Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Resolute by Jack Campbell Narrator: Christian Rummel
Series: Outlands #2
Published by Ace, Recorded Books on June 28, 2022
Genres: Space Opera
Pages: 400
Length: 10 hours, 39 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Geary knows that some political factions in the Alliance were just trying to get rid of him when he was assigned to escort a diplomatic and scientific mission to the far reaches of humanity's expansion into the galaxy . . . and beyond. But he views his mission as both a duty and an opportunity to make things better wherever he can. And when a crippled Rift Federation ship tumbles out of jump space, Geary leaps into action. But the survivors' story isn't completely adding up.
As Geary investigates, he soon finds himself fending off spies and assassins while leading the fleet as it fights its way across space controlled by the mysterious and hostile aliens whom humans call enigmas. Challenges arrive at every turn, including an unknown alien species that invites the fleet to visit one of their star systems. With little information to go on, Geary must weigh the benefits of potential new allies against the possibility of a trap. The fate of the fleet--and perhaps even the future of humanity--will depend on him making the right decision.
If he can stay alive long enough to do that.
If you have enjoyed Jack Campbell’s other series, Lost Fleet and Beyond the Frontier, and Lost Stars, Genesis Fleet series, you will love this too. I started reading Jack Campbell in 2015 when I was sent an ARC of one of the Leviathon, which was the final book in the Beyond the Frontier series. Of course with my OCD, I had to read the previous NINE books before I could read it. I was in the middle of moving from Minnesota to North Carolina, so I got the audio CDs from the library. And thus, my love affair with this world began.
I LOVE this world and these characters so much. They have survived a lot and struggled and lost close friends and family. There have been traitors and devious politicians and those who just want power for themselves. Throughout it all, they have worked hard and with intelligence and compassion. They have character strength to look closely at the situation with trying to help others and improve relationships.
The smart strategy of the battles always thrills me. The situations are life and death but Geary and his team remain calm and controlled. Geary’s dislike of politics provides comic relief. I also have the advantage of having read all the books in all these series so with the history just a mention of a character brings to mind their humorous antics or strength or troubles from past books. So I would read these in order even though there are many books now.
Resolute is the second in the new Outlands series which is the farthest into the future of the Lost Fleet world. I am thrilled to have the story continue and see my many beloved characters. Geary’s fleet is out on a diplomatic mission to form relations with the Dancers. The politicians want Geary out of the way as he is too popular with the people and there are assassination attempts as well. The Midway system wants in on the negotiation and sends a team along.
There are battles with the Enigmas on the way there and a gamble on forming better relationships with them. The Dancers seem surprised to see them unannounced and take time to come up with a “plan”. While they are waiting for the Dancers to progress communication with them, another alien species comes into the star system. The Fleet sends a friendly message but gets no response. Eventually, they learn the new people are the Taon.
The rest of the story is the incredible development of relations with the Taon, the Dancers and a political conspiracy. It’s exciting and fun. I also admire these people so highly for their skills at dealing with life and death, and developing these relations. I highly recommend all these series in this world.
Narration:
I’m so comfortable with Christian Rummel. Since this is one of the first series I listened to on audio, he was one of the first narrators. He is a favorite. The voices are differentiated enough I recognize the different people. The narration adds greatly to my enjoyment; I don’t have to figure out how to pronounce anything! I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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’.
| Rating Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
|
| Writing |
|
| Characters |
|
| Narration (Audio) |
|
| Overall: | |
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.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson @ragnarjo#SamWoolf @MinotaurBooks @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks - September 12, 2024
- 🎧The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White @Loreth @rebabuhr #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited - September 10, 2024
- 🎧The Brothers Kenney by Adam Mitzner @adam_mitzner #StacyCarolan @librofm @BlackstoneAudio #LoveAudiobooks - September 8, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
This story and world sounds fascinating. But with such a large back list, I don’t know that I’ll ever get to it! I’m glad you are enjoy it so much.
I am enjoying it immensely. I love the characters so much, along with the strategy and compassion, and have the curiosity for the adventure they undertake.
I’ve never read Jack Campbell but now I want to, this sounds great!
I highly recommend it. You probably have that 10th book same as me. But I’d read at least 2 to see how you like it. It’s sooooo good. I really like the audio too.
I feel your love of this book all the way through your review! I haven’t read this genre before but you certainly make me want to. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jodie. I do love this series SO much. It is always a new adventure with people of real integrity and compassion. They are the best choice for exploring new species.
I must not have been paying enough attention when you read earlier entries because I got all excited you’d found a new space opera series (I guess that is true since you did find it years ago). 😉
I don’t mind that there are many especially if I end up liking the first one. Going on my list!
Sophia it is just the best. I hope you will love it. The narration is great too. I highly recommend them. Start at the beginning and work your way forward for the best personal relationships, politics and discovery of species continuity. There is very little romance here, btw
Jack Campbell sounds like an author I need to check out. 🙂
I love these books so much. be sure to start at the beginning.
Wow! I’m feeling all that love💜 Anne, you’ve perfectly illustrated why I like connected series/spinoffs. I have a hard time letting go of characters I loved. Great review!
Thank you Jonetta! This may be scifi but it’s a character story with politics and exciting adventures with morality and integrity decisions to be made when meeting new species.
This sounds like a great series. Glad to see you are enjoying it. Great review.
It’s an amazing bunch of series and I highly recommend it for the characters.
What a wonderful review, I can tell you’re enjoying the book and the series so much!
Thank you! I cherish every book that releases.
I’ve never heard of this series, but seeing your praise makes me want to give it a try. I think I’d like to start at the beginning to enjoy it more. Wonderful review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. Definitely start at the beginning with the Lost Fleet. It’s a lot of books now but they are great on audio and available at libraries too. It’s the characters an exciting adventure. They are all 4-5 heart reads. I highly recommend them.
This world sounds interesting.
I love it. The planets and people living on them and all the space technology only make the great characters better for me.
I’ve not read any of Jack Campbell’s books, but these sound good!