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After earning access to a secret base beneath their safe house, Molly and her team are beyond excited by the "toys" they find.

However, before they get to explore the super advanced tech and ships they find there, they need to pass one more test. A test which may be more convoluted and intriguing than they could possibly have imagined.

Fighting conspiracies, and outright assaults, Molly and her merry band find themselves on a series of riling missions to save lives, and do the right thing, against all odds.

Sean Royale also seems to have a few more surprises up his sleeve, and Maya Johnstone isn’t going down without a fight, leaving the General very few options. 

Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, Awakening tells an entirely new story in the Age of Expansion--when the Etheric Empire is fast becoming the Etheric Federation with all of the trials and tribulations that come with bringing together different peoples, systems, and ideals.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2017

408 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Ell Leigh Clarke

70 books126 followers
Relapsing theoretical physicist, professional geek, sci fi novelist, and Doctor Who fan.

Though she is originally from England, she is mostly what her friends call a “digital nomad”, hanging in whichever country calls to her… as long as it has good wifi, and coffee.

@ellleighclarke

Official Ell Leigh Clarke Fan Club for book discussions and shenanigans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ellle... Join Us <3

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5 stars
775 (63%)
4 stars
321 (26%)
3 stars
111 (9%)
2 stars
12 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
58 reviews
June 6, 2017
Fun

The action is right on top of each other with no stop surprise after each other.....the general makes his appearance along with adam. We find out the we might have issues beyond just Syndicate badies and the future development of series just opened up to limitless possibilities. I am excited.
The interaction between each character is ongoing and character development is outstanding. ( no I don't think molly is really for romance just yet..) but I think saying hello to BA will be something outrageous. As for the team everyone is starting to jell and become something of a nightmare for the enemy.
The story will keep u reading.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,506 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Molly and Joel are really building up their team now, and the new team members bring a whole new difference to the way that they can work on missions.

I'm loving the relationships that are slowly building up, but do feel sorry for Molly and her inability, at times, in being able to work out all the emotional stuff.

Being on the spectrum, I know how hard that can be.

I really enjoy the way that Oz is working out how to be the best that he can be, too, and I so want to have my own AI in my head!

How much easier it'd be to remember stuff - or, at least, be reminded, anyway! Lol

I am really going to enjoy the rest of this series, I'm sure, as the team are becoming amazing at working together and, now that Sean and the General are a part of it all, I'm sure things are going to heat up quickly for them all.

Looking at my list, it seems I'm going to be going back to the Vigilante Chronicles, to book three: Warden. Then it's back again to this series!

It's a lot of fun, for me, to be going back and forth with the different series, and it looks like there are a few more new ones on the horizon, too, so I've got a lot to look forward to, it seems.
74 reviews
May 5, 2025
Called by Ell Leigh Clarke is a strong continuation of an intriguing story that’s rapidly evolving into a compelling space opera. The pacing is tight, the world-building expands in all the right directions, and—most impressively—it raises some fascinating questions about artificial intelligence and consent.

One of the most thought-provoking threads explores what it really means to reprogram an AI. If you alter its code, are you just updating software—or are you erasing a being’s identity? The book subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) nudges you to ask: Would an AI feel violated by such changes, especially if it didn't consent? Is it still them after the fact? This gives the book a nice philosophical edge that elevates it above your average sci-fi adventure.

The tone is engaging without getting too heavy, and there’s a sense that this series is building toward something big—something that fans of classic space opera will really enjoy. If Clarke continues down this path, we might be witnessing the birth of a truly memorable saga.
Profile Image for Iori.
593 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2017
The story is being even more amazing this time, from what I've seen this books was a transitional one to the real action that will happen in book 4.

The syndicate is digging it's grave, you think that you can't hate them more after all the shit they pull and they show you another low of what rich people can do to stay in power. Bethany Anne wouldn't have needed any proof or used the system to take them down, just show up to their hide away and send them into the etheric. But hey, this is the story of Molly so she must learn to play nice for now... I am waiting for when she drop the gloves once and for all.

Romance side, after reading the author notes (I love author notes from kutherian books xD) I agree with miss Ell that Molly isn't complete and saddling her with a relationship with someone who would never understand her would be dangerous. She don't understand some basic emotion after all, let's let her grow up a bit more!

Thanks for the book, miss Ell.
150 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2017
Ratings

Ratings are good and should be read. No matter if it's a 1 star or 5 star. Yes I know some people will make derisory comments just for the sake of being abusive. They obviously lack intelligence. But it is also derisory not to read anything less than 5 star. And anyone who states they love trawling through so much dribble in the ratings messages, is a liar. But read them you must. There are some gems to be found. And even placed within the storyline.
The reason I have not given a 5 star rating is simply that it doesn't deserve one. If you want you want clarification, I could give it, but somehow I don't think it would be understood too well.
Good story though. And I did enjoy reading it. I look forward to reading book 4.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,023 reviews36 followers
August 6, 2017
I didn’t like the way this ties into the original ‘Kurtherian Gambit’ books and I thought the task set by General Reynolds was ridiculous and I am sure the author could have thought of a better way of recruiting the team into the ‘Etheric Federation’.
However, I have to stop myself from being over critical, as this is fun SciFi and once the story starts it’s quite an enjoyable read.

My only real irritation with the book is after two jobs that are clearly designed to make them look bad, they even acknowledge they are being set up on several occasions, they still didn’t finally decide it was all a way of trying to discredit the team until the end of the book. Either the team are stupid or this is unbelievable.

If possible I would have given this 3.5 stars.
206 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2019
Another great collaboration between El Leigh and Michael Anderle!

Called: Age of Expansion - By El Leigh Clarke and Michael Anderle

This is another great collaboration by El Leigh and Michael! I thoroughly
enjoyed this book and I'm very much looking forward to reading the next
book in this series. It was particularly exciting to start see a real
connection between this series and the Kurtherian Gambit serie! I can
hardly wait to see how this connection develops!

Great character development continues and interesting relationships are
also continuing to develop. Through in great plots and what more could
A reader ask for?

Keep up the great work, El Leigh and Michael! :)
Profile Image for Kim.
157 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2017
Ell Leigh Clarke's addition to TKG universe is splendid! I love Molly, her heroine, and am enjoying watching Molly mature and learn how to interact with people as more that merely points of data, but also facing the challenge of a beginning separation from these same people in order to become their leader.

I am very excited to see what happens next as Molly aspires to contact and maybe even meet her biggest hero as she follows a path set out on a much grander scale than she could ever imagine.

Ell Leigh Clarke's writing is becoming more polished with each installment and I look forward to much more of her work!
49 reviews
June 22, 2017
Amazing series so far

Well the 3rd book pulls the foundation team together while giving each member their moment but they all orbit around Molly. Great group dynamics while telling a very good story. Now there's 2 paths to follow the local area and then the galactic stage. You definitely get the feeling of a whole lot potential in the future for Molly and team!!!! Can't wait for the next adventure. A little more on Sphinx would be great but keeping it mysterious is cool. Developing OZ is so awesome and seeing Molly and him grow as individuals is going to be an excellent adventure and journey for the readers.
Profile Image for Richard W Lindsey.
126 reviews
September 24, 2017
Love the Team

I love the Series Ell, just a couple of things. Isn't Molly getting alitte to much\close to BA in character and such, I mean it's like looking a a young BA. The other thing is if like to suggest a new Character type to join Mollz and the team in the future. That would be a DARK GOOD GUY, you know the type, loner, Ex-military\Government\freelancer. Maybe have him working for the Syndicate and get in trouble with them or something else that leads him to the team, but still keeps his past his and such. Has to have PTSD as a selling point and how he deals with it Everyday and Night, which many of us do that read yours and Mike's books.
36 reviews
March 5, 2019
Excellent series that is an offshoot of the Kurtherian Gambit series and universe. This series is a really fast read and if you liked the Michael Anderle series, then this series will help you to get your fix.

The characters develop well over the course of the series and they stay consistent with the overall theme set by Michael Anderle in the Gambit series. This series stands alone well and you don't have to have read the original series to enjoy these books.

I was glad I actually started reading them once the series was complete, it enabled me to get through the entire series in about a month. While I did miss some sleep, I don't regret it.
Profile Image for Kris.
47 reviews
July 23, 2025
Excellent, as usual for this universe

As usual for this universe, this book was excellent.

The remainder of this paragraph is inspired by the Author's Notes: The apprentice has exceeded the master. As the master is Yoda himself, the apprentice is both granted a seat on the Council and the rank of Master.

This book was not eligible for a bonus star, because it only has chapter numbers, not names.

I always note in my reviews of fiction, without affecting my rating in any way, if a book meets my preferred average chapter length of taking me about 10-15 minutes to read. This was a bit too long for that, even with the ability to use the "about" in that to stretch things.
Profile Image for Jamie-sneek.
4 reviews
June 7, 2017
Just... amazing!

Big huge kudos to Ell for creating an amazing series that I can't put down!!! I got the book today couldnt put it down until done! I'm already tapping my foot for the next one. It's absolutely awesome that MA and Ell work so close and how they all juggle so many spinoffs from the original series. (MA I'm waiting for more of BA....). All in all I'm very excited to see where this series goes. If you want a good read that has awesome little cliffhangers and "inside jokes" read this series!!! You will not be disappointed!!!
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews20 followers
June 8, 2017
Etheric Mojo on Tap

This series is my current favorite. I like the parallels and connections with Bethany Anne. The involvement of General Lance Reynolds and holographic appearance to the team was awesome. The humor and smartass comments are super cool. The character chemistry keeps getting better. Molly has developed but still has a long way to go to understand personal relationships. Joel and Sean have designs on Molly but are uncertain how to proceed. Will Molly eventually meet Bethany Anne? I anxiously await the next book.
7 reviews
July 4, 2017
Totally Reading the whole series!!

Okay, one point I would like to make is the this series rocks! The fact that it ties so well into the original stories and the universe as a whole is awesome!! Point two, Thank you both for the late nights and happy days!! I can Not wait for the next instalment into Molly's stories as much as I write for the ones from The Queen B*tch (stared do the younger and more fussy reader) and The Michael! I'm glad that I stumbled on to the first book and can read these stories that continue to hold my interest and curiosity!!
Profile Image for Scott.
1,491 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2019
A Good follow up

Loving how the Team and Molly in particular are growing and how there being integrated into the Etheric plans. This is also a great opening as now we can also tie into the latest toys that have came about since BA went on her hidden mission.
Now just imagine Molly and BA team up, not so far fetched in the future perhaps nut as Molly takes her route to her idol this gives us a great set of weaknesses and growth to guess and explore which im thinking is why I'm following this Story ARC over others just now in the KGU.
165 reviews
June 7, 2017
Finally!

Boy o' boy the Zon sure did make us wait for this one and it was definitely worth it. Molly is having one hell of a fan girl moment. She is also growing into her own skin and taking her role as a leader like she was born to it. I really love to hear her conflict with right and wrong, and the moment she understands the why of it. You are an exceptional storyteller, Ms. Clarke with an 'e' (haha). Waiting on the next one.
90 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2017
Great series

I have really enjoyed this series. I had to find something worth reading after Michaels series and these fit the bill perfectly. I can't wait for the next book in this series or Michaels. Thank you both for some truly awesomely cool books and I never really got into the sci fi. Just goes to show if a book is well written it doesn't matter what its about your gonna love it.
33 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2017
Great Characters

This series is getting better with each book. I love when authors use wit/humor & get it right. The character development & interaction is enjoyable and so well done, I wanted to be there experiencing their adventures with them. The missions are really cool, fast-paced & intriguing. Clarke may be a new author, but you'd never know it. Can't wait to delve into the next one!
1,203 reviews17 followers
September 2, 2017
Broken but not bowed.

I enjoyed the series because Molly is broken but not bowed, She has a propensity to be able to grow and mature. This series is closer to the B A Siri's then the rise of magic series. It's not like I don't like them but they seem to be very far removed from BA and her crew. I think the review show that the books that are closer to the KG you which includes all those that revolve around Team B A do better in the reviews, learn from your marketing.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,015 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2018
Flying along

The way Ell Leigh plays with spelling and reassembling well known names is fun! The series is fascinating and is keeping me up way past my bed time! The relationships are intriguing, and I like that there are no gratuitous matches being made: nothing is being forced. I'm also loving that I can enjoy the science stuff,a nod that Ell Leigh isn't bogging us down in unnecessarily detailed details.
Profile Image for John DeBlanc.
337 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2018
I think this may be a duplicate, I believe I finished this one on the Kindle which takes me directly to the review site. So if so, refer to the previous review, if not, buckle up sweet cheeks, this one is a fun ride! I am in the middle of having to go back and review these books after finally stopping vacuuming this series into my limbic system as quickly as possible. This is a labor of love for me because I love this series.
Profile Image for C.D. Martin-Rivera.
12 reviews
June 7, 2017
I didn't want it to end

This is the best of the series so far. Introducing new characters and giving the General more input is great. The story is good and the visuals the writing brings to mind are wonderful. I have and will recommend this book, this series and all things Krutherian.
Profile Image for Alastar.
510 reviews
June 7, 2017
Continued Love

With this book the story continues to grow. Molly is making new strides in growing into a great leader, she is learning to trust her team. I love the way the team gels. And let's here it for the Etheric Empire, and our missing Empress. So looking forward to reading the next book. I love spending time with her.
633 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2017
Called and she answered.....

Well written and very easy to follow. I love the characters and how the team is expanding. Looking forward to seeing Molly develop more into a leader dividend by her sense of justice and honor. I feel like she is the next queen although we all know there is truly only one......
17 reviews
June 11, 2017
Molly and her friends are on the job

Molly and all her crew are racing to prove they do belong. Andy's and his crew are trying to ensure their failure is glorious. And to top it off Oz has conversations with Adam. The series gets better and the end or the beginning is so much more.
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,162 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2017
Hot damn

Better and better!! Love this series and cannot wait for more!! Wonder whet Garet is going to let them in on what is going on on the Dark Side!! So glad Maya has been brought into the group!! Waiting, not patiently but waiting for the next one!! Love the Kurtherian books all of them!! By the way I know who Pixel is!!
24 reviews
July 9, 2017
Speed of thought

Hi all. Midnight and I just finished book 3. Like all Kurtherian related material its. Been a joy to read in fact I readall three today will read book 4 tomorrow. I have alerts on all of the related series and attempt to grab them as re!eased. Csan not always read right away READ them all. You will not be disappointed.
15 reviews
July 9, 2017
Excellent addition to the Kurtherian universe!

I found the original Kurtherian book quite by accident, but have hunted them down ever since. I haven't read a single one that didn't make me feel like I was watching a movie in my head as I was reading it. This was no exception. Where's the next book?!
Profile Image for Stephan Myers.
89 reviews
July 17, 2017
I am so glad i found this whole universe

I am so glad I found BA and the whole Kurtherian Empire. This whole universe has been a refreshing read and a frolicking adventure. Keep them coming always looking forward to seeing a new installment. Just a bunch of fun reads and helps to pass the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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