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The SynCorp Saga: Empire Earth #2
Masada's Gate
The Expanse meets The Godfather in the second volume of The Syn Corp Saga: Empire Earth, a series of Space Opera/Noir Technothrillers about corporate greed, rebellion, and mankind's survival among the stars.
The corporate empire is crumbling from within...
SynCorp's leaders are on the run. The Soldiers of the Solar Revolution are closing in.
A desperate Ruben Qinlao hides the injured Tony Taulke in the Moon's rundown barrio of Darkside. Now fighting for the SSR, Kwazi Jabari becomes the face of an insurrection he soon begins to doubt. Seeking total victory, Cassandra Kisaan targets SynCorp's treasure trove of tech secrets held in the stronghold of Masada Station. Only Stacks Fischer, corporate enforcer,stands in her way.
Earth is lost. Mars is under martial law. The outer colonies are the last bastions of Company rule. And what of Sol's billions of citizen-workers? Will they support Cassandra, who promises freedom? Or stand with SynCorp, the devil they know?
The corporate empire is crumbling from within...
SynCorp's leaders are on the run. The Soldiers of the Solar Revolution are closing in.
A desperate Ruben Qinlao hides the injured Tony Taulke in the Moon's rundown barrio of Darkside. Now fighting for the SSR, Kwazi Jabari becomes the face of an insurrection he soon begins to doubt. Seeking total victory, Cassandra Kisaan targets SynCorp's treasure trove of tech secrets held in the stronghold of Masada Station. Only Stacks Fischer, corporate enforcer,stands in her way.
Earth is lost. Mars is under martial law. The outer colonies are the last bastions of Company rule. And what of Sol's billions of citizen-workers? Will they support Cassandra, who promises freedom? Or stand with SynCorp, the devil they know?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2019
About the author
David Bruns
81 books276 followersDavid Bruns (www.davidbruns.com) has served as an officer on a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine and traveled the world as a high-tech corporate itinerant. Today, he writes futuristic speculative fiction, contemporary thrillers, and everything in between.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 2, 2019
Solid writing, excellent story, and surprises! Book 2 of the Empire Earth trilogy (Valhalla Station was Book 1), the 2nd trilogy in the SynCorp Saga, continues the battle between Cassandra and the Soldiers vs SynCorp. Many of the characters from the previous books carry on, fighting, running, attacking, dying...some of them, anyway. Major action takes place on the Moon and stations in the outer solar system, as SynCorp and some of its leaders we've learned to love (or hate) fight for their life (lives). Stacks the assassin, of course, plays a major role in this volume, as we get to know him better -- he's not a simple man.
May 4, 2019
Masada's Gate (Book 2 in the second SynCorp Saga trilogy) continues 3 or 4 solid storylines from the previous novel, Valhalla Station. It answers some dangling threads and reveals others - just like a middle novel should. We are relieved to discover certain characters are still kicking and fighting and scrambling for their lives against the AI's uprising. The overall plot is advanced and motivations are becoming clearer.
That being said, I have to say I'm not a huge fan of middle novels in triologies. Most are flat out boring. Think Catching Fire (Hunger Games) and Insurgent (Divergent). Utterly forgettable books, in my opinion. All devlopment, no plot. They're set-ups for the final book. And in some ways, Masada's Gate suffers a bit from book-two-development syndrome. Not saying the material and subplots and various storylines aren't necessary. They are. But you know the resolution and conclusion are still a book away, by definition. So that's why I'm giving this 4 stars.
Masada's Gate, though, is still a solid middle novel, well written, strong characters, engaging storylines, just unresolved. The answer, of course, is to go into the trilogy knowing you've got three books to read. And after book 1, Valhalla Station, you'll know the journey will be worth it. So book 2, despite the developing storylines, will be worth it too (and is). This series is going somewhere and it's okay to think of it as one long novel. We're just in the middle part and that's okay. If book 3 wraps it all up (which I have no doubt it will) then the series will be 5 stars for me.
That being said, I have to say I'm not a huge fan of middle novels in triologies. Most are flat out boring. Think Catching Fire (Hunger Games) and Insurgent (Divergent). Utterly forgettable books, in my opinion. All devlopment, no plot. They're set-ups for the final book. And in some ways, Masada's Gate suffers a bit from book-two-development syndrome. Not saying the material and subplots and various storylines aren't necessary. They are. But you know the resolution and conclusion are still a book away, by definition. So that's why I'm giving this 4 stars.
Masada's Gate, though, is still a solid middle novel, well written, strong characters, engaging storylines, just unresolved. The answer, of course, is to go into the trilogy knowing you've got three books to read. And after book 1, Valhalla Station, you'll know the journey will be worth it. So book 2, despite the developing storylines, will be worth it too (and is). This series is going somewhere and it's okay to think of it as one long novel. We're just in the middle part and that's okay. If book 3 wraps it all up (which I have no doubt it will) then the series will be 5 stars for me.
May 10, 2019
A sci-fi drama, heavy on the sci, the fi, and the drama!
I don't want to compare where we are today in terms of politics, global abuses, and technology with this book, but only because it makes it less relaxing fiction and more hair raising and problematic. The believability of this books' scenarios are difficult to avoid. I found myself holding my breath for unhealthy periods of time.
The continuation of the story is satisfying, the characters are vivid, and though not all are likable, I definitely enjoyed rooting for the good guys (who sometimes aren't all that good). I just wish there was a way to tell a gritty story with less grit, puke, and bone crunching - sue me I'm mellowing in my old age.
I don't want to compare where we are today in terms of politics, global abuses, and technology with this book, but only because it makes it less relaxing fiction and more hair raising and problematic. The believability of this books' scenarios are difficult to avoid. I found myself holding my breath for unhealthy periods of time.
The continuation of the story is satisfying, the characters are vivid, and though not all are likable, I definitely enjoyed rooting for the good guys (who sometimes aren't all that good). I just wish there was a way to tell a gritty story with less grit, puke, and bone crunching - sue me I'm mellowing in my old age.
May 5, 2019
Control the airwaves and you control the masses
As usual David Bruns and Chris Pourteau have kept the action nonstop. Propaganda is a major key to winning any war. Controlling all communication including everyone’s SCIs, showing real time victories lead by Kwazi and/or her sister Elinda and promising a better tomorrow with freedom for all, Cassandra has most of the population readily following her. With promises of a golden future and the blatant threat of her mother’s decaying head on a stake in her office, Cassandra is attempting to bring the SynCorp worlds back into the fold.
Masada’s Gate picks up where Valhalla Station ended. Ruben and the wounded Tony are fleeing to Darkside on the Moon. All the executives of SynCorp are running for their lives or going into hiding. Cassandra and her Soldiers of the Solar Revolution are relentlessly and systematically hunting them down. She even has her clone “sister” Elinda Kisaan leading the soldiers into battle on Tony’s corporate flagship now renamed Freedom’s Herald. Cassandra and her SSR troops are “freeing” the people from the “slavery” of SynCorp. While Cassandra is the golden-eyed queen, their poster-boy is Kwazi Jabari, The Hero of Mars. Where-ever the action is, Kwazi is shown front and center. All the characters from Valhalla Station are in Masada’s Gate. We get to spend more time with Stacks Fischer, Helen “H” Telemachus and Dr. Milani Stuart, but we meet new players as well: Strunk, Rebekah, Daniel, Braxton, Bruno, and Dr. Brackin, to name a few.
If you wish to read more about the fates of SynCorp’s executives, Cassandra and her sister Elinda, Kwazi and Stacks, read Masada’s Gate.
As usual David Bruns and Chris Pourteau have kept the action nonstop. Propaganda is a major key to winning any war. Controlling all communication including everyone’s SCIs, showing real time victories lead by Kwazi and/or her sister Elinda and promising a better tomorrow with freedom for all, Cassandra has most of the population readily following her. With promises of a golden future and the blatant threat of her mother’s decaying head on a stake in her office, Cassandra is attempting to bring the SynCorp worlds back into the fold.
Masada’s Gate picks up where Valhalla Station ended. Ruben and the wounded Tony are fleeing to Darkside on the Moon. All the executives of SynCorp are running for their lives or going into hiding. Cassandra and her Soldiers of the Solar Revolution are relentlessly and systematically hunting them down. She even has her clone “sister” Elinda Kisaan leading the soldiers into battle on Tony’s corporate flagship now renamed Freedom’s Herald. Cassandra and her SSR troops are “freeing” the people from the “slavery” of SynCorp. While Cassandra is the golden-eyed queen, their poster-boy is Kwazi Jabari, The Hero of Mars. Where-ever the action is, Kwazi is shown front and center. All the characters from Valhalla Station are in Masada’s Gate. We get to spend more time with Stacks Fischer, Helen “H” Telemachus and Dr. Milani Stuart, but we meet new players as well: Strunk, Rebekah, Daniel, Braxton, Bruno, and Dr. Brackin, to name a few.
If you wish to read more about the fates of SynCorp’s executives, Cassandra and her sister Elinda, Kwazi and Stacks, read Masada’s Gate.
April 28, 2019
A must read! Pre-order now!
May 9, 2019
Masada's Gate picks up right where Valhalla Station left off with the syndicate leaders on the run from Cassandra and the SSR (Soldiers of the Solar Revolution). But when all seems lost can three people thwart the main front and hold it long enough to to give the Corp a new day?
This book is just as energetic and action packed as the first. The suspense at times will have you holding your breath. It is one of the few books where you like people on both sides of the coin so depending on the situation you might be rooting for either the syndicate or the SSR. Masada's Gate extends on story plots from Valhalla Station and set us up for the third book, Serpent's Fury.
This book is just as energetic and action packed as the first. The suspense at times will have you holding your breath. It is one of the few books where you like people on both sides of the coin so depending on the situation you might be rooting for either the syndicate or the SSR. Masada's Gate extends on story plots from Valhalla Station and set us up for the third book, Serpent's Fury.
May 20, 2019
Top rate.
The best thing about this book? You're never entirely sure who the good guys really are, or whether there is a good side at all. It keeps you reading and wondering.
The action is top rate too.
The best thing about this book? You're never entirely sure who the good guys really are, or whether there is a good side at all. It keeps you reading and wondering.
The action is top rate too.
May 20, 2019
Beware promises from yellow eyed saviors.
Exciting and fast paced story.
Good to see Daisy back from the dead
The corporation will survive and the universe will be better for it.
Believe this or they will send Stacks and Daisy to set you straight.
Long live SynCorp.
Keep up the great writing guys
Exciting and fast paced story.
Good to see Daisy back from the dead
The corporation will survive and the universe will be better for it.
Believe this or they will send Stacks and Daisy to set you straight.
Long live SynCorp.
Keep up the great writing guys
May 18, 2019
Great character building, the story drew me in and kept my interest, I'm looking forward to the next book
May 14, 2019
As in reality, a war is many battles at many different locations fought by many different people. Truly non-stop action. The situations tested many of the characters causing them to stretch and grow. I'm really enjoying the story and anxiously await the next book.
May 9, 2019
Very good continuation
The story continues with the same very nice style. It's not rushed and the characters pretty much are the same people, no sudden personality changes. This is just as dark as the original and it's hard to say who the good guys are. On one side there is the brutal oligarchy but on the other side is an insane AI/human hybrid that seems to determined to end humanity.
I really appreciate crisp characters and clear action. There aren't any super sloppy fight scenes and the major characters all stay in their respective lanes. It's a fun read and gets believably tense.
The story continues with the same very nice style. It's not rushed and the characters pretty much are the same people, no sudden personality changes. This is just as dark as the original and it's hard to say who the good guys are. On one side there is the brutal oligarchy but on the other side is an insane AI/human hybrid that seems to determined to end humanity.
I really appreciate crisp characters and clear action. There aren't any super sloppy fight scenes and the major characters all stay in their respective lanes. It's a fun read and gets believably tense.
May 20, 2019
Stellar!
More like, interstellar.
These 2 authors, when they write together, it's explosive. How they manage to keep the intrigue straight, is a feat unto itself. They give, and they take away. Whatever you think you know, it may not actually be. The penultima in this series, leaves us with unfinished business. But as always, there is hope. And some bad-ass tech!
More like, interstellar.
These 2 authors, when they write together, it's explosive. How they manage to keep the intrigue straight, is a feat unto itself. They give, and they take away. Whatever you think you know, it may not actually be. The penultima in this series, leaves us with unfinished business. But as always, there is hope. And some bad-ass tech!
March 13, 2020
Excellent continuation of the story.
And more Stacks.
And more Stacks.
April 1, 2020
Sci-fi with a bit of 40's noir. A space pirate , who's part human and part android , tries to take over earth and all her satellites. The jewel in the crown is Masada, a space station on an asteroid, that must be protected at all costs. A lot of action, colorful characters, and a body guard that talks like Phillip Marlow. I was gifted this from the authors.
September 9, 2020
Like the first, a fun easy read following the cast through perils. If you like the shoot 'em up space opera genre then I recommend these. If you do not, then don't waste your money. i read for enjoyment only and leave the serious books and critiques to others, as I see enough serious stuff every day. Recommended and going for #3.
May 29, 2019
Excellent!!
Great book. It was well written, plausible fast moving and gritty. I have already ordered the next book. Get it now.
Great book. It was well written, plausible fast moving and gritty. I have already ordered the next book. Get it now.
March 24, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Breaking your chains, one link at a time."
review following.
"Breaking your chains, one link at a time."
review following.
April 29, 2021
An action adventure packed book
July 17, 2020
If you enjoyed Book 1 of this trilogy, then you will enjoy Book 2. If anything, I would say this one is a little more focused (due to the main plot being set up extremely well in the first novel).
I think you can definitely define these books as Shades of Grey. There's no clear good or bad, every character ranges from Chaotic Good to Chaotic "Kinda Evil". Even the main antagonists motives are justified (considering what/who the "big bad" is). There are still people to root for, but It feels like are all anti-heroes - there's no Shining Knight in White Armour here.
I do feel I am missing out a little, having not read the original SynCorp trilogy, but once again this book summaries it well enough. Overall - well written, well narrated, with even more Stacks Fisher.
I think you can definitely define these books as Shades of Grey. There's no clear good or bad, every character ranges from Chaotic Good to Chaotic "Kinda Evil". Even the main antagonists motives are justified (considering what/who the "big bad" is). There are still people to root for, but It feels like are all anti-heroes - there's no Shining Knight in White Armour here.
I do feel I am missing out a little, having not read the original SynCorp trilogy, but once again this book summaries it well enough. Overall - well written, well narrated, with even more Stacks Fisher.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews