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The Scourwind Legacy #2
An Empire Asunder
The coup that won traitor General Corian the Scourwind throne has been overturned, but his ongoing rebellion has left the empire divided. Lydia’s birthright regained, she adjusts to her role as empress at war, while Brennan begins training as an elite Cadreman soldier. With tensions rising between the empire and the Alliance, this momentary lull seems to portend a gathering storm…
The royal twins aren’t the only ones sensing peace may not last. Searching for a vanished supply shipment vital to her own mission of vengeance against Corian, former Cadrewoman turned pirate Mira Delsol makes a shocking discovery about the theft. As both Mira and Brennan follow similar clues to the fate of the stolen supplies, their trajectories converge. Now Mira will embark on a perilous attempt to infiltrate the heart of the enemy camp, while Brennan’s path will also lead him across Alliance lines, and into a lethal confrontation with the Alliance air fleet. But will either of their efforts be enough to keep Corian from executing his plan to bring the empire to its knees once again?
The royal twins aren’t the only ones sensing peace may not last. Searching for a vanished supply shipment vital to her own mission of vengeance against Corian, former Cadrewoman turned pirate Mira Delsol makes a shocking discovery about the theft. As both Mira and Brennan follow similar clues to the fate of the stolen supplies, their trajectories converge. Now Mira will embark on a perilous attempt to infiltrate the heart of the enemy camp, while Brennan’s path will also lead him across Alliance lines, and into a lethal confrontation with the Alliance air fleet. But will either of their efforts be enough to keep Corian from executing his plan to bring the empire to its knees once again?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2016
226 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 28, 2019
An OK read. 3.5 stars.
October 6, 2016
3.5 stars
An Empire Asunder continues the battle between General Corian and the Scourwind heirs and their supporters.
The back story on General Corian's original attempt at a coup remains a blank, and although he sees his rebellion as an effort to save the Empire, the threat that motivates Corian is still unclear. And he is a bit obsessive. Obviously, if he must destroy thousands of lives and entire cities to save the Empire...the end justifies the means, and he is just the man for the job.
Lydia, as the older twin and heir to the throne, has assumed her role as empress, and Brennan trains for the cadre. However, Corian and his allies are not finished yet. There are traitors embedded everywhere who intend to do their best to see Corian succeed. The Empire is, indeed, split asunder.
Former cadrewoman Mira Delsol has unfinished business with Corian, but as usual things go awry, and Brennan is left to warn the Empire--if he can escape in time to do it.
Like Heirs of Empire, An Empire Asunder is fun and suspenseful. The characters have continued to develop, but they are still the archetypal roles typical of this kind of good/vs evil format. While Lydia has a very small role in this one, I expect the next book will give her more attention. It is Mira Delsol and Brennan, however, who keep the action going.
Scifi-lite but lively and entertaining.
Read in Sept.; blog review scheduled for
NetGalley/47 North
Space Opera. Nov. 15, 2016. Print length: 334 pages.
An Empire Asunder continues the battle between General Corian and the Scourwind heirs and their supporters.
The back story on General Corian's original attempt at a coup remains a blank, and although he sees his rebellion as an effort to save the Empire, the threat that motivates Corian is still unclear. And he is a bit obsessive. Obviously, if he must destroy thousands of lives and entire cities to save the Empire...the end justifies the means, and he is just the man for the job.
Lydia, as the older twin and heir to the throne, has assumed her role as empress, and Brennan trains for the cadre. However, Corian and his allies are not finished yet. There are traitors embedded everywhere who intend to do their best to see Corian succeed. The Empire is, indeed, split asunder.
Former cadrewoman Mira Delsol has unfinished business with Corian, but as usual things go awry, and Brennan is left to warn the Empire--if he can escape in time to do it.
Like Heirs of Empire, An Empire Asunder is fun and suspenseful. The characters have continued to develop, but they are still the archetypal roles typical of this kind of good/vs evil format. While Lydia has a very small role in this one, I expect the next book will give her more attention. It is Mira Delsol and Brennan, however, who keep the action going.
Scifi-lite but lively and entertaining.
Read in Sept.; blog review scheduled for
NetGalley/47 North
Space Opera. Nov. 15, 2016. Print length: 334 pages.
November 16, 2016
An Empire Asunder more or less picks up where the first book left off and I easily slipped back into this entertaining world once more. The main characters in the first book continue to be swept up into the action, although this particular storyline mostly featured the protagonists Brennan, Lydia’s twin and trainee elite soldier, and Mira Desol, one of the elite soldiers known as Cadre turned privateer.
All the ingredients to make this military science fiction adventure an engrossing, pleasurable read are there – plenty of pace, a strong storyline that raises the stakes for both sides in this war for control of the Empire and foot-to-the-floor action including a major set-piece battle. As for the antagonist, General Corian, I’ve learnt a bit more about his motives in this current slice of the adventure, but that raises more questions than it answers – and I’m still not exactly sure where this world is set, although I have some theories. Given that Currie is clearly an experienced and very capable writer, I’m prepared to go with the flow regarding that dangling plotline, because I shall certainly be getting hold of the next book in the series.
Those unanswered questions keep tugging at my brain and I find myself regularly thinking about this world and the characters in it – which given that I’m spectacularly busy right now, means this series has managed to burrow under my skin. If your taste runs to either epic fantasy and you’d like to try a science fiction take on the genre, or you enjoy a cracking military science fiction adventure with a different feel, then this series comes highly recommended. Though I would advise that you start with the first book, Heirs of Empire, as this is too good a series to compromise by starting in the wrong place.
The fact that this arc was provided by the publisher via NetGalley has not affected my honest opinion of An Empire Asunder.
9/10
All the ingredients to make this military science fiction adventure an engrossing, pleasurable read are there – plenty of pace, a strong storyline that raises the stakes for both sides in this war for control of the Empire and foot-to-the-floor action including a major set-piece battle. As for the antagonist, General Corian, I’ve learnt a bit more about his motives in this current slice of the adventure, but that raises more questions than it answers – and I’m still not exactly sure where this world is set, although I have some theories. Given that Currie is clearly an experienced and very capable writer, I’m prepared to go with the flow regarding that dangling plotline, because I shall certainly be getting hold of the next book in the series.
Those unanswered questions keep tugging at my brain and I find myself regularly thinking about this world and the characters in it – which given that I’m spectacularly busy right now, means this series has managed to burrow under my skin. If your taste runs to either epic fantasy and you’d like to try a science fiction take on the genre, or you enjoy a cracking military science fiction adventure with a different feel, then this series comes highly recommended. Though I would advise that you start with the first book, Heirs of Empire, as this is too good a series to compromise by starting in the wrong place.
The fact that this arc was provided by the publisher via NetGalley has not affected my honest opinion of An Empire Asunder.
9/10
February 12, 2018
If you liked the first one, you are going to like the second one. Because, let’s face it, they are pretty much the same. Mira is still a thorn in Corian‘s side, the twins still show great potential and Corian is still submitting his empire to a civil war, because he believes that to be the only way to save it from an ominous outside threat.
I wished that Currie had elaborated a little on his world building (apparently pieces of the Earth have been cut out and turned into space stations), alas he doesn’t even mention it in passing as he did in the first book. Or provided more details about that imminent threat (if I had to guess, I would say that the empire is about to be invaded by one the other space stations). Even George R.R. Martin, the master of procrastination, mentioned the ice zombies at the beginning of the first book. But as this is only the second book in the series and they are way more to the point, I am not annoyed yet and await the next volume with anticipation.
Of course, if Currie writes ten books in a row that show this kind of sameness without any real progression in the overall storyline, I might get a little miffed and feel the same kind of disenchantment as with epic fantasy these days. One should never start a series/book, if one doesn’t know how to finish it. In my case, an endless succession of filler books doesn’t keep my attention, but only pisses me off.
I wished that Currie had elaborated a little on his world building (apparently pieces of the Earth have been cut out and turned into space stations), alas he doesn’t even mention it in passing as he did in the first book. Or provided more details about that imminent threat (if I had to guess, I would say that the empire is about to be invaded by one the other space stations). Even George R.R. Martin, the master of procrastination, mentioned the ice zombies at the beginning of the first book. But as this is only the second book in the series and they are way more to the point, I am not annoyed yet and await the next volume with anticipation.
Of course, if Currie writes ten books in a row that show this kind of sameness without any real progression in the overall storyline, I might get a little miffed and feel the same kind of disenchantment as with epic fantasy these days. One should never start a series/book, if one doesn’t know how to finish it. In my case, an endless succession of filler books doesn’t keep my attention, but only pisses me off.
June 18, 2021
This is the second of a duology of books that I read/listened to from Kindle Unlimited. I had read the first a few years back and it did take a few chapters to get my bearings back into this world. Overall, I enjoyed both of the books. The narration is solid and the pacing of the story is fairly even.
I really enjoyed the "age of sail" but in the sky world, mixed with laser weapons and gauss cannons. Plenty of action kept the story going quickly. The author excelled at creating an interesting and exciting world that deserves more time. I especially like the cadre warriors and their specialized "Ahmati" weapons. There were super cool weapons that are unique to each Cadreman or woman. The best character in my opinion was Cadrewoman Delsol, elite soldier turned pirate.
My biggest issue is that the setting/world feels like it merits more. More books or more pages or both. Certain things are introduced, almost in passing, and then they aren't really talked about again. One example is the idea of there being thousands of other massive continent-sized, populated habitats which were just mentioned that one time and not again. No interaction between the habitats was even hinted at, just that they existed.
This is more of a plot-driven story than a character-driven one as not much development happens. I would have preferred more development as they are generally likeable and fun to read about. Overall, 3 stars.
I really enjoyed the "age of sail" but in the sky world, mixed with laser weapons and gauss cannons. Plenty of action kept the story going quickly. The author excelled at creating an interesting and exciting world that deserves more time. I especially like the cadre warriors and their specialized "Ahmati" weapons. There were super cool weapons that are unique to each Cadreman or woman. The best character in my opinion was Cadrewoman Delsol, elite soldier turned pirate.
My biggest issue is that the setting/world feels like it merits more. More books or more pages or both. Certain things are introduced, almost in passing, and then they aren't really talked about again. One example is the idea of there being thousands of other massive continent-sized, populated habitats which were just mentioned that one time and not again. No interaction between the habitats was even hinted at, just that they existed.
This is more of a plot-driven story than a character-driven one as not much development happens. I would have preferred more development as they are generally likeable and fun to read about. Overall, 3 stars.
June 22, 2018
The second entry in Currie's new Scourwind saga is another helping of dramatic civil war between the renegade General Courian and those loyal to the Scourwind dynasty. It doesn't offer a great deal of character or world development, but focuses instead on delivering as much action and story progress as possible in a short package.
Aerial combat continues to be the main order of the day, as well as the somewhat superhuman antics of the Imperial cadremen and women (and ex-cadre). Much of the book is told from Brennan Scourwind's point of view, as well as Mira del Sol, who continues to be a likable, competent, and just-slightly-unhinged protagonist.
The conclusion of "An Empire Asunder" leaves the reader in considerably more suspense and wonder than book one after a dramatic move by Courian. I'm bothered somewhat by a whole lot of unexplained technology and logistics (how did Courian obtain so much imperanium, and why is he so deadset on killing off the Scourwinds if what he allegedly wants is a united, intact Empire to stand against an external threat), but I'm willing to chalk it up to Currie being deliberately vague for the time being in order to keep the books moving at a swift pace.
Aerial combat continues to be the main order of the day, as well as the somewhat superhuman antics of the Imperial cadremen and women (and ex-cadre). Much of the book is told from Brennan Scourwind's point of view, as well as Mira del Sol, who continues to be a likable, competent, and just-slightly-unhinged protagonist.
The conclusion of "An Empire Asunder" leaves the reader in considerably more suspense and wonder than book one after a dramatic move by Courian. I'm bothered somewhat by a whole lot of unexplained technology and logistics (how did Courian obtain so much imperanium, and why is he so deadset on killing off the Scourwinds if what he allegedly wants is a united, intact Empire to stand against an external threat), but I'm willing to chalk it up to Currie being deliberately vague for the time being in order to keep the books moving at a swift pace.
January 30, 2017
An Empire Asunder by Evan Currie is the second book in the Scourwind Legacy series and a fantastic follow up to Heirs of Empire. The traitorous General Corian is back once again, as are fledgling Empress Lydia and Brennan, now a cadreman-in-training. The Empire is in more perilous straits than ever before. With Mira Desol and the prototype Barr class ship missing in action, both the Empire and the Alliance are in an all out race to build similar ships to bring against one another. Though there seems to be an uneasy truce, all of that is shattered and the upcoming storm may be too much for the Empire to bear.
Will the Empire survive? Will Desol, Brennan, and Lydia be able to save the Empire before it is too late? If you enjoyed Heirs of Empire, you will adore An Empire Asunder. I had a hard time placing the book down and am already waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. What Currie does so well in this book is crafting amazing characters and immersive plot lines. I recommend this book highly with five stars and hope the next book comes out soon!
I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Will the Empire survive? Will Desol, Brennan, and Lydia be able to save the Empire before it is too late? If you enjoyed Heirs of Empire, you will adore An Empire Asunder. I had a hard time placing the book down and am already waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. What Currie does so well in this book is crafting amazing characters and immersive plot lines. I recommend this book highly with five stars and hope the next book comes out soon!
I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2018
A Chaos Enhanced World of Quantum Entanglement
As the story continues it stands on firm ground or I should say in clear sky's of Quantum sails where ships war as they strive to bring the traitorous General to heel. And this time Corian has gone too far.
Character building at its finest!
“I don’t suppose we’re going to take them out of the sky before you head over?” Gaston asked, a resigned smile on his face.
“When have I ever done things the easy way, Gas?” Mira laughed lightly. He didn’t laugh, but his smile grew a little less rueful and a little more genuine at her words. “I wonder what life would be like without an action junkie for a captain?” “Wouldn’t want your life to be boring, now would we?”
“I could live with boring.” Mira chuckled. “You have lived with boring, Gas. Now look where you are.”
As the story continues it stands on firm ground or I should say in clear sky's of Quantum sails where ships war as they strive to bring the traitorous General to heel. And this time Corian has gone too far.
Character building at its finest!
“I don’t suppose we’re going to take them out of the sky before you head over?” Gaston asked, a resigned smile on his face.
“When have I ever done things the easy way, Gas?” Mira laughed lightly. He didn’t laugh, but his smile grew a little less rueful and a little more genuine at her words. “I wonder what life would be like without an action junkie for a captain?” “Wouldn’t want your life to be boring, now would we?”
“I could live with boring.” Mira chuckled. “You have lived with boring, Gas. Now look where you are.”
May 26, 2017
3.5*
This is a quite fast and tight read, happening over a relatively short amount of time and people.
So in some ways, less happens than in book 1 (and I'd have preferred tbh, if this whole civil war arch was more of a side-plot and more time was spent on the world backstory and exploration, because these seem pretty interesting, even if not as surprising as the author might have planned it to be).
This is a quite fast and tight read, happening over a relatively short amount of time and people.
So in some ways, less happens than in book 1 (and I'd have preferred tbh, if this whole civil war arch was more of a side-plot and more time was spent on the world backstory and exploration, because these seem pretty interesting, even if not as surprising as the author might have planned it to be).
November 17, 2017
Another Excellent Dynastic Military Space Opera From Currie
The remaining two heirs to the imperial throne get a chance to square off with the empire's best general, now gone rogue after his first two coup attempts failed. There is a hint of some serious threat from beyond the Southern Kingdom, but, at this point, the threat is just the glimmer of a rationale for the general's betrayal.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!!
The remaining two heirs to the imperial throne get a chance to square off with the empire's best general, now gone rogue after his first two coup attempts failed. There is a hint of some serious threat from beyond the Southern Kingdom, but, at this point, the threat is just the glimmer of a rationale for the general's betrayal.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!!
December 9, 2017
I liked this second book in the series even more than the first. We really get to see a lot of Brennan’s character as he puts his piloting skills to good use. Both twins seem to mature quite a bit as they take on their new roles, though I wonder why the only surviving heir to the throne would be allowed to take on dangerous missions. The book ends with plenty of action and unfinished business, especially on the part of Mira Delsol. I can’t wait to read the next one.
January 15, 2019
Another Interesting Universe by Evan Currie
After reading Heirs of Empire and Empire Asunder Currie has again displayed his great gift of writing with imagination and creativity.
An interesting new set of stories.
While being highly imaginative I did feel the characters to be one dimensional with less depth than his previous works such as Odessey One and the Hayden Wars novels.
After reading Heirs of Empire and Empire Asunder Currie has again displayed his great gift of writing with imagination and creativity.
An interesting new set of stories.
While being highly imaginative I did feel the characters to be one dimensional with less depth than his previous works such as Odessey One and the Hayden Wars novels.
April 17, 2025
Summary: Good science fiction yarn, lots of action, interesting characters and the premise is very interesting as well. Let down by the politics just not really being believable. Book 2 similar
Plotline: Plot is intensive and moves on quickly
Premise: Lots more to learn, some sort of constrained world ... good
Writing: Simple, great characters
Ending: victory for the good guys
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Plot is intensive and moves on quickly
Premise: Lots more to learn, some sort of constrained world ... good
Writing: Simple, great characters
Ending: victory for the good guys
Pace: Never a dull moment!
October 9, 2019
Steam punk winner
One of the few books I lost myself in and lost a few days binge reading . I really wish there was a sequel to this one.
A few more details about the weapons and infrastructure would have been nice.
Now I have to look for more books by my new favorite author.
One of the few books I lost myself in and lost a few days binge reading . I really wish there was a sequel to this one.
A few more details about the weapons and infrastructure would have been nice.
Now I have to look for more books by my new favorite author.
October 12, 2022
I want more
Wow what a finish to this story. I hope sometime in the future the next book comes out in this series. I found it to be an intensely compelling plot line. The are characters are engaging, So as to make you want to root for for for them to win. The imagery, thru a minimum of words serves to fuel your imagination. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Wow what a finish to this story. I hope sometime in the future the next book comes out in this series. I found it to be an intensely compelling plot line. The are characters are engaging, So as to make you want to root for for for them to win. The imagery, thru a minimum of words serves to fuel your imagination. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
May 6, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads
Considering I don't usually like Sci-fi, I really enjoyed this. Mainly because the characters were so interesting. There was a lot of humor, maybe unintentional, but still there. Overall a pretty good sci-fi story.
Considering I don't usually like Sci-fi, I really enjoyed this. Mainly because the characters were so interesting. There was a lot of humor, maybe unintentional, but still there. Overall a pretty good sci-fi story.
February 9, 2018
I won this novel in the goodread's giveaway! It was a little hard to get in to the story line because I never read the first book in the series but I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will look for the rest of the series. I would definitely recommend.
January 3, 2019
This is the second book in The Scourwind Legacy by Evan Currie. I did not like it as much as the first book but it is still a very good book. The story is a bit different from the usual run of the mill science fiction out there. It IS science fiction but it is also very “fantasyesque”. Some parts of it, especially their means of transportation, reminds me somewhat of Edgar Rice Burroughs Man on Mars series.
The story plays out entirely on a planet…or is it a planet? This makes it somewhat unique as a science fiction series of course. There’s more about the story and the setting in my review of the first book.
Throughout the book there are sprinkled hints implying that these people are some remnant of something much older and much bigger and the story slowly moves to, what I would expect to be, some major revelations in the future. I think this is a big part of what attracts me with this series.
Then there’s the characters the action and the adventure itself. As usual with a book from this author it is quite well written and very captivating. It is really a very well done mix of a fantasy style story in a science fiction setting.
Maybe it is just the novelty having worn off but for some reason the first book pleased me more. It just felt more heroic and big time adventure. Maybe focusing more on the main heroes. That is not to say this is a bad book. On the contrary it is a very good book.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
The story plays out entirely on a planet…or is it a planet? This makes it somewhat unique as a science fiction series of course. There’s more about the story and the setting in my review of the first book.
Throughout the book there are sprinkled hints implying that these people are some remnant of something much older and much bigger and the story slowly moves to, what I would expect to be, some major revelations in the future. I think this is a big part of what attracts me with this series.
Then there’s the characters the action and the adventure itself. As usual with a book from this author it is quite well written and very captivating. It is really a very well done mix of a fantasy style story in a science fiction setting.
Maybe it is just the novelty having worn off but for some reason the first book pleased me more. It just felt more heroic and big time adventure. Maybe focusing more on the main heroes. That is not to say this is a bad book. On the contrary it is a very good book.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
March 27, 2024
Another Fantastic story!!
This was so good . Here the empire is trying to survive with Lydia as empress but treachery threatens to destroy what remains of her friends and family. The world building is so good and I cannot wait for the next book!
This was so good . Here the empire is trying to survive with Lydia as empress but treachery threatens to destroy what remains of her friends and family. The world building is so good and I cannot wait for the next book!
November 22, 2016
Great book
A good read as always and I can't wait for the next one. It can not come soon enough for me.
A good read as always and I can't wait for the next one. It can not come soon enough for me.
November 27, 2016
Can't wait for the next in the series
A great little book for all Sci Fi fans. Huge potential for expanding the series with the cast of the central characters ripe for development.
A great little book for all Sci Fi fans. Huge potential for expanding the series with the cast of the central characters ripe for development.
December 9, 2016
Loved
I really enjoyed this book. It picked up right after the first and went flying from there. Very high paced and exciting. I won this book through Goodreads.
I really enjoyed this book. It picked up right after the first and went flying from there. Very high paced and exciting. I won this book through Goodreads.
May 10, 2017
Im really enjoying this series. The author is great at slowly doling out plot devices even as the rest of the story unfolds.
August 9, 2017
Fantastic
I loved both this and the first book. I need more Scourwind please! When is the next one coming out?!?!?!?!
I loved both this and the first book. I need more Scourwind please! When is the next one coming out?!?!?!?!
November 9, 2017
Good book. A little slow at first but def picks up in the end. Cant wait for the next book. This was a lot easier to follow than the first book.
January 18, 2018
Ohh, can’t wait
Ohh, can’t wait for the next! Honestly it driving me a bit nuts! Is it done yet!!! Sigh, hurry up!
Ohh, can’t wait for the next! Honestly it driving me a bit nuts! Is it done yet!!! Sigh, hurry up!
March 21, 2018
slow start strong finish
June 4, 2018
Suffers from the ism that the second book in a trilogy does. I wish to see more of Mira Delsol and the Cadre, not the Scourwind.
August 18, 2018
This was better than the first book. I’d read more of this series should the author continue it.
September 1, 2018
Legacy book 2
Loved the story line and all the high flying action. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Need to know what happens to the heroin.
Loved the story line and all the high flying action. Looking forward to the next book in this series. Need to know what happens to the heroin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews