What do you think?
Rate this book
Aeon 14: Solar War 1 #1
Eve of Destruction
A thirty-year stalemate between humanity and the Psion AIs is ending...
But the AIs have not been idle. Their agents are everywhere and the seeds of rebellion and dissent have taken root. Humanity’s home system is a powder keg, and when the match is lit, all of Sol will erupt.
Cara has been in prison for four years, her mind numbed by docility, unaware of what's been brewing. When a mysterious agent breaks her free, she finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue, double-dealing, and political machinations.
The Sykes family saved Sol from a human-AI war once before. Now it's up to Cara and her sister Lyssa to turn the tide, and keep the galaxy’s two dominant species from tearing one another apart.
But the AIs have not been idle. Their agents are everywhere and the seeds of rebellion and dissent have taken root. Humanity’s home system is a powder keg, and when the match is lit, all of Sol will erupt.
Cara has been in prison for four years, her mind numbed by docility, unaware of what's been brewing. When a mysterious agent breaks her free, she finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue, double-dealing, and political machinations.
The Sykes family saved Sol from a human-AI war once before. Now it's up to Cara and her sister Lyssa to turn the tide, and keep the galaxy’s two dominant species from tearing one another apart.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2019
211 people are currently reading
58 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 14, 2019
It's a new Series
Although this forms part of the sentience wars this is a new kick ass series as Cara has grown up and has shown she takes after her mum. A few familiar faces feature although mostly in the background as Cara and Lyssa respectively leads the charge for humanity and peaceful AIs .
In this new era where tensions between all of sol are super charged and everyone has their own agenda the action flies fast and furious and yet again Cooper and Aaron show us why such a team of writers work so well together and why we follow such a detailed universe.
Although this forms part of the sentience wars this is a new kick ass series as Cara has grown up and has shown she takes after her mum. A few familiar faces feature although mostly in the background as Cara and Lyssa respectively leads the charge for humanity and peaceful AIs .
In this new era where tensions between all of sol are super charged and everyone has their own agenda the action flies fast and furious and yet again Cooper and Aaron show us why such a team of writers work so well together and why we follow such a detailed universe.
June 17, 2019
More around a 4.5 for me, very good story just not quite at the best, mainly due to first third being a little slow, but picks up pace well later on to a very strong finish. Eve of destruction is definitely an apt description as we see the sol system falling towards outright war. Good to see Cara here again, and we see here, 30 years on for her, how the events of the Lyssa series has impacted on her. A number of intertwining plots and mysteries in this book, most of which were nicely resolved / answered in this book, but one or two left open for fun speculation until the next book :). We get to see how technology is continuing to move along, while still being close enough to our time to make it feel like something that could be on the nearish future for humankind. All round, a good enjoyable read.
October 25, 2025
Something felt off.
Lyssa’s Return was a struggle for me. The plot was okay, but the characters didn’t work for me.
Having read the previous 6 books, I’ve come to know the characters. And have expectations on how they should behave when confronted by the various situations they find themselves in. Sure there has been a 30 year time skip, so maybe some leeway should be given. But Cara felt like a complete stranger.
She is instantly distrustful of Lyssa, to the point that it feels like we need a story explaining what drove them apart. And yet trusts a mysterious voice in her head, without any doubts. 13 year old Cara would not have done that.
Which brings me onto another issue that impacted my ability to enjoy Lyssa’s Return. Cara actively decides not to contact her friends from the first 5 novels, or even the crew she has been running with for the last 30 years, despite having numerous opportunities to do so. Only to then complain about having no one, and being all alone in the world. It almost felt like the authors couldn’t work out how to include these extra characters, so just created an artificial reason for them not to be around.
Perhaps I’m being a bit harsh. But characters acting out of character is a pet peeve of mine. As is narrative decisions clearly designed to set up a plot point. It ruins the illusion, and feels a bit cheap.
But credit where it is due. The actual plot was good. It just would have been better with different main characters, in my opinion. When I enjoyed it, I really enjoyed it. And would have been more than happy to give it 4 stars. Unfortunately the complaints I have, means I can only give Lyssa’s Return 3 stars.
Still more than worth a read. As all my issues with the novel are of a subjective nature.
Lyssa’s Return was a struggle for me. The plot was okay, but the characters didn’t work for me.
Having read the previous 6 books, I’ve come to know the characters. And have expectations on how they should behave when confronted by the various situations they find themselves in. Sure there has been a 30 year time skip, so maybe some leeway should be given. But Cara felt like a complete stranger.
She is instantly distrustful of Lyssa, to the point that it feels like we need a story explaining what drove them apart. And yet trusts a mysterious voice in her head, without any doubts. 13 year old Cara would not have done that.
Which brings me onto another issue that impacted my ability to enjoy Lyssa’s Return. Cara actively decides not to contact her friends from the first 5 novels, or even the crew she has been running with for the last 30 years, despite having numerous opportunities to do so. Only to then complain about having no one, and being all alone in the world. It almost felt like the authors couldn’t work out how to include these extra characters, so just created an artificial reason for them not to be around.
Perhaps I’m being a bit harsh. But characters acting out of character is a pet peeve of mine. As is narrative decisions clearly designed to set up a plot point. It ruins the illusion, and feels a bit cheap.
But credit where it is due. The actual plot was good. It just would have been better with different main characters, in my opinion. When I enjoyed it, I really enjoyed it. And would have been more than happy to give it 4 stars. Unfortunately the complaints I have, means I can only give Lyssa’s Return 3 stars.
Still more than worth a read. As all my issues with the novel are of a subjective nature.
December 31, 2024
Cara, Lyssa, Sykes sisters in the AI existence, different agendas but ultimately looking for same results by any means necessary. Collaborating authors flesh out the continuing prequels to Tanis Richards , the Intrepid colony ship and the Orion wars. Coopers outsized imagination linked to Arron's writing skills go above and beyond to fill in the gaps in a shrewdly intertwined space odyssey spanning 1000's of years, numerous galaxies and various human and AI populations spread across the galaxies. Wars and rumors of wars. It is a hold on to you your hat, strap up your harness and fly by the seat of your pants interplanetary tale. One of many.
Reading the various series in this epic tale is a full time job but well worth the effort. To get a vision of what is in store when you access this world of spacers, pirates, spies and sentient AIs see the following link. Be prepared to go from one book to another as the action is nonstop, heart stopping, and just downright thrilling, keep reading.
https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/m-d...
Reading the various series in this epic tale is a full time job but well worth the effort. To get a vision of what is in store when you access this world of spacers, pirates, spies and sentient AIs see the following link. Be prepared to go from one book to another as the action is nonstop, heart stopping, and just downright thrilling, keep reading.
https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/m-d...
September 14, 2019
Going back to the Sol and meeting characters from Lyssa's story feels so nice after reaching the end books in the Orion wars. All the Sol books are more planted in earth (not literally), and feel much like The Expanse in terms of politics and plot twists. I'm aching to get the next book (already preordered) since I've read pretty much everything Aeon 14 that looked even remotely good.
Sol era so far has been my favorite, and this book just added to the lore, making me imagine endings leading to future stories.
James E. Aaron writing is clean, engaging, satisfying and consistent, I love it.
Sol era so far has been my favorite, and this book just added to the lore, making me imagine endings leading to future stories.
James E. Aaron writing is clean, engaging, satisfying and consistent, I love it.
November 1, 2019
WTF?
That’s my first impression of where we meet up with Cara Sykes. Not at all where she intended to be and damn sure not where she intends to stay. Finding time to read is tough right now, so I spend it only on the best writers. James Aaron and Mal Cooper are on the short list and this story is another excellent ride, be sure to grab Vesta Burning and read it first, you will be glad you did. Enjoy the read -
That’s my first impression of where we meet up with Cara Sykes. Not at all where she intended to be and damn sure not where she intends to stay. Finding time to read is tough right now, so I spend it only on the best writers. James Aaron and Mal Cooper are on the short list and this story is another excellent ride, be sure to grab Vesta Burning and read it first, you will be glad you did. Enjoy the read -
January 15, 2021
This was a pleasure to read. To me, this is a saga/epic up there with Star Trek, Dune, & Star Wars. This time it’s Sykes’ daughter, Cara’s time to shine. She kicks butt and takes names. Her internal struggles with the past and what she needs to do to survive. A few familiar faces and some new ones to follow. You don’t want to miss the action, suspense, and intrigue of our solar system of the future. I’ve already bought #2 and wanting to start the next book right away.
June 19, 2019
You’re going to love this...
This book had me riveted from the first chapter, a strong story with many old and established characters. The new characters fill out fast and add new layers to existing story line. Highly recommended, an excellent body of work that is very entertaining.
This book had me riveted from the first chapter, a strong story with many old and established characters. The new characters fill out fast and add new layers to existing story line. Highly recommended, an excellent body of work that is very entertaining.
August 8, 2024
This book continues the AI wars saga with Cara now an adult and in jail. It’s not clear whose side she is on as her complex situation evolves. She sets off many incidents that lead to war. Estranged from Lyssa, Will she ever come to terms with her sister or willl they become enemies. These questions and many more are partly answered in this episode.
June 19, 2019
Rocked!!!
I still have a few questions but a few ideas to the answer to said questions. However this book is none stop and leave you guessing all the way though. Cara is becoming the woman we all saw her becoming
I still have a few questions but a few ideas to the answer to said questions. However this book is none stop and leave you guessing all the way though. Cara is becoming the woman we all saw her becoming
July 13, 2019
Wanting more
As usual this series of books leaves me wanting more revisiting Cara and Lyssa bring back lots of memories and then along com Ngoba and Fugia I feel like I know these characters for real
As usual this series of books leaves me wanting more revisiting Cara and Lyssa bring back lots of memories and then along com Ngoba and Fugia I feel like I know these characters for real
August 23, 2019
Interesting direction.
Cara Sykes has lived a life few would find bearable. But it suited her personality. Watch out Sol, you only think you have her pegged! I think this plotline will rival Rika's!
Cara Sykes has lived a life few would find bearable. But it suited her personality. Watch out Sol, you only think you have her pegged! I think this plotline will rival Rika's!
June 18, 2019
Cara is back
She is put in prison and someone breaks her out but who and why. There are also others that are trying to use her. Read to see what happens
She is put in prison and someone breaks her out but who and why. There are also others that are trying to use her. Read to see what happens
July 6, 2019
Another great tale
The more I read of this series the more I want to read. Just can't get enough! Keep up the great work!!
The more I read of this series the more I want to read. Just can't get enough! Keep up the great work!!
July 12, 2019
Pretty good sci-fi . Not as good as the Vesta book though. I found the story to not be especially plausible at points. But still overall fun read anyways. Great characters and universe building.
March 15, 2023
Fun and relatable characters. An interesting story and a important look at AI and what it could mean.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews