The Cruel Stars
With a ruthless sect of humanity intent on wiping out their species, five intrepid heroes must outsmart their enemies in this epic sci-fi adventure for fans of The Expanse and Battlestar Galactica.
The galaxy was once terrorized by the Sturm, "species purists" intent on destroying any human with genetic or cybernetic enhancements. They cut a bloody swath across the stars, killing countless people before finally being defeated. Centuries later, this sect has returned, close to the brink of victory. Now five people, bereft of their advanced technology and support, must work together to stand against the invaders:
Commander Lucinda Hardy, a legendary captain thrust into uncertain command of the fleet's last ship once the military falls. Booker, an ex-military man whose time on death row is cut short when the Sturm attack his prison compound and accidentally set him free. Alessia, a royal on the run once her home planet is overrun and her family executed. Seph, the leader of a cybernetically enhanced crew of crooks who must pitch in to defeat the invaders. And finally, Mac, who was the famous hero of the original battle with the Sturm hundreds of years ago. But this latest fight may be his last.
To win, the heroes cannot simply defeat the Sturm. They must be as the Sturm are: ruthless, relentless, and resourceful.
They must become liberators. And destroyers.
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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.
