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Book: The Orphan Alliance (The Black Ships) by A.G. Claymore

categories: Book, Aliens, Space Battle, Plague, Galactic Empire, Mutiny, Norse Mythology, Military, Space Fleet, Implants, Insurgency, Zombie, Science Fiction

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A.G. Claymore

about this book: You can't wage war without money – lots of it.

It's now thirteen years since the events of the 'Black Ships' and our fleet is in enemy territory. Just when we were finally getting the upper hand, a terrible plague has cut our forces off from support.

Earth is in the clutches of an incredibly virulent disease, unleashed by a research team investigating the longevity of the Midgaard. The only thing now coming from home is a message, warning against any attempt at landing.

Our forces in enemy territory must find a way to move ahead, because sitting still would mean certain death, and going back would doom them all to an even worse fate.

If you've read the background shorts – 'Orbital Decay' and 'Kill or Cure' you might think this will be a space zombie book, but the plague impacts the fleet in a mostly indirect manner. The main story follows the efforts of fleet personnel as they attempt to reverse the ebbing fortunes of the species.

Our key to survival is presented in a plan that mirrors the true reason behind the Allied raid on Dieppe in 1942. I'd say more, but it's already dangerously close to a spoiler as is. Suffice it to say that one of my favorite writers, Ian Flemming, was waiting offshore during the Dieppe raid, in his role as an intelligence officer.

Ironically, our efforts to preserve the species may end up erasing it from existence altogether.