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Crimson Worlds Successors #2
The Prisoner of Eldaron
The Search for Erik Cain…
The Superpowers of Earth have fought their final war, leaving Earth a devastated ruin, populated only by scattered groups of survivors living in primitive squalor. Out in space, however, humanity moves forward, and the former colonies of Earth’s dead nations are now free from the yoke of the despotic governments that had long ruled over them. For many, it is their first taste of liberty. But a thousand free worlds, varying enormously in wealth and power, cannot long exist in peace, and soon they begin to fight, to seek to bend their neighbors to their wills.
Darius Cain is the commander of the Black Eagles, the most feared and renowned of all the mercenary companies that fight the colonies’ wars. His veteran warriors have fought dozens of battles, and they have never met their equals. The wealthiest colonies compete to hire the Eagles, for contracting with Cain’s warriors is the surest guarantee of victory in any dispute.
But there is another power, one whose very existence has been the most closely-guarded secret in human history. The Triumvirate. For decades, it has operated in the shadows, interfering secretly in the affairs of the former colonies while steadily building an invincible war machine. But the Triumvirate has come to fear the Black Eagles, and the decision has been made. Darius Cain’s private army must be destroyed utterly before the final invasion of human space can begin.
A message reaches the Black Eagles’ base, with evidence that the father he’d thought long dead might still be alive, a captive of the shadowy enemy, held on a planet called Eldaron. Darius Cain is skeptical, a man slow to believe what he is told without incontrovertible proof. But Cain didn’t build the greatest military force in human space by being cautious or timid…and even the slightest chance his father was alive compelled his course of action. The evidence points to a world on the edge of human space, a highly-developed planet called Eldaron, an insular world, ruled by a dictator who calls himself the Tyrant.
Darius knows he is walking into a trap, but he has no choice. He will free the prisoner of Eldaron…or he will extract a vengeance beyond anything the Eldari can imagine in their worst nightmares.
The Crimson Worlds Successors Series
MERCS (Successors One)
The Prisoner of Eldaron (Successors Two)
The Black Flag (Successors Three) – Coming February, 2016
Also By Jay Allan
Crimson Worlds Series:
Marines (Crimson Worlds I)
The Cost of Victory (Crimson Worlds II)
A Little Rebellion (Crimson Worlds III)
The First Imperium (Crimson Worlds IV)
The Line Must Hold (Crimson Worlds V)
To Hell’s Heart (Crimson Worlds VI)
The Shadow Legions (Crimson Worlds VII)
Even Legends Die (Crimson Worlds VIII)
The Fall (Crimson Worlds IX)
War Stories (3 Crimson Worlds Prequels)
Crimson Worlds Refugees Series
Into the Darkness (Refugees I)
Shadow of the Gods (Refugees II) – September, 2015
Portal Wars Series
Gehenna Dawn (Portal Wars I)
The Ten Thousand (Portal Wars II)
Pendragon Chronicles Series
The Dragon's Banner (Book I)
The Sword of the King (Book II) – Coming Soon
The Superpowers of Earth have fought their final war, leaving Earth a devastated ruin, populated only by scattered groups of survivors living in primitive squalor. Out in space, however, humanity moves forward, and the former colonies of Earth’s dead nations are now free from the yoke of the despotic governments that had long ruled over them. For many, it is their first taste of liberty. But a thousand free worlds, varying enormously in wealth and power, cannot long exist in peace, and soon they begin to fight, to seek to bend their neighbors to their wills.
Darius Cain is the commander of the Black Eagles, the most feared and renowned of all the mercenary companies that fight the colonies’ wars. His veteran warriors have fought dozens of battles, and they have never met their equals. The wealthiest colonies compete to hire the Eagles, for contracting with Cain’s warriors is the surest guarantee of victory in any dispute.
But there is another power, one whose very existence has been the most closely-guarded secret in human history. The Triumvirate. For decades, it has operated in the shadows, interfering secretly in the affairs of the former colonies while steadily building an invincible war machine. But the Triumvirate has come to fear the Black Eagles, and the decision has been made. Darius Cain’s private army must be destroyed utterly before the final invasion of human space can begin.
A message reaches the Black Eagles’ base, with evidence that the father he’d thought long dead might still be alive, a captive of the shadowy enemy, held on a planet called Eldaron. Darius Cain is skeptical, a man slow to believe what he is told without incontrovertible proof. But Cain didn’t build the greatest military force in human space by being cautious or timid…and even the slightest chance his father was alive compelled his course of action. The evidence points to a world on the edge of human space, a highly-developed planet called Eldaron, an insular world, ruled by a dictator who calls himself the Tyrant.
Darius knows he is walking into a trap, but he has no choice. He will free the prisoner of Eldaron…or he will extract a vengeance beyond anything the Eldari can imagine in their worst nightmares.
The Crimson Worlds Successors Series
MERCS (Successors One)
The Prisoner of Eldaron (Successors Two)
The Black Flag (Successors Three) – Coming February, 2016
Also By Jay Allan
Crimson Worlds Series:
Marines (Crimson Worlds I)
The Cost of Victory (Crimson Worlds II)
A Little Rebellion (Crimson Worlds III)
The First Imperium (Crimson Worlds IV)
The Line Must Hold (Crimson Worlds V)
To Hell’s Heart (Crimson Worlds VI)
The Shadow Legions (Crimson Worlds VII)
Even Legends Die (Crimson Worlds VIII)
The Fall (Crimson Worlds IX)
War Stories (3 Crimson Worlds Prequels)
Crimson Worlds Refugees Series
Into the Darkness (Refugees I)
Shadow of the Gods (Refugees II) – September, 2015
Portal Wars Series
Gehenna Dawn (Portal Wars I)
The Ten Thousand (Portal Wars II)
Pendragon Chronicles Series
The Dragon's Banner (Book I)
The Sword of the King (Book II) – Coming Soon
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2015
310 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 23, 2021
Nice 2nd book in this follow on trilogy of the main series. Good entertaining and fast read. Recommended
January 7, 2019
Great space and ground battles continue as Earth and Mars struggle to understand who their enemy is.
Well developed characters and plot lines create a story that's hard to put down. Looking forward to book 3.
HIGHLY recommended.
Well developed characters and plot lines create a story that's hard to put down. Looking forward to book 3.
HIGHLY recommended.
June 16, 2019
I bought this in a box set. Book 2 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The overall plot and characters are differing in overall scope, but fun to read about. The plot is well developed and still follows the line of Crimson Worlds. Book 2 was exciting because of the twists and new developments within the story. It gave a lot of information that could have been taken out, but overall was fun
March 4, 2018
People sure do live a long time in the universe of the Crimson Worlds. We get to read about old Admirals like Augustus Garret going back into action when he’s obviously in his 100’s. It sure would be nice to even somewhat functional at that age! And then we found out that even Eric Cane, or rather General Eric Cain, thought to be dead some fifteen years ago, might not be dead, yet! Even if he wasn’t dead, he’d have to be awful old and without rejuv treatments if he was indeed a prisoner. And that’s what this book is about. Is Eric Cain still alive and can his Sons, Elias and Darius, actually rescue him alive? Seems impossible.
This book has a lot of moving parts. First we read about an Atlantia cargo freighter heading out for Arcadia with a cargo not quite the usual stuff. Instead of pharmaceuticals they normally carried, this run had their holds full of stable trans-uranic elements (ore). This was a very exotic and valuable mineral recently found in the mines of Glaciem. His cargo was supposed to be top secret information known only to a very select few on Atlantia. Except someone has told a pirate group exactly what he was carrying and where he was going. Not good news for a freighter.
This eventually gets Elias Cain involved since he’s something of a law enforcement officer on Atlantia. He’s gotten into trouble for going to Mars and speaking with Roderick Vance with out permission of his government. While there, he did talk with his twin brother, Darius and his Mother, Sarah Cain or General Sara Cain. These three didn’t do a lot of talking on the rare occasions they had met. Elias and his Mother not saw Darius’ position as Commanding General of the Black Eagles as something akin to being the Devil himself. The actions of the Black Eagles were known far and wide as they were mercenaries fighting for whomever paid them the most. That was very contrary to General Sarah Cain’s ideas of a Marine and Elias thought of Darius as a criminal of the worst sort. Elias and Darius did talk a little while at Mars and the seeds of doubt about what Elias and the government of Atlantia was doing to its people. Things now didn’t seem so perfect to Elias back on Atlantia.
Meanwhile, Roderick Vance, the Chief Intelligence Officer for all of Mars has had enough of the Martian Ruling Council. Once again they were ignoring his warnings of impending doom from an unknown enemy. They had refused to look beyond the borders of Mars and see what was going on in Occupied Space, but Roderick had done his homework and knew something troubling was coming. He was not going to stand around and do nothing like the last time. So, Roderick Vance engineers a coup and takes over Mars as a dictator. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
And it just so happens, Sarah Cain or General Cain (seems like every Cain is a General now), has just received a mysterious visitor. He’s delivered to her a package containing a ring. This ring’s owner is none other than General Eric Cain, her husband who was thought to have die when his ship was destroyed some fifteen years ago. Is it possible he’s still alive? She finds out that the messenger came from a planet called Eldaron. If her husband is being held prisoner on that planet, it will take an army to find him. She knows of only one person who has an army that can do the job and that is her Son, Darius and his Black Eagles.
Once Darius gets wind of the fact his father may be still alive, nothing can stop him from going to Eldaron. Still, he knows this must be a trap. Someone is trying to lure the Black Eagles to Eldaron and they are going to be very successful, but not at defeating the Black Eagles no matter what surprise they have in store!
This is a very exciting book and adds a lot to the series. I wasn’t sure if this series would be very interesting after the first book, but now it’s really gotten interesting and it seems to be continuing for a while. I’ve already got “Black Flag” the third book and will be reading it soon.
This book has a lot of moving parts. First we read about an Atlantia cargo freighter heading out for Arcadia with a cargo not quite the usual stuff. Instead of pharmaceuticals they normally carried, this run had their holds full of stable trans-uranic elements (ore). This was a very exotic and valuable mineral recently found in the mines of Glaciem. His cargo was supposed to be top secret information known only to a very select few on Atlantia. Except someone has told a pirate group exactly what he was carrying and where he was going. Not good news for a freighter.
This eventually gets Elias Cain involved since he’s something of a law enforcement officer on Atlantia. He’s gotten into trouble for going to Mars and speaking with Roderick Vance with out permission of his government. While there, he did talk with his twin brother, Darius and his Mother, Sarah Cain or General Sara Cain. These three didn’t do a lot of talking on the rare occasions they had met. Elias and his Mother not saw Darius’ position as Commanding General of the Black Eagles as something akin to being the Devil himself. The actions of the Black Eagles were known far and wide as they were mercenaries fighting for whomever paid them the most. That was very contrary to General Sarah Cain’s ideas of a Marine and Elias thought of Darius as a criminal of the worst sort. Elias and Darius did talk a little while at Mars and the seeds of doubt about what Elias and the government of Atlantia was doing to its people. Things now didn’t seem so perfect to Elias back on Atlantia.
Meanwhile, Roderick Vance, the Chief Intelligence Officer for all of Mars has had enough of the Martian Ruling Council. Once again they were ignoring his warnings of impending doom from an unknown enemy. They had refused to look beyond the borders of Mars and see what was going on in Occupied Space, but Roderick had done his homework and knew something troubling was coming. He was not going to stand around and do nothing like the last time. So, Roderick Vance engineers a coup and takes over Mars as a dictator. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.
And it just so happens, Sarah Cain or General Cain (seems like every Cain is a General now), has just received a mysterious visitor. He’s delivered to her a package containing a ring. This ring’s owner is none other than General Eric Cain, her husband who was thought to have die when his ship was destroyed some fifteen years ago. Is it possible he’s still alive? She finds out that the messenger came from a planet called Eldaron. If her husband is being held prisoner on that planet, it will take an army to find him. She knows of only one person who has an army that can do the job and that is her Son, Darius and his Black Eagles.
Once Darius gets wind of the fact his father may be still alive, nothing can stop him from going to Eldaron. Still, he knows this must be a trap. Someone is trying to lure the Black Eagles to Eldaron and they are going to be very successful, but not at defeating the Black Eagles no matter what surprise they have in store!
This is a very exciting book and adds a lot to the series. I wasn’t sure if this series would be very interesting after the first book, but now it’s really gotten interesting and it seems to be continuing for a while. I’ve already got “Black Flag” the third book and will be reading it soon.
January 4, 2018
The family of Erik Cain, mourning his loss for more than 15 years, receive evidence of his survival and imprisonment.
Knowing that he was leading his Black Eagles into a trap didn't slow Darius' plans to rescue his father and punish the people responsible for his torture and imprisonment. His twin brother, Elias, and his mother, General Sarah Cain joined other dignitaries seeking allies against the unknown forces the Black Eagles had faced twice before. But Darius was going, regardless.
I've been a fan of the Crimson Worlds series from the Marine. I've avidly followed the life of Erik Cain and all of his friends and family. Through the wars, the betrayal, the loss, against enemies both human and alien, metal and flesh. Now I'm following the exploits of the next generation and I love every word, every action, every battle! The characters have a life of their own as the storyline weaves their fates in knots and tangles. The action was amazing! I laughed out loud, clapped and cheered, cursed and wept as my heroes fell and rose again, saved a friend and lost a brother, lost a skirmish but won a battle. I've found myself holding my breath, having to remember to breathe.
Now I can't wait for the next!
Knowing that he was leading his Black Eagles into a trap didn't slow Darius' plans to rescue his father and punish the people responsible for his torture and imprisonment. His twin brother, Elias, and his mother, General Sarah Cain joined other dignitaries seeking allies against the unknown forces the Black Eagles had faced twice before. But Darius was going, regardless.
I've been a fan of the Crimson Worlds series from the Marine. I've avidly followed the life of Erik Cain and all of his friends and family. Through the wars, the betrayal, the loss, against enemies both human and alien, metal and flesh. Now I'm following the exploits of the next generation and I love every word, every action, every battle! The characters have a life of their own as the storyline weaves their fates in knots and tangles. The action was amazing! I laughed out loud, clapped and cheered, cursed and wept as my heroes fell and rose again, saved a friend and lost a brother, lost a skirmish but won a battle. I've found myself holding my breath, having to remember to breathe.
Now I can't wait for the next!
February 14, 2017
Exciting but flawed, July 5, 2016
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Prisoner of Eldaron: Crimson Worlds Successors II (Kindle Edition)
This is a well written, exciting bit of military sci-fi. However there are some continuity and logic problems with the plot. Characters are sometimes treated as if they don't know things which, logically, they should. In other cases there is a disconnect between the present and the past. There are other editing problems as well.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Prisoner of Eldaron: Crimson Worlds Successors II (Kindle Edition)
This is a well written, exciting bit of military sci-fi. However there are some continuity and logic problems with the plot. Characters are sometimes treated as if they don't know things which, logically, they should. In other cases there is a disconnect between the present and the past. There are other editing problems as well.
June 29, 2022
I liked the first book but this one was soooo much better. Darian Cain is brutal when it's necessary, and this time it was necessary. He'd gotten word there was a special prisoner being held on Elderon and was determined to find out if it were true. He knew it was a trap but he didn't realize how big a trap until he got there. Twenty thousand soldiers were hiding underground for them and all the Eagles would have been slaughtered if Elias, Darian's twin, and the soldiers hadn't shown up. This book was so exciting I couldn't believe it.
I think the reason this was so good was because it was written in the third person and the story went from one person to the other telling you what was going on elsewhere. So many readers complain about third person books, I guess because they like to read I, I, I, I, I, throughout a story but there are those of us who like to know what EVERYONE is doing, not just the MC. IMO
No romance and the F-bomb was used 19 times.
As for the narration: Mark Boyett is a fantastic narrator, giving everyone their own voice and his emotions are tremendous when he reads.
I think the reason this was so good was because it was written in the third person and the story went from one person to the other telling you what was going on elsewhere. So many readers complain about third person books, I guess because they like to read I, I, I, I, I, throughout a story but there are those of us who like to know what EVERYONE is doing, not just the MC. IMO
No romance and the F-bomb was used 19 times.
As for the narration: Mark Boyett is a fantastic narrator, giving everyone their own voice and his emotions are tremendous when he reads.
June 30, 2017
Better than the first book in this series
This was an action packed story - no doubt. But it still tended to be a bit wordy. The way people speak in this story is just a bit hokey. It's like an old Flash Gordon movie from the 1930s. Overly formal and verbose. Almost preachy at times. Nobody talks that way. At least not in the early part of the 21st century. Politicians (literate ones not those currently in charge) nay cone close when speaking publicly. But not ordinary people. I still gave it 4 stars because the story was good and there were a few heart felt moments.
This was an action packed story - no doubt. But it still tended to be a bit wordy. The way people speak in this story is just a bit hokey. It's like an old Flash Gordon movie from the 1930s. Overly formal and verbose. Almost preachy at times. Nobody talks that way. At least not in the early part of the 21st century. Politicians (literate ones not those currently in charge) nay cone close when speaking publicly. But not ordinary people. I still gave it 4 stars because the story was good and there were a few heart felt moments.
December 13, 2017
A page turner to the very end.
Anyone who has read Jay Allen's military fiction knows he will not be disappointed.. His stories are filled with gritty action, realistic dialogue and memorable characters. But this book was a great read from beginning to end.. Perhaps the plot was predictable, but that's OK. The satisfaction of seeing the story unfold and the different threads come together made it all worthwhile.
Anyone who has read Jay Allen's military fiction knows he will not be disappointed.. His stories are filled with gritty action, realistic dialogue and memorable characters. But this book was a great read from beginning to end.. Perhaps the plot was predictable, but that's OK. The satisfaction of seeing the story unfold and the different threads come together made it all worthwhile.
March 18, 2019
Darius Cain and his Black Eagle mercenary force are drawn to the planet Eldaron in an attempt to ambush and destroy them. What their motivation is, and how they deal with the trap, makes for an interesting story. Of course, as with all interstellar battles, the stakes are high, and the body count is even higher.
October 4, 2017
Gripping. I cannot get enough of these series. All hail Jay Allan this
Author of sci fi craft. The tech; the characters, the pace , plot and atmosphere. For me is techni coloured.
Author of sci fi craft. The tech; the characters, the pace , plot and atmosphere. For me is techni coloured.
February 15, 2020
Supberb
Completely thrilling sequel to Merc's with several storylines running throughout the story. Meaning that most chapters end with a cliffhanger. Full of action and twists and turns would definitely recommend
Completely thrilling sequel to Merc's with several storylines running throughout the story. Meaning that most chapters end with a cliffhanger. Full of action and twists and turns would definitely recommend
April 2, 2020
Fantastic
This was a great adventure. The characters so complex. The story line continued from the previous books so smoothly. The plot twists and turns kept me up all night just until the next chapter, now the sun is coming up as I write this review.
This was a great adventure. The characters so complex. The story line continued from the previous books so smoothly. The plot twists and turns kept me up all night just until the next chapter, now the sun is coming up as I write this review.
May 31, 2021
Outstanding
The thought, time, and effort put forth to develop such a well written, comprehensive, action packed story that pulls the reader in is amazing! Realistic military warfare that requires planning, support and execution is so refreshing! Keep them coming Jay!!!
The thought, time, and effort put forth to develop such a well written, comprehensive, action packed story that pulls the reader in is amazing! Realistic military warfare that requires planning, support and execution is so refreshing! Keep them coming Jay!!!
May 9, 2017
Chuck,s Take
The story is very well written. I enjoyed the way all aspects of the story were intertwined. For future works, we still do not know who the real enemy is.
The story is very well written. I enjoyed the way all aspects of the story were intertwined. For future works, we still do not know who the real enemy is.
December 9, 2017
Outstanding series
This series is as great as the Crimson World. When I have finished all of this series I plan to start over and read them again.
This series is as great as the Crimson World. When I have finished all of this series I plan to start over and read them again.
December 23, 2017
Good quick read
Action strong characters who are easily related to. Any one who is into military action would find this a good read
Action strong characters who are easily related to. Any one who is into military action would find this a good read
January 12, 2018
Good "successor"
July 24, 2018
I think this is one of the best books in the series . I could not put it down it kept me on edge of my seat! No spoilers here.
August 22, 2018
Excellent book as usual. I really enjoy the way he is able to mix the next generation of characters with the remaining original ones as well as the changes to occupied space after the Fall.
November 25, 2018
Book 2 did not disappoint, now on to book 3
February 10, 2020
A truly great story!
This is one of the most exciting books I've ever read. You'll truly be blown away by this awesome story.
This is one of the most exciting books I've ever read. You'll truly be blown away by this awesome story.
May 7, 2021
What a story
This one was exciting and very well done great plot with LOTS of twists and unexpected turns. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
This one was exciting and very well done great plot with LOTS of twists and unexpected turns. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
August 15, 2021
Awesome book
I don’t normally give five stars for this many books in a row in a series, but they are fun to read.
I don’t normally give five stars for this many books in a row in a series, but they are fun to read.
January 16, 2022
An excellent instalment in the Crimson Worlds saga. Kept the story going at a relentless pace.
June 1, 2025
14:56
September 16, 2015
As with the original Crimson World series, Jay Allan has continued the story and it is awesome. Decades after the fall, the Navy and Marines are a very shadow of what they once were. Those who survived have moved on to live what lives they can. Mercenary companies have formed, able to be bought for defense or attack. The famous Erik Cain gone, having died when he ship was destroyed coming back from the Second Incursion, his son Darius commands the Black Eagles. The most powerful of the mercenary companies, the Black Eagles are looked upon with disdain because they kill for hire. But circumstances bring the Eagles and those who once looked down upon him together to help the Eagles repel a massive attack planned to destroy the Eagles and they find someone they thought they would never see again.
Crimson Worlds and Crimson World Successors are must read series.
Crimson Worlds and Crimson World Successors are must read series.
August 28, 2015
Fast paced and exciting.
Great book. Another in the series. A must read. I highly recommend the Crimson Worlds series as well as the Successors books. Follow the Cain family in their polite against an unknown enemy. Can old allies be brought together to save humanity from the evil that exists only to enslave mankind. Read the book.
Great book. Another in the series. A must read. I highly recommend the Crimson Worlds series as well as the Successors books. Follow the Cain family in their polite against an unknown enemy. Can old allies be brought together to save humanity from the evil that exists only to enslave mankind. Read the book.
November 24, 2015
A Great Space Saga continues
Successors II is a fantastic works that stands by itself, though it carries on a great series. This well written volume has all the ingredients necessary to ensure success: great characters, great action, and a great story! I can not wait for book III.
Successors II is a fantastic works that stands by itself, though it carries on a great series. This well written volume has all the ingredients necessary to ensure success: great characters, great action, and a great story! I can not wait for book III.
May 21, 2016
Wonderful story, well written.
I have enjoyed every book in the Crimson Worlds Series. They have all been well written and the characters are very easy to identify with. I highly recommend all of them and look forward to "The Black Flag- Crimson Worlds Successors III. Hope to see it soon!
I have enjoyed every book in the Crimson Worlds Series. They have all been well written and the characters are very easy to identify with. I highly recommend all of them and look forward to "The Black Flag- Crimson Worlds Successors III. Hope to see it soon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews