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Crimson Worlds #6
To Hell's Heart
The combined forces of humanity have beaten back the First Imperium invasion. For the first time, the enemy has been defeated in battle. The cost was high in blood and suffering, but the Line held. The heart of human-occupied space has been saved from annihilation. For now.
There is little time for the victorious warriors to savor their triumph or mourn their dead. The First Imperium has been driven back, but it has not been defeated. No one expects the fruits of victory to be more than a brief respite.
Augustus Garret, Erik Cain, and the rest of the human high command have a decision to make. Do they stand on the defensive, waiting for the massive second invasion they all know will come? Or do they consider another option, one that compels them to face overwhelming odds, and launch a strike that could end the war in one campaign?
The attack ship Hornet returned home after a miraculous run through enemy space, and her crew brought with them priceless intelligence…the location of a world of the First Imperium. In the capitals of Earth, the ruling classes call for caution, for the armed forces to stand on the defensive. But on the frontier, Garret and his compatriots are planning something different, and they do not intend to be deterred. They are going to take the war to the enemy. They are going to march into hell’s heart.
There is little time for the victorious warriors to savor their triumph or mourn their dead. The First Imperium has been driven back, but it has not been defeated. No one expects the fruits of victory to be more than a brief respite.
Augustus Garret, Erik Cain, and the rest of the human high command have a decision to make. Do they stand on the defensive, waiting for the massive second invasion they all know will come? Or do they consider another option, one that compels them to face overwhelming odds, and launch a strike that could end the war in one campaign?
The attack ship Hornet returned home after a miraculous run through enemy space, and her crew brought with them priceless intelligence…the location of a world of the First Imperium. In the capitals of Earth, the ruling classes call for caution, for the armed forces to stand on the defensive. But on the frontier, Garret and his compatriots are planning something different, and they do not intend to be deterred. They are going to take the war to the enemy. They are going to march into hell’s heart.
350 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 16, 2020
Nice military SiFi series. This book ends the 2nd story arc in the 9 book series. However a 4 book spin off series starts from book 6. Good entertaining read. Recommended
September 22, 2013
I would say that this book was as good as the previous one in the series but it is dragged down by an ending which is, if not really bad, but at least somewhat unsatisfactory.
The book is quite filled with marine as well as ship-to-ship combat action. Something I would say we have gotten used to from Jay Allan by know. It is all good reading. Admiral Garret and General Cain is doing their best to push the fighting into the First Imperium’s backyard. Something they succeed in doing…at first. At the same time the scientists are desperately trying to get something useful out of the old First Imperium artefacts.
Unfortunately Gavin Stark is still lurking around in the Shadows. This guy as well as the entire sub-plot that revolves around him is really infuriating me. Mankind is facing the prospect of extinction and this asshole still goes around scheming and plotting for personal gain and power and he still have no qualms about murdering the Generals and Admirals that mankind needs to survive. This is just ludicrous and I am afraid that, for me, this drags these books down a lot.
In general the book is a nice and action filled reading…up until the end. Obviously I will not reveal the end but I have to say that I felt it was somewhat unsatisfactory and rushed. I also got bad vibes from the fact that the Stark asshole played a not insignificant role in the last couple of pages. Having said that, I have read a lot worse endings.
If you have enjoyed the series so far I am sure you will enjoy this book.
The book is quite filled with marine as well as ship-to-ship combat action. Something I would say we have gotten used to from Jay Allan by know. It is all good reading. Admiral Garret and General Cain is doing their best to push the fighting into the First Imperium’s backyard. Something they succeed in doing…at first. At the same time the scientists are desperately trying to get something useful out of the old First Imperium artefacts.
Unfortunately Gavin Stark is still lurking around in the Shadows. This guy as well as the entire sub-plot that revolves around him is really infuriating me. Mankind is facing the prospect of extinction and this asshole still goes around scheming and plotting for personal gain and power and he still have no qualms about murdering the Generals and Admirals that mankind needs to survive. This is just ludicrous and I am afraid that, for me, this drags these books down a lot.
In general the book is a nice and action filled reading…up until the end. Obviously I will not reveal the end but I have to say that I felt it was somewhat unsatisfactory and rushed. I also got bad vibes from the fact that the Stark asshole played a not insignificant role in the last couple of pages. Having said that, I have read a lot worse endings.
If you have enjoyed the series so far I am sure you will enjoy this book.
April 12, 2015
Humanity has decided toi take the battle to the First Imperium by striking at one of their main assemble systems.
Ships are being refitted and some newer class vessels are ready to get in the action. Now if they can only convince the powers to be that it is the right move. On Earth most of the political class are shaking in their boots or totally ignoring the potential for an invasion by the Imperium ships. In either case isn't it a better strategy to keep all the ships around Earth to protect it if the Imperium fleet ever shows up ? NOT REALLY.
The Marines have to convince the politicians that their plan to take the war to the Imperium's front line is the best option.
This they do and the action starts but the First Imperium has a surprise for them, a big one.
Lots of epic battles, sweeping story arc with multiple plot lines and engaging characters make you come back for more.
This is a great series and I can't wait to get into the next book in the series. HIGHLY recommended for those interested in Military Science Fiction
Ships are being refitted and some newer class vessels are ready to get in the action. Now if they can only convince the powers to be that it is the right move. On Earth most of the political class are shaking in their boots or totally ignoring the potential for an invasion by the Imperium ships. In either case isn't it a better strategy to keep all the ships around Earth to protect it if the Imperium fleet ever shows up ? NOT REALLY.
The Marines have to convince the politicians that their plan to take the war to the Imperium's front line is the best option.
This they do and the action starts but the First Imperium has a surprise for them, a big one.
Lots of epic battles, sweeping story arc with multiple plot lines and engaging characters make you come back for more.
This is a great series and I can't wait to get into the next book in the series. HIGHLY recommended for those interested in Military Science Fiction
February 4, 2022
2.5
The story just drags on with generic battles against the "evil" machines. There isn't much logic in hyper advance AI with the predictability of a computer program made in the 1970.
Also nukes in space and nukes on planets, you can nuke a planet on the surface you can nuke underground. A nuke would destroy everything on a 1km radius, you launch 50 and an army of 10k even in powered armor, would be toast. Or why stop there launch 100 or a thousand, it's not like the AI wants to colonize.
The story just drags on with generic battles against the "evil" machines. There isn't much logic in hyper advance AI with the predictability of a computer program made in the 1970.
Also nukes in space and nukes on planets, you can nuke a planet on the surface you can nuke underground. A nuke would destroy everything on a 1km radius, you launch 50 and an army of 10k even in powered armor, would be toast. Or why stop there launch 100 or a thousand, it's not like the AI wants to colonize.
January 26, 2017
The end of this one was satisfying. The First Imperium plot arc was interesting but it felt a little repetitive and needed more then the singluar character from the Imperium to make it really come alive. The threat and menace to humanity was present but it felt flat compared to the other books.
February 10, 2019
Another great adventure from Jay Allan…A battle rages and losses are high, but Cain and Garret prevail. A solution to the war with the First Imperium is found, but many had to be sacrificed and a new conflict appears to be starting. The adventure continues….
September 24, 2018
Overall, very enjoyable continuation of the series. A few more proofreading escapes than the previous book (examples: character addressed by wrong title - general instead of admiral; misuse of 's to form plural noun), but well worth reading.
May 21, 2019
Not a bad story. Lots of tension and action. Plenty of space battles and some land. Overall was enjoyable, just the writing style of telling not showing can hurt it at times. Bit of a deus ex machina to in how everything comes together.
March 1, 2018
Damn it I really enjoyed the balance between Terrance and Augustus, sad about that. But, a great read with good action
October 30, 2019
Great book
March 18, 2021
One of the best
I really loved this book and felt it was the best yet highly recommend that you read this series it's an absolute pleasure.
I really loved this book and felt it was the best yet highly recommend that you read this series it's an absolute pleasure.
June 30, 2022
Excellently written!
Very well written space military action that gets your attention quickly and keeps you enthralled throughout the book! Difficult to put the book down!
Very well written space military action that gets your attention quickly and keeps you enthralled throughout the book! Difficult to put the book down!
April 9, 2025
11:07
March 18, 2017
Awesome till the end.
This is a must read for all fans of science fiction. I can only state it is one of the better stories I have read in a while.
This is a must read for all fans of science fiction. I can only state it is one of the better stories I have read in a while.
October 17, 2013
Wow! What a great series of books with this being #6 and more to come!
I was a little concerned about a story that was written from the view point of Generals and Admirals. While great thinkers, they are not always great warriors since they do not get in the trenches that often. But, Mr Allen is a very good story teller and he seems to grab the action from everyone's perspective and relate it very well! He gives a pretty good analysis of the emotions that go with commanding people and the sometimes unbearable sense of responsibility that comes with those kinds of positions. There is no civilian comparison to what a military commander faces when he knows that his actions or just words could end the lives of his soldiers, sailors or Marines. You can write about it, but you can't know it unless you've been there!
I like that Mr. Allen shows how the Generals and Admirals understand that there is no minor battle, no "insignificant losses" whatever that means! Every loss, every death on a battlefield has to mean something to somebody or there's no reason to fight. Senior leaders need to believe that every person under their command isn't just a statistic. Body counts are an example of the most inhuman treatment of soldiers, sailor and Marines that I have ever experienced! Luckly, Mr. Allen doesn't let that kind of idiocy get into his books.
On a lighter side, I do not know how Mr. Allen keeps all these Admirals and Generals straight! Every time we get a new book in this series or a new character they get promoted and moved to a new job! That's great for the story line, but it makes keeping up with characters pretty difficult, at least in my opinion.
There is a lot of action in this book. After the massive battle in the last book, you would wonder what in the world could happen next? Where are they greeting all these troops and equipment? And, I just don't understand how you can fight a battle on an entire world that has just one enemy base? That's a pretty simplistic solution to really a massive undertaking!
And I just love Mr. Allen's solution to saving the human race. But, I'm not going to reveal that right here. You just have to read the book. It's well written, albeit, with some words left out here and there. I can hardly wait for the next book.
I was a little concerned about a story that was written from the view point of Generals and Admirals. While great thinkers, they are not always great warriors since they do not get in the trenches that often. But, Mr Allen is a very good story teller and he seems to grab the action from everyone's perspective and relate it very well! He gives a pretty good analysis of the emotions that go with commanding people and the sometimes unbearable sense of responsibility that comes with those kinds of positions. There is no civilian comparison to what a military commander faces when he knows that his actions or just words could end the lives of his soldiers, sailors or Marines. You can write about it, but you can't know it unless you've been there!
I like that Mr. Allen shows how the Generals and Admirals understand that there is no minor battle, no "insignificant losses" whatever that means! Every loss, every death on a battlefield has to mean something to somebody or there's no reason to fight. Senior leaders need to believe that every person under their command isn't just a statistic. Body counts are an example of the most inhuman treatment of soldiers, sailor and Marines that I have ever experienced! Luckly, Mr. Allen doesn't let that kind of idiocy get into his books.
On a lighter side, I do not know how Mr. Allen keeps all these Admirals and Generals straight! Every time we get a new book in this series or a new character they get promoted and moved to a new job! That's great for the story line, but it makes keeping up with characters pretty difficult, at least in my opinion.
There is a lot of action in this book. After the massive battle in the last book, you would wonder what in the world could happen next? Where are they greeting all these troops and equipment? And, I just don't understand how you can fight a battle on an entire world that has just one enemy base? That's a pretty simplistic solution to really a massive undertaking!
And I just love Mr. Allen's solution to saving the human race. But, I'm not going to reveal that right here. You just have to read the book. It's well written, albeit, with some words left out here and there. I can hardly wait for the next book.
December 19, 2018
Very well written and you do not want to put it down.
February 24, 2014
I went through this series pretty quickly after discovering it a week ago. I'm a big fan of Military Scifi and I find its hard to find good books in that genre. Still this book and the entire series is now on among my favorites. SO my review of the series will be after the book itself.
The Line has held and Human Space is safe for the time being. The war is not over for Imperium sets to rally its armies of reapers Leviathan Fleets are on the move to destroy humanity. There is only one option for the stalwart Marines and Victorious Navies of the pact. They must do the impossible: Invade Imperium Space and force an end to the conflict.
Despite the dangers plaguing humanity from without an even greater danger may come from within to bring the marines to their knees. Gavin Stark No1 of Alliance Intelligence is making his move.
A great piece of work but the ex deus Machina ending was a little iffy then again I think it was the only believable thing to do. Finally we are about to move to what I believe is the real big bad of the series the Directorate. This book continuous the ground work project Shadow. From what I speculate the next book will be even better than any that came before.
The series itself is pretty well rounded for the most part. There is a wide array of ship to ship and ground combat scenes that are top notch. There is also the intrigue of cloak and dagger but at the same time Some of the bad guys are kind of relatable. I find that shows great talent of the author if you can actually relate to the bad guy. Unfortunately the guy in the directorate I speak about is dead by this book so thats a bust.
What I find lacking in the series is a good counterpart to the main protagonist Augustus Garret and Erik Cain. While there is some counterpart in Cain/Stark and Sara/ Alex its only on the personal side. None of them were born politicos but their lives took them in totally different paths. What I would like is for Cain to Meet a ground commander that is a good as he is; and Garret to meet his match in space.
I'm not sure if it can be done against the First Imperium but hoping for it in the next book The Shadow Legions, I have a suspicion about Stark's troops that can make it possible.
The Line has held and Human Space is safe for the time being. The war is not over for Imperium sets to rally its armies of reapers Leviathan Fleets are on the move to destroy humanity. There is only one option for the stalwart Marines and Victorious Navies of the pact. They must do the impossible: Invade Imperium Space and force an end to the conflict.
Despite the dangers plaguing humanity from without an even greater danger may come from within to bring the marines to their knees. Gavin Stark No1 of Alliance Intelligence is making his move.
A great piece of work but the ex deus Machina ending was a little iffy then again I think it was the only believable thing to do. Finally we are about to move to what I believe is the real big bad of the series the Directorate. This book continuous the ground work project Shadow. From what I speculate the next book will be even better than any that came before.
The series itself is pretty well rounded for the most part. There is a wide array of ship to ship and ground combat scenes that are top notch. There is also the intrigue of cloak and dagger but at the same time Some of the bad guys are kind of relatable. I find that shows great talent of the author if you can actually relate to the bad guy. Unfortunately the guy in the directorate I speak about is dead by this book so thats a bust.
What I find lacking in the series is a good counterpart to the main protagonist Augustus Garret and Erik Cain. While there is some counterpart in Cain/Stark and Sara/ Alex its only on the personal side. None of them were born politicos but their lives took them in totally different paths. What I would like is for Cain to Meet a ground commander that is a good as he is; and Garret to meet his match in space.
I'm not sure if it can be done against the First Imperium but hoping for it in the next book The Shadow Legions, I have a suspicion about Stark's troops that can make it possible.
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.
February 18, 2017
The entertaining series con
With the continuing action and superb plot lines, this is a continuation of a valiant defense of humanity against a relentless foe. There is a great plot twist at the end. This series illustrates well the moral weight of military command.
With the continuing action and superb plot lines, this is a continuation of a valiant defense of humanity against a relentless foe. There is a great plot twist at the end. This series illustrates well the moral weight of military command.
November 16, 2015
For some reason I still want to finish this series, but the plot starts to feel a bit thin.
The humans just seem to get too many lucky breaks, and I actually would love to see more of the insanity of the Empire's AI. The kickoff was so good in the previous volume, but the many layers that I was hoping to discover just weren't there. No more copies-of-copies, giving the lower tier AI's lesser tactics. No insights in the functioning of the alien command structures. It's just: "Well, these guys are evil, so we just try to destroy whatever we can".
But I came this far, so I will finish this series. But the fact that I fell asleep 7 or 8 times while reading this book just isn't that promising anymore.
And yet, I still want to see what evil plans Stark has come up with... That might be the only reason to start the next book.
The humans just seem to get too many lucky breaks, and I actually would love to see more of the insanity of the Empire's AI. The kickoff was so good in the previous volume, but the many layers that I was hoping to discover just weren't there. No more copies-of-copies, giving the lower tier AI's lesser tactics. No insights in the functioning of the alien command structures. It's just: "Well, these guys are evil, so we just try to destroy whatever we can".
But I came this far, so I will finish this series. But the fact that I fell asleep 7 or 8 times while reading this book just isn't that promising anymore.
And yet, I still want to see what evil plans Stark has come up with... That might be the only reason to start the next book.
October 11, 2013
While it seems intended as a filler to bridge the gap from here to there; this is in many ways the most complete story in the series to date. There is still plenty of military action but the characters come along with more depth and less genuflecting. I was about to give up on this series but now I think it would be wise to stick it out until the end. (Though I really doubt that ships in combat would really 'stop and turn around' it makes more sense to maintain velocity while changing direction through lateral thrust vectors.)
March 9, 2014
Good space opera. Features cataclysmic battles to save humanity from a fearsome, relentless, much more powerful and advanced foe. Not quite on the scale of Gray Lensman, but getting there.
This is book 6 in the Crimson World series. I recommend reading the books in order, rather than jumping in somewhere in the middle.
I have also been pleased to see significantly fewer typos in the Kindle edition than I have seen in some of the earlier books in the series.
This is book 6 in the Crimson World series. I recommend reading the books in order, rather than jumping in somewhere in the middle.
I have also been pleased to see significantly fewer typos in the Kindle edition than I have seen in some of the earlier books in the series.
September 22, 2013
To Hell's Heart continues the Crimson Worlds series and the story keeps getting better with all the ingredients needed for a space opera. Epic space battles and devastating ground action keep the story moving at a fast pace. I look forward to the next volume in this series.
September 2, 2015
Keeps getting better
Even with so many characters coming in and out of the story, Allan keeps the plot together. There were some moments I wished things move faster but by the end of the book I can only think of what is awaiting for the Alliance.
Even with so many characters coming in and out of the story, Allan keeps the plot together. There were some moments I wished things move faster but by the end of the book I can only think of what is awaiting for the Alliance.
February 5, 2017
This whole series just rocks!
October 7, 2013
Gets better and better
September 26, 2013
Great book, they keep getting better and better
February 26, 2014
Some glaring typos but the writing is decent
January 9, 2017
Our heroes take the fight to the enemy. It is a costly war. B
September 26, 2013
great ending to a great book, can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews