Khamlok

The Alterran Legacy #2

by Regina M. Joseph

Khamlok continues the epic saga of The Alterran Legacy Series. The Alterran ruling family of Anu, Enlil and Enki, who are stranded on Earth when their home world loses its atmosphere, struggle to adapt to mortal life. In Book 1, COLONY EARTH, Enlil struck out on his own to preserve Alterran civilization. His success in building Khamlok leads to internal and external jealousies, as the climate in Albion continues to deteriorate in the comet's aftermath. Despite the death edict issued by furious Anu, Enlil's mother secretly helps him, even assisting in delivering the precious babes that will ensure Alterra's survival through Earth.

301 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

I have been an avid reader my entire life. As a youth, I exhausted the science fiction section of the Zanesville, Ohio public library, falling in love with André Norton. I am a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The Ohio State University’s honors program, and I graduated from OSU’s Moritz College of Law with honors, where I was Managing Editor of The Ohio State Law Journal. I continue a thriving legal practice in M&A and commercial and corporate law in Toledo, Ohio, and I am blessed with a fine husband and three wonderful children, as well as a special niece.
A few years ago, I undertook a study of ancient history and discovered how little is known apart from tales labeled as mere mythology. Sumerian tablets, which have only recently been translated, tell stories of the “ones who came from the stars” to dwell among Earth people and teach them. About this time, human knowledge of agriculture exploded. Sumerian cities were sophisticated. Although the starmen possessed sophisticated technology, they were ruled by a father and his two sons. The son governing Earth was described as a mere adolescent. And so, I began to ponder current social trends that might lead to a global tech kingdom governed by a single family, and why those people might search out the primitive people of Earth and decide to nurture them. As above, so below. My ponderings led to The Alterran Legacy Series. My first installment, Colony Earth, was released in October 2012, and it won the first place 2012 global eLit Award in science fiction/fantasy. The second installment, Khamlok, was released in March 2013. The third, Resurrection, is in publication, and I am writing the last volume, Redemption.

Reviews

[Devinder Dhiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sent to me by the author on my request. I had read her first book last year and wanted to read this one. For first few pages, I was trying to recollect the story and characters from first book in the series. Once, I recalled, the story started flowing nicely and I became so interested that I finished reading it in two days. Khamlok, is a new city developed by En Lil with help from guards of his space ship, when he realizes that his space ship cannot return back to his home planet. He takes the help from people of earth, for building the city from scratch. Amalgamation of a highly technically advanced Aliens society with the people on the earth and their combined efforts to develop the city are shown so well that you just keep turning the pages of the book. When they succeed in building the city in a very short time and have plenty to eat as well as store, they become the thorn of the eyes of the people living in nearby kingdoms. They consider Khamlok a danger to their existence and they plan an attack. Political conspiracies are hatched and war strategies are made, which are very interesting to read. King Azur, with a large army, strikes the unsuspecting people of Khamlok when their leader and warriors are away on a different mission, and strikes a deadly blow even with his primitive arms made from recently invented iron. In spite of having flying ships, laser guns and superior arms, the Aliens suffer a defeat and their leader had to be brought to his space ship in almost dead condition where the rejuvenation chambers put back life in him and the story continues. I enjoyed reading this book, and would like to read third part also.

[Demelza Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is brilliant - easily deserving of five stars. An intriguing concept with an unpredictable plot, culminating in an ending even I didn't see.

The characters are well-written and consistent, with varying perspectives required as best suits the narrative. Ms Joseph even gives us a peek inside the heads of some of the villains, which suits this book perfectly.

The research Ms Joseph has done into early Earth civilisations and religions is amazing - it seeps through her work like the aroma of a fine meal, without beating you over the head with overly detailed descriptions and explanations. This book certainly gives an interesting interpretation to the Book of Genesis.

Why four stars and not five?

The answer is Lil - the main character of this book. I don't like him and I think he's a bit of a prick. In fact, a short distance into the beginning of the book, I wanted to stop reading it and kick the character somewhere low and painful, because I disliked him so much. Of course, I did keep reading, because I knew I'd enjoy the story. He does improve a bit as the story progresses, but that's only because Alana inspires him to do so. If you're into the overbearing, alpha-male type, you'll love this one, hands down.

I will certainly be reading the next one - I must know what happens next.

[Jada Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Science Fiction

In Colony Earth, the first installment of the Alterran Legacy Series, the resiliency of beings and their ability to adapt to any living conditions are explored.

Regina M. Joseph continues the story with Khamlok. Now married to Alana, Lil continues to develop his leadership abilities as factions must work together. The colony, a new small-scale civilization, serves as a melting pot for different cultures. At the same time, he must learn to navigate the sometimes stormy waters of marriage with an independent woman.

With her trademark character development and plot, Ms. Joseph builds her story while exploring broad societal themes.

[M.B. Tosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Khamlok, which is Volume Two of the science fiction series The Alterran Legacy, author Regina M. Joseph combines extensive research on ancient civilizations with her fluid writing style and creativity. It makes for a book which easily draws the reader into its imaginary adventures and conflicts in a violent, prehistoric world. The reader is asked to consider whether intelligent space aliens like the Alterrans could have become stranded on Earth and co-mingled with humans, and if so, how it would have altered human history. It's definitely an interesting read!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the follow up to Colony Earth which I thought would be hard to top, but I was wrong and this is just as intriguing. The characters are a little more rounded as the author fleshes them out even more and the link in with artefacts, myths and legends relating to ancient remains fascinating. Brilliant science fiction!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Colony Earth I was keen to read Khamlok and wasn't disappointed. The author continues to develop her world with much the same influences as Colony Earth. I felt it was a bit drawn out in places but not so that it detracted from my enjoyment and would recommend to serious SF fans.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Colony Earth I was keen to read Khamlok which is the sequel. Again I enjoyed it very much as author Regina Joseph continues to develop the characters and culture of the ancient world she has built. Followers of the series will not be disappointed.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

extremely good sci-fi from a burgeoning new author...