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Ruins of the Earth #4
Decayed Legacy
A chance to save millions.
An enemy hellbent on stopping it.
And one team tasked with the impossible.
In the wake of defeating Gornath of the Ontishog above the streets of Manhattan and saving Earth from a devastating plague, Wic and Phantom Team believe their work is done. But Major Insarka Kindesh has other plans for the heroes and invites them back to Karkin Four.
Phantom Team cross through New York’s origin ring to find the Blood Guard orchestrating covert operations against an Androchidan Empire in the throes of war. But galactic battle is not this trip’s focus. Instead, Insarka reveals plans for Wic’s elite team to help rescue millions of humans waylaid on a backwater planet.
When evidence of the plan falls into enemy hands, Phantom Team finds itself marooned in enemy territory with empire forces pitted against them. Moreover, the humans Wic was charged to save are in more jeopardy than ever.
Will Phantom Team find a way to return countless human refugees to Earth? And will Sir Charles avoid being tossed into a bucket of flounder? Or will Wic and his heroic team of operators finally meet their end at the hands of the cruelest aliens the universe has ever faced?
Find out in Christopher Hopper and J.N. Chaney’s next edition of the runaway hit series Ruins of the Earth Book 4: Decayed Legacy. For fans of Galaxys Edge, Expeditionary Force, and District 9—the fate of humanity waits for you.
An enemy hellbent on stopping it.
And one team tasked with the impossible.
In the wake of defeating Gornath of the Ontishog above the streets of Manhattan and saving Earth from a devastating plague, Wic and Phantom Team believe their work is done. But Major Insarka Kindesh has other plans for the heroes and invites them back to Karkin Four.
Phantom Team cross through New York’s origin ring to find the Blood Guard orchestrating covert operations against an Androchidan Empire in the throes of war. But galactic battle is not this trip’s focus. Instead, Insarka reveals plans for Wic’s elite team to help rescue millions of humans waylaid on a backwater planet.
When evidence of the plan falls into enemy hands, Phantom Team finds itself marooned in enemy territory with empire forces pitted against them. Moreover, the humans Wic was charged to save are in more jeopardy than ever.
Will Phantom Team find a way to return countless human refugees to Earth? And will Sir Charles avoid being tossed into a bucket of flounder? Or will Wic and his heroic team of operators finally meet their end at the hands of the cruelest aliens the universe has ever faced?
Find out in Christopher Hopper and J.N. Chaney’s next edition of the runaway hit series Ruins of the Earth Book 4: Decayed Legacy. For fans of Galaxys Edge, Expeditionary Force, and District 9—the fate of humanity waits for you.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2021
347 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Hopper
46 books227 followersChristopher Hopper is an American novelist, creator and co-author of the best-selling mil-scifi series Ruins of the Galaxy with J.N. Chaney.
His other series include Resonant Sun, The Sky Riders, The White Lion Chronicles, and The Berinfell Prophecies.
Christopher lives with his wife and four children in the 1000 Islands of northern New York. He loves flying FPV race wings and RC planes, performing music with his wife, and traveling to distant lands—physical and fictional.
He's had breakfast with Winnie Mandella, canoed with dolphins in Southern California, kite-surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived on 19th-century shipwrecks in the 1000 Islands, sailed a yacht in St. Martin, posed with white rhinos in the wilds of South Africa, spoken on national television in Mexico City, performed a concert on a Dutch beach, and climbed the Great Wall of China.
For more on Christopher, visit his blog at christopherhopper.com.
His other series include Resonant Sun, The Sky Riders, The White Lion Chronicles, and The Berinfell Prophecies.
Christopher lives with his wife and four children in the 1000 Islands of northern New York. He loves flying FPV race wings and RC planes, performing music with his wife, and traveling to distant lands—physical and fictional.
He's had breakfast with Winnie Mandella, canoed with dolphins in Southern California, kite-surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived on 19th-century shipwrecks in the 1000 Islands, sailed a yacht in St. Martin, posed with white rhinos in the wilds of South Africa, spoken on national television in Mexico City, performed a concert on a Dutch beach, and climbed the Great Wall of China.
For more on Christopher, visit his blog at christopherhopper.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 21, 2025
Same energy as the first ones AND we'll excuse that botched french performance Wic... so so bad, it could've been used as a solid reason to exterminate our species.
February 17, 2022
Another intense, edge-of-your-seat, page-turner instalment by two writers at the top of their game. The vivid and dramatic scenarios pulled me into the story and I couldn’t avoid getting involved, such is the nerve wracking and exciting storyline, with fantastic and loving characters, unnerving aliens, outstanding tech, heart pounding battle scenes.
Engaging and emotional, with fun and light hearted moments, witty and hilarious dialogue, it’s truly an enthralling series!
Onto Valley of The Dead #5!!
Engaging and emotional, with fun and light hearted moments, witty and hilarious dialogue, it’s truly an enthralling series!
Onto Valley of The Dead #5!!
May 2, 2021
Good
Good good goood good good good good good good good good good good goood good good good good good great..super
Special, fun, exciting
Good good goood good good good good good good good good good good goood good good good good good great..super
Special, fun, exciting
March 14, 2025
Just bloody amazing!!
February 5, 2022
Having shutdown the slave market on Karkin Four, our Phantom Team members are wondering what should they do next. They have organized a tremendous effort to get those who stated in New York City out of the city and to some place they could get help. Now they have to decide if they need to blow the ring in New York so another bounty hunter can't come through and give everyone on Earth big headaches!
Then the alien leader of the rebel team of Phantom Team members, Major Insarka Kindesh reminds the team that there are millions of humans stuck on a planet that can't get back to Earth on their own. These people were transferred there as a holding pen for the original buyers and it's not know what that buyer will do with them. Some humans have been known to have been purchased as food for certain alien species. Wic (Patrick Finnegan), Phantom Team leader desparately wants to get these humans back to Earth, but he doesn't know how to do so, until Major Kindesh says she knows of a possible way!
So, once again the team starts their discussions about a future operation. They know they'll have to go back through the ring, back to the same place they just fought and almost died. They do know it has suffered significant damage, but the slave market is out of business for now. Still, there are a lot of Androchidan Empire troops on Karkin Four and they are now at war with the Sic-Rung. But, if they can quietly move back through the ring and then find the ring that was used to move almost 2 million humans to planet Septus Minor, they might be able to save some of the humans taken from Earth, a lot of humans!
Team Phantom has grown, but at most there's only about ten or twelve members and that's not counting the alien group lead by Major Insarka. The aliens are now considered Phantom Team members, but due to the language problem, Major Kindesh primarily takes care of their activities. Either way, that's not a lot of people when you're talking about moving 2 million people through a single portal back to Earth taking who knows how long. And this is assuming they don't get attacked by Androchidan forces while trying to get this done.
So, first thing is a scouting mission to Septus Minor. It's hard to guess what they will find on this planet which is supposed to be friendly to humans in that the air is breathable and there are no large and dangerous predators. There's also nothing else on the planet, no technology, on infrastructure of any kind so these humans would dumped in the wilderness with nothing, yeah, not even clothes since that was removed during the processing on Karkin Four. Team Phantom has some serious work to do. It's hoped they are not getting involved in something they physically can't accomplish.
The only serious consideration to this whole operation is that these ring gates must stay open so these humans can get back to Earth. That works find until the ring on Septu Minor shuts down. Team Phantom just happened to be standing in front of the now dead ring. Looks like no one's going back to Earth now!
Without saying much more, I'll say there is another book in this series. "Valley of Death" is now available on Amazon right now. I'm adding it to my reading list, but will probably move on to something else for now. I'm definitely going to continue reading this series and I strongly suggest you do to.
Then the alien leader of the rebel team of Phantom Team members, Major Insarka Kindesh reminds the team that there are millions of humans stuck on a planet that can't get back to Earth on their own. These people were transferred there as a holding pen for the original buyers and it's not know what that buyer will do with them. Some humans have been known to have been purchased as food for certain alien species. Wic (Patrick Finnegan), Phantom Team leader desparately wants to get these humans back to Earth, but he doesn't know how to do so, until Major Kindesh says she knows of a possible way!
So, once again the team starts their discussions about a future operation. They know they'll have to go back through the ring, back to the same place they just fought and almost died. They do know it has suffered significant damage, but the slave market is out of business for now. Still, there are a lot of Androchidan Empire troops on Karkin Four and they are now at war with the Sic-Rung. But, if they can quietly move back through the ring and then find the ring that was used to move almost 2 million humans to planet Septus Minor, they might be able to save some of the humans taken from Earth, a lot of humans!
Team Phantom has grown, but at most there's only about ten or twelve members and that's not counting the alien group lead by Major Insarka. The aliens are now considered Phantom Team members, but due to the language problem, Major Kindesh primarily takes care of their activities. Either way, that's not a lot of people when you're talking about moving 2 million people through a single portal back to Earth taking who knows how long. And this is assuming they don't get attacked by Androchidan forces while trying to get this done.
So, first thing is a scouting mission to Septus Minor. It's hard to guess what they will find on this planet which is supposed to be friendly to humans in that the air is breathable and there are no large and dangerous predators. There's also nothing else on the planet, no technology, on infrastructure of any kind so these humans would dumped in the wilderness with nothing, yeah, not even clothes since that was removed during the processing on Karkin Four. Team Phantom has some serious work to do. It's hoped they are not getting involved in something they physically can't accomplish.
The only serious consideration to this whole operation is that these ring gates must stay open so these humans can get back to Earth. That works find until the ring on Septu Minor shuts down. Team Phantom just happened to be standing in front of the now dead ring. Looks like no one's going back to Earth now!
Without saying much more, I'll say there is another book in this series. "Valley of Death" is now available on Amazon right now. I'm adding it to my reading list, but will probably move on to something else for now. I'm definitely going to continue reading this series and I strongly suggest you do to.
November 29, 2024
Caveat: I'm writing this ~4mo after having read the book, and my memory isn't the best. I blew through this series so quickly that it all blended together and I don't really have any memorable details, so this is the same review for each book.
Someone I know was excitedly explaining the plot of a series that had this military dude fighting off an alien invasion with a snarky AI who was just hilarious. My response was oh yeah I love that one, Expeditionary Force, right? Nope… Ruins of the Earth. So we each decided to try the other series out.
For me, personally, this is We Have Expeditionary Force At Home. This is Expeditionary Force for those who thought Skippy was too weird, and wanted more guns and boots on the ground. For those who never got to meet Col. Smythe, or those who did and wanted the Marines instead of the SAS. For those who thought ships named "It Was Like That When We Got Here" or "How'd That Work Out For You" were just a bit much.
So, clearly I prefer Expeditionary Force. But. I ran out of it. This fits the same niche of something I can turn my brain off for, and it was entertaining enough and fine for that. It's not great, it's not mind-blowing, but I read the whole series, I got a few chuckles of out it, and I didn't hate it.
…probably just going to re-read ExFor next time though.
Someone I know was excitedly explaining the plot of a series that had this military dude fighting off an alien invasion with a snarky AI who was just hilarious. My response was oh yeah I love that one, Expeditionary Force, right? Nope… Ruins of the Earth. So we each decided to try the other series out.
For me, personally, this is We Have Expeditionary Force At Home. This is Expeditionary Force for those who thought Skippy was too weird, and wanted more guns and boots on the ground. For those who never got to meet Col. Smythe, or those who did and wanted the Marines instead of the SAS. For those who thought ships named "It Was Like That When We Got Here" or "How'd That Work Out For You" were just a bit much.
So, clearly I prefer Expeditionary Force. But. I ran out of it. This fits the same niche of something I can turn my brain off for, and it was entertaining enough and fine for that. It's not great, it's not mind-blowing, but I read the whole series, I got a few chuckles of out it, and I didn't hate it.
…probably just going to re-read ExFor next time though.
December 30, 2025
I found this entry far more entertaining than book two, and more far-fetched than book three.
I mean, it's been less than two weeks since the Androchidans first appeared, and here we are in book four, where from the surface of an alien world Phantom Team are able to infiltrate two alien starships simultaneously, and continue to risk it all to save the only humans that don't want to be rescued.
Sir Charles, Phantom Lord is becoming more vulgar and less funny. The broken English of the Russian characters is still grating. OTF has changed from a cool mantra into a overused eyeroll-inducing cliché. Initialisms are becoming so frequent I find myself struggling to keep up even while binging the series.
I mean, it's been less than two weeks since the Androchidans first appeared, and here we are in book four, where from the surface of an alien world Phantom Team are able to infiltrate two alien starships simultaneously, and continue to risk it all to save the only humans that don't want to be rescued.
Sir Charles, Phantom Lord is becoming more vulgar and less funny. The broken English of the Russian characters is still grating. OTF has changed from a cool mantra into a overused eyeroll-inducing cliché. Initialisms are becoming so frequent I find myself struggling to keep up even while binging the series.
May 24, 2021
Great book, but bit too optimistic
I love this whole series, it was great so far. My biggest objection is the optimism of authors for how human species would behave when they get to be under what’s essentially an apocalypse. Everyone work together and help each other.
I just don’t find that realistic. It would be much more likely if people organized into warring tribes fighting against each other to the death.
But it’s a minor gripe, the books are fun to read and I enjoyed them immensely.
I love this whole series, it was great so far. My biggest objection is the optimism of authors for how human species would behave when they get to be under what’s essentially an apocalypse. Everyone work together and help each other.
I just don’t find that realistic. It would be much more likely if people organized into warring tribes fighting against each other to the death.
But it’s a minor gripe, the books are fun to read and I enjoyed them immensely.
November 30, 2021
Return to Earth????
While the arcs are still open, there is a chance to get at least some of displaced mankind back to Earth. The Phantoms and the Blood Guard attempt to ferry one massive group of nearly 2million people back to earth by making multiple trips through Karin 4. However the Androcian empire aren't going to take this lying down. Then one of the other races decides they want their merchandise and head for the planet that The Phantoms are trying to clear. Between a rock and a hard place, they will need a lot of luck to survive....
While the arcs are still open, there is a chance to get at least some of displaced mankind back to Earth. The Phantoms and the Blood Guard attempt to ferry one massive group of nearly 2million people back to earth by making multiple trips through Karin 4. However the Androcian empire aren't going to take this lying down. Then one of the other races decides they want their merchandise and head for the planet that The Phantoms are trying to clear. Between a rock and a hard place, they will need a lot of luck to survive....
November 3, 2021
Certainly an interesting title, and what could have been an excellent close to the trilogy. However, there's more in store for our main characters, so onward to future book readings in the series. Fairly entertaining, but now I need to see where the story goes, since it's changed significantly from where it started. Might be interesting to see how the team works, now that there's no innocent bystanders to protect.
September 23, 2023
Another excellent book in the series
The military tactics, communication and general way of thinking for anyone who has served will same. Certainly spot on for some they'll say it was different because of course everyone processes things on their own. But this was an excellent read. Very well done. Very fun to read. Exciting gripping you didn't want to put it down. Can't wait to crack. Open the cover of the next one on my phone and I'll certainly be sad when I hit the end
The military tactics, communication and general way of thinking for anyone who has served will same. Certainly spot on for some they'll say it was different because of course everyone processes things on their own. But this was an excellent read. Very well done. Very fun to read. Exciting gripping you didn't want to put it down. Can't wait to crack. Open the cover of the next one on my phone and I'll certainly be sad when I hit the end
April 25, 2021
Another wild ride
Join the Phantoms again as they rise up against their enemies. This book is exploding with action from cover to cover as the team takes on new enemies that try to cut them down. Take the plunge to find out what happens. Finally, Yrag. Just Yrag. You must see for yourself.
Join the Phantoms again as they rise up against their enemies. This book is exploding with action from cover to cover as the team takes on new enemies that try to cut them down. Take the plunge to find out what happens. Finally, Yrag. Just Yrag. You must see for yourself.
August 22, 2021
Epic saga without depressing drama.
I really enjoyed the entire series so far, it’s been fun running around the multiverse with these “special forces operators”. and listening to their banter. Another fast paced, exciting story full of last minute plot twists. If you liked the first 3 books you love this one.
Dave Cochrane
I really enjoyed the entire series so far, it’s been fun running around the multiverse with these “special forces operators”. and listening to their banter. Another fast paced, exciting story full of last minute plot twists. If you liked the first 3 books you love this one.
Dave Cochrane
April 26, 2021
Great series. WIC is the best Gunny CO ever
Good splicking series. You all should read these books. Everybody. Some of the best military sci-fi ever. Someone should include WIC in Bob's Bar 3.
Good splicking series. You all should read these books. Everybody. Some of the best military sci-fi ever. Someone should include WIC in Bob's Bar 3.
April 28, 2021
Fantastic storyline
Well another great storyline with plenty of blood and guts which I have come to expect from you two lol. I am really looking forward to book 5 and seeing what more made destruction they can get upto
Well another great storyline with plenty of blood and guts which I have come to expect from you two lol. I am really looking forward to book 5 and seeing what more made destruction they can get upto
May 28, 2021
Must read the Ruins of the Earth!
The writing is the fast pace I expect out our authors.
As a veteran the characters remind me of people I have served with and that makes them more relatable to me.
A retired sergeant and his eclectic group of misfits save the earth.
The writing is the fast pace I expect out our authors.
As a veteran the characters remind me of people I have served with and that makes them more relatable to me.
A retired sergeant and his eclectic group of misfits save the earth.
June 8, 2021
Awesome!
Another great ruins of the earth book! It was a little slow in the middle, but it picked up by the end. Definitely worth the read if you've enjoyed the other books in this series.
Another great ruins of the earth book! It was a little slow in the middle, but it picked up by the end. Definitely worth the read if you've enjoyed the other books in this series.
June 14, 2021
Really enjoying
This series ❣ it's funny at times. I know all the movies and TV shows it references. The action doesn't stop! It would bring me in and put me on the edge of my seat
This series ❣ it's funny at times. I know all the movies and TV shows it references. The action doesn't stop! It would bring me in and put me on the edge of my seat
July 10, 2021
Book four
Mistakes: I think I found one missing , and that was it.
Plot: Fun military science fiction. Rescue almost two million humans while shooting evil aliens and blowing things up.
I do wish that they would loot more stuff though.
Characters: Good group of characters.
8/10
Mistakes: I think I found one missing , and that was it.
Plot: Fun military science fiction. Rescue almost two million humans while shooting evil aliens and blowing things up.
I do wish that they would loot more stuff though.
Characters: Good group of characters.
8/10
September 10, 2021
Explosions guaranteed
An oddball group of intergalactic warriors versus an empire of slavers.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and inappropriate one liners.
I look forward to the next one 😀
An oddball group of intergalactic warriors versus an empire of slavers.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and inappropriate one liners.
I look forward to the next one 😀
January 24, 2023
A good read
Look forward to continuation entertain enough he left it open for a book 5 Mo sure how long it's caught a strange thing out but it's an exciting rain if not intellectually enjoy my
Look forward to continuation entertain enough he left it open for a book 5 Mo sure how long it's caught a strange thing out but it's an exciting rain if not intellectually enjoy my
October 16, 2023
consistently great
Seriously, there hasn’t been a bad book in this series. The character development continues to grow, the stakes, continually get higher, plot threads, get resolved, while others are created. It’s just a very satisfying progression of the story.
Seriously, there hasn’t been a bad book in this series. The character development continues to grow, the stakes, continually get higher, plot threads, get resolved, while others are created. It’s just a very satisfying progression of the story.
May 5, 2021
Good read
Another quality written book that is section packed with plenty of heroes and misdirection to keep you guessing. Looking forward to the next book!
Another quality written book that is section packed with plenty of heroes and misdirection to keep you guessing. Looking forward to the next book!
May 10, 2021
Earth savvy
Loved all the inclusion of earth savvy know how and smart ass alien weapon, that knows a thing or two about flounders. Great ending to the rescue part of the storyline.
Loved all the inclusion of earth savvy know how and smart ass alien weapon, that knows a thing or two about flounders. Great ending to the rescue part of the storyline.
May 12, 2021
Another best seller for Hopper and Chaney
Ok, full disclosure.... I am a fan of Ruins of the Galaxy and Ruins of the Earth. Both series are are fantastic.
Ok, full disclosure.... I am a fan of Ruins of the Galaxy and Ruins of the Earth. Both series are are fantastic.
May 15, 2021
Great!
Another great finish to another great book. All I can say is keep them coming. I really enjoyed the book.
Another great finish to another great book. All I can say is keep them coming. I really enjoyed the book.
May 29, 2021
Another good book in this series. Looking forward to the next one.
March 7, 2022
lots of action
The story of Phantom team continues with book 4 in the series. This one takes place mostly off Earth and has lots of combat.
The story of Phantom team continues with book 4 in the series. This one takes place mostly off Earth and has lots of combat.
Read
August 30, 2023This might be the best book of the series so far
Fast moving twists and turns. Hard to put it down. .
After a break, and a good meal I'm ordering the next book in the series.
Fast moving twists and turns. Hard to put it down. .
After a break, and a good meal I'm ordering the next book in the series.
October 20, 2023
As always, so freaking awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews