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Glory #1
Humanity's Last Hope
One last chance for Glory. One last hope for humanity.A ship pulled out of mothballs by the original crew, sent to fight a war humanity was losing.Glory barely survived its last battle twenty years earlier. Captain Drake resigned rather than face court martial. But the enemy is back. Humanity needs everything that can fly.Maybe it’s not the ship at all, but the crew. They hold the key.Drake rallies old and young alike to comply with orders so secret, even he wasn’t allowed to see them until after the ship left the junkyard. Would it leave? That was another question. The core hadn’t been fired in twenty years.The smell of decay filled the massive ship’s corridors. The stench of death lingered, the death of Drake’s crew, a nightmare from long ago.The Paragon have weapons that humanity couldn’t contemplate. But here they were, suing for peace. The people of Earth jumped at the carrot. The end of war! Could it be too good to be true?Drake had his orders from an admiral who knew too much. Glory must launch.And with it, the fate of humanity rested on the shoulders of a broken crew, carrying a weapon like no other, hoping for one clear shot.One last chance for Glory.
538 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2021
About the author
Ira Heinichen
13 books14 followersIra Heinichen is a writer / professional thumb wrestler living in Los Angeles. He is currently writing about himself using the third-person, pretending that it’s someone else, like he’s so important and busy that he needs other people to write these things for him (he doesn't). He’s also pretending about the “thumb wrestler” part of that first sentence. The writer part is true…but he’s probably blown that credibility already with the afore-mentioned mistruths.
I write SciFi books, I journal daily on my website, I host a podcast called “Film School,” and I live in Los Angeles with my amazing wife and my more-amazing dogs (sorry, Bear) Cooper, Joy, and forever in my heart, Coco (2014-2023).
I really hope you enjoy my stories 🙂
I write SciFi books, I journal daily on my website, I host a podcast called “Film School,” and I live in Los Angeles with my amazing wife and my more-amazing dogs (sorry, Bear) Cooper, Joy, and forever in my heart, Coco (2014-2023).
I really hope you enjoy my stories 🙂
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 10, 2023
3.5*
I'm giving it four stars because it's an indie book and because it was entertaining, otherwise I would have given three stars.
Why? Well, this is a typical rapid-release book, meaning it's not bad and the author is a pro who knows what he's doing but there wasn't a single original idea in the book. Everything about the story, characters and setting I've seen or read before.
Most of the time it felt like a Battlestar Galactica Deja-vu but with aliens instead of Cylons.
An old ship with an old crew becomes humanity's last hope as murderous aliens attack Earth with the goal of total destruction. There's also a Death Star. And "navigators" who magically make ships jump through space.
We have an old captain, a rugged doctor, a stern XO, a young ambitious overachieving officer, a pilot hotshot--and aliens infiltrating the crew in human form.
As I say, plenty of deja-vus there.
Now I'm aware that those rapid-release books are very successful and popular because many readers want exactly this: stuff they already know but slightly different.
Those kind of readers will love the book, but those who prefer originality, not so much.
The book isn't bad. It's well written, the prose is good, the dialogues are well-done and the space combat is very visual. Actually the space combat was what I liked most.
The story seems very old-school, like an 80s sci-fi movie, which is nothing bad but it seems as if the future described in the book had come directly from the 80s, meaning it's very analog and lacks the digital part of the world as we know it.
There's no internet, no AI, no robots etc. The ship is steered by actual people with only basic computers. While this makes sense in the world of Battlestar Galactica, where the Cylons can hack such technology and humans therefore don't use it, there's no explanation here. It's simply an analog world.
Nevertheless, the book was fun and an easy read.
I'm giving it four stars because it's an indie book and because it was entertaining, otherwise I would have given three stars.
Why? Well, this is a typical rapid-release book, meaning it's not bad and the author is a pro who knows what he's doing but there wasn't a single original idea in the book. Everything about the story, characters and setting I've seen or read before.
Most of the time it felt like a Battlestar Galactica Deja-vu but with aliens instead of Cylons.
An old ship with an old crew becomes humanity's last hope as murderous aliens attack Earth with the goal of total destruction. There's also a Death Star. And "navigators" who magically make ships jump through space.
We have an old captain, a rugged doctor, a stern XO, a young ambitious overachieving officer, a pilot hotshot--and aliens infiltrating the crew in human form.
As I say, plenty of deja-vus there.
Now I'm aware that those rapid-release books are very successful and popular because many readers want exactly this: stuff they already know but slightly different.
Those kind of readers will love the book, but those who prefer originality, not so much.
The book isn't bad. It's well written, the prose is good, the dialogues are well-done and the space combat is very visual. Actually the space combat was what I liked most.
The story seems very old-school, like an 80s sci-fi movie, which is nothing bad but it seems as if the future described in the book had come directly from the 80s, meaning it's very analog and lacks the digital part of the world as we know it.
There's no internet, no AI, no robots etc. The ship is steered by actual people with only basic computers. While this makes sense in the world of Battlestar Galactica, where the Cylons can hack such technology and humans therefore don't use it, there's no explanation here. It's simply an analog world.
Nevertheless, the book was fun and an easy read.
January 6, 2022
Holy crap, this was a great read! I went through this book in like 5 days because I could not put it down. I was going to bed early and planning time when I could read it it was so good. A book has not picked me up and taken me along with it using unstoppable force as a 100-foot wave in a long time. This was just excellent!
I've known Ira Heinichen is a great writer since I read his debut novel Star Stuff, and Ira is lucky I'm a watchmaker with a lot of patience waiting for the Escape from Red Tower book 2. He was so good it is worth the wait. When I saw him team up with Craig Martelle, one of the undisputed masters of military sci-fi, it was a no-brainer. That was an insta-click for me. You put two phenomenal writers like that together and magic happens. And it did.
The story and storyline were outstanding. The characters were true to life, flawed, and real, and relatable. The book reads like a movie, and it WOULD make a great movie.
I do not want to go into any plot and it would be unfair to reveal spoilers. Suffice it to say that an unstoppable alien force, the Paragon, with more dirty tricks than seems possible, better technology, and unstoppable resources wants to swat the human race like a fly and exterminate us. Our saviors: 1 retired old starship captain, one untried crew, one untested fighter commander, and one great XO. once mighty ship in her Glory (sic) days, now mothballed, decrepit, and about done. And that's what we're counting on to save us. There are battles galore, between people, aliens, fighters, and capital ships. There are surprise saves, and there are some really, really big "didn't see that coming" surprises. Not to mention a cyborg marine, and - wait for it - a cyborg dog!
I went through this book like Grant went through Richmond. And folks, I was preparing for a final defense on an advanced degree when I started this and finished it 5 days later. Not good planning to be sleep-deprived because I can't put the book down! (I still got an A).
Suffice it to say, that this book would get 6 or 7 stars if I could give them. Will I read the 2nd book in the series, not yet published? Already pre-ordered! Would I recommend this? Hail, yes! Look, you can't go to theme parks and ride terrifying roller coasters at the moment due to the 'rona, so you might as well save the money and the hassle and just read this book.
Craig, Ira, I know the Paragon aren't done yet, and there is a lot more story to tell. Keep writing!
I've known Ira Heinichen is a great writer since I read his debut novel Star Stuff, and Ira is lucky I'm a watchmaker with a lot of patience waiting for the Escape from Red Tower book 2. He was so good it is worth the wait. When I saw him team up with Craig Martelle, one of the undisputed masters of military sci-fi, it was a no-brainer. That was an insta-click for me. You put two phenomenal writers like that together and magic happens. And it did.
The story and storyline were outstanding. The characters were true to life, flawed, and real, and relatable. The book reads like a movie, and it WOULD make a great movie.
I do not want to go into any plot and it would be unfair to reveal spoilers. Suffice it to say that an unstoppable alien force, the Paragon, with more dirty tricks than seems possible, better technology, and unstoppable resources wants to swat the human race like a fly and exterminate us. Our saviors: 1 retired old starship captain, one untried crew, one untested fighter commander, and one great XO. once mighty ship in her Glory (sic) days, now mothballed, decrepit, and about done. And that's what we're counting on to save us. There are battles galore, between people, aliens, fighters, and capital ships. There are surprise saves, and there are some really, really big "didn't see that coming" surprises. Not to mention a cyborg marine, and - wait for it - a cyborg dog!
I went through this book like Grant went through Richmond. And folks, I was preparing for a final defense on an advanced degree when I started this and finished it 5 days later. Not good planning to be sleep-deprived because I can't put the book down! (I still got an A).
Suffice it to say, that this book would get 6 or 7 stars if I could give them. Will I read the 2nd book in the series, not yet published? Already pre-ordered! Would I recommend this? Hail, yes! Look, you can't go to theme parks and ride terrifying roller coasters at the moment due to the 'rona, so you might as well save the money and the hassle and just read this book.
Craig, Ira, I know the Paragon aren't done yet, and there is a lot more story to tell. Keep writing!
June 16, 2026
A Disgraced Captain and his former, now derelict ship are put to their ultimate test.
Captain Drake was betrayed and forced to resign his commission. He fought hard against a persevering, alien enemy of Earth’s. He is asked to return to duty, by the very man that betrayed him, just as peace talks with the Paragon, that old enemy, are getting underway. He is assigned his old ship, which has been abandoned in a salvage yard, most of his old crew as possible, as well as newcomers, all oddballs, rejects and rebels. The Paragon arrive in the solar system just as Drake and his mothballed ship are leaving it, he witnesses their arrival turn into an invasion. He fires a salvo that aids one ship but it isn’t enough. His ship is forced to limp away, to get up to full strength before returning to the fight. Will it be enough? What will it take, to destroy a fleet of hundreds, intent on destroying humanity?
Captain Drake was betrayed and forced to resign his commission. He fought hard against a persevering, alien enemy of Earth’s. He is asked to return to duty, by the very man that betrayed him, just as peace talks with the Paragon, that old enemy, are getting underway. He is assigned his old ship, which has been abandoned in a salvage yard, most of his old crew as possible, as well as newcomers, all oddballs, rejects and rebels. The Paragon arrive in the solar system just as Drake and his mothballed ship are leaving it, he witnesses their arrival turn into an invasion. He fires a salvo that aids one ship but it isn’t enough. His ship is forced to limp away, to get up to full strength before returning to the fight. Will it be enough? What will it take, to destroy a fleet of hundreds, intent on destroying humanity?
January 30, 2022
I think that I've become a sucker for decrepit spaceships, and battle weary crews!
I loved this story from the minute I started reading it, and hope to heaven that Glory won't just be a two-story tale (I've already pre-ordered the next one!).
As usual, Craig has written believable characters, and a plotline that had me on the edge of my seat at times.
This actually reminded me a little of the film Firefly - one of my absolute favourite Space movies - for some reason, and it gave me that same feeling of battle weary soldiers still willing to defy authority, but save humanity anyway, despite the unfairness heaped upon them by those same authorities!
This looks to be yet another great series, and I'm very much looking forward to learning more about the Captain and crew of Glory.
I loved this story from the minute I started reading it, and hope to heaven that Glory won't just be a two-story tale (I've already pre-ordered the next one!).
As usual, Craig has written believable characters, and a plotline that had me on the edge of my seat at times.
This actually reminded me a little of the film Firefly - one of my absolute favourite Space movies - for some reason, and it gave me that same feeling of battle weary soldiers still willing to defy authority, but save humanity anyway, despite the unfairness heaped upon them by those same authorities!
This looks to be yet another great series, and I'm very much looking forward to learning more about the Captain and crew of Glory.
February 12, 2023
Getting old doesn't mean getting useless.
Glory was mothballed after her last mission; never to fly again. Her Captain was retired. Until the Admiral recalled him, any of his crew that could fly & new crew to fill the gaps. And Glory, barely spaceworthy, has to race into "battle" the day that the Paragon came to sign the Peace Accords. Captain Drake doesn't believe that will be the outcome; so he races to his first destination with a ship that may not make it & a green crew besides.
This story made me laugh, cry , get anxious & angry, fierce & fire-y. But I couldn't put it down either. And I am ready for a long series because this is a winning team writing it. A really long series please?
Glory was mothballed after her last mission; never to fly again. Her Captain was retired. Until the Admiral recalled him, any of his crew that could fly & new crew to fill the gaps. And Glory, barely spaceworthy, has to race into "battle" the day that the Paragon came to sign the Peace Accords. Captain Drake doesn't believe that will be the outcome; so he races to his first destination with a ship that may not make it & a green crew besides.
This story made me laugh, cry , get anxious & angry, fierce & fire-y. But I couldn't put it down either. And I am ready for a long series because this is a winning team writing it. A really long series please?
March 31, 2024
Highly recommend
I usually read 3-5 books a week. Recently I've been unfocused & haven't managed more than a chapter or 2 at a time. Glory pullled me out of my slump; I couldn't put it down.
Glory is action-packed enough to satisfy any fan of the military sci-fi genre. It's also a feel good story about outsiders, the rejected, the old finding their place and their usefulness. And for someone like me who's never served in the armed forces, it gave some sense of what makes those who do serve tick.
Highly recommend. (My only quibble is that in the first 1/3 of the book the phrase "torso-sized" got quite a work-out. ; ) )
I usually read 3-5 books a week. Recently I've been unfocused & haven't managed more than a chapter or 2 at a time. Glory pullled me out of my slump; I couldn't put it down.
Glory is action-packed enough to satisfy any fan of the military sci-fi genre. It's also a feel good story about outsiders, the rejected, the old finding their place and their usefulness. And for someone like me who's never served in the armed forces, it gave some sense of what makes those who do serve tick.
Highly recommend. (My only quibble is that in the first 1/3 of the book the phrase "torso-sized" got quite a work-out. ; ) )
October 14, 2022
One of the best books I've read this year
What a great book this was. If the next installment is as good as this then I'll be pleased to no end. I loved his character development as the story unfolded (no pun intended). I really enjoyed the Marine solder. He was a great addition to the story. The whole book is fast action, great battle sequences and with some tender moments. I did not pick who the traitor was until the the author revealed the person, great job. Anyone who likes military thrillers should NOT miss GLORY. A Great book!
What a great book this was. If the next installment is as good as this then I'll be pleased to no end. I loved his character development as the story unfolded (no pun intended). I really enjoyed the Marine solder. He was a great addition to the story. The whole book is fast action, great battle sequences and with some tender moments. I did not pick who the traitor was until the the author revealed the person, great job. Anyone who likes military thrillers should NOT miss GLORY. A Great book!
December 11, 2021
Old School excellent
Argh! But I have to wait another year for the continuation.
Rapid, intense, important action. Outstanding character development and world building. The Earth's enemy is relentless, unwavering, and diabolical. I really Care about these people and it is going to be hard to wait for the sequel. Fortunately, this is one of those timeless stories that can be revisited often and thoroughly enjoyed each reading.
Take off with the crew of the Glory
Argh! But I have to wait another year for the continuation.
Rapid, intense, important action. Outstanding character development and world building. The Earth's enemy is relentless, unwavering, and diabolical. I really Care about these people and it is going to be hard to wait for the sequel. Fortunately, this is one of those timeless stories that can be revisited often and thoroughly enjoyed each reading.
Take off with the crew of the Glory
December 21, 2021
Definitely Intense
The battle scenes are detailed and provide some unanticipated plot twists which manage to save the day. Decent character development and some unusual supporting cast members keep a multithreaded storyline from becoming routine or boring. Acceptable sci-fi with just a touch of magic tech when needed. This installment ends with all story threads resolved and a lead in for the next installment.
The battle scenes are detailed and provide some unanticipated plot twists which manage to save the day. Decent character development and some unusual supporting cast members keep a multithreaded storyline from becoming routine or boring. Acceptable sci-fi with just a touch of magic tech when needed. This installment ends with all story threads resolved and a lead in for the next installment.
January 15, 2022
Military Heroic SciFi
This is an awesome book. Space ships, aliens trying to destroy humanity, crusty rejected military leader being asked to save Earth. Leadership, sacrifice, and lots of firepower make this an awesome book to read. I couldn’t put it down. One of my top books to come out of the Martelle publishing machine. Craig has continues to help newer authors become excellent ones.
This is an awesome book. Space ships, aliens trying to destroy humanity, crusty rejected military leader being asked to save Earth. Leadership, sacrifice, and lots of firepower make this an awesome book to read. I couldn’t put it down. One of my top books to come out of the Martelle publishing machine. Craig has continues to help newer authors become excellent ones.
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December 24, 2021Great
I think this was the best book I've read in quite some time, and that's saying something.
It Was edited perfectly with not a single misspelled word, my biggest pet peeve, and no badly worded or awkward sentences.
And the story was as good as anything Craig Martelle has written. I haven't read anything by Ira Heinichen before but I will soon.
I think this was the best book I've read in quite some time, and that's saying something.
It Was edited perfectly with not a single misspelled word, my biggest pet peeve, and no badly worded or awkward sentences.
And the story was as good as anything Craig Martelle has written. I haven't read anything by Ira Heinichen before but I will soon.
December 29, 2021
Fantastic
I read this great book in one setting! There was simply no place to stop! Wow!!! Great characters and action and darn if I wasn't caught up like I was there. I loved everything about this book! I can't believe I have to wait for the next one! I'm ready to read it right now!!!!!
I read this great book in one setting! There was simply no place to stop! Wow!!! Great characters and action and darn if I wasn't caught up like I was there. I loved everything about this book! I can't believe I have to wait for the next one! I'm ready to read it right now!!!!!
March 11, 2022
Familiar
Lots of things you have likely read in other books here. An old ship in moth balls, an alien that can inhabit humans and control them, the last of a cloned solider, old 'salts' discarded and given less than honorable discharges after they saved the world and a mage type alien who can jump ships. All old hat yet somehow it works?
Lots of things you have likely read in other books here. An old ship in moth balls, an alien that can inhabit humans and control them, the last of a cloned solider, old 'salts' discarded and given less than honorable discharges after they saved the world and a mage type alien who can jump ships. All old hat yet somehow it works?
November 12, 2022
New Tech
80% of what I read is military based and a large percentage of that is space based. Many authors are comfortable using very similar tech from weapons to ship design in their work. This book has introduced some new ship based weapons tech, as well as ship navigation and propulsion schemes. Nice to see some new innovations and even some space based "pets".
80% of what I read is military based and a large percentage of that is space based. Many authors are comfortable using very similar tech from weapons to ship design in their work. This book has introduced some new ship based weapons tech, as well as ship navigation and propulsion schemes. Nice to see some new innovations and even some space based "pets".
March 14, 2023
An excellent story
This is an outstanding Space Opera.I have always enjoyed reading any books by Craig Martelle but especially his Space Operas. Plenty of action with interesting and unique characters and a suitably evil antagonist. I look forward to reading the next book and see more from Ira Heinichen
This is an outstanding Space Opera.I have always enjoyed reading any books by Craig Martelle but especially his Space Operas. Plenty of action with interesting and unique characters and a suitably evil antagonist. I look forward to reading the next book and see more from Ira Heinichen
March 3, 2022
Action packed!
I love military sci-fi, and this story does not disappoint - plenty of action, characters you get to know and love, and plenty of twists in the plot. Well written, flows quickly,and a great read!
I love military sci-fi, and this story does not disappoint - plenty of action, characters you get to know and love, and plenty of twists in the plot. Well written, flows quickly,and a great read!
January 7, 2023
Glory the new series
Excellent! A great start to a new exciting series from the pens (make that word processors )
of Craig Martelle (other wise known as CH Gideon) and Ira Heinichen. This budding universe is captivating as are the characters inhabiting it.
Excellent! A great start to a new exciting series from the pens (make that word processors )
of Craig Martelle (other wise known as CH Gideon) and Ira Heinichen. This budding universe is captivating as are the characters inhabiting it.
February 21, 2023
Once I started the read could not put it down. Great characters, lots of action and you did not know who would live or die. This read keep you on the edge of your seat until it was finished. Just purchased book 2 of the trilogy.
April 14, 2023
Rates with the best SF books i’ve read.
An excellently told story, vivid battle scenes and deep characters. The book was well- written and believable to the end. No complaints. Truly enjoyable.
An excellently told story, vivid battle scenes and deep characters. The book was well- written and believable to the end. No complaints. Truly enjoyable.
April 26, 2023
Space War Opera!
Finally! I’ve been looking for a good mil-sci-fi space opera for a while now. This is it! Great characters, great tension, great battles. And the lessons in leadership are cream on top.
Finally! I’ve been looking for a good mil-sci-fi space opera for a while now. This is it! Great characters, great tension, great battles. And the lessons in leadership are cream on top.
August 15, 2023
Really fun book
Loved this book, the characters, the action, the interesting technology. The locations were also really cool. I am glad this is a series as the characters definitely need to be enjoyed further. I definitely recommend this book.
Loved this book, the characters, the action, the interesting technology. The locations were also really cool. I am glad this is a series as the characters definitely need to be enjoyed further. I definitely recommend this book.
September 8, 2023
Not your average story
A little blood thirsty, a little unbelievable, but somehow the story works. First time in ages I’ve stayed the course on a Kindle Unlimited book. Deserves the five stars for the believable characters, technology and action. Looking forward to book two.
A little blood thirsty, a little unbelievable, but somehow the story works. First time in ages I’ve stayed the course on a Kindle Unlimited book. Deserves the five stars for the believable characters, technology and action. Looking forward to book two.
January 26, 2024
riveting
Truly enjoyed this book. Characters coming together under duress, with both obvious and hidden dangers. A hint of magic amongst military technology. Putting everything on the line in small space fighters, hand to
hand, majestic space battles, and yes finding a cool dog.
Truly enjoyed this book. Characters coming together under duress, with both obvious and hidden dangers. A hint of magic amongst military technology. Putting everything on the line in small space fighters, hand to
hand, majestic space battles, and yes finding a cool dog.
November 11, 2024
One fine read
Truly good science fiction, with heroic but believable characters, bloodthirsty aliens, realistic space combat, plausible dialogue, and writing that grabs and holds the reader
Truly good science fiction, with heroic but believable characters, bloodthirsty aliens, realistic space combat, plausible dialogue, and writing that grabs and holds the reader
February 6, 2026
Fun read, lots of action and twists.
Good story, plenty of heroes and really bad and powerful aliens. Hey there were some holes in the story...but thats ok, it still kept me up late to finish it...now For book 2
Good story, plenty of heroes and really bad and powerful aliens. Hey there were some holes in the story...but thats ok, it still kept me up late to finish it...now For book 2
December 22, 2021
Sometimes tedious
The read was good but the plot took a long time to become clear. A quicker plot. Clarification would have dramatically improved the reader experience
The read was good but the plot took a long time to become clear. A quicker plot. Clarification would have dramatically improved the reader experience
December 31, 2021
I only give two ratings. 5 or 0. I like it or I don't. This one I liked - a lot. Actually brought out a few years near the end. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
January 9, 2022
Grand space opera
I only wish the ship had an AI to aid the captain and crew. Good guys did fine without it.
I only wish the ship had an AI to aid the captain and crew. Good guys did fine without it.
January 17, 2022
GOOD BOOK.
June 8, 2022
Good
Lots of bad words. The book is great but I would like a warning. I kept reading because of craig martelle. I try not to let my grand kids read certain books.
Lots of bad words. The book is great but I would like a warning. I kept reading because of craig martelle. I try not to let my grand kids read certain books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews