Reviews for Victory Conditions (Vatta's War Series #5)

The average rating for Victory Conditions (Vatta's War Series #5) based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2010-04-09 00:00:00 David Johnson Genre: Space Opera/Military Sci Fi This is probably the weakest book of the Vatta's War series, it wrapped everything up all neat and tidy but it took too many short-cuts. Despite the relationship between Gammis Turek (pirate leader) and Lew Parmina (former head of ISC, biggest company in the known universe) being critical to the success of the pirates in earlier books, it's never explained WHY they were working together, or even that they WERE directly working together. It's hinted at a lot, but not elucidated. The only motivation we're given for either's power grabs (both using extremely despicable means) is a lust for power. I feel cheated. The sub-plots were also somewhat weak. The sub-plot of Toby falling for the teenaged daughter of a pirate was interesting, but the resolution was a cop out - instead of slowly discovering that the dad was a traitor over the course of the book and having that interact with the larger story, everyone simultaneously intuits the fact that he's a pirate. (Oh, and everyone - political authorities included - condemn this as vehemently as the Vatta's who have personal cause for a vendetta.) To make matters even more black-and-white, he's got to be suddenly revealed as an abusive spouse as well. Totally unnecessary vilification, in my opinion. It would have been much more interesting if he was a likeable fellow. The result of this sub-plot is equally incredulous - it doesn't even cause a stutter in Toby's romance! Speaking of romance, I found the romance between Rafe and Ky completely unbelievable. Yes, it's been foreshadowed ever since we met Rafe, however, they both independently decide they're in love with each other without ever talking after he leaves her 2 books ago! Not believable. Especially when there is a lot of pressure against a relationship, and they're both deeply busy with other things. Partiality for each other I have no trouble believing. Deciding the other person is the love of your life without any communication what-so-ever is too much for me to swallow. Especially when Moon set up a perfectly reasonable way for them to keep in secret contact; she could've developed that plot/relationship over the course of the book in a much more believable and less melodramatic way. It was still a fun book, full of action and adventure and amusement. However it could've been so much MORE then it was.

Review # 2 was written on 2018-08-13 00:00:00 Wayne Curtice Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the fourth and fifth books of the Vatta's War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven't read books one through three and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . . Well book four started out in an odd fashion. Book three ended suggesting a certain direction and then that didn't happen. I really wanted to visit a specific planet. Alas. I also know I said that book three felt like a placeholder but this one did too. That said I actually enjoyed this one better. This book follows primarily Rafe and Ky. But the other favourites still make appearances. I continue to adore Aunt Grace. I love the flamboyant ship captain. He makes me so happy. Those who have read prior books will know exactly which one. Ky of course remains the highlight even though she doesn't get all the page time. This book certainly picked up the pace! As for the final book, I adored it and thought it be an excellent conclusion to the series. Ky truly is a fantastic leader and I loved watching all of her experience and hardships come together and led to success. Part of the fun of this installment was watching the author's surprise resolutions for many of me favourite characters. Three in particular made me incredibly happy. Which three ye ask? Spoilers matey, spoilers. I did want to point out a specific aspect of these novels which is how post-traumatic stress gets dealt with. First of all people actually have realistic issues after experiencing horrible things. Secondly, suffering people are supported and get help to deal with their problems. Characters actually take time to process their situations and talk about feelings and emotions. The emotional toll doesn't just disappear magically. Now granted it is an advanced society where there is medical treatment that current science cannot provide. But there are also meds, therapy sessions, and taking time to heal, reflect, and rest. It was a refreshing viewpoint for military sci-fi. I am so very glad to have read this series and highly recommend it to me crew. I have already made plans to get the companion series, vatta's peace, in me mitts. Arrr!!! Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin' sequence for these books! Check out me other reviews at