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The finale of the bestselling first contact series! Earth's last hope failed. Now the planet faces a brutal alien conquest. The Spirit of Destiny lies wrecked on the moon. On Earth, the crew of the alien behemoth Lightbringer spread destruction across a planet racked by conflict. But Jack and his fellow survivors of the Europa mission, trapped in Earth's ramshackle little moon colony, haven't given up. Exposed to the constant threat of attack, they come up with a perilous plan to return to Earth and fight the aliens. An astronaut without a ship. A planet ravaged by war. One last chance for victory.

You'll love Killshot because it's a a scarily plausible first contact thriller blending hard science fiction and edge-of-your seat action. You won't need a calculator to follow the story, but if you'd like to build a spaceship to the Spirit of Destiny's specifications, it really will take you to Jupiter! ($300 billion budget not included.)


The Earth's Last Gambit Quartet

Freefall
Lifeboat
Shiplord
Killshot


Praise for Felix R.
"Prepare to be Savaged in this masterpiece of Sci-Fi adventure, that leaves you stunned, awed and captivated as you follow the desperate plight of the crew of the SoD!" -- Jas P, Amazon Reviewer "Thumbs up, ready for the next round of excitement! Great sci fi. Each day of reading is like the next episode of my favorite show." -- Ted P, Amazon Reviewer "I absolutely loved these books! I couldn't put them down. The personalities of all, human and alien alike, were intoxicating." --Natalie Paesani, Amazon Reviewer

475 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2017

144 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Felix R. Savage

90 books119 followers
Felix R. Savage writes hard science fiction, space opera, and comedic science fiction. He has also occasionally been known to commit fantasy.

Felix has a long history associated with rebellion. He was born in the 1970s, a decade of American youth rebelling against the safe culture of their parents. He is married to a wonderful woman and they have two beautiful daughters. Together the four of them live in Tokyo serving their cat overlord and benevolent protector. Felix pounds the keyboard while not translating, delighting in his family, or catering to the whims of the family’s cat. He woke up one day to learn that he was a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, but he continues to keep a low profile, and never stops watching out for any sign the lizard people have found him.

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5 stars
155 (36%)
4 stars
156 (36%)
3 stars
74 (17%)
2 stars
29 (6%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Jas.
1,032 reviews
June 21, 2017
This is the 4th and final chapter in the ‘Earth’s Last Gambit’ series, and Savage brings it all to a stunning conclusion.
When we start this story, the Lightbringer, with Hannah has just crashed on Earth, unleashing over 10,000 Rrikstii onto the planet. The SoD with Jack and Skyler has crashed on the moon, failing in its last ditched effort to destroy the Lightbringer, leaving Jack and Skyler stranded on the moon.
The rest of the crew have made their way to a moon base that was inhabited by a bunch of influential people that fled to the moon when Earth was originally threatened. Over a 1000 celebrities, rich people, and some others (like Prince Harry), are in this moon base, preparing to survive when the Earth is overrun by Aliens.
The story moves at captivating pace from there, with all sorts of fascinating plots, story lines and twists unfolding to bring us to the end. Without giving away the ending, or too much of the startling array of events, it is fair to say that Savage does not let us down as he details the events following the Lightbringer’s untimely impact on Earth, the introduction of rrikstii and the rest of the SoD crew to the moon base, and the general war between the two races.
This book has a bit of a different dynamic to it, in that it has moved from being a more character driven book, isolated with just the crews of a few ships, to now being multiple characters on a planetary scale. Having said this, the greatest strength in Savage’s work is still his character writing, and he continues to deliver some fascinating characters. This time there is not just the continuing relationship between Hannah and Ripstiggr, but the relationships between Jack and Keelraiser and Alexei and Nene also become a lot more intense. These interspecies relationships give a new depth to the story, especially when children become involved.
Savage writes such intelligent and clever characters, with brilliant and engaging dialogue that doesn’t just tell the story, but lets the reader form a bond with the characters as well. It really improves the quality of this story.
Another brilliant aspect of this story is the descriptions of the rrikstii themselves. Throughout the series, there has been a creative and fascinating exploration into the species, slowly divulging different aspects of their language, how they communicate, their physical make up, how they mate, and even their young. This slow release of information over the four books has kept the mystique of the rrikstii interesting.
The technology has also continued to be another fascinating aspect of this story.
Killshot is an outstanding end to this series, with the crew of the SoD desperately battling to try and bring an end to the danger brought by those on the Lightbringer, whilst also trying to save their own lives and those of the rrikstii that have joined humanity.
There is a really great underlying message in this book, I don’t want to write it here as it will give away the ending.
Right the way through all four books, Savage has tied this theme to his story, and maybe we could all learn something from it.
If you have started reading any of this series, then you have to read the conclusion – it is a must read!!.
And if you haven’t read this series, then you really need to get into it, otherwise you will miss a wonderful series of books.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews35 followers
May 31, 2017
I'm astounded. Killshot, the fourth and final novel in Felix R Savage's Earth's Last Gambit series, is the craziest thrill ride of them all. From the moon to Earth orbit, from Africa to Europe, from Boston to Pacific Palisades, the various factions and remnants of humanity deal piecemeal with the alien rrikstii, not comprehending that the aliens behind this invasion of Earth are themselves factionalized and divided by geopolitical, cultural, and personal issues. New characters and their attendant threats continually disrupt the unstable status quo. It seems that everyone wants to save Earth - but HOW? And FOR WHOM? It's 'every man for himself' as humans and rrikstii collide and cross purposes in the battle for the planet. Double dealing and crazy, nail-biting suspense is the driving force in this story, but there's a ton of battles, big bangs, blood and bruises for the action addict, and a little strategically placed bedsport for the spice fans. Readers of the series will mourn the loss of some familiar actors (I needed a tissue or two), while the continued evolution of major characters is fascinatingly interwoven with the action and the eventual outcome. The end, as is true of all epics like this, is actually a beginning. Although good things do happen for some of the old stalwarts, a devastated Earth and humanity cannot go back from the knowledge of interstellar good and evil, and the only move remaining is forward. Personally, I would love to read more of that story, should Mr Savage decide to apply his considerable talent to some post-apocalyptic-Earth's-recovery SF.
Profile Image for Mark Gardner.
Author 20 books53 followers
June 20, 2017
Killshot is an excellent conclusion to the “Earth’s Last Gambit” series. With any story by Felix R. Savage, I didn’t know what to expect – only that it would be good. I’m glad that the over-sexualized encounters between Hannah and her alien master were toned down in this book.

A few highlights in Killshot: The theme of alien invaders affecting global religion was present through out the series, but Killshot really drove it home. I don’t know if the author intended it, but it reminded me of the extremist religions through out the world. The theme of subservience and slavery was also front and center in Killshot. With slavery and human trafficking so prevalent today, it’s nice to see it tackled in a modern novel.

All in all, Killshot ramps up the tension between the various survivors of the first three books, and introduce a new threat. The book returns to the pace and action from books 1 & 2. The ending is satisfying, and leaves the possibility of another quartet or trilogy in the future. I would eagerly read another series in this universe.

Killshot is a five-star read. Be sure to read the entire series.
Profile Image for Darlene.
502 reviews26 followers
June 6, 2017
Wonderful ending to a great series. Great writing.

I can't believe it's over. The last book in the series. It's so good I'd like it to go on and on. This series and this particular book is so much more than the aliens wanting to conquer the Earth. It's about learning to live and thrive with people different from you. It's about loss and finding adequate replacements. It's about loss and dealing with the aftermath. It's about love between two people no matter who or what they are. They love unconditionally. It's about finding yourself and what you're made of. I laughed and I cried. Feelings are real whether they are human or alien. The sci-fi parts were excellent and there was plenty of action to keep things moving along. This was, by far, the best book of the series. I recommend this series to everyone. Sci-fi fans or not. You'll learn a lot about what it means to be human. This ending of this series is bittersweet. I don't want it to end, but it did and it was a fantastic ride.
372 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2017
One tries to anticipate what will happen next in a book by Felix R. Savage at one’s risk. Predictability is not a gene in this author’s DNA. The books do need to be read in the order of Freefall, Lifeboat, Shiplord, and finally Killshot. For fun, after you finish Killshot, take a quick look back at Freefall and try really hard not to think, “How the heck did we get from ‘there’ to ‘here’?!?”.
There are hidden agendas, very well hidden agendas, lots of real science, and some interspecies sex (the latter my main reasoning for withholding that fifth star in the rating… If, however, the feature film – I wish - based on the movie is able to successfully finesse the images in the readers’ imagination from the book o to the silver 3D screen, I will purchase a theatre ticket out of sheer curiosity).
146 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2017
KILLSHOT wraps up the 4 book series of The Earth's Last Gambit. As with the end of any series, it will be hard to leave these characters. Throughout the series, Jack Klidare has gone literally to hell and back after a rocky first contact leads to Earth's usual fear and hatred of anything new and different, especially aliens! Kildare risks it all to keep his rag tag crew together in the hopes of making things right between Earth and this alien race. As with anything, battles of friendship, loyalty, choosing sides, going back, and more make for an exciting finish. Savage satisfies readers with an unexpected outcome, but still leaves us with the sadness of the end of the series.
Profile Image for Ernie.
205 reviews
June 15, 2017
Lots of things I liked about this book! First of all its nice to see an author complete a story and end a series. So many especially in this vein keep going and going even after it seems like its getting old. This book does a good job of ending the series which make the book even better to me.

Lots of holes but its a fun ride! It's also good to see everyone pretty much have an ending fitting of the series and their characters.

Great Series overall (even if a few of the books seemed to drag).
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2017
A Fitting End

Although this book was longer than the first three, it could have been shorter and gotten the same thing across.
I did like it, even though it bogged down a couple times.
If I could give it four and one half stars, I would.
It was a great ending to the series. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Meenaz Lodhi.
1,023 reviews87 followers
June 3, 2017
This final book is even more explosive with many unexpected twists and turns, and the worst situations possible that keeps you at the edge till the end. A roller coaster ride! Mr. Savage has outdone himself with a great and versatile imagination!
Profile Image for Jude.
100 reviews
August 22, 2017
Wonderful journey to the beginning.

Wonderful journey to the beginning of a new world. It was a long, emotional trip could not have imagined a better way to end this epic journey of two different species. A great read for ages 16 and older, contains some sex and cursing.
Profile Image for Nancy Phy.
314 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2017
Outstanding series

This story is one of the best I have read. The characters are wonderful and I grew to love/hate all of them. I am sorry that this is the end because I can so much more for the character.
If you like space fantasy with lots of action you will enjoy this series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Obarr.
8 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2017
Really good.

Read all 4 books in a week. Aliens, space travel, science geek stuff, love, sex and xenophobia. What's not to love?
Profile Image for Terri.
17 reviews
September 14, 2017
I enjoyed this book a lot. I think it's a fitting end to the series and look forward to something else from this author.
Profile Image for Jonas Ehinger.
22 reviews
January 9, 2018
Nice action and high paced!

Good wrap-up to the series. And lots of action stuff and twists, almost over the top, but still VERY entertaining, throughout its long length.
1,419 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2018
Awesome

The characters are as usual awesomely complex. The cross purposes and betrayal both perceived and actual are a rollercoaster ride. The tech is cool but the alien, human and cross species interactions are the heart of all four books.

The writing as usual is great, editing is good and the plot tense and not in a forced way. I only had one doubt. I couldn't imagine a U.S. president not using nuclear weapons in the alien incursion, collateral damage notwithstanding.

The U.S. is the only major power to have used a nuclear weapon and had to create a huge myth over decades, of the necessity in order to justify its deployment of same. The U.S. was the only major power to refuse over decades to sign a no first use of nuclear weapons agreement. Lastly, the U.S. foreign policy from Vietnam on has been to bomb, invade and pacify if possible, any area that it chooses. I wish that the refusal to do more of the same would actually be policy but it didn't feel likely to me. That changes the believability of the whole series.

Despite that one point this book lives up to the series and the series was well worth my time. I'm going to read more of the Savage titles.
Profile Image for Tom.
189 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2018
An entertaining read although I didn't care for the the author's delivery of his political views on gays and climate change. I'm not homophobic or a climate change denier, just do not like my favorite entertainment genre throwing it in my face like the mainstream media does. I'd have given the series a 5 except for this and some of the schmaltzie alien dialogue and their other whimsical antics. Geez! Is our first encounter going to be horny aliens that traveled over 4 lightyears to get some nookie? It would have been a short effort to turn this series into a rip roaring comedy. OK, enough bitching... The pace of the storyline rarely sags through all four books. One of the best space operas I've read. Very entertaining except for points noted. The science is interesting too. Hey! NASA, are you listening? Now you know how to build a fusion powered spaceship!
3,988 reviews14 followers
November 21, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"There would still be music."
The last in the four part Earth's last gambit series and it doesn't disappoint. With Jack and Skyler crashed on the moon having failed to stop the alien Light Bringer ship from reaching earth, and Hannah's loyalties stretched and divided, what will become of humanity?
Again narrated by James Anderson Foster with understanding and emotional colouring. Although I increased the playback speed fractionally to 1.1, this is a good performance, although the pronunciation of some English place names (e.g. Warwickshire should be spoken as Warickshire, not War wick shire).

Some unexpected moments and a whole swathe of destruction to complete this fascinating series. Not a book to choose without first reading the earlier three, Killshot is nevertheless a good conclusion.
Profile Image for Terry.
315 reviews19 followers
January 30, 2019
Book 4 - Fantastic!

I really thought the series was a trilogy so when I discovered that book #3 wasn't the finale, I was pissed off. But it didn't take long for me to realize how much the series NEEDED this huge grand finale! Wow! Just WOW! Love, war, power struggles, hate, misconceptions and miscommunication ... this series has it all and then some! Great characters, human and nonhuman! Terrific plots, subplots and all the LYING ... wonder if ol' Trump has Ifm heritage?! Completely entertaining! Start with Book 1 and don't stop til the sweetheart ending in Book 4!

Sigh ... I wish I knew Felix Savage. He's just got to be the most interesting person!
Profile Image for Julia .
95 reviews
January 6, 2019
Aaargh! Finished?? Noooo!

Wow can this guy write! Alien artifact discovered. Humans sent to explore/loot artifact. Aliens discovered. Aliens and humans find they have some things in common. Other aliens/humans don't want to get along or play nice. AND SO MUCH MORE. Love! Hate! Life! Death! By the end of this riveting series, you know and care about what happens to these people. I can't recommend this series highly enough. GET IT!
Profile Image for Giuseppe Turitto.
58 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2019
And finally is over.

Well this series started really it was great read about all this existing technologies being presented in a possible way, second book maybe my most favorite book from this series, the presentation on how all those years of space traveling will affect a get-up of humans was fantastic. Third and fourth book should had being done together and save us from all those lengthy descriptions of love and sex and mundane life between humans and rikstis
79 reviews
May 15, 2018
Flying babies and auto volcanos

Yes, those two exist in this series but so much more from an extraordinarily creative mind.
Same ole aliens cone with great tech to blast Earth? Well kind of but so much more. Tracks a 5 year journey that does take scenes right out of 2001 but cheers us up with Monty Python.
Yes! Really! Read it!
93 reviews
June 30, 2019
Fourth and hopefully final part of the story.

Feel I'm being generous with three stars here.

Again like part three there is the undertone of soft porn but while the basic story is good it just seems to be missing the mark. As for the ending... Good grief, I suspect Mr Savage wanted done with this story and just made up some ending so he could go have his dinner.
Profile Image for Summer.
222 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2019
Ok, I’m ready for more!

This series flowed just like a good sf story should! Great characters, interesting to exciting plot and a wonderful bang out ending! Alien invasion to who’s the alien and who’s invading who? I’m not giving a summation..read the series and remember how good sf is written!
11 reviews
July 22, 2017
Did not finish. Only got 13% of the way through. Too many terribly-done alien sex scenes.
Profile Image for John F.
10 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2018
Great!

Was a fun series, some great physics and ET types, interesting apocalypse plot lines. Caution there is some very unique and adult scenes.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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