John Hemry (writing as Jack Campbell)
Author Website | Reviews | Bibliography & Rights Information | Biography | Book as Speaker
The Black Jack Geary Series (Written as Jack Campbell)| Biblio & Rights Info
The Lost Fleet: Dauntless
The Lost Fleet: Fearless
The Lost Fleet: Courageous
The Lost Fleet: Valiant
The Lost Fleet: Relentless
The Lost Fleet: Victorious
The Lost Fleet: Beyond the Frontier | Biblio & Rights Info
The continuing adventures of Black Jack Geary
Dreadnaught
Invincible
The Lost Stars | Biblio & Rights Info
A new series set in the world of the Lost Fleet
Tarnished Knight (Forthcoming from Ace in 2012)
The Paul Sinclair/JAG in Space Series (Written as John Hemry)| Biblio. & Rights Info
A Just Determination
Burden of Proof
Rule of Evidence
Against All Enemies
The Ethan Stark Series (Written as John Hemry)| Biblio. & Rights Info
Stark’s War
Stark’s Command
Stark’s Crusade
John G. Hemry is a retired U.S. Navy officer. His father (LCDR Jack M. Hemry, USN ret.) is a mustang (an officer who was promoted through the enlisted ranks), so John grew up living everywhere from Pensacola, Florida to San Diego, California, including an especially memorable few years on Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons, Kansas in 1974, then attended the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of ’78), where he was labeled “the un-Midshipman” by his roommates.
His active duty assignments in the U.S. Navy included:
- USS SPRUANCE (DD963) (Navigator, Gunnery Officer)
- Defense Intelligence Ageny (Production Control Officer)
- Navy Anti-Terrorism Alert Center (Watch Officer, Operations Officer)
- Amphibious Squadron Five (Staff Intelligence Officer/N2)
- Navy Operational Intelligence Center (Readiness Division)
- Chief of Naval Operations Staff N3/N5 (Plans, Policy and Operations)
John speaks the remnants of Russian painstakingly pounded into him by Professor Vladimir Tolstoy (yes, he was related to that Tolstoy).
ETHAN STARK SERIES
“Gripping. Sgt. Stark is an unforgettable character … STARK’S WAR reads as if Hemry has been there.”
–Jack McDevitt
“STARK’S WAR is both page-turning SF and an if-this-goes-on story in the classic SF mode. John Hemry has perfectly captured the cynicism of the professional soldier and the camaraderie that develops in any good military unit–the sense of interdependence, the confidence that one’s comrades are the only ones to be fully trusted.”
–Rick Shelley
“A rip roaring race through tomorrow’s battlefield, where knowledge is power, but stupidity still reigns. Hemry’s debut is a great yarn–and a thoughtful cautionary tale.”
–Mike Moscoe
“When it comes to combat, Hemry delivers.”
–William C. Dietz
“I was quite impressed and pleased.”
–Science Fiction Chronicle
“Gripping, stirring boys’ own stuff with lots of desperate, frenetic, pulsing action as well as managing to be both poignant and thoughtful which is some achievement. This delivers on so many levels. If Bernard Cromwell gave literature Napoleonic soldier Richard Sharpe, then John G. Hemry has succeeded in giving as a noble warrior of the future in Ethan Stark.”
–Fantasy Book Review
“A gripping tale of military science fiction, in the tradition of Heinlein’s STARSHIP TROOPERS and Haldeman’s FOREVER WAR. It serves as both a cautionary fable and a science fiction adventure, doing dual purpose and succeeding on both levels…The characterization is right on…the plot is sharp and crisp…a worthy debut from Hemry, and it has the potential to join the pantheon of classic military sf stories if it gets the attention it deserves. Give this one a try.”
–Absolute Magnitude
“Solidly written, action-packed mil-SF. The action scenes are very well done, the main characters fairly straightforward, the motivations for the characters clear. A good page-turner that will amply satisfy fans of this sub-genre.”
–SFF World
“Once again, we’re treated to a fascinating, complex look at the military mindset … serves its purpose well and tells a damn fine story. For those who like military SF, this book more than serves the purpose, clearly claiming Hemry’s place at the Round Table of military SF writers. I’ll be looking forward to see how he resolves the story, and what else he has up his sleeve.”
–Absolute Magnitude
“Fraught and desperate lunar battles and strong imagery … this one is guaranteed to hold your attention and keep you thinking and guessing. 9*/10″
–Fantasy Book Review
“In a gripping space opera Hemry delivers an intensely satisfying read. Strong characterization and well-executed action keep the pages turning.”
–Romantic Times
“Hemry has a solid sense of military thinking and lunar fighting, and I really liked this series.”
–Philadelphia Weekly Press
“Unrelenting and gripping action. I found myself eagerly awaiting the series conclusion and can state with confidence that this entryt is the final pay off that fans were hoping for. Once again, Hemry shows just why he is such a revered author of military science fiction.”
–Fantasy Book Review
PAUL SINCLAIR SERIES
“Superior military sf … The last third of the book recalls nothing so much as The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial in an sf setting, and it attains the same high level of achievement. Although Hemry probably has too much taste to launch a googolplexology from this book, if he were to do so, discerning readers might applaud.”
–Booklist
“A trim novel and a promising series start by an author who obviously knows what he’s writing about … avoids the blood and thunder prevalent in the field. Hemry instead opts for courtroom tension and readable interaction between finely crafted characters. This series has promise to stand on its own among similar mature works, such as Poul Anderson’s Dominic Flandry books and the Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle Moteworld collaborations.”
–Starlog
“A very interesting story with believable characters and a strong moral. The details of military life and the justice system that are explained are fascinating, vital to the story, and smoothly integrated into it. It also lays the groundwork for a series which I am looking forward to reading. I recommend it heartily.”
–NY Review of Science Fiction
“Nicely set up and executed … a nice, absorbing story.”
–Science Fiction Chronicle
“A strong space ship legal thriller that provides incredible insight into lofe on an outer space vessel, as if John G. Hemry served on one … fans of tales focused on the relationships within a military science fiction will want to trek to the stars with Paul.”
–Best Reviews (H. Klausner)
“Being an officer on a combatant vessel underway is exhausting, exasperating, and exhilarating, in other words … fascinating and addictive. And that’s what Hemry has managed to capture. … Young Paul Sinclair is exactly the kind of guy you want to serve with, and exactly the kind of reluctant hero that great series are made from.”
–SF Revu
“Hemry gives sf its own JAG with this intelligent and engrossing legal drama … one of the more worthwhile and provocative novels I’ve read in 2003. The climactic court-martial scene is something of a tour de force … Hemry’s nuanced approach is praiseworthy, and I think Hemry’s future adventures of Paul Sinclair can only grow more rewarding.”
–SF Reviews
“A remarkably impressive work of military science fiction. Hemry’s writing kept me deeply interested in the story at all times. I would never have expected a legalistic work of military science fiction to prove as exciting as A Just Determination most definitely is. This is military science fiction at its best.”
–Rambles
“Hemry explores gallantry, honor, duty, and patriotism – as well as their opposites — in a book where both the court scenes and the space-chase scenes are page turners.”
–Steve Miller,
co-author of the Liaden Universe® novels
“A JUST DETERMINATION is the “Caine Mutiny” of the Space Age. A page-turning Sci-Fi thriller that captures you at the beginning and shocks you at the surprise twist in the ending.”
–Capt. David E. Meadows, USN,
author of 6TH FLEET & JOINT TASK FORCE series
“Your book was crafted with care, love and precision. I had a hard time putting it down, and was sorry when it was over.”
–Stephen L. Burns,
award-winning author of FLESH AND SILVER
“First-rate military sf. Another absorbing novel. Hemry’s series continues to offer outstanding suspense, realism and characterization, and this book, no less than its predecessor, only ratchets up readers’ appetites for more.”
–Booklistv
“A nicely understated and very effective novel of investigation and trial, with a convincing military backdrop that doesn’t fall into the excesses of most military SF. With this new series, Hemry has made the transition from potentially interesting to very interesting indeed, as his novels continue to show a steady improvement in plotting and background.”
–Science Fiction Chronicle
“Hemry cements his position as the best writer of legalistic military science fiction working today … some of the most human, realistic, vibrant characters I’ve ever been introduced to. Hemry has done the impossible and actually produced a novel more exciting, more engrossing and more impressive than A Just Determination. I’m quickly coming to the conclusion that Hemry is the best science fiction writer on the current market. No other author manages to hook me mind, body and soul from the very first page, and no other author creates characters who become such an integral part of my life. An engrossing, addictive reading experience.”
–Rambles
“One of the most relevant and intelligent adult drama series being published in SF right now. Delivers on the promise of A JUST DETERMINATION. A rock solid courtroom drama … delivers the kind of white knuckle tension that makes legal dramas so popular. Hemry’s decision to wed courtroom drama to military SF has captured lightning in a bottle. He builds the story’s suspense expertly. It all culminates naturally at the court-martial, and in the best tradition, this one will keep you turning pages with the proverbial bated breath.”
–SF Reviews
“Hemry has come up with a winner. The tension is palpable, the trial scence is well-handled, and the result is a first-rate thriller.”
–I Love a Mystery
“I enjoyed the book and I look forward to following the future adventures of Paul Sinclair.”
–SF Revu
“Henry has pioneered a new sub-genre with his superb space ship military legal thrillers. The legal aspects are brilliantly intertwined within a fantastic military science fiction drama that should promote Mr. Hemry to a best selling admiral.”
–Midwest Book Review
“BURDEN OF PROOF is another exciting military legal SF adventure from Hemry. Perfectly capturing the rapid-fire give and take and dramatic arguments of shows like Law and Order and JAG or movies like A Few Good Men, and throwing in the sholid characterization of classic Robert A. Heinlein, the story moves at a fast pace. Once I started reading, I was hard-pressed to put the book down, and I’m left eagerly awaiting the next installment of Paul Sinclair’s career. BURDEN OF PROOF, like each of Hemry’s books to date, is a must for any military SF fan.”
–SF Site
“One hell of a series. A humdinger. The Paul Sinclair series remains at the top of my list of Great SF Books.”
–SF Reviews
“Hemry’s real-world experience gives the investigation and subsequent courtroom scenes a convincing feel. If you crave a legalistic space-Hornblower, you’ll enjoy this one and you’ll look forward to what he gets into next.”
–Analog
“Hemry concludes an exceptionally thoughtful and intelligent series on a strong note.”
–SF Reviews
LOST FLEET SERIES
“Black Jack is an excellent character, and this series is the best military SF I’ve read in some time.”
–Wired Magazine
“Vivid and realistic warfare between space-based battleships … friends from across the political spectrum recommended the series to me, and I see why. It is a fun, quick read, full of action, compelling characters, and deeper issues. Exactly the type of story which attracts readers to military SF in the first place.”
–XB-1 (Czech Republic)
“. . . a fun, quick read, full of action, compelling characters, and deeper issues. Exactly the type of story which attracts readers to military SF in the first place.”
–SF Signal
“This engaging and interesting first book will, one hopes, be part of a long-lasting series.”
–Romantic Times
“A good, solid military space action/adventure novel.”
–Kliatt
“Rousing military-SF action… it should please many fans of old-fashioned hard SF. And it may be a good starting point for media SF fans looking to expand their SF reading beyond tie-in novels.”
–SciFi.com
“Fascinating stuff … this is military SF where the military and SF parts are both done right.”
–SFX Magazine
“A good book overall and a very promising series to come.”
–SF Reviews
“Well-written with a hero who’s all too human and battle weary. There’s much here that will remind readers of Battlestar Galactica, which is not a bad thing. The battles are well-done, but it’s the characters who drive the story.”
–FreshFiction.com
“An entertaining sci-fi yarn with a good central character.”
–Fantasy Book Review
“Fast action … solid military sf in the mold of David Weber’s Honor series … the energy of the narrative and the broad sweep of the battles keep the reader engaged.”
–SFF World
“A slam-bang good read, and yes, it kept me up at night… Solid, thoughtful, but also exciting.”
–Elizabeth Moon, Nebula Award winning author
“Black Jack Geary is very real, very human, and so compeling he’ll leave you wanting more. Jack Campbell knows fleet actions and it shows. DEFIANT is the best novel of its type that I’ve read.”
–David Sherman
“Jack Campbell’s dazzling new series is military science fiction at its best. Not only does he tell a yarn of great adventure and action, but he also develops the characters with satisfying depth. I thoroughly enjoyed this rip-roaring read, and I can hardly wait for the next book.”
–Catherine Asaro, Nebula Award winning author of ALPHA
“Taking pride of place alongside (the author’s) brilliant Paul Sinclair novels. Fearless is another satisfying cocktail to slake the thirst of fans who like their space operas with a refreshing moreal and intellectual chaser. It’s no wonder Hemry chose as his pen name for this saga that of one of SF’s more renowned editors. John W. Campbell would have admired the rationalism and rigor Jack Campbell has brought to these books. The Lost Fleet deserves to find a home on your bookshelf.”
–SFReviews.net
“Some of the best military science fiction on the shelves today, and Courageous doesn’t disappoint in the least. I’ll eagerly be awaiting the next installment in the series.”
–SF Site
“Done extremely well … epic space battles with all sorts of twists and turns. Highly recommended.”
–Walker of Worlds
“This wonderfully well-plotted story is strongly reminiscent of the old Hornblower novels, featuring exciting and believable battles. The story brings back the true meaning of romance and captures the spirit of strong men and women facing unimaginable odds with courage and honor. It carries you along on the adventure, and you’re eager to go where it takes you.”
–Romantic Times
“Jack Campbell does a good job of fulfilling the requirements of both military SF and hard SF in The Lost Fleet: Valiant, and the novel will please fans of both forms.”
–SciFi.com
“The series is fast-paced and enjoyable to read… Readers who enjoyed David Weber’s Honor Harrington books, Ian Douglas’s Space Marines, or Walter Hunt’s Dark Wing series should also enjoy this series.”
–SFRevu
“A great series… Campbell continues to entertain and satisfy with VALIANT… one of those series where a new installment leaps to the top of my reading pile, because I know it’s going to be a quick, fun, quality read that’ll give me my military sf fix… if you like military sf, The Lost Fleet is always enjoyable, and VALIANT is a worthy continuation of Black Jack Geary’s saga.”
–SF Site
“A wonderful space opera filled with engrossing battles, dissections of military strategies and speculative scenarios … nonstop action and character development.”
–Night Owl Reviews
“Real science fiction, as filling and nutritious as a meal of your favorite comfort foods.”
–Analog
“Campbell produces one of the few series in [military science fiction] that I find consistently rewarding, and this was no exception to the rule.”
– Critical Mass
“I am enjoying this series, and I expect that fans of military science fiction will also. The consistent quality and publication of the series is something that readers can count on.”
– SFRevu
“The whole series is worth a read. This is a series of fast paced adventure. Battles take into account the vastness of space and the time involved in an engagement. Fans of Ian Douglas, David Weber and David Drake will enjoy this similar quality series.”
– SFRevu
“Like the rest of the series, VICTORIOUS is military science fiction at its best … a great ending to a great series.”
– Mixed Book Bag
“Mixing razor-sharp military action with engaging character interaction, Victorious is as entertaining as the books which preceded it. Sheer fun; fast-paced popcorn reading.”
–SF Site
“Plenty of action and tension … exciting, intelligent and thoughtful storytelling … reads like Horatio Hornblower in space and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Strong solid scifi that packs a mighty punch and I will be adding Jack Campbell to my list of “must read” authors.”
–Fantasy Book Review
“Rousing space opera that blends meticulous descriptions of battles with entertaining storylines.”
–Night Owl Reviews
“Science fiction writing for the sheer joy of it … classic SF.”
–Geek Speak Magazine
For BEYOND THE FRONTIER: DREADNAUGHT
“Combines the best parts of military sf and grand space opera to launch a new adventure series … sets the fleet up for plenty of exciting discoveries and escapades.”
–Publishers Weekly
“Among the best military sf.”
–Critical Mass
“I loved every minute of it. I’ve been with these characters through six novels and it felt like returning to an old group of friends.”
–Walker of Worlds
“A fast-paced page turner … the search for answers will keep readers entertained for years to come.”
–SF Revu
“I enjoyed the novel and would be interested to see where Campbell takes Geary and the Alliance in future volumes.”
–SFF World
“Another excellent addition to one of the best military science fiction series on the market. This delivers everything fans expect from Black Jack Geary and more.”
–Monsters & Critics
“If you want to read some rip-roaringly good military SF, now’s your chance … a great action read, and a wonderful way to get into the exciting world of the Lost Fleet.”
–TCM Reviews
“Another exciting installment in the series.”
–Night Owl Reviews
“Very, very good … a very enjoyable follow up to what was an immensely enjoyable series, and I very much look forward to seeing where it goes next.”
–Geek Speak Magazine
BIBLIOGRAPHY & RIGHTS INFORMATION
- THE ETHAN STARK SERIES (Ace, 2000-2002)
- STARK’S WAR
- STARK’S COMMAND
- STARK’S CRUSADE
- Audio rights (entire series) to Audible
- E-book rights (entire series) to Baen
- To be reissued under the Jack Campbell pen name by Ace
- Japanese rights (entire series) to Hayakawa
- UK rights (entire series) to Titan
- Polish rights #1-3 to Fabryka Slow
- THE PAUL SINCLAIR SERIES (Ace, 2003-2005)
- A JUST DETERMINATION
- BURDEN OF PROOF
- RULE OF EVIDENCE (March 2005)
- AGAINST ALL ENEMIES (March 2006)
- Bk #2 runner-up on Locus bestseller list (06/04)
- Audio rights (entire series) to Audible
- E-book rights (entire series) to Baen
- To be reissued under the Jack Campbell pen name by Ace
- UK rights (entire series) to Titan
- THE BLACK JACK GEARY SERIES
- THE LOST FLEET: DAUNTLESS (Ace Books, 2006)
- THE LOST FLEET: FEARLESS (Ace Books, 2007)
- THE LOST FLEET: COURAGEOUS (Ace Books, January 2008)
- THE LOST FLEET: VALIANT (Ace Books, June 2008)
- THE LOST FLEET: RELENTLESS (Ace Books, May 2009)
- THE LOST FLEET: VICTORIOUS (Ace Books, April 2010)
- Bk #1 in its 11th US printing; four weeks in Bookscan’s SF Top 10
- Bk #1 hit #6 on the Locus bestseller list
- Bk #2 in its 7th US printing; #11 on the Locus bestseller list
- Bk #3 in its 8th US printing; hit #3 on Bookscan’s SF list; #39 on the overall mass market fiction list, #8 on B&N’s SFF mass market list; #5 on the Locus bestseller list
- Bk #4 debuted at #29 on the NY Times Mass Market Fiction bestseller list!
- Bk #4 in 5th mm printing; debuted on the USA Today bestseller list, at #32 on B&N’s mm bestseller list; #35 on the Nielsen Bookscan mm bestseller list; top 5 on the sf/fantasy bestseller lists for Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Nielsen Bookscan; #2 on the Locus bestseller list
- Bk #5 — in its 5th printing; debuted at #16 on the NY Times Mass Market Fiction bestseller list!
- Bk #6 — in its 4th printing; debuted at #10 on the NY Times Mass Market Fiction bestseller list!
- French rts, #1-5, to l’Atalante
- Japanese rts, #1-6, to Hayakawa
- Polish rts, #1-6, to Fabryka Slow
- Chinese rts (mainland, simplified), #1-2, to SFW
- German rts, #1-6, to Lubbe/Bastei
- Russian rts, #1-2, to AST
- Spanish rts, #1-2, to La Factoria
- Czech rts, #1-6, to Fantom Print
- UK rts, entire series, to Titan Books
- Audio rights (entire series) to Audible
- THE LOST FLEET: BEYOND THE FRONTIER
- DREADNAUGHT (Ace, 2011)
- INVINCIBLE (Ace, 2012)
- Books #3-5 under contract
- Bk #1 a #15 NY Times hardcover bestseller
- Bk #1 a finalist for Goodreads.com’s best SF novel of 2011, in 3rd hc printing
- Bk #1 among B&N’s 25 Best SF of 2011
- Audio rights #1-5 to Audible
- UK rights #1-5 to Titan
- French rights #1 to l’Atalante
- Japanese rights #1 to Hayakawa
- Polish rights #1 to Fabryka Slow
- THE LOST STARS
- TARNISHED KNIGHT (Forthcoming from Ace, December 2012)
- UNTITLED BOOK #2 (Under contract to Ace)
- Audio rights #1-2 to Audible
- UK rights #1-2 to Titan
Date: 06/02/2010