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Silver Ships #17
Talus
Talus, the system comprised of Toralians and the Sisterhood, is under siege. Massive battleships, each ferrying an envoy from a federacy race, surround the Talusian home world, Toral. Two wedges, each comprised of nine federacy battleships, wait outside the system.
The sisters, whom the SADEs created during the fight to defeat Artifice, possess advanced tech. They construct warships, the vaunted Tridents, to protect their new society. However, despite the support of the enormous Toralian battleships, the nascent Talusian fleet is no match for the numerous ships that ring the planet.
The envoys’ lists of demands against the Talusians are long, and the envoys compete to be heard, complicating the negotiations. The chaotic conditions buy the Talusian president, Sargut, time to send an urgent plea for help. His message requests the assistance of the Omnian fleet.
The city-ship, Our People, and two Trident commands make preparations to sail for Talus to relieve the beleaguered Talusians. But the fleet must solve a dire local emergency before it can get underway.
Nata, a new lieutenant, makes a terrible misstep. She visits Sawa, the Dischnya home world. Her investigation results in her capture by an underground nest. Now the Omnians must recover Nata before she comes to harm.
A shocking discovery is made on Sawa, and Nata’s rescue becomes a race to save a dying Sawa nest. Omnian Dischnya take matters into their own hands, freeing the fleet to sail. Having resolved one exigent issue, the fleet arrives at Talus only to confront a much greater problem.
The sisters, whom the SADEs created during the fight to defeat Artifice, possess advanced tech. They construct warships, the vaunted Tridents, to protect their new society. However, despite the support of the enormous Toralian battleships, the nascent Talusian fleet is no match for the numerous ships that ring the planet.
The envoys’ lists of demands against the Talusians are long, and the envoys compete to be heard, complicating the negotiations. The chaotic conditions buy the Talusian president, Sargut, time to send an urgent plea for help. His message requests the assistance of the Omnian fleet.
The city-ship, Our People, and two Trident commands make preparations to sail for Talus to relieve the beleaguered Talusians. But the fleet must solve a dire local emergency before it can get underway.
Nata, a new lieutenant, makes a terrible misstep. She visits Sawa, the Dischnya home world. Her investigation results in her capture by an underground nest. Now the Omnians must recover Nata before she comes to harm.
A shocking discovery is made on Sawa, and Nata’s rescue becomes a race to save a dying Sawa nest. Omnian Dischnya take matters into their own hands, freeing the fleet to sail. Having resolved one exigent issue, the fleet arrives at Talus only to confront a much greater problem.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
452 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Jucha
45 books472 followersFrom my early years to the present, books have been a refuge. They’ve fueled my imagination. I’ve traveled to faraway places and met aliens with Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, Herbert, and Le Guin. I’ve explored historical events with Michener and Clavell, and I played spy with Ludlum and Fleming.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 16, 2021
This is a great story even without Alex. The so called second team does a terrific job as arbitrator between the Federation members and Talus. The members want reparations for what Artifice did to them in the past. Jucha creates such fascinating characters. It does seem that each book brings us more exciting characters. So far, I have managed to keep track of them all. Cannot wait for the next installment.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and seven minutes. Nicole Poole does a fairly good job narrating the book. As I stated with the last book in the series, I really miss Grover Gardener.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and seven minutes. Nicole Poole does a fairly good job narrating the book. As I stated with the last book in the series, I really miss Grover Gardener.
April 18, 2022
Another really good read.
July 5, 2020
An interesting story of intrigue, deception and threat, although I found it a bit long-winded at times.
Also when the author first introduced 'The Sisters' I had some difficulties with the way the concept worked in practice and I must admit I still find them a bit perplexing. At times they are more illogical and petulant than humans.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and if possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
Also when the author first introduced 'The Sisters' I had some difficulties with the way the concept worked in practice and I must admit I still find them a bit perplexing. At times they are more illogical and petulant than humans.
Overall it was an enjoyable read and if possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
July 19, 2020
Heavy on negotiations/light on sci-fi
Sadly Jucha returns to writing all about negotiations and political maneuvering. If The Phantom Menace was your favorite Star Wars movie, then this is the book for you. There was an early mention of a strange intrusion elsewhere in the universe (no spoilers) but that is never returned to. Even as a fan of the series, this book is very skippable
Sadly Jucha returns to writing all about negotiations and political maneuvering. If The Phantom Menace was your favorite Star Wars movie, then this is the book for you. There was an early mention of a strange intrusion elsewhere in the universe (no spoilers) but that is never returned to. Even as a fan of the series, this book is very skippable
July 28, 2020
Another book on how to win without fighting! If there was ever a military science fiction book that took the soft way around problems, they would be in this series. This book is actually two in one. There are two distinct activities taking place, but both are a great distance from each other. Well, actually, there’s a third, but they don’t go into it much. Still, these two actions tell a pretty interesting story.
We start out with the Omnians around Omnia. At Omnia, Hector (a SADE) is the leader of this separate element and Vice Admiral Ellie Thompson is his military counterpart. They were there to kind of collect their thoughts and experiment with a new weapon they hope would counter some of the enormous battleships that Alex has confronted in Alliance space. These ships were from the just recently freed the Federacy and were attempting to bully other civilizations into cooperation. Alex wasn’t having any of this so he and his contingent were in the alliance region trying to prevent all out war. Then two things happened that greatly changed what was currently going on.
First, one young Lieutenant and pilot named Nata, who was a former “wild one” were finished with the latest war game exercise and were supposed to be heading back to the Our People city-ship when Nata, the impulsive one, decided she wanted to visit Sawa, original home of the Dischnya. Alex Racine had originally visited this planet and found the Dischnya very hostile and wanted him gone. So, he left and told everyone else to not settle on this planet. When Alex says not to visit something, everyone listens and obeys. Except for this young Lieutenant.
Needless to say, once setting foot on Sawa, Nata is immediately captured and needs to be rescued. At about the same time, Hector receives a probe from Talus, in the Federacy, directly sent by President Sargut. The President is requesting Omnian aid in that he and his planet is surrounded by the other civilizations of the Federacy and they want compensation for the damages done by Artifice during his rein over that region. Talus and it’s people were used by Artifice to enforce his edicts therefore the other races considered the Talusians responsible for all the damage they did at the order of Artifice. The situation wasn’t by any means friendly and fighting could breakout a any moment.
So, the city ship, Our People, with Hector leading this mission and soon to be promoted to Fleet Admiral Ellie Thompson, set sail for Talus. They did leave behind a small contingent to rescue the captured Lieutenant. They also requested the involvement of two Dischnya nest Queens. You’ll find that story very interesting. And, again, you’ll find the happening around Talus just as interesting if not more deadly!
This is a great addition to this already long series of books and I don’t see it ending now!
We start out with the Omnians around Omnia. At Omnia, Hector (a SADE) is the leader of this separate element and Vice Admiral Ellie Thompson is his military counterpart. They were there to kind of collect their thoughts and experiment with a new weapon they hope would counter some of the enormous battleships that Alex has confronted in Alliance space. These ships were from the just recently freed the Federacy and were attempting to bully other civilizations into cooperation. Alex wasn’t having any of this so he and his contingent were in the alliance region trying to prevent all out war. Then two things happened that greatly changed what was currently going on.
First, one young Lieutenant and pilot named Nata, who was a former “wild one” were finished with the latest war game exercise and were supposed to be heading back to the Our People city-ship when Nata, the impulsive one, decided she wanted to visit Sawa, original home of the Dischnya. Alex Racine had originally visited this planet and found the Dischnya very hostile and wanted him gone. So, he left and told everyone else to not settle on this planet. When Alex says not to visit something, everyone listens and obeys. Except for this young Lieutenant.
Needless to say, once setting foot on Sawa, Nata is immediately captured and needs to be rescued. At about the same time, Hector receives a probe from Talus, in the Federacy, directly sent by President Sargut. The President is requesting Omnian aid in that he and his planet is surrounded by the other civilizations of the Federacy and they want compensation for the damages done by Artifice during his rein over that region. Talus and it’s people were used by Artifice to enforce his edicts therefore the other races considered the Talusians responsible for all the damage they did at the order of Artifice. The situation wasn’t by any means friendly and fighting could breakout a any moment.
So, the city ship, Our People, with Hector leading this mission and soon to be promoted to Fleet Admiral Ellie Thompson, set sail for Talus. They did leave behind a small contingent to rescue the captured Lieutenant. They also requested the involvement of two Dischnya nest Queens. You’ll find that story very interesting. And, again, you’ll find the happening around Talus just as interesting if not more deadly!
This is a great addition to this already long series of books and I don’t see it ending now!
December 4, 2020
In an odd move, this book does not feature Alex, or his forgotten son. This is entirely a B-list cast book. That does not take away from the story, if anything, the fact that it carries itself so well without Alex is a compliment.
This book brings back the idea of former Federation races wanting retribution for former oppression. Its been done, but not to this scale, and not without Alex.
Admiral Thompson (I assume Thompson, but audiobook so it could be Thomson), shines in this book as a military commander and with the help of her crew, just about as equal to Alex as we've seen. Her insights are well thought out and her analysis of other races intentions are pretty spot on. She's still not as strong a character as Alex, nor does she think as many steps ahead, but this book is showing that Alex's friends are learning from him and will be able to step up when he's no longer around.
This book is standard Silver Ships, in that alien races are basically good, but do bad things and just need a nudge to do whats right. Its the formula for this series, and its not bad, just a little predictable. I would have preferred things to get bad and the characters have to deal with the consequences, but that rarely happens in these.
The biggest flaw, as usual is the voice narrator, Nichole Poole. Her delivery is still flat and she still does very few voices. Her pronunciation has basically been fixed, after a few books, but her basic narration is still poor.
While, I will continue to listen, I remain disappointed in the replacement of Grover Gardner. It is making me tire of this series, which I didn't think I would.
This book brings back the idea of former Federation races wanting retribution for former oppression. Its been done, but not to this scale, and not without Alex.
Admiral Thompson (I assume Thompson, but audiobook so it could be Thomson), shines in this book as a military commander and with the help of her crew, just about as equal to Alex as we've seen. Her insights are well thought out and her analysis of other races intentions are pretty spot on. She's still not as strong a character as Alex, nor does she think as many steps ahead, but this book is showing that Alex's friends are learning from him and will be able to step up when he's no longer around.
This book is standard Silver Ships, in that alien races are basically good, but do bad things and just need a nudge to do whats right. Its the formula for this series, and its not bad, just a little predictable. I would have preferred things to get bad and the characters have to deal with the consequences, but that rarely happens in these.
The biggest flaw, as usual is the voice narrator, Nichole Poole. Her delivery is still flat and she still does very few voices. Her pronunciation has basically been fixed, after a few books, but her basic narration is still poor.
While, I will continue to listen, I remain disappointed in the replacement of Grover Gardner. It is making me tire of this series, which I didn't think I would.
July 30, 2020
TALUS is focused on the efforts of a group of Omnians to arbitrate a dispute between the Talusian world and other worlds who have been preyed upon by Artifice. Artifice is an artificial intelligence created by Talusians many millennia in the past that subjugated and destroyed many worlds in its reign of terror. The survivors of this reign of terror now want reparations from the Talusians, but cannot agree on what, when, where, or how this should happen. Add in a couple of races that are hell-bent on revenge and the destruction of Artifice, and you have a real powder keg, with a short fuse. The story is good, as have been all of the Silver Ships stories, but only gets three stars because it is missing something--Alex Racine, Renee de Guirnon, and Julian. They are involved, but only by reference. Without their physical presence, the story becomes almost mechanical, with none of the interplay that has been present in the previous stories.
November 10, 2020
Jucha is more a Bureaucracy-Fiction author than a Sci-Fi author. He's at his best when he is describing human interactions, complex logistical conundrums, political machinations, and sociological upheaval. When it comes to 'doing the math' he too often falls jarringly short. In Talus, he is back to playing to his strengths and the result is a solid entry in the series, which has been drifting steadily off course in recent books.
The lack of the disconcerting God-Emperor, Alex, is a strength as it allows the ensemble cast to shine. What I found less pleasurable was the dogmatic capitalism that pervades Jucha's writings and which is on full display as usual in this latest tome. Whether knowingly or not, the author seems blind to the other, less palatable, side of that particular coin, which leads to a disappointing lack of nuance.
The lack of the disconcerting God-Emperor, Alex, is a strength as it allows the ensemble cast to shine. What I found less pleasurable was the dogmatic capitalism that pervades Jucha's writings and which is on full display as usual in this latest tome. Whether knowingly or not, the author seems blind to the other, less palatable, side of that particular coin, which leads to a disappointing lack of nuance.
October 3, 2020
I liked the book but I am ready for this series to end. Its very difficult at this point to keep straight as you read what species, planet, ship or whether the subject is a SADE or biological. The first part of the book was about a wayward Desynia pilot to landed on a planet and had to be rescued. Although I understood the gist of the dialogue I could not really keep up with who was who.
Much of the latter part of the book was description of the details of a standoff with several aliens races seeking reparations for the damage that Artemis did. In my opinion there was way too much detail of who said what to whom. It was very difficult to keep up with all of the details.
I am now on to the next book and hope that it is a bit better.
Much of the latter part of the book was description of the details of a standoff with several aliens races seeking reparations for the damage that Artemis did. In my opinion there was way too much detail of who said what to whom. It was very difficult to keep up with all of the details.
I am now on to the next book and hope that it is a bit better.
August 10, 2020
I didn't really read this, but marked it as finished because there's no other way to get it off my Goodreads list. I read most of #15 and just couldn't finish it. The Silver Ships story has run off the rails, in my opinion. Too many characters, too many races, and main characters who have become supermen and therefore immune to any real conflict or danger. It was always a bit comic-booky, and I've finally lost interest in the story.
I gave it three stars just to be fair to the author. If I took the time to read it, it would likely have been less. I rated the predecessor one star. I almost never give up on a book once started; I made an exception for this one.
I gave it three stars just to be fair to the author. If I took the time to read it, it would likely have been less. I rated the predecessor one star. I almost never give up on a book once started; I made an exception for this one.
July 2, 2020
A thoughtful return to Omnia
I'm always excited for a new foray into the worlds of Alex and friends, and this story had me thrilled to resolve a question from several books ago. The shift some characters undergo in this entry is a welcome growth in the universe that Jucha has created, and I'm excited to continue to see where these stories go!
I'm always excited for a new foray into the worlds of Alex and friends, and this story had me thrilled to resolve a question from several books ago. The shift some characters undergo in this entry is a welcome growth in the universe that Jucha has created, and I'm excited to continue to see where these stories go!
July 12, 2020
Favorite series of books, characters, storyline, and writing
Of all the books I have read by different authors this series is my absolute favourite. I love the way the characters thoughts and emotions are expressed, makes me feel closer to each individual. I look forward to these books above all others.
Thanks for bringing these characters and stories to us.
Of all the books I have read by different authors this series is my absolute favourite. I love the way the characters thoughts and emotions are expressed, makes me feel closer to each individual. I look forward to these books above all others.
Thanks for bringing these characters and stories to us.
July 15, 2020
This chapter continues the growth of the federation space species and their interactions.
Alex's people serve as mediators for all the different races wanting their demands met. Lot of backstabbing and politics. Good wins out when all parties gain. Great story telling with creative problem solving.
Alex's people serve as mediators for all the different races wanting their demands met. Lot of backstabbing and politics. Good wins out when all parties gain. Great story telling with creative problem solving.
July 17, 2020
Another Adventure for the Omnians and their society start to become the police of worlds
Omnians posses so much technology and really advanced one and they go around the stars forcing people to do what they say in exchange of their technology. Can't wait to see what it will be with the Militarist faction of the sister's, what it will be the new adventures of Use.
Omnians posses so much technology and really advanced one and they go around the stars forcing people to do what they say in exchange of their technology. Can't wait to see what it will be with the Militarist faction of the sister's, what it will be the new adventures of Use.
August 8, 2020
May the stars protect you
This series always seems to evolve in the most curious ways. I guess this is the reason a relish this offering like a meal to be devoured. The chef is a skilled wordsmith and I a dutiful student. We dance among the stars in a effort to understand the infinate.
This series always seems to evolve in the most curious ways. I guess this is the reason a relish this offering like a meal to be devoured. The chef is a skilled wordsmith and I a dutiful student. We dance among the stars in a effort to understand the infinate.
November 16, 2020
We meet again...
I got caught up with the resistance (previous books) that I didn't realized that I had dearly missed the characters left on Omnia. The story of the last Dyshna nest was heartbreaking. Nata needs to release all her anger before she can do something truly irreparable. I enjoyed the story and came away knowing that Artifice is truly evil.
I got caught up with the resistance (previous books) that I didn't realized that I had dearly missed the characters left on Omnia. The story of the last Dyshna nest was heartbreaking. Nata needs to release all her anger before she can do something truly irreparable. I enjoyed the story and came away knowing that Artifice is truly evil.
December 2, 2020
Mr Scott Jucha is a gracious man, and an excellent author of science-fiction. I've reviewed many books from this series, but Talus is on another level!
Without getting into spoilers, it's a book of "near-culminations," as things are "coming to a head," and it builds bridges from some of the earlier books, pointing the way toward what they might be!
Without getting into spoilers, it's a book of "near-culminations," as things are "coming to a head," and it builds bridges from some of the earlier books, pointing the way toward what they might be!
July 2, 2020
Another reliably enjoyable slice of optimism
Always interesting and fun
An interesting vision of a future and certainly not post apocalyptic
No t a book to change the world but one to cheer you up for a few hours during the pandemic
Always interesting and fun
An interesting vision of a future and certainly not post apocalyptic
No t a book to change the world but one to cheer you up for a few hours during the pandemic
July 2, 2020
Amazing book
Every book is a surprise, the depth of alien society is intriguing to read about and the story is ever riveting you to the edge of your seat. Another great book and I cannot wait for the next one.
Every book is a surprise, the depth of alien society is intriguing to read about and the story is ever riveting you to the edge of your seat. Another great book and I cannot wait for the next one.
July 5, 2020
Great as usu
This episode follows up on may characters introduced in earlier episodes showing resolutions to previously identified, Follows up on previous conflicts in its own unique way. Very entertaining and an enjoyable.
This episode follows up on may characters introduced in earlier episodes showing resolutions to previously identified, Follows up on previous conflicts in its own unique way. Very entertaining and an enjoyable.
July 6, 2020
An Interesting Read
Definitely another fascinating book from Jucha, featuring scores of new alien races, and the formation of many further questions of what will come in future books as we explore the other plot hooks given at the beginning of the book.
Definitely another fascinating book from Jucha, featuring scores of new alien races, and the formation of many further questions of what will come in future books as we explore the other plot hooks given at the beginning of the book.
July 8, 2020
Great reading
I gave a five star rating because I love the entire series. I really wish I did not have to wait for book 18. Of course, after I get and read book 18, I will long for book 19.....
I gave a five star rating because I love the entire series. I really wish I did not have to wait for book 18. Of course, after I get and read book 18, I will long for book 19.....
July 10, 2020
Superb, as always
Another great entry in The Silver Ships series (even without the presence of some of our favorite characters). I only wish I didn't devour the book in one sitting, now I must find another book that will not be such an easy, exciting read.
Another great entry in The Silver Ships series (even without the presence of some of our favorite characters). I only wish I didn't devour the book in one sitting, now I must find another book that will not be such an easy, exciting read.
September 22, 2020
If you enjoy the worlds created by S.H. Jucha, this one is good. I enjoyed the political problem solving undertaken by the humans and the SADEs. I am still fascinated by the notion of an AI attaining sentience. And having emotions.
November 4, 2022
Fun little side trip
Given all (most of the books) with Alex and crew and more recently the Alliance in them this was an interesting side trip to Talus and the problems with Artifice, the Sisterhood and revenge. It was a very enjoyable story,
Given all (most of the books) with Alex and crew and more recently the Alliance in them this was an interesting side trip to Talus and the problems with Artifice, the Sisterhood and revenge. It was a very enjoyable story,
August 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. I guess I like future tech infused politics, but also, I'm very hungry to see what's going to happen with the sisterhood and Artifice. That's evolving to be very interesting, explosive even.
July 3, 2020
Hi
Good so far but a little disappointed hopefully it gets better.
I'm disappointed that Alex is not in it so far.
Good so far but a little disappointed hopefully it gets better.
I'm disappointed that Alex is not in it so far.
July 7, 2020
Absolutely Fantastic
This was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed story that I really enjoyed reading. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
This was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed story that I really enjoyed reading. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
July 9, 2020
This is a wonderful novel.
This was an excellent continuation of this series. It is hard to believe this series has reached 17 novel and still tells fresh and robust.
This was an excellent continuation of this series. It is hard to believe this series has reached 17 novel and still tells fresh and robust.
July 13, 2020
Loved! Yet another worthy entry and liked that it kept the charm without needing Alex or Renee!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews