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World Apart #1
The Legion and the Lioness
They said I would never finish flight school. Never rank at the top of my class. Never fly with the top aces. Never return from combat against the Kelton androids. Never survive emergency surgery.
Here I am.
The year is 2151, Earth is gone. A hellscape. I’ve been unfrozen after 72 years of cryosleep on a medical facility on Saturn’s moon, Titan. I have nothing, no home, no friends, no concept of this new world, these Titans.
All that remains is the old conflict that has blackened my veins and memories of the ones I loved still fresh in my heart. Forgotten for decades.
But it seems war hasn’t forgotten me, no, even in my slumber. My name is Captain Victoria Ann Belic, I was a wife and an ace fighter pilot, and have been revived for one reason—to die again.
Here I am.
The year is 2151, Earth is gone. A hellscape. I’ve been unfrozen after 72 years of cryosleep on a medical facility on Saturn’s moon, Titan. I have nothing, no home, no friends, no concept of this new world, these Titans.
All that remains is the old conflict that has blackened my veins and memories of the ones I loved still fresh in my heart. Forgotten for decades.
But it seems war hasn’t forgotten me, no, even in my slumber. My name is Captain Victoria Ann Belic, I was a wife and an ace fighter pilot, and have been revived for one reason—to die again.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2017
466 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 29, 2017
WOW, what an exciting space adventure!
The Legion and the Lioness by Robert D. Armstrong is truly a fantastic space adventure I had to stay up all night to finish! A Navy fighter pilot, fighting against certain androids on Earth, has quite a great record. She is offered a job piloting a colonization ship to Titan and since it will take so long, her husband will be able to come too. It is early in the trip, things go sideways and she wakes up 72 years later after being in cryogenic sleep until she could be healed. So exciting as to why, how, what then , what happened on Earth, what happened to her husband, the androids, and so much more! Super awesome! The end just stopped rather abruptly and didn't end as smoothly as I would have liked but it still has more to tell the reader so I am ready for book two!
The Legion and the Lioness by Robert D. Armstrong is truly a fantastic space adventure I had to stay up all night to finish! A Navy fighter pilot, fighting against certain androids on Earth, has quite a great record. She is offered a job piloting a colonization ship to Titan and since it will take so long, her husband will be able to come too. It is early in the trip, things go sideways and she wakes up 72 years later after being in cryogenic sleep until she could be healed. So exciting as to why, how, what then , what happened on Earth, what happened to her husband, the androids, and so much more! Super awesome! The end just stopped rather abruptly and didn't end as smoothly as I would have liked but it still has more to tell the reader so I am ready for book two!
January 19, 2018
There's both good and bad here.
An original concept, and a little thought underpinning the lifestyle of the colony on Titan.
An intriguing situation, bedevilled by frequent lapses from grace in terms of convincing this reader that Victoria knows anything about flying, or combat. A believable relationship with decent character development, challenged by a certain lack of logic in Luther's return to Earth. Good pace, tripping over unfinished relations with other characters, a few of which are quite flat. A limited vision of a dystopian future Earth, lifted by an engaging and challenging depiction of that dystopia.
Ultimately, many aspects of the book feel rough and unready, including the editing and proofing. (Victoria has "sworn to defend all enemies, both foreign and domestic.")
And yet - the originality and creativity, the pace and momentum of the story managed to carry me through to the end of the book without much difficulty. There are tense moments and action scenes which engaged me completely.
I would have rated this book 2.5 stars and rounded it up to 3.
But then there was this dreadful cliffhanger ending.
An original concept, and a little thought underpinning the lifestyle of the colony on Titan.
An intriguing situation, bedevilled by frequent lapses from grace in terms of convincing this reader that Victoria knows anything about flying, or combat. A believable relationship with decent character development, challenged by a certain lack of logic in Luther's return to Earth. Good pace, tripping over unfinished relations with other characters, a few of which are quite flat. A limited vision of a dystopian future Earth, lifted by an engaging and challenging depiction of that dystopia.
Ultimately, many aspects of the book feel rough and unready, including the editing and proofing. (Victoria has "sworn to defend all enemies, both foreign and domestic.")
And yet - the originality and creativity, the pace and momentum of the story managed to carry me through to the end of the book without much difficulty. There are tense moments and action scenes which engaged me completely.
I would have rated this book 2.5 stars and rounded it up to 3.
But then there was this dreadful cliffhanger ending.
February 13, 2018
I read 5% of this book and had to stop. While the scenes and concepts were entertaining, the composition of every sentence and paragraph was so convoluted that I literally could not read it.
Thanks to the author for putting together what I'm sure is a very enjoyable story, but please find a competent editor. Anything but this. Hell, send me a few chapters and I'll make sure it's comprehensible for free.
I don't like leaving a negative review, I'm honestly just hoping that you'll see this and find someone who can actually help you turn your stories into something that can be fully enjoyed.
Thanks to the author for putting together what I'm sure is a very enjoyable story, but please find a competent editor. Anything but this. Hell, send me a few chapters and I'll make sure it's comprehensible for free.
I don't like leaving a negative review, I'm honestly just hoping that you'll see this and find someone who can actually help you turn your stories into something that can be fully enjoyed.
December 7, 2019
The start of this book moves around a fair bit, covering several different short stories, over several different time frames, all relating to Captain Victoria Belic, her past, and some relating to her husband Luther.
We learn about how the world has started to succumb to an Android uprising, and the slow decline of humanity.
The Captain is married to a man named Luther, who suffers from severe anxiety, that has limited his life a bit.
After several bits of her life, and the war, we get to a part of the story in which Victoria is offered the role of lead pilot aboard a carrier ship out to Titan. The mission will have a huge ship, with over 5000 people, and she can take Luther. It will be the first of possibly many ships, but she is welcome to stay, or bring people back, and once back on Earth, make a return trip.
Then we reach the pivotal part of the story, where Victoria wakes up 72yrs into the future, having been frozen to save her life. She received a fatal head wound that no one could treat at the time, so she was put into a coma on ice, until she could be treated.
There are elements of Ripley’s story here from Aliens, were she awoke so far into the future to find everything that she held dear lost to her. Armstrong does a brilliant job of getting inside Victoria’s head, and describing the impact of waking up so far into the future, you really feel like you are the one who has woken up in the future.
There is an extraordinary depth to the world building that has gone into this story, both at the start, with the previous iteration of Victoria’s world, and now, this new iteration of it that she has awoken into.
However, she has not woken up on Earth. Earth has been lost to the Androids, and she is on Titan. Again, there is some incredible back story here that I don’t want to give too much away.
She is offered the chance to return to Earth to help in a mission to try and take out the Androids, as the remnants of humanity fear that the Androids will come for them on Titan. Even more important to her, Luther may still be on Earth.
And thus begins the second part of this story, and what is the beginning of the core part of this book, that leads into the next book. I don’t want to give too much away, but this is an outstanding piece of writing, and you will be totally enthralled by Victoria’s story.
There are some exceptional characters in this book, Victoria, as mentioned, is just such a fascinating and powerful person. Armstrong has given her so much depth, that you feel that you know her, you understand her motivations, her pain, and the will that drives her. Accompanying her are Drake, one of the people from Titan, who believes in her, and her mission. One of the best characters in the book is Xena, an AI Robot that is sent to watch over Victoria and make sure that she doesn’t do anything inappropriate. Xena has some of the best lines in the book, and at times, reminds me of K2SO from Rogue One, in that ‘I’m just stating a fact, it’s just coming across like sarcasm’ way of speaking.
Xena lightens the mood in what is some incredibly powerful, gritty and intense moments in this story.
Whilst I have mentioned characters and story, I would be remiss to not cover the writing of the action, which is just stunning. Armstrong gives such incredible detail in his battle scenes, whether it be hand-to-hand or spaceship, the descriptive work is just exceptional. It is not that he goes into gruesome detail, but he describes the physical scene, as well as the emotional impact of those in and around the scene, and his style of writing really creates such an all encompassing view of the combat, you really feel so involved in it.
Overall, this is a brilliant first book to the series, and I am already over halfway through the next book, which is just as good, if not better. This is a series that any sci-fi fan shouldn’t miss, but it will interest others to, action/adventure or anyone who likes a good character driven story.
We learn about how the world has started to succumb to an Android uprising, and the slow decline of humanity.
The Captain is married to a man named Luther, who suffers from severe anxiety, that has limited his life a bit.
After several bits of her life, and the war, we get to a part of the story in which Victoria is offered the role of lead pilot aboard a carrier ship out to Titan. The mission will have a huge ship, with over 5000 people, and she can take Luther. It will be the first of possibly many ships, but she is welcome to stay, or bring people back, and once back on Earth, make a return trip.
Then we reach the pivotal part of the story, where Victoria wakes up 72yrs into the future, having been frozen to save her life. She received a fatal head wound that no one could treat at the time, so she was put into a coma on ice, until she could be treated.
There are elements of Ripley’s story here from Aliens, were she awoke so far into the future to find everything that she held dear lost to her. Armstrong does a brilliant job of getting inside Victoria’s head, and describing the impact of waking up so far into the future, you really feel like you are the one who has woken up in the future.
There is an extraordinary depth to the world building that has gone into this story, both at the start, with the previous iteration of Victoria’s world, and now, this new iteration of it that she has awoken into.
However, she has not woken up on Earth. Earth has been lost to the Androids, and she is on Titan. Again, there is some incredible back story here that I don’t want to give too much away.
She is offered the chance to return to Earth to help in a mission to try and take out the Androids, as the remnants of humanity fear that the Androids will come for them on Titan. Even more important to her, Luther may still be on Earth.
And thus begins the second part of this story, and what is the beginning of the core part of this book, that leads into the next book. I don’t want to give too much away, but this is an outstanding piece of writing, and you will be totally enthralled by Victoria’s story.
There are some exceptional characters in this book, Victoria, as mentioned, is just such a fascinating and powerful person. Armstrong has given her so much depth, that you feel that you know her, you understand her motivations, her pain, and the will that drives her. Accompanying her are Drake, one of the people from Titan, who believes in her, and her mission. One of the best characters in the book is Xena, an AI Robot that is sent to watch over Victoria and make sure that she doesn’t do anything inappropriate. Xena has some of the best lines in the book, and at times, reminds me of K2SO from Rogue One, in that ‘I’m just stating a fact, it’s just coming across like sarcasm’ way of speaking.
Xena lightens the mood in what is some incredibly powerful, gritty and intense moments in this story.
Whilst I have mentioned characters and story, I would be remiss to not cover the writing of the action, which is just stunning. Armstrong gives such incredible detail in his battle scenes, whether it be hand-to-hand or spaceship, the descriptive work is just exceptional. It is not that he goes into gruesome detail, but he describes the physical scene, as well as the emotional impact of those in and around the scene, and his style of writing really creates such an all encompassing view of the combat, you really feel so involved in it.
Overall, this is a brilliant first book to the series, and I am already over halfway through the next book, which is just as good, if not better. This is a series that any sci-fi fan shouldn’t miss, but it will interest others to, action/adventure or anyone who likes a good character driven story.
January 4, 2018
Sorry....Not a good book...
I'm sorry but this is a terribly written book. It is not something that I would recommend to anyone. It has a bad start and a worse ending. And the middle isn't any better.
I'm sorry but this is a terribly written book. It is not something that I would recommend to anyone. It has a bad start and a worse ending. And the middle isn't any better.
January 10, 2018
Good Read
Well written syfy, great characters, interesting story. Captain Belic is a complex character facing her difficulties with a strong kick them in the pants attitude. Enjoyed this read. Waiting for the next book.
Well written syfy, great characters, interesting story. Captain Belic is a complex character facing her difficulties with a strong kick them in the pants attitude. Enjoyed this read. Waiting for the next book.
January 2, 2018
Good start
Interesting story. Looking forward to next book. I'm hoping it will come sooner than later. Hate waiting a year or more for the next book in a series. Fingers crossed.
Interesting story. Looking forward to next book. I'm hoping it will come sooner than later. Hate waiting a year or more for the next book in a series. Fingers crossed.
January 7, 2018
A very good read.
I liked the book every believable characters, with human failings like us all. I totally enjoyed it. I look forward to book 2.
I liked the book every believable characters, with human failings like us all. I totally enjoyed it. I look forward to book 2.
October 21, 2018
Bad
Could not finish. The main character's husband was sent to Earth where he was possibly put in stasis (why?). The main character was kept on Titan in stasis because of her wounds (why ?). That makes no sense and it doesn't get better.
The motivations and dialogue don't synch, at least to me. The Android is the strongest and most realistic of all the characters. Sad and I like artificial intelligences. The Android war on earth was insane and there's no explanation of how artificial sentience arose or if it arose. The writer seems to suggest that androids just get judgemental sometimes and start murdering any human they meet.
The science fiction movies of the fifties did better than this. The writer is ignorant of the issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence (from it's possibility through it expression). The writer is ignorant of the engineering involved in space travel (from propulsion and travel times to fuel and food or mass constraints). The Android war as described makes no sense. The weapons make no sense. The return of the androids is silly and the infrastructure required by the androids, the denizens of Titan or surviving humans on earth are beyond this writer. I make these observations as a reader with a science background derived from science specials. There's no reason that I can think of that justifies a writer having a thinner science background than mine.
To summarize:
The writer is ignorant of any science or engineering that might be utilized in space flight; he is ignorant of why or how androids might wage war; he is incapable of reproducing sane dialogue or motivations between or for his characters; he is unaware that infrastructure is a "thing", that at least explains how people can just "make" whatever the writer decides to add; he is unaware that fearsome destroyer fleets sounds ridiculous (screening ships which these are, serve no purpose of they aren't actually screening a high value vessel, a battleship or aircraft carrier for instance); he is ignorant of the history of the torpedo boat destroyer, now simply called the destroyer; he seems to think the Star Destroyers of Star Wars derive from a documentary not science fantasy. The name does sounds cool and sinister if you're into that kind of cheesiness, I guess.
To try to write with so many handicaps is almost inspiring, except for the question of how he gets published. Maybe the bar is just that low or trust fund connections or white male privilege in action or whatever. I got about a quarter of the way through before bailing.
Could not finish. The main character's husband was sent to Earth where he was possibly put in stasis (why?). The main character was kept on Titan in stasis because of her wounds (why ?). That makes no sense and it doesn't get better.
The motivations and dialogue don't synch, at least to me. The Android is the strongest and most realistic of all the characters. Sad and I like artificial intelligences. The Android war on earth was insane and there's no explanation of how artificial sentience arose or if it arose. The writer seems to suggest that androids just get judgemental sometimes and start murdering any human they meet.
The science fiction movies of the fifties did better than this. The writer is ignorant of the issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence (from it's possibility through it expression). The writer is ignorant of the engineering involved in space travel (from propulsion and travel times to fuel and food or mass constraints). The Android war as described makes no sense. The weapons make no sense. The return of the androids is silly and the infrastructure required by the androids, the denizens of Titan or surviving humans on earth are beyond this writer. I make these observations as a reader with a science background derived from science specials. There's no reason that I can think of that justifies a writer having a thinner science background than mine.
To summarize:
The writer is ignorant of any science or engineering that might be utilized in space flight; he is ignorant of why or how androids might wage war; he is incapable of reproducing sane dialogue or motivations between or for his characters; he is unaware that infrastructure is a "thing", that at least explains how people can just "make" whatever the writer decides to add; he is unaware that fearsome destroyer fleets sounds ridiculous (screening ships which these are, serve no purpose of they aren't actually screening a high value vessel, a battleship or aircraft carrier for instance); he is ignorant of the history of the torpedo boat destroyer, now simply called the destroyer; he seems to think the Star Destroyers of Star Wars derive from a documentary not science fantasy. The name does sounds cool and sinister if you're into that kind of cheesiness, I guess.
To try to write with so many handicaps is almost inspiring, except for the question of how he gets published. Maybe the bar is just that low or trust fund connections or white male privilege in action or whatever. I got about a quarter of the way through before bailing.
February 23, 2018
Not bad
Story gets a little muddled at times. Trying to pack a lot of stuff into one book. The other problem is that i had a very hard time liking the main character. She comes across as kind of a jerk through most of her interactions withe the other characters. The action scenes go by too quickly without any detail given. I think the author was just trying to do too much in too short of a book
Story gets a little muddled at times. Trying to pack a lot of stuff into one book. The other problem is that i had a very hard time liking the main character. She comes across as kind of a jerk through most of her interactions withe the other characters. The action scenes go by too quickly without any detail given. I think the author was just trying to do too much in too short of a book
February 3, 2018
It just stopped randomly ...
I struggled to the end - it wasn't bad, but not great either. Then it just stopped. Not happy ending moment. Just like the author got up to go eat dinner and didn't come back.
I struggled to the end - it wasn't bad, but not great either. Then it just stopped. Not happy ending moment. Just like the author got up to go eat dinner and didn't come back.
September 29, 2018
DNF.
This was just so bad.
Nothing about this was believable or made any sense, and it's riddled with errors. The dialogue was stilted and the plot was a mess. And that's only in the first handful of pages.
This was just so bad.
Nothing about this was believable or made any sense, and it's riddled with errors. The dialogue was stilted and the plot was a mess. And that's only in the first handful of pages.
July 27, 2018
Decent premise, marred by the author’s lack of craft
A good story and a well conceived plot. But the author could have used a few more revisions and/or edits to clean up the stilted dialogue and jerky scenes.
A good story and a well conceived plot. But the author could have used a few more revisions and/or edits to clean up the stilted dialogue and jerky scenes.
January 24, 2018
The Legion and the Lioness is book one of the World Part series. The novel is a futuristic story about Victoria, an astound pilot that has been frozen for 72 years only to be awakened to fight again in the war of 2151. Earth does not exist anymore and everyone she loved is gone. Only memories of her home and friends and loved ones remain. She is now on Titan, Saturn’s moon.
At first, I began to mold into the concept of this futuristic world built with so much happening, so fast. Once I sunk into the story, I was thoroughly enjoying the events and feelings that were so relatable and connected with Victoria on another level.
Having a female lead was refreshing and the sci-fi description was just enough to keep the story plausible. The story is written in the first-person narrative and so at times, it was hard to grasp the other characters emotions or thoughts, however, that did not take anything away from experiencing the storyline.
I particularly liked the cover design of the book. It was obvious that the author had invested time and care into designing it. As every squealed written book, this one was no different with its ending. Since the literature and dialogue were written in a satisfying way, it left no doubt in my mind that the next book was going to be just as good.
I recommend this book to all futuristic sci-fi readers.
At first, I began to mold into the concept of this futuristic world built with so much happening, so fast. Once I sunk into the story, I was thoroughly enjoying the events and feelings that were so relatable and connected with Victoria on another level.
Having a female lead was refreshing and the sci-fi description was just enough to keep the story plausible. The story is written in the first-person narrative and so at times, it was hard to grasp the other characters emotions or thoughts, however, that did not take anything away from experiencing the storyline.
I particularly liked the cover design of the book. It was obvious that the author had invested time and care into designing it. As every squealed written book, this one was no different with its ending. Since the literature and dialogue were written in a satisfying way, it left no doubt in my mind that the next book was going to be just as good.
I recommend this book to all futuristic sci-fi readers.
April 10, 2019
Good action, but plot, characters, well...
This was a frustrating read. The action was good and propelled the story. But those characters... not one was likeable. The main character was especially frustrating. I just didn’t understand her, and I really wanted to like her. The story itself was alternately interesting and unbelievable. For example, humanity is trying to survive on Titan and is expecting to fight a war. There is a general and a colonel but few soldiers, one fighter jet, one android “weapon”, and they expect to be able to win a war with that and computer viruses. But again, I didn’t really care if they won because I didn’t like anyone in the story. There were some good parts, though. There is a particularly moving scene where the main characters have to decide what to do with refugees when there isn’t enough food, fuel, or air to save them. Even so, I’m not going to read the next book.
This was a frustrating read. The action was good and propelled the story. But those characters... not one was likeable. The main character was especially frustrating. I just didn’t understand her, and I really wanted to like her. The story itself was alternately interesting and unbelievable. For example, humanity is trying to survive on Titan and is expecting to fight a war. There is a general and a colonel but few soldiers, one fighter jet, one android “weapon”, and they expect to be able to win a war with that and computer viruses. But again, I didn’t really care if they won because I didn’t like anyone in the story. There were some good parts, though. There is a particularly moving scene where the main characters have to decide what to do with refugees when there isn’t enough food, fuel, or air to save them. Even so, I’m not going to read the next book.
January 25, 2018
what goes around
This book has it all! Robotic enemies, mayhem, fighter pilots, spaceships, and heroes. In the beginning Robots whom are to help humans become self aware and want their freedom..they take over a military base where they capture humans to use as shield. Vic Belic a top gun fighter pilot has to make a decision of killing a few to save billions and she does not hesitate. Then she is offered a job piloting a space ship to Titan, the Saturn moon base colony...Humans next home. She takes her husband Luther with her for a year long trip to and from Titan, but the Robots soon her first flight..she is frozen to await medical help and is not weakened for 70+ years. Is Luther waiting for her???Does the Robots still want to kill all humans? Does the Earth still stand? A MUST read!!!!
This book has it all! Robotic enemies, mayhem, fighter pilots, spaceships, and heroes. In the beginning Robots whom are to help humans become self aware and want their freedom..they take over a military base where they capture humans to use as shield. Vic Belic a top gun fighter pilot has to make a decision of killing a few to save billions and she does not hesitate. Then she is offered a job piloting a space ship to Titan, the Saturn moon base colony...Humans next home. She takes her husband Luther with her for a year long trip to and from Titan, but the Robots soon her first flight..she is frozen to await medical help and is not weakened for 70+ years. Is Luther waiting for her???Does the Robots still want to kill all humans? Does the Earth still stand? A MUST read!!!!
January 6, 2018
A good book with a very interesting story.
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star was that I absolutely HATE story's with no ending and then have to wait 6+ months or more for the sequel.
Between now and the time the sequel comes out I will have read another 50+ books and the only thing I will remember is the GREAT cover art and the fact that I was left wanting........At this point I am so frustrated that I wish I had not read it. The author could have easily given us a reunion that was memorable and the follow ups could have been how the two of them could have used their skills and love to be an example of how to overcome. To leave two people so emotionally ripped apart is NOT how to end a story....MHO.
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star was that I absolutely HATE story's with no ending and then have to wait 6+ months or more for the sequel.
Between now and the time the sequel comes out I will have read another 50+ books and the only thing I will remember is the GREAT cover art and the fact that I was left wanting........At this point I am so frustrated that I wish I had not read it. The author could have easily given us a reunion that was memorable and the follow ups could have been how the two of them could have used their skills and love to be an example of how to overcome. To leave two people so emotionally ripped apart is NOT how to end a story....MHO.
January 10, 2018
This space thriller is very action packed and fast paced. Androids have taken over Earth and the humans have sent a colony ship to Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. The humans have been told that the androids launched all of the nuclear missiles and that Earth is now almost completely inhabitable. The leaders of Titan believe the androids are coming to finish off the human race once and for all. The Legion and the Lioness is a great beginning to what I hope will be an even greater series. Robert Armstrong is very good at character development and humanizing his characters. He writes in such a way that you can really "feel" what his characters are going through. I can't wait for the next installment.
August 18, 2018
You go into this thinking ‘Oh right another Sci-fi’. Stop. Not another sci-fi book, it was so different and yet not at the same time. One of the first scenes is Victoria with her husband Luther. About her going to war. Straight away it has thrown a normal stereotype on its head. The wife going to war instead of the husband. Depression is talked about, PTSD is brushed on. The story touches subjects very real today’s issues.
The story was great too, you expected it to go a very specific way. Nope again. Twists, turns or routes you just didn’t see coming. It was great, kept you on your toes and kept the story fresh.
The story was great too, you expected it to go a very specific way. Nope again. Twists, turns or routes you just didn’t see coming. It was great, kept you on your toes and kept the story fresh.
March 30, 2018
In 2 Minds
I'm in two minds here. First, this is a good story. It's also fairly unique, I think, and that's a unique thing these days. Robots taking over, that's other new. It's the combination that's new. Then, about half way into the book, the style changes. I am harsh on this YA type of writing. The style changes to this annoying supposedly young adult way of understanding a story. I hate it. It's quite gradually done but continues to the end so it's on purpose. Apart from that, a good story. I'm glad I read it.
I'm in two minds here. First, this is a good story. It's also fairly unique, I think, and that's a unique thing these days. Robots taking over, that's other new. It's the combination that's new. Then, about half way into the book, the style changes. I am harsh on this YA type of writing. The style changes to this annoying supposedly young adult way of understanding a story. I hate it. It's quite gradually done but continues to the end so it's on purpose. Apart from that, a good story. I'm glad I read it.
April 11, 2019
What an exceptional book. This book started with robots becoming self award and hostile by destroying their human owners. Thus, begin a fine read with Captain Victoria Belic our heroine who destroys the first onslaught in the robotic war. I don't want give away the entire plot line, however this story spans over a life time of love. Once I got to the second book it kept me captivated, mesmerized and full of compassion for the main characters. The book kept my interest because of the action from the first page until the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2019
I've come to enjoy reading strong female characters as leads in a military setting. I totally got Victoria Belic; pragmatic warrior and ardent lover. RD Armstrong is a new author for me and I like his writing; crisp, clean, straight to the heart of the matter. His word smithing appropriate for this story. I'm going to read all the books in the series because it's exciting, suspenseful, and I want to know how the story ends for Victoria and Luther.
January 27, 2018
Close but not close enough
I love strong female characters and this book certainly has one. That said, I was disappointed by some of her reactions to events and would expect someone with her military background to communicate with more intelligence and act in a more strategic manner.
I love strong female characters and this book certainly has one. That said, I was disappointed by some of her reactions to events and would expect someone with her military background to communicate with more intelligence and act in a more strategic manner.
February 9, 2018
This was darker than I normally choose to read, but with flickers of hope. It has a very strong female lead, a fighter pilot with a full allotment of fighter pilot attitude. She is totally motivated by the goal of recovering her lost husband, showing that a woman can be strong and still committed to her man.
I do plan to read the sequel when it is published.
I do plan to read the sequel when it is published.
April 22, 2018
Could have been a four star
For a science fiction book there are too many misuses of known technology to rate a four. But the story is interesting, and a new twist on Humans vs AI. Personally I like my sci-fy a little harder on the science, so it was a three star performance from my view. Others might easily feel it was a four.
For a science fiction book there are too many misuses of known technology to rate a four. But the story is interesting, and a new twist on Humans vs AI. Personally I like my sci-fy a little harder on the science, so it was a three star performance from my view. Others might easily feel it was a four.
June 16, 2018
A sweeping story that grabs your attention and holds ot
I loved the space opera aspects of this book. The strong female lead character was great. The writer has a clear understanding of how complicated it is to be human. There is acknowledgment of the idea that we can only build on what we know and have experienced. This book can stimulate some excellent discussions.
I loved the space opera aspects of this book. The strong female lead character was great. The writer has a clear understanding of how complicated it is to be human. There is acknowledgment of the idea that we can only build on what we know and have experienced. This book can stimulate some excellent discussions.
January 27, 2019
I would have liked to enjoy this military-themed SF adventure, but I didn't. The structure is awkward, the writing stilted, and the characters thin, with a noticeable tendency to just shout exposition at each other rather than actually act like real people. If there was some particularly interesting idea here it might be salvageable, but it's bog-standard "the robots have rebelled" stuff.
April 14, 2020
Very good sci fi read!
I'm not sure why I got this book, to be honest; it didn't sound like my usual chosen fare. Maybe it was free and I liked the cover art?
So color me happily surprised at how much I enjoyed this!
Very good work,sir!
Just one thing: "mid 40ish woman" does NOT equal "old woman". 😉
I'm not sure why I got this book, to be honest; it didn't sound like my usual chosen fare. Maybe it was free and I liked the cover art?
So color me happily surprised at how much I enjoyed this!
Very good work,sir!
Just one thing: "mid 40ish woman" does NOT equal "old woman". 😉
September 28, 2022
I found this story to be a little dark and depressing at times and other than the main character I kept wondering about the true motivations of all of the other characters. The book ends without answering many questions but the story apparently continues in subsequent books. I did like the main character and her intensity.
January 11, 2018
Good read.
Enjoyed reading. Well set up story with good character development. Strong female lead with character faults making her more believable. Looking forward to the next installment.
Enjoyed reading. Well set up story with good character development. Strong female lead with character faults making her more believable. Looking forward to the next installment.
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