Jack Campbell - The Lost Fleet - Courageous

“Straightforward, solidly written military space opera…It’s all good fun, and Campbell has actually given some thought to the problems of combat in space.”

– Don D’Ammassa, author of

Encyclopedia of Fantasy and Horror Fiction

“Another satisfying [Campbell] cocktail to slake the thirst of fans who like their space operas with a refreshing moral and an intellectual chaser…The Lost Fleet deserves to find a home on your bookshelf.”

– SF Reviews.net

“A great and gripping read. It’s a fast-paced roller coaster of action and intrigue, with realistic characters and situations.”

– TCM Reviews

“A rousing adventure.”

– William C. Dietz, national bestselling author of When All Seems Lost

“Jack Campbell’s dazzling new series is military science fiction at its best. Not only does he tell a yarn of great adventure and action, but he also develops the characters with satisfying depth. I thoroughly enjoyed this rip-roaring read, and I can hardly wait for the next book.”

– Catherine Asaro, Nebula Award-winning author of The Fire Opal

“Black Jack Geary is very real, very human, and so compelling he’ll leave you wanting more. Jack Campbell knows fleet actions, and it shows…[The Lost Fleet: Dauntless is] the best novel of its type that I’ve read.”

– David Sherman, coauthor of the Starfist series

“A slam-bang good read that kept me up at night…a solid, thoughtful, and exciting novel loaded with edge-of-your-seat combat.”

– Elizabeth Moon, Nebula Award-winning author of Command Decision

“[Dauntless] should please many fans of old-fashioned hard SF.”

– Sci Fi Weekly

“Readers will admire and like [Geary], who believes in honor, teamwork, and civilized behavior…This is a hard military science novel with space battles out of Star Wars. The battle scenes are so intricately described that readers will be able to visualize them…A fast-paced but intricate story line and fully developed characters turn this novel into a fun reading experience. Fans of David Weber, Elizabeth Moon, and Peter F. Hamilton will find The Lost Fleet: Dauntless thoroughly enjoyable.”

– SFRevu

“This is an amazing piece of military science fiction writing, with a protagonist who is remarkable and memorable…Campbell writes well. Period. The book flows well, with an excellent mix of action and philosophical debate…Overall, this is just a plain good read with memorable characters and scenes, and a writing style that is aimed at people who like to think and ponder while enjoying the action. Bravo.”

– Rambles

“The Lost Fleet: Dauntless is well written, with a hero who’s all too human and battle weary. There’s much here that will remind readers of Battlestar Galactica…The battles are well-done, but it’s the characters who drive the story.”

– Fresh Fiction

“[Campbell’s] space operas [seek] to add new layers to the conventions of military SF.”

– SF Reviews.net

“Lots of fun, and I devoured it in a day. I can’t wait for the sequel.”

– The Weekly Press (Philadelphia)

“Campbell’s book takes a sharp look at military discipline (and the lack thereof) in wartime…engaging and interesting.”

– Romantic Times

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

An Ace Book / published by arrangement with the author

Copyright © 2008 by John G. Hemry.

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ISBN: 1-4295-7967-6

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To David Sherman,

who has kept the faith.

Semper Fi

For S., as always.

I remain indebted to my agent, Joshua Bilmes, for his ever-inspired suggestions and assistance, and to my editor, Anne Sowards, for her support and editing. Thanks also to Catherine Asaro, Robert Chase, J. G. “Huck” Huckenpohler, Simcha Kuritzky, Michael LaViolette, Aly Parsons, Bud Sparhawk, and Constance A. Warner, for their suggestions, comments, and recommendations. Thanks also to Charles Petit, for his suggestions about space engagements.

Commanding (acting)

As reorganized following the losses suffered immediately prior to Captain Geary assuming command in the Syndic home system.

Ship names in bold are those lost in action, with the name of star system of their loss given afterward.

SECOND BATTLESHIP DIVISION THIRD BATTLESHIP DIVISION

Gallant Paladin

Indomitable Orion

Glorious Majestic

Magnificent Conqueror

FOURTH BATTLESHIP DIVISION FIFTH BATTLESHIP DIVISION

Warrior Fearless

Triumph (lost at Vidha) Resolution

Vengeance Redoubtable

Revenge Warspite

SEVENTH BATTLESHIP DIVISION EIGHTH BATTLESHIP DIVISION

Indefatigable Relentless

Audacious Reprisal

Defiant Superb

Splendid

TENTH BATTLESHIP DIVISION FIRST SCOUT BATTLESHIP DIVISION