should’ve been repaired. The book is very well done and the series so far is interesting I will go on to read the next one.
April 6, 2021
Great sci fi adventure thriller
The world building of this series is consistently awesome with believable characters, both human and alien. The Reilly/Mitchell/Kayla triangle takes on a new dimension in Raptor, and Kayla's story offers us a look at Reilly's family. The body count of named "good characters" is higher than I like, but less than I expect in this type of book. The introduction of Max offered some tension-relieving humor, and I look forward to his further adventures with Reilly and Mitchell.
The world building of this series is consistently awesome with believable characters, both human and alien. The Reilly/Mitchell/Kayla triangle takes on a new dimension in Raptor, and Kayla's story offers us a look at Reilly's family. The body count of named "good characters" is higher than I like, but less than I expect in this type of book. The introduction of Max offered some tension-relieving humor, and I look forward to his further adventures with Reilly and Mitchell.
March 30, 2021
Enjoyed this one even more than the others!
Reilly and Mitchell get into just as much crazy trouble but Matthew O Duncan also takes the time to develop the characters and let us watch real growth in each of them. I especially liked the parallel storylines with Reilly and Mitchell chasing the Raptor across the stars while Kayla navigates Jack’s family on Earth.
Looking forward to the next one!
Reilly and Mitchell get into just as much crazy trouble but Matthew O Duncan also takes the time to develop the characters and let us watch real growth in each of them. I especially liked the parallel storylines with Reilly and Mitchell chasing the Raptor across the stars while Kayla navigates Jack’s family on Earth.
Looking forward to the next one!
March 2, 2025
reading this again.
Oh man I enjoyed this book(and series). I read it a few years ago. The new book popped up on my feed but I decided to start from book 1. I’m glad I did. It’s an engaging and yet fun set. In this book (#2) there is a scene towards the end that brought a tear to my eye. No spoilers but you will know. I’m starting book 3 in about 10 minutes and look forward to reading the new one.
Oh man I enjoyed this book(and series). I read it a few years ago. The new book popped up on my feed but I decided to start from book 1. I’m glad I did. It’s an engaging and yet fun set. In this book (#2) there is a scene towards the end that brought a tear to my eye. No spoilers but you will know. I’m starting book 3 in about 10 minutes and look forward to reading the new one.
March 27, 2021
Fun Read
I like spending time with Kayla, Mitchell, and of course Lt Reilly. All great characters and the first person narrative reminds me of having drinks with a friend whose telling me what they have been up to the last few months. The investigation of a missing starship and suspicion of syndicate involvement just adds to the fun. Looking forward to to the next one!
I like spending time with Kayla, Mitchell, and of course Lt Reilly. All great characters and the first person narrative reminds me of having drinks with a friend whose telling me what they have been up to the last few months. The investigation of a missing starship and suspicion of syndicate involvement just adds to the fun. Looking forward to to the next one!
June 16, 2021
Not bad...
A pretty good series. Not the best nor the worst I've read.
However, IF these books were proofread, that person needs to be fired and/or sent back to school to learn basic grammar and punctuation . It was very distracting, disconcerting, and annoying at how badly these books were edited. A 10 year old could do as well, if not better.
A pretty good series. Not the best nor the worst I've read.
However, IF these books were proofread, that person needs to be fired and/or sent back to school to learn basic grammar and punctuation . It was very distracting, disconcerting, and annoying at how badly these books were edited. A 10 year old could do as well, if not better.
September 22, 2021
In Need of Editing
Overall a good story, but in need of a good editor. Mistakes such as writing “delay that” instead of “belay that,” misspelling “corpsman,” misspelling Mitchell a few times and using “effect” instead of the correct “affect” are mistakes a good editor would have fixed.
Overall a good story, but in need of a good editor. Mistakes such as writing “delay that” instead of “belay that,” misspelling “corpsman,” misspelling Mitchell a few times and using “effect” instead of the correct “affect” are mistakes a good editor would have fixed.
June 23, 2022
Another rousing adventure with Lt Reilly and Mitchell now trying to find and destroy a stolen top secret warship. With stealth technology and multiple power sources it is going to be a struggle.
Always lots of action.
Characters are well developed and the story line proceeds full speed ahead.
Highly recommended
Always lots of action.
Characters are well developed and the story line proceeds full speed ahead.
Highly recommended
April 9, 2021
Good story
I like Reilly and his friends enough to disregard the spelling and grammatical errors. Reilly has his problems and he's dealing with them. So do his friends. This version could use a good edit, but who am I to complain?
I like Reilly and his friends enough to disregard the spelling and grammatical errors. Reilly has his problems and he's dealing with them. So do his friends. This version could use a good edit, but who am I to complain?
April 14, 2021
A very interesting read. Nice way of expressing the complexity of relationships.
A very intriguing story plot. The continued refinement of the main characters makes for a desire to see where everything is headed. Makes for a (not want to put down) what's going to happen next.
A very intriguing story plot. The continued refinement of the main characters makes for a desire to see where everything is headed. Makes for a (not want to put down) what's going to happen next.
May 4, 2021
This was my third Lt. Reilly novel. The introduction of the AI Maximillian was a clever ploy. Enjoyed the third novel almost more than the first. If he writes more with these characters I would consider buying future novels by this author.
May 15, 2021
Great read!
Rapid pace! Well edited, very few typos. A mixture of military SF, mystery, space opera and character development. Very well plotted. I am enjoying this series. Highly recommended to all. Ad Astra!
Rapid pace! Well edited, very few typos. A mixture of military SF, mystery, space opera and character development. Very well plotted. I am enjoying this series. Highly recommended to all. Ad Astra!
June 29, 2021
Blackbird offensive
One off the best sci fi I have read. Great and was areal page turner. I tell my wife, I’m in the middle of a battle. She laughed and said that book is all ways in a battle. Great book.
One off the best sci fi I have read. Great and was areal page turner. I tell my wife, I’m in the middle of a battle. She laughed and said that book is all ways in a battle. Great book.
November 23, 2021
Good multi story, multi viewpoints
Nice young adult romance plus enough complexity to hold interest in each story arc. This author is getting good mileage out of the tensions between many opposites.
Nice young adult romance plus enough complexity to hold interest in each story arc. This author is getting good mileage out of the tensions between many opposites.
February 4, 2022
ahhh Max
What a great story this series is becoming… With the Major and Lt. hot on the tail pipes of some of the galaxies worst, who would not be entertained?
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book..
What a great story this series is becoming… With the Major and Lt. hot on the tail pipes of some of the galaxies worst, who would not be entertained?
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book..
Read
March 3, 2022Good read for a military science fiction
While I don't usually like to read military science fiction, this book was unusual in that it provides periods of relief from the military action where interesting background is developed.
While I don't usually like to read military science fiction, this book was unusual in that it provides periods of relief from the military action where interesting background is developed.
November 7, 2022
Fun read
The series must continue. Just finished the third book and am already going through withdrawal! Well rounded with good characters, plot, space battles, and ground action. The LT needs to save Captain Tansky now. Keep it up.
The series must continue. Just finished the third book and am already going through withdrawal! Well rounded with good characters, plot, space battles, and ground action. The LT needs to save Captain Tansky now. Keep it up.
November 12, 2022
After a simple drugs arrest, Reilly and Mitchell are due downtime and a trip home. Unfortunately, the simple case, escalates and they are again drawn into a conspiracy and confrontation with the London Syndicate. Good story, which also goes deeper into Reilly's past.
June 16, 2024
Great series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
May 16, 2025
masterful
These novels keep on getting better and better. The Phantom Raptor touches all the sci-fi bases with pathos’s and emotion. The plotting is superb and Duncan’s writing is fantastic. Loved the ending.
These novels keep on getting better and better. The Phantom Raptor touches all the sci-fi bases with pathos’s and emotion. The plotting is superb and Duncan’s writing is fantastic. Loved the ending.
September 23, 2025
Good story, needs editing
Good story line. Entertaining.
But the book needs an editor. Lots of mixed tenses, many (so many!) speech-to-text mistranslations, and odd point of view changes. It is distracting.
Looking forward to the next story, warts and all.
Good story line. Entertaining.
But the book needs an editor. Lots of mixed tenses, many (so many!) speech-to-text mistranslations, and odd point of view changes. It is distracting.
Looking forward to the next story, warts and all.
June 15, 2021
Action Filled Story
The only regret is that this wonderful storyteller does not understand the concept of "noun of address." Enjoyable character with a constantly moving story.
The only regret is that this wonderful storyteller does not understand the concept of "noun of address." Enjoyable character with a constantly moving story.
October 19, 2021
Totally enjoyable!
Enjoyed this as well as the previous books in the series. Great characters! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Enjoyed this as well as the previous books in the series. Great characters! Can’t wait to read the next one!
December 5, 2021
This story would have been 200 pages shorter if he bonked Mitchell and gave Kayla the flick.
January 8, 2022
Good action!
Great characters and action.
Subplot keeps the story moving and interesting.
Ready for the next story!
Space marines and navy, well mixed.
Great characters and action.
Subplot keeps the story moving and interesting.
Ready for the next story!
Space marines and navy, well mixed.
June 15, 2024
Great space/military Sci-Fi
Looking forward to continuing the series. This book is hard to put down, if not for work obligations I would have finished much faster.
Looking forward to continuing the series. This book is hard to put down, if not for work obligations I would have finished much faster.
July 18, 2024
Excellent Read
Duncan spins a yarn with the best of them. Expansive writing technique with zero flaws, bountiful plots, and memorable characters. All thumbs up. Bravo!
Duncan spins a yarn with the best of them. Expansive writing technique with zero flaws, bountiful plots, and memorable characters. All thumbs up. Bravo!
January 4, 2025
Ric
Good series, kept entertained enough to binge read the series. I'll check out the authors other work very very soon
Good series, kept entertained enough to binge read the series. I'll check out the authors other work very very soon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews