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The Spiral Wars #6
Rando Splicer
Separated from her ship, Major Trace Thakur is stranded on the reeh-occupied world of Rando. The native corbi have suffered beneath reeh tyranny for 800 years, and many have given up hope. But Trace needs the data stored in the reeh’s genetic technology and command center — the Rando Splicer — if she’s to learn how to save humanity from impending disaster, and is planning an assault against overwhelming odds. She’ll need help from the UFS Phoenix, though, which is caught in a ritual medieval battle to change the croma leadership that sees her crew embarking on a perilous journey across a warring desert continent. Should they fail, humanity could be just one of many species to die.
585 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2019
336 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Joel Shepherd
27 books775 followersJoel Shepherd is an Australian science fiction author. He moved to Perth, Western Australia with his family when he was seven, where he later studied film and television arts at Curtin University. He now lives in Adelaide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 28, 2019
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Didn't want it to end. Superb plot developments. Lots of good surprises. More upbeat than Croma Venture. We also get a sense of the plan going forward, thus a feeling for the next book. The author's foreword says he's planning ten books total. Much as I like this series, I hope he stops at ten. I'm not a fan of the never-ending-saga writing technique.
I really like the characters in this series, especially Erik and Trace, Skah, Styx, Peanut, etc. etc. I appreciated the humor and adventure on the Croma planet Dul'rho, especially in contrast against the grim despair and determination on the reeh-occupied planet Rando. I felt for Major Thakur and Giddy Kono. "I am a stone." I am glad Jindi has a tiny friend, at the end. Wonder where that will lead?
I was glad we got to see what's going on with Fleet, back on Hoffen Station, and with Lisbeth, back on the parren planet.
Will buy the audiobook when it's released.
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Didn't want it to end. Superb plot developments. Lots of good surprises. More upbeat than Croma Venture. We also get a sense of the plan going forward, thus a feeling for the next book. The author's foreword says he's planning ten books total. Much as I like this series, I hope he stops at ten. I'm not a fan of the never-ending-saga writing technique.
I really like the characters in this series, especially Erik and Trace, Skah, Styx, Peanut, etc. etc. I appreciated the humor and adventure on the Croma planet Dul'rho, especially in contrast against the grim despair and determination on the reeh-occupied planet Rando. I felt for Major Thakur and Giddy Kono. "I am a stone." I am glad Jindi has a tiny friend, at the end. Wonder where that will lead?
I was glad we got to see what's going on with Fleet, back on Hoffen Station, and with Lisbeth, back on the parren planet.
Will buy the audiobook when it's released.
July 27, 2020
A disaster of an attack on the reeh has left Major Trace Thakur and Staff Sergeant Kono on the reeh-occupied corbi homeworld of Rando, separated from the UFS Phoenix which has retreated to croma space. The Major has to survive a world full of lethally genetically modified creatures, corbi resistance fighters and collaborators as well as reeh and their slave species. But the Major being who she is, she resolves to strike against the enormous reeh genetic lab known as the Rando Splicer to complete the mission that may save humanity.
Meanwhile in Croma space Captain Erik Debogande finds the UFS Phoenix in the middle of yet another alien species cultural upheaval as the treachery of the ruling clan of the croma is revealed. The Phoenix needs the support of the croma before they can launch a rescue mission for Major Thakur and repeat the assault on the Splicer.
This book has a few deeper elements that aren't present so much in earlier books. First, the corbi are not only the most human-like aliens that humanity has discovered (they look a bit like chimps), but their situation with the reeh is very similar to where humanity itself was in the past when Earth was occupied by the crim. This presents emotional compromise for both Trace and Erik in different ways as they feel obligated to help, even while the deadly biotech threat that is Phoenix's true mission looms.
Second, the situation that the corbi find themselves in, occupied by an immense and cruel empire, and with almost no friends, means that their people have to make the sort of compromises and decisions necessary in a war. And that's safe for nobody. The sort of decisions that humanity made a 1,000 years ago are one thing at arms length when the species was ultimately victorious, but this puts our characters right in the middle of some ugly decisions.
Up until this point in the series the Phoenix has been on a noble crusade. This one is the antidote to some of that glorification of war. Can't wait to see where it goes next.
Meanwhile in Croma space Captain Erik Debogande finds the UFS Phoenix in the middle of yet another alien species cultural upheaval as the treachery of the ruling clan of the croma is revealed. The Phoenix needs the support of the croma before they can launch a rescue mission for Major Thakur and repeat the assault on the Splicer.
This book has a few deeper elements that aren't present so much in earlier books. First, the corbi are not only the most human-like aliens that humanity has discovered (they look a bit like chimps), but their situation with the reeh is very similar to where humanity itself was in the past when Earth was occupied by the crim. This presents emotional compromise for both Trace and Erik in different ways as they feel obligated to help, even while the deadly biotech threat that is Phoenix's true mission looms.
Second, the situation that the corbi find themselves in, occupied by an immense and cruel empire, and with almost no friends, means that their people have to make the sort of compromises and decisions necessary in a war. And that's safe for nobody. The sort of decisions that humanity made a 1,000 years ago are one thing at arms length when the species was ultimately victorious, but this puts our characters right in the middle of some ugly decisions.
Up until this point in the series the Phoenix has been on a noble crusade. This one is the antidote to some of that glorification of war. Can't wait to see where it goes next.
September 7, 2023
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December 8, 2020
*Ponderous and Needlessly Verbose*
“Rando Splicer” Book 6 continues the downward arc of a ponderous and needlessly verbose continuation of the author’s “The Spiral Wars” Story.
At each and every stage the author has increased verbiage to complicate an already complicated ‘universe’ that started out well. All unnecessary to the story, but apparently necessary to the author. A good story has a beginning, middle and end. Mr. Shepherd does not subscribe to this most basic tenet of good writing. Instead, he dumps expansive data sets of a fictional history, which overwhelmingly is backstory, along with protagonist angst filled brooding passages, something he doesn’t need except to create more content for publishing distribution.
Additionally, the nuts and bolts of any good writing - the actual words used, have been a increasing mess with writer’s tics approaching fetish level saturation.
Read via Kindle Unlimited.
“Rando Splicer” Book 6 continues the downward arc of a ponderous and needlessly verbose continuation of the author’s “The Spiral Wars” Story.
At each and every stage the author has increased verbiage to complicate an already complicated ‘universe’ that started out well. All unnecessary to the story, but apparently necessary to the author. A good story has a beginning, middle and end. Mr. Shepherd does not subscribe to this most basic tenet of good writing. Instead, he dumps expansive data sets of a fictional history, which overwhelmingly is backstory, along with protagonist angst filled brooding passages, something he doesn’t need except to create more content for publishing distribution.
Additionally, the nuts and bolts of any good writing - the actual words used, have been a increasing mess with writer’s tics approaching fetish level saturation.
Read via Kindle Unlimited.
October 26, 2019
'Rando Splicer' exceeds expectations. Excellent.
I was very pleased with how this book 6 advanced both the Spiral Wars plot and our beloved Phoenix characters. Mr. Shepherd built on the 5 previous installments and added some fresh flavors (e.g. Mad Max road trip in a Croma hover train, guerrilla warfare led By Major Thakur, young Lisbeth's cliffhanger power play). The plot was 98% based on planetside action, too.
This Spiral Wars series is the new gold standard in violent space opera. I am glad to hear that the author plans ten books in total!
I was very pleased with how this book 6 advanced both the Spiral Wars plot and our beloved Phoenix characters. Mr. Shepherd built on the 5 previous installments and added some fresh flavors (e.g. Mad Max road trip in a Croma hover train, guerrilla warfare led By Major Thakur, young Lisbeth's cliffhanger power play). The plot was 98% based on planetside action, too.
This Spiral Wars series is the new gold standard in violent space opera. I am glad to hear that the author plans ten books in total!
September 13, 2019
What can I say? Just read the book.
This is a great series written with great care and talent. There are a few minor errors, ignore them. Amazing character development and world building. The Parren, The Corbi, The Croma, The Drysines, so much work has gone into this story. Simply stunning.
This is a great series written with great care and talent. There are a few minor errors, ignore them. Amazing character development and world building. The Parren, The Corbi, The Croma, The Drysines, so much work has gone into this story. Simply stunning.
October 4, 2019
I love this series but sorry no romance. There are plenty of other emotions + smart, strong women of all flavors (human, alien, etc). Lots of action and the author does a great job imagining the issues involved and character development. I'm eating up the alien world building and details of military spaceship life. Hoping the next book releases soon.
September 17, 2019
Great book in the series
This book builds on the great characters in this series. Well though out plot for this story. Additional plotlines build on the author previous work in this series.
This book builds on the great characters in this series. Well though out plot for this story. Additional plotlines build on the author previous work in this series.
September 23, 2019
Epic
I love this universe! Joel Shepherd takes about a year between books so far but when you get the finished product then I have to say the wait was worth it. Looking forward to the next instalment!
I love this universe! Joel Shepherd takes about a year between books so far but when you get the finished product then I have to say the wait was worth it. Looking forward to the next instalment!
October 3, 2019
The series is certainly underrated. The plot and the worldbuilding are really good, the characters are interesting - and the battle scenes (FTL warfare!) are quite awesome. One of the best mil sci-fi series I have ever read.
September 29, 2019
Brilliant continuation to an excellent series
Joel Shepherd has done it again. The quality of the writing remains top-notch and the crew of the Phoenix continues to evolve and mature as they race to save the spiral. Highly recommended.
Joel Shepherd has done it again. The quality of the writing remains top-notch and the crew of the Phoenix continues to evolve and mature as they race to save the spiral. Highly recommended.
September 29, 2019
Great series !
Joel does an awesome job. This latest edition the the spiral wars is a good read and I look forward to reading the next. Download today, you will not be disappointed!
Joel does an awesome job. This latest edition the the spiral wars is a good read and I look forward to reading the next. Download today, you will not be disappointed!
September 8, 2019
4.5 stars. Good continuation of a great series.
September 11, 2019
Great follow on for the series
I love these for their characters and the relationships. Great world building as well. I look forward to the next book.
I love these for their characters and the relationships. Great world building as well. I look forward to the next book.
January 25, 2020
Great book.
Hope # 7 comes out soon
Hope # 7 comes out soon
June 28, 2024
Too many plot holes!
First, I like this series. The characters are excellent, although far too many are killed off. I prefer my space operas more positive and fun. But the story is excellent and with great characters, the series has kept me going for now.
I do worry that two things may lead me to lose interest if they keep up.
First are the massive holes in the plot and massive amounts of Deus Ex Machina. Far too often Styx varies between “all powerful” to nearly impotent in the next chapter. The same goes for Phoenix, one book they have unbeatable gravity bombs and the next they can barely beat a few ships. One minute assail bugs are almost invincible and the next they are absent. It as if the author convention forgets about them when their power would take away any challenge and then remembers them when something is needed to win a situation.
Also, as is becoming the standard, the planetary politics are absurd. Phoenix crew allows itself to be voluntarily held hostage by people that were actively trying to kill them moments earlier and then suddenly the other side plays by the rules of gentlemanly conduct and doesn’t harm them.
In one paragraph the author discusses how noble a species is, and in the same paragraph talks about how they lie, steal and murder to reach their goals. The inconsistency is astonishing and destroys any feeling of trust in the author.
In another part of the book, the Reeh have a mind crippling power that overwhelms the marines, but then it is never used again - because there would be no way to overcome the Reeh if they truly had this power. It is very clear that the author used this superpower to get through one part of the story, but it was too powerful for the rest of the story so he just ignored it and hoped we wouldn’t notice. Well, I did and it took a lot away from the story.
Basically people, species, technology and more are all fluid and constantly contradictory in ways that make it hard to trust the story to be accurate.
2.5 stars for this one. Such a shame.
First, I like this series. The characters are excellent, although far too many are killed off. I prefer my space operas more positive and fun. But the story is excellent and with great characters, the series has kept me going for now.
I do worry that two things may lead me to lose interest if they keep up.
First are the massive holes in the plot and massive amounts of Deus Ex Machina. Far too often Styx varies between “all powerful” to nearly impotent in the next chapter. The same goes for Phoenix, one book they have unbeatable gravity bombs and the next they can barely beat a few ships. One minute assail bugs are almost invincible and the next they are absent. It as if the author convention forgets about them when their power would take away any challenge and then remembers them when something is needed to win a situation.
Also, as is becoming the standard, the planetary politics are absurd. Phoenix crew allows itself to be voluntarily held hostage by people that were actively trying to kill them moments earlier and then suddenly the other side plays by the rules of gentlemanly conduct and doesn’t harm them.
In one paragraph the author discusses how noble a species is, and in the same paragraph talks about how they lie, steal and murder to reach their goals. The inconsistency is astonishing and destroys any feeling of trust in the author.
In another part of the book, the Reeh have a mind crippling power that overwhelms the marines, but then it is never used again - because there would be no way to overcome the Reeh if they truly had this power. It is very clear that the author used this superpower to get through one part of the story, but it was too powerful for the rest of the story so he just ignored it and hoped we wouldn’t notice. Well, I did and it took a lot away from the story.
Basically people, species, technology and more are all fluid and constantly contradictory in ways that make it hard to trust the story to be accurate.
2.5 stars for this one. Such a shame.
July 23, 2025
Although I did enjoy the book, and really like the series, I thought it fell slightly short of the previous ones. The series is great at politics, but in this book it felt longer than usual.
Still, the book was built like the other ones, meaning with a lot of action at the end - and said action delivered even more than in previous volumes.
When I picked up Renegade, I feared I might regret starting a long series such as this one, because I'm not always good at them and get bored with them sometimes. But The Spiral Wars manage to keep me coming back for more. After six volumes, it remains a solid series, with character growth (although the background characters sometimes feel a bit interchangeable), and good worldbuilding.
Still, the book was built like the other ones, meaning with a lot of action at the end - and said action delivered even more than in previous volumes.
When I picked up Renegade, I feared I might regret starting a long series such as this one, because I'm not always good at them and get bored with them sometimes. But The Spiral Wars manage to keep me coming back for more. After six volumes, it remains a solid series, with character growth (although the background characters sometimes feel a bit interchangeable), and good worldbuilding.
July 6, 2021
Joel Shepherd's Spiral Wars series reached book six of ten with "Rando Splicer," but unfortunately it is the weakest so far. The fundamental problem is simple: If, at the beginning of a 516-page book, it is clear that the goal will be to successfully attack a particular target -- in this case, a facility run by the exploitative reeh -- then it's equally clear that the real action won't begin until the final 50 pages or so.
And though Shepherd juggles various narrative threads with skill, readers familiar with the series know that Marine Major Trace Thakur is going to do some serious damage, that Captain Erik Debegrande will make smart decisions, and that the various species arrayed against the reeh, including humanity, will rise to the occasion.
All that said, long series almost by definition must suffer a middle volume lull or two. And Shepherd has shown that he won't take the easy way out when it comes to untangling political complexity, so it takes him time -- and pages -- to set things up properly.
Still, "Rando Splicer" was a bit of a disappointment, though those who've read the first five books certainly shouldn't give up now. I know I'm on board for the continuing saga of the UFS Phoenix, as I have faith that this slight misstep is an outlier in the grand scheme of the Spiral Wars series.
And though Shepherd juggles various narrative threads with skill, readers familiar with the series know that Marine Major Trace Thakur is going to do some serious damage, that Captain Erik Debegrande will make smart decisions, and that the various species arrayed against the reeh, including humanity, will rise to the occasion.
All that said, long series almost by definition must suffer a middle volume lull or two. And Shepherd has shown that he won't take the easy way out when it comes to untangling political complexity, so it takes him time -- and pages -- to set things up properly.
Still, "Rando Splicer" was a bit of a disappointment, though those who've read the first five books certainly shouldn't give up now. I know I'm on board for the continuing saga of the UFS Phoenix, as I have faith that this slight misstep is an outlier in the grand scheme of the Spiral Wars series.
December 13, 2021
4.5 Stars - Best book in the series yet
Continuing with the different storylines, following Eric and Phoenix with the Croma, Lisbeth with the Parren, we even get a small view on the Human fleet situation. but most prominent the continued story of Trace with the Corbi at Rando.
It is as usual an action filled adventure (or several adventures), the road trip across Dul'Rho while the Croma get's ready for their medieval Battle game/Election process is just brilliant and Lisbeth's quest with Liala to discover the true history of the Parren is interesting as well.
But the main story is Trace on on Rando together with Giddy, working together with the Corbi to capture the essential information from the Rando splicer that could save humanity. We finally get some more insight into Trace as a person at the same time as her gung ho façade is finally cracking faced with the inevitable death of many of the very human like Corbi's.
Very uncharacteristic but a pleasant surprise, the series, which has up until now described the military conflicts as very black and white, with the humans as the good guys, now adds a reflective view on the military conflict, both with Scar's realization of the true nature of the Croma contest and the very real consequences for the civilian population on Rando.
Continuing with the different storylines, following Eric and Phoenix with the Croma, Lisbeth with the Parren, we even get a small view on the Human fleet situation. but most prominent the continued story of Trace with the Corbi at Rando.
It is as usual an action filled adventure (or several adventures), the road trip across Dul'Rho while the Croma get's ready for their medieval Battle game/Election process is just brilliant and Lisbeth's quest with Liala to discover the true history of the Parren is interesting as well.
But the main story is Trace on on Rando together with Giddy, working together with the Corbi to capture the essential information from the Rando splicer that could save humanity. We finally get some more insight into Trace as a person at the same time as her gung ho façade is finally cracking faced with the inevitable death of many of the very human like Corbi's.
Very uncharacteristic but a pleasant surprise, the series, which has up until now described the military conflicts as very black and white, with the humans as the good guys, now adds a reflective view on the military conflict, both with Scar's realization of the true nature of the Croma contest and the very real consequences for the civilian population on Rando.
December 23, 2019
Love this series of books, and this is a solid edition to the series. And if you are a fan of space opera and military sci fi, then these are for you. Its a kind of cross between Star trek and Star Wars, but has a lot more heart than either.
Shepherd is adept at creating characters who feel real and who feel familiar. He has created a universe populated with distinctly different alien species and brings them into the story in a way that makes them more than just token aliens, they become integral tot he plot in a way that I have not really seen before. He is crafting a true family of species.
Cannot recommend this series highly enough
Shepherd is adept at creating characters who feel real and who feel familiar. He has created a universe populated with distinctly different alien species and brings them into the story in a way that makes them more than just token aliens, they become integral tot he plot in a way that I have not really seen before. He is crafting a true family of species.
Cannot recommend this series highly enough
April 14, 2020
Top shelf marauding adventures of The Phoenix
Sheppard writes characters and world builds like the classic Sci Fi Titans of old. Exciting and compelling and written as whole cloth, not the Frankenstein scribblings of most self publishers. Hey, I respect writers but word count ramblers without any real connection to the reader or characters is just more bad Netflix. Great space opera and Rando Splicer is my favorite in the Spiral series. Grabs you, takes you on a tour of multiple worlds, great fighting and battle sequences.
Check this guy out!
Sheppard writes characters and world builds like the classic Sci Fi Titans of old. Exciting and compelling and written as whole cloth, not the Frankenstein scribblings of most self publishers. Hey, I respect writers but word count ramblers without any real connection to the reader or characters is just more bad Netflix. Great space opera and Rando Splicer is my favorite in the Spiral series. Grabs you, takes you on a tour of multiple worlds, great fighting and battle sequences.
Check this guy out!
April 7, 2025
So, my problem is that I've fallen in love with Styx. And there's hardly any Styx in this book.
This book is not really hard science fiction, and it's definitely not fantasy science fiction. It's kind of that middle ground of what imaginary alien races might be like. Shepherd does a good job of giving depth to these various cultures, but it lacks that hard kick I was so looking forward to.
Toward the end of this book, we are introduced to the idea of a third AI queen. I hope this means Styx gets more involved in the next plot line.
This book is not really hard science fiction, and it's definitely not fantasy science fiction. It's kind of that middle ground of what imaginary alien races might be like. Shepherd does a good job of giving depth to these various cultures, but it lacks that hard kick I was so looking forward to.
Toward the end of this book, we are introduced to the idea of a third AI queen. I hope this means Styx gets more involved in the next plot line.
September 12, 2025
Rando Splicer continues the strong momentum of The Spiral Wars. The world-building remains detailed, and the political intrigue is as sharp as ever. Joel Shepherd keeps the story tight, with no wasted scenes or subplots.
Character development feels natural, especially with Erik and Trace. The new additions are believable and well placed. The balance between action and reflection is handled with care, making this a rewarding instalment for series fans.
This book deepens the larger story without dragging, and sets up the next phase with confidence. Solid military sci-fi with purpose.
Character development feels natural, especially with Erik and Trace. The new additions are believable and well placed. The balance between action and reflection is handled with care, making this a rewarding instalment for series fans.
This book deepens the larger story without dragging, and sets up the next phase with confidence. Solid military sci-fi with purpose.
December 11, 2019
Awesome new instalment in the Spiral Wars saga.
There was lots of action in this book, but not quite as much of the spacefaring sort I really like, nor unfortunately as much of Styx and the AI's.
This is understandable, for while the book completed a number of threads from the end of book 5 it also set up the next book (possibly story arc) really well.
Bring on book 7!
If you enjoy Peter F. Hamilton and David Weber, then I highly recommend this series.
There was lots of action in this book, but not quite as much of the spacefaring sort I really like, nor unfortunately as much of Styx and the AI's.
This is understandable, for while the book completed a number of threads from the end of book 5 it also set up the next book (possibly story arc) really well.
Bring on book 7!
If you enjoy Peter F. Hamilton and David Weber, then I highly recommend this series.
July 24, 2021
Really one of the best series out there. This book is no exception, but I read it after a long hiatus since finishing the previous one, so I was a bit iffy on the characters who had died previously. I think the series is very bingeable, and I rate it with the Gentlemen Bastards series in terms of pleasure. I also have Qalea Drop to read now, but I shudder to think it will be another year before the next one.
June 15, 2020
Can't wait!
I reread all these a second time in only 10 days. It was glorious! I think this saga might be even more compelling than The Expanse. I bet in book 7 they rescue the ceephay queen, unite the Spiral, counter the virus and kick the Deepynine/alo tush. Kaspo becomes the Ambassador to the Drysine homeworld. Not!
I reread all these a second time in only 10 days. It was glorious! I think this saga might be even more compelling than The Expanse. I bet in book 7 they rescue the ceephay queen, unite the Spiral, counter the virus and kick the Deepynine/alo tush. Kaspo becomes the Ambassador to the Drysine homeworld. Not!
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May 12, 2024Overwritten battle scenes
Having read six of these books, it's obvious that I have found something of interest to continue doing so, but I find myself having to skim portions of the battle scenes. They are just too confusing to follow and detract from the overall story. In other words, it's overwritten.
Having read six of these books, it's obvious that I have found something of interest to continue doing so, but I find myself having to skim portions of the battle scenes. They are just too confusing to follow and detract from the overall story. In other words, it's overwritten.
December 26, 2019
A great addition to the spiral wars series
The story and plot deepens, freest new characters and more depth developed around the core characters of the Phoenix. Good build up to the confrontation that is surely coming.
The story and plot deepens, freest new characters and more depth developed around the core characters of the Phoenix. Good build up to the confrontation that is surely coming.
December 30, 2019
Wonderful adventure.
Great story fill with action adventure,the most intense and riveting suspense,love the reading in the series this far and is looking forward to the next installment in the continued series.
Great story fill with action adventure,the most intense and riveting suspense,love the reading in the series this far and is looking forward to the next installment in the continued series.
May 7, 2020
Love the story not the length
Great writer - interesting story and universe, but way too much worthless dialog and too much unnecessary character development - I learned from the previous book to simply skip whole chapters and nothing was missed.
Great writer - interesting story and universe, but way too much worthless dialog and too much unnecessary character development - I learned from the previous book to simply skip whole chapters and nothing was missed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews