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In Her Name #8
Forged in Flame
This is the second book of the First Empress saga, following From Chaos Born.
Keel-Tath, the child who would unite her people as foretold by an ancient prophecy, has grown to be a young warrior in the confines of the Desh-Ka temple, where she has been sheltered by her old friend and mentor Ayan-Dar from the clutches of Syr-Nagath, the Dark Queen. But when Keel-Tath is forced to choose between sanctuary and her honor, she goes into exile, leaving behind a broken-hearted Ayan-Dar.
Captured and bound in chains by those who serve the Dark Queen, she is rescued from an unspeakable fate by a warrior from the shadows. Thus begins Keel-Tath’s perilous journey to the ends of her war-ravaged world, through deadly wastelands and even deadlier seas, unaware that some of those she holds most dear stand ready to betray her…
Keel-Tath, the child who would unite her people as foretold by an ancient prophecy, has grown to be a young warrior in the confines of the Desh-Ka temple, where she has been sheltered by her old friend and mentor Ayan-Dar from the clutches of Syr-Nagath, the Dark Queen. But when Keel-Tath is forced to choose between sanctuary and her honor, she goes into exile, leaving behind a broken-hearted Ayan-Dar.
Captured and bound in chains by those who serve the Dark Queen, she is rescued from an unspeakable fate by a warrior from the shadows. Thus begins Keel-Tath’s perilous journey to the ends of her war-ravaged world, through deadly wastelands and even deadlier seas, unaware that some of those she holds most dear stand ready to betray her…
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2013
78 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Hicks
30 books1,496 followersBorn in 1963, Michael Hicks grew up in the age of the Apollo program and spent his youth glued to the television watching the original Star Trek series and other science fiction movies, which continues to be a source of entertainment and inspiration. Having spent the majority of his life as a voracious reader, he has been heavily influenced by writers ranging from Robert Heinlein to David Weber, and many in between. Having finally retired from government service, Michael and his lovely wife, along with their Siberan cat, Nina, are enjoying life as expats in France.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 7, 2016
"Forged in Flame" is another great story from Michael Hicks and I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy.
May 26, 2020
Magnificent
I really am running out of superlatives here. I have been buying one book at a time, only now discovering that the trilogies are available in single volume anthologies at a lower price. Ouch. Still worth it though.
I really am running out of superlatives here. I have been buying one book at a time, only now discovering that the trilogies are available in single volume anthologies at a lower price. Ouch. Still worth it though.
July 11, 2018
Page turner
This was a very good book. Written very well. I couldn't wait to finish yet now I regret reading it to fast.
This was a very good book. Written very well. I couldn't wait to finish yet now I regret reading it to fast.
May 3, 2013
This was a fantastic book. I don't know that I can give this book a better recommendation than that after I read it and was not ready for the story to be over, I reread the entire series and then read this book again before even writing the review for it. It made for a long time between reviews for the blog, but I really enjoyed the time of self-indulgence that I took to bury myself in Mr. Hicks' universe. Long before the Redemption and The Last War trilogies, this story takes us back to the rise of the First Empress before humans are a consideration in the universe or story. Keel-Tath's struggles in her bid to fulfill the prophecy that may save her people from destruction are fascinating, riveting and very well written. The characters are flesh and blood and I love the story on many levels. I'm sure this series will remain with those others that I read again from time to time like visiting old friends. Michael R. Hicks has done an amazing job of world building in this series from the very start and I can't wait to read the next book. If you enjoy good fantasy/military science fiction this will be right up your alley.
Originally posted http://tjsbookblog.blogspot.com/
Originally posted http://tjsbookblog.blogspot.com/
April 13, 2016
This book follows Keel-Tath, whose birth was foretold by prophesy. I greatly enjoyed watching Keel-Tath learn and grow. I liked that she wasn't not perfect-that there was room to grow. There was also some self-doubt, which lent a more realistic feel to the story.
The characters were well - developed. I found myself rooting for Keel-Tath and her crew while hoping Syr-Nagath, the antagonist, would diaf. Most of the characters were a blend of good and bad. Keel-Tath had some flaws. She didn't always get it right. Syr-Nagath, the antagonist, had no redeeming qualities, however. She committed some truly atrocious acts. There weren't any good deeds to balance her. She was Evil.
The world-building was well-done. I could envision, for example, the temple of the Desh-Ka. The author managed to paint a picture with words.
The plot flowed smoothly without lagging.The battles were described in enough detail to be envisioned, but not so much that it bogged the story down. I didn't feel bored, nor was I overwhelmed with events. There were enough twists to keep things interesting.
All-in-all, an engaging, entertaining read.
The characters were well - developed. I found myself rooting for Keel-Tath and her crew while hoping Syr-Nagath, the antagonist, would diaf. Most of the characters were a blend of good and bad. Keel-Tath had some flaws. She didn't always get it right. Syr-Nagath, the antagonist, had no redeeming qualities, however. She committed some truly atrocious acts. There weren't any good deeds to balance her. She was Evil.
The world-building was well-done. I could envision, for example, the temple of the Desh-Ka. The author managed to paint a picture with words.
The plot flowed smoothly without lagging.The battles were described in enough detail to be envisioned, but not so much that it bogged the story down. I didn't feel bored, nor was I overwhelmed with events. There were enough twists to keep things interesting.
All-in-all, an engaging, entertaining read.
October 29, 2015
Science fiction, military fiction, fantasy - I don't know which category to place this series in. The Kreelan Empire, the world and sociology are alien, but at the same time resound within our own mythology. Is the young female heroine the fulfillment of prophecy who will help bring their world to a higher place or is her foster father a washed up old man believing in a fantasy? How much is honor worth and what happens when it is traded for the success of your own group over the success of your world?
The author has created a world that is easy to imagine, a species that is easy to picture, a war we know has been fought before and will bring destruction. A science that is part magic or spiritual. You can easily lose yourself in this world, the story, and the characters. At the same time, I think it leads us to ask the same questions of our history - war, prophecy, hope, evil, and growing up to discover our elders often have feet of clay so that rarely can individuals simply be defined as good or bad. Even the dishonorable may have honor.
The author has created a world that is easy to imagine, a species that is easy to picture, a war we know has been fought before and will bring destruction. A science that is part magic or spiritual. You can easily lose yourself in this world, the story, and the characters. At the same time, I think it leads us to ask the same questions of our history - war, prophecy, hope, evil, and growing up to discover our elders often have feet of clay so that rarely can individuals simply be defined as good or bad. Even the dishonorable may have honor.
August 26, 2024
Michael Hicks started this series slowly, through the eyes and experiences of a human orphan. He's pushed through a complex history, full of battles, death and impossible challenge and odds faced by his chosen characters. Here he introduces an alien girl who appears to be the basic crux of the whole story. Her name is the reason the battles of the future were fought. Her energy still imbues those who live on and wreak havoc upon the rest of the universe, including the wimpy human race. In this novel, Keel-Tath figures out what a pain in the ass becoming a legend is. She beats the odds just staying alive. Her enemy is the most powerful woman on her planet, and everybody seemingly is out to end her life. Definitely an angst-ridden youth and way worse than Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation" would illustrate. Good read.
March 23, 2017
The story picks up 14 years after the events of From Chaos Born. It starts slowly and deceptively peacefully. Keel-Tath is a Disciple, a rank far below that of the Acolytes, Warriors, and Priests and Priestesses of the Temple of the Desh-Ka. And then everything goes to pieces. War, with death and bloodshed of epic proportion renders the Homeland of the Kreelan. Within the overall war, there is also civil war as the Kreelan are forced to take up arms in defence of a sense of honour that may be anything but.
Not for the faint of heart. A banquet for those who have already read From Chaos Born. To be followed by Mistress of the Ages. Michael R. Hicks draws you into the universe of the Kreelan race in a way that few other authors can.
Read and enjoy and tell others
Not for the faint of heart. A banquet for those who have already read From Chaos Born. To be followed by Mistress of the Ages. Michael R. Hicks draws you into the universe of the Kreelan race in a way that few other authors can.
Read and enjoy and tell others
June 30, 2013
This is a prequel to the "In Her Name" series of books. While it would have been great to have this knowledge base prior to reading the other books this book could easily stand alone as a great read. Mr Hicks has done a great job providing yet another on the edge of the chair page turner. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a taste for fast paced action with fully fleshed out characters.
March 7, 2016
Worthy of Forgetting real life
I've been binging IN HER NAME for 5 books now; 1 a day since picking up The Last War
Trilogy, and now The First Empress.
The Kreelans are now among my most favorite of characters and I recommend all of their books to any who are fans of good story telling.
I've been binging IN HER NAME for 5 books now; 1 a day since picking up The Last War
Trilogy, and now The First Empress.
The Kreelans are now among my most favorite of characters and I recommend all of their books to any who are fans of good story telling.
April 23, 2016
I'm so drawn to Keel Tath's story that this book couldn't have gone any faster for me. I'm also so keen to find out more about the Dark Queen's power and the battle between her and Keel Tath. And the stories of Dara Kol and her team are so closely woven in that I'm finding myself reaching for the next book...
June 7, 2016
Incredible story and trilogy. I just can't get enough of the author's profound ability to entrap my imagination and send me to far away lands, events, and adventure. Please.....if you are a sci-fi adventurous soul, pick up these trilogies and read them. They are fantastic.
April 2, 2013
The last battle was over very quickly.
The conclave.....that was a little contrived.
The conclave.....that was a little contrived.
June 23, 2013
Loved all 8 books in this trilogy of trilogies... hoping the last book comes out soon.
January 22, 2014
A great continuation to this series, fleshing out the history hinted at in other books. It was fast paced and engaging with some likeable characters.
January 16, 2015
Great job
The book keeps one wanting more. He will definitely get my money for the next book! Way To go Mr Hicks!
The book keeps one wanting more. He will definitely get my money for the next book! Way To go Mr Hicks!
June 28, 2015
As good as the first. The only down side is that I thought the third book of the trilogy was out, but alas I am kept in suspense... :(
September 6, 2015
Solid writing, this trilogy is even and has good pacing.
November 3, 2015
Keel-Tath's story continues. Wonderful book. Now I have to look for the last one.
July 10, 2016
Finished in one sitting! what a gripping story that keeps you turning pages!! sadly, im now off to read the last book that will end the entire series for me... i cant wait.
January 18, 2017
This is the ninth book in the story of the kreelans, another great read, continuing the story of Keel-Tath, this is a read till you're finished book, superb.
February 5, 2017
Really entertaining.
April 12, 2018
<3
I can say no more.
Loved this book from start to finish!
I can say no more.
Loved this book from start to finish!
May 10, 2019
I've enjoyed this series and will continue to do so.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews