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Dread Empire's Fall #3.5
Investments
This short novel takes place in the universe of Walter Jon Williams’ Dread Empire’s Fall series.
Three years after the Naxid war, Lord Gareth Martinez has accepted a meaningless post as Inspector General of Chee, a newly-settled world. Intending nothing more than a pleasant vacation with his family, Martinez first discovers corruption among the contractors engaged to develop Chee, but then finds something far more dangerous--- a literal cosmic menace that threatens to wipe out all life on the planet
Three years after the Naxid war, Lord Gareth Martinez has accepted a meaningless post as Inspector General of Chee, a newly-settled world. Intending nothing more than a pleasant vacation with his family, Martinez first discovers corruption among the contractors engaged to develop Chee, but then finds something far more dangerous--- a literal cosmic menace that threatens to wipe out all life on the planet
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2012
49 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Walter Jon Williams
238 books894 followersWalter Jon Williams has published twenty novels and short fiction collections. Most are science fiction or fantasy -Hardwired, Voice of the Whirlwind, Aristoi, Metropolitan, City on Fire to name just a few - a few are historical adventures, and the most recent, The Rift, is a disaster novel in which "I just basically pound a part of the planet down to bedrock." And that's just the opening chapters. Walter holds a fourth-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, and also enjoys sailing and scuba diving. He lives in New Mexico with his wife, Kathy Hedges.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 20, 2023
A very good short novel. Recommended.
September 24, 2020
Reread of this first-rate novella set after the end of the first Praxis trilogy. It holds up well, and I'd forgotten many of the details. I first read it in the Dozois Year's Best #22 (2005), and read the revised ebook edition this time. The author explains that, with deadline pressures, he never got a chance to do a final edit, so the ebook is his preferred version. He gives some interesting story details here: http://www.walterjonwilliams.net/2012...
Such as, when he asked a physicist to check his antimatter subplot:
“Well,” one of them said dubiously, “you’re going to need enough antimatter to fill an aircraft carrier.”
“Hah!” I said triumphantly. “And I know just where to get it!”
I liked the details of the planet Laredo, Lord Gareth Martinez'a homeworld, which work in lots of stuff from the author's New Mexico homeland. Note that this isn't really a standalone, but this isn't a hardship as the first Praxis trilogy is a very good read. Recommended reading.
Such as, when he asked a physicist to check his antimatter subplot:
“Well,” one of them said dubiously, “you’re going to need enough antimatter to fill an aircraft carrier.”
“Hah!” I said triumphantly. “And I know just where to get it!”
I liked the details of the planet Laredo, Lord Gareth Martinez'a homeworld, which work in lots of stuff from the author's New Mexico homeland. Note that this isn't really a standalone, but this isn't a hardship as the first Praxis trilogy is a very good read. Recommended reading.
July 23, 2014
Investments (originally published in a less polished form in an anthology - see the author's explanation http://www.walterjonwilliams.net/2012... ) was first read by me pretty much on original publication and in-between the 2nd and the 3rd (delayed) Dread Empire novel; I wanted to have it in standalone form so i bought the ebook on recent reissue and I re-read the novella and greatly enjoyed it again.
Investments is set a few years after the end of the first Dread Empire's trilogy, though it is not likely the series will get continued as it was not that successful in the market and the 3rd volume was almost dropped being finally published with a delay - which is a pity as I really liked the trilogy, especially volumes 1/2, volume 3 was a competent ending but I think showed a little the fact that the series got cancelled -
There was great promise in the universe with the first trilogy just scratching the surface and i really wish the author would write more in the series and go independently.
The novella continues the story of one of the main two characters of the series, presents a good overview of what its universe is about (an aristocratic multi-species/multi-planet future universe in the shadow of very powerful but now all dead aliens that created the society, while the trilogy deals with the fallout from the death of the last such) and offers a part space opera, part mystery, part hard sf tale.
Most of the characters' dynamic has more meaning if you read the original trilogy (eg the rivalry between the two Martinez brothers and the relationship between Gareth and his wife Terza), but even if not, the novella is quite enjoyable on its own and makes for a good introduction to both the author's writing style and to the Praxis universe.
Highly recommended - also I will note that you can check about 20% of it for free on Smashwords
Investments is set a few years after the end of the first Dread Empire's trilogy, though it is not likely the series will get continued as it was not that successful in the market and the 3rd volume was almost dropped being finally published with a delay - which is a pity as I really liked the trilogy, especially volumes 1/2, volume 3 was a competent ending but I think showed a little the fact that the series got cancelled -
There was great promise in the universe with the first trilogy just scratching the surface and i really wish the author would write more in the series and go independently.
The novella continues the story of one of the main two characters of the series, presents a good overview of what its universe is about (an aristocratic multi-species/multi-planet future universe in the shadow of very powerful but now all dead aliens that created the society, while the trilogy deals with the fallout from the death of the last such) and offers a part space opera, part mystery, part hard sf tale.
Most of the characters' dynamic has more meaning if you read the original trilogy (eg the rivalry between the two Martinez brothers and the relationship between Gareth and his wife Terza), but even if not, the novella is quite enjoyable on its own and makes for a good introduction to both the author's writing style and to the Praxis universe.
Highly recommended - also I will note that you can check about 20% of it for free on Smashwords
April 12, 2019
A very satisfactory short story that resumes several years after the end of the Praxis War. This is NOT meant to be read as a stand alone, you will need to have read the Dread Empire's Fall series. If you haven't done so, I recommend the books. Very enjoyable series.
Investments gives the reader a glimpse of what has become of Gareth Martinez since the end of the war. We are introduced to his wife, his family and given a closer look at his societal standing outside of the military. I enjoyed the plot and light suspense that came with it. It's been several years and then some since I've read the first three books, and I had NO trouble picking up and remembering who is whom. Just enough reminders to jiggle the brain cells but not bog down the story arc.
Recommended if you've read the Dread Empires Fall.
Investments gives the reader a glimpse of what has become of Gareth Martinez since the end of the war. We are introduced to his wife, his family and given a closer look at his societal standing outside of the military. I enjoyed the plot and light suspense that came with it. It's been several years and then some since I've read the first three books, and I had NO trouble picking up and remembering who is whom. Just enough reminders to jiggle the brain cells but not bog down the story arc.
Recommended if you've read the Dread Empires Fall.
August 5, 2019
This is short novella set in the same universe as the Dread Empire's Fall series, which I've been rereading and reviewing on Goodreads. Although it's interesting on its own, you'll probably want to skip wait if you haven't read the original trilogy (which you should).
Lord Captain Gareth Martinez, unable to land a posting of significance due to showing up a superior during the Naxid war, has grown tired of being the trophy husband of his rich wife. He requests a posting overseeing naval affairs at Chee, a newly-settled world under the patronage of his family.
There's no daring space combat to be found in this story. Martinez ends up uncovering corporate graft during an unusual solar event that threatens to fry Chee with X-rays.
If you like William's writing and characters, you'll enjoy seeing how their relationships move forward in this novella. He also picks up the story of Lt. Severin, a minor character who ingeniously saved the empire in the first series by moving a wormhole.
For a space opera/sci-fi novel, I've found Williams has a great ability to craft whodunits and mysteries in which his characters dive through clues and figure out what's going on. This is another take on that idea.
Lord Captain Gareth Martinez, unable to land a posting of significance due to showing up a superior during the Naxid war, has grown tired of being the trophy husband of his rich wife. He requests a posting overseeing naval affairs at Chee, a newly-settled world under the patronage of his family.
There's no daring space combat to be found in this story. Martinez ends up uncovering corporate graft during an unusual solar event that threatens to fry Chee with X-rays.
If you like William's writing and characters, you'll enjoy seeing how their relationships move forward in this novella. He also picks up the story of Lt. Severin, a minor character who ingeniously saved the empire in the first series by moving a wormhole.
For a space opera/sci-fi novel, I've found Williams has a great ability to craft whodunits and mysteries in which his characters dive through clues and figure out what's going on. This is another take on that idea.
November 29, 2016
Immensely satisfying yarn, masterfully conceived and expertly delivered. Fascinating science-fiction adventure of the highest calibre, with great characters and a truly adult plot. And so much fun. The cover sucks: the author did well in having Impersonations produced professionally by Tor.com. I liked Investments better than Impersonations and I liked Impersonations a lot. I thought Sula wouldn't appear, but she actually merits a not so subtle reference.
I haven't read any of the books of the trilogy and I think I'll first go through the short stories and novellas; I've very much enjoyed what I've read so far.
(On Royal Air Maroc flight AT 265 between Casablanca and Kinshasa, on the dawn of the 28th November, somewhere over the mother continent.)
I haven't read any of the books of the trilogy and I think I'll first go through the short stories and novellas; I've very much enjoyed what I've read so far.
(On Royal Air Maroc flight AT 265 between Casablanca and Kinshasa, on the dawn of the 28th November, somewhere over the mother continent.)
September 29, 2018
Investments is a nice codicil to Walter Jon William's Dread Empire's Fall trilogy, taking place just a few years after the end of Conventions of War. It continues the story of Martinez and reintroduces us to the unconventional thinker, Severin. Lots of intrigue, political maneuvering, danger, and action. Quite enjoyable.
Update: Even better on a re-read. And now I am ready for The Accidental War.
Update: Even better on a re-read. And now I am ready for The Accidental War.
May 9, 2019
This is a fun little tidbit of a story. It's an amuse bouche. Light, quick. Not a meal, but a snack. You see characters you like, having a little adventure. Worth the read. I read it as the final Short Story, in The Years Best Science Fiction, 22nd Edition. Don't buy this as it's own book, if you can avoid it.
February 28, 2021
We find our hero at his wits end because he has been shipped to the end of the known universe to be an imperial inspector. The problem for Lord Gareth is that there is nothing to do because this is his home system and all around him are his family. He spends most of his times being invited to balls and parties that he must attend as a member of the ruling family. He is happy with his wife and son but longs for some adventure, when his wife announces she is pregnant again, he knows he won't be allowed to go anywhere.
Lucky for him his former lieutenant is now the second in command of a survey ship that is about to go out through some new wormholes that have been discovered near the two planets that his family was allowed to settle. Should these new wormholes lead to new galaxies that can be exploited, he family could have come into a 'goldmine' of resources not to mention control of the only transportation hubs of the new area.
But survey runs into a problem that cannot only destroy everything in the new solar system but that will also threaten the new planets that Gareth's family is trying to exploit.
Lucky for him his former lieutenant is now the second in command of a survey ship that is about to go out through some new wormholes that have been discovered near the two planets that his family was allowed to settle. Should these new wormholes lead to new galaxies that can be exploited, he family could have come into a 'goldmine' of resources not to mention control of the only transportation hubs of the new area.
But survey runs into a problem that cannot only destroy everything in the new solar system but that will also threaten the new planets that Gareth's family is trying to exploit.
June 5, 2024
As I wrote about Walter Jon Williams' other Dread Empire's Fall novella, I think that these two are the bee's knees.
Investments, like Impersonations, focuses on one of the two key characters in the Praxis series. Where the novels plot the two in intersecting orbits, these individuated novels draw out their relationships with others while exploring their interim status in the broader plot. Very pleasingly, the characters stand up this this scrutiny and benefit from the focus. The effect enhances the verisimilitude of the series universe while developing the plot in ways that a focused novel would perhaps have trouble with. Oh - and not incidentally - you can read it all in a sitting, which is always a lovely experience.
In any case, I am here for it! More of these kind of novellas, please!
Investments, like Impersonations, focuses on one of the two key characters in the Praxis series. Where the novels plot the two in intersecting orbits, these individuated novels draw out their relationships with others while exploring their interim status in the broader plot. Very pleasingly, the characters stand up this this scrutiny and benefit from the focus. The effect enhances the verisimilitude of the series universe while developing the plot in ways that a focused novel would perhaps have trouble with. Oh - and not incidentally - you can read it all in a sitting, which is always a lovely experience.
In any case, I am here for it! More of these kind of novellas, please!
July 29, 2021
Investments (Dread Empire's Fall #3.5)
by Walter Jon Williams
a short story sublimating the Dread empires fall, after the events Conventions of war. The development of the first new colony is fraught with danger from within and without. The story gives another shade of reality. It is amazing how detailed a hundred page story can add to the over all story of the Dread empire. The book is supplemented with stickpin, another 10 page story adding to the Conventions of war, showing the oppressive nature of Naxid control of Zashaa.
by Walter Jon Williams
a short story sublimating the Dread empires fall, after the events Conventions of war. The development of the first new colony is fraught with danger from within and without. The story gives another shade of reality. It is amazing how detailed a hundred page story can add to the over all story of the Dread empire. The book is supplemented with stickpin, another 10 page story adding to the Conventions of war, showing the oppressive nature of Naxid control of Zashaa.
July 24, 2022
This is a wonderful short that returns us to the world of the Praxis universe by Walter Jon Williams. I read a quote by the authors of The Expanse novels that the Praxis novels by Williams were a major influence on their books. This one concerns Lord Gareth Martinez, who, for defying orders in the prior war, despite winning it, is assigned to a backwater post on a backwater world. As Inspector he immediately spots graft and corruption and begins, along with his amazing wife Terza and stalwart brother Roland, cleaning up the place. His efforts are rapidly overshadowed by a new, existential threat from the universe, and the resolution of these two issues twines together well and makes for a very fun, quick read.
June 13, 2021
Apparently I missed one of these interstitial novellas from what I have called 'Horatio Hornblower in space'.
A very entertaining diversion this was. Whilst it involved the less interesting (imo) protagonist of the series to date, it was a sound tale of early colonial corruption with a nice whopping big astrophysical 'you what????' in the middle of it.
There was also a nice build up of a previously little used side character.
Again, I recommend this stuff as 'brain in neutral entertainment'.
A very entertaining diversion this was. Whilst it involved the less interesting (imo) protagonist of the series to date, it was a sound tale of early colonial corruption with a nice whopping big astrophysical 'you what????' in the middle of it.
There was also a nice build up of a previously little used side character.
Again, I recommend this stuff as 'brain in neutral entertainment'.
March 26, 2019
Una novelita corta para mantener el interés en el universo creado por el autor. Es una especie de escena post-creditos. Poco desarrollada y esquemática en ocasiones, da la sensación de ser una idea descartada para una obra mayor.
October 14, 2019
Took me a little bit to get into this novella as it's been years since I read the original trilogy. Had to relearn some of the relationships, but I enjoyed the original enough that is was easy enough.
February 22, 2020
I like this a lot. I'm fond of standalone novellas set in the world of "big" trilogies. The Praxis series is well-written "hard" science fiction. Well-paced with engaging (if not quite likeable) characters and just plain fun to read.
December 1, 2022
Great little novela in a great series
Another great addition to Dread Empires Fall. Lovely to see a favourite minor character get the development they deserve. Looking forward to the next one.
Another great addition to Dread Empires Fall. Lovely to see a favourite minor character get the development they deserve. Looking forward to the next one.
October 7, 2025
A sharp little side story set in the same universe. Compact, well-paced, and showcasing WJW’s strengths—tight military logic, competent prose, and a believable political setting. It doesn’t move the larger narrative much, but it enriches the world. A good palate cleanser before the next arc.
June 15, 2017
Another fun, cute, but ultimately lightweight story from the Dread Empire universe. More slight reading for public transit, and as such succeeds admirably.
November 3, 2018
I really liked Investments. I liked the hard science fiction elements, the realistic characters, the dialogue, the pacing, and the ending. Five stars.
December 26, 2020
A very quick read....interesting to say the least. Definitely adds depth to the Martinez-Chen marriage along with exploring Severin’s character (tertiary character in main series). I enjoyed it.
March 14, 2021
I liked this quick little story. My only problem was the formatting from Nook was atrocious.
June 2, 2022
Good future world investment crime with a bit of technology and a bit of Military Doctrine thrown in.
March 4, 2023
4.0 Stars
Want to read
April 21, 2024part of the book Between Worlds
Robert Silverberg (Editor),
Robert Silverberg (Editor),
March 24, 2015
This is a short novella set in the Praxis/Dread Empire's Fall universe. It doesn't provide substantial additional background information about that universe, so don't pick it up looking for that. However if you are looking for a nice, self-contained story about Gareth Martinez, his bride, and some political and economic intrigue on a brand new colony world of the Praxis, you'll enjoy this.
April 11, 2014
Nice quick read. A novella following after the events of the Dread Empire's Fall series featuring Lord Gareth on his homeworld Laredo. A tense game of tingo, a space accident, a fraud investigation and a threat to a new colony world... Fun space opera.
September 12, 2018
A novella in the Praxis universe. A minor part, but still fun. Williams is great at setting a mystery and having his characters puzzle it out, and this is a pretty fun one. If you like the Praxis books, this is a fun but inessential part of it.
November 27, 2012
Short story in a good series.
July 20, 2013
well I am still waiting for a follow up full length story in the Dread empire universe but it was fun to revisit some of the characters on this short story, which Williams teases us with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews