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A cease-fire that has lasted seven years…
Worlds half-destroyed that have been rebuilt anew…
Friends and crewmates scattered light-years apart…
New leaders that would be kings…
The Jung threat has been renewed, in ways not imagined. It will take a new savior to inspire the masses, and once again lead those willing to fight against oppression.
But who will the new savior be?
Worlds half-destroyed that have been rebuilt anew…
Friends and crewmates scattered light-years apart…
New leaders that would be kings…
The Jung threat has been renewed, in ways not imagined. It will take a new savior to inspire the masses, and once again lead those willing to fight against oppression.
But who will the new savior be?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2016
570 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Ryk Brown
61 books855 followersBorn in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 25, 2017
It is so great to be back with all my friends from the Frontier Series. Seven years have past and earth and the other planets in the Sol system are slowly being rebuilt from the war’s destruction. All the people from Corinair, Haven etc. are back home. The Ghatzhak have chosen an isolated planet to live on and Jessie has joined them. Brown has all the characters from the series except, of course, Nathan Scott. Cameron is Captain of the Aurora, which is now an old ship that is going in to be updated. All the Sol system characters are present. The Jung have launched a blitzkrieg attack on Corinair and the other planets of the Pentaurus system while making hit and run attacks in the Sol system. The Jung ships now have jump drives and maybe a cloaking device. Cameron and the Aurora are leading the attacks against the Jung in the Sol system. She has the most experience as the Captain of the newest and latest ship.
Brown does an excellent job showing how the war- weary people are reluctant to engage in war again. Those who had no experience with the Jung are saying(: “Can life under Jung rule be so bad”?)
The book is well written. Brown has lots of exciting action and combat scenes both on land and space. It is becoming clear another leader is needed. But without Nathan who will it be?
David Drummond did an okay job narrating the story. Drummond is at a big disadvantage as he will be compared to Kafer who narrated the series. I am glad to see that Kafer will be back in the next book. I hate it when they change narrators.
Brown does an excellent job showing how the war- weary people are reluctant to engage in war again. Those who had no experience with the Jung are saying(: “Can life under Jung rule be so bad”?)
The book is well written. Brown has lots of exciting action and combat scenes both on land and space. It is becoming clear another leader is needed. But without Nathan who will it be?
David Drummond did an okay job narrating the story. Drummond is at a big disadvantage as he will be compared to Kafer who narrated the series. I am glad to see that Kafer will be back in the next book. I hate it when they change narrators.
October 18, 2017
This probably isn't a fair review for Mr. Brown as the author, but I can't rate this one in the series very high. I listen to the audio version of these books and my review probably has as much to do with the new reader as it does the book itself. When you have spent over 150 hours (15 books) listening to the same person read characters that person imbues those characters with personality that transcends what is written in the book itself. Due to that, it didn't feel like it was even part of the same universe. I would say at least the character names were the same, but even that was different. Is the princesses name Deliza or Deleza? I also realize that 7 years have past between the two parts and the characters are in a very different place, but when 15 books have referred to say Admiral Dumar, and this book all of a sudden starts referring to him by his first name, while it makes sense story wise, it didn't 'fit' to me as the reader (or listener).
I have had this happen in other series before, especially when the author was the one reading the books at first, but as he got popular, he found a reader to read them. It takes some getting used to, but I just really didn't care for this reader. Maybe he will grow on me, but I hope they go back to the original reader.
All that said, I look forward to hearing what became of Capt Scott and all of his crew.
I have had this happen in other series before, especially when the author was the one reading the books at first, but as he got popular, he found a reader to read them. It takes some getting used to, but I just really didn't care for this reader. Maybe he will grow on me, but I hope they go back to the original reader.
All that said, I look forward to hearing what became of Capt Scott and all of his crew.
January 24, 2020
Well, here we are with another series by Ryk Brown. It’s been awhile since I finished book 15 of the original Frontiers Saga and when we left that book, I wasn’t sure there would be another in that series. And there wasn’t except the author has pulled a fast one and created a Part 2 which I think might be just as good as the original, although I don’t know if it will go to fifteen books!
Some of the characters in this book are carry-overs from the previous series and that’s good. Loki, Jessica and Joshua (Josh) are present as well as Marcus, but not Nathan Scott! There’s a few others that I might not mention, but rest assured, you’ll recognize those whom you read about for fifteen book before.
There has been peace for the Alliance which is comprised of the Solar System and the Pentaurus Cluster. While the Alliance members are separated by a vast distance, they have been capable of taking care of themselves for the most part. Earth was particularly hard hit by the Jung invasion and is still trying to get back it’s civilization. They have concentrated on rebuilding their industrial might so as to build starships for self protection, but now there is a stirring among the population to turn some of this industrial effort into creature comforts. A great majority of Earth’s population still live in tent-cities while those who are working in the new industries are able to afford new housing. Some Earth Senators are not clamoring for cheaper and affordable housing for everyone. Earth’s President, Dayton Scott, is doing everything he can to provide protection to the entire Solar System, but he still things it’s not enough.
Then Jung attack the Pentaurus Cluster! It was a surprise attack that caught all the Pentaurus defenses off guard and they were quickly over-ran. Every planet within the Cluster now has orbiting Jung starships and Jung soldiers occupying their capital cities. Some were able to make it out, but most were so surprised that they were caught where ever they happened to be and now were stuck there. Once such group is a freighter named the Seiki captained by Connor Tuplo. He has Josh as his pilot and Marcus along as a crewman. There’s also Dalen, the mechanic and Neli which I’m not sure what her job is but she seems to cook and make sure all the supplies are available. Anyway, this ship is one of many that can now no longer do their job or make a living since the Jung have shut down everything in the Pentaurus Cluster. They can’t go on long since their current funding will run out. It’s just a matter of how desperate they want to get.
Word has gotten back to Sol that the Jung have attacked and now they are finding Jung ships in their region of space. What’s more shocking is that the Jung now have Jump technology which allows them to appear just about anywhere they want in the blink of an eye. During the last war with Jung, Earth was the only ones with Jump tech, so this could be a very even battle. The Earth-Pentaurus Alliance must find some other advantage if they want to survive this second coming of the Jung!
Some of the characters in this book are carry-overs from the previous series and that’s good. Loki, Jessica and Joshua (Josh) are present as well as Marcus, but not Nathan Scott! There’s a few others that I might not mention, but rest assured, you’ll recognize those whom you read about for fifteen book before.
There has been peace for the Alliance which is comprised of the Solar System and the Pentaurus Cluster. While the Alliance members are separated by a vast distance, they have been capable of taking care of themselves for the most part. Earth was particularly hard hit by the Jung invasion and is still trying to get back it’s civilization. They have concentrated on rebuilding their industrial might so as to build starships for self protection, but now there is a stirring among the population to turn some of this industrial effort into creature comforts. A great majority of Earth’s population still live in tent-cities while those who are working in the new industries are able to afford new housing. Some Earth Senators are not clamoring for cheaper and affordable housing for everyone. Earth’s President, Dayton Scott, is doing everything he can to provide protection to the entire Solar System, but he still things it’s not enough.
Then Jung attack the Pentaurus Cluster! It was a surprise attack that caught all the Pentaurus defenses off guard and they were quickly over-ran. Every planet within the Cluster now has orbiting Jung starships and Jung soldiers occupying their capital cities. Some were able to make it out, but most were so surprised that they were caught where ever they happened to be and now were stuck there. Once such group is a freighter named the Seiki captained by Connor Tuplo. He has Josh as his pilot and Marcus along as a crewman. There’s also Dalen, the mechanic and Neli which I’m not sure what her job is but she seems to cook and make sure all the supplies are available. Anyway, this ship is one of many that can now no longer do their job or make a living since the Jung have shut down everything in the Pentaurus Cluster. They can’t go on long since their current funding will run out. It’s just a matter of how desperate they want to get.
Word has gotten back to Sol that the Jung have attacked and now they are finding Jung ships in their region of space. What’s more shocking is that the Jung now have Jump technology which allows them to appear just about anywhere they want in the blink of an eye. During the last war with Jung, Earth was the only ones with Jump tech, so this could be a very even battle. The Earth-Pentaurus Alliance must find some other advantage if they want to survive this second coming of the Jung!
January 8, 2017
Escalation is the first book in The Frontiers Saga: Rouge Castes which is part 2 of the initial The Frontiers Saga, a 15 books series that started with Aurora: CV-01. I was a enjoying that series greatly up to the final book which ended in a way that did not sit well with me at all. It was therefore with some hesitation that I picked up this book, the first one, in part 2 of the saga. I am happy that I did since I did indeed like this book. It sets the stage for another interesting adventure in The Frontiers Saga universe.
This book starts 7 years from the end of the last book. As I wrote above it is the first one in part 2 of the saga so naturally it is a bit of a stage setter starting off somewhat slowly introducing the characters building the plot up and so on. Nevertheless it is good reading and it does not really take that long before the action starts. When it starts it starts with a bang. Worlds are falling before the renewed and upgraded Jung war machine. The only question is, will Earth be among the fallen...again? Well if you hope to get the answer in this book you are, not surprisingly, going to get disappointed.
It is a good book with an interesting new story arc that takes off from the old one. New characters are introduced (some perhaps not as new as you might think but you will have to read the book to get the answer to that comment) and old ones are brought back into play. Something that I at least felt was welcome. Seven years has passed since we last met our friends so a few interesting things has happened to them during that time.
There are some twists and surprises along the way including a pretty big one at the very end of the book which certainly did not see coming. There are some political bickering and general stupidity, as always when politicians are involved, going on back on Earth as well but luckily this do not take up too many pages of the book.
Bottom line is that this is an enjoyable book and a promising start of part 2 of The Frontiers Saga.
This book starts 7 years from the end of the last book. As I wrote above it is the first one in part 2 of the saga so naturally it is a bit of a stage setter starting off somewhat slowly introducing the characters building the plot up and so on. Nevertheless it is good reading and it does not really take that long before the action starts. When it starts it starts with a bang. Worlds are falling before the renewed and upgraded Jung war machine. The only question is, will Earth be among the fallen...again? Well if you hope to get the answer in this book you are, not surprisingly, going to get disappointed.
It is a good book with an interesting new story arc that takes off from the old one. New characters are introduced (some perhaps not as new as you might think but you will have to read the book to get the answer to that comment) and old ones are brought back into play. Something that I at least felt was welcome. Seven years has passed since we last met our friends so a few interesting things has happened to them during that time.
There are some twists and surprises along the way including a pretty big one at the very end of the book which certainly did not see coming. There are some political bickering and general stupidity, as always when politicians are involved, going on back on Earth as well but luckily this do not take up too many pages of the book.
Bottom line is that this is an enjoyable book and a promising start of part 2 of The Frontiers Saga.
October 29, 2022
Escalation is certainly a good start to the continuation, but it stays a little too true to it's name for my taste: the entire book is essentially an escalation, the outcome of which is relatively given. It's enjoyable, but the book takes a little too long to end up where it was always going to go.
That said, there is a twist, and even though it's telegraphed to the point where it's hard to not see it coming, it's a clever plot-point, and leaves the door wide open for this, part 2, of the series to get very, very, interesting. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of these books, since I know what they can be, and - frankly - anyone reading this book knows that too. If I choose to see this as a first chapter of a second book, rather than a book in and of itself, it's a very solid start.
That said, there is a twist, and even though it's telegraphed to the point where it's hard to not see it coming, it's a clever plot-point, and leaves the door wide open for this, part 2, of the series to get very, very, interesting. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of these books, since I know what they can be, and - frankly - anyone reading this book knows that too. If I choose to see this as a first chapter of a second book, rather than a book in and of itself, it's a very solid start.
October 16, 2018
I felt it was a good intro to a new series. It takes place 7 years after the previous series and includes many of the same characters from it. So it seemed familiar and it was nice to return to that universe since I liked the first series a lot.
I listened to the audio book and I am sad that they changed readers. He pronounces things and names differently which was a little bit confusing. He also doesn't add much personality into the characters.
I feel the story isn't off to a good start. I won't mention details in order to not spoil the review. But the story seemed to jump around a lot - lots of battles on different fronts, and a lot getting destroyed. I'm curious where the next book will go, but I'm not in a hurry to pick it up.
I listened to the audio book and I am sad that they changed readers. He pronounces things and names differently which was a little bit confusing. He also doesn't add much personality into the characters.
I feel the story isn't off to a good start. I won't mention details in order to not spoil the review. But the story seemed to jump around a lot - lots of battles on different fronts, and a lot getting destroyed. I'm curious where the next book will go, but I'm not in a hurry to pick it up.
September 1, 2022
The series continues after 7 years from the part 1. The good thing is that the reader is familiar with most details. The bad thing is that the writer has run out of steam at the first installments and instead of stories with climaxes we have long, boring situations one after the other, like watching a badly written tv soap opera.
Furthermore, I hate it when the writer "forgets" in-book discoveries just to fill pages. In part 1, a zero point energy device was discovered, promising to surpass every other energy source. In part 2, it is forgotten. Probably because this would have made Alliance ships invincible, so no more militaristic upstarts to cloud the scenery. And what he would write, then? Meh.
Furthermore, I hate it when the writer "forgets" in-book discoveries just to fill pages. In part 1, a zero point energy device was discovered, promising to surpass every other energy source. In part 2, it is forgotten. Probably because this would have made Alliance ships invincible, so no more militaristic upstarts to cloud the scenery. And what he would write, then? Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
Really Unexpected Ending!
I thought this was out of sequence, right up until the ending! Brown really held that back well, with a tale of key characters from Frontier Saga, five years after the war. There’s a cease fire with the Jung, bought with Captain Scott’s life. Jessica is training, Josh and Marcus are flying cargo for Capt. Tupelo, Loki is married, flying for Ranni. When the Jung show up in jump equipped ships and overwhelm the Cluster, Earth is only seeing FTL Jungle ships at different locations inside Alliance space. What game are the Jungle playing? And how will Earth respond, outnumbered, outgunned, and no free Allies? Definitely recommend!
I thought this was out of sequence, right up until the ending! Brown really held that back well, with a tale of key characters from Frontier Saga, five years after the war. There’s a cease fire with the Jung, bought with Captain Scott’s life. Jessica is training, Josh and Marcus are flying cargo for Capt. Tupelo, Loki is married, flying for Ranni. When the Jung show up in jump equipped ships and overwhelm the Cluster, Earth is only seeing FTL Jungle ships at different locations inside Alliance space. What game are the Jungle playing? And how will Earth respond, outnumbered, outgunned, and no free Allies? Definitely recommend!
November 23, 2016
ryk brown did it again the Alliance has had peace for the last 7 years but now the jung decide its time to take advantage of that there are multiple points-of-view throughout the story a lot of characters have moved on to new adventures and new lives. But i dont want to give anything away so let me say that the book overall was good action adventure the usual but then i got to
the end and was like holy crap no way! i couldn't believe what happened I did not see it coming anyway that alone took me from 3 stars to 4 i cant want to start the next book well done Mr Brown.
the end and was like holy crap no way! i couldn't believe what happened I did not see it coming anyway that alone took me from 3 stars to 4 i cant want to start the next book well done Mr Brown.
May 14, 2017
5/13/17 - DAMN! Where is Jeffrey Kafer when you need him? I cringe (listening to a sample) at the sound of this narrator.
5/14/17 - Thank god that's over. It was real hard to listen to, but I had to see it through. Thoroughly enjoyed the story, hated how the narrator played the characters. So whiny, frustrated, and fake. Ugh!
Good plot, nice lead in (from Frontiers Saga), not enough action (for me), and a big surprise towards the end.
Looking forward to book 2 'cuz Jeffrey's back-hell yeah-and he can pronounce "Ghatazhak" the right way. Take me to your leader!
5/14/17 - Thank god that's over. It was real hard to listen to, but I had to see it through. Thoroughly enjoyed the story, hated how the narrator played the characters. So whiny, frustrated, and fake. Ugh!
Good plot, nice lead in (from Frontiers Saga), not enough action (for me), and a big surprise towards the end.
Looking forward to book 2 'cuz Jeffrey's back-hell yeah-and he can pronounce "Ghatazhak" the right way. Take me to your leader!
November 14, 2018
Engrossing
Military science fiction involving fleet engagements, espionage, political challenges. All of the above with good descriptions of the limits of personal decision making within the context of societies at war.
A lot of the characters suffer flaws as do all of us in the real world but who still strive to do the best for the most of their fellows. Very real world and characters to root for. If you try it, I don't think that you will be disappointed.
Military science fiction involving fleet engagements, espionage, political challenges. All of the above with good descriptions of the limits of personal decision making within the context of societies at war.
A lot of the characters suffer flaws as do all of us in the real world but who still strive to do the best for the most of their fellows. Very real world and characters to root for. If you try it, I don't think that you will be disappointed.
August 26, 2017
Here we go Again!
Slow, slow start. Would have put the book down if I were not familiar with the author. Lots of names of people and places to keep straight. Book would greatly benefit from some visual aides...like maps for a starter.
All in all the book is a good read. Picks up well in the middle. Love sci fy!
Slow, slow start. Would have put the book down if I were not familiar with the author. Lots of names of people and places to keep straight. Book would greatly benefit from some visual aides...like maps for a starter.
All in all the book is a good read. Picks up well in the middle. Love sci fy!
December 14, 2024
OMG!! *Spoiler Alert*
Ending episode one really made me sad.
Reading this first chapter of episode 2, I still felt sad and missed the beloved character…. I was joyfully thrilled about the unveiling at the end…. Well done! I’m not caught off guard easily.
Thank you for bringing my favorite character back to the series… it’s the only way it feels right.
Ending episode one really made me sad.
Reading this first chapter of episode 2, I still felt sad and missed the beloved character…. I was joyfully thrilled about the unveiling at the end…. Well done! I’m not caught off guard easily.
Thank you for bringing my favorite character back to the series… it’s the only way it feels right.
November 1, 2025
This second series could be good or it could be terrible. The action sequences remain top-notch. I almost didn’t finish when the idea of cloning Nathan came up, because the idea of a series that tries to unrealistically relive former glories doesn’t appeal to me. I still have that that concern, but I’m glad I stayed until the end, and I will likely continue this series.
March 9, 2020
What a start to the new series
Loved this new book and I can't wait for the next one.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
Loved this new book and I can't wait for the next one.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
August 17, 2021
Well... things got very interesting again. I think this proves Ryk Brown cannot only come up with an interesting premise but also make a story interesting again without breaking it, which I think it's a much harder task.
January 22, 2025
Here we go again
Rick brown heads-up Done it again Created a whole new Replacing characters and most inventive ways Replacing characters and most inventive ways I can't wait to continue reading this series
Rick brown heads-up Done it again Created a whole new Replacing characters and most inventive ways Replacing characters and most inventive ways I can't wait to continue reading this series
June 23, 2017
7 Years pass and life improves
Not the strongest book in the series, but setting up for the continuation is complex. Take a risk a read this series, but start at the beginning.
Not the strongest book in the series, but setting up for the continuation is complex. Take a risk a read this series, but start at the beginning.
July 5, 2017
Whaaaa???
What a twist! Without spoiling the whole thing....wow! I never saw that ending coming! Love this series!!! On to episode 2!
What a twist! Without spoiling the whole thing....wow! I never saw that ending coming! Love this series!!! On to episode 2!
December 30, 2017
Great
Starts off slow but like all the other ones makes up for it in the end. Great start to Part 2
Starts off slow but like all the other ones makes up for it in the end. Great start to Part 2
March 19, 2018
Love all of Ryk Brown's books and this one is no exception. His character development has been/is outstanding and I feel I know the characters.
Always waiting for the next book anxiously.
Always waiting for the next book anxiously.
May 15, 2018
story is pretty good, but narrator is total garbage.
May 23, 2018
An excellent jump back into the series with an exciting twist baked in.
May 24, 2018
fun story. minus 1 star for lots of bad language. Not family friendly
December 30, 2018
Felt a bit slower than the others. Didn't feel like such a compulsive read. Still good though. Good cliffhanger to draw you back.
July 19, 2019
Starts a little bit slow just like the beginning of the first part. But I'm sure the story is going to pick up just like the first part.
January 12, 2020
Ok story
Decent words in a row. I got a bit confused a couple times, but that's all on me. Is this twenty words
Decent words in a row. I got a bit confused a couple times, but that's all on me. Is this twenty words
March 30, 2020
Love the series!!
A great read for sure. Enjoying the second series after reading the first. Glad my sister introduced me to this author.
A great read for sure. Enjoying the second series after reading the first. Glad my sister introduced me to this author.
July 19, 2020
Enjoyed it
I thought that the book was very entertaining. It was some what confusing to follow the different segments but overall I enjoyed reading it very much.
I thought that the book was very entertaining. It was some what confusing to follow the different segments but overall I enjoyed reading it very much.
January 14, 2021
I didn't see that twist coming!
I was on a long break from reading the series. Just got back on and this was a very nice read.
I was on a long break from reading the series. Just got back on and this was a very nice read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews