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Omega War #10
Deathangel
Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry. When necessary, the Peacemaker Guild deputizes citizens to carry out special missions of great difficulty and danger.
The only person ever to land a Combat Assault System, Personal (CASPer) from high-altitude free fall without a parachute, Tara Mason’s career as a mercenary showed promise, but it crumbled under poor choices and even worse leadership. Given a chance to clear her name and restore her reputation, she’s agreed to undertake a mission of critical importance to the Guild.
With two Peacemakers, the near-AI Lucille, and new allies at her side, Tara Mason and Force 25 seek out the tested professionals of the Victoria Forces, who face a serious threat from a shadowy adversary. The Victoria Forces, though, are no pushover, and when threatened, they respond with CASPers, tanks, and flyers at the ready.
Taking the field alongside their friends, Tara Mason and Force 25 charge into battle, unaware that events throughout the galaxy are shaping the race to recover Jessica’s father and his secrets. The time to fight has come, and Force 25 must win the day—against overwhelming odds—or the Galactic Union, itself, may be the next casualty of the Omega War!
The only person ever to land a Combat Assault System, Personal (CASPer) from high-altitude free fall without a parachute, Tara Mason’s career as a mercenary showed promise, but it crumbled under poor choices and even worse leadership. Given a chance to clear her name and restore her reputation, she’s agreed to undertake a mission of critical importance to the Guild.
With two Peacemakers, the near-AI Lucille, and new allies at her side, Tara Mason and Force 25 seek out the tested professionals of the Victoria Forces, who face a serious threat from a shadowy adversary. The Victoria Forces, though, are no pushover, and when threatened, they respond with CASPers, tanks, and flyers at the ready.
Taking the field alongside their friends, Tara Mason and Force 25 charge into battle, unaware that events throughout the galaxy are shaping the race to recover Jessica’s father and his secrets. The time to fight has come, and Force 25 must win the day—against overwhelming odds—or the Galactic Union, itself, may be the next casualty of the Omega War!
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
216 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Ikenberry
121 books110 followersKevin’s head has been in the clouds since he was old enough to read. Ask him and he’ll tell you that he still wants to be an astronaut. Kevin has a diverse background in space and space science education. As an adult, he's managed the world-renowned U.S. Space Camp program and operated two Challenger Learning Centers. A retired Army officer, Kevin continues to work with space every day.
Kevin is the author of the science fiction novel SLEEPER PROTOCOL (2016) which Publisher's Weekly called "an emotionally powerful debut." His military science fiction novel RUNS IN THE FAMILY (2016) has gained a growing legion of fans. He continues to work on sequels for both novels as well as short fiction and an alternate history novel.
Kevin is the author of the science fiction novel SLEEPER PROTOCOL (2016) which Publisher's Weekly called "an emotionally powerful debut." His military science fiction novel RUNS IN THE FAMILY (2016) has gained a growing legion of fans. He continues to work on sequels for both novels as well as short fiction and an alternate history novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 3, 2019
Haunting, bold, and inspirational, this military SciFi tale resonates on every level. The ability to depict scenes with such rich details immerses the reader right in there. This was a great story with exciting characters, lots of action, unexpected twists, and a thrilling ending. One of the best installment in the series!
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
I received an early version of this book from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
July 3, 2019
I obtained this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
I am not as happy writing this review as I might have been. That is through no fault of the book; it's just that ONCE AGAIN, I have allowed sloppy record-keeping on my part to lead e into the error of reading book out of sequence. It is hopefully the LAST of those errors I will make, as I have (nearly) caught up with the prolific, and probably profligate, writers of the 4HU. Their depravity is common knowledge among the fans, many of whom flock to surround them at public appearances, causing riots in city after city. But I digress.
The wicked, wicked forces arrayed against the stalwart humans have two goals: first, the general eradication of human power by wiping out organizations and colonies, and second, the apprehension of one James Francis, father of Jessica, the first Human Peace Keeper, and the owner/operator of InterGalactic Haulers. It appears he has something they need, or at least want. Those forces, primarily composed of members of the Mercenary Guild, but all adherents of General Peepo, are highly competitive with each other, to the point of being unwilling to cooperate unless fear is the driving force.
And the most fearsome adherent is one Kr’et’Socae, a somewhat horse-like alien, formerly one of the Peace Keeper's top Enforcers, now gone renegade.
Tara Mason, not QUITE a Peace Keeper, but certainly a friend, is attempting to bring a small strike-team force together in a mission to counter Peepo's efforts. Her primary hindrance in those efforts come from one Jackson Raines, the third Human, and first make Human Peace Keeper. He appears to be a cast-iron SOB, and why he has not had his head pinched off, I do not know. Perhaps his secret file has the annotation “Necessary Jerk – Do Not Pinch Head off.” Cretins like this would never have made it through a peacetime Army Basic Training course, much less achieved elite status; they are certain to be fragged at first opportunity. Since there is no evidence of that, I can only assume he has demonstrated significance to SOMEONE. However, I can still hope he'll get sucked into a jet engine.
To aggravate things even more for Tara, the helpful program “Lucille” has been severely limited in capability by order of the Peace Keepers. This is necessary in order to prevent it from gaining sentience, as a companion version of the software had done. The inhibitions mean that feedback and reaction times will be slowed considerably, as previous decision functions of the software have been terminated.
The tempo of operations, and the significance of decisions, is heightened in the story, much in the same way that the two-minute drill in a Superbowl game has stepped-up intensity. With so much at stake, there is very little time to recover from errors. Furthermore, all of the participants in these dramas seem to understand that there is no more reason to hold back something for next week, because there isn't going to be a next week. It's not the FINAL battle, but there are no prizes for second place.
I wouldn't really call the ending a cliff-hanger, but surely there is a precipice around here somewhere. The stakes are high, and not just for the planet of Victoria Bravo, and not just for the pitiful Humans. Withing a short time, things will come to a climax. And then, perhaps, we will see how all of the threads tie together.
I am not as happy writing this review as I might have been. That is through no fault of the book; it's just that ONCE AGAIN, I have allowed sloppy record-keeping on my part to lead e into the error of reading book out of sequence. It is hopefully the LAST of those errors I will make, as I have (nearly) caught up with the prolific, and probably profligate, writers of the 4HU. Their depravity is common knowledge among the fans, many of whom flock to surround them at public appearances, causing riots in city after city. But I digress.
The wicked, wicked forces arrayed against the stalwart humans have two goals: first, the general eradication of human power by wiping out organizations and colonies, and second, the apprehension of one James Francis, father of Jessica, the first Human Peace Keeper, and the owner/operator of InterGalactic Haulers. It appears he has something they need, or at least want. Those forces, primarily composed of members of the Mercenary Guild, but all adherents of General Peepo, are highly competitive with each other, to the point of being unwilling to cooperate unless fear is the driving force.
And the most fearsome adherent is one Kr’et’Socae, a somewhat horse-like alien, formerly one of the Peace Keeper's top Enforcers, now gone renegade.
Tara Mason, not QUITE a Peace Keeper, but certainly a friend, is attempting to bring a small strike-team force together in a mission to counter Peepo's efforts. Her primary hindrance in those efforts come from one Jackson Raines, the third Human, and first make Human Peace Keeper. He appears to be a cast-iron SOB, and why he has not had his head pinched off, I do not know. Perhaps his secret file has the annotation “Necessary Jerk – Do Not Pinch Head off.” Cretins like this would never have made it through a peacetime Army Basic Training course, much less achieved elite status; they are certain to be fragged at first opportunity. Since there is no evidence of that, I can only assume he has demonstrated significance to SOMEONE. However, I can still hope he'll get sucked into a jet engine.
To aggravate things even more for Tara, the helpful program “Lucille” has been severely limited in capability by order of the Peace Keepers. This is necessary in order to prevent it from gaining sentience, as a companion version of the software had done. The inhibitions mean that feedback and reaction times will be slowed considerably, as previous decision functions of the software have been terminated.
The tempo of operations, and the significance of decisions, is heightened in the story, much in the same way that the two-minute drill in a Superbowl game has stepped-up intensity. With so much at stake, there is very little time to recover from errors. Furthermore, all of the participants in these dramas seem to understand that there is no more reason to hold back something for next week, because there isn't going to be a next week. It's not the FINAL battle, but there are no prizes for second place.
I wouldn't really call the ending a cliff-hanger, but surely there is a precipice around here somewhere. The stakes are high, and not just for the planet of Victoria Bravo, and not just for the pitiful Humans. Withing a short time, things will come to a climax. And then, perhaps, we will see how all of the threads tie together.
May 6, 2019
Well, we're back with our motley band of Peacemakers and Peacemaker Deputies at Force 25 (sounds like a wrestling tag-team hehe).
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, it was a good read that covered the core elements that make the FHU what it is - strong character stories, intense action, light romance, death, heroism, multiple plot and sub-plots, but ultimately the enduring Human spirit.
Not a lot of ground is covered in the search for the elusive Snowman, however, a great deal of strengthening and growth for Force 25 occurs. This sets things up quite well for the next book which I can't wait to read! Great job Kevin!
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, it was a good read that covered the core elements that make the FHU what it is - strong character stories, intense action, light romance, death, heroism, multiple plot and sub-plots, but ultimately the enduring Human spirit.
Not a lot of ground is covered in the search for the elusive Snowman, however, a great deal of strengthening and growth for Force 25 occurs. This sets things up quite well for the next book which I can't wait to read! Great job Kevin!
May 6, 2019
The search continues
As Tara Mason and the remains of Force 25 continue to search for Snowman, we see them forced to honor the threat on familiar grounds as a shadowy figure manipulates events.
Editing and plot development were on par with the rest of the books in the 4HU. Pacing was excellent, and the length of the book allowed the author to continue to give us an increasing view into this universe. An excellent read, one I would not hesitate to recommend.
As Tara Mason and the remains of Force 25 continue to search for Snowman, we see them forced to honor the threat on familiar grounds as a shadowy figure manipulates events.
Editing and plot development were on par with the rest of the books in the 4HU. Pacing was excellent, and the length of the book allowed the author to continue to give us an increasing view into this universe. An excellent read, one I would not hesitate to recommend.
May 13, 2019
Nice Filler Book
Ok addition to the 4 horsemen universe. It starts out a little slow, then spends a huge amount of time on one battle. Some more details on Snowman, such as how he got his name.
Ok addition to the 4 horsemen universe. It starts out a little slow, then spends a huge amount of time on one battle. Some more details on Snowman, such as how he got his name.
May 16, 2019
A small universe
You wouldn't think the Milky Way was a galaxy, but these stories highlight fate to me. Whenever a new book in the series is released I stop what I'm doing and devour it. Each one a piece of a larger puzzle that shows what a small universe we inhabit.
You wouldn't think the Milky Way was a galaxy, but these stories highlight fate to me. Whenever a new book in the series is released I stop what I'm doing and devour it. Each one a piece of a larger puzzle that shows what a small universe we inhabit.
May 18, 2019
Brill!
This series has more layers than a onion ,every book has answers but leaves you with more questions!
A gripping story full of action that adds to the narrative. Eagerly awaiting the next chapter!
This series has more layers than a onion ,every book has answers but leaves you with more questions!
A gripping story full of action that adds to the narrative. Eagerly awaiting the next chapter!
September 25, 2019
Always a 5+ when Ikenberry works his magic in the 4HU.
December 19, 2019
Another excellent addition to the series
Some secrets revealed, while the plot thickens. Now i just need to add enough words for Amazon to count this.
Some secrets revealed, while the plot thickens. Now i just need to add enough words for Amazon to count this.
September 27, 2020
Much as I'm fond of Jessica Sinclair, I'm find myself liking Tara Mason more & more.
January 7, 2023
Decent space opera set in Omega Wars universe. Focus on a mission for the Peacemaker Guild.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews