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Galactic Invasion
Psyker Marine : A Science Fiction LitRPG
The aliens came without warning and humanity quickly found itself waging a losing war.
My name is James Thorne, and I wasn't supposed to matter. Before the invasion, I was just a guy in a dead-end job, keeping my head down and my past buried. The Gehenna want our annihilation. Thankfully, they angered the Aetherion who may help humanity not only fight back, but turn the tide.
When I’m offered the chance to be Cleansed, to become something more than I was, I take it. And it turns out I’m special. No, I’m not the Chosen One. And yes, there are others like me, but as a Psyker, I can do things most can't. Things that make me very dangerous.
As the war expands, the Gehenna think they’ve already won.
But they underestimated the power of a pissed off marine.
My name is James Thorne, and I wasn't supposed to matter. Before the invasion, I was just a guy in a dead-end job, keeping my head down and my past buried. The Gehenna want our annihilation. Thankfully, they angered the Aetherion who may help humanity not only fight back, but turn the tide.
When I’m offered the chance to be Cleansed, to become something more than I was, I take it. And it turns out I’m special. No, I’m not the Chosen One. And yes, there are others like me, but as a Psyker, I can do things most can't. Things that make me very dangerous.
As the war expands, the Gehenna think they’ve already won.
But they underestimated the power of a pissed off marine.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
612 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
697 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 1, 2025
This is a zombie story. I deeply dislike zombie stories. Sure, they're all borg-like and tech-enhanced, but they're still mindless enemies with no rationality beyond expansion. Boring.
I can't decide if it actually managed to make a magic future marine main character boring or if I was just resisting the premise. At any rate, it's one-star, but that's a personal taste-based rating and no indication of the actual merit (or not) of the book for anyone else.
I can't decide if it actually managed to make a magic future marine main character boring or if I was just resisting the premise. At any rate, it's one-star, but that's a personal taste-based rating and no indication of the actual merit (or not) of the book for anyone else.
December 28, 2024
Diggin’ this ‘cause the characters are awesome. James has been through things that made him the strong willed person he is which helps him in this new world. I love Rachel and Ms Southern Belle, Des.
This is a really tough way of obtaining the system so this at the beginning it isn’t your typical LitRPG, when the stats kick in it gets more familiar… but still different! I’m looking forward to reading more!
This is a really tough way of obtaining the system so this at the beginning it isn’t your typical LitRPG, when the stats kick in it gets more familiar… but still different! I’m looking forward to reading more!
January 6, 2025
there are no marines in this book no matter what the title says.
This book is basically about a man who fights through his tribulations with Kyle guts and inspiration from his mother because of his upbringing of being discriminated against. They are very little RPG elements in the story. The main character is not very inspiring. In fact his girlfriend has to save him. You may be interested in this book, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. There are no marines in this book and the title is a misnomer and should be changed. The other issue is the British idioms mixed up with the English idioms. If you don’t care for British idioms you will not particularly like this book. You pay your money you take your chances.
This book is basically about a man who fights through his tribulations with Kyle guts and inspiration from his mother because of his upbringing of being discriminated against. They are very little RPG elements in the story. The main character is not very inspiring. In fact his girlfriend has to save him. You may be interested in this book, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. There are no marines in this book and the title is a misnomer and should be changed. The other issue is the British idioms mixed up with the English idioms. If you don’t care for British idioms you will not particularly like this book. You pay your money you take your chances.
December 11, 2024
Finished in one day!
Loved this! Really well written, fast-paced story with funny and horrifying moments intertwined. Great action scenes. MC is an entirely kick-ass Everyman and there’s a cast of interesting goodies and baddies around him. A month until Book Two!
Loved this! Really well written, fast-paced story with funny and horrifying moments intertwined. Great action scenes. MC is an entirely kick-ass Everyman and there’s a cast of interesting goodies and baddies around him. A month until Book Two!
Read
December 5, 2024Nice enjoyable adventurous read.
Much more british than expected but a fun read with lots of adventure and camaraderie. Finished it in roughly 2 days and looking forward to the sequel.
Much more british than expected but a fun read with lots of adventure and camaraderie. Finished it in roughly 2 days and looking forward to the sequel.
December 22, 2024
I’ve read a lot of far-out stuff, but a world where a peer can become a member of the House of Commons is just too crazy for me. Cut down on the bong juice, hippy! Also James seemed like a miserable little shit and I didn’t want to hang out with him.
February 18, 2025
Could have been good but…
Having received magic powers I will never practice them.
All persons in positions of authority are selfish idiots even when faced with the end of the world.
Poorly proof read
Having received magic powers I will never practice them.
All persons in positions of authority are selfish idiots even when faced with the end of the world.
Poorly proof read
March 26, 2025
Odd, did't seem to have much continuity. Some parts seemed well written, others seemed like
stand alone paragraphs/
stand alone paragraphs/
August 10, 2025
Mindless action and cardboard cutout characters.
February 18, 2025
Good Action, Crappy Relationships
While the book has excellent high-stakes circumstances, much of the interpersonal relationships feel remarkably disjointed.
The protagonist and the main love interest get together effortlessly, with the lead up to their romance all happening off screen, as they go from vague flirting in the workplace to sleeping together every night after one single mission fighting aliens. From there the depth of the character essentially extends no farther than being an object to deliver vague exposition as the two of them lay in post-coitus every seven chapters, and her allegedly being a “badass” in battle. We’ve had more of a description of how “sexy” her body is than we’ve had of basic information about her personality, her past, or why she likes the protagonist so passionately.
Likewise his best friend goes from having just lost his wife to the aliens, to obsessively pining over a sexually forward American soldier, to being a bitter and jealous man that hates the protagonist for his success. What was the relationship with his wife like? Was this all him trying to cope with losing her? These are gaps that could have been filled in with another page and a half of context, but we didn’t get that.
There are others that I won’t get into, but I think most of these problems stem from the same matter of pacing. The main cast essentially goes from mission to mission with the only opportunities for downtime between missions being them in a small bar on their allies space ship and their bedrooms, with the protagonist individually going to the ship’s training room twice both times without any of his human companions. As a result their relationships feel flat as the author continually tells us without showing us.
In summation, while I DO enjoy the overall ideas of the story, I think that it has some pretty major flaws. I may still pick up the second book, but it will be done with a great deal of hesitation.
While the book has excellent high-stakes circumstances, much of the interpersonal relationships feel remarkably disjointed.
The protagonist and the main love interest get together effortlessly, with the lead up to their romance all happening off screen, as they go from vague flirting in the workplace to sleeping together every night after one single mission fighting aliens. From there the depth of the character essentially extends no farther than being an object to deliver vague exposition as the two of them lay in post-coitus every seven chapters, and her allegedly being a “badass” in battle. We’ve had more of a description of how “sexy” her body is than we’ve had of basic information about her personality, her past, or why she likes the protagonist so passionately.
Likewise his best friend goes from having just lost his wife to the aliens, to obsessively pining over a sexually forward American soldier, to being a bitter and jealous man that hates the protagonist for his success. What was the relationship with his wife like? Was this all him trying to cope with losing her? These are gaps that could have been filled in with another page and a half of context, but we didn’t get that.
There are others that I won’t get into, but I think most of these problems stem from the same matter of pacing. The main cast essentially goes from mission to mission with the only opportunities for downtime between missions being them in a small bar on their allies space ship and their bedrooms, with the protagonist individually going to the ship’s training room twice both times without any of his human companions. As a result their relationships feel flat as the author continually tells us without showing us.
In summation, while I DO enjoy the overall ideas of the story, I think that it has some pretty major flaws. I may still pick up the second book, but it will be done with a great deal of hesitation.
February 8, 2025
Awesome
Prison Guard, James Thorne’s life changes when an alien race called the Gehenna descends on Earth and immediately sets out to wipe out all life. Things are looking grim until another alien species, the Aetherion arrive and offer to help the humans. They take a select number of humans, including James, and train them into awesome fighting machines with powerful weapons and even more powerful abilities. But even with these special abilities things are still looking grim for Earth especially as the world governments can’t stop bickering with each other and with the Aetherions who are offering to help humanity in their time of need. And in Australia there is something more horrifying than James or anyone else can fathom. This is an awesome read. I was feeling a little overwhelmed at the beginning of reading this knowing it was 600 pages long but I needn’t of worried as soon as I started this gripped me right from the start like one of the Gehenna holding my neck and it never let go until the very end. I breezed through this book in 2 days. I loved the banter and camaraderie between James and the other characters. Some of it had me in stitches and it felt like playing a video game as James and his fellow recruits went about killing Gehenna and getting experience points and levelling up to get even more awesome powers. Easily one of my best reads this year and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
Prison Guard, James Thorne’s life changes when an alien race called the Gehenna descends on Earth and immediately sets out to wipe out all life. Things are looking grim until another alien species, the Aetherion arrive and offer to help the humans. They take a select number of humans, including James, and train them into awesome fighting machines with powerful weapons and even more powerful abilities. But even with these special abilities things are still looking grim for Earth especially as the world governments can’t stop bickering with each other and with the Aetherions who are offering to help humanity in their time of need. And in Australia there is something more horrifying than James or anyone else can fathom. This is an awesome read. I was feeling a little overwhelmed at the beginning of reading this knowing it was 600 pages long but I needn’t of worried as soon as I started this gripped me right from the start like one of the Gehenna holding my neck and it never let go until the very end. I breezed through this book in 2 days. I loved the banter and camaraderie between James and the other characters. Some of it had me in stitches and it felt like playing a video game as James and his fellow recruits went about killing Gehenna and getting experience points and levelling up to get even more awesome powers. Easily one of my best reads this year and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
January 4, 2025
So much wasted potential… not recommended!
The world building and story potential is extraordinary! And in the hands of a good writer this could have been a phenomenal series… even movie worthy. Unfortunately, this author writes for the elementary level mind. It requires the suspension of disbelief to a level unheard of to get through this book.
In no way possible would the world leaders NOT come together to fight a world invasion, yet that is what this author wants you to believe. He acts like WWI and WWII didn’t happen, but it was mentioned in the book. So a world that came together to fight wars wouldn’t do the same for a world invasion? Oh, come on! It’s because of this type of writing that makes it impossible for me to continue with this series. I simply don’t have the patience for stupid.
The world building and story potential is extraordinary! And in the hands of a good writer this could have been a phenomenal series… even movie worthy. Unfortunately, this author writes for the elementary level mind. It requires the suspension of disbelief to a level unheard of to get through this book.
In no way possible would the world leaders NOT come together to fight a world invasion, yet that is what this author wants you to believe. He acts like WWI and WWII didn’t happen, but it was mentioned in the book. So a world that came together to fight wars wouldn’t do the same for a world invasion? Oh, come on! It’s because of this type of writing that makes it impossible for me to continue with this series. I simply don’t have the patience for stupid.
December 9, 2024
Humanity’s Last Stand Against Alien Annihilation
Psyker Marine is a gripping military sci-fi tale that balances intense action with heartfelt character development and intriguing alien lore. James Thorne’s journey from a downtrodden everyman to a Psyker warrior is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. The book leaves readers eager to see how the war unfolds and how Thorne continues to evolve.
With its blend of raw humanity, relentless action, and thought-provoking themes, this book cements itself as a standout in the genre.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a fast-paced, emotionally charged sci-fi adventure.
Psyker Marine is a gripping military sci-fi tale that balances intense action with heartfelt character development and intriguing alien lore. James Thorne’s journey from a downtrodden everyman to a Psyker warrior is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. The book leaves readers eager to see how the war unfolds and how Thorne continues to evolve.
With its blend of raw humanity, relentless action, and thought-provoking themes, this book cements itself as a standout in the genre.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a fast-paced, emotionally charged sci-fi adventure.
June 11, 2025
Humans should be really effective against these aliens.
They are part flesh part machine. Guns should work really well against the flesh portions.
They only attack with claws. No ranged attacks.
The aliens don't use any advanced machinery, and no air support.
Humans should be crushing them with planes, helicopters, etc.
The main character hurts one of these aliens by hitting them with a metal pipe....
AND YET, the author claims that bullets are supposedly ineffective... it makes no sense.
Nothing really makes much sense. The main character levels up, and then forgets about it for weeks... like cmon. Leveling and progression are an afterthought.
DNF 55%
They are part flesh part machine. Guns should work really well against the flesh portions.
They only attack with claws. No ranged attacks.
The aliens don't use any advanced machinery, and no air support.
Humans should be crushing them with planes, helicopters, etc.
The main character hurts one of these aliens by hitting them with a metal pipe....
AND YET, the author claims that bullets are supposedly ineffective... it makes no sense.
Nothing really makes much sense. The main character levels up, and then forgets about it for weeks... like cmon. Leveling and progression are an afterthought.
DNF 55%
June 23, 2025
This isn't really a LitRPG story. It's more of a traditional science fiction story, where the author loosely tried to bolt on some semblance of LitRPG to the plot. If "crunchy" LitRPG means lots of stats and detailed progression summaries, then this is the exact opposite of that. Characters gain levels via a hand wave and there's very little to tie their stats to their day-to-day abilities, at least when compared to more traditional LitRPG novels.
And the powers/abilities that the characters have are never really explained, at least not in detail. You can sort of infer what their abilities are, but there's nothing like stat sheets for most of the characters. The protagonist has SOME stat sheets here and there, but again, they aren't tied tightly into the story at all.
Overall a disappointing book and I won't be continuing with the series.
And the powers/abilities that the characters have are never really explained, at least not in detail. You can sort of infer what their abilities are, but there's nothing like stat sheets for most of the characters. The protagonist has SOME stat sheets here and there, but again, they aren't tied tightly into the story at all.
Overall a disappointing book and I won't be continuing with the series.
December 8, 2024
Dive into this captivating tale of an alien invasion that ignites chaos and sparks the emergence of extraordinary heroes! As humanity stands on the brink of extinction, a surprising ally gifts us the means to defend what’s ours. Amidst advanced alien technology, bravery and love blossom among the select few who harness this newfound power. This David and Goliath-style sci-fi adventure promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Once you start, you’ll be hooked—struggling to put it down. Ultimately, completing this gripping story might just be the key to saving humanity! Enjoy the journey!
December 14, 2024
The story follows James Thorne's journey from an downtrodden ordinary guy into a Psyker with abilities beyond his imagination thrust into a war between humanity and The Gehanna. Its a pretty intense sci fi action alien invasion thriller but with enough character depth to connect emotionally with the protagonist and overall sufficient enough for me to check out the next installment to be released next month
February 5, 2025
A boring story with zombie like enemies and hardly any character building. The blurb sounded quite a lot more interesting than what I got. I can't get into the characters since they're very bland. No feeling for the MC what so ever and he's just forgettable to me.
Also, repeating the MC slogan every couple of pages in the first half of the book is very very annoying. One of the worst stories I've read so far.
Also, repeating the MC slogan every couple of pages in the first half of the book is very very annoying. One of the worst stories I've read so far.
December 17, 2024
A Captivating Read
If you’re looking for a story that combines high-stakes science fiction, complex characters, and a satisfying blend of hope and vengeance, this book is for you. The narrative reminds us that even when all seems lost, the human spirit, driven by purpose and fury, can rise to meet the impossible.
If you’re looking for a story that combines high-stakes science fiction, complex characters, and a satisfying blend of hope and vengeance, this book is for you. The narrative reminds us that even when all seems lost, the human spirit, driven by purpose and fury, can rise to meet the impossible.
December 13, 2024
Awesome sci-fi fun
I enjoyed science fiction about alien invasion that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The awesome cover got me hooked right away and well written, easy to read. I can't wait to read the next one.
I enjoyed science fiction about alien invasion that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The awesome cover got me hooked right away and well written, easy to read. I can't wait to read the next one.
January 5, 2025
Exciting new series
A new author and new series this has all the hallmarks off a great new Sci-Fi adventure from the alien invasion, the brave team, and levelling up new abilities to save the Earth. What's not to like and, of course, lots of action and a purpose.
A new author and new series this has all the hallmarks off a great new Sci-Fi adventure from the alien invasion, the brave team, and levelling up new abilities to save the Earth. What's not to like and, of course, lots of action and a purpose.
December 28, 2025
Utter nonsense story, one that is all over the place.
Bad writing period. I made it 2h22min into the audiobook before my limit for ignoring slop was reached and the following few minutes would have required my slop capacity to be many times greater than it is.
Bad writing period. I made it 2h22min into the audiobook before my limit for ignoring slop was reached and the following few minutes would have required my slop capacity to be many times greater than it is.
January 10, 2026
Great Read
Warriors Don't Quit...
I like the abilities they each gain and the characters learn to get along. I was worried Steve was turning evil but hopefully he has a change of emotions in the next book. Volka I am hoping learns to not be evil in the next book.
Warriors Don't Quit...
I like the abilities they each gain and the characters learn to get along. I was worried Steve was turning evil but hopefully he has a change of emotions in the next book. Volka I am hoping learns to not be evil in the next book.
December 9, 2024
Good book that outlines a simple power scale, paces well, and lays the foundation for a series.
January 2, 2025
Psyker Marine
This was a good one off book. I don’t believe it will make a good series. I will try the next one, but do not have high expectations.
This was a good one off book. I don’t believe it will make a good series. I will try the next one, but do not have high expectations.
January 3, 2025
Pure Sci-Fantasy Goodness
Been looking for another book series like 12 Miles Below and Warformed and this fit the bill! Can’t wait to see what James and Co get up to next
Been looking for another book series like 12 Miles Below and Warformed and this fit the bill! Can’t wait to see what James and Co get up to next
January 17, 2025
Good work
Book was well written, lots of fast paced action.
The adult content was mostly for the violence, any intimate scenes were implied only.
Book was well written, lots of fast paced action.
The adult content was mostly for the violence, any intimate scenes were implied only.
February 3, 2025
Worthy read
Fun read and bought the second book. So that says a lot. Hoping the second is as good as the first.
Fun read and bought the second book. So that says a lot. Hoping the second is as good as the first.
December 29, 2025
Had no expectations, pleasantly surprised. Looking forward to book 2
March 1, 2025
Not a bad listen. 🤷♀️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews