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It’s a star system fight to the death to be on the right side of history in the final explosive Kat Falcone novel by bestselling author Christopher G. Nuttall.

The Commonwealth Civil War has stalemated, but both sides—desperate to win at all costs—are looking for ways to end the fighting before everything they’ve built is turned to ash. King Hadrian, on the edge of madness, searches for allies who might help, at a price. His enemies, all too aware the battle is far from won, search for long-forgotten truths that might tear the king’s forces apart and end the war in a single blow. For Admiral Kat Falcone and Commodore William McElney, caught on opposite sides, everything they’ve ever loved is at stake.

William knows a secret, a secret that may end the war if he and his friend Kat can work together long enough to use it. But powerful forces are arrayed against them, intent on fighting the war to the bitter end. One false move and they’ll both fall into fire…

…And hundreds of planets will burn with them.

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Published November 3, 2020

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Christopher G. Nuttall

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5 stars
353 (46%)
4 stars
257 (34%)
3 stars
111 (14%)
2 stars
23 (3%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Per Gunnar.
1,313 reviews74 followers
February 17, 2021
Christopher Nuttall is one of my favourite authors so it is rather unusual that I don’t like one of his books. Unfortunately this book is one of the exceptions.

There is of course nothing wrong with the actual writing itself. It is the story I really didn’t like. This was not a big surprise for me though. After the ending of the last book and after reading the blurb for this one I was more or less convinced that this book was not going to be my cup of tea.

It’s actually a bit painful for me to write a negative review for a book from an author that has mostly given me 4 and 5 star books so I will keep it short.

Basically I have two major gripes with this book. The first and the biggest one is that my favourite character, which is also the main protagonist, is on the wrong side of the good guy / bad guy line. Sure, she is duped into being on the wrong side but it is still a major negative point for me.

The second gripe I have is that there’s so much talk and silly politics in this book that I kind of got bored in several sections of the book.

Luckily the fleet action, when it finally starts to take place, is as good as I would expect from this author but, this time, it is not enough. So unfortunately this book ends up with a 2 out of 5 for me.
Profile Image for Peter Baran.
858 reviews63 followers
February 5, 2021
The last two books of this trilogy are really an extension of the same piece. The first book sets up the civil war, and these two let it unfold with our two main protagonists, and closest allies, on opposing sides. Perhaps it is a flaw that we get to see one side as being worse than the other, the Kings side has achieved perhaps desirable means with dubious ends, and his opposition may be too parochial, but those dubious ends matter here when our actual hero Kat Falcone, has never traded in shades of dishonour. Yet it does give a plausible, even understandable reason why she is on that side, and we spend more time with her being increasingly uneasy about the decisions she has made.

This si military sci-fi though and its strength is in the attritional nature of the warfare, the strategy and counter strategy. And at that it is good at showing how its protagonists make mistakes, get over confident and how planets and satellites are strange things to fight over and secure. The third book widens this even further, bringing in another space faction. Nuttall isn't exactly subtle when he designs these things and whilst I found his Theocracy a bit too on the nose, the space federation of Marsailles makes his English Civil War analog even more obvious. That's OK, its a fascinating model to use.

Nuttall writes good, characterful political military sci-fi and whilst the intial sketched out universe feels perhaps too analgous to earth bound warfare, the narrative is nicely propulsive. There is something quite British about it, there is enough class warfare and patronage to be an off cut of Bridgerton. But equally he is not afraid to chip away at his characters, to have competent people do competent things for the wrong side, and to make them pay for it in the end. I read these three in a week, which is probably the best recommendation I can give.
Profile Image for Damaged142.
206 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2023
Okay...so...

Alright, so I'll say straight up that I enjoyed the book and this series as a whole. However, the book and the series itself are objectively bad.

It relies upon rehashed and reused filler text/internal monologs.

For a series that runs ~1200 pages, there is very little of actual substance. A few minor fleet engagements here a few war crimes there, but ultimately, a large section of those 1200 pages do relatively little to progress the story.

And if any of you have read my reviews before, you'll know I am a stickler when it comes to continuity. So whenever one comes up, I have to point it out. At the end of the angel and the whirlwind series, Kat throws the ring Pat used to propose to her in his grave as he was buried. But now, in this book, there's mention of Kat glancing down and thinking about the ring on her hand. Did she dog it up at some point? Did I miss that? Lol

The ending feels very cheap, and I almost feel cheated even though I did enjoy the book.

For a book/series focusing on war, there is a noticeable lack of detail, especially when compared to series like "Empire Rising."

Well, that's that. The ending is relatively open-ended, so there might be a chance for more from this universe, but i don't know and I haven't looked it up lol.

972 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2023
While this was a fairly good series to read, the overall story does not have a satisfying ending and leaves many possibilities for additional tales that don't seem to be planned.
645 reviews10 followers
November 10, 2020
In 2015 the prolific Christopher Nuttall introduced Katherine "Kat" Falcone, a young officer in His Majesty's Tyrian Navy taking her first command. The youngest of one of Tyre's ruling families, Kat was widely seen as having had her path smoothed by her powerful relatives to a position she was not qualified to hold. But she proved more than equal to the task and soon became a top commander in the Tyrian Navy's fight against the expansionist Theocracy, a space nation bent on enslaving every world possible to its repressive religion. In 2017 Kat led the assault on the Theocracy's home world, setting the stage for a second sequence of novels that Nuttall called "The Embers of War." With Debt of War he closes that trilogy and brings the Tyrian civil war that bloomed in the aftermath of the war with the Theocracy.

Kat and forces loyal to the king are on Caledonia, one of the main Tyrian words and headquarters of the groups loyal to the throne. The House of Lords remains on Tyre, marshaling resources to defeat the king and bring him to heel; they're led politically by Kat's brother and militarily by her best friend, William McElney. Nearsighted politicians on both sides try to goad the respective military forces to attack, but even though Kat knows that would be a risky move she also knows that the king's side can't afford a long war of attrition. The Tyrian homeworld will soon be able to return to war footing production and overwhelm the king's forces with sheer weight of metal. William, on the other hand, has just learned information that completely upends the basis of the conflict and could convince Kat she has been wrong all along -- can he manage to get it to her?

Despite his high-volume output Nuttall doesn't rush material into print; Debt of War's style flows cleanly if not with any particular flash of bells and whistles. He also keeps his characters straight; Kat remains pretty much the same throughout the series, as does William. There's a bit of a disconnect between King Hadrian in the initial books and in the trilogy that shows signs the transition between the two roles he plays in the different storylines wasn't as smooth as it could have been. And the frequent observations about the need to take a risk to end the war even though the downside is complete disaster grow a little tiring. The "Debt" series could probably have fit into two books. But still it's a pretty interesting take on the space opera genre: Is there any guarantee the brave and insightful commander at the center of it all, the one whose dash and daring brings victory after victory to her homeworld...will choose the right side?

Original available here.
25 reviews
February 12, 2022
made me sorry i read the whole series

If i hadn’t read the rest of the series i would have never finished this book. As it is i actually skipped pages and pages. Things don’t have to have a happy ending but this was just awful.
Profile Image for Linda Galella.
1,037 reviews100 followers
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November 4, 2020
“Debt of War” begins with 3 prologues, the purpose of which is to catch the reader up on what’s happened so far; 3 arcs, 3 prologues. They weren’t helpful and I wish I’d started at chapter one. For the entirety of the book I was seeking motivation for the characters but couldn’t locate it. I knew what they were thinking but not why. I’m a reader that likes to know why. Perhaps the early books held that key and I just missed it by powering thru them, but I’m suspect.

World building is interesting and there are vestiges of European and American history folded into the story. Author, Christopher G. Nuttall, is clearly obsessed with matters of civil war and unrest. This trilogy, “The Embers of War”, is a sci-fi look at civil war from inception to resolution. With current events around the world, the elements of this story are not so far afield and absolutely relevant.

A few reviewers mentioned these books being good for YA readers but I would not, due to language. It’s not terrible, but my teens do not need to be reading expletives and divine epithets; just not necessary. The violence factor is modest, not overly descriptive and the sexual content is mild, mostly “fade to black”. Were this a movie, it would rate a PG-13.

Characters are a mix of strong male and female, hero, anti-hero and there are many, MANY characters. That’s one aspect that would have been easier having read the first two volumes. It’s still not very difficult to catch on to what doesn’t amount to a lot of development. I didn’t find it in either of the other books as well. They’re strong on action, not substance.

What does it boil down to? If you’re action and war oriented, you’ll enjoy this book and the series. If relationships and motivation are more to your liking, this book and it’s predecessors will leave you with a hollow feeling. It’s well written and moves along more quickly than it’s almost 400 pages would intimate, thankfully for this reader📚

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213 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2023
The end of the 7- book arc

This book culminates the story arc begun with the four books of Angel in the Whirlwind, followed by the Embers of War trilogy. It’s a long tale of first war and conquest, then civil war, and of one woman’s role as a senior officer in the Royal Navy.

As with the Seventeenth Century’s English Civil War, one of the conflicts highlighted in The Embers of War is a conflict between monarch and parliament, with each holding disparate views about the direction the Commonwealth should take, and who should hold the power to control it.

Parliament, and particularly the powerful House of Lords, was primarily interested in economic growth, while the king was pushing for more money to support the less developed planets far from the capital in Tyre. The colonialists had long justifiably felt that they were treated as second class citizens, and resentment was high, pushing them into the king’s camp. The Navy itself was divided, with some officers and crew supporting the king and others supporting the aristocracy that had helped their careers.

The books are well worth the read, as the two connected arcs— first the war against neighboring and aggressive religious empire, then the civil war— bring a variety of well-written characters to life. There are some issues, as they were written over a number of years and there are occasional continuity problems (for example, at one point the primary protagonist considers removing her dead fiancé’s engagement ring, which she had earlier buried with him). There are also some ongoing problems with naval terminology (aye for aye aye is used throughout the books, and the author doesn’t seem to know what a wardroom is), but those will primarily be noted by for
Profile Image for BobA707.
821 reviews18 followers
July 30, 2022
Summary: Nice bit of space opera, not particularly believable plot and the continuation of a series I have not read. Book 3 similar to book 1 and 2, with a predictable end, though nice plot twists on the way.

Plotline: Moves along quickly. Power corrupts I suppose, or nothing would really make sense

Premise: Interesting, almost classic space opera premise - it allows a good story

Writing: Light, simple, the action is brought to life

Ending: Civil war concluded, nice end to a good mini series. I expect more is to come

Pace: Never a dull moment!
78 reviews
September 29, 2020
This is a fantastic conclusion to a very unique and intriguing series. The flow of the writing is very good even if sometimes I want more of one of the viewpoints at a given time. The writing keeps the reader very entertained and engaged. This is very good young adult, but still a little advanced for children. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and this book. It has twists and turns that the foundation was laid in the previous books, but if you weren't looking for them, they upend the plot.
Profile Image for W H Nicholls.
330 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2020
Thins I think was the best in the series so far. Full of interest with plots going on with in the plot. Few parts were predictable but it kept me guessing till the end. The last third got more exciting as it went along though I have to admit it did not finish how in envisaged, I thought Kat would have taken her revenge in a different way. The ending has left it open for a new series of books if Christ wants to go down that route.
1,434 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2020
Christopher G. Nuttall concludes his Embers of War series with Debt of War(paper from 47North) with a Commonwealth Civil War that pits King versus Parliament and puts Admiral Kat Falcone and her ex-comrade on opposite sides. Unfortunately is soon becomes obvious to the reader that one of them is on the wrong side, especially when that sides decides on the war crime of destroying cities. This is a bit disquieting as all civil wars tend to be. Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press
83 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2021
Hope for the best, plan for the worst

As discourse in my country seems to grow worse, I find myself interested in the history, real or imagined of a society breaking down. These aren't comfortable reads. This one might be one of the most cheerful. Of course it's told from the point of view of the powerful. The ones with the resources to land on their feet. A depressing and yet hopeful look at how the more things change, the more they say the same.
Profile Image for Sarah.
602 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2021
This is a good series for depicting the whole grey area of civil war. Family against family, friend against friend….all the second guessing of what or who is right and what or who is wrong. A+ for all the political drama and the excellent portrayal of people justifying things to themselves. I would have loved a bit more action, especially in the end. I was hoping That vengeance would have been a little sweeter and bloodier. Looking forward to the next one.
272 reviews
January 9, 2022
The third in a series that just keep getting better. This book concentrates more on characters as opposed to military strategy and as usual, dirty politics and betrayal are at the heart of the matter. These books will hold your interest, involve you in the lives of the characters and portray the state of modern day politics all to vividly. Just wish The author had been a little kinder to some of his characters. Definitely will continue to read his books.
Profile Image for Robert.
22 reviews
November 6, 2020
Bottom good story but poor execution.

Interesting plot. Unfortunately, the Author mixes up what locations the events are occurring. Additionally, the persons speaking are also mixed up. This forces you to go back and reread sections multiple times to understand what was supposed to be going on.
37 reviews
November 12, 2020
A brilliant finish to a great series. Really enjoyed the conclusion and the disintegration of the King's empire. Whilst at first I was disappointed to lose both sides seeming equally "good" it by the end turned out to be fine and the descent of the King into madness was done well. A good end to the series and as with the other books it felt real and possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for James Bowman.
29 reviews
December 23, 2020
It hangs together

The author seems well versed in history and psychology and has drawn a believable account of characters caught up in the maelstrom of civil war in a instellar society. This future history of war in the stars is worth a read, and condiments reflection on how the story works as a reflection of our current world.
32 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2021
Never Fails To Deliver

I love to read Christopher's work because he never fails to deliver - never, not even once. If Christopher's name is on the cover, I know I am in for a good read. If you've never read Christopher's books you're missing out. No need to deprive yourself. I certainly intend to keep on reading his books.
328 reviews
February 20, 2021
High and low points

I greatly anticipated the last book in the trilogy. Sadly I felt disappointed. There was a lot of directions the intervening story could have taken. Although there were some interesting points, the story line seemed a bit thin. I wont give up on Mr Nuttall. But I may take a break with other authors.
74 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2023
Better than the first two, but still....

....junk. As with the prior two books, predictable, unimaginative, inconsistent, uninspiring, introduction of too many characters. In short, there is a heroine, and she is continually put in situations where she fails to be more productive than those around her.
Profile Image for Chris Stott.
18 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2020
One of the greats

A fantastic read drawing so many threads so well and so satisfyingly together. Chris is truly one of the greats. The afterword is by far the best part of the book displaying a rare depth in today’s world and a chilling look at our possible future.
23 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2020
Descent into madness

The King and his separatist faction struggle with ever worsening odds as Kat attempts to level the playing field. I enjoyed the internal struggles and politics of this one as much as I did the space battles! A great weekend to this trilogy.
Profile Image for Jo .
2,679 reviews68 followers
February 5, 2021
Kat and William work to end this war. The surprising information from the end of the last book leads to the two working together again. Plenty of danger and tension with a satisfying ending. I do wonder if we have seen the last of these two as they take off on a five year assignment.
85 reviews
December 17, 2021
Good ending

some get what they deserved. Like all wars, to many innocent pay the price of their leaders. I liked ending and how they set up Kat and William. To start a new life for themselves.
36 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2020
A great conclusion

It seems like that's the end of the Day Falcone sagas. A wonderful series. (I,m secretly hoping another adventure may come along)
A great read well done.
29 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2020
Sucks that the king is bad

Spoiler alert,,,,good ending although predictable. Cat is now off to sell car insurance and the King is dead, dang maybe next lifetime.
3 reviews
November 26, 2020
Great book

Hope there are more in the series. Although if this is the last it’s a fitting end to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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