New Frontiers: The Expansion Wars Trilogy, Book 1

While this is Book One of a new trilogy, I would very advice readers to start with the Black Fleet trilogy which this titles continues, even if the story takes place some 4-5 years after the end of the war against the Phage.While the Phage is dead, the Confederation has imploded, with over half of the planets seceding. What is left of it, together with about half of the Fleet, gets contacted by yet another Alien species apparently seeking help against a mysterious enemy.Once again, the new Federation gets involved in a conflict, with some exciting space battles including a rather great attack on the Federation’s new capital planet and Fleet headquarters. These are perhaps among the book’s better parts.As mentioned by the author, Captain Blake, although present in the book, is not the main character and hero of this story. This role belongs to his former second in command Captain Celesta Wright who has inherited command of a squadron of destroyers. Some of the characters present in the previous trilogy, such as Admiral Marcum, secret agent Pike and his arch-politician boss who has now become the President of the new Federation.Pure action-filled military science fiction, with an emphasis of (good) space battles but not much on context and world-building and somewhat limited dialogues. Nevertheless, the result is rather easy to read and entertaining. Just about worth stars as a result, because I did like it.

I read Black Fleet Saga book one years ago. I enjoyed it, but forgot about it by the time the sequels came around (I read a lot of books). In 2021 I noticed it again and reread it, this time I read all available books in around 3 weeks. I cannot wait for the conclusion of the third trilogy next year.

Another highly entertaining episode in the Black Fleet saga sees matters returning to normal. After a short break for peace, just enough time for the latest bunch of politicians to begin staking out their respective claims, a new alien problem emerges.Great story that’s well written. Highly recommended.

To get the best from this new trilogy you really need to have read the Black Fleet trilogy as this is a sequel, albeit set some years after the war with the Phage. Celesta Wright takes the lead in this story although a number of characters from the previous trilogy are present to a greater or lesser degree. Despite some comments to the contrary, I really love the way the battles are described, taking place over hundreds of thousands or millions of kilometres of space with suitable time to target and communications delays of sometimes many hours/days. The new alien threat is only given brief description and remains enigmatic - I'm sure we'll get to know more about them in the next books in the series. I bought the trilogy so will be straight onto book two - can't wait to get started.I only hope there will be another set of books to come to keep this storyline arc alive.

If you liked the previous series then I have little doubt you'll like this.series (so far). The character motivations still make sense and the story flows along, with understandable reactions and consequences. Fun stuff.

Great continuation from the first Black Fleet trilogy. Left wanting more, can't wait for Iron & Blood to be released.I hope Celesta won't be overshadowed by Jackson and she doesn't morph entirely into the same character traits as her mentor, I can see some good potential conflict between the two ahead, which could make things interesting.Great read, couldn't put it down.

Really enjoying this book I have read the previous series but this book is a pick go type book, overall a fun easy read if you're into military type sci fi.

Great fun with some well drawn characters and a good follow up to the previous trilogy - look forward to the next one. One minor point (and I only say this because I made the same error with one of my books) the little end piece of a book is the 'Epilogue' not the 'Prologue' !!