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Koban #5
A Federation Forged in Fire
When the enemy discovers their hidden home, Mirikami is forced to lead 117 Kobani ships in a desperate attack against 3,000 Krall ships and uncounted warriors. Armed with a 22,000-year-old computer virus, and sheer courage, they must disable every enemy ship and weapon. The last time this tactic was tried against them, the Krall eradicated the entire Olt’kitapi civilization.
That’s just one foe the Kobani face. The PU president rejects diplomatic recognition of the new Galactic Federation, and diplomat Mirikami is ordered arrested for genetic crimes and for provoking Krall attacks on Hub worlds. To reveal the president’s duplicity in a secret deal with the Krall leader, he accepts a life or death challenge fight with an old enemy, right on the capitol steps, with news cameras rolling.
Then, proving the galaxy remains a dangerous place, the huge Thandol Empire, a former Olt’kitapi enemy, forcefully announces that its elephantine rulers intend to annex the Orion Spur. That happens to be where both the Kobani led Galactic Federation, and Human Space reside. Naturally, the Kobani decline the Empire’s violently phrased demands, doing it in their typically harsh and forceful manner.
In leading up to that confrontation, the Kobani learn the basis of the Empire’s claim to Federation Space, and it predates the Krall conquests. The prior owners may have a claim. The Empire’s initial punitive reaction to Kobani rejection reveals they have a pain causing nerve weapon, used for crowd control in the Empire. This mild sounding weapon proves to be devastating to those with organic superconducting nerves. Life on Koban could be wiped out by a riot control ship.
That’s just one foe the Kobani face. The PU president rejects diplomatic recognition of the new Galactic Federation, and diplomat Mirikami is ordered arrested for genetic crimes and for provoking Krall attacks on Hub worlds. To reveal the president’s duplicity in a secret deal with the Krall leader, he accepts a life or death challenge fight with an old enemy, right on the capitol steps, with news cameras rolling.
Then, proving the galaxy remains a dangerous place, the huge Thandol Empire, a former Olt’kitapi enemy, forcefully announces that its elephantine rulers intend to annex the Orion Spur. That happens to be where both the Kobani led Galactic Federation, and Human Space reside. Naturally, the Kobani decline the Empire’s violently phrased demands, doing it in their typically harsh and forceful manner.
In leading up to that confrontation, the Kobani learn the basis of the Empire’s claim to Federation Space, and it predates the Krall conquests. The prior owners may have a claim. The Empire’s initial punitive reaction to Kobani rejection reveals they have a pain causing nerve weapon, used for crowd control in the Empire. This mild sounding weapon proves to be devastating to those with organic superconducting nerves. Life on Koban could be wiped out by a riot control ship.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2015
77 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Stephen W. Bennett
11 books272 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 33 reviews
July 31, 2015
Not fair to say. I wrote the book, and want it listed. Published late last night.
April 16, 2018
awesome
Great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, awesome awesome awesome awesome fantastic unusual unique now
Great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, awesome awesome awesome awesome fantastic unusual unique now
April 17, 2017
Well written, but the Kobani win always too easy.
April 9, 2019
I'm enjoying the writing and characters a lot. I feel that the universe has a lot going for it in that even fully upgraded there are always still vulnerabilities to be overcome. I somehow don't feel that we've truly seen the whole scope of the new empire, in that they must be quite competent to reach the level's they have, yes? Bodes well for some serious rip roaring fights in the future!
February 23, 2019
This was a good conclusion to the Krall part of the Koban series. I also liked the new alien enemies described, as well as the alien mannerisms, heirarchies, names, and cultures that the author invents. All the aliens are based on animals that are seen in real life, albeit with exaggerated parts.
I deducted one star because Richard Yang is mentioned in this book, but in book 3 near the end I thought he died. That's a small mistake but not a good one. I also notice more errors than in previous books, as if the author rushed this book. It does have 150 pages less than book 4 and 150 pages more than book 6 (unfortunately) but nevertheless the content and story are 5 stars.
I left this review a while ago but I believe I gave it the amount of stars I did due to to the plot hole, which, by the way, this author does not have a habit of doing. The chance of this occuring is like a small drop in the bucket of stars that is the Koban universe.
I deducted one star because Richard Yang is mentioned in this book, but in book 3 near the end I thought he died. That's a small mistake but not a good one. I also notice more errors than in previous books, as if the author rushed this book. It does have 150 pages less than book 4 and 150 pages more than book 6 (unfortunately) but nevertheless the content and story are 5 stars.
I left this review a while ago but I believe I gave it the amount of stars I did due to to the plot hole, which, by the way, this author does not have a habit of doing. The chance of this occuring is like a small drop in the bucket of stars that is the Koban universe.
May 18, 2019
Story line very engaging to sci fi lovers like myself.
Mr. Bennett's head must have been very full all these years with such an expansive universe sharing space in there with all that hard science. I am so grateful he found time to let these wonderful ideas come out to play.😊
Mr. Bennett's head must have been very full all these years with such an expansive universe sharing space in there with all that hard science. I am so grateful he found time to let these wonderful ideas come out to play.😊
February 22, 2016
Book 5 is just as good if not better than the earlier installments. I like very much that 1/3 of the way through the book, the Krall are no longer a threat and are being "mopped up" by the PU.
Next is the forming of a new multi-race (Kobani being one of the races) federation that claims ownership of all prior Krall-held star systems. Problem is that with the Krall all but powerless now, a power vacuum has been created and someone from the next neighborhood over has decided that THEY need to move in, and that this new federation is not powerful enough to prevent it.
Also played out nicely is the course relations between the new federation and the PU leadership takes. Perhaps overly dramatic, but it makes the book fun.
In the end, we have a new (and fun for us) war that the Kobani are spearheading. Can't wait for the next installment.
I do have to say that Mirakami (and the other top Kobani leaders) tend to rush blindly into conflict - generally for good reasons - but not apparently not much considering the backlash not only to themselves, but the rest of humanity. Again, another one of those smart decision vs. fun book situations. Fun book wins!
Next is the forming of a new multi-race (Kobani being one of the races) federation that claims ownership of all prior Krall-held star systems. Problem is that with the Krall all but powerless now, a power vacuum has been created and someone from the next neighborhood over has decided that THEY need to move in, and that this new federation is not powerful enough to prevent it.
Also played out nicely is the course relations between the new federation and the PU leadership takes. Perhaps overly dramatic, but it makes the book fun.
In the end, we have a new (and fun for us) war that the Kobani are spearheading. Can't wait for the next installment.
I do have to say that Mirakami (and the other top Kobani leaders) tend to rush blindly into conflict - generally for good reasons - but not apparently not much considering the backlash not only to themselves, but the rest of humanity. Again, another one of those smart decision vs. fun book situations. Fun book wins!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2016
I've really enjoined the series till now but it is falling off just a bit for me. Honestly the first half of this book is 5 starts butt he second half is 3 giving the 4 star rating.
My biggest beef is that the main characters were given eternal life yet they continue to operate as if they have mankind's mayfly life span. They rush into forming and expanding an empire rather than truly establishing their planet. The same 20 year jump the story experienced early on would have suited the story better. A few chapters of fleshing out the newly expanded universe, established society(s), exploration and technology would have rolled much smoother into a new contact/conflict.
Side stories (as have been added tot he series) could have covered the 'kids' and their adventures while this was going on.
Still a good read just doesn't seem to be following a logical path for the universe that had been built.
My biggest beef is that the main characters were given eternal life yet they continue to operate as if they have mankind's mayfly life span. They rush into forming and expanding an empire rather than truly establishing their planet. The same 20 year jump the story experienced early on would have suited the story better. A few chapters of fleshing out the newly expanded universe, established society(s), exploration and technology would have rolled much smoother into a new contact/conflict.
Side stories (as have been added tot he series) could have covered the 'kids' and their adventures while this was going on.
Still a good read just doesn't seem to be following a logical path for the universe that had been built.
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.
October 8, 2015
Another good chapter, although I felt that the culmination of the first story arc was just too quick. Also, the beginning of the second arc halfway through the book feels unfinished when the last period is placed.
Nonetheless, good read and highly entertaining. Also, the typos are much reduced this time around and most of the confusion of converting numerals between all the different races has been nipped in the bud by almost completely eliminating it.
I love the imagination and the description of the races, although I wish that there were more non-human Kobani in this book.
Nonetheless, good read and highly entertaining. Also, the typos are much reduced this time around and most of the confusion of converting numerals between all the different races has been nipped in the bud by almost completely eliminating it.
I love the imagination and the description of the races, although I wish that there were more non-human Kobani in this book.
February 10, 2016
I loved this book, it was broken up into three parts in short...telling what happened from the actions of the previous books and how they affect the action today. Old enemies get their come uppings and new enemies of a different sort are taken out of the game. We also meet a new empire that wants the the Kobani and their allies have, and it is a interesting story that makes me want to read the next one right away. Overall this is a great book and i can't say enough how much i have enjoyed this series and think that anyone that likes sci fi should check it out.
February 5, 2017
Just when things were looking good...
Along comes another enemy. This series has quickly become a favorite of mine.bi eagerly look forward to each new book.
The Kobani Federation is finally picking up steam. The Krall are a footnote in history and the galaxy is ripe for expansion. Or not.... The Thandor have a different opinion. While the Krall scared the heck out of them, these upstart humans - not so much. Much fun will ensue (for we readers) before a resolution is reached.
Along comes another enemy. This series has quickly become a favorite of mine.bi eagerly look forward to each new book.
The Kobani Federation is finally picking up steam. The Krall are a footnote in history and the galaxy is ripe for expansion. Or not.... The Thandor have a different opinion. While the Krall scared the heck out of them, these upstart humans - not so much. Much fun will ensue (for we readers) before a resolution is reached.
October 7, 2015
Great book!
Series is shaping up and looking better and better all the time. I enjoy how he introduced new challenges and mixed it up a bit. Authors often have trouble moving from one major disaster to another because they end up being to similar or feel forced.
The new threats, challenges, and technology feel like natural progressions and organic changes. Really enjoyed this one! Keep it up :)
Series is shaping up and looking better and better all the time. I enjoy how he introduced new challenges and mixed it up a bit. Authors often have trouble moving from one major disaster to another because they end up being to similar or feel forced.
The new threats, challenges, and technology feel like natural progressions and organic changes. Really enjoyed this one! Keep it up :)
October 14, 2015
Good but . . .
First let me say that I have really enjoyed the Koban Series. I enjoyed this one also. With that said I will get to the "but" part of my review.
This volume of the series felt more disjointed. It felt as though it was 3 smaller volumes put together. Not that it was bad I just didn't think it lived up to the continuity of the other volumes. It wasn't what I was expecting.
I will read the next book.
I will read the n
First let me say that I have really enjoyed the Koban Series. I enjoyed this one also. With that said I will get to the "but" part of my review.
This volume of the series felt more disjointed. It felt as though it was 3 smaller volumes put together. Not that it was bad I just didn't think it lived up to the continuity of the other volumes. It wasn't what I was expecting.
I will read the next book.
I will read the n
August 5, 2015
Exciting reading
The story progression is excellent and inline to the previous books. After starting to read it is difficult to put the book down until end. Now can't wait what will happen next, but also exited for the extended universe books to see what other adventures kobani are having.
The story progression is excellent and inline to the previous books. After starting to read it is difficult to put the book down until end. Now can't wait what will happen next, but also exited for the extended universe books to see what other adventures kobani are having.
August 31, 2015
Overall excellent story. Higher than normal number of errors in punctuation and grammar when compared to the earlier books in the series. There is a significant section of this book, call it between acts 1 and 2, where it seems to lose direction, but it comes back together in the end. Looking forward to reading more in the series and VERY happy that it's continuing.
October 3, 2015
An excellent series; more to come.
I thoroughly enjoyed the five book Koban series. This book ended the war against the Krall but unfortunately there is no rest for the weary. The Kobani have learned that with great power comes great responsibility. They have also learned that we humans may indeed be the most adaptable and dangerous species the galaxy has ever seen. Nuff said!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the five book Koban series. This book ended the war against the Krall but unfortunately there is no rest for the weary. The Kobani have learned that with great power comes great responsibility. They have also learned that we humans may indeed be the most adaptable and dangerous species the galaxy has ever seen. Nuff said!!!
August 4, 2015
Another amazing ride!
Mr. Bennett has done it again. He continues to add depth to his universe. His storyline is fresh and action packed. I can't wait to see what technology he introduces next.
Mr. Bennett has done it again. He continues to add depth to his universe. His storyline is fresh and action packed. I can't wait to see what technology he introduces next.
August 24, 2015
Great book. Spoiler aler
Great book. Spoiler alert------------------------ I was impressed with e depth of thought to actually building an economy after the defeat of the Karl. Also, liked the next great threat to the Galaxy
Great book. Spoiler alert------------------------ I was impressed with e depth of thought to actually building an economy after the defeat of the Karl. Also, liked the next great threat to the Galaxy
September 25, 2015
Great book loved the end where more challenge and uncertainty author is a little verbose at times
Great book loved the end where more challenge and uncertainty author is a little verbose at times. Can't wait for next one
Great book loved the end where more challenge and uncertainty author is a little verbose at times. Can't wait for next one
February 26, 2016
Cuttlefish! Can't wait for the next one.
I've "read" the entire series as audio books. Very nice performances. Great military science fiction. Some unique and clever ideas on human social structure.
I've "read" the entire series as audio books. Very nice performances. Great military science fiction. Some unique and clever ideas on human social structure.
September 8, 2015
Fun fun fun
I really enjoyed the series so far. If you like future tech alien battles and biotech, you'll like this series of books.
I really enjoyed the series so far. If you like future tech alien battles and biotech, you'll like this series of books.
August 2, 2015
Great!!
This is the best series that I've read. You have the feeling that you know the characters and one thing for sure you are always eagerly waiting for the next book.
This is the best series that I've read. You have the feeling that you know the characters and one thing for sure you are always eagerly waiting for the next book.
August 13, 2015
One more awesome book! Yet again i cannot wait for the next one! cannot get enough.
September 1, 2015
I'm definitely going to continue this series when more are out. Still love the series, even if the author's humor and mine don't mesh.
January 23, 2016
Pretty decent book.
Kept me into it the whole time. I'd recommend this book along with the others in the series. Won't be disappointed
Kept me into it the whole time. I'd recommend this book along with the others in the series. Won't be disappointed
March 9, 2016
was an ok series...a bit too corny at times through all the books. I enjoyed the series but its likely on my list of books I'll only read once.
October 10, 2018
This one felt a bit rushed.........even the fight on the Dismantler's launching yard was not written in Mr. Bennett's usually technical but informative approach, maybe after five books of tackling the Krall, the author felt he had to hurry and settle the war between the two(krall vs humans)..............
From the first book to this one, I felt FINALLY!!! FINALLY!!!! We won a deciding match against this barbaric and savage aliens, after numerous gene mods and some further enhancement of the existing technology of the Krall's, the human race emerges as the supreme species in our branch of the universe, hardly even relishing this wondrous victory, we are introduced to another sinister alien species namely the Thandol, same technology as the Olt'kitapi, same attitude as them...........I sincerely hope, seeing the Krall and their savagery.........this one for me as they were introduced, were on a bit on the tame side............
Looking back, on how we were able to win against such a strong and technologically advanced race, I hope these new opponents are treated differently..........also new tech please(as I am reading this I feel really silly since this series was already finished!! Oh well hope there is something to look forward to......)
From the first book to this one, I felt FINALLY!!! FINALLY!!!! We won a deciding match against this barbaric and savage aliens, after numerous gene mods and some further enhancement of the existing technology of the Krall's, the human race emerges as the supreme species in our branch of the universe, hardly even relishing this wondrous victory, we are introduced to another sinister alien species namely the Thandol, same technology as the Olt'kitapi, same attitude as them...........I sincerely hope, seeing the Krall and their savagery.........this one for me as they were introduced, were on a bit on the tame side............
Looking back, on how we were able to win against such a strong and technologically advanced race, I hope these new opponents are treated differently..........also new tech please(as I am reading this I feel really silly since this series was already finished!! Oh well hope there is something to look forward to......)
April 5, 2018
Some of their interpersonal banter has gotten tedious, but otherwise still enjoying the series.
October 28, 2024
It's been a few years since I read the series and I remember that I overall enjoyed rereading the series. A Federation Forged in Fire is the worst book in the main series. It feels like 2 books and a short story were combined into 1 book. The Krall war ending feels like its own book, the emergence of a new enemy its own book. The short story/ filler is the worst part of the book, the author decides that in a space opera where humanity has aliens to fight that he will make an entire human culture the bad guys/ evil.
I honestly don't even know where to start but let's go with over 700 human planets that the Arab settled one is the only one that seems to be human trafficker. The author then does everything possible to make them the most vile in human space, as they are all also pedophiles with cruel and sadistic tastes with little regard to human life that equals that of the kralls. They are also weapon and drug dealers if that wasn't enough to paint them as the bad guys. the author then throws in that they feel justified in their action due to "sharia law". They are also the only planet that miraculously avoids being female dominated when the rest of humanity were.
The author then paints the kobani as the great Heros who finally "fix" the issue when realistically if a single planet was taking the other as slaves especially their kids then the 700+ would have taken care of them. Even IF we accept that no one ever did anything, the kobani come off as hypocrites as earlier the claiming they have no right to do anything in human space but later after "fixing" the issue they decide that they will have to do check ups to make sure the arabs are behaving.
The filler is so jarring and reeks of Islamophobia and bias towards arabs in particular and muslims in general, and honestly ruins an otherwise good series
I honestly don't even know where to start but let's go with over 700 human planets that the Arab settled one is the only one that seems to be human trafficker. The author then does everything possible to make them the most vile in human space, as they are all also pedophiles with cruel and sadistic tastes with little regard to human life that equals that of the kralls. They are also weapon and drug dealers if that wasn't enough to paint them as the bad guys. the author then throws in that they feel justified in their action due to "sharia law". They are also the only planet that miraculously avoids being female dominated when the rest of humanity were.
The author then paints the kobani as the great Heros who finally "fix" the issue when realistically if a single planet was taking the other as slaves especially their kids then the 700+ would have taken care of them. Even IF we accept that no one ever did anything, the kobani come off as hypocrites as earlier the claiming they have no right to do anything in human space but later after "fixing" the issue they decide that they will have to do check ups to make sure the arabs are behaving.
The filler is so jarring and reeks of Islamophobia and bias towards arabs in particular and muslims in general, and honestly ruins an otherwise good series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews