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The Aliomenti Saga #2
Preserving Hope
It was his mission to save her life.
But first, he'd need to convince her that hers was a life worth saving.
Will Stark has been sent on a mission to save the life of a young woman named Elizabeth. He does not know who is threatening her, or why. He only knows that failure is not an option, for it will mean three of the most important people in his life will cease to exist.
Will finds himself in a unique medieval village, constructed deep in a forest, its residents prosperous and healthy to an unnatural degree. Their leader, a man named Arthur, weaves an alluring tale: that the supernatural abilities long thought the realm of myth or magic are real, that they can be developed with the correct usage of certain foods, to enthrall the villagers and enrich and empower himself. He believes, for he's seen people doing what he describes with his own eyes. He wants the villagers all developing such abilities, for it will mean his own power will soon expand beyond a small village hidden away out of fear of discovery.
The only issue is that they've no idea what concoction will trigger those abilities. They must test. And the villagers have put that responsibility on one young girl, against her will, threatening her health and her life in the process. Will seeks to remove young Elizabeth from this village, but she refuses, for she has a mission of her own to complete first.
Will makes his mark on the village in the woods, increasing their prosperity, and helping introduce innovations decades or centuries before their time. Yet Arthur, in his desperate need for power and control, will sabotage everything to retain his total control of the village - even if it means sacrificing his own daughter's life.
Filled with action, adventure, high-tech nano-machines, and incredible Energy abilities, Preserving Hope continues the Aliomenti Saga by taking Will Stark back to the founding of the group that would one day seek to end his life.
But first, he'd need to convince her that hers was a life worth saving.
Will Stark has been sent on a mission to save the life of a young woman named Elizabeth. He does not know who is threatening her, or why. He only knows that failure is not an option, for it will mean three of the most important people in his life will cease to exist.
Will finds himself in a unique medieval village, constructed deep in a forest, its residents prosperous and healthy to an unnatural degree. Their leader, a man named Arthur, weaves an alluring tale: that the supernatural abilities long thought the realm of myth or magic are real, that they can be developed with the correct usage of certain foods, to enthrall the villagers and enrich and empower himself. He believes, for he's seen people doing what he describes with his own eyes. He wants the villagers all developing such abilities, for it will mean his own power will soon expand beyond a small village hidden away out of fear of discovery.
The only issue is that they've no idea what concoction will trigger those abilities. They must test. And the villagers have put that responsibility on one young girl, against her will, threatening her health and her life in the process. Will seeks to remove young Elizabeth from this village, but she refuses, for she has a mission of her own to complete first.
Will makes his mark on the village in the woods, increasing their prosperity, and helping introduce innovations decades or centuries before their time. Yet Arthur, in his desperate need for power and control, will sabotage everything to retain his total control of the village - even if it means sacrificing his own daughter's life.
Filled with action, adventure, high-tech nano-machines, and incredible Energy abilities, Preserving Hope continues the Aliomenti Saga by taking Will Stark back to the founding of the group that would one day seek to end his life.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2012
193 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
About the author
Alex Albrinck
19 books180 followersI am a lifelong Ohio resident, where I live with my wife and three children. When I'm not trying to be in three places at once with my active youngsters, I'm following local professional and collegiate sports teams, or possibly unscrambling a Rubik's Cube. In lieu of sleep, I read and write fiction.
My debut novel, A QUESTION OF WILL, explores themes of technological advancement, human potential (good and bad), and the love bonding a family together. It reached the Amazon Top 100 in Science Fiction -> High Tech less than a week after publication. The sequels--PRESERVING HOPE, ASCENT OF THE ALIOMENTI, and BIRTH OF THE ALLIANCE--continue to follow Will's adventures, bringing to life the technological and Energy advances he's achieved in entirely new settings.
I am currently drafting the fifth of seven novels in the series.
My debut novel, A QUESTION OF WILL, explores themes of technological advancement, human potential (good and bad), and the love bonding a family together. It reached the Amazon Top 100 in Science Fiction -> High Tech less than a week after publication. The sequels--PRESERVING HOPE, ASCENT OF THE ALIOMENTI, and BIRTH OF THE ALLIANCE--continue to follow Will's adventures, bringing to life the technological and Energy advances he's achieved in entirely new settings.
I am currently drafting the fifth of seven novels in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 11, 2015
Maybe I was just drunk while reading book one a year ago, but I quite enjoyed it. Lots of good ideas and a fast moving plot. Seemed well written. But book two was not good. The dialogue was laborious, repetitive, and painfully on the nose. It was a short story stretched into a full novel and padded with stilted posturing. It could literally have been a quarter of the length and been a much better story.
I'd already bought the next two books (don't worry, they were cheap) on the strength of the first book, so I'll probably give the next one a try. But if it also reads like a high school term paper, I can't imagine I'll get very far.
I'd already bought the next two books (don't worry, they were cheap) on the strength of the first book, so I'll probably give the next one a try. But if it also reads like a high school term paper, I can't imagine I'll get very far.
August 19, 2017
Where to begin. Well there was lots to like about this book, the second in the series. I enjoyed the time travelling aspect - although it still messes with my head!. At the end of the last book we see Will Stark sent back in time - way way back in time (think medieval times) to save a woman called Elizabeth - who it happens, is his wife Hope. (time travel - crazy stuff).
I enjoyed seeing their back story, and seeing their interactions in the earliest stages of their 'relationship' (although is it a relationship if he hasn't yet met her in his own timeline?).
I didn't like Elizabeth's father one bit, nor many of the people in the little village they lived in. Revolting nasty petty people.
One thing I did find a little jarring was the language that Will (and the other villagers) spoke - very modern , slang and all - not at all good for a period piece in my opinion. The other strange thing about this book was that there were great chunks of it that felt like a technical manual. I am quite sure that I know all about how to build water wheels, troughs and indoor plumbing! Go Will - the saviour of the villagers. A little bit like A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court? Will seemed to give these villagers all sorts of grand ideas and inventions and schemes - well before their industrial revolution time - isn't that fucking with the historical time line?
But aside from that, this was a pretty good book. I am keen to read number three now.
I enjoyed seeing their back story, and seeing their interactions in the earliest stages of their 'relationship' (although is it a relationship if he hasn't yet met her in his own timeline?).
I didn't like Elizabeth's father one bit, nor many of the people in the little village they lived in. Revolting nasty petty people.
One thing I did find a little jarring was the language that Will (and the other villagers) spoke - very modern , slang and all - not at all good for a period piece in my opinion. The other strange thing about this book was that there were great chunks of it that felt like a technical manual. I am quite sure that I know all about how to build water wheels, troughs and indoor plumbing! Go Will - the saviour of the villagers. A little bit like A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court? Will seemed to give these villagers all sorts of grand ideas and inventions and schemes - well before their industrial revolution time - isn't that fucking with the historical time line?
But aside from that, this was a pretty good book. I am keen to read number three now.
May 24, 2017
Whole series worth it. Simple but enjoyable
May 21, 2018
While the first book was kind of interesting, and things happened, albeit in a clumsy, staccato way, this is just worse.
The characters are not believable, the progression the same. The conversations, such as thy are, are not natural.
The author doesn't seem to remember what he wrote ten pages back, or even ten sentences. There's less focus on the story and character development that detailed, confusing descriptions of the main character's "inventions". (Read more about these in my review of the third book. Yes, I read the third. No, I don't know why.)
The author shows no knowledge of architecture, society, or really anything at all, of the era. It's baffling that they wrote these books without ANY research. I mean, did he just watch "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" - and not even all of that as that film actually happens to be correct at times - and think they knew enough?
It's just frustrating. The story has so much potential, if only the story and the characters were the important parts.
So, two stars, because the idea deserves one star, and I can't give zero for the execution.
The characters are not believable, the progression the same. The conversations, such as thy are, are not natural.
The author doesn't seem to remember what he wrote ten pages back, or even ten sentences. There's less focus on the story and character development that detailed, confusing descriptions of the main character's "inventions". (Read more about these in my review of the third book. Yes, I read the third. No, I don't know why.)
The author shows no knowledge of architecture, society, or really anything at all, of the era. It's baffling that they wrote these books without ANY research. I mean, did he just watch "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" - and not even all of that as that film actually happens to be correct at times - and think they knew enough?
It's just frustrating. The story has so much potential, if only the story and the characters were the important parts.
So, two stars, because the idea deserves one star, and I can't give zero for the execution.
May 8, 2018
Second up in the Aliomenti series, Preserving Hope tugged much more on the heart strings than the first and made a fair attempt into the nuances of the human condition. While the transition from the first to second book is seamless, the narrative is often exasperatingly repetitive and I’m not sure why the author chose to give up a pivotal scene as a prologue. Lastly, some of the author’s “hints” were none to subtle and didn’t take much figuring out, lessening the impact of certain reveals.
The most trouble I had with this story, was we never got the real answer to why Will needed to travel back in time to save Elizabeth/Hope. Will and Elizabeth’s children sent him back in the past to “save” her, but their very existence and her return as Hope is proof that she had survived whatever she was supposed to be saved from. So did Will completely miss the goal of his time travel? Was his real purpose to keep her from an emotional or mental breakdown? Or is this hinting at some sort of alternate reality plot where Elizabeth’s reality is intertwined with Hope’s reality?
The most trouble I had with this story, was we never got the real answer to why Will needed to travel back in time to save Elizabeth/Hope. Will and Elizabeth’s children sent him back in the past to “save” her, but their very existence and her return as Hope is proof that she had survived whatever she was supposed to be saved from. So did Will completely miss the goal of his time travel? Was his real purpose to keep her from an emotional or mental breakdown? Or is this hinting at some sort of alternate reality plot where Elizabeth’s reality is intertwined with Hope’s reality?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2017
Mostly liked it (3*-?) largely because, as several readers have pointed out, Will's ability to speak 11th century Anglo-Saxon... and also his implied ability to read it stretches credulity. I'm not that convinced of the historical veracity - I'd have thought that an independent settlement producing and selling quality goods would be certain to attract the attention of 'the authorities' - even if they'd moved far from the original baron's lands. The unspecific northern British setting seems rather too peaceful - 1018 is only two years after Cnut was crowned King of England and the country was hardly at peace... However.
I was slightly puzzled by the ordering of chapters towards the end - there is one which essentially repeats the Prologue and is preceded by later events. I was less bothered by some of the everyday life in the village but somewhat depressed by the selfish behaviour of most inhabitants - and surprised by Adam's response when he turns up.
I was slightly puzzled by the ordering of chapters towards the end - there is one which essentially repeats the Prologue and is preceded by later events. I was less bothered by some of the everyday life in the village but somewhat depressed by the selfish behaviour of most inhabitants - and surprised by Adam's response when he turns up.
April 13, 2020
After falling in love with the first book in this series I was so excited to continue the story of Will Stark. Unfortunately, when the story turns way...way...back in time the joy ended abruptly for me. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of historical fiction and was chomping at the bit to experience some medieval life within this saga.
An author's currency is language. The value of literary works is quite literally words. In this, Mr. Albrink cheats and cheapens his work by neglecting to research phrases, idioms, and colloquialisms of the past. It was infuriating to hear modern phrases and manners of speech overused by characters who lived centuries ago!
I will continue the series just because I cannot leave a story unfinished. My assumption is that we will continue to travel forward in time and, just maybe, will move out of this disappointment into something that is more relatable for the author.
An author's currency is language. The value of literary works is quite literally words. In this, Mr. Albrink cheats and cheapens his work by neglecting to research phrases, idioms, and colloquialisms of the past. It was infuriating to hear modern phrases and manners of speech overused by characters who lived centuries ago!
I will continue the series just because I cannot leave a story unfinished. My assumption is that we will continue to travel forward in time and, just maybe, will move out of this disappointment into something that is more relatable for the author.
July 29, 2022
Questions about Adam
Overall I really enjoyed the book. It was emotionally creative and stimulating. I felt as confused sometimes as Will did with the jib he had to do and how to do it. The thing that bothered me and really doesn't make a whole lot of sense is the fact that upon Adams return he doesn't know about the Alliance and that of all the people he murdered, why in the world did he let Arthur live and continue to work with him. He was the instigator of all the in human treatment of his wife and daughter, and he killed Adams sister (supposedly). I can't justify his reasoning. If I had any criticism of the book that would be it. I realize that Arthur plays a huge part in Alimenti in the distant past or in the beginning of the series, but I just can't justify Adam's tolerance of his existence after what he knows he has done and that he directly influenced all the others to do, and knows he intended to kill Will next. I would love an explanation.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. It was emotionally creative and stimulating. I felt as confused sometimes as Will did with the jib he had to do and how to do it. The thing that bothered me and really doesn't make a whole lot of sense is the fact that upon Adams return he doesn't know about the Alliance and that of all the people he murdered, why in the world did he let Arthur live and continue to work with him. He was the instigator of all the in human treatment of his wife and daughter, and he killed Adams sister (supposedly). I can't justify his reasoning. If I had any criticism of the book that would be it. I realize that Arthur plays a huge part in Alimenti in the distant past or in the beginning of the series, but I just can't justify Adam's tolerance of his existence after what he knows he has done and that he directly influenced all the others to do, and knows he intended to kill Will next. I would love an explanation.
August 17, 2021
Will found himself not on the day that he supposed to safe his family, but the Alliance landed him in the distant past. Just before he jumped he knows who Angel and Fil are. But now he has a mission to fulfill, saving his past wife Hope now Elizabeth from being killed.
As ever again a story full off intrigues, a way of 11th century community living, beginning of a monarchy, and a fight against people who believed where better then Elizabeth. It is again intense, full of plot twists and action and adventure. Will feels more at home with this little village even though the community dynamics are way off. Can he save her from being killed by the community?
Reading this book set my mind to buy all the books, they are easy to read and even though the many view points in the first book, it limits now the view from Will's point of perspective.
As ever again a story full off intrigues, a way of 11th century community living, beginning of a monarchy, and a fight against people who believed where better then Elizabeth. It is again intense, full of plot twists and action and adventure. Will feels more at home with this little village even though the community dynamics are way off. Can he save her from being killed by the community?
Reading this book set my mind to buy all the books, they are easy to read and even though the many view points in the first book, it limits now the view from Will's point of perspective.
May 12, 2017
i loved reading this book and going into will's past, meeting Elizabeth and going through all that she faced in the community puts the reader into the picture of the future Hope, Will's wife. Will is sent to protect Elizabeth who is used and abused both by her vile father and the rest of the community, but she is so demoralised that she does not even believe her life is worth saving or fighting for and makes it very difficult for Will to protect her! However finally the straw that breaks the camel's back is thrown and Elizabeth is driven to take a decision before it really is too late!! Sometimes there was a bit too much repetition which was unnecessary if one had read the first book in the trilogy but otherwise this past setting is most interesting!!
February 23, 2020
This is the second book in this series, where, in the first installment we followed Will into the distant future, here, we've followed him into the distant past -- like, medieval times, past -- in order to save his future (current?) wife from her megalomaniac father and the villagers who intend her harm.
While I thoroughly enjoy this series and it's interesting premise, the author's proclivity to repeat certain plot points ad nauseam (as if he doesn't think his audience is bright enough understand the first time), had this reader skimming through many passages, which made it a bit difficult to get deeply engrossed in the tale.
While I have every intention of reading more in this series. I think I will take a brief respite from the Stark Saga, before following through with book 3.
While I thoroughly enjoy this series and it's interesting premise, the author's proclivity to repeat certain plot points ad nauseam (as if he doesn't think his audience is bright enough understand the first time), had this reader skimming through many passages, which made it a bit difficult to get deeply engrossed in the tale.
While I have every intention of reading more in this series. I think I will take a brief respite from the Stark Saga, before following through with book 3.
July 24, 2018
This was indeed a Prequel. This was a different book in some ways than the first one. This was more of a morality tale and less of a fantasy story. There were more than a few times I wanted the main character to go to hell, but also a few moments of joy. Certain things were not discussed; the main characters teeth would have been much better than this around him. He was American and spoke like one nd they were early English and Welsh. He stepped in and took charge from an early point and was at times way too pushy for a new comer. I'm glad I finished the book but I would not like to read it again. I may or may not go on to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2019
Although the first book of the series was quite interesting, The second one was disappointing. First, the language used was modern despite being in the medieval era. It would be better if The language used match the setting. Second, the time travel was confusing. Until now, I still couldn’t comprehend how it work. Third, some parts of the book didn’t tie up with the others. It seems like the offer forgot what he wrote A few pages or sentences before getting into a new dialogue or scene. Nearly at the middle of this book I thought of just putting it down to grab the next installment but, I decided to just finish it. Anyway, I hope the next installment will be better.
September 27, 2021
Excellently written. The type of layered POV, and time flow that only a true professional can pull off, and maintains a sense of suspense, and a full picture of all the angles. Maybe not the most accessible language, but at least well executed. It's not light reading, but despite the serious tone, there are even a few laughs to be found. And some heartfelt tearful moments. Amazing plot. I don't want to give spoilers, but 'TT makes my head spin'. ;-)
December 9, 2022
Very interesting book I hope to finish all, & hope cost doesn't go above 99¢ us budgeted people have to economize!
Very interesting how the world could have been a few centuries ago...maybe even more! The possibilities of acquiring super powers & using them to create a better & perhaps healthier lifestyle... but how do we go from our now lifestyle to a less convenient style than we're used to? Still a super interesting story!
Very interesting how the world could have been a few centuries ago...maybe even more! The possibilities of acquiring super powers & using them to create a better & perhaps healthier lifestyle... but how do we go from our now lifestyle to a less convenient style than we're used to? Still a super interesting story!
January 20, 2024
While this was a little predictable in parts, it certainly kept me interested. The action picked up slowly, along with some exposition, which was very much appreciated because it had been a while. The plot twists came thick and fast and mostly kept me guessing. The climax exploded onto the scene and it was delicious. The resolution was equal parts adorable and horrifying, and set things up. I'll have to read the next in the series very soon.
August 14, 2017
Follows up directly from the first book.
A bit more simple in the progress, but with a lot more upfront intrigue to content with.
As well as moral questions to be answered.
Works better then the first one, but then again the first one was a brief introduction. This one fleshes out the "beginning" a great deal more, though a lot seems to still lay before that.
A bit more simple in the progress, but with a lot more upfront intrigue to content with.
As well as moral questions to be answered.
Works better then the first one, but then again the first one was a brief introduction. This one fleshes out the "beginning" a great deal more, though a lot seems to still lay before that.
January 21, 2018
Great story!
Very imaginative! I've read the first two books back to. back, but will take a break before reading the third in the series. Wayyy too much (repetitive) preaching; Will and Elizabeth repeat and over their moral philosophies and it really detracts from the story and is tiresome.
Very imaginative! I've read the first two books back to. back, but will take a break before reading the third in the series. Wayyy too much (repetitive) preaching; Will and Elizabeth repeat and over their moral philosophies and it really detracts from the story and is tiresome.
March 3, 2019
I absolutely adore this book. Unbelievable storyline...made me wanna jump in the world Will traveled to and throat punch numerous people. Will's courage and patience combined with the strength and purity of Elizabeth: astounding!!! Yes, the story repeats a bit, but it's so good I never cared. Excellent book in a phenomenal series.
April 3, 2019
This is the second book in the Aliomenti Saga and it continues the fast-paced nature of the first. While the first book was about Will being rescued and trained, the second is about Will going to the past in order to protect his future wife. This is another really good read and i finished it in a day! Looking forward to continuing the series.
November 2, 2021
Similar to the first book, I liked the plot, and I like the characters, but little things just interferes with my enjoyment. I found my self asking “Would a person in Medieval England be using that type of language?”
I have great respect for the author in what they are doing however, and despite the irritations, I want to keep reading the series to see what happens next, so that’s a definite win!
I have great respect for the author in what they are doing however, and despite the irritations, I want to keep reading the series to see what happens next, so that’s a definite win!
September 1, 2017
Quite a good series. The only downside is the author's penchant to repeat things several times, as though the reader is unable to remember character motivations already explained from previous chapters.
April 5, 2018
Finished this second book in the saga. While I am beginning to like some characters due to the time travel aspect we know some things that will happen. I think I will take a little break before I read book 3.
April 14, 2018
Great story
I really am enjoying these books I never know what is going to happen next . The people feel so real they pull u into the story can not wait to get the next book to find out what happems
I really am enjoying these books I never know what is going to happen next . The people feel so real they pull u into the story can not wait to get the next book to find out what happems
May 15, 2019
Brilliant!!
Couldn't put it down! So many emotions as I read Elizabeths story and wills torment trying to help her survive so he can save her. Meeting the traders and their different personalities brief but memorable. Looking forward to book 3 and seeing the building of aliomenti!
Couldn't put it down! So many emotions as I read Elizabeths story and wills torment trying to help her survive so he can save her. Meeting the traders and their different personalities brief but memorable. Looking forward to book 3 and seeing the building of aliomenti!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2020
Book 2 was not quit as strong as book one. A bit repetitive on the abuse of Elizabeth by her father and town folk. The situations in town go from one extreme, to the next, to the next, and they are all a little off. Mob mentality off.
October 27, 2020
I see, so our hero is tge one who established the organization which hunt himself in the future. This is interesting, a good read for a science fiction. A journey back to past for the love one, but the result was a surprising one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
Excellent follow-up to the first book
This book has so much science fiction, fantasy, time, travel and written very well. The second one was no different than the first. Very hard to put down. Cannot wait to read the next one
This book has so much science fiction, fantasy, time, travel and written very well. The second one was no different than the first. Very hard to put down. Cannot wait to read the next one
May 8, 2017
I don't know why, but I'm hooked on this series.
June 26, 2017
Very interesting to Read about the'past' of Will Stark and Elizabeth. I would really like to know what happens to them next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews