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Earth Dawning #1
Mercury's Bane
The aliens attacked in 2039. And by 2040, we'd lost. Exiled from Earth--to Ganymede, Europa, the clouds of Venus, the tunnels of Ceres, every god-forsaken rock in the solar system--we scratched out a hard existence. We were beaten. All hope of ever returning to our home gone. But now, some of us remember. Some of us fight back. We built a fleet, we mastered the technologies of space, and we've armed ourselves. Earth will be ours again. And we're not just coming for our home. We're coming for blood.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2017
1009 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Nick Webb
81 books350 followersNick became a scientist so that he could build starships. Unfortunately, his ship is taking longer to build than he'd hoped, so fictional starships will have to do for now. When he's not adding to his starship collection, you can find him tweeting and facebooking about Nasa, science, space, SciFi, and quoting Star Trek II.
He lives in Alabama with his wife, 2 kids, and 3 motorcycles.
Note: This author also writes books under the name of Endi Webb
He lives in Alabama with his wife, 2 kids, and 3 motorcycles.
Note: This author also writes books under the name of Endi Webb
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 4, 2017
I really wanted to like this book... and subsequently the rest of the series. However, I’ve found that I’m not really into this. The premise is good, but I haven’t enjoyed the execution. Without using spoilers...I find the back story is vague, characters pop in and out without too much meaning, and the storyline is constantly interrupted by meaningless interactions. Characters and events are not quite believable. After 50% through I’m giving up on this one.
March 29, 2017
Quick, Simple, Entertaining SciFi Read
"Mercury's Bane," is the first book of a new series, authored by Mr. Nick Webb. It is a quick, simple, entertaining SciFi read. There are no great highs, nor any great lows-it's a basic, no frills, humans against the conquering aliens themed story.
In the near future, Earth has been conquered by a highly advanced, refugee, humanoid alien race. The victors are potentially genocidal, having either enslaved and genetically altered some of surviving humanity, or dispersed in a Sol System diaspora at a barely subsistence level, other remnants of humanity. There remain pockets of humanity Earth-side, trying to survive in the shadows, a "Vichy" UN Secretariat, which eagerly surrendered Earth and humanity to the aliens, protecting the rich and elites, at the expense of all others, and finally, a group of humans, the "Rebellion," members who crew the "Exile Fleet."
Mr. Webb has basic writing skills, the story moves, though many of his attempts at plot twists are pedestrian, unsurprising, and simplistic. With a little more talent, imagination, and frankly effort, the story would be a much better one. Having read a number of the author's SciFi books, this is a systematic trait-he is almost always there, but falls short. The glimpses of potential are there, yet Mr. Webb doesn't seem to want to take a story to the next level.
The book is recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"Mercury's Bane," is the first book of a new series, authored by Mr. Nick Webb. It is a quick, simple, entertaining SciFi read. There are no great highs, nor any great lows-it's a basic, no frills, humans against the conquering aliens themed story.
In the near future, Earth has been conquered by a highly advanced, refugee, humanoid alien race. The victors are potentially genocidal, having either enslaved and genetically altered some of surviving humanity, or dispersed in a Sol System diaspora at a barely subsistence level, other remnants of humanity. There remain pockets of humanity Earth-side, trying to survive in the shadows, a "Vichy" UN Secretariat, which eagerly surrendered Earth and humanity to the aliens, protecting the rich and elites, at the expense of all others, and finally, a group of humans, the "Rebellion," members who crew the "Exile Fleet."
Mr. Webb has basic writing skills, the story moves, though many of his attempts at plot twists are pedestrian, unsurprising, and simplistic. With a little more talent, imagination, and frankly effort, the story would be a much better one. Having read a number of the author's SciFi books, this is a systematic trait-he is almost always there, but falls short. The glimpses of potential are there, yet Mr. Webb doesn't seem to want to take a story to the next level.
The book is recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
March 24, 2017
While the overall story and universe are interesting and fun, one of the primary characters, Pike, seems awfully dense considering his mission, the events which happen related to that mission, and how long it takes to accept facts he should have already known, instead of having them told to him. Also, the story needs editing in terms of basic sentences missing words, using incorrect pronouns, and being incomplete. Seems like there was one of those in every chapter.
Positives - cool bad guys, nice political twist with the bad guys, fun space battles - you know. The stuff Nick always puts in his stories.
Will definitely read the next one, because the heavy-handed handling of the one main plot event can only really happen once and that's already done.
Positives - cool bad guys, nice political twist with the bad guys, fun space battles - you know. The stuff Nick always puts in his stories.
Will definitely read the next one, because the heavy-handed handling of the one main plot event can only really happen once and that's already done.
August 30, 2017
Mercury's Bane
This book was slow going for most the way through. It didn't pick up til almost three-quarters the way through and I almost gave up on it. Which surprised me because I admire Nick Webb's writing. The way it ended, though, gives me hope that the second book will be much better. And, yes, I will give it a chance. Hopefully, now that we know what may happen, things will pick up.
This book was slow going for most the way through. It didn't pick up til almost three-quarters the way through and I almost gave up on it. Which surprised me because I admire Nick Webb's writing. The way it ended, though, gives me hope that the second book will be much better. And, yes, I will give it a chance. Hopefully, now that we know what may happen, things will pick up.
October 14, 2017
Belated looked up Nick Webb in my reading history and saw that I thought the other two books of his I read were not to my liking.
Though this one started out with promise, it soon became clear that it was going to play out in strange, unfathomable ways, and chringingly unrealistic ways.
No more of that!
Though this one started out with promise, it soon became clear that it was going to play out in strange, unfathomable ways, and chringingly unrealistic ways.
No more of that!
November 24, 2017
Did not finish the book. Could not get intrested in it.
Read
September 11, 2025I could barely bother to finish it. Rating: minus 4 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5.
Time to rewrite a review again. They are a joy. Not even but the work needs be done.
A visit to the YouTube is needed. This rewrite is courtesy of Doctor Who/They Break My Heart -RecklessGirl100, NCMI, Anark, Heather Cox Richardson, Acollierastro, FAFO, Contrapoints, LuckyBlackCat, Red Glasgow, RevolutionarythOt, Ukraine Matters, Jean's Thoughts, Anka Daily News, Belinda Strnad, Omeleto, Owen Jones, Lady of the Library, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Marilia Veshchunova, KernowDamo, Eugenia from Ukraine, The Russian Dude, TVP News, Hoots, Gutsick Gibbon, Geo Girl, Planarwalker, NFKRZ, Veritas et Caritas, Central Crossing, Covert Cabal, Diary of a Ditch Witch, ScareDKetchup, London History Show, Sanctioned Ivan, Operator Starsky, May, Military Aviation History, Real Time History, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Reese Waters, Canadian Dominion, Captured in Words, A Lil Bit Mads, Mythic Concepts, Verilybitchie, Words in Time, Hello Future Me, Shades of Orange, Eileen, Mia Mulder, Ben and Emily, TeddyBlood Films, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica, Radio Retrofuture, Shannon Makes, Abby Cox, Leftist Cooks, Ben and Emily, Philosophy Tube, Horses, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Mercado Media, Think Ukraine, DUST, Perun, Joe Blogs, Fab Socialism, Boat Time, Winging it on a Budget, Nomadic Crobot, Michael DuBois, CBC News, Sailing Melody, Jormungandr, Amie's Literary Empire, Sarah Z, OrangeRiver, Dungeons and Discourse, Valhalla Drums, Tariff Point, The Researcher, Think that Through, Some More News, Girls Rock Asia, The Leftist Cooks, Gingers are Black, Dollar Under Fire, Starbound Extra.
I saw one idiot who whilst insulting a trans essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. The epidemic of surly, self-important US males continues.
A warning then. To the idiot and friends, be aware that channels I list include economist, older, bi, physicist, Bahamian, married, military historian, cis, archaeologist, modeller, intersex, chess player, miniatures painter, Indian, trans, socialist, WOC, marine biologist, asexual, boater, artist, lesbian, Canadian, primatologist, het, redhaired, autist and other female creators known as Women.
Almost as damaging to wilful ignorance and poor socialisation are the channels with anarchist, other BIPOC, philosopher, Danish, anthropologist, fashion historian, other neurodivergent, planetologist, Australian, chemist, zoologist, military board gamer, boat builder, hat historian, Polish, other LGBTQI+, RPG player and other creators known as Human Beings.
Should the voices persist, seek emergency therapy, develop a hobby which does not involve assaulting women (which is mental illness) and/or embrace Shinto.
My personal feelings towards these clods are similar to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island. When their surrender was demanded they responded, "Russian warship, Go f@ck yourself." Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
The background universe is awful but in truth I remember almost nothing about this book. Compared to most of the other books in Amazon Unlimited, the prose almost carries the book. In theory worldbuilding is meant to provide a fleshed out and plausible or at least logical context for characters and plot. This book does not.
The aliens are no more than story props. Their purpose, their technological envelope and history are unknown. They conquered earth and that is their total background. The aliens are too stupid to exist.
In the book as is usual for Unlimited, the only humans in existence are the Americans. In the US, American refers only to white males of English surname and no documented non-British heritage. Though often denied, the UK have a similar definition of English.
Americans built unnoticed major military and industrial bases in Mercury and In Jovian space, if I remember correctly. When, How and Why are never explained by the writer. Based on my limited scans of reviews, these also seem never asked.
The Americans have built the obligatory space plane carrier, in place of the battleship. "Star Wars" have much for which to answer. Its co-conspirators are lack of US writer imagination, ignorance of both history and military tech. US education and media seem to have achieved a goal the price for which is being now paid by the citizens of a dying empire.
The carrier/battleship hybrid is ridiculous but common in low end US science fiction. Despite "Battlestar Galactica", look into the description of carrier in wikipedia, Google or elsewhere. In short, if actually useful in space combat, the strike craft are too valuable for their rearm/refuel/repair platform to ever be less than light hours from enemy direct action combatants. Logical, no?
The strike craft's effectiveness is dependent on the technology and doctrine of the combatants of the background universe. As opposed to that questionable functionality, the Battleship, Ship of the Line or Weber's Wall are the well armoured, heavily armed main combat units of any fleet, are always effective and are the core of any naval force.
The support units and installations are seldom mentioned at the low end. Imagine a navy without battle tugs, ammunition ships, repair vessels, general supply and fuel ships, specialised medical and evacuation vessels, scouting, minelayers, Search and Rescue ships and ships or boats fulfilling many other functions.
Training, equipment, shipbuilding, ship repair, logistics and other needed functions do not attend to themselves. Of course, description of those areas are only required of adult fiction. These spacey-space, boom-boom books are poorly thought out (if at all) children's adventure tales.
The audience for these Amazon spacey-space, boom-boom books are meant to feel a certain appendage increase by appreciable percentages with every page turned. I finally admitted that sad fact after reading the sentiment in comments to other reviews of similar books. Those comments were written by true middle class US males.
Amazon Unlimited do include real gems such as Ann Christy, Adina, Massey, Rachel Aaron and Butcher but they are few.
This next section is brought to you by YouTube channels - Doctor Who/Be Kind - TheGaroStudios, Jay Exci, The League of STEAM, Ana Fern, Tom Nicholas, Shannon Chiang, Ben and Emily, Tod Maffin, Jen the Librarian, No Justice, Silicon Curtain, Anna from Ukraine, Novara Media, Tale Foundry, Natasha's Adventures, IMY2, Depressed Russian, Hoots, With Cindy, Kyiv Post,The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Emma Thorne, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Lily Simpson, Jessie Gender, iWriterly, Truth to Power, Inside Russia, Swell Entrainment, The Juice Media, Oliver Lugg, The Book Leo, Mark R Largent, Louise DeMasi, Kaz Rowe, Emily Linge, Historia Civilis, Cass Ellis, Kiko1006, AuroraTrek, Princess Weekes, Part Time Hobbit, JuLingo, Morgan Donner, Travelling K, Fit 2B Read, With Cindy, Riverboat Jack, Whitenoiz CA, Cosy Creative, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Ship Happens, Bernadette Banner, Jess Owens, Combat Veteran Reacts, Weir on the Move, Kris Atomic, Widebeam and Wellingtons, BobbyBroccoli, Well Deck Diaries, The Driftwood Folk, Belle of the Ranch, Liz Webster, Alt Shift X, Spacedock, Friendly Atheist, GhostTime History, Nini Music, The Great War, Hailey in Bookland, The Book Leo, Riverboat Jack, Terrible Writing Advice, Abbie Emmons, Books and Things, Lynn Saga, SciFi Odyssey, Petrik Leo, Keffals, Friendly Space Ninja, Yanis Varoufakis, Miranda Mills, Queen City Miniatures, Mrs Betty Bowers, Cecilia Blomdahl, Matriarchetype, The Quiet Pivot, Star Wreck.
I began visiting the YouTube three or four years ago in search of useful science fiction commentary, as none were to be had on this site. I found science fiction TV and film criticism, then history, lifestyle, science educator and the wonderful critic, Lindsay Ellis, who helped me understand the theories and language of criticism, which no module managed in school. Her channel led me to the BookTube. 😍
This group of channels discuss all aspects of the world of books from furnishing a library to genre fiction. They host reader communities which are thoughtful, curious and are enamoured of all things bookish. I promise that they are far different to whatever Goodreads are. Fortunately BookTubers will discuss alternative reader forums.
YouTube have issues with creator payment, censorship of certain pro-human opinions and shadow banning. This against the backdrop of a flourishing Manosphere, genocide apologists and 600+ paid pro-Russian influencers investigated by the FBI. Still it can be useful but for how long, I can not guess.
This next is brought to you by YouTube channels Doctor Who/Cruel or Cowardly - StoryScape Studios, NCMI, UATV English, Anne Applebaum, Fiona Hill, Skip Intro, Military History Visualised, Verilybitchie, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Red Viburnam Song, Malinda, Abby Cox, World Science Festival, Answer in Progress, Cynthia Zhou, Plagued by Visions, Hello Future Me, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica, Renegade Cut, AllShorts, Art Deco, Fundie Fridays, Radio Retrofuture, SK Media, The British Museum, Central Crossing, Emperor Tigerstar, The Great War, Puddles Pity Party, Tank Encyclopedia, France 24, Hardy's Books, Mynameismarines, Reads With Rachel, Interior Design Hub, ConeOfArc, DW News, Page Perspective, Truth to Power, Postmodern Jukebox, Books with Emily Fox, Perimeter Institute, LIbrary of a Viking, Dr Fatima, The Mouthy Christian, Songs Sped Up - MSI, Cruising Alba, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Crafts, The Historian's Craft, Miniminuteman, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Kazachka, Ben G Thomas, Megalithhunter, History with Kayleigh, Lisandra Vazquez, Maggie Mae Fish, Hannah Lee Kidder, Storytellers Studio, Hawk's Podcasts, LydLoves, SkruffyTalez, Tennessee Brando, Guard the Leaf, Ask a Mortician.
Consider treating this as potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. Several years ago I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero by a Travis Corcoran. He self-described as US veteran, employed by an unnamed US agency, libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without portfolio) and vocal advocate for the return of chattel slavery (popular US opinion since 1865), admirer of war criminal, V Putin (popular opinion among MAGA and in the White House).
My opinion that glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that a rich twat not pay inheritance tax was both dangerous and unhealthy. In 2025 US, the poor applaud it. The writer and six fellow patriots went mental with a months of unhinged comments demanding my engagement.
Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a final comment referencing the contents of my last message on Goodreads to a friend and declaring that They had "won" (?).
They and friends had launched a flood of truly vile sexual, anti-LGBTQ and racist comments against female creators of channels I mentioned, which continues still. The midteen boater and her mother, Oxford astrophysicist, Dutch Book reviewer, Swedish essayist and the many other female creators were not impressed. Despite that, the world's overabundance of unpleasantness was increased and They did deliver a splendid self-portrait of the Snowflake (cowardly, nasty US man-child) to a multinational audience. I suppose that is Victory. Goodreads discourse, Yay ??
These are the types who supported an Ohio sheriff calling on residents to report names and addresses of supporters of Democratic candidates in order to develop a county database? This is a culture which is rotten to the core (their constitution enshrined slavery, a red flag) and that unaddressed evil is the basis for current US society.
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Alizee, Dr Becky, Guard the Leaf, Northern Narrowboaters, Up and Atom, Gemma Dyer, Tom Nicholas, Sarah Millican, Biz, JohnTheDuncan, SignalEconomic, Philosophy Tube, Eileen, Kaz Rowe, Authors Behaving Badly, Cass Ellis, Business Basics, Mel's Motivation Moment, Times Radio, Emily Linge, Chris Norlund, Matsimus, Sidney Morss, Monte Mader, Ask a Mortician.
Ominous music begins. 🙂 The comment gangs operate freely across science fiction and romance reader areas. Their activity have gone past the ugly, often racist or sexist comment to doxxing, stalking, direct threats and more. Amazon do not respond to incidents, punish writers who sometimes organise these mental members, discipline these nutters or discharge the employees who enable Them.
Amazon shared my limited message history with yobs, who were able through Pine Gap Centre to request that Australian intelligence interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged through Goodreads. The attempt at my personal history failed and Amazon were unconcerned.
Until that is, we shared our bizarre experience. No apology, No promise of investigation but instead all visible harassment was removed or masked. All lurkers whom I had not been Permitted to remove previously, were disappeared. Page formats and options were restored. All comments were masked. Even the service interruptions seem to have ended. Perhaps Amazon might consider an overhaul of customer service protocols, purging the Kindle/Goodreads madlads from their ranks and suggesting that writers or members engaged in gang behaviour will be punished. Perhaps even creating a less sociopathic culture. A jest. 😊
Recently a seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for months of real life harassment of a couple with a small e-commerce site who were unkind to EBay. They received several millions pound and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security. or something like. Things to consider.
I have some suggestions for protection on this site. Remove all personal information from profile and avoid the messaging app. Remove lurkers, these who do not post. They are not admirers but instead monitors for a gang or an employee created account to bypass system logs. Given the interesting Amazon approach to customer pages and safety, screenshots of the odd, ugly and threatening are valuable. This should suffice for Goodreads.
Kindle a more dangerous proposition. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Email or Contacts. Amazon access your emails without notice or permission. Make of that what you will. Do Not "purchase" Amazon e-books, as you own only your device not downloads. This is a mistake which I made. These can be altered or deleted on whim. BookTubers discuss alternative ebook sellers, devices and paper options. Silk internet searches should be innocuous and non-critical obviously.
To implement the above cost nothing, to not might do. It might also be well to acknowledge that Amazon employees and Goodreads members include very damaged individuals, lacking non-Randian morality or restraint but who are very much US patriots. Ominous music ends. 🙂
Be safe. May we all enjoy Good Reading. 😊
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Russian Media Monitor, Guard the Leaf, Zoe Bee, Bobbing Along, Biz, The Narrowboat that James Built, UATV, The Chloe Connection, Alysotherlife, Alt Shift X, Kathy's Flog in France, Jake Broe, Operator Starsky, Space 1889, Vaerko, Knowing Better, What Vivi did next, Cover in French, Some More News, The Juice Media, Honest Ads, Roomies Digest, The Book Leo, A Day of Small Things, Third World Booknerd, Raw News and Politics, Elina Charatsidou, Lady Knight the Brave, Spacedock, UATV, DUST, Epimetheus, The Cold War, Renegade Cut, Book Furnace, Sabine Hossenfelder, TVP News, Alice Cappelle, Prime of Midlife, RobWords, Kiko1006 -Empire of Angels. May, Travelling K, Well Deck Diaries, NerdForge, Savy Writes Books, ThePrimeChronus, EarleWrites, Hoots, Lilly's Expat Life, Kings and Generals, Dominic Noble, Sophie From Mars, Joe Blogs, Unlearning Economics, Boat Time, May, Squire, Crecganford, Chris and Shell, Renegade Cut, Randy Rainbow, Tale Foundry, Oliviareadsalatte, Chris Animations, Dark Brandon, Up and Atom, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Lily Simpson, Engineering with Rosie, Kazachka, Tibees, Narrowboat Pirate, Military Aviation History, Julia Valova, lIbrary Ladder, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Anna from Ukraine, Omeleto, NFKRZ, Prime of Midlife, Anya Turnbull, Depressed Russian, Arpeggio Films, Eileen, No Justice, Lily Alexandre, Michael Lambert, Jean's Thoughts, Alina Gingertail, Mandy, Joe Blogs, Artur Rehi, Rebecca Watson, Rachel Oates, IzzzYzzz, Lily Simpson, Jared Henderson, Hoots, It's Black Friday, Zoe Baker, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Brittany the Bibliophile.
I wish you a sunny morning a glorious afternoon, a pleasant evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
Time to rewrite a review again. They are a joy. Not even but the work needs be done.
A visit to the YouTube is needed. This rewrite is courtesy of Doctor Who/They Break My Heart -RecklessGirl100, NCMI, Anark, Heather Cox Richardson, Acollierastro, FAFO, Contrapoints, LuckyBlackCat, Red Glasgow, RevolutionarythOt, Ukraine Matters, Jean's Thoughts, Anka Daily News, Belinda Strnad, Omeleto, Owen Jones, Lady of the Library, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Marilia Veshchunova, KernowDamo, Eugenia from Ukraine, The Russian Dude, TVP News, Hoots, Gutsick Gibbon, Geo Girl, Planarwalker, NFKRZ, Veritas et Caritas, Central Crossing, Covert Cabal, Diary of a Ditch Witch, ScareDKetchup, London History Show, Sanctioned Ivan, Operator Starsky, May, Military Aviation History, Real Time History, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Reese Waters, Canadian Dominion, Captured in Words, A Lil Bit Mads, Mythic Concepts, Verilybitchie, Words in Time, Hello Future Me, Shades of Orange, Eileen, Mia Mulder, Ben and Emily, TeddyBlood Films, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica, Radio Retrofuture, Shannon Makes, Abby Cox, Leftist Cooks, Ben and Emily, Philosophy Tube, Horses, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Mercado Media, Think Ukraine, DUST, Perun, Joe Blogs, Fab Socialism, Boat Time, Winging it on a Budget, Nomadic Crobot, Michael DuBois, CBC News, Sailing Melody, Jormungandr, Amie's Literary Empire, Sarah Z, OrangeRiver, Dungeons and Discourse, Valhalla Drums, Tariff Point, The Researcher, Think that Through, Some More News, Girls Rock Asia, The Leftist Cooks, Gingers are Black, Dollar Under Fire, Starbound Extra.
I saw one idiot who whilst insulting a trans essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. The epidemic of surly, self-important US males continues.
A warning then. To the idiot and friends, be aware that channels I list include economist, older, bi, physicist, Bahamian, married, military historian, cis, archaeologist, modeller, intersex, chess player, miniatures painter, Indian, trans, socialist, WOC, marine biologist, asexual, boater, artist, lesbian, Canadian, primatologist, het, redhaired, autist and other female creators known as Women.
Almost as damaging to wilful ignorance and poor socialisation are the channels with anarchist, other BIPOC, philosopher, Danish, anthropologist, fashion historian, other neurodivergent, planetologist, Australian, chemist, zoologist, military board gamer, boat builder, hat historian, Polish, other LGBTQI+, RPG player and other creators known as Human Beings.
Should the voices persist, seek emergency therapy, develop a hobby which does not involve assaulting women (which is mental illness) and/or embrace Shinto.
My personal feelings towards these clods are similar to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island. When their surrender was demanded they responded, "Russian warship, Go f@ck yourself." Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
The background universe is awful but in truth I remember almost nothing about this book. Compared to most of the other books in Amazon Unlimited, the prose almost carries the book. In theory worldbuilding is meant to provide a fleshed out and plausible or at least logical context for characters and plot. This book does not.
The aliens are no more than story props. Their purpose, their technological envelope and history are unknown. They conquered earth and that is their total background. The aliens are too stupid to exist.
In the book as is usual for Unlimited, the only humans in existence are the Americans. In the US, American refers only to white males of English surname and no documented non-British heritage. Though often denied, the UK have a similar definition of English.
Americans built unnoticed major military and industrial bases in Mercury and In Jovian space, if I remember correctly. When, How and Why are never explained by the writer. Based on my limited scans of reviews, these also seem never asked.
The Americans have built the obligatory space plane carrier, in place of the battleship. "Star Wars" have much for which to answer. Its co-conspirators are lack of US writer imagination, ignorance of both history and military tech. US education and media seem to have achieved a goal the price for which is being now paid by the citizens of a dying empire.
The carrier/battleship hybrid is ridiculous but common in low end US science fiction. Despite "Battlestar Galactica", look into the description of carrier in wikipedia, Google or elsewhere. In short, if actually useful in space combat, the strike craft are too valuable for their rearm/refuel/repair platform to ever be less than light hours from enemy direct action combatants. Logical, no?
The strike craft's effectiveness is dependent on the technology and doctrine of the combatants of the background universe. As opposed to that questionable functionality, the Battleship, Ship of the Line or Weber's Wall are the well armoured, heavily armed main combat units of any fleet, are always effective and are the core of any naval force.
The support units and installations are seldom mentioned at the low end. Imagine a navy without battle tugs, ammunition ships, repair vessels, general supply and fuel ships, specialised medical and evacuation vessels, scouting, minelayers, Search and Rescue ships and ships or boats fulfilling many other functions.
Training, equipment, shipbuilding, ship repair, logistics and other needed functions do not attend to themselves. Of course, description of those areas are only required of adult fiction. These spacey-space, boom-boom books are poorly thought out (if at all) children's adventure tales.
The audience for these Amazon spacey-space, boom-boom books are meant to feel a certain appendage increase by appreciable percentages with every page turned. I finally admitted that sad fact after reading the sentiment in comments to other reviews of similar books. Those comments were written by true middle class US males.
Amazon Unlimited do include real gems such as Ann Christy, Adina, Massey, Rachel Aaron and Butcher but they are few.
This next section is brought to you by YouTube channels - Doctor Who/Be Kind - TheGaroStudios, Jay Exci, The League of STEAM, Ana Fern, Tom Nicholas, Shannon Chiang, Ben and Emily, Tod Maffin, Jen the Librarian, No Justice, Silicon Curtain, Anna from Ukraine, Novara Media, Tale Foundry, Natasha's Adventures, IMY2, Depressed Russian, Hoots, With Cindy, Kyiv Post,The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Emma Thorne, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Lily Simpson, Jessie Gender, iWriterly, Truth to Power, Inside Russia, Swell Entrainment, The Juice Media, Oliver Lugg, The Book Leo, Mark R Largent, Louise DeMasi, Kaz Rowe, Emily Linge, Historia Civilis, Cass Ellis, Kiko1006, AuroraTrek, Princess Weekes, Part Time Hobbit, JuLingo, Morgan Donner, Travelling K, Fit 2B Read, With Cindy, Riverboat Jack, Whitenoiz CA, Cosy Creative, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Ship Happens, Bernadette Banner, Jess Owens, Combat Veteran Reacts, Weir on the Move, Kris Atomic, Widebeam and Wellingtons, BobbyBroccoli, Well Deck Diaries, The Driftwood Folk, Belle of the Ranch, Liz Webster, Alt Shift X, Spacedock, Friendly Atheist, GhostTime History, Nini Music, The Great War, Hailey in Bookland, The Book Leo, Riverboat Jack, Terrible Writing Advice, Abbie Emmons, Books and Things, Lynn Saga, SciFi Odyssey, Petrik Leo, Keffals, Friendly Space Ninja, Yanis Varoufakis, Miranda Mills, Queen City Miniatures, Mrs Betty Bowers, Cecilia Blomdahl, Matriarchetype, The Quiet Pivot, Star Wreck.
I began visiting the YouTube three or four years ago in search of useful science fiction commentary, as none were to be had on this site. I found science fiction TV and film criticism, then history, lifestyle, science educator and the wonderful critic, Lindsay Ellis, who helped me understand the theories and language of criticism, which no module managed in school. Her channel led me to the BookTube. 😍
This group of channels discuss all aspects of the world of books from furnishing a library to genre fiction. They host reader communities which are thoughtful, curious and are enamoured of all things bookish. I promise that they are far different to whatever Goodreads are. Fortunately BookTubers will discuss alternative reader forums.
YouTube have issues with creator payment, censorship of certain pro-human opinions and shadow banning. This against the backdrop of a flourishing Manosphere, genocide apologists and 600+ paid pro-Russian influencers investigated by the FBI. Still it can be useful but for how long, I can not guess.
This next is brought to you by YouTube channels Doctor Who/Cruel or Cowardly - StoryScape Studios, NCMI, UATV English, Anne Applebaum, Fiona Hill, Skip Intro, Military History Visualised, Verilybitchie, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Red Viburnam Song, Malinda, Abby Cox, World Science Festival, Answer in Progress, Cynthia Zhou, Plagued by Visions, Hello Future Me, Adiemus - Carmina Slovenica, Renegade Cut, AllShorts, Art Deco, Fundie Fridays, Radio Retrofuture, SK Media, The British Museum, Central Crossing, Emperor Tigerstar, The Great War, Puddles Pity Party, Tank Encyclopedia, France 24, Hardy's Books, Mynameismarines, Reads With Rachel, Interior Design Hub, ConeOfArc, DW News, Page Perspective, Truth to Power, Postmodern Jukebox, Books with Emily Fox, Perimeter Institute, LIbrary of a Viking, Dr Fatima, The Mouthy Christian, Songs Sped Up - MSI, Cruising Alba, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Crafts, The Historian's Craft, Miniminuteman, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Kazachka, Ben G Thomas, Megalithhunter, History with Kayleigh, Lisandra Vazquez, Maggie Mae Fish, Hannah Lee Kidder, Storytellers Studio, Hawk's Podcasts, LydLoves, SkruffyTalez, Tennessee Brando, Guard the Leaf, Ask a Mortician.
Consider treating this as potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. Several years ago I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero by a Travis Corcoran. He self-described as US veteran, employed by an unnamed US agency, libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without portfolio) and vocal advocate for the return of chattel slavery (popular US opinion since 1865), admirer of war criminal, V Putin (popular opinion among MAGA and in the White House).
My opinion that glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that a rich twat not pay inheritance tax was both dangerous and unhealthy. In 2025 US, the poor applaud it. The writer and six fellow patriots went mental with a months of unhinged comments demanding my engagement.
Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a final comment referencing the contents of my last message on Goodreads to a friend and declaring that They had "won" (?).
They and friends had launched a flood of truly vile sexual, anti-LGBTQ and racist comments against female creators of channels I mentioned, which continues still. The midteen boater and her mother, Oxford astrophysicist, Dutch Book reviewer, Swedish essayist and the many other female creators were not impressed. Despite that, the world's overabundance of unpleasantness was increased and They did deliver a splendid self-portrait of the Snowflake (cowardly, nasty US man-child) to a multinational audience. I suppose that is Victory. Goodreads discourse, Yay ??
These are the types who supported an Ohio sheriff calling on residents to report names and addresses of supporters of Democratic candidates in order to develop a county database? This is a culture which is rotten to the core (their constitution enshrined slavery, a red flag) and that unaddressed evil is the basis for current US society.
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Alizee, Dr Becky, Guard the Leaf, Northern Narrowboaters, Up and Atom, Gemma Dyer, Tom Nicholas, Sarah Millican, Biz, JohnTheDuncan, SignalEconomic, Philosophy Tube, Eileen, Kaz Rowe, Authors Behaving Badly, Cass Ellis, Business Basics, Mel's Motivation Moment, Times Radio, Emily Linge, Chris Norlund, Matsimus, Sidney Morss, Monte Mader, Ask a Mortician.
Ominous music begins. 🙂 The comment gangs operate freely across science fiction and romance reader areas. Their activity have gone past the ugly, often racist or sexist comment to doxxing, stalking, direct threats and more. Amazon do not respond to incidents, punish writers who sometimes organise these mental members, discipline these nutters or discharge the employees who enable Them.
Amazon shared my limited message history with yobs, who were able through Pine Gap Centre to request that Australian intelligence interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged through Goodreads. The attempt at my personal history failed and Amazon were unconcerned.
Until that is, we shared our bizarre experience. No apology, No promise of investigation but instead all visible harassment was removed or masked. All lurkers whom I had not been Permitted to remove previously, were disappeared. Page formats and options were restored. All comments were masked. Even the service interruptions seem to have ended. Perhaps Amazon might consider an overhaul of customer service protocols, purging the Kindle/Goodreads madlads from their ranks and suggesting that writers or members engaged in gang behaviour will be punished. Perhaps even creating a less sociopathic culture. A jest. 😊
Recently a seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for months of real life harassment of a couple with a small e-commerce site who were unkind to EBay. They received several millions pound and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security. or something like. Things to consider.
I have some suggestions for protection on this site. Remove all personal information from profile and avoid the messaging app. Remove lurkers, these who do not post. They are not admirers but instead monitors for a gang or an employee created account to bypass system logs. Given the interesting Amazon approach to customer pages and safety, screenshots of the odd, ugly and threatening are valuable. This should suffice for Goodreads.
Kindle a more dangerous proposition. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Email or Contacts. Amazon access your emails without notice or permission. Make of that what you will. Do Not "purchase" Amazon e-books, as you own only your device not downloads. This is a mistake which I made. These can be altered or deleted on whim. BookTubers discuss alternative ebook sellers, devices and paper options. Silk internet searches should be innocuous and non-critical obviously.
To implement the above cost nothing, to not might do. It might also be well to acknowledge that Amazon employees and Goodreads members include very damaged individuals, lacking non-Randian morality or restraint but who are very much US patriots. Ominous music ends. 🙂
Be safe. May we all enjoy Good Reading. 😊
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Russian Media Monitor, Guard the Leaf, Zoe Bee, Bobbing Along, Biz, The Narrowboat that James Built, UATV, The Chloe Connection, Alysotherlife, Alt Shift X, Kathy's Flog in France, Jake Broe, Operator Starsky, Space 1889, Vaerko, Knowing Better, What Vivi did next, Cover in French, Some More News, The Juice Media, Honest Ads, Roomies Digest, The Book Leo, A Day of Small Things, Third World Booknerd, Raw News and Politics, Elina Charatsidou, Lady Knight the Brave, Spacedock, UATV, DUST, Epimetheus, The Cold War, Renegade Cut, Book Furnace, Sabine Hossenfelder, TVP News, Alice Cappelle, Prime of Midlife, RobWords, Kiko1006 -Empire of Angels. May, Travelling K, Well Deck Diaries, NerdForge, Savy Writes Books, ThePrimeChronus, EarleWrites, Hoots, Lilly's Expat Life, Kings and Generals, Dominic Noble, Sophie From Mars, Joe Blogs, Unlearning Economics, Boat Time, May, Squire, Crecganford, Chris and Shell, Renegade Cut, Randy Rainbow, Tale Foundry, Oliviareadsalatte, Chris Animations, Dark Brandon, Up and Atom, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Lily Simpson, Engineering with Rosie, Kazachka, Tibees, Narrowboat Pirate, Military Aviation History, Julia Valova, lIbrary Ladder, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Anna from Ukraine, Omeleto, NFKRZ, Prime of Midlife, Anya Turnbull, Depressed Russian, Arpeggio Films, Eileen, No Justice, Lily Alexandre, Michael Lambert, Jean's Thoughts, Alina Gingertail, Mandy, Joe Blogs, Artur Rehi, Rebecca Watson, Rachel Oates, IzzzYzzz, Lily Simpson, Jared Henderson, Hoots, It's Black Friday, Zoe Baker, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Brittany the Bibliophile.
I wish you a sunny morning a glorious afternoon, a pleasant evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
March 16, 2017
This is the first book in a new series by this author. It has an interesting scenario with an alien race taking over the earth and relegating mankind to the planets and asteroids. The story revolves around humans efforts to rebuild and take back our planet. It has an interesting storyline that flows easily and has several sub-plots. The characters are well developed and I found myself wondering how things will evolve. I am interested in seeing the next book in the series.
April 2, 2017
Not my favorite of Nick Webb's. I really have enjoyed some of his other books but this doesn't seem to have the same excitement as the others.
Thankfully the second half got a lot better but not sure I would have made it if I wasn't someone to pretty much finish any book I start (unless its a 1 star).
Would love to have learned more about the aliens ect. The book ended well enough where I don't feel the need to continue the series unless I am more desperate for something to read. I would skip this and read some of this other things first!
Thankfully the second half got a lot better but not sure I would have made it if I wasn't someone to pretty much finish any book I start (unless its a 1 star).
Would love to have learned more about the aliens ect. The book ended well enough where I don't feel the need to continue the series unless I am more desperate for something to read. I would skip this and read some of this other things first!
October 19, 2017
Mediocre writing but good plot
I enjoyed the book enough that it was hard to put down. It definitely glossed over a lot of things such as point defense systems. None of the highly advanced alien ships have them so that humans are able to easily board highly advanced ships with crappy shuttles.
Outside of a variety of believability issues The writing itself uses many unnecessary words, frequent passive voice, small things that take away from the story.
It’s still an enjoyable read, there’s just some things that could be changed to make it a five star book.
I enjoyed the book enough that it was hard to put down. It definitely glossed over a lot of things such as point defense systems. None of the highly advanced alien ships have them so that humans are able to easily board highly advanced ships with crappy shuttles.
Outside of a variety of believability issues The writing itself uses many unnecessary words, frequent passive voice, small things that take away from the story.
It’s still an enjoyable read, there’s just some things that could be changed to make it a five star book.
April 27, 2017
He's done better
Parts of the book I had a hard time following.
The author has done a better job writing than this.
A little disappointed.
Parts of the book I had a hard time following.
The author has done a better job writing than this.
A little disappointed.
August 19, 2017
Nick Webb has provided us with some of the best Military Sci-Fi series out there in the form of The Legacy Fleet Trilogy, The Pax Humana Saga, and most recently, his sequel to Legacy Fleet, ‘Independence’, the start of The Legacy Ship Trilogy.
Mercury’s Bane though, surpasses even his own previous work for outstanding storylines, exceptional characters and a slightly different writing style that is grittier than his past works, making this book not only edge of your seat brilliant, but also gives it a realistic edge in the desperation of the characters as they fight for their survival.
Humanity has been taken over by the Telestines, an alien race that has conquered Earth, and basically removed us from Earth, either via extermination, or the survivors fled. What remains of the human race is scattered amongst the solar system, eking out an existence on the moons of the bigger planets, or hiding amongst the storms of the less hospitable smaller ones.
As usual, Webb has done a beautiful job of creating this particular timeline to play in, providing us with rich well researched environments that are so well described, you can close your eyes and imagine you are there.
The big difference with this book is the feel of the story. I remember the re-imagined Battlestar Galatica coming out, and how much darker it was, the grittier nature of it, how intense and believable the characters were. How desperate the characters were to win at any cost, to save humanity from a foe with more firepower, greater numbers and better technology. That’s how this book feels – humanity is fighting a war against such ridiculous odds, but they are fighting for survival, for Earth, and Webb has really drawn on this in each of his characters.
Without giving too much away (this is too good a story for spoilers!!), we are initially introduced to Admiral Walker, who is leading the rag tag fleet, all that remains of Humanity’s hope to rescue Earth. She is determined, and will do anything necessary. The other main character introduced early on (there are multiple ancillary characters as well as other major characters as the story moves along – but again – No Spoilers!) is William Pike or just Pike. He is an Earther, or Native, who was on Earth for several years before he was rescued after an attack. One of only a few who used to live on the planet, he is now called on to help them due to his knowledge. He doesn’t believe so much in the Rebellion, but is now helping them with a mission of the utmost importance, something that could turn the occupation entirely.
This is true Military Sci-Fi at its absolute best, gripping and captivating, with combat scenes that are so incredibly detailed, so well written, that you feel you are plunged into the middle of it, feeling the raw emotions of those involved, the conviction of those sacrificing everything to win their homes back. Whilst some Authors might write this as a heroic last act, Webb has given us a more stark reality, a more realistic, gritty point of view, making this seem so much more lifelike and the characters so much more believable.
Mercury’s Bane is absolutely brilliant and should be the Sci-Fi book everyone reads in 2017, it is just too good to miss.
Mercury’s Bane though, surpasses even his own previous work for outstanding storylines, exceptional characters and a slightly different writing style that is grittier than his past works, making this book not only edge of your seat brilliant, but also gives it a realistic edge in the desperation of the characters as they fight for their survival.
Humanity has been taken over by the Telestines, an alien race that has conquered Earth, and basically removed us from Earth, either via extermination, or the survivors fled. What remains of the human race is scattered amongst the solar system, eking out an existence on the moons of the bigger planets, or hiding amongst the storms of the less hospitable smaller ones.
As usual, Webb has done a beautiful job of creating this particular timeline to play in, providing us with rich well researched environments that are so well described, you can close your eyes and imagine you are there.
The big difference with this book is the feel of the story. I remember the re-imagined Battlestar Galatica coming out, and how much darker it was, the grittier nature of it, how intense and believable the characters were. How desperate the characters were to win at any cost, to save humanity from a foe with more firepower, greater numbers and better technology. That’s how this book feels – humanity is fighting a war against such ridiculous odds, but they are fighting for survival, for Earth, and Webb has really drawn on this in each of his characters.
Without giving too much away (this is too good a story for spoilers!!), we are initially introduced to Admiral Walker, who is leading the rag tag fleet, all that remains of Humanity’s hope to rescue Earth. She is determined, and will do anything necessary. The other main character introduced early on (there are multiple ancillary characters as well as other major characters as the story moves along – but again – No Spoilers!) is William Pike or just Pike. He is an Earther, or Native, who was on Earth for several years before he was rescued after an attack. One of only a few who used to live on the planet, he is now called on to help them due to his knowledge. He doesn’t believe so much in the Rebellion, but is now helping them with a mission of the utmost importance, something that could turn the occupation entirely.
This is true Military Sci-Fi at its absolute best, gripping and captivating, with combat scenes that are so incredibly detailed, so well written, that you feel you are plunged into the middle of it, feeling the raw emotions of those involved, the conviction of those sacrificing everything to win their homes back. Whilst some Authors might write this as a heroic last act, Webb has given us a more stark reality, a more realistic, gritty point of view, making this seem so much more lifelike and the characters so much more believable.
Mercury’s Bane is absolutely brilliant and should be the Sci-Fi book everyone reads in 2017, it is just too good to miss.
August 5, 2019
The book was ok, the story did not make me sit on the edge of the seat in anticipation. It did not give me the “just a few more minutes then Ill put the book down”. Getting enough sleep was not a problem this time…
Sure the book was ok, it is not a bad read, just not a very good one. I think I have been spoiled by greater authors and greater story’s lately, so I will give it the benefit of doubt.
The biggest downside of this book is the characters. They all have very stereotypical personality. I could not say that any of them are my favorite, they where all like just another person on the street.
As for the “main” character. This was the biggest downside of the story.
Main character meets a girl, girl cannot/will not talk, main character for some reason finds it that he needs to protect this girl from everything in this world and makes this girl his whole world, for no reason. Just a few days has gone by after he met her and he rather see the whole world and all humanity die out, his childhood friend and love of his life die out, than the new girl, who he has not been able to talk too or interact with (much), get into harms way. He flips out for the least amount of threat against this new girl he only has known for a few days.
I know people can flip out, break down etc, because of something that happens in their life, but this? The author has not been able to make me understand why the main character cares so extremely about his new girl. Sure, he found her in a bad place but there is nothing in the story that pulls his “protection genes” so hard that he rather wants to see all humanity die than she gets in danger.
And this is the sole reason I have a hard time with the book. The author has not been able to make me understand this need to protect the girl. It feels unnatural and over the top “good guy protects innocent girl”.
Sure, book is good enough too read, but it is far from a book I will remember fondly.
Sure the book was ok, it is not a bad read, just not a very good one. I think I have been spoiled by greater authors and greater story’s lately, so I will give it the benefit of doubt.
The biggest downside of this book is the characters. They all have very stereotypical personality. I could not say that any of them are my favorite, they where all like just another person on the street.
As for the “main” character. This was the biggest downside of the story.
Main character meets a girl, girl cannot/will not talk, main character for some reason finds it that he needs to protect this girl from everything in this world and makes this girl his whole world, for no reason. Just a few days has gone by after he met her and he rather see the whole world and all humanity die out, his childhood friend and love of his life die out, than the new girl, who he has not been able to talk too or interact with (much), get into harms way. He flips out for the least amount of threat against this new girl he only has known for a few days.
I know people can flip out, break down etc, because of something that happens in their life, but this? The author has not been able to make me understand why the main character cares so extremely about his new girl. Sure, he found her in a bad place but there is nothing in the story that pulls his “protection genes” so hard that he rather wants to see all humanity die than she gets in danger.
And this is the sole reason I have a hard time with the book. The author has not been able to make me understand this need to protect the girl. It feels unnatural and over the top “good guy protects innocent girl”.
Sure, book is good enough too read, but it is far from a book I will remember fondly.
October 18, 2018
This story by Nick Webb was one of desperation and hope. The human species is at the end of its limits; displaced from the earth by an alien race that is superior in technology. The whole story revolves around taking back our home planet and our solar system. I will start by saying I enjoyed the book. Other reviews talk about unnecessary or unbelievable characters. Seeing humanity has never been displaced by aliens, I do not see where they can draw their "experience" for what would be unbelievable.
Mercury's Bane centers around a man, William Pike, who lost his family as a boy on earth. Though hating the resistance, he blames them for the death of his sister and mother; when the resistance has a mission that will send him back to earth he jumps at the chance to return home. This sparks the storyline for the rest of the book and series. I feel that the author did a great job at representing the doubt, worry, suffering, and pain that would be felt by humans that were actually in these situations. The double guessing of choices made and worried confusion about what that might mean to the future of humanity was well done. There is no right answer just make the best choice possible and keep moving forward. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series.
August 27, 2018
A Very Solid Start!
Following the finish of another series, I wanted to change things up a little; and Alan Webb's Earth Dawning series attracted me with what looked like an interesting plot in a bit tighter setting. It became a clearer choice as I continued to look at the various suggestions; and so I downloaded Mercury's Bane, first in the series. That choice has borne out admirably.
No element of this book disappointed me - which was a pleasant discovery, as I tend to be more critical with the first in a series. Everything it promised to offer, it followed through on. The story's setting - from the Exile (rag tag?) fleet and ramshackle survivor orbital settlements to the surface of a conquered Earth to the more refined and high tech Venusian (and alien Telestine) ships and facilities - was solidly varied and detailed enough without being burdensome. Character development was mostly similar - the sole exception being the aforementioned aliens - with reasonable depth to each that was readily understandable in most cases, and some few little surprises to keep it fresh and interesting.
I look forward to seeing how author Nick Webb continues to develop these varied strands in book two. I'm hopeful for a bit more detail on the technology he's showing us, for the aliens to receive a bit more depth and even some more individuals to help us better understand them, and to narrow focus on our primary characters to allow them to deepen and grow. That journey starts shortly.
Meanwhile, Earth's Dawning looks to be an excellent series pick-up, and I'm happy to add an enthusiastic start-up recommendation to fellow SF fans!
Following the finish of another series, I wanted to change things up a little; and Alan Webb's Earth Dawning series attracted me with what looked like an interesting plot in a bit tighter setting. It became a clearer choice as I continued to look at the various suggestions; and so I downloaded Mercury's Bane, first in the series. That choice has borne out admirably.
No element of this book disappointed me - which was a pleasant discovery, as I tend to be more critical with the first in a series. Everything it promised to offer, it followed through on. The story's setting - from the Exile (rag tag?) fleet and ramshackle survivor orbital settlements to the surface of a conquered Earth to the more refined and high tech Venusian (and alien Telestine) ships and facilities - was solidly varied and detailed enough without being burdensome. Character development was mostly similar - the sole exception being the aforementioned aliens - with reasonable depth to each that was readily understandable in most cases, and some few little surprises to keep it fresh and interesting.
I look forward to seeing how author Nick Webb continues to develop these varied strands in book two. I'm hopeful for a bit more detail on the technology he's showing us, for the aliens to receive a bit more depth and even some more individuals to help us better understand them, and to narrow focus on our primary characters to allow them to deepen and grow. That journey starts shortly.
Meanwhile, Earth's Dawning looks to be an excellent series pick-up, and I'm happy to add an enthusiastic start-up recommendation to fellow SF fans!
March 8, 2017
Nick Webb has provided us with some of the best Military Sci-Fi series out there in the form of The Legacy Fleet Trilogy, The Pax Humana Saga, and most recently, his sequel to Legacy Fleet, ‘Independence’, the start of The Legacy Ship Trilogy.
Mercury’s Bane though, surpasses even his own previous work for outstanding storylines, exceptional characters and a slightly different writing style that is grittier than his past works, making this book not only edge of your seat brilliant, but also gives it a realistic edge in the desperation of the characters as they fight for their survival.
Humanity has been taken over by the Telestines, an alien race that has conquered Earth, and basically removed us from Earth, either via extermination, or the survivors fled. What remains of the human race is scattered amongst the solar system, eking out an existence on the moons of the bigger planets, or hiding amongst the storms of the less hospitable smaller ones.
As usual, Webb has done a beautiful job of creating this particular timeline to play in, providing us with rich well researched environments that are so well described, you can close your eyes and imagine you are there.
The big difference with this book is the feel of the story. I remember the re-imagined Battlestar Galatica coming out, and how much darker it was, the grittier nature of it, how intense and believable the characters were. How desperate the characters were to win at any cost, to save humanity from a foe with more firepower, greater numbers and better technology. That’s how this book feels – humanity is fighting a war against such ridiculous odds, but they are fighting for survival, for Earth, and Webb has really drawn on this in each of his characters.
Without giving too much away (this is too good a story for spoilers!!), we are initially introduced to Admiral Walker, who is leading the rag tag fleet, all that remains of Humanity’s hope to rescue Earth. She is determined, and will do anything necessary. The other main character introduced early on (there are multiple ancillary characters as well as other major characters as the story moves along – but again – No Spoilers!) is William Pike or just Pike. He is an Earther, or Native, who was on Earth for several years before he was rescued after an attack. One of only a few who used to live on the planet, he is now called on to help them due to his knowledge. He doesn’t believe so much in the Rebellion, but is now helping them with a mission of the utmost importance, something that could turn the occupation entirely.
This is true Military Sci-Fi at its absolute best, gripping and captivating, with combat scenes that are so incredibly detailed, so well written, that you feel you are plunged into the middle of it, feeling the raw emotions of those involved, the conviction of those sacrificing everything to win their homes back. Whilst some Authors might write this as a heroic last act, Webb has given us a more stark reality, a more realistic, gritty point of view, making this seem so much more lifelike and the characters so much more believable.
Mercury’s Bane is absolutely brilliant and should be the Sci-Fi book everyone reads in 2017, it is just too good to miss.
March 24, 2017
By 2040 the Earth had been defeated by the Telestines
The Telestines claimed Earth as their prize, humanity was exiled to the planets and moons of the Solar system, made them refugees in their own backyard. The Rebellion had the Exile Fleet, a handful of ships and cruisers, not in the same league as the Telestine ship's. Their technology far surpassed humanity's. Rumor surfaced about something that could help defeat that technology, something called "the Dawning".
William Pike was born on Earth and was raised in hiding on Earth. The Telestines killed his family, but Pike escaped to nurse his hatred and plans for revenge. The Rebellion has a need for Pike's skills to find and retrieve this tech called the Dawning, and bring it back to Admiral Walker, leader of Rebellion forces. Turns out, "the Dawning" was not what they expected.
I found my attention riveted to the story from the first paragraph, with colorfully crafted characters guiding the flow of storyteller as he spun his web around me. A terrific beginning to a masterful storyline, don't miss your chance to begin at the start.
The Telestines claimed Earth as their prize, humanity was exiled to the planets and moons of the Solar system, made them refugees in their own backyard. The Rebellion had the Exile Fleet, a handful of ships and cruisers, not in the same league as the Telestine ship's. Their technology far surpassed humanity's. Rumor surfaced about something that could help defeat that technology, something called "the Dawning".
William Pike was born on Earth and was raised in hiding on Earth. The Telestines killed his family, but Pike escaped to nurse his hatred and plans for revenge. The Rebellion has a need for Pike's skills to find and retrieve this tech called the Dawning, and bring it back to Admiral Walker, leader of Rebellion forces. Turns out, "the Dawning" was not what they expected.
I found my attention riveted to the story from the first paragraph, with colorfully crafted characters guiding the flow of storyteller as he spun his web around me. A terrific beginning to a masterful storyline, don't miss your chance to begin at the start.
April 8, 2024
Overall an interesting book and story. It wasn't the most compelling and took me longer then hoped to complete, but it was somewhat engaging. The premise behind the story is an advanced civilization that came into contact with Earth and basically stole the planet, but were "too kind" to exterminate us all and instead have most of humanity living on other planets or in space stations.
We find out later that the Telestines (the aliens) have been taking humans and testing on them to create a "hybrid" that has some odd capabilities. The girl in this one has the ability to take over some telestine electronics. It is discovered that this "Dawning" weapon is a setup by the military of the Telestines to have a reason to destroy humanity. All in all, one of those stories that puts humans a stronger then we are.
We find out later that the Telestines (the aliens) have been taking humans and testing on them to create a "hybrid" that has some odd capabilities. The girl in this one has the ability to take over some telestine electronics. It is discovered that this "Dawning" weapon is a setup by the military of the Telestines to have a reason to destroy humanity. All in all, one of those stories that puts humans a stronger then we are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
Not so sure about this one. Found it a bit predictable and uneven with odd turns and impossible outcomes. Some good characters - but the main man, Pike, was just annoyingly dense. Overall I was a bit bored and threatened to abandon it several times. I didn't, but won't be picking up the next in series.
The Kindle edition is speckled with errors: typos, misspellings and misplaced words - it shows a great disrespect to the reader when editing is poor. Disappointed.
The Kindle edition is speckled with errors: typos, misspellings and misplaced words - it shows a great disrespect to the reader when editing is poor. Disappointed.
December 15, 2017
Excellent Story
I really liked the over all story and the fact that when you think you have the whole picture, WHAM!, It goes in a completely different direction. I would have given it 5 stars but the main characters seemed flat. Just your basic types. The hero, the leader, the spy and the innocent with a secret. Anyone that loves space operas should read this book.
I really liked the over all story and the fact that when you think you have the whole picture, WHAM!, It goes in a completely different direction. I would have given it 5 stars but the main characters seemed flat. Just your basic types. The hero, the leader, the spy and the innocent with a secret. Anyone that loves space operas should read this book.
July 14, 2017
Shows promise
I am a huge Nick Webb fan. This book dragged for me a bit. But I'm glad I persevered to the end. I think the ending sets up a great premise for future books. I am curious to see where this adventure goes!
I am a huge Nick Webb fan. This book dragged for me a bit. But I'm glad I persevered to the end. I think the ending sets up a great premise for future books. I am curious to see where this adventure goes!
September 5, 2017
Do you like vanilla? You better LOVE vanilla because this book more vanilla then vanilla itself.
The characters are vanilla, the plot are vanilla, the ending is vanilla.
It's good written vanilla but I crave more the vanilla from my books.
The characters are vanilla, the plot are vanilla, the ending is vanilla.
It's good written vanilla but I crave more the vanilla from my books.
May 28, 2018
Interesting enough. Not as exciting as some books in this genre I've read, but good enough to hold the attention. I'll probably read the others in the series too, but more for completeness more than anything else.
February 18, 2019
A good read.
A defeated and displaced humanity struggles to pull itself up by its bootstraps. Webb creates several interesting characters whose development across this trilogy stirs curiosity as much or more than do possible plot twists.
A defeated and displaced humanity struggles to pull itself up by its bootstraps. Webb creates several interesting characters whose development across this trilogy stirs curiosity as much or more than do possible plot twists.
March 14, 2021
Excellent storytelling!
Dramatically presented,a complex emotional tale of struggle of humanity fighting to survive in space, fighting against a alien invasion of earth. Another highly imaginative and compelling story as told by Nick Webb.
Dramatically presented,a complex emotional tale of struggle of humanity fighting to survive in space, fighting against a alien invasion of earth. Another highly imaginative and compelling story as told by Nick Webb.
May 19, 2017
Good book
This is a good book . lots OK action . I look forward to the next book. It will keep u wanting to read more
This is a good book . lots OK action . I look forward to the next book. It will keep u wanting to read more
June 19, 2017
☺
Good lead in to the sequel. Character building might benefit from some more detail, but overall a good read.
☺
Good lead in to the sequel. Character building might benefit from some more detail, but overall a good read.
☺
September 30, 2017
Excellent start to a series
A rebellion starts and fights back against an alien race that had conquered them. Space battles and interesting characters what more can you ask for.
A rebellion starts and fights back against an alien race that had conquered them. Space battles and interesting characters what more can you ask for.
October 3, 2017
Story is good. I'm missing information about the technical background and not everthing seems locigal (e.g. they always travel with acceleration by thrust but in the end three ships "jump")
October 12, 2017
Actual Rating 3,5 Stars
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