Invincible: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, Book 2

By: Jack Campbell

Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Science Fiction, 2013

Admiral John "Black Jack" Geary earned his rank after being revived from cryogenic sleep to lead the Alliance to victory against the Syndicate Worlds. But his superiors question his loyalty to the regime. Now in command of the First Fleet, Geary is tasked with exploring the frontier beyond Syndic space, a mission he fears deliberately puts the fleet - and himself - in harm's way.

An encounter with the alien enigmas confirms Geary's fears. Attacked without warning, he orders the fleet to jump star systems - only to enter the crosshairs of another hostile alien armada. Ignoring all of the First Fleet's attempts to communicate peaceful intentions, this system's species sends its ships into battle on suicide runs while it guards the exiting jump point with a fortress of incalculable power.

Now, with a faction of his officers determined to eliminate this new threat at any cost, Geary must figure out how to breach the enemy's defenses so the fleet can reach the jump point without massive casualties - even though the enigmas could be waiting on the other side.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction written and read by author Jack Campbell.

©2012 John G. Hemry (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Very good plot development, Excellent performance

I have very much enjoyed the first two books of "The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier" series. This second installment does a solid job of moving the plot forward, while expanding the possibilities of what can be addressed in future installments. I find myself very engaged with the story, thinking through plot elements while not reading, the best sign to me that I'm truly enjoying the book.

I've also enjoyed Christian Rummel's talents in giving unique voices to a broad range of characters. It enhances the listening experience and makes the characters more distinct and personable. Congratulations on an excellent performance.

The Lost Fleet Universe Expands

The Lost Fleet universe really expands in this book. With the first six books taking place between Human settled worlds and Human factions and only hints of alien inhabitants, Campbell really makes good on it here, as we explore regions beyond Syndicate space and discover just what else is out there. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you're a fan of this) the story still has a linear feel due to the sole viewpoint, and an obvious military theme to it all, as we remain with Admiral Geary aboard his flagship Dauntless.

The narrator has definitely gotten comfortable with these characters now and reads them like a pro. Also the number of side plots and characters continues to slowly grow, making the universe feel ever larger with each successive novel.

For all the wait between books, however, this one feels way too short! We're definitely left hanging with what feels like a long way to go, making me wonder if the Lost Fleet series will also end up being six books or more. One thing that comes along with the new aliens and growing number of side plots is that there is now much more room for Campbell to spread out and explore much more of this universe. An Author's Note at the end of the hardback version mentions that Campbell is planning to write a side novel set on the Syndicate worlds next, so it sounds like that expansion is definitely going to happen.

Part of the reason for such a good review is that I have become a fan of the series and can forgive some weaknesses in the writing style and such. But Campbell has definitely improved since the beginning. These characters feel like old friends, even though at times it is annoying that they still go through some of the same arguments and attitudes they've always had with each other.

Overall Campbell may not be a literary genius and his work may not blow you away and change your perceptions of the world, but nevertheless this is clean, intelligent military sci fi with an engaging story, and a great read for entertainment purposes.

ALL 8 Books are first rate!

This is one of the best books out there. All 8 books don't have a dull moment between them.
They are read VERY WELL. Action packed! I can't wait for the nexted book to come out!!

Another great book in the series!

What did you like best about this story?

This series is great in its realistic depiction of tactics and movement in space and that really brings the story to life for me. Add in the political intrigue and realistic characters and that adds up to a series that I've recommended a number of times to friends, and this book in the series doesn't disappoint.

What about Christian Rummel???s performance did you like?

As always, the reader did a wonderful job on this. The reason I didn't give it five stars however was due to editing. A few times there's an odd distortion before it kicks back to regular. Not enough to really detract from the story, but it is noticeable.

Enjoy the continue story of the battles

Would you listen to Invincible: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, Book 2 again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to it many times. It pulls on my imagination as the story is told.

Have you listened to any of Christian Rummel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He very good. I like the way he reads the story.

Any additional comments?

There may be some repetition of the stories but over all I enjoy the stories and want the next book to be written quickly to see how the fleet will handle the problems they face. Great job.

Stands out...

What made the experience of listening to Invincible: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, Book 2 the most enjoyable?

Storyline really goes big - writing is great and had me on edge of my seat thru entire book.

What about Christian Rummel’s performance did you like?

All the voices really make this book a joy.

hear what the universal fixing device is, funny

I have loved these books from the beginning. Cannot wait till the next book comes out.

Better

This book I'm the series has been the best one so far it has slowly gotten better.

part two still holding attention

continuation of a good story, on to part three. it's a good story, they sure do leave you in the middle when they break for the next volume

Great series

I’ve been listening to a lot of Jack Campbell audible books. I can’t seem to put them down. I have to wait till my membership renew so I can listen to some more. I highly recommend them.