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Angel in the Whirlwind #4
Desperate Fire
In the fourth and final book in speculative-fiction master Christopher G. Nuttall’s Angel in the Whirlwind series, an epic battle pits the survival of hope against the locus of destruction.
As the Commonwealth produces more starships and increases recruits, victory begins to slip from Theocratic control. This can only make the Theocracy more desperate to win…and more dangerous to fight.
After a mission to liberate an occupied planet ends in nuclear devastation, Kat Falcone—now a commodore in command of HMS Queen Elizabeth—sees firsthand just how far the enemy will go. Suddenly dealing with the war effort and a humanitarian crisis, many in the Commonwealth want a truce. Kat wants something else: to crush the Theocracy outright—and quickly.
Kat devises Operation Hammer, an all-out assault on the enemy home planet, Ahura Mazda. It is a bold and risky plan, but the enemy has revealed there can be no middle ground. Can Kat break the galactic stalemate and deal a death blow to the Theocracy? As two empires prepare to fight the largest space battle in history, Kat must trust her instincts to save her people and avoid oblivion.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 30, 2017
Tense action and dangerous outcomes!
Despite some Commonwealth opposition, the final showdown with the Theocracy is given full approval after the true madness of that Empire's reactions to loss are revealed. The harsh reality is exposed when the Theocracy explodes seeded nuclear devices on an occupied planet just as the Commonwealth is set to liberate it, ensuring the planet and its inhabitants to total destruction. Kat is left handling a humanitarian crisis on one hand and the political ramifications on the other.
Operation Hammer is devised. Kat Falconer as a Commodore of the fleet and second-in-charge will have to call on all the cunning, stealth, and giftedness she has in the final showdown. The Commonwealth takes the fight to the very centre of the Theocracy's domain--to their home planet Ahura Mazda. The battle will be hard fought. Lives will be lost and treachery is a heartbeat away. The true madness of the fanatical leaders actions will continue to be exposed.
Kat is facing some of the hardest moments of her life, both on the personal and professional front.
The resolution left me with similar feelings I had at certain times in the Honor Harrington series. I found myself hanging on the edge of remorse and frustration, and relief that there would be more to come.
Another grand and surprising finish to Kat's ongoing challenges.
A NetGalley ARC
Despite some Commonwealth opposition, the final showdown with the Theocracy is given full approval after the true madness of that Empire's reactions to loss are revealed. The harsh reality is exposed when the Theocracy explodes seeded nuclear devices on an occupied planet just as the Commonwealth is set to liberate it, ensuring the planet and its inhabitants to total destruction. Kat is left handling a humanitarian crisis on one hand and the political ramifications on the other.
Operation Hammer is devised. Kat Falconer as a Commodore of the fleet and second-in-charge will have to call on all the cunning, stealth, and giftedness she has in the final showdown. The Commonwealth takes the fight to the very centre of the Theocracy's domain--to their home planet Ahura Mazda. The battle will be hard fought. Lives will be lost and treachery is a heartbeat away. The true madness of the fanatical leaders actions will continue to be exposed.
Kat is facing some of the hardest moments of her life, both on the personal and professional front.
The resolution left me with similar feelings I had at certain times in the Honor Harrington series. I found myself hanging on the edge of remorse and frustration, and relief that there would be more to come.
Another grand and surprising finish to Kat's ongoing challenges.
A NetGalley ARC
June 12, 2017
This is book four in the Angel in the Whirlwind Series. It is best to read the series in order. Our protagonist is Kat Falcone. She is now a Commodore in command of the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Kat devises Operation Hammer which is an all-out assault on Ahura Mazda, the Theocracy’s home world. The Commonwealth is determined to end the war after the Theocracy destroyed a world and all its inhabitances just because they were losing control of the planet to the Commonwealth.
The book is well written and the pace is fast. The story is non-stop action with some humor tossed in. The story has lots of space and ground battles. Nuttall builds on the key characters with each edition. In this story Kat loses a lot of people close to her when there was a strike against her family. I thought this was the last book in the series but the ending seems to be a set up for another book. The book is a fun read and a great get- away- from- it- all book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about thirteen hours long. Lauren Ezzo does a great job narrating the book. Ezzo is a voice over artist and audiobook narrator. She has narrated the entire series to date.
The book is well written and the pace is fast. The story is non-stop action with some humor tossed in. The story has lots of space and ground battles. Nuttall builds on the key characters with each edition. In this story Kat loses a lot of people close to her when there was a strike against her family. I thought this was the last book in the series but the ending seems to be a set up for another book. The book is a fun read and a great get- away- from- it- all book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about thirteen hours long. Lauren Ezzo does a great job narrating the book. Ezzo is a voice over artist and audiobook narrator. She has narrated the entire series to date.
June 15, 2017
This is the fourth and final book in the Angel in The Whirlwind series. Every good thing has to come to an end. Well it is the final book in the current story arc at least and given how much Kat has advanced in ranks the last two books I think it would be difficult for the author to write any more books where it is all about Kat.
As can be deduced from the book blurb the religious fanatics (hmm, these guys remind me about someone…) are about to get their arses kicked so they of course do what religious fanatics always does. Throws more things that go boom around themselves and kill more people and it really matters very little whether the people killed are the enemy or their own. Luckily Kat & Co is not a “lead from behind” person so the response is not exactly what the religious dickwads was expecting.
Actually I was a bit worried from the blurb that there would be a lot of political bullshit about whether to accept peace etc. etc. blabla and so on but luckily this was not the case.
Kat is back, of course, and so are most of her friends. However, due to the responsibilities heaped onto her, she is not really the main character she was in most of the previous book. I kind of miss the old Kat that was the Captain of a single ship and had a hands on role in most operations.
The books is as excellently written as the previous ones. Great characters, good action and just the right amount of “glue” tying the various bits and pieces together. From a technical point of view this book is just as good as the other ones in the series.
So I guess you are wondering why I gave this book one star less? Well, this is really due to reasons of personal taste. I missed a bit that Kat was no longer the centerpiece in the same way as before. There was also quite some time spent on the humanitarian crisis after the religious fuckfaces (trust me, they deserve that epitet) screwed everything upp. Yes, this was quite realistic, well written and I am sure that a lot of people liked those parts. Me personally…not so much. Finally I felt that I, or rather Kat I guess, was being robbed from the joy of giving the religious fanatics the ass whopping they deserved by some tragic events in the final chapters of the book.
So the final verdict is that this is a book that is at least as good as the rest of the books in the series but one that I, due to personal taste, was a little less thrilled about than the other books in the series. I did still find it a very good book though.
As can be deduced from the book blurb the religious fanatics (hmm, these guys remind me about someone…) are about to get their arses kicked so they of course do what religious fanatics always does. Throws more things that go boom around themselves and kill more people and it really matters very little whether the people killed are the enemy or their own. Luckily Kat & Co is not a “lead from behind” person so the response is not exactly what the religious dickwads was expecting.
Actually I was a bit worried from the blurb that there would be a lot of political bullshit about whether to accept peace etc. etc. blabla and so on but luckily this was not the case.
Kat is back, of course, and so are most of her friends. However, due to the responsibilities heaped onto her, she is not really the main character she was in most of the previous book. I kind of miss the old Kat that was the Captain of a single ship and had a hands on role in most operations.
The books is as excellently written as the previous ones. Great characters, good action and just the right amount of “glue” tying the various bits and pieces together. From a technical point of view this book is just as good as the other ones in the series.
So I guess you are wondering why I gave this book one star less? Well, this is really due to reasons of personal taste. I missed a bit that Kat was no longer the centerpiece in the same way as before. There was also quite some time spent on the humanitarian crisis after the religious fuckfaces (trust me, they deserve that epitet) screwed everything upp. Yes, this was quite realistic, well written and I am sure that a lot of people liked those parts. Me personally…not so much. Finally I felt that I, or rather Kat I guess, was being robbed from the joy of giving the religious fanatics the ass whopping they deserved by some tragic events in the final chapters of the book.
So the final verdict is that this is a book that is at least as good as the rest of the books in the series but one that I, due to personal taste, was a little less thrilled about than the other books in the series. I did still find it a very good book though.
November 12, 2023
It's hard for me to rate this book, having read an entire series that described events after this series. The future books were fine of themselves. These books would be fine if read before the others. But, reading them out of sequence, as I have, there is something not quite right, perhaps it was just knowing the future. Still, I think it is more. The war was brutal, as was the enemy, the Theocracy. The events did not climax, but just piled up on each other. In a way, it was just history, not an exciting story.
May 26, 2017
Once again Kat Falcone helps save the day but not without a very big cost. The Theocracy has shown that they will not hesitate to devastate an entire planet rather than give it up. Operation Hammer is an assault on Ahura Mazd, the home planet of the Theocracy. This massive operation is seen as the only way to both stop and win the war. Kat pays a massive personal price for the victory while at home an equally massive strike hits her family. This is space opera on a grand scale. Start at the beginning to follow Kat as she fights battle after battle. While this is the last book in the Angel in the Whirlwind arc Kat will be back in another series soon.
September 13, 2017
Great series
Enjoyed this series of books, was expecting that the heroine would not have it all at the end. But looking forward to seeing what the author has instore for her.
Enjoyed this series of books, was expecting that the heroine would not have it all at the end. But looking forward to seeing what the author has instore for her.
June 19, 2017
It is difficult to write anything about this book without being spoiler-y. What with it being, as the book description says ‘the fourth and final book in . . . series’ ()
Writing seemed good. I sometimes lost track of what the spaceships were doing, but for the most part seemed adequate. Somewhat better, overall, story than the one that occurred in the previous book in the series. One thing that I ‘saw’, an ‘event’ that I knew was going to happen occurred as expected – there was a little too heavy handed foreshadowing there (though a different event came out of the blue for me, though it was foreshadowed . . . three words before it occurred) – it’s a war book, what happens in a war book? But I’ll put behind spoiler tag that ).
Sex occurred again. Still mostly described in a ‘and they had sex’ way and less in a graphic way, though there were a few borderline scenes there.
I mean, really, what can I say? I keep thinking of things, but I can’t even hint at the plot, even the beginning plot, because – spoiler (less for this book here, since it builds from the prior books, but for the series as a whole). Um. The people from the prior books continue to advance in their military careers, the war continues. Misogyny and religious fanaticism continues. Including a bit of terrorism.
Oh – one thing I can think of that I think I can say without being spoiler-y. There’s a vague feeling of ‘long ago there was an expansion of the human race – out to the stars. The UN tried to control everything. Things fell apart. The ‘Break-away’ wars occurred, though the main ‘good guys’ star system, was not involved in the ‘Break-away’ wars because of its good solid foundation. Somewhere before, during, or shortly after these break-away wars, the Commonwealth was formed (oh, and during the wars Earth was made uninhabitable). Long . . . long ago. When the current king of Commonwealth’s father was king. So not that really long ago. Really.’ That’s the part I get confused about. How there’s this vague feeling of ‘here’s the history – this stuff happened way in the past.’ Oh, actually, I meant in the prior generation.’ Is it long long ago, or super recent past? No matter. All this stuff occurred before this book here and didn’t really impact the series.
Um. Right. So. Boring review.
Rating: 4.0
June 19 2017
Writing seemed good. I sometimes lost track of what the spaceships were doing, but for the most part seemed adequate. Somewhat better, overall, story than the one that occurred in the previous book in the series. One thing that I ‘saw’, an ‘event’ that I knew was going to happen occurred as expected – there was a little too heavy handed foreshadowing there (though a different event came out of the blue for me, though it was foreshadowed . . . three words before it occurred) – it’s a war book, what happens in a war book? But I’ll put behind spoiler tag that ).
Sex occurred again. Still mostly described in a ‘and they had sex’ way and less in a graphic way, though there were a few borderline scenes there.
I mean, really, what can I say? I keep thinking of things, but I can’t even hint at the plot, even the beginning plot, because – spoiler (less for this book here, since it builds from the prior books, but for the series as a whole). Um. The people from the prior books continue to advance in their military careers, the war continues. Misogyny and religious fanaticism continues. Including a bit of terrorism.
Oh – one thing I can think of that I think I can say without being spoiler-y. There’s a vague feeling of ‘long ago there was an expansion of the human race – out to the stars. The UN tried to control everything. Things fell apart. The ‘Break-away’ wars occurred, though the main ‘good guys’ star system, was not involved in the ‘Break-away’ wars because of its good solid foundation. Somewhere before, during, or shortly after these break-away wars, the Commonwealth was formed (oh, and during the wars Earth was made uninhabitable). Long . . . long ago. When the current king of Commonwealth’s father was king. So not that really long ago. Really.’ That’s the part I get confused about. How there’s this vague feeling of ‘here’s the history – this stuff happened way in the past.’ Oh, actually, I meant in the prior generation.’ Is it long long ago, or super recent past? No matter. All this stuff occurred before this book here and didn’t really impact the series.
Um. Right. So. Boring review.
Rating: 4.0
June 19 2017
July 23, 2017
This would have been a good book with a good plot. However, half the book is about hammering home the author's opinion on religious zealots, human nature, and immigrant crises. I don't mind if an author incorporates today's problems into his book. The sci-fi genre is known to have that. But, this was clearly too much, and a lot of it was through character internalization which disrupted the plot and slowed its advance considerably. Furthermore, the Empire Corp's book #13 more or less revolve around the same religion and immigrant issues.
As of now, I'm seriously disinterested in the next arc.
As of now, I'm seriously disinterested in the next arc.
August 23, 2019
Whilst much of this series was pretty generic, and its lead character ultimately a little too perfect and bland, the logistics of space warfare (all warfare) being about supply chains and infrasructure. It also looks at the victory conditions if your opponents are fanatics who care little for preservation of their own peoples lives. So on the one hand the allegory for current religious fanatics is always too uncomfortable, but it is also critical about anything that might look like the perfection of the "good" side - colonialists in their own way. Ultimately enjoyable pulp with a tiny bit of something going on.
September 19, 2023
I enjoyed it
I do have a number of issues with this book, but regardless, I enjoyed it.
There are a number of continuity errors. In the first book, it was the 7th fleet that was attacked at Cadiz, but it is constantly referred to as the 5th fleet. At the beginning of the series, it is stated that Kat is 29. In this book, at least 18 months afterward, she is again referred to being 29. She is actually 30/31.
The dialogue and character development is relatively basic, but if you're used to CGN books, then it's fine.
This whole series is full of war crimes and atrocities but lacks the wordplay to make you feel anything.
I do have a number of issues with this book, but regardless, I enjoyed it.
There are a number of continuity errors. In the first book, it was the 7th fleet that was attacked at Cadiz, but it is constantly referred to as the 5th fleet. At the beginning of the series, it is stated that Kat is 29. In this book, at least 18 months afterward, she is again referred to being 29. She is actually 30/31.
The dialogue and character development is relatively basic, but if you're used to CGN books, then it's fine.
This whole series is full of war crimes and atrocities but lacks the wordplay to make you feel anything.
February 29, 2020
Good action ending to the series, although it left things unsaid. I was sure it'd be the king who was Admiral Morrison's patron, but that was left unanswered, along with several other things.
Frankly, it got a bit racist too. Like hardcore Islamophobia. I get the bad guys weren't labelled as such, but there were massive lengths taken to compare this fictional regime. It was a lot less distasteful in the previous books.
If I have to read the word spacehead one more time, even in the context of my own review, I'm going to tear my hair out. It was so stoopid, and that's stupid with two oo's. I get changing some words to make them more futuristic, and I was willing to accept that people no longer said clock or watch, but spacehead was repeated about a hundred times to describe a beachhead. Everybody knows what a beachhead is, it's standard parlance and just because it's sci-fi it doesn't need to be called a spacehead... which didn't even make sense as it always referred to a ground landing. You don't call a beachhead a seahead, so even if you say it's because they attacked from orbit it still made no sense.
Which brings me to repetition. The word above that I don't want to type again came up a LOT, like multiple times a paragraph at some points... would it have killed him to replace it with landing or something once or twice? More than that minor irrelevance though, I dislike when military sci-fi authors (the ones I notice doing this a lot), reuse identical phrases and thought patterns across multiple characters. This is all the worse when the characters are from entirely different worlds, and not just different planets, but cultures so different and kept so entirely apart that using identical descriptive phrases feels totally incongruous. One example would be the description of the 'Mark I Eyeball' as a witty comment on what the eye can't see compared to modern scanners. It's a very specific internal joke that is used by both a highborn (let's just say it) Islamist Admiral, and a poor Marine, independently and always internally.
But yea, I enjoyed this series but this last book wasn't up to snuff. Still... happy enough to have read it.
Frankly, it got a bit racist too. Like hardcore Islamophobia. I get the bad guys weren't labelled as such, but there were massive lengths taken to compare this fictional regime. It was a lot less distasteful in the previous books.
If I have to read the word spacehead one more time, even in the context of my own review, I'm going to tear my hair out. It was so stoopid, and that's stupid with two oo's. I get changing some words to make them more futuristic, and I was willing to accept that people no longer said clock or watch, but spacehead was repeated about a hundred times to describe a beachhead. Everybody knows what a beachhead is, it's standard parlance and just because it's sci-fi it doesn't need to be called a spacehead... which didn't even make sense as it always referred to a ground landing. You don't call a beachhead a seahead, so even if you say it's because they attacked from orbit it still made no sense.
Which brings me to repetition. The word above that I don't want to type again came up a LOT, like multiple times a paragraph at some points... would it have killed him to replace it with landing or something once or twice? More than that minor irrelevance though, I dislike when military sci-fi authors (the ones I notice doing this a lot), reuse identical phrases and thought patterns across multiple characters. This is all the worse when the characters are from entirely different worlds, and not just different planets, but cultures so different and kept so entirely apart that using identical descriptive phrases feels totally incongruous. One example would be the description of the 'Mark I Eyeball' as a witty comment on what the eye can't see compared to modern scanners. It's a very specific internal joke that is used by both a highborn (let's just say it) Islamist Admiral, and a poor Marine, independently and always internally.
But yea, I enjoyed this series but this last book wasn't up to snuff. Still... happy enough to have read it.
October 3, 2025
After months of first defeat then stalemate, the Commonwealth has finally built up a fleet that can attack deep into the Theocracy. Unfortunately, atrocities by the enemy complicate the decision matrix of the Commonwealth significantly.
This book shows the some of the perils of series with a very wide field of view. In a fleet engagement, the actions of any particular character are not usually all that important. To change that, you have to be both very careful and very skilled. Unfortunately, I felt rather disconnected from the story here.
Specific problems include that the Commonwealth didn't have a policy to deal with the kind of atrocities that start this book (and continue throughout). It's not like they should have been a surprise, given all the stuff even in the first book. And while there were attempts to personalize the events of the book, they felt either arbitrary or outside the core of the story.
On the good side, we have a series that is taken to a real conclusion. Sure there is a suggestion that there will be a second story arc, but the main stories here are wound up. Unfortunately, the protagonists have too little agency and the climax is abrupt and unsatisfying. This is the weakest book in the series and reduces my opinion of the series as a whole. The series isn't terrible, but there are much better MilSF series out there, even if only considering series with a political and naval focus.
This book shows the some of the perils of series with a very wide field of view. In a fleet engagement, the actions of any particular character are not usually all that important. To change that, you have to be both very careful and very skilled. Unfortunately, I felt rather disconnected from the story here.
Specific problems include that the Commonwealth didn't have a policy to deal with the kind of atrocities that start this book (and continue throughout). It's not like they should have been a surprise, given all the stuff even in the first book. And while there were attempts to personalize the events of the book, they felt either arbitrary or outside the core of the story.
On the good side, we have a series that is taken to a real conclusion. Sure there is a suggestion that there will be a second story arc, but the main stories here are wound up. Unfortunately, the protagonists have too little agency and the climax is abrupt and unsatisfying. This is the weakest book in the series and reduces my opinion of the series as a whole. The series isn't terrible, but there are much better MilSF series out there, even if only considering series with a political and naval focus.
March 14, 2021
I've read the entire series, But my conclusion is that this final installment is the most praiseworthy. Here, the author manages to subvert the standard tropes we come to expect from total-war space opera dramas. Instead of a desperate struggle against knife-edge odds with only the most narrow chance of victory, here the 'good guys' start the book with all the advantages. The open-minded, scientifically literate (though not democratic) society mobilizes much more efficiently than the backwards tyranny of religious fanatics who quarantine knowledge like a pathogen and oppress women.
Speaking of women, the main character and her personal drama is deftly woven into the center of the story's tension. From the beginning, we can see that her side maintains an overwhelming advantage, largely due to Kat's own efforts. The tension isn't in whether the good guys will win the war, but who must die to bring victory about? How desperate will the maniacal theocracy become as they tear down the mantle of civilization as it pertains to age-old rules of war? The larger victory for your nation need not always be a personal victory. And keeping the focus personal is excellent for building that attachment to the characters that good drama thrives on.
Speaking of women, the main character and her personal drama is deftly woven into the center of the story's tension. From the beginning, we can see that her side maintains an overwhelming advantage, largely due to Kat's own efforts. The tension isn't in whether the good guys will win the war, but who must die to bring victory about? How desperate will the maniacal theocracy become as they tear down the mantle of civilization as it pertains to age-old rules of war? The larger victory for your nation need not always be a personal victory. And keeping the focus personal is excellent for building that attachment to the characters that good drama thrives on.
June 13, 2017
I treat Christopher Nuttall books like popcorn - they are fun reads, not necessarily deep, but as he matures as a writer you see a degree of thoughtfulness that is emerging more and more.
I've read Angel in the Whirlwind #3 and #4 back to back, and overall am finding that Nuttall is channeling (or perhaps parodying) David Weber less and less. Kat Falcone started out as a clear expy of Honor Harrington, but over time the character has gained substance.
The problem with Nuttall's book is that he needs to stop the process of deconstruction and start building stories where the characterization of characters, especially secondary characters, is deeper. I've enjoyed his Emily stories in part because the story has moved beyond the magical schoolgirl and into territory where the protagonist is dealing more with adult issues, even as the themes that he explores - proxies of historical incidents - become more complex.
So, with respect to the Angel in the Whirlwind, it was an interesting read, but now that he's completed the arc, I actually am just beginning to get interested in the protagonist as a solid character.
I've read Angel in the Whirlwind #3 and #4 back to back, and overall am finding that Nuttall is channeling (or perhaps parodying) David Weber less and less. Kat Falcone started out as a clear expy of Honor Harrington, but over time the character has gained substance.
The problem with Nuttall's book is that he needs to stop the process of deconstruction and start building stories where the characterization of characters, especially secondary characters, is deeper. I've enjoyed his Emily stories in part because the story has moved beyond the magical schoolgirl and into territory where the protagonist is dealing more with adult issues, even as the themes that he explores - proxies of historical incidents - become more complex.
So, with respect to the Angel in the Whirlwind, it was an interesting read, but now that he's completed the arc, I actually am just beginning to get interested in the protagonist as a solid character.
March 24, 2019
Commodore Falcone get's sent forward to end the war after a war crime of staggering proportion.
The book goes back to a similar style to book 2. It keeps a good pace and does not waste time with over convoluted plots. It's war, fascinating, horrible and necessary.
Spoiler below.
Now that I have finished the 4 first books, the plot to start the war, kill Duke Falcone and leak classified information. Who did it?
I think the King did it. He was made commander in chief when war broke out, he needed Duke Falcone to win the war but he needed Duke Falcone to no not find out what he had done. He needs a war hero to back him when he makes a move for power. So he promotes Kat ahead of her seniority. So he makes her the war hero he needs.
It reminds me of Emperor Nero, Nero had General Corbulo supporting him, Corbulo was considered the finest general of his age. Within a year of his suicide ordered by Nero, revolts broke out everywhere.
The king is trying to make Kat into his Corbulo. Who would be silly enough to go up against Kat Falcone. Admiral Falcone now....nobody and thus the King can assume dictatorial power of Tyre. For the good of the people ofcourse.
The book goes back to a similar style to book 2. It keeps a good pace and does not waste time with over convoluted plots. It's war, fascinating, horrible and necessary.
Spoiler below.
Now that I have finished the 4 first books, the plot to start the war, kill Duke Falcone and leak classified information. Who did it?
I think the King did it. He was made commander in chief when war broke out, he needed Duke Falcone to win the war but he needed Duke Falcone to no not find out what he had done. He needs a war hero to back him when he makes a move for power. So he promotes Kat ahead of her seniority. So he makes her the war hero he needs.
It reminds me of Emperor Nero, Nero had General Corbulo supporting him, Corbulo was considered the finest general of his age. Within a year of his suicide ordered by Nero, revolts broke out everywhere.
The king is trying to make Kat into his Corbulo. Who would be silly enough to go up against Kat Falcone. Admiral Falcone now....nobody and thus the King can assume dictatorial power of Tyre. For the good of the people ofcourse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2017
This is a classic space opera finale and overall I think it was fairly well done, although I’m not sure why the author decided to inflict all the personnel losses on Kat, unless it was to set up a new storyline for a future book.
There were a few minor irritations with the story. For example, the continual discussions about what the Theocracy would and wouldn’t do. They had already seen they were willing to nuke millions of people and destroy a planet so why weren’t they convinced this was an all or nothing fight and the Theocracy would be willing to do anything. Yet right until the end of the book they are continually surprised about the atrocities the Theocracy is willing to commit.
The series hasn't really grabbed me, but I have certainly enjoyed most of it and there is probably more potential to Kat's character them he has revealed so far. He has suggested that she may return in another series, if so, I will definitely try it.
There were a few minor irritations with the story. For example, the continual discussions about what the Theocracy would and wouldn’t do. They had already seen they were willing to nuke millions of people and destroy a planet so why weren’t they convinced this was an all or nothing fight and the Theocracy would be willing to do anything. Yet right until the end of the book they are continually surprised about the atrocities the Theocracy is willing to commit.
The series hasn't really grabbed me, but I have certainly enjoyed most of it and there is probably more potential to Kat's character them he has revealed so far. He has suggested that she may return in another series, if so, I will definitely try it.
October 26, 2023
Commodore Kat Falcone assumes command of the Commonwealth fleet heading to the Theocracy homeworld to end their ongoing war with a decisive victory. She must send her fiancé into battle on the ground while she fights the enemy spaceships protecting the planet from above. Many lives will be lost and worlds destroyed, but they must end this fight once and for all.
I like this series for the sympathetic characters, for the repressive society called the religious Theocracy who believe God is on their side and commit atrocities in His name, for the freedom the heroes bring to the oppressed, and for the lack of alien monsters, gore and endless battle scenes. Back home on her own world Tyre, things might not be as safe as Kat hopes. Danger surrounds her, and she can only count on the friends who fight by her side. This is a human story, and we can find many allegories to what’s happening on our own planet today.
I like this series for the sympathetic characters, for the repressive society called the religious Theocracy who believe God is on their side and commit atrocities in His name, for the freedom the heroes bring to the oppressed, and for the lack of alien monsters, gore and endless battle scenes. Back home on her own world Tyre, things might not be as safe as Kat hopes. Danger surrounds her, and she can only count on the friends who fight by her side. This is a human story, and we can find many allegories to what’s happening on our own planet today.
July 17, 2017
Love, War and Overcoming Despair
Kat has risen to Commodore and commands a fleet of powerful warships. She is faced with subduing an enemy that is willing to commit atrocities in the name of God. We don't have to go far to find similar attitudes in our own current age. She is torn between wiping out everything and accepting losses to protect innocent civilians. She must deal with very dark concepts. Her romance with Pat blossoms and she must struggle with conflicting emotions of love, fear, and duty as she must send him in harm's way. I like the political machinations and military science involved in the story. The Kat will be back, and I anxiously await the next book.
Kat has risen to Commodore and commands a fleet of powerful warships. She is faced with subduing an enemy that is willing to commit atrocities in the name of God. We don't have to go far to find similar attitudes in our own current age. She is torn between wiping out everything and accepting losses to protect innocent civilians. She must deal with very dark concepts. Her romance with Pat blossoms and she must struggle with conflicting emotions of love, fear, and duty as she must send him in harm's way. I like the political machinations and military science involved in the story. The Kat will be back, and I anxiously await the next book.
June 3, 2017
Kat Falcone faces Desperate Fire (paper from 47North) in the fourth installment of Christopher G. Nuttall’s Angel in the Whirlwind tetrology. The War with the Theocracy is starting to turn Kit is a Commodore whose fleet is sent to recover the planet Hebrides as a first step to defeating the Theocracy. But the enemy poisons the planet with dirty bombs leading to a refuge problem for the commonwealth, and a drastic change of plans; a direct on Ahura Mazda for which the navy isn’t ready. There’s a hard fought battle, both on the ground and in space and Kit faces loss of loved ones. This is very exciting and a must for those who love space navy tales.Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press
August 30, 2017
This 4th book in the series was a great read and gives some good insight into some of the consequences of war (other than loss of life). I enjoyed getting to read a little bit more about some of the other characters, Pat in particular, but I also felt that Kat really took a back seat in this book so if you were hoping for any real development or heroics from this character you might be disappointed. However, the note from the author at the end of the book promises more to come for Kat and the book ends with some big events so I'm really looking forward to continuing with the story and seeing what happens with Kat and also with William. Great read.
February 28, 2018
I found this to be a fitting end to the Angel in the Whirlwind series (though the author states in the prologue that Kat Falcone will return). A good amount of action as both sides become desperate to end the war. Much more personal stories for everyone involved, from Kat to William to Pat and all the other major characters.
I like the character of Kat, but am slightly leery at how the author promises that we'll see more of her. Having been promoted to Commodore, and other stuff you'll find when you read this book, I'd much rather see her at the helm of a starship rather than command of a fleet.
All in all, I absolutely loved this series and can't wait for more
I like the character of Kat, but am slightly leery at how the author promises that we'll see more of her. Having been promoted to Commodore, and other stuff you'll find when you read this book, I'd much rather see her at the helm of a starship rather than command of a fleet.
All in all, I absolutely loved this series and can't wait for more
May 9, 2018
As the balance of the war tilts ever more in the Commonwealth's favour, the Theocracy resorts to desperate measures, committing an unprecedented atrocity that makes it imperative that the war be ended quickly and decisively before they can repeat it. Now promoted to the rank of commodore, Kat Falcone helps devise and execute a daring plan: An all-out assault on Ahura Mazda, the enemy home planet. If it succeeds, the Theocracy will be finished once and for all - but at what cost?
An action-packed and deeply satisfying finale for the first act of this series. Very eager to see what comes next for Kat and her universe.
An action-packed and deeply satisfying finale for the first act of this series. Very eager to see what comes next for Kat and her universe.
February 27, 2019
Nuttall delivers a solid but not exceptional conclusion to what is clearly intended to be the first of several story arcs in this setting. It's entertaining enough stuff on the whole, though not without some issues. A major plot point relies on a character who is introduced only in the last hundred pages of the book, for instance, which is not good form in my opinion. And there are some 'emotional' moments that don't really land because the secondary characters involved have never really established a strong presence on the page. Still, if you like your space battles, you will certainly be well catered for here.
September 17, 2024
Before you start this one, please realize it is the fourth book in a series. You will need to have read the first three books or the characters, plot, etc. won’t make much sense to you. The author picks right up where he left off and, without having a spoiler, it had a good ending with a teaser the series or characters may be continued. I picked this up for “free” with my Kindle Unlimited subscription vs. its regular $4.99 price, and I certainly received more than $4.99 in entertainment value from it. If you enjoyed the other books in the series I’m pretty sure you will enjoy this one, also.
October 8, 2017
(Holds out empty Kindle). Can I have more, sir ?
I've been reading Nuttall 's work for over a decade, from BEFORE he broke into Indy Publishing. This series, or should I say, the first arc of this series, has been one hell of a ride. I've watched characters grow, develop, and even die. The final, admittedly expected, "Nuttall Twist ', still caught me by surprise.
And the amazing thing is, this appears to just be the set-up for what's coming in the, for a better term, Falconeverse. I'll be waiting impatiently for the first book of the next arc....
I've been reading Nuttall 's work for over a decade, from BEFORE he broke into Indy Publishing. This series, or should I say, the first arc of this series, has been one hell of a ride. I've watched characters grow, develop, and even die. The final, admittedly expected, "Nuttall Twist ', still caught me by surprise.
And the amazing thing is, this appears to just be the set-up for what's coming in the, for a better term, Falconeverse. I'll be waiting impatiently for the first book of the next arc....
July 11, 2017
Kat Falcone is Nuttall's Honor Harrington; many similarities.
Though I enjoy the Honorverse books more (at their best), I did very much enjoy this series. For my reading hours, no one does big picture plots and space battles like Weber. He does, however, often get bogged down in minutia. Nuttall, in this series, does not match Weber's strengths, but does not fall into his pitfalls either. Good characters, pacing, stories made this series a strong 4-star recommendation.
Though I enjoy the Honorverse books more (at their best), I did very much enjoy this series. For my reading hours, no one does big picture plots and space battles like Weber. He does, however, often get bogged down in minutia. Nuttall, in this series, does not match Weber's strengths, but does not fall into his pitfalls either. Good characters, pacing, stories made this series a strong 4-star recommendation.
August 3, 2017
I liked this book.
I really enjoyed this series and I'm looking forward to the next one. I do recommend that people should read this series. I did feel like the book was a bit rushed in wrapping up the war. I do think this first story arc was a good way to introduce the main characters and set the story up for something more exciting in the next story arc. I look forward to kats next series.
I really enjoyed this series and I'm looking forward to the next one. I do recommend that people should read this series. I did feel like the book was a bit rushed in wrapping up the war. I do think this first story arc was a good way to introduce the main characters and set the story up for something more exciting in the next story arc. I look forward to kats next series.
August 7, 2017
I received the ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
That being said, I honestly loved this book. In fact, I love the series. Finally the showdown between the Commonwealth and the Theocracy comes to a climax, but will the price be too high.
I love the characters, the plot, and the interaction. Very well-written by an author who is now among my favorites. I am looking forward to the next story about Kat Falcone.
That being said, I honestly loved this book. In fact, I love the series. Finally the showdown between the Commonwealth and the Theocracy comes to a climax, but will the price be too high.
I love the characters, the plot, and the interaction. Very well-written by an author who is now among my favorites. I am looking forward to the next story about Kat Falcone.
June 6, 2017
Magnificent finale to an exciting series
It was an amazing ride to read this book. Kat Falcone's is back for one of the most vital events on the war against the Theocracy, and this gripping, fast-paced work keeps you on the edge of the seat. As with all wars, there is joy, but there is also a lot of pain, which can't be avoided. I can't wait to read more by this author!
It was an amazing ride to read this book. Kat Falcone's is back for one of the most vital events on the war against the Theocracy, and this gripping, fast-paced work keeps you on the edge of the seat. As with all wars, there is joy, but there is also a lot of pain, which can't be avoided. I can't wait to read more by this author!
June 27, 2017
I was given this ARC to read and I had not read any of the others in the series so I was a little confused at first but I caught on. The war seemed real enouvgh to me, some of her reactions were a little flat but I still enjoyed the book. Not sure if there will be more in the series but Im interested in reading the whole set.
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