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The Aule Stratagem - Part one - Slave Ship
The Aule Sector, a crucial region of space between the Confederacy of Bellona and the League of Independent Systems, is being plagued by piracy.
Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson, newly assigned tactical officer on CSS Aurora, is part of the Confederate Navy's response.
Intelligence reports tell him that pirate attacks are increasing by the day and patrol ships are being evaded. The news that frontline warships are in these scavengers’ hands adds to the tension.
Many crews have been captured and sold into slavery; their cargo now pirate booty.
Cara Tayley’s ship is one of those destroyed by the vultures, and she and her crew are now prisoners. But she will not go quietly, she will fight against the vile pirates that have them, even if it means her death. Better that than a slave.
Patterson is out to complete his mission and stop these marauders, he may be Tayley’s only hope of salvation.
But questions plague the crew of the Aurora.
What is really going on in the Aule Sector?
How are the pirates so well informed and well-armed?
Is there a traitor on the station?
Can Patterson find the answers, make the sector safe and find Tayley before it is too late?
Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson, newly assigned tactical officer on CSS Aurora, is part of the Confederate Navy's response.
Intelligence reports tell him that pirate attacks are increasing by the day and patrol ships are being evaded. The news that frontline warships are in these scavengers’ hands adds to the tension.
Many crews have been captured and sold into slavery; their cargo now pirate booty.
Cara Tayley’s ship is one of those destroyed by the vultures, and she and her crew are now prisoners. But she will not go quietly, she will fight against the vile pirates that have them, even if it means her death. Better that than a slave.
Patterson is out to complete his mission and stop these marauders, he may be Tayley’s only hope of salvation.
But questions plague the crew of the Aurora.
What is really going on in the Aule Sector?
How are the pirates so well informed and well-armed?
Is there a traitor on the station?
Can Patterson find the answers, make the sector safe and find Tayley before it is too late?
- GenresScience Fiction
283 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
David Clegg
2 books31 followersDavid Clegg is an author of military science fiction, who grew up on a steady diet of sci-fi TV, books and films, from Star Trek to Doctor Who, Babylon 5 and most everything else he could get hold of.
Besides writing, he works in finance and has been a chef, a salesman and several other things.
When not writing, he's an avid wargamer, student of history, a home brewer, and of course, a reader. He lives in Northampton with his wife, their dog and cat.
Besides writing, he works in finance and has been a chef, a salesman and several other things.
When not writing, he's an avid wargamer, student of history, a home brewer, and of course, a reader. He lives in Northampton with his wife, their dog and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 28, 2022
For months, interstellar pirates have been wreaking havoc throughout the Aule Sector, a vast region of space that separates the Confederacy and the League of Independent Systems. Heavily armed pirate vessels are attacking and destroying merchant ships, stealing their cargo, and then capturing and selling their crews into slavery.
To confront the pirate menace head-on, the Confederacy dispatches the cruiser Aurora, under the command of Captain Elizabeth Lewis. Among her crew is newly-assigned tactical officer, Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson. Patterson has bucked his family’s tradition of army service and joined the navy instead. His skills as a tactical officer and the bravery of Aurora’s entire crew are put to the test as they play a deadly game of hide and seek, hunting down pirate vessels bent on destruction.
These are not ordinary pirates. They are well-equipped with military-grade equipment. Moreover, they have somehow been able to evade the Confederacy’s routine patrols throughout the sector. They are always a step ahead, anticipating the Confederacy’s every move. What forces are behind the pirates? Who is supporting them? Where are they getting their ships and supplies, and from where and whom are they receiving information about Confederacy fleet operations?
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is the debut novel by writer David Clegg, and it is the first book in a two-part series. The work is described as military science fiction; marketers, after all, must know upon which shelf they should stock a book, But Clegg’s characters tell a story that is not confined by the limits of such a categorization and genre.
Although the action occurs in space, the plot and storyline could have been plucked from our own history and headlines right here on Earth. One could easily imagine Clegg’s pirates working off the coast of Africa, in the South China Sea, or in the past, terrorizing sailors and civilians alike across the Caribbean and West Indies. They act as mercenaries, and they are backed by the equivalent of a 20th-century Earth superpower fighting a proxy war on behalf of their sponsor in order to preserve their benefactor’s plausible deniability. The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is epic in its scope and reminds me of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels, specifically Master and The Commander and The Far Side of the Earth, both of which take place during the Napoleonic Wars.
Not to worry sci-fi fans, Clegg is masterful in his description of spacecraft and propulsion systems, hyperspace, radar, lidar, and all the technology required for military operations in space. Based on the level of detail he provides, one would think that Clegg pulled the descriptions of Aurora’s offensive and defensive weapons systems directly from Janes Defence Weekly. But they are products of his fertile imagination. The battle scenes he creates are vivid and will have readers on the edge of their seats. He is able to write in Surround Sound and create 3D, Imax-like imagery with his words. If Clegg weren’t a novelist, I would love to see him become a technical writer. His descriptions of technology make it easy to understand for a non-technical reader. Now, could he please take a crack at re-writing the manual for my Smart TV? Could he make that readable and intelligent? Yes, I do believe he could.
So yes, The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is a work of military science fiction, and there is plenty of that to satisfy the most ravenous consumers of the genre. But it is much more than that. It is a timeless story told in a first-rate fashion. The reason you may think you have already read The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is because you already have. Clegg is a storyteller who reveals the full breadth of humanity, displaying all of our raw emotions, our depravity, and frailty, our benevolence and corruption, our courage and cowardice.
We’ve all read stories like that. They’ve all been written, right? Wrong.
In The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship, Clegg tells the never-ending story of human conflict in a fresh, new way. He creates characters that are not superficial or one-dimensional. His characters, down to the last sailor, soldier, marine, and pirate come alive. They have lives, they have dreams, they have hopes, and they have purpose. In one scene, a pirate captain thinks wistfully about his home and his wife millions of miles away and all that she has had to put up with during their life together. And he imagines a time when they can be together once again. Now, this man is pure evil mind you. And he’s not even the worst of them in the book. But for a brief moment, you as the reader are inclined to say, “Aww, the poor guy! I hope he gets home to see his wife soon.”
What? Pirates have lives, wives, and mothers? Who knew?
Well, Clegg knows, and he brings them all to life for you, as he does with all of his characters, down to the last detail. You feel the determination of Patterson to prove to himself and to his family that he made the right decision by bucking tradition. And you especially feel the fear and sense of hopelessness of the female captives who have been assaulted and abused by the pirates. But he also documents their courage to fight back against their oppressors. These are difficult scenes to write, but Clegg walks the line perfectly by providing enough detail without being overly graphic. Readers are smart enough to fill in the details.
In The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship, science, technology, and military tactics do not get in the way of a really good story, a story that is extremely well written. The science doesn’t interfere with the fiction. I am a reader of a certain age, and as a young man in my teens, I read Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert, and Clarke. Yes, there was science in their stories, a lot of it. But, their stories were really about the human condition, about love and hate, fear and loathing, bravery and cowardice, greed and lust. Clegg writes about the existential battle between good and evil. All of humanity, good and bad is on display in this book. It just happens to be set in a galaxy that is far, far, away. Clegg has written exceptional fiction through the lens of compelling science and technology.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is an excellent novel. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to read Part 2. Even though I’ve already read it a thousand times, I have to find out how it ends.
To confront the pirate menace head-on, the Confederacy dispatches the cruiser Aurora, under the command of Captain Elizabeth Lewis. Among her crew is newly-assigned tactical officer, Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson. Patterson has bucked his family’s tradition of army service and joined the navy instead. His skills as a tactical officer and the bravery of Aurora’s entire crew are put to the test as they play a deadly game of hide and seek, hunting down pirate vessels bent on destruction.
These are not ordinary pirates. They are well-equipped with military-grade equipment. Moreover, they have somehow been able to evade the Confederacy’s routine patrols throughout the sector. They are always a step ahead, anticipating the Confederacy’s every move. What forces are behind the pirates? Who is supporting them? Where are they getting their ships and supplies, and from where and whom are they receiving information about Confederacy fleet operations?
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is the debut novel by writer David Clegg, and it is the first book in a two-part series. The work is described as military science fiction; marketers, after all, must know upon which shelf they should stock a book, But Clegg’s characters tell a story that is not confined by the limits of such a categorization and genre.
Although the action occurs in space, the plot and storyline could have been plucked from our own history and headlines right here on Earth. One could easily imagine Clegg’s pirates working off the coast of Africa, in the South China Sea, or in the past, terrorizing sailors and civilians alike across the Caribbean and West Indies. They act as mercenaries, and they are backed by the equivalent of a 20th-century Earth superpower fighting a proxy war on behalf of their sponsor in order to preserve their benefactor’s plausible deniability. The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is epic in its scope and reminds me of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels, specifically Master and The Commander and The Far Side of the Earth, both of which take place during the Napoleonic Wars.
Not to worry sci-fi fans, Clegg is masterful in his description of spacecraft and propulsion systems, hyperspace, radar, lidar, and all the technology required for military operations in space. Based on the level of detail he provides, one would think that Clegg pulled the descriptions of Aurora’s offensive and defensive weapons systems directly from Janes Defence Weekly. But they are products of his fertile imagination. The battle scenes he creates are vivid and will have readers on the edge of their seats. He is able to write in Surround Sound and create 3D, Imax-like imagery with his words. If Clegg weren’t a novelist, I would love to see him become a technical writer. His descriptions of technology make it easy to understand for a non-technical reader. Now, could he please take a crack at re-writing the manual for my Smart TV? Could he make that readable and intelligent? Yes, I do believe he could.
So yes, The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is a work of military science fiction, and there is plenty of that to satisfy the most ravenous consumers of the genre. But it is much more than that. It is a timeless story told in a first-rate fashion. The reason you may think you have already read The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is because you already have. Clegg is a storyteller who reveals the full breadth of humanity, displaying all of our raw emotions, our depravity, and frailty, our benevolence and corruption, our courage and cowardice.
We’ve all read stories like that. They’ve all been written, right? Wrong.
In The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship, Clegg tells the never-ending story of human conflict in a fresh, new way. He creates characters that are not superficial or one-dimensional. His characters, down to the last sailor, soldier, marine, and pirate come alive. They have lives, they have dreams, they have hopes, and they have purpose. In one scene, a pirate captain thinks wistfully about his home and his wife millions of miles away and all that she has had to put up with during their life together. And he imagines a time when they can be together once again. Now, this man is pure evil mind you. And he’s not even the worst of them in the book. But for a brief moment, you as the reader are inclined to say, “Aww, the poor guy! I hope he gets home to see his wife soon.”
What? Pirates have lives, wives, and mothers? Who knew?
Well, Clegg knows, and he brings them all to life for you, as he does with all of his characters, down to the last detail. You feel the determination of Patterson to prove to himself and to his family that he made the right decision by bucking tradition. And you especially feel the fear and sense of hopelessness of the female captives who have been assaulted and abused by the pirates. But he also documents their courage to fight back against their oppressors. These are difficult scenes to write, but Clegg walks the line perfectly by providing enough detail without being overly graphic. Readers are smart enough to fill in the details.
In The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship, science, technology, and military tactics do not get in the way of a really good story, a story that is extremely well written. The science doesn’t interfere with the fiction. I am a reader of a certain age, and as a young man in my teens, I read Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert, and Clarke. Yes, there was science in their stories, a lot of it. But, their stories were really about the human condition, about love and hate, fear and loathing, bravery and cowardice, greed and lust. Clegg writes about the existential battle between good and evil. All of humanity, good and bad is on display in this book. It just happens to be set in a galaxy that is far, far, away. Clegg has written exceptional fiction through the lens of compelling science and technology.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is an excellent novel. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to read Part 2. Even though I’ve already read it a thousand times, I have to find out how it ends.
September 24, 2021
The Aule Stratagem is military science fiction with emphasis on the military - particularly the mindset of professional naval officers. These aren't your typical rogue/libertarian self-employed adventurers - unless we're talking about the pirates, filthy scum that they are (though not devoid of characterization and motivation). The galaxy is seemingly at peace, thirty years after the last big war, and the Confederate Navy's adherence to constant drills and ceremonies of military tradition may seem like a mindless relic to many in the core worlds. But as piracy threatens to spiral out of control in the space between the Confederacy and the League, it's up to the light cruiser Aurora to protect merchant marine ships from destruction or enslavement and to piece together what the cause of the piracy outbreak may be. The prose can be a bit repetitive at times but overall it's well crafted and the story runs smoothly. This is Part One, so don't expect everything to be resolved. But do expect a set up for grander things down the line.
September 24, 2021
This book is a brilliant space saga, an opera of epic proportions. Where else can you find such amazing characters and such a gripping story, all set in space? If you like shows like Firefly, Star Trek, or Mandalorian, then you will love this book.
The story follows one ship as it heads out into a notorious zone of piracy, and it also follows a young officer, taken by the pirates, and the horrific abuse of her captors to their prisoners. Both stories keep you wanting more. You will not stop reading until the very last word and then you will catch your breath and be desperate to get your hands on the next installment.
The story follows one ship as it heads out into a notorious zone of piracy, and it also follows a young officer, taken by the pirates, and the horrific abuse of her captors to their prisoners. Both stories keep you wanting more. You will not stop reading until the very last word and then you will catch your breath and be desperate to get your hands on the next installment.
September 24, 2021
WOW! The first few paragraphs had me hooked, I needed to know what would happen next. I am not a traditional Sci-fi fan but this really drew me in. I had to know more. The characters are well fleshed out and become real as you read about them. Good books can entertain you but great ones can transport you. This is a perfect transportation device. Read it and head to space for a wonderful adventure.
My only warning would be it is not for kids, there are a few scenes on the pirate ship that are disturbing and although the narrative does not go into detail, it is highly implied that 'off camera' bad things are happening to the female prisoners.
My only warning would be it is not for kids, there are a few scenes on the pirate ship that are disturbing and although the narrative does not go into detail, it is highly implied that 'off camera' bad things are happening to the female prisoners.
January 1, 2026
I just want to say thank you to David, for sending me both parts, this review is really overdue - which I can only apologise for.
I loved the first part of this book, full of action, adventure and plot. Look forward to reading the next part
I loved the first part of this book, full of action, adventure and plot. Look forward to reading the next part
September 24, 2021
A great new Sci-Fi world to be explored.
I liked the Aule Stratagem, the world building was good with a compelling story, the book ends on a big cliff hanger and so I will be looking forward to the next part of the series.
Really enjoyed the intricate system set up and the politics of the futuristic environment - and obviously the space pirates! who doesn't love a good space pirate.
I liked the Aule Stratagem, the world building was good with a compelling story, the book ends on a big cliff hanger and so I will be looking forward to the next part of the series.
Really enjoyed the intricate system set up and the politics of the futuristic environment - and obviously the space pirates! who doesn't love a good space pirate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2025
*Received for free in return for a fair review.
This was a lot of fun,you can feel the inspiration from a number of SciFi franchises littered throughout, and it's impressive how well they work together.
The story itself is a well trodden one, piracy is out of control in an area of the outside the main galactic powers, so the main power of the tale is trying to help the local systems regain control of thee space ways so trade can thrive and people can be safe. The problem, the pirates are both better armed than they should be AND better organised than they should be, suggesting some form of backing, add in the fact the local systems are poor meaning the governments are corrupt and easily paid off means this is no easy task.
We get the story through 3 main sources, an officer within the Confederation Navy, a prisoner due to be sold into slavery, and the leader of the Pirates, allowing a varied perspective to the universe, adding some depth to the world, and does a good job of showing the various motivations of the factions.
Repetition is used well in the writing, especially around the Navy, driving home the importance of professionalism routine, procedure and following the rules so everyone knows what they are doing, which helps drive home moments when it falls down, although it does at times make the combat samey so may not be for everyone.
My one gripe is the ending, which is a hard cliffhanger, but not in the way I personally enjoy, in books at least, and felt more to me like the ending of TV episode, I could almost hear Majel Rodedenberry saying 'to be continued' on the page, which I enjoy far more in visual media than written, but that's a personnel preference.
With that said, I will be picking up part 2 so i can see where this goes, as this is overall exactly my sort of space Sci-Fi, and I had a great time with it, and if you are a fan of shows like Babylon-5,Battlestar Galactica or Star Wars, you likely will too.
This was a lot of fun,you can feel the inspiration from a number of SciFi franchises littered throughout, and it's impressive how well they work together.
The story itself is a well trodden one, piracy is out of control in an area of the outside the main galactic powers, so the main power of the tale is trying to help the local systems regain control of thee space ways so trade can thrive and people can be safe. The problem, the pirates are both better armed than they should be AND better organised than they should be, suggesting some form of backing, add in the fact the local systems are poor meaning the governments are corrupt and easily paid off means this is no easy task.
We get the story through 3 main sources, an officer within the Confederation Navy, a prisoner due to be sold into slavery, and the leader of the Pirates, allowing a varied perspective to the universe, adding some depth to the world, and does a good job of showing the various motivations of the factions.
Repetition is used well in the writing, especially around the Navy, driving home the importance of professionalism routine, procedure and following the rules so everyone knows what they are doing, which helps drive home moments when it falls down, although it does at times make the combat samey so may not be for everyone.
My one gripe is the ending, which is a hard cliffhanger, but not in the way I personally enjoy, in books at least, and felt more to me like the ending of TV episode, I could almost hear Majel Rodedenberry saying 'to be continued' on the page, which I enjoy far more in visual media than written, but that's a personnel preference.
With that said, I will be picking up part 2 so i can see where this goes, as this is overall exactly my sort of space Sci-Fi, and I had a great time with it, and if you are a fan of shows like Babylon-5,Battlestar Galactica or Star Wars, you likely will too.
April 30, 2023
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3AFZCyt.
Within the Aule sector of space pirates have been taking Confederate allied forces and destroying the ships. The Confederate Navy ship, the Aurora, has been tasked with reigning in these pirates and locating the corruption of the local sector. Once Captain Lewis and her crew arrive they find that the local head also believes that there is a mole getting inside information out to the pirates. But, can these pirates be a front for a much bigger threat coming to the Confederacy?
I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book gave me a lot of Star Wars vibes. I don’t know if it was due to how the Empire acted, the fact they were called the empire in the first place, or because all I could think about when they were plotting was the Empire striking back. The force is not in this book, however, there are plenty of weapons. Think regular war-time naval guns, severely amped up (of course this is set far in the future). Not that I am in any way complaining about that. I love pirate battles as you’ve seen with On These Black Sands and Jubilant.
This book does take a bit to actually get into, but once it picks up it is nonstop action. It goes from a slow burn in space to fight after fight. We see the corruption and are even able to get an idea of what is going on on the slave ships and on the Naval ship. I enjoyed the change in perspective there. This book goes end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but that is to be expected considering this is book one in a series.
That being said, the book wasn't nearly as boring, for me, as Star Wars was. The piracy helped quite a bit on that front thankfully. If requested I would be willing to read additional books by this author and in this series.
Within the Aule sector of space pirates have been taking Confederate allied forces and destroying the ships. The Confederate Navy ship, the Aurora, has been tasked with reigning in these pirates and locating the corruption of the local sector. Once Captain Lewis and her crew arrive they find that the local head also believes that there is a mole getting inside information out to the pirates. But, can these pirates be a front for a much bigger threat coming to the Confederacy?
I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book gave me a lot of Star Wars vibes. I don’t know if it was due to how the Empire acted, the fact they were called the empire in the first place, or because all I could think about when they were plotting was the Empire striking back. The force is not in this book, however, there are plenty of weapons. Think regular war-time naval guns, severely amped up (of course this is set far in the future). Not that I am in any way complaining about that. I love pirate battles as you’ve seen with On These Black Sands and Jubilant.
This book does take a bit to actually get into, but once it picks up it is nonstop action. It goes from a slow burn in space to fight after fight. We see the corruption and are even able to get an idea of what is going on on the slave ships and on the Naval ship. I enjoyed the change in perspective there. This book goes end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but that is to be expected considering this is book one in a series.
That being said, the book wasn't nearly as boring, for me, as Star Wars was. The piracy helped quite a bit on that front thankfully. If requested I would be willing to read additional books by this author and in this series.
January 27, 2025
A brilliant science fiction novel! I was deeply involved with this fascinating, highly technical world. While some themes may seem complex, the author writes it in a way that easy enough to follow along and understand. Mixed in with this detail is character development and plenty of action. While I did sometimes lose track of characters, I found myself favouring Michael and his story. He was put together so vividly, I almost felt like I knew him. I don't want to say I enjoyed Cara's story because that would feel inappropriate, what happens to her is tragic and pure horror. However, it made for an interesting storyline and made me want to keep reading in hope she'd escape the pirates that had kidnapped her, among many other victims too.
This is deffo one of those books that will linger in my mind for a while. It was written so well and I'm really glad I picked it up. David Clegg has written a very intelligent, gripping and fast paced world. For fans of science fiction / anything space related. Or fans of the writing style of Michael Crichton, which this reminded me of a bit.
This is deffo one of those books that will linger in my mind for a while. It was written so well and I'm really glad I picked it up. David Clegg has written a very intelligent, gripping and fast paced world. For fans of science fiction / anything space related. Or fans of the writing style of Michael Crichton, which this reminded me of a bit.
June 21, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It reminds me of the old school Heinlein sci fi that got me into reading when i was younger without the silliness and sexism. This book is extremely well written technical sci fi and i was particularly surprised at how well edited it was for a smaller publisher. I was hooked right from the prologue, but the last chapter i sped through because i was on the edge of my seat with suspense. I'm very excited to start book two.
September 26, 2021
The Aule Stratagem is a brilliant Scifi novel, or at least the first half of one. It is pretty awesome and a great read. I like Science fiction so this really works well for me as a story. Worth a read if you enjoy authors like Howard Weinstein or Diane Duane. It has quite a full on story and has great characters. A soap opera in space with a dose of Navy politics.
March 25, 2022
This will satisfy your sci-fi needs but you’ll want book 2 after reading this. Built around a professional naval fighting force on the high seas but in outer space! Tactical battles, human stories, strategic consequences, and star system politics all intertwined. And Yet what I really wanted so bad for the pirate scum to get what’s coming to them! No spoilers though.
April 26, 2022
Wow! What a fantastic book
Massive rollercoaster and I cried near the end like a baby.
For his debut novel I am so impressed with the level of detail he managed to compact into a novel. Fast-paced, exciting and full of incredible imagery.
A book I could not put down.
Thanks David, it was brilliant and I can’t wait for Part 2.
Massive rollercoaster and I cried near the end like a baby.
For his debut novel I am so impressed with the level of detail he managed to compact into a novel. Fast-paced, exciting and full of incredible imagery.
A book I could not put down.
Thanks David, it was brilliant and I can’t wait for Part 2.
May 16, 2022
edge of your seat thrill ride
Well written masterpiece. I had to read it twice this weekend. A must have in any library paperback or digital.
Well written masterpiece. I had to read it twice this weekend. A must have in any library paperback or digital.
August 23, 2024
I had so much fun reading this.
Take paolini and Hamilton and you got a pretty good baby here 😍 military sci-fi is sometimes hard to get into at first but not this. The adventure is legit from start to finish. I’m ready for more!
Take paolini and Hamilton and you got a pretty good baby here 😍 military sci-fi is sometimes hard to get into at first but not this. The adventure is legit from start to finish. I’m ready for more!
May 6, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! I was gripped just by the prologue and barely put it down after that! For me it had everything that makes military sci-fi great - a cast of good characters and multiple perspectives, an interesting space setting and great, tense battle scenes!
What made this really stand out to me was the relationships between the characters, especially those serving on Aurora, seeing how the officers act in their downtime, how the captain acts differently in the bridge and when just with her trusted senior officers and how they discipline under performing teams made it seem so real! This felt like an actual military operation in space!
If people are looking for a book to see if they like military sci-fi this will be the one I recommend, part 2 can’t come soon enough!
What made this really stand out to me was the relationships between the characters, especially those serving on Aurora, seeing how the officers act in their downtime, how the captain acts differently in the bridge and when just with her trusted senior officers and how they discipline under performing teams made it seem so real! This felt like an actual military operation in space!
If people are looking for a book to see if they like military sci-fi this will be the one I recommend, part 2 can’t come soon enough!
November 19, 2021
For a first book this is a brilliant scifi adventure. Well written and full of action. The characters leap off the page. Keep writing, I need the next instalment.
November 6, 2021
Fast paced from the off, this book contains a range of strong characters we can connect with early on - both male and female.
The plot is strong and it is easy to turn the page and move forwards.
Readers would need to be aware of suggestion of female vulnerability as a result of the position they are placed in.
A successful novel - well executed.
The plot is strong and it is easy to turn the page and move forwards.
Readers would need to be aware of suggestion of female vulnerability as a result of the position they are placed in.
A successful novel - well executed.
July 6, 2022
This is an interesting book. At first it seemed to be about a small ship all alone in space, then it all changed and it was about space pirates and the prisoners they have captured. It was also about a large starship going out to find and destroy the pirates. See the rest of the review on this blog - simplyhonestreviews.webador.co.uk
December 8, 2021
I am not too much of sci-fi fan but i have to say this book was brilliant, the writers description of futuristic space, battleships with imagery using words and the storyline keeps you wanting more, if you like shows like the madelorian, starstrek, Dark matter, lost in space, i think you'd like this. Well done David clegg i look forward to the next installment.
January 22, 2022
Good solid Space adventure. Where good guy are good and bad guys are bad. Looking forward to part 2
March 15, 2023
With a captivating narrative and engaging themes, readers can look forward to a thrilling story.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship offers a gripping journey into space that is based on the terrors of our Earthly history. Clegg's pirates leave an undeniable impact and could be compared to real-life mercenaries who haunted multiple waters in the past. Plus, their powerful ally serves as a perfect example of how a 20th-century Earth superpower would fight its battles through third parties.
Military operations in space come alive under Clegg's pen. His vivid descriptions of spacecraft, propulsion systems, radar and lidar provide an entertaining read and make technical information easy to understand for the non-technical reader. Even those who eschew science fiction will enjoy the battle scenes on display here: full of grandiose sound and images that almost defy visualization. Added bonus? We can rest easy knowing these details are all thanks to his inventive imagination. If you're looking for someone to make your instruction manual less complex and much easier to digest, I humbly suggest giving him a try - smart TVs included!
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is a sophisticated piece of military science fiction that combines raw human emotion with timeless story-telling. Author Michael Clegg uses all the elements of humanity to create realistic story characters in an entertaining and thought-provoking way. You may think you have already read this book, but the layers brought to life by Clegg's vivid descriptions make it an experience like no other.
In The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship, Clegg presents a unique take on the struggles of human conflict. He immerses readers in the lives of his unforgettable characters—sailors, soldiers, marines, and pirates alike. These characters come alive with vivid dreams and hopes that make them dynamic instead of flat archetypes. For example, a pirate captain muses longingly about returning home to see his wife after years apart; even an arch-villain like him can still feel empathy for his loved ones. The reader may even find themselves sympathizing with him despite knowing he is 'evil'. Indeed, it is a testament to Clegg's skill as an author that he can elicit such complex emotions in his readers.
Clegg's attention to detail brings all the characters in his stories to life, including the pirate families. In particular, you can feel Patterson's determination to show he made the right decision by going against tradition. You also feel the fear and powerlessness of some of the female captives who were abused and assaulted by pirates, yet through everything they still manage to fight back courageously. Writing these scenes is a challenge but Clegg handles them sensitively yet realistically; readers are smart enough that they can fill in any additional details without it having to be overexplained.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is a masterpiece of storytelling that successfully weaves in science, technology and military tactics without compromising the story. Written in a style reminiscent of classic authors such as Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert and Clarke, The Aule Stratagem focuses on the philosophical themes of good versus evil and the universal aspects of human emotion. It's a fascinating exploration of the human condition but framed within an alternate galaxy. Clegg expertly blends fact with fiction to tell a captivating tale.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is an enthralling novel that readers won't be able to put down. I already know the ending, but I'm still looking forward to re-reading the entire series. Part 2 promises more exciting moments, and I can hardly wait to find out what happens in the end.
I read Book 1 in a matter of hours.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship offers a gripping journey into space that is based on the terrors of our Earthly history. Clegg's pirates leave an undeniable impact and could be compared to real-life mercenaries who haunted multiple waters in the past. Plus, their powerful ally serves as a perfect example of how a 20th-century Earth superpower would fight its battles through third parties.
Military operations in space come alive under Clegg's pen. His vivid descriptions of spacecraft, propulsion systems, radar and lidar provide an entertaining read and make technical information easy to understand for the non-technical reader. Even those who eschew science fiction will enjoy the battle scenes on display here: full of grandiose sound and images that almost defy visualization. Added bonus? We can rest easy knowing these details are all thanks to his inventive imagination. If you're looking for someone to make your instruction manual less complex and much easier to digest, I humbly suggest giving him a try - smart TVs included!
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is a sophisticated piece of military science fiction that combines raw human emotion with timeless story-telling. Author Michael Clegg uses all the elements of humanity to create realistic story characters in an entertaining and thought-provoking way. You may think you have already read this book, but the layers brought to life by Clegg's vivid descriptions make it an experience like no other.
In The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship, Clegg presents a unique take on the struggles of human conflict. He immerses readers in the lives of his unforgettable characters—sailors, soldiers, marines, and pirates alike. These characters come alive with vivid dreams and hopes that make them dynamic instead of flat archetypes. For example, a pirate captain muses longingly about returning home to see his wife after years apart; even an arch-villain like him can still feel empathy for his loved ones. The reader may even find themselves sympathizing with him despite knowing he is 'evil'. Indeed, it is a testament to Clegg's skill as an author that he can elicit such complex emotions in his readers.
Clegg's attention to detail brings all the characters in his stories to life, including the pirate families. In particular, you can feel Patterson's determination to show he made the right decision by going against tradition. You also feel the fear and powerlessness of some of the female captives who were abused and assaulted by pirates, yet through everything they still manage to fight back courageously. Writing these scenes is a challenge but Clegg handles them sensitively yet realistically; readers are smart enough that they can fill in any additional details without it having to be overexplained.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is a masterpiece of storytelling that successfully weaves in science, technology and military tactics without compromising the story. Written in a style reminiscent of classic authors such as Asimov, Heinlein, Herbert and Clarke, The Aule Stratagem focuses on the philosophical themes of good versus evil and the universal aspects of human emotion. It's a fascinating exploration of the human condition but framed within an alternate galaxy. Clegg expertly blends fact with fiction to tell a captivating tale.
The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship is an enthralling novel that readers won't be able to put down. I already know the ending, but I'm still looking forward to re-reading the entire series. Part 2 promises more exciting moments, and I can hardly wait to find out what happens in the end.
I read Book 1 in a matter of hours.
May 20, 2022
TLDR; A great and exciting beginning, but I wanted more from the character relationships. Trigger warnings for frank discussion of sexual assault.
Pros-
Very competently written and edited (I can’t remember any typos or grammar errors)
Obviously well loved by author
Highly detailed military jargon and protocols that felt very real
There was this overall, Big Idea to the story that I really wanted to know more about and the prologue was gripping! I was immediately excited for what was going to happen next.
Finally, Captain Lewis was a great character! I wanted more and more with and from Lewis' POV.
Cons-
The format was cutting scene to scene without any natural transitions
The majority of the book was on-ship simulations and a few in-space battles that didn’t move the plot forward or connect to the side plot started in the prologue which slowed the pace
It focused so much on protocols and the minutiae of the military that the characters felt flat. I would get so excited when characters started bonding in one-on-one scenes, only for the scene to end much too quickly or the one romantic connection feeling forced, and then the bonding scenes never happening again (I’m specifically thinking about Patterson-Singh, and Mara-Devereaux)
Lastly, and the biggest personal reason why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would: the side plot on the Slave Ship. I very much dislike rape or sexual assault used in a story for no other reason than: this is a terrible thing that shall happen to the women, and this sad, dialogue-less woman in particular. A woman, by the way, that I thought would be a main character, who even has multiple POV scenes, but ended up not affecting the plot and had next to zero dialogue. The fact that all the pirates on the Slave Ship were men, and were all violent women-rapists (except for two, and one of those two allowed it because ‘morale’) really angered me. It also only happened to the women and all the men were spared. Rape isn’t about ‘that sexy lady', it's about power and control. The fact that every captured man was able to escape that fate, and every woman couldn’t escape it, sometimes in graphically horrible ways, doesn’t make sense. If you’re uncomfortable thinking about men being raped, then don’t write about women being raped.
Pros-
Very competently written and edited (I can’t remember any typos or grammar errors)
Obviously well loved by author
Highly detailed military jargon and protocols that felt very real
There was this overall, Big Idea to the story that I really wanted to know more about and the prologue was gripping! I was immediately excited for what was going to happen next.
Finally, Captain Lewis was a great character! I wanted more and more with and from Lewis' POV.
Cons-
The format was cutting scene to scene without any natural transitions
The majority of the book was on-ship simulations and a few in-space battles that didn’t move the plot forward or connect to the side plot started in the prologue which slowed the pace
It focused so much on protocols and the minutiae of the military that the characters felt flat. I would get so excited when characters started bonding in one-on-one scenes, only for the scene to end much too quickly or the one romantic connection feeling forced, and then the bonding scenes never happening again (I’m specifically thinking about Patterson-Singh, and Mara-Devereaux)
Lastly, and the biggest personal reason why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would: the side plot on the Slave Ship. I very much dislike rape or sexual assault used in a story for no other reason than: this is a terrible thing that shall happen to the women, and this sad, dialogue-less woman in particular. A woman, by the way, that I thought would be a main character, who even has multiple POV scenes, but ended up not affecting the plot and had next to zero dialogue. The fact that all the pirates on the Slave Ship were men, and were all violent women-rapists (except for two, and one of those two allowed it because ‘morale’) really angered me. It also only happened to the women and all the men were spared. Rape isn’t about ‘that sexy lady', it's about power and control. The fact that every captured man was able to escape that fate, and every woman couldn’t escape it, sometimes in graphically horrible ways, doesn’t make sense. If you’re uncomfortable thinking about men being raped, then don’t write about women being raped.
May 30, 2025
Sci fi is not a genre I generally read, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I was offered a free review copy of this book from the author.
Clegg’s passion for the story shines through the words. It is clear a lot of military research has gone into writing it, which makes it believable, and it has a strong voice and is well written. For me, the military aspect was a bit too stiff and I didn’t really connect with the characters in the beginning. Also I felt there were a lot and they were all similar and I got confused. Also, the chapters were super long and I found it a battle to get through some of the early ones, however that is personal preference because I prefer short-mid length, punchier chapters, and I acknowledge that the longer, heavier chapters may be a staple of the genre (as I said, I don’t really read this genre).
Overall I feel this is absolutely a story driven book which is unique and is a perfect read for lovers of sci fi.
Clegg’s passion for the story shines through the words. It is clear a lot of military research has gone into writing it, which makes it believable, and it has a strong voice and is well written. For me, the military aspect was a bit too stiff and I didn’t really connect with the characters in the beginning. Also I felt there were a lot and they were all similar and I got confused. Also, the chapters were super long and I found it a battle to get through some of the early ones, however that is personal preference because I prefer short-mid length, punchier chapters, and I acknowledge that the longer, heavier chapters may be a staple of the genre (as I said, I don’t really read this genre).
Overall I feel this is absolutely a story driven book which is unique and is a perfect read for lovers of sci fi.
July 4, 2022
Slave Ship starts and ends with the same group of unfortunate souls, and bookends the story brilliantly, setting us up for part two, out next week.
In between, you'll follow the crew of the Aurora as they attempt to navigate the hazards of space, shipboard politics, frustration from the higher-ups, heavily-armed pirates, and a few scary moments in training exercises.
The book rattles along, and you'll quickly find yourself at the back cover once you sit down to read it, and the little worldbuilding we get left me excited for the next instalment. There are some uncomfortable moments, but Clegg is economical with his language and never seems to be gratitous in his description of the grimier events in the Aule sector.
I'd thoroughly recommend this for anyone who is a fan of military science-fiction, and look forward to reading the concluding book next week!
In between, you'll follow the crew of the Aurora as they attempt to navigate the hazards of space, shipboard politics, frustration from the higher-ups, heavily-armed pirates, and a few scary moments in training exercises.
The book rattles along, and you'll quickly find yourself at the back cover once you sit down to read it, and the little worldbuilding we get left me excited for the next instalment. There are some uncomfortable moments, but Clegg is economical with his language and never seems to be gratitous in his description of the grimier events in the Aule sector.
I'd thoroughly recommend this for anyone who is a fan of military science-fiction, and look forward to reading the concluding book next week!
June 5, 2024
There must be millions of books out there set in space and with pirates in them, but I've never read one that feels so real before. You get the definite sense of what it means to be in a navy in space. From the heirarchy of command structures to the balance of professionalism and sacrifice, the peculiar quirks you'd get in a real military service to the different types of weapons, it all makes for a very realistic feel when reading it. I'd love to learn more about the universe this is set in, as there aren't much more than hints. There are also a few moments when the realism perhaps takes over the writing, making it a little dry in spots. Having said that, it hooked me hard and made me want to keep reading. There is a book 2 (which, with the steep cliff-hanger, I'm glad about) and that one seems even better so far.
June 20, 2024
"The Aule Stratagem - Part One: Slave Ship" by David Clegg is a gripping space opera set in the contested Aule Sector, plagued by escalating piracy. Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson, a newly assigned tactical officer on the CSS Aurora, is determined to combat these threats. With frontline warships in pirate hands and crews being sold into slavery, the stakes are high. Cara Tayley, a prisoner of the pirates, refuses to submit and fights for her freedom. Patterson's mission intertwines with her survival, as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the pirates' strength and potential betrayal within their ranks. A thrilling start to an epic series.
August 7, 2022
This one is a science fiction novel which is a well written adventure set in space. As I'm a fan of Star Trek I found I read this one easily and in a short amount of time.
Starting with lots of drama and excitement we get a well developed world and characters, as well as a intriguing story.
I think anyone who enjoys sci fi and tv/films set in the future will be interested in this series.
I will include a trigger warning for rape as of course its not something everyone is comfortable reading about.
Starting with lots of drama and excitement we get a well developed world and characters, as well as a intriguing story.
I think anyone who enjoys sci fi and tv/films set in the future will be interested in this series.
I will include a trigger warning for rape as of course its not something everyone is comfortable reading about.
June 12, 2022
Absolutely fantastic military science-fiction!
From epic world building, through the brilliant narrative with a multiple points of view and fact-paced action, I loved everything about The Aule Stratagem - Part one - Slave Ship. It touches on many difficult subjects between politics, corruption, and slavery in the truly heart-gripping way.
I absolutely enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to the next book in the instalment!
From epic world building, through the brilliant narrative with a multiple points of view and fact-paced action, I loved everything about The Aule Stratagem - Part one - Slave Ship. It touches on many difficult subjects between politics, corruption, and slavery in the truly heart-gripping way.
I absolutely enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to the next book in the instalment!
July 14, 2022
Warning: I read this book and restented things like having to eat and sleep because it would impede the reading process. After finishing the first book I immediately moved on to reading the second.
This story is one of great detail and intrigue in space. There are plenty of battle scenes. The characters are in situations which make you root for them and want to keep reading to find out what happens. Definitely a must read for any space opera fan.
This story is one of great detail and intrigue in space. There are plenty of battle scenes. The characters are in situations which make you root for them and want to keep reading to find out what happens. Definitely a must read for any space opera fan.
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