What do you think?
Rate this book
Savage Stars #2
Fractured Horizons
As the war between the Human Planetary Alliance and the Daklan intensifies, Captain Carl Recker experiences a sudden change in fortune.
With battle-hardened officers in short supply, he’s given command of a modified, shipyard-fresh destroyer and a mission to go with it. As part of a task force under the command of an officer Recker is unfortunately all-too-familiar with, the plan is to recover weapons and technology from an uncharted world on the edge of known space.
Easy.
Little does Recker know it, but the outcome of this mission may well determine the future of both humanity and the Daklan. The distant planet Pinvos will be the scene of conflict and destruction on a cataclysmic scale and even success will be tempered by the uncertainty of what he discovers.
With each passing day, a faraway war fought on a colossal scale comes ever nearer and humanity has no defence against the weapons created to fight it.
No defence except perhaps one thing. The alien warship Vengeance has survived countless engagements and still it endures, scarred by the brutality of its past.
And Recker is the only man with the key to unlock its secrets.
Fractured Horizons is a traditional-style science-fiction action adventure and the second book in the Savage Stars series, following directly after events in War from a Distant Sun. Expect space combat, ruthless aliens, mysterious tech and lots more.
With battle-hardened officers in short supply, he’s given command of a modified, shipyard-fresh destroyer and a mission to go with it. As part of a task force under the command of an officer Recker is unfortunately all-too-familiar with, the plan is to recover weapons and technology from an uncharted world on the edge of known space.
Easy.
Little does Recker know it, but the outcome of this mission may well determine the future of both humanity and the Daklan. The distant planet Pinvos will be the scene of conflict and destruction on a cataclysmic scale and even success will be tempered by the uncertainty of what he discovers.
With each passing day, a faraway war fought on a colossal scale comes ever nearer and humanity has no defence against the weapons created to fight it.
No defence except perhaps one thing. The alien warship Vengeance has survived countless engagements and still it endures, scarred by the brutality of its past.
And Recker is the only man with the key to unlock its secrets.
Fractured Horizons is a traditional-style science-fiction action adventure and the second book in the Savage Stars series, following directly after events in War from a Distant Sun. Expect space combat, ruthless aliens, mysterious tech and lots more.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2020
436 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Anthony James
235 books107 followersAnthony James spent his youth reading what might now be called classic sci-fi and fantasy books. These days, he spends time in his study with the door locked against rampant and ferocious toddlers, writing books of his own.
That's the third person stuff out of the way.
For anyone who's read any of my books, you'll know that I write action science fiction that pulls no punches and which doesn't cram the good stuff into the last couple of chapters. The action starts early and it doesn't let up. I also take care to mix in plenty of humanity. The characters I write are all distinctly believable, often facing uncaring enemies and overwhelming odds. When they win, it's because they did their best.
Go on. Punch an alien today. Better yet, check out my series of books, each one filled with action, technology, warfare, aliens and against-the-odds survival. Lots of kick-back-and-enjoy weekend or evening reading.
That's the third person stuff out of the way.
For anyone who's read any of my books, you'll know that I write action science fiction that pulls no punches and which doesn't cram the good stuff into the last couple of chapters. The action starts early and it doesn't let up. I also take care to mix in plenty of humanity. The characters I write are all distinctly believable, often facing uncaring enemies and overwhelming odds. When they win, it's because they did their best.
Go on. Punch an alien today. Better yet, check out my series of books, each one filled with action, technology, warfare, aliens and against-the-odds survival. Lots of kick-back-and-enjoy weekend or evening reading.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 17, 2021
This seemed like a very short book. I think I read it in two nights which is about usual, but the story seemed to really fly. We're back with Captain Carl Recker and his crew. It seems like all the ships in this book are relatively small. I say that because when Captain Recker takes over a ship, he seems to be the pilot and does all the flying. That sounds kind of strange, but he even does this when he's commanding the Vengeance, an alien warship he had previously captured.
He's just returned from his previous mission in book 1 and now his Admiral Telar wants to send him on another mission, but this time he'll be part of a small fleet. Recker hasn't been too happy with the Human Planetary Alliance (HPA) command. They seem to be too timid and not taking the war to the Daklans. Of course, he did understand that the Daklans did have advanced technology that was causing the HPA great difficulties. With Captain Recker's recent discovery of another alien civilization came the knowledge that they might have even more advance technology than the Daklans. His proof was the starship Vengeance, but that ship was locked up with some kind of security that only allowed partial access and only to Recker's DNA. Recker believed he really needed more time with the Vengence and then he might get it to open up more and allow them to use all of it's capabilities. But, that wasn't going to happen right now.
Admiral Telar assigned Captain Recker a new ship called the Expectation. It was to be part of Admiral Fraser's fleet going to a very distant location where they expected to possibly find more alien technology. This mission turns out about as bad as it could with the HPA losing more ships and not finding much in return. And Admiral Fraser's version of what happened conflicts greatly with Captain Recker's even though Captain Recker and another Captain in the fleet went to great pains to rescue Admiral Fraser.
Now back at Adamantine base, Admiral Telar informs Captain Recker that he has another mission and this time it involves the Vengeance. He and his crew are to take the Vengeance and follow a signal that the Vengeance has sent out unexpectedly. Now, flying the Vengeance isn't easy and it is very dangerous. The crew doesn't have full control of anything on the ship to include weapons. Still, they must figure out a way to release the security controls on this ship and it's thought that if it returns to its base of origin, it might reset and allow the crew to fully command the ship. So, that's their mission. Of course taking a barely flyable starship into potential enemy territory isn't the best idea, but it's the only idea that have right now. Captain Recker and his crew are going to find this mission very hard and challenging.
And as if the mission wasn't difficult enough, the Daklan have found Adamatine base and the planet Lustre. They are in the process of destroying everything on and around the planet. Can Captain Recker and his alien warship do anything to prevent this destruction? If they don't, it could mean the end of the HPA and humanity.
Pretty good writing if I may say so. Still, it seems as though the starships in these books are awful small with only a flight crew of four or five and the Captain managing to run the entire ship. Additionally, they have a squad of Marine (?) sitting in the back of the ship usually not knowing what's going on. The squad leader is a Sergeant and they have no officers, but I guess that was planned for since Captain Recker seems to think he's also qualified to lead ground assaults when they are required. This is another book in which the Captain of a starship leaves his ship for no good reason. Not real practical. His second in command doesn't get to do much, that's for sure.
I'll continue reading the series and the third book, "Galactar" is already available on Amazon. In fact, this series goes out to seven books so we have a whole lot of reading still to do.
He's just returned from his previous mission in book 1 and now his Admiral Telar wants to send him on another mission, but this time he'll be part of a small fleet. Recker hasn't been too happy with the Human Planetary Alliance (HPA) command. They seem to be too timid and not taking the war to the Daklans. Of course, he did understand that the Daklans did have advanced technology that was causing the HPA great difficulties. With Captain Recker's recent discovery of another alien civilization came the knowledge that they might have even more advance technology than the Daklans. His proof was the starship Vengeance, but that ship was locked up with some kind of security that only allowed partial access and only to Recker's DNA. Recker believed he really needed more time with the Vengence and then he might get it to open up more and allow them to use all of it's capabilities. But, that wasn't going to happen right now.
Admiral Telar assigned Captain Recker a new ship called the Expectation. It was to be part of Admiral Fraser's fleet going to a very distant location where they expected to possibly find more alien technology. This mission turns out about as bad as it could with the HPA losing more ships and not finding much in return. And Admiral Fraser's version of what happened conflicts greatly with Captain Recker's even though Captain Recker and another Captain in the fleet went to great pains to rescue Admiral Fraser.
Now back at Adamantine base, Admiral Telar informs Captain Recker that he has another mission and this time it involves the Vengeance. He and his crew are to take the Vengeance and follow a signal that the Vengeance has sent out unexpectedly. Now, flying the Vengeance isn't easy and it is very dangerous. The crew doesn't have full control of anything on the ship to include weapons. Still, they must figure out a way to release the security controls on this ship and it's thought that if it returns to its base of origin, it might reset and allow the crew to fully command the ship. So, that's their mission. Of course taking a barely flyable starship into potential enemy territory isn't the best idea, but it's the only idea that have right now. Captain Recker and his crew are going to find this mission very hard and challenging.
And as if the mission wasn't difficult enough, the Daklan have found Adamatine base and the planet Lustre. They are in the process of destroying everything on and around the planet. Can Captain Recker and his alien warship do anything to prevent this destruction? If they don't, it could mean the end of the HPA and humanity.
Pretty good writing if I may say so. Still, it seems as though the starships in these books are awful small with only a flight crew of four or five and the Captain managing to run the entire ship. Additionally, they have a squad of Marine (?) sitting in the back of the ship usually not knowing what's going on. The squad leader is a Sergeant and they have no officers, but I guess that was planned for since Captain Recker seems to think he's also qualified to lead ground assaults when they are required. This is another book in which the Captain of a starship leaves his ship for no good reason. Not real practical. His second in command doesn't get to do much, that's for sure.
I'll continue reading the series and the third book, "Galactar" is already available on Amazon. In fact, this series goes out to seven books so we have a whole lot of reading still to do.
March 3, 2022
I thought the basic story from the first book was OK and even though there were lots of other problems I decided to see where the story was going.
Unfortunately the problems with the first book are just as bad in this one. The technology just seems all wrong, million ton spaceships controlled by one man pulling on a control bar and a crew that is just a Captain and three lieutenants.
Once the action starts there is always a long discussion about what they might do while all around them is going to hell. Then Recker and his crew seem to be constantly on the edge of complete disaster, running around frantically like ‘headless chickens’.
Having said all that I still found the overall story interesting and it might have been enough to keep me continuing with the series, but I hadn’t really got my head around the Human/Daklan conflict when the author decided to turn it into a mega war with two more alien races and planet exploding weapons.
Unfortunately the problems with the first book are just as bad in this one. The technology just seems all wrong, million ton spaceships controlled by one man pulling on a control bar and a crew that is just a Captain and three lieutenants.
Once the action starts there is always a long discussion about what they might do while all around them is going to hell. Then Recker and his crew seem to be constantly on the edge of complete disaster, running around frantically like ‘headless chickens’.
Having said all that I still found the overall story interesting and it might have been enough to keep me continuing with the series, but I hadn’t really got my head around the Human/Daklan conflict when the author decided to turn it into a mega war with two more alien races and planet exploding weapons.
February 25, 2022
not sure what the humdrum is about, may be old style science-fiction but not very realistic.
First of all I like the storyline. Second of all I don’t care for the main protagonist or the rest of the characters I think they’re very flat. Third of all at eight 800 m starship where is the rest of the crew? Are the starships one deck each? When the captain is running through the starship does he ever interact with the rest of the crew? They are those who may like this type of science-fiction but I just don’t see it. I could have written a lot more criticisms but there are those as I said I will enjoy the series. Obviously they are those who have I am not one of them.
First of all I like the storyline. Second of all I don’t care for the main protagonist or the rest of the characters I think they’re very flat. Third of all at eight 800 m starship where is the rest of the crew? Are the starships one deck each? When the captain is running through the starship does he ever interact with the rest of the crew? They are those who may like this type of science-fiction but I just don’t see it. I could have written a lot more criticisms but there are those as I said I will enjoy the series. Obviously they are those who have I am not one of them.
May 4, 2023
It's not a bad premise, and I liked it, but I think it could be much better.
If I had to guess, I don't think the author has much military or leadership experience.
For example. He doesn't touch logistics. He has crews jumping from ship to ship on month long missions at the drop of a hat... but they don't bring any clothes or toiletries? No books or entertainment or mandatory training courses? Only one deep for every position on board? Also, why is the Captain helming/flying the ship? Captains/commanders have way too much to do to be constantly flying a ship. Though they do love to get out of the commander mold every now and then and "play" grunt.
From my experience, one pair of clothes worn continuously with no change would screw up a person. No backup/assistance continuously at your job will screw up a person. No stress relief from entertainment or time off will screw up a person. As they are 1-deep for all ship's bridge functions, no one can get a day off. Any combat or accident losses can not be replaced because they are 1-deep..... damage control could be done by the soldiers, but that assumes they have received special training on that.
Oh. I didn't see any preventive maintenance. On any system like a ship or aircraft, there would be loads of preventive maintenance activities and complaining about having to perform the "unnecessary" activities by the juniors on the crew who are not as knowledgeable as the leadership. You can not just leave systems unattended and expect them to always work in combat. You need to regularly test them and maintain them.
That's a lot of what will seem like complaining. I hope the author does not take it as a complaint, as I do like the story. Please take it as an area where improvements in future stories can be made.
If I had to guess, I don't think the author has much military or leadership experience.
For example. He doesn't touch logistics. He has crews jumping from ship to ship on month long missions at the drop of a hat... but they don't bring any clothes or toiletries? No books or entertainment or mandatory training courses? Only one deep for every position on board? Also, why is the Captain helming/flying the ship? Captains/commanders have way too much to do to be constantly flying a ship. Though they do love to get out of the commander mold every now and then and "play" grunt.
From my experience, one pair of clothes worn continuously with no change would screw up a person. No backup/assistance continuously at your job will screw up a person. No stress relief from entertainment or time off will screw up a person. As they are 1-deep for all ship's bridge functions, no one can get a day off. Any combat or accident losses can not be replaced because they are 1-deep..... damage control could be done by the soldiers, but that assumes they have received special training on that.
Oh. I didn't see any preventive maintenance. On any system like a ship or aircraft, there would be loads of preventive maintenance activities and complaining about having to perform the "unnecessary" activities by the juniors on the crew who are not as knowledgeable as the leadership. You can not just leave systems unattended and expect them to always work in combat. You need to regularly test them and maintain them.
That's a lot of what will seem like complaining. I hope the author does not take it as a complaint, as I do like the story. Please take it as an area where improvements in future stories can be made.
March 27, 2022
By the end of the first book, War from a Distant Sun, I was certainly intrigued as to where this plot would take us. Now, after finishing "Fractured Horizons" I am fully invested!
I'm terrible with analogies, but this series is like one of the giant over the top messy burgers you see if cafes, pubs and restaurants some times. They're big, messy, loads of fun and ultimately, really enjoyable. This series doesn't pretend to be something it's not, it's not a big messy burger trying to pass as a Michelin star restaurant dish. It's lovely, honest fun while also carrying an intriguing plot.
I'm not really sure how much I can say without giving too many spoilers, but let's just say that Captain Recker and his crew have jumped out of the frying pan, and into the fire! The world building continues and the more that's revealed the further I found myself getting sucked into it.
I'd normally like to take a break between reading the next book of a series, I read something else so I don't burn out... But after finishing this book, I immediately started the next... I need to know more!
I'm terrible with analogies, but this series is like one of the giant over the top messy burgers you see if cafes, pubs and restaurants some times. They're big, messy, loads of fun and ultimately, really enjoyable. This series doesn't pretend to be something it's not, it's not a big messy burger trying to pass as a Michelin star restaurant dish. It's lovely, honest fun while also carrying an intriguing plot.
I'm not really sure how much I can say without giving too many spoilers, but let's just say that Captain Recker and his crew have jumped out of the frying pan, and into the fire! The world building continues and the more that's revealed the further I found myself getting sucked into it.
I'd normally like to take a break between reading the next book of a series, I read something else so I don't burn out... But after finishing this book, I immediately started the next... I need to know more!
April 19, 2021
Space ships from multiple races use the same levers to steer I'm guessing no one told them about all the directions pitch roll etc.
Wepons that can be fired manually and score a hit when moving at incredible speeds also you can detect ligtspeed missiles at 100 million kilometres and have time to announce it outloud & manually activate and launch counter measures.
Im guessing the author edits his own work which is a shame, no one should edit themselves they are too attached and need an independent eye.
Still I will probably read book 3 as I don't feel like putting any effort in to reading my currently reading shelf
In my current funk Its an easy read.
Also why do such massive ships land on planets as routeen? Surely space docks and shuttle down would be easier safer and convenient.
Satalites with scanning abilities do not seem to be invented
So much tech its uses and lack of tech makes no sense for space militaries.
Wepons that can be fired manually and score a hit when moving at incredible speeds also you can detect ligtspeed missiles at 100 million kilometres and have time to announce it outloud & manually activate and launch counter measures.
Im guessing the author edits his own work which is a shame, no one should edit themselves they are too attached and need an independent eye.
Still I will probably read book 3 as I don't feel like putting any effort in to reading my currently reading shelf
In my current funk Its an easy read.
Also why do such massive ships land on planets as routeen? Surely space docks and shuttle down would be easier safer and convenient.
Satalites with scanning abilities do not seem to be invented
So much tech its uses and lack of tech makes no sense for space militaries.
August 24, 2020
Lacking Satisfaction
Continued from book 1, the story tries to find some resolution and almost succeeds. Unfortunately, I made it to the end of book 2 and still have many questions unanswered. The battle scenes are confusing in their complexity, most of which does not improve the narrative. And our seasoned, experienced military personnel continue to act unsure of themselves and overthink every possibility. When finally presented with an opportunity to act, the first reaction is always to do nothing. Captain Recker only appears capable of action after major disasters have occurred. He never takes action to prevent attacks, he only reacts to what has already happened. Not an admirable trait in a military man.
While I would like to find the resolution for all these story threads, I just do not retain sufficient interest to continue this sad series.
Continued from book 1, the story tries to find some resolution and almost succeeds. Unfortunately, I made it to the end of book 2 and still have many questions unanswered. The battle scenes are confusing in their complexity, most of which does not improve the narrative. And our seasoned, experienced military personnel continue to act unsure of themselves and overthink every possibility. When finally presented with an opportunity to act, the first reaction is always to do nothing. Captain Recker only appears capable of action after major disasters have occurred. He never takes action to prevent attacks, he only reacts to what has already happened. Not an admirable trait in a military man.
While I would like to find the resolution for all these story threads, I just do not retain sufficient interest to continue this sad series.
June 26, 2020
Great Storyline
Well you have done it again another great storyline.. Plenty of action and banter I think Sgt Vance could have a few storylines on his own maybe a book or two about Decker as a.marine.. Well this war just toolbar serious twist are we going to see a truce with the Daklan and then team up time will tell
Well you have done it again another great storyline.. Plenty of action and banter I think Sgt Vance could have a few storylines on his own maybe a book or two about Decker as a.marine.. Well this war just toolbar serious twist are we going to see a truce with the Daklan and then team up time will tell
March 1, 2022
Great military sy fy with lots of aliens
Book 1&2 in Savage Stars series are action filled enjoyable reads Disgraced Caption in a scout finds an aliens ship and brings it home in hopes he can save humankind losing a war with the Deklans. In book 2 he is new ship Vengeance to fight Deklans, and forces then to negotiate. Great space opera!
Book 1&2 in Savage Stars series are action filled enjoyable reads Disgraced Caption in a scout finds an aliens ship and brings it home in hopes he can save humankind losing a war with the Deklans. In book 2 he is new ship Vengeance to fight Deklans, and forces then to negotiate. Great space opera!
August 26, 2020
Decoded
A good steady read. Although I feel the access to the alien tech was rather ‘easy’. But in times of war speed is of an essence. Looking forward to the next theatre of operation.
A good steady read. Although I feel the access to the alien tech was rather ‘easy’. But in times of war speed is of an essence. Looking forward to the next theatre of operation.
February 12, 2021
Good Story
The series was well-written with fine descriptions and logical action scenes. The technology was relevant to the plot and the characters and their dialogue was believable.
The series was well-written with fine descriptions and logical action scenes. The technology was relevant to the plot and the characters and their dialogue was believable.
May 18, 2021
Very enjoyable reading. The story takes a couple of twists.
The characters continue to develop. The story starts to get a little more complicated. New players are being introduced. Going on to the next book.
The characters continue to develop. The story starts to get a little more complicated. New players are being introduced. Going on to the next book.
October 28, 2022
It's ok...
Lot's of action short on world building. Meaning that the author does not go for great background details/backstories.
Writing is a bit stilted and rushed. Everything is written strickly from the viewpoint of the main character.
Lot's of action short on world building. Meaning that the author does not go for great background details/backstories.
Writing is a bit stilted and rushed. Everything is written strickly from the viewpoint of the main character.
July 1, 2020
Fantastic reading
Like always Anthony James deliver an fast paced book full of engaging action and very entertaining reading.well deserved 5 stars.
Like always Anthony James deliver an fast paced book full of engaging action and very entertaining reading.well deserved 5 stars.
August 12, 2020
Great characters
Read book one/slow burner then got caught up and ploughed into book two/brilliant so ordered number three dying to read
Read book one/slow burner then got caught up and ploughed into book two/brilliant so ordered number three dying to read
August 19, 2020
Good space opera
Not quite as good as the first book in the series but enjoyable nonsense. Good enough to make me read the next.
Not quite as good as the first book in the series but enjoyable nonsense. Good enough to make me read the next.
September 29, 2020
Book 2 had more action than the 1st
This sequel has much off the same as the first with the plot line developing a bit more and more tense action
This sequel has much off the same as the first with the plot line developing a bit more and more tense action
October 14, 2020
Action pacted
I greatly enjoyed reading this book two. A fantastic war story that leaves you at the edge of your seat. Just story telling in the highest order, I just loved it.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book two. A fantastic war story that leaves you at the edge of your seat. Just story telling in the highest order, I just loved it.
December 14, 2020
good continuation of series
May 19, 2021
Awesome
Far better than the 1st in this series. Heavy on the details But this time more focused and coherent. Extremely well-developed story line.
Far better than the 1st in this series. Heavy on the details But this time more focused and coherent. Extremely well-developed story line.
July 29, 2021
Each of these books get better and better! Now, I purchased the last 5 books because I know they're good.
New enemies, new tactics... very good writing!
Highly recommended.
New enemies, new tactics... very good writing!
Highly recommended.
October 12, 2021
Both the Savage Stars series, and the sequel series have been great reads, and I've enjoyed them all.
December 12, 2021
Wow I binged that reallllll quick. Much better than book one. Shaping up to be an interesting space opera.
December 31, 2021
Great sci fi
Page turner,lots of action and a good story line. Bring it on. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Page turner,lots of action and a good story line. Bring it on. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 28, 2022
enjoyed it
Like all if Anthony James books this one was action-packed and had at least one moment where it seemed there was no way out for the main characters.
Like all if Anthony James books this one was action-packed and had at least one moment where it seemed there was no way out for the main characters.
March 19, 2022
Bought book at full price
Not often I buy a book at full price but the first one was great and so is this one. Battles are good, not too much politics.
Not often I buy a book at full price but the first one was great and so is this one. Battles are good, not too much politics.
March 23, 2022
Excellent and fast paced. Just short
All round good book. Just brief. Well thought out and the right amount of depth.
->Four more words required pleaseee
All round good book. Just brief. Well thought out and the right amount of depth.
->Four more words required pleaseee
April 20, 2022
Another good one
Second book in the series, almost as good as the first. A little short for my liking. It was well edited.
Second book in the series, almost as good as the first. A little short for my liking. It was well edited.
March 11, 2023
Series looking like a copy of the Crimson Tempest series. Lots of plot, fast pacing but weak characterization
Read
June 10, 20244/5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews