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Mindfall Inception: An Epic Space Opera
Telepathy is outlawed. Possessing it is a death sentence.
So why are the Empire’s deadliest warship commanders all telepaths?
In a thousand-world empire ruled by fear, Conley Duin is the best of the elite–Knight-commander of an Imperial Patrol Vessel, and bearer of a dangerous forbidden telepathy. Branded as heresy and hunted by the Empire’s fanatical enforcers—the dreaded Blackshirts—this ancient power is meant to be rendered extinct. Instead, it’s quietly steering the Empire’s mightiest fleet.
When Conley suffers a devastating loss, vengeance drives him to uncover a conspiracy linking the Blackshirts to a brutal slaver ring ravaging the outer colonies. What he finds is worse than treason—it’s genocide.
Forced to choose between duty and justice, Conley gathers a rogue fleet of telepaths, outcasts, and allies. Their expose the truth. If it ignites a rebellion, so be it. They’ll take the fight to the heart of the Empire.
But no Empire falls quietly. And some secrets are buried for a reason.
Mindfall Inception is a high-octane space opera of psychic warfare, fleet battles, and rebellion born in silence.
Order now and join the telepath resistance—before the empire silences it forever.
So why are the Empire’s deadliest warship commanders all telepaths?
In a thousand-world empire ruled by fear, Conley Duin is the best of the elite–Knight-commander of an Imperial Patrol Vessel, and bearer of a dangerous forbidden telepathy. Branded as heresy and hunted by the Empire’s fanatical enforcers—the dreaded Blackshirts—this ancient power is meant to be rendered extinct. Instead, it’s quietly steering the Empire’s mightiest fleet.
When Conley suffers a devastating loss, vengeance drives him to uncover a conspiracy linking the Blackshirts to a brutal slaver ring ravaging the outer colonies. What he finds is worse than treason—it’s genocide.
Forced to choose between duty and justice, Conley gathers a rogue fleet of telepaths, outcasts, and allies. Their expose the truth. If it ignites a rebellion, so be it. They’ll take the fight to the heart of the Empire.
But no Empire falls quietly. And some secrets are buried for a reason.
Mindfall Inception is a high-octane space opera of psychic warfare, fleet battles, and rebellion born in silence.
Order now and join the telepath resistance—before the empire silences it forever.
- GenresAmazon
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2024
About the author
Bruce W. Paulik
2 books22 followersBruce is a strategist turned storyteller, blending tactical warfare with the emotional depth of epic science fiction. As the creator of the Empire of the Mind series, he engineers immersive space opera worlds where telepathy is outlawed, loyalty is lethal, and every battle—whether in space or the soul—matters. His writing delivers fast-paced action, morally complex characters, and high-stakes twists that hold readers to the final page. When he's not plotting rebellions or unraveling cosmic conspiracies, he's exploring the dark edges of power, sacrifice, and the human mind.
Mindfall Inception, Book 1 of the Empire of the Mind series, was released on Amazon September 24, 2024.
Mindfall Betrayal, Book 2 of the Empire of the Mind series, will be released on Amazon May 15, 2026.
Mindfall Inception, Book 1 of the Empire of the Mind series, was released on Amazon September 24, 2024.
Mindfall Betrayal, Book 2 of the Empire of the Mind series, will be released on Amazon May 15, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 8, 2024
More than a gripping tale of revenge! Imagine a future when telepathy rules the world. With the ability to mindtalk also comes the need to shield one's mind from eavesdropping, control one's thoughts. A brilliant and imaginative piece of work. A beautiful love story comes as bonus. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
(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.)
May 2, 2026
Young people are mysteriously developing telepathy throughout a human galactic empire. And they are paying for it with their lives.
This is the author's maiden science fiction novel and follows multiple protagonists as they deal with the fact that their telepathic abilities have made their existence essentially illegal. It is the first book in a series (the next book is coming out this month, I chose to read this at a good time!)
The most enjoyable elements of this work I feel are the questions raised about the nature of human consciousness, and how that consciousness exists in conjunction with our physical form and biology. Which seems to be set up to be explored even more deeply in subsequent novels. There's a lot of world building that has clearly already occurred before this book even began, as there is a strong sense of how human civilization has adapted after taking to the stars.
In terms of setting, it's a time of political unrest and social change - the vibes, to me, are a little like those of Deep Space Nine or The Expanse. There is conflict, political agendas with hidden motivations, and people who suffer as a result of the existing power structures. But there is also hope.
If you're after a good mix of threats to overcome with protagonists who do actually possess the ability to fight back (given telepathy is a useful skill to have when people are hunting you down!) then you'll likely have a good time.
I think most people will be fine engaging with this work, but if you are sensitive about certain content, read on for (as spoiler-free as possible) notes.
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There is armed violence; conflict between humans, injuries and death are described but no hyper-detailed gore. There is a torture scene described, this scene does not involve mutilation or physical gore. No animal abuse is directly described. Slavers exist in this setting (on the fringes of society) and do play a role in the story. Sexual abuse (or the risk of it) and child abuse is alluded to but not directly depicted. No pregnancy loss or trauma is depicted or referenced.
Those are the key things I know some readers who follow my reviews are wary about encountering - again, I don't think any of it would be a problem for most. This story is realistic about conflict but does not revel in extended-misery-as-drama.
This is the author's maiden science fiction novel and follows multiple protagonists as they deal with the fact that their telepathic abilities have made their existence essentially illegal. It is the first book in a series (the next book is coming out this month, I chose to read this at a good time!)
The most enjoyable elements of this work I feel are the questions raised about the nature of human consciousness, and how that consciousness exists in conjunction with our physical form and biology. Which seems to be set up to be explored even more deeply in subsequent novels. There's a lot of world building that has clearly already occurred before this book even began, as there is a strong sense of how human civilization has adapted after taking to the stars.
In terms of setting, it's a time of political unrest and social change - the vibes, to me, are a little like those of Deep Space Nine or The Expanse. There is conflict, political agendas with hidden motivations, and people who suffer as a result of the existing power structures. But there is also hope.
If you're after a good mix of threats to overcome with protagonists who do actually possess the ability to fight back (given telepathy is a useful skill to have when people are hunting you down!) then you'll likely have a good time.
I think most people will be fine engaging with this work, but if you are sensitive about certain content, read on for (as spoiler-free as possible) notes.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
There is armed violence; conflict between humans, injuries and death are described but no hyper-detailed gore. There is a torture scene described, this scene does not involve mutilation or physical gore. No animal abuse is directly described. Slavers exist in this setting (on the fringes of society) and do play a role in the story. Sexual abuse (or the risk of it) and child abuse is alluded to but not directly depicted. No pregnancy loss or trauma is depicted or referenced.
Those are the key things I know some readers who follow my reviews are wary about encountering - again, I don't think any of it would be a problem for most. This story is realistic about conflict but does not revel in extended-misery-as-drama.
October 7, 2024
Paulik plunges readers into a ruthless world where telepaths are hunted like prey and trust is a rare commodity. Once whispered about in secrecy, telepathy has become a persecuted curse in the fractured society ruled by Emperor Cyraxian. Conley Duin, a Knight of the Empire, must navigate his own newly awakened telepathic abilities and thirst for revenge while facing off against ruthless enforcers and treacherous politics.
Conley’s path is one of inner turmoil and fierce defiance, shaped by his traumatic past. His transformation from a scarred youth to a formidable knight is a powerful journey that pulls readers in, making each victory resonate and every setback sting. Riann, too, grapples with her own identity and place in a world that fears her kind. Their connection is both volatile and tender, mirroring the chaos around them.
Paulik’s world-building is immersive: From the grim, Blackshirt-patrolled streets to the treacherous imperial courts, the Empire is a living entity that breathes danger and deceit. Themes of unchecked power, fractured identities, and the high cost of change resonate deeply. An exhilarating read that will leave readers breathless—and craving more.
Conley’s path is one of inner turmoil and fierce defiance, shaped by his traumatic past. His transformation from a scarred youth to a formidable knight is a powerful journey that pulls readers in, making each victory resonate and every setback sting. Riann, too, grapples with her own identity and place in a world that fears her kind. Their connection is both volatile and tender, mirroring the chaos around them.
Paulik’s world-building is immersive: From the grim, Blackshirt-patrolled streets to the treacherous imperial courts, the Empire is a living entity that breathes danger and deceit. Themes of unchecked power, fractured identities, and the high cost of change resonate deeply. An exhilarating read that will leave readers breathless—and craving more.
November 7, 2024
an exciting telepathic adventure!
Holy cow! Where’s book 2? I’m in love with this story. Conley and Riann are Knights who discover they are telepaths. Problem is, their emperor is killing all telepaths. They are unsure how to handle the situation, but they know they must keep their abilities secret. Then they discover more telepaths and the fanatic sect developed to weed them out, specifically Conley and Riann! I can’t reveal more. You just have to read it for yourself. This is a must read!
Holy cow! Where’s book 2? I’m in love with this story. Conley and Riann are Knights who discover they are telepaths. Problem is, their emperor is killing all telepaths. They are unsure how to handle the situation, but they know they must keep their abilities secret. Then they discover more telepaths and the fanatic sect developed to weed them out, specifically Conley and Riann! I can’t reveal more. You just have to read it for yourself. This is a must read!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews