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Space Race #3
Space Strike
Invasion is imminent. Loyalties are tested. Arlo Lewis faced the enemy and survived. Barely. What they found at Refuge would change the future of mankind forever, but will it be enough to save Earth?When Preston Lewis’s true motives become clear, Arlo must choose between his friends and his grandfather. Bryson Kelley is a man on a mission, and his desire to bring his loved one from the clutches of the enemy might bring humanity’s ultimate downfall. Space Strike is the explosive conclusion to Space Race you won’t want to miss.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2021
73 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 12, 2021
Space Strike opens with the main team from the first book, Arlo, Jade, Luther, and Holland back having been found on a Velibar planet, all trying to work out who the main threat to Earth is. Having originally thought it was the Velibar, they travelled to Refuge, where they met the A.I. “Stin”, a singular A.I. that controls billions of robot ships. Stin is at once Billions of ships and entities, and yet capable of being a singular robot, acting as a person and being able to interact on a very human like level. Having made an alliance with Stin, Arlo and the gang also learn of the Darlor and the Hidan, who they believe are also being attacked by the Velibar.
However, once they meet up with Arlo’s grandfather, Preston Lewis, things change, as it becomes clear, that the Darlor and Hidan are actually the enemy, not the Velibar and that Preston has been acting in the best interests of Earth and Humanity all along.
This series begins to evolve and follows along with a very intense, thrilling, incredibly complex and detailed, and above all, intriguing mystery, as Arlo and his crew of friends, along with Preston Lewis, try to weave through a multifaceted and intricate web of deceit and treachery, to uncover who is the real enemy, and who is the biggest threat to not just Earth anymore, but to the Velibar as well.
As the Scooby Gang uncover more and more, along with Varn and his crew, including Jinx, Aster, and some additional characters that I won’t tell you about as I don’t want to spoil the fun, but just to add, there are some exceptional additions in this book that will make your jaw drop, they find that the Velibar are not the threat. Preston uncovers a particular faction of Velibar that are a threat to the continuation of the Velibar, and this leads to a particular set of storylines that are fascinating.
And that is the core of this book, it is not one story, there are actually about 5 or 6 stories going on, this could have been a collection of short stories almost, and it kind of is, just all collected together.
There is the major stream following Preston and the internal politics of the Velibar. There is another, following Arlo and the several teams under him, as they investigate the alien races and the threats they pose to the future of humanity. Then there is another that is following what is happening back on Earth, with the Corporations, Octavia Post, the 10 Primary’s and their futures. In another, we follow Bryson Kelley and his quest to find his estranged wife, Caterina Kelley, who was thought lost, but has been found and is with the Velibar.
In amongst this, are multiple little threads, ones that both wrap up things from books 1 and 2, and others that provide us with some amazing new characters.
This is an incredible final book to what has been a fascinating series, one that started with a stunning race, that led to a full blown revolution, then an invasion by aliens, before leading to intergalactic war, this series has had everything possible. It has had numerous aliens and powerful A.I., as well as incredible heroes, and some evil villains.
Hystad has provided some exceptional characters to keep the story moving, and whereas in the first book, the story centred around Arlo, in this book, the focus is on multiple characters, not just Arlo, but Preston, Bryson, as well as several others I won’t mention so as to not give away spoilers. But by opening it up to other points of view, Hystad has really given a multi-dimensional view of the story, giving the reader a really in-depth view of every aspect of the story from every characters point of view.
As well as providing us a great character’s point of view, Hystad also provides an outstanding world point of view, with his masterful world-building, which is just mind-blowing. There are so many aspects of the worlds he creates, from the Stin A.I., to the Velibar society that is an amphibious race that live above and below the water. The worlds of the Velibar are just stunning, especially below the water, in which the detail is just extraordinary and beautiful.
The descriptions of the pod racers and flyers is so nicely down, you can see the graceful curves, and stunning detail of the work that has gone into these ships, just how well Hystad has thought about the creation of these ships for not just the racing element of the story, but the later fighting element as well.
Overall, this is just a masterful series, one that shows all of Hystad’s skills to the fullest, and is just a wonderful read. If you love a great Sci-Fi read, with every aspect of Sci-Fi there is, from intense space races that keep you turning pages, to alien invasions that become intergalactic wars between multiple alien factions, including powerful A.I.’s, this book has everything. The great thing is, that Hystad has wound it all together so seamlessly into this exceptional story that you just can’t put down, it is such a fun and utterly engaging series. Don’t miss out, as this 3rd book is a must read in a series that is just brilliant!!
However, once they meet up with Arlo’s grandfather, Preston Lewis, things change, as it becomes clear, that the Darlor and Hidan are actually the enemy, not the Velibar and that Preston has been acting in the best interests of Earth and Humanity all along.
This series begins to evolve and follows along with a very intense, thrilling, incredibly complex and detailed, and above all, intriguing mystery, as Arlo and his crew of friends, along with Preston Lewis, try to weave through a multifaceted and intricate web of deceit and treachery, to uncover who is the real enemy, and who is the biggest threat to not just Earth anymore, but to the Velibar as well.
As the Scooby Gang uncover more and more, along with Varn and his crew, including Jinx, Aster, and some additional characters that I won’t tell you about as I don’t want to spoil the fun, but just to add, there are some exceptional additions in this book that will make your jaw drop, they find that the Velibar are not the threat. Preston uncovers a particular faction of Velibar that are a threat to the continuation of the Velibar, and this leads to a particular set of storylines that are fascinating.
And that is the core of this book, it is not one story, there are actually about 5 or 6 stories going on, this could have been a collection of short stories almost, and it kind of is, just all collected together.
There is the major stream following Preston and the internal politics of the Velibar. There is another, following Arlo and the several teams under him, as they investigate the alien races and the threats they pose to the future of humanity. Then there is another that is following what is happening back on Earth, with the Corporations, Octavia Post, the 10 Primary’s and their futures. In another, we follow Bryson Kelley and his quest to find his estranged wife, Caterina Kelley, who was thought lost, but has been found and is with the Velibar.
In amongst this, are multiple little threads, ones that both wrap up things from books 1 and 2, and others that provide us with some amazing new characters.
This is an incredible final book to what has been a fascinating series, one that started with a stunning race, that led to a full blown revolution, then an invasion by aliens, before leading to intergalactic war, this series has had everything possible. It has had numerous aliens and powerful A.I., as well as incredible heroes, and some evil villains.
Hystad has provided some exceptional characters to keep the story moving, and whereas in the first book, the story centred around Arlo, in this book, the focus is on multiple characters, not just Arlo, but Preston, Bryson, as well as several others I won’t mention so as to not give away spoilers. But by opening it up to other points of view, Hystad has really given a multi-dimensional view of the story, giving the reader a really in-depth view of every aspect of the story from every characters point of view.
As well as providing us a great character’s point of view, Hystad also provides an outstanding world point of view, with his masterful world-building, which is just mind-blowing. There are so many aspects of the worlds he creates, from the Stin A.I., to the Velibar society that is an amphibious race that live above and below the water. The worlds of the Velibar are just stunning, especially below the water, in which the detail is just extraordinary and beautiful.
The descriptions of the pod racers and flyers is so nicely down, you can see the graceful curves, and stunning detail of the work that has gone into these ships, just how well Hystad has thought about the creation of these ships for not just the racing element of the story, but the later fighting element as well.
Overall, this is just a masterful series, one that shows all of Hystad’s skills to the fullest, and is just a wonderful read. If you love a great Sci-Fi read, with every aspect of Sci-Fi there is, from intense space races that keep you turning pages, to alien invasions that become intergalactic wars between multiple alien factions, including powerful A.I.’s, this book has everything. The great thing is, that Hystad has wound it all together so seamlessly into this exceptional story that you just can’t put down, it is such a fun and utterly engaging series. Don’t miss out, as this 3rd book is a must read in a series that is just brilliant!!
September 7, 2021
Reviewing all three together here:
Space Race #1 - 4 stars
Space Race #2 - 3.5 stars
Space Race #3 - 3 stars
All in all fun easy sci fi beach reads. If you enjoy them for what they are, they will do the job. If you want them to be something else, they will disappoint. I didn't want to put them down and the pages breezed by. Interesting concepts, and nice to see he didnt get wrapped up in the tech and the physics. It's the future. Things are possible, and they happen. Great. Easy reading.
That said, there was the possibility to make the characters slightly deeper and bring is some actual conflict, some emotional strife, some "not being amazing all the time". They were all just too good at their jobs (even when their original skillset had nothing to do with the new job), and there was never any real risk. A couple loose ends that never needed to be opened to begin with that bug me, but alas.
As the books progressed, the amount of double crosses and what not got a bit much as the humans were simply too trusting. Big reveals didn't feel that big, but in the end were a fun read.
Space Race #1 - 4 stars
Space Race #2 - 3.5 stars
Space Race #3 - 3 stars
All in all fun easy sci fi beach reads. If you enjoy them for what they are, they will do the job. If you want them to be something else, they will disappoint. I didn't want to put them down and the pages breezed by. Interesting concepts, and nice to see he didnt get wrapped up in the tech and the physics. It's the future. Things are possible, and they happen. Great. Easy reading.
That said, there was the possibility to make the characters slightly deeper and bring is some actual conflict, some emotional strife, some "not being amazing all the time". They were all just too good at their jobs (even when their original skillset had nothing to do with the new job), and there was never any real risk. A couple loose ends that never needed to be opened to begin with that bug me, but alas.
As the books progressed, the amount of double crosses and what not got a bit much as the humans were simply too trusting. Big reveals didn't feel that big, but in the end were a fun read.
July 12, 2022
Well, Nathan Hystad, you have blown my mind. I loved reading about the interactions between Arlo "Hawk" Lewis, his crew and the Velibar. The other alien races are to be watched closely as allegiances always seem to change. And the worry is always there for how the robots interact with the humans. Will they stay loyal or be taken over by the Stin? And everyone is trying to make their alliances to become the First Regal (head honcho of the Velibar). So much intrigue going on. Thank you, Nathan, for bringing this series to a wonderful conclusion. Actually hated to see this series end. Now we need to read about the trip to proxima b - hint, hint.
May 18, 2021
This book is a fantastic conclusion to a trilogy that any sci-fi reader will love. It's a real page turner. The characters are all fully developed and quite believable. I found myself rooting for them.
This series is certainly not a bunch of warring factions in endless space battles, rather a very unique look at the politics on earth and also distant alien worlds. There are lots of realistic power struggles happening and plenty of characters to root for or condemn.
Multiple storylines are happening throughout the series and they all come together in the end with a great conclusion.
This series is certainly not a bunch of warring factions in endless space battles, rather a very unique look at the politics on earth and also distant alien worlds. There are lots of realistic power struggles happening and plenty of characters to root for or condemn.
Multiple storylines are happening throughout the series and they all come together in the end with a great conclusion.
May 18, 2021
Arlo and his friends are back along with everyone else as things heat up. Lots of action, twists, danger and aliens. Loved the action, personality, and great characters as I try to guess what was going to happen next and how it would all end. Decisions must be made and I was glued from the beginning to see what certain people would choose to do and how and what Arlo would do next. Loved it all.
November 18, 2024
The triumph at Refuge had many lessons taught by and for Arlo and company. Including his grandfather.
Quite necessary too the way it turns out, as treachery and new challenges really spurred some very original thinking to try and keep Earth safe.
Being the last book in the trilogy, Space Strike indeed is a war for survival in so many ways that there is simply no chance of a reader stopping reading. Not until the very last paragraph has been perused.
Enjoy
Quite necessary too the way it turns out, as treachery and new challenges really spurred some very original thinking to try and keep Earth safe.
Being the last book in the trilogy, Space Strike indeed is a war for survival in so many ways that there is simply no chance of a reader stopping reading. Not until the very last paragraph has been perused.
Enjoy
May 20, 2021
The adventures continue for Arlo and his friends, along with everyone else as things start to heat up. As usual there is lots of action, twists and turns. I loved the action, and great characters, it will keep you guessing on what is going to happen next and how it would all end. I was honoured to receive an advance copy from the author.
June 11, 2021
Fun series!
This was such a fun series to read! I really enjoyed Hawk and Preston’s relationship. The aliens were very cool as were the robots. The concept of corporations running the world was realistic enough to be scary. I feel like that’s where today’s world is headed, oddly enough. I do wonder where Preclude ended up though. Perhaps he could have his own series?
This was such a fun series to read! I really enjoyed Hawk and Preston’s relationship. The aliens were very cool as were the robots. The concept of corporations running the world was realistic enough to be scary. I feel like that’s where today’s world is headed, oddly enough. I do wonder where Preclude ended up though. Perhaps he could have his own series?
Read
November 25, 2021Just ok
For such a prolific writer I would think the stories and dialogue would flow better. Some parts remind me of when I had to write reports and needed to make use of a thesaurus in order to not repeat the same word. Unfortunately in dialogue and everyday occurrences you often need to use the same words for it to sound natural and not forced. Sorry Nathan.
For such a prolific writer I would think the stories and dialogue would flow better. Some parts remind me of when I had to write reports and needed to make use of a thesaurus in order to not repeat the same word. Unfortunately in dialogue and everyday occurrences you often need to use the same words for it to sound natural and not forced. Sorry Nathan.
June 22, 2022
I want a pod racer, no jet packs.
So this series was read 1st book to last, this is a great classic sci-fi trio, everything about this keeps you in suspense from start to finish. Characters stayed true, lots of humor and suspense so grab some snacks and drinks and get ready, it's going to be a wild ride!
So this series was read 1st book to last, this is a great classic sci-fi trio, everything about this keeps you in suspense from start to finish. Characters stayed true, lots of humor and suspense so grab some snacks and drinks and get ready, it's going to be a wild ride!
May 25, 2021
The Best Book of the Series
The story continues in an all out war. Plots within plots, double crosses, and a father and son working together for humanities future to exist. I liked this book.
The story continues in an all out war. Plots within plots, double crosses, and a father and son working together for humanities future to exist. I liked this book.
June 30, 2021
The Guardian of Earth's Solar System
This was a three book series that was very entertaining. I t developed a number of subs - plots that came neatly together NY the end of Book 3.
This was a three book series that was very entertaining. I t developed a number of subs - plots that came neatly together NY the end of Book 3.
July 7, 2021
Fun Read
A great conclusion to a fun series. Enough suspense and twists to keep you engaged. Also, a fast and enjoyable experience.
A great conclusion to a fun series. Enough suspense and twists to keep you engaged. Also, a fast and enjoyable experience.
July 15, 2021
Great !!
These Space Race books were very exciting to read. As I finished one book I couldn’t wait for the next one to come out.
These Space Race books were very exciting to read. As I finished one book I couldn’t wait for the next one to come out.
June 1, 2021
Received as an ARC copy, this is an honest review. From an epic space race for control a planet full of resources to alien species bent on conquering humanity; this trilogy has delivered a constant narrative, striking a balance action, resilience and determination of its characters. Now, here at here at the end... it comes down to one last roll of the dice... a gambit to win it all. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews