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Blood on the Stars #13
The Others
From the deepest darks of unknown space, evil comes…
Admiral Tyler Barron and the Confederation navy face a new threat, darker and deadlier than any that have come before.
The Confederation has just concluded its war with the Hegemony, but now that power, so long the hated enemy, is calling for help, for the Confederation to join it to face a deadly invasion, one likely to subjugate all humanity.
Barron must overcome his own resentments, and the resistance of the Senate, and find a way to lead his forces into battle once more. The odds are long, but the stakes couldn’t be higher, no less than a choice between survival and freedom…and slavery and death.
Barron and his people will find the strength, somehow, to face the invincible enemy, to find some way to fight, to overcome the darkness. Or at least to survive to fight another day.
Read By Jeffrey Kafer.
Admiral Tyler Barron and the Confederation navy face a new threat, darker and deadlier than any that have come before.
The Confederation has just concluded its war with the Hegemony, but now that power, so long the hated enemy, is calling for help, for the Confederation to join it to face a deadly invasion, one likely to subjugate all humanity.
Barron must overcome his own resentments, and the resistance of the Senate, and find a way to lead his forces into battle once more. The odds are long, but the stakes couldn’t be higher, no less than a choice between survival and freedom…and slavery and death.
Barron and his people will find the strength, somehow, to face the invincible enemy, to find some way to fight, to overcome the darkness. Or at least to survive to fight another day.
Read By Jeffrey Kafer.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2019
794 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 26, 2019
The effort to keep the Union bubbling away in the background as a thorn in the side of the Confederation and Alliance has become boring. The dictatorship will rebuild its fleet and the mad leader will attack at the most inopportune moment.... good grief. After dealing with the Hegemony, knowing the Union had lost most of its fleet, any sane commander would have immediately invaded and removed the threat once and for all. But, we get endless padding by having the Union still in the background. I'm about a third of the way through the book and wondering how many more books will we have to endure the Union threat angle that the author is persisting with?
February 20, 2021
Repeating the same story line
This book repeats the enemy turned partner story line. With this said it was still an exciting book. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes space opera science fiction.
This book repeats the enemy turned partner story line. With this said it was still an exciting book. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes space opera science fiction.
June 26, 2019
My opinion is that this series is burning itself out, this book is a 2.5 stars but I've rounded off to 3. I'm just reading the new books to finish it off, it feels as if this story has gone on too long. From defeating the Alliance ship in book 1, fighting off the Union, then finding and dealing with the Hegemony invasion - now to ending that war only to join in another. Albeit this fight against the Others is for all humanity, it still is very protracted and the story in this book drags on. The author has a habit of adding superfluous words that are not necessary - an example is that conversations and scenes take far too much of text. The copy & paste description of the main character's greatness and feats is quite tedious now. It's almost as if everyone is able to get a promotion to Admiral or Commodore.
There's not much, now 13 books in, about the whole Cataclysm/Great Death being revealed. Even when the Number 1 offers Barron the chance to read through the historical information - nothing is ever revealed further.
Often times, stories need to end, they cannot be dragged on and on.
There's not much, now 13 books in, about the whole Cataclysm/Great Death being revealed. Even when the Number 1 offers Barron the chance to read through the historical information - nothing is ever revealed further.
Often times, stories need to end, they cannot be dragged on and on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2019
It’s very hard to convey the passing of time in a written book. Unless you pay very close attention, you assume the next book will start at about the same time as the last book ended. So, I’ll tell you right now that this book contains about a year in-between the end of the Confed/Hegemony War and the present. The Confederation is very slowly recovering from that war. They have to rebuild much of their capital, Megara, as well as their fleet. Everyone is very busy. Still, CinC (Commander-in-Chief) Admiral Tyler Barron is still haunted by the unexpected total surrender of retreat of the Hegemony.
Tyler didn’t know the exact reason, but their Ambassador Carmetia had been warning the Confederation Senate of what she called, “The Others”. Even as Tyler reviewed his memory and his conversation with Hegemony Commander Chronos, he knew that the Commander was fearful of something, something that would convince him to give up the Colossus in order for it not to be completely lost. Additionally, the rapid retreat of the entire Hegemony fleet was quite extraordinary. They made no claims for held Confed territory and removed every single one of their occupation troops on every occupied Confed planet. Admiral Barron knew he had to find out what was scaring the Hegemony so badly because such an enemy would almost certainly be able to destroy the Confederation without much effort.
Still, Tyler Barron found the time to marry Andi Lafarge. That was something that needed to be done a long time ago. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t have a very long time together since Admiral Barron was convinced he needed to take a fleet to the Hegemony system and their capital of Calpharon. He knew that his arrival might not be met without a fight. He was hoping the Hegemony was scared enough to consider an Alliance with the Confederation. That kind of arrangement troubled Tyler deeply. He wasn’t sure he could fight along side an enemy that had killed so many of his close friends and thousands of his fleet personnel. Yet, he knew that if the Hegemony fell, then the Confederation would certainly not be able to withstand this new enemy.
And “The Others” had, in fact, arrived in Hegemony space. They immediately proved their superiority in battle by decimating a large Hegemony border fleet without much trouble. They had strange shields which prevented a targeting lock on their vessels, so the Hegemony ships had serious trouble shooting back. The Others also had a blue energy beam that could slice through any of the Hegemony vessels including their largest Monitors. Those ships hadn’t been used in the war with the Confeds since they were the first line of defense against The Others, only they didn’t last much longer than any other Hegemony ships. A way to fight back had to be found.
Meanwhile, Admiral Barron and his small fleet has arrived at Calpharon. They are not immediately fired upon, instead, they are contacted directly by Akella, First of the Hegemony, President of the Ruling Council. What this means for the Confederation is unknown, but Admiral Tyler Barron is ready to find out even if it costs him his life.
Speaking of life, Andi Lafarge or now Andi Barron, has some important and exciting news that he needs to hear. But, how will she ever get that news to him and will she even see her new husband anytime soon?
A very good story, but it can get kind of depressing sometimes. We hear the thoughts of the main characters as they remember all the friends they have lost in battle and now they might face another terrible war. Additionally, the editing in this book was blow standards for a Jay Allan novel. Lots of missing words or words showing up in the wrong place. Not used to reading that kind of errors, but I will keep reading this series. Can’t wait for the next book.
Tyler didn’t know the exact reason, but their Ambassador Carmetia had been warning the Confederation Senate of what she called, “The Others”. Even as Tyler reviewed his memory and his conversation with Hegemony Commander Chronos, he knew that the Commander was fearful of something, something that would convince him to give up the Colossus in order for it not to be completely lost. Additionally, the rapid retreat of the entire Hegemony fleet was quite extraordinary. They made no claims for held Confed territory and removed every single one of their occupation troops on every occupied Confed planet. Admiral Barron knew he had to find out what was scaring the Hegemony so badly because such an enemy would almost certainly be able to destroy the Confederation without much effort.
Still, Tyler Barron found the time to marry Andi Lafarge. That was something that needed to be done a long time ago. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t have a very long time together since Admiral Barron was convinced he needed to take a fleet to the Hegemony system and their capital of Calpharon. He knew that his arrival might not be met without a fight. He was hoping the Hegemony was scared enough to consider an Alliance with the Confederation. That kind of arrangement troubled Tyler deeply. He wasn’t sure he could fight along side an enemy that had killed so many of his close friends and thousands of his fleet personnel. Yet, he knew that if the Hegemony fell, then the Confederation would certainly not be able to withstand this new enemy.
And “The Others” had, in fact, arrived in Hegemony space. They immediately proved their superiority in battle by decimating a large Hegemony border fleet without much trouble. They had strange shields which prevented a targeting lock on their vessels, so the Hegemony ships had serious trouble shooting back. The Others also had a blue energy beam that could slice through any of the Hegemony vessels including their largest Monitors. Those ships hadn’t been used in the war with the Confeds since they were the first line of defense against The Others, only they didn’t last much longer than any other Hegemony ships. A way to fight back had to be found.
Meanwhile, Admiral Barron and his small fleet has arrived at Calpharon. They are not immediately fired upon, instead, they are contacted directly by Akella, First of the Hegemony, President of the Ruling Council. What this means for the Confederation is unknown, but Admiral Tyler Barron is ready to find out even if it costs him his life.
Speaking of life, Andi Lafarge or now Andi Barron, has some important and exciting news that he needs to hear. But, how will she ever get that news to him and will she even see her new husband anytime soon?
A very good story, but it can get kind of depressing sometimes. We hear the thoughts of the main characters as they remember all the friends they have lost in battle and now they might face another terrible war. Additionally, the editing in this book was blow standards for a Jay Allan novel. Lots of missing words or words showing up in the wrong place. Not used to reading that kind of errors, but I will keep reading this series. Can’t wait for the next book.
May 11, 2020
Tyler Barron hates his task but he feels that he has to do it. He is leading part of the Confederation fleet into the Hegemony territory to see how bad the threat is of the Others. The Others are back and they are attacking the Hegemony and then probably the Confederation.
The Others are powerful and their technology seems unstoppable. They are far more advanced than the Hegemony and they are destroying the Hegemony space fleet. How can the Confederation war ships make a difference. If they don’t step onto the battle, against the rules of the Confederation Senate, the Hegemony will be wiped out. Barron and his crew hate the fact that they are fighting to help the Hegemony defeat the Others but they feel that they have no choice. They will be the next target of the Others.
The Confederation does have one secrete weapon. Tyler Barron……
I enjoyed this book and I will purchase the new story in the saga. I love military Sci-Fi and in my opinion, Jay Allan, is one of the best current authors writing in this genre. This book is a must read if you are into this saga.
The Others are powerful and their technology seems unstoppable. They are far more advanced than the Hegemony and they are destroying the Hegemony space fleet. How can the Confederation war ships make a difference. If they don’t step onto the battle, against the rules of the Confederation Senate, the Hegemony will be wiped out. Barron and his crew hate the fact that they are fighting to help the Hegemony defeat the Others but they feel that they have no choice. They will be the next target of the Others.
The Confederation does have one secrete weapon. Tyler Barron……
I enjoyed this book and I will purchase the new story in the saga. I love military Sci-Fi and in my opinion, Jay Allan, is one of the best current authors writing in this genre. This book is a must read if you are into this saga.
June 24, 2023
This is the thirteenth book in the main storyline with Tyler Barron. I have to wonder if Mr. Allan has a master plan from the beginning so that this is not just 18 stories but just one story told in 18 parts.
This is the breakdown:
Books 1, 4, and 5 - Palatia
Books 2, 3 and 6 - the Union
Books 7 - 12: the Hegemony
Books 13 - 18: the Highborn
As the author transitions from one enemy to another, there are still unresolved threads that the reader might forget what happened in the previous books. Like Tyler Barron and the other Confed officers in the story, I had a hard time accepting that the Hegemony suddenly became new allies very minimal resentment. Consider in real life what happened in Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan after world war 2: an entire generation was killed and the survivors embittered. It would take another generation or two or three before people started to accept Germans and Japanese into the human race.
I don't find the Highborn as compelling villains; they seem very one-dimensional. At least the Hegemony had some flair, however racist and stratified their society was. I would take the 2 stars off mainly because of the bland villains.
This is the breakdown:
Books 1, 4, and 5 - Palatia
Books 2, 3 and 6 - the Union
Books 7 - 12: the Hegemony
Books 13 - 18: the Highborn
As the author transitions from one enemy to another, there are still unresolved threads that the reader might forget what happened in the previous books. Like Tyler Barron and the other Confed officers in the story, I had a hard time accepting that the Hegemony suddenly became new allies very minimal resentment. Consider in real life what happened in Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan after world war 2: an entire generation was killed and the survivors embittered. It would take another generation or two or three before people started to accept Germans and Japanese into the human race.
I don't find the Highborn as compelling villains; they seem very one-dimensional. At least the Hegemony had some flair, however racist and stratified their society was. I would take the 2 stars off mainly because of the bland villains.
July 5, 2019
Another page burner
Like all preceding volumes, this was another I couldn't put down. Over the last thirteen books (has it really been just thirteen books?) Jay has built an amazing galaxy all his characters own. I am waiting (impatiently) to see what I suspect might be the closer to a wonderful series. If you haven't already started your trek through this place, get volume 1 and get to reading (and yes, I think you need ALL the books to get a real appreciation for this work).
Now....about when will you have the last stand ready? (And just for grins , does earth ever show up in the story?)
Thank you my friend for sharing your amazing galaxy with us all
Pete
Like all preceding volumes, this was another I couldn't put down. Over the last thirteen books (has it really been just thirteen books?) Jay has built an amazing galaxy all his characters own. I am waiting (impatiently) to see what I suspect might be the closer to a wonderful series. If you haven't already started your trek through this place, get volume 1 and get to reading (and yes, I think you need ALL the books to get a real appreciation for this work).
Now....about when will you have the last stand ready? (And just for grins , does earth ever show up in the story?)
Thank you my friend for sharing your amazing galaxy with us all
Pete
July 5, 2019
Don’t know what to think
Don’t get me wrong, this was an excellent book in this too long series. This one was different tho. I don’t remember reading a Jay Allan book with this many typos before. Not just punctuation but with word selection also. Left words out and put them in where he didn’t need to. I would think a writer with Allan’s stature would have top notch proof readers and editors. Stuff like this bugs the hell outta me. It takes away from the flow of the book,what with having to stop and figure out what he’s trying to say and all. Guess that comes from self publishing. Too bad. It takes away from a good story.
Don’t get me wrong, this was an excellent book in this too long series. This one was different tho. I don’t remember reading a Jay Allan book with this many typos before. Not just punctuation but with word selection also. Left words out and put them in where he didn’t need to. I would think a writer with Allan’s stature would have top notch proof readers and editors. Stuff like this bugs the hell outta me. It takes away from the flow of the book,what with having to stop and figure out what he’s trying to say and all. Guess that comes from self publishing. Too bad. It takes away from a good story.
June 30, 2019
Another masterful chapter in the career of Tyler Barron.
Excellent action scenes as visualized by a master storyteller, Jay Allan has painted a scene with his broad brush. The characters live and breathe - and too often die - as the battles write the action. It was great greeting old friends again, even if way too briefly for some. Tyler and Andromeda's tale is taking new and welcome winding paths to their lives leading, hopefully, in an unexpected direction. But they will endeavor to persevere!
Can't wait for the next installment!
Excellent action scenes as visualized by a master storyteller, Jay Allan has painted a scene with his broad brush. The characters live and breathe - and too often die - as the battles write the action. It was great greeting old friends again, even if way too briefly for some. Tyler and Andromeda's tale is taking new and welcome winding paths to their lives leading, hopefully, in an unexpected direction. But they will endeavor to persevere!
Can't wait for the next installment!
July 9, 2019
Well written and an enjoyable read, but it was so predictable. It left me with some questions:
1. Since the rim had not been discovered by the Hegemony for a very long time and was only discovered when the Confederation's White fleet discovered the Hegemony during a mission of exploration. Why would it just be assumed an enemy of the Hegemony is an enemy of the Confederation?
2. Wouldn't make more since to take a wait and see attitude if the Others would find the rim worlds.
I did enjoy the read, but it was so predictable from book 12 what this book was going to be about.
1. Since the rim had not been discovered by the Hegemony for a very long time and was only discovered when the Confederation's White fleet discovered the Hegemony during a mission of exploration. Why would it just be assumed an enemy of the Hegemony is an enemy of the Confederation?
2. Wouldn't make more since to take a wait and see attitude if the Others would find the rim worlds.
I did enjoy the read, but it was so predictable from book 12 what this book was going to be about.
June 25, 2019
Another interesting addition to the (Blood on the stars series)
As usual Mr Allan has provided an interesting well written Space opera with sufficient action but with perhaps too Much soul searching by the major characters! The book is similar in plot as The last two blood on the stars ;so much so it seems the author uses a template and then tweaks the details to make the current work consistent with the other books in the series.
As usual Mr Allan has provided an interesting well written Space opera with sufficient action but with perhaps too Much soul searching by the major characters! The book is similar in plot as The last two blood on the stars ;so much so it seems the author uses a template and then tweaks the details to make the current work consistent with the other books in the series.
July 5, 2019
The Others, a race of "superbeings" has targeted the human race, to include the Hegemony and the Confederation, for subjugation or elimination. Tyler Barron, Andi Laforge, and their allies must put aside their recent conflict and find some common ground to defend against this newest threat to civilization. This story deals more with diplomatic maneuvering than with actual space wars, although a couple of undefended worlds are obliterated.
July 14, 2019
Once again we see Admiral Barron and now his new wife Andi plus the rest of his team off to face a new and what seems to be all powerful enemy. The Hegemony have asked for help and the Confederation, have sent Barron out to see what is happening in the Coreworld. But when Barron send his report back, as expected the senate and just to sit on their thumps, well they didn't take into account the admirals new wife. Yet another great of this series.
July 21, 2019
Excellent!!
Loved it! Loved it! It seemed to end too quickly this time. I appreciate the description on the Others. I can finally see them as you do instead of my mind making up many different things. Although, that was fun for a while😊. I love all of your novels. This series has grabbed me in some type of memory hold bcuz no matter how many novels I read in between, I pick up right where I left off. Great Book! Absolutely Recommend 😊💕
Loved it! Loved it! It seemed to end too quickly this time. I appreciate the description on the Others. I can finally see them as you do instead of my mind making up many different things. Although, that was fun for a while😊. I love all of your novels. This series has grabbed me in some type of memory hold bcuz no matter how many novels I read in between, I pick up right where I left off. Great Book! Absolutely Recommend 😊💕
June 14, 2019
Non-stop Action
As thrilling as any of the previous BOTS. I wish it hadn’t ended - now I have to wait for the next one. The only issues are the typos, of course, and the periodic return to Montmiral - it’s tough to stop during an exiting battle to return to catch up on the Union when I just don’t really care about them.
As thrilling as any of the previous BOTS. I wish it hadn’t ended - now I have to wait for the next one. The only issues are the typos, of course, and the periodic return to Montmiral - it’s tough to stop during an exiting battle to return to catch up on the Union when I just don’t really care about them.
July 3, 2019
It’s getting predictable...
Allan is getting predictable.
A new enemy is discovered, the good guys lose the first encounter. The good guys retreat. Baron’s brilliance snatches yet another unlikely victory from the jaws of defeat. They find a new ally and kick butt. Spread that over a couple of novels. Lather, rinse, repeat. Pretty soon you have a 14 book series.
Allan is getting predictable.
A new enemy is discovered, the good guys lose the first encounter. The good guys retreat. Baron’s brilliance snatches yet another unlikely victory from the jaws of defeat. They find a new ally and kick butt. Spread that over a couple of novels. Lather, rinse, repeat. Pretty soon you have a 14 book series.
August 14, 2019
Plenty of intrigue, not enough action for me.
I enjoyed all of Makaveli in machinations with the union. I thought the book was too heavy on intrigue, not enough action until the end of the book. The union really needs to get into the fight because their help will turn the tide of battle. So the Civil War happening in the union has to end quickly. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
I enjoyed all of Makaveli in machinations with the union. I thought the book was too heavy on intrigue, not enough action until the end of the book. The union really needs to get into the fight because their help will turn the tide of battle. So the Civil War happening in the union has to end quickly. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
August 17, 2019
Another Book...Another Great Read
Not sure how he manages to keep me entertained and yearning for more after 13 books, but that is exactly what Jay Allan does. It boggles my mind that this series has gone from a single battle to an enormous multi dimension fight for survival. I can’t get enough.
Not sure how he manages to keep me entertained and yearning for more after 13 books, but that is exactly what Jay Allan does. It boggles my mind that this series has gone from a single battle to an enormous multi dimension fight for survival. I can’t get enough.
September 17, 2019
Active, fast paced book!
Jay ties several stories into one. Always keeping in mind the main focal characters Tyler Baron and his wife Andi. How he comes up with these ideas, these directions of his stories, I have no idea but it is wonderful! Read his books he's a wonderful author!
Jay ties several stories into one. Always keeping in mind the main focal characters Tyler Baron and his wife Andi. How he comes up with these ideas, these directions of his stories, I have no idea but it is wonderful! Read his books he's a wonderful author!
December 8, 2022
A bit of a slow burn as Tyler tries to reconcile his animosity with the need to Ally with old enemies once again. Though this time he seems somewhat less transient than he was with the Alliance, or even the Union - which is all a bit disjointed. Allan is starting to look like he’s run out of ideas and happy to repeat a well worn formula, that, albeit comfortably entertaining is a tad stale.
June 16, 2019
Keeps getting better and better
This whole series is amazing and this latest addition doesn’t disappoint! Literally was glued to every word going through this book and cannot wait for the next book!
This whole series is amazing and this latest addition doesn’t disappoint! Literally was glued to every word going through this book and cannot wait for the next book!
June 18, 2019
The adventure continues
I love this series. It has great characters, is well written and is a wonderful tale. With lots of hero’s and villains, the action never ends. I’m looking forward to the next book!
I love this series. It has great characters, is well written and is a wonderful tale. With lots of hero’s and villains, the action never ends. I’m looking forward to the next book!
June 20, 2019
Book 13
Book 13 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The overall set up of this book was a little slow, but overall picked up. The ending was a cliffhanger. I enjoyed book 13 and look forward to the next book.
Book 13 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The overall set up of this book was a little slow, but overall picked up. The ending was a cliffhanger. I enjoyed book 13 and look forward to the next book.
June 26, 2019
Another Amazing Book
Fantastic addition to the series!! Jay Allen brings it each time with great characters and a story that I never want to end!!! I can’t wait for the next BOTS or Andromeda Chronicles II.
Fantastic addition to the series!! Jay Allen brings it each time with great characters and a story that I never want to end!!! I can’t wait for the next BOTS or Andromeda Chronicles II.
July 7, 2019
More awesomeness
Tyler Barron and atara are back in force along with Andi this storyline feels like an old friend as the three of my favorite characters lead us on another adventure I really can’t wait for the next book
Tyler Barron and atara are back in force along with Andi this storyline feels like an old friend as the three of my favorite characters lead us on another adventure I really can’t wait for the next book
July 30, 2019
But wait, there's more
Tyler Barron continues to lead his navy into long odds space battles, showing a generous hand to the former Hegemony enemies. The Rim military is called to battle the mysterious Others for the survival of mankind.
Tyler Barron continues to lead his navy into long odds space battles, showing a generous hand to the former Hegemony enemies. The Rim military is called to battle the mysterious Others for the survival of mankind.
July 31, 2019
Another excellent action packed installment!
What more can I say? Very well done! Full of twists and turns multiple story lines going at once. It will be interesting to see how the great divide is closed...
What more can I say? Very well done! Full of twists and turns multiple story lines going at once. It will be interesting to see how the great divide is closed...
August 28, 2019
The enemy of humanity
This is a great read. Once again Barron rises to the occasion. There is a lot that we need to know about the others. Did humanity recover any technology on the huge ship to save us?
This is a great read. Once again Barron rises to the occasion. There is a lot that we need to know about the others. Did humanity recover any technology on the huge ship to save us?
October 13, 2019
The Others
It’s a great and well written story and keeps getting more and more interesting,keeps one involved and ready for the next book! Can’t wait to see Tyler’s face when he finds out about Andi.
It’s a great and well written story and keeps getting more and more interesting,keeps one involved and ready for the next book! Can’t wait to see Tyler’s face when he finds out about Andi.
April 14, 2020
Forces Joined!
The Others by Jay Allan is just another great book. It will grab hold of you from the first word to the last. Exciting, Action packed and full of energy to the end. Our team do the unexpected and get in trouble again. Enjoy reading this book as well as this series.
The Others by Jay Allan is just another great book. It will grab hold of you from the first word to the last. Exciting, Action packed and full of energy to the end. Our team do the unexpected and get in trouble again. Enjoy reading this book as well as this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews