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Empire of Bones Saga #9
Hidden Enemies
Trapped between murderous xenophobes and calculating artificial intelligences, an interstellar war threatens to wash Princess Kelsey Bandar away in a tide of blood.
With her most powerful ship crippled, only a desperate mission to steal what she needs right out from under the noses of her enemies offers a way to get her people safely home.
As if that wasn’t hard enough, success requires her foes never learn of her existence and therein lies the problem. Few have ever accused Kelsey Bandar of subtlety.
If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galaxy-spanning scale, grab “Hidden Enemies” and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!
With her most powerful ship crippled, only a desperate mission to steal what she needs right out from under the noses of her enemies offers a way to get her people safely home.
As if that wasn’t hard enough, success requires her foes never learn of her existence and therein lies the problem. Few have ever accused Kelsey Bandar of subtlety.
If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galaxy-spanning scale, grab “Hidden Enemies” and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
About the author
Terry Mixon
91 books307 followers#1 Bestselling Military Science Fiction author Terry Mixon served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He later worked alongside the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at the NASA Johnson Space Center supporting the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and other human spaceflight projects.
He now writes full time while living in Texas with his lovely wife and a pounce of cats.
He now writes full time while living in Texas with his lovely wife and a pounce of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 12, 2019
Plotting? Anderle?
I've stopped and then continued the series, several times. I'm stopping at the halfway point in this book. There is a location named after a particularly bad science fiction writer, which made me accept that the flaws that I've noted in previous books won't be corrected in this or other volumes. I don't think that the more fundamental issues, like depth of characters can be corrected. The possibly correctable won't be, not with that shout out to a guy who is the patron saint of junk fiction.
In this book, the characters talk about their secret mission in detail as they wander through an enemy station. They can't save their planning for closed doors, even in what approximates a police state. They do the same in a public restaurant in the same station, which threw me.
The series plot and a lot of the action was entertaining even though the writing is poor. The planning for a major clandestine incursion into a neighboring system is ordered to be completed in 24 hours. This isn't an operational necessity, it's just that the Princess is bored? Characters share secret plans and information with prisoners. It's like every bad action film or a Rocky and Bullwinkle episode.
The platitudes that pass for support between characters continues. The scientific research done by the resident genius doesn't bother me much. It's Deus ex machina but the character is so very Ron Weasley that it's hard to mind him being the vehicle that delivers one miracle after another. The surprise that a marine is involved with such a scrawny specimen is so painfully sad but is standard for the series.
I won't bother to try the rest of the series. I know it won't get better. It's gotten too hard to take seriously. The writer is fairly self-satisfied and has no incentive to improve the plotting, etc. I like the action but a series of vaguely connected, continuous action sequences does not a novel make.
Good bye "Empire of bones".
I've stopped and then continued the series, several times. I'm stopping at the halfway point in this book. There is a location named after a particularly bad science fiction writer, which made me accept that the flaws that I've noted in previous books won't be corrected in this or other volumes. I don't think that the more fundamental issues, like depth of characters can be corrected. The possibly correctable won't be, not with that shout out to a guy who is the patron saint of junk fiction.
In this book, the characters talk about their secret mission in detail as they wander through an enemy station. They can't save their planning for closed doors, even in what approximates a police state. They do the same in a public restaurant in the same station, which threw me.
The series plot and a lot of the action was entertaining even though the writing is poor. The planning for a major clandestine incursion into a neighboring system is ordered to be completed in 24 hours. This isn't an operational necessity, it's just that the Princess is bored? Characters share secret plans and information with prisoners. It's like every bad action film or a Rocky and Bullwinkle episode.
The platitudes that pass for support between characters continues. The scientific research done by the resident genius doesn't bother me much. It's Deus ex machina but the character is so very Ron Weasley that it's hard to mind him being the vehicle that delivers one miracle after another. The surprise that a marine is involved with such a scrawny specimen is so painfully sad but is standard for the series.
I won't bother to try the rest of the series. I know it won't get better. It's gotten too hard to take seriously. The writer is fairly self-satisfied and has no incentive to improve the plotting, etc. I like the action but a series of vaguely connected, continuous action sequences does not a novel make.
Good bye "Empire of bones".
April 12, 2019
I have to say that I love the universe and story line that Terry has created with these books. I would give the story a 5-star rating.
However, every time I read them; I cringe at the dialogue it reminds me of watching Baby Looney Tunes.
Maybe I’m writing this because I just read Renegades by Craig Alanson and it has fantastic dialogue, maybe that’s why I found it hard to get thru this book.
Somehow, I keep buying and reading them. Please Terry Please work on your dialogue, I know Kelsey is a spoiled princess, but she sounds like a little kid with her dialogue and stupid statements.
However, every time I read them; I cringe at the dialogue it reminds me of watching Baby Looney Tunes.
Maybe I’m writing this because I just read Renegades by Craig Alanson and it has fantastic dialogue, maybe that’s why I found it hard to get thru this book.
Somehow, I keep buying and reading them. Please Terry Please work on your dialogue, I know Kelsey is a spoiled princess, but she sounds like a little kid with her dialogue and stupid statements.
June 6, 2020
The Empire of Bones Saga started out strong but it seemed to loose direction about the same time the "Terran Empire" suddenly became the "New Terran Empire". For a while it was "Rebel Empire" and "Terran Empire" then it suddenly changed. At the same time, the quality of the storytelling seemed to change as well.
The characters are largely unchanged, this is both good and bad. Some people actually develop as they are exposed to new and different things. The real weakness is the plot lines that seem to go from possibly plausible to ridiculous. I went from being excited that there were twelve books in the series to regretting having purchased the last three. This was actually a little better then Book 8 so I gave it three stars instead of just two.
The characters are largely unchanged, this is both good and bad. Some people actually develop as they are exposed to new and different things. The real weakness is the plot lines that seem to go from possibly plausible to ridiculous. I went from being excited that there were twelve books in the series to regretting having purchased the last three. This was actually a little better then Book 8 so I gave it three stars instead of just two.
March 22, 2022
"Hidden Enemies", ninth in the Empire of Bones series, seems to be where the author, Terry Mixon, lost the plot. Or, to be fair, put it on the back burner, and produced a staggeringly slow-moving episode in which nothing much happens most of the time.
Just as an example, after spending a page talking about breakfast and eating habits, we get this:-
"Everyone put their trash back into the bags. Someone would dispose of it after the meeting."
It seems innocuous but it indicates the depths to which the series has descended - Space Opera has become Space Boring.
Princess Kelsey has a crippled ship and can't get home - not a problem, everything she needs is in the centre of a nearby Rebel system. And that's about it.
I won't be reading any further in the Empire of Bones.
1.5 Stars.
Just as an example, after spending a page talking about breakfast and eating habits, we get this:-
"Everyone put their trash back into the bags. Someone would dispose of it after the meeting."
It seems innocuous but it indicates the depths to which the series has descended - Space Opera has become Space Boring.
Princess Kelsey has a crippled ship and can't get home - not a problem, everything she needs is in the centre of a nearby Rebel system. And that's about it.
I won't be reading any further in the Empire of Bones.
1.5 Stars.
March 18, 2021
First, this is the fifth time I've listened to this series and I still love every second of it. This novel is another winner from Terry Mixon and Veronica Giguere! This series one I love and revisit like an old friend, if you haven't checked it out, you're missing out! I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Terry is one of my auto-buy authors and he could be yours too if you give him a chance! Hopefully the author can give up sleeping and eating so I can read the next one! It has a lot of action, and adventure and some cool plot twists I didn't see coming!
August 28, 2018
Entertaining read
Another great book from Terry. I was eagerly waiting for this continuation and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m looking forward to the rejoining of our two main characters and their respective plot lines, and I’m hoping that happens in the next book or two. And, that the wait isn’t too long. BTW, The Michael Anderle Medical Center? Are Kutherians and the Queen B next?
Another great book from Terry. I was eagerly waiting for this continuation and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m looking forward to the rejoining of our two main characters and their respective plot lines, and I’m hoping that happens in the next book or two. And, that the wait isn’t too long. BTW, The Michael Anderle Medical Center? Are Kutherians and the Queen B next?
September 7, 2018
Another great book in the Empire of Bones series. We once again see Princess Kelsey with her marine raider implants that she can't stay out of fights. What she hoped to have been a simple raid to steal and new flip drive for her carrier, has we should have expected goes a little off course. But a few surprises are also there for her, which may turn out for the best. Looking forward to reading the next book.
January 16, 2019
After book seven Behind Enemy Lines I decided to give up on this series and completely ignored book eight, but I did enjoy the early books.
This story was more like the earlier books and has reaffirmed my faith in the series. Kelsey was back to her best and there was lots of action. In fact I did think the author got a bit carried away towards the end of the book, throwing in everything but the ‘kitchen sink’.
This story was more like the earlier books and has reaffirmed my faith in the series. Kelsey was back to her best and there was lots of action. In fact I did think the author got a bit carried away towards the end of the book, throwing in everything but the ‘kitchen sink’.
May 29, 2019
This series is classified, in some venues, in Military Science Fiction. It's not a heavy military or science fiction read. There is so much interaction with the characters and the situations they find themselves in is what guides them to act. There is action and battles but the story is more. I would HIGHLY recommend the series to many people who enjoy space operas.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
August 26, 2018
A Daring Raid
I enjoyed this story. It has the real Kelsey in it. Although I like the other one too. She gets to show off her Maine Raider enhancements again to some of the Pandora aliens.
I felt that the main action here was a heist plot to steal things they needed from a Rebel Empire Fleet station.
There are complications and surprises. Of course.
I enjoyed this story. It has the real Kelsey in it. Although I like the other one too. She gets to show off her Maine Raider enhancements again to some of the Pandora aliens.
I felt that the main action here was a heist plot to steal things they needed from a Rebel Empire Fleet station.
There are complications and surprises. Of course.
August 26, 2018
Awesome next chapter in Empire of Bones series
Terry Mixon is awesome. Its a well constructed story with some nice twists and turns. I am dying to see what comes next. If you are a fan of the science fiction serial, the Empire of Bones is one you won't want to put down. With Hidden Enemies, it just keeps getting better!
Terry Mixon is awesome. Its a well constructed story with some nice twists and turns. I am dying to see what comes next. If you are a fan of the science fiction serial, the Empire of Bones is one you won't want to put down. With Hidden Enemies, it just keeps getting better!
September 15, 2018
Another good read
The zany, or crazy,, adventures continue. While the total lack or preparation would drive professional military nuts, these books are a great diversion. And to be fair, these stories follow classic space opera like SW with the seat of the pants mission planning.
The zany, or crazy,, adventures continue. While the total lack or preparation would drive professional military nuts, these books are a great diversion. And to be fair, these stories follow classic space opera like SW with the seat of the pants mission planning.
January 25, 2022
Kelsey is usually a fun character, but multiple times in this story there is an artifical timeline or they rush in to a situation because she's bored. And it always turns out that it was the right thing to do because of coincidence.
'The Princess is bored so we only have 24 hours to plan this mission where we will likely all die' makes Kelsey seem callous and hateful, not fun.
'The Princess is bored so we only have 24 hours to plan this mission where we will likely all die' makes Kelsey seem callous and hateful, not fun.
September 12, 2018
Great Addition to the Saga
Wow - Terry Mixon is back in top form.
Lots of new hints in what’s really going on. Why did the AI’s stop at the old empires border? What are the singularity? What is the Singularity up to?
Along with great action and moves the story forward.
Wow - Terry Mixon is back in top form.
Lots of new hints in what’s really going on. Why did the AI’s stop at the old empires border? What are the singularity? What is the Singularity up to?
Along with great action and moves the story forward.
September 22, 2018
A strong installment in the series.
The book was solid and in continued to move the story along. The action was pretty good but the book did not have any big advancement of the plot. Overall a solid book.
The book was solid and in continued to move the story along. The action was pretty good but the book did not have any big advancement of the plot. Overall a solid book.
October 15, 2018
Good continuation of the series
Enjoyed the book. Not enough new technology in this one but enjoyed seeing character development. This story show the growth of the princess and her team
Enjoyed the book. Not enough new technology in this one but enjoyed seeing character development. This story show the growth of the princess and her team
October 17, 2018
Terry Mixon is still putting out great work in this series. Can't wait!!
Caught the Mixon bug with "Heart of Vengeance" and had to grab whatever this author has written. Haven't been disappointed yet. Thank you Terry Mixon.
Caught the Mixon bug with "Heart of Vengeance" and had to grab whatever this author has written. Haven't been disappointed yet. Thank you Terry Mixon.
December 14, 2018
Spacelight robbery.
Loved this installment, also liked the name of the hospital.
I can't wait for more from this series, what's happening with the other mission and will the ghosts/singularity cause even more annoying problems.
Long live the empire.
Loved this installment, also liked the name of the hospital.
I can't wait for more from this series, what's happening with the other mission and will the ghosts/singularity cause even more annoying problems.
Long live the empire.
February 22, 2019
The stranded group with princess Kelsey is working hard to repair the damage to their ships and not embroil themselves in a new war with an alien species. Lots of things happening and lots of butt is kicked.
August 25, 2018
Yet another excellent installment in the empire of bones saga
This continues the story of kelesy from trapped behind enemy lines, and we start to see the true lurking enemy
This continues the story of kelesy from trapped behind enemy lines, and we start to see the true lurking enemy
September 14, 2018
Need more!!
This is a great series. Each book builds on the others and lead you wanting more. It will be a difficult wait for the next book.
This is a great series. Each book builds on the others and lead you wanting more. It will be a difficult wait for the next book.
October 26, 2018
This one was better than the last book. That one got into ridiculous alternate-reality stuff that reminds me of bad Star Trek episodes.
December 8, 2018
Solid science fiction
The characters are engaging and the plot is fast paced and full of twists and turns. A good read and series.
The characters are engaging and the plot is fast paced and full of twists and turns. A good read and series.
December 26, 2018
After reading a 9 book series, I'll say the story was good. But I'm disappointed that this, the last book, did not tie up or conclude much of anything. Main characters in multiple solar systems!
May 6, 2019
Gota wait now for next book to come out on audio, great series
November 9, 2019
Another gripping read, but the saga is far from complete and the story is hanging.
December 7, 2019
Great read
Fast paced and lots of action. Plots and characters are well developed and I couldn't wait to see what was next.
Fast paced and lots of action. Plots and characters are well developed and I couldn't wait to see what was next.
March 6, 2020
Better than the previous book, but it's still hard to overlook all the crazy coincidences that need to happen to have the plot advance.
September 13, 2020
A good story
This one was as exciting as the others were. One cliff hanger after another, no end to things that would de-rail the good guys.
This one was as exciting as the others were. One cliff hanger after another, no end to things that would de-rail the good guys.
February 17, 2021
One of my favorite series! Terry is incredibly talented, and I highly recommend checking it out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews