Tarak: Blood Dictates All

by Sage Patel

On Tarak, blood dictates all.

Way out on civilization’s rim lies a planet called Tarak, whose fiercely independent people are ruled by an enigmatic king. King Relaa has a supernatural ability, Sight, that makes even the Syndicate, the galactic government, tremble. For years this power has kept his people safe, and his planet free from Syndicate entanglements.

But some threats not even he can see.

Ehreo is a high-ranking Citadel agent—brave, determined, the best. Assigned to investigate a terrorist threat, Ehreo stumbles across a centuries-old prophecy that threatens to embroil both Tarak, and possibly the entire galaxy, in war.

Is Relaa as invincible as he thinks? Will Ehreo succeed, or will Tarak crumble from within?

The galaxy is going to war. Billions will die. How will Tarak intervene with its own rebellion secretly underway?

Find out in Tarak.

With rich, complex wordlbuilding reminiscent of Dune and Star Wars, Tarak is a must-read space opera. Exploring themes of power, loyalty, and destiny, this first installment of the series is a cosmic adventure as fun as it is thought-provoking.

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2023

About the author

I love all things science fiction and fantasy and like to write books that combine a bit of both.

Reviews

[Bobby Weisblatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patel has built an incredibly rich world here. There are elements of many of the classics here, but the author has created a truly unique world that stands on its own. Seeing the world and politics of Tarak from multiple perspectives and woven stories is a thrilling experience. Very excited to see what’s next in this universe.

[Rhea Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tarak" by Sage Patel is a captivating science fiction book that takes readers on an electrifying journey to the planet Tarak, a unique world on the fringes of the Syndicate-controlled galaxy. Set against the backdrop of a vast universe, this science fiction novel expertly combines elements of politics, military strategy, and the supernatural to deliver an action-packed and thought provoking story. What I particularly like about "Tarak" was its immersive world-building. The author skillfully paints a vivid picture of Tarak, complete with its hardened militaristic society and advanced technologies. The attention to detail in describing Tarak's societal structure and technological advancements adds depth and realism to the story, making the world feel both familiar and unique. While "Tarak" shares some similarities with other books in the science fiction genre, such as political intrigue and galactic conflicts, it also offers its own unique elements that set it apart. The concept of the Syndicate, a galactic-wide government managing the universe provides a fascinating framework for the story's political dynamics. Additionally, the inclusion of the Sight ability adds a supernatural element that adds an extra layer of mystery and suspense to the plot. What makes "Tarak" truly stand out is its compelling cast of characters. King Relaa's complex persona, driven by his desire to protect Tarak and maintain his power, creates a character with both admirable and questionable qualities. Ehreo, the determined Citadel agent, brings a relatable perspective as he navigates the intricate web of politics. The interactions and conflicts between the characters are skillfully crafted contributing to the overall richness and depth of the story. The pace of this book keeps readers engaged, with each twist and turn propelling the narrative forward. With its immersive world-building, compelling characters, and a plot that balances action, intrigue, and supernatural elements, this book is a standout in the genre. Fans of epic space sagas and politics will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in the struggles of Tarak and its inhabitants. "Tarak" is a must-read for anyone seeking an enthralling and thought-provoking journey.

[Hannah Qizilbash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My inner monologue during Tarak: Blood Dictates All

-Three chapters in and, OMG it is giving!
-Strong emotional investment. Already?!
-Ooooo bada$$ characters
-Action, fantasy, sci-fi. Give me all of it.
-Holy world-building!
-OMG! R (no spoilers! ;D)
-The secrets! The intrigue! The bonds!
-Beautiful diversity
-Plot twist. Yay!

The world is rich and the story moves seamlessly. There is an exquisite juxtaposition that undulates with balanced contrast. The characters are complex but secure in their lived truths and the humor sprinkled through is relatable AF!

[ABrahosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for the next in this series! I thought I would be ok with a cliffhanger ending, but not one this good! I found myself completely immersed in this tempestuous world of Game of Thrones meets Blade Runner action and characters.

It is a classic epic quest tale, but it engaged me intellectually with the mysterious plotline as well as emotionally with the outstanding “feel” for the characters that Patel brought to life through the dialogue and descriptions. For me, the author gave enough detail to provide the most meaningful characteristics of a person, without becoming too overbearingly detailed, it was purposefully well done. “Blood Dictates All” was a pleasure to read, I am ready for more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zach Kokol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable sci fi read! The author paints a picture that puts you in the drivers’ seat and allows you to feel as if you’re there!

[Cynthia Mennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!! This was a richly developed and action packed new world for me…I hadn’t read a ton of sci-fi before but Tarak definitely opened up the floodgates

[thebookishbec · Rating 5 out of 5]

“History has two words, ‘his’ and ‘story’, and it is only written by the victors.”

I cannot believe Tarak: Blood Dictates All is a debut sci-fi novel. I have so many thoughts still running circles in my head, but here are the biggest ones:

The story hits the ground running. We jump right into the plot while the world builds around us. And the story does not lose that tempo. At times, I wished the story would slow down so I could thoroughly enjoy and take in more details. Having now finished the book, I understand why that is, but I wish the book was longer, especially because I now have to wait for the next book! (Which I already can’t wait for).

The world building in this story is incredible. Sage Patel has created a realistic universe with complex political systems and planetary traditions. He has created truly three-dimensional characters that flow in and out of the story. I love that not a single character is all good or bad, the characters are much more realistic and relatable because of that. Everyone could be the “bad guy” in the story.

The real world metaphors were one of my favorite parts of the story. Sage Patel casually takes on racism, police brutality, religious extremism, the flaws of monarchies, and equality. I am not sure if all these were intentional, but they spoke volumes to me. The female characters are strong and true equals. The cast of characters is racially diverse and features LGBTQ side characters.

Incredible. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tarak is a high stakes science fiction book set on an intergalactic stage but focusing on Tarak, a planet whose populace and society is envied for its highly advanced technology, military capabilities and strategy, and long lifespans. From King Relaa and Ehreo (a skilled and high ranking agent of one wing of the government of Tarak), we slowly learn about Tarak society and culture, the power of the Sight that empowers only the descendents of the royal bloodline, the mysterious process of Ascension for the future king or queen of Tarak, and the history of Tarak itself and the other planets in the intergalactic Syndicate. Internal strife within Tarak threatens its position of strength, and our story follows the corresponding fallout of this dynamic from the perspective of these power players.

Tarak is well-written, particularly for a debut book. The characters are interesting and nuanced with depth that is explored throughout the novel. The world building is vivid and detailed, with some aspects reminiscent of the cyberpunk genre and others more reminiscent of books like Dune or Warbreaker. As an avid sci-fi reader, I was impressed by how original the world is - while it is reminiscent of other books, it is its own story and is full of surprises.

The reason I rated it a 4/5 is that the beginning was a little slow for me. There was a large but necessary amount of exposition to set the stage (this is a book that might benefit from an appendix), and it took a few chapters before I became invested and was reading to see what would happen next… but I finished the last third of the book in one sitting! Definitely worth a read in my book.

[Gediminas Bulota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patel creates a captivating and immersive journey set in a richly crafted world. With skillful storytelling and multi-perspective exploration of politics, the book weaves together elements from literary classics while maintaining its originality. The theme of blood adds depth, prompting readers to question authority and privilege. The pacing is perfect, the characters well-developed, and the descriptive prose vivid. In the realm of sci-fi, this remarkable book is a must-read, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book. I am providing an honest review.

The Basics:
Tarak is a nation ruled by blood. Blood is used to monitor radiation levels. It’s used to determine ancestry, criminal history, and honor. Most importantly, blood can determine if you’re a hybrid— and you do not want to be a hybrid. Tarak is on the brink of civil and intergalactic war. Ehreo, a member of Tarak’s most elite military group, has been tasked with finding the source of the rebellion. His journey takes him to some of the most remote portions of Tarak, where he makes unexpected friends in a young girl and unfolds a sinister plot that is much larger than he ever anticipated.

My thoughts:
This is a great introductory sci-fi novel for those that are new to the genre— and if you don’t like sci-fi, I would recommend trying this novel before writing off the genre. The author did a great job world building. Tarak and its politics are engaging, but still comprehensible. Ehreo is a very unique character— despite his rigid military background and authoritative title, he still has a mysterious past and a mind of his own. It gave him an unpredictable edge that I loved. I also adored the naivety of his younger companion. The two of them really created a wonderful juxtaposition throughout the book. Sage Patel built in a lot of amazing twists, turns, and betrayals. This was an incredible debut novel and I am very excited to see how this series continues.

I would recommend this novel to sci-fi beginners and lovers alike!

[Maya Frucht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I am so excited to see what else is in store for the world of Tarak. This book had some similarities to some of my favorite science fiction books and shows, but it was truly unique. I found the beginning a tad slow. But after a few chapters, I could not put it down. I was invested in every character’s storyline, and I constantly changed who I was rooting for (I am still unsure even now as I am writing this review). There were some truly unexpected plot twists toward the end that had me wishing it wasn’t over. Can’t wait until the sequel!

[Adam Krivisky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarak was an excellent fast paced sci-fi thriller! The world building and character development by Patel were captivating. I am Looking forward to reading the next installment!

[TheLastAtreides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarak is a milestone. I’ve mostly been a fantasy fan, but Dune and Foundation were my gateway to science fiction. Tarak holds its own among some of those greats as well - think of what you loved about A Memory Called Empire and and Game of Thrones and see that come to life with Afro-Caribbean and South Asian influences in Tarak. It’s definitely in the modern genre of science fiction with vivid world building, characters who you are invested in and root for and plot twists that leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. As someone of South Asian descent, it’s always great to see your culture, references and names reflected in the books you read. Strong debut novel from Patel and can’t wait for more.

[Sidney Genrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible debut book, loved it from start to finish!

[Shyanne Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is honestly my first Sci-Fi fantasy book as I have never been interested in that genre, but let me tell you….Sage Patel has definitely influenced me into giving it a chance and I am so glad I did when I had received a free ARC of it! I will definitely be adding more Sci-Fi to my TBR list!

Tarak, a planet on the outer edge of other planet civilizations with its own set of rules and regulations set by a King with a strong bloodline and sight who doesn’t associate with the other planets syndicate. Tarakians are a force to be reckoned with, with their advanced technology and science. Will they stay at peace or will they have to join a civil war?

Ehreo a high ranking detective and his friends/allies do their best to uncover the civil war threatening their planet and the surrounding ones. There is so much political intrigue, twists/turns, a prophecy and magic as you come to see that there is not only a threat outside of Tarak, but inside as well. Can the madness be stopped or will it all crumble?

Throughout the book you follow in depth characters along their journey and so much world building that just immerses you right into the story itself. Each character was very thought out and executed without flaw to bring them to life in the best relatable way possible. Keep a healthy reading pace as there are a lot of different characters brought into this world and you may get lost. The world building is so unique and vivid when picturing it inside your head. The story line was clear and precise and it gave you exactly what you would want from this type of genre. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. I was invested in literally everything!

I recommend this book to those who love complex world building, relatable characters, advanced technologies, intergalactic societies, political intrigue and lots of twists!

[Richard Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way out on civilization’s rim lies a planet called Tarak, whose fiercely independent people are ruled by an enigmatic king with a supernatural ability, Sight, that makes even the galactic government tremble.

Ehreo is a high-ranking Citadel agent—brave, determined, the best. Assigned to investigate a terrorist threat, Ehreo stumbles across a centuries-old prophecy set in motion by King Relaa himself, and a web of intrigue which threatens to embroil both Tarak, and possibly the entire galaxy, in war.

“Tarak” by Sage Patel is above all a master study in sci-fi world-building. The planet’s intricate politics and advanced technologies really come together to paint a vivid picture of a unique world. Ehreo, Relaa and a diverse cast of secondary characters add another layer of complexity to this saga, which even boldly explores some real-world issues here and there. If I had a crit, the narrative does get off to a slow start, but once over that hump, it’s warp speed all the way.

To sum up, “Tarak” really captures the essence of space opera, exploring themes of power, loyalty and destiny in a cosmic adventure that’s as fun as it is thought-provoking.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was torn with my rating of this book between a three and a five-star review. It was a good book with richly developed characters lots of plot twists, intrigue, betrayals and you got to experience the gauntlet of emotions.

So why the back and forth? There were soooo many characters thrown at you I felt like I needed a spread sheet to keep track of everyone, who was this one in league with, who betrayed whom, who was jealous of whom? Then there were times when it seemed to just drone on and on and would get to the point excruciatingly slow. The ending for me was unsatisfying won’t necessarily say cliffhanger but it felt like we were starting over again.

The ending sets you up for a continuation of the story, looks like it's going to be one of those sagas that takes a while to get to the point. Like I said previously the writing is pretty tight for the most part with good character development and growth, it could have been wrapped up a little sooner for me.

I received an ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

[A M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarak captured my attention in a way only a few other books have. The way the universe and its mechanics are presented is a perfectly believable future trajectory for humankind, but also magical and mysterious. The pacing is not rushed or draining. Everything, including all the tiny details, unfolds elegantly as parallel plotlines weave in and out of one another. The characters are easy to feel invested in. Their thoughts and emotions are impactful and sincere. The overarching 'meta-plot' is unfolding at a galactic scale leaving room for the universe of Tarak to expand in so many unimaginable ways.

Tarak provided me with a similar level of engagement and wonder as the stories from Asimov's Foundation series with comparable quality and artful delivery. The political landscape and diplomatic elements are well thought out. The science fiction elements are grounded in real concepts with just enough creative liberties taken to make the worlds of Tarak unique and awe inspiring.

I am looking forward to the next installments of the series!

[Julien Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarak is an utterly engrossing sci-fi debut from Sage Patel.

A large cast of characters, each with their own voice, populate a world of politics and intrigue; the narrative shifts from one perspective to another to engage with this alien world through a variety of perspectives. It kept me on my toes, not being sure at first who was the protagonist, before having the narrative slowly focus, and narrow, until I realized that there were multiple protagonists, none of them perfect, heading towards inevitable conflict.

Patel also excels with world building, describing surreal landscapes and settings and allowing the reader's imagination to wander through this bleak but fascinating planet. The locales felt original and almost like characters in their own right.

The book is clearly not meant to be a standalone, and I can't wait to read the next installment.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the vastness of the Tarakian world. The author's worldbuilding skills are nothing short of extraordinary, effortlessly transporting readers to a planet on the rim of civilization. The Tarakians, with their fierce independence and advanced technology, come alive on the pages, and their biodome-protected society is a marvel to behold.
Patel does a brilliant job of weaving together political intrigue, military prowess, and a centuries-old prophecy that adds a layer of suspense and mystery to the narrative.One of the novel's standout features is its relentless action. The battle scenes are expertly choreographed, transporting readers into the heart of the action - every moment is packed with intensity and suspense, truly a 10/10 read

[Thibaldo Manrique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read, a fantasy book which the authors hopes will be a series

I like science fiction and stand alone novels. This book is neither. Excellent editing and very well put together, the parts that fail, for me, are internal consistency. There's a lot of magic. A lot. Whenever the protagonist or for that matter any character gets in a bind, magic, and puff! They are out. Saved. Whatever. Dues ex machina has never been something I like, and it's a device used a lot here. Also, there's a lot of magic without a consistent magic system. That might be just me, you'd have to judge for yourself. A large cast of characters that don't get fully developed. If you are not fantasy set in space, this is probably for you.

[Jon Bender · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just missing a little bit, great world building, curious about the rest of the history and universe

The writing is good. Excellent world building. No complaints there. A good mixture of sci-fi and fantasy.

I think this book could have been two or three books though. The storytelling is good but sometimes feels like we skip a lot going forward when maybe more was needed in the moment.

I don’t know what a sequel exactly would bring but I would be curious and read the sequel OR a prequel. The world building was good and curios about the events mentioned.

I don’t hate this but just wish there was consistency with the pace (again just my opinion). I would definitely read something else from this author in hopes that it would be more consistent.

[Anjali Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Sci-Fi novel and let me just say that it is DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Sage Patel did a fantastic job with this book, especially for to be a debut novel and I cannot wait for the what’s to come. While reading, I throughly felt like I was “transported” and was fully immersed due to the way things are described throughout the book. You have to get through the first couple of chapters that are a little slower, but definitely trust the process. If you’re looking for an engaging, action-packed novel, with great characters, and plot twists that will want want you to keep reading, I definitely recommend Tarak. Kudos to Sage Patel!

[Andrew Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being someone who typically reads non-fiction, jumping into a deep, immersive sci-fi story like Tarak was a bit intimidating at first. However, Patel quickly remedies this by bringing you into his world in a way that makes it feel real and immersive. The cultures in the world are deep and complex, and the characters flawlessly serve as our eyes and ears into Patel’s imaginative systems. I’d recommend Tarak to anyone unsure of delving into the sci-fi genre. It was a great introduction for me and I can’t wait for Patel’s next project.

[Jessica Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically read sci-fi novels; however, Sage's Tarak gripped me from the start and I could not put it down until I read the last page. The world-building is incredibly layered and complex, diving into very "real world" issues of politics, intrigue, economics, and power dynamics and sets up this series quite dramatically. I loved the characters introduced and their moral grayness, which makes for some sympathetic anti-heroes. Book one sets the stage with so many key players with their own agendas and I am so incredibly excited to dive deeper into this world and see how it all unfolds!

[Eion Oosterbaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a big science fiction reader but found Patel's writing very easy to follow. The opening chapter was a little slow for me but very quickly picked up. You'll get hooked and the switching POV character perspectives leaves you wanting more. I found the worldbuilding to be extrordinary and vivid. The plot twist at the end had me demanding more. I am excited for the next installment. This is going to be a series I can't wait to continue with.

[Claire Boudreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarak has rich world building and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader thoroughly engaged. The political intrigue combined with the intense action sequences makes for a continuously compelling narrative. The elements of Indian and Caribbean culture are subtly weaved through the story layering a completely unique perspective in a genre that rarely sees eastern inspiration.

[Mason Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say I’m not a sci-fi reader, but I think I am now. I’m so surprised by the rich world building and truly unique society. My favorite character was definitely Ehreo and I’m sure you’ll see why. Tarak is complicated and thrilling but it really pulls you through with all the twists and turns. Need book 2 ASAP!

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely brilliant sci-fi read. The storyline was filled with militaristic mindsets, political maneuvering, and a touch of the supernatural. The world building and well-written characters made it easy to immerse myself in this fascinating literary journey. A highly entertaining read from beginning to end.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Hidden Gems*

[Robert D Reck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts a bit low but once launched it takes off..

This book is full of interesting characters and plot twists. I'm ready to start the next installment. There is a healthy supply of villains as well as many who are potentially villains --or not. Plenty of unresolved dissonance to start the next installment.