The Elixir War

by Margena Adams Holmes

A thousand years ago, an elixir was discovered in the Darantha planet system that gives people special abilities. These abilities are based on the person’s genetic make-up. Some people, like Prince Jordan Vance of Darantha, have several abilities. In another part of the galaxy, Kiral Radern of Ornocto wants power—the power to take over and rule all the planet systems. To do that, he’ll have to destroy all the Elixir facilities except for one. Prince Jory and the Royal Planet Fleet have their work cut out for them, and need the help of a beautiful woman, who happens to be Radern’s daughter, to plan the assault. Will Prince Jory bring scandal to his family again? Will Radern be able to destroy the facilities before his daughter falls in love with Prince Jory? Space battles, romance, deception, and friendship are all called upon to protect the Elixir.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2015

About the author

Margena has been writing every since she can remember, writing her first poem in 1st grade. At her day job, when she's not kicking young kids out of R-rated movies, she's sweeping up spilled popcorn from the hallways and aisles (She's not your mother, though, so please take your trash out). Her days off consist of writing science fiction, space opera, and more movie theater shenanigans. Reading is a close second to writing, and she normally has her nose buried in an indie author book.

Many every things inspire Margena's stories. Going to concerts, working at the movie theater, and the crazy lady who owns the liquor store have all found their way into a story. An observer by nature, anything can and most likely will find its way into a story.

Margena loves all the Harry Potter books and movies, Star Wars, Star Trek, The Orville, The Crown, and the Los Angeles Kings.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recap: Prince Jory must defend the Elixir facility from Kiral Radern, alienating his love, his family and his men in the process.

Review: An interesting premise, an elixir that enhances latent abilities such as mind reading and telekinesis is freely available yet the production jealously guarded. We have a double love interest, a maniacal father bent on revenge, dog fights in space and a sword duel finale! For me, it lacked a little depth in the character relationships and at times leant more towards tell than show. A space opera with a dash of romance. I did feel sorry for Deyka, bless her.

[Debbie McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the sort of novel I usually read, which is odd, given how much I enjoy TV/movie sci-fi in space, and I really enjoyed The Elixir War. I appreciate that the author took a risk with the particular kind of recon work Prince Jordan (Jory) had to undertake, and it was interesting to follow Jory's inner conflict, although I do think he should have experienced way more than he did. I'm also not convinced I buy where his allegiance lies, but that's probably just me.

The plot is well paced with a good deal of action, and it was all very real and absorbing. I'm still wondering how the populations discovered the elixir and all became so dependent on it (I might have missed this near the beginning of the story). There are some great incidentals in this, like Jory's bad language and the laws about alcohol, all of which subtly world-build, which I'd much rather have (than blatant description), even if it leaves some questions unanswered.

Now, I have a problem with this novel, but it's not just with this novel, and it may well be with the genre, but as I say, this isn't my usual reading material. This is the second story I've read recently that's based in a different reality, and both maintain the fixed gender roles of our world. It feels like a seriously missed opportunity for challenging gender inequality to me, particularly for women authors.

Overall, I enjoyed The Elixir War - enough to want to read book two.

[Leo McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you call a bodice-ripper if it's set in space? A spacesuit-ripper? A ripped spacesuit doesn't sound terribly wise - but I suspect you get the idea.
Take a plunge across the stars with this sometimes saucy tale from Margena Holmes, as royal heir turned elite pilot Jory finds himself the only man able to solve the escalating conflict between the ruling body and the upstart rebel Kiral Radern. The two sides are plunging towards war over the elixir used to enhance people's abilities - sometimes offering glimpses of the future, sometimes offering strength and speed, depending on the user. Radern wants to control it all, and he'll stop at nothing to do so.
Jory has the key to stopping him - Radern's beautiful daughter, and must decide if he can go against his true love in order to save his father's empire.
It's a rollicking tale, full of action both in the stars and the bedroom. If that's your bag, then you're in for a treat.

[Maria Riegger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable space opera with romance. There was suspense surrounding the characters' romantic entanglements, which made for real page-turning to find out what happened next!

[Stephanie Gillis · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my first ever DNF about halfway through. I just couldn't...I want to support more indie authors and I while I can look past formatting issues this writing just isn't great. It's a lot of tell not show. The main character Jory is awful and made to be Mr. Perfect but has to tragically pretend to break off his engagement to seduce the leader of bad guys' daughter who is helplessly already in love with him. There's more description of the sex scenes then the actual plot. It's like an erotica trying to be Star Wars. I just couldn't do it. I'm sorry. This book needs way more editing and more drafts before it can really be anything I can get through.

[Joyce Hertzoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story filled with action, including a climactic sword fight, and romance. The premise is that Radern wants to control the manufacture of the Elixir, a substance that gives the characters abilities, some named and some not. Abilities, that is, not characters. Prince Jordan is tasked with rekindling his romance with Deyka Radern to find out her father’s plans despite the fact that Jordy is engaged to Samara. He’s also a pilot. Judicious editing could make the story flow more tightly and turn telling sections into showing, making this a gripping four- or five-star story.