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Silesia Trilogy #1
The Outworlder
She couldn’t save her own people. Will an enslaved city offer a chance for redemption?
Sahara Acwellan has nothing left. Reeling from the failed mission that allowed her home to be destroyed by her bitter enemy, the devastated assassin faces a new life of hard labor on a desert planet. But when her prison transport crashes in the sands, she seizes the opportunity to take revenge.
Teaming up with a man yearning to rid his world of the same ruthless oppressors, Sahara organizes a resistance to overthrow the galactic collective. But with treachery and betrayal around every corner and the occupier’s army unstoppable, the determined vigilante may find herself on the wrong end of a razor-sharp blade…
Can Sahara avenge her homeworld and liberate another system?
The Outworlder is the gripping first book in the Silesia science fiction action-adventure trilogy. If you like strong heroines, ruthless intergalactic foes, and epic battles, then you’ll love S.K. Valenzuela’s page-turning quest.
Sahara Acwellan has nothing left. Reeling from the failed mission that allowed her home to be destroyed by her bitter enemy, the devastated assassin faces a new life of hard labor on a desert planet. But when her prison transport crashes in the sands, she seizes the opportunity to take revenge.
Teaming up with a man yearning to rid his world of the same ruthless oppressors, Sahara organizes a resistance to overthrow the galactic collective. But with treachery and betrayal around every corner and the occupier’s army unstoppable, the determined vigilante may find herself on the wrong end of a razor-sharp blade…
Can Sahara avenge her homeworld and liberate another system?
The Outworlder is the gripping first book in the Silesia science fiction action-adventure trilogy. If you like strong heroines, ruthless intergalactic foes, and epic battles, then you’ll love S.K. Valenzuela’s page-turning quest.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
30 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Valenzuela
5 books13 followersFor S.K., writing is just one step away from breathing.
She took a winding path to her own publishing and writing career...heading first through a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature. But she's been writing since she could read, and she is now a screenwriter in Hollywood as well as a novelist.
Her favorite stories are the ones that show characters in extremes, where they have to make a choice between being the best version of themselves...or not. She also loves to make her characters face the darkness within their own hearts so that they're forced to find out who they really are when the lights go out.
She took a winding path to her own publishing and writing career...heading first through a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature. But she's been writing since she could read, and she is now a screenwriter in Hollywood as well as a novelist.
Her favorite stories are the ones that show characters in extremes, where they have to make a choice between being the best version of themselves...or not. She also loves to make her characters face the darkness within their own hearts so that they're forced to find out who they really are when the lights go out.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2016
Right from the action of the opening scene, I knew this was going to be the type of book I'd have a hard time putting down. The blend of science fiction and fantasy was seamless and Sahara, the strong yet damaged lead, was an easy character to root for.
The fast pace of the opening does slow down a bit towards the middle of the book, but this in no way drags. Rather, it's a necessary break before we get tossed right back into the action, which carries through to the end. If I didn't have real world responsibilities, I'd be binge reading the next two books right now. I might yet shirk my grown up tasks and do just that. Either way, I will be seeing this series through to the end.
The fast pace of the opening does slow down a bit towards the middle of the book, but this in no way drags. Rather, it's a necessary break before we get tossed right back into the action, which carries through to the end. If I didn't have real world responsibilities, I'd be binge reading the next two books right now. I might yet shirk my grown up tasks and do just that. Either way, I will be seeing this series through to the end.
November 22, 2021
'Focus, she told herself as her mind plunged in a thousand different directions. Forget fear. Solve the problem.'
The outworlder is a pretty decent story, with some likeable characters. At times scenes felt rushed however.
Definitely worth the read, if you are a scifi fan.
“While there is life, there is hope. Where there is hope, there is opportunity. Where there is opportunity, strike first and strike hard.”
The outworlder is a pretty decent story, with some likeable characters. At times scenes felt rushed however.
Definitely worth the read, if you are a scifi fan.
“While there is life, there is hope. Where there is hope, there is opportunity. Where there is opportunity, strike first and strike hard.”
January 14, 2012
There were so many things that I loved about this novel. While I've never been a fan of really hard sci-fi fiction, some of my favorite movies and TV shows are sci-fi (for instance, the new Star Trek movie, Firefly, Serenity, the Sarah Connor Chronicles). I've just never been able to find a book that seemed to fit my very picky tastes. The qualities I love most about those movies and shows I just mentioned are the great characters, the witty dialogue, and -- for Firefly and Serenity -- the intriguing universe it showed us.
Then I read Silesia. A-mazing. Finally a book that gave me everything I wanted. I absolutely love the characters...from Sahara, who is more wounded on the inside than the outside when we meet her, to Jared, who I have a secret crush on (don't tell anyone)...to Rafe and Brytnoth. Each one of the characters is unique. Each is compelling and sympathetic, and I loved their relationships and listening in on their conversations. I always found myself wanting to know more about them. And the beautiful thing was -- there always was more to know! Also, in some stories, the author introduces a second (or third, or whatever) viewpoint character, and I have a really hard time engaging in those plot lines, instead wanting to skip ahead to another character's segments. Not here. Even when I was dying to know what was happening to another character, I didn't want to leave the character I was currently following. That's a rare achievement.
One of the other things I loved about this book was the world...or universe, rather. I love how the author wove in elements of mythology and fantasy in the most unexpected ways. Every scene was so richly envisioned, I felt like I was walking with the characters...whether through the desiccating desert or the beautiful city of Albadir, or gloomy ruins or a gruesome prison.
There was only one bad thing about this novel. It ended. Now I have to wait for the sequel to find out what happens next! Grrr...
Then I read Silesia. A-mazing. Finally a book that gave me everything I wanted. I absolutely love the characters...from Sahara, who is more wounded on the inside than the outside when we meet her, to Jared, who I have a secret crush on (don't tell anyone)...to Rafe and Brytnoth. Each one of the characters is unique. Each is compelling and sympathetic, and I loved their relationships and listening in on their conversations. I always found myself wanting to know more about them. And the beautiful thing was -- there always was more to know! Also, in some stories, the author introduces a second (or third, or whatever) viewpoint character, and I have a really hard time engaging in those plot lines, instead wanting to skip ahead to another character's segments. Not here. Even when I was dying to know what was happening to another character, I didn't want to leave the character I was currently following. That's a rare achievement.
One of the other things I loved about this book was the world...or universe, rather. I love how the author wove in elements of mythology and fantasy in the most unexpected ways. Every scene was so richly envisioned, I felt like I was walking with the characters...whether through the desiccating desert or the beautiful city of Albadir, or gloomy ruins or a gruesome prison.
There was only one bad thing about this novel. It ended. Now I have to wait for the sequel to find out what happens next! Grrr...
February 21, 2021
The Outworlder
This book was a compiling read from the first read. I found the slow development of the relationship between Sahara and Jared fascinating and can’t wait to read the next two books
This book was a compiling read from the first read. I found the slow development of the relationship between Sahara and Jared fascinating and can’t wait to read the next two books
May 11, 2012
RATING: 3.5 stars
***I was lucky to win a copy of this book through the GoodReads Advance program.***
"Silesia: The Outworlder" is a science fiction with some elements of fantasy. Silesia, as many other planets, was ruled by Dragon-Lords, however the dragon appears only in the end of the book. The world created by Ms. Valenzuela is quite interesting (and I found it refreshing): there are connections between planets and space travel is something normal, however the population lives in a medieval organization and still uses fireplaces for heating and candles for lighting. The book has an interesting plot with a lot of political intrigue and it is not short in action. I would have liked a little more character development, (especially of Sahara which is the main character).
***I was lucky to win a copy of this book through the GoodReads Advance program.***
"Silesia: The Outworlder" is a science fiction with some elements of fantasy. Silesia, as many other planets, was ruled by Dragon-Lords, however the dragon appears only in the end of the book. The world created by Ms. Valenzuela is quite interesting (and I found it refreshing): there are connections between planets and space travel is something normal, however the population lives in a medieval organization and still uses fireplaces for heating and candles for lighting. The book has an interesting plot with a lot of political intrigue and it is not short in action. I would have liked a little more character development, (especially of Sahara which is the main character).
December 22, 2019
Fun and Amazing Adventure!
This story, basically, pits a magical seer, the Outworlder, and her recently acquired allies against intelligent, alien dragons who are taking over the galaxy one planet at a time. They are annihilating and imprisoning all human life as they go. The quest is to rescue her brother, if he is still alive, and assassinate as many dragons as possible. This about her quest, a love story, a rebellion and an adventure all combined. This a fun, mesmerizing book. I'm going to immediately start the next one now.
This story, basically, pits a magical seer, the Outworlder, and her recently acquired allies against intelligent, alien dragons who are taking over the galaxy one planet at a time. They are annihilating and imprisoning all human life as they go. The quest is to rescue her brother, if he is still alive, and assassinate as many dragons as possible. This about her quest, a love story, a rebellion and an adventure all combined. This a fun, mesmerizing book. I'm going to immediately start the next one now.
August 28, 2021
By the gods! This book will keep you turning pages way past midnight!
Outstanding writing, plot which twists and turns, keeping the high suspense going. The characters, Sahara, Jarod, Rafe are believable, and superhero worthy, as is the newest to complete them, Brytnoth. The villains in the piece, are truly horrendous. And now, I absolutely have to read the entire Trilogy. I just can't be left hanging --- and there had better be a happy outcome!!!
Outstanding writing, plot which twists and turns, keeping the high suspense going. The characters, Sahara, Jarod, Rafe are believable, and superhero worthy, as is the newest to complete them, Brytnoth. The villains in the piece, are truly horrendous. And now, I absolutely have to read the entire Trilogy. I just can't be left hanging --- and there had better be a happy outcome!!!
December 31, 2018
Era una buena historia pero no logró atraparme
November 3, 2011
I give this book a 3+ star. When I first started reading this book I was a bit confused as to what was going on. Was she in a boat? Shackled? How did she get out of her cage so easily? Found out it wasn't a boat. An airplane? Not even. She was in a spaceship..? Is she an alien from outer space? The author could have changed the word ‘ship’ with ‘shuttle’ or ‘spaceship’ because every time I read the word ship, I thought of a boat sailing. Whatever. After crashing and being the only survivor, Sahara sets out for her life. She is found by Jared and he nurses her back to health. Sahara is a convict with an attitude that will bite your head off. She wouldn't let anything that upset her slide. She didn't act like the normal calm women if the town. She liked picking fights and showing how strong willed she was. That was cool. I was a bit taken back when all if a sudden she wanted to act like a woman. The change happened so suddenly and it wasn't even explained why she wanted to change. But it happened nonetheless.
This book was very descriptive; I liked that, but there were some things I just couldn’t picture. I imagined they lived in stone buildings in the middle of the dessert. Then I find out that they are taking a boat down the river. I don’t know. It’s just me.
Something didn’t sit with me. When they walked their way to save Sahara, it took them a few hours including sleep time - to get to her but they needed a spaceship to get them back. All the spaceship needed to do was hiccup its way back. Yet the ride seemed longer than normal – twenty minutes to be exact.
Even though some things didn’t sit well with me, I still liked the story. I liked how Jared wasn’t sure if he loved Sahara or not. The struggle seemed real and falling in love that easy is sometimes cheesy.
I found myself pulled into the story when Jared went to save Sahara. I was so happy and felt his relief and joy when he saw her for the first time.
The ending was left off as a cliffhanger. I will definitely read the next book to find out what happened to everyone!
This book was very descriptive; I liked that, but there were some things I just couldn’t picture. I imagined they lived in stone buildings in the middle of the dessert. Then I find out that they are taking a boat down the river. I don’t know. It’s just me.
Something didn’t sit with me. When they walked their way to save Sahara, it took them a few hours including sleep time - to get to her but they needed a spaceship to get them back. All the spaceship needed to do was hiccup its way back. Yet the ride seemed longer than normal – twenty minutes to be exact.
Even though some things didn’t sit well with me, I still liked the story. I liked how Jared wasn’t sure if he loved Sahara or not. The struggle seemed real and falling in love that easy is sometimes cheesy.
I found myself pulled into the story when Jared went to save Sahara. I was so happy and felt his relief and joy when he saw her for the first time.
The ending was left off as a cliffhanger. I will definitely read the next book to find out what happened to everyone!
August 1, 2011
Just finished devouring this new novel by Shannon Valenzuela. The paragraphs in her doctoral thesis at the University of Notre Dame read like literary Fabergé Eggs from a Romanov collection at The Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, so it is not surprising that her masterful command and ability to construct a seamless and well constructed novel is a joy to read. What is equally impressive and edifying is her mastery of the pyschological inter-relations among her characters. The title of the novel Silesia originates in the medieval accounts of the prowess of Saint George who slew the Dragon. While this fascinating archetype dominates this novel, Shannon K. Valenzuela has infused into Silesia complementary motifs of timeless and universal merit such as the value of the human being, the importance of freedom from tyranny, and the indomitable capacity and courage of men and women to resist and to defeat the Dragon in his perennial manifestations. This is a book that the reader will not want to put down once started. I highly recommend this book.
December 21, 2015
I found this book to be one that I could not put down yet on the other hand I also found it lacking at the same time. There was not much explanation as to why there was this special link with the two main characters. There were also no explanation as to who the dragon lords were I almost felt as though I has walked into the middle of something and didn't and still don't know fully as to what is going on.
These type of questions are NOT something I expect to have after reading a book, especially when it looks as if they are not going to be touched on in the next book. I will have to wait and see.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the characters and I am hoping to see them more fleshed out in the next book.
In the mean time the court is still in debate on how I feel about this author and whether they will be added to my list of 'to be followed' or not.
These type of questions are NOT something I expect to have after reading a book, especially when it looks as if they are not going to be touched on in the next book. I will have to wait and see.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the characters and I am hoping to see them more fleshed out in the next book.
In the mean time the court is still in debate on how I feel about this author and whether they will be added to my list of 'to be followed' or not.
December 28, 2015
I found this book to be one that I could not put down yet on the other hand I also found it lacking at the same time. There was not much explanation as to why there was this special link with the two main characters. There were also no explanation as to who the dragon lords were I almost felt as though I has walked into the middle of something and didn't and still don't know fully as to what is going on.
These type of questions are NOT something I expect to have after reading a book, especially when it looks as if they are not going to be touched on in the next book. I will have to wait and see.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the characters and I am hoping to see them more fleshed out in the next book.
In the mean time the court is still in debate on how I feel about this author and whether they will be added to my list of 'to be followed' or not.
These type of questions are NOT something I expect to have after reading a book, especially when it looks as if they are not going to be touched on in the next book. I will have to wait and see.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and the characters and I am hoping to see them more fleshed out in the next book.
In the mean time the court is still in debate on how I feel about this author and whether they will be added to my list of 'to be followed' or not.
December 30, 2015
I'd love to give this 2 1/2 instead of 2, but I can't see my way to a 3 star review. I'll preface my review with the note that I'm not a huge science fiction fan generally. I did finish reading this all the way to the end (in just a couple of days), so that tells you something. The writing is fine. But I think the story could use some focus - point of view, character development, conflicts and dialog all need a little tightening. My biggest issue is the characters. I want to connect with Sahara, but the story changes to Jared's focus and the mind-speech doesn't quite bridge the gap. And though there are hints of romance, the story really doesn't explore that.
July 29, 2014
This story was an interesting dichotomy between new world and old world. I couldn't decide if it should be classified as science fiction or fantasy as has a bit of both. I liked the characters in the story but I did have a bit of a hard time reconciling the futuristic space travel with the old world ways and magic (swords and bows and medieval type lifestyle). It would have been great to know a little bit more of Sahara's back story, as well as the Dragon Lords...(where did they come from?, who were they exactly? etc...). All in all, I think it was an interesting start to a series.
June 18, 2019
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys quick action, political intrigue, superb yet not overdone imagery and well-developed, believable characters. The world of Silesia is so different than our own, yet the problems the people there must deal with are universally human. The main character is a heroine unlike any I have encountered in other works of fiction! Brilliantly told, this story held me captive and I can't wait for the sequel!
January 11, 2012
Kindle freebie.
I loved the first part, then the story just couldn't keep me hooked after that. I didn't identify with the characters, the story was disjointed and I felt like I missed out on a lot of the story. It was as if this was the second book of the series, not the first.
I loved the first part, then the story just couldn't keep me hooked after that. I didn't identify with the characters, the story was disjointed and I felt like I missed out on a lot of the story. It was as if this was the second book of the series, not the first.
February 26, 2012
A fiction novel that got me hooked from the first page till the last! I liked the author's style and I' m looking forward to read the story's sequel!
August 26, 2012
This was a fabulous book. Can't wait for the next one.
December 10, 2012
I really enjoyed this book - loved the characters and the message of the story.
May 11, 2015
Ya book
Story is ok to good. I didn't expect ya as the reading level and am about done with broody teenagers
Story is ok to good. I didn't expect ya as the reading level and am about done with broody teenagers
December 5, 2015
Great start!
This is a great opening to the series. Looking forward to book two, hoping to did out where the survivors end up next.
This is a great opening to the series. Looking forward to book two, hoping to did out where the survivors end up next.
January 18, 2016
Good Read.
Enjoyable, easy read, good rainy afternoon fun. Adventure, a bit of romance & sleuthing from the characters. I enjoyed this enough to buy the next in the series.
Enjoyable, easy read, good rainy afternoon fun. Adventure, a bit of romance & sleuthing from the characters. I enjoyed this enough to buy the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews