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Koban #4
Shattered Worlds
The Kobani continue their offensives against the Krall, attacking production worlds, and destroy or steal ships from the Krall fleet, which the enemy needs to resupply their invasions. The Kobani create a multispecies settlement on Haven, a gentler habitable world near deadly Koban. They gain the trust and technological assistance of freed former Krall slave species, the Torki, Prada, and resurrected Raspani.
Their ranks and Mind Tap learned skills are increased by spec ops recruits from Human Space. Mirikami engineers an assault on the Krall base world, K1, in cooperation with a skeptical human navy by sharing new technology, revealing Kobani physical capabilities, and providing intelligence on new Krall invasion plans. Despite knowing the Kobani use illegal gene mods, the navy high command decides to hit the Krall first, with the help of their secretive tough Kobani ally.
After the attack, a mauled Krall fleet still heavily outnumbers the navy, and the damaged human fleet withdraws. A vengeful Krall warlord, the Kobani’s old nemesis Telour, summons an ancient Olt’kitapi ship that can shatter an entire planet. He has a devious plan for remote strikes that will initiate delayed deaths on multiple human worlds, all before a ship imbued with morality can learn it’s been duped. Telour wants the home world of humanity to see death approaching, one world at a time.
Mirikami expected a strong Krall reaction, but not this extreme. He scrambles to head off inexorable destruction of multiple planets. Failing to save some worlds, he’s the final hope for billions of people on others. The Kobani will need the strength and speed their genes provide, plus luck to save humanity.
Their ranks and Mind Tap learned skills are increased by spec ops recruits from Human Space. Mirikami engineers an assault on the Krall base world, K1, in cooperation with a skeptical human navy by sharing new technology, revealing Kobani physical capabilities, and providing intelligence on new Krall invasion plans. Despite knowing the Kobani use illegal gene mods, the navy high command decides to hit the Krall first, with the help of their secretive tough Kobani ally.
After the attack, a mauled Krall fleet still heavily outnumbers the navy, and the damaged human fleet withdraws. A vengeful Krall warlord, the Kobani’s old nemesis Telour, summons an ancient Olt’kitapi ship that can shatter an entire planet. He has a devious plan for remote strikes that will initiate delayed deaths on multiple human worlds, all before a ship imbued with morality can learn it’s been duped. Telour wants the home world of humanity to see death approaching, one world at a time.
Mirikami expected a strong Krall reaction, but not this extreme. He scrambles to head off inexorable destruction of multiple planets. Failing to save some worlds, he’s the final hope for billions of people on others. The Kobani will need the strength and speed their genes provide, plus luck to save humanity.
608 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2014
70 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Stephen W. Bennett
11 books271 followersI was born in 1942, so I'm an autumn rather than a spring chicken. I live outside of Tampa, Florida with my fabulous wife Anita, and one son in college, Montana. I have three older boys, Mark, Gary, and Anthony, all of whom have married and presented us with terrific grandchildren.
My education gravitated to science, starting out as a physics major and my depression era folks told me I'd never make a living as a theoretical physicist (probably right, and Cosmology wasn't a career field then), so I moved to Electronics Engineering. I devoted (was drafted into) service for the US Army, and caring not a whit for my electronics background, they offered this draftee a job as an Air Traffic Controller. Cool new career field. Retired, I now work as a consultant for the FAA, supporting software I helped create.
I decided to try my hand at writing what I loved to read, Science Fiction. The Koban Series has established my unusually successful entry into SciFi as an indie author. 11 books at last count, and at least two more in my mind.
My education gravitated to science, starting out as a physics major and my depression era folks told me I'd never make a living as a theoretical physicist (probably right, and Cosmology wasn't a career field then), so I moved to Electronics Engineering. I devoted (was drafted into) service for the US Army, and caring not a whit for my electronics background, they offered this draftee a job as an Air Traffic Controller. Cool new career field. Retired, I now work as a consultant for the FAA, supporting software I helped create.
I decided to try my hand at writing what I loved to read, Science Fiction. The Koban Series has established my unusually successful entry into SciFi as an indie author. 11 books at last count, and at least two more in my mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 9, 2016
This review is not only for this book, but the whole serie so far.
I'm quit confused to read all the very positive reviews about this book. It even has better rating than Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
So much for "Eat shit - 100 billion flies can't be wrong".
Don't ask me why I continue to read the Koban series books. I honestly don't know because it's a very tedious undertaking.
Thing is the background story is good and interesting. Very imaginative. Each book is a piece of the same big story (without real beginning and ending) and I don't like to leave a book, or story, unfinished.
But the (boring) descriptions, (unatural) dialogues, "humor" and (flat) characters are ... awful.
Also, as a non-american I have to nearly throw up each time I hear space faring special ops talking about miles and foots for measuring distances.
(info : US military also use the metric system)
Shouldn't this be an "anticipation" novel as all science-fiction books are ?
This is perhaps a minor detail and me being pedantic, but it's very representative of the lacks of vision of the author.
I can feel his breath on my neck at every line, every word. I can see where every plot comes from and is going to. literally reading the author's mind. And I hate that feeling.
When I read a book, I want to forget myself, the world and the author.
The only other book where I experienced this was the well rated (by community...) Shannara series by Terry Brooks.
I also have a problem with the cheap "fantasy" plot having old people suddenly getting strong, fast, intelligent and ... young ! Marrying each other and having a lot of sex. This kind of storytelling must be more appealing when you are over 70. I'm not there yet.
There is also generally too much "feel-good" parts in these books, were the bad guys (very clearly identified...) get their ass-kicked, and the smart-mouthed nice guys (very clearly identified...) win everything and get all the rewards and praise. Sadly no one is in between.
Also, a new society is created and very fundamental moral question arise (government, gene-mods, alien implant, war, alien culture integration, ...), I find it very suspicious that all the good/smart guys think exactly the same, and only the very stupid and bad person think otherwise. This is not how it works in real life, IMHO, real moral question never have an easy, 100% sure, answer (think abortion or capital punishment).
Here again, the author own opinions are so strongly and non-subtlety induced in every word that I don't have the impression to read a fiction book, just his mind.
To summarise this overly long (and badly written, oh, the irony) review : The main background / ideas are good. The story, characters and dialogues are awful.
Stephen W. Bennett, if you're reading this, I'm sorry to be so critical of your work. I know that I certainly don't have the capacity to write a book any better than you do, by far.
Still I believe people can make judgement and be critical of work done by more skilled person than themselves.
Disclaimer : Don't flame me, english is not my mother tongue. I read most books in english with a very good level of understanding, but writing is something else...
I'm quit confused to read all the very positive reviews about this book. It even has better rating than Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
So much for "Eat shit - 100 billion flies can't be wrong".
Don't ask me why I continue to read the Koban series books. I honestly don't know because it's a very tedious undertaking.
Thing is the background story is good and interesting. Very imaginative. Each book is a piece of the same big story (without real beginning and ending) and I don't like to leave a book, or story, unfinished.
But the (boring) descriptions, (unatural) dialogues, "humor" and (flat) characters are ... awful.
Also, as a non-american I have to nearly throw up each time I hear space faring special ops talking about miles and foots for measuring distances.
(info : US military also use the metric system)
Shouldn't this be an "anticipation" novel as all science-fiction books are ?
This is perhaps a minor detail and me being pedantic, but it's very representative of the lacks of vision of the author.
I can feel his breath on my neck at every line, every word. I can see where every plot comes from and is going to. literally reading the author's mind. And I hate that feeling.
When I read a book, I want to forget myself, the world and the author.
The only other book where I experienced this was the well rated (by community...) Shannara series by Terry Brooks.
I also have a problem with the cheap "fantasy" plot having old people suddenly getting strong, fast, intelligent and ... young ! Marrying each other and having a lot of sex. This kind of storytelling must be more appealing when you are over 70. I'm not there yet.
There is also generally too much "feel-good" parts in these books, were the bad guys (very clearly identified...) get their ass-kicked, and the smart-mouthed nice guys (very clearly identified...) win everything and get all the rewards and praise. Sadly no one is in between.
Also, a new society is created and very fundamental moral question arise (government, gene-mods, alien implant, war, alien culture integration, ...), I find it very suspicious that all the good/smart guys think exactly the same, and only the very stupid and bad person think otherwise. This is not how it works in real life, IMHO, real moral question never have an easy, 100% sure, answer (think abortion or capital punishment).
Here again, the author own opinions are so strongly and non-subtlety induced in every word that I don't have the impression to read a fiction book, just his mind.
To summarise this overly long (and badly written, oh, the irony) review : The main background / ideas are good. The story, characters and dialogues are awful.
Stephen W. Bennett, if you're reading this, I'm sorry to be so critical of your work. I know that I certainly don't have the capacity to write a book any better than you do, by far.
Still I believe people can make judgement and be critical of work done by more skilled person than themselves.
Disclaimer : Don't flame me, english is not my mother tongue. I read most books in english with a very good level of understanding, but writing is something else...
February 24, 2015
Worth waiting for! But then you've read it and are hungry for more... I want more Kobani and I want the Krall defeated, but then I want to see how the Kobani deal with other humans who hate and fear them and watch them move out to new worlds. This series gets into the reader's head and in there there is no story/series limit. I will enjoy reading and watching where Stephen Bennett takes his "new" race of humans. I did however miss any interplay with the Koban wildlife and the very limited contact in conversation only, pretty much, with the Prada and Toki.
Oops...typed it all on the first line. Love the series loved this latest book. However I would like to see more about the other races and the wildlife on Koban. The Toki and Prada must surely be changing too and just conversational references to them, though always complementary isn't enough. Five stars though because this series is really good and worth the wait for more! Keep writing.
Oops...typed it all on the first line. Love the series loved this latest book. However I would like to see more about the other races and the wildlife on Koban. The Toki and Prada must surely be changing too and just conversational references to them, though always complementary isn't enough. Five stars though because this series is really good and worth the wait for more! Keep writing.
September 15, 2018
Another satisfying read, this series is getting better (although this is my own opinion), this time, the Krall have step up, finally we are introduced to the Olt'kitapi dismantler ships, the Krall's great neutralizer, used only when they (the Krall) feel threatened (so they do lose, but the percentage is really low).............
The war against the worthy Enemy has been going on for two decades, the humans as aggressive as they are have shown the Krall what they (humans) when pushed into a corner can really do, we have new devices, new technology in such short period of time, and yet we are losing, if not for the Kobani, we would have followed the other alien species wiped out by the Krall, As few in numbers as they are the Kobani were able to bring the fight to them.....thus resulting in bringing out these massive machines that were not really meant to be weapons.........
I never liked "wordy" novels, since I fall asleep easily, but Mr. Bennett's pacing is such, even though there are a lot of discussions, it always leads to something wonderful or heart breaking........
Book Five here I come!!!!!
The war against the worthy Enemy has been going on for two decades, the humans as aggressive as they are have shown the Krall what they (humans) when pushed into a corner can really do, we have new devices, new technology in such short period of time, and yet we are losing, if not for the Kobani, we would have followed the other alien species wiped out by the Krall, As few in numbers as they are the Kobani were able to bring the fight to them.....thus resulting in bringing out these massive machines that were not really meant to be weapons.........
I never liked "wordy" novels, since I fall asleep easily, but Mr. Bennett's pacing is such, even though there are a lot of discussions, it always leads to something wonderful or heart breaking........
Book Five here I come!!!!!
June 27, 2018
Still going strong.
This book had more battle and tactical stuff and thus took longer for me to read as that is not my forte. I still found it engrossing and it !eff me wanting to know what comes next .
This book had more battle and tactical stuff and thus took longer for me to read as that is not my forte. I still found it engrossing and it !eff me wanting to know what comes next .
February 19, 2017
Despite the really bad cover... which put me off reading the series ... i really enjoy these books. good old space romp with superheroes that are all nice people... keep them coming...
February 23, 2019
Very brilliant writing by the author.
It's wonderful to learn about the science and technology of the alien races, as well as speculate on other alien races that are long gone.
The aliens all have distinct names and there is some humor in here. I'm not a fan of what Maggie does to get "revenge". However, the matriarchal society certainly gets some people thinking about if men were the ones who didn't get what they want all the time and face workplace discrimination.
The politics is pretty realistic to me. The details going through Mirikami's mind are very precise and really get us thinking about how he is trying to help Earth and it's colonies. The secrecy also makes me feel as wary as the main characters when I read it.
It's wonderful to learn about the science and technology of the alien races, as well as speculate on other alien races that are long gone.
The aliens all have distinct names and there is some humor in here. I'm not a fan of what Maggie does to get "revenge". However, the matriarchal society certainly gets some people thinking about if men were the ones who didn't get what they want all the time and face workplace discrimination.
The politics is pretty realistic to me. The details going through Mirikami's mind are very precise and really get us thinking about how he is trying to help Earth and it's colonies. The secrecy also makes me feel as wary as the main characters when I read it.
March 24, 2019
I like 👍
Good story and great characters. Good represents of some of the worst things of our political types. Looking forward to more butt kicking.
Good story and great characters. Good represents of some of the worst things of our political types. Looking forward to more butt kicking.
November 12, 2019
Solid Sci Fi. I started this series when it first was released. Got to book 3 and then had to wait. I regret not starting book 4 sooner. On to book 5 now!
November 23, 2014
Awesome new story.
We started the endgame in this one.
We left Tet and the Kobani after they had just harmed the Krall as no other enemy has done before. The Krall mindset have provoked a need and desire for retaliation. This is only compounded by the rising status of Telour, Til Gatrol second in command of the the invasion, his ego has been bruised and wants to teach humanity a lesson that will hopefully impress upon such weak animals the futility of aggressive rear attacks. His ambition and desires are held in check by his only superior Tor Gatrol Kanpardi.
While Koban and humanity have just completed a massive coup that removed WMD's from the Krall aresonal they are unaware that this species has kept a card in reserve. They hold the last greatest invention of the Olt'tikapi race their massive living machines capable of destroying whole planets. Telour is determined to use these to balance the scales with humanity over his own humiliation and only by going through his mentor and leader can this occur.
If that wasn't enough the Kobani's success has suddenly thrust them into the spotlight of PU politics. Koban, Haven and all their population depend upon secrecy and stealth to prevent the extermination that the Krall would unleash if their location and abilities were known. However their new need to communicate and work with the human race that would condemn them to death means that a decision point is coming upon them where they must stand with humanity or humanity will stand against them.
Mr Bennett throws us right into the action and we see the expanded war front throughout human space. Our intrepid characters are set to hold the line of humanity in the stars regardless of the cost. I was surprised by the length of the book but so much happens I'm shocked this didn't get split up. I loved the semi-resolution of the AI ships and am kind of surprised that we didn't see more of them at the crucial moment.
The final not a cliff-hanger makes it clear that the next novel will start off with a bang as well and I know that I can't wait to read it.
gallandro
We started the endgame in this one.
We left Tet and the Kobani after they had just harmed the Krall as no other enemy has done before. The Krall mindset have provoked a need and desire for retaliation. This is only compounded by the rising status of Telour, Til Gatrol second in command of the the invasion, his ego has been bruised and wants to teach humanity a lesson that will hopefully impress upon such weak animals the futility of aggressive rear attacks. His ambition and desires are held in check by his only superior Tor Gatrol Kanpardi.
While Koban and humanity have just completed a massive coup that removed WMD's from the Krall aresonal they are unaware that this species has kept a card in reserve. They hold the last greatest invention of the Olt'tikapi race their massive living machines capable of destroying whole planets. Telour is determined to use these to balance the scales with humanity over his own humiliation and only by going through his mentor and leader can this occur.
If that wasn't enough the Kobani's success has suddenly thrust them into the spotlight of PU politics. Koban, Haven and all their population depend upon secrecy and stealth to prevent the extermination that the Krall would unleash if their location and abilities were known. However their new need to communicate and work with the human race that would condemn them to death means that a decision point is coming upon them where they must stand with humanity or humanity will stand against them.
Mr Bennett throws us right into the action and we see the expanded war front throughout human space. Our intrepid characters are set to hold the line of humanity in the stars regardless of the cost. I was surprised by the length of the book but so much happens I'm shocked this didn't get split up. I loved the semi-resolution of the AI ships and am kind of surprised that we didn't see more of them at the crucial moment.
The final not a cliff-hanger makes it clear that the next novel will start off with a bang as well and I know that I can't wait to read it.
gallandro
February 27, 2015
The story evolves with each book and becomes more and more interesting. The nice thing about it is that the future possibilities are literally endless, since the groundwork is already in place regarding multiple other alien races.
Besides the first book, I think this was probably the best, but as it seems to usually be the case with self publishers, there are small but very noticeable (for me at least) contradictory facts and quite a few typos.
I read a review complaining about the POV changes and the retelling of the story being an issue, but I personally enjoy it as long as it advances the story, which in this case it does. My only problem with it, and it could be because I was reading the ebook version, is that the changes took place sometimes mid page without any identifier that we had just gone from a Krall to a Human or vice versa. I think there can be a better job of maintaining the vernacular used in each racial POV separate (ie. the hands method of counting is used as both humans or Krall, where it would make tremendously more sense for it to be Krall only method of counting while humans just use regular numbers)
Nonetheless, these are all minor points on a very enjoyable and entertaining tale. I know I've already mentioned on another review of this series, but Mr. Bennett, if you need another proof-reader before your next one, do not hesitate to let me know, if it will mean I get to read it earlier.
Besides the first book, I think this was probably the best, but as it seems to usually be the case with self publishers, there are small but very noticeable (for me at least) contradictory facts and quite a few typos.
I read a review complaining about the POV changes and the retelling of the story being an issue, but I personally enjoy it as long as it advances the story, which in this case it does. My only problem with it, and it could be because I was reading the ebook version, is that the changes took place sometimes mid page without any identifier that we had just gone from a Krall to a Human or vice versa. I think there can be a better job of maintaining the vernacular used in each racial POV separate (ie. the hands method of counting is used as both humans or Krall, where it would make tremendously more sense for it to be Krall only method of counting while humans just use regular numbers)
Nonetheless, these are all minor points on a very enjoyable and entertaining tale. I know I've already mentioned on another review of this series, but Mr. Bennett, if you need another proof-reader before your next one, do not hesitate to let me know, if it will mean I get to read it earlier.
February 28, 2015
I really can't get enough of the world of the Koban books. The Krall seem to be the perfect enemy - scary and totally invincible. If it weren't for Tet and his team of geneticists, they might conquer all life in the universe on their journey down the Great Path.
I love Tet - he is a wonderful character. Smart, well-spoken, and a great leader for his people. How awesome is it for him to receive genetic modifications which allow him, and the other Kobani, to not only match the Krall's fighting skills, but surpass them?
The Kobani continue their attacks on the Krall while revealing more of themselves to the other humans. With their genetic modifications, they are unsure of what sort of reaction they might receive, and rightly so. I think the humans should welcome the Kobani with open arms and line up to get their own genetic mods!
Despite their superiority to the Krall, the Kobani are few in number, and must try to protect the location of their home world to avoid its destruction by the Krall.
I particularly enjoyed the scene where the Krall were eagerly climbing up the tall building (or human nest) ready to earn many kill points, only to learn that the humans have already evacuated. The humans the Krall were disparaging for being too stupid to fight or even flee, turn out to be inflatable figures. One is even Santa Claus! I love finding the humor in the midst of the epic battle scenes.
I love Tet - he is a wonderful character. Smart, well-spoken, and a great leader for his people. How awesome is it for him to receive genetic modifications which allow him, and the other Kobani, to not only match the Krall's fighting skills, but surpass them?
The Kobani continue their attacks on the Krall while revealing more of themselves to the other humans. With their genetic modifications, they are unsure of what sort of reaction they might receive, and rightly so. I think the humans should welcome the Kobani with open arms and line up to get their own genetic mods!
Despite their superiority to the Krall, the Kobani are few in number, and must try to protect the location of their home world to avoid its destruction by the Krall.
I particularly enjoyed the scene where the Krall were eagerly climbing up the tall building (or human nest) ready to earn many kill points, only to learn that the humans have already evacuated. The humans the Krall were disparaging for being too stupid to fight or even flee, turn out to be inflatable figures. One is even Santa Claus! I love finding the humor in the midst of the epic battle scenes.
December 14, 2014
I want to love these books. I really, really do. But...
The concept is awesome and very well presented. The antagonist species is also terrific. Battles done fairly well. Other supportive species also believable.
However, at times (far too often) the dialog is unrealistic. During action instructions can be paragraphs long. Covering these like Weber does in pre-action segments with only minor instructions during life or death situations would be so much less disruptive. These are supposedly highly intelligent supermen and women. I don't think they need or expect their commander to explain exactly why he is ordering what he is ordering while they are being shot at by tens or hundreds or ships or enemies.
Seriously, Tet, just once say "Just do it and I'll explain WHY later!"
And, seriously, someone please slap Maggi
Fisher back or just explain to her unfunny self that it wasn't funny or nice the first time she hit a guy in the nuts and it still isn't three books later. Can't help but think Tet could have done a whole lot better once age-regressed because I can't imagine any men I know wanting to put up with her for any longer than they had to do so. Not having to be in her physical proximity has got to be a huge plus for a bunch of people now that their quantum telepathy thing has expanded!
The concept is awesome and very well presented. The antagonist species is also terrific. Battles done fairly well. Other supportive species also believable.
However, at times (far too often) the dialog is unrealistic. During action instructions can be paragraphs long. Covering these like Weber does in pre-action segments with only minor instructions during life or death situations would be so much less disruptive. These are supposedly highly intelligent supermen and women. I don't think they need or expect their commander to explain exactly why he is ordering what he is ordering while they are being shot at by tens or hundreds or ships or enemies.
Seriously, Tet, just once say "Just do it and I'll explain WHY later!"
And, seriously, someone please slap Maggi
Fisher back or just explain to her unfunny self that it wasn't funny or nice the first time she hit a guy in the nuts and it still isn't three books later. Can't help but think Tet could have done a whole lot better once age-regressed because I can't imagine any men I know wanting to put up with her for any longer than they had to do so. Not having to be in her physical proximity has got to be a huge plus for a bunch of people now that their quantum telepathy thing has expanded!
February 7, 2016
I love this series, In this we see the results and consequences of the actions taken in the previous books. While the Krall are still as insane with war as ever we see the humans start to "man up" as well and start to take a direct fight to the Krall not just a defensive stance. This is a great continuation to the series with us starting to see the reaction to the Kobani that the hub worlds will give and how it is affecting some decisions made. I really love the leader meetings that take place in this book with all the representatives of the different aliens it is a interesting example of the authors skills in making characters that he can represent different alien groups in different and unique ways without them losing their "humanity" becoming just some robotic background groups that happen to be alien races.
The use of the alien ships in this book was a great addition because it gives pay off to something we have heard about for a few books nows. Overall a great read and i would recommend to anyone that enjoys sci fi books or war books in general. It's definitely worth a read in my opinion and i cant wait to see what happens next.
The use of the alien ships in this book was a great addition because it gives pay off to something we have heard about for a few books nows. Overall a great read and i would recommend to anyone that enjoys sci fi books or war books in general. It's definitely worth a read in my opinion and i cant wait to see what happens next.
December 17, 2014
wow just wow
This was nonstop action throughout the whole book. Lots of development and progress by our favorite humans. A lot of the book was predictable, but that didn't minimize the pleasure derived in the least bit. The book was excitement, some sadness, expensive victories and promise of a better future for humanity in this book.
Spoiler beyond.
I don't understand why they couldn't arrange for one Krall to accidentally escape with a "Human clan ship", carrying a "new" weapon to K1 and spread the denial virus there. They would never suspect before it was too late to contain all that came in range with the "brave" warrior that outsmarted the human animals. And of course all the leaders would be there to question him and the virus would become unstoppable. They would be stuck on and around K1. Also there would no need to destroy any more factories if the just infected them.
This was nonstop action throughout the whole book. Lots of development and progress by our favorite humans. A lot of the book was predictable, but that didn't minimize the pleasure derived in the least bit. The book was excitement, some sadness, expensive victories and promise of a better future for humanity in this book.
Spoiler beyond.
I don't understand why they couldn't arrange for one Krall to accidentally escape with a "Human clan ship", carrying a "new" weapon to K1 and spread the denial virus there. They would never suspect before it was too late to contain all that came in range with the "brave" warrior that outsmarted the human animals. And of course all the leaders would be there to question him and the virus would become unstoppable. They would be stuck on and around K1. Also there would no need to destroy any more factories if the just infected them.
July 15, 2015
Wonderful, marvelous, fantastic, etc.! Stephen Bennett has turned out another superb story in the Koban series.
I won't describe the action and characters because blurbs are available. Suffice it to say, this series is one of the best alien "conflict" series I've read in the nearly half century I've been reading science fiction.
The characters are well thought out, the technology is consistent and realistic, conforming to scientific rules and definitions. The alien races are, other than the Krall, wonderful and invoke sympathy for all they have endured as slave races to the Krall. The Krall - boo, hiss, are just nasty but even so have their own sense of morals and codified behavior.
This is just plain good stuff! Read it - after reading the earlier books in the series.
I won't describe the action and characters because blurbs are available. Suffice it to say, this series is one of the best alien "conflict" series I've read in the nearly half century I've been reading science fiction.
The characters are well thought out, the technology is consistent and realistic, conforming to scientific rules and definitions. The alien races are, other than the Krall, wonderful and invoke sympathy for all they have endured as slave races to the Krall. The Krall - boo, hiss, are just nasty but even so have their own sense of morals and codified behavior.
This is just plain good stuff! Read it - after reading the earlier books in the series.
February 4, 2016
This is the fourth in a five book series. I read the others in order and will start the last. It's a space opera with aliens, invasions, war and genetic engineering. The series poses the question what should mankind do when faced with a species much more powerful than they are who are bent on exterminating all other species from the galaxy.
Starts with a fascinating human society where women are much more numerous as well as socially and economically more powerful and perhaps more sexually aggressive than men. Hmmm.
Starts with a fascinating human society where women are much more numerous as well as socially and economically more powerful and perhaps more sexually aggressive than men. Hmmm.
March 13, 2015
The Kobani series is some of the best pulp science fiction I have read in ages. The characters interact well and while you can see where some threads are going before they get there you really enjoy the ride. I love the races described in the series. The Krall make excellent enemies. I tore through the first 4 books in about a month of casual reading, I really recommend them if you want to give yourself a treat of how classic science fiction should be written. Now to await book 5. :)
April 25, 2016
A good continuation of the saga but still with lots pages devoted to rambling narrative of a person or history or technology that didn't really add anything and was often a rehash of something already covered. Other parts had rather simplistic ends or solutions. I am all for a hero but it appears only one person can come up with all the answers in every scenario. Will need a break before the next book with some lighter and less intense reading.
March 16, 2015
i need more!
i want the next book of this series to come soon.
Sure there are some pacing issues, but not too much to make one feels lazy reading it.
but yeah, seeing technological arms race between aliens sure is fun.
i want the next book of this series to come soon.
Sure there are some pacing issues, but not too much to make one feels lazy reading it.
but yeah, seeing technological arms race between aliens sure is fun.
February 22, 2016
I knew that once the Kobanians started referring to themselves by that name, bad things would come of it. Kind of a weak mistake for a smart set of characters to make, but it's a small criticism of another excellent installment in this series. Moving onto book 5 now with great anticipation.
December 15, 2016
Great book series! I tend to review after reading all available in series. One or Two of the books tend to struggle and drag on but over all its a great series. Its not really much for in depth character development. However if you like Scifi and action at all. You Will like this series.
December 20, 2014
Thanks Stephen
I love this series. Great characters. Solid story. Accurate science. Looking forward to more. I recommend this collection to everyone
I love this series. Great characters. Solid story. Accurate science. Looking forward to more. I recommend this collection to everyone
December 21, 2014
Great book
Another great book in the series! Stephen Bennett definitely gives you your money's worth-- lot of content and usual action. Looking forward to the next book!
Another great book in the series! Stephen Bennett definitely gives you your money's worth-- lot of content and usual action. Looking forward to the next book!
December 24, 2014
great book again but now i have no more action packed sci-fi ready to get into,will order the next book and wait :(
January 11, 2015
Can't wait until book 5 comes out!
July 5, 2015
Amazing series. I was not able to put it down.
February 13, 2017
Engrossing.
I continue to be highly engaged with this series. There is so much advancement in tech in this book that it is almost hard to keep up, for the reader as well as the characters. I keep trying to guess what will happen next, with mixed success. I feel like some plot twists are too heavily foreshadowed. Others truly surprise me.
I am learning to be less annoyed by typos. A bit. At least in this book the story is worth putting up with a few!
Already downloading the next book!
I continue to be highly engaged with this series. There is so much advancement in tech in this book that it is almost hard to keep up, for the reader as well as the characters. I keep trying to guess what will happen next, with mixed success. I feel like some plot twists are too heavily foreshadowed. Others truly surprise me.
I am learning to be less annoyed by typos. A bit. At least in this book the story is worth putting up with a few!
Already downloading the next book!
September 16, 2015
Book 4 of Koban series. (Mine)
July 30, 2025
Still no audio version in goodreads editions - no idea why not.
March 29, 2023
Good stuff. A must read if you have read the previous books in the series.
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