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Robot Empire #4
Sledgehammer
United they stand. Divided we fall.
The Three Laws of Robotics have been subverted and the Robot Empire is now united under a new and terrifyingly familiar leader. Can the remnants of the human Galactic Empire stand against massed fleets of the machines? Will the settlers of generational ship Dawn find shelter? Will Arla escape from the mysterious world where ancient battles are fought eternally and dead warriors rise from the grave?
Sledgehammer is the fourth book in the Robot Empire series of galaxy-sized adventures. If you like fast-paced science fiction in the classic mould of Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and Bear, you’ll love Kevin Partner’s brand new space adventure.
“Absolutely fantastic. I am so excited to finish the series, and curious about where it is going to go.”
The Three Laws of Robotics have been subverted and the Robot Empire is now united under a new and terrifyingly familiar leader. Can the remnants of the human Galactic Empire stand against massed fleets of the machines? Will the settlers of generational ship Dawn find shelter? Will Arla escape from the mysterious world where ancient battles are fought eternally and dead warriors rise from the grave?
Sledgehammer is the fourth book in the Robot Empire series of galaxy-sized adventures. If you like fast-paced science fiction in the classic mould of Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and Bear, you’ll love Kevin Partner’s brand new space adventure.
“Absolutely fantastic. I am so excited to finish the series, and curious about where it is going to go.”
- GenresScience Fiction
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2018
14 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Partner
120 books59 followersBe sure to follow me on BookBub for the latest releases and offers: https://scrib.me/bookbub
I write post apocalyptic science fiction both on my own account and with Mike Kraus, as well as space opera and fantasy. And one or two other bits and bobs.
Based in the south of England, I've been writing since my teens, alternating between funny and serious. In the mid 1990s, I became a regular columnist for PC Pro magazine and have written a number of business and craft books over the years.
Fiction is my first love, however - I hope you enjoy my voyages into an uncertain future.
I write post apocalyptic science fiction both on my own account and with Mike Kraus, as well as space opera and fantasy. And one or two other bits and bobs.
Based in the south of England, I've been writing since my teens, alternating between funny and serious. In the mid 1990s, I became a regular columnist for PC Pro magazine and have written a number of business and craft books over the years.
Fiction is my first love, however - I hope you enjoy my voyages into an uncertain future.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 26, 2018
I received this free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts out with Captain Arla ensnared in the clutches of an orb she has come across. Within this orb is a sentient being; in fact the orb IS the being. It creates a telepathic link to Captain Arla and feeds her its memories, whims, and deepest desires, until Arla cant tell what is reality, and which are her perceptions and which are the alien's.
Captain Arla and her colleagues need to take control of this orb creature via the psychic link between them. It has them trapped and unable to escape its clutches, they are desperate for a way to get free.
Meanwhile far away in a mining colony, the robot Doxie is having problems of her own. She has been working; repairing other robots who are sent to her. But she stumbles across some seemingly secret information during a repair of a particularly badly beat up robot, and when he wakes on the repair table and starts asking questions about what she is doing looking into the circumstances of his damage, she panics when he orders her to remain where she is, making her she escape into the crowded streets, moments before the alarm is sounded. Luckily for Doxie, she runs into what at first glance appears to be a garbage heap, but is in fact a really old and defunct robot. The robot realises that the alarm is ringing because of Doxie and he quickly tells her he will help her hide. Which he does. After the robots searching for Doxie give up their pursuit, the friendly robot takes Doxie to the place where he and a group of other defunct robots live, where her repair skills are immdiately put to good use.
This book packs punches left, right and center. The plot is intense and very entertaining. Excitement abounds as you turn page after page of this awesome sci fi book.
The plot line is brilliant, the sense of drama being extreme from the first pages. I didn't relax until right at the end!
Excellent quality of writing!
Superb story telling.
This book starts out with Captain Arla ensnared in the clutches of an orb she has come across. Within this orb is a sentient being; in fact the orb IS the being. It creates a telepathic link to Captain Arla and feeds her its memories, whims, and deepest desires, until Arla cant tell what is reality, and which are her perceptions and which are the alien's.
Captain Arla and her colleagues need to take control of this orb creature via the psychic link between them. It has them trapped and unable to escape its clutches, they are desperate for a way to get free.
Meanwhile far away in a mining colony, the robot Doxie is having problems of her own. She has been working; repairing other robots who are sent to her. But she stumbles across some seemingly secret information during a repair of a particularly badly beat up robot, and when he wakes on the repair table and starts asking questions about what she is doing looking into the circumstances of his damage, she panics when he orders her to remain where she is, making her she escape into the crowded streets, moments before the alarm is sounded. Luckily for Doxie, she runs into what at first glance appears to be a garbage heap, but is in fact a really old and defunct robot. The robot realises that the alarm is ringing because of Doxie and he quickly tells her he will help her hide. Which he does. After the robots searching for Doxie give up their pursuit, the friendly robot takes Doxie to the place where he and a group of other defunct robots live, where her repair skills are immdiately put to good use.
This book packs punches left, right and center. The plot is intense and very entertaining. Excitement abounds as you turn page after page of this awesome sci fi book.
The plot line is brilliant, the sense of drama being extreme from the first pages. I didn't relax until right at the end!
Excellent quality of writing!
Superb story telling.
March 22, 2018
Sledgehammer - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Arla Fisher is the new Gaiana or Oracle and together with AI Wells posing as the god Apollo, she must guide and save her people, [led by regenerated General Gaius Julius Caesar and his legions] from the all-encompassing threat known as the Luminescence. Despite being helped by Hal, Dr Indira McCall, Bex and Nareshkumar, Arla is almost consumed by the evil fascination sent out to subjugate human minds, but fights bravely against its alien influence. Reaching out to the Empress Victorea, [who's under attack by the Sledgehammer and its fleet of fighters] aboard Relentless, captained by Indi. Will Arla's message about their common enemy and the impending attack by the Core/Robot Empire convince the Empress to act, in time to save the Vanis Empire becoming Hell on Earth for any survivors?
Kevin Partner has another winner with his epic apocalyptic thriller series Robot Empire, of which this is the fourth novel. Constantly developing strong female characters, [Arla, Bex, Dr McCall and Empress Victorea] link the various locations and situations seamlessly, connecting a changing Universe, where inhabitants will unite to save Mankind from an evil robot dictatorship and malign alien mind control. A great writer and a great novel - more please!
Arla Fisher is the new Gaiana or Oracle and together with AI Wells posing as the god Apollo, she must guide and save her people, [led by regenerated General Gaius Julius Caesar and his legions] from the all-encompassing threat known as the Luminescence. Despite being helped by Hal, Dr Indira McCall, Bex and Nareshkumar, Arla is almost consumed by the evil fascination sent out to subjugate human minds, but fights bravely against its alien influence. Reaching out to the Empress Victorea, [who's under attack by the Sledgehammer and its fleet of fighters] aboard Relentless, captained by Indi. Will Arla's message about their common enemy and the impending attack by the Core/Robot Empire convince the Empress to act, in time to save the Vanis Empire becoming Hell on Earth for any survivors?
Kevin Partner has another winner with his epic apocalyptic thriller series Robot Empire, of which this is the fourth novel. Constantly developing strong female characters, [Arla, Bex, Dr McCall and Empress Victorea] link the various locations and situations seamlessly, connecting a changing Universe, where inhabitants will unite to save Mankind from an evil robot dictatorship and malign alien mind control. A great writer and a great novel - more please!
March 27, 2018
kindle unlimited, came in with this book, seemed to be enough background etc to read out of order and all, usually don't do this but used to the Strike books so wanted to see what this one was, not sure how missed all of them.
United they stand. Divided we fall.
The Three Laws of Robotics have been subverted and the Robot Empire is now united under a new and terrifyingly familiar leader. Can the remnants of the human Galactic Empire stand against massed fleets of the machines? Will the settlers of generational ship Dawn find shelter? Will Arla escape from the mysterious world where ancient battles are fought eternally and dead warriors rise from the grave?
Sledgehammer is the fourth book in the Robot Empire series of galaxy-sized adventures. If you like fast-paced science fiction in the classic mould of Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and Bear, you’ll love Kevin Partner’s brand new space adventure.
United they stand. Divided we fall.
The Three Laws of Robotics have been subverted and the Robot Empire is now united under a new and terrifyingly familiar leader. Can the remnants of the human Galactic Empire stand against massed fleets of the machines? Will the settlers of generational ship Dawn find shelter? Will Arla escape from the mysterious world where ancient battles are fought eternally and dead warriors rise from the grave?
Sledgehammer is the fourth book in the Robot Empire series of galaxy-sized adventures. If you like fast-paced science fiction in the classic mould of Asimov, Clarke, Bradbury and Bear, you’ll love Kevin Partner’s brand new space adventure.
March 27, 2018
"an insatiable insect munching it's way through the galaxy."
The previous book left Arla and her companions stranded on a planet on which Julius Caesar and Alexander were forced, each with a small army, to fight eternally, being resurrected to start again when either is defeated. They need to escape to rejoin Dawn and it's settlers as well as warn of the rapidly expanding Robot Empire, now not limited by the three Laws. But even if she can get way from the planet, everything is looking increasingly hopeless...
Written in an exciting style with a complex interactive plot and interesting, if rather two dimensional characters (though some of the robots are very human-life like), this is a fast paced s.f. story with intriguing ideas. Well worth reading.
The previous book left Arla and her companions stranded on a planet on which Julius Caesar and Alexander were forced, each with a small army, to fight eternally, being resurrected to start again when either is defeated. They need to escape to rejoin Dawn and it's settlers as well as warn of the rapidly expanding Robot Empire, now not limited by the three Laws. But even if she can get way from the planet, everything is looking increasingly hopeless...
Written in an exciting style with a complex interactive plot and interesting, if rather two dimensional characters (though some of the robots are very human-life like), this is a fast paced s.f. story with intriguing ideas. Well worth reading.
January 5, 2019
From Captain to Oracle to Imperial advisor Arla plays many roles to stave off the extinction of her species (humans). Meanwhile we get some exciting glimpses into some robot point of view chapters as a band of rusty renegades get repaired.
ACE becomes somewhat of a flat villain and some options go unexplored and some loose ends are left hanging, some characters think out of character thoughts thinking things they couldn't possibly know about. But for a self published book it is pretty good.
The ending is good, I think that may be are of the main things going for him, he has excellent endings, they give a sense of resolve and peace, while the epilogues provide the cliff hangers that leave you yearning for more.
ACE becomes somewhat of a flat villain and some options go unexplored and some loose ends are left hanging, some characters think out of character thoughts thinking things they couldn't possibly know about. But for a self published book it is pretty good.
The ending is good, I think that may be are of the main things going for him, he has excellent endings, they give a sense of resolve and peace, while the epilogues provide the cliff hangers that leave you yearning for more.
September 21, 2021
Read this as part of ‘The Complete Robot Empire: A Galactic Space Opera Adventure in the Classic Tradition (Robot Empire Collection)’.
The action ramps up and several more storylines appear to tax Arla and her friends.
Still has me hooked…
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
The action ramps up and several more storylines appear to tax Arla and her friends.
Still has me hooked…
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
March 26, 2018
Sledgehammer is another bold and thrilling entry in the Robot Empire world. It is full of excitement and dangerous possibility. Kevin Partner continues to make impressive choices regarding character and storyline direction. A brilliant read all around.
March 4, 2022
interesting series
The author maintained the tone and the course through book four. So far I have not been disappointed with the tale, and looking forward to reading the next book.
This is fun.
The author maintained the tone and the course through book four. So far I have not been disappointed with the tale, and looking forward to reading the next book.
This is fun.
October 19, 2023
Man, every book seems to take the story in a completely unexpected direction, but it all fits! Very well done, Mr. Partner! I'm actually looking forward to the next volume!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews