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Far Stars #2
Enemy in the Dark
The second book in the Far Star series follows Blackhawk and the crew of the Wolf’s Claw as they are gradually (and unwillingly) drawn more deeply into Marshal Lucerne’s campaign to form a united power bloc in the Far Stars to resist imperial encroachment.
Successfully completing their mission to rescue Marshal Augustin Lucerne’s daughter, Astra, the crew of the Wolf’s Claw are enjoying some well-deserved rest—all, that is, except Blackhawk. The space gun for hire cannot escape Lucerne’s relentless pleas for help against growing imperial control in the Far Stars. While Blackhawk deeply respects his friend, he fears that the power Lucerne offers will lead him back to his old dark ways.
His resistance crumbles, however, when Lucerne presents evidence that the imperial governor has been manipulating the conflicts in the Far Stars. Convinced of the deadly danger of imperial domination, Blackhawk and his crew board the Wolf’s Claw once more and set out to gather intelligence on the Empire’s movements—the proof Lucerne needs to unite the fractured and feuding worlds of the Far Stars into single power bloc capable of resisting imperial aggression. But deep in the sparsely populated territory of the Far Stars, he discovers that the imperial governor’s machinations are far reaching—and threaten the independence of every world this side of the Void.
A man seemingly running from himself, Blackhawk is beginning to realize he can no longer remain a prisoner to his own past while the future of the Far Stars is in jeopardy.
Successfully completing their mission to rescue Marshal Augustin Lucerne’s daughter, Astra, the crew of the Wolf’s Claw are enjoying some well-deserved rest—all, that is, except Blackhawk. The space gun for hire cannot escape Lucerne’s relentless pleas for help against growing imperial control in the Far Stars. While Blackhawk deeply respects his friend, he fears that the power Lucerne offers will lead him back to his old dark ways.
His resistance crumbles, however, when Lucerne presents evidence that the imperial governor has been manipulating the conflicts in the Far Stars. Convinced of the deadly danger of imperial domination, Blackhawk and his crew board the Wolf’s Claw once more and set out to gather intelligence on the Empire’s movements—the proof Lucerne needs to unite the fractured and feuding worlds of the Far Stars into single power bloc capable of resisting imperial aggression. But deep in the sparsely populated territory of the Far Stars, he discovers that the imperial governor’s machinations are far reaching—and threaten the independence of every world this side of the Void.
A man seemingly running from himself, Blackhawk is beginning to realize he can no longer remain a prisoner to his own past while the future of the Far Stars is in jeopardy.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
197 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 2, 2017
The second book in this series was just as much fun as the first. These books are packed with action and lovable rogues. They're not going to win any literary awards, but that's not all that important to me as a reader. If I enjoy reading the book, I couldn't care less about its literary merit. I also think this series would make a great movie. The way it's written feels very cinematic. It even got some emotions out of me toward the end.
Rating: 9/10
Rating: 9/10
March 15, 2018
Sometimes an exciting book can get a little boring. I found myself in this situation when reading about Arkarin Blackhawk during the first part of this book. I mean, the mission he and his crew of the Wolf’s Claw” was really going south and they were soon to be in big trouble, but I knew they were going to get out of it as they always do. That took away some of the drama that I had experienced in the first book. Still, this is a good series once it gets going.
If you’ll remember, Arkarin Blackhawk was some what of a rogue semi-pirate out among the stars. He and his crew did what they were hired to do and only they job didn’t cause undo harm to the good guys. The good guys were not only Akarin and his crew, but other nice and innocent people. Most of his employers were definitely not the kind that cared about anyone but themselves. Blackhawk tried to stay on the right side of the law, but out in space which is so vast, who’s to say what exactly is the law on the fringes of civilization! Yet, Blackhawk had a definite moral code that made him a good person even if he though otherwise. He has a background which he definitely doesn’t want his crew to know about. While he knows just about everything about each one of his crew members, they know he doesn’t talk about his past and they are smart enough not to bug him about it. The only person who does know just who Arkairn Blackhawk really is, is Marshal Augustin Lucerne, now ruler of Celtiboria and Chairman of the newly established Confederation of Far Stars planets. And even he didn’t care about Blackhawk’s past.
So, we first find the Wolf’s Claw on a semi-civilized planet ruled by a wealthy magnate that makes his money through the gambling establishments and other illegal activities of planet Castilla. This magnate goes by the name of Arragonzo Francisco de Aragona and he is going to be kidnapped by Blackhawk and his crew very shortly.
While they thought they could take him at his huge home, a convoy of what appeared to be Imperial soldiers was also headed for the estate. So, Blackhawk had to fallback to plan B. They had located Mr. Aragona at one of his casinos and were going to take him from that location even though it was heavily guarded. So, what was going to be a relatively easy snatch and grab, turned out to be an escape with their lives and with one of the Wolf’s Claw seriously injured!
Still, they accomplish that job and then are called back to Celtiboria to meet with Marshal Lucerne. He is getting information that one of his Confederation allies might be working for the Empire while at the same time trying to undermine his efforts to establish the Confederation. Marshal Lucerne has gathered his considerably large armada and is heading to Antille expecting another bloody war.
Fortunately, Blackhawk and the Wolf’s Claw have arrived there ahead of the Marshal and he’s attempting to find out what’s really going on. He has proof that the Empire has been meddling in other Far Star affairs and has found Imperial weapons where there shouldn’t have been any. Now he has to find proof on Antille that the Empire was in-fact spreading false rumors about Antille supplying some of the Far Stars dictators with Imperial weapons. That task won’t be too hard if he can find the one person on the planet responsible for these rumors. He needs to find him alive and get him to admit what he knows to Marshal Lucerne or millions will die in a bloody war that’s not necessary.
Now the story does get exciting. Amongst the fighting, Blackhawk runs into a man from his past who knows who he is. He can’t let this man live, but he doesn’t want to just kill him in cold blood. Still, he has to do what he must to keep his past a secret, although even after this scene with this enemy, Blackhawk’s story does come out.
Now that we know Blackhawk’s past, his crew is allowed to decide if they want to stay with him or leave. One of the giant twin’s doesn’t get a choice. The others eventually make their decisions also. Finally, Astra, the daughter of Marshal Lucerne and Blackhawks love interest tells him what she thinks about his past and now he has to live with that.
I guess we’ll have to read the next book to find out what happens to Arkarin Blackhawk and the Wolf’s Claw.
If you’ll remember, Arkarin Blackhawk was some what of a rogue semi-pirate out among the stars. He and his crew did what they were hired to do and only they job didn’t cause undo harm to the good guys. The good guys were not only Akarin and his crew, but other nice and innocent people. Most of his employers were definitely not the kind that cared about anyone but themselves. Blackhawk tried to stay on the right side of the law, but out in space which is so vast, who’s to say what exactly is the law on the fringes of civilization! Yet, Blackhawk had a definite moral code that made him a good person even if he though otherwise. He has a background which he definitely doesn’t want his crew to know about. While he knows just about everything about each one of his crew members, they know he doesn’t talk about his past and they are smart enough not to bug him about it. The only person who does know just who Arkairn Blackhawk really is, is Marshal Augustin Lucerne, now ruler of Celtiboria and Chairman of the newly established Confederation of Far Stars planets. And even he didn’t care about Blackhawk’s past.
So, we first find the Wolf’s Claw on a semi-civilized planet ruled by a wealthy magnate that makes his money through the gambling establishments and other illegal activities of planet Castilla. This magnate goes by the name of Arragonzo Francisco de Aragona and he is going to be kidnapped by Blackhawk and his crew very shortly.
While they thought they could take him at his huge home, a convoy of what appeared to be Imperial soldiers was also headed for the estate. So, Blackhawk had to fallback to plan B. They had located Mr. Aragona at one of his casinos and were going to take him from that location even though it was heavily guarded. So, what was going to be a relatively easy snatch and grab, turned out to be an escape with their lives and with one of the Wolf’s Claw seriously injured!
Still, they accomplish that job and then are called back to Celtiboria to meet with Marshal Lucerne. He is getting information that one of his Confederation allies might be working for the Empire while at the same time trying to undermine his efforts to establish the Confederation. Marshal Lucerne has gathered his considerably large armada and is heading to Antille expecting another bloody war.
Fortunately, Blackhawk and the Wolf’s Claw have arrived there ahead of the Marshal and he’s attempting to find out what’s really going on. He has proof that the Empire has been meddling in other Far Star affairs and has found Imperial weapons where there shouldn’t have been any. Now he has to find proof on Antille that the Empire was in-fact spreading false rumors about Antille supplying some of the Far Stars dictators with Imperial weapons. That task won’t be too hard if he can find the one person on the planet responsible for these rumors. He needs to find him alive and get him to admit what he knows to Marshal Lucerne or millions will die in a bloody war that’s not necessary.
Now the story does get exciting. Amongst the fighting, Blackhawk runs into a man from his past who knows who he is. He can’t let this man live, but he doesn’t want to just kill him in cold blood. Still, he has to do what he must to keep his past a secret, although even after this scene with this enemy, Blackhawk’s story does come out.
Now that we know Blackhawk’s past, his crew is allowed to decide if they want to stay with him or leave. One of the giant twin’s doesn’t get a choice. The others eventually make their decisions also. Finally, Astra, the daughter of Marshal Lucerne and Blackhawks love interest tells him what she thinks about his past and now he has to live with that.
I guess we’ll have to read the next book to find out what happens to Arkarin Blackhawk and the Wolf’s Claw.
April 16, 2019
Definitely a step up from the last book. While still following the swashbuckling stereotype from the first book, this one takes a step forward with a bit more of an imaginative story line, and some interesting turns in the story. Once again, it was rather predictable, though I was surprised by one twist near the end of the book.
The most enjoyable part of this story would have to once again be the simple storytelling. It's easy to access, and doesn't present anything too complex to readers. As light, casual reading, this really hits the spot.
The least enjoyable part with this book would have to be the constant reference to things that the reader would know. Whether it's characters skillsets, history, or motivations. This was an issue in the first book as well. The author did take a step forward in reducing the number of times we have to hear about how amazing everyone is, which is commendable.
I will be reading the third book in the trilogy to finish up the story. This was a nice story to read, nothing too complicated, or especially intricate, and sometimes that's all a story needs to be.
The most enjoyable part of this story would have to once again be the simple storytelling. It's easy to access, and doesn't present anything too complex to readers. As light, casual reading, this really hits the spot.
The least enjoyable part with this book would have to be the constant reference to things that the reader would know. Whether it's characters skillsets, history, or motivations. This was an issue in the first book as well. The author did take a step forward in reducing the number of times we have to hear about how amazing everyone is, which is commendable.
I will be reading the third book in the trilogy to finish up the story. This was a nice story to read, nothing too complicated, or especially intricate, and sometimes that's all a story needs to be.
September 12, 2019
Enemy in the Dark by Jay Allan
This is the second book in the Far Stars series. Shadow of Empire is the first book in the series. Arkarian Blackhawk is once again the leader of the band. Marshal Augustin Lucerne is still trying to get the diverse worlds of the Far Stars to unite in a confederation. His not so secret opponent the imperial governor will go to any lengths to stop him.
Blackhawk tries to distance himself from Lucerne’s plans but finds himself right in the middle again. The crew of misfits manning Wolf’s Claw, Ark’s ship epitomizes loyalty and resolve. Allan shows that offering people a 2nd chance can endear them and incorporate them into a diverse but strong unity.
This book has a lot of action but shows that sacrifice for the greater good although necessary can be extraordinarily painful.
I enjoyed the book.
This is the second book in the Far Stars series. Shadow of Empire is the first book in the series. Arkarian Blackhawk is once again the leader of the band. Marshal Augustin Lucerne is still trying to get the diverse worlds of the Far Stars to unite in a confederation. His not so secret opponent the imperial governor will go to any lengths to stop him.
Blackhawk tries to distance himself from Lucerne’s plans but finds himself right in the middle again. The crew of misfits manning Wolf’s Claw, Ark’s ship epitomizes loyalty and resolve. Allan shows that offering people a 2nd chance can endear them and incorporate them into a diverse but strong unity.
This book has a lot of action but shows that sacrifice for the greater good although necessary can be extraordinarily painful.
I enjoyed the book.
February 13, 2023
I'm done with the series at this point. The combat is great. The general noble space pirate swashbuckling is good. The repetition and mishmash of historical references is ok, I mean, you get what you pay for. But the writing with regard to women continues to be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Every one of the relatively few female characters in the series who gets more than a sentence is a super sexy stone cold killer, a daughter figure, or a super sexy daughter figure who is a stone cold killer. The threat of rape or references to rape are thrown in every few chapters so that you know that bad things happen in war.
The Wolf's Claw and its crew are copied from Firefly (that's a good thing), but seems to have missed that the female characters on that show had...character.
Every one of the relatively few female characters in the series who gets more than a sentence is a super sexy stone cold killer, a daughter figure, or a super sexy daughter figure who is a stone cold killer. The threat of rape or references to rape are thrown in every few chapters so that you know that bad things happen in war.
The Wolf's Claw and its crew are copied from Firefly (that's a good thing), but seems to have missed that the female characters on that show had...character.
April 7, 2022
Alright...I really don't like NOT finishing books or even series, but I think I'm out.
I liked this story slightly better than the first, but not enough to want to continue in this universe. The writing got markedly better (thank you), but the story just didn't do it for me...and to know that there are two more books. Nope. I'm done.
I just didn't like the characters. I wish I did, but it just didn't work for ME. I hope, if you are reading this...you say..."well, it worked for me." I'd actually love to hear that.
This author has put his blood, sweat and tears into this story, it just wasn't for me.
Sorry.
I liked this story slightly better than the first, but not enough to want to continue in this universe. The writing got markedly better (thank you), but the story just didn't do it for me...and to know that there are two more books. Nope. I'm done.
I just didn't like the characters. I wish I did, but it just didn't work for ME. I hope, if you are reading this...you say..."well, it worked for me." I'd actually love to hear that.
This author has put his blood, sweat and tears into this story, it just wasn't for me.
Sorry.
May 4, 2018
4.0
This continues to be an excellent story, though at this point I am as tired of war as the soldiers in the story. I will certainly continue on to the conclusion with the small hope that the author can figure some way to bring into being the potential romances he so brutally dismissed in book two. The only real problem I had with this story was the seemingly incessant ruminations several of his characters indulged in which were repetitious and broke up the flow of the action.
This continues to be an excellent story, though at this point I am as tired of war as the soldiers in the story. I will certainly continue on to the conclusion with the small hope that the author can figure some way to bring into being the potential romances he so brutally dismissed in book two. The only real problem I had with this story was the seemingly incessant ruminations several of his characters indulged in which were repetitious and broke up the flow of the action.
August 29, 2019
The Far Stars are in danger again from the Empire
Once again the Far Stars are in danger. Imperial agents infiltrate the Far Stars at the highest levels and the new governor has his sights set on capturing the colonies for the empire. More labor to squeeze the life out of while their planets are stripped of resources.
Excellent story and the characters we love are still at it. Great read!
Once again the Far Stars are in danger. Imperial agents infiltrate the Far Stars at the highest levels and the new governor has his sights set on capturing the colonies for the empire. More labor to squeeze the life out of while their planets are stripped of resources.
Excellent story and the characters we love are still at it. Great read!
June 18, 2017
Better than the first book in the trilogy
But still pretty much a cliché. I found myself getting bored partway through and hoping I could make it to the end of the book. Things picked up in the series on half of the story and I hope the next and final book in the trilogy ends the series well.
But still pretty much a cliché. I found myself getting bored partway through and hoping I could make it to the end of the book. Things picked up in the series on half of the story and I hope the next and final book in the trilogy ends the series well.
March 8, 2019
Despite my dislike of the first novel I read this second novel anyway. I'm glad I did as the second had much better storytelling and engagement with the characters. The plot was interesting and the pace of the novel keep me intrigued until the end. I'll be looking forward to reading the third and final.
April 14, 2018
A decent second book in the series
This was a decent second book in the series. The character development was good as well as the plot line. While not as action packed as the first, it was still a good read.
This was a decent second book in the series. The character development was good as well as the plot line. While not as action packed as the first, it was still a good read.
April 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book. A little graphic at times, but the crew of the wolf’s claw was fun to follow. There was more depth to the characters and to the story. A fun quick romp through space building to a third book and the climax.
October 7, 2018
Fun read
April 2, 2019
I have been listening to this series, but I really don't think I will go out of my way of reading the third book. The story line is okay and the dialogue is corny.
February 25, 2022
Book 2 in this series. I really enjoyed it. Now on to book 3.
January 5, 2024
NFM!!! (NOT FOR ME!!)
December 17, 2015
Arkarin Blackhawk and crew while on a job to pickup a person wanted by the Far Stars Bank finds advanced weapons on a planet that should not have them. Augustin Lucerne has an army on multiple worlds to bring the into the new confederation, but they too are running in to much stronger defenses than they expected. Advanced weapons, that the planets should not have. And the all lead Blackhawk to one conclusion, the Empire. But he needs proof. But proof is hard to come by when the enemy leaves no loose ends. But when Blackhawk rescues a King on one of the worlds and runs in to someone he used to know, his feeling that the Empire is sticking it's nose in to Far Stars is confirmed and the imperial governor has many planes in play. Plans to turn those that should be allies in to enemies. This leads two of the most powerful planets in the Far Stars to a head to head confrontation and Blackhawk to fight off those that wish to collect the 1 million credit bounty on his head. And unfortunately for Blackhawk, not all of his crew will walk away when the smoke clears.
This is a must read series.
This is a must read series.
January 30, 2016
The second book in the Far Stars trilogy does not suffer the weak second book symptom. On the contrary I enjoyed this one more than the first book.
One of the reasons is the fact that more party and persons enter the fight for power. Greed is an as important factor as trust, revenge and treason.
I look forward to read the third and final book.
One of the reasons is the fact that more party and persons enter the fight for power. Greed is an as important factor as trust, revenge and treason.
I look forward to read the third and final book.
March 17, 2016
Note: I was the editor on this book.
The second book in the series, and the tension and action is really ratcheted up. Again, these are fast-paced, action-packed adventures, with a protagonist who is a reluctant hero (but man, when he wants to be the hero, he heros hard!).
The second book in the series, and the tension and action is really ratcheted up. Again, these are fast-paced, action-packed adventures, with a protagonist who is a reluctant hero (but man, when he wants to be the hero, he heros hard!).
Read
March 15, 2016Good middle book of three....A fun read....
June 9, 2017
Great Read
An all out page turner! Could not put it down!
I would recommend this book to all sci-fi enthusiasts who want to be entertained in the highest level
An all out page turner! Could not put it down!
I would recommend this book to all sci-fi enthusiasts who want to be entertained in the highest level
July 16, 2016
Another great book in this trilogy. Allan continues to write tight, taught and engaging stories.
GREAT series GREAT Author. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
GREAT series GREAT Author. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Read
September 28, 2016Good second book in the series. We learn more about Blackhawk and sabotage and intrigue continues. Lots of action and narrow escapes.
November 28, 2016
A great read
Swashbuckling space opera at its best. Great characters and well developed story and good editing to boot. On to Funeral Games!
Swashbuckling space opera at its best. Great characters and well developed story and good editing to boot. On to Funeral Games!
December 16, 2016
Doesn't matter
A little slower book than the first one, but still a very good fast and fun read. I really enjoy Jay Allan's writing.
A little slower book than the first one, but still a very good fast and fun read. I really enjoy Jay Allan's writing.
December 4, 2016
Good but could be better.
Jay needs to learn how to write without tense modifiers.
Jay needs to learn how to write without tense modifiers.
April 30, 2017
I absolutely loved the second installment in this series. Lots of excitement emotion and character development. I cant wait to read the final book. (hopefully Allan will continue to series in some way) I you like political drama adventure and action this is for you. It is not hard science fiction but contains great world building and characters.
June 17, 2017
Excellent
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews