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Conquest
Torn from her people as a child, Syteria’s Rhoan captors took her off-world, forcibly masculinized her, and turned her into a slave-soldier. Ten years later she is finally back on her homeworld, tasked with hunting down her own people. Instead of obeying her conditioning, she goes rogue but is recaptured. When the Rhoan ship taking her to her execution is pulled through a wormhole she finds herself among the donai, a race of genetically-engineered warriors thousands of years more advanced than her own people.
Months of isolation are almost over for Darien, House Dobromil’s misbehaving heir, as he and his crew serve out a punishment detail. A mysterious ship appears and heads into imperial space, wreaking havoc in its path. It crashes on one of the emperor’s planets, a world that is off-limits. Despite the possibility that the mysterious ship might be an intriguing lure baiting a trap, Darien has a duty to render aid. During the rescue of the ship’s sole survivor, Darien discovers secrets that could destroy the emperor’s power over the Houses of the Imperium.
But when the emperor demands that House Dobromil turn the survivor over, Darien finds himself caught between duty and the ravages of honor. The survivor--a woman whose name he doesn’t even know--is the only proof Darien has of the emperor’s secret wormhole generator and its success. The only way to save Syteria from the emperor’s tender mercies is a solution without honor.
With the emperor and House Dobromil three breaths from war, the survival of the donai hangs in the balance. Will Syteria prove to be the spark that ignites an interstellar war or the key to the donai’s survival? Or will the emperor’s hatred of humans lead to a genocide that will condemn the donai to extinction?
Cultures and passions clash in this epic adventure featuring genetic engineering, nanotechnology, galactic empires, feuding noble houses, and court intrigues. Conquest is the first in a trilogy that is part of a larger series, but can be read as a standalone. This intense story includes fully described sex and uneven power dynamics. The world of the donai is a violent one, including the use of weapons, hunting of animals and people, rape, torture, slavery, and political machinations.
Get it now.
Months of isolation are almost over for Darien, House Dobromil’s misbehaving heir, as he and his crew serve out a punishment detail. A mysterious ship appears and heads into imperial space, wreaking havoc in its path. It crashes on one of the emperor’s planets, a world that is off-limits. Despite the possibility that the mysterious ship might be an intriguing lure baiting a trap, Darien has a duty to render aid. During the rescue of the ship’s sole survivor, Darien discovers secrets that could destroy the emperor’s power over the Houses of the Imperium.
But when the emperor demands that House Dobromil turn the survivor over, Darien finds himself caught between duty and the ravages of honor. The survivor--a woman whose name he doesn’t even know--is the only proof Darien has of the emperor’s secret wormhole generator and its success. The only way to save Syteria from the emperor’s tender mercies is a solution without honor.
With the emperor and House Dobromil three breaths from war, the survival of the donai hangs in the balance. Will Syteria prove to be the spark that ignites an interstellar war or the key to the donai’s survival? Or will the emperor’s hatred of humans lead to a genocide that will condemn the donai to extinction?
Cultures and passions clash in this epic adventure featuring genetic engineering, nanotechnology, galactic empires, feuding noble houses, and court intrigues. Conquest is the first in a trilogy that is part of a larger series, but can be read as a standalone. This intense story includes fully described sex and uneven power dynamics. The world of the donai is a violent one, including the use of weapons, hunting of animals and people, rape, torture, slavery, and political machinations.
Get it now.
- GenresScience Fiction
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2019
24 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 3, 2021
Y'all. This book. What a fantastic surprise! I can't count the number of times I try out a book by an unknown-to-me author and never make it past the first chapter. I've kind of come to expect disappointment now, so when I stumbled across this book, I figured it would just be another sample I tried and discarded.
But from the very first pages, it was clear this author knew how to write. She knew how to develop characters. She knew how to make the reader *feel.* And there's science-y stuff and cultures and political intrigue!
I re-read the sample when I picked up the book again. I'd just finished another book so I thought I'd just remind myself of what this one was about.
That was yesterday morning. Yes, I put life on hold to finish this book and enjoyed every second of it (except the fact that I REALLY need to clean the house and write my own books!).
I'm not sure how to describe the plot. A (non Earth) woman is thrown into a new culture where a race of genetically engineered soldiers has dominion over humans. She's fortunately rescued by a House that treats humans with more respect than the emperor and other houses. The hero, Darien, is the heir of that House and honor is Very Important to him. So is not starting a war with the emperor, but you know, evil emperors are evil emperors. What's an honorable person to do?
I definitely recommend this book. It has the perfect balance of plot and politics and romance, and I can't wait to read what happens in the next book.
But from the very first pages, it was clear this author knew how to write. She knew how to develop characters. She knew how to make the reader *feel.* And there's science-y stuff and cultures and political intrigue!
I re-read the sample when I picked up the book again. I'd just finished another book so I thought I'd just remind myself of what this one was about.
That was yesterday morning. Yes, I put life on hold to finish this book and enjoyed every second of it (except the fact that I REALLY need to clean the house and write my own books!).
I'm not sure how to describe the plot. A (non Earth) woman is thrown into a new culture where a race of genetically engineered soldiers has dominion over humans. She's fortunately rescued by a House that treats humans with more respect than the emperor and other houses. The hero, Darien, is the heir of that House and honor is Very Important to him. So is not starting a war with the emperor, but you know, evil emperors are evil emperors. What's an honorable person to do?
I definitely recommend this book. It has the perfect balance of plot and politics and romance, and I can't wait to read what happens in the next book.
October 27, 2019
A shining 'new' star
When I try out new (to me) authors, I'm always a little skeptical as I start reading - I have favorite genres and favorite authors. Of course, once you've read everything they've published, you have to expand your options.
I found the story very easy to get caught into and I was a little anxious and disappointed when I ran out of book (wasn't paying attention to the progress bar). Now I have to dig up what else she's written while I wait for the next book...
When I try out new (to me) authors, I'm always a little skeptical as I start reading - I have favorite genres and favorite authors. Of course, once you've read everything they've published, you have to expand your options.
I found the story very easy to get caught into and I was a little anxious and disappointed when I ran out of book (wasn't paying attention to the progress bar). Now I have to dig up what else she's written while I wait for the next book...
November 14, 2021
I’ve had this on my kindle for a while, ever since reading the prequel in the Fantastic Hope story collection last year. When the Outlander Book Club added a book challenge thread to knock out 12 books from my TBR pile this year, Ravages of Honor made the list.
I did an update at about the 30% point that oversimplified this as an elaborately science fiction version of the marriage of convenience trope. About 400 pages of political machinations and world building later, I don’t deny the trope (one of my faves) is there, but there was much more to the book. I’m not equipped to check the scientific basis for a book’s details, so I either think ideas sound neat or they don’t. I thought the nanites, which were the basis of so much of the technology in the book, were super neat. One of my favorite details about the book was the way Systeria heard people speaking the language she was learning. Foster took her through a transitional stage of misunderstandings and incorrect word choices rather than having her go from not understanding anything to understanding everything. I was glad the in-between stage wasn’t skipped over.
It’s a long book, especially considering where it ended. As far as I can tell, this will be all we get about Darien and Systeria. I appreciate the time the author took with the relationship, but I sure wish there weren’t so many loose ends left.
One last quibble—I did not always understand Galen and Drea’s motivations, or Systeria’s revulsion at Palleton’s touch. I can make some guesses, but I wouldn’t have minded a bit of clarification. Maybe I just need to find someone else who has read this so we can chat ideas.
Overall, I was glad to finally get to this. It was a bit long for the story it told, but I liked the author’s imagination for the sci-fi elements and I enjoyed the slow burn romance.
I did an update at about the 30% point that oversimplified this as an elaborately science fiction version of the marriage of convenience trope. About 400 pages of political machinations and world building later, I don’t deny the trope (one of my faves) is there, but there was much more to the book. I’m not equipped to check the scientific basis for a book’s details, so I either think ideas sound neat or they don’t. I thought the nanites, which were the basis of so much of the technology in the book, were super neat. One of my favorite details about the book was the way Systeria heard people speaking the language she was learning. Foster took her through a transitional stage of misunderstandings and incorrect word choices rather than having her go from not understanding anything to understanding everything. I was glad the in-between stage wasn’t skipped over.
It’s a long book, especially considering where it ended. As far as I can tell, this will be all we get about Darien and Systeria. I appreciate the time the author took with the relationship, but I sure wish there weren’t so many loose ends left.
One last quibble—I did not always understand Galen and Drea’s motivations, or Systeria’s revulsion at Palleton’s touch. I can make some guesses, but I wouldn’t have minded a bit of clarification. Maybe I just need to find someone else who has read this so we can chat ideas.
Overall, I was glad to finally get to this. It was a bit long for the story it told, but I liked the author’s imagination for the sci-fi elements and I enjoyed the slow burn romance.
January 24, 2020
A page-turning romance novel in space
I call this a romance novel because even though it involves extensive world-building and complex political machinations, the driving force of the book is the attraction between the two leads. You start shipping the them from the first meeting, and I am still not sure how the author pulled that off. The male lead's society (which occupies all but the first chapter) is both alien and familiar, involving very futuristic technology and very old-fashioned culture. This is in stark contrast to the culture the female lead is fleeing, which has familiar technology and extrapolates our current culture to a dark extreme. Much of the female leader's journey is trying to escape the terrible attitudes forced upon her by her rulers back home, and in this way the author highlights the value in old-fashioned notions of duty and chivalry. But mostly, it's a heck of a romance novel, and there are tons of unresolved plot threads hanging, and I eagerly anticipate the sequel.
I call this a romance novel because even though it involves extensive world-building and complex political machinations, the driving force of the book is the attraction between the two leads. You start shipping the them from the first meeting, and I am still not sure how the author pulled that off. The male lead's society (which occupies all but the first chapter) is both alien and familiar, involving very futuristic technology and very old-fashioned culture. This is in stark contrast to the culture the female lead is fleeing, which has familiar technology and extrapolates our current culture to a dark extreme. Much of the female leader's journey is trying to escape the terrible attitudes forced upon her by her rulers back home, and in this way the author highlights the value in old-fashioned notions of duty and chivalry. But mostly, it's a heck of a romance novel, and there are tons of unresolved plot threads hanging, and I eagerly anticipate the sequel.
November 2, 2019
Whew!
It’s not that big a book, but it has a lot packed inside. Massive world building, intense characters, and deep plots keep things interesting.
Definitely not PG-13, the romance portion comes after the midpoint and is quite graphic.
The political machinations are just a touch murky, as several ‘Houses’ are implied but only 3 are named, one of which was previously destroyed. It’s a matter of scale. I was also somewhat confused in the early part of the book as to what the sides were. I was not clear that the Edylon was at least nominally loyal to the Imperium. I thought they were in a competing political structure, not a powerful house within the Imperium.
I don’t know how this moves forward, but I plan to seek out the related novellas. I would buy another book, we’re it to be written.
It’s not that big a book, but it has a lot packed inside. Massive world building, intense characters, and deep plots keep things interesting.
Definitely not PG-13, the romance portion comes after the midpoint and is quite graphic.
The political machinations are just a touch murky, as several ‘Houses’ are implied but only 3 are named, one of which was previously destroyed. It’s a matter of scale. I was also somewhat confused in the early part of the book as to what the sides were. I was not clear that the Edylon was at least nominally loyal to the Imperium. I thought they were in a competing political structure, not a powerful house within the Imperium.
I don’t know how this moves forward, but I plan to seek out the related novellas. I would buy another book, we’re it to be written.
November 27, 2019
This is the good stuff. Genetic manipulation and multi-generational breeding programs born of dynastic politics in a (mostly, kinda-sorta) humans-only space opera universe underpin a fun adventure that's a bit more romance than swashbuckling but won't leave you bored. There's a nice sprinkling of military sci-fi and post-humanism as well as nods to things like the ancient Spartans and their relationship with the Helots. But, at the core, this is a romance of the sort we used to get from authors like Anne McCaffery. The way Foster seamlessly grafts tropes from sci-fi with tropes from the romance genre is masterful. The emotions might feel overwraught to some (our protagonists get whipsawed back-and-forth pretty harshly) but if you don't mind a bit of tooth-gnashing and garment-rending, there's a lot here to enjoy.
If you approach this as typical space opera, things will seem odd to you. It fully is Space Opera, clearly written by someone who loves the genre, but the bones of this story are romance. Because of this, the ending can sneak up on you; it ends when our protagonists forge their relationship, not when the Emperor’s army is crushed or wicked plot is thwarted. Also, the author doesn’t drop the curtain as soon as things start to get intimate. This isn’t erotica, but there are things to learn about the characters through how they make love.
(For those who get the lingo, some nice D/s with a sprinkling of primal. Very much of the One True Love style.)
While we don’t end on a cliffhanger, (ok, kinda do, but not really), there’s a TON of room here for sequels. I very much hope we get them.
If you approach this as typical space opera, things will seem odd to you. It fully is Space Opera, clearly written by someone who loves the genre, but the bones of this story are romance. Because of this, the ending can sneak up on you; it ends when our protagonists forge their relationship, not when the Emperor’s army is crushed or wicked plot is thwarted. Also, the author doesn’t drop the curtain as soon as things start to get intimate. This isn’t erotica, but there are things to learn about the characters through how they make love.
(For those who get the lingo, some nice D/s with a sprinkling of primal. Very much of the One True Love style.)
While we don’t end on a cliffhanger, (ok, kinda do, but not really), there’s a TON of room here for sequels. I very much hope we get them.
November 20, 2019
I received an ARC from the author in return for a review. This is wonderful book. Set in the far future, it has many futuristic elements yet remains a compelling story of culture clashes and language barriers. Syteria, on her way to an execution for sparing her remaining family from destruction ordered by her superiors, is ripped from her universe and must learn to survive in a totally unfamiliar environment. Her struggles to understand and adapt to her new situation while learning how to make friends and allies form the basis of the exciting book which explores freedom, servitude, duty and honor.
January 7, 2020
Interesting science intermixed with an unusual culture resulting from genetic manipulation of the human genome. Throw in a unwitting "primitive" refugee from a tyrannical matriarchal society and you get a cultural clash which the author develops nicely. First impressions become very strange indeed when your guest is from a society completely at odds from your own. My only complaint is that now I'll have to read the full series. A sign the author did well.
February 11, 2020
I was skeptical about beginning an epic-length novel with my current life schedule. SO glad I did!
Ravages of Honor is well written...excellent character development, an intriguing new world to explore, and a gripping plot. How refreshing to read a work written by someone with such a command of the English language as Monalisa Foster. I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
Ravages of Honor is well written...excellent character development, an intriguing new world to explore, and a gripping plot. How refreshing to read a work written by someone with such a command of the English language as Monalisa Foster. I'm really looking forward to the next installment!
May 24, 2020
Great book
Wasn’t expecting a romance when I picked this one up, but it has the trappings of one. Interesting world creations from maternal and paternal perspectives. Look forward to the next one.
Wasn’t expecting a romance when I picked this one up, but it has the trappings of one. Interesting world creations from maternal and paternal perspectives. Look forward to the next one.
July 12, 2020
A tightly wrapped space opera which appears headed to several volumes. Great world-building with leading and supporting characters that have depth. Now I have to track down the several short stories set in Foster's Honor universe and wait (impatiently) for the next book.
September 17, 2023
J.E. Kennard recommended this, and I'm a bit miffed at myself for not reading it sooner. A stron blend of science-fiction and romance, and while the ending came at a bit quickly, I really liked it. Now on to book II.
November 12, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is the first book in the Ravages of Honor series. I had read a short story by this author in a compendium and decided to try a full length book. The short story was written in the same world but did not have the characters from this book. There are also other novellas set in the Ravages of Honor world.
The author created an interesting world. Syteria is from a two planet system that is in a separate galaxy from the one in the main part of the story. While she is on a spaceship, a wormhole opens and brings her to the other galaxy. In this galaxy, there are separate rulers of different parts of the galaxy called Houses. There is also a “federal government” called the Imperium which has some powers over the Houses. The Imperium is run by a leader who wants to have more power over the Houses and to be a supreme ruler. The leader is devious, manipulative, and cruel.
Syteria is rescued by Darien’s spaceship. Darien is ½ human, and ½ Donai. The Donai were created by the humans to help them protect their world. They were genetically enhanced to be stronger and smarter. The inevitable happened and the Donai took over.
The relationship between Syteria and Darien was not well developed. In the early part of the book, they have very little interaction. When they finally met, Darien appears to be immediately committed to Syteria and I did not understand why. There is a pair bond that can develop with Donai but was Darien feeling it? Later you find out he did feel it, but it just was with no explanation for why they were a good match.
In addition, Syteria constantly pushes back on Darien but it is done with no knowledge of the world she is in, what his role is, and it just seemed endless. I think the author wanted to show that she was spunky but it came across as foolish. I don’t think obstinacy for the sake of it is admirable. I would have preferred that she indicate some intelligent thoughts (strategic, philosophical, etc) as part of her challenge. It would have made it more interesting rather than her simply thinking of him as a tyrant.
Syteria acts impulsively after a nightmare and I lost some sympathy for her. I thought her actions showed a lack of control and a lack of forethought.
The wormhole that opened between the two galaxies was part of a secret Imperium program. Darien’s accidental discovery of what happened and Syteria’s actual presence cause major issues.
The secondary characters are interesting. Galen, the doctor, seemed kind and his priority was to help people. However, there is a point after Syteria’s physical recovery that he realizes that she also has PTSD from her terrible childhood. He puts her into a sleep despite knowing that she did not want that to happen. He then says to Darien, “Allowing her to stay here for a few days would let me work on alleviating some of her nightmares, perhaps even some of her people’s draconian conditioning. … Let me do some good, for her sake.” I would think people might stand on different sides of the “it is for her own good” issue, but I thought this should have been Syteria’s choice and this cost the book a star as it was done by Darien as well.
In addition, Darien makes a decision about how to keep Syteria safe that affected her life more greatly than she realized. He tells Galen and others not to tell her his decision.
The story alternated mostly between Syteria and Darien’s point of view, though there were a few scenes from the points of view of others.
There are points in the book where the wording is absolutely great. The author sometimes conveys a perfect symbolic moment, a descriptive thought, etc.
There were times when the relationship between Darian and Syteria felt like a dom/sub one.
Darian, at times, spoke with the royal we.
There is a possible transgender tone to this book that some people may like and others may not. Syteria is captured as a child and genetically modified to become less feminine. When she is healed by Darien’s people, her body reverts to her natural size, shape, etc. This was not overemphasized other than showing some references to Syteria’s fear that this reversion will get her in trouble with her old masters. Submitting to those original changes or her healing back to her original state had not been Syteria’s choice.
I do not plan to continue to the second book and will not continue reading other books by this author. I do not recommend this book.
This book is the first book in the Ravages of Honor series. I had read a short story by this author in a compendium and decided to try a full length book. The short story was written in the same world but did not have the characters from this book. There are also other novellas set in the Ravages of Honor world.
The author created an interesting world. Syteria is from a two planet system that is in a separate galaxy from the one in the main part of the story. While she is on a spaceship, a wormhole opens and brings her to the other galaxy. In this galaxy, there are separate rulers of different parts of the galaxy called Houses. There is also a “federal government” called the Imperium which has some powers over the Houses. The Imperium is run by a leader who wants to have more power over the Houses and to be a supreme ruler. The leader is devious, manipulative, and cruel.
Syteria is rescued by Darien’s spaceship. Darien is ½ human, and ½ Donai. The Donai were created by the humans to help them protect their world. They were genetically enhanced to be stronger and smarter. The inevitable happened and the Donai took over.
The relationship between Syteria and Darien was not well developed. In the early part of the book, they have very little interaction. When they finally met, Darien appears to be immediately committed to Syteria and I did not understand why. There is a pair bond that can develop with Donai but was Darien feeling it? Later you find out he did feel it, but it just was with no explanation for why they were a good match.
In addition, Syteria constantly pushes back on Darien but it is done with no knowledge of the world she is in, what his role is, and it just seemed endless. I think the author wanted to show that she was spunky but it came across as foolish. I don’t think obstinacy for the sake of it is admirable. I would have preferred that she indicate some intelligent thoughts (strategic, philosophical, etc) as part of her challenge. It would have made it more interesting rather than her simply thinking of him as a tyrant.
Syteria acts impulsively after a nightmare and I lost some sympathy for her. I thought her actions showed a lack of control and a lack of forethought.
The wormhole that opened between the two galaxies was part of a secret Imperium program. Darien’s accidental discovery of what happened and Syteria’s actual presence cause major issues.
The secondary characters are interesting. Galen, the doctor, seemed kind and his priority was to help people. However, there is a point after Syteria’s physical recovery that he realizes that she also has PTSD from her terrible childhood. He puts her into a sleep despite knowing that she did not want that to happen. He then says to Darien, “Allowing her to stay here for a few days would let me work on alleviating some of her nightmares, perhaps even some of her people’s draconian conditioning. … Let me do some good, for her sake.” I would think people might stand on different sides of the “it is for her own good” issue, but I thought this should have been Syteria’s choice and this cost the book a star as it was done by Darien as well.
In addition, Darien makes a decision about how to keep Syteria safe that affected her life more greatly than she realized. He tells Galen and others not to tell her his decision.
The story alternated mostly between Syteria and Darien’s point of view, though there were a few scenes from the points of view of others.
There are points in the book where the wording is absolutely great. The author sometimes conveys a perfect symbolic moment, a descriptive thought, etc.
There were times when the relationship between Darian and Syteria felt like a dom/sub one.
Darian, at times, spoke with the royal we.
There is a possible transgender tone to this book that some people may like and others may not. Syteria is captured as a child and genetically modified to become less feminine. When she is healed by Darien’s people, her body reverts to her natural size, shape, etc. This was not overemphasized other than showing some references to Syteria’s fear that this reversion will get her in trouble with her old masters. Submitting to those original changes or her healing back to her original state had not been Syteria’s choice.
I do not plan to continue to the second book and will not continue reading other books by this author. I do not recommend this book.
September 30, 2023
I came across the author in the most recent Baen newsletter, as they are publishing a new book by her (_Threading the Needle_). In looking up the author, I found she had a couple of self-published books. This is the first in a series. I thought I’d give it a try, even though it was leaning towards romance. The author has a sword & knows how to use it, which is always a plus! (Check out her site & see)
The sword work is brought forth from time to time. This is very cool, incorporating her martial skills to make the skills of the characters realistic. I kept wanting more in this vein.
The world building was interesting. Donai and humans. The book takes awhile to lay out just where the Donai came from. Lots of genetic manipulation. Humans are mainly slaves in the Imperium. Donai are superior in numerous ways, except they don’t reproduce well. (They also don’t need sleep, which is a weird trait to toss on the pile) It is this tension among the various Donai houses that give the foundation of the space opera aspect of the book. Add in an evil Emperor who has numerous conspiracies in play, it gives Darien and Syteria an interesting place to play.
I love Darien’s ship. Now, 600km in length & 300km beam, is one huge vessel. It allows for any number of rooms and facilities within. The enormous park, with a huge lake is just one example. The energy required to move such a ship and maintain it would be enormous. It makes the ship more like a mini planet instead of being a bunch of sterile rooms and corridors. I enjoy ship design that gets away from the Star Trek / Star Wars mold. Though I wondered, for a society that has magical technology, where are the robots?
I couldn’t really get into the book. I think it is the romance framework that threw me. I love space opera, though that can have romance elements, but not at the center. Not with the descriptions dripping with sexual tension. This style felt different. It is also long winded. Not much happens for long stretches. I didn’t really like Darian & I wanted to see Syteria be more than the lady who can kill things. I thought something good was going to come out of Darian starting to train Syteria with swords. But that was stopped cold. It also didn’t feel like courtship, more ownership (something Syteria was against). Syteria despises Darian, until she doesn’t.
I like what the author built, but didn’t like following Darian and his fuming. I loved the sword work. The romance framework didn’t work for me. I will pick up _Threading the Needle_ as that looks to be more in the vein of military sci-fi. Hopefully there is sword work there, too.
The sword work is brought forth from time to time. This is very cool, incorporating her martial skills to make the skills of the characters realistic. I kept wanting more in this vein.
The world building was interesting. Donai and humans. The book takes awhile to lay out just where the Donai came from. Lots of genetic manipulation. Humans are mainly slaves in the Imperium. Donai are superior in numerous ways, except they don’t reproduce well. (They also don’t need sleep, which is a weird trait to toss on the pile) It is this tension among the various Donai houses that give the foundation of the space opera aspect of the book. Add in an evil Emperor who has numerous conspiracies in play, it gives Darien and Syteria an interesting place to play.
I love Darien’s ship. Now, 600km in length & 300km beam, is one huge vessel. It allows for any number of rooms and facilities within. The enormous park, with a huge lake is just one example. The energy required to move such a ship and maintain it would be enormous. It makes the ship more like a mini planet instead of being a bunch of sterile rooms and corridors. I enjoy ship design that gets away from the Star Trek / Star Wars mold. Though I wondered, for a society that has magical technology, where are the robots?
I couldn’t really get into the book. I think it is the romance framework that threw me. I love space opera, though that can have romance elements, but not at the center. Not with the descriptions dripping with sexual tension. This style felt different. It is also long winded. Not much happens for long stretches. I didn’t really like Darian & I wanted to see Syteria be more than the lady who can kill things. I thought something good was going to come out of Darian starting to train Syteria with swords. But that was stopped cold. It also didn’t feel like courtship, more ownership (something Syteria was against). Syteria despises Darian, until she doesn’t.
I like what the author built, but didn’t like following Darian and his fuming. I loved the sword work. The romance framework didn’t work for me. I will pick up _Threading the Needle_ as that looks to be more in the vein of military sci-fi. Hopefully there is sword work there, too.
December 16, 2021
If you liked the grand scope of the novel Dune and would like to see a similar story with a female protagonist,—in particular, a space opera epic with highly-regimented, competing governments and wars that are as much internal as external—then check out Ravages of Honor: Conquest by Monalisa Foster.
This novel follows Syteria, who was kidnapped then brainwashed by the Matriarchy to be their soldier. However, when she is sent on a mission to her familiar home planet, she comes face-to-face with a foe she recognizes: her own brother. Though it would be treason against the Matriarchy not to kill him, Syteria breaks through her conditioning and spares her brother’s life. From there, Syteria finds herself hunted and grappling with her indoctrination as a soldier versus her own moral compass. After going rogue, Syteria is forced to look at the world and war in a different way, and in her travels (and trials) her new perspective allows her to form a connection with someone who would have otherwise been her enemy.
Ravages of Honor: Conquest features a strong female lead, who has been essentially programmed to kill, but remains relatable because of her internal conflicts and growth through the narrative. Although she is a soldier, she does not wish to kill needlessly; although she is strong, Syteria needs to go through the struggles of the book to realize her true power. I appreciated watching how her personal morals drive her to work against the conflict, with a new goal she shares with her newfound ally: stopping a pointless war.
This novel follows Syteria, who was kidnapped then brainwashed by the Matriarchy to be their soldier. However, when she is sent on a mission to her familiar home planet, she comes face-to-face with a foe she recognizes: her own brother. Though it would be treason against the Matriarchy not to kill him, Syteria breaks through her conditioning and spares her brother’s life. From there, Syteria finds herself hunted and grappling with her indoctrination as a soldier versus her own moral compass. After going rogue, Syteria is forced to look at the world and war in a different way, and in her travels (and trials) her new perspective allows her to form a connection with someone who would have otherwise been her enemy.
Ravages of Honor: Conquest features a strong female lead, who has been essentially programmed to kill, but remains relatable because of her internal conflicts and growth through the narrative. Although she is a soldier, she does not wish to kill needlessly; although she is strong, Syteria needs to go through the struggles of the book to realize her true power. I appreciated watching how her personal morals drive her to work against the conflict, with a new goal she shares with her newfound ally: stopping a pointless war.
November 22, 2021
Darien has no honor
Darien has no honor and has enslaved his “wife”.
I kept waiting for a revelation or something to bind this couple together, but Darien is so misguided and evil that he doesn’t see that he is evil. Even if he is less evil than others he has no love in his heart or he would not do this to Syteria.
Syteria is a strong heroine that never had a chance to shine as the entire universe and both homes she has known are insisting as treating as chattel and a slave.
The author tries dress this up in pretty words, and almost works, but Darien fails in the end to love and I will not read anymore of this story
Darien has no honor and has enslaved his “wife”.
I kept waiting for a revelation or something to bind this couple together, but Darien is so misguided and evil that he doesn’t see that he is evil. Even if he is less evil than others he has no love in his heart or he would not do this to Syteria.
Syteria is a strong heroine that never had a chance to shine as the entire universe and both homes she has known are insisting as treating as chattel and a slave.
The author tries dress this up in pretty words, and almost works, but Darien fails in the end to love and I will not read anymore of this story
June 28, 2021
Great storytelling
This is a story well told, and clearly the introduction to an intricately-built universe. I can't wait for more! Characters are well-realized and realistic, as well as interesting. Much adventure awaits, and I am ready to see how Darien and Syteria change their fates.
This is a story well told, and clearly the introduction to an intricately-built universe. I can't wait for more! Characters are well-realized and realistic, as well as interesting. Much adventure awaits, and I am ready to see how Darien and Syteria change their fates.
Currently reading
November 6, 2019Eager for more!
I hope there will be many sequels to come. Monalisa made an excellent universe for readers of s/f to explore. My only disappointment is the this installment came to an end, leaving me with intense curiosity for 'what's next'.
I hope there will be many sequels to come. Monalisa made an excellent universe for readers of s/f to explore. My only disappointment is the this installment came to an end, leaving me with intense curiosity for 'what's next'.
February 22, 2022
fun love suspense story
fun love suspense story. Sci fi story of a dominant race where human people are vassals. A bit steamy at times.
fun love suspense story. Sci fi story of a dominant race where human people are vassals. A bit steamy at times.
June 21, 2023
Not a bad book, but not exactly a good one either. It made me think of a Gor book, but set in space.
November 25, 2019
In Ravages of Honor, Foster builds a universe of our future, where good intentions and wishful thinking has led humanity down a dark path into servitude. She uses the journey of one outcast woman, Syteria, to weave a tale about love, duty, honor, and sacrifice.
The writing is superlative, the characters memorable, and the romance erotic without being tasteless or gratuitous. If you like romance, read it. If you like speculative fiction that explores the future by extrapolation of today's reality, read it. If you like a high body count and lots of dead aliens, this isn't your book, but you should read it anyway, just because you need to expand your horizons.
The writing is superlative, the characters memorable, and the romance erotic without being tasteless or gratuitous. If you like romance, read it. If you like speculative fiction that explores the future by extrapolation of today's reality, read it. If you like a high body count and lots of dead aliens, this isn't your book, but you should read it anyway, just because you need to expand your horizons.
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