Paradise by Craig Alanson
Paradise (Expeditionary Force Book 3) by Craig Alanson
Just like with the first two books in this series, Columbus Day and SpecOps, I found Paradise another thoroughly entertaining military sci-fi. This book continues with the adventures of Joe and Skippy trying to save Earth and humanity with their merry band of pirates. There’s always a lot of action and pretty crazy stunts that somehow mostly work to save Earth from once again being invaded by aliens. (Yes, yes, it may not be completely realistic.)
In Paradise, we get the added point of views of soldiers still stuck on the alien planet they have nicknamed “Paradise” and their struggle to grow food and survive now that they can’t return to Earth. Alanson also adds some chapters from the point of views of alien commanders from both opposing sides. This really added a depth to the book and some additional tense moments but also a different type of comedic relief.
Just like with the second book, there is plenty of comedy, but there are also some heart-warming and thought-provoking moments that wonderfully balance this novel to make it even better. Once again I listened to this book through Audible narrated by R.C. Bray as I feel he adds something to the story. It is more entertaining hearing him deliver certain lines, and especially the banter and sarcasm between Skippy and Joe.
Synopsis: While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying assure hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been trapped on the planet they nicknamed 'Paradise'. The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise. But Colonel Joe Bishop warns that they might not like what they find, and they can't do anything about it without endangering Earth.