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The Indoctrination
Lady Chrissalynn Dehartra Kasar is Empress of the Setian Empire: a powerful, parasitic race infesting known species throughout the galaxies. This story is a testimony told before her enemies.
Kidnapped as a child and raised as the protegee of the powerful Lord Kasas, Lady Dehartra is trained in the ways of the empire. She learns that emotions are for the weak. That torture can be a necessary evil or a priceless work of art. That the lives of those lower in rank are always expendable and that the greatest honor is to die for the glory of the Empire.
At the age of seventeen, Lady Dehartra wins her first major victory at the cost of hundreds of lives and becomes the first non-setian to ever be indoctrinated into the empire. Once promoted to this position of power, Lady Dehartra is ordered to facilitate the capture of Earth where she meets Darin, leader of the resistance, who may just prove her greatest challenge yet.
As Lady Dehartra rises through the ranks to surpass even that of the master who trained her, she soon finds herself reigning over an empire to which some claim she has never truly belonged.
Kidnapped as a child and raised as the protegee of the powerful Lord Kasas, Lady Dehartra is trained in the ways of the empire. She learns that emotions are for the weak. That torture can be a necessary evil or a priceless work of art. That the lives of those lower in rank are always expendable and that the greatest honor is to die for the glory of the Empire.
At the age of seventeen, Lady Dehartra wins her first major victory at the cost of hundreds of lives and becomes the first non-setian to ever be indoctrinated into the empire. Once promoted to this position of power, Lady Dehartra is ordered to facilitate the capture of Earth where she meets Darin, leader of the resistance, who may just prove her greatest challenge yet.
As Lady Dehartra rises through the ranks to surpass even that of the master who trained her, she soon finds herself reigning over an empire to which some claim she has never truly belonged.
- GenresScience Fiction
257 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2013
42 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Bone
43 books651 followersK.L. Bone is a USA Today bestselling author of dark fantasy and paranormal romance. Her works include the bestselling Black Rose Guard dark fantasy series. The bestselling Flames of Kalleen paranormal romance series. The Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series. And a stand-alone science fiction novel, The Indoctrination and numerous novellas.
Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in creative writing at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Belfast. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites that have inspired storytellers for generations.
Bone has a master’s degree in modern literary cultures and is working toward her PhD in creative writing at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.
She wrote her first short story at the age of fifteen and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. Bone has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London, and most recently, Belfast. When not immersed in words, of her own creation or studies, you’ll find her traveling to mythical sites that have inspired storytellers for generations.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 19, 2015
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the author.***
So I had to sleep on it after finishing this book last night because I felt like otherwise I would have been too emotionally charged to write a review.
In a nutshell, my heart broke throughout this whole story. Even though Chrissa was raised to be this monster for her empire, just like Darrin in the end, I was impressed with her and would have followed her also. She was a captivating character and whether it was Lord Kavra, Darrin or Lord Kasar, I loved seeing those hints of the girl she once was on earth.
I felt like this book is a hidden gem to the book world. It's an interesting concept that is not usually exercised. That is, writing a story from the "enemy's" point of view. I mean K.L. Bone thought of every emotion and didn't hold back when it came to revealing Chrissa's true feelings about the acts she committed throughout her life. I never felt like Chrissa had any hope for redemption, because she was taught that there was none and she wasn't doing anything wrong.
Normally, this type of ending would force to me emotionally star it the way I was feeling at the moment, which is why I waited to star it. This book was too good to give it a lower rating, simply because I was upset over the ending. I was excited, I was happy, I was sad, I was relieved and sometimes I damn near broke down from various events...but I was never bored or annoyed with the writing. It was apparent Bone really thought every emotion through and executed it interestingly.
K.L. Bone definitely delivered and I couldn't give it any less stars because it was worth every sad moment!
So I had to sleep on it after finishing this book last night because I felt like otherwise I would have been too emotionally charged to write a review.
In a nutshell, my heart broke throughout this whole story. Even though Chrissa was raised to be this monster for her empire, just like Darrin in the end, I was impressed with her and would have followed her also. She was a captivating character and whether it was Lord Kavra, Darrin or Lord Kasar, I loved seeing those hints of the girl she once was on earth.
I felt like this book is a hidden gem to the book world. It's an interesting concept that is not usually exercised. That is, writing a story from the "enemy's" point of view. I mean K.L. Bone thought of every emotion and didn't hold back when it came to revealing Chrissa's true feelings about the acts she committed throughout her life. I never felt like Chrissa had any hope for redemption, because she was taught that there was none and she wasn't doing anything wrong.
Normally, this type of ending would force to me emotionally star it the way I was feeling at the moment, which is why I waited to star it. This book was too good to give it a lower rating, simply because I was upset over the ending. I was excited, I was happy, I was sad, I was relieved and sometimes I damn near broke down from various events...but I was never bored or annoyed with the writing. It was apparent Bone really thought every emotion through and executed it interestingly.
K.L. Bone definitely delivered and I couldn't give it any less stars because it was worth every sad moment!
January 31, 2020
Wow
I really enjoyed this story the end totally blew me away .. I really didnt see that coming I loved it
I really enjoyed this story the end totally blew me away .. I really didnt see that coming I loved it
November 25, 2015
Chrissalynn Kasar has dreamt of becoming a princess for her entire life. Her entire six years on earth, that is. But her dreams of becoming a princess would come way too real when Lord Kasar finds Chrissalynn and claims her for his own. She is whisked away into a life of Lords, Ladies, and the Empire.
In this tale, K. L. Bone slips more into the darker side of things. Chrissa finds herself on a ship, with aliens and strange lands. She is quickly educated on the ins and outs of life, however, it is far different from what you and I know. This dark, fast-paced novel, takes you to worlds only dreamed about. You will meet creatures like you have never seen before! But this is only a small part of the story.
The Empire. This is truly Chrissa's first love. She becomes a true Empyrean as she fights through epic battles, wins seemingly impossible fights, and takes you behind the torture of prisoners. Though Chrissa seems like the loving six year old next door, she soon blossoms into something far different. I can't tell you too much, without ruining the story. What I can tell you is this is far different from the normal novel from K.L. Bone, yet, it still has her amazing story telling abilities, her elegant writing style, and her amazing ability to captivate an audience.
I honestly could not put this down! I found myself reading until my eyeballs could not read another sentence. It's fast-paced, heart pounding action will keep you on the edge of your seat! The heart-warming moments, will leave you falling in love. But the end of the book! Well, I can't tell you that. You will just have to get there...
In this tale, K. L. Bone slips more into the darker side of things. Chrissa finds herself on a ship, with aliens and strange lands. She is quickly educated on the ins and outs of life, however, it is far different from what you and I know. This dark, fast-paced novel, takes you to worlds only dreamed about. You will meet creatures like you have never seen before! But this is only a small part of the story.
The Empire. This is truly Chrissa's first love. She becomes a true Empyrean as she fights through epic battles, wins seemingly impossible fights, and takes you behind the torture of prisoners. Though Chrissa seems like the loving six year old next door, she soon blossoms into something far different. I can't tell you too much, without ruining the story. What I can tell you is this is far different from the normal novel from K.L. Bone, yet, it still has her amazing story telling abilities, her elegant writing style, and her amazing ability to captivate an audience.
I honestly could not put this down! I found myself reading until my eyeballs could not read another sentence. It's fast-paced, heart pounding action will keep you on the edge of your seat! The heart-warming moments, will leave you falling in love. But the end of the book! Well, I can't tell you that. You will just have to get there...
July 26, 2015
For being a new author, she has the talent to make you feel and see every detail of the book. This is the first time I loved a villian and wanted her to win! A must read as I'm sure the authors future books will get even better.
February 11, 2019
Heartbreakingly Beautiful
*I was given a copy of this book by the author to give an honest review*
So I'm asked to consider why I gave the rating I have for this book. There are several reasons that I chose a 5 star rating. The first is because the book was fantastically well written. Each chapter is incredibly detailed. I can picture exactly what the seas looked like on Setianta. The imagery created throughout this story is beautiful. There is nothing tpyical about the main character. The villian of the story kills without mercy and does some really horrible things. Even with all her wrong doings I still felt incredibly sad for her. I left this book with a feeling of great loss. Loss for the innocence stolen from a young girl who turned out to be a brillant and terrible leader to the exact people who stole her life. I have to say I felt torn between caring about the main character and how her deeds made me feel. I have never read a story from the villians POV where the villian did not have a turning point where they redemed themselves. Chrissilyn stands strong for what she believes in even to the very end. I think it takes a pretty wild imagination to tell a story this deep and this well. I have read other books by K.L Bone and I have loved each one. I recommend reading this book especially if you want to travel out of the normal safe HEA and step into a darker twisted world where your sense of right and wrong can and will be tested.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author to give an honest review*
So I'm asked to consider why I gave the rating I have for this book. There are several reasons that I chose a 5 star rating. The first is because the book was fantastically well written. Each chapter is incredibly detailed. I can picture exactly what the seas looked like on Setianta. The imagery created throughout this story is beautiful. There is nothing tpyical about the main character. The villian of the story kills without mercy and does some really horrible things. Even with all her wrong doings I still felt incredibly sad for her. I left this book with a feeling of great loss. Loss for the innocence stolen from a young girl who turned out to be a brillant and terrible leader to the exact people who stole her life. I have to say I felt torn between caring about the main character and how her deeds made me feel. I have never read a story from the villians POV where the villian did not have a turning point where they redemed themselves. Chrissilyn stands strong for what she believes in even to the very end. I think it takes a pretty wild imagination to tell a story this deep and this well. I have read other books by K.L Bone and I have loved each one. I recommend reading this book especially if you want to travel out of the normal safe HEA and step into a darker twisted world where your sense of right and wrong can and will be tested.
May 24, 2018
The Indoctrination follows the life of Chrissa, a human girl, who started out life on earth, and was abducted by aliens. She lived a life that took her down a gruesome path that was filled with lots of death, torture, power, and even love.
The race of people that she grows to lead from a place of ultimate power is the Setian Empire, they infest others and use their bodies to carry out the goals of the Empire. I absolutely love the imagery that this book provides through amazing writing. Throughout the story many planets are described and it seems like a beautiful life to live. Sadly, that is not the case, throughout the life of Chrissa, she has to take many lives, because that is how she is raised. She grows into a powerful and smart leader, but at what cost, perhaps her humanity.
That ending though! Woah! I did not see that coming at all! But I loved it!
This is a fantastic sci-fi read that has many intriguing moments. It encompasses love stories, power plays, war, and torture in a magnificent way that will leave you hooked from page one. Another knockout hit by the wonderfully talented K.L Bone.
The race of people that she grows to lead from a place of ultimate power is the Setian Empire, they infest others and use their bodies to carry out the goals of the Empire. I absolutely love the imagery that this book provides through amazing writing. Throughout the story many planets are described and it seems like a beautiful life to live. Sadly, that is not the case, throughout the life of Chrissa, she has to take many lives, because that is how she is raised. She grows into a powerful and smart leader, but at what cost, perhaps her humanity.
That ending though! Woah! I did not see that coming at all! But I loved it!
This is a fantastic sci-fi read that has many intriguing moments. It encompasses love stories, power plays, war, and torture in a magnificent way that will leave you hooked from page one. Another knockout hit by the wonderfully talented K.L Bone.
May 2, 2019
Wow! I found as I read on, each chapter became a race to get to the next one. This book got better and better by the chapter. I’ve found a new favorite warrior / villain ness in Chrissalyn. The things she did during battles, I found myself thinking that when I was younger, I would have done the same thing.
Being adopted myself, I understand how she felt when she became Kaser’s daughter. You find that you question who you really are and over the years, she became a true Setian, not the human she was born as.
Best in battle, even at a very young age, she worked her way through the ranks. She held respect and fear of her men and giving herself in the end. Full of passion, action, suspense and surprises, this science fiction had three men in love with her. One processed her as his and only his, one loved her from the start and one captured into a love slave, fell in love with her. None would go against her, even if it meant their death. Awesome!
Being adopted myself, I understand how she felt when she became Kaser’s daughter. You find that you question who you really are and over the years, she became a true Setian, not the human she was born as.
Best in battle, even at a very young age, she worked her way through the ranks. She held respect and fear of her men and giving herself in the end. Full of passion, action, suspense and surprises, this science fiction had three men in love with her. One processed her as his and only his, one loved her from the start and one captured into a love slave, fell in love with her. None would go against her, even if it meant their death. Awesome!
November 19, 2018
How do you find redemption when you can not see that you are on the wrong path? From the mind of the exceptional K.L.Bone comes this great that you will want to bite into and then indulge in until it is done! Chrissy is an excellently written villain, she is charismatic and throughout the book you see small glimpses of the girl she once was. You also see the path that brought her to the monster she currently is.
The entire story was written from the "villan's" perspective. Each motivation and choice/ consequence is finely examined. A true masterpiece in this day and age more people should be lucky enough to read KL Bone's work. I went from angry to elated and then deep sadness to where I was ugly crying by the end. The end by the way is true to Bone's forte and stops before you are ready!!! I can't wait to see if she continues this story and if so where she takes it!!!
The entire story was written from the "villan's" perspective. Each motivation and choice/ consequence is finely examined. A true masterpiece in this day and age more people should be lucky enough to read KL Bone's work. I went from angry to elated and then deep sadness to where I was ugly crying by the end. The end by the way is true to Bone's forte and stops before you are ready!!! I can't wait to see if she continues this story and if so where she takes it!!!
October 25, 2023
"An adventure with certain death assured?"
Where do I even begin with this book. I have read several of KL Bone's books and this one has been the only one to make me cry with the epilogue. This story follows the life of Chrissa taken as a young girl to a planet she is not accustomed to and taught the way of their life. She is taught to have no emotions, be ruthless, commanding, and to fight for what is yours. This book kept me wanting to turn the page and continue to read more and when it was finished I was still wishing there was more. Definitely worth the read if you love science fiction and intergalactic space stories.
Where do I even begin with this book. I have read several of KL Bone's books and this one has been the only one to make me cry with the epilogue. This story follows the life of Chrissa taken as a young girl to a planet she is not accustomed to and taught the way of their life. She is taught to have no emotions, be ruthless, commanding, and to fight for what is yours. This book kept me wanting to turn the page and continue to read more and when it was finished I was still wishing there was more. Definitely worth the read if you love science fiction and intergalactic space stories.
November 5, 2018
The most unique heroine book I've read
I had no clue what to expect when I started this book. I have read KL Bone's Black Rose series and the Dragons books. This was unlike either series but true to her very talented writing skills. She pulls you into the story from the first page and you are never quite sure where the next page will take you. I loved the power this heroine has and though it is not always a kind power she takes it on with the strength and dedication to be admired.
I had no clue what to expect when I started this book. I have read KL Bone's Black Rose series and the Dragons books. This was unlike either series but true to her very talented writing skills. She pulls you into the story from the first page and you are never quite sure where the next page will take you. I loved the power this heroine has and though it is not always a kind power she takes it on with the strength and dedication to be admired.
August 23, 2020
This was a hard book for me to read. Not because of the characters or the story but because of the content. The strange thing is I did enjoy the book. The characters had great depth, I felt I knew them in the real world. The story moved quickly and kept my attention. I was going to stop after the first few chapters because of the content and I am really glad I didn’t. Ms Bone says there will not be a series and I felt very disappointed. There were characters whose story is not completed.
September 14, 2017
Fabulous tale!
What a fantastic job Ms. Bone has done on this book! The story of a young girl taken from earth and raised to become a leader for the invading aliens is engrossing and heart breaking. I couldn't stop reading. I love the way this author can make you feel for the bad guys as well as the heroes. Don't miss this book!!!
What a fantastic job Ms. Bone has done on this book! The story of a young girl taken from earth and raised to become a leader for the invading aliens is engrossing and heart breaking. I couldn't stop reading. I love the way this author can make you feel for the bad guys as well as the heroes. Don't miss this book!!!
November 19, 2018
Wow!
This book was intense! I couldn’t believe all the things that Chrissa had been through and all that she over came. I also was surprised with all that Nicholas turned out to be. I loved Kavra and even Darin. I’m still in shock with how the book ended. Woah... it was very intense. K.L. Bone did excellent work and I can not wait to read the next book.
This book was intense! I couldn’t believe all the things that Chrissa had been through and all that she over came. I also was surprised with all that Nicholas turned out to be. I loved Kavra and even Darin. I’m still in shock with how the book ended. Woah... it was very intense. K.L. Bone did excellent work and I can not wait to read the next book.
October 26, 2021
A very unique story. The "heroine" is not really a heroine however. Ambitious. Cruel. Ruthless. Despotic. An example of "Stockholm Syndrome", both her and some of her victims. Although the author presented her as a heroine, I had trouble viewing her as anything other than evil, conniving and self-serving. Still an interesting, if disturbing read.
November 23, 2018
I had no idea what to expect with this book, and K.L. Bone did not disappoint at all. The whole book was written so well and the epilogue saw me with tears streaming down my eyes. I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
October 20, 2023
An amazing read. The storyline was unique and different. And the details were on point. The words flowed effortlessly. Fast paced, on the edge of your seat, gripping page turner. This story didn't disappoint.
April 8, 2020
A great read
K.L. Bone has put together a well written story that is nonstop engaging. This is a book fantasy readers will care about.
K.L. Bone has put together a well written story that is nonstop engaging. This is a book fantasy readers will care about.
June 29, 2015
Chrissalynn is the apple of her father's eye. While her mother is home with her little brother, Chrissa and her father head down the California coast to a special, secluded place on the beach. He tells he how there is so much that she will some day see and do, and and that she'll someday live in a castle and be a princess.
Two weeks later, her father never returned from a fishing trip with friends - his body was never recovered.
Unable to cope, her mother begins to drink heavily, forcing Chrissa to take care of herself and her brother. It's not long before she takes Chrissa and her brother, James, to what she considered an ugly building. When the children are distracted with play, she leaves. After a few months at the adoption agency, a couple petitions for custody of the two.
After a few years, it became general knowledge that no matter how hard she tried, Chrissa just didn't fit in. One night, shortly after her 10th birthday, a babysitter was hired the care for James and Chrissa for the evening. While in her room reading, Chrissa couldn't miss a high-pitched sound, soon followed by brilliantly blinking lights of white, blue, and red. There was a huge aircraft on the lawn!
Going to her brother's room, she went to him and held him tightly as eight armed men entered the room and surrounded the bed, guns pointed at the children. Another man entered the room, and promised to not hurt her little brother if she went voluntarily with them. Not knowing what was going on, but knowing she didn't fit in where she was, she went with them.
As she boarded the ship, Chrissa was greeted with the utmost respect, was shown to exceptional quarters that she was told here 'hers', and in general wanted for nothing. The man who came to take her that night was Lord Edward Kasar of the Setian empire - the empire's 7th highest ranking member.
Over the years, Chrissa is groomed in the art of torture, battle strategy, and the many planets and their races throughout the galaxy, eventually rising in rank and becoming a lady in her own right.
While the book kept my interest, and I found myself liking the characters, there was nothing that kept me wanting more story of any of the characters. The writing, while painting a great picture to make the story come to life, had just enough word misuses to make me stumble a little in the reading, but I know how expensive professional editors can be! Besides, everyone makes mistakes!
I received the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Two weeks later, her father never returned from a fishing trip with friends - his body was never recovered.
Unable to cope, her mother begins to drink heavily, forcing Chrissa to take care of herself and her brother. It's not long before she takes Chrissa and her brother, James, to what she considered an ugly building. When the children are distracted with play, she leaves. After a few months at the adoption agency, a couple petitions for custody of the two.
After a few years, it became general knowledge that no matter how hard she tried, Chrissa just didn't fit in. One night, shortly after her 10th birthday, a babysitter was hired the care for James and Chrissa for the evening. While in her room reading, Chrissa couldn't miss a high-pitched sound, soon followed by brilliantly blinking lights of white, blue, and red. There was a huge aircraft on the lawn!
Going to her brother's room, she went to him and held him tightly as eight armed men entered the room and surrounded the bed, guns pointed at the children. Another man entered the room, and promised to not hurt her little brother if she went voluntarily with them. Not knowing what was going on, but knowing she didn't fit in where she was, she went with them.
As she boarded the ship, Chrissa was greeted with the utmost respect, was shown to exceptional quarters that she was told here 'hers', and in general wanted for nothing. The man who came to take her that night was Lord Edward Kasar of the Setian empire - the empire's 7th highest ranking member.
Over the years, Chrissa is groomed in the art of torture, battle strategy, and the many planets and their races throughout the galaxy, eventually rising in rank and becoming a lady in her own right.
While the book kept my interest, and I found myself liking the characters, there was nothing that kept me wanting more story of any of the characters. The writing, while painting a great picture to make the story come to life, had just enough word misuses to make me stumble a little in the reading, but I know how expensive professional editors can be! Besides, everyone makes mistakes!
I received the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2015
The novel was a wonderful read and held twists and turns that kept me spellbound. While I anticipated a more traditional space fantasy, the book went beyond my expectations in providing a daring heroine, Chrissa, who is not afraid to put everything on the line for her beliefs.
The storyline incorporated great development of several fascinating characters and the ending will definitely take you by surprise. The creation of alien worlds is always intriguing and K.L. Bone has done a tremendous job of creating a believable setting for her story to take place, yet captured the ambiance of another world.
The novel is one everyone should read and well worth the time. While it does contain a couple of violent scenes, they are endemic to the work, and should not scare off most readers. I highly recommend buying and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The storyline incorporated great development of several fascinating characters and the ending will definitely take you by surprise. The creation of alien worlds is always intriguing and K.L. Bone has done a tremendous job of creating a believable setting for her story to take place, yet captured the ambiance of another world.
The novel is one everyone should read and well worth the time. While it does contain a couple of violent scenes, they are endemic to the work, and should not scare off most readers. I highly recommend buying and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
February 23, 2016
I found the story line very enticing, told from the "criminal's" point of view. It was a very engaging story about the psychology of Chrissa and those around her, set against the backdrop of an alien empire.
However, the numerous word misuses, and grammar errors were distracting, as was the seemingly constant descriptions of what Chrissa was wearing and how her hair was done, and what jewelry she wore. Personally, I think I only needed these descriptions when it was pertinent to the story (when she changes to formal robes for a meeting, or when she's enticing someone to bed). It gave the book more of a romance novel feel than a science fiction one, but some readers may like this.
Over all, for a first foray into science fiction, not bad.
However, the numerous word misuses, and grammar errors were distracting, as was the seemingly constant descriptions of what Chrissa was wearing and how her hair was done, and what jewelry she wore. Personally, I think I only needed these descriptions when it was pertinent to the story (when she changes to formal robes for a meeting, or when she's enticing someone to bed). It gave the book more of a romance novel feel than a science fiction one, but some readers may like this.
Over all, for a first foray into science fiction, not bad.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews