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ONSET #3
Blood of the Innocent
Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
A war older than the nation. An enemy with agents at every turn. An ancient foe with an offer of peace.
The alliance with the Elfin Warriors has allowed the US government’s supernatural forces, the Omicron Branch, to hold the line against the demons and take the war to the Vampire Familias, defeating them in battle and reclaiming their resources.
Victory against the vampires, however, leaves David White with a moral dilemma as he captures an entire convoy of freshly turned vampires: beyond saving, but innocent of their species’ crimes. Duty only allows one fate for them - but then an ancient vampire arrives to negotiate for their freedom.
Letting them go drags David into the middle of a political nightmare as the Omicron Branch must decide which is more important: Omicron’s authority and revenge for their dead or the very Constitution and people they are sworn to defend.
A war older than the nation. An enemy with agents at every turn. An ancient foe with an offer of peace.
The alliance with the Elfin Warriors has allowed the US government’s supernatural forces, the Omicron Branch, to hold the line against the demons and take the war to the Vampire Familias, defeating them in battle and reclaiming their resources.
Victory against the vampires, however, leaves David White with a moral dilemma as he captures an entire convoy of freshly turned vampires: beyond saving, but innocent of their species’ crimes. Duty only allows one fate for them - but then an ancient vampire arrives to negotiate for their freedom.
Letting them go drags David into the middle of a political nightmare as the Omicron Branch must decide which is more important: Omicron’s authority and revenge for their dead or the very Constitution and people they are sworn to defend.
Audiobook
First published July 25, 2017
458 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,747 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 15, 2018
Another great book by GS, I enjoyed reading it from start to finish and I hope it keeps growing as it progresses.
February 22, 2018
4.5 Stars
January 30, 2021
To understand my following review, you have do know that I read all 4 books of this series.
In general, I liked the series, that is why I have read all four books. It reminded me of the Extinction series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, just in the paranormal genre.
Now before you start to throttle me, hold your horses. Although the series reminded me of it, It didn’t close to it.
Why? The author Glynn Stewart showed us a one dimensional writing.
I liked the military and paranormal action sequences. But that was all you got. He lacked the ability to weave multiple plot threats into one.
What I missed in this whole series was the personal life, friendship, love interest etc. Parallel to the main plot. Becoming a team leader involved building said team. But the author simply neglected those topics.
So many military and action things are described in detail and others are completely forgotten.
Having some rituals with team members, going to funerals to acknowledge their worth etc.
Throughout the whole series and the following books it is only focused on the military missions and the organisation. Sure here or there you have some tiny plot threads that focus on something else but it is very rare and shows no depth.
For example the mantra “to serve and protect” well, you have to make that plausible for common folks to comprehend that. Not just tell me that is the reason, end of story. Because for me that isn’t a reason at all lol.
Let’s say the day to day life, the emotions life, the interconnection between other characters and the development of characters was completely left out of the book.
I tell you a good editor would have helped a lot.
It had potential which wasn’t used.
It just won’t make it up to 4 stars
The following books in this series, fit the same criticism. But you can add a lot of repetitions that annoyed to hell and back.
The same topics get repeated like a broke record, in every book that follows. Every next book in this series, points out Stones odd tone of voice, the pendragons abilities, the combat gear and suits, his sword, yada yada yada
To be honest, as the books are building up on each other and are not really standalones, the expectations of people reading it to be new to those details, is slim to none. Ergo It is annoying and frustrating.
In general, I liked the series, that is why I have read all four books. It reminded me of the Extinction series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith, just in the paranormal genre.
Now before you start to throttle me, hold your horses. Although the series reminded me of it, It didn’t close to it.
Why? The author Glynn Stewart showed us a one dimensional writing.
I liked the military and paranormal action sequences. But that was all you got. He lacked the ability to weave multiple plot threats into one.
What I missed in this whole series was the personal life, friendship, love interest etc. Parallel to the main plot. Becoming a team leader involved building said team. But the author simply neglected those topics.
So many military and action things are described in detail and others are completely forgotten.
Having some rituals with team members, going to funerals to acknowledge their worth etc.
Throughout the whole series and the following books it is only focused on the military missions and the organisation. Sure here or there you have some tiny plot threads that focus on something else but it is very rare and shows no depth.
For example the mantra “to serve and protect” well, you have to make that plausible for common folks to comprehend that. Not just tell me that is the reason, end of story. Because for me that isn’t a reason at all lol.
Let’s say the day to day life, the emotions life, the interconnection between other characters and the development of characters was completely left out of the book.
I tell you a good editor would have helped a lot.
It had potential which wasn’t used.
It just won’t make it up to 4 stars
The following books in this series, fit the same criticism. But you can add a lot of repetitions that annoyed to hell and back.
The same topics get repeated like a broke record, in every book that follows. Every next book in this series, points out Stones odd tone of voice, the pendragons abilities, the combat gear and suits, his sword, yada yada yada
To be honest, as the books are building up on each other and are not really standalones, the expectations of people reading it to be new to those details, is slim to none. Ergo It is annoying and frustrating.
February 29, 2024
This book takes a bit of a turn, not all Vampires are feeding off humans and the newly turned are innocent of any crime. As the war with the familias continues a nursery of these new vampires is discovered and whilst it intensifies the war it also offers a real chance of peace through its guardian- the arbiter.
I am enjoying this series which is fast paced, and keeping me listening because I want to know where it's all heading.
I recognise that there isn't much depth to this world, and there is a limited viewpoint but so far I don't think it matters much.
Ray Porter is a great narrator and brings the book to life.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars.
I am enjoying this series which is fast paced, and keeping me listening because I want to know where it's all heading.
I recognise that there isn't much depth to this world, and there is a limited viewpoint but so far I don't think it matters much.
Ray Porter is a great narrator and brings the book to life.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars.
August 8, 2017
Good
Probably the best in the series, arguably because it spends virtually zero time on background - either you have read the previous books or you can figure things out as the story progresses.
The action is tight, tense, and coherent without much minutiae to confuse readers, a real improvement. The technical details are mostly fine, though my artillery training was offended by the Paladins present. The twists and schemes were clever, logical, and required no special foresight by the characters. Good stuff.
Probably the best in the series, arguably because it spends virtually zero time on background - either you have read the previous books or you can figure things out as the story progresses.
The action is tight, tense, and coherent without much minutiae to confuse readers, a real improvement. The technical details are mostly fine, though my artillery training was offended by the Paladins present. The twists and schemes were clever, logical, and required no special foresight by the characters. Good stuff.
January 29, 2018
The saga continues.
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you.
This book in the series deals mainly with resolution of the problems with the American vampire community. There are some really great character introductions and a very creative broadening world view and historical scope. Fun to encounter Majestic again.😻
There appear to be multiple versions of cover art. However the 2017 art by "Damonza" for this digital edition still doesn't match up with a significant feature of the storyline. David's sword is red. Not sure how this super blooper got by the author repeatedly.
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you.
This book in the series deals mainly with resolution of the problems with the American vampire community. There are some really great character introductions and a very creative broadening world view and historical scope. Fun to encounter Majestic again.😻
There appear to be multiple versions of cover art. However the 2017 art by "Damonza" for this digital edition still doesn't match up with a significant feature of the storyline. David's sword is red. Not sure how this super blooper got by the author repeatedly.
August 4, 2017
Innocent
Another excellent book in this series, possibly the best one yet. I liked having a new and critical character introduced who was fascinating. Expanding the depth and interactions of the existing players was most interesting as well. The action scenes were well fleshed out. The new and unexpected directions that were undertaken were satisfying.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Another excellent book in this series, possibly the best one yet. I liked having a new and critical character introduced who was fascinating. Expanding the depth and interactions of the existing players was most interesting as well. The action scenes were well fleshed out. The new and unexpected directions that were undertaken were satisfying.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
August 5, 2017
Gripping from start to finish
This is an excellent entry into the ONSET series. We are observers as David White shows that while doing the right thing may be difficult and carry disheartening consequences, the easy route can be much, much worse.
After over two hundred years, the opportunity has arisen to stop the war with the Vampires. Some fangs, however, like the status quo and are willing to do whatever it takes to win.
This is an excellent entry into the ONSET series. We are observers as David White shows that while doing the right thing may be difficult and carry disheartening consequences, the easy route can be much, much worse.
After over two hundred years, the opportunity has arisen to stop the war with the Vampires. Some fangs, however, like the status quo and are willing to do whatever it takes to win.
August 16, 2017
Wonderfully Strange Tale of Supernatural Intrigue and Combat
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ALONG WITH STEWART'S OTHER SERIES!!
Glynn Stewart is one of my favorite author's, and I have read (and loved) at least two of her series...and now it is three series with this tale from the ONSET series! This is very different in style and plot from the Mars Mage series, but just as enjoyable to read. Great work!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ALONG WITH STEWART'S OTHER SERIES!!
Glynn Stewart is one of my favorite author's, and I have read (and loved) at least two of her series...and now it is three series with this tale from the ONSET series! This is very different in style and plot from the Mars Mage series, but just as enjoyable to read. Great work!
August 25, 2017
The only thing that I hated about this book was it was the last one so far in this series. I could have easily kept reading. Each book was engaging, for me the right mix of background, action, and romance (very little romance). I've always loved the mix of current tech, magic, and mythical creatures and this had most of that. I've become a huge fan of Glynn Stewart, so far haven't read anything he has written I didn't love.
December 24, 2017
Good read
I don't usually read paranormal stories and only a few by U.S. authors but starting this series in book three was eye opening. I'm really looking forward to going back to the first two books.
His characters both human and not are engaging. The motivations are understandable and the non humans feel real. Even if you're not into paranormal fiction, you might want to try this one.
I don't usually read paranormal stories and only a few by U.S. authors but starting this series in book three was eye opening. I'm really looking forward to going back to the first two books.
His characters both human and not are engaging. The motivations are understandable and the non humans feel real. Even if you're not into paranormal fiction, you might want to try this one.
January 1, 2022
This one dragged a little bit in a few places but not badly. I like it also and stayed with a 4 star rating. As noted, good brain candy. There is still a lot of action and gallons of blood with huge explosions and lots of carnage.
So now we get to debate the meaning of, "innocence" and what it means to be innocent. We also get the biggest single "battle" yet.
Yep, get ready for your your room to smell of gunpowder and blood...and enjoy, if that's the word for all this violence????
So now we get to debate the meaning of, "innocence" and what it means to be innocent. We also get the biggest single "battle" yet.
Yep, get ready for your your room to smell of gunpowder and blood...and enjoy, if that's the word for all this violence????
August 14, 2017
This nook shows Glynn Stewart to be reliably terrific.
Starts with a bang. Has an Ocean's 11 interlude. The bangs get bigger. Adds some introspection on what it means to "win," when one side has the power of genocide. Nice conclusion and a nice pathway for a few more books in this series.
Starts with a bang. Has an Ocean's 11 interlude. The bangs get bigger. Adds some introspection on what it means to "win," when one side has the power of genocide. Nice conclusion and a nice pathway for a few more books in this series.
October 26, 2017
I read everything Glynn Stewart writes. His books are perfect for a quick and light read - the action is perfectly paced, you care about the characters and the stories are novel. This novel and the ONSET series is a great example of everything Glynn Stewart does best. If you read this Mr. Stewart, thank you for your work, and I am happy to support you. I look forward to what you write next!
February 6, 2018
Action packed and deeply thoughtful
Interesting moral choices on an individual, familial, and national level. A well thought out story with ancient believable characters coupled with desperate military strategies. From all sides, survival can take strange twists. My favorite so far in the series.
Interesting moral choices on an individual, familial, and national level. A well thought out story with ancient believable characters coupled with desperate military strategies. From all sides, survival can take strange twists. My favorite so far in the series.
February 14, 2018
Good read. A detailed battle!
Which is good and bad. I admit i skimmed a bit of the battle description. Not because it wasn't well done but because there was soooo much. Some great progression of the love interest and main character seems to be evolving more than anticipated. Makes me wonder just what's coming! On to the next book!
Which is good and bad. I admit i skimmed a bit of the battle description. Not because it wasn't well done but because there was soooo much. Some great progression of the love interest and main character seems to be evolving more than anticipated. Makes me wonder just what's coming! On to the next book!
November 17, 2023
Another great story
I was astounded by the fact that David didn't battle the female vampire instead of the elfin lord .
I am very happy to see a truce for vampires. Still haven't seen more werewolves though.
I am fascinated that the Arbitor is from Alexander the Great's time..
On to the next book...
I was astounded by the fact that David didn't battle the female vampire instead of the elfin lord .
I am very happy to see a truce for vampires. Still haven't seen more werewolves though.
I am fascinated that the Arbitor is from Alexander the Great's time..
On to the next book...
July 27, 2017
Vampires!
This book is all about vampires.
There is a lot of fighting and magic. I thought it was exciting and well described. I loved the Elfin Lords going up against Vampire Elders.
This book is all about vampires.
There is a lot of fighting and magic. I thought it was exciting and well described. I loved the Elfin Lords going up against Vampire Elders.
July 31, 2017
Excellent read!
Once again Stewart captures this reader . life against death, good verses evil,what you thought was right is so far from it. Like starship's mage it will show the light at the end of the tunnel.
Once again Stewart captures this reader . life against death, good verses evil,what you thought was right is so far from it. Like starship's mage it will show the light at the end of the tunnel.
August 4, 2017
A fast paced, exciting chapter in Stewart's Onset series. The war with the vampires comes to a head, a new major player is introduced, and some exciting personal developments for the lead characters.
August 21, 2017
Pretty nice addition to this series. Love that David and Kate Mason got together, there were serious sparks in the first novel. Arbiter is a complex and interesting character and it will be nice to see how the Truce between vampires and Onset turns out.
Looking forward to more.
Looking forward to more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2017
Wow!
Incredible third ONSET book! I really like where it is going and once again I can't wait for the next one to get published. Great characters, good backstory, jaw dropping action from cover to cover. A must-read!
Incredible third ONSET book! I really like where it is going and once again I can't wait for the next one to get published. Great characters, good backstory, jaw dropping action from cover to cover. A must-read!
September 10, 2017
Loved it
Very fast paced. I could not put it down. Action action action. With awesome romance mixed in. Historical wonders at play. And a bit of Vegas on top. You will absolutely love it.
Very fast paced. I could not put it down. Action action action. With awesome romance mixed in. Historical wonders at play. And a bit of Vegas on top. You will absolutely love it.
April 23, 2018
A good and exciting book fun reading and good characters
I just really enjoyed the characters in the book. And also who doesn't like a book where they get to n detonate a nuclear bomb on top of their head
I just really enjoyed the characters in the book. And also who doesn't like a book where they get to n detonate a nuclear bomb on top of their head
September 4, 2018
Wow, Blood of the Innocent is in overall epic third book in ONSET series. Book full of action, simply said a pulling piece of work. I was drawn in Davids POV and couldn't put this book down till the end. I'm glad I could enjoy it in an audiobook edition. Great continuance in ONSET series.
September 10, 2018
I can’t wait for the last book of this series to get narrated by Ray Porter which have done such an excellent job on the first three books.
Glynn Stewart fully surprised me with his excellent story telling, surly I’ll follow his next creations.
Full heartedly recommended for all.
Glynn Stewart fully surprised me with his excellent story telling, surly I’ll follow his next creations.
Full heartedly recommended for all.
February 17, 2020
Top Notch
What a ride, with just one problem left, when will the other shoe drop? I feel betray and a knife closing in on my back, so up to the next book, and see if my prediction comes true.
What a ride, with just one problem left, when will the other shoe drop? I feel betray and a knife closing in on my back, so up to the next book, and see if my prediction comes true.
September 16, 2024
Excellent page turner
Please start at the beginning of this series. Well crafted plot. Interesting World building.
This is Urban Fantasy. Good.
It is not 4 stars because the excellent copy editing slipped a little.
Enjoy!
Please start at the beginning of this series. Well crafted plot. Interesting World building.
This is Urban Fantasy. Good.
It is not 4 stars because the excellent copy editing slipped a little.
Enjoy!
August 4, 2017
Super book
Once again, Glynn has produced a superior book. He developed interesting characters, plot and setting. I look forward to his next book. Keep up the great work.
Once again, Glynn has produced a superior book. He developed interesting characters, plot and setting. I look forward to his next book. Keep up the great work.
August 20, 2017
An artful wonderful ending to the Vanpire Wars. Total action and adventure. The trilogy is science fiction with a modicum of fantasy. Books must be read in order or confusion will reigns
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews