What do you think?
War Eternal #4
Point of Origin
A starship lost. A creator found. A frantic race to save them both. For Colonel Mitchell “Ares” Williams, there is no giving up. There is no going back. The Goliath may have fallen into enemy hands, but the war must go on. After all, he and the Riggers have what they need to locate the Creator, the man responsible for the alien threat and the key to unraveling their unstoppable attack. All they have to do is get to him before the Tetron do. It’s no easy task, but nothing about the war has ever been easy, and the Riggers still have a few tricks left up their sleeves. ---------- Point of Origin is the fourth book in the science-fiction War Eternal series. Book 1: Starship Eternal Book 2: The End of Liberty Book 3: The Knife's Edge
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2015
About the author
M.R. Forbes
211 books1,070 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 44 reviews
March 16, 2020
Another slam bang piece of the adventure.
But here’s the thing. This will be somewhat of a spoiler about the storyline, but this is the 4th book, dear readers of this review, and you already know what’s happening! Soooo, if time is a constant reloop, with aberrations here and there, as Forbes’ story is saying, then there’s this: 1) there has to be any infinite number of loops where, in those reloops, Mitchell and Steven’s parents never meet, and thus they are never born. Or, their parents could meet, but aren’t attracted to each other, thus Mitchell and Steven are never born. There would only be certain conditions, infinitely small, where their parents meet and have two boys. The same would go for Tio and his brother. Both sets of parents would have to meet on the same loop, fall in love, and have two boys. Not just the four brothers births, but everything in all of history would have to be just right/exactly the same so that all the conditions stay the same. Once the brothers are born, they can play out this deadly game, but can—which makes the story go—affect the loop and change the future. But not up to the point where the four brothers are born. Nothing can affect that, because to make the story go, the brothers have to be born. So, some one, or some thing up to the time of their birth can not change the time loop, because that has to be the same. Only then can events change or be changed. Which is a weakness in the loop theory. 2) Forbes interjects belief in God here and there from one character or another. And I don’t mind that, because I am a believer. But, what is the roll of that God in an infinite number of nearly identical time loops? Is this a God who is just playing with humanity—round and round we go, it’s so much fun! Is this a God who has no control—if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again? Is time and circumstance—fate, if you will—ultimately more powerful than this God? What kind of God are those who believe in God in this story really believing in? And what does a constant reboot/reloop of history say about this God?
So, I know what you’re going to say. “It’s just a story, Stephen! Let all your heavy over-thinking go, and just enjoy it!”. And you know what? You’re right. So I am enjoying. Yes, this series is really enjoyable to read!
But here’s the thing. This will be somewhat of a spoiler about the storyline, but this is the 4th book, dear readers of this review, and you already know what’s happening! Soooo, if time is a constant reloop, with aberrations here and there, as Forbes’ story is saying, then there’s this: 1) there has to be any infinite number of loops where, in those reloops, Mitchell and Steven’s parents never meet, and thus they are never born. Or, their parents could meet, but aren’t attracted to each other, thus Mitchell and Steven are never born. There would only be certain conditions, infinitely small, where their parents meet and have two boys. The same would go for Tio and his brother. Both sets of parents would have to meet on the same loop, fall in love, and have two boys. Not just the four brothers births, but everything in all of history would have to be just right/exactly the same so that all the conditions stay the same. Once the brothers are born, they can play out this deadly game, but can—which makes the story go—affect the loop and change the future. But not up to the point where the four brothers are born. Nothing can affect that, because to make the story go, the brothers have to be born. So, some one, or some thing up to the time of their birth can not change the time loop, because that has to be the same. Only then can events change or be changed. Which is a weakness in the loop theory. 2) Forbes interjects belief in God here and there from one character or another. And I don’t mind that, because I am a believer. But, what is the roll of that God in an infinite number of nearly identical time loops? Is this a God who is just playing with humanity—round and round we go, it’s so much fun! Is this a God who has no control—if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again? Is time and circumstance—fate, if you will—ultimately more powerful than this God? What kind of God are those who believe in God in this story really believing in? And what does a constant reboot/reloop of history say about this God?
So, I know what you’re going to say. “It’s just a story, Stephen! Let all your heavy over-thinking go, and just enjoy it!”. And you know what? You’re right. So I am enjoying. Yes, this series is really enjoyable to read!
April 24, 2020
This is kind of a strange story starting with now. Colonel Mitch Williams was a former Marine jet jocky who became a ground-pounder and then was disgraced from the service. He met up with some friends and other discarded military that were led by another disgraced office, Admiral Millie Narayan. They all joined together to form the Riggers. The Admiral is now dead and so are quite a few of the Riggers. But now they are on the asteroid called Asimov and have joined or incorporated the former members of the Knife’s warriors. They need to plan their next steps.
Their situation is also now complicated by the fact that the pedophile Corporal Watson turned out to be a Tetron and a very dangerous one at that. He exemplifies the serious trouble with the Tetron. They have been infected with a virus that was supposed to give them human emotions, but it got twisted and the Tetrons turned on their human masters. Watson is now leading the Tetrons and he’s even more twisted than all the rest. His ultimate goal is to enslave all humanity and then kill every one at his leisure. Colonel Williams has become Watson’s number one enemy and Mitch feels the same for the slug named Watson. Mitch’s problem is that he doesn’t know exactly where Watson has gone, but he does know that the other Tetrons are headed for Earth and their intentions are not good!
Watson has stolen the Goliath, Earths first FTL starship and one that Colonel Williams wants back. Yet, the Knife’s assets at Asimov were plentiful, so he can get to where he wants to and that’s a place called the Black Hole. It’s there that he hopes to find a scientist that might be able to figure out some code that will kill or disable all the Tetrons. He needs to find this scientists location, get there and secure him and then get to Earth before the Tetrons. If he doesn’t succeed in doing all this, there might not be an Earth to return to.
So the war continues. The final showdown is coming, but you have to remember that time travel is involved and what could be the end of everything isn’t necessarily the end. Figure that one out.
Their situation is also now complicated by the fact that the pedophile Corporal Watson turned out to be a Tetron and a very dangerous one at that. He exemplifies the serious trouble with the Tetron. They have been infected with a virus that was supposed to give them human emotions, but it got twisted and the Tetrons turned on their human masters. Watson is now leading the Tetrons and he’s even more twisted than all the rest. His ultimate goal is to enslave all humanity and then kill every one at his leisure. Colonel Williams has become Watson’s number one enemy and Mitch feels the same for the slug named Watson. Mitch’s problem is that he doesn’t know exactly where Watson has gone, but he does know that the other Tetrons are headed for Earth and their intentions are not good!
Watson has stolen the Goliath, Earths first FTL starship and one that Colonel Williams wants back. Yet, the Knife’s assets at Asimov were plentiful, so he can get to where he wants to and that’s a place called the Black Hole. It’s there that he hopes to find a scientist that might be able to figure out some code that will kill or disable all the Tetrons. He needs to find this scientists location, get there and secure him and then get to Earth before the Tetrons. If he doesn’t succeed in doing all this, there might not be an Earth to return to.
So the war continues. The final showdown is coming, but you have to remember that time travel is involved and what could be the end of everything isn’t necessarily the end. Figure that one out.
May 30, 2020
In this continuing saga, Mitchell Williams is faced with a difficult choice. They AIs are systematically exterminating the human race, and their next target is Earth. Mitch can either find a helpful but unknown secret left by a deceased ally, or find the AIs creator by hacking an impenetrable database. He only has time to do one.
Reeling from the loss of many friends, betrayed by trusted allies, Mitch tries to make the best choices he can to save the human race. Unknown to him, a little girl has stowed away on an enemy ship. If she can stop the nefarious Watson, she could greatly improve the odds. She alone controls a secret weapon that could disrupt the balance of power. It would give humanity the edge they need to come back from the brink of extinction.
MR Forbes continues his grand space opera in The Point of Origin. It has all the action and space battles we've come to expect from him. There's a lot of back and forth in this book as friends reveal hidden talents and supposed allies turn against Mitch and the Riggers. One thing I didn't like was that the book ends on a cliff hanger. Thankfully, MR Forbes writes quickly, but like many readers, I'm not a fan of books ending at the climax unresolved. Otherwise, a good read. Objectives turn out not to be what you expect, and heroes and villains have secrets.
Reeling from the loss of many friends, betrayed by trusted allies, Mitch tries to make the best choices he can to save the human race. Unknown to him, a little girl has stowed away on an enemy ship. If she can stop the nefarious Watson, she could greatly improve the odds. She alone controls a secret weapon that could disrupt the balance of power. It would give humanity the edge they need to come back from the brink of extinction.
MR Forbes continues his grand space opera in The Point of Origin. It has all the action and space battles we've come to expect from him. There's a lot of back and forth in this book as friends reveal hidden talents and supposed allies turn against Mitch and the Riggers. One thing I didn't like was that the book ends on a cliff hanger. Thankfully, MR Forbes writes quickly, but like many readers, I'm not a fan of books ending at the climax unresolved. Otherwise, a good read. Objectives turn out not to be what you expect, and heroes and villains have secrets.
June 16, 2017
Mr. Forbes Broke My Brain
Seriously! The last twenty lines of the story caught me completely by surprise. It shouldn't have. All the clues to predict the plot twist were given to me, and every other reader, throughout the first four books, but I didn't put 2 & 2 together to get 4, until Mr. Forbes smacked me the final clue-by-four! As Firedog might say, "Friggin hell, he got me!"
Definitely Read This Series! Start with the first book and read through to this one. If Mr. Forbes' get you too, please leave a comment on this review, I'd like to think that I'm not the only reader he can blind side with the totally obvious!
Seriously! The last twenty lines of the story caught me completely by surprise. It shouldn't have. All the clues to predict the plot twist were given to me, and every other reader, throughout the first four books, but I didn't put 2 & 2 together to get 4, until Mr. Forbes smacked me the final clue-by-four! As Firedog might say, "Friggin hell, he got me!"
Definitely Read This Series! Start with the first book and read through to this one. If Mr. Forbes' get you too, please leave a comment on this review, I'd like to think that I'm not the only reader he can blind side with the totally obvious!
September 12, 2026
the series keeps getting stronger
War Eternal is a solid addition to modern science fiction. MR Forbes brings his audience into a universe that feels both immense and intimate. The characters are human with flaws and passions. They grow and live and die which gives the whole narrative a sense of meaning in the shortness of lifespans against the backdrop of eternity.
Thank you MR Forbes for this series. I am looking forward to the next books and what they explore.
Robert
War Eternal is a solid addition to modern science fiction. MR Forbes brings his audience into a universe that feels both immense and intimate. The characters are human with flaws and passions. They grow and live and die which gives the whole narrative a sense of meaning in the shortness of lifespans against the backdrop of eternity.
Thank you MR Forbes for this series. I am looking forward to the next books and what they explore.
Robert
March 15, 2017
You can't be two places at once
In this continuing saga, Mitchell Williams is faced with a difficult choice. They AIs are systematically exterminating the human race, and their next target is Earth. Mitch can either find a helpful but unknown secret left by a deceased ally, or find the AIs creator by hacking an impenetrable database. He only has time to do one.
Reeling from the loss of many friends, betrayed by trusted allies, Mitch tries to make the best choices he can to save the human race. Unknown to him, a little girl has stowed away on an enemy ship. If she can stop the nefarious Watson, she could greatly improve the odds. She alone controls a secret weapon that could disrupt the balance of power. It would give humanity the edge they need to come back from the brink of extinction.
MR Forbes continues his grand space opera in The Point of Origin. It has all the action and space battles we've come to expect from him. There's a lot of back and forth in this book as friends reveal hidden talents and supposed allies turn against Mitch and the Riggers. One thing I didn't like was that the book ends on a cliff hanger. Thankfully, MR Forbes writes quickly, but like many readers, I'm not a fan of books ending at the climax unresolved. Otherwise, a good read. Objectives turn out not to be what you expect, and heroes and villains have secrets.
In this continuing saga, Mitchell Williams is faced with a difficult choice. They AIs are systematically exterminating the human race, and their next target is Earth. Mitch can either find a helpful but unknown secret left by a deceased ally, or find the AIs creator by hacking an impenetrable database. He only has time to do one.
Reeling from the loss of many friends, betrayed by trusted allies, Mitch tries to make the best choices he can to save the human race. Unknown to him, a little girl has stowed away on an enemy ship. If she can stop the nefarious Watson, she could greatly improve the odds. She alone controls a secret weapon that could disrupt the balance of power. It would give humanity the edge they need to come back from the brink of extinction.
MR Forbes continues his grand space opera in The Point of Origin. It has all the action and space battles we've come to expect from him. There's a lot of back and forth in this book as friends reveal hidden talents and supposed allies turn against Mitch and the Riggers. One thing I didn't like was that the book ends on a cliff hanger. Thankfully, MR Forbes writes quickly, but like many readers, I'm not a fan of books ending at the climax unresolved. Otherwise, a good read. Objectives turn out not to be what you expect, and heroes and villains have secrets.
July 16, 2017
I can't believe it ended that way!
No spoilers - but what a cliffhanger! In the war against the Tetrons, Colonel Mitchell Williams plays a key role in trying to find a way to win - this time for good. What a concept. It's like Groundhog Day or 50 First Dates except no one really remembers time being reset. This war has been fought unknown times before and always has been lost. Will it be different this time?
No spoilers - but what a cliffhanger! In the war against the Tetrons, Colonel Mitchell Williams plays a key role in trying to find a way to win - this time for good. What a concept. It's like Groundhog Day or 50 First Dates except no one really remembers time being reset. This war has been fought unknown times before and always has been lost. Will it be different this time?
August 13, 2020
I'm still not fully convinced about the main story. Time travel is always a mess and the rules described here still leave a lot of problems open.
But its scifi and not real science, so I'm overall fine with the setup.
About the other issues I had, mostly with the main character and the shallow other characters: that improved.
So finally it made it to 4 stars, that means I want to continue reading and I don't just do it because I bought the 6 books as a bundle.
But its scifi and not real science, so I'm overall fine with the setup.
About the other issues I had, mostly with the main character and the shallow other characters: that improved.
So finally it made it to 4 stars, that means I want to continue reading and I don't just do it because I bought the 6 books as a bundle.
December 4, 2021
I get very queasy when a mil-sci-fi author shoehorn’s an AI into a pre-pubescent girl - it too often descends into thinly veiled paedophilia. “it’s OK, she’s not ‘human’”. To be fair, Forbes uses the device as a pivotal patriarchal motif, but it’s such a trope now that it is hard not to be hurt by comparison.
Despite some redeeming features, the finale is so blindly predictable it borders on lazy. I won’t spoil it here as you’ll undoubtedly spoil it for yourself.
Despite some redeeming features, the finale is so blindly predictable it borders on lazy. I won’t spoil it here as you’ll undoubtedly spoil it for yourself.
October 25, 2017
Arghh!!!
What a cliffhanger! It took me a while to finish this one as I've been so busy, however it was worth it. These books just keep getting better and better, there are a few more revelations in this one and it finishes in an epic battle where..... Something happens, I don't want to spoil it.
This really is a great series and I can't wait to get into the next book!
What a cliffhanger! It took me a while to finish this one as I've been so busy, however it was worth it. These books just keep getting better and better, there are a few more revelations in this one and it finishes in an epic battle where..... Something happens, I don't want to spoil it.
This really is a great series and I can't wait to get into the next book!
January 19, 2022
It's a series! This one was a lot like the last one, ... high tension, a touch of "romance", battles in space, sabotage, and mind-bending concepts. If time were recursive, as the series claims, could some of these things happen, ...?...
I liked it. I'll read on. It seems to be heading toward a real resolution.
I liked it. I'll read on. It seems to be heading toward a real resolution.
January 22, 2021
I have complained a bit about shallow characters in books 2 and three in this series, but that's no longer an issue (don't worry, Mitchell is still stuck in his stereotypical self). I also enjoyed Kathy's story and adventures quite a lot and the ending was just great!
July 30, 2022
space opera on a grand scale. AI and infinite time scale
Love the way Forbes has AI as enemy and saviors
I wonder if when the day comes that we inevitably create a singularity if it will see any reason to keep us around?
Doubtful
Love the way Forbes has AI as enemy and saviors
I wonder if when the day comes that we inevitably create a singularity if it will see any reason to keep us around?
Doubtful
July 13, 2017
A good story. It keeps you wanting more.
August 7, 2017
War Eternal book 4
Wow! Point of Origin was as exciting as the first 3 books. I can't wait to read the next! The Tetrons were destroyed almost.
Wow! Point of Origin was as exciting as the first 3 books. I can't wait to read the next! The Tetrons were destroyed almost.
September 3, 2017
A great story continues
Book 4 is just as fast moving as the first 3 books. This story has me fascinated. I can't wait to start book 5.
Book 4 is just as fast moving as the first 3 books. This story has me fascinated. I can't wait to start book 5.
September 29, 2017
Awesome Ride
The story captures your soul, so much that once you finish reading for the day, you eager to begin the story from where you left off.
The story captures your soul, so much that once you finish reading for the day, you eager to begin the story from where you left off.
January 18, 2018
Another great book in the series.
I have enjoyed all the books in the series so. Character development is strong with main character, (Colonel Mitchell).Jud. Pjh
I have enjoyed all the books in the series so. Character development is strong with main character, (Colonel Mitchell).Jud. Pjh
February 13, 2018
Still hard to stop when I should
I don't know what to say the unexpected demise of people that I thought would be hero's definitely through me. I still love the series.
I don't know what to say the unexpected demise of people that I thought would be hero's definitely through me. I still love the series.
September 4, 2018
I really like this series a lot!
September 27, 2019
Still a winner
This is an exciting series with a slew great characters incredible the AI's. Their interaction and wild battles and interaction make this a page turning great book
This is an exciting series with a slew great characters incredible the AI's. Their interaction and wild battles and interaction make this a page turning great book
Read
May 20, 2020Doesn’t work as a stand-alone book. Quit after fifty pages, so rating would be unfair.
December 14, 2020
Very enjoyable
May 8, 2021
What Did You Do????
MR Forbes is an awesome writer. Yes the book could have gone through a final proof read but the story goes on. So much suffering!!!!!
MR Forbes is an awesome writer. Yes the book could have gone through a final proof read but the story goes on. So much suffering!!!!!
December 1, 2018
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
He was a soldier. He was a warrior. War was nothing but loss until it was won.
Oh, this is so good. And heartbreaking. But oh, so good.
Onto the next!
He was a soldier. He was a warrior. War was nothing but loss until it was won.
Oh, this is so good. And heartbreaking. But oh, so good.
Onto the next!
May 26, 2016
This fourth book in the Eternal War series keeps all the qualities of the previous ones (great pacing, very fluid writing, action-packed etc.), but the story is getting a little stale and hard to follow for my taste. I have to admit that I stop reading this book (at 63% completion) and read 7-8 others books before eventually coming back to finish it. But when a did came back to it, I was able to ease right back into the story because of all the great qualities mention before. So this book is still a solid addition to the series and actually move things along by introducing new characters and all sorts of Sci-Fi military action goodness. It's just that I am personally fed up with the evil IA thing and (go read my reviews of the previous books) I actually wanted classic aliens from the get go. Otherwise I still enjoy the series and will be on board for future entries because the author is really talented and the action is top-notch.
December 9, 2015
Epic
Well, what can I say about the 4th book in the War Eternal series. This plot just keeps getting deeper and deeper. There are more twists and turns than a mountain road. The twist at the end will have you shaking your head. I did see a few editing errors, and this book did come out relatively fast following the Knife's Edge, but in no way did it stop my enjoyment of reading this novel. There is a perfect mix of ground and space based action. Mitchell Williams is running out of time to stop the Tetron, or is he? Read and find out. If you haven't read the 1st 3 novels in this series then you need to. They are all excellent and different from each other.
Well, what can I say about the 4th book in the War Eternal series. This plot just keeps getting deeper and deeper. There are more twists and turns than a mountain road. The twist at the end will have you shaking your head. I did see a few editing errors, and this book did come out relatively fast following the Knife's Edge, but in no way did it stop my enjoyment of reading this novel. There is a perfect mix of ground and space based action. Mitchell Williams is running out of time to stop the Tetron, or is he? Read and find out. If you haven't read the 1st 3 novels in this series then you need to. They are all excellent and different from each other.
December 3, 2015
A very good story
Every book I have read by M.R. Forbes has been good. I read anything he writes. He is one of my favorite authors. Not only do I recommend this book but I recommend anything he writes.
Every book I have read by M.R. Forbes has been good. I read anything he writes. He is one of my favorite authors. Not only do I recommend this book but I recommend anything he writes.
December 17, 2015
This is a fun story line
If you are looking for a fun, twisting space epic you should read this series. The first book was a bit odd to me but over the next few books I have found that I really enjoy this story.
If you are looking for a fun, twisting space epic you should read this series. The first book was a bit odd to me but over the next few books I have found that I really enjoy this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews