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The Aule Stratagem - Part Two - Aurora
The sequel to The Aule Slave Ship.
Part Aurora.
The Aurora, with Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson as acting executive officer, has intercepted a pirate frigate, filled with hapless prisoners on their way to be sold into slavery in the Terran Empire. Stopping the ship is just the beginning. The captives must surely have crucial information about the plague of piracy in the sector.
Can Cara Tayley and the other prisoners be saved from the merciless slavers?
Can the crew of the Aurora finally get to the truth?
Can order be restored to the Aule sector and can the devious traitor be found before it's too late?
Lieutenant Commander Patterson must find out who is supporting the pirates, and why. The future of the Confederacy may depend on his success.
Part Aurora.
The Aurora, with Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson as acting executive officer, has intercepted a pirate frigate, filled with hapless prisoners on their way to be sold into slavery in the Terran Empire. Stopping the ship is just the beginning. The captives must surely have crucial information about the plague of piracy in the sector.
Can Cara Tayley and the other prisoners be saved from the merciless slavers?
Can the crew of the Aurora finally get to the truth?
Can order be restored to the Aule sector and can the devious traitor be found before it's too late?
Lieutenant Commander Patterson must find out who is supporting the pirates, and why. The future of the Confederacy may depend on his success.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2022
5 people want to read
About the author
David Clegg
2 books31 followersDavid Clegg is an author of military science fiction, who grew up on a steady diet of sci-fi TV, books and films, from Star Trek to Doctor Who, Babylon 5 and most everything else he could get hold of.
Besides writing, he works in finance and has been a chef, a salesman and several other things.
When not writing, he's an avid wargamer, student of history, a home brewer, and of course, a reader. He lives in Northampton with his wife, their dog and cat.
Besides writing, he works in finance and has been a chef, a salesman and several other things.
When not writing, he's an avid wargamer, student of history, a home brewer, and of course, a reader. He lives in Northampton with his wife, their dog and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 6, 2022
What a fantastic ending! If you have not read part one yet, go quick and read it! Then come here for the finish of the story. This novel will make you smile and cry, it will keep you reading late into the night. It is not too long so you can always think just one more page! Then you find you have read the entire thing at it is three in the morning! Keep your nerve and join the Aurora on her finest mission.
July 6, 2022
This fantastic sequel will keep you on the edge of your seat. It covers some areas of prisoner life that may be close to the bone but the story keeps it as removed as possible and never goes for shock value. The characters we fell in love with in Part One - Slave Ship - continue to evolve and grow. The Sci-fi is, as before, on point. Lovers of the genre need to read both these books.
July 6, 2022
Another great book by author David Clegg. The sequel to his first book Slave Ship. The story continues with more battles and lots of space drama. - see the rest on https://simplyhonestreviews.webador.c...
July 6, 2022
The Aule Stratagem: Aurora is the final installment in a two-book series by science fiction writer David Clegg. The forces of the Confederacy confront the marauding space pirates who have been attacking and destroying merchant ships, capturing their crews, and then selling them into slavery.
The book starts off with Clegg offering readers a nifty recap of his first book, The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship. The recap summarizes all of the major events that occurred in book one. It also provides sufficient background information, should a reader jump right in with book two of the series. But I wouldn’t advise that. A reader would miss out by not learning important details about the rich characters Clegg has created. So, my advice to readers is to make sure to read the first book.
So, the questions are: Will the Confederacy be successful in crushing the pirate menace? And if so, at what cost? Who or what forces have been secretly arming the pirates with military-grade equipment? Will the Confederacy be able to find the traitor in its midst before it is too late and irreparable damage is done? And will they be able to capture the pirates and bring them to justice?
All of these questions are answered in The Aule Stratagem: Aurora, but Clegg writes in such a way to leave readers constantly on the edge of their seats. His writing is never predictable, and readers will be turning every page wondering, “what else will happen?”
As he does in his first book, Clegg writes battle scenes in book two that are so vivid you can feel the explosions that occur within the vacuum of space. Clegg writes as if he had actually served on the Aurora. I wonder if he is one of those people who has been spirited away by aliens and has lived a life of adventure among them only to be returned to Earth with the instructions, “Now you write about it, and tell them what it is really like.” That’s how realistically written his battle scenes and scenes in space are. Clegg writes as if he has been there.
Clegg has created more than just a new world. He’s created a galaxy of characters that readers will be drawn to. The good news is that much is left open at the end of this novel. I cannot wait to read about the new adventures that await his main character Lieutenant Command Michael Patterson. Will Merchant Lieutenant Cara Tayley be able to put her life back together? And what about Captain Elizabeth Lewis? Yes, there have been other sci-fi franchises that have focused on starship captains. But Lewis is a fascinating character. She toes the line now, but I have to believe that in her past she broke quite a few rules and a number of hearts. There are stories yet to be told for all of the characters Clegg has created. That is what is so wonderful about his writing.
The Aule Stratagem: Aurora gives readers a rousing and I will say fitting conclusion to this series. It’s first-rate science fiction told by a wonderful storyteller.
The book starts off with Clegg offering readers a nifty recap of his first book, The Aule Stratagem: Slave Ship. The recap summarizes all of the major events that occurred in book one. It also provides sufficient background information, should a reader jump right in with book two of the series. But I wouldn’t advise that. A reader would miss out by not learning important details about the rich characters Clegg has created. So, my advice to readers is to make sure to read the first book.
So, the questions are: Will the Confederacy be successful in crushing the pirate menace? And if so, at what cost? Who or what forces have been secretly arming the pirates with military-grade equipment? Will the Confederacy be able to find the traitor in its midst before it is too late and irreparable damage is done? And will they be able to capture the pirates and bring them to justice?
All of these questions are answered in The Aule Stratagem: Aurora, but Clegg writes in such a way to leave readers constantly on the edge of their seats. His writing is never predictable, and readers will be turning every page wondering, “what else will happen?”
As he does in his first book, Clegg writes battle scenes in book two that are so vivid you can feel the explosions that occur within the vacuum of space. Clegg writes as if he had actually served on the Aurora. I wonder if he is one of those people who has been spirited away by aliens and has lived a life of adventure among them only to be returned to Earth with the instructions, “Now you write about it, and tell them what it is really like.” That’s how realistically written his battle scenes and scenes in space are. Clegg writes as if he has been there.
Clegg has created more than just a new world. He’s created a galaxy of characters that readers will be drawn to. The good news is that much is left open at the end of this novel. I cannot wait to read about the new adventures that await his main character Lieutenant Command Michael Patterson. Will Merchant Lieutenant Cara Tayley be able to put her life back together? And what about Captain Elizabeth Lewis? Yes, there have been other sci-fi franchises that have focused on starship captains. But Lewis is a fascinating character. She toes the line now, but I have to believe that in her past she broke quite a few rules and a number of hearts. There are stories yet to be told for all of the characters Clegg has created. That is what is so wonderful about his writing.
The Aule Stratagem: Aurora gives readers a rousing and I will say fitting conclusion to this series. It’s first-rate science fiction told by a wonderful storyteller.
May 8, 2024
I wasn't much of a sci-fi reader until I read part one of David's books 'The Slave Ship' so when I knew part two was coming out, I had to get my hands on it, and I was NOT disappointed.
The imagery used in David's writing is fantastic. You can see the battle scenes in front of you. Once again, character development is on point, and I am very much looking forward to hopefully reading more from this author in the future.
What a book!
Characters are really easy to fall in love with and root for them, and the court proceedings in this novel set the exciting tone incredibly well.
Thanks for the opportunity, David!
The imagery used in David's writing is fantastic. You can see the battle scenes in front of you. Once again, character development is on point, and I am very much looking forward to hopefully reading more from this author in the future.
What a book!
Characters are really easy to fall in love with and root for them, and the court proceedings in this novel set the exciting tone incredibly well.
Thanks for the opportunity, David!
January 14, 2024
This review was ordinally posted at https://bit.ly/3vB3pOt.
Acting Commander Michael Patterson has intercepted pirates, but now believes the Empire may be the true driving force behind these attacks. First, they must prove who is leaking to the pirates and from there they can track them back to base. Along the way they may just be able to save the slaves on board the pirates ship. Can they stop this force before they make a big enough dent for the Empire to strike back?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Just as in book one there are plenty of pirates and space travel to keep your interest, even if you are like me and genuinely didn't like star wars. There isn't a lot of star wars references, thankfully, in these pages. I will say, however, that this book cannot be read as a stand-alone and you will have to read book one first in order to know what is going on.
On the bright side, book two picks up right where book one leaves off. So, if you wanted to read the books back to back that is completely fine as there is no time jump between them. There is a lot of action packed into this story, along with a bit of a blossoming love interest. All in all it was an enjoyable read and I wish them luck in the coming war.
This book jumps perspective a lot as it progresses. We are able to see from the Commander as he adjusts to his new role, the info leak, the slaves, and multiple others which gives us a better picture of how the story plays out, instead of being kept in the dark. While this did mean we knew who the leak was before others we didn't know what the end result would be until the author wanted us to know.
Acting Commander Michael Patterson has intercepted pirates, but now believes the Empire may be the true driving force behind these attacks. First, they must prove who is leaking to the pirates and from there they can track them back to base. Along the way they may just be able to save the slaves on board the pirates ship. Can they stop this force before they make a big enough dent for the Empire to strike back?
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Just as in book one there are plenty of pirates and space travel to keep your interest, even if you are like me and genuinely didn't like star wars. There isn't a lot of star wars references, thankfully, in these pages. I will say, however, that this book cannot be read as a stand-alone and you will have to read book one first in order to know what is going on.
On the bright side, book two picks up right where book one leaves off. So, if you wanted to read the books back to back that is completely fine as there is no time jump between them. There is a lot of action packed into this story, along with a bit of a blossoming love interest. All in all it was an enjoyable read and I wish them luck in the coming war.
This book jumps perspective a lot as it progresses. We are able to see from the Commander as he adjusts to his new role, the info leak, the slaves, and multiple others which gives us a better picture of how the story plays out, instead of being kept in the dark. While this did mean we knew who the leak was before others we didn't know what the end result would be until the author wanted us to know.
August 17, 2022
The sequel to The Aule Stratagem Part One continues in much the same vein as the first book, from resolving the cliffhanger to continuing the fight against space piracy while giving equal presentation to the procedures and rituals associated with running a navy (readers of the first book will know the writing standard they can expect for these subjects and they will not be disappointed here). It all builds up to a satisfying conclusion that sets the stage for further adventures in the same universe. Curiously, though, it falls prey to several bouts of inexplicable repetitiveness. Characters have to recount certain experiences multiple times and, to the reader's puzzlement, they painstakingly do so. The same events are described from the viewpoints of more than one character, in ways that don't always add much to the story. Nevertheless, I'm curious to see what's more in store for the Confederacy and its plucky defenders.
April 11, 2025
Copy received for free from the author in return for an honest review.
Part 2 of the Aule Stratagem did not disappoint,with another well realised space battle of attrition, leading to a boarding situation with the potential to repeat disastrous character decisions from book 1, but ends up playing out very differently, as well as further examples of the Navel Justice System, this covers a lot of ground in its just over 200 pages.
Add in solid character progression and closure in a number of places, and you have a great conclusion to the duology, which leaves a couple of dangling threads for potential future stories to attach to if that is the intent.
I highly recommend The Aule Stratagem for fans of space opera Sci-Fi with clear inspiration from not just real world Naval influences, but also from some of the leading franchises to grace the screen!
Part 2 of the Aule Stratagem did not disappoint,with another well realised space battle of attrition, leading to a boarding situation with the potential to repeat disastrous character decisions from book 1, but ends up playing out very differently, as well as further examples of the Navel Justice System, this covers a lot of ground in its just over 200 pages.
Add in solid character progression and closure in a number of places, and you have a great conclusion to the duology, which leaves a couple of dangling threads for potential future stories to attach to if that is the intent.
I highly recommend The Aule Stratagem for fans of space opera Sci-Fi with clear inspiration from not just real world Naval influences, but also from some of the leading franchises to grace the screen!
July 1, 2022
I you read “The Aule Stratagem: Part One - Slave Ship”, and as much as me you were looking forward to the next part, you will not be disappointed!
The story continues at the great peace, not lacking action and bringing final resolution to many subplots!
As it was the case for the first book, the author does the great job with world building and multiple plots & POVs narration. Giving no spoilers, there are difficult topics touched on across pages, which made for me hard to put the book down, as I was really looking forward for the characters to finally receive what they all deserved for!
Highly recommend this book to military science-fiction fans (alongside with the first part!)
Great read!
The story continues at the great peace, not lacking action and bringing final resolution to many subplots!
As it was the case for the first book, the author does the great job with world building and multiple plots & POVs narration. Giving no spoilers, there are difficult topics touched on across pages, which made for me hard to put the book down, as I was really looking forward for the characters to finally receive what they all deserved for!
Highly recommend this book to military science-fiction fans (alongside with the first part!)
Great read!
July 30, 2025
I just wrapped up The Aule Stratagem Part Two: Aurora by David Clegg, and honestly, I’m buzzing with excitement it feels like I've been on a relentless, heart‑pounding space opera from start to finish.
Picking up right where Slave Ship left off, this sequel plunges straight into bigger stakes. The crew of the Aurora, under Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson’s command still acting XO, intercept a pirate frigate bound for merciless slavery in the Terran Empire. What initially seems like a rescue mission rapidly spirals into a tangled web of treachery, politics, and moral ambiguity.
Picking up right where Slave Ship left off, this sequel plunges straight into bigger stakes. The crew of the Aurora, under Lieutenant Commander Michael Patterson’s command still acting XO, intercept a pirate frigate bound for merciless slavery in the Terran Empire. What initially seems like a rescue mission rapidly spirals into a tangled web of treachery, politics, and moral ambiguity.
July 17, 2022
This concluded the Aule Stratagem story and I once again loved it! The story flowed really well and tied up a lot of the loose ends from the first book. Once again the cast of characters were fantastic. I found in this book the villains were great, especially the dynamic between the pirates and the empire.
The courtroom scenes were also great and showed a side of Sci-Fi you don’t often see in the genre.
I hope that David Clegg returns to this world because I would certainly like to!
The courtroom scenes were also great and showed a side of Sci-Fi you don’t often see in the genre.
I hope that David Clegg returns to this world because I would certainly like to!
July 11, 2022
The first book was amazing but the second was even better. I love how the tension builds by switching back and forth between groups and scenes and it keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation. The ending was just so satisifying to top it all off and i even cried with joy after getting attached to some of the characters.
August 6, 2022
Oh, this sequel is GOOD! It ties up the storylines and lets you have a few moments of happy revenge. Love it! What a writer! Space opera that will not quit and keeps going until that rather large lady sings! So, light em if you got em and enjoy the final part of the story!
March 19, 2023
I dont know what more to say, to expand on my review of book 1 but The Aule Stratagem - Part 2 was just as phenomenal if not more so, the ending was well thought out and brought the series to a close.
I would gladly read these two books again.
Just perfect
I would gladly read these two books again.
Just perfect
July 13, 2022
Well, it just gets better! A brill continuation from Slave Ship. Science Fiction fans take note of this author. A person with talent.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews