The Half-Life Empire

The Half-Life Empire #1

by Shami Stovall

From the Dragon Award–nominated author of Astra One young woman leads a ragtag band of survivors across a fractured, post-alien-invasion America.

Hacker Kita Yamasaki would do anything to escape the post-apocalyptic landscape that was the result of the Forever Winter. But for a normal person, the only options are the war-hungry nation-state of Ex Cathedra or the isolationist United California. Fortunately, Kita is anything but normal.

When she finds a faded brochure for the BC Oasis—an underground greenhouse capable of sheltering a quarter million people—she jumps at the opportunity, even going so far as to steal a fission battery the oasis requires to operate at full capacity. There’s just one problem . . . The battery belongs to the ruthless judges of Ex Cathedra.

Now Kita finds herself the target of a deadly chase. In her race to safety, she picks up three fellow Dallas; his mute daughter, Crouton; and Bishop, a junk hunter. But will they betray her and take the battery for themselves? Is one of them a member of the cultist Iron-Blooded who worship the few remaining alien invaders scattered across Earth’s wasteland?

Faced with certain death if they’re caught by the judges’ power-armored soldiers, Kita must put aside her suspicions and make a headlong dash for sanctuary—and the promise of a new life.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2023

About the author

Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.

If you want to contact her, you can do so at the following locations:

Website: https://sastovallauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GameOverStation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAStovall/
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com

Reviews

[Soo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2024/10/09 Notes:

Note to Future Self: Save time & money. Read something else. Even though I got this book on sale, it wasn't worth the sale or my time.

Story concepts were interesting, but shoddy setting, forced plot progression, lack of depth for characters + setting and so-so narration made for nap time. How do you make a post-apocalyptic story with aliens, mechs and survival boring? Unfortunately, a disappointing read.

[Beth Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I had been shot, beaten, attacked by aliens, and once left for dead … yet this was the second most stressful day of my life.” This is the opening line…what a start.

The world building in this post alien invasion, post apocalyptic dystopia is so well crafted, as are the well developed characters. The action is fast paced and there is hardly time to catch your breath before Kita throws us into the next scheme she has come up with to achieve her end goal. She likes to be in control and needs a plan before taking any action.

I really liked that as readers we are given scant detail and a few hints about Kita’s next moves and we learn the full extent of her plans as she executes them…or not in some cases.

The development of the relationships Kita has with the other people she meets is handled well and become an important part of her story. Kita likes to be in control, but cannot always be in control as her injuries sometimes let her down. She navigates meeting and learning whether or not to trust people with difficulty, having been mostly in hiding and surviving on her own for a couple of years.

I am looking forward to continuing Kita’s journey in the second book of the series.

[Sammie Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 in my eyes!

The Half Life Empire was the 11th place finalist in BBNYA 2024!

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

Blurb
From the Dragon Award-nominated author of Astra one young woman leadds a ragtag band of survivors across a fractured, post-alien-invasion America.
Hacker Kita Yamasaki would do anything to escape the post-apocalyptic landscape that was the result of the Forever Winter. But for a normal person, the only options are the war-hungry nation-state of Ex Cathedra or the isolationist United California. Fortunately, Kita is anything but normal.
When she finds a faded brochure for the BC Oasis - an underground greenhouse capable of sheltering a quarter million people - she jumps at the opportunity, even going so far as to steal a fission battery the oasis requires to operate at full capacity. There's just one problem.... The battery belongs to the ruthless judges of Ex Cathedra.
Now Kita finds herself the target of a deadly chase. In her race to safety, she picks up three fellow Dallas; his mute daughter, Crouton; and Bishop, a junk hunter. But will they betray her and take the battery for themselves? Is one of them a member of the cultist Iron-Blooded who worship the few remaining alien invaders scattered across Earths wasteland?
Faced with certain death if they're caught by the judges power-amoured soliders, Kita must put aside her suspicions and make a heaadlong dash for sanctuary- and the promise of a new life.

Author Bio
Shami Stovall is a multi award winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she's not reading fascinating articles and books about acient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.

My Review
I have always been a huge fan of watching sci-fi, never have I really read much and especially any mixed with fantasy. This was a shockingly good surprise and I have throughly enjoyed this story.
Kita is such a strong headed, wary main character but to watch her go from untrusting people and introvert to slowly become more talkative and slightly trusting is brilliant.
Bishop is a great character, protective, funny and up for anything!
Dallas at first I thought was a good guy, which quickly changed and then changed again... still unsure about his character.
The world build has incredible detail and you do feel suddenly taken into this post-apocalyptic world. I can see why this book was a finalist.
Thank you Shami Stovall, The write reads for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. I was able to try a new genre and really enjoy.

[Stasia Roze · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just say you hate disabled people atp

The most ableist book I've ever read. Every single thing about disability was negative. From the start kita talked about being a scape goat for others to escape because she's disabled and clearly worth less. Then jokes made at the expense of people with extra chromosomes and then finished off with a mental health dig.

If I was reading this for me I'd have dnf'd.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://sarahreads4.wordpress.com/202...

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

To view more reviews, click [HERE!]
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I’ll be honest, when I first started this book, I felt like it wasn’t for me. The narration was off and I didn’t like the dialogue either. The storytelling just wasn’t my style and I couldn’t put a finger to it besides that the writing style felt off. But, around the 15% mark, I slowly warmed up to everything, especially the characters and the worldbuilding followed. By the end, I was hooked and have my eyes set on book 2. I really loved how this first book ended and I was ready to follow these guys to whatever end may await them. It felt like I lived through hell with them and now obligated to see it through too.

The story sets in a post-apocalyptic world and follows Kita who has just stolen a fusion battery with her eyes set on settling down once and for all in a safer community. Things don’t exactly go down per plan and she only manages to get out with the help of someone who should be her enemy, but hey! Mutually and common goals! Not quite. Far from it actually.

The high points of this book is the setting. Shami Stovall did a phenomenal job in building this world, this gone to the pits, post-apocalyptic, “forget tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, the next hour isn’t guaranteed” world. It’s rich and includes aliens, thieves, mecha-suit wearing “Judges”, and hell, you can even be enhanced if you find yourself a vial of nanites that can help superboost your body’s healing abilities (even staving off deadly ailments) with the slight con of making you weak to EMPs because you know…tiny robos in your bloodstream?

The plot really flew off though. Originally, Kita’s plan was just to steal the fission battery and use it to set herself up for life in a safe community. That’s it. She didn’t plan on rescuing someone, didn’t plan on betrayals, didn’t plan on taking a kid under her wing, didn’t plan on running from a Judge (forever and ever because jeez never spite a Judge. They’ll stalk you until they kill you), and certainly didn’t plan on discovering a literal dooms project and having to save the world! So in terms of plot, yeah. I enjoyed it a good deal.

I was very fond of the characters. Loved Kita, although I could do with her being rescued a little less because it’s like she runs into trouble every other second. I adored “Crouton”, the child who can’t speak, but has loads to say in her own ways, and is the kid that Kita takes under her wings. And, I must say, my favorite must be Bishop, only because he’s slightly unhinged (maybe more than slightly). The guy cuts a mark onto his body for every kill he’s ever made and might have become a little more than overprotective as the story goes on. Although, there were moments where I felt like his character felt forced or he came off too strong. I really liked Dallas too; the father who will do anything for his daughter (“Crouton”) and even loved and felt that the antagonists were pretty well written.

Overall, a good read! I might not have liked the first two or three chapters, but the rest of the book was gripping! The characters were great, had depth and personality, and the story had a sense of urgency with the whole deal. It always felt suffocating with how little time left there was for anything. From beginning to end, there was always this rush of wind and their backs pushing them along, and for different reasons (must get out of here, must get to this destination, must get this item back, must save the world). If you enjoy a good science fiction with plenty of world-building and a post-apocalyptic world with potential to move back to apocalyptic, this book may be up your alley, so give it a try! It is definitely worth it!
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Disclaimer: An e-Copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. This does not impact the review and all opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a Book Bloggers Novel of the Year finalist and was provided for review by The Write Reads and the author. Thank you!

Trigger Warning: Blood, gore, character death, torture, violence

Kita Yamasaki is used to living and working alone. A survivor of the alien invasion and subsequent Forever Winter, her plans of escaping to the BC Oasis rely on everything going just so. Her plans end up changing when, in her effort to steal a much needed battery, she ends up with a rag tag group also looking to escape. Everyone has their secrets, and at least one of them could be willing to kill Kita and take the battery for themselves.

The Half-Life Empire by Shami Stovall is the first book in the series of the same name. Readers of this blog will recognize the author’s name from the Time Marked Warlock series, the first book reviewed here not too long ago. Both series seem to have come out around the same time.

In The Half-Life Empire, Earth has been taken over by the Teth, a race of aliens. Due to the war between humanity and the Teth, most of the world has been destroyed, with survivors few and far between. As far as post-apocalyptic stories go, this isn’t new. Books and movies abound with this particular plotline: aliens invade (or at least attempt to), humanity fights back, and the Earth is destroyed/nearly destroyed. While Stovall’s writing is engaging, the subject matter is something that has been done over and over again.

Along with the not overly original plotline, the majority of the characters are the same. At times, they feel cliched and not very original and even one-dimensional. With not much history given on the characters, I found it difficult to connect with any of them. Even when one of the characters is killed, there wasn’t much of an emotional response from me. How the character dies is supposed to emit some kind of response, but there simply wasn’t one.

The only character I found to be original and enjoyable was the Judge, a female soldier hellbent on capturing Kita and the battery she’s stolen. I honestly would have loved to have had more of her and her background story.

As I had read other works by Stovall, when presented with the opportunity to read The Half-Life Empire, I jumped at the chance. While I didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed her other work, I didn’t find it terrible, either. My readers who are looking for something post-apocalyptic that’s action-driven could enjoy this one. If, like me, they have enjoyed the author’s other works, they should give this one a try.

[Alex (Bri's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this book in 2024, Kita was one of the most unique female protagonists that I had ever read. Rereading the novel in 2025 only solidified my initial opinion.

Kita has lived in this post-apocalyptic hellscape crawling with aliens, judges out for blood, and other desperate humans all her life. Through the years, she has sustained several injuries from traumatic run-ins with any one of those groups. Now, she is determined to push through her physical limitations to get to the only place that might allow her a more peaceful life. An underground greenhouse that would shelter her and allow her to thrive without going to the surface much at all. I don’t think I’m qualified to say if this book counts as disability representation, but I definitely got those vibes as I read Kita’s character’s journey throughout the novel.

Half-Life Empire shares Kita’s journey as she travels to find that fission battery and the people she meets along the way. She saves Dallas, a prisoner, and ends up in the care of his mute daughter. She connects with Bishop, a junk hunter willing to help them in their mission. If you’re looking for a book with a rag-tag group of characters, truly look no further! These characters all have their own unique personalities, traumas, and strengths that work together as they face the hostile world of Ex Cathedra.

The book was well-paced throughout most of the novel, but I did find myself dragging through a few parts. Never enough for me to put down the novel for good, but I would recommend taking breaks if you ever hit one of those sections! The most interesting thing about post-apocalyptic settings to me is seeing the human desire for a meaningful, peaceful life overcome the harsh conditions of an environment that contradicts those things. This book shows that through the characters’ perseverance as they face roadblocks to their goals.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new science fiction novel with a unique female protagonist, a heart-pounding hostile environment, and a heart-warming ragtag group of characters.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kita Yamasaki is living in a post-apocalyptic world after earth is attacked by aliens. She has a plan to steal a fission battery and escape the hell she lives in to travel to the BC Oasis, as underground greenhouse where she believes she’ll be safe. Once she steals it, she ends up with a partner, Dallas, then she’s given the responsibility of his daughter and the two girls run into Bishop, a junk hunter. This is an action-packed adventure that I really enjoyed but I have to warn that it is pretty brutal. Not only the Iron-Blooded cultists who worship the aliens (and have made use of their nanites), but the aliens themselves are very dangerous and treat normal humans terribly. Then there is the mentally unstable “judge” wearing an exoskeleton power suit that plowed through anything in her way. There were times that if this were a movie, I’d be hiding my eyes to avoid the brutality, but of course read on because the story was so riveting. I loved all of the technology and advanced weapons, the description of the aliens and what they’ve done to earth, and the determined and courageous young woman who cobbles together a found family and tries to save the world while protecting those she cares about. I am on to read the next book, which promises to be just as good.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Book source ~ BBNYA

Kita Yamasaki has a plan. It’s an ambitious plan, but it should work. She needs it to work. She needs to get the hell out of Dodge. Or, in her case, Ex-Cathedra. The beginning of her plan is executed flawlessly. Too bad the rest of it goes to shit. Now she’s having to improvise on the fly and she’s more of a methodical planner. But it’s improvise or die. And she may die anyway.

This is one hell of a ride! From the first moment the tension grabs and doesn’t let go. It’s a suspense-filled journey from beginning to end. The world building is fantastic and the characters are three dimensional. Kita thought she’d be going it alone, but she picks up people along the way. The path twists and turns and each time it does more is revealed about this new world, before and after the Forever Winter. Aliens. Figures it would be aliens. I mean, mankind can fuck up this world all on their own. They don’t need aliens to do that. Anyway, this is a story that entertains all the way through. There is a decent stopping point at the end, but it’s obvious the plot is just picking up speed. I look forward to continuing this story in book two.

[Sean Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, Questionable length

The overall story, characters, and world building is good. The cons are primarily length. Honestly, around page 300 it feels like it could have had a satisfying end placed then. Instead, new problem to add another 100 pages, to then add a whole bunch that could have been saved for sequel. This felt more like a good length tv show season more than a novel. Anyways, would still recommend, for those that don't mind something this long, and will be looking to read the next.

[Shakib · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kind of post apocalypse story

In the mood for some post-apocalyptic adventure with fantastic characters and settings? Look no further than The Half-Life Empire by Shami Stovall. I absolutely loved this book—it’s sharp, immersive, and hits that perfect balance of grit and heart. Perfect for readers like me who like their doom and gloom in small, palatable doses. I already want the next one—thankfully, the trilogy’s complete and waiting!

[J.D. Glasscock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Not only is shami beautiful but the book she created is beautiful.. Hefty emotional weights, hefty emotional cost and triumphant emotional victory...a wasteland and the beginnings of a broken but wondrous family...
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream and Embers and Ash

[Andrea Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly great!

I honestly wouldn't have chosen this book if not for a scavenger hunt. I was really surprised by how quickly I was pulled into this book. I not only enjoyed it, I loved it! It was so surprisingly great! I would absolutely recommend this book and I will definitely be continuing this series!

[Joshua Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I've been looking for!

I loved this story and all of its characters. Stoval is my new favorite author. She's fun to read and I can't second guess where she is going. Her writing is fresh, and at same time It's familiar. It feels like home.

If you enjoy action packed sci-fi with feeling her books are the ones to read!

[Morganne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Tech/Space meets post Apocalypse wasteland. Unique take on Post Apocalypse America. Engaging adventure, hightech weapons/equipment and aliens! Can't wait for book two already available for pre-order!

[Laura K. Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a different plot

From her Arcanist series, which I loved. It took me a little longer to get hooked into this story, but once I did, it was really good. I'm looking forward to the second book!

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Story

As an avid reader, reading at least 2 books a week I can say that this story is in my top 5 of the year! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had a little bit of everything I love. I will be starting the next immediately and more from Shami

[J.J. Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story

I'm generally a fantasy fan, but I picked this up on a whim and am so grateful I did. What a great story!

[Kevin Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Original Story

Shami has created a world unlike any I have ever read. I cannot recommend this book enough and I look forward to the next one in the series.

[Clinton Boxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool story.

As a fan of the Fallout series I thought this book was great. I really enjoyed the story and the characters.

[Mulberry]

DNF

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Raji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find this review and more on my blog at Worlds Unlike Our Own .

Fighting to survive in the post apocalyptic lands that were the result of an alien invasion and the Forever Winter, Kita Yamasaki is desperate to find a way out. Neither the war hungry Ex Cathedra nor the isolationist United California appeal to her, she is instead aiming to seek out the BC Oasis, an underground greenhouse. And to power the oasis, she needs a fission battery which is currently in the possession of Ex Cathedra. Now one of the judges is in hot pursuit after she manages to get away with the battery and she has picked up several companions during her escape. Kita is not sure she can trust them, but it may be the only way she can reach safety.

💭 Initial Thoughts: I’ve been trying to read more science fiction novels recently, so this was one of my top choices in the final round of last year’s BBNYA and I was very excited to get the opportunity to read it!

🌎 Plot, World building & Atmosphere: This is the third book by this author I’ve read, and I’ve always found her works to have such intriguing plots – and this was no exception. The post apocalyptic dystopian setting, the aftermath of an alien invasion and a deadly winter, was a fascinating one, but I did wish there was more world building at times.

It was a bit more violent than I expected at times, but given that this is not YA, and that it was flagged in the content warnings, it was fine. I loved reading about all the futuristic technology, advanced weapons, and of course the aliens, which ended up being the arc of the book I enjoyed the most.

✍🏻 Writing & Narration: This was an engaging read, though I felt it was all over the place in terms of pacing. Plot wise, it took ages for the story to really get moving and a big chunk of the book was basically the characters travelling from place to place.

Still, this book hooked me right from the beginning and I found myself very invested in the story right until the end. It could have been a little shorter in my opinion – there were times when I felt that the book was wrapping up but then some new conflict was brought up only to extend the book a little more. Much of this could have been saved for the sequel in my opinion.

👥 Characters: Kita was a great MC and her character development was excellent. I particularly liked how her dynamic with the three people she met changed over the course of the story coming together in a rag-tag found family (it’s one of my favorite tropes). Each of the characters had their own unique arcs and stories and it was fun to watch these unfold over the course of the book.

🎬 Ending: The final chapters definitely set things up for a very promising sequel and I’m really curious to see what will happen next.

❓ Final Thoughts & Recommendation: Overall, The Half Life Empire was an interesting read and I hope I get the chance to read the sequel. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of the genre!

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Half-Life Empire
Sci-Fi
Shami Stovall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

• ᴡᴀʀ • ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ • ʀᴀᴅɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ •

The pacing was really good. There was never a dull moment or any boring scenes.

The world building was nicely done, and I really liked how desolate and destroyed the landscape felt. Humans were desperate to survive, and despite the aliens and the harsh/dangerous environment, they managed to do just that.

I was shocked by Dallas and how he betrayed Kita. I understood his reason for doing so, but I still think it was a horrible thing to do.

I liked the relationship and the bond that developed between Kita and Crouton/Chelsy, but I found Chelsy to be a very frustrating character. Yes, she's a child, but I just wish she'd listen once in a while because she repeatedly caused issues for Kita and Bishop.

A characters death towards the end made me emotional. I disliked the character for the most part, but he grew on me, and he redeemed himself. He sacrificed himself to save the others but it was a sad goodbye.

I'll definitely be reading more books by this author.