The Calypsis Project

The Echo-Alpha Duology #1

by Brittany M. Willows

The year is 2438. Ten years ago, an ill-fated encounter on a human mining colony triggered a devastating war between the United Nations Planetary Defense and an alien organization known as the Drocain Royal Empire.

After a decade of fighting with no sign of a conclusion in sight, the men and women of the UNPD find themselves faced with the reality that mankind's very existence could be at stake.

When Corporal Alana Carmen stumbles upon an encrypted communications device, she learns there is more to the conflict than a simple war-for-worlds. But to uncover the truth, she must make allies of those she once considered enemies.

And now, the fate of the entire galaxy may rest on the shoulders of a single alien warrior . . .

Following a public shaming at his own Coming of Age ceremony, Kenon Valinquint enrolls in the Drocain Royal Empire with the hope of one day redeeming himself. Unbeknownst to the young Drahkori, this decision has set in motion a staggering chain of events that could very well change the direction of the war, and the known history of the universe, forever.

Genres: Science Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2013

About the author

Brittany M. Willows is a bisexual/asexual author and digital artist living in rural Ontario, Canada. Inspired initially by video games and the stories they told, she began building her own fictional universes and has no plans of stopping any time soon. When she's not writing about post-apocalyptic lands, wild magic, or people gallivanting through the stars, she can be found hunched over a tablet drawing the very same things.

To keep up with the latest news regarding both current and future stories, and to find out more about Brittany or to delve deeper into the worlds she has created, check out the links below! She can also be contacted directly via these platforms.

Twitter: twitter.com/BMWillows
Instagram: instagram.com/brittanymwillows/
Blog: brittanymwillows.wordpress.com
Facebook: facebook.com/BrittanyMWillows

Reviews

[Jola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com

'The Calypsis Project' is a great novel, a must read for all the sci-fi fans out there. It's full of action, has some great characters, the world is so perfectly described that you just can see it in your mind with every little detail and the mystery surrounding the titular project keeps you guessing. It's a great introduction to a series, so I'm looking forward to see what the author will come up next.

Thanks to Britanny Willows for sending me an ebook!

[Michelle O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 STARS**
If you like the Halo universe, you will love The Calypsis Project by Brittany M. Willows. I've seen enough Halo (some of my family members are frankly obsessed with the game series) to recognize many similar elements and terminologies between the game and this story, though this book is in no way a copy of that gaming universe! Unique in plot and development but with a familiar military feel, The Calypsis Project will give Halo and scifi fans a fresh, exciting adventure.

In The Calypsis Project the human and alien nations clash in a brutal war. But what seems like a straight-forward conflict becomes far more complex when the characters (both human and alien) discover clues that lead them to the mysterious Calypsis Project. An eclectic set of individuals slowly draws together into an uneasy alliance bent on finding the truth and revealing the fate of the entire galaxy.

This fragile alliance created wonderful tension and often humor throughout the story. I especially liked the humans' snarky sarcasm, like this quote from Lt. Lance Knoble:
“Sure, fine, ‘cause having two of the aliens I hate the most suddenly becoming my allies is wonderful. Just great,” he ranted, then pointed at Alana. “But don’t you get pissy with me if I accidentally shoot one of these bastards through the head!”

The writing was mostly smooth (just an occasional rough transition/interaction), the dialogue consistent and entertaining, and the world-building impeccable. In the first half of the book, I did feel some emotional distance from the characters but became deeply invested by the end of the story. Only my own personal preferences kept this book from receiving a 5-star (I'm not a huge fan of military scifi and I prefer a romantic element in my reads.)

For those who love scifi action and mystery, The Calypsis Project should be next on your reading list.

[Andromeda Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for scifi action and adventure that just won't quit, The Calypsis Project is the book for you! Humans and the alien Drocains are engaged in a devastating war, and this story follows several individuals through their exciting journeys, battles, and discoveries as their fates intertwine toward a mysterious destiny.

What I enjoyed most about this book was that it wasn't completely human-centric but told from both sides. Alien heroes and human heroes/heroines share the spotlight in a complex series of events that gradually reveals the mystery of the Calypsis Project. Well-written with believable, entertaining characters and a strong plot, The Calypsis Project is a thrill ride that's sure to satisfy any fan of scifi.

As a bonus, I was also privileged to view some art related to this book! The following is my favorite, showing two of the main characters Kenon (the alien) and Lance Knoble (the human).

[Chantol Aspinall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read original review over at http://www.chantolaspinall.com/reader...

The Calypsis Project transported us through time and space and dropped us into the midst of war. The year is 2438 and humanity is nothing as we know it today. It's humans versus aliens and as it appears, the aliens are sitting pretty on the edge of victory. However, the humans are determined to fight to the death to reclaim their stance in the galaxy. The question is "Is this waged war a mere cover for something greater? The Calypsis Project?

The read takes us on a trip to varying galaxies, worlds and societies where we meet up on all types. There are humans and then we have their alien enemies; Drahkori, Leh'kin, Nephran and the list continues. War is not the only set theme, we see where self discovery squeezes into the chaos. This may even be the most important theme of them all, as Kenon's self discovery may lead to an unexpected exposure.

Kenon Valinquint, a young Drahkori leaves his world behind to join the war. Holding a crytal spitting firearm has nothing to do with his decision. His aim is to prove his worth and relevance to live to his people, his parents but most of all to himself.

In a turn of events enemies are converted to friends. Alright maybe friends is a bit much. 'Unconventional squad mates' is what I'd like to call the team consisting of three humans, a Drahkori, a Leh'kin and two AIs. Not your typical team, yet they are making do. After receiving some unsettling truth and knowledge about the Calypsis Project and its diversion; the petty war between the humans and the Drocain Royal Empire they have decided to stick it out. Together.

I feel as though this here is safe grounds to express my feelings. I honestly believe that The Calypsis Project was written with the agenda to ruin my life. I will show you how because I can already sense the laughter coming my way.

Evidence#1: It was too good. So good that it made me miss my initial bus stop and ended up having to travel another hour just to make it back to work. This was on my second day at the job thank you very much. Let me just add that I was ten minutes late. How rude Calypsis Project? Nothing is wrong with being a good read but did you have to be that good?

Evidence#2: There came a part in the book where I was bawling my eyes out. I don't intend to spoil it for you so I won't give too much details. This book had me sitting on the bus looking crazy wiping away tears, gasping and a few hushed but very audible emotional shouts erupted from my mouth.

So as you can see with these compiling evidence I enjoyed every bit of it. If you are looking for an action packed, adventurous getaway then this my friend is the book for you. Learn more about The Calypsis Project today! Happy reading!

-Chantol Aspinall

[John Dizon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Calypsis Project by Brittany M. Willows is a fast-paced science fiction novel featuring Kenon Valinquint, a righteous objector within the realm of the self-styled `goddess' Athenna, who seeks to usurp control of the planet Anakh. The colony of resettled earthlings under the banner of the UN finds itself under attack by the alien Drocainian Empire. Kenon is a beneficiary of the peacetime agreements between the UN and the Empire, and finds himself as a Mosaic figure in having to forsake the Drocainians in an effort to save his fellow humans.

The author engages in a convincing wartime narrative as Corporal Alana Carmen and Lt. Lance Knoble are among those joining forces in hopes of defeating the Evil Empire. The battle sequences give way to a subplot in which we find that the Calypsis Project may be part of a devious plot to exterminate the human race. It sets up the conflict in which Kenon must not only validate his suspicions, but decide whether his loyalties truly belong to the UN or the Empire. His epiphany leads to the climactic confrontation with the mysterious Nephera, who may be the ultimate beneficiaries of the Project.

Willows weaves an intriguing tapestry of science fiction with the action/adventure elements that gives it the page-turning momentum readers will enjoy. For sci-fi fans and suspense/thriller buffs alike, The Calypsis Project by Brittany M. Willows is one you won't want to miss.

[G.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like military science fiction with battles, spacecrafts, and strange planets, you should like this book. Brittany Willows tells us the story from the two different clans who are fighting each other for the same reason: eliminate the enemy to protect their home.

I liked that we can see it from the different angles. It would be so easy to side with the humans if not for the insights we get directly from the aliens point of view. I loved Kenon, an alien that looks like a lizard. He's been shamed by his people for his anomalies, which they deemed a weakness, yet, Kenon, by far my favorite, has a head on his shoulders. He's not just a robot sent to battle. On the human side, I'd have to give Lieutenant Lance Knoble the thumbs up. His arguing about everything made him a fun character to follow.

Calypsis Project is action packed, but while great, the descriptions left me with many unanswered questions. There were times when the author used quick fixes to solve otherwise problematic occurrences or to conveniently regroup the characters. Despite these little things, Calypsis Project was an entertaining read. I hope the sequel will give us some answers because while there is no real cliffhanger, there isn't any kind of closure either.

[Joannes Rhino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Calypsis Project is an absolute read for readers with an insatiable passion for science fiction. It has a fast-paced narrative that would definitely keep you excited to the end. Imaginative and creative in equal measure, Brittany’s writing style really shines throughout this sci-fi piece. The growing cast of characters is also drawn exceptionally well and overall it just feels like such a nice read.

I also write a sci-fi book, but nothing like this. Mine is more about romantic – scifi kinda thing. But this one is a real futuristic entertainment. ‘The Calypsis Project’ is more about action than drama. It had me turning pages at warp speed and holding my breath wondering what was coming next. I sometimes paused a bit in the middle of the reading just to picture the scenes as if I was watching it in the big screen. Well, it would be perfect watching this in a movie theatre.
I consider myself lucky to be selected to read and review this book. I really am hoping there will be the sequel for this.

An entertain read!

[Stefanie Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to read this! Brittany is amazing and I know that this novel will be as amazing as all of her other stories and art have been. I can't wait to read it :D

[Sunshine Somerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars -- for nitpicky reasons, but I’m fine selecting 5 stars.

The greatest thing about this book, for me, was being able to so clearly see the world the author created. You know Willows absolutely knows her world(s) and has a clear picture of every little detail in her mind, and that sense of the author’s love and dedication to this story enriches the whole thing. The simple imagery and description gives just enough detail that you see where she’s directing, but there’s also plenty of room for your own imagination to fluff it up.
This is definitely the most action-packed book I’ve read in a while, but it never feels forced or ridiculous. The military feel works really well. One situation flows into the next with complete believability, and it’s really impressive how the fast pace also builds to a climax, with clear direction and intent. One minute you’re on one alien world, the next you’re on another, then you’re in a starship, then you’re flying through a portal, and it all works together to show the grand scope of this galaxy and build tension, showing what’s at stake.

The characters are pretty good too. I immediately liked the originality of the humans vs. aliens approach here – you START from the alien’s perspective and almost, almost are asked to side with Kenon against the humans. Starting with Kenon and his Drahkori world works really well to draw the reader into this reality and give you a “native” taste of what’s going on. Then things flip to a human perspective, and of course you sympathize with Knoble and his soldiers too. The relationship between Alana and Knoble as stepfather and stepdaughter was a really nice touch, not overdone but adding a bit of heart to the story. Everyone likes a strong female lead these days, and Alana certainly is a great one. She’s easy to like and relate to, and you immediately wish her well because she’s the first person to try to bridge the gap between humans and the “enemy” aliens.

And, through all of this, there is clearly SOMETHING more going on that both sides have to figure out. I always like a mystery aspect thrown into sci-fi, and the question of what exactly the Calypsis Project is and how Kenon is involved is key (ahem) to the whole story even though there’s so much else going on. By the end, it’s clear that a whole new side to this story has been introduced, and I’m sure the next part of the saga will be even more interesting, with new twists and drama.

As for my nitpicky stuff, I would have liked to see more backstory sprinkled in. It’s not entirely clear why this war is going on in the first place, although you pick up info as the story moves along and the characters clash. And sometimes things happen that are a little too convenient – groups get separated and then just happen to run into each other, they find an escape just in time, etc. But, overall, none of this was enough to make me question the author’s vision or direction.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes military, alien sci-fi. It’s certainly going on my Pinterest board of favorites. :)

[R. Venture · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are things I liked about The Calypsis Project, and things I didn't like. As you can see from the four star score, the things I liked won out by a wide margin, and I think this series is definitely one to watch.

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way. As with many books by independent authors - and I am no exception! - there were errors scattered throughout the text, but none of them were damning (I once read a military sci-fi book where the ex-army author didn't know the difference between ordnance and ordinance. That's not a trivial error, and orders worse than anything in TCP.) The formatting was a bit ungainly as well in the Kindle edition - you can have tiny text or enormous chapter headings, and there are no chapter bookmarks therefore the "goto" menu is basically empty. This is easily fixed though, and I'd gladly reformat and convert the book for Brittany as it's only a couple of hour's work.

The good stuff comes from the story itself. As others have mentioned, Brittany's world is one which is detailed and populated with likeable, believable characters with distinct personalities. As the plot develops, it becomes clear that the history of the galaxy is more complex than we first suspected, and there is a lot of back-story which is going to have a huge impact on future events. The antagonists' aims are mentioned, but not their motives, which gives a lot of fertile ground for future developments. In addition to this the enemy strategy is only speculated on by the protagonists, which again gives Brittany plenty of opportunity to build up hints and suggestions about what is going on before whipping the rug from under the reader's feet and rolling out a "big reveal" finale.

The action moves very quickly, with characters being propelled through situations at speed and changing locations every couple of chapters. In a way, it felt as though this story was something of a vehicle to introduce the characters and then get them where they need to be for the "real" story to begin. It makes the book a quick read, without sacrificing any of the depth of the world which has been created. The only disadvantage I could see was that to move the story along the characters are sometimes forced to have unnaturally casual conversations with people who vastly out-rank them, but this is easily overlooked for the purposes of storytelling.

On the whole, I'd recommend TCP to science fiction fans who enjoy invasion and adventure stories. Quite a lot of books by indies I find unfortunately to be unreadable for one reason or another: The Calypsis Project by Brittany M. Willows is one of those rare exceptions we are all looking for.

[Anamitra Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Sci-fi!

I'm not really a fan of science fictions, but this book hooked me up from the beginning. The writing is really good. The author shows you the unknown world through a neutral descriptive point-of-view. The attention to the details is also awesome. Sometimes it feels more like the eye of a camera than a pen or a keyboard that the author is crating this new world with.

The Calypsis project is set in the distant future (2438 AD according to the Earth-calendar). There's a war going on between the UNPD (United Nations Planetary Defense) and the Drocain Royal Empire. The later is a force raised by and with what we call aliens. Several species from several planets have come together to fight the humans. We are introduced to the situation while the war is going on in the Masahi city on planet Anahk. The humans have left planet earth to die on its own and they are expanding to other solar systems. The story here resembles the history of the world; how the European countries set up their colonies in other parts of the world in the past when their home country was not enough in terms of resources to keep up with the progress of civilization. Somehow, the atmosphere of Earth has worsened beyond the extent of the point of turning back. So, humans are setting up colonies all over the universe and that has triggered a war. 2438 AD is the year when the war is turning a decade old. This is when the young Drahkori graduate named Kenon Valinquint joins the Drocain forces. He has been humiliated by the authorities of the Ceida state of Planet Dyre (his home planet). Despite of valiant exhibitions of what he is capable of, Kenon is considered to be weak and one of the individuals that owns no sense of honor. He is to be punished and executed soon. These are the factors that pushed this young Drahkori (an intelligent alien creature that looks like a big lizard) to leave his home try his fate.

Feels like the building up of an epic, isn't it?
I won't give spoilers except the fact that Calypsis is one of the planets where our species is setting up their new colony. So, the rest is for you to find out on your own. Just remember, this is not a typical sci-fi that shows humans are good people and aliens are bad people threatening their existence and that's why they should be killed and there must be a typical hero who belongs to our species etc etc and more of such unworthy craps. Rather this is an anti-racist novel where every life and every individual in the universe is equally important.

I liked it a lot and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone. A very good debut indeed!

[Laine Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm an old-school sci-fi gal...I grew up reading Asimov and other authors who really created this category. One of the things that really stands out for me with those first pioneers is how they focused on characters as much as any of the science they invented in their worlds.

The Calypsis Project was therefore a true delight. This story has equal parts character and science-based plot elements. Set far in the future, it follows one primary alien character and one important human character as they form an alliance across war lines to save the galaxy from a hideous conspiracy. Their individual motivations are provided in a clear way, and are not lumped into a single segment but are drawn out across the book. This kind of feeding smaller bits to readers really enhances the reading experience.

And the science is also well developed without bogging down in a slew of details that provide too much information, as some other sci-fi writers might do. This author really has a hand in this category, and interweaves character and plot very well.

The only exception I found was that the use of modern slang terms and references to today's cultural elements felt inaccurate to this world. It was difficult to believe that so far in the future certain slang terms would still be used, so that was a touch distracting. But the other strengths shown by this author will very likely eliminate those kinds of tiny errors with her next book, so I'm looking forward to reading other novels from her.

Overall, this was a great read and one worth the time. Clips along very nicely and provides a lot to think about along the way.

If you like stories that make you think, check out The Family Made of Dust: A Novel of Loss and Rebirth in the Australian Outback.

You might also enjoy Seven Sisters: Spiritual Messages from Aboriginal Australia.

[Jackie G Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science Fiction is not my favourite genre of book as I usually get so entangled in the technological jargon within the story that I often end up losing sight of the plot. So, it was with some trepidation that I downloaded the sample for The Calypsis Project by Brittany M. Willows. I wondered if it was going to be one of those Sci Fi stories where I have to concentrate so hard to envision all the futuristic gadgets that my head eventually explodes. I needn’t have worried. The Calypsis Project, while packed full of space tech, was so well written I never once felt like I was drowning in a sea of things unknown.

The story centres mainly around Kenon, our unlikely alien hero. He comes from a planet that has essentially distanced itself from the war that has been raging for a decade. So it is surprising when Kenon decideds to leave his home planet and join the conflict.

What I liked about the book

Like I said before, this book was well written. I loved that I could so easily visualise the planets, the aliens and the space tech. Willows shows great skill when it comes to descriptive prose which allowed the words on the page to come alive.

The book is written in third person from different perspectives. I enjoyed reading the story from Kenon’s point of view and found that I could identify with him even though he was an alien. Maybe that says something about me :).

There are a number of interesting characters. Kenon is complicated and troubled with self esteem issues while Alana is feisty and self-assured – at least on the surface. Sometimes I didn’t like her and other times I loved her. The Queen was a strange one, and I can’t help wondering if there’s a story behind the story. All will be revealed eventually I’m sure.

What I didn’t enjoy that much

There was only one thing that niggled me and that was early on in the book. I thought Alana confided in Kenon too quickly. She didn’t know what The Calypsis Project was and yet, after hearing something she thought sounded a bit strange, she decided to confide in the enemy instead of taking her suspicions to her own people. I thought that was strange.

Final thoughts

This was a very good read and I look forward to the second book in the series.

STAR RATING: 4 Stars

Will also be posted on my blog:
https://jackiegmills.wordpress.com/

[Jake Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Calypsis Project is a quick-paced, hectic and very intriguing account of a war between alien civilizations and humans, not necessarily as enemies, sometimes as allies! The point of view is surprisingly unique; it incorporates the feelings of an odd saurian warrior, who is neither an enemy nor a friend. He is actually a key! Yes… a key to a very powerful weapon. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you the type of weapon because it would spoil your fun. In addition, there are circumstances that forge alliances between otherwise bitter enemies. As mentioned above, very intriguing…

Some of the things that I look for while reading a book are sentences that show the quality of the writer’s pen. For example, Ms Willows says: “No sense of pain, no emotion, no mind. Just a feral, bestial machine programmed to kill” when referring to an AI (Artificial Intelligence) machine confronted by the main characters. I love this kind of statement; it is clear and to the point. Another sample is: “Mind you, most of those people are animal rights extremists who for some reason have decided to include genocidal alien warriors in their cheery basket of cuddly critters,” which shows a great sense of humor on the part of the writer. And before I forget, let me say a few words about the cover: Captivating, elegant, and nicely done.

The Calypsis Project is a pleasant read that you will definitely enjoy. This book can be made into an exciting movie. Five Stars, Jake Taylor

[Beanie Lei · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say ‘never judge a book by its cover’, but once I learned that Brittany Willows did her own eye-catching artwork for both books in the ‘Echo-Alpha Duology’ series, I just had to look inside, and was really impressed by the care and talent she put into creating her artwork and books.

'The Calypsis Project' took a while to get into, but that is because Willows has created a number of alien worlds and their languages and explained who was who and what was what, but once I got going, the pace of the story picked up, and I finished it within three days. What gripped me the most were the intra- and interspecies interactions (including politics) that Willows’s characters had, and her fast-paced, taut, yet informative story was well-plotted with a few twists that I did not see coming. I do not normally think when I read, but finding out what exactly the Calypsis Project was became my mission as well as the characters', which I thought was very cool. Willows’s characters’ interactions and opinions were very interesting, and left me pondering a lot of ‘what if...?’ questions about our own world, how we treat each other, and how we see each other, and I eagerly got my hands on a copy of 'The Calypsis Project II: Rebirth (The Echo-Alpha Duology Book 2)' to see what happened next!

[Kathleen Marentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What most impressed me about this book was Willows attention to detail, allowing me to see the book clearly in my head while reading.
The Calypsis Project is a sci-fi novel set in the distant future during a war. The story is told from two view points, that of the aliens and that of the humans, giving the reader a chance to empathize with both sides of the war instead of just one. Although there are many characters in this book, you understand and relate to Kenon the most through the story, an alien who was shamed on his home planet and is looking to redeem himself. My favorite character was Alana, as I like books that have strong heroines.
This book is titled as the first, so I assume there will be more to come, and I'm excited to continue the story. Some scenes in this book were graphic, as the book does follow soldiers into battle, but not so much that it is disturbing; rather, Willows shows us that war is harsh, and finding a way to end a war is always preferred. An entertaining read with lots of action.

[M.J. Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I absolutely hate reading from a pc screen. I much prefer a good book in my hand and it takes a really special book to overcome my preferences/prejudices. The Calypsis Project is the first in a long time to really enthuse me. I would go so far as to say this is one of the best self published novels I have read.
This is Starship Troopers and Avatar rolled into one, it's that good.
The Drocain Empire is engaged in a war of conquest. Standing in their way are an alliance of humans who are outgunned and outmatched. But, led by heroes like Lieutenant Knoble, they fight on. The action comes thick and fast. The engagement with the characters is spot on. You can't help but want to sign on for the fight.
Told from the viewpoint of both sides, including the young alien warrior, Kennon, this story maintains the excitement and intrigue throughout. It is beautifully written and edited.
To all fans of science fiction I urge you to give this book a try. I promise you will not be disappointed.
I'm off now to rec it to all my friends.

[Kadin Seton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Calypsis Project is an action-packed debut novel! If you like military sci-fi this is a must read. The pace and flow immediately hook the reader, as the story line smoothly transitions from one exciting situation to the next. It was no surprise to learn that Brittany M. Willows has a vast history with video games – at times you could almost feel the video game experience integrated into this tale of intergalactic war & mystery. Kudos to the author on releasing a novel that takes a fresh approach with the genre.

The characters are likable and well drawn out. I loved how the story was told from not only the human point of view, but the alien POV as well. You soon appreciate both sides of the conflict, and as a reader, find yourself routing for an alliance.

Even though some of the potential disaster situations were averted a bit conveniently, overall, this was a very engaging and well-written read. I recommend it to anyone looking for a new sci-fi page-turner.

I look forward to reading the next book by Brittany M. Willows!

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brittany Willows has hit it out of the park with her Sci-Fi debut "The Calypsis Project." Her book takes place in a post apocalyptic world of war where earth warriors battle for the survival of their universe. Willow's takes a new twist on that idea by entwining the story from both aspects of the human and alien standpoint. She does this flawlessly which allows the reader to picture the complex story very easily. Her charactors are easy to follow and sympathize with. The plot has many twists and turns that are always unexpected yet never interfere with the flow of the story. What amazed me the most is the imagination that this young lady has to make such an epic story. The finish of the book will take your breath away and leave the reader wanting more. With such an outstanding initial book, I have no doubt that this talented author is on her way to an outstanding future. That is great news for all Sci-Fi readers.

[Ann Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely well put together and detailed science fiction project. I say project because it seems to be so much more than a mere book. The author has not only created another world for humans to live on, but she's also created multiple alien life forms, as well as their home planets.

I was drawn in by the plot and characters fairly quickly, however, I had a hard time latching on to one character as my favorite. I was so caught up in what was going to happen next that I fell more in love with the suspense than I did the characters themselves.

Despite that, the characters are well rounded and incredibly human (even the alien ones), combining some poor decision making and character flaws -- all very relatable characteristics.

It's a great read, but definitely not a short one! I got confused several times and had to retrace my steps. But that made it quite enjoyable for me. I liked having to think my way through a book instead of simply flowing along with the plot.

[251 Things To Do · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willows writing clearly shows her passion and inspiration that she takes from the gaming world. A smooth pace of a read, you are instantly hooked from the beginning. Similar to a setting such as Halo, but with a unique jazzy spin.

If you enjoy military style sci-fi, you’ll most likely enjoy this read and it’s definitely worth your time. I absolutely loved that central focus was on Kenon, a member of the alien clan. That aspect was very fresh and different from your typical alien sci-fi that more or less focuses on the human perspective. Kenon was extremely likeable from the gecko.

There were definitely some underlying themes to the novel... Two different clans/species coming together in peace, placing aside their differences, judgments, which is the exact natural reality in our world, to automatically place judgement based upon different perspective. No side is particularly evil.

Willows is definitely an author to watch out for.. I give this 5 solid glasses of wine.

[Piotr Kalinowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action is mostly fast paced and writing quite smooth. In fact, I felt that it was a little too fast paced at times. As a result, some transitions might leave you scratching your head, wondering how they could get that cruise ship for repairs from there, if it's heavily defended human colony, and it got shot down, rather easily by the planetary defences. How did the repair crew get it out without the same type of problems?

So there are plot holes, and some of the characters rather close to protagonists could use some elaboration on their motivations. The ending felt quite abrupt, too.

Still, I enjoyed it.

[Mehreen Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Calypsis project by Brittany Willows is a book of strange names and places. It is not readily understandable if she is writing about humans or aliens. Reference to goddess Athena makes one realize perhaps the setting of this book in in ancient Greece. As the story unfolds, however, one gets a clearer picture of the story. The characters are human indeed as there is suffering and disability involved. Medical team is in place to attend. Human passions are evidenced and so is the affairs of the state politics and structured government. It is engaging and very well written. I would recommend this for those readers who like adventure with a bit of mysticism.

[Eddie Jong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

If you enjoy military styled Sci-fi, this book will be right up your ally. There is plenty of action and fights, both one-on-one and fleets of ships shooting the cr** out of each other.

Against this background, the author sketches two protagonists - one from the human perspective and the other a Drahkori. This allows the reader to see both sides of the story. The main characters are very different in outlook and experience, yet it is easy to emphasize with both.

Add to this mix a clarity of detail that never becomes boring and you have a winner.

[Mike Marlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-constructed story with a likeable group of characters. It contained enough adventure (and combat) to keep up a quick pace, and for the most part the inevitable exposition worked just fine. I think this is a very nice example of an alien war saga crossed with a quest story. And I admit I got a kick out of some of the geek culture references.

[Mark Bordner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly written.

A dramatic, excellently detailed vision that encompasses the outlooks of both sides caught up in a desperate struggle of incredible odds. War on a cosmic scale, intrigue, and fascinating technologies.

This one needs to be on the big screen.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great read if you like military scifi, with the works. Brittany Willows has the prefect writing style for this story. This is a very fast paced book and left me very satisfied! Overall great read!

[Sage Nestler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Calypsis Project is a science fiction novel and, let me tell you, it was one hell of a ride.

SYNOPSIS

"The year is 2438. Ten years ago, an ill-fated encounter on a human mining colony triggered a devastating war between the United Nations Planetary Defense and an alien organization known as the Drocain Royal Empire.

After a decade of fighting with no sign of a conclusion in sight, the men and women of the UNPD find themselves faced with the reality that mankind's very existence could be at stake.

When Corporal Alana Carmen stumbles upon an encrypted communications device, she learns there is more to the conflict than a simple war-for-worlds. But to uncover the truth, she must make allies of those she once considered enemies.

And now, the fate of the entire galaxy may rest on the shoulders of a single alien warrior . . .

Following a public shaming at his own Coming of Age ceremony, Kenon Valinquint enrolls in the Drocain Royal Empire with the hope of one day redeeming himself. Unbeknownst to the young Drahkori, this decision has set in motion a staggering chain of events that could very well change the direction of the war, and the known history of the universe, forever."

Brittany M. Willows is a brilliant writer and a lovely person. When asking me for a review, she was so gitty about her work and I could feel her enthusiasm as though it were my own. This enthusiasm added to the essence of the novel.

I rarely find books that produce worlds as well developed as "The Calypsis Project" does. I, myself, worked for years on developing the fictional world in my first book and I still don't think it is as well developed as Willow's work is. From page one I was captivated, and that one page kept me reading on and on. She is clearly passionate about her work, and it shows. The acknowledgements page was particularly lovely:

"This book is dedicated to my wonderful friends and family whose undying support helped me to craft this story into what it is today. Without them, this project likely never would have seen the light of day. Special thanks to my lovely Beta Readers and especially to my mom, who played a massive role in editing this book and did an absolutely fantastic job of it. You are amazing. Thank you! <3"

First off, the writing was flawless. It was perfectly edited and a joy to read. Aside from that, the descriptions were excellent. Since this novel is a science fiction novel, it was imperative that there be strong descriptors to help guide the reader through the book story. While reading this novel I felt like I was inside of the book myself. The descriptions were not amateur by any means. Some authors can let their stories run away from them if their plot and setting is too complex, but Willows had both of these components reigned in and under control. She clearly understood the world of her book down to the smallest detail and I am willing to bet that she could even tell you what her characters like to eat for breakfast.

Being a science fiction novel that involves violence and tension, description of both of these things was necessary to amplify the story. However, I have found that some authors put too many descriptions in violent passages which can turn off the reader. Willows could have easily done this, but she did not. Instead, her violent passages were poetic.

This was a shock to me, because I haven't experienced violent scenes as being poetic before. When reading the violent passages I felt as though I were staring at a Cobra: lethal, but too intriguing to look away. One of the best examples of her violent passages was:

"Kenon raised his weapon, aimed at the soldier, and squeezed the trigger. Shards of hardened crystal flew forth, shining like golden icicles. They splintered the human's chest plate, piercing his flesh and spraying crimson blood across the grass."

Passages like this in "The Calypsis Project" made me feel as though I were reading one of the many novels of a well seasoned, best-selling author; likewise, a book that could easily become a once in a lifetime blockbuster.

All in all, I loved this book. This is not something that I can say often as I am usually quite picky about science fiction, but I adored this book and I will be reading the sequels when that come out. That being said, I am off to Amazon to pick up the physical copy. It now has a well deserved spot in my personal library.