Star Crusader: Dreadnought

By: Michael G. Thomas

Narrated by: Andrew B. Wehrlen

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Nate and his video gamer friends are given the chance of a lifetime, a six-month tour aboard the Alliance’s newest battleship, ANS Dreadnought. She’s the first in her class, and is the most powerful ship in the sector. Bigger and better protected than any ship before her, Dreadnought carries an arsenal of deadly weapons that can annihilate a small armada and can travel between the stars in a matter of days. There is no deadlier vessel in existence.

Two years at the Academy has tested Nate’s flying, combat, and technical skills to the limit. But nothing will come close to his greatest test. Captain Gaunt, one of the Alliance’s most decorated officers plans to use Dreadnought to start a war, one that will engulf the region and cost many lives. As Dreadnought rolls out her guns to engage the very people Nate calls his friends, he has to make a decision. Does he stand by and let war spread through the sector, or will he lead the cadets in a mutiny against a beloved hero of the Alliance?

©2017 Michael G. Thomas (P)2018 Michael G. Thomas

Simplistic

The narrator did a good job, but it took a while to get used to his fast pace. The story itself started slow, but got more interesting. I would classify this as a juvenile, with simplistic plot and characters. The parallels to present day politics were too obvious, as well as the author’s leanings. The main “bad” character summed up his philosophy as “Humanity First”.

OK

The book started slow but it picked up as it progressed. I kept thinking the author would bring something new or a twist that I did not see coming but unfortunetly not. This book for me is predictable, however, it is not a bad read and others might like it.

Review of Str Crusader: Dreadnought

A great YA sci fi . A little slow starting, but picked up steam. A very enjoyable and entertaining listen.

Traitors!

Enjoyed the book. If you are into space battles, deception and heroes, this is a book for you. I thought it was worth the listen and a credit.

This book provided at no cost for a fair and honest review.

the star was a little bit slow but...

the story was good.. but the start of the book was slow .. it was a nice si-fi and I enjoyed it quite much the fantasy description we're very vivid a movie like.. the story line it self was nice

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Total Dreadnought Recall!

If you could sum up Star Crusader: Dreadnought in three words, what would they be?

Cookie Cutter Story

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

They way they got to the ending was enjoyable enough but was basically predictable.

Which character – as performed by Andrew B. Wehrlen – was your favorite?

The narrator was the star of this production. The characters all sounded the same for the most part but his voice was splendid. I would definitely listen to him more and he does have a hint of range. The story sounded more like a diary of a cadet.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Crimson Tide in Space.

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I did enjoy the story. Just found it to be typical. I did like the touch about virtual reality though. Just did not feel actionay enough.

Good space opera for a drive.

Would you listen to Star Crusader: Dreadnought again? Why?

I'm not sure I would listen to Star Crusader: Dreadnought a second time if I were reading the series. This is the type of series I collect and, when they are complete, I binge read it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Crusader: Dreadnought?

The story flows smoothly from action to action after a slow start. The action subtly builds with out jilting revelations or twists. It is a very smooth read.

What does Andrew B. Wehrlen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Andrew B. Wehrlen does a yeoman’s job reading the book to us. I am a fan of his, and I know he does better. I believe the speed of the audio is a major contributing factor. My impression tis the playback was speeded up. I have never liked the machine gun feel of dialogue and storytelling at even 1.10 X normal. This performance feels like that.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story reminds me of some of R. A. Heinlein’s juvenile works. That’s not to say the themes, war, death and betrayal, are particularly juvenile. The situations that precipitate the young cadets into making life and death decisions are pushing contrived. The characters are two dimensional, but lack of character development is almost a hallmark of YA fiction. The science is almost anachronistic for warships in the interstellar arena with barely a nod to AI.
With the negatives out of the way, the story itself addresses issues of race hatred and bigotry in a manner that does not browbeat the reader.

Any additional comments?

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Nothing new

What disappointed you about Star Crusader: Dreadnought?

The book offers nothing new from sci-fi story perspective. The story here is pretty basic and juvenile. It follows a formula and doesn't deviate much. At no point did I feel wowed. Please note that there's nothing particularly "wrong" with the story. It's just - not exciting. I've read such stories numerous times and I could tell what would happened next with my eyes closed. The characters too were on-dimensional with clear good vs evil tropes.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Mostly bored and disappointed.

Any additional comments?

I received this audiobook for free from the author / narrator / publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.