Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Cadicle #1-7

Fractured Empire - Complete Cadicle Series Boxset

Rate this book

The Taran Empire is fighting a secret interdimensional war... and they're losing.

Cris Sietinen joins the Tararian Selective Service to hone his latent telekinetic abilities, but being an Agent puts him at the center of a galactic conspiracy.

The Empire is waging a generations-long war within a hidden dimensional rift against the Bakzen, a mysterious race skilled in advanced telekinesis. The only hope for victory is the prophesied Cadicle—foretold to have powerful abilities unlike any other. But the governing Priesthood has its own secret agenda.

With the future of their people at stake, Cris and his family must face the ultimate questions of duty and morality to save their civilization from certain destruction.

A timeless space opera epic with adventure, coming-of-age, romance, and intrigue, the Cadicle series spans three generations as one family challenges destiny to win a war where enemies are not always who they seem.

"Appealing characters and detailed worldbuilding draw the reader into a tale of politics, sabotage, kidnapping, telekinesis, and clones. [...] DuBoff weaves together sympathetic characters, an intriguing plot, devious villains, exciting space adventure, and hopes pinned on a chosen savior." - Publisher's Weekly

The Fractured Empire boxset contains the complete Cadicle series:

Volume 1: Architects of Destiny Volume 2: Veil of Reality Volume 3: Bonds of Resolve Volume 4: Web of Truth Volume 5: Crossroads of Fate Volume 6: Path of Justice Volume 7: Scions of Change

For audiobooks, see the Cadicle series page: audible.com/series?asin=B06XK1ZV57

Print editions are available for the individual books: amazon.com/gp/product/B079P64Z5R

1771 pages, ebook

Published November 11, 2017

1156 people are currently reading
315 people want to read

About the author

A.K. DuBoff

79 books111 followers
A.K. (Amy) DuBoff has always loved science fiction in all its forms, including books, movies, shows, and games. If it involves outer space, even better!

She is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling indie author specializing in space-based science fiction and fantasy. Dubbed the modern “Queen of Space Opera” by her readers, she is most known for her acclaimed Cadicle Universe. Amy’s short fiction has been published by NewCon Press, Seventh Seal Press, and in numerous indie publications.

When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
510 (62%)
4 stars
221 (27%)
3 stars
58 (7%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for SciFiOne.
2,021 reviews38 followers
April 30, 2022
Sep 27, 2021
Architects of Destiny
(book 1 of Fractured Empire - The complete Cadicle series of 7)

2021 Grade B+

True space opera or adventure - Kind of nice. This is actually a prequel that takes place about 20 years before the first regular novel. Reading it is, of course, optional but it is rather good. The prose is smooth flowing, easy to read, and fun. It is a classic story of the boy who leaves home and takes a job on a freighter plying the space routes. It kept reminding me of the early youth oriented Asimov and Heinlein novels.

It was thoroughly enjoyable and is recommended.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Oct 5, 2021
Veil of Reality
(book 2 of Fractured Empire - The complete Cadicle series of 7)

2021 Grade B

This is the actual first novel in the series. The protagonist is a family man who works as an agent for a semi-military psychic-powers organization. At least he thought it was semi-military until his teen son is kidnapped by an enemy in a hidden centuries long war. That's when the deceit is exposed. The son is the other main protagonist.

The book is not quite as entertaining as the prequel, mainly because it seemed a little padded, it is needlessly introspective, and the conclusion is a little too open ended for my tastes (but not bad for a serialized story). Or maybe I just read it too soon after the prequel. The introspection bits are short and italicized so were easy to skip over when I felt like it. I also speed read some of the interrogation and battles when they got too long. But don't let that put you off, I always do that - they are actually quite exciting in places and very well written.

Recommended with reservations.

= = = = = = = = = = = =
Nov 15, 2021
Bonds of Resolve
(book 3 of Fractured Empire - The complete Cadicle series of 7)

2021 Grade B

This book started out so great, grade A level. An apparently new protagonist starts the story. She is a teen from earth who has been recruited into the Taranan Selective Service - a military psychic-powers organization. She was apparently an outsider on earth and has low self-esteem. Her character development is incredibly interesting as is the world building of the training. But, just as she starts to have self confidence about 2/3 of the way through, the story switches to the young protagonist from the last book.

He is a sort of introspective superhero and is quite boring. She, of course, "bonds" with him and by the end of the book has as little story as a simple girl friend. The reader never even gets to see the end of her training. Maybe it will be in the next book, maybe not. I'm sure she has a part to play in later installments, but, in this case, the last third of the book is grade C.

There are also interruptions throughout the main storyline to follow an even more boring villain. I speed read all of those and I think many, if not all, of the middle segments could have been skipped completely. Only the first and last are necessary to the series. Those were grade D.

Recommended with reservations. The author's female leads are much more interesting than the males.

= = = = = = = = = = = =
Apr 30, 2022
Web of Truth
(book 4 of Fractured Empire - The complete Cadicle series of 7)
by A.K. DuBoff

2022 Grade D

This story has three parts. I don't remember what is in part one. Part two is almost pure melodrama. Probably only part three (short) contains material necessary for the long story arc. I had to do massive speed reading on part two including skipping whole chapters. I suspect the whole book can be skipped. I have abandoned the series at this point. Not recommended.

= = = = = = = = = = = =

Overall. It turns out there is also a 5 book set. Book one of this set was a prequel and it was best so far. The grades have been going down progressively leading me to abandon the series.
Profile Image for Dennis Zimmerman.
383 reviews
May 23, 2020
Fractured Empire (Complete Cadicle Series Box set)

• Volume 1: Architects of Destiny
• Volume 2: Veil of Reality
• Volume 3: Bonds of Resolve
• Volume 4: Web of Truth
• Volume 5: Crossroads of Fate
• Volume 6: Path of Justice
• Volume 7: Scions of Change

Good read. Would give it 4 out of 5 stars

The intro says average reading time was around 44 hours and I have to agree. I've pretty much been reading this non-stop since downloading.
I know (from the author's notes) that this wasn't written in 40 days and 40 nights, but the consistency of the convoluted interwoven plots and characters is amazing. I do not know what rock the author was hiding under before, but I feel blessed that she has chosen to share her talents with the world, instead of staying silent.

This is a military Sci-fi genre and space opera that threads multi generations of the primary characters, over around 60 years of action and development of the main story line. It placed a secret military base on the back side of Earth's moon, and a universe wide filled with a civilization of around 6 trillion citizens. Somehow, the author manages to keep track of everything, bringing threads together as needed to advance the main story line.

If you love sci-fi and want a binge read for days on end, this series is for you, but you must read in sequence.


4 reviews
January 27, 2025
It was a good long read (the entire box-set) but at times felt like it was drifting into some sort of mashup of Ender's Game and Dune: selective breeding over many generations to produce an offspring with specific traits or 'powers'; High Dynasty families controlling critical infrastructure; secret/mythical orders pulling strings behind the scenes; abstract training of someone very young to win a war against an unseen enemy; a focus on approaching problems from new and unexpected ways; debilitating remorse for unavoidable decisions taken in a battle situation.
If you have read the Dune saga and the Enders Game series of books, a lot of this Cadicle series will seem a bit too familiar.
Having said that, I did enjoy it. It generally has a feelgood style in that the outcomes are what you would like to have seen in the end. Some of the plot lines are utterly transparent - i.e. as soon as they start you can see what's coming from miles away - so you don't really get any nasty surprises. It keeps moving at a reasonable pace for such a long story, so you don't (or at least I didn't) get bored in the middle.
Would recommend it? Yes, as a light hearted long read - maybe take it on holiday.
Would I read it again? Probably not. (To be honest, I wouldn't read the Ender's Game series again either, whereas I keep re-reading the Foundation, Dune, and Lord Of The Rings series' every few years.) Some stories have the breadth and depth to pull you back in again and again, others not so much.
14 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2018
A great epic!

This seven book series is an exceptionally well written sci-fi series. I had read some of Amy's other books so I opted for the complete series on kindle. This story focuses on three generations of the primary dynastic family in the Taran Empire as they fight to bring balance back to the galaxy. There is political intrigue, military action and as many twists and turns as you can imagine. Will the good guys win? A very good question. Another question might be who are the good guys. The series kept my interest throughout the entire saga. I enjoy guessing how the author will develop the plot given the previous events in the story. There were only a few times when I actually guessed correctly. That makes me want to keep reading. Fortunately, I'm retired and didn't have to be concerned about getting up to go to work the next day. I found myself as entranced with this series as I was with Asimov''s Foundation series 50 yrs ago. I'm looking forward to any follow on books the she may add to the adventure.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,840 reviews34 followers
August 16, 2020
Multigenerational space opera

OK, I'm dating myself, but this was sort of like 'Star Trek' meets "The 10 Commandments" with a nod to Mayberry. Weirdly peppered with socio-political declarations and New Age mysticism, it is the story of three generations of one family at the crux of revolution in a galactic empire. I binge-read all seven volumes, because the story is quite compelling and the characters do engender sympathy. The political, philosophical, and sociological underpinnings are interesting, despite being rather broadly sketched. I'm sure there's a dearth of hard science here, but the lack is simply not germane to this story, so who cares? It's a really good series, a great binge-read, and the ending is satisfying, if not absolutely final.
Profile Image for Mark P. Downey.
200 reviews
October 26, 2021
Great read

This set of books is a real gem. Once I started, I really couldn’t put it down. It’s not without its flaws, and many would find its rags to riches and romance subplots too much fairytale-like. Yet after seeing the power of disinformation and the dissemination of lies as truth in the most recent past US president’s (and his supporters’) armamentarium, I can see how the holders of power in this story attained and held that power. It’s a sobering reminder that we ALL need to keep our moral compasses well-calibrated.
Profile Image for Steve Hall.
12 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2018
Outstanding Space Opera!

I'm not normally a fan of telepathy in sci-fi, but Amy Duboff gets it right in every way. Furthermore, her characters are genuine--one passage in the 6th book of the series almost brought me to years with it's poignancy, and not in a sappy way. Add to that a deeply interwoven story, and you have a classic. I'm looking forward with great anticipation to her next series.
Profile Image for D A Lightcap.
92 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2020
The author writes a tale I was compelled to read straight to completion to discover how the gate of the family involved would fare against wall their trials.

Descriptions of worlds by the author and places made me feel like I was really see what it looks like, the people are believable and relatable. I look forward to reading more from the author and noting additional books in this series extending the storyline I plan to read more.
1,249 reviews6 followers
April 21, 2018
An ending, it surely more to come......

An ending of an arc, but so much is left of the unknown future. I was left more with a job well done than with a warm fuzzy feeling. Still and all it was a delightful series to read; classic old time science fiction. Ms Duboff, I am waiting.......for the rest of course!!
322 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2021
Beyond incredible!!

Generations of galactic peoples live under the rule of a corrupted priesthood. One young man leaves home ,being against the political kingdom of his family and learns how the commoners live before finding his one true path. His life changes the entire galaxy .
25 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2023
Praise for the Author!!!!😉😉

I was totally involved in reading from the get go!!! It was totally fascinating such characters and plots were never ending!!!😉😉 So much intriguing things throughout!!!
I would recommend it to you and all my friends to read!!!😄😄😄
The 5 star rating was the only way to go!!!!😉😉😉
Profile Image for Glenda Clemens.
Author 41 books19 followers
January 19, 2024
Amazing stories filled with true human interactions and family dynamics! I'm so glad I read the box set because I couldn't put it down. Lucky me, we were without electricity due to a snowstorm for nearly 24 hours. I had the perfect excuse to simply sit down and read. Who knew over 2200 pages would go by so fast!
421 reviews
February 13, 2024
A new universe

Some of the books in the series were great and others less so but, overall, this collection is a great introduction to a new universe that could, like Star Wars, with a little polishing become a major TV or movie franchise. It does seem odd to me but I’m looking forward to reading the next enormous tome about these worlds.
24 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2025
Great Characters in a Multigenerational Story

This was a story of how a family overcame their cultural, religious, as well as their bioengineered enemies across three generations. As is typical with Duboff's books, the characters are filled out and are relatable. I loved these books!
2 reviews
March 25, 2025
Old school sci-fi without a lot of sorcerers and trolls

For those that like a story that builds a world on a few assumptions about what would be possible if telekinesis were possible and uses character development and plot twists in a scientific whodunit, this series of books is for you.
1 review
September 8, 2025
Epic Series

This set of seven books were a masterpiece of imagination, following the lives of the heirs of Setinen and others. I can only say that you have to read the books and you will find that just when you think things will settle for a while, new information comes to light and your read becomes yet another roller coaster! Excellent series and I highly recommend it!
2 reviews
November 26, 2025
Great series!

A lot of series book is own story and they're all great. We'll worth the time and money. If you like sci tend to repeat similar story lines from book to book but this series made each book feel like it's own part of a larger whole. We'll worth the time and money. If you like reading good sci-fi, don't hesitate and give this series a shit. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Timothy Moyer.
15 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2018
I found this on Facebook with an intriguing offer, so I did. OMG! Did I enjoy this read? Oh Yes. Characters, plots and twists galore. I stayed up way too late all last week reading this one. I absolutely recommend this set and will be reading some more of Amy DuBoff.
6 reviews
April 25, 2019
Praise for the TSS

I have just finished reading the box set of Fractured Empire couldn't stop reading on the bus,on the train,before going to sleep loved it looking forward to the next installment.
91 reviews
September 24, 2022
I enjoyed this series a lot

I really got involved in this series and felt like I was in a real place. The character development was excellent and I was rooting for their success. I read all 7 books in two weeks. I really like the battle scenes.
128 reviews
December 11, 2023
Free Choice or Benevolent Guidance?

What can manipulation, intrigue and science accomplish in human capabilities? In several tests, various groups attempt to answer that series of questions. What side would you gravitate to?
299 reviews
December 19, 2023
Seven Book Series

Read all seven books. Great characters that flow from book to book with new ones added. Really a story about a guy not liking his life and made a drastic change. His stand changed his family and civilizations courses. Fantastic reads. Big D
Profile Image for Mary.
52 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2024
Probably not worth the time…

Over 2000 pages of questionable writing…don’t really get to know the characters in any but a surface level.
Good Sci Fi is hard to find…and this isn’t good sci fi. Sorry. Spoiler alert:the good guys win😎
79 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2024
A.K. RuNoff is an excellent author

Loved this epic tale of Galactic intrigue. Glad that I could get the first part of the Cadicle series 1-7. I look forward to seeing happens next in future generations.
2 reviews
April 30, 2024
Truly an amalgamation of Dune and Star Wars

Stretching the story of fractured empire over several books allowed for a detailed character development. Having several generations, helped to develop the story in one cohesive piece.
42 reviews
July 6, 2024
Fractured Empire

Great series! I will read the sequel series next. Lots of action & sitting on the edge of your seat. Familial investment s are awesome, working seamlessly together. My first time reading this author, Ime sure to keep him in my favorites! Thanks
23 reviews
February 18, 2025
great series!

This is my third time reading the Fractured Empire series, and I still enjoyed it! Great plot, characters and the ability to keep the reader engaged. Any time I come across book series that I know I can pick up and reread at any time I really treasure them!
10 reviews
January 5, 2018
WARNING !

Ration yourselves . If , like me , you are a page turner , unable to park a good book , then 1 or 3 sleepless nights will be your curse .
1 review
January 30, 2018
1799 Page-Turner

Amazing and satisfying. The books flow together beautifully. Felt like one giant novel. Wish I could score it 4.5. Keep Portland weird.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.