Drysine Legacy

Spiral Wars, Book 2

By: Joel Shepherd

Narrated by: John Lee

The legendary battle-carrier UFS Phoenix is on the run in Outer Neutral Space. Lieutenant Commander Erik Debogande and Major Trace Thakur are determined to use neutral territory to broker a peace between humanity's warring factions, away from Fleet's strong arm. But as machinations in Fleet Command send a legendary warrior from Trace's past on a sworn path to kill her, there arises in the territory of an insectoid foe an ancient enemy from the nightmares of Spiral history, bent on Phoenix's destruction….

©2015 Joel Shepherd (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Worlders, Spacers, Aliens, & Intelligent Machines

I'm hooked on this series now, and the narration is perfect. I'm glad Shepherd decided to write in 3rd person, and from more than one character's perspective. The first book began slowly, but I skimmed the celebration speeches / infodumps and bookmarked the spot for future reference. (I did refer back, later). Then, at about 25% it got going with action, suspense, conspiracies, battles, etc.

Now, with book 2, a new element is brought into the mix, and the conspiracy grows, spanning space and time across the galaxy.

I like the new character, Styx. Her characterization deliberately leaves me guessing about her true intent, but I want to trust her, somewhat. And given her age, and her memory banks, she's a living history lesson. I appreciate how this author slowly reveals the past, beginning with the Ancients 3 million years ago, and the Fathers 50 thousand years ago, etc. Readers slowly realize that history books have been severely revised over the eons. What to believe? Who to trust?

The crew of the Phoenix are renegades because they know too much. Erik, Major Trace, and the rest of the outcast are learning to trust one another and to seriously question Fleet propaganda. Tentative trust develops with a few allies from non-human races. These credible, three-dimensional, and mostly likable characters continue across the series, although some fall in battle.

This feels more and more like the unveiling truth in Sullivan's Riyira series, even though that's dirt-bound fantasy. The characters are upbeat and likable, but imperfect, as with Riyira. It also feels a bit like the space opera series The Expanse, with the political mess between Worlders and Spacers, and an unknown secret 3rd element.

Enter the Drysine

Straight out of history to the present. The greatest foe of the entire spiral awakens as Phoenix encounters the queen.
On the run and looking for answers and allies, the crew of the UFS Phoenix stumble upon something of unimaginable power and the stuff of horror stories and ancient legend. Styx.
Hold on for action and twists as the crew learns what they have on their hands and what they should do about it.

Fabulous

A class book. I was hooked and couldn't stop this book! One of the best books!

Holy crap!

I read a lot of classic and military sci-fi and this is probably my favorite universe so far. Amazing, I accidentally bought the first book with out even reading the plot or listening to a sample, 2 books now I under 2 weeks.

great book, fast paced action packed.

Great plot, great characters, full of action. love the narrators British accents. loved this book!

couldn't stop listening, it was creating a problem

once I got through the first 2 chapters, I had a hard timing stopping. That's a bit disruptive for my life but hey, at least I was entertained.

give it a shot

What made the experience of listening to Drysine Legacy the most enjoyable?

The narrator has an interesting cadence. Accenting phrases or names that at first I thought odd; but later really enjoyed. I have listened to the story now twice and found I enjoyed it much more the second time. It has been about a year since I first listened but with the release of the next book I wanted to refresh the story line. Looking forward to the next book

What was one of the most memorable moments of Drysine Legacy?

Macca Macula ... listen to the book you'll get it.

The second book is better than the first!

I thought the first book in this series was well worth the credit and hoped the next would be able to keep building where it left off but it was more than that! The characters grew, the plot thickened, and the energy and action was tense and came to a head! Bad pun but just too good to pass up! Definately Shepherd has created an excellent series and John Lee has transformed it into a superb listen. Hurry up number three!

Book 2 in Excellent Space Opera / Military Sci-Fi

I always figure that if you are reading a review of Book 2 in a series that you liked the first book, and want to know if the series stays vibrant or just fades away in repetition. I am now on the 4th in the series, and it is improving as it goes.

My review of Book 1 stated "Military space opera with a pretty standard lead in -- junior command officer has to take over valiant ship and fight his way out of big trouble. A slightly slow start but oddly akin to the beginning of Hamilton's Void. I was totally unprepared for this being so much fun. Don't read it for the new ideas, read it because it is well done. The dialogue, pacing and characters are just that.... a lot of fun. I really hope that this is the first in a series." In Books 2-3, the "ideas" begin to become more sophisticated -- so I am modifying that critique. It is not Revelation Space or the Void yet -- but it is inching up on those world-building masterpieces.

Book Two also starts a bit slow (with necessary political background) but like Book 1, builds steadily to an overwhelming, astounding conclusion. The characters mature and become more fleshed out, the narrative becomes more complex, the narration remains perfect -- and the ships and battles are great. I really believe that if you liked the first book, you should keep reading. Can't really get a better review than that !

awesome better than book one in my opinioit's grea

awesome better than book one in my opinion its stellar! definitely a good read I think