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Chains of Destiny (Episode #2: The Pax Humana Saga) Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 893 ratings

THE REBELS ESCAPE...

Captain Jacob Mercer and the USS Phoenix barely escape with their lives from the Imperial ambush at Liberty Station over Earth, and soon find themselves orbiting the frontier world of Destiny, a desolate desert planet infested with pirate gangs. With critically unstable engines, Jake is forced to seek raw material for badly needed repairs before the ruthless Admiral Trajan tracks them down.

A MYSTERY DEEPENS...

As they negotiate with the pirates, Jake and his landing team are betrayed and captured by slavers while the Phoenix, under the command of the steely Commander Megan Po, faces off yet again with Admiral Trajan in orbit around Destiny. While toiling in the uranium mine Jake discovers that Trajan's and the Emperor's plans may go far beyond simply subjugating a rebellious Earth.

AND SACRIFICES MUST BE MADE.

But with the Captain stranded on the dusty planet below, Commander Po leads the Phoenix in one more deadly showdown with Admiral Trajan, and comes face to face with her most dreaded nightmare: sending people in her charge to die.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for the Pax Humana Saga:

"I have been reading sci-fi for the last 60 years. ... it is close to the top." --Maury, Amazon Reviewer.
"There were times that it has a Firefly and/or Star Trek feel to it (which I really liked)." --MJG, Amazon Reviewer
"I can't wait for the rest of the series to become available." --Peter J. Kurt, Amazon Reviewer

About the Author

Nick became a scientist so that he could build starships. Unfortunately, his ship is taking longer to build than he'd hoped, so fictional starships will have to do for now. When he's not adding to his starship collection, you can find him tweeting and facebooking about Nasa, science, space, SciFi, and quoting Star Trek II.

He lives in Alabama with his wife, 2 kids, and 3 motorcycles.

Facebook: facebook.com/authornickwebb
Twitter: twitter.com/endiwebb
Website: nickwebbwrites.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00KLD82QA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (May 26, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 26, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 558 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 472 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 893 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
893 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining. They appreciate the unique plots with clever situations and well-thought-out technology. Many readers praise the writing style as well-written and enjoyable. However, opinions differ on the character development - some find them well-developed with distinct personalities, while others feel they are unrealistically unaware or formulaic.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

40 customers mention "Readability"40 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it an interesting read with good characters and a solid plot. Many readers consider it a great follow-up to the first book in the series.

"The second book is better than the first and the first was solid sci-fi space opera...." Read more

"...I don’t want to give away any more of the story; it’s quite good and unpredictable...." Read more

"If you enjoyed the first episode (book), this offering is a solid follow-up with consistent writing and character development...." Read more

"I enjoyed the book but at the end there were too many loose ends...." Read more

30 customers mention "Plot"30 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's plot. They find it engaging with plenty of action, dramatic situations, and clever solutions. The science behind the story is interesting, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, readers describe the book as an exciting read with lots of action from start to finish.

"...Problems are solved ingeniously, mysteries deepen splendidly, characters broaden admirably, and suspense grows exponentially!..." Read more

"...Chains of Destiny only improves upon The Terran Gambit, creating a convincing story and adding some depth to the characters in a natural way...." Read more

"...while his writings might benefit from a little more science --the action is strong and the story line enjoyable. I will purchase the next book." Read more

"Nick Webb just is one of the great science fiction writers. His stories are always fast paced and gripping. This one is hard to put down, enjoy!" Read more

14 customers mention "Enjoyment"11 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it engaging and captivating, with no dull moments. The book is described as fast-paced and exciting throughout, with an exciting ending.

"...The book is enjoyable to read. The writing is quite okay and I would say that it has improved somewhat from the first book...." Read more

"...It keeps the book interesting for me...." Read more

"...Fast paced and exciting end. Can't wait for the next great read." Read more

"...Its not a fun read. Its hard to get vested in the characters because they are so clueless. Getting frustrated with them is more like it...." Read more

13 customers mention "Development"10 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's development. They find the problems solved cleverly, mysteries deepen, and characters expand. The technology is well-thought-out, and the story improves from the first book.

"...Problems are solved ingeniously, mysteries deepen splendidly, characters broaden admirably, and suspense grows exponentially!..." Read more

"...In terms of character development Chains of Destiny only improves upon The Terran Gambit, creating a convincing story and adding some depth to the..." Read more

"...The writing is quite okay and I would say that it has improved somewhat from the first book...." Read more

"An improvement over the first book,which I enjoyed but would have given 3 stars as its protagonist and supporting cast were formulaic...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the series well-written and entertaining. The author's style, action, and Sci-Fi elements are also appreciated. There are few spelling or grammatical errors, and the fiction is great.

"...first episode (book), this offering is a solid follow-up with consistent writing and character development...." Read more

"...The book is enjoyable to read. The writing is quite okay and I would say that it has improved somewhat from the first book...." Read more

"The author has hit his stride in this book - well written and full of action...." Read more

"Could be so much better. Endi Webb is a very creative author and has the potential to be atop the genre with some subtle changes...." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"10 positive5 negative

Customers have different views on the character development. Some find the characters well-developed with distinct personalities and human heroes. Others feel the protagonists are unrealistically unaware and formulaic, constantly getting beat up.

"...are solved ingeniously, mysteries deepen splendidly, characters broaden admirably, and suspense grows exponentially!..." Read more

"...some of the characters from each other, they are now distinct personalities. I think the reason is an interesting thing to call out...." Read more

"...this offering is a solid follow-up with consistent writing and character development...." Read more

"...I enjoyed this book even though the characters are lacking in certain areas...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2014
    The second book is better than the first and the first was solid sci-fi space opera. Problems are solved ingeniously, mysteries deepen splendidly, characters broaden admirably, and suspense grows exponentially! The world-building could lead to 20 novels or more in this universe, not just the 10 that the author promises. I couldn't put it down and now I can't wait for the third installment due out in August 2014?! I've joined the Earth Resistance, you will too.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2014
    Jake Murcer and company return in Endi Webb’s continuation of the Pax Humana Saga: Chains of Destiny. I enjoyed The Terran Gambit, the first book in the series, so I read Chains of Destiny as soon as it was released. I had some issues with The Terran Gambit, though they were minor, and mostly concerned with how the action started. In Chains of Destiny we are yet again dropped into the middle of the action, but this time it makes a lot more sense.

    The book starts with the Phoenix, the only ship to survive the ill-planned gambit by the Earth’s Resistance, in combat with another starship. Soon after, the ship is attacked and driven off by a group of pirates. The pirates offer a place to refuel and resupply, and despite reservations Jake accepts the offer. Thus begins another adventure.

    I don’t want to give away any more of the story; it’s quite good and unpredictable. It also highlights the fact that there are many ways in which Jake is not ready for command, which I think is a nice touch. At the end of the Terran Gambit he falls into command of the Phoenix with no experience, and Webb does a good job of showing what happens when you give the keys of a starship to a fighter jock.

    The other refreshing aspect of Chains of Destiny is that it breaks up the story a bit. No longer is the plot centered around the action on the ship, there are other storylines. Webb also hints at a great deal of intrigue that will probably play out in the next few books. With The Terran Gambit setting the major elements in motion Chains of Destiny is free to delve into the more subtle plot points. There are several things that are hinted at that I feel will be important later on, even if they don't play a large role in Chains of Destiny.

    In terms of character development Chains of Destiny only improves upon The Terran Gambit, creating a convincing story and adding some depth to the characters in a natural way. While after The Terran Gambit I had a hard time separating some of the characters from each other, they are now distinct personalities. I think the reason is an interesting thing to call out. In The Terran Gambit, Webb had an interlude between the two sections of action, showing the characters on leave. Here they talked a lot about their lives, and their past, and had some occasional deviations into autobiography. This, to me, felt like I was being spoon fed a character outline. In Chains of Destiny, the basics of the characters have been established, so all of their development is through their action. This lets the characters develop naturally, as we see how they interact with the world. I think that if Webb had simply cut out the interlude between battles in The Terran Gambit, and let us get to know the characters as they responded to events, it would have lead to a better experience.

    Overall, Chains of Destiny has everything that made me enjoy The Terran Gambit, while getting rid of some of it's issues. If you enjoyed The Terran Gambit at all, and if you haven't read it I would say you should consider it, you'll love Chains of Destiny. I certainly did. Considering the improvement from book one to two I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series, set to land in August 2014.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2014
    If you enjoyed the first episode (book), this offering is a solid follow-up with consistent writing and character development. I enjoyed the additional length and while still a quick read there is more meat to this book. I believe this author has promise and while his writings might benefit from a little more science --the action is strong and the story line enjoyable. I will purchase the next book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2016
    I enjoyed the book but at the end there were too many loose ends. Also, I know Captain Jake is new and inexperienced but some of his decisions were pretty stupid. Ben made a very bad choice near the end, too, and Ayala's actions are simply beyond belief. I hope the third book gives them both more wisdom.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2014
    Quite okay light reading in the science fiction / action genre. The books follows more or less directly from The Terran Gambit, the first book in The Pax Humana series. The rather badly mauled Phoenix is on the run from Admiral Trajan and his cronies and of course in need for supplies. Not a very original story of course but a working one.

    The book is enjoyable to read. The writing is quite okay and I would say that it has improved somewhat from the first book. With the exception of the temporary bad guys introduced in this book the characters are the same which means that they are quite good, both the heroes and the nasty main villain, Admiral Trajan. The story itself is a bit of a shift from the story in the first book in that instead of involving some major fleet action we have ventured into the realm of lone ship running away and most of the story develops on the ground of the planet, Destiny. Personally I am more in favor of the major fleet action.

    Also, the way this story went I am now wondering whether this is going to be a endless string of adventures with a red thread going through them for sure but where we still never really see the end. I really hope that intention for the series is that Jake and the Phoenix recovers, builds some muscle (as in a proper fleet) and proceeds to dish out some [censored]-whooping to the empire within a reasonably limited series of books.

    The author is throwing around the “grand plan” of the Emperor quite a lot. I hope that, when it is finally revealed, it measures up to the expectations that the author is building.

    Bottom line is that this is quite enjoyable reading although I am a bit worried that it might turn into a never ending Fugitive / Battlestar Galactica type of story.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2023
    Nick Webb just is one of the great science fiction writers. His stories are always fast paced and gripping. This one is hard to put down, enjoy!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Jeff CliffKindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars How many are there in total in this series -I need to read them all
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2018
    What an excellent read.Edge of the seat stuff all the way ,Cannot wait to read the next one
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on February 24, 2016
    Greatly enjoyed the book, looking forward to the rest of the series.
  • raymond warr firstly i love a good story that has more than one direction v
    4.0 out of 5 stars Scifi at it's best
    Reviewed in Spain on March 11, 2015
    Excellent fast paced book that keeps you hooked to the end, can,t wait till the next episode #4 is released,
  • Chelle
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on February 4, 2016
    Good storyline. Got hooked on the 1st book. If you like Jay Allan you'll like this.
  • Dexter Easton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good stuff ! :)
    Reviewed in Canada on April 19, 2016
    Excellent continuation of the story!
    New twists and turns with great massive space battles. I love the action in this series :) good stuff. I am looking forward to the next story.

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