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Duchy of Terra Universe #8
Shadows of the Fall
Fifty thousand years ago, the Precursors broke the universe. Now great powers and small alike fight over their wreckage. But in the midst of the chaos, there is a question no one asks… Why?
Morgan Casimir, commander of the A!Tol Imperial cruiser Defiant, has seen the works of the Precursor aliens known as the Alava. She has seen their accidents threaten worlds and consume entire star fleets.
Charged by her Empress to prevent a conspiracy of profiteers from finding and using a lost fleet of Alava warships, she knows unimaginable catastrophe looms if she fails. With her lover, xenoarcheologist Dr. Rin Dunst, at her side, she is sent to a hot zone on the edge of war to once again achieve the impossible.
But as they search along a border flaring in violence, Morgan discovers that if the worst comes to pass, her orders are to destroy the ships rather than allow them to be taken… and she realizes that there just might be a reason seemingly godlike aliens lost an entire fleet.
Morgan Casimir, commander of the A!Tol Imperial cruiser Defiant, has seen the works of the Precursor aliens known as the Alava. She has seen their accidents threaten worlds and consume entire star fleets.
Charged by her Empress to prevent a conspiracy of profiteers from finding and using a lost fleet of Alava warships, she knows unimaginable catastrophe looms if she fails. With her lover, xenoarcheologist Dr. Rin Dunst, at her side, she is sent to a hot zone on the edge of war to once again achieve the impossible.
But as they search along a border flaring in violence, Morgan discovers that if the worst comes to pass, her orders are to destroy the ships rather than allow them to be taken… and she realizes that there just might be a reason seemingly godlike aliens lost an entire fleet.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
751 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
114 books1,749 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 30, 2020
A very solid addition to the Duchy universe, one that felt like it kept the focus on it's principle characters and also managed to weave how they fit into a much larger story.
Very much looking forward to the third installment, as this is absolutely the "middle child" of a trilogy, setting up for the next volume with something fairly closely resembling a cliff-hanger (but in a very good way, rather than a frustrating ending)
Very much looking forward to the third installment, as this is absolutely the "middle child" of a trilogy, setting up for the next volume with something fairly closely resembling a cliff-hanger (but in a very good way, rather than a frustrating ending)
October 22, 2020
Overall I enjoyed this story, but I couldn’t help thinking that the author has fallen into the trap of having to make each subsequent book in a series ‘bigger and badder’ than the last one. It’s hard to beat an entity that eats suns, but he has certainly tried with this story. To be honest it has probably gone a bit too far for me.
Also unlike the last book there isn’t really an ending to this one, it basically stops mid-story and there is a six-month wait until it starts again.
Also unlike the last book there isn’t really an ending to this one, it basically stops mid-story and there is a six-month wait until it starts again.
July 20, 2022
Glynn Stewart's DUCHY OF TERRA series is a fantastic 9+ book series about humanity becoming part of a vast interstellar empire. After Earth is made part of the T!Kol Empire, Morgan Casimir has risen through the ranks to be humanity's chief captain in dealing with new foreign threats. Exploring ancient ruins, she's discovered numerous percursor artifacts that hint they are not as extinct as they thought. SHADOWS OF THE FALL has her new love interest, Rin, trying to see if there may be any survivors that may be trapped in another dimension. Unfortunately, there are.
Pretty good set up for the next threat but I kind of wish they wouldn't constantly amp up the threat. I also am annoyed we don't have any more Victoria/Morgan romance as it's been completely sidelined for the Rin/Morgan one.
Pretty good set up for the next threat but I kind of wish they wouldn't constantly amp up the threat. I also am annoyed we don't have any more Victoria/Morgan romance as it's been completely sidelined for the Rin/Morgan one.
May 13, 2021
Excellent!
October 13, 2020
Solid
Yes, I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I don't think I've ever given one of Glynn's books less than 3 stars.
There is no other author (besides maybe Lindsay Buroker or JD Robb) that I devour new books from, without a second thought. Even if I feel like maybe the characters don't develop the way I thought they would, or the "technology" seems boring to me, there is always SOMETHING in Glynn's books that brings the entire book up to 4 or 5 stars for me.
With this particular world, I loved Annette Bond and now I love her daughter, Morgan Casmir, too. There is so much backstory and promise of development to come (unanswered but NOT cliffhanging questions) that every entry in this series is an enjoyable puzzle piece to be put into place while we wait for more pieces to be able to see the whole picture.
Morgan is as strong as ever though we see a *little* more of her internal struggle in this book. I enjoy Rin and Morgan's entire crew. I read this book in a few hours and as usual, just wished I could have more of the story immediately. So why WOULDN'T that be a 5 star book?
(I read a review off a different Glynn Stewart book that complained all the 5 star reviews were from ARC readers. Well, I have to say - first, those of us that love all of Glynn's books and give them 5 stars were probably chomping at the bit to become ARC readers, I sure was. Second, not all of us are looking for these books to be life changing, though they are pretty darn up there. Our 5 stars might not be your 5 stars. Third, maybe the reviewer should appreciate that there were enough of us that loved the book that much that we actually reviewed the book as soon as it was released and gave it high marks. You don't see that consistency a lot. I think it speaks to not only how good Glynn's books are but how well his staff works to coordinate and how the group as a whole inspires us. And in a nutshell...isn't that how his heroes work with their crews and why we love them so much???)
Yes, I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I don't think I've ever given one of Glynn's books less than 3 stars.
There is no other author (besides maybe Lindsay Buroker or JD Robb) that I devour new books from, without a second thought. Even if I feel like maybe the characters don't develop the way I thought they would, or the "technology" seems boring to me, there is always SOMETHING in Glynn's books that brings the entire book up to 4 or 5 stars for me.
With this particular world, I loved Annette Bond and now I love her daughter, Morgan Casmir, too. There is so much backstory and promise of development to come (unanswered but NOT cliffhanging questions) that every entry in this series is an enjoyable puzzle piece to be put into place while we wait for more pieces to be able to see the whole picture.
Morgan is as strong as ever though we see a *little* more of her internal struggle in this book. I enjoy Rin and Morgan's entire crew. I read this book in a few hours and as usual, just wished I could have more of the story immediately. So why WOULDN'T that be a 5 star book?
(I read a review off a different Glynn Stewart book that complained all the 5 star reviews were from ARC readers. Well, I have to say - first, those of us that love all of Glynn's books and give them 5 stars were probably chomping at the bit to become ARC readers, I sure was. Second, not all of us are looking for these books to be life changing, though they are pretty darn up there. Our 5 stars might not be your 5 stars. Third, maybe the reviewer should appreciate that there were enough of us that loved the book that much that we actually reviewed the book as soon as it was released and gave it high marks. You don't see that consistency a lot. I think it speaks to not only how good Glynn's books are but how well his staff works to coordinate and how the group as a whole inspires us. And in a nutshell...isn't that how his heroes work with their crews and why we love them so much???)
October 14, 2020
Shadows of the Fall: On the edge of my seat waiting for the next book!
It was pretty scary when I read the previous book prior to this one due to a near planet sized sun eater but Morgan and Ren of Imperial Starship Defiance managed to stop a tragedy to happen on a macro scale. But this book? When Captain MOrgan set out to stop a war from 2 major Core world and finds a fleet of sentient beings that scales in size from a starship to a planet just waiting for fresh meat so to speak.
This is a must read for those who love scifi fantasy. So many mysteries, so many danger. Just wait and see if MOrgan and Ren survives another near death experience or will they triumph in their Defiance travel?
It was pretty scary when I read the previous book prior to this one due to a near planet sized sun eater but Morgan and Ren of Imperial Starship Defiance managed to stop a tragedy to happen on a macro scale. But this book? When Captain MOrgan set out to stop a war from 2 major Core world and finds a fleet of sentient beings that scales in size from a starship to a planet just waiting for fresh meat so to speak.
This is a must read for those who love scifi fantasy. So many mysteries, so many danger. Just wait and see if MOrgan and Ren survives another near death experience or will they triumph in their Defiance travel?
March 2, 2022
After the discoveries her ship made in the previous book, Captain Morgan Casimir is entrusted by the A'Tol Empress herself with an epic secret mission. The fate of the Imperium - and of its neighbors as well - may rest on Morgan's ability to lay a millennia-old mystery to rest.
Another tense book with Morgan & crew on the search for answers. The scale is at once small (just Morgan and her ship, the Defiance) and enormous (what she discovers). There's less character work than in the last book, but I still enjoyed getting to know Morgan's crew a little more.
This one does end on a complete cliffhanger, though, so beware! :)
Another tense book with Morgan & crew on the search for answers. The scale is at once small (just Morgan and her ship, the Defiance) and enormous (what she discovers). There's less character work than in the last book, but I still enjoyed getting to know Morgan's crew a little more.
This one does end on a complete cliffhanger, though, so beware! :)
September 20, 2023
Loved it
I loved the heartfelt conversations and personal struggles in here, expertly mixed in with the (super high stakes!) main actions.
The universe will be very different after the next book, there is no doubt about that. This book reveals secrets of the universe as well as the truth behind the ones we had learned already. I was excited to see Morgan personally recognized by the A!Tol for her own contributions. Not that I doubted they appreciated her, but she deserved to hear that, especially knowing all she has been doing for them.
This book will definitely keep you glued to the pages... And quickly picking up the next book to find out what happens next.
I loved the heartfelt conversations and personal struggles in here, expertly mixed in with the (super high stakes!) main actions.
The universe will be very different after the next book, there is no doubt about that. This book reveals secrets of the universe as well as the truth behind the ones we had learned already. I was excited to see Morgan personally recognized by the A!Tol for her own contributions. Not that I doubted they appreciated her, but she deserved to hear that, especially knowing all she has been doing for them.
This book will definitely keep you glued to the pages... And quickly picking up the next book to find out what happens next.
October 7, 2020
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
Another great entry to the series with plenty of action and adventure to go along with the top-notch worldbuilding. As always the characters are top-notch, with plenty of smaller characters that would make for great side stories or spinoffs.
Another great entry to the series with plenty of action and adventure to go along with the top-notch worldbuilding. As always the characters are top-notch, with plenty of smaller characters that would make for great side stories or spinoffs.
October 19, 2020
So both the series and this episode tell good stories with the level of challenge continuing to escalate. However, the end of this book does not bring an end to any challenge and only leaves the reader hanging. One battle ends, the captain does not have to make a tough decision, and even the new level of challenge introduced in this book is unresolved.
November 8, 2020
Glynn Stewart's novels have been a heady balm throughout the pandemic. Space! Lasers! Woke Politics!
This one ..... falls short of his previous work. There's Space!, but also Exposition! .... and I could have used more Lasers! and Woke Politics!
Still, if you're into Stewart's continuing Terra series, this is a good addition.
This one ..... falls short of his previous work. There's Space!, but also Exposition! .... and I could have used more Lasers! and Woke Politics!
Still, if you're into Stewart's continuing Terra series, this is a good addition.
November 23, 2020
Three and half stars. This is the middle book of a trilogy. It reads like the middle book of a trilogy and while Stewart can do a 'Cliff-Hanger' ending quite well. I still don't like cliff-hanger endings. If you have strong interesting characters (which this story does) I'll follow them anywhere. I don't need to be teased into buying the next book.
January 5, 2021
More of the solid action and likable characters that Stewart is known for.
These stories are reliable entertainment full of well established tropes, mild romance and minimal intrigue. The story arch is predictable the dialog works but is rarely quotable or even memorable. The stories are long enough to provide a days reading, I will buy more but seldom recommend to strangers.
These stories are reliable entertainment full of well established tropes, mild romance and minimal intrigue. The story arch is predictable the dialog works but is rarely quotable or even memorable. The stories are long enough to provide a days reading, I will buy more but seldom recommend to strangers.
April 19, 2021
More please!!!
Just finished the entire series I loved the starships mage series and offshoot and finally dug into this series which has me hooked I binge read whole series this past week and only realized it wasn’t complete when I finished this book which is right around corner but then I’ll be waiting forever for both series new books....write fast and thanks for this world!!
Just finished the entire series I loved the starships mage series and offshoot and finally dug into this series which has me hooked I binge read whole series this past week and only realized it wasn’t complete when I finished this book which is right around corner but then I’ll be waiting forever for both series new books....write fast and thanks for this world!!
June 15, 2025
Cliffhanger alert!
The series seems to be coming to its conclusion, but with a scarier enemy than ever imagined. Will Captain Casmier and her friends be able to save the day and thwart the threats to the universe's intelligent life?
I've been enjoying the series of books and the storyline. Onward to book 9.
The series seems to be coming to its conclusion, but with a scarier enemy than ever imagined. Will Captain Casmier and her friends be able to save the day and thwart the threats to the universe's intelligent life?
I've been enjoying the series of books and the storyline. Onward to book 9.
October 15, 2020
It was going to be three or four stars until the last 5%. This book primarily exists to sell the next one.
(And having to eject your magazines in order to eject a reactor is ludicrous, but if she hadn't had to dump the magazines, we wouldn't need another book.)
(And having to eject your magazines in order to eject a reactor is ludicrous, but if she hadn't had to dump the magazines, we wouldn't need another book.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
This was an excellent addition to the Dutchy of Terra Universe. As other reviewers pointed out, this book is a solid middle act for a trilogy with an ending that leaves you yearning for the next book without leaving you with a frustrating cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next instalment!
October 20, 2020
Yes this is how you write a book 2 of the third trilogy. It does start a bit slow, but picks up immediately into well done space military fiction. I knew I was reaching the end of the book, but I didn’t want to believe it.
October 25, 2020
An excellent book in the series
Highly enjoyable book in the series. As the main characters find out more about the Precursors, the more they fear things are not as they seem. Looking forward to the next book.
Highly enjoyable book in the series. As the main characters find out more about the Precursors, the more they fear things are not as they seem. Looking forward to the next book.
October 25, 2020
Most enjoyable read
I enjoyed the book and the pace of the story the characters all seemed to slot together I have been a fan since the starship series and have enjoyed all the books since
I enjoyed the book and the pace of the story the characters all seemed to slot together I have been a fan since the starship series and have enjoyed all the books since
October 28, 2020
Wonderful story
This is a great series, wonderfully written. Great characters in difficult situations. Intrigue, character interaction and space battles. Aliens lifeforms like no other stories.
This is a great series, wonderfully written. Great characters in difficult situations. Intrigue, character interaction and space battles. Aliens lifeforms like no other stories.
November 5, 2020
Cliffhanger!
Good story and new perils that our heroes need to confront. Excellent world building and we learn more about the major civilizations, and what happened to the progenitors.
Good story and new perils that our heroes need to confront. Excellent world building and we learn more about the major civilizations, and what happened to the progenitors.
November 20, 2020
Magnificent
Man I ate this series up! I can't believe I have to wait till March of 2021 to read the next. This leaves me wondering if the heroine and her lover/friends will survive. (I know somehow they will though don't I?)
Man I ate this series up! I can't believe I have to wait till March of 2021 to read the next. This leaves me wondering if the heroine and her lover/friends will survive. (I know somehow they will though don't I?)
January 31, 2021
Wow!
I love this series by Glynn Stewart. They always seem to pack a boatload of action, admirable characters and good science fiction every book. Patiently (hah!) Awaiting the next one...
I love this series by Glynn Stewart. They always seem to pack a boatload of action, admirable characters and good science fiction every book. Patiently (hah!) Awaiting the next one...
March 21, 2021
Excellent read...good SciFi
Great storyline that’s logical. Only problem is that it’s a poster for gay and feminist agendas and dreams. Leave the very overt politics out and you’d have Heinlein-level fiction.
Great storyline that’s logical. Only problem is that it’s a poster for gay and feminist agendas and dreams. Leave the very overt politics out and you’d have Heinlein-level fiction.
October 4, 2020
Another fantastic addition to the Terra series. Wow, the new big bad is BIG and BAD: it'll be interesting to watch where the series goes next!
October 17, 2020
This was another great book in this series. Too bad I have to wait until next year to find out what happens.
October 19, 2020
Loved the story and now so much more going on so lots more to read in the future is my bet.
October 24, 2020
Good book but abrupt, unfinished ending
My title says it all. The book was a good read but ended awkwardly. Oh well. March is the next release.
My title says it all. The book was a good read but ended awkwardly. Oh well. March is the next release.
November 24, 2020
Loved it-can’t wait until March for the next one💕💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews