Review: Pike’s Passage by John J Spearman

Taking an unexpected turn in the Sandy Pike series, Pike’s Passage by John J Spearman is a stellar second installment of his sci-fi saga. Capturing the same authenticity in terms of detail and world-building, this follow-up turns inwards to a more adventurous and character-driven drama, rather than a sprawling epic.

When Sandy Pike sees his lifelong dream of being a starship captain slipping away as the Alliance stumbles into an unthinkable cosmic defeat, he refuses to let the mistakes of other men steal his shot at happiness. The idea of entering the freight business means a smooth transition away from forced unemployment, provided he can get his hands on the right military-grade gear to make it pirate-proof, even if that means liberating it from the conquering HUW forces. Bringing a century-old ship back to life is far from simple, but beginning a new life on his own terms is all that Pike needs – the lucky break he’s been waiting for.

Being able to hold your own when the cannons start firing is worth its weight in gold in the post-war chaos, and his new ship, the Alice May, doesn’t need to ever back down from a fight, and Pike’s noble and heroic tendencies quickly bring him back into the line of fire. Whether it is escaping the clutches of a sociopath, or negotiating the release of the woman he has unexpectedly come to love, this compelling protagonist endlessly dodges disaster, and does it with style. The only question is, will the civil war raging among the HUW be enough to bring the Alliance back from the dead, and if so, will Sandy regain his command?

This relatively short and thrilling read can be knocked out in an afternoon, and with a natural flow to the narration that rarely loses momentum, it will be a challenge to set down. Readers looking for laser-splashed action will not be disappointed, nor will those who appreciate the intricacies of battle strategy, defensive maneuvers, and the psychological mind games that any admiral must play when lives are on the line. The high-stress moments are balanced well with interpersonal onboard plotlines and romantic interludes from various characters, as well as the daily grind of ship life, much like traditional naval literature.

As was the case in the first novel, the nuanced and technical language isn’t overly complicated, but instead immerses readers in this futuristic world, making every scene more believable and tangible. The dialogue varies widely, from whip-smart banter and calculated negotiations to intense emotional exchanges and rapid-fire battle communications. That said, there are occasional bursts of anachronistic language, or at least phrasing that feels out of place for a given character or setting. These are usually attempts to achieve an authentic, conversational pattern of speech, but the result has the opposite effect, seeming somewhat unnatural.

Aside from these slight stumbles, Spearman delivers a remarkably fun and unpredictable ride, adding new depth to characters that are both relatable and unforgettable, in this unique work of military science fiction.