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ONSET #2
My Enemy's Enemy
A paranormal agency in tattersA critical alliance that must not failA betrayal in their darkest hourThe demon Ekhmez ripped out the heart of America’s supernatural defenders and strengthened their foes. The agencies of the Omicron branch of the US government face a newly expanded threat with their resources stretched to the breaking point.To hold the line, newly promoted Commander David White of ONSET is sent to forge an alliance with the Elfin Conclave, a supernatural organization with its own history, grudges and politics.When violence wracks the Conclave and guts the allies they sought, David White must hunt the Elfin’s foes across the Pacific northwest, taking any help that comes his way—because when the world is on fire, can you turn away your enemy’s enemy?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2016
476 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,747 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 22, 2018
4.5 Stars
December 23, 2017
Lot of action
The action gets bogged down in parts for the ridiculous notion that the paranormal defense force routinely gets held up by its own defense attorneys, judicial warrants, defendant's rights and the limits imposed by the constitution. Really. It might be better to cast the agency as a black ops group but since he wants to insist that it's just a high powered police unit let's do this thing.
My understanding is that the constitution is a set of loose parameters for the validity of any law that is passed. So stop using it as some set of super laws that must never be violated and admit that the judiciary decides daily what law is or is not constitutionally approved.
When you see a movie that shows a policeman interrogating prisoners without even a public defender present (in real life, people have been kept in interrogation for up to twenty four hours without the mention of an attorney) how are rights being respected. What are these rights, anyway? These rights are supposed to limit the ability of police and DA's to force wrongfully accused persons to agree to crimes not committed by them in order to end torture and abuse, as well as having their statements used to prove what law enforcement has decided is already true.
Given that the defendant only had access to the agency's attorneys it's a good thing that only really bad people are arrested and the paranormal police are so well versed in law they can handle both evidence gathering and prosecution. That's quite a timesaver.
I love the cute notion that paranormal defenders have more trouble with warrants than Homeland Security does. Demons and elves have more respect as citizens than the average U.S. citizen today. Homeland security can get warrants for any action they want to take with the flimsiest evidence imaginable in front of a secret court that has by news reports denied less than ten requests out of thousands. The judges belong to the agency, the warrant seekers have no opposition attorney and the judges are not even identified to the public (real accountability there).
To hear characters whining about these tough judicial reviews may advance the author's libertarian silliness or love affair with police or whatever but it doesn't advance the story. It only forces the reader to confront a nasty fairy tale reality where the DoJ isn't currently suing universities for discriminating against whites, when all the reader wants is to watch an interesting universe unfold. I really hoped he was better than this.
Perhaps the government could decide that Omicron will now be a defense force with no legal restrictions pretty much like the CIA, FBI, etc. The action becomes more realistic, the species interactions become even more interesting and the agency's resources can be increased to more easily execute its mandate which is "contain, control or kill the pesky varmints" .
Here's hoping the writer gets back to the good stuff.
The action gets bogged down in parts for the ridiculous notion that the paranormal defense force routinely gets held up by its own defense attorneys, judicial warrants, defendant's rights and the limits imposed by the constitution. Really. It might be better to cast the agency as a black ops group but since he wants to insist that it's just a high powered police unit let's do this thing.
My understanding is that the constitution is a set of loose parameters for the validity of any law that is passed. So stop using it as some set of super laws that must never be violated and admit that the judiciary decides daily what law is or is not constitutionally approved.
When you see a movie that shows a policeman interrogating prisoners without even a public defender present (in real life, people have been kept in interrogation for up to twenty four hours without the mention of an attorney) how are rights being respected. What are these rights, anyway? These rights are supposed to limit the ability of police and DA's to force wrongfully accused persons to agree to crimes not committed by them in order to end torture and abuse, as well as having their statements used to prove what law enforcement has decided is already true.
Given that the defendant only had access to the agency's attorneys it's a good thing that only really bad people are arrested and the paranormal police are so well versed in law they can handle both evidence gathering and prosecution. That's quite a timesaver.
I love the cute notion that paranormal defenders have more trouble with warrants than Homeland Security does. Demons and elves have more respect as citizens than the average U.S. citizen today. Homeland security can get warrants for any action they want to take with the flimsiest evidence imaginable in front of a secret court that has by news reports denied less than ten requests out of thousands. The judges belong to the agency, the warrant seekers have no opposition attorney and the judges are not even identified to the public (real accountability there).
To hear characters whining about these tough judicial reviews may advance the author's libertarian silliness or love affair with police or whatever but it doesn't advance the story. It only forces the reader to confront a nasty fairy tale reality where the DoJ isn't currently suing universities for discriminating against whites, when all the reader wants is to watch an interesting universe unfold. I really hoped he was better than this.
Perhaps the government could decide that Omicron will now be a defense force with no legal restrictions pretty much like the CIA, FBI, etc. The action becomes more realistic, the species interactions become even more interesting and the agency's resources can be increased to more easily execute its mandate which is "contain, control or kill the pesky varmints" .
Here's hoping the writer gets back to the good stuff.
May 30, 2017
Great series
I love a good cop story. This one is not only a good cop story, but also has magic, Enhanced humans, werewolves, vampires, Tolkien fanatics who can use real magic, and non stop action. I recommend it to anyone who loves a great action-packed cop story with a supernatural twist.
I love a good cop story. This one is not only a good cop story, but also has magic, Enhanced humans, werewolves, vampires, Tolkien fanatics who can use real magic, and non stop action. I recommend it to anyone who loves a great action-packed cop story with a supernatural twist.
January 4, 2017
This book was terrific. I've read other books by Glynn Stewart and enjoyed everything but this was the best. It's a combination of science fiction, urban fantasy, action and adventure. Very highly recommended.
January 30, 2021
To understand my following review, you have do know that I read all 4 books of this series.
In general, I liked the series, that is why I have read all four books. It reminded me of the Extinction series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, just in the paranormal genre.
Now before you start to throttle me, hold your horses. Although the series reminded me of it, It didn’t close to it.
Why? The author Glynn Stewart showed us a one dimensional writing.
I liked the military and paranormal action sequences. But that was all you got. He lacked the ability to weave multiple plot threats into one.
What I missed in this whole series was the personal life, friendship, love interest etc. Parallel to the main plot. Becoming a team leader involved building said team. But the author simply neglected those topics.
So many military and action things are described in detail and others are completely forgotten.
Having some rituals with team members, going to funerals to acknowledge their worth etc.
Throughout the whole series and the following books it is only focused on the military missions and the organisation. Sure here or there you have some tiny plot threads that focus on something else but it is very rare and shows no depth.
For example the mantra “to serve and protect” well, you have to make that plausible for common folks to comprehend that. Not just tell me that is the reason, end of story. Because for me that isn’t a reason at all lol.
Let’s say the day to day life, the emotions life, the interconnection between other characters and the development of characters was completely left out of the book.
I tell you a good editor would have helped a lot.
It had potential which wasn’t used.
It just won’t make it up to 4 stars
The following books in this series, fit the same criticism. But you can add a lot of repetitions that annoyed to hell and back.
The same topics get repeated like a broke record, in every book that follows. Every next book in this series, points out Stones odd tone of voice, the pendragons abilities, the combat gear and suits, his sword, yada yada yada
To be honest, as the books are building up on each other and are not really standalones, the expectations of people reading it to be new to those details, is slim to none. Ergo It is annoying and frustrating.
In general, I liked the series, that is why I have read all four books. It reminded me of the Extinction series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, just in the paranormal genre.
Now before you start to throttle me, hold your horses. Although the series reminded me of it, It didn’t close to it.
Why? The author Glynn Stewart showed us a one dimensional writing.
I liked the military and paranormal action sequences. But that was all you got. He lacked the ability to weave multiple plot threats into one.
What I missed in this whole series was the personal life, friendship, love interest etc. Parallel to the main plot. Becoming a team leader involved building said team. But the author simply neglected those topics.
So many military and action things are described in detail and others are completely forgotten.
Having some rituals with team members, going to funerals to acknowledge their worth etc.
Throughout the whole series and the following books it is only focused on the military missions and the organisation. Sure here or there you have some tiny plot threads that focus on something else but it is very rare and shows no depth.
For example the mantra “to serve and protect” well, you have to make that plausible for common folks to comprehend that. Not just tell me that is the reason, end of story. Because for me that isn’t a reason at all lol.
Let’s say the day to day life, the emotions life, the interconnection between other characters and the development of characters was completely left out of the book.
I tell you a good editor would have helped a lot.
It had potential which wasn’t used.
It just won’t make it up to 4 stars
The following books in this series, fit the same criticism. But you can add a lot of repetitions that annoyed to hell and back.
The same topics get repeated like a broke record, in every book that follows. Every next book in this series, points out Stones odd tone of voice, the pendragons abilities, the combat gear and suits, his sword, yada yada yada
To be honest, as the books are building up on each other and are not really standalones, the expectations of people reading it to be new to those details, is slim to none. Ergo It is annoying and frustrating.
December 17, 2022
The bloom is off the rose
The first book in the series was very good, but this book is not quite as good (in my opinion). Ray Porter did an excellent job narrating this story.
I found the novelty of David White's capabilities made the first book particularly interesting. We saw him grow as he discovered his new powers. In the second book, however, the book turns into a more typical military action book. The only difference is that the bad guys are vampires or elfin. In addition to conventional military equipment (loaded with silver), they can employ magic against the enemy, who also has magic. It doesn't take long for that to become a bit humdrum. Also, our hero is also a bit invincible. He can see 2 seconds into the future (using his "prescience") and he is a level 1 regenerator - yawn.
While there are repeat characters in this book, Stewart does really establish any kind of comradery between those characters like in some other military book series (like Joe Ledger or Jack Sigler). This is still a decent book in the 4-book series, but just not as good as it could be.
If you are wondering if you need to read the first book - not necessarily. Stewart fills us in with the necessary information about the characters and past events. The story contributes to the larger story arc but is also self-contained enough to enjoy without the broader arc.
I am still undecided if I will go to book 3,
The first book in the series was very good, but this book is not quite as good (in my opinion). Ray Porter did an excellent job narrating this story.
I found the novelty of David White's capabilities made the first book particularly interesting. We saw him grow as he discovered his new powers. In the second book, however, the book turns into a more typical military action book. The only difference is that the bad guys are vampires or elfin. In addition to conventional military equipment (loaded with silver), they can employ magic against the enemy, who also has magic. It doesn't take long for that to become a bit humdrum. Also, our hero is also a bit invincible. He can see 2 seconds into the future (using his "prescience") and he is a level 1 regenerator - yawn.
While there are repeat characters in this book, Stewart does really establish any kind of comradery between those characters like in some other military book series (like Joe Ledger or Jack Sigler). This is still a decent book in the 4-book series, but just not as good as it could be.
If you are wondering if you need to read the first book - not necessarily. Stewart fills us in with the necessary information about the characters and past events. The story contributes to the larger story arc but is also self-contained enough to enjoy without the broader arc.
I am still undecided if I will go to book 3,
October 23, 2019
2.5
I find the "covert laws, attorneys, judges, courts for supernaturals" to be a bit ridiculous.
Stewart is usually exceptional with characterization and getting me to love his characters. Here I want to love the MC, but the most I can muster up for him is grudging respect for what I see as blind idealism.
I didn't like the fascist tendencies of the MC in Michael Anderle's Kurtherian series either and it's kind of the same thing. "Rah, rah, emotional patriotism, rah rah, it's ok if we trample rights because we're the good guys, rah, rah, but subconsciously I struggle with it because maybe it's not as ok as I keep telling myself, rah, rah, but they were REALLY BAD guys so I can suck it up and justify it anyway."
Not as deep as I had hoped.
I find the "covert laws, attorneys, judges, courts for supernaturals" to be a bit ridiculous.
Stewart is usually exceptional with characterization and getting me to love his characters. Here I want to love the MC, but the most I can muster up for him is grudging respect for what I see as blind idealism.
I didn't like the fascist tendencies of the MC in Michael Anderle's Kurtherian series either and it's kind of the same thing. "Rah, rah, emotional patriotism, rah rah, it's ok if we trample rights because we're the good guys, rah, rah, but subconsciously I struggle with it because maybe it's not as ok as I keep telling myself, rah, rah, but they were REALLY BAD guys so I can suck it up and justify it anyway."
Not as deep as I had hoped.
January 29, 2018
Still a really good read but cover faux pas?
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you.
All the good things everyone else says: Ditto.
SPOILER...
I'm kind of cautious about commenting on cover art since digital covers seem to switch out a lot. However, I found it disconcerting that the cover art is an obvious mismatch to book content. Enough to knock off a rating star. In this case, although David's sword is repeatedly described as red, his is shown as blue and Langley's is red. I kept thinking they'd switch swords during their fight but it never happened. And the preview for the next book shows David with a blue sword... again?
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you.
All the good things everyone else says: Ditto.
SPOILER...
I'm kind of cautious about commenting on cover art since digital covers seem to switch out a lot. However, I found it disconcerting that the cover art is an obvious mismatch to book content. Enough to knock off a rating star. In this case, although David's sword is repeatedly described as red, his is shown as blue and Langley's is red. I kept thinking they'd switch swords during their fight but it never happened. And the preview for the next book shows David with a blue sword... again?
February 20, 2024
Onset and Ospi are in trouble. They were all but decimated, stretched so thin they can't keep up and so the idea is born to work with the Elfin. Well you can guess it doesn't really go smoothly. There is once again plenty of action and adventure, a few run ins with the Vampires and ongoing political issues. There are plenty of twists and turns although some are signposted it still made for a really good listen. As always the narration was excellent. This story wasn't quite as good as the first in the series but it was very good. On to the next.
Overall 4.5
Performance 5
Story 4.5
Overall 4.5
Performance 5
Story 4.5
January 1, 2022
One of the problems with reading a series of books back to back is that the series tends to run together as on long novel...which of course it is.
In this volume our look at the Vampires gets a bit more, detailed. This of course is in the aftermath of the "situation" with the Black Sun.
Will all be well? Will one group of vampires turn on another? Can vampires ever be trusted...do the sparkle????
Read and see if I say that would be telling.
Enjoy.
In this volume our look at the Vampires gets a bit more, detailed. This of course is in the aftermath of the "situation" with the Black Sun.
Will all be well? Will one group of vampires turn on another? Can vampires ever be trusted...do the sparkle????
Read and see if I say that would be telling.
Enjoy.
May 15, 2022
more copish then the first
The story if you removed the supernatural parts the story read more like a military thriller. It was a good but it was less then a hype a sequel requires the story was to different to big battles or crazy magic to give a full that made it good book it was just a jump along for book 3 I guess.
The story if you removed the supernatural parts the story read more like a military thriller. It was a good but it was less then a hype a sequel requires the story was to different to big battles or crazy magic to give a full that made it good book it was just a jump along for book 3 I guess.
November 16, 2023
Good Read
More supernatural fights scattered through this book as the MC storms buildings and terrorist compounds in a time restricted investigation into a terrorist attack on ONSETs potential allies. The MC is now in his stride of leading a small team of supernatural soldiers against supernatural enemies and their supporters. An enjoyable and entertaining read in this series.
More supernatural fights scattered through this book as the MC storms buildings and terrorist compounds in a time restricted investigation into a terrorist attack on ONSETs potential allies. The MC is now in his stride of leading a small team of supernatural soldiers against supernatural enemies and their supporters. An enjoyable and entertaining read in this series.
February 2, 2017
Thoroughly Enjoyable
I usually find I prefer first stories to sequels but this book would stand up alone. Strong likable characters, fast moving storyline, what's not to like. Role on number 3
I usually find I prefer first stories to sequels but this book would stand up alone. Strong likable characters, fast moving storyline, what's not to like. Role on number 3
July 13, 2017
Continues an excellent series.
Having read the first book, I couldn't wait to read the next. Just as good as the first, moves at a great pace and is very enjoyable. A must read series.
Having read the first book, I couldn't wait to read the next. Just as good as the first, moves at a great pace and is very enjoyable. A must read series.
September 20, 2017
Three plus good book
The book was fast paced, well constructed and a pleasant read. The credibility is stretched with the high body count. In the first book they lose 90% of there resources and in this book the body count climbs. Overall a good book.
The book was fast paced, well constructed and a pleasant read. The credibility is stretched with the high body count. In the first book they lose 90% of there resources and in this book the body count climbs. Overall a good book.
February 4, 2018
Growth as a leader while manifesting his abilities
Now in a greater position of power, David can call more of the shots when engaging the enemy. Unfortunately his people are stretched thin due to casualties; meanwhile other unseen forces are tilting the balance.
Now in a greater position of power, David can call more of the shots when engaging the enemy. Unfortunately his people are stretched thin due to casualties; meanwhile other unseen forces are tilting the balance.
June 28, 2018
Men In Black
The main character is uber powerful. This book would be almost the same without the supernatural. The politics and plot are fine, i just don't like Uber characters. If you're looking for a military style thriller, you might like it.
The main character is uber powerful. This book would be almost the same without the supernatural. The politics and plot are fine, i just don't like Uber characters. If you're looking for a military style thriller, you might like it.
September 4, 2018
David's story continues, his world is darker by the day and his fight with supernatural beings is getting bloodier and bloodier. I enjoyed My Enemy's Enemy in audiobook edition, the narrator Ray Porter done an excellent work! Highly recommended fast paced fantasy.
September 10, 2018
Once again Glynn Stewart have proved that he got excellent imagination and style.
Ray Porter narration was perfection.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this audiobook only that I fully recommend it for all.
Ray Porter narration was perfection.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this audiobook only that I fully recommend it for all.
November 15, 2023
Another Fantastic Book
I was saddened to see their troops get slaughtered. And the vampires aren't the good guys. I hope to see more good werewolves. It surprised me on who the bad guys were. On to the next book...
I was saddened to see their troops get slaughtered. And the vampires aren't the good guys. I hope to see more good werewolves. It surprised me on who the bad guys were. On to the next book...
December 24, 2016
Another winner!
Supernaturals exist and they work for the gov... once again a grand slam home run. 2nd book of Onset. You will love this!!
Supernaturals exist and they work for the gov... once again a grand slam home run. 2nd book of Onset. You will love this!!
May 19, 2017
Next
Magical swords, werewolves, vampires and the list goes on and on . What's not to like eh. Looking forward to the next one.
Magical swords, werewolves, vampires and the list goes on and on . What's not to like eh. Looking forward to the next one.
January 27, 2018
Awesome series! I highly recommend it!
February 16, 2018
Excellent as always, and a breath of fresh air too!!
March 31, 2018
Fun Read
Good book, only gave it three stars because 5 stars are for books like Dune, Lord of the Rings, etc. this is a fun rainy Saturday read.
Good book, only gave it three stars because 5 stars are for books like Dune, Lord of the Rings, etc. this is a fun rainy Saturday read.
April 23, 2018
Enjoyable series
Started this new series and I'm rapidly going through the books. Good stories and an interesting take on the genre, highly recommend them
Started this new series and I'm rapidly going through the books. Good stories and an interesting take on the genre, highly recommend them
May 9, 2018
Great read just like the first book!
Like the first book, it is Great Read! You will enjoy it! Well done plot, well written like the first book.
Like the first book, it is Great Read! You will enjoy it! Well done plot, well written like the first book.
September 3, 2018
The story plot in the second book is a little bit more pulling than it was in the previous book.
September 26, 2018
Pretty good. More political in nature than the previous book, and still lots of fun :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews