A Line in the Sand (The Frontiers Saga: Part 2: Rogue Castes #14)

I used to like these stories and read them as soon as they would come out, I have all the books up to this one. What I have noticed is the repetitive nature of the author to build up the Alliance, go to war, lose half to almost all of their ships and personnel and then start the entire process again, kinda depressing and rarely any happy endings. It\’s always the same, hey guys lets get this new technology and install it on these old ships and build our fleet up and then go to war. Key characters that you get used to and start liking get killed off and it\’s always the same guys that do all of the dangerous stuff. I\’m sure the author can come up with more people to spread out all these risky missions, you know like the red shirt guys on Star Trek. The guys that you\’ve never seen before and they get killed off at the start of the show. The Frontier series started off great but it looks to me like it\’s run its course. Unless they finally kick some butt and then have to take on a new threat like a new alien army, it\’s pretty predictable reading and very discouraging, It seems like they can never get ahead, always treading water. So sorry to say that this is my last book I will read of the Frontier Saga.

Ryk Brown consistently produces some of the best science fiction in the business. However, he\’s chosen to stick with one cast of characters and a chronological storyline. Case in point, \”A Line in the Sand.\” The subtitle says it all, \”The Frontiers Saga Part 2 Rogue Castes No. 14.\” At this point his protagonist, who has died and been resurrected once, continues his quest to make the universe free of tyranny. Capt. Nathan Scott won the last round with the Dusahn, but his alliance of rebels is wounded. They need resources, and that means convincing worlds that are either former members of the Dusahn sphere of influence or independents to join them. As usual, Brown spins up what\’s required to build up the fleet, figure out how to defend their existing allies and draw in either new technology or another edge. Scott chooses to seek out the corporate-run planet that produces some of the best products used in defense and space travel. The world supports Scott\’s Karuzari but needs a return on investment. Scott understands that true self determination comes from economic independence. That means everybody must pay their own way. Safety does create opportunity. The climax is what long-time readers expect. Brown builds the plot steadily. He doesn\’t make it easy. This may be one of the more real in the series. And he doesn\’t get to the reason for the title until the very end. Expect the next chapter to really be a blast.

I have gave every book in this series 5 stars up to this one. Just couldn\’t do it this time. Full of filler and Ryk thinks he is George RR Martin. Kills characters just for the hell of it, without it doing anything for the story line. ..killing off Loki was just asinine. Done with this series.

This was a good read. When I started the novel, I wasn\’t sure I was going to like the way the story was going to turn out. OTOH as the novel progressed it was better and better. In particular, the ending showed me that Nathan understood what he had to do and in this case, unlike the ending to part 1, I agreed with him. Nathan does return to Earth and I am curious to see how many threads will be resolved in the final chapter of this part. I recommend this book but it doesn\’t truly stand alone. You need to have read the volumes before.

We lose one of our dearest characters in this episode. We wondered when these daring young men might tempt fate just once too many. In addition we lose another small player in a brittle reality check. Personally if this character really understood the stakes they would not have volunteered and Jessi a should have made the facts clear . Anthony wasnt ready to accept the fate handed out but realized it ha d to happen. Personally It was wrong. What should be done is rid earth of this scourge that has become a military tyrant. Half of earth is ready. The new commer gave Nathon the answer. He cant let it sit. If he can sacrifice a friend then he can sacrifice his sister if need be. He did the right thing in dealing the shame cease fire. He needs to go on the attack on 2 fronts earth and the Dushane. I hope the author sees there is a bit of weriness setting in that cant be sustained. He has also set up the Tech world for attack. They have the means but not the will except for a bunch of young kids/adults that could save them but are not supported. Nathon ax a military mind must realize he needs to protect this resource, it doesnt seem he does nor are his advisors giving him any advice about this vulnerability. We gave the book 5 stars but it\’s close we dont agree with sacrificing one to save many. You go down this path where does it end? No you except the consequence of a breach and attack you opponents weaknesses. One unnecessary loss is a loss to many.

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