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Ep.#4.1 - "Rise of the Alpha"
The galaxy is in chaos…
The empire has been defeated…
The Alliance is a mere shell of its former self…
The Free fleet is left to pick up the pieces and restore order…
A new threat has emerged. One greater than anything Captain Scott and the Free Fleet have faced before. Unfortunately, they haven’t the time or resources to protect humanity from the menace that has come to fill the void left by the battle between the Human Galactic Empire and the Alliance.
The only choice left is one they would never have imagined.
The empire has been defeated…
The Alliance is a mere shell of its former self…
The Free fleet is left to pick up the pieces and restore order…
A new threat has emerged. One greater than anything Captain Scott and the Free Fleet have faced before. Unfortunately, they haven’t the time or resources to protect humanity from the menace that has come to fill the void left by the battle between the Human Galactic Empire and the Alliance.
The only choice left is one they would never have imagined.
- GenresScience Fiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Ryk Brown
102 books872 followersBorn in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 3, 2026
Ridiculous pivot out of nowhere - Saga Part 4: MGuffin
Seriously. I’ve read every single book by Ryk Brown and this is just the most ridiculous story turn I’ve seen. Get thrown 500 years into the future through a black hole? Sure. Create a cool cloning machine only to realize it makes death useless? Make it conveniently destroyed. Have a person create a bunch of drones with a single point of failure? Why not.
But creating a random unkillable Death Star that rises out of an ocean where the whole book you see people uselessly throw stones at it is just so random and boring. I skipped through the whole book because it was predictable until 90% of the way through.
Why can’t there be an alien threat? Why can’t we skip a few decades into the future where the free fleet does some wold building? Why does the Aurora always have to go from one fire into another fire. Why can’t there ever be some progression?
Seriously. I’ve read every single book by Ryk Brown and this is just the most ridiculous story turn I’ve seen. Get thrown 500 years into the future through a black hole? Sure. Create a cool cloning machine only to realize it makes death useless? Make it conveniently destroyed. Have a person create a bunch of drones with a single point of failure? Why not.
But creating a random unkillable Death Star that rises out of an ocean where the whole book you see people uselessly throw stones at it is just so random and boring. I skipped through the whole book because it was predictable until 90% of the way through.
Why can’t there be an alien threat? Why can’t we skip a few decades into the future where the free fleet does some wold building? Why does the Aurora always have to go from one fire into another fire. Why can’t there ever be some progression?
June 16, 2026
good, but…I have questions
This was good. Intense. Action filled. Dramatic. But… it felt like it was short (maybe because of the nonstop battle action? Idk) and it felt like there was just a lot of fill in it. But, again, maybe that was because of all the literal, nonstop action—which might have been necessary in order to get to the finale, the actual location of so many memories from this series’s beginnings? Idk As usual, I loved the characters, old & new. I have a feeling Tamra might be around for a while! A Jessica mini-me! Lol
——————————————-
‼️Spoiler Alert ‼️ I do find myself questioning our main characters & even the docs who didn’t ask what would seem like pertinent & detail, digging information questions , like: does this newcomer have a biosynth machine or is it a cloning machine? No one asks this question when they really need a biosynth machine! Why doesn’t someone ask the newcomer just where did the highly accelerated & complicated technology come from? After all, these people are not known for their own technological advancement. But advancement from stealing? Absolutely!. Again, no one asks, which I find to be really weird & frustrating, which are new dilemmas when it comes to this series. And finally, one question for the entire story versus just about interactions with the newcomers, and that’s to ask, why wouldn’t someone think to be sure ALL pilots, or all Free Fleet personnel & families weren’t scanned by the biosynth technology prior to or during a break in the action? I’d be willing to bet that the docs NEVER forgot! So why didn’t any of them say a thing? Or the leaders, even after the crisis of Barnett? I realize timing is a factor on this last question but it just seems like a whole in their well oiled fleet machine. Again, it Might be something the leaders might miss during a crisis but I’d have expected someone to think of these questions to be asked at some point. IMO
This was good. Intense. Action filled. Dramatic. But… it felt like it was short (maybe because of the nonstop battle action? Idk) and it felt like there was just a lot of fill in it. But, again, maybe that was because of all the literal, nonstop action—which might have been necessary in order to get to the finale, the actual location of so many memories from this series’s beginnings? Idk As usual, I loved the characters, old & new. I have a feeling Tamra might be around for a while! A Jessica mini-me! Lol
——————————————-
‼️Spoiler Alert ‼️ I do find myself questioning our main characters & even the docs who didn’t ask what would seem like pertinent & detail, digging information questions , like: does this newcomer have a biosynth machine or is it a cloning machine? No one asks this question when they really need a biosynth machine! Why doesn’t someone ask the newcomer just where did the highly accelerated & complicated technology come from? After all, these people are not known for their own technological advancement. But advancement from stealing? Absolutely!. Again, no one asks, which I find to be really weird & frustrating, which are new dilemmas when it comes to this series. And finally, one question for the entire story versus just about interactions with the newcomers, and that’s to ask, why wouldn’t someone think to be sure ALL pilots, or all Free Fleet personnel & families weren’t scanned by the biosynth technology prior to or during a break in the action? I’d be willing to bet that the docs NEVER forgot! So why didn’t any of them say a thing? Or the leaders, even after the crisis of Barnett? I realize timing is a factor on this last question but it just seems like a whole in their well oiled fleet machine. Again, it Might be something the leaders might miss during a crisis but I’d have expected someone to think of these questions to be asked at some point. IMO
August 7, 2026
Unfortunately one cannot give a 0 star rating or even a negative one, which this trash of a book really deserves.
Beginning of the series was fun, new concepts, new technology, likeable characters...it was fun for a while.
Then the author fell into a repeat pattern where basically the same story was (re)told with different villains.
Now this episode comes along...
Wow! what a piece of trash. This is a "book" that SHOULD have been an email.
First, 250 of the 290 pages is a completely recycled story, same story, different planet. Biggest difference, on planet 1, Aurora goes right, second planet, Aurora goes left. WOW! What a concept!
Second, where is the storyline? Last chapter gives a hint but we already know how it will end if you read the previous episodes, because there is nothing new coming your way, it's "rinse and repeat".
Third, seriously?!?!? Bringing back the Jung and the Dushan??? And Corinari??? The well of idea is obviously empty if the author needs to recycle those.
Fourth, the bugs and them infecting humans. Ryk Brown, you are definitely out of ideas if you are bringing the concept of zombies to your books.
If you have no new ideas, then stop producing one book a month to pay for your mortgage. Come up with an innovative idea and people will buy into it.
I read a lot of books in a year, north of 40, but yours, they take me half a day to go through because half of the content is meaningless.
Why do I read your books you ask? Because it's like going to McDonald's once in a while when the rest of the time you are eating healthy food. You are fastfood reading, empty of substance but plugging a whole when I want to read something meaningless.
The beginning of the series was good, I really liked "The fall of the Core".
Now I don't know if I will read another one of the books in the Aurora series or I should say disaster because this is what it became.
Sad :-(
Beginning of the series was fun, new concepts, new technology, likeable characters...it was fun for a while.
Then the author fell into a repeat pattern where basically the same story was (re)told with different villains.
Now this episode comes along...
Wow! what a piece of trash. This is a "book" that SHOULD have been an email.
First, 250 of the 290 pages is a completely recycled story, same story, different planet. Biggest difference, on planet 1, Aurora goes right, second planet, Aurora goes left. WOW! What a concept!
Second, where is the storyline? Last chapter gives a hint but we already know how it will end if you read the previous episodes, because there is nothing new coming your way, it's "rinse and repeat".
Third, seriously?!?!? Bringing back the Jung and the Dushan??? And Corinari??? The well of idea is obviously empty if the author needs to recycle those.
Fourth, the bugs and them infecting humans. Ryk Brown, you are definitely out of ideas if you are bringing the concept of zombies to your books.
If you have no new ideas, then stop producing one book a month to pay for your mortgage. Come up with an innovative idea and people will buy into it.
I read a lot of books in a year, north of 40, but yours, they take me half a day to go through because half of the content is meaningless.
Why do I read your books you ask? Because it's like going to McDonald's once in a while when the rest of the time you are eating healthy food. You are fastfood reading, empty of substance but plugging a whole when I want to read something meaningless.
The beginning of the series was good, I really liked "The fall of the Core".
Now I don't know if I will read another one of the books in the Aurora series or I should say disaster because this is what it became.
Sad :-(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
Captain Nathan Scott and the rest of the Free Fleet had just pummeled the wannabe "Empire" into nonexistence when author Ryk Brown decided to start another 15-book saga with "Rise of the Alpha." And don't expect it to go well. After getting shot 500 years into the future, Nathan and his merry band of quasi rebels finally had room to breathe. They'd established a home planet, Libertara, opened up trade throughout the fringe worlds and perfected a jump drive with almost unlimited range. But bad actors returned. In "Rise of the Alpha," Brown doubles down on the existential threat. A ship of almost unlimited firepower and shielding has materialized from a inconsequential planet and threatens the existence of millions across the galaxy. The Aurora and its sister ships of the Free Fleet engage. But their munitions barely scratch the surface of the massive vessel. Meanwhile, people die. In droves. Brown limits the suffering to a distant lens in that descriptions of the Alpha's destruction come from the bridge of the Aurora. Yet, even that concept affected me. I had to put the book down numerous times. I'm glad I put off reading this because I just purchased the next in the series, and I hope there is just a smidgeon of resolution in its pages.
June 21, 2026
I did not finish it. It was that weak
The wheels have come plum off this series. I have really appreciated Brown's endeavors up until recent books. The last one was weak and this most recent one is worse.
He is spending way too much time penning action scenes and no real discussion of what and why. When was the last time they all sat around the table and discussed things? They haven't in a long time.
Nothing sucks more than reading action scenes. And this book spent page after page after page.
I hate the review, I do. But the series has lost its luster. Proud of what he did to date. Really my hats off to Brown. But you need to stop typing to a deadline.
The wheels have come plum off this series. I have really appreciated Brown's endeavors up until recent books. The last one was weak and this most recent one is worse.
He is spending way too much time penning action scenes and no real discussion of what and why. When was the last time they all sat around the table and discussed things? They haven't in a long time.
Nothing sucks more than reading action scenes. And this book spent page after page after page.
I hate the review, I do. But the series has lost its luster. Proud of what he did to date. Really my hats off to Brown. But you need to stop typing to a deadline.
June 27, 2026
Fantastic.
It is the 46th book in the series so you probably have a pretty good idea of what your are going to get unless you have made some strange serialization choices with the book order. This was an exhilarating start to part 4. Lots of new and some old back again. By far the absolute worst part of this book is finishing it and having to wait for the next one. Looking forward to the next!
It is the 46th book in the series so you probably have a pretty good idea of what your are going to get unless you have made some strange serialization choices with the book order. This was an exhilarating start to part 4. Lots of new and some old back again. By far the absolute worst part of this book is finishing it and having to wait for the next one. Looking forward to the next!
July 24, 2026
what happened?
This series was fantastic for the first 20 or so books. However the last few have been very disappointing. Instead of intriguing plots, sub plots and characters, we have endless battles. Even an action junkie will have ptsd. It’s as if a brilliant writer turned the remaining books over to his high school students. I think this was enough. Don’t care what happens to the galaxy and the Free Fleet.
This series was fantastic for the first 20 or so books. However the last few have been very disappointing. Instead of intriguing plots, sub plots and characters, we have endless battles. Even an action junkie will have ptsd. It’s as if a brilliant writer turned the remaining books over to his high school students. I think this was enough. Don’t care what happens to the galaxy and the Free Fleet.
June 7, 2026
My Favorite Author
I don't think there is s better sci first author out there. Run keeps the action flowing while creating characters to augment his original cast of characters
I can't wait for the next installment, and when I get it downloaded I can't wait to start reading more about NA-THAN
I don't think there is s better sci first author out there. Run keeps the action flowing while creating characters to augment his original cast of characters
I can't wait for the next installment, and when I get it downloaded I can't wait to start reading more about NA-THAN
June 19, 2026
very repetitive, so many plot flaws. Bots being used to repair ships, yet don't appear able to build new ships. The key here is small cast syndrome, repetitive scenes, a poor understanding of how a space battle would, or should occur. Why wait for the Alpha to attack before bugging out. Why not tell Aurora to leave as soon as shuttle within ship envelope / landed? There is nothing new to hold interest, and no indication of where this series is going other than from one threat to the next over centuries, and still no credible defence mechanism.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2026
Your Back !!!
After the two awful books before this - even though it sets the scenario I’m so glad we back to the usual space opera characters.
Full action start but some sad emotional beginnings to this series as well.
Welcome back Mr Aithor, can’t ruin it for those yet to read but what a villain(s) …
After the two awful books before this - even though it sets the scenario I’m so glad we back to the usual space opera characters.
Full action start but some sad emotional beginnings to this series as well.
Welcome back Mr Aithor, can’t ruin it for those yet to read but what a villain(s) …
July 26, 2026
The crew takes on a new enemy
Just when you think Nathan and his crew will have a chance to rest, a new enemy, more powerful than any before shows up. The challenges remain. The story structure is similar, except it doesn't end right after a battle. Some old friends reenter the picture. Bring on the next book!
Just when you think Nathan and his crew will have a chance to rest, a new enemy, more powerful than any before shows up. The challenges remain. The story structure is similar, except it doesn't end right after a battle. Some old friends reenter the picture. Bring on the next book!
June 4, 2026
I was disappointed in the pacing of this book. Immediately after the last threat, a new unbeatable foe rises. Too much fighting and no character development. I was tempted to skip past most of the book. I really hope the story evolves.
June 16, 2026
I wish there was more of a time jump, especially since we are starting a new part of the series. Instead we start minutes after the ending of Part 3. I did not enjoy this book as much as previous ones. Around the 60 percent mark it got better.
June 20, 2026
Best Space Opera Sci-Fi
Can't get enough of this story fast enough. Love the characters and the story line. Perfect mix of action and interaction. I read a lot of sci-fi series and this is the best. Ryk Brown is a master story teller.
Can't get enough of this story fast enough. Love the characters and the story line. Perfect mix of action and interaction. I read a lot of sci-fi series and this is the best. Ryk Brown is a master story teller.
July 7, 2026
And we've come full circle
This is the start of another cycle in the frontiers saga, picking right off where the previous ine left off. It's off to a great start with the story taking us through twists that strech through time as only Ryk Brown can make them do.
This is the start of another cycle in the frontiers saga, picking right off where the previous ine left off. It's off to a great start with the story taking us through twists that strech through time as only Ryk Brown can make them do.
August 5, 2026
Cant put it down
I have been following th8s series from early on, it still delivers, I still struggle to put them down while I devour them, they are fun, engaging and contagious... thankyou!
I have been following th8s series from early on, it still delivers, I still struggle to put them down while I devour them, they are fun, engaging and contagious... thankyou!
October 1, 2026
Ryk does it again
I took a break this summer from reading weekly. Well thanks to Mr Brown I will have many sleepless night. Thank You you genius you.
BTW This would be a great series like Battlestar Galactica.
One could only dream.
I took a break this summer from reading weekly. Well thanks to Mr Brown I will have many sleepless night. Thank You you genius you.
BTW This would be a great series like Battlestar Galactica.
One could only dream.
May 28, 2026
An Awesome Story Re-Up
How Ryk continues to up the stakes in this long running story is remarkable. But this book is really not stop action and brinkmanship. I suspect this phase will go on for another 11 books - and although I have no idea how, I’m in for the ride!
How Ryk continues to up the stakes in this long running story is remarkable. But this book is really not stop action and brinkmanship. I suspect this phase will go on for another 11 books - and although I have no idea how, I’m in for the ride!
June 15, 2026
Great start to the new season
Thanks Ryk Really enjoy the a Frontiers Saga and this new season does not disappoint. Can’t wait to see where this goes
Thanks Ryk Really enjoy the a Frontiers Saga and this new season does not disappoint. Can’t wait to see where this goes
June 17, 2026
Ryk's writing
Ryk's books never disappoint and this is no exception definitely a good read. Very few authors can keep the books engaging past 3 or 4 books in a series but Ryk does.
Ryk's books never disappoint and this is no exception definitely a good read. Very few authors can keep the books engaging past 3 or 4 books in a series but Ryk does.
June 19, 2026
side read required
To really get this book you really need to read the two side books. If sets this book up. The first book is a little slow but the second is amazing
To really get this book you really need to read the two side books. If sets this book up. The first book is a little slow but the second is amazing
June 23, 2026
Rise of the Alpha
This is one crazy shoot em up story. I almost didn’t finish it. Nothing but nonstop shooting. Hard to find a story line here.
This is one crazy shoot em up story. I almost didn’t finish it. Nothing but nonstop shooting. Hard to find a story line here.
June 28, 2026
Wow
Ryks Brown did it again. All the elements good scifi story. It had me dreading to turn the page, anxious,stressed,suspect, worried...as always I can't wait for the next book.
Ryks Brown did it again. All the elements good scifi story. It had me dreading to turn the page, anxious,stressed,suspect, worried...as always I can't wait for the next book.
July 14, 2026
wow! Great read
Lot of twists, action and reveals. Blends past present and possibilities of what’s next. I Look forward to next book.
Lot of twists, action and reveals. Blends past present and possibilities of what’s next. I Look forward to next book.
July 28, 2026
Always a good time!
I love these books! I inhale them and then I am bummed I have to wait for the next one.
I love these books! I inhale them and then I am bummed I have to wait for the next one.
November 12, 2026
Exceptional!
As always, truly enjoyed this. Keep the words flowing! Excellent and captivating. Waiting for the series to keep going, although the numbering system is confusing.
As always, truly enjoyed this. Keep the words flowing! Excellent and captivating. Waiting for the series to keep going, although the numbering system is confusing.
August 4, 2026
Did not meet expectations. This book is about an unbeatable foe with 10 chapters. More than half are about not being able to beat this foe in chapter after chapter. Rinse and repeat with no movement in the story line except for more desperation. I've read all of the series since the beginning, mostly rating Brown's books between 4 or 5's. This is a solid, MEH. Very disappointed for the first of a new series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews