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Sentenced to War #2
Children of Angels
The war has only just begun.
While rescuing a world from Centaur control, the Marines discover that not all humans on the planet are slaves. The Children of Angels believe their masters have been sent by the gods to lift up mankind.
Humanity now has two enemies, one from the farthest reaches of the Galaxy and the other from within.
The Children must be crushed before they open the door, delivering the human race to the greatest enemy we have ever known.
While rescuing a world from Centaur control, the Marines discover that not all humans on the planet are slaves. The Children of Angels believe their masters have been sent by the gods to lift up mankind.
Humanity now has two enemies, one from the farthest reaches of the Galaxy and the other from within.
The Children must be crushed before they open the door, delivering the human race to the greatest enemy we have ever known.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2021
1440 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 10, 2021
Reverent (Rev) Pelletier is now a Pegasus Union Marine. He's not a normal Marine as we would know one (is there such a thing as a "normal" Marine). Corporal Pelletier has been enhanced to a make him able to do a lot of things mere civilians couldn't dream of doing. Most of those enhancements also allow him to stay alive on the future battlefield of which he was becoming more and more familiar with. Except his current mission wasn't actually on a battlefield. He was in a city or town and he was in civilian clothing. As a Marine Raider, his job was to find out as much about the enemy as he could and then kill them when the time came. Only this time, he and his battle buddy, Corporal Tomiko Reiser were clandestinely inserted into the city of San Cristobal on the Planet Tenerife. That planet had been captured by the Centaurs (Tin-Asses) not long ago and surprisingly, the human civilian population hadn't yet been wiped off the face of the planet.
Corporal Pelletier and Corporal Tomiko were to blend in with the civilian population and attempt to notify the city leaders that a Marine rescue mission was coming soon. They needed to get the civilians to moved to a safe area when the human assault began since there was going to be some massive orbital bombardment in order to cleanse the planet of these Centaurs. This job was going to be very different than what they were trained for since they had to go in basically unarmed until just prior to when the operation began. Also, the civilian population couldn't know what was coming since that could trigger the Centaurs to do what they normally do and that's exterminate every human on the planet.
The two Corporals did their jobs and did them well even thought they found something quite disturbing. While the Centaurs hadn't killed all the humans, they had enlisted the help of the cult group known as "The Children of Angels". These idiots thought that the Ancients had sent the Centaurs to "uplift" humanity in the next level or whatever that meant! These people were deadly fanatics. And, they were put in charge of other humans on the planet Tenerife and in the cities. Rev and Tomiko couldn't believe there were humans aiding the Centaurs, but they were there and they had to work around them. They also didn't know if other humans were just acting as informants to the Centaurs so all their planning had to be done very secretly.
They got the job done for the most part. They human traitors or "Angel shits" as the Marines called them, were taken care of by the general population once the Marine invasion and liberation started. To the surprise of the military, there weren't as many Centaurs on the planet as expected. They were using the humans to assemble some kind of weapons, but they never seemed to get them finished and they didn't stop the invasion. So, that was a good job by the two Corporals which seemed to be a lot of responsibility laid on two very inexperienced Marines.
This next mission was going to be very difficult. While most all the battles to date were against the Centaurs, that cult group had been growing way too much. Now, they had commandeered a planet called Alafia and members of the Children of Angels where flocking to it. They were also thought to have been contacting the Centaurs and openly inviting them to the planet. That wasn't going to be allowed since this planet was in the human domain and could be come a very dangerous staging area for the Centaurs if they did get on the planet. The Marines job was to get the Children of Angels to stand-down in their efforts to join with the Centaurs. Unfortunately, there were a lot of these cult members and even some with prior military service. It was now estimated the planet Alafia contained sixty-five million members of the Children of Angels with an estimated three million having law enforcement or military experience. The Council of Humanity couldn't allow this cult to exist right in the middle of the human civilization.
This was an exciting mission and one that not everyone survives. As a Marine, you expect to see casualties and even you buddies will get wounded while others get killed. That's part of being a Marine in combat. Yet, in this case they were not fighting Centaurs, but now were fighting other humans, something that hadn't been done in a very long time. Rev didn't know how he felt about this. Killing Centaurs was one thing, killing civilians, even those acting like militia, was entirely different. He was also to find out just how fanatical some of these cult members were. Where or not Rev survives might come into question. I really like the way this story developed.
So far this has been an excellent series. This is only the second book and I'm already looking forward to book three, "Song of Redemption" scheduled out for the 16th of June, 2021. It's on my list!
Corporal Pelletier and Corporal Tomiko were to blend in with the civilian population and attempt to notify the city leaders that a Marine rescue mission was coming soon. They needed to get the civilians to moved to a safe area when the human assault began since there was going to be some massive orbital bombardment in order to cleanse the planet of these Centaurs. This job was going to be very different than what they were trained for since they had to go in basically unarmed until just prior to when the operation began. Also, the civilian population couldn't know what was coming since that could trigger the Centaurs to do what they normally do and that's exterminate every human on the planet.
The two Corporals did their jobs and did them well even thought they found something quite disturbing. While the Centaurs hadn't killed all the humans, they had enlisted the help of the cult group known as "The Children of Angels". These idiots thought that the Ancients had sent the Centaurs to "uplift" humanity in the next level or whatever that meant! These people were deadly fanatics. And, they were put in charge of other humans on the planet Tenerife and in the cities. Rev and Tomiko couldn't believe there were humans aiding the Centaurs, but they were there and they had to work around them. They also didn't know if other humans were just acting as informants to the Centaurs so all their planning had to be done very secretly.
They got the job done for the most part. They human traitors or "Angel shits" as the Marines called them, were taken care of by the general population once the Marine invasion and liberation started. To the surprise of the military, there weren't as many Centaurs on the planet as expected. They were using the humans to assemble some kind of weapons, but they never seemed to get them finished and they didn't stop the invasion. So, that was a good job by the two Corporals which seemed to be a lot of responsibility laid on two very inexperienced Marines.
This next mission was going to be very difficult. While most all the battles to date were against the Centaurs, that cult group had been growing way too much. Now, they had commandeered a planet called Alafia and members of the Children of Angels where flocking to it. They were also thought to have been contacting the Centaurs and openly inviting them to the planet. That wasn't going to be allowed since this planet was in the human domain and could be come a very dangerous staging area for the Centaurs if they did get on the planet. The Marines job was to get the Children of Angels to stand-down in their efforts to join with the Centaurs. Unfortunately, there were a lot of these cult members and even some with prior military service. It was now estimated the planet Alafia contained sixty-five million members of the Children of Angels with an estimated three million having law enforcement or military experience. The Council of Humanity couldn't allow this cult to exist right in the middle of the human civilization.
This was an exciting mission and one that not everyone survives. As a Marine, you expect to see casualties and even you buddies will get wounded while others get killed. That's part of being a Marine in combat. Yet, in this case they were not fighting Centaurs, but now were fighting other humans, something that hadn't been done in a very long time. Rev didn't know how he felt about this. Killing Centaurs was one thing, killing civilians, even those acting like militia, was entirely different. He was also to find out just how fanatical some of these cult members were. Where or not Rev survives might come into question. I really like the way this story developed.
So far this has been an excellent series. This is only the second book and I'm already looking forward to book three, "Song of Redemption" scheduled out for the 16th of June, 2021. It's on my list!
April 30, 2023
In this second of the Sentenced to War series, it has been six months since the events of ‘Sentenced to War’, and that Rev and his crew found out that they had been involuntarily ‘extended’ in their duty due to the ongoing war with the Centaurs. At this start of this book, we find the team on another mission, this one a little different to the firefight missions that you normally expect, instead, they are kind of undercover, having been inserted by drop-pod into a civilian held population that is being held hostage by Centaurs.
Normally the Centaurs when the take a planet, just eliminate the human population like they have set off a roach bomb in an old basement, but this time, they have left multiple different Centaurs to guard over the population, and as long as they don’t do anything wrong, they are fine. If they step out of line though, they get fried.
As with the other books (without giving too much away), the start of the book is not only action packed, but fast-paced, brutal, and incredibly powerful as the team try desperately to take out the Centaurs and save the Civilians.
This is a bit different to a lot of books in this genre, in that there is a really strong psychological and emotive element to the story, and this continues in book 2, especially in this opening sequence, the writing, especially the Character writing and the descriptive work, are beyond exceptional.
As the book continues, we start to learn of a Human organisation called ‘The Children of Angels’, a radical splinter group that sees the Union as being overbearing, militaristic, and is against everything they do. They are so far against them, that they believe the war with the Centaurs is a huge mistake, and are actively opposed to it, and are working against the Marines to stop their activities.
The Union Marines suddenly find themselves fighting a two-front war, one against the external enemy, a powerful alien foe that to be honest, they are struggling against, and now, they are fighting their own people, who, whilst they are not well armed, and not all of them are well trained, they are fanatical, willing to die for their cause (well some of them), preaching dogma that is having an affect on everyone around them, and as such, are spreading like a cancer in whatever locations they are in, and generally, have become a clear and present danger to the Union.
With this is in mind, the Marines are retasked to try and find the Children of Angels, and either arrest, detain, or kill them on sight (and you get the impression the government would prefer death be the main option.
Again, without giving away spoilers – what follows is a fascinating look at Civil War, Human on Human warfare, as the Union try and take out the Children of Angels before they become too big a threat.
We get to see this from the view point of Rev and his squad, with a new Staff Sergeant, who, up until now, has been a desk jockey, and as such, does not have a lot of experience in the field. This initially causes a lot of tension, but again, there are some really interesting storylines, and some powerful character driving storylines here as well.
The character writing is again, just exceptional, as we delve into the mind and soul of Rev, and this time around a few of the other Marines as well. It is obvious from the writing that the Authors have seen combat, because the sheer intensity of the combat scenes, the heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping, terrifying, reality of combat, as weapon fire is zinging all around you, everything slows down, and you just try and stay alive, whilst trying to do the right thing. This is why they drill Marines/Soldiers, even Police, in the use of their Firearms and other equipment (And with the Police I am talking from the experience of Aus Police, not US), so that everything is muscle memory, as in the heat of the moment, the brain moves to Fight, Flight, Freeze, Follow mode – and it is only training that saves you. The combat scenes in this book (and series), are just phenomenal, so well written, with such incredible depth, detail, and complexity, including psychological detail, it makes for enthralling ready.
The characters are just as in depth, as we not only follow their actions, but we get to really see inside them, the Authors have created such multifaceted characters that are so comprehensive in so many ways. It really adds to the story telling, giving it so much extra depth.
Along with this, is the world-building, which is just stunning. There is just so much background to every aspect of the story, again, from not just the characters, but the different factions (Each of the major groups, Union, Centaurs, Children of Angels), are all portrayed with such intricate complexity, they are masterfully done.
Beyond that, the tech, as well as the worlds, ships, stations etc that they visit again, all have so much effort put into making them so incredibly real. It makes the story so much more believable, and realistic, and makes the read so much more fun, which is what it is all about!!
Overall, this is just an exceptional sequel, to what is an outstanding series. This is a genre that has so many titles and variations, so to create a series that stands out so much, because it has a slightly different twist, as well as such extraordinary character work and combat scenes, such powerful emotive writing, makes this the Mil Sci-Fi series to be reading – don’t miss it, you will be disappointed if you do!!!
Normally the Centaurs when the take a planet, just eliminate the human population like they have set off a roach bomb in an old basement, but this time, they have left multiple different Centaurs to guard over the population, and as long as they don’t do anything wrong, they are fine. If they step out of line though, they get fried.
As with the other books (without giving too much away), the start of the book is not only action packed, but fast-paced, brutal, and incredibly powerful as the team try desperately to take out the Centaurs and save the Civilians.
This is a bit different to a lot of books in this genre, in that there is a really strong psychological and emotive element to the story, and this continues in book 2, especially in this opening sequence, the writing, especially the Character writing and the descriptive work, are beyond exceptional.
As the book continues, we start to learn of a Human organisation called ‘The Children of Angels’, a radical splinter group that sees the Union as being overbearing, militaristic, and is against everything they do. They are so far against them, that they believe the war with the Centaurs is a huge mistake, and are actively opposed to it, and are working against the Marines to stop their activities.
The Union Marines suddenly find themselves fighting a two-front war, one against the external enemy, a powerful alien foe that to be honest, they are struggling against, and now, they are fighting their own people, who, whilst they are not well armed, and not all of them are well trained, they are fanatical, willing to die for their cause (well some of them), preaching dogma that is having an affect on everyone around them, and as such, are spreading like a cancer in whatever locations they are in, and generally, have become a clear and present danger to the Union.
With this is in mind, the Marines are retasked to try and find the Children of Angels, and either arrest, detain, or kill them on sight (and you get the impression the government would prefer death be the main option.
Again, without giving away spoilers – what follows is a fascinating look at Civil War, Human on Human warfare, as the Union try and take out the Children of Angels before they become too big a threat.
We get to see this from the view point of Rev and his squad, with a new Staff Sergeant, who, up until now, has been a desk jockey, and as such, does not have a lot of experience in the field. This initially causes a lot of tension, but again, there are some really interesting storylines, and some powerful character driving storylines here as well.
The character writing is again, just exceptional, as we delve into the mind and soul of Rev, and this time around a few of the other Marines as well. It is obvious from the writing that the Authors have seen combat, because the sheer intensity of the combat scenes, the heart-pounding, adrenaline pumping, terrifying, reality of combat, as weapon fire is zinging all around you, everything slows down, and you just try and stay alive, whilst trying to do the right thing. This is why they drill Marines/Soldiers, even Police, in the use of their Firearms and other equipment (And with the Police I am talking from the experience of Aus Police, not US), so that everything is muscle memory, as in the heat of the moment, the brain moves to Fight, Flight, Freeze, Follow mode – and it is only training that saves you. The combat scenes in this book (and series), are just phenomenal, so well written, with such incredible depth, detail, and complexity, including psychological detail, it makes for enthralling ready.
The characters are just as in depth, as we not only follow their actions, but we get to really see inside them, the Authors have created such multifaceted characters that are so comprehensive in so many ways. It really adds to the story telling, giving it so much extra depth.
Along with this, is the world-building, which is just stunning. There is just so much background to every aspect of the story, again, from not just the characters, but the different factions (Each of the major groups, Union, Centaurs, Children of Angels), are all portrayed with such intricate complexity, they are masterfully done.
Beyond that, the tech, as well as the worlds, ships, stations etc that they visit again, all have so much effort put into making them so incredibly real. It makes the story so much more believable, and realistic, and makes the read so much more fun, which is what it is all about!!
Overall, this is just an exceptional sequel, to what is an outstanding series. This is a genre that has so many titles and variations, so to create a series that stands out so much, because it has a slightly different twist, as well as such extraordinary character work and combat scenes, such powerful emotive writing, makes this the Mil Sci-Fi series to be reading – don’t miss it, you will be disappointed if you do!!!
June 12, 2022
So loving this series if you like military s I do with strong characters and fast action the series for you
September 12, 2025
Once again a meh book. Don't think I will continue this series unless I just can't find anything else to listen too.
September 15, 2021
This is easily one of my favorite series. Book 2 was just as good, if not better, than book 1. There was quite a bit more emotion in this one than the first. More battles, yes, but also more emotion from Rev as he struggled with the carnage he saw in those battles. Chaney did an amazing job capturing the doubts, the fear, not being able to shake off certain things felt and seen during a war, especially those of WIA soldiers. PTSD is a very real thing that all military personnel deal with from war and I couldn’t help but think of all our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world as I read through Rev’s own struggles. I love how Rev is developing as a character, both as a man and as a Marine. He used to be this arrogant loud mouth kid, and now, more than once, we get to see him act selflessly without regard for his own safety… and also be extremely humble about his successes.
A lot of the book was hilarious too, especially Punch. Rev is clearly attached to his AI a lot more in this book than in book 1 when he didn’t even want to use it. Punch wanting to tell jokes what seemed like every 5 seconds was just hilarious. The back and forth banter between Rev and Punch as Rev tried to explain what was a joke, what was funny and what was just sarcasm was a much needed comedic relief considering the subject matter for much of the book. I must admit to being completely shocked when a full date and year was finally exposed. I mean I knew this was far ahead in the future, there is no doubt that it had to be just based on the technology alone… but THAT far in the future? Wow!
My favorite parts were what happened on Alafia during “clean-up”, on TRT-36 during “proof of concept” and at the end with what Rev and his family were trying to do. You’ll just have to read it for yourself.
A lot of the book was hilarious too, especially Punch. Rev is clearly attached to his AI a lot more in this book than in book 1 when he didn’t even want to use it. Punch wanting to tell jokes what seemed like every 5 seconds was just hilarious. The back and forth banter between Rev and Punch as Rev tried to explain what was a joke, what was funny and what was just sarcasm was a much needed comedic relief considering the subject matter for much of the book. I must admit to being completely shocked when a full date and year was finally exposed. I mean I knew this was far ahead in the future, there is no doubt that it had to be just based on the technology alone… but THAT far in the future? Wow!
My favorite parts were what happened on Alafia during “clean-up”, on TRT-36 during “proof of concept” and at the end with what Rev and his family were trying to do. You’ll just have to read it for yourself.
September 10, 2021
Rev, Tomiko and the rest of the Raiders are sent on a different sort of mission. The Centaurs have invaded a new world, but instead of wiping out most of the population, they've kept them alive.
The mission is to go in, get the population into secure areas before the rest of the marines drop down on the centaurs from above and destroy them.
It sounds like a straight forward mission.
Except when they get there, Rev discovers that a certain faction has turned against its own kind. The Children of Angels, only mentioned briefly in book 1 as protesters outside the training camp, have sided with the Centaurs.
They're acting as security while the Centaurs build something, but what exactly it is we don't know.
Rev and Tomiko find a group of people willing to help out with the preparations, while Rev goes into the forced labor camp to see what the Centaurs are building. He can't figure it out, but it also can't be anything good.
When the Marines do drop down to kick some Centaur ass, not everyone is willing to follow orders to get somewhere safe. Some people are also taking their frustrations out on the Children of Angels, not that anyone really has a problem with that.
What it means next is that the marines will be sent to a union world that is predominantly home to the Children of Angels faction.
I won't spoil what happens next, but it's obvious this is a setup for what is yet to come in future books. Whether the Union ends up fighting on two fronts or not isn't known, but I'm sure we'll soon find out.
As always with this series, there is a good amount of action, but not as intense as in other military sci-fi novels I've read. The blood and guts are kept to an acceptable level, which I was fine with.
If you do want more blood and guts, I recommend checking out nearly anything Jason Anspach has written. That stuff kept me up late at night, and not in a good way.
4/5*
The mission is to go in, get the population into secure areas before the rest of the marines drop down on the centaurs from above and destroy them.
It sounds like a straight forward mission.
Except when they get there, Rev discovers that a certain faction has turned against its own kind. The Children of Angels, only mentioned briefly in book 1 as protesters outside the training camp, have sided with the Centaurs.
They're acting as security while the Centaurs build something, but what exactly it is we don't know.
Rev and Tomiko find a group of people willing to help out with the preparations, while Rev goes into the forced labor camp to see what the Centaurs are building. He can't figure it out, but it also can't be anything good.
When the Marines do drop down to kick some Centaur ass, not everyone is willing to follow orders to get somewhere safe. Some people are also taking their frustrations out on the Children of Angels, not that anyone really has a problem with that.
What it means next is that the marines will be sent to a union world that is predominantly home to the Children of Angels faction.
I won't spoil what happens next, but it's obvious this is a setup for what is yet to come in future books. Whether the Union ends up fighting on two fronts or not isn't known, but I'm sure we'll soon find out.
As always with this series, there is a good amount of action, but not as intense as in other military sci-fi novels I've read. The blood and guts are kept to an acceptable level, which I was fine with.
If you do want more blood and guts, I recommend checking out nearly anything Jason Anspach has written. That stuff kept me up late at night, and not in a good way.
4/5*
July 18, 2022
Maybe this book actually deserves a bit more than three stars but it is pretty much 100% ground pounder action and I am more of a space battle kind of guy so I think I will stick to three stars.
It is a decent enough book. Well written and with plenty of well done action. It continues the story from the first book. The war against the Centaurs continue but, as the book blurb states, it is discovered that a large number of fanatical pseudo-religious nutcases (hmm, what does that remind me of?) are actually doing the Centaur’s bidding.
From there on a lot of the book focuses on the campaign to root out these nests of despicable miscreants. Luckily Humanity’s leadership is quite a bit more competent than what we are cursed with in the non-fictional world today so the story takes us through a fair amount of miscreant ass-kicking.
Due to various heroics on the part of our main protagonist he becomes in need of some fixing up, including some spare parts, which brings the story in a interesting direction.
I’m still having some issues with the Centaurs and the way the war against them is conducted. How these Centaurs are essentially uberpowerful and yet they keep sending marines against them that by various contrived ways actually manage to win the day. It is less pronounced in this book than in the first one though.
Bottom line is that it is a decent enough marine centric science fiction book with a few interesting twists and I have to say that I am rather interested in knowing where the story goes next.
It is a decent enough book. Well written and with plenty of well done action. It continues the story from the first book. The war against the Centaurs continue but, as the book blurb states, it is discovered that a large number of fanatical pseudo-religious nutcases (hmm, what does that remind me of?) are actually doing the Centaur’s bidding.
From there on a lot of the book focuses on the campaign to root out these nests of despicable miscreants. Luckily Humanity’s leadership is quite a bit more competent than what we are cursed with in the non-fictional world today so the story takes us through a fair amount of miscreant ass-kicking.
Due to various heroics on the part of our main protagonist he becomes in need of some fixing up, including some spare parts, which brings the story in a interesting direction.
I’m still having some issues with the Centaurs and the way the war against them is conducted. How these Centaurs are essentially uberpowerful and yet they keep sending marines against them that by various contrived ways actually manage to win the day. It is less pronounced in this book than in the first one though.
Bottom line is that it is a decent enough marine centric science fiction book with a few interesting twists and I have to say that I am rather interested in knowing where the story goes next.
May 14, 2021
More Than Friends
I give this second book in the series three stars, because it's an n average read ad a military science fiction book to me. The main character, Rev continues his growth, both as an adult and as a Marine. Rev discovers, as a lot of us military types have, that our fellow warriors are more than friends, they become family. The reason is based upon what is expected of a warrior that only another one especially if they are in the same squad, section, experiencing and enduring what you are. The book is definitely written with gender equality in mind. A Marine is a Marine is a Marine. You'll see take aways from other sources of military science fiction but that's to be expected and another reason I only gave it three stars. Yes, I've already pre ordered the next book. I'm interested in what route his off duty relationships will go. Nuff said!!!!
I give this second book in the series three stars, because it's an n average read ad a military science fiction book to me. The main character, Rev continues his growth, both as an adult and as a Marine. Rev discovers, as a lot of us military types have, that our fellow warriors are more than friends, they become family. The reason is based upon what is expected of a warrior that only another one especially if they are in the same squad, section, experiencing and enduring what you are. The book is definitely written with gender equality in mind. A Marine is a Marine is a Marine. You'll see take aways from other sources of military science fiction but that's to be expected and another reason I only gave it three stars. Yes, I've already pre ordered the next book. I'm interested in what route his off duty relationships will go. Nuff said!!!!
May 12, 2021
Awesome
Too many people today have the misguided opinion that military men and women are killers, have no emotions, or are otherwise not human. Nothing could be further from the truth and Children of Angels captures that sentiment better than I could ever say it. Plus, there is the feeling of family in whatever service you are in. (After discharge, it doesn't matter which branch you served.) Add in the fact that each service member has their non-military family that each has to balance with their service. On top of all that, Chaney and Brazee write an exciting page-turner that is hard to put down. My review of their first book of this series said I wish there was less fighting and more friendship. I still do.
Too many people today have the misguided opinion that military men and women are killers, have no emotions, or are otherwise not human. Nothing could be further from the truth and Children of Angels captures that sentiment better than I could ever say it. Plus, there is the feeling of family in whatever service you are in. (After discharge, it doesn't matter which branch you served.) Add in the fact that each service member has their non-military family that each has to balance with their service. On top of all that, Chaney and Brazee write an exciting page-turner that is hard to put down. My review of their first book of this series said I wish there was less fighting and more friendship. I still do.
May 23, 2021
Worth your time, and money.
This book captures a lot of what life is like in the military, albeit in a fictional futuristic setting. I found it to be very authentic in this sense.
As to the story, it is well paced, with strong themes and held my interest throughout. More than that, I enjoyed it. I won't go into it too deeply, but I felt strong connection to many of the characters, and situations they find themselves in.
I recommend it to anyone, it has a lot to offer as a entertaining story, if you have even modest ability to appreciate a well told tale.
As background, I have served for the last 12 years in the military, and have a side business - editing for independent authors.
This book captures a lot of what life is like in the military, albeit in a fictional futuristic setting. I found it to be very authentic in this sense.
As to the story, it is well paced, with strong themes and held my interest throughout. More than that, I enjoyed it. I won't go into it too deeply, but I felt strong connection to many of the characters, and situations they find themselves in.
I recommend it to anyone, it has a lot to offer as a entertaining story, if you have even modest ability to appreciate a well told tale.
As background, I have served for the last 12 years in the military, and have a side business - editing for independent authors.
July 29, 2023
If you need books like a body needs food, this one will do. Mostly.
I have read other J.N. Chaney books and either this one was one of his earlier works or he is just a name to try to get the other author some readers. The books are tepid at best. Combat is light and mostly nonexistent. The main character spends more time thinking about feelings and what sauce is on his steak than any type of action in the book. It feels like the main character is going through puberty. He worries about anything and everything. He has been in the military for almost 5 years in this book and he still has zero confidence and cries at every opportunity. The characters are flat and not filled out at all. They won’t grab your emotions or make you like them.
I have read other J.N. Chaney books and either this one was one of his earlier works or he is just a name to try to get the other author some readers. The books are tepid at best. Combat is light and mostly nonexistent. The main character spends more time thinking about feelings and what sauce is on his steak than any type of action in the book. It feels like the main character is going through puberty. He worries about anything and everything. He has been in the military for almost 5 years in this book and he still has zero confidence and cries at every opportunity. The characters are flat and not filled out at all. They won’t grab your emotions or make you like them.
August 9, 2025
It was good, but not that full of combat, but then again the fight was also different. What stuck out to me was the use of a little girl, an involuntary suicide bomber to move the story to a new wonder weapon on Sergeant Pelletier's arm. It makes for good science fiction, but honestly it seems a bit too far-fetched for practical use. Sure it makes good storytelling, but the round sizes that he employs is a bit much, even for a human arm. So I'll take it as a way of continuing the story, but it gets four stars mainly because of the wonder weapon that happens in the book. Other than that it's still a good read, and maybe the combat against the Children of Angels could have been expanded on, but it's also not my story, so I'll leave it at that.
April 18, 2021
Excellent book in the series, enjoyed it immensely.
If you like science fiction with gritty action, fast paced, and good character development you’ll enjoy this book. The characters come alive, you even sad when some of them you’ve gotten to know or killed. That’s how well the character development is. There is some world building but there is plenty of action. If you like books concerning Marines, war, aliens, good character development you’ll enjoy this book. I personally must say that this is one of Mr. Cheaneys better series and I have read most of them. I read a lot of books and I am actually crowing about the series read it you won’t be disappointed
If you like science fiction with gritty action, fast paced, and good character development you’ll enjoy this book. The characters come alive, you even sad when some of them you’ve gotten to know or killed. That’s how well the character development is. There is some world building but there is plenty of action. If you like books concerning Marines, war, aliens, good character development you’ll enjoy this book. I personally must say that this is one of Mr. Cheaneys better series and I have read most of them. I read a lot of books and I am actually crowing about the series read it you won’t be disappointed
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December 30, 2021Centaurs vs humans. Sometimes fighting other humans is worse!
Following battling the Centaurs, the team now have to take on the centaur sympathizers - children of angels. While killing Centaurs came easy (though difficult to kill), killing fellow humans, even if they are traitors, was more tricky. However Rev viewed it as what needs to be done will be done even though he had qualms about killing fellow humans....
During training he was taught that even kids could be willing participants in the killing of marines, but what will Rev do when he comes up against a child is not a willing sacrificial lamb? In this book, you will find out and the consequences of his action...
Following battling the Centaurs, the team now have to take on the centaur sympathizers - children of angels. While killing Centaurs came easy (though difficult to kill), killing fellow humans, even if they are traitors, was more tricky. However Rev viewed it as what needs to be done will be done even though he had qualms about killing fellow humans....
During training he was taught that even kids could be willing participants in the killing of marines, but what will Rev do when he comes up against a child is not a willing sacrificial lamb? In this book, you will find out and the consequences of his action...
January 12, 2024
The second in the series about young Reverent Pelletier, this one is your typical Chaney formula novel, chock full of characters you care about and come to admire.
And young Pelletier is not without his faults, which makes him an even better protagonist.
I'll be reading more in this series, but then, I'm hooked on Chaney with his multiple collaborators' work. He's almost as prolific as Heinlein was in his heyday, and has a computer to help him type and edit his work, rather than having to use a manual typewriter.
And young Pelletier is not without his faults, which makes him an even better protagonist.
I'll be reading more in this series, but then, I'm hooked on Chaney with his multiple collaborators' work. He's almost as prolific as Heinlein was in his heyday, and has a computer to help him type and edit his work, rather than having to use a manual typewriter.
February 15, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by this sequel to Sentenced to War. The first book felt painted with broad strokes but Children of Angels was more nuanced. The world building is better and the characters themselves were more interesting the second time around. As well as the obvious nod to the Halo gaming franchise it seems one of the writers likes Samus from the Metroid franchise. I’m the first book things felt a little too easy for the protagonist but in this he was challenged and showed personal growth. I’m going to read the next book and see if they can keep it going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2021
Never volunteer
Rev is still in the corps his term of enlistment being extended every year so far. As I said about book one, he’s not a superhero but I do think that his knick name should be ‘Lucky’. In fact that applies to the other seven of his intake who all meet together on the anniversary of their enlistment. They’ve now reached 5 completed years. The book makes you think about family. Is family just people who were born from the same genetics or is there more to it?
Rev is still in the corps his term of enlistment being extended every year so far. As I said about book one, he’s not a superhero but I do think that his knick name should be ‘Lucky’. In fact that applies to the other seven of his intake who all meet together on the anniversary of their enlistment. They’ve now reached 5 completed years. The book makes you think about family. Is family just people who were born from the same genetics or is there more to it?
April 24, 2021
Finding Family
This book reads as a Mil SciFi, Action, War.and a Love story. Not a love story in the conventional style, but in a Family style. With all that comes with it.
This new story has our family and our hero moving forward wit a 2 front war. Fighting both the humans and the tin asses. A new weapon is made and tested. The humans now have a big hope in their war.
I am looking forward to reading more of the story.
This book reads as a Mil SciFi, Action, War.and a Love story. Not a love story in the conventional style, but in a Family style. With all that comes with it.
This new story has our family and our hero moving forward wit a 2 front war. Fighting both the humans and the tin asses. A new weapon is made and tested. The humans now have a big hope in their war.
I am looking forward to reading more of the story.
June 15, 2021
Great continuation of a great series!
I really enjoy the way the stories and characters are true to real life military in that they include the 'hurry up and wait' times between battles or deployments. Really lends a realistic air to all of it. Gives a better build up and more satisfying outcomes rather than non-stop battle to battle, injury to healed immediately etc. Just got the 3rd in the series, starting it right away.
I really enjoy the way the stories and characters are true to real life military in that they include the 'hurry up and wait' times between battles or deployments. Really lends a realistic air to all of it. Gives a better build up and more satisfying outcomes rather than non-stop battle to battle, injury to healed immediately etc. Just got the 3rd in the series, starting it right away.
January 7, 2022
Just good fun.
If you want life changing prose, keep looking. If you want entertainment that is responsible well written. This my be a good choice. The characters are a little shallow at first, but they grow on you as you get to know them. Which is how it should be in my opinion. Full of Action, honor, and well thought out battles. Sometimes a little sappy, but in a way that works. All in all a fun read.
If you want life changing prose, keep looking. If you want entertainment that is responsible well written. This my be a good choice. The characters are a little shallow at first, but they grow on you as you get to know them. Which is how it should be in my opinion. Full of Action, honor, and well thought out battles. Sometimes a little sappy, but in a way that works. All in all a fun read.
December 12, 2022
Respect for the Fallen
The series is building on the success of the first book nicely, with continued Esprit de Corps that rings true. The war is ongoing, with no end in sight. Rev finds himself more & more certain that he belongs where he is and that he can make a difference. Also ringing true is the way he manages to get screwed over by “The Brass” in opposing ways. He is also having to deal with the mental backlash that can be part of being a warrior.
The series is building on the success of the first book nicely, with continued Esprit de Corps that rings true. The war is ongoing, with no end in sight. Rev finds himself more & more certain that he belongs where he is and that he can make a difference. Also ringing true is the way he manages to get screwed over by “The Brass” in opposing ways. He is also having to deal with the mental backlash that can be part of being a warrior.
July 10, 2023
Dam Good Book
If you like Military SciFi, you'll rock on this book. If you're a Marine, you'll definitely read this book in one sitting as I did. As a US Marine, like if there's any other kind, and a big fan of Military SciFi this gives me the best of both worlds. It's even better because it's written by a Devil Dog who knows our language and how much our heritage means to us. Part of our Marine Mafia, Semper Fi and have a great Marine Corps day. OOH-RAH!
If you like Military SciFi, you'll rock on this book. If you're a Marine, you'll definitely read this book in one sitting as I did. As a US Marine, like if there's any other kind, and a big fan of Military SciFi this gives me the best of both worlds. It's even better because it's written by a Devil Dog who knows our language and how much our heritage means to us. Part of our Marine Mafia, Semper Fi and have a great Marine Corps day. OOH-RAH!
March 29, 2021
Loved it!
This volume took Rev on a path that I probably should have expected but totally didn't. It was a lot of fun. There are several beautiful moments that take you into the life of a Marine as well as engaging action scenes artfully combined into a really entertaining read. Looking forward to the next volume!
This volume took Rev on a path that I probably should have expected but totally didn't. It was a lot of fun. There are several beautiful moments that take you into the life of a Marine as well as engaging action scenes artfully combined into a really entertaining read. Looking forward to the next volume!
April 4, 2021
Intergalactic warfare and brotherhood.
A gripping action series that will keep you turning page after page.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
A beautifully imagined future universe where humanity has taken it's problems to the stars.
I look forward to the next one 😀
A gripping action series that will keep you turning page after page.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
A beautifully imagined future universe where humanity has taken it's problems to the stars.
I look forward to the next one 😀
April 5, 2021
Another great story
I enjoyed the first book very much but book 2 was as good if not better. I will be buying the third book as soon as it comes out. Both authors do a very good job of getting the reader invested in the characters and their story. A couple of time I teared up and that does not happen to me often when reading (makes the words blurry).
I enjoyed the first book very much but book 2 was as good if not better. I will be buying the third book as soon as it comes out. Both authors do a very good job of getting the reader invested in the characters and their story. A couple of time I teared up and that does not happen to me often when reading (makes the words blurry).
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April 23, 2021Second book in the series, read the first book first.
In an interstellar civilization, the protagonist was sentenced to be drafted in the Marines during a war with a deadly enemy learns more about himself and his companions. In this book, he has to fight humans too.
I have already ordered the 3rd book for when it is released.
In an interstellar civilization, the protagonist was sentenced to be drafted in the Marines during a war with a deadly enemy learns more about himself and his companions. In this book, he has to fight humans too.
I have already ordered the 3rd book for when it is released.
August 16, 2021
Good read
I’ve enjoyed the development and maturing of the main character Rev. You watch him struggle with sorting out mortality, right from wrong, doing what is right. As in real life, he learns that soldiers and sailors that work hard and train hard together have a unique bond. You have their back, they have yours as your lives depend on that bond.
I’ve enjoyed the development and maturing of the main character Rev. You watch him struggle with sorting out mortality, right from wrong, doing what is right. As in real life, he learns that soldiers and sailors that work hard and train hard together have a unique bond. You have their back, they have yours as your lives depend on that bond.
September 25, 2022
Outstanding
Look, the first was reasonably solid, but the authors really rallied on this one. If you're on the fence after the first or just doing recon on good military sci-fis, here's your sign, give sentenced to war a shot, read this one and blame me afterwards if you're still not sold.
Look, the first was reasonably solid, but the authors really rallied on this one. If you're on the fence after the first or just doing recon on good military sci-fis, here's your sign, give sentenced to war a shot, read this one and blame me afterwards if you're still not sold.
November 17, 2022
Great read
I am so taken by this Series of books that I am looking forward, and regretting, coming to the end of the series. Seen more human than a most novels I have read. This book makes me want to read even more ,and faster than when I read Asimov. A heartily Recommend this book as 1 of my must reads.
I am so taken by this Series of books that I am looking forward, and regretting, coming to the end of the series. Seen more human than a most novels I have read. This book makes me want to read even more ,and faster than when I read Asimov. A heartily Recommend this book as 1 of my must reads.
January 23, 2023
This series is growing on me. I like how this future interstellar war has so much possibility and horror. Usually, in sci-fi, the tech is perfect and magical. Here it's all experimental, you don't know if you can believe the scientists, you just don't know if these genetic and cyborg innovations are going to help or ruin you. Anyway, this was a good installment in this series.
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