Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Valkyrie: Expeditionary Force, Book 9

Top positive review

Departure from the "formula"

Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2019

People who read this series only to re-experience the "formula" of the previous books: "Oh no, emergency, wallow in agony, hey here's an idea, Book fixed!" Will not be disappointed, we have a bit of that for the first half. People who are tired of the formula and want the story to move on and do something different, you will REALLY not be disappointed, wow. People who want to know more, have questions answered, etc... there is even a (very) small nod to you at the very end to keep you happy.

That said, if you like the ending, and are not angry/devastated, than I wonder if you actually read the first books? It is good to feel negative things because of the ending. BUT PLEASE!!!! do not direct that anger towards Craig, give him the benefit of the doubt, expect that the next couple books will pick up where this left off, and pay off in the end. IF the next few books do not pay off and he goes Game Of Thrones on us then maybe come back and say "This is where it all went wrong". But for know be thankful that an author has given us a series so good that this book is able to punch you in the gut, that shows how much he has already touched your soul. Recover from the punch, and lets see where it goes!

Then again some people live to complain and be unhappy, no pleasing you in that case... Except Craig did please you! He gave you another place to shout your endless complaints into the void for us to ignore!

70 people found this helpful

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Kevin

A chore to read. A disappointment and repetitive. First half was decent.

Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2019

I'm pretty upset. I'm not going to lie. I download and binge the books as they are released. Pulling all nighters...

I've been patient. I've been calm. I've defended the series from justified criticism... but I'm so disappointed with this book. Half the book was nothing but filler that didn't need to be there.
The first half of the book had me fist pumping the air.
The second half made me tired, annoyed, upset, and honestly it was a chore to finish the book. I've never felt so bored and annoyed by an author's choice to create a problem that doesn't need to exist, ONLY TO THEN SHOEHORN the advertised revealing of everything. It felt unnatural. And it was as if he simply got tired of writing the filler and just wedged in the reveals.

It made me mad that the MBOP also never seem to actually show appreciation of Skippy. They are jerks to him. Yes he's a jerk at times, but look at some of the statements towards him.... I cannot recall a genuine thank you or anything. It's unnatural and a poor attempt at foreshadowing.

The ending.. I'm glad we know, but I'm certifiably mad that Craig decided to waste the second half of the book on some mission that did not need to be in the book at all. There's literally no reason for that problem to exist.

I'm so tired of the filler dragging the books out. Honestly, I'm seriously debating giving up on my second favorite book series. I'm a diehard fan and have read each book at minimum 4 times each.

The cliffhanger wasn't clever or exciting, it was annoying. We deserved better after waiting so long for answers.

I'm genuinely disappointed that after everything, our heros have yet again waste their time, nothing matters, no one respects Joe for some darn reason, and he still might not get the girl. It's been 9 books, do your thing or get off the pot with the relationships.

The repetitiveness of the story arches and the repetitiveness of the books plot points is unnecessary and filler. We get it, the earth is doomed. Okay. You told us that 7 times in the last 20 pages. We.get.it.

172 people found this helpful

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Steven R. White

Cliffhanger and major change in the formula

Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2020

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What happens when your favorite series has to take risks?

That's the question in ExFor 9, the last book in what's been a great ride. For the last eight books (and one REALLY must read in published order) we've had a formula -- our heroes find a new terrifying problem that threatens all humanity, the Elder AI Skippy finds new ways to tweak the powers of the universe, the meat-sacks think of something that Skippy could never conjure up, and viola! Problem solved and Earth is safe for a bit longer.

If you like that, you've had eight full books of fun space opera action. The first half of ExFor 9 starts us on a similar journey but if you're observant, you'll see that things are changing. Some old characters of course are gone thanks to Armageddon, new characters pop up, and Skippy continues his quest to understand who he is and how he came to be. Several of our favorite characters (e.g., Gunnery Sgt. Adams) have substantial new problems to overcome, and it's not pretty. Our main hero, Joe Bishop, comes to realize just how in over his head he is. His quest for vengeance -- to "hurt the MFers" as he refers to the Maxholx-- ultimately causes him to make bad decisions. He pays for that as does ExFor. It's a fine exploration of the law of unintended consequences.

That gets us to the second half where a new mission pops up. Without spoiling the details, if you read that new mission as a diversion from the main problem, well yes, it is, though the plot twist (once recognized as such) becomes just another business-as-usual for ExFor -- when do they ever get a break, right? But see what the author is doing -- he's putting our heroes into a real bind by posing a moral question that they must (of course) accept. It's one all of us would struggle with but in the end most of us would do what they do. This then pulls together just about every thread that's been out there in all the books -- where is humanity headed? Can we manage to survive without help? What's our obligation to others? And what in the world is Skippy? Be careful when, many light-years from home, you place your trust in an awesome but quirky, god-like alien AI, you may not like the final result.

There's the risk for the author and for all of us as readers. I'm very curious to see where this goes. If Ex For 9 had been just like the last eight books I might have quit reading -- you know, fun but golly let's move on because it's getting a little stale. Just like Jim Butcher had to do with the Dresden Files, Vince Flynn with Mitch Rapp, and Patrick O'Brien with Aubrey/Maturin, there comes a point where you depart from the formula. Craig Alanson is doing that and while the one-star reviews suggest that a lot of readers like formula, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for ExFor 10.

10 people found this helpful

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BeeCee

The End is nigh

Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020

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It has been a lot of fun following the Merry Band of Pirates in 'Valkyrie' as they have roamed the galaxy in their new super-duper starship, taking names and kicking the asses of the senior species without letting the cat out of the bag as to their true identity. However, one astute Maxolhx captain is suspicious that the Merry Band is not who it pretends to be and may be on their trail.
On a more serious note, I have followed this Expeditionary Force series from its inception and after reading the second book in the series, I wrote to Craig Alanson to inquire if there would be a third. This was his reply-
"(BeeCeee), THANK YOU! WRITING THE EXFOR SERIES HAS BEEN A LOT OF FUN, IT IS GREAT TO HEAR THAT PEOPLE OUT THERE ENJOY READING THE BOOKS.
THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE SERIES HAS TEN BOOKS MAPPED OUT. THE LAST TWO CHAPTERS OF THE TENTH BOOK HAS ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN; I FEEL I OWE IT TO READERS TO KNOW WHERE THE SERIES IS GOING, AND NOT MAKE IT UP AS I GO ALONG. IN MY YEARS AS A SCIENCE FICTION FAN, I HAVE READ TOO MANY SERIES THAT HAVE A DISAPPOINTING ENDING; THAT IS DISRESPECTFUL OF THE PEOPLE WHO SPEND THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY ON BOOKS."
So to all those who have posted negative reviews and/or accused the author of padding the book out or making it up as he goes along, the above quotation serves to demonstrate that Alanson had already mapped the entire series out before writing it. The big reveal had to come very soon because, by my calculation, Valkyrie is the penultimate book in the series and the next one, the tenth, will, or hopefully should, resolve all to a satisfactory conclusion. Like many other of my fellow 5 star reviewers, I am impatient for that final book to become available while, at the same time, saddened in the knowledge that this wonderful series that has given me much reading pleasure will be coming to an end.

5 people found this helpful

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Mary McCrary

It had to happen

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2019

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What a bunch of whiners you one, two and even three-star people are. Yes, the book is somewhat darker in tone compared to the previous installments, and the ending is unsettling. Clearly, the earlier books and especially the second half of this book, have all been leading up to this focal point, where all the players are where they need to be. If it took a funky rescue mission to put them there, deal with it. You’re reading book 9 days after its release because you, like me, loved the first eight and couldn’t wait to jump back in to see where things went. Have a little faith…

The reason I like the series is that it’s funny, clever and smart. It also feels real. I don’t mean in the sense that science fiction is real, I’m talking about putting people in extraordinary situations and allowing a realistic human response. This author makes their actions feel reasoned and natural, their conversations believable. The story unfolds with the same characteristics and the book ended in that vein; abruptly, the only way it could have. Bring on Book 10. I can't wait.

Ned Stark

9 people found this helpful

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Gavaronee

Best book in the series yet...and I loved the ending

Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2020

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I thought Valkyrie was the best in the series yet. I have no idea where people are coming from when they say that the they hated the ending; I thought it was great. Believe me…I am going to be first in line get book 10. I thought the entire book was a great read and it is showing that Alanson is sharpening his craft as these books progress. This book had a tad less burdensome dialogue and far more action.
One of the story arcs that I think Alanson is trying to build up to is that saving Earth will be less important than saving the Galaxy; seriously, you have to put things in perspective. But, it appears that saving the Galaxy will have the ultimate consequence of saving Earth…but bareley. Once again, It will come down to the “Law of Unintended Consequences.”
If you want a spoiler for the title of the final book in the series, I predict it will be “Joe and Skippy Save the Galaxy!” Alternatively, the title could be, “Skippy the Magnificent and Some Hairless, Smelly Monkey with Gray Mush in His Skull Save the Galaxy!” I guess it boils down to if Joe or Skippy actually name the book; but, I think I prefer the latter title.
I don’t actually read the books; rather, I listen to them through Audible. The narrator, R.C. Bray is outrageously entertaining and this voicing of Skippy is absolutely spot-on perfect. Seriously, this book is a wildly entertaining read.

2 people found this helpful

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Sean Bai

I need to process the ending

Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2020

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This book is amazing.

The first half of the book was excellent. It was some of the same old Joe and Skippy that we like.

Then the middle 5-10% was very boring, with too much dialogue.

The last half of the story was a "side story" that I didn't feel detracted from the main story. I know some reviewers didn't like it, but the aliens in this story have been fighting for hundreds of thousands to millions of years. War isn't always over immediately. Space is vast, and there are millions of consequences.

Then came the ending. And did it blow my mind. There were so many revelations. For those who feel frustrated that the story is the same over and over, the end is worth the wait. I think in the next book, the story will be moving along at a much faster rate. The alien threats will be expanded. The survival of the entire galaxy is at stake.

I like Craig Alanson's writing because Joe, the main character, is stupid. He has his flaws, and he often rambles on. But he always comes out ahead, and when you least expect it, when things don't go according to plan, he innovates. You really feel like you're in the main character's shoes. When he laughs or cries, you feel it, and hope he comes through.

I was tempted to take one star off, until I read the ending. This book is not edited, but even then, it's hard to tell. There's the occasional missing period, or sometimes sentences can be a bit wordy. Other times, I couldn't tell what was happening, and I was confused.

But the fight scenes and science are still very good.

I wish there was a glossary of all the names, because it's getting harder to remember all the wormholes and planets.

There's one or two situations where Joe Bishop is a little ignorant, such as naming something "Hadjistans", which is a little racist.

If you're wondering if you should get this book or not. If you're tired of the series. Please keep reading. The $5.99 price is worth it because you get 570 pages.

I can't wait for book 10. Things are going to change.

One person found this helpful

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William S. Morris

Does need to get the science correct

Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2021

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I liked the book. The discussion between Skippy and Joe has dumbed down to a simple "I hate you." I like that. The back and forth in the earlier books was getting old. We were a little short on puns like loose wheel = Lucille. I missed those. Everything was a little intense as we're battling superior odds, moving dormant transportation hubs, and trying to stock Avalon. We get to a point where we have to rescue a stranded bunch of humans while not revealing who we are, and the end of the book is the rescue, or not as the author gives us a catastrophic cliff hanger. There's still some amusing editing problems. Things like the text says "the to" when it obviously should have said "to the." A couple of wrong words, and a few grammatical errors. My big beef is the verifiable science. Altitudes are being measured in meters. That's like a yard or three feet. So if I'm 10,000 metres in altitude, I'm at 30,000 ft. That's way way up there. It's very cold up there, and a parachute will take nearly forever to get to the ground. I would not open a parachute at that altitude. If I were trying to come in stealthy, I would still not open a cute at 3,000 metres which is about 9,000 feet. It's still a long way to the ground. I've never jumped from an airplane. People get killed that way, and operational aircraft are designed to land. I've worn a parachute, but that was a precaution. I got my kicks seeing if I could get my aircraft flying below 100 ft AGL at 360, 420 480 knots. (6,7,8 miles per minute). So slow moving aircraft staying at 30 metres (90 ft) as described in the story seemed rather conservative to me, and sky diving at the altitudes mentioned in the story seemed ridiculous for a stealthy drop. It's as if Mr Alanson got confused about his meters/feet conversion. There was one mention of hovering at 25,000 meters. That's 75,000 feet. I think that's the altitudes Gary Powers was flying at when the Russians shot him down.

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Amazon Customer

Wow !

Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020

Verified Purchase

I had been hoping to find out more of the elders and their technology that was left behind. Be careful what you wish for I suppose. Now I'm scurred for our Galaxy... I have so many questions before we get destroyed though. Where did the elders ascend to ? Where they worried the danger outside the Galaxy could follow them ? Is that danger a sentient being(s) or more like a natural disaster (interstellar tsunami or avalanche) ? Should we hope to ascend also or hope the elders come back ? Did the elders go to the same place Heinlein''s martians went when they meditated in Red Planet ? Oh is this the same place Michael Valentine Smith from Stranger in strange world sent people when he made them disappear ? Ok I'm getting silly.

There is so many ways he could take us with this story. Be gentle, it's my first time outside the Milky Way... I'm gonna need a lotta bread crumbs...

I was a little surprised by the abrupt turn of events but it's quite possible that the author's intent was just that. Things went sideways fast for our MBoP and perhaps he wanted us to feel a little off kilter too.

I do hope he gets deeper into the story of the elders and that galactic danger. I am dying of curiosity...

2 people found this helpful

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Nick tool

Where is this ship sailing to?

Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2019

Verified Purchase

Ok, ok. There are some pretty harsh reviews out there for this book. I'm not going to sugar coat it - this book was a tough read, but I'm hopeful that it's departure from the formulaic writing of the first 7 books is a segue into new territory.

So, with that said - I enjoyed some of the new challenges faced by the MBOP, both personal and professional. Craig certainly didn't disappoint there. Also, there were some very subtle, and some pretty blatant easter eggs, a la RC Bray.

I may change my review if book 10 doesn't resolve some of the issues created in this one.

3 people found this helpful

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L. Farina

The Roller Coaster Continues

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2019

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I really liked this book. As others have said, it ended with one hell of a cliffhanger. Without offering spoilers, it's the start of a major shift in the series. I look forward to seeing where it goes. If you like the series, this is a must-read. If you don't like cliffhangers, wait until mid 2020 to read the book.

To be fair, some of the book gets a little slow, and there's a lot of recovery needed after the last book. It's important to see what happens when events conspire to make life more difficult for the Merry Band of Pirates. Everything else that I want to say goes into spoiler territory, so I'm going to end the review here.

4 people found this helpful

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vernsh

Many questions answered, many questions remain.

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2019

Verified Purchase

This has been a remarkable series and this book was true to form. We finally learn the origins of the Elder AI known as "Skippy" only to see him, upon regaining his memories, decide humans are a irrelevant, primitive species not worthy of his time and leaves to continue his mission from billions of years ago.

His former human charges are left in dire straits and we can only hope he reconsiders. I'm really looking forward to the continuation of this funny, creative series.

3 people found this helpful

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