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Ruins of the Galaxy #5
Black Labyrinth
A ship no one escapes from. A mission too impossible to execute.
Rocked by the death of a critical team member and haunted by the sudden disappearance of another, Magnus and Awen fight to rally the remaining Gladio Umbra in the wake of their raid on Worru. They’re forced to solicit support from some of the galaxy’s most unlikely sources.
But when Moldark’s forces show up unexpectedly, Magnus and Awen are torn between rescuing a missing gladia and protecting the larger mission.
New revelations about the Paragon surface, forcing the fledgling rebel resistance to find a way onto Moldark’s command ship, the notorious super dreadnaught Black Labyrinth.
The mission will be the Gladio Umbra's most challenging yet, pushing the team to the breaking point.
Read the fifth installment of the best-selling series fans are calling a breath of fresh air. If you’re a fan of Galaxy’s Edge, Star Wars, or Renegade Star, you’ll love this epic scifi thrill ride.
Rocked by the death of a critical team member and haunted by the sudden disappearance of another, Magnus and Awen fight to rally the remaining Gladio Umbra in the wake of their raid on Worru. They’re forced to solicit support from some of the galaxy’s most unlikely sources.
But when Moldark’s forces show up unexpectedly, Magnus and Awen are torn between rescuing a missing gladia and protecting the larger mission.
New revelations about the Paragon surface, forcing the fledgling rebel resistance to find a way onto Moldark’s command ship, the notorious super dreadnaught Black Labyrinth.
The mission will be the Gladio Umbra's most challenging yet, pushing the team to the breaking point.
Read the fifth installment of the best-selling series fans are calling a breath of fresh air. If you’re a fan of Galaxy’s Edge, Star Wars, or Renegade Star, you’ll love this epic scifi thrill ride.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2019
357 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 9, 2019
What a wonderful, emotive premise! I think it’s the most profound story I’ve read so far in the series. As always, Hopper and Chaney have the power to enthrall me with their words, captivating me from the beginning, and not wanting it to end. An enraptured, immersive, edge of seat, thrilling, thought provoking, full of action and fast paced storyline, with the exact amount of humour! A world full of feelings, a demonstration of unity, hope, love, forgiveness, strength and resilience. Great characterization, with wonderful characters, even the villains are perfect in their evilness. I really hope this series is long, because I don’t want it to end. Lol. Looking forward to reading Imminent Failure #6!
January 11, 2020
Real space opera.
Magnus, Arwen and Piper are back. Piper is under enemy control but realises that she has made a mistake. Magnus is determined to rescue her and the whole Gladiator Umbra, plus a few others, are with him. There is an enormous battle to get to her and a lot of luck too. Of course we have the inevitable cliff hanger so that we are in tenterhooks while waiting for the next book! Great space opera though.
Magnus, Arwen and Piper are back. Piper is under enemy control but realises that she has made a mistake. Magnus is determined to rescue her and the whole Gladiator Umbra, plus a few others, are with him. There is an enormous battle to get to her and a lot of luck too. Of course we have the inevitable cliff hanger so that we are in tenterhooks while waiting for the next book! Great space opera though.
August 15, 2022
Nothing like reading a good book to put things in perspective. This was not that good book.
Ugh. Piper has a vision quest in the unity "because". I feel like "because" is because the author[s] could not figure out a better way to make things happen. I just don't have a high tolerance for "and the character had this useful thing happen to them that they would have not done but they had no control over it" - especially when there is no reason they didn't have control over it.
This book may end the series for me. Sigh.
Ugh. Piper has a vision quest in the unity "because". I feel like "because" is because the author[s] could not figure out a better way to make things happen. I just don't have a high tolerance for "and the character had this useful thing happen to them that they would have not done but they had no control over it" - especially when there is no reason they didn't have control over it.
This book may end the series for me. Sigh.
May 21, 2023
At the end of book 4, there has been some success, but there have also been some horrible outcomes. Whilst the Gladio Umbria where able to not rescue Elder Willowood, they rescued several other Luma that were being held by So-Elku. Magnus was also able to speak with Colonel Caldwell and convince him to join their cause.
However, during the operation, it became apparent that So-Elku had managed to access the tome, as the group was attacked by undead Luma, raised through the Unity by So-Elku. Although Awen managed to retrieve the tome, So-Elku has managed to gain significant power. As they retreat, the Gladio Umbria take significant fire, and during this, Valerie is killed. Piper, seeing this, releases a massive amount of energy, killing every soldier within range instantly on the enemy side, hundreds dead in a flash. She then vanishes. She still believes Magnus is a horrible monster from the things Nos Kil lied to her about, and now, believing that Magnus pushed her Mum into the line of fire that killed her (when he was actually trying to save her from a rocket blast), Piper is fueled by complete rage.
Magnus and the team must leave Worru, and Piper, or succumb to enemy fire.
As they try to come to terms with their losses the team immediately begin to put together plans on how they can try and get Piper back. This book (without giving too much away), becomes broken down into multiple parts, with the Gladio Umbria being tasked with different roles. Colonel Caldwell is tasked with trying to pull together Marine recruits, having to return to Worru and speak with the forces that just got decimated by Piper, Magnus agrees to go with him. Awen and Willowood begin to hunt for Piper in the Unity, but also begin to train the other Luma in new techniques. Rohoar goes to seek some Jujari reinforcements, whilst Sootriman and Ezo return to Ki Nar Four to see what help they can find there. In the meantime, Azelon continues to prepare weapons and armour, as well as some new surprises.
There is a new addition to the team as well, Ricio Longo, the Ace-Pilot has been released from captivity and added to the Gladio given his assistance at the battle of Worru, as well as his help with Nos Kil.
As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the team are going to have to go after the Black Labyrinth, Moldark’s own ship. There are multiple objectives aboard the ship, and it becomes paramount that they get aboard and take each of them. What unfolds is just epic.
This is an absolute thrill-ride that has some really interesting storyline as each of the separate teams takes time to complete their separate tasks, but as we see this, we get to learn more about each of this different characters. Caldwell is perhaps one of the funniest characters in this series, with the one-liners that come out of his mouth just so good, you will be laughing hysterically out loud (listening to R.C. Bray do Caldwell is just awesome!! I suggest not listening to it in public as it leads to some embarrassing looks when you laugh out loud). Sootriman’s return home, after the events of Moldark’s strike on her home, are brutal and powerful, and show just how clever the Authors as it is intensely gritty.
Perhaps the toughest part of this story, is young Piper. Having seen her Mother die, believing that Magnus is a cruel, predatory killer, and feeling utterly alone, Piper is scared, angry, and full of rage. In this moment of vulnerability, she turns to the one person she shouldn’t, and this leads her down a very dark path.
We are also introduced at the start of this story to David Seaman, a Commodore for the Paragon, over the Jujari Homeworld, and it is fascinating seeing how one of the commanders of Moldark’s fleet sees
As the mission pulls together, and things unfold on the Labyrinth, this becomes a story that you won’t soon forget.
The descriptive work in this story is beyond exceptional, the combat sequences are gritty, brutal and whilst they are obviously Sci-Fi – incredibly authentic.
I should just add a warning with regards to Piper and her story for anyone who has triggers, as she takes a dark path in this story, and it is hard to read about at times.
Black Labyrinth ramps into overdrive and is just masterful, with the addition of Caldwell and his magnificent, and absolutely stunning one-liners, insight into so many of the characters, and an end sequence that would leave Michael Bay open mouthed going ‘Huh…’, this is another sensational episode in what is easily one of the best Mil Sci-Fi series that is on the market today – an absolute must read.
However, during the operation, it became apparent that So-Elku had managed to access the tome, as the group was attacked by undead Luma, raised through the Unity by So-Elku. Although Awen managed to retrieve the tome, So-Elku has managed to gain significant power. As they retreat, the Gladio Umbria take significant fire, and during this, Valerie is killed. Piper, seeing this, releases a massive amount of energy, killing every soldier within range instantly on the enemy side, hundreds dead in a flash. She then vanishes. She still believes Magnus is a horrible monster from the things Nos Kil lied to her about, and now, believing that Magnus pushed her Mum into the line of fire that killed her (when he was actually trying to save her from a rocket blast), Piper is fueled by complete rage.
Magnus and the team must leave Worru, and Piper, or succumb to enemy fire.
As they try to come to terms with their losses the team immediately begin to put together plans on how they can try and get Piper back. This book (without giving too much away), becomes broken down into multiple parts, with the Gladio Umbria being tasked with different roles. Colonel Caldwell is tasked with trying to pull together Marine recruits, having to return to Worru and speak with the forces that just got decimated by Piper, Magnus agrees to go with him. Awen and Willowood begin to hunt for Piper in the Unity, but also begin to train the other Luma in new techniques. Rohoar goes to seek some Jujari reinforcements, whilst Sootriman and Ezo return to Ki Nar Four to see what help they can find there. In the meantime, Azelon continues to prepare weapons and armour, as well as some new surprises.
There is a new addition to the team as well, Ricio Longo, the Ace-Pilot has been released from captivity and added to the Gladio given his assistance at the battle of Worru, as well as his help with Nos Kil.
As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the team are going to have to go after the Black Labyrinth, Moldark’s own ship. There are multiple objectives aboard the ship, and it becomes paramount that they get aboard and take each of them. What unfolds is just epic.
This is an absolute thrill-ride that has some really interesting storyline as each of the separate teams takes time to complete their separate tasks, but as we see this, we get to learn more about each of this different characters. Caldwell is perhaps one of the funniest characters in this series, with the one-liners that come out of his mouth just so good, you will be laughing hysterically out loud (listening to R.C. Bray do Caldwell is just awesome!! I suggest not listening to it in public as it leads to some embarrassing looks when you laugh out loud). Sootriman’s return home, after the events of Moldark’s strike on her home, are brutal and powerful, and show just how clever the Authors as it is intensely gritty.
Perhaps the toughest part of this story, is young Piper. Having seen her Mother die, believing that Magnus is a cruel, predatory killer, and feeling utterly alone, Piper is scared, angry, and full of rage. In this moment of vulnerability, she turns to the one person she shouldn’t, and this leads her down a very dark path.
We are also introduced at the start of this story to David Seaman, a Commodore for the Paragon, over the Jujari Homeworld, and it is fascinating seeing how one of the commanders of Moldark’s fleet sees
As the mission pulls together, and things unfold on the Labyrinth, this becomes a story that you won’t soon forget.
The descriptive work in this story is beyond exceptional, the combat sequences are gritty, brutal and whilst they are obviously Sci-Fi – incredibly authentic.
I should just add a warning with regards to Piper and her story for anyone who has triggers, as she takes a dark path in this story, and it is hard to read about at times.
Black Labyrinth ramps into overdrive and is just masterful, with the addition of Caldwell and his magnificent, and absolutely stunning one-liners, insight into so many of the characters, and an end sequence that would leave Michael Bay open mouthed going ‘Huh…’, this is another sensational episode in what is easily one of the best Mil Sci-Fi series that is on the market today – an absolute must read.
January 2, 2020
First book of a new year and it’s a very good one. I really like this story and how it has developed.
As read in the last book, Willowood, mother of Valerie and gandmother of Piper was rescued from the dungeons of So-Elku’s palace. That rescue resulted in the loss of a lot of people including none other than Valerie, Piper’s mother. Her death pushed Piper over the edge and she had reason to blame no one but Magnus. She’s also full of terrible stories told to her by Nos Kil about Magnus which are totally wrong, but she hasn’t taken the time to ask Magnus if any of it was true. So, with all that, she flees the safety of the Gladio Umbra and hides herself in So-Elku’s palace tower.
Of course this pleases So-Elku to no end. He believes that he can get Piper to believe in his cause and use her powers for his evil plans. Yet, it seems that everyone that knows of Piper, wants to have her for their own. It doesn’t take long for Moldark to learn of Piper’s location so he sets out to take her from So-Elku no matter the cost.
Strangely, though, Piper agrees to go with him voluntarily! Not sure what that’s about, but she believes that she may have found her grandfather even though he seems to have turned into something evil and now calls himself Moldark. She taken to the Black Labyrinth, Moldark’s ship and he tries to win her over by allowing just enough of her grandfather to come to the surface to make it difficult for Piper to know whether she’s doing the right things or not.
Meanwhile, Magnus and Awen along with all their friends are going to rescue Piper no matter the cost. But, first they need to gather more troops, a lot more. That starts with trying to convince Magnus’ old mentor, Colonel Caldwell, to join with him and then attempt to steer additional Republic Marines to their cause also. After the firefight at the Worru spaceport where almost two platoons of Marines were wiped out, that might be a very tough job.
A very good book where you’ll want to know for sure if Piper stays in the clutches of the evil Moldark. By the way, just what is he anyway?
As read in the last book, Willowood, mother of Valerie and gandmother of Piper was rescued from the dungeons of So-Elku’s palace. That rescue resulted in the loss of a lot of people including none other than Valerie, Piper’s mother. Her death pushed Piper over the edge and she had reason to blame no one but Magnus. She’s also full of terrible stories told to her by Nos Kil about Magnus which are totally wrong, but she hasn’t taken the time to ask Magnus if any of it was true. So, with all that, she flees the safety of the Gladio Umbra and hides herself in So-Elku’s palace tower.
Of course this pleases So-Elku to no end. He believes that he can get Piper to believe in his cause and use her powers for his evil plans. Yet, it seems that everyone that knows of Piper, wants to have her for their own. It doesn’t take long for Moldark to learn of Piper’s location so he sets out to take her from So-Elku no matter the cost.
Strangely, though, Piper agrees to go with him voluntarily! Not sure what that’s about, but she believes that she may have found her grandfather even though he seems to have turned into something evil and now calls himself Moldark. She taken to the Black Labyrinth, Moldark’s ship and he tries to win her over by allowing just enough of her grandfather to come to the surface to make it difficult for Piper to know whether she’s doing the right things or not.
Meanwhile, Magnus and Awen along with all their friends are going to rescue Piper no matter the cost. But, first they need to gather more troops, a lot more. That starts with trying to convince Magnus’ old mentor, Colonel Caldwell, to join with him and then attempt to steer additional Republic Marines to their cause also. After the firefight at the Worru spaceport where almost two platoons of Marines were wiped out, that might be a very tough job.
A very good book where you’ll want to know for sure if Piper stays in the clutches of the evil Moldark. By the way, just what is he anyway?
December 13, 2019
Best book in the series so far.
I love this book the best so far. Plenty of action, plenty of space battles. It reminds me of Star Wars in its complexity. The only thing I did not like in the book was The psychological manipulation of a child. I personally find things like that even in Books disturbing. Besides that the book was great the characters are excellent and the plot is Machiavellian in nature.
You won’t be disappointed if you read this book in the series. The only problem is now I have to wait for the next one.
I love this book the best so far. Plenty of action, plenty of space battles. It reminds me of Star Wars in its complexity. The only thing I did not like in the book was The psychological manipulation of a child. I personally find things like that even in Books disturbing. Besides that the book was great the characters are excellent and the plot is Machiavellian in nature.
You won’t be disappointed if you read this book in the series. The only problem is now I have to wait for the next one.
February 13, 2022
Starting to drag
Whilst the book itself moves along at a fair pace, the overall story is taking forever to develop
It's interesting to see how the team gels together how it expands and how the new arrivals integrate, bit it's taking up too much of the whole
It's getting to the point that you can skip entire chapters and still get a proper understanding of the primary storyline
Hopefully the next book is a improvement, or it maybe the last for me in this series
Whilst the book itself moves along at a fair pace, the overall story is taking forever to develop
It's interesting to see how the team gels together how it expands and how the new arrivals integrate, bit it's taking up too much of the whole
It's getting to the point that you can skip entire chapters and still get a proper understanding of the primary storyline
Hopefully the next book is a improvement, or it maybe the last for me in this series
December 17, 2019
Best Yet
By far the best book in the series. The space battle is written in great detail and expertly told as if you were there yourself. Each character is well done with their own mannerisms and speech, especially Caldwell (his way of speech has me rolling in laughter). Great book and I cannot wait for the next one!
By far the best book in the series. The space battle is written in great detail and expertly told as if you were there yourself. Each character is well done with their own mannerisms and speech, especially Caldwell (his way of speech has me rolling in laughter). Great book and I cannot wait for the next one!
December 28, 2019
Still a Winner
Love this series. Action, suspense, hope lost, hope found, dedication, sacrifice and intrigue. Yes it’s a battle of good vs evil, and evil always seems to have the upper hand. Keep the faith and battle on!
Love this series. Action, suspense, hope lost, hope found, dedication, sacrifice and intrigue. Yes it’s a battle of good vs evil, and evil always seems to have the upper hand. Keep the faith and battle on!
January 14, 2020
I love reading Chaney & company's stories!
My wife is a writer, and I love reading her books, but she doesn't write science fiction, which I really like.
For years, decades even, I only read the old masters of science fiction... Then I discovered J. N. Chaney.
Enough said,
My wife is a writer, and I love reading her books, but she doesn't write science fiction, which I really like.
For years, decades even, I only read the old masters of science fiction... Then I discovered J. N. Chaney.
Enough said,
February 17, 2020
Crazy People live here
Wow what a great action packed storyline with plenty of banter. Shame Piper finds her grandpa for him to be a pain in the ass lol. Looking forward to the next book
Wow what a great action packed storyline with plenty of banter. Shame Piper finds her grandpa for him to be a pain in the ass lol. Looking forward to the next book
December 15, 2019
Another great book..
More of the good stuff from messres Chaney and Hopper. The central story remains strong and the characters continue to appeal. Well worth trying.
More of the good stuff from messres Chaney and Hopper. The central story remains strong and the characters continue to appeal. Well worth trying.
February 6, 2020
Tear jerker
Excellent story, it will have you on the edge of your seat. If you don't have years after reading this book towards the end you aren't human.
Excellent story, it will have you on the edge of your seat. If you don't have years after reading this book towards the end you aren't human.
February 16, 2020
Another great book in the series. Just started the next one.
March 9, 2020
Not as entertaining to me as J.N. Chaney's other series.
July 30, 2020
One good battle
This is the story of a run away child and what it takes to get her back from the arms of evil. Next book can be exciting too.
This is the story of a run away child and what it takes to get her back from the arms of evil. Next book can be exciting too.
February 27, 2023
I love this series. Great characters and RC Bray. Couldn't ask for better.
October 13, 2024
It's been a while since I listened to the previous book in the series, but most of the saga came back to me. This was a good action yarn with a good ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews