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The Redemption Trilogy #2
The Sunfire
Commander Jonathan Radec is dead. However, the Commander has already died once before, and for some death is but a doorway...
"For whoever has lived unjustly and impiously goes to the dungeon of requital and penance which, you know, they call Tartarus." - Plato
After making a shocking discovery that reveals the truth about a long-held misconception, the crew launch a desperate rescue mission to Tartarus. The only way to reach there, aboard The Sunfire, which was once the Confederation Navy's newest, most powerful heavy cruiser, but is now nothing more than a ghost ship, adrift amongst the stars.
Meanwhile the last Imperial Princess, Sofia Aurelius, is questioning her own decision to focus on the Senate and turn her back on her family--and Jon. Embarking on a quest to discover the truth about the present--she instead finds the past has finally caught up with her.
Failure will mean certainly death for them both, but the price of success could be far worse, almost certainly plunging the galaxy into civil war, the last of which, five-hundred years ago, cost tens of millions of lives.
The sequel to the 2012 bestseller "The Last Praetorian" a Science Fiction adventure/romance, which tries to answer the question: "Can you ever find redemption for the mistakes of your past?"
"For whoever has lived unjustly and impiously goes to the dungeon of requital and penance which, you know, they call Tartarus." - Plato
After making a shocking discovery that reveals the truth about a long-held misconception, the crew launch a desperate rescue mission to Tartarus. The only way to reach there, aboard The Sunfire, which was once the Confederation Navy's newest, most powerful heavy cruiser, but is now nothing more than a ghost ship, adrift amongst the stars.
Meanwhile the last Imperial Princess, Sofia Aurelius, is questioning her own decision to focus on the Senate and turn her back on her family--and Jon. Embarking on a quest to discover the truth about the present--she instead finds the past has finally caught up with her.
Failure will mean certainly death for them both, but the price of success could be far worse, almost certainly plunging the galaxy into civil war, the last of which, five-hundred years ago, cost tens of millions of lives.
The sequel to the 2012 bestseller "The Last Praetorian" a Science Fiction adventure/romance, which tries to answer the question: "Can you ever find redemption for the mistakes of your past?"
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2013
80 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Mike Smith
4 books63 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Mike Smith is 34 year old Project Manager. He has been writing stories for as long as he can remember having started with fan-fiction, before progressing to writing SciFi novels.
His debut novel The Last Praetorian, the first book of The Redemption Trilogy is now available on all good eBook stores.
He spends much of his free time, when not writing, playing with his children...really a full time job.
Mike Smith is 34 year old Project Manager. He has been writing stories for as long as he can remember having started with fan-fiction, before progressing to writing SciFi novels.
His debut novel The Last Praetorian, the first book of The Redemption Trilogy is now available on all good eBook stores.
He spends much of his free time, when not writing, playing with his children...really a full time job.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 2, 2013
The Sunfire I really enjoyed this one, just like the first. It had a little more romance in it then I'm used to, but the first book's story hooked me. And just like the first book, this one ends in a cliff hanger.
August 14, 2019
There might be a good story here, but its just so cringey I could not go on. DNF.
May 14, 2013
Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in advance of the release in exchange for my honest review.
I wasn't sure i would like this but once i started reading it i couldn't stop until the end, and i am looking forward to reading the final book in the series when it comes out.
It is very well written with characters you care deeply about, right from the start. There are lots of plot twists and turns, starting off with a huge one in the very first chapater. I will not say any more as I do not want to spoil it. This is Sci Fi that is not dry or overly technical. A touch of humor and a very large dose of romance make it very enjoyable. Please note that some of the romance scenes and quite explicit, if you are not into that sort of thing. I am a massive sci fi reader, and this is one that no sci-fi / romance reader should miss.
I fully appreciate any book that is well written and enjoyable to read and this is both!
I wasn't sure i would like this but once i started reading it i couldn't stop until the end, and i am looking forward to reading the final book in the series when it comes out.
It is very well written with characters you care deeply about, right from the start. There are lots of plot twists and turns, starting off with a huge one in the very first chapater. I will not say any more as I do not want to spoil it. This is Sci Fi that is not dry or overly technical. A touch of humor and a very large dose of romance make it very enjoyable. Please note that some of the romance scenes and quite explicit, if you are not into that sort of thing. I am a massive sci fi reader, and this is one that no sci-fi / romance reader should miss.
I fully appreciate any book that is well written and enjoyable to read and this is both!
June 14, 2013
The first book was good but this the second was great. Fast paced good action and a good cliff hanger to really make me mad that the next book is not out. Mike Smith continuing Saga about Commander Radec is great. I only picked up the first book because it was free for kindle. I would i have gladly paid for the rest a great set of reads
The Last Praetorian
The Last Praetorian
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2022
When you think you are buying a scifi novel, and get someone's soft porn instead
I read the first book, The Last Praetorian. And whilst a chore to read, I got therein the end, and it was passably acceptable. Therefore, as the price was low, I bought the 2nd book in the series. Now I know most authors need to stretch and grow, and thenarrative will move in new directions. I was just surprised that a scifi novel would become a piece of erotic fiction, or to be more accurate porn.
I'm not such a prude, that I don't believe there is a place for this. I just don't believe it's in a mid-course change of direction from a bog standard military scifi/space opera set piece, into erotic fiction. When you read the first novel in a series, and as erotic as they are is to have a nice strong kiss, it's disappointing to find the 2nd book move to such flowery soft porn languag surrounding explicit sex scenes. It's an unnecessary evolution of the story, and inconsistent.
It's as if the author found they'd delivered a poorly selling scifi story in book 1 and decided to improve the sales they needed to add sex. It doesn't add to the story, and more importantly detracts from it. Once you take all the sex scenes out, there is probably 20 pages of new story here. And in that I am being extremely generous.
My recommendation, just don't bother!!
I read the first book, The Last Praetorian. And whilst a chore to read, I got therein the end, and it was passably acceptable. Therefore, as the price was low, I bought the 2nd book in the series. Now I know most authors need to stretch and grow, and thenarrative will move in new directions. I was just surprised that a scifi novel would become a piece of erotic fiction, or to be more accurate porn.
I'm not such a prude, that I don't believe there is a place for this. I just don't believe it's in a mid-course change of direction from a bog standard military scifi/space opera set piece, into erotic fiction. When you read the first novel in a series, and as erotic as they are is to have a nice strong kiss, it's disappointing to find the 2nd book move to such flowery soft porn languag surrounding explicit sex scenes. It's an unnecessary evolution of the story, and inconsistent.
It's as if the author found they'd delivered a poorly selling scifi story in book 1 and decided to improve the sales they needed to add sex. It doesn't add to the story, and more importantly detracts from it. Once you take all the sex scenes out, there is probably 20 pages of new story here. And in that I am being extremely generous.
My recommendation, just don't bother!!
September 15, 2025
I am highly ambivalent about this book. On the one hand, the overall plot and world building is fine. You get the sense this is a real world. On the other hand, where I knock it down to 2 stars is that the plausibility of certain plot elements.
1. When they steal the ship, they try to take the crew by bluff and non-lethal means. Fail. Unless you need the crew to operate the ship, why not shoot them dead? Or use stun guns? Why get in a fist fight which delays and you might even lose?
2. The Sunfire's assault on the second Titan Battle Station: they take damage, but this Golden BB shot and trapping the boarding party. Fail. Way too crazy to believe.
3. Pacing: escape from Tartarus: they board the shuttle Endless Light, they are pursued by the enemy, and suddenly, they dock on the Sunfire in the matter of two sentences. Then time slows down again. This pacing is really jarring.
4. The final ending. I don't mind cliffhangers, but again, the pacing felt rushed.
1. When they steal the ship, they try to take the crew by bluff and non-lethal means. Fail. Unless you need the crew to operate the ship, why not shoot them dead? Or use stun guns? Why get in a fist fight which delays and you might even lose?
2. The Sunfire's assault on the second Titan Battle Station: they take damage, but this Golden BB shot and trapping the boarding party. Fail. Way too crazy to believe.
3. Pacing: escape from Tartarus: they board the shuttle Endless Light, they are pursued by the enemy, and suddenly, they dock on the Sunfire in the matter of two sentences. Then time slows down again. This pacing is really jarring.
4. The final ending. I don't mind cliffhangers, but again, the pacing felt rushed.
September 19, 2017
This is the second book in a series and, before you read this one, you need to read The Last Praetorian (The Redemption Trilogy), which is currently free in the Kindle format.
This is a nice continuation of the series, with the usual action scenes and imagery that makes you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action. The future technology is based upon principles the average person can understand, and I appreciate how the author didn't dive down into the finer aspects of his concept of FTL as many sci-fi authors seem to do these days. There are a few gratuitous sex scenes that get a little too detailed that were unnecessary, as I think it is better to leave more to the imagination than to get into the intimate details page after page.
The negative comment aside, if you enjoy good science fiction start with book one before picking this one up.
This is a nice continuation of the series, with the usual action scenes and imagery that makes you feel as if you are right there in the middle of the action. The future technology is based upon principles the average person can understand, and I appreciate how the author didn't dive down into the finer aspects of his concept of FTL as many sci-fi authors seem to do these days. There are a few gratuitous sex scenes that get a little too detailed that were unnecessary, as I think it is better to leave more to the imagination than to get into the intimate details page after page.
The negative comment aside, if you enjoy good science fiction start with book one before picking this one up.
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April 29, 2024Good book
Good story with a typical middle book cliffhanger! Loved the second story highs and lows. Great characters and suspense throughout. This kept you on your toes. The cliffhanger was painful but understandable. Looking forward to the last book.
Good story with a typical middle book cliffhanger! Loved the second story highs and lows. Great characters and suspense throughout. This kept you on your toes. The cliffhanger was painful but understandable. Looking forward to the last book.
January 17, 2019
Fast action good read
Great sequel and full of fast paced action. Good writer that’s easy and quick to get started. Looking forward to number 3
Great sequel and full of fast paced action. Good writer that’s easy and quick to get started. Looking forward to number 3
June 28, 2019
Enjoyable read
Entertains and fun, consistent with Mr Campbell’s theme of honor and duty. Hope the third book carries on. All I have to say
Entertains and fun, consistent with Mr Campbell’s theme of honor and duty. Hope the third book carries on. All I have to say
June 26, 2013
While the author managed to fix a lot of the writing (grammar, spelling) problems that plagued the first book he didn´t manage to give his story or his characters some much needed depth.
While I fully understand that military SciFi isn´t exactly the place where one expects intriguing plots and complicated characters I still need more than cardboard characters and a story full of plotholes.
For example the MC, Commander Radec, is simply to good. He has no real fault, no weakness and is the best in nearly everything. He is Jesus and death combined and nothing(not even an army or a nuke) can stop him because he simply cleaves right through it/them. Simply said he is simple wishfulfillment and not a real, relate able character.
The same can be said foe the antagonists who trough the bank are idiotic and sadistic men destined to fall before the blade of the hero.
Even the emperor falls short... instead of a ruthless ruler, respected be some, hated by many and feared by all we get some family loving fatherly person willing to forgive anything.
The author also goes to some lengths explaining that his female characters aren´t powerless bimbos and yet in the end they all need saving.
Story/Plot wise... the same problem like with the MC.. it lacks depth and is to one dimensional. And his spacefights are also somewhat unrealistic (I think the author fails to realize how much empty room there is in space and how that affects things. Series like The Lost Fleet handle that much better.)
It is a guilty pleasure book at best and should only be recommended to hardcore sciFi fans with a high pain threshold.
While I fully understand that military SciFi isn´t exactly the place where one expects intriguing plots and complicated characters I still need more than cardboard characters and a story full of plotholes.
For example the MC, Commander Radec, is simply to good. He has no real fault, no weakness and is the best in nearly everything. He is Jesus and death combined and nothing(not even an army or a nuke) can stop him because he simply cleaves right through it/them. Simply said he is simple wishfulfillment and not a real, relate able character.
The same can be said foe the antagonists who trough the bank are idiotic and sadistic men destined to fall before the blade of the hero.
Even the emperor falls short... instead of a ruthless ruler, respected be some, hated by many and feared by all we get some family loving fatherly person willing to forgive anything.
The author also goes to some lengths explaining that his female characters aren´t powerless bimbos and yet in the end they all need saving.
Story/Plot wise... the same problem like with the MC.. it lacks depth and is to one dimensional. And his spacefights are also somewhat unrealistic (I think the author fails to realize how much empty room there is in space and how that affects things. Series like The Lost Fleet handle that much better.)
It is a guilty pleasure book at best and should only be recommended to hardcore sciFi fans with a high pain threshold.
June 27, 2013
So, I read the first book in this trilogy, 'The Last Praetorian', based on Amazon offering it for free. It was interesting enough that I paid to pick up the second in the series.
Unfortunately, this one did not live up to my expectations from the first. It has the same characters (good), the same continuing, overall plot (good) and even included the same sort of light military Sci-fi that I liked in the first one.
What detracted from this book was the author's sudden obsession with graphic sexual enounters.
In the first book, we were introduced to the two main protagonists who were the universe's hottest humans to ever walk the spaceways. Fine... I didn't love it, but I can deal with it. After all, the hero (and/or heroine) are usually something special. There were even some scenes of romance and sex -- but it was contained. it was mentioned and the story moved on. In this book, though, the author seems to spend far too much space describing the encounters (and there are several). It got to the point where I skimmed ahead (paragraphs and even pages) to the end of the bedroom scene, wanting to get on with the actual story.
Don't get me wrong - I don't mind some sex jazzing up the story a bit... but if I want a porn book, I'll read one. When the story is interrupted for a pages long sex scene, it breaks the mood, even if the scene itself is within the bounds of the plot.
I may pick up the third book when it comes out, this fall (2013), but with so many other books to read, this (second) book in the series left me unimpressed.
Unfortunately, this one did not live up to my expectations from the first. It has the same characters (good), the same continuing, overall plot (good) and even included the same sort of light military Sci-fi that I liked in the first one.
What detracted from this book was the author's sudden obsession with graphic sexual enounters.
In the first book, we were introduced to the two main protagonists who were the universe's hottest humans to ever walk the spaceways. Fine... I didn't love it, but I can deal with it. After all, the hero (and/or heroine) are usually something special. There were even some scenes of romance and sex -- but it was contained. it was mentioned and the story moved on. In this book, though, the author seems to spend far too much space describing the encounters (and there are several). It got to the point where I skimmed ahead (paragraphs and even pages) to the end of the bedroom scene, wanting to get on with the actual story.
Don't get me wrong - I don't mind some sex jazzing up the story a bit... but if I want a porn book, I'll read one. When the story is interrupted for a pages long sex scene, it breaks the mood, even if the scene itself is within the bounds of the plot.
I may pick up the third book when it comes out, this fall (2013), but with so many other books to read, this (second) book in the series left me unimpressed.
June 8, 2014
After devouring The Last Praetorian, I immediately wound the mainspring on my Kindle and waited the nine hours to download The Sunfire. I'm glad I did as it didn't disappoint. Smith continues his masterful telling of the life of Jonathan Radec and the near insane lengths he goes to in order to find, protect and assist the woman he loves.
Rarely do I enter a world in which I find myself completely immersed, but the quality of the writing along with characterisations crafted by a master, drew me in totally. Often, you read a review saying 'I couldn't put this down.' In the case of both The Last Praetorian and The Sunfire, I just didn't want to! The people in both these novels are REAL. They're like friends of mine and I actually felt as if I cared what happened to them.
Rarely do I enter a world in which I find myself completely immersed, but the quality of the writing along with characterisations crafted by a master, drew me in totally. Often, you read a review saying 'I couldn't put this down.' In the case of both The Last Praetorian and The Sunfire, I just didn't want to! The people in both these novels are REAL. They're like friends of mine and I actually felt as if I cared what happened to them.
June 27, 2016
Smith has an inventive imagination, and this story is no exception. One may think that because Jon Radec appears near-invincible, that one has to completely suspend belief in order to swallow this story. But the beauty of writing the story mostly from his POV shows just how and where he is vulnerable. This sets the reader up for tension as events head Radec's way.
But not only that. Smith is audacious, and comes up with plot lines and devices that stagger the readers' imagination - and that totally suit the characters of Jon Radec and his contemporaries. What Smith does in The Sunfire is not far short of brilliant, and a joy (advisedly) to read. A page-turner that keeps one in the grip of events, hastening to discover the outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second instalment of the Redemption trilogy, and look forward to reading Pax Imperia.
But not only that. Smith is audacious, and comes up with plot lines and devices that stagger the readers' imagination - and that totally suit the characters of Jon Radec and his contemporaries. What Smith does in The Sunfire is not far short of brilliant, and a joy (advisedly) to read. A page-turner that keeps one in the grip of events, hastening to discover the outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second instalment of the Redemption trilogy, and look forward to reading Pax Imperia.
May 31, 2013
I greatly enjoyed "The Last Praetorian" and this is a decent follow up. I rounded up from three and a half stars on this review mostly because I enjoyed the first book so much. There is plenty of action and probably more romance than you would usually find in space opera, but it was a fun read. There is a great deal of back story... while this back and forth worked well in "Praetorian" it feels almost excessive here. I would think by the second book the back story should be mostly complete and the main story moves forward. Maybe there should have been a prequel?
October 25, 2013
Jon more so in this novel than the last is a walking stereotype on steroids: greatest swordsman, greatest at hand to hand combat, greatest pilot, greatest body, coveted by all women, greatest strategist, softest hands, kindest eyes, fiercest eyes, most caring, most ruthless, etc.. Its like eating your favorite ice cream ...by the caseload at one sitting.
Combined with the explicit sex scenes and the constant and myopic examples of blinding love between Jon and Sophia .. It was just too much really enjoy. I preferred the first novel over the second.
Combined with the explicit sex scenes and the constant and myopic examples of blinding love between Jon and Sophia .. It was just too much really enjoy. I preferred the first novel over the second.
July 19, 2013
This second book was a great addition to the trilogy. The storyline continues with great characters, and a interesting plot. The only thing I was not impressed with was the over the top embellishment and graphic description of the sex scenes in the book. I actually just skipped a couple pages when that happened so I could get on with the story. If you tear those pages out, the book would probably be better. Either way, it was a good book, and I can't wait for the third book to come out.
March 17, 2016
The story is good.
The writing has improved some from the first book of the trilogy, butis still in need of some better proofreading and editing. It is still good enough to keep me interested.
The story was good enough, and the writing style interesting enough, to keep me interested. I think reading this trilogy worthwhile.
Based on the story and the writing style I would have given five stars. Improve the writing and future books may rate that.
The writing has improved some from the first book of the trilogy, butis still in need of some better proofreading and editing. It is still good enough to keep me interested.
The story was good enough, and the writing style interesting enough, to keep me interested. I think reading this trilogy worthwhile.
Based on the story and the writing style I would have given five stars. Improve the writing and future books may rate that.
July 7, 2015
Pretty much the same as the previous novel in the series. But now with added terrible TERRIBLE sex scenes every couple of chapters.
Still riddled with spelling mistakes. Apparently the main character puts his tongue in someone's naval.
Oh, and the female characters are terribly written and exist solely as reward/motivation for the protagonist. Are we sure Kevin Sorbo didn't write this?
Still riddled with spelling mistakes. Apparently the main character puts his tongue in someone's naval.
Oh, and the female characters are terribly written and exist solely as reward/motivation for the protagonist. Are we sure Kevin Sorbo didn't write this?
March 19, 2014
Love be true
Love be true
Sun fire is a story of Faith,joy,happiness,and the redemption of 139soles pulse two.A very good story a little to much sax for my liking at the end. but the story carried will
Love be true
Sun fire is a story of Faith,joy,happiness,and the redemption of 139soles pulse two.A very good story a little to much sax for my liking at the end. but the story carried will
February 8, 2016
Again wow
What a book again I just couldn't put it down the second book in this series is just as good as the first IF not better .... I know I will have trouble with the third book but only as it is the last in the trilogy and I I don't want the story to end !!!!
What a book again I just couldn't put it down the second book in this series is just as good as the first IF not better .... I know I will have trouble with the third book but only as it is the last in the trilogy and I I don't want the story to end !!!!
June 1, 2013
Good read.
July 4, 2013
As excellent as book 1! Congratulations to the author, I'm very impatient for book 3 :-)
July 26, 2013
Fun read...looking forward to the last book in the trilogy.
October 21, 2013
Loved this book
January 2, 2014
AWESOME!!
Hard to put down. I read the first two in two days. Can't wait till I can read the 3rd.
Hard to put down. I read the first two in two days. Can't wait till I can read the 3rd.
February 19, 2014
Good book!
OmG!!! the end!!!!
Can't wait to read Pax.
OmG!!! the end!!!!
Can't wait to read Pax.
August 24, 2014
Lost love, found love?
had a feeling the story was going along these lines. so many players and so much drama, couldn't put the book down. onto the next book.
had a feeling the story was going along these lines. so many players and so much drama, couldn't put the book down. onto the next book.
September 29, 2014
Better than expected
Book one was good. Book two was even better. Action packed and full of lust and love. Can't go wrong. Chomping at the bit for book three.
Book one was good. Book two was even better. Action packed and full of lust and love. Can't go wrong. Chomping at the bit for book three.
October 22, 2014
Another good story with another incredible cliffhanger at the end. Looking forward to reading the third book in this trilogy. Again, I have some issues with grammar but nothing was a showstopper.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews