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Cole & Srexx #4
The Fires of Aurelius
It was inevitable.
A full scale conflict with the Coalition can no longer be avoided. The Coalition is a sprawling, disjointed collection of systems that look like a terrestrial archipelago on a star chart, and the new Haven Protectorate is right in the middle.
Leaving Cole and his allies in the worst situation possible: a multi-front war.
The events that will determine the fate of Human-controlled space have started. Will the Haven Protectorate carry the day? Will the Coalition emerge as the dominant Human power?
Read Now to find out!- GenresScience Fiction
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2021
91 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Robert M. Kerns
27 books147 followersRobert M. Kerns (or Rob if you ever meet him in person) is a geek, and he claims that label proudly. Most of his geekiness revolves around Information Technology (IT), having over fifteen years in the industry; within IT, he especially prefers Servers and Networks, and he often makes the claim that his residence has a better data infrastructure than some businesses.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 6, 2021
I would like to be clear that I am a huge fan of the first 3 books, but this is really a cop out to any other books in the series. The last 2 or 3 pages just randomly sums up all 4 books quickly and the author dusts his hands off as just doesn't want to do the story anymore. Robert has mentioned multiple times that he just wasn't having any fun in the series anymore and he did this book more for closure. It was a decent story but there were a few things that just didn't add up.
The biggest is Sasha and Cole. The author introduces another woman into the picture briefly and doesn't show that much interaction between them, but we find out later boom there together in those last 2 pages. Sasha and Cole really have 1 argument that apparently is so uper dooper important that it just sours the relationship development over the last 3 books. There is no working it out at all just everything gets super awkward. That was the biggest souring of this series in that the author gave up in his own words and just wanted to give closure to his series. This book really soured me of the series which I really loved over the first 3 books. The author didn't love it, but I still thought it could have been something bigger. Just disappointed.
The biggest is Sasha and Cole. The author introduces another woman into the picture briefly and doesn't show that much interaction between them, but we find out later boom there together in those last 2 pages. Sasha and Cole really have 1 argument that apparently is so uper dooper important that it just sours the relationship development over the last 3 books. There is no working it out at all just everything gets super awkward. That was the biggest souring of this series in that the author gave up in his own words and just wanted to give closure to his series. This book really soured me of the series which I really loved over the first 3 books. The author didn't love it, but I still thought it could have been something bigger. Just disappointed.
July 6, 2021
Forced closure author admits not fun to finish
I was really looking forward to this book but the author even admits he didn't want to write this story and it shows. Very superficial. Not worth reading. Author lost his way with plot and it rally shows. Very disappointing.
I was really looking forward to this book but the author even admits he didn't want to write this story and it shows. Very superficial. Not worth reading. Author lost his way with plot and it rally shows. Very disappointing.
July 6, 2021
Disappointing
I had really enjoyed this series up until this last book. I found Cole And Srexx both interesting and it was fun to see them work together. I honestly felt disappointed how the ending was just a throw away. All that build up for nothing. I personally would have rather waited for a real addition to this series, instead of 100 pages of wasted time to end it so poorly.
I had really enjoyed this series up until this last book. I found Cole And Srexx both interesting and it was fun to see them work together. I honestly felt disappointed how the ending was just a throw away. All that build up for nothing. I personally would have rather waited for a real addition to this series, instead of 100 pages of wasted time to end it so poorly.
July 8, 2021
You destroyed a great series in the last chapters.
I loved this series. But you destroyed that in the last book. You did not enjoy writing this book you said in authors notes. Well I agree in my opinion you should have left Cole and Sasha together and left us with some conclusion with the AI. At least it would have made sense the last 2 chapters ruined a really great series. It just fell apart then u just tacked on the summery. Please delete last 2 chapters.
I loved this series. But you destroyed that in the last book. You did not enjoy writing this book you said in authors notes. Well I agree in my opinion you should have left Cole and Sasha together and left us with some conclusion with the AI. At least it would have made sense the last 2 chapters ruined a really great series. It just fell apart then u just tacked on the summery. Please delete last 2 chapters.
July 7, 2021
Disappointing end To an awesome series
So even as I was reading this book I felt something was off. The overall book length is short And Didn't feel right. I understand the author has become disillusioned with the series But that's no excuse to cap it with this quality headstone. Normally I am thankful when author finishes series because so often we readers are left hanging. However in this case I almost wish that hadn't happened as this Book Could have usually been reimagined in the future And actually extended the series even more as there is possibly much more to do.The introduction of a new love interest and the separation with the old one was rough and abrupt. It felt forest and I'm not sure exactly why it happened. That said what's done is done.The author overall is a good writer and Though I found the content objectionable it is well written.In the future the author should know that if they have an excellent series and they get burned out they can always hire a ghostwriter to help them with the end Or continuation and not Sink it for the readers.
So even as I was reading this book I felt something was off. The overall book length is short And Didn't feel right. I understand the author has become disillusioned with the series But that's no excuse to cap it with this quality headstone. Normally I am thankful when author finishes series because so often we readers are left hanging. However in this case I almost wish that hadn't happened as this Book Could have usually been reimagined in the future And actually extended the series even more as there is possibly much more to do.The introduction of a new love interest and the separation with the old one was rough and abrupt. It felt forest and I'm not sure exactly why it happened. That said what's done is done.The author overall is a good writer and Though I found the content objectionable it is well written.In the future the author should know that if they have an excellent series and they get burned out they can always hire a ghostwriter to help them with the end Or continuation and not Sink it for the readers.
May 21, 2024
Solid Work
I’ve read all four books in the Cole & Srexx complete series; plus the related short story. I throughly enjoyed the series, and would recommend it to anyone. I thought the characters were well crafted and the plot was entertaining. As is my preference, I would have liked to have had richer scene settings. Now for the gaps I saw. Apparently no one had sex in this entire saga. I find it unbelievable that during the span of years, that there were no relationships; nor any intimacy. I can see an author attempt to write for all age groups; but it just doesn’t come off as realistic. Lastly, it was like the author tired of the series, and rushed the ending. In a few chapters, we were taken from a battle with the introduction of a new species to jumping 5 years and ending the storyline. I felt cheated out of a smooth ending to one that was sliced and diced. Because of these gaps, I’m not inclined to pursue any other of the stories this author has to offer.
I’ve read all four books in the Cole & Srexx complete series; plus the related short story. I throughly enjoyed the series, and would recommend it to anyone. I thought the characters were well crafted and the plot was entertaining. As is my preference, I would have liked to have had richer scene settings. Now for the gaps I saw. Apparently no one had sex in this entire saga. I find it unbelievable that during the span of years, that there were no relationships; nor any intimacy. I can see an author attempt to write for all age groups; but it just doesn’t come off as realistic. Lastly, it was like the author tired of the series, and rushed the ending. In a few chapters, we were taken from a battle with the introduction of a new species to jumping 5 years and ending the storyline. I felt cheated out of a smooth ending to one that was sliced and diced. Because of these gaps, I’m not inclined to pursue any other of the stories this author has to offer.
July 13, 2021
Two and a half stars. Sometimes a sequel just doesn't need to happen. I think of "Highlander 2" as a specific example. Kerns stated in his afterword that "his heart wasn't in it" and it really shows. We do get a conclusion of sorts (mostly in the last pages), but there is very little continuity in the story. Characters change, Srexx is almost non-existent, and many of the other plot elements are wrapped up in a 'dues ex machina' style alien invasion. Kerns may have felt there was a sort of "contractual obligation" with his readers to finish this series off. This show that it is entirely possible to fulfil all the obligations of a contract and still violate it's spirit. On a social contract, default is always an option...
December 11, 2021
Decent but disappointing
This is a very short book and it was obvious the author was no longer emotionally invested in the series which is a Shane because i saw so much potential with the introduction of the Tovasq race. There is now ample doom fur exploring the schematics Srexx has that have been teased throughout the series. I am very disappointed. Having said that, i also understand when the love of writing something has fled, it is almost criminal to push on and write something that no one will ever want to read. This serves only to damage the readers and the author. As much as i may dislike how the series ended, I'd have absolutely hated it not being completed. So, thank you, Mr. Kerns, for competing it and i hour you return to writing something you enjoy!
This is a very short book and it was obvious the author was no longer emotionally invested in the series which is a Shane because i saw so much potential with the introduction of the Tovasq race. There is now ample doom fur exploring the schematics Srexx has that have been teased throughout the series. I am very disappointed. Having said that, i also understand when the love of writing something has fled, it is almost criminal to push on and write something that no one will ever want to read. This serves only to damage the readers and the author. As much as i may dislike how the series ended, I'd have absolutely hated it not being completed. So, thank you, Mr. Kerns, for competing it and i hour you return to writing something you enjoy!
March 1, 2022
A series of adventures culminating in this final novel. The series quality varied from easy to read to difficult to remain interested in. However, this final novel in the series which the author admits he rushed having basically given up on it losing his enthusiasm overall. A quick disappointing concluding novel that despite the authors dislike of it generated more enjoyment to me as a reader than the preceding 3 novels ever did. The book is short. Action follows action, character interplay more interesting. The concluding chapters were rushed and resentfully concluded by the author leaving a totally dissatisfied reader in its wake. Yet despite these observations it is in my opinion the best of the 4 novels in the series.
June 26, 2023
Before you start this one please note it is the fourth and last book of a series. The characters, situations, etc. won’t make much sense to you if you start here.
If you enjoyed the first three books of the series, I would highly recommend you skip this one and savor the fond memories – the book is very short, and the plot line went off the rails: it felt rushed, then right in the middle of the biggest scene of the series, the author stops it with a few paragraphs fast-forwarding to several years in the future: not a cliffhanger but a statement at the end this ends it. The author has an engaging writing style, and (to me) has left a lot of people disappointed as this could have been a long, continuing series.
If you enjoyed the first three books of the series, I would highly recommend you skip this one and savor the fond memories – the book is very short, and the plot line went off the rails: it felt rushed, then right in the middle of the biggest scene of the series, the author stops it with a few paragraphs fast-forwarding to several years in the future: not a cliffhanger but a statement at the end this ends it. The author has an engaging writing style, and (to me) has left a lot of people disappointed as this could have been a long, continuing series.
August 2, 2025
Man finds powerful Alien spaceship, decides he is going to protect the innocent.
This the basis of the series.
The first three books work this concept and build upon it.
The four book, this one...well even the author didn't like.
New characters pop up, a new alien threat is revealed and he proceeds to wrap it all up in a flash forward a few years and it ends. Terrible.
He says in his author notes this isn't the book he wanted, tried to write it three times and lost all enthusiasm for it. Which I can understand but I don't get releasing something even you don't like. Move on to something else (I guessing a contract might have blocked that idea) and come back when/if you feel like returning
This the basis of the series.
The first three books work this concept and build upon it.
The four book, this one...well even the author didn't like.
New characters pop up, a new alien threat is revealed and he proceeds to wrap it all up in a flash forward a few years and it ends. Terrible.
He says in his author notes this isn't the book he wanted, tried to write it three times and lost all enthusiasm for it. Which I can understand but I don't get releasing something even you don't like. Move on to something else (I guessing a contract might have blocked that idea) and come back when/if you feel like returning
October 14, 2024
The series overall was good not great. A very quick fun read that I've enjoyed but it was a roller coaster of good story telling stuck between pages that read as if they were written by a 12 year old boy. All of that I could forgive until the end. I mean seriously WTF. You spend 4 books creating this space opera and then in the middle of the big final massive battle you take one paragraph to sum up how it wrapped up and the next 10 years of the main characters life and the solar system. That's it done. Goodnight. It felt like the author had zero idea what to do next so the publisher wrote the 3 sentences and said good enough. Makes the last 3 books feel like a waste of time.
July 17, 2021
A good end to a good series
I have enjoyed the series. I thought the author did a good job in the final book. In his note at the end, he said lost interest in the series at the end of the third book, and didn't feel as though he did a good job in the fourth book. He hurried up at the end, but I thought it was a good book and enjoyed reading it as much as I did the others in the series.
I have enjoyed the series. I thought the author did a good job in the final book. In his note at the end, he said lost interest in the series at the end of the third book, and didn't feel as though he did a good job in the fourth book. He hurried up at the end, but I thought it was a good book and enjoyed reading it as much as I did the others in the series.
January 4, 2023
Even though a few parts of this book were enjoyable, I’m afraid it was not a good conclusion to the series. It appears the author ‘wrote himself into a corner’ or just gave up and looked for an easy way out, whether it did justice to the first three books, or not.
I enjoyed the first three books, but if I had known about this novella being the culmination of the series, I would not have started it in the first place. I really feel ‘short changed’ by the author.
I enjoyed the first three books, but if I had known about this novella being the culmination of the series, I would not have started it in the first place. I really feel ‘short changed’ by the author.
August 7, 2023
Really good series
This was a really good series, but I agree with other reviewers that it would have been nice if the end had a bit more detail instead of the high level long term overview. After such a fun and detailed series, that style ending, was somewhat of a let down.
However, the rest of the series and this book up to the ending was great, so I still definitely recommend it.
This was a really good series, but I agree with other reviewers that it would have been nice if the end had a bit more detail instead of the high level long term overview. After such a fun and detailed series, that style ending, was somewhat of a let down.
However, the rest of the series and this book up to the ending was great, so I still definitely recommend it.
September 12, 2023
A series of three enjoyable books, then this. I guess the author said he didn't want to do this one, but it reads like he was forced to at gunpoint. A relationship that's been developing over three books? Dumped in half a page. Introducing a new person, a couple inane conversations, then the penultimate battle. Well, about 1/4 of the penultimate battle, then "and they all lived happily ever after. The end."
July 7, 2021
Loved it
As with all the books in this series, I loved it. But for me it ended to abruptly. I read the final note and I'm sorry there will not be more Books in the series. I Have read them many times and love the world building. I would really love to know if Srexx ever got to meet different Species..
As with all the books in this series, I loved it. But for me it ended to abruptly. I read the final note and I'm sorry there will not be more Books in the series. I Have read them many times and love the world building. I would really love to know if Srexx ever got to meet different Species..
July 7, 2021
Tired series ends with a whimper
Fun and entertaining space opera series that starts with a bang ends with a whimper. Author does paying customers quite a disservice by ending the story in four pages that honestly rated ten or more chapters. Why even bother to write it?
Don’t pay to read this.
Fun and entertaining space opera series that starts with a bang ends with a whimper. Author does paying customers quite a disservice by ending the story in four pages that honestly rated ten or more chapters. Why even bother to write it?
Don’t pay to read this.
July 8, 2021
The final story of Cole and Srexx is sad but if an author has to force him or her self to finish even a finale then ok all I have to say to this author is thank you from one of many fans of this series for finishing it and not forgetting about it. I really liked reading this series and Thank you for it.
July 21, 2021
Gift of the final book in the series
The author shared that he had a horrible time finishing up this series and he wasn’t happy with it at all,but he really wanted to provide closure for his readers. I gave it 3 stars, but I very much enjoyed the series overall and give the author 5 stars for the effort of finishing it.
The author shared that he had a horrible time finishing up this series and he wasn’t happy with it at all,but he really wanted to provide closure for his readers. I gave it 3 stars, but I very much enjoyed the series overall and give the author 5 stars for the effort of finishing it.
July 29, 2021
Beginning okay ending was rushed
While the beginning of the book was similar to the pacing and story arc of the other books in the series, the ending seems very rushed and if this is the end of the series leaves very glaring plot holes. I personally feel the en of the book basically says "I'm done skip a few years and this should be good enough"
While the beginning of the book was similar to the pacing and story arc of the other books in the series, the ending seems very rushed and if this is the end of the series leaves very glaring plot holes. I personally feel the en of the book basically says "I'm done skip a few years and this should be good enough"
September 30, 2021
Did the author go through a divorce?
This reads like the trauma aftermath of a divorce or some other equally tragic event. The Sasha and Elizabeth twist was terrible. The rest of the story wasn't terrible, it just lack the conviction and confidence the prior books held. That said, thank you for ending the series rather than stopping and leaving your readers hanging.
This reads like the trauma aftermath of a divorce or some other equally tragic event. The Sasha and Elizabeth twist was terrible. The rest of the story wasn't terrible, it just lack the conviction and confidence the prior books held. That said, thank you for ending the series rather than stopping and leaving your readers hanging.
June 4, 2022
What a great ending to this arc. I hope more coming
These books for a very fun read. Very rewarding ending. It did seem a little rush at the very end and I would thoroughly enjoy it if this author wrote more books in this storyline, but if not, this book had a great enough story and the finishing of the art that is still leaves you feeling fulfilled
These books for a very fun read. Very rewarding ending. It did seem a little rush at the very end and I would thoroughly enjoy it if this author wrote more books in this storyline, but if not, this book had a great enough story and the finishing of the art that is still leaves you feeling fulfilled
July 10, 2022
This series had a lot of potential but ended similarly to a student running out of time while trying to finish off a massive essay. Lots of build up and then entirely concludes in about 4 pages ignoring so very many threads along the way.
Immortal protagonist?
Immortal mate?
Alien race?
Clashes between civilisations?
Uber powerful AI?
All kind of ignored with the way it concludes.
Tbh maybe I missed it but I’m still not entirely sure why Cole and Sasha are on outs but maybe I was really really tired when reading it.
Immortal protagonist?
Immortal mate?
Alien race?
Clashes between civilisations?
Uber powerful AI?
All kind of ignored with the way it concludes.
Tbh maybe I missed it but I’m still not entirely sure why Cole and Sasha are on outs but maybe I was really really tired when reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2024
Good series, half hearted ending
The story proceeded well (if somewhat predictably) through the first three books. The fourth started well, but about halfway through, it seemed that the author just gave up. A major conflict arose, but was completed in a handful of pages, and I felt that I was shortchanged by the ending.
The story proceeded well (if somewhat predictably) through the first three books. The fourth started well, but about halfway through, it seemed that the author just gave up. A major conflict arose, but was completed in a handful of pages, and I felt that I was shortchanged by the ending.
July 22, 2024
I found this book a little disappointing mainly because the ending did not live up to the promise the rest of the book and the series had set. The big battle was against a supposedly superior force, and somehow we missed most of the action. I could imagine a continuation of this series with the obvious reaction of the defeated aliens, but alas not to be for now. Anyway I gave the book 4 stars.
July 7, 2021
Just not worth the wait
I have thoroughly enjoyed and actually reread the first three books, and OMG this should’ve been thrown away! Please do not try and do this to your other series, or you will loose me for good!
I have thoroughly enjoyed and actually reread the first three books, and OMG this should’ve been thrown away! Please do not try and do this to your other series, or you will loose me for good!
July 18, 2021
Disappointed
From reading blog post I understand that Mr. Owens struggled with this final entry in the series and it shows. I really enjoyed the first 3 books and hate to see it and this way. I'll move with books by others
From reading blog post I understand that Mr. Owens struggled with this final entry in the series and it shows. I really enjoyed the first 3 books and hate to see it and this way. I'll move with books by others
February 20, 2022
This is really more of a novella and it is clear the author struggled with where to go, he even said so. At the same time, he did end the series reasonable well. I hate to give it a 3 star rating, would like to make it higher, but it just wasn't there for me.
May 3, 2022
Great read up late several night reading all 4 books
Interesting plot keeps your interest and you wonder what is next. Good use of showing different styles of government and philosophy.
Interesting plot keeps your interest and you wonder what is next. Good use of showing different styles of government and philosophy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews