Step into the pulse-pounding universe of The Last Reaper, where cyborgs, high-stakes missions, and a quest for redemption collide in a thrilling sci-fi adventure! Co-authored by J.N. Chaney and Scott Moon, this military science fiction series follows Halek Cain, the last survivor of the elite Reaper program, as he navigates a futuristic galaxy teeming with danger, intrigue, and questions of what it means to be human. If you love action-packed stories with a dash of humor and heart, this series is your next obsession.
How The Last Reaper Began
J.N. Chaney, a USA Today bestselling author with a knack for crafting expansive sci-fi worlds, teamed up with Scott Moon, a seasoned science fiction writer known for his thrilling narratives, to create The Last Reaper. Set in Chaney’s Renegade Star universe, the series was born from a desire to blend gritty military action with deep emotional stakes. Launched in 2019, it quickly captivated fans with its unique mix of cyberpunk vibes and classic space opera flair, drawing comparisons to iconic stories like Escape from New York and Deus Ex.
The Heart of The Last Reaper
The series kicks off with The Last Reaper (2019), where Hal Cain, a veteran amputee-turned-cyborg, is offered freedom from death row to rescue a scientist from the galaxy’s most dangerous prison. What follows is a whirlwind of action, snarky banter with his AI sidekick X-37, and moral dilemmas that challenge his identity. Fear the Reaper (2019) sees Hal on the run, grappling with his past while facing new enemies. In Blade of the Reaper (2019), he assembles a motley crew, including his friend Elise, to unravel mysteries tied to his family’s disappearance. Descent of the Reaper (2020) deepens the stakes as Hal seeks redemption while protecting his newfound allies.
The Last Reaper shines through its exploration of themes like redemption, identity, and the blurred line between man and machine. Hal’s cybernetic enhancements—tungsten-coated bones, a mechanical arm, and a wired brain—make him a formidable warrior, but his struggle to retain his humanity grounds the story. The series’ fast-paced style, laced with humor and heart, is set against a richly imagined galaxy of warring factions, ancient ruins, and treacherous planets, making every book a cinematic ride.
Why The Last Reaper Resonates
The Last Reaper has carved a niche in military sci-fi for its relentless action and compelling character arcs. Fans praise Hal’s evolution from a cold-blooded killer to a protector, with his sarcastic AI, X-37, stealing scenes and adding levity. The series’ blend of 80s action movie nostalgia and futuristic stakes has earned it a loyal following, with readers on Goodreads and Amazon calling it “addictive” and “heart-pounding.” Its exploration of identity in a tech-driven world resonates with modern audiences, ensuring its place as a standout in the genre.
- First Published: 2019
- Number of Books: 13 (as of 2025)
- Notable Narrator: Ray Porter (audiobook)
Ready to join Hal Cain on a galaxy-spanning adventure? Grab The Last Reaper and dive into a sci-fi epic that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking!