A review by bookishactor
Failure Mode by Craig Alanson

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫