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Drop Trooper #10
Drop Zone
Cam Alvarez just wants to go home. He just isn’t sure where home is.
For Fleet Intelligence Colonel Marcus Hachette and the crew of the Orion, getting home means finding the gate the Predecessors used to travel halfway across the galaxy and using it to return to Earth.
For Sgt-Major Ellen Campbell, the woman Cam still thinks of as “Top,” home is the Marines.
For Vicky Sandoval, home is wherever the she and Cam can make a life together, whether that’s back in the Commonwealth or right there in this strange new part of the galaxy.
But the only way for any of them to find a home is to hunt down the mysterious Seekers, the faction of the ancient alien Predecessors who were tracking the source of the mindless Skrela war drones which had chased them off Earth tens of thousands of years ago. The Seekers have the gate and, just as importantly, they know where to find the demonic Skrela and put an end to them.
But as dangerous as the hordes of Skrela drones may be, the weapon the Seekers have created to fight them may be just as deadly…to Cam and the others humans tracing their steps.
For Fleet Intelligence Colonel Marcus Hachette and the crew of the Orion, getting home means finding the gate the Predecessors used to travel halfway across the galaxy and using it to return to Earth.
For Sgt-Major Ellen Campbell, the woman Cam still thinks of as “Top,” home is the Marines.
For Vicky Sandoval, home is wherever the she and Cam can make a life together, whether that’s back in the Commonwealth or right there in this strange new part of the galaxy.
But the only way for any of them to find a home is to hunt down the mysterious Seekers, the faction of the ancient alien Predecessors who were tracking the source of the mindless Skrela war drones which had chased them off Earth tens of thousands of years ago. The Seekers have the gate and, just as importantly, they know where to find the demonic Skrela and put an end to them.
But as dangerous as the hordes of Skrela drones may be, the weapon the Seekers have created to fight them may be just as deadly…to Cam and the others humans tracing their steps.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2022
About the author
Rick Partlow
151 books337 followersRick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 60 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 60 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 9, 2024
Another mind twisting sci-fi tale from Rick Partlow. As I am getting close to the end of this series (Maybe..he is still making new ones..) I am decently starting to feel the build up to the end. While I was going to rate this one 3/5 originally I think climatic ending moved it up one. There are a lot of new species social corks, a whole new war wagging solar system, and another tale into the seekers just spreading their creator seeds all over the place. No pun intended. In any case, here are my pros and (1) con.
PROS
The Predecessors/Seekers:
Without giving the book totally away, and if you are reading this review then I assume at this point you know who the seekers are, nevertheless their existence in the series truly fascinates me. I love the fact they are evolved dinosaurs that became space/creators of species and master of space colonization. I also liked how the predecessor’s build all there social species experiments in order to make the master creation. For the last three books I would say we learn more and more about them and I think this one takes the cake so far in terms of their creativity. Won’t dive into new combined species too much but god it was well written and it was just a good add on to the Drop Trooper tale.
Interesting Developing Character Dynamics:
In Drop Zone you are definitely seeing a great build up in character development. I would guess it has something to do with coming to the end of series but then again there are still 6 more books in front of me. In any case I love to see the tension between the humans and Tahni let up a little. They are not perfect yet however, the reader can see them working together more in this book. The predecessors onboard the Orion who are supposed to be friends to both humans and the Tahni are starting to act weird as more negative things are discovered about them. In any case they are acting very suspicious and I have a feeling something is going to happen. All and all, the charter development is really building this plot and I look forward to finding out what happens.
Realistic SCI-FI:
One of the biggest pet peeves I have in reading ether space opera or military SCI-FI’s is whether or not it makes sense in the large scheme of things. Everything discussed in space travel, weapon systems, atmospheric entry aircraft, building structures, and even food contents are accurate in this book. In other words everything makes sense. All aspects of the information is explained and honestly felt like I didn’t need to check anything. Ultimately this allows a certain trust to built for the reader and it really helps in the overall engagement of the events that take place.
Fantastic Ending:
I have to admit the ending really brought it all in for me as fast as it was. Cameron Alvarez really became a bad ass, ruthless, bloodthirsty, and full of revenge. There is a significant character death in the book and just be warned it gets him beyond pissed. Best part was he was in the suit not just himself which can be boring sometimes. ALL WE WANT IS BIG NASTY ARMORED BATTLES IN DROP TROOPER VIGILANTE SUITS SOMETIMES!!
CONS:
Kinda Predictable:
There was sopposed to be a major twist in one of the main missions in terms of double crossing but honestly an elementary reader would have suspected. The author literally almost gives it away at one point. There are other elements in the book where the reader can pick up what is about t to happen but honestly what I just said killed a would be 5 star adventure.
All and all it was a very exciting addition to the series. I was very much addicted to Rick Partlow’s writing skills at some points in the last week and again I look forward to the next one “Tango Down”.
-Alex
PROS
The Predecessors/Seekers:
Without giving the book totally away, and if you are reading this review then I assume at this point you know who the seekers are, nevertheless their existence in the series truly fascinates me. I love the fact they are evolved dinosaurs that became space/creators of species and master of space colonization. I also liked how the predecessor’s build all there social species experiments in order to make the master creation. For the last three books I would say we learn more and more about them and I think this one takes the cake so far in terms of their creativity. Won’t dive into new combined species too much but god it was well written and it was just a good add on to the Drop Trooper tale.
Interesting Developing Character Dynamics:
In Drop Zone you are definitely seeing a great build up in character development. I would guess it has something to do with coming to the end of series but then again there are still 6 more books in front of me. In any case I love to see the tension between the humans and Tahni let up a little. They are not perfect yet however, the reader can see them working together more in this book. The predecessors onboard the Orion who are supposed to be friends to both humans and the Tahni are starting to act weird as more negative things are discovered about them. In any case they are acting very suspicious and I have a feeling something is going to happen. All and all, the charter development is really building this plot and I look forward to finding out what happens.
Realistic SCI-FI:
One of the biggest pet peeves I have in reading ether space opera or military SCI-FI’s is whether or not it makes sense in the large scheme of things. Everything discussed in space travel, weapon systems, atmospheric entry aircraft, building structures, and even food contents are accurate in this book. In other words everything makes sense. All aspects of the information is explained and honestly felt like I didn’t need to check anything. Ultimately this allows a certain trust to built for the reader and it really helps in the overall engagement of the events that take place.
Fantastic Ending:
I have to admit the ending really brought it all in for me as fast as it was. Cameron Alvarez really became a bad ass, ruthless, bloodthirsty, and full of revenge. There is a significant character death in the book and just be warned it gets him beyond pissed. Best part was he was in the suit not just himself which can be boring sometimes. ALL WE WANT IS BIG NASTY ARMORED BATTLES IN DROP TROOPER VIGILANTE SUITS SOMETIMES!!
CONS:
Kinda Predictable:
There was sopposed to be a major twist in one of the main missions in terms of double crossing but honestly an elementary reader would have suspected. The author literally almost gives it away at one point. There are other elements in the book where the reader can pick up what is about t to happen but honestly what I just said killed a would be 5 star adventure.
All and all it was a very exciting addition to the series. I was very much addicted to Rick Partlow’s writing skills at some points in the last week and again I look forward to the next one “Tango Down”.
-Alex
August 1, 2022
Excellent Book
I was pleasantly surprised that the tenth book of the Drop Trooper series was the best book of the series. That is saying something as I have enjoyed everyone of the previous nine books. It's going to be difficult for Rick Partlow to beat it but after all of his works I have read he will top even Drop Zone.
I was pleasantly surprised that the tenth book of the Drop Trooper series was the best book of the series. That is saying something as I have enjoyed everyone of the previous nine books. It's going to be difficult for Rick Partlow to beat it but after all of his works I have read he will top even Drop Zone.
March 13, 2023
Another good book in this series. Our reluctant main characters, Cam (Cameron) Alvarez and Vicky Sandoval, both Captains of Marines are stuck on the planet Yfingam. There are others there which is or could become a big problem. The Tahni are there with Colone Ten-Lenon-Zan-Karan-Thint leading that group. He's not to be trusted and is only keeping the peace because he knows he'd be dead first if his Tahni started a fight. Then there's the Karai. These guys were the muscle for another group the Resscharr who had been the masters while the Vergai were the slaves. That's not how it was currently on the planet. Colonel Hachette had manage to bring peace to the planet with his Marine presence, but tensions were still high among all the aliens. But they all had a common enemy called the Skrela which they had all just faced and defeated.
Only this defeat was just a small scouting party. It was hoped that by completely wiping out this entire contingent of Skrela, the main body wouldn't be coming to this area for a long while since the scouts didn't report back any contact with the planet. So, now there is a lot of posturing by all sides trying to test or provoke in one side doing something stupid so the other side could retaliate. Captain Alvarez was the commander of the Marine Company with Vicky has his XO. He was getting sick and tired of having to be the go-between for all this aliens. But, that was the job Colonel Hatchette had assigned him so he was going to do his duty. It was good that he and his troops have received new and improved armor and weapons thanks to the Resscharr. That put some strength behind his control of violent situations since he knew and everyone else also knew that his troops could put down decisively anyone causing trouble.
Having just returned from fighting the Skrela and using a contingent of Vergai in the process, he now had to confront the leader of the Vergai with the knowledge that her son was one of those lost in the battle. She was on the verge of refusing to help the humans any more because she didn't see this fighting as something her people needed to do. But, since Captain Alvarez and his Marines had been training up her military so they could stand up to the Karai and the Tahni, she knew she couldn't just ignore Captain Alvarez's concerns. The Karai and the Tahni were just waiting for a chance to take control of the entire planet with the Vergai becoming slaves once again.
Meanwhile, Colonel Hatchette had decided they needed to do something about these Skrela. He didn't know where they came from, in fact, no one seemed to know their origin so it was paramount that they track that location down. If they could cut off the flow of Skrela at the source or at least find their logistics tail, then war with the Skrela might come to a quick halt in the humans favor. But, the only ones that knew of the Skrela at all were the Seekers. This was a highly advanced race that had created the Skrela and then found their on creations to be a serious problem. The Seekers has also created the Tahni and the Karai to help fight against the Skrela but even their efforts together weren't enough. So the Seekers had fled. That had happend some six thousand years ago, but Colonel Hachette wanted to go and track them down.
That was going to be a serious mission. He also needed to find the Seekers because they had established a series of warp gates which had enable humanity and others with star drive technology to travel vast distances through space. Colonel Hatchette's group had gone through such a gate from Earth in pursuit of the Skrela, but that gate had been shut down or destroyed and he and his group had no way to get back to Earth. So, he wanted to get the Seekers to create a new gate or show them other gates that would lead the way back to Earth.
On this new mission, which surprisingly included a contingent of Tahni, they encountered a system with two inhabited planets. These planets also had Tahni masters with humans as slaves. Colonel Hatchette just wanted to know if they could tell them where the Seekers had gone and not get into their politics. Yet, that's what happened when one group turns out to be very aggressive to Colonel Hatchette's expedition and the other turns traitor to their own kind. This part of the story kinds of bogs down since no one seems to know of a way to solve their current situation and get on with their original mission.
So, I found the story interesting, but probably not the best in the series. I'm not sure why their existing starships can seem to travel from star system to star system, but can't just go back to Earth. I also don't know how they expect to find a group of people that were last seen six thousand years ago! Still, they leave the series open for more and book 11, "Tango Down", is available on Amazon now. I've already got it on my reading list.
Only this defeat was just a small scouting party. It was hoped that by completely wiping out this entire contingent of Skrela, the main body wouldn't be coming to this area for a long while since the scouts didn't report back any contact with the planet. So, now there is a lot of posturing by all sides trying to test or provoke in one side doing something stupid so the other side could retaliate. Captain Alvarez was the commander of the Marine Company with Vicky has his XO. He was getting sick and tired of having to be the go-between for all this aliens. But, that was the job Colonel Hatchette had assigned him so he was going to do his duty. It was good that he and his troops have received new and improved armor and weapons thanks to the Resscharr. That put some strength behind his control of violent situations since he knew and everyone else also knew that his troops could put down decisively anyone causing trouble.
Having just returned from fighting the Skrela and using a contingent of Vergai in the process, he now had to confront the leader of the Vergai with the knowledge that her son was one of those lost in the battle. She was on the verge of refusing to help the humans any more because she didn't see this fighting as something her people needed to do. But, since Captain Alvarez and his Marines had been training up her military so they could stand up to the Karai and the Tahni, she knew she couldn't just ignore Captain Alvarez's concerns. The Karai and the Tahni were just waiting for a chance to take control of the entire planet with the Vergai becoming slaves once again.
Meanwhile, Colonel Hatchette had decided they needed to do something about these Skrela. He didn't know where they came from, in fact, no one seemed to know their origin so it was paramount that they track that location down. If they could cut off the flow of Skrela at the source or at least find their logistics tail, then war with the Skrela might come to a quick halt in the humans favor. But, the only ones that knew of the Skrela at all were the Seekers. This was a highly advanced race that had created the Skrela and then found their on creations to be a serious problem. The Seekers has also created the Tahni and the Karai to help fight against the Skrela but even their efforts together weren't enough. So the Seekers had fled. That had happend some six thousand years ago, but Colonel Hachette wanted to go and track them down.
That was going to be a serious mission. He also needed to find the Seekers because they had established a series of warp gates which had enable humanity and others with star drive technology to travel vast distances through space. Colonel Hatchette's group had gone through such a gate from Earth in pursuit of the Skrela, but that gate had been shut down or destroyed and he and his group had no way to get back to Earth. So, he wanted to get the Seekers to create a new gate or show them other gates that would lead the way back to Earth.
On this new mission, which surprisingly included a contingent of Tahni, they encountered a system with two inhabited planets. These planets also had Tahni masters with humans as slaves. Colonel Hatchette just wanted to know if they could tell them where the Seekers had gone and not get into their politics. Yet, that's what happened when one group turns out to be very aggressive to Colonel Hatchette's expedition and the other turns traitor to their own kind. This part of the story kinds of bogs down since no one seems to know of a way to solve their current situation and get on with their original mission.
So, I found the story interesting, but probably not the best in the series. I'm not sure why their existing starships can seem to travel from star system to star system, but can't just go back to Earth. I also don't know how they expect to find a group of people that were last seen six thousand years ago! Still, they leave the series open for more and book 11, "Tango Down", is available on Amazon now. I've already got it on my reading list.
March 21, 2023
The search continues
Cam & Vicky, but especially Cameron, keep winding up in ground combat without the benefits of being in their Vigilante suits. Each time this makes Cam more & more regret the decision to join the mission. Even worse than that is the way the group discovers that duplicity isn’t just confined to their galaxy.
They continue to try to find the Seekers but are growing increasingly frustrated & discouraged by the threats they run against. But in true Marine fashion they continue to adapt, improvise and overcome to complete their mission.
Cam & Vicky, but especially Cameron, keep winding up in ground combat without the benefits of being in their Vigilante suits. Each time this makes Cam more & more regret the decision to join the mission. Even worse than that is the way the group discovers that duplicity isn’t just confined to their galaxy.
They continue to try to find the Seekers but are growing increasingly frustrated & discouraged by the threats they run against. But in true Marine fashion they continue to adapt, improvise and overcome to complete their mission.
August 1, 2022
part low has written another winner.
RICK PARTLOW has written another winner. DROP ZONE is fast paced predictable, but exciting none the less. The amount detail he puts in his writing make book seem more like screenplay than just a mere book : he literally uses thousands of word to illustrate hundreds of images. A great read!
RICK PARTLOW has written another winner. DROP ZONE is fast paced predictable, but exciting none the less. The amount detail he puts in his writing make book seem more like screenplay than just a mere book : he literally uses thousands of word to illustrate hundreds of images. A great read!
March 31, 2023
my favorite series
I never read military sci fi, ever. But this damn series has me in an chokehold and won’t let go. Each book keeps getting better and better and I swear to god if anything happens to Vicky I WILL RIOT.
Keep writing amazing books, Mr. Partlow. Or I will riot even harder.
I never read military sci fi, ever. But this damn series has me in an chokehold and won’t let go. Each book keeps getting better and better and I swear to god if anything happens to Vicky I WILL RIOT.
Keep writing amazing books, Mr. Partlow. Or I will riot even harder.
July 27, 2022
Excellent writing and engrossing story!
Pattie writes a flowing story with numerous plot twists and does this with humor interjected. Well written military action and well developed characters. Great read!
Pattie writes a flowing story with numerous plot twists and does this with humor interjected. Well written military action and well developed characters. Great read!
July 31, 2022
Wow
Just didn’t think it could get better after 9 books but Drop Trooper Book 10 just keeps the ball rolling as Cam and the rag tag crew may have just found where the Seekers are and there’s going to be hell to pay if Cam finds them. Excellent read from beginning to end.
Just didn’t think it could get better after 9 books but Drop Trooper Book 10 just keeps the ball rolling as Cam and the rag tag crew may have just found where the Seekers are and there’s going to be hell to pay if Cam finds them. Excellent read from beginning to end.
August 2, 2022
I have enjoyed this series but I may have enjoyed this book the most so far.
Finally no hold barred. Old enemies forge a new alliance through shared blood. The story is both a gut punch and a celebration of the human spirit.
Finally no hold barred. Old enemies forge a new alliance through shared blood. The story is both a gut punch and a celebration of the human spirit.
June 7, 2023
Good story
The whole story continues to develop and you can tell its building up to something great. There was a tragic loss in this one, but one that will make all the characters stronger. Looking forward to the next.
The whole story continues to develop and you can tell its building up to something great. There was a tragic loss in this one, but one that will make all the characters stronger. Looking forward to the next.
October 31, 2023
Sad ending
Knew she had to go, but felt the hit for Cam and Vicky. Good story, bringing some vengeance to the killers is good. Feeling confident that this is a still strong story!
Knew she had to go, but felt the hit for Cam and Vicky. Good story, bringing some vengeance to the killers is good. Feeling confident that this is a still strong story!
July 25, 2022
Fun continuing
I love the character of Cam. He is full of depth in an unreal situation. The books are a blast! Keep em coming!
I love the character of Cam. He is full of depth in an unreal situation. The books are a blast! Keep em coming!
August 1, 2022
Another cracker
How Rick keeps this up astounds me. Yet another excellent book full of action. Keep them coming please Rick. Many thanks.
How Rick keeps this up astounds me. Yet another excellent book full of action. Keep them coming please Rick. Many thanks.
August 16, 2022
Drop Trooper 10
Another fun, intersting, and somewhat of a turning point in this installment of a great series!
Keep them coming, Rick!
Another fun, intersting, and somewhat of a turning point in this installment of a great series!
Keep them coming, Rick!
September 1, 2022
Very Good I recommend the series.
May 2, 2023
Great story
Another great storyline from Rick Partlow with plenty of action and blood and guts shame about the Top. Totally looking forward to the next episode
Another great storyline from Rick Partlow with plenty of action and blood and guts shame about the Top. Totally looking forward to the next episode
May 23, 2024
The search for home continues, but a tragic loss nearly ends the mission. This is a fast paced entry in the series. I feel the end of the quest is nearly there. Part 11 will tell.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews