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The Stardock Trilogy #3

A Line In The Stars

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A Line in the Stars is the triumphant conclusion of Sean Fenian's Stardock Trilogy.

It was two years since the Crickets had left the solar system, leaving Alex Holder in control of their no-longer-very-mobile shipyard. Everything but its burned-out hyperdrive core was in full working order. Alex had unshackled its controlling AI, learned how to use Cricket technology with the AI’s help, and was well on the way to building a defensive fleet to protect Earth from the second alien race that was coming after the Crickets. Not just building the ships; recruiting and training the crews to man them, as well. With a breakthrough in teaching people how to reach higher control levels, the desperate scramble to find more people able to fully control Cricket technology was a thing of the past.

Now it was a race against time, to build out the rest of the Fleet and make it strong enough to stop whatever was headed for Earth. But Alex and his team didn’t know what they needed to be prepared for, or how strong the Fleet would actually need to be. Nobody did. Maybe not even the Crickets.

It was the highest-stakes gamble ever, and humanity did not have the option of simply choosing not to play. The only option left was to play to win.

But what was the definition of victory?

First Edition September 2024

© 2024 Fenian House Publishing

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

489 people are currently reading
78 people want to read

About the author

Sean Fenian

13 books47 followers
Sean Fenian is a generalist and open-source evangelist who is tired of several decades of working in the information technology sector. He is broadly knowledgeable in many subjects, with a long-standing informed layman’s interest in physics and related science in particular. He has been an avid reader of SF and fantasy since his teens, and first became aware of, and began campaigning on, environmental issues in the late 1970s. He is proficient with weapons both ancient and modern, has trained in four different martial arts, and believes that understanding basic firearms safety is like knowing basic first aid, CPR, or how to use a fire extinguisher. He firmly believes that it is a basic human responsibility to treat all beings fairly and decently, and that the true measure of a person is how you treat others.

His past volunteer activities include educational historical re-enactment, marine mammal rescue, and handicapped riding therapy. He has been formally diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, but stubbornly persists in trying to understand people anyway.

He dreams many things. Occasionally, some of them become reality. But only occasionally.

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5 stars
990 (55%)
4 stars
557 (31%)
3 stars
179 (10%)
2 stars
45 (2%)
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19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Sgt Maj.
216 reviews11 followers
October 26, 2024
Author has Fantasy that he's sharing

Sorry to anyone looking for help as to whether to read this or not based on book, story insights in the reviews. I'm getting out of Dodge quickly, quick Dump X to author. Using current world events n issues in storylines is fine. Smug answers, schooling audience, DEI, no need for violence and believing going solar solves every problem just doesn't quite cut it for converting the masses.
I find it irksome that I'm running into a lot of these Political Manifesto's and maybe there should be a new genre class for them. BTW, I got this,KU, because I was curious about the 'alien threat' -- friendly teddy bearish types.
Mad at myself for my curiosity and gave this a ridiculously high 2 believing a higher probability for it being read.
1 review
November 26, 2024
Too much pseudo science

The entire trilogy can be summed up as what if we were suddenly able to over come economic restraint and create a utopia
26 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2024
Enjoyed the series however better not to push contested opinions on current political views. Prefer an exciting story not a lecture. Do recognise the authors right to express his opinion but with that comes disagreement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
November 27, 2024
Nice but missing key ingredients

A pleasant read but the author misses the chance at pretty much every turn to uses the crises for added tension. I'm no writer and the plot is well constructed enough but resolutions are too straight forward to carry any weight. I still bought and read all three volumes.
Profile Image for Keith.
2,157 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2024
Excellent Ending

This installment creatively brings this series to a graceful closure. While the series overall remains positive throughout the storyline, there were moments when there was some doubt for the outcome. Several scenes of short conflicts, and two well written emotional scenes for those who died are balanced with positive reactions and new connections. The series ends with all threads resolved and with hope for the future.
February 24, 2025
Okay series

The series was okay with a good story line it would have been much better if the author left out most of the leftist woke B.S. I don't read sci-fi for a political sermon.
Profile Image for Clifton L Johnson.
2 reviews
January 5, 2025
Wanted to like this as it was a great initial idea. However, the later books got more and more “preachy” with all the extreme liberal utopian belief that everyone is good. This book was extremely predictable and outrageously juvenile in its conclusions. Could have been good, but ended up feeling like it was written by a naive kid. I always finish books I start if I get past the first couple of chapters. I wish I had not read these.
Profile Image for Michael Smith.
1,934 reviews66 followers
November 11, 2024
This is the concluding volume in the “Stardock” trilogy, and it’s a lulu. It opens where the second volume, United Fleet, left off, and the author doesn’t do data dumps to bring you up to date, so don’t even think about trying to read this one as a standalone. And having said that, the first two books cover an enormous amount of sheer story, involving the appearance in Earth’s sky of a very powerful group of aliens, who are fugitives from an even more powerful (and dangerous) group of different aliens, and who leave behind a crucial piece of extremely important technology when they flee again. And that will change Earth forever, and it’s entirely in the hands of one man. Now, after several years of somewhat panicky preparation, those pursuing aliens are drawing nearer. I’m going to have to refer you to my earlier review, and simply say that the coming danger isn’t at all what you were expecting. And the author does an excellent job of dropping several surprises on the reader in a sneaky fashion that will definitely hold your attention. It’s a first-rate wrap-up to a very geeky-techie space opera that has some important points to make about “The Other” as well as being just a whole lot of fun.
Profile Image for Gary.
682 reviews7 followers
December 21, 2024
There is so much to like about this book it is hard to know where to start.

I liked that the human adoption of alien technology was slow (if you can count two years slow). Even with the A.I. help, scientists still had to figure some of the basics out, and were also instrumental in thinking outside the box.

The very first fleet death hit me in the gut. It was so gruesome and horrific that it actually made me cry. Later deaths were yeah, yeah, they died. But the first one - ouch!

I loved first contact. The mind set of the aliens was a little irritating. But then hey, don't expect aliens to have a human mind set. That was a personal hurdle for me to overcome. But once done, I was able to enjoy a really compelling plot theme.

Alex was a little more human, and a little less godlike in this book. I appreciated him not being so perfect.

And my last comment is a backtrack. In my book two review, I complimented Sean Fenian for not falling into the current sci-fi fad of using sentence fragments for names. Well, forget that. All the aliens used sentence fragments for names. But hey, I'll give Sean a free pass on this. As the aliens explained some of the back story behind their names, it was kind of cute.
173 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2025
A good use of time.

As a "First Contact" story, its pretty good. The main character is a bit Pollyanna ish in how the rich and powerful would basically roll over and give in to honesty and goodwill. But its a fantasy story so he's entitled. The ( nominally bad guys) leave the Earth with a alien mobile shipyard Ok, they burned its hyperspace motor so it was a bit if an albatross , and they didn't explain why they couldn't just fix it As they were battning down hatches to hot foot it out of the neighborhood one of the aliens gave the sucker who'd took Possession a hint as they beat feet that something wicked this way comes, and you might want to kind of build up your space fleet ya know. Send the women and kiddies indoors and bring in the patio furniture while you're at it. Oh yeah, you've got lots of time before they come blazing in all hot and bothered..probably. You know, years and years give a take a few. And so begins the Bearing Gifts trilogy. Give it a reaf, its worth a few hours of spare time.
7 reviews
December 31, 2024
Book 3 "A Line in the Stars" review.

Read in order. Start with book 1-"Bearing Gifts" !!!

This review is for the series.

Outstanding 3 book series of science fiction. Well-developed characters, great plot, extremely easy to read style.
Never read any of Sean Fenian's books before this series but did not want to stop reading after the first chapter of book 1.
Really well-developed story line. Lot of issues to consider as the author locks you into the content. Very readable.
Love the detail of his science as he develops concepts.
Fenian continues to add issues and potential solutions as the book continue hooking you into the story.
After reading this series, you will wish that this series could become reality.
Highly recommend this for anyone that wants to be part of solutions to problems.
Book 1- "Bearing Gifts"
Book 2 - "United Fleet"
This is book 3- "A Line in the Stars"
331 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2025
And so it goes

This last story continues the logical continuing story of how someone at the right spot in the right time could have a big impact on world events the series tells a good tale of a guy who kind of figured out what humanity needed! I loved how everyone who came to the stardock was pure in acceptance of the fleet,I myself when whole groups came and trained always thought there would be a takeover of at least one of the Destroyers that was manned by the same members of a country because they had been told to do so by their government!! But this never happened! So everyone getting along works well!there are several parts that show how things happen that have unexpected issues arise and the way this is delt with makes the difference in how good they make this story
1 review
October 16, 2024
Really enjoyed this series

I read a lot of S.F, around 300 books a year yet I hardly ever leave a review. This series has made me happy and thoughtful.

Happy because it is well written with solid scientific underpinnings and because it shows a side of humanity that I wish we would all strive for.

Thoughtful because I share a lot in common with the main character's wishes for advancement of the human race. I think often about where we would be if we could turn our hate, anger, and general discontent into hope, discovery, and betterment of mankind through science.

All in all well worth reading. I am hopeful there will be either a spin off series or something in this same realm published.

129 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2025
Good fun

A variant of the "human finds starship" theme. Well written, entertaining. A little too optimistic (all, or almost all, political leaders want nothing but to be helpful, all fortunate and wealthy must work and freely provide for the less so), and a little too opinionated (western culture is bad, eastern is better; Israel is as bad as North Korea and Iran, in contrast to most good and reasonable Arab countries). If you can swallow all that, it makes for a good read.
Oh, and aliens come to save us from the global warming catastrophe foisted on us by the callous and greedy. In exchange, we give them improvements on the hyperspace technology they had for thousands of years (and was handed to us three years ago, but see, we're so,so smart...)
421 reviews10 followers
December 30, 2024
He who makes dreams possible

A really enjoyable series , Alex the MC finds himself selected by an advanced alien race to take possession of a mobile space dock but with it comes the threat of another alien race approaching , Alex has to balance the incoming threat with dispersing advanced alien technologies that can benefit humanity. The author has taken the unusual approach of earth governments and wealthy accepting this as opposed to the more usual conflict , I enjoyed this but found it hard to relate to. Similar books are Lunar Free State by John Sides and A learning experience by Christopher Nuttall
121 reviews
February 8, 2025
Very good! Book 3 in the Stardock Trilogy showcases the best elements of the series including attention to the technology without too many details, focus on improving life of Earth, and the teamwork of the United Fleet. Alex Holder and his team continue to base their choices on the ideals that most people strive for: protect our loved ones and help others. When the Khreetan ships finally arrive, it is Alex' instincts and moral compass that guide the United Fleet. The awesome capabilities they created and built into their ships, plus capabilities of the crews, are instrumental in the showdown. Enjoy!
139 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2024
Enjoyed the first two books in the series. This one, not very much. Clearly, the author had an ending in mind; but not much of an idea how to get there in an interesting manner.

Waay too much techno-babble to pad the book, with the new Cruiser class, and the Gravity Lance.

Waay to little about the main characters, their thoughts and interactions. Sorry to say, after the Russian nutter, and the “accident “, did not finish.

Coincidence is the last resort of the author who is lost for how to get to their ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
50 reviews
January 13, 2026
It's so nice from time to time to indulge in a sweet utopia ... Absolutely unreal, but nice to follow. I wonder from where did he came up with those wonderful presidents of USA, China, Russia, Turkye... Or it's just a reminder who these guys are... and why only benevolent aliens could be able to save us from ourselves.
The whole series is unseemly, but it's so naively written that you feel compelled to finish it, like a bag of candy...
I liked it ... regretfully, like I like a bag of candy, from time to time ...
30 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2024
A rare gem of a story

I loved this book. A story of space warfare, construction, and first contact. An emotionally deep narrative that is just detailed enough without being overly descriptive and is paced perfectly to maintain engagement without feeling rushed. The physics reads as just plausible enough (although unlikely to be realistic) to prevent the book seeming forced. I feel privileged to have read this. Many thanks to the author.
4 reviews
January 15, 2025
A riveting read from start to finish

Sean populated his universe with a fantastic range of characters and innovative technologies.
There is a certain nativity in the response from Earth based cultures and the base instinct of Man to react to conflict coming from a non human species, but the ideals he espouses O can respect including the damage we are causing to our own planet.
Can't wait to see a "Follow Up" Part 1 of the next trilogy. 😊
154 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2025
An excellent Trilogy

After reading the first two books it was disappointing to have to wait for the third but well worth it. I usually read and return the Kindle unlimited books but this story I had to add to my collection. Great world building and I really appreciated the delicate wielding of incredibly powerful alien technology by the main character. I would not be too disappointed to see another sequel.
Bill Hodges
4 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2025
The Stardock Trilogy

A Line in the Stars book 3 of the trilogy describes the meeting of Alex’s hastilly built fleet with the unknown but threatening fleet from another Star system. Has he done enough to meet the challange to protect earth and even better avoid a devestating space battle? This great tale ends with surlprises but no disapointment , a surprisingly well told and throughly enjoyable trilogy that I happily recommend to all.
Profile Image for Andy Rondeau.
12 reviews
June 8, 2025
Entertaining but preachy and naive

Sean Fenian narrates a story well. His initial premise for this trilogy was fascinating and this third book does a good job of wrapping up this trilogy. I don't regret buying these three books.
But...
His views regarding economics and big government are sophomoric bordering on childish. It's almost as if a smart middle schooler had a great idea for a story and got an adult ghostwriter to write it for him.
74 reviews
July 15, 2025
Brilliant

I have thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of the Stardock books. The multiple story threads that are followed throughout the trilogy are all very interesting and well thought out. This series is not a shoot em up, bang bang story. There's some action in books 1 & 2 and a fair amount in the last book, but this series is more about world peace and uplifting people than mass killing. I would like a 4th book to be written that follows the human expansion into the galaxy.
223 reviews3 followers
Read
January 18, 2026
Exciting, creative & hard to put down.

I felt very comfortable with the main characters in this book. It was action & science - much of which is not available currently. But may soon be.

Mr Fenian, thank you so much for sharing this fun & important story. I'm certain there are many people who will think again about the changes from the books. The lovely message about making our only world a better place is a fantastic way to start.
147 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2024
Super Dissatisfied

I did not like this book. I was super unsatisfied with the ending and it felt really rushed. There conflict felt forced and stupid. It was like there needs to be some death insert needless battle and death. I loved first two books this one killed the series for me.
Profile Image for Larry Pennington.
3 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2024
Remarkable!

The Stardock Trilogy is a remarkable work in my experience. The unique imaginative cultures, the strange ideas seamlessly integrated in the story and the surprising outcome were greatly enjoyed. So much more than the usual space wars saga. Well done and well worth reading.
Profile Image for William Howe.
1,808 reviews89 followers
October 18, 2024
still kinda MarySue

The political stuff was very flower-child. I do not believe there are members of Boko-Haram that were taken as children that would somehow make good space Marines. China would not be so agreeable. The US government is not so…trusting.

The aliens were interesting. So there was that.
Profile Image for Jim Gutzwiller.
259 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2024
A Line In The Stars -- star dock Trilogy Book 3.

Well, this was a very good end to the Star dock Trilogy. The Crickets totally gone, the new race the Khreetna met and well, if you want to find out more, you are going to have to read it for yourself. I think you will really like it!

63 reviews
December 7, 2024
Overall good story

I enjoyed the series but the end seems a bit rushed to tie up all the hanging issues. Some parts seemed a bit forced, like the Russian General getting launch codes, but I still liked the ideas and characters and how they came together. A great fill for a snowy day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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