Amazon Category:  Science Fiction Publisher: 2 Moon Press ISBN-10:  0982602030 Type: Fiction Pages: 260 Copyright: March 2010 ISBN-13: 9780982602034 Invited to a meeting on the UGW homeworld of Sebius, EarthFleet Grand Admiral Michael Clayton and Society Chancellor Sedago Nordham embark on a mission to meet those who are Earth's neighbors, both friends and foes alike, to strike a lasting peace for Earth and all mankind. But this meeting is more than it seems as dark forces plot to destroy the leaders of Earthfleet and the Society. Mike and Nordham must use their wits and cunning to outwit those who wish to destroy Earth, and them, while achieving a lasting peace for the entire human race. But the galaxy is a big place, and fraught with dangers beyond the imaginations of anyone, human or alien. After the previous attack on their planet, Grand Admiral Michael Clayton has been working endlessly to tighten Earth’s security in just about every means possible; weapons, shields, and ships are in dire need of strengthening. Unfortunately, all of Earth’s efforts may be for nothing when a suspicious invitation requests that the admiral and Chancellor Sedago Nordham attend a meeting with their enemies for an attempt at peace. Is it a friendly chat or a trap? Smelling fishier than a hundred cans of tuna, the admiral and chancellor are on guard, but anxious for peace and a chance to uncover who is behind the attacks and plots against Earth. Excerpt Phillip sat in a large, ornate wooden chair in front of a trickling stone fountain and stared out across the majestic beauty of Crassia. Down below him, two men dressed in nothing more than ragged shorts battled each other with large, heavy swords. Their bulging muscles rippled and shuttered with every blow as they fought desperately to defeat their opponent in single combat. Phillip watched with muted interest as one of the men gained an advantage over his opponent, and subsequently slew him. The victorious fighter turned to Phillip, raised his bloody sword and bowed. Moments later he and the dead man shimmered and vanished, replaced by two more fresh fighters who squared off and began the battle all over again. Phillip sipped at his glass of wine as he watched the battle with emotionless, hollow eyes. Licinius strolled up behind him and whispered in his ear. Phillip sighed, and then nodded. Licinius slipped away and returned moments later with the Varnok prophet. "You called, master?" asked the prophet as he stopped just behind Phillip's chair. Phillip continued to stare at the battle before him, but said nothing. After a moment he glanced over at the prophet, and said, "I have need of your services. It is time to begin the next phase of my plans." The prophet nodded gleefully. "What is it you wish of me?" he hissed. Phillip pulled a small data pad from his vest pocket and handed it to the prophet. "Take this to the Tragarians. I have work for them to do." The prophet took the data pad, tucked it into his tunic, and bowed. "Who should I deliver it to?" he asked. Phillip watched with interest as the two warriors before him slew each other simultaneously. They shimmered and vanished, replaced yet again by new fighters just as before. As the next fight began, Phillip said, "Find the shadow hunter. He will know what to do with it."

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Book Review: “Destiny’s Mission” by Steven Lake

Love It or Leave It: I was soaring over the world!

For Readers Who Enjoy: Science fiction, Steven Lake novels, The Earthfleet Saga, long series, different planets and species, adventure, action, futuristic stories

Summary: After the previous attack on their planet, Grand Admiral Michael Clayton has been working endlessly to tighten Earth’s security in just about every means possible; weapons, shields, and ships are in dire need of strengthening. Unfortunately, all of Earth’s efforts may be for nothing when a suspicious invitation requests that the admiral and Chancellor Sedago Nordham attend a meeting with their enemies for an attempt at peace. Is it a friendly chat or a trap? Smelling fishier than a hundred cans of tuna, the admiral and chancellor are on guard, but anxious for peace and a chance to uncover who is behind the attacks and plots against Earth.

Review: If anyone is looking for a shoot-em up Sci-Fi adventure, here’s the place to find it. Sure, the actions behind the space travel are driven for diplomacy, but the riveting fight scenes inside and outside of the ships are anything but a lulling speech.

Of course, there’s more than just action in this book. True, the little romance between couples – Sarah and Michael are my main squeeze – may not be enough for any sexy and steamy seekers, but it adds a nice dynamic to the characters, creating more 3-dimensional characters out of the flat pages we discover these spacemen hiding in. Real life people have multiple layers, like a frosted cake with jam in the center. I think Lake cooked up this aspect nicely.

There is a lot of creativity revealed with the various aliens presented from different planets. Bird-like, cow-like, and cat-like creatures are always eye-popping. It’s also nice to see how the varying species reflected a small parallelism to people’s prejudice towards other races. It was nothing blatant or didactic, but the subtleness was an admirable attribute.

The message that humans have evolved enough to desire knowledge instead of conquering the world, or galaxy, is also a refreshing notion. And yet, it is realistic to see that NOT everyone in the galaxy feels that war is useless.

The mystery surrounding who is after destroying Earth, and what is the advantage of achieving such a feat, is the engine that drives this locomotive forward. Nothing and no one is what they seem in this book. A friend can turn into an enemy just as easily as an enemy can turn into a friend. All of which easily stretch this saga further, leaving readers anticipating the next move on Earthfleet.

- A Writer Called AMA