The Watchers of Ur: Cradle

by LaMonte M. Fowler

From before the Dawn of Man, good and evil have battled on the Earth. As humans progressed from Eden to the skies and to space, Azrael watched over humanity — teaching, guiding, and protecting the Children of Earth.

The Enemy, imprisoned on Earth for their rebellion, carry out the Master’s plan to end their bondage and take the war to a new front — a pristine ‘cradle’ world where suffering and war are not known. Using the Emperor of Earth and the resources of his vast empire to build mankind’s first starship, the Enemy weaves a plot that spans generations, and threatens two sentient races.

In Book One, Azrael enlists Father Bożydar Joffre, a Jesuit priest, and Kavan Ferre, a brilliant physicist, to prevent the Enemy from escaping to the stars. Joined by an unlikely group of space pirates, Azrael leads an epic race across the solar system to halt the Enemy before their great migration can begin.

THE WATCHERS OF UR: CRADLE will take you from Earth to Mars, Europa, Titan, and beyond on an epic journey filled with fast-paced action, gripping human drama, and stunning glimpses of the future of Mankind.

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From political intrigue to divine intervention; from a monastery on Mars to a city locked under the ice on Europa; from the Emperor of Earth to a space-pirate that fights for freedom; from religious axioms that have stood the test of time to cutting-edge theories that test the very fabric of reality, this is science fiction on a truly titanic scale. Fowler blends epic military sci-fi with inspired Christian philosophy, and sets his bold story over the colossal backdrop of the Angelic Wars. What would it mean if angels and demons influenced humanity’s rise to the stars and beyond? The Watchers Of Ur: Cradle explores some captivating possibilities.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2012

Reviews

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was an interesting experiment for me to read, because I really had no idea ahead of time whether or not I would like it. Usually when I pick up a book and start reading I have some idea of whether or not I'm going to find it enjoyable, but that wasn't the case here at all. I was excited to read it, and excited by the basic premise of the story, but having never read the author I knew nothing about his style of writing or pacing or if the story itself would actually be any good. Luckily for me, it was.

Mr. Fowler presents an interesting question - If Lucifer and his fallen angelic followers were imprisoned on Earth and left without the ability to transport themselves through time and space, are they tied to the planet itself, or to the human population? If humans leave the planet, can the enemy of good follow them into space and ultimately to other worlds?

"Cradle" takes place approximately 500-600 years in the future, and the human race has spread out across the solar system. Earth and parts of the solar system are ruled by an emperor, though some of the space colonies have various levels of independence from the Empire. Azrael, an angelic being, is involved in a long, on-going plan to stop the "Enemy" from completing a top-secret project to build a new type of spaceship that can quickly cross the vast distances between planetary systems. In their desperate attempt to escape Earth, the Enemy uses the immense resources and military authority represented by the Empire, while Azrael has only a few people on his side, whose skills and abilities seem ill-fitted for the task at hand. "Cradle" ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger and the story will continue in "Offspring," due in July of 2012.

In my opinion, the best parts of this novel, and where I feel that the author excels, is in the world building. Fowler has imagined an amazing and fantastic future history in which humans have overcome the obstacles of space and colonized the most incredible environments. Space navies patrol the inner planets, pirate fleets operate on the fringes of society, and scientific complexes inhabit deep seas and hollow asteroids. Reading the authors' ideas of where humans have gone and what they've done once they got there in this future was impressive and highly entertaining, and definitely made me fall in love with the story.

What didn't always work quite as well were the characters inhabiting this amazing landscape (Space-scape?). While some of the characters are well written and their existence makes sense within the confines of the story, more than a few of them felt a little flat or shallow, and there are several instances where I felt that some of the characters' motivations didn't make sense. For example, one character makes a life-altering decision in what feels like a heartbeat, when perhaps that choice should have been more difficult, or taken more time to think and consider the ramifications of the choice. Characters walk away from home or career without a second thought and no remorse afterwards, and it just doesn't always "feel" like something a real person would do - merely that the story requires the character to be in a specific place and so they move there. Oddly, some of the secondary characters seemed more realistic than most of the main characters did.

Fortunately, the rest of the story, together with the world building, tends to push these concerns towards the back of the mind, but every now and then they popped back up and pulled me out of the reading experience briefly, which is the only reason I mention them. None of the other reviews I've read talk about the characters at all, so maybe it was just me. But the lack of real character depth would probably be my only complaint about "Cradle," but it certainly isn't enough to keep me from reading "Offspring" when it becomes available. I'm giving "Cradle" four stars, and I look forward to seeing where the authors' vision takes us next.

Full review: http://sunnyreads.blogspot.com/2012/0...

[Just My Opinion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me preface my review by letting you know that the author, LaMonte M. Fowler, graciously provided me with a kindle copy of this book in return for a review. Thank you so much Mr. Fowler!

With “Watchers of the UR: Cradle”, Mr. Fowler has taken the much written about clashes of good vs. evil and angels and demons and opened our eyes to the reality of those fights from a new perspective. It boldly addresses the age-old questions of where we as humans/mankind fit into our universe and how we can use our expertise to reach beyond our world. This novel showcases mankind’s strengths and weaknesses, our triumphs and failures and how our resolve and decisions endure then mold our universe and our destinies. It’s an extraordinary combination of emotions and a roller coaster ride right from the beginning.

“Cradle” delves into the evolution of man and Heaven and Hell in a very well thought out and researched storyline. It introduces us to how mankind came to be, how we advanced as a species and the mistakes and successes we made to form the universe at it stands in this book. It challenges the very essence of mankind’s character.

I found it refreshing that one minute you were on Earth, the next on Jupiter or Mars then suddenly under a frozen crust looking at alien sea creatures from a submarine! So many new concepts to contemplate, it really left me searching for answers and embracing the premise of the book.

The characters are very complex, well planned out and each possessive of a deep history. There were quite a few characters, which was a bit confusing at times, but their goals are described well and their destinies questionable which leaves you guessing. In the end, it all comes together and you will see how the relationships between characters intertwined and how it sets things up for a second installment.

This was my first science fiction book, and I’ll admit, I don’t think it’s my favorite genre-thus the reasoning behind my lower rating. However, this book is everything a Sci Fi should be and the premise behind this book is what held my interest. There were a lot of battles both in space as well as between individuals and their emotions. The story will touch you on many different levels and leaves no question as to why it is both science fiction and fantasy expertly weaved into one.

As a first installment to the series, this book delivers all it promises and more. If you like a good, fast-paced science fiction novel, I highly recommend this one!

[Lisa Hapney · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this book I was a bit leery given the framework and the obvious references to religion. Nevertheless, I sat down to read it and despite my initial misgivings it really was a fun read so I'm giving it a 4 for the entertainment I derived from it. I really enjoyed some of the characters and appreciated the spice thrown in by some of the more obscure ones in this merry band of mortals off to save the universe. In addition, I'm always up for some good action and a rollicking space battle and there was plenty of both. The author did add some twists to the age old struggle between good and evil, which were interesting to think about in the context of the story. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'll probably read the next one. If you like an occasional swashbuckling type romp and have the ability to treat fiction as just that and not take it too seriously then you might pass an enjoyable afternoon with this space adventure.

This review originally posted at http://tjsbookblog.blogspot.com/

[Christopher Elsberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was an enjoyable read. Fowler does a good job making you think how religion would progress along with the advancements in science and technology. Why wouldn't angles and demons follow us off the planet? That was a good question running through my mind the whole time I read the book. If angels are there to protect us from the demons then logically demons would follow us to tempt us and then the angle to protect us. I'm excited for the sequel to come out later this year.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the synopsis but the story never took hold of me. It is well written, with only a few editing miscues, and I felt that I would eventually get into the flow of the narrative but that wasn't the case. It may well be that I've read too many sci-fi offerings in my time.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christian SF story with an interesting look at our future prospects as a people. LaMonte M. Fowler was a first time author with this book, so there are some rough patches, but it's well worth the read!

[David Baird · Rating 3 out of 5]

heavy on religion which isn't really my thing but a decent read. I would say it's more like a 3.5 out of 5. if like me you are not religious and read this book my advise is keep reading. it's a nice little story

[Mark Fisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

This was an entertaining read that kept me turning the page. The writing is strong with nods to classic sci-fi authors while maintaining his own identity.
Great job looks g forward to the next book.

[Jennifer]

I was paid in association with this book so I decline reviewing it.