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Posleen War #4

Die Rettung

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Sieg oder Niederlage?

Die jahrelangen Angriffe der außerirdischen Posleen haben die Erde praktisch zerstört. Nur im Osten der USA leistet eine kleine Einheit unter dem Kommando von Michael O'Neal erbitterten Widerstand. Doch wie lange können sie durchhalten? Und bedeutet die Entwicklung einer neuartigen Antimaterie-Bombe die Rettung? Die größte Schlacht aller Zeiten beginnt ...

479 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

98 people are currently reading
747 people want to read

About the author

John Ringo

101 books1,831 followers
John Ringo is a prolific author who has written in a wide variety of genres. His early life included a great deal of travel. He visited 23 foreign countries, and attended fourteen different schools. After graduation Ringo enlisted in the US military for four years, after which he studied marine biology.

In 1999 he wrote and published his first novel "A Hymn Before Battle", which proved successful. Since 2000 Ringo has been a full time author.

He has written science fiction, military fiction, and fantasy.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

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5 stars
2,252 (37%)
4 stars
2,298 (38%)
3 stars
1,201 (19%)
2 stars
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1 star
56 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Mike (the Paladin).
3,148 reviews2,170 followers
February 7, 2011
Adventure....War...and obscure internet comics.
Sheesh.

I mostly enjoyed the Posleen war series...but I probably won't read it again. Humans have fought and fought and their backs are against the wall in this book. One group of fighters now stands between humanity and their future as entrees for the Posleen.

Will we survive as a race? Will Earth remain a human planet? Will help come in time? ......How many more books can follow this story line? :) LOL.

Not bad and I own and have read other of Ringo's books. Not the best military science fiction I've ever read, but pretty good.
Profile Image for Dan.
1,480 reviews78 followers
May 25, 2017
05/24/17 re-read 3rd time. Very good. Ties up many things, adds more interesting possibilities.
206 reviews
September 17, 2024
Conclusion of this "trilogy" that was turned into four books.

Some good action and war stories as well as a few side events that apparently lead into other separate novels in this universe.

This book is action packed. It follows four main groups of players, the armored fighters under Michael Oneill, his father and daughter and some others that become involved with them, the giant SheVa tank called Bun Bun, and the posleen war leader. This provides three interesting and fun views of the war as it progresses.
Profile Image for Craig Woodward.
6 reviews
October 28, 2018
Fourth book in the series and it wraps up the entire thing with a Deus Ex Machina trope. 2,500 pages, and nothing the characters did mattered at all. What a waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Neil.
1,329 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2017
This was a decent ending to a crazy series. The author was having problems with finishing up When the Devil Dances and then 9-11 happened, so "the first two-thirds" of the "final novel" was published as the "stand-alone" When the Devil Dances and the "grand finale" was published as Hell's Faire. I know when I first read it, I would have rated it five stars. Now, it would be 3.7-3.8, but I'll round it up to four. As most of the characters have already been developed in the prior two novels, there is not much further character development in this novel . While the book wraps things up on Earth, it does leave numerous strings untied for potential future stories.

I have to admit, I had finished reading the Bolo story The Road to Damascus that he co-wrote with Linda Evans. So when I saw the cover of this book, I naturally thought it was a continuation of that novel, sans Linda's input. You can imagine my shock to discover it was actually the fourth book of a different series! (Which still never explained why there was a Bolo on the cover of this book . . . hahahah) So I stopped reading it, bought the first three books, and got caught up on the series before reading this final book. Loved the series the first time through and every time after that.

When I was reading this the first time, I remember thinking, "How are they going to get out of this now? How can Ringo possibly top this?", and Ringo managed to throw in some more craziness to top what had already been done. I never saw the ending coming, to be honest, even though, in retrospect, there is enough foreshadowing in this book and When the Devil Dances to have clued me in. There are definitely some crazy scenes in this novel; much was very creative and unexpected and, as it has been some time since I read this, surprised me as a reread it. That, and the Posleen response(s) to their incoming doom. It was pretty funny.

There is plenty of humor scattered throughout the book. Some are priceless oneliners or comments; other are hilarious scenes or responses to something that happened.

It was kind of an odd book in how little it focused on Major Mike O'Neal and the ACS troopers under his command. It did focus more on the US Army personnel in the area as well as the SheVa (and the SheVa's expanded crew). I was fine with it, though, because otherwise the book would have been nothing more than "this ACS trooper died, and then this ACS trooper died, and then those ACS troopers died over there, and these three died next. . . ." and so-on-and-so-forth. It would have been boring. I actually did enjoy reading the journey(s) and adventure(s) the SheVa crew and their accompanying US Army units had while attempting to complete the mission assigned to them.



The author did do a "good job" at creating an underlying frenetic energy that continued to build until the end of the novel. I could feel it building up as continued to read and wonder how he was going to wrap it up (as it were) . I felt it .

Hopefully, the author does take back up this series and adds more to it (even if it is handing the reins off to another author to add to Ringo's "Aldenata Universe"). I would enjoy reading more stories, myself. He did leave quite a bit open for more to happen "later" for the various characters.

I am glad that I reread the book. It was still a fun read (despite the discontinuities created by Yellow Eyes and especially Watch on the Rhine). It did move at a fast pace; it did hold my interest; it did end on a "positive note" (which is fine with me; I get tired of "negative" endings in Sci-Fi). The interactions between the SheVa crew and the Army personnel supporting the SheVa were probably the "best parts" of the book, followed by the Posleens' reactions to the SheVa and their inability to destroy it. The book does feel like it has begun to run out of steam by the end, and the author does admit in his "afterward" that he was, indeed, running out of steam for the series by the time he finished it. Which is too bad; it seemed like there was "plenty of story" left for the characters (in some respects). It was a fun book to revisit.


Profile Image for Michael Abberton.
33 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2009
Well, the first part of the Posleen saga draws to a close, and I was a little underwhelmed unfortunately. It was a little too MOTS (more of the same) for me, and the ending was anti-climatic. Not that I disliked, but it wasn't a rousing end to the series.

The biggest problem was the very deus-ex-machina nature of the ending. Things have been getting steadily grimmer and grimmer for the humans on Earth through the series. Finally in this book, the nukes start to fly left and right (although conveniently they are "soft" antimatter nukes that have vastly less problematic long-term consequences), and the ACS is battered and about to be wiped out...again (along with most of the rest of the main characters).

Then, out of the blue, the Fleet shows up in orbit (with no foreshadowing other than vague references that their other endeavors were out of the Earth system were successful) and annihilates billions and billions of Posleen on the planet's surface and rescues humanity. All in about 5-10 pages. Hmmmm, this sort of begs some questions, like:

1. Where are all the Posleen ships in the Terran system?
2. Why didn't the Human Fleet send a message while they were moving towards earth to let everyone know the cavalry was coming? I know that they were AWOL and needed to keep the Darhel in the dark, but they couldn't have called when they first got in-system? Seems like that would be too late for the Darhel to do much other than complain a day or two earlier. [I will admit that I am hazy on the details of interstellar travel in this series, and how close to planets ships can arrive in system. That could explain the sudden nature of their arrival.:]
3. If it is that easy to annihilate billions of Posleen from orbit, why haven't the Posleen done the same from orbit a long time ago? I know they barely understand their own technology, but this never seemed to make much sense to me.

So, overall, I am sort of glad it's over, but I would have preferred a different ending. Maybe something more like the US Command knows the Fleet is coming, but has to figure out how to last long enough for them to arrive.

Mike
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Per Gunnar.
1,318 reviews75 followers
July 16, 2012
This is actually a review of both When the Devil Dances and Hell’s Faire which really is how the author meant it to be. He meant to write one book but got writers block by the 9/11 event so it was released as two books. Indeed, Hell’s Faire picks up seamlessly where When the Devil Dances leaves of so once should really read them as one. Thus I review them as one.

This book series have improved greatly from the first book in the series. This one is pretty much a pure combat story with only a minimum amount of political nonsense. It is not only about Mighty Mike and his Marines but also a lot about some heavy armor and the crew. And I mean heavy! The crew of the big bad…thing…calls everything else “crunchies”…and that includes Abrams tanks.

As usual John Ringo’s combat descriptions are very enjoyable to read and as a whole this combined book was well worth its money.

The one gripe I have is that it ends without much of a conclusion. Sure the good guys both survive and win but only the battle…not the war. The ending is very “to be continued…” like but from what I understand there is not really a logical follow up written. The next book in the story has nothing to do with the Posleen War. There are a couple of more books that have something to do with the war but they are more side-stories about individual persons. I want to read about the Posleen being kicked back to their home planet and the Darhel getting their schemes and plot blown up into their faces but no such book seems to have been made.
Profile Image for Brad.
224 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2014
An unenthusiastic 3 stars.

This is a continuation of When the Devil Dancesbut it is not seamless. Ringo gives explanations and a little backstory on just about everything the first time we come across it. No real effort is made to make this a stand alone book. It's obviously just the end of a book that did not get finished. I think the extra words are just padding so it didn't look ridiculously thin compared to the previous 3 books.

The ACS don't do much in this one except sit and shoot. No maneuvers or strategy. The comparative timelines of the ACS and the Sheeva seem incompatible. The battle scenes with the tank were pretty entertaining. This is the conclusion of what should have been a trilogy but it didn't seem like it. The climax was a little too convenient and timely. Everything gets hastily wrapped up. Disappointing.
Profile Image for azdbackfan.
22 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2010
Have successfully crossed the halfway point in the book (there has been a lot of opportunity to have headphones in my ears with impunity). More of the characters I like and less of the minor people I don't. Curious to see how it ends. Not sure the side stores are going to interest me as much.

Ok, I finished it. It wasn't the THE END I had hoped it would be. The epilogue contains about 17 hooks for future storylines. I would consider wading through the morass of side stories but I just don't know if I care that much or if the author even knows himself how to wrap this all up.

I know life is full of the open ended and unresolved. However, I'm mortal and my story will eventually end. Will Ringo's?
205 reviews
May 12, 2011
5/10

Well he does explain why #3 didn't finish the series (9/11!). This is more of the same - repetitive military-tech porn. It felt a bit pointless by the time I'd finished it - the enemy don't stand up with just sheer mass going for them - which is hardly credible in a spacefaring race.

The intrusiveness of the author's musical taste is ever more evident, with a playlist at the end of the book. Redneck hillbilly rock rules (not).

Also didn't care for the rightwing dig at the global warming myth. For someone writing SciFi he must not think much of science.

I hope this tendency doesn't wax in his later novels as he has the capability of being a good story teller.

Makes me hungry for more serious fare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jan Willem.
26 reviews14 followers
June 26, 2016
super cheesy yet enjoyable if you like reading how many megatons every single explosion is
35 reviews
May 25, 2024
A Gripping Finale with Explosive Action


John Ringo's "Hell's Faire" brings the "Legacy of the Aldenata" series to a spectacular conclusion, delivering a compelling blend of military science fiction, relentless action, and strategic warfare. As the fourth book in the "Posleen War" subseries, it doesn’t just continue the story but pushes the boundaries of epic battles and personal heroism, making it a must-read for fans who have followed the series from the beginning.

The story picks up where "When the Devil Dances" left off, plunging readers straight into the chaos of the Posleen invasion of Earth. Ringo excels at creating a palpable sense of urgency and danger, which is felt on every page. The stakes are higher than ever as the human forces, led by characters we’ve come to know and love, face off against the seemingly unstoppable Posleen horde. The vivid descriptions of the battlefield, combined with intricate tactical details, make for an immersive reading experience.

One of the most commendable aspects of "Hell's Faire" is its character development. Despite the high-paced action, Ringo doesn't neglect the human element. Characters such as Michael O'Neal, Cally O'Neal, and Sergeant Major Mosovich are given depth and complexity. Their personal struggles and growth are interwoven seamlessly with the broader conflict, adding emotional weight to the narrative. Ringo's ability to balance the grand scale of war with intimate character moments is a testament to his storytelling prowess.

The book’s pacing is relentless, with scarcely a moment to catch your breath. The detailed depictions of technology and weaponry showcase Ringo’s extensive knowledge and research, providing a sense of realism that grounds the otherwise fantastical elements of the story. The Posleen, with their unique culture and brutal tactics, remain a formidable and intriguing adversary, pushing the human characters to their limits and beyond.

"**Hell's Faire**" also stands out for its thematic exploration of sacrifice, duty, and resilience. The narrative doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war, highlighting both the heroism and the tragic losses experienced by the characters. This duality enriches the story, making the victories hard-earned and the losses deeply felt. Ringo’s writing is unflinching in its portrayal of the costs of war, yet it also celebrates the indomitable spirit of those who fight to protect their world.

However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the technical jargon and detailed descriptions of military equipment can be overwhelming for readers who are not as enthusiastic about the minutiae of warfare. Additionally, new readers might find themselves lost if they haven’t read the previous installments, as the plot heavily relies on established characters and ongoing storylines.

In conclusion, "Hell's Faire" is a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the "Posleen War" series. John Ringo’s talent for crafting intense action scenes and memorable characters shines throughout the book. While it may cater more to readers who appreciate detailed military science fiction, its emotional depth and relentless pace make it an engaging read for anyone who enjoys epic battles and heroic feats. Fans of the series will find this finale a fitting and exhilarating end to a beloved saga, leaving them both satisfied and yearning for more tales from the universe Ringo has so masterfully created.
Profile Image for John Mulhall.
Author 1 book2 followers
May 15, 2019
Have say, once again the book was good in places and worth reading albeit it a struggle in places, with an anti climatic ending that screams read the following 11 books and you MIGHT find out the fate of the characters... another problem I had was suspension of disbelief. The author has an out of context comment in a narrative passage that talked about something been ‘like the junk science of climate change’. That comment had no context to the storyline and shattered my suspension of disbelief. Given the book was authored in 2001 by the authors claims, it’s a suspicious edit that screams political... Also, despite a good start, the gun porn of painfully detailed weapons descriptions and tacky jokes in parts padded a snails pace progression of characters in a now tired storyline. The well built characters and plots from book 1 are stalled and as the author mentions in the epilogue, these 4 books should have been a trilogy. I think it would have served him well to follow through on that closing out the trilogy in style wrapping up his plots and character storylines. Instead, he went 16 books of rapidly decreasing quality which I am tapping out at on this installment... I guess the fate of Colonel ONeal shall remain a mystery... time to move on...
Profile Image for Gilles.
325 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2021
Hell's faire, quatrième tome de la série "The Posleen war saga" de John Ringo

Lu en anglais

Plutôt la deuxième partie du tome 3, qu'un nouveau tome en soi.

Acculés ! Les dernières lignes de défense humaine tombent les unes après les autres et, si ça continue, une grande partie des survivants et le reste de l'industrie de la défense vont tomber aux mains des Posleen et ce sera probablement la fin de l'humanité. Mais il y a Mike O'Neal, et son infanterie blindée mobile, ainsi que Bun-Bun, un blindé géant de plus de 150 mètres de long avec une puissance de frappe inouïe, dont nucléaire. Mais, les Posleen ne sont pas en reste avec une force de plusieurs millions de guerriers et leurs esprits les plus brillants.

C'est en fait le roman précédent qui continue et on profite d'un rythme plus serré. Mais les combats sont toujours aussi palpitants, sans compter que l'on a enfin une arme qui en jette face aux Posleen.

J'ai beaucoup aimé. Mon regret principal, c'est le manque de batailles spatiales. Mais, à ce niveau, on ne chipote pas.

De la science-fiction militaire à son meilleur. Wow !
225 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2025
This is probably a 3.5 star read for me as it was definitely not my favorite in the series so far. However, it delivers plenty of great military action and the ever-present subterfuge/political theme continues to be developed.

It appears that this book effectively draws a line under one phase of the war - and in some ways likely lays the groundwork for future phases yet to come in the further books of the series.
Profile Image for Regina.
269 reviews
September 30, 2017
While I have enjoyed finishing this story and having a regular break from my reality while reading it, the ending is too much like a schoolchild's ending ... story is going, going, going .... 'and then we won. The End.'
Far too many loose ends supposedly "wrapped up" in 3 paragraphs ... more sequels to come or just poor writing. Definitely disappointed.
1,921 reviews
November 20, 2018
Each book focuses on a different aspect of an earth fought war against an alien invasive force, this one heavy mechanized artillery. i found myself wanting more about the ACS, found mainly in the first book. Worth the read, while leaving intriging questions unanswered about galactic alliances and deceptions.
Profile Image for Derek Vice.
187 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2018
Bubblegum, explosions & team America (%u#k yeah!)

A fun series of action novels with lots of backslapping and manliness. It is military sci-fi so don’t expect anything else. For me the series peaked at book three, but it was all fun.
Profile Image for David H..
2,511 reviews26 followers
abandoned
September 8, 2019
Why I didn't finish this: I tried to read this book a few years after I read the others (this must've been 2008 or so), and I just couldn't anymore. I just didn't want to read a series anymore where the civilian leadership was cartoonishly bad and only the military can solve things.
5 reviews
April 24, 2021
Must read IMHO

After reading book 1 in both editions and the rest of the series I simply just want more. I know others has written in this "universe" Nutall and more so now my hunt for these starts
174 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2017
Go, John! This is an good example of "taking Care of Business".
Profile Image for Jeff J..
2,932 reviews19 followers
June 26, 2019
Quick read, if you skim past the detailed descriptions of military hardware. Originally intended as the end of the series, the author admitted there were loose ends and did continue the series.
Profile Image for J.G. Johnson.
Author 4 books10 followers
July 8, 2019
This was an okay read. It is Early Ringo and his style was still fluxing a bit when he wrote this, but the overall story was good for it mostly being a long battle shown over the course of the book.
Profile Image for Rob.
1,424 reviews
July 26, 2019
Lots of storylines going on but still able to follow most and they are all good, This was a Good Read.
3 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2020
A good book. I little too fantastic concerning what they could do and handle, but enjoyable in any case.
Profile Image for Lloyd.
565 reviews43 followers
June 7, 2021
Good finale to the story. I enjoyed the focus on tank and artillery combat.

I liked the unusual ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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