Forged In Battle by Marc Alan Edelheit ~ a Review

by MK French

Captain Jaxon Steele's first command is thrown into turmoil when the Union's allies betray them. His ship is built for stealth and not heavy battle. To survive the first strike, he'll need his wits, but the survival of the Union requires him to find the enemies lurking and waiting to destroy his ship.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

July 2025; Second Sky; 978-1805501688
audio, ebook, print (334 pages); science fiction

We get a rapid infodump via background paragraphs and conversations, giving information on the bridge crew and the major players in space governments. It's essentially the Union vs the Hegemony, and a buffer zone with planets too harsh to survive without resources. The Protectorate declares independence from the Union at the end of chapter three, which then picks up the action in the story. There are efforts to save civilians and escape from the incoming attacks. The novel is full of these details and action, with tension escalating further after brief lulls.

The story is exactly what the title promises. There are battles, heavy sci-fi terms, and high stakes. I don't feel very connected to the characters as we move from one disaster to another. It's very heavy on tech and action, and quiet moments show characters in different lights. This will appeal to hard sci-fi fans who love space battles and technology. 

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Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

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