What do you think?
Rate this book
The Phoenix Conspiracy #4
The Phoenix War
A fearful Empire anticipates King Akira's next move: will he abandon them to the corrupt hands of Caerwyn Martel or doom them to bloody civil war, leaving them defenseless against an imminent alien invasion?
Just beyond human space, the crows are circling. Across the DMZ, the Rotham Republic prepares its war fleets with hungry eyes fixed on the weakened Empire. Spurred on to war by the pervasive Rahajiim, a shadowy organization that has struck a dark deal with the nightmarish Enclave.
Meanwhile Summers races to destroy the rest of the isotome weapons before they are used, Nimoux struggles to escape an unlikely prison planet, Shen copes with his strange new life, and Calvin hunts for the true puppetmaster. Desperate to discover the deepest layer of the conspiracy before it's too late. And in the shadows behind it all, Blackmoth brews a storm of chaos, hell-bent on subjecting the galaxy to the dark design of his One-True-God.
Just beyond human space, the crows are circling. Across the DMZ, the Rotham Republic prepares its war fleets with hungry eyes fixed on the weakened Empire. Spurred on to war by the pervasive Rahajiim, a shadowy organization that has struck a dark deal with the nightmarish Enclave.
Meanwhile Summers races to destroy the rest of the isotome weapons before they are used, Nimoux struggles to escape an unlikely prison planet, Shen copes with his strange new life, and Calvin hunts for the true puppetmaster. Desperate to discover the deepest layer of the conspiracy before it's too late. And in the shadows behind it all, Blackmoth brews a storm of chaos, hell-bent on subjecting the galaxy to the dark design of his One-True-God.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
58 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Richard L. Sanders
9 books84 followersI’m a 26 year old law student with a B.S. in Economics from the University of Utah. I grew up on Star Wars and Star Trek and all of that fun stuff. I’ve been writing stories since I was able to hold a pencil and have always loved escaping into books. In the real world I enjoy the beautiful outdoors (camping, hiking, climbing, swimming, all of that) and have recently gotten into skiing. I also love a good game of chess every now and then.
I cite Orson Scott Card and J.K. Rowling as my primary influences, however there are others (Roddenberry, etc.) who’ve clearly influenced me and the list of those deserving credit is, I’m sure, far longer than I could possibly guess.
Copied from http://www.richardlsanders.com/
I cite Orson Scott Card and J.K. Rowling as my primary influences, however there are others (Roddenberry, etc.) who’ve clearly influenced me and the list of those deserving credit is, I’m sure, far longer than I could possibly guess.
Copied from http://www.richardlsanders.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 26, 2013
This is what I get for grabbing a free ebook (the first book in the series was/is free on Amazon.com). The first book pulled me in. The second book, also offered at a discount, kept the story going and kept me wanting more. The third book was full price, but by this point I didn't care! I wanted more, and I had to have more! I had to know what happens next. I had to know how the story wrapped up!
Boy was I fooled! The third book wasn't the end of the series! Is the fourth book out yet?! It wasn't out at the time, but has since come out and I darn well paid full price for that ebook too!
I don't know how many more books are planned in the series. This is one of those instances where I hope it wraps up soon because I want to know what happens, but I'm enjoying the setting and don't want to leave just yet.
The Phoenix Conspiracy has your military SF, some political intrigue, alien civilizations working with and against the human empire, cool ships and technology, and some great characters.
The main character is Calvin, the captain of a stealth ship, reminds a bit of myself: he's kind of an introvert, prefers things laid back, trusts those around him to do their jobs, and prefers to be on a first-name basis with his co-workers and staff as opposed to calling everyone by their rank and last name.
The human empires monarchy is in danger, a vast conspiracy is trying to overthrow the king, while yet another interested party is seeking out an alien threat of weapons capable of destroying stars. Each book gets a bit deeper into the conspiracy and the war between all these factions.
The Phoenix Conspiracy series is like the Honor Harrington series without the word-count: it flows much faster. Fun stuff!
Boy was I fooled! The third book wasn't the end of the series! Is the fourth book out yet?! It wasn't out at the time, but has since come out and I darn well paid full price for that ebook too!
I don't know how many more books are planned in the series. This is one of those instances where I hope it wraps up soon because I want to know what happens, but I'm enjoying the setting and don't want to leave just yet.
The Phoenix Conspiracy has your military SF, some political intrigue, alien civilizations working with and against the human empire, cool ships and technology, and some great characters.
The main character is Calvin, the captain of a stealth ship, reminds a bit of myself: he's kind of an introvert, prefers things laid back, trusts those around him to do their jobs, and prefers to be on a first-name basis with his co-workers and staff as opposed to calling everyone by their rank and last name.
The human empires monarchy is in danger, a vast conspiracy is trying to overthrow the king, while yet another interested party is seeking out an alien threat of weapons capable of destroying stars. Each book gets a bit deeper into the conspiracy and the war between all these factions.
The Phoenix Conspiracy series is like the Honor Harrington series without the word-count: it flows much faster. Fun stuff!
January 21, 2016
Utterly disappointing drag from the book 1 & 2
Literally nearly nothing happens in this book and all for $7.
All of the writing is boring and drags. Do yourself a favor and read my two sentence summary and skip this book in this series.
Nimoux breaks out of prison but everyone else dies and Summers saves him with the Nighthawk. Meanwhile Calvin takes a ship to the DMZ then to Rotham space to discover the Alliance is dealing with Rotham and they have access to the Imperial worlds and Khalili launches a failed attack on a military space ship yards (the Apollo) and much of the human fleet is decimated.
As I have said before, the author has a degree in economics.
Literally nearly nothing happens in this book and all for $7.
All of the writing is boring and drags. Do yourself a favor and read my two sentence summary and skip this book in this series.
Nimoux breaks out of prison but everyone else dies and Summers saves him with the Nighthawk. Meanwhile Calvin takes a ship to the DMZ then to Rotham space to discover the Alliance is dealing with Rotham and they have access to the Imperial worlds and Khalili launches a failed attack on a military space ship yards (the Apollo) and much of the human fleet is decimated.
As I have said before, the author has a degree in economics.
February 21, 2018
Book 4
Book 4 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The author changed the plot a little and added a new character that is more zealot than anything. It makes the reading drone on and becomes boring in places. The overall story has progressed well and keeps my interest for the most part.
Book 4 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The author changed the plot a little and added a new character that is more zealot than anything. It makes the reading drone on and becomes boring in places. The overall story has progressed well and keeps my interest for the most part.
March 28, 2018
The Empire's steward is showing his true insane colors
Another Great book, teeth biting and all. Loved it now for the next book and the war goes on it does it?
Another Great book, teeth biting and all. Loved it now for the next book and the war goes on it does it?
Read
October 13, 2019Intense
Amazing adventures and epic battles galore in this continuation of the story of political intrigue and galactic empires. Great read!
Amazing adventures and epic battles galore in this continuation of the story of political intrigue and galactic empires. Great read!
January 1, 2020
Chaos across the Galaxy
Battles and action on many fronts, and there's treachery a foot everywhere. Even among the good guys, not everyone is pursuing the same agenda.
Battles and action on many fronts, and there's treachery a foot everywhere. Even among the good guys, not everyone is pursuing the same agenda.
January 2, 2020
Too many characters I dont know if I'll finish this series
February 24, 2020
Great series
I've read and enjoyed the first 4 books, now looking forward to the next one. A great storyline, great characters, lots of twists and turns. Hard not to like
I've read and enjoyed the first 4 books, now looking forward to the next one. A great storyline, great characters, lots of twists and turns. Hard not to like
August 3, 2020
Disappointed in this
outing. The whole book felt like a filler for what must come next.
How the next book in the series is better.
outing. The whole book felt like a filler for what must come next.
How the next book in the series is better.
February 8, 2014
The Phoenix War, Richard L. Sanders
The human Empire is on the verge of civil war, threatening to tear itself apart as House Akira and other prominent high lords fight each other for the right to sit upon the throne. But such civil division is a waste of effort and resources that mankind cannot afford to lose. The cogs put into motion by the Phoenix Ring are still whirring in the shadows and, as events quickly get out of hand, it begins to become clear that the selfish group of benefactors were never truly in control. The Enclave are stirring in their dark halls of exile and, in a far region of space, the Rotham are mobilising — a highly advanced race that had always coveted the affluence of the human empire; wanting our lush worlds and rich solar systems. But these are only the beginning of human worries and rumour has reached some that the Polarian Dread Fleet—an armada of ships that leaves nothing but dead worlds in its wake—is waking. The Polarians have no love of humanity either and fanatically believe that they have the right of dominion over the entire universe . . .
Amidst all the chaos and violence, the Nighthawk continues its mission to find and destroy the last of the isotome weapons—missiles that are powerful enough to destroy whole solar systems and leave their suns blackened and cold . . . The success of their mission is crucial to both the future of the Empire and the human race, but they have few leads to go on and are almost literally searching for needles in an infinite haystack!
Meanwhile Calvin Cross, now the Imperial Executor by appointment of Princess Kalila, is ordered to gather as much intelligence as he can on the Rotham and assess whether their military deployment is a threat to the Empire. His mission takes him deep into Alliance space—a xenophobic government that has no sympathy for the Empire and is unknowingly riddled with Enclave agents . . .
The Good
The Phoenix War is an exciting instalment of The Phoenix Conspiracy series and begins to tie lose ends together ready for the final book (which will hopefully be released soon). It also begins to build the political turmoil and military threat from aliens in a fast-paced plot, getting ready for what I imagine will be a stunning end to the series!
The Bad
Once again, I feel like Richard L. Sanders could have included more description in his writing as it is very ‘bare’. His dialogue and tone are both good, but he has an annoying habit of skipping over the details of his environments and provides scant information. This is a shame really, as his characters are aboard an array of space ships that would be interesting to read about and visit a number of worlds where he could quite literally ‘go wild’ and paint stunning landscapes around his characters!
My Thoughts
Overall though, I was impressed with The Phoenix War and think that it's the best instalment of the series so far! I am eagerly awaiting the next (and final) book, although it will be a shame to finish the series off! The Phoenix Conspiracy is undoubtedly a true gem of a series in a genre that I've found somewhat stale of late!
The human Empire is on the verge of civil war, threatening to tear itself apart as House Akira and other prominent high lords fight each other for the right to sit upon the throne. But such civil division is a waste of effort and resources that mankind cannot afford to lose. The cogs put into motion by the Phoenix Ring are still whirring in the shadows and, as events quickly get out of hand, it begins to become clear that the selfish group of benefactors were never truly in control. The Enclave are stirring in their dark halls of exile and, in a far region of space, the Rotham are mobilising — a highly advanced race that had always coveted the affluence of the human empire; wanting our lush worlds and rich solar systems. But these are only the beginning of human worries and rumour has reached some that the Polarian Dread Fleet—an armada of ships that leaves nothing but dead worlds in its wake—is waking. The Polarians have no love of humanity either and fanatically believe that they have the right of dominion over the entire universe . . .
Amidst all the chaos and violence, the Nighthawk continues its mission to find and destroy the last of the isotome weapons—missiles that are powerful enough to destroy whole solar systems and leave their suns blackened and cold . . . The success of their mission is crucial to both the future of the Empire and the human race, but they have few leads to go on and are almost literally searching for needles in an infinite haystack!
Meanwhile Calvin Cross, now the Imperial Executor by appointment of Princess Kalila, is ordered to gather as much intelligence as he can on the Rotham and assess whether their military deployment is a threat to the Empire. His mission takes him deep into Alliance space—a xenophobic government that has no sympathy for the Empire and is unknowingly riddled with Enclave agents . . .
The Good
The Phoenix War is an exciting instalment of The Phoenix Conspiracy series and begins to tie lose ends together ready for the final book (which will hopefully be released soon). It also begins to build the political turmoil and military threat from aliens in a fast-paced plot, getting ready for what I imagine will be a stunning end to the series!
The Bad
Once again, I feel like Richard L. Sanders could have included more description in his writing as it is very ‘bare’. His dialogue and tone are both good, but he has an annoying habit of skipping over the details of his environments and provides scant information. This is a shame really, as his characters are aboard an array of space ships that would be interesting to read about and visit a number of worlds where he could quite literally ‘go wild’ and paint stunning landscapes around his characters!
My Thoughts
Overall though, I was impressed with The Phoenix War and think that it's the best instalment of the series so far! I am eagerly awaiting the next (and final) book, although it will be a shame to finish the series off! The Phoenix Conspiracy is undoubtedly a true gem of a series in a genre that I've found somewhat stale of late!
September 5, 2015
The fourth book in the sci-fi space-opera mystery series, The Phoenix War focuses on political upheaval on Capital World, Captain Nimoux’s ingenious struggle to escape from imprisonment to warn the Empire of the replicants, and fear of a Rotham invasion.
At 40% through things really get going, with Calvin Cross ordered by Queen Kalila to investigate the DMZ (de-militarised zone) to discover any troublesome evidence that the Rotham Republic intends to start a war against humanity. Queen Kalila must know whether to split her forces to confront the Rotham or to deal with what could be imminent civil war. Meanwhile Officer Summers is commanding the Nighthawk ship on the search for Isotome weapons.
The Phoenix War displays captivating and increasingly distinctive characters in a plot that continues to grow more engrossing. The writing style is snappy, but cuts to the real issues at hand, and showers the text with impacting dialogue. There was a shocking moment that had my mouth agape, since it was so horrible and “real”. And the author does reward the reader in the last 10% with some space action.
Criticism: It took me a while to really get into The Phoenix War (40%) because there was a lot of political build-up and that a lot of the themes I’d read were frequently repeated in the characters’ thoughts. This acted as a helpful reminder of what had already occurred in the series, some of which I had forgotten, and I was totally engaged in the subject matter. Yet, it extended too many scenes and delayed the real action, which could perhaps shine a new light of perspective on new events, rather than ruminating on the old.
Overall, I suggest any reader who likes mystery, sci-fi, or space-opera to start reading this series immediately because so many of Richard L Sander’s works are enthralling, eye-stinging reads.
At 40% through things really get going, with Calvin Cross ordered by Queen Kalila to investigate the DMZ (de-militarised zone) to discover any troublesome evidence that the Rotham Republic intends to start a war against humanity. Queen Kalila must know whether to split her forces to confront the Rotham or to deal with what could be imminent civil war. Meanwhile Officer Summers is commanding the Nighthawk ship on the search for Isotome weapons.
The Phoenix War displays captivating and increasingly distinctive characters in a plot that continues to grow more engrossing. The writing style is snappy, but cuts to the real issues at hand, and showers the text with impacting dialogue. There was a shocking moment that had my mouth agape, since it was so horrible and “real”. And the author does reward the reader in the last 10% with some space action.
Criticism: It took me a while to really get into The Phoenix War (40%) because there was a lot of political build-up and that a lot of the themes I’d read were frequently repeated in the characters’ thoughts. This acted as a helpful reminder of what had already occurred in the series, some of which I had forgotten, and I was totally engaged in the subject matter. Yet, it extended too many scenes and delayed the real action, which could perhaps shine a new light of perspective on new events, rather than ruminating on the old.
Overall, I suggest any reader who likes mystery, sci-fi, or space-opera to start reading this series immediately because so many of Richard L Sander’s works are enthralling, eye-stinging reads.
July 2, 2014
The fourth book in the Phoenix series, this one continues the story right where it left off in the Phoenix Crisis. As I've stated in reviews of previous books in the series, this is not bringing anything novel to the science fiction genre; this is basically Star Trek like military sci-fi, so don't be expecting to be blown away or to have this address any big philosophical questions.
In general I thought this particular book plodded along a bit slow in the beginning. There was too much description of what was going on inside characters heads instead of doing character development through actual scenes. And some of the continued character development just keeps rehashing the same old stuff we already know about the characters from previous scenes or dialog. The real action in the book doesn't start until you're near the end and then leaves you on a cliffhanger just like the last book. Mr. Sanders could do with learning how to space the action better in between non-action scenes.
At some point I would think it's time for Mr. Sanders to finally wrap this story up and move on to his next project; I'm just not convinced there is much more to do with this story, and it's not really doing a great job exciting me about the next one. As of now I'm just continuing to read the series for closure; I really hate leaving a story unfinished.
The writing has been improving some from one book to the next, but the author could really do with investing in a real editor. I suspect the series could be polished into a much better read with a good editor/publisher.
For something that is a cheap e-book read it may still be worth following this series if this type of sci-fi is your thing.
August 12, 2016
The Phoenix series has largely evolved from its mystery/sci-fi roots (to focus much more on action as the mysteries develop and resolve), but that evolution is natural and compelling. The Phoenix War works the characters deeper into the chaos that enfolds their world and Sanders dangles some of the biggest unresolved mysteries in front of the readers. The best part of the book for me is the feeling that there is no way for the humans to succeed, but knowing that somehow they will (or at least should) in the next and final book. I can't wait to see how things conclude.
April 10, 2014
As the fourth book in the series, it followed the tried and trusted methods applied in the first three tomes. The pace was good, but I have to admit that this book seemed a little more disjointed than the others.
Now I know that there are several threads all running concurrently, and that these threads all interweave and cross at various points in the story. I just felt that it was a little more difficult to follow the plot lines than had been my prior experience.
That said, it was still a great read, and I am looking forward to the fifth book becoming available in due course.
Now I know that there are several threads all running concurrently, and that these threads all interweave and cross at various points in the story. I just felt that it was a little more difficult to follow the plot lines than had been my prior experience.
That said, it was still a great read, and I am looking forward to the fifth book becoming available in due course.
January 27, 2014
A worthy read for the series though it felt like a transition book preparing for major changes coming. The twists and turns keep coming in book four with the only thing you can really depend on is that there will be another book.
I recommend the Phoenix Conspiracy Series (the first book is free for anybody with an e-reader to try) to any who enjoys epic battles of good and evil and questions that it rises.
I recommend the Phoenix Conspiracy Series (the first book is free for anybody with an e-reader to try) to any who enjoys epic battles of good and evil and questions that it rises.
March 26, 2014
I thought it was a great read and a good page-turner at parts. It mostly serves as a continuation from the last book to direct it to the climax of the series rather than develop anything serious itself.
Saying that it develops the characters further and continues throwing twists our way to build upon the universe and the climax already presented in the previous books.
Saying that it develops the characters further and continues throwing twists our way to build upon the universe and the climax already presented in the previous books.
December 12, 2015
It's rare that I give up on military SF, but between the Phoenix Crisis and the Phoenix War, the story started to drag. Significant developments still happen, but they are no longer gripping. It's a pity, as I really like some of the characters and the world, but I found myself struggling to finish this. I am unlikely to pick up the next one.
November 28, 2013
Seemed more like filler. It was enjoyable but the events that happened in this book should have been in the last book. I hope this is not indicative of the author attempting to just string the series out for the purpose of milking us.
January 17, 2014
All i can say about this book is that its a 350 page filler, i feel somewhat robbed, i liked the story good enough, that i was able to ignore the fact the character personality's are flatter than a pancake, but still this really did not contribute alot to the story overall.
June 19, 2014
Stunning read
Stunning read
Great story line. flows well. hard to put down. characters are well developed and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing
Stunning read
Great story line. flows well. hard to put down. characters are well developed and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing
December 28, 2020
Civil war.
Phoenix ring has failed. The empire is going to fight a civil war over who sits on the throne. The rotham,Polaris and all other groups descend into violence. But some characters have survived and are begining to make moves.
Phoenix ring has failed. The empire is going to fight a civil war over who sits on the throne. The rotham,Polaris and all other groups descend into violence. But some characters have survived and are begining to make moves.
November 18, 2013
Felt like this one was kind of a filler book. Lots of really small things except the one battle. Calvin's new mission felt rushed and needed more detail. Overall... disappointing.
January 2, 2014
Continues the story. Very readable. Still eager to find out what happens next.
December 16, 2013
Enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to the next book.
January 9, 2014
A good read. Plenty of perspectives from different charachters as well as a fair amount of tension xD
January 4, 2015
All though I enjoyed this book not sure it took the story very far so looking forward to the next installment
December 26, 2013
Not the best in the Phoenix Conspiracy Series but keeps the plot going.
April 2, 2017
Absolutely loves this book. There were times that I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews