Calypso End

Last Stand #3

by Joshua James

While Gunn and Salvo try to learn more about their ancient enemy, things are going from bad to worse.

Even as they find themselves on a strange world with its own set of rules and competing factions, back on Illium Eldridge is fighting to save the population from the menace that Gray has brought.

As time runs out, the chances of success for either group dwindles. Meanwhile an entirely new menace is gathering force.

Can anyone survive what is coming?

Calypso End is the latest episode in the Gunn and Salvo sci-fi thriller series, a high-octane rush through the wildest corners of the galaxy!

Genres: Science Fiction

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2021

Reviews

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Grey is being detained out of action, and Hecate Black is doing her best to shut Ilium down, Gunn, Salvo and crew have crash-landed on “The Dead Planet”. They are captured by inhabitants who are hidden underground and want to stay undetected. The crew’s fate is under consideration when a ship sent out by enemy Nassos Uy is detected coming their way. Our friends convince the rulers to repair their ship, so Gunn and company can hopefully destroy it and keep the planet’s habitation a secret.

This story is another fast-moving adventure with desperate moves, wins, losses and some humorous repartee among the crew, while facing the apparently undefeatable Dolus, who are hell-bent on annihilating all humanity. Will our friends survive to come out on top? What new horror is being introduced to challenge humanity? I was pulled into the story at once and it kept me engrossed, turning pages long after bedtime to see what happened next. I thoroughly enjoyed this wild ride, as I have with the more than three dozen books by Mr. James that I have read so far. I received an ARC – this review is my honest opinion – I bought a copy of it and have pre-ordered the next book in this series to support this outstanding author.

[Luc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the author jumps from one situation to another and the characters are as in the first books of the series, this book was easier to read as the plot is decided in multiple parts but easy and enough to follow once the story gets underway.
Basically, Salvo is injured and part of the crew is forced to land on what the locals refer to as the Dead Planet.
Meanwhile, part of the crew is on Illium, trying to save the planet from the greedy hands of Hecate Black.
Back on the Dead Planet, Gunn's stunning personality has not succeeded in making him new friends. In fact, the "Top" lizard hates his guts and is not afraid to mix it Up. Salvo helps Gunn realise that they not only need the planets occupants help to get off the planet but to repair their ship..

It is made clear that the island's inhabitants, all refugees of the conquest and destruction of their respective world's. Do note wish their Last stand location revealed . However, when one of It's vessel appears like it is headed straight for them, a decision must be made.

4 stars for the lengthy sections.

[Gail Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author.

This just keeps getting better.

With a warrant out for them, Gunn, Salvo and Regency have more to worry about than Grey as Gunn’s old bounty hunter “friends” are also after them.

They also are finding it difficult to decide just who is on their side against Grey and that includes everyone in a uniform.

This is a fast paced story that you don’t want to start reading until you have time to spare as you will find that you can’t put it down.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun filled chapter in the lives of Gunn, Slavo, and their friends and allies. It starts out with a bang with action and just gets better as it goes. Friends and enemies are present and causing issues as always. Just an entertaining story full of action, danger and fun scenes that had my fingers crossed everyone makes it to the end alive and themselves. Really enjoyed seeing everyone again and rooted for the good guys to win even when things looked grim a few times.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. What makes this series truly spectacular is that the characters continue to evolve in ways that keep you glued to the story. You keep questioning each people's motives as more history behind what makes themselves who they are becomes aware. I found myself constantly changing how I felt about Grey, Black and many others. The complex puzzle of a journey continues... highly recommended.

[Robert Spellmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action, Characters, Imaginative

I'm hesitant to read more. James' puts enough crude language to distract and disappoint. I really tire of that trait in today's literature.
From an entertainment perspective his stories offer a lot. BUT, you get to like and admire a character and James kills them. And, at the end of a book you do not have the sense the next book will provide the climax to the series.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an action packed story with battles to the death and surprise after surprise around every corner. Gunn, Salvo, and Regency try to stay alive while continuing their desperate search for a way to contain and defeat Grey. This book is exciting, sad, emotional, and brutal with a truly evil, horrifying villain and likable protagonists.

[Clifford Schulze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunn and Salvo book 3

The saga continues in this third book if the series. Sarcastic humor mixed with life and death situations makes this a great addition to the series. If course, the Dolus are like the energizer bunny; you just can't stop them. Book four will find the human universe trying to find a way to stop them once and for all.

[Michelle L. Reeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunn, Salvo and company find themselves crashed on the Dead Planet. But dead isn’t as it seems as they are surrounded by hostile alien beings to be brought to their leader. Just like the previous two books in the series this one does not disappoint. Action packed, witty, and fun. Loved it!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no way you won’t be able to enjoy this story and get involved. The characters draw you in. Amazing following from the other books. Constant danger that makes you want to know what happens next.

[Grace Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid story, but it felt like something was missing. The buildup was strong, but the ending left me wanting more. The characters were likeable but didn’t really stand out. It was an enjoyable read, but not one that I would necessarily revisit. A good one-time read.

[Matilda Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really intrigued by the premise, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The middle part dragged a bit, and some of the characters felt one-dimensional. It’s not a bad story, but it could have been so much more. I liked it, but I didn’t love it.

[Clara Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there were some interesting ideas here, the execution was a bit lacking. The pacing was off, and I found myself losing interest in the middle. It had some great moments, but they were overshadowed by slower parts. It’s worth a read, but it didn’t blow me away.

[Jimbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with fun characters, action adventure and suspense.

[Asiaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book by Joshua will be a good read. Good writing, characters and plot

[Mick Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

The battle continues

The battle continues for Gunn and Salvo, Ren, picking up a few others along the way. But Grey and his like are not going to go down that easy.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book, because the dead planet is awesome, and I wish we spent more time there

[S D Lawrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues to be engaging. Worth a read.

[Anthony Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series, even when a plot hole threatened to ruin it. I would recommend this series for a run read