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Spacers #7
Spacers: Fleet Action
The war they'd all feared
The star cluster's super-powers tried to make peace last. Truly, they did. But everyone knew war between Ascendant Horizon and the Coalition of Giants was inevitable.
Saddled with an alliance that seems to struggle with the basics of space warfare, Captain Thatcher must fall back on his tactical prowess - along with the steadfastness of the crews under his command - just to keep his people alive.
But an enemy lurks around every corner, and there is dissension even in Thatcher's fleet. What's more, he knows there are only two ways this war can end.
In victory, or in total defeat.
The star cluster's super-powers tried to make peace last. Truly, they did. But everyone knew war between Ascendant Horizon and the Coalition of Giants was inevitable.
Saddled with an alliance that seems to struggle with the basics of space warfare, Captain Thatcher must fall back on his tactical prowess - along with the steadfastness of the crews under his command - just to keep his people alive.
But an enemy lurks around every corner, and there is dissension even in Thatcher's fleet. What's more, he knows there are only two ways this war can end.
In victory, or in total defeat.
- GenresScience Fiction
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2022
About the author
Scott Bartlett
121 books320 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 6, 2022
During my reading of this book, I noticed my reading speed level slowing and slowing more. I just wanted to make the experience of reading this last longer and longer. I so thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was interesting to see what happened to Veronica Rose. And it is always interesting to see how quickly syndicates change allegiances. My trust level would not be quite so quick to welcome some of these syndicates in, but that's just me. Thank goodness Captain Tad Thatcher had his senses tingling for some of his own fleet members. Now I can't wait to see what is next in store for Capt. Thatcher, Veronica Rose, Simon Moll and all the rest of the syndicates. Great work, Scott Bartlett, on another fantastic book.
March 28, 2026
This is the complete Starship New Jersey series, all 10 books in one complete audiobook.
The series follows Tad Thatcher, a young Commander who is initially with the US Space Forces, but without a command. His Superiors recognise that he is ready for command, but more than that, Thatcher has the potential to be something special.
In this future, several things have happened. A wormhole between our galaxy and another galaxy known as the Dawn Cluster has been found, and humanity has colonised multiple systems. This has been possible, because ‘Corporations’ have taken over space, with dozens of competing factions fighting for resources. The Corps as they are known, each have their own military and space fleets – but these are limited under an agreement.
One of these, Frontier Security, offers Thatcher a Captain’s position on a Light Cruiser, the New Jersey. Their CEO, Veronica Rose is keen to have her company become one of the main players in the Dawn Cluster, and she sees Thatcher as the key to her plans.
Thatcher is initially reluctant to leave the Sol sector and join Frontier, as he has a pregnant wife on Earth, and the Sol sector has been dealing with attacks from an alien race known as the Xantic. But his wife convinces him that it is the right thing to do – and so he goes.
However, things don’t go to plan.
Shortly after entering the cluster, the wormhole closes for unknown reasons, separating the Dawn Cluster from Earth and Thatcher from his wife.
Thatcher though, doesn’t miss a beat, taking up the challenge, and rallying the crew of the New Jersey, leading them in several one sided victories in battles in which they are severely outnumbered. Thatcher has a keen eye for tactics and the flow of battle, being able to follow everything that happens.
Without giving too much away, we follow Thatcher as he, and the CEO of Frontier, Veronica Rose, try and take a grip on the Dawn Cluster as it has become rife with pirates and squabbles with greedy Corporations. The closure of the wormhole has only made things more desperate.
This is a fascinating series, one that is part military sci-fi in which we have epic space battles following Thatcher and his tactical genius, but at the same time, the story is also a complex political thriller, as we follow the different corporations fight for dominance in a sector that is full of precious resources.
As the series moves from book 1 through 10, we get to learn more about Thatcher, his history and how he becomes this brilliant genius, mainly from time with his grandfather who was a Captain in the US Space Force. Bartlett has always written powerful, and clever character driven stories, and this is no exception, with Thatcher, Veronica Rose, and multiple other major characters amongst the crew and Corporations.
The story is not just about the Corporations though, threading through this constant intrigue, and political interplay of the Dawn Cluster, there is a much more insidious threat at play. The same threat that has plagued humanity in the Sol Region, that they had to fight off 50yrs ago, and are now fighting again, is in the Dawn Cluster – the Xanthic. It was Thatcher’s grandfather that defeated the Xanthic all those years ago, and inspired Tad to become a Captain in the Space Fleet.
Bartlett has created something special with this series, with his unique blend of characters, epic story telling, and meticulously detailed battle scenes – this is one series that just shouldn’t be missed. And with all 10 books in one boxset – it is an absolute bargain!! This is Scott Bartlett at his best!
The series follows Tad Thatcher, a young Commander who is initially with the US Space Forces, but without a command. His Superiors recognise that he is ready for command, but more than that, Thatcher has the potential to be something special.
In this future, several things have happened. A wormhole between our galaxy and another galaxy known as the Dawn Cluster has been found, and humanity has colonised multiple systems. This has been possible, because ‘Corporations’ have taken over space, with dozens of competing factions fighting for resources. The Corps as they are known, each have their own military and space fleets – but these are limited under an agreement.
One of these, Frontier Security, offers Thatcher a Captain’s position on a Light Cruiser, the New Jersey. Their CEO, Veronica Rose is keen to have her company become one of the main players in the Dawn Cluster, and she sees Thatcher as the key to her plans.
Thatcher is initially reluctant to leave the Sol sector and join Frontier, as he has a pregnant wife on Earth, and the Sol sector has been dealing with attacks from an alien race known as the Xantic. But his wife convinces him that it is the right thing to do – and so he goes.
However, things don’t go to plan.
Shortly after entering the cluster, the wormhole closes for unknown reasons, separating the Dawn Cluster from Earth and Thatcher from his wife.
Thatcher though, doesn’t miss a beat, taking up the challenge, and rallying the crew of the New Jersey, leading them in several one sided victories in battles in which they are severely outnumbered. Thatcher has a keen eye for tactics and the flow of battle, being able to follow everything that happens.
Without giving too much away, we follow Thatcher as he, and the CEO of Frontier, Veronica Rose, try and take a grip on the Dawn Cluster as it has become rife with pirates and squabbles with greedy Corporations. The closure of the wormhole has only made things more desperate.
This is a fascinating series, one that is part military sci-fi in which we have epic space battles following Thatcher and his tactical genius, but at the same time, the story is also a complex political thriller, as we follow the different corporations fight for dominance in a sector that is full of precious resources.
As the series moves from book 1 through 10, we get to learn more about Thatcher, his history and how he becomes this brilliant genius, mainly from time with his grandfather who was a Captain in the US Space Force. Bartlett has always written powerful, and clever character driven stories, and this is no exception, with Thatcher, Veronica Rose, and multiple other major characters amongst the crew and Corporations.
The story is not just about the Corporations though, threading through this constant intrigue, and political interplay of the Dawn Cluster, there is a much more insidious threat at play. The same threat that has plagued humanity in the Sol Region, that they had to fight off 50yrs ago, and are now fighting again, is in the Dawn Cluster – the Xanthic. It was Thatcher’s grandfather that defeated the Xanthic all those years ago, and inspired Tad to become a Captain in the Space Fleet.
Bartlett has created something special with this series, with his unique blend of characters, epic story telling, and meticulously detailed battle scenes – this is one series that just shouldn’t be missed. And with all 10 books in one boxset – it is an absolute bargain!! This is Scott Bartlett at his best!
December 17, 2025
4 Stars
Fleet Action is the seventh book in the Spacers Series by Scott Bartlett. It is a thrilling, character-driven space opera series that blends high-stakes action with moments of camaraderie and personal growth.
Across its ten books, we meet and follow Captain Tad Thatcher on a journey from an inexperienced rookie to a seasoned leader navigating the vast, dangerous expanse of space.
The battles are cinematic, the political intrigue is layered, and the stakes feel real - whether it’s a skirmish in deep space or a moral dilemma in the captain’s chair. The world-building is rich yet accessible, with just enough technical detail to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts without bogging down the story.
I also discovered that Mr. Bartlett has a knack for injecting humor into tense and dramatic moments, making the series as entertaining as it is gripping.
A binge-worthy read for fans of fast-paced military sci-fi with relatable characters, clever twists, and a touch of heart.
Happy Reading…
Fleet Action is the seventh book in the Spacers Series by Scott Bartlett. It is a thrilling, character-driven space opera series that blends high-stakes action with moments of camaraderie and personal growth.
Across its ten books, we meet and follow Captain Tad Thatcher on a journey from an inexperienced rookie to a seasoned leader navigating the vast, dangerous expanse of space.
The battles are cinematic, the political intrigue is layered, and the stakes feel real - whether it’s a skirmish in deep space or a moral dilemma in the captain’s chair. The world-building is rich yet accessible, with just enough technical detail to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts without bogging down the story.
I also discovered that Mr. Bartlett has a knack for injecting humor into tense and dramatic moments, making the series as entertaining as it is gripping.
A binge-worthy read for fans of fast-paced military sci-fi with relatable characters, clever twists, and a touch of heart.
Happy Reading…
June 16, 2023
Great Read
In the Dawn Cluster the numerous battles between various forces large and small are truly coming to a head! Moll’s control of much of the cluster and various factions keeps growing. Most not from true allegiance but intimidation, coercion and threats. Some just for the ability to be able to fight and reap the benefits. Thatcher’s small fleet represents those who believe in human rights and freedom. He has few Allie’s that somewhat follow those guidelines. It’s an uphill struggle but humanities very survival depends on it, especially with the reemergence of the alien threat! I wonder if Thatcher feels like a salmon struggling upstream past the commercial fishing boats then thru the sports fishermen, only to run into the grizzlies waiting for the few of you remaining?!
In the Dawn Cluster the numerous battles between various forces large and small are truly coming to a head! Moll’s control of much of the cluster and various factions keeps growing. Most not from true allegiance but intimidation, coercion and threats. Some just for the ability to be able to fight and reap the benefits. Thatcher’s small fleet represents those who believe in human rights and freedom. He has few Allie’s that somewhat follow those guidelines. It’s an uphill struggle but humanities very survival depends on it, especially with the reemergence of the alien threat! I wonder if Thatcher feels like a salmon struggling upstream past the commercial fishing boats then thru the sports fishermen, only to run into the grizzlies waiting for the few of you remaining?!
April 18, 2022
This is book 7 of the Spacers series. This book continues to follow the actions of this fine military sci-fi story. The characters continue to slowly reveal the traits that drive their actions. The field of action continues to grow as more star systems are brought into the story. You might be thinking you need maps of the areas of action and they are available and worth at least a little study. This series has elbowed it’s way into my favorite military sci-fi list and every new book pushes it towards the top of my faves. I highly recommend this book to all sci-fi readers as well as other readers that enjoy good fiction.
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.
May 26, 2022
Start the music
In the Dawn Cluster it's getting complicated. Frontier Security is no more Thatcher has joined with Li Jun as part of the Ascendant Horizon.
Volkov is working with Mittleman and Red Sky is now Red Legion.
Rose as we learned in the last book is alive and she is collaborating with the Degenerate Pirates now know as Degeneracy Inc.
Penta Syndicate is on its own.
Simon Moll is with his force the Coalition of Giants and he seems to be a time traveler so anytime things don't go his way he goes back in the past to 'correct ' it for himself. How can you beat that? Maybe kill him before he can 'correct ' it?
The music starts and like a game of musical chairs everyone wants to secure a seat when it stops. Another non-stop action adventure.
In the Dawn Cluster it's getting complicated. Frontier Security is no more Thatcher has joined with Li Jun as part of the Ascendant Horizon.
Volkov is working with Mittleman and Red Sky is now Red Legion.
Rose as we learned in the last book is alive and she is collaborating with the Degenerate Pirates now know as Degeneracy Inc.
Penta Syndicate is on its own.
Simon Moll is with his force the Coalition of Giants and he seems to be a time traveler so anytime things don't go his way he goes back in the past to 'correct ' it for himself. How can you beat that? Maybe kill him before he can 'correct ' it?
The music starts and like a game of musical chairs everyone wants to secure a seat when it stops. Another non-stop action adventure.
April 1, 2022
This was another action packed story. I liked the plot of this book and I am enjoying both the overall story arc of the series. Thatcher is faced with dissension in the fleet and better tactics by the fleets of the main antagonist. As well, his former employer has apparently aligned with a fleet of questionable morals. The author keeps the story moving at a good pace. If you like Military Science fiction at the fleet level, give it a try.
April 4, 2022
Spacers 7: Fleet Action, the next installment of the Spacers series, is just as good as the previous 6. Or even better. Thatcher has had it with being used as a punching bag from enemies. So he falls back on what he does best: fight with cunning, wit, and strategy. If you've been following this series, finding Thatcher coming back in to his own is reason to get this book. It's the perfect setup for book 8, the sure to be explosive end to the Spacers series.
April 3, 2022
Superb action story
Continuing the brilliant Spacers saga. Scott Bartlett rolls on through space battles, duplicitous corporations, aliens and anything else he can think of too keep you hooked. No spoilers here just a recommendation to read a great book that's part of a great series.
Continuing the brilliant Spacers saga. Scott Bartlett rolls on through space battles, duplicitous corporations, aliens and anything else he can think of too keep you hooked. No spoilers here just a recommendation to read a great book that's part of a great series.
January 19, 2023
Great read....
As with all the books in this series this holds my attention with both hands. I am certainly looking forward to reading or perhaps listening to the next book.
As with all the books in this series this holds my attention with both hands. I am certainly looking forward to reading or perhaps listening to the next book.
February 10, 2023
Coalition of Giants is getting stronger. Thatcher is getting weaker but still has some cards up his sleeve.
May 15, 2023
Excellent
But as much as I'd like to get to the end of all this disturbing death and destruction... I just can't take any more. Bye bye...
But as much as I'd like to get to the end of all this disturbing death and destruction... I just can't take any more. Bye bye...
June 10, 2024
Good read
Like the last 6 books before this one, very engaging and hard to put down. A lot of stories within the main one! ����
Like the last 6 books before this one, very engaging and hard to put down. A lot of stories within the main one! ����
January 27, 2025
Same review as all his other books... great reads, but too long to get to the end!
I'm wanting to skip to the last book, JUST to see it all end!
Still a good book though.
I'm wanting to skip to the last book, JUST to see it all end!
Still a good book though.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews