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Empyrean
An alien prophecy meets a human quest for survival in this other-world science fiction adventure.
Jahira Williams has always been most at home on a flight deck. When a tragic accident destroys the generation starship, Aquilo, Jahira is forced to start a new life on the ground on a planet that should never have been colonized.
Her grief is soon overshadowed by worry for her friend and co-pilot, Magnar. Jahira witnesses Magnar drinking from the planet's mysterious silver pools. When his erratic behavior takes a turn for the worse, she knows she must find a way to help him, but has no idea what to do.
Meanwhile, Krnar, a native inhabitant of the planet Leron, risks everything to prove his worth to himself and his people. He believes he could be the one to fulfill the prophecy. What he discovers will change his life forever.
Jahira Williams has always been most at home on a flight deck. When a tragic accident destroys the generation starship, Aquilo, Jahira is forced to start a new life on the ground on a planet that should never have been colonized.
Her grief is soon overshadowed by worry for her friend and co-pilot, Magnar. Jahira witnesses Magnar drinking from the planet's mysterious silver pools. When his erratic behavior takes a turn for the worse, she knows she must find a way to help him, but has no idea what to do.
Meanwhile, Krnar, a native inhabitant of the planet Leron, risks everything to prove his worth to himself and his people. He believes he could be the one to fulfill the prophecy. What he discovers will change his life forever.
- GenresScience Fiction
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2017
10 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Nicole L. Bates
7 books29 followersNicole is the author of science fiction and fantasy adventures. The Leron Series includes Empyrean, Empyrean's Fall, and Empyrean's Future. Her science fiction standalone suspense novel Gutted is now available! You can follow Nicole L. Bates on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Instagram, or sign up for her Author Newsletter to receive updates on new book releases, book promotions, and special giveaways for book related merchandise!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 25, 2018
This was such an interesting yet enchanting story about the determination and survival of two races. It was thrilling to read and easy to get lost in the journey. The humans have survived an evacuation of their colony and end up forced to land, and now inhabit a planet that had been ruled out of being colonized due to there already being sentient life there. Jahira has suffered the tragedy of losing her entire family as one of their ships did not survive entering the planet's atmosphere. Now she must figure out this new world with the her grieving co-pilot and the rest of the colonizers. Krnar has not been chosen as the one to lead his people to the warm land, after an untold amount of time of being exiled to an icy tundra. But that doesn't stop him from from joining Allnall and taking on this quest together to save their people. But when they become separated, it's then up to him alone to become his people's savior. When Jahira and Krnar meet, the benefit of helping each other may depend on their survival. And she in turn can help him return his people to their homeland.
June 10, 2017
It is always satisfying when you pick up a book and it turns out to be as good as you had hoped it would be. The interesting plot moved along well with characters a reader could care about. While the main story ties up nicely with no annoying cliff-hanger, there are a couple of over-arching questions left unanswered that leaves the reader looking forward to the next installment.
March 15, 2018
One of the best alien worlds I've seen in a long time. Krnar's culture is in so much more depth than I was expecting which makes this much richer than most sci-fi-alien-romances, though it is a lot lighter on the romance than I was hoping.
November 30, 2017
** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
First Impression: Alien planets and a beautiful cover!
Characters: The story follows two story lines: Jahira and Krnar, people of different species who may not be so different after all. The character relationships and personalities were complex and realistic, which brings full submersion into the book.
World Building: I want to visit this planet, which in some ways is not unlike our own - at times beautiful, and others unforgiving. It was interesting to see the perspective from both a native and foreign species.
Writing Style: I read through this book in about a week, as Bates writes with easy flow and attention to enough details without overwhelming the reader.
What I Enjoyed: The character interactions and world building were my favorite parts of this story. Plus what a gorgeous cover and title! I can't wait to read the sequel. I really liked that I read late into the night, which is always a good sign.
Deal Benders: I would have liked a bit more background on Jahira's people. More direct history of Leron would be helpful, and making more use of futuristic technology would bring a more Sci-Fi feel to the series.
Overall Rating: 4 stars for a well delivered first installment. Bring on the next!
For Fans Of: KPAX, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
First Impression: Alien planets and a beautiful cover!
Characters: The story follows two story lines: Jahira and Krnar, people of different species who may not be so different after all. The character relationships and personalities were complex and realistic, which brings full submersion into the book.
World Building: I want to visit this planet, which in some ways is not unlike our own - at times beautiful, and others unforgiving. It was interesting to see the perspective from both a native and foreign species.
Writing Style: I read through this book in about a week, as Bates writes with easy flow and attention to enough details without overwhelming the reader.
What I Enjoyed: The character interactions and world building were my favorite parts of this story. Plus what a gorgeous cover and title! I can't wait to read the sequel. I really liked that I read late into the night, which is always a good sign.
Deal Benders: I would have liked a bit more background on Jahira's people. More direct history of Leron would be helpful, and making more use of futuristic technology would bring a more Sci-Fi feel to the series.
Overall Rating: 4 stars for a well delivered first installment. Bring on the next!
For Fans Of: KPAX, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
February 3, 2018
I really enjoyed it! The author had me hooked from the get go and I read at every available opportunity as my messy house and half finished quilt will attest to. Her writing style is fluid and you really get to know the characters. She builds pictures in your head as easily as Krnar does for Jahira. I’m really excited to read the next volume which is already on order.
December 13, 2020
Loved it
This story grabbed me from chapter one with its tragedies and did not let go, still hasn’t. I’m eager to read the next in the series and find out what happens. I have only one question about Allnll but to ask would be a spoiler so alas it will remained unanswered lol I def recommend this book to any who like sci-fi and fantasy.
This story grabbed me from chapter one with its tragedies and did not let go, still hasn’t. I’m eager to read the next in the series and find out what happens. I have only one question about Allnll but to ask would be a spoiler so alas it will remained unanswered lol I def recommend this book to any who like sci-fi and fantasy.
January 13, 2018
I enjoyed it. Includes the beginnings of an alien-human romance, which is a fav of mine. But this was not that same old same for that genre. This was different and very imaginative! Would've liked more insight on what drew heroine to hero romantically. Looking forward to the 2nd book, which comes out Jan 20, 2018!
February 10, 2017
I don't normally read this genre but I thought it was well written and even interested me a normally historical fiction reader.
December 5, 2020
I have to tell you, I found this book through bookstagram. I honestly don't know if I would have discovered it on my own. I am so glad that I took the opportunity to read it. Nicole L. Bates does an excellent job creating a unique world and native people. I completely fell in love with them. I was interested in the characters quickly and was excited to follow their stories. The character development was great and I got to know the characters well enough that I could anticipate some of their actions. It was predictable only in the way you can predict how someone you know well will react to a given situation. That being said, there were plenty of surprises. I highly recommend Empyrean. In fact I enjoyed it so much I've purchased the next two books.
October 13, 2019
Masterfully written
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The universe in which this book was written is beautiful. I really enjoy the relationship between Jahira and Krnar. I look forward to seeing their relationship transform. Now that The People and the Humans are together, I am very interested to see how everything will come together. I am sure that there will be tensions.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The universe in which this book was written is beautiful. I really enjoy the relationship between Jahira and Krnar. I look forward to seeing their relationship transform. Now that The People and the Humans are together, I am very interested to see how everything will come together. I am sure that there will be tensions.
March 6, 2017
Gripping debut
This is the first book in a debut series by author Nicole L Bates. This book is a vividly described tale of humans colonizing a new planet which is inhabited by an exiled race known as the Leron. There is plenty of action, mystery and even a little romance that keeps the story moving at a good pace and serves to build and keep the reader's interest. This book is well written, flows well and the plot is well developed. Pick up a copy, it won't disappoint.
This is the first book in a debut series by author Nicole L Bates. This book is a vividly described tale of humans colonizing a new planet which is inhabited by an exiled race known as the Leron. There is plenty of action, mystery and even a little romance that keeps the story moving at a good pace and serves to build and keep the reader's interest. This book is well written, flows well and the plot is well developed. Pick up a copy, it won't disappoint.
March 26, 2022
I absolutely loved this book and Connor wait to read the rest of the series! I felt like I was there with everyone! If you like hunger games, Percy Jackson, Michael vey, you will love this!
March 31, 2021
Bates does such a wonderful job describing the world of Emperyan with such great description that it felt as if I were there to see it myself.
This is a great book for scifi lovers. They will quickly become attached to these characters.
This is a great book for scifi lovers. They will quickly become attached to these characters.
October 9, 2020
This story is one of survival but also one of empathy, acceptance, and strength against all odds.
Jahira, her family, and many others have resided on The Aquilo after Earth was destroyed. Now, after a tragic accident, they are fleeing The Aquilo to save their lives from imminent destruction. Sadly, not everyone is successful in their efforts to flee The Aquilo. Jahira and her crewmates find themselves fighting for survival while looking for a new, habitable planet to colonize. At the same time, a group of Aliens, the Leroni, is fighting for their own survival against the harsh conditions of The Season of Ice.
The mysterious planet of Leron is a difficult place to live; rather, you are human or alien. Dangers are rampant. Silver pools draw you to drink, only to cause erratic life-threatening behavior. Freezing white-outs seem to occur with little to no notice, bringing with them well-below freezing temperatures. While Jahira is working to help her human counterparts survive, Kranar hopes to fulfill the prophecy that will save his alien race.
There is an emotional element to the storyline that unfolds, unlike any other, I have read in this genre. Bates' writing style reveals these emotional elements in such an endearing and intriguing manner that, as a reader, you begin to feel the emotions of the characters and the events that take place. The emotional storyline was my favorite aspect of Empyrean.
I highly recommend this book to others and look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
Jahira, her family, and many others have resided on The Aquilo after Earth was destroyed. Now, after a tragic accident, they are fleeing The Aquilo to save their lives from imminent destruction. Sadly, not everyone is successful in their efforts to flee The Aquilo. Jahira and her crewmates find themselves fighting for survival while looking for a new, habitable planet to colonize. At the same time, a group of Aliens, the Leroni, is fighting for their own survival against the harsh conditions of The Season of Ice.
The mysterious planet of Leron is a difficult place to live; rather, you are human or alien. Dangers are rampant. Silver pools draw you to drink, only to cause erratic life-threatening behavior. Freezing white-outs seem to occur with little to no notice, bringing with them well-below freezing temperatures. While Jahira is working to help her human counterparts survive, Kranar hopes to fulfill the prophecy that will save his alien race.
There is an emotional element to the storyline that unfolds, unlike any other, I have read in this genre. Bates' writing style reveals these emotional elements in such an endearing and intriguing manner that, as a reader, you begin to feel the emotions of the characters and the events that take place. The emotional storyline was my favorite aspect of Empyrean.
I highly recommend this book to others and look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
February 9, 2017
This adventurous sci-fi tale kept me turning the pages all the way through. Bates is an expert at world building and brings the characters and settings to life on the page. A truly enjoyable book!
April 9, 2017
The writing is concise and direct, each sentence well-chosen so that, for the reader, the story comes forward effortlessly. And it's a poignant story, a thoroughly entertaining adventure- I felt transported to another planet. Meanwhile, an introvert myself, I appreciated the subtle way the author used Leron's native species to encourage me to examine my position in an extroverted society. I also happened to read the novel just as my world was coming out of Winter and into Spring and the book highlighted this transition for me- moving from the easy-on-your senses silence and monochrome of winter to the noise and bustle, and promise of spring.
I is look forward to the next book in this series.
I is look forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews