The Lost Fleet: Dauntless (Jack Campbell)

Last year I discovered the works of science fiction author John G. Hemry (whose pen name is Jack Campbell) and listened to the Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier series. It was an honest mistake, and I planned to return to the first series once I finished the second.

Dauntless is an entertaining book for several reasons. The protagonist, Black Jack Geary, is thoroughly honorable and dedicated to his duty. He’s a strong hero who wins. The supporting cast either idolizes him as a legend reborn or despises him as a relic of a previous era. In Dauntless, Geary is faced with long odds and must retrain the fleet in forgotten traditions and disciplines. 

The book is packed with dialogue and internal dialogue. The setting consists largely of “light minutes and hours” from the enemy or destinations. There is plenty of information dump and explanations of how space battles are fought. The theme of the book seems to be how Black Jack Geary is a reluctant hero, an exceptionally moral and honorable hero, and is destined to be the greatest military champion ever.

This description might turn potential readers off, as it encompasses several techniques writers are taught to avoid, however, I must say I really enjoyed Dauntless and plan to listen to the rest of the series in audiobook format.