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Carson Mach Adventures #3
The Terminal War (A Carson Mach Adventure) by A.C. Hadfield
A millennium into the future. In a galaxy far from Earth. We were not prepared for the Terminal War. Billions of lives are at risk as enemy forces mass on the frontier of the Commonwealth. If the planet Terminus, the center of all the Commonwealth’s technology, falls, we will lose everything, and there will be no way back. The Axis Combine’s fleet is overwhelming in number, and their firepower is superior. Unless one man and his crew can save Terminus, the galaxy will never be the same again. They must find a way to give the Commonwealth an edge or we’ll face complete annihilation. There is but one Carson Mach and his motley crew of rogues on the starship Intrepid. The #1 bestselling Carson Mach Adventures can be read in any order. "Great intrigue on the planet, and space battles on a grand scale! A.C. Hadfield has managed to suck me in again with this wild ride. -- T.J. Romero." "I really enjoyed this new Carson Mach adventure. The Terminal War combines the best of Star Wars and Battlestar. I can't wait for the next one! -- Joseph Chipperfield."
- GenresScience Fiction
Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
66 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Hadfield
15 books51 followersA.C. Hadfield is long-time Star Trek and Star Wars fan and dreamed of writing space adventures as a young child. As an adult, he's now living that dream and writing exciting space operas in distant galaxies as well as our own solar system.
Author of the Carson Mach Series, Blackstar Command, and Vanguard Rising.
Author of the Carson Mach Series, Blackstar Command, and Vanguard Rising.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 5, 2023
So here we are, Carson and me, on the final stretch of his story. One more adventure, once more nothing less on the line than the stability of the whole known universe. And if you know Carson Mach like I do, then you also know: The universe is probably effed up to the brim. Wanna know why?
Carson has a reputation to do the impossible - and succeed at it. This time, though, he is asked for help by the Vestans, and they simultaneously need his help, don't want it and hate him for needing him. Look, it's complicated, right?
That actually describes many of Carson's relationships - to his former friend and sometimes boss, to his crew, to his client, to his lover, to his liver - hell, I'm suspecting even to himself.
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Read this review on the blog - the layout is better 😃.
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That's actually what's so good about this series - space soap, my guilty pleasure genre. Lots of drama, crazy characters, the wildest plot twists imaginable. This genre is not a teaser for your brain, it's a joy ride designed to throw you into the curves of your imagination until your brain rattles. Or you fall out the wagon. (Pro tip: don't fall out the wagon.)
This is your brain on space soaps. You have been warned!
The writing is, let's call it sufficient. There's no finely finesse to the writing style, no elegant expressions, not even alluring alliterations. But it works to transport the joy ride into your brain. If you allow the suspension of disbelief. (Whisky is known to help you with that, in case you're still struggling.)
Your reward is a story that is part "the galaxy is at the brink of another war" (like parts of Star Wars), and part "Something is here, hiding and attacking us - what could it be?" (like Alien). And both problems have to be solved by a motley crew of really unlikely heroes. That's not only a recipe for disaster, but also for tremendous amounts of fun.
That's just great. This mission continues to get better. I mean, what more could we want, eh? Hidden frozen cities, some proto-vestan predator, and a planet load of secrets. And there's me thinking we'd be in and out, simple-as.
-- Adira, who really should know better by now
It's like one of those b-movies, where you know it will be kind of cheap, but you're already here for the popcorn, and let's be honest - you don't have anything better to do, anyway, right?
*****
It's 3.5 stars for me, always a guilty pleasure and absolutely worth your time and dime, especially if you buy the boxed complete set. Grab the popcorn and destroy your brain!
Carson has a reputation to do the impossible - and succeed at it. This time, though, he is asked for help by the Vestans, and they simultaneously need his help, don't want it and hate him for needing him. Look, it's complicated, right?
That actually describes many of Carson's relationships - to his former friend and sometimes boss, to his crew, to his client, to his lover, to his liver - hell, I'm suspecting even to himself.
******************************
Read this review on the blog - the layout is better 😃.
******************************
That's actually what's so good about this series - space soap, my guilty pleasure genre. Lots of drama, crazy characters, the wildest plot twists imaginable. This genre is not a teaser for your brain, it's a joy ride designed to throw you into the curves of your imagination until your brain rattles. Or you fall out the wagon. (Pro tip: don't fall out the wagon.)
This is your brain on space soaps. You have been warned!
The writing is, let's call it sufficient. There's no finely finesse to the writing style, no elegant expressions, not even alluring alliterations. But it works to transport the joy ride into your brain. If you allow the suspension of disbelief. (Whisky is known to help you with that, in case you're still struggling.)
Your reward is a story that is part "the galaxy is at the brink of another war" (like parts of Star Wars), and part "Something is here, hiding and attacking us - what could it be?" (like Alien). And both problems have to be solved by a motley crew of really unlikely heroes. That's not only a recipe for disaster, but also for tremendous amounts of fun.
That's just great. This mission continues to get better. I mean, what more could we want, eh? Hidden frozen cities, some proto-vestan predator, and a planet load of secrets. And there's me thinking we'd be in and out, simple-as.
-- Adira, who really should know better by now
It's like one of those b-movies, where you know it will be kind of cheap, but you're already here for the popcorn, and let's be honest - you don't have anything better to do, anyway, right?
*****
It's 3.5 stars for me, always a guilty pleasure and absolutely worth your time and dime, especially if you buy the boxed complete set. Grab the popcorn and destroy your brain!
October 16, 2015
This is the kind of science fiction writing that got me into reading science fiction. I have read three Cason Mach Space Operas now and each one was a thrilling ride with weird aliens, fantastic pseudo-science, fighting, being smart-aleck, humorous and just downright fun!
In this story, Carson and his crew aboard the Intrepid are conned into a most dangerous mission by none other than the President Morgan of the Salus Sphere, Now, if you’ve read these books before, Morgan isn’t exactly a best friend of Mach. They did work together while in the Common Wealth Defense Force (CWDF), but Carson left under less than stellar circumstances and Morgan went on to become President of the Salus Sphere. Morgan knows that this mission in which he’s recruited Carson is a one-way mission regardless of how much money Mach and his crew would make. They are going to be working for the Vestans which have some very peculiar and ancient traditions.
It turns out that even knowing about these ancient traditions will be a death sentence on any non-Vestian! So, nothing new in what Caron Mach has to do. He’s supposed to land on a planet (Terminus) that doesn’t exist and find a Vestan Guardian, either his body or him alive, and get back out, although there are plans not to let him ever leave the planet.
The story kind of splits into two different actions with Carson and two of his crew investigating the disappearance of the Vestan Guardian and his ship with Babcock as the temporary Captain of the Intrepid. Both go there separate ways and as usual, both get into lots of trouble. Now you have some great space warfare and some exciting ground fighting in one story; can’t get much better than that.
If you haven’t started reading Carson Mach Space Opera books, then I encourage you to do so. They are well written, well edited and fun to read.
In this story, Carson and his crew aboard the Intrepid are conned into a most dangerous mission by none other than the President Morgan of the Salus Sphere, Now, if you’ve read these books before, Morgan isn’t exactly a best friend of Mach. They did work together while in the Common Wealth Defense Force (CWDF), but Carson left under less than stellar circumstances and Morgan went on to become President of the Salus Sphere. Morgan knows that this mission in which he’s recruited Carson is a one-way mission regardless of how much money Mach and his crew would make. They are going to be working for the Vestans which have some very peculiar and ancient traditions.
It turns out that even knowing about these ancient traditions will be a death sentence on any non-Vestian! So, nothing new in what Caron Mach has to do. He’s supposed to land on a planet (Terminus) that doesn’t exist and find a Vestan Guardian, either his body or him alive, and get back out, although there are plans not to let him ever leave the planet.
The story kind of splits into two different actions with Carson and two of his crew investigating the disappearance of the Vestan Guardian and his ship with Babcock as the temporary Captain of the Intrepid. Both go there separate ways and as usual, both get into lots of trouble. Now you have some great space warfare and some exciting ground fighting in one story; can’t get much better than that.
If you haven’t started reading Carson Mach Space Opera books, then I encourage you to do so. They are well written, well edited and fun to read.
January 23, 2018
Fun Adventure Story
Fun adventure story. Good adventure in a space environment. Recommend to anyone who loves a good adventure. This is the third book in the series and by this time you really get to know the characters and feel a part of their lives.
Fun adventure story. Good adventure in a space environment. Recommend to anyone who loves a good adventure. This is the third book in the series and by this time you really get to know the characters and feel a part of their lives.
May 15, 2018
a good summer type read. enjoyed the characters and read it as a continuation from his earlier work with the same cast.
July 14, 2019
Another positive read
Lost of action a traitor almost finishes Carson and others. They end up coming out who and chasing him down. Exciting
Lost of action a traitor almost finishes Carson and others. They end up coming out who and chasing him down. Exciting
October 11, 2015
Be prepared for a well paced story,Be prepared for a well paced story, written like an action movie with not much time wasted in 'padding'. At the same time the part of the story line which provide background on the characters and show them changing and developing is handled well and without taking you out of the action.
In this story the crew split up to an Away Team and a Ship Team which then follows both teams on the ground and in space well while creating suspense at the end of each chapter. We also get some insights into the Commonwealth's new allies, The Vestians, and their past.
In previous reviews of the Carson Mach Adventures, I mention that the main story premises is a bit cliche but well handled. This time I was not thinking 'this story reminds me of X', however there were some plots points which are 'traditionally' handled in a certain way, and which I was expecting to see here in the same way. I was impressed and relived when Hadfield wasn't tempted to use these 'tired old twists and cliches' and left things like the escapes as 'done, now let's get on with the story.'
The opening wasn't as catching as the last book, however that could have been my current state of mind. What you need to remember though is that I was so excited to read this book that I put aside the another book that I was currently reading, which is about some of my favourite topics, Dinosaurs and Knights, to start this one.
All Carson Mach stories are standalone adventures and can be read in any order, and I from my perspective (someone who started at book one and enjoying the whole series) I would agree, but other reviewers who have started the Carson Mach Adventures at this book do say that this not so. All while all the books are great and well written, there is some character development and background revels which happens over the series so my recommendation would be to grab them all and read from the start. with not much time wasted in 'padding'. At the same time the part of the story line which provide background on the characters and show them changing and developing is handled well and without taking you out of the action.
In this story the crew split up to an Away Team and a Ship Team which then follows both teams on the ground and in space well while creating suspense at the end of each chapter. We also get some insights into the Commonwealth's new allies, The Vestians, and their past.
In previous reviews of the Carson Mach Adventures, I mention that the main story premises is a bit cliche but well handled. This time I was not thinking 'this story reminds me of X', however there were some plots points which are 'traditionally' handled in a certain way, and which I was expecting to see here in the same way. I was impressed and relived when Hadfield wasn't tempted to use these 'tired old twists and cliches' and left things like the escapes as 'done, now let's get on with the story.'
The opening wasn't as catching as the last book, however that could have been my current state of mind. What you need to remember though is that I was so excited to read this book that I put aside the another book that I was currently reading, which is about some of my favourite topics, Dinosaurs and Knights, to start this one.
All Carson Mach stories are standalone adventures and can be read in any order, and I from my perspective (someone who started at book one and enjoying the whole series) I would agree, but other reviewers who have started the Carson Mach Adventures at this book do say that this not so. All while all the books are great and well written, there is some character development and background revels which happens over the series so my recommendation would be to grab them all and read from the start.
In this story the crew split up to an Away Team and a Ship Team which then follows both teams on the ground and in space well while creating suspense at the end of each chapter. We also get some insights into the Commonwealth's new allies, The Vestians, and their past.
In previous reviews of the Carson Mach Adventures, I mention that the main story premises is a bit cliche but well handled. This time I was not thinking 'this story reminds me of X', however there were some plots points which are 'traditionally' handled in a certain way, and which I was expecting to see here in the same way. I was impressed and relived when Hadfield wasn't tempted to use these 'tired old twists and cliches' and left things like the escapes as 'done, now let's get on with the story.'
The opening wasn't as catching as the last book, however that could have been my current state of mind. What you need to remember though is that I was so excited to read this book that I put aside the another book that I was currently reading, which is about some of my favourite topics, Dinosaurs and Knights, to start this one.
All Carson Mach stories are standalone adventures and can be read in any order, and I from my perspective (someone who started at book one and enjoying the whole series) I would agree, but other reviewers who have started the Carson Mach Adventures at this book do say that this not so. All while all the books are great and well written, there is some character development and background revels which happens over the series so my recommendation would be to grab them all and read from the start. with not much time wasted in 'padding'. At the same time the part of the story line which provide background on the characters and show them changing and developing is handled well and without taking you out of the action.
In this story the crew split up to an Away Team and a Ship Team which then follows both teams on the ground and in space well while creating suspense at the end of each chapter. We also get some insights into the Commonwealth's new allies, The Vestians, and their past.
In previous reviews of the Carson Mach Adventures, I mention that the main story premises is a bit cliche but well handled. This time I was not thinking 'this story reminds me of X', however there were some plots points which are 'traditionally' handled in a certain way, and which I was expecting to see here in the same way. I was impressed and relived when Hadfield wasn't tempted to use these 'tired old twists and cliches' and left things like the escapes as 'done, now let's get on with the story.'
The opening wasn't as catching as the last book, however that could have been my current state of mind. What you need to remember though is that I was so excited to read this book that I put aside the another book that I was currently reading, which is about some of my favourite topics, Dinosaurs and Knights, to start this one.
All Carson Mach stories are standalone adventures and can be read in any order, and I from my perspective (someone who started at book one and enjoying the whole series) I would agree, but other reviewers who have started the Carson Mach Adventures at this book do say that this not so. All while all the books are great and well written, there is some character development and background revels which happens over the series so my recommendation would be to grab them all and read from the start.
May 9, 2016
I recently finished reading this series and I read all three back to back. The main character created in the series, Carson Mach is a maverick, almost Han Solo like captain who is forced to cobble together a crew from scratch in order to take on some of the most dangerous jobs that the government would never officially sanction. What follows is a brilliantly paced series which give the reader a vivid impression of the universe that has been created (or the vision of the future that has been created). Recommended.
September 17, 2015
Carson Mach and his team return in there third outing, as President Morgan again calls upon Mach and his teams abilities to get the most difficult jobs done! Mach and Adira had to Terminus to help the Vestans, leaving Babcock and the rest of the crew trying to prevent another war with the AXIS. The book moves along at a good pace following both teams, before they regroup for the final space battle above Terminus. The team dynamic continues to grow and rivals Joshua Dalzelle's Omega Force.
September 28, 2015
Carson Mach is back with another job. Hired by the President to assist their new allies, but Carson is not told it is a one way mission, once the job is done he will never be allowed to leave. There is also trouble with old enemies as they look to take what turns out to be the source of advanced knowledge.
Recommended read.
Recommended read.
February 4, 2016
I seriously listened to the intro four times and I still don't know what was going on. Was it the dull writing or the mediocre narration?
I love sci-fi, even bad sci-fi, but these books are just bad. I can't put my finger on what it is I don't like. I've given all three of the Carson Mach books a shot and I quit.
Do not recommend books or narrator.
I love sci-fi, even bad sci-fi, but these books are just bad. I can't put my finger on what it is I don't like. I've given all three of the Carson Mach books a shot and I quit.
Do not recommend books or narrator.
February 5, 2017
By the time I got to the hird one I was actually enjoying the books. I was getting to know the characters, the plot was nice and snappy, and it was fun.
October 3, 2015
Another Carson Mach sci fi thriller
Gotta love this guy Carson Mach who seems to find trouble in simple pursuits: freelance gun for hire! Terminal war was well written and has great action on the ground and out in space. I can't wait for the next novel. Strong work!
Gotta love this guy Carson Mach who seems to find trouble in simple pursuits: freelance gun for hire! Terminal war was well written and has great action on the ground and out in space. I can't wait for the next novel. Strong work!
January 21, 2017
Lots of action, tense plot, fair SF. Very good entertainment if you are willing to overlook a few flaws. Some isolated logical inconsistencies in the interpretation of the SF premises, and occasional editing lapses and typos. Great story, though, and worth the read. 3.5 rounded up to four stars.
December 30, 2015
Fun read
Without making it overly complicated I would just say this is an easy reading space opera. It's pace is a little choppy at times but it can feel immersive and fun.
Without making it overly complicated I would just say this is an easy reading space opera. It's pace is a little choppy at times but it can feel immersive and fun.
February 13, 2016
great read!
This was a very entertaining book. Very interesting and action packed. I look forward to the rest of the series. Thank you for a great read!
This was a very entertaining book. Very interesting and action packed. I look forward to the rest of the series. Thank you for a great read!
June 8, 2016
Got he the end of this entertaining storey. Guess what, another book to look forward too.
July 26, 2016
Good serires
Funny lite read. Relatable characters. Action that keeps you going. Carson Mach is a good bad guy. Can not wait for more.
Funny lite read. Relatable characters. Action that keeps you going. Carson Mach is a good bad guy. Can not wait for more.
August 31, 2016
"Old-School-Space-Opera lives!
A good read. Action in two places at once kept me flipping pages. Im looking forward to the next installment.
A good read. Action in two places at once kept me flipping pages. Im looking forward to the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews