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Drop Trooper #12
Blue Force
The war is over...or that's what everyone thinks.
Cam knows better.
The Skrela are wiped out, but only Cam and Vicky know the truth, that Dwight and the other AI like him created the monstrous enemy to destroy the Predecessors.
Burdened with this terrible secret, Cam must somehow maintain the tenuous peace between the humans and the Tahni until he and his Marines can return home.
But who can Cam and Vicky trust when even their closest allies might be enemies?
Cam knows better.
The Skrela are wiped out, but only Cam and Vicky know the truth, that Dwight and the other AI like him created the monstrous enemy to destroy the Predecessors.
Burdened with this terrible secret, Cam must somehow maintain the tenuous peace between the humans and the Tahni until he and his Marines can return home.
But who can Cam and Vicky trust when even their closest allies might be enemies?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2023
303 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Rick Partlow
213 books374 followersRick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 30, 2024
I loved this one, absolutely loved it. I swear this series keeps surprising me and it looks like now the adventure continues on. Rick Partlow did an excellent job in revitalizing this series and keeping things flowing which is very impressive going 12 books I have read in this series with 4 more to go. I feel just as engaged as I did when young Cameron set foot in his first vigilante. In any case, here are 5 reasons this book rocked my socks off.
Complicated In a Good Way:
I think this would be the first review I have done where I said being complicated is a good thing but in book 12 it really is. There is so much going on in this one that I found it thrilling to keep all of the cultures in line with this series. The development of the relationships between the Tahni, the Commonwealth humans, the Vergai Humans, the Karai Fractions of the Tahni, the dinosaur related Resshar, not to mention another human fraction on the neighboring planet. What I loved the most was how I was able to keep it all together and it ultimately added depth to the storyline. It’s beyond chaotic in book 12 and Cam is just trying to keep peace and prosperity while at the same time trying to get his people home. As it turns out this is beyond possible and there is so much packed in this less then 300 page book that I am truly impressed on how the total outcome is made and bloodshed that transpired.
Twists On Top of Twists:
While some books in this series I found some to be very predictable. In book 12 I was very satisfied in Rick Partlow’s ability to keep me guessing in not one but 3 unique surprises and one definite twist in the end. Put it this way you can’t trust Tahni word with a damn and Cam tries so hard to. The alien artificial intelligence is a problem and again can’t be trusted. I don’t want to give the book away but damn I was shocked. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
Excellent Writing:
I have some quotes and highlights in this one that I encourage you all to read. You can definitely tell the author was in the military. He wasn’t in the Marines I can confirm that much but he has enough military jargon and knowledge for me to know he was in the army. As it turns out he was an Army officer but in any case it is refreshing to read a military series with a writer who knows what he is talking about.
As Always, Superb Mil-Sci-Fi:
I think I say this in every review in the Drop Trooper series but in every book I find new tech or new futuristic space travel scenarios that require me to utilize Wikipedia one time or another. I love all of it. Between alien worm hole generators, serial fighter pilot space dogfights I was very pleased. Not to mention all the combat scenes in the vigilantes was on point and again full of high tech carnage. Much enjoyed.
Crazy Frantic Ending:
Again I am not going to kill the book but damn does this book roll in the end. One thing after another happens and it seems you are going 100 to 200 miles per hour real quick with very much satisfying ending in the end. The whole series just took on another adventure and while maintaing the constant reader desire for the marooned task force to just get home. All I can say buckle up when Cameron starts going airborne.
Thank you all who took the time to read my review. Like I said, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I had and I look forward to whatever comes next in this phenomenal series.
-Alex
Complicated In a Good Way:
I think this would be the first review I have done where I said being complicated is a good thing but in book 12 it really is. There is so much going on in this one that I found it thrilling to keep all of the cultures in line with this series. The development of the relationships between the Tahni, the Commonwealth humans, the Vergai Humans, the Karai Fractions of the Tahni, the dinosaur related Resshar, not to mention another human fraction on the neighboring planet. What I loved the most was how I was able to keep it all together and it ultimately added depth to the storyline. It’s beyond chaotic in book 12 and Cam is just trying to keep peace and prosperity while at the same time trying to get his people home. As it turns out this is beyond possible and there is so much packed in this less then 300 page book that I am truly impressed on how the total outcome is made and bloodshed that transpired.
Twists On Top of Twists:
While some books in this series I found some to be very predictable. In book 12 I was very satisfied in Rick Partlow’s ability to keep me guessing in not one but 3 unique surprises and one definite twist in the end. Put it this way you can’t trust Tahni word with a damn and Cam tries so hard to. The alien artificial intelligence is a problem and again can’t be trusted. I don’t want to give the book away but damn I was shocked. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
Excellent Writing:
I have some quotes and highlights in this one that I encourage you all to read. You can definitely tell the author was in the military. He wasn’t in the Marines I can confirm that much but he has enough military jargon and knowledge for me to know he was in the army. As it turns out he was an Army officer but in any case it is refreshing to read a military series with a writer who knows what he is talking about.
As Always, Superb Mil-Sci-Fi:
I think I say this in every review in the Drop Trooper series but in every book I find new tech or new futuristic space travel scenarios that require me to utilize Wikipedia one time or another. I love all of it. Between alien worm hole generators, serial fighter pilot space dogfights I was very pleased. Not to mention all the combat scenes in the vigilantes was on point and again full of high tech carnage. Much enjoyed.
Crazy Frantic Ending:
Again I am not going to kill the book but damn does this book roll in the end. One thing after another happens and it seems you are going 100 to 200 miles per hour real quick with very much satisfying ending in the end. The whole series just took on another adventure and while maintaing the constant reader desire for the marooned task force to just get home. All I can say buckle up when Cameron starts going airborne.
Thank you all who took the time to read my review. Like I said, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I had and I look forward to whatever comes next in this phenomenal series.
-Alex
June 21, 2023
Get a new editor and proofreader
I'm getting upset by this overly long series. Twelve books, close to $75.00USD spent and this volume just revealed at least five more years before the end of the journey.
I'm stopping here from exhaustion of interest about Cameron and Vicky
I'm getting upset by this overly long series. Twelve books, close to $75.00USD spent and this volume just revealed at least five more years before the end of the journey.
I'm stopping here from exhaustion of interest about Cameron and Vicky
September 11, 2024
Just when you get used to things, they change!
Can Alvarez hold what’s left of his company of Drop Trooper Marines together well enough to make a difference?
He’s very uncertain about what he’s doing & even more so in regards to what his conscience tells him must be done to become at all complacent. He keenly misses having Hachette above him and the very able CSM who he misses more with every passing day and new challenges that face them.
Keeping the peace is growing less and less possible as too many deeply held hatred’s try to spring back into action at his every turn. Cam does manage to make an unlikely friend, but both of them are starting to see the peaceful options fall away leaving the Darwinian needs of their respective societies time & again making war seem inevitable. Yet Alvarez has refused to simply give up. Guess we’ll begin to see what transpires as the series continues…
Can Alvarez hold what’s left of his company of Drop Trooper Marines together well enough to make a difference?
He’s very uncertain about what he’s doing & even more so in regards to what his conscience tells him must be done to become at all complacent. He keenly misses having Hachette above him and the very able CSM who he misses more with every passing day and new challenges that face them.
Keeping the peace is growing less and less possible as too many deeply held hatred’s try to spring back into action at his every turn. Cam does manage to make an unlikely friend, but both of them are starting to see the peaceful options fall away leaving the Darwinian needs of their respective societies time & again making war seem inevitable. Yet Alvarez has refused to simply give up. Guess we’ll begin to see what transpires as the series continues…
August 14, 2023
It took my 13 books but I finally realized Partlow has created an interstellar Illiad/Odyssey, and its lovely.
Almost every other sci fi series starts small and gets bigger and broader. Some are legendary for it (Robots to Foundation or The Expanse) but almost none start huge and narrow. Parlow has done just that. We went from total galactic war to a couple hundred sailors and marines in a far off realm but the drama and the action feel as intense, maybe more so.
This decreasing scope and the first person narrative are so different, it's very close to a must-read for sci fi fans.
Almost every other sci fi series starts small and gets bigger and broader. Some are legendary for it (Robots to Foundation or The Expanse) but almost none start huge and narrow. Parlow has done just that. We went from total galactic war to a couple hundred sailors and marines in a far off realm but the drama and the action feel as intense, maybe more so.
This decreasing scope and the first person narrative are so different, it's very close to a must-read for sci fi fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
Good read
Cameron and friends, staff, sailors, Marines, etc., have caught up with Zan-Thint and his Tahni followers far from home. The found a gateway ring that needs the infer structure built. He now faces life altering decisions what to do with the outlaw Zan-Thint and his followers, the Rasscharr and their enforcers and the slaves. It’s all coming to and explosive head!
Cameron and friends, staff, sailors, Marines, etc., have caught up with Zan-Thint and his Tahni followers far from home. The found a gateway ring that needs the infer structure built. He now faces life altering decisions what to do with the outlaw Zan-Thint and his followers, the Rasscharr and their enforcers and the slaves. It’s all coming to and explosive head!
May 2, 2023
Enjoying the Series
Read all 12 books back to back and enjoyed every one. Will begin number 13 tomorrow. Suggest to read them in order.
Read all 12 books back to back and enjoyed every one. Will begin number 13 tomorrow. Suggest to read them in order.
May 21, 2023
Alow. Bit convoluted. As if author trying to keep you buying in. Story line getting tired and frayed.
April 30, 2024
Good book
A lot of questions answered and more asked. I'm looking forward to the next book. This whole series has been great.
A lot of questions answered and more asked. I'm looking forward to the next book. This whole series has been great.
September 10, 2023
Captain Cameron (Cam) Alvarez was in-charge! That’s not really what he wanted but with the death of Colonel Hachette, that’s where he found himself. Still, the had manage to the the starship *Orion* back to the planet Yfingam where everything had started. He had a lot less troops than what they had started out with, but he believed he had enough to do what had to be done. And that was to built the gateway back to the Commonwealth so he and his surviving Marines could return home.
While the Orion was commanded by Captain Nance, he wanted nothing to do with the problems Cam was going to find himself involved. In fact, Captain Nance didn’t want to leave his ship for any reason. That’s a pretty big gap between a Marine Captain (O-3) and a Naval Captain (O-6). I don’t see that ever really happening, but that’s how this story is written. It seems there are a few other Naval Captains aboard the *Orion* but none of them have the leadership desire so Cam is stuck. And he is stuck with a mess on the planet.
There are three factions residing on Yfingam. The Vergai, a human race that call Yfingam their home because they had no where else to go. These were farmers and laborers, who before Cam arrived, were ruled by the Tahni and used as slaves. The Karai, were the enforcement or the police for the Tahni. The Tahni ruled the Vergai by using the Karai to keep the Vergai in-line and working. Then there was the Ressharr which now were not so many. One in particular had been on the *Orion’s* most recent mission. The Ressharr were an ancient race that was highly advanced at one time. Now they there were few and since Cam’s Marines had been around, they weren’t capable of maintaining their domination over all three factions on Yfingam. The Ressharr had created the Tahni which had caused most all the problems back in the Commonwealth.
There was one other entity that Cam had to deal with and that was Dwight. This is an artificial intelligence which was almost if not sentient. It had embedded itself in the computers of the Orion and was almost everywhere. It could speak to Cam anytime it wanted via their Link. While it appeared to be benevolent, Cameron new better. He believed that Dwight was behind a lot of trouble they had been experiencing and were going to experience because Dwight hated the Ressharr and the Tahni. He wanted both factions dead! Cam wasn’t sure how he felt about the humans, but so far he hadn’t killed everyone.
So now Cam has to prevent these factions on Yfingam from killing each other. Since he and his Marines had armed the Vergai, they were no longer defenseless and could and would defend themselves if attacked. The Karai were used to the Vergai doing what they were told and didn’t like the fact that the Vergai could now fight back. Colonel Zan-Thint commanded the Karai and directly the Tahni. He knew that they combined could easily wipe out the Vergai on the planet, but he also knew that Captain Alvarez’s Marines would cause him major problems in doing so and his forces might not win that fight. So a kind of unsettled peace had been arranged on the planet, that is until it wasn’t.
Fighting had broken out in one of the markets so Cam had to rush to the scene. He had his wife now in-charge of the remaining Drop Troopers and he alerted her to activate her troops as backup in case they were needed to separate those fighting. When he got to the market he found dead on both sides, Vergai and Karai. Both screamed that the other had fired the first shot. Alvarez managed to get everyone calmed down and turned to the leaders of each faction to come together and talk about the situation. Just getting them to do that was going to be a big headache. Something was going to eventually happen that he couldn’t stop, but he, for some reason, thought he had to try.
One of the reasons he was trying to get everyone to cooperate was the building of a stargate in space. They had brought the basis of such stargate back with and it was going to take months to get built. Once built, he and his Marines and anyone that wanted to go would leave and return to the Commonwealth. He knew the Tahni weren’t going and the Karai would do what the Tahni told them to. He didn’t think the Vergai would go and he didn’t have enough space to take all of them so he figured it would just be his people and the *Orion* going back home if everything worked out just right. It didn’t!
This was an interesting and exciting story, but it gets bogged down with politics. Cameron Alvarez is a Marine not a diplomat. He really is too worried about hurting someone’s feelings than he should and that doesn’t make sense. He also has more responsibility than he should considering there were other senior military personnel aboard the *Orion*. I don’t know why he puts up with most to the things he does. He should have just let the factions fight it out and worried about building the stargate and getting the heck back home.
Book 13, “[Weapons Free](https://amzn.to/45JuagM)”, sounds interesting and I might be tempted to read it real soon.
While the Orion was commanded by Captain Nance, he wanted nothing to do with the problems Cam was going to find himself involved. In fact, Captain Nance didn’t want to leave his ship for any reason. That’s a pretty big gap between a Marine Captain (O-3) and a Naval Captain (O-6). I don’t see that ever really happening, but that’s how this story is written. It seems there are a few other Naval Captains aboard the *Orion* but none of them have the leadership desire so Cam is stuck. And he is stuck with a mess on the planet.
There are three factions residing on Yfingam. The Vergai, a human race that call Yfingam their home because they had no where else to go. These were farmers and laborers, who before Cam arrived, were ruled by the Tahni and used as slaves. The Karai, were the enforcement or the police for the Tahni. The Tahni ruled the Vergai by using the Karai to keep the Vergai in-line and working. Then there was the Ressharr which now were not so many. One in particular had been on the *Orion’s* most recent mission. The Ressharr were an ancient race that was highly advanced at one time. Now they there were few and since Cam’s Marines had been around, they weren’t capable of maintaining their domination over all three factions on Yfingam. The Ressharr had created the Tahni which had caused most all the problems back in the Commonwealth.
There was one other entity that Cam had to deal with and that was Dwight. This is an artificial intelligence which was almost if not sentient. It had embedded itself in the computers of the Orion and was almost everywhere. It could speak to Cam anytime it wanted via their Link. While it appeared to be benevolent, Cameron new better. He believed that Dwight was behind a lot of trouble they had been experiencing and were going to experience because Dwight hated the Ressharr and the Tahni. He wanted both factions dead! Cam wasn’t sure how he felt about the humans, but so far he hadn’t killed everyone.
So now Cam has to prevent these factions on Yfingam from killing each other. Since he and his Marines had armed the Vergai, they were no longer defenseless and could and would defend themselves if attacked. The Karai were used to the Vergai doing what they were told and didn’t like the fact that the Vergai could now fight back. Colonel Zan-Thint commanded the Karai and directly the Tahni. He knew that they combined could easily wipe out the Vergai on the planet, but he also knew that Captain Alvarez’s Marines would cause him major problems in doing so and his forces might not win that fight. So a kind of unsettled peace had been arranged on the planet, that is until it wasn’t.
Fighting had broken out in one of the markets so Cam had to rush to the scene. He had his wife now in-charge of the remaining Drop Troopers and he alerted her to activate her troops as backup in case they were needed to separate those fighting. When he got to the market he found dead on both sides, Vergai and Karai. Both screamed that the other had fired the first shot. Alvarez managed to get everyone calmed down and turned to the leaders of each faction to come together and talk about the situation. Just getting them to do that was going to be a big headache. Something was going to eventually happen that he couldn’t stop, but he, for some reason, thought he had to try.
One of the reasons he was trying to get everyone to cooperate was the building of a stargate in space. They had brought the basis of such stargate back with and it was going to take months to get built. Once built, he and his Marines and anyone that wanted to go would leave and return to the Commonwealth. He knew the Tahni weren’t going and the Karai would do what the Tahni told them to. He didn’t think the Vergai would go and he didn’t have enough space to take all of them so he figured it would just be his people and the *Orion* going back home if everything worked out just right. It didn’t!
This was an interesting and exciting story, but it gets bogged down with politics. Cameron Alvarez is a Marine not a diplomat. He really is too worried about hurting someone’s feelings than he should and that doesn’t make sense. He also has more responsibility than he should considering there were other senior military personnel aboard the *Orion*. I don’t know why he puts up with most to the things he does. He should have just let the factions fight it out and worried about building the stargate and getting the heck back home.
Book 13, “[Weapons Free](https://amzn.to/45JuagM)”, sounds interesting and I might be tempted to read it real soon.
April 28, 2023
Excellent
Rick Partlow is still putting out an exciting and unpredictable story that grabs ahold of you and doesn't let go of you. I am anxiously awaiting Book 13 and I expect to enjoy it as much as I have the previous 12 books.
Rick Partlow is still putting out an exciting and unpredictable story that grabs ahold of you and doesn't let go of you. I am anxiously awaiting Book 13 and I expect to enjoy it as much as I have the previous 12 books.
January 8, 2024
Excellent
I enjoyed the series. It's got good twists and turns while giving a great insight into the characters involved. The writer makes me feel as if I'm there.
I enjoyed the series. It's got good twists and turns while giving a great insight into the characters involved. The writer makes me feel as if I'm there.
January 29, 2024
Great Series
12 books in and still loving the series. Harlow does a good job keeping the stakes high and the tension higher. Makes for a great read.
12 books in and still loving the series. Harlow does a good job keeping the stakes high and the tension higher. Makes for a great read.
September 24, 2024
The book did start a bit slow, but the story did pick up some pace in the end. There wereb only a few battle-scenes. I like the new direction of the story, but it will only last 2 more books.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews