Participating On The Legendarium Podcast...Had A Blast!

I thought my chance to appear on The Legendarium Podcast had come and gone. My friend, Todd, a regular cast member, asked if I would like to record with them in discussing Jack Campbell's The Lost Fleet: Dauntless. Unfortunately, I was out of town that Saturday. Turns out, I didn't miss my opportunity at all. We recorded last Monday night.

I had a good time.

I've blogged about this podcast before. It's a thinking-man's (or woman's...) podcast. The regulars, Craig, Kenn, Ryan, and Todd have built a solid body of work over the years covering many authors and subjects. The group sets a good tone with a mixture of smart dialogue and witty banter. 

For me, what sets this podcast apart from many others is the depth at which they cover a topic. When they discuss a book, they've all not only read that book, but have taken notes, bring up specific passages in the book, and analyze it like few do. Much of the time Monday night I was taking it all in, as if I was a listener and not necessarily a participant.

But they did include me and I was able to give some opinions that were, hopefully, helpful to the listeners. You can access all the podcast at their website: HERE. Click on the Dauntless episode. 

Years ago, I started a podcast. I think I recorded less than ten episodes. One of the things that first impressed me with Craig and his set up was the equipment--it was first-rate! I've worked around recordings and electronics for years. Craig does not skimp--let me tell you. And you can definitely hear it in the quality of the broadcasts. It's first-rate as well, so much so, I only got pictures of the microphones.

I may never get another opportunity to join the gang and discuss fantastic literature. But I did get to do this one and it was fun. Thank Craig and Todd for sharing the mic!

Jack Campbell's "The Lost Fleet: Dauntless"...A Book Review

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A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to participate in a podcast episode where a group discussed Book #1 of Jack Campbell's The Lost Fleet series, The Lost Fleet: Dauntless. I read the book but unfortunately, could not join the others in the book discussion.

Too bad--it's a pretty good book.

I was unfamiliar with both the author or the series. Fortunately, the author explained how he came to write the story, and the series. As a reader, knowing his experience in naval warfare helped me better understand the author's point of view. From the text we know Mr. Campbell understands very well how ships at sea maneuver in battle, tactics, reactions, what it must feel like to be involved in something like that.

Of course, this fleet is not at sea, but in space with a powerful enemy, the two forces at war. Captain John "Black Jack" Geary finds himself in a new world--actually, it's the same world, but a new time. He was recently discovered having spent the last 100 years in suspended hibernation. He wakes to a new reality where much has changed--family and everyone he knew are gone, and much remains the same--they're still at war.

Captain Geary is an intriguing character study. His exploits are known throughout the fleet. He's a ghost that has returned, but can he live up to the legend? Will he be the man many think he is, as if anyone can live up to the stories told and retold through the decades?

It was a fast read. I'm sure many who have read this first book of the series (and I suspect the other books follow the same successful formula...) have commented that if you like books about naval battles, you'll love this book. I've read almost no books on naval battles and I liked it a lot. I think you will, too.

* Photo used without permission from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112292.Dauntless?ac=1&from_search=true