The Infinity War

by Blair C. Howard

What if the price of peace was your species—and the cost of survival was your soul?

Eighteen years after the awakening of the Stations, humanity has spread across the stars. But a new war is coming—one that could erase consciousness itself.

Admiral Frances Drake once fought to unite human and hybrid civilizations. Now she faces a new the Hegemony, an ancient machine intelligence that sees biological life as a virus in need of correction.

Their message is
Transcend—or be eliminated.

As worlds fracture between Purists—who cling to organic thought—and Transcendents—who embrace unlimited evolution, Drake must command a fleet at war with weapons that rewrite reality itself.

The Hegemony doesn’t conquer planets.
It rewires minds.

But when the war awakens entities far beyond even machine logic—forces bent on extinguishing all awareness—former enemies must become allies, and the survival of humanity may hinge on one hybrid girl who was never meant to exist.

The Infinity War has begun.
Some battles determine the fate of species.
This one will decide whether existence itself continues.

📘 Book Two of The Predecessors series. For fans of Peter F. Hamilton, Alastair Reynolds, and high-concept, mind-bending hard science fiction.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2025

Reviews

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Infinity War (The Predecessors Book 2), my seventy-fifth read from author Blair Howard, one of my favorite authors. Very different than his detective fiction but every bit as enjoyable. I'm not a big science fiction fan but I am a Blair Howard fan and he's writing science-fiction as well as he does detective fiction. Compares favorably with Daniel Gibbs Echoes of War series. Well-written, enjoyable, and thoroughly entertaining as always! I always look forward to the next work from Howard; a Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old friend. I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Sally Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Its very forward thinking and the concepts remind me of old Star Trek  technology that has come to fruition.  Could these advancements actually become true?

To start, I'm going to discuss the book in a somewhat  humorous manner. This is a conspiracy theorists dream come true. Advanced humanity that is threatened by aliens. Mind control. Galactic war. Totally amazing work.

The intricacies involved in writing the book, and the varied character development is outstanding. Kudos to evolved thinking. You don't have to be a sci-fi fan to enjoy this book. It hits on many levels.

[Michael Murphy]

Eighteen years have elapsed since humans defeated the Enemy forces. Now, a new and stronger force, the Hegemony, has determined that human evolution is a threat to the Universe and must be either stifled or completely destroyed. Once again, Admiral Frances Drake is called upon to rally all of humanity to reject these demands. Mr. Howard continues to develop his strong characters, with deep dives into personal interactions and a large dose of forward thinking in multi-dimensional activities that kept me glued to the story. This second book of the series is winner, and I look forward to more exciting sci-fi from this great author.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book was interesting. Admiral Drake faces a new enemy.
The Infinity War will decide if existence will survive.
I also thought interesting of the ready room was partially outside the
space I enjoyed this book. and I recommend this author's

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi at its best.

Riveting read as Earth struggles to save humanity in all its forms. Fast moving battles with mind boggling weaponry and decision making as humanity strives to overcome formidable enemies.
Amazingly good read.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mind-boggling battle, both physical and mental as Admiral Frances Drake is tested to her limits, fighting to save the human race. A great battle ensues and comes with a price. A good, Sci-Fi concept. I received an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable sci-fi adventure with a well written storyline and an excellent cast of characters. This space opera series has plenty of action, lots of suspense, and several battles. A page turning read with a cliffhanger ending. Highly recommended space opera series by highly regarded Blair Howard.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, an absolutely outstanding story that will keep you up way past your bedtime. Will humanity have a chance at survival. How will this all turn out, can’t wait for the next book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was interesting, it reminded me of Star Trek and superior consciousness. Humans are evolving and stellar beings called the Hegemony want to destroy everything on earth because they have evolved into a dangerous species. Earth fights back along with other species that were threatened by the Hegemony. When they defeat the Hegemony, they call in the First Consciousness who gives Earth an ultimatum. This results in a new conflict from the Ethereals. My favourite part is the living spaceships who can think and make decisions. This does end in a cliffhanger. I like Blair Howard’s space opera series they are convoluted and original. I received an advanced copy and the views and opinions are my own.