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The Scourwind Legacy #1
Heirs of Empire
The Scourwind family legacy brought the empire to the height of its power and prosperity and defended it against all enemies. Now one man’s machinations aim to shift the balance of power―with violent and devastating consequences. When the trusted General Corian launches a coup against Emperor Scourwind, he hurls the planetary kingdom into chaos. To secure his claim as ruler, Corian will need the strength of the Scourwind name behind him, and he will stop at nothing to bring under his grasp the young Scourwind heirs, twins Lydia and Brennan. Barely into adulthood, the two are thrust into the crossfire. Battling new obstacles at every turn, they eventually find refuge with Mira Delsol, pirate and former member of the elite empire forces. As the stakes rise, loyalists, mercenaries, and political opportunists rally around the heirs in a desperate bid to unseat the usurper. But if their risky gambit fails, will the empire crumble into oblivion?
350 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 6, 2021
The narrator ruined this or maybe I would’ve liked it anyway. I thought this was an adult fantasy sci fi, which it is, but the narrator read it like middle grade/ya so I wasn’t for me. I have to be prepared for my genres 🤨
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
February 9, 2017
So I was reading this old-style fantasy adventure with the stalwart knight picking up an protecting the young children of the rightful king who had just been deposed right in his castle. After a few cool battles and gathering together all the outcasts that this female knight could find, they rally behind the idea of the children and the empire and take on the deposing military to reinstall the monarchy.
Have you heard this one before?
Yeah. Me, too.
I think SF is learning the wrong lessons from the recent popularity of Fantasy. We don't want the extremely tired STORIES of the old Fantasy regime. We want modern Fantasy's facile willingness to break all the rules and while enjoying awesome rule-based magic systems that harken to the days of old-tyme SF reliance on science-in-story.
So what happened? Did we run out of good tales to tell?
Oh, all right, this space-opera adventure did have it's good moments. The writing was comprehensible and very vivid in moments. A good deal of the high-tech was pretty damn awesome to see in action, just like a wonderful modern-fantasy magic battle, and I think I'll also say that I loved the trains a lot more than I originally did. That was some neat piece of juxtaposition for the novel.
I just wish the bare-bones of the story was more original. Hell, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd have welcomed some convoluted politics and treachery after a while, just to break up the monotony of fighting. I'm not a huge fan of MilSF. I tolerate it. This wasn't exactly bad, but it tires me out. I want meat to my stories, cleverness to the plot, depth to my characters. This novel was serviceable, but the only thing that really stood out was the tech and the glam.
If you're looking for tech and glam, then I'm sure you'll love this novel! :)
I'm not giving up on Currie, mind you. This is only my first shot at his work, and I promised that I'd dig into Homeworld and I will. I might just have to wait until I refill my batteries, first. :)
Have you heard this one before?
Yeah. Me, too.
I think SF is learning the wrong lessons from the recent popularity of Fantasy. We don't want the extremely tired STORIES of the old Fantasy regime. We want modern Fantasy's facile willingness to break all the rules and while enjoying awesome rule-based magic systems that harken to the days of old-tyme SF reliance on science-in-story.
So what happened? Did we run out of good tales to tell?
Oh, all right, this space-opera adventure did have it's good moments. The writing was comprehensible and very vivid in moments. A good deal of the high-tech was pretty damn awesome to see in action, just like a wonderful modern-fantasy magic battle, and I think I'll also say that I loved the trains a lot more than I originally did. That was some neat piece of juxtaposition for the novel.
I just wish the bare-bones of the story was more original. Hell, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd have welcomed some convoluted politics and treachery after a while, just to break up the monotony of fighting. I'm not a huge fan of MilSF. I tolerate it. This wasn't exactly bad, but it tires me out. I want meat to my stories, cleverness to the plot, depth to my characters. This novel was serviceable, but the only thing that really stood out was the tech and the glam.
If you're looking for tech and glam, then I'm sure you'll love this novel! :)
I'm not giving up on Currie, mind you. This is only my first shot at his work, and I promised that I'd dig into Homeworld and I will. I might just have to wait until I refill my batteries, first. :)
March 4, 2016
Interesting world-building let down by purple prose and mediocre story-telling.
On his way to a secure prison General Corian escapes due to the treachery of the troops escorting him there as they betray their leader Mira Delsol. He then leads a successful rebellion against Emperor, again aided by treacherous insiders. The Emperor's younger children, teenage twins escape and eventually meet up with Mira. Loyalist forces meet up with them and then attempt to retake the Empire.
The world building is the star here with the Empire existing as one square cell of what sounds an awful lot like an enormous artificial object, either a Niven Ring or a Dyson Sphere, although the people don't seem to realize this. There also seems to be aliens that have somehow interbred with the humans here and people with more alien blood have the ability to use certain alien technologies. This stuff is the redeeming parts of the book.
Unfortunately, the book itself is a completely pedestrian military SF with some incredibly purple prose. Seriously, this author has never met an adjective he doesn't like. Despite that, descriptions are few and far between, and some of the more fantastic technology, particularly of the sailcraft, need to be imagined rather than pictured. There's also lots of background that gets alluded to but never appropriately explored including the twin's issues with the Cadre (which stem from an incident never explained) and the Emperor's obvious preparation for a Cadre rebellion.
As to the plot? No twists. No turns. Everything I put in the paragraph above happens. No surprises. Yawn.
On his way to a secure prison General Corian escapes due to the treachery of the troops escorting him there as they betray their leader Mira Delsol. He then leads a successful rebellion against Emperor, again aided by treacherous insiders. The Emperor's younger children, teenage twins escape and eventually meet up with Mira. Loyalist forces meet up with them and then attempt to retake the Empire.
The world building is the star here with the Empire existing as one square cell of what sounds an awful lot like an enormous artificial object, either a Niven Ring or a Dyson Sphere, although the people don't seem to realize this. There also seems to be aliens that have somehow interbred with the humans here and people with more alien blood have the ability to use certain alien technologies. This stuff is the redeeming parts of the book.
Unfortunately, the book itself is a completely pedestrian military SF with some incredibly purple prose. Seriously, this author has never met an adjective he doesn't like. Despite that, descriptions are few and far between, and some of the more fantastic technology, particularly of the sailcraft, need to be imagined rather than pictured. There's also lots of background that gets alluded to but never appropriately explored including the twin's issues with the Cadre (which stem from an incident never explained) and the Emperor's obvious preparation for a Cadre rebellion.
As to the plot? No twists. No turns. Everything I put in the paragraph above happens. No surprises. Yawn.
February 21, 2016
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Few people really capture the feel of what makes a story like Star Wars so good - it's something that Evan Currie does with each book. We're not talking overly intellectual hard sci fi here; rather, Currie channels all the things that make a story like Star Wars popular, exuberant, and accessible. Always expect several POVs, lots of action, sudden deaths, and likable characters - and don't let some of the cliches trip you up along the way. Though not a part of the Odyssey One universe, still a great read just like all his books.Story: The empire under the Scourwind family has prospered but one general is about to do the unthinkable - topple the emperor and wrest control himself. In the balance stands the cadre - the elite warrior force who are extremely powerful but badly outnumbered. Only the emperor's children, twins Lydia and Brennan Scourwind, can prevent the empire from completely collapsing. But will there be anything left to save?
I greatly enjoyed Heirs of Empire (listened to the audible version, so please forgive any misspellings). Yes, there are some logic issues; e.g., the general who calls all his people 'idiots' and 'stupid' yet inexplicably has a horde of blindly loyal followers. As well, there are some cliched writing examples in there (e.g., someone bleeding to death described as watching 'his lifeblood flowing away") and the villain, General Corian, is eeeeevil to the point of being a mustachio-twirling, cackling, stereotype. it's still greatly enjoyable bubble gum sci fi. Add in the twins and their suspiciously lucky skill sets (ace pilot and hacker) plus the top warrior finding them and you get a formidable trio if perhaps a not very credible one.
I did have a lot of Star Wars moments and this book reads very much like an homage or love of sci fi for all ages. From the twins feeling very Luke and Leia since one is a pilot and the other statesman (minus the "I'm your father." thing) to a showdown between the emperor and the general that had dialogue so much like the Obi Wan/Darth battle in Episode IV. Add in some mysterious weapons (read: lightsabers) that only the elite can use and a mystery behind where they came from and you get the idea. Let's not forget descriptive names like "scourwind" and "Delsol" and the characters being a part of a rebellion against an emperor. It may sound like a bad thing, or derivative, but it really isn't. Currie's works are familiar yet also surprisingly unique.
Those wondering if this is a series: it ends a solid story arc but does leave room for sequels down the line.
So yes, a fun book with space battles, a fallen empire, very engaging characters, and several POVs. It's greatly surprising none of his books have been made into a movie yet - they certainly are cinematic and with such broad appeal. This book made for an especially fun car trip with the audible version and the family listening in (teens).
October 12, 2015
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2015/10/1...
Publisher: 47 North
Publishing Date: September 2015
ISBN: 9781503946903
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 1.9/5
Publisher Description: The Scourwind family legacy brought the empire to the height of its power and prosperity and defended it against all enemies. Now one man’s machinations aim to shift the balance of power—with violent and devastating consequences.
Review: Nice cover art.
Oh boy, we have a super speshul alert! Prince and Princess twinsy Scourdouchewing, Lydia and Brennan. Brennan, that lovable scamp, can fly anything in the air better than the bestest pilot, like in ever. He’s young but can break grown men’s necks if he wants to. See, there’s a trick. Its harder NOT to break their necks than to just kill them. Princess Lydia, or “Lyd” is hotter than a popcorn fart, is “scarily” brilliant and can snap kick your ass to hell in a second. Hate them yet? Oh, you will.
So, one dude named Corian somehow takes a ragtag group of defectors and steals the most secret and devastating attack ship in the world…. Yeahhhh, right. He has lost an eye and a leg so I guess he is now a pirate. Argh?? So then pages and pages of backstory ensue with a lot of command decisions made by super woman, er…..Mira Delsol, one of the Imperial Cadre “…a fighting force unmatched in the empire, lavished with the highest levels of training….and culled from bloodlines that…”. Fug .
What drove this novel into the dirt was not only the smug twins jocularity in the face of danger and the lengthy backstory throughout but the constant phrasing to expedite scene development. For example. Said: darkly, softly (x 32), tightly, firmly, sarcastically, simply, calmly, amiably, pleasantly, slowly, idly, (to name a few) was so overused that it left scenes flat and under-developed.
If you could see me I am “Grimacing slightly” while “Growling (x24)”.
Publisher: 47 North
Publishing Date: September 2015
ISBN: 9781503946903
Genre: SciFi
Rating: 1.9/5
Publisher Description: The Scourwind family legacy brought the empire to the height of its power and prosperity and defended it against all enemies. Now one man’s machinations aim to shift the balance of power—with violent and devastating consequences.
Review: Nice cover art.
Oh boy, we have a super speshul alert! Prince and Princess twinsy Scourdouchewing, Lydia and Brennan. Brennan, that lovable scamp, can fly anything in the air better than the bestest pilot, like in ever. He’s young but can break grown men’s necks if he wants to. See, there’s a trick. Its harder NOT to break their necks than to just kill them. Princess Lydia, or “Lyd” is hotter than a popcorn fart, is “scarily” brilliant and can snap kick your ass to hell in a second. Hate them yet? Oh, you will.
So, one dude named Corian somehow takes a ragtag group of defectors and steals the most secret and devastating attack ship in the world…. Yeahhhh, right. He has lost an eye and a leg so I guess he is now a pirate. Argh?? So then pages and pages of backstory ensue with a lot of command decisions made by super woman, er…..Mira Delsol, one of the Imperial Cadre “…a fighting force unmatched in the empire, lavished with the highest levels of training….and culled from bloodlines that…”. Fug .
What drove this novel into the dirt was not only the smug twins jocularity in the face of danger and the lengthy backstory throughout but the constant phrasing to expedite scene development. For example. Said: darkly, softly (x 32), tightly, firmly, sarcastically, simply, calmly, amiably, pleasantly, slowly, idly, (to name a few) was so overused that it left scenes flat and under-developed.
If you could see me I am “Grimacing slightly” while “Growling (x24)”.
December 31, 2015
Likes:
+ Interesting idea. A mix of fantasy and sf. There are castles, nobles, empire in peril. But there is futuristic technology also. Reminded me of 'Star Wars'.
+ Twin siblings. Loved how they develop from spoiled royalties to survivors and how they used all 'stupid' things the teachers thought them to stay alive.
+ Awesome tech.
+ Musings about what it takes to be a leader.
+ Perfect ending
+ I have a huge girl-crush on Mira Desol. She dominated my heart as surely as that awesome book cover. I loved her daring and how she broke the rules when fighting. I'm sorry the whole book is not about her.
Dislikes:
- Too many characters and POVs. I felt disconnected from the story.
- Sometimes there are too many unnecessary descriptions. For example: what is happening to human body when hit by some high tech bullets.
This was fun. Now I want to re-watch Star Wars! Recommended.
+ Interesting idea. A mix of fantasy and sf. There are castles, nobles, empire in peril. But there is futuristic technology also. Reminded me of 'Star Wars'.
+ Twin siblings. Loved how they develop from spoiled royalties to survivors and how they used all 'stupid' things the teachers thought them to stay alive.
+ Awesome tech.
+ Musings about what it takes to be a leader.
+ Perfect ending
+ I have a huge girl-crush on Mira Desol. She dominated my heart as surely as that awesome book cover. I loved her daring and how she broke the rules when fighting. I'm sorry the whole book is not about her.
Mira by then had a predatory look on her face. "Oh, and you might want to tell the crew to secure for maneuvering."
"Yes, my lady," he answered dutifully, reaching for the ship's blower.
"Gas." Mira's voice caused him to pause and glance back.
"Yes?"
"Make sure they're really secure."
Oh hell. Gaston groaned. It was going to be one of those days.
Dislikes:
- Too many characters and POVs. I felt disconnected from the story.
- Sometimes there are too many unnecessary descriptions. For example: what is happening to human body when hit by some high tech bullets.
This was fun. Now I want to re-watch Star Wars! Recommended.
October 1, 2015
technically sf (tech, language etc) but with a fantasy structure (emperor, nobles, tech as magic, far future people seeing the universe as mysterious etc) and very standard stuff in the genre with competent writing that didn't quite click the way other recent similar novels did; still enough narrative momentum to keep me engaged until the (fairly predictable) end - end which closes the novel's immediate story-line (see the blurb for that) but obviously requires a sequel
overall, standard stuff with prose and characters that were ok but didn't quite click, so the generic-ness of the book rendered it average but fast and finishable
overall, standard stuff with prose and characters that were ok but didn't quite click, so the generic-ness of the book rendered it average but fast and finishable
April 24, 2021
MacHalo Buddy Read Although I don't know where everyone went. Which in turn might be a good thing since I think I'm the only one who would have liked this.
Heirs of the Empire was good, but not great. There was a really good story plot here. I just had a hard time with visualizing the world and the flying machines. I don't know why it was so difficult for me to wrap my head around.
At this point I'm not too sure if I'm going to indulge myself into the second book. It appears to be the same story between the twins and Corian. What I don't get is why Corian didn't "do" anything once he took over the empire. There seemed no point to it. And there seems no point to my endless rambling. I'm going to sign off here and go find my next read.
May 31, 2018
3.5 stars
This story, for some reason, has a Star Wars-ish feel to it. Maybe it's because I went to see Solo at the movies last weekend. Anyway, this is a reasonably fun science-fiction/fantasy story. I listened to the audiobook and the narration is good.
Corian used to be a general in the empire's elite forces called the Cadre. He is now an enemy of the empire enroute to a high security facility in the middle of the desert. Corian is very dangerous so another Cadre is assigned to make sure Corian is securely transported to his incarceration. They travel by supersonic train. Corian escapes when the train gets highjacked. Not before Mira causes injuries to Corian that leaves him with a prosthetic leg and a missing eye.
The conspiracy runs deep and Corian overthrows the empire. All of the Scourwind family is killed except for a set of teenage twins: brother and sister. Brennan and Lydia escape the fortress and wind up with some pirates led by Mira Delsol. Mira has vendetta to kill Corian. She doesn't trust anyone so she has gone rogue. She unofficially supports the Scourwind twins.
Just before Brennan's older brother is killed, he gives Brennan his Cadre weapon. A weapon that only responds to particular people. Does the weapon respond to Brennan's unskilled hands? Yes. Brennan is also a naturally skilled pilot who tends to be a bit reckless. While Brennan is a diamond in the rough in military-oriented skills, Lydia's has skills to lead. She seems well suited to be empress of the empire.
The Cadre is an elite fighting force who have ancient mystical weapons at their disposal. Weapons that chose the person rather than the other way around. There's practically nothing that a Cadre can't do. They are not popular among the population because they are dangerous so they tend to keep to themselves.
The characters are mostly two-dimensional so I had a hard time trying connect or identity with them. In the context of the story, this seems to work okay. There are no space ships in this story. The ships and vehicles used to get around are
high-tech sail ships. These ship eject sails into the atmosphere to catch winds at various elevations above the surface.
Although there are a lot of familiar story elements in this book, the author mixes it up with other things to make this a fun and entertaining read.
This story, for some reason, has a Star Wars-ish feel to it. Maybe it's because I went to see Solo at the movies last weekend. Anyway, this is a reasonably fun science-fiction/fantasy story. I listened to the audiobook and the narration is good.
Corian used to be a general in the empire's elite forces called the Cadre. He is now an enemy of the empire enroute to a high security facility in the middle of the desert. Corian is very dangerous so another Cadre is assigned to make sure Corian is securely transported to his incarceration. They travel by supersonic train. Corian escapes when the train gets highjacked. Not before Mira causes injuries to Corian that leaves him with a prosthetic leg and a missing eye.
The conspiracy runs deep and Corian overthrows the empire. All of the Scourwind family is killed except for a set of teenage twins: brother and sister. Brennan and Lydia escape the fortress and wind up with some pirates led by Mira Delsol. Mira has vendetta to kill Corian. She doesn't trust anyone so she has gone rogue. She unofficially supports the Scourwind twins.
Just before Brennan's older brother is killed, he gives Brennan his Cadre weapon. A weapon that only responds to particular people. Does the weapon respond to Brennan's unskilled hands? Yes. Brennan is also a naturally skilled pilot who tends to be a bit reckless. While Brennan is a diamond in the rough in military-oriented skills, Lydia's has skills to lead. She seems well suited to be empress of the empire.
The Cadre is an elite fighting force who have ancient mystical weapons at their disposal. Weapons that chose the person rather than the other way around. There's practically nothing that a Cadre can't do. They are not popular among the population because they are dangerous so they tend to keep to themselves.
The characters are mostly two-dimensional so I had a hard time trying connect or identity with them. In the context of the story, this seems to work okay. There are no space ships in this story. The ships and vehicles used to get around are
high-tech sail ships. These ship eject sails into the atmosphere to catch winds at various elevations above the surface.
Although there are a lot of familiar story elements in this book, the author mixes it up with other things to make this a fun and entertaining read.
tbr-maybe
December 12, 2017First Chapter Thoughts
I was only able to preview 8 or 10 pages of this 350 page book and can see myself reading this when I want something a little more ‘easy’ or ‘light’ but fun. Really what got me was the front cover, and description. Also there are no red-flags of racism or sexism yet. The main character for those pages is a bad-ass knight for the empire named Mira Delsol. I read some reviews while deciding whether to buy this ebook, and saw that the story may seem familiar to long-time readers in the genre, that the prose is as purple and a bit stiff at times, that this reads like an old knight’s tale of legendary Europe set in space. And none of that was so terrible in the bit I read.
I was only able to preview 8 or 10 pages of this 350 page book and can see myself reading this when I want something a little more ‘easy’ or ‘light’ but fun. Really what got me was the front cover, and description. Also there are no red-flags of racism or sexism yet. The main character for those pages is a bad-ass knight for the empire named Mira Delsol. I read some reviews while deciding whether to buy this ebook, and saw that the story may seem familiar to long-time readers in the genre, that the prose is as purple and a bit stiff at times, that this reads like an old knight’s tale of legendary Europe set in space. And none of that was so terrible in the bit I read.
September 23, 2019
Pretty good.
January 9, 2019
6/10: Good light-weight read, well done.
Some people lived for the glory; some just lived for the challenge.
OK, so I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. Was it fantasy? Was it sci-fi? I think it was both.
I did enjoy the world and the fact that there were mysteries to it, but we didn't get any answers. I did enjoy a couple of the main characters, but one gets killed off early and the other didn't have enough page time for me to really connect. I did enjoy the action, even if it took me a while to picture the flying machines inside my head.
I guess I'm saying that although an interesting read and an engaging storyline, there was just a little something missing.
I'm very much into character-driven stories right now, and with the multiple points of view, I found it difficult to connect to any one character long enough to feel invested.
I'm going to let the story sit a while in my mind and then decide if I want to read on.
Some people lived for the glory; some just lived for the challenge.
OK, so I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. Was it fantasy? Was it sci-fi? I think it was both.
I did enjoy the world and the fact that there were mysteries to it, but we didn't get any answers. I did enjoy a couple of the main characters, but one gets killed off early and the other didn't have enough page time for me to really connect. I did enjoy the action, even if it took me a while to picture the flying machines inside my head.
I guess I'm saying that although an interesting read and an engaging storyline, there was just a little something missing.
I'm very much into character-driven stories right now, and with the multiple points of view, I found it difficult to connect to any one character long enough to feel invested.
I'm going to let the story sit a while in my mind and then decide if I want to read on.
August 29, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot. Kind of short, but heavy on the action. Also, it is set in such a fascinating world that I already know that I will read future books in this series if and when there are more than the current two available. For the moment though, I don't want to commit to an unfinished series.
February 10, 2018
Great story
What a great story line. Thank you for keeping me so engaged with every page. Is there anything else that follows? Loved it.
What a great story line. Thank you for keeping me so engaged with every page. Is there anything else that follows? Loved it.
October 6, 2015
This is a sci-fi adventure that, primarily due to the setting, is somewhat different from the usual stories out there. At least from the ones I usually read. I found it very good. It is filled with action, has an interesting setting, good characters and is well written.
The setting is somewhat different. It is clear fairly early that the world where the story plays itself out is a remnant of something much older, much bigger and much more advanced and powerful. The present day inhabitants have lost much of their history and what remains is shrouded in legends and mysteries. They live in a world were the sun never sets and seeing the stars at knight is a unknown concept.
The inhabitants of the known part of their world is ruled by an emperor and his rule is about to suffer a serious setback to say the least. The book pretty much jumps straight into the action and introduces the two main characters. One of them being the lady hero of the story. I have to say that I immediately took a liking to this character. A liking which continued throughout the book. Not that there are a lack of likable, and dislikeable, characters around though.
The technology is a mixture of advanced tech and less advanced ditto. Like trains running on “quantum-locked rails” mixed up with “sail boats” roaming the skies and mentally bonded near magical weapons that are remnants from the past and cannot be reproduced by the technology possessed by the current inhabitants of this strange world.
Throughout the book we get hints as to what this world really is and for the habitual science fiction reader it is soon fairly clear what we are talking about even though the origins and why the current inhabitants seems to have lost the knowledge about their origins are still a mystery.
I found the book very entertaining to read. It has built a great universe for further adventures and I definitely hope that the author will make this into a book series with further books. There are some great possibilities here.
The setting is somewhat different. It is clear fairly early that the world where the story plays itself out is a remnant of something much older, much bigger and much more advanced and powerful. The present day inhabitants have lost much of their history and what remains is shrouded in legends and mysteries. They live in a world were the sun never sets and seeing the stars at knight is a unknown concept.
The inhabitants of the known part of their world is ruled by an emperor and his rule is about to suffer a serious setback to say the least. The book pretty much jumps straight into the action and introduces the two main characters. One of them being the lady hero of the story. I have to say that I immediately took a liking to this character. A liking which continued throughout the book. Not that there are a lack of likable, and dislikeable, characters around though.
The technology is a mixture of advanced tech and less advanced ditto. Like trains running on “quantum-locked rails” mixed up with “sail boats” roaming the skies and mentally bonded near magical weapons that are remnants from the past and cannot be reproduced by the technology possessed by the current inhabitants of this strange world.
Throughout the book we get hints as to what this world really is and for the habitual science fiction reader it is soon fairly clear what we are talking about even though the origins and why the current inhabitants seems to have lost the knowledge about their origins are still a mystery.
I found the book very entertaining to read. It has built a great universe for further adventures and I definitely hope that the author will make this into a book series with further books. There are some great possibilities here.
April 23, 2019
The premise in the book description is:
"When the trusted General Corian launches a coup against Emperor Scourwind, he hurls the planetary kingdom into chaos. To secure his claim as ruler, Corian will need the strength of the Scourwind name behind him, and he will stop at nothing to bring under his grasp the young Scourwind heirs, twins Lydia and Brennan. Barely into adulthood, the two are thrust into the crossfire."
I found this story a strange combination of a medieval fantasy feel with knights & swords and futuristic elements, like in Star Wars. At first I thought this was an interesting way to present an SFF story, but after about 10% of the book it just wasn't working for me. Things kept feeling out of place. I still gave it 4 stars because the writing is good and the story flows well, but I think it would appeal more to readers who enjoy a more military element to the Fantasy than I do.
There is plenty of action and adventure, and following one of the main characters, Mira, as she crossed high mountains in difficult conditions held my attention for a while. Good characterization and a constantly moving plot, but a little too much like what I call 'boys stories' for my personal taste.
"When the trusted General Corian launches a coup against Emperor Scourwind, he hurls the planetary kingdom into chaos. To secure his claim as ruler, Corian will need the strength of the Scourwind name behind him, and he will stop at nothing to bring under his grasp the young Scourwind heirs, twins Lydia and Brennan. Barely into adulthood, the two are thrust into the crossfire."
I found this story a strange combination of a medieval fantasy feel with knights & swords and futuristic elements, like in Star Wars. At first I thought this was an interesting way to present an SFF story, but after about 10% of the book it just wasn't working for me. Things kept feeling out of place. I still gave it 4 stars because the writing is good and the story flows well, but I think it would appeal more to readers who enjoy a more military element to the Fantasy than I do.
There is plenty of action and adventure, and following one of the main characters, Mira, as she crossed high mountains in difficult conditions held my attention for a while. Good characterization and a constantly moving plot, but a little too much like what I call 'boys stories' for my personal taste.
November 25, 2015
Good
I am fan of Currie's Odyssey books , including The King of Thieves. I saw this new book, and patiently waited for the audio to come out. In this book, you get a new story with a strong heroine (which I liked), and two "sidekicks" : the young heirs. It is an engaging and interesting new storyline, even if written in the same multi-character view that Evan Currie usually approaches.
Things I found similar to previous books: Currie likes his "uniquely synced weapons (the Archangels in the Odysseus and here "the Armati") I don't really know if that is good or bad but throughout the book, I couldn't shake the impression that I was reading a somehow modified version of the Archangels firefighters each time the "unique link" between the Armati and its Cadreman was mentioned. Also the main heroine is like a female version of Eric Weston when it comes to her out of the ordinary strategic decisions.
Despite that, it's an enjoyable book. I recommend it, and I'll be waiting for the next installment.
I am fan of Currie's Odyssey books , including The King of Thieves. I saw this new book, and patiently waited for the audio to come out. In this book, you get a new story with a strong heroine (which I liked), and two "sidekicks" : the young heirs. It is an engaging and interesting new storyline, even if written in the same multi-character view that Evan Currie usually approaches.
Things I found similar to previous books: Currie likes his "uniquely synced weapons (the Archangels in the Odysseus and here "the Armati") I don't really know if that is good or bad but throughout the book, I couldn't shake the impression that I was reading a somehow modified version of the Archangels firefighters each time the "unique link" between the Armati and its Cadreman was mentioned. Also the main heroine is like a female version of Eric Weston when it comes to her out of the ordinary strategic decisions.
Despite that, it's an enjoyable book. I recommend it, and I'll be waiting for the next installment.
February 10, 2017
Too many POV changes for any character development to take place. I found it hard to believe some of the changes in character motivations, especially the twins. It's a shame because the world building was very interesting.
January 13, 2018
I read a lot and while my favorite genre is epic fantasy, I‘ve become a little disillusioned with it recently as most series nowadays are plagued by the „draw out the ending as long as possible“ syndrome resulting in either increasingly irregular publishing schedules or a lot of filler books. Whether this is to make more profit or because the authors actually don‘t know how to end their stories differs from series to series. Anyways, I found this book on Prime Reading and for the first time in quite a while the story entranced me enough that I didn’t just read a few pages before going to sleep, but actually kept on reading past midnight. That was a refreshing change.
This book is the first part of a series and basically sets the board for the rest. It is set in a realm were the power is held between the emperor, the senate made up of nobles and representatives for commerce, though the emperor has final saying on all matters. An ex-member of an elite fighting force under direct command of the emperor (so basically futuristic musketeers), the Cadre, called Corian stages a coup and kills the emperor and his eldest son. The two younger children manage to escape. And if at this point you find yourself thinking that this sounds a little like Song of Ice and Fire, then I would have to agree.
The main protagonists of the story are the twins, Lydia and Brennan, and another member of the Cadre, Myra. The latter gathers a pirate crew around herself to attack Corian‘s supply train and redistributes these resources to the loyalists/rebel forces (depending on your point of view). Furthermore, there is another Cadre member, William, who is trying to coordinate the loyalists in an attempt to regain the throne. Everyone is looking for the twins, as they are the key to holding the empire.
Swashbuckling pirates and heirs to the throne sticking it to the evil usurper. An an antagonists who doesn’t just twirl his mustache while chuckling in an evil manner and monologuing. Or who isn’t evil for the sake of being evil, but actually has an understandable motive. More on that later. In short the book is loads of fun to read.
The genre of this book is a little hard to define. At first glance it may seem like science fantasy as especially the Armati seem a little supernatural, but I think there is actually a technological explanation even to them. Currie takes the time to explain some of his technology and I actually quite enjoyed the gliders that shoot kite-like sails into the atmosphere to move forward. I got the impression that they are living on little pieces of Earth that were cut out of the planet‘s surface and transformed into space stations, so the genre actually seems to be mundane science fiction. The world building is quite nice and is probably going to take more of a front seat as the series progresses.
Now to my minor grievances. The first is that the author seems to have changed his mind somewhere along the line. In the beginning the emperor for example is once described as a sadistic bastard and you would think that this is the reason for the uprising. However, as you learn more about him it becomes patently obvious that he took ruling the kingdom seriously and devoted all his time to it (maybe not a great quality in a father, but certainly for a ruler). And tyrants in general don’t have loyalists. Even Corian calls him old friend. The issue here is consistency and could have been easily solved by editing the beginning.
Somewhere in the first half Corian explains his actual motivation for killing the emperor, which brings me to my second grievance. The following spoiler has very little impact on the plot of the first book, but I still need to point out that there is going to be one. Ready?
Apparently on one of his recon missions beyond the God Wall, Corian found some kind of obscure threat to the empire (probably ice zombies). Because he believed that the emperor didn’t take this threat seriously (though I disagree based on some of the weapons such as the Caleb Bar that he had developed in secret), he decided to take over the empire, so that he could prepare and defend it against said threat. On the one hand, that makes Corian an interesting villain, because (unlike some of his allies) he wasn’t in it for power or personal gain, but actually trying to protect the empire. It was also interesting to see how difficult Corian then found leading an empire compared to an army. On the other hand, his actions destabilized the empire he sought to protect, because now he has an internal struggle on his hands (and of course senators trying to use the conflict to widen their own power base). And you can‘t help thinking that he could have avoided all that, if he had presented those findings to his fellow Cadremen and together they could have tried to convince the emperor of the danger. This is a minor grievance as failure to communicate is a common problem and Corian‘s arrogance (he basically believed himself to be smarter than everyone else also a common failing) didn’t exactly help matters.
Overall a great book and I am definitely going to continue reading this series. Let‘s just hope he doesn’t draw it out til kingdom come, creating the distinct possibility of me not living long enough to actually read the end.
This book is the first part of a series and basically sets the board for the rest. It is set in a realm were the power is held between the emperor, the senate made up of nobles and representatives for commerce, though the emperor has final saying on all matters. An ex-member of an elite fighting force under direct command of the emperor (so basically futuristic musketeers), the Cadre, called Corian stages a coup and kills the emperor and his eldest son. The two younger children manage to escape. And if at this point you find yourself thinking that this sounds a little like Song of Ice and Fire, then I would have to agree.
The main protagonists of the story are the twins, Lydia and Brennan, and another member of the Cadre, Myra. The latter gathers a pirate crew around herself to attack Corian‘s supply train and redistributes these resources to the loyalists/rebel forces (depending on your point of view). Furthermore, there is another Cadre member, William, who is trying to coordinate the loyalists in an attempt to regain the throne. Everyone is looking for the twins, as they are the key to holding the empire.
Swashbuckling pirates and heirs to the throne sticking it to the evil usurper. An an antagonists who doesn’t just twirl his mustache while chuckling in an evil manner and monologuing. Or who isn’t evil for the sake of being evil, but actually has an understandable motive. More on that later. In short the book is loads of fun to read.
The genre of this book is a little hard to define. At first glance it may seem like science fantasy as especially the Armati seem a little supernatural, but I think there is actually a technological explanation even to them. Currie takes the time to explain some of his technology and I actually quite enjoyed the gliders that shoot kite-like sails into the atmosphere to move forward. I got the impression that they are living on little pieces of Earth that were cut out of the planet‘s surface and transformed into space stations, so the genre actually seems to be mundane science fiction. The world building is quite nice and is probably going to take more of a front seat as the series progresses.
Now to my minor grievances. The first is that the author seems to have changed his mind somewhere along the line. In the beginning the emperor for example is once described as a sadistic bastard and you would think that this is the reason for the uprising. However, as you learn more about him it becomes patently obvious that he took ruling the kingdom seriously and devoted all his time to it (maybe not a great quality in a father, but certainly for a ruler). And tyrants in general don’t have loyalists. Even Corian calls him old friend. The issue here is consistency and could have been easily solved by editing the beginning.
Somewhere in the first half Corian explains his actual motivation for killing the emperor, which brings me to my second grievance. The following spoiler has very little impact on the plot of the first book, but I still need to point out that there is going to be one. Ready?
Apparently on one of his recon missions beyond the God Wall, Corian found some kind of obscure threat to the empire (probably ice zombies). Because he believed that the emperor didn’t take this threat seriously (though I disagree based on some of the weapons such as the Caleb Bar that he had developed in secret), he decided to take over the empire, so that he could prepare and defend it against said threat. On the one hand, that makes Corian an interesting villain, because (unlike some of his allies) he wasn’t in it for power or personal gain, but actually trying to protect the empire. It was also interesting to see how difficult Corian then found leading an empire compared to an army. On the other hand, his actions destabilized the empire he sought to protect, because now he has an internal struggle on his hands (and of course senators trying to use the conflict to widen their own power base). And you can‘t help thinking that he could have avoided all that, if he had presented those findings to his fellow Cadremen and together they could have tried to convince the emperor of the danger. This is a minor grievance as failure to communicate is a common problem and Corian‘s arrogance (he basically believed himself to be smarter than everyone else also a common failing) didn’t exactly help matters.
Overall a great book and I am definitely going to continue reading this series. Let‘s just hope he doesn’t draw it out til kingdom come, creating the distinct possibility of me not living long enough to actually read the end.
September 18, 2015
Currie writes exciting stories and Heirs of Empire is a good example. There is danger, tension, and betrayal mixed with an interesting plot and great characters. It has a lot of interesting concepts that make it Sci-Fi but not Space Opera.
Read
October 7, 2015I enjoyed this especially the character, Mira Delsol. She is a warrior, a pirate, and a brilliant strategist. General Coriander was an great villain and I enjoyed his battles with Mira. This is a great start to a new series and I hope that there will be more soon.
November 9, 2015
Plot - good, characters - good but more depth needed. I particularly liked the main character but by the time it came to the main fight, I didn't care about the fight. The end is intriguing and I only wish we had a bit more of this throughout to keep my interest going.
December 18, 2015
Excellent work, compelling story. Some moments of awkward plotting and characterization but overall I enjoyed it. The world was fascinating.
October 9, 2019
new series
A new series with interesting characters and a new world and technology to explore,with unknown past waiting to rear up in the future books.
A new series with interesting characters and a new world and technology to explore,with unknown past waiting to rear up in the future books.
June 15, 2016
could not really get into it, maybe a bit too out of my comfort zone
June 1, 2018
After discovering Evan Currie's immensely enjoyable Odyssey One series, I opted to check out the pair of Scourwind Legacy novels when they went on sale for a pittance on Amazon/Audible. I didn't read much about them beforehand, but I think I was expecting something fantasy-esque from Heirs of Empire based upon a high-level description. What I got was something entirely different.
The Scourwind Legacy is quite unique in its setting and presentation. It's a science fiction saga set in a completely fantastical world that is both very earth-like and extremely different. The technology is sometimes space-age, and sometimes steampunk-like, depending upon the application. Like Jim Butcher's Cinder Spires series, there's a strong focus upon airships and aerial combat. However, Currie has a gift for complex physical analysis and scientific explanations of flight, kinetic combat, and other subjects. Therefore, this book has a very hard, military science fiction feel to it as well, while maintaining a good bit of light-heartedness and aerial swashbuckling.
When it comes to characters, there's something to be desired. Not a lot of character development happens here, and Currie's protagonists are incredibly unique or remarkable. The focus is very much on the world and the action that happens in it. That said, cadrewoman Mira is a pretty fun, if somewhat bland main character that really carries the story. She's got the same blend of overwhelming competence and utterly carefree attitude that many modern female protagonists exhibit, which doesn't make her poor - just not outstanding. Her dialog and that of the others is not particularly gripping or interesting. It's really all about the military antics and long term plot exposition here.
This was a very singular and quite entertaining beginning to what promises to be a long-running and evolving science fiction saga. It's also surprisingly brief and digestible, considering the level of detail that's often on display. This is one of Currie's real strengths as an author.
The Scourwind Legacy is quite unique in its setting and presentation. It's a science fiction saga set in a completely fantastical world that is both very earth-like and extremely different. The technology is sometimes space-age, and sometimes steampunk-like, depending upon the application. Like Jim Butcher's Cinder Spires series, there's a strong focus upon airships and aerial combat. However, Currie has a gift for complex physical analysis and scientific explanations of flight, kinetic combat, and other subjects. Therefore, this book has a very hard, military science fiction feel to it as well, while maintaining a good bit of light-heartedness and aerial swashbuckling.
When it comes to characters, there's something to be desired. Not a lot of character development happens here, and Currie's protagonists are incredibly unique or remarkable. The focus is very much on the world and the action that happens in it. That said, cadrewoman Mira is a pretty fun, if somewhat bland main character that really carries the story. She's got the same blend of overwhelming competence and utterly carefree attitude that many modern female protagonists exhibit, which doesn't make her poor - just not outstanding. Her dialog and that of the others is not particularly gripping or interesting. It's really all about the military antics and long term plot exposition here.
This was a very singular and quite entertaining beginning to what promises to be a long-running and evolving science fiction saga. It's also surprisingly brief and digestible, considering the level of detail that's often on display. This is one of Currie's real strengths as an author.
November 2, 2019
One of those books where the individual components all seem fantastic, but when put together it doesn't quite work. That's not to say it is a bad book, far from it, it's a passable read, but I don't think I could call it a good book either.
Many of the elements should work: the world seems a good one, the struggle/plot - albeit a rather cliched one - is a solid, classic plot, there's some very unique weapons, the characters are decent too. There's a nautical flying space craft science theme, which is unique and has the possibility to tap into and evoke naval warfare classics. Oh and a lot of action.
And yet, none of these quite come off - the ideas are solid in principle, but are communicated in such a way that it limits their effectiveness. For example, the science elements and explanations of the space sailing are not intuitive to follow or picture and therefore detract from the action. The characters are decent but are written in such a way that they don't ever go that extra level where you connect with them and feel for them. All of which means that it doesn't quite hook you as you would want a book to and immerse you in the world and the narrative. There are moments where it works - the opening introduction and first chapter is really good - but such moments are few and far between.
The ideas behind and in the book are great, probably around a 9/10, but are conveyed in a manner that at best could be 4/10. Whilst not a waste of time, this book is pretty average, and wouldn't be one I would strongly recommend or rush to read. If the author developed his writing style in line with the quality of the ideas however, it could be a different story for the later books in the series. But for this one it's a comfortable 2 star read.
Many of the elements should work: the world seems a good one, the struggle/plot - albeit a rather cliched one - is a solid, classic plot, there's some very unique weapons, the characters are decent too. There's a nautical flying space craft science theme, which is unique and has the possibility to tap into and evoke naval warfare classics. Oh and a lot of action.
And yet, none of these quite come off - the ideas are solid in principle, but are communicated in such a way that it limits their effectiveness. For example, the science elements and explanations of the space sailing are not intuitive to follow or picture and therefore detract from the action. The characters are decent but are written in such a way that they don't ever go that extra level where you connect with them and feel for them. All of which means that it doesn't quite hook you as you would want a book to and immerse you in the world and the narrative. There are moments where it works - the opening introduction and first chapter is really good - but such moments are few and far between.
The ideas behind and in the book are great, probably around a 9/10, but are conveyed in a manner that at best could be 4/10. Whilst not a waste of time, this book is pretty average, and wouldn't be one I would strongly recommend or rush to read. If the author developed his writing style in line with the quality of the ideas however, it could be a different story for the later books in the series. But for this one it's a comfortable 2 star read.
January 23, 2024
2.5 stars? Hmmmm -- how to rate this. 3* means "I liked it" (not as much as 4* or 5* of course) and 2* generally has something that bugged me/didn't like (more for a 1*). Here ... there was nothing I was critical of; the writing was fine, the story was okay ... I just really never got pulled in. It didn't keep my interest, I finished it, but it was a bit of a push and I don't think I'll remember it. Not going to go on to the sequel.
After some realistic/contemporary/historical I really WANTED something different and sought this out (looking for fantasy included in KU w/audio). This turned out to be more sci-fi than fantasy though, and with the "empire" and "imperial" and "The Senate" and the bad guy who ends up half-machine and the boy/girl twins who are the heirs (not Skywalker, but "Scourwind" even has the S....W...) but too many parallels to Star Wars for me.
I don't give recaps in my reviews ... probs a good thing, as I don't think I absorbed enough of the story (was there enough of a story?) to write one up. It started right off with the action (prologue ... I often wonder why some things are a "prologue" and not just the first chapter ... I had that though here) - a train through a snowy mountain, an "enhanced" character Mira (would have liked to learn a little more about that, felt like it was mentioned a couple times but not really explored). I liked Mira. Then there were the twins, Kayle and Lydia. The bad guy. So basically the story was Mira helping the twins take back the empire from the bad guy.
Everything was 3rd person/past tense - staying chronological.
I went with the audio, although I turned to the Kindle text at times (very rarely a book will capture me in text if it didn't in audio ... unfortunately not the case here).
After some realistic/contemporary/historical I really WANTED something different and sought this out (looking for fantasy included in KU w/audio). This turned out to be more sci-fi than fantasy though, and with the "empire" and "imperial" and "The Senate" and the bad guy who ends up half-machine and the boy/girl twins who are the heirs (not Skywalker, but "Scourwind" even has the S....W...) but too many parallels to Star Wars for me.
I don't give recaps in my reviews ... probs a good thing, as I don't think I absorbed enough of the story (was there enough of a story?) to write one up. It started right off with the action (prologue ... I often wonder why some things are a "prologue" and not just the first chapter ... I had that though here) - a train through a snowy mountain, an "enhanced" character Mira (would have liked to learn a little more about that, felt like it was mentioned a couple times but not really explored). I liked Mira. Then there were the twins, Kayle and Lydia. The bad guy. So basically the story was Mira helping the twins take back the empire from the bad guy.
Everything was 3rd person/past tense - staying chronological.
I went with the audio, although I turned to the Kindle text at times (very rarely a book will capture me in text if it didn't in audio ... unfortunately not the case here).
January 21, 2018
World building at its absolute finest!
Not since the golden compass have I been so entranced by such a visionary work.
Enter an amazing new world where quantum mechanics is a basis for technology, and you owe it to yourself to explore this world where imagination is become a captivating and unprecedented reality, a world that is a mystery in itself as is some of the basic tech, aircraft with quantum sails and rockets, quantum armor in archaic form, the spoiled princess and rogue Prince. And amidst them all cadre gone bad based upon a mystery, betrayal, and then there is the loyal one.
Mira del sol a rogue herself.
"She glanced at him, a haunted look crossing her face. “Don’t ask me for answers you truly do not want to learn, Gaston. Let me just say that this world within which we live is . . . more than it appears.”
"She smiled, which would have almost made her beautiful if it weren’t for the sardonic twist of her lips and the cold gleam in her eye."
"It was a glaring oversight on her part to believe that the loyalists would be . . . loyal."
"Those behind her were barely worth a passing thought, and as to those in front of her? May the universe pass judgment on them with mercy, because she would not."
Not since the golden compass have I been so entranced by such a visionary work.
Enter an amazing new world where quantum mechanics is a basis for technology, and you owe it to yourself to explore this world where imagination is become a captivating and unprecedented reality, a world that is a mystery in itself as is some of the basic tech, aircraft with quantum sails and rockets, quantum armor in archaic form, the spoiled princess and rogue Prince. And amidst them all cadre gone bad based upon a mystery, betrayal, and then there is the loyal one.
Mira del sol a rogue herself.
"She glanced at him, a haunted look crossing her face. “Don’t ask me for answers you truly do not want to learn, Gaston. Let me just say that this world within which we live is . . . more than it appears.”
"She smiled, which would have almost made her beautiful if it weren’t for the sardonic twist of her lips and the cold gleam in her eye."
"It was a glaring oversight on her part to believe that the loyalists would be . . . loyal."
"Those behind her were barely worth a passing thought, and as to those in front of her? May the universe pass judgment on them with mercy, because she would not."
February 8, 2017
Traitors And Lies
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read An Empire Asunder!
Corian did the unthinkable for any Cadre warrior... He turned traitor. Now he has escaped Empire custody and is leading a coup. Will he succeed and topple the Scourwind Dynasty? Or will the Empire crush him for his treason? Emperor Edvard is a set in his ways and can't fathom the idea of a coup. How could this have happened? Will the Empire survive? Will the Scourwinds? His three children Kayle, Brennan and Lydia are the only hope if he falls. Will any other survive the coup? Or is the Empire done for?
Set in a fantastic world full of mysteries and ancient technology that noone really understands, this series sucks you in and doesn't let go! Part fantasy, but mostly SciFi, it is a place I never would have imagined!
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy SciFi set in a world nothing like ours but hinting that we are their origins, full of intrigue, action, adventure and characters to both love and hate :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read An Empire Asunder!
Corian did the unthinkable for any Cadre warrior... He turned traitor. Now he has escaped Empire custody and is leading a coup. Will he succeed and topple the Scourwind Dynasty? Or will the Empire crush him for his treason? Emperor Edvard is a set in his ways and can't fathom the idea of a coup. How could this have happened? Will the Empire survive? Will the Scourwinds? His three children Kayle, Brennan and Lydia are the only hope if he falls. Will any other survive the coup? Or is the Empire done for?
Set in a fantastic world full of mysteries and ancient technology that noone really understands, this series sucks you in and doesn't let go! Part fantasy, but mostly SciFi, it is a place I never would have imagined!
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy SciFi set in a world nothing like ours but hinting that we are their origins, full of intrigue, action, adventure and characters to both love and hate :)
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