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Crimson Worlds #4-6
Crimson Worlds Collection II
The First Imperium (Crimson Worlds IV)
The Alliance and its colonies have called a truce and signed the Confederation Agreement, providing the frontier worlds with guarantees of self-government. No one expects the deal to last, and both sides are preparing for the next showdown.
But from the depths of space another challenge is coming, one that will endanger the very survival of mankind and force not just the Alliance and its colonies, but all of the Superpowers, to join forces or face annihilation.
The dusty ruins the Alliance discovered on Epsilon Eridani IV were built by an ancient race, eons dead. But their guardians remain, and the disturbance of long silent caves triggered an automated alert, one which has been heard.
Erik Cain and his Marines grimly take to the field once again, for what may be their final battle, against the robotic legions of the First Imperium.
But facing a ruthless and technologically superior enemy may be easier than learning to fight alongside old enemies.
The Line Must Hold (Crimson Worlds V)
The robotic legions of the First Imperium burst into human space, destroying everything in their path. Their antimatter-powered fleets drove back the desperately defending human forces, seizing world after world. Directed by the maniacal Regent, the enemy pressed forward with one goal - the destruction of mankind.
The Superpowers of Earth, bitter enemies for over a century, have at last banded together to face the threat from outside. Their combined forces have fought stubborn delaying actions to buy time, but they couldn't stop the relentless onslaught. Now the Rim has fallen, and the heart of human space lies before the invaders.
On three worlds, mankind will make its stand, and all the power Earth and its colonies can muster has been gathered there. Three worlds - Sandoval, Garrison, and Samvar. The Line.
Erik Cain grimly leads his veteran Marines and their new allies to Sandoval, to fight and to hold that world against anything the enemy throws at it. But Cain plans more than just a defense; he intends to annihilate the enemy forces...and he'll sacrifice anything to win the ultimate victory. Even his soul.
To Hell's Heart (Crimson Worlds VI)
The combined forces of humanity have beaten back the First Imperium invasion. For the first time, the enemy has been defeated in battle. The cost was high in blood and suffering, but the Line held. The heart of human-occupied space has been saved from annihilation. For now.
There is little time for the victorious warriors to savor their triumph or mourn their dead. The First Imperium has been driven back, but it has not been defeated. No one expects the fruits of victory to be more than a brief respite.
Augustus Garret, Erik Cain, and the rest of the human high command have a decision to make. Do they stand on the defensive, waiting for the massive second invasion they all know will come? Or do they consider another option, one that compels them to face overwhelming odds, and launch a strike that could end the war in one campaign?
The attack ship Hornet returned home after a miraculous run through enemy space, and her crew brought with them priceless intelligence…the location of a world of the First Imperium. In the capitals of Earth, the ruling classes call for caution, for the armed forces to stand on the defensive. But on the frontier, Garret and his compatriots are planning something different, and they do not intend to be deterred. They are going to take the war to the enemy. They are going to march into hell’s heart.
The Alliance and its colonies have called a truce and signed the Confederation Agreement, providing the frontier worlds with guarantees of self-government. No one expects the deal to last, and both sides are preparing for the next showdown.
But from the depths of space another challenge is coming, one that will endanger the very survival of mankind and force not just the Alliance and its colonies, but all of the Superpowers, to join forces or face annihilation.
The dusty ruins the Alliance discovered on Epsilon Eridani IV were built by an ancient race, eons dead. But their guardians remain, and the disturbance of long silent caves triggered an automated alert, one which has been heard.
Erik Cain and his Marines grimly take to the field once again, for what may be their final battle, against the robotic legions of the First Imperium.
But facing a ruthless and technologically superior enemy may be easier than learning to fight alongside old enemies.
The Line Must Hold (Crimson Worlds V)
The robotic legions of the First Imperium burst into human space, destroying everything in their path. Their antimatter-powered fleets drove back the desperately defending human forces, seizing world after world. Directed by the maniacal Regent, the enemy pressed forward with one goal - the destruction of mankind.
The Superpowers of Earth, bitter enemies for over a century, have at last banded together to face the threat from outside. Their combined forces have fought stubborn delaying actions to buy time, but they couldn't stop the relentless onslaught. Now the Rim has fallen, and the heart of human space lies before the invaders.
On three worlds, mankind will make its stand, and all the power Earth and its colonies can muster has been gathered there. Three worlds - Sandoval, Garrison, and Samvar. The Line.
Erik Cain grimly leads his veteran Marines and their new allies to Sandoval, to fight and to hold that world against anything the enemy throws at it. But Cain plans more than just a defense; he intends to annihilate the enemy forces...and he'll sacrifice anything to win the ultimate victory. Even his soul.
To Hell's Heart (Crimson Worlds VI)
The combined forces of humanity have beaten back the First Imperium invasion. For the first time, the enemy has been defeated in battle. The cost was high in blood and suffering, but the Line held. The heart of human-occupied space has been saved from annihilation. For now.
There is little time for the victorious warriors to savor their triumph or mourn their dead. The First Imperium has been driven back, but it has not been defeated. No one expects the fruits of victory to be more than a brief respite.
Augustus Garret, Erik Cain, and the rest of the human high command have a decision to make. Do they stand on the defensive, waiting for the massive second invasion they all know will come? Or do they consider another option, one that compels them to face overwhelming odds, and launch a strike that could end the war in one campaign?
The attack ship Hornet returned home after a miraculous run through enemy space, and her crew brought with them priceless intelligence…the location of a world of the First Imperium. In the capitals of Earth, the ruling classes call for caution, for the armed forces to stand on the defensive. But on the frontier, Garret and his compatriots are planning something different, and they do not intend to be deterred. They are going to take the war to the enemy. They are going to march into hell’s heart.
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First published July 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 27, 2017
[Eric] Cain is able
Lame, I know. I just couldn't resist. When I reviewed the trilogy I made mention of how exciting the stories are and how much fun they are to read. And while that is still true, his books are about so much more. Gene Roddenberry, the first writer to have his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was optimistic about the future. And while Jay Allan sees humanity progressing technologically, in his world we remain the same warmongering, polluting and murderous species that we are today. And as much as I'd rather live in Roddenberry's future I believe Jay Allan's future is more likely to come true.
As much as I am probably the only person on the planet who enjoyed episodes I, II, and III of Star Wars, I enjoyed them because it was like watching history, namely, when Hitler legally seized power in Germany and then gathered absolute power to himself before launching World War 2. But in reading the Crimson Worlds saga it kind of feels like I'm reading the future, the same way Star Wars showed us our past. Scary. But if you don't learn from the past you're doomed to relive it, maybe great writers like Jay Allan can begin to lead humanity toward Gene Roddenberry's future. All that being said, these books are exciting and compelling and just downright fun. I highly recommend this series.
P.S. It's "once more unto the breech." UNTO, not "into the breech." Just sayin'.
Lame, I know. I just couldn't resist. When I reviewed the trilogy I made mention of how exciting the stories are and how much fun they are to read. And while that is still true, his books are about so much more. Gene Roddenberry, the first writer to have his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was optimistic about the future. And while Jay Allan sees humanity progressing technologically, in his world we remain the same warmongering, polluting and murderous species that we are today. And as much as I'd rather live in Roddenberry's future I believe Jay Allan's future is more likely to come true.
As much as I am probably the only person on the planet who enjoyed episodes I, II, and III of Star Wars, I enjoyed them because it was like watching history, namely, when Hitler legally seized power in Germany and then gathered absolute power to himself before launching World War 2. But in reading the Crimson Worlds saga it kind of feels like I'm reading the future, the same way Star Wars showed us our past. Scary. But if you don't learn from the past you're doomed to relive it, maybe great writers like Jay Allan can begin to lead humanity toward Gene Roddenberry's future. All that being said, these books are exciting and compelling and just downright fun. I highly recommend this series.
P.S. It's "once more unto the breech." UNTO, not "into the breech." Just sayin'.
May 12, 2020
Now I’m well and truly hooked into this series, having read the first six books back to back. While I’m anxious to know what happens next, I’m going to have to take a break before diving into the next three books. These stories are just so intense! It seems our guys never get a break from battle. I’m exhausted just reading it and will have to take up some light and happy book for a palate cleanser before continuing. So, pros and cons, one of the pros being such a well written story you want to continue on to the next book, and the next, and the next...which leads me to the biggest con (in my opinion), and that is while the books don’t necessarily end in cliffhangers, they definitely don’t wrap everything up, and on the last page of each book there are so many things going on that will continue in the next book that you tend to want to dive into that next book right away. Still, good stories, and characters you can’t help but love (or hate). Definitely a cautionary tale of how wrong things can go if power is left unchecked. I sure hope we evolve as human beings in a different direction - as entertaining as it is to read about this future world, I’d not want to live in it!
September 21, 2017
Before you pick up this collection, please note it is a compilation of books 4-6 of a series; if you haven’t read the first three in order, this compilation won’t make much sense to you.
The author picks up book four of the series with the action scenes and situations you were accustomed to in the first three books of the series. I think what I like most about this series is while it is classified as science fiction, it’s more of a military thriller that just happens to be chronicled several hundred years in the future where the Marine battles are fought on distant planets. Similar to the first three books of the series this compilation was hard to put down, and I stayed up late a few nights just to keep turning the page as the stories unfolded.
I picked this up for $9.99 vs. the $15.00 if you purchased the books individually. If you like military / war-based thrillers, and enjoyed the first three books of the series, I would recommend this one as you’ll certainly get more than $15 worth of entertainment value out of it.
The author picks up book four of the series with the action scenes and situations you were accustomed to in the first three books of the series. I think what I like most about this series is while it is classified as science fiction, it’s more of a military thriller that just happens to be chronicled several hundred years in the future where the Marine battles are fought on distant planets. Similar to the first three books of the series this compilation was hard to put down, and I stayed up late a few nights just to keep turning the page as the stories unfolded.
I picked this up for $9.99 vs. the $15.00 if you purchased the books individually. If you like military / war-based thrillers, and enjoyed the first three books of the series, I would recommend this one as you’ll certainly get more than $15 worth of entertainment value out of it.
July 12, 2018
The 2nd Set of Marines in Deep Space Against a Strong Enemy
JA has penned the second set of Marine stories vol 4 - 6. In every action the humans take the robotic mass counters there improvements, but sometimes at a high risk. The humans in their desperation are learning new ways to fight. Hopelessly outnumbered the Marines are holding the higher ground as the new weapons become available to fight the humanistic robot who are on a charge to eliminate mankind. This is an excellent series and these three volumes holler for you to pick them up to read. Tis is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
JA has penned the second set of Marine stories vol 4 - 6. In every action the humans take the robotic mass counters there improvements, but sometimes at a high risk. The humans in their desperation are learning new ways to fight. Hopelessly outnumbered the Marines are holding the higher ground as the new weapons become available to fight the humanistic robot who are on a charge to eliminate mankind. This is an excellent series and these three volumes holler for you to pick them up to read. Tis is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
March 23, 2018
Crimson Worlds Collection II (Crimson Worlds #4-6) by Jay Allan
The saga continues. But now we're battling against the leftovers from the First Imperium. Our heroes are deer and deeper into it, and since it is Military SciFi, you can pretty well guess what's going on. But it'w well written, and worth your time.
The saga continues. But now we're battling against the leftovers from the First Imperium. Our heroes are deer and deeper into it, and since it is Military SciFi, you can pretty well guess what's going on. But it'w well written, and worth your time.
January 10, 2017
Brilliant, fantastic and credible.
Best SciFi series I have read since Foundation and Empire, hope the next books follows the same trend of technological advances , betrayal and intrigue equal to the tales of ancient Rome.
Best SciFi series I have read since Foundation and Empire, hope the next books follows the same trend of technological advances , betrayal and intrigue equal to the tales of ancient Rome.
August 6, 2017
Flawless
Jay Allan's series is wonderful. Crimson Worlds 4, 5 and 6 are non-stop, pulse-pounding and action packed. I've enjoyed the growth of Eric Cain throughout the series and the introduction of more characters. Can't wait for the next collection.
Jay Allan's series is wonderful. Crimson Worlds 4, 5 and 6 are non-stop, pulse-pounding and action packed. I've enjoyed the growth of Eric Cain throughout the series and the introduction of more characters. Can't wait for the next collection.
February 17, 2018
Outstanding
Space opera at its finest. This is one excellent series. I highly recommend it to anyone who read and loved the classics like the Mote in Gods Eye. You will enjoy this series.
Space opera at its finest. This is one excellent series. I highly recommend it to anyone who read and loved the classics like the Mote in Gods Eye. You will enjoy this series.
November 3, 2018
It just keeps going and going
Someday I’d like to be able to read a story that was all wrapped up in a trilogy. I understand that an author wouldn’t make as much money off if it but it would be a refreshing change from these multi book operas.
Someday I’d like to be able to read a story that was all wrapped up in a trilogy. I understand that an author wouldn’t make as much money off if it but it would be a refreshing change from these multi book operas.
January 6, 2020
This is a incredible read having the next 3 books available online volume allows you to quickly follow the stories as they develop. I was totally absorbed only Christmas and New Year stopped me reading.
One of the best space opera's I've read definitely would recommend.
One of the best space opera's I've read definitely would recommend.
April 1, 2021
Solid space opera
These books have a good mix of combat, intrigue and mystery. More characters introduced and more development of main characters. The only real negative is an epic sacrifice that goes almost unremarkable.
These books have a good mix of combat, intrigue and mystery. More characters introduced and more development of main characters. The only real negative is an epic sacrifice that goes almost unremarkable.
August 17, 2017
Crimson 4,5,6
The saga continues. The gravitas is heavier and deeper than can be imagined. I am totally emersed and cannot put this series down until its completed.
The saga continues. The gravitas is heavier and deeper than can be imagined. I am totally emersed and cannot put this series down until its completed.
May 19, 2018
Great Series
This has been a Great Series of Books. Keep them coming. Cannot wait to read number 7 and on past that.
This has been a Great Series of Books. Keep them coming. Cannot wait to read number 7 and on past that.
May 31, 2019
awesome books
this series just gets better and better! I would recommend this book to all my friends! this is definitely a series I could read over and over again.
this series just gets better and better! I would recommend this book to all my friends! this is definitely a series I could read over and over again.
January 28, 2022
Entertaining space opera.
November 15, 2015
Quote a body of ogling work. There's comfort in only buying the world-building once, familiar characters, know locus. So I have finished these three books and moved on to shadow warriors which is contiguous. Th usual issues with marsthon r adding, it can be repetitive and call backs to the prior works redundant. Still that can be skipped but the reition fighting space marines, command & casualties, Villany of villains, heroism of heros. Can be tedious.
Well, if I can withstand Honor Ha I intron squaring her shoulders a couple dozen times....
It's. Ice to notice these yarns mature and the writing mature also. Cleanly Written, good military science fiction
I'm read to move on to what follows!
Well, if I can withstand Honor Ha I intron squaring her shoulders a couple dozen times....
It's. Ice to notice these yarns mature and the writing mature also. Cleanly Written, good military science fiction
I'm read to move on to what follows!
July 2, 2016
Total immersion in Jay Allan's Crimson Worlds. Awesome
Total immersion in Jay Allen's Crimson Worlds. I just finished book six. I think I have at least nine ? to go. I have bought the series spin offs as well. Sometimes you find a book you can't put down, this is a series I can't put down. It has everything, military Sci-fi should have. If you have a Naval or Marine background you want to stand up and cheer, or salute and pray. Just saying.
Total immersion in Jay Allen's Crimson Worlds. I just finished book six. I think I have at least nine ? to go. I have bought the series spin offs as well. Sometimes you find a book you can't put down, this is a series I can't put down. It has everything, military Sci-fi should have. If you have a Naval or Marine background you want to stand up and cheer, or salute and pray. Just saying.
July 27, 2018
Humanity has to come together against a new threat. Our Mary Sue General Erik Cain is the only one who can stop it.
Overall these were good books and entertaining to read. A sentient computer that has basically gone crazy after countless millenia of solitude has decided it will wipe us out. Enter the struggle.
The author relies a little too much on Erik Cain Can Solve Anything. However, he starts to write a situation that can only be solved by deus ex machina.
Still it was an enjoyable read.
Overall these were good books and entertaining to read. A sentient computer that has basically gone crazy after countless millenia of solitude has decided it will wipe us out. Enter the struggle.
The author relies a little too much on Erik Cain Can Solve Anything. However, he starts to write a situation that can only be solved by deus ex machina.
Still it was an enjoyable read.
October 28, 2023
Great Boxset
It kept me up to see what was happening next. The stories are so complex. The characters are so in-depth. I come from a military home. I have seen what war does to a person. The author really did a fantastic job of communicating the horrors and joy of war, of serving for a better cause besides one's own self.
It kept me up to see what was happening next. The stories are so complex. The characters are so in-depth. I come from a military home. I have seen what war does to a person. The author really did a fantastic job of communicating the horrors and joy of war, of serving for a better cause besides one's own self.
December 31, 2016
Crimson Worlds Collection
Could not get into this. Good characters and plot, but never felt real enough to me. Also the random abuse of the word 'a' - tsk, tsk.
Could not get into this. Good characters and plot, but never felt real enough to me. Also the random abuse of the word 'a' - tsk, tsk.
March 26, 2017
What Space Opera was Meant to Be!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: AS MILITARY SPACE OPERA
This trilogy set covers books IV to VI in Allan's wonderful "Crimson Worlds" series. Allan had created a rich universe, a virtual tapestry of human endeavor, in which humanity comes up against at least two mortal enemies: crazed alien AI, and humanity, itself. The different planets and colonies each possess individual characteristics. The protagonists, for the most part, share an enlightened view of humanity. Interestingly, the protagonists seem to share experience as elite warriors as well.
This trilogy takes us from early space defense into a second novel about the meat grinder of war, and the last stand (much like the Spartan 300) of human warriors on three planets. The third novel focuses on a counterattack by all human forces on the aliens. A question hanging over all is whether the corrupt political class will allow humanity to defend itself, or will that class destroy humanity (and itself) by struggles for dominance.
Very enjoyable reading. I look forward to reading more.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: AS MILITARY SPACE OPERA
This trilogy set covers books IV to VI in Allan's wonderful "Crimson Worlds" series. Allan had created a rich universe, a virtual tapestry of human endeavor, in which humanity comes up against at least two mortal enemies: crazed alien AI, and humanity, itself. The different planets and colonies each possess individual characteristics. The protagonists, for the most part, share an enlightened view of humanity. Interestingly, the protagonists seem to share experience as elite warriors as well.
This trilogy takes us from early space defense into a second novel about the meat grinder of war, and the last stand (much like the Spartan 300) of human warriors on three planets. The third novel focuses on a counterattack by all human forces on the aliens. A question hanging over all is whether the corrupt political class will allow humanity to defend itself, or will that class destroy humanity (and itself) by struggles for dominance.
Very enjoyable reading. I look forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews