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Destiny's Crucible #2
The Pen and the Sword
Destiny’s Crucible:
Joe Colsco boarded a flight from San Francisco to Chicago to attend a national chemistry meeting. Through a freak accident, he never sets foot on Earth again. He is unaware he has been poured into a crucible, where time and trials will transform him in ways unimagined, and that will send him and his descendants to a destiny beyond one planet.
Book I: Cast Under an Alien Sun
On planet Anyar, Joe was found unconscious on a beach of a large island (Caedellium) inhabited by humans where the level of technology is similar to Earth circa 1700. He awoke amidst strangers speaking an unintelligible language, and despaired losing his previous life. He used knowledge of chemistry to introduce new knowledge—but not too advanced of the planet’s technology to avoid being labelled a demon. He found a place in the society and developed new friendships, male and female.
But all was not idyllic. Joe was dropped into a clash between the people who cared for him, and a military power from elsewhere on the planet, a power with designs on conquest. Joe survived his first experience in deadly conflict but knows it was only a foretaste of what was coming.
Book II: Pen and the Sword
The Narthani, a militant realm who believe their manifest destiny is to rule the entire planet, Anyar, plan to absorb Caedellium into their empire and crush any resistance. Yozef Kolsko (aka Joe Colsco) works to find ways to increase the chances of his, and the society which has accepted him, ability to resist the Narthani’s planned conquest.
Complicating his life is attraction to a brilliant daughter of an island leader, and his uncertainty of his own mind, hers, or intricacies of Caedellium customs.
Despite his desire to devote himself to introducing new knowledge Yozef is drawn more and more into developing weapons and giving tactical and strategic advice—things he knows he’s unqualified to give. The enemy is coming. The odds seem overwhelming, and it will take all Yozef can do, the courage of his new people, and luck, to survive.
Joe Colsco boarded a flight from San Francisco to Chicago to attend a national chemistry meeting. Through a freak accident, he never sets foot on Earth again. He is unaware he has been poured into a crucible, where time and trials will transform him in ways unimagined, and that will send him and his descendants to a destiny beyond one planet.
Book I: Cast Under an Alien Sun
On planet Anyar, Joe was found unconscious on a beach of a large island (Caedellium) inhabited by humans where the level of technology is similar to Earth circa 1700. He awoke amidst strangers speaking an unintelligible language, and despaired losing his previous life. He used knowledge of chemistry to introduce new knowledge—but not too advanced of the planet’s technology to avoid being labelled a demon. He found a place in the society and developed new friendships, male and female.
But all was not idyllic. Joe was dropped into a clash between the people who cared for him, and a military power from elsewhere on the planet, a power with designs on conquest. Joe survived his first experience in deadly conflict but knows it was only a foretaste of what was coming.
Book II: Pen and the Sword
The Narthani, a militant realm who believe their manifest destiny is to rule the entire planet, Anyar, plan to absorb Caedellium into their empire and crush any resistance. Yozef Kolsko (aka Joe Colsco) works to find ways to increase the chances of his, and the society which has accepted him, ability to resist the Narthani’s planned conquest.
Complicating his life is attraction to a brilliant daughter of an island leader, and his uncertainty of his own mind, hers, or intricacies of Caedellium customs.
Despite his desire to devote himself to introducing new knowledge Yozef is drawn more and more into developing weapons and giving tactical and strategic advice—things he knows he’s unqualified to give. The enemy is coming. The odds seem overwhelming, and it will take all Yozef can do, the courage of his new people, and luck, to survive.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2016
386 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Olan Thorensen
16 books526 followersOlan is a long-time science fiction fan who has jumped into independent publication with all its pitfalls and unknowns. He thinks all colors go together: clash, what clash? A fan of Dilbert, Non Sequitur, Peanuts (even if old strips), and still think the end of The Far Side was a tragedy. Loves fireflies, rain, thunderstorms, is eclectic in music (classical, western, oldies, smattering of all other), and thinks four seasons are better than one. Gardens, plays piano poorly, used to jog until broke hip, now walks (to be honest, his jog was about as fast as his quick walk).
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
February 15, 2017
I was right. BBBOOORINNG!! Skimmed and I'm out of this series.
March 4, 2021
I`m interested to see where this is going, so I think I`ll stick around. There were some boring parts, but overall, if you read the first volume you know what you`ll get. Not so bad as some of the reviews here are stating. I think that it`s a thing of tastes.
December 16, 2019
Series review here under the first novel:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The second best of the 4 books and top 5 in books published in 2016 (regardless when i read them of course); this one was more intimate than book 4 which i thought the best book of the tetralogy just because of its epicness
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The second best of the 4 books and top 5 in books published in 2016 (regardless when i read them of course); this one was more intimate than book 4 which i thought the best book of the tetralogy just because of its epicness
April 20, 2020
Notes:
A big chunk of this installment is about strategy & battle. The author failed to make the descriptions interesting. So far, I feel like I'm reading an adaptation of Guilliver's Travels. I like the main characters. The social commentary/build comes across as a want to be politically correct address vs an established part of the world's culture. Overall, the books are rough around the edges with good potential.
A big chunk of this installment is about strategy & battle. The author failed to make the descriptions interesting. So far, I feel like I'm reading an adaptation of Guilliver's Travels. I like the main characters. The social commentary/build comes across as a want to be politically correct address vs an established part of the world's culture. Overall, the books are rough around the edges with good potential.
December 18, 2016
Joseph Colsco, known to his Caedellian friends and neighbors as “Yozef Kolsko” has been cast away on the human inhabited planet of Anyar. He has become a resident of the town of Abersford, a successful business man who has introduced many simple, popular and essential products into the local economy, and many essential products such as gunpowder useful in fighting off the Narthani Empire and its mercenaries. He has proven, helpful to the community, has fathered a child with a local woman and now fate will spread his influence to the attention of Hetman Keelan, leader of the Keelan Clan and a major Caedellian leader attempting to untie the clans against the Narthani Empire.
Following a disastrous (for the Buldorians) Narthani influenced Buldorian raid on Abersford and St. Sidryn’s Abbey, fate has intervened to bring Yozef to meet Hetman Keelan. Keelan’s daughter, Maera Keelan, had previously met Yozef during a visit to St. Sidryn’s Abbey and now she and her mother considered whether Yozef would be a suitable husband for Maera. Hetman Keelan is more concerned whether Yozef can be trusted to help Clan Keelan against the Narthani.
Soon, both questions will be answered as the Narthani move in force against the clans.
In The Pen and the Sword the author writes an excellent and very intense description of a seventeenth century pitched battle between a disparate group characterized by chaos and lacking strong central leadership and a disciplined army. The reader alternately moans and cheers as circumstances twist and turn around a conflict that will mean life or death for the residents of Caedellium.
The Pen and the Sword is a wonderful sequel to Cast Under an Alien Sun and one that is certain to be appreciated by anyone who loves reading action dramas. Because it is the second in a series, the reader should consider reading Cast Under and Alien Sun first in order to fully understand what is happening. Both are exceptionally well written and entertaining.
Following a disastrous (for the Buldorians) Narthani influenced Buldorian raid on Abersford and St. Sidryn’s Abbey, fate has intervened to bring Yozef to meet Hetman Keelan. Keelan’s daughter, Maera Keelan, had previously met Yozef during a visit to St. Sidryn’s Abbey and now she and her mother considered whether Yozef would be a suitable husband for Maera. Hetman Keelan is more concerned whether Yozef can be trusted to help Clan Keelan against the Narthani.
Soon, both questions will be answered as the Narthani move in force against the clans.
In The Pen and the Sword the author writes an excellent and very intense description of a seventeenth century pitched battle between a disparate group characterized by chaos and lacking strong central leadership and a disciplined army. The reader alternately moans and cheers as circumstances twist and turn around a conflict that will mean life or death for the residents of Caedellium.
The Pen and the Sword is a wonderful sequel to Cast Under an Alien Sun and one that is certain to be appreciated by anyone who loves reading action dramas. Because it is the second in a series, the reader should consider reading Cast Under and Alien Sun first in order to fully understand what is happening. Both are exceptionally well written and entertaining.
May 4, 2018
4/5 stars
May 14, 2024
In the realm of science fiction, few audiobooks manage to captivate the essence of an alternate reality as vividly as Olan Thorensen's "The Pen and the Sword." Narrated by the talented Jonathan Davis, this 2nd installment in the Destiny's Crucible series is a masterful blend of intricate world-building, complex characters, and a plot that weaves together the delicate threads of destiny and choice.
**Narration: The Voice That Brought Anyar to Life
Jonathan Davis's narration is nothing short of a performance. With a voice that carries the weight of the narrative and the subtleties of each character, Davis transports the listener to the planet of Anyar with ease and authenticity. His ability to differentiate between characters and convey their emotions adds a layer of depth to the listening experience that is often missing in audiobooks.
**Plot: A Crucible of Conflict and Courage
The story picks up where "Cast Under an Alien Sun" left off, with our protagonist, Yozef Kolsko (a.k.a. Joe Colsco), stranded on an alien planet that is technologically centuries behind Earth. “The Pen and the Sword” delves deeper into Yozef's struggle to adapt to this new world while battling the internal conflict of whether to introduce advanced knowledge from Earth.
As the Narthani threat looms over Caedellium, Yozef finds himself in a position where he must use his knowledge to aid in the resistance. The book does an excellent job of portraying the moral dilemmas faced by someone with the power to change the course of a civilization. It's a tale of survival, but also of the responsibility that comes with power.
**Characters: The Heart of Anyar
Thorensen's characters are the driving force of the narrative. Yozef, with his modern Earthly knowledge, is a relatable figure who embodies the human spirit of resilience. His interactions with the natives of Caedellium, particularly his romantic interest in a brilliant local woman, are crafted with care, showcasing the complexities of cross-cultural relationships.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, from the wise island leader to the fierce warriors of Caedellium. Each character is fleshed out, with their own motivations and contributions to the story's progression.
**World-Building: A Tapestry of Tradition and Technology
The world of Anyar is richly detailed, with its own customs, languages, and societal structures. Thorensen's meticulous attention to detail paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of change. The juxtaposition of Earth's advanced technology with Anyar's more primitive state creates a fascinating dynamic that is explored throughout the book.
**Themes: The Weight of Wisdom and War
At its core, “The Pen and the Sword” is about the balance between knowledge and its application in times of war. It raises questions about the ethics of intervention and the impact one individual can have on the destiny of a world. The book doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of conflict, nor does it glorify war. Instead, it presents a nuanced view of the necessity and cost of resistance.
**Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
“The Pen and the Sword” is a compelling listen that will resonate with fans of science fiction and those who enjoy stories of survival against all odds. With Jonathan Davis's exceptional narration and Thorensen's skillful storytelling, this audiobook stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the complex decisions that shape our destinies.
**Narration: The Voice That Brought Anyar to Life
Jonathan Davis's narration is nothing short of a performance. With a voice that carries the weight of the narrative and the subtleties of each character, Davis transports the listener to the planet of Anyar with ease and authenticity. His ability to differentiate between characters and convey their emotions adds a layer of depth to the listening experience that is often missing in audiobooks.
**Plot: A Crucible of Conflict and Courage
The story picks up where "Cast Under an Alien Sun" left off, with our protagonist, Yozef Kolsko (a.k.a. Joe Colsco), stranded on an alien planet that is technologically centuries behind Earth. “The Pen and the Sword” delves deeper into Yozef's struggle to adapt to this new world while battling the internal conflict of whether to introduce advanced knowledge from Earth.
As the Narthani threat looms over Caedellium, Yozef finds himself in a position where he must use his knowledge to aid in the resistance. The book does an excellent job of portraying the moral dilemmas faced by someone with the power to change the course of a civilization. It's a tale of survival, but also of the responsibility that comes with power.
**Characters: The Heart of Anyar
Thorensen's characters are the driving force of the narrative. Yozef, with his modern Earthly knowledge, is a relatable figure who embodies the human spirit of resilience. His interactions with the natives of Caedellium, particularly his romantic interest in a brilliant local woman, are crafted with care, showcasing the complexities of cross-cultural relationships.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, from the wise island leader to the fierce warriors of Caedellium. Each character is fleshed out, with their own motivations and contributions to the story's progression.
**World-Building: A Tapestry of Tradition and Technology
The world of Anyar is richly detailed, with its own customs, languages, and societal structures. Thorensen's meticulous attention to detail paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of change. The juxtaposition of Earth's advanced technology with Anyar's more primitive state creates a fascinating dynamic that is explored throughout the book.
**Themes: The Weight of Wisdom and War
At its core, “The Pen and the Sword” is about the balance between knowledge and its application in times of war. It raises questions about the ethics of intervention and the impact one individual can have on the destiny of a world. The book doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of conflict, nor does it glorify war. Instead, it presents a nuanced view of the necessity and cost of resistance.
**Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
“The Pen and the Sword” is a compelling listen that will resonate with fans of science fiction and those who enjoy stories of survival against all odds. With Jonathan Davis's exceptional narration and Thorensen's skillful storytelling, this audiobook stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the complex decisions that shape our destinies.
December 4, 2022
Pretty good.
August 11, 2017
This is the second volume of Olan Thorensen's Destiny's Crucible series that began with Cast Under an Alien Sun. In the first book chemist Joe Colsco is flying on an airliner that crashes into an alien vessel. The AI in the alien vessel manages to save and repair Joe, the only survivor, but tells him he can either be placed on a planet with a human civilization or be painlessly ended. In either case he can't return to earth because of the risk that he'll disclose their surveillance of the planet.
Joe chooses life and is placed on a planet with a human population that has advanced to around the 17th or 18th century. In the first book he is gradually accepted into the population, learns the language, and becomes a kind of Edison figure, introducing innovations like kerosene lamps and fertilizers.
Also in the first book it becomes clear that the militant Narthani are attempting to conquer the island of Caedellium where Joe's adopted people live. In this book the Narthani plot takes up most of the action of the book. The Narthani have already taken over some of the small states on the island and have been using mercenaries and spies to continue their plan.
Joe, who the locals call Yosef Kolsko, must now use his inventiveness to try to create adequate weapons for defense. The aliens who left him on this planet added nanotechnology to help him in several ways. His memory for things he's read has been enhanced, he can heal fast, and because of the higher gravity he's been given some enhanced strength.
Though he's had to become involved in this new military threat, he would much rather help the people around him advance their knowledge. To do that he's talked to a local abbot about creating a university where scholars can exchange knowledge to bring out new knowledge. Because his projects in book one were so financially successful he proposes to fund much of this project.
As it stands, he must try to build cannons and other weapons through trial and error, trying to figure out the proper way to forge and cast weapons. Because of his enhanced memory he is also a valuable resource for local leaders because of his knowledge of historic battle strategies.
Also carrying forward is his romance with the daughter of a local leader, a romance that nearly ended with a kiss in book one.
As with the first volume, it's fun to watch Joe's ingenuity in solving problems and in helping to work out tactics during battles. He's not necessarily heroic, but his thinking is so intense that he ends up being in the middle of battles simply because he becomes so focused on solving problems.
This book ends in a climactic battle and, while the book comes to a good conclusion, it's clear that more will have to be done to foil the Narthani threat.
Fun books with adorable characters. Joe's unusual personality and his introduction of things like running for pleasure make him a much talked-about person to the locals, but they still enjoy his company, his humor, and his many gifts of new ideas that make their lives better. These are books that fly by and leave the reader sorry they're over.
Joe chooses life and is placed on a planet with a human population that has advanced to around the 17th or 18th century. In the first book he is gradually accepted into the population, learns the language, and becomes a kind of Edison figure, introducing innovations like kerosene lamps and fertilizers.
Also in the first book it becomes clear that the militant Narthani are attempting to conquer the island of Caedellium where Joe's adopted people live. In this book the Narthani plot takes up most of the action of the book. The Narthani have already taken over some of the small states on the island and have been using mercenaries and spies to continue their plan.
Joe, who the locals call Yosef Kolsko, must now use his inventiveness to try to create adequate weapons for defense. The aliens who left him on this planet added nanotechnology to help him in several ways. His memory for things he's read has been enhanced, he can heal fast, and because of the higher gravity he's been given some enhanced strength.
Though he's had to become involved in this new military threat, he would much rather help the people around him advance their knowledge. To do that he's talked to a local abbot about creating a university where scholars can exchange knowledge to bring out new knowledge. Because his projects in book one were so financially successful he proposes to fund much of this project.
As it stands, he must try to build cannons and other weapons through trial and error, trying to figure out the proper way to forge and cast weapons. Because of his enhanced memory he is also a valuable resource for local leaders because of his knowledge of historic battle strategies.
Also carrying forward is his romance with the daughter of a local leader, a romance that nearly ended with a kiss in book one.
As with the first volume, it's fun to watch Joe's ingenuity in solving problems and in helping to work out tactics during battles. He's not necessarily heroic, but his thinking is so intense that he ends up being in the middle of battles simply because he becomes so focused on solving problems.
This book ends in a climactic battle and, while the book comes to a good conclusion, it's clear that more will have to be done to foil the Narthani threat.
Fun books with adorable characters. Joe's unusual personality and his introduction of things like running for pleasure make him a much talked-about person to the locals, but they still enjoy his company, his humor, and his many gifts of new ideas that make their lives better. These are books that fly by and leave the reader sorry they're over.
June 12, 2022
Firstly: I love that the author isn't afraid to write a long book. Thank you. The trend of puting out books that only last 5 to 7 hours (on audio) makes me feel like I'm getting ripped off. Some of the books in this series last up to 24 hours. Talk about getting your money's worth.
Back to the review. Once again, Olan crafts a masterful tale. Adjusting to his new life on this planet the equivalent of 18th century(ish) Europe/America. The center of knowledge, faith and medical science is the Abbey, where people go to learn that lifelong career (whichever of the 3 they choose). As Joseph is now making a name for himself with his new products and advancements in knowledge he gains the attention of the Headman (governor) and his particularly intelligent daughter.
I very much like the nuance that Thorensen tackled of WHETHER to divulge certain technologies and concepts. On one hand, he doesn't want to be seen as some tool of the Devil. While on the other hand, he wants to help his adopted country to progress and make life better. Not to mention you have to keep in mind that you can't just start teaching about quantum physics when they have no knowledge of Newtonian physics to begin with. You have to follow a similar sequential progression.
Before he can really get things moving with the tech, however, a very powerful nation with a very large army (the only professional army around) has designs on conquering the island continent they live on. I'm hoping Joseph pulls his head out of his butt, and starts implementing some more/better weaponry. At least he does help with the tactical strategy, as even a rudimentary knowledge of Earth history shows many of the famous tactics used throughout history.
Back to the review. Once again, Olan crafts a masterful tale. Adjusting to his new life on this planet the equivalent of 18th century(ish) Europe/America. The center of knowledge, faith and medical science is the Abbey, where people go to learn that lifelong career (whichever of the 3 they choose). As Joseph is now making a name for himself with his new products and advancements in knowledge he gains the attention of the Headman (governor) and his particularly intelligent daughter.
I very much like the nuance that Thorensen tackled of WHETHER to divulge certain technologies and concepts. On one hand, he doesn't want to be seen as some tool of the Devil. While on the other hand, he wants to help his adopted country to progress and make life better. Not to mention you have to keep in mind that you can't just start teaching about quantum physics when they have no knowledge of Newtonian physics to begin with. You have to follow a similar sequential progression.
Before he can really get things moving with the tech, however, a very powerful nation with a very large army (the only professional army around) has designs on conquering the island continent they live on. I'm hoping Joseph pulls his head out of his butt, and starts implementing some more/better weaponry. At least he does help with the tactical strategy, as even a rudimentary knowledge of Earth history shows many of the famous tactics used throughout history.
April 14, 2018
Read the whole series one after another. If you like books like A Connecticut Yankee in King Author's Court, or Robinson Crusoe, etc. And you don't mind a great deal of exposition, then I recommend these books.
There are tangents of the nature of "then I did this and so that I could reinvent this" and "I only had a vague notion so I suggested what I knew and then magically the craftsmen of the era figured it out" which happen enough to be annoying.
And there's a bit of older generation language around sex and gender rolls. Which isn't annoying to me because we are talking about what amounts to an earlier time. This lessens as the series progresses. But be warned.
What really made me happy is that the author knew a bit about tactics and strategy and wrote much of the 'warfare' parts with actual tactics and strategy. Something many much better known authors are terrible at.
same review for all the books. The last book could have been shortened. The POVs could have been cut down (we didn't need the POV of the third nation at all). Need better maps. because war nerds want battlefield maps on your website!
There are tangents of the nature of "then I did this and so that I could reinvent this" and "I only had a vague notion so I suggested what I knew and then magically the craftsmen of the era figured it out" which happen enough to be annoying.
And there's a bit of older generation language around sex and gender rolls. Which isn't annoying to me because we are talking about what amounts to an earlier time. This lessens as the series progresses. But be warned.
What really made me happy is that the author knew a bit about tactics and strategy and wrote much of the 'warfare' parts with actual tactics and strategy. Something many much better known authors are terrible at.
same review for all the books. The last book could have been shortened. The POVs could have been cut down (we didn't need the POV of the third nation at all). Need better maps. because war nerds want battlefield maps on your website!
November 16, 2017
The Pen and the Sword picks up right where Cast Under an Alien Sun left off. Yozef is now painfully aware that his new home isn’t all sunshine and rainbows and that it isn’t as safe as he previously thought. This serves as a good way of advancing the story and provides Yozef with some much-needed goals to work towards. He resumes some of his previous activities and also began working on some new interesting projects. Some new additions to the already memorable cast of characters were made but best of all, some characters who were introduced in Cast Under an Alien Sun but never actually met or came in contact with Yozef finally correct that and the interactions and relationships that made the first book so good, come back with a vengeance. The character development is on point and I really appreciate the way the characters grow and evolve. As for Yozef, he also grows and improves but my favorite thing about him this time around was watching him get himself into situations that genuinely made me smile and laugh.
November 24, 2019
Rating 4.0 stars
I find myself relating to Yozef more and more. His actions, his choices are all things I would probably also do in his place. I also think of myself as someone who knows a lot of different topics and is good at them but I am not an expert in any of them. What else to say. The story continues. This one didn't have as much with new inventions but Yozef's world gets a little bigger as more people get to know him and understand what he brings to the table. It almost seems like there are 2 parts to this story: The displaced to another planet story and coming up (or re-inventing) new ideas and technology. Then there is the political/military story. The military story took center stage in this book. It went a little further with tactics and battle strategy than I would have liked but overall I still really enjoyed the story. I laughed out loud at one part. Yozef got that farmer pregnant in the last book. She had the baby and he was allowed to name it and he chose
I find myself relating to Yozef more and more. His actions, his choices are all things I would probably also do in his place. I also think of myself as someone who knows a lot of different topics and is good at them but I am not an expert in any of them. What else to say. The story continues. This one didn't have as much with new inventions but Yozef's world gets a little bigger as more people get to know him and understand what he brings to the table. It almost seems like there are 2 parts to this story: The displaced to another planet story and coming up (or re-inventing) new ideas and technology. Then there is the political/military story. The military story took center stage in this book. It went a little further with tactics and battle strategy than I would have liked but overall I still really enjoyed the story. I laughed out loud at one part. Yozef got that farmer pregnant in the last book. She had the baby and he was allowed to name it and he chose
September 21, 2021
Rating: 2.4
Review: Well Maera is now wed to our reluctant hero and renaissance man, Joe. Maera is slightly insufferable because she gets her way in all things and now is considered a savant. Of course, why not have an intellectual power duo that rise above the filthy masses? See while most authors allow for their MC’s to flourish under the yoke of stupidity (YA), this author chooses to gift the YA with high intellectual prowess than can only offset the readers suspension of belief. Right? Nah, it fails in many aspects yet the visceral truth is that there is no depth built into them. A cry here, a cry there and “duty before all” does not a character make.
The naming conventions are even worse this time around (Molosia-say it real slow. Mmmmooolosiaaaah) and the military conversations amongst the Narthanians is thankfully short-er-ish. Maera and a few others need to be tossed off a cliff in order to set a solid story line in motion. What I liked in this installment is that it flowed much better than the first.
I will continue.
Review: Well Maera is now wed to our reluctant hero and renaissance man, Joe. Maera is slightly insufferable because she gets her way in all things and now is considered a savant. Of course, why not have an intellectual power duo that rise above the filthy masses? See while most authors allow for their MC’s to flourish under the yoke of stupidity (YA), this author chooses to gift the YA with high intellectual prowess than can only offset the readers suspension of belief. Right? Nah, it fails in many aspects yet the visceral truth is that there is no depth built into them. A cry here, a cry there and “duty before all” does not a character make.
The naming conventions are even worse this time around (Molosia-say it real slow. Mmmmooolosiaaaah) and the military conversations amongst the Narthanians is thankfully short-er-ish. Maera and a few others need to be tossed off a cliff in order to set a solid story line in motion. What I liked in this installment is that it flowed much better than the first.
I will continue.
August 10, 2023
What an epic and exciting tale. The depth of romance is alluring and realistic-ish for medieval times. The warfare tactics and strategy though…. So good. The birds-eye view of the battle and strategic thinking beforehand is *chefs kiss*. Of course Yosef’s modern knowledge and the native’s confusion of how he knows what he knows is super intriguing. I wonder if the author intends for the MC of the series to be passed down through descendants or if somehow Yosef will accomplish his goal of spreading knowledge within his lifespan.
Also I love love love when Yosef cracks jokes and stories! Such good humor
Also I love love love when Yosef cracks jokes and stories! Such good humor
August 17, 2016
Getting better
The editing of this book was better than the first. I enjoy books like this and would happily recommend this series to others.
The editing of this book was better than the first. I enjoy books like this and would happily recommend this series to others.
February 6, 2020
great if you like world building – needs an editor. Reads like you are sitting in the room as things are happening, rather than a summary of events as books are usually written so things are fairly longwinded.
February 12, 2018
Solid second book in this self published series.
Here, Josef becomes and integral part of the town and its people and finds a bride a well. There is also a good battle scene involving 17th century weaponry.
Of course in second books we await what's next.
Here, Josef becomes and integral part of the town and its people and finds a bride a well. There is also a good battle scene involving 17th century weaponry.
Of course in second books we await what's next.
February 28, 2024
The Adventure Continues
With his new life circumstances our protagonist is organized and slowly committing himself to a deeper participation in leadership advice for his adopted people. Ether anesthetic, distilled alcohol both for consumption and disinfectant, kerosene distillation, soaps and more refined paper are just the tip of the iceberg of the knowledge revolution a trained scientific chemist can bring to a society resembling the Seventeenth Century on Earth. Add in higher mathematics, basic medical knowledge, telescopes, microscopes, and military knowledge from tabletop games and Hollywood movies and you would need a dozen lifetimes just to pass on the depth of knowledge. Fortunately he knows this and is founding a University that will work based on scientific research methods so that there will be a permanent knowledge foundation for future generations, including his own children, to benefit from.
With his new life circumstances our protagonist is organized and slowly committing himself to a deeper participation in leadership advice for his adopted people. Ether anesthetic, distilled alcohol both for consumption and disinfectant, kerosene distillation, soaps and more refined paper are just the tip of the iceberg of the knowledge revolution a trained scientific chemist can bring to a society resembling the Seventeenth Century on Earth. Add in higher mathematics, basic medical knowledge, telescopes, microscopes, and military knowledge from tabletop games and Hollywood movies and you would need a dozen lifetimes just to pass on the depth of knowledge. Fortunately he knows this and is founding a University that will work based on scientific research methods so that there will be a permanent knowledge foundation for future generations, including his own children, to benefit from.
July 26, 2017
See my review of the first book in the series, basically same opinion: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One thing that I *really* like about this series is that the protagonist doesn't just meet his One True Love, and sail unerringly towards marrying her. He actually has a relationship, an actual adult relationship with another woman, who has agency, opinions, and things she wants out of it for herself, too. (There's still the obvious-eventual love interest, but they're not just plowing towards each other like the Titanic towards the iceberg.)
One thing that I *really* like about this series is that the protagonist doesn't just meet his One True Love, and sail unerringly towards marrying her. He actually has a relationship, an actual adult relationship with another woman, who has agency, opinions, and things she wants out of it for herself, too. (There's still the obvious-eventual love interest, but they're not just plowing towards each other like the Titanic towards the iceberg.)
September 11, 2020
Again, I want to love this book. It is about the characters here and I understand that. Knowing is not the same as feeling. The 'action' in this book is slow to come and underwhelming when it breaks.
Not to say this is a bad thing, its just not what I have come to expect in these types of stories. I could learn to love it and I think that if these had been my first boot-strap stories I would have. Even so this will be on my re-read list because the premise is intriguing and I constantly wonder what I would have done differently in the protagonist's shoes.
Not to say this is a bad thing, its just not what I have come to expect in these types of stories. I could learn to love it and I think that if these had been my first boot-strap stories I would have. Even so this will be on my re-read list because the premise is intriguing and I constantly wonder what I would have done differently in the protagonist's shoes.
June 20, 2018
I read these first four books as one book and barely put one down before I picked up the next. here's my review for the series:
This series is BRILLIANT!!! I love it! my mind was on overdrive after finishing this series thinking of all the things I would have done in his position. I will be able to spend hours more thinking, and creating my own stories. These are the best types of books, because they stay with you.
The book is based on the theory of someone from modern times being transplanted onto a planet centuries behind developmentally from Earth.
I need many more books in this series
This series is BRILLIANT!!! I love it! my mind was on overdrive after finishing this series thinking of all the things I would have done in his position. I will be able to spend hours more thinking, and creating my own stories. These are the best types of books, because they stay with you.
The book is based on the theory of someone from modern times being transplanted onto a planet centuries behind developmentally from Earth.
I need many more books in this series
December 2, 2018
I liked parts of it. I guess I liked it overall. I think the story would have been served better if the author focused on plot rather than character development. If feels like Plot - character - character - character - plot. Emulate Andy Weir's The Martian with central focus and constant progress rather than sporadic development.
Also, if I was stuck on that planet, I would already have twenty palaces with my name chiseled in the side. Or so I like to think. I'd probably just be dead immediately.
Also, if I was stuck on that planet, I would already have twenty palaces with my name chiseled in the side. Or so I like to think. I'd probably just be dead immediately.
May 22, 2021
I was liking the concept of this world after the first book. I think that's what kept me interested in the first book and led me to read the second. At this point though I'm just not sure I want to continue the series. I keep wondering if I want to come back to this series and read the third book on audible but I'm just not sure and other things like Brandon sanderson's work keeps getting in in the way. I think it's a good concept and a good story that I probably will come back to at some point.
November 11, 2021
Not quite as fun as the first book. More and more it's feeling like a marry sue situation. Joseph can't fail! He's too good at anything he does! And the addition of his effortless courting of a virgin who's...I'm not sure how old his wife is compared to how old joseph is...it's beginning to feel more and more like an old man's fantasy of a life not lived.
I still love how easily it reads, and the author creates some great action sequences...but there's gonna need to be some serious character development in book 3, other wise I don't know if I can tolerate 21 hours of this guy winning.
I still love how easily it reads, and the author creates some great action sequences...but there's gonna need to be some serious character development in book 3, other wise I don't know if I can tolerate 21 hours of this guy winning.
August 2, 2016
This is an adequate sequel to the first book, but I felt a little bit disappointed by the content. The process of invention and introducing science and technology has slowed a bit. Instead, there's more emotional turmoil and relationship troubles, which grounds the protagonist but doesn't offer that much excitement. Generally, I still enjoy the David Weber-like tones of this book but the lack of length and content isn't allowing them to reach their full potential.
July 24, 2021
What a fun, good read!
Character development is definitely there, at first it felt a little too detailed with the thoughts and activities and intentions, but persisting I very much got into the characters and very much enjoyed their interaction, laughing out loud at many points, and the overall storyline and situations are excellent. The context provided by the story is very rich and has a lot of parallels and interesting ideas. A very fun read.
Character development is definitely there, at first it felt a little too detailed with the thoughts and activities and intentions, but persisting I very much got into the characters and very much enjoyed their interaction, laughing out loud at many points, and the overall storyline and situations are excellent. The context provided by the story is very rich and has a lot of parallels and interesting ideas. A very fun read.
February 5, 2019
Ticked off
Love this series, the main character is so easy to understand. I love his humbleness. And that he is not some macho take charge guy, but I am ticked that in order for me to read the rest of the series I have to purchase the rest of the books. I already for Kindle unlimited, so why am I having to pay even more to finish this awesome series?
Love this series, the main character is so easy to understand. I love his humbleness. And that he is not some macho take charge guy, but I am ticked that in order for me to read the rest of the series I have to purchase the rest of the books. I already for Kindle unlimited, so why am I having to pay even more to finish this awesome series?
June 3, 2020
Excellent Sequel!
The Pen and the Sword provides a strong plot and reveals that the story has not yet been told. More is to come, and I am anxious to delve into book #3 of Destiny's Crucible. Expect a good telling, and a high quality narration to the Audible format, as with the first in the series. I enjoyed the Kindle/Audible in whisper-sync, which is highly to be recommended.
The Pen and the Sword provides a strong plot and reveals that the story has not yet been told. More is to come, and I am anxious to delve into book #3 of Destiny's Crucible. Expect a good telling, and a high quality narration to the Audible format, as with the first in the series. I enjoyed the Kindle/Audible in whisper-sync, which is highly to be recommended.
January 14, 2022
I guess I like the second book in this series better simply because Jozef's situation on the alien planet has improved much. That and the introduction of Maera Keelan who will marry Jozef. But I also agree with other readers that this book could do with a little less personal thought explanation ....
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