Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Vanguard by Jack Campbell Series: Genesis Fleet #1
Published by Ace on May 16, 2017
Genres: Space Opera
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Libro.fm
Earth is no longer the center of the universe.
After the invention of the faster-than-light jump drive, humanity is rapidly establishing new colonies. But the vast distances of space also mean that the old order of protection and interstellar law offered by Earth has ceased to exist.
When a nearby world attacks, the new colony of Glenlyon turns to Robert Geary, a young former junior fleet officer, and Mele Darcy, a former enlisted Marine. With nothing but improvised weapons and a few volunteers, Geary and Darcy must face down warships and armored soldiers or die trying.
As battles rage and pirates take an increasing toll throughout the colonies, the only hope for lasting peace lies with Carmen Ochoa, a "Red" from the anarchic world of Mars, and Lochan Nakamura, a failed politician. They have a plan: to lay the foundations for mutual defense that could someday grow into an Alliance. But if their efforts fail, the growing power of aggressor worlds could turn regions of space founded on freedom into battlefields between the first interstellar empires...
If you have enjoyed Jack Campbell’s other series, Lost Fleet and Beyond the Frontier, and Lost Stars, Genesis Fleet will feel familiar. The writing style, space opera and military strategy all line up with the others. Vanguard is the beginning of the world, a prequel. The politics swing from democracy to dictator, not unrealistic to life, without finding a happy medium. The good guys and bad guys are clear but people can be redeemed, or change sides.
In the developing world, people need to make decisions about who they will be and how they will live. People fight to survive. They also want to build new worlds with their own values and religions. Some are just greedy and controlling. It’s interesting to see and the battles are smart and spirited. It does feel all a bit the same as the other stories. Particularly, it is similar to the Lost Stars series, which also deals with fledgling planetary governments.
And then there are people who protect others. You’ll recognize some names of the folks like Geary, Nakamura and Desjani, for example. Strong characters sacrifice for others with faith, intelligence and compassion. I want to see who survives and why.
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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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Anne: 2017 New Release Challenge
