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.
I am a blind lawyer and aspiring writer, trying to read a little bit of everything but partial to sci-fi and military fiction.
"There is Still a Need for Black Jack"
Here we have another successful outing by Mr. Hemry. I had mixed feelings about the end of Dreadnaught, and wondered just what might become of the Alliance Fleet after the end of the war. However, I needn't have worried, as the author has put our heroes on a journey that brings them in contact with truly alien species, while ratcheting up the tension over exactly what is going on back home.
This latest entry had quite a few surprises, including some genuinely laugh out loud moments, and a few touching exchanges, especially as relates to the personal burdens of service, resentments that build up between those who serve and those back home, and the uncertainties that befall a society upon the sudden onset of peace. And space battles, there are space battles, wonderfully well thought out spectacles that demonstrate the author's singular blend of imagination and methodical construction, which he hints at in the introduction. I can't wait for the next book.
Those who have followed the adventure since Dauntless can look forward to a treat. And those who have yet to start have another reason to pick up the series.
Audio Book Gal
"A truly Exciting Journey"
Book 2 is a well rounded story. Events keep moving at a steady pace with several touching and hilarious moments like the search for "universal sticking substance" in order to facilitate the first interspecies trade - it had me in tears, I was laughing so hard. Campbell also develops characters from "smaller" roles in previous books into more complex characters that are really enjoyable. Plus not one but THREE new species with complete cultures and characteristics without getting bogged down. As usual, I can't wait for the next installment...
"The lost fleet has found another winner."
The Blackjack Geary storyline continues with this latest book in the series, following the fleet past the extreme boundaries of Syndic Space and into the unknown. All in all, great story, great characters, brilliant conflict, and intense pace. The performance doesn't lack one bit.
Buy this series if you need a new escape.
I am an avid eclectic reader.
"Enigmas, Bearcows, Wolfspiders and Duct tape"
So glad the Lost Fleet series is continuing. In this the second book of exploring the space on the other side of Syndic space brings us new species, problems, and political intrigue. Campbell does such a great job writing space battle scenes. The imagination to create new species, new worlds and customs and values always amazes me. I laughed when it was duct tape the wolf spiders wanted and a universal fixer. The ending of the book sets up for book 3 I can hardly wait. This series gives you a great escape into imagination and a bit of humor also. I feel good reading this series. Christian Rummel does a good job with the narration.
Computer Geek
"More Aliens!"
I love military SF. The series of books by Jack Campbell that detail the adventures of now Admiral Jack Geary are like crack to me. Well written and carefully planned out, they show the breadth and depth of military operations as well as the human side of the force. The author doesn't cheat to make sure that battles are too easy, and every victory comes with a price.
After defeating the Syndicate in the first series, John and his fleet are sent out to explore and obtain more information about the Enigma race that was driving the actions of the Syndicate. And in the events of the first book of this new series he learns more about the Enigma's and is driven to encounter even more alien races.
The fun part of this series is that John Geary is never left in a comfortable place. After being frozen a hundred years the society that he returned to was quite alien to him, and just as he was becoming comfortable he is now forced to contend with the truly alien aliens. I cannot wait until the next book!
"Another excellent adventure with Black Jack!"
One of the best of the series!
Duct Tape! Nuff said!
The encounter with the Spider Wolfs
Yes
"Worth the wait"
Black Jack has got his mojo back! Loved the book. Action from the start to the end. Can't wait for the next book.
"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.
Yardtigress
"Aliens Wow."
Really love the lost fleet series, and this book did not disappoint. I got it the first day it came out. I have listened to all the books several times, and I always find something new. I can hardly wait for the next book.