SpecOps

SpecOps is a fun space adventure with a military angle. Defying easy categorization, it's most similar to the Stargate series, where professional infantry explore the universe and slowly help Earth improve its technology against near God-like opposition. Even the tone is the same: lighthearted, full of witty banter, and set in some complex military scenarios.

Despite the comedy duo of our main characters, victories are won through clever rule-bending or extrapolations of known limitations. The author has thought through what technology can and cannot do, and everything is internally consistent. As a reader who demands self-serious novels, this is something I look for in the worldbuilding of advanced technology.

But while the author avoids treating his worldbuilding like a joke, Skippy the AI's comedic presence and caustic personality will decide if you like the Expeditionary Force series. He was the big twist in Columbus Day and, in my humble opinion, the key differentiating factor that distinguishes this series from other SciFi novels. I enjoy the buddy-comedy of Skippy and Bishop, and if you didn't like them in the first novel, the second won't change your mind. Additionally, Skippy's incredible competence robs the novel of tension. I'm not emotionally bought into any of the dangerous situations, and that's unfortunate since the cast is in constant peril.

The sequel is far better paced than its predecessor, with scene after scene of action. It's odd then, that the plot is still missing direction. There's no overarching story, and unlike Columbus Day, the author doesn't reveal any twists that are particularly surprising. So while the writing has improved and this book is better than the former, there's still something missing as you move from chapter to chapter.

SpecOps is an entertaining and funny novel set in a serious scifi universe. Unfortunately, a good laugh is all you'll get. The novel lacks tension, excitement, and even a good villain to hate.

Recommended with reservations.