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Rise of Mankind #2
Warfare
Barely recovered from a battle against an alien incursion, the Behemoth waits to see how the alliance wishes to leverage their discovery, the weapon code named Protocol Seven. When two warships arrive from their allies with an offer difficult to refuse, they find themselves leant out to travel outside the solar system to a secret research facility across the galaxy.
But what was promised to be a milk run turns into something completely different. With limited resources and a new commander on board their companion ship, they must stay alive. Combined with a potential threat from within, the odds are stacked high against them. Only their ingenuity and the perseverance of the human spirit may keep them alive.
But what was promised to be a milk run turns into something completely different. With limited resources and a new commander on board their companion ship, they must stay alive. Combined with a potential threat from within, the odds are stacked high against them. Only their ingenuity and the perseverance of the human spirit may keep them alive.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2016
295 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
John Walker
1,004 books164 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 13, 2016
This is an interesting series. I don’t know how far this series can go, but it’s off to a pretty good start. Now, the premise behind the initial book, “Behemoth”, is that Earth has already been attacked and almost defeated by an unknown alien race bent on the destruction of humanity. The “Behemoth” was immediately built with the aid of friendly allied aliens right after that struggle. It is a massive ship meant to defend the entire solar system if and when the aliens return. A single ship expected to protect the entire solar system? I think not.
Anyway, the stupid aliens seem to only send two ships at a time to attack Earth. Actually, these aliens were attacking another alien ship that was fast fleeing them and this alien ship lead the bad guys straight to the Solar System. The Behemoth manages to rescue the fleeting ship and finds a weapon system or firing method called Protocol Seven which allows them to destroy the bad guys relatively easily. Now they must get this new protocol to the rest of the alliance, but they just can’t transmit via usual communication methods.
So, here comes two ships from the alliance ready to help the humans and obtain Protocol Seven. They volunteer to leave one ship to defend Earth (the Solar System) while the other ship and the Behemoth go to a secret research facility hidden deep within the Kielan’s territory. This should be a “milk run” mission for the Behemoth. It doesn’t turn out that way, of course.
The writing is pretty good in that it’s fluid and doesn’t get tangled up with minutiae. Protocol Seven seems to be some kind of frequency hopping method which allows whomever to use it to shoot through supposedly impenetrable shield defenses. Why no one from Earth has ever figured out how to do this themselves is kind of a mystery, but when coupled with the idea that they think one single ship can protect the entire Solar System, it kind of figures. We do have an interesting situation with an alien, “Clea”, living with and advising Captain Gray Atwell, commander of the Behemoth. She is interesting if not almost the same as anyone from Earth. Her culture is a little different and we get some glimpses into how they think. Then we meet her sister. Whoa! It’s hard to believe these two are related, but that’s what makes the book so interesting.
It looks like there is a book three, “Raid (Rise of Mankind Book 3)” already available on Amazon. Of course I have it and will add it to my already huge reading list.
Anyway, the stupid aliens seem to only send two ships at a time to attack Earth. Actually, these aliens were attacking another alien ship that was fast fleeing them and this alien ship lead the bad guys straight to the Solar System. The Behemoth manages to rescue the fleeting ship and finds a weapon system or firing method called Protocol Seven which allows them to destroy the bad guys relatively easily. Now they must get this new protocol to the rest of the alliance, but they just can’t transmit via usual communication methods.
So, here comes two ships from the alliance ready to help the humans and obtain Protocol Seven. They volunteer to leave one ship to defend Earth (the Solar System) while the other ship and the Behemoth go to a secret research facility hidden deep within the Kielan’s territory. This should be a “milk run” mission for the Behemoth. It doesn’t turn out that way, of course.
The writing is pretty good in that it’s fluid and doesn’t get tangled up with minutiae. Protocol Seven seems to be some kind of frequency hopping method which allows whomever to use it to shoot through supposedly impenetrable shield defenses. Why no one from Earth has ever figured out how to do this themselves is kind of a mystery, but when coupled with the idea that they think one single ship can protect the entire Solar System, it kind of figures. We do have an interesting situation with an alien, “Clea”, living with and advising Captain Gray Atwell, commander of the Behemoth. She is interesting if not almost the same as anyone from Earth. Her culture is a little different and we get some glimpses into how they think. Then we meet her sister. Whoa! It’s hard to believe these two are related, but that’s what makes the book so interesting.
It looks like there is a book three, “Raid (Rise of Mankind Book 3)” already available on Amazon. Of course I have it and will add it to my already huge reading list.
May 23, 2020
It was okay, not much built up from the first one. It was definitely not a bad book, it had it's moments, though this time I spotted some showing rather than telling mistakes that weren't present in the first one at least that I noticed I think this is because the author was attempting to create some depth with some of the characters which didn't come across so well, he kinda didn't stick the landing with those, some of the conflicts made no sense I felt at certain points that enemies and allies either appeared or disappeared from the story without explanation like the author forgot what he was doing, that did happen once in the first one but I forgave it, I'm still looking forward to the next one but I just hope the author improves, this didn't really show improvement to me, more of a regress.
Also yes I saw that "twist" coming from several hundred kilometres away like yikes that was way too obvious.
Also yes I saw that "twist" coming from several hundred kilometres away like yikes that was way too obvious.
September 25, 2016
Great follow up
Enjoyed reading the second book of this series. We see Gary take his ship on what is expected to be a milk run to an alliance secret base. But on arriving they find that it is under attack. Can they once again over come the enemy forces. Looking forward to seeing where book three will take them.
Enjoyed reading the second book of this series. We see Gary take his ship on what is expected to be a milk run to an alliance secret base. But on arriving they find that it is under attack. Can they once again over come the enemy forces. Looking forward to seeing where book three will take them.
January 19, 2022
I do like this series so far, but there were a large amount of issues with this iteration.
First off there were a large amount or spelling/grammatical errors. (I read this on kindle)
While generally the combat makes sense, there is one glaring issue that makes absolutely zero sense. When implementing Protocol 7, the Behemoth destroys an enemy ship. Somehow the enemy, which blew up almost immediately, was able to deduce how Protocol 7 bypassed their shields and then sent a message to one of their other ships, and then that ship was able to change shield frequency to make Protocol 7 useless when the Crystal Font fired on it (literal seconds after the Behemoth)
Next: I usually don't care about Clichés in media. But my lord, I hate the "character has important information, proceeds to say "I know who the trator is' and then passes out right before saying the traitors name" in media. And you better believe this is what we get here.
As you can assume from above, there is a traitor responsible for giving the enemy the location of a secret base and info on its defenses. I really hope the author wasn't trying to keep the identity of the traitor a secret because of the few characters it could be, it makes it very easy to guess who it is when the only named character at the research facility is Clea's sister who just so happens to be a racist bigot and makes no effort to hide that fact.
First off there were a large amount or spelling/grammatical errors. (I read this on kindle)
While generally the combat makes sense, there is one glaring issue that makes absolutely zero sense. When implementing Protocol 7, the Behemoth destroys an enemy ship. Somehow the enemy, which blew up almost immediately, was able to deduce how Protocol 7 bypassed their shields and then sent a message to one of their other ships, and then that ship was able to change shield frequency to make Protocol 7 useless when the Crystal Font fired on it (literal seconds after the Behemoth)
Next: I usually don't care about Clichés in media. But my lord, I hate the "character has important information, proceeds to say "I know who the trator is' and then passes out right before saying the traitors name" in media. And you better believe this is what we get here.
As you can assume from above, there is a traitor responsible for giving the enemy the location of a secret base and info on its defenses. I really hope the author wasn't trying to keep the identity of the traitor a secret because of the few characters it could be, it makes it very easy to guess who it is when the only named character at the research facility is Clea's sister who just so happens to be a racist bigot and makes no effort to hide that fact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
I thought the first book had potential even though it had many faults, I just hoped this one would be a bit better. Unfortunately it wasn’t.
There are just too many things that irritate. Many of the characters were just childish caricatures, starting with the requisite bigot on the council. Even the Marines behaved like squabbling teenagers.
The combat was nonsensical for example the enemy were able to analyse the pulse laser, as it destroyed them, work out its frequency and how it was able to penetrate their shields. Then send this information to another ship, who were then able to rotate their shields in time to stop the laser that was fired at them at the same time as the laser that destroyed the first ship.
The Alliance ships can perform micro jumps to take them out of immediate danger, but when warned an enemy ship was going to charge at them then blow itself up, they just stood there and allowed themselves to be blown to pieces.
I am sorry but I gave the book a chance and it didn’t deliver.
There are just too many things that irritate. Many of the characters were just childish caricatures, starting with the requisite bigot on the council. Even the Marines behaved like squabbling teenagers.
The combat was nonsensical for example the enemy were able to analyse the pulse laser, as it destroyed them, work out its frequency and how it was able to penetrate their shields. Then send this information to another ship, who were then able to rotate their shields in time to stop the laser that was fired at them at the same time as the laser that destroyed the first ship.
The Alliance ships can perform micro jumps to take them out of immediate danger, but when warned an enemy ship was going to charge at them then blow itself up, they just stood there and allowed themselves to be blown to pieces.
I am sorry but I gave the book a chance and it didn’t deliver.
October 29, 2019
I’m beginning to think I should ul read the prequel before I go on to book three, as there are many obscure references to “before the Behemoth” and the “aliens who help”.
Not so happy with the editing, lots of spelling grammar and missing letters, these detract from what is basically a war story and with similarities to ww2 and terrorist actions to do with religious beliefs and prejudices.
I will continue but would like Amazon to bring out the prequel before I go much further
Not so happy with the editing, lots of spelling grammar and missing letters, these detract from what is basically a war story and with similarities to ww2 and terrorist actions to do with religious beliefs and prejudices.
I will continue but would like Amazon to bring out the prequel before I go much further
February 6, 2023
As those of you who follow my reviews know, I read most of my books in my ears and these two were no exception. The plots etc. were excellent and I enjoyed both. However, the narration, especially dialogue left quite a bit to be desired. The voice was flat and lacked any expression. I think he tried too hard to make the characters sound different, with varied speech patterns. He failed miserably.
However, I enjoyed the books so much that I cut it lots of slack.
However, I enjoyed the books so much that I cut it lots of slack.
February 16, 2017
MEDIOCRE STORY AND CRAZY WORD USAGE
The story is short for a book, plot is predictable and only mildly original. Often words are used in a completely wrong way, for example when referring to a contingent of troops "contingency" is used. This happens much too often to be editing, I think the author just doesn't know.
The story is short for a book, plot is predictable and only mildly original. Often words are used in a completely wrong way, for example when referring to a contingent of troops "contingency" is used. This happens much too often to be editing, I think the author just doesn't know.
February 24, 2021
The story keeps getting better with each book!
The first of this series was a great read. This second book in the series doesn't disappoint! Sci-Fi action fast and furious. Thrilling ship against ship space war. Unexpected plot twists. What more can a reader ask for in a story? You are going to love it!
The first of this series was a great read. This second book in the series doesn't disappoint! Sci-Fi action fast and furious. Thrilling ship against ship space war. Unexpected plot twists. What more can a reader ask for in a story? You are going to love it!
November 22, 2017
Overall good book
I think the story is good. A good base for sci-fi genre. There were a few grammatical errors, and the story bogged a little when going over Clea life decisions early on, but this is a book I would read again and again.
I think the story is good. A good base for sci-fi genre. There were a few grammatical errors, and the story bogged a little when going over Clea life decisions early on, but this is a book I would read again and again.
November 14, 2020
Robert's Review and Comments
The story is becoming clearer as the characters mature. I can see more of the back story and forward to future tales of this universe's exploits. Thanks for a GoodRead.
The story is becoming clearer as the characters mature. I can see more of the back story and forward to future tales of this universe's exploits. Thanks for a GoodRead.
May 26, 2017
Childish
But if you are a child, that doesn't matter.
Characters are still tissue thin. Conflict, so much of the book, is nonsensical.
But if you are a child, that doesn't matter.
Characters are still tissue thin. Conflict, so much of the book, is nonsensical.
July 22, 2017
Aliens and Space combat
Loved the characters the tactics the reversal.
The reveal about the big bad seems s little allegorical. Could use less jingoism and more science
Loved the characters the tactics the reversal.
The reveal about the big bad seems s little allegorical. Could use less jingoism and more science
November 22, 2017
Continuation of the story with a wider focus on the Solar system rather than book 1 which was more a tick list, this is actually developed into a story with more feel to it.
March 14, 2018
So far still good.
Not the best space drama I've , but not bad either. The story and and characters are developing nicely. I look forward to finishing the series.
Not the best space drama I've , but not bad either. The story and and characters are developing nicely. I look forward to finishing the series.
March 21, 2020
No improvement over the first book. A bit repetitive storyline. Get mission, engage in: space battle, fighter dogfight, bomber run, ground assault, win and epilogue.
December 27, 2020
Very good
April 5, 2021
Exciting second part of this series. Really thoroughly enjoying this and am getting more and more drawn into the storyline. Well written characters lend an excellent side plot to the overall story.
October 11, 2021
An uphill battle.
The aliens are far ahead in technology and ships. We are learning to trust our new allies and to adopt new weapons. Characters are solid and likeable.
The aliens are far ahead in technology and ships. We are learning to trust our new allies and to adopt new weapons. Characters are solid and likeable.
February 5, 2024
I really enjoyed it as audiobook, while I was biking in the Alps.
February 23, 2018
Hope it gets better it has a lot of potential but the books are too short.
October 26, 2016
5 Stars for action adventure reading!
John Walker book 2 gets 5 Stars for action adventure reading and a recommendation for the series. Thanks a fan.
John Walker book 2 gets 5 Stars for action adventure reading and a recommendation for the series. Thanks a fan.
February 27, 2017
ThIs Man Just Can Not Write A Bad Book
It is fast paced and holds your interest right up to the end . JImmy can not come with finale words of praise!
It is fast paced and holds your interest right up to the end . JImmy can not come with finale words of praise!
February 5, 2017
Solid SciFi
A good solid read, some turns were unexpected, others were not, but don't want to give spoilers. The characters begin to grow on you, looking forward to next book in the series.
A good solid read, some turns were unexpected, others were not, but don't want to give spoilers. The characters begin to grow on you, looking forward to next book in the series.
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January 13, 2017Praise
I'm taken aback I've read good books before but none that kept me so involved I only read of a. Night so I'm now knackered why you may ask my answer I couldn't put the bloody book down it really kept me glued to it so I couldn't put it down.So now good night I'm going to sleep for a few hours till I start again.night night.ian
I'm taken aback I've read good books before but none that kept me so involved I only read of a. Night so I'm now knackered why you may ask my answer I couldn't put the bloody book down it really kept me glued to it so I couldn't put it down.So now good night I'm going to sleep for a few hours till I start again.night night.ian
September 16, 2016
Good read
A little wordy but an intuitive plot. I hope the ester is as good as the first two books. Hope that the world is better that this in it like
A little wordy but an intuitive plot. I hope the ester is as good as the first two books. Hope that the world is better that this in it like
September 30, 2016
Very Good Book
This book kept me from putting it down. If I had an errand to do and came back to the house I would go back to my reading area and pick up the book again.
This book kept me from putting it down. If I had an errand to do and came back to the house I would go back to my reading area and pick up the book again.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews