Invincible

by David Makinson

All Jack Tanner asks is to be judged on his own merits. But life as the son of a much-loved war hero is never going to be that simple. Caught up in a galactic war, he confronts deep personal tragedy, suffers life-threatening injuries, and finds love for the first time on his way to becoming a soldier and a leader. Galactic superpowers Meridian and Sendara have been at war for decades when Jack Tanner, fresh out of military academy, signs on with Meridian's Starforce for his final year of officer training. All he wants is to be allowed to stand or fall on his own merits. But life as the son of a much-loved war hero is never going to be that simple. Thrown into non-stop action right from the start, this is Jack's coming-of-age story. He will confront personal tragedy, stumble through the trials and tribulations of first love and discover the true value of friendship on his way to becoming a soldier and a leader. Across the galaxy, an organised crime syndicate concocts a treacherous plot that could change the course of the war. Bribery, sabotage, treason and murder combine to threaten Jack's family, his new friends, his career - and his life. Against a backdrop of interstellar war and an escalating series of betrayals, all roads lead to Kobara Junction, where Jack will be in the forefront of the climactic battle as a desperate Starforce strikes back against its Sendaran enemy. Military, Stars, Interstellar, War, Science, Starship, Action, Young, Adult, Fantasy

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2016

About the author

Author of INVINCIBLE - Volume 1 of the Tanner Archives. Published in March 2016.

Sci fi and fantasy tragic from way back. History fanatic, with a special fondness for the 16th to 19th centuries.

Currently residing in Sydney, Australia. Married, two daughters, dog and mortgage to feed.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invincible, by David Makinson, is a military adventure along the lines of Top Gun, Master and Commander, or Horatio Hornblower, except this story is set in space.
Jack Tanner, the main character, comes from a prestigious military family. His father is the current Admiral, so Jack faces more than a little resentment from his shipmates when he gets his first real assignment after leaving the academy.
But almost immediately the cadet officers are thrown into a series of battles between the Sendarans and the Meridians, two forces that have risen to challenge the old order of Riala. The mix also includes pirates and corrupt officials on both sides.
The Meridian cadets encounter hostile Sendaran forces on land and in space, and forge lasting friendships along the way, especially Jack and Bram, the hotshot pilot.
The world-building in this novel is first-rate. The experience of moving in extra-vehicular suits, of the crushing pressure of accelerating to hyper-drive speeds, of the docking into Nodes, used for slipping between far-distant points in the universe, all seem very believable.
Before one of the biggest battles, Jack is forced to confront the possibility that his hero father is actually a traitor.
While the plot is wrapped up at the end of the book, an epilogue leaves room for a sequel. I’d love to find out what happens to Jack, Bram, Pell, Regan, Zoe, and the others.
I’d recommend this book to all young (and not so young) adult readers. Military stories are usually aimed exclusively at boys, but this book makes a point of including female characters in all levels of service, which makes it more inclusive in its appeal. Good read. Highly recommended!

[Kimberly Newman]

Invincible, by David Makinson started off with gripping intensity. I enjoyed the glimpse into the mind of the main character. He is easy to understand and relate to and has honor. This book is well-paced with periods of nerve-wracking, nail-biting suspense followed by lulls that allow you to breathe again and slow your heart rate down. Invincible is definitely full of strategy, epic battles, heroism, camaraderie, and friendship.

I enjoyed the writing style immensely and recommend it for science fiction fans who love action battles. The cover is perfect for this carefully crafted book.

[Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy books where the main character is honorable but has to overcome his own internal struggles. This book was no exception to that and I really enjoyed reading about the world and universe that David Makinson has created with Invincible. The action scenes are well-written and incredibly intense and the plot is exciting and unique.

It also has flavorings of crime and subterfuge which makes it a lot of fun and adds extra levels to the story that help keep the pacing solid. A great read from a new author!

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy an entertaining piece of science fiction with lots of good interstellar war then this is a book for you. I liked it very much. The characters were great especially Jack Tanner and they played off each other very nicely. The back story and other necessary information was provided in historical reports throughout the story which worked well - kind of an info dump that wasn't. You will have to read it to see what I mean:)
The story was excellent and the action practically non stop. As we switched from one fighting sequence to another I was on the edge of my seat hoping none of my favourite characters would die!
Altogether a very worth while read for any sci fi fan.