Standing Alone

Cast Adrift #2

by Christopher G. Nuttall

Five years ago, the human race became independent as the Alphan Empire conceded it could no longer sustain its grip on Earth and withdrew, casting an unprepared humanity adrift on an interstellar sea of troubles. Since then, humanity has struggled mightily to secure its position in a galaxy full of hungry predators, many of whom see Earth as nothing more than a prize to be won.

Now, one of the galaxy’s superpowers has set its sights on Earth, launching a covert campaign to weaken and isolate the human race before it moves in for the kill. As their plan comes into the open, and the scale of the threat becomes apparent, the human race finds itself caught between a war it cannot win and shameful submission to dangerously inhuman race...

...And if Earth loses the war, humanity’s short-lived independence will come to an end once again.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Military Fiction

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2021

Reviews

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The political soap opera continues during the first half of the book and I’m afraid I became a bit tired of having the ‘Pashtali’ situation explained almost ad infinitum. In fact the author tends to be quite repetitive all through the book, telling me something, then telling me again and often yet again.
Having said all that the second half of the book was better and the various space battles were interesting, although they always seem to end with a massive ‘butcher's bill’.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

a little more to this story than some distant future (of fantasy). There are also political, economic and military problems, and sometimes solutions. The characters are fun to get to know.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the original book "Cast Adrift". It was an interesting concept and well executed. This book, not so much. It felt very much like Nuttall felt an obligation to carry on the story while his heart is currently in his Fantasy works ("Schooled in Magic", "Zero Enigma"). Nuttall writes interesting Sci-Fi and seems to be doing very well in the Fantasy genre as well (I will probably read these works but haven't at this time.)

This book felt both forced and in the ending rushed. It was a plodding start and lacked the natural pacing so typical of Nuttall's other works. Sometimes there just doesn't need to be a sequel.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor story craftsmanship

I don't give 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula award winners.
The world building and plot were in the highest traditions of the authors part record.
The final product was not.
Any editor or English teacher would cry of wordiness. Cliches. Repeated usage of exact same passages and on and on.

I am not sure why this series was published in such a badly edited form. It would have been better to take up WFH customer service if he had needed the money.

Properly edited these books would have been as about a good a story as any he has written.

I hope revised editions will be published

[BobA707 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Predictable, but nevertheless a very enjoyable read. The plot is ferocious with doses of political verbage, the action is sharp and to the point. The premise is interesting. Highly recommended (but not if you like to over think things too much). Even more action in book 2, great stuff.

Plotline: Plot is pretty good and moves apace, just not very convoluted

Premise: Its a big universe ans we are small fish, seems to work nicely

Writing: The reader is right there in the action

Ending: Positive ending but one suspects that their is more to come ... book 3 perhaps

Pace: Never a dull moment!

[John Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

thought provoking, as usual for Mr. Nuttall

In light of the events in Eastern Europe in 2022, this story line is a cautionary and timely read. However, it seems to brush over character development, and doesn’t have the emotional(?) engagement of some of his other works. One can set it down without feeling “gee, what’s happening next?” That said, I will continue the series, at least until David Weber and/or John Ringo start (or continue) new works.

[Pat Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One question on the comunications technology

In the book there seems to be a constant interruption of military communications. Making the humans constantly at a dis advantage. However, the early storyline relies on the galactic press always getting every detail in very fast manner. Don't they rely on the same communication network?

[Beth Hornick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nuttall delivers another great read!

I enjoy Nuttall 's writing style and plot lines. How Earth meets the challenge of survival amongst the stronger Galactic rivals is a compelling read! This book is another worthwhile effort. Buy the book and invest your time - the pay back is adventure.

[Chris Stott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it just for the Appendix alone!

I put Chris Nuttall right up there with the Clancy’s, Cussler’s, Niven’s, Pournelle’s, and…yes, I dare say it…the Heinlein’s of the world. He is a superb story teller, every book a page turner, every book right on the money in terms of the world we live in. I highly recommend.

[DR NIGEL C WILLIAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and plausible

The author writes in a most engaging manner. By about 60% of the way into the book it becomes difficult to put down. The understanding of human behaviour by the author helps to make this series so enjoyable and believable. I recommend this book to all sci-fi fans.

[Federico Bergstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat less cliche filled than the first book, still seems like human=anglo for the author or at least european, one of the main characters has japanese ancestry (but her first name is Naomi) and there are a couple of Hispanic names and s "Chung" among secondary or tertiary characters but that's it.

[Don Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Victory!!

The Chris writing machine does it again! Not only do you write a great story, you expose the personal views that go beyond d it. Build a perspective, people it with believable characters and events and you have another winner.
Thanks Chris¡!!!!!!!!

[Gary F Kurmis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read as usual

Nuttall has started another series that will suck you in and anticipate the next chapter. I love the Ark Royal series and have started to reread it and I await the next volume in this. Keep writing Christopher.

[Mark Renfree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naked Power

Raw force and power is what drives our civilization. Nuttall breaks all of this chemistry down with this book.

Nuttall is a great writer, a wise man. If you've never read any of his works, then please start reading him now or as soon as you can.

[Richard H. Whitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Great Entry

With a great hook to the first book--no need for a revolution when the Empire cuts you loose, now what?--Nuttall continues the series. This series intrigues me.
Another fine book by Mr Nuttall!

[Keith T. Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work

This series is well written and engrossing. The main characters are well developed and the plot makes sense. The auth.or is first rate and ranks with Niven, Pournell, Anspath, and Cole.

[Brad Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Darn Good Yarn

A well crafted story that sounds real, yet with enough fantasy to capture one's imagination. A knuckle biter to the end. I do find the casting female characters acting like men a bit disconcerting, however.

[Gary Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not disappointed.

The first book in this series exceeded my expectations. The second book met my expectations and was therefore excellent. I am looking forward to the third book.

[x x x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine

Good complex tactics plus respect for the power of failed logistics shine in this book
Few quibbles about military methods of the retreating powers of the Past do not detract .

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

D great action

I liked the pace of the book. There was little downtime. The heroes worked well together. They managed to save civilization. Can't wait for book 3.

[Ray Ritchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Yarn!

Space opera at its finest and just a fun read. Interesting to have earth behind technological of the enemy, and how they deal with that unpleasant fact.

[Andrew Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel

Fast paced action packed sequel. Love Chris’ books, always a lot of action and tough to put down. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

[NOEL MC CARTHY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real nice book roll on the next one.

Real nice book roll on the next one only problem is the waste of the pirate ships they would made handy ammo colliers.

[Quinn Karaitiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great galactic opera

Based on historical precedent and even though aliens involved shows a very keen human understanding of motivations in war. Read it you will love it.

[Donald Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, but not up to Cristopher's usual standards. To much switching of view points instead of concentrating on 1-3 principle characters.

[James Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

I have read “almost” all of Chris’s books. Always a fun read, good plots, and good world building. Looking forward to book 3 of this series.

[Timothy Faught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was the second book in the series, and if you love Syfy, it's perfect. I can't wait till the next book.

[Cindi Allmendinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 45-50% of the book felt like a review of the first book. I would have appreciated a bit more trust from the author that I was capable of tenner getting the plot and characters.

[Shawn Steenwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Nuttall series

I know we are only book 2 however we have established the field...now how do we build up fast enough to take the fight to the enemy...

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lively read

The second in this series and it didn’t disappoint. Nuttall has another great series that I will be following. It avoids the normal space travel errors