I really enjoyed this space war novel. The book was very detailed and kept my interest through the last page. Happily the last page revealed a sequel is coming. I am anxiously awaiting!

Forged in Battle (Command Decision Book 1) by Marc Alan Edelheit

Under a vast darkness of space, wondrous flecks of matter settle neatly on author Marc Alan Edelheit’s canvas. The Union’s finest ship, “Ranger,” is on a routine mission within its vortex. Firmly at the helm, Jaxon Steele, our main protagonist, deftly navigates the ship and crew through safe airspace, or is it? Our story is a juggernaut of one man’s ability to make preemptive decisions under a hailstorm of duress and civil unrest.

Space opera. A fantasy haven for human readers shackled by Earth’s gravity, rendering us unable to float weightlessly among the stars. Living vicariously, our body sensors have been scanned through book consumption, and we are granted access to the Ranger's airlocks. Escorted briskly, we approach the bridge where Jaxon Steele firmly offers a cup of coffee and bids us welcome. Witnessing a firsthand look at Steel’s immensely charismatic persona, we are privy to the newest technology the Union has to offer. This war was thought to be over, but an uprising has begun, pitting the Protectorate against the Union. LDF, Local Defense Force, backed by the villainous Hegemony, is on the attack, attempting to seize control again.

A contrasting swath of colors, an indication of threats, immobilizes those without knowledge of futuristic warfare. Steele’s crew is ready; their expertise is on full display. As the plot thickens, a wave of anger washes over my visor. How should one feel after such betrayal? How could the Union politicians have allowed this upheaval? Steele looks over to my position and tells me to hold on. An asteroid field of rock and debris lies ahead. The Ranger soldiers on, highlighting its capabilities in search of the truth that the Union’s intelligence agency has provided. Our ship stealthily dodges obstacles when needed and faces predatory ships in retaliation. We must return to warn our brethren what has happened here. Steele, nerves of steel, has become our foundational rock within this jet stream of turbulence. However, none of our mission has meaning if we don’t reach our destination.

Launched weaponry assaulted my senses. My mind kept returning to old Star Trek episodes on the bridge of the USS Enterprise. The tale had a familiar tone, one I loved as a youth. The twinkling of stars made luminous by the offsetting deepness of dark black hues. We are yet but a fly on the hull, witnessing daily operations upon a ship, viewing the officers' approach to handling mayhem as it arrives. The revolutions of habitable planets offer a look at futuristic societies with the same modern-day problems. Have we learned nothing? Edelheit has given readers a pathway to a world with complex social issues and done so in a lucid manner.

As Book 1 recedes in the distance, afterburners slowly churning, I slowly open my visor. Standing firmly on soil, I understand our task. That being said, I will be reading the next installment of the series. Jaxon Steele will undoubtedly need to provide an answer for his actions, and I will be front and center to hear his words. Forged in Battle is a fabulous introduction to a space opera series for newcomers to the genre. It’s straightforward, entertaining, and certain to keep one’s attention. I am giving this 4.25 out of 5 stars, rounding down to 4 stars. Recommended!

Many thanks to Second Sky for the ARC through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.