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The Harvesters #3
Reaping Day
AGAINST ALL ODDS, THEY'VE DONE IT. For the first time in history, human and raknoth stand united against the doom coming to swallow them all whole. Okay. On second thought, "united" is probably a strong word. Turns out, mutual fear of galaxy-conquering super monsters does not a steadfast alliance make. Especially not between the people of Earth and the very creatures who devastated it. So yeah. Problems. Especially when Galaxy-Conquering Super Monster #1 arrives on the scene, cutting down raknoth like scaly weeds and telepathically devolving the armies of Earth into little more than frenzied hordes of wild animals. Harvest is falling. And if Jarek and Rachel want to see their planet survive the week, they have one hell of an immortal, planet-killing monster to take down... Grab Reaping Day now, and kick back for another action-packed adventure with Rachel, Jarek, and the rest of Team Earth!
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
87 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Luke R. Mitchell
11 books505 followersLuke is a storyteller whose dreams include learning the ways of the Force, becoming a sentient robot, and maybe even one day growing up. Also, lots of zombies… Don't ask.
After studying engineering science at Penn State and neuroengineering at Drexel, Luke finally decided to throw in the towel on actually building a working Iron Man suit, opting instead to simply make things up and write them down. Boy, is he having more fun now.
When he's not holed up in his cave trying to string words together, he can often be found powerlifting, video-gaming, reading, and/or drinking the darkest, most roasty beers he can get his mitts on.
You know what? Enough about Luke. He's not that interesting. But if you'd like to say hi to him for whatever reason, he'd probably be glad to hear from you. Contact him at luke@lukermitchell.com (kind of a silly email address, right?) with questions, critiques, or just a friendly hello!
Also, be sure to swing by at lukermitchell.com to sign up for his reading group and receive a free eBook!
After studying engineering science at Penn State and neuroengineering at Drexel, Luke finally decided to throw in the towel on actually building a working Iron Man suit, opting instead to simply make things up and write them down. Boy, is he having more fun now.
When he's not holed up in his cave trying to string words together, he can often be found powerlifting, video-gaming, reading, and/or drinking the darkest, most roasty beers he can get his mitts on.
You know what? Enough about Luke. He's not that interesting. But if you'd like to say hi to him for whatever reason, he'd probably be glad to hear from you. Contact him at luke@lukermitchell.com (kind of a silly email address, right?) with questions, critiques, or just a friendly hello!
Also, be sure to swing by at lukermitchell.com to sign up for his reading group and receive a free eBook!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 8, 2017
I was given this book even though I’m not in the ARC group, as such I’m immensely grateful and humbled! I’ll say that the cover really is hair raising and attractive at the same time: I love how the Rakul is drawn so realistically. I’m with the alliance between humans and the Ragnok, even though it’s hard to accept it. I think this book is the toughest and most action wise trepidant and emotional! A REAPER, absolutely!
June 16, 2024
This is a good series and book 3 is really good too. Love the characters and world building I look forward to the finale.
October 9, 2017
Well, this book sure got my attention very quickly! The writing was well executed and kept a steady tension throughout which kept the reader on edge and invested in the story.
Cagor still wasn’t comfortable being in deep space with the silence of the Void all around. Krastor, his superior, called him over and sent him for food. They only had a dozen humans and he hoped that would be enough to last. He used his mind to open the hatch. Pointing at an older man, he told him to follow him, but the man spit at him and refused to move. Again, Cagor brought his mental powers forward and the man jumped up and followed him. His superior was first to bite into the man’s arm and drink his fill; then the next man did the same; and finally Cagor took his turn. The human would be returned to the pantry to heal and be ready for his next turn as the dinner meal!
So if that doesn’t get you immediately eager to find out what’s going on, you should read a little further. I definitely recommend this book. I did enjoy it once that initial shock wore off. But that’s a great sign of good writing as far as I can see! Don’t let this one pass you by! I was given a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. My comments reflect my honest opinion.
Cagor still wasn’t comfortable being in deep space with the silence of the Void all around. Krastor, his superior, called him over and sent him for food. They only had a dozen humans and he hoped that would be enough to last. He used his mind to open the hatch. Pointing at an older man, he told him to follow him, but the man spit at him and refused to move. Again, Cagor brought his mental powers forward and the man jumped up and followed him. His superior was first to bite into the man’s arm and drink his fill; then the next man did the same; and finally Cagor took his turn. The human would be returned to the pantry to heal and be ready for his next turn as the dinner meal!
So if that doesn’t get you immediately eager to find out what’s going on, you should read a little further. I definitely recommend this book. I did enjoy it once that initial shock wore off. But that’s a great sign of good writing as far as I can see! Don’t let this one pass you by! I was given a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it. My comments reflect my honest opinion.
November 24, 2017
Can’t Wait for #4!
Almost nonstop action and impossible scenarios. The fun is in seeing how our heroes will get out of the messes they find themselves in.
Plus there’s a dash of romance thrown in, too. The sexual tension between the two main protagonists adds spice.
I especially appreciate the inner conflict that characters deal with. Like many books in this genre, the story boils down to good vs evil, but the initial story from book #1 is revealed to be more complex—as with human conflicts throughout the ages, the bad guys are perhaps not as bad as originally thought, but simply trying to get their needs met.
But how does one forgive atrocities committed against oneself and one’s loved ones, to join forces with the committer of such atrocities, or one who represents them? Is that even possible?
If survival depends on allying with enemies, what happens?
These are the kinds of questions this series asks.
Which then begs the question, are the ultimate bad guys themselves simply trying to get their needs met, or are they truly evil?
Meanwhile, I keep thinking that all of the survivors are going to need a helluva lot of PTSD therapy!
For us readers, though, this series is a lot of fun. Can’t wait for #4!
Almost nonstop action and impossible scenarios. The fun is in seeing how our heroes will get out of the messes they find themselves in.
Plus there’s a dash of romance thrown in, too. The sexual tension between the two main protagonists adds spice.
I especially appreciate the inner conflict that characters deal with. Like many books in this genre, the story boils down to good vs evil, but the initial story from book #1 is revealed to be more complex—as with human conflicts throughout the ages, the bad guys are perhaps not as bad as originally thought, but simply trying to get their needs met.
But how does one forgive atrocities committed against oneself and one’s loved ones, to join forces with the committer of such atrocities, or one who represents them? Is that even possible?
If survival depends on allying with enemies, what happens?
These are the kinds of questions this series asks.
Which then begs the question, are the ultimate bad guys themselves simply trying to get their needs met, or are they truly evil?
Meanwhile, I keep thinking that all of the survivors are going to need a helluva lot of PTSD therapy!
For us readers, though, this series is a lot of fun. Can’t wait for #4!
October 6, 2017
I think this was the most emotional and scariest book of this series so far.
Watching the turmoil Rachel goes through trying to reconcile an alliance with the Raknoth and Jarek being severely injured and acting like the Raknoth are his "buddies" puts Rachel in an even fouler mood than usual.
What I do like, unlike Rachel, is the alliance between the humans and the Raknoth. I think the way Jarek and Drogan get along is...well...kinda comical, in a dark way. It would be nice but weird to see a symbiosis between these two species. And, that will take a lot of trust.
But, some do come together to fight a common enemy and find they work better together than alone. But will it be enough? Will they be able to hold off the Rakul coming their way? They've already found out the hard way that fighting one was hard. How will they fight eleven more? What will happen with their Enochian friends after this ordeal? These are some questions I'll be chomping at the bit waiting to read in the next book.
Luke Mitchell has outdone himself in this book. I'm really looking forward to what he can do in the next.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. My opinions are truly my own.
Watching the turmoil Rachel goes through trying to reconcile an alliance with the Raknoth and Jarek being severely injured and acting like the Raknoth are his "buddies" puts Rachel in an even fouler mood than usual.
What I do like, unlike Rachel, is the alliance between the humans and the Raknoth. I think the way Jarek and Drogan get along is...well...kinda comical, in a dark way. It would be nice but weird to see a symbiosis between these two species. And, that will take a lot of trust.
But, some do come together to fight a common enemy and find they work better together than alone. But will it be enough? Will they be able to hold off the Rakul coming their way? They've already found out the hard way that fighting one was hard. How will they fight eleven more? What will happen with their Enochian friends after this ordeal? These are some questions I'll be chomping at the bit waiting to read in the next book.
Luke Mitchell has outdone himself in this book. I'm really looking forward to what he can do in the next.
I was given an ARC for an honest review. My opinions are truly my own.
November 18, 2017
Wow!
Although this series is not my normal genre, I needed to take a break from the past. Deciding on the future has left me breathless! Mr. Mitchell has a piercing wit and Jarek's witty repertoire relieve some of the fast-paced action I these three books.
Going from intense battle to another, Jarek, Rachael, and their friends fight against overwhelming odds time and again. Each time I thought, "This has to stop, or change, or...something!" But the action and relationships between the characters were a tsunami...a bone-crushing, breathtaking riot of sensations. Ergo, the I-cant-breathe sensation I am suffering now.
Suffer...an inadequate and totally offputting word. I thoroughly enjoyed these books and highly recommend them to anyone who appreciates fast action, well-rounded characters, and fascinating conversation. I cannot wait for the next book to be finished so I can put my vice imagination to rest. Will everyone I've come to know survive? I hope so, I can't imagine a future without Stumpy, Jarek, Rachael, and the gang.
Good work, Mr. Mitchell! Looking forward to Book Four, on pre-order!
Although this series is not my normal genre, I needed to take a break from the past. Deciding on the future has left me breathless! Mr. Mitchell has a piercing wit and Jarek's witty repertoire relieve some of the fast-paced action I these three books.
Going from intense battle to another, Jarek, Rachael, and their friends fight against overwhelming odds time and again. Each time I thought, "This has to stop, or change, or...something!" But the action and relationships between the characters were a tsunami...a bone-crushing, breathtaking riot of sensations. Ergo, the I-cant-breathe sensation I am suffering now.
Suffer...an inadequate and totally offputting word. I thoroughly enjoyed these books and highly recommend them to anyone who appreciates fast action, well-rounded characters, and fascinating conversation. I cannot wait for the next book to be finished so I can put my vice imagination to rest. Will everyone I've come to know survive? I hope so, I can't imagine a future without Stumpy, Jarek, Rachael, and the gang.
Good work, Mr. Mitchell! Looking forward to Book Four, on pre-order!
October 10, 2019
Love, Hate, Betrayal and Hope
It is really hard to tell about this book there is so many storylines going on sometimes you as a reader get lost.
The world been destroyed by nuclear war and one women design a virus to kill off one group of person/alien lifeform so now you have a world were it dog eat dog. Now you a group coming to earth called The Harvesters who will wipe the planet clean of all lifeforms as food. So the humans and aliens who are on the planet.must figure away first live together, second learn to trust each other and third and final fight together as one group. Can they accomplish this to survive or not they try. Among them is a groups of traitors in with them who is out for their for safety but in the in they loose and die accomplishing nothing to there advantage.
At the same time there are lost on the side of the unified side more than should be due to the the traitors. So now they must try to gather themselves together and prepare for more attacks all they have to do is stay strong as one unified group human and alien.
It is really hard to tell about this book there is so many storylines going on sometimes you as a reader get lost.
The world been destroyed by nuclear war and one women design a virus to kill off one group of person/alien lifeform so now you have a world were it dog eat dog. Now you a group coming to earth called The Harvesters who will wipe the planet clean of all lifeforms as food. So the humans and aliens who are on the planet.must figure away first live together, second learn to trust each other and third and final fight together as one group. Can they accomplish this to survive or not they try. Among them is a groups of traitors in with them who is out for their for safety but in the in they loose and die accomplishing nothing to there advantage.
At the same time there are lost on the side of the unified side more than should be due to the the traitors. So now they must try to gather themselves together and prepare for more attacks all they have to do is stay strong as one unified group human and alien.
October 7, 2017
If you like battles on land (Earth) of humanity against impossible odds, this book ought to delight you. That said, there is far more to this book than the battle scenes. There's love interest between two of the main characters, but this is not overdone or too soppy. There's forging alliances between unlikely comrades, namely humans with one set of aliens against another (worse) set of aliens. Needless to say such alliances don't always go happily, but I won't give away any more. There is clearly another book to come in this series. Incidentally, I would say the author has done enough to allow a reader to pick up this book without having read the preceding books, but each book does lead on from, and build up on, the prior books in this series. The characters are gripping enough that I for one would like to know what happens to them in the next book. I read this on an ARC, but have bought the Kindle ebook as well.
October 6, 2017
"A twice-cooked-goose kind of day."
The Rakul are coming. The biggest, meanest, immortal and undefeated beings in the galaxy. Even the Raknoth are afraid, with cheerful thoughts like "As far as the Kul are concerned ... we are already dead." If there is any hope at all, and most are agreed that there isn't, Raknoth and humans must join the fight as allies even if they can't be friends. Then hope for a miracle or two.
Great story, well written, seeing the return of Rachel, and Jarek with his Big Whacker and constant companion, Al, and getting to be better acquainted with Al'Drogan, also known as Stumpy as well as Minty (Shieth'Liethe) and many others. Often very funny, it is still chokkablock filled with rivetting action with just a teeny hint of romance to counterbalance the almost universal hate... As Jarek bewails, "Why'd it have to be zombies?"
Terrific.
The Rakul are coming. The biggest, meanest, immortal and undefeated beings in the galaxy. Even the Raknoth are afraid, with cheerful thoughts like "As far as the Kul are concerned ... we are already dead." If there is any hope at all, and most are agreed that there isn't, Raknoth and humans must join the fight as allies even if they can't be friends. Then hope for a miracle or two.
Great story, well written, seeing the return of Rachel, and Jarek with his Big Whacker and constant companion, Al, and getting to be better acquainted with Al'Drogan, also known as Stumpy as well as Minty (Shieth'Liethe) and many others. Often very funny, it is still chokkablock filled with rivetting action with just a teeny hint of romance to counterbalance the almost universal hate... As Jarek bewails, "Why'd it have to be zombies?"
Terrific.
October 6, 2017
MAKING ALLIANCES. Reaping Day is the third book in The Harvesters series. You can read this as a standalone but I don't recommend that. This book starts off where the previous one ended and the ending leaves the storyline open for future books that might be written. There is a lot of violence.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. This is a futuristic thriller that has a very different take on vampires and alien life. As usual, everything and everyone is not as it seems. This is my favorite book so far in the series. I look forward to reading the next book to find out what happens after this "victory."
I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat all of that info here. This is a futuristic thriller that has a very different take on vampires and alien life. As usual, everything and everyone is not as it seems. This is my favorite book so far in the series. I look forward to reading the next book to find out what happens after this "victory."
I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.
December 13, 2017
This series is a pretty fun light sci-fi action blend. Many many tropes mixed in and played with, it's a very good time. The story is not deep, it seems our characters just run from one encounter to the next, but that's totally fine. The action happens so fast that we don't really get character development so much as "holy crap I need to change my mind and do this or we're screwed." This is not a strike against the book, we all need to just enjoy ourselves once in a while.
Anyway, my biggest disappointment was I was expecting a trilogy and as the pages waned I was started to dread some crappy deus ex machina to finish the story...but turns out there's a fourth book on the way!
Anyway, my biggest disappointment was I was expecting a trilogy and as the pages waned I was started to dread some crappy deus ex machina to finish the story...but turns out there's a fourth book on the way!
October 6, 2017
Just finished reading this..would like to give you a "clinical" description of book,but i'm going to tell you how I really feel...I LOVE THIS BOOK!! all through this series,the author keeps up the wisecracks,the action,and the anxiety of his characters,letting you get to know them,like/dislike them,root for them...this storyline runs into a few smackdowns (yes,smackdowns) that had me grinning from ear to ear! Clearly,MR Mitchell likes to write and have fun doing it..for you to have fun also,all you have to do is read his story...
October 7, 2017
As I have come to expect from this author the storyline is crisp and believable, the characters develop wonderfully throughout the series and it just all makes you want more. I was very pleased to be given a free copy of this book by the author, and loved every minute of reading it. Well done with yet another beautifully executed book. Thankyou.
October 18, 2017
Depart from the usual comic & superhero-esque writing style. Reaping Day will greet readers with multiple slaps of reality and the horrors that come with it. If you have been following the Harvester series, this is a book you don't want to miss. And if you haven't started this series? Why not? Give it a try and you'll definitely fall in love with it.
November 9, 2017
A Great 3rd book of the Harvester Series the pieces are coming together and the action is non stop plenty of betrayals and revelations will earth survive? Unknown Have to read the next installment Well Done Luke R Mitchel i recieved this book an ARC for a Honest review 5 stars I highly Recommend reading Reaping Day and the Whole Harvesters Seriess
January 22, 2018
Another great book
Now with the third installment read, I have to say it's been a great ride so far. I'm enjoying the world building that has taken place and the character development has been top notch.
If you have read the first two I would highly recommend reading the third book.
Now with the third installment read, I have to say it's been a great ride so far. I'm enjoying the world building that has taken place and the character development has been top notch.
If you have read the first two I would highly recommend reading the third book.
August 1, 2024
More blood, guts and gore as humans, with the aid of some alien forms, take on the battle to save mankind. But the worst is yet to come! The Goodreads summary is apparently written by the author and gives you an idea of his interesting way with words. Masterfully read by Steven Barnett, I can see this series being made into a video game.
September 30, 2017
Totally different style of reading for me. Enjoyed the change. Love anything by this author
October 6, 2017
Received this book as an ARC copy. Really enjoyed reading this book and had a blast. Read it whenever I could.
November 12, 2017
Good story but...
I enjoyed the story and several of characters. However, there were too many characters/stories would into this book and way too much dialogue for my taste.
I enjoyed the story and several of characters. However, there were too many characters/stories would into this book and way too much dialogue for my taste.
November 17, 2017
Reaping Day
This third book took me four goes to read where the first two I couldn't put them down. I found very hard to get into it, but the last 15%, I couldn't put down.
This third book took me four goes to read where the first two I couldn't put them down. I found very hard to get into it, but the last 15%, I couldn't put down.
November 23, 2017
Recommended
This is a great series and highly recommend if you have a hero complex. World ending monsters, aliens and plucky misfits.
This is a great series and highly recommend if you have a hero complex. World ending monsters, aliens and plucky misfits.
March 30, 2018
4.25 stars. minus a half for still dragging out the back stories. Yes, battles are good; but characters are imprtant too. minus another quarter for some odd writing and/or typos.
May 7, 2018
Way better than star wars.
I know it's not right but I'm really starting to like the
Bad guys . I hope they learn to live together in the end.
.
I know it's not right but I'm really starting to like the
Bad guys . I hope they learn to live together in the end.
.
July 18, 2023
Wow! This book was so good. There was so much action, it was very exciting.
Want to read
September 28, 2023Book Status Observation
(ePub, GoodReads no longer allows users to add books to the database, disfavoring all non-Kindle ePubs)
(ePub, GoodReads no longer allows users to add books to the database, disfavoring all non-Kindle ePubs)
October 8, 2023
It’s just starting to feel more like Haldin and Elise’s sequel than Rachel and Jarek’s story. And I don’t like it.
May 31, 2023
Lots of battle action and some character vulnerabilities discovered.
Jarek and Rachel get closer, work together, and begin to despise each other less.
The battle for earth has a bleak outlook as the Raknoth invasion has conquered many areas of the world and the plot moves toward the final conclusion to be played out in Book #4.
I really begin to better appreciate Steven Barnett and his voice characterizations. He procvides a unique voice and pacing for each of the characters from snarky and wisecracking Jarek alone, to Jarek in the battle suit, to the AI battle suit, to the pensive, vulnerable, and headstrong Rachel.
Jarek and Rachel get closer, work together, and begin to despise each other less.
The battle for earth has a bleak outlook as the Raknoth invasion has conquered many areas of the world and the plot moves toward the final conclusion to be played out in Book #4.
I really begin to better appreciate Steven Barnett and his voice characterizations. He procvides a unique voice and pacing for each of the characters from snarky and wisecracking Jarek alone, to Jarek in the battle suit, to the AI battle suit, to the pensive, vulnerable, and headstrong Rachel.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews