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EVE #2
Templar One
“There will be neither compassion nor mercy;Nor peace, nor solaceFor those who bear witness to these SignsAnd still do not believe."Book of Reclaiming 25:10 New the celestial battleground of a catastrophic war that has claimed countless lives.The immortal starship captains spearheading this epic conflict continue their unstoppable dominance, shaping the universe to their will and ensuring a bloody, everlasting stalemate.But a powerful empire is on the verge of a breakthrough that could end the war and secure their rule over mankind forever. For deep in a prison reclamation camp, a secret program is underway...one that will unlock dangerous secrets of New Eden’s past.It all begins with inmate 487980-A . . . Templar One.Prepare for DUST 514 .
464 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
49 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Tony Gonzales
6 books25 followersUS author and games designer working for CCP Games in Reykjavik, Iceland, creators of the EVE Online (2003) multi-player Space Sim game. Having written two on-line novellas using the game's far-future galactic background, Gonzalez made his novel debut with EVE: The Empyrean Age (2008), vigorously deploying many stock sf devices (including Amnesia) in its depiction of the brewing and waging of Future War between the four major game factions. Set in an independent universe, The Tabit Genesis (2015) depicts, in a narrative shot through with action-oriented set pieces, a fight for survival by Homo sapiens on several colonized planets long after Earth itself has died.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 9, 2017
My husband tried for a time to convince me to play EVE, the futuristic massive multiplayer online game about corporate space intrigue, piracy and politics. I couldn’t get beyond the whole “spreadsheets in space” concept of the game. When the company released Dust 514, the console version, we briefly considered having me serve as his ground forces, but ultimately, his interest in EVE crashed and burned and mine failed to launch in the first place.
Still, his talk about the game itself did intrigue me enough to pick up this audiobook from the library, and it helped me make it through some of the technical aspects, such as the various classes of ships, the drones and, most importantly, the cloning process, which is taken to a whole new level in Templar One. That background was certainly an advantage for me, but I think the book could hold up on its own without it.
The blurb explains that war has reached a new level with the introduction of the cloning process, but it fails to give any depth to the concept beyond the trauma of repeated death. At the point where the story takes place, cloning technology already exists and many of the characters make use of it. The key to Templar One is that a new breed of clones has been introduced, one that is advanced well beyond the ones already in play, and relies on the deletion of the subject's past life. Once you know that, it should become obvious that all this is leading up to said subject remembering his past life and questioning his purpose. This is exactly what happens about half way through the book, but it's also at that point that it finally dawned on me that Templar One isn't merely the subject matter, but the main character.
And therein lies the major problem. There are a tonne of characters in this story and almost every one of them gets airtime to the point where I could not tell them apart. They were each unique and interesting, but not enough time was spent with any of them to make the choice to have so many points of view worthwhile. Some characters even appeared for only a moment during battles, with entire pages dedicated to their POVs, only to have them die by the end of the section.
The story delves deeply – very deeply – into the political and corporate machinations that shape this universe, as well as the mysterious history upon which the universe is based. There is a lot going on, but I was mostly able to follow along. It is actually very well written with exceptional dialogue, characterization, action and descriptions, but the constantly changing characters some how failed to work overall.
Though ultimately not enough to get me to play the game, I was still very impressed with the level of detail that went into the lore.
See more reviews at The BiblioSanctum
Still, his talk about the game itself did intrigue me enough to pick up this audiobook from the library, and it helped me make it through some of the technical aspects, such as the various classes of ships, the drones and, most importantly, the cloning process, which is taken to a whole new level in Templar One. That background was certainly an advantage for me, but I think the book could hold up on its own without it.
The blurb explains that war has reached a new level with the introduction of the cloning process, but it fails to give any depth to the concept beyond the trauma of repeated death. At the point where the story takes place, cloning technology already exists and many of the characters make use of it. The key to Templar One is that a new breed of clones has been introduced, one that is advanced well beyond the ones already in play, and relies on the deletion of the subject's past life. Once you know that, it should become obvious that all this is leading up to said subject remembering his past life and questioning his purpose. This is exactly what happens about half way through the book, but it's also at that point that it finally dawned on me that Templar One isn't merely the subject matter, but the main character.
And therein lies the major problem. There are a tonne of characters in this story and almost every one of them gets airtime to the point where I could not tell them apart. They were each unique and interesting, but not enough time was spent with any of them to make the choice to have so many points of view worthwhile. Some characters even appeared for only a moment during battles, with entire pages dedicated to their POVs, only to have them die by the end of the section.
The story delves deeply – very deeply – into the political and corporate machinations that shape this universe, as well as the mysterious history upon which the universe is based. There is a lot going on, but I was mostly able to follow along. It is actually very well written with exceptional dialogue, characterization, action and descriptions, but the constantly changing characters some how failed to work overall.
Though ultimately not enough to get me to play the game, I was still very impressed with the level of detail that went into the lore.
See more reviews at The BiblioSanctum
October 9, 2018
Three stars, maybe stretch to 3 1/2.
The writing itself was superb, the broad sweep and depth of imagination flawless, the battle scenes breathtaking. I could invest myself well in each scene. Individually. But that was the problem. For much of the story I felt I was taking in entirely disjointed scenes - like a series of movie trailers that never connected together into a coherent story.
Through the first hundred pages, I felt I was drowning in character soup. To be sure, this is a complex web of plots and intrigues, with many players pursuing their own agendas. I don't expect it to be easy, but nor do I expect the author to go out of his way to obfuscate who's who and where's where.
I think I came unstuck because so many people and place names were trisyllabic strings of random-seeming letters, that they all quickly blended into each other. Between the various factions (an empire, a federation, a republic, plus sundry others) I could not for the life of me keep track of which character and which location belonged to which faction. When the federation attacked the republic (or was it the other way around?) I didn't know whether to shudder or cheer. The only ones I could track with any certainty were those with distinctive names that elevated them above the trisyllabic background clutter - such as Vince, Gable, Jonas, and the planet of Pike's Landing. This made the story exceptionally hard to follow ... much harder than it need have been.
The writing itself was superb, the broad sweep and depth of imagination flawless, the battle scenes breathtaking. I could invest myself well in each scene. Individually. But that was the problem. For much of the story I felt I was taking in entirely disjointed scenes - like a series of movie trailers that never connected together into a coherent story.
Through the first hundred pages, I felt I was drowning in character soup. To be sure, this is a complex web of plots and intrigues, with many players pursuing their own agendas. I don't expect it to be easy, but nor do I expect the author to go out of his way to obfuscate who's who and where's where.
I think I came unstuck because so many people and place names were trisyllabic strings of random-seeming letters, that they all quickly blended into each other. Between the various factions (an empire, a federation, a republic, plus sundry others) I could not for the life of me keep track of which character and which location belonged to which faction. When the federation attacked the republic (or was it the other way around?) I didn't know whether to shudder or cheer. The only ones I could track with any certainty were those with distinctive names that elevated them above the trisyllabic background clutter - such as Vince, Gable, Jonas, and the planet of Pike's Landing. This made the story exceptionally hard to follow ... much harder than it need have been.
June 1, 2012
It's kind of hard to picture EVE The Game meshing with EVE The Novels, since The Game is known for the "bad behavior" of it's players, while The Novels feature characters who are respectful, even in war. But that's what I enjoy so much about these books: they breath life into a world known only for it's controversies.
I didn't know at first that this was a continuation of The Empyrean Age, because it's been so long since I read that one that I didn't recognize the characters. Like TEA, Templar One was written and released to coincide with a major game update. For TEA, it was Apocrypha and the appearance of "w-space" and the Sleepers. For Templar One, we learn the back story of just how DUST 514 begins to fit into the EVE universe.
I haven't read a sci-fi war story like this one since the early BattleTech books, where the characterizations manage to shine through the level of technical name-dropping that's absolutely required for the work to earn it's cred as a tie-in. Gonzales either has an army of EVE lore scholars feeding him authentic sounding intel, or he's a sci-fi tech writing genius, able to mix imagery and technobabble in equal measure without it sounding forced and over-the-top.
It's been quite a while since I've played EVE, and while I recognize many of the organization, ship, and place names, there were a lot more that just went over my head, so I don't think one needs to be a fan of EVE to get something out of this book. Gonzales does a great job of explaining what you need to know in just the right way so even if you can't put a name to a pixel, you still know that seeing a titan warp into the sector is Really Bad News.
I didn't know at first that this was a continuation of The Empyrean Age, because it's been so long since I read that one that I didn't recognize the characters. Like TEA, Templar One was written and released to coincide with a major game update. For TEA, it was Apocrypha and the appearance of "w-space" and the Sleepers. For Templar One, we learn the back story of just how DUST 514 begins to fit into the EVE universe.
I haven't read a sci-fi war story like this one since the early BattleTech books, where the characterizations manage to shine through the level of technical name-dropping that's absolutely required for the work to earn it's cred as a tie-in. Gonzales either has an army of EVE lore scholars feeding him authentic sounding intel, or he's a sci-fi tech writing genius, able to mix imagery and technobabble in equal measure without it sounding forced and over-the-top.
It's been quite a while since I've played EVE, and while I recognize many of the organization, ship, and place names, there were a lot more that just went over my head, so I don't think one needs to be a fan of EVE to get something out of this book. Gonzales does a great job of explaining what you need to know in just the right way so even if you can't put a name to a pixel, you still know that seeing a titan warp into the sector is Really Bad News.
March 8, 2012
This is the continuation of Empyerian Age. Despite the amount of time that passes between the two books this picks up with the same people that we left off with in Empyerian age, we are missing a few characters but for the most part the story keeps on.
The Great Powers of New Eden are attempting to move the technology of the Empyerian Age into ground troops (yes the basis for Dust514) we have immortal pilots, now to have immortal soldiers to put an end to wars by having an army that will not die.
What will it take and what is the cost to move people into the realm of Immortality without the mass of star spanning ships sending their minds into new clones? What in the end is the cost of this new technology and what lengths will people go to get a hold of it?
It is very intriguing story of the ongoing conflict between the 4 great empires of New Eden and adding in a few of the fringe groups and the complications of going against CONCORD.
The Great Powers of New Eden are attempting to move the technology of the Empyerian Age into ground troops (yes the basis for Dust514) we have immortal pilots, now to have immortal soldiers to put an end to wars by having an army that will not die.
What will it take and what is the cost to move people into the realm of Immortality without the mass of star spanning ships sending their minds into new clones? What in the end is the cost of this new technology and what lengths will people go to get a hold of it?
It is very intriguing story of the ongoing conflict between the 4 great empires of New Eden and adding in a few of the fringe groups and the complications of going against CONCORD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2019
I’m a bit late to the party, but here’s my dumb opinion on this book based off a video game I’ve never played:
I genuinely enjoyed this book. A lot. And it’s been a while since I’ve stumbled upon a book that was able to capture my attention from beginning to end. In fact, I had to pace myself, knowing that if I didn’t, I would just read it all in one sitting. Heck, I even chose to do this book in a book talk presentation for my English class, and for once in my life I felt slightly less stressed about public speaking.
I picked this book up from Goodwill in perfect condition, for only 4 bucks. Honestly, it’s probably the best 4 bucks I’ve ever spent. The summary intrigued me, and the prologue really sold it for me. By the time I had read through the prologue, au had already frantically searched the book up, learned it was from a video game, and hastily ordered the other 2 books in the same universe.
Templar One does an amazing job at intertwining the science fiction aspect of the book so that it’s smooth and not completely overdone, or maybe I’m just a big nerd that likes to read about cloning technology and space crafts. Things are described in a way that makes me genuinely believe that, hell yeah, some day we could in fact reach this kind of technology. Though, it can get a bit spotty sometimes, cause I feel like the author sort of assumes we already know most of the terminology regarding immortal battleship captains and cloning technology, but it wasn’t too big of a hurdle to leap over and I caught on pretty quickly.
The author’s writing style really resonated within me as well, and it still leaves me with some rather memorable quotes including; “Given the confines of my exile, insanity is surprisingly fleeting.” and other rather fun tidbits such as, “I waited impatiently for the termination of my life.” It’s a strange balance of dark humor and business men in suits or mercenaries in full battle gear, but it works. Templar One doesn’t spend pages describing the vast expanses of space everything takes place in, but it describes things in concise ways that paint swirling galaxies behind my eyelids anyways. Maybe it’s just my rather vivid imagination, but the writing style the author utilizes only feeds my daydreams.
The characters were pretty well written as well, I’d like to think. I would almost say it’s borderline realistic fiction, purely because the characters are written so well, and the political as well as economic factors tied into the events that take place in the book. There’s a plethora of boardroom disagreements, internal conflicts, blackmail, sabotage, and deceit sprinkled all throughout the interactions the different mega-corporations or empires have with each other, and the best part of the book really, was reading about these characters. The book switches POVs every chapter, and a large part of the reason why I chose to give this book 4 stars instead of 5 was mostly because how it was slightly confusing to keep up with them at times, and a lot of the times I feel like a few of the characters weren’t really necessary for the plot to advance. But in the end, really enjoyed reading about their dynamics and how their individual plot lines slowly intersected into one. It was interesting to see how the author was finally able to tie the story altogether in an albeit bumpy knot.
Of course, you probably won’t like this book if you don’t enjoy rather gorey scenes of battle and death and what-not, and large portions of the book are dependent are a few of these scenes to drive it forward, though I will admit it felt a bit overdone at times.
As someone who has never heard of EVE Online before I had picked up this book, this book was honestly jarring to the point where it’s always lingering in a distant portion of my mind. Perhaps these are just the ramblings of a sci-fi nerd, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes to dabble in fictional wars and space.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. A lot. And it’s been a while since I’ve stumbled upon a book that was able to capture my attention from beginning to end. In fact, I had to pace myself, knowing that if I didn’t, I would just read it all in one sitting. Heck, I even chose to do this book in a book talk presentation for my English class, and for once in my life I felt slightly less stressed about public speaking.
I picked this book up from Goodwill in perfect condition, for only 4 bucks. Honestly, it’s probably the best 4 bucks I’ve ever spent. The summary intrigued me, and the prologue really sold it for me. By the time I had read through the prologue, au had already frantically searched the book up, learned it was from a video game, and hastily ordered the other 2 books in the same universe.
Templar One does an amazing job at intertwining the science fiction aspect of the book so that it’s smooth and not completely overdone, or maybe I’m just a big nerd that likes to read about cloning technology and space crafts. Things are described in a way that makes me genuinely believe that, hell yeah, some day we could in fact reach this kind of technology. Though, it can get a bit spotty sometimes, cause I feel like the author sort of assumes we already know most of the terminology regarding immortal battleship captains and cloning technology, but it wasn’t too big of a hurdle to leap over and I caught on pretty quickly.
The author’s writing style really resonated within me as well, and it still leaves me with some rather memorable quotes including; “Given the confines of my exile, insanity is surprisingly fleeting.” and other rather fun tidbits such as, “I waited impatiently for the termination of my life.” It’s a strange balance of dark humor and business men in suits or mercenaries in full battle gear, but it works. Templar One doesn’t spend pages describing the vast expanses of space everything takes place in, but it describes things in concise ways that paint swirling galaxies behind my eyelids anyways. Maybe it’s just my rather vivid imagination, but the writing style the author utilizes only feeds my daydreams.
The characters were pretty well written as well, I’d like to think. I would almost say it’s borderline realistic fiction, purely because the characters are written so well, and the political as well as economic factors tied into the events that take place in the book. There’s a plethora of boardroom disagreements, internal conflicts, blackmail, sabotage, and deceit sprinkled all throughout the interactions the different mega-corporations or empires have with each other, and the best part of the book really, was reading about these characters. The book switches POVs every chapter, and a large part of the reason why I chose to give this book 4 stars instead of 5 was mostly because how it was slightly confusing to keep up with them at times, and a lot of the times I feel like a few of the characters weren’t really necessary for the plot to advance. But in the end, really enjoyed reading about their dynamics and how their individual plot lines slowly intersected into one. It was interesting to see how the author was finally able to tie the story altogether in an albeit bumpy knot.
Of course, you probably won’t like this book if you don’t enjoy rather gorey scenes of battle and death and what-not, and large portions of the book are dependent are a few of these scenes to drive it forward, though I will admit it felt a bit overdone at times.
As someone who has never heard of EVE Online before I had picked up this book, this book was honestly jarring to the point where it’s always lingering in a distant portion of my mind. Perhaps these are just the ramblings of a sci-fi nerd, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone that likes to dabble in fictional wars and space.
April 13, 2020
I had borrowed this book from the local library simply because almost all my Youtube ads were of EVE's online multiverse and I had pretty much had enough of it. What I did not know was that this was the second book of the EVE series which left me a confused mess up until the middle of the book. There are a lot of characters, places, terms and it does get confusing and doesn't seem to correlate with each other until almost the end. I did give up reading the book several times but the quarantine kept me from abandoning it completely. I wouldn't call it a fun read, because I was reminded of too much physics, though mostly fictional, it was interesting. Personally I wouldn't be continuing this series, not a bad book though.
March 15, 2018
Didn't finish it. I think the common fallacy of many Sci-Fi books is trying to explain all their non-standard concepts to every detail as well as document the locations, names etc extensively. However trying to listen to such a book is boring as hell. I managed a good third of it I think until I gave up and asked Audible for a refund.
August 20, 2021
I just couldn't get into this - too many characters, insufficiently differentiated, and none of them that interesting. DNF
It was only when I went on the Goodreads site that I realised that this is a sequel, but I don't think I'll bother with The Empyrian Age.
It was only when I went on the Goodreads site that I realised that this is a sequel, but I don't think I'll bother with The Empyrian Age.
March 12, 2022
Want more
Why no follow up? I love these novels, keep the story going. A+++++. Okay it says I need more words.
Why no follow up? I love these novels, keep the story going. A+++++. Okay it says I need more words.
June 20, 2023
Not as good as the first book in my opinion, but another great eve story with a epic ending.
July 20, 2021
Following some of the key characters from his first novel, EVE: The Empyrean Age , Tony Gonzales once again embarks on an epic journey expanding the EVE universe, the largest science fiction massive multiplayer online game. This publication will tie into EVE's first expansion into console gaming.
"There will be neither compassion nor mercy;
Nor peace, nor solace
For those who bear witness to these Signs
And still do not believe."
Book of Reclaiming 25:10
New Eden: the celestial battleground of a catastrophic war that has claimed countless lives.
The immortal starship captains spearheading this epic conflict continue their unstoppable dominance, shaping the universe to their will and ensuring a bloody, everlasting stalemate.
But a powerful empire is on the verge of a breakthrough that could end the war and secure their rule over mankind forever. For deep in a prison reclamation camp, a secret program is underway...one that will unlock dangerous secrets of New Eden's past.
It all begins with inmate 487980-A . . . Templar One.
Prepare for DUST 514 .
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
September 6, 2019
This is a well written book with a great plot 🧐
November 24, 2011
The empires of the Eve universe are at war. Whether it is a direct and obvious shoot-on-site, or a more subversive one that uses treaties and negotiations to hide their true agendas. They are all competing to see who will rule New Eden.
The starship captains who are "immortal" already take deadly amounts of lives. Why should they shy from battle, when death means nothing to them? In an instant they are in a clone body, memories intact ready to go to war for their respective home worlds once again. But now the Amarr have discovered a way to make their soldiers immortal as well. They believe their warriors will will their holy crusade, but is all hell about to break lose?
I had been looking forward to reading this one since I saw it listed in the Goodreads giveaway, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. This is pure science fiction. I'm not going to say I understood every teeny, tiny technical word of how everything in the story worked, but that is more my failing then the authors. (My eyes sometimes glaze over when technical things are explained, especially when the technology doesn't even exist. As long as it all makes sense to some extent I'm happy and don't try to figure out if it would be possible outside of the book's universe.) To me the story is more important then if I can build my own spaceship from the technical specs that I've gleaned from the story, and Gonzales world and story drew me in and held me captive. I was sad when it ended if only because I kept wanting to read more!(Fortunately for me, while this is the newest by Gonzales, there are others out there by him that take place in his EVE universe, so I can content myself with those until the next book comes out.) Even though this is not the first book in the EVE universe, it still is quite capable of being a stand alone novel. Gonzales's characters are well rounded and I love the way he brings all of them together. I also really liked the way he described his multiple settings and people. He really brought them to life for me. The book is a cliff hanger, however it is not a complete cut off. So while I was left wanting to read more, I wasn't agitated and wanting to throw the book across the room.
As I said before, this is pure sci-fi, not a Romance in outer space. So if you or someone you know is into this genre, this book is definitely a great choice. I would say it is for more mature readers, there is gore and violence, but it doesn't really detract from the story itself.
It is scheduled to be released December 6th so just in time for the holidays, if you are looking for a gift. Or \ for a book to cozy up indoors with during these cold winter months.
****In compliance with FTC guidelines, I'm disclosing that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.****
(I recommend everybody should go check out all the awesome first read giveaways they have!)
The starship captains who are "immortal" already take deadly amounts of lives. Why should they shy from battle, when death means nothing to them? In an instant they are in a clone body, memories intact ready to go to war for their respective home worlds once again. But now the Amarr have discovered a way to make their soldiers immortal as well. They believe their warriors will will their holy crusade, but is all hell about to break lose?
I had been looking forward to reading this one since I saw it listed in the Goodreads giveaway, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed. This is pure science fiction. I'm not going to say I understood every teeny, tiny technical word of how everything in the story worked, but that is more my failing then the authors. (My eyes sometimes glaze over when technical things are explained, especially when the technology doesn't even exist. As long as it all makes sense to some extent I'm happy and don't try to figure out if it would be possible outside of the book's universe.) To me the story is more important then if I can build my own spaceship from the technical specs that I've gleaned from the story, and Gonzales world and story drew me in and held me captive. I was sad when it ended if only because I kept wanting to read more!(Fortunately for me, while this is the newest by Gonzales, there are others out there by him that take place in his EVE universe, so I can content myself with those until the next book comes out.) Even though this is not the first book in the EVE universe, it still is quite capable of being a stand alone novel. Gonzales's characters are well rounded and I love the way he brings all of them together. I also really liked the way he described his multiple settings and people. He really brought them to life for me. The book is a cliff hanger, however it is not a complete cut off. So while I was left wanting to read more, I wasn't agitated and wanting to throw the book across the room.
As I said before, this is pure sci-fi, not a Romance in outer space. So if you or someone you know is into this genre, this book is definitely a great choice. I would say it is for more mature readers, there is gore and violence, but it doesn't really detract from the story itself.
It is scheduled to be released December 6th so just in time for the holidays, if you are looking for a gift. Or \ for a book to cozy up indoors with during these cold winter months.
****In compliance with FTC guidelines, I'm disclosing that I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.****
(I recommend everybody should go check out all the awesome first read giveaways they have!)
February 29, 2012
If you like your space operas large and bold;
If you like despicable characters that grow on you;
If you want multiple fleets trying to kill each other in space and on planets;
If you like technologically enhanced beings almost unrecognizable as a human;
If you like a secret group doing oversight on all the characters and controlling what they do behind the scenes you WILL LOVE THIS BOOK.
Part of the EVE series this book stands on it’s own for plot and character development. No need to read previous books in the series – although I recommend highly that you do.
The story line is that consensus exists that an immortal warrior would decrease the human toll in the many wars, both civil, planetary and star system wide. At least it’s consensus within the framework of the book. The combatants include Empress Jamyl of the Amarr, Mordu’s Legion of mercenaries for hire, the Federation Fleet, the Ashkone and the Caldari.
Everyone is out for themselves and to stop the others from creating an immortal warrior. When one of the groups suceed the race is on to capture the immortal warrior, called Templar One, and reverse engineer the process for personal gain.
Of course the group that created Templar One knows there is a significant problem associated with the process and is determined to stop the other groups from stealing their technology, regardless of it’s flaws.
It all comes to a shocking conclusion in an epic battle in space and on Make System – Planet II: Pikes Landing .
Finally, as a technological bonus to you, the book has QR Code Content built in. Just use your smart phone and additional information becomes available to you. This is not necessary to read the book but just an added bonus
VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you like despicable characters that grow on you;
If you want multiple fleets trying to kill each other in space and on planets;
If you like technologically enhanced beings almost unrecognizable as a human;
If you like a secret group doing oversight on all the characters and controlling what they do behind the scenes you WILL LOVE THIS BOOK.
Part of the EVE series this book stands on it’s own for plot and character development. No need to read previous books in the series – although I recommend highly that you do.
The story line is that consensus exists that an immortal warrior would decrease the human toll in the many wars, both civil, planetary and star system wide. At least it’s consensus within the framework of the book. The combatants include Empress Jamyl of the Amarr, Mordu’s Legion of mercenaries for hire, the Federation Fleet, the Ashkone and the Caldari.
Everyone is out for themselves and to stop the others from creating an immortal warrior. When one of the groups suceed the race is on to capture the immortal warrior, called Templar One, and reverse engineer the process for personal gain.
Of course the group that created Templar One knows there is a significant problem associated with the process and is determined to stop the other groups from stealing their technology, regardless of it’s flaws.
It all comes to a shocking conclusion in an epic battle in space and on Make System – Planet II: Pikes Landing .
Finally, as a technological bonus to you, the book has QR Code Content built in. Just use your smart phone and additional information becomes available to you. This is not necessary to read the book but just an added bonus
VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
April 6, 2012
This is the second EVE releated book I have read by the same author, the first being “The Empyrean Age”, and I will start by saying I preferred this one to the other one. That said it took a while for the actual story to start and for the action to appear like it was heading in a consistent direction.
The opening 20 chapters were spent in outlining back story and introducing characters and I found myself wondering if there was any real plot behind all these scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I found the scenes interesting and as a fan of the EVE game I was very happy to learn more about the history of the EVE universe. About the Sleepers and the Empress Jamyl in particular.
But once the story got started it never let go. The action and politiking was relentless in the final parts of the novel and I cannot begin to imagine how many thousands of people were killed by the time I finished.
If you are a fan of the game and you are interested in the story behind the game then I thoroughly recommend this book. It is a good way to add an extra dimension to the gameplay without spoiling the online experience in any way. If you’re not playing EVE then this book may be little harder to get into. The names and places will be meaningless (and there are a LOT of them) and you may find it difficult to understand the signficance of the events in the story.
It's a fun read but its probably not for everyone.
The opening 20 chapters were spent in outlining back story and introducing characters and I found myself wondering if there was any real plot behind all these scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I found the scenes interesting and as a fan of the EVE game I was very happy to learn more about the history of the EVE universe. About the Sleepers and the Empress Jamyl in particular.
But once the story got started it never let go. The action and politiking was relentless in the final parts of the novel and I cannot begin to imagine how many thousands of people were killed by the time I finished.
If you are a fan of the game and you are interested in the story behind the game then I thoroughly recommend this book. It is a good way to add an extra dimension to the gameplay without spoiling the online experience in any way. If you’re not playing EVE then this book may be little harder to get into. The names and places will be meaningless (and there are a LOT of them) and you may find it difficult to understand the signficance of the events in the story.
It's a fun read but its probably not for everyone.
December 13, 2013
I don’t read in-universe fiction, but for some reason, EVE has always had a special place in my heart. I agree with the others that one needs to have knowledge of the EVE universe to understand this book. Tony Gonzales works for CCP, EVE’s developers, and he doesn’t go into depth about the factions. This is a standalone novel set after The Empyrean Age, and involves the Amarr Empire acquiring technology to make immortal soldiers (just as CCP’s new game DUST 514 came out). Other plotlines include the Gallente-Caldari War, and large mercenary company getting involved with the Amarr.
While enjoyable, there are a ton of characters and viewpoints for a 450 page book. Thus, Gonzales doesn’t have a lot of room to fully explore these characters. Gable, Mack, and Empress Jamyl are the most fleshed out. While the story is decently paced, the book is constantly flipping back between past and present to explain characters’ origins. I feel like some of these could be easily summarized in the present.
When it happens, the story of the immortal soldiers and the ancient and powerful tech involved is really awesome and fun to read, especially when the consequences are revealed. Unfortunately, following a climatic battle, the story comes to a fairly abrupt end. Unless Gonzales has a sequel planned, this feels rushed. Still, it’s a treat to come inside this very well realized universe.
Overall, EVE fans should check this one out.
While enjoyable, there are a ton of characters and viewpoints for a 450 page book. Thus, Gonzales doesn’t have a lot of room to fully explore these characters. Gable, Mack, and Empress Jamyl are the most fleshed out. While the story is decently paced, the book is constantly flipping back between past and present to explain characters’ origins. I feel like some of these could be easily summarized in the present.
When it happens, the story of the immortal soldiers and the ancient and powerful tech involved is really awesome and fun to read, especially when the consequences are revealed. Unfortunately, following a climatic battle, the story comes to a fairly abrupt end. Unless Gonzales has a sequel planned, this feels rushed. Still, it’s a treat to come inside this very well realized universe.
Overall, EVE fans should check this one out.
March 14, 2013
I should preface this review by saying I'm an avid EVE Online player and looking forward to the DUST 514 PlayStation 3 game that this book is based on. This book was obviously aimed at people like me, people who have extensive knowledge of the game outside of the books, but Tony Gonzales, once again, delivers a very good sci-fi novel; not as excellent as The Empyrean Age, but still, a solid hit.
Templar One is a direct sequel to The Empyrean age, bringing back some recurring characters. Like any good sequel, we don't dwell on the same subjects and themes and people and places in Templar One. In fact, this book's main focus isn't space ships and the immortal capsuleers that make up the EVE universe, but a new breed: immortal foot soldiers. This is their creation story, serving as the official lore setting up the PlayStation 3 game DUST 514 (the immortal soldiers are referred to as DUSTies, at least in EVE Online by other players).
I found that I didn't appreciate or relate to the main characters like I did in The Empyrean Age. This book didn't strike me on the same scale as TEA did either. Templar One ain't bad, but it's not one that's going to stick with you. It felt more like entertaining, good fluff rather than a book with weight.
Templar One is a direct sequel to The Empyrean age, bringing back some recurring characters. Like any good sequel, we don't dwell on the same subjects and themes and people and places in Templar One. In fact, this book's main focus isn't space ships and the immortal capsuleers that make up the EVE universe, but a new breed: immortal foot soldiers. This is their creation story, serving as the official lore setting up the PlayStation 3 game DUST 514 (the immortal soldiers are referred to as DUSTies, at least in EVE Online by other players).
I found that I didn't appreciate or relate to the main characters like I did in The Empyrean Age. This book didn't strike me on the same scale as TEA did either. Templar One ain't bad, but it's not one that's going to stick with you. It felt more like entertaining, good fluff rather than a book with weight.
November 22, 2011
Eve: Templar One is a lot to follow especially if you don't know the story of the game. I'm not much of a gamester. My brother usually updates me about the most popular games
Anyway, the story is a bit confusing at first. I really didn't understand how each characters in the story has to do with each other. I didn't even know why and what they were fighting for until I got close to the middle of the book when everything clicked together. Is the book worth reading? I say yeah but please read the first book or get a cliff notes of what has happened before Templar One story.
The main story started off Dr. Marcus Jror a researcher and scientist and Vince Barabin a prisoner who ended up serving the Armar Empire. Both are connected indirectly. This book has all the politics of politics. There is a lot of corporate and military politics going on as well as an intergalactic war. Furthermore, there also political politics and even theology politics. There is yet a far more sinister force behind the story but it has not yet been revealed itself yet and will be there in upcoming Eve series books.
Anyway, the story is a bit confusing at first. I really didn't understand how each characters in the story has to do with each other. I didn't even know why and what they were fighting for until I got close to the middle of the book when everything clicked together. Is the book worth reading? I say yeah but please read the first book or get a cliff notes of what has happened before Templar One story.
The main story started off Dr. Marcus Jror a researcher and scientist and Vince Barabin a prisoner who ended up serving the Armar Empire. Both are connected indirectly. This book has all the politics of politics. There is a lot of corporate and military politics going on as well as an intergalactic war. Furthermore, there also political politics and even theology politics. There is yet a far more sinister force behind the story but it has not yet been revealed itself yet and will be there in upcoming Eve series books.
June 21, 2014
This is not merely a book based on a video game, it is a fictional work that elevates itself and it's subject matter, Eve Online, to an accessible and thrilling form of art. You do not need to play the game to enjoy the book, but doing so has an element of enrichment to it. Likewise, you don't have to read this book if you play the game, but again, the experience will add depth to your online exploits.
Although independent of each other, I highly suggest reading the first novel, The Empyrean Age before this.
Tony Gonzales manages to create high political drama, space opera tragedy and amiable characters into a tale that moves at a very pleasant pace. It is Eve, and the realities at play here are cruel, so if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, maybe pass. But if you've accepted the fact that life in space would be harsh on those attempting to carve out a deeper life, you'll appreciate Gonzales' firm plot direction and his ability to wrap up the story with all the melancholy befitting his characters' lives which are marked by startling brilliance and bitter woe.
Although independent of each other, I highly suggest reading the first novel, The Empyrean Age before this.
Tony Gonzales manages to create high political drama, space opera tragedy and amiable characters into a tale that moves at a very pleasant pace. It is Eve, and the realities at play here are cruel, so if that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, maybe pass. But if you've accepted the fact that life in space would be harsh on those attempting to carve out a deeper life, you'll appreciate Gonzales' firm plot direction and his ability to wrap up the story with all the melancholy befitting his characters' lives which are marked by startling brilliance and bitter woe.
January 1, 2014
I played Eve Online for maybe a week sometime ago. I'm Don't in anyway know the game very well. Time and other events prevented me from playing even though my mates do (did?).
But I do like a good space opera and this book appeals to my Science Fiction tastes. Very early in at this stage so no real opinion although it seems I've jumped in the second book - mention in the book of a prequel or otherwise, will see how it goes and if I need to get the other book or just jump in.
Conclusion
This was a hard read at times. I think I needed more background more understanding of the politics and characters. While I enjoyed the story and elements of the world I think I missed a lot and I struggled to get past some points.
I'll give author another to if I can find more.
But I do like a good space opera and this book appeals to my Science Fiction tastes. Very early in at this stage so no real opinion although it seems I've jumped in the second book - mention in the book of a prequel or otherwise, will see how it goes and if I need to get the other book or just jump in.
Conclusion
This was a hard read at times. I think I needed more background more understanding of the politics and characters. While I enjoyed the story and elements of the world I think I missed a lot and I struggled to get past some points.
I'll give author another to if I can find more.
March 18, 2012
A very tough read at first especially since I did not read any of the previous books before this one. Had to go through reviews and discussions on the other two books just to get an understanding of what I had read at the beginning. Everything finally feels like it is coming together about midway through the book and with my stop/go reading, again you have to review to keep up.
My recommendation is that the reader read the previous ones before reading this one, and with the different stories, characters, and timelines, make sure to have good long periods to read through the story to keep up with the jumps between time periods and locations in the story.
My recommendation is that the reader read the previous ones before reading this one, and with the different stories, characters, and timelines, make sure to have good long periods to read through the story to keep up with the jumps between time periods and locations in the story.
April 5, 2015
Read Theodicy (novella) then Empyrean Age and Templar one.
A good bit of bias from me because of my interest in the game. Recent in game events got me interested in learning more about the universe and I'm glad I did. Plot is driven by very interesting characters and a very unique universe. Frequently caught myself thinking "Oh, I've been there!" and thinking about all the time I've spent in the game. It's chock full of actual things, places, technologies & etc.
I have no idea how enjoyable this would be for someone without any reference points to the EVE universe. I think they stand well together.
A good bit of bias from me because of my interest in the game. Recent in game events got me interested in learning more about the universe and I'm glad I did. Plot is driven by very interesting characters and a very unique universe. Frequently caught myself thinking "Oh, I've been there!" and thinking about all the time I've spent in the game. It's chock full of actual things, places, technologies & etc.
I have no idea how enjoyable this would be for someone without any reference points to the EVE universe. I think they stand well together.
July 26, 2015
tl;dr: Worse than EVE: The Empyrean Age, but still worth reading if you play Eve Online
First part of the book was rather rough - up to a point where I've considered dropping it alltogether. The presented scenes looked like drafts for short game trailers. I've sticked with the book, and it did get better around part two. The story itself is interesting, although the characters got much flatter (IMO). If you're Eve Online player, you'll find some explanations about the Sleepers and Jove - and for that alone, I think it's a worthwhile read.
First part of the book was rather rough - up to a point where I've considered dropping it alltogether. The presented scenes looked like drafts for short game trailers. I've sticked with the book, and it did get better around part two. The story itself is interesting, although the characters got much flatter (IMO). If you're Eve Online player, you'll find some explanations about the Sleepers and Jove - and for that alone, I think it's a worthwhile read.
March 29, 2012
I noticed from some of the other reviews that this is based on the MMP online game of the same name. I also saw several things that said Eve #2. These facts might have explained my initial confusion and difficulty in getting into the book. I'm also not a huge fan books with multiple chapters that say "23 years ago" and then the next chapter is "present". Either give us some back story in a coherent manner or don't but don't try to squeeze it in where you can. The technology was interesting but not very believable or original. I did finish the book but won't be recommending it.
August 12, 2016
I recieved this book as a part of the Goodreads first reads book giveaway.
This book is set in the Eve universe, which is a MMORPG. I don't play the game myself, but my man does. It was enjoyable, and didn't require me knowing anything about the game. It was full of action. The plot was very well written and exucuted. A page turner worth reading, especially if you are a fan of science fiction.
This book is set in the Eve universe, which is a MMORPG. I don't play the game myself, but my man does. It was enjoyable, and didn't require me knowing anything about the game. It was full of action. The plot was very well written and exucuted. A page turner worth reading, especially if you are a fan of science fiction.
July 4, 2012
Templar One continues the story started in Empyrean Age. Eve Online players and military sic-fi aficionados will likely enjoy this book; others may find it difficult to follow. The short chapters lend themselves to reading in the pauses of one's day but I found the story interesting enjoy to read the book in a few sessions.
I hope that Mr. Gonzales will continue the series and consider prequels that expand the lore behind the game.
I hope that Mr. Gonzales will continue the series and consider prequels that expand the lore behind the game.
March 20, 2013
I enjoyed this book, but I would only recommend it for people familiar with the EVE universe. There are far to many events and items that would need additional explanation for the readers not familiar with the EVE universe.
The author does a great job of using the EVE world to create a complex, and engaging story. I feel like he tries to hard at times to push the complexity of the story and needed to spend more time creating action.
The author does a great job of using the EVE world to create a complex, and engaging story. I feel like he tries to hard at times to push the complexity of the story and needed to spend more time creating action.
January 26, 2017
The beginning of the story was so crammed with characters that I found it difficult to sort out who was who and their alliances. Along with the Tarantinoesque style of jumping back and forth in time to provide character history or story background, it took nearly half way through to finally sort things out but once that was done I really enjoyed the story. Although the story did end rather abruptly it did leave the impression of a continuation in the works.
November 1, 2022
Unlike The Empyrean Age, this work is a much more compatible style of storytelling for the New Eden universe. I don't know if the difference in physical formats of the two books - the other one an almost-pocket-size print, this one a proper one - should've been a giveaway from the start, but Gonzales offers an enjoyable path of more elaborate stories, and less cheap exchanges between the personalities detailed.
September 11, 2012
Long story short, this book was unable to hold my attention. I'm sure that for the average EVE player this was a great book. For me, not so much.
Additionally, I think I prefer my sci-fi a little more bright an shiny. I had a hard time with the single Warhammer 40000 title I have read, too dark. Like Alien or Blade Runner on PCP. Dark and not fun.
Additionally, I think I prefer my sci-fi a little more bright an shiny. I had a hard time with the single Warhammer 40000 title I have read, too dark. Like Alien or Blade Runner on PCP. Dark and not fun.
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