What do you think?
Star Cross #4
The Forever War
From USA Today Best Selling Author Raymond L. Weil comes the fourth book in the Star Cross series.
The Vorn have returned with a massive fleet and are once more harvesting the intelligent worlds of the galaxy for food. Every fleet placed in front of them has been annihilated by the Vorn’s superior weapons. The Vorn seem unstoppable as they harvest world after world.
Lakiam Fleet Commodore Dreen is faced with a dilemma. Commit his forces to defending worlds far away from Lakiam or allow the Vorn to destroy much of the civilized galaxy.
In an act of desperation, Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers sets out once more on a dangerous mission. One that if successful could cause the Vorn to break off their attacks and leave the galaxy. If he fails, he will never see home again.
The Vorn have returned with a massive fleet and are once more harvesting the intelligent worlds of the galaxy for food. Every fleet placed in front of them has been annihilated by the Vorn’s superior weapons. The Vorn seem unstoppable as they harvest world after world.
Lakiam Fleet Commodore Dreen is faced with a dilemma. Commit his forces to defending worlds far away from Lakiam or allow the Vorn to destroy much of the civilized galaxy.
In an act of desperation, Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers sets out once more on a dangerous mission. One that if successful could cause the Vorn to break off their attacks and leave the galaxy. If he fails, he will never see home again.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
About the author
Raymond L. Weil
100 books339 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author
I live in Clinton Oklahoma with my wife of 40 years and our cat. I attended college at SWOSU in Weatherford Oklahoma, majoring in Math with minors in Creative Writing and History.
My hobbies include watching soccer, reading, camping, and of course writing. I coached youth soccer for twelve years before moving on and becoming a high school soccer coach for thirteen more. I also enjoy playing with my five grandchildren. I have a very vivid imagination, which sometimes worries my friends. They never know what I am going to say or what I am going to do.
I am an avid reader and have a science fiction / fantasy collection of over two thousand paperbacks. The space program has always fascinated me and I've followed it since its inception. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be an astronaut. Now, I just write about it.
I live in Clinton Oklahoma with my wife of 40 years and our cat. I attended college at SWOSU in Weatherford Oklahoma, majoring in Math with minors in Creative Writing and History.
My hobbies include watching soccer, reading, camping, and of course writing. I coached youth soccer for twelve years before moving on and becoming a high school soccer coach for thirteen more. I also enjoy playing with my five grandchildren. I have a very vivid imagination, which sometimes worries my friends. They never know what I am going to say or what I am going to do.
I am an avid reader and have a science fiction / fantasy collection of over two thousand paperbacks. The space program has always fascinated me and I've followed it since its inception. When I was a teenager, I wanted to be an astronaut. Now, I just write about it.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 29, 2017
Once again this is one of my most favorite authors. I have probably read more of his books than any other author probably because he writes more books than anyone! Still all his books are great. This one is no exception, in fact, I like it very much since the humans got to kick some butt instead of being some aliens doormat as usual.
Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers is in charge of the human space force which just went out and found the lost civilization known as the Glaymons. This is a highly advanced civilization that once colonized the entire galaxy. They are so far advanced that now they live in a Dyson sphere capable of holding ten thousand Earth-like planets. Of course, those planets are not all populated, but the Glaymons have been giving refuge to other races that are fleeing the Vorn eradication. The only problem with this setup is that the Glaymons are pacifist. They believe they have evolved beyond war fighting to solve their problems and since each Glaymon lives 1200 years, they have a rather long-term plan for eradicating the Vorn. They believe in two million years, they will have the necessary technology to throw the Vorn back to the dimension from which they came. Of course, in the here and now, the Vorn are turning the galaxies civilizations into food; destroying every living thing on every planet they touch.
Fortunately, there is a group of Glaymons who don’t agree with the larger population. These are the Aggressive and they are willing to fight along side the humans and other aliens against the Vorn. They also have some highly capable disk ships that can and do destroy Vorn ships. They have released their advances in weapons and shielding as well as power plant improvements to the humans and others willing to fight the Vorn. The Lakiam Fleet under the guidance of Fleet Commodore Dreen have been forming the Lakiam Alliance Protectorate. They with the help of Fleet Admiral Vickers and the Glaymons were successful in defeating a large Vorn fleet for the very first time in recorded history. They also captured a Vorn mothership which had never been done before and are learning some very valuable secrets about the Vorn’s operations.
So, now that the Vorn have temporarily withdrawn to recover from their defeat, the humans and other galaxy aliens are busy implementing all the new Glaymon technology and building ships like never before. They know the Vorn will be back and in numbers too large to almost comprehend. They believe the Vorn have ships numbering in the millions but have a limited FTL capability to get them to our galaxy. They have established a staging area within the galaxy and it’s location was part of the secrets contained in the captured mothership. If the humans, Glaymons and the Lakiam Alliance could attack and destroy a large part of that staging area, it would set back the Vorn several years and allow the galaxy to better prepare.
Additionally, the Glaymons have thousands of advanced ships back in their Dyson Sphere. If only there was some way they could convince the Glaymon Council to release those ships and totally commit to the war against the Vorn, the humans and aliens along with the Glaymons could possibly totally defeat the Vorn and exterminate them forever. But, it doesn’t look like the Glaymon Council will every chose that path, or will they.
Oh, yeah, about the humans finally kicking some butt. It was fun to read about Admiral Kurt Vickers' visit to Kubitz after the human diplomatic compound was destroyed. With the Glaymon technology now integrated into his fleet of starships, he’s not kowtowing to anyone, especially the Controllers on Kubitz. He teaches them a lesson in welding power. That was a very fun and satisfying part of this book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, “Star Cross: The Vorn!”, which should be out soon. I’m sure it will come to a very satisfying end of the Vorn!
Fleet Admiral Kurt Vickers is in charge of the human space force which just went out and found the lost civilization known as the Glaymons. This is a highly advanced civilization that once colonized the entire galaxy. They are so far advanced that now they live in a Dyson sphere capable of holding ten thousand Earth-like planets. Of course, those planets are not all populated, but the Glaymons have been giving refuge to other races that are fleeing the Vorn eradication. The only problem with this setup is that the Glaymons are pacifist. They believe they have evolved beyond war fighting to solve their problems and since each Glaymon lives 1200 years, they have a rather long-term plan for eradicating the Vorn. They believe in two million years, they will have the necessary technology to throw the Vorn back to the dimension from which they came. Of course, in the here and now, the Vorn are turning the galaxies civilizations into food; destroying every living thing on every planet they touch.
Fortunately, there is a group of Glaymons who don’t agree with the larger population. These are the Aggressive and they are willing to fight along side the humans and other aliens against the Vorn. They also have some highly capable disk ships that can and do destroy Vorn ships. They have released their advances in weapons and shielding as well as power plant improvements to the humans and others willing to fight the Vorn. The Lakiam Fleet under the guidance of Fleet Commodore Dreen have been forming the Lakiam Alliance Protectorate. They with the help of Fleet Admiral Vickers and the Glaymons were successful in defeating a large Vorn fleet for the very first time in recorded history. They also captured a Vorn mothership which had never been done before and are learning some very valuable secrets about the Vorn’s operations.
So, now that the Vorn have temporarily withdrawn to recover from their defeat, the humans and other galaxy aliens are busy implementing all the new Glaymon technology and building ships like never before. They know the Vorn will be back and in numbers too large to almost comprehend. They believe the Vorn have ships numbering in the millions but have a limited FTL capability to get them to our galaxy. They have established a staging area within the galaxy and it’s location was part of the secrets contained in the captured mothership. If the humans, Glaymons and the Lakiam Alliance could attack and destroy a large part of that staging area, it would set back the Vorn several years and allow the galaxy to better prepare.
Additionally, the Glaymons have thousands of advanced ships back in their Dyson Sphere. If only there was some way they could convince the Glaymon Council to release those ships and totally commit to the war against the Vorn, the humans and aliens along with the Glaymons could possibly totally defeat the Vorn and exterminate them forever. But, it doesn’t look like the Glaymon Council will every chose that path, or will they.
Oh, yeah, about the humans finally kicking some butt. It was fun to read about Admiral Kurt Vickers' visit to Kubitz after the human diplomatic compound was destroyed. With the Glaymon technology now integrated into his fleet of starships, he’s not kowtowing to anyone, especially the Controllers on Kubitz. He teaches them a lesson in welding power. That was a very fun and satisfying part of this book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, “Star Cross: The Vorn!”, which should be out soon. I’m sure it will come to a very satisfying end of the Vorn!
August 17, 2017
The Vorn and the Protector Worlds including the humans go head butting again and of course this results in some nice space fights. To complicate things some of the more despicable and less intelligent members of the Profiteers shoves a truckload of sand into the machinery. However I would say that the end result of this is actually quite satisfactory.
The books starts off with quite a setback for the humans when that pesky High Profiteer Creed shoves his unloads that truck of sand of his. What he does not know is that he stuck his butt into a huge nasty anthill. I really liked how these parts of the story developed. The profiteers are about to have a shit sandwich not only served to them but forced down their throats with great enthusiam. Very enjoyable reading.
The main part of the book however is spent on the Vorn’s continuing rampage through the galaxy and the humans as well as the other protector worlds efforts of stopping them. Although the introvert faction of the Glaymons continue to stick their heads into the sand more sound mines are also heard and I see some serious clobber time coming up in the Vorn’s future. If you think a Glaymon cruiser was bad how about a battleship? I cannot wait to see the Vorn’s reaction when one of those bad asses turn up.
The Vorn’s themselves are not immune to the despicable politics and scheming illness and a considerable amount of time are spent on Prince Brollen’s machinations to grab glory and power.
The book is very enjoyable to read. There are the usual big space battles, preparations for battles and interactions between the characters and the various groups involved. I definitely look forward to the next book in the series.
The books starts off with quite a setback for the humans when that pesky High Profiteer Creed shoves his unloads that truck of sand of his. What he does not know is that he stuck his butt into a huge nasty anthill. I really liked how these parts of the story developed. The profiteers are about to have a shit sandwich not only served to them but forced down their throats with great enthusiam. Very enjoyable reading.
The main part of the book however is spent on the Vorn’s continuing rampage through the galaxy and the humans as well as the other protector worlds efforts of stopping them. Although the introvert faction of the Glaymons continue to stick their heads into the sand more sound mines are also heard and I see some serious clobber time coming up in the Vorn’s future. If you think a Glaymon cruiser was bad how about a battleship? I cannot wait to see the Vorn’s reaction when one of those bad asses turn up.
The Vorn’s themselves are not immune to the despicable politics and scheming illness and a considerable amount of time are spent on Prince Brollen’s machinations to grab glory and power.
The book is very enjoyable to read. There are the usual big space battles, preparations for battles and interactions between the characters and the various groups involved. I definitely look forward to the next book in the series.
June 27, 2023
In past books here is how a typical conversation between Grantz, kurt and Andrew goes:
Kurt: i need information and weapons that will save all our lives and possibly all the lives of the galaxy at large.
Grantz: Ok, here it is. Now,, may i be compensated for my services?
Kurt: Grantz, Grantz, Grantz. You know we’ll never trust you and your lust for that filthy gold knows no bounds. What good is it to you anyway?
Grantz: I like the services of a different scantly clad young female every night.
Andrew to Kurt: I disapprove of that man and his way of life. I am glad we shun him, his people and his entire culture. I can’t wait for the day when we can march in to his world and make all of them change their evil ways or die. (The only interesting planet in the whole series and the author changes it at gunpoint to be just as vanilla as the others).
Kurt to Andrew:: Yes, I too am a happily married man and would never accept the advances of any other woman
This wet blanket certainly is no Captain Kirk (Captain…Kurt?)
Grantz has been my hero of every book so far. They should be kissing his ass for all times he has been the savior of the human race (and not received credit). Plus, since he and i share the same goals in life (well, at least my imagined life) he is the character i most like to see succeed.
Now here’s the conversation in this book:
Kurt: i’m writing a new contract for you.
Grantz: keep in mind, i won’t sign anything that puts my life at risk or lowers my compensation.
Kurt: You’ll sign what i give you or i’ll put you at the mercy of those who are mad at you for helping us in the past.
Wow. Right after i read the above conversation i was reminded (yet again) that whatever the author has in mind for any future successes of the protagonist (his and mine) and for the re-ordering of the galactic culture is only going to constantly irritate me if i keep reading this series.
Kurt: i need information and weapons that will save all our lives and possibly all the lives of the galaxy at large.
Grantz: Ok, here it is. Now,, may i be compensated for my services?
Kurt: Grantz, Grantz, Grantz. You know we’ll never trust you and your lust for that filthy gold knows no bounds. What good is it to you anyway?
Grantz: I like the services of a different scantly clad young female every night.
Andrew to Kurt: I disapprove of that man and his way of life. I am glad we shun him, his people and his entire culture. I can’t wait for the day when we can march in to his world and make all of them change their evil ways or die. (The only interesting planet in the whole series and the author changes it at gunpoint to be just as vanilla as the others).
Kurt to Andrew:: Yes, I too am a happily married man and would never accept the advances of any other woman
This wet blanket certainly is no Captain Kirk (Captain…Kurt?)
Grantz has been my hero of every book so far. They should be kissing his ass for all times he has been the savior of the human race (and not received credit). Plus, since he and i share the same goals in life (well, at least my imagined life) he is the character i most like to see succeed.
Now here’s the conversation in this book:
Kurt: i’m writing a new contract for you.
Grantz: keep in mind, i won’t sign anything that puts my life at risk or lowers my compensation.
Kurt: You’ll sign what i give you or i’ll put you at the mercy of those who are mad at you for helping us in the past.
Wow. Right after i read the above conversation i was reminded (yet again) that whatever the author has in mind for any future successes of the protagonist (his and mine) and for the re-ordering of the galactic culture is only going to constantly irritate me if i keep reading this series.
September 22, 2017
Before you pick this one up to read, please note it is book #4 of a series: you need to have read the other books in the series first or this one won’t make much sense to you.
Without having a spoiler, the author picks up right where he left off with the continuing conflict with the Vorn. The battle scenes are realistic, the author paints the picture as if you are right there in the middle of things, but what I liked the most was he has become much better at character development and making you feel like you really know the characters. I stayed up late one night to finish this one, as I didn’t want to leave it or walk away to finish another day and this series just gets better.
The Kindle version of this title is $3.99 – if you enjoyed the other books of the series, you will certainly receive more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one. The end notes indicate there is one more title to come to conclude the series – I hope we don’t have to wait very long!
Without having a spoiler, the author picks up right where he left off with the continuing conflict with the Vorn. The battle scenes are realistic, the author paints the picture as if you are right there in the middle of things, but what I liked the most was he has become much better at character development and making you feel like you really know the characters. I stayed up late one night to finish this one, as I didn’t want to leave it or walk away to finish another day and this series just gets better.
The Kindle version of this title is $3.99 – if you enjoyed the other books of the series, you will certainly receive more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one. The end notes indicate there is one more title to come to conclude the series – I hope we don’t have to wait very long!
July 2, 2017
Starcross series
Ok i'm giving this a low rating. The theme is good, the execution bad. A bit of editong by some one competent would reduce the repetitive elements. This is aimed at READERS not someone with a three monute attention span constantly interupted by commercials. We dont need a full review of how the alirn races react to a situation we've seen before. Also the relationships of the main characters are so shallow the book must be written for eleven year olds. Come on I like hard SF but this needs some work to make it worthwhile. Sorry but I probably won't be buying the fifth in the series.. Just a word to the author, you have a good grasp for an intersting story, cut down on the furious volume an polish what you have and you may make a better job.
Ok i'm giving this a low rating. The theme is good, the execution bad. A bit of editong by some one competent would reduce the repetitive elements. This is aimed at READERS not someone with a three monute attention span constantly interupted by commercials. We dont need a full review of how the alirn races react to a situation we've seen before. Also the relationships of the main characters are so shallow the book must be written for eleven year olds. Come on I like hard SF but this needs some work to make it worthwhile. Sorry but I probably won't be buying the fifth in the series.. Just a word to the author, you have a good grasp for an intersting story, cut down on the furious volume an polish what you have and you may make a better job.
July 26, 2017
Action, Strategy, Romance
Admiral Kurt Vickers has upgraded his fleet and the defenses of the worlds they are protecting to the point that they can go toe to toe or better with the Vorn. However, the sheer number of ships of the Vorn give them the edge. On the romantic front, Keera and Mara double team Kurt much to his confusion. The AI Aleea teams with Mara to deal the Vorn a blow. Will the majority of the Glaymons join the battle to save the galaxy? Will it be enough when High Prince Brollen brings the entire Vorn fleet? I look forward to another book.
Admiral Kurt Vickers has upgraded his fleet and the defenses of the worlds they are protecting to the point that they can go toe to toe or better with the Vorn. However, the sheer number of ships of the Vorn give them the edge. On the romantic front, Keera and Mara double team Kurt much to his confusion. The AI Aleea teams with Mara to deal the Vorn a blow. Will the majority of the Glaymons join the battle to save the galaxy? Will it be enough when High Prince Brollen brings the entire Vorn fleet? I look forward to another book.
June 29, 2017
R Weil - One of the best 😋
Great read. It's engaging, interesting and fun. One thing I really like is that the story is consistent and doesn't wander all over the place. Lastly, there are not a plethora of four letter words Thank the Stars...it's actually ok not to have swearing in every paragraph.
Great read. It's engaging, interesting and fun. One thing I really like is that the story is consistent and doesn't wander all over the place. Lastly, there are not a plethora of four letter words Thank the Stars...it's actually ok not to have swearing in every paragraph.
June 4, 2017
I read this book all day yesterday and really enjoyed it. I have read all the previous books in this series and Mr Weil did an excellent job with this book. Looking forward to the next (and last book) in the series.
June 9, 2017
Another great book
Book four continues this great series, we see Admiral Vickers and his allies still fighting the Vorn. But can they start to turn the battle around by attacking the Vorn first. Looking forward to the next book.
Book four continues this great series, we see Admiral Vickers and his allies still fighting the Vorn. But can they start to turn the battle around by attacking the Vorn first. Looking forward to the next book.
June 15, 2017
Fantastic
I couldn't put it down....read the entire book in one sitting. I am impatiently awaiting the next book in the series...October cannot get here fast enough that's when the next book in the series should be published.
I couldn't put it down....read the entire book in one sitting. I am impatiently awaiting the next book in the series...October cannot get here fast enough that's when the next book in the series should be published.
June 18, 2017
Read This Too Quickly
Just when it was getting really good, the story ended. Went way too fast. I love this series and this book was by far the best. I can't wait until October and book 5!!
Just when it was getting really good, the story ended. Went way too fast. I love this series and this book was by far the best. I can't wait until October and book 5!!
July 1, 2017
Robert's Review
Okay, just awesome, finally got some serious firepower to hand it back too the Vorn in spades... Come on and bring on that next book, we are going to kick some bug butt...😎😎😎 Cannibals are just about as bad as Zombies, kill'em all, no prisoners...🤠🤠🤠
Okay, just awesome, finally got some serious firepower to hand it back too the Vorn in spades... Come on and bring on that next book, we are going to kick some bug butt...😎😎😎 Cannibals are just about as bad as Zombies, kill'em all, no prisoners...🤠🤠🤠
July 11, 2017
Excellent continuation
Following the character outline has been enjoyable! Looking forward to the finale in the fall! Hoping for more resolution of character development in the main plot.
Following the character outline has been enjoyable! Looking forward to the finale in the fall! Hoping for more resolution of character development in the main plot.
February 12, 2018
I need to stop reading these books at night. I need to sleep and not keep reading
I really enjoy the character development throughout this series. Not great bedtime reading due to the energy level and need to see what happens next.
I really enjoy the character development throughout this series. Not great bedtime reading due to the energy level and need to see what happens next.
March 1, 2020
Great story!
OK, this series is growing on me. The Vorn are not invincible! With a growing alliance the Humans of Earth and Newton may actually survive. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
OK, this series is growing on me. The Vorn are not invincible! With a growing alliance the Humans of Earth and Newton may actually survive. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 10, 2017
Riviting
Wei l does it again. Great writing, engaging plot, non stop action and good character development. Will be looking for the next installment.
Wei l does it again. Great writing, engaging plot, non stop action and good character development. Will be looking for the next installment.
June 26, 2017
Outstanding!
Another outstanding book from one of sci-fi's best and most prolific writers. Highly recommended to all military space opera fans!
Another outstanding book from one of sci-fi's best and most prolific writers. Highly recommended to all military space opera fans!
July 11, 2017
Excellent book
Fast paced with lots of action and suspense. Couldn't stop turning the pages. Can't wait for next book to arrive
Fast paced with lots of action and suspense. Couldn't stop turning the pages. Can't wait for next book to arrive
July 27, 2017
Headline
Review(20 words or less required)
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Review(20 word or less required your mom s ass. Word
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Review(20 word or less required your mom s ass. Word
September 6, 2017
The books got better as they went along. Tense and exciting stuff that makes you want to read faster.
March 12, 2019
Fantastic
Well once again I could not put my kindle down. Good job I am retired or nothing would get done lol. Well done Raymond L Weil
Well once again I could not put my kindle down. Good job I am retired or nothing would get done lol. Well done Raymond L Weil
March 23, 2019
The forever war
This story just keeps getting better and I can’t wait to read the next one! Keep up the good work. Thanks
This story just keeps getting better and I can’t wait to read the next one! Keep up the good work. Thanks
July 16, 2026
The Saga Continues
A good, strong progression of the story with a few twists and turns thrown in. Really looking forward to the final book of the series. Great read!
A good, strong progression of the story with a few twists and turns thrown in. Really looking forward to the final book of the series. Great read!
July 15, 2017
Boring
There is a lot of action going on. Besides the human race including only Anglo names and apparently European ancestors, not many complaints. I forgot the misogyny that is integral to the story.
If you can overlook the hero's sexist view of his girlfriend, the story overall might work for you. She's a very well regarded medical expert in multispecies medicine, has travelled far more than her boyfriend, has set up a hospital for advanced medicine.
He is not as accomplished but all he sees in her is her eagerness to drop her sexy nightgown. The sex scenes are scary. Is that how the writer pictures his fantasy sex? Besides all of her other activity she takes time to go clothes shopping. She has no other purpose other than to make her man feel fulfilled (?).
If you can get past the author's inability to write women as people (have thoughts and feelings), the character descriptions are simplistic, then get worse. If the human race having managed to eliminate the genes of more than half the present human race (Chinese and indians), doesn't disturb you, the plot is non-existent. If you were hoping for interesting dialogue, remember the cartoon characters and lack of a plot. There isn't any.
This is a teenage boy's shoot'em up game with starships.
There is a lot of action going on. Besides the human race including only Anglo names and apparently European ancestors, not many complaints. I forgot the misogyny that is integral to the story.
If you can overlook the hero's sexist view of his girlfriend, the story overall might work for you. She's a very well regarded medical expert in multispecies medicine, has travelled far more than her boyfriend, has set up a hospital for advanced medicine.
He is not as accomplished but all he sees in her is her eagerness to drop her sexy nightgown. The sex scenes are scary. Is that how the writer pictures his fantasy sex? Besides all of her other activity she takes time to go clothes shopping. She has no other purpose other than to make her man feel fulfilled (?).
If you can get past the author's inability to write women as people (have thoughts and feelings), the character descriptions are simplistic, then get worse. If the human race having managed to eliminate the genes of more than half the present human race (Chinese and indians), doesn't disturb you, the plot is non-existent. If you were hoping for interesting dialogue, remember the cartoon characters and lack of a plot. There isn't any.
This is a teenage boy's shoot'em up game with starships.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews