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Born of Ash #1
Fallen Empire
After years of catastrophic fighting, the rebellion is over. The First Galactic Empire has fallen. The Keeper of the Unknowable, Guardian of the Gates, the Eternal Emperor, is dead. Entire star systems have been ravaged by war, planets cracked by powerful weapons, and suns sent into supernova. The infrastructure of an advanced civilization that spanned thousands of stars is ruined. Trillions have died. Instead of liberation and a return to democracy, freedom, and a new golden age, humanity has been plunged into darkness.
Eighteen years after the Great Fall of civilization, stranded on the wrecked world Asherho, Keira Kane struggles to make her way. Shattered by war, the climate of the planet has become inhospitable to life and is getting worse with each passing year. The government is a brutal regime, focused on maintaining its own grip on power instead of feeding the few million ragged survivors living upon its surface. What little law and order there is has begun to erode and break down.
Adopted, protected, and raised by former Imperial Marines, Keira has been trained as a mechanic and technician. Her skillset is indispensable to maintaining the decaying infrastructure of her dying planet.
Sent out on a routine repair job to Hakagi Tower, a seedy apartment block, Keira rapidly finds herself a fugitive, hunted not only by the government she has faithfully served, but by the planetary militia who wants her for their own nefarious reasons. A mysterious battle-damaged warship has also arrived in-system and they want something too.
Unbeknownst to Keira, her Imperial Marine companions have been guarding an incredibly valuable secret, one that has the potential to save humanity or see its light extinguished from the galaxy forever.
Caught up in a planetary revolt and hunted, Keira is thrust into a life-or-death struggle she never imagined possible. Though she has yet to suspect it, the road ahead is not only dangerous, but a path destined for her and her alone.
Does she have the courage to walk it? Does she have the willpower to pick up a fallen standard? Or will she falter and allow humanity to continue its fall into darkness? Only time will tell…
Find out why thousands of readers have fallen for Amazon bestselling author Marc Alan Edelheit’s captivating books! The battle to save the galaxy begins here!
Eighteen years after the Great Fall of civilization, stranded on the wrecked world Asherho, Keira Kane struggles to make her way. Shattered by war, the climate of the planet has become inhospitable to life and is getting worse with each passing year. The government is a brutal regime, focused on maintaining its own grip on power instead of feeding the few million ragged survivors living upon its surface. What little law and order there is has begun to erode and break down.
Adopted, protected, and raised by former Imperial Marines, Keira has been trained as a mechanic and technician. Her skillset is indispensable to maintaining the decaying infrastructure of her dying planet.
Sent out on a routine repair job to Hakagi Tower, a seedy apartment block, Keira rapidly finds herself a fugitive, hunted not only by the government she has faithfully served, but by the planetary militia who wants her for their own nefarious reasons. A mysterious battle-damaged warship has also arrived in-system and they want something too.
Unbeknownst to Keira, her Imperial Marine companions have been guarding an incredibly valuable secret, one that has the potential to save humanity or see its light extinguished from the galaxy forever.
Caught up in a planetary revolt and hunted, Keira is thrust into a life-or-death struggle she never imagined possible. Though she has yet to suspect it, the road ahead is not only dangerous, but a path destined for her and her alone.
Does she have the courage to walk it? Does she have the willpower to pick up a fallen standard? Or will she falter and allow humanity to continue its fall into darkness? Only time will tell…
Find out why thousands of readers have fallen for Amazon bestselling author Marc Alan Edelheit’s captivating books! The battle to save the galaxy begins here!
- GenresScience FictionFiction
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2021
561 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Marc Alan Edelheit
46 books859 followersBestselling author Marc Edelheit has traveled the world, from Asia to Europe, at one point crossing the border at Check Point Charlie in Berlin toward the end of the Cold War.
Marc is the ultimate history fan and incorporates much of that passion into his work to bring greater realism to his fans. He is also an avid reader, devouring several books per week, ranging from history to science fiction and fantasy.
Marc is the ultimate history fan and incorporates much of that passion into his work to bring greater realism to his fans. He is also an avid reader, devouring several books per week, ranging from history to science fiction and fantasy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 28, 2021
Lot of world building but fun
As primarily a fantasy reader and fan of the author's other works I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story.
It's a simple straight forward story, readers spoiled by the authors fantasy stories aren't going to find the deep multifaceted read layered with Easter eggs and twisting plot lines they have grown to expect with the author's other works. But for a light casual read, especially for those not well versed in sci Fi or normally attracted to the genre,I find this book perfect.
There's deep world building, a very interesting and compelling broad frame work to the universe,and more importantly a cast of characters that has something for everyone. My biggest surprise of the story was just how much I actually was able to immerse and enjoy the MC. I don't normally read sci_fi and I maybe have read two books my entire life with a female MC but I was able to get into it and appreciate her with no issue.
The only thing I could look at as a downside is that with the world building it can feel like the pace is slow at times but I personally think it's well balanced with the action scenes and understanding that this book is doing the work to set up a series in scope similar to the authors fantasy worlds.
To address some of the more negative or neutral reviews: I feel a lot of these are due to fans expecting a typical Edelheit badass male MC...just set in space instead of a Roman themed fantasy verse. I think they forget how simple and similar to this novel those stories started out. Secondly, it'd be safe to assume a lot are fantasy readers crossing over to sci Fi and the genre probably isn't their normal cup of tea and had the wrong expectations to start out.
Overall it's a strong book thats building a universe and story that promises to blow minds in book 2 with an increase in depth and proportion. I'd definitely recommend giving it a read if you are looking for a sci Fi novel to casually read.
As primarily a fantasy reader and fan of the author's other works I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story.
It's a simple straight forward story, readers spoiled by the authors fantasy stories aren't going to find the deep multifaceted read layered with Easter eggs and twisting plot lines they have grown to expect with the author's other works. But for a light casual read, especially for those not well versed in sci Fi or normally attracted to the genre,I find this book perfect.
There's deep world building, a very interesting and compelling broad frame work to the universe,and more importantly a cast of characters that has something for everyone. My biggest surprise of the story was just how much I actually was able to immerse and enjoy the MC. I don't normally read sci_fi and I maybe have read two books my entire life with a female MC but I was able to get into it and appreciate her with no issue.
The only thing I could look at as a downside is that with the world building it can feel like the pace is slow at times but I personally think it's well balanced with the action scenes and understanding that this book is doing the work to set up a series in scope similar to the authors fantasy worlds.
To address some of the more negative or neutral reviews: I feel a lot of these are due to fans expecting a typical Edelheit badass male MC...just set in space instead of a Roman themed fantasy verse. I think they forget how simple and similar to this novel those stories started out. Secondly, it'd be safe to assume a lot are fantasy readers crossing over to sci Fi and the genre probably isn't their normal cup of tea and had the wrong expectations to start out.
Overall it's a strong book thats building a universe and story that promises to blow minds in book 2 with an increase in depth and proportion. I'd definitely recommend giving it a read if you are looking for a sci Fi novel to casually read.
November 12, 2024
This is a middle of the road sci-fi novel. I listened to the audiobook and it really didn’t hook me. Not a bad story but not very memorable.
January 10, 2024
A good read
Without getting too analytical, the story was entertaining, well written, and interesting. The story keeps moving and doesn’t get off track which makes it good for plane rides and trips.
Without getting too analytical, the story was entertaining, well written, and interesting. The story keeps moving and doesn’t get off track which makes it good for plane rides and trips.
March 25, 2023
Thought I’d listen to this story. The reader and the content are so dull. So much explanation and telling. Had to put it down.
August 2, 2021
An Awakening
The beginning chapter was very good. The parallels between the riots being forced on the American Public of today and the attack on the Imperial government and forces of good in the book are enlightening and a warning. The warning is that an intolerance of those against others who don’t agree with them, can hurt humanity at a deep level.
But if you believe in the Marines (not marines with a Socialist General) things can still have a possibility to turn out all right.
However, the author spent page after page after page with no dialogue and no action that bored me to tears. Just explanations of things that made no sense being in the book; no clarity and no deepening of understanding that would have given some meaning to the book. Instead it was just an indirect coddling of a special ethnic minority. That, again, appears to be a connection to today’s world.
The beginning chapter was very good. The parallels between the riots being forced on the American Public of today and the attack on the Imperial government and forces of good in the book are enlightening and a warning. The warning is that an intolerance of those against others who don’t agree with them, can hurt humanity at a deep level.
But if you believe in the Marines (not marines with a Socialist General) things can still have a possibility to turn out all right.
However, the author spent page after page after page with no dialogue and no action that bored me to tears. Just explanations of things that made no sense being in the book; no clarity and no deepening of understanding that would have given some meaning to the book. Instead it was just an indirect coddling of a special ethnic minority. That, again, appears to be a connection to today’s world.
April 22, 2023
***This is a copy of the review I left for this audiobook on Audible**
I recently discovered Marc Alan Edelheit. I just finished his "The Way Of Legend" series and the third book of "The Karus Saga". I was looking forward to this book and series to see how he wrote science fiction as opposed to his fantasy books. While the other works of his that I've read aren't anything incredible or amazing, they are decent works and generally entertaining. Even the aspects of his writing style that I don't particularly care for were manageable in the other series. Fallen Empire unfortunately is absolutely terrible with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It's just bad.
Edelheit uses dialog between characters to establish back story and inform the reader about the world he is introducing you to. In his other works it makes for a bit of a slow introduction and takes a bit to get used to but overall if you are patient it works. Not so much in Fallen Empire. The dialog in Fallen Empire is just flat, unintelligent and generally cliche or juvenile and absolutely painful to try and endure. Almost the entire dialog is recycled military cliche sayings and terminology without any real meaning. The interpersonal conversations while attempting to mimic soldier or Marines and regular working-class people living and interreacting fails completely and sounds forced or contrived without saying anything at all worth listening to. It's nails on chalkboard material.
Pair this poor writing with the worst performance from John Lee I have ever listened to. I have listened to dozens of books narrated by John Lee. Although his accent and style might not work for everyone, in general he has done well, and his style worked for the most part in many of the books I've listened to him read. I don't know what he was trying to accomplish with this work but it's absolutely terrible. His cadence and inflections make absolutely no sense in regard to what he is reading. He ads emphasis and inflection where unnecessary and his cadence is more like early William Shatner Star Trek. He also confused the voices for characters constantly throughout the book making it a bit confusing until the end of the dialog is capped with "Lee said" or "Chris said". And the listener is asking "What? You just read that in the other character voice!"
The story itself is just pointless and nonsensical. The prolog has basically nothing to do with the rest of the book and I'm beginning to think that maybe it is a parallel to whole series Edelheit is attempting to write. The prolog is a vaguely relevant short story basically separate from the main story and I suspect that the remainder of this book was a twelve hour prolog to the upcoming books. The problem is it was so poorly told that I have absolutely no interest in continuing. Lots and lots of needless repetition for things that were completely pointless. Inane dialog and heaps and heaps of silly cliche. Twelve hours of wasted time to accomplish nothing except maybe introduce us to the two main characters of the next book in the most annoying way possible.
Our main character, Kiera, is not particularly likeable. Although he attempts to write her as a tough, intelligent and independent young woman, Edelheit tells us one thing and then shows us the opposite. This contradiction get's very old very fast. Her impulsiveness and lack of logic and reason, while normal for a young adult, make her an annoying protagonist. Her continued dwelling on fallen comrades or setbacks, while probably attempting to show her humanity just gets tedious. And she is supposed to be a super spart technician, one of the few still capable of fixing the remaining post apocalyptical gear around but over and over she marvels at the technology of old. I was sick of this character halfway through the book. When the character of MK was introduced, it tipped a bad book over the edge into a terrible book. As I slogged along, I kept thinking this is a waste of time, I want my money back. I endured this garbage while continually rolling my eyes and swearing out loud at this pile of dung so I could write a review and hopefully spare other listeners from this farce. The two main characters at the end of this book are the two I hate the most. Why would I continue on the next book to torture myself more? I would rather stick bamboo slivers under my fingernails.
This book might be okay for a young adult with very little reading experience. To someone like that it may be new and interesting, but if you've reading and listening to audiobooks for a few decades this is a waste of time and money.
Needless to say I will not continue with this series. I really wish Audible would allow you to leave a review of a book if you return it. This was crap and I want my credit back but I figure it's more important that I warn other audiobook listeners to avoid this.
I recently discovered Marc Alan Edelheit. I just finished his "The Way Of Legend" series and the third book of "The Karus Saga". I was looking forward to this book and series to see how he wrote science fiction as opposed to his fantasy books. While the other works of his that I've read aren't anything incredible or amazing, they are decent works and generally entertaining. Even the aspects of his writing style that I don't particularly care for were manageable in the other series. Fallen Empire unfortunately is absolutely terrible with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It's just bad.
Edelheit uses dialog between characters to establish back story and inform the reader about the world he is introducing you to. In his other works it makes for a bit of a slow introduction and takes a bit to get used to but overall if you are patient it works. Not so much in Fallen Empire. The dialog in Fallen Empire is just flat, unintelligent and generally cliche or juvenile and absolutely painful to try and endure. Almost the entire dialog is recycled military cliche sayings and terminology without any real meaning. The interpersonal conversations while attempting to mimic soldier or Marines and regular working-class people living and interreacting fails completely and sounds forced or contrived without saying anything at all worth listening to. It's nails on chalkboard material.
Pair this poor writing with the worst performance from John Lee I have ever listened to. I have listened to dozens of books narrated by John Lee. Although his accent and style might not work for everyone, in general he has done well, and his style worked for the most part in many of the books I've listened to him read. I don't know what he was trying to accomplish with this work but it's absolutely terrible. His cadence and inflections make absolutely no sense in regard to what he is reading. He ads emphasis and inflection where unnecessary and his cadence is more like early William Shatner Star Trek. He also confused the voices for characters constantly throughout the book making it a bit confusing until the end of the dialog is capped with "Lee said" or "Chris said". And the listener is asking "What? You just read that in the other character voice!"
The story itself is just pointless and nonsensical. The prolog has basically nothing to do with the rest of the book and I'm beginning to think that maybe it is a parallel to whole series Edelheit is attempting to write. The prolog is a vaguely relevant short story basically separate from the main story and I suspect that the remainder of this book was a twelve hour prolog to the upcoming books. The problem is it was so poorly told that I have absolutely no interest in continuing. Lots and lots of needless repetition for things that were completely pointless. Inane dialog and heaps and heaps of silly cliche. Twelve hours of wasted time to accomplish nothing except maybe introduce us to the two main characters of the next book in the most annoying way possible.
Our main character, Kiera, is not particularly likeable. Although he attempts to write her as a tough, intelligent and independent young woman, Edelheit tells us one thing and then shows us the opposite. This contradiction get's very old very fast. Her impulsiveness and lack of logic and reason, while normal for a young adult, make her an annoying protagonist. Her continued dwelling on fallen comrades or setbacks, while probably attempting to show her humanity just gets tedious. And she is supposed to be a super spart technician, one of the few still capable of fixing the remaining post apocalyptical gear around but over and over she marvels at the technology of old. I was sick of this character halfway through the book. When the character of MK was introduced, it tipped a bad book over the edge into a terrible book. As I slogged along, I kept thinking this is a waste of time, I want my money back. I endured this garbage while continually rolling my eyes and swearing out loud at this pile of dung so I could write a review and hopefully spare other listeners from this farce. The two main characters at the end of this book are the two I hate the most. Why would I continue on the next book to torture myself more? I would rather stick bamboo slivers under my fingernails.
This book might be okay for a young adult with very little reading experience. To someone like that it may be new and interesting, but if you've reading and listening to audiobooks for a few decades this is a waste of time and money.
Needless to say I will not continue with this series. I really wish Audible would allow you to leave a review of a book if you return it. This was crap and I want my credit back but I figure it's more important that I warn other audiobook listeners to avoid this.
August 29, 2021
Interesting storyline, not so great protagonist.
What do you want the main protagonist to be a fighter, or a person with no backbone. During the first half of the book you don’t know what Kaira wants to be. She starts out as fierce trying to protect the innocent, then changes to somebody who was afraid of everything. In my opinion during the entire book she doesn’t have any kind of back bone or spine. And because of her cowardice some of her family members or people she cares about die.
I like the storyline but I don’t like the main characters lack of courage. I know a lot of people have read and reviewed this book but I did not see you what all the hype is all about.
In my opinion this is not a character that is inspiring. But I will read the next book hopefully her personality grows and improves.
What do you want the main protagonist to be a fighter, or a person with no backbone. During the first half of the book you don’t know what Kaira wants to be. She starts out as fierce trying to protect the innocent, then changes to somebody who was afraid of everything. In my opinion during the entire book she doesn’t have any kind of back bone or spine. And because of her cowardice some of her family members or people she cares about die.
I like the storyline but I don’t like the main characters lack of courage. I know a lot of people have read and reviewed this book but I did not see you what all the hype is all about.
In my opinion this is not a character that is inspiring. But I will read the next book hopefully her personality grows and improves.
July 9, 2021
Excellent and outstanding
I was both excited and anxious to read Marc's foray into the world Sci-fi and am very happy to say he nailed it. Matching the quality and depth and breadth of the world Stiger's Tigers has seemed an impossible mark to hit twice but the Fallen Empire has ever promise do so. A compelling and continuing plot along with a gritty feel that punches you in the gut then grabs you and never lets go. Characters keep revealing hidden facets and gaming depth as the story progresses and repeatedly find hidden strengths to surmount obstacle after obstacle.
Extremely well written and edited to the highest standard. Easily worth 6 stars but Amazon only lets me give 5.
I was both excited and anxious to read Marc's foray into the world Sci-fi and am very happy to say he nailed it. Matching the quality and depth and breadth of the world Stiger's Tigers has seemed an impossible mark to hit twice but the Fallen Empire has ever promise do so. A compelling and continuing plot along with a gritty feel that punches you in the gut then grabs you and never lets go. Characters keep revealing hidden facets and gaming depth as the story progresses and repeatedly find hidden strengths to surmount obstacle after obstacle.
Extremely well written and edited to the highest standard. Easily worth 6 stars but Amazon only lets me give 5.
August 6, 2021
For me this was a roller coaster read. The first couple of chapters excited me very much. I thought finally here was a book of epic proportions. However, the following chapters had me questioning my initial reaction, it seem like I was dumped into a more mundane run-of-the-mill apocalyptic read that could take place anywhere like so many of the near future earth apocalypse books. The action on that smaller scale held my interest to keep reading the book. The character development was alright but I kept asking myself why am I reading about these characters in light of the epic developments of the first couple of chapters. It was in the final chapters that the storyline and relevance of these particular characters to the epic opening came together for me. It was a surprising and great finish for the book. Although it was a roller coaster ride for me, I recommend this book to anyone. I can not wait for a follow-up book.
December 26, 2024
This wasn’t a bad book, but with a few minor tweaks it could have been a whole lot better. It's a depressing start which probably goes on a bit too long. Eventually there was a slow build up to the action and when it came it wasn't entirely convincing. Towards the end of the book it seems that 'everybody and his mate' is after Keira, but the author never explains how they know about her and how they all arrived at the same time. It might be that this explained in a later book, but this one feels too contrived and left me slightly irritated by the end.
Also the main character Keira was a little disappointing, she started with much promise, but seemed unable to think clear towards the end and even became a bit of a liability in combat.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
Also the main character Keira was a little disappointing, she started with much promise, but seemed unable to think clear towards the end and even became a bit of a liability in combat.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
September 11, 2021
I want to see what happens next
This was great. A lot of world building so the action was slower than I expected. So many lose ends that leaving the planet don’t seem to allow for completion. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I hated that after all her years of training, she still didn’t seem to have more built in reflexes when it came to staying alive. The author went through a lot of trouble to set up her continued training but when it came time to put that training to use she faltered almost every time. I’m on the fence about our heroine, so I need the second book to solidify my feelings one way or the other.
This was great. A lot of world building so the action was slower than I expected. So many lose ends that leaving the planet don’t seem to allow for completion. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I hated that after all her years of training, she still didn’t seem to have more built in reflexes when it came to staying alive. The author went through a lot of trouble to set up her continued training but when it came time to put that training to use she faltered almost every time. I’m on the fence about our heroine, so I need the second book to solidify my feelings one way or the other.
July 10, 2021
A new series same marc
This is Marc's first attempt at science fiction. You can see his writing reflected in the characters and places but at the same time this book has a different kind of main character that we are used to seeing be wrote by Marc. Our lead for the first time is a woman and makes the book have a lot more self reflection and insight to them selves than marcs men m.cs.
The building blocks to a new series. The book ended to soon for me I wanted the story pace to move on more but I will just have wait for book 2
This is Marc's first attempt at science fiction. You can see his writing reflected in the characters and places but at the same time this book has a different kind of main character that we are used to seeing be wrote by Marc. Our lead for the first time is a woman and makes the book have a lot more self reflection and insight to them selves than marcs men m.cs.
The building blocks to a new series. The book ended to soon for me I wanted the story pace to move on more but I will just have wait for book 2
July 11, 2021
Marc has offered up a bit of Mil-SciFi, and gives it the same care and attention to detail as in the Stigerverse.
Set on a desolate planet that's been wracked by a previous conflict (think galaxy wide); Keira is a repair tech who regularly sifts through the wreckage and antique equipment, fighting a losing battle to keep things functioning. Things go from depressing, to interesting, to critical, to hair-raising in rapid succession.
More character driven than tech driven, there's just the right amount of everything here to please. And now I'll have to wait patiently for book two.
Set on a desolate planet that's been wracked by a previous conflict (think galaxy wide); Keira is a repair tech who regularly sifts through the wreckage and antique equipment, fighting a losing battle to keep things functioning. Things go from depressing, to interesting, to critical, to hair-raising in rapid succession.
More character driven than tech driven, there's just the right amount of everything here to please. And now I'll have to wait patiently for book two.
December 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book and the adventure that the people here took and the little bit of twist at the end what I don't enjoy is having to wait for the next one and yes, I know that there are other books from this author but I read all of them now so I will wait for the next book and then the others to come as this will be another great series from Marc. As for the rest of the story you will just have to read it I would not want to give anything away but if you read other series from Marc, you will enjoy this one
July 8, 2021
Superb introduction to what promises to be an outstanding and very different series
The worlds are gone and the technology with them. For too long advances were taken for granted and now greed and rebellion threatens the last of what remains. Only a slim thread remains to restore order and end the suffering of countless survivors who are at the brink of starvation. The secrets lie with a very few and only one has the power to make a real difference. Well worth the time
The worlds are gone and the technology with them. For too long advances were taken for granted and now greed and rebellion threatens the last of what remains. Only a slim thread remains to restore order and end the suffering of countless survivors who are at the brink of starvation. The secrets lie with a very few and only one has the power to make a real difference. Well worth the time
July 12, 2021
Enjoyable storyline with excellent plot and characters
Excellent writing makes up for what at some times feels a bit unrealistic or stilted plot points. Overall this is excellent and I will for sure be buying the next one when it comes out. The journey itself is very well thought out and I love that it seems like no one is untouchable (no spoilers so I’ll leave it at that). I always appreciate a realistic approach to military works and adventures.
Excellent writing makes up for what at some times feels a bit unrealistic or stilted plot points. Overall this is excellent and I will for sure be buying the next one when it comes out. The journey itself is very well thought out and I love that it seems like no one is untouchable (no spoilers so I’ll leave it at that). I always appreciate a realistic approach to military works and adventures.
February 24, 2023
Its a slog to read
The relationships don't make sense. The robot is described as quirky, weird, or eccentric yet all it says is that it wants to play a game or that a relationship moment is weird. The story described how hopeless, broken, and dirty a scene/group of people are. These scenes happen about twice per chapter and quickly becomes a repetitive moment played out with only minor detail changes.
The relationships don't make sense. The robot is described as quirky, weird, or eccentric yet all it says is that it wants to play a game or that a relationship moment is weird. The story described how hopeless, broken, and dirty a scene/group of people are. These scenes happen about twice per chapter and quickly becomes a repetitive moment played out with only minor detail changes.
October 2, 2024
Wonderful Book
I am familiar with Mr. Edelheit's work as I absolutely loved the Steiger's Tigers series.
This time it's a post apocalyptic future, and the deep characters, excellent grasp of all things military, paired with action and suspense are all hallmarks of Mr. Edelheit's literary prowess.
In other words, I loved it and couldn't put it down!
Don't miss this if you're a fan of action and things getting blown up!
I can't wait to read the next one!
I am familiar with Mr. Edelheit's work as I absolutely loved the Steiger's Tigers series.
This time it's a post apocalyptic future, and the deep characters, excellent grasp of all things military, paired with action and suspense are all hallmarks of Mr. Edelheit's literary prowess.
In other words, I loved it and couldn't put it down!
Don't miss this if you're a fan of action and things getting blown up!
I can't wait to read the next one!
September 24, 2025
It was really hard to not get sucked right into this story. I enjoyed the intrigue throughout and the author does a great job of depicting a slow, boring life that rapidly transitions to something much different. He does this while not letting out too much too quickly so you are constantly wondering about what exactly lies ahead. Although the book ends satisfactorily there’s still so many questions and I look forward to the next one.
July 12, 2021
Great book that I couldn't stop reading:->
I wondered if MAE could write SCIFI as well as he could Historical Fiction...
HE SURE CAN! This is every bit as good as his Stiger books and in the top 10% of all SCIFI/Military Space Opera books I have ever read, and I have read thousands. The only downside is I have to wait on the next one...
I wondered if MAE could write SCIFI as well as he could Historical Fiction...
HE SURE CAN! This is every bit as good as his Stiger books and in the top 10% of all SCIFI/Military Space Opera books I have ever read, and I have read thousands. The only downside is I have to wait on the next one...
July 27, 2021
I want MOOOOOOOOORE
The one and only problem with reading Marc’s books is that you don’t want them to end, you want more so you can get to an end.
Then you want more cause you don’t want them to end, you just want more.
It’s a terrible dilemma with no end in sight, which is good, or is it?????
The one and only problem with reading Marc’s books is that you don’t want them to end, you want more so you can get to an end.
Then you want more cause you don’t want them to end, you just want more.
It’s a terrible dilemma with no end in sight, which is good, or is it?????
July 30, 2021
Great read!
I had previously read the Stiger series and very ,much enjoyed it so I gave this a shot. Usually I don't read alot of science fiction, its pretty stale and not much new out there. I was pleasantly surprised here, novel plot and well developed characters. Look forward to the next book!
I had previously read the Stiger series and very ,much enjoyed it so I gave this a shot. Usually I don't read alot of science fiction, its pretty stale and not much new out there. I was pleasantly surprised here, novel plot and well developed characters. Look forward to the next book!
August 1, 2021
The grimmest of tales
The world is cracked humanity is stuck in a hovel. Everybody dies.
I stopped reading 3 times. Then just decided to skip a lot I'd the woe is the common man, woe is the down trodden. It was poured on too thick. I like Marc's fantasy novels. But this will need to improve a lot for me to go much beyond book 2.
The world is cracked humanity is stuck in a hovel. Everybody dies.
I stopped reading 3 times. Then just decided to skip a lot I'd the woe is the common man, woe is the down trodden. It was poured on too thick. I like Marc's fantasy novels. But this will need to improve a lot for me to go much beyond book 2.
August 5, 2021
This story is a far departure from other works from this author. Mainly historical/fantast novels in the past the high quality of writing is still consistent in his first Science Fiction offering. This is a good story with well rounded characters. The story has a great pace and keeps attention through the entire book.
August 18, 2021
Great book
A real solid story line and different from others I’ve read to date. I have read all the previous books from this author and know he’s an exceptional story teller and even though this is a complete left turn from the Stiger series it is just as well done! Looking forward to the series continuing.
A real solid story line and different from others I’ve read to date. I have read all the previous books from this author and know he’s an exceptional story teller and even though this is a complete left turn from the Stiger series it is just as well done! Looking forward to the series continuing.
July 7, 2021
First rate military fiction
I loved the Stiger's Tigers series and was astonished and pleased to see a new book by the author. This is SF not fantasy but it is every bit as tough and hard-hitting as his other works.
I loved the Stiger's Tigers series and was astonished and pleased to see a new book by the author. This is SF not fantasy but it is every bit as tough and hard-hitting as his other works.
July 7, 2021
Great storyline
I really enjoyed this new direction for the author. My only nit is that the plot seemed to drag on. But that could be my impatience in wanting to know what was going to happen next. The next book can’t happen soon enough for me.
I really enjoyed this new direction for the author. My only nit is that the plot seemed to drag on. But that could be my impatience in wanting to know what was going to happen next. The next book can’t happen soon enough for me.
July 10, 2021
Great start to a great series!
Have read the author's other series and they were mesmerizing and addictive! I have read the Stiger series 4 times and his other series 3 times! Absolute must read!
Have read the author's other series and they were mesmerizing and addictive! I have read the Stiger series 4 times and his other series 3 times! Absolute must read!
July 11, 2021
An excellent start
The long fall of an Empire, the suffering of those who remain, and a faint glimmer of hope. An excellent start to what I hope is a long series. The "what if" of current events in 2021 may also draw people into the story. Highly recommended.
The long fall of an Empire, the suffering of those who remain, and a faint glimmer of hope. An excellent start to what I hope is a long series. The "what if" of current events in 2021 may also draw people into the story. Highly recommended.
July 11, 2021
Great Story
First books in a series tend to be slow moving with lots of world building and backfill. Not a problem here. A great story, fast moving and well written. I’ve read and enjoyed everything Edelheit has published. This may be his best yet.
First books in a series tend to be slow moving with lots of world building and backfill. Not a problem here. A great story, fast moving and well written. I’ve read and enjoyed everything Edelheit has published. This may be his best yet.
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