The third book in the series, The Black Fleet, continues to satisfy. It’s not quite as complex perhaps as the previous two (The Crimson Deathbringer and The Golden Viper), but it still delivers—with brisk action, campy humor, and the crazy cast we’ve grown so fond of. They abound with zealousness (or is that insanity?). The threat this time deals with the fate of the future. Scary!
There’s protagonist Major Jim Harrison—with new wife, Ella, a career military woman—and his nemesis/alter-ego, Venom. Jim’s still an ace fighter pilot but is also the author of well-selling autobiographies; not only have they granted him a certain level of fame but have bolstered an ego that was rather big to begin with. Comrade Kurt returns, as does prankster Tarq, but the “insect” seems a little less dynamic than previously. General Maada takes a pivotal role and gives Jim a run for his money, er, space fighter, er . . . .
Sean’s characters are well crafted and alternative planets and lifeforms—like the Akakies, Volts, and Talgonians—are thoroughly detailed. It’s easy to visualize the action in all its explosive fervor. Energy and danger overflow as heroes/heroines and enemies engage in thrilling skirmishes.
I looked at Earth, visible from the front window, and admired its magnificent beauty for the thousandth time. No matter how often I saw Earth from orbit, this view always made my breath catch and my spirit lift. My planet, where all my loved ones lived, including my unborn child. In this wide universe, this was the only place I called home, which incidentally I’d helped save a couple of times, along with the rest of the galaxy.
If pride really were a deadly sin, then I was going straight to hell.
And now new baddies were coming for her. Well, guess who was standing in their way. But first, there was a minor issue I had to deal with.
“You know what, Tarq?” I said conversationally. “It’s just occurred to me you never answered for the seven hundred million humans you got killed.”
Another thrilling ride to be sure, one that leaves you longing for another. Lucky us—there’s a fourth one to come.
A definite 4 out of 5!
What about Sean Robins? As may be evident from the Crimson Deathbringer books, he’s a huge fan of Marvel, Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Star Trek. He’s a university/college-level English teacher and has lived and worked in six different countries, including Canada. Sean has met people from all around the world, which is “probably why my characters look like the bridge crew from Star Trek”.
His favorite author is Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files), which is why he ended up writing in first-person POV with the same light-hearted, funny tone. The fact that his MC’s name is Jim is purely coincidental, and has nothing to do with Captain James Kirk either.
Please check Sean out on Amazon, Goodreads, Twitter (@seanrobins300) and/or Facebook (facebook.com/seanrobins300).
The Writer's Grab-Bag 