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Crimson Worlds #7-9
Crimson Worlds Collection III
The Shadow Legions
The war with the First Imperium is over, and Grand Fleet is limping home. Erik Cain, Augustus Garret, and the rest of the high command are grimly satisfied that humanity has been saved from the First Imperium menace. There is no joy, however…no elation at the “victory.” The losses this time were too heavy…too personal…to bear. They had done what was necessary to win the war. Now they had to find a way to live with the gut wrenching decisions that victory had required.
Garret needed time. Time for repairs, to replace losses, to learn how to go on in the aftermath of what he’d done. But the fleet wasn’t heading for a well-deserved rest…they were moving into another firestorm. A new menace, one as deadly as the First Imperium, was waiting, and it threatened to shatter the fragile alliance of the Earth powers and throw all human space into another desperate war…one that might be the final confrontation.
On world after world, mysterious forces are invading, taking control of the most vital colonies. The invaders are well-drilled powered infantry, veteran forces that quickly shattered the planetary militias and established brutal occupation regimes.
The leaders of the Alliance’s forces must rally themselves once again to face this new threat…an unknown enemy that is as well trained, experienced, and equipped as the Marines. Indeed, on some colony worlds rumors are already spreading that the invaders are the Marines themselves, that they have come to conquer, to rule…
Even Legends Die
Gavin Stark, the ex-head of Alliance Intelligence, and the bitter foe of the Marine Corps, has made his bid for power. The clone soldiers of his Shadow Legions have seized control of dozens of colony worlds, imposing his brutal rule over millions. His plan is no less than to subjugate all mankind.
On Earth, Stark’s manipulations have brought the Superpowers to the brink of war, threatening the Treaty of Paris and its prohibition against terrestrial warfare. For a century, man had restricted his wars to space, but now the Powers are sliding closer to the brink…the final battle that could kill billions, and turn Earth into a wasteland.
On a few key colony worlds, Erik Cain, Elias Holm, and the remnants of the shattered Marine Corps struggle against Stark’s vast armies…the only hope of turning back the tide of destruction and despair that threatens to engulf all mankind. They are outnumbered and outgunned, but they will fight nevertheless, standing grimly in the breach, holding back Stark and his dark legions.
The Marines will fight with the last of their strength and resolve. But this time the cost will be too high to bear, too personal. Even Marines need their heroes, their legends. But even legends die.
The Fall
The Epic Conclusion to the Crimson Worlds Series…
Erik Cain has left the Corps, driven to near madness by an overwhelming need for vengeance. He has sworn to kill Gavin Stark, the madman responsible for his mentor’s death and, with a small band of dedicated followers, he is pursuing his prey across occupied space.
Meanwhile, on a dozen colony worlds, Marines land to face the occupying forces of Stark’s Shadow Legions. They are supported by the Janissaries, their longtime enemies, now turned allies, but they are facing a vastly superior enemy entrenched and waiting. But they know what is at stake, and they are determined to prevail.
The war with the First Imperium is over, and Grand Fleet is limping home. Erik Cain, Augustus Garret, and the rest of the high command are grimly satisfied that humanity has been saved from the First Imperium menace. There is no joy, however…no elation at the “victory.” The losses this time were too heavy…too personal…to bear. They had done what was necessary to win the war. Now they had to find a way to live with the gut wrenching decisions that victory had required.
Garret needed time. Time for repairs, to replace losses, to learn how to go on in the aftermath of what he’d done. But the fleet wasn’t heading for a well-deserved rest…they were moving into another firestorm. A new menace, one as deadly as the First Imperium, was waiting, and it threatened to shatter the fragile alliance of the Earth powers and throw all human space into another desperate war…one that might be the final confrontation.
On world after world, mysterious forces are invading, taking control of the most vital colonies. The invaders are well-drilled powered infantry, veteran forces that quickly shattered the planetary militias and established brutal occupation regimes.
The leaders of the Alliance’s forces must rally themselves once again to face this new threat…an unknown enemy that is as well trained, experienced, and equipped as the Marines. Indeed, on some colony worlds rumors are already spreading that the invaders are the Marines themselves, that they have come to conquer, to rule…
Even Legends Die
Gavin Stark, the ex-head of Alliance Intelligence, and the bitter foe of the Marine Corps, has made his bid for power. The clone soldiers of his Shadow Legions have seized control of dozens of colony worlds, imposing his brutal rule over millions. His plan is no less than to subjugate all mankind.
On Earth, Stark’s manipulations have brought the Superpowers to the brink of war, threatening the Treaty of Paris and its prohibition against terrestrial warfare. For a century, man had restricted his wars to space, but now the Powers are sliding closer to the brink…the final battle that could kill billions, and turn Earth into a wasteland.
On a few key colony worlds, Erik Cain, Elias Holm, and the remnants of the shattered Marine Corps struggle against Stark’s vast armies…the only hope of turning back the tide of destruction and despair that threatens to engulf all mankind. They are outnumbered and outgunned, but they will fight nevertheless, standing grimly in the breach, holding back Stark and his dark legions.
The Marines will fight with the last of their strength and resolve. But this time the cost will be too high to bear, too personal. Even Marines need their heroes, their legends. But even legends die.
The Fall
The Epic Conclusion to the Crimson Worlds Series…
Erik Cain has left the Corps, driven to near madness by an overwhelming need for vengeance. He has sworn to kill Gavin Stark, the madman responsible for his mentor’s death and, with a small band of dedicated followers, he is pursuing his prey across occupied space.
Meanwhile, on a dozen colony worlds, Marines land to face the occupying forces of Stark’s Shadow Legions. They are supported by the Janissaries, their longtime enemies, now turned allies, but they are facing a vastly superior enemy entrenched and waiting. But they know what is at stake, and they are determined to prevail.
- GenresScience FictionEbooks
661 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2016
259 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 14, 2019
Fast moving and realistic action
I waited to review this set to see how far I got before I got bored and gave up. I'm not a fan of these mega-book series. They usually follow the same trite storyline with characters that are one dimensional. That was not the case with the Crimson World Series. As the series progressed the characters developed physically, emotionally, and mentally. General Cain, the lead character is a good example. As the storyline progresses he becomes darker and more driven by negative emotions. The military processes and procedures are well developed and highly accurate. The scientific basis for the storyline is accurate and interesting without getting too far in the weeds. By killing off some of the major supporting cast, Jay makes sure that the supporting cast surrounding the main characters of Eric and Sarah change so that we can see the growth of these secondary characters. And we see how the main characters evolve through their interactions with the supporting cast. All in all a very interesting and engaging series. I highly recommend you read it.
I waited to review this set to see how far I got before I got bored and gave up. I'm not a fan of these mega-book series. They usually follow the same trite storyline with characters that are one dimensional. That was not the case with the Crimson World Series. As the series progressed the characters developed physically, emotionally, and mentally. General Cain, the lead character is a good example. As the storyline progresses he becomes darker and more driven by negative emotions. The military processes and procedures are well developed and highly accurate. The scientific basis for the storyline is accurate and interesting without getting too far in the weeds. By killing off some of the major supporting cast, Jay makes sure that the supporting cast surrounding the main characters of Eric and Sarah change so that we can see the growth of these secondary characters. And we see how the main characters evolve through their interactions with the supporting cast. All in all a very interesting and engaging series. I highly recommend you read it.
December 5, 2018
I buzzed through the first six books of this series, then decided to wait a bit - read some lighter fare - before picking the story up again. Jay’s characters kept pulling at me, though, and I realized I’d have no peace until I jumped back into Crimson Worlds to see how things turn out. What a heart wrenching journey! Human nature at its absolute best - and worst - is the main ingredient here, and true to form, there are no easy fixes or miraculous saves. There is, however, hope and spirit and fortitude in spades, mixed with a good dose of vengeance and bloodlust. And believe me, I was right there with the Marines, seeking to put down the enemy once and for all (though I doubt I would have been as disciplined!). Well told tale; I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.
November 15, 2018
Somehow I’d missed this
I knew from reading later books and reading refrences to Gavan Stark that I’d missed a big part of Crimson Worlds but there were so many books I hadn’t figured out which ones they were. All I can say is that regardless of how much I enjoy Jay Allan’s books one thing is apparent: Dude has no problem with body counts. Jay must really have a macabre imagination.
I knew from reading later books and reading refrences to Gavan Stark that I’d missed a big part of Crimson Worlds but there were so many books I hadn’t figured out which ones they were. All I can say is that regardless of how much I enjoy Jay Allan’s books one thing is apparent: Dude has no problem with body counts. Jay must really have a macabre imagination.
May 29, 2018
Outstanding series
I just finished reading book 9 and can't believe I'm done. All 9 books in less than 2-3 weeks, which is quite fast considering I work full time and have a life. Still, I found it very hard to put these books down sometimes staying up way too late reading. A very well written space opera!!!
I just finished reading book 9 and can't believe I'm done. All 9 books in less than 2-3 weeks, which is quite fast considering I work full time and have a life. Still, I found it very hard to put these books down sometimes staying up way too late reading. A very well written space opera!!!
July 12, 2018
The 3rd Set of 3 Volumes of the Marines
JA has penned the third set of Crimson Marines who. bring the Intergalactic War to and end only to find throat the sUper Powers are at each other's throats the violence centers on a stealth space ship that is to destroy the planet Earth. This is an excellent read of three novel for the genre.....DEHS
JA has penned the third set of Crimson Marines who. bring the Intergalactic War to and end only to find throat the sUper Powers are at each other's throats the violence centers on a stealth space ship that is to destroy the planet Earth. This is an excellent read of three novel for the genre.....DEHS
March 30, 2020
Action Packed boxset
I have read the first nine books. I was drawn in from the very beginning. The author did a great job in the all around complexity of the major characters, displaying depth on an emotional level, motivations, all of strengths, and weaknesses. Great 9 book series.
I have read the first nine books. I was drawn in from the very beginning. The author did a great job in the all around complexity of the major characters, displaying depth on an emotional level, motivations, all of strengths, and weaknesses. Great 9 book series.
March 2, 2017
Rocking space opera but to much angst
Really enjoyed these books but in the last two volumes I found myself skimming and then skipping pages of the characters wallowing in repetitive personal angst, just tell the story.
Really enjoyed these books but in the last two volumes I found myself skimming and then skipping pages of the characters wallowing in repetitive personal angst, just tell the story.
March 23, 2018
Crimson Worlds Collection III (Crimson Worlds #7-9) by Jay Allan
Just when you thought it was safe for our heroes. Yeah, not so much. A truly evil bad guy, and what it takes to stop him. Also, some gut wrenching losses, and a smart plot make for a great end to this series!
Just when you thought it was safe for our heroes. Yeah, not so much. A truly evil bad guy, and what it takes to stop him. Also, some gut wrenching losses, and a smart plot make for a great end to this series!
April 7, 2021
Solid story wrapping up the series
Does an excellent job of wrapping up the story, and does not leave loose ends. Also sets a stage for future novels. Extremely well done story arc across all the books.
Does an excellent job of wrapping up the story, and does not leave loose ends. Also sets a stage for future novels. Extremely well done story arc across all the books.
August 22, 2017
Fabulous. Simply fablulous.
Space opera fans rejoice for Jay Allan has written a extraordinary saga. If you're a fan of the genre this is a must read.
Space opera fans rejoice for Jay Allan has written a extraordinary saga. If you're a fan of the genre this is a must read.
December 11, 2017
A good read!
Mr Allan has become a great author. He has advanced his skills throughout his series sand left no ends loose. Tying it all up into page turning ending. BRAVO!!!
Mr Allan has become a great author. He has advanced his skills throughout his series sand left no ends loose. Tying it all up into page turning ending. BRAVO!!!
March 19, 2018
Best series ive ever read
Erik cain will always be a hero of mine, being former military i was totally drawn in to their lives, battles, and sense of honor.
Erik cain will always be a hero of mine, being former military i was totally drawn in to their lives, battles, and sense of honor.
August 24, 2021
Great story with a good wrap up
A great way to finish the series. Couldn't put it down for more than a day. Great series, excellently written.
A great way to finish the series. Couldn't put it down for more than a day. Great series, excellently written.
August 29, 2017
Crimp on 3 collectiomn
I felt totally aligned with all of these collections, having been a combat Marine in Vietnam for thirteen months.
These works were extraordinarily compelling with great segues between episodes and characters. The action sequences were exciting. My favorite character was the best villain I have seen defined. He had it all and was always out maneuvering everyone else.
I highly recommend this entire series
I felt totally aligned with all of these collections, having been a combat Marine in Vietnam for thirteen months.
These works were extraordinarily compelling with great segues between episodes and characters. The action sequences were exciting. My favorite character was the best villain I have seen defined. He had it all and was always out maneuvering everyone else.
I highly recommend this entire series
July 27, 2018
A good conclusion to the Crimson Worlds series, but...
But I had problems with Stark. A man so bent on controlling the world he sacrifices the majority of humanity on earth and the planet itself? A little hard to see. And I get he's evil but if I read one more "no loose ends" part I might scream.
Cain's descent into madness comes into focus. We definitely get the impression he has lost his grip even after the resolution.
If you've read the series to this point you will not be disappointed by the conclusion.
But I had problems with Stark. A man so bent on controlling the world he sacrifices the majority of humanity on earth and the planet itself? A little hard to see. And I get he's evil but if I read one more "no loose ends" part I might scream.
Cain's descent into madness comes into focus. We definitely get the impression he has lost his grip even after the resolution.
If you've read the series to this point you will not be disappointed by the conclusion.
March 27, 2017
Great Conclusion: Three Fantastic Novels
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: AS MILITARY SPACE OPERA SERIES-- NINE NOVELS IN TOTAL--THREE TRILOGIES
Jay Allan has, in these three, beautifully written, novels included here, brought a conclusion to his epic story of interstellar war. While fighting the endless robot fleets and robot soldiers of the First Imperium, mankind is attacked and now also faces it's worst enemy: humans who seek power over the rest of the race. The struggle becomes a sort of "rush to the finish" between the corrupt remnants of the controlling "elite" and those Marines and Fleet crew pledged to protect humanity. Resources necessary for a common defense against the Imperium are being destroyed in the battle between freedom and corrupt domination. Factories producing the weapons needed by the Marines and the Fleet are targeted by covert Intelligence Division agents, whose leader is desperately trying to seize control of the free colonies.
This is what military space opera stories are meant to be: constant battlw action from many different viewpoints.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: AS MILITARY SPACE OPERA SERIES-- NINE NOVELS IN TOTAL--THREE TRILOGIES
Jay Allan has, in these three, beautifully written, novels included here, brought a conclusion to his epic story of interstellar war. While fighting the endless robot fleets and robot soldiers of the First Imperium, mankind is attacked and now also faces it's worst enemy: humans who seek power over the rest of the race. The struggle becomes a sort of "rush to the finish" between the corrupt remnants of the controlling "elite" and those Marines and Fleet crew pledged to protect humanity. Resources necessary for a common defense against the Imperium are being destroyed in the battle between freedom and corrupt domination. Factories producing the weapons needed by the Marines and the Fleet are targeted by covert Intelligence Division agents, whose leader is desperately trying to seize control of the free colonies.
This is what military space opera stories are meant to be: constant battlw action from many different viewpoints.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews