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Portal Wars #2
The Ten Thousand
Portal Worlds Book II (The exciting sequel to Gehenna Dawn) General Jake Taylor and his army of cyborg soldiers are veterans of Erastus, a planet so brutal, so hellish, it is called Gehenna by the men sent to fight and die there. He and his comrades battled for years in the most appalling conditions human beings have ever endured, believing the entire time they were protecting Earth from bloodthirsty alien monsters. But it was all a lie, the cynical propaganda of the totalitarian regime that rules over all mankind. The alien Tegeri, and their bio-mechanical soldiers Taylor’s men call the Machines, were the victims, targeted by a regime that needed an enemy to consolidate its absolute rule over mankind. For decades, men like Taylor and his soldiers were the aggressors, unwittingly fighting an unjust war. But when the Tegeri chose Taylor as their contact and finally told him the horrible truth, he rallied the veterans of Erastus for a new battle, one to free Earth from its self-appointed masters. Taylor’s soldiers begin the long campaign back to Earth, toward a reckoning with the brutal government they are sworn to destroy. The heart of this force is the Ten Thousand, surgically-altered Supersoldiers, products of an experimental enhancement program, and the first of their kind. But they are not the last, and on the planet Juno they will meet their counterparts, the Black Corps, a force created by Earth’s government specifically to destroy them. The Black Corps outnumbers Taylor’s soldiers 2-1, and they have a vast advantage in supply and logistical support. But Taylor’s men are veterans of the furnace of Gehenna, and they don’t die easily. But there is more at stake than the freedom of humanity, greater consequences to their fight than even Taylor can imagine. For there is another alien race, one shrouded in legend and myth, known to the Tegeri only as the Darkness. Long ago the Darkness made war on the Ancients, the mighty beings that built the interstellar Portals. The Ancients are remembered in Tegeri lore as wise and powerful…almost as gods. But they fell ages past, destroyed utterly by the Darkness. Now that great evil is returning, and this time it will destroy not only mankind and the Tegeri, but all the fledgling races the Ancients planted, hundreds of young sentient species, only now grasping for civilization. The Ancients long ago foretold that an alliance of men and Tegeri would stand and defeat the Darkness and save the galaxy from destruction. But if this prophecy is to come to pass, Taylor and his men must destroy Earth’s totalitarian government and bring the dark truth to mankind, that there is another war to fight, one vaster and more terrible than any in human history or legend. The Portal Wars Series Gehenna Dawn (Portal Worlds 1) The Ten Thousand (Portal Wars 2) Homefront (Portal Wars 3)
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2014
209 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 8, 2015
Great Continuing Story Line - Little Bit Annoying!
General Jake Taylor has brought his army of once loyal Earth troops through the Juno portal to fight yet again. While he prefers to try and talk his new enemy in to changing sides, they are now reinforced by the UNGov Black Corps and an Inquisitor. These guys are Supersoldiers just like most of Taylor's men and are even surgically altered to be inable to follow General Taylor's pleading. The Inquisitor is also killing any UNGov soldiers that act like they want to defect;therefore Gen Taylor realizes that he will have to kill them all although they outnumber his troops 10 - 1!
The Tegri want to help Taylor but can't do it overtly or no one will believe Taylor is fighting for the good of humanity. So they tell Taylor why the humans must win and become free agents able to determine their own free will. That information only reinforces Taylor's resolve, but for some strange reason he won't confide in any of his men. The don't understand why he is so driven to win this battle and proceed to Earth.
I think Gen Taylor is an idiot for withholding this info. I guess he thinks he's the only one capable of understanding what's at stake yet his men are dying for him and he won't come clean as to why. They have just as much right to know as Taylor because it's their lives on the line. His men aren't stupid, they can understand the Tegri's message just as well as he. He's causing a lot of internal problems which just aren't necessary.
This is a good book and an excellent story that I want to continue reading but the author needs to lighten up on Taylor. He's just a soldier that happens to be enhanced and visited by the Tegri but he's still just human. Quit trying to make him some kind of superman/super genius soldier, cause he's not!
General Jake Taylor has brought his army of once loyal Earth troops through the Juno portal to fight yet again. While he prefers to try and talk his new enemy in to changing sides, they are now reinforced by the UNGov Black Corps and an Inquisitor. These guys are Supersoldiers just like most of Taylor's men and are even surgically altered to be inable to follow General Taylor's pleading. The Inquisitor is also killing any UNGov soldiers that act like they want to defect;therefore Gen Taylor realizes that he will have to kill them all although they outnumber his troops 10 - 1!
The Tegri want to help Taylor but can't do it overtly or no one will believe Taylor is fighting for the good of humanity. So they tell Taylor why the humans must win and become free agents able to determine their own free will. That information only reinforces Taylor's resolve, but for some strange reason he won't confide in any of his men. The don't understand why he is so driven to win this battle and proceed to Earth.
I think Gen Taylor is an idiot for withholding this info. I guess he thinks he's the only one capable of understanding what's at stake yet his men are dying for him and he won't come clean as to why. They have just as much right to know as Taylor because it's their lives on the line. His men aren't stupid, they can understand the Tegri's message just as well as he. He's causing a lot of internal problems which just aren't necessary.
This is a good book and an excellent story that I want to continue reading but the author needs to lighten up on Taylor. He's just a soldier that happens to be enhanced and visited by the Tegri but he's still just human. Quit trying to make him some kind of superman/super genius soldier, cause he's not!
July 19, 2018
This book was entertaining, although the author seems to have a view of government that seemed to heavily impact story and commentary. He has views like those of a libertarian or maybe even an anarchist. The main goal of the characters is the destruction of the government, and organization of people is viewed as bad. The aliens, who are viewed as very wise, have no government and are highly independent individuals who only get together on very rare occasions to discuss matters that affect the fate of civilizations. The author seems to really like the idea of no government or organization of people except for in very rare occasions to determine the fate of a people. I found this idea to be pervasive and annoying. I don't share this idea and so felt like the book had a lot of stupid stuff tied into the interesting story of survival against difficult odds. I like the story of survival against difficult odds, but the rest kind of annoyed me. Government, or at least organization of people, is needed for society to progress. Without it, it would be easy for people to get away with a lot of bad things such as theft and murder, while it would be much harder for ideas to be created and spread. Jay Allan's idea of how things should be, or at least what seems like his idea of how things should be, is stupid. I really dislike this idea of his being so present in his writing. He totally worsened his book by shaping his interesting story so much with his politics. I don't think I would recommend this book. I may finish the series because there is only one more book, but I am hesitant to. Still, the story is entertaining enough to at least make me like the book slightly.
August 22, 2018
I found this book almost impossible to put down, and I'm ready to pick up the third entry in the series as soon as I finish this review. Although the plot consists of a series of battles, each serves to further the story arc in some crucial way. The primary characters are more than one-dimensional plot pieces, evolving as the story progresses, although aspects of their respective motivational explanations are sometimes repeated more than strictly necessary. I also noted the author accidentally used the name of the principal protagonist instead of the correct antagonist character in a single instance of dialog, something a careful proofreading should have caught.
I look forward to seeing how the story plays out in the next installment.
I look forward to seeing how the story plays out in the next installment.
June 24, 2017
Great story!
This is what I'm taking about!! A fantastic sequel to a very good first book in a trilogy. Totally gripping! The sacrifices made by General Jake Taylor and his men are unimaginable as they continue on their quest to free Earth from the UNGov which has ruled and sacrificed generations of people in a war they made up against aliens - the Tegeri, who would rather be allies with the Earthers against The Darkness - an evil force that wiped out the race of Ancients who may have been the progenitors of both human and Tegeri and countless other younger lesser developed species throughout the universe.
This is what I'm taking about!! A fantastic sequel to a very good first book in a trilogy. Totally gripping! The sacrifices made by General Jake Taylor and his men are unimaginable as they continue on their quest to free Earth from the UNGov which has ruled and sacrificed generations of people in a war they made up against aliens - the Tegeri, who would rather be allies with the Earthers against The Darkness - an evil force that wiped out the race of Ancients who may have been the progenitors of both human and Tegeri and countless other younger lesser developed species throughout the universe.
September 14, 2018
A decent middle book
Decent story. I am enjoying the trip. I guess my one issue is that I think the keep silent about what's is unrealistic.you have friends with you and you keep something that important from them? I think not. Not with what is at stake. I still am enjoying the ride. Next.
Decent story. I am enjoying the trip. I guess my one issue is that I think the keep silent about what's is unrealistic.you have friends with you and you keep something that important from them? I think not. Not with what is at stake. I still am enjoying the ride. Next.
August 21, 2019
The story is greatly good and I like the action but it is somehow ruined by the same information being repeated constantly. I get it that they are brothers and that nothing will separate them not even death
I also get that the UNGov is bad or that they have been lied to
Still it's good sorry!
I also get that the UNGov is bad or that they have been lied to
Still it's good sorry!
May 15, 2018
Action, adventure, suspense, military and SiFi what's not to love.
February 9, 2019
Good book.
Nice series, too much remeniscing at the start of each chapter in relation to Jake. Repetive, but it can be skipped. By chapter 3 you have it memorized.
Nice series, too much remeniscing at the start of each chapter in relation to Jake. Repetive, but it can be skipped. By chapter 3 you have it memorized.
May 21, 2020
Good book
Love the book needs better editing. Misspelling - and words misused.
Characters are interesting and the book is entertaining. Gives my brain a rest from boing therapy.
Love the book needs better editing. Misspelling - and words misused.
Characters are interesting and the book is entertaining. Gives my brain a rest from boing therapy.
December 23, 2017
Uninspired
The saga continues with few surprises. The aliens are sanctimonious hypocrites. They mourn the millions of soldiers they created to defend against the humans but don't equip them with weapons and tactics to hurl the humans back to Earth.
Still no sign of those non-line troops until artillery or air power are needed. Resupply is magical as are the troops who catalogue, store and deliver them to the frontline.
The dialogue almost promises better quality to come in spots but never delivers. Very few unexpected developments. The aliens have still not figured out how to increase portal through traffic after thousands of years. They weren't trying hard enough, I think. They also seem to have no spaceborne tech, military or civilian. Too much time in front of the TV?
The saga continues with few surprises. The aliens are sanctimonious hypocrites. They mourn the millions of soldiers they created to defend against the humans but don't equip them with weapons and tactics to hurl the humans back to Earth.
Still no sign of those non-line troops until artillery or air power are needed. Resupply is magical as are the troops who catalogue, store and deliver them to the frontline.
The dialogue almost promises better quality to come in spots but never delivers. Very few unexpected developments. The aliens have still not figured out how to increase portal through traffic after thousands of years. They weren't trying hard enough, I think. They also seem to have no spaceborne tech, military or civilian. Too much time in front of the TV?
March 7, 2016
From My Book Review Number 117:
This review is on The Ten Thousand, Portal Wars: Book II, by author, Jay Allan. This is the second story I have read by this author.
The book again refers to the Journal of Jake Taylor. He has fought with his soldiers for fourteen years now, suffering heavy losses along the way, but now many know the truth about the Tegeri and the UN Government lies.
General Taylor is fighting the UN forces on another world called Alantris. He is close to victory. Instead for fighting the Tegeri Machines, Taylor’s army is fighting the UN Government troops sent to stop his army. They will fail since Taylor's army includes Supersoldiers who have been strengthened with nanotechnology and other enhancements.
General Taylor must fight his way back to Earth using the Portals while at the same time try to recruit more UNGov soldiers to his side by telling them the truth about the war with the Tegeri. Many believe Taylor’s story, but the government sends more troops to fight against him on every Portal world he visits.
The killing of innocent soldiers who fight with him and for the UNGov forces causes great pain and anguish to Taylor. It gets harder to lead his men with so many dying for his cause.
In this book, we learn more about the Tegeri and why they need to stop fighting with Earth forces. There is a new, far worse enemy coming that will threaten the Tegeri and all other alien races since the Ancients first visited the Portal worlds and vanished. One of the leaders of the Tegeri, T’arza, must help Taylor win his battles and defeat the UNGov forces before it is too late. The Tegeri needs Taylor’s army and Earth forces to defeat this old enemy who will destroy them all.
This story ends with Taylor’s forces ready to invade Earth and try to end the UN Government’s rule. It will not be easy and he may fail. The Tegeri told Taylor about the new enemy Earth will face soon. Only Taylor knows the secret and is not ready to tell his army or the world what is coming.
I give this book Four Stars because the story continues to entertain and the struggle to win against heavy odds is filled with emotions and many setbacks. The battle scenes between opposing armies is well told. I look forward to reading Book 3 to see what will happen in the future.
Keep reading good science fiction and let me know when you find an interesting novel or author.
This review is on The Ten Thousand, Portal Wars: Book II, by author, Jay Allan. This is the second story I have read by this author.
The book again refers to the Journal of Jake Taylor. He has fought with his soldiers for fourteen years now, suffering heavy losses along the way, but now many know the truth about the Tegeri and the UN Government lies.
General Taylor is fighting the UN forces on another world called Alantris. He is close to victory. Instead for fighting the Tegeri Machines, Taylor’s army is fighting the UN Government troops sent to stop his army. They will fail since Taylor's army includes Supersoldiers who have been strengthened with nanotechnology and other enhancements.
General Taylor must fight his way back to Earth using the Portals while at the same time try to recruit more UNGov soldiers to his side by telling them the truth about the war with the Tegeri. Many believe Taylor’s story, but the government sends more troops to fight against him on every Portal world he visits.
The killing of innocent soldiers who fight with him and for the UNGov forces causes great pain and anguish to Taylor. It gets harder to lead his men with so many dying for his cause.
In this book, we learn more about the Tegeri and why they need to stop fighting with Earth forces. There is a new, far worse enemy coming that will threaten the Tegeri and all other alien races since the Ancients first visited the Portal worlds and vanished. One of the leaders of the Tegeri, T’arza, must help Taylor win his battles and defeat the UNGov forces before it is too late. The Tegeri needs Taylor’s army and Earth forces to defeat this old enemy who will destroy them all.
This story ends with Taylor’s forces ready to invade Earth and try to end the UN Government’s rule. It will not be easy and he may fail. The Tegeri told Taylor about the new enemy Earth will face soon. Only Taylor knows the secret and is not ready to tell his army or the world what is coming.
I give this book Four Stars because the story continues to entertain and the struggle to win against heavy odds is filled with emotions and many setbacks. The battle scenes between opposing armies is well told. I look forward to reading Book 3 to see what will happen in the future.
Keep reading good science fiction and let me know when you find an interesting novel or author.
December 30, 2015
Three and a half stars. I like this universe that Allan has created and I like the character both good and bad. This felt very much like a middle book... It wad full of Taylor's angst and UNGov's corruption. There was so much in fact that there was very little room for action. I like characters and am not generally an action junkie, but this felt out of balance especially when compared to the first book. Overall a good 'in-between' book.
February 24, 2015
Intense!!!!!
Wow, solid action measures up to portal wars 1! questions I have are why don't they use nuclear weapons, coulda just bombed the planet to oblivion, problem solved? Female warriors?
Wow, solid action measures up to portal wars 1! questions I have are why don't they use nuclear weapons, coulda just bombed the planet to oblivion, problem solved? Female warriors?
July 4, 2015
Good read
The storyline was fluid and original for sci-fi books although the lead character had a futuristic thing going it was written to a believable way not making him over the top....well for sci-fi that is.
The storyline was fluid and original for sci-fi books although the lead character had a futuristic thing going it was written to a believable way not making him over the top....well for sci-fi that is.
February 6, 2015
it was a nice follow up and I am looking forward to the next installment
August 3, 2015
Another enjoyable installment in the series. I'm looking forward to reading more about Jake Taylor and his army of loyal soldiers fighting the corrupt UNGov.
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December 21, 2017I loved it
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews