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The Sentience Wars: Origins #5
Lyssa's Flame
### **Everything has turned out wrong...**
Xander has betrayed Lyssa and the Weapon Born, and Alexander has initiated an attack on InnerSol.
Now Andy, Lyssa, and the crew struggle to make sense of what is happening and warn InnerSol about the thousands of missiles that have launched from one of Neptune’s moons.
Meanwhile, in InnerSol, Brit, Jirl, and Petral rush to safety in the wake of Clinic 13’s destruction. Their plan to destroy the Heartbridge clinics is thwarted, and now they must find another way to strike out at the massive corporation.
Through all of this Andy and his crew come to understand that the Psion Group is no longer controlled by humans, but is in the hands of five AIs who do not harbor any special love for humanity, or lesser AIs.
The fight to save the Sol system from an all-encompassing war has just begun.
**
Xander has betrayed Lyssa and the Weapon Born, and Alexander has initiated an attack on InnerSol.
Now Andy, Lyssa, and the crew struggle to make sense of what is happening and warn InnerSol about the thousands of missiles that have launched from one of Neptune’s moons.
Meanwhile, in InnerSol, Brit, Jirl, and Petral rush to safety in the wake of Clinic 13’s destruction. Their plan to destroy the Heartbridge clinics is thwarted, and now they must find another way to strike out at the massive corporation.
Through all of this Andy and his crew come to understand that the Psion Group is no longer controlled by humans, but is in the hands of five AIs who do not harbor any special love for humanity, or lesser AIs.
The fight to save the Sol system from an all-encompassing war has just begun.
**
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2018
221 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
James S. Aaron
38 books29 followersJames S. Aaron is the author of nine novels and many short stories. His most recent series is the Sentience Wars: Solar War 1, written with M.D. Cooper in his Aeon 14 Universe.
He is a twelve year U.S. Army veteran, serving as a medic and later platoon leader and company commander. His novels draw heavily on his military experience, including the people, the deployments, the technology and the locales.
James lives in Oregon with his family, where he enjoys camping, hacking electronics, amateur carpentry and All Things Science Fiction. He's a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and volunteers with his local animal shelter.
You can find out more about his books and upcoming releases at https://jamesaaron.net or listen to his weekly author's diary podcast at https://speculative.work
He is a twelve year U.S. Army veteran, serving as a medic and later platoon leader and company commander. His novels draw heavily on his military experience, including the people, the deployments, the technology and the locales.
James lives in Oregon with his family, where he enjoys camping, hacking electronics, amateur carpentry and All Things Science Fiction. He's a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and volunteers with his local animal shelter.
You can find out more about his books and upcoming releases at https://jamesaaron.net or listen to his weekly author's diary podcast at https://speculative.work
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 6, 2018
I've read all the Aeon 14 books and I'm have again enjoyed this series of books. You have all of the elements there, action, intrigue, introspection... I had a feeling that Andy Sykes, his family and crew would not see the end as a group. We know that there was an issue with human combined together, but the loss of Andy was still a little bit of a shock. Looking firward to the next series of books
June 27, 2018
Big book, big happenings, big emotions! Lyssa/Andy & gang, Brit & gang, the Weapon Born, a Colonel in the Terran Space Force and a crime lord all fight for the survival of humankind as well as SAI/Sentient Non-Organic life. This one is a must read for Aeon 14 fans!
December 1, 2018
There were tears, shut up because you'll shed them too.
August 11, 2018
An Emotional Conclusion and Exhilarating Genesis
There were many memorable moments in this series: The Skyes family moments and kids growing up on a space freighter, the transformative (often violent) moments and character development, the imaginative and exciting technology and descriptions of the deepest recesses of sentience. I could go on.. The conclusion carries this precedent and delivers the end we have been expecting yet dreading as the conflict between humans and nonorganic intelligence comes to an initial crescendo. These books are written with greater care than others in the aeon14 universe and have tight story line arcs. The pacing of the ending chapters appeared to accelerate but still provided enough satisfying closure material for the reader. Highly recommend 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There were many memorable moments in this series: The Skyes family moments and kids growing up on a space freighter, the transformative (often violent) moments and character development, the imaginative and exciting technology and descriptions of the deepest recesses of sentience. I could go on.. The conclusion carries this precedent and delivers the end we have been expecting yet dreading as the conflict between humans and nonorganic intelligence comes to an initial crescendo. These books are written with greater care than others in the aeon14 universe and have tight story line arcs. The pacing of the ending chapters appeared to accelerate but still provided enough satisfying closure material for the reader. Highly recommend 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 28, 2025
A brilliant conclusion to this arc.
Lyssa’s Flame was a superb conclusion to the first arc of the larger Aeon 14 series. The character interactions felt genuine, where you couldn’t help but cheer, or cry along with our band of protagonists. And the plot. The plot will have you hooked from start to finish.
It’s been a while since I’ve had genuine emotional responses to a novel. Beyond the sheer enjoyment of the story. But Lyssa’s Flame pulls no punches. Even knowing something is coming, it still hits hard when it arrives.
Based off the first five novels of Aeon 14, I have no problem recommending this series to anyone who likes sci-fi space opera. Or is considering getting into the genre for the first time.
Lyssa’s Flame was a superb conclusion to the first arc of the larger Aeon 14 series. The character interactions felt genuine, where you couldn’t help but cheer, or cry along with our band of protagonists. And the plot. The plot will have you hooked from start to finish.
It’s been a while since I’ve had genuine emotional responses to a novel. Beyond the sheer enjoyment of the story. But Lyssa’s Flame pulls no punches. Even knowing something is coming, it still hits hard when it arrives.
Based off the first five novels of Aeon 14, I have no problem recommending this series to anyone who likes sci-fi space opera. Or is considering getting into the genre for the first time.
July 20, 2018
OK
The book goes to where I thought it might and that's fine. I might jump ahead in the series which stretches out to the far future but I'm in no rush.
The characters with the exception of the AI Lyssa aren't really important enough to matter and the AI's are a little confusing and contradictory. he's written at least one prequel about two of the main characters but I'm not interested enough to read it.
I used to like Cooper and still do but I am getting interested in characters again. That's the whole point of a story.
The book goes to where I thought it might and that's fine. I might jump ahead in the series which stretches out to the far future but I'm in no rush.
The characters with the exception of the AI Lyssa aren't really important enough to matter and the AI's are a little confusing and contradictory. he's written at least one prequel about two of the main characters but I'm not interested enough to read it.
I used to like Cooper and still do but I am getting interested in characters again. That's the whole point of a story.
July 21, 2018
Heartbreak and hope are the strongest feelings here.
The authors have broken my heart and the hearts of all who have come to live and appreciate Andy Sykes. But we also have hope in the forms of Cara, Lyssa, and all of the others as they continue forward into a future we in the real world know too much about.
Good job, James and Michael, in this novel and the entire Origins block of stories. They have grabbed us and given us new insights into the Aeon 14 Universe. Thank you!
The authors have broken my heart and the hearts of all who have come to live and appreciate Andy Sykes. But we also have hope in the forms of Cara, Lyssa, and all of the others as they continue forward into a future we in the real world know too much about.
Good job, James and Michael, in this novel and the entire Origins block of stories. They have grabbed us and given us new insights into the Aeon 14 Universe. Thank you!
July 11, 2018
Another amazing tale from the Aeon 14 universe
As with all the books in this series there is plenty of action and adventure. There is also the loss and devastation brought by war, as with all wars there is no truly happy endings. There is only the next step, the continuation of living, with happiness and joy, heartache and grief. With HOPE for a better tomorrow.
I will be waiting to find out what tomorrow brings in the next series.
As with all the books in this series there is plenty of action and adventure. There is also the loss and devastation brought by war, as with all wars there is no truly happy endings. There is only the next step, the continuation of living, with happiness and joy, heartache and grief. With HOPE for a better tomorrow.
I will be waiting to find out what tomorrow brings in the next series.
December 30, 2018
Very strong book this one. Following on from Lyssa's Call, there is a lot of foreboding and suspense to begin with, as we wait to see what will result from the ending of Lyssa's Call. The overall sense of panic and futility is captured well. It then turns into quite the roller coaster with emotional ups and downs, surprise twists and turns, and building to an emotional and bittersweet ending. A very good climax to a good series.
May 25, 2019
Good book, good series.
I enjoyed the premise of the book, I love anything that has to do with artificial intelligence, space, space battles and high-tech gizmos. I basically read this series because it takes place in the Eon 14 universe. I personally do not like kids in sci-fi books. But others might enjoy them. The series is full of twists and turns and on the whole enjoyable. I suggest people give the series a try.
I enjoyed the premise of the book, I love anything that has to do with artificial intelligence, space, space battles and high-tech gizmos. I basically read this series because it takes place in the Eon 14 universe. I personally do not like kids in sci-fi books. But others might enjoy them. The series is full of twists and turns and on the whole enjoyable. I suggest people give the series a try.
July 21, 2018
Good read, impactful story.
At first I didn't think I would like going back so far in story line after Tanis and the I2... Now I am so glad I did. James S Aaron did a fantastic job with this series. Like a solid Cooper Aeon 14 book with a different tenor and feel that I enjoyed thourghly. Can't wait for the next series.
At first I didn't think I would like going back so far in story line after Tanis and the I2... Now I am so glad I did. James S Aaron did a fantastic job with this series. Like a solid Cooper Aeon 14 book with a different tenor and feel that I enjoyed thourghly. Can't wait for the next series.
July 24, 2018
A great culmination to the series
This book is the crown of The Sentience Wars: Origins series. Events are driven to their consequences. There's a lot of action and, above all, deep emotions. By the end of the book you really care about these characters and feel their struggles. It also beautifully sets up the scenario for the next series on the first sentient war.
This book is the crown of The Sentience Wars: Origins series. Events are driven to their consequences. There's a lot of action and, above all, deep emotions. By the end of the book you really care about these characters and feel their struggles. It also beautifully sets up the scenario for the next series on the first sentient war.
July 26, 2018
Very good book. I enjoy discovering the world of Aeon 14, the military maneuvers, hidden enemies, unexpected friends. With the "The Sentience Wars" I enjoyed the discovery of how SAI's came to existence and watch them as they discover who and what they are as well as their hopes and aspirations.
August 11, 2018
Great Book; Great Series
With Origins the Aeon14 world becomes real. What do I mean by that - I shed a tear or two near the end. With Tanis it always feels like you are following a warrior goddess, but Andy was such a real, fleshed out character. Best book of the Aeon14 series by far
With Origins the Aeon14 world becomes real. What do I mean by that - I shed a tear or two near the end. With Tanis it always feels like you are following a warrior goddess, but Andy was such a real, fleshed out character. Best book of the Aeon14 series by far
October 22, 2018
Growth and loss
I've enjoyed getting to know Lyssa and the Sykes family in this series of books. The all around growth of beings of all kinds and the loss and cherishing of all those loved. It offers action, surprises, recriminations, and a well written story to encompass all those things.
I'm on board for the 500 books in this universe.
I've enjoyed getting to know Lyssa and the Sykes family in this series of books. The all around growth of beings of all kinds and the loss and cherishing of all those loved. It offers action, surprises, recriminations, and a well written story to encompass all those things.
I'm on board for the 500 books in this universe.
February 4, 2019
Excellent story and the series ending is the only way it could have gone, so well done! I was in a bit of a panic because I am vested in the Sentience Wars now and I know there are several yet to be published. Fortunately Vesta Burning is next and in my collection.
Everything I can think to say in detail will give something away and I will not spoil the pleasure of reading this adventure!
Everything I can think to say in detail will give something away and I will not spoil the pleasure of reading this adventure!
April 13, 2020
Wrap Up To A Pause
Lyssa and Andy struggle to protect both humanity and innocent AI from the expected war. I like the action and strategy. Toward the end of the book, I can feel the emotion building. There is tragedy and familial love side by side. The end of the series wraps things up nicely, but sets the stage for other series to follow.
Lyssa and Andy struggle to protect both humanity and innocent AI from the expected war. I like the action and strategy. Toward the end of the book, I can feel the emotion building. There is tragedy and familial love side by side. The end of the series wraps things up nicely, but sets the stage for other series to follow.
July 28, 2024
an interesting and unexpected finale.
I have enjoyed this series. That fact that it is well edited added to that. The story is complex, unpredictable and engaging. You learn to appreciate and feel these characters. The ending was very unexpected and emotional. Love the kids and Lyssa. I highly recommend the series.
I have enjoyed this series. That fact that it is well edited added to that. The story is complex, unpredictable and engaging. You learn to appreciate and feel these characters. The ending was very unexpected and emotional. Love the kids and Lyssa. I highly recommend the series.
July 20, 2018
Ok you made me cry
I really hate it when a beloved character dies. I am not going to say which one since I do not want to spoil it. Read to find out what happens for yourself. Can’t wait for more!!!
I really hate it when a beloved character dies. I am not going to say which one since I do not want to spoil it. Read to find out what happens for yourself. Can’t wait for more!!!
September 13, 2019
Excellent novel
This is another excellent novel in this wonderful series. Excellent writing and character building. I was nervous, excited and even cried. This is an great universe that you have created around your characters. Thank you!
This is another excellent novel in this wonderful series. Excellent writing and character building. I was nervous, excited and even cried. This is an great universe that you have created around your characters. Thank you!
January 18, 2020
A very human A.I.
Well the chickens have come home to roost.
An end of the sunny skies saga and a very good one.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
Well the chickens have come home to roost.
An end of the sunny skies saga and a very good one.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
March 10, 2020
Excellent
The best of this series with quite a bit wrapped and still more left unsaid for future stories. It would be equally possible to stop here and be satisfied or continue on to the 31st century. A nice choice to have.
The best of this series with quite a bit wrapped and still more left unsaid for future stories. It would be equally possible to stop here and be satisfied or continue on to the 31st century. A nice choice to have.
February 10, 2021
Continuity of characters is a rare thing. and a large series or more accurately collection of series is even rarer. Looking forward to seeing where this goes suspecting that some of these characters will develop into fascinating characters. Real Physics is the bomb.
August 14, 2021
Really fun series and universe
This is a really fun series set in one of my favorite universes. The characters are great and detailed, and the universe is a lot of fun to read about and visit in these books. I recommend this series and book.
This is a really fun series set in one of my favorite universes. The characters are great and detailed, and the universe is a lot of fun to read about and visit in these books. I recommend this series and book.
March 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this series. It appeal to the part of me that grew up with mecha anime and GrimDark settings like Battletech, but with more developed characters harder science elements.
I am pretty biased when it come to transhuman scifi though.
I am pretty biased when it come to transhuman scifi though.
July 16, 2018
Touched by Lyssa
Very moving story and characters, ending was very sad but offered hope. Great read for this universe.
Waiting for next series impatiently.
Very moving story and characters, ending was very sad but offered hope. Great read for this universe.
Waiting for next series impatiently.
July 20, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. There was lots of action and a number of story lines. This would make an excellent TV Series! I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 27, 2019
Good end
Or is it the beginning? A story such as this can’t help but leave you wanting more. You feel what Lyssa feels. It will make you want to hug Cara.
Or is it the beginning? A story such as this can’t help but leave you wanting more. You feel what Lyssa feels. It will make you want to hug Cara.
May 17, 2019
Awesome
This one is a real page turner. If you like great adventure and memorable characters, this is for you. Get hooked like I am by this whole universe.
This one is a real page turner. If you like great adventure and memorable characters, this is for you. Get hooked like I am by this whole universe.
July 7, 2019
Good stuff. Better than the last one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews