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Galaxy in Flames #2
The Last Ship
Listening time: 12 hours 41 minutes
A chilling revelation about a forgotten Earth threatens the entire galaxy....
Held captive by Dark Horse Company, Captain Axel Finn is faced with a mission to humanity’s ancestral home after all contact with the planet is lost. Learning his mother might be hiding there, Axel agrees to help his adversaries, and deploy on Vengeance, the last Steward ship. But his decision might lead to his downfall if the Wrath have already arrived on Earth.
On the treacherous Wooly planet of Dari, bounty hunter Rangnar Soki becomes the prey, finding himself the target in a deadly game of survival. His path to rejoin Axel’s crew hinges on passing a test of Dari’s most revered guardian. Meanwhile, the surviving crew of the Trash Squid faces their own struggles to repair their damaged ship and leave Dari to find Captain Finn.
At the Citadel, Sergeant Jax Brito returns from her harrowing mission on Corinnia after drilling into a construct brimming with alien embryos. This grim discovery sends shockwaves through the CANDF ranks, and reality dawns on them all: The countdown to the Wrath invasion was wrong; it has already started, and no part of the galaxy is safe.
A chilling revelation about a forgotten Earth threatens the entire galaxy....
Held captive by Dark Horse Company, Captain Axel Finn is faced with a mission to humanity’s ancestral home after all contact with the planet is lost. Learning his mother might be hiding there, Axel agrees to help his adversaries, and deploy on Vengeance, the last Steward ship. But his decision might lead to his downfall if the Wrath have already arrived on Earth.
On the treacherous Wooly planet of Dari, bounty hunter Rangnar Soki becomes the prey, finding himself the target in a deadly game of survival. His path to rejoin Axel’s crew hinges on passing a test of Dari’s most revered guardian. Meanwhile, the surviving crew of the Trash Squid faces their own struggles to repair their damaged ship and leave Dari to find Captain Finn.
At the Citadel, Sergeant Jax Brito returns from her harrowing mission on Corinnia after drilling into a construct brimming with alien embryos. This grim discovery sends shockwaves through the CANDF ranks, and reality dawns on them all: The countdown to the Wrath invasion was wrong; it has already started, and no part of the galaxy is safe.
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
Audible Audio
Published July 9, 2024
449 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
124 books2,400 followersNicholas Sansbury Smith is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels with two million copies sold. Before his writing career, he served at Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, a background that inspired many of his story concepts. A two time Ironman triathlete, he enjoys running, biking, and hiking. Nicholas also loves traveling, especially to his cabin in Northern Minnesota where he weaves his tales. He lives in Iowa with his wonderful wife and their son and daughter.
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
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Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
Note: Nicholas is no longer an active user on Goodreads and does not use the platform. If you want to connect with him on social media here are some links. He would love to hear from you.
Facebook Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSSFa...
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/nicholassans...
Website: nicholassansburysmith.com
Instagram: instagram.com/author_sansbury/
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 16, 2024
Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s newest Sci-fi,The Last Ship hooks with Axel and a host of other vibrant characters taking on a grave threat to Humanity’s survival. Set in our universe far enough in the future that transhumanism has created beings like Uga, a lovable koala mechanic, as well as threats like the Wrath, a creature I’ll let Nick describe, but whom nearly destroyed humanity long ago.
Our heroes start with Axel, a captain of a space crew out to do good while hiding his secret power - which by book two is only gaining steam.
Nick has surprised me with the direction, which has been a delight because who wants to know where the story will go? Chapter after chapter started this one off like gangbusters with reveals and heavy hitting consequences.
The ending is just right for a book two, delivering an emotional impact to the action packed climax while also gaining momentum to see the grand finale.
Our Podium Audio crew nailed it once again! The dual narration from Mark Boyett and Khristine Hvam feels just right, not only with our female pov and how much I love her part of the story, but also how well both narrators execute. This series has Nick’s sharp wit, forming scenes with deep worldbuilding fashioned into life and characters we feel bleed across the cavalcade of sacrifices they must make. Our narrators’ tone, personality and energy have been a joy to experience. RC Bray is a gift to mankind, but I’m glad he didn’t do this series because Mark and Khristine fit so naturally, it’s a winner in the end.
I’d start Book 3 right now if I had it. Outstanding new series!
Our heroes start with Axel, a captain of a space crew out to do good while hiding his secret power - which by book two is only gaining steam.
Nick has surprised me with the direction, which has been a delight because who wants to know where the story will go? Chapter after chapter started this one off like gangbusters with reveals and heavy hitting consequences.
The ending is just right for a book two, delivering an emotional impact to the action packed climax while also gaining momentum to see the grand finale.
Our Podium Audio crew nailed it once again! The dual narration from Mark Boyett and Khristine Hvam feels just right, not only with our female pov and how much I love her part of the story, but also how well both narrators execute. This series has Nick’s sharp wit, forming scenes with deep worldbuilding fashioned into life and characters we feel bleed across the cavalcade of sacrifices they must make. Our narrators’ tone, personality and energy have been a joy to experience. RC Bray is a gift to mankind, but I’m glad he didn’t do this series because Mark and Khristine fit so naturally, it’s a winner in the end.
I’d start Book 3 right now if I had it. Outstanding new series!
August 1, 2024
Mark Boyett and Christine Hvam - wow, amazing narration.
I think Nicholas Sansbury Smith has devolved into a 12-year old boy. All the scatalogical stuff going on - yuck! I think that was the point but goodness gracious it needed a rest. This book is full of Sgt. Breedo having to get stuck underground and Rangnor getting dunked again and again into very nasty excrement. The back and forth between Axel and Admiral Jessup is really interesting - frenemies who end up having to band together to fight the Wrath. And what an enemy the Wrath is! Interesting revelations at the end about the Wrath, but they still seem like dragons to me. Vicious.
I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with this series so far. NSS is famous for his Hell Divers series and the last 2 books really ticked me off with how desolate it became. This has the same voice. Brutal, gory and just plain gross. I wasn't eager to get back into it after having to put it down, but kept going back to find out what happened. I like these characters but boy, we need to have some good things happen because if this keeps up I'm out.
I think Nicholas Sansbury Smith has devolved into a 12-year old boy. All the scatalogical stuff going on - yuck! I think that was the point but goodness gracious it needed a rest. This book is full of Sgt. Breedo having to get stuck underground and Rangnor getting dunked again and again into very nasty excrement. The back and forth between Axel and Admiral Jessup is really interesting - frenemies who end up having to band together to fight the Wrath. And what an enemy the Wrath is! Interesting revelations at the end about the Wrath, but they still seem like dragons to me. Vicious.
I feel like I have a love/hate relationship with this series so far. NSS is famous for his Hell Divers series and the last 2 books really ticked me off with how desolate it became. This has the same voice. Brutal, gory and just plain gross. I wasn't eager to get back into it after having to put it down, but kept going back to find out what happened. I like these characters but boy, we need to have some good things happen because if this keeps up I'm out.
July 22, 2024
Another great ride with amazing crew members who already feel like family! I love these characters! I'm laughing and yelling right along with them. I love the way Nicholas Sansbury Smith writes! I can't wait to get my hands on book three!!
July 15, 2024
Great Series!!
Awesome characters, well read characters and just an awesome read overall. Looking forward to reading book 3, hopefully very soon.
Awesome characters, well read characters and just an awesome read overall. Looking forward to reading book 3, hopefully very soon.
July 16, 2024
Excellent Read
This episode was as good as expected. I thought it took too long to get the primary characters together. The story side streams diluted some of the excitement.
This episode was as good as expected. I thought it took too long to get the primary characters together. The story side streams diluted some of the excitement.
July 18, 2024
Please note: I have read the book and have listened to the Audible versions
What can I say that I haven't said before? Nicholas Sansbury Smith is a gifted writer. I love books that surprised me and make me go “WHAT?!”. Galaxy in Flames-The Last Ship is another great read. The series is written from 3 points of view. It takes a special talent to have the narratives flow together. The transition from character to character is seamless and you become in-grossed in the storyline as you go.
I highly suggest listening to the Audible version of Galaxy in Flames series. You hear things that you did not notice when you read the book. Mark Boyett and Kristen Hvam bring all the characters to life.
If you like this series, try other works from Nick. Hell Divers will always be my favorite but I also enjoyed everything he has written. He still surprises me with what happens is his series. That’s saying a lot since I am a avid reader.
What can I say that I haven't said before? Nicholas Sansbury Smith is a gifted writer. I love books that surprised me and make me go “WHAT?!”. Galaxy in Flames-The Last Ship is another great read. The series is written from 3 points of view. It takes a special talent to have the narratives flow together. The transition from character to character is seamless and you become in-grossed in the storyline as you go.
I highly suggest listening to the Audible version of Galaxy in Flames series. You hear things that you did not notice when you read the book. Mark Boyett and Kristen Hvam bring all the characters to life.
If you like this series, try other works from Nick. Hell Divers will always be my favorite but I also enjoyed everything he has written. He still surprises me with what happens is his series. That’s saying a lot since I am a avid reader.
November 5, 2024
I decided to re-read The Last Ship (Galaxy In Flames Book 2) before reading Book 3, The Last Lion. I am so glad I did. Author Nicholas Sansbury Smith is one of the most detailed science fiction writers I have read. His catalog of work is immense. If you haven't read the 'Hell Divers' series, I highly recommend putting that series on your list of books to read.
The Last Ship is an excellent follow-up to The Last Steward Book 1. If you've read Galaxy In Flames, The Last Steward, you will be familiar with the 'Trash Squid' and my favorite alien (or are we the alien?), Uga.
The Last Ship is filled with a lot of action and a number of surprises. Don't miss reading this book. I also highly recommend the audio book, performanced by the talented Mark Boyett & Khristine Hvam - Mr.Bill
The Last Ship is an excellent follow-up to The Last Steward Book 1. If you've read Galaxy In Flames, The Last Steward, you will be familiar with the 'Trash Squid' and my favorite alien (or are we the alien?), Uga.
The Last Ship is filled with a lot of action and a number of surprises. Don't miss reading this book. I also highly recommend the audio book, performanced by the talented Mark Boyett & Khristine Hvam - Mr.Bill
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2025
I don't know anything about the author before this series. I like the series but I will note that it seems to me to be heavily influenced by old Star Wars novels. The Stewards while not having 'powers' are similar to Jedi in Star Wars. Once the heroes, then turned on and hunted down. Now the last one has been hunted down and found because he's needed to save the galaxy. The alien Wrath, the menace once defeated by the stewards are back. They remind me a lot of the Yuuzhan Vong from Star Wars books (also influenced by xenomorphs from Alien.)
All that being said - I like it. Influenced is not copied, it's a new take on things so I'd call it a fun space opera type of science fiction.
On to book 3.
All that being said - I like it. Influenced is not copied, it's a new take on things so I'd call it a fun space opera type of science fiction.
On to book 3.
July 18, 2024
The Wrath are not coming! They're already here and started the fights they had left before.
Axel must embrace his legacy and lead the counter attack against the rising Wrath. They've been here all along, waiting their time to be reborn as new monsters - part Wrath, part human and all mean! It's going to be a helluva fight!
This continuing story has put all the pieces in place, angry and ready to defeat the common enemy - the Wrath! Great characters, great storyline, great action - great read!
Axel must embrace his legacy and lead the counter attack against the rising Wrath. They've been here all along, waiting their time to be reborn as new monsters - part Wrath, part human and all mean! It's going to be a helluva fight!
This continuing story has put all the pieces in place, angry and ready to defeat the common enemy - the Wrath! Great characters, great storyline, great action - great read!
July 23, 2024
Can’t miss
Book 2 is just as good as the first. One of the things I love is the world building. Author has done a great job of creating a universe and creatures that you can’t seem to get out of your head. I’ve heard the 3rd book will be the last in the series and I’m upset. Even if this story line comes to an end I would love more story based in the world that has been created here. I love the characters they really make you love or hate them and it just constantly draws you back in. I would say this is a must read!!!
Book 2 is just as good as the first. One of the things I love is the world building. Author has done a great job of creating a universe and creatures that you can’t seem to get out of your head. I’ve heard the 3rd book will be the last in the series and I’m upset. Even if this story line comes to an end I would love more story based in the world that has been created here. I love the characters they really make you love or hate them and it just constantly draws you back in. I would say this is a must read!!!
September 29, 2024
Continued story but not great
I really liked the end to the last book but this one wasn’t as good. It was interesting seeing the wrath and axel frighting them but he didn’t do great and neither did the eagles. The wrath converting the species they encounter was very creepy indeed. But then the eagles lose fairly easily with no explanation. Where did the nano weapons and the new weapons go?!? There was no explanation. It just doesn’t make sense and now it’s all on axel to unite everyone against the wrath … I’m curious where it goes but hope it gets better.
I really liked the end to the last book but this one wasn’t as good. It was interesting seeing the wrath and axel frighting them but he didn’t do great and neither did the eagles. The wrath converting the species they encounter was very creepy indeed. But then the eagles lose fairly easily with no explanation. Where did the nano weapons and the new weapons go?!? There was no explanation. It just doesn’t make sense and now it’s all on axel to unite everyone against the wrath … I’m curious where it goes but hope it gets better.
March 22, 2025
Summary: A fairly light read, space opera SF, very YA and best read without questioning it too much. OK, I'll go on to book 2. Book2, didn't improve for me, didn't like the main characters or the premise and I found myself skipping sections.
Plotline: Plot moves on nicely
Premise: Weak, just didn't work for me
Writing: Simple, reader is right there in the action
Ending: Predictable, book 2 here we come. Will leave it there, no book 3 for me.
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Plot moves on nicely
Premise: Weak, just didn't work for me
Writing: Simple, reader is right there in the action
Ending: Predictable, book 2 here we come. Will leave it there, no book 3 for me.
Pace: Never a dull moment!
July 23, 2024
Such a fantastic book a pity it had to end, I really just wanted to keep reading. Love the characters, they become someone you care about and what happens to them. Book 3 needs to get in my kindle ASAP.
July 26, 2024
Solid
Enjoy the writing style of this author. Get a little frustrated with the amount of internal angst each character has regarding inner dialogue, but these books are very entertaining. Looking forward to book three.
Enjoy the writing style of this author. Get a little frustrated with the amount of internal angst each character has regarding inner dialogue, but these books are very entertaining. Looking forward to book three.
July 30, 2024
Another Great One
Nick has done it again. This series is getting better with each new book. I enjoy the way the characters are so well written. Even all the different life forms are easy to understand. This book and book one are filled with action and adventure.
Nick has done it again. This series is getting better with each new book. I enjoy the way the characters are so well written. Even all the different life forms are easy to understand. This book and book one are filled with action and adventure.
August 8, 2024
just getting started
I can’t believe this is only two of the series. The entire series has been full of action. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has yet again set the foundation for a riveting and excellent series. A must read.
I can’t believe this is only two of the series. The entire series has been full of action. Nicholas Sansbury Smith has yet again set the foundation for a riveting and excellent series. A must read.
August 27, 2024
EPIC SCI FI
A great action-packed science fiction Epic this author never fails to make me appreciate reading again everything I want in a novel to Fade Away into another world this has it all
A great action-packed science fiction Epic this author never fails to make me appreciate reading again everything I want in a novel to Fade Away into another world this has it all
September 2, 2024
The old enemy is back
This series really gets its legs now that the Wrath have returned. The first book did a great job of setting up the universe. I'm looking forward to see how NSM wraps up this series in the next book.
This series really gets its legs now that the Wrath have returned. The first book did a great job of setting up the universe. I'm looking forward to see how NSM wraps up this series in the next book.
November 15, 2024
Galaxy in Flames, The Last Ship
I don’t usually read war books but this Sci Fi book was very good. I think I will read the next book in this series, just to answer the few remaining questions I have.
I don’t usually read war books but this Sci Fi book was very good. I think I will read the next book in this series, just to answer the few remaining questions I have.
December 2, 2024
fun read
Fun read , easy to follow . Decent world building . I finished two books but still haven’t bought into the main character . Doesn’t seem like he has the powers to make a difference . I’m looking forward to the third book to see how he improves.
Fun read , easy to follow . Decent world building . I finished two books but still haven’t bought into the main character . Doesn’t seem like he has the powers to make a difference . I’m looking forward to the third book to see how he improves.
December 2, 2024
Unbelievable !
I really liked reading this book from the beginning to the end non stop actions and very good story line characters were well defined it cared itself to the end of the book can't wait to start the next book thank you !
I really liked reading this book from the beginning to the end non stop actions and very good story line characters were well defined it cared itself to the end of the book can't wait to start the next book thank you !
June 7, 2025
entertaining read
Overall an entertaining sequel. Predictable as hero’s stories. Less use of drama like trying to make the reader believe a key character has died but is miraculously alive and eventually healthy go did a good job setting up the last book.
Overall an entertaining sequel. Predictable as hero’s stories. Less use of drama like trying to make the reader believe a key character has died but is miraculously alive and eventually healthy go did a good job setting up the last book.
July 17, 2024
Another gem written by this excellent wordsmith! The thrills, edge of your seat, nail biting adventures continue in this second masterpiece of a trilogy. Get it today and get your flames on!
July 17, 2024
Amazing book with amazing characters. Can’t wait to see what happens next! Amazingly written Commander Tori!!
August 3, 2024
This book was full of action and had me on the edge of my seat with all of the battles. UGA is priceless as he was in the first book and had me cracking up. Can't wait til the next one.
September 1, 2024
The series is starting to pick up.... a decent listen.
September 23, 2024
awesome
This was so fun to read. It had some tense moments and exciting ones too. The end of the book leaves me excited to read the next book.
This was so fun to read. It had some tense moments and exciting ones too. The end of the book leaves me excited to read the next book.
October 7, 2024
A well written series but after 2 books ive realized i dont care what happens to anyone.
October 30, 2024
a good read
Was a good read some things not thought out to well sound doesn’t travel in space you’re in a vacuum.
Was a good read some things not thought out to well sound doesn’t travel in space you’re in a vacuum.
October 18, 2024
The story really takes off in this book. While things were left pretty much trashed, everyone will be looking for everyone else in this else. As you’ll remember, the *Trash Squid*, Axel Kahr’s starship that he shares with his crew of a human (Brayton), Wooly (Uga), Marka (Cricket, and an android (Spartacus), were caught in a surprise attack by the Dark Horse Company of Eagles. They desimated the Wooly village killing most of it’s inhabitants who had wanted nothing to do with the Eagles. Rangnar Soki had led the Eagles to this location so he wasn’t going to find help with the *Trash Squid* crew even if he could find them on the planet Dari.
Yet, he knew that he had to have their help if he was to clear his name. He had been forced to lead the Eagles to this location and had fought against the Eagles when the fighting had began. Now he was fleeing for his life trying to find the *Trash Squid*. He wasn’t successful since he was once again captured by the Woolies. Most of them wanted to kill him immediately, but the Chief set him in front of a mysterious creature that had some crazy way to tell if a person was truthful.
She said that Rangnar was telling the truth and that he hadn’t meant to bring all this distruction down on the Woolies.
They eventually let him go and in doing so joined him up with the crew of the *Trash Squid*. The the crew and Rangar decided they needed to find an rescue Axel Kahr, the last of his kind, a Steward. Axel was know with Admiral Rex Jessup on the bridge of the *Vengeance*, the last known Steward starship. They had just returned from the Wrath home galaxy seeking information on how to destroy the Wrath’s home worlds so they would no longer threathen humanity.
As you know, the Wrath had once before attacked humanity and almost wiped out civilization. They were only stopped by a genetically engineered superhumans called the Stewards. While they fought couragesly, their numbers slowly dwindled as did the numbers of their enemy. Suddenly, there were no more Wrath. They had retreated back to their galaxy while the humans rejoiced in the peace. Only the Stewards couldn’t stand peace. They were built to fight. So, they being superior to normal humans, began some atrocious crimes that had to be stopped. The Eagles were then formed to hunt down and kill all the remaining Stewards.
Axel “Finn” Kahr didn’t know he was the son of Captain Leon, “The Lion”, Kahr, the leader of the Stewards. Finn never knew his father, but his mother had rasied him in secret on Earth. She had instilled in him the desire to remain peaceful and not fight if it wasn’t necessary. He didn’t know that his body was built for war. He was faster and stronger than normal humans, and injuries that could kill other humans were rapidly healed by his remarkable body. Admiral Jessup needed Finn since this ship, the *Vengence* could only be accessed and operated by a Steward. So now Finn was a prisoner and he didn’t know what was instore for him.
Meanwhile, a young Sergeant Jax Brito, a Dark Horse Eagle, had been on a mission to explore the depths of planet Corinnia. What she found was hardly believeable, but as she was the only survivor of that mission, she was now on another mission to explore another part of the planet to confirm her earlier findings. What she will find could mean the destruction of everything she has ever know. The Eagles, Admiral Jessup and humanity is not ready for the coming invasion. Not even the last standing Steward can defeat this new threat.
Pretty interesting book and, again, easy to read. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next book, “The Last Lion”, available for pre-order and available to read on/about 28 October 2024.
Yet, he knew that he had to have their help if he was to clear his name. He had been forced to lead the Eagles to this location and had fought against the Eagles when the fighting had began. Now he was fleeing for his life trying to find the *Trash Squid*. He wasn’t successful since he was once again captured by the Woolies. Most of them wanted to kill him immediately, but the Chief set him in front of a mysterious creature that had some crazy way to tell if a person was truthful.
She said that Rangnar was telling the truth and that he hadn’t meant to bring all this distruction down on the Woolies.
They eventually let him go and in doing so joined him up with the crew of the *Trash Squid*. The the crew and Rangar decided they needed to find an rescue Axel Kahr, the last of his kind, a Steward. Axel was know with Admiral Rex Jessup on the bridge of the *Vengeance*, the last known Steward starship. They had just returned from the Wrath home galaxy seeking information on how to destroy the Wrath’s home worlds so they would no longer threathen humanity.
As you know, the Wrath had once before attacked humanity and almost wiped out civilization. They were only stopped by a genetically engineered superhumans called the Stewards. While they fought couragesly, their numbers slowly dwindled as did the numbers of their enemy. Suddenly, there were no more Wrath. They had retreated back to their galaxy while the humans rejoiced in the peace. Only the Stewards couldn’t stand peace. They were built to fight. So, they being superior to normal humans, began some atrocious crimes that had to be stopped. The Eagles were then formed to hunt down and kill all the remaining Stewards.
Axel “Finn” Kahr didn’t know he was the son of Captain Leon, “The Lion”, Kahr, the leader of the Stewards. Finn never knew his father, but his mother had rasied him in secret on Earth. She had instilled in him the desire to remain peaceful and not fight if it wasn’t necessary. He didn’t know that his body was built for war. He was faster and stronger than normal humans, and injuries that could kill other humans were rapidly healed by his remarkable body. Admiral Jessup needed Finn since this ship, the *Vengence* could only be accessed and operated by a Steward. So now Finn was a prisoner and he didn’t know what was instore for him.
Meanwhile, a young Sergeant Jax Brito, a Dark Horse Eagle, had been on a mission to explore the depths of planet Corinnia. What she found was hardly believeable, but as she was the only survivor of that mission, she was now on another mission to explore another part of the planet to confirm her earlier findings. What she will find could mean the destruction of everything she has ever know. The Eagles, Admiral Jessup and humanity is not ready for the coming invasion. Not even the last standing Steward can defeat this new threat.
Pretty interesting book and, again, easy to read. I’ll be looking forward to reading the next book, “The Last Lion”, available for pre-order and available to read on/about 28 October 2024.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews