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Lone Wolf Squadron #1
Marshal the Stars
A Lone Wolf Pilot, a Debt of Honor, and Pirates on the Federation Frontier
Fighter pilot Beau Ward was always willing to bend the rules to get the job done. His “independent” attitude got him bounced around the Federation Fleet for years—until he took it too far.
A long-standing debt has been called in, and he’s the one who must pay it back.
Beau’s actions land him a last chance command in the frontier system of Tardex with the order to assist an old friend and shipmate whose family has been torn apart by pirates.
Tasked with commanding a collection of misfit pilots, Beau must gather the squadron, scrounge for ships, and rescue the captured colonists before it’s too late.
A Pricolici engineer, a former scrounger from the Skaine mob, a grizzled Marine sergeant, and a green recruit. What could go wrong?
Can Beau hold Lone Wolf Squadron together long enough to stage a rescue?
Fighter pilot Beau Ward was always willing to bend the rules to get the job done. His “independent” attitude got him bounced around the Federation Fleet for years—until he took it too far.
A long-standing debt has been called in, and he’s the one who must pay it back.
Beau’s actions land him a last chance command in the frontier system of Tardex with the order to assist an old friend and shipmate whose family has been torn apart by pirates.
Tasked with commanding a collection of misfit pilots, Beau must gather the squadron, scrounge for ships, and rescue the captured colonists before it’s too late.
A Pricolici engineer, a former scrounger from the Skaine mob, a grizzled Marine sergeant, and a green recruit. What could go wrong?
Can Beau hold Lone Wolf Squadron together long enough to stage a rescue?
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2022
333 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Davis
87 books199 followersJamie Davis is a nurse, retired paramedic, author, and nationally recognized medical educator who began teaching new emergency responders as a training officer for his local EMS program. He loves everything fantasy and sci-fi and especially the places where stories intersect with his love of medicine or gaming.
Jamie lives in a home in the woods in Maryland with his wife, three children, and dog. He is an avid gamer, preferring historical and fantasy miniature gaming, as well as tabletop games. He writes LitRPG, GameLit, urban, and contemporary paranormal fantasy stories, among other things. His Future Race Game rules were written to satisfy a desire to play a version of the pod races from Star Wars episode 1.
He loves hearing from readers and going to cons and events where he meets up with fans. Reach out and say "hi.” Visit JamieDavisBooks.com for more books, free offers and more!
Jamie lives in a home in the woods in Maryland with his wife, three children, and dog. He is an avid gamer, preferring historical and fantasy miniature gaming, as well as tabletop games. He writes LitRPG, GameLit, urban, and contemporary paranormal fantasy stories, among other things. His Future Race Game rules were written to satisfy a desire to play a version of the pod races from Star Wars episode 1.
He loves hearing from readers and going to cons and events where he meets up with fans. Reach out and say "hi.” Visit JamieDavisBooks.com for more books, free offers and more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 6, 2023
This book was very interesting! I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read the next book!
May 20, 2023
34% into the book
- none of the characters are memorable or relatable.
- couldn’t care if any of the characters died in the next chapter.
- hard to see the purpose of their journey.
- really hard to stay interested
- none of the characters are memorable or relatable.
- couldn’t care if any of the characters died in the next chapter.
- hard to see the purpose of their journey.
- really hard to stay interested
December 3, 2022
Marshall the Stars starts off by introducing us to the Tardex System and a small township on a planet that has been colonised. There they are hit by Raiders, but instead of just robbing them this time, they take people. We learn that some of these people belong to a person called Hale, who used to work for the Fleet, and he has called in some favours to try and get his family back.
This brings us to Commander Beau “Lobo” Ward, the main character in the story. Ward is what one can only describe as a misfit. He is an outstanding pilot, probably one of the best in the fleet, but he is insubordinate, and doesn’t follow orders, nor does he follow protocols (I’ll let you read why, it is funny!!).
As a result, Ward is shunted to the far reaches of the galaxy, to Tardex, to help Hale (who happens to be his old friend – and he has a debt to), to help him find his family, and help the colony with their Raider problem.
He has barely any resources, but has been given a young Ensign who is good at admin to help him, Ensign Brian Grady, who can also fly. They soon pick up another stray who no one wants, Lt Charlene, Charli for short, Price “Gears”.
Charli is a Pricolici – that is, she has nanites in her and when she gets a bit touchy, she morphs losing all but the stretchy undies and sports bra she wears, into a rather menacing Werewolf type creature that will disembowel you in about the same time it takes you to pee your pants. As well as being a pilot and brutal in hand-to-hand, Charli is an expert mechanic (thus her callsign).
To round out the team, they get a Skaine, a race no one really likes as they are considered thieves by most, or at least dodgy. The Skaine though, see themselves as opportunists, playing the ultimate barter game, each deal is its own ‘Battle’ and they fight to get the best deal, at any cost. Lt Ka’Ahtay or “Katy” is their scavenger, the person who looks for anything they need, at the best price or barter and gets it.
Under Ward, they become Lone Wolf Squadron, and head to Tardex where they begin to set up and wait for the raiders to come. And this is where the story gets really interesting!!
Although Ward is the main character, we do get snippets from multiple other characters throughout this book as we are introduced to Hale, Charli, Katy and even the Raiders themselves. It provides a great scope to the story and allows us too not only follow the main story through Ward, but fill in several of the side stories, or even get input to the main tale. Davis gives us this in-depth story through this style and we also get to learn a lot about the different characters.
As mentioned above, the character work is one of the brilliant parts of this story (and has always been such a key part of Davis’s writing), as we get this powerful, character driven story.
The other really fantastic part of this book is the world building which creates this captivating universe to tell this story in. The detail and descriptive work that has gone into every aspect of this story, from the characters, to the starships, the weapons, and the different groups like the Raiders/Fleet/Colonists, is all exceptional.
Ward and his team of misfits find themselves up against a bit more than they bargained for, and it is going to take each of their considerable individual skills to be able to defeat the Raiders. However, each of these ‘Lone Wolves’ also learns that the only way that they can really achieve their goals, and rescue the colonists, as well as stay alive, is to work as a team and help each other.
This is a combination of exciting action, but with some intelligent introspection as well. There are a lot of parallels between this and something like Firefly with that misfit crew on the edge of civilisation trying to help – although this time, they are on the other side of the law (mostly). Book 1 is an epic start to what is going to be a spectacular series and not to be missed!!
This brings us to Commander Beau “Lobo” Ward, the main character in the story. Ward is what one can only describe as a misfit. He is an outstanding pilot, probably one of the best in the fleet, but he is insubordinate, and doesn’t follow orders, nor does he follow protocols (I’ll let you read why, it is funny!!).
As a result, Ward is shunted to the far reaches of the galaxy, to Tardex, to help Hale (who happens to be his old friend – and he has a debt to), to help him find his family, and help the colony with their Raider problem.
He has barely any resources, but has been given a young Ensign who is good at admin to help him, Ensign Brian Grady, who can also fly. They soon pick up another stray who no one wants, Lt Charlene, Charli for short, Price “Gears”.
Charli is a Pricolici – that is, she has nanites in her and when she gets a bit touchy, she morphs losing all but the stretchy undies and sports bra she wears, into a rather menacing Werewolf type creature that will disembowel you in about the same time it takes you to pee your pants. As well as being a pilot and brutal in hand-to-hand, Charli is an expert mechanic (thus her callsign).
To round out the team, they get a Skaine, a race no one really likes as they are considered thieves by most, or at least dodgy. The Skaine though, see themselves as opportunists, playing the ultimate barter game, each deal is its own ‘Battle’ and they fight to get the best deal, at any cost. Lt Ka’Ahtay or “Katy” is their scavenger, the person who looks for anything they need, at the best price or barter and gets it.
Under Ward, they become Lone Wolf Squadron, and head to Tardex where they begin to set up and wait for the raiders to come. And this is where the story gets really interesting!!
Although Ward is the main character, we do get snippets from multiple other characters throughout this book as we are introduced to Hale, Charli, Katy and even the Raiders themselves. It provides a great scope to the story and allows us too not only follow the main story through Ward, but fill in several of the side stories, or even get input to the main tale. Davis gives us this in-depth story through this style and we also get to learn a lot about the different characters.
As mentioned above, the character work is one of the brilliant parts of this story (and has always been such a key part of Davis’s writing), as we get this powerful, character driven story.
The other really fantastic part of this book is the world building which creates this captivating universe to tell this story in. The detail and descriptive work that has gone into every aspect of this story, from the characters, to the starships, the weapons, and the different groups like the Raiders/Fleet/Colonists, is all exceptional.
Ward and his team of misfits find themselves up against a bit more than they bargained for, and it is going to take each of their considerable individual skills to be able to defeat the Raiders. However, each of these ‘Lone Wolves’ also learns that the only way that they can really achieve their goals, and rescue the colonists, as well as stay alive, is to work as a team and help each other.
This is a combination of exciting action, but with some intelligent introspection as well. There are a lot of parallels between this and something like Firefly with that misfit crew on the edge of civilisation trying to help – although this time, they are on the other side of the law (mostly). Book 1 is an epic start to what is going to be a spectacular series and not to be missed!!
February 15, 2023
Welcome back to the Empire that’s now The Federation!
If you aren’t familiar with the Etheric Empire, it won’t impact how much you’ll enjoy this book, regardless. Granted, there are one or two unique peculiarities that might confuse you, but nothing significant enough to distract.
If you ARE familiar with the larger universe Michael created, I think you’ll find that this is a really fun way to come back to an old friend.
Like all of the best science fiction, at its core this is a really just an incredible story that happens to be set in the future. If you take out the “sci if” trappings, what you’re left with is a story about the struggle for survival on the frontiers of civilization and the personalities so uniquely suited for that kind of life. Let me tell you, Michael and Jamie have done an OUTSTANDING job!
For the start of a new series, this is especially impressive. Jamie and Michael are building out a segment of the Federation that we’ve never really seen before except in passing - the frontier. We’ve had various characters and even whole series bounce around out there, but it’s always been about them, not about the lives of the actual settlers themselves.
The plot moves along at a fairly even pace. BUT…. when the rubber hits the road, or maybe I should say when the boot hits the skull, a plot twist comes out of nowhere that changes everything up.
The heroes of this story are very human - they make a few critical mistakes and miss some clues, while the bad guys are a little smarter than we might like. This makes the “thrill”of the story just a bit more real and realistic. You gotta love it!
It will be incredibly fun to see what comes next.
Finally, If you haven’t read them, you might consider diving into The Kurtherian Gambit in which the Etheric Empire is formed before it becomes The Federation. Now go forth and read!
If you aren’t familiar with the Etheric Empire, it won’t impact how much you’ll enjoy this book, regardless. Granted, there are one or two unique peculiarities that might confuse you, but nothing significant enough to distract.
If you ARE familiar with the larger universe Michael created, I think you’ll find that this is a really fun way to come back to an old friend.
Like all of the best science fiction, at its core this is a really just an incredible story that happens to be set in the future. If you take out the “sci if” trappings, what you’re left with is a story about the struggle for survival on the frontiers of civilization and the personalities so uniquely suited for that kind of life. Let me tell you, Michael and Jamie have done an OUTSTANDING job!
For the start of a new series, this is especially impressive. Jamie and Michael are building out a segment of the Federation that we’ve never really seen before except in passing - the frontier. We’ve had various characters and even whole series bounce around out there, but it’s always been about them, not about the lives of the actual settlers themselves.
The plot moves along at a fairly even pace. BUT…. when the rubber hits the road, or maybe I should say when the boot hits the skull, a plot twist comes out of nowhere that changes everything up.
The heroes of this story are very human - they make a few critical mistakes and miss some clues, while the bad guys are a little smarter than we might like. This makes the “thrill”of the story just a bit more real and realistic. You gotta love it!
It will be incredibly fun to see what comes next.
Finally, If you haven’t read them, you might consider diving into The Kurtherian Gambit in which the Etheric Empire is formed before it becomes The Federation. Now go forth and read!
July 19, 2024
Not bad not bad at all
Not bad not bad at all, was wondering what it would read like and I am happy to say was pleasantly surprised how much I did enjoy this book. It's a good start to what could be series as describes the characters and who and what they are and how they develop. I am hoping there are many more books as really enjoyed this as a peace of literature and how well it was written as well as a story I really enjoyed. I would say give it a read and enjoy hopefully I did
Not bad not bad at all, was wondering what it would read like and I am happy to say was pleasantly surprised how much I did enjoy this book. It's a good start to what could be series as describes the characters and who and what they are and how they develop. I am hoping there are many more books as really enjoyed this as a peace of literature and how well it was written as well as a story I really enjoyed. I would say give it a read and enjoy hopefully I did
June 14, 2022
Captivating Read
Well done to Jamie Davis for a brilliant captivating first book in the Lone Wolf Squadron Series. Beau and his sidekicks pulls the reader in to find out their stories behind the story. With kidnapping, an unknown traitor and a new squadron to put through their paces, Beau still has time to deliver the pain whilst trying to find the traitor behind it all.
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read book 2!!
Well done to Jamie Davis for a brilliant captivating first book in the Lone Wolf Squadron Series. Beau and his sidekicks pulls the reader in to find out their stories behind the story. With kidnapping, an unknown traitor and a new squadron to put through their paces, Beau still has time to deliver the pain whilst trying to find the traitor behind it all.
Absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read book 2!!
June 23, 2022
Enjoyable Read
The storyline is interesting and supported by reasonable character development. The technology fits well into the defined worldview and while the variety of sentient creatures is fairly broad, most are at least minimally described in sufficient detail for their roles. A decent plot with a surprise or two, and this book ends on a positive note with a promise for the next installment.
The storyline is interesting and supported by reasonable character development. The technology fits well into the defined worldview and while the variety of sentient creatures is fairly broad, most are at least minimally described in sufficient detail for their roles. A decent plot with a surprise or two, and this book ends on a positive note with a promise for the next installment.
October 1, 2025
good start of a series. I like the loners who have to survive within a rigid military system.
This all comes together when a question for help comes and Beau with his new to form team has to be that help.
They try to help some settlers who are being enslaved by raiders.
The whole book is full of surprises, funny encounters and a weird ship with an even weirder AI on the spacestation they make their headquarters. The different members of the crew are likable. Looking forward to the next book
This all comes together when a question for help comes and Beau with his new to form team has to be that help.
They try to help some settlers who are being enslaved by raiders.
The whole book is full of surprises, funny encounters and a weird ship with an even weirder AI on the spacestation they make their headquarters. The different members of the crew are likable. Looking forward to the next book
July 5, 2022
Fun, of course!
Because MA is always fun! Nice partnering here with Jamie Davis and now I'm thinking I may have a new author to read and enjoy. The characters are a mishmash and things are a bit ridiculous but that's why people write sci-fi and fantasy--so they can posit some pretty out there scenarios!
Because MA is always fun! Nice partnering here with Jamie Davis and now I'm thinking I may have a new author to read and enjoy. The characters are a mishmash and things are a bit ridiculous but that's why people write sci-fi and fantasy--so they can posit some pretty out there scenarios!
July 13, 2022
Epic space adventure
An ace space fighter pilot upsets his boss one last time. His punishment - take one Navy officer, find himself a crew and a ship then go help an old friend.
Finding there is a bigger problem than just some pirates, he takes on his role as law enforcer, risking his life investigating the problem that groes ever larger.
An ace space fighter pilot upsets his boss one last time. His punishment - take one Navy officer, find himself a crew and a ship then go help an old friend.
Finding there is a bigger problem than just some pirates, he takes on his role as law enforcer, risking his life investigating the problem that groes ever larger.
October 8, 2022
Loved it
A new series for me and new characters to get to know. There's nothing more fun for an avid reader. LMBPN has such a knack for bringing in authors that hold true to the various universes but also create new characters and stories that hold ones attention. This series is no exception. Watching the new crew mesh and grow will keep you reading. Enjoy!
A new series for me and new characters to get to know. There's nothing more fun for an avid reader. LMBPN has such a knack for bringing in authors that hold true to the various universes but also create new characters and stories that hold ones attention. This series is no exception. Watching the new crew mesh and grow will keep you reading. Enjoy!
March 1, 2023
Start of another great series
When I was in the Air Force, I used to see some pilots with this attitude. Some survived it, and some didn't.
If you have ever seen a B-52 or a fighter do a skip bomb run, you will understand, especially with some pilots, as they came back to base with tree debris stuck everywhere.
When I was in the Air Force, I used to see some pilots with this attitude. Some survived it, and some didn't.
If you have ever seen a B-52 or a fighter do a skip bomb run, you will understand, especially with some pilots, as they came back to base with tree debris stuck everywhere.
June 29, 2023
Wonderful
Loved the fast moving energy portrayed. Big kick with june.lol. none of main characters died, that's awesome, I have enjoyed so many of your series, and will continue, I've addicted several others to them also. Thank you for sharing your talent. Blessings, Patricia Alzheimer
Loved the fast moving energy portrayed. Big kick with june.lol. none of main characters died, that's awesome, I have enjoyed so many of your series, and will continue, I've addicted several others to them also. Thank you for sharing your talent. Blessings, Patricia Alzheimer
January 12, 2024
A Fun Quick Read
This is a fun story about a slapped together space squadron of misfits. They are assigned to recover settlers kidnapped by raiders, but the squadron must supply themselves and recruit their own members. The situations in this book are reminiscent of the old television shoe, "McHale*s Navy". I recommend this book.
This is a fun story about a slapped together space squadron of misfits. They are assigned to recover settlers kidnapped by raiders, but the squadron must supply themselves and recruit their own members. The situations in this book are reminiscent of the old television shoe, "McHale*s Navy". I recommend this book.
August 24, 2024
Classic western in outer space
A classic western set in outer space. A small group of ill equipped misfit pilots defend an outpost planet from space pirates. The story has benn done many times before but is always a winner. The writing is excellent, the characters are likeable and the action good. Great stuff. Joel Richards is excellent. I have already bought book 2.
A classic western set in outer space. A small group of ill equipped misfit pilots defend an outpost planet from space pirates. The story has benn done many times before but is always a winner. The writing is excellent, the characters are likeable and the action good. Great stuff. Joel Richards is excellent. I have already bought book 2.
February 22, 2023
Simply awesome!
Surprisingly great read wt characters one can really get behind. Action enough to please anyone, and the nasties, are really bad! Great read for all ages who love sci fi!
Surprisingly great read wt characters one can really get behind. Action enough to please anyone, and the nasties, are really bad! Great read for all ages who love sci fi!
Read
February 25, 2023Really fine blend
This book is a really fine blend of action, adventure, great contrasting characters, and humor. Overall refreshing and leaves you wanting to see what happens with the next book.
This book is a really fine blend of action, adventure, great contrasting characters, and humor. Overall refreshing and leaves you wanting to see what happens with the next book.
February 28, 2023
Yeehaaa! Pardner...
It took me almost the whole book to realize this was a western in space! Well done by the author, interesting plot that kept me engaged the whole way, now onto no. 2!
It took me almost the whole book to realize this was a western in space! Well done by the author, interesting plot that kept me engaged the whole way, now onto no. 2!
February 28, 2023
Old school sci fi.
Sci-fi as it should be, nonstop action from the start with believable characters and a storyline that will keep you turning pages. Well-written sci-fi as it's meant to be don't miss this one I'm off to get the next in the series it's that good, enjoy Baz.
Sci-fi as it should be, nonstop action from the start with believable characters and a storyline that will keep you turning pages. Well-written sci-fi as it's meant to be don't miss this one I'm off to get the next in the series it's that good, enjoy Baz.
April 7, 2023
Great old fashioned Space Opera
Our Authors wrote a Tale, like our Favorite old fashioned Authors Used to write for us. The heros piloted and repaired their craft as they fight the evil pirates to save the weak. Great Reading.
Our Authors wrote a Tale, like our Favorite old fashioned Authors Used to write for us. The heros piloted and repaired their craft as they fight the evil pirates to save the weak. Great Reading.
April 11, 2023
Fun
Marshal the Stars was a good mixture of background, technical data and action. The group of main characters are starting to come together in book one. It was a fun quick read that set up the next book in the series quite well.
Marshal the Stars was a good mixture of background, technical data and action. The group of main characters are starting to come together in book one. It was a fun quick read that set up the next book in the series quite well.
April 21, 2023
characters you love and hate…
Great way to get you into the story and if you’ve read any other in this universe it’s a great new part if not. They are a must after u finish this series the wild Wild West once again Amon the stars
Great way to get you into the story and if you’ve read any other in this universe it’s a great new part if not. They are a must after u finish this series the wild Wild West once again Amon the stars
July 20, 2023
exactly what you expect
Excellent vacation/airport read. The bad guys end up losing, the good guys end up winning. Sometimes, you just don’t want anything more complicated. That said, this was a read that never got boring, and kept you turning the pages!
Excellent vacation/airport read. The bad guys end up losing, the good guys end up winning. Sometimes, you just don’t want anything more complicated. That said, this was a read that never got boring, and kept you turning the pages!
February 27, 2024
A Billion to one odds for success
This story reminds me of an old movie, The Dirty Dozen. Huge unofficial/official military mission, no real budget, no assigned equipment, crew of misfits and criminals . . .Oh and a traitor lurking around. What could go wrong?
This story reminds me of an old movie, The Dirty Dozen. Huge unofficial/official military mission, no real budget, no assigned equipment, crew of misfits and criminals . . .Oh and a traitor lurking around. What could go wrong?
June 6, 2024
Hope
Really nice work. The Wild West meets in space. All the characters were very interesting and full of depth. I could have easily been one of them. Looking forward to reading more. Keep it coming.
Really nice work. The Wild West meets in space. All the characters were very interesting and full of depth. I could have easily been one of them. Looking forward to reading more. Keep it coming.
June 18, 2022
Space opera at it's best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2022
A great read
A thrilling read with space marshals, out on the edge of civilisation.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
A thrilling read with space marshals, out on the edge of civilisation.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
July 8, 2022
Has has black sheep
Ok. Most of the readers are way to young to catch the reference. Also a bit of the Stem saga thrown in for good measure. Still a very enjoyable read
Ok. Most of the readers are way to young to catch the reference. Also a bit of the Stem saga thrown in for good measure. Still a very enjoyable read
August 4, 2022
Good book
Fast paced military science fiction with plenty of drama and action. We good read. Why due you require so much verbage.
Fast paced military science fiction with plenty of drama and action. We good read. Why due you require so much verbage.
September 10, 2022
Great
It was an interesting read. It kept my attention looking forward to the next book in the series. Keep them coming.
It was an interesting read. It kept my attention looking forward to the next book in the series. Keep them coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews