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The Frontiers Saga: Part 2: Rogue Castes #11
A Rock and a Hard Place
In The Hidden Life of Trees Peter Wohlleben makes the case that the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death and regeneration he has observed in his woodland. A walk in the woods will never be the same again.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 1, 2021
400 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Ryk Brown
61 books857 followersBorn in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 3, 2019
This is book eleven in the series. The Aurora and crew are fighting the Dusahn. Nathan is leading his crew and allies into war and has been suffering many losses. Now they have their back to the wall.
The book is well written. They is lots of action and great space battles. The suspense builds throughout the story. There are some new characters and more tragedy for a longtime character that we have not interacted with for a while. I cannot wait for the next edition. I noticed that Brown now has a big-time publisher. It is great to watch an author go from self-publishing to having a well- known publishing company publish the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and four minutes. Jeffrey Kafer does a great job narrating the series. Kafer is a voice- over actor and now works full time as an audiobook narrator. Kafer has won many Earphone Awards.
The book is well written. They is lots of action and great space battles. The suspense builds throughout the story. There are some new characters and more tragedy for a longtime character that we have not interacted with for a while. I cannot wait for the next edition. I noticed that Brown now has a big-time publisher. It is great to watch an author go from self-publishing to having a well- known publishing company publish the series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and four minutes. Jeffrey Kafer does a great job narrating the series. Kafer is a voice- over actor and now works full time as an audiobook narrator. Kafer has won many Earphone Awards.
May 22, 2019
The continuing saga of the Aurora and her crew lead by Captain Nathan, plenty of good space combat and person drama and it keeps the story rolling down the line while also clearly building towards the next phase.
April 25, 2019
I just read a short profile about Ryk Brown and his meandering career path before becoming a full-time author, writing about the adventures of Nathan Scott and his merry band of space soldiers aboard the warship Aurora. He published "Aurora: CV:01" back in 2011, and it couldn't have been more than a couple months old when I purchased a copy for my old Kindle. I've been consuming his stuff ever since. "A Rock and a Hard Place" is his 26th in the full series, 28th if the first two Core novels are included. That's quite a bit. And as I immediately buy and consume each installment soon after their debut, I wonder if Brown's strategy limits his readership. That's a lot of backstory. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan. I love this stuff. Brown's work reminds me of the old sci-fi serials that made the rounds to theaters back in the old days. I'm not that old. We got those old movies in Alaska, because some organization shipped them from village to village in the late 60s and early 70s. We freaked out on them as kids. We had to know what happened. Just like now. Brown never lets me down. In fact, he really dealt a heaping dose of serious Karuzari ass kicking in this latest novel. Maybe it would be better to say the Karuzari kicking ass. The Dusahn hold most of the cards. The Jung are mobilizing. And planets very likely could die. But Nathan is a master strategist and he battles back despite having an ailing warship and defeat waiting around every corner. This is the 11th in the Frontiers Rogue Castes series, and it has all the material. Brown novels start with gearing up and climax with a big battle or conflict. This one has all that but much more. Here's a bit of detail: Nathan leads a ragtag group of rebels interested in unseating a group of invaders who have the same jump-drive technology the Aurora has. These warmongers want to start an empire and have expanded their reach incrementally despite being badgered by Nathan's Karuzari. But Nathan builds networks like he builds technological resources, and now he's developed some new twists on the jump drive and combined other elements to give his side a fighting chance. Brown appears like he's building to a conclusion but he keeps the action coming.
June 18, 2019
Another good book in the series.
I enjoyed this book very much, I enjoyed the series. This is the second time reading through this particular book I did not review at the first time but I will review it now. I enjoyed the inclusion of the artificial intelligence for Aurora, I believe it gives the ship a personality instead of an in animate object. I also enjoyed Nathan finally realizing that in a war he should use all tools available to him including tools that can think faster smarter than humans can. I did not like Jessica and Cameron’s bickering with Nathan. Even though at the end portion of the book they told him they trusted him. The writing is good, the character interaction and growth is still well done. I’m enjoying learning about the personality of the individual Gathazhack soldiers. What I found not believable in this series was the fact that Nathan would give away information to his enemy I know it’s for dramatic license but it just isn’t done not in the military. This book started off a little slow but is worth reading. If you start the series from the beginning you will notice how the authors writing style has improved I suggest anyone interested in reading this series start from the first book Aurora. You will not be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book very much, I enjoyed the series. This is the second time reading through this particular book I did not review at the first time but I will review it now. I enjoyed the inclusion of the artificial intelligence for Aurora, I believe it gives the ship a personality instead of an in animate object. I also enjoyed Nathan finally realizing that in a war he should use all tools available to him including tools that can think faster smarter than humans can. I did not like Jessica and Cameron’s bickering with Nathan. Even though at the end portion of the book they told him they trusted him. The writing is good, the character interaction and growth is still well done. I’m enjoying learning about the personality of the individual Gathazhack soldiers. What I found not believable in this series was the fact that Nathan would give away information to his enemy I know it’s for dramatic license but it just isn’t done not in the military. This book started off a little slow but is worth reading. If you start the series from the beginning you will notice how the authors writing style has improved I suggest anyone interested in reading this series start from the first book Aurora. You will not be disappointed.
April 23, 2019
Another stellar addition to an already epic series!
Ryk Brown has added another 5 star to my list of books. This episode of The Frontiers Saga: Rogue Casts is a steady build of tension culminating in the epic final battle scenarios that avid readers have come to know and love.
A bit of intrigue and a smorgasbord of problems starts off the plot of this one with the crew of the Aurora and the peoples of the Karuzara Alliance once more on their back foot trying to catch up. The title is definitely apt, and the whole time you read you are wondering how they will manage to pull it off this time. There's even a bit of a scare when talk of another 'self sacrifice' situation is presented to Nathan. It doesn't take long for events to come to a head as the typical race against the clock to keep ahead of the enemy ensues. Luckily, Nathan is still the best strategist and motivator in two sectors. But you'll have to read it for yourself if you want to know HOW he manages to squeeze them all out from between A Rock and a Hard Place!
Ryk Brown has added another 5 star to my list of books. This episode of The Frontiers Saga: Rogue Casts is a steady build of tension culminating in the epic final battle scenarios that avid readers have come to know and love.
A bit of intrigue and a smorgasbord of problems starts off the plot of this one with the crew of the Aurora and the peoples of the Karuzara Alliance once more on their back foot trying to catch up. The title is definitely apt, and the whole time you read you are wondering how they will manage to pull it off this time. There's even a bit of a scare when talk of another 'self sacrifice' situation is presented to Nathan. It doesn't take long for events to come to a head as the typical race against the clock to keep ahead of the enemy ensues. Luckily, Nathan is still the best strategist and motivator in two sectors. But you'll have to read it for yourself if you want to know HOW he manages to squeeze them all out from between A Rock and a Hard Place!
February 19, 2019
Loved the series so far, and this book is no different. My only real issue with them are how short the books are. I think I read this one in about 2-2.5 hours... I enjoy reading them on the train etc on the way to work, but its like as soon as I get into the book.. I realized i'm already 50% completed and know I'll be done the next day. Really wish these books were longer instead of more volumes!
No matter what though, through thick and thin I'm loving this series and likely put it on my short list of re-readable series' that I have.
No matter what though, through thick and thin I'm loving this series and likely put it on my short list of re-readable series' that I have.
October 20, 2020
Three planets, one ship.
The Aurora is badly damaged after barely surviving the last battle where she destroyed a battleship. The Rakuen system is under repeated attacks by the Dushan. Should he liberate another system and add to their load? General Hesson reveals more of his plan. As a major attack from the Dushan looks imminent Nathan must make some major decisions in line with scientific developments.
Yet another spell binding chapter in this amazing. More character development opens up the stage before us.
The Aurora is badly damaged after barely surviving the last battle where she destroyed a battleship. The Rakuen system is under repeated attacks by the Dushan. Should he liberate another system and add to their load? General Hesson reveals more of his plan. As a major attack from the Dushan looks imminent Nathan must make some major decisions in line with scientific developments.
Yet another spell binding chapter in this amazing. More character development opens up the stage before us.
February 18, 2019
Another good episode.
Everything as usual for Jess, great character, action, drama and comedy. The only missing element to me is romance. There is some light flirting between friends but nothing serious. I get there is a war going on and people are preoccupied but it also has emotions running high and not knowing whether you wake up the next day is plenty of incentive to pursue something. So far most relationships happen behind the scenes or are touched on briefly. It’s the only flaw I could possibly come up with about this awesome series. Otherwise, the story is great, and the books/episodes come out quickly which is REALLY awesome!
Everything as usual for Jess, great character, action, drama and comedy. The only missing element to me is romance. There is some light flirting between friends but nothing serious. I get there is a war going on and people are preoccupied but it also has emotions running high and not knowing whether you wake up the next day is plenty of incentive to pursue something. So far most relationships happen behind the scenes or are touched on briefly. It’s the only flaw I could possibly come up with about this awesome series. Otherwise, the story is great, and the books/episodes come out quickly which is REALLY awesome!
February 18, 2019
A wonderful continuation to the Frontiers Saga sequel. Especially liked those multiple unexpected turnarounds.
As for all books of series, there are two things that bother me (positively):
1) It's impossible to stop reading when you reach the point where all starts to evolve. It's like an avalanche - it pulls you in and let go only when you reached the end.
2) The book itself is quite short, and now I need to wait next three or four months to see what happens next.
As for all books of series, there are two things that bother me (positively):
1) It's impossible to stop reading when you reach the point where all starts to evolve. It's like an avalanche - it pulls you in and let go only when you reached the end.
2) The book itself is quite short, and now I need to wait next three or four months to see what happens next.
March 12, 2019
Like all the rest, read it straight through.
The first of your books, caught my intrest. Big time, although out of order, great story &characters, so I'm reading the " middle section " loved it, so then hunted out the rest, so I finished the last one, and I am now waiting like all the rest of us, to be reunited with family, says that's just how I think of them!please keep them coming. And thanks for writing about them.
The first of your books, caught my intrest. Big time, although out of order, great story &characters, so I'm reading the " middle section " loved it, so then hunted out the rest, so I finished the last one, and I am now waiting like all the rest of us, to be reunited with family, says that's just how I think of them!please keep them coming. And thanks for writing about them.
March 14, 2019
Best Series on Kindle
My fav! Solid 5 stars, you can't go wrong if you like sci-fi. Most series get stale as it ages but on this one. I hope it goes forever! Start at the beginning of the first series and read them all. I have re-read them multiple times. I consume books at a high rate, so often I can't find something to read. When that happens, I re-read the first book and continue until something new comes along.
My fav! Solid 5 stars, you can't go wrong if you like sci-fi. Most series get stale as it ages but on this one. I hope it goes forever! Start at the beginning of the first series and read them all. I have re-read them multiple times. I consume books at a high rate, so often I can't find something to read. When that happens, I re-read the first book and continue until something new comes along.
February 16, 2019
The best episode in this part. All the things that should make a blockbuster novel are available in this one. I just keep on getting awestruck by the fight strategies used by Nathan. Ryk Brown with his usual flair of story telling keeps the reader engrossed in this saga which I sincerely hope never ends.
February 22, 2019
Back to Business
Inhaled this book! When I started the series I was way behind so I could domino the books, but I caught up in early Frontiers 2. Now it's excruciating to wait. It's like eating good candy, you can't stop and when the bag is empty you're depressed and mad at yourself that you didn't make it last longer.
Inhaled this book! When I started the series I was way behind so I could domino the books, but I caught up in early Frontiers 2. Now it's excruciating to wait. It's like eating good candy, you can't stop and when the bag is empty you're depressed and mad at yourself that you didn't make it last longer.
February 24, 2019
AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME, YEEEEAHHH!!!
This was one of the best books in the series. Tons of action, epic battles and intrigue. With the additional technology incorporated in the alliance ships, the alliane rocks! Love this series, love the writing, love the story and character interactions. Cannot wait for Ep. #12. Ryk, love your work. I recommend this series to all readers.
This was one of the best books in the series. Tons of action, epic battles and intrigue. With the additional technology incorporated in the alliance ships, the alliane rocks! Love this series, love the writing, love the story and character interactions. Cannot wait for Ep. #12. Ryk, love your work. I recommend this series to all readers.
February 28, 2019
Another great read
Come on, how many more times will I have to tell readers about this series. What is this book? Number 27?
I don't know how it's possible to maintain this level of quality.
Ok when is episode 12 due out? Can I pre-order it
?
Sounds corny, but keep up the good work.
Come on, how many more times will I have to tell readers about this series. What is this book? Number 27?
I don't know how it's possible to maintain this level of quality.
Ok when is episode 12 due out? Can I pre-order it
?
Sounds corny, but keep up the good work.
March 4, 2019
Back to Top Quality
Ryk is back to his masterful high octane best. After the last mildly disappointing episode, this one is crammed with the fast action page turning thrill fest we have come to love about this saga. Full of well known and believable characters, developing new ones and lots of action, it was hard to put it down. Can't wait for the next one.
Ryk is back to his masterful high octane best. After the last mildly disappointing episode, this one is crammed with the fast action page turning thrill fest we have come to love about this saga. Full of well known and believable characters, developing new ones and lots of action, it was hard to put it down. Can't wait for the next one.
April 5, 2019
i enjoyed this book. The author is writing a series, and handles it will, without getting adding so many storylines he loses track. In this one, we see Capt Scott finally going on the offensive, and attempting to bring the war to the end. I think there is 12 in each story arc, so we should see the end of Part 2 in the next one.
November 15, 2019
This is a great episode in a good series. Heavy on plot development. Decent on character involvement. Captain Scott and the Aurora have their backs against the wall in their war with the Dushan. The odds seem almost impossible. The story is how or if Scott and his teammates can overcome what they face.
December 11, 2019
Ryk Brown writes in a way that you can read intently, book after book
I love that Ryk finds ways to one-up the villains. He takes pieces here and there that he'll tuck away, and you just know he'll put them together with some fancy footwork somewhere down the story. Keep up the great work Ryk. Soon, you'll have enough for some great Netflix seasons if they are smart.
I love that Ryk finds ways to one-up the villains. He takes pieces here and there that he'll tuck away, and you just know he'll put them together with some fancy footwork somewhere down the story. Keep up the great work Ryk. Soon, you'll have enough for some great Netflix seasons if they are smart.
February 12, 2020
Best One Yet !
After several novels into Frontiers Saga they were becoming repetitive as a small
Force jumps into enemy held territory and escapes barely.... Time and time again. This effort follows that path but retains the charm of the earliest of the two series. New weapons systems and tactics that Nathan uses superbly.
The best read I’ve had in 6 months of books. Well done!
After several novels into Frontiers Saga they were becoming repetitive as a small
Force jumps into enemy held territory and escapes barely.... Time and time again. This effort follows that path but retains the charm of the earliest of the two series. New weapons systems and tactics that Nathan uses superbly.
The best read I’ve had in 6 months of books. Well done!
May 20, 2024
Wow
Fast paced, action packed and certainly not the ending I was expecting
For once Nathan seems to get the upper hand, at least for the most part and the resistance start to make some headway against the Darshan
Overall a very good book, close to being a 5*, but for me it lost it for a few short moments a couple of times
Fast paced, action packed and certainly not the ending I was expecting
For once Nathan seems to get the upper hand, at least for the most part and the resistance start to make some headway against the Darshan
Overall a very good book, close to being a 5*, but for me it lost it for a few short moments a couple of times
February 20, 2019
Superb !
Space opera continues & just when you thought it was hopeless for the Alliance. Very sad bit in the book too that was well written & a great ending for the first time in ages!
Space opera continues & just when you thought it was hopeless for the Alliance. Very sad bit in the book too that was well written & a great ending for the first time in ages!
February 20, 2019
And I just keeps getting better.
Lots of twists and fast paced action, it will help if you have followed the whole series. One more great addition to this storyline. We will see where it all leads.
Lots of twists and fast paced action, it will help if you have followed the whole series. One more great addition to this storyline. We will see where it all leads.
February 20, 2019
episode 10 keeps it going😁😁😁😁😁need an easy to tickoff list for all the episodes to be sure i have them all
it follows on nicely BUT i am desperate for the next episode !!!😁😁😁😁a quick summary as the foreword to EP 12 would be useful
it follows on nicely BUT i am desperate for the next episode !!!😁😁😁😁a quick summary as the foreword to EP 12 would be useful
February 21, 2019
Another great book in the series.
I found it very interesting. It holds on to you so all you want to do is keep reading. You wonder how he going to get out of this mess. It keeps you heading in what will happen next
I found it very interesting. It holds on to you so all you want to do is keep reading. You wonder how he going to get out of this mess. It keeps you heading in what will happen next
February 25, 2019
Holy smokes! A great book!
Wow. Just wow! Another fantastic adventure with Nathan and crew. This book was riveting and extremely enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Wow.
Wow. Just wow! Another fantastic adventure with Nathan and crew. This book was riveting and extremely enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Wow.
February 24, 2019
Again another excellent book in this series.
Great writing, coupled with great story telling. These books are excellent. The characters have great and believable chemistry together. The story is fast paced and engaging. I have enjoyed this series immensely.
Great writing, coupled with great story telling. These books are excellent. The characters have great and believable chemistry together. The story is fast paced and engaging. I have enjoyed this series immensely.
February 24, 2019
Always fun!
Like all the other Ryk Brown "Frontier" books this on is hard to put down and ends way too soon for my liking. All the books of this series have just the right combination of adventure, drama and humor. How soon can we get our episode #12?
Like all the other Ryk Brown "Frontier" books this on is hard to put down and ends way too soon for my liking. All the books of this series have just the right combination of adventure, drama and humor. How soon can we get our episode #12?
March 1, 2019
Another riveting winner
Another stay up all night page turner in this remarkable series. Characters that feel so complex and real, sometimes forget they do not exist. Can’t wait for the next one.
Another stay up all night page turner in this remarkable series. Characters that feel so complex and real, sometimes forget they do not exist. Can’t wait for the next one.
March 2, 2019
Good sci if and good addition of to the series
Nice action and shortness with science and strategy nice blend for a sci if book. Good parts about the decisions nor a father and his mental battles to go to war or stay with his child.
Nice action and shortness with science and strategy nice blend for a sci if book. Good parts about the decisions nor a father and his mental battles to go to war or stay with his child.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews