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The Valmoran Chronicles #1
Emergence
★★★★★ "Such wonderful storytelling, action, and smart as hell!"
Two galaxies. One microbe. The fate of trillions hangs in the balance.
Earth has changed—an unidentified microbe swept the globe, curing all disease and crippling the world economy. Aubrey Hope, heiress to a pharmaceutical empire, will do anything to save her family legacy. Her Hail Mary plan requires a microbiologist, a hacker, and a pop star.
In another galaxy, Matthai Valtrellin, unexpected heir to the high priesthood, is burdened by grief and duty. But when a naked, bloodied alien teleports from the future, claiming to be his mate, his world turns upside down.
Caught between his obligations to her, his family, and the countless Valmoran citizens he is fated to lead, he finds himself torn between fate and destiny. But with the help of a luck-obsessed smuggler, an empathic politician who finds most people 'invariably intolerable', and a four-armed ex-gladiator, he may just find himself on a perilous journey to a mythical planet ... called Earth.
As these complex characters navigate love, duty, and the weight of their own choices, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Each must confront their own demons while grappling with forces beyond their control.
The Valmoran Chronicles contains:
• Ill-conceived plans to smuggle cuddly murder-pets
• Mind-bending medical mysteries
• Ancient conspiracies
• AI-run space stations
• A cast of deeply nuanced and diverse characters
A thrilling space opera for fans of Dune, Firefly, and Black Mirror, The Valmoran Chronicles inhabits a universe where superpowers exist, alliances are forged in unlikely places, the boundaries of reality are warped, and first contact is just around the corner.
Dive into this epic adventure where nothing is as it seems, and the truth could reshape two galaxies forever.
~
The Valmoran Chronicles: Emergence was originally published as episodes 1-23 of the Kindle Vella serial, The Valmoran Chronicles. It has been extensively revised, with new scenes added, but the story canon remains unchanged.
Two galaxies. One microbe. The fate of trillions hangs in the balance.
Earth has changed—an unidentified microbe swept the globe, curing all disease and crippling the world economy. Aubrey Hope, heiress to a pharmaceutical empire, will do anything to save her family legacy. Her Hail Mary plan requires a microbiologist, a hacker, and a pop star.
In another galaxy, Matthai Valtrellin, unexpected heir to the high priesthood, is burdened by grief and duty. But when a naked, bloodied alien teleports from the future, claiming to be his mate, his world turns upside down.
Caught between his obligations to her, his family, and the countless Valmoran citizens he is fated to lead, he finds himself torn between fate and destiny. But with the help of a luck-obsessed smuggler, an empathic politician who finds most people 'invariably intolerable', and a four-armed ex-gladiator, he may just find himself on a perilous journey to a mythical planet ... called Earth.
As these complex characters navigate love, duty, and the weight of their own choices, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Each must confront their own demons while grappling with forces beyond their control.
The Valmoran Chronicles contains:
• Ill-conceived plans to smuggle cuddly murder-pets
• Mind-bending medical mysteries
• Ancient conspiracies
• AI-run space stations
• A cast of deeply nuanced and diverse characters
A thrilling space opera for fans of Dune, Firefly, and Black Mirror, The Valmoran Chronicles inhabits a universe where superpowers exist, alliances are forged in unlikely places, the boundaries of reality are warped, and first contact is just around the corner.
Dive into this epic adventure where nothing is as it seems, and the truth could reshape two galaxies forever.
~
The Valmoran Chronicles: Emergence was originally published as episodes 1-23 of the Kindle Vella serial, The Valmoran Chronicles. It has been extensively revised, with new scenes added, but the story canon remains unchanged.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2024
258 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 18, 2024
Just after reading a couple of chapters, I went and bought book 2 which is currently on sale. Which I never do because I prefer to start reading a series only when it's finished. And then I stayed up until 2 a.m. before a workday to finish the first one. You've been warned.
If you're looking for something similar in setting and emotional complexity to 'Thor' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy movies, only with a promise of more focus on romance, then this is it. While it has a 'bonded mates' trope and it's important to the plot, it's not a typical sci-fi romance, but more of a space opera. The first book introduces several characters most of which I'm looking forward to reading more about and sets up the events for the rest of the series. I especially like how realistic and relatable (at least to me personally) the women characters are, with good balance between being strong and weak. I don't really relate to perfect kickass heroines.
I also really liked the twist on a post-pandemic world trope - instead of a plague that decimates the Earth's population we see an Earth where everyone, except an (un)lucky few, are cured of all their ailments, from myopia to cancer. What would that do to the world economy, societies and the people? What if there are more side effects than perfect health?
I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next.
If you're looking for something similar in setting and emotional complexity to 'Thor' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy movies, only with a promise of more focus on romance, then this is it. While it has a 'bonded mates' trope and it's important to the plot, it's not a typical sci-fi romance, but more of a space opera. The first book introduces several characters most of which I'm looking forward to reading more about and sets up the events for the rest of the series. I especially like how realistic and relatable (at least to me personally) the women characters are, with good balance between being strong and weak. I don't really relate to perfect kickass heroines.
I also really liked the twist on a post-pandemic world trope - instead of a plague that decimates the Earth's population we see an Earth where everyone, except an (un)lucky few, are cured of all their ailments, from myopia to cancer. What would that do to the world economy, societies and the people? What if there are more side effects than perfect health?
I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next.
September 7, 2024
A possible beginning to a great series
I love fantasy, aliens, and when you tie it with love or romance then I'm in heaven. This book is not quite there I think its a build up of worlds and character development. I was never lost in the book because at the beginning of each chapter it told you who and where you were in the world. I also love the cover and I'll give the next book a chance .
I love fantasy, aliens, and when you tie it with love or romance then I'm in heaven. This book is not quite there I think its a build up of worlds and character development. I was never lost in the book because at the beginning of each chapter it told you who and where you were in the world. I also love the cover and I'll give the next book a chance .
August 2, 2024
Everyone on earth has been cured of all diseases and it seems life may become more interesting. Meanwhile he has inherited a tile but he is still grieving the loss of people around him. How will it all go them? What is going to happen? Follow them to find out
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
July 18, 2024
I read this originally on Vella, and was hooked from the very beginning. I was so excited to get an ARC, because seriously friends, this is a fantastic series.
The Valmoran Chronicles is this gorgeous blend of science fantasy, hopepunk, and space opera, with a rich tapestry of diverse and interesting characters.
That's what pulled me in from the get go. Poppy is masterful at weaving multiple points of view into intriguing plot lines, and making you really care about characters, what's happening to them, and how it's all going to fit together. Often when you have such a large cast, so many side characters seem flat and cookie cutter, but not here. Each character is a whole person, and you find yourself rooting for them, swearing at them, and invested in their stories before you know it.
The universe is broad and vast, and she moves smoothly between the Valmoran Republic and what's happening on Earth, keeping you interested in what's going on in both places and wanting to know how it's all going to intersect. You really want to know more about the Valmoran Republic and the Obelisks, just as much as you want to know about Microbe X, just as much as you want to know how things are going to shake out for each character.
I'm a sucker for a character driven story with slowly unfolding mysteries, intricate plots, description that you just want to sink into and devour, and deep, well thought out worlds, and this has all of that in spades.
Definitely give it a read. I can't wait to read more.
The Valmoran Chronicles is this gorgeous blend of science fantasy, hopepunk, and space opera, with a rich tapestry of diverse and interesting characters.
That's what pulled me in from the get go. Poppy is masterful at weaving multiple points of view into intriguing plot lines, and making you really care about characters, what's happening to them, and how it's all going to fit together. Often when you have such a large cast, so many side characters seem flat and cookie cutter, but not here. Each character is a whole person, and you find yourself rooting for them, swearing at them, and invested in their stories before you know it.
The universe is broad and vast, and she moves smoothly between the Valmoran Republic and what's happening on Earth, keeping you interested in what's going on in both places and wanting to know how it's all going to intersect. You really want to know more about the Valmoran Republic and the Obelisks, just as much as you want to know about Microbe X, just as much as you want to know how things are going to shake out for each character.
I'm a sucker for a character driven story with slowly unfolding mysteries, intricate plots, description that you just want to sink into and devour, and deep, well thought out worlds, and this has all of that in spades.
Definitely give it a read. I can't wait to read more.
July 27, 2024
A sci-fi book that is a MUST!!
This book will immerse you in a sci-fi world full of mystery, secrets, conspiracies and adventures between two galaxies that would change the whole concept of earth. It’s a very entertaining book, where the characters, their own issues and motivations would wrap you up and would not let you put the book down until you get to the end.
I really liked how the author leaves an open ending with a dialogue between Matthai, one of the main characters and his father, suggesting that it was not the end, and just the begging of their deepest secrets. It’s a great ending in order to leave the reader in expectation while introducing the whole saga.
This book will immerse you in a sci-fi world full of mystery, secrets, conspiracies and adventures between two galaxies that would change the whole concept of earth. It’s a very entertaining book, where the characters, their own issues and motivations would wrap you up and would not let you put the book down until you get to the end.
I really liked how the author leaves an open ending with a dialogue between Matthai, one of the main characters and his father, suggesting that it was not the end, and just the begging of their deepest secrets. It’s a great ending in order to leave the reader in expectation while introducing the whole saga.
July 27, 2024
One of my favorite genres
I think I have more and more defined my tastes in literary matters and I must emphasize my complete liking for this kind of stories.
In a completely futuristic scenario, in a distant galaxy germinates the story of Matthai Valtrellin, a powerful boy who so far is assimilating the power he inherited from his family, for this young heir challenges will arise that will force him to embark on a complicated but interesting adventure.
The book has it all, from futurism to love and mysteries still unsolved for humanity. It left me completely enveloped and inspired, I want to keep reading this type of narrative.
I highly recommend this intrepid story.
I think I have more and more defined my tastes in literary matters and I must emphasize my complete liking for this kind of stories.
In a completely futuristic scenario, in a distant galaxy germinates the story of Matthai Valtrellin, a powerful boy who so far is assimilating the power he inherited from his family, for this young heir challenges will arise that will force him to embark on a complicated but interesting adventure.
The book has it all, from futurism to love and mysteries still unsolved for humanity. It left me completely enveloped and inspired, I want to keep reading this type of narrative.
I highly recommend this intrepid story.
July 24, 2024
Discover a new world
Those times when I thought that science fiction stories were not for me or that if they were, I could only feel trapped through a screen have come to an end with this work by Poppy Orion. The storytelling used by the author is simply amazing; it is very captivating the way she mixes different genres such as action, mystery in the world of science fiction. The characters and their stories are simply amazing! Although for a moment I thought that the development of stories in different galaxies might be difficult to understand, it was the opposite! It's amazing the connection of their stories and characters. I can't wait to read the second volume.
Those times when I thought that science fiction stories were not for me or that if they were, I could only feel trapped through a screen have come to an end with this work by Poppy Orion. The storytelling used by the author is simply amazing; it is very captivating the way she mixes different genres such as action, mystery in the world of science fiction. The characters and their stories are simply amazing! Although for a moment I thought that the development of stories in different galaxies might be difficult to understand, it was the opposite! It's amazing the connection of their stories and characters. I can't wait to read the second volume.
July 19, 2024
Ouch....lol
Holy cliffhanger Batman !!!!!
Grins if you haven't read this in Vella. Then this is your main thought. And I only made it through the first few chapters. So yes your stuck waiting for the next book to come out. So....
But there is enough added to the book to make it more enjoyable. At least that's my opinion.
So go ahead and take a chance on this one. I don't think you will be disappointed...
jrwii
Holy cliffhanger Batman !!!!!
Grins if you haven't read this in Vella. Then this is your main thought. And I only made it through the first few chapters. So yes your stuck waiting for the next book to come out. So....
But there is enough added to the book to make it more enjoyable. At least that's my opinion.
So go ahead and take a chance on this one. I don't think you will be disappointed...
jrwii
July 21, 2024
‘This moment had loomed over their lives like a guillotine’ – A fantastic space opera!
New author Poppy Orion steps onto the stage of science fiction space operas with aplomb with this impressive initial volume of The Valmoran Chronicles, described as ‘The Valmoran Chronicles inhabits a universe where superpowers exist, alliances are forged in unlikely places, the boundaries of reality are warped, and first contact is just around the corner.’ The series will include medical mysteries, ancient conspiracies, and credible well-sculpted characters.
The series was initiated in 2022 with installments as an overture to The Valmoran Chronicles, described by the author as follows: ‘Eight heroes, two galaxies, one epic mystery! When Matthai, future high priest to a galaxy-wide religion, learns the Temple's shocking secrets, he enlists unlikely allies to a cynical politician, a luck-obsessed smuggler, and an ex-gladiator. On Earth, a mysterious microbe cured all disease ... but at great cost to the global economy. As a rare new syndrome emerges, can a PR strategist, anarchist hacker, microbiologist, and a pop star uncover what's really happening to humanity?’ And now with EMERGENCE, the threads begin the weave into a richly colorful tapestry of sci-fi wonder.
Using fully accessible, contemporary language to paint her odyssey makes the book all the more enjoyable, unlike some of the other technically verbose sci-fi novels. EMERGENCE is not only the name of this volume: it is also an introductory phrase for a fine new author!
New author Poppy Orion steps onto the stage of science fiction space operas with aplomb with this impressive initial volume of The Valmoran Chronicles, described as ‘The Valmoran Chronicles inhabits a universe where superpowers exist, alliances are forged in unlikely places, the boundaries of reality are warped, and first contact is just around the corner.’ The series will include medical mysteries, ancient conspiracies, and credible well-sculpted characters.
The series was initiated in 2022 with installments as an overture to The Valmoran Chronicles, described by the author as follows: ‘Eight heroes, two galaxies, one epic mystery! When Matthai, future high priest to a galaxy-wide religion, learns the Temple's shocking secrets, he enlists unlikely allies to a cynical politician, a luck-obsessed smuggler, and an ex-gladiator. On Earth, a mysterious microbe cured all disease ... but at great cost to the global economy. As a rare new syndrome emerges, can a PR strategist, anarchist hacker, microbiologist, and a pop star uncover what's really happening to humanity?’ And now with EMERGENCE, the threads begin the weave into a richly colorful tapestry of sci-fi wonder.
Using fully accessible, contemporary language to paint her odyssey makes the book all the more enjoyable, unlike some of the other technically verbose sci-fi novels. EMERGENCE is not only the name of this volume: it is also an introductory phrase for a fine new author!
April 28, 2025
Well this was... NOT what I expected when I picked up the book. I'm trying to remember how I came across this one, but - especially given the cover - I think I was expecting a light-hearted sci-fi alient romance. And look, there is the barest hint of something that might in a few books TURN INTO a sci-fi alien romance. But that's totally not what this story is.
Instead, this is the beginnings of an epic story with a large cast of characters, a contemporary Earth with one major difference (no more disease other than one teeny tiny exception that all of the female POV characters we've met so far share), a theocratic space civilisation that gains the book its comparisons to Dune, and - oh - time jumping.
I think if I were to describe this book in a single word, it would be 'potential'. There is SO MUCH potential in this first instalment - but, perhaps appropriately for the the name of the book, I'm not sure that potential develops or goes anywhere. It just... kind of starts to quietly emerge.
I almost feel like this book is the setup for the real story to start happening: we're introduced to each of the main POV characters and we start to get a sense of how they might come together in future books - but as of the end of the book, only a few of them have actually met physically each other (and it's a case of one of them has met two of the others separately, and one of those others has met one further other separately). So we're not entirely sure how or why (or actually, IF) they're all going to end up coming together.
I'm very curious about where Ms Orion is going to take things from here, so I'll definitely be picking up Book 2, and we'll see how the story unfolds.
Instead, this is the beginnings of an epic story with a large cast of characters, a contemporary Earth with one major difference (no more disease other than one teeny tiny exception that all of the female POV characters we've met so far share), a theocratic space civilisation that gains the book its comparisons to Dune, and - oh - time jumping.
I think if I were to describe this book in a single word, it would be 'potential'. There is SO MUCH potential in this first instalment - but, perhaps appropriately for the the name of the book, I'm not sure that potential develops or goes anywhere. It just... kind of starts to quietly emerge.
I almost feel like this book is the setup for the real story to start happening: we're introduced to each of the main POV characters and we start to get a sense of how they might come together in future books - but as of the end of the book, only a few of them have actually met physically each other (and it's a case of one of them has met two of the others separately, and one of those others has met one further other separately). So we're not entirely sure how or why (or actually, IF) they're all going to end up coming together.
I'm very curious about where Ms Orion is going to take things from here, so I'll definitely be picking up Book 2, and we'll see how the story unfolds.
December 25, 2024
'Emergence' Launches Epic Sci-Fi Saga...
Emergence, the first book in Poppy Orion's The Valmoran Chronicles, is an ambitious science fiction epic set across two galaxies. It seamlessly blends space opera, medical mystery, and interstellar politics. The novel weaves multiple storylines into a rich tapestry of characters and civilizations.
Orion excels in world-building and character development, creating a vast yet detailed universe populated by well-rounded, relatable characters. The juxtaposition of Earth's microbe-induced crisis with the complex Valmoran Republic provides a compelling backdrop for the unfolding drama.
While the multiple storylines and large cast may occasionally challenge readers, Orion's skillful pacing maintains momentum and interest. The novel successfully sets up larger mysteries while providing a satisfying arc within this book. "Emergence" is a promising start to a series that will captivate fans of intricate, character-driven science fiction. Highly recommended.
Emergence, the first book in Poppy Orion's The Valmoran Chronicles, is an ambitious science fiction epic set across two galaxies. It seamlessly blends space opera, medical mystery, and interstellar politics. The novel weaves multiple storylines into a rich tapestry of characters and civilizations.
Orion excels in world-building and character development, creating a vast yet detailed universe populated by well-rounded, relatable characters. The juxtaposition of Earth's microbe-induced crisis with the complex Valmoran Republic provides a compelling backdrop for the unfolding drama.
While the multiple storylines and large cast may occasionally challenge readers, Orion's skillful pacing maintains momentum and interest. The novel successfully sets up larger mysteries while providing a satisfying arc within this book. "Emergence" is a promising start to a series that will captivate fans of intricate, character-driven science fiction. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2024
We meet Katharine and Matthai at the beginning, setting the scene for what is to follow. Interestingly they live in separate galaxies and maybe separate times, and yet they have/will meet. Katharine is a scientist who devoted her life to finding a cure for her twin sister, only to have it all torn away from by an unknown pathogen, Microbe X, that cured all diseases. But there is an unfortunate side effect, Syndrome x, that leaves some with new and different abilities.
Matthai, is going to become high priest for his people, a people that is spread over the galaxy in which he lives. This is not his choice, but after the death of his sister, who was supposed to become high priestess, there is no other option.
How these two disparate people meet was not covered in this book, although we are given a little taste.
It will be interesting to see where the story goes next, the whole premise is intriguing. Can't wait to read the next story in this hard to describe story.
Matthai, is going to become high priest for his people, a people that is spread over the galaxy in which he lives. This is not his choice, but after the death of his sister, who was supposed to become high priestess, there is no other option.
How these two disparate people meet was not covered in this book, although we are given a little taste.
It will be interesting to see where the story goes next, the whole premise is intriguing. Can't wait to read the next story in this hard to describe story.
September 5, 2024
😭DISAPPOINTING AND CONFUSED
Kat was tied up, tortured by strangers.
She couldn't escape through a space-time jump.
She was doomed...
If only Mathai could save her...
*********
The beginning of the book is excellent.
But this is absolutely not the reading I was expecting.
It's disappointing and confusing.
Where is the plot of the novel??
It took me a really long time to read this succession of events/moments in the lives of different characters throughout the book, until the end.
The contemporary, fantasy and science fiction mix is original.
But what is the common thread in all of this??
There are the names of places and characters at the beginning of the chapters, but there is no date or year to help you get your bearings...
And who will save Kat tied up at the beginning of the book?
And why is she tortured?
I am very disappointed.
Definitely not a novel for me.
Kat was tied up, tortured by strangers.
She couldn't escape through a space-time jump.
She was doomed...
If only Mathai could save her...
*********
The beginning of the book is excellent.
But this is absolutely not the reading I was expecting.
It's disappointing and confusing.
Where is the plot of the novel??
It took me a really long time to read this succession of events/moments in the lives of different characters throughout the book, until the end.
The contemporary, fantasy and science fiction mix is original.
But what is the common thread in all of this??
There are the names of places and characters at the beginning of the chapters, but there is no date or year to help you get your bearings...
And who will save Kat tied up at the beginning of the book?
And why is she tortured?
I am very disappointed.
Definitely not a novel for me.
October 25, 2025
I was deceived by the blurb and the front cover of this book. I expected a simple fast-paced romance book set in space, like too many similar books. I was pleasently surprised when, after only a few chapters, I got well-developed characters and a complex political system with differents factions with opposite interests. The book contains barely any romance. In fact, we only get the first time Matthai and Katherine meet with both POVs. I'm so glad this book diverged from my expectation since I wasn't in the mood for a shallow romance anyway.
While I really enjoyed the book, I only gave it 4 stars because it feels like an introduction to the series. Not much happens except that most of the characters are meeting each other. There is no conflict or any action scene. On the other side the setting is well established and we definitely will get a lot of conflicts in the next books.
While I really enjoyed the book, I only gave it 4 stars because it feels like an introduction to the series. Not much happens except that most of the characters are meeting each other. There is no conflict or any action scene. On the other side the setting is well established and we definitely will get a lot of conflicts in the next books.
August 8, 2024
This book is a promising start to an epic series! I found the pacing of the story to be masterful. From the first page, the author manages to maintain a perfect balance between world building and plot development, which moves forward fluidly without wasting time on unnecessary descriptions and keeps the reader constantly intrigued.
To be honest, I enjoyed every moment of the story. Orion's ability to weave together the stories of such diverse characters is impressive, making each individual voice resonate authentically. Far from being a heavy read, the book left me craving more, wanting to continue exploring this vast universe and see how the relationships and challenges between the characters develop. I highly recommend this book.
To be honest, I enjoyed every moment of the story. Orion's ability to weave together the stories of such diverse characters is impressive, making each individual voice resonate authentically. Far from being a heavy read, the book left me craving more, wanting to continue exploring this vast universe and see how the relationships and challenges between the characters develop. I highly recommend this book.
November 19, 2024
A compelling sci fi world that spans includes a religious alien empire, supernatural powers and a strange microbe that cures all illnesses. I have to admit as I started this book I wasn't sure how it could work as we are in a few different (very different) places at the same time and we have a lot of different characters currently undergoing different and personal adventures at the same time. However once I sunk into the story I found that it was very easy to get lost in their perspectives and become invested in what is unfolding for each of them.
Having been left on a cliffhanger I am eager to find out what happens next and how their stories start to combine.
I read an arc of this book through Hidden Gems
Having been left on a cliffhanger I am eager to find out what happens next and how their stories start to combine.
I read an arc of this book through Hidden Gems
January 21, 2025
Emergence, or, The Novel Without a Story
Alternatively, The Novel in Which the Characters Internally Monologue Their Feelings Repetitively and Relentlessly
This...I hesitate to use the word story, since that word has implications of a beginning, middle, and end...but whatever it is, takes place over three days, max, during which nothing happens. It doesn't even end, the writing just stops.
It's like a beautifully set stage, complete with props, in an empty theatre, upon which no play is performed.
Everyone else likes it, but having reached the place where the words stop, it feels like a colossal waste of my time, in which I could have been reading a book with substance. A plot. A story.
YMMV
Alternatively, The Novel in Which the Characters Internally Monologue Their Feelings Repetitively and Relentlessly
This...I hesitate to use the word story, since that word has implications of a beginning, middle, and end...but whatever it is, takes place over three days, max, during which nothing happens. It doesn't even end, the writing just stops.
It's like a beautifully set stage, complete with props, in an empty theatre, upon which no play is performed.
Everyone else likes it, but having reached the place where the words stop, it feels like a colossal waste of my time, in which I could have been reading a book with substance. A plot. A story.
YMMV
July 17, 2024
I read this as it was written in Kindle Vella, and had the privilege of reading an ARC of the novel.
I love the multiple POVs, and that each character has their own story to tell that is vastly different from the others. Each story intertwines, as they should, but some do so more quickly than others, which is great - I don't want all the answers too fast, but I don't want to wait the whole book either. I find the pacing of this story to be perfect.
Also... mystery, political intrigue, secrets, ancient mythology, amazing technology... this book is a must for me. I looked forward to every installment on Vella and am super excited for each novel!
I love the multiple POVs, and that each character has their own story to tell that is vastly different from the others. Each story intertwines, as they should, but some do so more quickly than others, which is great - I don't want all the answers too fast, but I don't want to wait the whole book either. I find the pacing of this story to be perfect.
Also... mystery, political intrigue, secrets, ancient mythology, amazing technology... this book is a must for me. I looked forward to every installment on Vella and am super excited for each novel!
July 26, 2024
What an excellent book! The plot is incredible and each of the characters adds value to the reading, which for me is really admirable and I highlight a lot of the authors I read. This story made me think a lot about the pandemic era, since it is about a microbe that is questioning the fate of the universe. It is a book that will always keep you entertained and wanting more. I loved how in each of the chapters the story is taking more strength and I really like that. I highly recommend this book, it is entertaining but also shows you all the human difficulties in situations such as love and duty.
August 9, 2024
Emergence by Poppy Orion is the first book in what is projected to be a blockbuster space opera known as the Valmoran Chronicles. Orion tackles the mammoth task of introducing a vast and immersive science fantasy universe with a large cast of characters and multiple plotlines. A band of unlikely characters – ranging from a high priest to a politician to a smuggler – form an alliance of sorts to journey to a place known as… Earth. Overall it looks like a promising start to the series, although personally I would have preferred a more self-contained book. I recommend this book to fans of immersive world-building, long fantasy and science fiction series. If you’re looking for a quick read, however, then this may not fit your bill.
December 15, 2024
Written as if by someone who watched more TV than read well-written books, this has a superficial and trite tone. Into the third book in the series now, and each of the prior books ended with a cliffhanger that was so obvious that it was offensive. Also there is still no explanation of how and why people are time jumping, so that device is also treated like a Deus ex machina. I regret buying these books and don’t expect to finish the series, they are too shallow for my liking. Characters are not different enough from each other to be interesting- they are all pretty dumb, and even benighted, even the ones that are set up to be clever.
August 2, 2024
This is a complex and unique read. Lots of stuff going on and rich characters. The book explores the what-ifs of a virus that virtually sweeps away health issues on Earth while leading to some new ones. It has storylines that include intergalactic politics and religion. There are complicated relationships and bumpy rides through the challenging lives of the main characters. And, there is some good humor and fun tucked in to keep the ebb and flow of the story interesting and stimulating. Read it and you will want to keep reading.
August 26, 2024
I liked this book. It was a different story than I usually read because it's science fiction. From the start it captured my attention, with a time-traveling woman held hostage somewhere in space and tortured for information. She can't control her time jumping and is forced to go briefly to where her mate is. He is shocked and determined to find her and help her. It makes for an intense story, as he has no clue where she is. This book is definitely recommended. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens.
December 11, 2024
Genre-bending EPIC series with amazing world-building, fantastic debut
When it comes to epic Sci-Fi, space opera, or just epic series and storytelling in general, The Valmoran Chronicles has got it all and then some. Fantastic debut by Poppy Orion and I can't wait to see what comes next.
When it comes to epic Sci-Fi, space opera, or just epic series and storytelling in general, The Valmoran Chronicles has got it all and then some. Fantastic debut by Poppy Orion and I can't wait to see what comes next.
August 16, 2025
Act 1
This book is act 1. There is an opening scene with the hero & heroine, then it splits into 2 stories, one on earth (heroine) and one in space (hero). The earth stuff is tedious but the space stuff is interesting. By the end of this book the key characters have been assembled. I hope she picks up the pace.
This book is act 1. There is an opening scene with the hero & heroine, then it splits into 2 stories, one on earth (heroine) and one in space (hero). The earth stuff is tedious but the space stuff is interesting. By the end of this book the key characters have been assembled. I hope she picks up the pace.
August 7, 2024
There was a lot going on here. Took me a bit to get adjust to this world but if you give it a chance it will surprise you. Well developed interesting surprisingly captivating world. 4.5 stars because i did get lost a bit here and there.
January 15, 2025
Intriguing
Started as a free book now have bought the next in the series . this book starts slow. The characters initially seemed somewhat flat. But as the novel unfolds they become fleshed out. More characters are introduced. leading to richer plot. Waiting to see what next.
Started as a free book now have bought the next in the series . this book starts slow. The characters initially seemed somewhat flat. But as the novel unfolds they become fleshed out. More characters are introduced. leading to richer plot. Waiting to see what next.
February 27, 2025
Amazing
Thief is the best world building that I have read since I completed the Brandon Sanderson books. The use of a health virus with only some having serious side effects is very cleaver.
Thief is the best world building that I have read since I completed the Brandon Sanderson books. The use of a health virus with only some having serious side effects is very cleaver.
August 7, 2024
A space opera science fiction novel I enjoyed the characters and writing style
August 18, 2024
I love this book! It is absolutely thrilling to experience. It is a unique sci-fi universe that absolutely captured me in just the prologue. Im excited for the rest of the series!
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