What do you think?
Rate this book
Halberd #4
Surrender Demand
The fourth in the series of books detailing the adventures of Jonah Halberd, now an Admiral in the Royal Navy of the Inter-Planetary Commonwealth. Tragedy, loss, danger, excitement, a new love and a new beginning accompany our hero.
Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
66 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
John Spearman
44 books40 followersJohn Spearman is an award-winning author. In the past, he served a Latin teacher and coach at a prestigious New England boarding school. Before joining the world of academia, Spearman had been a sales and marketing executive for 25 years.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 13, 2023
John Spearman- one of the best sci-fi writers of all time…
Space navy or wet navy, John Spearman is at the top of the field. His characters, dialog, plot, pacing, and excitement are tangible, visceral, and satisfying. His work is such that you sacrifice sleep, dread the end of each book, and can’t wait for his next work. There are many good writers, but John Spearman is my favorite. I’m almost 74, but I hope I live long enough to enjoy many more of his books. Better than Heinlein, Weber, and all the rest. Read, enjoy, and dream of what could be…
Space navy or wet navy, John Spearman is at the top of the field. His characters, dialog, plot, pacing, and excitement are tangible, visceral, and satisfying. His work is such that you sacrifice sleep, dread the end of each book, and can’t wait for his next work. There are many good writers, but John Spearman is my favorite. I’m almost 74, but I hope I live long enough to enjoy many more of his books. Better than Heinlein, Weber, and all the rest. Read, enjoy, and dream of what could be…
October 29, 2021
Overload
There's a decent story here, but in my opinion, padded with commentary on ladies' fashions, jewelry, and rather boring "love stories". Other authors pad with descriptions of food, but fashion and food are better experienced than described, and not usually useful to advance the story.
The writing is adequate and no intrusive. In short, this is space opera, popcorn with a little too much artificial butter flavoring.
There's a decent story here, but in my opinion, padded with commentary on ladies' fashions, jewelry, and rather boring "love stories". Other authors pad with descriptions of food, but fashion and food are better experienced than described, and not usually useful to advance the story.
The writing is adequate and no intrusive. In short, this is space opera, popcorn with a little too much artificial butter flavoring.
December 1, 2020
Talk about a good read. This is it! Look
My review is based on the series of four books. It was of well defined characters and the storyline kept you interested in both the human interest and the science fiction plots as they developed. The added storyline concerning royalty was interesting for someone not familiar with that lifestyle. The technology presented throughout the series was interesting and believable. Thank you!
lieed.
My review is based on the series of four books. It was of well defined characters and the storyline kept you interested in both the human interest and the science fiction plots as they developed. The added storyline concerning royalty was interesting for someone not familiar with that lifestyle. The technology presented throughout the series was interesting and believable. Thank you!
lieed.
January 16, 2025
A great set of books
This series is an excellent set of books, following on from his Perseverance set of space fighting books, again the characters and plot lines are well developed as the reader works through the set.
Also worth noting that although this is based on similar enemies from the first set of books they have their own life and plot. Excellent set of books
This series is an excellent set of books, following on from his Perseverance set of space fighting books, again the characters and plot lines are well developed as the reader works through the set.
Also worth noting that although this is based on similar enemies from the first set of books they have their own life and plot. Excellent set of books
April 18, 2025
decent space opera engaging and worth a go
This is a decent effort at a bit of military space operation based upon a future Royal Navy.
I enjoyed the battles and the characters , could have left the romance out of it for me, but I am sure others would have enjoyed
Overall thoroughly engaging and a good read
This is a decent effort at a bit of military space operation based upon a future Royal Navy.
I enjoyed the battles and the characters , could have left the romance out of it for me, but I am sure others would have enjoyed
Overall thoroughly engaging and a good read
September 6, 2021
Fun space opera
Not overly taxing to keep up with. Author’s style is more of relating a narrative rather than crafting a story, not a knock on someone whose books I’ve enjoyed but more of an observation.
Simple reading if you’re looking for relaxation and entertainment.
Not overly taxing to keep up with. Author’s style is more of relating a narrative rather than crafting a story, not a knock on someone whose books I’ve enjoyed but more of an observation.
Simple reading if you’re looking for relaxation and entertainment.
January 19, 2022
Excellent series
Fun to read, love the characters and relationships, with heroes both male and female, struggles and setbacks. The guy on the cover is a lot deeper and more interesting than the art work suggests.
Fun to read, love the characters and relationships, with heroes both male and female, struggles and setbacks. The guy on the cover is a lot deeper and more interesting than the art work suggests.
April 12, 2022
Well written
The author does owe tribute to a number of other famous pens, beginning with the Immortal C.S.F. and his HH novels. That said, the books are well written, move nicely, and entertain. I do recommend them
The author does owe tribute to a number of other famous pens, beginning with the Immortal C.S.F. and his HH novels. That said, the books are well written, move nicely, and entertain. I do recommend them
May 12, 2023
2 stars. I think the series jumped the shark. While the war with the "Chinese" concludes with some rather dry descriptions of events, the majority of the book deals with political events and the MC's social life. Not interesting to me.
June 6, 2020
Another good book
This is a good finish to a great series of book. I enjoyed the books and the characters. Dang good job
This is a good finish to a great series of book. I enjoyed the books and the characters. Dang good job
October 25, 2020
Good series, see comment from book 2. With this book the series seems to have reached a satisfactory conclusion.
September 27, 2025
Very solid series
I’m astounded by the lack of reviews for this series. Very solid entry for the genre and a definite read for fans of such
I’m astounded by the lack of reviews for this series. Very solid entry for the genre and a definite read for fans of such
March 29, 2024
With a new person in his life, Joshua is again challenged by assassins. Royal intervention very positively aids his recovery and it is time to take on the Chinese.
April 1, 2022
Well , I read all 4 in 3 days
As you should be able to guess from the first statement, I enjoyed the stories. Fast and varied action with some excellent plot changes. Very likable characters and fun dialog. Nice heartwarming moments. Can't stop reading novels.
As you should be able to guess from the first statement, I enjoyed the stories. Fast and varied action with some excellent plot changes. Very likable characters and fun dialog. Nice heartwarming moments. Can't stop reading novels.
September 2, 2022
Couldn't put it down!!!!!!!
I found that all the sub story lines came together from the first book through each one of the series installments. The humorous injections,sadness, and joy shown by the characters touched my heart. A series well worth reading again!!!
I found that all the sub story lines came together from the first book through each one of the series installments. The humorous injections,sadness, and joy shown by the characters touched my heart. A series well worth reading again!!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews