Tasmanian SFG: Welcome to Hell

Tasmanian SFG #1

by C.R. Daems

Jolie was three when she found she was ugly and deformed.
She was five when she found she was a sub-human and an outcast.
She was seven when five boys and two girls dragged her out of the orphanage and beat her unconscious, leaving her lying bleeding and broken in the street.
She was content to lie there and die, tired of being hated and abused. But a frail old man with wispy white hair and a long beard wasn't content to let her die. He not only saved her, but he adopted her and passed on his unique martial art to her.
She was twenty when she headed to Delphi, the center of the United Systems of Perileos (USP) and the planet of her birth-father to find her place in his society.
Based on her unique upbringing, she decides to join the USP military, requesting to be assigned to the Tasmanians SFG, an elite all male unit. The military brass is reluctant to deny her request and admit their enlistment contract permits bait-and-switch assignments. Instead, they agree to let her enter the school, thinking she couldn't possibly succeed–a Chihuahua competing against Rottweilers–and plan to make an example of her when she fails.
Although Jolie is small, she is not what she appears. But can her adopted father's art enable her to survive the treachery of the military brass, the grueling of the school, the prejudices of the instructors, and the testosterone of an all-male class.
And if she succeeds, can she thrive in the high-octane and all male environment of the Tasmanians?

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Military Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Military Science Fiction, Action

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2019

About the author

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and joined the military right out of high school. I served twenty-two years in the United States Air Force as a certified internal auditor. While in the military service, I lived in seven states and two foreign countries, and obtained two degrees: a BS in mathematics and an MS in computer science.

After I retired from the Air Force, I secured a position with Digital Equipment Corporation, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, as a software course developer and instructor. I worked twenty-two years at DEC and held positions as a course developer, course development manager, software engineer, and software engineering manager.

Today, I’m retired and live in Tucson, Arizona, with my wife of fifty-three years. My daughter and two grandchildren live in Maryland. I began writing several years after I retired, when I was seventy. My first two attempts remain in my desk drawer—good ideas, but poorly written. Subsequently, I co-authored, with Jeanne Tomlin, three fantasy novels: Talon of the Raptor Clan, Scales of Justice, and All My Friends Have Wings (young adults). Talon of the Raptor Clan was sold to ePress-online Books and came out in July 2009. Since then I have written two additional novels: The Laughing Hounds (urban fantasy) and The Riss Gamble (science fiction).

My hobbies for the past forty years have been kung fu and tai chi.

Reviews

[Dahrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a strange read. Firstly, the writing style. It's short, sharp, and abrupt, with a rather alarming number of grammatical errors - missing words mostly.
At first I didn't mind this approach - the beginning of the tale and Jolie's training to become a Devil - it was great. But when we get to the assignments - all I did was start skimming, There was so much detail, and it was so dry. Skimmed the last third of the book.

My next problem was Jolie - our first female to join the Devils. The author even states this several times throughout the book - Jolie is a special snowflake - in that despite her size and gender she was basically raised as a man, with no social female mentor at all, along with like 15 years of judo training. So Jolie could have just as easily been a small, fragile male and had the exact same story. This is not a feminist tale. Or a teach the males a thing or two tale. It's a special snowflake tale - with an asexual lead who really doesn't have much of a personality.

Parts of it were interesting - and the bare bones are great - but the execution and the characters - they needed a lot more meat on them to get me gripped or loving this.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly typical C.R. Daems story, a heroine that starts out by being abused then becomes a combat genius. The book was very easy and enjoyable to read, although I think there was probably a bit too much combat. Also in the second major engagement at no point did anybody question the morality of killing natives who were trying to defend their homes.

[Doug McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific as usual

Subject says it all. The one complaint I have is its addictive. First I did not put the book down then it ended. I am in withdrawl waiting for the story to continue...

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ about 50%

So, as a SF military setting, this book was awful. This could have been set down the road about 10-20 years ago for all the world building, tech and attitudes towards women. As a bootcamp book, its also lacking in terms of relationships and characterisation. Not that I expect deep characterisation and relationships in a bootcamp book; but I'd expect it to be easy to figure out which character is which and for some kind of upset (or even reaction!) when a fellow squaddie dies.

It's so sparse on details, it's also really unclear why characters do things. For example, it's not detailed why the FL is an outcast from the orphanage. We're told that the FL is "ugly". But how? Is she lacking a tail? Not green like the rest of them? Why then did her Father pick her up from the gutter, then train her up and then just boot her off planet? No clue. Plus, I've read better settings where the "odd one out" is up against bias because of things out of their control (e.g. Warship, etc). And Mercedes Lackey does traumatised special snowflake with super skills so much better :)

I was also deeply uncomfortable about the orders of the brass to make her wash out. The torture session is pretty much just glossed over with no ramifications, which I could put down to her "special training". What I couldn't believe was that a unit which is trained to think for themselves would blindly follow orders like that? If the guy bought into the "this is a MAN'S unit" belief then maybe. But he comes up an apologies when she makes it? WTF?!

Glad I only picked it up as an Audible+ catalogue to keep me occupied until my next credit. Urgh

Audio: Some weird pacing with the narration, but I think from the other reviews here that's because of the writing. I think I'd give Emily Woo Zeller another listen

[Winnifred · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bizarre. It read like an extremely detailed outline of an entire series, rather than a fully developed individual novel. Despite ostensibly spanning more than 2 years, by the end of the book I didn't feel like I'd learned anything new about our heroine than I had one chapter in. Nor did the author seem particularly interested in meaningfully exploring her relationships with anybody else. That's a problem with military fiction in particular, because if I don't know enough about specific relationships to care about them, I also don't care enough about each character to feel tension when their life may be in danger.

While I really dig the premise, I also didn't see what it was about the Tasmanian program that made it all but impossible for women to qualify. I was expecting there to be more emphasis on her hard physical limitations. For example, each Tasmanian might need to be able to carry X amount of insane weight doing X insane task and it's simply not possible given her musculature. Forcing her to somehow find her own way around each problem. Instead it was more about enduring physical exhaustion and psychological and physical pain. Believe me. Women have plenty of practice with those.

Finally, there were some weird moral undertones that I wasn't expecting. It's pretty startling to have a character we're supposed to like *literally* use the words "I was just following orders, sir. I didn't have a choice." as an excuse for doing something horrifying to another human being. It so immediately (and unnecessarily) calls to mind the Nuremberg defense that I'm really surprised that specific line was left in the final cut of the novel. It felt especially out of place in a military unit the author takes great pains to explain doesn't follow the same rules as everybody else. Super uncomfortable.

[mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I just couldn't put it down, I was hooked from the start. A fast paced, action packed story with exciting plot twists and wonderfully memorable characters, I can't wait to start the next book.

[Tracy Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a romance, at all. She's trained, then has combat. While I admit I was on the side of the insurgents, the book was 100% engaging. Our heroine is awesome and I wish I could be friends with her for real. Loved the ending, looking forward to book 2.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars Sci-fi with a kick. This wasn’t just one story but a series of events and battles over a couple of years. Lots of action, some humor, and fun.

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Military Book Ever

Everything I look for in a book is found in this one: bad- assery, female protagonist who can hold her own, martial arts, the meany butts in a powerful position taken down a notch or 5, connection between the characters, violence. I love this book. 10/10

[Alissa Thorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a rather heavy handed parable on the superiority of thinking before you act and managing your emotions over charging in and pretending no fear in service of tough guy bravado. It wasn't enough that every major plot point was framed with the main character triumphing over angry bumbling fools because she took two seconds to think and clam her mind, but then every person she interacted with found it necessary to summarize the moral lesson for you by way of saying how wrong they were to underestimate her and her approach and just how darned great she is.

(As a side note, I think the debates from other reviewers on sexism is a case of Poe's Law. Yes, there's plenty of over the top misogyny. But it's mostly there to demonstrate just how vile the various straw characters are. It would be like an author using the kick-the-dog trope literally, then for reviewers to get enmeshed in a debate on animal abuse.)

Even so, it was an action packed adventure that I found myself engrossed by despite myself. The characters were distinctive and likable, the fight scenes vivid, and the tone oddly lighthearted in spite of the seemingly grim context. Between the absurd proselytizing and the military theme which isn't my usual thing, I kept thinking I'd stop reading it any minute. Instead I got so caught up in the ride that I was done before I knew it.

[Deacon Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

C.R. Daems is new to me, so for those who have read a lot of this writer's work, I cannot say how it compares. What I can say is that the basic concept was strong and intriguing. I wanted to know where it goes.

I will say the so called Rangers apparently couldn't read a map, and the trainers giving them, "Routes" was baffling. I suppose if you have never done any military training this would be more believable, but like so many who have, I kept wondering why kind of outfit trains like this.

Their motto seems to be, "Welcome to the Tasmanians, Jolie." Because they say that after just about every encounter.

The more I read the more I became frustrated with the Mary Sue, never fail, flow of the piece. Maybe instead of Mary Sue we should just call these kinds of characters Jolie's. I also grew annoyed with how stupid everyone else was.

All in all I liked the story, the concept and I do want to see where it goes in the next book if there is one, but, I will have to keep an eye out for it in the books you get free with the subscription.
If I were to give one tip to the writer it would that to add an antagonist earlier in. The chance was there with the interrogation, but pissed away in my view.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not the worst book I have ever read but it’s certainly fairly close. Perhaps I have come across too many people that do everything right, at the right time, manage to overcome all hurdles because they really are superior to us plebs. But there was nothing about the heroine that I liked. I have a fairly juvenile sense of humour so every time the author wrote about ‘earning the fur’ and ‘wearing the fur’ I sniggered uncontrollably. There were a lot of phrases or descriptions that made me feel that the author did not have too much of a military background. For example, when acknowledging an order given to you, you don’t reply ‘yes, platoon leader’ - that’s not a rank. And then, on a different planet with supposedly futuristic arms and ammunitions, along comes someone with a Gatling gun! Unable to recommend to the normal crew

[Charles Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasmanian Devil's Special Forces Group

Wow! Jolie is my new favorite character and the Tasmanians are my new favorite fictional military group. Their organization is unique and effective. She combines an exceptional martial arts base with the pragmatic Devils' fast deadly attacks. She also has a incisive and intuitive approach to strategy and tactics. Her interpersonal skills and fearless approach to her life are admirable. The plot is immersive and the writing is remarkably skilful. You will find plenty of exciting action. I highly recommend this amazing book to all military fiction fans.

[Jessica Orth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first C. R. Daems novel which I had listened to on Audible, and I loved it!!
Was a great, no-nonsense adventure. Easy to read. Was my first read that didn't have any romance at all which was shocking but I really enjoyed it regardless. This series is one I go back to listening to on Audible while doing house work because it's fun and simple, with a fantastic FMC, intriguing training, and great characters.

[Sharnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like these books. I’m not going to say that the writing is the best but I love the storyline.
The writing repeats a lot, it’s has a lot of ‘tell me’ rather than ‘show me’, and it lacks character development but I still love this series. I cannot explain why, maybe it’s the missions or the strong FMCs, it makes up for it?

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the beginning of this story even though I would have appreciated much more story revolving around the”father” as well as how the main character ended up an orphan in the first place. The story as a whole is good with quite a bit of action. I guess my one main complaint is that the main character becomes a bit of a Mary Sue. Still, the overall story was a good read.

[Chip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a strange but fun book. Essentially like GI Jane (the film), a woman joins special forces, people are misogynistic, she proves herself, everyone likes her. It's a complete Mary Sue power trip but it is really, really fun and I enjoyed listening to it; so much so that I bought the sequel and listened to it immediately after.

The characters are fine, there are some baddies but there's never any military ethics or PTSD. Everyone is enthusiastic, loves war and agrees with the main character. The main character is very much written in the I'm-not-like-those-other-girls style and immediately assumes no other woman can accomplish what she has because they are women.

She also claims to be raised in a unisex manner but plays up to a lot of female stereotypes for her male friends amusement. Her dialogue in a non-military setting isn't great. You want to skip the post-mission storytelling bits by skipping to the end of the chapter. They're only a few minutes but cringeworthy and painful but everyone cheers and applauds (as they do whenever the main character says anything in a non-military setting).

The world also makes no sense. You have a multi-planet spacefaring empire of largely humans and they train their elite troops in small unit tactics and knife fighting. They even get sent against an otherwise undefeatable group of bow and arrow wielding jungle folk. They have drones. They have infra-red. Jungle bandits wouldn't keep killing off every army unit sent at them.

On top of that the conflicts are small and the units sent in are always undersized. "They're planning a planetary rebellion. They've got hundreds of people. We'll send a few dozen." I'm not sure there was ever a "war" with over 1,000 people involved.

The plot is episodic but works well to get the characters in different situations and make them tense and exciting.

The narrator is also quite slow. Even if you don't normally speed up I'd recommend at least 1.1x speed. I usually listen at 1.05x and that still felt too slow.

It may sound like I've trashed this book, and I sort of have but the reason I've given it 5 stars is despite all of that stuff it is fun! Like really Fast and Furious, Point Break or Con Air, it's madcap dumb fun that you can just sit back and enjoy without engaging your brain too much.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't call this high literature but I do always enjoy Daems books and women kicking arse; it's a very difficult book to put down once you start reading.

The stars got pulled down from what would otherwise have been 5 stars because of a significant issue I had with their second real-life (post training) engagement. Essentially, the colonisers had lucrative mining operations but were being harried by the indigenous people, who didn't like having their land taken. Our 'heroine' and her team are on the side of the colonisers, essentially there to slaughter. At no point do they consider whether it's actually the right thing to do! As an Australian, I see significant parallels with the colonisation of Australia and slaughter of the Aboriginal people at the time, and found this quite uncomfortable.

[Bob C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the finest military science fiction novels I've ever read!

Luan the Tasmanian Special Forces soldier is a force of nature! I loved everything about this first novel in the Tasmanian Special Forces series and it was all awesome. The plot, the character development, the characters, the missions, the heroes and even the villains were incredibly vivid, detailed and well done. The Tasmanian brotherhood rules! After writing this review I'm going to immediately buy and start reading book two in this series. Great job C.R. Daems! Buy this book and read it now! You WILL be very glad that you did!! :)

[Christine Hertneky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable read. Gives a believable back story to an abandoned young child being bullied and abused at a young age. She is adopted, trained and treated as only a person not a child or female. She later uses her training to guide her where she is today. In an elite all male military group.
You are thrown into the missions with the team and feel as if you are there next to them. The writing style is sharp and clean. No extras added in. Just as it would be if you were in the mission.

[MALINI CARMICHAEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

ninja girl

Nice classic story of poor orphan girl who gets final revenge on bully by becoming, top notch fighter and joining special military group. As the only female, she becomes a new legend. Finally to return home to find bully has taken over her family’s home, so she kicks butt and saves her surrogate father’s life and home. Nice read, action packed, liked the fact you kept the LFC strong throughout the story line.

[Christy MacFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

As always C.R.Daems draws you in, the protagonist becomes your best friend, the person you can count on to have your back. my own reality becomes so mundane when pitched against the excitement of his stories. I hope you live forever my friend, otherwise my future reading life will be very bleak.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to hell was very good. It was action packed and interesting. I was very surprised with this book. It is outside of my normal genre. I started it actually because the audio book is done by one of my favorite narrator's. Fox is awesome and kick butt. The book is fast paced and filled with action. I have already purchased the next book and highly recommend giving it a try.

[Karen Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Outstanding Adventure!

I started with book #4, because I was just shopping around for something to kill some time. I was hooked within the first chapter. This series is absolutely wonderful. I couldn't put it down until I was already over half the way through. Keep putting out great work like this, please.

[Reading into the Void]

DNF at about 50%—never have I read a woman character quite so thoroughly a Pick Me—I’m not like other girls as in this. So much sexism throughout and the MC is aware it’s sexist so at least the author isn’t a flat out misogynist, but it was the main plot point so definitely not enjoyable to read even if it was a free audiobook narrated by my favorite narrator—Emily Woo Zeller.

[Shuaibu Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially hesitant, I was quickly hooked after a few chapters, realizing I’d stumbled upon a series I couldn’t put down. The story’s raw grit and relentless drive make it compelling. The female protagonist strongly evokes Andien Broxin from the Galaxy’s Edge series, delivering a fierce, unforgettable character.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes

Now this book promises a start of a very entertaining series and I will enjoy the ride. I have finished the first one and will now start the second one. Thank you for taking me/us to the ride.

[Micheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed.

Full of action, the only complaint really an observation was the emotional content intended to be relatively flat? I know the method was of control just interested to know.
On to the second book.

[Shana Pare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful

A great story which I highly recommend. Luan is definitely the little engine that could.The first woman into a special forces battalion is a story worth reading.

[r. k. Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable

Once I had picked it up had difficulty in putting it down to sleep or do chores. It did not try to put over a political doctrine just a very entertaining read, now for number two.