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Stars End #1
Star Fire
The ship comes from nowhere...
A Commune fleet launches a surprise assault against an Alliance space station near the edge of the galaxy. Caught off-guard by the attack, a veteran pilot organizes a last-ditch effort to save the station, until he’s interrupted by an unexpected new threat.
Unidentified....
It appears through a storm of fire, its shields impenetrable, its weapons overwhelming, attacking Alliance and Commune ships alike.
Inhuman…
Already fighting for the fate of thousands, he’s suddenly fighting for the fate of us all.
It’s a fight he can’t win.
Unstoppable...
Or can he?
A Commune fleet launches a surprise assault against an Alliance space station near the edge of the galaxy. Caught off-guard by the attack, a veteran pilot organizes a last-ditch effort to save the station, until he’s interrupted by an unexpected new threat.
Unidentified....
It appears through a storm of fire, its shields impenetrable, its weapons overwhelming, attacking Alliance and Commune ships alike.
Inhuman…
Already fighting for the fate of thousands, he’s suddenly fighting for the fate of us all.
It’s a fight he can’t win.
Unstoppable...
Or can he?
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2019
1175 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Forbes
178 books1,011 followersM.R. Forbes is the author of a growing number of science-fiction series including Rebellion, War Eternal, Chaos of the Covenant, Stars End, and the Forgotten novels. Having spent his childhood trying to read every sci-fi novel he could find (and write his own too), play every sci-fi video game he could get his hands on, and see every sci-fi movie that made it into the theater, he has a true love of the genre across every medium. He works hard to bring that same energy to his own stories, with a continuing goal to entertain, delight, fascinate, and surprise.
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
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Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
He maintains a true appreciation for his readers and is always happy to hear from them.
To learn more about M.R. Forbes or just say hello:
Visit his website:
mrforbes.com
Send him an e-mail:
michael@mrforbes.com
Check out his Facebook page:
facebook.com/mrforbes.author
Join his Facebook fan group:
facebook.com/groups/mrforbes
Follow him on Instagram:
instagram.com/mrforbes_author
Find him on Goodreads:
goodreads.com/mrforbes
Follow him on Bookbub:
bookbub.com/authors/m-r-forbes
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 19, 2021
I wasn't sure at the beginning of the book how the story would progress but after a slow start, the story was very enjoyable.
Grayson Stone is the Commander of a Skirmisher who clearly has a heroes past he is not keen to advertise. Serving his time in an out of the way planetary system with the Alliance navy, he becomes embroiled in an attack by the Commune, but finds that it is really an alien fleet that is invading and they are not friendly.
Working with a Commune officer he helps to fight back to get to a new ship to help warn other humans about the alien invasion. Looking forward to get the next in the series
Grayson Stone is the Commander of a Skirmisher who clearly has a heroes past he is not keen to advertise. Serving his time in an out of the way planetary system with the Alliance navy, he becomes embroiled in an attack by the Commune, but finds that it is really an alien fleet that is invading and they are not friendly.
Working with a Commune officer he helps to fight back to get to a new ship to help warn other humans about the alien invasion. Looking forward to get the next in the series
October 11, 2019
Amazing start of a new series with some familiar and some new concepts. The author always manages to create some bigger-than-life characters that are still realistic and likeable and this book is no exception. Lots of action and both ground and space battles. Unexpected heroes and a few sad losses. I can't wait for the sequel!
June 23, 2020
Rather Violent
The storyline has lots of extreme warfare and conflict, with two rivals forced by situation to cooperate and each independently unwilling. The writing is decent sci-fi with a focus on military constructs.
The storyline has lots of extreme warfare and conflict, with two rivals forced by situation to cooperate and each independently unwilling. The writing is decent sci-fi with a focus on military constructs.
October 21, 2019
Starts slow. Picks up at the end.
November 23, 2019
No meat to the plot... like reading half a story and then wanting you to buy the next one to get any type of satisfaction.
November 25, 2019
Great Adventure
Non stop action will keep you glued to the book. Great storyline and characters make for a awesome read. I really liked this book.
Non stop action will keep you glued to the book. Great storyline and characters make for a awesome read. I really liked this book.
Read
June 20, 2020Bizarrement, bien que cela soit assez cliché et se déroulant essentiellement sur une planète et non dans l'espace, j'ai passé un agréable moment "vide tête" en suivant Odin Longknife (quel EGO !!!) et son ennemi partenaire Rozik devant se lier pour lutter contre des ennemis venus d'au delà les confins de la galaxie "autorisée" à l'humain.
2 reproches : un taux de mortalité élevé (on a à peine le temps de faire connaissance encore moins de s'attacher) et toujours une histoire qui finit en queue de poisson et qui annonce une (trop) longue série ?
je lirai cependant la suite Et oui, j'aime bien les histoires de héros et de groupes de militaires qui se sortent de toutes sortes d'enfers avec brio pour l'honneur et la patrie ...
2 reproches : un taux de mortalité élevé (on a à peine le temps de faire connaissance encore moins de s'attacher) et toujours une histoire qui finit en queue de poisson et qui annonce une (trop) longue série ?
je lirai cependant la suite Et oui, j'aime bien les histoires de héros et de groupes de militaires qui se sortent de toutes sortes d'enfers avec brio pour l'honneur et la patrie ...
September 30, 2022
Solid sci-fi/survival tale with strong characters and conflicting priorities generating constant intrigue. There is a brutal honesty in mutual hatred, and a constant risk of betrayal. Such tensions drive the plot forward. Although the science takes a back seat, it avoids the more common mistakes if the genre in doing so. What’s left is satisfying enough.
April 8, 2020
Fast, enjoyable sci-fi book. Characters were well done, story ramped up and moved at a good pace. Plenty of room left in the back story to develop in future books. A bit of a cliff hanger ending, but main story was completed. I will continue the series.
Read
April 27, 2020Great Story
This book had an interesting plot, using advanced technology and old fashioned Braden and grit. The characters are realistic and the descriptions are well-written. Forbes turns out to be a good writer.
This book had an interesting plot, using advanced technology and old fashioned Braden and grit. The characters are realistic and the descriptions are well-written. Forbes turns out to be a good writer.
August 2, 2020
A title that is very worthy of the content of this epic story.
Having not read the preceding stories this is definitely a book which would encourage you to go back to the 1st story even though they are all stand alone books.
Having not read the preceding stories this is definitely a book which would encourage you to go back to the 1st story even though they are all stand alone books.
April 22, 2021
why is this turkey so highly rated here? Uninteresting with no hint of suspense. The description and the cover do not indicate this is about two guys running around in the jungle, as is the case here.
June 29, 2021
Technologically advanced aliens chase humanity.
Builds up to a exciting conclusion. Plenty of high tech and outer space descriptions with alien species and technology. Human endurance on the run from invading hostile aliens.
Builds up to a exciting conclusion. Plenty of high tech and outer space descriptions with alien species and technology. Human endurance on the run from invading hostile aliens.
June 17, 2022
I really enjoyed the story but am tempted to take a star off because it doesn’t have an ending. It just stops in the middle of some action and you have to get the second book to find out what happens. This feels more like half of a story instead of a full one. It is a really good read though so I’ll stick with it but I wish I knew ahead of time that it didn’t really end.
June 10, 2020
A good sci-fi war read
Humanity is at war and a old hero is almost ready to retire but then an alien ship shows up and a new battle ison.
Humanity is at war and a old hero is almost ready to retire but then an alien ship shows up and a new battle ison.
August 21, 2020
An excellent read
I wasn't sure when i started the book but the plot turned out to be excellent the story line was very engaging and was difficult to put down
I wasn't sure when i started the book but the plot turned out to be excellent the story line was very engaging and was difficult to put down
August 22, 2020
Good read...
Good read I really enjoyed this book and will continue to the next book in this series! I like the characters too.
Good read I really enjoyed this book and will continue to the next book in this series! I like the characters too.
August 30, 2020
This book definitely picks up about half way. I quite liked it but don't really have much to say about it.
January 27, 2021
Good read
Fun easy read. Good story, makes you want to get the next book. Fun to read fast to get through.
Fun easy read. Good story, makes you want to get the next book. Fun to read fast to get through.
July 1, 2022
Very enjoyable read. Easy to read, put down, and pickup again. All books in series of the same high standard.
July 3, 2022
This book is one long chase scene with little story or plot. Very close to nonstop action, but what is the point with no plot?
May 18, 2025
Was ok, didnt engage with the characters and the whole 'Odin Longknife' was pure cringe.
March 12, 2020
I'll make no secret of this: I read just about everything MR Forbes puts out.
Whilst the Forgotten Earth saga and Hayden Duke are my faves, Stars End marks a leap into a new universe for me. I wasn't disappointed.
Rather than rehashing the plot, I'll tell you what worked for me.
Navy pilot Grayson Stone is a middle aged dude with a family he loves. He's ticking off the years until retirement in an outpost of the galaxy where not much happens. He loves his wife and kids. He has a past he's hidden. He's partnered with a much younger female pilot and treats her like a daughter, rather than a creepy sleaze.
The character is easy to relate to and cheer for. You get a glimpse of his ordinary world as it gets torn apart and he's thrown from one situation to the next.
The supporting characters have Forbes's usual mix of morally grey people with their own agendas, often at odds with Grayson's, and a few complete self-important a*seholes who do dumb things and thankfully, learn quick or get killed. Then there's the alien menace which is nicely foreshadowed and revealed.
The pace is fast, but with enough breathing space for world building and characterisation.
I will warn you that the book ends on a cliffhanger. Jeffery Kafer's narration of the audiobook is excellent. I wish the next one was out.
*I was given a review copy of the audiobook by the author. This is an honest review. I totally loved the book and will be heading straight into the next one on my Kindle
Whilst the Forgotten Earth saga and Hayden Duke are my faves, Stars End marks a leap into a new universe for me. I wasn't disappointed.
Rather than rehashing the plot, I'll tell you what worked for me.
Navy pilot Grayson Stone is a middle aged dude with a family he loves. He's ticking off the years until retirement in an outpost of the galaxy where not much happens. He loves his wife and kids. He has a past he's hidden. He's partnered with a much younger female pilot and treats her like a daughter, rather than a creepy sleaze.
The character is easy to relate to and cheer for. You get a glimpse of his ordinary world as it gets torn apart and he's thrown from one situation to the next.
The supporting characters have Forbes's usual mix of morally grey people with their own agendas, often at odds with Grayson's, and a few complete self-important a*seholes who do dumb things and thankfully, learn quick or get killed. Then there's the alien menace which is nicely foreshadowed and revealed.
The pace is fast, but with enough breathing space for world building and characterisation.
I will warn you that the book ends on a cliffhanger. Jeffery Kafer's narration of the audiobook is excellent. I wish the next one was out.
*I was given a review copy of the audiobook by the author. This is an honest review. I totally loved the book and will be heading straight into the next one on my Kindle
July 10, 2020
Starting a Star Fire
Captivating beginning of man’s first encounter with an alien race which threatens mankind’s very existence. Odin Longknife leads a charmed existence in the twilight of his career as the master Astro is challenged to battle the aliens and his sworn human enemy in responding to the unknown threat. Looking forward to the next installment!
Captivating beginning of man’s first encounter with an alien race which threatens mankind’s very existence. Odin Longknife leads a charmed existence in the twilight of his career as the master Astro is challenged to battle the aliens and his sworn human enemy in responding to the unknown threat. Looking forward to the next installment!
June 29, 2022
Great read
Fantastic story line, exceptional characters. Twists and turns that make the story keep you on the edge. Book two will be challenged to beat.
Fantastic story line, exceptional characters. Twists and turns that make the story keep you on the edge. Book two will be challenged to beat.
February 8, 2020
Star Fire by M.R. Forbes is a non-stop action-packed adventure. From a space battle to planetside combat, one pilot stands against a formidable alien foe. The escapade begins in chapter 2 and continues all the way to the end. You’ll fly through the chapters and crash land into this epic story.
Alliance Navy Commander Grayson Stone thought his assignment at a faraway space station orbiting a boring mining planet was the safest way to serve before he retired. He was wrong.
He and his mesh-partner Joie are skirmisher pilots monitoring the quiet space between the Spindle space station and the planet Warrick when enemy Commune ships attack. Neither Spindle nor the other skirmisher pilots out there have a chance. But Stone has a lot of experience and a history of heroics to back him up.
The Commune ship is nearly defeated when another ship comes in and attacks both sides. And it’s not like any ship Stone has ever seen. It’s gigantic and formidable with an array of weaponry. Stone and Joie’s little ship is shot down and they crash land on the planet. They survive only to find giant aliens have landed and are hunting them down.
Stone meets a Commune survivor on the planet and the two enemies team up against the strange aliens. At first it’s a flight, then it’s a fight when they find the aliens have taken over the human settlement where Stone needs to go in order to call for help.
How will they get out of this? You’ll just have to read and find out. Be prepared for the story not to be done at the end. Though part of the conflict is resolved, it is obvious the story continues.
The writing is well done. Forbes did a good job of building characters and building scenes. I loved all the battle scenes, both in space and on the planet. The story flows smoothly from one adventure to the next and I was on the edge almost the entire time.
One thing I missed amongst all this action was a connection to the characters. For some reason, I didn’t feel empathy for them. I didn’t feel bad that Stone might have lost his wife and daughter when the space station was attacked. And I didn’t feel angst when Joie had to be left behind.
I also didn’t care for the ending, but not because the story continued in another book. I didn’t like it because the ending made me think that the entire adventure was pointless. Sure, Stone might have gotten away by the skin of his teeth. But at what cost?
Still, I kept turning the pages because I anxiously wondered what was going to happen next. Star Fire is well worth the read and worth buying the sequel. It’s a fight for humanity you won’t want to miss.
Alliance Navy Commander Grayson Stone thought his assignment at a faraway space station orbiting a boring mining planet was the safest way to serve before he retired. He was wrong.
He and his mesh-partner Joie are skirmisher pilots monitoring the quiet space between the Spindle space station and the planet Warrick when enemy Commune ships attack. Neither Spindle nor the other skirmisher pilots out there have a chance. But Stone has a lot of experience and a history of heroics to back him up.
The Commune ship is nearly defeated when another ship comes in and attacks both sides. And it’s not like any ship Stone has ever seen. It’s gigantic and formidable with an array of weaponry. Stone and Joie’s little ship is shot down and they crash land on the planet. They survive only to find giant aliens have landed and are hunting them down.
Stone meets a Commune survivor on the planet and the two enemies team up against the strange aliens. At first it’s a flight, then it’s a fight when they find the aliens have taken over the human settlement where Stone needs to go in order to call for help.
How will they get out of this? You’ll just have to read and find out. Be prepared for the story not to be done at the end. Though part of the conflict is resolved, it is obvious the story continues.
The writing is well done. Forbes did a good job of building characters and building scenes. I loved all the battle scenes, both in space and on the planet. The story flows smoothly from one adventure to the next and I was on the edge almost the entire time.
One thing I missed amongst all this action was a connection to the characters. For some reason, I didn’t feel empathy for them. I didn’t feel bad that Stone might have lost his wife and daughter when the space station was attacked. And I didn’t feel angst when Joie had to be left behind.
I also didn’t care for the ending, but not because the story continued in another book. I didn’t like it because the ending made me think that the entire adventure was pointless. Sure, Stone might have gotten away by the skin of his teeth. But at what cost?
Still, I kept turning the pages because I anxiously wondered what was going to happen next. Star Fire is well worth the read and worth buying the sequel. It’s a fight for humanity you won’t want to miss.
March 4, 2020
It was a slow start but after that it was really good ride. I enjoyed the conflict between the major characters. I'm not sure I'll read the next book though. I recommend this book.
February 25, 2020
This was a good science fiction read. A little cliche if you looked at the story from a high level, but had some good combat and tech in it. I enjoyed the read and bought the next one too.
February 17, 2020
Futuristic, suspenseful first half, weaker, typical warrior-type fighting, second half
Because the amazing first 100 pages hurls the reader into a futuristic, scifi-tec, with convincing characters. And the novel has unexpected turns with nail-biting suspense, believable aliens, and good heroic themes.
Because the amazing first 100 pages hurls the reader into a futuristic, scifi-tec, with convincing characters. And the novel has unexpected turns with nail-biting suspense, believable aliens, and good heroic themes.
October 27, 2019
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
It hurts to be so damn wrong.
I was a bit slow to start this one. Part of that was because I wanted more of the series to be out so I could binge read. But some of it was because I just didn't think I was in the right frame of mind after not being able to complete Damnation.
I shouldn't have worried at all.
This was good. So good. From the very first page, it grabbed my attention and would not let go. Old school Forbes. The best storyteller in this genre and he proves again why I think so.
We’re Alliance Navy, damn it.
I really liked Commander Grayson Stone. And right from the start, the author had me empathising with him. It's always nice to read a story that makes you feel.
Oh-hell-no hits threat level red.
Action, adventure and a little intrigue. Who is Rozek, anyway? It all worked together to make for one heck of a ride.
Don’t put warriors on the field if you don’t want them to win the damned war.
I'm glad I didn't wait to read this one; it fed the space-fleet/military sci-fi hunger inside me.
Now, I'm hanging out for book two. Hurry up, Mr Forbes and please, more series like this one!
It hurts to be so damn wrong.
I was a bit slow to start this one. Part of that was because I wanted more of the series to be out so I could binge read. But some of it was because I just didn't think I was in the right frame of mind after not being able to complete Damnation.
I shouldn't have worried at all.
This was good. So good. From the very first page, it grabbed my attention and would not let go. Old school Forbes. The best storyteller in this genre and he proves again why I think so.
We’re Alliance Navy, damn it.
I really liked Commander Grayson Stone. And right from the start, the author had me empathising with him. It's always nice to read a story that makes you feel.
Oh-hell-no hits threat level red.
Action, adventure and a little intrigue. Who is Rozek, anyway? It all worked together to make for one heck of a ride.
Don’t put warriors on the field if you don’t want them to win the damned war.
I'm glad I didn't wait to read this one; it fed the space-fleet/military sci-fi hunger inside me.
Now, I'm hanging out for book two. Hurry up, Mr Forbes and please, more series like this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews