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The Circuit #2
Progeny of Vale
In the thrilling sequel to The Executor Rising, Cassius Vale has drawn the Circuit into open war.
After arriving on Ceres Prime, ADIM, ever the loyal companion created by Cassius Vale, is hesitant to help the Ceresians. Their hatred for his Creator will never wane and he starts to understand the danger all of Cassius' many rivals pose. ADIM must realize the true magnitude of his abilities in order to keep him safe.
When Sage Volus finds herself a captive of Cassius, she begins to struggle with her role in the coming war, and what exactly it means to be an Executor. The removal of her cybernetic implant reveals emotions she thought she'd buried too deep to be found. She must make a decision on who she truly wants to Cassius Vale, The Tribune, or herself.
After breaking free of the Solar-Ark Amerigo and certain death, Talon Rayne finds himself in unusual company. His quests to hold his daughter again brings him to places he never thought he'd go--into the very arms of his people's most hated foe.
As the battle grows ever closer, threatening the all-out war that could annihilate millions, these four must determine what part they intend to play, who they will align themselves with, and what it means to be human in a universe where that means less and less.
After arriving on Ceres Prime, ADIM, ever the loyal companion created by Cassius Vale, is hesitant to help the Ceresians. Their hatred for his Creator will never wane and he starts to understand the danger all of Cassius' many rivals pose. ADIM must realize the true magnitude of his abilities in order to keep him safe.
When Sage Volus finds herself a captive of Cassius, she begins to struggle with her role in the coming war, and what exactly it means to be an Executor. The removal of her cybernetic implant reveals emotions she thought she'd buried too deep to be found. She must make a decision on who she truly wants to Cassius Vale, The Tribune, or herself.
After breaking free of the Solar-Ark Amerigo and certain death, Talon Rayne finds himself in unusual company. His quests to hold his daughter again brings him to places he never thought he'd go--into the very arms of his people's most hated foe.
As the battle grows ever closer, threatening the all-out war that could annihilate millions, these four must determine what part they intend to play, who they will align themselves with, and what it means to be human in a universe where that means less and less.
- GenresScience Fiction
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
5 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Rhett C. Bruno
70 books649 followersRhett is happy to hear from his fans and can be reached at rcbruno44@outlook.com. Please subscribe to his newsletter for exclusive access to updates about his work and the opportunity to receive limited content and ARCs.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
http://rhettbruno.com/newsletter/. Or join his facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rhett...
Rhett Bruno grew up in Hauppauge, New York, and studied at the Syracuse University School of Architecture where he graduated cum laude.
He has been writing since he can remember, scribbling down what he thought were epic short stories when he was young to show to his parents. When he reached high school he decided to take that a step further and write the “Isinda Trilogy”. After the encouragement of his favorite English teacher he decided to self-publish the “Isinda Trilogy” so that the people closest to him could enjoy his early work.
While studying architecture Rhett continued to write as much as he could, but finding the time during the brutal curriculum proved difficult. It wasn’t until he was a senior that he decided to finally pursue his passion for Science Fiction. After rededicating himself to reading works of the Science Fiction author’s he always loved, (Frank Herbert, Timothy Zahn, Heinlein, etc.) he began writing “The Circuit: Executor Rising”, The first part of what he hopes will be a successful Adult Science Fiction Series.
Since then Rhett has been hired by an Architecture firm in Mount Kisco, NY. But that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to work on “The Circuit” and all of the other stories bouncing around in his head. He is also currently studying at the New School to earn a Certificate in Screenwriting in the hopes of one day writing for TV or Video Games.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 25, 2017
A dark Star Wars like space opera, this is a very good sequel to Rhett Bruno’s 2014 SF novel Executor Rising. In popular musical parlance, it has a good beat and you can dance to it.
Bruno introduced readers to The Circuit in Executor Rising and this returns to the storyline from the earlier book and adds more action and more intriguing backstory.
Reminiscent of Poul Anderson and with shades of Frank Herbert (and with some nice nods to Heinlein), Bruno describes a future where mother Earth has been drained of essential minerals and has turned toxic and uninhabitable. Humanity has retreated out into the solar system – The Circuit. A quasi-religious cult - The Tribune – holds most of the cards but a genius wild cannon and his android are shaking things up and seriously threatening the balance of power.
Fast moving, engaging and provocative, this also reads at a frenetic pace like a Michael Bay film on Red Bull. Bruno ties it up nicely and we are invited to tune in for the next installment, 2016’s Earthfall. (I just started it!)
Bruno introduced readers to The Circuit in Executor Rising and this returns to the storyline from the earlier book and adds more action and more intriguing backstory.
Reminiscent of Poul Anderson and with shades of Frank Herbert (and with some nice nods to Heinlein), Bruno describes a future where mother Earth has been drained of essential minerals and has turned toxic and uninhabitable. Humanity has retreated out into the solar system – The Circuit. A quasi-religious cult - The Tribune – holds most of the cards but a genius wild cannon and his android are shaking things up and seriously threatening the balance of power.
Fast moving, engaging and provocative, this also reads at a frenetic pace like a Michael Bay film on Red Bull. Bruno ties it up nicely and we are invited to tune in for the next installment, 2016’s Earthfall. (I just started it!)
June 18, 2018
In this middle act of the trilogy, plans unfold, spanners are thrown in various works and the heat is turned right up.
This book picks up exactly where the last volume left off and we get straight back to all our favourite characters... and, in this series, I couldn't pick just one.
The action is also turned up to eleven in this book. Are you ready for all out war? This series is just SO MUCH FUN!
This book picks up exactly where the last volume left off and we get straight back to all our favourite characters... and, in this series, I couldn't pick just one.
The action is also turned up to eleven in this book. Are you ready for all out war? This series is just SO MUCH FUN!
April 3, 2016
Second book of the series picks up where the first left off and continues a great space opera.
The main characters return along with a series of twists and turns. This book does a nice job of world building with more interesting backstory into the executors, gravitum, the arcs, character history and motivations and more. This is all accomplished nicely where it moves rather than bogs down the storyline. These book is even better than the first.
When I praised the first book, I noted that it was the first book I read by this author, him being relatively new to the scene, etc. Well, this is my second book by this author and I look forward to the next one. Praise for strong second installment in an entertaining series.
The main characters return along with a series of twists and turns. This book does a nice job of world building with more interesting backstory into the executors, gravitum, the arcs, character history and motivations and more. This is all accomplished nicely where it moves rather than bogs down the storyline. These book is even better than the first.
When I praised the first book, I noted that it was the first book I read by this author, him being relatively new to the scene, etc. Well, this is my second book by this author and I look forward to the next one. Praise for strong second installment in an entertaining series.
January 11, 2016
Progeny of Vale is the second instalment in The Circuit book series. It follows directly from the first book in the series, Executor Rising. It should be noted that the version of the book that I am reviewing is a eARC copy provided by the author so I am going to be very vague about the actual story to avoid spoilers. I do have to say though, that this was probably the most well-written and complete eARC that I have read. I have read many, supposedly finished, books that have been much less impressive than this eARC. Actually it did not give the impression of being an eARC at all but rather a finished product.
The main characters, Vale, Sage, Rayne, the bad guys and, of course, the android ADIM is back in this continuing saga that plays itself out in the dystopian future generally named The Circuit. Vale continues his quest to bring down the Tribune aided by his fanatically faithful android and while doing so he is about to cause a war between the remaining factions of humanity.
As with the previous book this is not a book primarily about action in terms of space battles and such like but focuses more on plots, intrigues, political machinations and, of course, the characters. Having said that the book is not devoid of combat action and as the war looms closer the action parts increase.
Much of the appeal of this book is in the interesting dystopian future that that author has created as well as in the characters and their destinies. Even though this book is a little bit outside of my normal military space opera kind of reading it was a very enjoyable read thanks to the setting and the characters which do develop quite a bit as the story develops.
I wrote in my review of the first book that I felt the reader was thrown straight into this universe without much in terms of explanation as to how humanity ended up in this state. In this book the author sprinkles around a few more explanations to this as well as parts of the past for Vale and Sage which allows you to connect the dots a bit better. Having said that what actually happened, especially to the “Ancients”, are still somewhat shrouded in mystery.
At the end of the book the scene is set for a quite interesting next book. I am indeed looking forward to read it.
I was graciously given this eARC by the author in exchange for an honest opinion and suggestions for improvements. As far as the story goes I cannot say that I find much that needs improvement. The writing is good, the story is interesting and so are the characters. It was a year and a half since I read the first book and, since the story is not exactly the usual simple run of the mill kind of story it was a bit difficult to remember all the details as to what happened in the previous book so one suggestion would be to have one or two pages of recap at the start of the book.
Bottom line is that it was a quite enjoyable read and if you liked the first book you will like this one and if you have not read the first book I personally think it is worthwhile reading. It is not the longest books around but what is there is well done.
The main characters, Vale, Sage, Rayne, the bad guys and, of course, the android ADIM is back in this continuing saga that plays itself out in the dystopian future generally named The Circuit. Vale continues his quest to bring down the Tribune aided by his fanatically faithful android and while doing so he is about to cause a war between the remaining factions of humanity.
As with the previous book this is not a book primarily about action in terms of space battles and such like but focuses more on plots, intrigues, political machinations and, of course, the characters. Having said that the book is not devoid of combat action and as the war looms closer the action parts increase.
Much of the appeal of this book is in the interesting dystopian future that that author has created as well as in the characters and their destinies. Even though this book is a little bit outside of my normal military space opera kind of reading it was a very enjoyable read thanks to the setting and the characters which do develop quite a bit as the story develops.
I wrote in my review of the first book that I felt the reader was thrown straight into this universe without much in terms of explanation as to how humanity ended up in this state. In this book the author sprinkles around a few more explanations to this as well as parts of the past for Vale and Sage which allows you to connect the dots a bit better. Having said that what actually happened, especially to the “Ancients”, are still somewhat shrouded in mystery.
At the end of the book the scene is set for a quite interesting next book. I am indeed looking forward to read it.
I was graciously given this eARC by the author in exchange for an honest opinion and suggestions for improvements. As far as the story goes I cannot say that I find much that needs improvement. The writing is good, the story is interesting and so are the characters. It was a year and a half since I read the first book and, since the story is not exactly the usual simple run of the mill kind of story it was a bit difficult to remember all the details as to what happened in the previous book so one suggestion would be to have one or two pages of recap at the start of the book.
Bottom line is that it was a quite enjoyable read and if you liked the first book you will like this one and if you have not read the first book I personally think it is worthwhile reading. It is not the longest books around but what is there is well done.
August 5, 2020
{kindly note that I have changed my 'read' dates to 2017 only to keep this book from being counted against my 2020 total. A 'current' review has been posted under the new title "Legacy of Vale" accordingly}
5 stars. Kindly note that this review is based on a free ARC provided by the author of the re-titled 'Legacy of Vale'. Once that version is given a slot here on goodreads, I will update my review accordingly.
I ... wow.
Such a wonderful book. If you love science fiction of any sort, you will love 'The Circuit' by Rhett C. Bruno. Though it may be sacrilege to utter these words, this is some of the best scyfy I've read since 'Dune'... minus all the mumbo jumbo religious stuff. Or wait, it does have that, doesn't it?
As part of my process of reviewing RCB's ARC (imho lol wtf, etc.), I treated myself to a well-deserved re-reading of book 1 of this series. Oh how glad I am that I did! Bruno's work is filled with subtleties that only the most awake and sober of minds will grasp during a first read. I can only re-emphasize how much I loved part 1. And as such, I commenced with the newly named 'Progeny of Vale'(I'm not crazy about that title btw) without pause. Oh what an absolute. fucking. JOY!!! This young author is going to be a MAJOR player in this genre for years to come! You read it first here folks!
Bruno's strength beyond this amazing Universe he's put together is his characterizations and the complex, chess-like (that's foreshadowing btw y'all) interactions of them all. But do note: his characters are flawed, they are evolving, they are both good and bad ... however, holy cow you will not know from one moment to the next what to expect from them! I can only issue a descriptive I have used since my teenage years of reading Heinlein, Asimov, Herbert and more: what a geekgasm! This is science fiction done absolutely right (sorry, Scalzi, but you dropped the ball with your last offer)! Shame that a re-write can't qualify for all the Fall and Summer awards because this is just amazeballs. Murderbots? Please, total crap in comparison.
Seriously, kids, if you were into Cassius, if you beep booped with ADIM (android personalities done oh so right!), if you wondered about Sage, if even the oh-so-wonderfully named Talon struck your interest, well, hold onto your pantaloons. It's only going to get better. This is space opera / politics / effing intrique at its best. Good golly but I'm stoked! Can't wait until the next release! I am a fan, I am a convert, I am going to read ALL of these books again as soon as possible!
I... wow.
5 stars. Kindly note that this review is based on a free ARC provided by the author of the re-titled 'Legacy of Vale'. Once that version is given a slot here on goodreads, I will update my review accordingly.
I ... wow.
Such a wonderful book. If you love science fiction of any sort, you will love 'The Circuit' by Rhett C. Bruno. Though it may be sacrilege to utter these words, this is some of the best scyfy I've read since 'Dune'... minus all the mumbo jumbo religious stuff. Or wait, it does have that, doesn't it?
As part of my process of reviewing RCB's ARC (imho lol wtf, etc.), I treated myself to a well-deserved re-reading of book 1 of this series. Oh how glad I am that I did! Bruno's work is filled with subtleties that only the most awake and sober of minds will grasp during a first read. I can only re-emphasize how much I loved part 1. And as such, I commenced with the newly named 'Progeny of Vale'(I'm not crazy about that title btw) without pause. Oh what an absolute. fucking. JOY!!! This young author is going to be a MAJOR player in this genre for years to come! You read it first here folks!
Bruno's strength beyond this amazing Universe he's put together is his characterizations and the complex, chess-like (that's foreshadowing btw y'all) interactions of them all. But do note: his characters are flawed, they are evolving, they are both good and bad ... however, holy cow you will not know from one moment to the next what to expect from them! I can only issue a descriptive I have used since my teenage years of reading Heinlein, Asimov, Herbert and more: what a geekgasm! This is science fiction done absolutely right (sorry, Scalzi, but you dropped the ball with your last offer)! Shame that a re-write can't qualify for all the Fall and Summer awards because this is just amazeballs. Murderbots? Please, total crap in comparison.
Seriously, kids, if you were into Cassius, if you beep booped with ADIM (android personalities done oh so right!), if you wondered about Sage, if even the oh-so-wonderfully named Talon struck your interest, well, hold onto your pantaloons. It's only going to get better. This is space opera / politics / effing intrique at its best. Good golly but I'm stoked! Can't wait until the next release! I am a fan, I am a convert, I am going to read ALL of these books again as soon as possible!
I... wow.
August 8, 2020
Actually this revised edition is titled: "Legacy of Vale" ... Rhett Bruno has masterfully propelled the excitement and intrigue created from the first book into a fever pitch. This is not a standalone and needs to be read in proper order for full enjoyment. The machinations of Cassius Vale continue to unwind with his goal being the release of mankind from the shackles of the massive pseudo-religious organization of the New Earth Tribunal. He has schemed successfully and as a result eminent war is a certainty ... pitting the Tribunal with Ceresian Pact. He has accomplished this immediate goal with the aid of his created artificial intelligence construct ... ADIM (automated dynamic intelligence mech) .. who is fashioned in the image of his deceased son. Cassius has captured Sage Volus, the beautiful Tribunal executor and spy (and girlfriend of his son) and removed her cybernetic implant placed by the Tribunal ... hopefully restoring her free will and gaining her trust and aid. However, she is still racked with conflicting emotions and allegiance. Meanwhile, the rogue mercenary, Talon Rayne has escaped the confinement of the solar-ark Americo ... but, remains grief stricken with the knowledge of his daughter Elisha's probable demise.
Rhett Bruno spins a convoluted and action packed narrative that explodes with an interstellar war that brings on a collision course... not just the Tribunal and the Ceresians ... but also, Sage, Talon and Elisha. Provided is a riveting unleashing of an exhilarating space battle of epic proportions utilizing plausible science. Thanks to Rhett Bruno for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. ( at readersremains.com )
Rhett Bruno spins a convoluted and action packed narrative that explodes with an interstellar war that brings on a collision course... not just the Tribunal and the Ceresians ... but also, Sage, Talon and Elisha. Provided is a riveting unleashing of an exhilarating space battle of epic proportions utilizing plausible science. Thanks to Rhett Bruno for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. ( at readersremains.com )
March 28, 2016
An awesome space opera and worthy addition to one of the better sci-fi series around. Progeny of Vale is exciting, smart, and largely avoids the cringe-worthy cliches of prevalent in the subgenre these days.
At the end of the last novel, Cassius Vale initiated his plan to take down the Tribune, a theocratic power that dominated the ring of Solar System colonies, referred to as the Circuit. He saves his former daughter in-law Sage Volus, a dangerous operative of the Tribune, known as an executor. She is a faithful servant but with her Tribune implant removed, she is feeling pain and complex emotions for the first time. Her faith is shaken after events in the last novel. Cassius is a traitor and heretic, but also an old friend and former father in-law. The death of Cassius's son is the event that put this whole series in motion.
Talon, the former Clan henchmen who was betrayed by Sage (despite her feelings for him), survives Cassius's attack on his prison ship and tries to return home to his daughter Elisha. He also wants revenge on Sage for murdering his friends and getting him thrown into the prison ship to die.
Progeny of Vale flows better than the first novel in the series. I am not sure exactly why but I got through the first half of this novel easily and got a very clear understanding of the conflict. The first novel, by virtue of being the first, had to spend more time in exposition while this book let the story and characters develop much more organically.
The diversity in characters is another positive. Cassius Vale is a former executor (special operations soldier for Tribune), war hero turned Tribune politician. When he is betrayed, he uses his knowledge and tactical skills to orchestrate an interplanetary coup. Yet, he is no freedom fighter or hero. He comes off as a sociopath with very specific goals, willing to do anything to achieve them. There is definitely a soft spot for Sage, and his robot creation ADIM but that is about it.
Sage Volus was largely a helpless servant in the first novel, exploited by the Tribune in every way. They use an implant to strongly influence her actions and control her thoughts. With the implant removed, you see her begin to think independently for the first time, although she is still unwilling to betray the Tribune. Despite watching her love interest be dragged to prison and executing innocent people, she cannot support the heresy of Cassius. As the novel progresses she ceases to be the helpless, exploited servant.
The Earth Spirit, or the religious fervor built around the belief in a return to our dead home world, is the basis for the Tribune's power. Sage believes in all the tenets of the faith, and the supernatural spirit that drives all events in the Solar System. The faith came off a little underdeveloped at times, especially in what was supposed to be the far future when we are technologically more advanced.
Talon and the robot ADIM were not as compelling. Talon was a little too good to be true, pretending to be an anti-hero like Wolverine or Han Solo. He has a daughter by a drugged-out hooker, is a former mob enforcer, and now is just an all-round great guy somehow. ADIM was interesting at times but is otherwise a conventional "robot with feelings" subplot.
The central conflict is not really a battle of good versus evil, Jedi versus Sith, or freedom versus tyranny. Cassius Vale is no freedom fighter. He wants revenge; so does Talon. Sage is lost unsure of which side to choose. It is sort of like a civil war between an oppressive theocratic government and an aspiring military dictatorship. Even the innocent civilians are more or less represented by crime families known as the Clans. The Circuit is an imperfect realm led by imperfect people, with the rest of the people just trying to get by or survive.
The series, therefore, relies on the strength of the main characters to generate the drama, not ideas or morality.
Another strong positive is the balance of hard technology with story. Rhett Bruno avoids infodumping and reduces the technical jargon and backstory to its rightful place, staying on task as a storyteller. At the center of all technology is a new resource called gravitum, mined from the Earth's core and used for ship propulsion, artificial gravity and other things. It's mining from the core is also believed to be the reason the Earth became barren, which isn't a particularly unique element. Science fiction seems pretty convinced we are going to kill this planet.
Generally, the dialogue was good but did get a little cheesy a couple times. I also didn't really understand the use of ancient Roman titles and names: Cassius, Volus, Tarsis, and Tribunes. Humanity seems to have taken a huge step backward culturally in the future. The inclusion of hereditary Clans was an even bigger leap backward in societal organization. Tough times after the death of Earth might've pressed human society into a Dark Age, abandoning all the progress of the age of the enlightenment, reason and rationality for more ancient structures such as hereditary rule and mysticism.
Overall, Progeny of Vale is one of the strongest new space operas out there and worth picking up. A third novel in the series is on the way, which I am eager to start!
At the end of the last novel, Cassius Vale initiated his plan to take down the Tribune, a theocratic power that dominated the ring of Solar System colonies, referred to as the Circuit. He saves his former daughter in-law Sage Volus, a dangerous operative of the Tribune, known as an executor. She is a faithful servant but with her Tribune implant removed, she is feeling pain and complex emotions for the first time. Her faith is shaken after events in the last novel. Cassius is a traitor and heretic, but also an old friend and former father in-law. The death of Cassius's son is the event that put this whole series in motion.
Talon, the former Clan henchmen who was betrayed by Sage (despite her feelings for him), survives Cassius's attack on his prison ship and tries to return home to his daughter Elisha. He also wants revenge on Sage for murdering his friends and getting him thrown into the prison ship to die.
Progeny of Vale flows better than the first novel in the series. I am not sure exactly why but I got through the first half of this novel easily and got a very clear understanding of the conflict. The first novel, by virtue of being the first, had to spend more time in exposition while this book let the story and characters develop much more organically.
The diversity in characters is another positive. Cassius Vale is a former executor (special operations soldier for Tribune), war hero turned Tribune politician. When he is betrayed, he uses his knowledge and tactical skills to orchestrate an interplanetary coup. Yet, he is no freedom fighter or hero. He comes off as a sociopath with very specific goals, willing to do anything to achieve them. There is definitely a soft spot for Sage, and his robot creation ADIM but that is about it.
Sage Volus was largely a helpless servant in the first novel, exploited by the Tribune in every way. They use an implant to strongly influence her actions and control her thoughts. With the implant removed, you see her begin to think independently for the first time, although she is still unwilling to betray the Tribune. Despite watching her love interest be dragged to prison and executing innocent people, she cannot support the heresy of Cassius. As the novel progresses she ceases to be the helpless, exploited servant.
The Earth Spirit, or the religious fervor built around the belief in a return to our dead home world, is the basis for the Tribune's power. Sage believes in all the tenets of the faith, and the supernatural spirit that drives all events in the Solar System. The faith came off a little underdeveloped at times, especially in what was supposed to be the far future when we are technologically more advanced.
Talon and the robot ADIM were not as compelling. Talon was a little too good to be true, pretending to be an anti-hero like Wolverine or Han Solo. He has a daughter by a drugged-out hooker, is a former mob enforcer, and now is just an all-round great guy somehow. ADIM was interesting at times but is otherwise a conventional "robot with feelings" subplot.
The central conflict is not really a battle of good versus evil, Jedi versus Sith, or freedom versus tyranny. Cassius Vale is no freedom fighter. He wants revenge; so does Talon. Sage is lost unsure of which side to choose. It is sort of like a civil war between an oppressive theocratic government and an aspiring military dictatorship. Even the innocent civilians are more or less represented by crime families known as the Clans. The Circuit is an imperfect realm led by imperfect people, with the rest of the people just trying to get by or survive.
The series, therefore, relies on the strength of the main characters to generate the drama, not ideas or morality.
Another strong positive is the balance of hard technology with story. Rhett Bruno avoids infodumping and reduces the technical jargon and backstory to its rightful place, staying on task as a storyteller. At the center of all technology is a new resource called gravitum, mined from the Earth's core and used for ship propulsion, artificial gravity and other things. It's mining from the core is also believed to be the reason the Earth became barren, which isn't a particularly unique element. Science fiction seems pretty convinced we are going to kill this planet.
Generally, the dialogue was good but did get a little cheesy a couple times. I also didn't really understand the use of ancient Roman titles and names: Cassius, Volus, Tarsis, and Tribunes. Humanity seems to have taken a huge step backward culturally in the future. The inclusion of hereditary Clans was an even bigger leap backward in societal organization. Tough times after the death of Earth might've pressed human society into a Dark Age, abandoning all the progress of the age of the enlightenment, reason and rationality for more ancient structures such as hereditary rule and mysticism.
Overall, Progeny of Vale is one of the strongest new space operas out there and worth picking up. A third novel in the series is on the way, which I am eager to start!
January 11, 2016
A superb follow up to Executor Rising! I was privileged to get an advance ARC copy and pleased to find that Bruno continues to expand the Circuit universe while keeping the pace quick and avoids bogging down with too much technical details. The story continues to flesh out underdog characters for whom you want to root such as Tarsis, Talon, Elisha, & Sage as well as those you may love to hate such as Cassius, his creation/son ADIM, Tribunal Benjar, and Hand Yavortha. Without giving out spoilers, I thoroughly enjoyed riding along as we learn more about the loss of Cassius' true son, Caleb, along with more details on what happened to Earth which in turn shaped both Sage & Cassius in their present situations; the beginning of metamorphosis for Sage as she adjusts to reality once Cassius removes her controlling implant; the rescue of Tarsis & Talon as the only evacuees from the ARK Amerigo and their journey back through Kalliope, Ceres Prime, onto Eureka; the events on Titan; the twisting events in the warrens of Ceres Prime; and the climatic battle at Eureka, including the reunification and subsequent interplay between Talon & Sage at that battle as well as what all the Eureka events may mean for the entire Circuit. The story as a whole leaves the reader wanting more and regretting the ending coming so quick. The way Bruno writes reminds me of the styles of both Asimov and Heinlein, so I would highly recommend this series and his others to those who like their space operas solid & enjoyable reading of science fiction without having to be buried in minutia or unrealistic story settings.
February 9, 2017
Great continuance of the Circuit series picking up right after Vale dropped his bombshell from book one, out to gather allies in his revolution and finding out that things never go quite to plan. Adim, on the other hand, is someone I continually want to ascribe as a character separate and growing from Vale, and he is, but since the two are never twain and their wills are almost never apart, it's easy to combine the two characters as one super-character. :) And that's not really that far off the mark, honestly.
Talon has had it hard, but he's regaining his balance and discovering that he's the real hero of the tale, and far from being listless and depressed due to his circumstance, he's ready and able to throw off his shackles and join the fight.
Most surprising, I think, is Sage's tale of breaking free and finding a goal to live by. Hers may be the best of the three interweaving character arcs, but that might simply be my mood. And maybe it's the pathos. I love to see these three shoot across the sky and intersecting in strange orbital arcs.
Are you ready for War? There's plenty of feels for ya and the life in the solar system is going to be quite chaotic from here on out. I know I'm hooked.
Talon has had it hard, but he's regaining his balance and discovering that he's the real hero of the tale, and far from being listless and depressed due to his circumstance, he's ready and able to throw off his shackles and join the fight.
Most surprising, I think, is Sage's tale of breaking free and finding a goal to live by. Hers may be the best of the three interweaving character arcs, but that might simply be my mood. And maybe it's the pathos. I love to see these three shoot across the sky and intersecting in strange orbital arcs.
Are you ready for War? There's plenty of feels for ya and the life in the solar system is going to be quite chaotic from here on out. I know I'm hooked.
October 31, 2017
NOT kindle unlimited, actually do some advanced reader copy reading for him, on some of his, and while absolutely can't stand soap operas do like decent space opera. Actually read this one in trilogy, this is #2 see very bottom for list. reading more than one book with deadline is hard enough but reading 2, yeah that's a bit rough so have to really like the books/writer.
After arriving on Ceres Prime, ADIM, ever the loyal companion created by Cassius Vale, is hesitant to help the Ceresians. Their hatred for his Creator will never wane and he starts to understand the danger all of Cassius’ many rivals pose. ADIM must realize the true magnitude of his abilities in order to keep him safe. When Sage Volus finds herself a captive of Cassius, she begins to struggle with her role in the coming war, and what exactly it means to be an Executor. The removal of her cybernetic implant reveals emotions she thought she’d buried too deep to be found. She must make a decision on who she truly wants to serve: Cassius Vale, The Tribune, or herself.
After breaking free of the Solar-Ark Amerigo and certain death, Talon Rayne finds himself in unusual company. His quests to hold his daughter again brings him to places he never thought he’d go--into the very arms of his people's most hated foe. As the battle grows ever closer, threatening the all-out war that could annihilate millions, these four must determine what part they intend to play, who they will align themselves with, and what it means to be human in a universe where that means less and less.
Executor Rising (The Circuit, #1)
Progeny of Vale (The Circuit #2)
Earthfall (The Circuit #3)
The Complete Circuit Trilogy (Omnibus Edition) (The Circuit)
After arriving on Ceres Prime, ADIM, ever the loyal companion created by Cassius Vale, is hesitant to help the Ceresians. Their hatred for his Creator will never wane and he starts to understand the danger all of Cassius’ many rivals pose. ADIM must realize the true magnitude of his abilities in order to keep him safe. When Sage Volus finds herself a captive of Cassius, she begins to struggle with her role in the coming war, and what exactly it means to be an Executor. The removal of her cybernetic implant reveals emotions she thought she’d buried too deep to be found. She must make a decision on who she truly wants to serve: Cassius Vale, The Tribune, or herself.
After breaking free of the Solar-Ark Amerigo and certain death, Talon Rayne finds himself in unusual company. His quests to hold his daughter again brings him to places he never thought he’d go--into the very arms of his people's most hated foe. As the battle grows ever closer, threatening the all-out war that could annihilate millions, these four must determine what part they intend to play, who they will align themselves with, and what it means to be human in a universe where that means less and less.
Executor Rising (The Circuit, #1)
Progeny of Vale (The Circuit #2)
Earthfall (The Circuit #3)
The Complete Circuit Trilogy (Omnibus Edition) (The Circuit)
August 6, 2017
Cassius Vale's son died when the earth's crust erupted under his scientific team. His girlfriend Sage Volus survived but lost her arm. Vale was heartbroken. He repaired Sage's arm, manufacturing a new one out of the same components he ultimately uses to craft a mechanical replacement of his son. ADIM is the robot Vale gives the ability to think for himself. He is nothing like the robots of Isaac Asimov. He's smart, but his worldview is completely centered on Vale, who he calls "Creator." Rhett Bruno in the "Progeny of Vale," the second in the Circuit trilogy, explores the capabilities of ADIM as Vale expands upon his plan to unseat the Tribunal by creating war between the independent governments in and around Ceres. His creation has set off a gravitum bomb on one of the mining settlements, killing the best friend of Talon Rayne and nearly killing his only child. At the last moment, ADIM rescues Rayne's daughter and takes her back to Cassius. Sage has been discovered as a double agent by the Ceresians but winds up back with Vale. Rayne is sent to be a keeper on the solar ark rather than be killed for his attempt to hijack a freighter. But it's ADIM who makes this second novel move along. His ability to impersonate anything from a wall to another human being makes him nearly invincible. And he's almost single-handed in his efforts to move along Vale's devious scheme to redraw the power of the universe into something he considers more sustainable. He believes humanity has ignored its calling to seek out new planets and he wants nothing more than survival for his species. But his methods are skewed and may result in the destruction of every human life.
October 31, 2017
3.5 stars. Progeny of Vale is the second book in The Circuit series. You should not read this as a standalone as it ends in a cliffhanger for the next book. There is violence.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. Overall the story was good. There are clues in the storyline that keep you guessing what will be revealed next. What an ending! I'm looking forward to reading more of these books. I read this book as part of The Complete Circuit Trilogy set.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. Overall the story was good. There are clues in the storyline that keep you guessing what will be revealed next. What an ending! I'm looking forward to reading more of these books. I read this book as part of The Complete Circuit Trilogy set.
September 26, 2021
Second book is pretty interesting. lots of action. I like how all the threads are starting to come together. Worth the read.
March 12, 2022
Captivating
Read
April 14, 2021The Circuit: Progeny of Vale by Rhett C. Bruno is a fantastic follow up to The Circuit: Executor Rising. The first chapter serves as a prologue, at once refreshing the reader’s memory of the events of the first book in the series and perhaps preparing new visitors for the ride ahead. My recommendation is to start with the first book, however. It’s a great read, fast paced and full of action. You’ll also have the chance to meet author Rhett Bruno’s diverse cast of characters right at the beginning before he starts breaking them into little pieces, literally and figuratively.
Progeny Of Vale picks up right where Executor Rising left off. Cassius Vale has freed Executor Sage Volus of the implant that made her a tool of the Tribune, but she doesn’t trust his motives. Fearing she will be branded a traitor, she returns to the fold. Now that she is no longer protected from the pain and triviality of human existence, however, she starts to doubt her purpose, for along with pain comes emotion and memories that have long been buried and questions that require answers.
Cassius is ready to emerge from hiding. Along with his creation, ADIM, he presents himself to the Ceresians, knowing it could go badly. It does. You know that saying: what goes up, must eventually come down? Without gravity, the opposite is true but in a more chaotic sense because Cassius is a master manipulator. He has a greater plan and I enjoyed watching him maneuver the various factions into place.
Talon tumbles into even more trouble than he managed to find in the first book. This time, he takes Tarsis with him. Talon is searching for his daughter but the path to her is quite literally littered with bodies. He will end up having to form some questionable alliances in order to find her.
Weaving through the personal stories of our primary characters is the inevitability of war. Opening shots have been fired and ideals and artifacts that have remained sacred to humanity are being compromised and destroyed. This time, it will be all in. Everyone must choose a side.
Progeny Of Vale will deliver our three heroes and their companions to this conflict from three different directions – in time and space, of emotional and physical conflict. I enjoyed each character’s perspective and liked that Bruno managed to pull off the unexpected now and again. The android, ADIM, remains a personal favourite. As an artificial intelligence, ADIM’s character arc always has the deepest curve and the choices he makes in this book are reasoned in full and relatable detail, even when sometimes a little disturbing. It’s clear to me Bruno enjoys writing all of his characters, but that he’s having a great time developing ADIM. There is a line of dialogue toward the end that is particularly hair-raising and offers up a twist I expect to see threading through the next book.
Which means I’ll be reading on, of course. I love the concept of The Circuit, I’m invested in the characters and I can’t wait to see where Bruno takes the story next.
Reviewed for SFCrowsnest.
Progeny Of Vale picks up right where Executor Rising left off. Cassius Vale has freed Executor Sage Volus of the implant that made her a tool of the Tribune, but she doesn’t trust his motives. Fearing she will be branded a traitor, she returns to the fold. Now that she is no longer protected from the pain and triviality of human existence, however, she starts to doubt her purpose, for along with pain comes emotion and memories that have long been buried and questions that require answers.
Cassius is ready to emerge from hiding. Along with his creation, ADIM, he presents himself to the Ceresians, knowing it could go badly. It does. You know that saying: what goes up, must eventually come down? Without gravity, the opposite is true but in a more chaotic sense because Cassius is a master manipulator. He has a greater plan and I enjoyed watching him maneuver the various factions into place.
Talon tumbles into even more trouble than he managed to find in the first book. This time, he takes Tarsis with him. Talon is searching for his daughter but the path to her is quite literally littered with bodies. He will end up having to form some questionable alliances in order to find her.
Weaving through the personal stories of our primary characters is the inevitability of war. Opening shots have been fired and ideals and artifacts that have remained sacred to humanity are being compromised and destroyed. This time, it will be all in. Everyone must choose a side.
Progeny Of Vale will deliver our three heroes and their companions to this conflict from three different directions – in time and space, of emotional and physical conflict. I enjoyed each character’s perspective and liked that Bruno managed to pull off the unexpected now and again. The android, ADIM, remains a personal favourite. As an artificial intelligence, ADIM’s character arc always has the deepest curve and the choices he makes in this book are reasoned in full and relatable detail, even when sometimes a little disturbing. It’s clear to me Bruno enjoys writing all of his characters, but that he’s having a great time developing ADIM. There is a line of dialogue toward the end that is particularly hair-raising and offers up a twist I expect to see threading through the next book.
Which means I’ll be reading on, of course. I love the concept of The Circuit, I’m invested in the characters and I can’t wait to see where Bruno takes the story next.
Reviewed for SFCrowsnest.
January 6, 2016
Over the holidays, I ventured back into the world of The Kepler Circuit, a group of colonies inhabited by humans scattered throughout space. To my delight, all my favorite characters returned to continue their individual journeys. ADIM, the unstoppable, evolving android, lit up the book with his whirling red eyes and human like understanding. Sage, the assassin who lurks in the shadows, saw a change in her perception of the world. Talon, broken and exhausted, looks for a purpose in a world where all its beauty is destroyed. And lastly, Cassius Vale, a villain or maybe not, returns to continue his war rampaging schemes for better or worse.
What I loved most about the story is the evolution of the characters. They keep growing and changing, which ultimately is what makes the story so appealing. Where will their roads lead them? I can't say, which is exactly what I should be feeling. Unpredictable and character engrossing, with nerd-gasm space battles that will delight the inner space-geek in all of us. A truly enjoyable read that I was eager to continue until the end.
What I needed more of was a recap. It has been over a year since I read the first book in the series, and I won't lie and pretend I wasn't having a hard time remembering everything important that happened in the last book. About halfway through, there was a mini-refresher to a few aspects of the first book that started to jog my memory, but overall I felt there needed to be more woven into the beginning chapters. This was my only disappointment that likely would have added to the quality of my reading experience.
Regardless, still an excellent read and I look forward to the next installment. If you are sad you already saw Star Wars twenty times already and can't afford the twenty first? Then take a look at this story, I believe it will provide a good Science Fiction fix for the story addict in us all.
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com
What I loved most about the story is the evolution of the characters. They keep growing and changing, which ultimately is what makes the story so appealing. Where will their roads lead them? I can't say, which is exactly what I should be feeling. Unpredictable and character engrossing, with nerd-gasm space battles that will delight the inner space-geek in all of us. A truly enjoyable read that I was eager to continue until the end.
What I needed more of was a recap. It has been over a year since I read the first book in the series, and I won't lie and pretend I wasn't having a hard time remembering everything important that happened in the last book. About halfway through, there was a mini-refresher to a few aspects of the first book that started to jog my memory, but overall I felt there needed to be more woven into the beginning chapters. This was my only disappointment that likely would have added to the quality of my reading experience.
Regardless, still an excellent read and I look forward to the next installment. If you are sad you already saw Star Wars twenty times already and can't afford the twenty first? Then take a look at this story, I believe it will provide a good Science Fiction fix for the story addict in us all.
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com
April 24, 2016
I got an ARC from Rhett Bruno and I am honored to be given the possibility to take a sneak peek of the follow-up story of The Circuit. In preparation I reread Circuit #1, again impressed by the quality of a first novel. However, the story in part 2 did not really spark like part 1 for me. We are following the main characters Cassius Vale, Sage Volus and Talon Rayne and their part in the developments between the Tribune, Ceresians and other groups in the Solar System.
I wont spoil too much, except that I found it harder to really believe the motives of the main characters. In Circuit #1, the roles were pretty clear, and the interactions too. In this book, the writer is playing with good and evil, their beliefs and motivations to act on certain things. In particular with Cassius Vale I had some issues. He is willing to kill and murder, double cross people, but we need to believe he is a torn man because of the loss of his son with a masterplan that sets stuff in action for the greater good (?) of mankind in the solar system. Sage switches from the master spy in part 1 (a role I really liked) in somebody with many doubts and less strength, and far less interesting. Talon Rayne was the solid performer in this story, tought and warrior like. Final words are about the android ADIM. ADIM makes Casius Vale a superman. He cannot die, he can hack into systems, he can kill people, fake stuff and what else. As said in my review of the first book, I am not a fan of ADIM and his convenient abilities for Cassius made it a little bit too much for me.
Overall, I found myself too distracted while reading because of the above. I will certainly go for book #3, because the plot lines and world building are very interesting and unique. Three stars.
I wont spoil too much, except that I found it harder to really believe the motives of the main characters. In Circuit #1, the roles were pretty clear, and the interactions too. In this book, the writer is playing with good and evil, their beliefs and motivations to act on certain things. In particular with Cassius Vale I had some issues. He is willing to kill and murder, double cross people, but we need to believe he is a torn man because of the loss of his son with a masterplan that sets stuff in action for the greater good (?) of mankind in the solar system. Sage switches from the master spy in part 1 (a role I really liked) in somebody with many doubts and less strength, and far less interesting. Talon Rayne was the solid performer in this story, tought and warrior like. Final words are about the android ADIM. ADIM makes Casius Vale a superman. He cannot die, he can hack into systems, he can kill people, fake stuff and what else. As said in my review of the first book, I am not a fan of ADIM and his convenient abilities for Cassius made it a little bit too much for me.
Overall, I found myself too distracted while reading because of the above. I will certainly go for book #3, because the plot lines and world building are very interesting and unique. Three stars.
September 2, 2019
ARC Review*
I always have problems reviewing books from a series. The book is only a part of a bigger story, and as such the review applies to the whole.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I did the first part. The story is interesting and the characters likeable. Very much looking forward to reading the next installment. :)
*The author sent me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I was happy to get an advanced copy, but would have bought the book anyway, and will when it's out.
I always have problems reviewing books from a series. The book is only a part of a bigger story, and as such the review applies to the whole.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I did the first part. The story is interesting and the characters likeable. Very much looking forward to reading the next installment. :)
*The author sent me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I was happy to get an advanced copy, but would have bought the book anyway, and will when it's out.
January 10, 2016
I'm starting 2016 with a bang.
Rhett Bruno, let me review an ARC before publishing date. That is an honor and a privilege.
My honest review is this 2nd book in the series is well written and very interesting. The story focuses on Sage, Talon and Cassius. I won't get into story details - no spoilers. Character development and growth is well done. The pace is varied and appropriate to the action, however the main story is not lost in too much action.
I look forward to the next in the series.
Rhett Bruno, let me review an ARC before publishing date. That is an honor and a privilege.
My honest review is this 2nd book in the series is well written and very interesting. The story focuses on Sage, Talon and Cassius. I won't get into story details - no spoilers. Character development and growth is well done. The pace is varied and appropriate to the action, however the main story is not lost in too much action.
I look forward to the next in the series.
December 29, 2016
After reading the Circuit, the first scify book I had ever read, I couldn't wait for this one to come out. It was as exciting as the first!
April 23, 2017
Second in a three volume set, Progeny of Vale is a worthy successor to Executor Rising. Make no mistake, the characters are still damaged people, living in a world that is both violent and dangerous. We do see however, rational motives begin to emerge, and an entertaining if improbable convergence of characters as events progress. I've already started reading the concluding volume, Earthfall, as I'm keenly curious to finally see how Mr. Bruno concludes this story.
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