Book #38 - Helfort’s Way Book 3: The Battle of Devesation Reef

The third book in the Helfort series, continuing on the battle between the Federation Worlds and the Hammer empire. In Helfort's War Book 3: The Battle of Devastation Reef Helfort is pulled away from his ship, assigned to the special projects division of the Federation Space Navy. As with many military book, politics come into play.

Helfort is pulled into a new ship, built to be run by a crew of 10, and their AIs, in an almost un-manned fashion. It’s the only way that one admiral thinks the Hammer’s new anti-matter missiles can be handled in battle. A grueling set of training simulations get Helfort down, but he manages to survive, determined to destroy the Hammer empire.

However much of the Navy dosen’t like the idea of un-manned ships, or this dreadnought force and undermines them. Despite Helfort’s few successes in training, they do not accept the concept.

Meanwhile the Hammers are trying to press home the attack. Polk is pushing to destroy the Federation and is only held back when a few salvaged anti-matter missiles are detonated in Hammer space. He thinks that the Federation might have the same weapon and is unsure of how to proceed.

When the Federation discovers the Hammer anti-matter lab at Devastation Reef, a huge operation is planned. Helfort manages to lead his squad to a victory, but in the process he disobeys a direct order from an admiral. On top of that, they escape in a small lander with about 200 survivors and can only get to an independent planet, though one that is under Hammer vassal status.

The book wanders between space and land, with Helfort once again the target of Hammer politics. His girlfriend is captured when her ship is destroyed, most of the Federation Navy wants him court martialed, and the Hammer worlds continue to brutally oppress their people. All in a day in the future.

Not as good as the first two books, but still a good continuation of the saga.