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Expeditionary Force #3.5
Trouble on Paradise
Book '3.5' in the ExForce series: While the crew of the UN Expeditionary Force's pirate starship Flying Dutchman are enjoying a luxury vacation cruise (not!), UNEF troops are still stranded on an alien-controlled planet. Major Emily Perkins and her team are busy picking up the pieces, and it's not easy, because there is trouble on Paradise...
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2017
641 people are currently reading
1765 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
42 books4,240 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
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My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
June 5, 2018
Trouble on Paradise
By Craig Alanson
Narration by R.C. Bray
This is just another great book in the series with more humor, action, twists, turns, wit, clever schemes, and fun dialogue. Can't get enough!
Of course the best narrator makes this book super awesome!
By Craig Alanson
Narration by R.C. Bray
This is just another great book in the series with more humor, action, twists, turns, wit, clever schemes, and fun dialogue. Can't get enough!
Of course the best narrator makes this book super awesome!
September 3, 2025
Honestly? It was an okay mil-SF from the PoV of those left behind on Paradise, but I found myself missing the old characters I'd grown to love in the main series more.
So, it's a miss for me, but only barely.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
So, it's a miss for me, but only barely.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
August 8, 2020
There's always trouble in Paradise
In this little novella the little team Perkins assembled when Paradise was in trouble is still running around activating the planetary weapon system.
It's action filled and it gives us the necessary background for book 6 of the main series.
I enjoyed it a lot, especially the new liasion Nert. He's cool.
In this little novella the little team Perkins assembled when Paradise was in trouble is still running around activating the planetary weapon system.
It's action filled and it gives us the necessary background for book 6 of the main series.
I enjoyed it a lot, especially the new liasion Nert. He's cool.
April 21, 2018
3.5 stars
In book 3, Joe, Skippy and company wreak havoc on the Kristang space battle group stationed around the planet Paradise (that's what the humans call it). Book 3 has Joe and Skippy leaving Paradise since it was critical that their presence there was never known to anyone human or alien. So, what happened on Paradise after they jumped through wormhole to travel light years away?
This is where Trouble in Paradise picks up the story. There's no Joe or Skippy in this book. In fact, this book just seems to follow the same supporting characters as in the mainline story. About halfway through the story an independent plot starts to gel and Major Emily Perkins emerges as a central character. There is also a new character introduced. The Ruhar chief administrator's teenage nephew, Nert. Nert is assigned to Major Perkin's team to act as a liason officer.
The situation on Paradise is perilous for the humans remaining on the planet. The Kristang destroyed a lot of the fields growing human food. Food is in short supply. Help from the Ruhar is not really forthcoming. The Ruhar don't like the humans and feel no obligation to help. The earth forces on Paradise are divided. The Kristang originally brought the earth forces to Paradise to fight the Ruhar. A group of the earth forces, called The Keepers of the Faith, are not convinced the Kristang betrayed the humans on earth. This division does nothing to help the humans who want to ally with the Ruhar.
The story build up is kind of slow but once it gets going things move along at a good pace. Nert adds some comic relief as he as befriends the members of Major Perkin's team and even the Major herself. The story ends with a cliffhanger. I hope things come together in the next installment of this epic science fiction tale.
In book 3, Joe, Skippy and company wreak havoc on the Kristang space battle group stationed around the planet Paradise (that's what the humans call it). Book 3 has Joe and Skippy leaving Paradise since it was critical that their presence there was never known to anyone human or alien. So, what happened on Paradise after they jumped through wormhole to travel light years away?
This is where Trouble in Paradise picks up the story. There's no Joe or Skippy in this book. In fact, this book just seems to follow the same supporting characters as in the mainline story. About halfway through the story an independent plot starts to gel and Major Emily Perkins emerges as a central character. There is also a new character introduced. The Ruhar chief administrator's teenage nephew, Nert. Nert is assigned to Major Perkin's team to act as a liason officer.
The situation on Paradise is perilous for the humans remaining on the planet. The Kristang destroyed a lot of the fields growing human food. Food is in short supply. Help from the Ruhar is not really forthcoming. The Ruhar don't like the humans and feel no obligation to help. The earth forces on Paradise are divided. The Kristang originally brought the earth forces to Paradise to fight the Ruhar. A group of the earth forces, called The Keepers of the Faith, are not convinced the Kristang betrayed the humans on earth. This division does nothing to help the humans who want to ally with the Ruhar.
The story build up is kind of slow but once it gets going things move along at a good pace. Nert adds some comic relief as he as befriends the members of Major Perkin's team and even the Major herself. The story ends with a cliffhanger. I hope things come together in the next installment of this epic science fiction tale.
May 16, 2022
TROUBLE ON PARADISE is a side-book from the EXPEDITIONARY FORCE series and probably my favorite book in the series. It is set on the planet, Paradise, where humanity's massive extra-solar invasion force has been abandoned and is now slowly learning to adjust to civilian life. Major Emily Perkins and her team are desperate to prove themselves to be of use to the Ruhar that were their former enemies.
The Kristaang are determined to wipe out the "treacherous" humans for not having the decency to fight to the death for people who hate them. I love the Kristaang as they're Klingon-esque baddies. I also love the Ruhar because who doesn't love space hamsters?
The Kristaang are determined to wipe out the "treacherous" humans for not having the decency to fight to the death for people who hate them. I love the Kristaang as they're Klingon-esque baddies. I also love the Ruhar because who doesn't love space hamsters?
May 3, 2020
To be honest, I really don't feel as if this was necessary towards the progression of this story. The only bit I really enjoyed were the parts about Nert, and I really hope he is in the 4th book. I will also say that I can't believe a 5 hr "novella" was the same damn price as the regular audiobooks. What a rip off. Not worth it.
March 14, 2025
Audiobook
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
July 14, 2017
This shorter book in the Expeditionary Force series is variously listed as Novella Volume 1 or Expeditionary Force 3.5. It veers off a bit from the extended story involving Joe Bishop and the alien artificial intelligence dubbed "Skippy", but still involves the ongoing struggle between the hamster-like Ruhar and the lizard-like Kristang and which side the humans from earth should be siding with.
On Paradise, a planet tensely shared by humans and the Ruhar, there's an unbalanced alliance. But the human's had their first view of aliens when the Ruhar landed on earth on Columbus Day (book 1) and the Kristang seemed like a savior race. For many humans there is still loyalty to the Kristang. Rejecting the new alliance they call themselves Keepers. In either case, humans are considered an inferior and backward race.
Despite these tensions, humans and the Ruhar have an alliance on Paradise. A cadre of Kristang have shown up to do damage to their Ruhar enemies and a group of humans are recruited to assist, mostly because humans have inferior technology which has forced them to be more creative in their tactics.
This book nearly succumbs to what I see as Alanson's primary weakness by falling into what feels like grunt nostalgia. This nearly ruined the first book, too, until the author introduced Skippy and something magic happened to the book. This book plods along with humans of the UNEF (United Nations Expeditionary Force) fighting, bonding, and missing home like characters in a WWII movie about a group of mismatched Marines. Again, he pulls the story out with the introduction of an alien character that changes the focus of the book. In this time it's a thirteen-year-old Ruhar cadet who is the only one willing to work with the humans as a liaison when the humans participate in a mission. With the introduction of Nert the book changes mood and has something to balance the military chatter.
The novella is a short 167 pages and the book moves along on the plot of the primary mission to destroy a Kristang weapon before it can be activated. Alanson writes great battle scenes with creative tactics that get you cheering along with the good guys. Non-battle action near the climax is also well-paced. It's a fun little standalone book if you're not familiar with the series or a nice diversion for series fans.
On Paradise, a planet tensely shared by humans and the Ruhar, there's an unbalanced alliance. But the human's had their first view of aliens when the Ruhar landed on earth on Columbus Day (book 1) and the Kristang seemed like a savior race. For many humans there is still loyalty to the Kristang. Rejecting the new alliance they call themselves Keepers. In either case, humans are considered an inferior and backward race.
Despite these tensions, humans and the Ruhar have an alliance on Paradise. A cadre of Kristang have shown up to do damage to their Ruhar enemies and a group of humans are recruited to assist, mostly because humans have inferior technology which has forced them to be more creative in their tactics.
This book nearly succumbs to what I see as Alanson's primary weakness by falling into what feels like grunt nostalgia. This nearly ruined the first book, too, until the author introduced Skippy and something magic happened to the book. This book plods along with humans of the UNEF (United Nations Expeditionary Force) fighting, bonding, and missing home like characters in a WWII movie about a group of mismatched Marines. Again, he pulls the story out with the introduction of an alien character that changes the focus of the book. In this time it's a thirteen-year-old Ruhar cadet who is the only one willing to work with the humans as a liaison when the humans participate in a mission. With the introduction of Nert the book changes mood and has something to balance the military chatter.
The novella is a short 167 pages and the book moves along on the plot of the primary mission to destroy a Kristang weapon before it can be activated. Alanson writes great battle scenes with creative tactics that get you cheering along with the good guys. Non-battle action near the climax is also well-paced. It's a fun little standalone book if you're not familiar with the series or a nice diversion for series fans.
July 19, 2022
I had read the first three Expeditionary Force books and decided to read this before picking up book 4. I would say you do want to have at least read the first Expeditionary Force book before reading this but you wont need to have read all three. The main characters are of course not in this so if you are just interested in that story line you can skip this book. But its a good read so I would say do not do that. 3 1/2 stars it was entertaining but had I not read it I would not have really missed out on much.
April 13, 2023
Błędne koło - sięgam po połówki tomów, prawie nigdy mi się nie podobają, ale mimo to za jakiś czas znowu popełniam ten błąd i sięgam po połówkę tomu. Tutaj trochę nieszablonowo - bo nawet mi się podobała i mimo, że brakuje moich ulubionych bohaterów, to wyszło to dobrze. Ale z drugiej strony właśnie dlatego, że nie ma tu Bishopa i Skippy'ego przez większość czasu jednak się nudziłam i cały czas towarzyszyła mi myśl, że kompletnie nie potrzebuję tego tomu. Był przyjemny, ale w sumie nic poza tym.
June 12, 2020
I missed Joe and Skippy - but this was a great bit of backstory and made especially good by the character of Major Emily Perkins.
And RC Bray is consistently fabulous on audio.
And RC Bray is consistently fabulous on audio.
December 13, 2022
Solid novella letting us know what is going on back on Paradise. I appreciate that.
November 19, 2024
It's so cool and fun. I freaking LOVE Nert he is so precious! I loved the world building with Pradasis and the effects of the last book. I loved seeing Jesse again too.
December 27, 2018
I am about half way thru this book. I am actually reading this one. I listened to the other on Audible. Having trouble with the read because of that. It is more fun the hear Skippy and Joe.
November 9, 2018
The beginning was really dry. I wasn't sure if I was going to finish it. It reminded me a bit of book 1 as it didn't have the funny characters until the end of the story. I was able to purchase for a couple of dollars with a gift coupon so I didn't sink as much money for it as other readers. But I agree with other feedback that this piece of the story could have been slimmed down and added to another book. Generally with .5 books there's an interesting side story that expands your knowledge of the characters. I'm not sure that I have any more knowledge than before I started. There's no hidden gem in this book. But I still really enjoy the rest of the series!
October 29, 2021
At first blush, a Skippy-less book spun off from the Joe and Skippy adventures sounded like a dubious proposition. However, after reading it, I may like it better than the main sequence of novels. And, honestly, it's because, without Joe & Skippy's constant arguing, the story can move so much faster. Also, unlike the main sequence where Joe and co. are constantly being dropped from one crisis into another, the story seems to actually be resolved. For now, anyway. I'm curious to see where this expansion of the universe takes us.
November 17, 2017
Scurtă, cam jumătate cât o carte din serie, dar mi s-a părut semnificativ mai bună. E mai interesantă pentru că nu e nici picior de Skippy prin ea și de asta pot luat puțin mai în serios acțiunea. Cu toate astea și ea e blestemată de norocul, deja proverbial, al oamenilor din Expeditionary Force. Sper ca în a 4-a să își curețe rahatul de pe bocanci în care au călcat. Prea mult noroc pe mia de locuitori.
January 31, 2018
A novella set between the third and fourth books in the series... this story centers around the characters left behind when the main characters set off on their adventures. Not a bad entry, but I prefer the other group of characters and didn't keep picking up the book as often as I had with the previous three novels. Solid story, though.
February 3, 2024
Even without Skippy, The expetitionary force works. Good interlude - but I admit that I DO miss Skippy - so - on to book 4.
September 22, 2024
So, I love that the author of these books is obviously going wherever he feels the muse taking him. I mentioned in the my last review that 70% or so of that novel was dedicated to side characters from book one in the series. Well, he up and decided to just give them a completely stand alone story here.
And it was great. These offshoot characters were, okay, let me try this tight-rope dance of plot summary of the big picture minus spoilers.
Okay, that was fun, if vague. Look, I liked this story a lot, and again, marvel at the interstellar rules for polite warring that is presented. I’ve become a fan.
And it was great. These offshoot characters were, okay, let me try this tight-rope dance of plot summary of the big picture minus spoilers.
HUMANITY BETRAYED!!! We first discovered intelligent aliens were real when they invaded earth, wiped out most of our infrastructure and we quickly discovered how overmatched we were.
We then learned that those invading aliens weren’t the only guys on the block, when another intelligent race swooped in and drove those invaders off. Yeah, then out saviors asked us to join them in a righteous quest to offer some payback.
Turns out, things are a wee bit more complicated than we thought. Those invading aliens might have been doing us a favor, those altruistic heroes that saved earth may have been more self-serving than they first seemed.
So the events of the first books outlined a very complex limited war that had been ongoing for millennia that humanity just got dragged in to. And we may have chosen the wrong side, then, our millions-strong military force made up of all the UN nations were shipped off-world to fight, and were cut off from earth, where we splintered and switched sides and immediately got bogged down in a situation we didn’t understand. All while being distrusted, under-prepared, way behind technologically, and not sure what the mission should be.
So it was with that backdrop that this story takes place, and the humans that sort of saved the alien planet they were on in the last book from a death and/or slavery were begrudgingly given some respect by our maybe-sorta untrusting allies and sent on a simple mission as a publicity stunt by said alien society.
They it all goes to shit and turns out the world might be in danger again. So they have to save it…. Again.
Okay, that was fun, if vague. Look, I liked this story a lot, and again, marvel at the interstellar rules for polite warring that is presented. I’ve become a fan.
November 2, 2021
W przypadku tej pozycji, mamy do czynienia z najkrótszą odsłoną serii, którą niekoniecznie można nazwać pełnoprawną częścią cyklu. Pozycja jest bowiem swoistego rodzaju fabularnym „dodatkiem” ukazującym wydarzenia po zakończeniu tomu trzeciego. Akcja dzieje się na tytułowym Paradise, niedługo po tym, jak dzielna załoga „Latającego Holendra” rozprawiła się z siłami wroga. Kiedy jednym marzy się błogi wypoczynek, inni będą zmuszeni ciężko pracować. Na planecie żołnierze SEONZ borykają się bowiem z masą różnorakich problemów i narastającymi konfliktami. W tym szalejącym zgiełku major Emily Perkins i jej ludzie, otrzymują zadanie związane z tajnym projektem ulokowanym w „Raju”. Szybko okaże się, że będzie to misja, w której nie można odnieść porażki.
W książce tej nie znajdziemy zbyt wiele miejsca poświęconego głównym „gwiazdą” serii, jakimi są Skippy i Joe. Autor tym razem całą uwagę skupia na pewnych dotychczasowych postaciach drugoplanowych, dając im szansę zabłyśnięcia.
Pod względem ogólnej struktury fabuły, tytuł prezentuje się co najmniej dobrze. Historia jest dosyć krótka, ale dzięki temu wciągająca i nastawiona głównie na intensywną akcję. Autor ma więc kolejną okazję udowodnienia, że jest mistrzem, jeśli chodzi o opisywanie scen batalistycznych. Całkiem dobrze wychodzi mu również promowanie „nowych” bohaterów, którzy do tej pory byli zepchnięci na daleki plan. Z jednej strony mamy więc tutaj do czynienia z solidną dawką militarnego sci-fi, która może się spodobać fanom gatunku. Z drugiej jednak pewne odejście od dotychczasowego schematu powieści, niekoniecznie spodoba się wszystkim fanom.
Najbardziej kontrowersyjna wydaje się być decyzja Alansona, aby w tym tomie z marginalizować duet Skippi – Joe. Bowiem to właśnie ta dwójka jest najjaśniejszą stroną serii i mocno wyróżnia ją na tle konkurencji. Dopiero ich brak sprawia, że czytelnik ma okazję zobaczyć, jak są oni ważni dla całego cyklu. Bez głupkowatego kapitana i zrzędliwej kosmicznej sztucznej inteligencji Expeditionary Force staje się jedną z wielu solidnych pozycji sci-fi.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
W książce tej nie znajdziemy zbyt wiele miejsca poświęconego głównym „gwiazdą” serii, jakimi są Skippy i Joe. Autor tym razem całą uwagę skupia na pewnych dotychczasowych postaciach drugoplanowych, dając im szansę zabłyśnięcia.
Pod względem ogólnej struktury fabuły, tytuł prezentuje się co najmniej dobrze. Historia jest dosyć krótka, ale dzięki temu wciągająca i nastawiona głównie na intensywną akcję. Autor ma więc kolejną okazję udowodnienia, że jest mistrzem, jeśli chodzi o opisywanie scen batalistycznych. Całkiem dobrze wychodzi mu również promowanie „nowych” bohaterów, którzy do tej pory byli zepchnięci na daleki plan. Z jednej strony mamy więc tutaj do czynienia z solidną dawką militarnego sci-fi, która może się spodobać fanom gatunku. Z drugiej jednak pewne odejście od dotychczasowego schematu powieści, niekoniecznie spodoba się wszystkim fanom.
Najbardziej kontrowersyjna wydaje się być decyzja Alansona, aby w tym tomie z marginalizować duet Skippi – Joe. Bowiem to właśnie ta dwójka jest najjaśniejszą stroną serii i mocno wyróżnia ją na tle konkurencji. Dopiero ich brak sprawia, że czytelnik ma okazję zobaczyć, jak są oni ważni dla całego cyklu. Bez głupkowatego kapitana i zrzędliwej kosmicznej sztucznej inteligencji Expeditionary Force staje się jedną z wielu solidnych pozycji sci-fi.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
January 16, 2020
Almost acceptable adventure
This is so weird. The Ruhan have no communication security still. The UNEF is clueless, make a no attempt to disseminate what information is available to the various units. The only officer setting policy by acting is a major, yet she still sort of defers to the expeditionary generals. So here the story is back to a military adventure.
The writer(s) still hasn't devised a trajectory for the series and is adding a disconnected story to the mix. The Ruhan seem to have no overall strategy for the defense of the system and are winging it day by day. The Kristang are pretty much morons and obviously continue to view the humans as animals but human soldiers still are trying to appease them.
At least this plucky band of six (I think) are doing stuff. Since the UNEF command keeps hoping that someone will tell them what to do, why are they in command? This is such a clown car that it spoils one of the better stories in the series. Since over several books, nothing has been added to most of the characters, a little effort on the force as a whole would make the challenges of the characters gets a little more interesting. At this point, the series is totally about the U.S. army in space.
The editing in the series is subpar. I still can't understand what the writer(s) are trying to create. The soldiers outside of this little band are portrayed as clueless idjits and the formations are obviously throwaway offerings to the Kristang allies with no expectation that they will ever get back to Earth. Yet only this one major has figured that out. These may be the only six human characters worth caring about in the entire series , so far.
Why Is this one book out of the first four holding to a semi-final storyline. I've got another book or two worth of curiosity and they are free but can't recommend this hot mess to anyone.
This is so weird. The Ruhan have no communication security still. The UNEF is clueless, make a no attempt to disseminate what information is available to the various units. The only officer setting policy by acting is a major, yet she still sort of defers to the expeditionary generals. So here the story is back to a military adventure.
The writer(s) still hasn't devised a trajectory for the series and is adding a disconnected story to the mix. The Ruhan seem to have no overall strategy for the defense of the system and are winging it day by day. The Kristang are pretty much morons and obviously continue to view the humans as animals but human soldiers still are trying to appease them.
At least this plucky band of six (I think) are doing stuff. Since the UNEF command keeps hoping that someone will tell them what to do, why are they in command? This is such a clown car that it spoils one of the better stories in the series. Since over several books, nothing has been added to most of the characters, a little effort on the force as a whole would make the challenges of the characters gets a little more interesting. At this point, the series is totally about the U.S. army in space.
The editing in the series is subpar. I still can't understand what the writer(s) are trying to create. The soldiers outside of this little band are portrayed as clueless idjits and the formations are obviously throwaway offerings to the Kristang allies with no expectation that they will ever get back to Earth. Yet only this one major has figured that out. These may be the only six human characters worth caring about in the entire series , so far.
Why Is this one book out of the first four holding to a semi-final storyline. I've got another book or two worth of curiosity and they are free but can't recommend this hot mess to anyone.
December 14, 2020
خلاصه زیر برای خودم نوشته شده و داستان کتاب را لو میدهد
سه روز بعد از حمله پروژکتورها به بتل گروپ کریستانگها در پارادایس، بعد از پایان حملات هوایی، نوبت حملات زمینی رسیده و هر یک از طرفین برای گرفتن هر چه بیشتر پروژکتورها در حال تلاشاند. کریستانگها که نیروی زمینی کمتری دارند به فکر کیپرها افتاده و با تماس با آنها درخواست داوطلب میکنند. در یکی از موارد، کاپیتانی آمریکایی (کاپیتان چیزولم) را به همراه ۴۹ نفر داوطلب دیگر سوار سفینه نفربری میکنند و به همراه شش کریستانگ به یک پروژکتور حمله میکنند که به مرگ تمامی آنها به جز چیزولم میانجامد. گروهی دیگر از سربازان نیز که شبانه از روستاهای خود اعزام شده بودند در جنگل توسط نیروهای امنیتی شناسایی و دستگیر شدند.
بعد از تسلیم کریستانگها، گروه سرگرد پرکینز برای فعال کردن یک پروژکتور به یک جزیره در میانه اقیانوس پارادایس اعزام میشود. یک گروه ۳۹ نفره کوماندوی کریستانگ پیش از آنها جزیره را گرفته و در حال فعالسازی پروژکتور بودند. سفینه روهار همراهشان بلافاصله از بین رفت و سفینه پرکینز موفق شد با خساراتی در جزیره بنشیند. سپس مته را به مکانی انتقال داده و شروع به رساندن تیغه حفاری به یکی از سلولهای انرژی کردند و همزمان سفینه آسیب دیده را بلند کردند و به سفینه کریستانگها کوبیدند. و بعد از فعالسازی تایمر انفجار، سوار قایقهای نجات شدند و به دریا زدند و بعد از انفجار بزرگی که جزیره را در بر گرفت خود را به جزیرهای کوچکتر رساندند و در آنجا توسط روهارها نجات پیدا کردند. سفینه گلوری کریستانگها نیز که قرار بود کوماندوها را بعد از انجام عملیاتشان نجات دهد نیز بعد از اینکه از شکست عملیات آگاه شد اعلام تسلیم کرد تا خدمه را به ناوگان کریستانگها برسانند و به همراه آنها از منظومه خارج کنند. در پایان کتاب، اولین دراپشیپ شامل بخشی از ۶۷۰۰ کیپر داوطلب خروج با کریستانگها، به یکی از سیارههای کریستانگها وارد میشود.
Captain Chisolm (The keeper fought again Ruhars in a projector site)
Second officer Smando (Glory)
Admiral Mohvalu ( The commander of Ruhar battle groups)
Cadet Nert Dandurf (liaision of Major Perkins team)
39 commando's Jawkuar
سه روز بعد از حمله پروژکتورها به بتل گروپ کریستانگها در پارادایس، بعد از پایان حملات هوایی، نوبت حملات زمینی رسیده و هر یک از طرفین برای گرفتن هر چه بیشتر پروژکتورها در حال تلاشاند. کریستانگها که نیروی زمینی کمتری دارند به فکر کیپرها افتاده و با تماس با آنها درخواست داوطلب میکنند. در یکی از موارد، کاپیتانی آمریکایی (کاپیتان چیزولم) را به همراه ۴۹ نفر داوطلب دیگر سوار سفینه نفربری میکنند و به همراه شش کریستانگ به یک پروژکتور حمله میکنند که به مرگ تمامی آنها به جز چیزولم میانجامد. گروهی دیگر از سربازان نیز که شبانه از روستاهای خود اعزام شده بودند در جنگل توسط نیروهای امنیتی شناسایی و دستگیر شدند.
بعد از تسلیم کریستانگها، گروه سرگرد پرکینز برای فعال کردن یک پروژکتور به یک جزیره در میانه اقیانوس پارادایس اعزام میشود. یک گروه ۳۹ نفره کوماندوی کریستانگ پیش از آنها جزیره را گرفته و در حال فعالسازی پروژکتور بودند. سفینه روهار همراهشان بلافاصله از بین رفت و سفینه پرکینز موفق شد با خساراتی در جزیره بنشیند. سپس مته را به مکانی انتقال داده و شروع به رساندن تیغه حفاری به یکی از سلولهای انرژی کردند و همزمان سفینه آسیب دیده را بلند کردند و به سفینه کریستانگها کوبیدند. و بعد از فعالسازی تایمر انفجار، سوار قایقهای نجات شدند و به دریا زدند و بعد از انفجار بزرگی که جزیره را در بر گرفت خود را به جزیرهای کوچکتر رساندند و در آنجا توسط روهارها نجات پیدا کردند. سفینه گلوری کریستانگها نیز که قرار بود کوماندوها را بعد از انجام عملیاتشان نجات دهد نیز بعد از اینکه از شکست عملیات آگاه شد اعلام تسلیم کرد تا خدمه را به ناوگان کریستانگها برسانند و به همراه آنها از منظومه خارج کنند. در پایان کتاب، اولین دراپشیپ شامل بخشی از ۶۷۰۰ کیپر داوطلب خروج با کریستانگها، به یکی از سیارههای کریستانگها وارد میشود.
Captain Chisolm (The keeper fought again Ruhars in a projector site)
Second officer Smando (Glory)
Admiral Mohvalu ( The commander of Ruhar battle groups)
Cadet Nert Dandurf (liaision of Major Perkins team)
39 commando's Jawkuar
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2020
This was a fin change of pace for this series. While I did miss Skippy and Joe bantering, we have plenty of action and high stakes in this tale. Nert made me laugh so much! I wish I had him for a little brother. And I think Emily Perkins and her team is very lucky to have him. Befriending him will make it easier to gain the confidence of the Ruhar in general.
Captain Chism was also interesting because he held to his original oath so strongly. Originally, humans swore allegiance to the Kristang. Later, we learn that the Kristang are quite villainous and the Ruhar are much more reasonable to deal with. Planet Paradise is under dispute between these two technologically advanced species. Now admittedly, Chism has limited info about what’s going on in the wider galaxy. Still, I felt he was making a bullheaded move to stick with the Kristang.
I loved the drill rig stuff. The humans on Perkins’s team are great at taking what they have and making it work towards their goal. I hope their efforts to foil the Kristang can win them some serious good will and trust with the Ruhar. Fun story! 5/5 stars.
The Narration: RC Bray gives another great performance. He makes a decent Emily Perkins but he really shines as Nert, the socially awkward hamster (Ruhar). I think Bray had fun narrating this story; at least, it sounds like he genuinely enjoyed narrating this tale. All the characters had individual voices and the ladies sounded like ladies. There were no issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
Captain Chism was also interesting because he held to his original oath so strongly. Originally, humans swore allegiance to the Kristang. Later, we learn that the Kristang are quite villainous and the Ruhar are much more reasonable to deal with. Planet Paradise is under dispute between these two technologically advanced species. Now admittedly, Chism has limited info about what’s going on in the wider galaxy. Still, I felt he was making a bullheaded move to stick with the Kristang.
I loved the drill rig stuff. The humans on Perkins’s team are great at taking what they have and making it work towards their goal. I hope their efforts to foil the Kristang can win them some serious good will and trust with the Ruhar. Fun story! 5/5 stars.
The Narration: RC Bray gives another great performance. He makes a decent Emily Perkins but he really shines as Nert, the socially awkward hamster (Ruhar). I think Bray had fun narrating this story; at least, it sounds like he genuinely enjoyed narrating this tale. All the characters had individual voices and the ladies sounded like ladies. There were no issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
February 4, 2019
A quick and enjoyable read! This intermediary novella certainly delivered. Sure... it was odd to have essentially no interaction with Colonel Joe, Skippy, and the Merry Band of Pirates et al. However, it did provide for a measure of peace and satisfaction with regards to a positive fate for UNEF on Paradise. There still was/is, however, the cliffhanger regarding the fate of the so-called "Keepers". I DO hope that is quickly resolved in book 4 which I shall be starting in on after a bite to eat. One thing which just came to mind is how, perhaps, this novella may have served to provide a "break" of sorts from the usual insanity shall we say of the previously mentioned persons (and the AI of supreme magnificence... lol... also occasional annoyance too) aboard the Flying Dutchman and the uncanny ways in which they manage to avoid disaster in the form of death basically. And uncanny is a mild word for what is so very often more like unbelievable. And though it may be that, well, it IS a story and work of fiction. And more importantly it is enjoyable reading. And so was this book, "Trouble In Paradise". Perhaps we don't know the ultimate fate of the UNEF soldiers in the long run. But at least we have been appeased that they now will be having an existence which may in fact become enjoyable, even if they are still unaware of the fate of Earth PLUS are still separated from their loved ones, perhaps permanently.
September 15, 2022
While far from perfect (the back cover contained a major typo) this book was an enjoyable break from the typical ongoings of Bishop and his crew (and no Skippy!).
Readers get a brief glimpse of life on a foreign planet, where a small batch of UNEF officers were left behind in the aftermath of the third book of the series. Their relations with the occupying species is strained, but the humans have a chance to prove their usefulness to the primary inhabitants of the world.
There’s also a small faction of Kristang loyalists who (like the blind supporters of certain world leaders in our own reality) refuse to believe that these former leaders care nothing about the people who follow them. Their story is wrapped up somewhat quickly (likely to save their cause for a future book in the series) but they cause just enough of a ruckus to derail our main protagonists.
I’ll use this review as a chance to rant again about the lack of page numbers in the physical books of this series. I suspect the series is done (or almost done) at this point so my grievances are probably falling on deaf ears. Nevertheless, to any future authors reading this, don’t assume your books will only be read online!
Readers get a brief glimpse of life on a foreign planet, where a small batch of UNEF officers were left behind in the aftermath of the third book of the series. Their relations with the occupying species is strained, but the humans have a chance to prove their usefulness to the primary inhabitants of the world.
There’s also a small faction of Kristang loyalists who (like the blind supporters of certain world leaders in our own reality) refuse to believe that these former leaders care nothing about the people who follow them. Their story is wrapped up somewhat quickly (likely to save their cause for a future book in the series) but they cause just enough of a ruckus to derail our main protagonists.
I’ll use this review as a chance to rant again about the lack of page numbers in the physical books of this series. I suspect the series is done (or almost done) at this point so my grievances are probably falling on deaf ears. Nevertheless, to any future authors reading this, don’t assume your books will only be read online!
April 16, 2023
Answering Questions No One Asked
Authors often rewrite and cut major scenes out of their novels, either to improve pacing or just to respond to feedback of their editors and beta readers. Sometimes, those plotlines are beloved by its creator, but were left on the cutting room floor. Unfortunately, Trouble on Paradise is what happens when an author feels there's a story left to tell and refuses to let go.
This novella, weighing in at 33% the size, continues the adventures of the lesser narrators from Paradise and covers some of the gaps in that story. Skippy and Bishop don't appear in this book. While I never asked the question "What would Expeditionary Force feel like without our comedy duo?", I have the answer:
It's bland. Mediocre.
The author has no one on the bench that has the charisma to lead a story. As implied earlier, the story itself feels like material that wasn't important enough to go into the previous book. The end result is a perfectly functional, well-thought out conclusion to many threads that you never cared to follow. Unless you're an incredible fan of Perkins, or a rabid fan looking anything Expeditionary Force, I'd skip this novella.
Not Recommended unless you are a true fan.
Authors often rewrite and cut major scenes out of their novels, either to improve pacing or just to respond to feedback of their editors and beta readers. Sometimes, those plotlines are beloved by its creator, but were left on the cutting room floor. Unfortunately, Trouble on Paradise is what happens when an author feels there's a story left to tell and refuses to let go.
This novella, weighing in at 33% the size, continues the adventures of the lesser narrators from Paradise and covers some of the gaps in that story. Skippy and Bishop don't appear in this book. While I never asked the question "What would Expeditionary Force feel like without our comedy duo?", I have the answer:
It's bland. Mediocre.
The author has no one on the bench that has the charisma to lead a story. As implied earlier, the story itself feels like material that wasn't important enough to go into the previous book. The end result is a perfectly functional, well-thought out conclusion to many threads that you never cared to follow. Unless you're an incredible fan of Perkins, or a rabid fan looking anything Expeditionary Force, I'd skip this novella.
Not Recommended unless you are a true fan.
July 10, 2021
As was a huge strength in book 3, 3.5 jumps around in POVs and particularly has good alien characterizations adding flavor and even technical details of non-space flight tech to the Expeditionary Force series.
It’s nothing groundbreaking but incredibly solid, and many genuinely funny moments especially with the Ruhar Nurd (don’t know the spelling since I listened on Audible). There is even some, semi-ideological commentary about human character and faults we find in ourselves and alien habits are also not spared. If you like Clancy novels, there is one storyline about tracking a stealthed ship that is really reminiscent of Hunt for Red October in it that I very much enjoyed.
Everything is well rounded, and lots of depth for a short and interesting story; one not about finding ancient alien anything but instead just a single planet scope of what intergalactic struggle looks like. Absolutely recommend if you like any sci-fi or technical combat novels and in particular if you like this series and want non-Skippy/Joe material (which I love but enjoy the break)!
It’s nothing groundbreaking but incredibly solid, and many genuinely funny moments especially with the Ruhar Nurd (don’t know the spelling since I listened on Audible). There is even some, semi-ideological commentary about human character and faults we find in ourselves and alien habits are also not spared. If you like Clancy novels, there is one storyline about tracking a stealthed ship that is really reminiscent of Hunt for Red October in it that I very much enjoyed.
Everything is well rounded, and lots of depth for a short and interesting story; one not about finding ancient alien anything but instead just a single planet scope of what intergalactic struggle looks like. Absolutely recommend if you like any sci-fi or technical combat novels and in particular if you like this series and want non-Skippy/Joe material (which I love but enjoy the break)!
December 18, 2024
Another solid entry in the Expeditionary Force series with a few minor drawbacks.
Trouble on Paradise is a great addition to the series, offering fresh perspectives and a deeper dive into the events surrounding the previous books. I particularly enjoyed how the story was told from multiple groups’ viewpoints rather than just focusing on Joe and Skippy. This new approach provided a nice opportunity to fill in the gaps and offer more context to the overall narrative.
That said, the main drawback that many others have pointed out is the length—it feels a bit short compared to other entries in the series. While it’s still an enjoyable read, I would have loved more depth and time spent with the new perspectives.
Overall, this is a fun and engaging installment that adds value to the overarching plot. I look forward to seeing how these developments tie into the next book!
Listened to as an audiobook on Audible.
Trouble on Paradise is a great addition to the series, offering fresh perspectives and a deeper dive into the events surrounding the previous books. I particularly enjoyed how the story was told from multiple groups’ viewpoints rather than just focusing on Joe and Skippy. This new approach provided a nice opportunity to fill in the gaps and offer more context to the overall narrative.
That said, the main drawback that many others have pointed out is the length—it feels a bit short compared to other entries in the series. While it’s still an enjoyable read, I would have loved more depth and time spent with the new perspectives.
Overall, this is a fun and engaging installment that adds value to the overarching plot. I look forward to seeing how these developments tie into the next book!
Listened to as an audiobook on Audible.
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