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The Exile Empire #1
The Exile Empire
Live. Run. The last message from Central Command was more a plea than an order, and running is exactly what the last remnants of humanity did to escape The Death as Earth was destroyed. Among the survivors is James Ursidae, a fearsome warrior whose despair now outweighs his expectations for the future. After months of drifting through intergalactic space, Ursidae and what humanity remains have found a spark of hope on the planet Lintalla and in the company of its native Illani. Unfortunately, starting anew comes at a price, and even in a strange system violence and war are a constant. A new enemy, the Tarin'Tal, hold the system's inhabitants in a vice-like grip that continues to tighten. Can Ursidae and the Earthlings burn bright yet again and save their new world from the destruction they'd hoped to leave behind?
- GenresScience Fiction
254 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2014
29 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Done
36 books458 followersAuthor of science fiction and fantasy. Follow for commentary and entertainment. Current new release: I Overlord
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 28, 2011
This book by Joshua Done has the feel of early Bujold or Orson Scott Card. I even saw some influences of Heinlein in the story line. The Exile Empire starts with a war with alien Harvesters that harvest food, clothing, people, and pleasure from the death and destruction of humans and human habitats. When the humans finally find the Harvester's planet, they reach it just as another group of aliens destroy the planet and then kill all of the humans except for a few ships that had been able to escape.
This group of lone military and civilians are looking for a home.
There are several characters in the book that Done follows. One of them who I found most interesting was James. At fifteen he lost his parents and sister to a Harvester. This huge alien monster sliced his parents apart as they fought him. James survived by killing the alien. His entire life from that moment on was to kill as many Harvesters as he could.
There are interesting elements of Roman soldiery, Viking berserker rituals, and finally an Emperor. Since I come from a Norse ancestry family, I do know the history of berserkers. They were men who fought with beastly trance-like fury and sometimes could not tell friend from foe. Only a few of the Vikings went berserk. They were feared by friends and foes alike. These men were used to guard kings in some Germanic courts. Done used this in his story, making it compelling.
The story is powerful and carries the reader through a few problems with the characters. The descriptions of battles and space battles are very good. One of the more interesting parts of the story was when they set up a new political system for the humans and their new allies.
If you like space epics with some good fighting and gore, this is the book for you. I think that Done will be writing for a long time to come.
This group of lone military and civilians are looking for a home.
There are several characters in the book that Done follows. One of them who I found most interesting was James. At fifteen he lost his parents and sister to a Harvester. This huge alien monster sliced his parents apart as they fought him. James survived by killing the alien. His entire life from that moment on was to kill as many Harvesters as he could.
There are interesting elements of Roman soldiery, Viking berserker rituals, and finally an Emperor. Since I come from a Norse ancestry family, I do know the history of berserkers. They were men who fought with beastly trance-like fury and sometimes could not tell friend from foe. Only a few of the Vikings went berserk. They were feared by friends and foes alike. These men were used to guard kings in some Germanic courts. Done used this in his story, making it compelling.
The story is powerful and carries the reader through a few problems with the characters. The descriptions of battles and space battles are very good. One of the more interesting parts of the story was when they set up a new political system for the humans and their new allies.
If you like space epics with some good fighting and gore, this is the book for you. I think that Done will be writing for a long time to come.
July 21, 2014
I'm finding elements of Heinlein, Steakley and O.S. Card, which is a good thing. A very good thing. Something that has surprised me is the ease of following along in Done's battle scenes. It seems to me that with a lot of science fiction in which there are massive space battles, as well as land based battles, things get bogged down and the whole thing just gets impossible to follow.
Joshua is able to write his battle scenes in such a way that it is very easy to follow the action. I applaud him for this!
Joshua is able to write his battle scenes in such a way that it is very easy to follow the action. I applaud him for this!
July 7, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review, so here goes.
On one hand, The Exile Empire is classic space opera stuff, which any fan of Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica would just love. One the other hand, it's a tad too similar to those epics to be considered completely original. The body count in the battles is also a bit on the over-exagerated side. There's a lot of the "red shirt" death toll going on.
What Mr Done did do particularly well was create relatable characters, and in the world of sci-fi (where you don't need to explain anything - pure suspension of disbelief is the name of the game), the tech and even the alien species aspects make sense and are very easy to understand. In other words, they just work. He's also set up a fantastic platform for further works in the series, which I'm looking forward to reading.
Done's writing style flows well, and the action is fast-paced. His tight control of waffle, something to which writers in the genre are all too prone, also makes for a great read. Go get The Exile Empire. It's worth it!
On one hand, The Exile Empire is classic space opera stuff, which any fan of Star Trek or Battlestar Galactica would just love. One the other hand, it's a tad too similar to those epics to be considered completely original. The body count in the battles is also a bit on the over-exagerated side. There's a lot of the "red shirt" death toll going on.
What Mr Done did do particularly well was create relatable characters, and in the world of sci-fi (where you don't need to explain anything - pure suspension of disbelief is the name of the game), the tech and even the alien species aspects make sense and are very easy to understand. In other words, they just work. He's also set up a fantastic platform for further works in the series, which I'm looking forward to reading.
Done's writing style flows well, and the action is fast-paced. His tight control of waffle, something to which writers in the genre are all too prone, also makes for a great read. Go get The Exile Empire. It's worth it!
September 18, 2014
If you like space battles on a massive scale and hard-nosed military heroes, Exile Empire is a book for you. Done’s Exile Empire starts with global diaspora but morphs into a futuristic manifest destiny in this sweeping epic. Despite the descriptive, massive battle scenes, Done doesn’t forget the individual element of combat and takes the time to not only show us colossal battles in space but the perspective of the foot soldier as well.
February 8, 2015
So I haven't read many sci-fi books, but I can honestly say that I loved this one! My only complain is that there wasn't more. The intense battles, political maneuvers - from underhanded, to brave -, and fast pace of this book makes it a quick and easy read. Like all good books, it does start a bit slow, but that soon changes as the heat of growing anger and fear takes hold of the last of humanity as they fight to keep their new found home, and those that seek to rule struggle for control over the masses. There is very little romance (which I am VERY thankful for), and wonderful bits of wit and humor scattered throughout, though its main focus is battle, and political strategies. Seriously, I wish there was more of this book; I was so bummed when it ended, but was so happy that I had read it.
October 19, 2018
Stilted, over the top writing, i gave up midway...
Example -
The commander of the Fifty-sixth reveled in demented anticipation, the corners of his eyes expanding as they began a quivering dilation. His men partook in their commander’s battle lust, and their own desire to fight grew. The room felt heavy with the release of adrenaline, endorphins, and sweat as the men fed off both their leader and each other’s growing insanity.
Example -
The commander of the Fifty-sixth reveled in demented anticipation, the corners of his eyes expanding as they began a quivering dilation. His men partook in their commander’s battle lust, and their own desire to fight grew. The room felt heavy with the release of adrenaline, endorphins, and sweat as the men fed off both their leader and each other’s growing insanity.
May 26, 2013
One more Elder's Game style book too many for me.
October 9, 2014
This book had a lot of action and highly emotional scenes. There were some interesting and novel concepts here as well.
February 8, 2015
Great book with awesome battle scenes! I highly recommend this book.
Want to read
January 30, 2015Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2015/01/...
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2015/01/...
March 12, 2015
Very enjoyable. The pacing, story, and characters made it easy to devour this book in one sitting. I will keep close watch for more in this universe.
April 11, 2018
A rampage turner
Brings an excitement not found in any of today's sci-fi novels. Looking forward, I'm hoping we'll see more from. Done.
Brings an excitement not found in any of today's sci-fi novels. Looking forward, I'm hoping we'll see more from. Done.
August 19, 2019
What an amazing way to unfold a story. Impeccable style of writing and story telling. The way story moves is very smooth and Josh has a unique style of writing which compliments the story very well. If you love science fiction, mystery and space adventure you should give it a read, you will not be disappointed by what awaits you.
April 4, 2018
One of the best i've ever read
The story line was continues, it was eminently believable even as it started to when the book finished. Leaves a strong desire for the next 10 or 15 of the series to be concluded are you listening Mr Done. Thank you for your skill with words pray continue.
The story line was continues, it was eminently believable even as it started to when the book finished. Leaves a strong desire for the next 10 or 15 of the series to be concluded are you listening Mr Done. Thank you for your skill with words pray continue.
September 2, 2018
I've been reading mostly fantasy novels these past few years, so I decided to try out a sci fi book that's been sitting in my Kindle for a long time. I'm not exactly a sci fi snub or anything; two of my favorite shows are Star Trek TNG and Deep Space Nine. These are shows that run on good characterization and plots that are compelling and thrilling. I was hoping The Exile Empire would be like that, with a cast of characters that are likeable and relatable and a conflict that makes you think about the real world around you.
What a disappointment. First of all, the book is quite dull. There's so much emphasis on space battles and expository dialogue, and the plot revels in an "us vs. them" mentality. And the main character, James, is such a Gary Stu. His tragic history is supposed to make me feel for him, but he just ends up being a MAN WITH ALL THE ANSWERS. He can do anything and do it right every time, such as making new weapons and armor out of metallic alloys and even fight an entire horde of bad guys all on his own. The biggest crisis of conscience he goes through is how he doesn't want to be known as a hero.
The Exile Empire: So bad it makes me want to watch Episode VIII for the hundredth time.
What a disappointment. First of all, the book is quite dull. There's so much emphasis on space battles and expository dialogue, and the plot revels in an "us vs. them" mentality. And the main character, James, is such a Gary Stu. His tragic history is supposed to make me feel for him, but he just ends up being a MAN WITH ALL THE ANSWERS. He can do anything and do it right every time, such as making new weapons and armor out of metallic alloys and even fight an entire horde of bad guys all on his own. The biggest crisis of conscience he goes through is how he doesn't want to be known as a hero.
The Exile Empire: So bad it makes me want to watch Episode VIII for the hundredth time.
Read
June 16, 2018Great and fast-paced story line with a take on aliens I haven't seen before. I couldn't put the book down.
March 5, 2015
This book is one part space opera, one part war-story, and one-part political saga. Several of the characters are interesting and the pace is often break-neck. With humanity on the brink of extinction and on the run it was certainly a nice change of pace from several of the usual tropes that litter the genre. Humanity hasn't won all its battles and hasn't solved all its problems.
The only real beef I have with this book isn't so much a writing thing as a formatting issue. Some places in the book which, upon re-reading them several times, appear to be scene changes have nothing to cue the reader that the scene is about to change. The effect is a little jarring and left me a bit confused at first.
January 31, 2013
Listening to audio book. It's good except that the narrator whispers too much and you can't hear it, especially in a vehicle. Other wise the story is good. Lots of action, space, cybernetics, politics, etc
July 12, 2012
fantastic book
July 11, 2015
I found this to be an average book. It contains so many cliches and improbabilities, but the story does have passion in spades. The book is enjoyable if you can manage to turn off your brain.
April 27, 2023
Exile Empire is a good, but not great military sci-fi novel. I think the author was writing a bridge from the real world to Warhammer 40k and does it fairly well. Some of the technology is unique. The author plays with gravity adjacent bombs and travel in a way I'd like to know more about. He builds a fighting force from modern convention to heavy powered armor and swords without waving away guns well. The human force moves from a disjointed democracy to constitutional monarchy with purpose.
April 9, 2018
Intergalactic war
The empire in exile covered in this novel, is well written and is very entertaining. The way the author has pieced together pain, angst, and pathos is great! It is a pretty fast read as the characters develop personalities that you come to enjoy. Well worth the time spent on reading this very entertaining!
The empire in exile covered in this novel, is well written and is very entertaining. The way the author has pieced together pain, angst, and pathos is great! It is a pretty fast read as the characters develop personalities that you come to enjoy. Well worth the time spent on reading this very entertaining!
April 10, 2018
Great book
Highly recommend this book. Great plot, a lot of actions and pretty good overall. Looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommend this book. Great plot, a lot of actions and pretty good overall. Looking forward to the next one.
August 17, 2019
If you are a sci-fi lover, you will love this book. Great action and captivating. Impressive plot and well written.
August 21, 2023
Space opera; remnants of mankind are searching for a planet where they can live. Conquest, aliens, dead aliens, etc. HEA.
November 18, 2023
pew pew pew star trek wars pew pew pew
March 2, 2024
Couldn't get more than a couple of chapters in - stiff writing, continuous inconsistencies, apparent failure to grasp basic military hierarchy, and black and white characters.
June 25, 2016
The book starts off really strong. The first 9 minutes absolutely hooked me.
It was downhill from there. The music between chapters is unnecessary, time consuming and occasionally cut into the dialog. The narration is weak, though I got chills during a couple of yelling scenes. The narrator really let go with those.
I feel like there were absolutely idiotic decisions made, idiotic over-reactions and entire situations that could've been squashed with a "hey, didn't realize you viewed this so strongly. Let's talk about a compromise" rather than "this is the way I want it to be, this is how it's going to be or I'll kill you all!" Sheesh, calm down Achmed. By the way, Empires? Not cool.
Our two heroes didn't seem like heroes. They seemed like escaped asylum patients. Most of the characters are barely developed and overall it feels like only half a story was told.
Found myself annoyed at some of the statements made when booze is re-introduced to the colony. "At last, people were people again" "everyone was equal". Yeah, cause if there's one thing booze does, it humanizes people.
meh.
oh, oh, almost forgot my favorite line in the book. "The communications operative felt as if she had just sentenced thousands to their deaths...because she had"
hahahah. Well heck, if there is ever a time to feel like you've done something, right after doing that very thing would be the appropriate time.
It was downhill from there. The music between chapters is unnecessary, time consuming and occasionally cut into the dialog. The narration is weak, though I got chills during a couple of yelling scenes. The narrator really let go with those.
I feel like there were absolutely idiotic decisions made, idiotic over-reactions and entire situations that could've been squashed with a "hey, didn't realize you viewed this so strongly. Let's talk about a compromise" rather than "this is the way I want it to be, this is how it's going to be or I'll kill you all!" Sheesh, calm down Achmed. By the way, Empires? Not cool.
Our two heroes didn't seem like heroes. They seemed like escaped asylum patients. Most of the characters are barely developed and overall it feels like only half a story was told.
Found myself annoyed at some of the statements made when booze is re-introduced to the colony. "At last, people were people again" "everyone was equal". Yeah, cause if there's one thing booze does, it humanizes people.
meh.
oh, oh, almost forgot my favorite line in the book. "The communications operative felt as if she had just sentenced thousands to their deaths...because she had"
hahahah. Well heck, if there is ever a time to feel like you've done something, right after doing that very thing would be the appropriate time.
August 14, 2016
Slow to start, story was choppy, and I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. It was too bad too because there was a lot of potential for the story. But it felt like the author couldn't decide what the book should be. Three stars may be to many but two was too low. It was a pretty middle of the road book with nothing that really wowed me.
June 23, 2016
I found the world that Joshua Done created for this series to be believable and dynamic. The characters drew me into the story and their personal conflicts and motivations very easily. This book was a very good beginning to a very entertaining series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews