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Exile #0.5
Ashen Stars
A Captain shielded by his mother’s rank
An enemy determined to buy freedom with blood
A battle no one expected to fight.
Captain Isaac Gallant is the only son of the dictator of the Confederacy, his career slowed by a dozen measures to protect his reputation and safety alike—but he has no intention of being a pampered child and is determined to do his duty.
An attempt to force his crew to acknowledge their own duties puts his ship in a unique position to intervene when an overwhelming rebel attack is launched on one of the Confederacy’s most critical facilities.
The rebels didn’t expect to fight anyone. The Confederacy didn’t expect Isaac Gallant to fight at all.
All of them were wrong.
An enemy determined to buy freedom with blood
A battle no one expected to fight.
Captain Isaac Gallant is the only son of the dictator of the Confederacy, his career slowed by a dozen measures to protect his reputation and safety alike—but he has no intention of being a pampered child and is determined to do his duty.
An attempt to force his crew to acknowledge their own duties puts his ship in a unique position to intervene when an overwhelming rebel attack is launched on one of the Confederacy’s most critical facilities.
The rebels didn’t expect to fight anyone. The Confederacy didn’t expect Isaac Gallant to fight at all.
All of them were wrong.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2018
177 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,748 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 17, 2021
This novella ends with terrific hook --- just fantastic to get you drawn into the series.
The pacing was great, the worldbuilding enough to not overwhelm you with needless details, and the dialogue sharp. The reader got a fantastic first impression of the politics of the world, the conflict that will drive the series, and the true motivations of the characters.
Loved it.
The pacing was great, the worldbuilding enough to not overwhelm you with needless details, and the dialogue sharp. The reader got a fantastic first impression of the politics of the world, the conflict that will drive the series, and the true motivations of the characters.
Loved it.
June 20, 2018
Interesting beginning
I have enjoyed reading this short book, and think that this will be a interesting series to read. Looking forward to the next book, and see what now Admiral Garrant will do.
I have enjoyed reading this short book, and think that this will be a interesting series to read. Looking forward to the next book, and see what now Admiral Garrant will do.
August 13, 2018
I received a copy of Ashen Stars in a sample package through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ashen Stars is the novella preceding the events that occur in Exile (which only recently released). Honestly, you could read these in either order and be okay. The prequel will help you understand the main character better, but reading them in the reverse order won’t hinder you either (it’s how I did it, and I had no trouble understanding what was happening in either plotline).
Exile is the only series by Glynn Stewart that I’m up to date on. I will say that what I’ve read of his other series has impressed me, and that I wish I had found him and his writing sooner. Still, I’m enjoying the world that’s been established here.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Ashen Stars is the novella preceding the events that occur in Exile (which only recently released). Honestly, you could read these in either order and be okay. The prequel will help you understand the main character better, but reading them in the reverse order won’t hinder you either (it’s how I did it, and I had no trouble understanding what was happening in either plotline).
Exile is the only series by Glynn Stewart that I’m up to date on. I will say that what I’ve read of his other series has impressed me, and that I wish I had found him and his writing sooner. Still, I’m enjoying the world that’s been established here.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
November 10, 2023
This is a prequel to the novel, "Exile". It was pretty good. I have not read Exile yet, but reading this prequel explained why such a high ranking and well-connected main character would find himself in such trouble later on.
The story: I think the publisher's summary describes the story well. I will add that because Captain Gallant was so well connected that he would never be selected for any dangerous duty... and thus neither would his ship, so the crew tended to slack off. When he finally realized this, he kicked them all hard in the backside, but before his crew could straighten things out his ship was called upon (purely by chance of their position closest to do anything constructive) to perform a holding action against superior forces long enough for the fleet to get there. Outnumbered and with a subpar ship, he makes the jump to take them on.
Any problems with this story? Yes., but it is a problem with the back story. He gets to be captain, but I find it odd that he hadn't realized that they were pampering him until that moment. No one wanted to be responsible for killing the son of the ruler of the empire, so they protected him. Something similar happened in "The Vor Game" by Lois McMaster Bujold where the emperor was sick of being coddled and ran away to find adventure... and got it good and hard. As it turned out he was up to the task as was the hero of this story and his crew.
Any modesty issues? Nope.
The ending obviously set things up for the first book in the series, "Exile".
It might be interesting to read this book again after I read book 1 to see how helpful it really was as in introduction.
The story: I think the publisher's summary describes the story well. I will add that because Captain Gallant was so well connected that he would never be selected for any dangerous duty... and thus neither would his ship, so the crew tended to slack off. When he finally realized this, he kicked them all hard in the backside, but before his crew could straighten things out his ship was called upon (purely by chance of their position closest to do anything constructive) to perform a holding action against superior forces long enough for the fleet to get there. Outnumbered and with a subpar ship, he makes the jump to take them on.
Any problems with this story? Yes., but it is a problem with the back story. He gets to be captain, but I find it odd that he hadn't realized that they were pampering him until that moment. No one wanted to be responsible for killing the son of the ruler of the empire, so they protected him. Something similar happened in "The Vor Game" by Lois McMaster Bujold where the emperor was sick of being coddled and ran away to find adventure... and got it good and hard. As it turned out he was up to the task as was the hero of this story and his crew.
Any modesty issues? Nope.
The ending obviously set things up for the first book in the series, "Exile".
It might be interesting to read this book again after I read book 1 to see how helpful it really was as in introduction.
March 1, 2021
Unsurprisingly, another work of art from Glynn Stewart. Excellent world building coupled with intricuite and nuanced back-stories makes this book (and probably the series). Interestingly, if you've read any other book in Glynn's books you'd be shocked to know that the protagonist in this novel is NOT on the morally correct side in the larger conflict. In fact, his mother led a military coup to replace a "corrupt" democracy and forced her rule through draconian methods and economic repression. Seeing a Glynn protagonist work to defend such an evil government and watching him plan the deaths of the just side (that would be the protagonist's side in any another Glynn book) was honestly difficult. I can only hope that the next books will show Isaac Galant (ironic last name huh) working as the heir to restore democracy to humanity.
Either way, watching Glynn write from the perspective of the oppressor was fascinating because its a side of author's voice and moral posturing that I am not use to from him. As Isaac wondered if his mom was evil or not all I could think of was Hand Montgomery (Starship Mage) and Captain Wong (Peacekeepers of Sol) making their awesome speeches and how they would never have let things get this bad. I'm looking forward to his inevitable character arc. If Isaac becomes the good guy I know he can, I think he has the potential to rival Damien and Henry because the depth of his arc is that much greater; on top of the familial and loyalty pressures to stay evil.
Either way, watching Glynn write from the perspective of the oppressor was fascinating because its a side of author's voice and moral posturing that I am not use to from him. As Isaac wondered if his mom was evil or not all I could think of was Hand Montgomery (Starship Mage) and Captain Wong (Peacekeepers of Sol) making their awesome speeches and how they would never have let things get this bad. I'm looking forward to his inevitable character arc. If Isaac becomes the good guy I know he can, I think he has the potential to rival Damien and Henry because the depth of his arc is that much greater; on top of the familial and loyalty pressures to stay evil.
March 4, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This prequel was exciting. To reference other books by the author, Isaac Gallant showed “Stellar Fox” tendencies but was very much his own person. I’m very interested to see where this story is going. Could it be a coup? Change from within the system? I’m not sure if this series is going to be political and Isaac be a desk jockey manoeuvring for position or in his own ship gaining support one crew at a time. I’m eager to find out.
I would like for the author to consider adding a prologue about this particular world in the first book of the series, something along the lines of..The CSF came into existence when… It’s ruled by First Admiral Gallant…
I mention this as the author has a number of series set in space that share some similarities and it can take a bit to get your bearings. It would be really helpful to have an intro' about the world.
But this is a new world I'm looking forward to reading about.
This prequel was exciting. To reference other books by the author, Isaac Gallant showed “Stellar Fox” tendencies but was very much his own person. I’m very interested to see where this story is going. Could it be a coup? Change from within the system? I’m not sure if this series is going to be political and Isaac be a desk jockey manoeuvring for position or in his own ship gaining support one crew at a time. I’m eager to find out.
I would like for the author to consider adding a prologue about this particular world in the first book of the series, something along the lines of..The CSF came into existence when… It’s ruled by First Admiral Gallant…
I mention this as the author has a number of series set in space that share some similarities and it can take a bit to get your bearings. It would be really helpful to have an intro' about the world.
But this is a new world I'm looking forward to reading about.
December 28, 2018
If you have read the author’s work, Exile, this is a companion novella – I would recommend reading this one first, then pick up the novel Exile. This book is a good start to a new science fiction series – it hits all of the main points for me with future tech that isn’t too far-fetched for me to conceptualize, nice character development, and the author tells a good story. I am regretting grabbing this one so early in the series as I’m ready for the next installment and will have to wait.
I picked this up during a Kindle promotion for 99 cents vs. its regular price of $4.99 and I certainly received more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of it.
I picked this up during a Kindle promotion for 99 cents vs. its regular price of $4.99 and I certainly received more than $4.99 worth of entertainment value out of it.
April 29, 2023
Help me read more books
I had no idea this novella existed. Even though I had it marked as want to read, I'd forgotten about it. If you're a scifi fan, and haven't read any of the Glynn Stewart books in his exile stars series, you owe it to yourself to pick up this one, and start reading the series. If you've already read all of them (like me), well, then, it never hurts to get a glimpse at how it all started. This is a good introduction to the series for those who are new, and a nice look into how it all started if you've already read some or all of the books. Highly recommended.
I had no idea this novella existed. Even though I had it marked as want to read, I'd forgotten about it. If you're a scifi fan, and haven't read any of the Glynn Stewart books in his exile stars series, you owe it to yourself to pick up this one, and start reading the series. If you've already read all of them (like me), well, then, it never hurts to get a glimpse at how it all started. This is a good introduction to the series for those who are new, and a nice look into how it all started if you've already read some or all of the books. Highly recommended.
October 31, 2023
Gallant Origins
If I'd realized this was a prequel to the Exile series, I'd have read it first. Nonetheless, it was equally as interesting to read it after the trilogy and recognize the foreshadowing of what was to come.
Simply put, I loved the series and I loved seeing the origins of Gallant's disillusionment. Having grown up in a situation where many of the things I was taught weren't true, stories focusing on a character realizing the flaws in their own beliefs - beliefs they once held as core to themselves - really resonate with me. And this novella hits all my favorite parts of those stories.
Highly recommend.
If I'd realized this was a prequel to the Exile series, I'd have read it first. Nonetheless, it was equally as interesting to read it after the trilogy and recognize the foreshadowing of what was to come.
Simply put, I loved the series and I loved seeing the origins of Gallant's disillusionment. Having grown up in a situation where many of the things I was taught weren't true, stories focusing on a character realizing the flaws in their own beliefs - beliefs they once held as core to themselves - really resonate with me. And this novella hits all my favorite parts of those stories.
Highly recommend.
March 9, 2025
Fun book. The story starts fairly quickly. News arrives that a critical facility is threatened by rough warships. Captain Gallant realizes that only his ship can get to the facility in time to defend it. He plots a risky rescue and pushes his new crew far beyond their normal routines.
This novella centers on the Captain and a few key senior officers. The Captain is the star and is inspirational in the best traditions of space sci-fi. In addition to the defense of this facility, he has to deal with the fact that his mother is the dictator of the Confederacy. And the dictatorship has flaws visible to all.
Space battles and moral challenges combine to create a compelling story.
This novella centers on the Captain and a few key senior officers. The Captain is the star and is inspirational in the best traditions of space sci-fi. In addition to the defense of this facility, he has to deal with the fact that his mother is the dictator of the Confederacy. And the dictatorship has flaws visible to all.
Space battles and moral challenges combine to create a compelling story.
September 8, 2019
This book is a teaser to exile, and probably should be read first. It gives some back drop on who Isaac is and how he became an admiral. I am a fan of Stewart and his space opera. He definitely has me happily spending my dollars. I really do like this author’s work, in terms of storyline and ideas.
This is a quick read so really only finished one glass of wine reading it but it’s a good start to a new universe.
This is a quick read so really only finished one glass of wine reading it but it’s a good start to a new universe.
March 1, 2018
I'm always wary of any sci-fi novel that has a nation called "The Confederacy" or similar. Luckily, and as usual, Glynn Stewart does not disappoint. This is a great start to a new series with a rich universe with its own physics and politics. I particularly liked the description of the effects of the warp drive. A great short read and I look forward to the next one!
July 18, 2018
Short and sweet
Ashen Stars is a good short novella. Pretty good characters but with shortness perhaps not as well developed as they might be. A worthwhile story to tell in this novella with some potential for undertones for today. All in all a worthwhile read but it passed too quickly.
Ashen Stars is a good short novella. Pretty good characters but with shortness perhaps not as well developed as they might be. A worthwhile story to tell in this novella with some potential for undertones for today. All in all a worthwhile read but it passed too quickly.
October 11, 2021
I picked up Ashen Stars as a freebie from my Audible subscription whilst looking for something new, and I was pleasantly surprised. A very short intro book, it nonetheless is well-paced and intriguing enough to entice (no doubt the desired effect!). There's a lot of the usual mil-sci-fi tropes on display, but with the added twist of a dictator's son growing a conscience.
March 8, 2018
.
I do not usually like novellas. But this has ensured that I cannot wait for the series to be published. It promises to be as exciting as any of Glynn Stewart's great military science fiction.
I do not usually like novellas. But this has ensured that I cannot wait for the series to be published. It promises to be as exciting as any of Glynn Stewart's great military science fiction.
November 22, 2019
I am not usually a reader of military science-fiction, but this was an interesting novella and well worth the short time it will take to read it. The author is knowledgeable and creates a believable story.
June 28, 2022
3.5, this novella is well written, and definitely sets up the series well. Personally it didn’t keep me laser focused the whole time and the last few sentences are the only reason I would consider reading the other books.
February 13, 2018
"Ashen Stars" is the start of a new Space Opera Series.
A great story and A MUST READ.
A great story and A MUST READ.
February 13, 2018
Great start to a new series.
February 21, 2018
This was a very quick read but worth it. One author, three different universes or is that four? All with differing science. Interesting. Loved this one also.
March 9, 2018
Great reading
Too short of a book just when you were with the characters, The finish and then you are looking and waiting for the next book.
Too short of a book just when you were with the characters, The finish and then you are looking and waiting for the next book.
March 23, 2018
Wow!
This is the beginning of a great story! Nice technology, great and complete characters, a great plot in the making. I can’t wait for Exile to be published!
This is the beginning of a great story! Nice technology, great and complete characters, a great plot in the making. I can’t wait for Exile to be published!
March 28, 2018
Quite a good military space opera. A single ship taking on 3 others and coming out hurt but victorious
March 28, 2018
Nice little prequel novella that sets up a new universe nicely and gives just enough background to hook me in and make me wait for another Stewart book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this novella and look forward to the next installment in the series! It reminds me a bit of the Castle Federation series, with perhaps some set up for future political intrigue.
July 12, 2018
a great space opera novella. A must read. I loved it!
July 13, 2018
A nice novella.
A good start to a series that I’ll may give a try.
A good start to a series that I’ll may give a try.
July 15, 2018
Great sci-fi book
Great story full of action and adventure to keep you interested I was an ARC volunteer for the exile the next story this is a good prequel book.
Great story full of action and adventure to keep you interested I was an ARC volunteer for the exile the next story this is a good prequel book.
September 14, 2018
Despite how short this book was, it made me care and I wouldn't mind reading more from this particular verse.
October 26, 2018
This prequel novella was tolerable, but the main character is one of those over-noble and unrealistic main characters that it's hard to swallow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews