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Born of Empire
In the future, Earth has expanded into the formidable Dodecahedral Empire. Meet Teodor, Earth's future king, and the next emperor, until he vanishes without a trace. Teodor was snatched by cyborgs wearing the black and gold uniform of Earth's Space Defense Forces. Has he fallen prey to the ruthless yet brilliant, maverick politician, Chart Segat, the man many suspect of murdering Teodor's father? If so, what chance then that Teodor will survive? Except... In the attics of the capital's gilded fashion district lives another boy. Guy has only one dream; he wants to join Earth's Space Defense Force. Welcome to "Born Of Empire," where unlikely alliances are forged, and salvation rests in the hands of the most unexpected heroes. Prepare yourself for an action-packed adventure, where two boys from opposite ends of the social spectrum must navigate a treacherous web of intergalactic politics, where no one is guaranteed the luxury of survival as the fate of their world hangs by a thread.
★★★★★ 'Unable to put the book down.' Amazon Review, June 2023.
★★★★★ 'Unable to put the book down.' Amazon Review, June 2023.
- GenresScience Fiction
257 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
About the author
Sally Ann Melia
27 books126 followersSally Ann Melia is life-long Science Fiction fan. She was Star Wars as a child and has loved Space Opera fiction and tales of huge Galactic Empires such as Frank Herbert’s Dune series and Iain M. Banks Culture.
Born in Wallasey, Sally Ann Melia moved to the South of France and the cosmopolitan city-state of Monaco, where she spent her teenage years. As the lone English student in a French school, Sally spent her time writing stories while her classmates learned English. This sparked a lifelong passion for writing, leading her to pen novels, scripts, stories, and articles.
Born in Wallasey, Sally Ann Melia moved to the South of France and the cosmopolitan city-state of Monaco, where she spent her teenage years. As the lone English student in a French school, Sally spent her time writing stories while her classmates learned English. This sparked a lifelong passion for writing, leading her to pen novels, scripts, stories, and articles.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 21, 2024
An absolute rollercoaster
Set in a high-stakes future, the story weaves together the fates of Teodor, a kidnapped prince, and Guy, a brilliant yet identity-less fighter. The plot kicks off with Teodor’s abduction by his own guards and doesn’t let up, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Guy’s struggle to gain recognition despite his skills adds a unique twist. And then there’s Karl Valvanchi, whose discovery of mysterious military tags sends him on a mission to Earth just as everything goes haywire.
The characters are well-crafted and their stories interlace beautifully. The action is non-stop, making it hard to put down. If you’re into sci-fi with a blend of courage, cunning, and friendship, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait to dive into the next one in the series!
Set in a high-stakes future, the story weaves together the fates of Teodor, a kidnapped prince, and Guy, a brilliant yet identity-less fighter. The plot kicks off with Teodor’s abduction by his own guards and doesn’t let up, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Guy’s struggle to gain recognition despite his skills adds a unique twist. And then there’s Karl Valvanchi, whose discovery of mysterious military tags sends him on a mission to Earth just as everything goes haywire.
The characters are well-crafted and their stories interlace beautifully. The action is non-stop, making it hard to put down. If you’re into sci-fi with a blend of courage, cunning, and friendship, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait to dive into the next one in the series!
June 29, 2026
Born of Empire, by S.A. Melia, is a science fiction thriller about power, inheritance, loyalty, and survival inside a richly imagined empire. The story follows Guy Erma, an unregistered Domeside orphan desperate to join the Dome Militant, and Prince Teodor, the young heir whose life is wrapped in politics, danger, and expectation. Around them are fashion houses, alien diplomacy, cyborg soldiers, royal secrets, and a growing sense that the empire’s polished surface is hiding something much darker.
What struck me first was the sheer density of the world. Melia throws the reader into a society that feels strange but lived-in, where military ritual sits beside high fashion, and royal ceremony can turn into a trap before anyone has time to breathe. I liked how the book doesn't treat its young characters as simple symbols. Guy is proud, hungry, reckless, and easy to root for, even when he makes bad choices. Teodor, meanwhile, carries privilege, fear, grief, and duty in a way that makes him more than just “the prince.” I think that contrast gives the story a solid emotional spine.
I also found myself thinking a lot about the author’s choices. The sci-fi thriller elements work best when the danger feels personal, not just political. The Battle Borgs, the Dome, the kidnapped prince, and the shadowy deals all add tension, but the moments that stayed with me were quieter ones, like Guy holding Teodor’s shoes and realizing what he has seen, or Marline facing the brutal limits of her own future. Those scenes give the book its bite. At times, the worldbuilding is a lot to take in, and I occasionally wanted more room to sit with one thread before another arrived. Still, there is an energy here that kept pulling me forward.
I would recommend Born of Empire to readers who enjoy science fiction thrillers with royal intrigue, political danger, young heroes under pressure, and a world that feels big enough to keep unfolding after the final page. Fans of space opera, dystopian power struggles, and stories about outsiders trying to claim a place in a rigged system will likely find a lot to enjoy here. It is ambitious, fast-moving, and full of sharp edges.
What struck me first was the sheer density of the world. Melia throws the reader into a society that feels strange but lived-in, where military ritual sits beside high fashion, and royal ceremony can turn into a trap before anyone has time to breathe. I liked how the book doesn't treat its young characters as simple symbols. Guy is proud, hungry, reckless, and easy to root for, even when he makes bad choices. Teodor, meanwhile, carries privilege, fear, grief, and duty in a way that makes him more than just “the prince.” I think that contrast gives the story a solid emotional spine.
I also found myself thinking a lot about the author’s choices. The sci-fi thriller elements work best when the danger feels personal, not just political. The Battle Borgs, the Dome, the kidnapped prince, and the shadowy deals all add tension, but the moments that stayed with me were quieter ones, like Guy holding Teodor’s shoes and realizing what he has seen, or Marline facing the brutal limits of her own future. Those scenes give the book its bite. At times, the worldbuilding is a lot to take in, and I occasionally wanted more room to sit with one thread before another arrived. Still, there is an energy here that kept pulling me forward.
I would recommend Born of Empire to readers who enjoy science fiction thrillers with royal intrigue, political danger, young heroes under pressure, and a world that feels big enough to keep unfolding after the final page. Fans of space opera, dystopian power struggles, and stories about outsiders trying to claim a place in a rigged system will likely find a lot to enjoy here. It is ambitious, fast-moving, and full of sharp edges.
June 27, 2023
Help me read more books
This one didn't do it for me.
The story wasn't bad, I just wasn't invested in the characters, and the story didn't make me want to care about them in the least. So, the main character got kidnapped. Big deal, it was pretty much foretold from page 1. There's not much interesting here, just a lot of filling out plot points that are already known. I'm not likely to read more in this series, I just couldn't drum up the energy to give a crap about the characters. The supporting characters were more interesting than the main character, and even that's not saying much.
I think part of the problem is that this is a trope that (for me) has gotten rather old. Too many books have the plot of exactly the same, or (slightly) changed for effect. Otherwise, after reading the first couple chapters, you could probably predict the rest of the book with 80 percent accuracy.
The story was ok, but it wasn't really all that entertaining for me.
This one didn't do it for me.
The story wasn't bad, I just wasn't invested in the characters, and the story didn't make me want to care about them in the least. So, the main character got kidnapped. Big deal, it was pretty much foretold from page 1. There's not much interesting here, just a lot of filling out plot points that are already known. I'm not likely to read more in this series, I just couldn't drum up the energy to give a crap about the characters. The supporting characters were more interesting than the main character, and even that's not saying much.
I think part of the problem is that this is a trope that (for me) has gotten rather old. Too many books have the plot of exactly the same, or (slightly) changed for effect. Otherwise, after reading the first couple chapters, you could probably predict the rest of the book with 80 percent accuracy.
The story was ok, but it wasn't really all that entertaining for me.
May 8, 2023
Captivating!
Despite the name, this is the first book of the Dodecahedral trilogy. A gripping sci-fi tale that elegantly fuses the Earth we know, particularly London, and pushes it to a future time, where we have alliances with aliens, cyborg’s, and Goran races (giant cats). Written in third person, it switches between the points of view of four main characters: two young boys, Guy and Teodor, Teodor’s mother, Sayginn, and Karl, a Zaracan warrior. The world is wonderfully crafted with amazing characters and the story intriguing with coverups, lies, betrayal, and political corruption. Although it has mostly clean language, there are some uncomfortable scenes that may upset some readers: kidnapping, attacks with and without weapons, and suicides (both actual and considering). Although I found the cliffhanger disappointing, I loved the advancements and I’m curious to find out what happens so I will be continuing this series.
Despite the name, this is the first book of the Dodecahedral trilogy. A gripping sci-fi tale that elegantly fuses the Earth we know, particularly London, and pushes it to a future time, where we have alliances with aliens, cyborg’s, and Goran races (giant cats). Written in third person, it switches between the points of view of four main characters: two young boys, Guy and Teodor, Teodor’s mother, Sayginn, and Karl, a Zaracan warrior. The world is wonderfully crafted with amazing characters and the story intriguing with coverups, lies, betrayal, and political corruption. Although it has mostly clean language, there are some uncomfortable scenes that may upset some readers: kidnapping, attacks with and without weapons, and suicides (both actual and considering). Although I found the cliffhanger disappointing, I loved the advancements and I’m curious to find out what happens so I will be continuing this series.
May 11, 2023
13 Born of Empire is an exciting science fiction novel that perfectly blends action, suspense, and a touch of intrigue. Written by the talented author Sally Ann Melia, this book is a roller coaster of emotions that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last.
The story is set in the distant future, when dark forces threaten to destroy humanity and throw the world into complete chaos. Then two young men come together in order to work one another to find the secrets surrounding the dark forces. They must overcome numerous obstacles and dangers on their way to victory.
The author's skilful and enveloping narrative will keep readers on edge, unable to put the book down. It must be read by science fiction fans since it will transport them to a fascinating universe full of dangers and challenges.
The story is set in the distant future, when dark forces threaten to destroy humanity and throw the world into complete chaos. Then two young men come together in order to work one another to find the secrets surrounding the dark forces. They must overcome numerous obstacles and dangers on their way to victory.
The author's skilful and enveloping narrative will keep readers on edge, unable to put the book down. It must be read by science fiction fans since it will transport them to a fascinating universe full of dangers and challenges.
May 11, 2023
13 Born of Empire by Sally Ann Melia is a fantastic action-packed sci-fi adventure. Two 13 years old, yet they may be of the same age, but their circumstances differ like the light and dark. Guy Erma is an unregistered orphan, yet he longs to join the elite Dome Militant. Teodor is the last surviving heir to the vast fortune of Earth, but he is kidnapped, and the chaos is at its peak. The story progresses as Teodor needs to break free from his captors to claim what is rightfully his and as Guy sets out to prove his worth, their paths intertwines and they band together to save humanity and their fates. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading the novel. The story is rich with well-developed characters and an equally striking plot. The action is flawless and flows along the story. The author is amazing with his words of creativity. I highly recommend this book.
May 11, 2023
13 Born of Empire is a science fiction novel written by Sally Ann Melia. The story appeals directly to sci-fi and fantasy lovers and it is addressed to teenagers. However, I must say that it is excellently written and that, I am sure, adults will enjoy it as much as I did. The plot is original and the world-building is vast and very detailed. Accompanied by an action-packed, full of suspense plot, the endearing and brave characters add more substance to the narrative making it flawless.
The two young protagonists cannot come from more different backgrounds, one rich and the other an unregistered orphan, but they will face the same life-changing dangers and challenges. Will they be able to survive and save their world?
This is the first book in the Dodecahedral series and I highly recommend it.
The two young protagonists cannot come from more different backgrounds, one rich and the other an unregistered orphan, but they will face the same life-changing dangers and challenges. Will they be able to survive and save their world?
This is the first book in the Dodecahedral series and I highly recommend it.
April 26, 2024
Born of Empire is a thrilling sci-fi novel that is somewhat reminiscent of the works of Orson Scott Card. Tedor has been trained as a leader, but when his personal guards betray him, it will take all his skill to break free. Meanwhile, Guy dreams of joining the Empire’s Star Force, but the circumstances of his birth make that unlikely. Then, there’s Karl Valvanchi, who makes a startling discovery that leads him to Earth. All of these plot elements are going to come together in an unexpected way, and when they do, there are sure to be fireworks.
This is an exciting novel that weaves together seemingly disparate plot threads in an increasingly more intricate web of intrigue, suspense, and danger. Author S.A. Melia clearly knows the sci-fi genre, and this narrative is sure to satisfy all of its biggest fans.
This is an exciting novel that weaves together seemingly disparate plot threads in an increasingly more intricate web of intrigue, suspense, and danger. Author S.A. Melia clearly knows the sci-fi genre, and this narrative is sure to satisfy all of its biggest fans.
May 2, 2024
You should read this book; it is a gripping start to a new science fiction series set in a future where Earth is on the brink of chaos. The story follows three distinct but interconnected characters: Teodor, who is trained to lead but finds himself kidnapped by his own guards; Guy, a math genius and skilled fighter who struggles with his lack of official identity; and Karl Valvanchi, a detective who discovers mysterious military tags that lead him to Earth during an important moment.
I enjoyed the narrative and the plot. I think the best thing is the character development, which is incredible. I highly recommend this book; I felt so connected with the story and also kept turning pages till I finished it. The book is a great blend of suspense and speculative fiction, making it an excellent read for fans of both genres.
I enjoyed the narrative and the plot. I think the best thing is the character development, which is incredible. I highly recommend this book; I felt so connected with the story and also kept turning pages till I finished it. The book is a great blend of suspense and speculative fiction, making it an excellent read for fans of both genres.
May 8, 2023
“13 - Born of Empire” is a great read for younger fans of science fiction. It’s a space opera for teens in which two totally different young men must fight to prove their worth. Guy is an orphan who officially doesn’t even exist. Teodor is an heir of a gigantic but imperilled empire. Unexpected events throw these two completely different characters together.
While adult readers may find plot holes in the story, I think this is a great choice for teen readers who love science fiction, fantasy, and action novels. It’s also a good introduction to science fiction and space operas for teens who enjoy stories with a lot of action. This book is the first in a series, so if your teen likes this book, the good news is that there will be more to look forward to.
While adult readers may find plot holes in the story, I think this is a great choice for teen readers who love science fiction, fantasy, and action novels. It’s also a good introduction to science fiction and space operas for teens who enjoy stories with a lot of action. This book is the first in a series, so if your teen likes this book, the good news is that there will be more to look forward to.
May 8, 2023
13 Born of Empire by Melia is the first installment in a series. The story follows a diverse cast of characters who drive the story forward, including scientists, queens, kings and ordinary citizens, as they navigate the complexities of life within a world where they have to solve puzzles. Amidst this backdrop, various conflicts and power struggles emerge and keep the story woven together.
The tale explores a variety of themes and the characters embark on daring missions, engage in epic ‘battles’, and, along the way, they confront moral dilemmas, face personal conflicts, and grapple with their own identities. All this captures readers' imagination and makes it a tale that entertains and never gets boring.
The tale explores a variety of themes and the characters embark on daring missions, engage in epic ‘battles’, and, along the way, they confront moral dilemmas, face personal conflicts, and grapple with their own identities. All this captures readers' imagination and makes it a tale that entertains and never gets boring.
May 8, 2023
A gripping sci-fi adventure that takes readers on an exhilarating journey through a complex and detailed world. '13 Born of Empire' by Sally Ann Melia is a thoroughly enjoyable read that seamlessly blends political intrigue, action, and coming-of-age themes. Melia's writing is top-notch, drawing readers in with her well-constructed plot and believable characters. The two young protagonists, Guy Erma and Teodor, are well-developed and sympathetic, making it easy to root for them as they face seemingly insurmountable challenges. The stakes are high, the pacing is tight, and the story keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Highly recommended for fans of sci-fi and adventure.
May 11, 2023
13 Born of Empire: The Last Heir and the Unregistered Orphan, A thrilling Galactic Quest for Survival by Sally Ann Melia is the first of three installments in her Dodecahedral Book Series. This is a thrilling, unexpected science fiction coming of age adventure. Our protagonists are Guy, a 13-year-old orphan, and Teodor, a 13-year-old heir to the Earth. It was great to see them come together when completely alone in the galaxy—an interesting, 12-planet one at that. The story is gripping, as it seems impossible for an adolescent orphan to keep one of the biggest targets in the galaxy alive for six years. I can’t wait to read where the series takes them!
May 11, 2023
Wow, what an enjoyable ride! I could discover a complex world where, just as I thought I understood the rules, things get turned around… multiple times before the end. This made it a hard to put down intriguing story.
This masterpiece follows Guy Erma, an orphan teenager whose greatest desire is to fight with the Dome Militant. Set in a distant future, this fiction has a bit of everything; suspense, adventure and endless action. I needed a break now and then from the excitement and tension of the novel's world of high stakes dangers.
Undoubtedly, I’ll purchase the next installments of the series since I would like to follow the characters' paths.
This masterpiece follows Guy Erma, an orphan teenager whose greatest desire is to fight with the Dome Militant. Set in a distant future, this fiction has a bit of everything; suspense, adventure and endless action. I needed a break now and then from the excitement and tension of the novel's world of high stakes dangers.
Undoubtedly, I’ll purchase the next installments of the series since I would like to follow the characters' paths.
May 11, 2023
"13 Born of Empire" is the first book in the Dodecahedral series written by Sally Ann Melia. In this science fiction book, we meet Guy Erma and Teodor, both 13 years old who must unite to overcome adversity and thus be able to save humanity. Both will live unimaginable adventures.
I bought this book for my cousin who is a fan of adventure stories and he was really impressed with the story. He couldn't stop talking about the characters and all the adventures they had lived, that's why I decided to read it myself. I loved the world building and especially the plot. I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
I bought this book for my cousin who is a fan of adventure stories and he was really impressed with the story. He couldn't stop talking about the characters and all the adventures they had lived, that's why I decided to read it myself. I loved the world building and especially the plot. I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
May 19, 2023
“13 Born of Empire” is the first volume of a trilogy called “Dodecahedral” written by Sally Ann Melia. This story captivated me from the start because it’s entertaining and enjoyable from beginning to end.
The author did a very good job creating this world and its characters. The plot is not difficult to follow but neither simple. I read it with all my attention so as not to miss any details, and I recommend reading it the same way.
This futuristic science fiction is captivating and action packed. There’s always something happening and that’s what makes the story a must read, in my opinion.
The author did a very good job creating this world and its characters. The plot is not difficult to follow but neither simple. I read it with all my attention so as not to miss any details, and I recommend reading it the same way.
This futuristic science fiction is captivating and action packed. There’s always something happening and that’s what makes the story a must read, in my opinion.
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May 24, 2023A Delight for the Space Adventist Addict!
Space adventures and alien worlds can get pretty predictable, but the grand adventure of Prince Teo and Princess Nuria is something that will reel you in with its uniqueness. I'm not going to give out any spoilers, but the start of the story with the poison pills that can kill worlds going missing was a great start into the novel about a prince coming into his own. There are plots and sub blots, shape shifters, humans, a race for resources and a galactic empire on the brink. I was on the edge of my seat from the first page until the end. I m excited to dive into the next part of the Dome empire story.
Space adventures and alien worlds can get pretty predictable, but the grand adventure of Prince Teo and Princess Nuria is something that will reel you in with its uniqueness. I'm not going to give out any spoilers, but the start of the story with the poison pills that can kill worlds going missing was a great start into the novel about a prince coming into his own. There are plots and sub blots, shape shifters, humans, a race for resources and a galactic empire on the brink. I was on the edge of my seat from the first page until the end. I m excited to dive into the next part of the Dome empire story.
May 3, 2024
The book has an imaginative setting as a thrilling sci-fi novel. The author has created an intricate plot with natural-sounding dialogues, making it easy to relate to each character and showing the readers the characters' complexities while keeping a good pace. Karl Valvanchiis a great character. He is brave but still shows his vulnerability, which makes him a very admirable character. He has good leadership qualities that you often see in military settings. The supporting characters like Nuria bring a lot of life to the story and enrich the plot. Great world-building by the author that seamlessly integrated advanced technology and everyday routine life with a very visual concept of the biological flora and fauna environments.
December 28, 2023
Intriguing adventure story
The story is a complex plot surrounding a dome of warriors to protect the Earth along with intricate politics and manipulation. Chart is currently in charge of the Dome but the queen regent disapproves of what he is trying to accomplish and wants to take it over. As a result, Teodor, the prince and the regent's son, and heir to the throne, is suddenly kidnapped. There are a number of people trying to find him and the story ends leaving us wondering where he is. I enjoyed the story and would like to find out what happened to Teo.
The story is a complex plot surrounding a dome of warriors to protect the Earth along with intricate politics and manipulation. Chart is currently in charge of the Dome but the queen regent disapproves of what he is trying to accomplish and wants to take it over. As a result, Teodor, the prince and the regent's son, and heir to the throne, is suddenly kidnapped. There are a number of people trying to find him and the story ends leaving us wondering where he is. I enjoyed the story and would like to find out what happened to Teo.
May 14, 2024
Two boys, worlds apart, fighting to survive. Their destinies intertwined. One is kidnapped, one is searching. Meet a fabulously crafted future world, where politics and death are never far away. Meet emperors and scheming politicians, queens and princes, all wanting the throne, then throw in streetwise youngsters. The sheer scale of S A Melia’s world building will hold you in thrall. This will be a great read for anyone aged ten to adult. The first of a multi part series which promises so much. If you enjoyed Dune you will love this.
February 1, 2026
Sally really excited me with this one. I’m enjoying the world building and currently on book 2.
I specifically enjoy the characters, although I have a lot of questions around the world building I’m hoping the subsequent stories in the series will help shed light on.
Totally recommend this book for sci-fi fans who appreciate the difficulties of writing a sci-fi plot. 🧡✨
I specifically enjoy the characters, although I have a lot of questions around the world building I’m hoping the subsequent stories in the series will help shed light on.
Totally recommend this book for sci-fi fans who appreciate the difficulties of writing a sci-fi plot. 🧡✨
March 29, 2024
An excellent story of a young prince who is a victim of royal intrigue
A well written story of young men caught in the royal intrigue of succession to two thrones. A very believable tale of plot and counter plot.
A well written story of young men caught in the royal intrigue of succession to two thrones. A very believable tale of plot and counter plot.
June 9, 2024
Bravo! I found Born of Empire: Dodecahedral Book 1 to be a highly captivating science-fiction thriller that combined the themes of power, political intrigue, and secret alliances. To emphasize the clash between classes there is the comparison between Prince Teodore, who is destined to become emperor of the twelve planets of Dodecahedral; and Guy Erma, an undocumented orphan from the slums of Domeside. Both boys lack fathers and, although the circumstances are different, both face futures not of their own choosing. I admired S. A. Melia’s universe with power struggles and a delicate balance between human and alien species. The cliffhanger ending left me eager to continue the series. I found Born of Empire to be a compelling coming-of-age novel which would be especially captivating for teen and tween readers.
January 30, 2025
This sci-fi series is off to an interesting start. With the exception of a few formatting and punctuation issues, book one is promising. I'm not crazy about the concept of tween so I'd like to consider this a YA book. If you don't mind reading about teenagers, give this novel a gander.
April 16, 2023
As the insurgency on Sas Darona rages on with no end, rumors abound that the natives are getting military support from the Dodecahedral Empire. Still, no one can prove this until Karl Valvanchi stumbles on irrefutable evidence. He prepares to visit the administrative center of this conglomerate of planets to present his find, but events on Earth have overtaken his mission as the heir to the throne disappears barely days before his coming of age. With the Emperor keen on who will succeed him and the regent barely maintaining her influence, expect sparks to fly as the Dome question nears in Sally Anne Melia’s 13 Born Of Empire.
The first book in the Dodecahedral series is an explosive introduction to a world of intergalactic politics. Sally Anne Melia’s storyline is expansive as she takes her time to introduce us to each of the principal players, their origin stories, and their motivations in this action and adventure offering. The characters are impressively multifaceted, exuding emotion in their conversations that immerse us completely. Her descriptions of the planets are colorful and exciting as she mixes folklore, fiction, and history to create a futuristic-sounding Earth that is as believable as impressive. Guy Erma’s struggle to attain his heart’s desire is an interesting subplot but probably not as intriguing as the gunboat diplomacy the Dodecahedral Empire attempts with the Zaracan Democratic Union. Sally Anne Melia’s 13 Born Of Empire combines elements of action, adventure, drama, and intrigue to create a science fiction fan’s dream novel.
The first book in the Dodecahedral series is an explosive introduction to a world of intergalactic politics. Sally Anne Melia’s storyline is expansive as she takes her time to introduce us to each of the principal players, their origin stories, and their motivations in this action and adventure offering. The characters are impressively multifaceted, exuding emotion in their conversations that immerse us completely. Her descriptions of the planets are colorful and exciting as she mixes folklore, fiction, and history to create a futuristic-sounding Earth that is as believable as impressive. Guy Erma’s struggle to attain his heart’s desire is an interesting subplot but probably not as intriguing as the gunboat diplomacy the Dodecahedral Empire attempts with the Zaracan Democratic Union. Sally Anne Melia’s 13 Born Of Empire combines elements of action, adventure, drama, and intrigue to create a science fiction fan’s dream novel.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews