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Holy War #4
Armageddon
BThe End is nigh…
The war with the Tahni has dragged on for over two years, taking its toll on the lives of all involved.
On the Aphrodite colony, Marine turned cybernetic commando Ryan Hendrix is readying his civilian militia to make one, final strike against the enemy, in what they know could be a suicide mission.
Back in Commonwealth space, Travis Miller and his task force have finally been given clearance to take back the occupied colony system, but the Tahni have had a year to prepare their defenses and the price in blood will be dear.
And somewhere, across the stars, the Tahni general Tan Kin is guiding his own strike force on a long and circuitous route that will take them behind human lines, for an attack that no one expects…and no one is prepared for.
It will mean the end of the war…and may mean the end of everything.
The war with the Tahni has dragged on for over two years, taking its toll on the lives of all involved.
On the Aphrodite colony, Marine turned cybernetic commando Ryan Hendrix is readying his civilian militia to make one, final strike against the enemy, in what they know could be a suicide mission.
Back in Commonwealth space, Travis Miller and his task force have finally been given clearance to take back the occupied colony system, but the Tahni have had a year to prepare their defenses and the price in blood will be dear.
And somewhere, across the stars, the Tahni general Tan Kin is guiding his own strike force on a long and circuitous route that will take them behind human lines, for an attack that no one expects…and no one is prepared for.
It will mean the end of the war…and may mean the end of everything.
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2021
98 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Rick Partlow
207 books372 followersRick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 9, 2022
This book involves a lot of fighting on the planet Aphrodite. Sgt Ryan Hendrix is in charge of the inserted Combat Infiltration Teams (CITs) which are to organize the local militia into fighting a resistance war against the Tahni on the planet. Ryan has the job because he volunteered for it after getting almost killed in his last battle. They military had put him back together only after he volunteered for the CIT program which gave him almost a brand new body. His previous body was practically destroyed to the extent it would have taken a year of rehab to clone and grow back new parts. That he couldn't put up with so he now has a re-enforced titanium skeleton covered with skin and cybernetics for arms, legs and one eye. To say he was better physically was an understatement. He was fantastic physically, but he wasn't all that sure he was "better". Still he was a Marine and he had asked to go to battle. Actually, now with the CITs, he was Fleet Intelligence, but he still felt and acted like a Marine. And that meant he was going to accomplish his mission no matter the cost.
While he was on the planet getting his people organized, Captain Travis Miller was commanding a flotilla of ships that were preparing to take back Aphrodite from the Tahni. He wasn't exactly sure if he had the resources to do the job, but he was going to do his best to get it done. The first thing he had to do was get through the gate leading to Aphrodite and he was pretty sure it was going to be heavily defended. He knew the Tahni had almost a year to get their forces to the planet and get it reinforced so his job was not going to be easy. Then he had to deal with Captain Malenkov. Malenkov was a Russian that still blamed Travis for starting the war with the Tahni. He wasn't happy being under Captain Miller's command and was probably going to question every order he received. So, Travis was going to have a face-to-face with him right at the beginning to get that cleared up.
That meeting went about as well as Travis thought. Travis was initially mad at Malenkov because he thought he was the on who had initiated the complaint about Travis and Commander Leer's relationship. Yes, Travis and Jessica Leer were involved, but he thought they had kept their relationship quiet and discrete. It was not normally acceptable for a Commanding Officer to have an intimate relationship with a subordinate in his chain of command. Commander Leer had transferred to another ship so she wasn't directly in his chain of command, but now that he was the fleet commander, it could be said she was back in the same boat! Travis figured it would not have been hard for Captain Malenkov to have filed the complaint, but he denied doing so. Anyway, Captain Miller knew that he wasn't going to let his feelings for Commander Leer to interfere with his mission requirements. While she was now a Group Commander, she shouldn't be going directly into combat in a starfighter, but, knowing her, that's exactly where she would be, orders or not!
So, to start off the repatriation of Aphrodite, the fighter squadron would have to go in first and find out what's on the other side of the stargate. Hopefully, they wouldn't all be destroyed immediately and could report back on what they found. Then the rest of the fleet would barge through one way or another. Captain Travis Miller was determined to get the Tahni off Aphrodite and eventually gain back all the human planets that had taken. He knew this could be a long war, but if that's what it took, then he was going to fight it. It was up to Sgt Hendrix on Aphrodite to help soften up the planetary defenses so Marine drop-ship could eventually land troops to support his fight against the garrisoned Tahni's on the planet. How Sgt Hendrix was going to do what he needed to get done was almost a mystery to him. He had little in the way of assets and very few well trained troops. But, he was going to do his best no matter what.
Meanwhile, the Tahni are up to something else besides fighting around Aphrodite. They apparently have some knowledge of secret stargates that lead back to the Solar System and open up on the opposite side of where Earth's defense forces expect them to appear. Aa far as Earth knew, there was only one stargate into the Solar System and that one was defended by all the fleet assets that was left. They weren't sure if this was enough, but a surprise attack from a different direction would be a disaster, that's for sure!
Another good book and one that seems to finish off this series. Reading about space battles can be confusing without visual aids. Writers have to be very descriptive of what they are presenting or it gets confusing really fast. I can't say I stay up with every battle, but as long as it seems like the forces are doing what they should, then the story doesn't get to incredible. I don't mind reading about space battles and then flipping to ground attacks. Both should happen, but what I'm amazed with is that writers seem to think that one small force can liberate or capture an entire planet just by attacking one small place. Planets are huge places and if they are occupied by any kind of civilization, they will be armed to the teeth. I can't imagine an alien invasion that could bring enough soldiers to take over an entire planet. Oh, it's been done in the movies, but we don't really get to see all the battles. I guess my imagination isn't as polished as some science fiction writers. That's why I'm just a reader!
While he was on the planet getting his people organized, Captain Travis Miller was commanding a flotilla of ships that were preparing to take back Aphrodite from the Tahni. He wasn't exactly sure if he had the resources to do the job, but he was going to do his best to get it done. The first thing he had to do was get through the gate leading to Aphrodite and he was pretty sure it was going to be heavily defended. He knew the Tahni had almost a year to get their forces to the planet and get it reinforced so his job was not going to be easy. Then he had to deal with Captain Malenkov. Malenkov was a Russian that still blamed Travis for starting the war with the Tahni. He wasn't happy being under Captain Miller's command and was probably going to question every order he received. So, Travis was going to have a face-to-face with him right at the beginning to get that cleared up.
That meeting went about as well as Travis thought. Travis was initially mad at Malenkov because he thought he was the on who had initiated the complaint about Travis and Commander Leer's relationship. Yes, Travis and Jessica Leer were involved, but he thought they had kept their relationship quiet and discrete. It was not normally acceptable for a Commanding Officer to have an intimate relationship with a subordinate in his chain of command. Commander Leer had transferred to another ship so she wasn't directly in his chain of command, but now that he was the fleet commander, it could be said she was back in the same boat! Travis figured it would not have been hard for Captain Malenkov to have filed the complaint, but he denied doing so. Anyway, Captain Miller knew that he wasn't going to let his feelings for Commander Leer to interfere with his mission requirements. While she was now a Group Commander, she shouldn't be going directly into combat in a starfighter, but, knowing her, that's exactly where she would be, orders or not!
So, to start off the repatriation of Aphrodite, the fighter squadron would have to go in first and find out what's on the other side of the stargate. Hopefully, they wouldn't all be destroyed immediately and could report back on what they found. Then the rest of the fleet would barge through one way or another. Captain Travis Miller was determined to get the Tahni off Aphrodite and eventually gain back all the human planets that had taken. He knew this could be a long war, but if that's what it took, then he was going to fight it. It was up to Sgt Hendrix on Aphrodite to help soften up the planetary defenses so Marine drop-ship could eventually land troops to support his fight against the garrisoned Tahni's on the planet. How Sgt Hendrix was going to do what he needed to get done was almost a mystery to him. He had little in the way of assets and very few well trained troops. But, he was going to do his best no matter what.
Meanwhile, the Tahni are up to something else besides fighting around Aphrodite. They apparently have some knowledge of secret stargates that lead back to the Solar System and open up on the opposite side of where Earth's defense forces expect them to appear. Aa far as Earth knew, there was only one stargate into the Solar System and that one was defended by all the fleet assets that was left. They weren't sure if this was enough, but a surprise attack from a different direction would be a disaster, that's for sure!
Another good book and one that seems to finish off this series. Reading about space battles can be confusing without visual aids. Writers have to be very descriptive of what they are presenting or it gets confusing really fast. I can't say I stay up with every battle, but as long as it seems like the forces are doing what they should, then the story doesn't get to incredible. I don't mind reading about space battles and then flipping to ground attacks. Both should happen, but what I'm amazed with is that writers seem to think that one small force can liberate or capture an entire planet just by attacking one small place. Planets are huge places and if they are occupied by any kind of civilization, they will be armed to the teeth. I can't imagine an alien invasion that could bring enough soldiers to take over an entire planet. Oh, it's been done in the movies, but we don't really get to see all the battles. I guess my imagination isn't as polished as some science fiction writers. That's why I'm just a reader!
April 15, 2022
A solid finish to the series and well done on finishing it. The temptation nowadays always seems to be to keeping things going and going. This finishes in a good place with resolution but also potential to continue playing in this universe. Over a solid, down the line military sci-fi series written by someone with a good grasp of warfare (says the civilian).
February 24, 2025
Too short!
This series is kind of a prequel to the universe of the Drop Trooper war against the Tahni. It even mentions the new Vigilante suit concept that Cam & Vicky put to such great effect.
We follow several different & distinct story arcs that have well developed characters that we can relate to and honor the commitment, sense of duty & honor displayed by so many of them as the series progresses. The story flow makes sense and definitely delivers plenty of action. While they are often in desperate situations, many characters still have a sense of humor or especially the snarky attitude needed in these kinds of scenes!
I’m just not certain where to pick up the thread to continue reading…
This series is kind of a prequel to the universe of the Drop Trooper war against the Tahni. It even mentions the new Vigilante suit concept that Cam & Vicky put to such great effect.
We follow several different & distinct story arcs that have well developed characters that we can relate to and honor the commitment, sense of duty & honor displayed by so many of them as the series progresses. The story flow makes sense and definitely delivers plenty of action. While they are often in desperate situations, many characters still have a sense of humor or especially the snarky attitude needed in these kinds of scenes!
I’m just not certain where to pick up the thread to continue reading…
January 12, 2022
great series
It’s all there. Action, suspense, love, hate, suffering, loving and ya, politics! All that in a very well written and laid out for the reader to immerse themself in. The author paints different views and challenges using lead characters in different situations; the task force commander, and crews, the ground pounders, the aviators. How far are you willing to go, to sacrifice, to protect humanity? Enjoy the ride!
It’s all there. Action, suspense, love, hate, suffering, loving and ya, politics! All that in a very well written and laid out for the reader to immerse themself in. The author paints different views and challenges using lead characters in different situations; the task force commander, and crews, the ground pounders, the aviators. How far are you willing to go, to sacrifice, to protect humanity? Enjoy the ride!
January 5, 2022
Great action set and must read for Sci-fi military lovers!
Strong overall plot throughout each book in the seri that connects the story from the first page of book one to the last page of the last book. Characters are well developed and believable. Space and ground military action is intense and we'll written. A reader of Sci-Fi military stories must read this series.
Strong overall plot throughout each book in the seri that connects the story from the first page of book one to the last page of the last book. Characters are well developed and believable. Space and ground military action is intense and we'll written. A reader of Sci-Fi military stories must read this series.
January 30, 2022
A good read surprising at times.
A good read surprising at times but even better for it. If you enjoyed Hendricks adventures then you will enjoy this one to, I did. Give it a try you will be glad you did but must admit reading number one would help but not compulsory and it won't spoil the book either way
Read and enjoy.
A good read surprising at times but even better for it. If you enjoyed Hendricks adventures then you will enjoy this one to, I did. Give it a try you will be glad you did but must admit reading number one would help but not compulsory and it won't spoil the book either way
Read and enjoy.
February 10, 2022
Loved the whole series!
Great series from start to finish! Rick always has such great characters and plausible storyline, I've read most of his books, but this series is a real stand out! Thoroughly enjoyed them, and I love how the Partlowverse is all an interconnected series of stories about the same wars against the same enemy.
Great stuff, as always!
Great series from start to finish! Rick always has such great characters and plausible storyline, I've read most of his books, but this series is a real stand out! Thoroughly enjoyed them, and I love how the Partlowverse is all an interconnected series of stories about the same wars against the same enemy.
Great stuff, as always!
July 15, 2023
Phenomenal finale!
Another great book in the series but also a phenomenal finish to the story. I can't believe how involved I became with all of the characters in Rick Partlow's book. I wish there were four, five or six more books in the series because I would keep on reading. Keep up the good work.
Another great book in the series but also a phenomenal finish to the story. I can't believe how involved I became with all of the characters in Rick Partlow's book. I wish there were four, five or six more books in the series because I would keep on reading. Keep up the good work.
November 6, 2023
Great story
Love the action, the plot, non-stop adventure and struggles by the oppressed. Just a satisfying story in all levels including, presentation, development, enticement, inspiration, and solid characters.
Love the intrigue, love the action, love the justice and sacrifice.
Just a great story
Love the action, the plot, non-stop adventure and struggles by the oppressed. Just a satisfying story in all levels including, presentation, development, enticement, inspiration, and solid characters.
Love the intrigue, love the action, love the justice and sacrifice.
Just a great story
November 28, 2021
Great story
Well that's another great storyline with all the expected blood and guts lol. I am hoping there will be more action with Ryan Hendrix in the thick of it time will tell lol
Well that's another great storyline with all the expected blood and guts lol. I am hoping there will be more action with Ryan Hendrix in the thick of it time will tell lol
December 18, 2021
Great Finish
A awesome finish to this 4 book series, I really enjoyed all 4 books in the series. Great main characters and sub characters carry the stories until the end. Highly recommend this entire series and any story by Rick Partlow.
A awesome finish to this 4 book series, I really enjoyed all 4 books in the series. Great main characters and sub characters carry the stories until the end. Highly recommend this entire series and any story by Rick Partlow.
January 11, 2022
the ending of the series
It was good and should have gone a little more but alas it didn’t. The only thing not wrap up is Captain Travis and Commander Leer. Maybe another series? Don’t know.
It was good and should have gone a little more but alas it didn’t. The only thing not wrap up is Captain Travis and Commander Leer. Maybe another series? Don’t know.
February 23, 2022
Excellent series
The series flows seamlessly through the four books. The progression of the major characters is believable and effortless. The stories are intertwined against a galactic war, separate yet related. The books held my interest and I hardly put the series down.
The series flows seamlessly through the four books. The progression of the major characters is believable and effortless. The stories are intertwined against a galactic war, separate yet related. The books held my interest and I hardly put the series down.
June 20, 2023
Good Series
I only wish I’d known this series was the beginning of the Tahni Wars. I’d already read all of the second Tahni wars series. It has interesting characters and LOTS of action.
I only wish I’d known this series was the beginning of the Tahni Wars. I’d already read all of the second Tahni wars series. It has interesting characters and LOTS of action.
November 28, 2021
Great series and a riveting finale. Really enjoyed the story and non stop action. Well worth a read.
April 12, 2022
Excellent Book
This was a book that far exceeded my expectations and I had very high expectations for it. I hope Rick Partlow knows how much I enjoy his writings.
This was a book that far exceeded my expectations and I had very high expectations for it. I hope Rick Partlow knows how much I enjoy his writings.
May 1, 2022
holy war
Great story following through the books , and the end is just as good as beginning
Enjoyed all the books
Great story following through the books , and the end is just as good as beginning
Enjoyed all the books
May 28, 2022
Non stop.
The holy war series is an excellent read , it really is Non stop action . I very much recommend this series .👍 .
The holy war series is an excellent read , it really is Non stop action . I very much recommend this series .👍 .
July 18, 2022
I would give it a 3.5 but I did round it up to a 4. A good end to this series though I felt like the ending was very rushed.
July 24, 2022
When it comes to military sci-fi Rick Partlow is among the best.
December 22, 2022
Food for sci-fi nuts.
Partlow may be right about our future. Unless we can travel faster than the speed of light interstellar travel is beyond our life span.
Partlow may be right about our future. Unless we can travel faster than the speed of light interstellar travel is beyond our life span.
June 2, 2023
Great series!
Partlow does not disappoint! Solid plot and good pace to the action. Well worth the time and money. The Author earned it!
Partlow does not disappoint! Solid plot and good pace to the action. Well worth the time and money. The Author earned it!
January 1, 2024
Awesome Adventure
An excellent ending to an awesome series. Full of action and adventure that left me gasping for breath. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
An excellent ending to an awesome series. Full of action and adventure that left me gasping for breath. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
April 11, 2024
Flows well
Characters are developed in a logical pace. Difficult character decisions make sense and support the drama and suspense of the story
Characters are developed in a logical pace. Difficult character decisions make sense and support the drama and suspense of the story
November 6, 2024
non stop action
Rick Paltrow continue to amaze me. Fantastic series
I read the entire Drop Trooper series and was left wanting more, he delivered
Rick Paltrow continue to amaze me. Fantastic series
I read the entire Drop Trooper series and was left wanting more, he delivered
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews