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Cole & Srexx #2
...Till It's Over!
Claim an inheritance.
It's a simple goal, right?
Nothing is simple when Cole returns to Centauri, the seat of Coleson Interstellar Engineering. Challenges at every turn, with no idea who he can trust. And then...the Solar Republic gets involved.
Will Cole find the people working against him in time? Or will they succeed in ending the Coleson line once and for all?
Read Now to find out!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
About the author
Robert M. Kerns
26 books152 followersRobert M. Kerns (or Rob if you ever meet him in person) is a geek, and he claims that label proudly. Most of his geekiness revolves around Information Technology (IT), having over fifteen years in the industry; within IT, he especially prefers Servers and Networks, and he often makes the claim that his residence has a better data infrastructure than some businesses.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 24, 2023
AS i said in myt first review, I should have hated this ser4ies, for it's cheese and tropes and hand waving problems into solutions, but I didn't. In fact I kidna love it.
This book is the best example of what the words Space Opera SHOULD mean. Such drama! It's a soap opera of a book. But it's so fun! Everyone gets the jsut desserts in a most satisfactory way. Good times. I'll be reading 3 and 4 shortly.
This book is the best example of what the words Space Opera SHOULD mean. Such drama! It's a soap opera of a book. But it's so fun! Everyone gets the jsut desserts in a most satisfactory way. Good times. I'll be reading 3 and 4 shortly.
August 25, 2019
Despite the AI being the technical equivalent of a "Mary Sue" OP character, I'm enjoying these books.
I feel that the ability to throw unlimited resources and a huge tech advantage against your enemy is great (for you) IRL, but the a-b-c virtually seamless solutions to some huge problems seems a bit too easy here. Changing that however would change the entire book, so this is the story the author wants to tell.
There are some orphaned story elements related to Cole's potential love life, but I have to assume that with a planned 10 or so books in this series that is being spaced out. Regarding that 10+ book plan, good luck; I don't see myself following this group that long, but I can see investing time in a few more books of this series.
I feel that the ability to throw unlimited resources and a huge tech advantage against your enemy is great (for you) IRL, but the a-b-c virtually seamless solutions to some huge problems seems a bit too easy here. Changing that however would change the entire book, so this is the story the author wants to tell.
There are some orphaned story elements related to Cole's potential love life, but I have to assume that with a planned 10 or so books in this series that is being spaced out. Regarding that 10+ book plan, good luck; I don't see myself following this group that long, but I can see investing time in a few more books of this series.
September 25, 2019
2.5 stars. Not so bad I couldn't finish, but not good enough to continue with this series. Basically a narrative of how the MC proceeds to develop his dynasty in space. Not exciting; no suspense; and little action.
November 18, 2019
No real peril this time out.
I've enjoyed these two entries in the series but this time the protagonist is an observer rather than an actor.He's for so many minions and such a tech advantage over his opponents that there is little suspense.
I've enjoyed these two entries in the series but this time the protagonist is an observer rather than an actor.He's for so many minions and such a tech advantage over his opponents that there is little suspense.
October 23, 2023
BOOK 2 IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER!Once again, Tia Rider has brought another installment of Kern's great series to life! If you are an audio fan, as am I, you'll really enjoy her narration. My library just got in the rest of the books in yesterday, and since it's been a couple of months since I listened to "IT AIN"T OVER", book 1, I listened to it again yesterday to refresh my memory on everything that's going on. Once again, I couldn't put it down except to sleep. As soon as I finished it this morning, I started on book 2, and couldn't put it down until I had listened to the last word.
The second book begins as if going from one chapter to the next, where the last book ended. Recaps are only done where it's absolutely necessary, so it never slows down the action.
The action is divided into missions, as it were, that allow the reader to easily follow along as if we're right there in the middle of it all the time.
There is lots of action and surprises, sprinkled with laugh-out -loud dialogue, and lots of heart.
One of the things I really like about Kern's writing is that the dialogue is always clean. You could read this book with your kids without fear of vulgar language.
Each book ends at just the right spot, having resolved the plot lines for that segment, while perfectly whetting the appetite for the next one.
If you prefer ebooks and haven't started the series yet, I highly recommend buying the 4 book package. It is a real bargain, and you will be glad you did when you finish one book and can immediately continue with the next one.
The second book begins as if going from one chapter to the next, where the last book ended. Recaps are only done where it's absolutely necessary, so it never slows down the action.
The action is divided into missions, as it were, that allow the reader to easily follow along as if we're right there in the middle of it all the time.
There is lots of action and surprises, sprinkled with laugh-out -loud dialogue, and lots of heart.
One of the things I really like about Kern's writing is that the dialogue is always clean. You could read this book with your kids without fear of vulgar language.
Each book ends at just the right spot, having resolved the plot lines for that segment, while perfectly whetting the appetite for the next one.
If you prefer ebooks and haven't started the series yet, I highly recommend buying the 4 book package. It is a real bargain, and you will be glad you did when you finish one book and can immediately continue with the next one.
September 17, 2023
This space opera is fun to read. It’s not a nail biter when it comes to the action because we know by now that Cole will come out on top. How, however, is the question. Kerns manages to surprise at times, and that’s a good thing.
The story flows along nicely. Cole decides to come out of the shadows and claim his inheritance. Of course, there are some who are unhappy about that and try to take him out, but that is their mistake. It turns out that Cole becomes very, very wealthy as a result. CIE, the company that is now his, owns the jump gates that everyone uses to get from one place to another more quickly. All that traffic means money.
Some of those in power in the solar system, that’s earth and so forth, are unhappy with him and try to block him or just get rid of him. It’s a bit unclear at first whom he can and can’t trust, but things work out. Cole’s idea is to make Beta Magellan, the planet where his family was massacred, the new home of CIE. That removes CIE headquarters from the threat of the solar universe taking it over. You can see why some folks don't like that.
Haven and Srexx perform as needed, and help Cole get the upper hand. New recruits are added, and things move along. Cole, however, continues to gain responsibility and notoriety, much to his chagrin. It’s a good story, but the title is misleading; it still isn’t over. There is more to come.
The story flows along nicely. Cole decides to come out of the shadows and claim his inheritance. Of course, there are some who are unhappy about that and try to take him out, but that is their mistake. It turns out that Cole becomes very, very wealthy as a result. CIE, the company that is now his, owns the jump gates that everyone uses to get from one place to another more quickly. All that traffic means money.
Some of those in power in the solar system, that’s earth and so forth, are unhappy with him and try to block him or just get rid of him. It’s a bit unclear at first whom he can and can’t trust, but things work out. Cole’s idea is to make Beta Magellan, the planet where his family was massacred, the new home of CIE. That removes CIE headquarters from the threat of the solar universe taking it over. You can see why some folks don't like that.
Haven and Srexx perform as needed, and help Cole get the upper hand. New recruits are added, and things move along. Cole, however, continues to gain responsibility and notoriety, much to his chagrin. It’s a good story, but the title is misleading; it still isn’t over. There is more to come.
May 21, 2024
Solid work
I’ve read all four books in the Cole & Srexx complete series; plus the related short story. I throughly enjoyed the series, and would recommend it to anyone. I thought the characters were well crafted and the plot was entertaining. As is my preference, I would have liked to have had richer scene settings. Now for the gaps I saw. Apparently no one had sex in this entire saga. I find it unbelievable that during the span of years, that there were no relationships; nor any intimacy. I can see an author attempt to write for all age groups; but it just doesn’t come off as realistic. Lastly, it was like the author tired of the series, and rushed the ending. In a few chapters, we were taken from a battle with the introduction of a new species to jumping 5 years and ending the storyline. I felt cheated out of a smooth ending to one that was sliced and diced. Because of these gaps, I’m not inclined to pursue any other of the stories this author has to offer.
I’ve read all four books in the Cole & Srexx complete series; plus the related short story. I throughly enjoyed the series, and would recommend it to anyone. I thought the characters were well crafted and the plot was entertaining. As is my preference, I would have liked to have had richer scene settings. Now for the gaps I saw. Apparently no one had sex in this entire saga. I find it unbelievable that during the span of years, that there were no relationships; nor any intimacy. I can see an author attempt to write for all age groups; but it just doesn’t come off as realistic. Lastly, it was like the author tired of the series, and rushed the ending. In a few chapters, we were taken from a battle with the introduction of a new species to jumping 5 years and ending the storyline. I felt cheated out of a smooth ending to one that was sliced and diced. Because of these gaps, I’m not inclined to pursue any other of the stories this author has to offer.
January 6, 2021
Consistently satisfying!
I had the pleasure of reading this book on Kindle Unlimited. I was very happy to see the relationships begun in the first book continued in this one but I think they get a little lost in the sheer number of secondary characters Cole has relationships with. No one gets enough development. Some plot lines just seemed to fizzle out-- was there nothing more there (Nathan?) or got skimmed over because there was just too much other stuff to focus on (the relationships Cole has with Sasha, Talia, and Wixil). I know it is part of a larger plot arc but some characters just seem to walk on and walk off meaninglessly (Scarlett). The humor was great as always and I still think it would make a terrific movie. I look forward to number 3!
I had the pleasure of reading this book on Kindle Unlimited. I was very happy to see the relationships begun in the first book continued in this one but I think they get a little lost in the sheer number of secondary characters Cole has relationships with. No one gets enough development. Some plot lines just seemed to fizzle out-- was there nothing more there (Nathan?) or got skimmed over because there was just too much other stuff to focus on (the relationships Cole has with Sasha, Talia, and Wixil). I know it is part of a larger plot arc but some characters just seem to walk on and walk off meaninglessly (Scarlett). The humor was great as always and I still think it would make a terrific movie. I look forward to number 3!
June 19, 2024
Very well written!!! Kudos
I read the f first and second books in less than 2 days ... fortunately I have some goof off availability at work so .... some stuff will be delayed till tomorrow! I had to force myself to take breaks from reading. I did not succeed very well.
Smooth, compelling, jarring free i.e no wrong service name for the various services, weapons made sense, no stumbling on editorial blunders,.
Great c characters and overall concept. It was refreshing to have money not b e a factor keeping the protagonist from meeting his mi's d ion goals.
There were some " magical elements " like the IT department character, but it was consistent and allowed for suspension of disbelief.
Looking forward to future books...soon I hope!
I read the f first and second books in less than 2 days ... fortunately I have some goof off availability at work so .... some stuff will be delayed till tomorrow! I had to force myself to take breaks from reading. I did not succeed very well.
Smooth, compelling, jarring free i.e no wrong service name for the various services, weapons made sense, no stumbling on editorial blunders,.
Great c characters and overall concept. It was refreshing to have money not b e a factor keeping the protagonist from meeting his mi's d ion goals.
There were some " magical elements " like the IT department character, but it was consistent and allowed for suspension of disbelief.
Looking forward to future books...soon I hope!
July 7, 2020
My only issue with this series is the math of travel. For example, if a ship is traveling 10 light-years at 70% the speed of light, it wouldn't take days, weeks or months, it would take just over 14 years.
Apart from this, it's a tried and true formula; young man comes into fortune and military prowess through cash, friends and technology. This formula seems prevalent in the space opera genre and this series does it well. Nothing spectacular but still well done, entertaining and engaging.
Apart from this, it's a tried and true formula; young man comes into fortune and military prowess through cash, friends and technology. This formula seems prevalent in the space opera genre and this series does it well. Nothing spectacular but still well done, entertaining and engaging.
May 31, 2021
Another excellent read
The author does it again with Srexx ensuring our MC manages to tie up plenty of loose ends but still leave room for more things to happen.
Once again it’s well written and edited to a perfect pace.
My only issue is our poor MC seems to lacking in love, he’s a fit good looking 28ish fella and we’re left wondering is he dating Scarlett or not, why’s Sasha not doing something about it???
But other than that it’s excellent so enjoy 😁
The author does it again with Srexx ensuring our MC manages to tie up plenty of loose ends but still leave room for more things to happen.
Once again it’s well written and edited to a perfect pace.
My only issue is our poor MC seems to lacking in love, he’s a fit good looking 28ish fella and we’re left wondering is he dating Scarlett or not, why’s Sasha not doing something about it???
But other than that it’s excellent so enjoy 😁
June 26, 2023
Before you start this one please note it is the second book of a series. The characters, situations, etc. won’t make much sense to you if you start here. The author is a good storyteller, bringing you further into the series and being invested in the characters. The future technology wasn’t over the top and you will have several Walter Mitty moments of wondering “what if” if you were the main character.
May 21, 2020
I do like a sequel that doesn't disappoint. Perfect book for light easy reading, which is what I was looking for last week. It's well written (grammar, plot, characters) which I really appreciate these days. I also appreciate the humor in the characters wrote in their interactions. Looking forward to reading the entire series.
July 19, 2020
Still Captivating
The second book carries on with the same intensity and a renewed level of action as the first. New cast members arrive and are quickly melded into the original cast. Yes, there are many ‘fortuitous coincidences’ which serve to move the story forward, and I’m OK with that - these events are constructively managed. Looking forward to the next book.
The second book carries on with the same intensity and a renewed level of action as the first. New cast members arrive and are quickly melded into the original cast. Yes, there are many ‘fortuitous coincidences’ which serve to move the story forward, and I’m OK with that - these events are constructively managed. Looking forward to the next book.
September 2, 2020
Second in series continues in the same enjoyable way as the first part. This is pretty much a continuation of that so see my comments on it's review as nothing much has changed. nice twist that our hero is the richest man in human space, although he is a little to good to be true sometimes, but heck he is an endearing hero. Another one day non stop read and onto the third part.
October 29, 2020
Waiting
Gavin has been playing a waiting game all his life. Waiting to find the people behind his family's massacre. He finally gets to round up the perpetrators. Did he get them all? He will have to wait and see. In the mean time Srexx gets to have a little fun. Also, is the gonna be a girl fight? Cuz that would be hilarious!
Gavin has been playing a waiting game all his life. Waiting to find the people behind his family's massacre. He finally gets to round up the perpetrators. Did he get them all? He will have to wait and see. In the mean time Srexx gets to have a little fun. Also, is the gonna be a girl fight? Cuz that would be hilarious!
November 4, 2020
What do they call the male version of "Mary Sue?" Marty Sue?
Coleson comes across as the perfect, all omnipodent, superhero with his magic ship that destroys all opposition. Gimme a break. The story line had potential but instean, what we got was a caricature. I read this on KU. I would not have bought it.
Coleson comes across as the perfect, all omnipodent, superhero with his magic ship that destroys all opposition. Gimme a break. The story line had potential but instean, what we got was a caricature. I read this on KU. I would not have bought it.
June 17, 2021
GREAT FOLLOW UP
Duuuude love the sound track to your story. First time I've ever seen such but its awesome. Missing only one song tho. Five Finger Death Punch ( gotta love the Quentin Tarantino ref) Wrong side of heaven Riteous side of Hell. Definitely a MUST when ya Marines are in Strike mode. FYI
Duuuude love the sound track to your story. First time I've ever seen such but its awesome. Missing only one song tho. Five Finger Death Punch ( gotta love the Quentin Tarantino ref) Wrong side of heaven Riteous side of Hell. Definitely a MUST when ya Marines are in Strike mode. FYI
January 29, 2022
Quick entertaining read. What happens when someone finds a spaceship that is orders of Magnitude more advanced than anything in known space? And the spaceship has a sentient AI that is 1000X Plus more advanced than current AI? And if the one who finds it happens to be the heir to the Jumpgate founders and therefore the richest being in the universe?
The adventure continues
The adventure continues
August 16, 2023
Book 2 of this sci-fi series closes out many of the plot threads from the first book. If you did not like the first book then you probably will not like this one either. There is less action, less tension, and the protagonist continues to be super privileged, rich, perfect, and overpowered. I'm still enjoying this series overall but I'm very aware of the flaws.
June 10, 2025
I liked the first story more even though it had a dramatic change in tone from the intro to the rest of it. this one wraps up the major threads started in book 1. it also leads enough open for the next book. However, the cast is growing at an astronomical pace. and most of them I don't even care about.
August 5, 2020
**superlative! Superlative ** (pls fill in your own "good book" adjective.
Definitely better than the first book. And that's saying a lot since i predicted that the first book has the potential to be a fantastic 10 part series AT LEAST!
Fave book scene : legal courtroom drama at Earth. Woot!
Definitely better than the first book. And that's saying a lot since i predicted that the first book has the potential to be a fantastic 10 part series AT LEAST!
Fave book scene : legal courtroom drama at Earth. Woot!
August 6, 2023
Really enjoying this series
This is a super fun series so far. The characters are great, the action and tech is captivating and fun. The character interaction sucks you in. I definitely recommend this book.
This is a super fun series so far. The characters are great, the action and tech is captivating and fun. The character interaction sucks you in. I definitely recommend this book.
August 17, 2023
Fantastic.
I just could not put this down. I breezed through this book in just over a day. The storyline just keeps drawing me in. I hated to go to bed without finishing it. I'm on to the next in the series already.
I just could not put this down. I breezed through this book in just over a day. The storyline just keeps drawing me in. I hated to go to bed without finishing it. I'm on to the next in the series already.
April 24, 2025
No swashbuckling, but still a good read
Much like the first book, entertaining and enjoyable. Will start the next book soon. Good thing I still have a hundred or more unread books in my queue.😀
Much like the first book, entertaining and enjoyable. Will start the next book soon. Good thing I still have a hundred or more unread books in my queue.😀
May 26, 2025
Got the first book in this series for free from Bookbub, and paid for this second book in the series, which tells how much I enjoyed the on-going story. This is what I look for in a terrific science fiction novel.
April 24, 2026
Fantastic Future
Both of this pair of novels are very entertaining, lots of action, a bit of humour and a touch of romance to make it more interesting. The futuristic battle carrier is rather exciting and extremely powerful. This could be great in a new book !
Both of this pair of novels are very entertaining, lots of action, a bit of humour and a touch of romance to make it more interesting. The futuristic battle carrier is rather exciting and extremely powerful. This could be great in a new book !
January 4, 2020
I enjoyed this!
February 16, 2020
Loved this space opera
Took me awhile to find this series and I’ve been reading one book a day. The series has matured and I’m really looking forward to the next books.
Took me awhile to find this series and I’ve been reading one book a day. The series has matured and I’m really looking forward to the next books.
March 27, 2020
It's a good book but much shorter than volume #1. It had its mistakes but I'll let you find them as I got tired of editing as I read, can't help it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews