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Retribution: Records of the Argos Book Two – A High-Stakes Sci-Fi Thriller of Espionage, Galactic Warfare, and Survival
After a successful first mission together, the battle-proven crew of the Argos receives new orders. The task is more complex. More countries are involved, and there are more restrictions placed on the crew and their captain. Above all, they must locate and capture the senior Red and Blue Arkon leaders who escaped them once before. This is not an option. The mission is fraught with problems, including new technology that could destroy them all. How will they survive? Could this be their last mission … ever?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2022
2 people are currently reading
About the author
Michael J. Farlow
11 books12 followersMike is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis. He served a career as a Navy combat pilot and in senior positions on staffs in Washington, D.C. Following his military service, he filled a number of positions in aerospace systems engineering in several Fortune 500 companies. In a desire to help people develop he earned a PhD in Organizational Leadership and started a leadership development company for coaching and training.
Writing was a survival process in his doctoral work and from that came the well-received non-fiction book Leaders are Made Not Born. That writing and publishing experience lead to his desire to write fiction which he now enjoys in his free time . . . when, of course, he is not also enjoying salt water fishing.
In his Blog, he is detailing the adventure of his science fiction writing plus updates on his work. Take a look.
Writing was a survival process in his doctoral work and from that came the well-received non-fiction book Leaders are Made Not Born. That writing and publishing experience lead to his desire to write fiction which he now enjoys in his free time . . . when, of course, he is not also enjoying salt water fishing.
In his Blog, he is detailing the adventure of his science fiction writing plus updates on his work. Take a look.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 25, 2022
Nicholas Hall, Nick to his friends, has done it. He's completed his first official mission for the Allied Consortium. Now, finally, he's ready to return to the deep reaches of space. His crew of four has turned into a family of six, and they are back for more in Michael J. Farlow's newest book, Retribution: Records of the Argos.
As the second installment in the series, Retribution brings back all the characters we loved from Crucible, and I have to say I'm thrilled. While the writing is clear and easy to follow, the book's best part must be the crew and their interactions. Nick, the narrator and resident human there to bridge the gap between his otherworldly crew and us. He brings readers quick quips and his stockpile of pop culture references. Then there's Wizzy, the outgoing and outstanding AI of the Argos. Each interaction feels realistic. From banter to strategy all the way to politics, nothing about Retribution feels forced.
Moreover, this book brings more than just a quirky cast of characters to the table; Farlow has also graced us with a beautifully written plot. Unlike other sci-fi stories that rely heavily on action, Michael J. Farlow chooses to set his sights on something more: politics and strategy. While there's no lack of fighting, Farlow makes it clear that sci-fi is more than just lasers and ships. Each mission and every action the crew takes is well-thought-out. Acting as peacekeepers and, some might say, heroes, it makes sense. What they do matters, along with what they say and even how they say it.
Retribution: Records of the Argos is a riveting science fiction novel that takes readers on an exciting adventure. Farlow's ability to write realistic characters and a plot that's more than just gun smoke and space. In addition, he does a fantastic job of bringing back old, beloved characters while introducing new ones. I, for one, can't wait for the next entry in this series.
As the second installment in the series, Retribution brings back all the characters we loved from Crucible, and I have to say I'm thrilled. While the writing is clear and easy to follow, the book's best part must be the crew and their interactions. Nick, the narrator and resident human there to bridge the gap between his otherworldly crew and us. He brings readers quick quips and his stockpile of pop culture references. Then there's Wizzy, the outgoing and outstanding AI of the Argos. Each interaction feels realistic. From banter to strategy all the way to politics, nothing about Retribution feels forced.
Moreover, this book brings more than just a quirky cast of characters to the table; Farlow has also graced us with a beautifully written plot. Unlike other sci-fi stories that rely heavily on action, Michael J. Farlow chooses to set his sights on something more: politics and strategy. While there's no lack of fighting, Farlow makes it clear that sci-fi is more than just lasers and ships. Each mission and every action the crew takes is well-thought-out. Acting as peacekeepers and, some might say, heroes, it makes sense. What they do matters, along with what they say and even how they say it.
Retribution: Records of the Argos is a riveting science fiction novel that takes readers on an exciting adventure. Farlow's ability to write realistic characters and a plot that's more than just gun smoke and space. In addition, he does a fantastic job of bringing back old, beloved characters while introducing new ones. I, for one, can't wait for the next entry in this series.
November 28, 2022
The second book in Michael Farlow’s Records of Argos Series, Retribution, opens with Captain Hall receiving orders from the Commodore. He is to present Argos as a trading ship for agricultural machinery and get information about the Planet Azel. While undercover, he is also to capture General Gurko and General Berzalius, both Arkons, to stand trial. Hall may not take part in military affairs. Hall leads his crew to Azel, where the first day of trading goes well and they are invited to dine with Major Drummond. He tells them to avoid the country, Volarix. After they finish dinner, strangers abduct crewmember Tiana. In pursuit of the kidnappers, Hall brings crewmember Sif, a former Arkon Red warrior, for help. Tiana’s rescue and the back alley rumor Sif gathers prove Argos is in dangerous territory.
Farlow gave this suspenseful science fiction story every element needed for a thrilling plot. Starting off with restrictions that could be difficult to keep. Hall has a loyal crew and treats them fairly. Wizzy, Argos’ artificial intelligence system, made me laugh. I have never read a book where the ship gave an attitude and make smart aleck remarks. Sif’s answer for everything involved fighting, and sometimes I agree with his approach. However, Hall had to follow orders. The twists in the book added suspense where I couldn’t figure out if someone was an ally or an enemy. Retribution kept me glued to the pages with all the action. The end shows a definite sequel for Argos and its crew. Retribution is a book perfect for fans of science-fiction stories full of conflict and colorful character personalities.
Review also available on Reader's Favorites.
Farlow gave this suspenseful science fiction story every element needed for a thrilling plot. Starting off with restrictions that could be difficult to keep. Hall has a loyal crew and treats them fairly. Wizzy, Argos’ artificial intelligence system, made me laugh. I have never read a book where the ship gave an attitude and make smart aleck remarks. Sif’s answer for everything involved fighting, and sometimes I agree with his approach. However, Hall had to follow orders. The twists in the book added suspense where I couldn’t figure out if someone was an ally or an enemy. Retribution kept me glued to the pages with all the action. The end shows a definite sequel for Argos and its crew. Retribution is a book perfect for fans of science-fiction stories full of conflict and colorful character personalities.
Review also available on Reader's Favorites.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews