Command Decisions

The Empire of Bones Saga, Book 3

By: Terry Mixon

Narrated by: Veronica Giguere

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Commander Jared Mertz thought the glories of the Old Terran Empire once more within his people’s grasp. One bold strike to make them his.

But no plan survives contact with the enemy.

With the odds stacked against him, the battle to save humanity starts now.

If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galaxy-spanning scale, grab Command Decisions and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!

©2015 Terry Mixon (P)2016 Terry Mixon

Good installment in the series

I listened to book 3 and 4 back to back and I'm thoroughly pleased. The story kept its pace and the developments were interesting. I wonder why such a great series is not more popular.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

We move on to learn of the Rebel Empire and AI!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely!
Veronica has returned for the next Empire of Bones novel, yea! She voices each person as their own. The characters have their own voice tone and personality. By doing this Veronica makes listening entertaining and easy to differentiate the large cast of characters. Thank you! The audio is clear and easy to listen to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love the character interactions here! The ones we love are here and interacting better than we ever hoped. Relationships of all kind are growing stronger. I absolutely love Jared and Kelsey. Then their's Elise and Talbot and all others that surround them. All are amazing people and lived through so much already. Kelsey gets to demonstrate her power as second in line to the throne (of the Empire) and it's awesome! Add to it the strength she holds from the implants. Dang that woman is a force to reckon with.

Kelsey. Wow. She's such a strong female character. She's everything wrapped into one little package. She's small, but she is mighty! She has the power to verbally put people into place and quick thinking to get around things. But with her implants, she's also a physically strong woman. Everyone tries to protect her with being the princess, but she can protect herself just the same. Jared faced the frustrating prejudice he has always faced in the Empire as the Kings illegitimate son. I feel he does this with the honor he feels he should, and accepts it. However another doesn't see it that way and feels Jared is worth more credit (tons more!) than he's given. There is a direction taken in the story for this very reason, and it's well deserved.

Then we have new members added. Oh, the new captain we see... Captain Breckenridge. Grrr. I hate him when we meet him. And continue to not care for him as the story goes. Though, he is written to be that way. He's a stubborn old man that won't listen but thinks he knows all. Grrr. He adds a new challenge to the story. I found I was not looking forward to seeing him in scenes because he was just trouble, but I love Kelsey as she stands up to him.

Any additional comments?

*I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

The ships from home that are now stuck in space with them adds a new difficulty in Kelsey and Jared's lives. They are already working to prepare for fights that are coming. And there are more to worry about getting home or what they are going to do next.

The AI and computer connections are starting to unfold for Kelsey and Jared. Wow. The things that we learn here. I'm stunned. And the potential of what's yet to come by learning this... Oh this is so good. Then there's what we learn of the Rebel Empire forces that were to come in contact with the AI on Erorsi (which was found)... The connections are becoming open to us with Kelsey, Jared, and Elise and so many more.

Oh Terry has done an amazing job of creating a system with the Empire I find believable. And the history to go with it! I love the chain of command we see in the space fleet. We get to see that a bit more here. I get the feel we are constantly moving forward with the characters, never going backward - except for that darn new Captain getting in our way, even then things move forward. There is always something to explore and learn about here. And Kelsey is written in a way that she wants to hear all opposing thoughts, which opens up the story even more. Wonderfully written!

Oh man! I know there's more to this history of the Rebel Empire and AI's. And I want to know it! What was the intent of the ship Invincible that they found? There are connections to the planet. Dang! I want more! This book ends with the big battle in space, but leaves me wanting more with the curiosity of what will happen on the planet they found. Thank heavens I have the next audio book!

He does it again.

Wow I could hardly put it down.
Well the title says it all. I listened to the three books in 2 days.
The narration is superb.
This Audiobook was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this voluntary review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Great world building, Original, Page-turner, Unpredictable Whimsical, Wonderful characters.

Another great book!

Great series, worth the credit!


"This book was furnished at no cost for an unbiased review."

The adventure continues in this space opera book 3

“Command Decisions”, book three in The Empire of Bones Saga, is a continuation where book two left off. It is written by Terry Mixon and narrated by Veronica Giguere. There are currently four books in the series released in audiobook format on Audible with more planned; I will be reviewing the fourth shortly. If you like large light-hearted serialized space operas, I think it would be safe recommending this book. If you are someone who does not like large portions of dialogue, detailed character creation, and expansive world development between your action scenes, you may want to look at another series. Again, there will be multiple books released in the series, and not all of them have been released in audio format at the time of this review. This is not intended to scare you away from the books, but simply know what you are getting into prior to starting. Also note that the author leaves each of the books with a cliff-hanger, so expect on getting the next in the series when you finish them.

The book drops the reader right where the second left off. This is a great place to start if you have just finished the previous books. If not, it would have been good to have had a prologue chapter summarizing the previous two books main story arcs so a person would understand what events have lead up to the point of this book. Such would also be a refresher for those who have waited for the next book to come out; in some cases months later. Because of this, it took me a bit longer than usual to get back into the story and know what was happening, but like riding a bike things clicked and I was at it again. It is without surprise that the book is written as well as the previous books in the series, and with the same narrator, it flows well from one to the next, if you can listen that way.

The book continues with our main character Commander Jared and Princess Kelsey attempting to find their way home while also attempting as much as possible to sabotage the efforts of the enemy. We are introduced to a few new characters in this book along with the other supporting characters from previous books. We are also faced with an evil AI (Artificial Intelligence) that is in full control of the old empire, etc. The main characters are likeable, a bit questionable when talking about the new captain introduced, and one cares what happens to them throughout this series. This is often a sign of a well written and thought out book. Terry is very consistent from one to the next and I hope he keeps this up in future books.

I was a bit surprised at the use of some vulgar language in this book which I do not remember from previous books. There are also some discussions including sex and sexual topics, but these are not frequent. A few of the concepts around encryption and safe technology could have been better researched to make it more believable, however this may not bother you as much as someone who is knowledgeable in these items. One other criticism is Terry’s use of the words God and Lord, often when characters are being thankful and expressive in both good and bad times. Many other books in this genre will use other made up expressive terms or swear words, it just seemed odd these lasted as long as they did for this distant colony. Just letting people know who may not like the use of this type language in their books.

As with the previous books in the series, the narration by Veronica Giguere is well read and paced. A few of the same issues I discussed in my previous reviews also were present in this third book. The Princess speaks in a very high and somewhat annoying tone. It is more spoiled-brat or valley girl speak than I would expect from royalty. I know she is relatively young, but her voice in this story seems like she is about six years-old. There were also a few editing issues in this book that I do not remember from the previous two books in the series. One about halfway through when the Princess was testing a new rifle, the sentence is repeated and the error was not edited out. I only experienced this in one place I could remember. There were also a few areas where pauses or swallows were not edited out either. Neither of these made the book unacceptable to listen to, it is more just to let others who like very clean audio that there were a few slight issues in this book.

Would I recommend it? Yes, for those who want a rather long, compelling, and action-packed space adventure. If this is not your thing, I would say this could be a pass.

Another winner from Terry & Veronica

Another winner from Terry & Veronica!! A great story, well written and EXTREMELY well narrated. Can't wait to listen to more by this duo!

I love where this series is going

I've really enjoyed this series. The narrator does an amazing job at bringing the characters to life and differentiating them.

I binge listened to books 2-4 this week because they are so much fun to read. Good old fashioned space opera with some military sci-fi and even a few space marines to round out the action. Good stuff!

I have purchased Mixon's books on my own, but I did get an advanced review copy of this audiobook at no charge in exchange for an honest review. I'd do it again, too. These books are fun!

Good space opera

Would you listen to Command Decisions again? Why?

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.” I seldom reread (or listen again) to fictional works. The story line is straight forward enough to follow even with large chunks of time between works. I might replay the last hour of the book before starting the next to get an interest rekindled in the story.

What does Veronica Giguere bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Since most of the action revolves around Kelsey, you can readily identify Veronica Giguere's narration with her character.

Any additional comments?

It is surprising how high "Yes" men can rise in a organization. They tend to replicate their approach to leadership in their own staffs. When you get a rational mind in the staff it can be suspect. Try playing on that angle for a fresh approach to a protagonist.

Enjoyed it very much

This was an excellent performance of yet another one of Terry's outstanding stories. Very well done.

Best story ever.

So far All of Terry Mixon's books in this series have been amazing I suggest reading.

I received a copy of this book free in return for a unbiased review. My review is it is a must read.