E-Day

E-Day, Book 1

By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 15 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Artificial intelligence is our last hope of saving the war-ravaged Earth in this near-future science-fiction thriller from the apocalyptic mind of New York Times best-selling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith (Hell Divers, The Extinction Cycle, Orbs).

The most advanced soldiers in human history are about to become obsolete.

Engines. Genetically modified warriors that keep the great Nova Alliance war machine churning against the enemy Coalition. Most days, Engines are all that stand between salvation and chaos. Led by legendary Engine Captain Akira Hayashi, Shadow Squad has fought on the frontlines for a decade. They are on the brink of victory when the Coalition launches a series of desperate and devastating attacks that cripple the Nova Alliance restoration sites vital to save the dying planet.

As the sites burn and Earth’s hope of salvation fades, Shadow Squad is equipped with neural implants to connect them to Apeiron, the first hybrid human-AI entity. She is coded for what Captain Hayashi believes is an impossible task - peace. But war isn’t the only threat to the Earth. Apeiron has uncovered a deadly secret with implications that could end all life. This rapidly approaching threat can be stopped only if humanity bands together on what will become known as E-Day, a pivotal moment that will determine the evolution - or the extinction - of the entire human race.

©2021 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2021 Recorded Books

Knocked it out of the MegaCity!

Nicholas Sansbury Smith knocks it out of the park again! I'm normally not a fan of sci-fi, but pre-ordered this based on the author. I'm glad I did! This book meets all the requirements of a good sci-fi: mad scientists, artificial intelligence, incredible war machines, space, hybrids, and a planet on the brink of extinction.

The glue that holds the story together, though, is Captain Akira Hayashi. Akira, the leader of an elite team of modified soldiers (Engines) called Shadow Squad, comes from a long line of honorable warriors who's stories are told in the codex he carries into battle. Akira knows that artificial intelligence is the only way to save the failing planet, but to be successful they must defeat the Coalition, who believes artificial intelligence has doomed mankind.

Aided by AI, the battles are still waged with flesh and blood. Don't fall in love with any one character, though. NSS has shown in previous series a rich back story isn't a guarantee of survival. This story had me on the edge of my seat and I ended up getting it on audible so I wouldn't have to leave Shadow Squad on the verge of battle with Iron Wolves and Breakers when I got in the car.

Will the Nova Alliance triumph? Will Akira's war horse lead them to triumph? What? Space elevators? Asteroids? Pistons? I can't wait for book 2. Write faster!

NSS never disappoints. This series is gonna rock

Loved it... I had it pre-ordered and I consumed it over a couple evenings. Excellent blend of world building and action for the first installment of what will surely be an epic series. Looking forward to the next in line. R. C. Bray kills it again and this storyline and characters are made for Bray. Bray does opera!.. Space Opera. 😬👍

ready for book 2 ending left me wanting more

great book ready for book 2 ending left me wanting more hope its soon

Wow

This book kicks off with a bang and does not ever let up. I really like how Smith always puts a spin on his books that hasn’t been done before. You might think you know what’s going to happen but there are several surprises in this book that I didn’t see. The characters are well done and the action moves. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2.

another incredible story

everything about the story is awesome. I didn't think this would be as good as helldivers but found myself hooked instantly there is plenty of action and the story will shift in ways you had not expected all in all Nicholas sansbury smith and rc bray are Masters of their craft

Good start to Interesting New Series

Kudos once again to R.C. Bray for a stellar performance. I was especially pleased with the singing! I will certainly buy the 2nd installment as my favorite characters are all left on the cliff NSS is so good at providing in his stories. I would have liked to have seen a stronger central female lead character that wasn't afraid of her own shadow or whining about what was going on with her husband. The female engines were a nice touch but I can't say we got much of a story about them and how they ended up among all those men. Maybe there will be more later. The characterization of the animals involved intrigued me and I can't wait to see what happens with them in the next installment.

Absolutely an amazing story. Can't get enough.

An on the edge of your seat story.Can't wait for more. A MUST READ book.

HOLD ON BECAUSE THIS IS ONE HELLUVA RIDE!

A pandemic-like human-decimating event (SANS) happens 60 years from now. A billion humans survive in chaos, war.

The dark near future painted here is plausible. Keep listening!

War is becoming a way of life. Droids help rebuild mega cities.

Japanese history/Mythos permeates this story which really is quite intriguing. This is a great foundation for a new series by the author of HellDivers & The Extinction Cycle!

Akira is a great MC and Shadow Squad is a fun diverse group including a wolf-dog droid.

AI, robotics, genetically enhanced humans & animals, pistons. Two factions remain, pro-AI anti-AI! War continues.

There’s a space elevator, a moon base, moon mining … all near future possibilities.

I loved the horse & dog!!

What NSS does to humans is brutal, explicit, visceral. No character is safe.

The book is go go go from the start. Pay attention to the explanations contained in the first few chapters because once it takes off your head will be spinning with the action, war & science.

Will humanity survive and will it be because of or in-spite of AI? Book one of a new series with intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, AI/robotics, nods to 90’s movies/stories that you might catch & if not you should give it another listen. :)

E-Day … did you catch the dual meaning? This book is all about the exciting journey not the static destination! Really looking forward to November when the 2nd book drops! Reread One while you prepare for Two!

If I haven’t sold you yet … RC Bray is as fabulous as ever and the author has him SINGING several times. You’ll love it.

Different spin on the apocalypse theme.

Fast paced, lots of action.

Odd mixup of stropes and themes and a little predictable in spots but not often.

Overall pretty good. It reads like a popcorn action movie.

Its no fairy tale

This book was well written, as a combat vet I have seen the tragedy of war and this book does not shy from it. Heroes and family die which is what happens all the time in the real world. The story and characters were developed properly and kept me very engaged.