One Decisive Victory: A Military Sci-Fi Series (Grimm's War Book 3)

Even as my hopes carry on fading for Jeffery Haskell to turn out new installments in the Full Metal Superhero and Superhero by Night series, I at least have got the fourth volume of Grimm's War to look forward to. In the meantime, One Decisive Victory, the third volume, is a riproarer of a read.For Naval Lieutenant Commander Jacob T. Grimm, captain of the old destroyer USS Interceptor, who'd been assigned to two years of port duty, things are about to get even more interesting, which is sayin' somethin'. In the aftermath of the bombing of Alexandria that killed millions and the subsequent twiddling of thumbs evinced by the Terran Republic's powers-that-be, certain of the Admiralty have taken untoward steps. Everyone and their mum know the Caliphate empire - with its expansionist dreams - was responsible for the attack, yet Congress, populated by cowards, is content to allow blame to fall on the Guild. Given, the Guild is a shady galactic corporation that had been at the bottom of many despicable acts. But they didn't do this one.Probably some plot spoilers.The lack of official censure against the Caliphate in part roots back to the government's and the general public's low regard for the United Systems Alliance Navy and, by association, the Marines. Congress has persisted in making the Navy the bad guy since the last great war, and the media had happily gone along. But there's a cunning plan in the works from the Admiralty. Someone in the office must've seen bits of that millennium-old moving picture: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.It's one time when having a dubious reputation pays off, as Lt. Cdr. Grimm is asked to tarnish his good name even further. Grimm and his misfit crew on the Interceptor had "saved lives, uncovered a massive conspiracy... twice... and brought the Guild's criminal behavior to light." But that's all confidential intel, not for public consumption. In light of events in the previous book, Grimm fully expects to be drummed out of the service. But those in command have further use for the Navy's most notorious pariah.In secret, Grimm is given his marching orders: "Steal the Interceptor, fly to Medial, raid the slave pens, and destroy everything on your way out." For those with a need to know, Medial happens to be the Caliphate's forward s1ave market distribution center. And guess what, for his reward should he accomplish his mission, Grimm is told he'll be disavowed, and incarcerated, and would have to settle for a sub rosa pat on the back.No lie, it's another great read. I am personally experiencing a fantastic resurgence in reading space opera novels, thanks in large part to page-turning stuff like Grimm's War and Christopher G. Nuttall's The Empire's Corps, which is yet another series about maligned Marines. But Haskell, he knows how to stage big action that pits the underdog, now outlawed Interceptor crew against the vaunted might of the Caliphate forces. So, yeah, we get the epic space battles that culminate with Grimm pulling one of those desperate, one-chance-in-a-million Captain Kirk moves out of his hat.But we also get some pulse-pounding ground battles, more opportunities for my favorite character, Marine Sergeant Allison Jennings, to show out. If you'd forgot, Sgt. Jennings is easy to underestimate, seeing as she's this tiny snip of a girl. Except she's a native of a high-g world, this rendering her incredibly strong and durable despite her short stature.Oh, I forgot to mention that there's a strong heist component here as well, revolving around the "steal the Interceptor" portion of Grimm's orders. One of my favorite moments has Sgt. Jennings having to compete in a calisthenics challenge to further that plotline. I mean, I think I could do an inverted pushup if I leaned against a wall. Jennings's version of an inverted pushup had the spectators - and her challenger - gobsmacked.By the way, the book treats us to a string of rousing moments even before Jennings' bit of crazy calisthenics. As someone who'd served, I can't help but get a lump in my throat whenever I get to eyeball demonstrations of loyalty within the military. It's that whole "we band of brothers" mindset. Grimm being a stand-up guy, he wasn't about to hang his crewmen out to dry, so he lays out to them the deets of his renegade mission.We meet two new interesting characters that I hope stick around. One is the Princess Elsa Faust, daughter of the Emperor of the Iron Throne. Elsa also works for her father's security services. It turns out part of the Interceptor's mission is to assist the princess, is how I put it. And it looks as if the Interceptor may have to partner up with a renegade Caliphate naval officer. If he can be trusted. So, yes, two more characters to serve up as part of a bombastic story. One Decisive Victory is the most furiously paced of the lot so far, the stakes elevated that much more, the odds that much more impossible to beat. Oh, it's a rah-rah read. Unashamedly so. I loved every page of it.And because the author and I are on the same page, this Kindle download also comes with Josh Hayes' "Blooded: A Grimm's War Story," a short story featuring Sgt. Jennings when she was but a two-month-old Marine about to go into combat for the first time.

Good storyline but a bit too much filler toward the end. Seemed like a strain to continue detailing the action details .A bit of a whacked ending jumping from conviction at a court Marshall to an immediate promotion?Follow on story succinct but a number of grammar errors i.e., "hold up" vs "holed up" twice.A little too much kickback from locals tobe believable and too many terrs whacked by Jennings n the sequence of events to be believable lRunning across a "good guy" that the team met and yet didn't recognize while the guy was taking a leak totally unbelievable even for fiction writingOtw Grimm story overall good

More intense action and some political shenanigans behind the scenes. Grimm has to steal his own ship to pull off a high stakes rescue deep into enemy territory. Even if successful, charges of treason awaits. Loved it!

Waiting for the next one great tpread characters are well defined easy to get drawn in keep them coming tha7

It is OK good military sci-fi I thought it was well written And exciting Recommend giving in a ring Definitely worth reading.

Love the character development and fleshing out of the “Grimm” universe. Looking forward to the next adventure! Hope it continues…

What a great read. I rarely review but had to say how much I have enjoyed this series. I look forward to more….

This is a great book. I enjoyed it tremendously.... I loved the action, the mystery, and intrigue... I wasn't ready for the ending but that is the way it usually is. I was a little bit surprised about the little snippet at the end of the book. But it needs a little work. There are lot of Misspelled words or incorrect words in that little snippet...... I got the jist of the story it was very good. Now I'm waiting for the 4th book Thank you

I have just finished the third book in the series and found it every bit as riveting as the other two books. It was fast paced with plenty of action and excitement, both on land and in space. The story is well built around Grimm and the interceptor. It illustrates how dedicated people, in the armed forces, can change the course of a war, often at great cost to themselves. Well written!

I think this is coming my favourite sci fi series of 2022. Very entertaining and surprises and twists keep you wanting to keep reading

Fast paced - didn’t miss a beat. On a par with C.S.Forester Hornblower series. Could not put it down - bring on book 4

As I’ve the 2 previous books, Book 3 certainly delivered. As I was reading, I wasn’t sure I knew who would came out victorious. Certainly enjoyed it. Fast paced, and had me on the edge of my seat as I read thru. Please with the outcome. Keep up the Good Work!

Good