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The Frontiers Saga (Part 1): Discovery #4
Ep.#4 - "Freedom's Dawn": The Frontiers Saga
Episode 4A ship under siege…A world on the brink of civil war…A distraught people seeking a new beginning…A battle weary crew that can barely hold it together…Even a legend can use a little help from time to time.The crew of the Aurora, the Karuzari, and the Corinairans must find a way to work together or else they may all perish.“Freedom’s Dawn” is a 94,000 word novel, and is the 4th episode in The Frontiers Saga.
364 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
365 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Ryk Brown
61 books855 followersBorn in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 9, 2012
I can’t say that I really disliked it but this book in the Frontiers Saga was not really my cup of tea. That’s primarily because, in this installment, the ship doesn’t really move an inch. It sits in orbit around Corinair throughout the entire book and most of the story revolves around guerrilla warfare down on the planet. What I liked about this book series and the previous three books in it was that it was indeed taking place on a space ship and there was some actual spaceship action. Thus having the Aurora immobilized the entire book wasn’t really what I had hoped for.
I really hope they get moving on refitting the ship with some nice new tech and gets back into the action in the next book. However, the ending in this book scares me a bit since it seems to leave the door wide open for further ventures into the realm of saboteurs, treachery and treason which I so despise.
I really hope they get moving on refitting the ship with some nice new tech and gets back into the action in the next book. However, the ending in this book scares me a bit since it seems to leave the door wide open for further ventures into the realm of saboteurs, treachery and treason which I so despise.
March 19, 2021
This one was fairly weak. Starting to get tired of the incompetence of the protagonists and their naivete. The succeed through sheer dumb luck.
On second read I found it to be a total bore and left it at 46%.
On second read I found it to be a total bore and left it at 46%.
April 14, 2017
“Freedom’s Dawn” is book four of the 15 book series “The Frontier Saga - Part 1” (yes, there are even more books in “The Frontier Saga - Part 2”!). This series is SciFi - not romance, and certainly not erotica or sex. While there are very strong women characters, they are in supportive roles to the lead male characters.
Like book two, this book takes place primarily on a single planet, in this case: Corinair. There is interesting action and battles involving the two ships (Aurora and the captured Ta’Akar ship) trapped in orbit, but the focus of this book is on the political issues between the Ta’Akar (the “empire”), the Corinairians (the oppressed planet taken over by, and attacked by, the Ta’Akar, the Karuzari (the terroists/rebels), and our inimitable crew of Aurora.
This is a better book than book two; there’s more action and there’s more of a SciFi feel to it because of the two ships in orbit….but I didn’t like it nearly as much as books one or three. Once again, I missed the space battles.
Perhaps it’s a testament to the improving quality of Ryk Brown’s writing, but this book just felt too “real” to me to enjoy. The story could easily be re-written to change the places and characters to be in modern-day Syria, rife with political issues and person-to-person bloodshed. I found I enjoyed the space battles, because, perhaps, it felt unreal and escapist….this book’s use of spaceships could easily be replaced with boarding actions on an aircraft carrier.
Also, while the earlier books in the series did fall upon typical “man is strong leader; woman is good and smart supporter” stereotypes, this was the first book that really felt like I was reading a story intended for an audience with higher testosterone than typical for women readers!
The narrator continues to do an excellent job, and I’ll probably listen to book five at some point to see if every-other book features the space actions I’ve enjoyed, but I’m beginning to think that overall this series might not live up to my initial expectations. At least I’ve found that the series is on Kindle Unlimited, with discounted audiobooks available, so it doesn’t cost much to be disappointed ;)
Overall, I think this book would probably be rated 4-5* by someone who is really into military action books. For me, I’m thinking 3.5….part of me wants to round down because there’s less SciFi, and no lesfic romance….but the book is very well written and narrated, and it wouldn’t be fair to punish the book for not being what it isn’t presented as being (lesfic). So I’m going to round up to 4* - recommended, with the caveat that it’s recommended as a piece within the series, not as a standalone book.
Like book two, this book takes place primarily on a single planet, in this case: Corinair. There is interesting action and battles involving the two ships (Aurora and the captured Ta’Akar ship) trapped in orbit, but the focus of this book is on the political issues between the Ta’Akar (the “empire”), the Corinairians (the oppressed planet taken over by, and attacked by, the Ta’Akar, the Karuzari (the terroists/rebels), and our inimitable crew of Aurora.
This is a better book than book two; there’s more action and there’s more of a SciFi feel to it because of the two ships in orbit….but I didn’t like it nearly as much as books one or three. Once again, I missed the space battles.
Perhaps it’s a testament to the improving quality of Ryk Brown’s writing, but this book just felt too “real” to me to enjoy. The story could easily be re-written to change the places and characters to be in modern-day Syria, rife with political issues and person-to-person bloodshed. I found I enjoyed the space battles, because, perhaps, it felt unreal and escapist….this book’s use of spaceships could easily be replaced with boarding actions on an aircraft carrier.
Also, while the earlier books in the series did fall upon typical “man is strong leader; woman is good and smart supporter” stereotypes, this was the first book that really felt like I was reading a story intended for an audience with higher testosterone than typical for women readers!
The narrator continues to do an excellent job, and I’ll probably listen to book five at some point to see if every-other book features the space actions I’ve enjoyed, but I’m beginning to think that overall this series might not live up to my initial expectations. At least I’ve found that the series is on Kindle Unlimited, with discounted audiobooks available, so it doesn’t cost much to be disappointed ;)
Overall, I think this book would probably be rated 4-5* by someone who is really into military action books. For me, I’m thinking 3.5….part of me wants to round down because there’s less SciFi, and no lesfic romance….but the book is very well written and narrated, and it wouldn’t be fair to punish the book for not being what it isn’t presented as being (lesfic). So I’m going to round up to 4* - recommended, with the caveat that it’s recommended as a piece within the series, not as a standalone book.
March 15, 2017
3 stars. Good enough, and sometimes great, but I REALLY grow tired of Nathan's indiscretion. He's too open, confiding mission secrets to everyone. And I REALLY expected these clever chaps to put the clues together. Find the leak. But no. I had it figured early in the game.
To quote another: "Freedom's Dawn [occasionally] left me feeling that the crew of the Aurora simply blundered through one action scene after another, only surviving due to luck."
I like the strong women. Abby. Chen. Commander Cam. Dazzilia.
To quote another: "Freedom's Dawn [occasionally] left me feeling that the crew of the Aurora simply blundered through one action scene after another, only surviving due to luck."
I like the strong women. Abby. Chen. Commander Cam. Dazzilia.
March 22, 2013
From My Review Number 37:
The second review is on Freedom’s Dawn, from The Frontiers Saga Episode 4. The saga continues on Corinair where Nathan has his hands full trying to understand where he and his crew fit in with the local Legend of Origins. It seems the people on Corinair believe him to be Na-Tan, the deliverer from oppression. Corinair and its people have been decimated by the Ta’Akar attack. Now they must prepare for war against the king, Caius, who rules the star system. Recently the Ta’Akar have developed a new zero-point energy device to power their ships. If Nathan could obtain the ZPE technology along with the Jump Drive, he could get his ship and crew back to Earth. But first they must find a way to defeat Caius. As Nathan negotiates on the ground with the leaders of Corinair, a Ta’Akar commando squad infiltrates the Aurora and tries to take control. A desperate fight erupts for control of the ship and then nuclear missiles are fired from Ta’Akar spies on Corinair to try and destroy them. It’s going to be a close call.
I give this book five stars because I found the story and action scenes very compelling with an additional human element. I already started reading book 5.
The second review is on Freedom’s Dawn, from The Frontiers Saga Episode 4. The saga continues on Corinair where Nathan has his hands full trying to understand where he and his crew fit in with the local Legend of Origins. It seems the people on Corinair believe him to be Na-Tan, the deliverer from oppression. Corinair and its people have been decimated by the Ta’Akar attack. Now they must prepare for war against the king, Caius, who rules the star system. Recently the Ta’Akar have developed a new zero-point energy device to power their ships. If Nathan could obtain the ZPE technology along with the Jump Drive, he could get his ship and crew back to Earth. But first they must find a way to defeat Caius. As Nathan negotiates on the ground with the leaders of Corinair, a Ta’Akar commando squad infiltrates the Aurora and tries to take control. A desperate fight erupts for control of the ship and then nuclear missiles are fired from Ta’Akar spies on Corinair to try and destroy them. It’s going to be a close call.
I give this book five stars because I found the story and action scenes very compelling with an additional human element. I already started reading book 5.
May 9, 2016
This is book four in the Frontier Series. Aurora is damaged and in need of repair and upgrade. The Aurora is in obit above the planet of Corinair. In the prior book Aurora fought off a Ta’Akar warship that was going to destroy the planet. Most of the action in this episode takes place on the planet and only toward the end does action return to Aurora when a commando group attempts to take control of the ship. Brown uses this episode to introduce us to the legend of Na Tan. The people of Corinair think Nathan is Na Tan.
Brown is continuing to develop his characters and we lose some people and gain some new ones. It is nice to have characters make mistakes unlike some of the super heroes in some books that are always perfect. The book is well written; the plot twists and turns with lots of action. The various groups on the planet are fighting each other until I wanted to yell at them “wake up; work together the Ta ‘Akar will come back”. Brown is a super story teller and I have enjoyed this series so far. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job narrating the book.
Brown is continuing to develop his characters and we lose some people and gain some new ones. It is nice to have characters make mistakes unlike some of the super heroes in some books that are always perfect. The book is well written; the plot twists and turns with lots of action. The various groups on the planet are fighting each other until I wanted to yell at them “wake up; work together the Ta ‘Akar will come back”. Brown is a super story teller and I have enjoyed this series so far. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job narrating the book.
September 5, 2016
Horrible. I am torn in how to write this review because I liked the three previous books in the series. Ryk Brown is a better author than I could ever hope to be, but this story was beyond bad. It was hard to read because I knew that something stupid was about to happen on purpose. Slow moving with incomprehensible decisions made by the characters as though they were trying to make as many mistakes as possible and screw up everything possible. It was almost as though the Data Ark had contained old episodes of Star Trek the Original Series and comic books that only contained the sections where criminal geniuses made mistakes right before they failed to accomplish their nefarious tasks -- and Nathan Scott spent his four academy years studying these as examples of the best way to command and win. After reading some of the reviews of the next book in the series, I might give it a try, but I cannot abide another stinker of a book like this one.
June 3, 2013
Another great instalment. When I saw from other reviewers that this was based mainly on the planet I was a little wary, but the action was well balanced between the planet and the ship. Yes the ship did not move but that did not matter, and the ship desperately needed more crew. This is the start of that process. Their were some really interesting questions raised at the end of the story, leaving you wanting more.
July 28, 2015
Much slower pace than the first three books. Basically a pot boiler setting the scene for the rest of the series. Slightly disappointing and the number of typos was an irritation.
October 17, 2019
Freedom's Dawn continues the Frontiers Saga as Captain Nathan and the crew of the Aurora find themselves a thousand light years from home, embroiled in a rebellion against the EVIL EMPIRE etc.
One nice thing though is that with each book, we're getting more away from the Star Trek Voyager tropes of a crew far from home and their journey home--where nothing matters. In the case of The Frontiers Saga, actions have consequences and it really does feel that they're changing the world(s) with their actions, which I greatly appreciate.
In some ways, it's a lot like the Wheel of Time: if you read only the first book, you'll find mostly a rip off of Tolkien, but as you keep reading, you get so much more. The Frontiers Saga isn't quite as deep as the Wheel of Time (at least not yet), but I do appreciate how it's changing.
One thing that I am continually surprised by in these books is how surprisingly brutal they can be at times. Descriptions of heads being ? Oy. It's not a problem per say, it just feels somewhat counter to the quick, light reads the books otherwise feel like.
Oh, and that last minute twist? Good way to remember that these books really can't stand apart. Again, not the end of the world.
Overall, a good book. I look forward to the Rise of the Corinari!
One nice thing though is that with each book, we're getting more away from the Star Trek Voyager tropes of a crew far from home and their journey home--where nothing matters. In the case of The Frontiers Saga, actions have consequences and it really does feel that they're changing the world(s) with their actions, which I greatly appreciate.
In some ways, it's a lot like the Wheel of Time: if you read only the first book, you'll find mostly a rip off of Tolkien, but as you keep reading, you get so much more. The Frontiers Saga isn't quite as deep as the Wheel of Time (at least not yet), but I do appreciate how it's changing.
One thing that I am continually surprised by in these books is how surprisingly brutal they can be at times. Descriptions of heads being ? Oy. It's not a problem per say, it just feels somewhat counter to the quick, light reads the books otherwise feel like.
Oh, and that last minute twist? Good way to remember that these books really can't stand apart. Again, not the end of the world.
Overall, a good book. I look forward to the Rise of the Corinari!
August 4, 2020
The Aurora crew has won the battle but Cameron has been seriously injured. She needs more medical help that is currently available on the ship. Nathan travels to planet to find aid and brings the captured Kar-A-Kan Captain as a bargaining chip. But the Kar-A-Kan spies have other plans. Can the rebels, Earthlings, and people from the planet work together or will they suffer defeat?
Each time Nathan is allowed to speak to huge crowds and to channel his father amazing things happen. He is a charismatic speaker and leader. I love how they boarded the enemy ship and the events that transpired there.
I did NOT enjoy Vlad’s plot line this time. It was quite distressing. The tunnels nearly gave me a panic attack.
I actually really liked the ending this time. I was surprised at how much respect the Corinarians gave the crew of the Aurora. I was surprised that Nathan was able to inspire so many people to defend their home world. I love how the book comes to a conclusion but then in the last second this MASSIVE piece of terrible news is thrown at you. This is one of those times that the reader knows more than the characters. Ahhhh!! I just want to warn them. Cannot wait for the next book.
PG-13- Many many bloody horrible deaths. Parts of heads blown off. Faces melting. A person is crushed. People are in small confining spaces. Blood and parts of body hit someone. Pilots blow up. Swearing. It is a very bloody battle book.
Each time Nathan is allowed to speak to huge crowds and to channel his father amazing things happen. He is a charismatic speaker and leader. I love how they boarded the enemy ship and the events that transpired there.
I did NOT enjoy Vlad’s plot line this time. It was quite distressing. The tunnels nearly gave me a panic attack.
I actually really liked the ending this time. I was surprised at how much respect the Corinarians gave the crew of the Aurora. I was surprised that Nathan was able to inspire so many people to defend their home world. I love how the book comes to a conclusion but then in the last second this MASSIVE piece of terrible news is thrown at you. This is one of those times that the reader knows more than the characters. Ahhhh!! I just want to warn them. Cannot wait for the next book.
PG-13- Many many bloody horrible deaths. Parts of heads blown off. Faces melting. A person is crushed. People are in small confining spaces. Blood and parts of body hit someone. Pilots blow up. Swearing. It is a very bloody battle book.
April 2, 2019
This installment of The Frontiers Saga felt different to the others, like a bit of a setup for books to come. I didn't dislike it - it was enjoyable enough, but it never made me care much about what was going to happen next. The book also never gave me much of a reason or opportunity to try speculating on what would happen next, as the characters don't really act in a way which seems to be at all plausible.
That said, I didn't dislike the book, but reading it felt like watching something just happening and going "oh, ok" afterwards. I'm sticking with the series though, as I can see how things might start becoming better once everything is set up where it needs to be. I'm not expecting the world, but I'm expecting some good fun. And even though I wouldn't say this book was good fun, I can see how it might lead into it.
That said, I didn't dislike the book, but reading it felt like watching something just happening and going "oh, ok" afterwards. I'm sticking with the series though, as I can see how things might start becoming better once everything is set up where it needs to be. I'm not expecting the world, but I'm expecting some good fun. And even though I wouldn't say this book was good fun, I can see how it might lead into it.
January 10, 2025
I like this series, maybe.
The pacing of the series is good, quick mostly.
But the characters make so many bad, short sighted decisions getting people in their crew killed often.
4 books in and they are still reacting and not learning much. In story time, it’s only about 2 weeks, but the bad decisions of almost every character and the ‘leaders’ above them as well, is just bad.
For one of the characters good luck usually saves them from their bad decisions but not the crew he is responsible for. The problems are not entirely the captains fault due to the bad decisions of people above him in command but not sure if my like for the pacing of the story telling will win out over the characters.
The pacing of the series is good, quick mostly.
But the characters make so many bad, short sighted decisions getting people in their crew killed often.
4 books in and they are still reacting and not learning much. In story time, it’s only about 2 weeks, but the bad decisions of almost every character and the ‘leaders’ above them as well, is just bad.
For one of the characters good luck usually saves them from their bad decisions but not the crew he is responsible for. The problems are not entirely the captains fault due to the bad decisions of people above him in command but not sure if my like for the pacing of the story telling will win out over the characters.
August 3, 2017
I'm not going any further with this series. This book literally never went anywhere. The protagonists' ship is stuck in orbit the entire time while we're supposed to take this one-dimensional evil captain as a serious threat. Yet the beleaguered crew is whittled down relentlessly leaving the reader wonder if ever the 'good guys' will catch even one little break along the way.
This book could be twice as good with half as many pages. I've got other things to read so for now the next installments will have to go to the back of the queue.
This book could be twice as good with half as many pages. I've got other things to read so for now the next installments will have to go to the back of the queue.
June 28, 2018
Yep, it continues and it's still a good read. The characters have opened up a lot more and there is depth to everything, including the plot. So, it's just getting better. However, you still need to suspend belief at times and that's still okay. In this installment, the captain of the Aurora, whose name is amazingly similar to a legendary savior, steps into that role. The Earthlings seem to now be heading a rebellion. It is cool how it all got to this point. Kudos for Brown in being able to do so. This is why I'm giving this one 5 stars.
May 19, 2017
It keeps getting better
I keep wondering if I want to commit to such a long read, but each episode is enough better to leave me ready and waiting for the next. I guess I can be grateful that I started reading after the Frontier saga was complete.
Realism is enhanced by the storyteller's willingness to let major characters die from time to time, and also by the clever way he adds surprising wrinkles to the character's personalities and loyalties.
I keep wondering if I want to commit to such a long read, but each episode is enough better to leave me ready and waiting for the next. I guess I can be grateful that I started reading after the Frontier saga was complete.
Realism is enhanced by the storyteller's willingness to let major characters die from time to time, and also by the clever way he adds surprising wrinkles to the character's personalities and loyalties.
July 27, 2017
Ok, I am officially in love with this series. This soooo needs to be a TV show. Do you hear my SyFy? Capt Scott and crew are doing everything they can to do what is right. Enormous odds are against them, but time and time again they come out by the skin of their teeth. The author has started adding some character back story and that just makes you care more and more about the crew. Can't wait to see what happens next.
September 18, 2017
Overall, this is a pretty good series but this latest Episode 4 drags in a few paces, and it wasn't until the last 20% or so of the Kindle version that the pace finally picked up and I didn't want to put the book down. The slow parts really could have been condensed into about 1/3 of the original content, and I would prefer the series get back to a real sci fi book vs. a little bit of a mystery.
If you haven't read any of the series, you need to start with book #1!
If you haven't read any of the series, you need to start with book #1!
August 8, 2018
Edge of the seat action and adventure.
Can't Put down a good story a and this is a good one. Lots of retirement. If there is any negative it is that all on the crew of the Aurora seem too naive. They had been shot out of the sky, the enemy abounds, and yet no safeguards in place for being overtaken. Almost no thought given to the possibility. Oh well, one must be flexible with science fiction. :-)
Can't Put down a good story a and this is a good one. Lots of retirement. If there is any negative it is that all on the crew of the Aurora seem too naive. They had been shot out of the sky, the enemy abounds, and yet no safeguards in place for being overtaken. Almost no thought given to the possibility. Oh well, one must be flexible with science fiction. :-)
August 18, 2017
So finally we have some action again. There are gunfights, treachery, boardings, boomers, tunnels, riots, and nuclear tipped missiles. It's actually quite an entertaining book.
While orbiting Corinair intending to make repairs to the ship, the Aurora gets drawn into a battle to save Corinair from destruction. Now they have to save their ship.
While orbiting Corinair intending to make repairs to the ship, the Aurora gets drawn into a battle to save Corinair from destruction. Now they have to save their ship.
October 1, 2017
Freedom's Dawn
What a great thrill ride, loved the storyline and the action was non stop. I was engrossed from start to finish, There are many heroes and lots of death defying moments. Nathan the young inexperienced captain of the ship Aurora is a great character who you can really relate too. Fab
What a great thrill ride, loved the storyline and the action was non stop. I was engrossed from start to finish, There are many heroes and lots of death defying moments. Nathan the young inexperienced captain of the ship Aurora is a great character who you can really relate too. Fab
July 2, 2017
Riveting and fast paced
What a fun ride! This book is excellent hard science fiction, with fleshed out characters, constant action, a fascinating plot all taking place in a believable and fascinating universe.
What a fun ride! This book is excellent hard science fiction, with fleshed out characters, constant action, a fascinating plot all taking place in a believable and fascinating universe.
August 31, 2017
The reviews are TRUE
As nearly every other reviewer has stated, this is one of the best sci-fi series you'll ever read. I've read the first four books and could not put them down. After just finishing episode four I immediately bought episode five.
As nearly every other reviewer has stated, this is one of the best sci-fi series you'll ever read. I've read the first four books and could not put them down. After just finishing episode four I immediately bought episode five.
January 12, 2020
This one is brilliant it's like a TV series and importantly this book is incomparable with the first three books in this series. The final twist is amazing. Overall this one is legendary which must read. Dumar is unexpectable. De winter is unbearably selfish.
June 22, 2021
There were some interesting long arch plot advances in this one, but aside from that it felt like a bit of a filler. I guess because the premise made it a bit predictable how it was going to end. I won't go into details to avoid spoilers.
December 17, 2022
Excellent read
Wow! I honestly could not put this book down. My only gripe about the series is that some of the characters that I really cared about ended up getting killed....I hate that part, but man, do I love these books!
Wow! I honestly could not put this book down. My only gripe about the series is that some of the characters that I really cared about ended up getting killed....I hate that part, but man, do I love these books!
June 14, 2017
Space opera!
Read this book, and the whole series. It is totally worth your time. Well written, believable characters facing adversity And growing with the challenge
Read this book, and the whole series. It is totally worth your time. Well written, believable characters facing adversity And growing with the challenge
March 4, 2018
Maybe a little less good than the previous ones - some rather graphic violence, but the story is good and fun to listen to.
June 23, 2018
Getting very repetitious and boring.
May 18, 2019
This is about when I started to realize that I'm hooked to this series. I am now binging these books like a must see netflix original.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews