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Mankind may be just about ready to reach for the stars, but before the Odyssey can begin... there was a war that had to be won.

In this explosive novel traditional claims, modern borders, and the dreams for a better tomorrow clash when the IndoChina backed Eastern Alliance takes a new and aggressive stance on the world stage, ushering in the last great World War.

A long patient wait is rewarded after over a century when the Chinese portion of the Eastern Alliance Bloc makes their move in the Pacific. For decades, only the US Navy has held them back from reclaiming what they believe to be theirs, but now the American forces are tired after decades of small wars, underfunded, and unprepared for what is coming. Additionally, the Bloc has an ace that shifts the balance of power and they intend to play it for all it is worth.

As the world plunges into the fires of war, a ragtag force of American, Japanese, and a smattering of other nationalities, sent fleeing across the ocean from Japan with aggressors nipping at their heels, are presented with a choice. Keep running, or choose a battleground and face their fate.

No more running. They will make their stand... on Holy Ground.

This explosive military thriller from Evan Currie, author of the best selling Odyssey One series, introduces readers to a world on the cusp of something more... a world ready to step beyond the problems of history... but first, there is one final war to be fought.

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

349 people are currently reading
188 people want to read

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Evan Currie

54 books1,895 followers

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5 stars
1,217 (70%)
4 stars
390 (22%)
3 stars
83 (4%)
2 stars
17 (<1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
3 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2023
Disappointing book. I usually like Evan Currie's work, but not this one. Fortunately, I read it on Kindle Unlimited so all it cost me was my time. The implausibilities and basic military mistakes were too much. For example:
* The ability of the Bloc to build a submarine the size of a US carrier and then test and put it in operation in total secret is not possible.
* For the Bloc to perfect air operations from such a vessel in secret is also not possible. The amount of training and coordination to perfect this capability is significant.
* And, for such a vessel to evade detection from US attack subs is not plausible.
* Navy ships, including ships designed for USMC amphibious operations, are commanded by Naval officers, not USMC officers, and if a Marine did command a ship he/she would be much more senior than a major. A major (O-4) is too junior to command a ship let alone the command the major is given in this book.
* The US Navy would not send a squadron piloted by civilians with little to no air combat experience into battle in Frankenstein aircraft assembled in a few weeks.

There were many other implausibilities I was able to "accept" for the sake of the story, but unfortunately, for me, the military mistakes and impossibilities were too big for a military action book.

Also, the book, Kindle version, was poorly edited with many incorrect words.
Profile Image for Online Eccentric Librarian.
3,400 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2021
More reviews at the Online Eccentric Librarian http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

I've loved every one of the bubble gum sci fi books in the Odyssey series. All the action and macho swagger was so much fun when fighting pernicious aliens. But in grounding this story completely on the Earth, this became almost racist with its treatment of the Eastern enemy and 'rah rah' North America jingoism. After about 20%, I realized I was starting to hate these earlier incarnations of characters I'd rooted for and enjoyed in the Odyssey series. This wasn't enjoyable at all and I almost felt dirty reading it.

Story: Before the Odyssey set out on its journey, the characters of the series were facing a war that would tear apart the Earth. This is the beginning of that war, when the Eastern Block of China and India develop a new technology that threatens the West and their allies. Tinkerer Erik Weston may have stumbled across the key to the Block's technology and a way to save the West from complete annihilation. With the help of a skinny kid named Stephanos, he might just save America!

I have to wonder that the book has such a gung ho "Make America Great again!" narrative in this current political climate - but written by a Canadian. There is so much American swagger that I felt hair growing on my chest (and I'm female). The whole premise of the book is that America had fallen behind its Eastern counterparts (excluding Japan) and were no longer the 'great nation' they had been. But of course, individuality, Western creativity, and American spirit will always win against narrow minded, robotic, Eastern adversaries (read: Chinese). This all just felt so wrong.

Because I listened to the audio version of this book, I did not notice any of the grammatical or other errors noted by others. But I am assuming Currie has decided to forgo a publisher and self publish - with all the pitfalls that entails. Even the storywriting could have used a strong editor to balance so many issues that were offputting in the book.

The narrator was decent and had to do a lot of accents that admittedly after awhile began to sound cliché. I do not think he could have avoided that situation due to the writing, however. I will not be following this prequel series further.
Profile Image for Koit.
786 reviews47 followers
January 24, 2021
I’m a fan of Mr Currie’s Odyssey universe. Yet, it looks as if with every new instalment the story is spread out across a longer time—and the book itself released in a bigger rush, poorly edited. The numerous errors in this book prevented me from really enjoying it, and these are its major pitfall.

Also, the strongly macho tone of combat that prevails throughout Mr Currie’s works is slowly getting old. I didn’t mind it to begin with—and in many instances this is cleverly offset—but this title comes across especially strong with the ‘hallowed ground’ story. This could have gone much deeper into the why and the how of events. Weston’s story was slightly different to the main series, mostly by dint of him being outside the military, looking in while tinkering on his project.

The other characters—uninspiredly named Liam Liam and Kiran Jiang—weren’t much to root for either. Liam did accomplish some things, but the person doing this could have literally been anyone else. Kiran’s importance was always stressed but never elaborated upon. Neither of these two grew on me during the course of the story.

Yet, I suspect I will return to this series if and when the author carries on, mostly because I’d like to know how it will be drawn to a close—if it will. However, that doesn’t mean I’d call anyone to join me on that journey.

This review was originally posted on my blog.
Profile Image for Mark Suroviec.
Author 3 books
March 12, 2021
Really like this author and the rest of this series, but this book was just bad. Maybe written by the intern? Lol. In case you missed the premise of the book, don’t worry, it’s repeated over and over using the same repetitive lines. If he uses one more acronym for some piece of military hardware or procedure no ones ever heard of...ahhhhh. Characters are uninspired and shallowly developed, and enough already with every other line being hoorah. Don’t read this book.
1 review
June 18, 2023
I have read many of his works before, like the Silver Wings, Odyssey One, and Archangel series, and enjoyed them. So, I assumed, same author, good story—boy was I wrong!!

I am detail oriented, and can’t just look past technical,—and in this case, military—errors; implausible details; and in this case, HORRIBLE EDITING! It’s like he had no technical/military/intelligence advisor that read it—and an editor that didn’t write English.

I read it on Amazon Unlimited, and used Kindle’s ability to submit errors. I’m less than half way through the book, and have probably wasted 1-2 hours doing that—and have given up. (And, I realized, if the author or Amazon actually read, and did anything about, these error reports, they would have been fixed long ago. The copyright on the copy I’m reading says, 2016. These errors would have been easy to fix, and republish to Amazon. So, if it hasn’t been done by now, it’s probably not going to happen.Either they don’t read them—or they don’t care.

What I can’t figure out is—how the book can get such great ratings and reviews!!
1 review
March 20, 2021
Good fast read

A good fast read. Action filled yet predictable. Many errors...the marine landing force or assault carrier commanded by no less than a major for one. Spell check failed on many others...sorry English major here. But All in all a good fast read. Looking towards the next edition.
Profile Image for Richard Stanley Whitmarsh.
2 reviews
March 13, 2021
Well enjoyed

Enjoyed, this book, did not disappoint.
Have thoroughly enjoyed all of Evan Currie’s books that I have read and look forward to reading more off the Odyssey / Archangels saga.
Profile Image for Marcos Carmo filho.
172 reviews9 followers
August 15, 2023
The author does a great job of conveying the helplessness that the introduction of a major technological shift by the Bloc caused, as the western military powers are forced to retreat from every confrontation and be glad if any assets make it out at all, until one retreating contingent draws a line in the sand.
While I enjoyed the book, one minor and two major gripes kept it from being more than ok.
As usual for the Odyssey One Universe, the book could do with better copy editing, but I’m used to it.
However… my fist real gripe is just how much of a Mary Sue/Gary Stu Eric Weston is portrayed as. NOT ONLY has the man, in a single lifetime, been a legendary combat fighter, ship commander and commodore, he’s also been portrayed as an incredible ground combat fighter and commander, and now, BEFORE all that, he’s shown to be the single greatest western visionary (ok, he’s one of two) to foresee the utility/threat of a revolutionary new technology that he worked on independently for three years, but somehow managed to field in time to save the day for the entire western civilization (by cracking the design, working as a project lead, mechanic and test pilot, mind you).
The struggles of the defenders and the desperation of the Brass are clearly and effectively used to show just why the Archangels managed to achieve legendary status. You can see it coming from thousands of nautical miles, and it does make for a great crescendo, though Evan Currie takes the cheap way around by time skipping over just how the defenders managed to hold out for so damn long, when everyone was sure they wouldn’t last a fraction of the time elapsed by the time things wrap up.
It’s an ok read if you’re invested in the series, but doesn’t really adds much to it.
5 reviews
February 8, 2024
Terrific Book, but...,

I just couldn't give this book five stars, but only because there are certain details that a Canadian author, writing from the perspective of Americans (mostly Marines) wouldn't know, or notice, mostly in mannerisms and conversational phrasing of the characters. As a Marine aviation technician from the late 80s who is now an engineer, those details jump right of the page. If you're going to make most of your characters Marines, please find a Marine to proof read your work before publishing. Also, Americans don't "go to university", we "go to college" or we "attend a (specific) university". European and apparently Canadian lexicon uses the word "university" as both the concept of and act of getting a higher education. Americans, refer to it quite differently. I have no clue as to why, we just do.
18 reviews
January 19, 2021
Holy ground indeed

There is no better adventure author than Evan Currie. Holy Ground the I Hope first prequel to the Odyssey/Archangel series introduces us to Eric Weston Steph Michaels and others in the cast of characters that make every book so compelling.
Evan provides a background to the events that preceded Odyssey one.
The bloc’s sneak attack on the western allies Japan, Korea and Taiwan is rolling over an underfunded and obsolescent American and allied forces....until Iwo Jima. The tale of the battles and the sacrifice of so many anoints the island as holy ground again.
The characters who make the series, Weston, Michaels, Admiral Gracen, Morgan Passer and many others are shown from the beginning and Currie paints them in vivid colors.
Profile Image for Jarrett Bridgeman.
6 reviews
February 26, 2021
Book inaccurate but Okay

The author writing technique was okay bet the accuracy of the novel left much to be desired. SeaHawks and SeaCobras in 2070? Dorie Miller if I remember correctly is a ship to shore connector not a carrier. The actual ground combat was fine but the air submarine combat was a little sketchy. It could have been a great book if more research and detail had been included. Hopefully,if this turns out to be a series which I kinda figure it is, the author will take the time and reesearch this properly and include missing details along the way. Oh, and a little gramar editing would help.
13 reviews
March 20, 2021
A thoroughly entertaining story of what the future may hold.

The year is 2078. Decades of political dysfunction and economic malaise have led to the United States being in a place it hasn't known for over a century. The Eastern Bloc, led by China, smell weakness and strike. Within days, they overrun Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. A surprisingly powerful fleet has the US Navy on its heels, retreating everywhere challenged.

All seems lost for the US. Except for one crazy bunch of Marines who hole up on one of the most sacred battlefields in USMC history. How crazy? They dare the Chinese fleet to come and get them. Provoke them. Goad them. Can they hold out and in the process, change the course of the war?

I read the Kindle version, which almost cost this a star. The editing is terrible. Still, it seems unfair to penalize an author who has delivered a book that I quite literally found myself reading at 3 in the morning because their editor was sloppy.
Profile Image for P..
17 reviews
February 23, 2021
Good but needs work

Overall this was a fun read. A bit fantastical, but decent story and character development for the few primary characters. It reads fast and is engaging.

That being said, it suffers from a number of editing issues. Misspelled names, inconsistencies with people and roles and call signs, incorrect use of ranks and such. They don’t necessarily detract from the overall story, but they are annoying and detract from the pleasure of reading a well edited book.
Profile Image for Nath.
263 reviews
December 14, 2022
Oh, what a disappointment this book is. I rather enjoyed the Odyssey's adventures in space, I was really looking forward to the beginning of the story.

Unfortunately, with the exception of a bit of padding on the beginning of Eric and Steph's friendship, there isn't a lot to love, here. The idea of World War III coming out of a decline in the West, combined with a technology surge in the East has something plausible about it.

But the bulk of this story didn't really make sense. Which is a shame.
70 reviews
March 3, 2024
Great great story

All the way to the end. Story is believable and
pulse pounding! I am totally in on this series! On to book 2 !!!!!!!!!! ( this Bob Slater on the wife's account, my credit card, her account) my only Only issue is the proof reading was done by spell check and not by actually reading by a human, you can tell because words used are spelled correctly but wrong word. Distracting but a great read. I need to retire and offer my services as a proof reader. Contact at bobdaman22000 at yahoo
24 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2021
Wow, what can I say? This book moved at hypersonic speed

I couldn’t put this book down. I picked it up as soon as it came out. I royally PO’ed my wife by ignoring her until I finished this book. As a Naval officer with a child in Navy flight training, I couldn’t wait to get this book off to her. Gotta love the Marines, but even in the 2070’s I can’t see a Marine driving a Navy ship. Only thing in the book that I couldn’t suspend reality for...
25 reviews
Read
March 23, 2021
A novel about World War III

We win, of course. By the 2070s the US military has been starved of resources for 50 years or more and the East Block Alliance, led by China, has developed a new weapon that results in rapid loss of Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Things begin to change as retreating fighters make a stand at Iwo Jima and trick the Chinese into thinking the island is important.
Profile Image for John Froemke.
33 reviews
April 29, 2021
Holy smoke!

Action, action, action. Great characters and a lot of them. Story was sure real. Wish there was a follow-up. The Kindle reading gave me additional excitement. Funny when the text to speech made normal word changes. But there was a real strange one that was hilarious and I will let people find it for themselves. Thank you for this book. Good read for multiple times, I'm sure.
8 reviews
January 27, 2021
Another great addition to the story..

After reading all of the authors other books it was good to read another addition and add to the story and understand how things got started. The marines kick butt again which is always a good thing. I think someone needs to do a spell and word check to remove the errors.
3 reviews
January 30, 2021
Excellent exciting read

Evan Currie has been one of my favourite authors for some time. Here he manages to never let up on the tension, swapping from one storyline to another and back again in a highly coordinated effort that is exciting to read. Impossible to put down as you wind through the story.
Profile Image for David Kennedy.
46 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2021
Very good page turner, but highly implausible.

I like Evan Currie’s books generally, but he writes so much that they don’t get a good edit; so there are typos that distract and thoughts and sentances that get quasi-repeated in a few pages. Plus, fielding new technologies in the manner he describes is beyond belief.
19 reviews
February 6, 2021
Gripping Story of War and Brotherhood

It seems I am at a loss for words with this review, however, it may well be the best story of war and Brotherhood I have ever read.
I think Evan Currie has created a storyline that we all can relate to.
As an old veteran from the Army , I salute you!
Profile Image for Thomas James.
578 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2021
Heroes

Wow! Take your best WWII island-hopping war action thriller, add lazers, nuclear weapons, and modern tech and you have the basic story. The real story is the people because it is not really the island that makes it unique, it is the heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting you and me.
102 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2021
Holy ground indeed

A spell bonding book they did not let me put it down from the time I opened it to time I finished it. It was just one glorious read about fiction that could quite actually become fact. Iwo still stands today as holy ground and all Marines are united in Saying Semper Fi
1 review
October 17, 2021
A warning for our time take note.

American hubris put to the test combine Pearl Harbor ,Guadalcanal and Midway lace it modern and future tech throw in an advisory that is currently gearing up right now and our current lack of political fortitude and this gives a clear sense of foreboding we can still address.
1 review
July 25, 2022
fantastic but needs some error checking

Fantastic book by Mr. Currie. That said, there really needs to be more proofreading before this goes out. Spelling errors are not such a big deal but occasionally the grammar just Knocks you right out of the story as you try to figure out what was just said.
19 reviews
January 16, 2023
stupendous prequel - great military thriller

I’ve read all of Currie’s novels involving Eric Weston ,and this prequel fills in many of the historical gaps nicely. Currie has an inherently excellent grasp of military tactics and weave an engrossing tale of the beginning of the war that led us to space and the adventures of the Odysseus and the Archangels.
Profile Image for Michael Annis.
182 reviews
February 27, 2024
cracking adventure

Ok I’ll give a spoiler. The good guys won for now but what a ride. Yes it’s far fetched and hard to believe but I enjoyed the ride. Well written ( though it needs a better proof reader) and lots of action with interesting characters though a bit stereotypical. Some scenes to be taken with a lump of saccharine. But despite this a thoroughly enjoyable read .
127 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2024
Awesome futuristic battlefield

The free world struggles against China in this breathtaking story. In the beginning, the only advantage the free world has is patriotism, trading blood for breathing room.
And, the battles in this book are just the beginning of the war. Looking forward to the next books in the series!
247 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2024
Wow !

This was an excellent book !. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It drew me in and kept me there. Well done, Mr. Currie. It was written well enough that I could overlook the few typos and military fupas's. Although, please remember a Colonel out ranks a major, and marine officers do not command naval ships. But once again, great read !.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews

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