Einstein's Raven 2: The Luna War

by Fred G. Baker

Special Agent Alkiera 8 (Raven) of the Temporal Investigations Unit (TIU) is called back to the future date October 3, 3011 after a dastardly sneak attack on Earth colony installations. She is called to help in the secret reconnaissance of Luna military positions on the Moon. The Luna nation has begun an undeclared war to drive all earthlings from the Moon.

Alkiera 8 must accompany a team of Special Forces to spy on Luna positions and learn what really happened during the attacks. They go back in time for spying missions. TIU special agent Derek 5 (Derek Phillips) travels forward in time to assist the team with data analysis of Luna communications and encrypted files. They learn that a rare and dangerous energy being from space called a Mormant Boro has taken over the mind of the Luna leader and he must be destroyed in a unique manner to stop the genocide of the human population.

The TIU agents must act quickly to eliminate the Boro and end the war before the devastation reaches Earth. Can they find a way to overpower the Boro and defeat the conquering Luna army? Raven and Derek must use their wits and come up with outside of the box thinking.

Genres: Science Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Fred G. Baker is a hydrologist, historian, and writer living in Colorado. He has B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and M.S and Ph.D. degrees from University of Colorado – Boulder, the later in Geology. He worked as an environmental consultant for many years and has traveled widely.

He is the author of An Imperfect Crime, Desert Sanctuary, Zona: The Forbidden Land, The Black Freighter, and the Modern Pirate Series of short and long stories. He is also the author of nonfiction works such as Growing Up Wisconsin, The Life and Times of Con James Baker of Des Moines, Chicago, and Wisconsin, The Light from a Thousand Campfires (with Hannah Pavlik), and other nonfiction works.

Reviews

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time traveling aspect of Einstein’s Raven 2: The Luna War might remind some readers of movies like Back to the Future, while the sci-fi elements are more reminiscent of novels by Isaac Asimov or Jules Verne.

Raven is the main protagonist and foundation of this narrative. Her connection with Derek is timely, as she seems unable to handle the mission that has been entrusted to her on her own. While capable and highly trained, Raven finds that this particular quest challenges her in unanticipated ways. The time travel elements make the whole thing messy, and there is a pervasive sense that no matter what these two do, humanity’s destruction might be inevitable

Of course, the pair are able to eventually sort it all out, but how they get to that point is a fun ride. While the explanation for how the time traveling technology works is a little dubious, if the reader accepts the premise and goes along with it, the strong character development and sparkling dialogue is more than enough to drive the plot forward at a brisk and breezy pace.

This book is a compelling sci-fi yarn with memorable characters, an engaging plot, and several well-timed twists and turns. More installations of this series, were any forthcoming, would certainly be welcome.

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fred G. Baker’s The Luna War is a riveting blend of science fiction, mystery, and military
drama set in a tense future where lunar colonies teeter on the edge of war. The story follows
Agent Alkiera (Raven), a savvy investigator balancing time travel, alien threats, and
dangerous Luna conspiracies. When the mysterious Luna leader Warcleff turns hostile, the
stakes rise with the revelation of parasitic energy beings known as Mormant Boros, adding a
haunting layer to the conflict.
Baker crafts a richly detailed lunar world with enough intrigue and action to keep you
hooked. While the tech-heavy descriptions occasionally drag, the sharp dialogue, strong
world-building, and Raven’s humanity shine through. The blend of lunar espionage,
existential questions, and thrilling battles will appeal to fans of The Expanse or Ender’s
Game.
With its fascinating “what-if” scenarios and a dash of dry humor, The Luna War is perfect
for sci-fi lovers craving suspense, depth, and adventure. A gripping, thought-provoking read!
5/5 stars.

[Taylor Oser-Lakins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baker’s novel delivers an action-packed sci-fi adventure with strong world-building, a compelling futuristic setting, and a thrilling espionage plot. The ambitious concept of time-traveling agents investigating an intergalactic war successfully creates tension as Raven and her team uncover the sinister truth behind Luna’s aggression. The idea of an alien energy parasite manipulating political power adds a true twist, elevating the conflict beyond a straightforward war narrative. However, the execution falters in key areas. The book's first half moves sluggishly, bogged down by lengthy dialogue and excessive technical descriptions. While the lunar setting is vividly crafted, the characters, particularly Raven, lack the full depth this story needs to make them truly engaging. The time-travel mechanics are also underdeveloped, leaving unresolved sections that weaken the story’s logic. Despite these flaws, The Luna War is a solid read for sci-fi fans who enjoy in-depth plots, military strategy, and political intrigue. It offers enough suspense and action to keep readers engaged

[Claudia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of thought-provoking speculative fiction, packed with rich world-building, adventure, and the intrigue of time travel, will find much to enjoy in this book. While filled with futuristic technology, such as transporters and secure communication systems, the story never loses sight of its human core.

Protagonists Raven and Derek are brought to life with carefully crafted details that make them relatable, skillfully balancing their professional challenges with personal struggles. Their dynamic adds emotional depth that contrasts well with the high-stakes sci-fi drama, making the narrative both engaging and immersive.

The story’s pacing sometimes falters due to overly detailed domestic and procedural descriptions that can drag in key moments. Some dialogue also feels a bit stiff and could benefit from a more natural flow to better capture the urgency and complexity of the characters’ circumstances.

Despite this, the book delivers a compelling experience. If you're a fan of sci-fi that digs into both the heart and the hardware, this one’s worth your time.

[Cayla Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling, intelligent, and relentlessly fast-paced, Einstein’s Raven 2: The Luna War is a sci-fi adventure that refuses to let up. Fred G. Baker masterfully blends espionage, military strategy, and futuristic intrigue, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge. The time travel elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, enhancing the story rather than serving as a mere gimmick.

Baker’s writing shines in its ability to balance action with intellectual depth. The dynamic between the sharp-witted Raven and the analytically minded TIU Special Agent Derek 5 adds layers to the story, making the missions feel both strategic and unpredictable. The novel’s sharp dialogue, thought-provoking twists, and high-stakes conflicts make it an electrifying read from start to finish.

For fans of sci-fi thrillers, Einstein’s Raven 2: The Luna War delivers everything one could want—suspense, action, and a world rich with futuristic intrigue. Baker has crafted an exhilarating sequel that stands out in the genre.