Reviews

Failure Mode by Craig Alanson

thunderbird117's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

avid_reader_sf_and_f's review

4.0

I'm torn. It was the end of a series I've really enjoyed. It wasn't as action packed as usual. It balanced sentiment and good wrap ups with the tragic loss of favorite characters. I liked it, but I'm sad. Really, I think it needed more ECO hyjinx.

bookishactor's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Failure Mode by Craig Alanson is book 15 of Expeditionary Force. Although there is (at least) one more ExForce book forthcoming, book 15 was originally billed as the end of the series. I’ve loved this comedic military sci-fi saga, and Failure Mode was no exception. I feel the need to clarify that neither this book nor this series are particularly well-written. No offense to Mr. Alanson, but these books are often repetitive and would benefit from some good editing. Failure Mode, and some of the prior books, have relied on deus ex machina to overcome obstacles. Failure Mode featured some scenes should of been emotionally moving, but just didn’t totally stick the landing for me. With that said, what Alanson has done delightfully well throughout the series is write fantastically funny dialogue and vignettes, as well as flesh out a really compelling sci-fi world and develop some really loveable characters. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Joe and Skippy, and see a fantastic climax for the series come to fulfillment. I’m also glad this isn’t really the end. Criticism not withstanding, Alanson knows how to write FUN fiction, and I’ll read anything he publishes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

rjgillmor's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

🎧- Always TTA. Had a little bit of everything and was very enjoyable. 

thest_ory_grap_huser's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

miss_soup's review against another edition

4.0

The dynamic banter shared between Joe and Skippy in "Failure Mode" by Craig Alanson is an absolute joy. Their witty exchanges never fail to send me into fits of laughter, even in the midst of intense confrontations where they assert their dominance over immensely powerful cosmic entities. The seamless blend of humour and gravity in these moments makes for a truly captivating and entertaining experience that leaves me both chuckling and in awe. I will miss these adventures.

juan_vera's review against another edition

5.0

It is always to close a trilogy well. When we spoke about a series of 15 books, it is almost impossible to satisfy every follower. We have become part of the journey and become to love the characters with each book. In this case Craig has done an excellent work. The last book has settled the story plots and it has been faithful to the spirit of the overall opus!

rjgillmor's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

🎧 - Always TTA. Had a little bit of everything and was very enjoyable. 

kharliah's review against another edition

3.0

It wasn't really a great way to end this massive series to be honest

It just ended by defeating the greatest threat and then were like "oh there are heaps of other problems, lets get to those".

I suppose Alanson couldn't really write any more books where they actually won totally so it was a good place to end it.

Anyway, was expecting more. The last 2h of the audiobook (like 60 pages) felt rushed. Would have been happy with another 4-5 books of the Skippy/Joe relationship but whatever.

rgarver's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0