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Echoes of War #2
Strong and Courageous
David has won a battle – but the war is far from over.
Colonel David Cohen has one goal: drive out the League of Sol. After a string of successful engagements, the warship Lion of Judah is ordered on a goodwill mission to assist neutral border planets long caught between both sides of the galactic conflict.
What David finds on Monrovia sends shockwaves of horror through the Terran Coalition.
Monrovian citizens of all faiths are being rounded up and sent to reeducation camps, while others are exterminated to cleanse the population as the planet seeks to join the communist League. Mass graves containing thousands of murdered men, women and children dot the landscape.
David vows to use whatever means necessary to stop the holocaust.
To face down the overwhelming brutality of the League, David will need more than the prayers of the faithful.
He’ll need a miracle.
If you love Babylon 5, Safehold, and Destroyermen, you must read “Echoes of War,” a military sci-fi series that will take you to the heart of duty, sacrifice, and the unseen scars of those who serve.
- GenresScience Fiction
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2019
206 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 4, 2019
Originality is very difficult to come by in literature, given that humans have been composing orally and in writing for millennia. But I believe we may have discovered it here, in the futuristic science fiction epic series ECHOES OF WAR.
David is an Orthodox Jew who wants to study for the rabbinate. A man of high integrity and devotion, he captains a warship, battling against the totalitarian League of Sol, a federation literally enslaving planets and reenacting thr Holocaust--mid-26th century style.
David is an Orthodox Jew who wants to study for the rabbinate. A man of high integrity and devotion, he captains a warship, battling against the totalitarian League of Sol, a federation literally enslaving planets and reenacting thr Holocaust--mid-26th century style.
June 1, 2021
The action is pervasive, but so is the religious demagogery. In the first novel, I didn't have a problem with the religious bent because it helped with character development. And, in my view, the story needed as much help as it could get. Still, I love great space warfare series so I pushed through, though I always felt distanced from the story for some reason.
My hope was that in the second story the writing would improve, and the character would stop coming across as God's gift to the universe, but that never happened. Instead, the religious aspects started to really take away from the story.
The patter between characters over religion got to be ridiculous in a military setting where subordinates are constantly challenging their leadership, and the philosophical debates were canned and one-sided. If you were not a person of faith, you were either dumb, evil, or stupid and it got a little old.
This series is following the Massiah path, David will falter somewhere down the road, but no worries his faith will see him and the people of his alliance through.
I am sure this novel does well in the non-secular reading lists, but unless you are looking at being preached at, this might not be for you. For me, it stopped me from reading more. Sorry Daniel Gibbs, this time it only took two pitches to strike out.
My hope was that in the second story the writing would improve, and the character would stop coming across as God's gift to the universe, but that never happened. Instead, the religious aspects started to really take away from the story.
The patter between characters over religion got to be ridiculous in a military setting where subordinates are constantly challenging their leadership, and the philosophical debates were canned and one-sided. If you were not a person of faith, you were either dumb, evil, or stupid and it got a little old.
This series is following the Massiah path, David will falter somewhere down the road, but no worries his faith will see him and the people of his alliance through.
I am sure this novel does well in the non-secular reading lists, but unless you are looking at being preached at, this might not be for you. For me, it stopped me from reading more. Sorry Daniel Gibbs, this time it only took two pitches to strike out.
March 3, 2021
Our David still has a very strong moral compass but still has the tendency to have powerful knee jerk emotions. These are still always reflected on after and worked through. Speaking towards that all of the characters Mr. Gibbs creates seem to live their lives with conviction in everything they do, no matter what 'side' they seem to be on. When David visits Monrovia for a 'check in' visit and finds the atrocities being committed there (feels close to something that happened in Ukraine, the Holomodor) he decides his faith and moral compass require him to go rouge from his command and hold true to his core. Doing what's right isn't always easy and doesn't scare him one bit.
I could see the comfort level Mr. Gibbs is falling into with his second book and I have enjoyed seeing the progression. There is still a bit more tell than show and still a bit of clumsy adding of attractions towards ends of big scenes or battles. I enjoy that fact that character attractions do not take away or influence missions or commands while under fire but it feels forced to throw in that something should have been obvious when it wasn't until we were told.
I have to say that the Nun warriors are my favorite and I hope they stick around in this series. They almost remind me of a nod towards the Templar Knights. Also their ingenuity to convert weapons to effective but not always fatal shows the amount of work they are willing to put in to hold true to their beliefs. I look forward to the next book.
any relationship/attraction is no front and center and i enjoy that but still wrestling with the clumsy seemingly thrown in attraction at the end of big engagements
I can see an improvement and comfort level the author is picking up, still more tell than show in story telling
I could see the comfort level Mr. Gibbs is falling into with his second book and I have enjoyed seeing the progression. There is still a bit more tell than show and still a bit of clumsy adding of attractions towards ends of big scenes or battles. I enjoy that fact that character attractions do not take away or influence missions or commands while under fire but it feels forced to throw in that something should have been obvious when it wasn't until we were told.
I have to say that the Nun warriors are my favorite and I hope they stick around in this series. They almost remind me of a nod towards the Templar Knights. Also their ingenuity to convert weapons to effective but not always fatal shows the amount of work they are willing to put in to hold true to their beliefs. I look forward to the next book.
any relationship/attraction is no front and center and i enjoy that but still wrestling with the clumsy seemingly thrown in attraction at the end of big engagements
I can see an improvement and comfort level the author is picking up, still more tell than show in story telling
February 2, 2021
I read this hoping the author's writing skills had improved after the first book, but they haven't. Again I felt like I was outside looking through a window at everything, being told what was happening and how people felt, rather than feeling I was experiencing events with the characters. The opening battle is so one-sided; we're not even shown whether the enemy fired a single shot. Aside from a few fighters who were shot down, the big ships were simply sitting there waiting to be destroyed. Then David and friends get all noble and join a forcible interference in a planet's supposedly democratic decision to commit genocide without even exploring possible other options. Most of the book covers this struggle, during which David is captured and tortured, yet a few days after being rescued is totally recovered and back home receives nothing more than a verbal dressing down by his boss and a reprimand that'll be removed if he behaves for a year. This episode covers only a few days but seemed to go on forever, though it's fairly well told. For me, the best part of this series is the incorporation of the characters' spiritual beliefs, as if it's an acceptable part of their lives--or not, if one prefers--which would be nice if that were how things worked today. I received the first three books for free so will probably read book three, but if I didn't already have it wouldn't bother to get it.
March 15, 2022
The second book in this series does not disappoint! When David and the Lion of Judah are sent to the neutral world, Monrovia, they discover it isn’t as neutral as claimed. The political powers on the world have aligned themselves with the League of Sol and a re imprisoning, torturing, and executing any citizens who hold to believe in a higher power.
My favorite element in this story was the introduction of the Little Sisters of Divine Recompense. General MacIntosh calls on the army of nuns to deal with the situation in an effort to distance the Coalition politically from attacking a neutral world outright. The nuns are brave and most have been in the military; to make them even more unique, they strive to use nonlethial weapons unless circumstances force them to do so.
The stakes are high when David and several of his senior staff disobey orders and take “personal” time to help the sisters and the beleaguered Monrovians. Tensions run even higher when League of Sol soldiers make an unexpected appearance.
Another fast-paced, hard to put down story. Even with the action front and center, the authors do an excellent job incorporating character development and philosophical discussions. I highly recommend Strong and Courageous.
My favorite element in this story was the introduction of the Little Sisters of Divine Recompense. General MacIntosh calls on the army of nuns to deal with the situation in an effort to distance the Coalition politically from attacking a neutral world outright. The nuns are brave and most have been in the military; to make them even more unique, they strive to use nonlethial weapons unless circumstances force them to do so.
The stakes are high when David and several of his senior staff disobey orders and take “personal” time to help the sisters and the beleaguered Monrovians. Tensions run even higher when League of Sol soldiers make an unexpected appearance.
Another fast-paced, hard to put down story. Even with the action front and center, the authors do an excellent job incorporating character development and philosophical discussions. I highly recommend Strong and Courageous.
July 11, 2024
I had to bail on this one.
The first book in the series was moderately good and I had hopes that the author would improve max the series went on. I had to abandon hope when I was unable to finish Strong and Courageous.
I was mostly ok with Lions, Tigers and Flying Nuns, Oh my!” But I finally couldn’t take the pompousness of the characters who would put a resistance leader in the same jail as the Nazi-like bad guys who had been running concentration and death camps and charge him with the same crimes.
I could no longer find any connection to the characters and while I suspect that I share many political views with the author, who oddly even paraphrases Ayn Rand at one point in the book, I became tired of the arrogant Pollyanna ideal that almost everything can be solved with minimal violence. Even worse, the author seems to pick and choose who is allowed to make tough calls and who isn’t.
The first book,was an interesting, if imperfect, experiment. With the second book it is clear that the experiment has gone awry.
I cannot recommend this or the series now.
The first book in the series was moderately good and I had hopes that the author would improve max the series went on. I had to abandon hope when I was unable to finish Strong and Courageous.
I was mostly ok with Lions, Tigers and Flying Nuns, Oh my!” But I finally couldn’t take the pompousness of the characters who would put a resistance leader in the same jail as the Nazi-like bad guys who had been running concentration and death camps and charge him with the same crimes.
I could no longer find any connection to the characters and while I suspect that I share many political views with the author, who oddly even paraphrases Ayn Rand at one point in the book, I became tired of the arrogant Pollyanna ideal that almost everything can be solved with minimal violence. Even worse, the author seems to pick and choose who is allowed to make tough calls and who isn’t.
The first book,was an interesting, if imperfect, experiment. With the second book it is clear that the experiment has gone awry.
I cannot recommend this or the series now.
August 25, 2020
I read this as part of a three book audio book set. This review is for all three books: Fight The Good Fight, Strong and Courageous, and So Fight I.
Overall I would give the set a 4.25 out of 5. It was an enjoyable military sci/fi series, with a heavy religious tone. The story was interesting, and the main character arch showed growth. The author had some instances where his time frames were a off, but overall it was well done. I disagree with how one of the situations was handled in the third book, but it was probably more realistic than what I would have imagined. I will probably pick up the fourth book in the series at some point in the future, once my TBR list is down a bit.
Disclaimer: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Overall I would give the set a 4.25 out of 5. It was an enjoyable military sci/fi series, with a heavy religious tone. The story was interesting, and the main character arch showed growth. The author had some instances where his time frames were a off, but overall it was well done. I disagree with how one of the situations was handled in the third book, but it was probably more realistic than what I would have imagined. I will probably pick up the fourth book in the series at some point in the future, once my TBR list is down a bit.
Disclaimer: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 25, 2021
A gruesome discovery leads to an unusual battle.
The supposedly neutral planet of Monrovia has a secret. Their governing council has voted to join the League, an evil empire that outlaws religion of any kind in its citizens. To accomplish acceptance into the league, the Monrovian government has been quietly executing all citizens who refuse to give up their religious beliefs. When the coalition ship, the Lion of Judah is ordered on a diplomatic mission to Monrovia, they discover mass graves and large prison camps that holds resistors of the religious cleansing. The Coalition has a difficult choice. They cannot intervene in an independent planet's affairs. So the story of any unusual battle begins, with some very unconventional soldiers. This is one of my favorite of Daniel Gibbs books, and I highly recommend it.
The supposedly neutral planet of Monrovia has a secret. Their governing council has voted to join the League, an evil empire that outlaws religion of any kind in its citizens. To accomplish acceptance into the league, the Monrovian government has been quietly executing all citizens who refuse to give up their religious beliefs. When the coalition ship, the Lion of Judah is ordered on a diplomatic mission to Monrovia, they discover mass graves and large prison camps that holds resistors of the religious cleansing. The Coalition has a difficult choice. They cannot intervene in an independent planet's affairs. So the story of any unusual battle begins, with some very unconventional soldiers. This is one of my favorite of Daniel Gibbs books, and I highly recommend it.
November 9, 2022
Strong and Courageous (Echoes of War Book 2). My second read/listen from author Daniel Gibbs. An outstanding, enjoyable read, hands down the best science fiction book I've read this year! I was given an Audible copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. The book was well-written & flowed smoothly & quickly. I look forward to reading more from this author. I've acquired Stand Firm (Echoes of War #0) and need to fit it into the reading order. Meanwhile, I'll have to settle for reading So Fight I (Echoes of War Book 3). I especially enjoyed the narrative talents of Jeffrey Kafer. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 20, 2024
Strong and Courageous
This is the 2nd book in the series and so far this is another excellent story. It’s also bringing out the atrocities of ethnic cleansing being done under the guise of a political expediency by a duly elected government. It’s significant since many in both the authority elements of government follow the orders of the duly elected without questioning or deciding that this action is counterproductive to a free society. Look at WW2 in retrospect and other actions taken by authoritarian regimes since. Yikes! The author clearly brings this perspective into the theme of the series making it a good read.
This is the 2nd book in the series and so far this is another excellent story. It’s also bringing out the atrocities of ethnic cleansing being done under the guise of a political expediency by a duly elected government. It’s significant since many in both the authority elements of government follow the orders of the duly elected without questioning or deciding that this action is counterproductive to a free society. Look at WW2 in retrospect and other actions taken by authoritarian regimes since. Yikes! The author clearly brings this perspective into the theme of the series making it a good read.
May 20, 2019
For a new author, Daniel Gibbs really has it together. This second book of his is excellent. We have flawed human characters, an intriguing story clearly inspired by the horrors of Nazi Germany, and strong writing to pull your attention into the story. His hero David is a man of faith and principle who, in this story, is put in the position of having to make a very personal decision - follow orders or follow his faith and principles. When it comes to reliving the horrors of Nazi Germany, what would you do?
I got this book from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I got this book from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2022
David has to make a choice to fight with the Sisters to save a planet.
David is asked to step aside and let the under staffed under munitioned and brave Sisters save the people being killed daily on the planet. The League of Sol has undermined the leaders and caused a hundred thousand deaths of the believers on the planet.
David choses to temporarily leave his ship to aid the sisters and several of his staff join him. Not enough to harm the ship but enough to help on planet.
David is asked to step aside and let the under staffed under munitioned and brave Sisters save the people being killed daily on the planet. The League of Sol has undermined the leaders and caused a hundred thousand deaths of the believers on the planet.
David choses to temporarily leave his ship to aid the sisters and several of his staff join him. Not enough to harm the ship but enough to help on planet.
April 11, 2019
This is a fantastic series! I love a book where the characters are not perfect. They do however have a strong moral compass and live their lives with conviction.
The battle scenes are extremely well written and so wonderfully rich. The storyline moves at a consistent pace, and the moral dilemmas the characters face are thought provoking, add in the religious aspects, crooked governing bodies, space battles, nun warriors and this is definitely a book you won’t be able to put down.
The battle scenes are extremely well written and so wonderfully rich. The storyline moves at a consistent pace, and the moral dilemmas the characters face are thought provoking, add in the religious aspects, crooked governing bodies, space battles, nun warriors and this is definitely a book you won’t be able to put down.
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July 20, 2021Fantasy listening 🎧
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me.
A interesting will written fantasy Sc-Fi space adventure opera thriller with interesting well developed characters. The story line is set far in the future with friends, relationships, and war playing an every day part of the characters lives. I would recommend this space novel to readers of fantasy Sc-Fi. Enjoy the adventure of reading. 2021 🚀🎉✨😎
Due to eye issues and damage from shingles Alexa reads to me.
A interesting will written fantasy Sc-Fi space adventure opera thriller with interesting well developed characters. The story line is set far in the future with friends, relationships, and war playing an every day part of the characters lives. I would recommend this space novel to readers of fantasy Sc-Fi. Enjoy the adventure of reading. 2021 🚀🎉✨😎
March 13, 2020
Another excellent military sci-fi novel that addresses realistic issues of morality and duty. The blending of different faiths is well written and most would accept it. The Order of the Little Sisters was refreshing and gave many characters food for thought on their own duties and beliefs. Looking forward to the next in the series.
March 25, 2020
Strength to strength
A brilliant second book, this series is going from strength to strength.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure. Amazing military sci-fi action.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
A brilliant second book, this series is going from strength to strength.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure. Amazing military sci-fi action.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
November 30, 2020
Great Space Opera
This is the second book in the series and I love it. It was non-stop action and adventure that left little time to catch your breath. The storyline was great and the characters were strong and easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book.
This is the second book in the series and I love it. It was non-stop action and adventure that left little time to catch your breath. The storyline was great and the characters were strong and easy to identify with. I highly recommend this book.
August 16, 2022
Continues to Impress
I have read this series before and I'm sure, commented on each book afterwards. The above is just to tell potential new readers that these books are really good. One can re-read them. I repeat my comments on the Sunday School, though.
I have read this series before and I'm sure, commented on each book afterwards. The above is just to tell potential new readers that these books are really good. One can re-read them. I repeat my comments on the Sunday School, though.
November 12, 2022
Good and character with
Gibbs spins a good yarn. Good believable characters strong plotline with satisfying and sometimes surprising resolution.
But his people live in a world where good and evil are very real choices and part of the drama is how exactly those choices are made
Gibbs spins a good yarn. Good believable characters strong plotline with satisfying and sometimes surprising resolution.
But his people live in a world where good and evil are very real choices and part of the drama is how exactly those choices are made
May 25, 2023
Scary planet
Finding out a nearby planet is performing mass murder to appease an ally in the making, the Admiral takes a leave of absence to help get the prisoners out before they all die. Scary Good Read.
Finding out a nearby planet is performing mass murder to appease an ally in the making, the Admiral takes a leave of absence to help get the prisoners out before they all die. Scary Good Read.
January 7, 2024
Wow, what a crazy ride
I am really enjoying the writing of Daniel, after reading Battlegroup Z I jumped into Echoes of War and really enjoying it as learning heaps as well
I am enjoying the character development of the main characters
I am really enjoying the writing of Daniel, after reading Battlegroup Z I jumped into Echoes of War and really enjoying it as learning heaps as well
I am enjoying the character development of the main characters
December 23, 2025
Excellent
A great addition to the series. I came to this series by bumping into a later story and have now backtracked to this one and very am enjoying what I am reading! Keep it up! Communism is evil!
A great addition to the series. I came to this series by bumping into a later story and have now backtracked to this one and very am enjoying what I am reading! Keep it up! Communism is evil!
February 21, 2020
Another great book
I have enjoyed this book. Fantastic battles, I loved the fighting nuns. These stories just get better and better. I plan to start book three soon. Loved it.
I have enjoyed this book. Fantastic battles, I loved the fighting nuns. These stories just get better and better. I plan to start book three soon. Loved it.
July 29, 2020
Loved this book. Great reading once again. I’m really digging the military and moral compass of this series. The book is very though provoking.
January 15, 2021
Fantastic read
Really enjoyed this book. Liked the character arcs and .. the ‘ militant order of nuns ‘ was a real interesting twist . Well done sir
Really enjoyed this book. Liked the character arcs and .. the ‘ militant order of nuns ‘ was a real interesting twist . Well done sir
May 9, 2021
Awesome!
November 29, 2021
Loving this series will read them all.
December 15, 2022
The story keeps readers engaged and plenty of action to move the story forward.
July 8, 2023
Outstanding
This an Outstanding Book in the Echoes of War Series!! I found it very hard to put down and I have already downloaded Book # 3 So Fight I.
This an Outstanding Book in the Echoes of War Series!! I found it very hard to put down and I have already downloaded Book # 3 So Fight I.
August 21, 2023
Excellent
Another Great one in the series. Great characters, great story. I misunderstand the next in the series. I highly recommend.
Another Great one in the series. Great characters, great story. I misunderstand the next in the series. I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews