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Spectras Arise Trilogy #0.5
Conviction
TRUSTING OTHERS IS YOUR FIRST MISTAKE.
If Corps Tech Sergeant Aly Erikson wants to survive another day, she will have to give up everything: her identity, her rank, her attachment to her brothers-in-arms, and most of all, her guilt.
After doing her duty as a member of a ground infantry squad tasked with “neutralizing” an insurrection by non-citizens on a mining planet, Erikson realizes that everything she thought the Corps stood for, thought she stood for, is crumbling away. Where is the honor, the justice, the spirit of law? When the enemies are nothing more than outclassed and outgunned dregs of the Algol System’s forgotten people, being part of their execution squad has put her as far from the ideals of justice as Erikson can imagine. Haunted by their ghosts, she struggles to maintain her military bearing until even that is suddenly ripped away in an act of terrorism that sends her, her brother, Tech Sergeant David Erikson, and another Corpsmember, Rebecca Soltznin, on the run on a hostile planet. Forced for the first time in ten years to blend in with a civilian population, the three are faced with a single choice: regroup with their brothers-in-arms or become deserters. For Aly, it’s easy; why go back to being a cog in the death machine the Corps is becoming? But for the other two, the price for making the wrong decision may be higher than they’re willing to pay.
On the run, under attack from the scavengers who plague the system, and out of options, the three face conflict from every direction. If they can’t find a way to fight together, their chances for survival are less than zero. And for one of them, the best solution may come down to one simple act: betrayal. In this prequel to the popular Spectras Arise Trilogy, readers get an intimate look into the events that led Aly and David Erikson on their path from decorated and dedicated soldiers to black-market arms smugglers, and ultimately, to rebels against the Political and Capital Administration of the Advanced Worlds.
If Corps Tech Sergeant Aly Erikson wants to survive another day, she will have to give up everything: her identity, her rank, her attachment to her brothers-in-arms, and most of all, her guilt.
After doing her duty as a member of a ground infantry squad tasked with “neutralizing” an insurrection by non-citizens on a mining planet, Erikson realizes that everything she thought the Corps stood for, thought she stood for, is crumbling away. Where is the honor, the justice, the spirit of law? When the enemies are nothing more than outclassed and outgunned dregs of the Algol System’s forgotten people, being part of their execution squad has put her as far from the ideals of justice as Erikson can imagine. Haunted by their ghosts, she struggles to maintain her military bearing until even that is suddenly ripped away in an act of terrorism that sends her, her brother, Tech Sergeant David Erikson, and another Corpsmember, Rebecca Soltznin, on the run on a hostile planet. Forced for the first time in ten years to blend in with a civilian population, the three are faced with a single choice: regroup with their brothers-in-arms or become deserters. For Aly, it’s easy; why go back to being a cog in the death machine the Corps is becoming? But for the other two, the price for making the wrong decision may be higher than they’re willing to pay.
On the run, under attack from the scavengers who plague the system, and out of options, the three face conflict from every direction. If they can’t find a way to fight together, their chances for survival are less than zero. And for one of them, the best solution may come down to one simple act: betrayal. In this prequel to the popular Spectras Arise Trilogy, readers get an intimate look into the events that led Aly and David Erikson on their path from decorated and dedicated soldiers to black-market arms smugglers, and ultimately, to rebels against the Political and Capital Administration of the Advanced Worlds.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
43 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Salyer
22 books144 followersFormer Army paratrooper, Tammy Salyer now channels her thirst for adventure and high-flying hijinks into high-octane narratives. Her Shackled Verities series is a Cosmos-crossing epic fantasy adventure. Her Spectras Arise series is action-packed military science fiction, praised for its gritty realism and well-crafted characters. And if you love a good Western with a twist, then you won’t want to miss her Otherworld Outlaws series and its blend of Celtic mythology and unforgettable Wild West action.
She hopes you enjoy reading her works and welcomes your reviews. Follow her on Bluesky @tammy-salyer.bsky.social or www.tammysalyer.com.
She hopes you enjoy reading her works and welcomes your reviews. Follow her on Bluesky @tammy-salyer.bsky.social or www.tammysalyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 4, 2015
"I can't bring myself to look at him and have his face join those of so many other like him in the caskets of my memories."
Vivid descriptives, fast paced, morally and ethically challenging - Conviction:... is exactly what it is advertised to be: a solid piece of science fiction that will keep you flipping the virtual pages.
This free Kindle formatted novella serves as an introduction to the Spectras Arise Trilogy which at the time of this review is already available as a complete set in both print and Kindle formats.
Siblings Aly and David Erikson serve as comrades at arms aboard the PCA Thor's Hammer as corpsmen, patrolling and cleaning up the Algol System. The problem with this is that duty has become morally and ethically questionable - at least to some who serve. How will the siblings confront and deal with this point of duty? Will they see eye-to-eye on the matter? Will justice reign supreme?
The novella ends, as predicted because of its purpose as introduction, set up to take flight to worlds only the trilogy can tell. That said, the story is just as enjoyable as a stand alone.
Trilogy titles include:
Contract of Defiance
Contract of Betrayal
Contract of War
Vivid descriptives, fast paced, morally and ethically challenging - Conviction:... is exactly what it is advertised to be: a solid piece of science fiction that will keep you flipping the virtual pages.
This free Kindle formatted novella serves as an introduction to the Spectras Arise Trilogy which at the time of this review is already available as a complete set in both print and Kindle formats.
Siblings Aly and David Erikson serve as comrades at arms aboard the PCA Thor's Hammer as corpsmen, patrolling and cleaning up the Algol System. The problem with this is that duty has become morally and ethically questionable - at least to some who serve. How will the siblings confront and deal with this point of duty? Will they see eye-to-eye on the matter? Will justice reign supreme?
The novella ends, as predicted because of its purpose as introduction, set up to take flight to worlds only the trilogy can tell. That said, the story is just as enjoyable as a stand alone.
Trilogy titles include:
Contract of Defiance
Contract of Betrayal
Contract of War
June 16, 2015
This was a fun, quick read and a great addition to the Spectras Arise series. It's perfect for introducing potential new readers to the series, but it's also great for readers like me who have already read the main series. I loved getting the chance to go back and get a glimpse of how the characters got their start. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed the main series or is planning on reading the main series.
December 7, 2014
*I was given a copy of this novella by the author in exchange for a review.
This novella is a prequel to the author's Spectras Arise trilogy, introducing the backstory of the main characters from those novels. I have not read the trilogy, but based on the strength of this story, I picked up all 3 as soon as I finished reading it. The story reads like it would make great cinema, with a strong female protagonist, a well designed universe ( at least the portion we can see in the story) and an ending that made me want to see where she goes with it. I have a feeling that if I asked the author what her biggest influences were when designing this universe, I wouldn't be surprised at all and that feeling is what prompted me to buy the whole series rather than my usual 1 at a time.
If you like some good military sf with good steady action and not filled with technical minutia try this out, I think you'll be glad you did.
This novella is a prequel to the author's Spectras Arise trilogy, introducing the backstory of the main characters from those novels. I have not read the trilogy, but based on the strength of this story, I picked up all 3 as soon as I finished reading it. The story reads like it would make great cinema, with a strong female protagonist, a well designed universe ( at least the portion we can see in the story) and an ending that made me want to see where she goes with it. I have a feeling that if I asked the author what her biggest influences were when designing this universe, I wouldn't be surprised at all and that feeling is what prompted me to buy the whole series rather than my usual 1 at a time.
If you like some good military sf with good steady action and not filled with technical minutia try this out, I think you'll be glad you did.
November 12, 2014
I was so happy to come across this Spectras Arise Novella! This story is a quick little read that provides a little more back story to the main character. I loved the whole Spectras Arise trilogy and this was a nice little addition. As with the other 3 books in the series, it is very well written and the reader is not left to stumble over typos or misspelled words that are so often found in electronic versions of books. Mostly though, I just can't get enough of the character of Aly Erikson! She has a bit of a volatile nature but that spunk is so invigorating when reading the story. Whether full novel or shorter novella, I'd buy and read more of Aly and her world any day. Love it!
January 23, 2015
Wow, what an amazing read. I can't wait to start the first book in this trilogy immediately. This is everything I look for in a good science fiction novel and the plot and characters couldn't be better if I'd had them made-to-order. The writing is so gritty and vivid, I was able to picture every scene in technicolor, as if I was watching it in high-def 3-D.
If you enjoy being immersed into a world that feels so real it's almost as if it really exists, and you like flawed, realistic and likeable characters speaking dialogue that puts you smack in the middle of the action, then you'll definitely want to check this book, and the accompanying series, out as fast as you can.
If you enjoy being immersed into a world that feels so real it's almost as if it really exists, and you like flawed, realistic and likeable characters speaking dialogue that puts you smack in the middle of the action, then you'll definitely want to check this book, and the accompanying series, out as fast as you can.
April 8, 2018
Great story, well written, intense drama
Great story, well written, intense drama. Aly and David Erickson are brother and sister in the Corps and aboard the starship H . When ordered to shoot down their accompanying starship Frontline they decide to abandon their ship when a Corps-member ship’s gunner decides to takeover and destroy this ship since he was ordered to shoot down his Corps-member ship.
Great story, well written, intense drama. Aly and David Erickson are brother and sister in the Corps and aboard the starship H . When ordered to shoot down their accompanying starship Frontline they decide to abandon their ship when a Corps-member ship’s gunner decides to takeover and destroy this ship since he was ordered to shoot down his Corps-member ship.
August 1, 2020
This novella is a prequel to the "Spectras Arise" trilogy. I have not read any of the others in this trilogy but I'm hooked.
Tammy Salyer manages to describe her characters and their surroundings so clearly that I can "see" the action and that to my way of thinking is the mark of an excellent author.
I would recommend not only this story but this author to anyone who enjoys a good well written story.
Tammy Salyer manages to describe her characters and their surroundings so clearly that I can "see" the action and that to my way of thinking is the mark of an excellent author.
I would recommend not only this story but this author to anyone who enjoys a good well written story.
January 22, 2015
More of the exciting sci-fi action from the Spectras Arise trilogy, in this short, fast-paced prequel we learn how and why Aly Erikson and her brother David desert from the military Corps and wind up on the team of smuggler/gun-runner Janos Rajcik. A must-read for fans of the series and a wonderful introduction to those new to Ms. Salyer's writing.
April 2, 2015
Really enjoyed this book
This was a good first book. I am looking forward to the second one in the series. I would recommend this as a good quick read. The characters are believable and likeable. Thumbs up.
This was a good first book. I am looking forward to the second one in the series. I would recommend this as a good quick read. The characters are believable and likeable. Thumbs up.
March 12, 2015
A short prequel to Contract of Defiance, this book tells the story of how Aly and David come to leave their stable life in the Corps. Good stuff.
January 19, 2015
Good read!
I enjoyed the novella, which reads like an amalgam of Starship Troopers, The Forever War and other military sci-fi greats. Enjoy!
I enjoyed the novella, which reads like an amalgam of Starship Troopers, The Forever War and other military sci-fi greats. Enjoy!
May 25, 2015
Enjoyable read
This appears to be a prequel to the trilogy. Lots of action though I thought there should be some more development of the character's motivations.
This appears to be a prequel to the trilogy. Lots of action though I thought there should be some more development of the character's motivations.
February 23, 2016
Good solid novella that nicely sets up the main trilogy. It reads like a grittier version of Firefly, so there's much to like! Probably best to read this before the trilogy (I didn't).
January 9, 2021
A solid read that gives a lot of background to characters I have not meet yet. ( this book is a prequel to a series). It starts of a tad slow but starts to grip you in the end I will certainly like to read the next book to see how the siblings turn out
October 17, 2017
Gripping!
Read it all at once, as I was unable to put it down. Non-stop action and, important to me, technically accurate!
Read it all at once, as I was unable to put it down. Non-stop action and, important to me, technically accurate!
December 20, 2021
A good read with plenty of action so you will not get bored. Well worth reading
March 19, 2017
Oh boy, how I missed military SF. This was just 70 pages intro, but nice world building, strong characters and a lovely intro to the trilogy that is going to follow. 4 stars. Part 1 is next!
March 7, 2016
Great Read
I loved the first book well this was the one before the first one , doesn't matter because I'm going to get the next book now anyway in this series .I am a veteran and love when other military people write books that have some combat action in them especially space ones. This is the first time that I have read anything by Tammy and and I am very glad to be reading her work now. I don't give out much in reviews because of the fact that I think I might give out too much of the story . Those who know me know what I like and when I say it's good then it's good . Well written and the characters are well developed. This was just a good read and I really enjoyed it. So I will be reading the rest because I have to see what happens. Nice job Tammy.
I loved the first book well this was the one before the first one , doesn't matter because I'm going to get the next book now anyway in this series .I am a veteran and love when other military people write books that have some combat action in them especially space ones. This is the first time that I have read anything by Tammy and and I am very glad to be reading her work now. I don't give out much in reviews because of the fact that I think I might give out too much of the story . Those who know me know what I like and when I say it's good then it's good . Well written and the characters are well developed. This was just a good read and I really enjoyed it. So I will be reading the rest because I have to see what happens. Nice job Tammy.
May 12, 2016
Fine work
I entered this with some trepidation, I've been reading allot of SiFi of late. I was thinking this is another story of a hero overblown and built to an almost godlike ability to survive. I was blown away with the opening chapter. Visceral, compelling, gripping, and an awesome premise. The characters are not only believable, they are relatable to boot. This is a short novella however, it harkens to much more. I encourage you to read this and judge for yourself.
I entered this with some trepidation, I've been reading allot of SiFi of late. I was thinking this is another story of a hero overblown and built to an almost godlike ability to survive. I was blown away with the opening chapter. Visceral, compelling, gripping, and an awesome premise. The characters are not only believable, they are relatable to boot. This is a short novella however, it harkens to much more. I encourage you to read this and judge for yourself.
April 19, 2016
This is a very effective introduction novella to the world of Spectras Arise. The writing style is very clean and easy-to-follow with a gritty edge. The story is mostly action oriented with some nice characters build up. The characters are on the real side of things and their motivations/interactions are logical and relatable. I like what I read and (when the mood strikes) I will definately plunge in the Spectras Arise universe.
July 25, 2015
I not much of a fan of mil-sci-fiction but picked up 'Conviction' for free in an Amazon e-promo deal. I was pleasantly surprised by 'Conviction'. Tight, vivid writing with clear action descriptions. The protagonist is fleshed out enough that I'm willing to pickup the next book in the series to find out what happens to her.
October 24, 2015
Great introduction to a sci-fi trilogy.
Fast pace, bags of action and rapid authentic character development. This short 100 page novella leaves you thirsty for more. The omnibus of all three books is now available. I will be buying it.
Fast pace, bags of action and rapid authentic character development. This short 100 page novella leaves you thirsty for more. The omnibus of all three books is now available. I will be buying it.
July 25, 2016
Loved it going to have to purchase the rest.
April 26, 2016
Whatever I try to say about this book just comes out wrong, so I will say I love this story.
March 31, 2017
It was a quick, exciting read. I wish there was more presented of Aly than the hardened soldier, but since this is the opening novella to a series I understand cutting some of the character development.
Overall though, it was engaging. It gave enough background on the worlds and characters to provide some explanation of why things were the way they were, but it wasn't bogged down in details that are better left to full novels. Definitely a good teaser novella for the series.
Overall though, it was engaging. It gave enough background on the worlds and characters to provide some explanation of why things were the way they were, but it wasn't bogged down in details that are better left to full novels. Definitely a good teaser novella for the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews