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The Earthburst Saga #2
Into the Fire
Surviving in space was the easy part…
I’m not alone anymore.
I've made it down from the solitude of the station, all the way to an incredible underground bunker complex.
Thousands of humanity’s best minds are by my side.
I’m surrounded by secret cutting-edge technologies that almost defy belief.
Too bad none of that is a match for what I’m up against now.
Because in just three days, the final stage of Ignacio Zola’s demented plan to reach a new world will eliminate all life on Earth — unless I can pull off a miracle.
The stakes couldn’t be any higher. The odds couldn’t be any longer.
I’m the man who uncovered Zola’s plan. And now, I’m the only man who can stop him.
This fight started in space and brought me deep below Earth’s surface.
But that’s nothing compared to what comes next…
I’m not alone anymore.
I've made it down from the solitude of the station, all the way to an incredible underground bunker complex.
Thousands of humanity’s best minds are by my side.
I’m surrounded by secret cutting-edge technologies that almost defy belief.
Too bad none of that is a match for what I’m up against now.
Because in just three days, the final stage of Ignacio Zola’s demented plan to reach a new world will eliminate all life on Earth — unless I can pull off a miracle.
The stakes couldn’t be any higher. The odds couldn’t be any longer.
I’m the man who uncovered Zola’s plan. And now, I’m the only man who can stop him.
This fight started in space and brought me deep below Earth’s surface.
But that’s nothing compared to what comes next…
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2022
427 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 30, 2024
I’m really having a great time with this series so far. Where book one had a kind of novelty value to it and it was a fresh and unexpected surprise for me, book two managed something really difficult: it kept up the intensity and the enjoyment despite no longer having that novelty and despite having a completely different setting. I think that’s actually very impressive considering how much changes between the two books.
The new characters are pretty good, with a couple of standouts who really help with the expansion in scope of the book. I don’t think the series would be able to sustain the levels of the first book while only really involving Ray, but by surrounding him with a small cast of additional characters, we start to get enough variation, and enough interaction to make it work.
The story is, in parts, a bit predictable, but only in the resolution. There are lots of problems that come up, and I think they add some good intensity to the story, even if you know that Ray will always end up being the one to put his life on the line to save the day – that’s what you generally get with a first-person narration though, so I can’t complain at it.
I’m looking forward to continuing the series, and finding out exactly what the last-chapter revelations will lead to. There are also some little breadcrumbs scattered throughout this book that I’m interested in following and solving their associated mysteries, so it’s nice to have more than just the one key issue to resolve as the story moves on.
The new characters are pretty good, with a couple of standouts who really help with the expansion in scope of the book. I don’t think the series would be able to sustain the levels of the first book while only really involving Ray, but by surrounding him with a small cast of additional characters, we start to get enough variation, and enough interaction to make it work.
The story is, in parts, a bit predictable, but only in the resolution. There are lots of problems that come up, and I think they add some good intensity to the story, even if you know that Ray will always end up being the one to put his life on the line to save the day – that’s what you generally get with a first-person narration though, so I can’t complain at it.
I’m looking forward to continuing the series, and finding out exactly what the last-chapter revelations will lead to. There are also some little breadcrumbs scattered throughout this book that I’m interested in following and solving their associated mysteries, so it’s nice to have more than just the one key issue to resolve as the story moves on.
May 21, 2023
NOT As Action-Packed With Drama (Nor As Well Written) as Book #1
This book picks up right where the 1st book ended, so it’s not hard for a Reader to have good continuity — but it also means this is not a Stand-Alone book — you definitely need to come into Book #2 AFTER reading Book #1!
The Author takes a lot of liberty with security issues and assuming “the bad guys” are ignoramices (whereas we already know they’re not). So, for instance, WHY does The Author have the Main Character blabbing about up-coming plans on a cross-country video tele-conference, then in the middle of the conversation say something stupid like “There are some things I can’t tell you right now, because I don’t know who’s listening, …” — well, geeeeeeeezzzzz — he’s already blabbed a lot of critical information by this point; what could go wrong from there?!?
This Book #2 does NOT have the fanatical, hasty pace of Book #1 — it is MUCH more laid-back, and therefore NOT as exciting, no longer keeping The Reader hanging on to every event and change.
There’s a point halfway thru Book #2, where The Main Character needs to retrieve a specific Cell Phone that’s mixed up in a bag with others. For some reason, The Author has him ONLY retrieving the one phone, rather than just grabbing the entire bag — which sure seems like a lot of extra work and short-sidedness … who knows if the information on one of the other phone may also be critical?!?
Other stupid points:
a). There’s only talk of a round trip to pick up/rescue 2 family members … it would certainly have made MUCH more sense to just do a 1-leg trip to bring THEM to the Main Character
b). There’s LOTS of destruction on Earth, but nothing that has been written that indicates where ALL of the world’s military might has suddenly disappeared — The Author simply says NOTHING about submarines, missiles, bombs or other little details, which would have a huge bearing on the story line
c). There’s room in this tale for all sorts of sabotage and espionage, but The Author never takes direct advantage of these problems — he infers their existence without demonstrating any significant results.
d). There’s a point where some mini-bombs are set to detonate 90-sec later … with all the time in the world available, WHY couldn’t it have been 10 minutes later (or more?!?) — This seems like just an artificial way to inject fear into this tale.
All-in-all, this 2nd book was not as good as the 1st. I’m intending to at least start reading the 3rd book, but I hope it’s better than the 2nd …
This book picks up right where the 1st book ended, so it’s not hard for a Reader to have good continuity — but it also means this is not a Stand-Alone book — you definitely need to come into Book #2 AFTER reading Book #1!
The Author takes a lot of liberty with security issues and assuming “the bad guys” are ignoramices (whereas we already know they’re not). So, for instance, WHY does The Author have the Main Character blabbing about up-coming plans on a cross-country video tele-conference, then in the middle of the conversation say something stupid like “There are some things I can’t tell you right now, because I don’t know who’s listening, …” — well, geeeeeeeezzzzz — he’s already blabbed a lot of critical information by this point; what could go wrong from there?!?
This Book #2 does NOT have the fanatical, hasty pace of Book #1 — it is MUCH more laid-back, and therefore NOT as exciting, no longer keeping The Reader hanging on to every event and change.
There’s a point halfway thru Book #2, where The Main Character needs to retrieve a specific Cell Phone that’s mixed up in a bag with others. For some reason, The Author has him ONLY retrieving the one phone, rather than just grabbing the entire bag — which sure seems like a lot of extra work and short-sidedness … who knows if the information on one of the other phone may also be critical?!?
Other stupid points:
a). There’s only talk of a round trip to pick up/rescue 2 family members … it would certainly have made MUCH more sense to just do a 1-leg trip to bring THEM to the Main Character
b). There’s LOTS of destruction on Earth, but nothing that has been written that indicates where ALL of the world’s military might has suddenly disappeared — The Author simply says NOTHING about submarines, missiles, bombs or other little details, which would have a huge bearing on the story line
c). There’s room in this tale for all sorts of sabotage and espionage, but The Author never takes direct advantage of these problems — he infers their existence without demonstrating any significant results.
d). There’s a point where some mini-bombs are set to detonate 90-sec later … with all the time in the world available, WHY couldn’t it have been 10 minutes later (or more?!?) — This seems like just an artificial way to inject fear into this tale.
All-in-all, this 2nd book was not as good as the 1st. I’m intending to at least start reading the 3rd book, but I hope it’s better than the 2nd …
dnf
March 12, 202430% and nothing has happened. At 62%, still nothing. This book is very disappointing, filled with tedious drivel. It’s a waste of time—like watching paint dry or grass grow. With a rating of 4.24, you should reverse that to 2.44 and then subtract 2.44.
Laika, the parrot, is super intelligent. Perhaps the author should have the parrot write the book. Some reviewers found the book exciting, but I must be reading a different book from them. Earthburst: does it refer to flatulence? Because that would be as exciting as it gets—especially if it was a wet one with a little bit of follow-through.
This book is where excitement goes to die. In space, nobody can hear you scream—or fart, for that matter. I wasted my time reading this book, so you don’t have to. Run, run for the hills with a burst of wind behind you, and don’t look back.
Update, I got as far as 86% then I stopped. So, a big fat DNF for me, I gave it my best shot, but the force was too strong. Earthbust saga will always remain a mystery to me, in more ways than one.
Laika, the parrot, is super intelligent. Perhaps the author should have the parrot write the book. Some reviewers found the book exciting, but I must be reading a different book from them. Earthburst: does it refer to flatulence? Because that would be as exciting as it gets—especially if it was a wet one with a little bit of follow-through.
This book is where excitement goes to die. In space, nobody can hear you scream—or fart, for that matter. I wasted my time reading this book, so you don’t have to. Run, run for the hills with a burst of wind behind you, and don’t look back.
Update, I got as far as 86% then I stopped. So, a big fat DNF for me, I gave it my best shot, but the force was too strong. Earthbust saga will always remain a mystery to me, in more ways than one.
December 21, 2022
The book is as hot as the title
Into The Fire
The powerful events from the “Last Man Standing” bring you right “Into The Fire”. Now they are back on earth and have discovered the unsettling destruction set in place to destroy earth and leave the planet for a new home world. A potential dream with followers hoping to create a utopia earth light years away.
The players are ZolaCore, the company mining Theocite as a fuel to transport thousands to a new solar system light years away. The man behind it, Zola has taken precautions to see that his plan to mine the Theocite and destroy earth in the process creates a myriad of obstacles if Earth is to survive.
Ray and the survivor’s of the initial devastation from the bunkers embark on their own set of plans to survive. This involves a trip into the fire. Not a pleasant endeavor nor any guarantees as to the outcome.
Suspense starts right away as ideas mold into plans of action and are modified on the fly. The cast of characters are numerous, the most intriguing person willing to help Ray is Driver. Her personality come to life as she and Ray take on the challenge of trying to diffuse the planned explosion.
They tackle their mission with intrigue and an outcome that is not predictable. Laika, the parrot accompanies them on the mission adding additional twists.
Not to give away a suspenseful ending, this is an amazing follow up to the Last Man Standing.
The best ending I can put in my review is read the book!
Fun and rewarding… just be prepared to not put the book down.
Into The Fire
The powerful events from the “Last Man Standing” bring you right “Into The Fire”. Now they are back on earth and have discovered the unsettling destruction set in place to destroy earth and leave the planet for a new home world. A potential dream with followers hoping to create a utopia earth light years away.
The players are ZolaCore, the company mining Theocite as a fuel to transport thousands to a new solar system light years away. The man behind it, Zola has taken precautions to see that his plan to mine the Theocite and destroy earth in the process creates a myriad of obstacles if Earth is to survive.
Ray and the survivor’s of the initial devastation from the bunkers embark on their own set of plans to survive. This involves a trip into the fire. Not a pleasant endeavor nor any guarantees as to the outcome.
Suspense starts right away as ideas mold into plans of action and are modified on the fly. The cast of characters are numerous, the most intriguing person willing to help Ray is Driver. Her personality come to life as she and Ray take on the challenge of trying to diffuse the planned explosion.
They tackle their mission with intrigue and an outcome that is not predictable. Laika, the parrot accompanies them on the mission adding additional twists.
Not to give away a suspenseful ending, this is an amazing follow up to the Last Man Standing.
The best ending I can put in my review is read the book!
Fun and rewarding… just be prepared to not put the book down.
December 20, 2024
"Into the Fire" by Craig A. Falconer, narrated by Scott Aiello, is an entertaining 2nd book in the "Earthburst Saga" by Craig A. Falconer. This audiobook, published in 2022, is an engaging sci-fi adventure that takes listeners on a journey from the isolation of space to the depths of an underground bunker complex.
Plot Overview
The protagonist, who first endeared himself to listeners in "Last Man Standing," now faces an even greater challenge. After surviving the solitude of space, he finds himself among thousands of humanity's best minds in an underground bunker. The stakes are higher than ever as he uncovers and races against the demented scheme of Ignacio Zola, who plans to destroy all life on Earth to reach a new world. With just three days to pull off a miracle, the tension and urgency are palpable through every chapter.
Narration
Scott Aiello's narration adds a dynamic layer to the story. His voice talent brings the high-stakes scenarios and intense emotions to life, making it an edge-of-the-seat experience. Aiello’s character portrayals are distinct and engaging, keeping listeners hooked from start to finish. His ability to convey the protagonist's determination and the overarching peril enhances the overall impact of the audiobook.
Themes and Style
Falconer’s writing style is very descriptive and, at times, fast-paced, making it easy for listeners to visualize the futuristic technology and dystopian landscapes. The audiobook delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. It also explores moral dilemmas and the ethical implications of technological advancements, adding depth to the storyline.
Character Development
The protagonist's journey is a testament to his growth and adaptability. From the isolation of space to the challenges of being stuck in a bunker, his interactions with other characters reveal layers of his personality. The supporting characters, especially the diverse group of scientists and leaders, add richness to the narrative and highlight the collaborative effort required to thwart the demented Zola’s plan.
Overall Impression
"Into the Fire" is an engaging and thought-provoking audiobook that blends action, science fiction, and ethical questioning. The audiobook is both entertaining and reflective, offering a story that also prompts listeners to consider broader questions about humanity and technology.
Plot Overview
The protagonist, who first endeared himself to listeners in "Last Man Standing," now faces an even greater challenge. After surviving the solitude of space, he finds himself among thousands of humanity's best minds in an underground bunker. The stakes are higher than ever as he uncovers and races against the demented scheme of Ignacio Zola, who plans to destroy all life on Earth to reach a new world. With just three days to pull off a miracle, the tension and urgency are palpable through every chapter.
Narration
Scott Aiello's narration adds a dynamic layer to the story. His voice talent brings the high-stakes scenarios and intense emotions to life, making it an edge-of-the-seat experience. Aiello’s character portrayals are distinct and engaging, keeping listeners hooked from start to finish. His ability to convey the protagonist's determination and the overarching peril enhances the overall impact of the audiobook.
Themes and Style
Falconer’s writing style is very descriptive and, at times, fast-paced, making it easy for listeners to visualize the futuristic technology and dystopian landscapes. The audiobook delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. It also explores moral dilemmas and the ethical implications of technological advancements, adding depth to the storyline.
Character Development
The protagonist's journey is a testament to his growth and adaptability. From the isolation of space to the challenges of being stuck in a bunker, his interactions with other characters reveal layers of his personality. The supporting characters, especially the diverse group of scientists and leaders, add richness to the narrative and highlight the collaborative effort required to thwart the demented Zola’s plan.
Overall Impression
"Into the Fire" is an engaging and thought-provoking audiobook that blends action, science fiction, and ethical questioning. The audiobook is both entertaining and reflective, offering a story that also prompts listeners to consider broader questions about humanity and technology.
February 9, 2023
3.5 stars
March 7, 2023
This is another one of those non-military science fiction books that I find myself reading. Seems like I've been reading a lot of them lately. This obviously the second book in what is kind of a tall-tale story. I say that because most of the stuff that happens shouldn't or wouldn't happen the way it does in this story. It just doesn't make sense. If you'll recall, Ray Barclay was a scientist conducting some research on mixing BioZol with theocite to make a super form of energy that could propel humanity to the stars. The space station, The Beacon, he was on was owned by the ZolaCore Corporation who in-turn was owned by a Mr. Ignacio Zola.
It turns out that Mr. Zola and his cronies are nothing but eco-terrorist and are bent on destroying the Earth and every living thing on it except themselves, of course. They release a poison gas in the space station, but Ray is secluded in a sealed chamber and doesn't know what's going on until he looks through a tiny window on the sealed door to his chamber and sees everyone dead. He then takes it upon himself to secure all the information about ZolaCore and take it to Earth using a not-for-Earth entry, life pod. He miraculously makes it down to Earth which has already be devastated by ZolaCore terrorist. So much so, that all of the remaining inhabitants on Earth are in underground bunkers.
Now here's where things get strange. Once Ray is rescued from his downed life pod and brought into the nearest bunker, he's met by none other that the President of the United States! President Williams greets Ray telling him that he's amazed he's alive and thanks him for bringing all the information that the bunker analyst are already sorting through. He then invites Ray to another conference room where he's to be introduced to those running this bunker. Turns our, it's not the President and his staff. The ERF (Earth Resilience Forum) has assumed command in all the bunkers across the entire Earth. The President introduces Ray to a Mr. Clarence Major, Senior Coordinator for the bunker in which they now reside. It is very apparent that the President of the United States isn't in-charge of this bunker, but that Mr. Major seems to be although Ray has no idea where his authority comes from. Still, everyone in the room seems to have adjusted to the fact that Mr. Major and the ERF are running things not only in this bunker, but world-wide in every bunker. That in itself is a pretty strange concept and not necessarily necessary as far as I can tell.
First thing on Ray's mind though, is getting back with his wife and child. They are, unfortunately, or very fortunately, secure in a bunker in Colorado. Ray believes his work is done now that he's back on Earth with all the information that should reveal the plans of the ZolaCore terrorists so he's willing to let them handle it, even if it's the ERF. He just wants to get to Colorado and join up with his wife and child. Mr. Major promises Ray that will happen in due time. And he keeps telling Ray that until it's well past time. He's going to use Ray to accomplish some things that probably anyone else would be better suited to do, but since Ray is the main character of this book, he's going to be heavily involved.
They know the ZolaCore terrorist are planning on some gigantic explosion that could possibly tear the Earth apart. They seem to have the location of deeply buried theocite which they plan to combine with a vast amount of BioZol which could trigger a cataclysmic event. The analyst who have reviewed the hard drives and thumb drives brought down by Ray believe the can find the plans and location of the ZolaCore terrorist HQ and even the location of where this devastating explosion is to take place. They just need Ray to find the information that still resides back on The Beacon! Ray isn't going back into space. No way, no how. So how is he going to get the stuff they say they need?
I don't go along with this ERF controlling everything. It doesn't appear to be a government entity and I don't think it has any muscle or a bunch of armed troops to back it up. There are guards in the bunker preventing just anyone from entering the "war room", but they aren't that many. There are about 8,000 people in the bunker Ray is in and many of them are high ranking military. So why they have just delegated their power to Mr. Major isn't fully understood. Even the President of the United States is acting like a mouse. So, I don't like nor believe this is a necessary part of the story. Ray Barclay isn't also the kind of guy you'd pick as your hero. He's very near-sighted and has a crippled hand. He also got PTSD from when his brother was killed in a car accident.
It looks like there are two more book in the story, book 3, "Operation: Star Shot", is next. I guess I'll read, but it's not going to be a priority.
It turns out that Mr. Zola and his cronies are nothing but eco-terrorist and are bent on destroying the Earth and every living thing on it except themselves, of course. They release a poison gas in the space station, but Ray is secluded in a sealed chamber and doesn't know what's going on until he looks through a tiny window on the sealed door to his chamber and sees everyone dead. He then takes it upon himself to secure all the information about ZolaCore and take it to Earth using a not-for-Earth entry, life pod. He miraculously makes it down to Earth which has already be devastated by ZolaCore terrorist. So much so, that all of the remaining inhabitants on Earth are in underground bunkers.
Now here's where things get strange. Once Ray is rescued from his downed life pod and brought into the nearest bunker, he's met by none other that the President of the United States! President Williams greets Ray telling him that he's amazed he's alive and thanks him for bringing all the information that the bunker analyst are already sorting through. He then invites Ray to another conference room where he's to be introduced to those running this bunker. Turns our, it's not the President and his staff. The ERF (Earth Resilience Forum) has assumed command in all the bunkers across the entire Earth. The President introduces Ray to a Mr. Clarence Major, Senior Coordinator for the bunker in which they now reside. It is very apparent that the President of the United States isn't in-charge of this bunker, but that Mr. Major seems to be although Ray has no idea where his authority comes from. Still, everyone in the room seems to have adjusted to the fact that Mr. Major and the ERF are running things not only in this bunker, but world-wide in every bunker. That in itself is a pretty strange concept and not necessarily necessary as far as I can tell.
First thing on Ray's mind though, is getting back with his wife and child. They are, unfortunately, or very fortunately, secure in a bunker in Colorado. Ray believes his work is done now that he's back on Earth with all the information that should reveal the plans of the ZolaCore terrorists so he's willing to let them handle it, even if it's the ERF. He just wants to get to Colorado and join up with his wife and child. Mr. Major promises Ray that will happen in due time. And he keeps telling Ray that until it's well past time. He's going to use Ray to accomplish some things that probably anyone else would be better suited to do, but since Ray is the main character of this book, he's going to be heavily involved.
They know the ZolaCore terrorist are planning on some gigantic explosion that could possibly tear the Earth apart. They seem to have the location of deeply buried theocite which they plan to combine with a vast amount of BioZol which could trigger a cataclysmic event. The analyst who have reviewed the hard drives and thumb drives brought down by Ray believe the can find the plans and location of the ZolaCore terrorist HQ and even the location of where this devastating explosion is to take place. They just need Ray to find the information that still resides back on The Beacon! Ray isn't going back into space. No way, no how. So how is he going to get the stuff they say they need?
I don't go along with this ERF controlling everything. It doesn't appear to be a government entity and I don't think it has any muscle or a bunch of armed troops to back it up. There are guards in the bunker preventing just anyone from entering the "war room", but they aren't that many. There are about 8,000 people in the bunker Ray is in and many of them are high ranking military. So why they have just delegated their power to Mr. Major isn't fully understood. Even the President of the United States is acting like a mouse. So, I don't like nor believe this is a necessary part of the story. Ray Barclay isn't also the kind of guy you'd pick as your hero. He's very near-sighted and has a crippled hand. He also got PTSD from when his brother was killed in a car accident.
It looks like there are two more book in the story, book 3, "Operation: Star Shot", is next. I guess I'll read, but it's not going to be a priority.
April 30, 2024
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For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
This series is so much fun and so hard to want to put down. I could’ve knocked Into the Fire out in a day if I wanted to, but I had to force myself to let some of it marinate and read more the following two days. Into the Fire starts off immediately after the events of Last Man Standing, and gives a lot more grounded story (pun intended), than its predecessor. Now on Earth, Ray is with the survivors with a new mission to make sure earth doesn’t get destroyed by the evil ZolaCore.
Book 1 was a lot more on the suspenseful survival in space, sci-fi side of things, this one takes a slight detour to put a bigger emphasis on survival of a possible apocalyptic future on earth, the survivors and the political structure, while also a little less on the suspense. There is some suspense that starts right away with who to trust, but the real suspense is saved for the end, with a death defying mission to try to save the world. There were one or two parts that just felt a little more like drama for drama’s sake, when a better option would’ve easily been done. With that said, Falconer left me with a lot of intriguing questions of “are they good, are they bad” and “I wonder what that is supposed to mean”, that I can’t wait to be answered, because there is A LOT more going on that what is being told.
“Sometimes you just have to take what comes, roll with the punches, and keep tackling what’s in front of you.”
Ray is a great main character and throughout just becomes even more likable, and though I understand the reasoning, I wished there was a bit more Laika throughout, but I enjoyed the times when he was in the scene. With the new location, there are a lot of new faces, one of those is Driver, and she is, well… a driver, I loved her story and her character works really well bouncing off of Ray, it gives off that whole Mel Gibson & Danny Glover, Lethal Weapon type of “buddy cop” vibe that just works really well when done right. The banter between them made me giggle many times, and in part took the place of Ray and Laika from book 1. I will say that part of what I like about Ray is that he’s not a “Gary Stu” type of character and has his limitations, but Driver does kinda give off that “Mary Sue” vibe of being ultra talented and able to drive or fly anything.
Scott Aiello put on another great performance narrating this story, the way he gets into the characters and into the emotions makes the experience that much more entertaining, if you’re going to read this series, I would highly recommend doing whispersync or listening to the audio for an even better experience like I am getting. I know I am a bit more critical on things than I was on the previous book, but this was still a very enjoyable read and is still shaping up to be a series that I’m excited to completely binge on.
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
This series is so much fun and so hard to want to put down. I could’ve knocked Into the Fire out in a day if I wanted to, but I had to force myself to let some of it marinate and read more the following two days. Into the Fire starts off immediately after the events of Last Man Standing, and gives a lot more grounded story (pun intended), than its predecessor. Now on Earth, Ray is with the survivors with a new mission to make sure earth doesn’t get destroyed by the evil ZolaCore.
Book 1 was a lot more on the suspenseful survival in space, sci-fi side of things, this one takes a slight detour to put a bigger emphasis on survival of a possible apocalyptic future on earth, the survivors and the political structure, while also a little less on the suspense. There is some suspense that starts right away with who to trust, but the real suspense is saved for the end, with a death defying mission to try to save the world. There were one or two parts that just felt a little more like drama for drama’s sake, when a better option would’ve easily been done. With that said, Falconer left me with a lot of intriguing questions of “are they good, are they bad” and “I wonder what that is supposed to mean”, that I can’t wait to be answered, because there is A LOT more going on that what is being told.
“Sometimes you just have to take what comes, roll with the punches, and keep tackling what’s in front of you.”
Ray is a great main character and throughout just becomes even more likable, and though I understand the reasoning, I wished there was a bit more Laika throughout, but I enjoyed the times when he was in the scene. With the new location, there are a lot of new faces, one of those is Driver, and she is, well… a driver, I loved her story and her character works really well bouncing off of Ray, it gives off that whole Mel Gibson & Danny Glover, Lethal Weapon type of “buddy cop” vibe that just works really well when done right. The banter between them made me giggle many times, and in part took the place of Ray and Laika from book 1. I will say that part of what I like about Ray is that he’s not a “Gary Stu” type of character and has his limitations, but Driver does kinda give off that “Mary Sue” vibe of being ultra talented and able to drive or fly anything.
Scott Aiello put on another great performance narrating this story, the way he gets into the characters and into the emotions makes the experience that much more entertaining, if you’re going to read this series, I would highly recommend doing whispersync or listening to the audio for an even better experience like I am getting. I know I am a bit more critical on things than I was on the previous book, but this was still a very enjoyable read and is still shaping up to be a series that I’m excited to completely binge on.
February 6, 2023
Ray wakes to silence. He is the sole surviving researcher on space station Beacon.
Ray Barclay has successfully mastered the process to enrich Biozol, a powerful rocket fuel, with the newly discovered ore Theocite. The mixture creates a stable fuel more powerful than anything yet discovered. Powerful enough to take spacecraft to the stars! Unknown to him, the successful process starts the countdown on Ignacio Zola's insane plan to destroy Earth and take his select followers to the nearest compatible planet Bayzen 108. Ray successfully crashed an escape craft near the bunker containing President Noah Williams and the brightest minds remaining on Earth. The evidence he returned with convinces them of Zola's plot. The countdown is ticking down.
Zola has detonated one site containing a small deposit of theocite and destroyed the surface of the Earth. There are bunkers full of survivors scattered across the globe. Some of the evacuations were successful. Ray's family, wife Eva and son Joe, are alive and well in the Colorado bunker. President Williams' bunker contains the brightest minds in the world, and they start the race to defeat Zola's insane plot. The countdown continues.
The remarkable characters are brilliantly described and fleshed out with excellence, truly believable. My favorites are Driver (Luna Reyes) and the amazing Macaw, Laika. Driver brought the bunker controller, Clarence Major, through hell to bring him to the bunker in time. Driver can drive anything from planes to subs, she can handle them all. Laika is smarter than he appears. With a huge vocabulary, he can express himself understandably and understand what he hears. Not your ordinary parrot!
This storyline continues to have remarkable twists and turns, from elation to terror, the suspense builds as Ray and Driver face impossible odds. Well written, the story advances and the players struggle. This is a great read!
Ray Barclay has successfully mastered the process to enrich Biozol, a powerful rocket fuel, with the newly discovered ore Theocite. The mixture creates a stable fuel more powerful than anything yet discovered. Powerful enough to take spacecraft to the stars! Unknown to him, the successful process starts the countdown on Ignacio Zola's insane plan to destroy Earth and take his select followers to the nearest compatible planet Bayzen 108. Ray successfully crashed an escape craft near the bunker containing President Noah Williams and the brightest minds remaining on Earth. The evidence he returned with convinces them of Zola's plot. The countdown is ticking down.
Zola has detonated one site containing a small deposit of theocite and destroyed the surface of the Earth. There are bunkers full of survivors scattered across the globe. Some of the evacuations were successful. Ray's family, wife Eva and son Joe, are alive and well in the Colorado bunker. President Williams' bunker contains the brightest minds in the world, and they start the race to defeat Zola's insane plot. The countdown continues.
The remarkable characters are brilliantly described and fleshed out with excellence, truly believable. My favorites are Driver (Luna Reyes) and the amazing Macaw, Laika. Driver brought the bunker controller, Clarence Major, through hell to bring him to the bunker in time. Driver can drive anything from planes to subs, she can handle them all. Laika is smarter than he appears. With a huge vocabulary, he can express himself understandably and understand what he hears. Not your ordinary parrot!
This storyline continues to have remarkable twists and turns, from elation to terror, the suspense builds as Ray and Driver face impossible odds. Well written, the story advances and the players struggle. This is a great read!
March 11, 2023
The Plot Gets so Thick, That You Could Cut it With a Knife . . .
Into the Fire is very aptly named. The passion that Ray, feels, in getting every obstacle out of his way, in order to be reunited with Eva and Joe, is a testament to his love of them both.
This second book takes the reader through a rollercoaster journey, where Ray has to assimilate everything that the scientists are finding, in all of the data that he brought from the Space Station.
The tension mounts very quickly, as more and more is found out about how Zola has planned to destroy Earth. Ray also finds out some intriguing details about Laika, the Macaw who helped him survive his time without human companionship up there.
All that Ray wants, is to rejoin Eva and Joe but, just as the time comes to do this, something huge is discovered, to make Ray stay where he is, in order to, once again, do the impossible, and try his best to save Earth, even though the odds have got even worse than before!
This book was as much of a knuckle clencher as the first one. I spent the whole time while reading, either holding my breath in anticipation of yet another thing going wrong for Ray, or waiting for the other shoe to drop .
This series is very much worth the read and, now that I've finished it, it's time to go on to book three: Operation Starshot, where I'm hoping that Ray can keep Zola from fulfilling his promise of doom for the Earth.
So, as is my wont, I'll be off to start this next, hopefully just as amazing, book of the series, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know if this next book is just as great!
Into the Fire is very aptly named. The passion that Ray, feels, in getting every obstacle out of his way, in order to be reunited with Eva and Joe, is a testament to his love of them both.
This second book takes the reader through a rollercoaster journey, where Ray has to assimilate everything that the scientists are finding, in all of the data that he brought from the Space Station.
The tension mounts very quickly, as more and more is found out about how Zola has planned to destroy Earth. Ray also finds out some intriguing details about Laika, the Macaw who helped him survive his time without human companionship up there.
All that Ray wants, is to rejoin Eva and Joe but, just as the time comes to do this, something huge is discovered, to make Ray stay where he is, in order to, once again, do the impossible, and try his best to save Earth, even though the odds have got even worse than before!
This book was as much of a knuckle clencher as the first one. I spent the whole time while reading, either holding my breath in anticipation of yet another thing going wrong for Ray, or waiting for the other shoe to drop .
This series is very much worth the read and, now that I've finished it, it's time to go on to book three: Operation Starshot, where I'm hoping that Ray can keep Zola from fulfilling his promise of doom for the Earth.
So, as is my wont, I'll be off to start this next, hopefully just as amazing, book of the series, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know if this next book is just as great!
July 11, 2023
I was a bit conflicted about rating this book. I LIKE the plot, I LIKE the characters, I LIKE the story and the concept.
But I had to give it a 3 because the writing was, I'm sorry to say, rather tedious and repetitious. Like the first book, it's written in the first person, and we get to hear all of the protagonist's thoughts. Meaning, ALL of them. You know how you might be walking somewhere, and running through what you need to do in your head, probably several times until you get there, and then you get there, do whatever it is, and then think about it later? That's pretty much how this book is written, the protagonist keeps reminding us of every detail of everything that is going to happen, happens, and then happened. It got to the point where I was skimming, reading a sentence or two of each paragraph or skipping paragraphs altogether, just waiting for the "next" thing to happen.
It just really dragged the book down. I mean, it would literally take several pages to step through a door, as the character mentally rehearsed his actions, in detail (that he had already practiced, in detail, before), and the goes through the door and tells us those actions which we have now read about 3 times, and then later recounts those actions.
The first book had a lot of this too, but it seemed even worse in this one.
I would really like to find out what happens in the next books, but I can't, unless I read some reviews that say the writing style drastically changed.
But I had to give it a 3 because the writing was, I'm sorry to say, rather tedious and repetitious. Like the first book, it's written in the first person, and we get to hear all of the protagonist's thoughts. Meaning, ALL of them. You know how you might be walking somewhere, and running through what you need to do in your head, probably several times until you get there, and then you get there, do whatever it is, and then think about it later? That's pretty much how this book is written, the protagonist keeps reminding us of every detail of everything that is going to happen, happens, and then happened. It got to the point where I was skimming, reading a sentence or two of each paragraph or skipping paragraphs altogether, just waiting for the "next" thing to happen.
It just really dragged the book down. I mean, it would literally take several pages to step through a door, as the character mentally rehearsed his actions, in detail (that he had already practiced, in detail, before), and the goes through the door and tells us those actions which we have now read about 3 times, and then later recounts those actions.
The first book had a lot of this too, but it seemed even worse in this one.
I would really like to find out what happens in the next books, but I can't, unless I read some reviews that say the writing style drastically changed.
January 18, 2023
Don't waste your time
If you are a serious sci-fi reader don't waste your time .firstly it is slow.Very slow.Second , not very well thought out.spoiler alert if you continue reading.
Space station not rotating but has gravity. Volcanic disaster that some how kills everyone not in a bunker on three days ,or so they thought, why would they think that?
The villain during the last crucial parts of his plot ,places himself in suspended animation.Why? I would certainly would want to stick around and make sure everything goes according to plan. They send a remotely controlled donor to space station to retrieve documents with evidence. They don't want to kill the cold in on suspended animation because there might be a dead man switch, yet the don't leave a remotely controlled device to kill him at the time of their choosing. But then how will you have a book 3 . These are some of the examples of which there are many I read the second book hopping it will improve . I was wrong. Will not be wasting my time on the third book.
If you are a serious sci-fi reader don't waste your time .firstly it is slow.Very slow.Second , not very well thought out.spoiler alert if you continue reading.
Space station not rotating but has gravity. Volcanic disaster that some how kills everyone not in a bunker on three days ,or so they thought, why would they think that?
The villain during the last crucial parts of his plot ,places himself in suspended animation.Why? I would certainly would want to stick around and make sure everything goes according to plan. They send a remotely controlled donor to space station to retrieve documents with evidence. They don't want to kill the cold in on suspended animation because there might be a dead man switch, yet the don't leave a remotely controlled device to kill him at the time of their choosing. But then how will you have a book 3 . These are some of the examples of which there are many I read the second book hopping it will improve . I was wrong. Will not be wasting my time on the third book.
February 22, 2023
Will the earth survive?
In the last novel Ray had landed near Washington and been welcomed into the bunker facility there. The important information he was able to present them with has led to many more things that need to happen to prevent Armageddon.
While Ray knows of and likes the US president Williams he apparently is not in charge and Ray has an almost instant dislike of Clarence Major who is the defacto leader of the bunker. Major doesn't seem to want people to know exactly what is going on, no one but him appears to know the full picture and Ray is very against this type of agenda.
Can he be reunited with his fiance and her son or is he going to have to play a further role here in Washington or elsewhere?
Another interesting novel and I'm looking forward to the next book.
In the last novel Ray had landed near Washington and been welcomed into the bunker facility there. The important information he was able to present them with has led to many more things that need to happen to prevent Armageddon.
While Ray knows of and likes the US president Williams he apparently is not in charge and Ray has an almost instant dislike of Clarence Major who is the defacto leader of the bunker. Major doesn't seem to want people to know exactly what is going on, no one but him appears to know the full picture and Ray is very against this type of agenda.
Can he be reunited with his fiance and her son or is he going to have to play a further role here in Washington or elsewhere?
Another interesting novel and I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 20, 2022
Here we go -- INTO THE FIRE! The 2nd installment of Craig A. Falconer's LAST MAN STANDING trilogy is out, and it's a sizzler! Ray Barclay made it to Earth, but it isn't the Earth he knew. Along with his buddy, Laika the parrot, Ray tries to accept the fact that Ignacio Zola's evil reach was way more than at the Beacon where Ray nearly died from Zola's hand. Ray is swept below Earth's surface to the bunker where he will be instrumental in the plan to thwart Zola from destroying Earth for a seriously demented plan of his own. INTO THE FIRE picks right up from the harrowing ending in the LAST MAN STANDING. As always, it's only a tale that Craig can weave. Well done -- again!
February 20, 2023
Into The Fire (Book 2) - C. Falconer
As a retired senior and a late comer to “modern” Science Fiction I enjoyed the first two book’s of the Earthburst Saga series. The author is a “detailed”story teller which erked me at times but I realize that it slowed me down a bit and allowed me to enjoy and understand the story a little better. Book 1 started a bit slow but I soon got into it. The story was nicely balanced. Book 2 had a wider geographic range and I believe it added a bit more depth which added too my interest. Overall, The Science (Fiction) introduced throughout the book’s is in line with a ranking of 3 or 4
As a retired senior and a late comer to “modern” Science Fiction I enjoyed the first two book’s of the Earthburst Saga series. The author is a “detailed”story teller which erked me at times but I realize that it slowed me down a bit and allowed me to enjoy and understand the story a little better. Book 1 started a bit slow but I soon got into it. The story was nicely balanced. Book 2 had a wider geographic range and I believe it added a bit more depth which added too my interest. Overall, The Science (Fiction) introduced throughout the book’s is in line with a ranking of 3 or 4
January 17, 2025
Little bit better than the first, like probably the better side of ~3.5 stars. Still a few annoying bits of repetition but I think it felt much more solid because the route towards the end wasn't as repetitive in a "oh no this went wrong" and fix sequence. Given what's at stake then it's kinda obvious for there to be another book they need to suceed but I generally enjoyed the journey. The introduction of more characters seemed to help ground it more. Not entirely sure yet if i'll follow the whole series through or not.
August 3, 2023
4.5 stars.
This one has a bit more politics, which is not my favourite thing, but it was well justified within context so it didn't take away my enjoyment.
I felt like this book had some set up for the next books but I still found it interesting and most important, entertaining. I still love Ray, I still love Laika and his now more evident and intriguing abilities and Driver is already winning my heart. Excited to find out what book three has in store for them.
This one has a bit more politics, which is not my favourite thing, but it was well justified within context so it didn't take away my enjoyment.
I felt like this book had some set up for the next books but I still found it interesting and most important, entertaining. I still love Ray, I still love Laika and his now more evident and intriguing abilities and Driver is already winning my heart. Excited to find out what book three has in store for them.
August 22, 2023
Plodding
Now that we have people to interact with, Barclay's introspection is not as interesting. We're on the ground and have to stop the second explosion. Instead of moving on all fronts, we try each problem individually thereby running out of time. Barclay and driver are left behind with the mission to save the world. Doing so just might be the end of them even if they're successful.
Now that we have people to interact with, Barclay's introspection is not as interesting. We're on the ground and have to stop the second explosion. Instead of moving on all fronts, we try each problem individually thereby running out of time. Barclay and driver are left behind with the mission to save the world. Doing so just might be the end of them even if they're successful.
December 18, 2024
This was good! The pace is weird in the first book and this one, and I’m starting to view these books as long episodes instead of movies. You can’t really read one and call it good on its own. That being said, I enjoy these books! The sci-fi aspect with the apocalyptic vibes is great. I’m excited to see what happens after the cliffhanger in this book!
Also, Laika? Still amazing and precious. Driver is also a new fav character.
Also, Laika? Still amazing and precious. Driver is also a new fav character.
December 18, 2024
Predictable. Still a good story. A few questions I have... Why has no one questioned where the Protocol List for the main bunker came from? And it may be possible that Major is a sleeper adherent to Zola. Major insisted on going to New Zealand which accelerated the countdown. Did anyone notice he was too nonchalant? The hummingbird may be a sign of the radical group and that is why Lyca is reacting negatively.
March 26, 2025
Ray continues to do what he can to save humanity from an insane billionaire's ploy to destroy Earth and take his chosen few to another planet.
I don't think you could read this book, without reading the first one. Maybe, but I wouldn't recommend it.
This is hang onto your seats problem solve and get the job done story. Ray has some help in this book, unlike in the first one.
I bought the complete set, so I hope the rest are as good as this one.
I don't think you could read this book, without reading the first one. Maybe, but I wouldn't recommend it.
This is hang onto your seats problem solve and get the job done story. Ray has some help in this book, unlike in the first one.
I bought the complete set, so I hope the rest are as good as this one.
January 5, 2023
very good read
INTO THE FIRE was a fast pace struggle that had interesting characters. The drama built fast as time to take action compressed. Enjoyed the story and the events created by Craig Falconer. Well crafted and found myself wanting to know more about those created to make the story work. Hope the next book is as enjoyable
INTO THE FIRE was a fast pace struggle that had interesting characters. The drama built fast as time to take action compressed. Enjoyed the story and the events created by Craig Falconer. Well crafted and found myself wanting to know more about those created to make the story work. Hope the next book is as enjoyable
November 22, 2023
I really enjoy this book, Lots more credible, well fleshed out characters, human, animal and mechanical, and more twists and turns, had to keep reading to see how he got out of the latest problem.
I waited to do this review until I’d read up to book 6, they are all worth reading, 4 more gripping reads to go.
Thanks for the great reads Craig.
Regards, Reg.
I waited to do this review until I’d read up to book 6, they are all worth reading, 4 more gripping reads to go.
Thanks for the great reads Craig.
Regards, Reg.
March 19, 2025
At least this one is shorten than the first book and has more characters. But I am not going to continue with this series. That's strange because I read the first trilogy of Not Alone by Falconer, and it was very good. I had high hopes for Earthburst saga, but sadly it is not as good as Not Alone in my view.
January 29, 2023
Brilliant!!!
Can't wait for the 3rd installment, already pre-ordered.
Really like this series, written largely in first person internal monologs which is new for me, but fun.
Fist book we're in the space station, next book we're on earth, and the 3rd book looks as though our hero leaves the solar system...
So you basically get it all....
Good job Mr author.
Can't wait for the 3rd installment, already pre-ordered.
Really like this series, written largely in first person internal monologs which is new for me, but fun.
Fist book we're in the space station, next book we're on earth, and the 3rd book looks as though our hero leaves the solar system...
So you basically get it all....
Good job Mr author.
March 19, 2023
4.5/5
The second book of the Earthburst Saga series.
It continues the story directly after the events of the first book, and it proceeds with a similar pace.
I will not share any info about the story itself to avoid spoilers, but it is a very enjoyable book.
Highly recommended!
The second book of the Earthburst Saga series.
It continues the story directly after the events of the first book, and it proceeds with a similar pace.
I will not share any info about the story itself to avoid spoilers, but it is a very enjoyable book.
Highly recommended!
March 4, 2024
A solid continuation of the first book in this series. My interest is piqued and the author really did a good job selling me on the third book with a gripping and somewhat surprising conclusion to this novel.
March 9, 2024
2nd book in the series, Ray and Laika are back on earth, and things are a mess. People huddled in bunkers to survive and a threat of world ending bombs could end the world forever. Can Ray and the hard headed young pilot stop these bombs and save earth. Very enjoyable part of the series.
October 31, 2024
Glad te see the author hasn't changed his writing style. NOT. Still long-winded, still repeating himself and still mansplaining to no end.
Yet, here I am preparing to start on book number 3. What can I say....
Yet, here I am preparing to start on book number 3. What can I say....
January 6, 2025
Better than book one, which I found myself thinking about more than I would have expected. What if musk does want to just start over with humanity? Ugh. Anyways, the writing felt better in book two - less distracting, or maybe I was used to it?
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