Invincible: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier, Book 2

This summer I am slowly rereading the Lost Fleet series. Years ago I read the books as they were released, usually one a year. By rereading them all, slowly, but within a few months, I have come to greatly appreciate the high quality of writing, science, math, and planning.This morning in my Kindle (August 2023), I made a note that the situation with the Syndics is similar to that between the US and Russia. I made the note just towards the end of Invincible, written in 2013. Aside from the International Space Station, the relationship between the two countries has deteriorated, largely due to Russian imperial designs and a compulsion to sow chaos anywhere in order to gain power. An example of this was the Russian interference in the 2016 US elections.So, the spinoff of the Lost Stars series is a welcome look at how a society tries to break with its past and try a more humane way if running a society.Meanwhile, Admiral Geary and Victoria Rione remind us that power struggles within even a “good” system can corrupt that system.Thank you, John Hemby, for this series as well as the Pillars of Reality series. All great reads (and re-readable) and extremely thought provoking. Please keep writing!

Another Lost Fleet book by Jack Campbell? Oh, go on then!I think it's fair to say that I'm a fan of The Lost Fleet series of novels, and whenever a new volume is announced it's swiftly added to my wish list. Invincible is the second in the Beyond the Frontier saga, following on from the initial six book series, and picking up events immediately after the ending of Dreadnaught, and manages to add much more to the setting than I initially thought it would do.With the Alliance Fleet now firmly in alien territory we start just as Dreadnaught finished - with a massive alien fortress and fleet blocking the way back and chasing the Alliance ships. Geary must decide how to proceed, and with options limited, the only way is forward. Of course, not all is that simple...In Invincible Campbell managed to continue the ongoing human political issues just as well as he has done in previous volumes, but also adds in a new aspect with secrets from the past coming to the fore. While not much is done or explored with this new problem, it is very much a solid example of how he's developing the universe further with each volume, giving a deeper history to the Alliance-Syndic war, and laying the groundwork for what I can only imagine will be a very interesting aspect in future novels.The main draw for me in Invincible is the introduction of other alien races. With two new species turning up in space beyond Enigma territory, it adds a new dynamic to the universe and raises plenty of questions. The first race, the Bear Cows, aren't delved into much more than the Enigma race was in previous volumes - it's all about human discussion and theories on them and their aggressive nature. The other, however, the Spider Wolves, are entirely different and we get discussion between Geary's fleet and them. It's really nice to see a seemingly friendly race communicate with humans, and following the negotiations for what they're asking for is amusing, though ultimately a little disappointing. Still, it adds much to the story and allows everything to move forward nicely.As for the characters, well, I really don't have too much to say about them. I've been with them for seven books prior to this one, and they were as expected. I may have been surprised if there were any big changes, but suffice to say it was like returning to an old group of friends after some time apart. They're easy to read, and their motivations and actions have stayed true to their development throughout the series.I think the bottom line with Invincible is simple: if you enjoyed the previous Lost Fleet books you're going to find things here that you'll enjoy. As a newcomer, I believe the Beyond the Frontier series is written well enough to be read without reading the previous six-volume series. Invincible may not break new ground in the genre, but boy is it a fun read!

I thoroughly have enjoyed reading this series. if you followed from the beginning it's been fun to see how the author's writing ability and style mature as the series progressed. The writing in the first couple books was a bit slow. However quickly Campbell's confidence grows along with the main character's. You can really see the love he has for the service in this writing as well. The respect and tradition. As Capt. Geary brings back military tradition, the writing becomes lighter and happier. This is a great Sci Fi read, as well as people who love military action, and technical description. Campbell has obviously put a LOT of effort into the accuracy when describing space combat. I have read all but 3 books in the full series, and each one I enjoy more. There are scenes where I find myself cheering out loud when the good guys snatch another victory from the jaws of defeat. Campbell is an amazing author. If you love drama, and Sci Fi, as well as military themed fiction, buy these books. I am also a fan of Patrick O'Brian's work, and this really does play into the same line as those novels. O'Brian's work is set in the distant past, while Campbell's work is in the distant future. I can see parallels between the two authors.Some reviewers have complained that Campbell has a tendency to repeatedly explain minor details, but this doesn't take you out of the story. This likely comes from the attention to detail that he gained with his military background.Over all, great read, great writing, great story. I LOVE these books.

Lots of action

Great story how do we communicate with the aliens will they help humans or attack . First 150 pages were edge of seat with main character making life and death decision. Rest of story is about getting home without the sabotage from inside

It's one of the best in the entire series, with plenty of well written battle actions and, now, against aliens.

I’m addicted to this evolving story.I have to keep reading to see what happens.The navy kind of influences in the battles between spaceships and the fleets is wonderful.

Alleine dafür hätte das Buch schon 5 Sterne verdient :-)Achtung Spoiler:Die von der Flotte entdeckte dritte Alienrasse möchte als Geschenk das Universalreparaturmittel der Menschen.Was das sein kann, kann man sich denken, wenn man bei der Armee war: Die Aliens beobachten, wie in einer Rettungskapsel damita)Elektrikb)Außenhautc)eine Brustpunktierung behandelt wird (Ja es geht wirklich im Notfall!)genial.Auch schön, daß die einzig freundlichen Aliens für Menschen ziemlich übel aussehen, Arachnophobie sei Dank.Und früher dachte man, Klingonen wären hässlich.Ansonsten schließe ich mich dem anderen Rezensent an, die Charaktere entwickeln sich weiter, die Geschichte und das Universum auch.Man will das Buch nicht mehr weglegen bevor es zu Ende ist.! Auch hier wieder die Anmerkung:Die 1-Stern Bewertungen kommen von Leuten, die- Das Buch nicht gelesen haben, weil sie- mit dem Preis für die Kindle-Version nicht einverstanden sind!