Title: Leviathan
Author: Jack Campbell
First published May 1, 2015
323 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780425260548 (ISBN10: 0425260542)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
The fate of the galaxy lies in the hands of Commander Geary in Jack Campbell’s thrilling sci-fi novel, Leviathan. When a fleet of warships controlled entirely by artificial intelligence begins targeting Alliance space, Geary is the only one who knows the truth behind their creation.
As the government tries to cover up their involvement, Geary must pursue the rogue fleet while navigating a dangerous line between mutiny and obedience. But when his fleet proves to be no match for the machine-piloted armada, Geary must turn to the unlikely allies of the Dancer species of aliens.
Together, they track the A.I. ships to their secret base in the mythical Unity Alternate star system, where Geary’s fleet will risk everything to end the conflict once and for all. Prepare for an epic battle in Leviathan.
About the Author
John G. Hemry is an American science fiction writer who goes by the pseudonym Jack Campbell.
He is known for his military science fiction novels, drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer. Hemry has authored several series, including Stark’s War, Paul Sinclair, and Lost Fleet.
Additionally, he has written non-fiction works and over a dozen short stories, published in Analog magazine.
Growing up, Hemry lived in various places, including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island. He graduated from Lyons High School in 1974 and attended the US Naval Academy, where his roommates dubbed him “the un-midshipman.”
Today, Hemry resides in Maryland with his wife and three children. Two of his children are diagnosed with Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment that causes their illness, but they are responding well to treatment.
Hemry is a member of the SFWA Musketeers, whose motto is “The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both.”
Editoral Review
In his latest novel Leviathan, Jack Campbell invites readers on another thrilling space adventure. Campbell, a retired U.S. Navy officer and author of the Lost Fleet series, is well-versed in the military science fiction genre, and his latest offering does not disappoint.
Published in 2015, it is the first book in the Lost Stars series. Set in the year 2764, Leviathan explores a world where humanity has colonized the stars, and the governing coalition that once held the galaxy together has dissolved into chaos.
The novel follows the story of two former cadets from the planet Gallipoli: Artur Drakon and Gwen Iceni. Separated by time and circumstance, Artur and Gwen now lead opposing sides in a galactic conflict that threatens the stability of the entire universe.
While the novel has many familiar tropes and themes of the genre, such as battles in the void of space and the fight for power and control, Campbell brings a fresh perspective to these well-worn elements. He deftly weaves in political intrigue, complex character dynamics, and a sense of history that gives the story depth and nuance.
Campbell’s writing style is clear and engaging, and his world-building is impressive. He creates a fully realized universe, complete with diverse cultures, intricate technologies, and believable characters who have a range of motivations and beliefs.
His pacing is well-balanced, and the tension is expertly managed, with just enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. However, Leviathan is not without its flaws.
The novel suffers from a lack of character development, as some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped and feel one-dimensional. Additionally, while the political intrigue adds depth to the story, it can also bog down the action and make the novel dense in some places.
Despite these weaknesses, Leviathan is an enjoyable and accessible read for fans of military science fiction. Campbell has crafted a gripping story with high stakes and engaging characters that will keep readers turning pages until the very end.
The novel also raises important questions about the nature of war, loyalty, and governance that are relevant to our current political climate. Overall, I highly recommend Leviathan to fans of the genre and those looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking read.
In my opinion, it deserves a score of 4 out of 5 stars.
