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Warlord #1
The Commander
Luke Blackburn had a peaceful job as an Airport Director in an out-of-the-way community in central Nevada. He wanted to live quietly and let old scars heal. But then a spaceship landed. The lone occupant, a guy named Sam, gave Luke the keys and said it was up to him to stop a massive alien invasion that was on the way. At first, Luke thought it was a hoax. The problem was, Sam had the proof. Luke has to try, but the job is too big to go it alone.WHO VOLUNTEERS FOR A HIGH-PAYING JOB?Lots of people if you don’t tell them it’s on the Moon. Luke begins building a hidden community dedicated to stopping the Bakkui. The question is, can he convince the governments of Earth to support his mission when all they really want is his technology.IT TAKES TIME, BUT LUKE IS READY TO CONFRONT THE ENEMYAboard a massive starship powered by gifted technology, Luke sets out to discover and conquer. The crew jokingly refers to him as the Warlord, but no one is laughing when the truth of the name starts to sink in. The Bakkui menace is real, and the devastation they have wrought on the galaxy is almost unthinkable. In the face of reality, Luke must rally other civilizations to his cause.THE WARLORD SAGA is an epic science fiction adventure that spans the galaxy. Each book is a stand-alone novel in the Nobility universe.The Book One, Luke Blackburn discovers The Nobility has selected him to lead the battle against the Bakkui, a menace that threatens all of humanity.The Book Two, Carrie, Luke’s protégé, discovers the Nobility is being shattered from within. To save it from ruin, she strikes at the heart of Bakkui and is forced to take steps as evil as the enemy she is trying to kill.The Book Three, Carrie and Luke face new antagonists, and the deadliest is of their own making.The Book Four, Luke and Annie’s only daughter, Rosa, is dying. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Kidd, a fighter pilot in Luke’s military force, can save her life if he’s willing to violate the king’s harshest edict.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2016
210 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Williams
18 books2 followersCJ Williams is a husband and wife writing team. He was a military pilot, and she was an artist. Today, they live in Washington State, enjoy hiking in the Olympic Mountains, boating in the Salish Sea, and writing.
Librarian note: There are multiple authors by this name in the GR database.
Librarian note: There are multiple authors by this name in the GR database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 13, 2019
Derivative, and common.
This story is not bad until it is compared to the myriad better renditions. Fast paced and action packed, there are customers for this level of work. I will move on with no need for resolution. I hope someday to read a fresh and original story by this author. Until that time I commend R.P. Bird, to those who would challenge my assertions. Also consider "Diary of a Space Tyrant" by a young and beginning writer.
We only have five stars to work with when rating these books, and all books are scaled equally. This story is sound editorially, the worldbuilding is adequate, plot is predictable, but nicely timed. It is entertaining if you haven't read too many of its clone ancestors.
This story is not bad until it is compared to the myriad better renditions. Fast paced and action packed, there are customers for this level of work. I will move on with no need for resolution. I hope someday to read a fresh and original story by this author. Until that time I commend R.P. Bird, to those who would challenge my assertions. Also consider "Diary of a Space Tyrant" by a young and beginning writer.
We only have five stars to work with when rating these books, and all books are scaled equally. This story is sound editorially, the worldbuilding is adequate, plot is predictable, but nicely timed. It is entertaining if you haven't read too many of its clone ancestors.
July 28, 2024
Action and Conflicts
The storyline layers mystical science tech with space and land battles, lots of death and destruction, and a future promise of peace. It begins slowly, then jumps forward a bit, settles, and jumps again and this pattern repeats throughout the book. The core group of protagonists manages to survive, though the amount of collateral destruction is sometimes off the scale. Technology is developed in spontaneous jumps of deus ex machina style knowledge, but if the reader can accept these advances, the storyline and plot support the changes. This book ends with a level pause for our protagonists, a chance to rest for a moment and an expectation they will launch again in the next installment.
The storyline layers mystical science tech with space and land battles, lots of death and destruction, and a future promise of peace. It begins slowly, then jumps forward a bit, settles, and jumps again and this pattern repeats throughout the book. The core group of protagonists manages to survive, though the amount of collateral destruction is sometimes off the scale. Technology is developed in spontaneous jumps of deus ex machina style knowledge, but if the reader can accept these advances, the storyline and plot support the changes. This book ends with a level pause for our protagonists, a chance to rest for a moment and an expectation they will launch again in the next installment.
September 24, 2017
The beginning of this one was fairly unrealistic, and I almost put it down because I internally said this was too goofy – however, I guess the author needed it to have a starting / base point, and I am glad I stuck with it as it turned out pretty good. Without having a spoiler, you will have a few Walter Mitty moments as you daydream about having access to some of the technologies mentioned. I picked this up for free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription vs. its normal price of $2.99 and certainly received more than $2.99 worth of entertainment value out of it and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 29, 2018
Shades of Heinlein and Asimov.
Excellent action, humor, pathos, characters, intrigue, betrayal. I know soon ends like grandpa explaining Princess Bride to his grandson. Only one editing was error in last chapter. "George been" instead of "George had been" I Almost never give 5 stars. That means the author doesn't have to strive to be better. That leads to complacency and a degrading of skill. I do hop CJ Williams reads this and takes it in manner it is written as a compliment.
Excellent action, humor, pathos, characters, intrigue, betrayal. I know soon ends like grandpa explaining Princess Bride to his grandson. Only one editing was error in last chapter. "George been" instead of "George had been" I Almost never give 5 stars. That means the author doesn't have to strive to be better. That leads to complacency and a degrading of skill. I do hop CJ Williams reads this and takes it in manner it is written as a compliment.
March 31, 2024
The Commander gets off to a good start when a flying saucer lands at a small airport in Nevada. The pilot explains that bad aliens are on the way. He hands the keys to Luke, the airport manager, and tells the ship’s AI to look after him. To Luke, he says, “Gotta run, buddy. This ain’t the only star system that needs saving.” After that space opera action ensues about like one would expect.
January 30, 2018
Wonderful tale
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the story of one man's struggle to save the universe. I enjoyed all the characters. The story kept me glued to the screen of my kindle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the story of one man's struggle to save the universe. I enjoyed all the characters. The story kept me glued to the screen of my kindle.
March 3, 2020
Simplistic
It reads like ‘Effie 2.0’. A lot of ‘tell’ and very little ‘show’
Clean writing, with no typos and no onscreen sex.
Mildly entertaining, but not something I *want* to read.
DNF
It reads like ‘Effie 2.0’. A lot of ‘tell’ and very little ‘show’
Clean writing, with no typos and no onscreen sex.
Mildly entertaining, but not something I *want* to read.
DNF
September 17, 2017
A fun reading adventure book.
Thank you CJ Williams for a fun reading adventure book. I've just discovered book 2 in the Warlord series. A new fan!
Thank you CJ Williams for a fun reading adventure book. I've just discovered book 2 in the Warlord series. A new fan!
November 1, 2017
A few interesting concepts but too idealized to me. Somehow doesn't feel real enough.
November 30, 2017
A bit long winded but a solid 4 Christmas sherries out of 5.
January 26, 2018
Great story
This was a great book. The storyline was written so good. The book was full of action and twists I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
This was a great book. The storyline was written so good. The book was full of action and twists I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
January 29, 2018
Great Read!
I loved this book! Great story, interesting characters, great plot, I enjoyed the premise of an average man accomplishing huge things.
I loved this book! Great story, interesting characters, great plot, I enjoyed the premise of an average man accomplishing huge things.
February 1, 2018
Wow
Read this one in record time. Excellent story great description memorable characters. Also fun to read, which is almost always my goal.
Read this one in record time. Excellent story great description memorable characters. Also fun to read, which is almost always my goal.
March 24, 2018
Interesting characters. Hero overcomes problems too easily. The AI angle kept up my interest.
May 12, 2018
Review
This is one of the best books that I have had the pleasure of reo. The characters and storyline were superb. Excellent book.
This is one of the best books that I have had the pleasure of reo. The characters and storyline were superb. Excellent book.
September 17, 2018
Loved this book!!!!
I haven't read a book this encompassing in a good while. It's great to be able to dive into a good sci go book that captures your imagination completely.
I haven't read a book this encompassing in a good while. It's great to be able to dive into a good sci go book that captures your imagination completely.
January 6, 2020
Great start to a fabulous series. A good mixture of politics, industry and human nature to make it all th3 more sweeter.
June 3, 2021
Terrific science fiction escapism!
Fun Science fiction! Interesting characters, difficult situations, and the kind of science fiction I found very difficult to put down.
Fun Science fiction! Interesting characters, difficult situations, and the kind of science fiction I found very difficult to put down.
December 20, 2022
Interesting book
The adventure and technology was fascinating.
Some of it was a little too far out. I recommended it to my son. I will read the second book.
The adventure and technology was fascinating.
Some of it was a little too far out. I recommended it to my son. I will read the second book.
July 27, 2016
First, the good:
The Commander is fun, and easy to read. The Author(s) have a very clean writing style, and the pace of the book matches the urgency of the threat in the beginning. That is to say, the tone matches the plot for a very big chunk of the book.
As was stated by Radio Danny, Sam the "Alien" just shows up, gives Luke a quick primer and the keys to the castle, and fucks off merrily to parts unknowable. Leaving him in the care of an AI named George. And, true to life, the enormity of this task doesn't dawn on Luke until several days later - at which point he nearly breaks down. Well done.
There's very little internal dialog on Luke's end, and we're allowed, if not adequate in universe time, then adequate book time to get to know him. He's a pretty simple character, but everything we learn about Luke we learn organically, as we would if he were a real person.
The foreshadowing of the Alien threat is done well, and when it's revealed the reader will either feel vindicated or well informed, depending on how observant they are.
Now, for the not-so-good:
I had quite a bit of trouble remembering any of the secondary characters, and found myself having to flip back to when they were introduced often to get a handle on just who I was reading about at any given time - they're all glossed over pretty heavily, and most are quite forgettable. The female lead, Annie, is a good example. While writing this I had to check back with my notes to confirm her name. I remember everything she did, but not who she IS, if that makes any sense.
We have plenty of time with her, most of which is written from her P.O.V., but I never really found anything to latch onto that would define her as an individual character - she seems to be more defined by her relationship to Luke than anything else. Annie seems frustrated at her label as "the commander's woman" several times in-book, and to be quite honest she was so shallowly written that that's all I could really remember her as myself.
Other minor characters are worse off - I remember a guy named Roth? I think? Maybe ran a moonbase? But was he the old guy, or was that Tyler? I've made notes of all these things, but I really don't think I should have to look at them - considering I finished the book yesterday.
This next bit isn't the Author(s) fault - it's just a trope of the military science fiction genre that drives... me... up... the... WALL.
It's the "Only humans are good at war" trope, and it's rampant. If you're familiar with this genre, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The galactic leaders raise humanity up to face a galactic threat, because by god they're intelligent creatures and smart enough to have never engaged in such stupid warlike behavior.
This is the thing - there are survival pressures in any evolutionary environment. I don't give a crap what planet you're on, some other species wants your food, your space, or your on-board meat. (YOUR FLESSSSHH!) If you don't have a way to stop things from eating you or your food, then you don't create offspring, and you die out.
Several authors have found ways around this truth, but the vast majority that I've seen use this trope just ignore it.
But back to the book -
Honestly, at no point in the book was I really worried about the protagonists, because nothing seemed like a real threat to them. There were a couple times when Luke or Annie were in actual physical danger, but it wasn't written tensely - so it took me until after the scenes ended to realise they could've really died - and even when I did it didn't really hit me in a fundamental way.
You can really tell when the authors start winding it down - it's more rushed than the beginning, and tonally it makes less sense. But there's no real... climax, because the aliens aren't a real threat to our heros, and we all know it.
All in all, I'd say this book was a pleasure to read, but not a pleasure to have read. It's written with the understanding that it's part of a series, so I'd wait until there's at least two more books in the series before picking it up. Maybe further books will provide a more comprehensive arc, and perhaps some dramatic tension.
The Commander is fun, and easy to read. The Author(s) have a very clean writing style, and the pace of the book matches the urgency of the threat in the beginning. That is to say, the tone matches the plot for a very big chunk of the book.
As was stated by Radio Danny, Sam the "Alien" just shows up, gives Luke a quick primer and the keys to the castle, and fucks off merrily to parts unknowable. Leaving him in the care of an AI named George. And, true to life, the enormity of this task doesn't dawn on Luke until several days later - at which point he nearly breaks down. Well done.
There's very little internal dialog on Luke's end, and we're allowed, if not adequate in universe time, then adequate book time to get to know him. He's a pretty simple character, but everything we learn about Luke we learn organically, as we would if he were a real person.
The foreshadowing of the Alien threat is done well, and when it's revealed the reader will either feel vindicated or well informed, depending on how observant they are.
Now, for the not-so-good:
I had quite a bit of trouble remembering any of the secondary characters, and found myself having to flip back to when they were introduced often to get a handle on just who I was reading about at any given time - they're all glossed over pretty heavily, and most are quite forgettable. The female lead, Annie, is a good example. While writing this I had to check back with my notes to confirm her name. I remember everything she did, but not who she IS, if that makes any sense.
We have plenty of time with her, most of which is written from her P.O.V., but I never really found anything to latch onto that would define her as an individual character - she seems to be more defined by her relationship to Luke than anything else. Annie seems frustrated at her label as "the commander's woman" several times in-book, and to be quite honest she was so shallowly written that that's all I could really remember her as myself.
Other minor characters are worse off - I remember a guy named Roth? I think? Maybe ran a moonbase? But was he the old guy, or was that Tyler? I've made notes of all these things, but I really don't think I should have to look at them - considering I finished the book yesterday.
This next bit isn't the Author(s) fault - it's just a trope of the military science fiction genre that drives... me... up... the... WALL.
It's the "Only humans are good at war" trope, and it's rampant. If you're familiar with this genre, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The galactic leaders raise humanity up to face a galactic threat, because by god they're intelligent creatures and smart enough to have never engaged in such stupid warlike behavior.
This is the thing - there are survival pressures in any evolutionary environment. I don't give a crap what planet you're on, some other species wants your food, your space, or your on-board meat. (YOUR FLESSSSHH!) If you don't have a way to stop things from eating you or your food, then you don't create offspring, and you die out.
Several authors have found ways around this truth, but the vast majority that I've seen use this trope just ignore it.
But back to the book -
Honestly, at no point in the book was I really worried about the protagonists, because nothing seemed like a real threat to them. There were a couple times when Luke or Annie were in actual physical danger, but it wasn't written tensely - so it took me until after the scenes ended to realise they could've really died - and even when I did it didn't really hit me in a fundamental way.
You can really tell when the authors start winding it down - it's more rushed than the beginning, and tonally it makes less sense. But there's no real... climax, because the aliens aren't a real threat to our heros, and we all know it.
All in all, I'd say this book was a pleasure to read, but not a pleasure to have read. It's written with the understanding that it's part of a series, so I'd wait until there's at least two more books in the series before picking it up. Maybe further books will provide a more comprehensive arc, and perhaps some dramatic tension.
February 19, 2017
Fun and Enjoyable Military/Exploration Space Opera
The husband and wife team writing as CJ Williams has produced one fun space opera. It is just fun reading, light, a little unreal (at least the politics seems that way) but, then, what is unreality in space opera? The Commander is an interesting character, but his eventual girlfriend seems to be one dimensional. Of course, as in any reputable space opera, the Commander is the luckiest guy in the galaxy.
The story includes far-off space "royalty ", artificial intelligence computers (who just MAY be vulnerable to a computer virus), and a couple of billion dollars worth of gold bullion bricks...all fun elements!
RECOMMENDED
The husband and wife team writing as CJ Williams has produced one fun space opera. It is just fun reading, light, a little unreal (at least the politics seems that way) but, then, what is unreality in space opera? The Commander is an interesting character, but his eventual girlfriend seems to be one dimensional. Of course, as in any reputable space opera, the Commander is the luckiest guy in the galaxy.
The story includes far-off space "royalty ", artificial intelligence computers (who just MAY be vulnerable to a computer virus), and a couple of billion dollars worth of gold bullion bricks...all fun elements!
RECOMMENDED
May 23, 2016
Bailed At 21%-Shallow Storyline With Cultist Simpletons
Hoped that the eBook author would build upon the storyline of Earth's current population, slowly creating a technologically advanced defense force, in order to thwart or slow down, an anonymous, insatiable, alien aggressor. The catalyst for the Earth's development is an older, human galactic core civilization. That civilization is aware of the galactic rim threat moving inward, but has been basically kicking the can down the road for millennia, occasionally dispatching AI assistance to less advanced human "seedling" civilizations-inexpensive and disposable human speed bumps.
The problem-author has basic writing skill, but no talent, depth or maturity. The characters are one dimensional simpletons, that would gladly tell you their pin code, as they hand you their ATM card. The plot motivation has the smell of a cult. Would any sane parent signup themselves and their family for an unknown location for a year, board an apparent aircraft with the kids, and discover they were all enroute off planet, without some trepidation?
The whole story to the point I bailed at 21%, is simplistic, juvenile, unthoughtful hogwash and strongly cannot recommend.
Hoped that the eBook author would build upon the storyline of Earth's current population, slowly creating a technologically advanced defense force, in order to thwart or slow down, an anonymous, insatiable, alien aggressor. The catalyst for the Earth's development is an older, human galactic core civilization. That civilization is aware of the galactic rim threat moving inward, but has been basically kicking the can down the road for millennia, occasionally dispatching AI assistance to less advanced human "seedling" civilizations-inexpensive and disposable human speed bumps.
The problem-author has basic writing skill, but no talent, depth or maturity. The characters are one dimensional simpletons, that would gladly tell you their pin code, as they hand you their ATM card. The plot motivation has the smell of a cult. Would any sane parent signup themselves and their family for an unknown location for a year, board an apparent aircraft with the kids, and discover they were all enroute off planet, without some trepidation?
The whole story to the point I bailed at 21%, is simplistic, juvenile, unthoughtful hogwash and strongly cannot recommend.
October 1, 2016
The commander , warlord of earth
I liked the characters the author used. I was really impressed with the ability to think of the logistics and effort required to bring a civilization such as earth in line with one overriding goal.
I have always thought that the only thing that will save our petty sqabbling world is an enemy to fight or the invention of interstellar capable space craft capable of FTL (faster than light) travel.
Mankind needs an enemy,we have almost lost our genetic drive to conquer our environment , we need a new one fast.
A challenge to rise above , or we'll go the way of the Dodo.
The book was really fast paced and I loved the almost magical technology that is what made Star Trek and star wars both Science fiction classics. Transporters,replicators,lightsabers and warp drive.
The stuff that dreams are made of.
I liked the characters the author used. I was really impressed with the ability to think of the logistics and effort required to bring a civilization such as earth in line with one overriding goal.
I have always thought that the only thing that will save our petty sqabbling world is an enemy to fight or the invention of interstellar capable space craft capable of FTL (faster than light) travel.
Mankind needs an enemy,we have almost lost our genetic drive to conquer our environment , we need a new one fast.
A challenge to rise above , or we'll go the way of the Dodo.
The book was really fast paced and I loved the almost magical technology that is what made Star Trek and star wars both Science fiction classics. Transporters,replicators,lightsabers and warp drive.
The stuff that dreams are made of.
June 25, 2016
A good read
The authors claim the proofreading is good, and believe it or not, it IS! Seems like a small thing to get excited about, but it is so rare!
The writing is good as well, the story flows along fairly smoothly, logically, and with nice twists thrown in for interest. There are quite a few characters, but they are clearly drawn, interesting, and mostly likeable, except for a few bad guys who are appropriately stinky.
Altogether a good sci-fi read, just what I was looking for. I will keep my eye out for another by these authors.
The authors claim the proofreading is good, and believe it or not, it IS! Seems like a small thing to get excited about, but it is so rare!
The writing is good as well, the story flows along fairly smoothly, logically, and with nice twists thrown in for interest. There are quite a few characters, but they are clearly drawn, interesting, and mostly likeable, except for a few bad guys who are appropriately stinky.
Altogether a good sci-fi read, just what I was looking for. I will keep my eye out for another by these authors.
June 5, 2016
Loved this sci-fi read. Enjoyed the 'what if' scenario where an advanced alien race gives technology to one human man, ex airforce, loner for life. He's told that Earth will be wiped out by a dreadful alien race if he doesn't build a space fleet without involving any of Earth's governments, because getting them involved will kill off the planet faster than the dreaded alien race.
Funny, enjoyable read with plenty of action and not so much politicking which I appreciate.
5 stars, want more!
Funny, enjoyable read with plenty of action and not so much politicking which I appreciate.
5 stars, want more!
May 15, 2025
An excellent surprise. This was a fast moving story: a Joe Normal guy is saddled with the task of fighting a mysterious force that has the galactic "Nobility" concerned.
Left with a cool shuttle, an AI, a lunar base and minimal guidance, Luke must prepare Earth for the inevitable.
This book was a lot of fun.
Left with a cool shuttle, an AI, a lunar base and minimal guidance, Luke must prepare Earth for the inevitable.
This book was a lot of fun.
October 3, 2018
A SYFY Novel About an Alien Invasion
CJW has penned a SYFY novel about an impending alien invadion. An alien lands at an unknown airport in Nevada and stops everything into a young man's hands. He must band humanity together of the planet Earth will suffer annihilation. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
CJW has penned a SYFY novel about an impending alien invadion. An alien lands at an unknown airport in Nevada and stops everything into a young man's hands. He must band humanity together of the planet Earth will suffer annihilation. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
May 5, 2016
This is a fairly basic sci-fi novel that puts a moderately interesting spin on the uplift story. Unfortunately, the writing is fairly barren and the pacing is too fast for me to properly immerse myself in the setting.
May 18, 2016
Interesting read; sometimes a bit simplistic, but there are some characters the reader can get behind. Seems to be very little personal conflict....enjoyed a chuckle at the treatment of the senator.
May 23, 2016
Great plot,characters strong not a kids book at all.
Strong from chapter one. Character development along with a few AI twists make for a great read. Enjoy and like me await the next one.
Strong from chapter one. Character development along with a few AI twists make for a great read. Enjoy and like me await the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews