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wannabekingpin's review against another edition
5.0
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night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Elder Ones, seemingly the first or among the first races of the Universe, have ascended into a different kind of existence, abandoning their bodies. But not before they put together technology that was meant to keep this corner of Space – clean of life. This way they planned to protect their power source and the barrier built against someone or something that scared even them. Said plan, of course, didn’t wholly work, as is proven by Joe Bishop and his Merry Band of Pirates, entire humanity, and many other races, and species, who got into quarrels with them over the past several books. But, as Skippy thought, for as long as Elders aren’t aware of it all, it’s as good as perfect. And then he had to kill that other damned Elder AI, who sent out a distress call, one that can only be sent by their kind. Worse still, Elders acknowledged the call. Now, Skippy can’t see any scenario in which Elders would just go back to sleep and ignore everything, instead of, you know, waking up and committing some genocide to tidy up the mess, fixing their rogue AI on their way out so, his, and Universe’s best hope are us, the monkeys. Joe Bishop at the helm, with such insane and impossible plans that, hehe, no one’s going to like them…
My Opinion: It’s hard to resist the greed when tales of your favorite characters are so very well finalized, because they might just be the last ones. Turned pages through high-strung action on the edge of my seat, the fights, the escapes, the impossible, the momentary lapses of judgement, and perfect ideas from people in the book, rather than universal luck by author’s divinity. Every character, even the side-side had their own firm personality, characteristics that made them – them. Basically, quality is so superb that 15 books later I wish there were more in the future. Because while I couldn’t ask for more, got my open ending to daydream about, got a glimpse into things that were forbidden through the previous books, and so on, I’d still have more, happily.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Elder Ones, seemingly the first or among the first races of the Universe, have ascended into a different kind of existence, abandoning their bodies. But not before they put together technology that was meant to keep this corner of Space – clean of life. This way they planned to protect their power source and the barrier built against someone or something that scared even them. Said plan, of course, didn’t wholly work, as is proven by Joe Bishop and his Merry Band of Pirates, entire humanity, and many other races, and species, who got into quarrels with them over the past several books. But, as Skippy thought, for as long as Elders aren’t aware of it all, it’s as good as perfect. And then he had to kill that other damned Elder AI, who sent out a distress call, one that can only be sent by their kind. Worse still, Elders acknowledged the call. Now, Skippy can’t see any scenario in which Elders would just go back to sleep and ignore everything, instead of, you know, waking up and committing some genocide to tidy up the mess, fixing their rogue AI on their way out so, his, and Universe’s best hope are us, the monkeys. Joe Bishop at the helm, with such insane and impossible plans that, hehe, no one’s going to like them…
My Opinion: It’s hard to resist the greed when tales of your favorite characters are so very well finalized, because they might just be the last ones. Turned pages through high-strung action on the edge of my seat, the fights, the escapes, the impossible, the momentary lapses of judgement, and perfect ideas from people in the book, rather than universal luck by author’s divinity. Every character, even the side-side had their own firm personality, characteristics that made them – them. Basically, quality is so superb that 15 books later I wish there were more in the future. Because while I couldn’t ask for more, got my open ending to daydream about, got a glimpse into things that were forbidden through the previous books, and so on, I’d still have more, happily.
robotcommander's review against another edition
2.0
Problem
discussion between Skippy and Bishop
Solution
Repeat 15 Times
discussion between Skippy and Bishop
Solution
Repeat 15 Times
theadorek9's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
apryde6226's review
5.0
Trust the Awesomeness!
This is the end of the Expeditionary Force and it was a great ride! Craig Alanson did a fantastic job. I don't want to let out any spoilers. Some of the Merry Band of Pirates die, Joe and Skippy continue to do their thing but their relationship peaks in great ways.
This is the end of the Expeditionary Force and it was a great ride! Craig Alanson did a fantastic job. I don't want to let out any spoilers. Some of the Merry Band of Pirates die, Joe and Skippy continue to do their thing but their relationship peaks in great ways.
sansaraf's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kharliah's review
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.
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.
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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫