Mavericks (Expeditionary Force) Paperback – 14 July 2018

Once again I have been thoroughly gripped and entertained by this series. If you don't trust anything else...trust the awesomeness!

From Craig Alanson the tale continues, bargain entertainment if you choose add audible narration at checkout. In lockdown you need something to keep you going. Fair characterisation, and a reasonable plot action mix. Part 6 continues with - The remnants of the Expeditionary Force stranded on the alien-controlled planet 'Paradise' get a chance to prove themselves, in a simple off-world training mission with a ship full of teenage alien cadets. When the mission goes horribly wrong and the survival of everyone on Paradise is at risk, the Merry Band of Pirates may have to come to the rescue. Unless they get killed first...

If you are a fan of Colonel Joe Bishop and Skippy, this book will not disappoint. It is not, however, more of the same. Craig Alanson takes the Ex Force storyline in a new and exciting direction, paying off many of the questions from previous novels and novellas. The universe also grows, as we get to know a greater range of aliens, including the Verd-Kris, Kristaang who have rejected the warrior culture and allied themselves with the Ruhar.This novel follows two different storylines that do come together in a very dramatic conclusion: the first story line follows Col. Joe and Skippy and a crisis that unfolds on The Flying Dutchman. There is tension, drama, and also a lot of laughs. The other story line follows the fortunes of newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Perkins, and her team of Ex Force favourites who we have previously seen activate Maser cannons on Paradise and then again in the novella Trouble on Paradise. A particular highlight in this latter storyline is any scene involving Nert, the well meaning but clueless Ruhar liaison officer, as he struggles to grasp human culture.I have previously listened to the brilliant narration by R.C. Bray, and this is the first novel I read using my monkey eyes. This book made me laugh and gasp more than any of the previous stories, and is possibly my new favourite. I can’t wait for the next instalment in the story.

My only complaint about Craig Alanson's books are that it's too easy to buy the book one day and realise the next that you've finished it. Not many authors I have to read completely as soon as I get the book. The you have to avidly wait for the next one.Well worth the read. Great characters and a plot that really does keep you guessing what they're going to do next, basically because the characters themselves are winging it (in a really cool way).Enjoyp.s. You'll have to buy the books to get the review headline (or talk to someone who has... I'd recommend buying)

I liked this book, but it didn't have awesomeness of Zero Hour or move the story on much further. It acts more of another interim book like 3.5, but somewhat less frenetic. There is more discussion between just the main character and skippy, with some bits being quite to the bone, which I have not heard in these writings before. The commander Chotek seems to have almost vanished from discussions, though he has not also been the most popular character. Skippy's powers still vary in story, from god like one moment to completely incapable in another, but that maybe is the idea. The most interesting part is in the Paradise storyline, four different species working together without skippy and it looks like where more ideas and progress could be made in future.

My mate had me start reading this series and I was skeptical - now I'm hooked! Have delayed finishing Asimov's Foundation series to keep reading!

I have seen some unfounded negativity in the reviews for this book and would have to say that they are wrong! Stoopid monkeys etc...Yes we are away from the Joe and Skippy show for parts of the book but it's no bad thing. I enjoy the full cast of characters and am happy to be looking in on the Paradise members of UNEF for a while. Don't worry lots of trouble ensues......

I first looked on Audible, when I heard book 6 was available.It was not there, so decided to buy book.Craig Alanson is one of my favourite authors.I found that because listened to the first five and a half books on Audible, every character i was reading about had a voice. It was great fun, will eventually buy the Audio version as already have both for the rest of his books.Can't wait till November.

Hi all!Book 6 - right… where to go from here? Book 7 I guess… however, I’m loving the work done and I’m not stopping .. the author is hitting it for 6. Well done! I assume by now the garage was left as was…

The author has done a great job with this installment of the Expeditionary Forces. At this point we have been introduced to all the major alien species except the Rindhalu although Alanson gives us a small glimpse of their behavior patterns, just enough to tease and still leave room for surprises. I believe the story arc took an interesting and necessary turn with Emily Perkins and her band of Mavericks. Alanson is taking the time to let his readers get to know the characters that we were introduced to in the first couple of books; if all I did was read about Colonel Joe and his merry band of pirates, the adventure would become monotonous. Although, reading about Joe’s new companion had me laughing hysterically, I can’t wait to hear what RC Bray makes of that one...I have read other reviews criticizing the mannerisms of Colonel Joe in this particular series and how he is still unqualified for his role as a leader. I submit to you that Alanson has actually showed us what the burden of command feels like, when you’re down range and the proverbial @#$% hits the fan, you do the best you can with the information at hand. Sometimes you can’t call someone else and ask them what to do and you have to make it up as you go...Joe also cannot indulge himself with all the desires of his heart, his command does not allow him to “fraternize” with members of the band of merry pirates and that can wreak emotional havoc on anyone if they see everyone else finding some kind of emotional release and they are not able to, enter our shiny beer can to help out...All in all this was a well thought out novel and very fun to read. Alanson has expanded the galaxy quite a bit and it feels like revelations about the Elders will be everything we hoped for. I’m looking forward reading the next book.

Another fine addition to the series We finally get to see what kind of trouble Major Perkins' crew has been up to since book 3.5 "Trouble in Paradise" as well as the outcome of the events from Zero Hour involving the Merry Band of Pirates. A real fist pumping high five for a certain member of the Merry Band of Pirates near the end. The outcome of this book turns a significant corner in the series as things become more dire and yet their course of action becomes more clear... Can't to hear RC Bray's narration in September.

Ik vind het een goede serie maar het duurt nu wel erg lang. Ik ben een beetje klaar met de ontwikkelingen op Paradise. De sterren van de serie zijn natuurlijk Joe en Skippy en wat ik vooral wil weten is hoe het nu zit met Skippy, de Elders, wie heeft Newark uit zijn baan gehaald en waarom, heeft Skippy daar iets mee te maken. DAT zou het hoofdthema van de reeks moeten zijn.

The Mavericks portion of the book covers like 70% of it, and is a great history, could have been a good side book like the "Trouble in Paradise" book, but i was a little disapointed at the end of this book since as it continued the numbered series(book 6, not 5.5) i was expecting more of the main history. For me, the "main history" on this book feels like filler (especially the handling of the "incident on the few first chapters)