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Grimm's War #2
With Grimm Resolve
It’s not the size of the ship in the fight, but the size of the fight in the ship.
Jacob Grimm returns as CO of USS Interceptor just a few weeks after he graduated from command school. He’s immediately sent on a rescue mission to the far side of Zuckabar, with no backup and dwindling supplies.
When an unknown enemy cripples his ship on the outskirts of the system, the crew must come together and track their mysterious foe out into the unknown.
An incredible discovery leads them to another system. Trapped on the wrong side of a starlane with an enemy that outguns them and civilians to rescue, Jacob must push his crew to the very edge of their ability.
If he can’t, they will all die out in the black with no way to warn the Alliance of the new threat on their doorstep, and all two million souls on Kremlin Station will pay for his failure.
Jacob Grimm returns as CO of USS Interceptor just a few weeks after he graduated from command school. He’s immediately sent on a rescue mission to the far side of Zuckabar, with no backup and dwindling supplies.
When an unknown enemy cripples his ship on the outskirts of the system, the crew must come together and track their mysterious foe out into the unknown.
An incredible discovery leads them to another system. Trapped on the wrong side of a starlane with an enemy that outguns them and civilians to rescue, Jacob must push his crew to the very edge of their ability.
If he can’t, they will all die out in the black with no way to warn the Alliance of the new threat on their doorstep, and all two million souls on Kremlin Station will pay for his failure.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2022
954 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Jeffery H. Haskell
39 books279 followersAward-winning Journalist and USA Today bestselling author Jeffery H. Haskell thinks he should always be himself… unless he can be Spider-Man. Then, he should be Spidey. He’s a lifelong lover of comic books and science fiction, and he owns his geek status by quoting Aliens and Star Trek at every given opportunity. When he realized he could make a living writing about his obsessions, he jumped at the chance. With the incredible support of his amazing wife and spectacular children, Jeffery lives the dream of bringing his imagination to the page and on occasion, he writes about love and marriage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 16, 2022
WITH GRIMM RESOLVE is the second volume of GRIMM'S WAR by Jeffrey Haskell. It is a military science fiction series that I very much enjoy. The premise is that in the future there is a conflict between the Caliphate, the Union, and several other nations that have an uneasy detente that is about to be shattered.
Jacob Grimm is the kind of awesome Captain Christopher Pike-esque gung-ho commander who is possessed of a sensitive, moral, and caring side. He was horribly defamed when the Caliphate sent a bunch of ships filled with children to attack his crew and ended up being the scapegoat (or one of them) when he blew the ships up. Whether he would have acted differently if he'd known about the tyke bombs is anyone's guess, but he refused to resign.
Well, due to the events of the first book, he's unfortunately become a massive hero and embarrassed the military by doing his job correctly. He's also dealt a black eye to the Terraformers Guild as his actions have led to exposing them as having engaged in a lot of criminal activity under the table. The Guild reacts to this in the stupidest way possible by seeking to inflict revenge on the Union by providing advanced technology to the Caliphate.
This is, unsurprisingly, an incredibly stupid idea.
I'm not going to spoil things but it's not hard to figure out that a bunch of pragmatic bean counters and corporate stooges are going to have a fundamentally different view on how the world works from a group of fanatical theocratic fascists that practice, I kid you not, slavery. That plotline is more interesting to me than Grimm trying to investigate the Guild and determine what they've been up to in the dark regions of space.
The Grimm's War books have a strong appeal to those who love military science fiction where the captain is wise, the crew is determined to do the best job they can, and the enemies are awful. It has a lot of Jack Campbell’s LOST FLEET energy, though Grimm has the opposite problem of Blackjack Gerry who suffers from unwanted fame. I don't think there's any characters other than Nadia, Grimm's spy love interest, who stand out as much as the protagonist but that's not this kind of book. They're both good enough to carry the story.
I very much enjoyed this book even if a lot of it is set up for the ensuing conflict in the third book. The Terraformers Guild is not as interesting an enemy as the Caliphate or its pirates but nicely sets up how corporate interests can become entwined in international politics. Or interstellar in this respect. I think it was a bit too action-focused, though, because I would have appreciated giving more chance to get into Grimm as well as Nadia's heads.
The ending was a huge cliffhanger, and I can't wait to pick up the third book. It invokes real life events without liberally borrowing from them.
Jacob Grimm is the kind of awesome Captain Christopher Pike-esque gung-ho commander who is possessed of a sensitive, moral, and caring side. He was horribly defamed when the Caliphate sent a bunch of ships filled with children to attack his crew and ended up being the scapegoat (or one of them) when he blew the ships up. Whether he would have acted differently if he'd known about the tyke bombs is anyone's guess, but he refused to resign.
Well, due to the events of the first book, he's unfortunately become a massive hero and embarrassed the military by doing his job correctly. He's also dealt a black eye to the Terraformers Guild as his actions have led to exposing them as having engaged in a lot of criminal activity under the table. The Guild reacts to this in the stupidest way possible by seeking to inflict revenge on the Union by providing advanced technology to the Caliphate.
This is, unsurprisingly, an incredibly stupid idea.
I'm not going to spoil things but it's not hard to figure out that a bunch of pragmatic bean counters and corporate stooges are going to have a fundamentally different view on how the world works from a group of fanatical theocratic fascists that practice, I kid you not, slavery. That plotline is more interesting to me than Grimm trying to investigate the Guild and determine what they've been up to in the dark regions of space.
The Grimm's War books have a strong appeal to those who love military science fiction where the captain is wise, the crew is determined to do the best job they can, and the enemies are awful. It has a lot of Jack Campbell’s LOST FLEET energy, though Grimm has the opposite problem of Blackjack Gerry who suffers from unwanted fame. I don't think there's any characters other than Nadia, Grimm's spy love interest, who stand out as much as the protagonist but that's not this kind of book. They're both good enough to carry the story.
I very much enjoyed this book even if a lot of it is set up for the ensuing conflict in the third book. The Terraformers Guild is not as interesting an enemy as the Caliphate or its pirates but nicely sets up how corporate interests can become entwined in international politics. Or interstellar in this respect. I think it was a bit too action-focused, though, because I would have appreciated giving more chance to get into Grimm as well as Nadia's heads.
The ending was a huge cliffhanger, and I can't wait to pick up the third book. It invokes real life events without liberally borrowing from them.
May 19, 2022
unfortunately this book went back to the same old tropes.
I enjoyed the first book of this trilogy a lot better.
I enjoyed the MC and the supporting cast, there is some good character development in this book. The problem I have is that the author went back to the same old trope. This trope is found in hundreds of books. A beleaguered crew, a beat up ragtag ship which should’ve been replaced in the first book, the ship was almost totally destroyed and they repair it but it is not up to the standard it was in the first book. Not as many crew, not as many Marines. I am not a writer per se but I can read and miss storyline has been done to death. If you’re going to give the main character and the crew the same ship at least updated and improve it. The other issue I have is the nautical terms, it seems like I’m in a submarine instead of a spaceship. I meant to mention that in my first review. I won’t even go into the apparent Muslim bashing. In this book the caliphate is one of the main enemies. The story is engaging enough that I will finish the trilogy. It’s up to you what you think of it.
I enjoyed the first book of this trilogy a lot better.
I enjoyed the MC and the supporting cast, there is some good character development in this book. The problem I have is that the author went back to the same old trope. This trope is found in hundreds of books. A beleaguered crew, a beat up ragtag ship which should’ve been replaced in the first book, the ship was almost totally destroyed and they repair it but it is not up to the standard it was in the first book. Not as many crew, not as many Marines. I am not a writer per se but I can read and miss storyline has been done to death. If you’re going to give the main character and the crew the same ship at least updated and improve it. The other issue I have is the nautical terms, it seems like I’m in a submarine instead of a spaceship. I meant to mention that in my first review. I won’t even go into the apparent Muslim bashing. In this book the caliphate is one of the main enemies. The story is engaging enough that I will finish the trilogy. It’s up to you what you think of it.
May 17, 2022
Grimm is the commander we need
Another great follow up to Against All Odds! This may be better than the first book. There are no boring, middle-of-a-trilogy bridge moments here.
Haskell writes about great space battles and cool tech but his strong point is definitely his character building. I believe these crew members exist. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I served with someone exactly like most of them.
The crew is loyal to Grimm and for good reason.
This book has a positive theme and is a feel-good book. We know Grimm’s going to win. The fun part is watching it as it happens. I could use a few more books like this in my life. I gobbled this book up in two sittings.
I’m excited to read the last one.
Highest recommendation. Phenomenal book!
Another great follow up to Against All Odds! This may be better than the first book. There are no boring, middle-of-a-trilogy bridge moments here.
Haskell writes about great space battles and cool tech but his strong point is definitely his character building. I believe these crew members exist. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure I served with someone exactly like most of them.
The crew is loyal to Grimm and for good reason.
This book has a positive theme and is a feel-good book. We know Grimm’s going to win. The fun part is watching it as it happens. I could use a few more books like this in my life. I gobbled this book up in two sittings.
I’m excited to read the last one.
Highest recommendation. Phenomenal book!
July 13, 2022
Just a chore to read
Its nowhere near the worst book I've ever read but I am also hard-pressed to think of anything about it I liked.
Its trying to be a classical military sci-fi with the attending fawning over specific US military tradition over everything else and drags all the typical issues of that with it- from the bad guys being bad because they're Muslim while the good guy is good because he's Christian to a Luddite-like insistence that somehow people are uniquely suited for controlling space combat manually when it is literally impossible for a human to react to events on this scale in a useful time.
Beyond that veneer though, the protagonist is just a complete non-entity. We are repeatedly told how impressive and awesome he is but he is virtually useless. All he does is pray and sit on his ass while his subordinates come up with the plans, explain them to him very slowly because he's too stupid to understand them and then inexplicably give him credit for just doing exactly what they've come up with. In short, he's an unwitting caricature of incompetent privilege.
Its nowhere near the worst book I've ever read but I am also hard-pressed to think of anything about it I liked.
Its trying to be a classical military sci-fi with the attending fawning over specific US military tradition over everything else and drags all the typical issues of that with it- from the bad guys being bad because they're Muslim while the good guy is good because he's Christian to a Luddite-like insistence that somehow people are uniquely suited for controlling space combat manually when it is literally impossible for a human to react to events on this scale in a useful time.
Beyond that veneer though, the protagonist is just a complete non-entity. We are repeatedly told how impressive and awesome he is but he is virtually useless. All he does is pray and sit on his ass while his subordinates come up with the plans, explain them to him very slowly because he's too stupid to understand them and then inexplicably give him credit for just doing exactly what they've come up with. In short, he's an unwitting caricature of incompetent privilege.
December 8, 2022
Fun but tropey. The story has a nice pace but i get the feeling the our heroes come in top to easily even tho the odds are stacked against them. Still will continue with the series.
Cheers.
Cheers.
July 21, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S WITH GRIMM RESOLVE ABOUT?
Grimm's back from command school and the USS Interceptor is back on patrol. His crew has become the well-oiled machine he knew they could be. There's been a little shuffling of the crew between books, but by and large, those secondary characters you enjoyed before are back and ready for more.
I really don't know what else to say shy of recapping the whole novel—the crew looks into a distress call on a fairly remote station, and finds both action and a mystery. Chasing breadcrumbs leads them to a couple of discoveries that blow their minds (and don't do wonders for the structural integrity of the ship, come to think of it). Coupled with what they uncovered/witnessed in the first volume, Grimm and his crew know that things for their Navy and the Alliance will never be the same.
ITS PLACE IN THE SERIES
Initially, I saw this advertised as a trilogy (and it still looks like one on the publisher's website, as of the time I write this)—and there's at least one reference in the book to a trilogy.
However, Amazon tells me there's a fourth book coming in September. I'm refusing to read anything about it, so I don't inadvertently learn anything about the third volume, One Decisive Victory. But I can't stop speculating—was there just too much to wrap up in One Decisive Victory, so Haskell had to split it? (I can 100% believe that given the events of this book) Did he finish the trilogy and decide he was having too much fun/success to leave it there and came up with something new? (Another theory I could absolutely believe).
Regardless, With Grimm Resolve functions as a middle novel of a trilogy—it's darker, the stakes are higher, and it certainly appears that Grimm, the Interceptor, her crew, and potentially the entire Alliance are in dire straits—straits so dire I should probably capitalize them. At the same time, we get a complete story here—Haskell only leaves the minimum unresolved. There's clearly more to come, but we get a resolution on most of the important events here. One Decisive Victory will be about the repercussions of this novel.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WITH GRIMM RESOLVE?
Against All Odds started slowly, establishing the status quo for the Navy, the political realities in the Alliance, and the state of relations with other governments—in addition to everything about Grimm and the Interceptor. Once that's established, he takes the brakes off and it becomes a thrill ride. As we start this novel by focusing on a different group and their activities threatening the Alliance, I assumed we'd get something similar.
And we sort of do—but it's quicker, Haskell doesn't have much to do in order to orient his readers, and the action hits before we're a quarter of the way in—and it really doesn't let up. Yes, there are moments of rest for the reader and characters, it's not all danger and combat for the last three-quarters. But the plot doesn't stop and no one gets out of the woods until the end. There's a tension throughout that doesn't let up.
Along those lines, I should mention a nice trick by Haskell. The series is called Grimm's War, and whether it goes on for one or two (or more) books, you know Grimm makes it through Book 2, or the series would be called something else. Yet, there's more than once where you can see Grimm being killed and you can't help but wonder if Haskell has fooled you into thinking he's safe. I love that he was able to do that.
With Grimm Resolve ended in a way that made me consider tossing off my schedule and jumping on to the next one right away. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and can't imagine why anyone wouldn't. Give this series a try!
---
“Kim, any ideas?” he asked.
He didn’t need to tell her what for— her stations repeated everything he saw and kept her apprised of the situation.
“Other than we run? Nothing, sir. I know that’s not what you were hoping to hear.”
“I can’t expect you to solve the impossible every day. Maybe just on Tuesdays,” he said with false cheer.
WHAT'S WITH GRIMM RESOLVE ABOUT?
Grimm's back from command school and the USS Interceptor is back on patrol. His crew has become the well-oiled machine he knew they could be. There's been a little shuffling of the crew between books, but by and large, those secondary characters you enjoyed before are back and ready for more.
I really don't know what else to say shy of recapping the whole novel—the crew looks into a distress call on a fairly remote station, and finds both action and a mystery. Chasing breadcrumbs leads them to a couple of discoveries that blow their minds (and don't do wonders for the structural integrity of the ship, come to think of it). Coupled with what they uncovered/witnessed in the first volume, Grimm and his crew know that things for their Navy and the Alliance will never be the same.
ITS PLACE IN THE SERIES
Initially, I saw this advertised as a trilogy (and it still looks like one on the publisher's website, as of the time I write this)—and there's at least one reference in the book to a trilogy.
However, Amazon tells me there's a fourth book coming in September. I'm refusing to read anything about it, so I don't inadvertently learn anything about the third volume, One Decisive Victory. But I can't stop speculating—was there just too much to wrap up in One Decisive Victory, so Haskell had to split it? (I can 100% believe that given the events of this book) Did he finish the trilogy and decide he was having too much fun/success to leave it there and came up with something new? (Another theory I could absolutely believe).
Regardless, With Grimm Resolve functions as a middle novel of a trilogy—it's darker, the stakes are higher, and it certainly appears that Grimm, the Interceptor, her crew, and potentially the entire Alliance are in dire straits—straits so dire I should probably capitalize them. At the same time, we get a complete story here—Haskell only leaves the minimum unresolved. There's clearly more to come, but we get a resolution on most of the important events here. One Decisive Victory will be about the repercussions of this novel.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WITH GRIMM RESOLVE?
Against All Odds started slowly, establishing the status quo for the Navy, the political realities in the Alliance, and the state of relations with other governments—in addition to everything about Grimm and the Interceptor. Once that's established, he takes the brakes off and it becomes a thrill ride. As we start this novel by focusing on a different group and their activities threatening the Alliance, I assumed we'd get something similar.
And we sort of do—but it's quicker, Haskell doesn't have much to do in order to orient his readers, and the action hits before we're a quarter of the way in—and it really doesn't let up. Yes, there are moments of rest for the reader and characters, it's not all danger and combat for the last three-quarters. But the plot doesn't stop and no one gets out of the woods until the end. There's a tension throughout that doesn't let up.
Along those lines, I should mention a nice trick by Haskell. The series is called Grimm's War, and whether it goes on for one or two (or more) books, you know Grimm makes it through Book 2, or the series would be called something else. Yet, there's more than once where you can see Grimm being killed and you can't help but wonder if Haskell has fooled you into thinking he's safe. I love that he was able to do that.
With Grimm Resolve ended in a way that made me consider tossing off my schedule and jumping on to the next one right away. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and can't imagine why anyone wouldn't. Give this series a try!
November 5, 2025
At the end of Against All Odds, we find out . This book takes up some time after he has returned to the Interceptor, which is still stationed at Zuckabar.
The various threads of conspiracy and threats of war begin to come more to the fore in this story, as Grimm and his crew are detailed to handle in-system dangers and aid requests.
The core of the book involves the Invincible traveling alone to another system to handle what looks very much like an existential threat. The reasons for this are mentioned, but the decision to go alone struck me as a bit suspect; the evidence that the expedition should have been larger seemed apparent to me from the way the book was written.
There is less character development in this book than the previous, which is rather to be expected from the second book of a series, but the combination of that and the credulity-straining solo expedition made this a bit less compelling for me than the first book.
It's still very good, and this book is definitely recommended.
The various threads of conspiracy and threats of war begin to come more to the fore in this story, as Grimm and his crew are detailed to handle in-system dangers and aid requests.
The core of the book involves the Invincible traveling alone to another system to handle what looks very much like an existential threat. The reasons for this are mentioned, but the decision to go alone struck me as a bit suspect; the evidence that the expedition should have been larger seemed apparent to me from the way the book was written.
There is less character development in this book than the previous, which is rather to be expected from the second book of a series, but the combination of that and the credulity-straining solo expedition made this a bit less compelling for me than the first book.
It's still very good, and this book is definitely recommended.
September 6, 2024
Pretty solid
I would consider this a large improvement over the last book. I found the story and mystery interesting.
But there's not much else to really say. It's a simple run of the mill sci-fi. I've reads dozens of books like it. That doesn't necessarily remove points but it definitely doesn't add any either.
I would consider this a large improvement over the last book. I found the story and mystery interesting.
But there's not much else to really say. It's a simple run of the mill sci-fi. I've reads dozens of books like it. That doesn't necessarily remove points but it definitely doesn't add any either.
January 30, 2023
Page Turner
Amazing sequel to the first book, couldn't put it down, great characters and story..A great Sci Fi based book, with all the elements required to make you want more..
Amazing sequel to the first book, couldn't put it down, great characters and story..A great Sci Fi based book, with all the elements required to make you want more..
August 20, 2022
Who would have thought I would love this series, amazing books. Absolutely love Jeffery H Haskell, such a story teller. Loved it
August 15, 2022
Good
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
August 6, 2022
Better and better
While I could nitpick, overall it is good work, and improving. Well thought out, with storylines both galactic down to personal. I look forward to the next book.
While I could nitpick, overall it is good work, and improving. Well thought out, with storylines both galactic down to personal. I look forward to the next book.
July 31, 2022
Very good installment
This kicks off pretty much directly after book 1, a few personnel changed but more of the same. Our intrepid little destroyer faces down dangerous odds, new enemies, new discoveries with conspiracies in between.
The book is written well, despite the few grammatical and continuity issues. Nadia I still feel is a waste of space, and Jennings would be better as the Skippers love interest.
The stakes are ramped up in this book, multiple enemies and threats abound. The ending is a shock to all.
This kicks off pretty much directly after book 1, a few personnel changed but more of the same. Our intrepid little destroyer faces down dangerous odds, new enemies, new discoveries with conspiracies in between.
The book is written well, despite the few grammatical and continuity issues. Nadia I still feel is a waste of space, and Jennings would be better as the Skippers love interest.
The stakes are ramped up in this book, multiple enemies and threats abound. The ending is a shock to all.
August 4, 2022
Fun read!
Great action and storytelling, and likeable characters with depth and personality! I had a hard time putting it down. On to book 3.
Great action and storytelling, and likeable characters with depth and personality! I had a hard time putting it down. On to book 3.
October 22, 2023
I don't much like Sci-Fi that turns out to be detectivesque/mystery at every page turn. There is a genre for that so why make every theme and story arc in this Sci-Fi Naval Space story series an enigma? I feel that a lot of authors use mystery and suspense as a method to not have to actually create (take the time to explain and describe) a main theme, secondary arc themes, real character descriptions and world descriptions. Which the author of this series barely accomplishes. One line character descriptions and the rest of it is story. If the readers had real world descriptions (empires/Theocracies/Guilds) involved, geopolitical, economic, social, religious, etc. systems in place in this "alternate reality" universe in the future, then every action and reaction would hold more weight.
Jacob, the main character of this series is not the smartest, nor is he the bravest and although his decisions are all by the book, his instincts and then actions, cash checks that his career, crew and his naval ship can't pay...do this ad infinitum and you get a gambling addict/tragedy at every turn. Soldiers are trained to "obey"/discipline and to "resist"/last longer. It is not common to have intelligence, vision or patience/maturity or insightfulness. Jacob loses more trained and loyal soldiers to rescue the miners that were abducted by the Guild. Is his "bottom line"/"end-game" to put civilians above his team and crew? What about the integrity of his ship? Soldiers are a "sword" while this story and the main character antagonists act like a shadow/mist etc. What good is honor, discipline, duty in a fight to the death with corruption, greed, religious fanatism, etc.?? Is it even fictionally possible??
Similar thing happens with one of the side-characters, Nadia, she is an undercover Naval Intelligence Operative that was captured, her whole team tortured and killed, then she was captured, enslaved, tortured, maimed, sexually assaulted, etc. etc. etc. but the author insists that she "can persist", so he includes her in this second book, only to be wounded, captured and enslaved once again??? Did Nadia lose a bet in real-life for her role in this book and series to be so Crass, tragic and Pyrrhic? Does the author have a personal grudge with a Nadia or this Nadia to treat her so badly??
While the first book was akin to a "hail-Mary" pass, this second book is total insanity. Like if the author was a total psychopath/sadist and he wrote his main characters as the complete and ideal masochists/victims/expendable-fictional-characters...ready to throw themselves at a rushing train, live volcano, the depths of hell...is it entertaining? No. Is it exciting? No. Is it irrational, nonsensical and illogical? Hell-Yes!
I do not recommend this second book of this naval-space Sci-Fi series. The author treats naval officers and military personnel like customs agents, coast guard agents, detectives, rush-addicts and spies. Soldiers and posts have specific orders that they must abide. Not much discretion. almost no surprises. To create so much commotion, so many problems and adversity to face at the same time, makes this book and the series, surreal and impossible.
Corrupt multi-nationals, radical Theocracies and greedy guilds usually use ex-military and mercenaries for their missions and dirty operations. No one ever, would use inexperienced bureaucratic personnel for ship crews and mission sensitive operations.
Jacob, the main character of this series is not the smartest, nor is he the bravest and although his decisions are all by the book, his instincts and then actions, cash checks that his career, crew and his naval ship can't pay...do this ad infinitum and you get a gambling addict/tragedy at every turn. Soldiers are trained to "obey"/discipline and to "resist"/last longer. It is not common to have intelligence, vision or patience/maturity or insightfulness. Jacob loses more trained and loyal soldiers to rescue the miners that were abducted by the Guild. Is his "bottom line"/"end-game" to put civilians above his team and crew? What about the integrity of his ship? Soldiers are a "sword" while this story and the main character antagonists act like a shadow/mist etc. What good is honor, discipline, duty in a fight to the death with corruption, greed, religious fanatism, etc.?? Is it even fictionally possible??
Similar thing happens with one of the side-characters, Nadia, she is an undercover Naval Intelligence Operative that was captured, her whole team tortured and killed, then she was captured, enslaved, tortured, maimed, sexually assaulted, etc. etc. etc. but the author insists that she "can persist", so he includes her in this second book, only to be wounded, captured and enslaved once again??? Did Nadia lose a bet in real-life for her role in this book and series to be so Crass, tragic and Pyrrhic? Does the author have a personal grudge with a Nadia or this Nadia to treat her so badly??
While the first book was akin to a "hail-Mary" pass, this second book is total insanity. Like if the author was a total psychopath/sadist and he wrote his main characters as the complete and ideal masochists/victims/expendable-fictional-characters...ready to throw themselves at a rushing train, live volcano, the depths of hell...is it entertaining? No. Is it exciting? No. Is it irrational, nonsensical and illogical? Hell-Yes!
I do not recommend this second book of this naval-space Sci-Fi series. The author treats naval officers and military personnel like customs agents, coast guard agents, detectives, rush-addicts and spies. Soldiers and posts have specific orders that they must abide. Not much discretion. almost no surprises. To create so much commotion, so many problems and adversity to face at the same time, makes this book and the series, surreal and impossible.
Corrupt multi-nationals, radical Theocracies and greedy guilds usually use ex-military and mercenaries for their missions and dirty operations. No one ever, would use inexperienced bureaucratic personnel for ship crews and mission sensitive operations.
July 16, 2022
Actual rating is 3.5 stars. After a solid debut in book one, I was under the impression that I had found an author with a reasonable commitment to realism. Unfortunately, book 2 is a step down in this regard. The first hint that something was off came fairly early on when a scene with the Nadia sub-plot turned clunky and had a very contrived sequence of events that made a supposedly badass character look like an idiot for no particular reason. Still, since it was a sub-character, and since the core plot remained strong, I overlooked it.
The real trouble started during the final third of the story. First, a "let the bad guys escape" contrivance maintains the "good guy" persona of the MC at the ruin of military realism. Immediately after this shocking departure from the discipline of book 1, we find our intrepid crew deciding to park in the kill zone of a known ambush. Then, the author, fully visible to the reader by now, decides that it is fine for his heros to shoot a bullet with a bullet in order to effect their escape. Mind you, there is some attempt to explain why this is ok and uniquely possible in this narrow instance, given a separation of a million kilometers of space in which the two rounds must meet precisely while converging at relativistic speeds... Ouch, ouch, ouch. Because this kind of nonsense stands in such stark contrast to what has come before it, these contrivances stick out like mud on a clean floor.
The result of all this is that I finished the book with a much more skeptical eye than I began it. Still, I find that I remain interested in the overall story enough that I will look at book 3 with the hope that this is not an ongoing pattern for this series.
The real trouble started during the final third of the story. First, a "let the bad guys escape" contrivance maintains the "good guy" persona of the MC at the ruin of military realism. Immediately after this shocking departure from the discipline of book 1, we find our intrepid crew deciding to park in the kill zone of a known ambush. Then, the author, fully visible to the reader by now, decides that it is fine for his heros to shoot a bullet with a bullet in order to effect their escape. Mind you, there is some attempt to explain why this is ok and uniquely possible in this narrow instance, given a separation of a million kilometers of space in which the two rounds must meet precisely while converging at relativistic speeds... Ouch, ouch, ouch. Because this kind of nonsense stands in such stark contrast to what has come before it, these contrivances stick out like mud on a clean floor.
The result of all this is that I finished the book with a much more skeptical eye than I began it. Still, I find that I remain interested in the overall story enough that I will look at book 3 with the hope that this is not an ongoing pattern for this series.
July 24, 2022
great book
Held me tied to reading the book I was worried this was the last one. Great writing! On to the next book.
Held me tied to reading the book I was worried this was the last one. Great writing! On to the next book.
July 8, 2022
Still great
Second book just as good as the 1st. Of course dire situations call for dire solutions. Grimm is not afraid to ask his people for help any certainly not afraid to make to make the decisions that are tough. The universe setting hasn't changed still very dark. Appropriately Politicians are still corrupt flaky and cowardly. And ultra religious state caliphate treats women not much different than Normal. They just have the technological to make it worse. We keep wishing that they would give grim the tools to do the job but Interceptor has been strong so far. Looking forward to the next book.
Second book just as good as the 1st. Of course dire situations call for dire solutions. Grimm is not afraid to ask his people for help any certainly not afraid to make to make the decisions that are tough. The universe setting hasn't changed still very dark. Appropriately Politicians are still corrupt flaky and cowardly. And ultra religious state caliphate treats women not much different than Normal. They just have the technological to make it worse. We keep wishing that they would give grim the tools to do the job but Interceptor has been strong so far. Looking forward to the next book.
July 13, 2022
wow! a space aged adventure!
Gosh! Can’t wait till this sort of life will be a reality. The thrill of being able to live and travel in a space age like Jeffery Haskell is able to describe, is. I’m sure a lot closer than we think. Can’t wait! Keep up the good work.
Gosh! Can’t wait till this sort of life will be a reality. The thrill of being able to live and travel in a space age like Jeffery Haskell is able to describe, is. I’m sure a lot closer than we think. Can’t wait! Keep up the good work.
July 8, 2022
Better than the last one
So this was better than the last one. Dialogue is engaging, characters are still flat but starting to get a little better.
What little we saw of the caliphate was still comically stereotyped and much could be said of the same for the terraformers. Honestly the book would be much better if the villains were a bit more shades of grey instead of mustache twirlingly evil.
So this was better than the last one. Dialogue is engaging, characters are still flat but starting to get a little better.
What little we saw of the caliphate was still comically stereotyped and much could be said of the same for the terraformers. Honestly the book would be much better if the villains were a bit more shades of grey instead of mustache twirlingly evil.
January 2, 2023
With Grimm Resolve is book two in a military sci-fi series called Grimm's War. The story is interesting enough, but the book is in dire need of editing. The errors are to the point where they're just distracting. Sometimes sentences don't even make sense because of poor word choice or lack of editing (or both).
The other issue I have with this is the blatant Islamophobia. The author doesn't even disguise it. The Caliphate are the some of the main villains in this series, and it's like, Why? You have created a science fiction series set hundreds of years in the future. You could have literally made up anything. Why show hate toward a community that literally exists on Earth today?
I've made it through two of these books at this point, but there are three more. I'm still on the fence as to whether or not to continue with the series. I guess we will see.
I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, mostly because the story was interesting enough to keep me reading, in spite of its flaws.
The other issue I have with this is the blatant Islamophobia. The author doesn't even disguise it. The Caliphate are the some of the main villains in this series, and it's like, Why? You have created a science fiction series set hundreds of years in the future. You could have literally made up anything. Why show hate toward a community that literally exists on Earth today?
I've made it through two of these books at this point, but there are three more. I'm still on the fence as to whether or not to continue with the series. I guess we will see.
I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, mostly because the story was interesting enough to keep me reading, in spite of its flaws.
March 27, 2023
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
“Jennings?” Commander Grimm said. “Aye, sir. Am I to assume you aren’t on the ship?” The line clicked with static several times. “Define ‘ship,’” he said. She heard the mirth in his voice. One thing she had to give the captain—he was steadfast.
Very much enjoying Captain Grimm. Great character.
Jacob bowed his head and spent a solid five minutes praying.
One thing I did notice was the amount of praying Grimm did in this one. It was a little too much for my liking. The odd prayer, quickly mentioned in a tight situation is OK. Repeated and lengthy narration on praying ruins its effectiveness and just doesn't work for me.
I don't read sci-fi for the religious lessons. This small thing really did bug me.
In the end, though, a great story. I will be reading on.
“Jennings?” Commander Grimm said. “Aye, sir. Am I to assume you aren’t on the ship?” The line clicked with static several times. “Define ‘ship,’” he said. She heard the mirth in his voice. One thing she had to give the captain—he was steadfast.
Very much enjoying Captain Grimm. Great character.
Jacob bowed his head and spent a solid five minutes praying.
One thing I did notice was the amount of praying Grimm did in this one. It was a little too much for my liking. The odd prayer, quickly mentioned in a tight situation is OK. Repeated and lengthy narration on praying ruins its effectiveness and just doesn't work for me.
I don't read sci-fi for the religious lessons. This small thing really did bug me.
In the end, though, a great story. I will be reading on.
June 12, 2022
In book two Jacob captain's the Interceptor after the repairs are made to the ship, and he has finished officer school.
Things seem fine, but they're not. The Kremlin has been taken over by the Alliance, and both the Caliphate and the terraforming guild aren't happy about it. Meanwhile, the Interceptor is picking up clues as it solves one problem after another. Then they receive news of a distress signal, and that's the setup for the book.
Book 1 opened my eyes to what military sci-fi could be, and I was hooked. Book two focuses more on one enemy, but don't think that makes for a bad book. It doesn't, and the Interceptor is forced to make choices that most Alliance captains would never face. It doesn't hurt that the Interceptor has an underdog vibe which I really enjoyed.
Again, this is an amazing series. I hope it doesn't end at book three.
Recommended. 5/5*
Things seem fine, but they're not. The Kremlin has been taken over by the Alliance, and both the Caliphate and the terraforming guild aren't happy about it. Meanwhile, the Interceptor is picking up clues as it solves one problem after another. Then they receive news of a distress signal, and that's the setup for the book.
Book 1 opened my eyes to what military sci-fi could be, and I was hooked. Book two focuses more on one enemy, but don't think that makes for a bad book. It doesn't, and the Interceptor is forced to make choices that most Alliance captains would never face. It doesn't hurt that the Interceptor has an underdog vibe which I really enjoyed.
Again, this is an amazing series. I hope it doesn't end at book three.
Recommended. 5/5*
July 10, 2022
Lots of action not at all boring.. Haskell keeps the Captain and crew busy with saving the galaxy not many dull moments and the reader can totally understand the dilemmas the ship faces . I'm ready for the next book in the series.
June 9, 2022
With Grimm Resolve: A Military Sci-Fi Series (Grimm's War Book 2), my second read from author Jeffery H. Haskell. I'm not a great science fiction fan but I am rapidly becoming a Space Marine Science Fiction fan and this book looks to be the beginning of an epic. I look forward to reading more from this author. "I received a free Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." Peter Berkrot's narration adds to the enjoyment of this book. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 5, 2022
The ever less plausible adventures of USS SuperLucky continue. Whereas the first book was an enjoyable somewhat by the numbers Hornblower-in-space, this sequel dials it up to 11 with miraculous escapes from impossible situations happening every other chapter. The hyper masculine god fearing all-American Grimm takes on the evil Muslim Caliphate, and the greedy, devious money-hungry Guild (who could that possibly be an allegory for?) and, incredibly enough, triumphs and gets the super hot girl at the end.
The action bits were fun though.
The action bits were fun though.
May 25, 2023
In sci-fi there’s a certain level of suspended disbelief but too much literally makes no sense in this book. At one point the captain hunts down some jamming by himself in a space suit while the ship can’t find the source? These people have nanotechnology but computers can’t detect some sound frequencies? Hacking at the chip level not discovered for 500 years is found by checking though some systems?? There’s just tons of this kind of lazy stuff.
Also a previously interesting character is turned into “MC girlfriend” and has a completely half assed sub plot.
Also a previously interesting character is turned into “MC girlfriend” and has a completely half assed sub plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
After reading the first book I hoped Haskell would take a minute or two and try to get a little bit more intelligent and sophisticated. Book one was low brow entertainment. Unfortunately book two takes it down a notch further. Too many eye-rolling cliches and over the top heroic good guys and super evil villains. Captain Perfect and his crew of exceptional heroes is getting old, and all the simple shallow bad guys are too simple and shallow to be interesting. I finished this book, but Haskell could really use someone to edit and advise him who is over the age of fifteen.
April 30, 2022
I loved this book! With Grimm Resolve is just as impressive as the first one, Against All Odds. Commander Grimm is an honorable, compassionate, hard working, heroic character with a Navy crew that’s learning to be just like him. Each primary character is well developed and interesting; every plot line is rational and exciting. While you know this book is part of a trilogy with more story to come, the ending is full and satisfying. Bravo!
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
May 24, 2022
military and military space syfy done right
This, the second book in the series, has captain jacob grimm and his crew in more deadly cat and mouse games. Outgunned and most often facing seemingly impossible odds, the destroyer under Grimm’s command, does the impossible. Grimm is the leader all who are in the military or were in the military wished they had. His crew will follow him to hell and back and they do time after time.
This, the second book in the series, has captain jacob grimm and his crew in more deadly cat and mouse games. Outgunned and most often facing seemingly impossible odds, the destroyer under Grimm’s command, does the impossible. Grimm is the leader all who are in the military or were in the military wished they had. His crew will follow him to hell and back and they do time after time.
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