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Cadicle #3

Bonds of Resolve

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A war is never fought alone...A year after his encounter with the Bakzen, Wil is still grappling with his upcoming role in the war. Weighed down by his sense of duty and a grim vision of his fate, he has withdrawn from friends and family-focusing only on his official assignments. However, Wil finds unexpected support when he befriends a new TSS trainee from Earth, Saera. Through their budding relationship, Wil comes to terms with the purpose he was born to fulfill and gains comfort in the knowledge that he won't have to face the future alone. With a sweet romance, coming-of-age, and a dash of adventure, this novel follows Wil as he completes his training to become the youngest and most powerful Agent the TSS has ever known.

299 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2015

37 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

Amy DuBoff

24 books238 followers
*See full list of current publications under A.K. DuBoff*

I have always loved science fiction--books, movies, shows and games. If it involves outer space, even better!

Most of my writing is character-driven, which traces back to my time as a Psych major in college. I love to blend science and fantasy, especially when it comes to metaphysical abilities.

As a full-time author, I currently live in Portland, Oregon, with my husband. When I’m not writing, I enjoy travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.

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5 stars
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57 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Alicia.
154 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2016
The romance in this book takes up way too much page-time. I would say the relationship between Wil and Saera (a brand new character) comprises about 75% of this novel. Which is surprising considering how underdeveloped their relationship ends up being. You see, Wil and Saera are soulmates. They have a "resonance connection," whatever that is. They see each other once, and are then obsessed with each other for the rest of the book. It's insta-love, and it's boring. These perfect characters have a perfect relationship.

And make no mistake, they are both perfect in every single way. Sure, the author gives Saera a tragic back-story where she made some choices she's now ashamed by - but it's brought up once and then stops being important. I guess watching Saera struggle in a new relationship, or in adapting to a radically different environment would take away from her perfection. She's immediately top in her class, heading for the elite "Prime Command" career track, a career path that almost no women take. Why do so few women end up in the Prime Command ranks? Does that seem strange for an organization whose primary weapon is telepathy, where women should be on relatively equal footing to men? Well I'll let Wil Sights, genius to end all geniuses, explain it to you:

"It requires a rare diversity of telekinetic and telepathic skills. But moreover, the Command track requires someone to make tough calls. Life or death decisions. Whether it be from social conditioning or some kind of innate predisposition, many women don't want to make those kinds of choices. S***, most men don't, either, but there are enough societal pressures that they'll more readily take it on."

Gee, good to know toxic masculinity and the social conditioning of women is a thing across the entire galaxy! Wil also says it's been 5 years since the last time a woman went down the Prime Command path. I could understand it being a rare thing for women to do (social conditioning is a real thing that can be hard for girls to shake off), but there are hundreds of trainees each year. Out of so many girls, from all corners of the galaxy, it takes years find a single woman who is both a skilled telepath and desires to lead a group?

But don't worry too much about it, Saera is easily the most skilled person in her group of trainees. She sails to number one in the course ranks and stays there. And she's the first girl to do it in 10 years! This is not just lazy story-telling to make our new female protagonist seem more special and awesome.

Of course, no one is more special than Wil, but it's been like that since the last book so I'm used to it at this point. Although, he does feel a lot of pressure about the role assigned to him, and knows he's being used by people higher-up than him. So, although he's ultra-powerful, he's still got a bit to struggle with and he's a better character for it.

There were some other things I wanted to mention (like Saera receiving extra training from Wil, and him being her tester during the final evaluation. But don't worry, it's not special treatment and she totally deserves everything she got.), but this is getting way too long. Despite my lengthy rant I did enjoy the book. It's just a detour from the main storyline though, which is a shame. The stuff we do get for the main plot is great though. Haersen is an interesting villain, and I want to know what's gonna happen with him. Tek's got no personality, but his actions are interesting enough to pique my attention.

In the end, my real complaint about this series is the main characters are very static. They start perfect, and stay that way. The only character who's shown significant growth and development is Cris, Wil's dad and the protagonist of the first book. He's only got a supporting role in this story, but his struggle as a father feels pretty real. He wants so badly to protect his son, but usually there's nothing he can do. I wish we saw more of him and Banks, the high commander.
Profile Image for Darlene.
376 reviews28 followers
October 25, 2015
I received an ARC from the author AMY DUBOFF, in exchange for an honest opinion. This is Mismousey's very honest opinion of BONDS OF RESOLVE. First let me say this- this is the first time I have read any books written by Ms Duboff. Saying this - even knowing that I am a fan of sci-fi. I was still unsure of her writing. But once I started reading - I was amazed with her writing talent and her ability of creativity She has out done herself - to the point that you actually believe and see everything you are reading.

In Bonds of Resolve- we find our Jr Agent Wil still not over with his encounter Bakzen. He has withdrawn from everyone and thing. Hoping to pull him through they have decided to assign him a class to teach. This is where he meets Saera ( she is from earth). She is a new trainee for TSS- they have plans for her -

Now as she passes all her tests with flying colors- she is only 1 of 5 that are part of an elite group that will be make of part of this group. Saera throws herself into her studies. And with Wil's help she makes the top of the class. During the extra tutoring sessions they fall love with each other.

What happens between them? Does she decide to accept him for who he really is and what he must do? Does she decide to stay with TSS at the end of her first year?

This story has so many twist and turns in it. You have to read. I recommend it to all to read. especially those that love a great sci-fi. Mimousey gives it a 70 out of 5 stars. Make sure to add this delicious -terrific-amazing-and Genius of a book to you GOODREADS READING LIST!!! AND THEN FLY AND GET YOUR COPY TODAY!!!
Profile Image for Jas.
1,026 reviews
February 28, 2020
Part 3 sees the introduction of Saera Alexander, a young woman from Earth, who is a new recruit at the TSS, and on her first day makes an incredible impact on Wil as they cross paths. As they see each other for the first time, there is a shockwave in the resonance surrounding them that leaves them both reeling from the strength, and totally enthralled with each other.
Bonds of Resolve has multiple story lines, each that are rather fascinating, and it is easy to see that DuBoff is a master storyteller, building not just a strong story, but taking time to develop her characters and to create a strong universe for the story to play out in.
The story follows Saera’s time at the TSS, and Saera quickly becomes a Main Character, as we get introduced to her, and learn about her background from Earth, her abilities, as well as some strong character development of not just her, but the other candidates that she trains with. DuBoff also takes the time to create more of the Universe, using Saera to provide a fascinating history of Earth and how it fits into this Universe.
DuBoff has taken a lot of time to craft this this exceptional story, with its individual locations, outstanding characters, and this strangely familiar, and yet utterly hostile alien race that is hell bent on the destruction of all of Humanity.
Even within this race, there are different facets of political intrigue, giving the story a different aspect again.
One of the really fascinating features of this story is the psychic abilities of the characters, from the simple ‘Telepathy’, to ‘Telekinetic’ skills, and the full range of skills that Wil is trying to develop in the Bakzen war.
A lot of the development of Wil’s character, and the other trainee’s, reminds me so much of the Galaxy Primes series written by E.E. ‘Doc’ Smith, and the Golden Age of Sci-Fi, with the compelling, in-depth storylines, and the stunning world building, including the powerful Psychic abilities.
Part 3 also sees Wil training towards Simultaneous Observation, the one ability that will allow him to see the Bakzen ships in real space, in the rift, and in subspace, thus allowing him to respond before they arrive, or possibly, if they can develop the right tech, attack them during transit. It will single-handedly turn the tide of the war. But at what cost?
Because at the end of the day, they are talking about killing an entire sentient species?
And as Wil undergoes his training, he must pass a further test, one in which he must meet and pass a test of the Aesir, the race of humans, that ascended thousands of years ago.
Bonds of Resolve is a fascinating story, with some brilliant new characters, but it also raises (without giving away spoilers), some very interesting, and possibly terrifying new questions for Wil to answer.
DuBoff is just a genius at writing a purely spectacular series, one that is totally captivating that you can’t put down, as you are drawn to the extraordinary characters that she has created, as well as this engaging and enthralling universe she has developed to tell a story that the masters of old would be captivated by.
If you haven’t yet jumped into the Fractured Empire series, now is the time to do it, as DuBoff is introducing new stories to the series, and this is one series you just have to read!!
16 reviews
June 28, 2017
Books 1-3 were good clean book for juvenile readers I suppose but not enough for me to read any further. If they had some "stand alone" content, maybe...but they don't. Everything in these three books could be condensed into one book and not lose one thing of importance. Stretching this out to 7 or more books would be just painful. It ain't Star Wars for sure!
Also, no matter what their names were or what their gender was supposed to be, they all came across as juvenile female or unisex or something. None were male in any sense.
Profile Image for Bradley.
Author 9 books4,861 followers
July 5, 2024
Some time later, Will finds romance and progresses with some greater powers and negotiations. The space opera continues nicely, but if I am to be entirely honest, it is simple. If nobody expects complicated situations or characterizations, just a well-written formula, then you'll probably have a good time.

It is nothing groundbreaking, however, just psi and better star travel stuff, a long war, and lies.

Profile Image for John Piper.
1,055 reviews18 followers
June 20, 2017
This is a great series! I love how the author has created such a unique universe, and continues to surprise me with each book. Very well written, and great dialog. The characters draw you in, and make you feel like you're part of the story! I highly recommend this series!
9 reviews
September 15, 2018
Great! finally faster forward movement. Now we can get to the best of the storyline!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
961 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2024
A faster moving interlude to a slow moving story.
Profile Image for Max.
27 reviews
March 20, 2017
The series shifts once again to cover the introduction of the story's second primary protagonist, the hero's girlfriend. This book definitely had a YA romance vibe to it, but was nevertheless a solid addition to Wil's ongoing saga. The girlfriend, Saera, is a believable character with a complex past who balances out Wil's ever more stressful training and preparation for war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
500 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2017
Fantastic Dynastic Space Opera Success #3 of 3

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: EPIC DYNASTIC SPACE OPERA (#3 AND ENTIRE SERIES)

Amy DuBoff's third "Cadicle" series novel hits the same high quality as the first two books of this series. There are a few more plot twists, and we learn (as the characters do) more about previously revealed mysteries. Without revealing the plotlines, the primary protagonist, Wil, and his love, are beginning to understand some of the ramifications that have been kept secret.

The main protagonist begins to develop his character and mature as a man as this novel progresses. I really enjoyed reading this, and the maturation of the protagonist is admirable.
338 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2016
“Topnotch Author And Fantastic Series.”

In book #3 of the Cadicle series, young Wil Sights is in training for Junior Agent and preparing for his Internship graduation, but the Priesthood and the Tararian Selective Service have more plans for the 16-year-old. They are rushing him forward towards his final tests to see how powerful his telekinetic energy really is. He has been bred for this role, chosen in stealth by the Priesthood through secret maneuvers within his bloodline. Now a young woman, Saera Alexander, has connected with him, and he may want to rebel if she isn’t on his side.

This third entry is every bit as fascinating as the first two novels. I must admit to a couple of problems I thought I had detected, but felt the author was going to explain these away eventually, and I was right. One problem I had was with the social technology. Here we are millions of years in the future, yet people use tablets, handhelds, and send emails. This is today’s technology, not for a highly advanced civilization that may only need their minds to communicate. But we read this conversation between a trainee and instructor:
”So, Taran civilization is tens of thousands of years old, right?”
“More like millions.”
“All right, even better. So why isn’t this millions of years old civilization more advanced?”
“It’s pretty advanced.”
“Like there’s the gravity manipulation and subspace travel, but you’re still entering things by hand on touch-panels and using what is essentially a smartphone.”
We’re told that there was a collapse of civilization 1000 years before, and we basically had to relearn everything from scratch. Plus, the old adage of what goes around comes around again. Thus, it seems that the current technology has come back around. Okay, I’ll buy that, for now.
The second thing that has bothered me is the lack of women in real leadership and active roles. It appears to be a man’s world. Yes, women train in the TSS, and become instructors, and given positions. But no real active roles besides a doctor that appears once a book, or someone in another position we hear about once in a while. Women’s roles are reduced to mother and wives and girlfriends. With the introduction of Saera, I’m hoping this will change, and we have women in leadership and present for active parts.

Each novel is a story of its own, but I would suggest starting with the first, and reading the series in order. But for a good read, I highly recommend this book and series for SF readers.
5 reviews
March 1, 2016
I have read the first two books in this series and I continue to be intrigued and connected to the characters. This is a great series!

DuBoff’s well-paced and captivating multidimensional story continues with our young hero, Wil, at the center of the intrigue. He is to be the leader to end a longstanding war that will be fought using advanced telekinetic abilities. As the story continues to unfold we find Wil developing telekinetic abilities that are as exciting as they are concerning.

The book offers many layers of intrigue and meaning to explore. The bonds of resolve referred to in the title are many dimensional. There are bonds that restrict and bonds that empower. There is the resolve to succumb and the resolve to overcome. We witness Wil becoming resolved within himself that he can accept the fate handed to him, in spite of fearing that he may become someone he doesn’t want to be. Wil also finds the importance and power that comes from creating deeper personal bonds, when he meets Saera.

And then of course, there is the resolve of the enemy to succeed and defeat Wil and destroy his planet. Can Wil defeat the enemy? The suspense increases as we learn that the enemy has a weapon that may prove to make Wil’s task even more difficult.

In his first test as a leader, Wil brings together a group of people with the resolve to overcome a tyrant. Speaking of tyranny and truth, readers are left with more questions about the Priesthood. Who is the Priesthood and how did they gain so much control? Advanced telekinesis and the war have been kept secret from the citizens of Wil’s planet. Why has it been a secret, who is behind the war and what is the war is really about? I can’t wait to find out!


Profile Image for Eric.
100 reviews
March 2, 2016
By far, this is my favorite of the three books in The Cadicle series. This time we’re not focusing completely on the boy genius/future commander Wil. Enter Saera, outcast, intelligent, shy, unlikely candidate from Earth, who takes the opportunity to join the TSS as a new beginning to her life. She quickly realizes she can only escape her specific situation, not the behaviors that caused it. Saera decides to fully embrace her choice and be the best at what the TSS can make her. Her intelligence and determination grabs Wils attention and soon a friendship is formed. The relationship is exactly what Wil needs to break out of his shell/depression and enjoy life. This is exactly how I’d expect a teen to behave, super genius or not.

Pros:
• This book is more meaty and substantial than the previous books, so it’s a much longer read. Having an advance version, I’ve read my pre-release copy twice now.
• The character development of Wil is great. Wil is treated more like a person, less like an object as I felt he was in the previous book. There is less of the “you’re going to save the Taran race” and more “we’ve a problem and are hoping you’ll solve it” attitude towards Wil. His anxiously awaited graduation and the challenges he faces are handled with intelligence and grace.
• Our view of this world (universe) keeps expanding and we fill in more backstory, including more on the Priesthood, the Sietinen High Dynasty, the Bakzan empire.

Cons:
• None I can think of. This book addressed the problems I had with the previous two books, namely the length of the novel and the time jump between Architects of Destiny (Cadicle #1) and Veil of Reality (Cadicle #2).
Profile Image for Lizzie.
373 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2018
This is the 3rd book in the Cadicle series. Wil, a prodigy with a destiny that scares him is doing what must be done, but has no friends and no hope. A new batch of trainees enter the TSS and in the process he meets someone who understands his pain. The TSS is gearing up for war and the trainees don't know their future, but Wil does and carrying that burden alone is not easy but sharing that future with someone else is even more difficult. While in many ways this 3rd book is about Wil and Saera finding each other, it is also about the training processes for TSS trainees and the types of people in the Cadicle universe.

I enjoy the series, the worlds created by the author and especially the TSS and ESP aspects. On the down side, it is probably a bit too much boy/girl relationship in the 3rd book for most teenaged boys while at the same time being too sexist for many teenaged girls to approve of the series. Stating that there are more men than women in command because women don't make the hard decisions of life or death would have resulted in my daughter being very unhappy with the author (though she would have finished the book anyway).

This series is a worthwhile read, although I recommend getting the omnibus rather than just one of the stories. As a 3-parter it is more satisfying. From my perspective, the author's writing gets better in each succeeding book.

I received the omnibus of the first 3 books in the series for free in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Amelia.
363 reviews15 followers
May 1, 2016
The third installment of Cadicle was excellent. Now Wil is in his final training period and new trainees are coming in to TSS. The action mostly centers around Wil finishing up his last bit of training and his tutoring and teaching of other TSS students. He gets a love interest! Hooray!

I liked this one a bit better than the previous (second) book but I'm not sure why. I think here perhaps it's because Wil is a bit more in control of his own destiny, which is good, although it might just be an illusion!

This book (like the previous three) is a fun and interesting YA space opera suitable for teens and adults. This book did have a few editing errors but they weren't major.

I am really looking forward to reading installment #4!

I received this book at the Goodreads Space Opera Fans community for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Paige.
251 reviews71 followers
October 25, 2015
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for sharing my fair and honest opinion *

My first thoughts upon finishing this book? I need more, like yesterday preferably. In this third book in Amy DuBoff’s Cadicle series we follow Wil, and I honestly couldn’t get enough! Just like the earlier two books, the author has a way of crafting both setting and characters to have you feeling like you are truly part of the story. I feel like with each book in this series, it’s like peeling back layers. You are never bored and the plot is always moving in some way. I highly recommend this series and with the first book being free, the 2nd $0.99 and this one just $2.99 it’s an absolute bargain. MUST reads!
19 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2016
This installment is definitely the best of the series so far. The longer length allowed for more depth in characters and the universe, which I felt lacked in the previous books. The addition of Saera gave a much needed reprieve from the focus on men in the series so far. However, there is still an overabundance of men and a severe lack of women. in the preview for the next book, a group of "twenty young men" was mentioned, so my frustration of women being absent or portrayed as weaker than men will probably continue. Despite this, it was still an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Andy.
77 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2016
Felt like a new book..

..but familiar. Really nice feeling for the characters and seeing them grow. Would be nice to have some more reading about the travels he made on the ship to gain gather support for the attack on the water world. Maybe a separate series? Overall it was a great read!
Profile Image for Craig Jr..
Author 44 books116 followers
February 1, 2021
Another fun book in the series, though I can tell this is a prequel series. The style reminds me of Terry Brooks, where each book is set way far about with whole new characters. I'm not the biggest fan of the style, but I see it's leading up to the main series where the action will be more immediate with the timeline closer. Looking forward to getting to the main series!
Profile Image for Henry Northcott.
176 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2016
Excellent

Have just read all three books overnight. Worth reading. If you like Star wars, then you'll love this series of books. Best of all it happens in this galaxy and from what I can gather its set in the same time frame
Profile Image for Crystal Foley.
50 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2016
This is the 3rd in the series. Each book is better than the last, so I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Profile Image for Justin Clack.
32 reviews
June 13, 2016
The first book was good but by the time I got to the third I was hooked.
Profile Image for Kaelah.
8 reviews
May 3, 2017
I'm enjoying these books a lot more than I initially expected. I do feel as if the story is ridiculously spread out just to keep me buying more so I can find out what happens. Sneaky, and it works, because after putting in this much time and effort I need to know what the hell's gonna happen with these Bakzen!!!
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