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Astral Prime #12
Terminal Gambit: Mission 12
Every mistake carries a price. The worst accrue interest. All come due eventually.
Cedric has discovered the means to fight back, but the price is high. Not all species are capable of carrying out his methods. It's one thing asking ships and crews to fight; it's another to ask them to sacrifice themselves. And yet, the valiant ships of Earth Navy continue to do so.
If only the rest of the galaxy were so brave.
A dark plan unfolds to doom one universe to save another. And an old foe will have to decide where his loyalties to his species, or to himself?
When the war with the cosmic horrors reaches an epic crescendo, everyone is going to have to decide how much they're willing to sacrifice for the sake of their fellow sentient creatures.
Cedric has discovered the means to fight back, but the price is high. Not all species are capable of carrying out his methods. It's one thing asking ships and crews to fight; it's another to ask them to sacrifice themselves. And yet, the valiant ships of Earth Navy continue to do so.
If only the rest of the galaxy were so brave.
A dark plan unfolds to doom one universe to save another. And an old foe will have to decide where his loyalties to his species, or to himself?
When the war with the cosmic horrors reaches an epic crescendo, everyone is going to have to decide how much they're willing to sacrifice for the sake of their fellow sentient creatures.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2019
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Morin
193 books612 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 3, 2020
The Galaxy has come under the grips of the Void Kraken (Or if you are a stuffy old Wizard who demands the proper words and respect, as befitting one of their station, you should use the proper Vaieen, and call it a MyllThog), regardless, the Galaxy is in a bad way, as no matter how much they try, nobody seems to have the sense to stop using the “Kane Paradox Beam Cannon”, regardless of Hiroko and Cedric’s efforts to the contrary. As a result, the universe continues to fill with the creatures, and it will not be long before another of them strikes a Core Planet, the same as Phabian, and this time, there might not be such a lucky escape.
Hiroko and Cedric continue to try desperately to find a solution, something that will not only save the Galaxy, but it’s indigenous inhabitants.
This series has been a brilliant and daring saga, starting off as a fairly easy-going story of the Station, its inhabitants, and their discovery of a very unusual planet in the Astral.
What has followed is a stunning Character driven series of epic proportions, following multiple main Characters, from one end of the Galaxy to the other as the major powers of the Galaxy vie for the secrets that are hidden within Shadow Planet, and the Vaieen Outpost.
Of course, there are only a few within the entire Galaxy that know that the Galaxy’s inhabitants have been created by the Vaieen, provided sentience, and their difference in species, culture, intelligence etc, to allow them to try and solve the MyllThog problem within their own Galaxy. Unable to eliminate the MyllThog, they created the species in this Universe to try and solve their problem. Whilst the “Kane Paradox Beam Cannon”did solve the issue to some extent, it also created the ultimate solution for the Vaieen, slowly clearing their Galaxy of the Vaieen, every time one is killed by the cannon, another 3-9 are brought through. Eventually our Galaxy will be swimming with MyllThog, and theirs will be clean.
As all of our Main Characters struggle to deal with this (Even Kane actually showing some real fortitude in this book), we see those that are true Heroes, and those that are only in it to save their own skins.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this story builds to an incredible finale, with an ending that is truly a Terminal Gambit, as those involved risk all, to save all.
One thing that I really loved about this book is that the Authors made the effort to wrap up all the loose ends from the 12 books in the series. There have been a lot of different story lines started, some open, some closed, some left open just for fun as the books have travelled, so that your own imagination can fill in the gaps. However, there are some story lines that really have to be wrapped up, otherwise it is just annoying. And this is done with exceptional skill, leaving readers (well I was!!) satisfied.
Astral Prime has been an outstanding series, with a brilliant main story line, and some fantastic sub plots, making for an extraordinary read that is not only a lot of fun, but is a gripping read. Astral Prime is a lot darker than the other Black Ocean books, and makes for a complete thrill ride.
The Character writing, as mentioned previously, is a true Masterclass in writing. The Psychological aspects of each of the Characters, from the Powerful, Pretentious, and yet Neurotic Cedric, Kendra with all her self-image issues, and inability to live without a partner in her life, Myo Tam’s adventure with channeling other Stuunji to make her more self-aware, Kane and his complete lack of compassion for any living thing, until he is taken over by the Vaieen, the various races, the Eyndar, portrayed as Savage Canines with a severe lack of intellect, but are they just ruled by their own instincts, and the Zheen, who loath the Eyndar, and think themselves so superior to them in so many ways, but in many ways, are ruled by their own instincts and pheromones just as much. Earth Navy are hilarious, one of the funniest things in the book, the sections with Capt Brennan are possibly some of the funniest in the book – Seriously, “His Granpappy says”
One of the most interesting Characters throughout this entire series has been Hiroko however. She was compelling to begin with, head of the station, and mysterious background and all, but then she is killed, and is resurrected by Vaieen tech, and what returns is not holy Hiroko. And the Galaxy is probably better off for it in the long run (Although Kendra will never be)
If you want an enthralling thrill ride that takes you on a remarkable adventure, this is the series to read, Astral Prime is one of the Best Spin-Off Series I have ever read, as it rivals the original. If you loved Black Ocean, you will love this series, and it has an exceptional ending that won’t disappoint.
Hiroko and Cedric continue to try desperately to find a solution, something that will not only save the Galaxy, but it’s indigenous inhabitants.
This series has been a brilliant and daring saga, starting off as a fairly easy-going story of the Station, its inhabitants, and their discovery of a very unusual planet in the Astral.
What has followed is a stunning Character driven series of epic proportions, following multiple main Characters, from one end of the Galaxy to the other as the major powers of the Galaxy vie for the secrets that are hidden within Shadow Planet, and the Vaieen Outpost.
Of course, there are only a few within the entire Galaxy that know that the Galaxy’s inhabitants have been created by the Vaieen, provided sentience, and their difference in species, culture, intelligence etc, to allow them to try and solve the MyllThog problem within their own Galaxy. Unable to eliminate the MyllThog, they created the species in this Universe to try and solve their problem. Whilst the “Kane Paradox Beam Cannon”did solve the issue to some extent, it also created the ultimate solution for the Vaieen, slowly clearing their Galaxy of the Vaieen, every time one is killed by the cannon, another 3-9 are brought through. Eventually our Galaxy will be swimming with MyllThog, and theirs will be clean.
As all of our Main Characters struggle to deal with this (Even Kane actually showing some real fortitude in this book), we see those that are true Heroes, and those that are only in it to save their own skins.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this story builds to an incredible finale, with an ending that is truly a Terminal Gambit, as those involved risk all, to save all.
One thing that I really loved about this book is that the Authors made the effort to wrap up all the loose ends from the 12 books in the series. There have been a lot of different story lines started, some open, some closed, some left open just for fun as the books have travelled, so that your own imagination can fill in the gaps. However, there are some story lines that really have to be wrapped up, otherwise it is just annoying. And this is done with exceptional skill, leaving readers (well I was!!) satisfied.
Astral Prime has been an outstanding series, with a brilliant main story line, and some fantastic sub plots, making for an extraordinary read that is not only a lot of fun, but is a gripping read. Astral Prime is a lot darker than the other Black Ocean books, and makes for a complete thrill ride.
The Character writing, as mentioned previously, is a true Masterclass in writing. The Psychological aspects of each of the Characters, from the Powerful, Pretentious, and yet Neurotic Cedric, Kendra with all her self-image issues, and inability to live without a partner in her life, Myo Tam’s adventure with channeling other Stuunji to make her more self-aware, Kane and his complete lack of compassion for any living thing, until he is taken over by the Vaieen, the various races, the Eyndar, portrayed as Savage Canines with a severe lack of intellect, but are they just ruled by their own instincts, and the Zheen, who loath the Eyndar, and think themselves so superior to them in so many ways, but in many ways, are ruled by their own instincts and pheromones just as much. Earth Navy are hilarious, one of the funniest things in the book, the sections with Capt Brennan are possibly some of the funniest in the book – Seriously, “His Granpappy says”
One of the most interesting Characters throughout this entire series has been Hiroko however. She was compelling to begin with, head of the station, and mysterious background and all, but then she is killed, and is resurrected by Vaieen tech, and what returns is not holy Hiroko. And the Galaxy is probably better off for it in the long run (Although Kendra will never be)
If you want an enthralling thrill ride that takes you on a remarkable adventure, this is the series to read, Astral Prime is one of the Best Spin-Off Series I have ever read, as it rivals the original. If you loved Black Ocean, you will love this series, and it has an exceptional ending that won’t disappoint.
January 30, 2020
A solution has been found. But...not all the species in the Black Ocean have the ability. Those that do may see a great sacrifice. Those that don't... or those who refuse to meet the needs of that sacrifice may tip the balance into the destruction of everything. As all the actors play their parts it comes down to only one final act to save it all.
The final conclusion of the BLACK OCEAN: ASTRAL PRIME series. Authors Morin and Larkin have woven a desperate and seemingly hopeless story. The wonderful thing about this final story is that they give all the main characters throughout the series an ending befitting their parts. As each of the myriad threads that have been interwoven between the players reaches their end, the way to salvation becomes darker and more clearer with each. The authors have been faithful to each of their heroes and villains and close out this story with a sad but satisfying end for all.
For new readers, this isn't the end of the BLACK OCEAN. There are many more stories to be told and between the original 16.5 novels and short stories in the original series and the BLACK OCEAN:MERCY FOR HIRE ongoing series their are many more books forthcoming.
The final conclusion of the BLACK OCEAN: ASTRAL PRIME series. Authors Morin and Larkin have woven a desperate and seemingly hopeless story. The wonderful thing about this final story is that they give all the main characters throughout the series an ending befitting their parts. As each of the myriad threads that have been interwoven between the players reaches their end, the way to salvation becomes darker and more clearer with each. The authors have been faithful to each of their heroes and villains and close out this story with a sad but satisfying end for all.
For new readers, this isn't the end of the BLACK OCEAN. There are many more stories to be told and between the original 16.5 novels and short stories in the original series and the BLACK OCEAN:MERCY FOR HIRE ongoing series their are many more books forthcoming.
June 23, 2020
Things wrapped up pretty quick, but it was a solid ending. Enjoyed sticking around for this long ride.
Same great narration throughout the series.
Same great narration throughout the series.
November 26, 2019
Mission 12, Terminal Gambit, is the final chapter in the Astral Prime series.
I was looking forward to this book for weeks. I couldn't wait to see all the loose ends of all the characters get tied up, and to see if the Void Krakens would meet their demise.
This episode didn't quite live up to the hype, but adequately played out the characters storylines. And, there are a few surprises tucked in here and there.
All in all, I think most readers will be satisfied at the conclusion of this series.
I was looking forward to this book for weeks. I couldn't wait to see all the loose ends of all the characters get tied up, and to see if the Void Krakens would meet their demise.
This episode didn't quite live up to the hype, but adequately played out the characters storylines. And, there are a few surprises tucked in here and there.
All in all, I think most readers will be satisfied at the conclusion of this series.
December 28, 2020
This review is for the entire Astral Prime series as a whole to include a handful of the short stories.
Here’s a quick recap of the ratings for the various missions. As for the overall summary of the series that follows, I’ll try keep as brief as possible.
APM01 - 4 Stars
APM02 - 3 Stars
APM03 - 3 Stars
APM04 - 4 Stars
APM05 - 4 Stars
APM06 - 2 Stars
APM07 - 2 Stars
APM08 - 2 Stars
APM09 - 3 Stars
APM10 - 2 Stars
APM11 - 3 Stars
APM12 - 3 Stars
APM12.# - 4.5 Stars
SUMMARY
I like initially like the concept of breaking away from the Mobius and Ester’s crew and expanding the Black Ocean universe even further. Book one in the series hooked me, the concept was different from your standard space heist or rescue mission, missions 2 - 5 were OK, not enough to push me away from the series but it was noticeable as the series went on that something wasn’t write. Characters were standard Morin troupes, but the story arcs were all over the place. Series took a nose dive beginning with mission 6 and ultimately failed to recover from there on. The main reason for this was Messiah Hiroko. Effectively, shortly after her return from death, he role was relegated to preaching nonsensical mambo jumbo of the “Truth” and “Knowledge” she gained from the inflection point. From resurrection day until her final passing, she spent the reaming of the series trying to convince Cedric and those around her of the “Truth” while doing everything in her power to not share said truth because of reasons.
From book 6 on wards, the series devolved into pure gibberish, and this is coming from a Sci-Fi book series with sentient Penguins, Mosquitoes, and Fungi. I found myself skipping pages/sections ahead every time Hiroko popped into the dialogue. If a chapter was dedicated to her, I skipped it all together, or did the 30 second pass through to make sure I didn’t missed any important plot twist. I also found myself easily pulled away from the series, unlike Mobius and Hero for Hire, whose books I devoured like a recently popped into existence Wor(l)d-Eater. These a short books, and yet I didn’t see the need to rush to continue the story, and that’s quite telling, at least for me.
So why did I like the previous two series from Morin and not this one, I suspect the truth of the matter is that this series suffered from a pseudo Vaieen presences in the form M.A. Larkin. I say this because while the previous J.S. Morin series weren’t always perfect, I thoroughly enjoyed them. I could not say that about this series and the major differences between those previous series and this one was the inclusion of Larkin. That said, I’m not privy to whose idea was whose in this series, but I suspect Larkin’s involvement didn’t help matters. That said, I wonder how the series would have been had Morin written entirely himself, I suspect I would have enjoyed it more than I did.
I had Sins of Angels slotted next in my queue, but I might skipped it seeing that Larkin also contributed to that series.
Here’s a quick recap of the ratings for the various missions. As for the overall summary of the series that follows, I’ll try keep as brief as possible.
APM01 - 4 Stars
APM02 - 3 Stars
APM03 - 3 Stars
APM04 - 4 Stars
APM05 - 4 Stars
APM06 - 2 Stars
APM07 - 2 Stars
APM08 - 2 Stars
APM09 - 3 Stars
APM10 - 2 Stars
APM11 - 3 Stars
APM12 - 3 Stars
APM12.# - 4.5 Stars
SUMMARY
I like initially like the concept of breaking away from the Mobius and Ester’s crew and expanding the Black Ocean universe even further. Book one in the series hooked me, the concept was different from your standard space heist or rescue mission, missions 2 - 5 were OK, not enough to push me away from the series but it was noticeable as the series went on that something wasn’t write. Characters were standard Morin troupes, but the story arcs were all over the place. Series took a nose dive beginning with mission 6 and ultimately failed to recover from there on. The main reason for this was Messiah Hiroko. Effectively, shortly after her return from death, he role was relegated to preaching nonsensical mambo jumbo of the “Truth” and “Knowledge” she gained from the inflection point. From resurrection day until her final passing, she spent the reaming of the series trying to convince Cedric and those around her of the “Truth” while doing everything in her power to not share said truth because of reasons.
From book 6 on wards, the series devolved into pure gibberish, and this is coming from a Sci-Fi book series with sentient Penguins, Mosquitoes, and Fungi. I found myself skipping pages/sections ahead every time Hiroko popped into the dialogue. If a chapter was dedicated to her, I skipped it all together, or did the 30 second pass through to make sure I didn’t missed any important plot twist. I also found myself easily pulled away from the series, unlike Mobius and Hero for Hire, whose books I devoured like a recently popped into existence Wor(l)d-Eater. These a short books, and yet I didn’t see the need to rush to continue the story, and that’s quite telling, at least for me.
So why did I like the previous two series from Morin and not this one, I suspect the truth of the matter is that this series suffered from a pseudo Vaieen presences in the form M.A. Larkin. I say this because while the previous J.S. Morin series weren’t always perfect, I thoroughly enjoyed them. I could not say that about this series and the major differences between those previous series and this one was the inclusion of Larkin. That said, I’m not privy to whose idea was whose in this series, but I suspect Larkin’s involvement didn’t help matters. That said, I wonder how the series would have been had Morin written entirely himself, I suspect I would have enjoyed it more than I did.
I had Sins of Angels slotted next in my queue, but I might skipped it seeing that Larkin also contributed to that series.
November 29, 2019
A good ending for this series. We see many doing all they can to save their worlds/species, but we also see many who turn a blind eye to the dangers they unleash upon others as they save only their own or seek the glory of destruction.
I find it interesting to see how the committee from ARGO, and most especially the human elements therein, constantly accuses Cedric of arrogance while completely failing to see their own.
In the end, despite their differences, I'm glad to see Cedric and Hiroko finally working together, blending Hiroko's Truth and Cedric's belief. And I liked the strength Kane achieved, along with his fate.
I find it interesting to see how the committee from ARGO, and most especially the human elements therein, constantly accuses Cedric of arrogance while completely failing to see their own.
In the end, despite their differences, I'm glad to see Cedric and Hiroko finally working together, blending Hiroko's Truth and Cedric's belief. And I liked the strength Kane achieved, along with his fate.
November 25, 2019
J.S. Morin’s Black Ocean story universe is the perfect platform for science fiction. That’s why the several separate but loosely connected series set there have worked so well. That’s certainly the case with J.S. Morin and M.A. Larkin’s Black Ocean: Astral Prime, and is clearly demonstrated by Terminal Gambit, it’s “Mission 12”. This was a totally fun book. Well written, with a great plot and perfect world-building. Heavy stuff being dealt with here: war with cosmic horrors that is reaching for an epic crescendo, but also totally exciting and a blast to read. Definitely recommended.
March 14, 2020
Finally done. I can't really review the quality of the writing of this book as the series was just too long and this one really jumped the megalodon pretty early. Plus without Carl, Mort and the bond of the original bunch, a piece of the magic is gone from all of the expanded stories. Even the end of the original series got rough when parts of that cast left to live on the moon. Unfortunately it all figures into my feeling on this looong series too.
November 19, 2019
Satisfying Conclusion
This was a satisfying ending to the madness that was the Astral Prime series. Character arcs completed. Redemption as necessary. Given how much trouble I'd been having liking some of the characters, the fact that I'm actually happy with how it all turned out is a testament to the authors.
This was a satisfying ending to the madness that was the Astral Prime series. Character arcs completed. Redemption as necessary. Given how much trouble I'd been having liking some of the characters, the fact that I'm actually happy with how it all turned out is a testament to the authors.
November 20, 2019
As the name implies, this wraps up the Astral Prime series. If you read the rest, you will want to read the ending. This does a nice job of wrapping up all the loose ends and bringing the characters to the end of their stories.
Without giving any spoilers, I would not call this a fairy tail ending. That said, it was reasonably satisfying in how it all worked out.
Without giving any spoilers, I would not call this a fairy tail ending. That said, it was reasonably satisfying in how it all worked 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.
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June 9, 2020Great finale to an amazing series. I really enjoyed Astral Prime, though nothing really compares with the original series.
April 15, 2021
Better than the last couple ones. Just not as good as the original black ocean series.
August 12, 2021
The end. A wrap-up book just setting in the conclusion. I was not too surprised by the choices made here and, to be honest, expected many of them to be made much earlier in this series.
August 2, 2023
Great book loved the story and the book narration can’t wait for the next one I highly recommend it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😀👍📖☕️
June 22, 2024
One final gambit to save the galaxy from the Milthog and it relies on one of the most unlikely sources of help, before the end.
January 26, 2025
3.25 stars
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews