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The First Swarm War #1
Invincible
The aliens took her ship. Commander Halsey wants it back.
For decades they were among us, silently infiltrating the power structures of society. Now the Swarm stands on Earth’s doorstep. As humanity launches a desperate counter-attack, the alien victory seems inevitable.
For Halsey, this is personal. While the Fleet executes their battle plan, she leads a do-or-die suicide strike at the heart of the alien force: her own INVINCIBLE, turned into a weapon against mankind. With a few marines, a pirate ship, and an ex-lover by her side, Halsey fights to take back her command and save the human race--or die trying.
She is a proud warrior. She is humanity’s last hope. She is INVINCIBLE.
For decades they were among us, silently infiltrating the power structures of society. Now the Swarm stands on Earth’s doorstep. As humanity launches a desperate counter-attack, the alien victory seems inevitable.
For Halsey, this is personal. While the Fleet executes their battle plan, she leads a do-or-die suicide strike at the heart of the alien force: her own INVINCIBLE, turned into a weapon against mankind. With a few marines, a pirate ship, and an ex-lover by her side, Halsey fights to take back her command and save the human race--or die trying.
She is a proud warrior. She is humanity’s last hope. She is INVINCIBLE.
- GenresScience Fiction
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2016
128 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
David Bruns
69 books263 followersDavid Bruns (www.davidbruns.com) has served as an officer on a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine and traveled the world as a high-tech corporate itinerant. Today, he writes futuristic speculative fiction, contemporary thrillers, and everything in between.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 15, 2016
Each chapter is written from the POV of a different character, in a different part of space, as the Swarm heads toward Earth.
Combining politics with space battles, human relationships with military orders, this is incredibly thrilling. It has a fast pace, along with intense action and lots of brilliant characters to root for. Unsurprisingly, the ending was a stunner too.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
Combining politics with space battles, human relationships with military orders, this is incredibly thrilling. It has a fast pace, along with intense action and lots of brilliant characters to root for. Unsurprisingly, the ending was a stunner too.
*This was an ARC, my opinions are my own.*
November 11, 2016
I have not yet read Nick Webb's series. I have read David Bruns shorts, and I got a chance to read an ARC of Invincible. I am hooked. David does an outstanding job of writing the fight scenes, and introducing characters you could like. Unfortunately in war, keeping the characters alive doesn't always happen. This story ended where the sequel, Avenger by Chris Pourteau, starts.
Beware friends offering gifts.
Beware friends offering gifts.
December 19, 2018
In my opinion, the best part of this story was the space battle strategies. The various sides had varying issues and strengths with regard to their ships and battle strategies, and it was interesting to watch the characters come up with ways to take advantage of this. The battles were tense and had real stakes. There’s everything from multiple-ship combat to fighter combat to deck-to-deck boarding combat. All of it is creative and evocative.
The aliens are, so far, rather one-dimensional. Mostly they’re the standard mysterious, silent, faceless, deadly aliens. Only later on, when we come into contact with Baltasar again, do we get any sense of culture or personality. To be fair, it looks like they’ll improve (this book is a stand-alone prequel to a set of books I haven’t read, Nick Webb’s Legacy Fleet–I picked this book up in a StoryBundle) judging by some of the last bits in the book.
Some of the side characters are a bit flimsy; others are fine. It’s a bit of a mix where depth is concerned. Most of the politicians are awfully stereotypical.
All in all this is a really good read. Maybe I’ll have to look into the rest of the series this is a prequel to…
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2018/12/r...
The aliens are, so far, rather one-dimensional. Mostly they’re the standard mysterious, silent, faceless, deadly aliens. Only later on, when we come into contact with Baltasar again, do we get any sense of culture or personality. To be fair, it looks like they’ll improve (this book is a stand-alone prequel to a set of books I haven’t read, Nick Webb’s Legacy Fleet–I picked this book up in a StoryBundle) judging by some of the last bits in the book.
Some of the side characters are a bit flimsy; others are fine. It’s a bit of a mix where depth is concerned. Most of the politicians are awfully stereotypical.
All in all this is a really good read. Maybe I’ll have to look into the rest of the series this is a prequel to…
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2018/12/r...
September 22, 2017
This title was available for just $1.00 as part of a Kindle Worlds promotion so I thought I would give it a try. I could have sworn I read this before or something very similar to it: without having a spoiler the aliens invade the known human galaxy, they won’t communicate with us except through their human collaborators, the Americans and Russians put old feelings aside to join forces, and the Chinese are on the outs. Throw in a washed out former Navy pilot and his long-lost still Space Navy girlfriend in the middle of the action, and it was all familiar. Of course, the battle comes to a human resolution with impending doom at the end as the humans rebuild, with an opportunity to continue the series by purchasing another title.
I read a lot of science fiction and I’m at that point where I’m looking for some differentiation vs. the same storyline or intense, yet believable, battle scenes and future technologies. While this one was an ok read, I don’t think I will be along for the continuing episodes of this series.
I read a lot of science fiction and I’m at that point where I’m looking for some differentiation vs. the same storyline or intense, yet believable, battle scenes and future technologies. While this one was an ok read, I don’t think I will be along for the continuing episodes of this series.
March 4, 2017
Enjoyed
Great read c ant wait for the second book. The story line was very good and somewhat believable based on the way things go in this old world. Hope I remember this book whe n t h e time comes.
I M not one to fill up a compliment to get the magic submit what waits shortly in my future.
Great read c ant wait for the second book. The story line was very good and somewhat believable based on the way things go in this old world. Hope I remember this book whe n t h e time comes.
I M not one to fill up a compliment to get the magic submit what waits shortly in my future.
February 13, 2018
Good Reading !
First quarter a little slow ,but the story gathers steam and into the second half you really don't want to stop.
First quarter a little slow ,but the story gathers steam and into the second half you really don't want to stop.
June 28, 2020
Old school space military opera. Aliens heading towards us to take the planet over. Lots of battles, good people, suspense. What more could you want?
February 9, 2025
A very good read!
I mainly read military science fiction, and this book completely exemplifies the genre. The plot has enough twists to satisfy the most picky reader.
I mainly read military science fiction, and this book completely exemplifies the genre. The plot has enough twists to satisfy the most picky reader.
March 5, 2017
Great prequel to Nick Webb's trilogy
Bruns is an excellent author, and I really enjoyed his story set in the Legacy Fleet universe. It was great seeing the events of the First Swarm War played out. I can't wait to read the sequel, Avenger.
Bruns is an excellent author, and I really enjoyed his story set in the Legacy Fleet universe. It was great seeing the events of the First Swarm War played out. I can't wait to read the sequel, Avenger.
March 19, 2019
Silly fun
This was fast read and not very serious but sort of fun. The Solar system and human controlled space are a train wreck. The setup for the story was based on a colony support vessel being boarded mysteriously in interstellar space and embryos stolen with a crew member killed. Why is only one crew member awake at a time, isn't that dangerous? There's no big follow-up into what seems an impossible crime, while it points to alien action and implied some period of close observation of humanity by hostile forces.
The background universe includes four mentioned (but undefined) power centers on earth. Russia (a country, an empire or a regional bloc?), China (ditto), the Caliphate (ditto) and the U.S. (ditto). The four major powers seem to have colonies but the Caliphate has no navy, only the U.S. has shipyards and the moon and Mars are U.S. controlled? It's pretty skimpy. If it were more plausible, it would be easier to fill in the gaps for yourself as you read.
The rest of the planet (including India?) has no political/economic importance according to the U.S. president? How did these powers come into being and what does their power rest on? Does the U.S. build its rivals' naval units, exploration ships, merchant marine? How is exploration conducted and how were borders established. Is the U.S. president king of the solar system outside of the other three power centers or what? Why does the UEF sound like the U.S. fleet up to and including all English surnames and US navy ship names. Even the U.S. navy has a Nimitz and a Zumwalt, don't they?
The writer borrows heavily from Star Trek for the UEF but with none of the history (no matter how flawed) that puts a context to the story. The carriers acting as battleships and attack craft that don't have the range, speed or weapons load apparently to be attack craft, makes the carrier ship type fairly silly. It reads like Star Fleet meets Top Gun and it is kind of entertaining.
You get the sense of how the book is written. If it's read straight through without any thought, it's kind of fun without any real drama or character focus. I am thinking of trying the sequel to see how the aliens develop but I suspect that the plot and background holes will get worse, so I doubt that I would read a third book.
This was fast read and not very serious but sort of fun. The Solar system and human controlled space are a train wreck. The setup for the story was based on a colony support vessel being boarded mysteriously in interstellar space and embryos stolen with a crew member killed. Why is only one crew member awake at a time, isn't that dangerous? There's no big follow-up into what seems an impossible crime, while it points to alien action and implied some period of close observation of humanity by hostile forces.
The background universe includes four mentioned (but undefined) power centers on earth. Russia (a country, an empire or a regional bloc?), China (ditto), the Caliphate (ditto) and the U.S. (ditto). The four major powers seem to have colonies but the Caliphate has no navy, only the U.S. has shipyards and the moon and Mars are U.S. controlled? It's pretty skimpy. If it were more plausible, it would be easier to fill in the gaps for yourself as you read.
The rest of the planet (including India?) has no political/economic importance according to the U.S. president? How did these powers come into being and what does their power rest on? Does the U.S. build its rivals' naval units, exploration ships, merchant marine? How is exploration conducted and how were borders established. Is the U.S. president king of the solar system outside of the other three power centers or what? Why does the UEF sound like the U.S. fleet up to and including all English surnames and US navy ship names. Even the U.S. navy has a Nimitz and a Zumwalt, don't they?
The writer borrows heavily from Star Trek for the UEF but with none of the history (no matter how flawed) that puts a context to the story. The carriers acting as battleships and attack craft that don't have the range, speed or weapons load apparently to be attack craft, makes the carrier ship type fairly silly. It reads like Star Fleet meets Top Gun and it is kind of entertaining.
You get the sense of how the book is written. If it's read straight through without any thought, it's kind of fun without any real drama or character focus. I am thinking of trying the sequel to see how the aliens develop but I suspect that the plot and background holes will get worse, so I doubt that I would read a third book.
August 7, 2017
I often get a suggestion from Mitch Utsy, an SCA maven and reader who shares my taste in books, to catch a new mil-SF novel I've missed. His latest was an offering from a mutual friend, author Chris Pourteau. Chris' books were the second and third in reading-order in a trilogy, the Legacy Fleet series. I had no choice other than to buy them all and begin reading.
Hooked immediately by Book 1, I found myself thinking of previous series featuring epic-space-battles and strong women with strategic smarts. Honor Harrington, of course; but also Elizabeth Moon's Vatta and Serrano family sagas.
This Kindle Worlds shared-universe series gives us another satisfying helping of women warriors, demonstrating that duty, honor, and strategic thinking are not irrevocably linked to the male sex. It also brings back that classic concept of retro science fiction, alien bugs. (At least, I think it does. The alien opponents are called "Swarm" and operate as if they have a hive mind.)
UEF Invincible has the misfortune to encounter the initial ships of the Swarm during a live-fire exercise. Captain Baltasar is behaving very strangely, micro-managing instead of letting his XO, Addison Halsey, do the whip-and-carrot work with the crew. When Baltasar turns over fleet friend-or-foe ID codes to the oncoming Swarm, Halsey has a choice: watch her world die—or jump ship, recruit an ex-lover-turned space-pirate to aid her, and take on the alien fleet and the turncoat Invincible in a battle to save Earth.
The action is easy to follow—not always the case, especially if a novice writes a space battle. Bruns is obviously no neophyte. Politics back on Earth becomes a lot more complex than East vs. West, and even though the future of the soured romance between Halsey and her ex-lover is not hard to foresee, its course cannot follow the cliché. In Halsey's re-ordered world, where anyone may be an unsuspected traitor, strategy takes on a whole new aspect, and communication is vital to victory.
So, as always, is courage.
Liner Note: At the time of this review, the novel was available only in ebook format.
Hooked immediately by Book 1, I found myself thinking of previous series featuring epic-space-battles and strong women with strategic smarts. Honor Harrington, of course; but also Elizabeth Moon's Vatta and Serrano family sagas.
This Kindle Worlds shared-universe series gives us another satisfying helping of women warriors, demonstrating that duty, honor, and strategic thinking are not irrevocably linked to the male sex. It also brings back that classic concept of retro science fiction, alien bugs. (At least, I think it does. The alien opponents are called "Swarm" and operate as if they have a hive mind.)
UEF Invincible has the misfortune to encounter the initial ships of the Swarm during a live-fire exercise. Captain Baltasar is behaving very strangely, micro-managing instead of letting his XO, Addison Halsey, do the whip-and-carrot work with the crew. When Baltasar turns over fleet friend-or-foe ID codes to the oncoming Swarm, Halsey has a choice: watch her world die—or jump ship, recruit an ex-lover-turned space-pirate to aid her, and take on the alien fleet and the turncoat Invincible in a battle to save Earth.
The action is easy to follow—not always the case, especially if a novice writes a space battle. Bruns is obviously no neophyte. Politics back on Earth becomes a lot more complex than East vs. West, and even though the future of the soured romance between Halsey and her ex-lover is not hard to foresee, its course cannot follow the cliché. In Halsey's re-ordered world, where anyone may be an unsuspected traitor, strategy takes on a whole new aspect, and communication is vital to victory.
So, as always, is courage.
Liner Note: At the time of this review, the novel was available only in ebook format.
September 15, 2016
This is a fantastic read, taking place during the first Swarm attack... The book nestles nicely into the Legacy-verse between the stories started by Nick Webb, and expanded by Will Swardstrom, and Saul Tanpepper.
In this story Comander Addison (Addie) Halsey, aka Cannon Balls, joins up with an unlikely ally, a privateer who also happens to be her Ex. It's a desperate situation as they fight to retake the ISS Invincible from, her Swarm controlled Captain. Mankind's future hangs in the balance, and failure is NOT an option
So if you enjoyed Nick Webb's books, take the plunge and join the Legacy Fleet. You will not want to miss this one!
In this story Comander Addison (Addie) Halsey, aka Cannon Balls, joins up with an unlikely ally, a privateer who also happens to be her Ex. It's a desperate situation as they fight to retake the ISS Invincible from, her Swarm controlled Captain. Mankind's future hangs in the balance, and failure is NOT an option
So if you enjoyed Nick Webb's books, take the plunge and join the Legacy Fleet. You will not want to miss this one!
September 17, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
"Two words, Admiral: high jinks"
A fascinating insight into first contact with the Swarm and earthly attitudes towards it. There are a large number of players in this game and they are introduced to the reader in short, early chapters which slip past with dazzling speed. Yes, a little confusing, but well worth the short time invested as each also builds into the ongoing story. And this is high speed and very hard to put down. A great tale of daring do, courage and betrayal with lots of battle action
My only complaint is that there was almost too much in this book, themes touched upon then apparently abandoned. Like the eerily mysterious prologue which really left me wanting much more. I understand fully why it introduced the book but I almost wish it had not appeared here as I continued to fidget with it in my mind, wondering what happened to that ship and the rest of it's sleeping crew all those decades before the opening of the story. I hope that this line, too, will be continued, along with some of the other strands, in further books by the author.
My profound thanks to the author for gifting me with a complementary copy of this book. I would have purchased it for myself had not the Kind!e World books been available only to residents of the U.S.of A. As a second c!ass Amazon citizen living in England, therefore, Invincible was unavailable for me to buy and only the generosity of David Bruns has allowed me to enjoy it. To those who love science fiction and are in the fortunate position of being able to so, I can warmly recommend your buying this story. You won't be disappointed
"Two words, Admiral: high jinks"
A fascinating insight into first contact with the Swarm and earthly attitudes towards it. There are a large number of players in this game and they are introduced to the reader in short, early chapters which slip past with dazzling speed. Yes, a little confusing, but well worth the short time invested as each also builds into the ongoing story. And this is high speed and very hard to put down. A great tale of daring do, courage and betrayal with lots of battle action
My only complaint is that there was almost too much in this book, themes touched upon then apparently abandoned. Like the eerily mysterious prologue which really left me wanting much more. I understand fully why it introduced the book but I almost wish it had not appeared here as I continued to fidget with it in my mind, wondering what happened to that ship and the rest of it's sleeping crew all those decades before the opening of the story. I hope that this line, too, will be continued, along with some of the other strands, in further books by the author.
My profound thanks to the author for gifting me with a complementary copy of this book. I would have purchased it for myself had not the Kind!e World books been available only to residents of the U.S.of A. As a second c!ass Amazon citizen living in England, therefore, Invincible was unavailable for me to buy and only the generosity of David Bruns has allowed me to enjoy it. To those who love science fiction and are in the fortunate position of being able to so, I can warmly recommend your buying this story. You won't be disappointed
September 17, 2016
Invincible is an exciting Sci-Fi tale of the people of earth taking to space to explore and claim what they find for their own. Each nation has their own ships and do their own things, but when the Captain of the Invincible attacks a Russian ship for no reason things start to get interesting.
While the struggles and issue erupt in space things start getting crazy on Earth as the governments are up in arms about the unwarranted attack. Will this tear them apart, or will they ban together when Earth is threatened to preserve all of humanity?
This is a great story with amazing characters that have a ton of depth. I felt like I was along for the ride as I read and became immersed in the story. Bruns is a master story teller and I think this might be my favorite of his books, I really hope this series continues and I can't wait to see what comes next.
5 Stars
While the struggles and issue erupt in space things start getting crazy on Earth as the governments are up in arms about the unwarranted attack. Will this tear them apart, or will they ban together when Earth is threatened to preserve all of humanity?
This is a great story with amazing characters that have a ton of depth. I felt like I was along for the ride as I read and became immersed in the story. Bruns is a master story teller and I think this might be my favorite of his books, I really hope this series continues and I can't wait to see what comes next.
5 Stars
September 16, 2016
Even though I have not read the Legacy Fleet novels by Nick Webb I was easily able to understand and enjoy this book. Invincible is an interesting take on the beginning of the Swarm invasion and earths fight for survival.The author is talented at creating well developed characters and in depth world building.The characters are intriguing and I found myself immersed in the story from the first chapter.I rather enjoyed that each chapter was told I from a different pov.I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2016
This was a great addition to the Legacy stories. I read book 1 of the Legacy Fleet Trilogy right before reading Invincible. David Bruns did a great job, blending in perfectly. Great action, characters and story. I didn't want to put it down.
I have read and enjoyed other stories by David and jumped at the chance to review this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I can't wait to read more of the Legacy stories, both from David and Nick Webb.
I have read and enjoyed other stories by David and jumped at the chance to review this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I can't wait to read more of the Legacy stories, both from David and Nick Webb.
September 23, 2016
Swarm!
Based in a universe created by Nick Webb, this is the story about the beginning of the Swarm invasion of Earth. New characters, new situations, some really good space opera. Recommended!
Based in a universe created by Nick Webb, this is the story about the beginning of the Swarm invasion of Earth. New characters, new situations, some really good space opera. Recommended!
December 2, 2016
Non stop action
Having read Nick Webb's series of books, it was interesting to see the action of the first war. Seeing how the swarm attacked earth, with their sleeper agents becoming active. looking forward to book 2 Avenger
Having read Nick Webb's series of books, it was interesting to see the action of the first war. Seeing how the swarm attacked earth, with their sleeper agents becoming active. looking forward to book 2 Avenger
September 30, 2016
Excellent fit to Legacy Worlds
Very enjoyable. I was engrossed from the start and felt a bond to the characters right away. A bit more adult content would be appropriate.
Very enjoyable. I was engrossed from the start and felt a bond to the characters right away. A bit more adult content would be appropriate.
April 13, 2017
Another fantastic series for 2017 reading!
Thank you David Bruns for the this series. Am eagerly awaiting for more. I recommen for 2017 reading. A fan.
Thank you David Bruns for the this series. Am eagerly awaiting for more. I recommen for 2017 reading. A fan.
April 4, 2017
Keep your enemy closer than skin
When one meets an ungreetable alien foe in the contested home system just how do you begin to react? It's a real toss up when you find the exposed enemy has gotten more than skin deep in infitrating even your current foes on planet Earth. Where the FOOK did they come from with such swagger? Guess the new captain of the INVINCIBLE has her hands . Ya Think?
When one meets an ungreetable alien foe in the contested home system just how do you begin to react? It's a real toss up when you find the exposed enemy has gotten more than skin deep in infitrating even your current foes on planet Earth. Where the FOOK did they come from with such swagger? Guess the new captain of the INVINCIBLE has her hands . Ya Think?
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews