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Flames of Rebellion #1
Flames of Rebellion
In Flames of Rebellion, a group of rebels fighting for independence sows the seeds of revolution across the galaxy in this blockbuster military sci-fi adventure from Jay Allan, the author of the Crimson Worlds and Far Stars series.
The planet Haven slides closer to revolution against its parent nation, Federal America. Everett Wells, the fair-minded planetary governor, has tried to create a peaceful resolution, but his failure has caused the government to send Asha Stanton, a ruthless federal operative, to quell the insurgency.
Wells quickly realizes that Stanton has the true power... and two battalions of government security troops—specifically trained to put down unrest—under her control. Unlike Wells, Stanton is prepared to resort to extreme methods to break the back of the gathering rebellion, including unleashing Colonel Robert Semmes, the psychopathic commander of her soldiers, on the Havenites.
But the people of Haven have their own ideas. They are not the beaten-down masses of Earth, but men and women with the courage and fortitude to tame a new world.
Damian Ward is such a resident of Haven, a retired veteran and decorated war hero, who has watched events on his adopted world with growing apprehension. He sympathizes with the revolutionaries, his friends and neighbors, but he is loath to rebel against the flag he fought to defend. That is, until Stanton’s reign of terror intrudes into his life—and threatens those he knows and loves. Then he does what he must, rallying Haven’s other veterans and leading them to the aid of the revolutionaries.
Yet the battle-scarred warrior knows that even if Haven’s freedom fighters defeat the federalists, the rebellion is far from over... it’s only just begun.
The planet Haven slides closer to revolution against its parent nation, Federal America. Everett Wells, the fair-minded planetary governor, has tried to create a peaceful resolution, but his failure has caused the government to send Asha Stanton, a ruthless federal operative, to quell the insurgency.
Wells quickly realizes that Stanton has the true power... and two battalions of government security troops—specifically trained to put down unrest—under her control. Unlike Wells, Stanton is prepared to resort to extreme methods to break the back of the gathering rebellion, including unleashing Colonel Robert Semmes, the psychopathic commander of her soldiers, on the Havenites.
But the people of Haven have their own ideas. They are not the beaten-down masses of Earth, but men and women with the courage and fortitude to tame a new world.
Damian Ward is such a resident of Haven, a retired veteran and decorated war hero, who has watched events on his adopted world with growing apprehension. He sympathizes with the revolutionaries, his friends and neighbors, but he is loath to rebel against the flag he fought to defend. That is, until Stanton’s reign of terror intrudes into his life—and threatens those he knows and loves. Then he does what he must, rallying Haven’s other veterans and leading them to the aid of the revolutionaries.
Yet the battle-scarred warrior knows that even if Haven’s freedom fighters defeat the federalists, the rebellion is far from over... it’s only just begun.
404 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2017
110 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 29, 2021
Jay Allan is probably the most prolific author working today, primarily writing 'popcorn' military space opera. Now, I have a definitely fondness for this genre and Allan, who writes in a very crowded field; think of Marko Kloos or Jasper T. Scott to name just a few. Most of Allan's work finds itself in long series, but the Flames of Rebellion series is only a two volumes and the first installment really hit a sweet spot for me.
Set in a not too distant future, the action takes place on Haven, a colony planet of Federal America. Earth is basically down to three hostile amalgamations; besides Federal America, we have Eurasia and the hegemony. We do not learn much of Earth here, only that the three 'nations' are hostile toward one another, and frequently fight bitter wars over colonies and such. Haven is a rich colony, with lots of precious mineral resources and such, and as usual, populated by 'misfits' and malcontents from Earth, even serving as a prison planet for many.
For the last few years, popular resentment of Federal America has grown, and rebels are stockpiling smuggled arms and such. Finally, Federal America has had enough and sends a fleet and 'peacekeepers' out to Haven to stop the rebellion in its tracks. While giving us the basic set up, Allan introduces many of the large and diverse (if a little stereotypical) cast of characters-- a rebellious smuggler and her crew; a retired military hero living on Haven; the embattled governor of Haven, trying to stop the mess from spiraling out of control; and of course, a host of rebels, not all agreeing upon what the next step should be.
FoR is not path breaking or anything, and it will not change you life by reading it, but it is a lot of fun, with great action sequences and situations. FoR is also not a 'war monger' novel; most of the main characters have experienced war first hand and repeatedly inform the more naive rebels that war is not a game. So, in the end, we have a rag tag band of spirited rebels fighting for freedom and liberty from the oppressive Federal America (a nasty, fascist state) up against a horrible asshole sent by the Federals to placate the planet. I like books like this-- easy on the brain cells, fast paced, and allowing for some emotional investment in a rather casual way. As I said, popcorn, but hey, I like popcorn! 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Set in a not too distant future, the action takes place on Haven, a colony planet of Federal America. Earth is basically down to three hostile amalgamations; besides Federal America, we have Eurasia and the hegemony. We do not learn much of Earth here, only that the three 'nations' are hostile toward one another, and frequently fight bitter wars over colonies and such. Haven is a rich colony, with lots of precious mineral resources and such, and as usual, populated by 'misfits' and malcontents from Earth, even serving as a prison planet for many.
For the last few years, popular resentment of Federal America has grown, and rebels are stockpiling smuggled arms and such. Finally, Federal America has had enough and sends a fleet and 'peacekeepers' out to Haven to stop the rebellion in its tracks. While giving us the basic set up, Allan introduces many of the large and diverse (if a little stereotypical) cast of characters-- a rebellious smuggler and her crew; a retired military hero living on Haven; the embattled governor of Haven, trying to stop the mess from spiraling out of control; and of course, a host of rebels, not all agreeing upon what the next step should be.
FoR is not path breaking or anything, and it will not change you life by reading it, but it is a lot of fun, with great action sequences and situations. FoR is also not a 'war monger' novel; most of the main characters have experienced war first hand and repeatedly inform the more naive rebels that war is not a game. So, in the end, we have a rag tag band of spirited rebels fighting for freedom and liberty from the oppressive Federal America (a nasty, fascist state) up against a horrible asshole sent by the Federals to placate the planet. I like books like this-- easy on the brain cells, fast paced, and allowing for some emotional investment in a rather casual way. As I said, popcorn, but hey, I like popcorn! 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
June 19, 2017
Just felt it wasnt that original. And others have done it a little better.
March 3, 2018
Another great military science fiction story from Jay Allan. With well developed characters and a great story arc not to mention lots of action.
I have read most of his books and they always entertain and delight anyone interested in science fiction.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Author and series
I have read most of his books and they always entertain and delight anyone interested in science fiction.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Author and series
September 25, 2020
Allan, Jay. Flames of Rebellion. Flames of Rebellion No. 1. Harper Voyager, 2017.
Jay Allan’s Flames of Rebellion is an earnest, but not very successful, effort to say something important about revolutionary violence. He tells the story of a revolution on a colony in the Epsilon-Eridani star system that almost mirrors the American revolution. His idea is that abuse of power leads to overreaction and self-perpetuating violence on both sides. That is a salutary message, but Allan’s prose is pedestrian at best. His characters emote endlessly, but their interactions are seldom original. His actions are clearly described, but his world-building is perfunctory. The military and communication technology is primitive on both sides and the planet on which is set is unbelievably Earth-like. Two stars.
Jay Allan’s Flames of Rebellion is an earnest, but not very successful, effort to say something important about revolutionary violence. He tells the story of a revolution on a colony in the Epsilon-Eridani star system that almost mirrors the American revolution. His idea is that abuse of power leads to overreaction and self-perpetuating violence on both sides. That is a salutary message, but Allan’s prose is pedestrian at best. His characters emote endlessly, but their interactions are seldom original. His actions are clearly described, but his world-building is perfunctory. The military and communication technology is primitive on both sides and the planet on which is set is unbelievably Earth-like. Two stars.
March 17, 2019
In the Flames of Rebellion series, Jay Allan delivers a retelling of the American Revolution in a Sci-Fi setting. Instead of the American colonies, we have Alpha-2, called Haven by its inhabitants, a colony world in the Epsilon Eridani system. Instead of Britain, we have Federated America. a super power on Earth created out of the ashes of a second American Civil War.
With months of travel between Earth and Haven, a scenario that mimics 18th century America and with this background, the author replicates the socio, political, and economic themes that led to the American Revolution. While a two book series certainly can't include all of the key plot points of the historical conflict, Jay Allan picks the important one and weaves an intriguing and action packed tale.
With months of travel between Earth and Haven, a scenario that mimics 18th century America and with this background, the author replicates the socio, political, and economic themes that led to the American Revolution. While a two book series certainly can't include all of the key plot points of the historical conflict, Jay Allan picks the important one and weaves an intriguing and action packed tale.
September 12, 2021
*** Possible Spoilers ***
This was a good rip-roaring sci-fi story. It's basically the story of the American War of Independence moved to a distant planet. You won't find too many character arcs or much introspection here. The main character is conflicted so there's that but there's no real doubt how things are going to turn out. I'm not sure how closely the author followed actual historical event but judging from a quick perusal of Wikipedia, he stayed reasonably close to the original war. He may have made his villains a little too villainous but this is fiction and if a few changes added to the story so be it. If you like a good, fast paced adventure, I think you'll like this one.
This was a good rip-roaring sci-fi story. It's basically the story of the American War of Independence moved to a distant planet. You won't find too many character arcs or much introspection here. The main character is conflicted so there's that but there's no real doubt how things are going to turn out. I'm not sure how closely the author followed actual historical event but judging from a quick perusal of Wikipedia, he stayed reasonably close to the original war. He may have made his villains a little too villainous but this is fiction and if a few changes added to the story so be it. If you like a good, fast paced adventure, I think you'll like this one.
April 16, 2018
Just finished reading Flames of Rebellion and Rebellion’s Fury at basically one sitting. Hard on sleep and social life, but what an awesome military, sci-fi series. One worlds fight for freedom and independence against a corrupt central government. Great world building and awesome characters. The fight for independence is. Very old and always new. If you like military sci-fi Jay Allen is one of the best!
May 26, 2023
Mid-grade military sci-fi reimagining of the American Revolution. The characters weren't great, but weren't terrible. The action was alright I guess. There's AI and FTL, but the autoguns are still fired manually, and there weren't any drones or power armor or anything too terribly exciting technology or science wise. The dialogue was clunky, and, apparently contractions have fallen out of favor after the second American civil war.
September 1, 2017
Just not for me. Found myself flipping pages after the first couple of chapters to get past the too-long speeches and ruminations and predictable or telegraphed action. Also, all the characters seemed really familiar types. I suspect the reviewer(s) who think this is a retread of the American Revolution are about right.
August 29, 2018
If you love Star Wars as much as I do this book might be for you. It’s about the start of a revolution on a rebel planet against Federal America (a warped oligarchical version of our government). It’s military and politics and sci fi switching between the points of view of great three dimensional characters. It begs the question, what is the cost of revolution and are they worth.
August 29, 2017
I liked this book a lot. It had a bit too much cursing for my tastes, but at least most of that was fairly realistic given the amount of military action. Good plot, and good characters. I look forward to the next one in the series.
February 22, 2018
Another Great Military Sci-fi Novel
Jay Allan continues to impress me with his character and plot development. He has become the standard by which I judge other works in this genre. Another great series in development that I anxiously await the next release.
Jay Allan continues to impress me with his character and plot development. He has become the standard by which I judge other works in this genre. Another great series in development that I anxiously await the next release.
July 19, 2017
The action is good, but dialogue and "speeches' are a bit formal. Reads like a sci fi version of the American Revolution, but no real exposition of the reasons for the rebellion.
October 30, 2017
Familiar story to those who have studied history, a good but not great retelling.
February 23, 2018
Got involved with the characters right away Damian Jaimie and the governor wow very fast paced great read cant wait for the next part
March 16, 2018
I don’t mean to be mean, but can I give a half star??
January 3, 2019
Outcasts from earth fighting for their planet's freedom.
Good story line. Jay keeps you entertained throughout the book. I'll be reading book two.
Good story line. Jay keeps you entertained throughout the book. I'll be reading book two.
April 14, 2019
Another great book from Jay Allan. A great story with action, adventure, great characters and very interesting plot.
April 20, 2019
Fill in the blanks
I think it's not as bad as it started, but it finished strong with good characters and left you wanting more.
I think it's not as bad as it started, but it finished strong with good characters and left you wanting more.
November 5, 2019
It was like another book I read about the British Empire being a major space power but yeah 5 stars.
October 20, 2021
A fairly boring and rote military science fiction that was entirely predictable with stale characters.
July 6, 2025
13:11
October 19, 2019
Too many characters, most of whom are too stereotypical. Too much time spent in people’s thoughts as a way of creating backstory, and some really poor editing. Was happy to reach 100 pages and close it for good, confident I wasn’t missing much.
February 7, 2017
(I gave this three stars in the March edition of Romantic Times Book Reviews: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...)
While there is nothing unique in this very traditional military science-fiction adventure, the fast pace and political intrigue, as well as the focus on the struggle for freedom from government control, should appeal to fans of sci-fi classics by Robert Heinlein and Poul Anderson.
Haven, an extraterrestrial colony under the control of Federal America, has been in the throes of a rebellion that ultimately leads to a blockade and the dispatch of a federal overseer, much to the dismay of its moderate governor. Convict labor mines the resources that make Haven so vital to Federal America, but prisoner Jamie Grant, close to release with his eyes on marriage to the daughter of a war hero, fears the compromise of his freedom if he is caught-up in the camp riots. As Federal America worries about the loss of resources and the threat of Haven’s collaboration with other governments on Earth, it enacts deadly punishments that push the colonists into a fight led by unexpected corporate and political figures.
While there is nothing unique in this very traditional military science-fiction adventure, the fast pace and political intrigue, as well as the focus on the struggle for freedom from government control, should appeal to fans of sci-fi classics by Robert Heinlein and Poul Anderson.
Haven, an extraterrestrial colony under the control of Federal America, has been in the throes of a rebellion that ultimately leads to a blockade and the dispatch of a federal overseer, much to the dismay of its moderate governor. Convict labor mines the resources that make Haven so vital to Federal America, but prisoner Jamie Grant, close to release with his eyes on marriage to the daughter of a war hero, fears the compromise of his freedom if he is caught-up in the camp riots. As Federal America worries about the loss of resources and the threat of Haven’s collaboration with other governments on Earth, it enacts deadly punishments that push the colonists into a fight led by unexpected corporate and political figures.
May 15, 2018
A bit too brief, on just about every front.
July 16, 2022
I am so going to get the sequel
August 15, 2023
Fun sci Fi book
May 1, 2017
Great read!
A refreshing change seeing a battle from the rebel standpoint. All the dastardly and noble characters you expect from Allan
A refreshing change seeing a battle from the rebel standpoint. All the dastardly and noble characters you expect from Allan
February 23, 2018
Derivative novel - a retelling of the American War of Independence set a few hundred years in the future. A good read, but so obviously cribbed as to take much away from the writer's art.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews