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Avalon was the flagship of the Castle Federation in the last war, now 20 years past. The first of the deep space carriers, no other warship in the fleet holds as many honors or has recorded as many kills. No other warship in the fleet is as old. Accepting the inevitable, the Federation Space Navy has decided to refit her and send her on a tour of the frontier, showing the flag to their allies and enemies as a reminder of her glory - and then decommission her for good.
The Confederation has fought three wars against the forces of the totalitarian Union. Three generations of its warriors have gone off to war, held the line against the larger, more powerful enemy. Now the fourth conflict is imminent, and the Confederation's navy is on alert, positioned behind the frontier, waiting for the attack it knows is coming.
It's the year 2277. For 50 years, Earth has received mysterious data transmissions from random locations in deep space. The streams include advanced technology, allowing humans to achieve faster-than-light travel virtually overnight. As we prepare to take our first tentative steps into interstellar space, we know almost nothing about our alien benefactors, and their motivations remain unexplained.
The Void Wraith are not yet ready to begin their war against the Milky Way. Experiments must be conducted. DNA mapped. Slaves created. They move cautiously, their agents infiltrating the governments of every major race. But every invasion leaves clues - clues that one OFI officer has stumbled across. Stations are disappearing. Whole populations gone seemingly overnight. Commander Nolan convinces the Office of Fleet Intelligence to dispatch him to investigate. He discovers something far more sinister and far reaching than he imagined.
In the 25th century, humans have conquered space. The advent of faster-than-light travel has opened up hundreds of habitable planets for colonization, and humans have exploited the virtually limitless space and resources for hundreds of years with impunity. So complacent have they become with the overabundance that armed conflict is a thing of the past, and their machines of war are obsolete and decrepit. What would happen if they were suddenly threatened by a terrifying new enemy?
When a bunch of interstellar scavengers approach Earth intending to abduct a few dozen humans and sell them into slavery in the darkest, they make the mistake of picking on Steve Stuart and his friends, ex-military veterans all. Unprepared for humans who can actually fight, unaware of the true capabilities of their stolen starships, the scavengers rapidly lose control of the ship - and their lives.
Avalon was the flagship of the Castle Federation in the last war, now 20 years past. The first of the deep space carriers, no other warship in the fleet holds as many honors or has recorded as many kills. No other warship in the fleet is as old. Accepting the inevitable, the Federation Space Navy has decided to refit her and send her on a tour of the frontier, showing the flag to their allies and enemies as a reminder of her glory - and then decommission her for good.
The Confederation has fought three wars against the forces of the totalitarian Union. Three generations of its warriors have gone off to war, held the line against the larger, more powerful enemy. Now the fourth conflict is imminent, and the Confederation's navy is on alert, positioned behind the frontier, waiting for the attack it knows is coming.
It's the year 2277. For 50 years, Earth has received mysterious data transmissions from random locations in deep space. The streams include advanced technology, allowing humans to achieve faster-than-light travel virtually overnight. As we prepare to take our first tentative steps into interstellar space, we know almost nothing about our alien benefactors, and their motivations remain unexplained.
The Void Wraith are not yet ready to begin their war against the Milky Way. Experiments must be conducted. DNA mapped. Slaves created. They move cautiously, their agents infiltrating the governments of every major race. But every invasion leaves clues - clues that one OFI officer has stumbled across. Stations are disappearing. Whole populations gone seemingly overnight. Commander Nolan convinces the Office of Fleet Intelligence to dispatch him to investigate. He discovers something far more sinister and far reaching than he imagined.
In the 25th century, humans have conquered space. The advent of faster-than-light travel has opened up hundreds of habitable planets for colonization, and humans have exploited the virtually limitless space and resources for hundreds of years with impunity. So complacent have they become with the overabundance that armed conflict is a thing of the past, and their machines of war are obsolete and decrepit. What would happen if they were suddenly threatened by a terrifying new enemy?
When a bunch of interstellar scavengers approach Earth intending to abduct a few dozen humans and sell them into slavery in the darkest, they make the mistake of picking on Steve Stuart and his friends, ex-military veterans all. Unprepared for humans who can actually fight, unaware of the true capabilities of their stolen starships, the scavengers rapidly lose control of the ship - and their lives.
The Ember War, book 1: The Earth is doomed. Humanity has a chance. In the near future, an alien probe arrives on Earth with a pivotal mission: to determine if humanity has what it takes to survive the impending invasion by a merciless armada. The probe discovers Marc Ibarra, a young inventor who holds the key to a daring gambit that could save a fraction of Earth's population. Humanity's only chance lies with Ibarra's ability to keep a terrible secret and engineer the planet down the narrow path to survival.
Captain Keyes is loved by the public but hated by Command. He captains the UHS Providence, an aging supercarrier and the last human ship not dependent on dark tech - technology humanity has used to rule over the galaxy since barely defeating the Ixa in the First Galactic War.
The year is 2108, and the North American Commonwealth is bursting at the seams. For welfare rats like Andrew Grayson, there are only two ways out of the crime-ridden and filthy welfare tenements, where you’re restricted to 2,000 calories of badly flavored soy every day. You can hope to win the lottery and draw a ticket on a colony ship settling off-world, or you can join the service. With the colony lottery a pipe dream, Andrew chooses to enlist in the armed forces for a shot at real food, a retirement bonus, and maybe a ticket off Earth.
In the year 2280, an alien fleet attacked the Earth. Their weapons were unstoppable, their defenses unbreakable. Our technology was inferior, our militaries overwhelmed. Only one starship escaped before civilization fell. Earth was lost. It was never forgotten. Fifty-two years have passed. A message from home has been received. The time to fight for what is ours has come.
Earth is conquered. Sol is lost. One ship is tasked to free them. One Captain to save them all. When an alien armada destroys the United Earth Space Force and takes control of the human homeworld, newly reinstated Captain Annette Bond must take her experimental hyperspace cruiser Tornado into exile as Terra's only interstellar privateer. She has inferior technology, crude maps, and no concept of her enemy, but the seedy underbelly of galactic society welcomes her so long as she has prizes to sell and money to spend.
Book 1: Albion Lost: For centuries, the Daegon waited. They plotted. And now they are ready to strike. The core worlds of settled space enjoy a tenuous peace, unaware and ill prepared for the threat building beyond the furthest reaches of humanity. The star kingdom of Albion stands as a shining light of justice and mercy in a harsh galaxy, and they will be the first to suffer the Daegon's fury. Book 2: The Long March: Commodore Thomas Gage and his fleet, safeguarding the last of the Albion Royal Family, are on the run.
The Hundred Worlds have withstood invasion by the relentless Hok for decades. The human worlds are strong, but the Hok have the resources of a thousand planets behind them, and their fleets attack in endless waves. The long war has transformed the Hundred Worlds into heavily fortified star systems. Their economies are geared for military output, and they raise specialized soldiers to save our species. Assault Captain Derek Straker is one such man among many.
The Phage War had been a devastating conflict for the Terran Confederacy. Even with the destruction of their terrifying, implacable foe, humanity is still reeling. Political alliances are crumbling, and their mighty fleet is in tatters. There is nothing to celebrate, even after such a complete victory. They soon learn that there are other stellar neighbors - and they've been watching the conflict with great interest. One species comes with an offer of friendship and alliance, but humanity is weary and distrustful.
The year is 2650. Seventy-five years ago, an alien fleet attacked Earth. Without warning. Without mercy. We were not prepared. Hundreds of millions perished. Dozens of cities burned. We nearly lost everything. Then the aliens abruptly left. We rebuilt. We armed ourselves. We swore: never again. But the aliens never came back. Until now. With overwhelming force the aliens have returned, striking deep into our territory, sending Earth into a panic.
Captain Eric Weston and his crew encounter horrors, wonders, monsters, and people; all of which will test their resolve, challenge their abilities, and put in sharp relief what is necessary to be a hero. A first-rate military-science-fiction epic that combines old-school space opera and modern storytelling, Into the Black: Odyssey One is a riveting, exhilarating adventure with vivid details, rich mythology, and relentless pacing.
Captain Mitchell "Ares" Williams is a Space Marine and the hero of the Battle for Liberty whose Shot Heard 'Round the Universe saved the planet from a nearly unstoppable war machine. He's handsome, charismatic, and the perfect poster boy to help the military drive enlistment. Pulled from the war and thrown into the spotlight, he's as efficient at charming the media and bedding beautiful celebrities as he was at shooting down enemy starfighters.
In the twentieth century Earth sent probes, transmissions and welcoming messages to the stars. Unfortunately, someone noticed. The Galactics arrived with their battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined their vast Empire. Swearing allegiance to our distant alien overlords wasn't the only requirement for survival. We also had to have something of value to trade, something that neighboring planets would pay their hard-earned credits to buy.
Captain Jonathan Dallas, Commodore of Battle Unit 72, investigates the disappearance of a military research vessel on the fringes of known space. When the unit is ambushed by a threat that endangers not only the fleet but also all of humanity itself, Jonathan must somehow find the resources to fight back.
Cut off from Central Command and faced with impossible odds, can Jonathan overcome his demons to save humanity and, more importantly, can he save himself?
Flagship: Where captains are made. Or broken.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. But, shock of shocks, where are the rest in the series? No further audible books in this series. Disaster. I am so disappointed.
I have read alot of Starship series and enjoyed them variably. This is a top notch book, gripping in detail and plot. You get immersed in the characters and transported to a very well considered and constructed reality. Totally compulsive. The audiobook version captured the characters and tension well.
Any additional comments?
When reading Isaac Hooke's book Flagship the first time I thought it had a slow and somewhat tedious beginning but Berkot's narration when I listened to it solved that problem for me.. Having read the authors Atlas Series and his track record for solid military sci-fi action packed content, I have no doubts that this series will not disappoint.New characters, new ship, and a story line that mixes faster than light travel with slipstreams, travel gates and space battles with a threatening alien race make this book a winner. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what Hooke has in store for us in his next book of the series.
If you purchased the book without narration I would highly recommend you buy the narration and try it again. It made it so much better.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
What did you love best about Flagship?
Isaac Hooke delivers yet another winner! Flagship is a first rate Military Space Opera, with something for everyone! Complex characters, all out action, intense space battles, politics, intrigue, technology, aliens, AI, romance, humor, all woven into a plot that will keep you turning pages until the very end!
What was one of the most memorable moments of Flagship?
Isaac knows how to develop and torture his characters, putting them through emotional and physical tribulation, both! There are also plenty of twists and surprises in this sci-fi action thriller,making for an exciting, well-paced ride! DO NOT pass this Military SF Thriller up!
Have you listened to any of Peter Berkrot’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No, but I am looking forward to more, and doing a comparison at a later date.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Absolutely! This book kept me on edge. I listened to it at home, on the way to work, at work, on the way home from work... Well, you get the idea!!! :)
Any additional comments?
Alright, Isaac! The pressure is on! I'm looking very forward to the next installment of Flagship!
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
What made the experience of listening to Flagship the most enjoyable?
So, my expectations for Issac Hookes sci-fi is pretty high. He did a great job with this one.
Initially it took me a little time to get into the story, but once I developed a relationship with the characters, I was fully hooked. He also brings up elements from Atlas that keeps all the different stories in line and keeps the chronology of his different stories straight, something I really appreciate. In any case, I'm looking forward to seeing how humanity handles this new threat and getting answers to some of the older enigmas from previous books.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This was a good space battle book with a good premise, good characters, and lots of action.
The book begins with the main character, the Captain of a warship, investigating the disappearance of a research vessel attached to their task group of ships. When they find the ship adrift, their crew missing, and the ship database wiped, they quickly deduce that the ship was attacked and boarded. What's more, the records that still exist indicate that the research vessel's crew discovered the ruins of an artificial alien structure on the planet they were orbiting.
When an unknown but powerful alien vessel appears and attacks without provocation, little can be done to overcome their technological superiority and the captain flees to rejoin a fleet of nearby ships. Losing several vessels and sustaining heavy damage in the retreat, the captain is only able to destroy one vessel, and inflict minor damage to the alien ships that follow them.
The admiral of the fleet is convinced that the attackers are not alien, but advanced attackers from the other competing earth superpower. Not only does he underestimate the threat, but he plans to use a weapon of mass destruction against their earth rivals, possibly crippling humanity at the outset of what could become a war against an advanced alien race.
The captain and his crew must survive through space battles, internal fleet politics, and an incompetent and reckless fleet commander if they ever hope to beat back the alien fleet, rescue their kidnapped crew, and save humanity from a crippling blow from within.
Narration was good in this one as well. Perfect for the story.
I would definitely recommend this one for fans of space sci-fi.
17 of 22 people found this review helpful
Would you listen to Flagship again? Why?
I would because the readers voice adds something to the style in which the book is written and is also suited for sify
What was one of the most memorable moments of Flagship?
The space battles would be it for me. Very gripping!
What about Peter Berkrot’s performance did you like?
I'm not sure exactly but I found his voice very suited to reading the genre
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Good book, difficult to pick out one moment though unless its just the character Maxwell.
Any additional comments?
Very much enjoyed this book! It starts out slow(first 2 or so chapters) but once I got past those it really sped up. I used to read Star Wars books regularly and, while this was not Star Wars, I still found it very enjoyable! While I won't go into detail, the character I enjoyed the most was Maxwell(pay attention while reading and you'll understand).:) Well done with this work and should appeal to sci fi fans and possibly others as well.
(I almost never post plot points so as to avoid spoilers)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I can listen to “Flagship” for hours and hours on end without getting bored. Couldn’t believe I found such an awesome Audible book!
** This review does not contain spoilers. **
I used to just listen to Audible while driving in the morning/evening, but with this I had no intention of waiting that long between listens of “Flagship”. This is an incredible value, and it’ll retain your attention like a fish locked in the jaws of a croc!
The various relationships add such value to the story, and perfectly complement the action packed scenes throughout. It’s such a fragile balance, and Isaac Hooke walks the precarious tightrope perfectly, dipping into more action here, then more character development there. Indeed, the character’s behaviour during the action scenes serves to further develop them (this is no surprise given the title of the novel: “Flagship (A Captain’s Crucible Book 1)”).
The narrator, Peter Berkrot does a bang up job of acting the myriad characters. It’s just uncanny how he can voice a macho fighter pilot one second, then switch to a swooning, soft, subtle female the next. Or, the transition from the cold, calculating voice of a virtually emotionless character, to a passionate, heated protagonist voice. I don’t know how he does that, as there is such a striking difference between all the voices; it really adds to the character development.
The overarching story is pretty magnificent, I have to say. No worrying about the story moving on, here: you’ll be swept away by it, rather than having to trudge through a quagmire. There’s no stopping once you start, and the various cliffhangers will leave you wanting for more and more. In fact, once it’s over, you’ll be sad!
But just pick up the next book: “Test of Mettle (A Captain’s Crucible Book 2)” by Isaac Hooke!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A sequel of sorts to his popular Atlas books, this book takes place 70 years or so after the events in Atlas 3. While the story does include a much older Rade Galaal, and even his daughter with Shaw Chopra, now a starship captain herself, this is really more like Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet in tone, dealing with a starship captain and his actions against an alien menace. There is some well plotted space combat, some powerful, mysterious aliens, and some swashbuckling seat of the pants heroics from various characters. There is also some realistic fleet politics, and a backstory for the Captain that makes him a very sympathetic character. Well paced, well written, and with good continuity to the previous books, I cant recommend this highly enough. Peter Berkrot returns to narrate this one like he did the Atlas books, and does a decent job bringing the characters to life. Any fan of Jack Campbell or H. Paul Honsinger should enjoy this book.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great job of reading this book. Really nice being able sit back and listen to the story. Lots of action with excellent character development.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Where does Flagship rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is by far Isaac Hooke's best novel. It was refreshing to read a story that both intrigued and entertained me. I have had my issues in the past with some of his characters being a bit two dimensional and maybe just a tad whiney, but this story changes that. These characters are fleshed out with intriguing backstories and little ticks to make them very relatable. The first few chapters are slow to build, but then the story moves with a comfortable fluidity, holding your attention with the right mix of action and planning for more action. The narrator does a wonderful job of reading the story and making the characters come alive. I enjoyed this audio book immensely and cannot wait for the next chapter of the series.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Captain Jonathan Dallas is a complicated fellow. He lives with the nagging guilt that he could have saved a dying mountain climber and holds a simmering hatred for his admiral who wouldn’t help. Now he must face the moral dilemma of following orders to destroy an entire star system and its billions of human inhabitants or face down his past demons and do what he knows is right.
An unknown force has attacked the armada. They could be their human enemies, but more likely an alien force never encountered before. If alien, humanity will need everyone united to stand up to even have a fighting chance.
The action is nearly continuous throughout the novel as star-ships collide. It is a military Sci Fi novel after all and fans shouldn’t be disappointed. Set several years after the Atlas series, an older, wiser and bitter Rade Gallal makes a cameo appearance. Captain Dallas and his first officer are clearly the main characters though, and their friendship is the sub-plot that gives the story a human element.
The novel is performed by Peter Berkrot, who does an excellent job. Like all great narrators, he adds his interpretation to the drama. You will either love his performance or find it intrusive, but that’s why you listen to audiobooks and not computer generated readings. In this listener’s opinion, he added greatly to the story once you get used to his style.
You may enjoy listening to the Atlas series as a prequel to Flagship, but it is by no means necessary to its enjoyment. This is a new series and stands on its own. If you enjoy space battles with a little human drama thrown in for effect, you should put this one on your short list. It is a good listen with plenty of action. You’ll be looking forward to book two when available.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
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2 of 3 people found this review helpful