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Ether War #1
Fatal Fringe
A Resource as Precious as Life
Ether. It revolutionized human technology. Made faster than light travel possible. With this new form of energy, people expanded beyond Earth to distant stars in other galaxies across the cosmos. After years of conflicts, a rebellion, and countless skirmishes, the Human Confederacy is a thriving government, a beacon of civilization. Until an ether facility is destroyed out of the blue with no one taking credit for the destruction.
Enter the Morrigan, a state of the art ship with a brilliant but inexperienced crew. Their captain Noah Markel is no stranger to battle and he believes this may not be as simple as an act of terrorism but rather an incursion. Their first contact with an alien race. One bent on crippling human space travel in preparation for something far worse than a border dispute.
Ether. It revolutionized human technology. Made faster than light travel possible. With this new form of energy, people expanded beyond Earth to distant stars in other galaxies across the cosmos. After years of conflicts, a rebellion, and countless skirmishes, the Human Confederacy is a thriving government, a beacon of civilization. Until an ether facility is destroyed out of the blue with no one taking credit for the destruction.
Enter the Morrigan, a state of the art ship with a brilliant but inexperienced crew. Their captain Noah Markel is no stranger to battle and he believes this may not be as simple as an act of terrorism but rather an incursion. Their first contact with an alien race. One bent on crippling human space travel in preparation for something far worse than a border dispute.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
795 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
John Walker
1,218 books164 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 18, 2024
Stay away
This is, by far, the worst military sci-fi I've ever read.
It starts as one of those typical hostile first contact stories but fails to accurately portray any sort of actual military decorum.
You've got people arguing back with superior officers, both inside and outside combat. The writing style is so juvenile that I'd struggle to classify this as a YA book. The descriptions of the battles, both in space and on the ground, are very bland and uninteresting. The same goes for the characters as well.
I've read a number of series by John Walker before, and I remember liking them, but there is not a single positive thing I can say about this book. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
This is, by far, the worst military sci-fi I've ever read.
It starts as one of those typical hostile first contact stories but fails to accurately portray any sort of actual military decorum.
You've got people arguing back with superior officers, both inside and outside combat. The writing style is so juvenile that I'd struggle to classify this as a YA book. The descriptions of the battles, both in space and on the ground, are very bland and uninteresting. The same goes for the characters as well.
I've read a number of series by John Walker before, and I remember liking them, but there is not a single positive thing I can say about this book. I will not be reading the rest of the series.
December 7, 2019
One thing about John Walker, when he writes a military book, it’s about one mission and only one mission. There’s never any doubt about what the unit he’s writing about is going to do or how it comes out. I like that a lot.
Now he’s got a new series out titled “Ether War”. Ether, as you’ll find out seems to be some kind of mineral that is refined to produce rocket fuel allowing FTL or warp drive. The Human Confederacy has been expanding its borders with this new capability. And as humans, there comes a time when some people want to rebel against the existing government. That rebellion has been put down and now relative peace exists in known human space. Some of the rebels have fled to the frontiers of space and become pirates operating on the fringes of the Human Confederacy.
Also out there on the fringes are the newly discovered Ether mines. These mines were mostly ran by the Mechant Conglomerate (MerCon) who provided some minimal security for the sites. One small site had recently been blow up. That, in it self, was surprising because, while ether was very unstable, it wouldn’t blow up unless it was directly made to do so. Most pirates who would have attacked a mining site would have just wanted to steal some ether, but not destroy the site since they would probably want to come back and do the same thing again. But, this site was totally gone. It appeared that someone had ignited all the ether. The only thing left where once a complete mining facility stood was a huge crate in the ground.
So, now enters the starship USS Morrigan, "a hybrid of the heavy battlecruiser and the faster destroyers that made up the fleet.”(1) It is commanded by Captain Noah Markel who has a long history with the Human Confederacy. He’s a brilliant tactician and has rose in the ranks quite rapidly. Captain Markel is also known to bend the rules here and there always focused on successfully accomplishing his mission.
Captain Merkel has requested the assignment of Marine Major Oliver Peck, who had previously worked with him during the rebellion war. Major Peck has also seen some rapid advancement due to battlefield promotions, but he is certainly capable of doing the job, especially with his special condition. Years earlier and during the rebellion war, the use of ether as a drug injected into humans was almost common for soldiers. It made them into super soliders capable of doing just about anything. They were faster, smarter and stronger while the ether flowed through their veins. But, just like any drug, it had its side-effects.
Major Peck is an ether user. He depends on it regularly, but his circumstances are unique which is why such a dependency is allowed to exist while he’s in the military. Oliver and his sister, Rita, were born as an experiment to attempt to lessen the bad side-effects of ether while trying to enhance the good effects. So far, these two have shown the experiment to be working, but the Human Confederation has since decided that the use of ether by military personnel is now barred. Still, Major Peck is a good Marine and Captain Markel wants him to lead his Marine contingent on the Morrigan.
Back to the mission. The USS Morrigan is assigned the mission of finding out what happened to the ether mining facility and to apprehend or decisively stop this kind of attack from happening again. Of course, everyone figures that it was done by some rogue pirates, but that proves to be totally wrong. It just might have been aliens and, if so, this would be humanities first contact with such.
Oh, and Major Peck’s sister, Rita, is involved. She’s the same as the Major, an ether user, and while she was also once a Marine, she’s since been through out under less than honorable conditions.
A great start to a good series. I hope to see more soon.
(1) Walker, John. Fatal Fringe: Ether War Book 1 . Kindle Edition.
Now he’s got a new series out titled “Ether War”. Ether, as you’ll find out seems to be some kind of mineral that is refined to produce rocket fuel allowing FTL or warp drive. The Human Confederacy has been expanding its borders with this new capability. And as humans, there comes a time when some people want to rebel against the existing government. That rebellion has been put down and now relative peace exists in known human space. Some of the rebels have fled to the frontiers of space and become pirates operating on the fringes of the Human Confederacy.
Also out there on the fringes are the newly discovered Ether mines. These mines were mostly ran by the Mechant Conglomerate (MerCon) who provided some minimal security for the sites. One small site had recently been blow up. That, in it self, was surprising because, while ether was very unstable, it wouldn’t blow up unless it was directly made to do so. Most pirates who would have attacked a mining site would have just wanted to steal some ether, but not destroy the site since they would probably want to come back and do the same thing again. But, this site was totally gone. It appeared that someone had ignited all the ether. The only thing left where once a complete mining facility stood was a huge crate in the ground.
So, now enters the starship USS Morrigan, "a hybrid of the heavy battlecruiser and the faster destroyers that made up the fleet.”(1) It is commanded by Captain Noah Markel who has a long history with the Human Confederacy. He’s a brilliant tactician and has rose in the ranks quite rapidly. Captain Markel is also known to bend the rules here and there always focused on successfully accomplishing his mission.
Captain Merkel has requested the assignment of Marine Major Oliver Peck, who had previously worked with him during the rebellion war. Major Peck has also seen some rapid advancement due to battlefield promotions, but he is certainly capable of doing the job, especially with his special condition. Years earlier and during the rebellion war, the use of ether as a drug injected into humans was almost common for soldiers. It made them into super soliders capable of doing just about anything. They were faster, smarter and stronger while the ether flowed through their veins. But, just like any drug, it had its side-effects.
Major Peck is an ether user. He depends on it regularly, but his circumstances are unique which is why such a dependency is allowed to exist while he’s in the military. Oliver and his sister, Rita, were born as an experiment to attempt to lessen the bad side-effects of ether while trying to enhance the good effects. So far, these two have shown the experiment to be working, but the Human Confederation has since decided that the use of ether by military personnel is now barred. Still, Major Peck is a good Marine and Captain Markel wants him to lead his Marine contingent on the Morrigan.
Back to the mission. The USS Morrigan is assigned the mission of finding out what happened to the ether mining facility and to apprehend or decisively stop this kind of attack from happening again. Of course, everyone figures that it was done by some rogue pirates, but that proves to be totally wrong. It just might have been aliens and, if so, this would be humanities first contact with such.
Oh, and Major Peck’s sister, Rita, is involved. She’s the same as the Major, an ether user, and while she was also once a Marine, she’s since been through out under less than honorable conditions.
A great start to a good series. I hope to see more soon.
(1) Walker, John. Fatal Fringe: Ether War Book 1 . Kindle Edition.
January 26, 2020
Author has no idea how things work
Though its readable extremely juvenile, author has no idea how things and life are suppose to work especially aboard a ship command and control is a joke, ie Capt. Fighting for his and ships life in a space battle and he takes time to see how ground fighting is doing by chatty 1 on 1 voice. Author clearly just throws his imagination out there in very unworkable ways.
I'm giving him a 3 mainly cause I've read much better and much worse here. Plus the fact I also bought the 2nd book along with the first.. gotta look on the positive side maybe he got better one can only hope. If your not going to read these books on a unlimited kindle account do not PAY
Though its readable extremely juvenile, author has no idea how things and life are suppose to work especially aboard a ship command and control is a joke, ie Capt. Fighting for his and ships life in a space battle and he takes time to see how ground fighting is doing by chatty 1 on 1 voice. Author clearly just throws his imagination out there in very unworkable ways.
I'm giving him a 3 mainly cause I've read much better and much worse here. Plus the fact I also bought the 2nd book along with the first.. gotta look on the positive side maybe he got better one can only hope. If your not going to read these books on a unlimited kindle account do not PAY
December 15, 2019
Excellent first book and hopefully a new series.
This was a well done book, fast paced, plenty of action even with a few typos. The characters were interesting especially Noah he think so far ahead of everybody else he reminds me of a certain time traveling companion with a blue box. Noah is the smartest one in the room and he knows it. I love that and a main character. I also Love the war dog, hope to see more of him. The technology in the book was OK. The only problem is, now that I have finished this book I have to wait for the next one. If you have read this authors series of books in the past you’ll enjoy this one, even if you have not read any of this authors works start with this book and then go read his other series while you wait for the next chapter in this one. I immensely enjoyed it, read it in one sitting. You will not be disappointed in this book.
This was a well done book, fast paced, plenty of action even with a few typos. The characters were interesting especially Noah he think so far ahead of everybody else he reminds me of a certain time traveling companion with a blue box. Noah is the smartest one in the room and he knows it. I love that and a main character. I also Love the war dog, hope to see more of him. The technology in the book was OK. The only problem is, now that I have finished this book I have to wait for the next one. If you have read this authors series of books in the past you’ll enjoy this one, even if you have not read any of this authors works start with this book and then go read his other series while you wait for the next chapter in this one. I immensely enjoyed it, read it in one sitting. You will not be disappointed in this book.
January 27, 2020
Fatal Fringe
Lieutenant Noah and crew of the Morrigan had the task to fend off the alien ship that was trying to destroy all of the ether facilities in the Confederacy,while trying to stop one of the ether facilities being destroyed Oliver met up with his sister Rita which he hadn’t seen since she left the Confederacy and became a pirate.
Now she back in the fold and continuing the fight. I’m ready for the next adventure.
Lieutenant Noah and crew of the Morrigan had the task to fend off the alien ship that was trying to destroy all of the ether facilities in the Confederacy,while trying to stop one of the ether facilities being destroyed Oliver met up with his sister Rita which he hadn’t seen since she left the Confederacy and became a pirate.
Now she back in the fold and continuing the fight. I’m ready for the next adventure.
June 13, 2020
Good start to a series- can’t wait to read the next book
This is a good book and has the beginnings of an excellent series. The characters have good development and are believable. There is great action and a storyline that will allow this series to go wherever the author wishes to take us.
This is a good book and has the beginnings of an excellent series. The characters have good development and are believable. There is great action and a storyline that will allow this series to go wherever the author wishes to take us.
August 11, 2020
Bought this after reading the author's Legacy War series. It was ok but the problem is it was pretty much the same setup with slightly different technology and less attractive characters. Other aspects that reduced my enjoyment was the use of religious fanatic aliens, and the to me overlong space combat sequences which all got very samey. In two minds whether to continue with the series.
November 23, 2019
Evil aliens, lots of action!
It was a very solid plot, where a new ship and crew took on a new alien race attacking their mining worlds. The characters were solid, lots of battles on ground and in space. And the war Dog was a very cool addition, really made the ending exciting!
It was a very solid plot, where a new ship and crew took on a new alien race attacking their mining worlds. The characters were solid, lots of battles on ground and in space. And the war Dog was a very cool addition, really made the ending exciting!
December 8, 2019
Seem to follow the line some of John's other books have taken. Thought the start was a bit weak but it did get better as it went along. I hope this does not drag out into a long series I'm not sure I could cope with it
January 20, 2020
Awesome seat about Aliens
The story is excellent and so is detailing about Aliens/their mind set and response from earth forces.A new concept about war dog and it's quick adoption of present set of things including command.Liked it.
The story is excellent and so is detailing about Aliens/their mind set and response from earth forces.A new concept about war dog and it's quick adoption of present set of things including command.Liked it.
March 23, 2020
Action and adventure
Totally absorbing. Faced with an unknown alien invader the crew and captain of the Morrigan battle for their lives and the lives of countless
Civilians. The battle is gripping, filled with heroic action that will rivet you to the pages.
Totally absorbing. Faced with an unknown alien invader the crew and captain of the Morrigan battle for their lives and the lives of countless
Civilians. The battle is gripping, filled with heroic action that will rivet you to the pages.
November 2, 2020
Not that great
This was a fairly interesting story but the writing was uneven and poorly balanced. I know it is an introduction to a lengthy series but there is little here to encourage the reader to carry on with it. Poor stuff from a usually reliable author.
This was a fairly interesting story but the writing was uneven and poorly balanced. I know it is an introduction to a lengthy series but there is little here to encourage the reader to carry on with it. Poor stuff from a usually reliable author.
May 24, 2021
Loved the start of this series
I have been reading the descents series and while I wait for the next book to drop, I have started this one. So far I am not disappointed.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one 😀
I have been reading the descents series and while I wait for the next book to drop, I have started this one. So far I am not disappointed.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one 😀
June 9, 2021
Nice Read
I enjoyed reading this book and was thoroughly surprised by how many people have been made characters that should be around for the next installment. Hard to put down,easy to follow but with enough changes to keep it interesting.
I enjoyed reading this book and was thoroughly surprised by how many people have been made characters that should be around for the next installment. Hard to put down,easy to follow but with enough changes to keep it interesting.
June 13, 2021
Good read. Lots of action. His writing style was a bit confusing until I got used to it—he switches back and forth between 3rd and 1st person with the
identity of the 1st person varying. But overall a good story with likable characters.
identity of the 1st person varying. But overall a good story with likable characters.
December 4, 2022
Great quick read
For such a quick read, was able to relate and connect to multiple characters. Liked how the alien technology was different than ours but still stayed within the boundaries of science.
For such a quick read, was able to relate and connect to multiple characters. Liked how the alien technology was different than ours but still stayed within the boundaries of science.
January 16, 2024
Great stuff
An impressive start to a series. Loved the story. Great characters, well written with good action sequences and a last stand ending. I look forward to reading the follow on books. Highly recommended.
An impressive start to a series. Loved the story. Great characters, well written with good action sequences and a last stand ending. I look forward to reading the follow on books. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2019
Great Start
Well that was a great start to a new story. Well thought out with with some good banter and plenty of action.. Well done
Well that was a great start to a new story. Well thought out with with some good banter and plenty of action.. Well done
December 11, 2019
Robert's Review and Comments
Great book, this is going to be an awesome campaign. I am looking forward to seeing the next adventure for this crew. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Great book, this is going to be an awesome campaign. I am looking forward to seeing the next adventure for this crew. Thanks for a GoodRead.
December 27, 2019
Interesting. First time I have read a *military* sciences fiction that wasn't *military*. I do not think a *captain* of a ship would talk as he does. Otherwize good story.
December 29, 2019
Great new series.
Do you want a good space opera novel? If so grab this novel and start reading. Excellent space ship fighting combined with on the ground infantry fighting.
Do you want a good space opera novel? If so grab this novel and start reading. Excellent space ship fighting combined with on the ground infantry fighting.
December 31, 2019
Entertaining
Kept me involved in the story until I finished the book. I would recommend this book to my friends.
I will start his next book.
Kept me involved in the story until I finished the book. I would recommend this book to my friends.
I will start his next book.
January 7, 2020
Good read
Engrossing story line with strong characterization and development. I only laid it down to go to a Dr,s appointment. Get this one and spend an enjoyable time.
Engrossing story line with strong characterization and development. I only laid it down to go to a Dr,s appointment. Get this one and spend an enjoyable time.
January 19, 2020
Great zread!!
Lots of action, good storyline, believable characters...cant wait to read the next book in this series. This author knows his SciFi...
Lots of action, good storyline, believable characters...cant wait to read the next book in this series. This author knows his SciFi...
February 12, 2020
Exciting
Exciting story to read. It could easily be a part of our future. Loved the characters and how they related to each other and the aliens.
Exciting story to read. It could easily be a part of our future. Loved the characters and how they related to each other and the aliens.
dnf-not-for-me
May 28, 20201/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
June 21, 2020
Fun to read
The action scenes are awesome. The alien with superior weapons and intent to wipe out humanity is fairly common but this is well done. A fun tale.
The action scenes are awesome. The alien with superior weapons and intent to wipe out humanity is fairly common but this is well done. A fun tale.
August 8, 2020
Non stop action
Had a hard time putting this one down. Great space battles and I particularly liked the charachters. Looking forward to the next book
Had a hard time putting this one down. Great space battles and I particularly liked the charachters. Looking forward to the next book
October 16, 2020
Really good first book
I was supposed on how well this story was was put together. Really good story line and good depth in the the characters.
I was supposed on how well this story was was put together. Really good story line and good depth in the the characters.
November 8, 2020
Good Read
Lot's of action plus good character descriptions. Looking forward as the saga unfolds for the ship and crew. Easy to read also.
Lot's of action plus good character descriptions. Looking forward as the saga unfolds for the ship and crew. Easy to read also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews