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Battlegroup Z #1–6 omnibus
Battlegroup Z: The Complete Series
Over 2000+ pages of Military Science Fiction action! "Pulse pounding action coupled with a look at the cost of war - Weapons Free grabbed me from the first page." - USA Today Bestselling Author Rhett C. Bruno Thirty-five years of peace. One vicious attack destroys it all. Reservist Lieutenant Justin Spencer loves every minute of flying fighters through space during his annual two-week tour with the Coalition Defense Force. The job back home isn’t nearly as thrilling as blowing up asteroids with the squadron under his command, but it keeps him close to his wife and daughter. After all, joining the CDF was only for the free education. Justin never expected a battle, much less a war. With one shot across his cockpit, peacetime fades into memory. An unexpected enemy emerges with overwhelming force designed to obliterate the Terran Coalition. The League of Sol has a different name, but it’s the same communist regime that chased away much of Earth’s population hundreds of years ago. Illusions of returning home are shattered in a single instant. Simulated battles become all too real, and it’s full-on engagement or permanent elimination. Death and destruction erupt across the Terran Coalition and leave Justin in a protracted war with only one truth remaining. The battlefield will leave no one unscathed. Includes all six novels in the bestselling Battlegroup Z series (and a never before released short story):
Five star reviews for Weapons Free, book 1 in the
" 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." " This was one heck of a book . It is hard-hitting, action-packed reading from beginning to end, with an outstanding story to go with it.” " This book kept me reading . I rarely acquire the second book in a series. However, I am really looking forward to the next book.” “Loved the equality of religions and fleet action. Reminded me of Battlestar Galactica .” “ Space opera at its best . Another action-packed sci-fi adventure that will grab you by the gut and not let you go.”
Five star reviews for Weapons Free, book 1 in the
" 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." " This was one heck of a book . It is hard-hitting, action-packed reading from beginning to end, with an outstanding story to go with it.” " This book kept me reading . I rarely acquire the second book in a series. However, I am really looking forward to the next book.” “Loved the equality of religions and fleet action. Reminded me of Battlestar Galactica .” “ Space opera at its best . Another action-packed sci-fi adventure that will grab you by the gut and not let you go.”
1607 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2023
731 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 24, 2024
I wanted to like this series. In fact, the precept and the entire universe has a lot going for it. I felt, though, like I was reading straight up propaganda, with characters twisted just to meet the author's idea of Perfect Peter. There are so many inconsistencies as a result of this - like a character getting drunk, then later on claiming to be teetotal, or another character being at one point a believer in Shinto, and the next a practically fundamentalist christian.
Thing is, without the whole faith propaganda element (and the various other opinionated concepts in the series), the author's universe would still work - and aside from the political and socio-political machinations within the series, the stories are rather well put together. I can't help but imagine that the author is overly fond of the cold-war era, and this is his interpretation of a cold war gone hot, but in space.
I'm not saying that there's no place for an author's opinion in a book - far from it. Rather, I'm saying that there's a limit to how much an author can allow that opinion to influence their storywriting. Take, for example, Walter Jon Williams' Dread Empire series. Within the series, a character undergoes a transition from male to female, a subject that can be difficult for many. It does not, however, become a major point in the plot - rather, it is a small contribution to the world-building that can be, if the reader so desires, entirely ignored without impacting the story. In fact, it forms but a few sentences within the entire series.
I don't want to ignore the amount of creativity that has gone into the universe of the Terran Coalition. Aside from my averse reaction to the author's insertions, the scale of the universe is considerable. It's perhaps not quite as expansive as Pournelle or Niven's universes, but it is certainly on par with the likes of Joshua Dalzelle (The Black Fleet - a trilogy with three subsequent trilogies that I strongly reccommend). There's even a sense of scale - journeys take a considerable amount of time, distances are measured in the hundreds of kilometres, large battles are fought somewhat slowly as ships change position and move to support each other. All of this works well, and is what permitted me to keep reading in spite of my opinion.
Subtlety is very important, and with a little more of it I would be enthralled to read more from the author. Even with the (imo) questionable approach to socio-political background, there's a great deal of substance to the author's creation.
Thing is, without the whole faith propaganda element (and the various other opinionated concepts in the series), the author's universe would still work - and aside from the political and socio-political machinations within the series, the stories are rather well put together. I can't help but imagine that the author is overly fond of the cold-war era, and this is his interpretation of a cold war gone hot, but in space.
I'm not saying that there's no place for an author's opinion in a book - far from it. Rather, I'm saying that there's a limit to how much an author can allow that opinion to influence their storywriting. Take, for example, Walter Jon Williams' Dread Empire series. Within the series, a character undergoes a transition from male to female, a subject that can be difficult for many. It does not, however, become a major point in the plot - rather, it is a small contribution to the world-building that can be, if the reader so desires, entirely ignored without impacting the story. In fact, it forms but a few sentences within the entire series.
I don't want to ignore the amount of creativity that has gone into the universe of the Terran Coalition. Aside from my averse reaction to the author's insertions, the scale of the universe is considerable. It's perhaps not quite as expansive as Pournelle or Niven's universes, but it is certainly on par with the likes of Joshua Dalzelle (The Black Fleet - a trilogy with three subsequent trilogies that I strongly reccommend). There's even a sense of scale - journeys take a considerable amount of time, distances are measured in the hundreds of kilometres, large battles are fought somewhat slowly as ships change position and move to support each other. All of this works well, and is what permitted me to keep reading in spite of my opinion.
Subtlety is very important, and with a little more of it I would be enthralled to read more from the author. Even with the (imo) questionable approach to socio-political background, there's a great deal of substance to the author's creation.
May 13, 2023
Good Series
The series itself was very good. Great characters that were very well developed. The characters were very likable, with a few notable exceptions. However, there were a few things that took away from the reading experience. With only one exception, the entire last book was chronologically wrong. The author repeatedly used the wrong year for his events. The proof readers and the editor should have been fired for not catching the repeated errors. I can only surmise that they were not the same as the ones who read the first five books in the series, still, no excuse. Second, when considering buying this series, keep in mind that it is extremely religion heavy. I don't think you can go even two pages without some religious references. All three main religions are covered, Christian, Jewish and Muslim, are given their due. There are even times it seemed preachy. Your mileage may vary. Also note that there are two more complete series after this one. This series has a good conclusion, and you could stop after reading it. The other two series involve mostly new characters, with only a few returning characters. Overall, I enjoyed this series and would recommend it, as long as, you consider the above comments.
The series itself was very good. Great characters that were very well developed. The characters were very likable, with a few notable exceptions. However, there were a few things that took away from the reading experience. With only one exception, the entire last book was chronologically wrong. The author repeatedly used the wrong year for his events. The proof readers and the editor should have been fired for not catching the repeated errors. I can only surmise that they were not the same as the ones who read the first five books in the series, still, no excuse. Second, when considering buying this series, keep in mind that it is extremely religion heavy. I don't think you can go even two pages without some religious references. All three main religions are covered, Christian, Jewish and Muslim, are given their due. There are even times it seemed preachy. Your mileage may vary. Also note that there are two more complete series after this one. This series has a good conclusion, and you could stop after reading it. The other two series involve mostly new characters, with only a few returning characters. Overall, I enjoyed this series and would recommend it, as long as, you consider the above comments.
February 1, 2023
This series chronicles of the development of the character of Justin Spencer from weekend warrior to a soldier hero called to a different form of service from the abrupt beginning of the invasion of the Terran Coalition by the Solarian League in a Pearl Harbour-like attack to the popular realization that wartime efforts would be for the foreseeable future. These novels have all the action, drama and angst of David Weber’s Harringtonverse novels highlighted by this author’s signature appreciation of faith, ethics, duty and the human heart, as Justin Spencer journeys from atheist to Christian. Reading this teaches me the value of military service while making me very grateful that I am an armchair soldier. Fans of Jason Anspach and his Galaxy’s Edge series might find this enjoyable (and somewhat less grim) reading! (For anyone who has already read the novels, the new short story is a worthy addition to the chronicles of Justin Spencer. You need to read this.)
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2023
Lots of action to keep an SF addict happy based on the usual good versus bad theme with little involvement of strange aliens apart from God in the elevator. A bit too stereotypical for me with the nasty Commies who don't allow 'individualism' versus good old democracy. At least there was an attempt at balance it towards the end when the Commander of the Zvika is reminded how politicians could ruin her life. Maybe democracy is just more subtle in the way its ruling hierarchy threatens 'individuals'. I did like the loss of the moral high ground by the Commander but I'm not certain that her officers would have been so keen to stop her actions after their own friends deaths. As others have pointed in in their reviews I felt the massive dollops of religion and the hero's conversion detracted from the story. I think religion is a personal thing and should be kept there rather than being worn on ones sleeve or trumpeted from on high. Despite this the trials and tribulations of the crew and the battle scenes make the book worthwhile.
March 31, 2023
On reading through the reviews there was a few comments referencing religion and a lot of soul searching, this turned out to be true but the worse thing for me was the transition into ftl speed and the dogfights with the support craft....if you heard it once you heard it dozens of times which was quite tedious. There was not enough of a back story to really make a good read. It was a mixed bag of characters good and bad, the only thing stopping it from being too twee was there were some major players killed off, if they had all made it through after the battles they fought it would have been too much. A reasonable read nothing to really shout about I'm afraid, would not be recommending except for a very light read.
May 16, 2023
Good adventure.
Taken as a whole, I enjoyed this. The battles and relationships were described very well and the enemy quite plausible. I am not an atheist or deeply religious but I am not sure everyone would like the repeated references to religion in the story. I accept people can be religious but it didn't add anything to this story for me. I am glad I got the box set as it allowed me to read the entire story without delays. I have started the next series but sadly having to wait for each novel to be issued.
Taken as a whole, I enjoyed this. The battles and relationships were described very well and the enemy quite plausible. I am not an atheist or deeply religious but I am not sure everyone would like the repeated references to religion in the story. I accept people can be religious but it didn't add anything to this story for me. I am glad I got the box set as it allowed me to read the entire story without delays. I have started the next series but sadly having to wait for each novel to be issued.
February 3, 2024
As a veteran who has PTSD, I will say that this series of books is right on the money with its depictions and the reactions of the characters. Either the author has been there, known someone who has, or done some major research to write as well as it is written. I actually found a little peace from reading these books. The story is great with unexpected events and outcomes and very very well written. The characters are real and make you feel for them. This is one of the best series I have read in a long time. I thank Daniel Gibbs for writing this series.
April 21, 2024
An amazing series filled with equal parts reality and heroic fantasy. The military culture is covered very well and only the aspects of the various religious interacting as one was fanciful. Seeing the Colonel sacrificing even more for her mistake but gaining some peace was as well written as the once head strong fighter jock sacrificing what many thought was a dream opportunity for a greater calling, guided by his new faith, is something we could use more of today. Bravo Zulu
HM3 Clark
HM3 Clark
August 16, 2024
This is an interesting series which is about the battles fought by battle group Z which found itself caught accidentally in a fight with an unknown enemy known later as the league of Sol. In the series they not only fought pitched space battles with the league of Sol but also with pirates who were surprisingly well armed.
An interesting space military series which continues in another series by the author Echoes of the war.
Looking forward to reading that as well.
An interesting space military series which continues in another series by the author Echoes of the war.
Looking forward to reading that as well.
December 28, 2024
A different read
I read this series with fascination because the religious and ideological aspects were pervasive and I was truly interested in where they were going to culminate. I can't say it was truly surprising but, I enjoyed the consistency.
I did not like the repetitive nature of the battles but, I love the good guys finding a way to win. It was a narrow and simplistic story but, I liked the attempt at showing both philosophies. It's good entertainment.
I read this series with fascination because the religious and ideological aspects were pervasive and I was truly interested in where they were going to culminate. I can't say it was truly surprising but, I enjoyed the consistency.
I did not like the repetitive nature of the battles but, I love the good guys finding a way to win. It was a narrow and simplistic story but, I liked the attempt at showing both philosophies. It's good entertainment.
March 13, 2023
this gave me good vibes felt alot like the old wing commander games books and movie great action good characters nice pacing and i enjoyed as something different the cultural aspect of multiple religions working in harmony something this world we currently live in needs ...great books moving onto his next series
March 31, 2023
Not so much a science fiction book
It was a good read. Towards the end it started getting too political. Not sure where he was going pressing religion in every chapter. What made the book sci-fi? The story is about the navy in outer space. The book could have been set in 1940 earth period.
Just my opinion.
It was a good read. Towards the end it started getting too political. Not sure where he was going pressing religion in every chapter. What made the book sci-fi? The story is about the navy in outer space. The book could have been set in 1940 earth period.
Just my opinion.
October 2, 2023
Thrilling, realistic and inspirational
Allen Drury, Robert A. Heinlein, Gene Roddenberry, David Weber, and now, Daniel Gibbs... This series combines military S-F with political drama on a galactic scale. Fast-paced, character -driven and totally compelling. I'm about to purchase the box set of the next series, and can't wait to read them. Bravo Zulu.
Allen Drury, Robert A. Heinlein, Gene Roddenberry, David Weber, and now, Daniel Gibbs... This series combines military S-F with political drama on a galactic scale. Fast-paced, character -driven and totally compelling. I'm about to purchase the box set of the next series, and can't wait to read them. Bravo Zulu.
February 6, 2024
great series!!
Loved the action and character building! It was a little heavy on the religious element but the story overcame it. Speaking of religion, I can see how individuals turn to a higher power for help in a time of need, I believe this to be true for most of our armed service members. Anyways, give this series a try, I’m sure you’ll love it!!
Loved the action and character building! It was a little heavy on the religious element but the story overcame it. Speaking of religion, I can see how individuals turn to a higher power for help in a time of need, I believe this to be true for most of our armed service members. Anyways, give this series a try, I’m sure you’ll love it!!
Read
February 15, 2023Living Faith
Interesting way to draw on WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars through the eyes of a believer. Enjoyed the series - it is repetitive but still manages to demonstrate growth, moral dilemma and the process of faith living. All through a space opera venue - well done.
Interesting way to draw on WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars through the eyes of a believer. Enjoyed the series - it is repetitive but still manages to demonstrate growth, moral dilemma and the process of faith living. All through a space opera venue - well done.
March 2, 2023
battle group Z
Read the complete series of 6 books in one weekend, exciting, thoughtful, interesting people fill the pages of these books, highly recommended, I now want to see what happens next, onto the next book.
Read the complete series of 6 books in one weekend, exciting, thoughtful, interesting people fill the pages of these books, highly recommended, I now want to see what happens next, onto the next book.
March 22, 2023
Great military sci-fi🐺💪🗡🔫💥🚀 . Its A complete series in one book for many hours of reading pleasure!
This is the epic battle of good against evil with an unlikely hero🐺💪🗡🔫💥.
I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU
This is the epic battle of good against evil with an unlikely hero🐺💪🗡🔫💥.
I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU
April 17, 2023
Battlegroup z
This is a very well written military series. I look forward to reading the next entries in the continuing stories of the Terran Coalition.
I love the way that faith in God or Allah plays a solid role without being preachy.
This is a very well written military series. I look forward to reading the next entries in the continuing stories of the Terran Coalition.
I love the way that faith in God or Allah plays a solid role without being preachy.
April 18, 2023
A Good Read
I see the author snuck in some military history for his battles, well done! He blends in religion, but not in a heavy-handed way. There characters are likeable and the story good. Give this one a shot.
I see the author snuck in some military history for his battles, well done! He blends in religion, but not in a heavy-handed way. There characters are likeable and the story good. Give this one a shot.
Read
January 12, 2024Repetitive, each book the same
If you read the first book and skip to the last you won't miss anything. Unimaginative and lots of religious drivel. I skipped whole chapters in books 2-6 because they could have been copy/pasted from earlier book.
If you read the first book and skip to the last you won't miss anything. Unimaginative and lots of religious drivel. I skipped whole chapters in books 2-6 because they could have been copy/pasted from earlier book.
August 4, 2024
Hard to put down
Very interesting and fast paced story about Justin Spencer during his tour of duty aboard the CSV Zvika Greengold, an escort carrier. Feels like you are right next to him, especially during combat.
Very interesting and fast paced story about Justin Spencer during his tour of duty aboard the CSV Zvika Greengold, an escort carrier. Feels like you are right next to him, especially during combat.
September 1, 2024
Battlegroup Z
This is an excellent story. I found it refreshing to see God included in the story. The journey of the main character from being an atheist to Jesus was very hart warming.
This is an excellent story. I found it refreshing to see God included in the story. The journey of the main character from being an atheist to Jesus was very hart warming.
January 7, 2025
Need to fill some gaps...
I found Daniel Gibbs through the stories about the lost battleship and I now understand more of the prequel stories. Which titles fit between these times? I need to know!! So good.....
I found Daniel Gibbs through the stories about the lost battleship and I now understand more of the prequel stories. Which titles fit between these times? I need to know!! So good.....
January 18, 2025
Too many religious rambling
Over the top religious rambling with little to no romance in the whole series. TG I won’t here about Allah anymore . Talk about beating a dead horse.
TA I won’t be reading more of this.
Over the top religious rambling with little to no romance in the whole series. TG I won’t here about Allah anymore . Talk about beating a dead horse.
TA I won’t be reading more of this.
December 21, 2025
Battle group Z
Fast paced action. Good character models, formed, as the story continued.
Each character became stronger in beliefs and strengths. Got to know each player very well.
Fast paced action. Good character models, formed, as the story continued.
Each character became stronger in beliefs and strengths. Got to know each player very well.
February 24, 2023
Justin is just getting started.
As an Assembly man, Justin will fight tooth and nail for his brothers and sisters in the CDF. Some will fight him but most will lose.
As an Assembly man, Justin will fight tooth and nail for his brothers and sisters in the CDF. Some will fight him but most will lose.
March 1, 2023
A good read
This needed to be a good read if I was going to complete the whole series. I blitzed right through it. I am a bit sad it's over.
This needed to be a good read if I was going to complete the whole series. I blitzed right through it. I am a bit sad it's over.
May 7, 2023
great series
Really enjoyed the series and the characters that developed over each book
Worth a read if thou enjoy sci fi
Really enjoyed the series and the characters that developed over each book
Worth a read if thou enjoy sci fi
June 15, 2023
Well done
If I didn't know better would swear the writer has seen the elephant and knows there are no atheists in fox holes. Well done
If I didn't know better would swear the writer has seen the elephant and knows there are no atheists in fox holes. Well done
August 9, 2023
It was a great series. Good writing and character development. Immersive and believable with some surprises.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews