What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ember War Saga #8
The Crucible
The Xaros broke against Earth's defenses, but the war may be lost.
The alien ships of former allies rule Earth's skies, threatening to obliterate cities and turn the planet into a barren wasteland if humanity refuses their demands.
With their backs to the wall, the scattered crew of the Breitenfeld must work together to foil the enemy's plan before time runs out.
The path to freedom leads through THE CRUCIBLE.
The alien ships of former allies rule Earth's skies, threatening to obliterate cities and turn the planet into a barren wasteland if humanity refuses their demands.
With their backs to the wall, the scattered crew of the Breitenfeld must work together to foil the enemy's plan before time runs out.
The path to freedom leads through THE CRUCIBLE.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2016
573 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Richard Fox
131 books613 followersRichard Fox is a Nebula Award nominated author, and winner of the 2017 Dragon Award for Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy novel, author of The Ember War Saga, a military science fiction and space opera series, and other novels in the military history, thriller and space opera genres.
He lives in fabulous Las Vegas with his incredible wife and three boys, amazing children bent on anarchy.
He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) much to his surprise and spent ten years on active duty in the United States Army. He deployed on two combat tours to Iraq and received the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star and Presidential Unit Citation.
The Ember War Saga:
1. The Ember War
2. The Ruins of Anthalas
3. Blood of Heroes
4. Earth Defiant
5. The Gardens of Nibiru
6. Battle of the Void
7. The Siege of Earth
8. The Crucible
9. The Xaros Reckoning
Terran Armored Corps
1. Iron Dragoons
2. The Ibarra Sanction
3. The True Measure
4. A House Divided
5. The Last Aeon
6. Ferrum Corde
Terran Strike Marines
1. The Dotari Salvation
2. Rage of Winter
3. Valdar's Hammer
4. The Beast of Eridu
5. Gott Mit Uns
The Exiled Fleet:
1. Albion Lost
2. The Long March
3. Finest Hour
4. Point of Honor
The Terra Nova Chronicles
1. Terra Nova
2. Bloodlines
3. Wings of Redemption
4. Hale's War
Subscribe to Richard's spam free email list and get free short stories set during the Ember War Saga (and more as they become available) at: http://eepurl.com/bLj1gf
Like him on Facebook (best place to reach him): https://www.facebook.com/Richard-Fox-...
Website: www.richardfoxauthor.com
He lives in fabulous Las Vegas with his incredible wife and three boys, amazing children bent on anarchy.
He graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) much to his surprise and spent ten years on active duty in the United States Army. He deployed on two combat tours to Iraq and received the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star and Presidential Unit Citation.
The Ember War Saga:
1. The Ember War
2. The Ruins of Anthalas
3. Blood of Heroes
4. Earth Defiant
5. The Gardens of Nibiru
6. Battle of the Void
7. The Siege of Earth
8. The Crucible
9. The Xaros Reckoning
Terran Armored Corps
1. Iron Dragoons
2. The Ibarra Sanction
3. The True Measure
4. A House Divided
5. The Last Aeon
6. Ferrum Corde
Terran Strike Marines
1. The Dotari Salvation
2. Rage of Winter
3. Valdar's Hammer
4. The Beast of Eridu
5. Gott Mit Uns
The Exiled Fleet:
1. Albion Lost
2. The Long March
3. Finest Hour
4. Point of Honor
The Terra Nova Chronicles
1. Terra Nova
2. Bloodlines
3. Wings of Redemption
4. Hale's War
Subscribe to Richard's spam free email list and get free short stories set during the Ember War Saga (and more as they become available) at: http://eepurl.com/bLj1gf
Like him on Facebook (best place to reach him): https://www.facebook.com/Richard-Fox-...
Website: www.richardfoxauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 16, 2016
Good constant action, but not the end...
Fox repeats his tendency to stage almost constant battles, between which the protagonists discuss SOME of the unwilling changes that they must make to survive. The protagonists do not even know a quarter of the changes that the ally-sent Artificial Intelligence/probe and it's first contact, Marc plan for them. Marc, whose body died in the first "Ember War Saga" novel, continues to plot and plan because his memories and such were digitized, then uploaded into a partition within the Artificial Intelligence. Very interesting, but twisted, Marc's genius continues to manipulate humanity into the unwanted changes that he thinks will be necessary.
Within the storyline, most characters, on all sides of the conflicts that divide the galaxy are trying to overcome death in one way or another. The other characters find themselves facing immortality, whether they want it or not. One sergeant seems to have been reincarnated as a Xaros drone. Another prime character finds that she is unexpectedly inhabiting a mechanical form. A secret agent finds herself face to face with her own clone/successor...labeled as #5...which might indicate that the current secret agent COULD be #4. The enemy Xaros search for a safe galaxy, fleeing their home galaxy...which they themselves destroyed. It is just a coincidence that they hope to make our galaxy safe for THEM by exterminating each and every intelligent being currently living in our galaxy, including humanity. The Xaros already tried to exterminate humanity once, but just about a million humans survived that battle. The humans are fighting with any possible weapon they can find, including a sort of cloning process that creates replacement soldiers in nine days. The processed clones are furnished with memories of a full life, and are normal humans, otherwise. Humanity has also created a sort of "Incredible Hulk"...oversized, overmuscled, extremely loyal, but not the sharpest...
Fox introduces new races and civilizations in almost every novel, along with more advanced alien technology. The humans, naturally, adopt every advance they can find, borrow or steal.
There are several sub-plots within the first eight "Ember War Saga " novels. The chase for permanent and eternal life is a major occupation for members of every civilization. What sorts of crimes are these individuals or societies willing to commit in order to live forever? What sorts of crimes are they willing to commit to preserve their entire race, without the promise of eternal life as individuals. The second sub-plot is the social and personal changes that humanity makes to better survive the attempted extermination by the Xaros droneships.
Lots of great action as we race toward a conclusion AND the basic mysteries of life in one great military space opera series! I have really enjoyed the story so far! Highly Recommended: both the novel and the series. This is simply (but not simple) great space opera!
Fox repeats his tendency to stage almost constant battles, between which the protagonists discuss SOME of the unwilling changes that they must make to survive. The protagonists do not even know a quarter of the changes that the ally-sent Artificial Intelligence/probe and it's first contact, Marc plan for them. Marc, whose body died in the first "Ember War Saga" novel, continues to plot and plan because his memories and such were digitized, then uploaded into a partition within the Artificial Intelligence. Very interesting, but twisted, Marc's genius continues to manipulate humanity into the unwanted changes that he thinks will be necessary.
Within the storyline, most characters, on all sides of the conflicts that divide the galaxy are trying to overcome death in one way or another. The other characters find themselves facing immortality, whether they want it or not. One sergeant seems to have been reincarnated as a Xaros drone. Another prime character finds that she is unexpectedly inhabiting a mechanical form. A secret agent finds herself face to face with her own clone/successor...labeled as #5...which might indicate that the current secret agent COULD be #4. The enemy Xaros search for a safe galaxy, fleeing their home galaxy...which they themselves destroyed. It is just a coincidence that they hope to make our galaxy safe for THEM by exterminating each and every intelligent being currently living in our galaxy, including humanity. The Xaros already tried to exterminate humanity once, but just about a million humans survived that battle. The humans are fighting with any possible weapon they can find, including a sort of cloning process that creates replacement soldiers in nine days. The processed clones are furnished with memories of a full life, and are normal humans, otherwise. Humanity has also created a sort of "Incredible Hulk"...oversized, overmuscled, extremely loyal, but not the sharpest...
Fox introduces new races and civilizations in almost every novel, along with more advanced alien technology. The humans, naturally, adopt every advance they can find, borrow or steal.
There are several sub-plots within the first eight "Ember War Saga " novels. The chase for permanent and eternal life is a major occupation for members of every civilization. What sorts of crimes are these individuals or societies willing to commit in order to live forever? What sorts of crimes are they willing to commit to preserve their entire race, without the promise of eternal life as individuals. The second sub-plot is the social and personal changes that humanity makes to better survive the attempted extermination by the Xaros droneships.
Lots of great action as we race toward a conclusion AND the basic mysteries of life in one great military space opera series! I have really enjoyed the story so far! Highly Recommended: both the novel and the series. This is simply (but not simple) great space opera!
March 10, 2017
Ok up to today. Started getting confused with the character shifts.
I believe I would normally consider this to light reading. When I have to go back after a short period, and read a few pages to regain the story line. I enjoy your character creation. You obviously understand the Marine Corp well enough to read between the lines, and joke about the unspoken rules, known to all enlisted men ( and women)! As a retired officer, I am aware of most of the little games they play, and can enjoy the results, even if it sometimes includes an officer ( me).
I believe I would normally consider this to light reading. When I have to go back after a short period, and read a few pages to regain the story line. I enjoy your character creation. You obviously understand the Marine Corp well enough to read between the lines, and joke about the unspoken rules, known to all enlisted men ( and women)! As a retired officer, I am aware of most of the little games they play, and can enjoy the results, even if it sometimes includes an officer ( me).
March 15, 2019
lies and fallout
Earth is under attack again; from her saviors. with parts of the Earth destroyed and more of it's inhabitants murdered, Valdar and his crew seek to free Ibarra from his hacked prison and the future from one of slavery. of course, there are occasionally things that are out of his control.
I have to say, it is extremely difficult to put any of these books down. they are just that good
Earth is under attack again; from her saviors. with parts of the Earth destroyed and more of it's inhabitants murdered, Valdar and his crew seek to free Ibarra from his hacked prison and the future from one of slavery. of course, there are occasionally things that are out of his control.
I have to say, it is extremely difficult to put any of these books down. they are just that good
March 21, 2019
Aș vrea să zic că a fost mai bun volumul ăsta în comparație cu precedentul, dar s-ar putea să fiu influențat că văd linia de sosire din ce în ce mai aproape. Cu siguranță n-a fost cea mai bună idee să le iau la rând pe fast-forward, dar nici nu simt că am pierdut experiența unei capodopere literale. Cu toate astea, uite-mă aici cu al 9-lea volum început, deci ceva-ceva tot m-a agățat.
April 23, 2023
backstabbed!
It’s amazing to me how all the species seem to want to stab each other in the back lol. I guess it gets easier when you think about how many species have already died but you’d also think about now how much easier it would be to just be Allie’s and help each other against a common foe!
It’s amazing to me how all the species seem to want to stab each other in the back lol. I guess it gets easier when you think about how many species have already died but you’d also think about now how much easier it would be to just be Allie’s and help each other against a common foe!
September 14, 2017
Another cliffhanger ending?
Well the interstellar war continues. The Xaros are a colossal pain because they just wondering the quit. But they haven't dealt with human stubbornness enough to be worried. And they should be very worried.
Well the interstellar war continues. The Xaros are a colossal pain because they just wondering the quit. But they haven't dealt with human stubbornness enough to be worried. And they should be very worried.
February 6, 2019
Nice read
Captain Valdar and the crew of the Breitenfeld deliver another interesting chapter in the fight against the Xaros' relentless march across the Milky Way Galaxy. I'm off to see what happens in the next book.
Captain Valdar and the crew of the Breitenfeld deliver another interesting chapter in the fight against the Xaros' relentless march across the Milky Way Galaxy. I'm off to see what happens in the next book.
April 8, 2019
Not bad. I kind of wish we'd been able to catch a breath after the Xaros siege of Earth, but I appreciated how Fox developed the two new alien species who betrayed us, especially the half-water half-land species. Just one more book to go and we're done with the entire series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2019
A good series
This series is so good I had to read it again. I’m happy not having to wait for the next book to be released. It has great character and an interesting storyline with lots of action and intrigue
This series is so good I had to read it again. I’m happy not having to wait for the next book to be released. It has great character and an interesting storyline with lots of action and intrigue
November 20, 2021
Modern science fiction has a master of epic proportions
Modern science has a master of epic proportions this series has been brilliant quality reading and writing. I have not encountered this before and turns into a world where we can become a viewer of a struggle for survival
Modern science has a master of epic proportions this series has been brilliant quality reading and writing. I have not encountered this before and turns into a world where we can become a viewer of a struggle for survival
August 17, 2024
Great book love the story and the narration love the book series this is the second time I have listened to this book I highly recommend listening to this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This’s is the third time I have listened to it 👍😀
This’s is the third time I have listened to it 👍😀
November 5, 2025
This series keeps getting better
Haven't done any reviews except for the first book but man, does this series keep getting better. The only thing that keeps me from sad that i'm almost at the end is all the other side Novels to this main series.
Haven't done any reviews except for the first book but man, does this series keep getting better. The only thing that keeps me from sad that i'm almost at the end is all the other side Novels to this main series.
July 6, 2017
Almost to the end. Sorry to see it go in one more book but he's already starting on another series.
August 5, 2017
Better than the last few
September 20, 2017
Just great!
Another great book in the Ember Wars series. I really can't say enough good things about this series. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Another great book in the Ember Wars series. I really can't say enough good things about this series. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
September 30, 2017
Action packed!!
October 7, 2017
starting book 9 as soon as I can 😁😁
March 4, 2018
Another great book in the series
September 25, 2018
Lots of fun sci-fi action...
Lots of fun sci-fi action along with a great, always evolving story. Each books brings you cleverly closer to the questions that need to be answered.
Lots of fun sci-fi action along with a great, always evolving story. Each books brings you cleverly closer to the questions that need to be answered.
April 4, 2019
One more to go and then I’ll be able to truly
say how good this series was.
About this audiobook, same as the rest a beautiful creation no boring stuff just perfect.
Recommended !!!
say how good this series was.
About this audiobook, same as the rest a beautiful creation no boring stuff just perfect.
Recommended !!!
September 29, 2019
Very well done!!!!!
I loved the entire series... well written.... always exciting
Especially liked the wrap up by Torni....a nice touch you don’t often see
I loved the entire series... well written.... always exciting
Especially liked the wrap up by Torni....a nice touch you don’t often see
January 31, 2020
I read this entire series and all I can say is its probably my favorite sci-fi series out there.
July 20, 2020
5/5 Stars
August 2, 2017
I have loved the series, but it is honestly dragging on a little at this point. I was just ready to get to the final battle, or final final battle. Whatever. I think the whole Toth book could have been dropped to move the story along faster. Again, love the series, just a little too long.
October 2, 2016
The battle continues
We see the forces of earth have been ordered to surrender, but some troops are still fighting. Hales and his team are once again in the thick of it. They must fight against a new enemy, who was expected to be a ally. Looking forward to reading the expected final book next month.
We see the forces of earth have been ordered to surrender, but some troops are still fighting. Hales and his team are once again in the thick of it. They must fight against a new enemy, who was expected to be a ally. Looking forward to reading the expected final book next month.
February 20, 2017
Another strong entry in the series, this takes the #1 spot in my guilty pleasure space opera series right now.
October 13, 2016
Quick Enjoyable Read Continues Series
"The Crucible, The Ember War Saga Book 8," continues the series, with a quick, enjoyable read. It's not perfect, a few hiccups with the writing, but nothing that would break a reader's stride.
The involved storyline has Earth and its few allies, battling treacherous, once thought allies, aliens over control of the "Crucible," a recently captured wormhole gate near Earth. The "Strike Marines," characters throughout the series return, perform their daring deeds, and create a chuckle or two along the way.
It's a fun read, but not a true stand alone eBook. The storyline and plots are too far along and interwoven, for full understanding, without having read the earlier series eBooks.
Hence, a lost star in the rating system.
Writing is adequate, as is both editing and proofreading. The length of the series (Book 8, come on, really?) is a negative drag, another reason for only a 3-star rating. A decent series is ok, but why, other than short sighted greed, does EVERY eBook author seem to think length equates to quality? Personally, I read SciFi for entertainment and enjoyment-NOT for a reading marathon.
The eBook is recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"The Crucible, The Ember War Saga Book 8," continues the series, with a quick, enjoyable read. It's not perfect, a few hiccups with the writing, but nothing that would break a reader's stride.
The involved storyline has Earth and its few allies, battling treacherous, once thought allies, aliens over control of the "Crucible," a recently captured wormhole gate near Earth. The "Strike Marines," characters throughout the series return, perform their daring deeds, and create a chuckle or two along the way.
It's a fun read, but not a true stand alone eBook. The storyline and plots are too far along and interwoven, for full understanding, without having read the earlier series eBooks.
Hence, a lost star in the rating system.
Writing is adequate, as is both editing and proofreading. The length of the series (Book 8, come on, really?) is a negative drag, another reason for only a 3-star rating. A decent series is ok, but why, other than short sighted greed, does EVERY eBook author seem to think length equates to quality? Personally, I read SciFi for entertainment and enjoyment-NOT for a reading marathon.
The eBook is recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
October 11, 2016
Great series continues
Mr. Fox is a great writer. I've enjoyed this series and look forward to the next chapter. Author has great character development and story line continuity.
Mr. Fox is a great writer. I've enjoyed this series and look forward to the next chapter. Author has great character development and story line continuity.
October 24, 2016
AAAAAHHHH
Its just as good as every other book in the series if your looking for more of the same goodness here it is.
Its just as good as every other book in the series if your looking for more of the same goodness here it is.
December 5, 2016
Excellent read
This was another very good read in this series and it has yet to become old like some will start to use the same type battles in different areas. Plenty of action.
This was another very good read in this series and it has yet to become old like some will start to use the same type battles in different areas. Plenty of action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews