Outlaw Trigger

Author Lee Stephen dedicates the first Epic sequel “to humanity” in contrast to the first book he dedicated to God, although ironically, the novel features more religious overtones, even if not overly prominent, than its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the second installment almost entirely takes place in Russia, specifically Novosibirsk, which is said to have been built over Fort Zhukov, an acropolis dating back far in the Old Era, with the Gregorian equivalents of years still not given like in the first book. In contrast to the prior entry, there’s only one map that depicts Noboat, alongside two tables listing members and ranks of the Fourteenth of Novosibirsk and EDEN High Command.

Akin to the first entry, though, chapters begin at zero, with antagonists known as the Nightmen playing a subtle role throughout the sequel. There isn’t a whole lot of action in the second Epic novel, alongside occasional confusion about the identity of a character nicknamed the Golden Lion. Scott Remington is still engaged to Nicole, with this relationship also playing a significant role in his religious views. Present is a scourge known as the Silent Fever, supposedly the work of the Nightmen. One of the few mentions of action outside Russia is the desire by Australia of an EDEN base, predicted to be complete during the year following the sequel’s events.

As in its predecessor, there’s plenty of political and military banter, and in spite of the confusion in the text at times, the first sequel of the franchise is an enjoyable one, the author giving his due to God, his spouse, his family, and his friends in the acknowledgements section. There’s also a blurb about the author himself, a native of St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, a graduate of Louisiana College in Pineville, and a worker in the fields other than writing of education, entertainment, and emergency preparedness. His Christian testimony is linked in the bio as well, with his views having played some role in the story and accounting for a satisfying sequel.