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USS Hamilton #5

Starship Oblivion: Sanctuary Outpost

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The situation is dire. The Alliance is crumbling. Thine, Pleidian, and Human civilizations are each at a crossroads for their very survival. Captain Galvin Quintos has a plan to defeat the Grish and the far more dangerous Varapin. But to pull this off, he’ll have to go it alone, cut ties with the US Space-Navy, and become a true outlaw—a full-fledged pirate. That and say goodbye to his loyal friend Derrota, Admiral Block, and Captain Gail Pristy.

Feeling he may have just jumped from the frying pan into the fire, Quintos is forced to build new strategic alliances with the Pylors. But to have their help and access to their ragtag fleet of warships, he’ll need to prove himself. He’ll need to embrace ruthless marauding to acquire a priceless gem onboard the luxury starliner Pecunious. Looming, though, is an epic battle with the Varapin elite Vanquishing Shadow Strike Force—a battle that could very well dictate who will emerge victorious in this war.

Yes, Gavin will no longer have US Space-Navy assets at his back, but he will have Hardy, the Symbios, and one eight-mile-long Gorvian technology warship called Oblivion.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2021

394 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

About the author

Mark Wayne McGinnis

58 books281 followers

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5 stars
1,036 (64%)
4 stars
437 (27%)
3 stars
97 (6%)
2 stars
16 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
1,817 reviews807 followers
August 7, 2022
Lots of fun with pirates, transporters, unique ships and interesting characters real and robots. The book is fast paced with non-stop action and battles. This series provides me with a fun non-thinking story. Makes a good get-away-from-it-all book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and twenty-five minutes. James Patrick Cronin does an excellent job narrating the book.
Profile Image for Mick Bird.
830 reviews12 followers
October 12, 2021
The auction is always going.

Again we find Captain Quintos fighting for the alliance, but this time without their backing. He has gone rogue, his old XO now Captain of her own ship has been ordered to find Quintos and bring him back to earth. But things go bad from the start for her. Quintos arrives at Haven hoping to get the right to start raiding ships from the head of this pirate plant.
3,095 reviews13 followers
January 12, 2025
Space Opera always risks becoming Space Farce.
Incredibly advanced technology, overwhelming odds, a resourceful leader, very helpful allies, huge battles, and luck out the wazoo … and that's just the start of it.
“Starship Oblivion: Sanctuary Outpost” has all the above but the author, Mark Wayne McGinnis, mostly writes with a stiff upper lip. Just because something is ridiculously doesn't mean that it has to be comedic.
Having broken off from the Earth's control Captain Galvin Quintos has made a deal with the devil, in the shape of the pirate Pylors.
But before they will give him access to their fleet and grand him letters of marque he has to prove himself worthy.
And that will involve stealing the most heavily guarded jewel in the known universe.
First he needs to refuel. It sounds simple but there is only one depot and it is heavily defended by the Grish.
Oh, and the Varadians want their ship back – having destroyed Earth's fleet (sent to track down and detail Capt. Quintos) they are using the thousands of survivors as hostages.
And the ending - “Now that’s a last-minute rescue for the books.” - is straight out of a Hollywood thriller.
If you like Space Opera (I'm a sucker for it) that's more into action than science, this is an ideal read.
4 Stars.
171 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2022
MR McGinnis has an imagination that keeps things moving and a cast of characters rallied around Captain Quintos - this is the fifth book in this series and like the others there is a little comedy, sarcasm and lots of action. Each of the books has an end, but also leaves you hanging for the next in the series as the author keeps coming up with wild twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Captain Quintos has a leadership style manages to bring together a wide variety of galactic misfits all fighting the bad guys. I'd recommend reading this series in order as you won't be disappointed :-)
272 reviews
February 26, 2022
The U.S. Space Navy is in a war and losing badly. Captain Gavin Quintos sees the need for a change in tactics but can't get the high command to listen so he does the unthinkable. He deserts, taking most of his loyal crew with him. Now they are hunted by both side as he steals the most advanced starship to make his getaway. He needs new ideas to win the war, new equipment and crews to man the ships he steals. He may be a deserter and pirate but he is determined to win the war. There are many characters to keep track of but things move at a quick pace. None of the characters make a lasting impression.
Profile Image for Jen.
2,178 reviews154 followers
November 6, 2025
It's getting harder and harder to rate the books in this series because the plot is continuous. I wondered about the "playing" and the whole RPG business, which seemed kind of ridiculous. And then later I got why that was in the story. Made a lot more sense.

This back and forth with the grim reaper guys is getting tedious. They're always insisting that Gavin has to surrender because he's an idiot and they're far superior. Whatever. I'm as tired of that as the character seems to be!

But I'm staying with it because I really do like these characters. It's interesting. It's entertaining. And James Patrick Cronin brings it to life excellently.
36 reviews
January 9, 2026
Overall, this series 'borrows` from Star Trek.

A lot of the humor falls flat, into the basement. E.g., the villain called Thunderballs with a gun in???

I'll admit that the books get better as the series progresses - while absolutely being a paint-by-numbers, satirical attempt at something that is less than the sum of it's parts.

I made the mistake of buying the 15 book (at the time of purchase) series at once. So I will keep slogging through. That said, I don't think this series punches anywhere near its 4.5 star rating on Amazon.
110 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2022
4.5 stars

I think I've read most, if not all, of Mr McGinnis fun books. And I have enjoyed them a lot.

His style is not for all, like Galvin, he doesn't follow rules. But what comes out of his fingers is just plain fun. Who else would come up with a "playground" in the middle of his ship, complete with dragons?

I am reviewing all 5 books here, hoping for a 6th SOON!

Thank you sir, fine job!
6 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2021
Mark Wayne McGinnis, what more do I need to say. He is an amazing writer. Every book that he writes is at least a 4 star book. This USS Hamilton series is top notch. I basically almost finish reading all of his books in a day. Helps to be retired. This book has many plot turns in it. I thoroughly enjoyed them and I am excited to read the book in the series.
Profile Image for Mark Zodda.
801 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2021
After reading the first four books I figured that I might as well read the final book (so far) of the series and I admit that I'm somewhat hooked. Yes, I get upset about some of the stupid things that go on and torturing the plot to make things work out, but I must admit a little guiltily, that I enjoyed this one and will get the next one once it is released.
7 reviews
November 17, 2022
Military SciFi Series Excellence

Series doesn’t disappoint. Plot twists, new characters and action continues through book five. All series have some ups and downs, especially through five or more storylines, so this one does, too. However, it remains fun throughout and keeps your interest.
90 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2023
Hot Dog!

If you enjoy non stop action like I do you will love this novel. It’s big boy and girl grown folks action. With a touch of romance. It’s not for the faint of heart though. But if outer space page turning action is your thing? This novel is for you. Mr. McGinnis is the truth.
Profile Image for Jim Grimes.
46 reviews
August 8, 2025
Still turning pages

Mr. McGinnis has produced another action packed chapter of the Hamilton series.

That said, this one seemed to be lacking something, I think maybe the intensity that I saw in the first four. It did, however, come to a grand finale`. Moving to the next book now.

Profile Image for Cameron .
205 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2021
Yea!!! Mark McGinnis

I loved Oblivion! Fun fun fun read! My favorite space O characters and slap stickiness and great story all in one fun package! More more more I say More...Get writing Mark.
18 reviews
October 9, 2021
Another Winner!!

I am.A huge fan of Mark's books. I have and will continue to buy, read, and share my enthusiasm with others .
Love this series , as well as all of the others I've had the pleasure to experience!!
Profile Image for Chuck Woodbury.
379 reviews
October 12, 2021
As always, what a great time!

Throughly enjoyable installment of the Adventures of Galvin Quintos. I love the characters and the stories. Thank you for not making it a cliffhanger!
1 review
October 24, 2021
Got better

Ok the beginning was difficult and slow to get us in this new world for The crew. Once things got under way it got much better. Ok the end is a little cliffhanger and looking forward for the next book
16 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2021
Great series

Book 5 was very interesting and at times confusing and then Bam! Lot of surprises! Can’t wait for next book.
One of the best series I have ever read in a long time.
Highly recommend!
19 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2021
A great p!an

I love it when a plan comes together. Oblivion strayed a bit from USS Hamilton and USS Jefferson...and i don't recall where or when USS Adams came on the scene, but Oblivion was a nice change of
pace. Looking forward to Capt Quintos and crew next adventure.
December 15, 2021
A better than average si-fi book

I liked that this book had a few more twists and turns than most books in the class. I appreciated non routine parts to the story and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in book 6.
2 reviews
December 20, 2021
Another book down more to go

I’ve become hooked in this ongoing sci fi saga. Sometimes it seems as if it’s borrowing from those well known movies and TV series but there’s sufficient twist to still make it engaging.
71 reviews
December 29, 2021
Excellent suspense

More cliff hangers in this book than I've seen elsewhere. The coming together of 3 separate forces to defeat the vampires was very plausible. And the hint of larger drama To come is quite a good teaser.
4 reviews
January 1, 2022
USS Hamilton Series is on the Money

Great, character-driven Sci-fi series with plenty of twists and turns that keep you riveted to the action and craving more. Please keep them coming!
Profile Image for James Moody.
30 reviews
January 21, 2022
Well written, some amusing/grammar errors but good action.

I really enjoyed the good intentioned but sometimes off kilter captain. And the crew that he has managed to assemble. How it does not implode or explode is fun to watch unfold. Where is the next book?
3 reviews
January 31, 2022
amazing story, ending seems rushed though but still great story

amazing story, ending seems rushed though but still great story. Loved the twists and turns. The story is a lot of fun.
Profile Image for David Depriest.
31 reviews
July 2, 2022
True to the series

Another outstanding book in this series. Character building is a constant in this series. The story has many twists and turns that it makes you keep reading. I have a new favorite author!!
1 review
August 11, 2022
Outztanding series.

Just finished reading the entire 5 book Hamilton series and loved it. Any space opera fan will really like this story. I only wish there were more books in this series.
569 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2022
Interesting how they echoed the pirates

Some real intense learning about the new technologies and new ships and new planets. Still seems as if there are more threats lurking in the background that have been hinted at. I suspect the original owners will return.
2 reviews
June 7, 2023
fast furious and fun

Just simply a fast fun read. Captain plays his usually slightly off, lucky fun swashbuckling role and tags the sundry characters that make up the crew with him.
9 reviews
November 1, 2023
space pirates

This series is a great ride with many twists and turns. From roque space navy captain to a full blown space pirate. Also great trchnical explanations for how things work in filuture space travel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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