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The Silent Drums of War
Love, Loss, and Loyalty …
Lose yourself in this epic saga
Commander Rax never questions the War. He trains boys to be soldiers,
then ships them off-world to fight an enemy no one has ever seen.
Princess Amarilla lost her world, her people, her parents, and the boy
she loved in one brutal day. Seeking sanctuary with a warrior race,
Rilla must learn how to be the fierce queen her people need.
No one is safe from the Mad Emperor. An unstoppable force, his
bloodthirsty troops sweep across the galaxy, killing and enslaving all.
The Silent Drums of War is a story of arranged marriages, political
alliances, and solidarity against an unknown deadly foe.
“We must be prepared to do our duty, for the drums of war
are sounding, and we must heed their call.”
Lose yourself in this epic saga
Commander Rax never questions the War. He trains boys to be soldiers,
then ships them off-world to fight an enemy no one has ever seen.
Princess Amarilla lost her world, her people, her parents, and the boy
she loved in one brutal day. Seeking sanctuary with a warrior race,
Rilla must learn how to be the fierce queen her people need.
No one is safe from the Mad Emperor. An unstoppable force, his
bloodthirsty troops sweep across the galaxy, killing and enslaving all.
The Silent Drums of War is a story of arranged marriages, political
alliances, and solidarity against an unknown deadly foe.
“We must be prepared to do our duty, for the drums of war
are sounding, and we must heed their call.”
- GenresScience Fiction
4 people want to read
About the author
Julia Blake
19 books176 followersI was born and raised in the beautiful historic market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where I live still with my kid, one crazy cat and a succession of even crazier lodgers. I'm a multi-genre author which basically means I write whatever story floats into my head and worry about what genre it fits into afterwards. So far, I have written in contemporary fiction, romantic suspense, YA fantasy, folklore fantasy, sci-fi, short stories, poetry, and even a fabulous steampunk retelling of the Snow White story.
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 10, 2026
A futuristic tale about devious political goals and the brave people who struggle to prevent them, The Silent Drums of War could well apply to events in almost every era. The story covers decades in the lives of strong and valiant characters, each battling their own personal demons while working as a team to overthrow a common enemy. Emotions sweep over us as chapter after chapter presents unexpected acts of courage, love, and friendship, combined with unforeseen incidents of profound loss and newfound hope. The plot process is smooth with no loose ends.
The descriptions of the space-age settings are realistic, colourful, and captivating, as is the sci-fi terminology used in dialogue. Less is more, as they say, and the author provides just the right amount of description while focusing on the development of the characters. I can see how this book can be easily adapted into a movie. Highly recommended.
The descriptions of the space-age settings are realistic, colourful, and captivating, as is the sci-fi terminology used in dialogue. Less is more, as they say, and the author provides just the right amount of description while focusing on the development of the characters. I can see how this book can be easily adapted into a movie. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2026
Yet another epic read from the multi-talented and multi-genre author, Julia Blake. Whether contemporary fiction, poetry, science fiction or fantasy, Blake’s unique talent for spinning a believable tale shines with three-dimensional characters who drive the plot to its satisfying end. And was it ever satisfying!
The Silent Drums of War is another deeply engrossing read, a page-turner from the opening scene to the very last page. The story evolves around a galaxy pitted in the trenches of war and conquests, between the evil Dranocks and their power-hungry emperor, and the rest of the galaxy who join forces to save their worlds. With planets left decimated, the people oppressed or eradicated, we follow the lives of Rax, his sister Amarilla (Rilla), and all the players who are sucked into their wake. They have one goal: to stop the emperor.
This book had it all. The action was gripping, the space battles epic, the twists, the turns, the characters memorable with their own stories both endearing and tragic. This meaty tale was everything I expect and love about Julia Blake’s books.
The Silent Drums of War is another deeply engrossing read, a page-turner from the opening scene to the very last page. The story evolves around a galaxy pitted in the trenches of war and conquests, between the evil Dranocks and their power-hungry emperor, and the rest of the galaxy who join forces to save their worlds. With planets left decimated, the people oppressed or eradicated, we follow the lives of Rax, his sister Amarilla (Rilla), and all the players who are sucked into their wake. They have one goal: to stop the emperor.
This book had it all. The action was gripping, the space battles epic, the twists, the turns, the characters memorable with their own stories both endearing and tragic. This meaty tale was everything I expect and love about Julia Blake’s books.
March 20, 2026
A thoughtful read bridging genres
The easy flowing style of the author takes the reader on a interesting and thoughtful journey. With plenty of adventures and an underlying political bent all in outer space, the simplicity of plot and style presents us with some fascinating situations. Women shining when they take the opportunity, the stupidity of war based on power struggles of a few that destroys many, love in unexpected places, and most of all the novel highlights the simple fact that only with working together can we achieve.
A good read
The easy flowing style of the author takes the reader on a interesting and thoughtful journey. With plenty of adventures and an underlying political bent all in outer space, the simplicity of plot and style presents us with some fascinating situations. Women shining when they take the opportunity, the stupidity of war based on power struggles of a few that destroys many, love in unexpected places, and most of all the novel highlights the simple fact that only with working together can we achieve.
A good read
February 12, 2026
Authors Thoughts
Ever since I became a published author, I have longed to write a proper sci-fi novel. As a young teen, I consumed books by authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov. Ray Bradbury, L. Ron Hubbard, John Heinlein, and Ursula le Guin. Back then, I was more a fan of sci-fi fan than fantasy. I read books beyond my reading age, such as the Dune series, when I was only twelve. I also loved sci-fi films and TV. Back then, though, choice was limited to the Star Wars films, old reruns of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Blake’s 7.
Years passed, and my tastes turned to fantasy, but that love of a good sci-fi story still lingered. Then I began writing my own stories. One of my earliest was an environmental sci-fi novella entitled Lifesong. This was written for the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Novella Competition, and I was thrilled to be placed in the top ten in the world. In 2016, I decided to publish Lifesong as an eBook, then as part of my short story and poetry collection, Eclairs for Tea and other stories, and then it was finally published as a paperback in 2017.
Since then, I’ve published another fourteen books in assorted genres, but always, tucked away in the back of my mind, was the idea that I would one day write another sci-fi novel. A “proper one” this time. One written in the grand tradition of those authors I loved as a child. Not just sci-fi, I wanted to write an epic space opera novel. Like Star Wars, only bigger and better. For the last few years, ideas for The Silent Drums of War have floated in and out of my mind. Strangely enough, the title was the first thing to come to me, and has remained a constant, with the plot evolving from it.
I wanted a sweeping tale of an invading army of amoral soldiers who kill and enslave anything in their path. Controlled by an entity known only as the Emperor, who is worshipped almost as a god, these soldiers have no other goal other than to obey his orders. I wanted a found family to form within an Alliance of planets resisting the advance of the Emperor’s troops. I wanted some romance, but not for it to overshadow the main story, which was to be one of resistance and resilience.
I started seriously writing the book in early 2024, then life got in the way, and the year slipped away without me writing anything at all. In early 2025, I opened the file and determined to finish the book by spring. Again, life defeated me. I did write sporadically, and the story crawled out from beneath my fingers. Then, in January 2026, my New Year's resolution was to finish the damn book already. So, I did.
I have been on a journey with this book, although not as epic as the one taken by Rilla, Rax, Suma, Perci, Kal, and all the other wonderful characters who make up the story, and I hope you, lovely readers, enjoy the worlds I have created.
Ever since I became a published author, I have longed to write a proper sci-fi novel. As a young teen, I consumed books by authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov. Ray Bradbury, L. Ron Hubbard, John Heinlein, and Ursula le Guin. Back then, I was more a fan of sci-fi fan than fantasy. I read books beyond my reading age, such as the Dune series, when I was only twelve. I also loved sci-fi films and TV. Back then, though, choice was limited to the Star Wars films, old reruns of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Blake’s 7.
Years passed, and my tastes turned to fantasy, but that love of a good sci-fi story still lingered. Then I began writing my own stories. One of my earliest was an environmental sci-fi novella entitled Lifesong. This was written for the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Novella Competition, and I was thrilled to be placed in the top ten in the world. In 2016, I decided to publish Lifesong as an eBook, then as part of my short story and poetry collection, Eclairs for Tea and other stories, and then it was finally published as a paperback in 2017.
Since then, I’ve published another fourteen books in assorted genres, but always, tucked away in the back of my mind, was the idea that I would one day write another sci-fi novel. A “proper one” this time. One written in the grand tradition of those authors I loved as a child. Not just sci-fi, I wanted to write an epic space opera novel. Like Star Wars, only bigger and better. For the last few years, ideas for The Silent Drums of War have floated in and out of my mind. Strangely enough, the title was the first thing to come to me, and has remained a constant, with the plot evolving from it.
I wanted a sweeping tale of an invading army of amoral soldiers who kill and enslave anything in their path. Controlled by an entity known only as the Emperor, who is worshipped almost as a god, these soldiers have no other goal other than to obey his orders. I wanted a found family to form within an Alliance of planets resisting the advance of the Emperor’s troops. I wanted some romance, but not for it to overshadow the main story, which was to be one of resistance and resilience.
I started seriously writing the book in early 2024, then life got in the way, and the year slipped away without me writing anything at all. In early 2025, I opened the file and determined to finish the book by spring. Again, life defeated me. I did write sporadically, and the story crawled out from beneath my fingers. Then, in January 2026, my New Year's resolution was to finish the damn book already. So, I did.
I have been on a journey with this book, although not as epic as the one taken by Rilla, Rax, Suma, Perci, Kal, and all the other wonderful characters who make up the story, and I hope you, lovely readers, enjoy the worlds I have created.
March 13, 2026
I was lucky enough to beta read The Silent Drums of War for Julia Blake, and I do mean that I was lucky enough because it was a privilege to do so; the book is absolutely brilliant.
Set in a time of war, you expect endless battle and drama, and while there’s plenty of both, there are also quieter moments showcasing humanity at its best. By blending the two sides of war – the campaigns in which hundreds fight for their cause and the individual stories of personal resilience and unexpected heroism – Julia weaves together a tale that will have your heart racing while you’re reaching for the tissues with tears in your eyes.
Julia has an amazing talent for writing character led stories; Rax and Rilla – the two Main Characters in The Silent Drums of War – are both raw and real. They’re not perfect, they don’t always get it right, but they’re determined because they have something to fight for – each other. And the nice thing about their relationship is that they are brother and sister, not romantically involved. Yes, there are love stories told alongside theirs, but their love for each other is what drives this story forwards. It’s the spark that ignites the fire in both of them.
That said at least one of the love stories – no spoilers here! – absolutely broke my heart. Bad Julia! I wept buckets.
Do go and get yourself a copy of The Silent Drums of War. I don’t think it matters if you love epic space opera or not because, yes, this is an epic space opera, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a tale of survival, of loss and of finding hope. It’s a tale of grit and determination. It’s a tale most definitely worth reading.
Set in a time of war, you expect endless battle and drama, and while there’s plenty of both, there are also quieter moments showcasing humanity at its best. By blending the two sides of war – the campaigns in which hundreds fight for their cause and the individual stories of personal resilience and unexpected heroism – Julia weaves together a tale that will have your heart racing while you’re reaching for the tissues with tears in your eyes.
Julia has an amazing talent for writing character led stories; Rax and Rilla – the two Main Characters in The Silent Drums of War – are both raw and real. They’re not perfect, they don’t always get it right, but they’re determined because they have something to fight for – each other. And the nice thing about their relationship is that they are brother and sister, not romantically involved. Yes, there are love stories told alongside theirs, but their love for each other is what drives this story forwards. It’s the spark that ignites the fire in both of them.
That said at least one of the love stories – no spoilers here! – absolutely broke my heart. Bad Julia! I wept buckets.
Do go and get yourself a copy of The Silent Drums of War. I don’t think it matters if you love epic space opera or not because, yes, this is an epic space opera, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a tale of survival, of loss and of finding hope. It’s a tale of grit and determination. It’s a tale most definitely worth reading.
March 21, 2026
This new space opera (with a tinge of science fantasy maybe 🤔) has a hugely rich plot, filled with space battles, diverse alien races, and some fade to black romance.
I loved the development of the relationships but be advised- heartbreak ahead!
This book, like Julia's others, have immensely strong female main characters. They're all independent go-getters who don't let anything get in their way, especially when they're protecting the ones they love. And my goodness, they have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.
Dual POVs start out telling different perspectives of an interstellar war, siblings caught on different sides. This provides really strong tension and drama as the plot develops.
Things come to a head with the key antagonist and there's a nice little reveal which feeds into the sci-fi element; a twist that I loved.
There's also no heavy science-y stuff so this is great for those who prefer lighter details.
A great plot-driven read with high-stakes action and epic space battles with well-rounded characters that you can root for... and cry over... and heal with 🤩
4.5 (because there was a plot point that I felt didn't get resolution and I'm an ending-wrapped-in-a-bow type gal 😂) rounded to 5
I loved the development of the relationships but be advised- heartbreak ahead!
This book, like Julia's others, have immensely strong female main characters. They're all independent go-getters who don't let anything get in their way, especially when they're protecting the ones they love. And my goodness, they have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.
Dual POVs start out telling different perspectives of an interstellar war, siblings caught on different sides. This provides really strong tension and drama as the plot develops.
Things come to a head with the key antagonist and there's a nice little reveal which feeds into the sci-fi element; a twist that I loved.
There's also no heavy science-y stuff so this is great for those who prefer lighter details.
A great plot-driven read with high-stakes action and epic space battles with well-rounded characters that you can root for... and cry over... and heal with 🤩
4.5 (because there was a plot point that I felt didn't get resolution and I'm an ending-wrapped-in-a-bow type gal 😂) rounded to 5
May 7, 2026
Julia Blake is a writer of astonishing range, and I’ve read and enjoyed many of her novels. With The Silent Drums of War she turns her hand to epic sci fi – no easy challenge – and proves just how talented she is. This is a book that has it all: heroic sacrifice, intergalactic battles, a perilous threat from an enigmatic villain, and romantic threads woven through the chaos.
The story opens in unsettling territory, with brutalised male soldiers treating their women as little more than comfort companions. But Rax, their commander, soon finds himself wrong footed by a confident young woman who refuses to fit the mould of submissive vessel. From there, everything begins to unravel - and grow far stranger.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Silent Drums of War. It delivers all the hallmarks of classic space opera while introducing dark, surprising twists, enigmatic alien races that have literally merged with the aether, and a resonant theme about the increasing role of technology in our lives. It’s a novel that speaks to our perilous times – as all good science fiction does.
The story opens in unsettling territory, with brutalised male soldiers treating their women as little more than comfort companions. But Rax, their commander, soon finds himself wrong footed by a confident young woman who refuses to fit the mould of submissive vessel. From there, everything begins to unravel - and grow far stranger.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Silent Drums of War. It delivers all the hallmarks of classic space opera while introducing dark, surprising twists, enigmatic alien races that have literally merged with the aether, and a resonant theme about the increasing role of technology in our lives. It’s a novel that speaks to our perilous times – as all good science fiction does.
April 1, 2026
Just so you know up front…Sci-fi is not my go to genre. However, Julia Blake is one of my go to authors who has proven herself over and over again. She can spin a tale to satisfy the fussiest of readers. As I read, I felt myself being gently lulled and pulled into the story and before I knew it; I was so completely immersed I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
The main characters are quickly introduced and the stories behind the story begins. The characters are artfully developed , each thread is crafted with finesse and nail biting intensity while leaving no loose ends.
The Silent Drums Of War has
lots of action, breath holding, OMGs and tender moments.
It is definitely an epic story of friends and the threads that bind them together.
The Silent Drums of War by Julia
captured my heart. ❤️
The main characters are quickly introduced and the stories behind the story begins. The characters are artfully developed , each thread is crafted with finesse and nail biting intensity while leaving no loose ends.
The Silent Drums Of War has
lots of action, breath holding, OMGs and tender moments.
It is definitely an epic story of friends and the threads that bind them together.
The Silent Drums of War by Julia
captured my heart. ❤️
March 16, 2026
Julia Blake has done it again! 'The Silent Drums of War' is a fast-paced, emotionally gripping story with characters you'll cheer for, high-stakes battle scenes, love, politics and betrayal – in space! 🚀
If you've enjoyed Julia's other books, you'll love this. It's character-driven space opera with heart and adventure. You don't need to be a sci-fi fan, I promise! This is another great Julia Blake story, but this time featuring spaceships and laser guns – along with scenes that will make you smile, hold your breath, gasp out loud, and try to hold back the tears ...
And just look at that gorgeous cover! 😍
If you've enjoyed Julia's other books, you'll love this. It's character-driven space opera with heart and adventure. You don't need to be a sci-fi fan, I promise! This is another great Julia Blake story, but this time featuring spaceships and laser guns – along with scenes that will make you smile, hold your breath, gasp out loud, and try to hold back the tears ...
And just look at that gorgeous cover! 😍
March 21, 2026
Bridging genres
The easy flowing style of the author takes the reader on a interesting and thoughtful journey. With plenty of adventures and an underlying political bent all in outer space, the simplicity of plot and style presents us with some fascinating situations. Women shining when they take the opportunity, the stupidity of war based on power struggles of a few that destroys many, love in unexpected places, and most of all the novel highlights the simple fact that only with working together can we achieve.
A good read
The easy flowing style of the author takes the reader on a interesting and thoughtful journey. With plenty of adventures and an underlying political bent all in outer space, the simplicity of plot and style presents us with some fascinating situations. Women shining when they take the opportunity, the stupidity of war based on power struggles of a few that destroys many, love in unexpected places, and most of all the novel highlights the simple fact that only with working together can we achieve.
A good read
March 31, 2026
A multi-genre author, Julia Blake's newest space epic is just that: epic. Filled with interesting characters, space battles, royal kingdoms, love, power abuse, and technology, this novel has it all.
One of the things I dislike about military science fiction is the sheer amount of time authors spend describing battles. Page after page after chapter of things that go boom in the dark of space. Not this one! While there are certainly epic battles, they are short, interesting, and interspersed with the characters' lives. Blake spends more time on the relationships among everyone involved and on descriptions of the various societies, planets, and communities than on battleships. There is a good amount of interesting tech, but even that is masterfully woven in, and always with a reason.
Twists abound around every corner, which makes the almost 500-page novel fly by so quickly!
One of the things I dislike about military science fiction is the sheer amount of time authors spend describing battles. Page after page after chapter of things that go boom in the dark of space. Not this one! While there are certainly epic battles, they are short, interesting, and interspersed with the characters' lives. Blake spends more time on the relationships among everyone involved and on descriptions of the various societies, planets, and communities than on battleships. There is a good amount of interesting tech, but even that is masterfully woven in, and always with a reason.
Twists abound around every corner, which makes the almost 500-page novel fly by so quickly!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews