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Part 3: Episode 7

Getting to know old friends again…
Getting their hands on improved tech…
Unchaining the limits of their ability to protect…
A chance at a pair of assets that could change things forever…

The Free Fleet now has a powerful partner in the Ghatazhak. Together, they will finally be able to bring peace and prosperity to the fringe, and beyond.

"Rise of an Empire" is the 7th episode in Part 3 of the Frontiers Fringe Worlds.

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2023

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About the author

Ryk Brown

86 books828 followers
Born in 1960 and raised on an overdose of television, NASA, and science fiction, Ryk Brown has worked as a cook, rock guitarist, stage lighting technician, and paramedic. He currently resides in Northern California with his wife, daughter, and cat. By day he fixes computers, and by night he creates stories.
Having spent his entire life "thinking stuff up", the advent of digital publishing has finally given him an excuse to write it all down and share it with others. ("Others" meaning someone other than his poor wife and daughter.)
A long-time fan of all things science and space, his goal is to write and publish an on-going series of sci-fi adventures. To be set in his own version of humanity's future, his characters will explore the vast reaches of the galaxy, and perhaps even the universe. He invites you all to join him on this journey through his vivid imagination.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
875 (76%)
4 stars
217 (19%)
3 stars
39 (3%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
1,770 reviews768 followers
April 24, 2024
Things are changing for Nathan and crew. They have reunited with the Ghatazhak and are acquiring modern equipment for their ships. New people are joining the crews and their new home world. The ongoing discussion among the key members of the crew about how much responsibility and what role should the Artificial Intelligence programs be given is most interesting.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and twenty-two minutes. Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job narrating the series.
244 reviews3 followers
June 18, 2023
Interesting tech

Unless I'm reading an ARC that is due for publication the next day I drop what ever I'm reading to go back to RB's Frontiers Saga when I get a notice a new book is out. We are in the 3rd season and the characters are like reading about friends we made in season 1.

The books do not dissapoint. Lots of new and interesting things taking place and the end as usual came way too soon which is the only negative thing I can say about this series.
June 18, 2023
Another wonderful book by RYK brown. It was another fun ride in the future. I have read every book in the series. Starting with the very first episode one, and it is always been a kind lots of action, adventure and a lot of humor. I can't wait for the ride to continue. I have to wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Mike Nemeth.
618 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2023
Jessica, Captain Nathan Scott's chief of security, in a recurring subplot of sorts enjoys the concept of the Aurora acting as a pirate ship. Sure, the crew of the more than 500 year old vessel considers themselves the good guys. But after some pretty dangerous stunts, like last episode's seizure of jump gates from the mighty Alliance, the reference would appear to fit. Despite that, Nathan continues to insist that his options are limited and require Herculean tasks. In "Birth of an Empire," author Ryk Brown continues the exploits of his time traveling spaceship, giving the crew very little time before the next big adventure/heist. The Aurora's crew connected with the Ghatazhak, who decided to go underground soon after the Aurora's disappearance. The Ghatazhak developed new technology, including a massively helpful super jump drive that gives the Aurora the ability to translate from one planet system to another quickly with little recharge requirements and an almost unlimited range. But Brown keeps conflict central to his story arcs. Nathan and the rest don't get much rest, and they're constantly on the defensive, trying to beat the odds and not be annihilated.
31 reviews
June 30, 2023
A headline is required


I always enjoy the books that have more conversation than combat. It's where we get out sci-fi explanations. This chapter book is finally
acknowledging the nature of man and the nature of Nathan's intentions are the obstacle to each other, and no technology can resolve this.

Love the series - light easy enjoyable sci-fi. There is nothing heavy in these books, at least not enough to require gravity boosters.

I would have given it 5 stars if it was the last chapter. Again I love the series but if I had jump drive,, I would be jumping from publication release date to the next. Shame we can just jeep turning the page.
Profile Image for SANDMAN.
134 reviews
July 3, 2023
I’d only only just finished book 6! This came out the blue!

Can’t believe how quickly book 7 came along! Bet it’s another bloody year now till book 8!

Nathan still needs to stop telling so many people classified things, I could really slap him sometimes it’s like he can’t keep a secret!

I think it’s about time as well that him & Jess get together properly as well.

As per usual though I really enjoyed the continuing space opera & the ending wasn’t quite what I was expecting either!

Well done Ryk, another please!
13 reviews
July 26, 2023
Another addition to a great series

So we delve deeper into the politics of the era some major revelations of the last book are fleshed out and at least a couple of battles where Aurora and her crew make it out mostly unscathed. Ryls typical weaving of technology, politics, and ethics played out as Nathan Scott has to make decisions that the consequences will probably be played out in the next novels.
Profile Image for Kyle.
147 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2023
I would say 3.5/5 stars. A Frontiers Saga book is better than most books I read, but out of the saga so far, this would be the weakest. I understand though, it's just the book is very slow and nothing much happens until the final act. We do learn a lot and the ship gets upgrades, but that is really it other than the final battle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
July 10, 2023
triumphant return to form

Best episode for a while!

I was riveted reading through I had to purposefully slow myself down as I didn’t want to go through the book too fast.

The final battle scene was superb as was the emotional and amusing end.

Clearly all this new tech is going to create new opportunities and threats and this arc is really warming up.

3 reviews
Read
July 16, 2023
The story continues in this epic science fiction.

The Frontiers Saga is a great story that keeps me coming back for more. The characters are people you become attached to and the tech and world building, or Galaxy building, are always the true mark of a epic science fiction series. Thanks Ryk Brown for giving me and your fans a adventure to look forward too.
Profile Image for Steve Elbe.
35 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2023
We’ll done

Always something new and different is happening in this Series. I’m always anticipating when a new chapter comes out. Definitely one of the best military sci-fi series available to read. If you’re interested, start at the beginning, you’ll be thanking me for getting you started.
493 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2023
Space military sci-fi

The Aurora and company have been rescued at the last minute again, by General Telles. Delia Takar not only set up her descendants to watch for the Aurora in the future but also Telles and company. There are a lot of surprises in store and galaxy altering advances in technology but our favorite characters are the same and excel at beating long odds.
9 reviews
September 30, 2023
Ryk just keep’s ‘‘em coming.

Another terrific piece of whatever he has planned for us.

I have to wonder that with an unlimited jump drive and all this discussion of alien life… are we eventually going to meet aliens? It would be incredibly cool to watch Nathan, Jessica, Cameron and Vlad confront aliens!!!
Profile Image for George Sterling.
192 reviews
September 12, 2024
3.7

I just finished reading this book and loved every single page of it. Right from the beginning it kept me totally engrossed with plenty of action and science fiction. The author draws you into the story and keeps you there. This is a must read for anyone who likes science fiction with lots of action.
11 reviews
June 17, 2023
The best one yet

A typical rollercoaster ride that I couldn’t put down! Rum has delivered another book in the series and his writing skills continue to grow. I’m glad that I didn’t give up after the first three books but almost did.
969 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2023
Great read...

I love these frontier saga books. All the main characters that have been there from the beginning like Jessica And Nathan. I always get excited when I see a new book coming out in the series. And I am never let down when I read them. I can't wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Alan Wilkerson.
54 reviews
June 20, 2023
Great book!

This series just keeps getting better and better! The bad guys are bad and invariably stupid! The evolution of the plot just keeps me glued to the page! I love it! Can't wait for the next book in the series...
53 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2023
Pretty good

There were some slow parts but not many and not long. I skipped about 3 pages in the book which if you read my reviews is pretty small. I look forward to the next in the series if only to see Jessica punch Nathan.
9 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2023
Another good one!!!

I believe this is the best scfi series on the market. The interaction of the characters , the planning and processing of the steps to succeed in the mission is great.
June 22, 2023
Great as always!

Once again, another awesome entry in the Saga. Start from the beginning to get the most out of the series. To the publisher, hire a proofreader. One would think that after 36 books, there would not be so many errors.
Profile Image for Kelly Burns.
62 reviews21 followers
June 22, 2023
The Free Fleet grows

First a rumor of 1 or 2 Jung Battle Platforms being in the possession of the Korsan pirate group. Are they real? How much advanced tech have the Korsan put into them? All this leads to a battle of will and strength.
1 review
June 24, 2023
The band is back together!

Maybe my favorite episode in a while. While I really enjoy the series, some “tickle” me more than others. Quantum advances in tech along with Nathan’s uncanny ability to grow assets. Mr. Brown hit a home run this time.
4 reviews
June 29, 2023
Couldn’t Put it Down

Exactly what I’ve hoped for this episode.
Kicking @ss and taking names.
Tick tock now until Ep.#3.8.

Now if I could only slow my reading down and savor the writing more, I wouldn’t be “jonesing”
for several more
months.
34 reviews
July 2, 2023
birth of an empire?

Great book! Not sure about the meaning of the title. Didn’t really apply to either group. Can’t wait to see how the battle platforms come to play in the storyline, but I’m sure it’ll be unexpected and good!
7 reviews
July 7, 2023
Just keep getting better

The cast of characters are well Written, The battle scenes Are well described and realistic.
I can see this being made into a movie rivaling star wars.
Nice job Rick Brown😊
Profile Image for Cameron .
188 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2023
I want more

As always Fyi Brown delivers with another installment of Nathan and the band from the frontiers saga. I have said before and will Say it again this needs to be a video series. Great plot, charters and action...more please.
15 reviews
July 18, 2023
My favorite author

Another wonderful book by Ryk Brown. This epic saga is amazing. This one made my laugh out loud while there were still tears in my eyes from crying. A truly gifted writer.






13 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2023
Outstanding

I’ve read all in this series and found that Mr. Brown’s Frontiers Saga are gripping. I’ve read all up until this one and have had a very hard time putting them down. Several read in one night.
A very enjoyable read!
Profile Image for greg Vereyken.
8 reviews
July 24, 2023
Great series

One of the best series going, fast paced and always new concepts being introduced. I wish the books were longer so everything would get expanded a bit but great writing..
261 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2023
A heartbreaking thrill ride

The Aurora moves from crisis to crisis and the people aboard live up to their reputations. As the Korsan threaten them, Aurora and her allies fight for freedom.
A must need novel with a heart rending conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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