What do you think?
Rate this book
The Shards of the Conduit: Book 1 of Eiden Ascendant
As a soldier’s drive to control his destiny collides with a peacekeeper’s resolve, their choices could ignite a war—or save two worlds.
Commander Malek Reza leads an elite strike team across the reaches of their world in search of ancient shards—fragments of a long-lost device with the power to create or annihilate entire civilizations. Tasked with retrieving them before a ruthless enemy does, Malek knows the mission is more than a tactical operation. It’s a race against extinction.
But Malek harbors a dangerous anomalous abilities that defy physics and explanation. If the truth surfaces, it could cost him everything, including the fragile unity of his crew... And one of them already knows too much.
Nikita didn’t volunteer for war, but she refuses to be silent in the face of it. Determined to keep her expertise from becoming a weapon, she challenges every decision that edges them closer to catastrophe...even if it means putting herself in Malek’s crosshairs. Her relentless questioning forces Malek to confront the true nature of himself and their mission, forcing them to navigate the treacherous path between duty and morality.
As the team closes in on the shards, the line between savior and perpetrator begins to blur, forcing them all to confront a haunting on the planet Eiden, where survival is at stake, what justifies the right of any species to endure—and at what cost?
Commander Malek Reza leads an elite strike team across the reaches of their world in search of ancient shards—fragments of a long-lost device with the power to create or annihilate entire civilizations. Tasked with retrieving them before a ruthless enemy does, Malek knows the mission is more than a tactical operation. It’s a race against extinction.
But Malek harbors a dangerous anomalous abilities that defy physics and explanation. If the truth surfaces, it could cost him everything, including the fragile unity of his crew... And one of them already knows too much.
Nikita didn’t volunteer for war, but she refuses to be silent in the face of it. Determined to keep her expertise from becoming a weapon, she challenges every decision that edges them closer to catastrophe...even if it means putting herself in Malek’s crosshairs. Her relentless questioning forces Malek to confront the true nature of himself and their mission, forcing them to navigate the treacherous path between duty and morality.
As the team closes in on the shards, the line between savior and perpetrator begins to blur, forcing them all to confront a haunting on the planet Eiden, where survival is at stake, what justifies the right of any species to endure—and at what cost?
- GenresScience Fiction
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2026
5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book and the military intrigue, the elemental aspects and the banter between the squad was awesome!
I adore Bastion and he is such an incredible character throughout this book!
I did feel a little lost at times, and felt the world building was a little incomplete but having POC FMC and MMC and they don't get together was awesome.
Thoroughly enjoyed what Sarah has done with this first book and I cannot wait to read more of this series! 🫶🏻
I adore Bastion and he is such an incredible character throughout this book!
I did feel a little lost at times, and felt the world building was a little incomplete but having POC FMC and MMC and they don't get together was awesome.
Thoroughly enjoyed what Sarah has done with this first book and I cannot wait to read more of this series! 🫶🏻
January 13, 2026
Shards of the Conduit pulled me in immediately! Sci-fi isn’t usually a genre I reach for, but this book completely won me over, especially through its immersive and thoughtfully constructed worldbuilding.
The world feels expansive, original, and refreshing compared to much of what I normally read. The elemental system and the larger political and scientific layers behind it were especially engaging, and I found myself wanting to learn more about how everything works.
The characters were another strong point. The team dynamic and dialogue added so much life to the story, and while I enjoyed both main POVs, Bastian was easily my favorite character. I was hooked immediately, and I was left wanting more of him!
Overall, this was a compelling, well-built story that kept me invested from start to finish. I’m really looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
The world feels expansive, original, and refreshing compared to much of what I normally read. The elemental system and the larger political and scientific layers behind it were especially engaging, and I found myself wanting to learn more about how everything works.
The characters were another strong point. The team dynamic and dialogue added so much life to the story, and while I enjoyed both main POVs, Bastian was easily my favorite character. I was hooked immediately, and I was left wanting more of him!
Overall, this was a compelling, well-built story that kept me invested from start to finish. I’m really looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.
Read
January 20, 2026Shards of the Conduit is now my favorite sci-fi book hands down.
I love the two main POV characters.
Malek is so mysterious and hard edged. I love the challenge put on his shoulders and how he struggles under the weight of everything up against him.
And Nikita is so brainy and unsure of the crazy situation that she has gotten herself into. Civilian professor thrown into a top secret government strike team. Love it
Not to mention the rest of the team is fantastic. The different personalities all forced together and the chaos that ensues.
I can’t get over the world building of Eiden. The clashing factions and the Elemnai… oh the Elemnai are so cool. I want to know so much more about their powers and abilities. The science behind those powers is well thought out and a unique spin on elemental attributes.
Can’t wait for book two.
I love the two main POV characters.
Malek is so mysterious and hard edged. I love the challenge put on his shoulders and how he struggles under the weight of everything up against him.
And Nikita is so brainy and unsure of the crazy situation that she has gotten herself into. Civilian professor thrown into a top secret government strike team. Love it
Not to mention the rest of the team is fantastic. The different personalities all forced together and the chaos that ensues.
I can’t get over the world building of Eiden. The clashing factions and the Elemnai… oh the Elemnai are so cool. I want to know so much more about their powers and abilities. The science behind those powers is well thought out and a unique spin on elemental attributes.
Can’t wait for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is actually 4 1/2 stars, but Goodreads hasn't given us half stars, so I rounded it up cause the story deserves it. My review:
A discovery leads Malek and his team across their world in search of ancient shards, parts of an ancient machine that might be a weapon of mass destruction, or the opposite. They must not let it fall into the hands of the enemy, the Elemnai. Added to the team is Nikita because of her Elemnai expertise, but she doesn't want to be there, though she wants war even less. Malek possesses a secret, unknown ability that may endanger their race to stay ahead of the game. Their survival. And are the Shards of the Conduit a blessing or a curse?
The book jumps right into the action, the middle of a mission to be exact and WTF is going on mode. You might feel a little lost, but it's the good, exciting 'I want to learn everything' kind of lost. Malek is our compass. You will quickly get comfortable with the fast pace thanks to the image-inducing descriptions that spark the imagination. Presenting details which pinpoint our attention to exactly where it is needed, the scenes come alive. An inviting preciseness colors the writing. There were points where the prose purred and others where it revved up, consistently powerful and captivating.
The mystery of Malek's secret, of what he can do, is hinted from the start. He is a soldier through and through, duty-bound and solemn to the point of grumpiness in the pursuit of that duty. He is afraid of his ability, whatever it is, and it being discovered. Nikita is intelligent, quite educated and loves to share her knowledge. Used to having to prove herself and open-minded to the possibility of living harmoniously with the Elemnai. The others are less enthusiastic about the possibility. She questions everything and the commander doesn't like to be questioned, therefore headbutting ensues.
This author can really spin a story, info blending organically in the narrative, the building of this world and these characters done in a way to be admired. Each POV feels personal, yet all-encompassing, especially when the team is taking the initiative, making you forget whose POV it is. It is masterful how it becomes the whole group's POV. Theory upon theory will form in your mind as the story progresses, its unspooling done wonderfully, as we accumulate more reveals, clues to mysteries and some answers. Creative uses of abilities account for some of the coolest fights I've read lately, plus the writing instills in you the sense of adventure, of discovery.
I immensely enjoyed the mystery of Bastion, not seen but heard, like Charlie in Charlie's Angels. I had a theory about him from the beginning. I literally pumped my fist in the air when my theory was correct and whooped. The whole team is likeable but Bastion has a special place in my heart. Each character has an interesting, distinct voice and role to play. The team-building isn't all champagne and roses from the beginning. Nevertheless, you feel the foundation of a found family taking root. There is respect. There is banter. There are humorous, even laugh-out-loud, actions and retorts — with Vivica being the undeniable leader. This team soars when it takes action and so does the storyline.
There were points where thoughts/mentions of the past appear in the middle of paragraphs that are action-oriented or in/at the end of a character's musings, and I would have preferred they were their own paragraphs. In my opinion, they would have been more impactful that way and their timing wouldn't have felt a little off. That has nothing to do with the thrill-packed paragraphs. Kudos to the author for making them long. The preference to two sentence paragraphs that some authors have now just cut the flow and make the scenes choppy. S.N. Yusuf understands the assignment. I will admit though, that I did get confused in parts. Did not diminish my love for these energetic scenes.
The book deals with war and the morality merry-go-round that goes with it. What humanity means, not the species but the act of being humane. It is about checking your prejudices at the door and acceptance, of others and yourself. People can make you better or worse, so choose wisely.
"I'll try to understand the world a little better the next time I save it" is the quote that envelops the beauty of this story's ethos.
Dangerous secrets and power games paint this superior mix of sci-fi and fantasy. Heart-wrenching but also heartwarming, I admit I teared up at some point. Okay, the truth is I sobbed. I absolutely adored this first installment in the Eiden Ascendant series and cannot wait for the next one.
A discovery leads Malek and his team across their world in search of ancient shards, parts of an ancient machine that might be a weapon of mass destruction, or the opposite. They must not let it fall into the hands of the enemy, the Elemnai. Added to the team is Nikita because of her Elemnai expertise, but she doesn't want to be there, though she wants war even less. Malek possesses a secret, unknown ability that may endanger their race to stay ahead of the game. Their survival. And are the Shards of the Conduit a blessing or a curse?
The book jumps right into the action, the middle of a mission to be exact and WTF is going on mode. You might feel a little lost, but it's the good, exciting 'I want to learn everything' kind of lost. Malek is our compass. You will quickly get comfortable with the fast pace thanks to the image-inducing descriptions that spark the imagination. Presenting details which pinpoint our attention to exactly where it is needed, the scenes come alive. An inviting preciseness colors the writing. There were points where the prose purred and others where it revved up, consistently powerful and captivating.
The mystery of Malek's secret, of what he can do, is hinted from the start. He is a soldier through and through, duty-bound and solemn to the point of grumpiness in the pursuit of that duty. He is afraid of his ability, whatever it is, and it being discovered. Nikita is intelligent, quite educated and loves to share her knowledge. Used to having to prove herself and open-minded to the possibility of living harmoniously with the Elemnai. The others are less enthusiastic about the possibility. She questions everything and the commander doesn't like to be questioned, therefore headbutting ensues.
This author can really spin a story, info blending organically in the narrative, the building of this world and these characters done in a way to be admired. Each POV feels personal, yet all-encompassing, especially when the team is taking the initiative, making you forget whose POV it is. It is masterful how it becomes the whole group's POV. Theory upon theory will form in your mind as the story progresses, its unspooling done wonderfully, as we accumulate more reveals, clues to mysteries and some answers. Creative uses of abilities account for some of the coolest fights I've read lately, plus the writing instills in you the sense of adventure, of discovery.
I immensely enjoyed the mystery of Bastion, not seen but heard, like Charlie in Charlie's Angels. I had a theory about him from the beginning. I literally pumped my fist in the air when my theory was correct and whooped. The whole team is likeable but Bastion has a special place in my heart. Each character has an interesting, distinct voice and role to play. The team-building isn't all champagne and roses from the beginning. Nevertheless, you feel the foundation of a found family taking root. There is respect. There is banter. There are humorous, even laugh-out-loud, actions and retorts — with Vivica being the undeniable leader. This team soars when it takes action and so does the storyline.
There were points where thoughts/mentions of the past appear in the middle of paragraphs that are action-oriented or in/at the end of a character's musings, and I would have preferred they were their own paragraphs. In my opinion, they would have been more impactful that way and their timing wouldn't have felt a little off. That has nothing to do with the thrill-packed paragraphs. Kudos to the author for making them long. The preference to two sentence paragraphs that some authors have now just cut the flow and make the scenes choppy. S.N. Yusuf understands the assignment. I will admit though, that I did get confused in parts. Did not diminish my love for these energetic scenes.
The book deals with war and the morality merry-go-round that goes with it. What humanity means, not the species but the act of being humane. It is about checking your prejudices at the door and acceptance, of others and yourself. People can make you better or worse, so choose wisely.
"I'll try to understand the world a little better the next time I save it" is the quote that envelops the beauty of this story's ethos.
Dangerous secrets and power games paint this superior mix of sci-fi and fantasy. Heart-wrenching but also heartwarming, I admit I teared up at some point. Okay, the truth is I sobbed. I absolutely adored this first installment in the Eiden Ascendant series and cannot wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading The Shards of the Conduit feels like coming home. It is the highest praise that I can give to a rare few books which not only captivate my mind, but fill my heart. This is a book that I could curl up with at any time of day and find myself fully immersed - not because it is detached from reality, because it is grounded in it. Sarah Yusuf weaves art with her words and unapologetically illustrates the truths that are often hidden in the world around us. Her characters are real, raw, wounded, and flawed - perfectly relatable in their earnest and tortured efforts to survive. In short, Yusuf has written exactly the book that I find myself in need of and The Shards of the Conduit will forever hold a special place in my heart. She has authored a book that feels far more refined than a debut: indie, traditional, or otherwise. Hitting all the best emotional beats along an intriguing plot, with the technical skill to back it up, Sarah Yusuf is an author that you need to watch.
The Shards of the Conduit is a fast paced military sci-fi set in a post apocalyptic solarpunk world. It checks one of my favorite (and extremely rare) boxes for sci-fi these days: it doesn’t take place in space. (And y’all THERE ARE SWORDS!!!) That means we hit the ground running and never look back. Our MC Malek dives straight into a harrowing military operation that beautifully sets the tone and the plot for the rest of the book. In a matter of pages, he cemented his place as one of my favorite characters to ever exist in literature. He’s desperate not to stand out, yet he just can’t seem to follow orders when he knows they aren’t right. He puts himself in harm’s way to help people even in impossible situations. And yes, he is a sad boy - struggling with his own warring goals and morals every step of the way as he tries to hide a secret that has a knack for clawing its way out whether he wants it to or not.
From the thrilling opening chapter, we have the joy of being introduced to the world from another perspective. While Malek is a military officer desperate to stay alive and maintain the semblance of agency he has in life, Nikita is in many ways Malek’s foil. She thrives in adventure and nourishes an ever optimistic curiosity that drives her research forward. Yes, you read that right, she’s an academic!! I’m undeniably biased in my excitement towards seeing an academic get one of the leading roles in a sci-fi book. And Nikita doesn’t disappoint. Even when grouped with a fully military squad, she holds her own. She displays the true power of knowledge and uses it to fight for peace. While Nikita has plenty to learn herself, she undeniably shapes those around her. As with all the best rag-tag teams, these characters push each other to grow into something better, with viewpoints more complete.
While Malek and Nikita are plenty strong enough to carry the book on their own, their squad is composed of six lovable characters - all with their own stories and struggles to explore. The Shards of the Conduit also features rich world building, powers rooted in and explained by science, and mysteries that unfold with every turn of the page.
Yusuf sets the stakes high and sets them early. She doesn’t pull her punches in the threats that face these characters, nor the messages that she seamlessly crafts throughout her story. I couldn’t be more excited to see where this story goes in the next installment and you can be sure that I’ll be supporting it every step of the way!
The Shards of the Conduit is a fast paced military sci-fi set in a post apocalyptic solarpunk world. It checks one of my favorite (and extremely rare) boxes for sci-fi these days: it doesn’t take place in space. (And y’all THERE ARE SWORDS!!!) That means we hit the ground running and never look back. Our MC Malek dives straight into a harrowing military operation that beautifully sets the tone and the plot for the rest of the book. In a matter of pages, he cemented his place as one of my favorite characters to ever exist in literature. He’s desperate not to stand out, yet he just can’t seem to follow orders when he knows they aren’t right. He puts himself in harm’s way to help people even in impossible situations. And yes, he is a sad boy - struggling with his own warring goals and morals every step of the way as he tries to hide a secret that has a knack for clawing its way out whether he wants it to or not.
From the thrilling opening chapter, we have the joy of being introduced to the world from another perspective. While Malek is a military officer desperate to stay alive and maintain the semblance of agency he has in life, Nikita is in many ways Malek’s foil. She thrives in adventure and nourishes an ever optimistic curiosity that drives her research forward. Yes, you read that right, she’s an academic!! I’m undeniably biased in my excitement towards seeing an academic get one of the leading roles in a sci-fi book. And Nikita doesn’t disappoint. Even when grouped with a fully military squad, she holds her own. She displays the true power of knowledge and uses it to fight for peace. While Nikita has plenty to learn herself, she undeniably shapes those around her. As with all the best rag-tag teams, these characters push each other to grow into something better, with viewpoints more complete.
While Malek and Nikita are plenty strong enough to carry the book on their own, their squad is composed of six lovable characters - all with their own stories and struggles to explore. The Shards of the Conduit also features rich world building, powers rooted in and explained by science, and mysteries that unfold with every turn of the page.
Yusuf sets the stakes high and sets them early. She doesn’t pull her punches in the threats that face these characters, nor the messages that she seamlessly crafts throughout her story. I couldn’t be more excited to see where this story goes in the next installment and you can be sure that I’ll be supporting it every step of the way!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the honor of receiving S.o.t.C as an advanced reader copy.
This is not my typical genre, and yet I very much enjoyed it.
The beginning of this book is fantastic and immediately pulled me in. It did take a moment to figure out what was happening, but the scene is exciting, well set, action-packed, and really fun to follow.
The world the author created feels real. The details, the creativity, and the thought that went into it are evident (one of my favorite elements by far being the cellbike!!!).
I loved the Elemnai. Their creation and the different factions added a unique feel to this world that gave it a fantasy vibe I personally really liked, and I’m really excited to discover more about them as the story continues.
Both MC’s, Malek and Nikita, are characters I easily connected with, each with their own relatable struggles, weaknesses, and strengths.
The story is well paced, there are lots of fun, suspenseful fight scenes that don’t feel repetitive or overly complicated. Overall, this is an amazing debut, and if you’re taken away by Sarah’s writing, you have yet to see her art!
Favorite quotes:
“That fear is for the brave. It means you stood there and looked fear in the eye. Only cowards look away.” – Bastion
“They say that time heals all scars, but some scars never disappear. They just become who you are.” – Vivika
This is not my typical genre, and yet I very much enjoyed it.
The beginning of this book is fantastic and immediately pulled me in. It did take a moment to figure out what was happening, but the scene is exciting, well set, action-packed, and really fun to follow.
The world the author created feels real. The details, the creativity, and the thought that went into it are evident (one of my favorite elements by far being the cellbike!!!).
I loved the Elemnai. Their creation and the different factions added a unique feel to this world that gave it a fantasy vibe I personally really liked, and I’m really excited to discover more about them as the story continues.
Both MC’s, Malek and Nikita, are characters I easily connected with, each with their own relatable struggles, weaknesses, and strengths.
The story is well paced, there are lots of fun, suspenseful fight scenes that don’t feel repetitive or overly complicated. Overall, this is an amazing debut, and if you’re taken away by Sarah’s writing, you have yet to see her art!
Favorite quotes:
“That fear is for the brave. It means you stood there and looked fear in the eye. Only cowards look away.” – Bastion
“They say that time heals all scars, but some scars never disappear. They just become who you are.” – Vivika
Review of advance copy received from Author
Military sci-fi is not usually my favorite subgenre, but this one was so full of heart! Each member of the team stood out in unique ways, and our POV characters, Malek and Nikita, were each compelling and very distinct.
Malek, the commander with a dangerous secret, has fascinating lore. He truly cares about his team, too, and I desperately want to know more about him and where he goes next!
Nikita is a researcher brought onto the team for her expertise in one VERY specific area. She's a fish out of water among military personnel at first, but watching her grow with the team was awesome!
Really, for me, the characters are the absolute standout with this novel. But the plot is high-stakes and fascinating in its own right. The world, with its different human societies and the powerful Elemnai, is also super cool, though I did sometimes get lost in the details and conflicts between the various human factions. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who loves sci-fi with heart, especially post-apocalyptic/not set in space. There's a perfect dash of romance, shocking twists and turns, and delightful side characters (have I mentioned Bastion? I NEED more of Bastion). Get ready to fall in love with Yusuf's story. And when you do, her stunning self-made character art will be waiting for you on Instagram!
Malek, the commander with a dangerous secret, has fascinating lore. He truly cares about his team, too, and I desperately want to know more about him and where he goes next!
Nikita is a researcher brought onto the team for her expertise in one VERY specific area. She's a fish out of water among military personnel at first, but watching her grow with the team was awesome!
Really, for me, the characters are the absolute standout with this novel. But the plot is high-stakes and fascinating in its own right. The world, with its different human societies and the powerful Elemnai, is also super cool, though I did sometimes get lost in the details and conflicts between the various human factions. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who loves sci-fi with heart, especially post-apocalyptic/not set in space. There's a perfect dash of romance, shocking twists and turns, and delightful side characters (have I mentioned Bastion? I NEED more of Bastion). Get ready to fall in love with Yusuf's story. And when you do, her stunning self-made character art will be waiting for you on Instagram!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yusuf’s Instagram art is what led me to Shards of the Conduit, and I’m happy to report that the book is as epic as the art!
SotC follows Commander Malek Reza and Dr. Nikita Valerio as they seek to retrieve the shards of an ancient tool, one which they think humanity’s enemies, the Elenmai, plan to use as a weapon. Along the way, they’re forced to confront the real reasons for the divide between the human and Elenmai—and whether those reasons exist at all.
Malek was a standout POV character, with a dark past that I desperately hope he’ll escape in the next installment. Nikita, though she started out as naive, was tested and grew over the course of this book, and I’m excited to see how she develops in future books!
The world was expansive, with a broad scope, though at times I lost track of the various human factions. This may just be because I don't typically read military fiction, though, and I look forward to learning more about them in the future.
My favorite character, by far, was Bastion. The mystery surrounding him reeled me in, and I really hope to watch his story continue in Book 2! Maybe with a certain scientist…
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
SotC follows Commander Malek Reza and Dr. Nikita Valerio as they seek to retrieve the shards of an ancient tool, one which they think humanity’s enemies, the Elenmai, plan to use as a weapon. Along the way, they’re forced to confront the real reasons for the divide between the human and Elenmai—and whether those reasons exist at all.
Malek was a standout POV character, with a dark past that I desperately hope he’ll escape in the next installment. Nikita, though she started out as naive, was tested and grew over the course of this book, and I’m excited to see how she develops in future books!
The world was expansive, with a broad scope, though at times I lost track of the various human factions. This may just be because I don't typically read military fiction, though, and I look forward to learning more about them in the future.
My favorite character, by far, was Bastion. The mystery surrounding him reeled me in, and I really hope to watch his story continue in Book 2! Maybe with a certain scientist…
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
January 16, 2026
This is, no doubt, one of the best books I’ve read in recent years!
Not knowing what to expect, the writing, setting, characters and action drew me in almost instantly. I wanted to keep reading, peeking into the minds of the two main characters, Nikita and Malek, and learning more about the elusive Elemnai race. It's hard to choose a favorite! Gene, Kei, Bastion... I loved them all for different reasons. They are written to perfection.
The story is full of found family, survival, secrets, history and holds an important nod to the origin of the war against the Elemnai.
For fans of military sci fi such as myself, the military writing blew me away. Mil Sci fi is difficult territory for a female author but, in this occasion, Sarah Yusuf has nailed it.
Finally, I’m a fan of hard sci fi too. Despite that, the fantasy and magical elements didn’t throw me off. It was well written and rounded and none of the magic felt excessive! Strong, yes. But there was a lot more science and solid realism in the book.
I can’t recommend it enough for fans of character-driven stories, with quest vibes within a miltary organization that perhaps hides a secret or two.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait long for book 2!
Not knowing what to expect, the writing, setting, characters and action drew me in almost instantly. I wanted to keep reading, peeking into the minds of the two main characters, Nikita and Malek, and learning more about the elusive Elemnai race. It's hard to choose a favorite! Gene, Kei, Bastion... I loved them all for different reasons. They are written to perfection.
The story is full of found family, survival, secrets, history and holds an important nod to the origin of the war against the Elemnai.
For fans of military sci fi such as myself, the military writing blew me away. Mil Sci fi is difficult territory for a female author but, in this occasion, Sarah Yusuf has nailed it.
Finally, I’m a fan of hard sci fi too. Despite that, the fantasy and magical elements didn’t throw me off. It was well written and rounded and none of the magic felt excessive! Strong, yes. But there was a lot more science and solid realism in the book.
I can’t recommend it enough for fans of character-driven stories, with quest vibes within a miltary organization that perhaps hides a secret or two.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait long for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First the cons. Overuse of pseudo-swear words, frag and slag. Some segments could use a judicious editing for the sake of moving the story along without losing context.
Other than those very minor objections, the story concept shows promise as it has more than a few very intriguing unexplained sub-plots / back stories. To be filled in by future editions?
The action sequences had a sense of realism not usually found in many SiFi stories today.
All in all, would highly recommend it.
P. S. Surprised no afterward from the author regarding contact info, upcoming books, other series / books, etc
Other than those very minor objections, the story concept shows promise as it has more than a few very intriguing unexplained sub-plots / back stories. To be filled in by future editions?
The action sequences had a sense of realism not usually found in many SiFi stories today.
All in all, would highly recommend it.
P. S. Surprised no afterward from the author regarding contact info, upcoming books, other series / books, etc
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was immediately immersed in the characters and the worldbuilding, S.N. Yusuf's writing leaves the mind filled with wonder and wanting more.
You'll finish a chapter and just HAVE to get to the next one!
The Fireborne really draw me into this book and the dialogue between Malek and his team is filled with witty banter in amongst the storyline. I lost count how many times I laughed at loud.
I absolutely cannot wait for more from S.N Yusuf, she is definitely an author to watch!
You'll finish a chapter and just HAVE to get to the next one!
The Fireborne really draw me into this book and the dialogue between Malek and his team is filled with witty banter in amongst the storyline. I lost count how many times I laughed at loud.
I absolutely cannot wait for more from S.N Yusuf, she is definitely an author to watch!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story instantly captures your attention. Right from the first chapter you are left with wanting to find out more! What I loved about this book is that it is both sci-fi and fantasy. The author has created a world with a wide range of characters where it does not matter who the reader is, you will find a character that you love and can relate to! After reading this book I missed the characters and the world that was created and I am so excited to read the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Shards of the Conduit was a joy to read. I rooted for the main characters from page one. They are compelling and well developed. Lots of fun banter, an unusual setting, and awesome plot twists.
Bastion is my favourite secondary character! I hope we'll see more of him in the upcoming books.
Also have you seen this author's artwork? It's stunning!
Looking forward to Book Two!
Bastion is my favourite secondary character! I hope we'll see more of him in the upcoming books.
Also have you seen this author's artwork? It's stunning!
Looking forward to Book Two!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews