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Galaxy's Edge #10
Retribution, Part V
Galaxy's Edge, Part V contains Retribution of the Galaxy's Edge series.
Audible Audio
First published October 29, 2018
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About the author
Jason Anspach
187 books842 followersJASON ANSPACH is the author of Galaxy's Edge, Wayward Galaxy, Forgotten Ruin. and more.
He lives in Puyallup, WA with his wife and their seven (not a typo) children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 26, 2018
I threatened to write an elaborate thinkpiece on this book, and since no-one talked me off the cliff, here it is. I think I’m going to go full spoiler here, because I doubt I need to talk anyone into reading the 9th book in a series I’ve been recommending for a year. If you haven’t read the book, don’t read on unless you want me to ruin the ending for you.
The end has come.
In Message for the Dead, I thought the end was upon the galaxy, but Goth Sullus used his connection to the Crux to stem the tide, vanquishing the murderous and hateful Cybar and binding them to his will. Alas, it turns out that his victory was to be short-lived, and he would not succeed at building an Empire to last a thousand years. At the very moment of his triumph, his dreams turned to ashes in his mouth, and his power deserted him.
Unfortunately, despite his advanced age, Goth Sullus forgot to heed the advice of the venerable 100 Tips for Evil Overlords #22, “do not consume an energy field bigger than your head, no matter how much power is at stake”. [on a side note, I see that the author of the evil overlord list’s last name is Anspach. Coincidence?]
Of course, I am kidding. Goth Sullus pretty clearly knows most of these things. Sullus did not make any cartoonish mistakes. He was just undone by his moral failings, as nemesis follows hubris. It would be easy to condemn Sullus as a monster, which he is, but he is also genuinely a great man. Thus his end, when it comes, is all the more tragic.
I wish to focus here on Sullus, in part because I am fascinated by his character, but also because in retrospect, the entirety of the first nine books of the Galaxy’s Edge series turns upon Goth Sullus and his actions. Even the Battle of Kublar was but the preamble [with the collusion of X] to his campaign to bring justice to the galaxy.
If we now turn to the events of Retribution, one of the key threads is the final temptation of Goth Sullus. In Message for the Dead, the dread secret of the Cybar was heavily hinted, but here in Retribution, the truth is laid bare: the Cybar are but manifestations of demons and devils seeking to invade and despoil the galaxy.
Blinded as he is by pride and ambition, Sullus cannot see this. Even though preventing this was why Sullus went seeking power! As surprising as this may seem, given his history, the temptation of Goth Sullus proceeds in a plausible fashion. Like the target of the apprentice devil Screwtape, the ultimate masters of the Cybar proceed from flattery, to practical advice, to offers of service, to demands of fealty. Reading this, I thought it felt about right. The whisperings of temptation do sound like this. From my own small experience, this felt real.
I had hoped for redemption for Sullus. In the end, he had spent far too long indulging his fantasies of power and revenge to act in time. Goth Sullus was vain-glorious and prideful, easy pickings for the masters of deceit. Casper might have resisted, but that persona was long diminished by the time he had completed his transformation into Sullus. Once he [Sullus] realized his danger, he [Casper] was too far gone to resist effectively. Virtue is simply what we habitually do, and for Sullus, his habits betrayed him in the end. When Wraith walked up and put a bullet in his head, it was the best thing that could have happened to him at that point. We can perhaps nonetheless hope that his final resistance will count in his favor at the final judgment.
The end of Goth Sullus brings a fitting end to the first season of Galaxy’s Edge. Most everyone who deserved a bullet has gotten one. Order, of a sort, has been restored to the galaxy. Things will never be as they were, but life will go on.
There are just enough loose threads left for the authors to spin up another round of books, but I felt satisfied at the end of this. Each book in the series had its own feel, its own good moments, and then in the end it all came together cleanly. This was a hell of a good read, and I hope everyone else enjoyed the ride as much as I did.
The end has come.
In Message for the Dead, I thought the end was upon the galaxy, but Goth Sullus used his connection to the Crux to stem the tide, vanquishing the murderous and hateful Cybar and binding them to his will. Alas, it turns out that his victory was to be short-lived, and he would not succeed at building an Empire to last a thousand years. At the very moment of his triumph, his dreams turned to ashes in his mouth, and his power deserted him.
Unfortunately, despite his advanced age, Goth Sullus forgot to heed the advice of the venerable 100 Tips for Evil Overlords #22, “do not consume an energy field bigger than your head, no matter how much power is at stake”. [on a side note, I see that the author of the evil overlord list’s last name is Anspach. Coincidence?]
Of course, I am kidding. Goth Sullus pretty clearly knows most of these things. Sullus did not make any cartoonish mistakes. He was just undone by his moral failings, as nemesis follows hubris. It would be easy to condemn Sullus as a monster, which he is, but he is also genuinely a great man. Thus his end, when it comes, is all the more tragic.
I wish to focus here on Sullus, in part because I am fascinated by his character, but also because in retrospect, the entirety of the first nine books of the Galaxy’s Edge series turns upon Goth Sullus and his actions. Even the Battle of Kublar was but the preamble [with the collusion of X] to his campaign to bring justice to the galaxy.
If we now turn to the events of Retribution, one of the key threads is the final temptation of Goth Sullus. In Message for the Dead, the dread secret of the Cybar was heavily hinted, but here in Retribution, the truth is laid bare: the Cybar are but manifestations of demons and devils seeking to invade and despoil the galaxy.
Blinded as he is by pride and ambition, Sullus cannot see this. Even though preventing this was why Sullus went seeking power! As surprising as this may seem, given his history, the temptation of Goth Sullus proceeds in a plausible fashion. Like the target of the apprentice devil Screwtape, the ultimate masters of the Cybar proceed from flattery, to practical advice, to offers of service, to demands of fealty. Reading this, I thought it felt about right. The whisperings of temptation do sound like this. From my own small experience, this felt real.
I had hoped for redemption for Sullus. In the end, he had spent far too long indulging his fantasies of power and revenge to act in time. Goth Sullus was vain-glorious and prideful, easy pickings for the masters of deceit. Casper might have resisted, but that persona was long diminished by the time he had completed his transformation into Sullus. Once he [Sullus] realized his danger, he [Casper] was too far gone to resist effectively. Virtue is simply what we habitually do, and for Sullus, his habits betrayed him in the end. When Wraith walked up and put a bullet in his head, it was the best thing that could have happened to him at that point. We can perhaps nonetheless hope that his final resistance will count in his favor at the final judgment.
The end of Goth Sullus brings a fitting end to the first season of Galaxy’s Edge. Most everyone who deserved a bullet has gotten one. Order, of a sort, has been restored to the galaxy. Things will never be as they were, but life will go on.
There are just enough loose threads left for the authors to spin up another round of books, but I felt satisfied at the end of this. Each book in the series had its own feel, its own good moments, and then in the end it all came together cleanly. This was a hell of a good read, and I hope everyone else enjoyed the ride as much as I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2021
This is a review for the book and for the series as a whole.
First and foremost, the series is fun. The books are fast paced and punchy with some great action. They do a great job changing things up by sprinkling in some different genres and switching POV characters. I don’t read sci-fi for the science, I read it for the fun of futuristic tech being used to blow stuff up, and these books delivered that in spades.
There were some good characters in the books, but the one drawback for me is that I never got quite as engaged with the characters as I would have liked. That’s the one thing that kept any of the books from a full five stars for me.
Still, I had a ton of fun. I read all nine books in a little over a month which makes it pretty clear I was enjoying them. I’m going to take a break from this world for a bit but am excited to dive into some of the other series set in this universe soon.
First and foremost, the series is fun. The books are fast paced and punchy with some great action. They do a great job changing things up by sprinkling in some different genres and switching POV characters. I don’t read sci-fi for the science, I read it for the fun of futuristic tech being used to blow stuff up, and these books delivered that in spades.
There were some good characters in the books, but the one drawback for me is that I never got quite as engaged with the characters as I would have liked. That’s the one thing that kept any of the books from a full five stars for me.
Still, I had a ton of fun. I read all nine books in a little over a month which makes it pretty clear I was enjoying them. I’m going to take a break from this world for a bit but am excited to dive into some of the other series set in this universe soon.
November 1, 2018
You will love Retribution if you enjoy Star Wars or science fiction. But you should also pick up Retribution if you enjoy a great action story that features compelling characters in a fantastic world. Yes, it’s a space opera, but it also a tale about a tight group of soldiers who seek to overcome huge odds to do what’s right. Read it even if you’re new to the Galaxy’s Edge world. Retribution is a stand-alone that will make you want to go back to the beginning.
You will meet flawed heroes, seemingly ruthless villains, heroic special operations soldiers and robots that have some humanity to them. The pacing in Retribution is superb and the action is intense.
Thanks to Nick Cole and Jason Anspach for creating the awesome Galaxy’s Edge world. I couldn’t put Retribution down as all the loose threads from previous books were picked up and tied together. Well, almost all-I see room for more adventures! I was sad to see this first chapter of Galaxy’s Edge end, but I know the story will continue in season two and the Savage Wars.
Five stars-highly recommended...Pick up Retribution now-it’s amazing!
You will meet flawed heroes, seemingly ruthless villains, heroic special operations soldiers and robots that have some humanity to them. The pacing in Retribution is superb and the action is intense.
Thanks to Nick Cole and Jason Anspach for creating the awesome Galaxy’s Edge world. I couldn’t put Retribution down as all the loose threads from previous books were picked up and tied together. Well, almost all-I see room for more adventures! I was sad to see this first chapter of Galaxy’s Edge end, but I know the story will continue in season two and the Savage Wars.
Five stars-highly recommended...Pick up Retribution now-it’s amazing!
November 5, 2018
So it ends.
With all the quality and heroism I wish I could've gotten from Star Wars.
That said, I can't help but feel some wistful disappointment: considering the ending of the last installment, I was hoping for a jump ahead in years and a desperate campaign to take down an established empire, once the Galaxy got a good, hard taste of what life under a mystic autocrat is like. I thought this sage could easily have gone on another year, with more opportunities for the authors to both tell their own story and give a few subtle winks to where the Star Wars went wrong and is going wrong.
That said, it was a wild ride.
May the Crux be with you.
And when you have to, KTF
With all the quality and heroism I wish I could've gotten from Star Wars.
That said, I can't help but feel some wistful disappointment: considering the ending of the last installment, I was hoping for a jump ahead in years and a desperate campaign to take down an established empire, once the Galaxy got a good, hard taste of what life under a mystic autocrat is like. I thought this sage could easily have gone on another year, with more opportunities for the authors to both tell their own story and give a few subtle winks to where the Star Wars went wrong and is going wrong.
That said, it was a wild ride.
May the Crux be with you.
And when you have to, KTF
November 1, 2018
Review
WOW!I can't believe how much this series of books had me hooked into this mil/SciFi galaxy. Anspach and Cole are up there with all the other SciFi gods -Azimov,Clarke,Blish et al!Can't wait for next series !Bloody well done guys!
WOW!I can't believe how much this series of books had me hooked into this mil/SciFi galaxy. Anspach and Cole are up there with all the other SciFi gods -Azimov,Clarke,Blish et al!Can't wait for next series !Bloody well done guys!
February 11, 2019
Great ending
Thank you for the brilliant story. Epic.
Take your time. Take it all in. It’s a shockingly good saga. Enjoy it.
Thank you for the brilliant story. Epic.
Take your time. Take it all in. It’s a shockingly good saga. Enjoy it.
April 30, 2019
Spectacular conclusion
March 15, 2025
I really, really liked the Galaxy's Edge series. Yes, it's very much Star Wars from a military enthusiast's point of view, but it has its quirks and highlights.
My problem lies with the last book's climax. While I understand that the book's recurring tone is that sheer perceived might isn't everything, much of what's been built up to ends up falling flat. Goth Sullus isn't nearly as powerful as his introduction, and subsequent foreboding chapters, make him out to be; which is acceptable, but neither is he very tactical, calculating or very leader-like.
We're built up to believe that Goth Sullus is as formidable as Rechs was, that both him and Rechs are, in many ways, the epitome of warriors, but Goth Sullus repeatedly makes mistakes that are overall just dumb.
We're meant to believe that he's corrupted, less the man he was and more an overconfident maniac, yet he's downright incompetent. I can't say much without spoiling, but much of what he does completely goes against the apex Emperor, and formerly highly decorated Republic admiral, that he's meant to be.
He's incompetent for the sake of incompetence in my opinion, which is a shame because a lot could have been done in terms of his character complexity.
The book also actively works around the prior book's ending. We saw the destruction of the Republic's 7th fleet, the decimation of the legion's own fleet and the deaths of Legion Commander Keller and his entire command structure. - Yet, the heroes aren't on the run, if anything they're better than ever; with the legion's ranks being replenished by former and current legionnaires from every corner of the galaxy. That in itself isn't a bad point, but it's the fact that as a fighting force, the legion's basically back at full strength. There's been no real, permanent, impactful cost to the devastation of the first battle for Utopia.
However, the book tells a very good set of auxiliary stories. Between Prisma's character development, which albeit short, was very enjoyable to listen to, and Legion Commander Wasshum's revelation, to X's downright enjoyable power plays, there's a lot here that's great.
Overall, I enjoyed the series. It was a very nitty-gritty story that managed to surprise me with its hints of complexity and both Goth Sullus and Rechs' stories are very interesting in their own rights. There's something very satisfying about the way the authors portrayed the grandeur of the gaalxy's existence, when it wasn't doing military science fiction justice with well-described fight sequences.
It's not something I'll come back to, I doubt I ever will, but it's good enough to keep me on board for their anthology books. It's the kind of book, or audiobook in my case, that you can casually read and find yourself enjoying.
My problem lies with the last book's climax. While I understand that the book's recurring tone is that sheer perceived might isn't everything, much of what's been built up to ends up falling flat. Goth Sullus isn't nearly as powerful as his introduction, and subsequent foreboding chapters, make him out to be; which is acceptable, but neither is he very tactical, calculating or very leader-like.
We're built up to believe that Goth Sullus is as formidable as Rechs was, that both him and Rechs are, in many ways, the epitome of warriors, but Goth Sullus repeatedly makes mistakes that are overall just dumb.
We're meant to believe that he's corrupted, less the man he was and more an overconfident maniac, yet he's downright incompetent. I can't say much without spoiling, but much of what he does completely goes against the apex Emperor, and formerly highly decorated Republic admiral, that he's meant to be.
He's incompetent for the sake of incompetence in my opinion, which is a shame because a lot could have been done in terms of his character complexity.
The book also actively works around the prior book's ending. We saw the destruction of the Republic's 7th fleet, the decimation of the legion's own fleet and the deaths of Legion Commander Keller and his entire command structure. - Yet, the heroes aren't on the run, if anything they're better than ever; with the legion's ranks being replenished by former and current legionnaires from every corner of the galaxy. That in itself isn't a bad point, but it's the fact that as a fighting force, the legion's basically back at full strength. There's been no real, permanent, impactful cost to the devastation of the first battle for Utopia.
However, the book tells a very good set of auxiliary stories. Between Prisma's character development, which albeit short, was very enjoyable to listen to, and Legion Commander Wasshum's revelation, to X's downright enjoyable power plays, there's a lot here that's great.
Overall, I enjoyed the series. It was a very nitty-gritty story that managed to surprise me with its hints of complexity and both Goth Sullus and Rechs' stories are very interesting in their own rights. There's something very satisfying about the way the authors portrayed the grandeur of the gaalxy's existence, when it wasn't doing military science fiction justice with well-described fight sequences.
It's not something I'll come back to, I doubt I ever will, but it's good enough to keep me on board for their anthology books. It's the kind of book, or audiobook in my case, that you can casually read and find yourself enjoying.
April 15, 2020
Perfect ending to this set of books. I don't really want to wander in spoilerish territory, which is easy to do with the last book in a series, but I love how everything came together. Not in a pretty package mind you because the galaxy is a dumpster fire after all, but in a wrap up that makes sense for these characters, all of them. I'm glad to see that room has been left for future stories in this galaxy because I love it and the Legion. KTF!
October 28, 2018
When you get this far into a series and followed the legionnaires the storms they have to go through become harder to read about, yet you don't want it to ever end. It is powerful, emotional, strangely satisfying at times.
I loved this book and recommend it highly, along with the rest of the series.
I loved this book and recommend it highly, along with the rest of the series.
December 11, 2018
Retribution is a great book and it keeps the current plot going great as well as expanding on the plot around Prisma. This book does a great job of showing the battles between the Legion and the Empire and the characters all seem so real. When one of them dies you feel like you actual knew the person.
November 9, 2018
Brilliant
Last in series, and what an ending. Again another great fast paced page turner, my only problem was I thought the ending was very rushed. The last chapter felt like they only had so many words left in the book and cut it down, a lot.
Last in series, and what an ending. Again another great fast paced page turner, my only problem was I thought the ending was very rushed. The last chapter felt like they only had so many words left in the book and cut it down, a lot.
November 14, 2018
Great finish!
Man, when I started reading this series I wasn't sure where it was headed. But our team pulled a great set of stories that created a colorful world and rich characters. And dropping the log curmudgeon Doc in the end was brilliant. Loved this series for sure.
Man, when I started reading this series I wasn't sure where it was headed. But our team pulled a great set of stories that created a colorful world and rich characters. And dropping the log curmudgeon Doc in the end was brilliant. Loved this series for sure.
November 17, 2018
Great end to a great series
While it sometimes veered towards Star Wars this was a great series with great characters. This is a great end for this round and I look forward to more stories in this universe.
While it sometimes veered towards Star Wars this was a great series with great characters. This is a great end for this round and I look forward to more stories in this universe.
December 31, 2018
A great way to end this story. Messers Anspach and Cole do a great job making this story thrilling and compelling and so much more than just an action packed shoot 'em up thriller. It has been a great series, I'm glad that I picked up Galaxy's Edge: Legionnaire.
February 17, 2019
Really fun
This really feels like an end to a story. The smuggler/pirate portions were incredibly entertaining. Legion action was still great and the mystery still present. Great stuff
This really feels like an end to a story. The smuggler/pirate portions were incredibly entertaining. Legion action was still great and the mystery still present. Great stuff
March 21, 2019
Great books.
As with all of the books in this series , they are top notch, I Will be reading the next book tomorrow. To all who have read some of these books, this one is a must read. To all KTF.
As with all of the books in this series , they are top notch, I Will be reading the next book tomorrow. To all who have read some of these books, this one is a must read. To all KTF.
May 8, 2020
My review was too long, so I'm only sharing my overall thoughts. For the full review, click the link to my website!
https://jrhandley.com/2020/05/03/book...
Overall:
I really loved this book, though it wasn’t as fun to read as the first eight novels. Wait, stick with me. This novel and the last one (Message for the Dead) were so emotional that I had to read it in chunks and put it down several times. Some of my favorite characters died and it really hit me in the feels. That said, it was still an awesome read. It brought back the epic sci-fi battles that I acted out as a kid, laying in the grass playing with my action figures. As I read this novel, I found myself wishing for toys I could share with my sons. I want them to be able to experience this setting with me, we could bond over the epic tales of heroism and duty. I could envision teaching them about the complexity of the world, of how black and white thinking didn’t always work. This world could serve as the perfect social story for my boys as they become young men in these troubled times. I just have to find a way to get them hooked!
Despite the serious nature of my review, this novel harkened back to what I loved about the first book Legionnaire. The combat was gritty and visceral, sucking you in through the pages and into another world. So, about that world, I was sucked into… the vibe of this story is amazing. I loved every nail-biting second of this novel! There were no profound messages, or political themes, just good clean fun. Like the previous novels, this story was compelling and made me want to know more. Unlike previous novels, this one made it very clear whom to root for. I loved the idea of an empire that solved the problems of the failing Republic, someone to put out the dumpster fire. Sadly, Goth Sullus wasn’t that guy. Couldn’t be that guy. Sigh… but I’d had such high hopes for him! It was hard to find fault with what the Black Fleet was trying to do. It was the execution via the Imperial Republic where we were let down. The complexity and nuance in this novel made the payout worth the ride. The political entities were garbage, all of them, but the Legion was a beacon of hope in a galaxy shrouded in darkness. Unlike the last book, Goth Sullus wasn’t the only “big bad guy” in this book. Instead, we finally see the Cybar for the tools they were and learn whom they serve.
Like the previous novels in this universe, the first thing that caught my eye was the fantastic cover. Seriously, they’re all amazingly compelling. If you want to learn more about them, the Galaxy’s Edge mailing list will show you how the covers evolved to their final version. You’ll also get a free short story, Tin Man! The Galaxy’s Edge covers reminded me of the iconic science fiction covers I loved as a kid, or the movie posters from the action adventures I watched when I was supposed to be studying. The image of three of the more iconic characters from this franchise set the perfect tone for this novel that closed most of the open plot loops. Seriously, the cover is fantastic and when I finally have a dedicated office or man cave, I’m decorating it with these covers! And whenever they sell swag, that too!
Now onto the book itself! The military culture shown was spot on, just what I’d expect from an Army veteran. Nobody felt like cookie-cutter clichés or parodies of the warrior, and the ethos was spot on. I liked how they handled Goth Sullus’ decisions with regards to the Cybar Fleet. The deadly literary duo of Anspach and Cole understand the culture of the grunt and don’t shy away from the consequences of war! They show leaders making hard choices under fire, choices that are distasteful to armchair generals judging from the safety of the sidelines. War is an ugly thing, and these authors lean into it and make sure the readers appreciate the consequences of the Pew Pew we love to read about. None of these combat actions happen in a vacuum, effecting the soldiers who are forced to make them. As someone who’s been there, I can relate to this level of attention to the details of the soldiers who fight and die under the banner of the Legion and/or Imperial Republic Fleet. The soldiers don’t come away unscathed, and we see that in some of the final decisions made by Goth Sullus.
Speaking of Goth Sullus, I really loved how they showed his own inner struggle with who he was, who he wanted to be, and who he became. I love that he wasn’t made into some comic book villain; in the end, he was just a flawed human being whose hubris wreaked havoc on the Galaxy. He became the personification of one of the overarching themes of the series, that of good versus evil. We really see the complex nature of this struggle, because instead of one easy villain, this galaxy has the hydra of evil. When you cut off the head of one monstrous ne’er-do-well, we’re given many more who will rise up to take its place. I suspect that this is the role Prisma will serve in Season 2, but I’m just guessing. There wasn’t a simple solution for the characters in this plot, although, in the end, justice was meted out to all of the parties who deserved it. The justice was harsh and final, but I can’t say more without hitting deep into spoiler territory.
We can’t talk about the conclusion of Goth Sullus’ arc without talking about the overall ending of this series. Part of what I liked is that there were no neat endings, no sunshine and roses wrapped up in pretty bows. The conclusions were messy, the reactions were real, making the outcomes intrinsically satisfying. Instead of completely closing the arc of the dumpster fire that is Galaxy’s Edge, we see the phoenix rising from the ashes. There is plenty of potential for new beginnings in the ending we were given. And new beginnings there shall be because we know that Season 2 is coming!
About those new beginnings, let’s talk about Prisma Maydoon. I really liked what they did with her character, I feel like she finally became more than a plot device. In this book, she came alive and set up perfectly what was to come. Everything old is new again, so I expect we’ll see more of her in Season 2. Will she be a Goth Sullus Redux? Only time will tell, so I’ll keep reading!
Aside from how Nick and Jason covered the military troops themselves, they made it clear that their world was flushed out and didn’t fall into some of the traps most military sci-fi did. The troops run out of ammo, dumb luck happens, and good soldiers still die. (Still bitter) Lots of them, sadly. Fighting Goth Sullus wasn’t easy, not when your opponent is the very embodiment of evil. As a consequence, rivers of blood ran throughout this novel, putting all of the previous books to shame! The action was intense, and the characters responded as you’d expect in those circumstances. Moving right along, the ground combat described was primal, and immersive with such visceral prose used that you felt what they felt. It was everything you want from the genre. The battle scenes were believable, gripping, and I never felt like the author missed a chance to get creative with the tactics. It was textbook KTF, the mantra of the Legionnaire! Kill them first! Such a detailed portrayal of the tactics is rare.
Other than killing another one of my favorite secondary characters, I didn’t find anything wrong with this novel. No grammatical or technical issues with this book, least not that I found. My only real complaint was where they chose to end the story because I didn’t want it to end. Luckily, as soon as I write this review, I get to jump into their ever-expanding universe. I’ve got those three series that exist on the periphery to occupy my time until they start Season 2, the next run of the Galaxy’s Edge Series. Seriously though, if this is my biggest complaint can’t really be that bad. If you’re just starting the series, they’ll have finished the next adventure story before you catch up with them. Well, assuming you’re not a speed reader.
Seriously, I realize I’ve gone full fanboy, but the authors have definitely raised the bar for military science fiction authors everywhere. I imagine you aren’t surprised that I fanboy out over this, I mean I did start their fan club on Facebook. I was hooked from the first page because they wove the action in such a compelling way that you wanted to jump into the page and join the party. Some of that was because I’m already invested in this world, but if you’ve been following me, you already know that. Basically, they had me hooked from the beginning and kept it going throughout the whole novel. This is a book I would happily recommend, and an author I will definitely read again. Buy the novel! But hey, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money! I give this novel a 5 out of 5 grenades!
If this book sounds like it’s right up your alley, check it out, you won’t regret it! Well, unless it inspired you to serve the Legion. And you enlist, get kitted up, only to realize that your armor is made of wax paper. But then Article 19 is initiated, so you’re safe, right? They promised they’d give you back the good armor, they promised. But it’s made by the lowest bidder, so everything will work out… right? And then the other shoe drops, you figure out that the weapons were calibrated by the same company, and the damned blaster might kill you before you can KTF anyone. But, alas, the rebel scum has a superior kit and are crack shots. Well yeah, I guess this could be bad for you. Or maybe you’ll be okay? I mean, you could be the first trooper to make it out alive? On second thought, be warned, fanboy/fangirl syndrome just MIGHT kill you. Be wary, you were warned, and if you have to go out like that, at least enjoy the view from the end times!
https://jrhandley.com/2020/05/03/book...
Overall:
I really loved this book, though it wasn’t as fun to read as the first eight novels. Wait, stick with me. This novel and the last one (Message for the Dead) were so emotional that I had to read it in chunks and put it down several times. Some of my favorite characters died and it really hit me in the feels. That said, it was still an awesome read. It brought back the epic sci-fi battles that I acted out as a kid, laying in the grass playing with my action figures. As I read this novel, I found myself wishing for toys I could share with my sons. I want them to be able to experience this setting with me, we could bond over the epic tales of heroism and duty. I could envision teaching them about the complexity of the world, of how black and white thinking didn’t always work. This world could serve as the perfect social story for my boys as they become young men in these troubled times. I just have to find a way to get them hooked!
Despite the serious nature of my review, this novel harkened back to what I loved about the first book Legionnaire. The combat was gritty and visceral, sucking you in through the pages and into another world. So, about that world, I was sucked into… the vibe of this story is amazing. I loved every nail-biting second of this novel! There were no profound messages, or political themes, just good clean fun. Like the previous novels, this story was compelling and made me want to know more. Unlike previous novels, this one made it very clear whom to root for. I loved the idea of an empire that solved the problems of the failing Republic, someone to put out the dumpster fire. Sadly, Goth Sullus wasn’t that guy. Couldn’t be that guy. Sigh… but I’d had such high hopes for him! It was hard to find fault with what the Black Fleet was trying to do. It was the execution via the Imperial Republic where we were let down. The complexity and nuance in this novel made the payout worth the ride. The political entities were garbage, all of them, but the Legion was a beacon of hope in a galaxy shrouded in darkness. Unlike the last book, Goth Sullus wasn’t the only “big bad guy” in this book. Instead, we finally see the Cybar for the tools they were and learn whom they serve.
Like the previous novels in this universe, the first thing that caught my eye was the fantastic cover. Seriously, they’re all amazingly compelling. If you want to learn more about them, the Galaxy’s Edge mailing list will show you how the covers evolved to their final version. You’ll also get a free short story, Tin Man! The Galaxy’s Edge covers reminded me of the iconic science fiction covers I loved as a kid, or the movie posters from the action adventures I watched when I was supposed to be studying. The image of three of the more iconic characters from this franchise set the perfect tone for this novel that closed most of the open plot loops. Seriously, the cover is fantastic and when I finally have a dedicated office or man cave, I’m decorating it with these covers! And whenever they sell swag, that too!
Now onto the book itself! The military culture shown was spot on, just what I’d expect from an Army veteran. Nobody felt like cookie-cutter clichés or parodies of the warrior, and the ethos was spot on. I liked how they handled Goth Sullus’ decisions with regards to the Cybar Fleet. The deadly literary duo of Anspach and Cole understand the culture of the grunt and don’t shy away from the consequences of war! They show leaders making hard choices under fire, choices that are distasteful to armchair generals judging from the safety of the sidelines. War is an ugly thing, and these authors lean into it and make sure the readers appreciate the consequences of the Pew Pew we love to read about. None of these combat actions happen in a vacuum, effecting the soldiers who are forced to make them. As someone who’s been there, I can relate to this level of attention to the details of the soldiers who fight and die under the banner of the Legion and/or Imperial Republic Fleet. The soldiers don’t come away unscathed, and we see that in some of the final decisions made by Goth Sullus.
Speaking of Goth Sullus, I really loved how they showed his own inner struggle with who he was, who he wanted to be, and who he became. I love that he wasn’t made into some comic book villain; in the end, he was just a flawed human being whose hubris wreaked havoc on the Galaxy. He became the personification of one of the overarching themes of the series, that of good versus evil. We really see the complex nature of this struggle, because instead of one easy villain, this galaxy has the hydra of evil. When you cut off the head of one monstrous ne’er-do-well, we’re given many more who will rise up to take its place. I suspect that this is the role Prisma will serve in Season 2, but I’m just guessing. There wasn’t a simple solution for the characters in this plot, although, in the end, justice was meted out to all of the parties who deserved it. The justice was harsh and final, but I can’t say more without hitting deep into spoiler territory.
We can’t talk about the conclusion of Goth Sullus’ arc without talking about the overall ending of this series. Part of what I liked is that there were no neat endings, no sunshine and roses wrapped up in pretty bows. The conclusions were messy, the reactions were real, making the outcomes intrinsically satisfying. Instead of completely closing the arc of the dumpster fire that is Galaxy’s Edge, we see the phoenix rising from the ashes. There is plenty of potential for new beginnings in the ending we were given. And new beginnings there shall be because we know that Season 2 is coming!
About those new beginnings, let’s talk about Prisma Maydoon. I really liked what they did with her character, I feel like she finally became more than a plot device. In this book, she came alive and set up perfectly what was to come. Everything old is new again, so I expect we’ll see more of her in Season 2. Will she be a Goth Sullus Redux? Only time will tell, so I’ll keep reading!
Aside from how Nick and Jason covered the military troops themselves, they made it clear that their world was flushed out and didn’t fall into some of the traps most military sci-fi did. The troops run out of ammo, dumb luck happens, and good soldiers still die. (Still bitter) Lots of them, sadly. Fighting Goth Sullus wasn’t easy, not when your opponent is the very embodiment of evil. As a consequence, rivers of blood ran throughout this novel, putting all of the previous books to shame! The action was intense, and the characters responded as you’d expect in those circumstances. Moving right along, the ground combat described was primal, and immersive with such visceral prose used that you felt what they felt. It was everything you want from the genre. The battle scenes were believable, gripping, and I never felt like the author missed a chance to get creative with the tactics. It was textbook KTF, the mantra of the Legionnaire! Kill them first! Such a detailed portrayal of the tactics is rare.
Other than killing another one of my favorite secondary characters, I didn’t find anything wrong with this novel. No grammatical or technical issues with this book, least not that I found. My only real complaint was where they chose to end the story because I didn’t want it to end. Luckily, as soon as I write this review, I get to jump into their ever-expanding universe. I’ve got those three series that exist on the periphery to occupy my time until they start Season 2, the next run of the Galaxy’s Edge Series. Seriously though, if this is my biggest complaint can’t really be that bad. If you’re just starting the series, they’ll have finished the next adventure story before you catch up with them. Well, assuming you’re not a speed reader.
Seriously, I realize I’ve gone full fanboy, but the authors have definitely raised the bar for military science fiction authors everywhere. I imagine you aren’t surprised that I fanboy out over this, I mean I did start their fan club on Facebook. I was hooked from the first page because they wove the action in such a compelling way that you wanted to jump into the page and join the party. Some of that was because I’m already invested in this world, but if you’ve been following me, you already know that. Basically, they had me hooked from the beginning and kept it going throughout the whole novel. This is a book I would happily recommend, and an author I will definitely read again. Buy the novel! But hey, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money! I give this novel a 5 out of 5 grenades!
If this book sounds like it’s right up your alley, check it out, you won’t regret it! Well, unless it inspired you to serve the Legion. And you enlist, get kitted up, only to realize that your armor is made of wax paper. But then Article 19 is initiated, so you’re safe, right? They promised they’d give you back the good armor, they promised. But it’s made by the lowest bidder, so everything will work out… right? And then the other shoe drops, you figure out that the weapons were calibrated by the same company, and the damned blaster might kill you before you can KTF anyone. But, alas, the rebel scum has a superior kit and are crack shots. Well yeah, I guess this could be bad for you. Or maybe you’ll be okay? I mean, you could be the first trooper to make it out alive? On second thought, be warned, fanboy/fangirl syndrome just MIGHT kill you. Be wary, you were warned, and if you have to go out like that, at least enjoy the view from the end times!
May 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this series. Very entertaining saga with a good array of fun characters (nice ones, mean ones, funny ones, serious ones, sneaky ones, and strong ones). I would have given this book five stars but the ending was so abrupt after such a long buildup that it left me unsettled. It was likely intentional as every other book ended with cliffhangers, but I expected more closure after investing in a nine book series.
July 24, 2021
4.7/5
A truly gripping ending to the conflict that built from the beginning books. The entire book had me fully immersed, laughing, screaming and sad.
I think the respite with Prisma was out of place, but hopefully it comes to fruition in the next installation.
Master's had me laughing so hard in this book.
KTF
A truly gripping ending to the conflict that built from the beginning books. The entire book had me fully immersed, laughing, screaming and sad.
I think the respite with Prisma was out of place, but hopefully it comes to fruition in the next installation.
Master's had me laughing so hard in this book.
KTF
August 24, 2021
Well, this book reads like it's the end of the series. We've followed some of these characters through nine books now and some have appeared in other books in smaller series within the Galaxy's Edge universe. I still have a few books more to read before I'm completely done with all the books, but I'm hoping that Mr. Anspach and Mr. Nick Cole continue to write more books within the military sci-fi genre. I'll be reading them if they do.
The above paragraph was written before I realized this series still has four more books to go! I was very surprised when I found that out! Still, there are some troubling events that seem to end things in this story.
The Legion has started to get itself organized back into a fighting force. Under the leadership of now General Cohen Chhun, he's getting some of the older Legionnaires back in uniform and some of those that were caught by surprise by the uprising of the Empire and the decline of the Republic to see that his side is the right way to go. He's even allowed some of the misguided dark troopers of the Empires army to re-join his Legion. Exo and Bombassa are two of those former dark troops who thought they were right in working for Goth Sullus the self-proclaimed Emperor of the Republic.
Speaking of the Emperor, he's angry with the information that Sinasia has decided to declare itself independent of the Empire. The Emperor's advisor let him know that he hasn't the assets to actually force the Sinasians back into the fold. That is until Senator Orrin Kaar speaks up. He suggests that the Emperor allows the Zhee to claim the Sinasia planets as their own so they would be attaking instead of using the Black Fleet. Of course, Goth Sullus likes this idea and so do the Zhee. It's up to the Legion to try and stop them.
Meanwhile, Captain Keel has left Prisma Maydoon at the sanctuary of En Shakar. Her she's to learn how to control her powers under the tutelage of Mother Ree. Prisma obviously doesn't like to be away from the Captain and especially from Leenah. Still, it's for her own good although Prisma seems to be growing up fairly quickly. In fact, something happens at this relatively peaceful and quiet place that will see Prisma leaving by some mysterious means to do what is not quite made clear. This will be a story to be followed at a later date.
While General and now Legion Commander Chhun has a lot going on, he's still surrounded by his Victory Dark Operators. These guys give him some grief now and then, but he knows they are very respectful of his position and believe in his leadership. Now he must convince them that the time is right to directly attack Goth Sullus at Utopion. Chhun believes they have an Army of Legionnaires right there in the capital with all the former Legionnaires, both aged and disabled. If they could arm these former fighters, then their army would be huge enough to displace Goth Sullus. Working with the false Legion Commander Washam, he finds out that Wash can get these former Legionnaires armed and ready to do the job. Wash has been instrumental in a number of the successful efforts by the Legion due to his tipping off General Chhun to the Emperor's plans. Now, if Wash can just stay alive for this one last effort.
So, it takes a while for things to happen in this book, but when they do, boy do they start happening. Unfortunately, it doesn't always end well for the good guys. Goth Sullus is controlled by inhuman forces which seemed to be fighting him for control. These are dark forces that are attempting to enter the galaxy and if they do so, will soon destroy every living thing. Kavi, Captain Keel's Navigator is actually an ancient who fought against the evil in Goth Sullus and he knows how deadly it can be. They need to terminate Goth Sullus before his loses all control and it's too late! Goth Sullus turns out to be almost impossible to kill. Still, someone has to get this done or the galaxy is doomed. Who is strong enough to do the job?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, everything seems to end with this book. New leadership arises and new challenges are going to appear. I suppose we'll get some insight into how things are going to turn out after what has happened in this book. That could be very interesting and it's already a surprise. I'm not sure what the authors will be writing, but I am sure I'll be ready each one of the additional four books.
The above paragraph was written before I realized this series still has four more books to go! I was very surprised when I found that out! Still, there are some troubling events that seem to end things in this story.
The Legion has started to get itself organized back into a fighting force. Under the leadership of now General Cohen Chhun, he's getting some of the older Legionnaires back in uniform and some of those that were caught by surprise by the uprising of the Empire and the decline of the Republic to see that his side is the right way to go. He's even allowed some of the misguided dark troopers of the Empires army to re-join his Legion. Exo and Bombassa are two of those former dark troops who thought they were right in working for Goth Sullus the self-proclaimed Emperor of the Republic.
Speaking of the Emperor, he's angry with the information that Sinasia has decided to declare itself independent of the Empire. The Emperor's advisor let him know that he hasn't the assets to actually force the Sinasians back into the fold. That is until Senator Orrin Kaar speaks up. He suggests that the Emperor allows the Zhee to claim the Sinasia planets as their own so they would be attaking instead of using the Black Fleet. Of course, Goth Sullus likes this idea and so do the Zhee. It's up to the Legion to try and stop them.
Meanwhile, Captain Keel has left Prisma Maydoon at the sanctuary of En Shakar. Her she's to learn how to control her powers under the tutelage of Mother Ree. Prisma obviously doesn't like to be away from the Captain and especially from Leenah. Still, it's for her own good although Prisma seems to be growing up fairly quickly. In fact, something happens at this relatively peaceful and quiet place that will see Prisma leaving by some mysterious means to do what is not quite made clear. This will be a story to be followed at a later date.
While General and now Legion Commander Chhun has a lot going on, he's still surrounded by his Victory Dark Operators. These guys give him some grief now and then, but he knows they are very respectful of his position and believe in his leadership. Now he must convince them that the time is right to directly attack Goth Sullus at Utopion. Chhun believes they have an Army of Legionnaires right there in the capital with all the former Legionnaires, both aged and disabled. If they could arm these former fighters, then their army would be huge enough to displace Goth Sullus. Working with the false Legion Commander Washam, he finds out that Wash can get these former Legionnaires armed and ready to do the job. Wash has been instrumental in a number of the successful efforts by the Legion due to his tipping off General Chhun to the Emperor's plans. Now, if Wash can just stay alive for this one last effort.
So, it takes a while for things to happen in this book, but when they do, boy do they start happening. Unfortunately, it doesn't always end well for the good guys. Goth Sullus is controlled by inhuman forces which seemed to be fighting him for control. These are dark forces that are attempting to enter the galaxy and if they do so, will soon destroy every living thing. Kavi, Captain Keel's Navigator is actually an ancient who fought against the evil in Goth Sullus and he knows how deadly it can be. They need to terminate Goth Sullus before his loses all control and it's too late! Goth Sullus turns out to be almost impossible to kill. Still, someone has to get this done or the galaxy is doomed. Who is strong enough to do the job?
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, everything seems to end with this book. New leadership arises and new challenges are going to appear. I suppose we'll get some insight into how things are going to turn out after what has happened in this book. That could be very interesting and it's already a surprise. I'm not sure what the authors will be writing, but I am sure I'll be ready each one of the additional four books.
September 17, 2019
This is the last main book in the 'first season' of Jason and Nick's galaxy's Edge series, and it's a ripper! The Legion, headed by now-General Chhun, is set to take the fight to the House of Reason, Utopion, and Goth Sullus the 'Emperor' of the Republic.
Meanwhile, Aeson Keel (Wraith) is trying his best to stop working for the Legion, and to get back to Prisma with Leenah and Ravi. The trouble is he keeps getting involved, and it's mostly because he is who he is.
Goth Sullus is falling further and further into delusion and madness, with some mystical evil'enemy' who is trying to make him allow them back into the Universe after being banished by the Ancients.
Kill Team Victory is still doing what they do, KTF'ing every enemy they come across.
Prisma, hiding out with Crash, her war-bot, and Skrizz, are hiding out after being dropped off by Keel in the last book.
The plot for the first season is wrapped up nicely, with plenty of "what are they gonna do now?" questions to be answered next season, and it was nice to see a couple of antagonists get their much needed come-uppance.
I'm really looking forward to the next season, but if the business model follows the current releases of Audiobook versions only (unless you are prepared to become a Patreon, which I'm not), it will be a long time before I get to read these new books when they get released.
Meanwhile, Aeson Keel (Wraith) is trying his best to stop working for the Legion, and to get back to Prisma with Leenah and Ravi. The trouble is he keeps getting involved, and it's mostly because he is who he is.
Goth Sullus is falling further and further into delusion and madness, with some mystical evil'enemy' who is trying to make him allow them back into the Universe after being banished by the Ancients.
Kill Team Victory is still doing what they do, KTF'ing every enemy they come across.
Prisma, hiding out with Crash, her war-bot, and Skrizz, are hiding out after being dropped off by Keel in the last book.
The plot for the first season is wrapped up nicely, with plenty of "what are they gonna do now?" questions to be answered next season, and it was nice to see a couple of antagonists get their much needed come-uppance.
I'm really looking forward to the next season, but if the business model follows the current releases of Audiobook versions only (unless you are prepared to become a Patreon, which I'm not), it will be a long time before I get to read these new books when they get released.
November 26, 2018
If you've read this far in the series, you mostly know what this is about.
Once more we dive into the world of Galaxy's Edge. It's fascinating, great reading, and -- oddly -- starting to feel a bit like a rip off of star wars.
Still, I really liked it, and while I can't say what the ending is without spoiling things, it's clear the author is setting the stage for different storylines in this universe, although this storyline is ending.
Great book, and I'm looking forward to see what comes.
Once more we dive into the world of Galaxy's Edge. It's fascinating, great reading, and -- oddly -- starting to feel a bit like a rip off of star wars.
Still, I really liked it, and while I can't say what the ending is without spoiling things, it's clear the author is setting the stage for different storylines in this universe, although this storyline is ending.
Great book, and I'm looking forward to see what comes.
February 26, 2020
Not good...
Or just fine, I mean if you've gotten this far in the series you're probably enjoying it.
I'm not anymore, it's just so up it's own ass at this point.
Spoiler:
And there are zombies now, so I think we've gotten all the scifi trope monsters. Force powers, robots, evil empire, evil animal men, and now zombies...
Or just fine, I mean if you've gotten this far in the series you're probably enjoying it.
I'm not anymore, it's just so up it's own ass at this point.
Spoiler:
And there are zombies now, so I think we've gotten all the scifi trope monsters. Force powers, robots, evil empire, evil animal men, and now zombies...
November 4, 2018
Brilliant
Some of the best sci-fi out there. Didn't think they could set themselves up for a second 'season' but they did - although, truth be told, I think it probably made the end a touch anti-climatic.
Some of the best sci-fi out there. Didn't think they could set themselves up for a second 'season' but they did - although, truth be told, I think it probably made the end a touch anti-climatic.
November 9, 2018
What an ending to season 1!!!!!!
Every book just kept getting better and better and this one is on the same pace!
I don’t want to spoil what happens and who or who doesn’t make it, but sweet rama!!!!!!
Waiting for season 2 is going to be a long harsh wait!
Every book just kept getting better and better and this one is on the same pace!
I don’t want to spoil what happens and who or who doesn’t make it, but sweet rama!!!!!!
Waiting for season 2 is going to be a long harsh wait!
November 9, 2018
Great serries
What a bang go and this serries on. Or at least sum up the many plot lines that got started so many books ago. I didn't see this serries becoming the epic space opera that it did. Enjoy the read
What a bang go and this serries on. Or at least sum up the many plot lines that got started so many books ago. I didn't see this serries becoming the epic space opera that it did. Enjoy the read
October 28, 2019
These books are so good! I'm not going to review all of them, but I really enjoyed the whole series.
If you like space opera type books, you'll like these. They aren't so PC, but the world will be fine without another pc sci fi book. :)
If you like space opera type books, you'll like these. They aren't so PC, but the world will be fine without another pc sci fi book. :)
May 11, 2020
Interesting.
So hard for me, because I expected this arc to take longer to play out, because I felt things wrapped up a bit quickly and rather neatly. Still, a reasonable end to a long story thread. Curious to see wjat the other story arcs have in store.
So hard for me, because I expected this arc to take longer to play out, because I felt things wrapped up a bit quickly and rather neatly. Still, a reasonable end to a long story thread. Curious to see wjat the other story arcs have in store.
May 7, 2021
This was a solid ending. Some of the best action from the very beginning, and ended with just more action. Really, if you made it this far then this is your reward. A solid and fun book. Also, it sets up the next season with plenty of mystery!
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