Read Online Black Ops Expeditionary Force Book 4 Audible Audio Edition Craig Alanson R C Bray Podium Publishing Books

Product details Audible Audiobook Listening Length 16 hours and 44 minutes Program Type Audiobook Version Unabridged Publisher Podium Publishing Audible.com Release Date September 26, 2017 Language English, English ASIN B075NL993Q

Black Ops Expeditionary Force Book 4 Audible Audio Edition Craig Alanson R C Bray Podium Publishing Books Reviews

• It looks to me like this series has finally crashed and burned. I thought the first book was "meh" but gave the 2nd 4 Stars. The third was less fun than the second, but Alanson toned down the incessant insults and hostility between Joe & Skippy. One thing I liked about the series was first the story turned in unexpected ways and it didn't take itself seriously. I think that is a very hard thing to sustain and I don't think Alanson has done so. The 4th book, so far (I'm only 44% thru it), is less repetitive but also a lot less fun. For instance, Skippy's idea of negotiation is to cause a (real or fake, it's not clear) emergency evacuation of one part of the ship. Problem is who's gonna trust him after that? So, it's slapstick and has in my opinion jumped the shark. I no longer find the insulting banter and threats back and forth funny. I don't find the artificial way Alanson removes Skippy's "powers" credible, it is obviously just to add tension to the plot, and is without and internal coherency imho. Joe seems to be losing IQ points at about 1 a day, most people will grow into a challenging job, but we can rely on Joe to continue to be unprepared and unmotivated to prepare (the contrast between the extensive planning he does and his failure to ask Skippy relevant background questions is stark).
• Another great addition by Craig Alanson. I'm picky about my scify military books. It's unusual to find a writer so early in their careers, not supported by a mainstream publisher, who is this talented. The stories and their plots are so well done I find myslef anticipating his next book. Only a couple writers, in any genre, can catch my attention and hold it. Kudos on another good addition to what I call the Skippy series.
• No filler, no boring dialogue, and plenty of action with a chaser of great character interplay. I thoroughly enjoy this authors writing style. The banter between characters is spot on and the right amount of action ties it all together. Keep the books coming.......oh and by the way the cliff hanger is something the beer can would do.... not nice 😧
• The merry band are back, well, not back, as they never really left, but Joe, Skippy and the crew are still out in space, trying to safeguard Earth from the myriad of threats that appear to getting longer every book.
  This time, they are making sure that the Thuranin are not a threat to Earth, that none of them are coming back, whilst still looking for Skippy’s Elder ring, trying not to be discovered, and generally safeguarding Earth when they find little issues.
  These books are funny, like if you are alone, you sit there in hysterical fits of laughter funny at some of the comments that come out of Skippy’s mouth, type funny. Of course Joe makes it easier for him, and on the odd occasion, gets his own back.
  There are multiple different plots that happen in this story, and it is a bit difficult to talk about all of them without giving too much away. Needless to say, there is a lot going on in this book.
  As usual, there is the continual banter between Skippy and Joe, although in this book, the banter has expanded to include some other characters as well as although it has been alluded to previously, in this book, there are more examples of Skippy and other crew interacting with each other – of course none of it is as funny and offensive as the Joe/Skippy conversations.
  This time around, there was the introduction of another ‘Skippy’ type character as well. As a result of some of the stuff that Skippy has done previously, one of the Splinter minds he has created to do a task actually reaches a semi level of AI, and much to Skippy’s annoyances, starts to talk to him with a female personality. He names her Nagatha, kind of like Agatha from Agatha Christie, but she Nags more about Skippy treats the crew.
  This introduction of another ‘Skippy’ type character, less intelligent, but more intelligent than most humans, is rather an interesting dynamic for the story. It certainly causes some interesting conversational arcs.
  The crew find themselves in a lot of trouble when they come across a particular issue that leads to the crew taking action for the safety of Earth. These actions must remain totally off the scope though, as any suspicion of their involvement will result in catastrophic outcomes for all humanity (Both on Earth and Paradise).
  As with the other stories, the adventure is a mix of hilarious humour, stunning tech (some of which is almost magical it is so far beyond the standard understanding of normal humans – it would be fascinating to know where Alanson actually got his material from), some incredible battles, both in space, on board ship, and on the ground.
  For those that have read the others in the series, this is a must read. If you are new to the series, you really should go back to the start. Although the books are good, the best way to get the most out of these is still to listen to the Audio books by R.C. Bray – the combination of Alanson’s writing, and Bray’s narration is a seriously outstanding experience and is the reason that each of these books has been such a hit on Audible.
  This is still a ‘drop everything and start reading/listening’ title they are so good, so don’t miss it.
• As usual a good book, with a great sense of humour. The reason for the four stars is that the facts and descriptions can go on for quite some time and is a little annoying to go through.
  Giving the perspective of the different aliens is refreshing and something i would like to se a little more of. If in the future books the merry band of pirates doesn't go visit earth, how about a chapter that describes the eartlings struggle to advance technologically and the concerns over a future threat. This i believe would give a little more depth to the story.
  
  Keep up the good work.
• If you love stories about space, pirates, humans-against-the-Universe and genius talking beer cans you'll love this series. This is the 4th book and it continues the series right where it left off in the third. This is one of those books which benefits 100% by being an audible. R.C Bray is just about the best narrator out there and he brings the character of Skippy to life in all his sarcastic, condescending and loveable glory. Sure Skippy is the ultimate Deus ex Machina but in this book the humans also get to shine. Start with book one of course and then after book four you can eagerly await book 5 with the rest of us.