What do you think?
Rate this book
War Eternal #3
The Knife's Edge
A mission failed... A civilization on the edge of collapse... A dangerous alliance to save it... Colonel Mitchell “Ares” Williams has never been one to accept failure. While the outcome on Liberty is a crushing setback to his and the Rigger’s chances of salvaging the war, there’s no time to waste on regret. After all, the mission wasn’t a total loss, delivering an unexpected asset in the wake of their Liun Tio, a.k.a the Knife, a notorious warlord and enemy of the Alliance, whose deep-seated mistrust of artificial intelligence and control over what may be the largest free fleet in the galaxy have made him the most important man alive. If humanity is going to have a chance to survive the Tetron onslaught, Ares and the Knife will need to find a way to work together. But can the two learn to trust one another enough to bring the power of their joint forces to bear against a common enemy? Or will their fragile alliance crumble beneath the weight of personal motives and divergent goals? As Mitchell and the Riggers will soon discover, the knife’s edge cuts both ways. ------ The Knife's Edge is the third book in the War Eternal series. Book 1: Starship Eternal Book 2: The End of Liberty
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
404 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
165 books1,007 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 9, 2015
Dragged it out and had a good surprise in there. Now I have to wait for the next one....
March 5, 2020
I read the first two books in this series a long time ago, back in May of 2017, so I had to do some re-reading of my old reviews to see if I could remember what had happened in those first two books. I kind of got the gist of the story, but there seems to be somethings missing. As this story continues in book three, it’s part of a seven book collection which I’m not going to read one after the other. A couple of reasons for that. One is I’m not so crazy about the story as I thought I would be, I don’t want to get bogged down in a series that might not be very interesting and lastly, I have other books I want to read now.
So, this book starts out right after the destruction of planet Liberty. As I recall, this planet was destroyed by Tetron after now Captian Mitchell Williams, commander of the starship Goliath, found out how to destroy it. I’m not sure how all that came about, but the Tetron can control humans via their implants which every human now have, except for Mitch William. His was never effected and he long since turned his off. After the destruction of the planet, Captain Williams thought all his former companions were killed. Lucky for him, that wasn’t true. Admiral Mildred Narayan and a small contingent of her crew had survived and now were aboard the Goliath. As Mitch was more concerned with finding and killing Tetrons, he turned command over to Admiral Narayan and then assumed the rank of Colonel.
The first thing his small band of warriors has to do if find some way to send a message to Earth to warn them of the coming Tetron invasion. Earth humans, just like all humans, have implants they rely on daily to make their lives easier and to operate all the myriad electronic and computer equipment at their disposal. Every human with an implant is on one gigantic network and that’s how the Tetron captures and controls them. Once under Tetron control, they can be made to do things which they would never do on their own.
The only problem with notifying Earth of the pending danger is that they are a long, long way from Earth. It would take them way too long to go there and they can’t beat the Tetron there if it came down to a race. There’s also the problem that Mitch and most of the people with him are wanted criminals for one thing or another with most of their crimes being made up by the Tetron. Mitch doesn’t figure that anyone on Earth would believe him if he sent such a fantastic story to the military HQ.
He needs to find some one who isn’t near Earth and who hasn’t been captured and under Tetron control. He does believe that on high ranking Earth Admiral is already under Tetron control and is setting the rest of humanity up for defeat. The only person he can think of is his brother, Steven, who happens to be an Admiral in the Earth space force and who also has been sent to start a war with the Federation! If they can get a message to him, their just might be a chance to defeat the Tetron, but only if the war doesn’t get started.
Meanwhile, locally, Mitch has to enlist the aid of a notorious criminal named Tio. This guy has a vast criminal network with a HQ on a remote asteroid that has never been found. If they can get his cooperation and use his people and equipment, they might be able to confront the Tetron while trying to save Earth. Then again, they might not.
Pretty good story with a lot going on. Not much fighting, but a lot of flying around. I will probably get back to this story, but not for awhile.
So, this book starts out right after the destruction of planet Liberty. As I recall, this planet was destroyed by Tetron after now Captian Mitchell Williams, commander of the starship Goliath, found out how to destroy it. I’m not sure how all that came about, but the Tetron can control humans via their implants which every human now have, except for Mitch William. His was never effected and he long since turned his off. After the destruction of the planet, Captain Williams thought all his former companions were killed. Lucky for him, that wasn’t true. Admiral Mildred Narayan and a small contingent of her crew had survived and now were aboard the Goliath. As Mitch was more concerned with finding and killing Tetrons, he turned command over to Admiral Narayan and then assumed the rank of Colonel.
The first thing his small band of warriors has to do if find some way to send a message to Earth to warn them of the coming Tetron invasion. Earth humans, just like all humans, have implants they rely on daily to make their lives easier and to operate all the myriad electronic and computer equipment at their disposal. Every human with an implant is on one gigantic network and that’s how the Tetron captures and controls them. Once under Tetron control, they can be made to do things which they would never do on their own.
The only problem with notifying Earth of the pending danger is that they are a long, long way from Earth. It would take them way too long to go there and they can’t beat the Tetron there if it came down to a race. There’s also the problem that Mitch and most of the people with him are wanted criminals for one thing or another with most of their crimes being made up by the Tetron. Mitch doesn’t figure that anyone on Earth would believe him if he sent such a fantastic story to the military HQ.
He needs to find some one who isn’t near Earth and who hasn’t been captured and under Tetron control. He does believe that on high ranking Earth Admiral is already under Tetron control and is setting the rest of humanity up for defeat. The only person he can think of is his brother, Steven, who happens to be an Admiral in the Earth space force and who also has been sent to start a war with the Federation! If they can get a message to him, their just might be a chance to defeat the Tetron, but only if the war doesn’t get started.
Meanwhile, locally, Mitch has to enlist the aid of a notorious criminal named Tio. This guy has a vast criminal network with a HQ on a remote asteroid that has never been found. If they can get his cooperation and use his people and equipment, they might be able to confront the Tetron while trying to save Earth. Then again, they might not.
Pretty good story with a lot going on. Not much fighting, but a lot of flying around. I will probably get back to this story, but not for awhile.
July 14, 2017
A ripping good yarn.
It had been awhile since I read the earlier books in this series so it took me a bit to get back into the story. Once I did, I couldn't put it down. Great characters, plot, and lots of action.
It had been awhile since I read the earlier books in this series so it took me a bit to get back into the story. Once I did, I couldn't put it down. Great characters, plot, and lots of action.
September 20, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyable
The first book the me off a bit as it was a bit too obvious with its "everyone wants to have sex with the space captain" theme going on. The second however, pulled me into the story and added depth to an epic tale.
This third one just kicked the other two to death! It's a really, really good book. The story grows to a point when you never know what's going to happen, you think that you get to know the characters and then something happens which turns it all upside down and back to front! Thankfully the annoyance generated in the first book has long gone and this has turned into a gritty, epic space story.
This book is more action packed than its predecessors and contains a lot more elements to the story. I'm really looking forward to the next books, I don't want it to finish!!!
The first book the me off a bit as it was a bit too obvious with its "everyone wants to have sex with the space captain" theme going on. The second however, pulled me into the story and added depth to an epic tale.
This third one just kicked the other two to death! It's a really, really good book. The story grows to a point when you never know what's going to happen, you think that you get to know the characters and then something happens which turns it all upside down and back to front! Thankfully the annoyance generated in the first book has long gone and this has turned into a gritty, epic space story.
This book is more action packed than its predecessors and contains a lot more elements to the story. I'm really looking forward to the next books, I don't want it to finish!!!
September 22, 2017
Please note this is the third book of a series: you will need to have read the first one or this one won’t make much sense to you.
The story picks right up where book two left off and was more enjoyable than book two (which was a little slow): if you liked the first two books in the series I’m pretty sure you will like this one, also. I picked this up for free using my Kindle Unlimited borrow vs. the normal price of $4.99 and I certainly received more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
The story picks right up where book two left off and was more enjoyable than book two (which was a little slow): if you liked the first two books in the series I’m pretty sure you will like this one, also. I picked this up for free using my Kindle Unlimited borrow vs. the normal price of $4.99 and I certainly received more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one.
June 13, 2019
Paranoia and distrust allows manipulation which leads to misery
War Eternal #3 - The Knife's Edge sees Colonel Mitchell Williams find new allies, lose comrades, fall to unexpected betrayal and gain a greater understanding of his enemy, while simultaneously realising why and how he has lost the war so many times before in previous reversions through the pain and suffering the enemy inflicts on him and his own. In doing so, he ends this chapter of the war with more, but then so much less than he started it with.
War Eternal #3 - The Knife's Edge sees Colonel Mitchell Williams find new allies, lose comrades, fall to unexpected betrayal and gain a greater understanding of his enemy, while simultaneously realising why and how he has lost the war so many times before in previous reversions through the pain and suffering the enemy inflicts on him and his own. In doing so, he ends this chapter of the war with more, but then so much less than he started it with.
June 9, 2019
Unlike the previous 2 novels, The Knife's edge dragged on a bit more and focused more on the human side of the conflict. The ending though rushed up in a very dramatic and game changing way. The War Eternal saga definitely has evolved and the stakes are higher.M.R Forbes
April 30, 2020
Very good 3rd installment
Action, tragedy, loss and mystery. I do wish there were less sexual encounters and characters wanting to engage physically during a war, and I wish the author would have used the actual f-word instead of "frig", it just sounds silly. Nonetheless, the story is moving forward quite steadily and I look forward to book four.
Action, tragedy, loss and mystery. I do wish there were less sexual encounters and characters wanting to engage physically during a war, and I wish the author would have used the actual f-word instead of "frig", it just sounds silly. Nonetheless, the story is moving forward quite steadily and I look forward to book four.
July 16, 2020
This book was close to actually being good. The main character is not only Mr. Awesome anymore. The story got better. The evil guys got some depth.
But sadly there are characters that even after chapters of introdcution just are stereotypes that die and you are like: ok... don't have to read about that boring stuff anymore.
Let's check book 4.
But sadly there are characters that even after chapters of introdcution just are stereotypes that die and you are like: ok... don't have to read about that boring stuff anymore.
Let's check book 4.
September 17, 2020
Pretty interesting that the author has his main character justifying why he needs the actively-offending pedophile on his team but can't bear to let Kathy fight because she's too young.
Pretty interesting.
Pretty interesting.
December 2, 2021
Forbes has conjured some deeply flawed characters here, they are all torn between the heroic and the villainous, which just adds so much more humanity and complexity. Sometimes it feels like it crosses the line, but overall, the plot keeps pressing on pleasingly.
October 30, 2022
This is the third episode of the War Eternal series. Like previous novels, the characters are interesting. I find it interesting that it took three novels to build the depth of some of the characters.
July 4, 2017
If you like hard sci/first and war stories
Now I've read 4 of this saga. You just can''the beat an y of them! Now on to Book 5.
Now I've read 4 of this saga. You just can''the beat an y of them! Now on to Book 5.
August 12, 2018
I love these series by M.R. Forbes
October 1, 2018
2.5 stars. I'm done. Just too many implausibilities boring story development
January 1, 2019
Great Read
This was book 3 and a great read in the series. Looking forward to getting into book 4. Good action.
This was book 3 and a great read in the series. Looking forward to getting into book 4. Good action.
July 22, 2019
I’ve read a lot of MR Forbes recently and this is a good series. It could move along a little faster but it’s holding my interest.
October 1, 2019
Cut like a knife!
Plot thickens as only Forbes can do. Hero's unfortunately for but new ones come to the front. Looking forward to the next part of the plan.
Plot thickens as only Forbes can do. Hero's unfortunately for but new ones come to the front. Looking forward to the next part of the plan.
March 13, 2020
On to book 4!
June 17, 2020
Solid action, moved the story along with a few fun surprises.
October 2, 2020
A good read.
May 3, 2021
Rigaah
The story continues with exceptional pace. Can’t wait to see what happens next. A very good and fast read indeed!!!!
The story continues with exceptional pace. Can’t wait to see what happens next. A very good and fast read indeed!!!!
June 26, 2021
Decent Entry in the War Eternal series. I like the characters and enjoy the story line.
January 3, 2022
Sheesh! How many times can a hero barely escape certain death?!? I'm gonna keep reading and find out! "War Eternal," is a very apt name for this aeries.
October 29, 2023
I got this e-book from amazon with kindle unlimited.
March 10, 2017
Mitchell's Operations
This book has a smooth flow. It's full of surprises. Your interests will never be disappointed. I enjoyed the plot.
This book has a smooth flow. It's full of surprises. Your interests will never be disappointed. I enjoyed the plot.
December 4, 2018
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
Loving this series.
Loving this series.
April 30, 2016
As my review of the first and second book, this is an highly entertaining action oriented military sci-fi. I rated the first book at 4 stars based on the clean writing, the great pacing and solid characters. I gave the sequel and this third book 3 stars because I still wanted more of a real aliens enemy than some futur AI gone rogue. With that being said, the book as everything to qualify as a fantastic read: easy-to-follow writing, plenty of great action sequences, suprising twist and turn and most of all and exceptional flow. Really the book reads itself, M.R. Forbes writing is so smooth that it enhanced everything about it. I will continued reading this fun series and I recommended it to all the popcorn flick loving readers out there.
July 26, 2024
My largest problem with this series is that it shares many elements[1] with his later, and in my opinion better, series Hell's Rejects. The "I liked it" 3 star rating is an average of the predictable and not too deep beginning and very interesting story and action towards the end.
I actually think quite highly of the author. I just wish he would put some more complexity into the characters.
[1] The "heroes" are a rag-tag crew of criminals, the very attractive alpha man/woman leader is always right on all matters, everyone gets their own nickname, the half-terraformed planet Hell, huge alien threat that needs to exterminate all humans)
I actually think quite highly of the author. I just wish he would put some more complexity into the characters.
[1] The "heroes" are a rag-tag crew of criminals, the very attractive alpha man/woman leader is always right on all matters, everyone gets their own nickname, the half-terraformed planet Hell, huge alien threat that needs to exterminate all humans)
November 6, 2015
I want more!!!!
This series is awesome. I can't say enough about it. The constant twists, turns, deceptions, and action just do not stop. Each page you read just pulls you deeper into the story like you are one of the configurations. I am not one to give a synopsis of a book, but this book is extremely well written with only a few editing mistakes. The characters we meet are well developed, but not all are who we think they are. The only way to find out who is who is to read this book. Prepare yourself, because at the end, you are going to want more!
This series is awesome. I can't say enough about it. The constant twists, turns, deceptions, and action just do not stop. Each page you read just pulls you deeper into the story like you are one of the configurations. I am not one to give a synopsis of a book, but this book is extremely well written with only a few editing mistakes. The characters we meet are well developed, but not all are who we think they are. The only way to find out who is who is to read this book. Prepare yourself, because at the end, you are going to want more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews