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Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier (Beyond the Frontier #1)

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 · rating details · 2,636 ratings · 143 reviews

The New York Times bestselling series that delivers "edge-of- your-seat combat" (Elizabeth Moon, author of the Vatta's War series).

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Paperback, 430 pages

Published September 1st 2011 by Titan Publishing Company (first published April 26th 2011)

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Nov 28, 2012 Edmond Barrett rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

NOTE: Possible spoilers

Dreadnought is a book I would describe as being basically slightly disappointing. Now the copy I read was lent to me by a friend and to be honest I would probably take an even less favorable view if I'd actually forked over money for it.

The original series I found to have a few problems (at least one book too long in my opinion) but basically enjoyable. Dreadnought picks up right where the Lost Fleet left off and opens very well. The Alliance is victorious in a generatio...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Pierre rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After reading the last book of the Lost Fleet series, I went to read other books for a while, simply as I did not feel there was much surprise left in it.

I was drawn back to the new book Dreadnaught, as I quite enjoyed the overall series of the Lost Fleet. The story of Dreadnaught happens almost right after the first series end, with Black Jack Geary heading back with the fleet to discover more about the enigma aliens.

This book did not focus on gigantic interstellar battles like the previous one...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Michell Plested rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I fell in love with Jack Campbell's series "The Lost Fleet" and knew at its conclusion that I would have to read "The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier" when it was published. I did not get the chance to start reading the series until just last week.

As was the case with his previous series, once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. This series is SciFi Military reading candy at it best.

So, what do I like about it? Well, besides interesting characters, an intriguing mystery and well-...more

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Jul 12, 2012 ***Dave Hill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: text

More entertaining military SF from Jack Campbell, with few surprises but decent satisfaction. "Black Jack" Geary got the Lost Fleet home, won the war against the Syndics, and bloodied the nose of the alien race that started the whole generations-long conflict.

But now the Alliance is beginning to unravel, the government is trying to drastically cut back on military spending -- and the politicians are understandably worried that Geary may go all Caesar on them. So they bundle him up with his loya...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Daniel Cann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you are already familiar with Jack Campbell’s military sci fi ‘The Lost Fleet’ series you will know that his central character Captain John ‘Black Jack’ Geary has woke from a century of survival hibernation and found himself taking command of the Alliance Fleet in the final throes of a long and bitter conflict with the Syndicate Worlds.

‘Dreadnaught’ finds Geary promoted to Fleet Admiral with the adoration of the people and the mistrust and suspicion of politicians who are convinced that a liv...more If you are already familiar with Jack Campbell’s military sci fi ‘The Lost Fleet’ series you will know that his central character Captain John ‘Black Jack’ Geary has woke from a century of survival hibernation and found himself taking command of the Alliance Fleet in the final throes of a long and bitter conflict with the Syndicate Worlds.

‘Dreadnaught’ finds Geary promoted to Fleet Admiral with the adoration of the people and the mistrust and suspicion of politicians who are convinced that a living hero can be a very dangerous thing.

He is now charged with command of the newly formed First Fleet with its maiden mission to probe deep into the territory of the mysterious enigma alien race. Geary knows that members of the military high command together with the government fear his staging a coup so he cannot help but wonder if the ‘First’ is being deliberately sent to the far side of space on a suicide mission.
Once again Campbell has set things in motion for another thrill ride which offers plenty of questions and problems for our erstwhile hero to solve and challenge in true Geary fashion: head on.

This finds him dealing with married life (to Captain Tanya Desjani), peace, bureaucracy and a dangerous mission into the unknown accompanied by marines and twenty one civilians who are dubbed ‘Intelligent nonhuman species experts.’ This is an interesting crew and it made a nice change to have a plot focussed on exploration and discovery rather than on war.

Once again Campbell manages to keep his sci fi rooted in some kind of reality; his hero has all the contemporary problems of budgetary constraints, self interest and plotting to contend with. There is also the interesting triangle of Senator Victoria Rione, Tanya Desjani and Geary.

This is a galaxy clearly scarred by war with the old divisions still rife and some new problems on the horizon. Campbell manages to keep you on your toes with his ‘enemy within’ feel that pervades the novel.

What I particularly enjoyed was the more introspective and contemplative nature of this outing. Geary soon realizes that peace can sometimes be much more dangerous than war!

This is a cerebral adventure that is packed with incident, seeing diverse people untied out of necessity and mutual need. Factor in a vastly advanced and unknown alien race to make contact with and you have all the ingredients in place for a well-crafted, suspenseful and satisfying read. I am sure that this will further please Campbell’s legion of fans and leave them wanting more.
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Sep 10, 2011 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sf-f

Warning: This review will, of necessity, contain spoilers for the first Lost Fleet series.

At the end of the previous series, our hero, 'Black Jack' Geary, has successfully lead the fleet to victory over the Syndics, but also over the aliens who had been manipulating both sides of the 100 year long war. So what's a successful admiral to do now? (Besides marry Capt Tanya Desjani, that is).
The government of the Alliance is scared to death of Geary--he is sooo popular that he could easily stage a co...more

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Jun 05, 2011 Book Calendar rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Lost Fleet Beyond The Frontier Dreadnaught by Jack Campbell

Jack Campbell continues his space opera series with the seventh book in the series. John "Black Jack" Geary has successfully defeated the Syndic worlds as an Alliance commander. Now, he is going to seek out the aliens who supported the Syndics. This is classic space opera. Black Jack is the hero out of time, a common theme in science fiction. He was awoken out of frozen sleep after 100 years to lead the Alliance to victory. This them...more

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Dec 16, 2011 Fred Hughes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I always enjoy book 7 in a 6 part series. This series needed this book as Black Jack Geary had rescued the Alliance Fleet, kicked the Syndics butt, discover an alien race called the enigma who were just sitting by and watching the Syndic and Alliance forces destroy each other so they could move in and take over the neighbourhood.

Having returned to Earth the politicians had to do something with Black Jack Geary because he was just too powerful after this triumphant return with what remained of th...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: military-science-fiction, science-fiction, space-opera

This is an excellent read. I read a few who said that the "Beyond the Frontier" series wasn't as good as the "Lost Fleet" series. Well, that may be true in some ways I suppose. It probably depends on what you come to the book looking for.

It's true that there isn't so much action here as we saw in the first series. The great battles involving fleets of ships aren't so common here (though we do have some conflict with the "alien" race mostly in the last third of the book). I think I'm interested...more This is an excellent read. I read a few who said that the "Beyond the Frontier" series wasn't as good as the "Lost Fleet" series. Well, that may be true in some ways I suppose. It probably depends on what you come to the book looking for.

It's true that there isn't so much action here as we saw in the first series. The great battles involving fleets of ships aren't so common here (though we do have some conflict with the "alien" race mostly in the last third of the book). I think I'm interested enough in the Geary character that I moved right over into these without a problem. So, if it's not a book that hinges so much on space battles what is it?

Our heroes (Captain Black Jack [don't call me Black Jack] John Geary and the captain of his flag ship [Captain Tanya Desjani] have brought the fleet back largely in tact. They have fought a battle on the Alliance's door step and won it. Geary has not only ended but won the century long war. He's revamped the Fleet and turned it into a well disciplined efficient fighting force. He's earned the complete loyalty of all the men and women serving in the fleet.

And the politicians are scared to death of him. After having reduced his rank back to Captain as they'd agreed (from Fleet Admiral) they immediately promoted him to Admiral...though not before he managed to grant himself leave and marry his captain. (Sadly when they got back she was again under his command and they must (again) deal with each other in a completely "professional" way.

The politicians running the Alliance however have a great plan. Admiral Geary will take all "his fleet" (all the ships that have been trying to get back home with him) and go learn about the aliens...swell huh???? Now why would they send him and all the fleet personal loyal to him away??? And why would they do a lot of other "stuff" we'll find out about????

Well I know the conclusion I've come to. This is a great book and while I originally gave the book 4 stars I reconsidered and went to 5. It may not be at the top of my 5 star list but it must I think make that list. I like it and now "kind'a" want to go back and reread the entire Lost Fleet series.

Highly recommended brain candy, space opera, military science fiction. (less)

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May 20, 2011 Steven rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Alliance woke Captain John "Black Jack" Geary from cryogenic sleep to take command of the fleet in the century-long conflict against the Syndicate Worlds. Now Fleet Admiral Geary's victory has earned him the adoration of the people and the politicians are convinced that a living hero can be a very inconvenient thing. Geary knows that members of the military high command and the government question his loyalty to the Alliance and fear his staging a rebellion. So he can't help but wonder if th...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Donna Weaver rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What my stars mean:
5 Stars--the book had a profound impact on me. It touched me on some special level and lingered with me long after I'd finished reading it.
4 Stars--I loved this book. If I don't own it, I will buy it so I can read it again and again.
3 Stars--I enjoyed the book but may have had an issue or two with it.
2 Stars--I had more than a few issues with it.
1 Stars--I hated it.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
The Alliance woke Captain John "Black Jack" Geary from cryogenic sleep to take command of the fl...more What my stars mean:
5 Stars--the book had a profound impact on me. It touched me on some special level and lingered with me long after I'd finished reading it.
4 Stars--I loved this book. If I don't own it, I will buy it so I can read it again and again.
3 Stars--I enjoyed the book but may have had an issue or two with it.
2 Stars--I had more than a few issues with it.
1 Stars--I hated it.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
The Alliance woke Captain John "Black Jack" Geary from cryogenic sleep to take command of the fleet in the century-long conflict against the Syndicate Worlds. Now Fleet Admiral Geary's victory has earned him the adoration of the people-and the enmity of politicians convinced that a living hero can be a very inconvenient thing.

Geary knows that members of the military high command and the government question his loyalty to the Alliance and fear his staging a coup-so he can't help but wonder if the newly christened First Fleet is being deliberately sent to the far side of space on a suicide mission.

MY TAKE:
I wish I could give half stars. This book is well written and entertaining. Campbell does a good job weaving some of the backstory from the previous series into this one, so someone like me who hasn't read those won't be lost. In fact, he did a good enough job that it made me want to go back and read the other books.

My issues relate to three items, and I can't say too much without spoiling. One is the title of the book. One of the ships in his fleet is called Dreadnaught, and I kept waiting for a storyline to come up relating to that ship and its captain that was important enough to name the whole book after it. It didn't.

My second issue is spoilerish, so I will only say that a final confrontation at the end should not have been a surprise to the main characters. It had been screaming at me since the middle of the book. If I knew enough to wonder--and I'm no authority on alien life or even human anthropology--they should have considered it. It made smart people seem dumbed down.

My last issue was really just where Campbell chose to end the story. It's rather abrupt as though this book just got too long and it had to be broken up, so the author just stopped it. Very unsatisfying place to drop the story.

But, in spite of those items, the action is entertaining and the characters engaging. If you're a SciFi fan, it's worth the read. You just might want to wait and see if there's another one coming out soon. lol(less)

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Oct 22, 2011 Steve rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After either reading or listening (via audible.com) to the previous six books of this series, this was like meeting an old friend doing new things. You can read the other reviews to understand how the saga continues (apparently, it could go on forever). The author has clearly figured out a winning formula and has stuck with it.

But ...

Geary and Desjani are married. One would think that there is room for a little more emotion - yet they apparently still have separate staterooms, and never, never...more

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Jun 10, 2011 Mike rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook

OK, I know I skipped the last three volumes of the Lost Fleet series. Maybe I’ll go back and post some lengthier reviews but right now I will press onwards. If you haven’t read the first Lost Fleet series be aware that there will be some spoilers for that series in this review. That there is a second series is likely, on some level a spoiler, in and of itself. So, if you’ve just started to read The Lost Fleet or if you intend to read The Lost Fleet: be warned!

So at the end Victorious, and likely...more OK, I know I skipped the last three volumes of the Lost Fleet series. Maybe I’ll go back and post some lengthier reviews but right now I will press onwards. If you haven’t read the first Lost Fleet series be aware that there will be some spoilers for that series in this review. That there is a second series is likely, on some level a spoiler, in and of itself. So, if you’ve just started to read The Lost Fleet or if you intend to read The Lost Fleet: be warned!

So at the end Victorious, and likely as many readers suspected, “Blackjack” Geary has delivered the titular fleet home breaking the back of the Syndicate worlds over the course of his long journey home. Geary has managed to find some romance in the process dodging Alliance authority and marrying his Flag Captain, Tanya Desjani. Dreadnaught (first book in The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier) opens up bare months after this event as Admiral Geary and his new wife are called back to duty. The Alliance, and the military brass, are up to their old tricks again scrambling and squabbling to undermine Geary’s popular approval amongst the populace and amongst the Fleet. Assigned a new mission, a diplomatic mission to the alien race (now referred to as The Enigmas), he has obstacles thrown at him from superiors left and right not to mention a mountain of unforeseen dangers lurking around every corner.

Rest assured this is military science fiction pure and simple. Notions of a duty and honor, though sometimes conflicting amongst generations, play a central roll in the novel (as in previous Lost Fleet novels). Of course with a series subtitle like “Beyond the Frontier” I’m all on board for this series. The subplot of the alien pressence in the original Lost Fleet novel’s was one my favorite aspects and the internal complications of the Alliance government juxtaposed with overt manipulation by unseen intelligences (across a potentially greater context even more alien species) is fascinating. That contrast lends a certain amount of sad comedy to the fleet’s situation this time out. Bureaucrats fearing for their power and those fearing the alien threat seem to be at opposite ends of event’s in Dreadnaught. Sure, they think (rightly) that Geary is the perfect candidate to suss out the alien presence near home but at the same time they do their level best to hinder his work at all times. That last bit is perhaps the most frustrating: the threat of the Enigmas pose doesn’t serve so much as a catalyst for human unity but just as another tool in the constant struggle for more power.

Dreadnaught build’s directly on the events of the previous series. This is not a book for newcomers and there is very little hand-holding when it comes to characters and relationships. While a new reader might easily grasp what is going on it is long-time readers who will benefit most while reading this book. Several shifts in personality of some key characters over the span between the series lend an air of personal drama and I found myself almost as interested in the catalysts for these changes as I was in the copious amounts of action and military engagements that occur throughout the novel. Rest assured that Campbell isn’t really breaking new ground here but that is less of a complaint than you might think. This well-trod ground is comfortable and entertaining. It is not without surprises and the notion of humanity on the cusp of a wider multi-species cosmic community is something that is always exciting. I look forward to seeing where this series will go and am excited to see how good old Blackjack tackles the mountain of challenges that lay ahead. (less)

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Aug 19, 2011 Derrick rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, favorites, scifi

I dreaded this book, I have to admit. I didn't see how Campbell could continue the series WITH Geary without losing much of what I loved about the original Lost Fleet books.

Thankfully, I was hugely disappointed :) This was just as good as the previous books, and in some ways, better. There was not nearly as much explicit space battle tactics explained in painful detail. Whoohoo!

Geary is still Geary and dealing with a government that doesn't want him, balancing those who hate him, love him, want...more

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Jul 15, 2011 Robert H rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Slower than most Campbell's earlier books, there was obviously a fair amount of groundwork being set for future books in the "Beyond the Frontier" series. That said, if you liked any of the other Lost Fleet books, then you'll like this one as well.

All of the main characters, that survived the previous books, are back in this new story, complete with most of the same feelings and animosities about the other characters. A couple of new additions are made during the course of the book, but they're...more

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Aug 26, 2012 Mysterious Ed rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action, science-fiction

#1 in the Beyond the Frontier series. In a sequel to The Lost Fleet series, Admiral "Black Jack" Geary takes command of a reconstituted First Fleet in a search for the alien race deduced to exist.

Beyond the Frontier series - The Alliance woke Captain John "Black Jack" Geary from cryogenic sleep to take command of the fleet in the conflict against the Syndicate Worlds. Now Geary's victory has earned him the adoration of the people-and the enmity of politicians convinced that a living hero can be...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Melissa Tegge rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 02, 2012 Allan J. Ashinoff rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got the feeling from the foundation of this book that Campbell needed Geary to be "out there" and the vehicle he used felt, to me, deliberately rushed. I suspect the rush was to completely avoid 1) the romance between Geary and his wife 2) describing to any substantial degree the world and technology around Geary and 3) the fanfare that no doubt would swirl all around a legenday hero who has returned from the "living stars" to defeat all of the Aliances enemies in a comparatively short time. O...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Bjorn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I started read the John Geary series of novels, I thought "Well this seems like a cheesy piece of cr*p"
Then, before I knew it, I was 5 books into the series in less than a month, waiting for the 6th to come out.

This book is, I suppose, the 7th.

It follows the career of John 'Black Jack' Geary, as he finds himself, after a major adventure, being sent on another adventure. Hard to keep from putting spoilers in there, but that should sum up.. pretty much every sequel there is...

The books are m...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Doc Opp rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As usual, the book is fun, clever, and hard to put down. It gets dinged 2 stars for not ending. That is to say, it ends right in the middle. Not the sort of 'ends in the middle' where there is some conclusion but there's still an outstanding threat. The sort of 'ends in the middle' where you think the publisher made a mistake, and forgot to print the next chapter, because there's no way you'd ever stop a book where it stops.

Of course, now I have to buy the next in the series. Which I would have...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Bristol Public Library System rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: scifi-main-library

In The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier: Dreadnaught, Admiral Geary is back in command of the Alliance fleet, this time on a mission to explore the territory controlled by the mysterious Enigma race. Fans of the previous novels will no doubt enjoy this installment of Black Jack Geary commanding the fleet from the flagship Dauntless.

For Geary and his familiar side-kicks, confronting the Enigma race proves difficult. The Enigmas are secretive and go out of their way to prevent the Alliance Fleet f...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Daniel rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The hero of the previous series has led the Lost Fleet all the way home. Now he's leading it right back out again to confront the aliens who may have instigated the whole century-long interstellar war in the first place). It's another series and it's just getting started; there's a little less of the intrigue between different captains this time.

This series used to be famous for having no character description at all. You never find out what anyone is supposed to look like. This book breaks that...more

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Sep 27, 2011 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 16, 2011 Mike Lee rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first book of Campbell's new series picks up almost immediately after _The Lost Fleet_ left off, and presents the main character, "Black Jack" Geary with a whole new set of challenges to overcome. Once again, Geary is in command of a vast Alliance fleet, but the real reasons behind this new command are shrouded in political intrigue, and could conceal a deadly trap.

Campbell creates an interesting set of challenges for Geary at the beginning of this new series, but the pace is somewhat slower...more

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May 31, 2011 Nathan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-2011, sci-fi

I'm a huge fan of the Jack Campbell "Dauntless" series and this book was at least as good as the first book in the last series. Many of the same characters make their return with a few new bit players, and the action is no longer centered around a human threat, but the extraterrestrial threat of the mysterious race from the previous book. Lurking in the background, however, is the growing suspicion that Black Jack has been sent with his fleet on a one way trip he's not supposed to come home from...more

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May 22, 2011 Mark rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm thrilled to see Jack Campbell's Black Jack series continue. This was not his strongest effort, though I suspect that has to do with the often-mentioned first-book syndrome, in which we need to explain all that has gone before for new readers. This consumes about 1/3 of the book.

Still, once the action gets going, it's a nice read. This story shows more of an epic sweep than his previous novels, taking us through the murly political landscape of the Alliance, into the Darwinian political remna...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Ben rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2012

This book begins "phase two" of the series; the first handful of books introduces us to "Black Jack" and his ability to control a fleet in space and get back home into Alliance territory. This book picks up shortly after his return and subsequent orders to go back out into space to contact the Enigma, an alien race of which little is known. Loads of political overtones - at least the conniving part of politics - power struggles, freed humans and some action. This one didn't suck me into the stor...more

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Apr 01, 2012 James rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My reading of this book was broken up into two parts - stupid library recall - so in some ways my reading of this book was broken up, somewhat lessening the entertainment factor as I had to re-acclimatise to the story-line having read another book in the interim. However, this does not detract much from what is a great book - an easy Four Stars, and worth reading by any Sci-Fi/Space Opera fan out there. [Though, you should read the previous series first to understand what is happening].

The Plot...more My reading of this book was broken up into two parts - stupid library recall - so in some ways my reading of this book was broken up, somewhat lessening the entertainment factor as I had to re-acclimatise to the story-line having read another book in the interim. However, this does not detract much from what is a great book - an easy Four Stars, and worth reading by any Sci-Fi/Space Opera fan out there. [Though, you should read the previous series first to understand what is happening].

The Plot: Four Stars
This book continues in the way that the previous predecessors managed, by creating a great storyline that somehow manages to transcend the nominally boring parts of 'space travel'. On top of that, the way that Campbell manages to work political intrigue, alien contact, fleet politics, action and personal issues into the story and make them so compatible and... linked, is amazing.

Having said that, I felt slightly like it was being dragged out a little to make it stretch out over how ever many books are planned. But really, that is a small, really small, niggle that I had and does not take that much away from the book at all. So, really, ignore this.

Characters: Four Stars
While all the ground work was done in the previous series [You really should read them], we still see a progression in character. Before, when 'Black Jack' came back we saw how he was disgusted - rightfully - at the way that humanity had degraded itself just to win. Within this book we see how he is now forced to deal with situations that could force him into sliding into that same depravity. It certainly brings another viewpoint to the whole disgust we felt for humanity when Black Jack woke up, as it shows us how these decisions were forced upon them - and in many ways, how many of those decisions would we have made the right way? Black Jack also seems more bloodthirsty, which is interesting to note, and is more of a solid symptom of this change and challenge to his character.

The other characters are also interesting in their development. Rione is very interesting, and is constantly making you reassess her. Desanji, and the changes in her and her interaction with others, is just as interesting. And the way that the rescued POW's react is equally interesting in comparison to the 're-humanised' fleet.

The Writing: four stars
This book... no, these series, do not follow the casual form of writing. What I mean by that is this: the writing is short, un-complex and basically not that 'skilled', but by the same merit is manages to convey the story with such ability and pace that you can't help but be swept up in it. It is perfect for the series, really fits in with the story and well... it works. Weirdly enough.

So, should you read this? Yeah, if you ove you sci-fi/space opera then these two series are a must read for you and those like you. So head out to your local library/book store and get yourself a copy and sit back and be entertained.

Have Fun Reading. (less)

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Nov 16, 2011 Jack Wegason rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Military Science Fiction fans

Recommended to Jack by: Quentin

Shelves: science-fiction

When you've read all six Lost Fleet books, and then the first in the Beyond the Frontier series in virtually one go (i.e. less than a month), the concept of waiting for the next one to be published is hard to accept!

This book continues the Lost Fleet series as it describes, (view spoiler)...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Mark rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read

The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier: Dreadnaught (or simply Dreadnaught as I will refer to it from now on!) is the new book in Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet setting, although this book kicks off a new trilogy set after the events of the original six book series. To say that this book was a highly anticipated release would be a gross understatement, I imported it as soon as I could and cracked it open and plowed through it in barely a few days. I'm a huge fan of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed D...more The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier: Dreadnaught (or simply Dreadnaught as I will refer to it from now on!) is the new book in Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet setting, although this book kicks off a new trilogy set after the events of the original six book series. To say that this book was a highly anticipated release would be a gross understatement, I imported it as soon as I could and cracked it open and plowed through it in barely a few days. I'm a huge fan of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed Dreadnaught, despite the few little problems I had with it.

The events of Victorious are just behind us, and Geary and Desjani are now married and have spent a whirlwind honeymoon on Desjani's home planet, despite the constant attempts of the government to get Geary back to answer their questions and accept new orders. But in the end they have to return for Geary to face his superiors and find out just what his new orders are, and it's not quite what he expected. With his promotion to Admiral he is given command of the fleet, plus some extra ships, and tasked with finding out more about the alien race on the other side of Syndic space, how far their borders extend and whether they can hold peaceful negotiations. Of course, things don't go as smoothly as hoped for Geary and his fleet...

Dreadnaught picks up about a month after Victorious and continues the events from that book pretty much uninterrupted. Some of the fleet are still eager to overthrow the government and put Geary in charge of everything, even with Geary not wanting this. It throws up the political in-fighting straight away and lets you see the different factions and just what their aims are and how they believe things should be done, all the while with Geary treading the fine line between following orders from his superiors while keeping the fleet in check by allowing them to believe he is in charge. This aspect is definitely a follow on from Relentless and Victorious, showing just how the government are totally incapable of dealing with a potentially dangerous situation.

Geary is much the same man as he's always been - a good commander able to think outside the box but very loyal to the Alliance and the government. There are new factors coming into play with Geary given the fleet and told to go off to alien space to find out more, and it's through various information channels that he finds out the government are hiding things. With his status he could easily do as he wishes, but he once again does things within the confines of his orders, although edging into that grey area a few times. It's all a good way to show that ultimately a legendary hero is not always the best thing for the ruling government to have in full view, even with said hero wanting the best for the Alliance.

Moving on from all this political wrangling Dreadnaught does start to pick up pace when the fleet enters Syndic space. The aftermath of their dash home is still present, the Syndics now taking the alien threat seriously and using the fail-safe devices on their own hypernet gates, limiting the potential threat the aliens pose. This fallout from the Syndic government failing is also a major aspect of the story, and how Geary deals with these things can be interesting, but it ultimately starts to detract from the action, Campbell spending a little too much time on all the ins and outs of a galactic society in the throws of change. Don't get me wrong, it adds much to the story, but the promise of exploration in alien space makes the pace feel a little slow.

Once we do get into alien space the action and interest really steps up a gear. The enigma race are truly that, and other than the glimpses we caught of them during Victorious nothing is known. It's actually a good idea and Campbell manages to create the alien society from scratch, but it's all done through the observations the characters make - we see nothing from their side at all. This is both good and bad. On the plus side it allows Campbell to draw out some interesting conversations and ideas from Geary and the crew, but all it ever can be is guess work on their part. It does very much feel like Geary, Desjani, Rionne and company believe that what they've come up with is the truth of the race - at least in general - but there is always that niggle that they may be wrong, that feeling that their judgements may come back to bite them at a later date.

Other than that aspect I thought the time spent in alien space was the highlight of the novel, finally getting to the juicy bits I was hoping for when I opened the book. There are some interesting set pieces along the way too and the finale certainly gives more questions than answers - you can be sure I'll be reading the second book as soon as I can!

One thing I was expecting plenty of from past experience with Campbell's writing was of real-time space battles, but there weren't anywhere near as many as I expected. I found the battles to go by quicker than in the first series, not as much time spent dealing with events during the heat of battle, and I missed it. Whether this was done to be more accessible to readers or simply because Campbell felt there was no need to go to the same lengths I don't know.

Regardless of all the little issues I had with Dreadnaught, I loved every minute of it. I've been with these characters through six novels and it felt like returning to an old group of friends.

This does bring me to one last comment, and it's only my personal opinion: this series is much better suited to those that have read the previous Lost Fleet books. I think a newcomer may feel a little out of place with such a large amount of world-building, character development and story taken place over six previous novels, and believe me, all past developments make this a stonking read.(less)

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About Jack Campbell

Jack Campbell is a pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series....more

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Quotes from Dreadnaught

“Desjani pulled out a ration bar. 'Hungry?' she asked Geary.

'I had something earlier. Is that a Yanika Babiya?'

'No. It’s . . .' She squinted at the label. 'Spicy chicken curry.'

'A chicken curry ration bar? How are they?'

Taking a small bite, Desjani chewed slowly, pretending not to be aware that everyone on the bridge was watching her instead of staring at the representation of the alien hypernet gate. 'It’s definitely got curry in it. Spicy, not so much. Some of the other stuff tastes like chicken.'

'That doesn’t narrow it down too much, does it?' Geary said.

'Every kind of meat in a ration bar tastes like chicken, Captain,' Lieutenant Castries suggested. 'Except the chicken.'

'You’re right, Lieutenant,' Desjani said. 'Real chicken in ration bars tastes like, what, mutton?'

'Ham,' Yuon tossed in. 'Bad ham.'

'So this can’t be chicken because it tastes like chicken,' Desjani concluded.” — 4 people liked it

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title link	preview: Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier
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Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier (Beyond the Frontier #1)

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