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The Ixan Prophecies #3
Reckoning
The enemy is everywhere
The Ixan fleet is legion – far bigger than anyone expected.
Colony after colony burns under their advanced weaponry.
They aren’t interested in taking prisoners.
Or showing mercy.
Captain Keyes’s thirst for vengeance is becoming an obsession, fracturing already-shaky alliances.
He must overcome his demons and learn the true nature of the Ixan Prophecies.
Otherwise, the galaxy will burn.
The Ixan fleet is legion – far bigger than anyone expected.
Colony after colony burns under their advanced weaponry.
They aren’t interested in taking prisoners.
Or showing mercy.
Captain Keyes’s thirst for vengeance is becoming an obsession, fracturing already-shaky alliances.
He must overcome his demons and learn the true nature of the Ixan Prophecies.
Otherwise, the galaxy will burn.
403 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2019
312 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
115 books303 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 9, 2019
The end of an epic battle against a super intelligent AI. Soon foes will have to decide to join together or die individually in their combined hatred of each other.
Nail biting action in space on on the ground combine for make this a GREAT READ.
Recommended author and series for those who like military science fiction
Nail biting action in space on on the ground combine for make this a GREAT READ.
Recommended author and series for those who like military science fiction
June 6, 2018
It was strange that I missed this book when I read the series, but went back to find out how Captain Keyes's was promoted to Admiral. This Trilogy Series is a fantastic creation full of excitement, drama and great writing. I recommend it highly to all! Enjoyed the whole series.
January 13, 2023
Well, the quality of writing went way down in this book sadly. It just lost its identity that it built up in the first 2 books in this series.
I honestly wanted it to be a great ending to this saga (which it was supposed to be, yet there's 3 more books that I most likely won't read now).
I'd say, stop after the second book, 1 and 2 were great.
I honestly wanted it to be a great ending to this saga (which it was supposed to be, yet there's 3 more books that I most likely won't read now).
I'd say, stop after the second book, 1 and 2 were great.
October 31, 2017
This book felt like an afterthought to the story told in the first two books which closely mirrors the story playing out in the United States of America in 2016 and 2017. If only people here were as willing to see through things.
While this book was well written, it suffered from trying to cover too much ground too quickly.
Also, I have to mention one thing. Flockhead. Could the author not come up with something that sounds less like a vulgar insult in english? I mean really... Flockhead... It was said over and over again and it made me want to whack people upside the head and tell them to respect their flock leader. Hey look, there's a good term for the leader of the whole flock, Flock Leader, like Red Leader.
While this book was well written, it suffered from trying to cover too much ground too quickly.
Also, I have to mention one thing. Flockhead. Could the author not come up with something that sounds less like a vulgar insult in english? I mean really... Flockhead... It was said over and over again and it made me want to whack people upside the head and tell them to respect their flock leader. Hey look, there's a good term for the leader of the whole flock, Flock Leader, like Red Leader.
April 24, 2017
Reckoning is the third and final book in the Ixan Prophecies Trilogy series. If you are looking for a well written SciFi Military book, and series, this is a good one to read. You can read this as a standalone book but it does start from the previous book's cliffhanger. There is a lot of violence.
This book was as good to read as the first two were. The author did a good job of creating a future world full of aliens, old tech and new tech, people in power who will do anything too continue to remain in power, and old enemies thought defeated come back with a vengeance. And he continued that on in Reckoning. The action started at the beginning and continued throughout the book.
This book was as good to read as the first two were. The author did a good job of creating a future world full of aliens, old tech and new tech, people in power who will do anything too continue to remain in power, and old enemies thought defeated come back with a vengeance. And he continued that on in Reckoning. The action started at the beginning and continued throughout the book.
June 20, 2017
This is... I finished it about a month ago, and I don't remember much of it to review. Yet, I enjoyed plowing through it, like a comic book without pictures. It had a few wrinkles I liked, and some that I didn't.
So if you like military sci fi that isn't particularly remarkable to remember, but clearly isn't terrible to read, I bought the trilogy on Amazon for Kindle for like $.99 on sale. I remember that I didn't regret it.
So if you like military sci fi that isn't particularly remarkable to remember, but clearly isn't terrible to read, I bought the trilogy on Amazon for Kindle for like $.99 on sale. I remember that I didn't regret it.
June 14, 2017
This was an AWFUL ending to a fantastic trilogy. Very disappointed. Turned into a communist manifesto and an incoherent story. The first two are great books, and thats what makes this book so disappointing.
March 15, 2019
Not good
The characters are unevenly written during the series, even the aliens. At times a number of characters almost blossom into full dimensionality only to sink back onto the two dimensional platform from which they emerged. To see that repeated more than once in the same character created a reader's perceptual seesaw for me. The admiral who was the MC and the alien Ek suffered this the most, which was very pronounced since their decisions drove most of the plot.
The military tech and tactics aren't splendid and are kind of nonsensical but dwelling on the detail of small unit fighting didn't help the story telling. It just emphasizes the strangeness (silliness, really) of the operational and strategic decision making and execution. A marine sergeant controlling a multi-species regimental/brigade/divisional assault against a planetary fortress (there isn't a single general available and the only officer in planet is her pilot boyfriend) is one example. It's poorly conceived grand strategy, naval operations and bad tactics. It makes it clear that the writer doesn't have any knowledge of the logic of unit organization or ranks. It is difficult to read these scenes as serious conflict/action story points. Again, they are just too silly.
The role of ship types in the several navies is confused and confusing. They are somewhat consistent in each navy but are illogical overall. The attack craft carriers, regardless of navy are the most expensive units to build and staff, which makes sense. Despite this none of the forces are deployed to protect these ships nor are they deployed far from the battleline. To me conceiving how they might be utilized effectively was difficult and I think a lot of writers don't use carriers for just that reason.
The absence of the battleship in these navies is a big hole in the naval action. Calling a ship a dreadnought doesn't really mean anything, if you can't describe how it performs in a battle against other ship types. It was a class of armored cruisers about 1900. It was not a ship classification. There are in the U.S. navy, Nimitz class carriers (ships built with the same design as the first ship of The class) but there are different classes of carriers, carrier is the ship classification. Battleship is a ship classification and is one class of which designated Dreadnought? I think that the battle groups are a poorly understood description of surface fleet squadrons, which are organized around their mission (supply ships, cruisers, corvettes, minelayers, etc.)The ship classifications are weirdly backward in terms of roles and capabilities. The tactical descriptions suffer for it.
The societies involved are incomplete in essential ways. There is no real foundation for the reverence accorded the Fins, who are not defended very well. The various species and factions have no clearly explained governing structure, political system or social structure. There are no strong orbital and planetary defense bases that would make attacking any important system a major undertaking, which probably cause siege and a methodical assault the dominant battle model for system conquest. The structures of ruling bodies are incompletely described and not well written.
The series ends with a second evil AI, who disappears from the story with no explanation. The first evil AI doesn't seem capable of seizing control of one race let alone the galaxy. The galaxy is about 100,000 light years wide and within 100 light years of Earth, there are an estimated 170,000 stars. The wormhole chains and the species involved don't seem capable of handling this little area surrounding earth. I can't imagine these species fighting across hundreds of billions of star systems and tens of thousands of light years. What percentage of the galaxy are they fighting over?
The dark tech is destroying the galaxy or is it the universe? The dark tech clan is allowed to leave the galaxy instead of being destroyed, because they promised to stop using it. They were still using it, when they knew it was destroying their home galaxy but they promised? The very angry admiral is satisfied with executing one executive, who tortured him. The logic throughout the series is fractured. The characters are inconsistently written and the misplaced emphasis on tactical battle scenes makes a poorly conceived series a boring one.
The characters are unevenly written during the series, even the aliens. At times a number of characters almost blossom into full dimensionality only to sink back onto the two dimensional platform from which they emerged. To see that repeated more than once in the same character created a reader's perceptual seesaw for me. The admiral who was the MC and the alien Ek suffered this the most, which was very pronounced since their decisions drove most of the plot.
The military tech and tactics aren't splendid and are kind of nonsensical but dwelling on the detail of small unit fighting didn't help the story telling. It just emphasizes the strangeness (silliness, really) of the operational and strategic decision making and execution. A marine sergeant controlling a multi-species regimental/brigade/divisional assault against a planetary fortress (there isn't a single general available and the only officer in planet is her pilot boyfriend) is one example. It's poorly conceived grand strategy, naval operations and bad tactics. It makes it clear that the writer doesn't have any knowledge of the logic of unit organization or ranks. It is difficult to read these scenes as serious conflict/action story points. Again, they are just too silly.
The role of ship types in the several navies is confused and confusing. They are somewhat consistent in each navy but are illogical overall. The attack craft carriers, regardless of navy are the most expensive units to build and staff, which makes sense. Despite this none of the forces are deployed to protect these ships nor are they deployed far from the battleline. To me conceiving how they might be utilized effectively was difficult and I think a lot of writers don't use carriers for just that reason.
The absence of the battleship in these navies is a big hole in the naval action. Calling a ship a dreadnought doesn't really mean anything, if you can't describe how it performs in a battle against other ship types. It was a class of armored cruisers about 1900. It was not a ship classification. There are in the U.S. navy, Nimitz class carriers (ships built with the same design as the first ship of The class) but there are different classes of carriers, carrier is the ship classification. Battleship is a ship classification and is one class of which designated Dreadnought? I think that the battle groups are a poorly understood description of surface fleet squadrons, which are organized around their mission (supply ships, cruisers, corvettes, minelayers, etc.)The ship classifications are weirdly backward in terms of roles and capabilities. The tactical descriptions suffer for it.
The societies involved are incomplete in essential ways. There is no real foundation for the reverence accorded the Fins, who are not defended very well. The various species and factions have no clearly explained governing structure, political system or social structure. There are no strong orbital and planetary defense bases that would make attacking any important system a major undertaking, which probably cause siege and a methodical assault the dominant battle model for system conquest. The structures of ruling bodies are incompletely described and not well written.
The series ends with a second evil AI, who disappears from the story with no explanation. The first evil AI doesn't seem capable of seizing control of one race let alone the galaxy. The galaxy is about 100,000 light years wide and within 100 light years of Earth, there are an estimated 170,000 stars. The wormhole chains and the species involved don't seem capable of handling this little area surrounding earth. I can't imagine these species fighting across hundreds of billions of star systems and tens of thousands of light years. What percentage of the galaxy are they fighting over?
The dark tech is destroying the galaxy or is it the universe? The dark tech clan is allowed to leave the galaxy instead of being destroyed, because they promised to stop using it. They were still using it, when they knew it was destroying their home galaxy but they promised? The very angry admiral is satisfied with executing one executive, who tortured him. The logic throughout the series is fractured. The characters are inconsistently written and the misplaced emphasis on tactical battle scenes makes a poorly conceived series a boring one.
July 8, 2017
The Ixan Prophecies have been revealed for what they are, and it appears that the Ixa are going to crush everybody and anybody regardless of their species.
The crew of the Providence are desperately trying to rally support for their cause in one final hope, bringing all the last hopes of the galaxy together to face off against the Ixa.
Of course, the Ixa are now lead by Baxa, the super AI that actually has an agenda.
‘Reckoning’ is a full-on book, in which it just all unleashes. As with ‘Juggernaut’, ‘Reckoning’ has again improved with the quality of the characters, the dialogue and the overall writing, Bartlett really got into the characters in this one.
‘Reckoning’ again delves into human emotions and human psychology, looking at different aspects of vengeance, PTSD, loss, sorrow and as it crashes towards the end Hope. It is fascinating reading the different aspects of what is happening to the Main characters, both alien and human alike. Bartlett has obviously done a lot of research, and taken his influences from different characters, creating some brilliant mains and even secondary characters along the way.
Again, I found that there were a lot of similarities to other Sci-Fi sources, as if Bartlett has been a keen student, and taken all the best material to produce his Key Character Keyes (sorry, couldn’t resist), as well as to develop the other major characters, and wrap it into this extraordinary adventure.
Bartlett uses the final book to wrap up all of his major and minor characters, Keyes, Husher, both Junior and Senior, Caine, Fesky, Ek, Piper, the list is huge. But he has not only provided them with their own storyline, he has done so in a non-convoluted manner, unravelling each of the plots and closing them cleanly, bringing the story to a thrilling and climactic close that is just outstanding.
It is important to note that if you have not read the short story ‘Traitor’, that it is probably worth reading it BEFORE you read ‘Reckoning’ as there are things in ‘Reckoning’ that make a lot more sense if you have read ‘Traitor’. And ‘Traitor’ is just a great read anyway!
There is no holding back in ‘Reckoning’, and Bartlett is not afraid to unload on his main characters, and it is great to see an Author who does not believe in the invulnerability clause for their main characters. This not only made the story that much more entertaining and gripping, as you did not know what was going to happen at any time, but it also added a level of realism to the story.
‘Reckoning’ is about the reckoning of the human race, of the individual characters, of the various alien races, and of the galaxy as a whole, there are numerous meanings to this title, and thus, this book is incredibly well done when you dig into the various plots and unravel all of it.
Whilst at the surface, it may appear to be just a ‘Softer’ Mil Sci-Fi or Space Opera, there are a lot of deeper meanings for the characters and the future of the galaxy that can be pulled from this story, discrimination, working together for the greater good, peace, resource management, hope, and many more.
It is a book and a series that actually leaves you thinking for a bit after you finish it, something that is always a bonus.
This is a truly epic series, and if you have read parts 1 and 2, you must read the final chapter. If you haven’t read this series, then get on board as this is Space Opera at its best and shouldn’t be missed by any fan.
The crew of the Providence are desperately trying to rally support for their cause in one final hope, bringing all the last hopes of the galaxy together to face off against the Ixa.
Of course, the Ixa are now lead by Baxa, the super AI that actually has an agenda.
‘Reckoning’ is a full-on book, in which it just all unleashes. As with ‘Juggernaut’, ‘Reckoning’ has again improved with the quality of the characters, the dialogue and the overall writing, Bartlett really got into the characters in this one.
‘Reckoning’ again delves into human emotions and human psychology, looking at different aspects of vengeance, PTSD, loss, sorrow and as it crashes towards the end Hope. It is fascinating reading the different aspects of what is happening to the Main characters, both alien and human alike. Bartlett has obviously done a lot of research, and taken his influences from different characters, creating some brilliant mains and even secondary characters along the way.
Again, I found that there were a lot of similarities to other Sci-Fi sources, as if Bartlett has been a keen student, and taken all the best material to produce his Key Character Keyes (sorry, couldn’t resist), as well as to develop the other major characters, and wrap it into this extraordinary adventure.
Bartlett uses the final book to wrap up all of his major and minor characters, Keyes, Husher, both Junior and Senior, Caine, Fesky, Ek, Piper, the list is huge. But he has not only provided them with their own storyline, he has done so in a non-convoluted manner, unravelling each of the plots and closing them cleanly, bringing the story to a thrilling and climactic close that is just outstanding.
It is important to note that if you have not read the short story ‘Traitor’, that it is probably worth reading it BEFORE you read ‘Reckoning’ as there are things in ‘Reckoning’ that make a lot more sense if you have read ‘Traitor’. And ‘Traitor’ is just a great read anyway!
There is no holding back in ‘Reckoning’, and Bartlett is not afraid to unload on his main characters, and it is great to see an Author who does not believe in the invulnerability clause for their main characters. This not only made the story that much more entertaining and gripping, as you did not know what was going to happen at any time, but it also added a level of realism to the story.
‘Reckoning’ is about the reckoning of the human race, of the individual characters, of the various alien races, and of the galaxy as a whole, there are numerous meanings to this title, and thus, this book is incredibly well done when you dig into the various plots and unravel all of it.
Whilst at the surface, it may appear to be just a ‘Softer’ Mil Sci-Fi or Space Opera, there are a lot of deeper meanings for the characters and the future of the galaxy that can be pulled from this story, discrimination, working together for the greater good, peace, resource management, hope, and many more.
It is a book and a series that actually leaves you thinking for a bit after you finish it, something that is always a bonus.
This is a truly epic series, and if you have read parts 1 and 2, you must read the final chapter. If you haven’t read this series, then get on board as this is Space Opera at its best and shouldn’t be missed by any fan.
August 31, 2019
No Character
I have several issues that detracted me throughout. First, not sure how to say this after reading-skimming through three of this authors books, he doesn’t develop character very well. The MCs were kinda cookie cutter, leaving reader the directions to enhance the players. I didn’t relate, embrace to any.
Yeah, sure, you’re going to feel for an alien or two. We humans just dumped on the galaxy, so any positive type alien — you’ll like them. Don’t really know them, but liked, felt sorry. Craggy, battle hardened veteran, everyone loves em. Just don’t really know who he was... some principles, yes, but where does his romance come in. A Hail Mary , one of many.
Two MCs get romantic, kinda, but okay... if you write it so ..... and that’s the problem. Normally us readers can see stuff coming, and do some adding. Real character development and author is mismatch. He just blurts, no foreplay and moves on to plot.
Author’s political agenda is kinda hammered in, sometimes at wrong times. His political agenda did distract because there were better ways for plot to go. Bad Corporations, Bad Treasonous Humans, Capitalism is Bad, Humans n government. Author wild hooked on earths environmental catastrophe at end. Any political astute, even semi astute, can figure out author’s politics, party n who he votes for.
Then contradictions, we start as bad guys ..... then several times older, wiser aliens gush about human potential or greatness . Huh? There’s more of that type and more....
Yes, I skimmed. When political manifesto got drummed, time to move on. After reading one blurb, if reasonable solutions, okay. But No, Kill the other political party. Galaxy worse, Move on.
No character , contradictions abound, PC-SJW not well done, Hail Mary’s all over such as romances. Won’t get into science nor Mil, which was sad. Gamer, Saving Pvt Ryan broad stroke Mil descriptions, yahda, yahda.
Wanted something light to read n enjoy, instead I got bored.
I have several issues that detracted me throughout. First, not sure how to say this after reading-skimming through three of this authors books, he doesn’t develop character very well. The MCs were kinda cookie cutter, leaving reader the directions to enhance the players. I didn’t relate, embrace to any.
Yeah, sure, you’re going to feel for an alien or two. We humans just dumped on the galaxy, so any positive type alien — you’ll like them. Don’t really know them, but liked, felt sorry. Craggy, battle hardened veteran, everyone loves em. Just don’t really know who he was... some principles, yes, but where does his romance come in. A Hail Mary , one of many.
Two MCs get romantic, kinda, but okay... if you write it so ..... and that’s the problem. Normally us readers can see stuff coming, and do some adding. Real character development and author is mismatch. He just blurts, no foreplay and moves on to plot.
Author’s political agenda is kinda hammered in, sometimes at wrong times. His political agenda did distract because there were better ways for plot to go. Bad Corporations, Bad Treasonous Humans, Capitalism is Bad, Humans n government. Author wild hooked on earths environmental catastrophe at end. Any political astute, even semi astute, can figure out author’s politics, party n who he votes for.
Then contradictions, we start as bad guys ..... then several times older, wiser aliens gush about human potential or greatness . Huh? There’s more of that type and more....
Yes, I skimmed. When political manifesto got drummed, time to move on. After reading one blurb, if reasonable solutions, okay. But No, Kill the other political party. Galaxy worse, Move on.
No character , contradictions abound, PC-SJW not well done, Hail Mary’s all over such as romances. Won’t get into science nor Mil, which was sad. Gamer, Saving Pvt Ryan broad stroke Mil descriptions, yahda, yahda.
Wanted something light to read n enjoy, instead I got bored.
March 4, 2020
Reckoning is the third book of The Ixan Prophecies, written by Scott Bartlett, and narrated on audiobook by Mark Boyett. The writing style and the narration was exactly the same as with the previous book. It is quite well written, has nice dialogs, great characters, and plenty of well written action.
Book two was pretty much on the rails following the first book, and so many plotlines was almost perfectly tied up and just needed to be finished, so I went into the third entry asking myself what exactly would, and could, happen? But I was very pleasantly surprised, as Mr. Bartlett managed to turn the entire story upside down, shake it well, and take in a direction I had not foreseen! This made for a much more exciting listen, compared to book two, and I really enjoyed it all the way through. There was still somewhat of an overload on action, but the great writing really made up for it.
Characters will die, planets will be annihilated, and *plenty* of spaceships will be blown up all throughout the story, and the ending, while closing of the story of the trilogy, really set the scene for a set of follow up books, which was really nice (“The Ixan Legacy” series apparently). We also get a very extreme explanation for the Ixan Prophecies, which I enjoyed.
Audiobook narration was excellent as with the first two books. Boyett does a really exceptional job, and he has to be one of the best narrators I’ve heard.
If you enjoyed the first two books in the series, then you will definitely also like this one!
I received this audiobook for free in return for a review. I have no affiliation with the author, the narrator, the publisher, or their pets (Although I am sure the latter are quite nice!).
Book two was pretty much on the rails following the first book, and so many plotlines was almost perfectly tied up and just needed to be finished, so I went into the third entry asking myself what exactly would, and could, happen? But I was very pleasantly surprised, as Mr. Bartlett managed to turn the entire story upside down, shake it well, and take in a direction I had not foreseen! This made for a much more exciting listen, compared to book two, and I really enjoyed it all the way through. There was still somewhat of an overload on action, but the great writing really made up for it.
Characters will die, planets will be annihilated, and *plenty* of spaceships will be blown up all throughout the story, and the ending, while closing of the story of the trilogy, really set the scene for a set of follow up books, which was really nice (“The Ixan Legacy” series apparently). We also get a very extreme explanation for the Ixan Prophecies, which I enjoyed.
Audiobook narration was excellent as with the first two books. Boyett does a really exceptional job, and he has to be one of the best narrators I’ve heard.
If you enjoyed the first two books in the series, then you will definitely also like this one!
I received this audiobook for free in return for a review. I have no affiliation with the author, the narrator, the publisher, or their pets (Although I am sure the latter are quite nice!).
January 7, 2019
OK, as others have said this is a really really fun series and I enjoyed it enough to read all three books in 4 days (granted, on vacation) The action is fast, the dialog is free, and there isn't a lot of confusion and extraneous twists that are tacked on just to have them. I really enjoy that. Bravo.
That said, I'm only going three stars because of a few things.
First, this book, just like book one, ends with a very long battle that is being fought on several fronts and while this makes for fun, it's just too much to build any sense of drama, and any of the drama is quickly quelled by deus ex "our protagonists are balls out awesome at everything" Seriously, I do find this in a lot of this type of sci-fi where the protagonists through no real effort or growth of their own somehow just rise in power in parallel with the stakes. I'd prefer the stakes not get raised so much.
Second, the side story with Keyes just fell completely flat to me. These character developments are pretty much bog standard and in this way feel a bit too on the nose and therefore a cheat in developing the character rather than really putting the character through some challenge. Put it this way, ultimately I didn't care at all about Keyes or really any of the characters except as placeholders for who wins and loses.
Third, at the end of the day, the overall arc of the primary antagonist felt pretty weak to me, which I can't really explain without spoilers, which I'd just as soon avoid.
That said, I'm only going three stars because of a few things.
First, this book, just like book one, ends with a very long battle that is being fought on several fronts and while this makes for fun, it's just too much to build any sense of drama, and any of the drama is quickly quelled by deus ex "our protagonists are balls out awesome at everything" Seriously, I do find this in a lot of this type of sci-fi where the protagonists through no real effort or growth of their own somehow just rise in power in parallel with the stakes. I'd prefer the stakes not get raised so much.
Second, the side story with Keyes just fell completely flat to me. These character developments are pretty much bog standard and in this way feel a bit too on the nose and therefore a cheat in developing the character rather than really putting the character through some challenge. Put it this way, ultimately I didn't care at all about Keyes or really any of the characters except as placeholders for who wins and loses.
Third, at the end of the day, the overall arc of the primary antagonist felt pretty weak to me, which I can't really explain without spoilers, which I'd just as soon avoid.
December 17, 2025
4 Stars
Reckoning is the third book in The Ixan Universe Series (The Ixan Prophecies #1) by Scott Bartlett. This universe took me on a wild space opera with high-stakes, space warfare, political intrigue, and adrenaline-pumping action. Across the interconnected books, Mr. Bartlett crafts a galaxy that feels incredibly vast and yet ‘lived-in’, where every battle has consequences and every decision carries weight.
The balance between the cinematic space combat with the quieter, character-driven moments pulled me in and had me invested - I really cared about the stories and the people behind the starships. The characters are flawed yet compelling, often forced into impossible choices that test their loyalty, morality, and resilience. Mr. Bartlett’s knack for military strategy and believable sci-fi tech adds an extra layer of intrigue, as well as a layer of authenticity - while his sharp dialogue kept the tension alive even outside of battle scenes.
The overarching narrative is ambitious, weaving together multiple plotlines that gradually converge into a satisfying, high-impact climax. While the series delivers plenty of adrenaline-pumping action, it also explores themes of trust, sacrifice, and the cost of survival in a universe where hard-won peace is fragile.
Definitely one you won’t want to miss if you enjoy military sci-fi with a strong emotional core – it has 'Battlestar Galactica' meets 'The Expanse' kind of vibes.
Happy Reading…
Reckoning is the third book in The Ixan Universe Series (The Ixan Prophecies #1) by Scott Bartlett. This universe took me on a wild space opera with high-stakes, space warfare, political intrigue, and adrenaline-pumping action. Across the interconnected books, Mr. Bartlett crafts a galaxy that feels incredibly vast and yet ‘lived-in’, where every battle has consequences and every decision carries weight.
The balance between the cinematic space combat with the quieter, character-driven moments pulled me in and had me invested - I really cared about the stories and the people behind the starships. The characters are flawed yet compelling, often forced into impossible choices that test their loyalty, morality, and resilience. Mr. Bartlett’s knack for military strategy and believable sci-fi tech adds an extra layer of intrigue, as well as a layer of authenticity - while his sharp dialogue kept the tension alive even outside of battle scenes.
The overarching narrative is ambitious, weaving together multiple plotlines that gradually converge into a satisfying, high-impact climax. While the series delivers plenty of adrenaline-pumping action, it also explores themes of trust, sacrifice, and the cost of survival in a universe where hard-won peace is fragile.
Definitely one you won’t want to miss if you enjoy military sci-fi with a strong emotional core – it has 'Battlestar Galactica' meets 'The Expanse' kind of vibes.
Happy Reading…
July 31, 2017
Wonderful Conclusion to the Xian Prophecies Trilogy
Bartlett has, once again, found a profound conclusion to an exciting epic tale. The constant Ixan vs. Alliance battles continue right up to the epilogue, getting more and more vicious and deadly to so many, on both sides. Ixans sacrifice themselves an masse in order to fulfill their race's prophesied goals. Humans, accompanied by the dwindling forces of their allies, fight to a possible bitter end. Thousands of ships fight each other to the death.
Bartlett manages to keep track of the myriad details as the intriguing civilizations he created risk destruction in an epic conflict that threatens, then shakes the stars themselves.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH A CONCLUSION AND AS A THREE BOOK DERIES OF ALIEN/HUMAN INTERSTELLAR SPACE OPERA SERIES.
Bartlett has, once again, found a profound conclusion to an exciting epic tale. The constant Ixan vs. Alliance battles continue right up to the epilogue, getting more and more vicious and deadly to so many, on both sides. Ixans sacrifice themselves an masse in order to fulfill their race's prophesied goals. Humans, accompanied by the dwindling forces of their allies, fight to a possible bitter end. Thousands of ships fight each other to the death.
Bartlett manages to keep track of the myriad details as the intriguing civilizations he created risk destruction in an epic conflict that threatens, then shakes the stars themselves.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH A CONCLUSION AND AS A THREE BOOK DERIES OF ALIEN/HUMAN INTERSTELLAR SPACE OPERA SERIES.
February 24, 2021
I always find it hard when I finish reading a series I really like for wo reasons: 1) I wouldn't be reading it if I didn't like it and 2) I feel like some friends are leaving me for good and I hate that feeling. Having said that, I thank you Scott Bartlett for giving us an insight for how things continue for Captain Husher. So thank you for that. Meantime, I loved how you show these various species finally managing to come together to fight against their biggest foe, Baxa. It got so that just reading that name I would cringe. And really trying to understand all the intricacies of a war that you just never know what is going to happen next. Thank you Scott Bartlett for keeping me entertained and my heart thumping to let me know I am still alive and made it through that last war!
June 11, 2017
Review for trilogy.. Having been a fan of Mr Bartlett's for a little while now, I awaited this trilogy with much "Anticimpatience". I have always found his storytelling ability to be of a high order, and wasn't disappointed with these. A typical Dystopian view of humanity in the future, complete with our inimicable treatment of anything not actually ourselves. Loved the Premise, well told, and really enjoyed the minimalist descriptions of the alien races...A good read should leave much to the imagination, in my view. If I were to have any criticism at all (and only a small one at that), it's that Corp Simpson never did get promoted :)
June 27, 2017
RECKONING. Truly a good title. The days of the final fight for humanity are here and now. Once again, the crew of the Providence is front and center at the battle. After horrendous losses in the past few skirmishes, the once solid crew of the Providence are now on shaky ground. Can they finally get it together to prepare for this terrible fight to save humanity? Or will Captain Keye's thirst for revenge change everything. A changed man, Keyes wonders himself if he's fit for duty, or is his personal revenge tearing him and his crew apart? RECKONING is everything you would want in the final book of the Ixan Prophecies trilogy. You'll be left wanting more....
September 25, 2018
As usual, Mr. Bartlett has done a marvelous job.
Mr. Bartlett has a rare capability of bringing realistic military action to the Sci-fi genre. His character development is aslo a rare treat in Sci-Fi. The worlds, the universes he has created is rich in bold face action and nuanced personal life. My vote would be to say he has equaled many if the Docents of the past - Heinlein, Asimov, Clark, Purnell (I be lived Mr. Bartlett has equaled Mr. Pournell's action developed in Thor' Hammer) .
Spend your hard earned cash and your well earned free time we'll - buy his books and read them.
Mr. Bartlett has a rare capability of bringing realistic military action to the Sci-fi genre. His character development is aslo a rare treat in Sci-Fi. The worlds, the universes he has created is rich in bold face action and nuanced personal life. My vote would be to say he has equaled many if the Docents of the past - Heinlein, Asimov, Clark, Purnell (I be lived Mr. Bartlett has equaled Mr. Pournell's action developed in Thor' Hammer) .
Spend your hard earned cash and your well earned free time we'll - buy his books and read them.
May 19, 2017
An excellent trilogy.
This was an excellent series, I've read all three books. A lot of twists and turns deceit deception and intrigue. Plenty of space battles aliens and technology. Anybody who like the honor Harrington series would enjoy this trilogy. I highly recommend it. There are things I did not like in the book but no spoilers. I suggest that everyone reading this review give it a try.
This was an excellent series, I've read all three books. A lot of twists and turns deceit deception and intrigue. Plenty of space battles aliens and technology. Anybody who like the honor Harrington series would enjoy this trilogy. I highly recommend it. There are things I did not like in the book but no spoilers. I suggest that everyone reading this review give it a try.
April 28, 2019
An SB. SYFY. Novel (TIPTB. - 3)/We Have Met the Enemy and it was Capable of Destroying Humanity
SB. has. penned the third novel of the IP. series. The IP, AI's of a dangerous type have crossed the galaxy to anilhate . The humans send a message that they will flght to the death of the last human, but be forewarned that their last and present can be destroyed. He then added the home planets of the humans would be defended to th last
Man.
SB. has. penned the third novel of the IP. series. The IP, AI's of a dangerous type have crossed the galaxy to anilhate . The humans send a message that they will flght to the death of the last human, but be forewarned that their last and present can be destroyed. He then added the home planets of the humans would be defended to th last
Man.
December 23, 2019
What a great conclusion to the Ixan prophecies. We do get a peek at what Darkstream is up to, as they pay heavily in the Mech War Series.
Expect massive changes to the universe and galactic genocide.
Though I would have liked Scott to add more depth to the relationship between Husher and Caine. Perhaps he does in the Ixan Legacy series. I haven’t read it yet but know it features Captain Husher back in the Captain’s seat.
Expect massive changes to the universe and galactic genocide.
Though I would have liked Scott to add more depth to the relationship between Husher and Caine. Perhaps he does in the Ixan Legacy series. I haven’t read it yet but know it features Captain Husher back in the Captain’s seat.
July 24, 2020
Reckoning: The Ixan Prophecies ... 3
Wow, what a reckoning. This book is an excellent closure for the Ixan Prophecies. This brought together the same wonderful characters from books 1 & 2 and the aptly named ship the 'Providence'. This series has been quite exciting, interesting and thought provoking from the start to the very last word. Kudos to Mr Bartlett for a trilogy well written. I recommend the Ixan Prophecies Trilogy to everyone who likes a rousing adventure.
Wow, what a reckoning. This book is an excellent closure for the Ixan Prophecies. This brought together the same wonderful characters from books 1 & 2 and the aptly named ship the 'Providence'. This series has been quite exciting, interesting and thought provoking from the start to the very last word. Kudos to Mr Bartlett for a trilogy well written. I recommend the Ixan Prophecies Trilogy to everyone who likes a rousing adventure.
March 28, 2021
Great book that finalizes The Ixan Prophecies thrilogy. The story itself might look like an idealistic tale at some points oversimplifying certain character or plot details. However, this action packed story sucks you into itself from the first to the last page. Worth every minute for those who want to escape every day realities in their personal lives and detach a little bit from their own problems.
September 5, 2021
Wanted to like it, just couldn't
Tried to like the series I stuck with it for 2.5 books, but just could not get into the story
I had no connection with the characters, really didn't care if they lived or died and the concept just got stranger and stranger and the story progressed. In the end just thinking of reading more just filled me with a why bother feeling, so I didn't. Off to find something better, there is so much out there, I don't need to read bad stuff
Tried to like the series I stuck with it for 2.5 books, but just could not get into the story
I had no connection with the characters, really didn't care if they lived or died and the concept just got stranger and stranger and the story progressed. In the end just thinking of reading more just filled me with a why bother feeling, so I didn't. Off to find something better, there is so much out there, I don't need to read bad stuff
July 31, 2017
Sacrifice
The book that end the alien artificial intelligence. Like and understand the sacrifice of the crew of the Providence,the decisions the commonwealth was disappointing,reflecting the short sitedness of self important people who never saw a action that humanity seems to always let have decisions making powers.
The book that end the alien artificial intelligence. Like and understand the sacrifice of the crew of the Providence,the decisions the commonwealth was disappointing,reflecting the short sitedness of self important people who never saw a action that humanity seems to always let have decisions making powers.
August 4, 2018
Fully committed by the end
When I first started the series I was on the fence. The way the author writes sometimes left me feeling overwhelmed. Just when I got comfortable following one character it good to another. But, by the third book I was committed. I grew to care about all of them. You should enjoy reading this book. I look forward to the next part of the story.
When I first started the series I was on the fence. The way the author writes sometimes left me feeling overwhelmed. Just when I got comfortable following one character it good to another. But, by the third book I was committed. I grew to care about all of them. You should enjoy reading this book. I look forward to the next part of the story.
July 19, 2019
If you enjoyed the 1st two books of this series, jump right into this 3rd book without any reservations. Bartlett gives us a very satisfying conclusion to his story. There is still tons of military space battle action, and now he's added a little twist to the Ixan Prophesies and ramped up the scope of the conflict. I really enjoyed the entire trilogy.
March 23, 2020
Reckoning Is an Prophecies book3
The end of the series was good with Gusher being successful with Tort and other to destroy Baca while Admiral Keyes sacrificed the Providence along with Piper to save humanity. It will be I thereto g to read the next series and see what Captain Gusher faces.
The end of the series was good with Gusher being successful with Tort and other to destroy Baca while Admiral Keyes sacrificed the Providence along with Piper to save humanity. It will be I thereto g to read the next series and see what Captain Gusher faces.
May 3, 2023
This series has lost a bit of its steam with each succeeding novel. The Ixian’s are trying to destroy all life in the universe and the humans, now united under our heroes from the first two books, are trying to stop them. There are a lot of space battles but the heroic ending was never really in doubt.
May 11, 2023
This review is for the three book series prophecies. So many times during this story, I found myself predicting the next bit and completely unimpressed by the magnificent plot armor. There were definitely good parts of the story, primarily in the characters but even some of those were shallow. Overall, the story has promise, just not great execution.
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