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Expeditionary Force #16
Aftermath
What happens in the wake of Failure Mode?
The Aftermath of a stunning victory—especially an unexpected, complete, and final victory—should be high-fives all around, listening to politicians give boring congratulatory speeches, and a well-deserved rest for the Merry Band of Pirates. Yes, the galaxy is still a freakin' mess, but that is nothing new, and for a change, that can be someone else's problem.
Until, you know, something really bad happens, and only the Pirates can deal with the problem... Or not.
Expeditionary Force returns with book 16 in the series, Aftermath, from New York Times bestselling author Craig Alanson
The Aftermath of a stunning victory—especially an unexpected, complete, and final victory—should be high-fives all around, listening to politicians give boring congratulatory speeches, and a well-deserved rest for the Merry Band of Pirates. Yes, the galaxy is still a freakin' mess, but that is nothing new, and for a change, that can be someone else's problem.
Until, you know, something really bad happens, and only the Pirates can deal with the problem... Or not.
Expeditionary Force returns with book 16 in the series, Aftermath, from New York Times bestselling author Craig Alanson
469 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2023
569 people are currently reading
953 people want to read
About the author
Craig Alanson
40 books4,127 followersIf you want to stay up to date on releases, receive promotion alerts and speak to me directly, please join my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
https://www.facebook.com/Craig.Alanso...
My Bio:
Craig Alanson used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, he finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of his first ebook release, he was able to quit his day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, Book 1) reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year.
The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 10 books/audiobooks, many of which have hit the NYT best-seller list, with a 11th book releasing June 2021 and 14 books planned.
Craig has also published a spin-off series, ExForce: Mavericks; an ExForce audio drama, Homefront; a fantasy trilogy, Ascendent; and a young adult space opera, Aces. Craig lives in Virginia with his wife, who loves him even though he perpetually refuses to clean the garage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
December 20, 2023
This is a bittersweet book for me. I loved the way this series started. It was fun, somewhat original, and full of snark which made me laugh. As time went on some of the books became so formulaic that they were just not enjoyable. Then of course we hear that the series is over, book fifteen is the end. Then here we are a couple years later with book 16. It started off slow and really rather boring. Much like most of the books this is a book full of bloat that pads the page count and doesn’t add anything meaningful to the story.
Was it entertaining? Yeah at moments it was a lot of fun. In the end though I’m left thinking the author just relapsed and needed just a couple more hits of fame and fortune. I’m not sure that I’ll be back for book 17-43 but it was quite a ride while it lasted.
Was it entertaining? Yeah at moments it was a lot of fun. In the end though I’m left thinking the author just relapsed and needed just a couple more hits of fame and fortune. I’m not sure that I’ll be back for book 17-43 but it was quite a ride while it lasted.
December 23, 2023
AFTERMATH by Craig Alanson is the sixteenth book in the Expeditionary Force series. For those unfamiliar with the series, it is a space opera series about Earth being caught between feuding interstellar powers that are all proxies for even larger interstellar powers. We're centuries from being able to be anything other than cannon fodder and more likely to be exterminated in an off-hand action by people who consider us no more important than a gas station town next to a highway. This all changes when humanity finds SKIPPY THE MAGNIFICENT, an Elder AI that gives humanity not so much a fighting chance but the tools to do wild trickster plots that would make Coyote or Loki proud.
The Expeditionary Force series has been a consistently entertaining collection of books following the adventures of Skippy and Joe Bishop. The books are kind of silly in that every single one deals with another existential crisis to humanity's survival, usually brought about by whatever they did to resolve the previous book's one, but they're incredibly fun. The audiobook versions narrated by RC Bray also emphasize the humor to be found in Skippy's obsession with pop culture as well as desire to troll humanity at every opportunity.
The series reached its ending in FAILURE MODE where the majority of the story's plot threads were wrapped up and it was believed the universe was finally put to rest. But you can't keep a good AI or his pet human down, so Craig has revived the series. I originally thought this was going to be a one shot or denouement to the original series. The title certainly indicates so. However, it actually seems like this is the beginning of a full revival of the series and I am all for it.
The premise for this volume is that Joe Bishop has settled into retirement as a two star general. I say retirement because while he's on active duty, his duties are more or less nonexistent. The government grew sick of his shenanigans long before he finished saving the world and this job is meant to keep him out of trouble. That goes out the window when an attempt to activate a Sentinel to protect an allied race's destroyed homeworld goes disastrously wrong. A mysterious new third party has entered the game and wields power even greater than Skippy.
Craig Alanson hasn't lost any of his charm, wit, or skill at describing the Merry Band of Pirates deranged missions. You'd think after sixteen books of these crazy adventures I'd be ready to move on but I'm excited to be back with old friends. The cast has gotten significant older and middle aged father of two (soon to be three) Joe reads significantly different than the Joe who stole a beer can that turned out to be the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. That's the way it should be and the character development helps the book feel like it isn't just a rehash of everything that has gone before.
In conclusion, Aftermath is an excellent continuation of a series that never should have ended in the first place. Certainly, as long as Craig Alanson and Bray continue to produce these books, I will continue to read them. There's also set up for the next few books that I think will hopefully lead to another ten books at least.
The Expeditionary Force series has been a consistently entertaining collection of books following the adventures of Skippy and Joe Bishop. The books are kind of silly in that every single one deals with another existential crisis to humanity's survival, usually brought about by whatever they did to resolve the previous book's one, but they're incredibly fun. The audiobook versions narrated by RC Bray also emphasize the humor to be found in Skippy's obsession with pop culture as well as desire to troll humanity at every opportunity.
The series reached its ending in FAILURE MODE where the majority of the story's plot threads were wrapped up and it was believed the universe was finally put to rest. But you can't keep a good AI or his pet human down, so Craig has revived the series. I originally thought this was going to be a one shot or denouement to the original series. The title certainly indicates so. However, it actually seems like this is the beginning of a full revival of the series and I am all for it.
The premise for this volume is that Joe Bishop has settled into retirement as a two star general. I say retirement because while he's on active duty, his duties are more or less nonexistent. The government grew sick of his shenanigans long before he finished saving the world and this job is meant to keep him out of trouble. That goes out the window when an attempt to activate a Sentinel to protect an allied race's destroyed homeworld goes disastrously wrong. A mysterious new third party has entered the game and wields power even greater than Skippy.
Craig Alanson hasn't lost any of his charm, wit, or skill at describing the Merry Band of Pirates deranged missions. You'd think after sixteen books of these crazy adventures I'd be ready to move on but I'm excited to be back with old friends. The cast has gotten significant older and middle aged father of two (soon to be three) Joe reads significantly different than the Joe who stole a beer can that turned out to be the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. That's the way it should be and the character development helps the book feel like it isn't just a rehash of everything that has gone before.
In conclusion, Aftermath is an excellent continuation of a series that never should have ended in the first place. Certainly, as long as Craig Alanson and Bray continue to produce these books, I will continue to read them. There's also set up for the next few books that I think will hopefully lead to another ten books at least.
January 10, 2024
As a fan of this series and has been awaiting this specific book for a while now, I think I will put my thoughts on the series as a whole here.
My main gripe with this series was that it adamantly refused to evolve. Craig Alanson created a fascinating, more expansive universe with fantastic non-human characters and profound lore. I was just so disappointed that he refused to use any of it. This is a military Sci-Fi, and it never did anything else. Skippy and Joe go on missions, and that's it. There's little to no dialogue with the Aliens; They are prevented from developing further than simple background characters. Joe never gets to actually sit down in front of a Maxolhx and see if he can work things out. Jesus, he practically never gets off the ship.
It was just annoying that this universe was never developed more than a simple military-focused Sci-Fi. Several entries of this 16-book series really didn't even need to exist. There's like a five-book period where things refused to develop beyond Joe's damage control over the universe. Adams was essentially shelved for the last couple of books, too. Gods damn Chotec
There's no exploration into how the general earth public feels about what is happening. We just get told about it in off-hand comments. We hardly get the Alien perspective beyond Scorandum and CO. It was so annoying. Jesus get some proper political ramifications in there, as well. Let's see Joe interact with some species on an equal footing beyond the typical one-talk-and-done kidnap scene. I mean, in this book, we get the kidnapping of the Bosphuraq scientist but give me more. Hell, Brevet Captain Illiath would have been a great recurring villain throughout the series, making her way more capable and having her climb the ranks of the collision because she's the only one who seems to be able to predict Joe. What I'm saying is give us more cross-species interaction. Give us more in-person ramifications instead of skippy just telling us what is going on.
I just felt like half of this series is just a story of missed opportunities, so the same plot can be redone over and over. Mission this, mission that, quick Skippy Marvel funny moment before we go back to Joe missioning across the galaxy and getting unintended consequences so we can get another book out of this series. DEVELOP THE PLOT. I get it; it's over, and way too late to say it. But come on, it felt like no matter how the political circumstances of the galaxy changed, the answer was always Joe, do another mission; you can't have that in a 16-book series. Or maybe you can, but develop it just a little. Make a diplomatic mission or something.
Oh, and the Elders, what a waste. Get one to come back, at least or make them do something beyond Skippy magicking the problem away. That elder AI was a joke, too. It didn't even speak the whole book; it was barely a plot device, let alone a character. It was such a non-entity that it's not even worth talking about.
The series should have had a clearly identifiable villain as well. Beyond just the coalition. Have some proper evil and capable admirals in the book. They would have raised it so much more.
My main gripe with this series was that it adamantly refused to evolve. Craig Alanson created a fascinating, more expansive universe with fantastic non-human characters and profound lore. I was just so disappointed that he refused to use any of it. This is a military Sci-Fi, and it never did anything else. Skippy and Joe go on missions, and that's it. There's little to no dialogue with the Aliens; They are prevented from developing further than simple background characters. Joe never gets to actually sit down in front of a Maxolhx and see if he can work things out. Jesus, he practically never gets off the ship.
It was just annoying that this universe was never developed more than a simple military-focused Sci-Fi. Several entries of this 16-book series really didn't even need to exist. There's like a five-book period where things refused to develop beyond Joe's damage control over the universe. Adams was essentially shelved for the last couple of books, too. Gods damn Chotec
There's no exploration into how the general earth public feels about what is happening. We just get told about it in off-hand comments. We hardly get the Alien perspective beyond Scorandum and CO. It was so annoying. Jesus get some proper political ramifications in there, as well. Let's see Joe interact with some species on an equal footing beyond the typical one-talk-and-done kidnap scene. I mean, in this book, we get the kidnapping of the Bosphuraq scientist but give me more. Hell, Brevet Captain Illiath would have been a great recurring villain throughout the series, making her way more capable and having her climb the ranks of the collision because she's the only one who seems to be able to predict Joe. What I'm saying is give us more cross-species interaction. Give us more in-person ramifications instead of skippy just telling us what is going on.
I just felt like half of this series is just a story of missed opportunities, so the same plot can be redone over and over. Mission this, mission that, quick Skippy Marvel funny moment before we go back to Joe missioning across the galaxy and getting unintended consequences so we can get another book out of this series. DEVELOP THE PLOT. I get it; it's over, and way too late to say it. But come on, it felt like no matter how the political circumstances of the galaxy changed, the answer was always Joe, do another mission; you can't have that in a 16-book series. Or maybe you can, but develop it just a little. Make a diplomatic mission or something.
Oh, and the Elders, what a waste. Get one to come back, at least or make them do something beyond Skippy magicking the problem away. That elder AI was a joke, too. It didn't even speak the whole book; it was barely a plot device, let alone a character. It was such a non-entity that it's not even worth talking about.
The series should have had a clearly identifiable villain as well. Beyond just the coalition. Have some proper evil and capable admirals in the book. They would have raised it so much more.
July 21, 2024
An ending.... seemed as if the author was in a hurry to finish the series, yet left the door open for additional books in the future. I think this series has run it's course. I hope it is left where it is.
April 20, 2024
April 2024
Loved it again. It kept me interested in seeing the young Joe who's grown into middle aged Joe, husband with kids. I especially liked where he tells Skippy that the thing that's changed is that he became a father.
I have to say I love the way Margaret greeted Joe after the incident on the moon. And while she isn't a primary character at this point, I love also the way she seems fulfilled in her life despite being without her husband for long stretches. It's like she gets the military life and doesn't resent it because of that.
Scarandin and Kinsdin still make me laugh. The beetles are one of the best parts of the whole series.
And I continue to love the way Alanson has made so many of the senior officers women. Girl power, baby!
And another brilliant plot twist with the way things play out. I find great enjoyment in not understanding why things are happening but then finding out it was all part of the plan. Grumpy and Chang are such fun. Poor guy, he's always biting his tongue and nearly breaking a Z-phone when he deals with the mess made by Joe and company.
And the science. I know it's all fiction but I just hang on every word.
It's hard to wait for the next book and I can't imagine the pressure the author feels from his fans. But I still can't wait until December to see what happens next. I'm so glad he had some more stories to tell about the pirates.
December 2023 (to January 3)
I'll be re-reading this immediately. I've stopped and started it so many times throughout the month of December that I really can't tell what I just finished. I did repeat several sections several times when I went to sleep and needed to back up. This just didn't end up being the best time to read it, despite the fact that I pretty much devour the books in this series as soon as they come out. So, I'll just re-read it in order to have a decent opinion of it.
Loved it again. It kept me interested in seeing the young Joe who's grown into middle aged Joe, husband with kids. I especially liked where he tells Skippy that the thing that's changed is that he became a father.
I have to say I love the way Margaret greeted Joe after the incident on the moon. And while she isn't a primary character at this point, I love also the way she seems fulfilled in her life despite being without her husband for long stretches. It's like she gets the military life and doesn't resent it because of that.
Scarandin and Kinsdin still make me laugh. The beetles are one of the best parts of the whole series.
And I continue to love the way Alanson has made so many of the senior officers women. Girl power, baby!
And another brilliant plot twist with the way things play out. I find great enjoyment in not understanding why things are happening but then finding out it was all part of the plan. Grumpy and Chang are such fun. Poor guy, he's always biting his tongue and nearly breaking a Z-phone when he deals with the mess made by Joe and company.
And the science. I know it's all fiction but I just hang on every word.
It's hard to wait for the next book and I can't imagine the pressure the author feels from his fans. But I still can't wait until December to see what happens next. I'm so glad he had some more stories to tell about the pirates.
December 2023 (to January 3)
I'll be re-reading this immediately. I've stopped and started it so many times throughout the month of December that I really can't tell what I just finished. I did repeat several sections several times when I went to sleep and needed to back up. This just didn't end up being the best time to read it, despite the fact that I pretty much devour the books in this series as soon as they come out. So, I'll just re-read it in order to have a decent opinion of it.
June 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
December 3, 2024
I was excited to hear that the series was being extended but unfortunately this one didn’t do anything for me. I kind of wish we left it at book 15. I hope book 17 is better.
December 19, 2023
Needs editing but a must read if you are a fan of Skippy
I enjoyed this series and thought it was done. But another book appeared which is great news. Would have given 5 stars if not for 2 prob!ems. The book is full of typos; very poor editing (if any at all) and the storyline seemed to jump periodically leaving me wondering how the plot went from point A to point C with nothing to connect them. Several times I went back to re-read pages to see if I missed something but I hadn't. That being said, this is a continuation of a great, enjoyable series. Don't miss it.
I enjoyed this series and thought it was done. But another book appeared which is great news. Would have given 5 stars if not for 2 prob!ems. The book is full of typos; very poor editing (if any at all) and the storyline seemed to jump periodically leaving me wondering how the plot went from point A to point C with nothing to connect them. Several times I went back to re-read pages to see if I missed something but I hadn't. That being said, this is a continuation of a great, enjoyable series. Don't miss it.
December 14, 2023
Great to have Joe and Skippy back!
I would’ve given 5 stars, but I can’t stand how Margaret has been basically written out of the book, and is now just a side character. She’s been turned into a housewife who stays home while her husband goes off to save the universe.
The old Margaret would never have wanted that life and was pro feminist. She wasn’t some stupid nuclear wife.
I don’t know why Alanson chose to write Margaret’s character out of the last few books, delegating her to a weaker, passive role, but I suspect it’s a racism thing — I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of his racist readers sent threatening emails, etc, and he gave in and caved.
Skippy, Joe, AND Margaret would never have done that tbh.
Alanson is slowly writing out all the stronger women. 🤦♀️
I would’ve given 5 stars, but I can’t stand how Margaret has been basically written out of the book, and is now just a side character. She’s been turned into a housewife who stays home while her husband goes off to save the universe.
The old Margaret would never have wanted that life and was pro feminist. She wasn’t some stupid nuclear wife.
I don’t know why Alanson chose to write Margaret’s character out of the last few books, delegating her to a weaker, passive role, but I suspect it’s a racism thing — I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of his racist readers sent threatening emails, etc, and he gave in and caved.
Skippy, Joe, AND Margaret would never have done that tbh.
Alanson is slowly writing out all the stronger women. 🤦♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
It’s such a pleasure to return to the world of Joe Bishop and Skippy the Magnificent. I wondered where the author would take us after previously stating that the last book would be the end. But, now we have a new enemy that is bad for everyone and I’m looking forward to seeing how Joe manages to unite the galaxy.
January 12, 2024
Aftermath by Craig Alanson picks up several years after the end of Failure Mode. A new story arc for familiar characters. A must-listen for fans of he first 15 audiobooks.
March 23, 2024
As much as I love these characters, I'm comparing this to Grey's Anatomy.....it just has to end.
March 20, 2024
This was a surprising release. Just when we thought the Merry Band of Pirates were done, and the story over Craig comes back for more!
I was pleasantly surprised but this one. Given the fact that we thought the series done, I came into this one with the feeling that there would be bunch of rehashed scenarios and schemes, but Craig (or maybe Skippy) surprises us again!
Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one!
R.C. Bray was perfection as always!
I was pleasantly surprised but this one. Given the fact that we thought the series done, I came into this one with the feeling that there would be bunch of rehashed scenarios and schemes, but Craig (or maybe Skippy) surprises us again!
Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one!
R.C. Bray was perfection as always!
April 2, 2024
A bit of a reboot for the series but I'm excited to see where it goes. If you are still with us, the Expeditionary Force Series probably feels formulaic. This book is no different, but we are HERE FOR IT. Can't wait to see where they go next.
January 8, 2024
O Oh! who else now has Centinal control tech?
Hell yeah! The Beer Can is back. But has he been hacked? How has the important info of how to awaken & control the Centinals, that only Skippy knew about, gotten into enemy hands? Has Skippy had another breakdown or is he more vulnerable than even he has realised?
The Elder's worst enemy is introduced & well.... no spoilers but damn it.... another cliffhanger! Really! Skippy & Bishop come ooooon! I can't take this anymore..... hurry up follow on book..... I'm stressin' out man!
Yet again another incredibly edge of your seat & funny episode of the band of merry pirates (evolved). Although this book tended to be a little more serious with what unfolded in this story, there were still terrific sections of humour we've come to love in this whole series. I especially loved the funny family moments with Bishop's kids & their all knowing, all seeing mum. it was great seeing the family side of Bishop more & how it's changed his character.
Definitely loved this one but can't wait for the cliffhanger to be revealed more & fleshed out.
Hell yeah! The Beer Can is back. But has he been hacked? How has the important info of how to awaken & control the Centinals, that only Skippy knew about, gotten into enemy hands? Has Skippy had another breakdown or is he more vulnerable than even he has realised?
The Elder's worst enemy is introduced & well.... no spoilers but damn it.... another cliffhanger! Really! Skippy & Bishop come ooooon! I can't take this anymore..... hurry up follow on book..... I'm stressin' out man!
Yet again another incredibly edge of your seat & funny episode of the band of merry pirates (evolved). Although this book tended to be a little more serious with what unfolded in this story, there were still terrific sections of humour we've come to love in this whole series. I especially loved the funny family moments with Bishop's kids & their all knowing, all seeing mum. it was great seeing the family side of Bishop more & how it's changed his character.
Definitely loved this one but can't wait for the cliffhanger to be revealed more & fleshed out.
March 23, 2024
I have read all of the Expeditionary Force by Craig Alanson novels. After #15, Failure Mode, I thought he was done writing that series. Fortunately, I wa wrong.
I preordered the latest book, #16, Aftermath, as soon as I could. I got ready to digest and enjoy it by reading the series again. I love imagining that world.
I was worried at the beginning of Aftermath because it seemed that it was going to be a little tame. Joe and Sarge Marge are married and have two sons and a daughter on the way. Hard to live Shmoe Biscoff's space pirate life when you're a daddy.
I was wrong. It started out slow but moved to high intensity quickly enough.
I was a bit worried when I thought that they were just battling an Elder. I kept hoping the outsiders would show up.
I preordered the latest book, #16, Aftermath, as soon as I could. I got ready to digest and enjoy it by reading the series again. I love imagining that world.
I was worried at the beginning of Aftermath because it seemed that it was going to be a little tame. Joe and Sarge Marge are married and have two sons and a daughter on the way. Hard to live Shmoe Biscoff's space pirate life when you're a daddy.
I was wrong. It started out slow but moved to high intensity quickly enough.
I was a bit worried when I thought that they were just battling an Elder. I kept hoping the outsiders would show up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
This had good and bad parts.
I like that Joe has been able to finally relax, start a family. The part about the printer I also found funny. Seeing old friends and what they have been up to was also great. I'm really pleased we're finally getting some explanation about the threat from outside the universe - well, not until the next book, at least. And R C Bray does an excellent job of narrating the audiobook, as usual!
I felt it could have gotten going a little faster, the start was slow. The comedy of his kids seeing him as incompetent wasn't all that funny to me (I just felt really sorry for him, after all his hard work). And I think a lot of the humour and arguments between Joe and Skippy has has gotten old. It also had the same formula, endless problems for Joe to fix, and the finale is cleared up all very quickly with Joe explaining after what happened - rather than us being in on the solution and "seeing" it with him.
I was also disappointed that, once again, this ends with a problem to set up the next book.
I like that Joe has been able to finally relax, start a family. The part about the printer I also found funny. Seeing old friends and what they have been up to was also great. I'm really pleased we're finally getting some explanation about the threat from outside the universe - well, not until the next book, at least. And R C Bray does an excellent job of narrating the audiobook, as usual!
I felt it could have gotten going a little faster, the start was slow. The comedy of his kids seeing him as incompetent wasn't all that funny to me (I just felt really sorry for him, after all his hard work). And I think a lot of the humour and arguments between Joe and Skippy has has gotten old. It also had the same formula, endless problems for Joe to fix, and the finale is cleared up all very quickly with Joe explaining after what happened - rather than us being in on the solution and "seeing" it with him.
I was also disappointed that, once again, this ends with a problem to set up the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
Well this was unexpected. The series was supposed to be over, and I was quite sad because it was so brilliantly different in the genre of military SF, that it sucked me in completely. And then, year or so after ending, this baby comes along.
Turns out the story is far from over.
Retirement is simply not an option for Joe Bishop, as the mysterious enemy is on the rise, trying to wake and control sentinels. It is again up to Skippy (not so) magnificent and the old gang (in new roles) to save the universe. Again.
When I talk about this series with other people, it must sound boring and shallow, as it is basically some new cockup adventure after another, rather unbelievable. But reading these books you get drawn into the adventure and admire the attention to detail from the writer and brilliant ideas he has.
A very high recommendation for both the book and the complete series.
Turns out the story is far from over.
Retirement is simply not an option for Joe Bishop, as the mysterious enemy is on the rise, trying to wake and control sentinels. It is again up to Skippy (not so) magnificent and the old gang (in new roles) to save the universe. Again.
When I talk about this series with other people, it must sound boring and shallow, as it is basically some new cockup adventure after another, rather unbelievable. But reading these books you get drawn into the adventure and admire the attention to detail from the writer and brilliant ideas he has.
A very high recommendation for both the book and the complete series.
January 28, 2024
Once again a strong story and I can't wait for the next book. Unfortunately the books in this series have started to suffer from telling instead of showing, especially in the ends. As if Alanson has at some point had gotten tired of writing and decided heck, I'll just put Bishop to tell crucial pieces of the story so that I can finish this. I was especially disappointed about telling of the beetle's actions as part of the solution instead of showing it because the beetles are without a doubt the best side characters in the history of side characters. It was just brushed aside whereas before the reader was taken through the whole story even in the end. Even though I still love the series and consider it one of the best space opera series there is, I can't give this book more than three stars because of that fact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2023
Wow. what a read! another can’t miss episode.
I was thrilled when Aftermath came out and I saw that Craig had given us almost 700 pages of Skippy and Joe goodness. Alas, it’s over too soon but what a great addition to the story. Spoiler alert: The outsiders are coming and I cannot wait of the next edition to the story. One small quibble: There are a lot of typos and other proofreading misses but I’ve seen worse in books that aren’t nearly as good as Aftermath.
It’s going to be a long wait for the next installment, sigh….
I was thrilled when Aftermath came out and I saw that Craig had given us almost 700 pages of Skippy and Joe goodness. Alas, it’s over too soon but what a great addition to the story. Spoiler alert: The outsiders are coming and I cannot wait of the next edition to the story. One small quibble: There are a lot of typos and other proofreading misses but I’ve seen worse in books that aren’t nearly as good as Aftermath.
It’s going to be a long wait for the next installment, sigh….
February 2, 2024
Still going strong
The author is still able to keep the story interesting with unexpected twists and turns. My only gripe is that each time a challenge emerges, the remedy is always the same i.e. Skippy presents the new problem to his human friends and declares the problem is unsurmountable. The humans always come up with a wacky solution that only Skippy can perform and all is well. At least until the next problem arises.
The author is still able to keep the story interesting with unexpected twists and turns. My only gripe is that each time a challenge emerges, the remedy is always the same i.e. Skippy presents the new problem to his human friends and declares the problem is unsurmountable. The humans always come up with a wacky solution that only Skippy can perform and all is well. At least until the next problem arises.
December 23, 2023
Awesome story, terrible editing
I really enjoyed this story and I hope it means more MBoP books in the future!
However, my MS Word would have caught most of the grammar and spelling mistakes.... I stopped counting at around 100... Seriously I just had to ignore the sheer amount of mistakes otherwise it would have been super distracting...
He needs to rerelease an updated version that fixes all of the mistakes.
I really enjoyed this story and I hope it means more MBoP books in the future!
However, my MS Word would have caught most of the grammar and spelling mistakes.... I stopped counting at around 100... Seriously I just had to ignore the sheer amount of mistakes otherwise it would have been super distracting...
He needs to rerelease an updated version that fixes all of the mistakes.
December 28, 2023
I love this series. It's great to read about Joe, Skippy and the Pirates again. I found it interesting in this book about a couple events that must have happened between the previous book and this one that didn't seem to be explained. The action is non-stop and the characters are great. The ending is sort of a cliff hanger that probably leads to the next book in the series plot. 5 star all of way!
January 2, 2024
AFTERMATH! Expeditionary Force, Book 16! I loved it!
10 years have passed. Margaret & Joe are married with 7yo twin boys & a girl on the way. Joe’s taken the family off-planet to play archeologist in a trash dump.
The fate of the universe is in question again so Joe gathers the merry Band of Pirates for another mission.
Skippy’s baaack! But so are the race of aliens the ancients feared.
I can’t wait for book 17!!
10 years have passed. Margaret & Joe are married with 7yo twin boys & a girl on the way. Joe’s taken the family off-planet to play archeologist in a trash dump.
The fate of the universe is in question again so Joe gathers the merry Band of Pirates for another mission.
Skippy’s baaack! But so are the race of aliens the ancients feared.
I can’t wait for book 17!!
January 5, 2024
More of most of the great stuff
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into space… heeeeeeere’s Skippy!
It was a fun revisit to the well-established world of Skippy the Magnificent. I feel like Alanson must have taken some of the criticisms to heart, because Skippy is back, and this time with 98% less Margaret! There’s none of the progression aspects this time around, but maybe we’ll get to build a new ship in the next book.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into space… heeeeeeere’s Skippy!
It was a fun revisit to the well-established world of Skippy the Magnificent. I feel like Alanson must have taken some of the criticisms to heart, because Skippy is back, and this time with 98% less Margaret! There’s none of the progression aspects this time around, but maybe we’ll get to build a new ship in the next book.
January 14, 2024
Keeps getting Better!
This has been a most enjoyable series. Each challenge is worked through like a military / technology detective story with funny interludes to break things up. The characters have developed and are very believable, considering the universe this series is set in. Thank you Craig Alanson for your creativity and easy writing style!
So, when is the next book coming out?!
This has been a most enjoyable series. Each challenge is worked through like a military / technology detective story with funny interludes to break things up. The characters have developed and are very believable, considering the universe this series is set in. Thank you Craig Alanson for your creativity and easy writing style!
So, when is the next book coming out?!
December 26, 2023
I loved this book, it was at times very frustrating, because the crew were having to deal with wondering what just happened, similar to what they typically do to enemies... But it was still fun, we'll written.
I'm glad the series is still going and I hope it never ends.
Keep writing them and I'll keep buying them.
I'm glad the series is still going and I hope it never ends.
Keep writing them and I'll keep buying them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
I loved the time jump! I was afraid to read this one because book 15 left me dissapointed, we solved the problem of the elders, but never the galaxy, which was what kept me reading the series.
When we join Joe again, the galaxy is at peace, but in a stalemate, but then an enemy elder AI shows up aaaand we are back! It was fun to see the old team back and to revisit the world.
When we join Joe again, the galaxy is at peace, but in a stalemate, but then an enemy elder AI shows up aaaand we are back! It was fun to see the old team back and to revisit the world.
February 21, 2024
It was a very good ride by the Merry band of pirates.
I am a bit unsatisfied by how abruptly the last 2 books have ended, seemingly making plans and counter plans all book long only to cram the conclusion into the last few pages.
but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I am a bit unsatisfied by how abruptly the last 2 books have ended, seemingly making plans and counter plans all book long only to cram the conclusion into the last few pages.
but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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