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Universe on Fire #2
Shadow Stars
Earth won its freedom. Now it must fight to keep it.
Humanity fought and won its freedom by establishing a fragile peace with the two great powers—the Qash'vo'tar and the Zhal Confederation—by bringing them proof that their ancient enemy, the Val'ayash, survived the great war. But despite that, Earth is still a minor player in a wider galaxy, with only one advantage. Magic.
Two years after Earth won its freedom, the tensions between the three star nations are rising. And United Terran Systems council knows that it is only a matter of time before the two great powers pressure humanity for the secrets of their magi-tech, which is the only thing that might allow Earth to remain safe. Knowing that they need another advantage if Earth is to keep its independence, UTS council sends the Prometheus on a mission to recover valuable technology from the remains of the ancient empire that fought the Val'ayash, hoping that they will find something to help them keep all of humanity safe.
But humanity has other secrets, and other projects in the works, all of them will be needed if the galaxy is to survive. Because, Val'ayash have returned.
Shadow Stars is the second book in the Universe on Fire series, an epic science fiction series with some fantasy elements. It follows humanity as it attempts to make a place for itself in a hostile galaxy.
Humanity fought and won its freedom by establishing a fragile peace with the two great powers—the Qash'vo'tar and the Zhal Confederation—by bringing them proof that their ancient enemy, the Val'ayash, survived the great war. But despite that, Earth is still a minor player in a wider galaxy, with only one advantage. Magic.
Two years after Earth won its freedom, the tensions between the three star nations are rising. And United Terran Systems council knows that it is only a matter of time before the two great powers pressure humanity for the secrets of their magi-tech, which is the only thing that might allow Earth to remain safe. Knowing that they need another advantage if Earth is to keep its independence, UTS council sends the Prometheus on a mission to recover valuable technology from the remains of the ancient empire that fought the Val'ayash, hoping that they will find something to help them keep all of humanity safe.
But humanity has other secrets, and other projects in the works, all of them will be needed if the galaxy is to survive. Because, Val'ayash have returned.
Shadow Stars is the second book in the Universe on Fire series, an epic science fiction series with some fantasy elements. It follows humanity as it attempts to make a place for itself in a hostile galaxy.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2018
171 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Ivan Kal
42 books384 followersIvan Kal writes science fiction and fantasy, and is the author of the space opera series Rise of the Empire.
For most of his life he had been studying in the fields of electronics, IT, and web design.
But because of his great love for books and his need to tell stories, he decided to start writing.
His other interests include martial arts, movies and tv, and gaming.
For most of his life he had been studying in the fields of electronics, IT, and web design.
But because of his great love for books and his need to tell stories, he decided to start writing.
His other interests include martial arts, movies and tv, and gaming.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 7, 2019
Slightly disappointing second book.
While the first book of the series showed promise and an interesting mix, promising a magic-fueled space opera, the second book has a couple of major failures (the whole "Dragons" thing) that drop my opinion of it a lot. It's still possibly entertaining, but I can see it going nowhere interesting. Will keep watch, but I am not expecting the series to keep me in for long, alas.
While the first book of the series showed promise and an interesting mix, promising a magic-fueled space opera, the second book has a couple of major failures (the whole "Dragons" thing) that drop my opinion of it a lot. It's still possibly entertaining, but I can see it going nowhere interesting. Will keep watch, but I am not expecting the series to keep me in for long, alas.
February 12, 2021
Less than Stellar
This second book took longer to finish than expected, mostly because it just was not as intriguing as the first. Even if I ignore the multiple grammatical errors, the narrative remains unclear at times, and over complicated at other instances. The magic has morphed into a pseudo-religion and is much less appealing. There are frequent references to unknown events, as though being “unknown” makes the event more significant.
By the end of the book I was just ready to be finished. So even though there are more books in the series, I’m finished here. There is no discernible future, nothing to even hope for among all the battles and slaughter.
This second book took longer to finish than expected, mostly because it just was not as intriguing as the first. Even if I ignore the multiple grammatical errors, the narrative remains unclear at times, and over complicated at other instances. The magic has morphed into a pseudo-religion and is much less appealing. There are frequent references to unknown events, as though being “unknown” makes the event more significant.
By the end of the book I was just ready to be finished. So even though there are more books in the series, I’m finished here. There is no discernible future, nothing to even hope for among all the battles and slaughter.
June 23, 2020
Better but not great yet
The second installment was a lot better than the first. The story had more flow, the characters actually were believable this round and the stakes were on par with the story. We continue to bang the same drum but I’m hopeful a steady beat can be found shortly.
The second installment was a lot better than the first. The story had more flow, the characters actually were believable this round and the stakes were on par with the story. We continue to bang the same drum but I’m hopeful a steady beat can be found shortly.
March 7, 2019
Still osme grammer
Good story, lots of twists and turns. The dragons were a good touch. Justlike the samori of Japan. Which was supposed to expand and grow them. Waiting for number 3.
Good story, lots of twists and turns. The dragons were a good touch. Justlike the samori of Japan. Which was supposed to expand and grow them. Waiting for number 3.
February 23, 2021
Nice read
Nice way to build on the first book and lead onto the next. Curious to how many nexts there will be. Anyway good character building and additions. Religious zealots theme is a bit overdone. Seems though zealots abound.
Nice way to build on the first book and lead onto the next. Curious to how many nexts there will be. Anyway good character building and additions. Religious zealots theme is a bit overdone. Seems though zealots abound.
June 1, 2024
Fantastic continuation
Fantastic continuation of another series from Ivan Kal.the author has always been one of.my favourites with his differing plotlines and characters and the connection between the multiverses. Highly recommend
Fantastic continuation of another series from Ivan Kal.the author has always been one of.my favourites with his differing plotlines and characters and the connection between the multiverses. Highly recommend
December 15, 2018
Heart of-?
Magic ships duke it out with fanatic murders for the fate of the universe. Spoiler is the Empire of three people dead?
Magic ships duke it out with fanatic murders for the fate of the universe. Spoiler is the Empire of three people dead?
December 27, 2019
I actually like this one better than the first one. Not a super solid 5 star but it made the grade. I love how the multiverse is shaping up.
February 5, 2020
Great Story
This was a very entertaining fast paced action packed story that I really enjoyed reading and can’t wait to read the next book.
This was a very entertaining fast paced action packed story that I really enjoyed reading and can’t wait to read the next book.
February 28, 2024
Great Science Fantasy
This is the first series of books that combine magic and technology in a similar way to how I write stories. Love it. Excellent storytelling with good pacing.
This is the first series of books that combine magic and technology in a similar way to how I write stories. Love it. Excellent storytelling with good pacing.
May 18, 2024
good
A really good book. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. I really hope there’s more magic in the next book
A really good book. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. I really hope there’s more magic in the next book
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews