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Galactic Forge #1
Galactic Forge
Former Marine Arthur Holland’s destiny begins when an aircraft crashes on his property in the mountains of Colorado. He moves to investigate and to help any survivors, but the closer he gets the less control he has of his movements.
An unknown force urges him to open the door of the mysterious craft, discovering the secret that lies within: a dead, alien pilot and a peculiar, otherworldly crystal.
If that wasn’t enough, the crystal feels like it is alive. That’s when he hears a single word inside his mind: Run.
An enemy vessel approaches overhead in pursuit of the downed ship, leaving Arthur little time to make his escape.
Guided by this strange voice, Art is propelled through a hidden portal, arriving somewhere unknown
On the other side of the galaxy, without a means of returning home, he has no choice but to move forward and help the crystal accomplish its mission: upgrade the ancient derelict ship, recruit new allies, and help the Galactic Conglomerate fight the Vael Empire.
It may be destiny that’s called him, but it’s the choices he makes that will forge his future.
Warning: This book contains profanity and violence. Read at your own risk.
An unknown force urges him to open the door of the mysterious craft, discovering the secret that lies within: a dead, alien pilot and a peculiar, otherworldly crystal.
If that wasn’t enough, the crystal feels like it is alive. That’s when he hears a single word inside his mind: Run.
An enemy vessel approaches overhead in pursuit of the downed ship, leaving Arthur little time to make his escape.
Guided by this strange voice, Art is propelled through a hidden portal, arriving somewhere unknown
On the other side of the galaxy, without a means of returning home, he has no choice but to move forward and help the crystal accomplish its mission: upgrade the ancient derelict ship, recruit new allies, and help the Galactic Conglomerate fight the Vael Empire.
It may be destiny that’s called him, but it’s the choices he makes that will forge his future.
Warning: This book contains profanity and violence. Read at your own risk.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2018
317 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 9, 2018
4,5 Stars!
Great people are not simply born, they are forged by the trials they face every day.”
I’ve discovered a new author with this book, showing a great talent with the writing, The plot development is quite remarkable and impressive. From a down to earth human to a galactic warrior, the protagonist takes us through an unwanted and unexpected journey with a powerful AI as a guide, to a universe in war between alien imperials and rebels. The tech applied and described is very realistic and well understood, great alien characters and a compelling world building. I’m so motivated to read book 2!
August 28, 2018
Great book
This is a story I’m looking forward to reading more of, it was hard to put down. Would recommend reading.
This is a story I’m looking forward to reading more of, it was hard to put down. Would recommend reading.
August 24, 2018
Amateur hour
Clumsy writing and a poorly conceived plot. The early chapters clunk along without developing the main character. Written actions are directly contradictory (how can you ‘step back’ when you don’t have control of your body?).
Clumsy writing and a poorly conceived plot. The early chapters clunk along without developing the main character. Written actions are directly contradictory (how can you ‘step back’ when you don’t have control of your body?).
September 9, 2018
A real page turner
Good story line, it keeps you wanting more. You feel like you are in the story. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Good story line, it keeps you wanting more. You feel like you are in the story. I can't wait for the next in the series.
August 28, 2018
A great debut book. Looking forward to seeing more.
Great characters, good action, weaponry descriptions a little thin. Wouldn't mean much except to lovers of military sci-fi.
Not much sci in the fi.
However, a good will triumph over evil type story. Look forward to seeing where the author takes this story.
Great characters, good action, weaponry descriptions a little thin. Wouldn't mean much except to lovers of military sci-fi.
Not much sci in the fi.
However, a good will triumph over evil type story. Look forward to seeing where the author takes this story.
September 3, 2018
MC acts like he is a caveman in intro
I am surprised that the MC did not pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming LOL. I could not get into the story, it was a ridiculous character buildup in the first 5% of the story. Could not do it.
I am surprised that the MC did not pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming LOL. I could not get into the story, it was a ridiculous character buildup in the first 5% of the story. Could not do it.
August 25, 2018
Excellent
Very fun adventure. I can't wait for the ship to be fully crewed. I await the next installment. Good job.
Very fun adventure. I can't wait for the ship to be fully crewed. I await the next installment. Good job.
September 3, 2018
awesome sci-fi
great sci-fi can't wait till the next book. Well developed space opera with an interesting plot line. Good character development a few typos
great sci-fi can't wait till the next book. Well developed space opera with an interesting plot line. Good character development a few typos
September 19, 2018
This is a silly read. I tried it as a fast distraction but I bailed two-thirds of the way through. The writing is poor and the main character is comic relief. There isn't any counter-balance because the whole novel is comical. The rebel princess, nasty her sister-in-law, et al are funny if the book is approached as a spoof.
The fighting is funny and the rebels are a hoot. The tech is charming and silly. The power source for ancient tech is a battery but the ancients never made many power generators and the batteries aren't rechargeable. The story is full of these cute explanations. On the plus side, there is a very clear and determined AI, which is a treat and also is many times more interesting than any of the other characters. There are also lots of aliens some of which were interesting enough as a species that I read as much as I did.
In the end, I might look at this writer in the future but I doubt it.
The fighting is funny and the rebels are a hoot. The tech is charming and silly. The power source for ancient tech is a battery but the ancients never made many power generators and the batteries aren't rechargeable. The story is full of these cute explanations. On the plus side, there is a very clear and determined AI, which is a treat and also is many times more interesting than any of the other characters. There are also lots of aliens some of which were interesting enough as a species that I read as much as I did.
In the end, I might look at this writer in the future but I doubt it.
October 24, 2018
If Arthur is a marine write him so that he acts like a Marine.
I gave this book at three because of the protagonist, he is such a whiner, he is thrust into excitement adventure and is in outer space, and all he thinks about is wanting to go home. He is such a whiner it seems to be the theme throughout the book I want to go home I wanna go home I want to go home. Furthermore he is supposed to be a marine, Marines don’t whine they get on with the job and do it and the character does not Display the determination and grit Marine has, hopefully this will change in the next book. I will read the next book. Because I like the signs Fiction aspects of the book as well as some of the characters.
I gave this book at three because of the protagonist, he is such a whiner, he is thrust into excitement adventure and is in outer space, and all he thinks about is wanting to go home. He is such a whiner it seems to be the theme throughout the book I want to go home I wanna go home I want to go home. Furthermore he is supposed to be a marine, Marines don’t whine they get on with the job and do it and the character does not Display the determination and grit Marine has, hopefully this will change in the next book. I will read the next book. Because I like the signs Fiction aspects of the book as well as some of the characters.
April 4, 2019
Good space opera.
This is a new space opera with a solid MC and a good supporting cast. It is apparent that the author is new to writing as there seems to be a lack of editing and proofreading which makes for some awkward descriptions. That said the author’s storytelling ability is first class. There’s lots of action and the aliens that the MC meets are interesting. Good fun and suitable for all ages.
This is a new space opera with a solid MC and a good supporting cast. It is apparent that the author is new to writing as there seems to be a lack of editing and proofreading which makes for some awkward descriptions. That said the author’s storytelling ability is first class. There’s lots of action and the aliens that the MC meets are interesting. Good fun and suitable for all ages.
July 24, 2019
Not the greatest book I've ever read, but an it was an engaging few hours read. The way I would describe this is a cross between Farscape and Bill the Galactic Hero. In that it has that Farscape vibe of I just want to get home, and do not know what in the world I'm actually doing. And the Bill the Galactic Hero vibe of not really being the person calling the shots...
In fact I find it works better imagery if I imagine some of the Farscape characters as I read the book. Some of the species names are even similar enough to trigger which character to substitute in. Although, the AI doesn't really fit any of those characters. The closest match I've come up with is the AI from the Buck Rodgers TV series. But for the most part Dotty is the one truly unique character in the book.
I'm half way through the second book in the series, and it picks up right where the first left off.
No matter how you look at it Art is either the luckiest or most unlucky person in the universe. But he certainly is not the brightest. Definitely a Bill, not a Crichton. I wouldn't give away the plot for the second book, but he very quickly overlooks the obvious repeatedly, just like the first book. I think this would make a good miniseries.
In fact I find it works better imagery if I imagine some of the Farscape characters as I read the book. Some of the species names are even similar enough to trigger which character to substitute in. Although, the AI doesn't really fit any of those characters. The closest match I've come up with is the AI from the Buck Rodgers TV series. But for the most part Dotty is the one truly unique character in the book.
I'm half way through the second book in the series, and it picks up right where the first left off.
No matter how you look at it Art is either the luckiest or most unlucky person in the universe. But he certainly is not the brightest. Definitely a Bill, not a Crichton. I wouldn't give away the plot for the second book, but he very quickly overlooks the obvious repeatedly, just like the first book. I think this would make a good miniseries.
October 7, 2018
Kinda reminds me of a series of books written by a guy named Joshua but with some interesting twists and beginning with a ship based on ancient - but advanced - technology... that basically runs on batteries. As I read more about the mess Art Holland was conscripted into- and that unless the ship and its AI gets more power cores, he won’t be going home any time soon.
This writing isn’t overly done outside of our hero not being 100% freaked out finding himself among aliens and he’s got the right mix of knowing what he doesn’t know while,stepping up to take on the challenges set upon him and, again, with the hope that can return home to Earth.
But the power core/battery thing? Can’t stop laughing about that and thinking Art needs the Energizer Bunny or a few Duracells...
This writing isn’t overly done outside of our hero not being 100% freaked out finding himself among aliens and he’s got the right mix of knowing what he doesn’t know while,stepping up to take on the challenges set upon him and, again, with the hope that can return home to Earth.
But the power core/battery thing? Can’t stop laughing about that and thinking Art needs the Energizer Bunny or a few Duracells...
February 23, 2019
The description of the story is a horrible white washing, here is a more accurate one.
A man witnesses the crash of a space craft. When he investigates a force compels him to rescue an intelligence from the wreckage before a pursuing craft destroys it. Injured by the pursuer he is led through a hidden portal where the real horror begins.
The intelligence he has rescued claims to be the 'good guy' in an interstellar war as it enslaves him and takes control of his body. Kidnapped and enslaved he is faced with helping his slave-master in its interstellar 'rebellion' or face execution.
Follow along as he tries to win his freedom while never admitting he is a slave and pretends he has a choice in his actions.
A man witnesses the crash of a space craft. When he investigates a force compels him to rescue an intelligence from the wreckage before a pursuing craft destroys it. Injured by the pursuer he is led through a hidden portal where the real horror begins.
The intelligence he has rescued claims to be the 'good guy' in an interstellar war as it enslaves him and takes control of his body. Kidnapped and enslaved he is faced with helping his slave-master in its interstellar 'rebellion' or face execution.
Follow along as he tries to win his freedom while never admitting he is a slave and pretends he has a choice in his actions.
September 12, 2018
Never a dull moment!
Lots of fun turning the pages. Believable action and a good balance of characters. The only bad thing about this read is there isn’t another book in my queue to continue! I tried both links to author, but they are Facebook links only. I don’t do Facebook🙈Thanks again for a good book.
Lots of fun turning the pages. Believable action and a good balance of characters. The only bad thing about this read is there isn’t another book in my queue to continue! I tried both links to author, but they are Facebook links only. I don’t do Facebook🙈Thanks again for a good book.
April 26, 2023
A veteran of the war in Afghanistan discovers a spaceship. He partners with a telepathic AI he calls Dotty, rescues a princess, and is drawn into an interstellar war. Sound familiar? Sure. Galactic Forge by Alex Guerra is a straightforward space opera enhanced by Paul Heitsch’s compelling narration on Audible. And right now it doesn’t cost you a credit to play it. 3.5 stars.
November 27, 2018
A good start with a reluctant hero
A reluctant hero who is thrown in the deep end of a galactic war.
A great start to a well imagined universe that the characters can grow into. I look forward to more from this author
A reluctant hero who is thrown in the deep end of a galactic war.
A great start to a well imagined universe that the characters can grow into. I look forward to more from this author
March 13, 2021
I expected to really like this story, but found that I could not get into it. It has a lot of parallels to other series that I like. Perhaps that familiarity is why this volume didn't resonate with me. Perhaps I will come back to this some day.
April 21, 2022
Look as first person.
The jerk knows everything and everybody else knows nothing, has distain for all authority.
He learns things aren’t quite as black-and-white as he had thought, yet he still lives in a black-and-white world in his mind.
The jerk knows everything and everybody else knows nothing, has distain for all authority.
He learns things aren’t quite as black-and-white as he had thought, yet he still lives in a black-and-white world in his mind.
August 28, 2018
MC kind of pathetic
Shouldn't be a Marine just to pathetic and whiny actions not to bad but not very exciting on whole it's just ok at best
Shouldn't be a Marine just to pathetic and whiny actions not to bad but not very exciting on whole it's just ok at best
September 20, 2018
Good read
Good character building. Could relate to the characters. Nice story line, look forward to the next book. Keep them coming.
Good character building. Could relate to the characters. Nice story line, look forward to the next book. Keep them coming.
September 24, 2018
Good read
Very enjoyable book with some great warring sections. I hope you enjoy the read as much as I d id
Very enjoyable book with some great warring sections. I hope you enjoy the read as much as I d id
January 21, 2019
I like the concept alot
Story was good n entertaining to say the least ill see how the next book is to make a decision
Story was good n entertaining to say the least ill see how the next book is to make a decision
March 5, 2019
Pretty good
Interesting scifi. Would be better if they fleshed out the protagonist's backstory much more. Also would help if there were more depth to the other characters.
Interesting scifi. Would be better if they fleshed out the protagonist's backstory much more. Also would help if there were more depth to the other characters.
June 25, 2019
Did not finish. Implausible and inconsistent universe mechanics. MC was lackluster and too self absorbed.
April 15, 2022
Super disappointing. Started out so good. And then went to shit so fast.
September 25, 2025
Fun audiobook
August 27, 2018
Cheap rip of Death Ship by Earle, suffering from at least all the same problems, adding a few of its own, adding nothing good.
The MC is the same spineless wannabe who rolls over at first opportunity and wags like a good little dog for its new owner, the AI is the same stupid snarky trash that literally every single AI in the last ten years or more has been. And oh look, how alien lady. What WILL the MC do with her?!
Skip this, it's watered down trash, if you desperately want something like this, go with Michael-Scott Earle, overall a better writer.
The MC is the same spineless wannabe who rolls over at first opportunity and wags like a good little dog for its new owner, the AI is the same stupid snarky trash that literally every single AI in the last ten years or more has been. And oh look, how alien lady. What WILL the MC do with her?!
Skip this, it's watered down trash, if you desperately want something like this, go with Michael-Scott Earle, overall a better writer.
July 1, 2019
good read, an underdog doing his best he can.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews