Angolin

by C.E. Taylor

A hidden people not so hidden anymore.

The Hidden Realm of Angolin has existed in peaceful isolation for centuries, but that’s about to change. The enemy across the Abyss has discovered them and is intent on conquest. Lieutenant Dharmen Tate has a great love for his homeland and a greater understanding of its position in the world. When he discovers a plot by fellow officers to join the enemy and overthrow Angolin, he and his colleagues spring into action to defend the Hidden Realm from its foes―those without, and those within. The ensuing struggle magnifies Angolin’s vulnerability and exposes the collusion of a growing body of its citizens, signifying an uncertain and bloody future.

For readers who enjoy Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Gray, Embassytown by China Mieville, and Catalyst of Sorrows by Margaret Wander Bonnano.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy, Fiction

416 pages, Hardcover

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bright start to a promising trilogy.
I really enjoyed this one. The world building is inspired and visionary. Dharmen is a worthy protagonist to follow as the series unfolds. The surrounding cast of characters are well thought out and memorable as well. I admire the way the author handles Dharmen's personality and love interest. I found the pace of the book to be easy going with the chapters being of average length making for a comfortable read. There's plenty of action and excitement to keep things interesting, compelling the reader forward with the need to know what happens next. This is a fun addition to anyone's science fiction library and a story I'm anxious to continue with when the next installment gets released.

Thank you to the author, CamCat Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[John Kerr]

Struggled to buy into this one, so it's a DNF, I'm afraid. The premise, of a realm hidden from its neighbours by technology for centuries, seemed literally incredible (as in ‘not credible’). Prose and dialogue nothing special, either. Blurb says “ For readers who enjoy…Embassytown by China Mieville…”. Maybe I’m missing something but I see nothing here that makes that a reasonable comparison.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden Realm of Angolin has had a self-imposed policy of isolation; they have lived this way for centuries. Until an enemy discovers them and, of course, is determined to conquer them.

If you’re a science fiction fan, this book is for you.
The author's world-building was cinematic, vividly describing the places, spaces, and atmosphere.

I appreciated how terms for technology and equipment weren't over-explained. For instance, “the PTS and light-bending taroc fiber hid him excellently.” This allowed me to feel like a part of their world and be immersed in the story.

There was plenty of action and combat as the protagonist, Lieutenant Dharmen Tate, learned of a plot by some of his fellow Angolinian officers to join forces with the enemy invaders. Dharmen was a well-developed character as we got to see both his personal life and him as the hero battling for Angolin.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @authorcetaylor for a spot on tour and the gifted book.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sci fy book. Even though I don’t read much of this genre, I really enjoyed this book.

There is a ton of action all through this read. Angolin has a self imposed philosophy of no one coming and no one leaving their realm. This may be changing because enemies have infiltrated Angolin. There are multiple fights as outside enemies and traitors try to overthrow Angolin.

There is also a group of students that don’t like the fact that they don’t have the choice to come and go from Angolin. They become a problem to the realm.

There is wonderful LGBTQ representation with the main character Dharmen Tate and his partner Willhem.

I could picture this one in my mind being a movie and I would love to see the place and people of Angolin come to life.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angolin by C.E. Taylor is a captivating science fiction tale that really captured by attention.
I have to say the world building in this book is creative and well done.

The characters and relationships are well written, complex, and fleshed out.

A hidden people not so hidden anymore.

Angolin is a hidden realm that has been undisturbed for centuries. But all good things must come to an end. There is an enemy trying to take over. Lieutenant Dharmen Tate is a strong character with a strong sense of country and loyalty to Angolin.

This is a great book that I really enjoyed. I look forward to the next book in this trilogy.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I enjoyed science fiction and this book was the perfect reminder. I love all the tech speak and the descriptions of life in an imaginative interstellar place and time. The sense of urgency in keeping Angolin a hidden realm is felt throughout and the characters responses and emotions are relatable. For me, that's the key to creating a unique world is characters that, despite the circumstances, are beings that we can empathize with and give us a sense of hope. C.E. Taylor does this really well and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good effort from a new author. Tentim, a millennium in the future, still has swords and realms, along with very high tech gear. Dharmen and some of the Guard try to save Angolin from neighbors across the methane abyss. They were able to use some of the gas along with tech to remain hidden while they established homes on peaks of land.
Armetrian, a Guard, is trying fairly successfully to sell weapons to Lord Naul of the Carmogen. He is evil, climbed to the top of slave state. He and the enslaved are humanoid.
Rem-E is an internal combat assistant, made of sentient nanites.
Household chores are automated, the only positive feature to be found on Tentim.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the pace of this book, there is action-pack adventure from start to finish.
The vivid world building was simply fantastic, it was impossible not to feel part of the world. With well developed and diverse characters, Angolin it’s a really entertaining and riveting story, you don’t need to be a scifi reader to enjoy it.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and CamCat Books for this tour invite and gifted copy.

𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻 by CE Taylor released February 13, 2023.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, @suzyapprovedbooktours and @authorcetaylor for the gifted copy and having me on this tour!

As y’all know, i don’t typically gravitate towards Sci-Fi fiction. But this one for whatever reason was calling my name. This one was jam packed with action, the characters were interesting, and there was LGBTQIA+ rep in this, and we know i love a good book with that in there.

If you’re a sci-fi lover, check this one out!

[S.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool world building. Took me a while to read since it was kinda dense, but that’s to be expected with a hard Sci-fi.

The world was unique and fresh. The characters all made a diverse but cohesive team. The villains were awful, in a great way. And personally, I love how the MMC is a stoic strait-laced no-nonsense solider who is absolutely adorable with his fiancé.

9/10 I feel like with the action, the characters and the intense intrigue, it would make a really kick-ass TV show.

[Abigail Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rich sci-fi story full of intricate worldbuilding, incrediby fleshed out characters, and high-stakes action. Enemies encroach upon our heroes from every side - both those on the planet and those from afar - and it's so fascinating to watch it all unfold. Definitely one for fans of classic space opera tales. This is setting up for a great sci-fi series!

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely read sci-fi, but books like this remind me that I do love the genre and need to read it more! A hidden realm that's only safe until it's discovered and infiltrated. This has the coolest world building and characters you can't help but love! Action start to finish! Perfect for fans of space opera!

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely read science fiction but this high tech story was very entertaining. It was action and adventure cover to cover and I was on the edge of my seat several times! There were so many unique characters and the character development was fantastic. This made me think about things I’ve never considered which is one of my favorite things about books outside my usual genres.

[Sbostick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elegantly written and riveting story of a hidden realm and its vulnerability when it’s discovered. It’s a high tech saga encompassing strong relationships, and clever world building. The characters are well developed and the story engrossing. I look forward the second volume.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read, it has depth and I didn’t get lost in the world building. The pacing is steady and keeps you engaged. There’s plotting and rebellion. Enemies are trying to take over Angolin and the philosophy of no one entering or leaving their realm.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable fun and action packed book.

[Mae · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this novel but it felt like a "made for TV" movie.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great world-building filled with action and a wide cast of characters. I really liked the amount of dialogue. It made it easy to follow and understand the technology and government system. We got to follow Tate not only on the battlefield but in his personal life too and I liked the balance of the two. He was not the only character that had good development. There were a lot of obstacles that Tate had to overcome to obtain proof of treason. Getting the enemies perspective at times I think rounded out the story well. I was entertained while reading this book.

Thank you @authorcetaylor and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very interesting premise is ruined by an uninspired and choppy writing style