The third book in the series and its still a fun read, particularly in the action scenes. But I have to say the dialogue really can become overly ponderous and plodding from time to time, with the same conversations gone over in excruciating length or plot points repeated in the most stilted and dull dialogue. This one could probably have done with the bit of editorial trimming. ( )

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90 points, 4 ¾ stars!

President Gwen Iceny and General Artur Drakon have successfully liberated Midway Star System, but the Syndicate aren't done with them yet. In nearby Ulindi Star System, there is another former Syndicate CEO has taken control, and it isn't safe to have an enemy nearby. Drakon and his forces are dispatched to make certain that ally forces win. Not to create an empire of their own, but to create allies. While Drakon is away, Midway erupts into renewed violence as forces working against the President and General finally manage to spark embers.

Another installment in The Lost Stars, another book that was just plain fun. Thinking about it, Imperfect Sword didn't have a lot of things that happened. Yet so much happened as well. It was all action and things blowing up. I loved it.

There are three main threats left to Midway Star System right now, and Imperfect Sword leads the first of those problems into a solution, builds up a second of those problems up throughout the book, and then dumps the third problem in at the end.

The first problem, of course, is the leftover Syndicate worlds. Nearby Star Systems are still partly or completely controlled by Syndicate forces. This isn't good, it is a weak point for Midway Star system. They need to get rid of the Syndicate in nearby systems so they can keep Midway safe. This is the big action draw for Imperfect Sword. It was amazing to watch.

The second problem is internal forces working against Iceni and Drakon. There have been problems before now, of course. However, those problems are ramping up. And they ramp even further throughout the book. It will be finalised in the next book, but it is starting to get interesting now. Third problem is, of course, the Enigma.

I love Drakon and Iceni to pieces. But they really just need to fuck already. Their constantly "deciding" to trust each other complete is growing a bit tiresome. Thankfully the next book is the last and hopefully I can get to see them bone 🤞. The two of them are worth the angst, but I'm glad it is nearly over. At least their flirting is cute.

The secondary characters are amazing, though. They are shining even brighter than they did in the previous book, and they shone pretty bright there. I love them all. How does The Lost Stars have so many characters to love compared to The Lost Fleet?! I'm grateful though, because it makes me love it so much more than I would have if the characters were boring or interchangeable.

Slowly Drakon and Iceni are gaining control and making a place for themselves. I'm looking forward to the last book in the series. ( )

This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.leafmarks.tumblr.com by express permission of this reviewer Title: Imperfect Stars Series: The Lost Stars, Lost Fleet Author: Jack Campbell Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars Genre: SFF Pages: 379 Synopsis: President Iceni and General Drakon must defend themselves yet again from the remnants of the Syndic Gov't. The best way they can think of to do this is to help their neighbors and form some sort of loose Coalition or Alliance but without becoming the Syndics 2.0 or an Empire. The Ulindi Star System is in rebellion and looks promising to both Iceni and Drakon. But can they help that system without endangering themselves or the people they have sworn to protect. My Thoughts: First, it has taken me 3 books to put the facts together that Iceni's name is Gwen and Drakon's is Artur. Arthur and Guinevere. Doh. Hope that doesn't bode ill for the ending of the series. Loved, loved, loved this book! It was the perfect mix of space fighting, ground fighting, intrigue, mystery with just a hint of romance. I have to admit, I think I am enjoying this Lost Stars series more than the original Lost Fleet books. And I definitely enjoy having 2 main characters instead of just Jack Black Geary. This series continues to explore non-Alliance space, politics and the after-affects of Jack Black ending the war. With the introduction of the Dancers' cryptic message about "different stars" you know this series is going to go for several more books. Honestly, I'm hoping for another 3, to make it match the original series. While my enthusiasm for the spinoff series Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier waxes and wanes, these books have consistently kept my interest and kept me wanting the next book, now. Highly recommended to any SFF fan, with the caveat that you read the first 6 Lost Fleet books to understand the universe you are in. " ( )

High level spin-off of the Black Jack Geary space epic. Action packed with more chaos than coherence. Two ominous major characters are missing and the General has an infant daughter to find. Lots of hooks for the next installment. ( )

Yup, love this one, too. The relationship between the protagonists is interesting, and I liked the battle for Ulindi. ( )