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Scythian Dawn #1
Scythian Dawn
Galactic overlords keep Earth mired in a permanent Dark Age. Empires are dust. Only nomadic cultures thrive. One barbarian war band will fight back. A new Dawn will rise.
Born to Scythian royalty, Arixa rejected palace life at age nineteen to recruit her own war band, the Dawn, and ride the steppe in defense of the capital. When a fateful encounter leaves her with knowledge that an alien ship is en route to devastate all the cities of Earth, she sets out not only to save her homeland but also to do the unthinkable.
She will strike a blow against the enemies of humanity. At any cost.
Scythian Dawn is the launching point of a 'Barbarian Space Opera' which sees tattooed, ax-wielding riders of the steppe wage high-tech rebellion against a galactic empire. Expect adventure, betrayal, starship duels, alien locales, jumps to hyperspace and iron war-picks punching holes in space armor. Get aboard now!
Book 2: Warp Nomads (Dec 2018) Book 3: The Moon of Sorrows (Feb 2019) Books 4-9: 2019-2020 Q & A with the author
What kind of story is Scythian Dawn?
I knew I wanted to write a space-based Humans vs. Aliens series. But to be honest, I find the character types in that genre a bit boring: the hotshot space pilots, veteran troopers, elite special agents, maverick admirals, top-of-the-class cadets, brilliant scientists, etc. I wanted the story to be about someone other than those. And then I wondered, well, why should hostile aliens only bother Earth after we're technologically advanced?
In my Dawniverse, aliens begin targeting Earth in the early days of civilization, making sure humans never learn to build steam engines, much less rockets. They're stuck in a perpetual Iron Age.
So Scythian Dawn takes place in the past?
Not exactly. It's an alternate timeline where the major ancient civilizations that we know, like Rome, Babylon, China, Persia and Egypt, were wiped out by aliens before they could rise to power. Nomadic cultures filled the vacuum.
What's a Scythian?
The Scythians were a nomadic tribal people who lived on the Eurasian steppe in ancient times. They didn't build cities or leave written records, so what we know about them mainly comes from outside sources like Greeks. The picture we get is of heavily tattooed, human-sacrificing, marijuana-using (yup!) savages on horseback who likely invented the idea of drinking from enemy skulls. Think of Mongols and you'll have an idea.
The Scythians were probably the basis for the myths of Amazons. Around 40% of Scythian warrior burial mounds (kurgans) excavated have been found to belong to females, who would have fought alongside males in battle. That's why it made perfect sense to have the main character of Scythian Dawn be female.
Who will enjoy Scythian Dawn?
I think it's for anyone who likes space adventure about an epic struggle against impossible odds. Its focus is on a fast-moving plot but it also features characters who are relatable and human, not just drones who exist to push the plot forward. Book 1 takes place mostly on the ground and centers on Arixa undertaking this huge challenge of becoming Earth's defender, but it still has a large share of sci-fi ideas & tech.
Born to Scythian royalty, Arixa rejected palace life at age nineteen to recruit her own war band, the Dawn, and ride the steppe in defense of the capital. When a fateful encounter leaves her with knowledge that an alien ship is en route to devastate all the cities of Earth, she sets out not only to save her homeland but also to do the unthinkable.
She will strike a blow against the enemies of humanity. At any cost.
Scythian Dawn is the launching point of a 'Barbarian Space Opera' which sees tattooed, ax-wielding riders of the steppe wage high-tech rebellion against a galactic empire. Expect adventure, betrayal, starship duels, alien locales, jumps to hyperspace and iron war-picks punching holes in space armor. Get aboard now!
Book 2: Warp Nomads (Dec 2018) Book 3: The Moon of Sorrows (Feb 2019) Books 4-9: 2019-2020 Q & A with the author
What kind of story is Scythian Dawn?
I knew I wanted to write a space-based Humans vs. Aliens series. But to be honest, I find the character types in that genre a bit boring: the hotshot space pilots, veteran troopers, elite special agents, maverick admirals, top-of-the-class cadets, brilliant scientists, etc. I wanted the story to be about someone other than those. And then I wondered, well, why should hostile aliens only bother Earth after we're technologically advanced?
In my Dawniverse, aliens begin targeting Earth in the early days of civilization, making sure humans never learn to build steam engines, much less rockets. They're stuck in a perpetual Iron Age.
So Scythian Dawn takes place in the past?
Not exactly. It's an alternate timeline where the major ancient civilizations that we know, like Rome, Babylon, China, Persia and Egypt, were wiped out by aliens before they could rise to power. Nomadic cultures filled the vacuum.
What's a Scythian?
The Scythians were a nomadic tribal people who lived on the Eurasian steppe in ancient times. They didn't build cities or leave written records, so what we know about them mainly comes from outside sources like Greeks. The picture we get is of heavily tattooed, human-sacrificing, marijuana-using (yup!) savages on horseback who likely invented the idea of drinking from enemy skulls. Think of Mongols and you'll have an idea.
The Scythians were probably the basis for the myths of Amazons. Around 40% of Scythian warrior burial mounds (kurgans) excavated have been found to belong to females, who would have fought alongside males in battle. That's why it made perfect sense to have the main character of Scythian Dawn be female.
Who will enjoy Scythian Dawn?
I think it's for anyone who likes space adventure about an epic struggle against impossible odds. Its focus is on a fast-moving plot but it also features characters who are relatable and human, not just drones who exist to push the plot forward. Book 1 takes place mostly on the ground and centers on Arixa undertaking this huge challenge of becoming Earth's defender, but it still has a large share of sci-fi ideas & tech.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2018
232 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
P.K. Lentz
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 27, 2018
Review of ‘Scythian Dawn’ by P.K. Lentz
Review written by Katelynn Williams
Arixa, the talented leader of the Dawn, leads her war band through a series of dangers. Arixa runs into aliens, whom explain to who her planets true history. While caring the weight of her world on her shoulders, can she keep her people safe and together? Is she ready for the challenges she must face?
Arixa
This talented Barbarian war band leader, born a princess, but a fighter at heart. With the complete trust of her band, and her incredible abilities, she is a powerful, talented leader.
Ivar Sheildbreaker
The amazing Barbarian, Ivar, has a unique storyline. Between his past with his foreign homeland, his new home with the Dawn, and his connection with his leader, Arixa, Ivar is an incredible part of this book. He is incredibly loyal to Arixa, he has a humorous personality, always lighting up the mood, and is overall one of my favorite parts of this book.
The Dawn
Arixa’s loyal war band is filled with three hundred and sixty men and women ready to follow Arixa to the ends of the earth. While it’s hard to give more than three hundred people personalities, Mr. Lentz does a fine job of making sure many have a important role in his book.
Closing
So if you want a book filled with a interesting space adventure, get the Scythian Dawn. Thank you P.K. Lentz for this incredible book!!
Review written by Katelynn Williams
Arixa, the talented leader of the Dawn, leads her war band through a series of dangers. Arixa runs into aliens, whom explain to who her planets true history. While caring the weight of her world on her shoulders, can she keep her people safe and together? Is she ready for the challenges she must face?
Arixa
This talented Barbarian war band leader, born a princess, but a fighter at heart. With the complete trust of her band, and her incredible abilities, she is a powerful, talented leader.
Ivar Sheildbreaker
The amazing Barbarian, Ivar, has a unique storyline. Between his past with his foreign homeland, his new home with the Dawn, and his connection with his leader, Arixa, Ivar is an incredible part of this book. He is incredibly loyal to Arixa, he has a humorous personality, always lighting up the mood, and is overall one of my favorite parts of this book.
The Dawn
Arixa’s loyal war band is filled with three hundred and sixty men and women ready to follow Arixa to the ends of the earth. While it’s hard to give more than three hundred people personalities, Mr. Lentz does a fine job of making sure many have a important role in his book.
Closing
So if you want a book filled with a interesting space adventure, get the Scythian Dawn. Thank you P.K. Lentz for this incredible book!!
December 19, 2018
Xena, Princess Warrior meets Battle Beyond the Stars
Wow, what a book. PK has delivered a story that I don't think any other author could, if they tried.
A princess warrior and her warband fight an enemy, that has never been beaten. The Jir are far more advanced then The Dawn of Scythia, ( her warband ) but the Dawn don't just fight for themselves, They fight for everyone who has been trampled by the Jir. Even if this means taking the fight to them, the Dawn are ready.
Wow, what a book. PK has delivered a story that I don't think any other author could, if they tried.
A princess warrior and her warband fight an enemy, that has never been beaten. The Jir are far more advanced then The Dawn of Scythia, ( her warband ) but the Dawn don't just fight for themselves, They fight for everyone who has been trampled by the Jir. Even if this means taking the fight to them, the Dawn are ready.
February 12, 2019
Alright, this was a really fun one. A nomad princess of ancient Scythia and her war band versus an invading alien army. Red Sonja VS Mass Effect. I had an absolute blast with it.
The characters are entertaining and well-drawn. The heroine is by turns charming and likeable, hot-blooded and wrathful, and on at least one occasion, pretty cold. I found her memorable. She acclimatises to the strange, sci-fi world that she is thrown into perhaps a bit better than a scythian barbarian might, but that's all part of the fun. The story is completely preposterous and as such extremely entertaining.
I won't say there are really any surprises, but it's a great time getting to the end of what is essentially a giant prologue (but the main arc of this first story does conclude satisfyingly.) It's one of those books where you don't want to go to work because you just want to keep reading. Recommended. Book 2, here I come!
The characters are entertaining and well-drawn. The heroine is by turns charming and likeable, hot-blooded and wrathful, and on at least one occasion, pretty cold. I found her memorable. She acclimatises to the strange, sci-fi world that she is thrown into perhaps a bit better than a scythian barbarian might, but that's all part of the fun. The story is completely preposterous and as such extremely entertaining.
I won't say there are really any surprises, but it's a great time getting to the end of what is essentially a giant prologue (but the main arc of this first story does conclude satisfyingly.) It's one of those books where you don't want to go to work because you just want to keep reading. Recommended. Book 2, here I come!
January 9, 2023
Horseback nomads head for the stars! This is more engaging than it sounds, and a showcase for a cross-genre writing style Lentz has evidently honed. Every time humanity threatens to cross a developmental threshold--the building of cities--the offenders are schwacked back down into the bronze age (or thereabouts, I’m not very fluent in these things) by aliens. Those who aren’t murdered wind up enslaved.
Into the middle of this rides a Scythian war band, whose female leader pretty literally stumbles into aliens manning an outpost of a sort of low-voltage galactic resistance. Fair to say that after that things get amped up pretty quickly.
I had no idea people were still writing Conanesque barbarian/nomad-centric SFF--much less a blend with more traditional aliens, spaceflight, and so forth. Lentz shapes what could be an utterly mindless ramble into an entertaining story with a creative premise. The plot gets predictable after a certain point--necessary to set up the rest of the series--but there’s a fair amount of drama and creative action. The characters are a bit deeper than the Interim crew as well.
Into the middle of this rides a Scythian war band, whose female leader pretty literally stumbles into aliens manning an outpost of a sort of low-voltage galactic resistance. Fair to say that after that things get amped up pretty quickly.
I had no idea people were still writing Conanesque barbarian/nomad-centric SFF--much less a blend with more traditional aliens, spaceflight, and so forth. Lentz shapes what could be an utterly mindless ramble into an entertaining story with a creative premise. The plot gets predictable after a certain point--necessary to set up the rest of the series--but there’s a fair amount of drama and creative action. The characters are a bit deeper than the Interim crew as well.
November 11, 2020
Excellent Adventure
If you like a fast paced action packed adventure that is a mix of fantasy and science fiction you are going to love this book. It's full of plot twist and turns that kept me glued to the story. I found it easy to identify with the characters. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
If you like a fast paced action packed adventure that is a mix of fantasy and science fiction you are going to love this book. It's full of plot twist and turns that kept me glued to the story. I found it easy to identify with the characters. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
July 12, 2021
Arxia, Ivar, Lex, Fizzbik,
Arxia the warrior princess is injured by falling over a cliff during a battle. She is rescued by aliens who heal her injuries and improve her body. She finds that other aliens are expected to attack her city, and sets out to prevent the attack.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
Arxia the warrior princess is injured by falling over a cliff during a battle. She is rescued by aliens who heal her injuries and improve her body. She finds that other aliens are expected to attack her city, and sets out to prevent the attack.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
May 5, 2019
Fast Paced Sci-Fi Warrior Adventure
Deja vu all over again. The earth's humans have unknowingly been kept from developing socially and scientifically by a self-proclaimed superior race. Then Arixa, princess and war band leader, chases down a green glow on the horizon.
Deja vu all over again. The earth's humans have unknowingly been kept from developing socially and scientifically by a self-proclaimed superior race. Then Arixa, princess and war band leader, chases down a green glow on the horizon.
May 29, 2019
Great read...
I'm always willing to try new authors and I'm very glad I tried this one. I couldn't put my tablet down. I'll be getting the rest of the series as I love space opera and just science fiction in general. I'm very impressed.
I'm always willing to try new authors and I'm very glad I tried this one. I couldn't put my tablet down. I'll be getting the rest of the series as I love space opera and just science fiction in general. I'm very impressed.
November 9, 2019
Excellent.
The content of this space opera doesn’t have much “space” in book one until the end. But it’s a great beginning. The premise is solid and builds a great rapport with the characters. Book two and three were purchased immediately upon finishing book one. It’s that good.
The content of this space opera doesn’t have much “space” in book one until the end. But it’s a great beginning. The premise is solid and builds a great rapport with the characters. Book two and three were purchased immediately upon finishing book one. It’s that good.
June 22, 2021
So very different 😀
OK this was much more than I expected from reading the blurb 😀 Enjoyed it from the first page to the last. The characters are believable and the story line is gripping to say the least, for me it is a rather good twist to a tale.
OK this was much more than I expected from reading the blurb 😀 Enjoyed it from the first page to the last. The characters are believable and the story line is gripping to say the least, for me it is a rather good twist to a tale.
April 12, 2022
Basically Post-apocalyptic Future Rome
In so many ways, this reads like a story of Rome versus the world, but in a post-apocalyptic future. Arixa is basically a female Caesar who takes the fight to the Jir.
In so many ways, this reads like a story of Rome versus the world, but in a post-apocalyptic future. Arixa is basically a female Caesar who takes the fight to the Jir.
November 20, 2018
Enjoyable & Different
An enjoyable & different SF read, particularly in the early part, where the storyline was primarily Earth bound. I recommend it.
An enjoyable & different SF read, particularly in the early part, where the storyline was primarily Earth bound. I recommend it.
January 6, 2019
Very entertaining story with an interesting premise
February 9, 2019
It’s not bad
It’s just not good. So predictable I know where everything is going. The characters emote, but they don’t really seem to feel. I got bored.
No noticeable typos.
It’s just not good. So predictable I know where everything is going. The characters emote, but they don’t really seem to feel. I got bored.
No noticeable typos.
March 2, 2019
A stretch in believable-ness, still a wild, fun read.
March 11, 2019
Not a noble tale
You got to get mean I mean plumb mad dog mean. No quarter no honor win or die That's our heroine.
You got to get mean I mean plumb mad dog mean. No quarter no honor win or die That's our heroine.
April 13, 2019
Outstanding (Xena vs Aliens)
This story of a barbarian nomadic war band going against highly advanced aliens is fantastic. This is nonstop action packed entertainment.
This story of a barbarian nomadic war band going against highly advanced aliens is fantastic. This is nonstop action packed entertainment.
June 26, 2019
Praise
Liked the book and the series so far. Yes I would recommend this series. Now I'm going to look for the next one.
Liked the book and the series so far. Yes I would recommend this series. Now I'm going to look for the next one.
Read
July 27, 20192/10: Managed half the book, tempted to read more but just couldn't get there.
February 7, 2020
Great book to read.
You are on a trip that has many ups and downs and doesn't let you down. Great job on the book the next one should be interesting.
You are on a trip that has many ups and downs and doesn't let you down. Great job on the book the next one should be interesting.
November 25, 2019
3 stars. OK book. World building was decent, as was the overall story concept, and I stayed interested enough to finish. Having said that, I found the book somewhat bland and predictable with the two dimensional MC surrounded by one dimensional characters. Don't think I'll read a sequel.
April 15, 2019
Sword and Sorcery meets space opera. A female warrior princess fights to save her people from the ruthless alien race that rules the galaxy, keeping lesser races in a state of technological stagnation by periodically visiting to destroy any sufficiently large population centers. Plenty of swords versus lasers action. Barbarians struggle to comprehend concepts like space ships and fire arms.
Good fun with likable characters and fun premises, but it's probably not going to make you think.
Good fun with likable characters and fun premises, but it's probably not going to make you think.
April 11, 2021
Reasonable bit of light reading but probably won't follow up with the rest in the series due to just not being able to suspend belief enough that a small band of horse warriors can somehow challenge a galactic empire... bit too far fetched a premise for me.
But I did finish the book and mostly enjoyed it.
But I did finish the book and mostly enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews