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The Frontiers Saga: Part 2: Rogue Castes #14
A Line in the Sand
MP3 CD Format An enemy lashing out in desperation . . .
An alliance poised to expand . . .
A new fleet of ships to help them . . .
A covert mission to get answers . . .
The Dusahn Empire has been contained for the moment. But there is much work to be done in order to keep them from reasserting their dominance over the Pentaurus sector.
As much as Captain Scott wants to see the Empire destroyed, he may have no choice but to find a way to coexist with them.
An alliance poised to expand . . .
A new fleet of ships to help them . . .
A covert mission to get answers . . .
The Dusahn Empire has been contained for the moment. But there is much work to be done in order to keep them from reasserting their dominance over the Pentaurus sector.
As much as Captain Scott wants to see the Empire destroyed, he may have no choice but to find a way to coexist with them.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 1, 2021
344 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Ryk Brown
58 books853 followersBorn in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 27, 2020
This is really episode number 29 if you combine the two series. I found it is important to read the series in order.
The book is well written. There is plenty of suspenseful action and two of the regular characters die. Both sides are in need of more and better equipment and warships. Nathan is taking his largest vessel and turning it into a ferry between Alliance planets to help trade. He discovered he needs to build the economy of the various Alliance planets so they can help pay for the war. When Brown first started this series, it was self-published through Amazon. I now noted that the audiobooks are published by Recorded Books Inc. He has come up in the world. I cannot wait for the next episode.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and eleven minutes. Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job narrating the series.
The book is well written. There is plenty of suspenseful action and two of the regular characters die. Both sides are in need of more and better equipment and warships. Nathan is taking his largest vessel and turning it into a ferry between Alliance planets to help trade. He discovered he needs to build the economy of the various Alliance planets so they can help pay for the war. When Brown first started this series, it was self-published through Amazon. I now noted that the audiobooks are published by Recorded Books Inc. He has come up in the world. I cannot wait for the next episode.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and eleven minutes. Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job narrating the series.
May 22, 2020
So much...everything!
Another home run by Ryk Brown. This recent book is just another in a series of epic tales he weaves. I will never tire of the adventures of the Aurora and her crew. That bit toward the end was gut wrenching for me. I can only hope for a bright spot ahead in that regard!
Another home run by Ryk Brown. This recent book is just another in a series of epic tales he weaves. I will never tire of the adventures of the Aurora and her crew. That bit toward the end was gut wrenching for me. I can only hope for a bright spot ahead in that regard!
May 23, 2020
You know......ya just had to pull those heart strings right out, didn't ya? I'm going to go sniffle a bit now.
May 24, 2020
The plot is now painfully boring - the inevitable and slow path takes us to the Jung homeworld next then hopefully, finally, to the end of the Dusahn - but don't hold your breath. In the interim, Nathan or his sister should petition to be the leader of earth - but this was unreasonably dismissed - almost like needing to keep the story going for a few more episodes. It would end the fighting with Galiardi, help resolve many issues, surely this would be the way forward. But people like Loki have to die so that Nathan, his sister and nephews can do what exactly? And of course don't forget the wreck of Josh's fighter left on a golf course for Galiardi to reverse engineer.
And somewhere in here there is the telegraphed future Dusuhn attack on siltek - how Nathan or his leadership does not realise this is likely is beyond belief.
And of course, it might be obvious, but the lack of capital ship building is becoming a bit silly. So Giogair goes out and "buys" 7 ships that are enough to become nearly as strong as the Alliance - and why an immediate attack on the 7 ships does not occur beggars belief. After spending chapter after chapter to finally destroy a damaged destroyer, the 7 new ships are left to be refitted without challenge?
The story telling is really great, the detail, the people development - but the storyline is creaking, becoming boring and starting to unravel.
And somewhere in here there is the telegraphed future Dusuhn attack on siltek - how Nathan or his leadership does not realise this is likely is beyond belief.
And of course, it might be obvious, but the lack of capital ship building is becoming a bit silly. So Giogair goes out and "buys" 7 ships that are enough to become nearly as strong as the Alliance - and why an immediate attack on the 7 ships does not occur beggars belief. After spending chapter after chapter to finally destroy a damaged destroyer, the 7 new ships are left to be refitted without challenge?
The story telling is really great, the detail, the people development - but the storyline is creaking, becoming boring and starting to unravel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2020
Whoa, boy! Did I pull a boner! Don’t read any further if you like to read books in a series in the order they’re supposed to be read! This one is way, way out of order! I didn’t even know there were twelve other books in between this one and the first book! Yeap, I read Book 1, “Escalation”, of this new Part 2 and then I read this book, Book 14! Yikes! So, don’t read any further if you want to know the story as it was supposed to be told.
Since I did read this book, though, I’m going to go ahead and write this review. If I wait until I finish the other tweleve books I missed, I might not be around to write this. Not that it’s a bad series; it’s actually pretty good or I wouldn’t have read the first 15 books or part 1.
Even strangers is the fact that I didn’t blink when Nathan Scott starts off the book aboard a starship with the Ghatazhak guard talking to him as he approaches a large conference room. As I remember it, the last time Nathan Scott’s name was used, it was in conjunction to his surrender to the Jung and his resulting execution! The last book, or the first one in this series, indicated that Nathan Scott had actually survived that ordeal, but had lost his memory of who he was or what he was about. I didn’t even think there was some missing components to this story.
Apparently, there is a lot of missing stuff, but since I don’t know any of it, here’s what happened in this book. Nathan needs to build a fleet. He starts doing so by asking for help from the various civilizations in the Pentaurus Cluster. They reluctantly pitch in, some wholeheartedly, others, not so much. Still, his fledgeling organization is starting to take shape as the new, resurgent Karuzari. There has been some previous fighting in the books I haven’t read yet, because there is a lot of destruction in the Pentaurus Cluster.
That damage was caused by a rebel Jung leader called Lord Dushan and his Jung clan. They have been pushed back into their original territory, but are just waiting until they can again cause trouble. Nathan Scott plans to be ready when that time comes, but first he needs to travel to Earth to find out some information about this Lord Dushan and the way Jung clans work. This short trip almost costs him his life and does cost the life of one of our main characters!
So, this story does stand on it’s own, but I think we need to read the other twelve books in order to get the full story. I think it’s interesting, not only the story, but the fact that I just started this series up again, with book 14!!!!!
Since I did read this book, though, I’m going to go ahead and write this review. If I wait until I finish the other tweleve books I missed, I might not be around to write this. Not that it’s a bad series; it’s actually pretty good or I wouldn’t have read the first 15 books or part 1.
Even strangers is the fact that I didn’t blink when Nathan Scott starts off the book aboard a starship with the Ghatazhak guard talking to him as he approaches a large conference room. As I remember it, the last time Nathan Scott’s name was used, it was in conjunction to his surrender to the Jung and his resulting execution! The last book, or the first one in this series, indicated that Nathan Scott had actually survived that ordeal, but had lost his memory of who he was or what he was about. I didn’t even think there was some missing components to this story.
Apparently, there is a lot of missing stuff, but since I don’t know any of it, here’s what happened in this book. Nathan needs to build a fleet. He starts doing so by asking for help from the various civilizations in the Pentaurus Cluster. They reluctantly pitch in, some wholeheartedly, others, not so much. Still, his fledgeling organization is starting to take shape as the new, resurgent Karuzari. There has been some previous fighting in the books I haven’t read yet, because there is a lot of destruction in the Pentaurus Cluster.
That damage was caused by a rebel Jung leader called Lord Dushan and his Jung clan. They have been pushed back into their original territory, but are just waiting until they can again cause trouble. Nathan Scott plans to be ready when that time comes, but first he needs to travel to Earth to find out some information about this Lord Dushan and the way Jung clans work. This short trip almost costs him his life and does cost the life of one of our main characters!
So, this story does stand on it’s own, but I think we need to read the other twelve books in order to get the full story. I think it’s interesting, not only the story, but the fact that I just started this series up again, with book 14!!!!!
July 22, 2020
Ryk Brown consistently produces some of the best science fiction in the business. However, he's chosen to stick with one cast of characters and a chronological storyline. Case in point, "A Line in the Sand." The subtitle says it all, "The Frontiers Saga Part 2 Rogue Castes No. 14." At this point his protagonist, who has died and been resurrected once, continues his quest to make the universe free of tyranny. Capt. Nathan Scott won the last round with the Dusahn, but his alliance of rebels is wounded. They need resources, and that means convincing worlds that are either former members of the Dusahn sphere of influence or independents to join them. As usual, Brown spins up what's required to build up the fleet, figure out how to defend their existing allies and draw in either new technology or another edge. Scott chooses to seek out the corporate-run planet that produces some of the best products used in defense and space travel. The world supports Scott's Karuzari but needs a return on investment. Scott understands that true self determination comes from economic independence. That means everybody must pay their own way. Safety does create opportunity. The climax is what long-time readers expect. Brown builds the plot steadily. He doesn't make it easy. This may be one of the more real in the series. And he doesn't get to the reason for the title until the very end. Expect the next chapter to really be a blast.
June 21, 2020
I normally like books from this series, but the penultimate chapter of this book was tedious beyond belief. I don’t normally write spoilers, but it is unforgivable that it took so many pages of battle description to get a few people up the ramp of a spacecraft. Every single movement and action of every character was explained in mind-numbing detail. A fight that would have probably take a couple of minutes to happen took over 20 minutes to read, and I read pretty quickly. I finally gave up and skipped to the end of the chapter. I don’t feel like I missed an important part of the story by doing so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2021
A good story set just after the Alliance kicked the Dusan out of an Alliance system. Both sides suffered considerable casualties. The Dusan begin using hit and run tactics against the Alliance. The Dusan now lacking resources start diplomatic overtures to the non allied worlds. Nathan decides to do a scouting visit Earth get information on the Dusan. This mission turns into a disaster . There is a major battle with significant casualties.
What I like about this particular story is the good combination diplomatic, tactical , and character development. Brown is not above killing major characters. Everyone is at risk. There are significant events in this novel.
What I like about this particular story is the good combination diplomatic, tactical , and character development. Brown is not above killing major characters. Everyone is at risk. There are significant events in this novel.
May 24, 2020
Great book except for the visit home (what happened to masks)
I seriously didn't understand the need at all for the earth raid other than to increase tensions somewhat. I enjoyed all the other aspects of the book. I guess dangerous things kept happening with no repercussions. There were a million ways to do things easier. If mission impossible had realistic masks... Couldn't you also have those in the future? Even if you had to send valuable people home... Just disguise them better. Lunacy.
I seriously didn't understand the need at all for the earth raid other than to increase tensions somewhat. I enjoyed all the other aspects of the book. I guess dangerous things kept happening with no repercussions. There were a million ways to do things easier. If mission impossible had realistic masks... Couldn't you also have those in the future? Even if you had to send valuable people home... Just disguise them better. Lunacy.
June 18, 2020
OK book, not enough action for me.
I felt this book was OK. It was paced a little slow for me. No action until the last quarter of the book. It seemed that the story was slow paced and not very exciting. But I guess all books in the series can’t be as good as others. I felt that the story really did not progress very much and I feel more could’ve been added to pick up the pace. The only other dislike is that we had to wait a long time for this book so I guess will be waiting a long time for the next one. I am eagerly awaiting it though.
I felt this book was OK. It was paced a little slow for me. No action until the last quarter of the book. It seemed that the story was slow paced and not very exciting. But I guess all books in the series can’t be as good as others. I felt that the story really did not progress very much and I feel more could’ve been added to pick up the pace. The only other dislike is that we had to wait a long time for this book so I guess will be waiting a long time for the next one. I am eagerly awaiting it though.
June 26, 2020
Slower than used to, but still good.
This is the first 3 star review I've written for the series. Normally, I am at 4, more often 5. This one gets a 3 simply because there is too much filler. The story is awesome and the characters, as always are awesome. I just cant shake the feeling of a filler episode. The action sequences were lovely when they came, but I wasnt as satisfied with this book as a whole. Still anxiously waiting 15. Will read it day 1 faithfully because Ryk has earned my loyalty with the previous 28 books!
This is the first 3 star review I've written for the series. Normally, I am at 4, more often 5. This one gets a 3 simply because there is too much filler. The story is awesome and the characters, as always are awesome. I just cant shake the feeling of a filler episode. The action sequences were lovely when they came, but I wasnt as satisfied with this book as a whole. Still anxiously waiting 15. Will read it day 1 faithfully because Ryk has earned my loyalty with the previous 28 books!
October 17, 2020
Energizer Author
Ryk Brown just keeps hammering away, producing nail-biter after nail-biter. I was able to put this book down temporarily in the beginning, but past the mid-way point, I was hooked. Just has to stay up all night to figure out how this episode was going to end. As usual, I regret speeding through the book, because now I have to find something else to entertain me just a fraction of what these episodes do for me. Ryk, I hope you’ve been hard at work on the next episode. Don’t keep us waiting too long...
Ryk Brown just keeps hammering away, producing nail-biter after nail-biter. I was able to put this book down temporarily in the beginning, but past the mid-way point, I was hooked. Just has to stay up all night to figure out how this episode was going to end. As usual, I regret speeding through the book, because now I have to find something else to entertain me just a fraction of what these episodes do for me. Ryk, I hope you’ve been hard at work on the next episode. Don’t keep us waiting too long...
January 12, 2021
It was good, about as good as the others in the series. I like listening to these while I'm doing other things otherwise I don't think I could actually get through them.
This one has some welcome changes - a couple of the regular characters are killed off and there's at least some movement toward a final conclusion to all that's going on. I feel like the story is spread out a bit too much - too much going on at the same time - at this point. He had to wrap up a couple story lines fairly quickly and it felt a little rushed at the end of the book.
This one has some welcome changes - a couple of the regular characters are killed off and there's at least some movement toward a final conclusion to all that's going on. I feel like the story is spread out a bit too much - too much going on at the same time - at this point. He had to wrap up a couple story lines fairly quickly and it felt a little rushed at the end of the book.
July 3, 2024
Something not quite right
This booked lacked some of the intensity of the previous books, at times the chapters jumped from one storyline to another in just a few lines, making it difficult to follow and preventing any tension to build
There are a few surprises and it's obvious that Sil'Tek will feature more in subsequent books. Nathan's plan has significant issues with it, that I have no idea how the author will overcome. The expected duel would be doomed to failure, no matter how much Nathan trains
This booked lacked some of the intensity of the previous books, at times the chapters jumped from one storyline to another in just a few lines, making it difficult to follow and preventing any tension to build
There are a few surprises and it's obvious that Sil'Tek will feature more in subsequent books. Nathan's plan has significant issues with it, that I have no idea how the author will overcome. The expected duel would be doomed to failure, no matter how much Nathan trains
May 27, 2020
Even After 14 Books It Remains an Interesting and action I dkonPacked Adventure
I don't know how you keep up the action and different scenarios. Much less how you can keep reader's jnterest.
Loved the book but I think the chapters are toolong. Thus making it difficult to stop reading for the night and pick up at a different scsne.
Although. I might be seen as just picking over a good book.
Can't wait for number 15.
I don't know how you keep up the action and different scenarios. Much less how you can keep reader's jnterest.
Loved the book but I think the chapters are toolong. Thus making it difficult to stop reading for the night and pick up at a different scsne.
Although. I might be seen as just picking over a good book.
Can't wait for number 15.
November 5, 2020
SPACE OPERA CONQUERS AGAIN !!!
Have to say I think the escape from Earth should not have been the focal point of the book, but was once again well written & gripping. I love how quickly I get through these books purely because I take every opportunity to finish them!
Not a great point for Nathan’s forces at this stage & the threat of politics, but at least the end offers us what we want to read & not get bogged down!
On to the next book.
Have to say I think the escape from Earth should not have been the focal point of the book, but was once again well written & gripping. I love how quickly I get through these books purely because I take every opportunity to finish them!
Not a great point for Nathan’s forces at this stage & the threat of politics, but at least the end offers us what we want to read & not get bogged down!
On to the next book.
June 1, 2020
Continued excellence
Ryk never ceases to amaze. It is unfortunate that this leads up to the conclusion, but if his story telling shows us anything, the story never really ends. It does have a few sad parts especially the death of a long time character and the presumptive death of another. I eagerly await the next episode. All I ask is don't leave us hanging too long.
Ryk never ceases to amaze. It is unfortunate that this leads up to the conclusion, but if his story telling shows us anything, the story never really ends. It does have a few sad parts especially the death of a long time character and the presumptive death of another. I eagerly await the next episode. All I ask is don't leave us hanging too long.
August 25, 2020
Solid sci-fi addition to the saga
This one was more philosophical than many in a while. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the cause and not just battle scenes. I have been dreading the death of a key character but it would be unrealistic to not have a few die. Curious to see how a couple of new technology gets weaved into the plot. Hope the next one gets published soon
This one was more philosophical than many in a while. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the cause and not just battle scenes. I have been dreading the death of a key character but it would be unrealistic to not have a few die. Curious to see how a couple of new technology gets weaved into the plot. Hope the next one gets published soon
October 28, 2020
Preparation for the hoped for future.
The defeat of the Dushan's armada has brought them to their knees but a devastating show of power shows that they are still a force to be reckoned with. As Siltek curtails it's unfettered support the Alliance prepares for expansion and Nathan prepares to return to Earth.
Characters come and characters go. Will your favorite survive?
The defeat of the Dushan's armada has brought them to their knees but a devastating show of power shows that they are still a force to be reckoned with. As Siltek curtails it's unfettered support the Alliance prepares for expansion and Nathan prepares to return to Earth.
Characters come and characters go. Will your favorite survive?
May 29, 2020
Another wonderful book in the series. A lot of questions left open before the last book of Part 2.
Tried to slow down my reading pace by just one chapter per day, but in the last chapters actions where so intense that ended up reading them in one evening.
Tried to slow down my reading pace by just one chapter per day, but in the last chapters actions where so intense that ended up reading them in one evening.
May 31, 2020
Awesome as usual, definitely building for the conclusion of Rogue Castes
Ryk knows how to fill the story line as we move relentlessly forward and keep us wanting more. Well done!
Just wish Amazon made this more worthwhile for authors!
Ryk knows how to fill the story line as we move relentlessly forward and keep us wanting more. Well done!
Just wish Amazon made this more worthwhile for authors!
June 3, 2020
Goodish
The series was great when the releases were regular and that established a flow. Whilst the story here is good, the length of time between releases has killed the flow for me. I hope the author takes this to heart and makes adjustments.
The series was great when the releases were regular and that established a flow. Whilst the story here is good, the length of time between releases has killed the flow for me. I hope the author takes this to heart and makes adjustments.
June 7, 2020
Good read as usual, full of action. But I can't help but think that the whole plan to get back to Earth and play spy was unnecessary.
I loved the chapters with Lord Dusahn's POV, and wish he was developed further instead of just being The Bad Guy.
I loved the chapters with Lord Dusahn's POV, and wish he was developed further instead of just being The Bad Guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2020
Wow!
Great read! Can't wait for the next one. It really opens up understanding the struggle we go through in fighting for justice. Yet the question is a!ways there, who is right and who is wrong. Definitely a wonderful series.
Great read! Can't wait for the next one. It really opens up understanding the struggle we go through in fighting for justice. Yet the question is a!ways there, who is right and who is wrong. Definitely a wonderful series.
June 10, 2020
Excellent new installment
Continuing the ride, thoroughly enjoyable mix of well developed cast of characters, imaginative human future, enough action to keep the pages turning ...can't wait for 15!
Continuing the ride, thoroughly enjoyable mix of well developed cast of characters, imaginative human future, enough action to keep the pages turning ...can't wait for 15!
June 14, 2020
Loki? Really?
He’s really not dead right? It was bad enough losing Naralenne (?). As usual, I couldn’t put the book down for the last three chapters. You certainly have a way of building the story up to its conclusion? Can’t wait for the next one!
He’s really not dead right? It was bad enough losing Naralenne (?). As usual, I couldn’t put the book down for the last three chapters. You certainly have a way of building the story up to its conclusion? Can’t wait for the next one!
June 17, 2020
One of the best...
I really love these books and the characters in the series! I have to say I totally lost it when one of the main characters was lost! I'm hoping that there is some way they made it out!!!!!
I really love these books and the characters in the series! I have to say I totally lost it when one of the main characters was lost! I'm hoping that there is some way they made it out!!!!!
Read
June 18, 2020This is one of the best series that I have ever read. The particular book makes me want to read more from this series. It was fast paced and the characters were believable. I was saddened that Loki died, or at least I think he did. Keep the story alive and let s know what happens next.
June 18, 2020
Another great book
I have been reading all of the Frontiers Saga, both Part 1 and Part 2 and I always want more! Really wish they turn this into a movie or series. Great characters, great action and awesome SciFi!
I have been reading all of the Frontiers Saga, both Part 1 and Part 2 and I always want more! Really wish they turn this into a movie or series. Great characters, great action and awesome SciFi!
July 3, 2020
Escapism at it's best
I only give my thoughts on this book(saga), no technical skills etc.
I simply if you love Space opera detailed characters all out action then this book and storyline is for you, join the great escape from corovirus and enjoy.
Good luck Nathan
I only give my thoughts on this book(saga), no technical skills etc.
I simply if you love Space opera detailed characters all out action then this book and storyline is for you, join the great escape from corovirus and enjoy.
Good luck Nathan
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews