The Shattered Skies
Space opera on an epic scale – as it should be. Part two of a violently energetic and energetically entertaining three-part mil-SF extravaganza.
Centuries after they were defeated and exiled to Dark Space, the Sturm have returned. Disgusted by the new technologies humankind have come to depend on, they intend to liberate us, by force if necessary.
With their advanced tech rendered null by the Sturm's attack, humanity face certain annihilation. Their only hope lies with a few brave souls who survived the initial onslaught: the Commander of the Royal Armadalen Navy's only surviving warship; a soldier sentenced to die; a young royal, forced to flee when her home planet is overrun and her entire family executed; the leader of an outlaw band, and the infamous hero of the first war with the Sturm hundreds of years ago.
If they are to stand any chance of survival, these five heroes must shed their modern technology and become the enemy. Their resistance might be humanity's only hope.
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John Birmingham
John Birmingham is an Australian author whose work blends history, speculative fiction, and an unflinching look at human resilience. With a knack for writing high-octane thrillers and thought-provoking dystopian narratives, Birmingham has made a name for himself as a writer unafraid to push boundaries—whether exploring the devastating consequences of alternate history or tackling the existential chaos of the modern world.
Birmingham's storytelling career began with a unique mix of commentary on the absurdity of life and an exploration of what happens when the world as we know it suddenly shifts. His Axis of Time series, which imagines a world where a modern naval fleet is transported back in time to World War II, was one of his early forays into mixing historical events with speculative twists. The series not only captivated readers with its thrilling action sequences but also sparked conversations about the nature of war, power, and humanity's ability to adapt.
The Cruel Stars
The Cruel Stars series by John Birmingham invites readers to embark on a thrilling, high-stakes adventure set in a universe on the brink of destruction. This space opera masterfully blends rich world-building, complex character arcs, and the relentless pulse of intergalactic conflict to create a series that explores the fragility of civilization and the unyielding will to survive.
The Cruel Stars consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
