The third book in the Sandy Pike Series, Pike's Progress by John J. Spearman continues its intense sci-fi military storyline. As the Hegemony of United Worlds acted in tyranny, things started to fall apart which enabled the Alliance to retake some of the planets that HUW once ruled. But taking control, however, will not be an easy feat for the Alliance, as they have yet to deal with factions loyal to the United Worlds. As they create a strategy for an offensive, old allies will be reunited. Captain Monty Swift is yearning to fight once again. Alison Lynch, a brilliant investigator who has a strong connection with Sandy, is also back but the scars of her past will fester. Meanwhile, Sandy Pike becomes the commander of a new ship called the Audacious—the reward he has earned from his previous heroics. This time, a new challenge awaits that will test his leadership and quick decision-making skills.

John J. Spearman takes military science fiction to a whole new level with his meticulous attention to detail and diligent research of military procedurals that he applies with futuristic panache. The jargon, however, is tamed and the author does not overwhelm with too many technical terms to the point that it overshadows the human element of the storyline. It has an evergreen theme as it discusses social and political differences, and how the power of coming together for the benefit of the collective can make a huge difference. The plot is complemented by the convincing dialogue that makes Pike’s Progress a character-driven space military saga. You can tell that Spearman is equally a skillful listener judging by the authenticity of what his characters have to say. This is a highly imaginative and confident military space opera that any sci-fi lover will enjoy reading.

Pike's Progress by John J. Spearman is a sci-fi military action thriller set in space. The third book of the Sandy Pike series continues the story from its previous installment, Pike's Passage, and follows the former Commander of the Planetary Alliance, Sandy Pike. After the Planetary Alliance lost the war to the Hegemony of United Worlds (HUW), tyranny reigns supreme over the Alliance planets. Sandy Pike is once again called upon to lead a fleet of ships with the newly commissioned PAS Audacious and free the people living in the former colonies of Alliance from HUW's rule. Meanwhile, Ali Lynch is still recovering from the physical and mental torture of the Graz Syndicate when she is assigned to Special Agent Hugh Ryan's team, tasked to hunt down the notorious slaver, Alfred Mendele. But things don't go according to plan.

Author John J. Spearman crafts a fast-paced space opera military thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Pike's Progress is yet another enthralling installment from the Sandy Pike sci-fi series. Spearman has a knack for creating well-written military thrillers with a large cast of characters and intricate plot threads that combine toward the end to make a fulfilling narrative. The multiple POV narrative gives readers access to the various factions and keeps them updated on the main plot threads. You will find yourself hooked from the first page and unable to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to space opera lovers.