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Astral Prime #11
Core Threat: Mission 11
To fight is to lose. Not to fight is to die.The galaxy has gone from troubled to doomed. Now faced with a multiplying threat, the races of the Milky Way are faced with a foe who cannot be stopped, cannot be turned back. And yet, for the sake of their own survival, they fight on in the desperate hope that they can hold out long enough to prevail.And they're running out of time. One of the ARGO core worlds may be next on the menu for the world-devouring monsters.As Cedric frantically searches for an alternative way to combat the abominations, Hiroko attempts to halt the proliferation of ancient weapons that are only making the situation worse in the long run.Core Threat is the eleventh book in the Black Astral Prime series. It hearkens back to location-based space sci-fi classics like Babylon 5 and Star Deep Space Nine. Astral Prime builds on the rich Black Ocean universe, introducing a colorful cast of characters for new and returning readers alike. Come along for the ride as a minor outpost in the middle of nowhere becomes a key point of interstellar conflict.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
About the author
J.S. Morin
193 books620 followersI am a creator of worlds and a destroyer of words. As a fantasy writer, my works range from traditional epics to futuristic fantasy with starships. I have worked as an unpaid Little League pitcher, a cashier, a student library aide, a factory grunt, a cubicle drone, and an engineer--there is some overlap in the last two.
Through it all, though, I was always a storyteller. Eventually I started writing books based on the stray stories in my head, and people kept telling me to write more of them. Now, that's all I do for a living.
I enjoy strategy, worldbuilding, and the fantasy author's privilege to make up words. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don't dance, can't sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best.
My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.
Through it all, though, I was always a storyteller. Eventually I started writing books based on the stray stories in my head, and people kept telling me to write more of them. Now, that's all I do for a living.
I enjoy strategy, worldbuilding, and the fantasy author's privilege to make up words. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don't dance, can't sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best.
My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 29, 2019
The ending pushed this from a 3-star to a 4-star for me.
The battle against the void kraken world eaters continues to escalate as more and more races build and employ the only known weapon to work against them; the very weapon that opens a rift to invite more creatures into the universe. Each species believes itself superior to others, giving them a false faith that only *their* weapon will work to eradicate the threat instead of worsen it. The human race, especially, seems prone to this arrogance (trying the same thing again and expecting different results), though they also display a certain nobility with their willingness to sacrifice to save others when no other hope remains. Most of the other xenomorphs only look out for themselves (the vaieen being the ultimate example), though the laaku demonstrate an enviable compassion despite the often derogatory views of other species. It's a splendid commentary on western society imo.
The battle against the void kraken world eaters continues to escalate as more and more races build and employ the only known weapon to work against them; the very weapon that opens a rift to invite more creatures into the universe. Each species believes itself superior to others, giving them a false faith that only *their* weapon will work to eradicate the threat instead of worsen it. The human race, especially, seems prone to this arrogance (trying the same thing again and expecting different results), though they also display a certain nobility with their willingness to sacrifice to save others when no other hope remains. Most of the other xenomorphs only look out for themselves (the vaieen being the ultimate example), though the laaku demonstrate an enviable compassion despite the often derogatory views of other species. It's a splendid commentary on western society imo.
April 3, 2020
Cedric warned them that if they used the Vaieen weapon bad things would happen, and they have. When you slay a MyllThog, between 2-9 come through the tear in the fabric of space-time between the Vaieen galaxy and our galaxy. The Vaieen galaxy which is flooded with these MyllThog, and of which the Vaieen came to our Galaxy and created all sentient life to see if they could determine a way to destroy the MyllThog, as the Vaieen are unable rid themselves of the creatures that now infest their galaxy. The Vaieen have finally found a species that will fulfil their destiny and rid the Vaieen galaxy of the MyllThog.
The Zheen, even knowing that the weapon will create more MyllThog, continue to use it as it is the only thing capable of destroying them. However, they only use it when a MyllThog enters their space, with Klxzark now running their fleet, thanks to a series of ‘events’.
In the meantime, Hiroko, having managed to save the Stuunji Homeworld, is now faced with a greater challenge.
For whilst the threat was only ravishing the border worlds, everyone could write it off as a fairy tale, or a gimmick, maybe some stunt by the government for more funding for the Navy. That is until one of the Core Worlds, Phabian, comes under threat. This isn’t a planet with a few million, or maybe even close to a few hundred million, this is a planet with near10-15 Billion sentient lifeforms. All the planets consumed so far would not equal the life lost on this single planet.
Cedric has been trying to warn everybody about using the cannons, to get them to disable the Krakens, not kill them. He understands the full magnitude of this threat.
So does Fujita, who flies around in Tatsu, with her squadron of 2 sidekicks, Vixen and Juggler, former pilots of Blackjack. Together, they use their cannons to kill MyllThog, or to lead them away from populated areas, saving planet after planet. Zoti is with them, flying a freighter that the fighters can land on.
Kane has been taken over by his crew of Vaieen, as they use him to control the station, they also take over his body to tell everyone, everywhere to use the cannon to kill the Void Kraken, knowing its effect, and hoping it will clear out their own galaxy, with little or no remorse for the end of this one.
This is this penultimate book in the series, and we see all of the various players coming to crisis point as it is not just empty worlds, or even minor worlds being destroyed, but major planets with billions now. The Core is under threat, and the Kraken or MyllThog, having fed, have grown in size, and it seems that there is nothing that can stop them, since killing one, only brings several more.
This series has been a lot darker that the original Black Ocean, and it is becoming utterly fascinating as it leads towards its conclusion. If you have read any of the Black Ocean books, you will absolutely love this series. If you haven’t, then you have a lot of reading to catch up on, because this is a must read!!
This is Morin and Larkin at their exceptional best, we get to see the deep inner workings of the main characters, as well as some extraordinary space combat and destructive scenes as Monsters from the deepest depths of your imagination pull apart planets like you might a Blue Berry Muffin.
Outstanding Read – Don’t Miss it!!
I Can’t Wait for the Ending of this Series, it is going to be AMAZING!!
The Zheen, even knowing that the weapon will create more MyllThog, continue to use it as it is the only thing capable of destroying them. However, they only use it when a MyllThog enters their space, with Klxzark now running their fleet, thanks to a series of ‘events’.
In the meantime, Hiroko, having managed to save the Stuunji Homeworld, is now faced with a greater challenge.
For whilst the threat was only ravishing the border worlds, everyone could write it off as a fairy tale, or a gimmick, maybe some stunt by the government for more funding for the Navy. That is until one of the Core Worlds, Phabian, comes under threat. This isn’t a planet with a few million, or maybe even close to a few hundred million, this is a planet with near10-15 Billion sentient lifeforms. All the planets consumed so far would not equal the life lost on this single planet.
Cedric has been trying to warn everybody about using the cannons, to get them to disable the Krakens, not kill them. He understands the full magnitude of this threat.
So does Fujita, who flies around in Tatsu, with her squadron of 2 sidekicks, Vixen and Juggler, former pilots of Blackjack. Together, they use their cannons to kill MyllThog, or to lead them away from populated areas, saving planet after planet. Zoti is with them, flying a freighter that the fighters can land on.
Kane has been taken over by his crew of Vaieen, as they use him to control the station, they also take over his body to tell everyone, everywhere to use the cannon to kill the Void Kraken, knowing its effect, and hoping it will clear out their own galaxy, with little or no remorse for the end of this one.
This is this penultimate book in the series, and we see all of the various players coming to crisis point as it is not just empty worlds, or even minor worlds being destroyed, but major planets with billions now. The Core is under threat, and the Kraken or MyllThog, having fed, have grown in size, and it seems that there is nothing that can stop them, since killing one, only brings several more.
This series has been a lot darker that the original Black Ocean, and it is becoming utterly fascinating as it leads towards its conclusion. If you have read any of the Black Ocean books, you will absolutely love this series. If you haven’t, then you have a lot of reading to catch up on, because this is a must read!!
This is Morin and Larkin at their exceptional best, we get to see the deep inner workings of the main characters, as well as some extraordinary space combat and destructive scenes as Monsters from the deepest depths of your imagination pull apart planets like you might a Blue Berry Muffin.
Outstanding Read – Don’t Miss it!!
I Can’t Wait for the Ending of this Series, it is going to be AMAZING!!
October 29, 2019
Time for calamari
Freaking. Kraken.
The Astral Prime stories have done a great job of creating a huge antagonist-- insofar as you can actually call the kraken antagonists. The things are nasty, and the scope is huge, and we all want to see them chopped up. All of them.
This particular story also had some great character moments with various members of the very large cast, which were very well done. My particular favorites were Juggler and Vixen, Zoti, and Kendra.
My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that the story is so much a part of the greater arc that it felt more like a snapshot than a story, which leaves me wanting more-- particularly this close to the end (whatever that may be). I guess I'll just have to wait for mission 12!
Freaking. Kraken.
The Astral Prime stories have done a great job of creating a huge antagonist-- insofar as you can actually call the kraken antagonists. The things are nasty, and the scope is huge, and we all want to see them chopped up. All of them.
This particular story also had some great character moments with various members of the very large cast, which were very well done. My particular favorites were Juggler and Vixen, Zoti, and Kendra.
My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that the story is so much a part of the greater arc that it felt more like a snapshot than a story, which leaves me wanting more-- particularly this close to the end (whatever that may be). I guess I'll just have to wait for mission 12!
November 5, 2019
This the 11th book in the Astral Prime series. The end is beginning to come into focus, but first the universe has to find a way to rid itself of the void kraken, the Myllthog. There is a problem. What has been tried, killing them, opens a gate and more void kraken come through from the other universe, making the problem worse.
Cedric The Brown ands Hirohito Fuijita keep looking for ways to get rid of the void kraken. The Earth forces is being led by a person who won’t listen to anyone else and only wants to get his hands on a weapon that will knock the void kraken off but doesn’t seem to notice that only brings more into our universe. The same problem afflict the zheen collective.
Will this self-serving group of forces learn the hard way how too get rid of the Myllthog without bringing more into our universe? The action intensifies as they struggle to find an answer to their problem which will keep you turning pages to find out what will happen next.
Cedric The Brown ands Hirohito Fuijita keep looking for ways to get rid of the void kraken. The Earth forces is being led by a person who won’t listen to anyone else and only wants to get his hands on a weapon that will knock the void kraken off but doesn’t seem to notice that only brings more into our universe. The same problem afflict the zheen collective.
Will this self-serving group of forces learn the hard way how too get rid of the Myllthog without bringing more into our universe? The action intensifies as they struggle to find an answer to their problem which will keep you turning pages to find out what will happen next.
October 29, 2019
Characters warmed up to me again in this section of the continuing story. Not sure why, but it felt a bit more real for them. Sadly this book also had a new bigger problem drop to them, but I'm seeing the close of the drama begin, and the threads of story come together. Spoilers ahead.. Little bitty tiny one though, but spoiler non-the-less. I can't really see this series, being "Astral Prime" though, because of the nature that has taken in the galaxy as a whole and it's a bit odd that former characters have shrugged away from this impending doom, especially Esper. It makes me wonder about a proper timeline of events to know what in the Black Esper could be up to … to ignore this as she clearly has.
November 4, 2019
The situation with the void krakens gets worse and worse; but that's not what this episode is about. Everyone reacts to the threat, destruction or challenge (as they variously see it) differently. Truly, humans are not rational beings, nor are any other sentients (despite Zheen aspirations), or there wouldn't be so many different approaches afoot.
The ARGO captain is as entertaining as he is frustrating. Cedric and Hiroko separately wrack their unique brains while doing what they can. Zoti faces helplessness, Kane weighs the value of his own life, and Kendra fends off despair.
And even the Vaieen get a surprise this time.
This one is about familiar characters in unthinkable situations. Don't miss it!
The ARGO captain is as entertaining as he is frustrating. Cedric and Hiroko separately wrack their unique brains while doing what they can. Zoti faces helplessness, Kane weighs the value of his own life, and Kendra fends off despair.
And even the Vaieen get a surprise this time.
This one is about familiar characters in unthinkable situations. Don't miss it!
October 29, 2019
Everyone has a hand in fighting the Void Krakens or trying to fight them even though their motives may be different.
But things seem very dangerous and dire. And poor Cedric can do nothing but sit back and watch because he can find no one to come babysit Shadow Planet for him.
When the truth comes to Kane about the Paradox Beam Cannons , the weapons being used against the void Krakens, the Vaieen in his head will no longer let Kane be in control of his own body. It's a scary realization.
This book was good but the ending was so good that I read it twice.
I can't wait to see how Morin and Larkin are going to wrap up this series.
But things seem very dangerous and dire. And poor Cedric can do nothing but sit back and watch because he can find no one to come babysit Shadow Planet for him.
When the truth comes to Kane about the Paradox Beam Cannons , the weapons being used against the void Krakens, the Vaieen in his head will no longer let Kane be in control of his own body. It's a scary realization.
This book was good but the ending was so good that I read it twice.
I can't wait to see how Morin and Larkin are going to wrap up this series.
October 31, 2019
One Myllthog was bad. Too bad we didn't know they were like the hydra. Strike one down and more rise in its place. Now, with all of the races of the galaxy scrambling to find anything that can stop this threat the question arises, is there a solution or is all sentience in our universe doomed. This continues a great and intriguing story-line. I can't wait for the conclusion.
November 8, 2019
I thought it was winding up but SURPRISE! It’s not. Planets, space stations, moons are all being consumed by the krakens and it’s looking VERY bad for the universe. We get to see Heather again, which was quite exciting. Kane’s situation has gone completely terrifying, so that’s fun. ‘Poor Kane’ right?
January 27, 2020
A weapon has been found that can destroy the world eaters, but the side effects may be worse than the disease. And while the galaxy fights to survive secrets are revealed that uncover the truth to everything.
The penultimate book in the BLACK OCEAN: ASTRAL PRIME series. Morin and Larkin don't let up on the action while unveiling the terrible reason for it all.
The penultimate book in the BLACK OCEAN: ASTRAL PRIME series. Morin and Larkin don't let up on the action while unveiling the terrible reason for it all.
October 30, 2019
As stated in this book, "The Black Ocean will never be the same". Lots of action, lots of tragedy. I have no idea how this story will resolve in the next book. But I certainly can't wait to find out.
June 4, 2022
All these ran together and I didn't update. But we find the reason there's multiple earths gotta fight extra-universal aliens and the ancients who created us. In the end sacrifice for the many saves the whole universe.
June 18, 2020
Getting close to the conclusion of this tale.
April 11, 2023
Series is getting tedious. Lots of words, slow progress.
July 31, 2023
Great book loved the story and the book narration can’t wait for the next book I highly recommend this book and the rest of the book series 👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😀📖☕️
June 20, 2024
A Kraken threatens Fabien. Heather is on Fabien. Earth's Navy, Hiroko and Cedric struggle to find a permanent solution to the threat.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews