“Set grapeshot to fire in sequence as we cross the cruiser’s estimated path,” Desjani ordered. “Charge null-field and stand-by…”
How does the line above make you feel? If you think it sounds gung-ho militaristic, clunky, humourless and a bit silly I’m sure you’re not alone. Hell, for the first pages of The Lost Fleet: Dauntless by Jack Campbell those were the conclusions I was reaching about this whole book. But then, when I read those words above, something odd happened. An old thrill stirred in my heart, the back of my neck tingled, the corners of my mouth lifted in an enormous grin and I realised: this book is FUN.
The Lost Fleet is a series about SPACE BATTLES. If feasibility’s your thing it’s here if you want it: the author has military experience and takes pride in making sure the battles strictly obey the laws of physics. More importantly for me there’s stuff blowing up – and heroism too, as Captain “Black Jack” Geary struggles with the chain of command and the weight of his own reputation in his efforts to bring his fleet home through enemy space and overwhelming odds.
This is old-school thrilling sci-fi, the kind I didn’t think people allowed themselves to write or to publish any more – or not outside of established (and tired) continuities like Star Trek or Star Wars. I overcame my hesitations. I’m glad I did. And if I was ten I would be eating these books up with a spoon.
Here (above) is the cover of the second Lost Fleet book: Fearless. My copy’s already waiting at my local bookshop for me to come pick it up. Can’t wait. 
…Desjani paused. “Fire null-field.”
Happy reading!
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