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Eternal Frontier #2
Edge of War
Humanity’s expansion into the stars has led to awe-inspiring discoveries—and terrifying new threats. An insidious alien race is waging an interstellar war, enslaving any civilization they encounter to carry out their galactic rampage. Now they have set their sights on mankind.Tag Brewer is a medical scientist. Not a ship’s captain. But as humanity’s survival hangs in the balance, he must lead a ragtag crew of humans, a skeptical alien, and a synthetic lifeform into the depths of enemy territory. There he forms an uneasy alliance with a group of aliens—the Mechanics—fleeing from the destruction. There is only one way to track down and stop their frightening new adversaries. Tag must follow the trail of devastation left behind in the fallen Mechanic empire. There he hopes to recruit other survivors to their cause. But what Tag and his crew find is far more dangerous than any of them thought possible.The Eternal Frontier SeriesBook 1: Eternal FrontierBook 2: Edge of WarBook 3: Shattered Dawn
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2017
138 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Anthony J. Melchiorri
103 books361 followersAnthony J Melchiorri is a scientist with a PhD in bioengineering. Originally from the Midwest, he now lives in Texas. By day, he develops cellular therapies and 3D-printable artificial organs. By night, he writes apocalyptic, medical, and science-fiction thrillers that blend real-world research with other-worldly possibility. When he isn't in the lab or at the keyboard, he spends his time running, reading, hiking, and traveling in search of new story ideas.
Read more at http://anthonyjmelchiorri.com and sign up for his mailing list at http://bit.ly/ajmlist to hear about his latest releases and news.
Read more at http://anthonyjmelchiorri.com and sign up for his mailing list at http://bit.ly/ajmlist to hear about his latest releases and news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 13, 2017
I loved Eternal Frontier, so much. I am honored to have been selected as an ARC reviewer for this sequel.
In my opinion, this story is a mixture of First Contact, Space Opera, and Military Science Fiction genres.
Captain Tag Brewer is re-learning his responsibilities as a bridge officer after spending the better part of his career in the SRE Navy as a Medical Officer. On top of which his crew has doubled. He doesn't have much time to dwell on this though as he is forced into combat with a faction of a species who want to eliminate those who aren't aligned with them.
I really enjoyed how Mr. Melchiorri shared Tag's internal struggle with how to deal with all that was happening.
Warning: There is Violence as well as Adult Language and Situations.
In my opinion, this story is a mixture of First Contact, Space Opera, and Military Science Fiction genres.
Captain Tag Brewer is re-learning his responsibilities as a bridge officer after spending the better part of his career in the SRE Navy as a Medical Officer. On top of which his crew has doubled. He doesn't have much time to dwell on this though as he is forced into combat with a faction of a species who want to eliminate those who aren't aligned with them.
I really enjoyed how Mr. Melchiorri shared Tag's internal struggle with how to deal with all that was happening.
Warning: There is Violence as well as Adult Language and Situations.
December 4, 2017
From one battle to another
The Argo and her crew find themselves fighting one battle after another. Getting to the point where they are able to find a way to beat the mechanics who have been infected by a virus.
The Argo and her crew find themselves fighting one battle after another. Getting to the point where they are able to find a way to beat the mechanics who have been infected by a virus.
December 8, 2017
I am an avid fan of Space Opera audiobooks and am very intrigued by the progress being made in the artificial intelligence realm. This book ties together two of my favorite topics and is a fantastic continuation of the first story.
Tony brings out a common theme that is present in just about every culture, and that is the relationship between a military force and an indigenous population. Early on, we see the relationship between the marines and the Mechanics develop. A lack of trust exists up front and this shifts throughout the story. As a soldier, I have seen this very relationship occur and I think Tony did a great job of depicting it. We often fear what we don’t know/understand, and this is captured brilliantly here.
My favorite component of the story is Alpha, an AI that is coming to terms with her human side. As she no longer accepts the term AI, we watch her struggle with things most of us take for granted as a sentient species. What are the different emotions encountered when it comes to dealing with living beings, be it taking a life or performing a healing action? Alpha faces struggles that I imagine any combat arms has to deal with at some point. We see Tag attempt to encourage the healing aspect of her duties in order to promote a more peaceful/helpful artificial being.
There are many twists that I did not see coming in this story, to include the story of Lone star and Bull. The story definitely kept me engaged throughout.
Another easy 5/5 rating and I am anxious to move on to Shattered Dawn and the continuation of the adventures for the SRE Argo, the crew, and the mechanics as we look into the nanite threat.
I am glad this series was recommended to me.
Tony brings out a common theme that is present in just about every culture, and that is the relationship between a military force and an indigenous population. Early on, we see the relationship between the marines and the Mechanics develop. A lack of trust exists up front and this shifts throughout the story. As a soldier, I have seen this very relationship occur and I think Tony did a great job of depicting it. We often fear what we don’t know/understand, and this is captured brilliantly here.
My favorite component of the story is Alpha, an AI that is coming to terms with her human side. As she no longer accepts the term AI, we watch her struggle with things most of us take for granted as a sentient species. What are the different emotions encountered when it comes to dealing with living beings, be it taking a life or performing a healing action? Alpha faces struggles that I imagine any combat arms has to deal with at some point. We see Tag attempt to encourage the healing aspect of her duties in order to promote a more peaceful/helpful artificial being.
There are many twists that I did not see coming in this story, to include the story of Lone star and Bull. The story definitely kept me engaged throughout.
Another easy 5/5 rating and I am anxious to move on to Shattered Dawn and the continuation of the adventures for the SRE Argo, the crew, and the mechanics as we look into the nanite threat.
I am glad this series was recommended to me.
July 9, 2020
The SRES Argo and crew fight to free the Mechanic species from annihilation
Tag Brewer, former chief medical officer and now captain of the SRES Argo, had assumed command of the research vessel following the loss of his commanding officer to a Drone Mech attack. His orders, also given by the loss of his commanding officer was to pick up an extraterrestrial anthropologist on one of Eta’s planets, Eta-Five, who’d been left there five years ago by the SRES Hanno. The anthropologist, Lieutenant Sofia Vasquez, had been studying the planet’s native biological lifeforms and whatever sentient species might be found there. In typical anthropologist form, she’d insisted on doing the mission solo to better immerse herself in the local population. Included in that population was a Free Mechanic crew hiding from the robot-like Drone Mechs whose minds had been usurped by a strange signal, turning them into slaves for their unknown Drone Masters.
As the crew of the SRES Argo comes together, their mission now to find these strange Drone Masters and stop the mind control over the Drone Mechs. The amazing characters and awesome storyline are enhanced by the medical knowledge woven into the story. The author's medical skills and research are apparent in the story, but don't overwhelm the reader with esoterics. Really a complete and absolutely entertaining story, that demands your attention from the first page to the last. This is a great read, and now on to the third book in this trilogy.
Tag Brewer, former chief medical officer and now captain of the SRES Argo, had assumed command of the research vessel following the loss of his commanding officer to a Drone Mech attack. His orders, also given by the loss of his commanding officer was to pick up an extraterrestrial anthropologist on one of Eta’s planets, Eta-Five, who’d been left there five years ago by the SRES Hanno. The anthropologist, Lieutenant Sofia Vasquez, had been studying the planet’s native biological lifeforms and whatever sentient species might be found there. In typical anthropologist form, she’d insisted on doing the mission solo to better immerse herself in the local population. Included in that population was a Free Mechanic crew hiding from the robot-like Drone Mechs whose minds had been usurped by a strange signal, turning them into slaves for their unknown Drone Masters.
As the crew of the SRES Argo comes together, their mission now to find these strange Drone Masters and stop the mind control over the Drone Mechs. The amazing characters and awesome storyline are enhanced by the medical knowledge woven into the story. The author's medical skills and research are apparent in the story, but don't overwhelm the reader with esoterics. Really a complete and absolutely entertaining story, that demands your attention from the first page to the last. This is a great read, and now on to the third book in this trilogy.
May 7, 2021
If you liked the first book, "Eternal Frontier," then you will like this book just as much, but it didn't strike me as a logical story. In other words, the characters didn't act in a manner I thought such people should act, the commander of the ship didn't act like a real commander. He acted like a scientist who was given the job of commander and didn't know what to do with the position. Because he didn't take the position seriously, the Marines didn't take him seriously. Nevertheless, the Marines didn't act like real Marines.
For an example of Marines following a commander that they did not respect, but never showing disrespect, read "Red Storm Rising" by Tom Clancy. After a military base on Iceland is wiped out by an invasion force, an Air Force weatherman leads Marines into the wilderness to act as a reconnaissance force and eventually earns the respect of the Marines he is leading.
I will likely read the next book in the series, "Shattered Dawn," but if it doesn't start making more sense, that might be the last book I'll read in this series.
For an example of Marines following a commander that they did not respect, but never showing disrespect, read "Red Storm Rising" by Tom Clancy. After a military base on Iceland is wiped out by an invasion force, an Air Force weatherman leads Marines into the wilderness to act as a reconnaissance force and eventually earns the respect of the Marines he is leading.
I will likely read the next book in the series, "Shattered Dawn," but if it doesn't start making more sense, that might be the last book I'll read in this series.
March 30, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. I gave the first book five stars. My main problem was it took 20% of the first part of the book for there to be any action. The author attempts to throw in some drama by making the head of the marines be antagonistic towards the main character, and I don't know if that's realistic. I haven't seen anything like that in other series. Usually soldiers are grateful towards those who save them. Sudden promotions should not matter in space. But then again, it's all untested ground.
When I finally got to the action, I was having a hard time continuing to read the book. The action itself is okay, but I find the villain motivation to be a little lacking by book 2. They're just aliens who are being controlled. I'd like some information as to why they are being controlled or who's doing the controlling. I'd also like more development of the android or robot with a human brain. The author's good with science, but could skip the boring parts faster and get to the action.
I wavered between two and three stars but I couldn't finish this, so two stars. Maybe 5/10.
When I finally got to the action, I was having a hard time continuing to read the book. The action itself is okay, but I find the villain motivation to be a little lacking by book 2. They're just aliens who are being controlled. I'd like some information as to why they are being controlled or who's doing the controlling. I'd also like more development of the android or robot with a human brain. The author's good with science, but could skip the boring parts faster and get to the action.
I wavered between two and three stars but I couldn't finish this, so two stars. Maybe 5/10.
October 26, 2024
The discovery that the Mechanics, an alien race, is dominated by some unknown entities by means of nanites originally developed by humans, was quite against all expectations.
However, the question now arises, who is really the guilty party here and how was this accomplished?
For tag Brewer and Coren this requires quite an investigation as mistrust mounts and the warlike Mechanics seems intend on ensuring Tag and Coren are attacked in great numbers wherever they go.
Edge of War is quite the immersive Sci-Fi thriller and with quite a few nasty surprises awaiting the readers following this plot with a keen interest.
Enjoy.
However, the question now arises, who is really the guilty party here and how was this accomplished?
For tag Brewer and Coren this requires quite an investigation as mistrust mounts and the warlike Mechanics seems intend on ensuring Tag and Coren are attacked in great numbers wherever they go.
Edge of War is quite the immersive Sci-Fi thriller and with quite a few nasty surprises awaiting the readers following this plot with a keen interest.
Enjoy.
June 27, 2017
Edge of War is the second book in this trilogy and is in many ways better than the first, which is a credit to the author. The first book was a non-stop thrill ride with minimal character development. This second book has plenty of action, and advances the plot arc, but finally gives the reader a fuller understanding of the characters and really makes us care and want to keep reading and find out what happens. kudos for a solid middle book and i am looking forward to finishing the story.
May 15, 2017
In the second book of the series, Tag Brewer and his crew continue their mission to both discover the purpose of the Argo's original mission, and find a way to stop the nanite technology controlling the Drone-Mechs. I thought this book was even better than the first. It was an action packed page turner for sure.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2018
This was a long slow read from book one which was a four-star to this book, a three-star. Though the very last few pages increased my nterest when it was revealed what the mission of the Argos and Captain Weber, really was before he died. Because of that alone I raise the rating to 3.5, in anticipation of the next book in the series.
February 14, 2019
Great story
Tag and his ever expanding group have been fighting together for their existence. They must continue to look for the Drone Masters and stop them. Tag now has a new clue that his old captain was hiding and must now follow it into the next book of the series. Once again the book was hard to put down until I had read it to the end.
Tag and his ever expanding group have been fighting together for their existence. They must continue to look for the Drone Masters and stop them. Tag now has a new clue that his old captain was hiding and must now follow it into the next book of the series. Once again the book was hard to put down until I had read it to the end.
August 6, 2021
I have grown attached to the characters in from the first book. There is a longer story to tell, and this is just a step in that story. I feel that some decisions by the characters are illogical and haphazard. I found the way the story is told to be very entertaining. I wish I understood why I found it such a page turner. Not as good as the first book, but I still enjoyed reading it quite a bit.
May 14, 2017
I was quite surprised to read the negative two star review. For me, this was an amazingly exciting read. On the one hand, the ending was very satisfying - but on the other, I'm left wanting more. Book 3 can't come soon enough.
September 28, 2017
Just keeps getting better!
This series just keeps getting better. I thought the first was a great ride, the second was even more epic. Tag and the crew are once again in search of answers and up against possible odds, yet they come together and beat them in an action filled way.
We keep getting more answers that lead to more questions, questions I can't wait to find out the answers too.
I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!
This series just keeps getting better. I thought the first was a great ride, the second was even more epic. Tag and the crew are once again in search of answers and up against possible odds, yet they come together and beat them in an action filled way.
We keep getting more answers that lead to more questions, questions I can't wait to find out the answers too.
I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!
December 3, 2018
Awesome
I thought book 1 was fantastic but I have to tell you that book 2 will blow you away. I can't wait to get book 3. If you're looking for a great space adventure then I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
I thought book 1 was fantastic but I have to tell you that book 2 will blow you away. I can't wait to get book 3. If you're looking for a great space adventure then I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
April 10, 2020
The battles continue with hardly a pause. Still no romance between Tag and his pilot, which should have started in book one. Tag seems to be in conflict war wise, but not personally, which would improve the story. Never mind, still worth a read.
January 25, 2021
Great sequel to the space fairing tale. I am enjoying the challenge that the characters face in this book. It’s a rag tag group that pulls out the victory once again. Looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.
February 16, 2021
A continuation of The Eternal Frontier trilogy as the non-infected Mechanics seek to find who made most Mechanics into mindless murderous drones. Good characters in a constant fight against an unknown foe.
May 23, 2021
This is the second book in an expansive space drama. I really liked the concepts and story of the first book. However, this story did not captivate me as much. I found myself skipping to the end of chapters to find out what happens instead of reading through all the exposition.
December 12, 2021
even better then the first one
A great sequel to the first book that I loved. I loved this even more. Great characters, non stop action. I read it so fast I didn’t realize I was done and I was sad to beat the end but looking forward to the next part of the story
A great sequel to the first book that I loved. I loved this even more. Great characters, non stop action. I read it so fast I didn’t realize I was done and I was sad to beat the end but looking forward to the next part of the story
April 28, 2020
Second in a series of three. Melchior ri caught his stride in the second half of the first book and continues it here. He keeps up the pace and the suspense through the entire book. I'm looking forward to the finale.
June 27, 2020
A great book
This was one of the best science fiction story I have ever read. I have enjoyed every action packed minute of it. I will now read book three.
This was one of the best science fiction story I have ever read. I have enjoyed every action packed minute of it. I will now read book three.
October 8, 2020
not a bad read. I will continue to read
October 23, 2020
Starting the next Book in Eternal Frontier
November 10, 2022
The book was good and so was the narrative, but I feel that the author left too many things unclear. I also feel that the ending was a bit rush. That said, I may still read book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
Military sci-fi - very enjoyable continuation of book 1. And ending and a new beginning.
September 14, 2024
Blah.
May 7, 2025
EDIT: Quite the solid follow up to the first book, but nothing that stands out. I think the final three books are much stronger, but that's not to say the first two don't have their moments. This one is just the most forgettable one to me? I LOVE 3 and really enjoy 4 & 5, so maybe it's just personal bias, but she's a solid, down the middle 3 star book. Excited for Shattered Dawn!
First review: i'm seriously getting hooked on this series like it was a joke at first and now im IN. but if i have to read one more "the kinetic slug punched through-" i stg. coren and tag need to kiss already and get it over w this weird tension between them is too much. this book is a major slay though i really loved it, i feel like a lot more was expanded on and it's a great sequel to the first book
First review: i'm seriously getting hooked on this series like it was a joke at first and now im IN. but if i have to read one more "the kinetic slug punched through-" i stg. coren and tag need to kiss already and get it over w this weird tension between them is too much. this book is a major slay though i really loved it, i feel like a lot more was expanded on and it's a great sequel to the first book
April 14, 2017
A must read for 2017 sci-fi list.
Thank you Anthony J. Melchiorri for a fantastic sci-fi series. I have added to my summer reading list. A fan.
Thank you Anthony J. Melchiorri for a fantastic sci-fi series. I have added to my summer reading list. A fan.
April 18, 2017
Disappointing Follow-Up
"The Edge of War (The Eternal Frontier Book 2)," proved to be a very disappointing follow-up on the first book of the series. Bluntly, the author, Mr. Anthony Melchiori, decided to write a purely action-oriented story arc, which is beyond the scope of his writing abilities.
The now officially installed C.O. of the "SRE Argo," takes his undersized crew, along with the allied, uninfected "free" Mechanic aliens, into combat across various star systems, against the nanite-controlled "Drone-Mechs (think lowbrow 'Borg')," as the search continues for more allies, and a potential weapon and/or cure to use against the enemy.
First off, this is not truly a stand alone novel. It is heavily dependent on the initial book, so new readers should be forewarned. Secondly, the writing by Mr. Melchiori, is mediocre at best, and page-skimming worthy at its worse. The author has lost his course in moving away from his strengths-writing about cybernetics, synthetic brains, AI's-and elected to descend into his weaknesses-dialogue and action. He doesn't have the writing chops to pull it off. Narrative, characterization, plotting, are all in the main plodding, leaden, and hackneyed. If you like the author's favorite word, "...azure...," then you might disagree.
"Edge of War," is not recommended. It was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"The Edge of War (The Eternal Frontier Book 2)," proved to be a very disappointing follow-up on the first book of the series. Bluntly, the author, Mr. Anthony Melchiori, decided to write a purely action-oriented story arc, which is beyond the scope of his writing abilities.
The now officially installed C.O. of the "SRE Argo," takes his undersized crew, along with the allied, uninfected "free" Mechanic aliens, into combat across various star systems, against the nanite-controlled "Drone-Mechs (think lowbrow 'Borg')," as the search continues for more allies, and a potential weapon and/or cure to use against the enemy.
First off, this is not truly a stand alone novel. It is heavily dependent on the initial book, so new readers should be forewarned. Secondly, the writing by Mr. Melchiori, is mediocre at best, and page-skimming worthy at its worse. The author has lost his course in moving away from his strengths-writing about cybernetics, synthetic brains, AI's-and elected to descend into his weaknesses-dialogue and action. He doesn't have the writing chops to pull it off. Narrative, characterization, plotting, are all in the main plodding, leaden, and hackneyed. If you like the author's favorite word, "...azure...," then you might disagree.
"Edge of War," is not recommended. It was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews