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Epitaph: Reveille
In year 2343, the galaxy receives a deadly wake-up call... Nearly three-hundred years have passed since humanity ascended to the stars, joining with a conglomeration of alien races all living under the rule of a single, united community - the United Galactic Coalition - a joint, multi-species alliance that upholds the principles of democracy, freedom, and equality for all races. The Milky Way Galaxy's future looks bright ... Until a research team uncovers a mysterious crystal buried deep beneath the surface of a frontier world on the edge of settled space. This discovery proves to be the catalyst for an invasion from an unknown alien force that is just as ruthless as they are mysterious. As the races of the galaxy are catapulted into a vicious fight for their very survival, fate hastily throws together a legendary admiral with a dark past, a brilliant scientist with precious little time to find the answers, an elite Special Forces Operative who must come to terms with a past failure, a spunky young military officer for whom this war is a baptism by fire, and a top notch Marine who will discover a truth that will define him as a hero. These five men and women hold not only the keys to their own survival, but the survival of their entire civilization. With the clock ticking, the race to uncover the truth begins. As they try to fend off this cruel and merciless alien foe, this handful of soldiers must discover what secrets this crystal could hold that would be worth the destruction of all life in the galaxy. But the question is ... ... Can they do it in time?
- GenresScience Fiction
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2014
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 2, 2015
I loved this book! I thought the whole concept was fascinating, original, and richly drawn. The characters came alive for me as I was reading; their motivations, thoughts and actions fresh and interesting. I also enjoyed meeting the coalition aliens. The conflict is real and frightening in its intensity when the coalition must face deadly and mysterious invaders. There is mystery, intrigue, action and humor! The vastness of space and the epic proportions of a seemingly impossible tasks kept me entertained and left me wanting more from this spellbinding author.
I got this book for my personal reading pleasure through Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
I got this book for my personal reading pleasure through Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
April 15, 2015
A Brief Synopsis
Nearly 300 years in the future, mankind has learned to live side by side with many alien species and have formed a coalition known as the United Galactic Coalition or (UGC).
However, it was not a perfect world, and they did have a rebel element that would cause chaos by attacking in various areas from time to time. Additionally, things were about to change drastically. An alien race known as the Vanguard, came from nowhere and ambushed several military bases and settlements across various planets, and killed thousands of people looking for some crystals they desperately need. These crystals hold vast information about things possibly related to the aliens as well as crucial and beneficial information for mankind.
That aside, the Vanguard seems to be invincible their bodies are far larger and resilient than humans. The Vanguard appears to be a hybrid creature of organic and mechanised origin. Their technology is unknown as well as their race making them an even bigger threat. Their weapons are powerful and nearly unbeatable. Our cast of characters fights bravely through the nightmare that unfolds before them and mankind to quell the annihilation of civilization. It will take the combined efforts of a supreme team of fighters and elevated technology to thwart the evil aliens. Our friends’ journey initiates on planet Atlantis where the first attack begins …
Some Highlights
Kileeus Scales is what is known as a Shadow. He is a unique military fighter that answers to the highest command and possess skills far more superior to the average soldier. Their armored suit is the most advanced technology available along with their helmet. The strike forces they belong to are usually smaller numbers for their success rate is extraordinary in battle and completing assignments.
In the opener, we get to know about Katherine Taylor, a woman known throughout the scientific world as a genius. She is located on Mars to study a monolith by unraveling the symbols embedded in it. The symbols are believed to be an ancient language, and Katherine is the perfect fit for this, for she is brilliant in that field. It is believed the monolith is 150 million years old.
Later, Lord Fleet Admiral Terrence Carr, a highly decorated and respected man, requests her presence in a meeting. The meeting is on planet Katana where the headquarters of the United Galactic Coalition (UGC) is located.
Carr wants Taylor to decipher if possible the strange crystal that was discovered deep within the planet Atlantis at the Tilarus facility.
Later a violent alien race known as the Vanguard explodes on the scene threatening all mankind and the galaxy. This hybrid species, part organic and possibly machine, have a powerful warrior class in their ranks called Centurions and Juggernauts. Centurions are giants compared to other men towering over all and pack a punch with nearly impenetrable armour and weapons that shoot molten steel. Juggernauts are even taller and pack an even harder punch and armed with an enormous sword one would never want any contact unless they wanted to be filleted. Though fast, deadly and immense each of them has a weakness. Their ships are horrendously strong, and they have the toughest armour enveloping their hull ever known. This makes them nearly unbeatable. The enemy threat begins …
My Thoughts
Author Victor Nieves is a talented young writer. His cast of characters fight to the death are loyal and bring the reader into their world. I found myself feeling their pain, their strife and when they lost a friend in battle like Casey did, I cried with them. The writing throughout this story is incredibly descriptive. I felt as if I stepped into the word the writer intended the reader to experience. After I would put the book down, I found the characters were on my mind, and I had an overwhelming need to finish the book. I needed to know what happened to these people the writer painted in such a vivid light.
While I read through the many action scenes, I noticed the author gave the characters great movement. Each one was active throughout the setting, and all the senses were engaged. The strategies the characters implemented for getting from point A to Point B were impressive, and I could see everything in front of me as I read each page eager to know what happens.
One example of this excellent description was when Scales was plotting his course to enter Telecom Tower to rescue General Delany. The entire scene came alive with imagery that popped out of the page.
I enjoyed the way Casey interacted with Roy. They had a special dynamic that added humour and drama. The reader learns about where they came from, who they are, and also develops them further as the book deepens. It was wonderful. In the horrible situations, they all find themselves in I could feel their despair and feel how alone, frightened and futile they may have felt during a battle that would seem lost. There were places that were edge of seat worthy, for the suspense and fear of what could be just ahead was uncanny.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, indeed I would. If you are a Star Wars fan or a Halo fan or just enjoy descriptive, flowing lovely science fiction writing at its best, this is the book for you!
I give it five stars!
Arwin
Nearly 300 years in the future, mankind has learned to live side by side with many alien species and have formed a coalition known as the United Galactic Coalition or (UGC).
However, it was not a perfect world, and they did have a rebel element that would cause chaos by attacking in various areas from time to time. Additionally, things were about to change drastically. An alien race known as the Vanguard, came from nowhere and ambushed several military bases and settlements across various planets, and killed thousands of people looking for some crystals they desperately need. These crystals hold vast information about things possibly related to the aliens as well as crucial and beneficial information for mankind.
That aside, the Vanguard seems to be invincible their bodies are far larger and resilient than humans. The Vanguard appears to be a hybrid creature of organic and mechanised origin. Their technology is unknown as well as their race making them an even bigger threat. Their weapons are powerful and nearly unbeatable. Our cast of characters fights bravely through the nightmare that unfolds before them and mankind to quell the annihilation of civilization. It will take the combined efforts of a supreme team of fighters and elevated technology to thwart the evil aliens. Our friends’ journey initiates on planet Atlantis where the first attack begins …
Some Highlights
Kileeus Scales is what is known as a Shadow. He is a unique military fighter that answers to the highest command and possess skills far more superior to the average soldier. Their armored suit is the most advanced technology available along with their helmet. The strike forces they belong to are usually smaller numbers for their success rate is extraordinary in battle and completing assignments.
In the opener, we get to know about Katherine Taylor, a woman known throughout the scientific world as a genius. She is located on Mars to study a monolith by unraveling the symbols embedded in it. The symbols are believed to be an ancient language, and Katherine is the perfect fit for this, for she is brilliant in that field. It is believed the monolith is 150 million years old.
Later, Lord Fleet Admiral Terrence Carr, a highly decorated and respected man, requests her presence in a meeting. The meeting is on planet Katana where the headquarters of the United Galactic Coalition (UGC) is located.
Carr wants Taylor to decipher if possible the strange crystal that was discovered deep within the planet Atlantis at the Tilarus facility.
Later a violent alien race known as the Vanguard explodes on the scene threatening all mankind and the galaxy. This hybrid species, part organic and possibly machine, have a powerful warrior class in their ranks called Centurions and Juggernauts. Centurions are giants compared to other men towering over all and pack a punch with nearly impenetrable armour and weapons that shoot molten steel. Juggernauts are even taller and pack an even harder punch and armed with an enormous sword one would never want any contact unless they wanted to be filleted. Though fast, deadly and immense each of them has a weakness. Their ships are horrendously strong, and they have the toughest armour enveloping their hull ever known. This makes them nearly unbeatable. The enemy threat begins …
My Thoughts
Author Victor Nieves is a talented young writer. His cast of characters fight to the death are loyal and bring the reader into their world. I found myself feeling their pain, their strife and when they lost a friend in battle like Casey did, I cried with them. The writing throughout this story is incredibly descriptive. I felt as if I stepped into the word the writer intended the reader to experience. After I would put the book down, I found the characters were on my mind, and I had an overwhelming need to finish the book. I needed to know what happened to these people the writer painted in such a vivid light.
While I read through the many action scenes, I noticed the author gave the characters great movement. Each one was active throughout the setting, and all the senses were engaged. The strategies the characters implemented for getting from point A to Point B were impressive, and I could see everything in front of me as I read each page eager to know what happens.
One example of this excellent description was when Scales was plotting his course to enter Telecom Tower to rescue General Delany. The entire scene came alive with imagery that popped out of the page.
I enjoyed the way Casey interacted with Roy. They had a special dynamic that added humour and drama. The reader learns about where they came from, who they are, and also develops them further as the book deepens. It was wonderful. In the horrible situations, they all find themselves in I could feel their despair and feel how alone, frightened and futile they may have felt during a battle that would seem lost. There were places that were edge of seat worthy, for the suspense and fear of what could be just ahead was uncanny.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, indeed I would. If you are a Star Wars fan or a Halo fan or just enjoy descriptive, flowing lovely science fiction writing at its best, this is the book for you!
I give it five stars!
Arwin
February 24, 2015
In the year 2343, several centuries into the future, the galaxy receives a deadly wake-up call. A ruthless and mysterious alien force has inexplicably attacked a planetary scientific outpost, and all communication has been lost with the planet's surface. It seems that galactic peace has been undeniably threatened...
Nearly three-hundred years have passed since humanity ascended to the stars, learning so much more about the various alien races and cultures throughout the galaxies than they knew before. Humanity has since integrated to the best of its ability, joining with a conglomeration of alien races all living under the rule of a single, united community - the United Galactic Coalition - a joint, multi-species alliance that upholds the time-honored principles of democracy, freedom, and equality for every race.
The Milky Way Galaxy's future is possibly the brightest it has ever been...
Until a research team discovers a mysterious crystal buried deep beneath the surface of a frontier world known as Atlantis, right on the edge of settled space. It is this discovery which proves to be the catalyst for a deadly invasion from an unknown alien race that seems intent on the wholesale destruction of archaeological study and cultural understanding. So far, this ruthless alien force has indiscriminately attacked, apparently without any provocation. The extent of casualties is currently unknown.
As all the races of the galaxy are subsequently catapulted into a vicious fight for their very survival, fate hastily assembles a band of unlikely heroes. Thrown together into this epic battle for civilization is a legendary admiral with a dark past, a brilliant scientist with precious little time to find the answers, an elite Special Forces Operative determined to atone for a past failure, a spunky young military officer for whom this war will prove to be a baptism by fire, and a top-notch Marine who will discover a truth that will define him as a hero.
These five men and women hold not only the keys to their own survival, but the survival of their entire civilization. With the clock ticking, the race to discover the truth has definitely begun. As they try to fend off this cruel and merciless alien foe, this handful of soldiers must also decipher what mysterious secrets this crystal may hold that would merit the destruction of all life within the galaxy. But the question still remains...can they do it in time?
I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, the plot was extremely well-developed and fast-paced; and the creation of the various alien races seemed to be remarkably plausible given the depth and breadth of the galactic setting. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this trilogy because I'm curious to see where the story will lead me. I give Epitaph: Reveille by Victor Nieves an A!
Nearly three-hundred years have passed since humanity ascended to the stars, learning so much more about the various alien races and cultures throughout the galaxies than they knew before. Humanity has since integrated to the best of its ability, joining with a conglomeration of alien races all living under the rule of a single, united community - the United Galactic Coalition - a joint, multi-species alliance that upholds the time-honored principles of democracy, freedom, and equality for every race.
The Milky Way Galaxy's future is possibly the brightest it has ever been...
Until a research team discovers a mysterious crystal buried deep beneath the surface of a frontier world known as Atlantis, right on the edge of settled space. It is this discovery which proves to be the catalyst for a deadly invasion from an unknown alien race that seems intent on the wholesale destruction of archaeological study and cultural understanding. So far, this ruthless alien force has indiscriminately attacked, apparently without any provocation. The extent of casualties is currently unknown.
As all the races of the galaxy are subsequently catapulted into a vicious fight for their very survival, fate hastily assembles a band of unlikely heroes. Thrown together into this epic battle for civilization is a legendary admiral with a dark past, a brilliant scientist with precious little time to find the answers, an elite Special Forces Operative determined to atone for a past failure, a spunky young military officer for whom this war will prove to be a baptism by fire, and a top-notch Marine who will discover a truth that will define him as a hero.
These five men and women hold not only the keys to their own survival, but the survival of their entire civilization. With the clock ticking, the race to discover the truth has definitely begun. As they try to fend off this cruel and merciless alien foe, this handful of soldiers must also decipher what mysterious secrets this crystal may hold that would merit the destruction of all life within the galaxy. But the question still remains...can they do it in time?
I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, the plot was extremely well-developed and fast-paced; and the creation of the various alien races seemed to be remarkably plausible given the depth and breadth of the galactic setting. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this trilogy because I'm curious to see where the story will lead me. I give Epitaph: Reveille by Victor Nieves an A!
February 18, 2015
My Review:
First of all, I would like to start out by saying that I would like to abide by my policies to never reveal spoilers that might ruin the reading experience for others so I will only reveal my thoughts on the actual story.
Sci-fi really isn’t my cup of tea, but when I read the brief synopsis I was instantly intrigued by what appeared to be a very promising storyline. I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed!
While I had to resort to peeking at the glossary at the back of the book every now and again to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding any alien race, etc, it didn’t take away from the allure of the plot.
The author did a great job at painted a vast picture with words alone, creating a world so easy to accept and come to terms with. I loved how, at times, I felt as if I was living in the story and not just reading a book. It’s fast paced and credible. Intriguing and creative.
I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author. And yes, thanks to Victor Nieves I’m a little more inclined to giving sci-fi yet another try.
First of all, I would like to start out by saying that I would like to abide by my policies to never reveal spoilers that might ruin the reading experience for others so I will only reveal my thoughts on the actual story.
Sci-fi really isn’t my cup of tea, but when I read the brief synopsis I was instantly intrigued by what appeared to be a very promising storyline. I’m glad I wasn’t disappointed!
While I had to resort to peeking at the glossary at the back of the book every now and again to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding any alien race, etc, it didn’t take away from the allure of the plot.
The author did a great job at painted a vast picture with words alone, creating a world so easy to accept and come to terms with. I loved how, at times, I felt as if I was living in the story and not just reading a book. It’s fast paced and credible. Intriguing and creative.
I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author. And yes, thanks to Victor Nieves I’m a little more inclined to giving sci-fi yet another try.
February 24, 2015
3.5/5
For me I loved this story. I thought it was very interesting. I loved the base of the story. It is explained so well. I like how everything was gong well until something mysterious is found.
The team of people were all so different but each brought something awesome to the table.
I loved all the battle scenes. They were so amazing and intense.
The thing that was hard for me was I had this overwhelming sense that I had read this story before. So even though I loved that book it makes it difficult.
The story was written so well and if you love SciFi and aliens and awesome battle scenes you need to read this.
For me I loved this story. I thought it was very interesting. I loved the base of the story. It is explained so well. I like how everything was gong well until something mysterious is found.
The team of people were all so different but each brought something awesome to the table.
I loved all the battle scenes. They were so amazing and intense.
The thing that was hard for me was I had this overwhelming sense that I had read this story before. So even though I loved that book it makes it difficult.
The story was written so well and if you love SciFi and aliens and awesome battle scenes you need to read this.
February 27, 2015
This was an engrossing book. It moved fast and pulled me into the story. The writing is quite expressive. Every scene and character was well developed. It was one of those books you can hardly put down. I enjoyed reading this grand science fiction tale. Excellent read. A very talented writer! I recommend this book! Two thumbs up!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews