Challenge Met

Sand Wars #6

by Charles Ingrid

Jack Storm, the last true Dominion Knight, undertakes a perilous mission to rescue St. Colin from his alien captors in exchange for a stolen mind-tape containing his forgotten past-life memories

Genres: Science Fiction, Military Fiction

270 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

A pseudonym used by Rhondi A. Vilott Salsitz.

Reviews

[Otis Campbell · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Well, grab your finest jug of moonshine and kick your boots off, 'cause Challenge Met by Mr. Charles Ingrid brings this whole six-part galactic rodeo to a roaring, bone-rattling finish! Our long-suffering space warrior Jack Storm is finally at the end of his rope, and the whole galaxy is caught in a crossfire uglier than a dog fight in a briar patch. With those terrifying, top-dog Ash-farel aliens raining down destruction and the sneaky Emperor Pepys still playing his crooked political games, Jack has to muster up every ounce of grit he’s got left. It all comes down to a massive, winner-take-all showdown where Jack isn't just fighting to save humanity from being turned into a pile of useless space dust—he’s fighting to finally put his old ghosts to rest and get a little bit of peace. The real heart-stopper in this final stretch is what happens to that crazy, living battle armor Jack’s been wearing since day one. That sentient suit has grown so plumb powerful it’s finally ready to make its ultimate move, forcing Jack into a desperate psychological wrestling match for absolute control over his own mind and body. Old Ingrid doesn't pull any punches with this finale; it’s packed to the gills with exploding starships, laser fire, and a few bittersweet goodbyes that'll put a lump right in your throat. By the time the smoke finally clears and the dust settles on the battlefield, you’ll be sitting there plumb satisfied with how this grand old 1980s sci-fi quilt comes together.