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Spacers #9
Spacers: Dead Ahead
And so it has come to this.
The star cluster is awash with the blood of those whose lives have been spent by two men maneuvering fleets like pieces across a chessboard.
Only one man can come out on top: Thatcher, or Moll.
But when a victor finally emerges, what will it mean? What solace can truly be taken by those left over, those whose very lives have been wrecked by a war of unrivaled carnage?
Surely someone will be left to pick up the pieces. Someone with the vision to make all of this mean something.
For Thatcher's part, he can only do what he was made to do.
Win. At all costs.
The star cluster is awash with the blood of those whose lives have been spent by two men maneuvering fleets like pieces across a chessboard.
Only one man can come out on top: Thatcher, or Moll.
But when a victor finally emerges, what will it mean? What solace can truly be taken by those left over, those whose very lives have been wrecked by a war of unrivaled carnage?
Surely someone will be left to pick up the pieces. Someone with the vision to make all of this mean something.
For Thatcher's part, he can only do what he was made to do.
Win. At all costs.
- GenresAudiobookScience Fiction
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
About the author
Scott Bartlett
123 books328 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
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 - 4.5 Stars
Dead Ahead is the ninth 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…
Dead Ahead is the ninth 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…
November 13, 2022
This book is #9 of 10 books in the series (I recommend you read the previous books in the series). As with the previous books in the series this book is prime military sci-fi! The character development over the span of this series continues to reveal the underlying effects upon the mentality of the crews on both sides. The story continues to travel across the stars in a raging battle for the survival of the humans on planets and ships in space. I’ve been reading military sci-fi for as long as I could find it in the library and bookstore. I recommend this book with no reservations.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2022
The author continues to do a good job with the interplay between the various military arms of the corporations. The author continues to build the action and introduces new developments. The book moves 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.
November 4, 2022
Book 9 is such a wonderful book in this series. Spies are still everywhere, on both sides. Plus, we're about to see the Xanthic, who somehow have been helping Moll the whole time. Tad Thatcher has to come up with some really innovative plays, even though he has been getting less and less sleep and his body is giving out. I still root for the good guys though. C'mon Thatcher! Thank you, Scott Bartlett, for another well thought out and exciting book.
June 20, 2023
Great Read
The enemy getting stronger, manned by qualified fighting spacers without any moral compass. Their leader, who has been working with the aliens that want to exterminate humanity, has been given inside information from the past and future to thwart Tad Thatcher and the “good guys”. Thatcher has a much smaller force with inexperienced spacers and alliances that are splintering away. Can he prevail?
The enemy getting stronger, manned by qualified fighting spacers without any moral compass. Their leader, who has been working with the aliens that want to exterminate humanity, has been given inside information from the past and future to thwart Tad Thatcher and the “good guys”. Thatcher has a much smaller force with inexperienced spacers and alliances that are splintering away. Can he prevail?
January 9, 2023
Penultimate
It's more fighting and running, I think I was starting to get a bit tired of it. I didn't like how Thatchers character was developing either, he was not the Tad we first met but then all the fighting can do that. The ending and the fact that the next book is the last is OK by me I would like to see everything resolved.
It's more fighting and running, I think I was starting to get a bit tired of it. I didn't like how Thatchers character was developing either, he was not the Tad we first met but then all the fighting can do that. The ending and the fact that the next book is the last is OK by me I would like to see everything resolved.
February 21, 2023
Good Read
Interesting story constantly referring to an inability to return to wife and children left on earth, however why finish the last book by not returning when they finally can? Leaving the reader still wanting a happy ending.
I bet the writer never puts the top back on his toothpaste tube!!!
Interesting story constantly referring to an inability to return to wife and children left on earth, however why finish the last book by not returning when they finally can? Leaving the reader still wanting a happy ending.
I bet the writer never puts the top back on his toothpaste tube!!!
December 16, 2024
Awesome conclusion to ONE chapter of the war
This one was a bit of a roller coaster. Just when you think its over, the slippery weasel does his thing. Until he runs smack into a surprise he can't avoid. You have to see how this ends!
But is it REALLY over? I have to read on to know!
This one was a bit of a roller coaster. Just when you think its over, the slippery weasel does his thing. Until he runs smack into a surprise he can't avoid. You have to see how this ends!
But is it REALLY over? I have to read on to know!
November 1, 2022
The best yet
Political intrigue and the maniacs certainty that nothing can stop them, and the scene is set for more space battles, bravery, greed, corruption, and plenty of twists. Can Thatcher finally beat Moll and return home, or is there more to come?
Political intrigue and the maniacs certainty that nothing can stop them, and the scene is set for more space battles, bravery, greed, corruption, and plenty of twists. Can Thatcher finally beat Moll and return home, or is there more to come?
November 16, 2022
The final battle between Tad Thatcher and Simon Moll will decide the future of the Dawn Cluster. Another very good addition to this military SF series. What will lie ahead for the survivors? Will they get back to earth? And what about the Xanthic ? We'll learn in the series final, Storm Break.
February 13, 2023
He done did it. Maybe lost a bit of his humanity but he took down Maul and ruined the alien's timeline loop. Now to figure out why the heck the UNC isn't fixing the wormhole. One enemy out for another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Now that the alliance has Kong Hui what will they do with him? What new strategies will Thatcher and the alliance come up with? What New alliances can be made or broken?. Grab a copy of Dead Ahead and see what's next!
Follow Scott into the Dawn Cluster as the "Spacers" literally fight their way into history, to make history real! Sounds like I'm a little off my ENGLISH LANGUAGE? Grab each book and find out! They are easy to pick up, hard to put down as Scott brings characters to being in our minds and allows us to become part of his stories, if we let our selves go,....we can become spacers too.
Follow Scott into the Dawn Cluster as the "Spacers" literally fight their way into history, to make history real! Sounds like I'm a little off my ENGLISH LANGUAGE? Grab each book and find out! They are easy to pick up, hard to put down as Scott brings characters to being in our minds and allows us to become part of his stories, if we let our selves go,....we can become spacers too.
February 23, 2025
Getting worse as they go on. Not seeing a good ending coming in the last book I'm reading.
Not sure if I can recommend now.
Not sure if I can recommend now.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews