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Xarrok Series #1
Birth of an Empire: The Beginning
The children of promise find each other again. Each one holds a desire for peace, that will only be accomplished together.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2011
81 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Catrina Taylor
39 books38 followersA unique author with a passion for her family, Catrina Taylor is in love with the written word. As an avid reader she finds her mind enjoys the worlds created uniquely in Fantasy, Science Fiction and various crossover genre. As an author, she most often plays in a universe of her own creation.
Introducing us to the imaginary world of Xarrok, she has hooked readers, waiting to see where her imagination takes us next.
When she is not playing in the universe of her mind, she is playing with her children who she encourages to follow her passion for words, and excel in every area they show interest. In fact, this talented word smith finds that life through their eyes is a constant lesson in self discovery, happiness and curiosity.
Inspired by her everyday world of family, infused with a an unquenched curiosity, and gifted with the ability to take us to places we could never have imagined, Catrina Taylor is an authour who promises to keep you fully immersed in a world of wonder and intrigue, waiting for more.
Introducing us to the imaginary world of Xarrok, she has hooked readers, waiting to see where her imagination takes us next.
When she is not playing in the universe of her mind, she is playing with her children who she encourages to follow her passion for words, and excel in every area they show interest. In fact, this talented word smith finds that life through their eyes is a constant lesson in self discovery, happiness and curiosity.
Inspired by her everyday world of family, infused with a an unquenched curiosity, and gifted with the ability to take us to places we could never have imagined, Catrina Taylor is an authour who promises to keep you fully immersed in a world of wonder and intrigue, waiting for more.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 12, 2013
I really liked Birth of an Empire. It's a great space opera book. I read once that women can't write good science fiction. Wow... how wrong! Everybody who reads this book will think exactly the opposite. I felt immediately in love with Kala, the Xenonian slave girl who can transform the psionic abilities in a powerful military weapon. The cynic Yatrell is a complex and great character too. This book is not missing anything: pure sci-fi, feelings, deep thoughts and exquisite erotica. I'm hooked and I'm dying to read Catrina's next book.
could-not-finish
February 23, 2016Anthology - part of Nebula Nights: Love Among The Stars
I just could not get into this book/story at all. I kept thinking as I continued to read that it would get better but it didn't, at least for me.
I just could not get into this book/story at all. I kept thinking as I continued to read that it would get better but it didn't, at least for me.
September 18, 2015
A good yarn hampered by a lack of good editing. The author has a good imagination and can spin a decent story. She obviously cleaned up most of the punctuation errors, but missed some words that just don't belong, the wrong word, and garbled sentences.
Another problem I had was occasional jumps from past tense to present. The book starts with a confrontation between the two major characters, then falls back to the "back story". The author uses present tense for "current" events and past for the back story. The problem was that the back story contains some present tense verbs where they don't belong.
The use of telepathy has an unusual methodology, but once you get used to it, there's no problem identifying the passages.
The ending is a "cliff hanger" which forces you to buy the rest of the series to know how the main plot thread comes out. I prefer my series to be a mostly resolved plot, with perhaps a small opening to allow follow-on while leaving me with a feeling of "completeness". I didn't get that with this book.
Another problem I had was occasional jumps from past tense to present. The book starts with a confrontation between the two major characters, then falls back to the "back story". The author uses present tense for "current" events and past for the back story. The problem was that the back story contains some present tense verbs where they don't belong.
The use of telepathy has an unusual methodology, but once you get used to it, there's no problem identifying the passages.
The ending is a "cliff hanger" which forces you to buy the rest of the series to know how the main plot thread comes out. I prefer my series to be a mostly resolved plot, with perhaps a small opening to allow follow-on while leaving me with a feeling of "completeness". I didn't get that with this book.
March 18, 2012
4 1/2 Stars, Really.
I had the honour of beta reading "Xarrok", prior to publication. As a fan of Sci-fi. and Fantasy fiction, I was looking forward to the beginning of a new series, and I wasn't disappointed.
The story is richly woven and carefully detailed. I was immediately drawn into the story by Kala, the Xenonian slave girl, with rare and powerful psionic abilities. I became her cheerleader as her skills were honed to make her a weapon for the military, and she struggled with her reluctance to cause harm, even to the enemy. I was intrigued by Yatrell, the hardened Dentonian warrior, who unwittingly becomes Kala's friend and confidante, across light years.
Even minor characters, like Slarc the seer, with his passive-aggressive sense of humour, grabbed my attention. Though his part in the first book was small, I hope to see him again in the sequel(s).
In all, a compelling read for those who follow the genre, and entertaining for those who don't.
I had the honour of beta reading "Xarrok", prior to publication. As a fan of Sci-fi. and Fantasy fiction, I was looking forward to the beginning of a new series, and I wasn't disappointed.
The story is richly woven and carefully detailed. I was immediately drawn into the story by Kala, the Xenonian slave girl, with rare and powerful psionic abilities. I became her cheerleader as her skills were honed to make her a weapon for the military, and she struggled with her reluctance to cause harm, even to the enemy. I was intrigued by Yatrell, the hardened Dentonian warrior, who unwittingly becomes Kala's friend and confidante, across light years.
Even minor characters, like Slarc the seer, with his passive-aggressive sense of humour, grabbed my attention. Though his part in the first book was small, I hope to see him again in the sequel(s).
In all, a compelling read for those who follow the genre, and entertaining for those who don't.
December 6, 2012
Let me start by saying I review the way I critique, honest and blunt. I also refrain from giving away any spoilers.
The Good:
The characters are well fleshed out, and engaging.
The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and well thought out.
The world-building is deeper than most books you'll find today. I enjoyed learning about this new, exciting world.
The Bad:
Opening with "She" instead of telling us her name threw me for a loop. I wondered if I'd missed part of the story, and had to re-read the opening a few times before I convinced myself I hadn't missed anything vital.
A lot of passive writing which kept me at arm's length instead of letting me be absorbed into the story.
Overall:
I recommend this to all sci-fi fans, as it contains most sci-fi elements. The Paranormal elements are good too.
The Good:
The characters are well fleshed out, and engaging.
The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, and well thought out.
The world-building is deeper than most books you'll find today. I enjoyed learning about this new, exciting world.
The Bad:
Opening with "She" instead of telling us her name threw me for a loop. I wondered if I'd missed part of the story, and had to re-read the opening a few times before I convinced myself I hadn't missed anything vital.
A lot of passive writing which kept me at arm's length instead of letting me be absorbed into the story.
Overall:
I recommend this to all sci-fi fans, as it contains most sci-fi elements. The Paranormal elements are good too.
August 7, 2013
Finished reading Birth of an Empire ~ by Catrina Taylor OMG, i pressed through a migraine to finish this book, i just had to find out if Yatrell and Kala made up...only to find out it is a series!!!! UGH... :) i cant wait to read the next volume. This book is the first sci-fi book i've read and i was not disappointed. I LOVE it! The mind and heart are some seriously powerful weapons and in this book they are book used as positive and negative forces... a broken heart can be something to stump you or press you on, but when you have 2 hearts and they are both broken...watch out.
Two people who are supposed to be enemies find each other over time and space and build a connection through their minds... one fights for the other and the other is more focused on their missions, and in the end they each deal with the pain of loss in their own ways.
I am so a fan now!
KieShi
Two people who are supposed to be enemies find each other over time and space and build a connection through their minds... one fights for the other and the other is more focused on their missions, and in the end they each deal with the pain of loss in their own ways.
I am so a fan now!
KieShi
June 25, 2013
I liked "Birth of an Empire: The Beginning" by Catrina Taylor. The characters are very life like. The plot was a little slow in the beginning but picked up after a little while. Once it picked up it was a really good book. It had many twists and turns that made it that much more interesting. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I would recommend this book for fans of science fiction books.
July 23, 2013
Although a slow start, it does build up to a climactic-edge of your seat story line. It begins with a slave girl whose powers are beyond anything she's ever not anyone can imagine and force to make decisions that are unimaginable.
April 4, 2013
Review coming soon.
August 17, 2019
As I read through this exciting adventure, I was increasingly amazed by the technology and the psionic variations in the abilities of the characters. I know nothing about these things, yet I was able to follow what was happening and the effects it had on the individuals in the story. Good or not so good, they were all under the command of those abilities. It is amazing how developed it all was.
I loved this story and the ending was truly a masterpiece in a turn that took me off guard. I never expected an ending like that. It was thought-provoking and I could not resist wanting to go forward with more of this story. I am hoping to acquire more of the novels in this series to satisfy my curiosity.
I loved this story and the ending was truly a masterpiece in a turn that took me off guard. I never expected an ending like that. It was thought-provoking and I could not resist wanting to go forward with more of this story. I am hoping to acquire more of the novels in this series to satisfy my curiosity.
August 31, 2019
The writing is so wrong. Just wrong. I can't even get past the first few pages.
If there is a story worth reading in here, it needs a very good editor.
I have a pile of better books waiting. Good riddance.
If there is a story worth reading in here, it needs a very good editor.
I have a pile of better books waiting. Good riddance.
February 1, 2020
Mediocre RPG-Lit trying to mascarade as sci-fi fantasy. Several odd editing errors, soldiers are wounded as causalities rather than casualties, etc.. There were elements of a good story, but the game nature of this book failed for me.
September 1, 2022
Excellent Sci-Fi
A very will written romantic Sci-Fi. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is complicated with lots of misdirection leading to the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi novels. Enjoy reading 2020😆
A very will written romantic Sci-Fi. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is complicated with lots of misdirection leading to the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi novels. Enjoy reading 2020😆
June 16, 2018
Great story!
I am now addicted to finding out the rest of this story. Very believable characters & plot. At heart, a love story along with good vs. Evil☺
I am now addicted to finding out the rest of this story. Very believable characters & plot. At heart, a love story along with good vs. Evil☺
May 5, 2019
Great story!
I found this story to be well plotted, with wonderful protagonists and antagonists. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I found this story to be well plotted, with wonderful protagonists and antagonists. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
April 11, 2020
Sci fi romance
An ok start to a series. Spends a lot of time on feelings and mind to mind communication. Romances are not a favorite of mine.
An ok start to a series. Spends a lot of time on feelings and mind to mind communication. Romances are not a favorite of mine.
November 28, 2020
Good
Got really upset with Yatrell, hopefully he is able to convince Mama for another chance. The Ven are awful....ugh, dislike the twisted twins immensely.
Got really upset with Yatrell, hopefully he is able to convince Mama for another chance. The Ven are awful....ugh, dislike the twisted twins immensely.
March 10, 2013
I’m reviewing a sci-fi book by Catrina Taylor. It is the first in the Xarrok series. The book follows Kayla, a girl with psionic powers who begins life as a slave, then joins the military. As she rises through the ranks, she experiences the horrors of war and finds the love of her life.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. The characters, for the most part, are distinct; and the prejudice of having psionic powers (telepathy, pyrokinesis, etc.) is nice. The plot is rich and moves from one thing to the next; sometimes it’s hard to catch your breath. Catrina Taylor has built an interesting universe that you want to explore more.
And you don’t explore it. There is almost no detail in the book and that is its biggest flaw. Almost no character, place, or object descriptions are given. We have no idea what a Ven or a Xentonian look like. It look several chapters to learn that Catrina was not misspelling hearts; I thought she meant ‘heart’ until I found out much later that Kayla has two hearts. Most of the action takes place aboard ships, but no description is given. Are they sleek and smooth like technology in Star Trek, or rough with knobs and buttons like Star Wars? We don’t really know.
And this lack of detail extends to the storytelling. The Dentonians and Xenonians don’t like each other but we are never told why. Kayla and her love Yatrell are on the opposite sides of a war, but we never learn what the war is about. The book is all about telling us, and not showing us. Without details and backstory I felt lost, just moving from one scene to the next.
Another problem were scenes in which we jumped from one character’s head or POV to another, sometimes in the same paragraph. This was especially true when Kayla and Yatrell would speak to each other telepathically. We would start with Kayla, sitting in her bed looking out the window. She would project her thoughts to Yatrell, then we would switch to his location as he is sitting at his desk reading ship reports. This sudden character jumping was jarring and took me out of the story.
It is clear Catrina Taylor has built a universe. The detail she spent on the wedding scene was very good and gave me a strong sense of the culture and the importance of the items used, and everything world building should be. Sadly, this wasn’t applied to the rest of the book and it hurt because of it.
In closing, this book had a lot of potential to be epic, but the lack of detail, the “telling not showing” style of writing really hurts it.
I wanted to like this book, I really did. The characters, for the most part, are distinct; and the prejudice of having psionic powers (telepathy, pyrokinesis, etc.) is nice. The plot is rich and moves from one thing to the next; sometimes it’s hard to catch your breath. Catrina Taylor has built an interesting universe that you want to explore more.
And you don’t explore it. There is almost no detail in the book and that is its biggest flaw. Almost no character, place, or object descriptions are given. We have no idea what a Ven or a Xentonian look like. It look several chapters to learn that Catrina was not misspelling hearts; I thought she meant ‘heart’ until I found out much later that Kayla has two hearts. Most of the action takes place aboard ships, but no description is given. Are they sleek and smooth like technology in Star Trek, or rough with knobs and buttons like Star Wars? We don’t really know.
And this lack of detail extends to the storytelling. The Dentonians and Xenonians don’t like each other but we are never told why. Kayla and her love Yatrell are on the opposite sides of a war, but we never learn what the war is about. The book is all about telling us, and not showing us. Without details and backstory I felt lost, just moving from one scene to the next.
Another problem were scenes in which we jumped from one character’s head or POV to another, sometimes in the same paragraph. This was especially true when Kayla and Yatrell would speak to each other telepathically. We would start with Kayla, sitting in her bed looking out the window. She would project her thoughts to Yatrell, then we would switch to his location as he is sitting at his desk reading ship reports. This sudden character jumping was jarring and took me out of the story.
It is clear Catrina Taylor has built a universe. The detail she spent on the wedding scene was very good and gave me a strong sense of the culture and the importance of the items used, and everything world building should be. Sadly, this wasn’t applied to the rest of the book and it hurt because of it.
In closing, this book had a lot of potential to be epic, but the lack of detail, the “telling not showing” style of writing really hurts it.
February 6, 2015
This book is written on a grand setting, and for that, I really enjoyed it. The book is very focussed on the thoughts and interactions of the two main characters, with minor characters finding POV-time too, and we get relatively little of the greater context of the story and the cultures that exist (one character is later found to come from a pretty tribal background with the requisite traditions). The main detail we do receive is that one group, the Dentonians, are biased against females, while the Xenonians have female leaders.
What is promised in the blurb is not what we get in the book. Brax is, at best, a minor character who first appears two thirds of the way through the book. And a peace agreement is not even mentioned, though one can see that some of those around the two main characters (particularly around Yatrell) are questioning the war.
This isn't a romance story. At best it has romantic elements, but the book does not end in a happy place. That said, part of the plot IS driven by the relationship between the two main characters.
The descriptive quality of the writing is relatively good, but on some occasions Taylor provides excessive description and time-fillers, which made me skim read some sections till the story got more interesting again. Craft-wise, however, the book could have done with a serious edit - both on content as well as language. There were many times I was distracted because of language errors.
The book also has many POVs, including a few that were not necessary to the story. Some of the minor POVs could have been extended through the story, while others didn't need to be there. Headhopping was also a distracting issue.
Overall, scifi lovers would enjoy the setting and the story, but I fear would be distracted by the editorial issues.
What is promised in the blurb is not what we get in the book. Brax is, at best, a minor character who first appears two thirds of the way through the book. And a peace agreement is not even mentioned, though one can see that some of those around the two main characters (particularly around Yatrell) are questioning the war.
This isn't a romance story. At best it has romantic elements, but the book does not end in a happy place. That said, part of the plot IS driven by the relationship between the two main characters.
The descriptive quality of the writing is relatively good, but on some occasions Taylor provides excessive description and time-fillers, which made me skim read some sections till the story got more interesting again. Craft-wise, however, the book could have done with a serious edit - both on content as well as language. There were many times I was distracted because of language errors.
The book also has many POVs, including a few that were not necessary to the story. Some of the minor POVs could have been extended through the story, while others didn't need to be there. Headhopping was also a distracting issue.
Overall, scifi lovers would enjoy the setting and the story, but I fear would be distracted by the editorial issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2014
I'm out just shy of 50%. My standard disclaimer: I don't read fast, so if something isn't working for me; too many errors, POV issues, anything, really, that makes reading a chore, I move on.
Pros: sets up an interesting world and story line. I like Kala for the most part. Shortly before I bailed I was feeling she was being to weak under the circumstances.
Cons: Over use of strong words such as Smirked and chuckled.
Hopping POV so much my head spun. Seriously, ouch.
Frequently doesn't hold the proper tense. 3rd person, past perfect is what the book is written in, but she slips into present at weird moments.
Expressions I just can't see (some made me laugh).
"Sound of a woman's tears" I'm pretty sure they're silent buggers.
"His face curled up." Huh?
"The room nodded." Clever room :-)
I've seen far worse, but this book still needs editing for basic things like missing words.
I made it half way. There is a good story here. Give it a try.
Pros: sets up an interesting world and story line. I like Kala for the most part. Shortly before I bailed I was feeling she was being to weak under the circumstances.
Cons: Over use of strong words such as Smirked and chuckled.
Hopping POV so much my head spun. Seriously, ouch.
Frequently doesn't hold the proper tense. 3rd person, past perfect is what the book is written in, but she slips into present at weird moments.
Expressions I just can't see (some made me laugh).
"Sound of a woman's tears" I'm pretty sure they're silent buggers.
"His face curled up." Huh?
"The room nodded." Clever room :-)
I've seen far worse, but this book still needs editing for basic things like missing words.
I made it half way. There is a good story here. Give it a try.
August 18, 2014
This is a book for all space opera lovers. Birth of an Empire: The Beginning by Catrina Taylor is an action packed adventure that will keep you glued to its pages. From psionic abilities to heart stopping space battles it has it all.
The author did a great job of developing a storyline that kept me wanting to read more with each page I finished. This is one of those books where you get to the end and can't wait for the next installment in the series. The author gave just enough background to make the story very believable and the adventure come to life.
I like the way Catrina Taylor brought her characters to life. It was easy to identify with them and cheer them on. They were both real and very believable.
I really liked Birth of an Empire: The Beginning by Catrina Taylor and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
The author did a great job of developing a storyline that kept me wanting to read more with each page I finished. This is one of those books where you get to the end and can't wait for the next installment in the series. The author gave just enough background to make the story very believable and the adventure come to life.
I like the way Catrina Taylor brought her characters to life. It was easy to identify with them and cheer them on. They were both real and very believable.
I really liked Birth of an Empire: The Beginning by Catrina Taylor and I highly recommend this book to all readers.
March 2, 2015
I read this as part of a collection. Note that there are no erotic scenes in this story, which is fine.
What happens when you bite off more than you can chew? You choke.
Start off with interstellar factions at war, add some cool psi talents, interesting personalities, and some Romeo/Juliet romance, stir for 300+ pages, and what do you get - the beginning of a confused mess.
For the first 2/3, the world building was pretty good, and there were people with unknown motivations, and it all feels like a solid build-up. But the last part of the book gets lost with too many moving pieces and not enough explanation for why who is going where to do what to whom.
Last, and perhaps worst, the book starts with a foreshadowing chapter - which is not resolved in this book, but later in the series!
Which I won't be reading.
What happens when you bite off more than you can chew? You choke.
Start off with interstellar factions at war, add some cool psi talents, interesting personalities, and some Romeo/Juliet romance, stir for 300+ pages, and what do you get - the beginning of a confused mess.
For the first 2/3, the world building was pretty good, and there were people with unknown motivations, and it all feels like a solid build-up. But the last part of the book gets lost with too many moving pieces and not enough explanation for why who is going where to do what to whom.
Last, and perhaps worst, the book starts with a foreshadowing chapter - which is not resolved in this book, but later in the series!
Which I won't be reading.
December 21, 2013
More twists than a slinky on a roller coaster
This story surprised me. It started slower, but all scifi does. It picked up fast though, and the ongoing action had me gripped throughout. The characters come alive right from the beginning. All of the cast, main and supporting characters are well defined. And the moment you think you know what’s coming next, this author shows you a whole new twist! There isn’t anything predictable in this book, and if the author carries the same throughout, I’m already hooked!
This is a funny story teller
This story surprised me. It started slower, but all scifi does. It picked up fast though, and the ongoing action had me gripped throughout. The characters come alive right from the beginning. All of the cast, main and supporting characters are well defined. And the moment you think you know what’s coming next, this author shows you a whole new twist! There isn’t anything predictable in this book, and if the author carries the same throughout, I’m already hooked!
This is a funny story teller
April 1, 2014
Could not get into it
When I started reading this book, Kala fascinated me. I could unfortunately not get into the story at all and gave up pretty close to the beginning.
The flow is jerky and confusing, and not enough detail is given for it to make sense.
When I started reading this book, Kala fascinated me. I could unfortunately not get into the story at all and gave up pretty close to the beginning.
The flow is jerky and confusing, and not enough detail is given for it to make sense.
September 18, 2014
How does it get any better than this?
This an amazing start to what will be a fantastic series if it continues! The characters and storyline is all so involved it can be overwhelming but the result is so very much worth it! I can't wait to read the next one!
This an amazing start to what will be a fantastic series if it continues! The characters and storyline is all so involved it can be overwhelming but the result is so very much worth it! I can't wait to read the next one!
July 20, 2016
Ugh. Plot aside, the writing is not great. It is stilted and awkward. Sentences are often poorly constructed, ungainly, or gramatically incorrect. It was hard to keep reading; i found myself skimming so much that I gave up. DNF.
Want to read
March 1, 2013Kindle freebie, 3/1/13
January 16, 2014
Amazing Science Fiction Series, this is the story that started it all!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews