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Distant Kingdoms: The Drodenar Project, Folly of the Gods
Distant The Drodenar Project, Folly of the Gods begins in the early centuries of the Third Millennium AD, in a Galactic Earth Empire whose citizens enjoy engineered immortality and the technology to alter and create life in many forms with the aid of their sentient AI. A university research project locates a planet cast into an ice age by the near passing of a rogue world, upon which exists a threatened ecosystem on the verge of collapse. While the team works to correct the planet's tilt and orbit and restore the ecology, they discover a species which they develop and imbue with sentience. Over the next millennia, Mankind gives its creation an Early Bronze Age level of knowledge and tech, and guidance that results in a Golden Age, but when a war of independence breaks out across the empire, the research team is forced to leave Drodenar, and the Androgenari, to their own devices. After a thousand years of independent development on Drodenar, including wars and social breakdown, Humanity returns to pick up where they left off, only to find a very different planet than the one they left. Drodenar has once again been influenced by the rogue world's 1,000-year orbit through the system, and once again has fallen into a "Time of Ice." Meet the team of researchers and experience the epic story of the Andros' struggle to achieve ultimate stability and independence in the first of my three-book series.
556 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 23, 2022
A compelling sci-fiction, with a blend of fantasy.
"What of Klar? What if Kagan is willing to sacrifice Plung, then what? Then will Eruda make war against Kraas?" An excerpt from page 411.
Ian Richard Gill's Folly of the Gods is an amazing science fiction novel that held me captive until I finish indulging my emotions in it. It's absolutely interesting, brilliantly descriptive, with an intriguing wordbuilding that I'd love to refer to, in future time.
From the inception of the Androgenaris, and the talented artisans, Jusk and Kieper who trades what they have to the Riff communities, though this was against their community standard, and in order not to get caught, they would escape through the alleyway to get their goods to the Riff in exchange for money to carter for themselves. I found the names of some characters among the Andros very hilarious, and hard to pronounce, I would have been eased if I'd discovered the glossary section earlier before embarking on this promising journey.
Frondi, another Andro who had come visiting was surprised by Jusk's craft and had asked to know the source of his materials, Jusk while ignoring Frondi's question sensed that something was fishy. He quickly woke his son, Kuiper telling him of the need for them to flee as their plans had been discovered. Escaping Eruda was tough for the young Kuiper, he told of how he would miss his friends and the life he lived in their formal territory. However, while information got to the Ki of Eruda about their escape, he called for one of the chamber guards and ordered them to take words to the master of hunters at the main city gate, and that he want Jusk found, held in a cell, and killed if he gives any trouble.
The quest for finding these two Andros took turns of hardship, defense, and unfavorable exposures. I love that there are some graphics in these parts to explain the indulgence of these non-human characterizations. The "pursuer and the pursued" had a tough time on their way, Jack and Kuiper had to climb mountains, and endure the harsh winter, and the breaking ice, they persevered throughout the journey, making sure that the guards sent over them do not find them. Sometimes, they were attacked and had to fight their way through some weird creatures in the wilderness.
This was followed by the discovery of Jack's friend, Kjo whom they'd met in the course of their adventurous journey. And the sessions of approval, accommodations, and the utilization of Jusk's knowledge to provide security and strength for the people of Midrib in preparation for the impending war. It was interesting to read about the section whereby the kingdom of Midrib was to be offered to Poopa, who was Ping's first son. Poopa was a bit skeptical initially of the need to accept this proposal, but following his father's reassurance, he will soon be honored as the Ki of Midrib.
I love the introduction of humans in some parts of the story, and the experiment. The characterization of some scientific portion of this book, and that of the Andro is the reason why I consider the book to be a blend of sci-fiction and nonmagical fantasy. The introduction of characters like Anna Henderson, Atwater, and Rufus, among many others, made for an interesting discussion. It was also exciting to read about Artificial Intelligence, technology, etcetera. Some sections of the story are romantic, especially the scene between Plung and Klyky.
I shall restrain myself from revealing further in an attempt to keep this review spoiler free, although, I'd love you to want to check out to know about the outcome of the impending war between Eruda and Kraas. Even though much wasn't revealed in this first series, I for one would love to know about the Fate of the Andros, of the researchers, and the Kingdoms, among many other crews that arouse my curiosity. I am quite concerned about knowing the inspiration behind Richard - writing this fantastic book. It feels like something that would be great if enacted, I admired his writing style, though I was a bit lost with some characters' placement, especially among the Andros, which I hope to see develop clearly in the second series. Aside from that, I praise the writing style, it is very descriptive and abounding in words, it reminded me of some of my most admirable british writers. This book is a great way to start a series and I look forward to seeing how the story is developed further. I recommend this book to lovers of sci-fiction, fantasy, and literature at large.
"What of Klar? What if Kagan is willing to sacrifice Plung, then what? Then will Eruda make war against Kraas?" An excerpt from page 411.
Ian Richard Gill's Folly of the Gods is an amazing science fiction novel that held me captive until I finish indulging my emotions in it. It's absolutely interesting, brilliantly descriptive, with an intriguing wordbuilding that I'd love to refer to, in future time.
From the inception of the Androgenaris, and the talented artisans, Jusk and Kieper who trades what they have to the Riff communities, though this was against their community standard, and in order not to get caught, they would escape through the alleyway to get their goods to the Riff in exchange for money to carter for themselves. I found the names of some characters among the Andros very hilarious, and hard to pronounce, I would have been eased if I'd discovered the glossary section earlier before embarking on this promising journey.
Frondi, another Andro who had come visiting was surprised by Jusk's craft and had asked to know the source of his materials, Jusk while ignoring Frondi's question sensed that something was fishy. He quickly woke his son, Kuiper telling him of the need for them to flee as their plans had been discovered. Escaping Eruda was tough for the young Kuiper, he told of how he would miss his friends and the life he lived in their formal territory. However, while information got to the Ki of Eruda about their escape, he called for one of the chamber guards and ordered them to take words to the master of hunters at the main city gate, and that he want Jusk found, held in a cell, and killed if he gives any trouble.
The quest for finding these two Andros took turns of hardship, defense, and unfavorable exposures. I love that there are some graphics in these parts to explain the indulgence of these non-human characterizations. The "pursuer and the pursued" had a tough time on their way, Jack and Kuiper had to climb mountains, and endure the harsh winter, and the breaking ice, they persevered throughout the journey, making sure that the guards sent over them do not find them. Sometimes, they were attacked and had to fight their way through some weird creatures in the wilderness.
This was followed by the discovery of Jack's friend, Kjo whom they'd met in the course of their adventurous journey. And the sessions of approval, accommodations, and the utilization of Jusk's knowledge to provide security and strength for the people of Midrib in preparation for the impending war. It was interesting to read about the section whereby the kingdom of Midrib was to be offered to Poopa, who was Ping's first son. Poopa was a bit skeptical initially of the need to accept this proposal, but following his father's reassurance, he will soon be honored as the Ki of Midrib.
I love the introduction of humans in some parts of the story, and the experiment. The characterization of some scientific portion of this book, and that of the Andro is the reason why I consider the book to be a blend of sci-fiction and nonmagical fantasy. The introduction of characters like Anna Henderson, Atwater, and Rufus, among many others, made for an interesting discussion. It was also exciting to read about Artificial Intelligence, technology, etcetera. Some sections of the story are romantic, especially the scene between Plung and Klyky.
I shall restrain myself from revealing further in an attempt to keep this review spoiler free, although, I'd love you to want to check out to know about the outcome of the impending war between Eruda and Kraas. Even though much wasn't revealed in this first series, I for one would love to know about the Fate of the Andros, of the researchers, and the Kingdoms, among many other crews that arouse my curiosity. I am quite concerned about knowing the inspiration behind Richard - writing this fantastic book. It feels like something that would be great if enacted, I admired his writing style, though I was a bit lost with some characters' placement, especially among the Andros, which I hope to see develop clearly in the second series. Aside from that, I praise the writing style, it is very descriptive and abounding in words, it reminded me of some of my most admirable british writers. This book is a great way to start a series and I look forward to seeing how the story is developed further. I recommend this book to lovers of sci-fiction, fantasy, and literature at large.
October 14, 2021
Folly of the Gods is a science fiction adventure story. For me, much of it also felt like a fantasy story without magic. It is also an amazing work of world-building in great detail. One can appreciate the amount of work and imagination that went into creating this story with the promise of two more volumes to come. I'm not sure what direction the next two books in the series will take, and Folly reads well as a standalone story.
There are illustrations interspersed throughout the story to help the reader visualize creatures mentioned in the text. I appreciated the well-drawn artwork helping to enhance the story.
This was an incredible effort for a first-time author. It is well written, well edited, and reads like a story from a seasoned professional.
The book opens with a preface tracing the development of artificial intelligence beginning in 1943 with the ENIAC computer (the spark of AI) and moving through humankind's spread in the galaxy. Along the way, are some tremendous advances in the sciences that lead to extending human life almost indefinitely. Thanks to the development of Subatomic Fabrication, anything could be reproduced and there was no want. All along the way, there is human conflict until AI steps in and solves the problem in a unique and humane way.
In the first chapters of the book, we are introduced to a genetically engineered species called the Androgenari. These beings are the dominant sentient species on the planet Drodenar. The Androgenari, or Andros for short, carry both male and female parts and can choose to be father or mother to their offspring. The humans invented the species for study, but after they were created, a war broke out and the Drodenar project had to be abandoned for some time. Meanwhile, the Andros set up a society complete with conflicts and differences in philosophies, causing friction between groups. One of the things causing conflict between the Andros was their religion. They worship their creators, the human scientists, as gods.
The planet itself was intended to be a place with a stable environment to provide the Andros with a place to thrive. Unfortunately, owing to the apparent passing of a rogue planet, the axis of Drodenar was increased, and the orbit changed enough to plunge the planet into a never-ending winter with brief periods of thaw.
When the last human conflict was done, they return to an orbital space station known as Dev Lok to continue to observe their creation. The humans are the very scientists that created the Andros.
There is a plethora of characters to follow in Folly, both among the humans on the station and among the Andros on the planet. However, there is very little between the two parties in this book. Since Folly strikes me as an exposition to the planned trilogy, I imagine there will be more interaction as the story moves forward.
Occasionally, I found myself a little confused about who was who among the Andros because of the sheer numbers of characters on the planet. But they are all dynamically written and many are heroic in their purpose and deeds.
As far as the humans are concerned, there isn't too much on them except they all seem quite taken with themselves. Except for one human, they appear to be more interested in sorting out their own lives and mostly ignore the inhabitants on Drodenar. It will be interesting to see how the humans develop as the rest of the story unfolds in future volumes.
There are also numerous themes one could extrapolate from reading Folly, but for me, the major lesson was how, when left unchecked, humans seem to ruin just about everything they involve themselves in. Drodenar was a perfectly peaceful place before the scientists came along and created the Androgenari. As time passed, the Andros developed human characteristics that brought about conflict where there should have been none. This is a recurring theme throughout human history, and it seems, at least according to the author, it is one that will continue far into the future.
Folly of the Gods is epic in its scope. I would dare to say that the story, and the writing, make me think of Asimov's Foundation stories. There is a lot of detail to keep track of and one must be prepared to devote one's full attention to this complex story. I would recommend this for those who enjoy a tale to become immersed in.
One thing I wondered is if the author didn't intentionally give nods to other Sci-Fi franchises. I read a few things that caused me to think of Star Trek and Dune. If the author did intentionally do that, my hat’s off to him for doing it subtly, making me smile as I read.
This book is well worth the investment and the time to read, but don't rush through it. There's a lot to think about in Folly of the Gods.
There are illustrations interspersed throughout the story to help the reader visualize creatures mentioned in the text. I appreciated the well-drawn artwork helping to enhance the story.
This was an incredible effort for a first-time author. It is well written, well edited, and reads like a story from a seasoned professional.
The book opens with a preface tracing the development of artificial intelligence beginning in 1943 with the ENIAC computer (the spark of AI) and moving through humankind's spread in the galaxy. Along the way, are some tremendous advances in the sciences that lead to extending human life almost indefinitely. Thanks to the development of Subatomic Fabrication, anything could be reproduced and there was no want. All along the way, there is human conflict until AI steps in and solves the problem in a unique and humane way.
In the first chapters of the book, we are introduced to a genetically engineered species called the Androgenari. These beings are the dominant sentient species on the planet Drodenar. The Androgenari, or Andros for short, carry both male and female parts and can choose to be father or mother to their offspring. The humans invented the species for study, but after they were created, a war broke out and the Drodenar project had to be abandoned for some time. Meanwhile, the Andros set up a society complete with conflicts and differences in philosophies, causing friction between groups. One of the things causing conflict between the Andros was their religion. They worship their creators, the human scientists, as gods.
The planet itself was intended to be a place with a stable environment to provide the Andros with a place to thrive. Unfortunately, owing to the apparent passing of a rogue planet, the axis of Drodenar was increased, and the orbit changed enough to plunge the planet into a never-ending winter with brief periods of thaw.
When the last human conflict was done, they return to an orbital space station known as Dev Lok to continue to observe their creation. The humans are the very scientists that created the Andros.
There is a plethora of characters to follow in Folly, both among the humans on the station and among the Andros on the planet. However, there is very little between the two parties in this book. Since Folly strikes me as an exposition to the planned trilogy, I imagine there will be more interaction as the story moves forward.
Occasionally, I found myself a little confused about who was who among the Andros because of the sheer numbers of characters on the planet. But they are all dynamically written and many are heroic in their purpose and deeds.
As far as the humans are concerned, there isn't too much on them except they all seem quite taken with themselves. Except for one human, they appear to be more interested in sorting out their own lives and mostly ignore the inhabitants on Drodenar. It will be interesting to see how the humans develop as the rest of the story unfolds in future volumes.
There are also numerous themes one could extrapolate from reading Folly, but for me, the major lesson was how, when left unchecked, humans seem to ruin just about everything they involve themselves in. Drodenar was a perfectly peaceful place before the scientists came along and created the Androgenari. As time passed, the Andros developed human characteristics that brought about conflict where there should have been none. This is a recurring theme throughout human history, and it seems, at least according to the author, it is one that will continue far into the future.
Folly of the Gods is epic in its scope. I would dare to say that the story, and the writing, make me think of Asimov's Foundation stories. There is a lot of detail to keep track of and one must be prepared to devote one's full attention to this complex story. I would recommend this for those who enjoy a tale to become immersed in.
One thing I wondered is if the author didn't intentionally give nods to other Sci-Fi franchises. I read a few things that caused me to think of Star Trek and Dune. If the author did intentionally do that, my hat’s off to him for doing it subtly, making me smile as I read.
This book is well worth the investment and the time to read, but don't rush through it. There's a lot to think about in Folly of the Gods.
August 3, 2021
BOOK REVIEW:-
Distant kingdoms is the very first installment in a book series of three books.This book is a literary masterpiece by IAN RICHARD GILL @ianrichardgillauthor99 , he has crafted his thoughts in such a way that the book will keep you totally engaged in the story. I felt i was always connected with the storyline and that's why i loved this book so much. It had been a long time since i read a book with all the elements like war, technology driven, scientific and historical plot.
The story begins with the introduction of Androgenari, who were creatures carrying both male and female parts in a single body. They could walk, swim and soar the sky. The author explained many things about there nature and behaviour. I loved the fact that the author has provided readers with relevant illustrations throughout the book, the whole scenario became very easy to understand with the help of those visuals/pictures.
The real fun begans chapter 3 onwards where humans are introduced. Their appearance included tons of scientific process, you will enjoy when you read about it. So there were 4 naked humans in the room which consisted of the Mission Leader, Professor of Anthropology Maximillian Henderson; Bioengineering Specialist Helen Mandela-Wessels; Second in Command, Climatic Engineer with a Masters of Astro-Geophysics Eugene Chow, and Geo-Engineering Specialist Sanjay Sahota Singh. I was really amazed to read about SAFU's where anything could be built from very basic things to the most complex ones.
At this point you must be very curious about everything i told you about, why's and what's must be running in your head, but let me give you all a spoiler. The things that i told are just a trailer to an enthralling and entertaining story.
The story continues with humans trying to manipulate everything around them with the help of Artificial intelligence and the fight for survival for the other ones.
Tha language is really easy to understand, you might feel a bit lost at the beginning but that's just a matter of 5 to 10 minutes after that you will just dive into the story. The story is really descriptive and all the non-fiction lovers are going to love this.
Distant kingdoms is the very first installment in a book series of three books.This book is a literary masterpiece by IAN RICHARD GILL @ianrichardgillauthor99 , he has crafted his thoughts in such a way that the book will keep you totally engaged in the story. I felt i was always connected with the storyline and that's why i loved this book so much. It had been a long time since i read a book with all the elements like war, technology driven, scientific and historical plot.
The story begins with the introduction of Androgenari, who were creatures carrying both male and female parts in a single body. They could walk, swim and soar the sky. The author explained many things about there nature and behaviour. I loved the fact that the author has provided readers with relevant illustrations throughout the book, the whole scenario became very easy to understand with the help of those visuals/pictures.
The real fun begans chapter 3 onwards where humans are introduced. Their appearance included tons of scientific process, you will enjoy when you read about it. So there were 4 naked humans in the room which consisted of the Mission Leader, Professor of Anthropology Maximillian Henderson; Bioengineering Specialist Helen Mandela-Wessels; Second in Command, Climatic Engineer with a Masters of Astro-Geophysics Eugene Chow, and Geo-Engineering Specialist Sanjay Sahota Singh. I was really amazed to read about SAFU's where anything could be built from very basic things to the most complex ones.
At this point you must be very curious about everything i told you about, why's and what's must be running in your head, but let me give you all a spoiler. The things that i told are just a trailer to an enthralling and entertaining story.
The story continues with humans trying to manipulate everything around them with the help of Artificial intelligence and the fight for survival for the other ones.
Tha language is really easy to understand, you might feel a bit lost at the beginning but that's just a matter of 5 to 10 minutes after that you will just dive into the story. The story is really descriptive and all the non-fiction lovers are going to love this.
September 24, 2023
Just, wow. I'm still trying to compose my thoughts about this book, but I wanted to write a review about it asap so that I don't forget the details. You know the kind of book that "sticks" with you? The kind that you can immerse yourself in, and at the end, you emerge back into society kind of blinking into the light, missing the characters and wondering where time went? This is that type of book! It's so exciting to read a new voice in the scifi/fantasy genre! As another writer pointed out, sure i guess you could look at other more famous writers and say some of the ideas are from this writer and then this writer, but I honestly think this book is 100% original. The writer actually made me care about the characters and see them as REAL. That is a feat in and of itself for me. No matter what anyone says, I've never felt that way about let's just say hobbits or anyone. :)
I love the incorporation of AI and reading the preface is absolutely key to understand the whole story. A word about that...I'm not a fan of including a preface (it reminds me of the other dreaded literary device, the voiceover, in tv and movies), but it is key here. I would suggest to the writer that maybe it's called "Chapter 1," for those of us who might skip reading a preface on principal. I would also suggest moving the glossary to the front (or at least referencing it so we know it exists), and maybe a list of illustrations too? The illustrations were amazing and part of what makes the book so unique!
The writing and world-building is descriptive and compelling and overall award-winning. I'm not going to re-cap the plot or anything here because other reviewers have done that quite well already. What I will say is I want more! And I want more people out in the world to read this book! We really need some new scifi/fantasy writers out there and this book has such a unique voice!
I love the incorporation of AI and reading the preface is absolutely key to understand the whole story. A word about that...I'm not a fan of including a preface (it reminds me of the other dreaded literary device, the voiceover, in tv and movies), but it is key here. I would suggest to the writer that maybe it's called "Chapter 1," for those of us who might skip reading a preface on principal. I would also suggest moving the glossary to the front (or at least referencing it so we know it exists), and maybe a list of illustrations too? The illustrations were amazing and part of what makes the book so unique!
The writing and world-building is descriptive and compelling and overall award-winning. I'm not going to re-cap the plot or anything here because other reviewers have done that quite well already. What I will say is I want more! And I want more people out in the world to read this book! We really need some new scifi/fantasy writers out there and this book has such a unique voice!
October 18, 2023
"Distant Kingdoms" is an epic journey that transcends centuries, worlds, and the very fabric of existence. Ian Richard Gill's masterful narrative whisks readers into a mesmerizing realm of fantasy and adventure, where humanity's ambition collides with the unpredictable forces of time and space.
The story opens in a futuristic Galactic Earth Empire, where advanced technology and sentient AI coexist with engineered immortality. A team of researchers embarks on a mission to a planet thrust into an ice age by the rogue world's near pass. What follows is a tale of ecological restoration, the creation of sentient life, and the intricate dance of evolution.
As Mankind's creation, the Androgenari, evolves over millennia, Gill skillfully immerses readers in their world, with a Bronze Age level of knowledge and tech giving rise to a Golden Age. However, when a war of independence rocks the empire, the researchers are forced to abandon Drodenar, leaving the Androgenari to chart their own destiny.
Upon their return, they discover a world transformed by a "Time of Ice," evoking both awe and turmoil. Gill's vivid storytelling and well-drawn characters make this journey through time, space, and evolution an utterly captivating experience.
"Distant Kingdoms" is a grand adventure that will enthrall fans of fantasy and action-adventure fiction. Gill's ability to explore the vast landscapes of imagination while keeping the narrative anchored in relatable themes of evolution, independence, and the folly of gods is a testament to his storytelling prowess. This book is the thrilling first installment of a promising series that promises to take readers on an unforgettable odyssey through worlds and epochs.
The story opens in a futuristic Galactic Earth Empire, where advanced technology and sentient AI coexist with engineered immortality. A team of researchers embarks on a mission to a planet thrust into an ice age by the rogue world's near pass. What follows is a tale of ecological restoration, the creation of sentient life, and the intricate dance of evolution.
As Mankind's creation, the Androgenari, evolves over millennia, Gill skillfully immerses readers in their world, with a Bronze Age level of knowledge and tech giving rise to a Golden Age. However, when a war of independence rocks the empire, the researchers are forced to abandon Drodenar, leaving the Androgenari to chart their own destiny.
Upon their return, they discover a world transformed by a "Time of Ice," evoking both awe and turmoil. Gill's vivid storytelling and well-drawn characters make this journey through time, space, and evolution an utterly captivating experience.
"Distant Kingdoms" is a grand adventure that will enthrall fans of fantasy and action-adventure fiction. Gill's ability to explore the vast landscapes of imagination while keeping the narrative anchored in relatable themes of evolution, independence, and the folly of gods is a testament to his storytelling prowess. This book is the thrilling first installment of a promising series that promises to take readers on an unforgettable odyssey through worlds and epochs.
March 24, 2023
"Distant Kingdoms" is a well-written, fast-paced and engaging sci-fi novel full of action, mystery and suspense. It takes place far ahead in the future, where citizens of a Galactic Earth Empire possess advanced technology that allows them to engineer immortality and create various forms of life with the help of a race of sentient AI. In this setting, a group of researchers from a university embark on a mission to a planet that was thrown into an Ice Age due to a close encounter with a rogue world. This planet is home to an ecosystem that is on the brink of collapse. While the team works to rectify the planet's tilt and orbit and restore the ecology, they come across a species that they enhance with sentience. Over the next thousand years, mankind guides this species, giving them knowledge and technology similar to that of the Early Bronze Age, resulting in a Golden Age. However, when a rebellion breaks out across the empire, the research team is forced to abandon the planet and the sentient beings, known as Androgenari, to their own devices. After a millennium of independent development on the planet Drodenar, including wars and social breakdown, humanity returns to pick up where they left off, only to discover that the planet has been influenced once again by the rogue world's 1000-year orbit, leading it to fall back into a "Time of Ice". This book follows the team of researchers as they navigate this epic story of the Andros' journey towards stability and independence in the first book of the three-part series. Fans of sci-fi novels will find this read very interesting, fun, and entertaining.
December 8, 2022
Ian Richard paints a very interesting and detailed picture of the planet Drodenar. It is very different from Earth, with frozen plains and rivers, and kolita-pine forests. The inhabitants, the Andros, may be mighty hunters with four arms (great art included), but inside they are not that different from humans. They are trying to survive through cold and long winters.
They are the result of an experiment left behind by humans about a thousand years ago. During that time they evolved, building their medieval-like cities and societies based on brass, tin, and animal skin. A war is coming, however, and their survival depends on the alliances they make with each other and how much they can outwit the enemy. There is, however, a twist: their gods, the humans, are back!
The author is a great storyteller who through many twists and turns in the story, tells a tale of how mankind and Andros alike learn about responsibility and compassion. The story keeps the reader interested in finding out how the war will proceed and who will be the winner.
I did get a little bit lost between the different names and clans, however, as they are so different from human names and there are many of them to keep track of. It might be helpful if the author were to include information on who is related to whom in addition to the glossary.
They are the result of an experiment left behind by humans about a thousand years ago. During that time they evolved, building their medieval-like cities and societies based on brass, tin, and animal skin. A war is coming, however, and their survival depends on the alliances they make with each other and how much they can outwit the enemy. There is, however, a twist: their gods, the humans, are back!
The author is a great storyteller who through many twists and turns in the story, tells a tale of how mankind and Andros alike learn about responsibility and compassion. The story keeps the reader interested in finding out how the war will proceed and who will be the winner.
I did get a little bit lost between the different names and clans, however, as they are so different from human names and there are many of them to keep track of. It might be helpful if the author were to include information on who is related to whom in addition to the glossary.
August 16, 2024
Distant Kingdoms: The Drodenar Project, Folly of the Gods is a book that swings for the fences. It has all the elements of your classic sci-fi: futuristic, written with the expansion of AI at its core, interstellar politics and warring, and fun exploration of different species of beings. Comparisons to GOT will inevitably happen here, but I think that’s a good thing: this book takes on the elements of that series, but puts its own interesting twist.
The book is written in a high style, a la Tolkien, with that sweeping-style narrative voice, and in some ways that comparison is helpful too. The interesting part here is that, unlike in that series, humans are not portrayed as the saviors of the galaxy.
One note: I thought the illustrations were spot-on. Written as this is, as an “account” of sorts of the events to follow, the illustrations gave the work a field journal feel, lending to the book’s credibility.
I am a character-driven reader, and as such, my one critique of this book is that we were introduced potentially to too many to start. Once the novel got going, and we are repeatedly introduced to strong characters like Jusk (my personal favorite) and M’zyk, it became easier to straighten them out. But, along with minor characters being thrown in the mix, it was a bit overwhelming at first.
The book is written in a high style, a la Tolkien, with that sweeping-style narrative voice, and in some ways that comparison is helpful too. The interesting part here is that, unlike in that series, humans are not portrayed as the saviors of the galaxy.
One note: I thought the illustrations were spot-on. Written as this is, as an “account” of sorts of the events to follow, the illustrations gave the work a field journal feel, lending to the book’s credibility.
I am a character-driven reader, and as such, my one critique of this book is that we were introduced potentially to too many to start. Once the novel got going, and we are repeatedly introduced to strong characters like Jusk (my personal favorite) and M’zyk, it became easier to straighten them out. But, along with minor characters being thrown in the mix, it was a bit overwhelming at first.
February 1, 2023
Distant Kingdoms: The Drodenar Project, Folly of the Gods, is an interesting take on the science fiction franchise. So, to break down exactly what you'll be reading, you'll see a lot more of a fantasy setting. But there will be no magic. The planet itself is very earthlike but with a catch, its orbit is highly eccentric. And the creatures that take the center stage of the story are not human. There Andros have four arms and generally mill about their lives fighting the forces of nature in a medieval society. However, there is a twist.
There are gods in this world, and those gods are very real. Turns out that humanity did some scientific experiments and dropped them off on this nice little pristine world, and over several millennia, they developed to do their own things. But humanity has come back for observational research purposes.
I'll admit that going into Distant Kingdoms: The Drodenar Project, Folly of the Gods, I expected something different. But I was not unhappy with what I got. The book ends up being a fun tale, feeling like a realistic take on an alien medieval age that dances about with concepts of genetic engineering and humanity surpassing its mortality and becoming a deity u
There are gods in this world, and those gods are very real. Turns out that humanity did some scientific experiments and dropped them off on this nice little pristine world, and over several millennia, they developed to do their own things. But humanity has come back for observational research purposes.
I'll admit that going into Distant Kingdoms: The Drodenar Project, Folly of the Gods, I expected something different. But I was not unhappy with what I got. The book ends up being a fun tale, feeling like a realistic take on an alien medieval age that dances about with concepts of genetic engineering and humanity surpassing its mortality and becoming a deity u
April 27, 2023
"Folly of the Gods" is an ambitious, highly detailed science-fiction/fantasy mashup. If you're looking for the recipe, take one part of Ursula K. Leguin's "Left Hand of Darkness" (sledding through an ice world, medieval technology, androgynous genders) and add two parts of G.R.R.M's Game of Thrones (wars, plagues, battles with axes). But it's not all serious, there's always time for a fresh drought of honeyberry wine. Sprinkle in some Truman Show for the humans watching to taste. This was a tremendously intricate work, the author has invented all sorts of animals, humanoids, places, and even Gods worshipped. For my taste, the book was best when the worlds of humans and Andros combined. There were precious few pages dedicated to this interaction, and this could have been a missed opportunity. As other reviewers have noted future versions of this book could have the Glossary at the start rather than at the end. Still, I liked it. Ian Richard Gill created an exciting world where the reader can get lost entirely. Also the pictures (illustrations) are really cool.
May 12, 2024
Folly of the gods is a very interesting sci-fi action adventure story that is both highly imaginative and well executed. It is a massive world, or worlds that the author drops the reader in, filled with unique characters and well fleshed out societies and cultures.
The sci-fi elements are well done, with a good amount to keep the reader interested and engaged, without ever tipping the scales to the overwhelming and incomprehensible.
The story cracks along with a good pace, and enough intriguing and unexpected elements to keep the reader thoroughly entertained and turning the pages in quick order.
As the first instalment of a promised series, this is more than enough to compel the reader to continue on with the narrative.
Overall, a solid start to what promises to be a very entertaining and enjoyable sci-fi adventure series.
I recommend this to all sci-fi lovers out there
The sci-fi elements are well done, with a good amount to keep the reader interested and engaged, without ever tipping the scales to the overwhelming and incomprehensible.
The story cracks along with a good pace, and enough intriguing and unexpected elements to keep the reader thoroughly entertained and turning the pages in quick order.
As the first instalment of a promised series, this is more than enough to compel the reader to continue on with the narrative.
Overall, a solid start to what promises to be a very entertaining and enjoyable sci-fi adventure series.
I recommend this to all sci-fi lovers out there
August 23, 2022
I looked through a lot of books looking for a nice break from the every day. I found this book very intriguing and was pleasantly surprised with the results. Sometimes it’s worth jumping into the pool with your eyes closed.
There are many facets to the story. A father and son, struggling in a harsh, cold bitter world. Immortal humans and how they stay human despite all their advances and how they can’t just leave things alone. It’s a goodread. I also enjoyed the cgi illustrations and thought they had a certain charm. They helped me visualize the alien inhabitants a lot better.
The book is quite lengthy but the story moves along at a good clip and never suffered from that mid book sag some do.
I think anybody interested in a sci-fi story that mixes the old and new would enjoy this book. I highly recommend it. This book is a unique experience unlike any other.
There are many facets to the story. A father and son, struggling in a harsh, cold bitter world. Immortal humans and how they stay human despite all their advances and how they can’t just leave things alone. It’s a goodread. I also enjoyed the cgi illustrations and thought they had a certain charm. They helped me visualize the alien inhabitants a lot better.
The book is quite lengthy but the story moves along at a good clip and never suffered from that mid book sag some do.
I think anybody interested in a sci-fi story that mixes the old and new would enjoy this book. I highly recommend it. This book is a unique experience unlike any other.
April 22, 2024
I highly imaginative book that gives thorough insight on the genre of books.
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