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When a routine transport mission goes horribly wrong, Captain Kai Brecken has to fight to keep her crew alive.
Murderous aliens, a Dreki searching for its lost offspring and crooked Alliance soldiers aren't going to get in her way but her conscience might.
Murderous aliens, a Dreki searching for its lost offspring and crooked Alliance soldiers aren't going to get in her way but her conscience might.
- GenresScience Fiction
352 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 26, 2016
What I love most about this book is the fact that the author treats you like you have an imagination. She teases your brain with descriptions of the environment and characters but allows you freedom to use your own imagination. Some other authors over describe and and you feel weighed down with descriptive text. Not so with N.R. Tupper. She teases and entices you into her worlds. You are left fully engaged in the story she has brought you too. Once I started this book I found it extremely difficult to put it down, looking forward to what the characters would do next.
I'm not going to give you details of the book because I think you need to read it and enjoy the story (besides there will be other reviews outlining the storyline) but I will say, this up and coming author is one to watch. Children of Dreki: TYR is a book that is fresh and engaging, it's not your typical, everyday book, anything can happen and I think you will find, it will!
Highly recommend for a good read.
I'm not going to give you details of the book because I think you need to read it and enjoy the story (besides there will be other reviews outlining the storyline) but I will say, this up and coming author is one to watch. Children of Dreki: TYR is a book that is fresh and engaging, it's not your typical, everyday book, anything can happen and I think you will find, it will!
Highly recommend for a good read.
May 18, 2016
Attention science fiction fans! Children of Dreki: TYR is about to become your new obsession.
Children of Dreki: TYR follows Kai and her crew as they deliver cargo to a planet shrouded in mystery by the Alliance, a government like organization. The mission goes horribly wrong and they stumble upon secrets and betrayals that force them to fight for their lives.
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. It was action packed from start to finish. Complete with space fighting, mysterious and dangerous aliens, and badass fight sequences. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It kept me entertained and intrigued the whole way through. Not once second went by when I felt the story was slow.
The world building in this book was phenomenal. It's actually my favorite part about this book. The reader is given the information they need to understand the current situation, but withholds the rest. This kept me interested and wanting more. Without giving spoilers, all I'll say is that the world Tupper has created is complex and multifaceted.
The only complaint I have is with the characters. They didn't feel as three dimensional and as complex as the world. They felt as if they were slightly more developed than stock characters and we're just along for the ride.
The main character, Kai, felt generic for most of the book until the end. Her devotion to her family and crew is second to none and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she cares about. It gives her an unpredictable edge that I appreciate.
Overall, Children of Dreki: TYR is a science fiction thrill ride that will keep you reading into all hours of the night. I would recommend this book to people who appreciate stellar world building and those who enjoy action packed science fiction adventure stories.
Children of Dreki: TYR follows Kai and her crew as they deliver cargo to a planet shrouded in mystery by the Alliance, a government like organization. The mission goes horribly wrong and they stumble upon secrets and betrayals that force them to fight for their lives.
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. It was action packed from start to finish. Complete with space fighting, mysterious and dangerous aliens, and badass fight sequences. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. It kept me entertained and intrigued the whole way through. Not once second went by when I felt the story was slow.
The world building in this book was phenomenal. It's actually my favorite part about this book. The reader is given the information they need to understand the current situation, but withholds the rest. This kept me interested and wanting more. Without giving spoilers, all I'll say is that the world Tupper has created is complex and multifaceted.
The only complaint I have is with the characters. They didn't feel as three dimensional and as complex as the world. They felt as if they were slightly more developed than stock characters and we're just along for the ride.
The main character, Kai, felt generic for most of the book until the end. Her devotion to her family and crew is second to none and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she cares about. It gives her an unpredictable edge that I appreciate.
Overall, Children of Dreki: TYR is a science fiction thrill ride that will keep you reading into all hours of the night. I would recommend this book to people who appreciate stellar world building and those who enjoy action packed science fiction adventure stories.
June 13, 2016
Fantastic Read. Tupper puts an original spin in this action-packed speculative fiction that will keep you turning the pages. The main character has a backstory that will knock your socks off. I enjoyed the first person narrative because it was done very well. The reader knows Kai's thoughts fears and motivations intimately, making her a believable character that you will quickly become invested in. Tupper masters suspense and pacing like a pro. Well Done! I can't wait for Book Two!
March 13, 2016
In a galaxy not so far far away, comes the greatest space odyssey of the decade. Tyr captures what I love so much about science fiction. Yes, there are aliens and wars and out of this world technology,and Tyr has those things, but it isn't the sole focus. You don't find yourself bogged down in technology you can never hope to understand, or trying to read a language that sounds like alien swearing. Tyr grips you by the shirt collar, and propels you into lightspeed. Kai and her crew are put through the ringer. You see them flying a ship that is outdated, you struggle with them as hell descends, and you realize no one is safe from harm.
The characters aren't Hollywood perfection. The women aren't blonde 5'11'' and 130 pounds with gorgeous blue eyes and perfect sized breasts. The men aren't bulging with perfectly sculpted Chris Evans's muscles. The crew of the Blood Letter are crafted into real and believable people, which makes Children of Dreki standout from what's on the mainstream market. I found a little bit of myself in each character, and I adored N.R. Tupper for that.
The characters aren't Hollywood perfection. The women aren't blonde 5'11'' and 130 pounds with gorgeous blue eyes and perfect sized breasts. The men aren't bulging with perfectly sculpted Chris Evans's muscles. The crew of the Blood Letter are crafted into real and believable people, which makes Children of Dreki standout from what's on the mainstream market. I found a little bit of myself in each character, and I adored N.R. Tupper for that.
July 29, 2017
Are you a fan of the show Firefly? What about the movie Guardians of the Galaxy?Or any other number of highly enjoyable stories set in space that follows a rag tag group doing their best to survive while all around them is danger....this book delivers that in stellar fashion!
Told through the eyes of Captain Kai Brecken, we get a chance to feel every pain, every every fear, every tough decision being made, the stresses, and the adrenaline rush, as though we are fully there in the moment. The background story of how the universe the Captain and her crew inhabit came to be the way it was is slowly unveiled in riveting fashion, causing us as the reader to question any assumptions we might have made so far.
It's a simple transport mission the crew is on, taking a big risk by going further than usual and finding themselves in a dangerous situation where nothing is what they had been led to believe and they must do whatever they can to survive.
It's a fantastic read and held my interest from start to finish, having felt totally immersed in it, and isn't that what the very best books do? Leave us hungry for more and still thinking how we would have acted in the same situation? Highly recommended!
Told through the eyes of Captain Kai Brecken, we get a chance to feel every pain, every every fear, every tough decision being made, the stresses, and the adrenaline rush, as though we are fully there in the moment. The background story of how the universe the Captain and her crew inhabit came to be the way it was is slowly unveiled in riveting fashion, causing us as the reader to question any assumptions we might have made so far.
It's a simple transport mission the crew is on, taking a big risk by going further than usual and finding themselves in a dangerous situation where nothing is what they had been led to believe and they must do whatever they can to survive.
It's a fantastic read and held my interest from start to finish, having felt totally immersed in it, and isn't that what the very best books do? Leave us hungry for more and still thinking how we would have acted in the same situation? Highly recommended!
August 2, 2018
This starts out as your typical space read about a crew delivering cargo to a planet, but the it becomes so much more. Somewhere in the transition, the crew becomes so much more, the situation becomes more dire, and the excitement becomes more intense. From fighting known enemies to fighting totally terrifying unknown superior enemies to a daring off world escape, this book will capture a readers imagination and will not let it go until the last surprising page.
August 1, 2018
Very exciting.
Wasn't sure what to expect having never read a book by this author but now I am hungry for more.
Wasn't sure what to expect having never read a book by this author but now I am hungry for more.
July 31, 2018
Interesting
The characters are thin. The background seems vague. The MC doubts herself too much. After 13years as a pirate, she still romanticizes her childhood, while despising her parents' willingness to sacrifice her to their Church. She worries too much and thinks of her crew as younger siblings (not really appropriate for a captain, right?). A little less of that and she is fine. The other characters are thin but fit into the story fine.
The nature, purpose and authority of the Alliance is unclear. The connection between the Alliance and this cult is unclear. The war is supposed to be far away (other star systems?) but immediately after, the aliens are attacking the Sol system. At one point the aliens are fighting at the edge of the system then are backtracking to the center of the system to attack the heroes from a point further in-system. Do the aliens eat? How do they reproduce? How did they discover humans or the Sol system? There are many more questions.
Some of the action masks plot weaknesses, for example two pirates can make a ship ready to fly and launch it in less than 2 days. The original crew of thousands couldn't do this, why? The ship's hull has holes in it, and that doesn't that affect launching it through atmosphere. Again, there are more holes.
I like the Firefly crew similarity but it could be tightened up with more backstory of the crew members (maybe any backstory). I liked the Handmaid's Tale scenes in the background (not cheering for it, it was another possibly interesting point in the story) but what's the connection between the Alliance and the cult. It seems that the society is a theocratic state sometimes and and a secular fascist state other times. The rebels are wimpy in purpose, organization and characters. The society is a mashup that doesn't work. The story kept me reading even though the flaws that I kept noticing, distracted me.
I'm not sure that what I saw as weaknesses are all that bad (they are) and I think I may be part of a small minority that noticed them strongly (I doubt that). I wouldn't recommend the book but I'm still going to read the next book out of curiosity.
The characters are thin. The background seems vague. The MC doubts herself too much. After 13years as a pirate, she still romanticizes her childhood, while despising her parents' willingness to sacrifice her to their Church. She worries too much and thinks of her crew as younger siblings (not really appropriate for a captain, right?). A little less of that and she is fine. The other characters are thin but fit into the story fine.
The nature, purpose and authority of the Alliance is unclear. The connection between the Alliance and this cult is unclear. The war is supposed to be far away (other star systems?) but immediately after, the aliens are attacking the Sol system. At one point the aliens are fighting at the edge of the system then are backtracking to the center of the system to attack the heroes from a point further in-system. Do the aliens eat? How do they reproduce? How did they discover humans or the Sol system? There are many more questions.
Some of the action masks plot weaknesses, for example two pirates can make a ship ready to fly and launch it in less than 2 days. The original crew of thousands couldn't do this, why? The ship's hull has holes in it, and that doesn't that affect launching it through atmosphere. Again, there are more holes.
I like the Firefly crew similarity but it could be tightened up with more backstory of the crew members (maybe any backstory). I liked the Handmaid's Tale scenes in the background (not cheering for it, it was another possibly interesting point in the story) but what's the connection between the Alliance and the cult. It seems that the society is a theocratic state sometimes and and a secular fascist state other times. The rebels are wimpy in purpose, organization and characters. The society is a mashup that doesn't work. The story kept me reading even though the flaws that I kept noticing, distracted me.
I'm not sure that what I saw as weaknesses are all that bad (they are) and I think I may be part of a small minority that noticed them strongly (I doubt that). I wouldn't recommend the book but I'm still going to read the next book out of curiosity.
May 29, 2016
I'll just say this right up-front: This will never be my favorite book on the shelf.
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let's move on. This was still an enjoyable read. I'm not a huge fan of first-person narratives, for the most part, so I admit that I struggled some getting into the book. But some people adore it, so if you're one of those readers, this shouldn't be an issue for you. I don't hold that against the novel, but I thought fellow potential readers may want the heads-up.
From the first pages in, I had a sense of a larger world. I remember thinking that "I'd better get some answers soon, or I'll go nuts." N.R. Tupper did give me some of my answers, but was smart enough to leave enough open about the world and the characters that I would like to know more. Since this is a series, that is a great strength with the first novel. It stands solo fairly well - the plot arc is complete, there is some resolution for the characters - but the sequel hook is definitely there, as the characters are poised to begin a new adventure. "To Be Continued" - sure, I'll read more!
I was reading an advance copy that was loaned to me, so there were some errors that had yet to be corrected - minor bumps and none of them enough to jar me from the story. Even if they aren't all caught in the final edition, I think readers will be okay.
There are hints of where the author may have gotten some of the inspiration for this, but hey, hints are fine. N.R. Tupper gives those hints enough original flavor to keep you interested, rather than presuming it will be "same old, same old."
I will also note that it felt like as the story progressed, so did the writing. The signs of this being a first novel are there, but I can easily picture some of what felt (personally) like flow and pacing issues (Kai occasionally seems a bit repetitive in her thoughts) will disappear as the books progress.
All in all, this provided me with some sci-fi fun and kept my interest from start to finish. I can see myself reading the next book when it comes out.
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let's move on. This was still an enjoyable read. I'm not a huge fan of first-person narratives, for the most part, so I admit that I struggled some getting into the book. But some people adore it, so if you're one of those readers, this shouldn't be an issue for you. I don't hold that against the novel, but I thought fellow potential readers may want the heads-up.
From the first pages in, I had a sense of a larger world. I remember thinking that "I'd better get some answers soon, or I'll go nuts." N.R. Tupper did give me some of my answers, but was smart enough to leave enough open about the world and the characters that I would like to know more. Since this is a series, that is a great strength with the first novel. It stands solo fairly well - the plot arc is complete, there is some resolution for the characters - but the sequel hook is definitely there, as the characters are poised to begin a new adventure. "To Be Continued" - sure, I'll read more!
I was reading an advance copy that was loaned to me, so there were some errors that had yet to be corrected - minor bumps and none of them enough to jar me from the story. Even if they aren't all caught in the final edition, I think readers will be okay.
There are hints of where the author may have gotten some of the inspiration for this, but hey, hints are fine. N.R. Tupper gives those hints enough original flavor to keep you interested, rather than presuming it will be "same old, same old."
I will also note that it felt like as the story progressed, so did the writing. The signs of this being a first novel are there, but I can easily picture some of what felt (personally) like flow and pacing issues (Kai occasionally seems a bit repetitive in her thoughts) will disappear as the books progress.
All in all, this provided me with some sci-fi fun and kept my interest from start to finish. I can see myself reading the next book when it comes out.
February 3, 2017
Kai is captain of a rustbucket starship with a ragtag crew. They're running one last transport in the hopes of making enough credits to go straight with their business. But when the transport goes terribly wrong (murderous cargo escaping, hit by space debris, attacked by alien technology), they limp to their destination with grim determination. But their destination is not the safe haven they hope for, and when their ship is stolen and they're stranded on the planet, Kai has to figure out how to protect her crew from the dangers left behind.
There are some great things about this book. Like Kai wears glasses - unusual for any type of book, but especially for a futuristic reality. The Dreki are an alien race that's been unstoppable since they began attacking. Basically, the Dreki are dragons that can survive in space and breath fire. So cool. And the worlds, history, and tech are everything you'd expect from a sci-fi story.
My only complaint is that we spend so much time in Kai's head and with her thoughts, that it was hard to actually get in her skin. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but for instance, she's always beating herself up for what she considers poor leadership for her crew. It's not too often as to get annoying, but it does kind of get like "I get this, already".
There are some hints at romantic entanglements, but this book doesn't go very deep into them. Instead, we find ourselves being thrust from one bad situation into the next. Kai doesn't wallow in self-pity, though, but is always striving to exude strength and keep her crew safe.
I only wonder what TYR stands for. That wasn't made clear. But apparently the title is Children of Dreki, which makes more sense given the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
There are some great things about this book. Like Kai wears glasses - unusual for any type of book, but especially for a futuristic reality. The Dreki are an alien race that's been unstoppable since they began attacking. Basically, the Dreki are dragons that can survive in space and breath fire. So cool. And the worlds, history, and tech are everything you'd expect from a sci-fi story.
My only complaint is that we spend so much time in Kai's head and with her thoughts, that it was hard to actually get in her skin. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but for instance, she's always beating herself up for what she considers poor leadership for her crew. It's not too often as to get annoying, but it does kind of get like "I get this, already".
There are some hints at romantic entanglements, but this book doesn't go very deep into them. Instead, we find ourselves being thrust from one bad situation into the next. Kai doesn't wallow in self-pity, though, but is always striving to exude strength and keep her crew safe.
I only wonder what TYR stands for. That wasn't made clear. But apparently the title is Children of Dreki, which makes more sense given the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
June 7, 2016
Kai Brecken has been trying to get her way out of her somewhat spotted past. Just one simple mission and she and her crew will be able to wipe their slates and start over. Of course that one "simple" mission turns out to be anything but. Kai and her friends have to overcome a corrupt military, the merciless vacuum of space, hungry predators run amok, alien hunters while fixing a derelict ruin - and while finding a way to save Kai's sister. And that's not to mention the angry space dragon who wants her children back.
I rediscovered science fiction a couple years ago and have been merrily skipping my way through whatever happens to catch my fancy. This checked a lot of boxes. Tough female lead? Check. Fun supporting cast? Check. Layers of history and worldbuilding? Check. Adventure in Spaaaace? Double check.
There are so many things happening in this book. It's a space adventure, tossed lightly with a little fantasy flair and some good squad-based adventure. Also, it's more a science fantasy than a true science fiction story (for you purists), but with enough adventuring romps through the space opera setting to keep you flipping pages to the end. It's a space romp-era!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters and will most certainly be looking out for the future installments.
I rediscovered science fiction a couple years ago and have been merrily skipping my way through whatever happens to catch my fancy. This checked a lot of boxes. Tough female lead? Check. Fun supporting cast? Check. Layers of history and worldbuilding? Check. Adventure in Spaaaace? Double check.
There are so many things happening in this book. It's a space adventure, tossed lightly with a little fantasy flair and some good squad-based adventure. Also, it's more a science fantasy than a true science fiction story (for you purists), but with enough adventuring romps through the space opera setting to keep you flipping pages to the end. It's a space romp-era!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters and will most certainly be looking out for the future installments.
Read
June 2, 2016Kai Brecken takes what is supposed to be a routine transport job for the Alliance to an outer planet and instead, it becomes anything but routine. After barely being able to land on the planet, Alliance soldiers take their ship and high tail it away, leaving them with vague apologies about a murderous alien.
What they find on the planet is something bigger than they could have ever imagined. A ship that had disappeared without a trace and a new potential threat to the entire universe. Through all of this, Kai just wants to find her sister whom she hasn’t seen for 13 years.
Now, Science Fiction books aren't really my thing, but I have found recently that I am more willing to give them a chance. That being said, I am still not all that into space ships and well...space in general. But this was a good book. I enjoyed the characters and the overall story. It was well thought out and well developed. Tupper is very good at giving you just enough information to both sate you and leave you wanting to know more.
And, of course the Dreki are dragons. There are dragons. In space. I mean, c'mon....that right there is reason enough to pick it up.
What they find on the planet is something bigger than they could have ever imagined. A ship that had disappeared without a trace and a new potential threat to the entire universe. Through all of this, Kai just wants to find her sister whom she hasn’t seen for 13 years.
Now, Science Fiction books aren't really my thing, but I have found recently that I am more willing to give them a chance. That being said, I am still not all that into space ships and well...space in general. But this was a good book. I enjoyed the characters and the overall story. It was well thought out and well developed. Tupper is very good at giving you just enough information to both sate you and leave you wanting to know more.
And, of course the Dreki are dragons. There are dragons. In space. I mean, c'mon....that right there is reason enough to pick it up.
June 20, 2016
I had a hard time putting this book down! Loved the way the author presented her main characters. I highly recommend this book for everyone, including teens. Totally loved the way it was written. I thought the storyline was very original and totally entertaining. I admit I wasn't keen on reading about dragons, but when they came into the story, they fit in so perfectly! I will be looking forward to the second book in this trilogy.
August 9, 2016
Excellent
Very good read for lovers of science fiction. For a first book and a new author, it's clear Tupper has talent. I couldn't put it down as I got closer and closer to the end. One surprise after another, and a set up that makes me want to read the next book now.
Very good read for lovers of science fiction. For a first book and a new author, it's clear Tupper has talent. I couldn't put it down as I got closer and closer to the end. One surprise after another, and a set up that makes me want to read the next book now.
December 20, 2016
I have never read science fiction before; I am glad this book was my first foray into the genre. very action packed. The author's descriptions were enough for my imagination to take over and visualize things we have never seen.
August 1, 2017
This book was my first taste of the space fantasy subgenre, and I want more!
The main character, Kai, seems very human. She feels the weight of her responsibilities as captain quite heavily and she fears failing her crew. Her crew were unique enough to be memorable and easy to tell apart without being outlandish. The premise is fascinating- I've never read anything even remotely similar. And the action builds perfectly- paced just right to keep me turning pages without being overwhelming or unbelievable. I had to bring it to work with me and read in between customers :) And the ending! Enough loose ends were tied up for it to be satisfying, but it was still kind of a cliffhanger and I NEED to know what happens next. I'll definitely be getting the next installment.
I was given a free copy of this book, but that has not affected the content of my review. I do not review books I didn't really enjoy.
The main character, Kai, seems very human. She feels the weight of her responsibilities as captain quite heavily and she fears failing her crew. Her crew were unique enough to be memorable and easy to tell apart without being outlandish. The premise is fascinating- I've never read anything even remotely similar. And the action builds perfectly- paced just right to keep me turning pages without being overwhelming or unbelievable. I had to bring it to work with me and read in between customers :) And the ending! Enough loose ends were tied up for it to be satisfying, but it was still kind of a cliffhanger and I NEED to know what happens next. I'll definitely be getting the next installment.
I was given a free copy of this book, but that has not affected the content of my review. I do not review books I didn't really enjoy.
September 5, 2018
I was so surprised by this book when I got it for such a small amount of money The characters were excellent, I really got into them quickly. And I loved the strong female character she had such a good personality! And then a bit of the way through the book I thought it was gonna turn fantasy but it didn't, it turned even better sci-fi! This was a brilliant surprise read for me and I'm very glad that I got it. And also very glad that there is a second one. to me, it was like the camaraderie of Firefly with the gritty realism of The Expanse tv series
July 5, 2019
WOW, that went REALLY FAST!!
If you love Firefly, Farscape, or basically any kind of space travel sci-fi with a nutty crew, intense battle scenes, so many emotions... then DEFINITELY get this book!! It’s everything I hoped for!!
If you love Firefly, Farscape, or basically any kind of space travel sci-fi with a nutty crew, intense battle scenes, so many emotions... then DEFINITELY get this book!! It’s everything I hoped for!!
August 9, 2018
One Hell of a Ride
Exciting and page turning. I found myself involved and really caring about the characters. This NOT hard science fiction but it is still very good!
Exciting and page turning. I found myself involved and really caring about the characters. This NOT hard science fiction but it is still very good!
September 24, 2018
All the right stuff.
Great story. Mystery, intrigue, tension. I'd like to see this as a movie. Do you hear that Amazon Prime? M O V I E!
Great story. Mystery, intrigue, tension. I'd like to see this as a movie. Do you hear that Amazon Prime? M O V I E!
May 26, 2016
Literal space dragons!
The book is a mix of sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and suspense glory with an amazingly detailed world full of different things to explore. Tupper has a knack for creating an elaborate world and revealing just enough to let you understand what is happening and be desperate for more. The novel is an easy read and action packed from the get go. As soon as you started reading, you get swallowed into the story and find yourself wanting more as soon as you finish the novel.
I can't wait for more of the series and I know I'll be following Tupper for more.
The book is a mix of sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and suspense glory with an amazingly detailed world full of different things to explore. Tupper has a knack for creating an elaborate world and revealing just enough to let you understand what is happening and be desperate for more. The novel is an easy read and action packed from the get go. As soon as you started reading, you get swallowed into the story and find yourself wanting more as soon as you finish the novel.
I can't wait for more of the series and I know I'll be following Tupper for more.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews