Black Ops: Expeditionary Force, Book 4

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).

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.

I guess it’s probably too late to warn against profanity in book 4. I’m surprised I have actually continued with the series. The author does a great job developing a relationship with all his caricatures. The only thing that has kept me reading more the one book in the series and putting up with the profanity.Did he not learn anything else from Harry Potter. Just don’t get the need to overuse profanity. To me it just seems to make the author look lazy because he cannot find how to express his thoughts. So they throw in a bunch of profanity. Could not recommend this series because of profanity. Too bad it’s a great series for young readers to fall in love with reading.

The "Expeditionary Force" series is at turns amusing, puzzling, and irritating. It purports to follow the exploits of a stolen spaceship commanded by Joe Bishop assisted by possibly the most intelligent being in the universe, an Elder AI in the shape of a beer can, playfully named "Skippy", which is all that stands between Earth and more advanced alien races that would exterminate humanity (for reasons that are not entirely clear). Their complicated exploits invariably involve Skippy using his vast powers to cheat the technical systems of whatever the target might be, while not revealing the intervention of humans in any way; and in the end, Bishop must come up with fixes since Skippy is not perfect and in fact is in his own fight with a worm.There are plenty of serious moments, but the series is sprinkled with banter between Bishop and Skippy that is fun but not what one expects from a hyper-intelligent AI and often seems to simply be banal filler. And the overall mission to keep Earth safe is somewhat lost in the puzzle-solving required by each adventure. This series is filling a peculiar niche in the sci-fi universe, half-way between serious and light-hearted.Book 4 requires the Merry Band of Pirates to foment a broad civil war among the lizards, and it is a typically good read.

the adventures of Colonel Joe & Skippy and the rest of the merry crew of the Flying Dutchman continue in this, book 4. You have to read the series from Book 1 on chronological order (and don't miss book 3.5 Trouble in Paradise).I gobbled up all the books as soon as i tried Book 1 and realised how clever the author Craig Alanson is with his unique way of telling the story. It really immerses you in the action, the angst, the perplexing problems that meet the space crew as they stumble through the galaxies with Skippy as their Guide/Mentor.I guarantee you will NOT be able to put the book down!

An excellent read. I was, and still am, hooked on the exploits of the Expeditionary Force books and the Black Ops (Book 4) in the series was no exception.Have to wait until November for the next sequel in this very agreeable Science Fiction Space romp series. For new readers you simply must start from Book 1 Columbus Day. Craig Alanson had me wanting more from the very first. Can't give to much way but if you think of an Expeditionary Force from Earth going out into the vast Galaxies of the Universe to recover kidnapped humans on Paradise, Commanded by Joe Bishop, getting too involved in other Aliens (non human form) who are technologically vastly superior, backing the wrong side, at the wrong time, trying to recover the situation in order to protect Mother Earth, and to top it all off being aided by an Artificial Intelligent that has a rather unique 'mother board form and is nicknamed 'Skippy' you may get the picture. Throw in some fine humour and you have a very good read from start to finish - and you will crave the next saga sequel one as I'm doing now. Only one negative and that is Craig Alanson does tend to input too much anecdotal material just when you want to get back to the main event.

meant to order book 2,but ordered book 4 instead,so i have now ordered books 2 and 3,these were recommended to me,1st book was brilliant so i know i will enjoy the next 3 ,and so on.

Another fantastic book... Can’t wait until November for the next episode.Not going to lie, I’m gutted with the ending!As far as the book is concerned don’t read it in public, people look at you funny when you start laughing manically whilst reading.

A thoughtful read. With a good amount of humour. A beer can to save a race. A crew of elite soldiers . What could go wrong . You will enjoy finding out