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A Learning Experience #6
Their Last Full Measure
Humanity has won a great victory, shattering the alien fleet that would have destroyed the Solar Union and exterminated the human race. But the war is not yet over. The Tokomak still have a huge fleet and an immense industrial base, large enough to crush the human race once and for all if they have time to bring it into action. The war may still be lost.
There is only one way to win. Admiral Hoshiko Stuart and her fleet must take the war deep into enemy territory, to the very heart of the Tokomak Empire. But with the Tokomak gathering their forces and rallying their allies for one final battle, the outcome still hangs in the balance...
...And whoever wins will dominate the galaxy for thousands of years to come.
There is only one way to win. Admiral Hoshiko Stuart and her fleet must take the war deep into enemy territory, to the very heart of the Tokomak Empire. But with the Tokomak gathering their forces and rallying their allies for one final battle, the outcome still hangs in the balance...
...And whoever wins will dominate the galaxy for thousands of years to come.
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2019
159 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 30, 2020
This book concludes the war with the Tokomak and is a fitting end to the series. I enjoyed the book although at times it seemed a bit repetitive with yet another Gravity Point battle which turns into a 'slug fest', while the Tokomak witter on about their superiority.
September 24, 2021
I really liked the series! Mr. Nuttall time and again reminds us that alien minds may not necessarily think as humans do, in fact will not think or act in that manner. These ideas we can certainly apply with the differing cultures across the globe, just as the colorblind, racially neutral, libertarian tenets of the Solar Union have much to offer us today. There is plenty of action, although the technological progress the Solar Union makes in such a short period seems a bit unrealistic, and the Solar Union's industrial capacity to produce the weapons used would require mountains of resources and capital beyond imagination. Again, minor items since this is science fiction......
As Frank Herbert did in Dune with Baron Harkonnen, Mr. Nuttall provides us with an indisputably evil, but very capable villian in Princess/Empress Neola. The good guys, Mishiko, Hameeda, Martin, and to a lesser extent, Steve, allow us to share not only their actions, but their thoughts and motivations for what they are doing and saying.
While one could read this book as a stand alone, having read the first five of the series was a huge help with the characters and the overall themes. Mr. Nuttall does a good job with knowing his audience, using terms and phrases most readers can understand. A gentle criticism would be the need to weave in the explanation of the acronyms and abbreviations. Some may not know what an MEU or RV point would be.
I also enjoyed Mr. Nuttall's after words. He seems to be prescient, considering when they were written, with much of what he has outlined coming to pass today. While this is my first review of his work, I have read several other books he has written in other series, and have enjoyed them as well. I look forward to reading his future works.
As Frank Herbert did in Dune with Baron Harkonnen, Mr. Nuttall provides us with an indisputably evil, but very capable villian in Princess/Empress Neola. The good guys, Mishiko, Hameeda, Martin, and to a lesser extent, Steve, allow us to share not only their actions, but their thoughts and motivations for what they are doing and saying.
While one could read this book as a stand alone, having read the first five of the series was a huge help with the characters and the overall themes. Mr. Nuttall does a good job with knowing his audience, using terms and phrases most readers can understand. A gentle criticism would be the need to weave in the explanation of the acronyms and abbreviations. Some may not know what an MEU or RV point would be.
I also enjoyed Mr. Nuttall's after words. He seems to be prescient, considering when they were written, with much of what he has outlined coming to pass today. While this is my first review of his work, I have read several other books he has written in other series, and have enjoyed them as well. I look forward to reading his future works.
February 23, 2020
So much better than the last book
Again, we are fighting battles, and referring to WWII similarities. We don't end up with an atom bomb, instead we do a pincher maneuver. We do, however, follow an island hopping campaign. We rely heavily in promoting a fifth column by encouraging non-tokomak residents of various planets to revolt and overthrow their Quisling regimes. There's a lot of preaching which is not oppressive as the author attempts to describe the ossification of an empire that had been around to long. It's an interesting concept, but the issue is much too complicated to handle in the simplistic manner described by the author. Although the story ends with a Solarian win, the author leaves us with the concern that the solarian empire is already showing signs of ossification much as Rome after Hannibal's campaign, with Tokomak Prime being in a similar situation as Carthage.
Again, we are fighting battles, and referring to WWII similarities. We don't end up with an atom bomb, instead we do a pincher maneuver. We do, however, follow an island hopping campaign. We rely heavily in promoting a fifth column by encouraging non-tokomak residents of various planets to revolt and overthrow their Quisling regimes. There's a lot of preaching which is not oppressive as the author attempts to describe the ossification of an empire that had been around to long. It's an interesting concept, but the issue is much too complicated to handle in the simplistic manner described by the author. Although the story ends with a Solarian win, the author leaves us with the concern that the solarian empire is already showing signs of ossification much as Rome after Hannibal's campaign, with Tokomak Prime being in a similar situation as Carthage.
December 4, 2019
One of the best series of SF, space base books I have ever read. It takes the human race from the current time to the defeat of the major galactic empire. There is a human content that spans the timeline and a new morality that makes humans more human. Christopher Nuttal... I read the at the end o f the book. I get it and I agree. Have you considered military, historical fiction? You have a great knowledge of history.
One of the best series of SF, space base books I have ever read. It takes the human race from the current time to the defeat of the major galactic empire. There is a human content that spans the timeline and a new morality that makes humans more human. Christopher Nuttal... I read the article the end book. I agree. Beuracy can kill innovation(25 years in high tech).
One of the best series of SF, space base books I have ever read. It takes the human race from the current time to the defeat of the major galactic empire. There is a human content that spans the timeline and a new morality that makes humans more human. Christopher Nuttal... I read the article the end book. I agree. Beuracy can kill innovation(25 years in high tech).
February 1, 2020
Can't wait for the next book!
If you're a fan of this series, you'll like this one too! This book was the conclusion of the story, so it had to happen, right? Unfortunately, there were no surprises, nothing unexpected. Although I liked it, I was also disappointed at the end. It seems like there could be so many paths and stories in this universe, but none were explored here. All the gimmicks were replays, and the biggest innovation was the use of a supercarrier. It seemed like this book was written because the story had to be wrapped up, the end. So why 5 stars? I really did like reading it, but I guess because I really hope Christopher is encouraged to find a way to re-innovate this story and blow us away like the first few books in A Learning Experience. Can he survive his own "third phase"?
If you're a fan of this series, you'll like this one too! This book was the conclusion of the story, so it had to happen, right? Unfortunately, there were no surprises, nothing unexpected. Although I liked it, I was also disappointed at the end. It seems like there could be so many paths and stories in this universe, but none were explored here. All the gimmicks were replays, and the biggest innovation was the use of a supercarrier. It seemed like this book was written because the story had to be wrapped up, the end. So why 5 stars? I really did like reading it, but I guess because I really hope Christopher is encouraged to find a way to re-innovate this story and blow us away like the first few books in A Learning Experience. Can he survive his own "third phase"?
October 28, 2020
Christopher Nuttall always has great characters, lots of action and terrific plots. This is a very good windup to the series with parallels drawn between the stories and world history. The lessons illustrated are as applicable now (especially now) as at any time. I personally like some of his other series even better, but this series was quite enjoyable. If he chooses to add new books in the series, I will certainly partake. As crass as it is to mention price - Chris is a great writer and his books are very reasonably priced - content and a great read equal terrific VALUE. It has enabled me to purchase most of his books and immerse myself in a new universe for weeks at a time. Please keep writing Mr. Nuttall and best of health to you.
January 26, 2024
First the problems: Lacks some of the suspense of previous books and character development is rather rote. The libertarian philosophy (much of which I agree with) is ladled on very heavily, to the detriment of the story's flow. The story seems to lack a real understanding of how big, both in area and in number of stars, the Tokamak empire (as previously described) actually is. The military strategy is a bit naïve. And the lead antagonist is a rather cartoonish villain, though at least she has actual responses to the clever ideas of the pesky humans.
But the battles are described well, the other non-human races are believable, and we get to the end of a story line.
This series isn't bad, but if you're interested in this kind of galaxy-spanning space opera, Weber is a better choice.
But the battles are described well, the other non-human races are believable, and we get to the end of a story line.
This series isn't bad, but if you're interested in this kind of galaxy-spanning space opera, Weber is a better choice.
December 4, 2019
Death or Glory
Excellent conclusion to A Learning Experience,humans are just to damn innovative and determined to survive to allow the Galactics dominate them and when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object all he'll breaks loose,the human fleet must fight its way across huge tracts of hostile space to try and force their enemies to come to the negotiating table and both sides are trying everything in their power to succeed.It would be great if Chris continued the rise of the Solar Union in a new story line,there are many strong characters and their stories are limitless.
Excellent conclusion to A Learning Experience,humans are just to damn innovative and determined to survive to allow the Galactics dominate them and when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object all he'll breaks loose,the human fleet must fight its way across huge tracts of hostile space to try and force their enemies to come to the negotiating table and both sides are trying everything in their power to succeed.It would be great if Chris continued the rise of the Solar Union in a new story line,there are many strong characters and their stories are limitless.
December 23, 2019
Robert's Review and Comments
A long struggle, a significant climax. Is it really the end? Most likely no, repair, rebuild and redeploy the fleet. Essentially taking the show, (Warfighting) on the road. These are the attributes of any good warstory and those that manage well these abilities will win the wars. A great read, if you move on with the Solar Union expansion and adventures in other parts of the universe, I will read it. Just remember, all empires grow and grow, then grow old and die or fade away. Thanks for a GoodRead.
A long struggle, a significant climax. Is it really the end? Most likely no, repair, rebuild and redeploy the fleet. Essentially taking the show, (Warfighting) on the road. These are the attributes of any good warstory and those that manage well these abilities will win the wars. A great read, if you move on with the Solar Union expansion and adventures in other parts of the universe, I will read it. Just remember, all empires grow and grow, then grow old and die or fade away. Thanks for a GoodRead.
March 14, 2025
Absolutely an epic story
I've read a great deal of Christopher Nuttals series of book about sci-fi and I believe this has to be one of his best. It's nearly as good as the 'Ark Royal series'.
Easy to follow and really grabs you from book 1. Book 1 is the best book to relate to us as we are now.
The rest of the books in the series are based in our future.
In the end I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in sci-fi stories and on a budget because there very reasonably priced for quality reading.
I've read a great deal of Christopher Nuttals series of book about sci-fi and I believe this has to be one of his best. It's nearly as good as the 'Ark Royal series'.
Easy to follow and really grabs you from book 1. Book 1 is the best book to relate to us as we are now.
The rest of the books in the series are based in our future.
In the end I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in sci-fi stories and on a budget because there very reasonably priced for quality reading.
December 9, 2019
Another excellent book by Nuttall.
I loved this book! Not only is it a great work of fiction it is a c a cautionary tale. Progress requires innovation or you are relegated to the dustbin of history as the antagonists are threatened to become. Will they make the necessary changes? Will we? A good yarn and something to think about long after you've finished reading this, or any other, of Nuttall's works.
I loved this book! Not only is it a great work of fiction it is a c a cautionary tale. Progress requires innovation or you are relegated to the dustbin of history as the antagonists are threatened to become. Will they make the necessary changes? Will we? A good yarn and something to think about long after you've finished reading this, or any other, of Nuttall's works.
December 13, 2019
It shouldn't have been unexpected, but I was surprised by this book and the suddenness with which it dives into action. It frames itself as a series of battles building up to a final conflict. It really goes much deeper as a clash of two cultures and looks at one very young culture pitted against a very very old culture.
Bringing back Steve Stuart (although mostly as an observer) was a nice way to 'square the circle' of the whole series. Well done.
Bringing back Steve Stuart (although mostly as an observer) was a nice way to 'square the circle' of the whole series. Well done.
December 31, 2019
I love the concept of the series
As the planned conclusion of this series, this well serves the reader with an entertaining page turner. I don't want to reveal the plot, but the plot lines flowing through the other books are concluded like in life. The start of the next chapter of life is left to your imagination, or possibly another series of books using the "story universe" built in this series as a foundation. Well worth reading the entire series.
As the planned conclusion of this series, this well serves the reader with an entertaining page turner. I don't want to reveal the plot, but the plot lines flowing through the other books are concluded like in life. The start of the next chapter of life is left to your imagination, or possibly another series of books using the "story universe" built in this series as a foundation. Well worth reading the entire series.
January 23, 2020
Great series, and Chris never disappoints!
Chris is always writing a political military thriller disguised as a science fiction drama. The parallels between the fantasy world so eloquently portrays and the real world are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the characters ' storylines. I highly recommend this and all of Chris' other texts. Check out the Ark Royal series of the empire corps as well, you will not be disappointed.
Chris is always writing a political military thriller disguised as a science fiction drama. The parallels between the fantasy world so eloquently portrays and the real world are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the characters ' storylines. I highly recommend this and all of Chris' other texts. Check out the Ark Royal series of the empire corps as well, you will not be disappointed.
September 27, 2020
Climax to the Tokomak Conflict
I always enjoy reading these books, the story flows well and doesn't get bogged down with technical detail. I also enjoy the questions posed regarding the effects of technology on society.
All told this is a fitting finish to this phase and will be interesting to see a continuation on the Solar Union in the aftermath of the demise of the Tokomak Empire.
I always enjoy reading these books, the story flows well and doesn't get bogged down with technical detail. I also enjoy the questions posed regarding the effects of technology on society.
All told this is a fitting finish to this phase and will be interesting to see a continuation on the Solar Union in the aftermath of the demise of the Tokomak Empire.
December 6, 2019
Space Opera done well
Another good entry in this Space Opera series. Lots of action and drama although the big battles tend to be mire Doc Smith than Davud Weber in style.
Chris can be a little preachy in places but writes good stories nearly every time. This is just one more good story he has entertained me with.
Another good entry in this Space Opera series. Lots of action and drama although the big battles tend to be mire Doc Smith than Davud Weber in style.
Chris can be a little preachy in places but writes good stories nearly every time. This is just one more good story he has entertained me with.
December 23, 2019
Awesome Author
This is the comclusion to a really fun sci fi series. What if we are a little backwater world earth in a galaxy that has a dominant power. What happens when earth finally climbs into the stars and starts to upset the order that has lasted since before we got out of caves.
This is the comclusion to a really fun sci fi series. What if we are a little backwater world earth in a galaxy that has a dominant power. What happens when earth finally climbs into the stars and starts to upset the order that has lasted since before we got out of caves.
December 23, 2019
The excellent story continues
Like the rest of this series of books Christopher Nuttall manages to create a stunning read. The depth of detail and the thoughtful incite into how future societies behave and evolve are intelligently explained so that the reader gets involved deeply with the character's. A great read and as always I look forward to the next instalment.
Like the rest of this series of books Christopher Nuttall manages to create a stunning read. The depth of detail and the thoughtful incite into how future societies behave and evolve are intelligently explained so that the reader gets involved deeply with the character's. A great read and as always I look forward to the next instalment.
January 21, 2020
Fabulous conclusion to an extraordinary series
Christopher brings this series to a close with thoughtful finesse. If you haven't dug into this one, you're missing out on an Opus on a par with Drake or Webber. If you DO miss out on this one, your failure as a Grognard will be noted.
Christopher brings this series to a close with thoughtful finesse. If you haven't dug into this one, you're missing out on an Opus on a par with Drake or Webber. If you DO miss out on this one, your failure as a Grognard will be noted.
February 13, 2020
Reality meets history
A quite well developed reflection between freedom and economic power. The spots where I was puzzled, were reasonable: any story can not fully embrace the complexity of reality. Especially if it wants to function and be enjoyable too read. This series is fun, and consistent. Enjoy.
A quite well developed reflection between freedom and economic power. The spots where I was puzzled, were reasonable: any story can not fully embrace the complexity of reality. Especially if it wants to function and be enjoyable too read. This series is fun, and consistent. Enjoy.
March 2, 2020
Great read got hooked after first chapter and didn’t put it down until it was finished great story not the normal disjointed three different stories at the same time this was a pleasure to read
Liked the story and the characters not normally into female lead characters but thoroughly enjoyed it as totally believable and it was a very linear story line
Liked the story and the characters not normally into female lead characters but thoroughly enjoyed it as totally believable and it was a very linear story line
July 14, 2020
Mock's review
One of the best series I have read in several years. I also thoroughly enjoyed the last few pages where an essay was printed. I actually plan on copying that essay with the author's name and sending it to a company that I see making some of these mistakes in hopes that they will change course.
One of the best series I have read in several years. I also thoroughly enjoyed the last few pages where an essay was printed. I actually plan on copying that essay with the author's name and sending it to a company that I see making some of these mistakes in hopes that they will change course.
March 4, 2021
An Exciting End to a Great Seried
It should be noted that I am a fan of the author's work, and have been bingeing on his books. I neglected this series far too long, but when I finally started with book 1, I could not stop. In my opinion, this is the best of his work, a thrill ride of a space opera series, with an exciting end. Highly recommended
It should be noted that I am a fan of the author's work, and have been bingeing on his books. I neglected this series far too long, but when I finally started with book 1, I could not stop. In my opinion, this is the best of his work, a thrill ride of a space opera series, with an exciting end. Highly recommended
August 31, 2023
Military space opera
Admiral Stuart is convinced that if they don't keep pressing the Tolomak earth will be doomed by their recovery and overwhelming power. In the conclusion of the war both sides make a commitment to fight to their last breath. To lose means genocide for humans and for the Tolomak loss of empire and ruin.
Admiral Stuart is convinced that if they don't keep pressing the Tolomak earth will be doomed by their recovery and overwhelming power. In the conclusion of the war both sides make a commitment to fight to their last breath. To lose means genocide for humans and for the Tolomak loss of empire and ruin.
December 4, 2019
Immensely readable
Good characterisation and believable action sequences that are Nuttall at his typical best. A background of galactic struggle that has you rooting for the good guys.
Good characterisation and believable action sequences that are Nuttall at his typical best. A background of galactic struggle that has you rooting for the good guys.
December 7, 2019
Very good
Finished the whole series and it was very good. Loved the way the Solarian Union came about. The author wanted to know if he should continue with this series, YES PLEASE.
Finished the whole series and it was very good. Loved the way the Solarian Union came about. The author wanted to know if he should continue with this series, YES PLEASE.
December 10, 2019
A Very Satisfying Conclusion.
While I tend to find Mr Nuttalls ' right wing diatribes annoying, I can't fault his gift for storytelling. This was a very interesting series with an excellent conclusion.
While I tend to find Mr Nuttalls ' right wing diatribes annoying, I can't fault his gift for storytelling. This was a very interesting series with an excellent conclusion.
December 11, 2019
Insightful perspective
Another great story that can be related to current worldwide events. Nuttal'warning that current voters in several countrys will fail to recognize. Democracy has to be paid for and freedom is not free.
Another great story that can be related to current worldwide events. Nuttal'warning that current voters in several countrys will fail to recognize. Democracy has to be paid for and freedom is not free.
December 16, 2019
And ending or a new begining
I liked this story as it was a good balance between character development, strategic planning, and tactical execution. It didn't get out of balance and dwell too long on one aspect or the other. A good read.
I liked this story as it was a good balance between character development, strategic planning, and tactical execution. It didn't get out of balance and dwell too long on one aspect or the other. A good read.
December 23, 2019
A good read. Some very interesting twists.
This was a fun rainy weekend read. Good battle sequences. Thought provoking values in war and why & when those values apply. Not a big part of story but noticeable. Link-ship is a fun concept.
This was a fun rainy weekend read. Good battle sequences. Thought provoking values in war and why & when those values apply. Not a big part of story but noticeable. Link-ship is a fun concept.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews