“Beyond the Gate,” the fourth novel in the Cercians series, is available on Amazon U.S. in ebook. A glossary (PDF) will be available on my website before the audiobook is released.
I recommend reading the previous three series of the Earthers’ saga, The Silver Ships, Pyreans, and Gate Ghosts, to understand some of the nuances in this fourth series.
Summary: Attacks against Cercia appear never-ending, and each mercenary fleet escalates the planet’s danger. The conclave desperately feeds resources to the Malia system to aid its defense, while Admiral Pappas and her forces expand their efforts to convert the mercenary races to allies.
One of the things I noticed in Gate Ghosts was that Conclave technology appeared to have stagnated once the SADEs had reverse engineered the gates. Love the fact that Cercians is showing technological growth again.
Mike, the primary issue in Gate Ghosts is that of a single empire, whose vastness strained conclave war resources. The focus was on providing the ships, crews, and armament to combat the empire fleets. Remember, these fleets comprised fifty-two battles ships each. In other words, Gate Ghosts required the conclave’s technological hiatus to deal with the extent of the empire’s forces.
Four books in and the interest still builds. Lots of threads to unravel means this part of the saga has a LONG way to go, thankfully. What I find most enjoyable is contemplating where each piece will end up. At the same time, my most fervent hope is that you have many more stories to tell, such as “where are the rest of the militant sisters?”. Would love to return to Axis Crossing as they prepare to join the Conclave, or maybe re-visit Pyre. Did Nikki, Patrice, Olawale, Jess, Lucia, and many others contribute SADEs? Your universe still gives me many hours of enjoyment. Every time the “legacy of Alex and Renee” is mentioned it gives me a special feeling. The Earthers Saga has a long way to go and I for one will be along for the ride. Like I said before — You keep writing, I will keep reading. Thanks for another great one.
You’re most welcome, Bob.