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The Earth has been invaded by the Illyri, a beautiful, civilized, yet ruthless alien race. Humanity has been conquered, but still it fights the invaders. The Resistance grows stronger, for it is the young people of Earth who are best equipped to battle the Illyri.
Syl Hellais, conceived among the stars, is the oldest alien child on Earth, the first to reach sixteen years of age. Her father rules the planet. Her future is assured. And Syl has hidden gifts, powers that even she does yet fully understand.
But all is not as it seems. The Illyri are at war among themselves, and the sinister Nairene Sisterhood has arrived on Earth, hungry for new blood. When Syl helps a pair of young Resistance fighters to escape execution, she finds herself sentenced to death, pursued by her own kind, and risks breaking the greatest taboo of her race by falling in love with a human.
Now the hunter has become the hunted, the predator become prey.
And as Syl is about to learn, the real invasion has not yet even begun...
Syl Hellais, conceived among the stars, is the oldest alien child on Earth, the first to reach sixteen years of age. Her father rules the planet. Her future is assured. And Syl has hidden gifts, powers that even she does yet fully understand.
But all is not as it seems. The Illyri are at war among themselves, and the sinister Nairene Sisterhood has arrived on Earth, hungry for new blood. When Syl helps a pair of young Resistance fighters to escape execution, she finds herself sentenced to death, pursued by her own kind, and risks breaking the greatest taboo of her race by falling in love with a human.
Now the hunter has become the hunted, the predator become prey.
And as Syl is about to learn, the real invasion has not yet even begun...
433 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2013
124 people are currently reading
3376 people want to read
About the author
John Connolly
220 books7,901 followersJohn Connolly was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1968 and has, at various points in his life, worked as a journalist, a barman, a local government official, a waiter and a dogsbody at Harrods department store in London. He studied English in Trinity College, Dublin and journalism at Dublin City University, subsequently spending five years working as a freelance journalist for The Irish Times newspaper, to which he continues to contribute.
He is based in Dublin but divides his time between his native city and the United States.
This page is administered by John's assistant, Clair, on John's behalf. If you'd like to communicate with John directly, you can do so by writing to contact-at-johnconnollybooks.com, or by following him on Twitter at @JConnollyBooks.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See other authors with similar names.
He is based in Dublin but divides his time between his native city and the United States.
This page is administered by John's assistant, Clair, on John's behalf. If you'd like to communicate with John directly, you can do so by writing to contact-at-johnconnollybooks.com, or by following him on Twitter at @JConnollyBooks.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See other authors with similar names.
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February 2, 2018DNF, page 20.
I usually don't quit so quickly, but this just wasn't my thing. Aliens with a wholly not-alien culture (one of my pet peeves) take over Earth. The first alien girl born on Earth has just turned sixteen (yes, the aliens apparently measure time & age in the exact way we do), and is apparently going to be a main character. Her introduction is a big ol' ball of Mary Sue. The writing overall seems very aimed at a juvenile market.
I know I really didn't give it enough time to judge; just reminding myself why I probably don't want to pick this up again in the future. Life is short; books are numerous.
I usually don't quit so quickly, but this just wasn't my thing. Aliens with a wholly not-alien culture (one of my pet peeves) take over Earth. The first alien girl born on Earth has just turned sixteen (yes, the aliens apparently measure time & age in the exact way we do), and is apparently going to be a main character. Her introduction is a big ol' ball of Mary Sue. The writing overall seems very aimed at a juvenile market.
I know I really didn't give it enough time to judge; just reminding myself why I probably don't want to pick this up again in the future. Life is short; books are numerous.
December 21, 2013
This unoriginal story is not for me! The two authors John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard have made so many mistakes, I wonder if this book ever got edited.
Showing vs. telling: especially in the beginning many elements are told instead of shown through character interaction, environments or action. It’s a big conglomerate of info-dumping that could have been avoided or altered to make me immerse into the story. Especially the “Prologue”, a retelling of the alien invasion, is rather boring in that regard.
Alternating POVs: this makes for a very disharmonious read as you will often encounter several POV changes in one chapter. Also the book mixes heavily omniscient and first-person narration which makes it that much more difficult to read or connect to the main characters.
Characterization: The Illyri are far too human! Their physiology is similar to humans but for being a bit taller and having no eyelids. I couldn’t detect many cultural differences from humans either. Many of the secondary characters seem rather one-dimensional.
High Fantasy instead of Science Fiction meets Young Adult: This book feels rather like a high fantasy mix with young adult characters. Why fantasy you ask? There is the Illyri Sisterhood, kind of your version of intergalactic witches. Next are the Illyri overlords who live in castles on Earth: Edinburgh castle, the London Tower, the castle in Prague, you name it. Why does an alien nation have a need for Earths dusty, medieval castles, I have absolutely no clue. And where are they living in the USA, where there are no castles? Disney Land?
The human resistance meets in old, shabby pubs and inns. I was quite honestly reminded of Lord of the Rings and awaiting the appearance of Frodo at any moment. Evil arrives instead in the form of another very common horror-movie plot twist: parasites have taken over the Illyri and next on their menu is Earth.
Of course our main male human love interest is 16 and already high up in the resistance army hierarchy. He has killed, he is one of the best spy masters we are told. Etc. I couldn’t care less. His name is Paul, of all names available the authors decided on this one. Paulus is Latin for “the small one”. I felt rather disappointed by the premise.
One other minor point: If you tell people that the European headquarters for the aliens is in London, you’d better think again: England (as part of the UK) are a group of islands at the left side of the European continent. The UK is de facto in the European Union but doesn't use the Euro (as if the pound stirling is so much better)! Most British think of themselves as non-Europeans and there is also a big discussion on whether to pull out of the EU. It's kind of hilarious if you think about it, that the european headquarter should be in London. If I were an Alien race I would put myy headquarter there where it already is, in Straßbourg. (And France has also some very nice chateaux)
And to think that Scottish people now lead the resistance? There is even some mentioning of fighting at the Hadrian’s Wall. Next our Scottish lairds are wearing long hair and kilts. LOL.
Showing vs. telling: especially in the beginning many elements are told instead of shown through character interaction, environments or action. It’s a big conglomerate of info-dumping that could have been avoided or altered to make me immerse into the story. Especially the “Prologue”, a retelling of the alien invasion, is rather boring in that regard.
Alternating POVs: this makes for a very disharmonious read as you will often encounter several POV changes in one chapter. Also the book mixes heavily omniscient and first-person narration which makes it that much more difficult to read or connect to the main characters.
Characterization: The Illyri are far too human! Their physiology is similar to humans but for being a bit taller and having no eyelids. I couldn’t detect many cultural differences from humans either. Many of the secondary characters seem rather one-dimensional.
High Fantasy instead of Science Fiction meets Young Adult: This book feels rather like a high fantasy mix with young adult characters. Why fantasy you ask? There is the Illyri Sisterhood, kind of your version of intergalactic witches. Next are the Illyri overlords who live in castles on Earth: Edinburgh castle, the London Tower, the castle in Prague, you name it. Why does an alien nation have a need for Earths dusty, medieval castles, I have absolutely no clue. And where are they living in the USA, where there are no castles? Disney Land?
The human resistance meets in old, shabby pubs and inns. I was quite honestly reminded of Lord of the Rings and awaiting the appearance of Frodo at any moment. Evil arrives instead in the form of another very common horror-movie plot twist: parasites have taken over the Illyri and next on their menu is Earth.
Of course our main male human love interest is 16 and already high up in the resistance army hierarchy. He has killed, he is one of the best spy masters we are told. Etc. I couldn’t care less. His name is Paul, of all names available the authors decided on this one. Paulus is Latin for “the small one”. I felt rather disappointed by the premise.
One other minor point: If you tell people that the European headquarters for the aliens is in London, you’d better think again: England (as part of the UK) are a group of islands at the left side of the European continent. The UK is de facto in the European Union but doesn't use the Euro (as if the pound stirling is so much better)! Most British think of themselves as non-Europeans and there is also a big discussion on whether to pull out of the EU. It's kind of hilarious if you think about it, that the european headquarter should be in London. If I were an Alien race I would put myy headquarter there where it already is, in Straßbourg. (And France has also some very nice chateaux)
And to think that Scottish people now lead the resistance? There is even some mentioning of fighting at the Hadrian’s Wall. Next our Scottish lairds are wearing long hair and kilts. LOL.
May 28, 2014
Apparently aliens are the new vampires and I guess I'm a sucker for aliens because this is the second YA book about aliens I've read in a year's time.
In this one, out of nowhere, a wormhole appears at the end of the solar system. This spells the doom of mankind because an alien race has come to dethrone mankind, thus, Conquest.
Except, while these aliens take over the governments of Earth, they have also brought technology which can not only cure diseases such as cancer, but expand the human lifespan. I've hit on this topic recently, but here it comes again, are the trade-offs worth it?
What makes this one different?
This one takes a different spin than I was prepared for. Usually, and especially with a name like "Conquest," it's a story of survival, of a rogue squad who's fighting back. While there is a bit of that, this story mostly follows the aliens themselves, in fact, one of them who is the first born alien on earth.
So instead of a fight for the world, you really get a bigger glimpse of the nature of the aliens, the culture, and the political machinations and infighting of the political parties.
This is good and bad.
Why it doesn't quite work
Well, first, why did it work. I thought this was a great take on the alien story ... at first. It's almost like reading a fantasy book because you're reading more about the society of this alien species and getting to know them and on the side you get some of the story of the rebel humans fighting against them.
What doesn't work is that some of the tension is gone or really never intended to be there. I know it's not really fair, but I expected more of a fight, which is there, but it's in a very small degree. The culture is interesting but I can't say I cared all that much about it, but that's probably for a different reason.
The Characters
The characters are for the most part, quite bland. I did listen to this on audiobook, so that could account for some of this, but by the end of the book I was still having to remember and figure out who some of the main people were. You get to know the main character, Syl, who's as interesting as a prepubescent teen can be to a non-creepy male of 30 (spoiler, there's not much we have in common).
But, by the end of the book, I really should have been able to keep track of the insurgent boys who help Syl out in the beginning and play a big part in the story, or Syl's best friend who also played a consistent part in the story.
Again, it's not all the novel's fault, I take some of the blame, but I don't think it's all mine.
I enjoyed many parts of this book, but for the most part, it didn't work for me. The alien societies were interesting, but a tad boring. The characters were mostly flat. I wanted to read this because I have some friends who are huge into John Connolly, but I'll have to check out some of his other works for an actual understanding.
2.5 out of 5 Stars (Okay to good)
In this one, out of nowhere, a wormhole appears at the end of the solar system. This spells the doom of mankind because an alien race has come to dethrone mankind, thus, Conquest.
Except, while these aliens take over the governments of Earth, they have also brought technology which can not only cure diseases such as cancer, but expand the human lifespan. I've hit on this topic recently, but here it comes again, are the trade-offs worth it?
What makes this one different?
This one takes a different spin than I was prepared for. Usually, and especially with a name like "Conquest," it's a story of survival, of a rogue squad who's fighting back. While there is a bit of that, this story mostly follows the aliens themselves, in fact, one of them who is the first born alien on earth.
So instead of a fight for the world, you really get a bigger glimpse of the nature of the aliens, the culture, and the political machinations and infighting of the political parties.
This is good and bad.
Why it doesn't quite work
Well, first, why did it work. I thought this was a great take on the alien story ... at first. It's almost like reading a fantasy book because you're reading more about the society of this alien species and getting to know them and on the side you get some of the story of the rebel humans fighting against them.
What doesn't work is that some of the tension is gone or really never intended to be there. I know it's not really fair, but I expected more of a fight, which is there, but it's in a very small degree. The culture is interesting but I can't say I cared all that much about it, but that's probably for a different reason.
The Characters
The characters are for the most part, quite bland. I did listen to this on audiobook, so that could account for some of this, but by the end of the book I was still having to remember and figure out who some of the main people were. You get to know the main character, Syl, who's as interesting as a prepubescent teen can be to a non-creepy male of 30 (spoiler, there's not much we have in common).
But, by the end of the book, I really should have been able to keep track of the insurgent boys who help Syl out in the beginning and play a big part in the story, or Syl's best friend who also played a consistent part in the story.
Again, it's not all the novel's fault, I take some of the blame, but I don't think it's all mine.
I enjoyed many parts of this book, but for the most part, it didn't work for me. The alien societies were interesting, but a tad boring. The characters were mostly flat. I wanted to read this because I have some friends who are huge into John Connolly, but I'll have to check out some of his other works for an actual understanding.
2.5 out of 5 Stars (Okay to good)
June 4, 2022
Was intrigued to get into another sci-fi series but unfortunately it didn't work for me. The world building or the alien character works didn't work for me. Won't be continuing with the series
January 26, 2015
Syl was the first of the alien Illyri to be born on Earth sixteen years ago after their (mostly) peaceful conquest of the planet. Her father is a diplomat living in Edinburgh, where earthlings persist in fighting off their conquerors, despite bringing peace and advanced medicine to Earth. On her sixteenth birthday Syl sneaks out of the castle to explore the streets, an activity fraught with danger as she soon learns when a café explodes before her eyes.
Paul may only be a teenager, but he's been a part of the Resistance for years, gathering intel, learning to fight, and helping others on missions. He's old enough now to start leading his own missions, as well as mentoring his younger brother, Steven. After the café explosion, he sees a young woman on the street and takes her to safety, never learning she's Illyri. He may be part of the Resistance, but the bombing killed civilians, so he knows it wasn't his people. Unfortunately, his proximity to the bombing causes suspicion.
The chain of events continues from there as a result of that chance meeting. Their lives will never be the same.
I wanted to like this book. Rare is the YA Science Fiction with meaty content. Unfortunately, despite the big-name author on the cover and the hefty promises on the back, CONQUEST's "meaty content" is more like chopped liver.
The first thing that bothered me about CONQUEST is the narrative style, which is exhaustingly expositional--by that I mean walls of text that tell us about the aliens, about the human-alien relationship, etc. Not only does this severely slow down the narrative (which is why it took me two months to slog through it) but it treats readers like idiots because the authors have to tells us what to think instead of showing us character behavior and letting us draw conclusions for ourselves. We are flooded with information that could have been interesting if it had actually moved the story along (the back cover calls it "densely plotted" HAH).
I believe they chose the omniscient PoV narrator initially because there's so much readers need to know about the aliens, about Edinburgh, the Resistance, Paul, and other characters. The result of omniscient narrative is distance from the characters because readers are continually pulled out of the story in order to explain in obnoxious detail about the back story. The authors try to fix the distance by dipping occasionally into the heads of the characters, but this takes the narrative out of omniscient into a sort of rotating third-person PoV, which was hard to follow. It felt very schizophrenic, not something an experienced writer would do.
Unfortunately, the writing style wasn't the worst part. Perhaps I should make some bullet points so you can understand:
•The Illyri are supposed to be aliens and they behave just like humans. They look like humans, too.
•The Illyri are supposed to be "civilized yet ruthless." Sounds contradictory to me. They claim to know a better way and conquer humanity to help it, but then end up enslaving and killing them. And they wonder why humans have created a Resistance? A race smart enough to control wormholes and they're stumped by this?
•Syl is referenced as having an adrenaline rush. (One example of many similarities between the Illyri and humans.)
•Even those Illyri who didn't grow up on Earth use human jargon.
•Their political structure is like humans, as well as their family structure, religion, work, and school.
•Their technology is a random assortment of better medicine, yet not better robotics; advanced space travel, but not advanced weaponry; etc. They've watched us for 70 years but can't catch a rag-tag group of Resistance fighters?
•They use aliens from other planets, including a frog-like race, to conquer Earth using knives and pistols.
This has to be the blandest alien race I have ever read or seen. Even counting Star Trek. It's like they wanted to write a romance story from Medieval England (Illyri overlords who take residence in the world's old castles; Resistance members meeting in dank pubs á la LotR; and...wait for it...alien witches!), but that's been done a hundred times, so make it present day and the conquerors are instead aliens and BOOM unique story, right?
The story begins to pick up about the 2/3 mark, with movement that builds on all the stuff (soooo much stuff) that went before. But then. Oh then. (Sigh.) Everything goes absurd. Teenagers fighting experienced soldiers. Secrets are revealed. Political machinations among the aliens ruins lives (sounds human, right?). Even alien-human love stories.
I'm sure there's some teenage girl out there who will love this book. It's all very mushy and over-wrought (rather like TWILIGHT), so I'm sure it will hook some unsuspecting females out there who don't know what real Science Fiction is about. And it will be their loss.
Recommended Age: 13+
Language: None
Violence: Yes, including torture, but nothing particularly intense
Sex: Teenage crushing and some kissing
\
***Find this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
Paul may only be a teenager, but he's been a part of the Resistance for years, gathering intel, learning to fight, and helping others on missions. He's old enough now to start leading his own missions, as well as mentoring his younger brother, Steven. After the café explosion, he sees a young woman on the street and takes her to safety, never learning she's Illyri. He may be part of the Resistance, but the bombing killed civilians, so he knows it wasn't his people. Unfortunately, his proximity to the bombing causes suspicion.
The chain of events continues from there as a result of that chance meeting. Their lives will never be the same.
I wanted to like this book. Rare is the YA Science Fiction with meaty content. Unfortunately, despite the big-name author on the cover and the hefty promises on the back, CONQUEST's "meaty content" is more like chopped liver.
The first thing that bothered me about CONQUEST is the narrative style, which is exhaustingly expositional--by that I mean walls of text that tell us about the aliens, about the human-alien relationship, etc. Not only does this severely slow down the narrative (which is why it took me two months to slog through it) but it treats readers like idiots because the authors have to tells us what to think instead of showing us character behavior and letting us draw conclusions for ourselves. We are flooded with information that could have been interesting if it had actually moved the story along (the back cover calls it "densely plotted" HAH).
I believe they chose the omniscient PoV narrator initially because there's so much readers need to know about the aliens, about Edinburgh, the Resistance, Paul, and other characters. The result of omniscient narrative is distance from the characters because readers are continually pulled out of the story in order to explain in obnoxious detail about the back story. The authors try to fix the distance by dipping occasionally into the heads of the characters, but this takes the narrative out of omniscient into a sort of rotating third-person PoV, which was hard to follow. It felt very schizophrenic, not something an experienced writer would do.
Unfortunately, the writing style wasn't the worst part. Perhaps I should make some bullet points so you can understand:
•The Illyri are supposed to be aliens and they behave just like humans. They look like humans, too.
•The Illyri are supposed to be "civilized yet ruthless." Sounds contradictory to me. They claim to know a better way and conquer humanity to help it, but then end up enslaving and killing them. And they wonder why humans have created a Resistance? A race smart enough to control wormholes and they're stumped by this?
•Syl is referenced as having an adrenaline rush. (One example of many similarities between the Illyri and humans.)
•Even those Illyri who didn't grow up on Earth use human jargon.
•Their political structure is like humans, as well as their family structure, religion, work, and school.
•Their technology is a random assortment of better medicine, yet not better robotics; advanced space travel, but not advanced weaponry; etc. They've watched us for 70 years but can't catch a rag-tag group of Resistance fighters?
•They use aliens from other planets, including a frog-like race, to conquer Earth using knives and pistols.
This has to be the blandest alien race I have ever read or seen. Even counting Star Trek. It's like they wanted to write a romance story from Medieval England (Illyri overlords who take residence in the world's old castles; Resistance members meeting in dank pubs á la LotR; and...wait for it...alien witches!), but that's been done a hundred times, so make it present day and the conquerors are instead aliens and BOOM unique story, right?
The story begins to pick up about the 2/3 mark, with movement that builds on all the stuff (soooo much stuff) that went before. But then. Oh then. (Sigh.) Everything goes absurd. Teenagers fighting experienced soldiers. Secrets are revealed. Political machinations among the aliens ruins lives (sounds human, right?). Even alien-human love stories.
I'm sure there's some teenage girl out there who will love this book. It's all very mushy and over-wrought (rather like TWILIGHT), so I'm sure it will hook some unsuspecting females out there who don't know what real Science Fiction is about. And it will be their loss.
Recommended Age: 13+
Language: None
Violence: Yes, including torture, but nothing particularly intense
Sex: Teenage crushing and some kissing
\
***Find this and other reviews at Elitist Book Reviews.***
September 16, 2013
The Review: http://thefoundingfields.com/2013/09/....
“An excellent start to a promising new series, whilst the team of Connolly and Ridyard may not bring the most original story to the table, they certainly know how to deliver a fun, compelling read that should keep sci-fi fans entertained. This book is certainly worth checking out.” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
"The Earth has been invaded by the Illyri, a beautiful, civilized, yet ruthless alien race. Humanity has been conquered, but still it fights the invaders. The Resistance grows stronger, for it is the young people of Earth who are best equipped to battle the Illyri.
Syl Hellais, conceived among the stars, is the oldest alien child on Earth, the first to reach sixteen years of age. Her father rules the planet. Her future is assured. And Syl has hidden gifts, powers that even she does yet fully understand.
But all is not as it seems. The Illyri are at war among themselves, and the sinister Nairene Sisterhood has arrived on Earth, hungry for new blood. When Syl helps a pair of young Resistance fighters to escape execution, she finds herself sentenced to death, pursued by her own kind, and risks breaking the greatest taboo of her race by falling in love with a human.
Now the hunter has become the hunted, the predator become prey.
And as Syl is about to learn, the real invasion has not yet even begun…"
I don’t really get to read that much young adult science fiction, particularly ones focusing on alien invasions nowadays, and it’s always something refreshing to read even though they may not be the most original. Conquest - is the latest tale to join these ranks, penned by John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard, one of whom is an author I’ve been meaning to check out for a while now and the other I haven’t heard about before cracking this book open, and as I was reading it I expected something similar to the likes of The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey, or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. As it turns out, Conquest was a bit different to those two books, but was just as gripping – I was engrossed from the get go as the double pair of writers weaved a fantastic book that has me eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Described by Connolly as an “adventure novel”, Conquest clocks in at around 400 pages and spins an epic journey of gripping and enthralling science fiction goodness. If you’re a sci-fi fan, like I’m guessing that most Founding Fields readers will be - Conquest will be right up your street. I saw another reviewer describe this book as Star Trek meets Aliens but set on Earth and if that sounds like your type of thing then you should certainly give this one a go, because Conquest tells an enthralling if unoriginal story with all the confidence that a veteran author can bring, and it’s very hard to notice the narrative change if there is any between the two authors collaborating on this book as the pace moves along in a very steady way – not as fast as a thriller in the style of James Patterson and company, but it doesn’t allow itself to fall into the trap of info-dumping aside from the short prologue at the beginning which is merely designed to tell the background of the Illyri invasion, and rather than being dull and feeling boring, Connolly and Ridyard use this to increase the tension, raise the stakes right from the get go, clearly establishing just how powerful the Illyri are, and it pales in comparison to the humans. This was an interesting element and reminded me oddly of the recent Sci-Fi Western drama Defiance - in the way that it’s set after the alien invasion. However, the mainstray of the novel is actually very different to Defiance - and for once, outside of Doctor Who or Torchwood we get to see an alien invasion set in the UK as opposed to the USA.
Both lead characters, the male and female protagonists, are strong, likeable and rootable and they really carry the book. Syl Hellais is a rounded female lead, and there wasn’t an insta-love story instead romance is pushed to the sides in favour of a more progressive plot with very action packed and wonderfully described battle scenes that allow for an interesting narrative. All too often YA fiction is let down by a vast unnecessary amount of angst, and I’m pleased to say that Conquest is very much not angst-ridden, and is capable of telling a compelling and enthralling story that makes it really worth your time.
And did I mention how awesome the cover is? It doesn’t look like much, sure – but I’m a massive fan of it. It suggests an epic science fiction story focused on two main characters and that’s what you’re going to find yourself with. The book allows for a fun and unpredictable read that delivers on a lot of things. Whilst it lacks the strength to stand up with the likes of superb YA books such as the previously mentioned The Fifth Wave and The Hunger Games, Conquest is nonetheless an enthralling read that fans of Sci-Fi who don’t mind reading smart, clever YA books should give this a try. John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard have provided a nice opening to what I believe is their first novel written together, so it’ll be interesting to see how future Chronicles of the Invaders books develop. You can count me in for Book 2.
VERDICT: 4/5
“An excellent start to a promising new series, whilst the team of Connolly and Ridyard may not bring the most original story to the table, they certainly know how to deliver a fun, compelling read that should keep sci-fi fans entertained. This book is certainly worth checking out.” ~Bane of Kings, The Founding Fields
"The Earth has been invaded by the Illyri, a beautiful, civilized, yet ruthless alien race. Humanity has been conquered, but still it fights the invaders. The Resistance grows stronger, for it is the young people of Earth who are best equipped to battle the Illyri.
Syl Hellais, conceived among the stars, is the oldest alien child on Earth, the first to reach sixteen years of age. Her father rules the planet. Her future is assured. And Syl has hidden gifts, powers that even she does yet fully understand.
But all is not as it seems. The Illyri are at war among themselves, and the sinister Nairene Sisterhood has arrived on Earth, hungry for new blood. When Syl helps a pair of young Resistance fighters to escape execution, she finds herself sentenced to death, pursued by her own kind, and risks breaking the greatest taboo of her race by falling in love with a human.
Now the hunter has become the hunted, the predator become prey.
And as Syl is about to learn, the real invasion has not yet even begun…"
I don’t really get to read that much young adult science fiction, particularly ones focusing on alien invasions nowadays, and it’s always something refreshing to read even though they may not be the most original. Conquest - is the latest tale to join these ranks, penned by John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard, one of whom is an author I’ve been meaning to check out for a while now and the other I haven’t heard about before cracking this book open, and as I was reading it I expected something similar to the likes of The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey, or The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. As it turns out, Conquest was a bit different to those two books, but was just as gripping – I was engrossed from the get go as the double pair of writers weaved a fantastic book that has me eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Described by Connolly as an “adventure novel”, Conquest clocks in at around 400 pages and spins an epic journey of gripping and enthralling science fiction goodness. If you’re a sci-fi fan, like I’m guessing that most Founding Fields readers will be - Conquest will be right up your street. I saw another reviewer describe this book as Star Trek meets Aliens but set on Earth and if that sounds like your type of thing then you should certainly give this one a go, because Conquest tells an enthralling if unoriginal story with all the confidence that a veteran author can bring, and it’s very hard to notice the narrative change if there is any between the two authors collaborating on this book as the pace moves along in a very steady way – not as fast as a thriller in the style of James Patterson and company, but it doesn’t allow itself to fall into the trap of info-dumping aside from the short prologue at the beginning which is merely designed to tell the background of the Illyri invasion, and rather than being dull and feeling boring, Connolly and Ridyard use this to increase the tension, raise the stakes right from the get go, clearly establishing just how powerful the Illyri are, and it pales in comparison to the humans. This was an interesting element and reminded me oddly of the recent Sci-Fi Western drama Defiance - in the way that it’s set after the alien invasion. However, the mainstray of the novel is actually very different to Defiance - and for once, outside of Doctor Who or Torchwood we get to see an alien invasion set in the UK as opposed to the USA.
Both lead characters, the male and female protagonists, are strong, likeable and rootable and they really carry the book. Syl Hellais is a rounded female lead, and there wasn’t an insta-love story instead romance is pushed to the sides in favour of a more progressive plot with very action packed and wonderfully described battle scenes that allow for an interesting narrative. All too often YA fiction is let down by a vast unnecessary amount of angst, and I’m pleased to say that Conquest is very much not angst-ridden, and is capable of telling a compelling and enthralling story that makes it really worth your time.
And did I mention how awesome the cover is? It doesn’t look like much, sure – but I’m a massive fan of it. It suggests an epic science fiction story focused on two main characters and that’s what you’re going to find yourself with. The book allows for a fun and unpredictable read that delivers on a lot of things. Whilst it lacks the strength to stand up with the likes of superb YA books such as the previously mentioned The Fifth Wave and The Hunger Games, Conquest is nonetheless an enthralling read that fans of Sci-Fi who don’t mind reading smart, clever YA books should give this a try. John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard have provided a nice opening to what I believe is their first novel written together, so it’ll be interesting to see how future Chronicles of the Invaders books develop. You can count me in for Book 2.
VERDICT: 4/5
August 20, 2014
Highly enjoyable YA adventure involving alien invasion, a resistance, the start of a love story and plenty of action – I found it to be a refreshing and fun read, albeit with an ending that annoyed the heck out of me because now I have to wait to find out what happens next.
With a quick introduction explaining how the aliens arrived on our planet, this is a novel that you can immediately be involved with as we soon move on to meeting our main characters. Syl is the first of her kind to be born on earth, along with friend Ani she often breaks out of her protected atmosphere to experience life amongst the humans – when one day they are caught up in a bombing and meet Paul and Steven, two brothers who belong to the resistance, everything begins to change for Syl as she starts to question motives.
There is some extremely clever world building – set mostly in and around Edinburgh, the sense of place is terrific, with some recognisable landmarks making an appearance. I loved all the characters, good and evil, although I have a particular soft spot for Just Joe. The Illyri are wonderfully imagined and have an intriguing background which is well described so you can get a sense of what they are trying to achieve.
As the story unfolds we realise that there is a lot more going on within the Illyri than first meets the eye, it all flows beautifully keeping you hooked into the narrative, I particularly enjoyed the relationships that started to form and was surprised by the odd revelation. The scenes set at The Eden Project were brilliant, the action when it comes is fast and furious and as a book one it set things up perfectly for the next instalment.
I think the main thing that made this work for me was the fact that both Alien and Human get pretty equal attention here, the Illyri are not all “evil” and the humans are not all “good” – there is moral amiguity, not everything the Illyri brought with them to earth was horrific. This leads to some interesting interactions between Syl and her kind and the human element and gives an added depth to proceedings. Whilst this is not really a unique story it is a great take on an age old tale and absolutely highly entertaining.
Mostly though this is just a terrifically fun adventure tale, with many threads running through it, an ongoing enthralling story and the hint of really curious things to come. I, for one, am dying to know more about The Sisterhood and REALLY want to know what was actually going on at The Eden Project- just two things that will have me hanging on a thread ready for the next part of the tale, Empire, coming soon.
Definitely a great addition to the YA genre and I look forward to many more adventures with Syl and co.
With a quick introduction explaining how the aliens arrived on our planet, this is a novel that you can immediately be involved with as we soon move on to meeting our main characters. Syl is the first of her kind to be born on earth, along with friend Ani she often breaks out of her protected atmosphere to experience life amongst the humans – when one day they are caught up in a bombing and meet Paul and Steven, two brothers who belong to the resistance, everything begins to change for Syl as she starts to question motives.
There is some extremely clever world building – set mostly in and around Edinburgh, the sense of place is terrific, with some recognisable landmarks making an appearance. I loved all the characters, good and evil, although I have a particular soft spot for Just Joe. The Illyri are wonderfully imagined and have an intriguing background which is well described so you can get a sense of what they are trying to achieve.
As the story unfolds we realise that there is a lot more going on within the Illyri than first meets the eye, it all flows beautifully keeping you hooked into the narrative, I particularly enjoyed the relationships that started to form and was surprised by the odd revelation. The scenes set at The Eden Project were brilliant, the action when it comes is fast and furious and as a book one it set things up perfectly for the next instalment.
I think the main thing that made this work for me was the fact that both Alien and Human get pretty equal attention here, the Illyri are not all “evil” and the humans are not all “good” – there is moral amiguity, not everything the Illyri brought with them to earth was horrific. This leads to some interesting interactions between Syl and her kind and the human element and gives an added depth to proceedings. Whilst this is not really a unique story it is a great take on an age old tale and absolutely highly entertaining.
Mostly though this is just a terrifically fun adventure tale, with many threads running through it, an ongoing enthralling story and the hint of really curious things to come. I, for one, am dying to know more about The Sisterhood and REALLY want to know what was actually going on at The Eden Project- just two things that will have me hanging on a thread ready for the next part of the tale, Empire, coming soon.
Definitely a great addition to the YA genre and I look forward to many more adventures with Syl and co.
April 27, 2020
Relectura
El título y la portada lo dicen todo: la tierra ha sido conquistada por otra raza. Syl es la primera alienígena nacida en la tierra por lo que no conoce mucho sobre su lugar de origen. El día de su cumpleaños decide salir sola y se topa con un par de chicos humanos y si, por supuesto que inmediatamente se enamoran y felices comiendo perdices en medio de un combate entre dos tazas. Este libro tiene todos los elementos buenos de una saga juvenil de ciencia ficción y también los malos: el amor y los besos mientras se juegan la vida. Sin embargo las protagonistas son lo suficientemente simpáticas como para querer leerlo. Este es el punto fuerte del libro, personajes femeninas más fuertes y más todo que ellos.
El título y la portada lo dicen todo: la tierra ha sido conquistada por otra raza. Syl es la primera alienígena nacida en la tierra por lo que no conoce mucho sobre su lugar de origen. El día de su cumpleaños decide salir sola y se topa con un par de chicos humanos y si, por supuesto que inmediatamente se enamoran y felices comiendo perdices en medio de un combate entre dos tazas. Este libro tiene todos los elementos buenos de una saga juvenil de ciencia ficción y también los malos: el amor y los besos mientras se juegan la vida. Sin embargo las protagonistas son lo suficientemente simpáticas como para querer leerlo. Este es el punto fuerte del libro, personajes femeninas más fuertes y más todo que ellos.
November 23, 2015
I won a copy of this from the First Reads program on GoodReads.
I love free books. Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reading copy. I wish I liked it more, but here we are.
I gave up 80 pages in. I mean, it took me 8 days to get through 80 pages of a YA novel. Seriously?
I feel there's a good story in here. The writing just doesn't grab me. It doesn't even paw at me. It falls as flat as a cartoon character that a boulder dropped on. Not bad, just extremely non-engaging.
I just have too much on my plate to invest more time in this.
I love free books. Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reading copy. I wish I liked it more, but here we are.
I gave up 80 pages in. I mean, it took me 8 days to get through 80 pages of a YA novel. Seriously?
I feel there's a good story in here. The writing just doesn't grab me. It doesn't even paw at me. It falls as flat as a cartoon character that a boulder dropped on. Not bad, just extremely non-engaging.
I just have too much on my plate to invest more time in this.
August 22, 2021
Notes:
3.5 Stars
Good start to the trilogy. The world building is intriguing! The characters have a decent start, but I think the story would have been stronger if it was written for the story being told vs making sure it fits into a genre, YA.
*Keep an eye out for the other audiobooks to go on sale.
3.5 Stars
Good start to the trilogy. The world building is intriguing! The characters have a decent start, but I think the story would have been stronger if it was written for the story being told vs making sure it fits into a genre, YA.
*Keep an eye out for the other audiobooks to go on sale.
January 16, 2016
Reseñado en mi blog Nanny Books
Me encanta la ciencia ficción, hay algo en este género por lo cual nunca me canso de leerlo. Siempre debe estar reinventándose para generar la atención del lector, y en esta apuesta juvenil, como bien es Conquista, John Connolly (famosísimo escritor de policial, del cual tengo un par de novelas leídas) y Jennifer Ridyard (que se embarca en la escritura por primera vez) logran un equilibrio perfecto de todos los buenos elementos del género. Me ha gustado muchísimo esta lectura y se las recomiendo desde ya...
Los ilyrios, una raza alienígena superior en tecnología, nos ha invadido y colonizado mediante una jugada impecable. Sin embargo, las figuras visibles de esta raza no parecen tan temibles para nosotros (si omitimos que ellos mandan) y las rebeliones humanas son cosecha de todos los días. En ambos bandos nacerán los protagonistas de esta saga. Syl, hija del gobernador ilyrio de Europa, se meterá en problemas junto a su mejor amiga Ani, al comenzar a relacionarse con dos hermanos humanos, Paul y Steven. Pero eso quedaría solo en una anécdota, si no se hubiese empezado a caer la falsa moralidad de las altas esferas de poder ilyrias, poniendo en riesgo la vida de todo ser vivo en nuestro planeta.
Si bien al principio creí que la novela sería algo bien tonto de amor juvenil interplanetario, las continuas subtramas que fueron desarrollándose me han dejado con la boca abierta. Y el final es tan abierto que, aunque ya deja plantado el lineamiento que seguirán nuestros héroes en el próximo libro, todo el peligro inminente que hay en ello me ha dejado seriamente preocupada: ¿cómo voy a hacer para esperar hasta la publicación de la continuación?
Los personajes principales están muy bien construidos, especialmente Syl, que aunque es un poco cabezota, me gusta que no la hayan hecho ni muy bonita ni muy especial. Aquí no hay ni damisela en peligro ni femme fatal. De los humanos, se ha ganado mi simpatía Steven, que por ser el menor de los hermanos, esperaba que fuera un llorica. Pero demostró mucha valentía y unos buenos reflejos. De los secundarios, he quedado alucinada con Meia y con todo lo que ella representa.
Con mucha acción, algunas escenas fuertes, algo de amor en el aire y unas tramas políticas/bélicas muy bien pensadas, Conquista es un excelente inicio de saga, con pocos momentos introductorios y diálogos certeros.
"Cogió el bisturí de la bandeja, situó el filo junto a su ojo derecho y empezó a rajarse poco a poco la cara."
A pesar de ser tan buen libro, el ritmo de lectura se me ha hecho algo lento (al menos, para lo que yo estoy acostumbrada), pero para ser ciencia ficción, no presenta ningún tipo de dificultad (no hay abusos de términos inventados y todos los elementos duros del género se presentan esparcidos y fluidos). Por lo tanto, es recomendable tanto para asiduos de lecturas interplanetarias como para "primeros contactos".
Me encanta la ciencia ficción, hay algo en este género por lo cual nunca me canso de leerlo. Siempre debe estar reinventándose para generar la atención del lector, y en esta apuesta juvenil, como bien es Conquista, John Connolly (famosísimo escritor de policial, del cual tengo un par de novelas leídas) y Jennifer Ridyard (que se embarca en la escritura por primera vez) logran un equilibrio perfecto de todos los buenos elementos del género. Me ha gustado muchísimo esta lectura y se las recomiendo desde ya...
Los ilyrios, una raza alienígena superior en tecnología, nos ha invadido y colonizado mediante una jugada impecable. Sin embargo, las figuras visibles de esta raza no parecen tan temibles para nosotros (si omitimos que ellos mandan) y las rebeliones humanas son cosecha de todos los días. En ambos bandos nacerán los protagonistas de esta saga. Syl, hija del gobernador ilyrio de Europa, se meterá en problemas junto a su mejor amiga Ani, al comenzar a relacionarse con dos hermanos humanos, Paul y Steven. Pero eso quedaría solo en una anécdota, si no se hubiese empezado a caer la falsa moralidad de las altas esferas de poder ilyrias, poniendo en riesgo la vida de todo ser vivo en nuestro planeta.
Si bien al principio creí que la novela sería algo bien tonto de amor juvenil interplanetario, las continuas subtramas que fueron desarrollándose me han dejado con la boca abierta. Y el final es tan abierto que, aunque ya deja plantado el lineamiento que seguirán nuestros héroes en el próximo libro, todo el peligro inminente que hay en ello me ha dejado seriamente preocupada: ¿cómo voy a hacer para esperar hasta la publicación de la continuación?
Los personajes principales están muy bien construidos, especialmente Syl, que aunque es un poco cabezota, me gusta que no la hayan hecho ni muy bonita ni muy especial. Aquí no hay ni damisela en peligro ni femme fatal. De los humanos, se ha ganado mi simpatía Steven, que por ser el menor de los hermanos, esperaba que fuera un llorica. Pero demostró mucha valentía y unos buenos reflejos. De los secundarios, he quedado alucinada con Meia y con todo lo que ella representa.
Con mucha acción, algunas escenas fuertes, algo de amor en el aire y unas tramas políticas/bélicas muy bien pensadas, Conquista es un excelente inicio de saga, con pocos momentos introductorios y diálogos certeros.
"Cogió el bisturí de la bandeja, situó el filo junto a su ojo derecho y empezó a rajarse poco a poco la cara."
A pesar de ser tan buen libro, el ritmo de lectura se me ha hecho algo lento (al menos, para lo que yo estoy acostumbrada), pero para ser ciencia ficción, no presenta ningún tipo de dificultad (no hay abusos de términos inventados y todos los elementos duros del género se presentan esparcidos y fluidos). Por lo tanto, es recomendable tanto para asiduos de lecturas interplanetarias como para "primeros contactos".
May 10, 2022
This is the story of the Illyri, an alien race that are similar in appearance to humans, but far more beautiful, and with a ruthless streak. Earth has been conquered by the Illyri, but humanity continues to fight.
A resistance has formed on Earth, with the Youth of Earth leading the charge. The aliens have used chemicals to try and make the Earths population more docile, but it has not affected the youth of humanity. As such, they lead the charge.
The story revolves around two main characters, the first an Illyri, the first born on planet Earth, and the daughter of the Illyri who now rules the planet. Syl Hellais is a child conceived amongst the stars, born of one race, but torn between two.
The second is Paul, a young freedom fighter, strong in his convictions to free Earth, tied to his younger brother in their hate of the Illyri, until one day they are rescued from execution by Syl.
This is a fascinating story, looking at multiple different angles of an alien occupation of Earth. The author explores it from the point of view of Syl and Paul, as well as several other characters. It is a rather amazing how the story unfolds, the interplay between the characters, and the introduction of the Nairene Sisterhood.
The characters are brilliant, Syl is beautifully written as the troubled daughter of the most powerful person on Earth, and yet, her Father is still a pawn in the Illyri political game. Syl struggles to cope with her position, not knowing where she belongs having been born on Earth, but not being of Earth, and the authors have described her character exceptionally well.
Equally as tortured is young Paul, struggling to survive in this new world, coming into manhood, but not really understanding his position yet in either society, or the resistance, trying to look after his Brother, and his Mother, as well as making a difference in the resistance. Again, his character is written exceptionally well, and brings the story to life.
There are some other outstanding characters, Syl’s Father, both Syl’s and Paul’s best Friends, as well as the various political characters of the Illyri that give the story so much depth.
This is written as a young adult story, and is certainly suitable for those in their early teenage years, but it also has a lot to offer to adults and fans of Sci-Fi.
This is a really great story of political intrigue and young love, all wrapped up in a Romeo and Juliet type futuristic war for the very survival of humanity. It is a fantastic read and really worth the read.
A resistance has formed on Earth, with the Youth of Earth leading the charge. The aliens have used chemicals to try and make the Earths population more docile, but it has not affected the youth of humanity. As such, they lead the charge.
The story revolves around two main characters, the first an Illyri, the first born on planet Earth, and the daughter of the Illyri who now rules the planet. Syl Hellais is a child conceived amongst the stars, born of one race, but torn between two.
The second is Paul, a young freedom fighter, strong in his convictions to free Earth, tied to his younger brother in their hate of the Illyri, until one day they are rescued from execution by Syl.
This is a fascinating story, looking at multiple different angles of an alien occupation of Earth. The author explores it from the point of view of Syl and Paul, as well as several other characters. It is a rather amazing how the story unfolds, the interplay between the characters, and the introduction of the Nairene Sisterhood.
The characters are brilliant, Syl is beautifully written as the troubled daughter of the most powerful person on Earth, and yet, her Father is still a pawn in the Illyri political game. Syl struggles to cope with her position, not knowing where she belongs having been born on Earth, but not being of Earth, and the authors have described her character exceptionally well.
Equally as tortured is young Paul, struggling to survive in this new world, coming into manhood, but not really understanding his position yet in either society, or the resistance, trying to look after his Brother, and his Mother, as well as making a difference in the resistance. Again, his character is written exceptionally well, and brings the story to life.
There are some other outstanding characters, Syl’s Father, both Syl’s and Paul’s best Friends, as well as the various political characters of the Illyri that give the story so much depth.
This is written as a young adult story, and is certainly suitable for those in their early teenage years, but it also has a lot to offer to adults and fans of Sci-Fi.
This is a really great story of political intrigue and young love, all wrapped up in a Romeo and Juliet type futuristic war for the very survival of humanity. It is a fantastic read and really worth the read.
April 19, 2015
I actually quite liked this book. Considering I had won this in a giveaway I'd say I was lucky in more ways than one. Perhaps I have a weakness for certain YA books :).
The basic plot is that aliens had invaded the Earth some years before and are now ruling over human kind, occupying various countries around the globe. The one thing that I thought might spoil things for me was the exposition at the beginning, detailing the events of the invasion. I felt those were things that could have been revealed throughout the book without shoving every detail down my throat right from the start. Though once I got past that point I found that I enjoyed the story for the most part.
A lot of the characters aren't as fleshed out and interesting I would have liked. Some I'd say are extremely flat. Though there is some political scheming and intrigue that caught my attention, as there are quite a few YA stories that don't touch on that as much or as well. Then again this is just my view. Is the story brilliant? No. Is it an entertaining read? Yes. The main characters are decent enough, and the relationship between the two leads (not really a spoiler since its the formula for most YA) isn't all together boring, which is something I'm usually afraid of when going into stories like this. I've seen better, as I didn't feel the connection as much as I have others, but who knows. There's potential for growth, but that's up to the authors.
I've given this book 3 stars mainly due to the potential that this series has and where the book left off. I won't spoil anything about the ending, but I will say that it leaves me really wanting to see where the next book will take the story and these characters. I can't wait to read the upcoming sequel.
My Personal Rating: 7/10
The basic plot is that aliens had invaded the Earth some years before and are now ruling over human kind, occupying various countries around the globe. The one thing that I thought might spoil things for me was the exposition at the beginning, detailing the events of the invasion. I felt those were things that could have been revealed throughout the book without shoving every detail down my throat right from the start. Though once I got past that point I found that I enjoyed the story for the most part.
A lot of the characters aren't as fleshed out and interesting I would have liked. Some I'd say are extremely flat. Though there is some political scheming and intrigue that caught my attention, as there are quite a few YA stories that don't touch on that as much or as well. Then again this is just my view. Is the story brilliant? No. Is it an entertaining read? Yes. The main characters are decent enough, and the relationship between the two leads (not really a spoiler since its the formula for most YA) isn't all together boring, which is something I'm usually afraid of when going into stories like this. I've seen better, as I didn't feel the connection as much as I have others, but who knows. There's potential for growth, but that's up to the authors.
I've given this book 3 stars mainly due to the potential that this series has and where the book left off. I won't spoil anything about the ending, but I will say that it leaves me really wanting to see where the next book will take the story and these characters. I can't wait to read the upcoming sequel.
My Personal Rating: 7/10
November 8, 2014
The premise of this book is that an alien race similar to humans has gone around the galaxies conquering planets, and decide to conquer Earth. As you can imagine, not a popular decision and there is a Resistance that is constantly trying to get them to go away. That's the base, now imagine a huge amount of other stuff on top like teen romance, robots, witches...
Trying to explain this book simply is a challenge but I really really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Empire, that I tweeted the cover of. I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover but- pretty. It's being published on the 1st of January and I'm all over that.
The main character is totally loveable even though she's an alien, the romance is believable- no love at first sight in sight, and the plot is thick and way beyond what I expected for a YA book. It is a long book, and it takes some getting into but I really like the world and love that it's based in Scotland.
Review originally posted on Imogen’s Typewriter.
Trying to explain this book simply is a challenge but I really really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Empire, that I tweeted the cover of. I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover but- pretty. It's being published on the 1st of January and I'm all over that.
The main character is totally loveable even though she's an alien, the romance is believable- no love at first sight in sight, and the plot is thick and way beyond what I expected for a YA book. It is a long book, and it takes some getting into but I really like the world and love that it's based in Scotland.
Review originally posted on Imogen’s Typewriter.
September 8, 2016
Me fascinó este libro. Aunque he leído antes libros del genero sobrenatural, este es mi primer libro de invasión alienígena, me gustó mucho la forma en que el autor plantea la invasión como algo completamente que podría ocurrir mañana y la obvia reacción de la raza humana, porque lo plasma de una forma tan natural que es perfectamente creíble, no se siente forzado en ningún momento.
Me gustó también que, a diferencia de la mayoría de películas sobre extraterrestres o el fin del mundo, no esté ambientada en Estados Unidos o una de las grandes potencias, sino que su desarrollo sea en territorio escocés, en el territorio agreste de las Highlands.
La historia permite ver no solo el drama de la colonización sino también un intrincado juego de poderes dentro de la raza Ilyria por el dominio de la tierra, es una historia llena de giros inesperados donde los tres bandos involucrados juegan un rol importante sin llegar verdaderamente a desvelar los profundos secretos sobre los que gira la historia.
Me gustó también que, a diferencia de la mayoría de películas sobre extraterrestres o el fin del mundo, no esté ambientada en Estados Unidos o una de las grandes potencias, sino que su desarrollo sea en territorio escocés, en el territorio agreste de las Highlands.
La historia permite ver no solo el drama de la colonización sino también un intrincado juego de poderes dentro de la raza Ilyria por el dominio de la tierra, es una historia llena de giros inesperados donde los tres bandos involucrados juegan un rol importante sin llegar verdaderamente a desvelar los profundos secretos sobre los que gira la historia.
February 16, 2016
A pesar del buen trasfondo de la historia, esta lo pierde todo con sus protagonistas. Lo que vamos descubriendo sobre la cultura ilyria y la conquista de la Tierra junto con otros planetas es lo más interesante del libro. El hecho de que los protagonistas de esta historia sean una adolescente alienígena malcriada y un Seguir leyendo
September 12, 2016
Life is too short to read bad books. This one is hackneyed, boring, shallow and so, so trite (Aliens who've taken over the earth act EXACTLY like humans in a bad YA novel including the young heroine who doesn't want to disappoint daddy and wonders if she is "pretty enough"). Ugh. I gave it up after about an hour.
January 9, 2018
Excellent beginning to a new YA SF series that had me on the edge of my seat. There are some scenes here that made me want to hide behind my chair - great stuff!
July 29, 2016
Really promising start, then spirals down into mediocrity.
August 12, 2016
Reviewed by Marion and Kat: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/fant...
August 30, 2017
Empecé a leer Conquista porque me lo mencionaron en un foro como un ejemplo de libro donde se auna magia y tecnología. También me dijeron que era bastante malo.
A pesar de todo, decidí hojearlo solo para ver como hacen otros autores esa mezcla (por lo general los autores se empeñan en limitarse a “solo magia” o “solo tecnología”).
Y bueno... por donde empiezo...
Supongo que debería empezar hablando un poco del libro, de cómo se escribió, surgió la idea y demás, pero como no he encontrado esa información, pasaré directamente a las impresiones que me ha causado.
Mi impresión general es que había muchas cosas que pudieron ser mejor aprovechadas, desarrolladas y en general llevadas de mejor manera de la que se ha hecho. Pero como parece ser común, los autores las estropearon empeñándose en atenerse a los clichés de mínimo común denominador.
Según TV Tropes, una historia de mínimo común denominador es cuando una historia trata de atraer al mayor número posible de espectadores, suprimiendo los aspectos más elaborados a favor de la espectacularidad y del dramatismo. Es decir, esos casos de libros que los lees y te quedas pensando “esto quedaría mejor en una película”
En resumidas cuentas, mi valoración es que: es una historia entretenida y fácil de leer, pero que requiere apagar el cerebro y simplemente no pensar demasiado en las premisas de partida para que no se te estropee la experiencia.
No es un libro para pensarlo mucho.
Probablemente alguien que haya visto la serie de V, tanto la versión de la década de 1980 como la nueva versión que apareció en 2009 (y que es la misma historia solo que adaptada al siglo XXI), no tardará en percatarse de los parecidos. Aunque lo que se de V es más bien escaso, es lo suficiente para verle el parecido.
Hay unos alienígenas que han ocupado la Tierra, pero mantienen la mascarada de que aún existen países y Gobiernos, además de conservar cosas como Internet, el dinero y en general mantienen el estilo de vida humano.
La razón se nos explicita: los ilyrios creen que, si se mantiene una situación más o menos normal (desde el punto de vista humano), gran parte de la población humana simplemente se conformará.
Lo cual, por muy aburrido que pueda parecer (obviamente no es tan dramático como luchar entre los escombros de la civilización humana), me parece uno de los puntos positivos, una de las pocas cosas de V que no se por que razón nadie mas ha empleado.
¡Ya era hora, por los Dioses! ¡Por fin alienígenas inteligentes! Cualquiera que se haya molestado en leer algún libro o ver alguna película sobre alienígenas, sabe que lo normal es que los alienígenas se dediquen a destruir la Tierra y matar a todos los humanos por... eeehhh... estoy seguro de que había razones buenas... o bueno, al menos había alguna razón...
Bueno, a lo que iba. La historia arranca en Escocia, aproximadamente quince o dieciséis años después de la invasión, si es que decidimos fiarnos de lo que nos dice nuestra guía, Syl Andrus.
Syl es la hija del Gobernador de Gran Bretaña, así como de Europa y del resto del mundo, y el Gobernador Lord Andrus ha instalado la sede del Gobierno en Edimburgo porque resulta que le gusta más Escocia que Inglaterra. Personalmente sospecho que la única razón por la que toda la trama del primer libro transcurre en Escocia es exclusivamente que los autores proceden de las Islas Británicas.
Esto entraría en lo que a falta de otro nombre denomino “capricho del guionista” y que en TV Tropes se denomina “Creator Provincianism”: Como parte de la suspensión de la incredulidad, aceptamos que el autor sitúe su obra en una región donde a lo mejor sería muy poco probable que ocurriesen los eventos descritos, pero como al autor le gusta ese lugar, pues lo ambienta ahí.
El detalle del escenario no afecta para nada a la historia, lo reseño como curiosidad.
La Tierra que se describe es bastante similar a la que vivimos, y digo casi similar no solo porque haya patrullas alienígenas por las calles, sino por el clima en general. Pese a que se supone que el mundo es básicamente igual, en general parece haber un retroceso tecnológico. O quizá sea cosa de que los únicos humanos a los que seguimos son miembros de la Resistencia, los cuales han renunciado a la tecnología moderna.
Por lo menos, y esto es un punto que encuentro bastante a favor, estos autores han decidido ahorrarnos las constantes menciones a eventos, personajes, libros y series de lo que se llama “cultura pop”, y que se pueden resumir en constantes y aburridas opiniones de los personajes acerca de dichos productos entre 1980 y el momento actual.
No me malinterpreten: No estoy en contra de las referencias. Estoy en contra de su abuso. De que se nos mencionen constantemente marcas comerciales caras empleadas por los personajes (nunca he visto a un personaje mencionar que conduce un coche de gama media), así como de que se esté insistiendo en alabar a grupos musicales que a lo mejor no conoce nadie fuera de Estados Unidos (aunque la historia esté ambientada en Escocia) como si se tuviera la obligación de saber que es “un Mikael Kors” o así.
En resumen, que pienso que por desgracia demasiados autores abusan de las marcas comerciales como excusa para sustituir la descripción por la marca de turno.
Por supuesto, ninguna de las incomodidades que sufren los humanos afecta a Syl: como hija del Gobernador, aunque sea presentada como un personaje simpático que se considera a si misma como terrestre (su madre la dio a luz en la Tierra, no es que sea hibrida), no deja de ser una niña caprichosa y mimada que esencialmente hace lo que le da la gana. Y cumpliendo con el tópico del amigo exagerado, tiene una amiga, Ani, que es casi más caprichosa y mimada que ella, si es que eso es posible.
(Si se fijan en muchas historias, se percatarán de que los protagonistas tienden a tener un mejor amigo que comparte con ellos una característica personal, pero mucho mas exagerada. Si nuestro protagonista es un fracasado, su amigo será aún mas fracasado. Si el protagonista es manipulador, su amigo será tan manipulador que al final acabaremos pensando que ha manipulado al protagonista para que sea su amigo. Etcétera)
Okay, ya desde el principio se pueden ver las líneas maestras: hija del general invasor que, por motivos que son desarrollados de manera más bien pobre, siente empatía hacia los invadidos. Los cuales por su parte parecen dispuestos a luchar hasta el final incluso aunque tengan claro que es una guerra imposible. Y luego tenemos dos protagonistas de la Resistencia. Historia romántica incoming.
Pero por suerte, no es tan sencillo como eso (aunque sea lo que ocurre).
Siguiendo con los ilyrios, casi enseguida recibimos nuestra primera pista acerca de sus similitudes con los alienígenas de V y con el Tercer Reich.
Porque si, ilyrios y reptilianos están modelados por el mismo patrón, y la prueba se halla en la organización militar ilyria. Porque resulta que en el Imperio Ilyrio (a falta de otro nombre) existen dos grandes poderes fácticos, el Cuerpo Militar y el Cuerpo Diplomático, de los que voy a hablar ahora.
El Cuerpo Militar, los ilyrios de los uniformes verdes, es el que nos interesa en un primer momento, pues son los que llevan a cabo las campañas de conquista y administran los planetas recientemente incorporados, como la Tierra. Para llevar a cabo esta misión, no están solos: además de las tropas ilyrias, cuentan con unidades auxiliares compuestas por nativos de los planetas conquistados. De modo que no solo los ilyrios han venido a la Tierra, sino que se han traído a sus unidades auxiliares con ellos. En el esquema del Tercer Reich, serían el equivalente al Wehrmacht.
Por su parte, el Cuerpo Diplomático, los matones de los uniformes negros y el emblema del Ojo de Sauron (¿se necesitan más pistas acerca de lo malvados que son?), son el equivalente a unas SS desquiciadas. Entre otras cosas, el Cuerpo Diplomático arrasó Roma con una bomba de antimateria porque “se resistían demasiado”, borraron del mapa un pueblo de Noruega por lo mismo, y se da a entender que además habrían cometido otras atrocidades similares de las que no se tiene noticia.
Naturalmente, no tarda mucho en hacerse evidente que el Cuerpo Militar y las SS... Perdón, el Cuerpo Diplomático, se odian a muerte entre ellos. Nada haría más felices a los miembros de las SS... ¡DEL CUERPO DIPLOMÁTICO JODER! Que el Wehr... eerrrr... el Cuerpo Militar desapareciese.
Una de las varias cosas que he aprendido con este libro es que ¡la maldad de los nazis es tan abrumadora que llega al nivel galáctico!
Exactamente: por diversos comentarios de Lord Andrus, el padre de nuestra protagonista, aprendemos que, incluso entre los ilyrios, consideran a los nazis como lo peor de lo peor que alguna vez ha existido.
Vale. No cabe duda de que han hecho cosas simplemente indescriptibles.
Pero que eso nos lo diga una raza que, en esencia y quitando los adornos, se dedica a conquistar planetas por la pura fuerza militar, explotar a sus habitantes como mano de obra para edificar un imperio galáctico, arrasar ciudades de forma completamente gratuita, y si los conquistados son demasiado problemáticos (léase “se resisten al dominio ilyrio”) simplemente los exterminan... en fin, que rostro le echan.
Estas referencias a los nazis llegan a extremos contradictorios.
Por algún motivo que se me escapa, los miembros del Cuerpo Diplomático, de quienes ya hemos hablado, pese a que explícitamente desprecian a los humanos... ADMIRAN a los nazis, y emplean todos los edificios donde alguna vez hubo bases nazis para instalarse ellos.
(No es por nada, pero si se supone que miran tan por encima del hombro a los humanos e ignoran todo sobre su historia, es difícil que se de esa admiración).
Aunque posiblemente estas referencias estuvieran pensadas por si a alguien todavía no le había quedado claro que los diplomáticos, en contra de lo que sugiere su nombre, iban a ser los malos malísimos de la historia...
Teniendo en cuenta que visten de negro, son arrogantes, bordes incluso con sus propios aliados, cada vez que alguien les falla lo ejecutan, se creen mejores que los militares, se menciona alguna vez que han exterminado civilizaciones planetarias enteras por ser “problemáticas”, practican la tortura de manera sistemática, y para colmo sus tropas se hacen llamar “securitats” como si fuesen una policía política comunista estándar, creo que quedó bastante claro que no son palomitas de la paz precisamente.
Vale, por ahora vale de hablar de villanos.
Volviendo a la trama, nos toca presentar a los otros miembros de la historia, los que se supone son los buenos, y los que menos se de que palo van: la Resistencia. Si, aquí también hay una Resistencia, para continuar con los tópicos inherentes a las historias de naz... ejem, DE ALIENS.
Sin entrar en la falta de originalidad de los miembros de la Resistencia, los cuales se empeñan en llevar hasta el final los clichés del género de la Resistencia y recurrir a los métodos de comunicación de la Segunda Guerra Mundial por no se sabe muy bien que motivo, pese a que aún existen Internet y las redes sociales...
(En serio, este es uno de los aspectos de la Resistencia que menos me convence.
¿De verdad renuncian al uso de Internet simplemente porque el enemigo lo vigila? Si sirve de algo la comparativa con ciertos grupos terroristas que emplean Internet en nuestra realidad, los ilyrios no solo lo tendrían muy difícil. Contarían además con la gravísima desventaja de que el sistema lo inventaron los humanos, mientras que ellos no tendrían a ningún técnico del que pudieran fiarse)
No contentos con eso, por motivos que no están demasiado claros, se describe como la Humanidad, al menos en Escocia, parece haber hecho piña contra los ilyrios: estos son estafados, asesinados e ignorados siempre que los humanos tienen ocasión para ello, y la oposición es férrea, planteándose en términos de “heróica lucha contra el opresor”, pese a que se supone que los ilyrios no son tan malignos. Incluso las fuerzas policiales locales y el Primer Ministro de Escocia (marioneta de los ilyrios para mantener la apariencia de normalidad) cooperan abiertamente con la Resistencia.
Pero los detalles técnicos de la implementación de la Resistencia palidecen.
Lo que más me cuesta entender es su motivación para la lucha. Es decir, parece que la trama requería que los chicos protagonistas fueran de la Resistencia y el motivo simplemente daba un poco igual.
Nuestros protagonistas masculinos, Paul y Stephen Kerr, son niños de la edad de Syl, pero aun así ya son activos combatientes de la Resistencia. Si, en este mundo hay niños soldado, por desgracia. Como ya se hiciera en épocas anteriores (partisanos antinazis, los talibanes de Afganistán) los niños son empleados como correos y soldados por la Resistencia, mientras que los adultos permanecen a salvo de todo peligro e intervienen solo cuando los niños fracasan. Su motivación es un cliché en si misma: su padre murió a manos de los Diplomáticos y ellos para vengarse se unen a la Resistencia.
(Hablando de películas en general: ¿Por qué los personajes siempre tienen la manía de empeñarse en matar al asesino de su padre? ¿Incluso en los casos en que el padre era un hijo de perra con sus hijos? Es como, uh, no se... ¿Qué sentido tiene vengarte de alguien que mata a tu padre, si lo que piensas en realidad es que te ha hecho un favor?)
Mi impresión es que la Resistencia está ahí solamente para que haya una infraestructura de gente que pueda empuñar las armas y luchar cuando los villanos empiecen a cometer atrocidades en la Tierra.
Volviendo con nuestra historia, Paul y Stephen se encuentran por casualidad con Syl y Anri cuando estas pasean por la Milla Real de Edimburgo.
Si, por fin he vuelto con ellas. Pues a nuestras dos ilyrias les gusta disfrazarse de humanas y salir a pasear por la ciudad. Como no podía ser de otro modo, a pesar de que teóricamente podrían comprar prendas modernas (parece que lo único que necesitan los ilyrios para hacerse pasar por humanos son unas gafas de sol y un sombrero que les tape el pelo) insisten en vestirse a la moda de los años 60 con prendas viejas que había en el Castillo de Edimburgo.
Aún más extraño: tanto Paul como Stephen se muestran extrañadísimos de que lleven esas ropas viejas, pese a que se supone que, si es nuestra Tierra y todo sigue “normal”, la moda vintage (vestir a la moda de los años 60) debería seguir en vigor.
De todos modos, no les da demasiado tiempo a relacionarse y hacerse amigos, pues de inmediato ocurre una explosión justo a pocos pasos de ellos. Bueno, dos de ellas: la primera en un bar lleno de civiles, y la segunda justo cuando el vehículo de emergencia ilyrio pasa justo por delante de la bomba. Por “casualidad” Paul evita que Syl y Ani sean alcanzadas por la segunda explosión, al decirles que el procedimiento habitual de la Resistencia es ese. Lo cual por supuesto induce a Syl a sospechar que son Resistentes.
¡No me digas! ¡Nunca lo habría adivinado!
Todo el grupo huye por su lado, y el atentado queda en sombras. Por motivos extraños, Syl y Ani se niegan a creer que sus dos nuevos y encantadores amigos sean autores de la masacre. Por su parte, Lord Andrus y Meia, su jefa de espionaje y uno de los pocos personajes medianamente sensatos, de inmediato deciden (¿en base a que?) que el atentado no ha sido obra de la Resistencia, sino que es parte de una ofensiva de las SS para desacreditar al Gobernador y su política de ocupación relativamente benigna. A su vez, Paul y Stephen determinan de inmediato que “no ha sido la Resistencia, porque en la Resistencia no matamos ni a humanos ni a civiles”...
...
Ya, claro. ¿Estos dos estudiaron Historia o se quedaron en las películas?
La Resistencia real a la que tanto alaban e imitan por supuesto que mató a civiles, tanto del ocupante como a compatriotas. A estos últimos, con razón o sin ella, los tachaba de “colaboracionistas” para justificar su ejecución. Otra cosa es que en las películas sobre la Resistencia se haya suprimido eso porque “queda mal” que los buenos se dediquen a poner bombas indiscriminadamente y asesinar a civiles.
En un primer momento, parece que tenemos un escenario bastante claro, y a mi modo de ver, bastante similar a la Europa del Este ocupada por el Tercer Reich.
Por un lado, tenemos al Wehrmacht/Cuerpo Militar, que es quien ha llevado todo el peso de la guerra y ejerce una administración relativamente benigna. A su vez, las SS/Cuerpo Diplomático, que pretenden ir después de los militares a “pacificar” la Tierra con métodos brutales y que solo se pueden describir como gratuitamente malvados.
(Lo mismo que cuando los nazis entraron en la Unión Soviética: el Wehrmacht llegó, pacificó, y siguió adelantando el frente de batalla, cediendo su lugar a los SS, quienes de inmediato empezaron a cometer toda clase de barbaridades).
Y el tercer actor, la Resistencia, que sigue la lucha y previsiblemente aumentará el número y virulencia de sus ataques en cuanto las SS empiecen a actuar.
...Pues resulta que eso no es bastante.
Ahora interviene el cuarto actor de la obra, y creo que su presentación debió estar mejor desarrollada. Pues resulta que, como no podía ser de otro modo tratándose de nazis... ejem, ilyrios, resulta que TAMBIÉN TIENEN SU PROPIA SOCIEDAD THULE!!!
(Para los que se informaron sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial viendo películas USA: La Sociedad Thule era una organización ocultista, compuesta por miembros de las SS, entre ellos el mismísimo Himmler, que se dedicaba a la “ariología”, o búsqueda de los orígenes de la raza aria superior. Los miembros de Thule lo mismo se dedicaban a la arqueología que a las ciencias ocultas).
Esta sociedad Thule, en el caso de los ilyrios, es una hermandad de mujeres sabias que se hacen llamar Hermanas de Nairene y no solo son sabias y poseen gran influencia a través de sus maridos, poderosos cargos políticos y militares de la sociedad ilyria. No. Son más que eso. Nuestras nuevas enemigas, las Hermanas de Nairene, poseen magia...
...es COMPLETAMENTE EN SERIO. Bueno, siendo exactos, más que magia, parece ser algún tipo de poder psíquico.
No se por qué razón, en las reseñas que han escrito otras personas sobre esta historia, me habían dado la impresión de que era magia pura y dura. De esa de pronunciar trabalenguas mientras agitas los brazos como si tuvieses un ataque epiléptico con la finalidad de convertir en gelatina a tu enemigo. Esta no es de ese tipo, y ni siquiera creo que sea cosa de las Hermanas, como se verá mas adelante.
Si, en un mundo que explícitamente es el nuestro, donde prácticamente nadie cree en la magia, resulta que existen los poderes psicógenos...
Continuando con la historia, de algún modo Syrene, la líder actual de las Hermanas de Nairene, llega a la Tierra por... bueno, no queda muy claro el motivo a primera vista
Hay que leer entre líneas para enterarnos.
Como estoy analizando la novela, daré una versión esumida: Lord Andrus no es un gobernador de la periferia como parecía en un primer momento, sino uno de los más altos cargos militares existentes. Y como las Hermanas y los Diplomáticos se han aliado entre si para apartar del poder a los Militares y asumir ellos el mando del Imperio, una parte de esa campaña es arrebatarle a Lord Andrus el control de la Tierra con la excusa de “Este gobernador es incapaz de hacer frente a la resistencia terrorista”.
Como toda esta trama no afectaría gran cosa a Syl por si misma, salvo porque la acabarían trasladando de planeta, hay que idear algo para que se meta en la trama. De modo que resulta que los Diplomáticos han capturado a Paul y a Stephen y como primer acto de su gobierno determinan que los van a ejecutar públicamente por resistentes. (Sigo en comentarios)
A pesar de todo, decidí hojearlo solo para ver como hacen otros autores esa mezcla (por lo general los autores se empeñan en limitarse a “solo magia” o “solo tecnología”).
Y bueno... por donde empiezo...
Supongo que debería empezar hablando un poco del libro, de cómo se escribió, surgió la idea y demás, pero como no he encontrado esa información, pasaré directamente a las impresiones que me ha causado.
Mi impresión general es que había muchas cosas que pudieron ser mejor aprovechadas, desarrolladas y en general llevadas de mejor manera de la que se ha hecho. Pero como parece ser común, los autores las estropearon empeñándose en atenerse a los clichés de mínimo común denominador.
Según TV Tropes, una historia de mínimo común denominador es cuando una historia trata de atraer al mayor número posible de espectadores, suprimiendo los aspectos más elaborados a favor de la espectacularidad y del dramatismo. Es decir, esos casos de libros que los lees y te quedas pensando “esto quedaría mejor en una película”
En resumidas cuentas, mi valoración es que: es una historia entretenida y fácil de leer, pero que requiere apagar el cerebro y simplemente no pensar demasiado en las premisas de partida para que no se te estropee la experiencia.
No es un libro para pensarlo mucho.
Probablemente alguien que haya visto la serie de V, tanto la versión de la década de 1980 como la nueva versión que apareció en 2009 (y que es la misma historia solo que adaptada al siglo XXI), no tardará en percatarse de los parecidos. Aunque lo que se de V es más bien escaso, es lo suficiente para verle el parecido.
Hay unos alienígenas que han ocupado la Tierra, pero mantienen la mascarada de que aún existen países y Gobiernos, además de conservar cosas como Internet, el dinero y en general mantienen el estilo de vida humano.
La razón se nos explicita: los ilyrios creen que, si se mantiene una situación más o menos normal (desde el punto de vista humano), gran parte de la población humana simplemente se conformará.
Lo cual, por muy aburrido que pueda parecer (obviamente no es tan dramático como luchar entre los escombros de la civilización humana), me parece uno de los puntos positivos, una de las pocas cosas de V que no se por que razón nadie mas ha empleado.
¡Ya era hora, por los Dioses! ¡Por fin alienígenas inteligentes! Cualquiera que se haya molestado en leer algún libro o ver alguna película sobre alienígenas, sabe que lo normal es que los alienígenas se dediquen a destruir la Tierra y matar a todos los humanos por... eeehhh... estoy seguro de que había razones buenas... o bueno, al menos había alguna razón...
Bueno, a lo que iba. La historia arranca en Escocia, aproximadamente quince o dieciséis años después de la invasión, si es que decidimos fiarnos de lo que nos dice nuestra guía, Syl Andrus.
Syl es la hija del Gobernador de Gran Bretaña, así como de Europa y del resto del mundo, y el Gobernador Lord Andrus ha instalado la sede del Gobierno en Edimburgo porque resulta que le gusta más Escocia que Inglaterra. Personalmente sospecho que la única razón por la que toda la trama del primer libro transcurre en Escocia es exclusivamente que los autores proceden de las Islas Británicas.
Esto entraría en lo que a falta de otro nombre denomino “capricho del guionista” y que en TV Tropes se denomina “Creator Provincianism”: Como parte de la suspensión de la incredulidad, aceptamos que el autor sitúe su obra en una región donde a lo mejor sería muy poco probable que ocurriesen los eventos descritos, pero como al autor le gusta ese lugar, pues lo ambienta ahí.
El detalle del escenario no afecta para nada a la historia, lo reseño como curiosidad.
La Tierra que se describe es bastante similar a la que vivimos, y digo casi similar no solo porque haya patrullas alienígenas por las calles, sino por el clima en general. Pese a que se supone que el mundo es básicamente igual, en general parece haber un retroceso tecnológico. O quizá sea cosa de que los únicos humanos a los que seguimos son miembros de la Resistencia, los cuales han renunciado a la tecnología moderna.
Por lo menos, y esto es un punto que encuentro bastante a favor, estos autores han decidido ahorrarnos las constantes menciones a eventos, personajes, libros y series de lo que se llama “cultura pop”, y que se pueden resumir en constantes y aburridas opiniones de los personajes acerca de dichos productos entre 1980 y el momento actual.
No me malinterpreten: No estoy en contra de las referencias. Estoy en contra de su abuso. De que se nos mencionen constantemente marcas comerciales caras empleadas por los personajes (nunca he visto a un personaje mencionar que conduce un coche de gama media), así como de que se esté insistiendo en alabar a grupos musicales que a lo mejor no conoce nadie fuera de Estados Unidos (aunque la historia esté ambientada en Escocia) como si se tuviera la obligación de saber que es “un Mikael Kors” o así.
En resumen, que pienso que por desgracia demasiados autores abusan de las marcas comerciales como excusa para sustituir la descripción por la marca de turno.
Por supuesto, ninguna de las incomodidades que sufren los humanos afecta a Syl: como hija del Gobernador, aunque sea presentada como un personaje simpático que se considera a si misma como terrestre (su madre la dio a luz en la Tierra, no es que sea hibrida), no deja de ser una niña caprichosa y mimada que esencialmente hace lo que le da la gana. Y cumpliendo con el tópico del amigo exagerado, tiene una amiga, Ani, que es casi más caprichosa y mimada que ella, si es que eso es posible.
(Si se fijan en muchas historias, se percatarán de que los protagonistas tienden a tener un mejor amigo que comparte con ellos una característica personal, pero mucho mas exagerada. Si nuestro protagonista es un fracasado, su amigo será aún mas fracasado. Si el protagonista es manipulador, su amigo será tan manipulador que al final acabaremos pensando que ha manipulado al protagonista para que sea su amigo. Etcétera)
Okay, ya desde el principio se pueden ver las líneas maestras: hija del general invasor que, por motivos que son desarrollados de manera más bien pobre, siente empatía hacia los invadidos. Los cuales por su parte parecen dispuestos a luchar hasta el final incluso aunque tengan claro que es una guerra imposible. Y luego tenemos dos protagonistas de la Resistencia. Historia romántica incoming.
Pero por suerte, no es tan sencillo como eso (aunque sea lo que ocurre).
Siguiendo con los ilyrios, casi enseguida recibimos nuestra primera pista acerca de sus similitudes con los alienígenas de V y con el Tercer Reich.
Porque si, ilyrios y reptilianos están modelados por el mismo patrón, y la prueba se halla en la organización militar ilyria. Porque resulta que en el Imperio Ilyrio (a falta de otro nombre) existen dos grandes poderes fácticos, el Cuerpo Militar y el Cuerpo Diplomático, de los que voy a hablar ahora.
El Cuerpo Militar, los ilyrios de los uniformes verdes, es el que nos interesa en un primer momento, pues son los que llevan a cabo las campañas de conquista y administran los planetas recientemente incorporados, como la Tierra. Para llevar a cabo esta misión, no están solos: además de las tropas ilyrias, cuentan con unidades auxiliares compuestas por nativos de los planetas conquistados. De modo que no solo los ilyrios han venido a la Tierra, sino que se han traído a sus unidades auxiliares con ellos. En el esquema del Tercer Reich, serían el equivalente al Wehrmacht.
Por su parte, el Cuerpo Diplomático, los matones de los uniformes negros y el emblema del Ojo de Sauron (¿se necesitan más pistas acerca de lo malvados que son?), son el equivalente a unas SS desquiciadas. Entre otras cosas, el Cuerpo Diplomático arrasó Roma con una bomba de antimateria porque “se resistían demasiado”, borraron del mapa un pueblo de Noruega por lo mismo, y se da a entender que además habrían cometido otras atrocidades similares de las que no se tiene noticia.
Naturalmente, no tarda mucho en hacerse evidente que el Cuerpo Militar y las SS... Perdón, el Cuerpo Diplomático, se odian a muerte entre ellos. Nada haría más felices a los miembros de las SS... ¡DEL CUERPO DIPLOMÁTICO JODER! Que el Wehr... eerrrr... el Cuerpo Militar desapareciese.
Una de las varias cosas que he aprendido con este libro es que ¡la maldad de los nazis es tan abrumadora que llega al nivel galáctico!
Exactamente: por diversos comentarios de Lord Andrus, el padre de nuestra protagonista, aprendemos que, incluso entre los ilyrios, consideran a los nazis como lo peor de lo peor que alguna vez ha existido.
Vale. No cabe duda de que han hecho cosas simplemente indescriptibles.
Pero que eso nos lo diga una raza que, en esencia y quitando los adornos, se dedica a conquistar planetas por la pura fuerza militar, explotar a sus habitantes como mano de obra para edificar un imperio galáctico, arrasar ciudades de forma completamente gratuita, y si los conquistados son demasiado problemáticos (léase “se resisten al dominio ilyrio”) simplemente los exterminan... en fin, que rostro le echan.
Estas referencias a los nazis llegan a extremos contradictorios.
Por algún motivo que se me escapa, los miembros del Cuerpo Diplomático, de quienes ya hemos hablado, pese a que explícitamente desprecian a los humanos... ADMIRAN a los nazis, y emplean todos los edificios donde alguna vez hubo bases nazis para instalarse ellos.
(No es por nada, pero si se supone que miran tan por encima del hombro a los humanos e ignoran todo sobre su historia, es difícil que se de esa admiración).
Aunque posiblemente estas referencias estuvieran pensadas por si a alguien todavía no le había quedado claro que los diplomáticos, en contra de lo que sugiere su nombre, iban a ser los malos malísimos de la historia...
Teniendo en cuenta que visten de negro, son arrogantes, bordes incluso con sus propios aliados, cada vez que alguien les falla lo ejecutan, se creen mejores que los militares, se menciona alguna vez que han exterminado civilizaciones planetarias enteras por ser “problemáticas”, practican la tortura de manera sistemática, y para colmo sus tropas se hacen llamar “securitats” como si fuesen una policía política comunista estándar, creo que quedó bastante claro que no son palomitas de la paz precisamente.
Vale, por ahora vale de hablar de villanos.
Volviendo a la trama, nos toca presentar a los otros miembros de la historia, los que se supone son los buenos, y los que menos se de que palo van: la Resistencia. Si, aquí también hay una Resistencia, para continuar con los tópicos inherentes a las historias de naz... ejem, DE ALIENS.
Sin entrar en la falta de originalidad de los miembros de la Resistencia, los cuales se empeñan en llevar hasta el final los clichés del género de la Resistencia y recurrir a los métodos de comunicación de la Segunda Guerra Mundial por no se sabe muy bien que motivo, pese a que aún existen Internet y las redes sociales...
(En serio, este es uno de los aspectos de la Resistencia que menos me convence.
¿De verdad renuncian al uso de Internet simplemente porque el enemigo lo vigila? Si sirve de algo la comparativa con ciertos grupos terroristas que emplean Internet en nuestra realidad, los ilyrios no solo lo tendrían muy difícil. Contarían además con la gravísima desventaja de que el sistema lo inventaron los humanos, mientras que ellos no tendrían a ningún técnico del que pudieran fiarse)
No contentos con eso, por motivos que no están demasiado claros, se describe como la Humanidad, al menos en Escocia, parece haber hecho piña contra los ilyrios: estos son estafados, asesinados e ignorados siempre que los humanos tienen ocasión para ello, y la oposición es férrea, planteándose en términos de “heróica lucha contra el opresor”, pese a que se supone que los ilyrios no son tan malignos. Incluso las fuerzas policiales locales y el Primer Ministro de Escocia (marioneta de los ilyrios para mantener la apariencia de normalidad) cooperan abiertamente con la Resistencia.
Pero los detalles técnicos de la implementación de la Resistencia palidecen.
Lo que más me cuesta entender es su motivación para la lucha. Es decir, parece que la trama requería que los chicos protagonistas fueran de la Resistencia y el motivo simplemente daba un poco igual.
Nuestros protagonistas masculinos, Paul y Stephen Kerr, son niños de la edad de Syl, pero aun así ya son activos combatientes de la Resistencia. Si, en este mundo hay niños soldado, por desgracia. Como ya se hiciera en épocas anteriores (partisanos antinazis, los talibanes de Afganistán) los niños son empleados como correos y soldados por la Resistencia, mientras que los adultos permanecen a salvo de todo peligro e intervienen solo cuando los niños fracasan. Su motivación es un cliché en si misma: su padre murió a manos de los Diplomáticos y ellos para vengarse se unen a la Resistencia.
(Hablando de películas en general: ¿Por qué los personajes siempre tienen la manía de empeñarse en matar al asesino de su padre? ¿Incluso en los casos en que el padre era un hijo de perra con sus hijos? Es como, uh, no se... ¿Qué sentido tiene vengarte de alguien que mata a tu padre, si lo que piensas en realidad es que te ha hecho un favor?)
Mi impresión es que la Resistencia está ahí solamente para que haya una infraestructura de gente que pueda empuñar las armas y luchar cuando los villanos empiecen a cometer atrocidades en la Tierra.
Volviendo con nuestra historia, Paul y Stephen se encuentran por casualidad con Syl y Anri cuando estas pasean por la Milla Real de Edimburgo.
Si, por fin he vuelto con ellas. Pues a nuestras dos ilyrias les gusta disfrazarse de humanas y salir a pasear por la ciudad. Como no podía ser de otro modo, a pesar de que teóricamente podrían comprar prendas modernas (parece que lo único que necesitan los ilyrios para hacerse pasar por humanos son unas gafas de sol y un sombrero que les tape el pelo) insisten en vestirse a la moda de los años 60 con prendas viejas que había en el Castillo de Edimburgo.
Aún más extraño: tanto Paul como Stephen se muestran extrañadísimos de que lleven esas ropas viejas, pese a que se supone que, si es nuestra Tierra y todo sigue “normal”, la moda vintage (vestir a la moda de los años 60) debería seguir en vigor.
De todos modos, no les da demasiado tiempo a relacionarse y hacerse amigos, pues de inmediato ocurre una explosión justo a pocos pasos de ellos. Bueno, dos de ellas: la primera en un bar lleno de civiles, y la segunda justo cuando el vehículo de emergencia ilyrio pasa justo por delante de la bomba. Por “casualidad” Paul evita que Syl y Ani sean alcanzadas por la segunda explosión, al decirles que el procedimiento habitual de la Resistencia es ese. Lo cual por supuesto induce a Syl a sospechar que son Resistentes.
¡No me digas! ¡Nunca lo habría adivinado!
Todo el grupo huye por su lado, y el atentado queda en sombras. Por motivos extraños, Syl y Ani se niegan a creer que sus dos nuevos y encantadores amigos sean autores de la masacre. Por su parte, Lord Andrus y Meia, su jefa de espionaje y uno de los pocos personajes medianamente sensatos, de inmediato deciden (¿en base a que?) que el atentado no ha sido obra de la Resistencia, sino que es parte de una ofensiva de las SS para desacreditar al Gobernador y su política de ocupación relativamente benigna. A su vez, Paul y Stephen determinan de inmediato que “no ha sido la Resistencia, porque en la Resistencia no matamos ni a humanos ni a civiles”...
...
Ya, claro. ¿Estos dos estudiaron Historia o se quedaron en las películas?
La Resistencia real a la que tanto alaban e imitan por supuesto que mató a civiles, tanto del ocupante como a compatriotas. A estos últimos, con razón o sin ella, los tachaba de “colaboracionistas” para justificar su ejecución. Otra cosa es que en las películas sobre la Resistencia se haya suprimido eso porque “queda mal” que los buenos se dediquen a poner bombas indiscriminadamente y asesinar a civiles.
En un primer momento, parece que tenemos un escenario bastante claro, y a mi modo de ver, bastante similar a la Europa del Este ocupada por el Tercer Reich.
Por un lado, tenemos al Wehrmacht/Cuerpo Militar, que es quien ha llevado todo el peso de la guerra y ejerce una administración relativamente benigna. A su vez, las SS/Cuerpo Diplomático, que pretenden ir después de los militares a “pacificar” la Tierra con métodos brutales y que solo se pueden describir como gratuitamente malvados.
(Lo mismo que cuando los nazis entraron en la Unión Soviética: el Wehrmacht llegó, pacificó, y siguió adelantando el frente de batalla, cediendo su lugar a los SS, quienes de inmediato empezaron a cometer toda clase de barbaridades).
Y el tercer actor, la Resistencia, que sigue la lucha y previsiblemente aumentará el número y virulencia de sus ataques en cuanto las SS empiecen a actuar.
...Pues resulta que eso no es bastante.
Ahora interviene el cuarto actor de la obra, y creo que su presentación debió estar mejor desarrollada. Pues resulta que, como no podía ser de otro modo tratándose de nazis... ejem, ilyrios, resulta que TAMBIÉN TIENEN SU PROPIA SOCIEDAD THULE!!!
(Para los que se informaron sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial viendo películas USA: La Sociedad Thule era una organización ocultista, compuesta por miembros de las SS, entre ellos el mismísimo Himmler, que se dedicaba a la “ariología”, o búsqueda de los orígenes de la raza aria superior. Los miembros de Thule lo mismo se dedicaban a la arqueología que a las ciencias ocultas).
Esta sociedad Thule, en el caso de los ilyrios, es una hermandad de mujeres sabias que se hacen llamar Hermanas de Nairene y no solo son sabias y poseen gran influencia a través de sus maridos, poderosos cargos políticos y militares de la sociedad ilyria. No. Son más que eso. Nuestras nuevas enemigas, las Hermanas de Nairene, poseen magia...
...es COMPLETAMENTE EN SERIO. Bueno, siendo exactos, más que magia, parece ser algún tipo de poder psíquico.
No se por qué razón, en las reseñas que han escrito otras personas sobre esta historia, me habían dado la impresión de que era magia pura y dura. De esa de pronunciar trabalenguas mientras agitas los brazos como si tuvieses un ataque epiléptico con la finalidad de convertir en gelatina a tu enemigo. Esta no es de ese tipo, y ni siquiera creo que sea cosa de las Hermanas, como se verá mas adelante.
Si, en un mundo que explícitamente es el nuestro, donde prácticamente nadie cree en la magia, resulta que existen los poderes psicógenos...
Continuando con la historia, de algún modo Syrene, la líder actual de las Hermanas de Nairene, llega a la Tierra por... bueno, no queda muy claro el motivo a primera vista
Hay que leer entre líneas para enterarnos.
Como estoy analizando la novela, daré una versión esumida: Lord Andrus no es un gobernador de la periferia como parecía en un primer momento, sino uno de los más altos cargos militares existentes. Y como las Hermanas y los Diplomáticos se han aliado entre si para apartar del poder a los Militares y asumir ellos el mando del Imperio, una parte de esa campaña es arrebatarle a Lord Andrus el control de la Tierra con la excusa de “Este gobernador es incapaz de hacer frente a la resistencia terrorista”.
Como toda esta trama no afectaría gran cosa a Syl por si misma, salvo porque la acabarían trasladando de planeta, hay que idear algo para que se meta en la trama. De modo que resulta que los Diplomáticos han capturado a Paul y a Stephen y como primer acto de su gobierno determinan que los van a ejecutar públicamente por resistentes. (Sigo en comentarios)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2017
This was a great book. I was expecting something different when I first sat down to read it, and was disappointed when I didn't get what I expected. It turned out to be a great story. I got what I wanted, because it turned dark, and it had battles like I had hoped. Great book, and I am looking forward to reading Empire.
July 13, 2023
Catching, thrilling and easy to read. Even better than I expected. Can´t wait to read more about Syl and Paul.
August 5, 2016
http://www.mybookishways.com/2014/02/...
It started with a wormhole, and the fleet of alien ships that emerged from it defied anything that mankind could ever have imagined. Soon, Earth prepared itself for attack. However, there was no attack, no destruction rained down out of the sky. Instead, technology failed, and society fell apart. Eventually, every government office received the same word on their computers: Surrender. So, with no other choice, they did.
The Illyri had been hiding their tech on Earth for decades, and the time had finally come to invade. Even though they claimed to want as few fatalities as possible, there were many, many deaths caused by the breakdown of society after the initial phase. Humanlike in appearance, but with notable differences, the Illyri proceeded to ensure that our weapon systems remained inert and indeed starting instituting a very different kind of draft: one tenth of every person between fifteen and twenty-one had to serve in the Illyri Military Brigade for five years. The Illyri did lend their technology to improve their new conquered planet, and virtually eliminated world hunger, as well as addressing the problem of global warming. For many humans, though, these “concessions” weren’t enough, and the human resistance was born.
16 year old Syl Hellais is the first Illyri to be born on Earth, and her days are spent behind the walls of Edinburgh Castle. The Illyri are constant targets for the human resistance, and although typically young Illyrians aren’t usually in danger, they have been the targets of kidnapping. Syl’s father is the powerful Lord Andrus, chairman of the Ruling Council and governor of all of Europe. Syl longs to explore the world outside of the castle. When she decides to leave her confines on her birthday to explore the city, it’s then that she meets Paul Kerr and his brother Steven, both humans and members of the Resistance. When there is a bombing on the Royal Mile, Paul mistakes Syl for human, and helps her to safety. When Syl returns to the castle, she discovers news that may change the course of the Illyri on Earth for good.
Meanwhile, Paul and Steven are confused about this newest bombing. Civilians were harmed, and the Resistance would never attack an area where civilians would be hurt. Soon, Paul and Steven discover that the Illyri are up to something, and it involves the tunnels that run under the city. When Paul and Steven are accused of bombing the Royal Mile, they are sentenced to death, and Syl risks everything to free them, eventually being forced to flee with the Resistance to the Scottish Highlands. Up until this point, there was a lot of set up being done in order to make clear the different factions within the Illyri themselves, and also to establish much of the Illyri backstory. Syl is understandably conflicted, especially since Earth is all she’s ever known and she understands why the humans want the Illyri gone. Her growing feelings for Paul are also a driving force for her, and part of the fun of this book was Syl’s reactions to the machinations of not only her people, but the Illyri’s increasingly complicated relationship with humans. The Resistance is a revelation to her, as are the people that make up its inner workings, and she comes to realize that her world is about to get a lot more exciting and immensely more complicated.
Conquest is rich in detail and intricate political intrigue, but Connolly and Ridyard really up the creep factor with the Nairene Sisterhood, a group of “witches” with a very strong hold on some of the upper echelon of Illyri, and there’s a secret at the heart of them that will knock your socks off. While Syl is certainly the star of the show, one of my favorite characters was Meia, Lord Andrus’s spymaster, and Syl’s staunch protector. She kicks ass and she’s so much more than meets the eye. Also of note is the psychopathic Vena, whose hatred of Syl is all encompassing and whose cruelty is legion. Vena and Meia are definitely ones to watch in the next book, and you will want to read the next book, guaranteed. I’ve been a fan of Connolly’s work for a long time, and was very excited to see how is first SF effort would go. I wasn’t disappointed, and in fact count Conquest as a must read for not only teens that are looking for something different and devoid of fluff, but anyone that enjoys rich characterization and worldbuilding to go along with their action and intrigue. Connolly and Ridyard have more than successfully set the stage for what promises to be a great new series!
It started with a wormhole, and the fleet of alien ships that emerged from it defied anything that mankind could ever have imagined. Soon, Earth prepared itself for attack. However, there was no attack, no destruction rained down out of the sky. Instead, technology failed, and society fell apart. Eventually, every government office received the same word on their computers: Surrender. So, with no other choice, they did.
The Illyri had been hiding their tech on Earth for decades, and the time had finally come to invade. Even though they claimed to want as few fatalities as possible, there were many, many deaths caused by the breakdown of society after the initial phase. Humanlike in appearance, but with notable differences, the Illyri proceeded to ensure that our weapon systems remained inert and indeed starting instituting a very different kind of draft: one tenth of every person between fifteen and twenty-one had to serve in the Illyri Military Brigade for five years. The Illyri did lend their technology to improve their new conquered planet, and virtually eliminated world hunger, as well as addressing the problem of global warming. For many humans, though, these “concessions” weren’t enough, and the human resistance was born.
16 year old Syl Hellais is the first Illyri to be born on Earth, and her days are spent behind the walls of Edinburgh Castle. The Illyri are constant targets for the human resistance, and although typically young Illyrians aren’t usually in danger, they have been the targets of kidnapping. Syl’s father is the powerful Lord Andrus, chairman of the Ruling Council and governor of all of Europe. Syl longs to explore the world outside of the castle. When she decides to leave her confines on her birthday to explore the city, it’s then that she meets Paul Kerr and his brother Steven, both humans and members of the Resistance. When there is a bombing on the Royal Mile, Paul mistakes Syl for human, and helps her to safety. When Syl returns to the castle, she discovers news that may change the course of the Illyri on Earth for good.
Meanwhile, Paul and Steven are confused about this newest bombing. Civilians were harmed, and the Resistance would never attack an area where civilians would be hurt. Soon, Paul and Steven discover that the Illyri are up to something, and it involves the tunnels that run under the city. When Paul and Steven are accused of bombing the Royal Mile, they are sentenced to death, and Syl risks everything to free them, eventually being forced to flee with the Resistance to the Scottish Highlands. Up until this point, there was a lot of set up being done in order to make clear the different factions within the Illyri themselves, and also to establish much of the Illyri backstory. Syl is understandably conflicted, especially since Earth is all she’s ever known and she understands why the humans want the Illyri gone. Her growing feelings for Paul are also a driving force for her, and part of the fun of this book was Syl’s reactions to the machinations of not only her people, but the Illyri’s increasingly complicated relationship with humans. The Resistance is a revelation to her, as are the people that make up its inner workings, and she comes to realize that her world is about to get a lot more exciting and immensely more complicated.
Conquest is rich in detail and intricate political intrigue, but Connolly and Ridyard really up the creep factor with the Nairene Sisterhood, a group of “witches” with a very strong hold on some of the upper echelon of Illyri, and there’s a secret at the heart of them that will knock your socks off. While Syl is certainly the star of the show, one of my favorite characters was Meia, Lord Andrus’s spymaster, and Syl’s staunch protector. She kicks ass and she’s so much more than meets the eye. Also of note is the psychopathic Vena, whose hatred of Syl is all encompassing and whose cruelty is legion. Vena and Meia are definitely ones to watch in the next book, and you will want to read the next book, guaranteed. I’ve been a fan of Connolly’s work for a long time, and was very excited to see how is first SF effort would go. I wasn’t disappointed, and in fact count Conquest as a must read for not only teens that are looking for something different and devoid of fluff, but anyone that enjoys rich characterization and worldbuilding to go along with their action and intrigue. Connolly and Ridyard have more than successfully set the stage for what promises to be a great new series!
March 5, 2014
John Connolly is, without a doubt, one of my very favorite authors - so much so that I actually asked for this UK edition for Christmas (since it wasn’t due in the US for an additional two months!). This is the first collaborative novel that I have read of his, and though I know little about his writing partner, I admit that initially, I wasn’t completely certain this was the same Connolly responsible for creating the Charlie Parker series or The Book of Lost Things. The book opens with a lot of passive verbs, simple writing. And though this is marketed as a YA series, his other YA series, the Samuel Johnson series, is not plagued with this oddly clunky style. But, thankfully, after the initial exposition introducing the characters and the situation on Earth with the alien overlords, the book hits its stride and the glimmers of Connolly’s greatness begin to become more apparent.
There are some shifts in the perspective that continue to distract throughout, but once the action begins to truly unfold, the book is impossible to put down - I read it in one sitting! Connolly has always displayed a real gift for blurring the lines of genres and this is no exception. It is a mixture of dystopian teen fiction (with the caste system, the youth of the main characters), pure science fiction (alien races, advanced technology) and more classic fantasy (magic, detailed background and a journey). Perhaps the rather dull start lies more in the nature of collaborative writing - anyone who has written a school paper with a partner or group quickly realizes that it is a lot more difficult than it originally seems... But without having read anything of Ridyard’s it’s difficult to say... And though it is far from the flawless read that I expected it to be - outside of the perspective there are some dystopian tropes here (sliding onto a soapbox at times, some literal hair-pulling teen emotions) but at the book’s heart it is a thrilling plot with a wide range of developed and mostly sympathetic characters. Older readers will most likely enjoy this too, as the teen romance is kept pretty minimal and isn’t as cliched or all-consuming as the genre so often seems to demand.
The book matures into a dark story, violent and emotionally heart-wrenching. It becomes a stronger and stronger novel the further in you get. There is such a difference between the beginning and the ending! It’s an electrifying conclusion and I am very curious to know how many more books are planned in the series and where the sequel will go. It ends to perfectly set up Empire. By the end, this is a strong start to a series and now, I am left with the same feeling that I am always left when finishing the latest Connolly book - exhausted from staying up too late, and anxiously counting down the days until the next release date!
There are some shifts in the perspective that continue to distract throughout, but once the action begins to truly unfold, the book is impossible to put down - I read it in one sitting! Connolly has always displayed a real gift for blurring the lines of genres and this is no exception. It is a mixture of dystopian teen fiction (with the caste system, the youth of the main characters), pure science fiction (alien races, advanced technology) and more classic fantasy (magic, detailed background and a journey). Perhaps the rather dull start lies more in the nature of collaborative writing - anyone who has written a school paper with a partner or group quickly realizes that it is a lot more difficult than it originally seems... But without having read anything of Ridyard’s it’s difficult to say... And though it is far from the flawless read that I expected it to be - outside of the perspective there are some dystopian tropes here (sliding onto a soapbox at times, some literal hair-pulling teen emotions) but at the book’s heart it is a thrilling plot with a wide range of developed and mostly sympathetic characters. Older readers will most likely enjoy this too, as the teen romance is kept pretty minimal and isn’t as cliched or all-consuming as the genre so often seems to demand.
The book matures into a dark story, violent and emotionally heart-wrenching. It becomes a stronger and stronger novel the further in you get. There is such a difference between the beginning and the ending! It’s an electrifying conclusion and I am very curious to know how many more books are planned in the series and where the sequel will go. It ends to perfectly set up Empire. By the end, this is a strong start to a series and now, I am left with the same feeling that I am always left when finishing the latest Connolly book - exhausted from staying up too late, and anxiously counting down the days until the next release date!
October 13, 2013
The creation of authors John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard, Conquest serves as a more hard-hitting take on humans vs aliens than is customarily given in books targeted at younger audiences. Turning humanity’s own technology against them, an alien force known as the Illyri has complete dominion over Earth. With a generation having passed since their arrival, Paul Kerr and Syl Hellais have grown up witnessing the conflict from opposite sides – both aware of the horrors of occupation, but not the true nightmare which will soon befall them...
As the first in a series, Conquest gets many elements right but makes many basic mistakes. Writing for young adults, the authors made the point of not talking down to their audience or portraying a black-and-white battle. While Earth has been taken over and skirmishes continue, the aliens do not pull an Independence Day and are even commented upon to have improved elements of life on Earth. Some Illyri are portrayed in a somewhat sympathetic light despite their loyalties, and similarly the human resistance is far from squeaky clean with extremely hostile members among their number. This is made especially clear very early on through the characters of Andrus and Knutter who contrast with the more hostile and heroic members of their factions. The book also does not avoid the subject of death, freely showing it despite the fascinatingly peaceful conquest by the Illyri in the book’s opening stages.
The chief problem is with the over-abundance of exposition. Many elements feel as if they’re being told to the reader, rather than explained through characters or environments. This is especially so in early pages outlining Earth’s fall which, while effective, could have been made vastly more immersive if they were framed as government documents or reports.
As the first in a series, Conquest gets many elements right but makes many basic mistakes. Writing for young adults, the authors made the point of not talking down to their audience or portraying a black-and-white battle. While Earth has been taken over and skirmishes continue, the aliens do not pull an Independence Day and are even commented upon to have improved elements of life on Earth. Some Illyri are portrayed in a somewhat sympathetic light despite their loyalties, and similarly the human resistance is far from squeaky clean with extremely hostile members among their number. This is made especially clear very early on through the characters of Andrus and Knutter who contrast with the more hostile and heroic members of their factions. The book also does not avoid the subject of death, freely showing it despite the fascinatingly peaceful conquest by the Illyri in the book’s opening stages.
The chief problem is with the over-abundance of exposition. Many elements feel as if they’re being told to the reader, rather than explained through characters or environments. This is especially so in early pages outlining Earth’s fall which, while effective, could have been made vastly more immersive if they were framed as government documents or reports.
August 12, 2016
I liked this book within minutes of reading (which was a relief because the last few books I've read have been mostly duds). The background story is interesting and well thought out, the plot flows well, the characters have cool abilities. I find that the book gets me thinking and keeps me reading.
There were, of course, several weaknesses to this book, which up until ~spoilers~ the end twist ~endspoilers~, had me thinking I would not be reading the sequel. Most of that has to do with the character development, which I find sorely lacking. All the character's personalities blend together and tend to fit under two categories, the 'good' and the 'bad'. Either they're good guys and will happily kill themselves for their side (seriously, every other good guy character was killing himself for his cause)... or they're very evil, want to kill everyone, and everyone hates them back. There were few characters who blended the line between good and bad (dare I say none?). Thankfully for the authors' inability to develop a 3D character, they were much better at writing fight scenes and group interactions.
Another aspect of the book that really got on my nerves is the Romeo and Juliette type romance that the authors felt compelled to add in for the main character (alien + human = woo). I swear, most of the cool fight scenes are ruined by the main character admiring the 'plump, supple' lips of her boo. And any time they're in the same room, they're making googly eyes at each other. I think this book would have been 113 times better without this added romance (or any of the other ones, but at least the others were slightly less obnoxious).
So, the twist ending sparked my interest enough that I added a star to my rating and will be reading the next book. But, without that terrific ending this would be a fairly mediocre book.
P.S. There are many plot holes in this book. I chose to overlook them.
There were, of course, several weaknesses to this book, which up until ~spoilers~ the end twist ~endspoilers~, had me thinking I would not be reading the sequel. Most of that has to do with the character development, which I find sorely lacking. All the character's personalities blend together and tend to fit under two categories, the 'good' and the 'bad'. Either they're good guys and will happily kill themselves for their side (seriously, every other good guy character was killing himself for his cause)... or they're very evil, want to kill everyone, and everyone hates them back. There were few characters who blended the line between good and bad (dare I say none?). Thankfully for the authors' inability to develop a 3D character, they were much better at writing fight scenes and group interactions.
Another aspect of the book that really got on my nerves is the Romeo and Juliette type romance that the authors felt compelled to add in for the main character (alien + human = woo). I swear, most of the cool fight scenes are ruined by the main character admiring the 'plump, supple' lips of her boo. And any time they're in the same room, they're making googly eyes at each other. I think this book would have been 113 times better without this added romance (or any of the other ones, but at least the others were slightly less obnoxious).
So, the twist ending sparked my interest enough that I added a star to my rating and will be reading the next book. But, without that terrific ending this would be a fairly mediocre book.
P.S. There are many plot holes in this book. I chose to overlook them.
February 26, 2014
Pros: compelling story, political machinations, minor romantic elements
Cons: slow opening
Conquest takes place roughly 16 years after the Illyri, a race similar to humans, take over the Earth. Syl, conceived among the stars and the first Illyri born on Earth, lives with her father, the governor of Britain and Ireland, in Edinburgh castle. On her 16th birthday she and a friend sneak out of the castle and encounter two human teenagers, members of the Resistance just as a bomb goes off on the Royal Mile. Events spiral into a series of political machinations that change the world as these 4 youths know it.
The book gets off to a slow start, as there’s a lot of background information the reader needs to know in order to follow what happens after the bombing in Edinburgh. Once things start happening they happen fast. By page 100 I found that I couldn’t put the book down, I was so invested in the characters and what was happening.
While a lot of the politics happen off stage, given the ages of the protagonist, there’s still a fair amount of political maneuvering, among the humans (different resistance groups) but mainly among the Illyri (the sisterhood, the military and the diplomatic corps). It’s the alien politics that fascinate, and I’m hoping the next book includes more information about the sisterhood.
There are a lot of SF elements borrowed from other sources, but the authors do a great job of using those elements in new ways. The addition of a burgeoning romance between one of the humans and Syl only enhances the difficulties the two races face. And the ending contained some great twists.
This book is more complex than humans: good, aliens: bad. Having protagonists on both sides makes both sides partly sympathetic. And partly not. It’s a great start to a series.
Cons: slow opening
Conquest takes place roughly 16 years after the Illyri, a race similar to humans, take over the Earth. Syl, conceived among the stars and the first Illyri born on Earth, lives with her father, the governor of Britain and Ireland, in Edinburgh castle. On her 16th birthday she and a friend sneak out of the castle and encounter two human teenagers, members of the Resistance just as a bomb goes off on the Royal Mile. Events spiral into a series of political machinations that change the world as these 4 youths know it.
The book gets off to a slow start, as there’s a lot of background information the reader needs to know in order to follow what happens after the bombing in Edinburgh. Once things start happening they happen fast. By page 100 I found that I couldn’t put the book down, I was so invested in the characters and what was happening.
While a lot of the politics happen off stage, given the ages of the protagonist, there’s still a fair amount of political maneuvering, among the humans (different resistance groups) but mainly among the Illyri (the sisterhood, the military and the diplomatic corps). It’s the alien politics that fascinate, and I’m hoping the next book includes more information about the sisterhood.
There are a lot of SF elements borrowed from other sources, but the authors do a great job of using those elements in new ways. The addition of a burgeoning romance between one of the humans and Syl only enhances the difficulties the two races face. And the ending contained some great twists.
This book is more complex than humans: good, aliens: bad. Having protagonists on both sides makes both sides partly sympathetic. And partly not. It’s a great start to a series.
July 13, 2014
When I first received a copy of John Connolly and Jennifer Ridyard’s Conquest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
Books about aliens and alien invasions are certainly no stranger to the science fiction genre, and it certainly seems to be a concept that sells over and over again.
Of course, many will argue that the idea has reached its saturation point, but I think given the right treatment, any book that employs a commonplace fictional model could be as entertaining to read as the novel that’s being lauded for its distinctiveness.
Connolly and Ridyard are certainly prime examples of that; and while I certainly had my fair share of issues with the book (which is the first in a trilogy, if I’m not mistaken), I have to admit that I was generally very impressed with what the co-authors have offered up.
Beyond the basic concept, Conquest actually proved to be a lot more complex, layered and detailed than I expected to be.
The book is also not your average us versus them story.
Rather, aside from the rebel joining the resistance forces, it also explores what happens when warring factions extend themselves to infighting; where raging differences in political approaches and diplomatic tactics come to the forefront and threaten to ignite and result in a full-out civil war.
You can read the rest of my review on my blog, The Book Fairy's Haven .
Books about aliens and alien invasions are certainly no stranger to the science fiction genre, and it certainly seems to be a concept that sells over and over again.
Of course, many will argue that the idea has reached its saturation point, but I think given the right treatment, any book that employs a commonplace fictional model could be as entertaining to read as the novel that’s being lauded for its distinctiveness.
Connolly and Ridyard are certainly prime examples of that; and while I certainly had my fair share of issues with the book (which is the first in a trilogy, if I’m not mistaken), I have to admit that I was generally very impressed with what the co-authors have offered up.
Beyond the basic concept, Conquest actually proved to be a lot more complex, layered and detailed than I expected to be.
The book is also not your average us versus them story.
Rather, aside from the rebel joining the resistance forces, it also explores what happens when warring factions extend themselves to infighting; where raging differences in political approaches and diplomatic tactics come to the forefront and threaten to ignite and result in a full-out civil war.
You can read the rest of my review on my blog, The Book Fairy's Haven .
August 9, 2016
Conquest was a fun and enjoyable read that for the most part hit the marks that I like in Sci-Fi novels. It has some interesting topics in there even if it does not cover much new ground compared to other works. The characters were well written and detailed though not all of them I liked. Interesting technology, aliens and world building were all present so it kept my interest all the way through. I will be continuing with the series when the next novel arrives in 2015.
3.5/4 stars for the fun story.
3.5/4 stars for the fun story.
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