Pauli S

More of the Same, Time for a Break

Revisado: 04-24-23

Hey there, fellow readers! So, I just finished the third book in the Expeditionary Force series, and I have to say, it's more of the same stuff we've seen before. Skippy, the wise-cracking AI, is still calling everyone a monkey, and he still can't seem to come up with an idea by himself. Everything seems impossible, and Joe, the protagonist, has yet another epiphany while doing something random. And of course, Joe and Skippy save the world, once again.

Honestly, while I enjoyed the first two books, this one just seemed too familiar. It's like the author took a template and just changed a few details here and there. I mean, I get it, the whole premise of the series is that Joe and Skippy go on these crazy adventures, but after a while, it starts to feel a bit repetitive.

Don't get me wrong, there are still some cool moments in this book, and the banter between Skippy and Joe is always entertaining. But overall, I think I need a break from the series. I know there are at least 12 more books to go, but I think I need to read something else for a while before diving back in.

To sum it up, if you're a die-hard fan of the series, then you'll probably enjoy this book. But if you're like me and starting to feel like it's all a bit too familiar, then maybe take a break before continuing on.

Before I sign off, I have to give a shoutout to the narrator, R.C. Bray. His performance is outstanding and he really brings the characters to life. His ability to switch between different accents and tones is impressive, and I think he's the reason I made it through this third book. Even when the plot seemed a bit repetitive, Bray's narration kept me engaged and entertained. If you're a fan of science fiction audiobooks, then I highly recommend checking out this series narrated by Bray.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Pleasant Surprise in Sci-Fi

Revisado: 04-11-23

As a fan of science fiction and book series, I approached "Columbus Day," the first installment in Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force series, with cautious optimism. Initially, I wasn't particularly excited about diving into a space-military-opera, but I was soon won over by the combination of R.C. Bray's exceptional narration and the clever, "The Martian"-esque humor woven throughout the story.

Alanson's writing style is engaging and entertaining, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. The witty banter and clever dialogue between characters bring levity to a potentially serious, military-focused narrative, making it accessible to readers who may not typically be drawn to this subgenre of science fiction.

One of the standout aspects of "Columbus Day" is the introduction of Skippy, the advanced AI, and the unique bond he forms with Joe, the protagonist. Their unlikely friendship is the heart of the story and drives the narrative forward. Skippy and Joe's interactions provide some of the most memorable moments in the book, laying the groundwork for their adventures in future installments.

The combination of humor, compelling characters, and an intriguing plot quickly drew me in, making "Columbus Day" a pleasant surprise in the world of sci-fi. By the end of the first book, I was fully invested in the series and eagerly anticipated starting the next book, "SpecOps." Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force is a series that offers a refreshing take on the space opera genre, and I look forward to following the adventures of Joe, Skippy, and the rest of the crew as the story unfolds.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Fun, Humorous, and Engaging Sequel

Revisado: 04-11-23

Craig Alanson's "SpecOps" is the exciting second installment in the Expeditionary Force series, continuing the adventures of Joe, the Pirates, and Skippy, the witty AI. As a fan of the first book, I eagerly dived into this sequel to find out what happens next in their quest to save humanity. Alanson maintains the unique style and tone from the first book, making it a fitting continuation of the series.

One of the highlights of this book is the humor the author infuses throughout the story, which aligns with my personal taste. The banter between the characters and the light-hearted moments provide levity to what could have been a more serious, space-based military tale. This humor helps to make the book an enjoyable read and keeps the reader engaged.

However, there were a few aspects of the book that began to irritate me. The interactions between Skippy and Joe, as well as the rest of the pirates, became repetitive over time, particularly Skippy's insistence on referring to the humans as "monkeys" and his obsession with "bananas." This running joke starts to wear thin after a while, and I found myself wishing for more varied exchanges between the characters.

Additionally, Skippy's inability to recognize Joe's capacity for creative, out-of-the-box thinking seems like an oversight for such an advanced AI. This lack of acknowledgment can be frustrating, as it feels like the characters aren't evolving or growing from their experiences.

Despite these minor shortcomings, I thoroughly enjoyed "SpecOps" and eagerly moved on to the third book in the series, "Paradise." Alanson's storytelling and humor keep me invested in the fate of Joe, Skippy, and the pirates, and I am excited to see where their journey takes them next. Overall, "SpecOps" is an entertaining and engaging sequel that builds on the strengths of the first book while offering new challenges for the characters to overcome.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

An different Reynolds book

Revisado: 09-25-22

Simple enough in it's complexity. Having read the Revelation Space books a couple of times, this was a refreshing story by the author. The clues were nicely tied into and solved towards the end of the book.
Harry Myers' (Narrator) reading was immaculate and added to the enjoyment tremendously.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

An excellent ending to a great trilogy

Revisado: 07-28-22

Reynolds ties nicely everything together with an interesting story and familiar characters. The Nostalgia arrives at its destination and the immensity of the Universe is yet again measured in years.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A compelling introduction to a new galaxy

Revisado: 05-06-22

The author does a job of introducing and building a new complex, future Milky Way. There are several alien species and an intriguing political web. The science is plausible enough but still a fantasy.
I will read the next book because I struggled with the narration. The "acting" didn't match my interpretation of the characters. However, the voice was very pleasing.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

An interesting and entertaining intro to coffee

Revisado: 08-19-21

The author's performance and vocalization made this a great audiobook. Hoffman is very knowledgeable and seems to have a passion that is hard to match.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Fascinating idea and excellent performance

Revisado: 06-28-21

What would you do if reincarnation existed? An interesting story about the roles we play in history. Also, what you end up doing with eternal time.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

A touching story with right voice

Revisado: 02-12-21

A brief look into Obama's rise to office. Having his voice made the book more personal. An easy listen and expecting a sequel.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña