78 reviews for:

Victorious

Jack Campbell

3.82 AVERAGE

mr_houses's profile picture

mr_houses's review

2.0

Voy a darle una valoración rápida al conjunto de la saga. En esta segunda lectura le he cogido bastante manía al protagonista y sus reflexiones. Pretende ser un Hornblower espacial y no le da el recorrido. Le faltan personajes y los tres que hay dan un poco de pena. Parece que hayan repetido el elenco de embrujada y me imagino a Dick York como capitán Geary discutiendo ora con Endora ora con Samantha. Las descripciones de batallas terminan por aburrir y solo el pequeño macguffin alienígena mantiene el interés. Como audiolibro para pillar el sueño tiene un pasar. Para lo demás prefiero a Honor Harrington.

Dang, Campbell really can't write romance very well. I had a good run with these books, but I'm done now.

The final book in Jack Campbell (the pen name of John Hemry)'s The Lost Fleet series, Victorious sees 'Black Jack' Geary returning to where the series started: back to the Syndic's Home System. While the last 5 books in the series ahve all dealt with the long retreat home (even if the Alliance Fleet never believed it was, or called it as such, and which ended in the finale of The Lost Fleet: Relentless), this sees that fleet go on the offensive in a bid to end the century-old war.

Without giving anything away (or, at least, any more than the blurb on my edition does!), the previously hinted-at alien forces on the far side of the Syndic space also have a role to play in this novel, leading plenty of space for that to be developed in the planned next series of books: The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier. I may just be convinced to pick those up ...
topdragon's profile picture

topdragon's review

4.0

This is the final book of the “Lost Fleet” series featuring Captain “Black Jack” Geary, and as such, it has a lot of wrapping up to do. The Lost Fleet has finally made it home, Captain Geary has left a trail of destroyed and/or embarrassed Syndicate war ships in his wake, and it is time to see what is next.

Geary has built such a fine reputation over the course of bringing the Lost Fleet home and has built so much power that he could, if he so chooses, take over and become the political leader of the entire Alliance. But of course that is the furthest thing from what our humble hero wants. Seeking merely to be allowed to continue to serve in whatever capacity is desired, he is convinced to take the rank of Admiral of the Fleet (only temporarily if he can have his way), take the battle to the enemy Syndicate worlds, and obtain a lasting peace.

And, oh by the way, find a way to deal with those pesky aliens we keep hearing about and prevent them from annihilating us all.

That’s a tall order to fit into one last book but Jack Campbell manages to pull it off. This novel contains much of the same sort of plot devices as the previous novels of the series: marvelous space battles (very few authors seem to get this right), political machinations, and Geary’s ever-present personal relationship struggles.

I’ve really enjoyed reading these books, mostly because they are just so much fun. However, I do grow tired of how Geary is the perfect military officer. He always (always!) makes the right decision, bringing his ships out of impossible circumstances, out-thinking the enemy at every turn, saving as many lives as possible, and yet remaining as humble and as honorable as it is possible to be. His on-going and developing feelings for the Captain of his flagship is never allowed to proceed because of the dishonor that fraternization would bring to both parties. It’s as frustrating for us readers as it is for them.

Despite there being so much to accomplish in this one book, it doesn’t feel rushed at all. The ending is very satisfying and leads into a whole new series, “The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier” which carries on the story line. I will seek that out at the appropriate time but for now I am content to leave these characters where they stand.
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

Great conclusion to the series!

I'm definitely going to recommend this to people looking for fast paced hard Sci-Fi.

Favorite quote:
  • "That's the difference between good military commanders and good politicians, John Geary. You've shown me that a good military commander spends the lives of their people reluctantly and with regret, but does spend them when necessary. The good politician does the same thing with principles. There aren't any fine burials for principles though." 
kangokaren's profile picture

kangokaren's review

5.0

So excited for the next 6 books!
paweljw's profile picture

paweljw's review

4.0
adventurous hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
mary_soon_lee's profile picture

mary_soon_lee's review

4.0

This is the sixth and final book in the Lost Fleet military series, a series that I've gobbled up in under three weeks. I enjoyed the series very much, partly for its excellent space battles, and partly because I was in the mood for a hero that I could root for in an uncomplicated way. The hero of the series, John Geary, is unambiguously good and is put in a succession of difficult situations that held my attention well. The reservations that I expressed in my review of book four still hold, and I could add a couple more to the list. Indeed, part of me wants to add more, because I think many people I respect would rate this series poorly. Part of me wants to appear cleverer and more sophisticated than I am. Yes, I like many books that are more demanding and more nuanced than the Lost Fleet series. But I admit it: I like this too.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

darax's review

4.0

Loved the ending but was a bit different to the other stories. Solid not sure if I like that style more or less yet. Interesting though.
danielv64's profile picture

danielv64's review

4.0

Another solid entry into this series, can't wait to start the Beyond the Border series extension.