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Dakotan Confederacy #1
Admiral's Oath (Dakotan Confederacy #1)
CASTLE FEDERATION RETURNS
An empire broken by hubris
An officer raised by chance
Oaths that must be honored
Oaths that must be betrayed
Rear Admiral James Tecumseh barely survived his last mission against the Alliance of Free Stars with his reputation and life intact. Under a cloud of suspicion, he has been assigned to a quiet sector far from the front of the Terran Commonwealth’s war with the Castle Federation and its allies.
But when the Federation’s Operation Medusa cripples his nation’s communications and plummets an interstellar empire into silence, Admiral Tecumseh finds himself thrust into command of an entire fleet—and responsible for the safety of billions of innocent souls.
Enemies internal and external alike challenge the nation he is sworn to serve. Duty and honor call him to action to protect the innocent, and the Admiral and his new fleet are called to war once more.
But the darkest treason lurks where no one expects it…
An empire broken by hubris
An officer raised by chance
Oaths that must be honored
Oaths that must be betrayed
Rear Admiral James Tecumseh barely survived his last mission against the Alliance of Free Stars with his reputation and life intact. Under a cloud of suspicion, he has been assigned to a quiet sector far from the front of the Terran Commonwealth’s war with the Castle Federation and its allies.
But when the Federation’s Operation Medusa cripples his nation’s communications and plummets an interstellar empire into silence, Admiral Tecumseh finds himself thrust into command of an entire fleet—and responsible for the safety of billions of innocent souls.
Enemies internal and external alike challenge the nation he is sworn to serve. Duty and honor call him to action to protect the innocent, and the Admiral and his new fleet are called to war once more.
But the darkest treason lurks where no one expects it…
489 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2022
407 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
116 books1,748 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 11, 2022
Another Fresh Story
I received an advance copy in return for an honest review!
This is one of my favorite books of Glynn's in the past few years. We get to see another side to a (probably) familiar universe - because you've already read the Stellar Fox books, right??? If not, DEFINITELY read those, but you don't NEED to before you read this book, it stands on its own just fine.
I wasn't ready to enjoy this book, because the Stellar Fox is second only to Damien Montgomery in terms of my favorite Glynn Stewart characters. How could I actually LIKE one of his adversaries?
But if you expect Glynn to do anything in vanilla manner, you don't know Glynn. Even in subtle ways he manages to bring you to a different outcome than you expect. Even expecting twists, he surprises you!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
I received an advance copy in return for an honest review!
This is one of my favorite books of Glynn's in the past few years. We get to see another side to a (probably) familiar universe - because you've already read the Stellar Fox books, right??? If not, DEFINITELY read those, but you don't NEED to before you read this book, it stands on its own just fine.
I wasn't ready to enjoy this book, because the Stellar Fox is second only to Damien Montgomery in terms of my favorite Glynn Stewart characters. How could I actually LIKE one of his adversaries?
But if you expect Glynn to do anything in vanilla manner, you don't know Glynn. Even in subtle ways he manages to bring you to a different outcome than you expect. Even expecting twists, he surprises you!
I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
August 19, 2022
More Castle Federation is always good, and Glynn Stewart shows real skill by making me start liking the villains from the previous six book series. The only issue is that I have to wait for more Dakotan Confederacy... sigh.
Read
July 4, 2025Rating: 0 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5.
I am doing another revision. Oh joy! I do not expect anyone will read this but the behaviours of certain members over several years have convinced me to undertake the task.
I need a step away before I continue. This was brought to you by YouTube channels -Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, Alex Fleev, Anark, Keffals, Red Glasgow, LuckyBlackCat, Times Radio. Mia Mulder, Inside Russia, Acollierastro, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Acid Horizon, Jake Broe, Reese Waters, Brigitte Empire, ATP Geopolit Alexics, Silicon Curtain, Kyiv Post, Anna From Ukraine, Science Fiction with Damien Walter, Joe Blogs, Fit 2B Read, Truth to Power, Mynameismarines, Cambrian Chronicles, Guard the Leaf, OliviaReadsaLatte, Sailing Melody, Veritas et Caritas, Science and Cocktails, NanyaCim, Reads with Rachel, MSI- Songs Sped up, Renegade Cut, Kaz Rowe, Living Anachronism, Media Zealot, Jean's Thoughts, SK Media, Petrik Leo, A Lil Bit Mads, The Fun Size Reader, The Shades of Orange, Lady Knight the Brave, A Reader in Time, Kyiv Independent, Mercado Media, Boat Time, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, A Crowing Cockatrice, Grumpy Old Crone, Kirkpattiecake, Yarmak -Ragnarok, Horses, Smash the Pony, JammiDodger, Dr Fatima, Megalith Hunter, Abby Cox, May, Bad Empanada, Writing with Jenna Moreci, Valhalla Drums, Austin McConnell, Declassified UK, Captured in Words, Ro Ramdin, Rationality Rules, Bella Ciao - Nikolay Kutuzov, The Miracle Aligner, Riverboat Jack, History of Everything, Lena Down Under, Yoyomi, The Russian Dude, Lynn Saga, ThePrimeChronus, Icarus Games, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Planet D, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica, Kazachka, DasTactic, UATV, Fall of Civilisations, TIKHistory, Perun, J Draper, The London History Show, Truth to Power, Belinda Strnad, Stanzi, SideProjects, Dr Fatima, Answer in Progress, Hoots, 3rd Regiment SOF, Dark Docs, Dark Skies, Viva La Dirt League, Ponderful, The Enemy from Within, Squire, The Closet Historian, Kiko1006 - Secret Melody, Cruising Crafts, Sailing Melody, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Katy Montgomerie, The British Museum, Roisin's Reading, Karolina Zebrowska, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Female Warriors -Teresatessa, Andrewism, Claus Kellerman POV, Lynn Saga, Electro Swing, Crecganford, Books and Things, Britta Bohler, Alt Shift X, The Book Leo, Sci-fi Odyssey, Quinn's ideas, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Crafts, loAnka Daily News, Amie's Literary Empire, Radio Retrofuture, Eric Karl Andersen, Kozak Siromaha, Lexi AKA NewlyNova, Leaf by Leaf, Told in Stone, TV Rain Newsroom, Ragnarok, Just in Time Worlds, Guard the Leaf, Naughty Nana DUZ, RevolutionarythOt, kgb detected, Tom Macklaw, The Norse Witch, TallGirl6234, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, LetterKenny, Leena Norms, SleepyBook Reader.
I saw a member of the Village Idiot Party, who whilst insulting a trans female essayist complain to her that I list trans female creators. The lack of self-awareness and arrogance of US males is astounding. I realise that idiots require a warning. My channel list includes anthropologist, bi, Irish, tall, gamer, trans, communist, writer, het, psychologist, intersex, redhaired, political historian, science educator, Scottish, cis, hobbyist, physicist, gay, WOC, autist, Ukrainian, primatologist and other female creators or as the sane refer to them Women. Others will be almost as upsetting. These include anarchist, philosopher, other neurodivergent, German, archaeologist, fashion historian, modeller, communist, other LGBTQ+, Polish, mathematician, miniatures gamer, economist, artist, other BIPOC, Canadian, chess player, literary essayist and other creators or as the sane label them Human Beings. If the voices insist that you expose yourself to the wider world, seek emergency therapy, develop a healthy hobby (abusing a woman or children is mental illness not a hobby) or request our Catholic exorcism. Encounters with members of the VIP are draining but then I remember the early days war interview with the middle aged teacher organising and leading her anti-tank team hunting Russian armour North of Kyiv. With that example how can I not continue. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
YouTube have a widespread problem with plagiarism. HBomberGuy made a wonderful essay concerning that issue. As I do rewrites, I am removing some of channels, mostly history and politics. I had listed a number on the basis of two or three videos, which does not happen any longer.
I scanned left channels and discovered Keffals' channel. She described her several years long abuse from her online comrades which affected her and family. Her mental health was affected by doxxing and a swatting attempt by a Nazi site. She was ridiculed and attacked by socialists, rather than they provide support. It reminded me of my Goodreads experience and ended my interest in that space. Her channel is worth visiting and she is safe now, having moved from Canada to Europe. Her experience was very disturbing and her former comrades were to me, not socialist nor even human. Ironically she was the only actual communist I discovered on "Bread Tube".
After that discovery, my opinion is that the Lefty space is terrible. Second Thought had a number of good videos challenging the myth of the happy prosperous worker. His friend Hakim seems passionate but lost. To move from "socialism is good" to justifying Chinese and Soviet atrocities as not that awful or possibly necessary, is horrible history and supports a twisted interpretation of socialism.
Noah Samsen had seemed a mild self-deprecating non-political, who came to my attention from a video on Tara Mooknee's channel.. One of his later videos, opened with a doxxing or swatting threat to a stranger, since he can differentiate between a smug Englishman and a smug American. The others disappointed me but he angered me. I am certain a fellow must have advised him to edit or remove the video but he obviously refused. I imagine that his smug online toughness triggered hair and other growth in his nethers or impressed his "lefty" flame, despite the awful representation. These and the other creators are entitled, self-absorbed, ambitious and in the end harmful but none understand history, economics or Marxism. They are grifters. I am removing these three channels and apologise if I inadvertently directed any reader to them.
I was and now see myself again a communist. I viewed the communist as a dreamer, planting a tree whose maturity they would never see. I ended my activism when I admitted that my old comrades saw socialism more as do those current video activists. My advice is to listen carefully, consider carefully and never accept the patently absurd, the brilliantly vicious or the anti-human in following the expert or as is more often the case, a bumbling grifter with less knowledge than yourself. These are prevalent in the history, economics and political sphere. I promise to carefully vet my choices before passing them on to any who should read one of my reviews.
Stewart's books are not the worst as regards the prose but world building is thin or characters sometimes bland. Rather than Goodreads ratings, a better bet is to visit Shades of Orange, Fit 2B Read, Hello Future Me, Hardy's Books, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Sci-Fi Scavenger, Quinn's Ideas, Jack Edwards, Luminal Space and other book channels for SciFi recommendations. Most will be of books more than 15 to 20 years old and they will be worth reading.
The characters in this book are relatable, products of their society and interact realistically and plausibly. They have acceptable depth but not much development and little growth. His use of prose and good editing would make a pleasant read, despite the lack of character work.
The assumptions he uses are often implausible but his stories flow logically in that universe. The stories are becoming more and more capitalist realism and less imaginative in each series with the plots becoming more boom-boom spacey -space. Character decision making is noticeably suspect and his efforts seem to be bland and lifeless. I think that fatigue, quantity of output and lack of editorial prodding are taking a toll.
The book is being compared to other book series in which, character names are confused by the writers, place names and travel times are confused and change with the chapter, editing is so lacking that I have had to read a page as many as four times to understand what it says and still had to make a guess. In short, compared to most of low end current science fiction this is high art. Compared to the literary, it is just serviceable light reading with weaknesses.
Because of the number of poorly written books which I have tried to read, I finally dropped my Kindle Unlimited. I have never paid so much for such a useless service.
I need another reset on YouTube or TV before I continue. The following was made possible by Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Candlelit Tales, Irish Myths, ScaredKetchup, FAFO, Grace McGuire, Raw News and Politics, Lily Alexandre, The Royal Institution, Yankee Farm Wife, Kathy's Flog in France, Ula and Josh, Bobbing Along, Chris and Shell, OrangeRiver, Jay Exci, Planet D, Ben G Thomas, Political CUSTARD, Dr Brian Keating, Miniminuteman, Kings and Generals, Elvira Bary, Nomadic Crobot, Narrowboat Pirate, Cruising Alba, Cruising the Cut, Megalithhunter, History with Kayleigh, The British Museum, Central Crossing, MechWest Show, Ukraine Calling, History Chap, JimmyTheGiant, Welsh Viking, Activist Witch, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Nini Music, Viking Cats, Joe Blogs, Ukraine Matters, SandRhoman history, Turn Left, CBC News, Gracey D, Sumatha Reads, AllShorts, Ukraine Matters, Princess Weekes, Lily Simpson, Planarwalker, Octopus Lady, Library Ladder, Depressed Russian, Natasha's Adventures, Hej Sokoly, Malinda, KernowDamo, NITV, Belinda Strnad, Council of Geeks, Gutsick Gibbon, Verilybitchie, JohnTheDuncan, Roads with Belle, KernowDamo, The Brothers Gwynne, The Military Show, PPR Mundial, Mary Trump Media, Esther Natakunda,Jack Cocchiarella, Atun Shei Films, DUST, Amie's Literary Empire, Scotland History Tours, Chris Norlund, Storied, Gingers are Black, Jake Broe, Poland Daily.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. After only several months in with Goodreads, I received outraged comments defending all white US casts, US Ethno-supremacist themes, no effective representation of women, non-US or non-white US characters, which is strange for a culture which refers to itself as multicultural. You are Allowed to enjoy trash, remain silent if not or expect attacks from site employees and members. Freedom of thought seems out of vogue in the US and this site.
As example, I wrote a short review about three years past of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer Travis Corcoran, self-described as libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery, veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin. He is a true MAGA hero. Travis and six patriotic friends were outraged that this communist reader found the call for overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military to end taxation of the newly wealthy, to be unhealthy and dangerous. I began to appreciate irony.
There followed a nearly year long demand for my engagement with the semi-literate squad. I did not realise at the time that a polite send off was not considered an end to the exchange. "F@ck off, Idiot"is hardly poetic but it is understood by these. Finally Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a final comment declaring that They had "won" (?).
That referred to a year long deluge of vile racist and sexual attacks against channels which I mention, which continues still. The physicists, essayists, hobbyists, boaters and the many other female creators were not impressed. Despite that the world's overabundance of unpleasantness was successfully increased and an eerily accurate self-portrait of the snowflake (mental, arrogant US man-child in rampage) was delivered to a multinational audience. These are Victory. Goodreads, Yay ?? USA, Yay ??
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Our Changing Climate, Leaf by Leaf, Narrowboat Pirate, A Dude Who Reads, Subha Reads, Max Snyder, Dr Ben Miles, Isaac Arthur, Deerstalker Pictures, The Juice Media, The Ressurectionists, Think that Through, Keith Edwards, Wes O'Donnell, Trae Crowder, Belle of the Ranch, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Julie Nolke, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Reese Waters, Sarah Millican, Maggie Mae Fish, Bernadette Banner, Omeleto, Lily Simpson, Planet Fungi, Ship Happens, Supertanskiii, Drawn to Books, Bookpilled, Viva La Dirt League, Maps and Motives, Squire.
Ominous music begins. 😊 In the fan pool of poorly written and often gross science fiction, there are quite a number of unbalanced members and enablers. The most dangerous action taken by Kindle/Goodreads was to share my limited message history with the one friend whom I occasionally messaged with the unhinged. That allowed someone to request of Australian Intelligence Services an interrogation of the one friend whom I occasionally messaged for my personal information. Pine Gap Centre failed in the attempt but did leave behind two very loud and angry customers. Amazon only became concerned when we publicised our experience. My friend was seriously concerned for my life. The Amazon reaction was to mask all comments on my reviews, remove the lurkers whom They would not previously Allow me to remove and other signs of page tampering were removed.
This extreme behaviour is actually fairly common in the Romance, Romantasy membership, it seems. Some of these are writer led, against one star reviewers and included doxxing and death threats against readers, their friends and family members. Readers have had to temporarily leave their homes at times. Visit Authors Behaving Badly, With Cindy and others for details. In no instance did Amazon discipline the mental readers, remove the employees involved, punish the writer or acknowledge any responsibility. I no longer watch BookTubers who gush over Amazon/Goodreads as opposed to mentioning them in passing.
Recently I saw that a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions pounds and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or some such. These are things to consider.
I suggest several precautions which will make the Amazon customer safer, if not invulnerable.
Remove all personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove the lurker, those who never post. They are monitors not admirers. Given the Amazon penchant for customer page alteration, the screenshot of the odd, the ugly and the
threatening are invaluable.
Do Not use Kindle Files, Email, Calendar or Contacts. Obviously, employees are quite free to explore and/or share your information. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks. You own only the device not downloads, any or all of which can be removed at Amazon's whim. I discovered that like Google, Amazon will read your e-mail with no notice or permission. Unfortunately Amazon employees can also attack a targeted customer with no consequences. I recently suffered my first hacking attempt which may or may not be Kindle related. Fortunately there are alternatives to Kindle and Goodreads and BookTubers available to answer questions.
This was true long before the Trump election but from 2025 onward safety when even visiting the US is dangerous. Given that culture where actions are judged by the level of cruelty with the greater the more lauded, I think to underestimate the capacity for cruelty from any US population group, corporation or agency to be foolhardy. Consider that these animals, men and women, members and employees are not bound by any non-Randian, morality and are US patriots with all that implies. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all discover Good Reading! 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
UATV English, Ben and Emily, Zoe Bee, Sarah Z, DUST, Tara Mooknee, Ukraine National Anthem, Tulia, Munecat, Some More News, Mrs Betty Bowers, Randy Rainbow, Books with Chloe, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, The Juice Media, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, NFKRZ, Lady of the LIbrary, Reedsy, Honest Ads, Terrible Writing Advice, Karolina Zebrowska, Jack in the Books, Swell Entertainment, 2 Cellos, SciFi Odyssey, NFKRZ, IzzzYzzz, Engineering Knits, Shannon Makes. Tibees, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Truth to Power, Lindsey Stirling, Bobby Broccoli, Mythic Concepts, Cruising Alba, Camper Vibe, A Day of Small Things, Sabine Hossenfelder, Natasha's Adventures, Books and Lala, Serena Skybourne, AllShorts, Xiran Jay Zhao, Boat Time, The Mindful Narrowboat, Cambrian Chronicles, Space 1889, Patrick(H)Willems, The Book Leo, DW News, Chris Animations, Jessie Gender, Alizee, Alice Cappelle, Philosophy Tube, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, Renegade Cut, With Olivia, Jabzy, UNTV, Inside Russia, Linguoer Mechanic, Lucy Thomas, Welcome to Ukraine, Ship Happens, Books with Emily Fox, Cossack and Caucasian Sword Dance, Chloe Stafler, The Juice Media, It's Black Friday, The Templin Institute, Lilly's expat life, Tom Nicholas, TVP World, Red Viburnam Song, Hello Future Me, Hej Sokoly, Renegade Cut, Sanctioned Ivan, Lady Knight the Brave, Rebecca Watson, Alayna Joy, Kelly loves Physics and History, Northern Narrowboaters, Military History Visualised, Valhalla Drums, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, France 24, Battle Order, Engineering with Rosie, Kalaripayattu, Quinn's Ideas, Between the Wars, Kings and Generals, Military Aviation History, Puddles Pity Party, Between the Lines, The Irish Reader, Merphy Napier, Northern Narrowboaters, Narrowboat Pirate, The Black Forest Family, Three Arrows, Verilybitchie, We're in Hell, Marila Veshchunova, What Vivi did next, Travelling K, Fall of Civilisations, Make Better Media, Knowing Better, Eileen, Tennessee Brando, Operator Starsky, A clockwork Reader, Historia Civilis, Brandon Fisichella, Venom Geek Media, Players Aid, Dungeons and Discourse, Crecganford, Told in Stone, Alt Shift X, Horses, SK Media, Raw News and Politics, Trae Crowder, Roads with Belle, The Good Place, Leftist Cooks, Steve Shives, Zoe Baker, Joe Scott.
I wish you a bright morning, an exciting afternoon, a brilliant evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning.
Evil denied is Evil supported.
I am doing another revision. Oh joy! I do not expect anyone will read this but the behaviours of certain members over several years have convinced me to undertake the task.
I need a step away before I continue. This was brought to you by YouTube channels -Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, Alex Fleev, Anark, Keffals, Red Glasgow, LuckyBlackCat, Times Radio. Mia Mulder, Inside Russia, Acollierastro, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Acid Horizon, Jake Broe, Reese Waters, Brigitte Empire, ATP Geopolit Alexics, Silicon Curtain, Kyiv Post, Anna From Ukraine, Science Fiction with Damien Walter, Joe Blogs, Fit 2B Read, Truth to Power, Mynameismarines, Cambrian Chronicles, Guard the Leaf, OliviaReadsaLatte, Sailing Melody, Veritas et Caritas, Science and Cocktails, NanyaCim, Reads with Rachel, MSI- Songs Sped up, Renegade Cut, Kaz Rowe, Living Anachronism, Media Zealot, Jean's Thoughts, SK Media, Petrik Leo, A Lil Bit Mads, The Fun Size Reader, The Shades of Orange, Lady Knight the Brave, A Reader in Time, Kyiv Independent, Mercado Media, Boat Time, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, A Crowing Cockatrice, Grumpy Old Crone, Kirkpattiecake, Yarmak -Ragnarok, Horses, Smash the Pony, JammiDodger, Dr Fatima, Megalith Hunter, Abby Cox, May, Bad Empanada, Writing with Jenna Moreci, Valhalla Drums, Austin McConnell, Declassified UK, Captured in Words, Ro Ramdin, Rationality Rules, Bella Ciao - Nikolay Kutuzov, The Miracle Aligner, Riverboat Jack, History of Everything, Lena Down Under, Yoyomi, The Russian Dude, Lynn Saga, ThePrimeChronus, Icarus Games, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Planet D, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica, Kazachka, DasTactic, UATV, Fall of Civilisations, TIKHistory, Perun, J Draper, The London History Show, Truth to Power, Belinda Strnad, Stanzi, SideProjects, Dr Fatima, Answer in Progress, Hoots, 3rd Regiment SOF, Dark Docs, Dark Skies, Viva La Dirt League, Ponderful, The Enemy from Within, Squire, The Closet Historian, Kiko1006 - Secret Melody, Cruising Crafts, Sailing Melody, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Katy Montgomerie, The British Museum, Roisin's Reading, Karolina Zebrowska, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Female Warriors -Teresatessa, Andrewism, Claus Kellerman POV, Lynn Saga, Electro Swing, Crecganford, Books and Things, Britta Bohler, Alt Shift X, The Book Leo, Sci-fi Odyssey, Quinn's ideas, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Crafts, loAnka Daily News, Amie's Literary Empire, Radio Retrofuture, Eric Karl Andersen, Kozak Siromaha, Lexi AKA NewlyNova, Leaf by Leaf, Told in Stone, TV Rain Newsroom, Ragnarok, Just in Time Worlds, Guard the Leaf, Naughty Nana DUZ, RevolutionarythOt, kgb detected, Tom Macklaw, The Norse Witch, TallGirl6234, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, LetterKenny, Leena Norms, SleepyBook Reader.
I saw a member of the Village Idiot Party, who whilst insulting a trans female essayist complain to her that I list trans female creators. The lack of self-awareness and arrogance of US males is astounding. I realise that idiots require a warning. My channel list includes anthropologist, bi, Irish, tall, gamer, trans, communist, writer, het, psychologist, intersex, redhaired, political historian, science educator, Scottish, cis, hobbyist, physicist, gay, WOC, autist, Ukrainian, primatologist and other female creators or as the sane refer to them Women. Others will be almost as upsetting. These include anarchist, philosopher, other neurodivergent, German, archaeologist, fashion historian, modeller, communist, other LGBTQ+, Polish, mathematician, miniatures gamer, economist, artist, other BIPOC, Canadian, chess player, literary essayist and other creators or as the sane label them Human Beings. If the voices insist that you expose yourself to the wider world, seek emergency therapy, develop a healthy hobby (abusing a woman or children is mental illness not a hobby) or request our Catholic exorcism. Encounters with members of the VIP are draining but then I remember the early days war interview with the middle aged teacher organising and leading her anti-tank team hunting Russian armour North of Kyiv. With that example how can I not continue. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
YouTube have a widespread problem with plagiarism. HBomberGuy made a wonderful essay concerning that issue. As I do rewrites, I am removing some of channels, mostly history and politics. I had listed a number on the basis of two or three videos, which does not happen any longer.
I scanned left channels and discovered Keffals' channel. She described her several years long abuse from her online comrades which affected her and family. Her mental health was affected by doxxing and a swatting attempt by a Nazi site. She was ridiculed and attacked by socialists, rather than they provide support. It reminded me of my Goodreads experience and ended my interest in that space. Her channel is worth visiting and she is safe now, having moved from Canada to Europe. Her experience was very disturbing and her former comrades were to me, not socialist nor even human. Ironically she was the only actual communist I discovered on "Bread Tube".
After that discovery, my opinion is that the Lefty space is terrible. Second Thought had a number of good videos challenging the myth of the happy prosperous worker. His friend Hakim seems passionate but lost. To move from "socialism is good" to justifying Chinese and Soviet atrocities as not that awful or possibly necessary, is horrible history and supports a twisted interpretation of socialism.
Noah Samsen had seemed a mild self-deprecating non-political, who came to my attention from a video on Tara Mooknee's channel.. One of his later videos, opened with a doxxing or swatting threat to a stranger, since he can differentiate between a smug Englishman and a smug American. The others disappointed me but he angered me. I am certain a fellow must have advised him to edit or remove the video but he obviously refused. I imagine that his smug online toughness triggered hair and other growth in his nethers or impressed his "lefty" flame, despite the awful representation. These and the other creators are entitled, self-absorbed, ambitious and in the end harmful but none understand history, economics or Marxism. They are grifters. I am removing these three channels and apologise if I inadvertently directed any reader to them.
I was and now see myself again a communist. I viewed the communist as a dreamer, planting a tree whose maturity they would never see. I ended my activism when I admitted that my old comrades saw socialism more as do those current video activists. My advice is to listen carefully, consider carefully and never accept the patently absurd, the brilliantly vicious or the anti-human in following the expert or as is more often the case, a bumbling grifter with less knowledge than yourself. These are prevalent in the history, economics and political sphere. I promise to carefully vet my choices before passing them on to any who should read one of my reviews.
Stewart's books are not the worst as regards the prose but world building is thin or characters sometimes bland. Rather than Goodreads ratings, a better bet is to visit Shades of Orange, Fit 2B Read, Hello Future Me, Hardy's Books, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Sci-Fi Scavenger, Quinn's Ideas, Jack Edwards, Luminal Space and other book channels for SciFi recommendations. Most will be of books more than 15 to 20 years old and they will be worth reading.
The characters in this book are relatable, products of their society and interact realistically and plausibly. They have acceptable depth but not much development and little growth. His use of prose and good editing would make a pleasant read, despite the lack of character work.
The assumptions he uses are often implausible but his stories flow logically in that universe. The stories are becoming more and more capitalist realism and less imaginative in each series with the plots becoming more boom-boom spacey -space. Character decision making is noticeably suspect and his efforts seem to be bland and lifeless. I think that fatigue, quantity of output and lack of editorial prodding are taking a toll.
The book is being compared to other book series in which, character names are confused by the writers, place names and travel times are confused and change with the chapter, editing is so lacking that I have had to read a page as many as four times to understand what it says and still had to make a guess. In short, compared to most of low end current science fiction this is high art. Compared to the literary, it is just serviceable light reading with weaknesses.
Because of the number of poorly written books which I have tried to read, I finally dropped my Kindle Unlimited. I have never paid so much for such a useless service.
I need another reset on YouTube or TV before I continue. The following was made possible by Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Candlelit Tales, Irish Myths, ScaredKetchup, FAFO, Grace McGuire, Raw News and Politics, Lily Alexandre, The Royal Institution, Yankee Farm Wife, Kathy's Flog in France, Ula and Josh, Bobbing Along, Chris and Shell, OrangeRiver, Jay Exci, Planet D, Ben G Thomas, Political CUSTARD, Dr Brian Keating, Miniminuteman, Kings and Generals, Elvira Bary, Nomadic Crobot, Narrowboat Pirate, Cruising Alba, Cruising the Cut, Megalithhunter, History with Kayleigh, The British Museum, Central Crossing, MechWest Show, Ukraine Calling, History Chap, JimmyTheGiant, Welsh Viking, Activist Witch, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Nini Music, Viking Cats, Joe Blogs, Ukraine Matters, SandRhoman history, Turn Left, CBC News, Gracey D, Sumatha Reads, AllShorts, Ukraine Matters, Princess Weekes, Lily Simpson, Planarwalker, Octopus Lady, Library Ladder, Depressed Russian, Natasha's Adventures, Hej Sokoly, Malinda, KernowDamo, NITV, Belinda Strnad, Council of Geeks, Gutsick Gibbon, Verilybitchie, JohnTheDuncan, Roads with Belle, KernowDamo, The Brothers Gwynne, The Military Show, PPR Mundial, Mary Trump Media, Esther Natakunda,Jack Cocchiarella, Atun Shei Films, DUST, Amie's Literary Empire, Scotland History Tours, Chris Norlund, Storied, Gingers are Black, Jake Broe, Poland Daily.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. After only several months in with Goodreads, I received outraged comments defending all white US casts, US Ethno-supremacist themes, no effective representation of women, non-US or non-white US characters, which is strange for a culture which refers to itself as multicultural. You are Allowed to enjoy trash, remain silent if not or expect attacks from site employees and members. Freedom of thought seems out of vogue in the US and this site.
As example, I wrote a short review about three years past of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer Travis Corcoran, self-described as libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery, veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin. He is a true MAGA hero. Travis and six patriotic friends were outraged that this communist reader found the call for overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military to end taxation of the newly wealthy, to be unhealthy and dangerous. I began to appreciate irony.
There followed a nearly year long demand for my engagement with the semi-literate squad. I did not realise at the time that a polite send off was not considered an end to the exchange. "F@ck off, Idiot"is hardly poetic but it is understood by these. Finally Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a final comment declaring that They had "won" (?).
That referred to a year long deluge of vile racist and sexual attacks against channels which I mention, which continues still. The physicists, essayists, hobbyists, boaters and the many other female creators were not impressed. Despite that the world's overabundance of unpleasantness was successfully increased and an eerily accurate self-portrait of the snowflake (mental, arrogant US man-child in rampage) was delivered to a multinational audience. These are Victory. Goodreads, Yay ?? USA, Yay ??
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Our Changing Climate, Leaf by Leaf, Narrowboat Pirate, A Dude Who Reads, Subha Reads, Max Snyder, Dr Ben Miles, Isaac Arthur, Deerstalker Pictures, The Juice Media, The Ressurectionists, Think that Through, Keith Edwards, Wes O'Donnell, Trae Crowder, Belle of the Ranch, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Julie Nolke, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Reese Waters, Sarah Millican, Maggie Mae Fish, Bernadette Banner, Omeleto, Lily Simpson, Planet Fungi, Ship Happens, Supertanskiii, Drawn to Books, Bookpilled, Viva La Dirt League, Maps and Motives, Squire.
Ominous music begins. 😊 In the fan pool of poorly written and often gross science fiction, there are quite a number of unbalanced members and enablers. The most dangerous action taken by Kindle/Goodreads was to share my limited message history with the one friend whom I occasionally messaged with the unhinged. That allowed someone to request of Australian Intelligence Services an interrogation of the one friend whom I occasionally messaged for my personal information. Pine Gap Centre failed in the attempt but did leave behind two very loud and angry customers. Amazon only became concerned when we publicised our experience. My friend was seriously concerned for my life. The Amazon reaction was to mask all comments on my reviews, remove the lurkers whom They would not previously Allow me to remove and other signs of page tampering were removed.
This extreme behaviour is actually fairly common in the Romance, Romantasy membership, it seems. Some of these are writer led, against one star reviewers and included doxxing and death threats against readers, their friends and family members. Readers have had to temporarily leave their homes at times. Visit Authors Behaving Badly, With Cindy and others for details. In no instance did Amazon discipline the mental readers, remove the employees involved, punish the writer or acknowledge any responsibility. I no longer watch BookTubers who gush over Amazon/Goodreads as opposed to mentioning them in passing.
Recently I saw that a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions pounds and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or some such. These are things to consider.
I suggest several precautions which will make the Amazon customer safer, if not invulnerable.
Remove all personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove the lurker, those who never post. They are monitors not admirers. Given the Amazon penchant for customer page alteration, the screenshot of the odd, the ugly and the
threatening are invaluable.
Do Not use Kindle Files, Email, Calendar or Contacts. Obviously, employees are quite free to explore and/or share your information. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks. You own only the device not downloads, any or all of which can be removed at Amazon's whim. I discovered that like Google, Amazon will read your e-mail with no notice or permission. Unfortunately Amazon employees can also attack a targeted customer with no consequences. I recently suffered my first hacking attempt which may or may not be Kindle related. Fortunately there are alternatives to Kindle and Goodreads and BookTubers available to answer questions.
This was true long before the Trump election but from 2025 onward safety when even visiting the US is dangerous. Given that culture where actions are judged by the level of cruelty with the greater the more lauded, I think to underestimate the capacity for cruelty from any US population group, corporation or agency to be foolhardy. Consider that these animals, men and women, members and employees are not bound by any non-Randian, morality and are US patriots with all that implies. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all discover Good Reading! 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
UATV English, Ben and Emily, Zoe Bee, Sarah Z, DUST, Tara Mooknee, Ukraine National Anthem, Tulia, Munecat, Some More News, Mrs Betty Bowers, Randy Rainbow, Books with Chloe, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, The Juice Media, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, NFKRZ, Lady of the LIbrary, Reedsy, Honest Ads, Terrible Writing Advice, Karolina Zebrowska, Jack in the Books, Swell Entertainment, 2 Cellos, SciFi Odyssey, NFKRZ, IzzzYzzz, Engineering Knits, Shannon Makes. Tibees, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Truth to Power, Lindsey Stirling, Bobby Broccoli, Mythic Concepts, Cruising Alba, Camper Vibe, A Day of Small Things, Sabine Hossenfelder, Natasha's Adventures, Books and Lala, Serena Skybourne, AllShorts, Xiran Jay Zhao, Boat Time, The Mindful Narrowboat, Cambrian Chronicles, Space 1889, Patrick(H)Willems, The Book Leo, DW News, Chris Animations, Jessie Gender, Alizee, Alice Cappelle, Philosophy Tube, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, Renegade Cut, With Olivia, Jabzy, UNTV, Inside Russia, Linguoer Mechanic, Lucy Thomas, Welcome to Ukraine, Ship Happens, Books with Emily Fox, Cossack and Caucasian Sword Dance, Chloe Stafler, The Juice Media, It's Black Friday, The Templin Institute, Lilly's expat life, Tom Nicholas, TVP World, Red Viburnam Song, Hello Future Me, Hej Sokoly, Renegade Cut, Sanctioned Ivan, Lady Knight the Brave, Rebecca Watson, Alayna Joy, Kelly loves Physics and History, Northern Narrowboaters, Military History Visualised, Valhalla Drums, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, France 24, Battle Order, Engineering with Rosie, Kalaripayattu, Quinn's Ideas, Between the Wars, Kings and Generals, Military Aviation History, Puddles Pity Party, Between the Lines, The Irish Reader, Merphy Napier, Northern Narrowboaters, Narrowboat Pirate, The Black Forest Family, Three Arrows, Verilybitchie, We're in Hell, Marila Veshchunova, What Vivi did next, Travelling K, Fall of Civilisations, Make Better Media, Knowing Better, Eileen, Tennessee Brando, Operator Starsky, A clockwork Reader, Historia Civilis, Brandon Fisichella, Venom Geek Media, Players Aid, Dungeons and Discourse, Crecganford, Told in Stone, Alt Shift X, Horses, SK Media, Raw News and Politics, Trae Crowder, Roads with Belle, The Good Place, Leftist Cooks, Steve Shives, Zoe Baker, Joe Scott.
I wish you a bright morning, an exciting afternoon, a brilliant evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning.
Evil denied is Evil supported.
January 14, 2022
Masterfully Done
A superb and long hoped for continuation of Stewart's Castle Confederation series. You can jump right into it without having read the preceding books set in that reality. if you have read those books, though, and like me were wondering when, if and how hubris would finally come to call for arrogant, expansionist Terra, this is it, and masterfully done. A very satisfying read. Eagerly awaiting the continuing saga of the rising Dakotan Confederacy.
A superb and long hoped for continuation of Stewart's Castle Confederation series. You can jump right into it without having read the preceding books set in that reality. if you have read those books, though, and like me were wondering when, if and how hubris would finally come to call for arrogant, expansionist Terra, this is it, and masterfully done. A very satisfying read. Eagerly awaiting the continuing saga of the rising Dakotan Confederacy.
October 27, 2022
This is a series from Glynn Stewart that had kind of fallen under my radar. I have previously read several book series from this author, For example Castle Federation and the Duchy of Terra Universe to mention a few and there have been many four star and quite a few five star books in these series.
This is a very good book. Not quite five stars but a solid four.
It is classic military space opera in the Castle Federation universe. This time we are given the view from the Terran Commonwealth’s perspective. At least at first.
It is a somewhat apocalyptic beginning with the Commonwealth being sucker punched and their entire FTL communications network being destroyed in one swift go. One gripe that I had right from the start is that although the authors depiction of FTL communications (quantum entanglement) is very realistic, that these communication switchboards would not be better defended is highly unrealistic. I think that this annoying start, and the deja vu feeling of yet another star empire beats the dust, is the primary reason why I could not bring myself to give this book five stars.
Apart from that I really enjoyed the book. The main protagonist, Rear Admiral James Tecumseh, is great. Just the kind of highly competent hero, with a working moral compass, that I want. The rest of the characters around James are very likable as well and, surprisingly enough, one of my favorite characters, apart from James, are the extremely competent spy and assassin that made a surprise appearance as the story evolved.
Of course, the Commonwealth starts to fall apart when various more or less corrupt Admirals tries to carve out their own little domains with other Admiral’s trying to keep the Commonwealth together with dictatorial methods. Add to this the circling vultures in the form of the Commonwealth’s existing enemies and our Rear Admiral has his work cut out for him.
The book has a nice balance between the military parts and the, unfortunately obligatory, political bullshit. Of course, there can be no military science fiction without some military action and, as usual, the author does not disappoint in this area. It is well written and enjoyable to read.
I am quite happy that I found this series that, as I wrote, seemed to have fallen under my radar.
This is a very good book. Not quite five stars but a solid four.
It is classic military space opera in the Castle Federation universe. This time we are given the view from the Terran Commonwealth’s perspective. At least at first.
It is a somewhat apocalyptic beginning with the Commonwealth being sucker punched and their entire FTL communications network being destroyed in one swift go. One gripe that I had right from the start is that although the authors depiction of FTL communications (quantum entanglement) is very realistic, that these communication switchboards would not be better defended is highly unrealistic. I think that this annoying start, and the deja vu feeling of yet another star empire beats the dust, is the primary reason why I could not bring myself to give this book five stars.
Apart from that I really enjoyed the book. The main protagonist, Rear Admiral James Tecumseh, is great. Just the kind of highly competent hero, with a working moral compass, that I want. The rest of the characters around James are very likable as well and, surprisingly enough, one of my favorite characters, apart from James, are the extremely competent spy and assassin that made a surprise appearance as the story evolved.
Of course, the Commonwealth starts to fall apart when various more or less corrupt Admirals tries to carve out their own little domains with other Admiral’s trying to keep the Commonwealth together with dictatorial methods. Add to this the circling vultures in the form of the Commonwealth’s existing enemies and our Rear Admiral has his work cut out for him.
The book has a nice balance between the military parts and the, unfortunately obligatory, political bullshit. Of course, there can be no military science fiction without some military action and, as usual, the author does not disappoint in this area. It is well written and enjoyable to read.
I am quite happy that I found this series that, as I wrote, seemed to have fallen under my radar.
January 11, 2022
Another great read
It's always great to get an advanced copy of Glynn's books to review but in Chapter One I was experiencing deja vu! The Captain of another ship had to be restrained but it eventually played out differently than in the other book where this occurred but for a second I was "did I pick up the wrong book?" So if this happens to you have no fear it is a different story.
The Alliance suckered punched the Terrans and killed all the Q-coms. No more instantaneous messages to all systems. To bring it to current day status its like they broke all your cell phones, tabs and computers and told everyone to write letters which will be be delivered by a pony express with a lame horse!
Also taking advantage of this the SLN also trying take overs of planets in neighbouring systems.
In the last book Captain James had been grudgingly promoted after joining with one enemy of the Alliance to defeat another. Since it worked he was promoted but they sent him to an out of the way system under the watchful eye of an admiral. Now that the admiral is out of the picture James finds himself in charge of the whole Dakota fleet. Things are happening fast and trying to determine who is with you and who is going to turn traitor is going to be a tough exercise.
Once you get into it, it is a real page turner and it leaves you wanting much more, another winner for Glynn Stewart and us readers.
It's always great to get an advanced copy of Glynn's books to review but in Chapter One I was experiencing deja vu! The Captain of another ship had to be restrained but it eventually played out differently than in the other book where this occurred but for a second I was "did I pick up the wrong book?" So if this happens to you have no fear it is a different story.
The Alliance suckered punched the Terrans and killed all the Q-coms. No more instantaneous messages to all systems. To bring it to current day status its like they broke all your cell phones, tabs and computers and told everyone to write letters which will be be delivered by a pony express with a lame horse!
Also taking advantage of this the SLN also trying take overs of planets in neighbouring systems.
In the last book Captain James had been grudgingly promoted after joining with one enemy of the Alliance to defeat another. Since it worked he was promoted but they sent him to an out of the way system under the watchful eye of an admiral. Now that the admiral is out of the picture James finds himself in charge of the whole Dakota fleet. Things are happening fast and trying to determine who is with you and who is going to turn traitor is going to be a tough exercise.
Once you get into it, it is a real page turner and it leaves you wanting much more, another winner for Glynn Stewart and us readers.
July 19, 2022
Stewart, Glynn. Admiral’s Oath. Dakotan Federation No. 1. Kindle Unlimited, 2022.
I picked up Admiral’s Oath even though I have not read any of the earlier books in Glynn Stewart’s Castle Federation series. That was a mistake because the Dakotan Federation series is set in the Castle Federation universe. I found it hard to follow its complex politics. Military science fiction usually has some clearly defined good guys and bad guys and an emphasis on action that keeps one turning pages. Admiral’s Oath, though, has flawed, nuanced characters on both sides and an emphasis on policy and strategy rather than the usual tactics and technology. In an interview, Stewart said he was concerned not to engage in cultural appropriation of indigenous peoples. That is a worthwhile concern, but with an admiral named Tecumseh battling an admiral named Walkingstick in an interstellar nation called the Dakotan Federation, Stewart is missing many world-building opportunities. The emphasis on policy makes the prose long-winded and repetitious. We are told again and again that the military should not replace the civilian government. Hooray, but snooze. 3.5 stars.
I picked up Admiral’s Oath even though I have not read any of the earlier books in Glynn Stewart’s Castle Federation series. That was a mistake because the Dakotan Federation series is set in the Castle Federation universe. I found it hard to follow its complex politics. Military science fiction usually has some clearly defined good guys and bad guys and an emphasis on action that keeps one turning pages. Admiral’s Oath, though, has flawed, nuanced characters on both sides and an emphasis on policy and strategy rather than the usual tactics and technology. In an interview, Stewart said he was concerned not to engage in cultural appropriation of indigenous peoples. That is a worthwhile concern, but with an admiral named Tecumseh battling an admiral named Walkingstick in an interstellar nation called the Dakotan Federation, Stewart is missing many world-building opportunities. The emphasis on policy makes the prose long-winded and repetitious. We are told again and again that the military should not replace the civilian government. Hooray, but snooze. 3.5 stars.
November 13, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
I liked the hard science approach of the military tactics. I did ignore the fantastic accelerations that our spacecraft can achieve (and the human body can endure). I have embraced the possibility of ansible technology based upon quantum entanglement. I found this a great updated version of what our history was like before the invention of the telegraph. The ability to timely communicate over distances greatly influences military strategy and politics.
I will admit that there was a lot of world building that created a slow storyline pace for this telling. But I was so intrigued by the setup, I hardly noticed.
I did constantly wonder about the emphasis of our characters' ancestry. I did feel it at odds with the end product after centuries of change. I expected a greater degree of blending over time to a more homogenous culture. But perhaps even in the future, we as peoples tend to always loosely self segregate along ethnic lines? It is a concept worth exploring and I will ponder the possibilities.
This does set up for the next in the series.
Have a GoodReads.
I liked the hard science approach of the military tactics. I did ignore the fantastic accelerations that our spacecraft can achieve (and the human body can endure). I have embraced the possibility of ansible technology based upon quantum entanglement. I found this a great updated version of what our history was like before the invention of the telegraph. The ability to timely communicate over distances greatly influences military strategy and politics.
I will admit that there was a lot of world building that created a slow storyline pace for this telling. But I was so intrigued by the setup, I hardly noticed.
I did constantly wonder about the emphasis of our characters' ancestry. I did feel it at odds with the end product after centuries of change. I expected a greater degree of blending over time to a more homogenous culture. But perhaps even in the future, we as peoples tend to always loosely self segregate along ethnic lines? It is a concept worth exploring and I will ponder the possibilities.
This does set up for the next in the series.
Have a GoodReads.
April 11, 2022
An interesting spin off book in the series focusing a sector in space owned by the common wealth after the alliance have beaten them and ended the war. This time we focus on the commonwealth side for the whole book. Specially bringing back admiral sacomesa (not sure I spelt that right!) who was the captain who appeared in two of the previous books.
The story shows how two commonwealth systems adapt after the 'unity based' commonwealth empire has collapsed due to the lack of real time commonicatiob with earth system. Basically a dictatorship has fallen, but will another dictator in the form of ships admirals take over?
Learning heavily on the admirals heritage as a dakotan American Indian, the story is well recearched and the plot fits with the admirals previous back story from the other books.
There is still space action in form of a battle, but it takes a back stage for the political moral plot.
Still, I did find myself enjoying this installment.
I wouldn't recommend reading this unless you have read the previous alliance war books, as it does refer back a lot to them
The story shows how two commonwealth systems adapt after the 'unity based' commonwealth empire has collapsed due to the lack of real time commonicatiob with earth system. Basically a dictatorship has fallen, but will another dictator in the form of ships admirals take over?
Learning heavily on the admirals heritage as a dakotan American Indian, the story is well recearched and the plot fits with the admirals previous back story from the other books.
There is still space action in form of a battle, but it takes a back stage for the political moral plot.
Still, I did find myself enjoying this installment.
I wouldn't recommend reading this unless you have read the previous alliance war books, as it does refer back a lot to them
October 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, although I initially had my doubts when I realised that it wasn’t really a continuation of the Castle Federation. The story did cause me a few moments when I remembered that the ‘heroes’ of this book are the ‘baddies’ from the previous series.
The first half of the book was a little slow and the author tried to explain too much, but it did set the groundwork for an excellent second half.
There is just one thing I feel compelled to add, as I often end up mentioning it with reviews of this author’s space operas, so I might as well again;
Space fighter pilots are a very small percentage of the population, having the ability to utilise the cerebral implants, the hand-eye co-ordination and the intelligence to learn all the systems. Then there is the training that must be needed, yet in many big space battles they are thrown in like cannon fodder and then seemingly from nowhere a whole new batch appears to replace all those killed. This is unsustainable, but the author never addresses this issue.
The first half of the book was a little slow and the author tried to explain too much, but it did set the groundwork for an excellent second half.
There is just one thing I feel compelled to add, as I often end up mentioning it with reviews of this author’s space operas, so I might as well again;
Space fighter pilots are a very small percentage of the population, having the ability to utilise the cerebral implants, the hand-eye co-ordination and the intelligence to learn all the systems. Then there is the training that must be needed, yet in many big space battles they are thrown in like cannon fodder and then seemingly from nowhere a whole new batch appears to replace all those killed. This is unsustainable, but the author never addresses this issue.
January 11, 2022
Glynn Stewart is one of the best military Sf writers today. In his latest there are two warring star empires. The Federation has crippled the Commonwealth with a suprise attack destroying the communication stations that allow instantaneous communication throughout the Commonwealth. Rear Admiral James Tecumseh is second in command of the fleet stationed in Dakota System. Unfortunately his superior officer goes suicidal after watching his family killed just before communications are cut. That leaves Admiral James Tecumseh in command of a fleet. Earth is a month’s travel away. Then, after helping the local’s set up temporary government structures, he is called to assist the Marshal of another system attack the Federation. Unfortunately something seems off with the new Marshal, and he has only his Admiral's Oath (ebook from Faolan's Pen Publishing) and his wits to protect his ships and his crew from treachery. Lots of fun.
May 7, 2023
This was a riveting read. In this book we meet Admiral Tecumseh who has been posted to a quiet star system under something of a cloud. The comms technology of the Commonwealth is attacked an successful taken down, we have a commonwealth that relies on FTL comms for everything, suddenly without and fighting blind in two wars.
Tecumseh finds himself moving from number 2 in the region to number 1 and having to work with regional worlds to form an overall regional authority. Excellent world building and really well rounded characters. I enjoyed this story which I discover is a spin off series. I've not read any of the other books in the main series. But I have read the next book in this series because this book was so good.
Tecumseh finds himself moving from number 2 in the region to number 1 and having to work with regional worlds to form an overall regional authority. Excellent world building and really well rounded characters. I enjoyed this story which I discover is a spin off series. I've not read any of the other books in the main series. But I have read the next book in this series because this book was so good.
January 14, 2022
Not too bad space opera. World building is OK, although planetary societies that reflect single ethnic or social groups, rather than a melting pot based upon opportunities, business, or chance, do seem unlikely.
Not much investment in the inner life of his characters. Mostly cardboard cutouts, supported by platitudes. Real folks are much more complex.
Waaay to much technical, or battle detail. Pages of boring technobable.
Hard for the reader to invest in these folks, who seem little invested in themselves.
OK to pass a dull afternoon, not much for re-reading to visit again with interesting folks.
Not much investment in the inner life of his characters. Mostly cardboard cutouts, supported by platitudes. Real folks are much more complex.
Waaay to much technical, or battle detail. Pages of boring technobable.
Hard for the reader to invest in these folks, who seem little invested in themselves.
OK to pass a dull afternoon, not much for re-reading to visit again with interesting folks.
February 17, 2022
This book is not for everyone. It contained so much technical information that the story was frequently lost. Great for those with a science background but eye glazing for an English Lit. major. If you skipped huge chunks of it , the story was familiar. James is a disgraced Vice Admiral, sent to the outter worlds as punishment. War comes to the Commonwealth and they lose. The focus is on how different people react to the new power they have. I have read and enjoyed some of this authors other books but this was just too much detail.
January 12, 2022
Good start to a new series - spinoff from Castle Federation.
There are familiar characters - Admiral Tecumseh and Terran Commonwealth’s war with the Castle Federation that are new situations.
The Admiral finds himself juggling many responsibilites and scenarios.
Without repeating the blurp and giving spoilers... he finds himself in unfamiliar territory and must
deal with inner and outer stresses.
There are familiar characters - Admiral Tecumseh and Terran Commonwealth’s war with the Castle Federation that are new situations.
The Admiral finds himself juggling many responsibilites and scenarios.
Without repeating the blurp and giving spoilers... he finds himself in unfamiliar territory and must
deal with inner and outer stresses.
May 28, 2024
After being burnt out on bad sci-fi, it was time to dip my toes back in the water; and Glynn Stewart delivered in a way that too many of his peers seem incapable of.
As the series flips sides to a disintegrating Commonwealth, we again meet well rounded characters wrestling with impossible choices. Stewart reminds us that all too often war is not black and white, and humanity is full of complexity and nuance. The result is a depth to the backdrop on which he paints that is rewarding.
As the series flips sides to a disintegrating Commonwealth, we again meet well rounded characters wrestling with impossible choices. Stewart reminds us that all too often war is not black and white, and humanity is full of complexity and nuance. The result is a depth to the backdrop on which he paints that is rewarding.
October 7, 2024
I wasn't sure at first how I would feel about a big change in POV like this. I did quite grow to like Kyle Roberts and wanted to see more Alliance POV given the big occurrences in the last book but this book has surprised me a bit. It's kind of interesting to see the Commonwealth POV and Admiral James inevitably grew on me.
This book was fairly solid, some good action scenes and solidish character interactions.
3.75*
This book was fairly solid, some good action scenes and solidish character interactions.
3.75*
January 14, 2022
Stewart Does it again
The author paints a vivid picture with this story. This was a great read. I felt connected to the characters and viewpoints. As always Mr. Stewart’s ability to communicate honor, military protocols, and stressful situations is second to none. I look forward to the next in the series!
The author paints a vivid picture with this story. This was a great read. I felt connected to the characters and viewpoints. As always Mr. Stewart’s ability to communicate honor, military protocols, and stressful situations is second to none. I look forward to the next in the series!
January 29, 2022
good start to a new series.
First of all this is a set up book. If you like space battles, intrigue, you will enjoy this book. Not sure what I think of the main protagonist have not learned enough about him. I do like the assassin though she could get her own spin off as far as I’m concerned. Will read the next book to see how it shakes out, this one is worth reading.
First of all this is a set up book. If you like space battles, intrigue, you will enjoy this book. Not sure what I think of the main protagonist have not learned enough about him. I do like the assassin though she could get her own spin off as far as I’m concerned. Will read the next book to see how it shakes out, this one is worth reading.
February 2, 2022
Love the setting
I truly was thrilled as I got into the story and saw the connection with "old earth" cultures. Especially those of Native Americans, being one myself (Potowatomi) as well as Naval Academy graduate and retired with 25 years service on board ships. Can't wait to get into Admiral Tecumseh's next adventure.
I truly was thrilled as I got into the story and saw the connection with "old earth" cultures. Especially those of Native Americans, being one myself (Potowatomi) as well as Naval Academy graduate and retired with 25 years service on board ships. Can't wait to get into Admiral Tecumseh's next adventure.
April 6, 2022
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I was rather worried when I first realized it wasn't going to be at all from the same perspectives as the prior series in this universe. But ultimately I enjoyed it a lot. It took me a bit to remember who the main character was in the original series, but I caught on quickly enough.
April 17, 2022
Not his Best.
This is a trite example of a very well covered plot. The primary character is too shallow, the support characters are under developed, humor is used infrequently and the primary reason for the plot is only marginally acceptable if you use a very large dose of literary licence. I have read much better fron Mr Stewart.
This is a trite example of a very well covered plot. The primary character is too shallow, the support characters are under developed, humor is used infrequently and the primary reason for the plot is only marginally acceptable if you use a very large dose of literary licence. I have read much better fron Mr Stewart.
January 12, 2022
Okay but where is book 2?
Glynn Stewart continues to be one of the best scifi writers of his generation, and this book is no outlier. It's the start of something great, and my only issue is the time it takes him to produce the next book in the series.
Glynn Stewart continues to be one of the best scifi writers of his generation, and this book is no outlier. It's the start of something great, and my only issue is the time it takes him to produce the next book in the series.
January 13, 2022
This is not for me.
It is a content issue, not a quality issue. The writing is fine, the tempo is great. It is just boring. The details are unimportant. It reads very realistically, but nothing ever grabs my interest.
It is a content issue, not a quality issue. The writing is fine, the tempo is great. It is just boring. The details are unimportant. It reads very realistically, but nothing ever grabs my interest.
January 14, 2022
excellent
I was unsure how I would read a story about the Castle Federation enemies and if I could relate to them . Why did I concern myself. Perfect story, outstanding characters and great action.
I was unsure how I would read a story about the Castle Federation enemies and if I could relate to them . Why did I concern myself. Perfect story, outstanding characters and great action.
January 17, 2022
new region, old universe
A bit of a slow start as characters and politics played out, but even when not at his best Glynn Stewart is head and shoulders above most in the genre. My only complaint is the wait for the next book!
A bit of a slow start as characters and politics played out, but even when not at his best Glynn Stewart is head and shoulders above most in the genre. My only complaint is the wait for the next book!
January 18, 2022
Sequel Series and Awesome
I had a load of fun reading Admiral's Oath. Not least to see an old character I'd enjoyed meeting already, but because it looks at a new set of concerns and problems from a whole new angle.
Good read as always Glynn!
I had a load of fun reading Admiral's Oath. Not least to see an old character I'd enjoyed meeting already, but because it looks at a new set of concerns and problems from a whole new angle.
Good read as always Glynn!
January 25, 2022
woah!
The ending gave me chills. I loved the other books in this series and have been waiting anxiously for this addition. This did not disappoint. The ending gave me chills and now I���m anxiously awaiting the next instalment.
The ending gave me chills. I loved the other books in this series and have been waiting anxiously for this addition. This did not disappoint. The ending gave me chills and now I���m anxiously awaiting the next instalment.
January 26, 2022
A new and brilliantly entertaing author discovered
This is the first of Stewart's books I have read. It is a well written and compelling read. I very much look forward to discovering more of this authors tales.
This is the first of Stewart's books I have read. It is a well written and compelling read. I very much look forward to discovering more of this authors tales.
February 24, 2022
The saga continues!
Another well written saga from Mr. Stewart. Good character development ,good battles. Recommend this to everyone. Unique I think in writing about both sides of a war with such detail.
Another well written saga from Mr. Stewart. Good character development ,good battles. Recommend this to everyone. Unique I think in writing about both sides of a war with such detail.
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