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Federation Chronicles #3
Acheron Redemption
Sentinel warships were the answer to the Federation Wars. They brought peace and stability... or so they thought.
The Sentinels are a menace, terrorizing spacers across the galaxy in their hunt. But change is coming, and spacers across the galaxy will have to choose whether to fight for their future or not.
Quinton thought the Sentinels were malfunctioning fleets of warships, left over from the Federation Wars, but they’re much worse. They’re an instrument of control meant to hold the galaxy stagnant in its development.
With Sentinel fleets preparing for a major incursion, Admiral Quinton Aldren must get the new Alliance space navy into fighting shape. But how can he build an armada, when most spacers believe he’s the enemy?
Quinton will fight. All that remains is how many spacers will join him in fighting for humanity’s future.
The Sentinels are a menace, terrorizing spacers across the galaxy in their hunt. But change is coming, and spacers across the galaxy will have to choose whether to fight for their future or not.
Quinton thought the Sentinels were malfunctioning fleets of warships, left over from the Federation Wars, but they’re much worse. They’re an instrument of control meant to hold the galaxy stagnant in its development.
With Sentinel fleets preparing for a major incursion, Admiral Quinton Aldren must get the new Alliance space navy into fighting shape. But how can he build an armada, when most spacers believe he’s the enemy?
Quinton will fight. All that remains is how many spacers will join him in fighting for humanity’s future.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2021
151 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Ken Lozito
61 books467 followersKen Lozito is the best-selling author of multiple science fiction series, including First Colony, Ascension, & Federation Chronicles. He writes about first contact, colonization, exploration, heroic tales, redemption stories, and old-fashion adventure stories with rich and interesting characters. He’s had over a million books sold and loves the fact he’s been able to reach so many amazing readers with his stories. Readers have lost precious hours of sleep while they read just one more page.
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 18, 2022
Talk about a story that's grown! This is the ultimate in rising from nothing to something significant. Quinton Aldren is a PMC (Personality Matrix Construct) who once woke up in the body of a gardener robot! Now he's the Fleet Admiral of the United Federation Alliance (UFA). While he was in the body of the gardener robot, he really didn't know who or what he was. He soon found others who eventually acknowledged that he was a very intelligent robot or even something more. That something more grew into the Galactic class PMC with the authority to command other PMCs. Only, PMCs aren't something that anyone wants wandering around the universe.
ln their original configuration, PMCs were to enhance human capabilities in waging war. The Acheron Confederacy developed a way to take "volunteer" military personnel and place them temporarily into constructed bodies that were in appearance human, but with enhanced strength and the mental capacity of a super computer. After the war, these PMCs were to be transferred back to newly grown human bodies grown from the DNA of the original person. But, something started making the PMCs to go crazy. They became mentally unstable and that caused them to be very dangerous to anyone and everyone. That's when the Sentinels were created to hunt down PMCs and eradicate them from the universe.
All of that happened a long, long time ago. The Federation War and other wars between humans had long ended, and those PMCs that hadn't been destroyed shut themselves down so as not to be discovered. Still, the Sentinels continued their relentless pursuit of PMCs. Any time the got a signal of a PMC they would attack immediately and wipe out anything and everything around that signal. Entire planets were completely wiped out of living beings in search of a single PMC signal. So, it was understandable that humans were deathly scared of Sentinels and anything having to do with them. They definitely did not want any kind of association with a PMC. Yet, Quinton Aldren found a group of spacers willing to accept him for what he was knowing that he was some how different than what they thought about PMCs.
For Quinton's part, he saw the human civilization as struggling to exist. They were afraid of using technology or even developing new tech due to their fear of reprisals from the Sentinels. What tech the humans of this era had were scavenged from the destroyed remnants of the
Federation War. Additionally, the humans of this era preferred to be mobile so they could flee any planet or area where the Sentinels would have show up. Quinton Aldren believed that humanity deserved better and was going to rid the universe of these Sentinels.
And that was his first mistake. He and his compatriots had found an abandon Acheron Confederacy military base which eventually led him to finding a huge planet-sized starship called the Salvation. This ship was the tool that Quinton needed to set in motion his ideas of ridding the universe of Sentinels. Yet, he had no idea of how many Sentinels there were or where they originated from. He set about trying to convince the humans of this era to start fighting back against the Sentinels. He wanted alliances of various groups to come and form his United Federation Alliance. Together, he convinced many that they could defeat the Sentinels which would allow humans to live without fear.
But, not all plans are thoroughly thought out! Now Admiral Quinton Aldren would soon find that his dreams of a quick battle with the Sentinels was not going to happen. They were far more than he had ever assumed so his plans were definitely going to have to change. The only think he now knew was that he might not live to see the end of this new war.
Pretty good book with some really great characters. It's easy to associate with some of these characters since they are so very normal in their actions. The story doesn't always turn out as you expected and that's a sign of a well thought out book. I really liked this entire series, but this is the last book. I didn't mind the ending.
ln their original configuration, PMCs were to enhance human capabilities in waging war. The Acheron Confederacy developed a way to take "volunteer" military personnel and place them temporarily into constructed bodies that were in appearance human, but with enhanced strength and the mental capacity of a super computer. After the war, these PMCs were to be transferred back to newly grown human bodies grown from the DNA of the original person. But, something started making the PMCs to go crazy. They became mentally unstable and that caused them to be very dangerous to anyone and everyone. That's when the Sentinels were created to hunt down PMCs and eradicate them from the universe.
All of that happened a long, long time ago. The Federation War and other wars between humans had long ended, and those PMCs that hadn't been destroyed shut themselves down so as not to be discovered. Still, the Sentinels continued their relentless pursuit of PMCs. Any time the got a signal of a PMC they would attack immediately and wipe out anything and everything around that signal. Entire planets were completely wiped out of living beings in search of a single PMC signal. So, it was understandable that humans were deathly scared of Sentinels and anything having to do with them. They definitely did not want any kind of association with a PMC. Yet, Quinton Aldren found a group of spacers willing to accept him for what he was knowing that he was some how different than what they thought about PMCs.
For Quinton's part, he saw the human civilization as struggling to exist. They were afraid of using technology or even developing new tech due to their fear of reprisals from the Sentinels. What tech the humans of this era had were scavenged from the destroyed remnants of the
Federation War. Additionally, the humans of this era preferred to be mobile so they could flee any planet or area where the Sentinels would have show up. Quinton Aldren believed that humanity deserved better and was going to rid the universe of these Sentinels.
And that was his first mistake. He and his compatriots had found an abandon Acheron Confederacy military base which eventually led him to finding a huge planet-sized starship called the Salvation. This ship was the tool that Quinton needed to set in motion his ideas of ridding the universe of Sentinels. Yet, he had no idea of how many Sentinels there were or where they originated from. He set about trying to convince the humans of this era to start fighting back against the Sentinels. He wanted alliances of various groups to come and form his United Federation Alliance. Together, he convinced many that they could defeat the Sentinels which would allow humans to live without fear.
But, not all plans are thoroughly thought out! Now Admiral Quinton Aldren would soon find that his dreams of a quick battle with the Sentinels was not going to happen. They were far more than he had ever assumed so his plans were definitely going to have to change. The only think he now knew was that he might not live to see the end of this new war.
Pretty good book with some really great characters. It's easy to associate with some of these characters since they are so very normal in their actions. The story doesn't always turn out as you expected and that's a sign of a well thought out book. I really liked this entire series, but this is the last book. I didn't mind the ending.
December 30, 2021
3 stars for Book 3 and 3 stars for the overall trilogy.
I should note that I've been rounding up the ratings for this trilogy as we've progressed. Unfortunately, in the case of "Acheron Redemption", this indicates that I'm rounding up EXTREMELY generously from the two-point-something score I'd give it to the three stars you see here. I know that's not proper math but there you go. 'Tis the season and all that.
Ken Lozito's third "Federation Chronicles" was a severe disappointment to me for what I thought was a fairly well set up story-line and overall sold "space opera" structure. Sure, not all of what I'd seen up to this point was all that impressive or even really original but I had been keeping the faith that something truly epic was coming ever since I closed out Book 2 some months ago. However, it was already a bad sign after I got a few chapters into this third installment when I decided that I needed to go back and re-read that second tome. This simply because it became far too apparent to me that neither the story nor the main players were memorable enough to continue and I found myself quite lost. Oh well, the few hours it cost me weren't so bad (though I did not enjoy it nearly as much as the first read, in large part for reasons that I mention below for Book 3).
Moving directly on into this chapter then with a renewed acquaintance as to the happenings and cast of Book 2, I sadly have to say that I think this final book suffered from - among other faults including a painfully sloooooooow start - too much repetitiveness on one hand (yes, we get it: Simon's dimple was both little AND adorable) and then dead-end passages on the other (was there any actual purpose to Becker and his cohorts ever being at Borealis Station, other than confirming Guttman's alien spaceworm, which was almost but not quite as stupid as his watch having been a beacon for the enemy?). It just comes down to the fact that even after completion of the trilogy now, I still found far too much of the text and information appeared to have had little function other than to occupy space. It certainly did little to progress either the on-going mysteries around us or even the expected growth of the characters who for the most part stayed extremely stagnant.
And the dead-end space-filling wasn't even necessary, at least not to me truth be told. There were so, so many mysteries were left unexplained or just glanced over. Yes, Stumpy reappeared but why bother bringing his species into the mix at all (maybe trying to sell a kind of Baby Yoda doll)? Why did people have to die to become PMC's if they could then later be put back into organic bodies (they just did it and then were dead-dead or did they continue to serve the military while their data back-ups waited)? Where the heck did Quinton's ability to analyze DNA just from looking at someone come (see his meeting with Teagan)? How or why did Desher actually "die" (lights out, bye bye)? There are more but I just don't have the time or patience to go into the most obvious examples here…
What was truly disappointing though was the often indecipherably bad dialogue that populated far too much of the interactions. Case in point:
"Maelyn looked at her XO. She hoped they had enough time to really get to know one another because she thought they could be good friends one day."
Really? An intergalactic crisis is going on and we're wondering about finding a new BFF? I'm glad I had this on Kindle, otherwise my copy might have flown out the window and dented my neighbor's new car at this point… In fact, throughout this story, the lovey-dovey bits are just presented way out of character and more often than not come across as just kind of clumsy and sad. In many ways, I think this story would have benefitted from their complete omission, particularly as this had not been a focus before. Yes, yes, you could have left that last bit in to keep the pundents happy but still…
To end on some kind of positive note, I did think Lozito handled some of the battle scenes quite well. And the final few reveals weren't all that bad (new planets for everyone!) even though it is still a bit difficult to imagine that all this arose (or concluded) as it did - noting I found the climax "battle" to be far too abrupt. I just really got the feeling as the book sped to a conclusion that the author wanted to do little more than just that: finish a story-line that perhaps he didn't really have much interest in anymore so he could get to the next project. Oh well, better luck next time.
I should note that I've been rounding up the ratings for this trilogy as we've progressed. Unfortunately, in the case of "Acheron Redemption", this indicates that I'm rounding up EXTREMELY generously from the two-point-something score I'd give it to the three stars you see here. I know that's not proper math but there you go. 'Tis the season and all that.
Ken Lozito's third "Federation Chronicles" was a severe disappointment to me for what I thought was a fairly well set up story-line and overall sold "space opera" structure. Sure, not all of what I'd seen up to this point was all that impressive or even really original but I had been keeping the faith that something truly epic was coming ever since I closed out Book 2 some months ago. However, it was already a bad sign after I got a few chapters into this third installment when I decided that I needed to go back and re-read that second tome. This simply because it became far too apparent to me that neither the story nor the main players were memorable enough to continue and I found myself quite lost. Oh well, the few hours it cost me weren't so bad (though I did not enjoy it nearly as much as the first read, in large part for reasons that I mention below for Book 3).
Moving directly on into this chapter then with a renewed acquaintance as to the happenings and cast of Book 2, I sadly have to say that I think this final book suffered from - among other faults including a painfully sloooooooow start - too much repetitiveness on one hand (yes, we get it: Simon's dimple was both little AND adorable) and then dead-end passages on the other (was there any actual purpose to Becker and his cohorts ever being at Borealis Station, other than confirming Guttman's alien spaceworm, which was almost but not quite as stupid as his watch having been a beacon for the enemy?). It just comes down to the fact that even after completion of the trilogy now, I still found far too much of the text and information appeared to have had little function other than to occupy space. It certainly did little to progress either the on-going mysteries around us or even the expected growth of the characters who for the most part stayed extremely stagnant.
And the dead-end space-filling wasn't even necessary, at least not to me truth be told. There were so, so many mysteries were left unexplained or just glanced over. Yes, Stumpy reappeared but why bother bringing his species into the mix at all (maybe trying to sell a kind of Baby Yoda doll)? Why did people have to die to become PMC's if they could then later be put back into organic bodies (they just did it and then were dead-dead or did they continue to serve the military while their data back-ups waited)? Where the heck did Quinton's ability to analyze DNA just from looking at someone come (see his meeting with Teagan)? How or why did Desher actually "die" (lights out, bye bye)? There are more but I just don't have the time or patience to go into the most obvious examples here…
What was truly disappointing though was the often indecipherably bad dialogue that populated far too much of the interactions. Case in point:
"Maelyn looked at her XO. She hoped they had enough time to really get to know one another because she thought they could be good friends one day."
Really? An intergalactic crisis is going on and we're wondering about finding a new BFF? I'm glad I had this on Kindle, otherwise my copy might have flown out the window and dented my neighbor's new car at this point… In fact, throughout this story, the lovey-dovey bits are just presented way out of character and more often than not come across as just kind of clumsy and sad. In many ways, I think this story would have benefitted from their complete omission, particularly as this had not been a focus before. Yes, yes, you could have left that last bit in to keep the pundents happy but still…
To end on some kind of positive note, I did think Lozito handled some of the battle scenes quite well. And the final few reveals weren't all that bad (new planets for everyone!) even though it is still a bit difficult to imagine that all this arose (or concluded) as it did - noting I found the climax "battle" to be far too abrupt. I just really got the feeling as the book sped to a conclusion that the author wanted to do little more than just that: finish a story-line that perhaps he didn't really have much interest in anymore so he could get to the next project. Oh well, better luck next time.
June 20, 2022
I liked the first book well enough. I really liked books 2 and the prequel. However, I couldn't get into this book at all.
I found it hard to get into this entry. I had a hard time relating to the characters or situations. The series started out intimately, with 1 persons struggle to survive and regain his memories. However it has ballooned into war, with many moving parts, characters and alliances. I feel the disconnect between beginnings and endings it too great to really enjoy the flow of the series.
Maybe if I had read them all at once, it would be better. But the wait in between books really killed the momentum and left me disconnected to the story.
Phil Thron, however, did an amazing job, as always. Never a bad performance from that guy.
All in all, I would say read the whole series at once, to get the most out of it. This was an OK book on its own, but not as good as others in the series.
I found it hard to get into this entry. I had a hard time relating to the characters or situations. The series started out intimately, with 1 persons struggle to survive and regain his memories. However it has ballooned into war, with many moving parts, characters and alliances. I feel the disconnect between beginnings and endings it too great to really enjoy the flow of the series.
Maybe if I had read them all at once, it would be better. But the wait in between books really killed the momentum and left me disconnected to the story.
Phil Thron, however, did an amazing job, as always. Never a bad performance from that guy.
All in all, I would say read the whole series at once, to get the most out of it. This was an OK book on its own, but not as good as others in the series.
July 16, 2023
Of all of the books in this series this one took me the longest to read, it just wasn't fun anymore, not sure exactly when the story felt dull but it was a bit of a slug to get by and I have to say that the ending felt cheap. A cop out to make it into a happy ending and devaluing the sacrifice and pain of two important characters. Also a romance subplot with what I felt was an interesting spy character that felt underserved and a bit out of nowhere. It certainly does not hold up to the first or second book. I felt like I needed to finish the series out of a completionist duty, an itch of OCD more than the joy of reading. Which is why I rank it lower than the other two. A shame as I felt that the story could've gone into interesting places.
February 2, 2022
The war advances to the final moves between Quinton and Harding Prime with horrendous losses on the UFA side while Harding Prime forces seem undented. Quinton executes his final gambit and contrives the ultimate confrontation with Harding Prime whose post-human victory is imminent and irresistible and assured. As the final move is played, all is lost. A fitting conclusion to the Federation Chronicles. You will not be disappointed.
December 21, 2022
Unbelievably great book
I liked everything about the premise of futuristic space life. I loved the characters all good or bad. I liked that the technology felt so real. I also felt not having the ability to transport from place to place made the future achievable. Not sure that statement made sense but I'm having trouble finding the right words to explain my feelings. Enjoyed the series and intend to read every book Ken wrote.
I liked everything about the premise of futuristic space life. I loved the characters all good or bad. I liked that the technology felt so real. I also felt not having the ability to transport from place to place made the future achievable. Not sure that statement made sense but I'm having trouble finding the right words to explain my feelings. Enjoyed the series and intend to read every book Ken wrote.
December 17, 2021
Good story
Throughly enjoyed this trilogy. Interesting and original concepts in galaxy spanning world building. The first book is mystery, the second is discovery, and finally confrontation in the third. I was never sure how it was going to play out but Simon delighted me in the end.
Throughly enjoyed this trilogy. Interesting and original concepts in galaxy spanning world building. The first book is mystery, the second is discovery, and finally confrontation in the third. I was never sure how it was going to play out but Simon delighted me in the end.
October 30, 2022
Bloody brilliant!
Oh Ken thankyou so much for all your hard work! What another beautiful series with complex and rich characters that bridge the space between the technological world and the human experience. I am so grateful. May you journey on to the stars and beyond I will always be an avid consumer of your lore.
Oh Ken thankyou so much for all your hard work! What another beautiful series with complex and rich characters that bridge the space between the technological world and the human experience. I am so grateful. May you journey on to the stars and beyond I will always be an avid consumer of your lore.
May 2, 2024
In the thrilling conclussion to this series we find teachery and double crossing. While Quinton takes control of a small planet sized war machine the sentinals just keep on coming. Who is controlling them and where are the thousands of ships hiding.
In a final action Quinton takes on Hardy who has been creating the chaos for decades.
HIGHLY recommended series and Author
In a final action Quinton takes on Hardy who has been creating the chaos for decades.
HIGHLY recommended series and Author
December 23, 2021
LOVED this book and the previous 2. I read a lot of books and don't give 5 starts to many so I can remember the books that are that extra bit special, and this series was one of those. Hopefully Ken continues to write additional books in this series
December 29, 2021
Characters
This is another excellent example of a well crafted story. The characters are very well defined and well rounded. So many difficulties to overcome and a great culmination of this part of the story.
This is another excellent example of a well crafted story. The characters are very well defined and well rounded. So many difficulties to overcome and a great culmination of this part of the story.
December 31, 2021
I really enjoyed the series and the technology
I really enjoyed the series and the technology , the characters, the ACN, and what they stood for. There could easily have been another book. I hope Kw will do more in the universe.
I really enjoyed the series and the technology , the characters, the ACN, and what they stood for. There could easily have been another book. I hope Kw will do more in the universe.
December 31, 2021
A fitting end to the series
This was a fast paced end to the series. The main character has to deal with betrayal and loss. He does this and still remains remains human even when others of his type would have shut down.
This was a fast paced end to the series. The main character has to deal with betrayal and loss. He does this and still remains remains human even when others of his type would have shut down.
February 9, 2022
A very enjoyable series..
I generally dislike leaving reviews but I felt this deserved one. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was a easy read and the plot twists were unexpected. Also I enjoyed the concept of AI with Virtual assistants. What a brilliant concept!
I generally dislike leaving reviews but I felt this deserved one. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was a easy read and the plot twists were unexpected. Also I enjoyed the concept of AI with Virtual assistants. What a brilliant concept!
April 22, 2022
Great finish!
Not a complicated review, just an acknowledgement of a great finish to an excellent series. I compliment the author on his world building and character development. I believe that the vast majority of readers won't be disappointed with this book and series.
Not a complicated review, just an acknowledgement of a great finish to an excellent series. I compliment the author on his world building and character development. I believe that the vast majority of readers won't be disappointed with this book and series.
May 19, 2022
Awesome read
Very heartening and sad with a hopeful but sad ending, excellent storytelling good guys win through sacrifice. Always heartening and sad. Awesome twist for an ending but really awesome read.
Very heartening and sad with a hopeful but sad ending, excellent storytelling good guys win through sacrifice. Always heartening and sad. Awesome twist for an ending but really awesome read.
October 28, 2023
Federation Chronicles Rules
The third and final book in the great Syfy series with all the humanity you could ask for. The only negative part of the series was there were only three books.
The third and final book in the great Syfy series with all the humanity you could ask for. The only negative part of the series was there were only three books.
October 24, 2025
Great series.
I feel like these people are real people. People I'd like to know. After reading the Archeron series it feels like they are friends of mine. Thankyou Ken for this treat.
I feel like these people are real people. People I'd like to know. After reading the Archeron series it feels like they are friends of mine. Thankyou Ken for this treat.
November 9, 2025
A good end for the trilogy, ties up most of the storylines nicely and reasonably. Overall a worthwhile series for something fun and diverting, but nothing spectacular or unique beyond good writing and storytelling.
December 13, 2021
Awesome Trilogy
Highly recommended SciFi series by an outstanding author. One of my favorites of all time. Good enough to re-read this series in the future.
Highly recommended SciFi series by an outstanding author. One of my favorites of all time. Good enough to re-read this series in the future.
December 20, 2021
Fantastic Ending?
I appreciate the thought that goes into the AI dynamic in this series. Makes me wonder where we will be in ten years. Bravo.
I appreciate the thought that goes into the AI dynamic in this series. Makes me wonder where we will be in ten years. Bravo.
December 27, 2021
*REAL* SciFi!
Now this is what scifi should be. It's got it all, the tech, the implications of the tech, the plot, the characters, the dialogue, the grittiness.
Ken, thank you!
Now this is what scifi should be. It's got it all, the tech, the implications of the tech, the plot, the characters, the dialogue, the grittiness.
Ken, thank you!
December 27, 2021
Absolutely incredible!!
Really great book. It was fun to see how the story has progressed. The ending was not at all what I expected oh, but it was still very good.
Really great book. It was fun to see how the story has progressed. The ending was not at all what I expected oh, but it was still very good.
December 29, 2021
Great read
Ken always brings the action the life. Thanks for another great work. Is this the end of this story? Nice little bow.
Ken always brings the action the life. Thanks for another great work. Is this the end of this story? Nice little bow.
January 6, 2022
So so. The author needs to put more effort
Hard to follow. Also book seems more like an outline then a real book. This book is not at all fun or exciting it was more a list.
Hard to follow. Also book seems more like an outline then a real book. This book is not at all fun or exciting it was more a list.
May 20, 2022
Ken really wrapped it up
He gave us two endings to the story so we could choose the end we like most. I'll go with his last ending. We Americans like our happy endings.
He gave us two endings to the story so we could choose the end we like most. I'll go with his last ending. We Americans like our happy endings.
July 9, 2022
Triple? More like a home run.
A great combination of space and technology into a touching story. I do recommend the series to those space nerds out there.
A great combination of space and technology into a touching story. I do recommend the series to those space nerds out there.
October 15, 2022
outstanding
I finished all 3 books and I’m so glad I did. What an outstanding series, Ken Lobito is an ingenious author of sci-fi. Must read author.
I finished all 3 books and I’m so glad I did. What an outstanding series, Ken Lobito is an ingenious author of sci-fi. Must read author.
April 7, 2024
Absolutely loved this series. One of the best SF series I’ve read.
April 24, 2024
great read!
All three books were well written and I was unable to put them down . My only complaint is that the story ends!
All three books were well written and I was unable to put them down . My only complaint is that the story ends!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews