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Silver Ships #16
Earthers
Omnians, Earthers, and alliance members are fighting the Colony, the horde of sentient insectoids that threaten alliance space.
The Colony has had centuries to expand through the network of domes built by the Messinants, an ancient race. The domes’ Q-gates allow the insectoids to invade planets through their inventive use of rings, which extends the power of the domes.
It’s Omnian superior technology that gives a temporary advantage to the peaceful alliance members who lead the fight to retake their planets.
Omnian warships and fighters, Tridents and travelers, possess beam weapons to destroy the Colony’s shuttles and transports. However, the Colony escalates, turning its transports into deadly explosive traps.
In the past, the few alliance races that fought back could barely hold the line against the Colony’s seemingly never-ending incursions. Now, Jess Cinders leads a group of dedicated veterans armed with explosive dart weapons borrowed from the Loopah race.
Again, it’s the Omnian advanced tech that changes the dynamics in favor of the veterans. Engineers upgrade an invention first used decades ago. It’s a shadow, a multilegged avatar, with a mounted laser.
Unfortunately, for those races fighting to halt the Colony’s expansion, the insectoids aren’t willing to retreat. They fight back with even deadlier tactics that take the lives of the unwary.
The Colony has had centuries to expand through the network of domes built by the Messinants, an ancient race. The domes’ Q-gates allow the insectoids to invade planets through their inventive use of rings, which extends the power of the domes.
It’s Omnian superior technology that gives a temporary advantage to the peaceful alliance members who lead the fight to retake their planets.
Omnian warships and fighters, Tridents and travelers, possess beam weapons to destroy the Colony’s shuttles and transports. However, the Colony escalates, turning its transports into deadly explosive traps.
In the past, the few alliance races that fought back could barely hold the line against the Colony’s seemingly never-ending incursions. Now, Jess Cinders leads a group of dedicated veterans armed with explosive dart weapons borrowed from the Loopah race.
Again, it’s the Omnian advanced tech that changes the dynamics in favor of the veterans. Engineers upgrade an invention first used decades ago. It’s a shadow, a multilegged avatar, with a mounted laser.
Unfortunately, for those races fighting to halt the Colony’s expansion, the insectoids aren’t willing to retreat. They fight back with even deadlier tactics that take the lives of the unwary.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2020
419 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Jucha
45 books469 followersFrom my early years to the present, books have been a refuge. They’ve fueled my imagination. I’ve traveled to faraway places and met aliens with Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, Herbert, and Le Guin. I’ve explored historical events with Michener and Clavell, and I played spy with Ludlum and Fleming.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 10, 2021
I enjoyed the Silver Ship Series and the 16th book is no exception. The Omnians, Earthers and alliance members are fighting sentient insectoids that are invading Alliance worlds; but, I had the feeling the book is sort of a completion of a story and a set up for a new challenge for Alex and friends. I cannot wait to start the next installment.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and thirty-five minutes. Nicola Poole does a good job narrating the book. Poole is a classical trained actress. She has won multiple Earphone Awards and has been nominated for an Audie Award. I do miss Grover Gardener narrating the series. Grover was the only narrator until recently. He was one of my favorite narrators. I assume he has retired after almost thirty years of narrating audiobooks. I sorely miss the sound of his voice.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and thirty-five minutes. Nicola Poole does a good job narrating the book. Poole is a classical trained actress. She has won multiple Earphone Awards and has been nominated for an Audie Award. I do miss Grover Gardener narrating the series. Grover was the only narrator until recently. He was one of my favorite narrators. I assume he has retired after almost thirty years of narrating audiobooks. I sorely miss the sound of his voice.
April 17, 2022
An enjoyable read.
October 31, 2020
OK, it's getting hard to keep track of every character, and hence harder to care, but one of the biggest issues I've always had with the series is how unrealistic some of the arcs are.
For example, the insectoids land, at most, a few thousand (often a few hundred) adults on a planet. A planet. They are impossible to find unless you get up close and personal, and so they need hunting down, on foot, in a grid pattern. Yet a handful of teams (at most a thousand, depending on how you interpret the descriptions) find and eliminate them in a matter of weeks or months.
It's a planet.
It's big. Do the math.
There are lots of examples like that, where the all-consuming 'story' is supposed to forgive any suspension of reality. But too often it's just unnecessarily unimaginative. Similarly, the author's own world views often pervade his descriptions, without him necessarily realising it.
That aside, it remains a good pulp read, and there are the occasional elements of originality.
For example, the insectoids land, at most, a few thousand (often a few hundred) adults on a planet. A planet. They are impossible to find unless you get up close and personal, and so they need hunting down, on foot, in a grid pattern. Yet a handful of teams (at most a thousand, depending on how you interpret the descriptions) find and eliminate them in a matter of weeks or months.
It's a planet.
It's big. Do the math.
There are lots of examples like that, where the all-consuming 'story' is supposed to forgive any suspension of reality. But too often it's just unnecessarily unimaginative. Similarly, the author's own world views often pervade his descriptions, without him necessarily realising it.
That aside, it remains a good pulp read, and there are the occasional elements of originality.
May 16, 2020
This book was very enjoyable although nothing really new happened. Alex Racine has established his Omnian fleet in the Alliance territory and is now helping to wipe out the Colony. This is a race of ant like creature, that, while sentient, seem to not want to tolerate any other life forms. The Colony spreads through a system of Alliance Domes wiping out everything in the dome and then taking over the entire planet. They are fierce fighters, even their young, and will eat anything. A young Pyrean Captain by the name of Jess Cinders has been leading the fight against the Colonly although he wasn’t give much help by most of the other Alliance races.
When a belligerent race from the Federacy attempted to take over the Alliance, Alex and his Omnian’s interceded and stop that fight. He convinced the Federacy race to settle on a planet. That planet was already infested by the Colony so the race had to fight for the right to settle that planet. With some help, they managed to do just that and now the fight continues, only on other worlds and other domes. Alex has convinced some of the Alliance races that they need to participate in this fight. He lets them know in no uncertain terms that not fighting is not an option since the Colony will overtake evey planet in this system if they are not stopped. His Assault Commander, Captain Jess Cinders, has done a magnificent job with the resouces he has and now can see much more success with the help of all the Alliance races. While not all will send fighters, some will support with material which is just as important.
While this is going on, Alex takes a contingent of Omnians and Alliance personnel to Earth. He wants to get Earth involved in this fight against the Colony since there’s nothing preventing the Colony from infesting the Sol System if they are not stopped. He asks Earth’s President to begin building some huge carriers and more Tidents to help move all the materials and stuff needed to wage the war with the Colony. The Earth’s President agrees to do all they can and quickly begins building the ships required. Alex eventually sends one of his SADEs back to Earth to bring what ships that have built to Alliance space.
So, this book is more about the fight against the Colony than anything else. Towards the end, thought, Alex gets word that some of the other beligerent races from the Federacy are moving out beyond their boundaries and threatening other planets. This is something they were explicitly told not to do. Alex and his Omnian fleet now set sail to protect the races under threat. Since there are two different threats, he may have to split his forces, but that’s a decision he’ll make in the next book.
I’m not sure this series will ever end. Looks like book 17, “Talus” will be coming in the near future.
When a belligerent race from the Federacy attempted to take over the Alliance, Alex and his Omnian’s interceded and stop that fight. He convinced the Federacy race to settle on a planet. That planet was already infested by the Colony so the race had to fight for the right to settle that planet. With some help, they managed to do just that and now the fight continues, only on other worlds and other domes. Alex has convinced some of the Alliance races that they need to participate in this fight. He lets them know in no uncertain terms that not fighting is not an option since the Colony will overtake evey planet in this system if they are not stopped. His Assault Commander, Captain Jess Cinders, has done a magnificent job with the resouces he has and now can see much more success with the help of all the Alliance races. While not all will send fighters, some will support with material which is just as important.
While this is going on, Alex takes a contingent of Omnians and Alliance personnel to Earth. He wants to get Earth involved in this fight against the Colony since there’s nothing preventing the Colony from infesting the Sol System if they are not stopped. He asks Earth’s President to begin building some huge carriers and more Tidents to help move all the materials and stuff needed to wage the war with the Colony. The Earth’s President agrees to do all they can and quickly begins building the ships required. Alex eventually sends one of his SADEs back to Earth to bring what ships that have built to Alliance space.
So, this book is more about the fight against the Colony than anything else. Towards the end, thought, Alex gets word that some of the other beligerent races from the Federacy are moving out beyond their boundaries and threatening other planets. This is something they were explicitly told not to do. Alex and his Omnian fleet now set sail to protect the races under threat. Since there are two different threats, he may have to split his forces, but that’s a decision he’ll make in the next book.
I’m not sure this series will ever end. Looks like book 17, “Talus” will be coming in the near future.
December 4, 2020
This book continues the story of Alex and the Omnians helping the Alliance races take back their planets from the Bugs.
The bugs (or Colony as they are called) never feel like a real threat anymore, now that Alex is here. They are more of an obstacle to over come. Their numbers are their only real strength, and that can be won through attrition. Ultimately, its sad that a menace that was supposed to be so daunting, turns out to be super easy, barely an inconvenience.
Also weird, is that the empaths, which featured so importantly in the Pyreans series, is basically....well, ignored here. It almost seems that the author just got to the point he didn't know how to integrate them with Alex's world, so he just gave up on them.
Really, the only issue with this book is the narrator, Nicole Poole. Her pronunciation has gotten better, but she still delivers such a flat performance and her lack of character voices, make this very difficult to follow and get into.
In the end, its still a standard Silver Ships book. All the good stuff is still here, but it is definitely lacking in some areas. Most notable is the voice narration. I'll continue the series, but it has definitely taken a decline in the last few books.
The bugs (or Colony as they are called) never feel like a real threat anymore, now that Alex is here. They are more of an obstacle to over come. Their numbers are their only real strength, and that can be won through attrition. Ultimately, its sad that a menace that was supposed to be so daunting, turns out to be super easy, barely an inconvenience.
Also weird, is that the empaths, which featured so importantly in the Pyreans series, is basically....well, ignored here. It almost seems that the author just got to the point he didn't know how to integrate them with Alex's world, so he just gave up on them.
Really, the only issue with this book is the narrator, Nicole Poole. Her pronunciation has gotten better, but she still delivers such a flat performance and her lack of character voices, make this very difficult to follow and get into.
In the end, its still a standard Silver Ships book. All the good stuff is still here, but it is definitely lacking in some areas. Most notable is the voice narration. I'll continue the series, but it has definitely taken a decline in the last few books.
April 27, 2020
Alex Racine and his band of space explorers are at it again. They are continuing their efforts to reclaim sentient worlds from the grip of the Insectoids. As usual, Racine is in the forefront of the battle, but he is slowly distributing his command and control functions to other sentient races and to the SADES. The "Silver Ships" saga has been captivating from the get-go, and continues to be so. One thing that shows up in EARTHERS that has not been present in previous stories is the equivalent of a Star Trek transporter to move people and objects.
July 24, 2021
Another good book in this world building series.
Another well-crafted book in the series
Alex and his wife have taken a backseat to newer characters in the series.
The book really doesn’t advanced the storyline too much in my belief. I would like to see some new tech in the series, such as armor or personal for Scheels, jet packs something to give them the edge against their insect toyed enemy if you’d like to Siri‘s, you’ll enjoy this book. If you haven’t read the series then you need to start from the beginning.
Another well-crafted book in the series
Alex and his wife have taken a backseat to newer characters in the series.
The book really doesn’t advanced the storyline too much in my belief. I would like to see some new tech in the series, such as armor or personal for Scheels, jet packs something to give them the edge against their insect toyed enemy if you’d like to Siri‘s, you’ll enjoy this book. If you haven’t read the series then you need to start from the beginning.
April 21, 2020
I'm not sure why this book was called Earthers.
I guess you have to call this book something. But it's a another great addition to the silver ships Saga looks of it he's got several new storylines ahead. I'm not going to drop any spoilers on this book. If this is the first book and the silver ships Saga that you are now reading. Stop and read all the previous books to get a little context on what's going on. Enjoy the ride, Salude.
I guess you have to call this book something. But it's a another great addition to the silver ships Saga looks of it he's got several new storylines ahead. I'm not going to drop any spoilers on this book. If this is the first book and the silver ships Saga that you are now reading. Stop and read all the previous books to get a little context on what's going on. Enjoy the ride, Salude.
April 26, 2020
This book continues the battle against the 'Insectoid Colony' with the main focus on Jess rather than Alex and Renée. Much of the story is about the various tactics employed to eliminate the Insectoids. At times I couldn't help thinking the author was making it over complicated just to keep the story going. Having said that, I enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to reading how Alex will combat the new challenges beyond the Colony.
May 3, 2020
This one was a bit slow for me in the beginning. I was as weary as reading about it as Jess was of engaging in battle with the insectoid species. The various worlds they were fighting in, especially the more primitive species were interesting. Dealing with the politics of the very staid older races who were used to doing things in their own time became very amusing. I am looking forward to the next book when the new independent station in Pyrean space is completely online,
April 15, 2020
I loved this story! It's a continuation of the fight against the insectoid Colony, and despite the amount of time we've spent with them as a nemesis they still feel fresh and frightening! In addition, I loved the branching possibilities left at the end of the book, and can't wait to find out where all of them lead!
April 20, 2020
Alex and Renee find new leaders to lessen their loads.
Now covering most of the known worlds and races, our heroes fight for those not willing to take action. They prove the value of teamwork and friends. Loyal support comes from all races to defeat the Colony. Time to split forces to solve more problems. More fun to come.
Now covering most of the known worlds and races, our heroes fight for those not willing to take action. They prove the value of teamwork and friends. Loyal support comes from all races to defeat the Colony. Time to split forces to solve more problems. More fun to come.
November 11, 2020
Harbour
This book brings both series together and launches the new and much improved Resistance. I found Jess a little immature at the beginning of the story and watched him evolve into the leader he is meant to be. The way in which each character is introduced and portrayed makes me wish I could join their world.
This book brings both series together and launches the new and much improved Resistance. I found Jess a little immature at the beginning of the story and watched him evolve into the leader he is meant to be. The way in which each character is introduced and portrayed makes me wish I could join their world.
November 3, 2022
Interesting progress in the fight to eradicate the Colony
Our favorite characters from the Pyrean and Silver Ships worlds work together to counteract the expansion of the Colony’s invasion. There is an unexpected twist at the end of the book.
Very entertaining as the past 15(19 if Pyrean series is included) books have been.
Our favorite characters from the Pyrean and Silver Ships worlds work together to counteract the expansion of the Colony’s invasion. There is an unexpected twist at the end of the book.
Very entertaining as the past 15(19 if Pyrean series is included) books have been.
April 19, 2020
Love these books.
I love these silver ship books. And this book did not disappoint. The characters are so engaging you're rooting for them to win. I'm always so disappointed when I reach the last page. I want the story to go on forever.
I love these silver ship books. And this book did not disappoint. The characters are so engaging you're rooting for them to win. I'm always so disappointed when I reach the last page. I want the story to go on forever.
April 20, 2020
Should be Titled Bugs
This book had very little earth time, unless you count all the colonies from earth’s people fighting the insects as earthers As always this story was sci-fi tastic
This book had very little earth time, unless you count all the colonies from earth’s people fighting the insects as earthers As always this story was sci-fi tastic
April 20, 2020
Great as usual
The familiar characters are are entertaining. Multiple plots hold your interest. Very entertaining story with consistent personalities. Can’t wait for the next book.
The familiar characters are are entertaining. Multiple plots hold your interest. Very entertaining story with consistent personalities. Can’t wait for the next book.
April 22, 2020
Another good enrty in this series and with reading
Looking forward to Future books in this series. I have really been enjoying some of the new characters and challenges that they encounter.
Looking forward to Future books in this series. I have really been enjoying some of the new characters and challenges that they encounter.
April 27, 2020
Wonderful novel
Another great book and. Fantastic extension of this series. I really enjoy this author's writing style. The character creation is wonderful. Please keep up with the work. Next novel please.
Another great book and. Fantastic extension of this series. I really enjoy this author's writing style. The character creation is wonderful. Please keep up with the work. Next novel please.
May 12, 2020
Just a fabulous tale
This is another great installment of the Silver Ships saga. I have read every one of them bbq and I have enjoyed them all. New characters such as Jess become a great part of the story and developments ensure the next one will be great also! Love it!
This is another great installment of the Silver Ships saga. I have read every one of them bbq and I have enjoyed them all. New characters such as Jess become a great part of the story and developments ensure the next one will be great also! Love it!
June 10, 2020
Devoured this latest Jucha book with great gusto and I am still hungry!
I devoured this latest Jucha book with great gusto and I am still hungry! Thank you S.H. for a great
Book and an even greater series!
I devoured this latest Jucha book with great gusto and I am still hungry! Thank you S.H. for a great
Book and an even greater series!
September 3, 2020
Getting beat the end...
I need to go back and review most of this series to support the author. I'll write a full review of the two enjoined series after I read number 17.
You should be reading...
TTFN
-Will
I need to go back and review most of this series to support the author. I'll write a full review of the two enjoined series after I read number 17.
You should be reading...
TTFN
-Will
April 23, 2023
I think the author is running out of titles for his books as they seem to make no sense really in relation to the books content. This was a pretty good read and I love the universe and camraderie that the author has created but feel the series is running out of steam as well as titles.
May 9, 2020
Another good instalment. It’s definitely setting stuff up for future books, especially with the (downplayed) revelation that they have found clues to the remaining Earth colony ships.
May 25, 2020
As good as ever.
As good as ever and I cannot wait for the next book to be published. Please hurry up Mr Jucha.
As good as ever and I cannot wait for the next book to be published. Please hurry up Mr Jucha.
May 30, 2020
It continues
One of the best series of stories I’ve ever read. Jucha keeps creating more characters,
. He keeps expanding his universe.
Fun read.
One of the best series of stories I’ve ever read. Jucha keeps creating more characters,
. He keeps expanding his universe.
Fun read.
June 5, 2020
Love this series
This is my favorite series. I look forward to each new book and then devour it. The characters are completely believable and fasinating.. Great read!!
This is my favorite series. I look forward to each new book and then devour it. The characters are completely believable and fasinating.. Great read!!
June 14, 2020
Another great book from one of the best authors in this genre. This would be my favourite science fiction series and this story justifies my thoughts
June 24, 2020
Still writing a great story
Yes he writes a great story. Looking forward to reading his next episode. Just need to be informed when it is available.
Yes he writes a great story. Looking forward to reading his next episode. Just need to be informed when it is available.
December 29, 2022
Duration: 12:35
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews