Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Battlegroup Z #2

Hostile Spike

Rate this book
Protracted war is inevitable.

Six weeks ago, Lieutenant Justin Spencer was just another reservist in the Coalition Defense Force. Becoming a lifer wasn’t in the cards—until the League of Sol brutally attacked the Terran Coalition. With several pivotal battles now under his belt, friends and strangers alike call Justin a hero. But he finds the accolades difficult to swallow when the night only intensifies images from his first taste of combat.

Then he’s faced with an active duty extension.

The League is hitting supply convoys on their long journeys between the mining colonies. Without the rare minerals, Coalition shipyards can’t produce the needed firepower to fight off losses sustained from the enemy’s overwhelming forces.

An enemy that appears to anticipate the CDF’s every play.

When the CSV Zvika Greengold is tapped for a black ops action, Justin volunteers to pilot a captured enemy aircraft on what he discovers too late is a suicide mission. For any chance of survival, he’ll need to rely on more than sheer skill and dumb luck.

He’ll need a miracle.

Paperback

Published March 26, 2021

191 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Daniel Gibbs

56 books473 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
310 (53%)
4 stars
208 (35%)
3 stars
55 (9%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for More Books Than Time  .
2,501 reviews20 followers
September 18, 2023
Good story with reasonably developed characters. While I am glad to see religion get included the characters have more deep discussions than needed. We get it. Religion and religious freedom are necessary.
52 reviews
March 14, 2021
Another action packed book! As usual with Daniels' books the action starts quickly and keeps you on the edge of your seats. His main character is a reluctant hero doing his "duty" and with most great men and women, he does not feel he is the hero, but that the fallen are the true hero's as they cashed the ultimate check of up to and including their "Lives".

Daniel writes from experiences of his own and his Band Of Brothers' experiences to give us a unique look at true life emotions that go on in war.

Keep writing Daniel we love your dedication to bringing us these wonderful stories.

Also in this humble readers opinion, I greatly enjoy reading a book without all the crude language!! The mention of an almighty being that is different in nearly all religions is also so very refreshing. I absolutely love it!! I nearly always give writers 4 stars because I know we always strive to be better and believe we are better. But for his continued work Daniel earns a 5 star rating from me this time.

Never give into the people that try to cancel you for your beliefs and fight for what is right. "No Matter The Odds" Just like Daniel and his characters!!
Profile Image for Neale.
11 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2022
Waaay too much religion...like way too much

Way too much religion. Poorly written and turgid. Everybody starts out not religious and then has a crisis of faith and then it's followed by long boring discussions. Quite honestly ruins the books, story and continuity.

Upside: Good action, engaging storyline, characters are well- written.

Downside: Religion. Religions. Spiritual Leaders. Trite philosophy.
Just skip these poor attempts to turn Star Wars into What Would Jesus Do.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,688 reviews48 followers
March 15, 2021
Hostile Spike:Book 2 in Battlegroup Z. Daniel Gibbs has written an exciting book 2. The CSC Zvika Greengold is assigned to accompany 33 merchant ships to the outer colonies. Daniel Gibbs uses his military knowledge to write outstanding fighting scenes. On the way to the outer colonies, the Greengold is ghosted by the League. The fighting is intense and when the third wave of fighting begins, it is not looking good for the Coalition. 1st Lieutenant Justin Spencer uses his imagination and helps save the day. When Agent Thomas Grant brings orders to the CO of the Greengold, the men and women are facing an impossible task. They must capture a League facility intact and gather intelligence. The fighting is so intense with fighting planes and the Marines of course the Greengold is also fighting for its life! This is such an amazing book. The characters are realistic and believable. I can’t wait to read book 3. I received an arc for free in exchange for my honest voluntary review.
101 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2021
Brilliantly written and pleasure to read

Aside from this being a prequel to a series of books I could not put down this has confirmed the writer has a strong presence in this book and the action is fast paced and leads you further into a fast paced environment when in reality all combat is unforgiving lasting moments at supersonic speed as adrenaline rushes in your mind driving your decisions and actions. Some thrive in it, some fall, some fall to react, but a few selfless souls become an example to others and inspiring people to commit to the task Grace under fire this book exhaled this quality to me.
3 reviews
May 3, 2021
Eh

Honestly not very good. Mildly entertaining at best but at least better than the first. 2 books in and feel like there has finally been a little character development. First in series is just not very good at all. Filled with unexplained jargon, no real character development, and entirely way too much use of the word brittle. Will probably finish the series of for no other reason than it helps me fall asleep, before noon. Wouldn’t really recommend outside of a bad case of insomnia.
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews9 followers
July 21, 2022
Lt Justin becomes Captain Justin his ship is still being Lucky his new flyer is still a great spy plane

Justin is full of surprises. He loses his Sabre and steals an Alien plane they wind up using to front several operations. The mothership although not the biggest in the fleet is know to have the craftiest leader and smartest crew. The ship is known for its hero crews and be there first and react the fastest and smartest. His teammate are as bad as he is and the officers are just like him. Smart quick, and caring, makes for a terrific crew.
9 reviews
March 16, 2021
Book Two was fast pace from the start. Hard to catch your breath with the action. We also got to me the SPOOKS and their equipment and how they fit into things. The Marines came into play this book and a lot of new characters.

I was disappointed that I finished the book I did not want it to end. It looks like we will be in for a long wild ride so we need to buckle up!!

Can't wait for the next one to come out!!
Profile Image for Steven Shaw.
81 reviews
March 21, 2021
War Footing

Following the League’s rebuffed surprise attack, the Coalition must quickly move to a war footing. With peacetime reductions, Justin and other Reservists are called to active duty, and immediately overworked. Outnumbered by the League, flying sortie after sortie, losing friends in every battle, it seems an impossible task. Watch the Red Tails grow into a powerful team, using talent to even the odds.
Profile Image for Mick Bird.
813 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2021
Justin and other Reservists are called to active duty, and immediately overworked. With the League’s surprise attack rebuffed, the Coalition must quickly move to a war footing. Outnumbered by the League, and flying sortie after sortie, they lose friends in every battle. It seems an impossible task, but one that they must all fight. Watch the Red Tails grow into a powerful team, using talent to even the odds.
86 reviews
April 3, 2021
A masterpiece of story telling

This was one of my favorite reads. I love the way the author is able to insert humor in the middle of action packed battles. His main character Lieutenant Spencer is thoughtful and a real hero. His line, when he lost his fighter, was priceless! Anyone who would enjoy a military space action thriller should not miss this book. It is well worth the read.
355 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2021
If anyone reads this review

This is a story of a nation at war. Though based in space, there are parallels to the people that have fought in other locations and times. The story is about the men and women. Though far from home and tasked with nearly impossible odds, they continue to perform their duties and work as well as their abilities allow. Their story is moving and well worth reading. A good read.
93 reviews
September 4, 2024
Camaraderie

Another adventure for the Battlegroup. Anther book where the good guys are constantly fighting another battle. The characters in the book are solid. The plot runs true to the continuing story. There were times when a leading character or two were in dire straights. I truly thought they might have hit the end of their luck. Yet, Fate directed them to a miraculous victory.
Thank you for an entertaining read.
627 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2025
Good read.

This book was good and the storyline lines up well with the other books so far. There was plenty of action from awesome space battles to on planets fighting . What they plan to do next is very risky. The battle group has lost a lot of the flight crew and space craft . Now they are just replacing damaged weapons , ammo , replacing missing people and also getting their ship back to real fighting order.
1 review
March 11, 2021
Daniel Gibbs has done it again with episode 2 of this gripping series. Layed more flesh on the bones of the characters involved in a storyline I've found very absorbing. Add in lashings of action, and you end end up with Hostile Spike. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to the next installment.
67 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2021
Readable enough to pass the time

Just have to shake my head an moan. The so called good guys have to parties in their government the liberals and the democratic liberals and the author labels the latter conservative, they are both left of center tho he implies otherwise. So who do you root for the communists or the muslims?
Profile Image for Alan Mascall.
20 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2022
Enjoyable

A little predictable, too much reference to religion, and the author appears to use cut and paste as a way to describe the scenes at times. However… it’s an enjoyable read and way better than anything I could ever write so I feel mean criticising it. I shall carry on reading the rest of the series and see how it goes. I hope you do as well.
61 reviews
March 25, 2021
I love thid series!

This sequel didnt disappoint at all. If anything its more action packed than the first. The vharacters are filling out nicely. If you like space battles and lots if action i highly recommend this one.
107 reviews
April 16, 2021
Continuation of individual pilot combat

It is about time Justin is recognized for his heroics. His promotion to Captain is justly needed. Justice Hopefully he will get to visit with his wife and daughter.
Profile Image for Larry B Gray.
Author 6 books155 followers
May 5, 2021
Space opera at its best

Another action packed sci-fi adventure that will grab you by the gut and not let you go. This is a great author with an awesome writing style. I really liked this book and I highly recommend it.
263 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2021
Another solid entry

The only thing that could be said to be missing would be character development, however the beginnings start in this book. We are still learning about this settings enemies and even layout in space. Diving into the next book.
301 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2021
Great book and a great series.

Follow our hero from one death defying mission to the next. The olds for each engagement ate terrible, but with assists from his wingman and their ship they make it through.
8 reviews
October 4, 2021
hard driving action

Daniel Gibbs writes a brand of military sci-fi that once again calls up the horrors of war along with the bravery and dedication of those who fight those wars to protect us. Hats off to all those in the military that hold the line and keep us free.
50 reviews
October 14, 2022
Enough action for any space battle junkie!

Fast paced and full of action! One of the best series space warfare collection. If you like Weber, Partlow, Hemry, this is your read......
Profile Image for Winston Crutchfield.
Author 8 books19 followers
April 2, 2024
The action escalates, the consequences grow more dire, and the character begin to grow and evolve from the basic archetypes of the first book into fleshed-out people with conflicting goals and motivations. I liked the feel of progression this books gives to the series; it avoids repeating the successful straight-up action format of Weapons Free and opens up the landscape to involve more than just dogfighting. We get a nice glimpse of the what the League of Sol is really like, and what it's going to mean to oppose them. Good growth all the way around without skimping on the action.
2 reviews
March 18, 2021
great series

I have enjoyed the series and look forward to next one. This book tries to keep it real and shoe losses on both sides
22 reviews
March 23, 2021
Oorah

Another good book of space adventure. Looking forward to the next book to take down. Those League bastards and hope that Spencer’s team can survive the ordeal
15 reviews
April 7, 2021
Great series

Action packed series, never lets up. Couldn’t put it down until I had finished it. Can’t wait for the next book to be released in the series.
Profile Image for Ronald Rader.
33 reviews
June 2, 2021
Great book a must read

God is developing well and he is very much a part of every second of the storyline. Thank you for the inclusion in the books.
Profile Image for Vaun Fiedler.
215 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2021
Hard core action

Space warfare in its prime! Fast pace action and suspense! Heros and villains. Sci-fi you won't want to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.