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Crimson Worlds #4
The First Imperium
The Marines' Last Stand
The Alliance and its colonies have called a truce and signed the Confederation Agreement, providing the frontier worlds with guarantees of self-government. No one expects the deal to last, and both sides are preparing for the next showdown.
But from the depths of space another challenge is coming, one that will endanger the very survival of mankind and force not just the Alliance and its colonies, but all of the Superpowers, to join forces or face annihilation.
The dusty ruins the Alliance discovered on Epsilon Eridani IV were built by an ancient race, eons dead. But their guardians remain, and the disturbance of the long silent cave triggered an automated alert, one which has been heard.
Erik Cain and his Marines grimly take to the field once again, for what may be their final battle, against the robotic legions of the First Imperium.
But facing a ruthless and technologically superior enemy may be easier than learning to fight alongside old enemies.
The Alliance and its colonies have called a truce and signed the Confederation Agreement, providing the frontier worlds with guarantees of self-government. No one expects the deal to last, and both sides are preparing for the next showdown.
But from the depths of space another challenge is coming, one that will endanger the very survival of mankind and force not just the Alliance and its colonies, but all of the Superpowers, to join forces or face annihilation.
The dusty ruins the Alliance discovered on Epsilon Eridani IV were built by an ancient race, eons dead. But their guardians remain, and the disturbance of the long silent cave triggered an automated alert, one which has been heard.
Erik Cain and his Marines grimly take to the field once again, for what may be their final battle, against the robotic legions of the First Imperium.
But facing a ruthless and technologically superior enemy may be easier than learning to fight alongside old enemies.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
431 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 10, 2020
Nice beginning to the 2nd story arc trilogy in this excellent military SiFi series. Good entertaining read with a good feel for the military characters. Recommended
March 13, 2018
Ok, but getting worse
Book 4, and the author still overly repeats descriptions and I'm beginning to think he has no understanding of science or military tactics. The protagonist is Marty Stu out the ears and his love interest follows the cardboard no brains approach for plot advancement.
The limited use of AI or smart systems is also troubling. Who trains for years to do one suicide bombing mission when a computer can do the same and for less resources?!
The series is lite reading and low on thought, I'm going to try the next book but, I may go back to Clancy or Forsyth to clear my mind.
Book 4, and the author still overly repeats descriptions and I'm beginning to think he has no understanding of science or military tactics. The protagonist is Marty Stu out the ears and his love interest follows the cardboard no brains approach for plot advancement.
The limited use of AI or smart systems is also troubling. Who trains for years to do one suicide bombing mission when a computer can do the same and for less resources?!
The series is lite reading and low on thought, I'm going to try the next book but, I may go back to Clancy or Forsyth to clear my mind.
February 2, 2015
Another great book in this series. An electronic "god" has been awakened and is heading for Earth killing everything in its path.
It's up to the Marines to stop that except the enemy forces are all robots and they have technology far superior to anything the Marines have available.
Great space battles and great planet side battle.
Starting the next book in the series immediately
It's up to the Marines to stop that except the enemy forces are all robots and they have technology far superior to anything the Marines have available.
Great space battles and great planet side battle.
Starting the next book in the series immediately
March 25, 2015
This book was great till the half way mark. The author slimed over all the fighting and repeated himself. I feel this author thinks his readers are stupid and need to be reminded of stuff that has happened in earlier books or he need to fill up the book so it was 200 pages
March 13, 2019
Writer continues to repeat old information. Almost looks like a copy and paste!.
February 8, 2018
Another great story in a fantastic story line. How does one defeat machines that feel no pain, don't retreat, and are virtually impossible to combat? You get General Cain and his merry band of Marines to kick their a-- back to wherever they came from, that's what! The entire cast of characters from the previous novels are in full battle mode and ready to win...but they Must "Hold the Line." Exciting reading for anyone who enjoys good military sci-fi, good characters, and truly evil villains.
February 8, 2017
A very entertaining story
I really enjoy this series. Cain is a great leader. There's a continuing mystery regarding the enemy. I have purchased the whole series of books. I am starting the next one.
I really enjoy this series. Cain is a great leader. There's a continuing mystery regarding the enemy. I have purchased the whole series of books. I am starting the next one.
July 14, 2021
We are Poor Little Lambs Who have Lost Our Way
The latest war isn't even against humans, though that may be in the wings. Whoo'd a guessed the aliens could be so simultaneously over and underwhelming? General Caine
Con
The latest war isn't even against humans, though that may be in the wings. Whoo'd a guessed the aliens could be so simultaneously over and underwhelming? General Caine
Con
October 11, 2021
Converted Fantasy reader.
Not much into sci-fi. However, Jay Allan's Crimson Worlds has me hooked. Picked up series when I was out of reading material. I now devour each book more quickly than the last.
Not much into sci-fi. However, Jay Allan's Crimson Worlds has me hooked. Picked up series when I was out of reading material. I now devour each book more quickly than the last.
June 12, 2022
Excellent story of Sci-Fi military action!
Familiar characters are continuously being developed with excellent care. The battles are detailed in description. Even the enemy is well defined!
Familiar characters are continuously being developed with excellent care. The battles are detailed in description. Even the enemy is well defined!
February 9, 2018
Sad, man I did not expect that. As per the norm I really enjoyed this story and the way it was written helped to keep me in it.
March 4, 2018
This series keeps biulding
As story goes everything evolves. I have grown to love this story. As thing's worsen they fight to hold on
As story goes everything evolves. I have grown to love this story. As thing's worsen they fight to hold on
March 14, 2018
Action packed military SiFi. I loved the book and have start the next book. All of Jay Allan books I have read were great.
May 15, 2018
Yea. Another winner
Jay Allan pens another winner in the Crimson World Series. Riveting storyline and great character development that will make you smile, laugh and cry.
Jay Allan pens another winner in the Crimson World Series. Riveting storyline and great character development that will make you smile, laugh and cry.
November 29, 2018
Oh yea! It keeps on going
Oh yea! It keeps on going and getting better. A set of books that us green Marines can follow, feel for, understand, and be mournful with. SEMPERFI
Oh yea! It keeps on going and getting better. A set of books that us green Marines can follow, feel for, understand, and be mournful with. SEMPERFI
July 24, 2022
First Contact...
A menice in the form of artificial intelligence puts the Marines on the front lines again.... New twist on the concept but still enjoyable.
A menice in the form of artificial intelligence puts the Marines on the front lines again.... New twist on the concept but still enjoyable.
February 6, 2017
This review covers Crimson Worlds Books 1-9. I read them consecutively, so can only review them comprehensively.
Overall: The books are really good, but fall short of being great, for reasons I'll outline below.
Characters: The protagonists are well written, likable, and appropriately complex. The antagonists are clever, and help drive the plot, but perhaps at times lack sufficient positive features to make them completely realistic.
Writing/Editing: The copy editing is well done - no complaints there. The author could use a good developmental editor, however, as there are too many cases of repeating the same phrase and wording. There are also a few cases in which the wrong person or place name is used, which can pop the reader out.
Writing/Combat Scenes: The author does a great job of describing land combat scenes in a way that both gives the reader a feel and view of the overall battle while also engaging the reader in the stress and anxiety of the POV character. I've read few that match the author in this area. The space battles, while good, do not hit the same standards of say a Jack Campbell. These battles are decidedly two-dimensional and the tactical nuances are far less pronounced and engaging.
Writing/Other: There are a large number of characters, as is normal for the genre, though the author does change POV more rapidly than some at times. Thematically, the author is perhaps a bit pessimistic about the human race, but does weave in a solid thread of hope.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the series, and hold the author's portrayal of futuristic ground combat in high esteem. The need for a developmental editor can be a distraction at times, but not enough to make me want to stop reading.
Overall: The books are really good, but fall short of being great, for reasons I'll outline below.
Characters: The protagonists are well written, likable, and appropriately complex. The antagonists are clever, and help drive the plot, but perhaps at times lack sufficient positive features to make them completely realistic.
Writing/Editing: The copy editing is well done - no complaints there. The author could use a good developmental editor, however, as there are too many cases of repeating the same phrase and wording. There are also a few cases in which the wrong person or place name is used, which can pop the reader out.
Writing/Combat Scenes: The author does a great job of describing land combat scenes in a way that both gives the reader a feel and view of the overall battle while also engaging the reader in the stress and anxiety of the POV character. I've read few that match the author in this area. The space battles, while good, do not hit the same standards of say a Jack Campbell. These battles are decidedly two-dimensional and the tactical nuances are far less pronounced and engaging.
Writing/Other: There are a large number of characters, as is normal for the genre, though the author does change POV more rapidly than some at times. Thematically, the author is perhaps a bit pessimistic about the human race, but does weave in a solid thread of hope.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the series, and hold the author's portrayal of futuristic ground combat in high esteem. The need for a developmental editor can be a distraction at times, but not enough to make me want to stop reading.
July 13, 2014
How in the heck do you defeat machines? They have no heart, no feelings, and don’t really die since they aren’t living in the first place. That’s the problem facing Gen Caine and his Marines in this new war.
An older than dirt semi-sentient AI has awakened to the fact that his far flung empire is no longer by itself. These new beings have settled on his worlds without permission and they must be eradicated at once. Initially, nothing is heard about this new problem since the worlds threatened are way out on the rim of human expansion. But soon, word comes that colony worlds with little to defend themselves are being totally destroyed by what appears to be an Android or machine army.
The Fleet is sent to find out what’s going on and soon finds itself in a battle for it’s life. The First Imperium has some pretty powerful ships ripping through the Alliance Fleet. Under Admiral Garrett, the Combined Powers Fleet is getting is backside whopped. They are falling back but must stop somewhere and then stop this massive alien advance.
Far Point Station is chosen as the "line in the sand” where humanity much figure out how to defeat the forces of the First Imperium. On the ground, it’s up to Gen Caine and his Marines to face these unfeeling monsters who don’t know the meaning of defeat! His forces dig in and start doing what they have learned, do the unexpected, be imagitative and don’t be routine. The one fault of the machine is that it can’t think outside the box like a human.
The fighting is excellent in this book. The idea of throwing one time enemies into the same miltiary formation is really impossible, but Cane must do the impossible. He must put aside his personal bigotry and use the troops he has available. Unfortunatley, he learns this lesson a little too late. One of his closest friends must pay the price.
If you like fast action and lots of fighting, this is the book to read. How Gen Cane is going to succeed on this battlefield is something you really want to read about!
An older than dirt semi-sentient AI has awakened to the fact that his far flung empire is no longer by itself. These new beings have settled on his worlds without permission and they must be eradicated at once. Initially, nothing is heard about this new problem since the worlds threatened are way out on the rim of human expansion. But soon, word comes that colony worlds with little to defend themselves are being totally destroyed by what appears to be an Android or machine army.
The Fleet is sent to find out what’s going on and soon finds itself in a battle for it’s life. The First Imperium has some pretty powerful ships ripping through the Alliance Fleet. Under Admiral Garrett, the Combined Powers Fleet is getting is backside whopped. They are falling back but must stop somewhere and then stop this massive alien advance.
Far Point Station is chosen as the "line in the sand” where humanity much figure out how to defeat the forces of the First Imperium. On the ground, it’s up to Gen Caine and his Marines to face these unfeeling monsters who don’t know the meaning of defeat! His forces dig in and start doing what they have learned, do the unexpected, be imagitative and don’t be routine. The one fault of the machine is that it can’t think outside the box like a human.
The fighting is excellent in this book. The idea of throwing one time enemies into the same miltiary formation is really impossible, but Cane must do the impossible. He must put aside his personal bigotry and use the troops he has available. Unfortunatley, he learns this lesson a little too late. One of his closest friends must pay the price.
If you like fast action and lots of fighting, this is the book to read. How Gen Cane is going to succeed on this battlefield is something you really want to read about!
December 19, 2018
This whole series is so well written it is captivating with a good base in science that makes the fiction believable.
September 18, 2013
With this installment in the Crimson Worlds series we are back in business again. This book contains a lot less political BS (although there are still some present) and instead brings the “real” story into focus. That is the story of the newly awakened “First Imperium” and their unexpected and devastating attacks on the human colonies.
This book have many of the elements that I like in a good Sci-Fi book. The surprise factor when aliens show up for the first time, action both in space and on the ground. As far as I am concerned, these books are now quite well written and any trace of the issues found in the first one are long gone. The characters are interesting, the story well-presented and the action is very good and as believable as you have the right to expect from a Sci-Fi novel.
I do not think it is much of a spoiler when I say that the humans gets pretty well clobbered in the first encounters with the new bad guys. It doesn’t help that Eric have serious trust issues when it comes to deploying his former enemies from the Caliphate on his side. Stark, sitting in his “Directorate” back on Earth, do not get it as usual and continues his plotting like the total [rude word] he is despite the human race being on the line but, as I wrote earlier, much less of the book is spent on this crap. At the end the book have, not surprisingly, set the stage for some major confrontations in the coming books.
I am indeed looking forward to reading the next one.
This book have many of the elements that I like in a good Sci-Fi book. The surprise factor when aliens show up for the first time, action both in space and on the ground. As far as I am concerned, these books are now quite well written and any trace of the issues found in the first one are long gone. The characters are interesting, the story well-presented and the action is very good and as believable as you have the right to expect from a Sci-Fi novel.
I do not think it is much of a spoiler when I say that the humans gets pretty well clobbered in the first encounters with the new bad guys. It doesn’t help that Eric have serious trust issues when it comes to deploying his former enemies from the Caliphate on his side. Stark, sitting in his “Directorate” back on Earth, do not get it as usual and continues his plotting like the total [rude word] he is despite the human race being on the line but, as I wrote earlier, much less of the book is spent on this crap. At the end the book have, not surprisingly, set the stage for some major confrontations in the coming books.
I am indeed looking forward to reading the next one.
Read
September 7, 2014GREAT kickoff to this section of the series. A non-human, merciless force that knows no quarter and only wants to destroy the intruders into its space is an enemy that the human race can unite behind to fight. Jay Allan deftly blends the strings of past enemies that must now untie and fight as one or the human race is lost. He shows how individual commanders can some times make the most disastrous decisions through failing to make a decision because of past events and prejudices. One of the better books in the series, partially because the author's animosity towards the ruling classes is somewhat moved to the side for this book. At least we aren't bludgeoned with the same stick that has so far permeated the series - well as least not as much.
January 5, 2014
Book 3 of the series. More action and less politics than Book 2. The Marines, who are still recovering from the Rebellion and the machinations of Gavin Stark an unrelenting, technologically superior new threat, with the survival of the human species in the balance.
Now that most of the main characters have achieved senior rank, the POV in the battles is more command-and-control oriented.
Now that most of the main characters have achieved senior rank, the POV in the battles is more command-and-control oriented.
May 2, 2013
The first three books was look starship troopers mix with star craft but without the bug like aliens but this one was like that but add halo and mass effect3 to the mix. This is one of the better sic-if series if reader and can't what wait for the next book in the series.
June 26, 2013
This was another good edition in the Crimson World series. As always, Allan was crisp and concise while still managing to bring his characters and worlds to life.
I very much enjoy his writing style.
I very much enjoy his writing style.
August 23, 2013
Its a good continuation of the series. The action is there, the threat is present. It grips and moves like the others in the line.
There are a few more spelling/grammer errors then in the prior works and a bit more repitition in describing the characters then Im used to.
There are a few more spelling/grammer errors then in the prior works and a bit more repitition in describing the characters then Im used to.
October 9, 2019
A must read sci-fi series
I have read this series and now embark on a 2nd reading. Im not a big sci-fi reader but this is a great series, the battles read clear and simple and the politics and suspense is well done.
I have read this series and now embark on a 2nd reading. Im not a big sci-fi reader but this is a great series, the battles read clear and simple and the politics and suspense is well done.
August 6, 2015
Support indie authors
This saga is one of the reasons I could bet on indie books rather than bestsellers. Jay Allan managed to keep writing an interesting story and, most important, the desire of read the new books.
This saga is one of the reasons I could bet on indie books rather than bestsellers. Jay Allan managed to keep writing an interesting story and, most important, the desire of read the new books.
May 19, 2013
Just purchased and downloaded from B&N, will be reading in the next few days....
May 2, 2013
Decent space opera fluff. Prefer the empires corp series though
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews