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Columbus Day
- Expeditionary Force, Book 1
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 1
- Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
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SpecOps
- Expeditionary Force, Book 2
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
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Colonel Joe Bishop made a promise, and he's going to keep it: taking the captured alien starship Flying Dutchman back out. He doesn't agree when the UN decides to send almost 70 elite Special Operations troops, hotshot pilots, and scientists with him; the mission is a fool's errand he doesn't expect to ever return from. At least this time, the Earth is safe, right? Not so much.
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Plot hasn't progressed
- By Trex on 04-02-17
By: Craig Alanson
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Paradise
- Expeditionary Force, Book 3
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 15 hrs and 53 mins
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While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying to assure people that hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been stranded on the planet they nicknamed "Paradise". The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise.
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running out of ideas...
- By AP on 06-08-17
By: Craig Alanson
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Black Ops
- Expeditionary Force, Book 4
- By: Craig Alanson
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
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The elite crew of the pirate ship UNS Flying Dutchman had a simple mission: determining whether the Thuranin are sending another starship to Earth. Along the way, they became sidetracked by securing a future for the UNEF troops on the planet Paradise. When asked whether Earth was now safe, their ancient alien AI responded "Not so much"...now they have to deal with the consequences.
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Slightly better than books two and three.....
- By Steve & Mary on 01-02-18
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Zero Hour
- Expeditionary Force, Book 5
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United Nations Special Operations Command sent an elite expeditionary force of soldiers and pilots out on a simple recon mission, and somehow along the way they sparked an alien civil war. Now the not-at-all-merry band of pirates is in desperate trouble, again. Their stolen alien starship is falling apart, thousands of light years from home. The ancient alien AI they nicknamed Skippy is apparently dead, and even if they can by some miracle revive him, he might never be the same.
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The middle sags with repetition
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While the crew of the UN Expeditionary Force's pirate starship Flying Dutchman are enjoying a luxury vacation cruise (not!), UNEF troops are still stranded on an alien-controlled planet. Major Emily Perkins and her team are busy picking up the pieces, and it's not easy, because there is trouble on Paradise....
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Should have been part of Book 3
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For We Are Many
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Bob Johansson didn't believe in an afterlife, so waking up after being killed in a car accident was a shock. To add to the surprise, he is now a sentient computer and the controlling intelligence for a Von Neumann probe. Bob and his copies have been spreading out from Earth for 40 years now, looking for habitable planets. But that's the only part of the plan that's still in one piece.
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Please release a whole book.
- By Jack on 05-29-17
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SpecOps
- Expeditionary Force, Book 2
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Colonel Joe Bishop made a promise, and he's going to keep it: taking the captured alien starship Flying Dutchman back out. He doesn't agree when the UN decides to send almost 70 elite Special Operations troops, hotshot pilots, and scientists with him; the mission is a fool's errand he doesn't expect to ever return from. At least this time, the Earth is safe, right? Not so much.
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Plot hasn't progressed
- By Trex on 04-02-17
By: Craig Alanson
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Paradise
- Expeditionary Force, Book 3
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While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying to assure people that hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been stranded on the planet they nicknamed "Paradise". The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise.
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running out of ideas...
- By AP on 06-08-17
By: Craig Alanson
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Black Ops
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Overall
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The elite crew of the pirate ship UNS Flying Dutchman had a simple mission: determining whether the Thuranin are sending another starship to Earth. Along the way, they became sidetracked by securing a future for the UNEF troops on the planet Paradise. When asked whether Earth was now safe, their ancient alien AI responded "Not so much"...now they have to deal with the consequences.
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Slightly better than books two and three.....
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Zero Hour
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United Nations Special Operations Command sent an elite expeditionary force of soldiers and pilots out on a simple recon mission, and somehow along the way they sparked an alien civil war. Now the not-at-all-merry band of pirates is in desperate trouble, again. Their stolen alien starship is falling apart, thousands of light years from home. The ancient alien AI they nicknamed Skippy is apparently dead, and even if they can by some miracle revive him, he might never be the same.
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The middle sags with repetition
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Should have been part of Book 3
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For We Are Many
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Bob Johansson didn't believe in an afterlife, so waking up after being killed in a car accident was a shock. To add to the surprise, he is now a sentient computer and the controlling intelligence for a Von Neumann probe. Bob and his copies have been spreading out from Earth for 40 years now, looking for habitable planets. But that's the only part of the plan that's still in one piece.
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Please release a whole book.
- By Jack on 05-29-17
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We Are Legion (We Are Bob)
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There's a reason We Are Legion was named Audible's Best Science Fiction Book of 2016: Its irresistibly irreverent wit! Bob Johansson has just sold his software company for a small fortune and is looking forward to a life of leisure. The first item on his to-do list: Spending his newfound windfall. On an urge to splurge, he signs up to have his head cryogenically preserved in case of death. Then he gets himself killed crossing the street. Waking up 117 years later, Bob discovers his mind has been uploaded into a sentient space probe with the ability to replicate itself.
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Ignore the Publisher's Summary! This is Amazing!
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Mavericks
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The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet "Paradise" get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first....
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Trouble on Paradise pt. II
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way over hyped.
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Couldn't finish what should have been an amazing read
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Renegades
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The battle-scarred star carrier Flying Dutchman is finally on her way back to Earth, after an exceptionally successful series of missions that have once again saved the world. The ship needs a serious refit, and her exhausted crew just wants a break from constant clandestine warfare against a vicious and superior enemy. Wishes come true, right? Not for the Merry Band of Pirates.
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Another filler book
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The Alien Legion has a new mission, and this time, they are working for the enemy. Also against the enemy. Like every operation that Emily Perkins plans, it’s complicated. But plans require good intel, and when the plan falls apart, the Mavericks are in freefall....
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PLEASE MORE of these and less of the others!!
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Why so serious?
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Publisher's Summary
Nominee, 2018 Audie Awards — Audiobook of the Year
We were fighting on the wrong side of a war we couldn't win. And that was the good news.
The Ruhar hit us on Columbus Day. There we were, innocently drifting along the cosmos on our little blue marble, like the Native Americans in 1492. Over the horizon came ships of a technologically advanced, aggressive culture, and BAM! There went the good old days, when humans got killed only by each other. So, Columbus Day. It fits.
When the morning sky twinkled again, this time with Kristang starships jumping in to hammer the Ruhar, we thought we were saved. The UN Expeditionary Force hitched a ride on Kristang ships to fight the Ruhar wherever our new allies thought we could be useful. So, I went from fighting with the US Army in Nigeria to fighting in space. It was lies, all of it. We shouldn't even be fighting the Ruhar; they aren't our enemy. Our allies are.
I'd better start at the beginning.
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What listeners say about Columbus Day
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Guernica
- 07-08-19
Overrated
The reviews on this are overwhelmingly good which means this review will likely get drowned but I really thought this product was badly overrated.
The performer RC Bray does a fine enough job making the mediocre story line flow as best as he can but there's only so much you can do with a bad story.
The story itself was the main problem. It drags. Horribly slowly. Much of the chapters delve deep into the life of Joe Bishop as he evolves into a space marine. This will include daily recaps of what he eats for each meal, when he decides to go play basketball, hitting the pool, and shooting the breeze with other soldiers.
The plot advances too slow and is predictable. Much of the first 25% of the book could have been told in 2-3 chapters.
I really wanted to like this product based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews but I'm afraid either I don't have the same taste, or there are a lot of bots or fanbois pumping up the stars.
205 people found this helpful
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- Jake
- 04-14-19
Not an Expanse stand-in
Cardboard characters that do nothing but bro talk. Was suggested this book after completing the Expanse, and I couldn't disagree with that rec more.
64 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 07-05-19
Entirely unbelievable
I'll try not to give much away, but the first half of this book is pretty good and an interesting take on our first exposure to alien species. Then it takes a turn and magically every single problem that does or could ever exist is solved.
It's fun to listen to but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone that appreciates realistic scenarios.
30 people found this helpful
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- Gary Glenn
- 06-27-17
Sci Fi I didn't know I wanted
I usually over analyze anything I read or watch, not wanting to waste my time on dribble or uninteresting content. After spending too much time sorting through different audio books, I settled on the Expeditionary Forces series as it appeared interesting and is, well, a series. If I enjoyed it, that would postpone the excruciating task of finding another book.
I am ecstatic that I made this choice. As much as the story is engaging, the narration is as good or better than any I've listened to. Even sound effects are not needed to add anything. Very well done.
A little more science fiction detail wouldn't hurt but does not detract from the enjoyment of this writing.
The humor throughout was unexpected but welcome and well done. Not found very often in well written Sci Fi.
Off to start the second book!
370 people found this helpful
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- melissa
- 07-19-19
Mind numbing !
This book lacks style and substance . I have no interest in any of the characters as the story seems rushed. The main character goes from one impossible situation after the other , after the other , after the other. But you never really get the feeling like he is in any danger.
The narration is poorly done. He seems to drone on and on, like one of those movies where the mobster is narrating the movie. He is probably thinking “ If i just talk faster with a Brooklyn accent that will be entertaining enough.” Maybe they should have listened to Ready Player One for an example of narration perfection. Will Weaton sold the show!!!
The editor could have chopped this book in half and it would have been better.
16 people found this helpful
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- Tim
- 06-29-17
Brilliant, Funny, Clever... a Sci Fi must have
It’s hard to know where to start when describing this instant modern classic. I’ve loved Sci Fi since I was yay high…I cut my teeth on space operas like the works of EE. Doc Smith. This is the next generation of space opera and it’s fabulous. It’s also quite funny in many places. It’s action packed but doesn’t feel silly like a lot of action fiction does. The plot includes dueling alien races of giant hamsters and lizards, faster than light travel and a snarky deus ex machina artificial Intelligence the size of a can of coke. Sounds ridiculous but is actually compelling, weirdly credible and wildly entertaining. I’m already most the way through book two which puts me close to a third of the way through a 50 hour epic. If you love hard Sci Fi, if you are a Trekki or a Star Wars fan you will lap this up.
233 people found this helpful
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- Mixter
- 05-05-19
Bray can’t carry this mess!
The dialog is so bad it just makes a good narrator sound dumb. Should be labeled for 6th graders and below. I want my money back!
9 people found this helpful
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- Eileen
- 01-30-18
Alanson and Bray ROCK!!!
This audible book is the perfect union between author and narrator, really, it doesn’t get better! I loved this book, sci-fi with humor, you can’t go wrong! R.C. Bray is freaking awesome, I don’t think anyone could have done a better job, he’s totally a gifted narrator! I’m already through to book 4 and waiting on book 5 if that tells you how much I like this series so jump on this train, it’s a great ride!
34 people found this helpful
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- Jones
- 04-26-19
Written like someone had a gun to his head
If you like 8 books of repeated dialogue, repeated jokes, repeated references, repeated expressions, character development (actually none in 8 books), and a formulaic layout that would fit into a children's TV show then this series is for you. The writing is worse than the continuity of Skippy's abilities.
7 people found this helpful
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- Jim "The Impatient"
- 01-04-17
WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT
CHEESEBURGERS
A few months ago I VOLUNTOLD you that BOB would have legions of fans. Now I am telling you this will be the next book to hit number one in Sci-Fi Contemporary. This book has science galore, comedy galore, aliens galore and space battles. To say I love it would be an IMPLIED DUH, but than OVERKILL IS UNDER RATED.
YOU GOT SOME SPLAINING TO DO LUCY
The book is over 16 hours long, and Jim The Impatient listened to all 16+ hours and was entertained all the way. Alanson has great timing and knows how to keep a story from going stale. For example, just when I thought the book was going to enter a shoot-em up phase and become boring, we are introduced to SKIPPY, an A-HOLE AI, who is witty and funny. There is something here for all Sci-Fi fans. Nothing is really new, but a lot of the good old stuff is used. For instance there are ELDERS, CLIENT RACES, PATRONS, ANCIENT ARIFACTS AND THE COLLECTIVE.
EMBRACE THE SUCK
I am not saying this is my favorite, just that it will hit number one. My favorites in the category and in order are, The Martian, Ready Player One, Bob and than this book. Some might roll their eyes at the serendipity of finding Skippy and all that he does to get them out of trouble, but if you can get past that you will love this.
SCREW ONE SHEEP
I have been listening to books since the cassette days. I have heard lots of great narrators. I don't believe I have ever heard one grow in their job as well as Bray. He started out good, with his great voice, but what he has put into the last couple of books, I have listened to has just blown my mind. Based on the last two books, he read for me, I would say he has to be my favorite.
ALPHA MIKE FOXTROT
608 people found this helpful
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- Mr R Tate
- 04-27-17
Fun in a can
The story trots along quite nicely at the beginning but when the intelligent beer can cracks open this story gallops into a whole new level. Excellent fun.
6 people found this helpful
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- ZX80
- 02-26-17
Clearly I'm in a minority but...
Don't get this review wrong, I did generally enjoy this book but I don't think it is the 5 star gem other reviewers seem to agree on. The idea is great and the mix of humour is fairly unique given that this is not the focus of the book, this is a really difficult balance to achieve, so the author deserves kudos for the attempt. However the characters are shallow and the plot is simplistic; motivation for uber-intelligent species to be conducting a galaxy encompassing war is never explored and the aforementioned humour is school-boy at best. Coupled with a overly large dollop of American jingoism and you're left with a basic if enjoyable yarn to waste a few hours on but not a 5 star listen. I doubt I'll continue with the series.
128 people found this helpful
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- S. Morris
- 03-05-17
Hampsters, Beer Cans & Cheese Burgers
I've read a lot of books and a fair bit of science fiction and so when I saw this novel from an author I had not previously read anything from, I was curious. I listened to the sample and was hooked instantly. Not only was the narration handled by one of the very best in the business, R C Bray, but the writing style of this author was superb.
So, I purchased the title hoping the book would be as good as the brief sample promised. I have to report that this book wasn't as good as I had first thought ... it was far better! Not that I had low expectations, quite the opposite but it is rare indeed to find a story so well written and so pacey and so utterly entertaining that I was fairly certain it could not maintain even the expectations I had based on the sample.
How would I sum this book up? Well, simple ... just about perfect! Perhaps a bold statement and of course, I realize that any opinions on such things are largely subjective but as science fiction stories go, this one ticks all the boxes and does it with such aplomb. Of all the science fiction writers I've read, I'd say the style and content of this story is perhaps closest to another favourite author of mine, B V Larson. Larson writes uncomplicated military based science fiction and Craig Alanson has a very similar style which, in my humble opinion, makes science fiction fun, entertaining, never boring and action packed. In several ways Columbus Day reminds me of Larsson Star Force series of books in that we have a hapless hero who is thrust into situations that allow his adaptability to get him in and out of all sorts of trouble. Where Alanson differs is that his style of writing has humour and irony woven into the two lead characters - our human hero, Joe Bishop and an artificial intelligence dubbed Skippy buy said hero. The interactions between these two alone make the book at times a hilarious read. However, this humour doesn't detract from the often gritty elements of the story but are perfectly done. This was the first science fiction book I actually laughed out loud to on several occasions and it only made the book that much better. The Joe Bishop character is not the straight laced stereotype hero but a real person who asks the sort of question the reader thinks of to ask or points out the flaws in a plan that the reader has figured out which proves to be very satisfying.
Alanson's prose are engaging, funny and efficiently move the plot along at a good clip not wasting dialogue or lengthy narrative on things not required for the story. You will not find pages of dialogue wasted here by people idly chatting when it's not needed and as such the plot develops at a pace and in a way to keep the reader hooked. I actually tried to ration my listening of this book because I didn't want to finish it too fast! Before I'd finished chapter 1 I had pre-ordered the second book in this series so now I've finished this book I only have two days before the next part is released ... thank goodness!
Incidentally, we are treated to a sample of book 2 at the end of this book just to whet your appetite. However, rather oddly, there seemed a glaring production error in that final section of the recording as the sample appeared to have the first half of it loop through twice before continuing with the second part. Weird.
Also of minor interest to me was the fact that assuming the book is written in a contemporary timeframe, then based on the date of release, it would appear that the author, like most of us, assumed that Hillary Clinton would win the presidency and Alanson has duly worked a female president into his story.
Interestingly, either the author has had direct military experience himself or has done a lot of research as many of the little details in the book hint at this. Familiarity with current military hardware, organization and even slang is impressive and something lacking in some other authors writing.
I first came across R C Bray's narration in the Fear saga books and was impressed immediately. If possible, his narration here is even more impressive and I would dare to say, flawless. About the only other narrator that could pull off a good job of this would be the equally excellent Mark Boyett.
Although already mentioned, I will reiterate that Columbus Day is just about perfect which I know is a very controversial comment to make but until I find a book I enjoyed more and felt was better written and read then the statement stands.
Get it! ... NOW!!
4 people found this helpful
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- GiffRock
- 01-02-17
Fantastic start to what I hope is a great series
This was an impulse buy and I was a little worried at first. I needn't be though as it was gripping from the start. It's well written and easy to listen to, R.C Bray was as usual, a spot on choice for the narrator. The book has a great change part way through that really sent the story in another direction that was very well delivered. Overall it's a great easy listen. There's some obvious ideas liberated from other sci-fi greats, both written and televised but it works really well.
34 people found this helpful
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- M. Penny
- 12-21-20
Perfect distraction to 2020
I’m sat at home, 7 days into Covid, feeling horrible and struggling to breath and this have been a lifesaver. Keeps me distracted, calm and it is perfectly pitched and the RC Bray is superb.
2 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 05-21-20
Just a whole lotta fun.
This in not heavy SciFi like Peter F. This is fun.
Craig C. Has managed to take some form of serious adventure and also make it humerus. This isn’t slapstick as some reviews imply but it’s also not overly serious and deep like a Iain B. It’s really funny and a darn good adventure too. Some have complained it too formulaic, but so is a drink, and who doesn’t need a drink from time to time just to relax and enjoy. Just like this book.
2 people found this helpful
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- Daniel Salmon
- 04-02-18
FANTASTIC!
Great start to an amazing series! R.C Bray is amazing as usual!!!!
Love it and want more!!!!!
5 people found this helpful
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- Robyn
- 03-30-18
Good fun
Think Independence Day meets Star Trek.
Of course, when an alien star ship turns up in earth's atmosphere, followed closely by a second alien race, you just know it's all not going to work out in Earth's favour. Our little earth-weapons clearly aren't up to the task! Naturally, the cunning humans' plan is to simply nick the other lots' ships, weapons etc et.... I've totally overly simplified the plot with that statement - but that's the feel of the book.
It's good fun, great narration, and I've downloaded the next book in the series for when I need some light relief. The adjective "jaunty" seems to fit the bill. Onwards then, for a merry jaunt through the universe.....
8 people found this helpful
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- Simon
- 03-06-17
The Star Trek Spirit
If you're hankering for the old spirit of Star Trek, well at least the more humorous episodes, with perhaps a little Starship Troopers blended in then freshly seasoned with some Blake's 7 then this is the place to come! Alanson strikes an excellent balance between injecting plentiful humour and making the story serious enough and the action tough enough to make you care. If, on the other hand you are looking for a modern-day Heinlein then you can stop reading now, these aren't the pages you're looking for.
There are lots of hi-lites in this book including a classic choice of vehicle early on to conduct an attack and some genuinely original sci-fi gags. There are of course some "classics" in there but what steals the show is the relationship between Joe and "Mr Skippy" (think Oracs with huge upgrades especially in the personality department) which had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
The narration? Well I've Spent a lot of time in the company of Mr RC Bray recently and I love him doing his thing in books like the Arisen and Mountain Man series. He injects great tension and drama into the situations and action scenes. But who would ever have guessed from that he could really do comedy too?? Well it seems he can, he sounded like he was genuinely having a blast at times reading this one.
I always try to avoid spoilers but this book ends by setting up a real Star Trek exploring the universe against the backdrop of warring factions scenario. I am very much looking forwards to where the remaining crew will boldly go.
20 people found this helpful
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- Joseph Hill
- 12-30-16
Excellent, original and narrated by a master
RC Bray is reason enough to buy an audiobook. Brilliant performance of an original and entertaining book. Need the next book now!
17 people found this helpful
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- Jotham
- 03-04-17
Beer cans are all the rage
started a little slow, the story moved quickly but it took time to get over the intro and setup but once there .... oh my, could not stop listening. Give it a shot, it's well worth it. This better turn into a long running series.
22 people found this helpful
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- Jess
- 07-04-17
Bang Bang Boom
I must admit that a first I found the narrator slightly annoying but now I can't imagine it being performed by anyone else. I loved the first book and have binge read the next books of the series. Loved it.
4 people found this helpful
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- Jake
- 03-31-17
fun and funny, with some trek references
This was great. R.C Bray does another great performance and the story is really interesting. it's somewhat believable as far as sci fi goes.
4 people found this helpful
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- Jacob
- 01-23-17
Epic!
the story progressed more quickly than i wanted meaning i was always left wanting more. I really liked this,quite a few scifis a very drawn out not this one.I enjoyed it from start to finish well done to both Alanson and Bray 👏👌
12 people found this helpful
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- Miss Kris
- 06-22-17
loved it. great narration and great story.
loved it. great narration and great story. the humour really adds to the story. recommended even if you arent sure about space related books.
3 people found this helpful
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- Ben Allwood
- 01-15-17
loved it - great story and great narrative
intresting exciting innovative fun hilarious performance of a great story. highly recommended. has the same flavour of the fear saga but is completely different at the same time.
6 people found this helpful
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- Matthew willey
- 09-27-17
Overly fond of the marines
It's a great but not very original idea for a science fiction book, the Earth finds itself in between two vastly superior foes. But this book relies really heavily on gun-totin' redneck marine corps fatigues and rations and ammo fetishism to be readily accessible to anyone who has subtler sensibilities.
Think Independence Day and the US of A saving the world. Interesting to start with, but then tedious because it is one noe played over and over. Maybe it's because I'm not american.
2 people found this helpful
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- Mike
- 08-20-17
Enjoyable
What did you like most about Columbus Day?
Good start to an interesting story
What did you like best about this story?
It follows the same theme as many of the same types of stories but it is easy to listen to and the story is well written
Which character – as performed by R.C. Bray – was your favourite?
the AI his interpretation of the character is brilliant.
Any additional comments?
Recommended, the narrater is excellent and easy to listen to.
The story is involved and interesting.......keeps me wanting to buy and listen.
2 people found this helpful
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- Kaz
- 06-26-17
The can makes me laugh
When I first started this book I decided it was just going to be another 'war' story book and put it down. I went back to it when I had nothing else and WOW. I can't put it dow. I find myself chuckling at Skippy and just love Bishops personality. A must read (or listen to). The narrator is fantastic.
2 people found this helpful
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- Kiwireader K
- 06-06-19
A tale of two halves
The first half of the the tale was slow moving, and tedious. Almost nothing of interest happened, and I wasn't drawn in by the protagonist. There was some good action scenes but these were few and far between. The real story began about half way through with the introduction of an entertaining comic character who was a lot of fun, and the relationship with this character and the protagonist. However, I can't rate the story that highly because of the first half. I expect the series will get better if the author has played to his strengths.
1 person found this helpful