Match Game

Expeditionary Force #14

by Craig Alanson

For years, the ancient alien AI known as Skippy (the Magnificent, don’t forget that part) has been able to do one impossible thing after another. What is his secret? It’s simple: 100 percent Grade-A Extreme Awesomeness. And, also because he had never been faced with an opponent of equal power. Until now.

This time, he might need a little help from a band of filthy monkeys.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Space Opera, Space, Military Fiction, Aliens

698 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

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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.

Reviews

[Kacy❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was awesome. I can't believe we are 14 books into the series but here we are. The last few have been not as good, but this one kicked it up a notch, ESPECIALLY WITH THAT ENDING. I do love this series and will listen to it until it ends. Joe, Skippy and the Merry Band of Pirates all feel like friends now.

[Wayne Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, didn’t want this book to end.

[Bob Rose · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took a few years before I developed a latex allergy. I had a pair of neoprene knee pads I used for softball. Then one season I just couldn’t wear them anymore. Where am I going with this? After 14 episodes/audiobooks I have reached a saturation point. The adolescent relationship between Skippy and Bishop, the neurodivergent deus ex machina, blah, blah, blah. It’s the same book over and over again.

The series is at its best when RC Bray describes action sequences, but the sophomoric filler described above just doesn’t cut it anymore.

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

MATCH GAME is the fourteenth volume of the spectacularly successful Expeditionary Force series by Craig Alanson and narrated in audiobook form by RC Bray. It is also the penultimate volume of the series as it sets up what I was shocked and saddened to find out will be the last book in the series. Skippy has to face a fellow AI and deal with the possibilities facing off against an equal will entail--except he doesn't.

Sadly, Opie and Skippy never interact and we never get a real character for the former. Also, it's mostly dealing with the usual fallout from all the political twists and turns that previous books had set up. That's not to say it's bad, it's very good, but the promised showdown never occurs. Which is a shame as I was very interested.

Still, if you made it this far in the series then you'll want to see the big climax.

[Jonathan Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me worried as it started out essentially repeating the last couple of books. I was worried that Alanson had run out of juice, repeating the exact plot points over multiple times: Maxolhx threaten earth; Bishop fakes the ability to use Elder Tech to force the kitties to back down; it's all based an elaborate lie that has to be maintained; rinse, repeat. Great the first time but not the fourth or fifth. The lack of plot progress was frankly getting very, very tiresome. Either end the series or have the Maxolhx cease to be an issue and move on to the next threat: the AIs. About halfway through, Alanson does exactly this and the Maxolhx, thankfully, become a background issue for the Merry Band of Pirates. It was about a book or two too late but it felt good to finally get the plot moving forward. The real saving grace of this book is the return of the Elders teased at the end. That really jumped the stakes and set the stage for what should be a thrilling conclusion to the series.

For fans of the series, this is the book we've been wanting for at least two books now. The Maxolhx, while not defeated per se, have been pushed to the background. The battle between Oppie and Skippy was kind of anticlimactic but Alanson does a great job of building the tension up through the fight. The main positive is that the last half of the book didn't have the MBoP faking anything but genuinely winning. The cliffhanger also sets up the battle we've been wanting for about five books now: the MBoP vs the Elders. It is, however, a good thing, that the next book is the last of the series, which probably is a book or two too long.

[Ryan Rauber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of this series, and this is probably one of my favorite entries. I read the audible version, which I highly recommend, and found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions. Joe, Skippy, and the merry band of pirates discover they may be another ancient AI that could cause chaos in the galaxy. The action really heats up towards the end, and unfortunately it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger. Guess I'll just have to wait for the next book in the series.

[Cory Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books, they aren’t excellent writing or anything like that. They are just enjoyable. They do have bad language, but beside that it’s all pretty much fun.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler warning! This is the 14th book in an ongoing series so there will be spoilers from previous books. I will not spoil this book though, so don't worry.

Well, it opens in the middle of a standoff fight scene with the Earth surrounded by tons of ships from the Rindhalu and Maxolhx. And, as usual, Joe bluffs his way out of the situation with the help of Skippy. After that little bit of excitement the narrative bogs down in boring stuff like politics and bureaucracy.

The big problem is the fact that there is an Elder AI out there somewhere causing problems and it's up to Skippy and co. to find it and eliminate the problem. However before that can even begun a whole lot of other stuff has to happen first.

There is a superb ending sequence where they have to do the impossible (again) and get away with it and how they do it is crazy. However, per usual, there's a big "OH NOooooooo!!!!!" at the end (cliffhanger ending) that leaves us biting our nails for a year until the next book is published. That is, if he keeps to his usual schedule. After the end of the book there is a preview of a new series by the author. I just hope that doesn't distract him from working on the next Expeditionary Force book.

[Jesus Alonso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks god it was the last book of this series. The series started as a something fresh with cheeky dialogues. However, in my opinion the series is too long. In some books hardly anything happens and are boring to some extent. There are phrases repeated by the author quite a few times along the books. On the other hand, in last book many things happen without previous notice and they must be explained in a rush at the end.

Overall, I found the series entertaining when only considering the action and the adventures.

When I think beyond that point, I can only worry about political prejudices and xenophobic behaviour. Joe Bishop becomes de facto a dictator, taking decisions afecting all humanity but without allowing people to vote or at least to voice an opinion. Bishop knows best. Also Bishop has no remorse starting actions that cause death of millions or billions of alien sentient beings; all seem to be right because there not people but the enemy.

[Cass Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite series of all time.
Alanson always keeps me engaged with his quick and witty writing and exciting scenes.
I'm feeling bittersweet knowing that this is almost the end of the story.

[Daniel Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

90% of this was the normal fantastic Merry Band of Pirates adventure with Skippy the Magnificent. The 10% though was not. I HATE the it was all a unspoken plan to look like we were losing type of reveal that turns out to change the whole book. I hate it with a passion. I can't watch leverage, I hate all the heist movies that do that. I think its a cheap way to write yourself out of a hole or to trick the readers into believing one thing but then something else happens. It turns your reliable narrator into an unreliable narrator. To do this in the next to last book is especially heinous. I hope the next book does not end with a Deus ex Machina because that is my next most hated ending, its pretty similar so you can probably see why if I hate one I hate the other. I hope this series does not pull a Game of Thrones ending to make you happy its over and not want more!

#skippythemagnificent
#themerrybandofpirates
#expeditionaryforce
#sci-fi

[Arnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lai arī cik straujš nebūtu bijis cilvēces meteoristiskais leciens zvaigznēs, turklāt puslīdz līdzvērtīgās pozīcijās ar spēcīgākajiem citplanētiešiem maksaultiem un rindalu, pateicoties Skipijam, tad viņu liktie šķēršļi tik un tā var sagādāt būtiskas problēmas. Galvenie vaininieki pie samilzušākās likstas, no Venēras gāzēm radītā ‘’mākoņa’’, kas draud bloķēt pietiekamu Saules gaismas apjomu, lai radītu maklīgu ledus laikmetu.

https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe and Skippy and the rest of the gang are back in a superb follow up to Fallout. With all the funny dialogue, dramatic scenes and crazy action, this is another great book and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

[Jason Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that was supposed to be the end of the series... but is it?!

[Karsyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright, definitely getting old and repetitive. I mostly like it for the narration.

[Cole Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the next one! Really happy with how this one turned out.

[Kenneth Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Expeditionary Force series, and Match Game was a great continuation of the adventures of Skippy the Magnificent! I will warn you that there will be a point where you'll either hate or love the author. Once you've read the part, you'll know what I mean. OpSec is a big part of Match Game and Angry Joe has transitioned into Scheming Joe. I loved this journey and can't really complain about much.

[Rosie Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

That. Fucking. Ending. Craig Alanson how dare you omfg I screamed.
The plot twists?! The composure I had to force on myself whilst listening to the audiobook (RC Bray. My man. Impeccable as always) on public transport? Thank fuck for masks honestly or me mouthing ‘oh my god’ ‘oh my fucking god’ would’ve looked real bad! There’s enough weirdos as it is on the trains, they don’t need any more.
Can’t wait for the last one. Can’t believe the series is almost done!

[Oleg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the previous books in this series this book is excellent. Unexpected twist and turns. Skippy is awesome as usual. Less character development would have moved the story along faster. At this point all characters are very well developed. Having said that, this story is just as delicious as the previous ones. Love to see the next sequel.

[Marko · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the weakest book in the series for me so far. I can't say exactly why, like the last 6 or so books it's essentially the same story over and over again. All the usual elements are there, for good and for bad.

I guess the annoying part is that this time everything is dialed to 11, but there's almost no real plot anywhere. This means that minor elements that used to be quick comic relief snacks here and there are exaggerated and start hurting the story.

Example is the super pathos that surrounds the military. Everything is the few, the proud, the great heroes who do everything while remaining form and order, because - military. Like a mixture between Star Trek and Marines.

But then you get scenes where you can just roll your eyes. A pilot who constantly questions orders. A first officer who constantly questions orders. A crew who constantly giggles behind the generals back.

Oh well. I will probably read the next and final book, but I'm not really looking forward to it.

[Jeric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Starts slow, and you pretty much forget what happened in the previous book so you have to get reminded by the long and boring story and then you remember and it’s just a whole lot of fluff in the middle. And then maybe the last 2minutes it starts to get interesting and then it’s over and you have to get another book. Meh.
Honestly I don’t even know why I listen to this anymore. Will be returning it. We’re fourteen books in and each book gets less interesting, you can honestly summarise everything in one paragraph.
Don’t bother with the book, here’s the ending:

After getting a sentinel and playing fake politics and flying around for no reason, dreaming up a convoluted scheme that does nothing in the overall narrative, they discover the AI they secretly were up against was damaged and wasn’t really a match for skippy until they realise they fell into its trap and now it’s calling back the elders from who knows where.

[William S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Same old same old

There is a spark missing. Skippy is snarky; Simms is concerned; Nert is naive; Scorandum (sp?) is devious; the Maxhlz are clueless; the spiders are dangerous; and Ben is still concerned about his image. There's an Elder AI working behind the scenes, and everybody is setting up fake scenarios to fool eavesdroppers. These fakeouts are a new thing with this book. You read a few pages into the book when you discover everything you just read is fake. That doesn't sit well with me. Anyway, the whole book is merely a setup for an escalation in the storyline with new and more dangerous antagonists to be revealed.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, the 'banter' was annoying. There are literal sections you can skip about the meals or the dumb banter. They add nothing to the story or even the character development. The commentary on men being insensitive oafs and women being enlightened and more in touch with feelings is playing to the lowest common denominator. The characters are presented as flat in that regard.
Also, it feels like we're finally moving towards a conclusion but it's felt like that before. This series needs to wrap up.

[Trax Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Craig kinda dropped the ball on this one.

The earlier ones were fun.

But #14 was full of unnecessary drivel that shouldn't have been there.

Those endless ruminations should have been surgically removed.

And why we understand that Skippy will always be well ... Skippy, it didn't help that you infantilize him this much.

Hope the next one will see more thoughtfulness put into it.

[Brandon Welsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of like fast food. You want it but feel fat and gross after.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is amazing that Craig Alanson continues to amaze and entertain 14 books into a series. The adventures of Joe Bishop, the crew of the ship Valkyrie, and of course an alien Artificial Intelligence known as Skippy the Magnificent, have attracted a loyal fan base along with an impressive array of merchandise that can be worn and displayed showing one’s allegiance to the Merry Band of Pirates. Continuing in a hard science fiction vein, accompanied by a lot of action, and peppered with humor, this remains an adult book but one which avoids any sort of graphic descriptions. It is just plain fun!

Match Game starts off by imparting the necessary information that General Joe Bishop has an action figure! Okay, well, an inaction figure would be more apt. After all, Skippy will be Skippy. More importantly, as compensation for their attack on Earth, the Maxolhx and Rindhalu are ordered to surrender hundreds of their warships and to skedaddle. (Lest the Sentinel known as Roscoe ruins their day). Unfortunately, this is not the end of the problems facing the UN force. There is an Elder AI out there that has been playing them all while awaking the Sentinels. This becomes the meat of the book as an elaborate scheme is formed with a large cast of characters to track the entity down. Of course, this is a convoluted scheme that could fail spectacularly in many ways.

Skippy: “Ohh, I have a bad feeling about this. You have that look on your face. I know that look. You’re thinking of doing something crazy, aren’t you?

Joe: “Depends on what you mean by crazy!”

Matters are complicated by the fact that other species know about the Elder AI and are just as determined to get it. This means there are a lot of twists, about-faces, and duplicitous actions that take place, and the reader is never sure what side anyone is on. In short, typical Alanson fare.

I have mentioned previously in reviews of this series that part of the enjoyment comes from the incredible continuity and believable explanations of the science and the activities that take place. All while the peril continues to ramp up from book to book. This is again evident here and we are eventually faced with the direst situation imaginable. To quote James T. Kirk, “Sounds like fun!”

Based on interviews, the 15th novel in this saga may very well be the final one and while that may be sad, the journey to get there has been amazing. The quality of the writing has remained consistent, and the enjoyment experienced in reading has not diminished in the slightest. Match Game is another rollicking adventure sure to please.

[Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what exactly should I say here... It's a space opera, although refreshingly it doesn't delve too much into HFY territory, and has a unique plot.

Both the jokes and the plot did not disappoint. It feels lively and engaging throughout.

Much like previous entries in the series, the entire thing has a very unique and -chatty- style. It seems to me that the idea is very much to replicate the relationship present between Skippy and Joe and put it into a more report-like format that is this book. Written largely in first-person, this makes it seem almost a hybrid memoir of sorts, with random side banter added. The quirky style is also present in the jokes, and I must say that all characters are really brought to life by the sometimes eccentric portrayal. The plot is well done, especially in the face of so many other series that read as almost exact copies of one another.

I won't go out and say that it is a shining example of literary genius. In truth, I like it because it brings me back to the time when I first picked up this series and reminds me of all the things that changed in my life since then. At the time, I never would have guessed that this would prove to be the last real sci-fi series I followed along.
The story works well, the characters are portrayed well, and even so, the real compelling factor for me is the style it is written in.

[Craig Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking book 52 of the year is an important duty - I like to finish off my reading challenge with something a bit special. Hence, I was delighted that Skippy and Bishop, the best duo in sci-fi, were back for another adventure.

Alanson has a winning formula and he’s not afraid to exploit it. But each instalment it gets harder and harder to raise the stakes. It is forgivable, therefore, but still disappointing, that his 11th outing just doesn’t quite hit the mark.

The finally balanced ratio between silly and serious just trends a little silly. Instead of comfortable nostalgia we find a bit of tedious repetition. For example, I found myself going through the plot thinking “if this turns out to be another unrealistic fake out… oh dear”. Increasingly that particular plot device is not just overused, but it has strayed into the unforgivable depths of a Bobby Ewing shower scene.

All that said, I still enjoyed it, but I’m now, for the first time, worried about the series. Sure the big, inevitable, cliff-hanger ending promises some interesting times ahead, but even it feels like fan service over consistency.

[JPop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fantastic ride—Match Game continues to impress in the Expeditionary Force series!

Match Game is an exceptional continuation of the Expeditionary Force saga, filled with action, clever twists, and emotional moments that keep the story moving forward. Joe and Skippy find themselves navigating even more dangerous situations, and the stakes continue to rise as they face both familiar and new enemies. The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected turns, making it hard to stop listening.

What stands out in Match Game is the continued growth of the characters, especially Joe and Skippy’s evolving dynamic. Their interactions are as engaging as ever, with humor and tension balancing the high-stakes action. The world-building also continues to impress, with new settings and conflicts that expand the Expeditionary Force universe.

Match Game is a thrilling entry that delivers everything fans love about the series: excitement, suspense, and unforgettable characters.

Listened to as an audiobook on Audible.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but I'm glad we're so close to the end of the series.

I'm glad the plot structure was different to the usual "we have to do x, we screwed up, we miraculously pulled this one off yay!".

However I'm really getting over the constant repeated descriptions and overall conversations. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the following:

Absent minded beer can, dumb dumb, filthy monkey, ignorant monkey, that's my story and I'm sticking to it, Skippy you arse, *Joe interrupting Skippy while Skippy is trying to give him vital information*, *Skippy embarrassing Joe by telling the crew about Joe's shower routines*, Skippy not knowing obscure references that Joe mentions, despite Skippy having earth's entire history memorised and the fastest mind in the universe.

There are a few others I've forgotten but there are 250k words in the English dictionary, surely some can be utlisied to vary the descriptions.