Privateer Tales Series by Jamie McFarlane

Alternate cover edition can be found here. When you are old enough to finally become an Earth Mars citizen, everything should be perfect. Right? Not for Liam Hoffen. He's stuck on a mining asteroid called Colony 40, helping his father work a claim that is never going to pay out. His best friend, Nick James is set for life in James' Rental business and Liam just discovered that the girl he's known forever thinks he's pretty great and now she's leaving for the Mars Naval Academy... moreAlternate cover edition can be found here. When you are old enough to finally become an Earth Mars citizen, everything should be perfect. Right? Not for Liam Hoffen. He's stuck on a mining asteroid called Colony 40, helping his father work a claim that is never going to pay out. His best friend, Nick James is set for life in James' Rental business and Liam just discovered that the girl he's known forever thinks he's pretty great and now she's leaving for the Mars Naval Academy. Liam dreams of sailing the stars. Whenever he gets the chance, he jets into space and floats, wishing to be free of the asteroid that has claimed him. What he doesn't realize is that fate is about to change everything. Sometimes you have to lose parts of yourself to gain the stars, and Liam discovers that while it isn't easy to literally lose parts of yourself to the pirates who attacked your home, gaining the stars is worth everything. He and Nick are about to find out what the real world has to offer and they end up meeting exciting people along the way. less

Celina Dontal just escaped eighteen months of captivity at the hands of Alexander Boyarov and his crew, members of the brutal Red Houzi Clan. That should have been the hard part. It was only the beginning. When she tried to contact her younger sister, Jenny, Celina received shocking news. The one person in the universe that Celina loved and lived for, was missing, and no one could tell her what happened... moreCelina Dontal just escaped eighteen months of captivity at the hands of Alexander Boyarov and his crew, members of the brutal Red Houzi Clan. That should have been the hard part. It was only the beginning. When she tried to contact her younger sister, Jenny, Celina received shocking news. The one person in the universe that Celina loved and lived for, was missing, and no one could tell her what happened. A vague mention of passage booked to the metropolis of Puskar Stellar on Mars was the only clue Celina unearthed, but Jenny hasn't responded to any of Celina’s messages.Celina has no friends on Mars and to make things worse, Boyarov is skating on thin ice with the Red Houzi. He lost their ship and prisoner. Retrieving both as quickly as possible is the only hope he has of preserving his own life. He's on the hunt. If there is to be any help for Celina and Jenny, it will have to come from strangers. Puskar Stellar is a big city and finding someone who is trustworthy can be a slippery quest. Fool Me Once, a standalone novella, is the second story in Jamie McFarlane’s Privateer Tales. less

Liam Hoffen and Nick James are back in the next, exciting installment of Jamie McFarlane's Privateer Tales. After fighting space pirates and rescuing a damsel in distress, nothing sounds better than shore leave at Puskar Stellar on Mars where Liam can reconnect with his girlfriend. But neither their newest crew member, Marny, nor the Mars Protectorate Navy is ready for them to spend much time relaxing... moreLiam Hoffen and Nick James are back in the next, exciting installment of Jamie McFarlane's Privateer Tales. After fighting space pirates and rescuing a damsel in distress, nothing sounds better than shore leave at Puskar Stellar on Mars where Liam can reconnect with his girlfriend. But neither their newest crew member, Marny, nor the Mars Protectorate Navy is ready for them to spend much time relaxing. Their old nemesis, Harry Flark, found a new mining station to pillage and the crew of Sterra's Gift has been hired to transport a covert operative into Flark’s lair. This is the perfect opportunity for them to set things right if it helps to bring him down. The big problem comes when Liam and Nick discover Flark is expecting them and has no intention of letting them get away with their lives. Like white knights on silver steeds, Liam, Nick, Marny and a passel of new friends fight their way across the solar system, making a name for themselves and their mission. less

The fourth in the Privateer Tales series, this short story (47 pages) steps back in time to the Great Amazonian War. . Shot down behind enemy lines, all Marine Sergeant Pete Hoffen can think of is getting the remainder of his beleaguered platoon back to the extraction zone. But when a cocky, PITA lieutenant orders him to leave behind one of his own, he'll have nothing to do with it... moreThe fourth in the Privateer Tales series, this short story (47 pages) steps back in time to the Great Amazonian War. . Shot down behind enemy lines, all Marine Sergeant Pete Hoffen can think of is getting the remainder of his beleaguered platoon back to the extraction zone. But when a cocky, PITA lieutenant orders him to leave behind one of his own, he'll have nothing to do with it. Big Pete fights to locate his men and get the wounded out of the city, rescue his missing pilot, and avoid ripping the entire city down around him. His capture brings an entirely new problem. Who will rescue the rescuer? There's a reason Liam Hoffen goes up against great odds in order to do the right thing. He learned from his father that sacrifice and honor go hand in hand. less

There’s guerrilla warfare in the main asteroid belt. The Red Houzi pirates have launched a deadly campaign, sacking defenseless mining colonies and then vanishing into the deep dark of space. No one can predict where or when they will show up next, not even the great Mars Protectorate Navy.Liam Hoffen and Nick James have returned from their last encounter grateful to be alive, but wondering what they’ll do next. Sterra's Gift is nothing more than a broken heap, strapped to a pile of ore... moreThere’s guerrilla warfare in the main asteroid belt. The Red Houzi pirates have launched a deadly campaign, sacking defenseless mining colonies and then vanishing into the deep dark of space. No one can predict where or when they will show up next, not even the great Mars Protectorate Navy.Liam Hoffen and Nick James have returned from their last encounter grateful to be alive, but wondering what they’ll do next. Sterra's Gift is nothing more than a broken heap, strapped to a pile of ore. Replacing their beloved ship is hopeless – or so they think until a crazy old man introduces them to an old British warship named Hotspur. News of Red Houzi attacks near Colony 40 spurs Liam and his crew into action and they set off on a desperate race to save their families. But, what can one ship possibly do against an entire fleet? They’ll put everything on the line, but the question is - will it be enough? less

In the tangled bog city of Nannandry, Priloe Sharpe’s life is worth only what his pick-pocketing skills can buy him. The entire planet of Grünholtz is now one big colonization failure and run completely by rival gangs. Hope of a better life is nonexistent - until the day off-worlders show up in the marketplace with a shiny piece of tech, which Priloe artfully snags... moreIn the tangled bog city of Nannandry, Priloe Sharpe’s life is worth only what his pick-pocketing skills can buy him. The entire planet of Grünholtz is now one big colonization failure and run completely by rival gangs. Hope of a better life is nonexistent - until the day off-worlders show up in the marketplace with a shiny piece of tech, which Priloe artfully snags. In a race for his life, Priloe must save his sister and somehow leave the planet, risking everything for a new life in the cloud city of Léger Nuage. Cutpurse introduces Privateer Tales fans to the Tipperary Solar System where Liam Hoffen and his crew plan to make their new home and where they will start a whole new set of adventures. In the tradition of McFarlane’s novellas, Cutpurse provides background and intersecting story line for the next Privateer’s story. Where are Liam and his crew – and will they arrive to save the day? less

Two young orphans, Priloe and his sister, Milenette, managed to escape a lifetime of enslavement with a lot of help from Liam Hoffen, Privateer. As grateful as Priloe might be, he can't imagine why Hoffen would give up his family to go careening around the stars, when family is all he's ever wanted.A chance encounter with Silver, Liam's mother, offers Priloe a new life on the family's asteroid mining operation. He seizes the opportunity, not realizing that trouble is just around the corner... moreTwo young orphans, Priloe and his sister, Milenette, managed to escape a lifetime of enslavement with a lot of help from Liam Hoffen, Privateer. As grateful as Priloe might be, he can't imagine why Hoffen would give up his family to go careening around the stars, when family is all he's ever wanted.A chance encounter with Silver, Liam's mother, offers Priloe a new life on the family's asteroid mining operation. He seizes the opportunity, not realizing that trouble is just around the corner. Before he has his feet under him, he's dragged into a mystery at an abandoned mining claim.Though just a kid, Priloe has a lifetime of difficult decisions behind him, but those he faces now could well separate him from the family he's desperate to join. When another's life hangs in the balance, he must make a choice, no matter the consequences.Life of a Miner is a quick, enjoyable read that was originally conceived, written, and released on Jamie McFarlane's blog at fickledragon.com.Interview with the AuthorQ - What exactly makes the Privateer Tales series special?A - When I set out to write Privateer Tales, I wanted to create a modern take on the SF books I read as a teenager and that I still love reading today. My focus is, therefore, space opera with a heavy emphasis on starships, pirates, space combat, inter-galactic travel and exciting, sometimes unexpected technology, all with a strong sense of exploration and discovery.Privateer Tales stories have a strong component of evolving relationships between the members of the crew and the people they encounter. Throughout the series, we continually pick up new crew members; some stick around while others are only aboard for a short time.Mostly, I want to feel like I'm right there with my characters - exploring new worlds, interacting with alien species and sailing through the deep dark of space on an important mission.Q - What order should I read the books in?A - While each story is written to be a complete, no-cliffhanger adventure, following the numeric series order will be helpful. We're constantly adding crew, switching ships and discovering new planets and species. There are several shorter stories that are quick reads and focus on specific events outside of our hero's view. The following order is recommended: Rookie Privateer Fool Me Once Parley Big Pete (order is unimportant) Smuggler's Dilemma Out of the Tank Cutpurse Buccaneers A Matter of Honor Give No Quarter Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?A - Privateer Tales stories are a great mix of space opera, exploration, fleet combat, colonization and just plain old action and adventure. Listen to what other readers have said:"The books are well written, highly entertaining, and the plots are both interesting and imaginative." - Amazon Reader"Fun stories, interesting characters, action and best of all, some fun to go with the drama and serious situations. " - Amazon Reader"Good basic science fiction which is hard to come by these days." - Amazon ReaderQ - Can readers try the series before fully committing?A - Sure. less

War veteran, Tabitha Masters, expected to live out the rest of her days with the debilitating scars of battle. But, after her crew made a deal with the devil (Smuggler's Dilemma, Privateer Tales Book 6), she's been given a second chance. A month in a medical tank and Tabby's injuries are repaired, replaced and even upgraded. Within hours of being discharged from the hospital, Tabby hears from Shri Ganguly - a fellow veteran and survivor of the Red Houzi war... moreWar veteran, Tabitha Masters, expected to live out the rest of her days with the debilitating scars of battle. But, after her crew made a deal with the devil (Smuggler's Dilemma, Privateer Tales Book 6), she's been given a second chance. A month in a medical tank and Tabby's injuries are repaired, replaced and even upgraded. Within hours of being discharged from the hospital, Tabby hears from Shri Ganguly - a fellow veteran and survivor of the Red Houzi war. Shri is convinced she's being targeted and hopes that Tabby can help. It will take everything Tabby has to recover, while facing down the danger that threatens her friend. less

The crew of the Hotspur just happens to be looking for a new home. If Nick James is right, and he usually is, the Tipperary solar system is about to become the busiest trading hub in the galaxy. To sweeten the pot, the cloud-city of Lèger Nuage is offering free warehouse space to qualified traders. It's a deal that seems too good to pass up. Of course, nothing's as simple as it seems... moreThe crew of the Hotspur just happens to be looking for a new home. If Nick James is right, and he usually is, the Tipperary solar system is about to become the busiest trading hub in the galaxy. To sweeten the pot, the cloud-city of Lèger Nuage is offering free warehouse space to qualified traders. It's a deal that seems too good to pass up. Of course, nothing's as simple as it seems. Just like Earth’s Old West, the Tipperary system is as full of promise as it is Buccaneers who are happy to prey on the weak. No one expects it to be easy, but deceit, piracy and murder kindle the pioneering spirit in each of them. Only the strong will prosper and the question is - can Liam, Nick and the rest of the crew carve out a place to call their own? Be sure to also check out Rookie Privateer, which is free and the first in this exciting science fiction series. less

Alternate cover for ASIN B01FQ57I7G can be found here: Give No Quarter Branded criminals and on the run from the most powerful corporation in the known universe, Liam Hoffen and the crew of Hotspur have a simple choice to make. They can either cower and hide on the long since abandoned planet Ophir, or continue their mission to set right the wrongs perpetrated by a company willing to trade human suffering and lives for their bottom line... moreAlternate cover for ASIN B01FQ57I7G can be found here: Give No Quarter Branded criminals and on the run from the most powerful corporation in the known universe, Liam Hoffen and the crew of Hotspur have a simple choice to make. They can either cower and hide on the long since abandoned planet Ophir, or continue their mission to set right the wrongs perpetrated by a company willing to trade human suffering and lives for their bottom line. If you’ve followed their story, you know which choice they’ll make. Our crew will discover new planets and alien species. They'll fight pitched fleet battles and struggle against a deadly new alien foe, which is as cunning as it is ruthless. While fighting a war on two fronts, Hoffen is ambushed by his father's murders. This showdown comes at the worst possible time and forces him to fight for everyone he loves. In the end, only he or the enemy will exit the field of battle and no quarter will be given. Give No Quarter is the tenth book in the Privateer Tales universe and is the third in the Belirand Menace story arc which started with Buccaneers and is followed by A Matter of Honor. less

Trapped in a far-off galaxy, Liam Hoffen receives news that a massive Kroerak fleet has found its way to Earth. Knowing an invasion is imminent stuns our explorers, but there’s nothing they can do when they discover the interplanetary Trans Loc system has been shut down to stem the tide of invading bugs. As if things couldn’t get worse; Intrepid is then seized by an overzealous alien government and the crew is relegated to the backwater planet – Zuri... moreTrapped in a far-off galaxy, Liam Hoffen receives news that a massive Kroerak fleet has found its way to Earth. Knowing an invasion is imminent stuns our explorers, but there’s nothing they can do when they discover the interplanetary Trans Loc system has been shut down to stem the tide of invading bugs. As if things couldn’t get worse; Intrepid is then seized by an overzealous alien government and the crew is relegated to the backwater planet – Zuri. When a chance discovery, that could end Earth’s desperate war comes to light, our heroes find they will stop at nothing to return home. That is if there is anything left. Blockade Runner, the eleventh installment of the Privateer Tales saga, is an exciting mix of fleet combat, mechanized infantry battles and non-stop space opera action. While this completes the Kroerak story arc, it exposes a new struggle against a corrupt government – the Confederation of Planets. less

Deep in debt and stranded, a suicide mission may be this crew’s only hope… Liam Hoffen thought saving the world would cut him and his friends some slack. Instead, they’re bankrupt, shipwrecked, and fugitives on a backwater planet. So much for gratitude… But, after discovering an ancient Kroerak ship, Liam sees an opportunity to locate the home world of the vicious alien species... moreDeep in debt and stranded, a suicide mission may be this crew’s only hope… Liam Hoffen thought saving the world would cut him and his friends some slack. Instead, they’re bankrupt, shipwrecked, and fugitives on a backwater planet. So much for gratitude… But, after discovering an ancient Kroerak ship, Liam sees an opportunity to locate the home world of the vicious alien species. When they set out to uncover the mysteries of the ship, things are looking up until he finds out the truth: every other crew who tried to solve the mystery was never heard from again… Corsair Menace is the 12th book and the start of a new standalone arc in the Privateer Tales saga, a series of captivating space operas. If you like plucky planetary explorers, exhilarating combat scenes, and modern takes on classic sci-fi adventures, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s electrifying addition to the expanding Privateer Tales universe. Buy Corsair Menace today to journey into the unknown reaches of space! less

A world-shattering invasion. A long-dead rumor. A death-defying risk to save humanity. If the Kroerak Empire had a soft spot, Liam Hoffen would have found it by now. After years of fighting the blasted bug invaders, he’s all but thrown in the towel. To make matters worse, intercepted enemy plans show the empire’s next attack could wipe them off the map.Rumors of a Kroerak weakness are their world’s only hope of survival... moreA world-shattering invasion. A long-dead rumor. A death-defying risk to save humanity. If the Kroerak Empire had a soft spot, Liam Hoffen would have found it by now. After years of fighting the blasted bug invaders, he’s all but thrown in the towel. To make matters worse, intercepted enemy plans show the empire’s next attack could wipe them off the map.Rumors of a Kroerak weakness are their world’s only hope of survival. It’s too bad the keepers of the secret have long since turned into space dust. With time running out and alien bounty hunters in hot pursuit, Liam and his crew must venture to a long-forgotten planet. They’ll risk everything for a long-shot defense against certain annihilation. Pursuit of the Bold is the start of a standalone trilogy in the Privateer Tales saga, a series of high-spirited space operas. If you like eccentric crews, exotic alien locations, and twists and turns you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s action-packed 13th book in the Privateer Tales epic. Buy Pursuit of the Bold to set your course for an impossible interstellar mission today! less

A looming alien horde. A buried alien weapon. One last chance to save humanity. Liam Hoffen and his crew may have squashed a few alien bugs, but they’re nowhere near ready for the coming swarm. Left for dead on a backwater planet, Liam must crawl through ancient alien ruins in search of an advanced weapon. Piecing it together is the only way to hold the Kroerak forces at bay until reinforcements arrive… if they arrive at all... moreA looming alien horde. A buried alien weapon. One last chance to save humanity. Liam Hoffen and his crew may have squashed a few alien bugs, but they’re nowhere near ready for the coming swarm. Left for dead on a backwater planet, Liam must crawl through ancient alien ruins in search of an advanced weapon. Piecing it together is the only way to hold the Kroerak forces at bay until reinforcements arrive… if they arrive at all.Marny Bertrand has never left a crewmember behind, and she’s not about to start now. When she discovers Liam is still alive, she'll put everything on the line and mount a reckless rescue mission. If she can’t reach her stranded crew before their defenses fall, enemy droves will get their claws on the only weapon capable of saving humanity. Fury of the Bold is the second book in a standalone trilogy in the Privateer Tales epic, a series of high-octane space operas. If you like quirky crews, bold space battles, and alien artifacts, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s rollicking 14th book in the Privateer Tales saga. Buy Fury of the Bold to hold on tight for an intergalactic thrill ride today! less

A retreating alien enemy. Civilization's new beginning. A terrifying threat could postpone his victory lap… forever. After discovering an indefensible weapon, Liam thought he had the Kroerak invaders on the ropes. But as he and his crew root out the last alien strongholds, he comes face to face with the staggering damage the invaders wreaked on the crew’s now-inhospitable homeworlds... moreA retreating alien enemy. Civilization's new beginning. A terrifying threat could postpone his victory lap… forever. After discovering an indefensible weapon, Liam thought he had the Kroerak invaders on the ropes. But as he and his crew root out the last alien strongholds, he comes face to face with the staggering damage the invaders wreaked on the crew’s now-inhospitable homeworlds. When the battle-scarred survivors call on Liam to lead their broken civilization out of the rubble, he can’t bear to turn them away. But Liam knows better than anyone, if he doesn’t squash the source of the infestation, the Kroerak forces will be back—and next time, there will nothing to stop them.Liam’s victory lap could be cancelled altogether after he uncovers a skin-crawling new menace of catastrophic proportions. If he can’t balance leading his people and battling the gathering swarm, then humanity and the Confederation will be the ones exterminated.Judgment of the Bold is the third novel in a standalone trilogy in the 15-book Privateer Tales epic, a series of adrenaline-fueled space operas. If you like intergalactic showdowns, alien invasions, and audacious crews, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s rip-roaring sci-fi saga. Buy Judgment of the Bold to set a course for a high-octane space opera today! less

A scouting mission gone bad. A life-changing loss of time. Can a privateer team navigate a bloody revolution to find their way home? Liam Hoffen is used to straightforward missions going off the rails. But when he emerges from a crash-landing, one look tells him he’ll need more than a simple repair job. Having spent years inadvertently trapped in stasis, life has done more than pass him by… it’s dumped his entire team into an alien revolution... moreA scouting mission gone bad. A life-changing loss of time. Can a privateer team navigate a bloody revolution to find their way home? Liam Hoffen is used to straightforward missions going off the rails. But when he emerges from a crash-landing, one look tells him he’ll need more than a simple repair job. Having spent years inadvertently trapped in stasis, life has done more than pass him by… it’s dumped his entire team into an alien revolution. Stranded on a rugged world hundreds of thousands of light years from home, Liam and his crew are immediately swept up in incomprehensible planetary politics. Choosing the wrong side to defeat a fresh menace could be the difference between life and death. Can Liam find a way off the planet before it becomes their final resting place? Privateers in Exile is the 16th standalone book in the Privateer Tales series of military space operas. If you like alien firefights, galactic power-plays, and gritty heroes, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s rocket-fueled adventure. Buy Privateers in Exile to wake up to an extraterrestrial battle today! less

An alien invasion. A home-world destroyed. Can an embattled captain survive a daring fight to save the remnant of his colony? Privateer Liam Hoffen can’t wait to reunite with his family. But after he emerges from a 20-year stasis, he’s shocked to discover a hostile enemy has razed his home and exiled his people... moreAn alien invasion. A home-world destroyed. Can an embattled captain survive a daring fight to save the remnant of his colony? Privateer Liam Hoffen can’t wait to reunite with his family. But after he emerges from a 20-year stasis, he’s shocked to discover a hostile enemy has razed his home and exiled his people. With his foes dependent on a gas-mining platform to keep their ships fueled, Liam’s last-ditch hope is to cut off the vicious aliens with the help of a brother he never knew he had…Armed only with ancient combat-damaged clunkers, he and his stubborn sibling must lead a dangerous assault on the enemy’s critical resources. Grossly outnumbered and far from reinforcements, Liam fears he’ll have to put everything on the line to defend the people he loves from annihilation. Can Liam stop the powerful adversary from killing his family and taking over the system?Incursion at Elea Station is the 17th standalone book in the epic Privateer Tales space opera saga. If you like intergalactic crusades, spirited sibling rivalry, and underdog heroes, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s riveting sci-fi adventure. Buy Incursion at Elea Station to climb aboard for a rollicking thrill-ride today! less

A critical food shortage. A colony under siege. Can he save his people before they’re extinguished from the galaxy? Captain Liam Hoffen aims to expand Elea Station into a thriving community. But after an enemy armada attacks his struggling station, limited resources threaten the entire population. With no other options, Hoffen must abandon his people in search of supplies deep in marauder territory... moreA critical food shortage. A colony under siege. Can he save his people before they’re extinguished from the galaxy? Captain Liam Hoffen aims to expand Elea Station into a thriving community. But after an enemy armada attacks his struggling station, limited resources threaten the entire population. With no other options, Hoffen must abandon his people in search of supplies deep in marauder territory.Barely surviving his first battle, the bold captain is forced to partner with a double-dealing pirate to navigate treacherous space. But his fears multiply when he discovers the scarce provisions he needs demand trade with a once-defeated nemesis he swore never to trust.Can Captain Hoffen return with life-giving rations before his station is annihilated?Freebooter’s Hold is the eighteenth standalone book in the expansive Privateer Tales space opera saga. If you like cosmic twists and turns, cunning heroes, and impossible odds, you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s gripping adventure. Buy Freebooter’s Hold to undertake a risky intergalactic mission today! less

He thought the bloodshed was over. The true terror is just beginning…Captain Liam Hoffen has no time to relax after defeating the Mendari. Hastily organizing an expedition to their home world, he brings his beleaguered crew across the stars to install the new leadership. But as soon as he arrives, a massive prototype warship slices into their path and threatens the entire mission.After a daring confrontation, Hoffen pushes through to the planet... moreHe thought the bloodshed was over. The true terror is just beginning…Captain Liam Hoffen has no time to relax after defeating the Mendari. Hastily organizing an expedition to their home world, he brings his beleaguered crew across the stars to install the new leadership. But as soon as he arrives, a massive prototype warship slices into their path and threatens the entire mission.After a daring confrontation, Hoffen pushes through to the planet. But once there, he discovers a terrifying weapon of mass destruction was launched at the end of the war. And the Mendari people are mind-controlled from revealing any secrets… including its deadly course.Can Hoffen break through the horrific mental manipulation and stop an apocalyptic attack?Black Cutlass is the nineteenth standalone novel in the galaxy-spanning Privateer Tales military science fiction series. If you like desperate heroes, fast-paced action, and explosive battles, then you’ll love Jamie McFarlane’s thrilling space opera.Buy Black Cutlass to voyage into danger today! less