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The Frontiers Saga (Part 1): Discovery #14
The Weak and the Innocent
A ship in the hands of their enemy . . . A liberation gone wrong . . . A chance to double their ranks . . . A bold and daring plan . . . Their support from the Pentaurus cluster dwindling fast, the Alliance faces new and unpleasant realities in the Sol sector. But, as they soon discover, untoward changes have the potential to bring unexpected opportunities. The trick is in how you use them.
11 pages, Audio CD
Published November 24, 2015
334 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Ryk Brown
58 books853 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 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 2, 2017
This is book 14 of the series. In the last book, a scout ship with a jump drive fell into Jung hands. Captain Nathan Scout and the Aurora must get the jump drive back or destroy it. They end up taking on a Jung battleship in an attempt to obtain or destroy the scout ship.
The Ghatazhak play a key role in this book and Jessica and Commander Telis are at odds with each other. Jessica is also upset as her brother was the Captain of the scout ship that was taken by the Jung.
The Pentaurus Cluster is having problems because of the murder of Prince Casimir and the starting of a civil war. What is to happen to the Alliance and all the help, supplies, people that the Pentaurus Cluster has sent to Earth now that leader is dead. We have two new characters coming forward. Captain Suvan Navarro of the Avendahl who is protecting Princess Deliza. Princess Deliza has taken over from her father and is honoring the arrangements with the Alliance. Deliza comes to Earth to help and is redesigning the Falcon into the Super Falcon. She is a better engineer than her father. All her life she grew up working on his Falcon.
Jessica had escaped with a reporter and her cameraman and they are preparing a broadcast telling the truth about the Jung and the Alliance. The Admiral hopes this will turn worlds against the Jung and they will overthrow them. Of course, this book ends in a cliff-hanger.
Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job narrating the series.
The Ghatazhak play a key role in this book and Jessica and Commander Telis are at odds with each other. Jessica is also upset as her brother was the Captain of the scout ship that was taken by the Jung.
The Pentaurus Cluster is having problems because of the murder of Prince Casimir and the starting of a civil war. What is to happen to the Alliance and all the help, supplies, people that the Pentaurus Cluster has sent to Earth now that leader is dead. We have two new characters coming forward. Captain Suvan Navarro of the Avendahl who is protecting Princess Deliza. Princess Deliza has taken over from her father and is honoring the arrangements with the Alliance. Deliza comes to Earth to help and is redesigning the Falcon into the Super Falcon. She is a better engineer than her father. All her life she grew up working on his Falcon.
Jessica had escaped with a reporter and her cameraman and they are preparing a broadcast telling the truth about the Jung and the Alliance. The Admiral hopes this will turn worlds against the Jung and they will overthrow them. Of course, this book ends in a cliff-hanger.
Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job narrating the series.
September 6, 2015
I have really enjoyed this series...until this last episode. The title is aptly named as the story was weak for me and I felt like an innocent victim, expecting one thing and getting another! There are so many new characters off in many different directions and there was a lot of backstory given to these characters that I found less than interesting. What I had originally liked about this series was the relationships of Nathan Scott and the many dilemmas he faced and how he questioned himself and the author seems to have gone very far from that. Maybe that is the journey of the author. Sadly, it is not a journey I enjoyed.
September 29, 2017
Mr Brown continues to keep me sucked into the fate of Capt Scott, his crew and all of humanity as they fight against the Jung. The titles of this book and the next are appropriate, as they demand that you evaluate your own beliefs and what you would be willing to do to not be subjected to rulers not of your choosing. Many of the things the protagonists have done in the last couple of books really grey that line that we all say we wouldn't cross. That brings home the reality of war. In our modern lives, most of us are so insulated from that mentality, that we don't truly examine it. We see other things, usually truly minor as being a litmus test of some sort, when in reality, most of the people under 50 or 60 years old in this country have never experienced anything like that. Yes, there are exceptions. We haven't lived in a completely peaceful bubble, but we are very blessed to not deal with that on a daily basis. If I have one qualm about the series, it would be that it has grown so much in scope, that the characters that started off as an almost surrogate family for each other, are now spread out. On one hand this keeps the action moving along nicely, on the other, I sometimes feel as though parts are being left out or that not enough time is spent on any individual story line. That is a minor qualm, but if I had to knock the books for any reason, that would be it.
As I have said in previous reviews of his books, I do not understand, how these are not a tv series on SyFy, HBO, or Netflix, as they are truly riveting.
Finally, is Tellis starting to get a little softer from his exposure to these earthlings?
As I have said in previous reviews of his books, I do not understand, how these are not a tv series on SyFy, HBO, or Netflix, as they are truly riveting.
Finally, is Tellis starting to get a little softer from his exposure to these earthlings?
August 22, 2015
Keeps getting better!
If you're looking for a new series, start on this one now! Sci-fi at its best, storyline is tight, characters are deep.
If you're looking for a new series, start on this one now! Sci-fi at its best, storyline is tight, characters are deep.
August 23, 2015
Ryk Brown does it again
October 1, 2018
Another great book, really enjoyed it.
February 2, 2021
The 14th episode begins with the jump frigate being captured by the Jung. The Ghatazhak are withdrawing from all planets to persevere their numbers now that Tug is dead. Captain Suvan Navarro has taken Deliza and helped her to get back to the Sol sector. Randomly there is also a reporter and her cameraman who are interviewing many members of the alliance to try to persuade her home world and the two other planets in cooperation with them to understand how much harm the Jung have done and continue to do.
This story is much more in line with what I expect from Ryk Brown especially when concerning Nathan Scott. Although Nathan still has to make some seriously crappy decisions, his goodness and light shines out of him. He is above all a good person and only wants to be protect ALL people regardless of what world or party of the universe you come from. This just got buried in the last book.
Also strange is the connection that I felt with the characters this book. In the last book I was not affected by the deaths of several characters. This book is a real tear jerker for me. Ryk Brown had me fully convinced a significant number of my favorite characters were not going to make it. Honestly not many authors have been able to do that to me, I can usually tell they are trying to plan a way out for their characters. I got no sense of that at all from Brown and it was pretty amazing.
R- Language- while there isn’t as much language as some of the other books there is still an excessive amount. Violence- As per the usually, graphic and violent deaths.
This story is much more in line with what I expect from Ryk Brown especially when concerning Nathan Scott. Although Nathan still has to make some seriously crappy decisions, his goodness and light shines out of him. He is above all a good person and only wants to be protect ALL people regardless of what world or party of the universe you come from. This just got buried in the last book.
Also strange is the connection that I felt with the characters this book. In the last book I was not affected by the deaths of several characters. This book is a real tear jerker for me. Ryk Brown had me fully convinced a significant number of my favorite characters were not going to make it. Honestly not many authors have been able to do that to me, I can usually tell they are trying to plan a way out for their characters. I got no sense of that at all from Brown and it was pretty amazing.
R- Language- while there isn’t as much language as some of the other books there is still an excessive amount. Violence- As per the usually, graphic and violent deaths.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2020
It turns out that didn't die in A Show of Force after all, and there's still a chance that the Jung won't . There will be a tense few scenes before we find out for sure. It does rob the ending of A Show of Force a bit, but The Frontiers Saga has always felt somewhat like a television series and for that genre it fits. You need to raise the stakes, but the twist is almost always that the .
Otherwise, all sorts of things are happening. The Pentaurus Cluster has descended into open civil war and can no longer supply the Aurora and the Alliance. Ground troops are forced to withdraw. The Aurora/Celestia get beat up again. Deliza comes back to show off her super smarts and upgrade the Falcons to SUPER Falcons.
It's kind of strange to know that there's only one more book until this series (or at least part 1[^seriously]) wraps up. There are more and more plotlines and characters. I don't know how Ryk Brown is going to do it, but I certainly hope it will be spectacular.
Onward and to the end we go.
[^seriously]: A 15 book part one. Crazy, right? And apparently most of part 2 is out already. I wasn't expecting to have that to read...
Otherwise, all sorts of things are happening. The Pentaurus Cluster has descended into open civil war and can no longer supply the Aurora and the Alliance. Ground troops are forced to withdraw. The Aurora/Celestia get beat up again. Deliza comes back to show off her super smarts and upgrade the Falcons to SUPER Falcons.
It's kind of strange to know that there's only one more book until this series (or at least part 1[^seriously]) wraps up. There are more and more plotlines and characters. I don't know how Ryk Brown is going to do it, but I certainly hope it will be spectacular.
Onward and to the end we go.
[^seriously]: A 15 book part one. Crazy, right? And apparently most of part 2 is out already. I wasn't expecting to have that to read...
March 7, 2019
Excellent action sequences and plots
Not quite sure all the plot mechanics are fully plausible without some serious flaws in enemy command. But they pass minimums. Lots of secondary characters get little time in the spotlight between combat scenes. Not quite as many science flaws planting themselves center stage. But quite a few math errors in movement and perspectives - e.g. objects would not appear drift away slowly at 1% power of main engines that is still acceleration on the order of 1500 km/s change in speed each second. Fortunately most those issues do not change the overall outcome being simply wrong visual images. Author did seem to lose track of a few details. In the previous book the scout ships had weak shields but in this novel they did not which allowed point defense and gunship fire to immediatelydisable them. Continuity issue only though since it would only take a stroke of pen to increase incoming fire to take out shields too.
Overall the only big disturbances to story where big persistent flaws of starship propulsion still using bulk flammable propellant. TBH I suspect more than half of the reason that issue exists is so the author can steal tons of procedure. Logistical and tactical stuff from real world 20th century Navy - instead of inventing it all himself.
Not quite sure all the plot mechanics are fully plausible without some serious flaws in enemy command. But they pass minimums. Lots of secondary characters get little time in the spotlight between combat scenes. Not quite as many science flaws planting themselves center stage. But quite a few math errors in movement and perspectives - e.g. objects would not appear drift away slowly at 1% power of main engines that is still acceleration on the order of 1500 km/s change in speed each second. Fortunately most those issues do not change the overall outcome being simply wrong visual images. Author did seem to lose track of a few details. In the previous book the scout ships had weak shields but in this novel they did not which allowed point defense and gunship fire to immediatelydisable them. Continuity issue only though since it would only take a stroke of pen to increase incoming fire to take out shields too.
Overall the only big disturbances to story where big persistent flaws of starship propulsion still using bulk flammable propellant. TBH I suspect more than half of the reason that issue exists is so the author can steal tons of procedure. Logistical and tactical stuff from real world 20th century Navy - instead of inventing it all himself.
September 6, 2017
The Weak and the Innocent (The Frontiers Saga (Part 1) #14) In war who are the weak and the innocent? They are countless hapless civilians on liberated worlds caught between the Alliance and Jung as they battle for control. What right does the Alliance have to cause the death of innocents mere to protect Earth?
On Earth politics rears its ugly head as an Admiral turned politician starts an Earth 1st movement. Earth ships should defend Earth and not her allies. This potentially pits a crimp into the plans of making a 30 light year safety zone around her. Could this Admiral who was captured during the Jung invasion of Earth be a Manchurian candidate for the Jung? we are also given insight into caste system of the Jung and how that influences it own actions.
What I like about this series is that it can be read on multiple levels. At face value it's a simple space opera. Yet at the same time it looks at the political calculations behind military decisions. It forces the reader to ponder the effects of war not only on the warrior but also the civilians. The book begins to set up plot lines that may be carried over into the next series. So far this space opera has been an addicting summer read.
January 8, 2018
This book was very action packed and full of new surprises and characters. It was an amazing edition to the series in my opinion. I think that Ryk Brown might of gone a little bit excessive with the new characters though because while reading this book I felt like I would barely see any of certain characters who used to be the only ones in the spotlight(like Captain Scott). He did an amazing job with all of his "in battle talk" as I like to call it. He made it seem very realistic and not being in any military to me it seemed very lifelike and really pulled me into the book a little bit more. He also had lots of surprise twists when people were in dire need of help seemed hopeless but alas hope always crept back in and saved them. One thing that upset me was that he didn't talk any about earth which kind of left me in the dark about everything happening down there. Overall I thought the book was an interesting and entertaining read but I was a little dissapointed with all the things I felt like I needed to know but didn't.
September 20, 2017
Before you start this book, please realize it is #14 in a series: if you haven't read the other books in the series in order, this one will make no sense to you.
This installment had a lot of details in the action and pace of the last novel, and seemed to focus in on a few discrete items vs. the bigger picture of where the series may be going (or not). While certainly enjoyable, this installment to the series seemed to leave quite a bit more open and unanswered questions in comparison to the endings of the other episodes – it’s going to be a lot to wrap up in the planned next (and last) episode of the series.
As usual, and without having a spoiler, there was yet another cliffhanger ending and I'm ready for the next and final episode.
This installment had a lot of details in the action and pace of the last novel, and seemed to focus in on a few discrete items vs. the bigger picture of where the series may be going (or not). While certainly enjoyable, this installment to the series seemed to leave quite a bit more open and unanswered questions in comparison to the endings of the other episodes – it’s going to be a lot to wrap up in the planned next (and last) episode of the series.
As usual, and without having a spoiler, there was yet another cliffhanger ending and I'm ready for the next and final episode.
May 26, 2021
The Weak and the Innocent is far from the best book in this series so far, but the momentium of the story, and a few interesting new/illuminating storylines, carries it through what could otherwise have been a slightly boring addition to the series.
There really isn’t much more that can be said without giving away anything in this book, or the 13 books prior to it, but I’m really excited to see how the story plays out, and how it will lead into the next part of the saga.
Again, in summary, this is a great series for what it is: very entertaining, easy to read, easy to digest, enjoyable, Space Opera. I can’t help but think this series will eventually be considered a classic, and, when it is, and there are 70 or so books already out, I’ll be happy to be ahead of the curve!
There really isn’t much more that can be said without giving away anything in this book, or the 13 books prior to it, but I’m really excited to see how the story plays out, and how it will lead into the next part of the saga.
Again, in summary, this is a great series for what it is: very entertaining, easy to read, easy to digest, enjoyable, Space Opera. I can’t help but think this series will eventually be considered a classic, and, when it is, and there are 70 or so books already out, I’ll be happy to be ahead of the curve!
July 15, 2017
Saga continues...
I have been reading the saga for last few months. After fourteen books I still enjoy the story and will read the next book. As all series certain parts better then others. The author built expansive universe that allows to have a good space opera stage. There are battles , spy excursions, new weapons and few characters that keep me coming back for more. Look forward to a next part.
I have been reading the saga for last few months. After fourteen books I still enjoy the story and will read the next book. As all series certain parts better then others. The author built expansive universe that allows to have a good space opera stage. There are battles , spy excursions, new weapons and few characters that keep me coming back for more. Look forward to a next part.
January 22, 2024
Improving book on book
Overall each book improves on the previous. Not necessarily big improvements just small incremental ones, but enough to realise that the story is managing to keep me/you engaged
The first 30% of this book is just one big battle, both apace and planetside. It's engrossing.
The rest of the book focuses more on the politics and schemes each of the major players has to enact to ensure the Alliance keeps moving forward
Book 15 should be a blast
Overall each book improves on the previous. Not necessarily big improvements just small incremental ones, but enough to realise that the story is managing to keep me/you engaged
The first 30% of this book is just one big battle, both apace and planetside. It's engrossing.
The rest of the book focuses more on the politics and schemes each of the major players has to enact to ensure the Alliance keeps moving forward
Book 15 should be a blast
June 28, 2017
Another action packed episode!
I say episode because Mr Brown does such a great job describing the scenes, I can see them in my mind. I know the people and I'm saddened when I lose my friends The action as always is non stop and the characters like Loki and Josh and Nathan and Jessica keep the story personal and fun. Can't wait to read the next one.!
I say episode because Mr Brown does such a great job describing the scenes, I can see them in my mind. I know the people and I'm saddened when I lose my friends The action as always is non stop and the characters like Loki and Josh and Nathan and Jessica keep the story personal and fun. Can't wait to read the next one.!
April 28, 2022
This book was challenging to get into compared to earlier parts of the story. There are a lot of new characters, the loss of one we had just gotten used to, and some very confusing battles with choppy narratives. All that being said, this is a big move forward in storytelling after the stress of the last book's ending.
April 18, 2024
The series is starting to lose me. I am 14 books in, obviously a fan. But we have reached the tipping point where there are TOO many things happening at once. I get this is a space opera lite series, but fighting multiple wars, in multiple star systems each with their own crew is getting hard to follow. I hope we can stay focused on less places next book out.
April 1, 2018
4 stars minus one for very rough language.
most of this book is somewhat mundane and advancing the larger scene of the series, but there are still some very exciting parts.
without giving anything away, there is one very touching part helping to show the human side of war and survival
most of this book is somewhat mundane and advancing the larger scene of the series, but there are still some very exciting parts.
without giving anything away, there is one very touching part helping to show the human side of war and survival
January 11, 2023
Where to now?
Okay, Ryk Brown is shifting gears again and killing off characters that I like...I hate that! I'm not sure where this next book will be taking me, but I'm really curious. On to the next book!
Okay, Ryk Brown is shifting gears again and killing off characters that I like...I hate that! I'm not sure where this next book will be taking me, but I'm really curious. On to the next book!
June 8, 2024
The weak & the innocent.
An enjoyable read, a lot of story lines were introduced. Some or the new story lines will be expanded in the future; others seemed to neatly /conveniently end.
An enjoyable read, a lot of story lines were introduced. Some or the new story lines will be expanded in the future; others seemed to neatly /conveniently end.
June 21, 2017
Fabulous
As is usual for this series, there are plenty of explosions, and plenty of realistic interactions between the core characters move ing the story along. Read this series!
As is usual for this series, there are plenty of explosions, and plenty of realistic interactions between the core characters move ing the story along. Read this series!
September 27, 2017
Better and better
The Frontiers Saga keeps getting better with thrilling action scenes, great characters, and a believable sci-fi universe. Enjoy this amazing series.
The Frontiers Saga keeps getting better with thrilling action scenes, great characters, and a believable sci-fi universe. Enjoy this amazing series.
December 22, 2017
Nice to see them go on the offense again. This story is just as great as the rest.
August 6, 2018
Great series. Ready for part two, but taking break to tackle another series.
February 16, 2019
Brilliant!
Missed the Honorverse style action? Mr Brown brings you second best story! Can't stop and won't stop till I read all books
Missed the Honorverse style action? Mr Brown brings you second best story! Can't stop and won't stop till I read all books
July 25, 2021
I feel like I missed something alone the road here about the chain of command but I’m 14 books in so I might have just missed something.
Read
January 8, 2023Went on a binge of this whole series. Fun stuff.
June 15, 2023
Never resolve a cliffhanger with the Patrick Ewing shower reveal (“oh, look none of them were really dead”)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews