Quantum Assault

Ruins of the Galaxy, Book 8

By: Christopher Hopper, J.N. Chaney

Narrated by: Christopher Ryan Grant

The quadrant is on fire, and it seems that everyone wants to see it burn.

In the wake of the Galactic Republic's fall, Magnus and the Gladio Umbra learn of a new superpower that hopes to unite all orphaned star systems in peace. But Magnus's suspicions grow as the Luma Alliance of Worlds uses anything but peaceful methods to co-opt allegiance in the post-Republic landscape.

Meanwhile, on the fringe of the galaxy, a dark shadow looms. Moldark, the sworn enemy of a growing number of species, amasses power through a new partnership with the Obscura. With their combined forces, there is no telling what evil may rain down upon the galaxy's sentient worlds.

Magnus, Awen, and the warriors of the Gladio Umbra have no choice but to keep So-Elku from building a totalitarian state. But they also must keep Moldark from blowing everything they hold dear into oblivion.

Find out what happens to the Gladio Umbra next in this eighth entry to the critically acclaimed Ruins of the Galaxy series from Christopher Hopper and USA Today bestselling author J.N. Chaney.

Contains a special note from the authors.

©2020 Variant Publications and Hopper Creative Group (P)2023 Podium Audio

Best book so far!

I have to be honest, I almost bailed after the change of narrator. Nothing but the highest regard for CRG work but it was a perfect storm. Changing narrator is normally a nightmare once the listeners get the characters voices in their head. This was further jacked up because CRG also narrates Forgotten Ruin, which I love so it took a couple books to rewire my head so I could just enjoy his version of all the great characters voices.
OK enough blah blah, This book was amazing. All the characters are making an appearance, The underwater battle going on as they try arresting So-Elku was riveting, I was making excuses for more drive time so I could get more guilt free listening time.
I liked that there is a lot of unity use throughout and it continues to evolve. I hate it when there are 'powers' like the Jedi and they are tossing around space ships one minute but 10 minutes later they seem to completely ignore/forget they have The Force in a situation it could make a huge difference.
The underwater battle was a great twist. There is just something extra cool about scuba armor clad warriors and submersible ships shooting it out with torpedo bolts.
I won't put in any spoilers but as for the ending. OMG AYFKMRN. I was clammering to see who was going to get the short end of the stick between the heros, Moldark and So-Elku. Gotta say I didn't see this coming. Like others, sad to see the next book being the final one but we all prefer that to dragging a story out past it's prime.
There are so many potential story points to visit and wrap up, the next one is going to be freaking crazy. Crack addict clinking my phone looking for the pre-order button. Click click click click 😁

Another great book

I’m sad and excited for the next book in the series this has been one of my favorite book series of all time.

Captain America moral values?

your vanilla flavor moral values typical of American stories reached a new height with the notion of bringing in the bad guy to stand trial, like the lone ranger or such. some bad guys must be offed the moment you catch up to them, Instead I suppose a few billion more Innocents will pay the price in the next installment...

Exceptional Penultimate book in a Masterful Series

Book 8 see the Gladius trying to come to grips with the state of the Galactic Republic, as the galaxy is still reeling from the destruction of Capriana Prime, but now a new power has emerged as So-Elku has created the new “Luma Alliance of Worlds”. Whilst they talk a very peaceful rhetoric, their actions leave a lot to be desired, as they move through the galaxy, co-opting systems with strong arm tactics, or just down right force. The “LAW” as they have come to be known move quickly to capitalise on the shattered Republic, trying to bring systems into their fold whilst the remnants of the Republic are still trying to come to terms with everything that has happened.
In the midst of this, the Gladio Umbra have gone to the Sekmit homeworld to try and find some much needed rest. But Ni Freya asked for their help in return for their stay on Aluross. As a result, at the end of book 7, the Gladius went to the Governors house on Sekmit to retrieve some information, but instead, came across some incredibly powerful Unity users operating for So-Elku. In the ensuing battle, Governor Littleton was killed, as were several others and the Gladio Umbra had their first real run in with the LAWs new Unity Soldiers.
At the start of Book 8, it has become apparent that So-Elku is moving against all of the Trinium deposits in the galaxy, making sure that he can secure this vital resource for his own ships, and to put a stranglehold on all future supplies for transportation across the galaxy. It is here that we learn one of the largest of such deposits has been kept secret on Aluross. However, Littleton new about it, which was why So-Elku’s forces raided his property, and they now have the information.
As the story builds, it becomes obvious, that So-Elku intends to take the Sekmit’s Trinium, either by them surrendering it (which they have no intention of doing), or by taking it by force. And so begins a full scale preparation to defend Aluross against such an attack. This provides for a strategical and tactical look at how such a military operation will be carried out, as the Gladii and the Sekmit prepare, but it also provides for a multitude of humorous moments in language and cultural breakdowns. The Sekmit are incredibly literal, much like the Jujari, and whilst they seem to understand each other, it makes for some highly amusing conversational moments between Magnus and his team and the Sekmit forces, as well as the two AI – Azelon and TO-96.
It adds some levity to a series that can at times get almost oppressive in the constant conflict, loss of life, and decimation that occurs around (and to) the main characters. It’s the moments of levity that make this series a standout amongst others and stop it spiraling.
Without giving too much away, the focus of Quantum Assault becomes largely about the defence of the Sekmit homeworld and their Trinium. But there are also several political ramifications to this decision that become apparent as the book unfolds. As with the other books, there is not just a military sci-fi story, but there is also a strong political thriller aspect to the story, as we see the fall of the Galactic Republic, the remnants of that Republic trying to survive and protect its people, as well as several other parties vying for control for power.
In the middle of all of it, not only enjoying the chaos, but looking to add more and destroy everything, is Moldark. He has found a new ally, the Obscura, and with them, he may well have found the answers to several of his problems.
As with the other books in this series, the character work continues to be outstanding, as we see our two main characters Awen and Magnus, along with the multitude of other ‘semi-major’ characters (too many to list), all continue to grow and evolve. Magnus is still struggling with his position, both in the Gladius, but also his new role in the galaxy as no longer being a Repub Marine, but rather his own person, and someone who is very much in love. Awen is very similar, no longer a ‘Luma’, instead, a Gladii, but of the Unity variety, her own person as well, and in love with Magnus. Separately, they are incredibly powerful, together, they are nigh on unstoppable. There is also little Piper, who may well yet hold the galaxy in her hands.
Quantum Assault is the penultimate book in the series, and this is a brilliant lead up to the final story for the climatic end to what has been an exceptional read. This is a must read for anyone who has not only enjoyed the previous books, but has enjoyed any of Hopper’s or Chaney’s books.
Christopher Ryan Grant is an exceptional Narrator, he has a wonderful voice, and does a fantastic set of both male and female voices. Each of his voices are clear and concise, easy to understand, and distinctive, so you can clearly identify characters. Grant provides his characters with that emotional content to really bring them to life, so that he is creating a full audio-story, not just reading the book, letting us know how each of the characters is feeling (happy, sad, angry, confused!), and he does a stunning job with this. Overall, this is an extraordinary bit of Narration, he has more than delivered an audiobook that is a MUST listen to – so much better than just reading it!!

another amazing book

I love the series, I'm a little sad there is only one more book left, but all great things come to an end. Great story and amazing narration. Thank you for bringing me on this great journey I'm loving it.

Miscommunication

Overall a good continuation of the story. However nearly every verbal interaction between characters had some kind of miscommunication. Usually not understanding a metaphor or joke. It’s funny the first time. It’s annoying if every non human character takes everything 100% literally every time someone speaks to them. Then we get a third group now that has this quirk. Was bad enough when it was just the robots and dog people. Now we have cat people adding to the annoying conversations. Hopefully the last book doesn’t introduce a race of super literal bird people.

Action and great characters

Loved this series so much. The pain and struggles of life but always with hope and determination for the future.

Fan-freaking-tastic!!

Just when you thought this series couldn’t ramp up the throttle anymore- Boom! Blown away by the rich story telling action and adventure. There’s still many questions to be answered and connections I can almost see falling into place, but this one certainly threw in some killer curveballs I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to see where the final installment takes the characters to in the end.

Superb

I truly love this series, and I’m sad to hear the next book is going to be the final…it will likely be epic

Extremely enjoyable series

The story line is top notch! The author's comments at the end were true to real life and inspiring.