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The Spiral Wars #5
Croma Venture
Upon the ancient drysine moon/city of Defiance, the UFS Phoenix is being rebuilt, but her crew cannot do so in peace. Parren factions jostle for control of not only Defiance, but of the drysine data-core that Phoenix won at such an awful price. But the parren do not lay sole claim to that ancient knowledge, and within the bowels of the machine-city, something long-dead is awakening.
While aliens battle, Captain Debogande struggles to decide his next step. Human emissaries beckon him home, while a terrible new threat drives him toward the far edge of Spiral space. There live the croma, locked in a titanic struggle against the reeh, a species more terrifying than any yet faced by humanity. And holding perhaps the key to humanity’s salvation are a small force of freedom fighters, waging a hopeless battle against impossible odds, having waited a thousand years for just such a saviour as the UFS Phoenix…
While aliens battle, Captain Debogande struggles to decide his next step. Human emissaries beckon him home, while a terrible new threat drives him toward the far edge of Spiral space. There live the croma, locked in a titanic struggle against the reeh, a species more terrifying than any yet faced by humanity. And holding perhaps the key to humanity’s salvation are a small force of freedom fighters, waging a hopeless battle against impossible odds, having waited a thousand years for just such a saviour as the UFS Phoenix…
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2018
415 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Joel Shepherd
28 books775 followersJoel Shepherd is an Australian science fiction author. He moved to Perth, Western Australia with his family when he was seven, where he later studied film and television arts at Curtin University. He now lives in Adelaide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 1, 2019
Update: Book Six is expected possibly in September 2019. Title is RANDO SPLICER.
Great series! Out to Croma Space and beyond, where the Reeh live, and where the deepynines were last seen, 25,000 years ago. I have my own theory about the machines, the Reeh, and the Alo.
Horrible Reeh. Evil embodied. Thus, the book’s tone grows grim.
New humanoid species, the highly intelligent ape-like Corbi, guerrilla resistance fighters. Also the huge heavy-G Croma. The old Clan Chief of Croma'Dokran. The cowardly ruling Clan, Croma'Rai. The Croma Wall. Reeh space. Planet Rando. A little furry rodent -- a tug. A "splicer" on a huge space station in Zondi System.
Meanwhile, House Fortitude hides a dark secret....
Nanotechnology. Biotech. Nanomachines. Genetics.
I would have liked to see The State Dept fall. More elaboration. I wanted reactions from Jelli, and from that treacherous Kaal who ratted Tif on the Kantovan descender, and jubilation from Old Toog. It was interesting to finally hear more about Homeworld, Fleet, family Debogande.
The newly rebuilt Phoenix is quite a ship!
This book felt darker to me. Some scary stuff goes on. Characters feel more tense and angry. A bit hostile — Styx, Hiro, Lisbeth especially. I missed the feeling of comradeship and esprit de corps. It’s there, just not as strong.
Styx pulled a few fast ones. Did Erik ever ream her out for all the stuff she did on Defiance??? Why not? Is he afraid of her now?? (Trace and Hiro did confront her, though. But not Erik.)
Peanut added some lighter moments. And I love the new "girl" -- Liala. And Gesul's zen-like characterization was spot on for House Harmony.
Beware. Much big loss.
Happily, it ended on a promising note, with some cause for optimism, while yet leaving a few key characters hanging on a cliff.
Waiting now for book 6. Can’t wait!!
(Here's the thing: If a series is going to be more than five books, authors need to figure a way to publish two per year. Seriously. Who can wait ten years to hear "the rest of the story" ......)
Quibbles: Someone needs to tell Tiga that twelve is not a prime number (ch 17). On that note, it felt strange to suddenly get a POV from secondary characters like Tiga and Gesul. That's never occurred in previous books. Also, I noted some naming inconsistencies with previous books. For example, Crozier leads Delta Platoon, not Bravo (error in ch 2, but it's correct later in the book), and the name of the Ph-1 shuttle co-pilot is Julie Yun, not Corey, later in the book spelled Cory. Slightly frustrating because it screws with my memory!
Nonetheless, a great series! More please!
Great series! Out to Croma Space and beyond, where the Reeh live, and where the deepynines were last seen, 25,000 years ago. I have my own theory about the machines, the Reeh, and the Alo.
Horrible Reeh. Evil embodied. Thus, the book’s tone grows grim.
New humanoid species, the highly intelligent ape-like Corbi, guerrilla resistance fighters. Also the huge heavy-G Croma. The old Clan Chief of Croma'Dokran. The cowardly ruling Clan, Croma'Rai. The Croma Wall. Reeh space. Planet Rando. A little furry rodent -- a tug. A "splicer" on a huge space station in Zondi System.
Meanwhile, House Fortitude hides a dark secret....
Nanotechnology. Biotech. Nanomachines. Genetics.
I would have liked to see The State Dept fall. More elaboration. I wanted reactions from Jelli, and from that treacherous Kaal who ratted Tif on the Kantovan descender, and jubilation from Old Toog. It was interesting to finally hear more about Homeworld, Fleet, family Debogande.
The newly rebuilt Phoenix is quite a ship!
This book felt darker to me. Some scary stuff goes on. Characters feel more tense and angry. A bit hostile — Styx, Hiro, Lisbeth especially. I missed the feeling of comradeship and esprit de corps. It’s there, just not as strong.
Styx pulled a few fast ones. Did Erik ever ream her out for all the stuff she did on Defiance??? Why not? Is he afraid of her now?? (Trace and Hiro did confront her, though. But not Erik.)
Peanut added some lighter moments. And I love the new "girl" -- Liala. And Gesul's zen-like characterization was spot on for House Harmony.
Beware. Much big loss.
Happily, it ended on a promising note, with some cause for optimism, while yet leaving a few key characters hanging on a cliff.
Waiting now for book 6. Can’t wait!!
(Here's the thing: If a series is going to be more than five books, authors need to figure a way to publish two per year. Seriously. Who can wait ten years to hear "the rest of the story" ......)
Quibbles: Someone needs to tell Tiga that twelve is not a prime number (ch 17). On that note, it felt strange to suddenly get a POV from secondary characters like Tiga and Gesul. That's never occurred in previous books. Also, I noted some naming inconsistencies with previous books. For example, Crozier leads Delta Platoon, not Bravo (error in ch 2, but it's correct later in the book), and the name of the Ph-1 shuttle co-pilot is Julie Yun, not Corey, later in the book spelled Cory. Slightly frustrating because it screws with my memory!
Nonetheless, a great series! More please!
July 4, 2020
After the climactic battle that secured the Drysine moon-base of Defiance for the Phoenix and the Parren, there's a whole lot of consolidation that needs to be done. Not to mention repairs/reconstruction for the badly damaged UFS Phoenix itself. With Parren politics swirling around him Erik Debogande must decide whether to return to human space or continue to even more unknown space to pursue the battle with the mysterious Deepynines and their allies. After the return of old friends and a tentative rapprochement with the human fleet, a new threat is made clear that leaves Erik no choice but to continue into Croma space and an encounter with the malevolent Reeh.
The various spacer races from previous books get mostly left behind here, or at least after the first half of this book which is all about the Parren (again) and Defiance. The expedition into Croma space immediately puts two new players on the board, the Croma'Rai and the Croma'Dokran as well as some refugees from a Reeh-occupied world called Corbi. But the Reeh are more dangerous than anyone was aware of and their mastery of a devastating technology leaves the UFS Phoenix in dire trouble.
New faces, new cultures, mostly the same old crew but with some new faces their as well. At the end of this series it wouldn't surprise me to see the UFS Phoenix as the head of a new multi-species fleet.
This series continues to be great with what appears to be many books to come.
The various spacer races from previous books get mostly left behind here, or at least after the first half of this book which is all about the Parren (again) and Defiance. The expedition into Croma space immediately puts two new players on the board, the Croma'Rai and the Croma'Dokran as well as some refugees from a Reeh-occupied world called Corbi. But the Reeh are more dangerous than anyone was aware of and their mastery of a devastating technology leaves the UFS Phoenix in dire trouble.
New faces, new cultures, mostly the same old crew but with some new faces their as well. At the end of this series it wouldn't surprise me to see the UFS Phoenix as the head of a new multi-species fleet.
This series continues to be great with what appears to be many books to come.
September 7, 2023
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May 2, 2019
Big drop in quality, all talk very little action or movement along the larger story arc. This similarity to C.J. Cherryh’s “Inheritance “ series has become even more evident, and I’m not sure I’m going to keep reading.
October 11, 2019
Not bad!
August 28, 2018
Fantastic book. I read the first four of this series a few months ago and was surprised that there were no more books. The ending of prior book as not that much of a cliffhanger; the author left you wanting more, but not in a bad way but it was written years ago. When I heard this was coming out I got excited and read it fairly quickly after it's published date. The author writes detailed worlds and interesting characters and then involves the reader in a great story. There are surprises throughout and again, he leaves us wanting more. You MUST read the prior books in order to best understand the situation and even having read the prior books, it gets tricky with all the characters to remember their roles and personalities. Would love to read the next book and this review is partly to encourage Mr. Shepherd to get on it.
October 25, 2018
Long story short : If you've already gotten to book #5 you really will have to keep going until the end.
SPOILERS below:
This turned out to be my second favourite of the series thus far and overall the darker edge to this book was, at times, spine chilling. Everything is on a knife's edge and emotions are running high, political moves are being played like a game of chess. All the while a massive shadow of doom and utter gloom is slowly creeping in. To me, it's almost as if the series is in another 'ocean', now being out further than Reeh space and encountering new species, more games and more loss. The destruction of my favourite tavali was heart wrenching, I had stopped at that moment and read the passage again to be sure. I've really grown to like the froggies and still harbour a massive soft-spot for the drysines.
I really cannot wait for the next book in this epic saga!
SPOILERS below:
This turned out to be my second favourite of the series thus far and overall the darker edge to this book was, at times, spine chilling. Everything is on a knife's edge and emotions are running high, political moves are being played like a game of chess. All the while a massive shadow of doom and utter gloom is slowly creeping in. To me, it's almost as if the series is in another 'ocean', now being out further than Reeh space and encountering new species, more games and more loss. The destruction of my favourite tavali was heart wrenching, I had stopped at that moment and read the passage again to be sure. I've really grown to like the froggies and still harbour a massive soft-spot for the drysines.
I really cannot wait for the next book in this epic saga!
November 17, 2018
This is a particularly dull installment of the Spiral Wars series, in which a new McGuffin, new enemies and putative allies are introduced. Political machinations abound, as do all manner of incidental descriptions of surroundings that fail to advance the plot. There are many, many characters that we are reacquainted with, also bulking up this volume. The Spiral Arm is large, so we know now that however many enemies Phoenix overcomes, there always will be more on the horizon, in a pattern similar to some other Space Opera / MilSF series: Heroes have to keep taking on bigger and badder enemies in a repeating pattern. Although this installment is part of a seemingly never-ending series, it still manages to come off as half a book.
May 3, 2021
As spectacular as the previous books, with a some progression made, and losses had for the crew of the Phoenix.
October 25, 2020
Good continuation of the series and makes want to read more of it.
October 4, 2018
Mostly quiet 'til the end...
I love this series! Unlike most of the preceding volumes, Croma Venture goes along steadily until around the 85% mark. Mr . Shepherd make us wait for the fighting but fascinates us with interaction with the intriguing alien species of the Spiral. A bit of a cliffhanger this time, as one of the major players is separated from Phoenix near the end. Bummer! Hate having to wait another year for the next book, but what can one do? Great stuff!
I love this series! Unlike most of the preceding volumes, Croma Venture goes along steadily until around the 85% mark. Mr . Shepherd make us wait for the fighting but fascinates us with interaction with the intriguing alien species of the Spiral. A bit of a cliffhanger this time, as one of the major players is separated from Phoenix near the end. Bummer! Hate having to wait another year for the next book, but what can one do? Great stuff!
June 16, 2019
This is one of my favorite series, but this book is a dud. The author just can't get enough of alien historical and political exposition. These books always benefited from deep "lore", but that stuff was in the service of the plot and action before. Here, it's 80% of the book. If he's loading me up on info that ultimately has no payoff, then what's the point? When the action does finally go down, he can't seem to dismiss it fast enough so he can get back to more hours of historical exposition. So I'm officially raising my hand and asking "Will this be on the test?" If Shepherd's outgrowing missile duels and "V-strikes", he's outgrowing me as a reader.
April 16, 2019
Great Series!
Each book in the series surrounds characters I love and root for with each new threat they face. Whether it be the politics of a new species or the violent threat of their own making, you can’t help but grit your teeth and fight with them.
This book was no different, with the exception of the ending. The previous books in the series ended nice-and-tidy, readying for the next anticipated journey. This one was kind-of a cliff hangar. Not completely a cliff but close and leaves you wanting more. Moreover, you finally get to the good stuff (hello action) and poof, it’s over. The end. Fin. Dang it!
But I have no complaints as I impatiently await the next installment. Hoorah! Phoenix rising.
Each book in the series surrounds characters I love and root for with each new threat they face. Whether it be the politics of a new species or the violent threat of their own making, you can’t help but grit your teeth and fight with them.
This book was no different, with the exception of the ending. The previous books in the series ended nice-and-tidy, readying for the next anticipated journey. This one was kind-of a cliff hangar. Not completely a cliff but close and leaves you wanting more. Moreover, you finally get to the good stuff (hello action) and poof, it’s over. The end. Fin. Dang it!
But I have no complaints as I impatiently await the next installment. Hoorah! Phoenix rising.
November 27, 2018
I love this series but I gave this book a three-star rating because, in my opinion, nothing much happens in the book there are good parts but much of it was a bit dull to read. However, if you read the previous books than I think that it is still worth a read if you don't know what to read or when the next book comes out.
December 7, 2018
Shepherd never disappoints.
Crackling action, great characters. The Parren grow ever more interesting.
In general, the world building is amazing, the scope expansive beyond belief. Yet somehow stays very immediate through very distinct point of view characters.
Of course it ends on a cliffhanger.
Crackling action, great characters. The Parren grow ever more interesting.
In general, the world building is amazing, the scope expansive beyond belief. Yet somehow stays very immediate through very distinct point of view characters.
Of course it ends on a cliffhanger.
August 18, 2022
It took a little while for this to get going, but the last quarter of the book was non-stop. I like how the universe has developed in this as humans begin to realize that they are smaller fry than they thought at first. I’m glad that I could convince my library to buy these latest books in the series.
September 4, 2018
This series just keeps getting better
I dreamt that I was on board the Phoenix last night. yeah , I know weird ! But it was so real , now that is writing!
I hope my dream continues tonight.
I dreamt that I was on board the Phoenix last night. yeah , I know weird ! But it was so real , now that is writing!
I hope my dream continues tonight.
October 12, 2018
Outstanding!
This is a series by which military space opera should be judged and all writer's should read. Joel Shepherd is one of the top 10 sci-fi writer's alive and writing today.
This is a series by which military space opera should be judged and all writer's should read. Joel Shepherd is one of the top 10 sci-fi writer's alive and writing today.
October 30, 2018
For me and my taste, this was one of the best series of books I've read in a long time. I understand that there is a #6 coming and I'm signed up for it. I really see no reason why (at this point) why it can't go on for #7 and 8 and 9...or more. Ask me after I've finished #6.
December 27, 2018
A good read but must read the full series to understand the context.
Well written. Kept my interest throughout the book. I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend the series.
Well written. Kept my interest throughout the book. I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend the series.
April 2, 2019
The book is entertaining but it ends abruptly. It left me with the feeling the author didn't know where he was going but desperate to tell some kind of story. He had a solid start but got lost in his own story.
October 24, 2018
Reading them all as fast as I can!
Nonstop reading! I’m reading them all! Good character development. Plot lines I enjoy. Not looking forward to running out of titles!
Nonstop reading! I’m reading them all! Good character development. Plot lines I enjoy. Not looking forward to running out of titles!
June 20, 2019
I'm going to go crazy waiting for the next book. Author has a real talent for escalating the tension and risk without dead-ending the story.
December 3, 2018
Here is the latest installment of The Spiral Wars from one of my favorite Sci-Fi authors. It was a delight to return to the adventures of the Phoenix. The author does a great job getting the reader back in sync.
In each book, the author has expanded the view of who lives in the Spiral. Each time we are given a new sentient empire to explore, another is hinted to be even bigger & more frightening. That continues here. The reeh are simply evil (when their evil is described & you are not moved, then I can't help you). Plus lots of intrigue, conflicting loyalties and wonderfully alien civilizations.
That is one theme that is done so well in the Spiral Wars books. The attention to detail, the ideas of how everything works. It all makes sense and fits together. The world building is one of the series' great strengths.
So are the characters. They are always learning, always evolving. Also making mistakes and dealing with the consequences. New characters are introduced to the mix. But it never feels as if the narrative is crowded or the number overwhelming. A lot happens within these pages. All I'll say is that if you are a fan, you may be reading the last 100 pages late into the night. I care about the crew of Phoenix. I can't wait until book six is available.
In each book, the author has expanded the view of who lives in the Spiral. Each time we are given a new sentient empire to explore, another is hinted to be even bigger & more frightening. That continues here. The reeh are simply evil (when their evil is described & you are not moved, then I can't help you). Plus lots of intrigue, conflicting loyalties and wonderfully alien civilizations.
That is one theme that is done so well in the Spiral Wars books. The attention to detail, the ideas of how everything works. It all makes sense and fits together. The world building is one of the series' great strengths.
So are the characters. They are always learning, always evolving. Also making mistakes and dealing with the consequences. New characters are introduced to the mix. But it never feels as if the narrative is crowded or the number overwhelming. A lot happens within these pages. All I'll say is that if you are a fan, you may be reading the last 100 pages late into the night. I care about the crew of Phoenix. I can't wait until book six is available.
January 17, 2025
GOIN TO START WITH SOME SPOILERS
At the same time as this is going on, Styx drops almost entirely out of the story beside a few spotty references near the end of the book. I would really have liked to see her play a more central role. I mean, she's going along for the ride anyway.
Two more races are introduced, without any further resolution between the existing races. There are going to be A LOT of loose ends to tie off in the next book.
At the same time as this is going on, Styx drops almost entirely out of the story beside a few spotty references near the end of the book. I would really have liked to see her play a more central role. I mean, she's going along for the ride anyway.
Two more races are introduced, without any further resolution between the existing races. There are going to be A LOT of loose ends to tie off in the next book.
June 27, 2024
Better than the last one…
Croma venture is a step up from the previous book in the series. Still has a lot of time devoted to alien politics and while I appreciate the work put into this, it is starting to get very complicated with so many races and individuals.
Also, I found this a little frustrating, even if less so than the previous book, but I like my Space Operas to be more upbeat and positive. I don’t like killing off lots of characters that I’ve grown to like.
I know that may not be realistic, but none of this is and I prefer happy endings. One other complaint is this is yet another cliffhanger, even though most story lines were at least wrapped up for now.
Ultimately I give this 4.5 stars. The writing of the Parren story is fairly brilliant. I don’t always get a great mental picture of the scenes and locations, but the characters are fantastic. The plot is also very good for the most part. I feel like this was a big step in the right direction for the series.
Croma venture is a step up from the previous book in the series. Still has a lot of time devoted to alien politics and while I appreciate the work put into this, it is starting to get very complicated with so many races and individuals.
Also, I found this a little frustrating, even if less so than the previous book, but I like my Space Operas to be more upbeat and positive. I don’t like killing off lots of characters that I’ve grown to like.
I know that may not be realistic, but none of this is and I prefer happy endings. One other complaint is this is yet another cliffhanger, even though most story lines were at least wrapped up for now.
Ultimately I give this 4.5 stars. The writing of the Parren story is fairly brilliant. I don’t always get a great mental picture of the scenes and locations, but the characters are fantastic. The plot is also very good for the most part. I feel like this was a big step in the right direction for the series.
September 6, 2018
What a roller coaster ride for the crew of the Phoenix! I look forward to every Spiral Wars book as they come out, and found Croma very satisfying.
Wonderful characters in a vast universe, creative and interesting alien races, it's space opera goodness. Best of all ... you get a lot of story for your buck!
If you haven't picked up book 1 of The Spiral Wars series, Renegade, get it. You won't regret it. And if you're waiting for Croma ... it was fantastic!
Joel is in the company of some of my favorite authors, Clark, Asimov, Heinlein, P. Hamilton. He's a fun author to follow [on Twitter] to see what he thinks of thinks about RL. (I always enjoy your thoughts and ideas man.)
Looking forward to book 6 of The Spiral Wars!
Wonderful characters in a vast universe, creative and interesting alien races, it's space opera goodness. Best of all ... you get a lot of story for your buck!
If you haven't picked up book 1 of The Spiral Wars series, Renegade, get it. You won't regret it. And if you're waiting for Croma ... it was fantastic!
Joel is in the company of some of my favorite authors, Clark, Asimov, Heinlein, P. Hamilton. He's a fun author to follow [on Twitter] to see what he thinks of thinks about RL. (I always enjoy your thoughts and ideas man.)
Looking forward to book 6 of The Spiral Wars!
August 26, 2019
This episode in the series was a bit of a yawn, especially when compared with my favorite so far - Kantovan Vault (#3). Not a whole lot happened here, and there are one (or maybe two?) new mysterious enemies stacked onto the previous ones, and we haven't seen much more than one short skirmish with the Deepynines yet. I mean the Deepynines are an existential threat, but we needed more and deeper threats? As in other books in this series there are a couple of nice interplays with alien/AI and human thinking contrasted and analyzed in clever ways. (paraphrasing) "How are any of you humans still alive?"
March 31, 2021
Joel Shepherd continues the adventures of ship's captain Erik Debogrande, Marine Major Trace Thakur and the crew of the Phoenix as they battle enemies, human and otherwise, in the Spiral Arm of the Milky Way.
Shepherd's military-heavy style is combined with complex politics involving different races -- including the mysterious and deadly reeh -- to create a layered narrative with plenty of room for unexpected turns of events.
As this is the fifth book in the series, it would obviously be unwise to jump in here, but readers who have gone this far, or even only read a book or two, will be rewarded by sticking with it. If you liked it so far, you'll like "Croma Venture" too.
Shepherd's military-heavy style is combined with complex politics involving different races -- including the mysterious and deadly reeh -- to create a layered narrative with plenty of room for unexpected turns of events.
As this is the fifth book in the series, it would obviously be unwise to jump in here, but readers who have gone this far, or even only read a book or two, will be rewarded by sticking with it. If you liked it so far, you'll like "Croma Venture" too.
March 31, 2019
After 5 books I’m still eager for more!!!
Great series so far... this last installment brings Phoenix to the edge of the known galaxy, where they are searching for clues to save the spiral races - including humanity - from certain death. Captain Debongade and Major Thakur don’t disappoint, kicking ass and dodging certain death at every turn. Hold on tight bc there’ll be more to come as the righteous hammer of Phoenix is brought down in the Rhee invasion fleet persecuting the Corbi... I look forward to it!
Great series so far... this last installment brings Phoenix to the edge of the known galaxy, where they are searching for clues to save the spiral races - including humanity - from certain death. Captain Debongade and Major Thakur don’t disappoint, kicking ass and dodging certain death at every turn. Hold on tight bc there’ll be more to come as the righteous hammer of Phoenix is brought down in the Rhee invasion fleet persecuting the Corbi... I look forward to it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews