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Universe on Fire #1
Broken Stars
They told us “No.”
If they had taken the time to learn about us, to truly understand what it was that made us human, they would’ve known that that had been their greatest mistake.
Sixty-seven years ago the Qash'vo'tar conquered Earth. They had judged humanity as dangerous and unworthy of joining the other races among the stars. Ever since then, the aliens had ruled from above, keeping humanity from even thinking about reaching for the stars. The Qash'vo'tar did not care what humanity did on the ground, as long as they didn't attempt to build anything that could get them to the stars. Outmatched in every way and not willing to accept the cost of fighting back, the United Earth gave up ever again reaching beyond the boundary of Earth's sky.
In its isolation, humanity turned its eyes from the sky and pointed them to the ground. Instead of the stars, humanity explored the oceans, burrowed deep underground, and broadened its understanding of laws of physics. Until finally they could take no more. In secret the United Earth's best scientists attempted to find a way out. They experimented, and in a single moment changed the fate of humanity. Accidentally, they broke through someplace else, created a breach in space-time. Deep underground, they created a portal to another universe.
They made a breach to a universe where there was magic. This new universe changed them, changed their own universe. This one accident gave them a new weapon against the Qash'vo'tar. A weapon that the aliens had no knowledge of. It gave humanity magic. And they studied it, integrated it with their technology, and they waited for the right time to strike back against their alien overlords.
And now, sixty-seven years after they had been conquered, it was time for humanity to show the Qash'vo'tar that they had been right to fear humanity. Now was the time for humanity to reclaim its world and carve a place for Earth among the stars.
Broken Stars is the first book in the Universe on Fire series, an epic science fiction series with some fantasy elements. It follows humanity as it attempts to make a place for itself in a hostile galaxy.
If they had taken the time to learn about us, to truly understand what it was that made us human, they would’ve known that that had been their greatest mistake.
Sixty-seven years ago the Qash'vo'tar conquered Earth. They had judged humanity as dangerous and unworthy of joining the other races among the stars. Ever since then, the aliens had ruled from above, keeping humanity from even thinking about reaching for the stars. The Qash'vo'tar did not care what humanity did on the ground, as long as they didn't attempt to build anything that could get them to the stars. Outmatched in every way and not willing to accept the cost of fighting back, the United Earth gave up ever again reaching beyond the boundary of Earth's sky.
In its isolation, humanity turned its eyes from the sky and pointed them to the ground. Instead of the stars, humanity explored the oceans, burrowed deep underground, and broadened its understanding of laws of physics. Until finally they could take no more. In secret the United Earth's best scientists attempted to find a way out. They experimented, and in a single moment changed the fate of humanity. Accidentally, they broke through someplace else, created a breach in space-time. Deep underground, they created a portal to another universe.
They made a breach to a universe where there was magic. This new universe changed them, changed their own universe. This one accident gave them a new weapon against the Qash'vo'tar. A weapon that the aliens had no knowledge of. It gave humanity magic. And they studied it, integrated it with their technology, and they waited for the right time to strike back against their alien overlords.
And now, sixty-seven years after they had been conquered, it was time for humanity to show the Qash'vo'tar that they had been right to fear humanity. Now was the time for humanity to reclaim its world and carve a place for Earth among the stars.
Broken Stars is the first book in the Universe on Fire series, an epic science fiction series with some fantasy elements. It follows humanity as it attempts to make a place for itself in a hostile galaxy.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2018
422 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Ivan Kal
42 books383 followersIvan Kal writes science fiction and fantasy, and is the author of the space opera series Rise of the Empire.
For most of his life he had been studying in the fields of electronics, IT, and web design.
But because of his great love for books and his need to tell stories, he decided to start writing.
His other interests include martial arts, movies and tv, and gaming.
For most of his life he had been studying in the fields of electronics, IT, and web design.
But because of his great love for books and his need to tell stories, he decided to start writing.
His other interests include martial arts, movies and tv, and gaming.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 29, 2018
A good mix of fantasy and mil-fi.
The characters are relatively standard, and the setup ok, but the mix of fantasy elements go beyond what you'd expect: get magic mixed with tech, makes tech insurmontable, win, hurrah. There's a bit of deeper plot hints beyond simple magi-tech that make this first instalment of a series potentially interesting.
Will have to see what the next book will do when it comes out.
The characters are relatively standard, and the setup ok, but the mix of fantasy elements go beyond what you'd expect: get magic mixed with tech, makes tech insurmontable, win, hurrah. There's a bit of deeper plot hints beyond simple magi-tech that make this first instalment of a series potentially interesting.
Will have to see what the next book will do when it comes out.
June 21, 2018
Good first installment
Broken stars speaks to people with good foreshadowing and an excellent cast of characters. Compelling balance between logic and emotion.
Broken stars speaks to people with good foreshadowing and an excellent cast of characters. Compelling balance between logic and emotion.
May 24, 2018
Now this is a interesting twist of a story
I get tired of reading about the end of human civilization sure I love a good fight but we are more than that old tired story line, and their is more to story telling this book goes beyond that tired story line I applaud the author kudos
I get tired of reading about the end of human civilization sure I love a good fight but we are more than that old tired story line, and their is more to story telling this book goes beyond that tired story line I applaud the author kudos
May 25, 2018
Space,???
A strong story about us going into space and what we had to do to get there and who we met and how everyone is scared of you until they want something from you good story
A strong story about us going into space and what we had to do to get there and who we met and how everyone is scared of you until they want something from you good story
March 22, 2021
There shall be tehnology, and than there shall be magic as well.
I read Ivan Kal's Rise of Empire, and l liked it very much. So I decided to read his other books. I don't think this book is bad, far from it, but it's not good either. Something lacks, I don't know what. Maybe the plot is to "fast" - just done in broad highlights. Maybe it is that characters have some personality, but are not deep enough... After all it's only a one day book.
The fact is- I read it in one day, and that's with spending good part of that day at work - so it's no more than 200 pages (that's my limit on a workday), most likely in between 150-200... Book of 150-200 pages- that's not a book, that's a short story- you don't have place in there to properly develop plot and characrers. To do that it takes at least 300-400 pages, preferably 600-700. I don't know exactly how many pages this book has (read it in e-format), but since l read it in 1 work day, than that's a short book.
It is not a bad book, it is somewhat interesting, it has dome short, bundeld-up action. Ivan Kal tried something with this book, l wouldn't say that he realy succeded. But he hasn't failed either.
3 stars is to small a rating for this book, but 4 is to big. To bad goodreads doesn't give option of 3.5- that would be the best solution for this book.
Super humans that underuse their abilities, and underperform... But the book is tehnical- a lot of details on anything and everything...
Anyways second book is better, l will be rating it with 4 stars, even though I have read better books in 4 star range, it is a solid 4-, just like this first book is solid 3+.
Aaaaaand- to many words used to say absolutely nothing 🤣
Good luck to those who decide to read this series. I like it so far even though the shortness of it's books is a severne handicap in my oppinion.
I read Ivan Kal's Rise of Empire, and l liked it very much. So I decided to read his other books. I don't think this book is bad, far from it, but it's not good either. Something lacks, I don't know what. Maybe the plot is to "fast" - just done in broad highlights. Maybe it is that characters have some personality, but are not deep enough... After all it's only a one day book.
The fact is- I read it in one day, and that's with spending good part of that day at work - so it's no more than 200 pages (that's my limit on a workday), most likely in between 150-200... Book of 150-200 pages- that's not a book, that's a short story- you don't have place in there to properly develop plot and characrers. To do that it takes at least 300-400 pages, preferably 600-700. I don't know exactly how many pages this book has (read it in e-format), but since l read it in 1 work day, than that's a short book.
It is not a bad book, it is somewhat interesting, it has dome short, bundeld-up action. Ivan Kal tried something with this book, l wouldn't say that he realy succeded. But he hasn't failed either.
3 stars is to small a rating for this book, but 4 is to big. To bad goodreads doesn't give option of 3.5- that would be the best solution for this book.
Super humans that underuse their abilities, and underperform... But the book is tehnical- a lot of details on anything and everything...
Anyways second book is better, l will be rating it with 4 stars, even though I have read better books in 4 star range, it is a solid 4-, just like this first book is solid 3+.
Aaaaaand- to many words used to say absolutely nothing 🤣
Good luck to those who decide to read this series. I like it so far even though the shortness of it's books is a severne handicap in my oppinion.
December 29, 2019
I enjoyed reading this. I will probably reread this book times. The writing was good. The world building was good. The plot line held together well. The story held together fairly well. Good character development. Characters were not flat cardboard but were not vibrant either. Overall I would say good intro book for the series and would recommend reading this book.
My Ratings for books
5- can't put down, hold my attention well and would like to finish in one reading. Will reread many times.
4 -Enjoy, but attention may wander, and will take breaks and look maybe at another book before finishing. May reread over time.
3- Like, but due to some weakness my attention will wander frequently and will look frequently for something better to read, may put down for extended period before coming back to. Will probably not reread unless really bored.
2 - Really hard time getting into, totally putting me off reading and unlikely to finish. Would probably not read even if I had no access to something else to read.
1- Gack, ppft, urrp. Can't make it past a significant part of the book, wish could erase from my memory and block the author from ever showing up in search. Burn Baby, Burn.
My Ratings for books
5- can't put down, hold my attention well and would like to finish in one reading. Will reread many times.
4 -Enjoy, but attention may wander, and will take breaks and look maybe at another book before finishing. May reread over time.
3- Like, but due to some weakness my attention will wander frequently and will look frequently for something better to read, may put down for extended period before coming back to. Will probably not reread unless really bored.
2 - Really hard time getting into, totally putting me off reading and unlikely to finish. Would probably not read even if I had no access to something else to read.
1- Gack, ppft, urrp. Can't make it past a significant part of the book, wish could erase from my memory and block the author from ever showing up in search. Burn Baby, Burn.
October 18, 2018
Familiar story line but interesting!
"Mighty, were the "Antha," or words to that effect. These words come a short story that I read decades ago, 20th century to be exact. Bottom line upfront, humankind is considered to dangerous to be allowed access to the stars. This novel suggests, like others I've read, that we're isolated in this interstellar dessert possibly because our ancestors posed such a threat to other star travelling civilizations, that war left the remaining survivors of that civilization here. The author shows that humankind's ingenuity, beliefs, and willingness to die as a race in order to fulfill it's destiny. It also shows why other beings amongst the stars have a right to be wary of us Sol Terrans. Waiting in anticipation of book two.
"Mighty, were the "Antha," or words to that effect. These words come a short story that I read decades ago, 20th century to be exact. Bottom line upfront, humankind is considered to dangerous to be allowed access to the stars. This novel suggests, like others I've read, that we're isolated in this interstellar dessert possibly because our ancestors posed such a threat to other star travelling civilizations, that war left the remaining survivors of that civilization here. The author shows that humankind's ingenuity, beliefs, and willingness to die as a race in order to fulfill it's destiny. It also shows why other beings amongst the stars have a right to be wary of us Sol Terrans. Waiting in anticipation of book two.
June 21, 2020
A let down after the last series
I had such high hopes for this book. I had just finalized the 12 book series with an average 4.8 star rating from me. However, this book feels incomplete, lost in an attempt to start again. I disliked the first 80-85% of this book. The characters feel thrown together, the plot weak and disjointed, the flow fast and slow at the same time. I am a completist so I will finish the series but I am not holding out hope for this one.
I had such high hopes for this book. I had just finalized the 12 book series with an average 4.8 star rating from me. However, this book feels incomplete, lost in an attempt to start again. I disliked the first 80-85% of this book. The characters feel thrown together, the plot weak and disjointed, the flow fast and slow at the same time. I am a completist so I will finish the series but I am not holding out hope for this one.
June 22, 2018
Nice premise
This was a pretty interesting premise and the follow through was not disappointing. The characters included a lot of aliens from several universes and a disturbing set of genocidal species. Humanity has a strange set of allies and potential allies. This should be an exciting series.
The story was well written and I am looking forward to reading more.
This was a pretty interesting premise and the follow through was not disappointing. The characters included a lot of aliens from several universes and a disturbing set of genocidal species. Humanity has a strange set of allies and potential allies. This should be an exciting series.
The story was well written and I am looking forward to reading more.
February 4, 2021
New Worlds, New Tech
Ivan Kal spins an intriguing tale blending science and magic in an interesting take on an alien conquest story. Decent character development, strong supporting cast and acceptable mystery. This first book end on a positive note with a gentle push into the next book.
Ivan Kal spins an intriguing tale blending science and magic in an interesting take on an alien conquest story. Decent character development, strong supporting cast and acceptable mystery. This first book end on a positive note with a gentle push into the next book.
November 6, 2024
I don't mind the author's writing, so I'm willing to give this book a try.
This was meh. I kind of lost my flame for scifi, unless it's outrageous tech, and this was too techie and less magicie than I wanted.
I might pick up the sequel. I don't know yet.
Lots of moving parts in this one.
3/5 Stars
This was meh. I kind of lost my flame for scifi, unless it's outrageous tech, and this was too techie and less magicie than I wanted.
I might pick up the sequel. I don't know yet.
Lots of moving parts in this one.
3/5 Stars
August 31, 2025
Real rating 3.8
Pretty good. Didn’t care for the narrators choice in voices, but that’s not the author’s fault, so I’m trying to look past that. Reads like the many HFY stories I love to listen to so that’s a plus. Hope more magic comes into play, but it definitely scratches the true scifi itch with lots of space battles.
Hopefully I’ll get around to book 2 one day.
Pretty good. Didn’t care for the narrators choice in voices, but that’s not the author’s fault, so I’m trying to look past that. Reads like the many HFY stories I love to listen to so that’s a plus. Hope more magic comes into play, but it definitely scratches the true scifi itch with lots of space battles.
Hopefully I’ll get around to book 2 one day.
June 3, 2018
Could have been OK
Too many grammatical errors along with very stilted and unrealistic dialog. Add in pages of needless exposition and repetitive dialog and exposition ruin this book.
Too many grammatical errors along with very stilted and unrealistic dialog. Add in pages of needless exposition and repetitive dialog and exposition ruin this book.
February 20, 2021
Mix of magic and tech
Tangled web magic and technology and something else that is only hinted at. Characters are interesting some are vague. Space is not such a nice place after all.
Tangled web magic and technology and something else that is only hinted at. Characters are interesting some are vague. Space is not such a nice place after all.
June 29, 2018
I like the blend of magic and science fiction. Excellent setup for the next book. Unfortunately it lacked that spark that gets me to stay up far past bedtime to see what happens next.
July 4, 2018
Great read
Excellent story, Earth rising from being subjected to the loss of access to space to bring a major player. Look forward to the next book.
Excellent story, Earth rising from being subjected to the loss of access to space to bring a major player. Look forward to the next book.
July 14, 2018
Sci-fi
Started slow but grows on you fast. Can't wait until next book is out! Lots of action and interesting plot line. This series can move in multiple direction.
Started slow but grows on you fast. Can't wait until next book is out! Lots of action and interesting plot line. This series can move in multiple direction.
August 4, 2018
I like Ivan's Olympus series a lot but this new one is, at least in the beginning not worth time reading it.
August 15, 2018
Happy Brain
Love all of the works. Every book I have read JUST MAKES MY BRAIN HAPPY!! Thanks again for all the books.
Love all of the works. Every book I have read JUST MAKES MY BRAIN HAPPY!! Thanks again for all the books.
October 29, 2018
Nothing truly outstanding but it was enjoyable and I will be following the series. The setting interests me, I wonder how much of it we will see.
March 4, 2019
I liked
The story needed some grammer corrected. The story had a Good plot. Good cheracters, and a Good flow. Worth checking out the next,one.
The story needed some grammer corrected. The story had a Good plot. Good cheracters, and a Good flow. Worth checking out the next,one.
June 28, 2019
DNF. It was so boring.
February 4, 2020
Great Story
In this story aliens have denied earth space travel and the humans open a portal to a magic dimension and developed magictech. Great story
In this story aliens have denied earth space travel and the humans open a portal to a magic dimension and developed magictech. Great story
March 24, 2020
No depth.
This Reads like a poorly written historical document. At no point am I invested in the characters. It is not a bad idea, it just was not a good book.
This Reads like a poorly written historical document. At no point am I invested in the characters. It is not a bad idea, it just was not a good book.
November 16, 2020
Nonsensical
To many ripple making too many questionable choices. I really couldn’t get into any of the characters. I liked the idea but not the product
To many ripple making too many questionable choices. I really couldn’t get into any of the characters. I liked the idea but not the product
May 10, 2021
Awesome start to a new series
This book was a lot of fun. I pretty much inhaled it in an afternoon. I'm really looking forward to the next ones.
This book was a lot of fun. I pretty much inhaled it in an afternoon. I'm really looking forward to the next ones.
didn-t-like-it
July 29, 2025Note to self: interesting concept, boring execution. Partly the narrator having a lackluster delivery, partly the writing, I just couldn't care and decided to move on.
October 21, 2024
This was another solid offering from Ivan Kal. I do have to admit it took awhile to get going but picked up the pace and interest about half way through the book. I guess I am spoiled by being totally sucked in by his other books but still very pleased to have read this and I will no doubt continue with the series and move on to the next one.
Update: I read the Kindle version originally and recently picked up the Audible version and for me that take this one to 5 stars. Very well done and I did not fully appreciate this one first go around.
Update: I read the Kindle version originally and recently picked up the Audible version and for me that take this one to 5 stars. Very well done and I did not fully appreciate this one first go around.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews