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Galaxy's Edge #9
Message for the Dead
Survive the Future. As Legion Commander Keller attempts to coax the Republic and Black Fleet into a winner-take-all battle at the heart of the Galactic Core, Wraith uncovers secrets from Tyrus Rechs’s past. Determined to liberate his crew from the clutches of a dormant fleet controlled by a hostile AI, the soldier-turned-rogue comes face to face with the galaxy’s greatest threat. Meanwhile, Chhun and Kill Team Victory find themselves taking on new roles inside the Legion, and the fight for control of the Galactic Republic hits its zenith with the arrival of the malevolent Cybar.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2018
590 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Jason Anspach
172 books821 followersJASON ANSPACH is the author of Galaxy's Edge, Wayward Galaxy, Forgotten Ruin. and more.
He lives in Puyallup, WA with his wife and their seven (not a typo) children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 18, 2018
This series is awesome!
I've been reading one book after another for the last few weeks. Awesome writing, awesome story. Wow! I hope there are many more books to come!
I've been reading one book after another for the last few weeks. Awesome writing, awesome story. Wow! I hope there are many more books to come!
December 17, 2018
Summary:
First, let me say that none of what I’ll say in this section couldn’t be found on the back copy of the novel. Heck, I cribbed this summary from the back, and then I added my own twist! And not even much of one, since most of the books I read have kick butt descriptions (aka blurbs). If the blurb doesn’t catch my eye, then I tend to skip the book unless a friend recommends it. Generally speaking, my goal is to provide a spoiler-free review, so here goes nothing!
The Legion must survive. The more desperate the struggle against the forces arrayed against the Republic are, the more the citizens will need their heroes keeping the wolves at bay. As Legion Commander Keller attempts to coax the Republic and Black Fleet into a winner-take-all battle at the heart of the Galactic Core, Wraith uncovers secrets from Tyrus Rechs’s past. Determined to liberate his crew from the clutches of a dormant fleet controlled by a hostile AI, the soldier-turned-rogue comes face to face with the galaxy’s greatest threat.
Meanwhile, Chhun and Kill Team Victory find themselves taking on new roles inside the Legion, and the fight for control of the Galactic Republic hits its zenith with the arrival of the malevolent Cybar.
If you like epic space opera, with a side of military science fiction, you should read this series. Plenty of explosions, with authentically gritty combat. If this sounds like your flavor of badassery, then you’ve come to the right place! This novel is a brilliant continuation of the Galaxy’s Edge Universe, where they fix everything George Lucas broke in this Star-Wars-Not-Star-Wars adventure. I wish I could give you an easy comparison, “if you enjoyed Book X, buy this book,” but I really feel like Nick and Jason broke new ground here. They’ve revived that sense of newness and fun that we loved as children, that brought most of us to the science fiction genre! There are new series popping up that follow this vibe, I’ve heard of them… but until I read them, I can’t recommend them. So, until then, I will stick with the belief that there are other military sci-fi books out there, but none quite like this!
Characters:
In this novel, we again followed a small group of characters, which I find is how I like this universe. We again meet Chhun and Wraith, a few miscellaneous Shock Troopers and Exo. Basically, the band is back together again. All of the characters were a lot of fun to spend time with again and made me want the book to never end (hint, hint)!
Captain Cohen Chhun: He’s a grizzled veteran officer of the numerous campaigns, but he felt real and not one of those stereotypical military killers. He was badass, a consummate professional and genuinely good officer for his troops. He’s the kind of guy you’d want on your side in a firefight, and he seems to be more relaxed and less of an ass than he was in the first novel. This book showed a lot of character growth from Chhun, he’s already adapted into his role as the Victory Team Leader but the Legion demands more of him. I can’t be more specific without spoilers, but you’ll like the grown-up version of Chhun. He’s fully come into his own, becoming everything, we knew he could be. Throughout his arc this book we got to marvel at all his KTF glory. He was my favorite character in this novel, I enjoyed following him again! Overall, I really liked him and felt like there was so much more to come from him!
Wraith/Captain Aenson Keel/Captain Ford: He’s an enigmatic character, former/current Legion officer and all around killing machine. The multiple personas that he portrays on his covert quest to blend in with the local rabble he was tasked with watching felt mildly schizophrenic but in a good way. I felt like his character became deeper and even more complex in this novel. He’s still a beast, physically, but now we see an even more complex side of him that’s compassionate for the downtrodden while remaining ruthless with his enemies. He’s come to terms with having feelings for Leenah and his erstwhile missing crew, re-devoting himself to the quest for her salvation. He’s not soft, mind you, just judicious on whom he decides to include in his family of choice. Overall, I felt proud of his choices in this novel. He’s becoming the sort of honorable man he was in the beginning, it’s like we’ve come full circle as we watch his character come alive on the page. It was also nice to see him back in a combat role, getting in some series KTF-ing.
Exo: He’s the elusive former Victory Company legionnaire and a character I enjoy reading about. He’s an all-around killing machine, who takes care of people the Republic can’t admit they screwed over and booted out of the Legion. He was screwed over by his corrupt nation and joined the Black Fleet in a desperate bid to save the leejes he left behind. He was an extremely believable and sympathetic character, and I hated how the galaxy conspired against him. I felt like he was well rounded, and felt like he was the Every Man Legionnaire, reminiscent of the troops I met in the Army. This novel brought his character arc full circle, but again I can’t elaborate without spoilers. Trust me, you’ll like him again!
Major Elleck Ownes: He’s the illusive leader of the Legion Dark Ops and a character I enjoy reading about. He’s an all-around killing machine, who takes care of people the Republic can’t admit they want eliminated. The DarkOps is the Legion’s answer to NetherOps, and Major Owens is the leader, and Victory Kill Team’s handler. He was an extremly believable and sympathetic character, and I love him. I felt like he was well rounded, and felt like he was the Every Man Spec Ops guy I met in the Army. Without giving anything away, I will say that Owens kicked his KTF-ing up a dozen notches in this novel. We definitely need to see more of his origin story in a series of books!
Major Thales, Repub Army: He was a Repub Army officer, in charge of the artillery on the Tarragon Moon. He was too pudgy and bookish to fit the perfect image that the House of Reason and the Repub Army choose to permit. However, he was the driving force that kept Goth Sullus’ from completely wiping the Repub Navy from the area. He was a lot of fun, and a very relatable character. In the end, he proved he was stronger than we knew, surviving the torture from the Empire. I’ll say it right here, he needed more screen time than he got! He was an awesome character we need to see more of! We see him steadily prove that the Repub Army is a force that could be saved, if properly led and you’ll love Thales for that! Go Army, Beat Navy! HOOAH!
Captain Desiax, Repub Navy: He’s a Repub Naval officer, and ship’s captain who commanded the corvette Audacity during the escape from Tarrago Prime. He bought the carrier Freedom just enough time to allow it to escape, showing the heroic cut of his jib! I loved his saucy nature, the irreverence with which he carried himself! He served some time in Goth Sullus’ prison camps as a POW after the Battle of Tarragon, but he didn’t give in or break under torture. When he’s recaptured by the Shock Troopers, he’s as cool as a cucumber. He was an awesome character who we need to see more of! Maybe some tales from the Repub Navy? Some PEW PEW in space? More epic dog fights by massive capital ships? Is more even possible?
Prisma Maydoon: She’s a young girl/woman who sometimes seems to be a teenager, and sometimes appears to be only nine or ten. It’s easy to feel sorry for her and to see her potential as she ages, but for now, she’s annoyingly useless. In previous novels, she was a wanna be bounty hunter bent on revenge, being trained by T-Rex himself, but in this novel, she alternates between scared little girl and Jedi-Not-Jedi Force user. She’s still the key to a secret weapon buried inside her, but that weapon was taken off the board by forces that I can’t name without spoilers. She does start to grow on you in this book, she’s feisty! We still don’t see much of her in this book, but what we see leaves us feeling sorry for the kid.
Overall, it seems like the return to the main team we started within Legionnaire. I give these characters 5 out of 5 Grenades and can’t wait to see where the author takes the survivors of this massive three-sided intergalactic war with Goth Sullus and the machines!
Plot:
The premise for this series was to take the kind of Star Wars stories we used to love, strip out all of the political messaging, and just tell fun tales. Escapism and enjoyment, under the banner of intergalactic science fiction. This book, like the rest of the novels in this series, fit squarely within the scope of the military fiction that I love to read. I loved that this was an action-packed novel with a defined plot. Except this novel kicked that action up a dozen notches, pulled at my cold dead heart and made me feel things. The story is set as the galaxy is in turmoil, reeling from the events surrounding what looks to be the final showdown between Goth Sullus and the Republic military forces. Despite their best efforts at securing peace for their ungrateful galaxy, political corruption continues to stymie them at every turn. With the initiation of Article 19 and the support of Repub Navy’s 7th Fleet, things might finally be looking up. We get to see a war fought by the Legion war dogs after they were unchained and set free to do what they do; KTF. We see the world from the eyes of the survivors of Kublar, the tragedy that ignited the powder keg of the Republic. We learn about what went on behind the scenes and see how that was orchestrated. All of that created the sad current state of affairs the Repub found itself embroiled in. The plot was darkly fun, but there were times when it was too emotional, and I had to put the novel down for a few days. This story is chalk full of tension and excitement as we waited on bated breath to find out if the Legion was up to the task of ending the threat of Goth Sullus and the Black Fleet once and for all. It was never boring, and the characters and universe behaved in a way that made sense for the worlds the authors created. It was a good set-up and well-executed premise that held my interest from the first sentence. They built on what came before this novel, allowing the plot to grow and expanded until the arc of this series came full circle. Maybe your mileage will vary, but this is one story you don’t want to miss! I can’t wait to start book nine, as I try to figure out the fate of the galaxy. As you can tell by the gushing, I really got into this book. The plot was compelling, emotional and hit ya in the feels. I really loved the premise, and more importantly, I enjoyed how the execution. The pacing was excellent, and there was never a slow moment. There was never a point where the plot was confusing, or that I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I couldn’t ask for anything more; a unique premise, perfect execution, and incredible pacing! I again give Nick Cole and Jason Anspach 5 out of 5 Grenades!
World Building:
This is the eighth book in the Galaxy’s Edge Series, ninth if you count the prequel story, Tin Man. After all of those books, I still absolutely loved it. Each novel keeps getting better, and I’m more hooked than ever. Can I say that enough? Okay, back to the nitty-gritty of the review. This novel had a very fleshed out world that was consistent, made sense and sucked you in. Some of the details that seemed inconsequential in previous seven novels finally proved to be critically important, adding even more depth to the world at the edge of the galaxy. It definitely made me want to become part of the larger world, but now I add the caveat that I want some guarantees that I won’t die! I mean, they kill off a hell of a lot of leejes! I liked reading more about the technology used by the Cybar Fleet and by the ancient bounty hunter Tyrus Rex. We get to see how the weaponry and technology have evolved over the scope of this universe, even the bits that came before the series that launched them all. I could picture every setting described, easily envisioning myself living there. They described the world with plenty of details, and there wasn’t a scene where I couldn’t imagine what Anspach and Cole described. They’ve upped their game though, adding more sensory input to the mix; sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. They didn’t reinvent the wheel and built on the existing tropes of science fiction. They just made it sexier! Overall, the world building was well done, and I was sold on the way it happened. It felt believable, and the characters fit within the universe Nick Cole, and Jason Anspach created. Like most of the stories I read, this one didn’t take itself too seriously, which allowed you to focus on the fun which is why I read in the first place. I give the world building 5 out of 5 Grenades.
Description:
I have to give it to the authors, this novel was chalk full of visualization, and you could definitely imagine yourself in this world. They described things across the sensory spectrum; sights, sounds, smells and even how the world felt. This is extremely important when you’re writing and/or reading military science fiction. Combat can’t just be seen, it must be experienced and Anspach and Cole brought that to you. I could almost smell the burnt ozone from the blaster fire and feel the ground shaking from the artillery shells bombarding enemy locations. This is how it’s done, and I hope to get that good someday. While I could visualize all of the characters, I would still love it if the authors shared artists renderings for them. The cover for the next book has a few of the characters, but I always want more! I feel like an addict saying that, but meh… I like it when we have the visuals to go along with my novels. While the authors did a great job at description, they didn’t describe every blade of grass. Instead, they gave you the building blocks you needed to see it for yourself. One huge plus for me was Nick Cole and Jason Anspach’s descriptive use of language, a skill they’ve carried through the first seven books. They balanced the explanation of this new world with the need to move a story along. This book didn’t have a single place where I couldn’t picture the scenery and the equipment, which added to the world that felt tangible and I enjoyed it. The author’s description of their universe was evocative, and enough to please rookies and uber fans alike! This is similar to what I said in the previous books, but their descriptive game has been superb throughout the series, and I can’t think of a place I’d like to improve it.
In summary, I didn’t find any issues with the descriptions and was impressed by the literary skills of the authors. The action was gripping, and the story was fun. If you want the action, the adventure, and the PEW PEW, then this is the book for you! Nick Cole and Jason Anspach brought it, they were definitely their A game. I give them 5 out of 5 grenades in this category, more if I could!
Overall:
I really loved this book, though it wasn’t as fun to read as the previous novels. Wait, stick with me. This novel was so emotional I had to read it in chunks and put it down several times. Some of my favorite characters died and it really hit me in the feels. That said, it was still an awesome read. It brought back the epic sci-fi battles that I acted out as a kid, laying in the grass playing with my action figures. As I read this novel, I found myself wishing for toys I could share with my son’s. I want them to be able to experience this setting with me, we could bond over the epic tales of heroism and duty. I could envision teaching them about the complexity of the world, of how black and white thinking didn’t always work. This world could serve as the perfect social story for the boys, if I could find a way to get them hooked.
Despite the serious nature of my review, this novel harkened back to what I loved about the first book Legionnaire. The combat was gritty and visceral, sucking you in through the pages and into another world. So about that world I was sucked into… the vibe of this story is amazing. I loved every nail-biting second of this novel! There were no deep messages, or political themes, just good clean fun. Like the previous novels, this story was compelling and made me want to know more. This novel was another one where I found myself unsure of whom to root for. I feel like the Legion post-Article 19 and the Goth Sullus’ Black Fleet were trying to excise the rot at the core of the House of Reason. It was hard to find fault with what the Black Fleet was trying to do. The complexity and nuance in this novel made it hard to determine who I was supposed to root for, the Legion. The political entities were garbage, but the Legion was the beacon of hope in a galaxy shrouded in darkness. Unlike the last book, Goth Sullus wasn’t the only “big bad guy” in this book. Instead, we finally see the Cybar for the existential danger that they represent. Sadly, the House of Reason doesn’t see it, they’re too busy re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Now onto the book itself! The military culture shown was spot on, just what I’d expect from an Army veteran. Nobody felt like cookie cutter clichés or parodies of the warrior, and the ethos was spot on. I liked how they handled Goth Sullus’ decisions with regards to the Cybar Fleet. The deadly literary duo of Anspach and Cole understand the culture of the grunt and don’t shy away from the consequences of war! They show when the leaders make the hard choices under fire, choices that are distasteful to armchair generals judging from the safety of the sidelines. War is an ugly thing, and these authors lean into it and make sure the readers appreciate the consequences of the Pew Pew we love to read about. None of these combat actions happen in a vacuum, effecting the soldiers who are forced to make them. As someone who’s been there, I can relate to this level of attention to the details of the soldiers who fight and die under the banner of the Legion and/or Black Fleet. The soldiers don’t come away unscathed, and we see that in some of the final decisions made by Goth Sullus.
Aside from how Nick and Jason covered the military troops themselves, they made it clear that their world was flushed out and didn’t fall into some of the traps most military sci-fi did. The troops run out of ammo, dumb luck happens, and good soldiers still die. (Still bitter) Lots of them, sadly. Fighting the Black Fleet wasn’t easy, not when the corrupt politicians tried playing all sides against themselves, so they could serve their own interests. As a consequence, rivers of blood ran throughout this novel, putting Turning Point to shame! The action was intense, and the characters responded as you’d expect in those circumstances. Moving right along, the ground combat described was primal, and immersive. They even made the space combat, which normally isn’t my preference, exciting. I had to rethink my life choices after reading this novel! It was everything you want from the genre. The battle scenes were believable, gripping and I never felt like the author missed a chance to get creative with the tactics. It was textbook KTF, the mantra of the Legionnaire! Kill them first! Such a detailed portrayal of the tactics is rare.
**Due to size restrictions with reviews, the rest of my overall thoughts can be read on my blog**
https://jrhandley.com/2018/12/13/book...
First, let me say that none of what I’ll say in this section couldn’t be found on the back copy of the novel. Heck, I cribbed this summary from the back, and then I added my own twist! And not even much of one, since most of the books I read have kick butt descriptions (aka blurbs). If the blurb doesn’t catch my eye, then I tend to skip the book unless a friend recommends it. Generally speaking, my goal is to provide a spoiler-free review, so here goes nothing!
The Legion must survive. The more desperate the struggle against the forces arrayed against the Republic are, the more the citizens will need their heroes keeping the wolves at bay. As Legion Commander Keller attempts to coax the Republic and Black Fleet into a winner-take-all battle at the heart of the Galactic Core, Wraith uncovers secrets from Tyrus Rechs’s past. Determined to liberate his crew from the clutches of a dormant fleet controlled by a hostile AI, the soldier-turned-rogue comes face to face with the galaxy’s greatest threat.
Meanwhile, Chhun and Kill Team Victory find themselves taking on new roles inside the Legion, and the fight for control of the Galactic Republic hits its zenith with the arrival of the malevolent Cybar.
If you like epic space opera, with a side of military science fiction, you should read this series. Plenty of explosions, with authentically gritty combat. If this sounds like your flavor of badassery, then you’ve come to the right place! This novel is a brilliant continuation of the Galaxy’s Edge Universe, where they fix everything George Lucas broke in this Star-Wars-Not-Star-Wars adventure. I wish I could give you an easy comparison, “if you enjoyed Book X, buy this book,” but I really feel like Nick and Jason broke new ground here. They’ve revived that sense of newness and fun that we loved as children, that brought most of us to the science fiction genre! There are new series popping up that follow this vibe, I’ve heard of them… but until I read them, I can’t recommend them. So, until then, I will stick with the belief that there are other military sci-fi books out there, but none quite like this!
Characters:
In this novel, we again followed a small group of characters, which I find is how I like this universe. We again meet Chhun and Wraith, a few miscellaneous Shock Troopers and Exo. Basically, the band is back together again. All of the characters were a lot of fun to spend time with again and made me want the book to never end (hint, hint)!
Captain Cohen Chhun: He’s a grizzled veteran officer of the numerous campaigns, but he felt real and not one of those stereotypical military killers. He was badass, a consummate professional and genuinely good officer for his troops. He’s the kind of guy you’d want on your side in a firefight, and he seems to be more relaxed and less of an ass than he was in the first novel. This book showed a lot of character growth from Chhun, he’s already adapted into his role as the Victory Team Leader but the Legion demands more of him. I can’t be more specific without spoilers, but you’ll like the grown-up version of Chhun. He’s fully come into his own, becoming everything, we knew he could be. Throughout his arc this book we got to marvel at all his KTF glory. He was my favorite character in this novel, I enjoyed following him again! Overall, I really liked him and felt like there was so much more to come from him!
Wraith/Captain Aenson Keel/Captain Ford: He’s an enigmatic character, former/current Legion officer and all around killing machine. The multiple personas that he portrays on his covert quest to blend in with the local rabble he was tasked with watching felt mildly schizophrenic but in a good way. I felt like his character became deeper and even more complex in this novel. He’s still a beast, physically, but now we see an even more complex side of him that’s compassionate for the downtrodden while remaining ruthless with his enemies. He’s come to terms with having feelings for Leenah and his erstwhile missing crew, re-devoting himself to the quest for her salvation. He’s not soft, mind you, just judicious on whom he decides to include in his family of choice. Overall, I felt proud of his choices in this novel. He’s becoming the sort of honorable man he was in the beginning, it’s like we’ve come full circle as we watch his character come alive on the page. It was also nice to see him back in a combat role, getting in some series KTF-ing.
Exo: He’s the elusive former Victory Company legionnaire and a character I enjoy reading about. He’s an all-around killing machine, who takes care of people the Republic can’t admit they screwed over and booted out of the Legion. He was screwed over by his corrupt nation and joined the Black Fleet in a desperate bid to save the leejes he left behind. He was an extremely believable and sympathetic character, and I hated how the galaxy conspired against him. I felt like he was well rounded, and felt like he was the Every Man Legionnaire, reminiscent of the troops I met in the Army. This novel brought his character arc full circle, but again I can’t elaborate without spoilers. Trust me, you’ll like him again!
Major Elleck Ownes: He’s the illusive leader of the Legion Dark Ops and a character I enjoy reading about. He’s an all-around killing machine, who takes care of people the Republic can’t admit they want eliminated. The DarkOps is the Legion’s answer to NetherOps, and Major Owens is the leader, and Victory Kill Team’s handler. He was an extremly believable and sympathetic character, and I love him. I felt like he was well rounded, and felt like he was the Every Man Spec Ops guy I met in the Army. Without giving anything away, I will say that Owens kicked his KTF-ing up a dozen notches in this novel. We definitely need to see more of his origin story in a series of books!
Major Thales, Repub Army: He was a Repub Army officer, in charge of the artillery on the Tarragon Moon. He was too pudgy and bookish to fit the perfect image that the House of Reason and the Repub Army choose to permit. However, he was the driving force that kept Goth Sullus’ from completely wiping the Repub Navy from the area. He was a lot of fun, and a very relatable character. In the end, he proved he was stronger than we knew, surviving the torture from the Empire. I’ll say it right here, he needed more screen time than he got! He was an awesome character we need to see more of! We see him steadily prove that the Repub Army is a force that could be saved, if properly led and you’ll love Thales for that! Go Army, Beat Navy! HOOAH!
Captain Desiax, Repub Navy: He’s a Repub Naval officer, and ship’s captain who commanded the corvette Audacity during the escape from Tarrago Prime. He bought the carrier Freedom just enough time to allow it to escape, showing the heroic cut of his jib! I loved his saucy nature, the irreverence with which he carried himself! He served some time in Goth Sullus’ prison camps as a POW after the Battle of Tarragon, but he didn’t give in or break under torture. When he’s recaptured by the Shock Troopers, he’s as cool as a cucumber. He was an awesome character who we need to see more of! Maybe some tales from the Repub Navy? Some PEW PEW in space? More epic dog fights by massive capital ships? Is more even possible?
Prisma Maydoon: She’s a young girl/woman who sometimes seems to be a teenager, and sometimes appears to be only nine or ten. It’s easy to feel sorry for her and to see her potential as she ages, but for now, she’s annoyingly useless. In previous novels, she was a wanna be bounty hunter bent on revenge, being trained by T-Rex himself, but in this novel, she alternates between scared little girl and Jedi-Not-Jedi Force user. She’s still the key to a secret weapon buried inside her, but that weapon was taken off the board by forces that I can’t name without spoilers. She does start to grow on you in this book, she’s feisty! We still don’t see much of her in this book, but what we see leaves us feeling sorry for the kid.
Overall, it seems like the return to the main team we started within Legionnaire. I give these characters 5 out of 5 Grenades and can’t wait to see where the author takes the survivors of this massive three-sided intergalactic war with Goth Sullus and the machines!
Plot:
The premise for this series was to take the kind of Star Wars stories we used to love, strip out all of the political messaging, and just tell fun tales. Escapism and enjoyment, under the banner of intergalactic science fiction. This book, like the rest of the novels in this series, fit squarely within the scope of the military fiction that I love to read. I loved that this was an action-packed novel with a defined plot. Except this novel kicked that action up a dozen notches, pulled at my cold dead heart and made me feel things. The story is set as the galaxy is in turmoil, reeling from the events surrounding what looks to be the final showdown between Goth Sullus and the Republic military forces. Despite their best efforts at securing peace for their ungrateful galaxy, political corruption continues to stymie them at every turn. With the initiation of Article 19 and the support of Repub Navy’s 7th Fleet, things might finally be looking up. We get to see a war fought by the Legion war dogs after they were unchained and set free to do what they do; KTF. We see the world from the eyes of the survivors of Kublar, the tragedy that ignited the powder keg of the Republic. We learn about what went on behind the scenes and see how that was orchestrated. All of that created the sad current state of affairs the Repub found itself embroiled in. The plot was darkly fun, but there were times when it was too emotional, and I had to put the novel down for a few days. This story is chalk full of tension and excitement as we waited on bated breath to find out if the Legion was up to the task of ending the threat of Goth Sullus and the Black Fleet once and for all. It was never boring, and the characters and universe behaved in a way that made sense for the worlds the authors created. It was a good set-up and well-executed premise that held my interest from the first sentence. They built on what came before this novel, allowing the plot to grow and expanded until the arc of this series came full circle. Maybe your mileage will vary, but this is one story you don’t want to miss! I can’t wait to start book nine, as I try to figure out the fate of the galaxy. As you can tell by the gushing, I really got into this book. The plot was compelling, emotional and hit ya in the feels. I really loved the premise, and more importantly, I enjoyed how the execution. The pacing was excellent, and there was never a slow moment. There was never a point where the plot was confusing, or that I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I couldn’t ask for anything more; a unique premise, perfect execution, and incredible pacing! I again give Nick Cole and Jason Anspach 5 out of 5 Grenades!
World Building:
This is the eighth book in the Galaxy’s Edge Series, ninth if you count the prequel story, Tin Man. After all of those books, I still absolutely loved it. Each novel keeps getting better, and I’m more hooked than ever. Can I say that enough? Okay, back to the nitty-gritty of the review. This novel had a very fleshed out world that was consistent, made sense and sucked you in. Some of the details that seemed inconsequential in previous seven novels finally proved to be critically important, adding even more depth to the world at the edge of the galaxy. It definitely made me want to become part of the larger world, but now I add the caveat that I want some guarantees that I won’t die! I mean, they kill off a hell of a lot of leejes! I liked reading more about the technology used by the Cybar Fleet and by the ancient bounty hunter Tyrus Rex. We get to see how the weaponry and technology have evolved over the scope of this universe, even the bits that came before the series that launched them all. I could picture every setting described, easily envisioning myself living there. They described the world with plenty of details, and there wasn’t a scene where I couldn’t imagine what Anspach and Cole described. They’ve upped their game though, adding more sensory input to the mix; sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. They didn’t reinvent the wheel and built on the existing tropes of science fiction. They just made it sexier! Overall, the world building was well done, and I was sold on the way it happened. It felt believable, and the characters fit within the universe Nick Cole, and Jason Anspach created. Like most of the stories I read, this one didn’t take itself too seriously, which allowed you to focus on the fun which is why I read in the first place. I give the world building 5 out of 5 Grenades.
Description:
I have to give it to the authors, this novel was chalk full of visualization, and you could definitely imagine yourself in this world. They described things across the sensory spectrum; sights, sounds, smells and even how the world felt. This is extremely important when you’re writing and/or reading military science fiction. Combat can’t just be seen, it must be experienced and Anspach and Cole brought that to you. I could almost smell the burnt ozone from the blaster fire and feel the ground shaking from the artillery shells bombarding enemy locations. This is how it’s done, and I hope to get that good someday. While I could visualize all of the characters, I would still love it if the authors shared artists renderings for them. The cover for the next book has a few of the characters, but I always want more! I feel like an addict saying that, but meh… I like it when we have the visuals to go along with my novels. While the authors did a great job at description, they didn’t describe every blade of grass. Instead, they gave you the building blocks you needed to see it for yourself. One huge plus for me was Nick Cole and Jason Anspach’s descriptive use of language, a skill they’ve carried through the first seven books. They balanced the explanation of this new world with the need to move a story along. This book didn’t have a single place where I couldn’t picture the scenery and the equipment, which added to the world that felt tangible and I enjoyed it. The author’s description of their universe was evocative, and enough to please rookies and uber fans alike! This is similar to what I said in the previous books, but their descriptive game has been superb throughout the series, and I can’t think of a place I’d like to improve it.
In summary, I didn’t find any issues with the descriptions and was impressed by the literary skills of the authors. The action was gripping, and the story was fun. If you want the action, the adventure, and the PEW PEW, then this is the book for you! Nick Cole and Jason Anspach brought it, they were definitely their A game. I give them 5 out of 5 grenades in this category, more if I could!
Overall:
I really loved this book, though it wasn’t as fun to read as the previous novels. Wait, stick with me. This novel was so emotional I had to read it in chunks and put it down several times. Some of my favorite characters died and it really hit me in the feels. That said, it was still an awesome read. It brought back the epic sci-fi battles that I acted out as a kid, laying in the grass playing with my action figures. As I read this novel, I found myself wishing for toys I could share with my son’s. I want them to be able to experience this setting with me, we could bond over the epic tales of heroism and duty. I could envision teaching them about the complexity of the world, of how black and white thinking didn’t always work. This world could serve as the perfect social story for the boys, if I could find a way to get them hooked.
Despite the serious nature of my review, this novel harkened back to what I loved about the first book Legionnaire. The combat was gritty and visceral, sucking you in through the pages and into another world. So about that world I was sucked into… the vibe of this story is amazing. I loved every nail-biting second of this novel! There were no deep messages, or political themes, just good clean fun. Like the previous novels, this story was compelling and made me want to know more. This novel was another one where I found myself unsure of whom to root for. I feel like the Legion post-Article 19 and the Goth Sullus’ Black Fleet were trying to excise the rot at the core of the House of Reason. It was hard to find fault with what the Black Fleet was trying to do. The complexity and nuance in this novel made it hard to determine who I was supposed to root for, the Legion. The political entities were garbage, but the Legion was the beacon of hope in a galaxy shrouded in darkness. Unlike the last book, Goth Sullus wasn’t the only “big bad guy” in this book. Instead, we finally see the Cybar for the existential danger that they represent. Sadly, the House of Reason doesn’t see it, they’re too busy re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Now onto the book itself! The military culture shown was spot on, just what I’d expect from an Army veteran. Nobody felt like cookie cutter clichés or parodies of the warrior, and the ethos was spot on. I liked how they handled Goth Sullus’ decisions with regards to the Cybar Fleet. The deadly literary duo of Anspach and Cole understand the culture of the grunt and don’t shy away from the consequences of war! They show when the leaders make the hard choices under fire, choices that are distasteful to armchair generals judging from the safety of the sidelines. War is an ugly thing, and these authors lean into it and make sure the readers appreciate the consequences of the Pew Pew we love to read about. None of these combat actions happen in a vacuum, effecting the soldiers who are forced to make them. As someone who’s been there, I can relate to this level of attention to the details of the soldiers who fight and die under the banner of the Legion and/or Black Fleet. The soldiers don’t come away unscathed, and we see that in some of the final decisions made by Goth Sullus.
Aside from how Nick and Jason covered the military troops themselves, they made it clear that their world was flushed out and didn’t fall into some of the traps most military sci-fi did. The troops run out of ammo, dumb luck happens, and good soldiers still die. (Still bitter) Lots of them, sadly. Fighting the Black Fleet wasn’t easy, not when the corrupt politicians tried playing all sides against themselves, so they could serve their own interests. As a consequence, rivers of blood ran throughout this novel, putting Turning Point to shame! The action was intense, and the characters responded as you’d expect in those circumstances. Moving right along, the ground combat described was primal, and immersive. They even made the space combat, which normally isn’t my preference, exciting. I had to rethink my life choices after reading this novel! It was everything you want from the genre. The battle scenes were believable, gripping and I never felt like the author missed a chance to get creative with the tactics. It was textbook KTF, the mantra of the Legionnaire! Kill them first! Such a detailed portrayal of the tactics is rare.
**Due to size restrictions with reviews, the rest of my overall thoughts can be read on my blog**
https://jrhandley.com/2018/12/13/book...
September 17, 2018
In this installment on the Galaxy's Edge series Message fo the Dead the Cybar are coming back from the edge. The Black Fleet is pushing out from their one system and is going for the heart of the republic. With this war between the Legion, the House, the Empire, and Cybar there is no way of telling who will win. I believe that this is a great continuation of the story and it will not disappoint any fan of the series.
May 7, 2018
In a tweet storm last month, I threatened to write an essay about the millennialism of the lighthuggers portrayed in Imperator when I had a chance. As it turns out, the end of the world came and found me before I was ready. Let my unreadiness serve as a warning to the others. Tempus fugit. Memento mori.
In many ways, this is a book of endings. An end to scheming. An end to corruption. An end to freedom. An end to life. The progression from the first to the last is the essence of the Faustian bargain. We trust more in our own power than in the power of God. We insist that our will be done.
For Goth Sullus, the vice that makes his fall possible is justice. Yes, justice. I am not fool enough to call good evil just to make a point. However, it is precisely by means of a thirst for justice, for vengeance!, that evil enters the soul of the man known as Goth Sullus. [I admit that I suspect envy played a part as well, but we shall see] Yes, the galaxy is a dumpster fire. And Sullus insists that justice be done, though the heavens fall. His justice is swollen to madness in isolation from all else that is good and holy.
Yet, there is still hope. That hope is a slim hope, desperate even. Yet for all our weakness and foolishness, we have not been left to face the monsters alone. Although, it damn well feels like it. What it feels like, is the end of the world.
As I said, this is a book of endings. Yet, this is a specific type of ending. Not every apocalypse is created alike you see. This is only an introductory apocalypse. In an introductory apocalypse, the wicked system of the world is swept away. The world will then be united under the rule of the saints. During that time, things will be as they should be. However, the great enemy has merely been bound, not destroyed. At the end of the eponymous millennium, a revolt will occur, in which the cosmos will be consumed. That is a terminal apocalypse. Simply the end.
Now, clearly, something is amiss in the schema I have just described. While Goth Sullus certainly sees himself as worthy, I have my doubts. We also don't really know what role Aeson Keel, or Ravi, or Prisma Maydoon will serve in the end. We don't even really know what happened to Reina, although I have some dark suspicions.
Without the ability to see into the hearts of men [or whatever Ravi is], we cannot really know what is to come. It is only by their fruits that we shall know them. Yet despite the bitter fruits that have fallen from Goth Sullus, I have hope for him too.
In many ways, this is a book of endings. An end to scheming. An end to corruption. An end to freedom. An end to life. The progression from the first to the last is the essence of the Faustian bargain. We trust more in our own power than in the power of God. We insist that our will be done.
For Goth Sullus, the vice that makes his fall possible is justice. Yes, justice. I am not fool enough to call good evil just to make a point. However, it is precisely by means of a thirst for justice, for vengeance!, that evil enters the soul of the man known as Goth Sullus. [I admit that I suspect envy played a part as well, but we shall see] Yes, the galaxy is a dumpster fire. And Sullus insists that justice be done, though the heavens fall. His justice is swollen to madness in isolation from all else that is good and holy.
Yet, there is still hope. That hope is a slim hope, desperate even. Yet for all our weakness and foolishness, we have not been left to face the monsters alone. Although, it damn well feels like it. What it feels like, is the end of the world.
As I said, this is a book of endings. Yet, this is a specific type of ending. Not every apocalypse is created alike you see. This is only an introductory apocalypse. In an introductory apocalypse, the wicked system of the world is swept away. The world will then be united under the rule of the saints. During that time, things will be as they should be. However, the great enemy has merely been bound, not destroyed. At the end of the eponymous millennium, a revolt will occur, in which the cosmos will be consumed. That is a terminal apocalypse. Simply the end.
Now, clearly, something is amiss in the schema I have just described. While Goth Sullus certainly sees himself as worthy, I have my doubts. We also don't really know what role Aeson Keel, or Ravi, or Prisma Maydoon will serve in the end. We don't even really know what happened to Reina, although I have some dark suspicions.
Without the ability to see into the hearts of men [or whatever Ravi is], we cannot really know what is to come. It is only by their fruits that we shall know them. Yet despite the bitter fruits that have fallen from Goth Sullus, I have hope for him too.
February 21, 2019
A series that gets better with each book. These authors have managed to tell a story that is rich, but at the same time impossible to put down.
August 27, 2018
Good read.
Good read. I really like the Galaxy Edge series. I like the characters and plots. This series reminds me of Star Wars. If you like military science fiction then I would recommend this book and series.
Good read. I really like the Galaxy Edge series. I like the characters and plots. This series reminds me of Star Wars. If you like military science fiction then I would recommend this book and series.
June 12, 2024
By now I feel like I have a sense of how Jason and Nick (the co-authors of this series) collaborate. I'm picturing them having conversations like this:
Nick: Dude, wouldn't it be awesome if we did {crazy thing}?
Jason: We still haven't resolved the conflict arcs for {previous five crazy things}.
Nick: But think of how awesome it'll be! Plus our series tagline is "The galaxy is a dumpster fire" and we've gotta live up to that.
Jason: Are you going to kill off all of your characters again?
Nick: Don't worry about that. I'm sure your characters will figure things out anyway.
Jason: ...Fine.
I jest... a little. The interplay between Nick's sections and Jason's (and by this point I think I can usually tell the difference, because they have distinct writing styles) is actually kind of amusing to me. Message for the Dead is a full-on Nickpocalypse, and it goes way harder than I expected. I've previously had some worries that such a long series would get stale at some point, but by now I'm pretty sure Nick will single-handedly prevent that. Meanwhile, Jason's approach of pulling his characters carefully through the fire and developing their relationships with each other does a lot to help things stay grounded enough to maintain my emotional investment.
But man this galaxy is in a bad state. The next book is called Retribution, and that feels very appropriate because by the end of this book you're going to really, really want these (surviving) characters to go give the villains a good punch. And knowing these authors, I bet that will feel very, very satisfying.
Nick: Dude, wouldn't it be awesome if we did {crazy thing}?
Jason: We still haven't resolved the conflict arcs for {previous five crazy things}.
Nick: But think of how awesome it'll be! Plus our series tagline is "The galaxy is a dumpster fire" and we've gotta live up to that.
Jason: Are you going to kill off all of your characters again?
Nick: Don't worry about that. I'm sure your characters will figure things out anyway.
Jason: ...Fine.
I jest... a little. The interplay between Nick's sections and Jason's (and by this point I think I can usually tell the difference, because they have distinct writing styles) is actually kind of amusing to me. Message for the Dead is a full-on Nickpocalypse, and it goes way harder than I expected. I've previously had some worries that such a long series would get stale at some point, but by now I'm pretty sure Nick will single-handedly prevent that. Meanwhile, Jason's approach of pulling his characters carefully through the fire and developing their relationships with each other does a lot to help things stay grounded enough to maintain my emotional investment.
But man this galaxy is in a bad state. The next book is called Retribution, and that feels very appropriate because by the end of this book you're going to really, really want these (surviving) characters to go give the villains a good punch. And knowing these authors, I bet that will feel very, very satisfying.
May 4, 2021
This book was really, really fun. Pretty much non-stop action, betrayal, battles and more. This book starts off fast and does not stop until it is over. It even answers some long running questions and I think even pokes fun at itself a few times for a handful of inconsistencies that have occurred in the series. Really, the battles in this book were exceptionally done, some of the best in the series.
Really, my only complaint is when the book is over. There is a very long epilogue, which is really just another act of the book. It is a bit slow, oddly since it features some of our favorite characters. It does pick up near the end, and has plenty of reveals to enjoy. It just felt, odd. It is after the major battle, and almost feels like an afterthought until the ending ties everything together.
On to the final book of Season One!
Really, my only complaint is when the book is over. There is a very long epilogue, which is really just another act of the book. It is a bit slow, oddly since it features some of our favorite characters. It does pick up near the end, and has plenty of reveals to enjoy. It just felt, odd. It is after the major battle, and almost feels like an afterthought until the ending ties everything together.
On to the final book of Season One!
April 5, 2022
The cliffhanger is absolutely brutal.
February 22, 2019
Damn, but these books just keep getting better.
The Legion want the House of Reason gone, but to do that, they have to win not just against the House, but also the Black Fleet and Goth Sullus. Wraith is trying to rescue his crew from the Cybar, the maniacal robot AI that has control of the most powerful ship in the Universe. And Kill Team Victory are just trying to survive a snatch and grab mission to rescue more Leejes. The action never stops in this wild ride across the galaxy, as it slowly but steadily goes up in flames. Things are coming to a head, and not everyone will survive the final battle, but every Leej knows, you just have to KTF.
The Legion want the House of Reason gone, but to do that, they have to win not just against the House, but also the Black Fleet and Goth Sullus. Wraith is trying to rescue his crew from the Cybar, the maniacal robot AI that has control of the most powerful ship in the Universe. And Kill Team Victory are just trying to survive a snatch and grab mission to rescue more Leejes. The action never stops in this wild ride across the galaxy, as it slowly but steadily goes up in flames. Things are coming to a head, and not everyone will survive the final battle, but every Leej knows, you just have to KTF.
February 11, 2019
It’s going to be so, so hard to wait for the next one!
June 18, 2018
The epic and tragic conclusion to one story, and the beginning of a more dire struggle to come.
At last, the conflict for the future of the galaxy that has been building since the first book comes to a head. Yes, there's a victory, but one that can only be called Pyrrhic, and that's hardly a spoiler if you've been reading this far. The Black Fleet of Goth Sullus goes head-to-head with the Legion and Republic forces, while Cybar the mad AI makes its play for the destruction of all biological life.
There's heroism and there's loss. The Legion, despite finally invoking Article 19, is still in a hopeless fight. The Republic-appointed Admiral Landoo rises to the occasion. Keel risks all for his crew, and the tragedy of Goth Sullus ends at the place where all good intentions end.
But it ends the only way it can end, and with all of the secrets and conspiracies behind the scenes are revealed, all that's left is the need to know what happens next.
At last, the conflict for the future of the galaxy that has been building since the first book comes to a head. Yes, there's a victory, but one that can only be called Pyrrhic, and that's hardly a spoiler if you've been reading this far. The Black Fleet of Goth Sullus goes head-to-head with the Legion and Republic forces, while Cybar the mad AI makes its play for the destruction of all biological life.
There's heroism and there's loss. The Legion, despite finally invoking Article 19, is still in a hopeless fight. The Republic-appointed Admiral Landoo rises to the occasion. Keel risks all for his crew, and the tragedy of Goth Sullus ends at the place where all good intentions end.
But it ends the only way it can end, and with all of the secrets and conspiracies behind the scenes are revealed, all that's left is the need to know what happens next.
April 27, 2018
One of the best Sci-Fi series I've ever read
I initially read "legionnaire" because I was looking for a new book just to read while on the plane and since then this series has done everything right. Every book in the Galaxy's Edge series has been an absolute page turner and a joy to read. From the action to the subtle nuances that comes from the authors prior service makes this whole universe seem very genuine and relatable as if we all made the exodus from Earth to start a republic. This book keeps the pace going hard and my only gripe is that these books need to be longer! I cannot wait for the next book and see where the story takes place.
I initially read "legionnaire" because I was looking for a new book just to read while on the plane and since then this series has done everything right. Every book in the Galaxy's Edge series has been an absolute page turner and a joy to read. From the action to the subtle nuances that comes from the authors prior service makes this whole universe seem very genuine and relatable as if we all made the exodus from Earth to start a republic. This book keeps the pace going hard and my only gripe is that these books need to be longer! I cannot wait for the next book and see where the story takes place.
June 21, 2018
I Have No Words...
What a great read, which made me hate it at the end. That's what great books do. They make you care about the characters, about their conflicts, about the wall their backs are forced to. And then, before you realize it, you've read the last page. Your gut is empty, your eyes are on fire, and you want the galaxy to burn for what it did to these characters.
It doesn't matter that the galaxy is a dumpster fire. It hasn't burned enough.
What a great read, which made me hate it at the end. That's what great books do. They make you care about the characters, about their conflicts, about the wall their backs are forced to. And then, before you realize it, you've read the last page. Your gut is empty, your eyes are on fire, and you want the galaxy to burn for what it did to these characters.
It doesn't matter that the galaxy is a dumpster fire. It hasn't burned enough.
May 4, 2018
Outstanding story from an outstanding series, the details of the fights are stomach churning making you feel like you are on the battlefield with the legionnaires. the politics, backstabbing, underhanded dealings, all so vivid. I was hooked, as with every book from this series, it never gets old, only more refined.
KTF.
KTF.
July 16, 2018
Things are coming together and apart.
Wraith has gotten his crew. Chhun has become what McBride was. The Emperor has taken on and over the Cyber ship. 7th Fleet is gone. The House of Reason has welcomed the Emperor with open arms.
Where are the Legionnaires going now??
Read and wonder.
Wraith has gotten his crew. Chhun has become what McBride was. The Emperor has taken on and over the Cyber ship. 7th Fleet is gone. The House of Reason has welcomed the Emperor with open arms.
Where are the Legionnaires going now??
Read and wonder.
August 9, 2018
A very unusual climax, I didn't see that coming. Successive books in a series normally up the ante. I fear the ante has risen above the roof but the series has given me plenty of enjoyment. I love a twist but this one jarred a bit.
The authors have promised to tie it up in the next and final volume. Now I have to wait. KTF!
The authors have promised to tie it up in the next and final volume. Now I have to wait. KTF!
May 2, 2018
The story keeps getting better and better
Since I started reading this series the characters and action keeps getting better and better. I like the dynamic in play between the legion and the emperor.
Since I started reading this series the characters and action keeps getting better and better. I like the dynamic in play between the legion and the emperor.
May 9, 2018
Twists and turns. Plots and subplots
Lots of action on all fronts in this book, and finally, a clear choice for someone to blame and hate! Standing by for the glorious end. What a ride this has been!
Lots of action on all fronts in this book, and finally, a clear choice for someone to blame and hate! Standing by for the glorious end. What a ride this has been!
May 9, 2018
Wow
Awesome book from beginning to end. Wall to wall action and then some, cannot wait for the next one and kind of want to go on forever. Hopefully want to read about this universe for a long time to come. Read them all quick then read them again.
Awesome book from beginning to end. Wall to wall action and then some, cannot wait for the next one and kind of want to go on forever. Hopefully want to read about this universe for a long time to come. Read them all quick then read them again.
May 25, 2018
On Mission
These guys crush star wars and bring in a real flavor of warhammer 40k. These books keep getting better. This train ain't stopping for nothing. We needed something to dethrone the murdered Jedi, this is it. full stop. KTF
These guys crush star wars and bring in a real flavor of warhammer 40k. These books keep getting better. This train ain't stopping for nothing. We needed something to dethrone the murdered Jedi, this is it. full stop. KTF
July 12, 2018
Whoa...
I want to sing, “Reunited and it feels so good!”, but we all know, the galaxy is a dumpster fire.
It’s true of the whole series, but this one fore sure—I just couldn’t put it down.
I want to sing, “Reunited and it feels so good!”, but we all know, the galaxy is a dumpster fire.
It’s true of the whole series, but this one fore sure—I just couldn’t put it down.
May 1, 2018
Can't wait for the last book
My new favorite sci-fi series. This book live up to the expectations that this series has made. All leading up to the conclusion in the next book. KTF
My new favorite sci-fi series. This book live up to the expectations that this series has made. All leading up to the conclusion in the next book. KTF
May 2, 2018
Intense. Grim.
A great read. More like three books in one. A lot of action and death so be prepared. Galactic changes on the horizon.
A great read. More like three books in one. A lot of action and death so be prepared. Galactic changes on the horizon.
May 4, 2018
Brilliant
Once again a brilliant read, action is great, tension is major. Giving nothing away, lots of shockers. Three more words
Once again a brilliant read, action is great, tension is major. Giving nothing away, lots of shockers. Three more words
May 11, 2018
Great
another fantastic instalment of the galaxy’s edge series, yet again another book I couldn’t put down keep up the great work guys!
another fantastic instalment of the galaxy’s edge series, yet again another book I couldn’t put down keep up the great work guys!
May 22, 2018
Great read
Best series I have read this year! Love the plot development and the characters. Definitely ready for more. Exciting and thoughtful.
Best series I have read this year! Love the plot development and the characters. Definitely ready for more. Exciting and thoughtful.
May 21, 2018
Grear addition
Another great addition tp the series. Well worth a read. Thank you for continuing to make this series great as always.
Another great addition tp the series. Well worth a read. Thank you for continuing to make this series great as always.
May 24, 2018
It's dark, and bloody, but tracks with the rest of the series. Like the others? You'll like this one too!
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