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The Starship In The Stone #3
Dread Reckoning
After daring escapes and narrow victories, Thomas finds himself not only as the commander of Excalibur, but a symbol of hope to a fledgling resistance movement determined to challenge Morgana’s tyrannical rule.
There’s a high price to freedom.
Hidden among the stars, Thomas and his crew must transform from fugitives into fighters, striking where the enemy least expects while gathering strength for the battles to come. Their quest will take them to ancient worlds where forgotten alliances wait to be rekindled, and secrets of both magic and technology lie guarded by those who remember Arthur's golden age.
As Morgana's elite hunters close in, Thomas must embrace a destiny larger than he ever imagined. For in a conflict where every victory demands sacrifice, even legendary starships and courageous hearts may not be enough to challenge a dark fate.
The resistance rises. The stars bear witness.
There’s a high price to freedom.
Hidden among the stars, Thomas and his crew must transform from fugitives into fighters, striking where the enemy least expects while gathering strength for the battles to come. Their quest will take them to ancient worlds where forgotten alliances wait to be rekindled, and secrets of both magic and technology lie guarded by those who remember Arthur's golden age.
As Morgana's elite hunters close in, Thomas must embrace a destiny larger than he ever imagined. For in a conflict where every victory demands sacrifice, even legendary starships and courageous hearts may not be enough to challenge a dark fate.
The resistance rises. The stars bear witness.
- GenresScience Fiction
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
1192 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
175 books1,009 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
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facebook.com/mrforbes.author
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He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 10, 2025
Disappointment
The 3 books were good, but I’m disappointed that the end of the 3rd book didn’t end the series. When it says Book 1 of 3 I thought the series would end with the 3rd book, but just moved to another series without an ending. I’ve noticed that it’s hard to start a book knowing if the start of a series has an ending within the “promise” of being only 3 books long. It’s even harder to choose a book thinking it’s not a series. You have to look at the cover really hard in the email to see if it’s Book 1 and that doesn’t mean it not a series. You have to go to Amazon’s site to dig around and see if it’s the start of a series. Kind of a bait and switch. It would be nice if there was a disclaimer that the book doesn’t end at the 3rd book of 3 after all, it’s just supposed to be one book chopped into pieces.
Not a knock at the quality of what I just read, but a disappointment at how the books are marketed. I will not be reading any more books that do not end in the reading of the first download provided I can find out if it’s not a series.
I guess it’s back to the classics of science fiction. Even the Dune books had an ending within each book. Now I won’t know what happens to Thomas. :-(
If you got this far in my review, thanks for reading this.
My tirade is to be continued on another review. Just kidding. 🙄🤪
The 3 books were good, but I’m disappointed that the end of the 3rd book didn’t end the series. When it says Book 1 of 3 I thought the series would end with the 3rd book, but just moved to another series without an ending. I’ve noticed that it’s hard to start a book knowing if the start of a series has an ending within the “promise” of being only 3 books long. It’s even harder to choose a book thinking it’s not a series. You have to look at the cover really hard in the email to see if it’s Book 1 and that doesn’t mean it not a series. You have to go to Amazon’s site to dig around and see if it’s the start of a series. Kind of a bait and switch. It would be nice if there was a disclaimer that the book doesn’t end at the 3rd book of 3 after all, it’s just supposed to be one book chopped into pieces.
Not a knock at the quality of what I just read, but a disappointment at how the books are marketed. I will not be reading any more books that do not end in the reading of the first download provided I can find out if it’s not a series.
I guess it’s back to the classics of science fiction. Even the Dune books had an ending within each book. Now I won’t know what happens to Thomas. :-(
If you got this far in my review, thanks for reading this.
My tirade is to be continued on another review. Just kidding. 🙄🤪
April 22, 2025
This continuation of The Starship in the Stone is fast-paced and laced with tense conflict. While we have to believe that Excalibur and her team will survive, it sure is close. Death prowls in every chapter.
Merlin’s AI tells Thomas, “Sometimes the hardest truths are the ones we can’t fix.” The heroes in this story have made choices in the past that haunt them, that stained their lives. Their challenge is to rise above those pasts and to live with honor, integrity and compassion, moving forward. Thomas models this, pausing to invite enemies to switch sides, to join the vision Arthur had generated.
I appreciate the message and the characters, but the increased violence and destruction in the writing turns my gut, so I won’t be reading further in the series, if Forbes decides to continue.
Merlin’s AI tells Thomas, “Sometimes the hardest truths are the ones we can’t fix.” The heroes in this story have made choices in the past that haunt them, that stained their lives. Their challenge is to rise above those pasts and to live with honor, integrity and compassion, moving forward. Thomas models this, pausing to invite enemies to switch sides, to join the vision Arthur had generated.
I appreciate the message and the characters, but the increased violence and destruction in the writing turns my gut, so I won’t be reading further in the series, if Forbes decides to continue.
May 7, 2025
And the sausage parade continues...
This is really really exclusive. Female characters are on the sidelines, they can't interface with Excalibur, because they are so "different" from men, it would never work of course. So this merry group of guys need to have an all-male adventure where brotherly love prevails.
At this point I only want to finish the series, and I am very sure I won't read another one by this author if it is again an all-male adventure with card-board villains and sloppy references.
This is really really exclusive. Female characters are on the sidelines, they can't interface with Excalibur, because they are so "different" from men, it would never work of course. So this merry group of guys need to have an all-male adventure where brotherly love prevails.
At this point I only want to finish the series, and I am very sure I won't read another one by this author if it is again an all-male adventure with card-board villains and sloppy references.
July 20, 2025
I think the stance that the author makes in book three, regarding women's brains being inferior, is despicable. The comment comes after a whirlwind of good, against all odds, fighting against evil. The reader is seduced into thinking the protagonist are good-hearted, and will save the galaxy. Instead, they bring their own rhetoric of evil disguised as biological weakness. The book promotes an attitude of divisiveness that this world does not need. I will not finish this book, nor read anything further from this author. His promotion of misogny is banned from my shelves.
August 6, 2025
Edge of your seat stuff
Fantastic imagination And depict
ion felt like I was in the most beautiful places in the most Bizarre and Crazy, Crazy, places escaping death at every turn. Combination of Magic blended with Space age weaponry To overcome Massive dragon like beings Who threaten the destruction of all that is good in the universe. Love how The old school round table is blended in with the new age space craziness very creative:-0Recommend this to any fantastic story loving open minded people in my life
Fantastic imagination And depict
ion felt like I was in the most beautiful places in the most Bizarre and Crazy, Crazy, places escaping death at every turn. Combination of Magic blended with Space age weaponry To overcome Massive dragon like beings Who threaten the destruction of all that is good in the universe. Love how The old school round table is blended in with the new age space craziness very creative:-0Recommend this to any fantastic story loving open minded people in my life
April 7, 2025
A very well written Saga
This is a really fun retelling of an old fable. The Arthur Legend is much written about and visited several ways. I wouldn't have ever envisioned the way this Author has woven the Arthur tale into a space dragon story and make it work so well. Hope to get the chance to see how this tale turns out. A really great story.
This is a really fun retelling of an old fable. The Arthur Legend is much written about and visited several ways. I wouldn't have ever envisioned the way this Author has woven the Arthur tale into a space dragon story and make it work so well. Hope to get the chance to see how this tale turns out. A really great story.
April 7, 2025
Like it at first— but after reading #3 I am sick and tired of some of the best supporting characters getting killed in each story arch— protagonist character development is slow and boring— nowhere as good as JC Chaney’s Messenger, BYSS or his other such efforts— no near as good as Moon either— if you wants Space Opera Tragedy go ahead— this is the last I will read of this author— depressing
April 8, 2025
Swashbuckling space kegend
A very good play on the Arthurian tale.
Fab world building, really great characters, a good sense of history.
Plot moves quickly, with the protagonists often finding themselves up against it and rarely leaving unscathed.
These three books have a good sense of the story building.
Look forward to the next book!
A very good play on the Arthurian tale.
Fab world building, really great characters, a good sense of history.
Plot moves quickly, with the protagonists often finding themselves up against it and rarely leaving unscathed.
These three books have a good sense of the story building.
Look forward to the next book!
April 26, 2025
Barely tolerable
It's not a bad twist on a classic story. However, the authors penchant for repetitive phrasing completely spoiled it for me. If I see the word barely again, it will be too soon; and I'm surprised the lead character doesn't have to wear a coat with the number of shivers going down his spine.
It's not a bad twist on a classic story. However, the authors penchant for repetitive phrasing completely spoiled it for me. If I see the word barely again, it will be too soon; and I'm surprised the lead character doesn't have to wear a coat with the number of shivers going down his spine.
May 20, 2025
A story where you really have to suspend your disbelief
It's hard to describe all of the different elements that come together in these books that have no business being together whatsoever but especially not via a tenuous alien link who has long since died. There is some entertainment value.
It's hard to describe all of the different elements that come together in these books that have no business being together whatsoever but especially not via a tenuous alien link who has long since died. There is some entertainment value.
July 26, 2025
Thrilling!
Another exciting installment in the Starship In The Stone series. Starts off a little slow but gains momentum all the way through to the end! Nail-biting battles and sacrifice as the saga continues. It's time to delve into book 4 to see where Sir Dragon's mission to conquer evil leads him to next. I'm enjoying this series a great deal!
Another exciting installment in the Starship In The Stone series. Starts off a little slow but gains momentum all the way through to the end! Nail-biting battles and sacrifice as the saga continues. It's time to delve into book 4 to see where Sir Dragon's mission to conquer evil leads him to next. I'm enjoying this series a great deal!
September 13, 2025
Getting better and finding its pace
This finally found a good rhythm between action and drama. There's a mystery fairly early on the seems to be resolved but if you're paying attention, you know better. Thomas and crew are getting better at planning against the Draconite. I'm ready to get cracking on book 4
This finally found a good rhythm between action and drama. There's a mystery fairly early on the seems to be resolved but if you're paying attention, you know better. Thomas and crew are getting better at planning against the Draconite. I'm ready to get cracking on book 4
April 5, 2025
Another win for Arthur's legend.
I'm so impressed with how easily this famous story is being woven into science fiction. I'm loving the characterization. Each one that passes from the story is a palpable loss. That's when you see the real artistry. Bravo!
I'm so impressed with how easily this famous story is being woven into science fiction. I'm loving the characterization. Each one that passes from the story is a palpable loss. That's when you see the real artistry. Bravo!
April 7, 2025
An exciting adventure
This book is exitin g and well written except for his use of the word "unconsciously" instead of "subconciously". The tie in to the old Excaliber legend is an interesting story tool.
This book is exitin g and well written except for his use of the word "unconsciously" instead of "subconciously". The tie in to the old Excaliber legend is an interesting story tool.
April 13, 2025
Dark Hope
Who is the author adds great hope To the storyline but with it much much darkness. The characters are slowly evolving into their great nature and lives but the darkness threatens to suck them in.
Who is the author adds great hope To the storyline but with it much much darkness. The characters are slowly evolving into their great nature and lives but the darkness threatens to suck them in.
April 15, 2025
The shit!!! Fucking awesome!!!!!!
This is the kind of writing that sends chills down your back and gives you a warm feeling at the same time! I can't wait to read the next book and be a part of Thomas journey. Thank you M R Forbes!
This is the kind of writing that sends chills down your back and gives you a warm feeling at the same time! I can't wait to read the next book and be a part of Thomas journey. Thank you M R Forbes!
April 21, 2025
Excellent read
This was a great read and awesome contuation of the series. This has been a fun series to read. Every book has left me wanting more , waiting for the next release. Mr. Forbes has done an excellent job re imagining the Arthur saga. Keep up the good work.
This was a great read and awesome contuation of the series. This has been a fun series to read. Every book has left me wanting more , waiting for the next release. Mr. Forbes has done an excellent job re imagining the Arthur saga. Keep up the good work.
April 30, 2025
great series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
June 7, 2025
Great twist on King Arthur's legend
Never imagined someone would use king Arthur's legend in a future story. Great job! Magic, chivalry and other parts of King Arthur's legend set in a futuristic setting.
Never imagined someone would use king Arthur's legend in a future story. Great job! Magic, chivalry and other parts of King Arthur's legend set in a futuristic setting.
July 15, 2025
The Series Continues to get Better
Enjoyable and fast-paced! Sometimes, the characters are frustrating, but that gives them depth. You can see the story and characters evolving along with the author. It's time to start the next book!
Enjoyable and fast-paced! Sometimes, the characters are frustrating, but that gives them depth. You can see the story and characters evolving along with the author. It's time to start the next book!
July 26, 2025
2.5 really. It's a romp, with a somewhat silly premise and characters that aren't really believable. (Complete with a chosen one.) I got this far into the series but it's a slog that feels further from a payoff than it did after book 1.
August 8, 2025
Could not finish
Can’t take it, sorry, M.R. Forbes. I tried. Made to book three. Wasn’t easy. The characters are cardboard. The plot has too many holes. The antagonists are unrealistically evil/mean. The writing is 6th grade level. Gotta move on. Take care, ya’ll
Can’t take it, sorry, M.R. Forbes. I tried. Made to book three. Wasn’t easy. The characters are cardboard. The plot has too many holes. The antagonists are unrealistically evil/mean. The writing is 6th grade level. Gotta move on. Take care, ya’ll
December 7, 2025
Sacrifice
Cowards allow invaders to take control of their lives remove their freedoms destroy their religion. It takes a special kind of bravery to stand up remove the threat and take control of their own future.
Cowards allow invaders to take control of their lives remove their freedoms destroy their religion. It takes a special kind of bravery to stand up remove the threat and take control of their own future.
April 4, 2025
Love it
Great storyline just the right ratio of battle to character development. Can't wait for the next one. Real page Turner.
Great storyline just the right ratio of battle to character development. Can't wait for the next one. Real page Turner.
April 5, 2025
This can not possibly be end!
With all that Thomas Drake and his crew aboard the starship Excalibur have experienced, there is more yet to come!
With all that Thomas Drake and his crew aboard the starship Excalibur have experienced, there is more yet to come!
April 7, 2025
Unfinished
Enjoyed the series not the fact this book was book 3 of 3 only to not be finished and no idea how many or when the next episode will be out
Enjoyed the series not the fact this book was book 3 of 3 only to not be finished and no idea how many or when the next episode will be out
April 12, 2025
Intriguing storyline involving famous legend.
Storyline has a constant flow which it has followed through all three books. Can't wait for the next installment to arrive.
Storyline has a constant flow which it has followed through all three books. Can't wait for the next installment to arrive.
May 15, 2025
Original fantasy
As I go through this series I am enjoying it more. It is rare to find a new interweaving of legend and fantasy
As I go through this series I am enjoying it more. It is rare to find a new interweaving of legend and fantasy
May 22, 2025
A very good book
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Good wins over evil.
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Good wins over evil.
July 10, 2025
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews