Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Leviathan by Jack Campbell Series: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier
Published by Ace on May 15, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Pages: 323
Format: ARC, Paperback
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Libro.fm
Two Syndicate World star systems have fallen prey to a mysterious fleet of warships—a fleet controlled entirely by artificial intelligence—that is now targeting Alliance space. The warships are no mystery to Geary. They were developed by his government to ensure security, but malfunctioned. If the Syndics learn the truth, the war with the Alliance will resume with a vengeance.
As the government attempts to conceal the existence of the A.I. warships—and its role in their creation—Geary pursues them, treading a fine line between mutiny and obedience. But it soon becomes clear that his fleet is no match for the firepower of the machine-piloted armada.
With the help of the Dancer species of aliens, Geary has tracked the A.I. ships to their secret base in the supposedly mythical Unity Alternate star system where his fleet, the last hope of the Alliance’s future, will end the conflict at any cost…
This is the latest in a spinoff series. The original series is The Lost Fleet; this series is Beyond the Frontier. It all feels like one series, even one story, as each book picks up where the last one left off. I listened to every book but this one on audio, CDs in my car. I enjoyed them so much and the world feels very comfortable and dear.
The narrator was Christopher Rummel. I enjoyed his voice for the different characters. His steady rendition seemed to fit the strength of the main character, John “Black Jack” Geary. I liked the occasional feel of fear/frustration; the character feels honest in this vulnerability. The voice was clear and easy to understand. It didn’t feel like Rummel was doing different voices for characters just that there WERE different characters’ voices. This is better in my mind, than an obvious try for a different voice/accent which takes me out of the story. He held my attention well through all ten books.
Leviathan, however, I read the Arc paperback sent to me by Ace Roc stars last year. Of course, since I’m OCD I had to read (well listen) to the previous TEN books in two series first. So here is this review to coincide with the paperback release of this book.
One really needs to read the whole series in order as I did. Some people will find it slow, or that each book seems the same. They are all part of the same long story, people! But each book adds to the details, the depth of the characters, new characters and even new species. The bit of humor based on character’s personalities is pleasing. John Geary continues to grow, and learns and tries so hard to get it right. The guy is a total white hat.
There are military aspects throughout these series. The battles in space and war strategy are interesting. But the unease in the background is the political maneuvering and secrets and lies which form the problem threatening everything in this installment. The losses and death are much closer and more real this time.
I am happy to report reading on a website this is not the end of the series, more of a pause. I really want more and to see where things go for the Alliance, the Syndicate and the other species they have discovered. “Black Jack” may deserve a break, but I want him in my life in the future.
About Jack Campbell
Jack Campbell is a pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark’s War and Paul Sinclair series. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written three related series: the Lost Fleet, Beyond the Lost Fleet, and Genesis Fleet series, He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of ’78) where he was labeled ‘the un-midshipman’ by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: ‘The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both’.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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