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Spacers #8
Spacers: Dawn War
A hammer is made for one thing
Captain Thatcher, the Hammer himself, wages a desperate fight for survival against his most bitter enemy.
In the battle for humanity's future against Simon Moll's swarming fleets, Thatcher reaches inside himself and finds a willingness to do anything it takes to win.
Anything. It. Takes.
Long-held principles disintegrate as massive fleets clash in the darkness of the void. But while sudden changes of heart can win short-term tactical victories, what will be the cost to Thatcher's soul? Or those of the crews under his command?
Long-sought vengeance may yet be had in the star cluster's southern reaches. But a reckoning looms on the horizon, the likes of which no one fighting has begun to fathom.
Captain Thatcher, the Hammer himself, wages a desperate fight for survival against his most bitter enemy.
In the battle for humanity's future against Simon Moll's swarming fleets, Thatcher reaches inside himself and finds a willingness to do anything it takes to win.
Anything. It. Takes.
Long-held principles disintegrate as massive fleets clash in the darkness of the void. But while sudden changes of heart can win short-term tactical victories, what will be the cost to Thatcher's soul? Or those of the crews under his command?
Long-sought vengeance may yet be had in the star cluster's southern reaches. But a reckoning looms on the horizon, the likes of which no one fighting has begun to fathom.
- GenresAudiobookScience Fiction
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2022
About the author
Scott Bartlett
126 books332 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 11, 2026
Kopš citplanētiešu Zanteku uzbrukuma atvairīšanas pirms 50 gadiem, cilvēce spējusi attīstīt SFF žanram cienīgas tehnoloģijas un kolonizēt ne vienu vien planētu un to zvaigžņu sistēmas, bet tas viss vismaz attiecībā uz Spacers sērijas pamatlokāciju vispārējā Dawn zvaigžņu kopā/klasterī bijis iespējams ar citkārt detalizētāk neizpētītas tārpejas palīdzību. Kad tā vienā jaukā dienā pēkšņi aizveras un nošķir sērijas varoņus no Zemes (ne visiem kā dzimtā puse), tas ievieš milzu pārmaiņas ģeopolitiskajos spēka samēros. Bez ANO tipa United Nations Colonies kā dominējošā spēka virsvadības un uz to pēkšņas ietekmes spēju zuduma, dažādās milzu korporācijas gatavas ķerties viena otrai pie rīkles, kas piedevām viss notiek ar citplanētiešu Zanteku draudiem fonā.
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https://poseidons99.com/2026/09/11/sc...
October 16, 2022
Thatcher's fight against Moll continues. Some wins and some losses. And a quite strange relationship seems to begin....
March 28, 2026
This is the complete Starship New Jersey series, all 10 books in one complete audiobook.
The series follows Tad Thatcher, a young Commander who is initially with the US Space Forces, but without a command. His Superiors recognise that he is ready for command, but more than that, Thatcher has the potential to be something special.
In this future, several things have happened. A wormhole between our galaxy and another galaxy known as the Dawn Cluster has been found, and humanity has colonised multiple systems. This has been possible, because ‘Corporations’ have taken over space, with dozens of competing factions fighting for resources. The Corps as they are known, each have their own military and space fleets – but these are limited under an agreement.
One of these, Frontier Security, offers Thatcher a Captain’s position on a Light Cruiser, the New Jersey. Their CEO, Veronica Rose is keen to have her company become one of the main players in the Dawn Cluster, and she sees Thatcher as the key to her plans.
Thatcher is initially reluctant to leave the Sol sector and join Frontier, as he has a pregnant wife on Earth, and the Sol sector has been dealing with attacks from an alien race known as the Xantic. But his wife convinces him that it is the right thing to do – and so he goes.
However, things don’t go to plan.
Shortly after entering the cluster, the wormhole closes for unknown reasons, separating the Dawn Cluster from Earth and Thatcher from his wife.
Thatcher though, doesn’t miss a beat, taking up the challenge, and rallying the crew of the New Jersey, leading them in several one sided victories in battles in which they are severely outnumbered. Thatcher has a keen eye for tactics and the flow of battle, being able to follow everything that happens.
Without giving too much away, we follow Thatcher as he, and the CEO of Frontier, Veronica Rose, try and take a grip on the Dawn Cluster as it has become rife with pirates and squabbles with greedy Corporations. The closure of the wormhole has only made things more desperate.
This is a fascinating series, one that is part military sci-fi in which we have epic space battles following Thatcher and his tactical genius, but at the same time, the story is also a complex political thriller, as we follow the different corporations fight for dominance in a sector that is full of precious resources.
As the series moves from book 1 through 10, we get to learn more about Thatcher, his history and how he becomes this brilliant genius, mainly from time with his grandfather who was a Captain in the US Space Force. Bartlett has always written powerful, and clever character driven stories, and this is no exception, with Thatcher, Veronica Rose, and multiple other major characters amongst the crew and Corporations.
The story is not just about the Corporations though, threading through this constant intrigue, and political interplay of the Dawn Cluster, there is a much more insidious threat at play. The same threat that has plagued humanity in the Sol Region, that they had to fight off 50yrs ago, and are now fighting again, is in the Dawn Cluster – the Xanthic. It was Thatcher’s grandfather that defeated the Xanthic all those years ago, and inspired Tad to become a Captain in the Space Fleet.
Bartlett has created something special with this series, with his unique blend of characters, epic story telling, and meticulously detailed battle scenes – this is one series that just shouldn’t be missed. And with all 10 books in one boxset – it is an absolute bargain!! This is Scott Bartlett at his best!
The series follows Tad Thatcher, a young Commander who is initially with the US Space Forces, but without a command. His Superiors recognise that he is ready for command, but more than that, Thatcher has the potential to be something special.
In this future, several things have happened. A wormhole between our galaxy and another galaxy known as the Dawn Cluster has been found, and humanity has colonised multiple systems. This has been possible, because ‘Corporations’ have taken over space, with dozens of competing factions fighting for resources. The Corps as they are known, each have their own military and space fleets – but these are limited under an agreement.
One of these, Frontier Security, offers Thatcher a Captain’s position on a Light Cruiser, the New Jersey. Their CEO, Veronica Rose is keen to have her company become one of the main players in the Dawn Cluster, and she sees Thatcher as the key to her plans.
Thatcher is initially reluctant to leave the Sol sector and join Frontier, as he has a pregnant wife on Earth, and the Sol sector has been dealing with attacks from an alien race known as the Xantic. But his wife convinces him that it is the right thing to do – and so he goes.
However, things don’t go to plan.
Shortly after entering the cluster, the wormhole closes for unknown reasons, separating the Dawn Cluster from Earth and Thatcher from his wife.
Thatcher though, doesn’t miss a beat, taking up the challenge, and rallying the crew of the New Jersey, leading them in several one sided victories in battles in which they are severely outnumbered. Thatcher has a keen eye for tactics and the flow of battle, being able to follow everything that happens.
Without giving too much away, we follow Thatcher as he, and the CEO of Frontier, Veronica Rose, try and take a grip on the Dawn Cluster as it has become rife with pirates and squabbles with greedy Corporations. The closure of the wormhole has only made things more desperate.
This is a fascinating series, one that is part military sci-fi in which we have epic space battles following Thatcher and his tactical genius, but at the same time, the story is also a complex political thriller, as we follow the different corporations fight for dominance in a sector that is full of precious resources.
As the series moves from book 1 through 10, we get to learn more about Thatcher, his history and how he becomes this brilliant genius, mainly from time with his grandfather who was a Captain in the US Space Force. Bartlett has always written powerful, and clever character driven stories, and this is no exception, with Thatcher, Veronica Rose, and multiple other major characters amongst the crew and Corporations.
The story is not just about the Corporations though, threading through this constant intrigue, and political interplay of the Dawn Cluster, there is a much more insidious threat at play. The same threat that has plagued humanity in the Sol Region, that they had to fight off 50yrs ago, and are now fighting again, is in the Dawn Cluster – the Xanthic. It was Thatcher’s grandfather that defeated the Xanthic all those years ago, and inspired Tad to become a Captain in the Space Fleet.
Bartlett has created something special with this series, with his unique blend of characters, epic story telling, and meticulously detailed battle scenes – this is one series that just shouldn’t be missed. And with all 10 books in one boxset – it is an absolute bargain!! This is Scott Bartlett at his best!
December 17, 2025
4 Stars
Dawn War is the eighth book in the Spacers Series by Scott Bartlett. It is a thrilling, character-driven space opera series that blends high-stakes action with moments of camaraderie and personal growth.
Across its ten books, we meet and follow Captain Tad Thatcher on a journey from an inexperienced rookie to a seasoned leader navigating the vast, dangerous expanse of space.
The battles are cinematic, the political intrigue is layered, and the stakes feel real - whether it’s a skirmish in deep space or a moral dilemma in the captain’s chair. The world-building is rich yet accessible, with just enough technical detail to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts without bogging down the story.
I also discovered that Mr. Bartlett has a knack for injecting humor into tense and dramatic moments, making the series as entertaining as it is gripping.
A binge-worthy read for fans of fast-paced military sci-fi with relatable characters, clever twists, and a touch of heart.
Happy Reading…
Dawn War is the eighth book in the Spacers Series by Scott Bartlett. It is a thrilling, character-driven space opera series that blends high-stakes action with moments of camaraderie and personal growth.
Across its ten books, we meet and follow Captain Tad Thatcher on a journey from an inexperienced rookie to a seasoned leader navigating the vast, dangerous expanse of space.
The battles are cinematic, the political intrigue is layered, and the stakes feel real - whether it’s a skirmish in deep space or a moral dilemma in the captain’s chair. The world-building is rich yet accessible, with just enough technical detail to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts without bogging down the story.
I also discovered that Mr. Bartlett has a knack for injecting humor into tense and dramatic moments, making the series as entertaining as it is gripping.
A binge-worthy read for fans of fast-paced military sci-fi with relatable characters, clever twists, and a touch of heart.
Happy Reading…
July 26, 2022
Spacers 8 draws us closer to the end of Bartlett's 9 book series, and I for one can't wait! Tad Thatcher was born with an analytical mind, molded by his grandfather, a lifelong military man. Thatcher's career has undergone many transformations but the last few years he feels he's losing control, going soft. And his crew feels the same. Simon Moll is hell bent on destroying Thatcher, and the universe...because he can. Will this be Thatcher's last Gambit? Once again, Scott Bartlett has us on hook, line, and sinker to see it through with Thatcher.
August 1, 2022
Scott Bartlett continues to amaze with the stories he can conceive. I love how this group, now knows as Legion, follows Captain Tad Thatcher, a.k.a. the Hammer, even though there is an Admiral who heads one of the fleets. Anyone who understands military ranks knows that this just doesn't happen. But then again, the Hammer is worth following. He continues to come up with new ideas of fighting the Coalition of Giants. I always love to see what he is going to come up with next, so I can't wait to read his next book in this series.
September 24, 2022
Very good series
Very good series, poor Thatcher (the Hammer) is constantly playing catch up trying to fight Moll and the COG, (I hope I have that fight there are so MANY factions). How he keeps coming up with new ways of defeating his opponents in battle is amazing but unfortunately it seems to be a never ending battle. You'd think with aliens having attacked earth the remaining humans would band together but no, someone always seems to want control over everyone else no matter what the cost.
Very good series, poor Thatcher (the Hammer) is constantly playing catch up trying to fight Moll and the COG, (I hope I have that fight there are so MANY factions). How he keeps coming up with new ways of defeating his opponents in battle is amazing but unfortunately it seems to be a never ending battle. You'd think with aliens having attacked earth the remaining humans would band together but no, someone always seems to want control over everyone else no matter what the cost.
August 12, 2022
Action but disappointing
I’ve decided to mark this down as the story didn’t move along at all. Bunch of battles where the hammer defeats super ships but ends up in the same place as previously. Not to much of any develop to the story. It felt like this boon was just dragging the ending out honestly. And rose fell in love for her captive why??? The romance doesn’t make sense either. I like the battles in general but I was movement in the overall story too.
I’ve decided to mark this down as the story didn’t move along at all. Bunch of battles where the hammer defeats super ships but ends up in the same place as previously. Not to much of any develop to the story. It felt like this boon was just dragging the ending out honestly. And rose fell in love for her captive why??? The romance doesn’t make sense either. I like the battles in general but I was movement in the overall story too.
January 23, 2023
I loved this book and I have immensely enjoyed this series thus far and can’t wait to see how it plays out. I was a little bummed that Rose got involved with Bowman… i see why she did it as far as partnering with him but her jumping into bed with him knocks her down a peg in my book. Still hoping her and Tad will end up together! Or at the very least the admits his feelings for her LOL
June 18, 2023
Great Read
Battles are heating up more and more. Alliances are changing. Moral is eroding in some instances. Surprises still abound, yet Simone Moll still lives as does Tad Thatcher who just lost a third of his fleet trying to take out two super-ships. Don’t unbuckle your safety harness yet!
Battles are heating up more and more. Alliances are changing. Moral is eroding in some instances. Surprises still abound, yet Simone Moll still lives as does Tad Thatcher who just lost a third of his fleet trying to take out two super-ships. Don’t unbuckle your safety harness yet!
September 22, 2022
Hate the Five Score System!
This book is better than the 3 I've given it! Not as good as the 4 I've given others, but think about it, 66% is a three. 80% is a four. I'd say this book is a 75% in the scoring. It's solid space warfare.
This book is better than the 3 I've given it! Not as good as the 4 I've given others, but think about it, 66% is a three. 80% is a four. I'd say this book is a 75% in the scoring. It's solid space warfare.
January 29, 2023
Riveting read
Scott does a fantastic job again. This book was a great read and I can't wait to start the next book. I can feel the overarching stories coming to a head and I'm super excited to see what happens.
Scott does a fantastic job again. This book was a great read and I can't wait to start the next book. I can feel the overarching stories coming to a head and I'm super excited to see what happens.
September 18, 2025
It’s good stuff but I’m tired of humans killing each other and the is a alien invasion going to happen at anytime. Eight books in and it doesn’t seem to be close to a reasonable response. I enjoyed reading the series but I think I’m tapping out.
December 8, 2022
Terrific read!
Spacers is a series Sci-fi readers won't want to miss! War, intrigue, spies and more! Aliens 👽 are also attempting to eradicate humanity.
Spacers is a series Sci-fi readers won't want to miss! War, intrigue, spies and more! Aliens 👽 are also attempting to eradicate humanity.
February 10, 2023
A lot of dreadnaughts are being built, and a big confrontation is about to happen.
February 3, 2025
Still a good read... and only 2 more books to go in the series!
I'm hoping for a certain kind of ending... hope it happens!
Enjoy it if you read it!
I'm hoping for a certain kind of ending... hope it happens!
Enjoy it if you read it!
August 5, 2022
The author does a good job with his universe building and the interplay between the various military arms of the corporations is well done. The books move at a good pace and keeps you motivated to keep reading. If you like Military Science Fiction at the fleet level, this book should catch your interest. I thoroughly enjoyed the book which I received as an ARC.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews