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The Choice of Weapons: The First Raoke Gang Novella
Ren is an officer on the rise, going from planetary conquest to conquest, until he crosses path with a senior female officer from his native Japan. His meeting with Izuna ends in a bloody duel — the first of many. As the war against other species progresses, Ren’s obsession for Izuna grows and his discontentment for army life along with it. When Izuna gets isolated on an icy hell, Ren volunteers to rescue her for what may be his ultimate mission.
The Raoke Gang series is prime entertainment with heart and brains, humor and sex (occasionally, when the story commands it), and, most of all, incredible characters running wild in the most exciting of settings: the Far West in space!
The Raoke Gang series is prime entertainment with heart and brains, humor and sex (occasionally, when the story commands it), and, most of all, incredible characters running wild in the most exciting of settings: the Far West in space!
- GenresScience Fiction
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
5 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 25, 2024
I received this novella to judge for the SFINCS semi-finals. Opinion is my own, and does not represent that made by the team. I did also happen to purchase this in paperback, as I prefer to read physical, and I liked the cover.
This is a scifi/fantasy novel that features a war between humans, an alien race, and AI-led humanoids. Within that, two of our main characters, Ren and Izuna, come to blows over questioned honor drawn from their Japanese heritage. They meet throughout the Far West in space and come to continuous blows in katana led-combat. Through the years, each see various wins and setbacks, which does nothing but spur on their rivalry. Ren even has an true obsession with her and their ability to continue fighting.
Outside this rivalry, the world is interesting and unique. The characters feel real. Even though Ren misses out on other parts of life, his obsession with their rivalry brings something to life within him that he so often lacks: choice. They choose to fight, to risk harm. They choose to be this way. So when Izuna is in danger, Ren immediately volunteers to help…he can’t risk losing their fights, their chances to feel alive.
There is a setting with carriages that does feel very fantasy western, but with the samurai references, and katana fights, I feel like mentally I leaned more into that aspect.
I will say, there was definitely an explicit scene that I would label as sexual assault. I can’t really think of why this would have added to, or aided, the story, so it was very jarring to the experience, outside of which was quite enjoyable. Personally a 3/5*
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-ch...
This is a scifi/fantasy novel that features a war between humans, an alien race, and AI-led humanoids. Within that, two of our main characters, Ren and Izuna, come to blows over questioned honor drawn from their Japanese heritage. They meet throughout the Far West in space and come to continuous blows in katana led-combat. Through the years, each see various wins and setbacks, which does nothing but spur on their rivalry. Ren even has an true obsession with her and their ability to continue fighting.
Outside this rivalry, the world is interesting and unique. The characters feel real. Even though Ren misses out on other parts of life, his obsession with their rivalry brings something to life within him that he so often lacks: choice. They choose to fight, to risk harm. They choose to be this way. So when Izuna is in danger, Ren immediately volunteers to help…he can’t risk losing their fights, their chances to feel alive.
There is a setting with carriages that does feel very fantasy western, but with the samurai references, and katana fights, I feel like mentally I leaned more into that aspect.
I will say, there was definitely an explicit scene that I would label as sexual assault. I can’t really think of why this would have added to, or aided, the story, so it was very jarring to the experience, outside of which was quite enjoyable. Personally a 3/5*
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-ch...
December 30, 2023
Review originally on
JamReads
The Choice of Weapons is the novella that kick starts the Raoke Gang series, a science fantasy proposal which drinks from influences such as Japanese culture and Western films, written by Alex Valdiers. We will be following Satoshi Ren, a military officer whose career is on the rise, conquering planet after planet, and whose life changes after crossing his path with Izuna, a senior officer from his native Japan.
From this moment, Izuna grows as a persistent obsession for Ren, a piece that ties him to the duels they had and to the land he misses since he entered the army; not surprising, this obsession ends leading to a duel between both. A scene where Valdiers shows his competence for writing those kinds of scenes, making it vivid and spectacular from the perspective of a spectator; a fight that ends with Ren's being hurt, but changing him on the inside.
It is interesting to see how this duel, despite costing Ren a part of his life expectance, ignites something inside him; passion for life, for doing things, creating a discontent that will progressively evolve towards the military life. With all of this in mind, when a mission is proposed that would involve rescuing Izuna from an icy hell, Ren volunteers to accomplish it.
The relationship between Izuna and Ren plays a key role in the whole plot, a relationship that definitely changes after the duel; even in the icy mission, we see how Ren has changed (and one could say even maturate). Those immobile codes that are part of the military culture, and even some that are rooted in the one Japanese tradition, are defied with all that he has experienced.
I personally enjoyed this novella, as there is some much potential in this world, and it serves as a way to introduce us to the Raoke Gang; however, I must say there are some rough edges in the pacing territory, especially when the characters get lost in their own soliloquy. They have a role, but I feel they could have been spread more evenly alongside the narration.
In general, I found The Choice of Weapons to be a really cinematic novella, which has some clear influences and that embraces them to make a great read; I can't wait to continue read more in this universe.
The Choice of Weapons is the novella that kick starts the Raoke Gang series, a science fantasy proposal which drinks from influences such as Japanese culture and Western films, written by Alex Valdiers. We will be following Satoshi Ren, a military officer whose career is on the rise, conquering planet after planet, and whose life changes after crossing his path with Izuna, a senior officer from his native Japan.
From this moment, Izuna grows as a persistent obsession for Ren, a piece that ties him to the duels they had and to the land he misses since he entered the army; not surprising, this obsession ends leading to a duel between both. A scene where Valdiers shows his competence for writing those kinds of scenes, making it vivid and spectacular from the perspective of a spectator; a fight that ends with Ren's being hurt, but changing him on the inside.
It is interesting to see how this duel, despite costing Ren a part of his life expectance, ignites something inside him; passion for life, for doing things, creating a discontent that will progressively evolve towards the military life. With all of this in mind, when a mission is proposed that would involve rescuing Izuna from an icy hell, Ren volunteers to accomplish it.
The relationship between Izuna and Ren plays a key role in the whole plot, a relationship that definitely changes after the duel; even in the icy mission, we see how Ren has changed (and one could say even maturate). Those immobile codes that are part of the military culture, and even some that are rooted in the one Japanese tradition, are defied with all that he has experienced.
I personally enjoyed this novella, as there is some much potential in this world, and it serves as a way to introduce us to the Raoke Gang; however, I must say there are some rough edges in the pacing territory, especially when the characters get lost in their own soliloquy. They have a role, but I feel they could have been spread more evenly alongside the narration.
In general, I found The Choice of Weapons to be a really cinematic novella, which has some clear influences and that embraces them to make a great read; I can't wait to continue read more in this universe.
Want to read
January 16, 2024🌌 Free on Amazon Jan 16, 2024 🌌
March 29, 2024
This book was reviewed as part of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship, or SFINCS, which I am judging as part of Team Jamreads. This review contains my honest thoughts and does not represent the opinion or final rating of the team.
A fantasy sci-fi war across the galaxy, The Choice of Weapons gives a military fantasy crossed with space western vibe, but Japanese, as two Japanese warriors duel it out to a backdrop of war. Who will come out on top?
Characters
This is the story of Ren and Izuna, two military officers in an ongoing war that sees both officers leading men across the galaxy and conquering planets. When the two cross paths, Ren is instantly curious about Izuna. They both share a similar heritage, as they hail from Japan back on Earth, and they both carry katanas, blades which aren’t seen much in their field of work. Izuna, too, is intrigued by Ren, and the two challenge each other to a deadly duel. This then sparks a rivalry bordering on obsession for them both as they train their skills for their next encounter and a chance to duel again. They’re both intense people, but where Izuna is dedicated to the mission, it’s Ren who finds himself losing faith in the war and hanging on only for another duel against Izuna, and another chance for him to feel alive. When Izuna finds herself trapped while on a mission, Ren volunteers to lead a team into certain death to find her.
For a while, I was worried Ren’s obsession of Izuna would turn romantic, but I was pleased that wasn’t the case. I did find their rivalry to be quite childish to begin with – they’re meant to be officers! But by the end, they managed to work together and build a grudging respect for one another.
Setting
The war across the various planets honestly felt like scene dressing for our two characters to do what they need. I didn’t get a good sense of what the war was about, why it was being fought, or what exactly was going on with it. There were an interesting selection of enemies, though, including aliens and AI humanoids. We’ve also got winged horses in SPACE!
Plot
Much of the story is based around the rivalry between Ren and Izuna as they headed between conquests, all while preparing for the next time their paths crossed. I personally enjoyed the second half of the book more, when Ren leads his men to an icy planet on an ill-fated rescue mission. This gave us a chance to see the brutal reality of war as they struggled with the environment and encountered losses. The ending felt satisfying, though I still didn’t get a good idea of what the war was about in the end.
Writing
The writing moves between the two POV’s well and the descriptions of the various duels were harsh and bloody. If you’re a fan of fantasy duelling, then this is for you.
Enjoyment
Unfortunately, military fantasy just isn’t for me, and I didn’t get an idea for the stakes of the war, nor did I care for Ren and Izuna’s feud, which I found to be unrealistic given the serious military setting. This story would definitely be better received for fans of military battles and duelling. This story also had an odd sex scene in the middle of it that didn’t really need to be there. For me, this was a clear case of sexual assault of the main character, except I don’t think the author or other readers saw it that way.
Cover Art and Formatting
The cover art is beautifully done and I personally love the profile of both characters together.
A fantasy sci-fi war across the galaxy, The Choice of Weapons gives a military fantasy crossed with space western vibe, but Japanese, as two Japanese warriors duel it out to a backdrop of war. Who will come out on top?
Characters
This is the story of Ren and Izuna, two military officers in an ongoing war that sees both officers leading men across the galaxy and conquering planets. When the two cross paths, Ren is instantly curious about Izuna. They both share a similar heritage, as they hail from Japan back on Earth, and they both carry katanas, blades which aren’t seen much in their field of work. Izuna, too, is intrigued by Ren, and the two challenge each other to a deadly duel. This then sparks a rivalry bordering on obsession for them both as they train their skills for their next encounter and a chance to duel again. They’re both intense people, but where Izuna is dedicated to the mission, it’s Ren who finds himself losing faith in the war and hanging on only for another duel against Izuna, and another chance for him to feel alive. When Izuna finds herself trapped while on a mission, Ren volunteers to lead a team into certain death to find her.
For a while, I was worried Ren’s obsession of Izuna would turn romantic, but I was pleased that wasn’t the case. I did find their rivalry to be quite childish to begin with – they’re meant to be officers! But by the end, they managed to work together and build a grudging respect for one another.
Setting
The war across the various planets honestly felt like scene dressing for our two characters to do what they need. I didn’t get a good sense of what the war was about, why it was being fought, or what exactly was going on with it. There were an interesting selection of enemies, though, including aliens and AI humanoids. We’ve also got winged horses in SPACE!
Plot
Much of the story is based around the rivalry between Ren and Izuna as they headed between conquests, all while preparing for the next time their paths crossed. I personally enjoyed the second half of the book more, when Ren leads his men to an icy planet on an ill-fated rescue mission. This gave us a chance to see the brutal reality of war as they struggled with the environment and encountered losses. The ending felt satisfying, though I still didn’t get a good idea of what the war was about in the end.
Writing
The writing moves between the two POV’s well and the descriptions of the various duels were harsh and bloody. If you’re a fan of fantasy duelling, then this is for you.
Enjoyment
Unfortunately, military fantasy just isn’t for me, and I didn’t get an idea for the stakes of the war, nor did I care for Ren and Izuna’s feud, which I found to be unrealistic given the serious military setting. This story would definitely be better received for fans of military battles and duelling. This story also had an odd sex scene in the middle of it that didn’t really need to be there. For me, this was a clear case of sexual assault of the main character, except I don’t think the author or other readers saw it that way.
Cover Art and Formatting
The cover art is beautifully done and I personally love the profile of both characters together.
November 9, 2023
Synopsis
Satoshi Ren is a Domion, a high-ranking officer in the Red Fleet. His assignments are for bearing the banner of humanity in planetary conquest. When Ren meets his senior office Miura Izuna, they draw their katanas and duel until they draw blood.
Ren and Izuna’s duels soon become famed within the Red Fleet. So, when Izuna volunteers for a suicide mission on a frozen frontier planet, Ren signs on for a suicide mission of his own; to rescue her.
Review
Alex Valdiers appeared out of nowhere this year with this feisty Samurai Space Western. Yeah, ya heard me. Samurai Space Western. Or Astro-Roninpunk, if you prefer. If this premise alone doesn’t give you tingles then you’ll be pleased to read that the story more than delivers on its strong premise.
Satoshi Ren is the gruff and continually disenfranchised military man. When his honour is called into question by his senior, Squall Miura Izuna, he accepts her duel. With a slice of a katana there bleeds a bitter rivalry between the two that festers. Ren soon loses his grip on his relationships and promising career as a result.
This novella runs surprisingly deep. Valdiers’ two central characters share a bond of mutual disdain and dependance on one another. It is why Ren’s decision to accept a suicide mission – locate Izuna’s team and their stolen research on a hazardous frozen planet – all the more poignant. His callous disregard of his lover, Sasha, feels like a real gut punch.
The story does not let up for a second on Z Prima and the nemeses are forced to cooperate or perish. It brings a new dynamic to their relationship that, for them, perhaps came too little, too late. I loved the final duel sequence and the aftermath. It’s a fantastic use of that Western duelling trope but tinkered by Valdiers into a literary Iaijutsu.
The Right Choice
Seriously, give this one a go. And if The Choice of Weapons is anything to go by then Valdiers’ forthcoming book A Wolf in Space will be seriously unmissable.
Satoshi Ren is a Domion, a high-ranking officer in the Red Fleet. His assignments are for bearing the banner of humanity in planetary conquest. When Ren meets his senior office Miura Izuna, they draw their katanas and duel until they draw blood.
Ren and Izuna’s duels soon become famed within the Red Fleet. So, when Izuna volunteers for a suicide mission on a frozen frontier planet, Ren signs on for a suicide mission of his own; to rescue her.
Review
Alex Valdiers appeared out of nowhere this year with this feisty Samurai Space Western. Yeah, ya heard me. Samurai Space Western. Or Astro-Roninpunk, if you prefer. If this premise alone doesn’t give you tingles then you’ll be pleased to read that the story more than delivers on its strong premise.
Satoshi Ren is the gruff and continually disenfranchised military man. When his honour is called into question by his senior, Squall Miura Izuna, he accepts her duel. With a slice of a katana there bleeds a bitter rivalry between the two that festers. Ren soon loses his grip on his relationships and promising career as a result.
This novella runs surprisingly deep. Valdiers’ two central characters share a bond of mutual disdain and dependance on one another. It is why Ren’s decision to accept a suicide mission – locate Izuna’s team and their stolen research on a hazardous frozen planet – all the more poignant. His callous disregard of his lover, Sasha, feels like a real gut punch.
The story does not let up for a second on Z Prima and the nemeses are forced to cooperate or perish. It brings a new dynamic to their relationship that, for them, perhaps came too little, too late. I loved the final duel sequence and the aftermath. It’s a fantastic use of that Western duelling trope but tinkered by Valdiers into a literary Iaijutsu.
The Right Choice
Seriously, give this one a go. And if The Choice of Weapons is anything to go by then Valdiers’ forthcoming book A Wolf in Space will be seriously unmissable.
August 16, 2023
I really wanted to love this story, but I didn’t. The whole book revolves around two people who continue to challenge each other to a duel every chance they get. Most of the story is told through Ren’s POV but there is a lot of times when it would switch half way through a scene and completely pull me out of the story. I didn’t really connect to any of the characters, and I found the writing to be on the boring side. I loved the idea of this story, but not the execution.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
August 31, 2023
I thought this story was rather interesting and a bit of a different take then the typical military story. While there is action and duels , there is also enough world building introduced that makes me interested in reading more to see how it does. Reads like a typical prequel and gives just enough info to tease and introduce characters. Would read more int eh series to see what happened to Ren and Izuna.
August 30, 2023
The Choice of Weapons is an exciting intragalactic novella. Alex Valdiers introduces an amazing cast of characters setting the stage for the First Roake Gang series. Wonderful world-crafting. Adventure, intrigue, conflict, and action. A very enjoyable, quick read.
I received a copy for free and leave my voluntary review.
I received a copy for free and leave my voluntary review.
September 15, 2023
Alex Valdiers has launched a highly potent sci-fi with this inaugural book to the Raoke Gang series. Valdiers has demonstrated an exceptional ability and imagination for the development of this very exceptional series.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2023
I read what the author wrote about the premise of this story in a book group. I was intrigued. A mixture of genres melded together amazingly. The world building is great, well written characters and an excellent plot. This is an entertaining novella.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2023
All and all The Choice of Weapons is a terrific unexpected story, that's steamy, with a little intrigue, a couple of surprises and a wholeeeee lot of relatable character content.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
This is a very cool sci-fi story grappling with the character’s sense of duty versus his free will… or near complete lack thereof. It’s also a prequel novella to a larger story arc. I can’t wait to read the complete story of these complex characters.
Read
January 6, 2024this was a strong concept for a novella, it had a great tone and I enjoyed how good the characters were written in this. Alex Valdiers has a great way of telling a story and leaving you wanting more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2024
This was a great sci-fi read! The writing in this story was so full of imagery I felt like I was a part of the book! This book is western meets space and it was a perfect short read to start the series! I can't wait to dive into the second book!
August 31, 2023
An excellent introduction to a new series. Strong and interesting characters who have greater respect for each other than they let on. Ren is the main character, a soldier who finally works out what he really thinks. His nemesis may not actually be so. Enjoy well recommended for those who like action with a twist.
July 23, 2023
‘The Choice of Weapons’ does not disappoint! A satisfying blend of the brutality of battle and the battles between human emotions.
This space western delivers on all fronts. Detailed and descriptive enough to paint a vivid picture in your minds eye of these other worldly scenes, but succinct and to-the-point enough to keep a good pace and keep the reader interested and eager to read on. The effects of war on the body and mind are easily brought to mind in an authentic believable way.
The tension between Ren and Izuna is palpable, tantalising and infuriating all at once!
I will definitely be following the upcoming series of the Raoke Gang!
This space western delivers on all fronts. Detailed and descriptive enough to paint a vivid picture in your minds eye of these other worldly scenes, but succinct and to-the-point enough to keep a good pace and keep the reader interested and eager to read on. The effects of war on the body and mind are easily brought to mind in an authentic believable way.
The tension between Ren and Izuna is palpable, tantalising and infuriating all at once!
I will definitely be following the upcoming series of the Raoke Gang!
July 18, 2023
This novella is so good! I wish it were longer. I am excited to read more in the series. The rivalry between Ren and Izuna is *chef's kiss* - I could cut the tension with a knife. The worldbuilding was great as well, and unfolded naturally rather than info-dumping like some books in this genre can get in the habit of doing.
Such a good backstory/origin story for one of the Raoke Gang characters.
Can't wait for more!
Such a good backstory/origin story for one of the Raoke Gang characters.
Can't wait for more!
July 31, 2023
A western science fiction story with a variety of unique characters and a fast plot- it was an okay novella.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews