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Echoes of Empire Book One:The Recruit: A Surveillance Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 7 Feb 26A disposable recruit. A sealed unit. A surveillance machine that does not just predict, it decides.Danny Ellis was meant to be just another intake. Trainable. Replaceable. Forgettable. Until the base deletes him.
Pulled from standard training and reassigned to a sealed Tier Two intelligence unit, Danny is drafted into CHIMERA, an AI-driven surveillance system that turns messages, movement, and money into a single threat or no threat. He is told his job is passive monitoring. Watch the feeds. Flag anomalies. Do not engage.
Then, on deployment in Kuwait, Danny catches a pattern CHIMERA labels as noise. Hours later, an unmarked drone strike hits a village that was never supposed to matter. Danny realises the truth. He is not training for operations. He is already part of one.
Back in England, the system follows him home. CCTV is sharper. Data is quieter. Control is cleaner. CHIMERA’s predictions tighten to postcode level, and then to faces. When the machine shifts its attention to Danny’s brother, the threat turns personal.
In a world of mass surveillance, black programmes, and algorithmic targeting, Danny has one choice to make. Stay inside and feed the machine, or step out and become the next flagged threat.
This is a dark, near-future techno-thriller about surveillance, moral injury, and what happens when an algorithm decides who counts.
The question isn’t whether CHIMERA is wrong. It’s whether Danny can survive proving it.For fans near-future techno-thrillers, surveillance-state fiction, military intelligence thrillers, whistleblower stories, moral-grey protagonists, drone warfare, predictive policing
Pulled from standard training and reassigned to a sealed Tier Two intelligence unit, Danny is drafted into CHIMERA, an AI-driven surveillance system that turns messages, movement, and money into a single threat or no threat. He is told his job is passive monitoring. Watch the feeds. Flag anomalies. Do not engage.
Then, on deployment in Kuwait, Danny catches a pattern CHIMERA labels as noise. Hours later, an unmarked drone strike hits a village that was never supposed to matter. Danny realises the truth. He is not training for operations. He is already part of one.
Back in England, the system follows him home. CCTV is sharper. Data is quieter. Control is cleaner. CHIMERA’s predictions tighten to postcode level, and then to faces. When the machine shifts its attention to Danny’s brother, the threat turns personal.
In a world of mass surveillance, black programmes, and algorithmic targeting, Danny has one choice to make. Stay inside and feed the machine, or step out and become the next flagged threat.
This is a dark, near-future techno-thriller about surveillance, moral injury, and what happens when an algorithm decides who counts.
The question isn’t whether CHIMERA is wrong. It’s whether Danny can survive proving it.For fans near-future techno-thrillers, surveillance-state fiction, military intelligence thrillers, whistleblower stories, moral-grey protagonists, drone warfare, predictive policing
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 7, 2026
About the author
R J Greyta
2 books5 followersRJ Greyta is a UK-based author who writes slow-burn romances inspired by K-dramas, cultural connection, and emotionally driven storytelling. A dyslexic author with ADHD, RJ believes that stories don’t have to be perfect to be powerful—only honest.
His debut novel, The Mochi Promise, blends first love, second chances, and cross-cultural romance, following a British boy and a Korean girl whose bond grows through friendship, kindness, and quiet devotion. With themes of belonging, neurodiversity, and resilience, RJ’s work celebrates characters who feel a little out of place but find home in each other.
When not writing, RJ enjoys K-dramas, exploring different cultures, and connecting with readers who appreciate heartfelt romance, gentle pacing, and stories that reflect real emotions.
His debut novel, The Mochi Promise, blends first love, second chances, and cross-cultural romance, following a British boy and a Korean girl whose bond grows through friendship, kindness, and quiet devotion. With themes of belonging, neurodiversity, and resilience, RJ’s work celebrates characters who feel a little out of place but find home in each other.
When not writing, RJ enjoys K-dramas, exploring different cultures, and connecting with readers who appreciate heartfelt romance, gentle pacing, and stories that reflect real emotions.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 21, 2026
Echoes of Empire : The Recruit by RJ Greyta is an amazing sci-fi thriller that I couldn’t put down. The character growth was incredible and kept me turning pages. The pacing was great and the ending left me needing more. I’m so excited to see where Greyta takes these books! I don’t normally read thrillers but I’m so glad I read this one. Thank you so much RJ Greyta for the opportunity to read and review this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
‘I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.’ Echoes of Empire: The Recruit kicks off with the kind of energy that makes you immediately invested in its world and characters. From the first chapter, you can tell this story isn’t just another sci‑fi adventure — it’s a gritty, character‑driven journey into loyalty, identity, and what it means to rise above the expectations others place on you.
The Recruit introduces us to a protagonist whose life is changed in an instant — ripped from the ordinary and thrust into a larger, dangerous world where every choice carries weight. Struggle, training, and political tension fill the pages, but what makes this book stand out is how personally grounded it feels. The stakes are galactic, but the emotions are relatable: fear of failure, the exhilaration of first victories, the ache of loss, and the slow shaping of who you’re meant to be.
Greyta does a great job of balancing action with character growth. The training sequences don’t drag, and the conflicts — both internal and external — are paced in a way that keeps momentum up without losing depth. Supporting characters bring heart, humor, rivalry, and mystery, ensuring you’re not just watching the protagonist grow but learning with them.
Worldbuilding is a high point. The political structures, military challenges, and hints of a larger imperial threat are intriguing without being overwhelming. The universe feels alive — full of corners yet to be explored, and secrets that promise bigger twists ahead.
Overall, The Recruit is an engaging start to a sci‑fi series that offers adventure, emotional depth, and compelling character arcs. It’s perfect for fans of action‑packed speculative fiction with a strong central journey and the promise of much more to come.
Highly recommended for readers who love sci‑fi with heart, training arcs, and world‑building that keeps you coming back for the next book.
The Recruit introduces us to a protagonist whose life is changed in an instant — ripped from the ordinary and thrust into a larger, dangerous world where every choice carries weight. Struggle, training, and political tension fill the pages, but what makes this book stand out is how personally grounded it feels. The stakes are galactic, but the emotions are relatable: fear of failure, the exhilaration of first victories, the ache of loss, and the slow shaping of who you’re meant to be.
Greyta does a great job of balancing action with character growth. The training sequences don’t drag, and the conflicts — both internal and external — are paced in a way that keeps momentum up without losing depth. Supporting characters bring heart, humor, rivalry, and mystery, ensuring you’re not just watching the protagonist grow but learning with them.
Worldbuilding is a high point. The political structures, military challenges, and hints of a larger imperial threat are intriguing without being overwhelming. The universe feels alive — full of corners yet to be explored, and secrets that promise bigger twists ahead.
Overall, The Recruit is an engaging start to a sci‑fi series that offers adventure, emotional depth, and compelling character arcs. It’s perfect for fans of action‑packed speculative fiction with a strong central journey and the promise of much more to come.
Highly recommended for readers who love sci‑fi with heart, training arcs, and world‑building that keeps you coming back for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this as a ARC copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-Read Sci-Fi Thriller!
Echoes of Empire: The Recruit by Greyta is an electrifying debut that grabs you from the very first page and never lets go. From its intricately built universe to its unforgettable characters and pulse-pounding twists, this book delivers everything a fan of science fiction and action could hope for — and more.
Greyta masterfully blends high-stakes adventure with emotional depth, creating a story that is as thoughtful as it is thrilling. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a complex political landscape that feels vividly real. The protagonist’s journey is compelling and heartfelt, drawing you into personal battles just as much as the cosmic ones.
What truly sets this novel apart is the way it balances explosive action with clever plotting and well-paced reveals. Each chapter leaves you eager for the next, making it incredibly hard to put down.
Whether you’re a long-time sci-fi fan or a newcomer to the genre, Echoes of Empire: The Recruit is a must-read — one that will stay with you long after the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Must-Read Sci-Fi Thriller!
Echoes of Empire: The Recruit by Greyta is an electrifying debut that grabs you from the very first page and never lets go. From its intricately built universe to its unforgettable characters and pulse-pounding twists, this book delivers everything a fan of science fiction and action could hope for — and more.
Greyta masterfully blends high-stakes adventure with emotional depth, creating a story that is as thoughtful as it is thrilling. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a complex political landscape that feels vividly real. The protagonist’s journey is compelling and heartfelt, drawing you into personal battles just as much as the cosmic ones.
What truly sets this novel apart is the way it balances explosive action with clever plotting and well-paced reveals. Each chapter leaves you eager for the next, making it incredibly hard to put down.
Whether you’re a long-time sci-fi fan or a newcomer to the genre, Echoes of Empire: The Recruit is a must-read — one that will stay with you long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Echoes of Empire completely pulled me in from the very first chapters and never let go.
This book is gripping, smart, and emotionally grounded. Danny is a fascinating protagonist — clearly brilliant, especially when it comes to code and problem-solving, yet still carrying very real struggles that make him feel human rather than untouchable. That balance is handled incredibly well.
One of the standout strengths of this story is how the author portrays life on a UK council estate. It’s raw and honest without ever falling into stereotype. The environment shapes Danny, but it doesn’t define him — and that nuance adds so much depth to both the character and the story.
The pacing kept me compelled throughout, and the tension builds in a way that feels natural rather than forced. You can really feel this is just the beginning of a much bigger journey.
I finished this book already desperate for more. I genuinely cannot wait to read book 2 and book 3 in the series.
If you enjoy intelligent thrillers with strong character development and an authentic UK voice, Echoes of Empire is absolutely worth your time.
Echoes of Empire completely pulled me in from the very first chapters and never let go.
This book is gripping, smart, and emotionally grounded. Danny is a fascinating protagonist — clearly brilliant, especially when it comes to code and problem-solving, yet still carrying very real struggles that make him feel human rather than untouchable. That balance is handled incredibly well.
One of the standout strengths of this story is how the author portrays life on a UK council estate. It’s raw and honest without ever falling into stereotype. The environment shapes Danny, but it doesn’t define him — and that nuance adds so much depth to both the character and the story.
The pacing kept me compelled throughout, and the tension builds in a way that feels natural rather than forced. You can really feel this is just the beginning of a much bigger journey.
I finished this book already desperate for more. I genuinely cannot wait to read book 2 and book 3 in the series.
If you enjoy intelligent thrillers with strong character development and an authentic UK voice, Echoes of Empire is absolutely worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review Echoes of Empire: The Recruit by RJ Greyta is an outstanding start to what promises to be an incredible series. Greyta takes AI and presents it in a way that feels exciting, intelligent, and genuinely inspiring, showing just how powerful and impactful it can be when used for good.
The story is gripping from the start, blending technology, intelligence, and character-driven storytelling seamlessly. The main character’s journey is compelling, and the way AI is woven into the narrative feels natural rather than forced, adding depth and realism to the plot.
This book is smart, engaging, and refreshingly modern. If you enjoy tech-driven thrillers with heart and substance, this is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
The story is gripping from the start, blending technology, intelligence, and character-driven storytelling seamlessly. The main character’s journey is compelling, and the way AI is woven into the narrative feels natural rather than forced, adding depth and realism to the plot.
This book is smart, engaging, and refreshingly modern. If you enjoy tech-driven thrillers with heart and substance, this is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews