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The Fifth Column #2
The Solaris Initiative
The Rebellion has begun.
Two framed soldiers turned Liberators, an unhinged Vice-Admiral with mass murder on his mind, and a new rebellion.
After deserting the Sarkonian Empire and stealing one of their best stealth ships, Alyss Cortez and Farah Shahi knew it would be like this.
Always looking over their shoulder for a far-reaching enemy.
But they aren’t running or hiding.
Instead, the pair are accepting search and rescue jobs and planning to take down Vice-Admiral-Kaska, antimission by antimission. Except that they didn’t expect things to go so wrong.
When a terrorist attack takes out a train on Solaras, the rebellion rises – with Alyss and Farah deeply entrenched in its message. On their quest for justice and peace they gain some new friends and make discoveries that shake them to the core.
It’s a long, terrible road ahead. How far will they go for what they believe in?
Two framed soldiers turned Liberators, an unhinged Vice-Admiral with mass murder on his mind, and a new rebellion.
After deserting the Sarkonian Empire and stealing one of their best stealth ships, Alyss Cortez and Farah Shahi knew it would be like this.
Always looking over their shoulder for a far-reaching enemy.
But they aren’t running or hiding.
Instead, the pair are accepting search and rescue jobs and planning to take down Vice-Admiral-Kaska, antimission by antimission. Except that they didn’t expect things to go so wrong.
When a terrorist attack takes out a train on Solaras, the rebellion rises – with Alyss and Farah deeply entrenched in its message. On their quest for justice and peace they gain some new friends and make discoveries that shake them to the core.
It’s a long, terrible road ahead. How far will they go for what they believe in?
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
Audiobook
First published July 7, 2020
151 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 9, 2021
The Fifth Column
By: J. N. Chaney, Molly Lerma
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
The team needs to keep watching their backs but they keep doing missions. More secrets come up and they are even deeper still! They pick up a new crew member but can they trust her?
Plenty of action and suspense! Liking this series!
By: J. N. Chaney, Molly Lerma
Narrated by: Khristine Hvam
The team needs to keep watching their backs but they keep doing missions. More secrets come up and they are even deeper still! They pick up a new crew member but can they trust her?
Plenty of action and suspense! Liking this series!
August 11, 2019
Another compelling, hard-to-put-down SciFi thriller worth your time, with an incredible character study. A riveting fight for survival with characters that jump off the pages. I loved the writing style and the detailed imagery. It sucked me in, and it kept me coming back for more..the new additions to the team is fantastic! Already looking forward to read the next installment, Forlon Hope #3!
March 16, 2022
In my quest to read more sci-fi, I was glad to see that this book was free on Audible right now as well! That said, this book is also a great example as to why I don't read a lot of sci-fi these days: It's just the same as book 1, and just the same as a LOT of other books in the genre. People fight bad guys. People get involved in random action to fill up the lack of story-line. People get in more fights with bad guy. It's easy to feel like you've read them all, when you've read one.
Every now and again, you might find a book with some originality to it, or twists that you don't see coming, but that wasn't the case here. It was, honestly, annoying, for there were so many stupid things happening! The MC wasn't TSTL in book 1, but she was in this one...
The writing was still OK, and all in all, the book did deliver what it promised.
I'm unsure if I'll continue on with the series. I know I won't pay for the next book, so we'll see if it's ever up for free or not.
Every now and again, you might find a book with some originality to it, or twists that you don't see coming, but that wasn't the case here. It was, honestly, annoying, for there were so many stupid things happening! The MC wasn't TSTL in book 1, but she was in this one...
The writing was still OK, and all in all, the book did deliver what it promised.
I'm unsure if I'll continue on with the series. I know I won't pay for the next book, so we'll see if it's ever up for free or not.
February 25, 2025
I liked this book a little less than the first book, still a good read though.
July 11, 2019
Another good series
I have read all of J.N. Chaney’s books. You can’t go wrong. I highly recommend them all. The Fifth Column is shaping up to be another great series. The only problem I have is waiting for the next to come out.
I have read all of J.N. Chaney’s books. You can’t go wrong. I highly recommend them all. The Fifth Column is shaping up to be another great series. The only problem I have is waiting for the next to come out.
July 17, 2019
The Fifth Column J. N. Chaney
The fight against injustice continues. The resistance is greatly outnumbered with possible traitors within. Public support though largely suppressed is slowly turning their way. A fast paced read, non stop action
The fight against injustice continues. The resistance is greatly outnumbered with possible traitors within. Public support though largely suppressed is slowly turning their way. A fast paced read, non stop action
July 19, 2019
Rooting for the bad guys
This second chapter of Sarkon was the best yet!! Way to goto get us rooting for one of the bad guys.
This second chapter of Sarkon was the best yet!! Way to goto get us rooting for one of the bad guys.
December 18, 2022
A strong follow up to the first book. Leaves me wanting to dive right into book 3 (but alas, I cannot). Still loving these characters. The series over-arcing plot thickens. Very nicely narrated on audio.
October 10, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings fellow book enthusiasts, it's Kiba Snowpaw, the ice magic-wielding lone alpha wolf from the frosty realm of HowlStrom. Today, I bring you an exhilarating review of "The Solaris Initiative," the second installment in "The Fifth Column" series, penned by J.N. Chaney and Molly Lerma. Join me as we traverse the universe, fighting injustice and uncovering the secrets of rebellion.
Basic Plot Summary:
Our story picks up with Alyss Cortez and Farah Shahi, two former soldiers turned Liberators, who are now on the run from the oppressive Sarkonian Empire. After stealing a cutting-edge stealth ship, they find themselves embroiled in a relentless battle for justice. The duo takes on search and rescue missions while planning to bring down the nefarious Vice-Admiral Kaska, one mission at a time. However, a devastating terrorist attack on Solaras ignites a rebellion, and our heroes are drawn deeper into the heart of the resistance. Along the way, they gain new allies and make shocking discoveries that shake the very core of their beliefs. The path ahead is long and perilous, but how far are they willing to go for what they believe in?
Characters:
The characters in "The Solaris Initiative" are as diverse as the galaxies they traverse. Alyss Cortez and Farah Shahi, our fierce and resilient protagonists, continue to evolve in this installment. Their unwavering determination to bring down Vice-Admiral Kaska and fight for justice is nothing short of inspiring. Newcomers to the crew add depth and intrigue to the story, while betrayal and loyalty dance on a razor's edge, keeping us on our toes.
Structure:
J.N. Chaney and Molly Lerma have crafted a thrilling narrative that maintains a breakneck pace throughout most of the book. The plot is rich in action, suspense, and surprising twists that will leave you craving for more. The seamless collaboration between the authors ensures that the story flows effortlessly, creating a gripping and immersive experience.
Impact:
"The Solaris Initiative" delves into themes of rebellion, trust, and the consequences of standing up against tyranny. It paints a vivid picture of a universe in turmoil, where every decision carries immense weight. As we follow our protagonists' journey, we can't help but question our own convictions and ponder what we would be willing to sacrifice for a just cause.
Hook and Thesis:
From the very beginning, this book grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go. The hook is irresistible, drawing you into a world where courage and tenacity shine in the face of overwhelming odds. The thesis of the story is clear: in the darkest corners of the universe, the fight for freedom and righteousness is a flame that refuses to be extinguished.
Praise and Critique:
"The Solaris Initiative" earns praise for its relentless action sequences, multifaceted characters, and the ability to keep readers at the edge of their seats. However, it occasionally veers into familiar sci-fi tropes, and the pacing, while generally excellent, may lag slightly in the middle. Nevertheless, it remains a worthy addition to the series.
Evaluation:
In this thrilling sequel, J.N. Chaney and Molly Lerma continue to deliver an electrifying space opera that will appeal to fans of action-packed science fiction. While it retains some genre conventions, the story's strengths outweigh its minor flaws, making it a must-read for anyone seeking adventure among the stars.
Comparison:
"The Solaris Initiative" stands tall among contemporary science fiction novels, offering a blend of gripping storytelling and well-crafted characters. It can be favorably compared to other series in the genre, such as those by beloved authors like James S.A. Corey and Becky Chambers. If you enjoy space adventures with a side of rebellion, this series is well worth your time.
Conclusion:
As I bid you farewell from the icy realm of HowlStrom, I leave you with this: "The Solaris Initiative" is a thrilling and action-packed journey that will ignite your sense of adventure and leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in "The Fifth Column" series. Join Alyss, Farah, and their crew as they defy the darkness of the universe and embrace the light of rebellion.
Greetings fellow book enthusiasts, it's Kiba Snowpaw, the ice magic-wielding lone alpha wolf from the frosty realm of HowlStrom. Today, I bring you an exhilarating review of "The Solaris Initiative," the second installment in "The Fifth Column" series, penned by J.N. Chaney and Molly Lerma. Join me as we traverse the universe, fighting injustice and uncovering the secrets of rebellion.
Basic Plot Summary:
Our story picks up with Alyss Cortez and Farah Shahi, two former soldiers turned Liberators, who are now on the run from the oppressive Sarkonian Empire. After stealing a cutting-edge stealth ship, they find themselves embroiled in a relentless battle for justice. The duo takes on search and rescue missions while planning to bring down the nefarious Vice-Admiral Kaska, one mission at a time. However, a devastating terrorist attack on Solaras ignites a rebellion, and our heroes are drawn deeper into the heart of the resistance. Along the way, they gain new allies and make shocking discoveries that shake the very core of their beliefs. The path ahead is long and perilous, but how far are they willing to go for what they believe in?
Characters:
The characters in "The Solaris Initiative" are as diverse as the galaxies they traverse. Alyss Cortez and Farah Shahi, our fierce and resilient protagonists, continue to evolve in this installment. Their unwavering determination to bring down Vice-Admiral Kaska and fight for justice is nothing short of inspiring. Newcomers to the crew add depth and intrigue to the story, while betrayal and loyalty dance on a razor's edge, keeping us on our toes.
Structure:
J.N. Chaney and Molly Lerma have crafted a thrilling narrative that maintains a breakneck pace throughout most of the book. The plot is rich in action, suspense, and surprising twists that will leave you craving for more. The seamless collaboration between the authors ensures that the story flows effortlessly, creating a gripping and immersive experience.
Impact:
"The Solaris Initiative" delves into themes of rebellion, trust, and the consequences of standing up against tyranny. It paints a vivid picture of a universe in turmoil, where every decision carries immense weight. As we follow our protagonists' journey, we can't help but question our own convictions and ponder what we would be willing to sacrifice for a just cause.
Hook and Thesis:
From the very beginning, this book grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go. The hook is irresistible, drawing you into a world where courage and tenacity shine in the face of overwhelming odds. The thesis of the story is clear: in the darkest corners of the universe, the fight for freedom and righteousness is a flame that refuses to be extinguished.
Praise and Critique:
"The Solaris Initiative" earns praise for its relentless action sequences, multifaceted characters, and the ability to keep readers at the edge of their seats. However, it occasionally veers into familiar sci-fi tropes, and the pacing, while generally excellent, may lag slightly in the middle. Nevertheless, it remains a worthy addition to the series.
Evaluation:
In this thrilling sequel, J.N. Chaney and Molly Lerma continue to deliver an electrifying space opera that will appeal to fans of action-packed science fiction. While it retains some genre conventions, the story's strengths outweigh its minor flaws, making it a must-read for anyone seeking adventure among the stars.
Comparison:
"The Solaris Initiative" stands tall among contemporary science fiction novels, offering a blend of gripping storytelling and well-crafted characters. It can be favorably compared to other series in the genre, such as those by beloved authors like James S.A. Corey and Becky Chambers. If you enjoy space adventures with a side of rebellion, this series is well worth your time.
Conclusion:
As I bid you farewell from the icy realm of HowlStrom, I leave you with this: "The Solaris Initiative" is a thrilling and action-packed journey that will ignite your sense of adventure and leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in "The Fifth Column" series. Join Alyss, Farah, and their crew as they defy the darkness of the universe and embrace the light of rebellion.
April 19, 2022
The resistance!
Sophie and Eva have changed their names and now have the nickname Fifth Column. They are doing a sideline in rescuing people to garner more cash to fund their real mission of stopping Kazka. They breakout 4 people and a fifth person presents herself, Calliope, supposedly a young Union deserter. Eva is suspicious of her, but events lead them to trust her.
A mission to retrieve an ingot on a train goes wrong when bombs are found, leading to an old friend and contact with a rebellious group (The Solaris Initiative) also seeking to overthrow the Sarkonian Empire. However Eva suspects the rebellion may be just as bad as the people they are fighting....
A second mission to retrieve the ingot is planned but who can be trusted?
Double crosses, action, death, tedium and some humor combine to make a fun and entertaining tale.
Sophie and Eva have changed their names and now have the nickname Fifth Column. They are doing a sideline in rescuing people to garner more cash to fund their real mission of stopping Kazka. They breakout 4 people and a fifth person presents herself, Calliope, supposedly a young Union deserter. Eva is suspicious of her, but events lead them to trust her.
A mission to retrieve an ingot on a train goes wrong when bombs are found, leading to an old friend and contact with a rebellious group (The Solaris Initiative) also seeking to overthrow the Sarkonian Empire. However Eva suspects the rebellion may be just as bad as the people they are fighting....
A second mission to retrieve the ingot is planned but who can be trusted?
Double crosses, action, death, tedium and some humor combine to make a fun and entertaining tale.
February 18, 2021
It was a fun read but I saw the twist ending coming a mile away, and while it was a great setup for more stories, I'm not sure there was any sort of character development for the heroine. I'd get into it more but spoilers.
That said, it was fun just for the action, the weapon tech, and the new characters that were briefly introduced toward the end. Loved those guys. Wish they had been around from the start.
That said, it was fun just for the action, the weapon tech, and the new characters that were briefly introduced toward the end. Loved those guys. Wish they had been around from the start.
December 5, 2022
5 Very exciting. Pacy until about two thirds through when it started to drag. And a cliff hanger. Grrr. Recommended to the normal crew.
December 13, 2022
Another highly entertaining sci-fi adventure - enjoyed this even more than the first one. Hooked all the way through.
October 12, 2019
Hard to put down...
The adventure continues in this barnstormer of a sequel. Another addictive series from J.N. Chaney’s Union/Empire universe. A real page turner, highly recommended, great fun!
The adventure continues in this barnstormer of a sequel. Another addictive series from J.N. Chaney’s Union/Empire universe. A real page turner, highly recommended, great fun!
July 26, 2019
Keep them coming!
Another winner! I really enjoy the writing style of Chaney. Down to Earth and well thought out. This continuing story keeps you guessing and wanting more!
Another winner! I really enjoy the writing style of Chaney. Down to Earth and well thought out. This continuing story keeps you guessing and wanting more!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews