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The Coalition #1
Hide the Lightning
Harmon Tomeral, along with his friends and allies, continues to develop the forces of Salvage System, for its own defense and—if the cause is just—to defend others. Humans and aliens working together would seem novel…but then again, outside of Earth and the Sol System, humans are aliens, too. Having salvaged, repaired, and rebuilt a number of warships, the Salvage Fleet is a presence to be reckoned with. The Ground Force, including its specialty unit, the Bolts, has also continued to grow, and they spend their time training with the weapons of war—mechs, tanks, artillery, and battle armor—and anything else they can get their hands and paws on that will give them an edge in battle. When the Nazrooth System calls, they are once again compelled to right a wrong. It won’t be easy…but then again, it never is. Just don’t tell Harmon the odds—he doesn’t want to know them. Despite a staggering imbalance in forces, Harmon boards his flagship, Salvage Title, and leads the majority of his fleet to free Nazrooth. Only a small, defensive fleet is left behind, full of trainees and reservists. Both Salvage Fleet and the home forces are ready to face the odds, but what if this time they’re insurmountable?
- GenresScience Fiction
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
266 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Steverson
64 books71 followersAuthor Kevin Steverson is a retired veteran of the U.S. Army. A science fiction and fantasy writer, he is also a published lyricist/songwriter. His science fiction trilogy, Salvage Title, has been picked up for development into feature film. He can be found in the foothills of the NE Georgia mountains writing.
Sign up for the newsletter at www.kevinsteverson.com and get a free short story
His debut series, The Salvage Title Trilogy- Salvage Title, Salvage Fleet, and Salvage System, continues with Hide The Lightning and Salvage Mother is available.
There are now a total of Thirty books in the Salvage Title Universe.
Invited to write in the Four Horseman Universe, Along with several short stories in various anthologies, his novels in it, co-authored with Kevin Ikenberry, Redacted Affairs, Redacted Vice and Redacted Weapon are available.
Burnt, and Accepted the first two in a fantasy trilogy is out.
Sign up for the newsletter at www.kevinsteverson.com and get a free short story
His debut series, The Salvage Title Trilogy- Salvage Title, Salvage Fleet, and Salvage System, continues with Hide The Lightning and Salvage Mother is available.
There are now a total of Thirty books in the Salvage Title Universe.
Invited to write in the Four Horseman Universe, Along with several short stories in various anthologies, his novels in it, co-authored with Kevin Ikenberry, Redacted Affairs, Redacted Vice and Redacted Weapon are available.
Burnt, and Accepted the first two in a fantasy trilogy is out.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 31, 2025
This book had some really cool ideas that I was excited about, but unfortunately the execution was very mediocre.
This book is a lot slower paced than the original salvage title trilogy. This does help a lot in the beginning and end of the book with the character interactions and worldbuilding. Unfortunately, this is a hinderance in the middle of the book, which is a very protracted action sequence that got old really fast. One of the selling points of the previous books, particularly "Title" and "Fleet" was that the action moved along briskly and we could get to more story itself, but unfortunately the action was the story.
I did like the concept of the Bolts and the Taylahh species that joins their crew. Their interactions were entertaining in the beginning of the book and seeing the Bolts in action towards the end was fun.
I also really enjoy the snippets of seeing what the Salvage Title Universe is like, in terms of the governments and the businesses present and building.
Harmon, Clip, Jayneen, and Bahroot continue to be the most entertaining part of this universe, particularly the ways the Humans interact with the AIs. I hope the future books in the universe tackle this more.
Unfortunately, as alluded to before, that long action sequence just wasn't my cup of tea in the middle, and that really dragged down the book for me.
Overall, I thought this book was just...fine. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as great as it could have been. Just a 6 out of 10.
This book is a lot slower paced than the original salvage title trilogy. This does help a lot in the beginning and end of the book with the character interactions and worldbuilding. Unfortunately, this is a hinderance in the middle of the book, which is a very protracted action sequence that got old really fast. One of the selling points of the previous books, particularly "Title" and "Fleet" was that the action moved along briskly and we could get to more story itself, but unfortunately the action was the story.
I did like the concept of the Bolts and the Taylahh species that joins their crew. Their interactions were entertaining in the beginning of the book and seeing the Bolts in action towards the end was fun.
I also really enjoy the snippets of seeing what the Salvage Title Universe is like, in terms of the governments and the businesses present and building.
Harmon, Clip, Jayneen, and Bahroot continue to be the most entertaining part of this universe, particularly the ways the Humans interact with the AIs. I hope the future books in the universe tackle this more.
Unfortunately, as alluded to before, that long action sequence just wasn't my cup of tea in the middle, and that really dragged down the book for me.
Overall, I thought this book was just...fine. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as great as it could have been. Just a 6 out of 10.
November 22, 2019
The Salvage System, settled by humans and aliens working together, is growing and prospering. Sure, a lot of their equipment is built from salvaged parts, but as they've grown they've added is new and purpose-built ships, mechs, and other gear too. The ad-hoc nature of their military has evolved into a formal structure that is still flexible enough to absorb new arrivals from various races. And with all of this accomplished we launch into a new story arc.
This story has everything: Humans vs aliens, humans working with aliens, a noble cause, big battles, suspense, star travel, fleet action, mechs, infantry, well-developed characters that you want to root for, sneaky bad guys, and a distinct lack of invincibility on the part of the good guys.
If you've been reading the Salvage System stories you'll love this. If you haven't been reading them you'll still love them, because it's starting a new story arc. You don't need to have read the earlier books, you'll get filled in with what you need to know. Don't worry, there aren't pages of explanations to wade through, some characters that are new to the system have to be trained, which brings you up to speed via the action of the training process.
I read it in one day because I didn't want to put it down. You probably won't want to put it down either.
This story has everything: Humans vs aliens, humans working with aliens, a noble cause, big battles, suspense, star travel, fleet action, mechs, infantry, well-developed characters that you want to root for, sneaky bad guys, and a distinct lack of invincibility on the part of the good guys.
If you've been reading the Salvage System stories you'll love this. If you haven't been reading them you'll still love them, because it's starting a new story arc. You don't need to have read the earlier books, you'll get filled in with what you need to know. Don't worry, there aren't pages of explanations to wade through, some characters that are new to the system have to be trained, which brings you up to speed via the action of the training process.
I read it in one day because I didn't want to put it down. You probably won't want to put it down either.
November 22, 2019
A great beginning to a new series and follow up to the Salvage series. Fun and light hearted. Steverson has an absolute talent for creating fun characters and vivid worlds. A definitive must read.
June 28, 2022
Pretty good!
November 2, 2020
*Amusing Secondary Alien Characters Cannot Save A Reader From The Dreck*
“Hide the Lighting” is the story factory assembly line dreck following on the author’s originating “Salvage Title” Trilogy.
Whatever redeeming qualities amusing entertainment provided by secondary alien characters provided have been fully entombed in the author’s immature and fantastical world of advocacy of diversity.
Inane storylines and disingenuous plot devices are the choice of the author. This reader’s choice is to avoid further exposure to the author’s (and partners) lameness.
“Hide the Lightning” was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
“Hide the Lighting” is the story factory assembly line dreck following on the author’s originating “Salvage Title” Trilogy.
Whatever redeeming qualities amusing entertainment provided by secondary alien characters provided have been fully entombed in the author’s immature and fantastical world of advocacy of diversity.
Inane storylines and disingenuous plot devices are the choice of the author. This reader’s choice is to avoid further exposure to the author’s (and partners) lameness.
“Hide the Lightning” was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
November 23, 2019
Wonderful escape into fun Space Opera!
Kevin Steverson returns to the Salvage Title universe with the start of a new series that can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the first trilogy or the anthology (although many of the characters and new friends we meet there make appearances here as well)! Our heroes still have a penchant for righting wrongs, and the action gets to be fast and furious before we reach a satisfying conclusion. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Kevin Steverson returns to the Salvage Title universe with the start of a new series that can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the first trilogy or the anthology (although many of the characters and new friends we meet there make appearances here as well)! Our heroes still have a penchant for righting wrongs, and the action gets to be fast and furious before we reach a satisfying conclusion. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
September 8, 2020
Harmon can't stand a bully. He never could. You want to enslave a race, or worse...eat their young. Well, that just doesn't sit too well with Harmon. He'll open up a can of spinach...wait that's Popeye. His can is slightly different.
All the regular characters return, and they get ready to fight, and to bring freedom to another system, from more people crying out for help.
This universe keeps getting richer and richer, and I look forward to seeing how much father it goes.
The narration on the audio book was well done by KC Johnson.
All the regular characters return, and they get ready to fight, and to bring freedom to another system, from more people crying out for help.
This universe keeps getting richer and richer, and I look forward to seeing how much father it goes.
The narration on the audio book was well done by KC Johnson.
February 28, 2023
This book follows the Salvage System trilogy. Harmon Tomeral, is now the leader of the Salvage System and they have managed to not only take control of a newly opened system but make it profitable and sucessful for its inhabitants. A neighboring system has asked for help and Harmon is not the type to not answer when he is called to action. The one issue is that this fight is a little more then they bargained for. The new enemy numbers in the millions and they intend to not only take over a pacifist system but to also take over Salvage.
November 21, 2021
Definitely Combative
Similar to the initial series, though the battles here are much bigger and more intensive. Not everyone survives, though the majority of our protagonists are spared. More new characters, with at least some character development for the primary beings. Fairly good writing with the occasional missing word. Good resolution for the primary story threads and a hint of more to come in the epilogue.
Similar to the initial series, though the battles here are much bigger and more intensive. Not everyone survives, though the majority of our protagonists are spared. More new characters, with at least some character development for the primary beings. Fairly good writing with the occasional missing word. Good resolution for the primary story threads and a hint of more to come in the epilogue.
November 26, 2022
Nice twist
Probably one of the more exciting of the four books so far. I'm enjoying the interplay between the kingdoms although it's somewhat simplistic. Almost earth feudal with some overlays worth tribal, and not quite so many double dealings is what Earth modern does. I'm very interested to see what happens when the really bad boy show up!
Probably one of the more exciting of the four books so far. I'm enjoying the interplay between the kingdoms although it's somewhat simplistic. Almost earth feudal with some overlays worth tribal, and not quite so many double dealings is what Earth modern does. I'm very interested to see what happens when the really bad boy show up!
December 22, 2019
Decent story.
I may be getting burned out on space combat stories. The ground combat action was good. At least, both had proper logistical difficulties. It wasn't like the old movie western where the six shooter never ran out of ammo.
I may be getting burned out on space combat stories. The ground combat action was good. At least, both had proper logistical difficulties. It wasn't like the old movie western where the six shooter never ran out of ammo.
January 23, 2022
And the series starts with a bang!
Kevin steverson rocks! I enjoy the action and humor that is his style of writing. It gets me to lol and I tell everyone it's the book when they look at me. A fan!
Kevin steverson rocks! I enjoy the action and humor that is his style of writing. It gets me to lol and I tell everyone it's the book when they look at me. A fan!
November 23, 2019
Oh so good
I was hoping the author would continue this series. This one is another hit. Hopefully there will be more books. Highly recommended.
I was hoping the author would continue this series. This one is another hit. Hopefully there will be more books. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2019
Best one yet
I love the direction this is taking. I'm really looking forward to reading the next one. Keep them coming, please!
I love the direction this is taking. I'm really looking forward to reading the next one. Keep them coming, please!
December 16, 2019
This is another series from Mr, Steverson that is as well written as the previous series. I liked it and it kept me turning the pages with what was happening next.
Read
December 17, 2019Great continuation of the Salvage Title series
December 31, 2019
Awesome
Another great story set in my favorite universe!!! Harmon and friends have some wild adventure and I sure hope the next books come out soon!!!!
Another great story set in my favorite universe!!! Harmon and friends have some wild adventure and I sure hope the next books come out soon!!!!
January 8, 2020
Very readable, I enjoyed the interpersonal relationships of the characters in the books. Interesting plot.
January 15, 2020
Fun Read, Almost YA Mil Sci Fi
Salvage series is just a fun read, full of mecha and aliens. Reminds of of Heinlein YA, such as have spacesuit will travel.
Salvage series is just a fun read, full of mecha and aliens. Reminds of of Heinlein YA, such as have spacesuit will travel.
June 30, 2021
Sweet!
I read the original series and love the continued story! New characters are excellent and this one has me sweating!
I read the original series and love the continued story! New characters are excellent and this one has me sweating!
March 1, 2022
That was way too fast. There was multiple combat that he needed to slow down and stretch out. Hell, he completely skipped the defense of Salvage system almost entirely
May 31, 2023
This book was awesome
This book was awesome and a heck of a lot better than the last one with multiple different stories . It is action pack like the first three books and I cant wait for the next one to come out because I would like to find what happens to the spies and the Beleeve queen . Like Will Harmon and associates inform the Bith about the Beleeve had done or will the salvaged system along with Krift invade the Beleeve system to take out the rest of their ships and their shipyards or will something sale happen . I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book like the first three novels and that's the kind of books I like to read. I was awesome , Kevin Steverson well done and you have my props for awesome books beside the salvaged quest but it was more than made up for in this book in my opinion.
This book was awesome and a heck of a lot better than the last one with multiple different stories . It is action pack like the first three books and I cant wait for the next one to come out because I would like to find what happens to the spies and the Beleeve queen . Like Will Harmon and associates inform the Bith about the Beleeve had done or will the salvaged system along with Krift invade the Beleeve system to take out the rest of their ships and their shipyards or will something sale happen . I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book like the first three novels and that's the kind of books I like to read. I was awesome , Kevin Steverson well done and you have my props for awesome books beside the salvaged quest but it was more than made up for in this book in my opinion.
May 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews