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Crimson Worlds Refugees #2
Shadows of the Gods
The Fleet Fights On...
Deeper. Farther into the black unknown of space. There is no other path, no way for the lost to go, save forward. Admiral Terrance Compton’s fleet is cut off from Earth, deep in the heart of the enemy First Imperium. A third of his people have died in the year his force had been fleeing from its enemies, but he is as determined as ever to find a new home for his people, a way to save his wartorn fleet
His people are running low on everything—food, ammunition, fuel, and the brutal enemy is in relentless pursuit, marshaling all its vast resources to track down and destroy the human refugees. Compton must find a way to replenish his dwindling stores, while avoiding the massive enemy forces hunting his fleet from system to system.
Compton seeks an escape, a refuge for his exhausted spacers from the relentless pursuit of their enemies. But they are about to find far more than that, as they discover the truth of the distant past, and a glimpse of a new future that lies before them. What they learn will shake all they believe…and force them to reconsider who they are. And what victory would look like.
The fight has just begun…and the stakes are even higher than any of them had imagined.
Also By Jay Allan
The Far Stars Series
Shadow of Empire (Far Stars I – Nov 3, 2015)
Enemy in the Dark (Far Stars II – Dec 1, 2015)
Funeral Games (Far Stars III – Jan 19, 2016)
All Far Stars books are available for preorder
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)
Crimson Worlds War Stories (Crimson Worlds Prequels)
Crimson Worlds Successors Series
MERCS (Successors I)
The Prisoner of Eldaron (Successors II)
The Black Flag (Successors III - Coming 2016)
Crimson Worlds Refugees Series
Into the Darkness (Refugees I)
Shadows of the Gods (Refugees II)
Revenge of the Ancients (Refugees III – Coming 2016)
Portal Wars Series
Gehenna Dawn (Portal Wars I)
The Ten Thousand (Portal Wars II)
Homefront (Portal Wars III – Coming Jan 2016)
Deeper. Farther into the black unknown of space. There is no other path, no way for the lost to go, save forward. Admiral Terrance Compton’s fleet is cut off from Earth, deep in the heart of the enemy First Imperium. A third of his people have died in the year his force had been fleeing from its enemies, but he is as determined as ever to find a new home for his people, a way to save his wartorn fleet
His people are running low on everything—food, ammunition, fuel, and the brutal enemy is in relentless pursuit, marshaling all its vast resources to track down and destroy the human refugees. Compton must find a way to replenish his dwindling stores, while avoiding the massive enemy forces hunting his fleet from system to system.
Compton seeks an escape, a refuge for his exhausted spacers from the relentless pursuit of their enemies. But they are about to find far more than that, as they discover the truth of the distant past, and a glimpse of a new future that lies before them. What they learn will shake all they believe…and force them to reconsider who they are. And what victory would look like.
The fight has just begun…and the stakes are even higher than any of them had imagined.
Also By Jay Allan
The Far Stars Series
Shadow of Empire (Far Stars I – Nov 3, 2015)
Enemy in the Dark (Far Stars II – Dec 1, 2015)
Funeral Games (Far Stars III – Jan 19, 2016)
All Far Stars books are available for preorder
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)
Crimson Worlds War Stories (Crimson Worlds Prequels)
Crimson Worlds Successors Series
MERCS (Successors I)
The Prisoner of Eldaron (Successors II)
The Black Flag (Successors III - Coming 2016)
Crimson Worlds Refugees Series
Into the Darkness (Refugees I)
Shadows of the Gods (Refugees II)
Revenge of the Ancients (Refugees III – Coming 2016)
Portal Wars Series
Gehenna Dawn (Portal Wars I)
The Ten Thousand (Portal Wars II)
Homefront (Portal Wars III – Coming Jan 2016)
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2015
478 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 3, 2021
Very nice Military SiFi read. Fast paced and action packed, you never slow down from the 1st page to the last. Entertaining read. Recommended
March 9, 2017
After enjoying book one so much I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with this. Overall the story is pretty solid, but the author seemed to run out of ideas on what to do with the battle scenes and the character development.
The author has developed a bad habit of repeating parts of the story when telling from a different pov. It becomes very repetitive hearing what each character thinks about the Commander, because the all think the same thing. There are scenes reported back to us from only a couple of chapters before. Almost like it is a TV episode and he wants to start with "previously on ........". That's ok to remind readers what happened in the previous book, but a couple of chapters ago?!
The battlescenes were generally a disappointment. Basically, they were a rinse and re-run, exactly the same tactics and same outcome. I could predict exactly what the Captain of the ship was going to do, stand by his chair, looking stoic and get within 10k km of the First Imprieum vessel before launching. Every freaking time. It got old and I missed the excitement of the first book.
All said, I am still going to read book three as I am still interested in how it pans out. This finished with enough of a teaser to make me commit. But I am hoping for a lot more material in book three.
The author has developed a bad habit of repeating parts of the story when telling from a different pov. It becomes very repetitive hearing what each character thinks about the Commander, because the all think the same thing. There are scenes reported back to us from only a couple of chapters before. Almost like it is a TV episode and he wants to start with "previously on ........". That's ok to remind readers what happened in the previous book, but a couple of chapters ago?!
The battlescenes were generally a disappointment. Basically, they were a rinse and re-run, exactly the same tactics and same outcome. I could predict exactly what the Captain of the ship was going to do, stand by his chair, looking stoic and get within 10k km of the First Imprieum vessel before launching. Every freaking time. It got old and I missed the excitement of the first book.
All said, I am still going to read book three as I am still interested in how it pans out. This finished with enough of a teaser to make me commit. But I am hoping for a lot more material in book three.
January 12, 2018
On to book 2 of this series. Boy, that first book worn me out. So much fighting. The decision has now been made that this fleet of humans can no longer try and find a way home. To do so would lead the First Imperium right back to human space and that’s something Admiral Terrance Compton isn’t going to do. While that decision didn’t set well with everyone in the fleet, the sudden and vicious appearance of the First Imperium in X18 left no doubt that it was the correct decision. The First Imperium is bound and determined to kill all the humans invading its territory.
The Fleet fled the X2 system with the First Imperium hot on it’s tail. They had to send scouts out ahead to find if the next system was free of enemy before following behind. Fortunately, they found such systems and manage to delay the First Imperium just long enough to get the fleet through the next warp gate and the next after that. They finally felt a small reprieve when arriving in system X18. There were no First Imperium starships in the system and nothing else that appeared to be a threat. So, they orbited a gas giant while the engineers built a refinery to collect fuel for the fleet. Scouts were sent ahead to scout out then next potential systems for the fleet.
Then in system X20 they made a major discovery. A First Imperium warship, a Colossus was setting idle orbiting one of the planets. This definitely got the interest of Admiral Compton and his scientist. Dr. Hieronymus Cutter and Dr. Ana Zukov were the premier scientist on-board the Midway and probably in the entire fleet. Dr. Cutter laid out a convincing argument to Admiral Compton on why he needed to go see this First Imperium vessel. He felt that he had created a computer virus that could possible cause the on-board AI to respond directly to his commands.
Admiral Compton also wanted to see what kind of civilization might have inhabited First Imperium worlds. So he took Dr. Cutter and Dr. Zukov on a shuttle into X20 while the Midway stayed in X18 to be refueled. The shuttle was to take him and a Marine contingent to the planet so they could explore and see what remained of this ancient civilization. The two doctors were further escorted aboard the dead Colossus to see if they could gain any advanced technology out of it. Things didn’t turn out very well for either group or at least for Admiral Compton’s visit.
Back in X18, the some of the other nationalities weren’t so keen on going further into First Imperium space and really wanted to try and find a way home. Most of these people really didn’t care about the rest of humanity as long as they got home. One starship even threatened to destroy the refueling station if the fleet didn’t refuel their ships first and allow them to depart unmolested. Admiral Compton had previously stated that no ship of the fleet would be allowed to head for home.
So, now you’re going to have to read the book to find out how Admiral Compton keeps the human fleet together while he’s in another star system exploring. His timing couldn’t be worse. And, they aren’t done with the First Imperium, but they do find out something they didn’t know before. They make good on their escape in a very surprising way.
Ok, that’s it for book 2. Now on to book 3, “Revenge of the Ancients”. Lots of great reading.
The Fleet fled the X2 system with the First Imperium hot on it’s tail. They had to send scouts out ahead to find if the next system was free of enemy before following behind. Fortunately, they found such systems and manage to delay the First Imperium just long enough to get the fleet through the next warp gate and the next after that. They finally felt a small reprieve when arriving in system X18. There were no First Imperium starships in the system and nothing else that appeared to be a threat. So, they orbited a gas giant while the engineers built a refinery to collect fuel for the fleet. Scouts were sent ahead to scout out then next potential systems for the fleet.
Then in system X20 they made a major discovery. A First Imperium warship, a Colossus was setting idle orbiting one of the planets. This definitely got the interest of Admiral Compton and his scientist. Dr. Hieronymus Cutter and Dr. Ana Zukov were the premier scientist on-board the Midway and probably in the entire fleet. Dr. Cutter laid out a convincing argument to Admiral Compton on why he needed to go see this First Imperium vessel. He felt that he had created a computer virus that could possible cause the on-board AI to respond directly to his commands.
Admiral Compton also wanted to see what kind of civilization might have inhabited First Imperium worlds. So he took Dr. Cutter and Dr. Zukov on a shuttle into X20 while the Midway stayed in X18 to be refueled. The shuttle was to take him and a Marine contingent to the planet so they could explore and see what remained of this ancient civilization. The two doctors were further escorted aboard the dead Colossus to see if they could gain any advanced technology out of it. Things didn’t turn out very well for either group or at least for Admiral Compton’s visit.
Back in X18, the some of the other nationalities weren’t so keen on going further into First Imperium space and really wanted to try and find a way home. Most of these people really didn’t care about the rest of humanity as long as they got home. One starship even threatened to destroy the refueling station if the fleet didn’t refuel their ships first and allow them to depart unmolested. Admiral Compton had previously stated that no ship of the fleet would be allowed to head for home.
So, now you’re going to have to read the book to find out how Admiral Compton keeps the human fleet together while he’s in another star system exploring. His timing couldn’t be worse. And, they aren’t done with the First Imperium, but they do find out something they didn’t know before. They make good on their escape in a very surprising way.
Ok, that’s it for book 2. Now on to book 3, “Revenge of the Ancients”. Lots of great reading.
September 21, 2017
Before you start this title, please realize it is a spinoff / continuation of a much longer series by the author. You need to read Marines: Crimson Worlds I first, and all of the other books in that series, and the first episode of this new series, or this episode won’t make much sense with the background story and characters.
If you were a fan of the Crimson Worlds series as well as the first volume of the Crimson Worlds Refugees, I believe you will like this one. Compton and his stranded forces continue to flee and fight the units of the First Imperium and the battle scenes are very realistic with no hope of resupply or reinforcements. Similar to other books in the series, the future technologies are something you can wrap your hands around. The author once again does a good job of getting you emotionally involved with his characters as you get to appreciate new characters yet feel the pain – and get a little depressed – as characters die off in the continuing battles.
I picked this up for $4.99 in the Kindle version: if you have enjoyed previous episodes of the Crimson Worlds series, you will certainly get more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
If you were a fan of the Crimson Worlds series as well as the first volume of the Crimson Worlds Refugees, I believe you will like this one. Compton and his stranded forces continue to flee and fight the units of the First Imperium and the battle scenes are very realistic with no hope of resupply or reinforcements. Similar to other books in the series, the future technologies are something you can wrap your hands around. The author once again does a good job of getting you emotionally involved with his characters as you get to appreciate new characters yet feel the pain – and get a little depressed – as characters die off in the continuing battles.
I picked this up for $4.99 in the Kindle version: if you have enjoyed previous episodes of the Crimson Worlds series, you will certainly get more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
February 3, 2019
It’s amazing how the author Jay Allan is able to follow everything that goes on in this series, the characters the battles and the story itself without getting confused without making not even one mistake with so much going on none stop?
JUST AMAZING !!!
BEAUTIFULLY DONE AND 3 MORE TO GO.
As usual perfect narration by Jay Snyder !
This series is fully recommend with out a doubt to all who love space combat stories.
JUST AMAZING !!!
BEAUTIFULLY DONE AND 3 MORE TO GO.
As usual perfect narration by Jay Snyder !
This series is fully recommend with out a doubt to all who love space combat stories.
November 6, 2019
I enjoyed reading the book, but for me a significant portion of the key plot developments were foreshadowed to the extent that there weren't any surprises left. I will, however, continue the series (Revenge of the Ancients) to see where the author takes this next.
July 5, 2017
Finally this series is in top gear
It took awhile but now the action is fast and furious. The human refugees, marooned on the far side of a gate from Earth and their friends and families, have encountered an unexpected ally and learned astonishing things about mankind's origins. Can't wait to see what happens next.
It took awhile but now the action is fast and furious. The human refugees, marooned on the far side of a gate from Earth and their friends and families, have encountered an unexpected ally and learned astonishing things about mankind's origins. Can't wait to see what happens next.
March 1, 2018
Follows a familiar pattern!!!
First of all I enjoyed this sequel. The characters, pace of action, and moral dilemmas and the consequences of decisions made by mortals and machines kept me reading; sometimes late into the night. I've seen scenarios such as those in this book, in the Star Trek series of the sixties. Good reading, I'm ready for the next one, Nuff said!!!
First of all I enjoyed this sequel. The characters, pace of action, and moral dilemmas and the consequences of decisions made by mortals and machines kept me reading; sometimes late into the night. I've seen scenarios such as those in this book, in the Star Trek series of the sixties. Good reading, I'm ready for the next one, Nuff said!!!
June 10, 2018
All But Lost
The remaining members of the human race appear doomed to destruction by the artificial intelligence (AI) controlling the Universe as they try to escape certain death. Discovery of links between the creators of this artificial intelligence and the surviving humans provides hope that the humans may find a way to defeat the AI. But there are no guarantees!
The remaining members of the human race appear doomed to destruction by the artificial intelligence (AI) controlling the Universe as they try to escape certain death. Discovery of links between the creators of this artificial intelligence and the surviving humans provides hope that the humans may find a way to defeat the AI. But there are no guarantees!
August 30, 2018
Admiral Compton and his Alliance fleet continue to battle the Imperium forces across the uncharted reaches of deep space. Long lost genealogy comes to the forefront as Compton's people discover artifacts leading to the original creators of the Imperium and its ruling artificial intelligence, The Regent. Stay tuned, there's more to come.
June 27, 2021
Enjoying but too much detail
I’m really enjoying the stories, the characters and getting so vested. I have to know…. So I’ll read the next book. The fighting scenes though are so similar and drawn out that I’ve begun to skip over them. It’s like never ending death and destruction.
I’m really enjoying the stories, the characters and getting so vested. I have to know…. So I’ll read the next book. The fighting scenes though are so similar and drawn out that I’ve begun to skip over them. It’s like never ending death and destruction.
February 24, 2017
Great series so far. I would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the third close call. It seemed as if the author manufactured a dire situation just to have a last second reprieve. Keep up the good work and I will continue to recommend the author and series.
September 3, 2017
Great series
The second book of this series continues the fight to escape from the Imperium forces. The fleet is slowly losing ships and crews, but there is hope over the horizon. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
The second book of this series continues the fight to escape from the Imperium forces. The fleet is slowly losing ships and crews, but there is hope over the horizon. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
September 3, 2017
Jay Allan continues to outdo himself.
If you were left hanging in the Crimson Worlds series, follow the action of the trapped fleet as they adapt and overcome. Outstanding series. But it now!
If you were left hanging in the Crimson Worlds series, follow the action of the trapped fleet as they adapt and overcome. Outstanding series. But it now!
September 17, 2017
Better than 4k
The first book had me hooked, the second fed motivation for more, and I wait for book 3 knowing I will love it. If space battles and personal sacrifice stories are the stuff of reading enjoyment, read the series. Well written with a good pace
The first book had me hooked, the second fed motivation for more, and I wait for book 3 knowing I will love it. If space battles and personal sacrifice stories are the stuff of reading enjoyment, read the series. Well written with a good pace
October 10, 2017
Narrow escape leads to new discoveries and danger
Can man be linked to the Old Ones? How can the stranded fleet survive without a miracle? The answers keep the adventure moving forward. Enjoy
Can man be linked to the Old Ones? How can the stranded fleet survive without a miracle? The answers keep the adventure moving forward. Enjoy
May 19, 2018
Disappointing, un-engaging and predictable. I'd rather watch traffic than read about the constant back and forth gate maneuvers to escape yet another alien who wants to eradicate humanity in the universe.
June 8, 2018
Exhilarating read.
Lots of space battles and moments where it looks like all hope is lost. The fleet can’t continue with the odds that are stacked against them. Looking forward to book 3!
Lots of space battles and moments where it looks like all hope is lost. The fleet can’t continue with the odds that are stacked against them. Looking forward to book 3!
June 29, 2019
I bought this in the bundle. I enjoyed this book and had a few errors throughout. The continuance of the series is still enjoyable to read and the plot has grown well. They keep running and encounter aspects unknown. The plot has been well done, but not as exciting as Jay Allans other books.
April 18, 2020
Great Story
I love this part of the series. It shows that the other half of the fleet that was trapped on the other side of the warp gate that was blown up, the struggles and ways to survive.
I love this part of the series. It shows that the other half of the fleet that was trapped on the other side of the warp gate that was blown up, the struggles and ways to survive.
November 10, 2020
Great storyline
This is the second time I’ve read this riveting storyline full of intrigue and sacrifice. You can feel the emotions; comrades lost, rage, despair, fatigue, as well as love. Great series.
This is the second time I’ve read this riveting storyline full of intrigue and sacrifice. You can feel the emotions; comrades lost, rage, despair, fatigue, as well as love. Great series.
February 15, 2021
A Stellar Fighting Retreat
Jay Allen's second book in his Crimson Worlds Refugees series is as good as his other books. There is a tangled web of plot lines that are spun to generate great tension in the story and to ensnare the reader in a great adventure. I recommend this book.
Jay Allen's second book in his Crimson Worlds Refugees series is as good as his other books. There is a tangled web of plot lines that are spun to generate great tension in the story and to ensnare the reader in a great adventure. I recommend this book.
November 1, 2025
Really well done.
Well written with an amazing imagination. I am an author myself and have published two sci-fi novels on Amazon and several short stories. This is one of the best sci-fi novels I have read.
Well written with an amazing imagination. I am an author myself and have published two sci-fi novels on Amazon and several short stories. This is one of the best sci-fi novels I have read.
June 28, 2017
more Ringo, less Campbell
September 10, 2017
The best Military Sci-Fi Novel I have read recently,
Jay Allen has been a favorite of mine for some time. This series is one of his best by far. I highly recommend it.
Jay Allen has been a favorite of mine for some time. This series is one of his best by far. I highly recommend it.
February 17, 2018
Seat of your pants, non-stop action. The beleaguered fleet continues to try and find a safe haven, and discovers more than it bargained for. Fun! 3.5 stars
February 28, 2018
Pure action adventure, with a tad of sci-fi
This series is what it is. Great space battles and a smidge of derivative SYFY. What I call well written trash.
This series is what it is. Great space battles and a smidge of derivative SYFY. What I call well written trash.
April 1, 2018
Awesome revelation, amazing hair raising story of retreat and heroism. Great work Sir
May 21, 2018
Invigorating
It held you spellbound, 5 stars. The forces of change is not your doing sometimes but other forces get involved to make that change.
It held you spellbound, 5 stars. The forces of change is not your doing sometimes but other forces get involved to make that change.
August 26, 2018
I think Mr. Allan needs to rethink his writing. This book dragged like a car behind and old tow truck.
Skip it,
Skip it,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews