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The Lost Fleet #4
Valiant
Deep within Syndicate World space, the Alliance fleet continues its dangerous journey home under the command of Captain John "Black Jack" Geary--revived after a century spent in suspended animation. Geary's victories over the enemy have earned him both the respect--and the envy--of his fellow officers ...
"Black Jack" Geary has made many risky decisions as commander, but ordering the Alliance fleet back to the Lakota Star System where it had nearly been destroyed by the Syndics has his officers questioning his sanity. It's a desperate gamble that may buy Geary just enough time to prepare for the Syndics' inevitable return--and give the fleet a fighting chance of survival.
But even as he struggles to stay one step ahead of the enemy, Geary must face conspirators within his own fleet--an unknown number of officers who want a change of command. And Geary knows that his fleet must stand together or the Syndic forces will tear them apart ...
"Black Jack" Geary has made many risky decisions as commander, but ordering the Alliance fleet back to the Lakota Star System where it had nearly been destroyed by the Syndics has his officers questioning his sanity. It's a desperate gamble that may buy Geary just enough time to prepare for the Syndics' inevitable return--and give the fleet a fighting chance of survival.
But even as he struggles to stay one step ahead of the enemy, Geary must face conspirators within his own fleet--an unknown number of officers who want a change of command. And Geary knows that his fleet must stand together or the Syndic forces will tear them apart ...
284 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 24, 2008
410 people are currently reading
1983 people want to read
About the author
Jack Campbell
115 books3,029 followersJack 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. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
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. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews
December 1, 2012
I still read it in one sitting, but it's starting to get a bit formulaic:
1) Fleet travels to another star system way behind enemy lines, has to fight battle.
2) Main protagonist agonizes over the fact that he's being held up as some sort of deity like hero when he's really just human
3) Some of the captains in the fleet try to undermine his influence and get him out of the leadership position
4) He agonizes again over the fact that he's being held up as a deity like hero
5) Some random romantic tension
6) He continues to agonize over his deity-like hero status.
7) Fleet travels to another star system way behind enemy lines and has to fight battle (repeat from step 2).
Names change, the plot doesn't. But given that there are only two more books in the series, eventually there has to be some progress in the plot, right?
Despite the criticism in this review, the writing is generally good, and I am invested in the series. It's just, I worry he's gonna pull a David Weber and make this another Honor Harrington series. Goodness knows it's similar enough in so many other ways...
1) Fleet travels to another star system way behind enemy lines, has to fight battle.
2) Main protagonist agonizes over the fact that he's being held up as some sort of deity like hero when he's really just human
3) Some of the captains in the fleet try to undermine his influence and get him out of the leadership position
4) He agonizes again over the fact that he's being held up as a deity like hero
5) Some random romantic tension
6) He continues to agonize over his deity-like hero status.
7) Fleet travels to another star system way behind enemy lines and has to fight battle (repeat from step 2).
Names change, the plot doesn't. But given that there are only two more books in the series, eventually there has to be some progress in the plot, right?
Despite the criticism in this review, the writing is generally good, and I am invested in the series. It's just, I worry he's gonna pull a David Weber and make this another Honor Harrington series. Goodness knows it's similar enough in so many other ways...
March 26, 2013
Portions of this installment really, really seemed to drag (quite an accomplishment for a book that doesn't even crack 300 pages). Rione has become an almost unbearably obnoxious character to me at this point, and the first half of the book is basically her being an irritating wench about her relationship with Geary (a relationship she's done nothing but swear up and down means nothing to her emotionally). As a female reader I find it equal parts annoying and mildly offensive that the female characters in this series are so one-dimensional (basically their entire function is to throw themselves at the male hero - one a characature of the tricksy, scheming power-broad and the other your dutiful, rock-steady, hero-worshipping doorstop to whom the hero can do no wrong).
But anyway, four books in I should have more or less accepted the characterization style of this author. I've been able to essentially deal with it in the previous 3 volumes because the action moved along quickly enough to keep me distracted from the more soapy elements. That was much more difficult in this volume, as there really isn't much going on that's new or interesting. Our hero continues to be the living stars' gift to humanity, while scratching his head over the potential alien enemy on the horizon.
But anyway, four books in I should have more or less accepted the characterization style of this author. I've been able to essentially deal with it in the previous 3 volumes because the action moved along quickly enough to keep me distracted from the more soapy elements. That was much more difficult in this volume, as there really isn't much going on that's new or interesting. Our hero continues to be the living stars' gift to humanity, while scratching his head over the potential alien enemy on the horizon.
August 28, 2014
Black Jack Geary is back! Still trapped deep within Syndicate space, Geary and his ships are starting to feel more confident of eventual escape. They have shattered several Syndicate flotillas, and are now just a few jumps from Alliance space. What could possibly go wrong?
This series continues to exceed my expectations after an extraordinarily 'meh' start. After the first two books I debated going deeper into the series. Now I can't wait to get to the next story. I'll concede that the Space Opera elements are sometimes cringe worthy, and the character's sometimes feel a bit stuff. That being said, the space battles are top notch. The author manages to craft plausible start fleet battles while adjusting for relativistic effects, e.g., the communication/sensor time lag over the span of a solar system, the difficulties of targeting something while essentially moving at 20% the speed of light. And, in the last two volumes, the emergence of a new and deeper threat.
This last point really shines in this book. Geary and the Lost Fleet are shattering the Syndicates left and right. Previous victories have seriously damaged the Syndicate forces. The crews and CEOs are inexperienced. The weakness of the Syndicates allows Geary to focus on other threats - mainly the alien intelligence that appears to be operating in the shadows, manipulating humanity to more or less destroy itself in a genocidal war. This leads to no end of speculation on my part. Who is the intelligence? Is it an alien race? Is it one of many? Or is it artificial intelligence (think Cylons)? I don't know and not knowing makes the book much more interesting.
Layered on to this mystery is yet another one. A deadly program is found in some of the ships' programming. Now that Geary has proven himself time and time again, are his rivals moving to eliminate him, take command of the fleet and then take credit for the miraculous escape from Syndicate space? It appears so. But who are the opponents? Someone is operating in the shadows, and Geary and his allies need to find out who they are threatened by. Or, is the deadly trap somehow related to the alien intelligence?
Four broadsides out of five. These books are a lot of fun and should be read by those who enjoy military fiction or ships-of-the-line action. The first two are a bit lackluster, but it picks up after that.
This series continues to exceed my expectations after an extraordinarily 'meh' start. After the first two books I debated going deeper into the series. Now I can't wait to get to the next story. I'll concede that the Space Opera elements are sometimes cringe worthy, and the character's sometimes feel a bit stuff. That being said, the space battles are top notch. The author manages to craft plausible start fleet battles while adjusting for relativistic effects, e.g., the communication/sensor time lag over the span of a solar system, the difficulties of targeting something while essentially moving at 20% the speed of light. And, in the last two volumes, the emergence of a new and deeper threat.
This last point really shines in this book. Geary and the Lost Fleet are shattering the Syndicates left and right. Previous victories have seriously damaged the Syndicate forces. The crews and CEOs are inexperienced. The weakness of the Syndicates allows Geary to focus on other threats - mainly the alien intelligence that appears to be operating in the shadows, manipulating humanity to more or less destroy itself in a genocidal war. This leads to no end of speculation on my part. Who is the intelligence? Is it an alien race? Is it one of many? Or is it artificial intelligence (think Cylons)? I don't know and not knowing makes the book much more interesting.
Layered on to this mystery is yet another one. A deadly program is found in some of the ships' programming. Now that Geary has proven himself time and time again, are his rivals moving to eliminate him, take command of the fleet and then take credit for the miraculous escape from Syndicate space? It appears so. But who are the opponents? Someone is operating in the shadows, and Geary and his allies need to find out who they are threatened by. Or, is the deadly trap somehow related to the alien intelligence?
Four broadsides out of five. These books are a lot of fun and should be read by those who enjoy military fiction or ships-of-the-line action. The first two are a bit lackluster, but it picks up after that.
September 29, 2023
Starting to get a bit pot-boilery but still enjoyable. I’m beginning to wonder if the author is a super Christian because of how some of the love triangle stuff goes down and the reactions they have to some pornography they wind up seeing. They are completely repulsed by it but he kept the subject of it a mystery to the point that I was wondering if it was just the concept of any kind of porn they’re so freaked out by.
The space battles and internal strife in the fleet intensify a bit but there’s not a ton of character development after four books and they were going through whole scenes debating about plot points that I figured out two books ago.
Still fun, gotta finish the series at this point, only two left.
The space battles and internal strife in the fleet intensify a bit but there’s not a ton of character development after four books and they were going through whole scenes debating about plot points that I figured out two books ago.
Still fun, gotta finish the series at this point, only two left.
July 29, 2018
VALIANT is the fourth novel in the Lost Fleet series which has the premise of a King Arthur-esque military commander returned after a long stasis sleep. He is leading a fighting retreat from enemy space to his homeworld. Having reversed a retreat after being clobbered at the Lakota System, Captain Jack Geary hopes to reverse his fortune and get them back home.
This feels a bit like the second half of the previous novel, COURAGEOUS, in that it is all about the mission through the devastated Lakota system. It also initiates an interesting story about there being elements in the fleet which want to have Jack killed. Despite being a full novel in the series, it actually feels like its mostly build-up for the next installment of the series.
One thing I appreciate about this novel is the fact it brings an end to the Rione, Desjani, and Geary love triangle. Geary's love epiphany about who he actually finds perfect to be his spouse isn't surprising but it is welcome since Rione and Desjani's sniping was never all that entertaining. The military science fiction element is always great with Jack Campbell maintaining a wonderful grasp of future physics and storytelling.
I also like the fact we now have traitorous elements in the fleet, which play off of the fact Jack has been offending a lot of people with his merciful and pro-democracy views.
8/10
This feels a bit like the second half of the previous novel, COURAGEOUS, in that it is all about the mission through the devastated Lakota system. It also initiates an interesting story about there being elements in the fleet which want to have Jack killed. Despite being a full novel in the series, it actually feels like its mostly build-up for the next installment of the series.
One thing I appreciate about this novel is the fact it brings an end to the Rione, Desjani, and Geary love triangle. Geary's love epiphany about who he actually finds perfect to be his spouse isn't surprising but it is welcome since Rione and Desjani's sniping was never all that entertaining. The military science fiction element is always great with Jack Campbell maintaining a wonderful grasp of future physics and storytelling.
I also like the fact we now have traitorous elements in the fleet, which play off of the fact Jack has been offending a lot of people with his merciful and pro-democracy views.
8/10
November 14, 2014
-Fácil, ligera y, además, repetitiva.-
Género. Ciencia-Ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. La flota al mando de John Black Jack Geary ha escapado por los pelos de los ataques síndicos en el sistema Lacota aunque con daños de consideración, por lo que su decisión de volver al sistema es algo tan osado que sus enemigos (y algunos de sus subalternos) jamás lo esperarían, con el resultado de encontrarse con un gran número de naves pero la mayoría o dañadas o de carácter auxiliar. Con un mensaje en canal abierto, Geary trata de que los síndicos no recurran a medidas desesperadas bajo amenaza de represalias si lo hacen y la promesa de respetar a los vencidos si no lo hacen. Pero en su propio bando, por envidias, ineptitud, traición y ambiciones, hay amenazas a considerar. Cuarto libro de la serie La Flota Perdida.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Ciencia-Ficción.
Lo que nos cuenta. La flota al mando de John Black Jack Geary ha escapado por los pelos de los ataques síndicos en el sistema Lacota aunque con daños de consideración, por lo que su decisión de volver al sistema es algo tan osado que sus enemigos (y algunos de sus subalternos) jamás lo esperarían, con el resultado de encontrarse con un gran número de naves pero la mayoría o dañadas o de carácter auxiliar. Con un mensaje en canal abierto, Geary trata de que los síndicos no recurran a medidas desesperadas bajo amenaza de represalias si lo hacen y la promesa de respetar a los vencidos si no lo hacen. Pero en su propio bando, por envidias, ineptitud, traición y ambiciones, hay amenazas a considerar. Cuarto libro de la serie La Flota Perdida.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
November 11, 2022
Number Four of the Lost Fleet series.
For the those needing to know, there are maybe a handful of minor expletives used in the entire book, still no violence or gore, and there isn't any smut. There aren't even any fade-out-sensuality scenes.
Do you know what really puzzles me? The covers. The covers have a miltary guy holding a weapon on the ground of some planet. But so far in this series there are never any ground engagements. It's more of an elaborate game of Battleship, except in space. Actually, to refine the board game analogy, it's like a combination of Clue and Battleship. I have to wonder why the covers don't better reflect the content.
Moving along, the fleet is still trying to get back to Alliance space. Unfortunately, the Syndics seem to be able to anticipate which system the fleet will jump into next, so there tends to be some major space battles with the enemy. Either the Syndics have an accurate crystal ball or there's a more disturbing reason to explain this.
Meanwhile, the fleet commander has his hands full with a fair number of some truly cantankerous crewmembers. I really think he should just convert a destroyer into one big ol' ship-sized brig. And just like in real life, prison doesn't seem to put a stop to his enemies' scheming. What's worse is that he has hidden enemies plotting his downfall, too.
This is a such a good series!
For the those needing to know, there are maybe a handful of minor expletives used in the entire book, still no violence or gore, and there isn't any smut. There aren't even any fade-out-sensuality scenes.
Do you know what really puzzles me? The covers. The covers have a miltary guy holding a weapon on the ground of some planet. But so far in this series there are never any ground engagements. It's more of an elaborate game of Battleship, except in space. Actually, to refine the board game analogy, it's like a combination of Clue and Battleship. I have to wonder why the covers don't better reflect the content.
Moving along, the fleet is still trying to get back to Alliance space. Unfortunately, the Syndics seem to be able to anticipate which system the fleet will jump into next, so there tends to be some major space battles with the enemy. Either the Syndics have an accurate crystal ball or there's a more disturbing reason to explain this.
Meanwhile, the fleet commander has his hands full with a fair number of some truly cantankerous crewmembers. I really think he should just convert a destroyer into one big ol' ship-sized brig. And just like in real life, prison doesn't seem to put a stop to his enemies' scheming. What's worse is that he has hidden enemies plotting his downfall, too.
This is a such a good series!
April 24, 2025
Re-Read Review: The sniping between Desjani and Rione became even more annoying in this re-read, specially since it shows the author's bias. I would have expected a woman as smart as Rione to use indifference as her weapon, while still making Desjani jealous by flaunting her past relationship with Geary. She's a politician after all!
Original Review: *3.5 stars*
The plot in this book is so predictable that I can't really remember much what happened. As usual, Geary does the unexpected, double backs to the place of the last fight, catches the enemy with the pants down and proceeds to kick their ass. Besides that, two things stand out in this book:
- Desjani became a love interest! I confess I didn't see that coming. This was the subtlest love triangle I've ever seen. Once everybody realizes that Geary has romantic feelings for Desjani, the enmity between her and Rione goes nuclear and they snipe at each other throughout the whole book. This got tiresome after a while, as I expected them both to be more professional, but I guess they are real people.
- Traitors within the Fleet amp up their game to get rid of Geary. I thought this would be solved quicker but the book ended and we still don't know who's behind it all.
Totally looking forward to the next in the series!
Original Review: *3.5 stars*
The plot in this book is so predictable that I can't really remember much what happened. As usual, Geary does the unexpected, double backs to the place of the last fight, catches the enemy with the pants down and proceeds to kick their ass. Besides that, two things stand out in this book:
- Desjani became a love interest! I confess I didn't see that coming. This was the subtlest love triangle I've ever seen. Once everybody realizes that Geary has romantic feelings for Desjani, the enmity between her and Rione goes nuclear and they snipe at each other throughout the whole book. This got tiresome after a while, as I expected them both to be more professional, but I guess they are real people.
- Traitors within the Fleet amp up their game to get rid of Geary. I thought this would be solved quicker but the book ended and we still don't know who's behind it all.
Totally looking forward to the next in the series!
February 17, 2022
3.4⭐ Rounded Down
*Updated 17/02/22 Adjusts rating; Adds review from 2022 re-read.
That hibernating hero, Black Jack Geary, recovered after a century of cold sleep, is leading the Lost Fleet closer to home. Around now the series begins to get formulaic, with dialogue and plot points repeating. Who cares? If you've stuck with it this far you have to know what happens next. Better than average military space opera that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is. -30-
*Updated 17/02/22 Adjusts rating; Adds review from 2022 re-read.
That hibernating hero, Black Jack Geary, recovered after a century of cold sleep, is leading the Lost Fleet closer to home. Around now the series begins to get formulaic, with dialogue and plot points repeating. Who cares? If you've stuck with it this far you have to know what happens next. Better than average military space opera that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is. -30-
August 29, 2024
Still enjoying the story, the battles, having more insight into the enemy.
However, that love triangle? For the love of Pete, and his dragon, MAKE IT STOP!!!
However, that love triangle? For the love of Pete, and his dragon, MAKE IT STOP!!!
August 14, 2012
I found this book to be more engaging than the previous two. I don't know if it was because the book starts with a space battle, or if characters and situation seemed to finally be meshing. Whatever combination of factors it was, I felt more drawn into the story line with one exception - I believe I noted in Book 3: Courageous, that I wished the author would just space Co-President Senator Rione. Halfway through Valient I just wanted to space the woman. The petty jealousy building between Captain Desjani and Rione just did not work for me. Rione wanted everything and yet nothing from Geary. He couldn't give her that. She was jealous of his professional relationship with the ships Captian, yet as a character building scheme, it just didn't work. Rione was too conflicted, too uptight, and too demanding to work as a believable character. If you want someone to like you, don't chew their ass off every time you get them alone in their cabin.
My other complaint is the constant hero worship, the "You were brought back from the Stars to lead the Alliance to victory!" And "You were brought back to remind us what honor really was...". The author seemed to stick in these rah rah moments that felt a bit like, well, political speeches. Or something similar. Made me roll my eyes.
Okay, one more gripe. The women kept talking about Geary taking their 'honor' because they were attracted to him, slept with him, or harbored secret love for him. Point - it was established that most of this society had forgotten what honor was. Point - felt very 'old fashioned' for a woman to be worried about her 'honor' in this far future society where they are Co-presidents and Captains of starships. That just didn't fly with me.
So, overall, pretty good. The jealousy between the two women was old fashioned and over done. Recommended if you've read the first three in the series.
September 16, 2018
The previous book ended in a cliffhanger, so I had to continue right on with this one. Story wise this carries on with similar themes to the previous three books. There is a changing shift in emphasis as Captain Geary's battle tactics begin to take a toll on the Syndic's resources. But, the threats from within beginning to take on a more desperate tone. External to the Alliance - Syndic conflict, evidence of the third, alien, faction begins to mount.
Only two more books to go in this series so I look forward to finishing them off in the coming weeks.
Only two more books to go in this series so I look forward to finishing them off in the coming weeks.
April 27, 2022
The audio re-read continues, and we’re back to form with what is imo the strongest of the first 4 novels. Some fantastic political machinations, some fun minor mystery plots, and some awesome space battles. I continue to have a great time with this series.
September 17, 2018
According to GoodReads there are 3,000 reviews of Valiant. I'll take that on faith. Of the two dozen or so reviews I perused many loved the book, others disliked it and a great number sit in the middle. This middle generally enjoyed the read, has read the first three in the series and plans to finish the series as well. The general classification of the book by readers is as a mixture of "military science fiction" and "space opera" which is perfectly reasonable. For many readers the fourth book stalls, repeats similar descriptions of space battle, has all too much devoted to the hero's romantic problems and, ultimately, doesn't add much to the series. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, I tend to disagree with much of this general take.
I have this opinion that critical comment on the entire Lost Fleet series divides among readers expecting more or less "space opera" and similarly more or less "military SF." A more accurate definition might be to resurrect some older sub genres such as "space romance" or "space epic." By romance I mean the pre-modern idea of romance, the tale of a hero's quest, his struggles and journeys. I think that author Jack Campbell (a pseudonym for John G. Hemry) has, whether through accident or design, perfectly absorbed the classical components of the romance and flung it into a distant future. Consider that in Captain Jack Geary we have the hero of contemporary legend miraculously reappearing at a time of great peril. In hibernation for a century after his last stand against the enemy Syndics. His seniority puts him charge of a large Alliance battle fleet, light years from home and surrounded by the Syndics. This is perhaps the ultimate quest - to bring the fleet home and to do so while avoiding the temptation to power that his legendary status has engendered. What Geary might be facing is similar to what tempted Julius Caesar - shall I become a god, is it my destiny. The warnings against this and the fear that it will happen fall to Co-President Rione, the ranking civilian in the fleet. The love interest is complicated further by the fact that Geary is the top dog and having an affair with a subordinate is anathema to him although fine in the different world he now inhabits.
Despite some occasional turgid dialogue, mainly a repetition of expressions, one of the distinguishing characteristics of this series is the rather remarkable reliance on dialogue rather than action. The last six pages are all conversation, albeit following a harrowing space battle. In the end, taken as space opera, military SF, or indeed, space romance, this is an entertaining journey with some fundamentally serious questions animating the action. One of the best GoodReads reviews I read presciently noted the moral questions that play out thematically. Geary rebels against the methods of combat and the barbarism on both sides of the conflict. His attempts to overturn that culture of violence are among the finest parts of the series.
I have this opinion that critical comment on the entire Lost Fleet series divides among readers expecting more or less "space opera" and similarly more or less "military SF." A more accurate definition might be to resurrect some older sub genres such as "space romance" or "space epic." By romance I mean the pre-modern idea of romance, the tale of a hero's quest, his struggles and journeys. I think that author Jack Campbell (a pseudonym for John G. Hemry) has, whether through accident or design, perfectly absorbed the classical components of the romance and flung it into a distant future. Consider that in Captain Jack Geary we have the hero of contemporary legend miraculously reappearing at a time of great peril. In hibernation for a century after his last stand against the enemy Syndics. His seniority puts him charge of a large Alliance battle fleet, light years from home and surrounded by the Syndics. This is perhaps the ultimate quest - to bring the fleet home and to do so while avoiding the temptation to power that his legendary status has engendered. What Geary might be facing is similar to what tempted Julius Caesar - shall I become a god, is it my destiny. The warnings against this and the fear that it will happen fall to Co-President Rione, the ranking civilian in the fleet. The love interest is complicated further by the fact that Geary is the top dog and having an affair with a subordinate is anathema to him although fine in the different world he now inhabits.
Despite some occasional turgid dialogue, mainly a repetition of expressions, one of the distinguishing characteristics of this series is the rather remarkable reliance on dialogue rather than action. The last six pages are all conversation, albeit following a harrowing space battle. In the end, taken as space opera, military SF, or indeed, space romance, this is an entertaining journey with some fundamentally serious questions animating the action. One of the best GoodReads reviews I read presciently noted the moral questions that play out thematically. Geary rebels against the methods of combat and the barbarism on both sides of the conflict. His attempts to overturn that culture of violence are among the finest parts of the series.
February 3, 2012
Book four. I'm thinking it might have been a bad idea to read so many of these within hours of each other; it made sense at the time, with Courageous ending at a pause right in the middle of the battle, but I started to get that sort of overwhelmed mental constipation that...okay, that could just be me. Still.
I have the feeling that this book and Courageous are really one long book, and not just because of that not-really-an-ending. Stuff that's brought up in Courageous gets resolved in Valiant, and resolved well.
I have the feeling that this book and Courageous are really one long book, and not just because of that not-really-an-ending. Stuff that's brought up in Courageous gets resolved in Valiant, and resolved well.
July 22, 2011
I've got to say I'm becoming quite a fan of this series (2 to go now). I was reading the Honor Harrington series and hit a wall with "Her Amazingness" after a while. I do like military science fiction and "good" space opera. I forget how I actually stumbled on these (an add from Audible I think) but the space navy adventure along with the "what would happen if" concerning certain standard mythological ideals, drew me right in.
The biggest problem for me in these books (but may be what some others enjoy most, so there you go) is the "interpersonal story". The on and off running romance tied into political intrigue with Co-President Rione drives me a bit crazy. Of course there's also the undeclared..."undeclare-able" love between Geary and his Flag Ship Captain (unheard of...how dishonorable, really..come now,) etc., etc., etc. It gets a little close to soap opera for my taste, but then I'm sure this is (as I noted) some readers' favorite part of the books.
sigh.
But whether romance is your cup of tea or not there's plenty action to go along with it. Geary has doubled back to the Lakota Star System where things got very dodgy last time. This surprise move could give them the fighting chance of surprise...or end their hopes of getting the Lost Fleet back to Alliance Space at all.
Facing an enemy fleet in hostile space struggling against internal upheaval that ranges from resistance to his command all the way to attempted sabotage Geary tries to save his fleet. Always in the background of all this is the newly discovered knowledge that somewhere on the other side of Syndic space an unknown alien species is taking a hand in this human conflict. What do they want? The Syndics to win, the Alliance, or possibly the extinction of humanity itself?
As I said, I like these. And I plan to get back to the series as soon as possible (no really, I do. Maybe 6 or 7 books from now...instead of six or seven hundred).
Recommended.
The biggest problem for me in these books (but may be what some others enjoy most, so there you go) is the "interpersonal story". The on and off running romance tied into political intrigue with Co-President Rione drives me a bit crazy. Of course there's also the undeclared..."undeclare-able" love between Geary and his Flag Ship Captain (unheard of...how dishonorable, really..come now,) etc., etc., etc. It gets a little close to soap opera for my taste, but then I'm sure this is (as I noted) some readers' favorite part of the books.
sigh.
But whether romance is your cup of tea or not there's plenty action to go along with it. Geary has doubled back to the Lakota Star System where things got very dodgy last time. This surprise move could give them the fighting chance of surprise...or end their hopes of getting the Lost Fleet back to Alliance Space at all.
Facing an enemy fleet in hostile space struggling against internal upheaval that ranges from resistance to his command all the way to attempted sabotage Geary tries to save his fleet. Always in the background of all this is the newly discovered knowledge that somewhere on the other side of Syndic space an unknown alien species is taking a hand in this human conflict. What do they want? The Syndics to win, the Alliance, or possibly the extinction of humanity itself?
As I said, I like these. And I plan to get back to the series as soon as possible (no really, I do. Maybe 6 or 7 books from now...instead of six or seven hundred).
Recommended.
June 6, 2017
Series became a horrible grind to read through
I rated the first 3 books 4 stars. I am a sucker for military sci-fi. But it became a horrible grind to keep reading through. The same old tropes getting trotted through book after book, much of it derivative and not terribly interesting. The love triangle between Geary, Desjani, and Rione was ill-considered and poorly laid out. The angle with the unknown aliens is overwrought and poorly conceived.
Also, instead of the more typical prelude that says "here is what came before" you get the noxious interweaving of prose that explains and justifies the backstories of the previous books in the series. I found myself constantly skipping ahead a few pages. In fact, the actual story in this book didn't start until page 25 or so. Then later I'm skipping past all of the dreck of the love triangle.
This thing really became a drag to read. I stopped a little over halfway through. Military sci-fi is what it is. Don't try and make it something else (love story), and don't treat the reader like an idiot.
Best advice? Read stories 1-3 and then ignore the rest.
I rated the first 3 books 4 stars. I am a sucker for military sci-fi. But it became a horrible grind to keep reading through. The same old tropes getting trotted through book after book, much of it derivative and not terribly interesting. The love triangle between Geary, Desjani, and Rione was ill-considered and poorly laid out. The angle with the unknown aliens is overwrought and poorly conceived.
Also, instead of the more typical prelude that says "here is what came before" you get the noxious interweaving of prose that explains and justifies the backstories of the previous books in the series. I found myself constantly skipping ahead a few pages. In fact, the actual story in this book didn't start until page 25 or so. Then later I'm skipping past all of the dreck of the love triangle.
This thing really became a drag to read. I stopped a little over halfway through. Military sci-fi is what it is. Don't try and make it something else (love story), and don't treat the reader like an idiot.
Best advice? Read stories 1-3 and then ignore the rest.
July 21, 2019
En esta saga se hace difícil hacer reviews diferenciadas, así que seguimos disfrutando de lo bueno y lo no tan bueno, que a estas alturas está ya muy claro.
Lo único que le pediría a Campbell es que no insistiese tanto en las neuras de Geary. Entiendo que las motivaciones y circunstancias del protagonista son parte fundamental de la narración, pero cuatro libros seguidos leyendo las mismas dudas sobre su capacidad, sobre que no es el mito que todos esperan y sobre las tentaciones de la tiranía ya empiezan a resultarme un poco pesadas.
Además en este volumen aparece un triángulo pseudo-amoroso que añade aún más leña a las comeduras de coco del comandante de la flota perdida.
Aún así sigue siendo interesante y adictivo por la sucesión salto-combate-salto y la intriga de saber qué se encontrarán en el próximo salto.
Un último apunte, entiendo que Campbell quiera reforzar la imagen de integridad y honestidad de Geary, pero un comandante militar que se tomase tan a pecho las pérdidas propias en combate no tendría mucho futuro en una guerra, ni en la Edad Media ni en el año 3000...
Lo único que le pediría a Campbell es que no insistiese tanto en las neuras de Geary. Entiendo que las motivaciones y circunstancias del protagonista son parte fundamental de la narración, pero cuatro libros seguidos leyendo las mismas dudas sobre su capacidad, sobre que no es el mito que todos esperan y sobre las tentaciones de la tiranía ya empiezan a resultarme un poco pesadas.
Además en este volumen aparece un triángulo pseudo-amoroso que añade aún más leña a las comeduras de coco del comandante de la flota perdida.
Aún así sigue siendo interesante y adictivo por la sucesión salto-combate-salto y la intriga de saber qué se encontrarán en el próximo salto.
Un último apunte, entiendo que Campbell quiera reforzar la imagen de integridad y honestidad de Geary, pero un comandante militar que se tomase tan a pecho las pérdidas propias en combate no tendría mucho futuro en una guerra, ni en la Edad Media ni en el año 3000...
September 6, 2018
Valiant provides a satisfying resolution to the tense cliffhanger which occurs at the end of Courageous, the preceding entry in the Lost Fleet series. Beyond that feature, this book continues author John Hemry’s trend of slowly developing an intriguing overarching plotline.
Suspenseful depictions of large space battles continue to dominate the story, with a heavy thematic focus on heroism and honorable personal conduct. Among other unfolding narrative elements, an injection of skullduggery maintains a high level of tension for the benefit of the audience. More pieces of a puzzle begin to fall into place, appearing to lead toward some grand climax for the series.
On a negative note, the romantic triangle subplot feels juvenile and totally out of place in this otherwise entertaining novel. One primary character’s descent into irrational melodramatic jealousy stands at odds with her previously-established unflappable and pragmatic persona. Meanwhile, the awkward behavior of two others (including the protagonist) suggests that the author’s special talent for writing military science fiction does not translate well into describing realistic interpersonal relationships.
Despite some minor problems, Valiant offers another pleasantly diverting installment of the series. It seems reasonable to suppose that anyone who has enjoyed other Lost Fleet novels will also appreciate this one.
Suspenseful depictions of large space battles continue to dominate the story, with a heavy thematic focus on heroism and honorable personal conduct. Among other unfolding narrative elements, an injection of skullduggery maintains a high level of tension for the benefit of the audience. More pieces of a puzzle begin to fall into place, appearing to lead toward some grand climax for the series.
On a negative note, the romantic triangle subplot feels juvenile and totally out of place in this otherwise entertaining novel. One primary character’s descent into irrational melodramatic jealousy stands at odds with her previously-established unflappable and pragmatic persona. Meanwhile, the awkward behavior of two others (including the protagonist) suggests that the author’s special talent for writing military science fiction does not translate well into describing realistic interpersonal relationships.
Despite some minor problems, Valiant offers another pleasantly diverting installment of the series. It seems reasonable to suppose that anyone who has enjoyed other Lost Fleet novels will also appreciate this one.
November 5, 2023
Valiant (The Lost Fleet #4) by Jack Campbell isn't my usual brand of sci-fi since I'm not often into military science fiction, but I've found invested in the story and the characters more than I would have guessed. I'm so glad I decided to continue on with this series and very glad that this seems to end the love triangle situation because that was getting old. I might have to try a future installment of this series on audiobook because I bet the production could be great.
September 5, 2023
This book focused more on the romance and the legistics but was necessary for the plot to move forward… still enjoying it
July 12, 2019
Black Jack Geary is kicking butt again. Not high literature but good military fiction and stays away from "magic", mostly obeys physics as we know the rules. Battles are brief but well done. I really am getting tired of the "living stars" and "ancestors" religious references. Just annoying.
June 26, 2020
Battleship: The Book! (in space) or "Why We Fight and Why I Don't Care"
Playing the boardgame Battleship is fun. Listening to someone describe a round of Battleship is less fun. This book is the latter. It's military sci-fi that consists of the generic "Alliance" in their century long war against the "Syndicate Worlds" or "Syndics." The Syndics are human I suppose but have no motivation, are utterly faceless, colorless, and devoid of any characterization (let alone characters). I do know that they own star systems and various battleships and must be defeated. Why? Because this is military sci-fi dang it!
The Alliance is led by "Black Jack" Geary--who was there at the start of the war 100 years ago but was basically cryo-frozen and woken up 100 years later and is now in charge. His being a man out of time is mildly interesting until we get so deep into "Formation Bravo, bank left .32 degrees!" (i.e. Battlshipping) time and time again repeated over 284 pages. There's some mildly interesting elements of relativistic battles in space but those were largely dealt with in the first three novels and it's taken for granted here.
The "plot" is more random Battleshipping against faceless Syndic forces, a underdeveloped subplot of Geary facing internal dissension (which is not surprising considering he directs all his subordinate commanders at a microscopic level), and a singularly unimpressive love-triangle between Geary, a subordinate commander and a female politician that's on his ship. We get some one-off paeans to showing mercy in times of war, but ultimately, it falls flat and is ultimately a chore to finish.
Playing the boardgame Battleship is fun. Listening to someone describe a round of Battleship is less fun. This book is the latter. It's military sci-fi that consists of the generic "Alliance" in their century long war against the "Syndicate Worlds" or "Syndics." The Syndics are human I suppose but have no motivation, are utterly faceless, colorless, and devoid of any characterization (let alone characters). I do know that they own star systems and various battleships and must be defeated. Why? Because this is military sci-fi dang it!
The Alliance is led by "Black Jack" Geary--who was there at the start of the war 100 years ago but was basically cryo-frozen and woken up 100 years later and is now in charge. His being a man out of time is mildly interesting until we get so deep into "Formation Bravo, bank left .32 degrees!" (i.e. Battlshipping) time and time again repeated over 284 pages. There's some mildly interesting elements of relativistic battles in space but those were largely dealt with in the first three novels and it's taken for granted here.
The "plot" is more random Battleshipping against faceless Syndic forces, a underdeveloped subplot of Geary facing internal dissension (which is not surprising considering he directs all his subordinate commanders at a microscopic level), and a singularly unimpressive love-triangle between Geary, a subordinate commander and a female politician that's on his ship. We get some one-off paeans to showing mercy in times of war, but ultimately, it falls flat and is ultimately a chore to finish.
December 26, 2010
This was good, again. I rated it slightly lower than I've been rating the series so far. Considering the cliffhanger ending of Courageous, I thought this book took too long to get into. On the other hand, I was also distracted. I wasn't planning on reading Valiant immediately after Courageous, but I was curious to see what was going to happen at Lakota. There is a noticeable shift in this novel. Expect more intrigue and conniving at the cost of space warfare. Anyway, the series is still going strong. There is some more plot progression regarding the mysterious aliens, but still not enough to make me jump for joy. There are still a lot of things that need resolving here, and with only two novels remaining, I reckon the fireworks are about to start. It's been an enjoyable ride so far, here's hoping Relentless and Victorious wrap things up in style!
November 4, 2012
Well, looks like we've slogged through another volume of this series. I do find myself still wanting to finish the series because of the unresolved conflicts still skittering around the storyline like lit fuses, but there are times that the story really gets bogged down in the main character's personal issues. Before you label me a hater, allow me to explain that the vast majority of the issues I'm talking about are exactly the same ones that we've been dealing with in extensive and sometimes annoyingly repetitive internal monologues since we first met our protagonist back in book one. There are some new miseries being probed now, of course. John Geary's love-life continues to be tormentuous and dissatisfying, especially since we're now being dragged through a somewhat cliche love triangle and a case of forbidden love. Luckily, Mr. Campbell was still good enough to advance a very interesting plot and throw in some fantastic space battles and clever political intrigue, but there were times that it seemed a little half-hearted, like he really just wanted to get back inside Black Jack's head for another good self-flagellation. Oh well, can't quit now, can we?
July 19, 2012
Valliant by Jack Campbell
This book is in keeping with those that have come before it in the series. It's a solid read that, may not have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does not disappoint. It's straight foreward and interesting.
One thing that raises this book above others in the series is that finally Campbell has a clear message about the only way to honorably participate in war. He set these concepts up in the first three books, but this is the book it becomes clear in.
Let this stand out from inside the book.
"People who do not show mercy, should not expect mercy."
I particularly like Campbell's concept of "Honor Thy Ancestors."
This is more space Opera than Space Action. Campbell tells us about the battles more than we get to experience them. The style is reminiscent of Scaramouche, Doyle, Forester and Pope who wrote about nautical heroes at war on the high seas.
Good read, good series.
This book is in keeping with those that have come before it in the series. It's a solid read that, may not have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does not disappoint. It's straight foreward and interesting.
One thing that raises this book above others in the series is that finally Campbell has a clear message about the only way to honorably participate in war. He set these concepts up in the first three books, but this is the book it becomes clear in.
Let this stand out from inside the book.
"People who do not show mercy, should not expect mercy."
I particularly like Campbell's concept of "Honor Thy Ancestors."
This is more space Opera than Space Action. Campbell tells us about the battles more than we get to experience them. The style is reminiscent of Scaramouche, Doyle, Forester and Pope who wrote about nautical heroes at war on the high seas.
Good read, good series.
January 22, 2013
This is the first Lost Fleet book I have read that gave me what I wanted. Well a little bit of it. In just enough quantities that didn't have me bored to death or overly annoyed by its inconsistencies.
The plot actually thickens amongst the Alliance Fleet. Geary and his confidants use their accumulated Intel to piece together a better picture of the mysterious aliens. Begin subverting the Syndic populous in greater, calculable strides. All said they are getting things done. The old formula has been scrapped and a new outline is evident. Politics rule the day and there is less emphasis on fleet actions.
I was always more interested in the human/alien story. This is good news. Looking forward to more.
The plot actually thickens amongst the Alliance Fleet. Geary and his confidants use their accumulated Intel to piece together a better picture of the mysterious aliens. Begin subverting the Syndic populous in greater, calculable strides. All said they are getting things done. The old formula has been scrapped and a new outline is evident. Politics rule the day and there is less emphasis on fleet actions.
I was always more interested in the human/alien story. This is good news. Looking forward to more.
June 13, 2019
If you've read the previous three books, you pretty much know what to expect from this installment also. After the first hundred pages or so I was actually feeling rather bored: yes, there are space battles, but this is starting to get repetitive.
Fortunately Campbell seems to realize this and he ups the ante by introducing traitors/saboteurs and heightening the romantic tension between Desjani and Geary. Those developments were sufficient to keep the book reasonably interesting.
Fortunately Campbell seems to realize this and he ups the ante by introducing traitors/saboteurs and heightening the romantic tension between Desjani and Geary. Those developments were sufficient to keep the book reasonably interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2015
Will go back to the others in the series to write reviews when I have time but I think this was the best so far as they have been steadily improving as the characters get deeper.
Really enjoying
Really enjoying
November 22, 2016
I enjoyed it! More things going on than just the battles!
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