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The Protectorate Wars #1
The Protectorate Wars: Born Hero
#1 Bestseller in STEAMPUNK FICTION and RELIGIOUS SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY It’s an uncertain time in the Fertile Plains. Sixty cycles have passed since Alönia won The Protectorate War, but time and conflict have eroded the security gained through that great struggle. As Alönia wades through internal squabbling, David rises above his tragic childhood and earns a place as an aide to a powerful politician. Only time will tell if he can overcome petty disputes and uncover a hidden enemy before everyone he knows is dead. Embark on an airship adventure. Feel the wind in your hair as you soar through the clouds. Solve mysteries, forge friendships, and watch an ordinary boy become the hero he was born to be.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2019
71 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Shaffer
5 books5 followersWriting fiction is ten times more exciting than reading it. Have you ever read a story and wished it ended differently? Have you ever looked out at a beautiful sunrise and seen a story taking shape? That's what writing is to me, and I hope my stories give you a glimpse of the hope I feel every day. For more about me visit https://www.sashaffer.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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August 20, 2019Fun and exciting
This book was so enticing I started reading and realized I needed to know what was gonna happen next so I didn’t even try to stop reading. I made excuses to keep going and I felt myself stuck in a crazy whirlwind of mystery and action and adventure. Definitely worth the read and would recommend to read.
This book was so enticing I started reading and realized I needed to know what was gonna happen next so I didn’t even try to stop reading. I made excuses to keep going and I felt myself stuck in a crazy whirlwind of mystery and action and adventure. Definitely worth the read and would recommend to read.
June 20, 2019
Fantastic book, well written, amazing character development, and some twists that leave you begging for more! I can’t wait for book two to see what happens next!
August 25, 2020
In general, I don't like reading a book based solely on the sub-genre it is putting itself into. A book has to be able to stand on its own merits, not on the fact that it is part of a smaller group. So finding a book that says a Steam Punk adventure doesn't motivate me to give it a look. I read a bit of the blurb about this book and decided to give it a go. I am glad that I did.
This book was a fun adventure that has plenty of key elements to make it a good series. Interesting characters, decent world-building, believable politics, murder, and some wild adventure. The author has put together a good first book for the series and I am looking forward to what comes next.
This book was a fun adventure that has plenty of key elements to make it a good series. Interesting characters, decent world-building, believable politics, murder, and some wild adventure. The author has put together a good first book for the series and I am looking forward to what comes next.
October 25, 2019
Christian Fiction At Its Finest - Author Interview Available on The Rebel Christian
This is a book I opened with little faith that I would enjoy it. I’m unsure how I feel about steampunk, but Christian steampunk sounded too intriguing to turn away and I’m glad I didn’t turn this away. The Rebel Christian is always on the hunt for quality Christian entertainment but sometimes a story's uniqueness alone is satisfying.
Don’t get me wrong, Born Hero was just as good in quality as it was in originality. It fully embodied the word steampunk in a way I haven’t seen so far in my meager experience with the genre. I once reviewed a steampunk fantasy which featured whacky characters traveling the world in a hot air balloon, Born Hero certainly has the equipment, but it does not have the odd whacky feel that has managed to push more closer to disliking this unique genre.
Shaffer totally rebuilds the world as we know it with technology, intelligence, and even time measured differently. Our story centers around the young hero named David who quite an interesting character. David—who is somewhat reminiscent of King David from the Holy Bible (that’s a compliment, by the way)—faces many trials throughout his life; from losing loved ones, to limbs, and then facing a rather stagnant future, he finds himself somehow entangled in the corrupt politics of his world. Readers get to take flight on giant vessels, traverse lands unseen, and survive in a world where it seems everyone may turn against you. Born Hero is truly that—the birth of a young man who must save the world.
Click Here for the full review and interview with the author!
*The Rebel Christian received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is a book I opened with little faith that I would enjoy it. I’m unsure how I feel about steampunk, but Christian steampunk sounded too intriguing to turn away and I’m glad I didn’t turn this away. The Rebel Christian is always on the hunt for quality Christian entertainment but sometimes a story's uniqueness alone is satisfying.
Don’t get me wrong, Born Hero was just as good in quality as it was in originality. It fully embodied the word steampunk in a way I haven’t seen so far in my meager experience with the genre. I once reviewed a steampunk fantasy which featured whacky characters traveling the world in a hot air balloon, Born Hero certainly has the equipment, but it does not have the odd whacky feel that has managed to push more closer to disliking this unique genre.
Shaffer totally rebuilds the world as we know it with technology, intelligence, and even time measured differently. Our story centers around the young hero named David who quite an interesting character. David—who is somewhat reminiscent of King David from the Holy Bible (that’s a compliment, by the way)—faces many trials throughout his life; from losing loved ones, to limbs, and then facing a rather stagnant future, he finds himself somehow entangled in the corrupt politics of his world. Readers get to take flight on giant vessels, traverse lands unseen, and survive in a world where it seems everyone may turn against you. Born Hero is truly that—the birth of a young man who must save the world.
Click Here for the full review and interview with the author!
*The Rebel Christian received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 8, 2021
Amazing Steampunk Fantasy Thriller
This was an exciting read and my 15 year old son is now impatiently waiting the next book in the series. We're not usually to into the steampunk genre but this one pleasantly surprised us. It's a fun combination of fantasy, steampunk, sci-fi, and then with a mix of political mystery thriller for extra fun. Definitely give this one a shot if the description or the amazing cover art interests you at all!
Parents: PG13 This has some bad language but it's pretty minimal like 5-10 times throughout the book and no f-bombs. In terms of violence normal fantasy violence but nothing graphic. The romance is mainly kissing, there is one scene where he walks in on his boss and secretary making out but all clothes were still on- more suggested or implied. I place it as being geared for 14 years to adult readers.
The narrator does a fantastic job with the voices, overall acting, and does a great NY accent for the detective. He has good pacing and was really fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was an exciting read and my 15 year old son is now impatiently waiting the next book in the series. We're not usually to into the steampunk genre but this one pleasantly surprised us. It's a fun combination of fantasy, steampunk, sci-fi, and then with a mix of political mystery thriller for extra fun. Definitely give this one a shot if the description or the amazing cover art interests you at all!
Parents: PG13 This has some bad language but it's pretty minimal like 5-10 times throughout the book and no f-bombs. In terms of violence normal fantasy violence but nothing graphic. The romance is mainly kissing, there is one scene where he walks in on his boss and secretary making out but all clothes were still on- more suggested or implied. I place it as being geared for 14 years to adult readers.
The narrator does a fantastic job with the voices, overall acting, and does a great NY accent for the detective. He has good pacing and was really fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 25, 2022
I have read the four books in this series prior to writing this review. This summary will be repeated for all books with additional comments on book 3.
First of all, I enjoyed this series. Had all the elements generally found in this genre. The author does an excellent job of bringing a feeling of intimacy with the characters. You feel their losses. You admire certain characters in the same way that of the characters. This isn't so unusual in lengthy stories except that the I felt much closer to the individuals in this story than I have in other works.
I developed a genuine appreciation several of the main characters who brought vitality and mystery to the story line.
Excellent job. Starts slow but builds up toward a satisfying conclusion.
First of all, I enjoyed this series. Had all the elements generally found in this genre. The author does an excellent job of bringing a feeling of intimacy with the characters. You feel their losses. You admire certain characters in the same way that of the characters. This isn't so unusual in lengthy stories except that the I felt much closer to the individuals in this story than I have in other works.
I developed a genuine appreciation several of the main characters who brought vitality and mystery to the story line.
Excellent job. Starts slow but builds up toward a satisfying conclusion.
July 6, 2024
A well written, if meandering, book
I think there's a difference between a book with lots of twists and turns and a story that can't really decide what it wants to be. It starts with an epic airship battle, but then quickly forgets that before becoming a political drama for a while before becoming a political thriller book in the last eighth and then ends rather abruptly without really answering any questions.
I'd have given it a higher rating if the ending was an ending and not just stopping when things were getting interesting. There's a good line between a stand alone story that can lead into a sequel and just not answering anything, and this leans into the latter
I think there's a difference between a book with lots of twists and turns and a story that can't really decide what it wants to be. It starts with an epic airship battle, but then quickly forgets that before becoming a political drama for a while before becoming a political thriller book in the last eighth and then ends rather abruptly without really answering any questions.
I'd have given it a higher rating if the ending was an ending and not just stopping when things were getting interesting. There's a good line between a stand alone story that can lead into a sequel and just not answering anything, and this leans into the latter
August 18, 2019
Intriguing but falls a little flat
When the title mentioned “steampunk,” I was super intrigued as I had never read a steampunk book before and was curious what that meant. It kinda felt like a combination of genres. The book itself had promise but it fell a little flat for more. David was a good main character but he wasn’t memorable. I felt like the novel took too much time explaining things compared to letting the action explain. I’d be willing to give a second novel a try.
When the title mentioned “steampunk,” I was super intrigued as I had never read a steampunk book before and was curious what that meant. It kinda felt like a combination of genres. The book itself had promise but it fell a little flat for more. David was a good main character but he wasn’t memorable. I felt like the novel took too much time explaining things compared to letting the action explain. I’d be willing to give a second novel a try.
December 5, 2019
A wonderfully fleshed out world and story. Characters of depth and heart. I liked the way the author told the story. Details were grasped and even when it was mundane, it a was still interesting. I liked this from start to finish. I could not stop reading and had to know what was going to happen next and by the tail end I had to have all the mysteries figured out… all to get to a point that.. I know I want to read the next one.
July 11, 2021
audible:I was drawn right into this book and didn't want to leave.I hope Book 2 comes around soon! A young man gets a job in politics,but was it on his own merit, or his families name?Everyone has his name,he isn't anything special.He becomes a kind of kingmaker,but is it a good thing?We all should stay tuned and find out. Excellent book. Kevin Reddington was a terrific narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
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June 22, 2019Intriguing and addicting!
Once I got drawn into the story I had a very hard time putting it down for anything else! The characters are real and intriguing, the plot has so many mysterious twists and turns and the alternate reality becomes addictive to the reader. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical/fantasy fiction
Once I got drawn into the story I had a very hard time putting it down for anything else! The characters are real and intriguing, the plot has so many mysterious twists and turns and the alternate reality becomes addictive to the reader. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical/fantasy fiction
July 15, 2019
This was a great book. I don’t very often read books from cover to cover, and I almost never take the time to leave reviews. Still, I had to give this one a shout-out. Great story, fun characters and interesting new world. Couldn’t put it down!
December 13, 2019
A good yarn
Enough steam, action and intrigue to keep anyone busy.
Heroes always tend to be a bit shallow, too busy being heroic but here we have a couple of Heroes who have some depth though we'll have to wait for book two for one to shine.
Recommended.
Enough steam, action and intrigue to keep anyone busy.
Heroes always tend to be a bit shallow, too busy being heroic but here we have a couple of Heroes who have some depth though we'll have to wait for book two for one to shine.
Recommended.
January 5, 2020
Excellent!
This is the first steampunk novel have finished, as the others did not grab my attention to a sufficient degree. This story was simply endearing, and fabulously told, and I will now continue on to the second installment.
This is the first steampunk novel have finished, as the others did not grab my attention to a sufficient degree. This story was simply endearing, and fabulously told, and I will now continue on to the second installment.
June 19, 2020
Fantastic story of a boy who had a legacy and dream of flying, became handicapped and fought through that to support the rise of the next great political giant. Only to have it all end up as almost a bad dream as his the polit's assistant and his own love are brutally murdered as he rose to power.
November 13, 2020
An exciting tale of a young boy growing into the hero he us meant to become. Filled with mystery, wonderful friendships, and adventure, this is a great start to a new series. You’ll be racing to read the second book as you’ll be hooked. Great characters and engaging plot!
July 6, 2019
Surprisingly good!
December 23, 2019
Almost...
More alternate reality than steampunk, with steam this and steam that but no explanations. Otherwise a well written, engaging story
More alternate reality than steampunk, with steam this and steam that but no explanations. Otherwise a well written, engaging story
December 21, 2023
Great read. Solid characters, an intriguing plot, and good themes. Highly recommend the audio version!
August 19, 2024
See this and other reviews at https://www.thebookdragondotblog.word...
I’ll admit that I had low expectations of this novel, as in the prologue, the phrase, “Boys would be boys,” rubbed me the wrong way. As it would in any book. So, I started off already in a bad mood, ready to DNF this novel at the slightest provocation. And yet… I devoured it. If that’s not the highest praise, I don’t know what is.
The worldbuilding is absolutely phenomenal. Steampunk with flying airships and cool technology that feels old but to us is new and exciting. You get to actually step foot into this world with David, the MC, and fly those airships! You get to experience all the cool new gadgets and toys that all the other characters take for granted. The world is full and immersive. Perfect for those looking for an escape from reality.
And the plot? Also amazing. There’s political intrigue, mysterious circumstances, perhaps a dash of romance thrown in… And although I had an inkling of what may be going on, I wasn’t even close to fully figuring out the story until the very end… Which still leads us into the next book of the series! I finished this book in two sittings. TWO. For a 362-page novel! The tension propelled me forward and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I simply had to get to the bottom of the various mysteries and machinations to see if my theories panned out. And to see if my favorite characters were going to last.
Overall, this novel will give you adventure, suspense, hope, and fear. You’ll get to experience a cool world with various gizmos and a host of characters that have a lot of growing to do. You won’t be the same by the end of this book. And be prepared to immediately pick up the second in the series (don’t worry, #2 and #3 are already out).
I’ll admit that I had low expectations of this novel, as in the prologue, the phrase, “Boys would be boys,” rubbed me the wrong way. As it would in any book. So, I started off already in a bad mood, ready to DNF this novel at the slightest provocation. And yet… I devoured it. If that’s not the highest praise, I don’t know what is.
The worldbuilding is absolutely phenomenal. Steampunk with flying airships and cool technology that feels old but to us is new and exciting. You get to actually step foot into this world with David, the MC, and fly those airships! You get to experience all the cool new gadgets and toys that all the other characters take for granted. The world is full and immersive. Perfect for those looking for an escape from reality.
And the plot? Also amazing. There’s political intrigue, mysterious circumstances, perhaps a dash of romance thrown in… And although I had an inkling of what may be going on, I wasn’t even close to fully figuring out the story until the very end… Which still leads us into the next book of the series! I finished this book in two sittings. TWO. For a 362-page novel! The tension propelled me forward and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I simply had to get to the bottom of the various mysteries and machinations to see if my theories panned out. And to see if my favorite characters were going to last.
Overall, this novel will give you adventure, suspense, hope, and fear. You’ll get to experience a cool world with various gizmos and a host of characters that have a lot of growing to do. You won’t be the same by the end of this book. And be prepared to immediately pick up the second in the series (don’t worry, #2 and #3 are already out).
July 23, 2019
"If you enjoy steampunk adventures, political intrigue, and plots of corruption then this epic tale by SA Shaffer is perfect for you." Five stars. Readers' Favorite Review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews