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Ruins of the Galaxy #9
Rise of the Gladias
While light may burn for a moment, the darkness will be there when it dies.
In the aftermath of Moldark’s death and Soldark’s creation, Magnus, Awen, and the rest of the Gladio Umbra must follow the sinister warlord back through the quantum tunnel into metaspace. Questions swirl around the enemy’s ultimate intentions, as do the fates of those bound to serve the malevolent leader.
What awaits the gladias, however, may prove to be more than they can handle.
An otherworldly amalgamation of the Paragon’s goals and the Luma’s powers, Soldark gathers his forces for a final showdown against those who would thwart his plans. He summons both the living and the dead, assured that nothing will be able to stop him from having his day of vengeance.
Will the gladias be able to put a stop to Soldark’s relentless rise to power? Or will the galaxy finally fall victim to the greatest destruction ever unleashed on sentient species?
Discover the harrowing end to the critically acclaimed series from Christopher Hopper and USA Today Bestselling Author J.N. Chaney.
In the aftermath of Moldark’s death and Soldark’s creation, Magnus, Awen, and the rest of the Gladio Umbra must follow the sinister warlord back through the quantum tunnel into metaspace. Questions swirl around the enemy’s ultimate intentions, as do the fates of those bound to serve the malevolent leader.
What awaits the gladias, however, may prove to be more than they can handle.
An otherworldly amalgamation of the Paragon’s goals and the Luma’s powers, Soldark gathers his forces for a final showdown against those who would thwart his plans. He summons both the living and the dead, assured that nothing will be able to stop him from having his day of vengeance.
Will the gladias be able to put a stop to Soldark’s relentless rise to power? Or will the galaxy finally fall victim to the greatest destruction ever unleashed on sentient species?
Discover the harrowing end to the critically acclaimed series from Christopher Hopper and USA Today Bestselling Author J.N. Chaney.
- GenresScience Fiction
600 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2020
200 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 20, 2020
“Like the sun?” “Yes. You rise, you soar, and you set. Then you do it all over again, day after day. Perhaps this seems so normal to you that you lose track of your significance.”
“The man who does not allow his heart to be searched is unable to search the universe around him.”
This last installment in the Ruins of the Galaxy has been more intense, more emotive and thought provoking, with heart breaking scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, found it gripping from start to finish, fast paced, action filled and character driven. I liked the way Hopper and Chaney give importance to other main and secondary protagonists, highlighting they actions and riveting thoughts and feelings. The authors’ talent and imagination shine through in every paragraph and character.
An ambitious work, very well written, systematic but exciting at the same time. Exquisite style of narration. A multidimensional story full of adventures, subplots and memorable characters. It has been an inspiring and exciting journey, with Magnus, Awen, Piper, Willowood, Caldwell.. A very well written series that grabs you from the get-go. The characters will stay with you long after you’re done. I couldn’t help but love them all.
Thank you, Christopher Hopper and JN Chaney, for such a fabulous series. You made me laugh, you made me angry, you made me nervous, you made me cry, you made me love..you made me feel.
Looking forward to reading the new Origins series when it comes out!
“The man who does not allow his heart to be searched is unable to search the universe around him.”
This last installment in the Ruins of the Galaxy has been more intense, more emotive and thought provoking, with heart breaking scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, found it gripping from start to finish, fast paced, action filled and character driven. I liked the way Hopper and Chaney give importance to other main and secondary protagonists, highlighting they actions and riveting thoughts and feelings. The authors’ talent and imagination shine through in every paragraph and character.
An ambitious work, very well written, systematic but exciting at the same time. Exquisite style of narration. A multidimensional story full of adventures, subplots and memorable characters. It has been an inspiring and exciting journey, with Magnus, Awen, Piper, Willowood, Caldwell.. A very well written series that grabs you from the get-go. The characters will stay with you long after you’re done. I couldn’t help but love them all.
Thank you, Christopher Hopper and JN Chaney, for such a fabulous series. You made me laugh, you made me angry, you made me nervous, you made me cry, you made me love..you made me feel.
Looking forward to reading the new Origins series when it comes out!
July 1, 2020
A great conclusion to an amazing journey
This book brings the amazing journey that started with an explosion in a palace on an alien desert world to a great conclusion.
This series has never failed to take the reader into unexpected territory and no matter the turns it takes the story is always amazing.
Loved every book of the series and looking forward to whatever comes next.
This book brings the amazing journey that started with an explosion in a palace on an alien desert world to a great conclusion.
This series has never failed to take the reader into unexpected territory and no matter the turns it takes the story is always amazing.
Loved every book of the series and looking forward to whatever comes next.
Read
July 16, 2020Fantastic End to a Fantastic Series
This series is one of the best that I have ever read. You fall for each character and are heartbroken if one falls. The story telling is on point through every book. This book (the finale) is... actually, their are no words to describe it other than to tell you to read it yourself. I would give 10 Stars of I could.
This series is one of the best that I have ever read. You fall for each character and are heartbroken if one falls. The story telling is on point through every book. This book (the finale) is... actually, their are no words to describe it other than to tell you to read it yourself. I would give 10 Stars of I could.
August 8, 2023
Ho letto l'intera serie di 9 volumi. Ho commentato solo il primo, e ora commento l'ultimo riassumendo il mio giudizio per l'intera serie.
Come avevo detto, ho letto questa serie perché la Fantascienza Militare mi piace abbastanza, e per via del giudizio decisamente alto che ho trovato su Goodreads.
Dopo aver letto tutta la serie devo confermare che i lettori di Fantascienza Militare devono avere un livello di gradimento abbastanza diverso da quello medio, dove la qualità di un'opera si valuta in base a diversi parametri, trama, personaggi, lessico, capacità di far immedesimare il lettore, considerazioni morali e/o etiche indotte... insomma una gran massa di elementi in cui ogni lettore può travare aspetti positivi o meno positivi.
Questa serie è certamente leggibile, con una trama abbastanza articolata e qualche personaggio di un certo spessore. E queste sono le ragioni del mio voto, che altrimenti sarebbe stato più basso.
Perché è vero che la trama è interessante, ma nel suo svolgimento è altamente ripetitiva. I fatti fondamentali per il suo avanzamento sono pochissimi in ogni volume, che è invece quasi completamente assorbito da una qualche azione militare, una copia una dell'altra, in cui si spara molto con armi abbastanza improbabili e mai ben descritte, con i "buoni" che muoiono MOLTO poco alla volta facendo invece vere ecatombi dei "cattivi". Capisco che il trucco di una tecnologia superiore "scoperta" quasi per caso possa giustificare, ma solo in parte, questi successi, però non si dovrebbe mai esagerare.
Qualche personaggio principale è ben descritto e ha un buon sviluppo lungo la storia, ma molti sono quasi stereotipi, e la ragazzina, deus ex-machina che deve, e risolverà tutto, è rappresentata come quasi un'infante...
Anche la trama non è poi tanto lineare, dato che ogni volta che un livello di pericolo è superato se ne apre un altro ancora peggiore, e questo in sistematica continuità...
Troppi aspetti scientifici sono non spiegati e spesso del tutto irrealistici per le conoscenze che vengono presentate. Come ad esempio le comunicazioni istantanee, non solo tra astronavi in navigazione, ma addirittura tra pianeti diversi o universi diversi... Ma The Expanse non ha insegnato proprio niente?
Spesso, nella lettura di questa serie, mi è sembrato di leggere un classico anni 30-40, dove l'eroe di turno trovava per caso l'invenzione che capovolgeva il risultato del conflitto intergalattico...
Ma riassumendo: sono romanzi che si leggono, se si possono accettare le infinite sparatorie a senso unico, ma quei voti proprio no... (e il mio è già piuttosto alto)
Come avevo detto, ho letto questa serie perché la Fantascienza Militare mi piace abbastanza, e per via del giudizio decisamente alto che ho trovato su Goodreads.
Dopo aver letto tutta la serie devo confermare che i lettori di Fantascienza Militare devono avere un livello di gradimento abbastanza diverso da quello medio, dove la qualità di un'opera si valuta in base a diversi parametri, trama, personaggi, lessico, capacità di far immedesimare il lettore, considerazioni morali e/o etiche indotte... insomma una gran massa di elementi in cui ogni lettore può travare aspetti positivi o meno positivi.
Questa serie è certamente leggibile, con una trama abbastanza articolata e qualche personaggio di un certo spessore. E queste sono le ragioni del mio voto, che altrimenti sarebbe stato più basso.
Perché è vero che la trama è interessante, ma nel suo svolgimento è altamente ripetitiva. I fatti fondamentali per il suo avanzamento sono pochissimi in ogni volume, che è invece quasi completamente assorbito da una qualche azione militare, una copia una dell'altra, in cui si spara molto con armi abbastanza improbabili e mai ben descritte, con i "buoni" che muoiono MOLTO poco alla volta facendo invece vere ecatombi dei "cattivi". Capisco che il trucco di una tecnologia superiore "scoperta" quasi per caso possa giustificare, ma solo in parte, questi successi, però non si dovrebbe mai esagerare.
Qualche personaggio principale è ben descritto e ha un buon sviluppo lungo la storia, ma molti sono quasi stereotipi, e la ragazzina, deus ex-machina che deve, e risolverà tutto, è rappresentata come quasi un'infante...
Anche la trama non è poi tanto lineare, dato che ogni volta che un livello di pericolo è superato se ne apre un altro ancora peggiore, e questo in sistematica continuità...
Troppi aspetti scientifici sono non spiegati e spesso del tutto irrealistici per le conoscenze che vengono presentate. Come ad esempio le comunicazioni istantanee, non solo tra astronavi in navigazione, ma addirittura tra pianeti diversi o universi diversi... Ma The Expanse non ha insegnato proprio niente?
Spesso, nella lettura di questa serie, mi è sembrato di leggere un classico anni 30-40, dove l'eroe di turno trovava per caso l'invenzione che capovolgeva il risultato del conflitto intergalattico...
Ma riassumendo: sono romanzi che si leggono, se si possono accettare le infinite sparatorie a senso unico, ma quei voti proprio no... (e il mio è già piuttosto alto)
March 3, 2024
At the end of book 8 the Gladias had defeated Moldark and saved the Sekmit home world of Aluross. Whilst it came at a great cost of lives, something far worse came from as an outcome. Mithriel, the elemental, bound itself to So-Elku, becoming Soldark a creature of immense power, one with Mithriel’s elemental immortality, and So-Elku’s ability to access the Unity.
Whilst celebrating their victory over the various elements that had attacked Aluross at the end of book 8, Azelon is alerted to an attack back on Itheliana. Soldark has used their new found powers to return through metaspace and attack the homeworld of the Novia Minoosh, with plans to enact Mithriel’s final revenge.
At the start of this book, the Gladias use all of their connections to raise whatever forces they can, knowing that they are already behind with the time distortion.
With elements from Abimbola’s Dreggs, the Sekmit, the Jujari, the remnants of the Neo Republic, and even the LAW, one of the largest and most diverse fighting forces ever gathered heads to Itheliana to face Soldark in what is to be an epic showdown. Lead by Caldwell in all his glory, with Magnus, Awen, the and each of the leaders of their respective groups, Abimbola, Willowood, Ricio, Wainright, Rohoar, Forbes and Nelson, all representing the Gladio Umbra. The Gladio have a singular mission, protect Piper and get her to Soldark, as she is their one hope of bringing him down.
Unbeknownst to the Gladio though, Soldark is not alone, he has the Obscura with him, a long lost remnant of the Luma that separated from the sect when they started to practice dark and forbidden arts within the Unity.
This is the climactic showdown that has been building over the last 8 books, as we have learned of Mithriel’s hatred of not just the Novia Minoosh for what they did to his people, but his hatred of all living things as a result. And a group of valiant individuals that have come together, many with completely different values and beliefs, several who come from races that have been at war for years, or have an intense hatred for each other. They have come together with a singular goal to stand together for what is right, and to do the honourable thing, to protect those that aren’t able to fight.
Whilst there are some incredible scenes in this book, the fight scenes, battles and strategy that takes place are intense and totally mind-blowing, there are also some really incredible character scenes as well. The moments between Rohoar and Piper remain some of the best character scenes I have read in a sci-fi book, just for two such intensely different characters, an 8ft leader of a ferocious dog like race, that believes in honour and courage, and a little human orphan girl, who is possibly one of the most powerful beings in the universe, who form this beautiful friendship.
Its not the combat, or the battles (although they are incredible), it is these character moments that make this book such an incredible read, as they grab you at such intense moments in the story and leave you days later thinking about them.
This is the epic conclusion to Ruins of the Galaxy- and if you have read any of the series, this is an absolute must read – and if you haven’t picked up any of this series – seriously – what are you waiting for?
Whilst celebrating their victory over the various elements that had attacked Aluross at the end of book 8, Azelon is alerted to an attack back on Itheliana. Soldark has used their new found powers to return through metaspace and attack the homeworld of the Novia Minoosh, with plans to enact Mithriel’s final revenge.
At the start of this book, the Gladias use all of their connections to raise whatever forces they can, knowing that they are already behind with the time distortion.
With elements from Abimbola’s Dreggs, the Sekmit, the Jujari, the remnants of the Neo Republic, and even the LAW, one of the largest and most diverse fighting forces ever gathered heads to Itheliana to face Soldark in what is to be an epic showdown. Lead by Caldwell in all his glory, with Magnus, Awen, the and each of the leaders of their respective groups, Abimbola, Willowood, Ricio, Wainright, Rohoar, Forbes and Nelson, all representing the Gladio Umbra. The Gladio have a singular mission, protect Piper and get her to Soldark, as she is their one hope of bringing him down.
Unbeknownst to the Gladio though, Soldark is not alone, he has the Obscura with him, a long lost remnant of the Luma that separated from the sect when they started to practice dark and forbidden arts within the Unity.
This is the climactic showdown that has been building over the last 8 books, as we have learned of Mithriel’s hatred of not just the Novia Minoosh for what they did to his people, but his hatred of all living things as a result. And a group of valiant individuals that have come together, many with completely different values and beliefs, several who come from races that have been at war for years, or have an intense hatred for each other. They have come together with a singular goal to stand together for what is right, and to do the honourable thing, to protect those that aren’t able to fight.
Whilst there are some incredible scenes in this book, the fight scenes, battles and strategy that takes place are intense and totally mind-blowing, there are also some really incredible character scenes as well. The moments between Rohoar and Piper remain some of the best character scenes I have read in a sci-fi book, just for two such intensely different characters, an 8ft leader of a ferocious dog like race, that believes in honour and courage, and a little human orphan girl, who is possibly one of the most powerful beings in the universe, who form this beautiful friendship.
Its not the combat, or the battles (although they are incredible), it is these character moments that make this book such an incredible read, as they grab you at such intense moments in the story and leave you days later thinking about them.
This is the epic conclusion to Ruins of the Galaxy- and if you have read any of the series, this is an absolute must read – and if you haven’t picked up any of this series – seriously – what are you waiting for?
July 1, 2020
Ave et vale!
Hail and farewell to the Gladio Umbra! The Ruins of the Galaxy series has many wonderful and whacky characters. One, who the outcome of the story revolves around, is a little girl called Piper. Piper and the people she loves like Mr Lieutenant Magnus Sir, Shydoh Awen, Rohoar the Jujari who she calls ‘doggy’, her grandmother Willowood. Then we have Ezo, Sootriman and, of course, TO-96 and Azelon. This is a story that will live with you for a long time. I thought that the Gladio Umbra never got the recognition that they deserved though; all the ordinary members who trained and fought without ever having been in the military before, and many of whom died for their belief in their cause.
Hail and farewell.
Hail and farewell to the Gladio Umbra! The Ruins of the Galaxy series has many wonderful and whacky characters. One, who the outcome of the story revolves around, is a little girl called Piper. Piper and the people she loves like Mr Lieutenant Magnus Sir, Shydoh Awen, Rohoar the Jujari who she calls ‘doggy’, her grandmother Willowood. Then we have Ezo, Sootriman and, of course, TO-96 and Azelon. This is a story that will live with you for a long time. I thought that the Gladio Umbra never got the recognition that they deserved though; all the ordinary members who trained and fought without ever having been in the military before, and many of whom died for their belief in their cause.
Hail and farewell.
December 27, 2022
Outstanding series
Mr. Chaney has a knack, as I have discovered over the course of several series, for creating characters that are multidimensional and uniquely fascinating. It's not just the primary character, but the numerous sub-characters as well. You come to love all of these characters and laugh, live, fight and die with them.
This last half if this book is one long, extremely complex battle against impossible odds, but the authors deftly handled its many parts in ways that are pretty amazing. I highly recommend this entire series.
Mr. Chaney has a knack, as I have discovered over the course of several series, for creating characters that are multidimensional and uniquely fascinating. It's not just the primary character, but the numerous sub-characters as well. You come to love all of these characters and laugh, live, fight and die with them.
This last half if this book is one long, extremely complex battle against impossible odds, but the authors deftly handled its many parts in ways that are pretty amazing. I highly recommend this entire series.
January 4, 2021
Amazing series
I had already read the first few books but when I saw that the series were finally ended I re-read them all again. Great characters and an imaginative plot. Love when a series finishes and tells you what has happened to your favourite characters. Totally recommended
I had already read the first few books but when I saw that the series were finally ended I re-read them all again. Great characters and an imaginative plot. Love when a series finishes and tells you what has happened to your favourite characters. Totally recommended
February 19, 2021
Absolutely wonderful story.
This entire set of books held my attention more than any other book(s) I think I've ever read. It was intense, hilarious and sad all at the same time. I laughed frequently and shed a lot of tears. I am so sorry to see this saga end.
Thanks for your imagination and creativity. I'm looking forward to future books of the same quality
This entire set of books held my attention more than any other book(s) I think I've ever read. It was intense, hilarious and sad all at the same time. I laughed frequently and shed a lot of tears. I am so sorry to see this saga end.
Thanks for your imagination and creativity. I'm looking forward to future books of the same quality
July 3, 2020
What a great Ending
Well that was a great ending to a great storyline.. I have enjoyed it all immensely. I wonder if Piper can have her own storyline oh well one can hope lol.. Well deserved 5 stars
Well that was a great ending to a great storyline.. I have enjoyed it all immensely. I wonder if Piper can have her own storyline oh well one can hope lol.. Well deserved 5 stars
July 5, 2020
A fitting ending
I’ve always enjoyed a well written story where you feel connected to the story and characters. It has truly been an incredible journey and a well thought out ending that brings closure to this heartfelt story. Kudos to J.N. and Christopher!
I’ve always enjoyed a well written story where you feel connected to the story and characters. It has truly been an incredible journey and a well thought out ending that brings closure to this heartfelt story. Kudos to J.N. and Christopher!
July 16, 2020
What a great series
The hole series is wonderfully written I would like to see it continue .I know all good things have an ending and do believe they ended on a high note instead of trying to streach it out and lossing the readers ...
The hole series is wonderfully written I would like to see it continue .I know all good things have an ending and do believe they ended on a high note instead of trying to streach it out and lossing the readers ...
August 2, 2020
A fitting end to a great series!
I wasn't sure how this would end, but have to say it was worth reading .
I'm a huge fan of the old scifi masters, but Chaney and his partners have also earned my respect with their stories.
I wasn't sure how this would end, but have to say it was worth reading .
I'm a huge fan of the old scifi masters, but Chaney and his partners have also earned my respect with their stories.
October 25, 2020
Astounding
I can't say enough about all the"Ruins" books. They have all been phenomenal. Endings are bittersweet with series like this one. We are so sorry to see them go but they gave us much love in return for reading them.
I can't say enough about all the"Ruins" books. They have all been phenomenal. Endings are bittersweet with series like this one. We are so sorry to see them go but they gave us much love in return for reading them.
November 16, 2020
Fitting ending
This was the story of the final and last battle to save - to save- everyone. The entire book was one great battle. With its highs and lows. A must to find out where the characters all end up.
This was the story of the final and last battle to save - to save- everyone. The entire book was one great battle. With its highs and lows. A must to find out where the characters all end up.
December 28, 2020
Great Wrapup!
I love it when a good yarn has a great wrapup and this is one of those times! The final battle has been coming and it does not disappoint. All the loose ends come together in a very satisfying way. Excellent!!
I love it when a good yarn has a great wrapup and this is one of those times! The final battle has been coming and it does not disappoint. All the loose ends come together in a very satisfying way. Excellent!!
July 11, 2021
Awesome
This book broke my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever cried this much at the end of a series. I loved each and every one of these characters. I had Alexa playing the book on audio while cooking and cried like a baby. Thanks, guys! 😊
This book broke my heart. I don’t think I’ve ever cried this much at the end of a series. I loved each and every one of these characters. I had Alexa playing the book on audio while cooking and cried like a baby. Thanks, guys! 😊
July 22, 2021
Lessons for all beings
Sorry but I can't review just this book as it was a wild ride getting here.
The people and places in these books need to be studied and looked back at as heroic as literary characters can be.
I truly enjoyed this series.
Sorry but I can't review just this book as it was a wild ride getting here.
The people and places in these books need to be studied and looked back at as heroic as literary characters can be.
I truly enjoyed this series.
January 6, 2022
Great Series
The nine book space warfare series has snarky marines, corrupt politicians, alien conflict, empire building, interspecies relationships, am immortal villains, sentient robots and a good versus evil plot. Will entertain you during your pandemic isolation.
The nine book space warfare series has snarky marines, corrupt politicians, alien conflict, empire building, interspecies relationships, am immortal villains, sentient robots and a good versus evil plot. Will entertain you during your pandemic isolation.
February 26, 2022
Beautiful story of struggle, love and purpose.
I enjoyed the innocent and simple ways to find happiness. It is action packed and heart warming. One of my favorite sci-fi stories so far.
I enjoyed the innocent and simple ways to find happiness. It is action packed and heart warming. One of my favorite sci-fi stories so far.
September 13, 2020
This was one of my favorite series. I love the way the the series ended by letting us know what happened to all the charcters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
Wow
Great story, incredible ending, especially the epilogue. I hated when Rohoar died, that was a sad thing, but his passing was a necessary story element. I loved it.
Great story, incredible ending, especially the epilogue. I hated when Rohoar died, that was a sad thing, but his passing was a necessary story element. I loved it.
September 28, 2021
A good read
Once you get into the action, practically from the start, it is well written and exciting. If you like well thought out battle sequences then this one is for you.
Once you get into the action, practically from the start, it is well written and exciting. If you like well thought out battle sequences then this one is for you.
September 30, 2021
Great series
Wonderful entertaining series. Will miss all of the characters and the universe they were created in. Great ending and memories.
Wonderful entertaining series. Will miss all of the characters and the universe they were created in. Great ending and memories.
August 9, 2023
Great Sci-Fi novel
What an ending to the saga of Ruins of the Galaxy. I won’t lie, I shed a tear at the end. The ending was bittersweet, and much appreciated.
What an ending to the saga of Ruins of the Galaxy. I won’t lie, I shed a tear at the end. The ending was bittersweet, and much appreciated.
April 3, 2024
An excellent ending to an excellent series. I like how J summed it all up at the end, good work!
December 14, 2024
Great continuation of series
This series seamlessly built upon their first, from Antarctica to multiverses. Heald my cocaine squirrel ADD from start to finish. Great splick!
This series seamlessly built upon their first, from Antarctica to multiverses. Heald my cocaine squirrel ADD from start to finish. Great splick!
January 19, 2025
Don't often cry when reading sci fi military novels. Bring plenty of tissues
May 18, 2021
So I finally finished reading the last volume of the epic sci-fi saga with the authorship of JN Chaney and Christopher Hopper. To be honest, this whole series of books was the first books I read in English, so it was difficult for me to feel the full depth of the character study, the severity of plot twists, etc. But nevertheless, I'm at the final, which means that I liked this story. Magnus, Aven, Piper and other characters really became a real family for me during this fascinating journey through the universes. I wish good luck to the authors in writing their next books!
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