I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this instalment of Kyle Roberts of the Castle Federation. It was a straight forward space adventure with Roberts getting to be a Captain without too much political and espionage BS impacting his job. It was enjoyable reading and it held up well if you read it in sections - one the bus to and from work, rather than in one big gulp (say to 1.30am when I finished it). I liked that Kyle got to be simply a Captain. He got to be something of a shoulder to cry on for his senior officers, he got to dress down those who needed it and as a reader it was nice to not have to question every action and wonder if they were the traitor or going to become one. (Not that I haven’t enjoyed those past books.)
I think Kyle is the most well rounded of all the author’s various characters and I like him a lot. He’s not perfect, he’s not without issues, but he’s real in a way that other characters, whilst likeable, aren’t. Kyle is a man I’d like to buy a drink and enjoy a conversation with.
I liked where this story ended and believe the next instalment could be seriously fun reading.
The Nit-Picking - Possible Spoilers:
I think the author needs to remember that he publishes three separate series that are based in space and have multiple alliances / political situations. It takes me a couple of chapters to get into Federation head space and remember basic details of their politics / alliances. It would be helpful to me for the author to give me a short back story / info dump about the Commonwealth, the Federation and the other groups as we meet characters from them. I also think it would be great if there was a political group reference page so I can keep track of which planets belong where and perhaps even a “cast of characters” listing.
I love the diversity in the books. I think it is wonderful that we have people and relationships that are all sorts of mixes and it simply just is. But one of the effects of this is names and because it is a new situation to our Captain, boarding a new ship, we’re meeting a LOT of people. I find when we first board a new ship and meet staff I process “rank, blah, rank, name, blah, name” when we encounter more unusual names and rank combinations. It’s not that I need everyone to be a Smith, Brown or Johnson but perhaps we could have a few mixed in? I would really appreciate a rank listing for each group - Alliance, Commonwealth, Coraline etc to help counter this.
For me, it would have been helpful in the opening chapter if it was clearly spelled out from the start what the Commonwealth was up to, it wasn’t a secret for the reader. I also think the author missed a golden opportunity in the opening chapter to remind me of exactly who James Tecumseh was. There was no way I would have remembered he was THAT captain and it is only mentioned in the book about half way through. That detail would have added volumes to his character and to my reading experience of him.
It could have easily been done with, please forgive my writing... "Commodore James Tecumseh, didn’t like his current orders from Marshall James Walkingstick to work with pirates to draw an Alliance fleet to this area of space, but he followed orders. The Commodore especially, needed this operation to be a success as it was his opportunity to redeem himself after Barsoom, where he allowed Captain Kyle Roberts to destroy a rogue Commonwealth Captain “The Butcher of Kemetian, choosing honour over his career”
Overall the Stellar Fox features in a “stellar” story that I greatly enjoy, despite my nit-picking above. I look forward to the next instalment.
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There are 9 books in this series.
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From the Publisher
In Books 1-6, follow the rise of Kyle Roberts as he goes from ace fighter pilot to war hero. An ensemble of characters join him along the way as they face heavy odds and an enemy bent on conquest.
A Hero Rises on the Eve of War
When an accident leaves starfighter pilot Kyle Roberts unable to fly, it changes the course of his career - and the war itself. Can he live up to his reputation as the Stellar Fox?
Explosive Starfighter Action
Enter a world of dynamic combat and innovative tactics, filled with heroes you root for. Transhuman fighter pilots, warships and carriers clash in vivid action-packed battles.
An Interstellar Conflict Threatens Billions
An old enemy launches a surprise attack and reignites a war. The Castle Federation is outgunned and on the defensive, and must rally to protect its citizens and allies.
In the Dakotan Confederacy Trilogy (books 6-9), follow the journey of an honorable man on the side of the enemy, as he wades through the ashes of war.
An Honorable Man in a Dishonorable World
Rear Admiral James Tecumseh survived the war with the Castle Federation with his reputation intact - only to be tested again by his own people.
Standing up to a Mentor Who Becomes an Enemy
War changes people, and sometimes not for the better. Tecumseh must oppose a man he once called a friend in the name of freedom.
A New Nation Finds Itself Trapped Between Tyrants
Outnumbered, outgunned, and with innocents to protect, Tecumseh must be innovative and clever while remaining true to his principles.
Space Carrier Avalon
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Stellar Fox
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Battle Group Avalon
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Q-Ship Chameleon
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Rimward Stars
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Operation Medusa
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2017
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Top reviews from other countries
- catfishReviewed in Canada on March 14, 2018
an excellent new addition to the series
- Diego GolteReviewed in Germany on August 3, 2018
A fun and light space opera ride.
