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Crimson Worlds #7
The Shadow Legions
Book 7 of the bestselling Crimson Worlds series...
The war with the First Imperium is over, and Grand Fleet is limping home from the frontier. Erik Cain, Augustus Garret, and the rest of the high command are grimly satisfied that humanity has been saved from the First Imperium menace. There is no joy, however…no elation at the “victory.” The losses this time were too heavy…too personal…to bear. They did what had to be done to drive back the enemy and save the human worlds from certain destruction. Now they were left to find a way to live with the gut wrenching decisions that victory had required.
Augustus Garret needed time. Time for repairs, time to replace losses, time to learn how to go on in the aftermath of what he’d done. But the fleet wasn’t heading for a well-deserved rest…they were moving into another firestorm. A new menace, one as deadly as the First Imperium, was waiting for them, and it threatened to shatter the fragile alliance of the Earth powers and throw all of human space into another desperate war…one that might be the final confrontation.
On world after world, mysterious forces are invading, taking control of the most vital colonies. The invaders are well-drilled powered infantry, veteran forces that quickly shattered the planetary militias and established brutal occupation regimes.
Garret, Cain, and the leaders of the Alliance’s forces must rally themselves once again to face this new threat…an unknown enemy that is as well trained, experienced, and equipped as the Marines themselves. Indeed, on some colony worlds rumors are already spreading that the invaders are the Marines themselves, that they have come to conquer, to rule…
The war with the First Imperium is over, and Grand Fleet is limping home from the frontier. Erik Cain, Augustus Garret, and the rest of the high command are grimly satisfied that humanity has been saved from the First Imperium menace. There is no joy, however…no elation at the “victory.” The losses this time were too heavy…too personal…to bear. They did what had to be done to drive back the enemy and save the human worlds from certain destruction. Now they were left to find a way to live with the gut wrenching decisions that victory had required.
Augustus Garret needed time. Time for repairs, time to replace losses, time to learn how to go on in the aftermath of what he’d done. But the fleet wasn’t heading for a well-deserved rest…they were moving into another firestorm. A new menace, one as deadly as the First Imperium, was waiting for them, and it threatened to shatter the fragile alliance of the Earth powers and throw all of human space into another desperate war…one that might be the final confrontation.
On world after world, mysterious forces are invading, taking control of the most vital colonies. The invaders are well-drilled powered infantry, veteran forces that quickly shattered the planetary militias and established brutal occupation regimes.
Garret, Cain, and the leaders of the Alliance’s forces must rally themselves once again to face this new threat…an unknown enemy that is as well trained, experienced, and equipped as the Marines themselves. Indeed, on some colony worlds rumors are already spreading that the invaders are the Marines themselves, that they have come to conquer, to rule…
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
327 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 14, 2020
Good solid Military SiFi series. good read. Recommended
September 26, 2018
The story continues ... and ends at a point where the book appears to have reached the target word count. I enjoyed the tale, and I'll read the remaining two books in the series, but things are beginning to drag a bit. The problem may be simply that after seven books read back-to-back I'm just getting tired and want the series to be done so I can move on to something new ... not the author's fault at all.
As in the sixth volume, this one also contained a few proofreading escapes ("Sarah Linden was a beautiful women ..."; also another use of an apostrophe-s to form a plural). There is no excuse for the latter example, although one sees it far too frequently in others' work and in social media postings. I've come to expect better from this author, as his writing is generally a notch above others in this genre I've read recently. Perhaps some fresh blood on his advance reader/proofreading team would help.
As in the sixth volume, this one also contained a few proofreading escapes ("Sarah Linden was a beautiful women ..."; also another use of an apostrophe-s to form a plural). There is no excuse for the latter example, although one sees it far too frequently in others' work and in social media postings. I've come to expect better from this author, as his writing is generally a notch above others in this genre I've read recently. Perhaps some fresh blood on his advance reader/proofreading team would help.
June 1, 2017
Surprise of life
A good compliment to the series that went before. Cain and his group of veteran and slecised experts trying to extract themselves from another sticky situation. Looking forward to the next installment.
A good compliment to the series that went before. Cain and his group of veteran and slecised experts trying to extract themselves from another sticky situation. Looking forward to the next installment.
July 1, 2019
I enjoyed this book a bit more than the last few. An enemy that you can understand, that plots and plans is much better than an AI you barely see. This novel was pretty good, the characters felt real and Stark is a great villain. The next book should be exciting!
March 4, 2018
First real two part series!!
June 10, 2019
I bought this in the box set. Book 7 was a fun read and had errors throughout. the Shadow legions was a fun read and the characters have developed well. The plot has gotten more in depth and expands with each book. There was a lot of filler information that could have been left out, but overall was fun.
January 11, 2020
Another great story in this epic space opera. Great character's who you feel for and hope that they survive to the end of the book. A complete page turner and very gripping
March 28, 2021
Great read!!!
This is a very interesting story love the standard military science fiction but beyond that there is a lot of very well done backstory. This series is a must read.
This is a very interesting story love the standard military science fiction but beyond that there is a lot of very well done backstory. This series is a must read.
July 8, 2022
Very well written!
Allen has a great writing style that keeps you enthralled with the story and believable characters. If you like military Sci-Fi, you will love reading this book!
Allen has a great writing style that keeps you enthralled with the story and believable characters. If you like military Sci-Fi, you will love reading this book!
May 4, 2025
9:41
February 26, 2017
The series continues with more action.
The emergence of a new threat brings the reader to an exciting conclusion of this book. I am going to read the next volume. This is quite an exciting series.
The emergence of a new threat brings the reader to an exciting conclusion of this book. I am going to read the next volume. This is quite an exciting series.
March 12, 2014
The Saga continues for General Cane! He just gets done with one war and he and his men are off to fight another. As you recall, The Grand Pac Fleet, with the help of ships from the Caliphate and the Central Asian Combine (CAC) had just finished closing a gateway to the Solar System through which the First Imperium would have surely poured through in it’s conquest of all mankind. It was not an easy battle, in fact, Admiral Garrett sadly had to leave behind over 40,000 soldiers, sailors and Marines on the wrong side of the gate or it would have never closed in time. That decision was not easy and he know’s he’ll have to live with it forever.
But now, on the way home to what they thought was some rest and recuperation is just the opposite. Someone is attacking Alliance Colony worlds and taking over at an astonishing rate. Strangely more is that the ground troops dropping to these planets operate exactly like Cain’s Marines, same equipment, same organization and same tactics. Where this new military capability comes from and who’s behind it is a mystery that has to be solved and quickly.
Unfortunately, it’s up to Admiral Garrett and General Cain to decide which colony worlds they can try and win back even if they can do that, which is a strong uncertainty. Can’s Marines are extremely shorthanded not only in strength of numbers but in equipment.
This book tells how Cain and now General Holmes have to come up with the fighting strength to win back at least two vital colonies. Lots of action and some interesting developments will happen in this book. There is a real bad guy behind all of this and if you’ve read the series this far, you probably know who that is. But there’s also a strong ally that jumps in to provide a lot of help but his fight is not over by a long shot.
I enjoyed reading this book but I’m a little apprehensive about the title of the next book, “Even Legends Die (Crimson Worlds Viii)”. Now I know about the “Shadow Legends” but there are a number of legends on the battle fields and in space. I hope we’re not going to lose one of our leading characters; surely not, better not!
But now, on the way home to what they thought was some rest and recuperation is just the opposite. Someone is attacking Alliance Colony worlds and taking over at an astonishing rate. Strangely more is that the ground troops dropping to these planets operate exactly like Cain’s Marines, same equipment, same organization and same tactics. Where this new military capability comes from and who’s behind it is a mystery that has to be solved and quickly.
Unfortunately, it’s up to Admiral Garrett and General Cain to decide which colony worlds they can try and win back even if they can do that, which is a strong uncertainty. Can’s Marines are extremely shorthanded not only in strength of numbers but in equipment.
This book tells how Cain and now General Holmes have to come up with the fighting strength to win back at least two vital colonies. Lots of action and some interesting developments will happen in this book. There is a real bad guy behind all of this and if you’ve read the series this far, you probably know who that is. But there’s also a strong ally that jumps in to provide a lot of help but his fight is not over by a long shot.
I enjoyed reading this book but I’m a little apprehensive about the title of the next book, “Even Legends Die (Crimson Worlds Viii)”. Now I know about the “Shadow Legends” but there are a number of legends on the battle fields and in space. I hope we’re not going to lose one of our leading characters; surely not, better not!
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.
March 19, 2014
I bought this book as soon as it came out since I have quite liked the rest of the series, especially The Line Must Hold, but then I have hesitated to actually start reading it. Why? Well, I was pretty sure that I was not really going to like the story itself very much…and I was right.
This book is all about that f…. psychopath Stark. It could just as well be titled The Return of Stark or Stark Strikes Back or something like that. I really really hate this guy. I hate scheming, plotting, conspiracies and backstabbing and this guy is the personification of all that with a huge unhealthy dose of psychopathy.
The previous book was positive. Humanity beat off the First Imperium, even though the cost was high, and the warring superpowers united towards a common goal. In this book Stark is ripping all that apart. I was squirming in my chair the entire time I was reading this book.
I am sure that some people are going to say that my rating is unfairly low and that the book is really much better. In some respect that is probably correct, it is a very well written book, but it is my personal rating. I am not a professional reviewer and what I actually felt about the story itself and how it fits with my personal desires are part of my reviews.
If I try to look past my dislike for the story itself this book is indeed, as I wrote above, a well written book. The characters are well done and the marine action is great. If you are into conspiracies and all that bundled with a good chunk of marine action you should by this book. You are probably going to find it a great book.
Myself, well as I wrote above I am not too thrilled about this book in the series. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series though since I am so hoping that Stark eventually gets what he deserves and that his downfall will be long, detailed and excruciatingly painful…for Stark.
This book is all about that f…. psychopath Stark. It could just as well be titled The Return of Stark or Stark Strikes Back or something like that. I really really hate this guy. I hate scheming, plotting, conspiracies and backstabbing and this guy is the personification of all that with a huge unhealthy dose of psychopathy.
The previous book was positive. Humanity beat off the First Imperium, even though the cost was high, and the warring superpowers united towards a common goal. In this book Stark is ripping all that apart. I was squirming in my chair the entire time I was reading this book.
I am sure that some people are going to say that my rating is unfairly low and that the book is really much better. In some respect that is probably correct, it is a very well written book, but it is my personal rating. I am not a professional reviewer and what I actually felt about the story itself and how it fits with my personal desires are part of my reviews.
If I try to look past my dislike for the story itself this book is indeed, as I wrote above, a well written book. The characters are well done and the marine action is great. If you are into conspiracies and all that bundled with a good chunk of marine action you should by this book. You are probably going to find it a great book.
Myself, well as I wrote above I am not too thrilled about this book in the series. I am still looking forward to the next book in the series though since I am so hoping that Stark eventually gets what he deserves and that his downfall will be long, detailed and excruciatingly painful…for Stark.
November 14, 2014
Should I give this two and half stars because it is only half of a five star story??? Allan has done a pretty good job of building a larger story arc throughout the series. There have been subtle cliffhangers, but over-all the core story of each novel was complete.
NOT SO for book seven; this book stops just before resolution develops on any of the several fronts that Allan maintains. If you buy this book, expect to by number eight as well...
The reason I warn that you will be buying two books and not just one is that this is some of the best I have read from Jay Allan. Yes, it could use another round of editing, there is some repeated text and a couple missing or miss-typed words. Over all we are juggled through battle on four different fronts with a little ancillary action thrown in. The different battles each develop a unique flavor because of the characters involved, and it is these characters that make the story. From Generals to Privates each perspective adds new color to the drama. There is a rapid fire pace that carries you through the whole book; if there is lull in the battle we jump to the next conflict and through it all there are good characters that tie it all together.
NOT SO for book seven; this book stops just before resolution develops on any of the several fronts that Allan maintains. If you buy this book, expect to by number eight as well...
The reason I warn that you will be buying two books and not just one is that this is some of the best I have read from Jay Allan. Yes, it could use another round of editing, there is some repeated text and a couple missing or miss-typed words. Over all we are juggled through battle on four different fronts with a little ancillary action thrown in. The different battles each develop a unique flavor because of the characters involved, and it is these characters that make the story. From Generals to Privates each perspective adds new color to the drama. There is a rapid fire pace that carries you through the whole book; if there is lull in the battle we jump to the next conflict and through it all there are good characters that tie it all together.
June 30, 2015
This is book 7 in the series and the writing, plot, characters and action is just as fresh as the first book in the series.
While the grand fleet was away fighting the First Imperium the head of security for earth has been building an army of cloned marines by the millions. Plus they have seized ships fo=rom the ship yards at Wolf 359 and are now conquering the outer colonies. What is Gavin Stark after ? Can the real marines prevail against superior numbers ?
The book ends with a cliff hanger to be resolved in book 8
Recommended military science fiction series
While the grand fleet was away fighting the First Imperium the head of security for earth has been building an army of cloned marines by the millions. Plus they have seized ships fo=rom the ship yards at Wolf 359 and are now conquering the outer colonies. What is Gavin Stark after ? Can the real marines prevail against superior numbers ?
The book ends with a cliff hanger to be resolved in book 8
Recommended military science fiction series
May 6, 2015
Another in a long line of awesome reads.
Another in a long line of awesome reads. Seamlessly tying in with previous books, I found myself going back the the first book in the series, and speed reading the entire tale all over again. I'm now ready to start VIII to see what happens. Reminds me of the Star Wars series and Asimov's Foundation Tale all rolled into one. An excellent read will start on the next one tonight and see where it takes me. Mahalo !
Another in a long line of awesome reads. Seamlessly tying in with previous books, I found myself going back the the first book in the series, and speed reading the entire tale all over again. I'm now ready to start VIII to see what happens. Reminds me of the Star Wars series and Asimov's Foundation Tale all rolled into one. An excellent read will start on the next one tonight and see where it takes me. Mahalo !
January 21, 2016
Blistering read!
The seventh addition to the series doesn't disappoint and to me it's another fantastic addition. It's sub-light speed leaves you resisting temptation to put it down. I'm so glad I've purchased the next book as this cliff hanger would leave me dying for the rest. Excellent characters and development, one of the best series I've read, hands down. Semper Fi
The seventh addition to the series doesn't disappoint and to me it's another fantastic addition. It's sub-light speed leaves you resisting temptation to put it down. I'm so glad I've purchased the next book as this cliff hanger would leave me dying for the rest. Excellent characters and development, one of the best series I've read, hands down. Semper Fi
January 26, 2017
I liked the First Imperium plot arc but it was getting stale to me. The best books of the series were written around the Powers and their plots. This one gets back to those high points. Stark as the ultimate bad guy is a fascinating development.
February 23, 2014
Brilliant love this series
April 20, 2015
Mind blowing
Greatest script I have ever read. Jay, don't stop writing. The depth of your descriptions puts me in the world you have created.
Dhthoreau1@gmail.com
Greatest script I have ever read. Jay, don't stop writing. The depth of your descriptions puts me in the world you have created.
Dhthoreau1@gmail.com
March 31, 2015
Another great book!
A great addition to the series. Looking forward to the next book. Perfect combination of military action and political intrigue.
A great addition to the series. Looking forward to the next book. Perfect combination of military action and political intrigue.
August 23, 2015
It wasn't one of the best book of the series
January 10, 2017
A war with with the shadow legion. And at the end we know who these people are. B
April 1, 2014
This series gets better, and better. too bad now I have to wait for the next book to come out.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews