What do you think?
Rate this book
Act I: Tinder and Tear
Magic is a near-forgotten memory, its appearance primarily relegated to embellished barroom tales and children’s bedtime stories. The world’s dragon population has been obliterated, long ago driven into extinction by the heroes of yesteryear. Yet, even without dragons, the world still remains one of danger, hardship, and oppression.
Dwarves have taken the highest seat in the social hierarchy, exploiting ogres and gremlins in their prosperous industrial cities as a cheap source of menial labor—a necessity that ensures their world-spanning empire’s continued stability. Most elves now live in exile, banished from civilized lands for their abuse of the arcane arts. Even the orcs are scarcely seen, their race doomed to a slow decline after the eradication of their dragon masters. For the wealthy bureaucrats that now rule the Dwarven Empire, the world is nearly the idyllic paradise envisioned ages ago.
Recently, however, human settlements have begun to appear inside dwarven territory. Many speculate a dwarven invasion of these settlements would have already begun if not for the threat of rare human women, nicknamed “flamedancers,” who inherently command the primal force of fire. It is rumored, though, that the dwarven factory-city of Rosary has developed a solution to this obstacle, and soon nothing—not even the flamedancers—will be able save humankind from destruction.
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Zero-Act...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-Zero-A...
Dwarves have taken the highest seat in the social hierarchy, exploiting ogres and gremlins in their prosperous industrial cities as a cheap source of menial labor—a necessity that ensures their world-spanning empire’s continued stability. Most elves now live in exile, banished from civilized lands for their abuse of the arcane arts. Even the orcs are scarcely seen, their race doomed to a slow decline after the eradication of their dragon masters. For the wealthy bureaucrats that now rule the Dwarven Empire, the world is nearly the idyllic paradise envisioned ages ago.
Recently, however, human settlements have begun to appear inside dwarven territory. Many speculate a dwarven invasion of these settlements would have already begun if not for the threat of rare human women, nicknamed “flamedancers,” who inherently command the primal force of fire. It is rumored, though, that the dwarven factory-city of Rosary has developed a solution to this obstacle, and soon nothing—not even the flamedancers—will be able save humankind from destruction.
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Zero-Act...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-Zero-A...
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2012
7 people want to read
About the author
Bert Barling
2 books2 followersBert Barling is a ham radio enthusiast, student of science, retired pumpkin farmer, and occasional writer. At one point in time, he was certified to give CPR and general first aid, but has since let the certification expire. It is unlikely that he will renew it. He also isn't actually a ham radio enthusiast, but still thinks they are "pretty darn neat."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 13, 2014
I enjoyed Act 1: Tinder and Tear. The fantasy story came with a few twists that I'd not come across before.
I enjoyed most of all, the story of the ogres. Grim and Tonn made a great team and I thoroughly enjoyed going along with them for the ride through their daily struggles, the brotherly bickering and love.
The plot was intricate, you followed a number of stories throughout the course of the book, always wondering when they'd cross paths. I liked the change in character point of view, it gave the reader a number of chances to bond with the characters. Some will prefer reading about Castor and his trek for medicine for his sister, while others, will enjoy reading about the dwarves. Others will bond most with young Raine and her strong will, independence and quick wits.
I enjoyed reading about Doc, he was a really likable character, one that I wanted to know more about. Actually that can be said for a number of the characters, but being book 1 in a series, I'm assuming we'll learn more about them as the books progress.
I didn't really like Castor very much. I'm not sure why. His reasons for travelling are realistic, he seems genuinely nice as a character, perhaps a little innocent, but certainly a decent person. I just didn't connect with him. Perhaps I need to know more about him and his sister.
Pacing wise, this book was just about perfect. Having plenty of action to keep the story flowing, and a few quieter moments to allow the reader (and the characters) to catch their breaths.
I didn't see any editing issues in this book - something that doesn't happen very often with independently published books!
I was left wondering about the elves and how they may or may not come into play down the track. I felt that death seemed to be brushed over a little quickly in a few places, which was a little weird - specifically one scene that should have been fairly gut-wrenching but it wasn't...(way to be cryptic!).
I want to know what happens, there's a lot of unanswered questions and a lot of stories that are going to be fused together in the coming story, I can just feel it. I just don't know how.
Also what was with that old woman!? I thought I'd stumbled into a weird paranormal/fantasy mixed genre... more information please!! Oh wait...
If I had to point out one bad thing about this book, it'd be that I now have to wait an undetermined amount of time for the next book in the series to be released.
If you like fantasy, good pacing and interwoven stories from a number of characters then you should pick this one up!
**NOTE: I was provided with an electronic copy of this story in return for an honest review**
I enjoyed most of all, the story of the ogres. Grim and Tonn made a great team and I thoroughly enjoyed going along with them for the ride through their daily struggles, the brotherly bickering and love.
The plot was intricate, you followed a number of stories throughout the course of the book, always wondering when they'd cross paths. I liked the change in character point of view, it gave the reader a number of chances to bond with the characters. Some will prefer reading about Castor and his trek for medicine for his sister, while others, will enjoy reading about the dwarves. Others will bond most with young Raine and her strong will, independence and quick wits.
I enjoyed reading about Doc, he was a really likable character, one that I wanted to know more about. Actually that can be said for a number of the characters, but being book 1 in a series, I'm assuming we'll learn more about them as the books progress.
I didn't really like Castor very much. I'm not sure why. His reasons for travelling are realistic, he seems genuinely nice as a character, perhaps a little innocent, but certainly a decent person. I just didn't connect with him. Perhaps I need to know more about him and his sister.
Pacing wise, this book was just about perfect. Having plenty of action to keep the story flowing, and a few quieter moments to allow the reader (and the characters) to catch their breaths.
I didn't see any editing issues in this book - something that doesn't happen very often with independently published books!
I was left wondering about the elves and how they may or may not come into play down the track. I felt that death seemed to be brushed over a little quickly in a few places, which was a little weird - specifically one scene that should have been fairly gut-wrenching but it wasn't...(way to be cryptic!).
I want to know what happens, there's a lot of unanswered questions and a lot of stories that are going to be fused together in the coming story, I can just feel it. I just don't know how.
Also what was with that old woman!? I thought I'd stumbled into a weird paranormal/fantasy mixed genre... more information please!! Oh wait...
If I had to point out one bad thing about this book, it'd be that I now have to wait an undetermined amount of time for the next book in the series to be released.
If you like fantasy, good pacing and interwoven stories from a number of characters then you should pick this one up!
**NOTE: I was provided with an electronic copy of this story in return for an honest review**
March 18, 2013
This was a good debut novel by Mr. Barling. He created a very interesting, intriguing fantasy world filled with dwarves, orcs, ogres, elves and humans.
Although the story seemed a little disjointed at times, jumping around from one set of races and circumstances to another, each subplot held its own enthrallment and enjoyment, and were obviously heading toward a common climax. Of course, not all of the threads were resolved completely or satisfactorily, as this is the first book in a series and presumably the next installment will resolve most, if not all, of the unanswered questions.
There were a few editorial issues with the book, but nothing major that took away from my enjoyment of the story.
I will definitely be checking out Mr. Barling's next book in the series.
Although the story seemed a little disjointed at times, jumping around from one set of races and circumstances to another, each subplot held its own enthrallment and enjoyment, and were obviously heading toward a common climax. Of course, not all of the threads were resolved completely or satisfactorily, as this is the first book in a series and presumably the next installment will resolve most, if not all, of the unanswered questions.
There were a few editorial issues with the book, but nothing major that took away from my enjoyment of the story.
I will definitely be checking out Mr. Barling's next book in the series.
March 24, 2013
Act I of Empire Zero is an entertaining read. Sometimes it's sad, sometimes it's exciting, but at all times it's well written.
The writing is concise and it moves quickly, but I did get a little lost in the different stories and the huge cast of characters. There was a lot going on in this book. I was drawn the most to the "Brother" story, which revolves around Castor. He's a young man on a mission, and I expect to see more of him.
A lot was left unresolved in all three main stories, which I assume was done on purpose since this is the first in a series. However, the quality of the writing is strong even if the plot is a little messy. I'll stick with the series for sure.
The writing is concise and it moves quickly, but I did get a little lost in the different stories and the huge cast of characters. There was a lot going on in this book. I was drawn the most to the "Brother" story, which revolves around Castor. He's a young man on a mission, and I expect to see more of him.
A lot was left unresolved in all three main stories, which I assume was done on purpose since this is the first in a series. However, the quality of the writing is strong even if the plot is a little messy. I'll stick with the series for sure.
November 9, 2012
Enjoyable read, got it at Smashwords after a promotion by the author at MobileRead forums. A good first book, good world building, explores some interesting ideas. It uses the archetypal fantasy races in interesting ways
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews