Ep.#4.2 - "Desperation"

by Ryk Brown

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2026

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Julie Kuhn]

Wow! it’s like a whole new adventure beginning.

I had no idea what to expect from this one, whether there’d be a miracle find to beat the new invaders or if the fight would persist with so many planets and people in danger. Really had no idea. And if course, the same idea of exploring new frontiers. There, of course was lots of action, some new characters presented, old characters placed onto new roles and shifting of sssets, all in the means for setting up what’s to come next, which I’m super excited about. Gotta say though, the dupe by one specific character is quite concerning and the idea that he still hit exactly what he eanted(because not once in the story was it stated that what that character obtained, all while lying, was not confiscated and held as as a sort of ransom by the Free Fleet in order to get this character to truly knock of his duplicity and truly help. But I think he is who he is and he will ultimately betray the free fleet at some critical point @ I’m a big way.
I have to say though, I am missing the biosynth machine & the Ghatzack General. I’m hoping they find it soon for many reasons on this story. I am very much looking forward to the next adventures, some very different adventures and hoping the Fre Fleet does not run into more trouble while exploring.
‼️Spoiler Alert‼️ I do have several buggering questions. If the Jung were so smart in their technology development over the last 500 years and they had infiltrators everywhere, then why weren’t they able to either create their own technology or why weren’t they able to infiltrate the Free Fleet someway so “that” person was then rescued or hired to become part of the Free Fleet crew? I mean that would have been a major tactical and spy type of move in order to steal one of the super jump ships so the king could then copy and manufactured their own jump drive. And a spy would have also gotten them the location of the Deol, as well as maybe taking out or commandeering both, the Aurora and the Scott with all onboard. The Jung were always known as being without talent, cunning s dentists, engineers, etc that could invent their own technology so they conquered worlds to get it. We know the Jung (Dushaun) who are supposedly still in the Milky Way are warriors, not scientists, & even with the help of spy’s in key tech areas, it’s still a hard pill to swallow to think that they would be smarter than say Bladimir, Anny or Liza who have also had access to the same technologies and very advanced AI’s, whic. Idk how the Jung caste could have had even close to the same AI’s the that the Ghatzack developed, not Synteck. I have some other concerns about details but nonetheless the story is really great but I gotta say I’m ready for new things, new people (or better yet, bringing back some of the old, plus more time spent on characters and maybe new interactions, interrelationships( & it doesn’t have to be romantic, or just two friends but maybe a group of friends or building friendships through harrowing adventures like Loki & Josh & all they went through. Isn’t it about time Liza & even Abby found romance? ‼️End Spoiler Alert‼️
I will say it now and with each book. I wish they’d bring this story to the movie theaters! This story is soooooo good! It’s hard for me to believe that no director like Stephen Spillberg, Peter Jackson, Chris Columbus, David Yates, Dennis Villenueve, or JJ Abram’s has not read this series and await the release of the next, just like the rest of us. 😉. Surely one of them sees the huge potential in this series? Are they waiting until the entire saga is written before committing? This would, of course be fantastic as a tv series but I’d really like to see some A-listers, although there has been some real talent in many new movies and series who are new to the screen but are really good.. The actors and their sy. Was to pull off the nuance of these main characters woukd be critical to the series success, which I know Ryl Brown is quite aware. I do hope this can happen. But don’t let anyone buy the rights without being absolutely sure they plan to produce the series, (without the possibility of cancellation until after after 3 seasons and it’s had the time to gain viewers and a following. Picking the right company is key too. Appl is way too fast to cancel shows so I would never pick them,.IMO) And I’d like to see Ryk Brown as involved as JK Rowling was in her series. This would ensure the integrity and staying true to the storyline
Great book. Great series! Can’t wait for the next!!

[Mike Nemeth]

In the universe of the Frontier Saga by Ryk Brown, humanity has expanded beyond Earth and the solar system. Far beyond. In "Desperation," the second in part four of the now weighty series, Capt. Nathan Scott and his merry band of colleagues and fellow space pirates face perhaps their greatest challenge. An old enemy, the Dushan, has emerged from the ether, stronger and more bent on destruction and dominance the ever before. For a first-time reader, picking up any number of the author's books would be daunting and telling somebody that you've got to read 40 plus books just to get caught up would make most run for the hills. Or at least to another stand-alone piece of fiction. But for those of us who have stuck with the challenge (Brown often plunks down a couple novels, "episodes," per year) the series is just something to look forward to. It never takes me more than a couple days to plow through anything about the Aurora. This series is a little different. It's darker. The novel's title is a good description, although perhaps it's not descriptive enough. Nathan for the first time doesn't see the glass half full. He's put in a position of choosing between options that leave little to be desired. The Dushan have built a weapon that he and his allies don't understand how to defeat. They also don't have the time or resources to deal with something that represents 500 years of innovation.

[Margo Stepp]

Excellent

Very exciting Couldn't put it down.

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[John Spisak]

To Live To Fight Another Day

A new thread is emerging pushing new possibilities should be a fun ride. Cant wait to see what Ryk comes up with I the next book. Found it a bit of a stretch that the Alliance had tech that the jung stole that made their ships I invincible. It would seem that this tech would be discoverable by free Fleet or the operatives the Ghatzick (spelling) have on Alliance worlds. So this seems to be a bit of a weakness in this transition logic, but it doesn't hurt liking the story and looking forward to the next book.

[David Wilson]

Desperation Indeed!

This book started out great, and with each new book Ryk Brown writes, I usually blaze through it, and this one was no exception. The action was sensational, and I don't recall reading any Sci-Fi book that describes what happens in this one. No spoilers, you'll have to read it yourself. Excellent!

[George McCarthy]

Ep #4-2 Desperation (FrontierSaga)

The Dushan caste of the Jung are back with a powerful Leviathan multi—component ship. They have begun to destroy worlds and assume control over other worlds. The Leviathan is too powerful to be destroyed and the Free Fleet is out of weapons. Ep #4-2 Desperation (FrontierSaga) a recommend read.

[Mordecai]

YAY! Space Opera Continue …

So more of a tragic downturn for the Free Fleet with an unstoppable enemy, but the ending is showing the way the series is going.

This & the last book didn’t feel as crisp … I can’t think of another way to describe it. Especially the combat sequences … However the end of this book we see a return to form.

As per usual can’t wait for the next one …

[Nancy S]

Can't wait for the next one!

Like all of Ryk Brown's books this one was very fast paced and interesting. I'm never quite sure what will happen next but always assume a good ending. This 1 didn't disappoint. I look forward to the exploration of the Andromeda galaxy.

Anyone that enjoys fast paced exciting science with a great storyline should love this book.

[Andrew Calise]

Another enjoyable book in the series

Good book for the series. I am excited to see where this season takes us. A bit on the short side but that might be a sign of a good one if it leaves you wanting more.

[Cameron]

wow...

So Ryk Brown always weaves a fine tale. "Desperation" was an amazing tale...it had me.dreading page turns waiting for the next ball to drop. I know I hate the Dushaun more than ever...I can't wait for where the tale goes next...

[Shawn S Valandra]

A new direction. Exciting

This is one of the few series of books other then asimov that i have enjoyed for years. I really appreciate the creativity ane ability to find new ways to twist the story and still pull old elements into each new book.

[Alice J. Marlow]

Can't believe I'm reading this tgpeof book. But I am and I love them and have read them all and can'

I. Love this whole series. Never thought I would like this wildly imaginative stuff but I do. Hurry up Run we are waiting.😃