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The Ancient Guardians #1
Earth Warden
The Wardens are our planet's last line of defence.
Powerful warriors, they stand firm against every threat humanity faces.
It’s more than just a career – it’s a sacred calling…
But it comes with a very short life expectancy.
Lord Kreon, Warden of the First Circle, has a problem.
He’s been forced to kill another apprentice, and he’s rapidly running out of candidates. In fact, there is precisely one left…
Raised on modern-day Earth, Tristan knows nothing of the wider galaxy.
He’s been fighting just to survive, ever since the day his dad left for work – and never came home.
He’s always believed that there was more to life. That he could make a difference.
He’s about to discover that what you don’t know can not only hurt you, it can tear your world apart!
Join Tris, as he’s catapulted into a universe beyond his wildest imagination. Where bizarre aliens threaten mankind, genetically engineered assassins lurk in the shadows, and the mysterious Wardens live by an ancient code…
Of sacrifice.
Fans of Firefly and The Expanse will love this fast-paced and action-packed space opera. Buckle up, brace yourself, and download Earth Warden today!
***Please note: This book was previously published under the pen name Tony James Slater***
Powerful warriors, they stand firm against every threat humanity faces.
It’s more than just a career – it’s a sacred calling…
But it comes with a very short life expectancy.
Lord Kreon, Warden of the First Circle, has a problem.
He’s been forced to kill another apprentice, and he’s rapidly running out of candidates. In fact, there is precisely one left…
Raised on modern-day Earth, Tristan knows nothing of the wider galaxy.
He’s been fighting just to survive, ever since the day his dad left for work – and never came home.
He’s always believed that there was more to life. That he could make a difference.
He’s about to discover that what you don’t know can not only hurt you, it can tear your world apart!
Join Tris, as he’s catapulted into a universe beyond his wildest imagination. Where bizarre aliens threaten mankind, genetically engineered assassins lurk in the shadows, and the mysterious Wardens live by an ancient code…
Of sacrifice.
Fans of Firefly and The Expanse will love this fast-paced and action-packed space opera. Buckle up, brace yourself, and download Earth Warden today!
***Please note: This book was previously published under the pen name Tony James Slater***
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
955 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 12, 2018
Earth Warden is Tony James Slater’s first fiction book. He usually writes travelogues about his crazy experiences. I’ve read and enjoyed all of those, but I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book since I am not a huge fan of sci-fi. So, it was with some trepidation that I began reading Earth Warden. Well, all I can say is Tony really is an excellent storyteller. I was sucked right in. This book is a nice blend of character and world development and action and adventure. Several twists were thrown in there that I didn’t see coming. The end is satisfying enough, but definitely sets up book two in the series. There are a few typos and missing words here and there, but that was really the only negative about it. I was pleasantly surprised by how into the book I got. I highly recommend it to people who love sci-fi and maybe even people like me who often don’t!
October 8, 2018
As Wardens Go
Pretty good space opera -well written with interesting characters-the good , the bad and the indifferent . Enjoyable escapist yarn .
Pretty good space opera -well written with interesting characters-the good , the bad and the indifferent . Enjoyable escapist yarn .
September 10, 2022
Not a bad story in there but my feelings on the actually characters range from Meh to disgust.
December 3, 2021
Packed with sci-fi tropes, this space opera began well but never quite realised its potential for me. The characters didn't engage me, nor did they develop much despite their life and death struggles and existential revelations. There were lots of space chases, violent fights, last minute escapes, and sneaky technology, but the plot and the antagonists felt a little too predictable.
July 28, 2020
What a stonking read! Not high literature, but, frankly, who cares? We all need to escape from time to time and revel in all sorts of violent endeavours. A great romp.
October 21, 2018
Excellent
I really enjoyed certain sections of this book although I though the author could maybe have done more with the storyline. I left the book feeling just a little bit unsatisfied after finishing reading it but I will definitely buy the next book in the series when it is published.
I really enjoyed certain sections of this book although I though the author could maybe have done more with the storyline. I left the book feeling just a little bit unsatisfied after finishing reading it but I will definitely buy the next book in the series when it is published.
October 23, 2018
Earth Warden
A fun Syfi book well thought out and great characters.
Hurry up and write the next book😁.
I will surely stay up all night reading it.
A fun Syfi book well thought out and great characters.
Hurry up and write the next book😁.
I will surely stay up all night reading it.
September 9, 2018
‘Tristan was in trouble. He’d been casing this warehouse on the outskirts of Bristol for weeks.‘
Everything about Tony James Slater invites you to enter his life – at least as a voyeur. He seems to be from Australia (or at least someplace British with all the ’whilst’ and substituting s for z in verbs, jocular nicknames and terms we don’t hear often in the US). He describes himself as a ‘very, very strange man. He believes himself to be indestructible, despite considerable evidence to the contrary. He is often to be found making strange faces whilst pretending to be attacked by inanimate objects. And sometimes - not always, but often enough to be of concern - his testicles hang out of the holes in his trousers. It is for this reason (amongst others) that he chooses to spend his life far from mainstream civilization, tackling ridiculous challenges and subjecting himself to constant danger. He gets hurt quite a lot.’ That, by the way, is a fine example of his writing style – infectious is too benign an adjective. Tony also is an inordinately handsome man of movie star/model quality. But that is all peripheral information. Tony (and his wife Roo) are adventurers and that is usually what his thunderously wonderful books are all about – travelling and howling with anecdotes.
But now Tony has entered the realm of Science Fiction and he feels very at home there. He opens his novel with the following gentle intro – ‘Theran’s body lay on the ground, every sinew taut with rage. His eyes stared into nothingness, still fixed on some horror that only he could see. Between them, a ragged hole smouldered. Kreon stood over him, watching the life leak out of his apprentice for what seemed like an age. His face, usually impassive, flickered with successive emotions; pain first, giving way to frustration. Anger… then disappointment. He let out a bitter sigh. “Ten years…” he said, shaking his head slowly. Then he holstered his weapon and turned from the scene. As a Warden, responsible for bringing justice to thousands of planets and billions of people, Kreon didn’t do grief. Kyra had never seen him cry. Only once, he’d seemed close… in circumstances so similar it sent fresh waves of loss crashing over her. Not for the first time, she eyed the glinting black stone of the Portal, and cursed its existence. With the Warden out of the way, Kyra stepped towards the body. Kreon might be her boss, but the dead man on the floor was her closest friend. Or, he had been. Right up until Kreon shot him. She knelt beside Theran, gazing into those impossibly-blue eyes one last time. His face had softened now, relaxing into death; he no longer saw imaginary monsters, or some other nameless terror. The madness that twisted his features had ebbed away with his life, leaving him almost peaceful; except, of course, for the gaping hole in his forehead. Kyra closed the man’s eyes, touched his hand for a second, and bent her head for a final sentiment. Theran… Gods, I’ll miss you. Safe travels. Almost, she could imagine the familiar pull of his thoughts on hers, as though in response to this final message. But no; powerful psychic though he’d been, Theran was gone. Any remaining splinter of his presence would still be tainted with the howling, raging insanity he had died in. For once, she was grateful that he couldn’t answer. She didn’t cry. She’d lost many people these past fifty years – friends, comrades-in-arms, enemies… More than anything, she was tired of it.’ Etc.
The synopsis helps seduce you into his very strange world - ‘For centuries, the Wardens have guarded our planet. Their sacred duty: to protect humanity from itself…and from everything else. Lord Anakreon, Warden of the First Circle, has a problem. He’s been forced to kill another apprentice, and he’s rapidly running out of candidates. In fact, there is precisely one left… On Earth, Tristan Andrews is in trouble. He has been ever since the day his dad left for work – and never came home. Seven years later, living with one foot on the street, Tristan is struggling to survive. Until a tough old man with a scarred face breaks into his house. He claims to have the answers Tristan seeks… But there’s a price.’
So we welcome Tony James Slater into another genre – one he handles very well indeed.
Everything about Tony James Slater invites you to enter his life – at least as a voyeur. He seems to be from Australia (or at least someplace British with all the ’whilst’ and substituting s for z in verbs, jocular nicknames and terms we don’t hear often in the US). He describes himself as a ‘very, very strange man. He believes himself to be indestructible, despite considerable evidence to the contrary. He is often to be found making strange faces whilst pretending to be attacked by inanimate objects. And sometimes - not always, but often enough to be of concern - his testicles hang out of the holes in his trousers. It is for this reason (amongst others) that he chooses to spend his life far from mainstream civilization, tackling ridiculous challenges and subjecting himself to constant danger. He gets hurt quite a lot.’ That, by the way, is a fine example of his writing style – infectious is too benign an adjective. Tony also is an inordinately handsome man of movie star/model quality. But that is all peripheral information. Tony (and his wife Roo) are adventurers and that is usually what his thunderously wonderful books are all about – travelling and howling with anecdotes.
But now Tony has entered the realm of Science Fiction and he feels very at home there. He opens his novel with the following gentle intro – ‘Theran’s body lay on the ground, every sinew taut with rage. His eyes stared into nothingness, still fixed on some horror that only he could see. Between them, a ragged hole smouldered. Kreon stood over him, watching the life leak out of his apprentice for what seemed like an age. His face, usually impassive, flickered with successive emotions; pain first, giving way to frustration. Anger… then disappointment. He let out a bitter sigh. “Ten years…” he said, shaking his head slowly. Then he holstered his weapon and turned from the scene. As a Warden, responsible for bringing justice to thousands of planets and billions of people, Kreon didn’t do grief. Kyra had never seen him cry. Only once, he’d seemed close… in circumstances so similar it sent fresh waves of loss crashing over her. Not for the first time, she eyed the glinting black stone of the Portal, and cursed its existence. With the Warden out of the way, Kyra stepped towards the body. Kreon might be her boss, but the dead man on the floor was her closest friend. Or, he had been. Right up until Kreon shot him. She knelt beside Theran, gazing into those impossibly-blue eyes one last time. His face had softened now, relaxing into death; he no longer saw imaginary monsters, or some other nameless terror. The madness that twisted his features had ebbed away with his life, leaving him almost peaceful; except, of course, for the gaping hole in his forehead. Kyra closed the man’s eyes, touched his hand for a second, and bent her head for a final sentiment. Theran… Gods, I’ll miss you. Safe travels. Almost, she could imagine the familiar pull of his thoughts on hers, as though in response to this final message. But no; powerful psychic though he’d been, Theran was gone. Any remaining splinter of his presence would still be tainted with the howling, raging insanity he had died in. For once, she was grateful that he couldn’t answer. She didn’t cry. She’d lost many people these past fifty years – friends, comrades-in-arms, enemies… More than anything, she was tired of it.’ Etc.
The synopsis helps seduce you into his very strange world - ‘For centuries, the Wardens have guarded our planet. Their sacred duty: to protect humanity from itself…and from everything else. Lord Anakreon, Warden of the First Circle, has a problem. He’s been forced to kill another apprentice, and he’s rapidly running out of candidates. In fact, there is precisely one left… On Earth, Tristan Andrews is in trouble. He has been ever since the day his dad left for work – and never came home. Seven years later, living with one foot on the street, Tristan is struggling to survive. Until a tough old man with a scarred face breaks into his house. He claims to have the answers Tristan seeks… But there’s a price.’
So we welcome Tony James Slater into another genre – one he handles very well indeed.
October 4, 2018
It is a Star wars firefly crossover in all but name.
Good enough to want next book. Nuff said.😁 well written with great characters. Combat mystery and intrigue everything I like.
Good enough to want next book. Nuff said.😁 well written with great characters. Combat mystery and intrigue everything I like.
September 19, 2018
Young boy is not only in for “first contact” but is picked up by mysterious, kick ass space warden to become his new apprentice. This should really have been my kind of story. I quite liked the starting twist that he had just killed his previous apprentice.
Unfortunately this book turned out to be such as disappointment. For starters the new apprentice is never really told anything. He is just thrown into one ludicrous, and lethal, situation after another with next to zero training or preparation. I know it is fiction but even taking that into account he should pretty much have died in the first few pages.
Then the science and the action is just silly. There is absolutely zero realism or logic to anything.
Okay, but we got a kick ass hero right? Yeah well maybe. The problem is that he is not very likable and so over the top. He really treats his apprentice, and most of his friends, like shit. He shoots people because, well pretty much because he felt like it.
The story then? Appart from being mostly silly and unrealistic it quite quickly devolves into a lot of political bullshit with opponents that are, if possible, even less likable than our hero. The conclave of wardens is a joke with a bunch of political ass-wipes jockeying for power instead of doing and real warden work.
There are som interesting things and a few twists in the book but on the whole this book felt more like a poor script for a equally poor TV-movie on SyFy or something. With a target audience of teenagers with a below average intelligence.
As I already wrote, a big disappointment. It is claimed that the book is the first in a series. Well that’s one series that I wont be reading any more of.
Unfortunately this book turned out to be such as disappointment. For starters the new apprentice is never really told anything. He is just thrown into one ludicrous, and lethal, situation after another with next to zero training or preparation. I know it is fiction but even taking that into account he should pretty much have died in the first few pages.
Then the science and the action is just silly. There is absolutely zero realism or logic to anything.
Okay, but we got a kick ass hero right? Yeah well maybe. The problem is that he is not very likable and so over the top. He really treats his apprentice, and most of his friends, like shit. He shoots people because, well pretty much because he felt like it.
The story then? Appart from being mostly silly and unrealistic it quite quickly devolves into a lot of political bullshit with opponents that are, if possible, even less likable than our hero. The conclave of wardens is a joke with a bunch of political ass-wipes jockeying for power instead of doing and real warden work.
There are som interesting things and a few twists in the book but on the whole this book felt more like a poor script for a equally poor TV-movie on SyFy or something. With a target audience of teenagers with a below average intelligence.
As I already wrote, a big disappointment. It is claimed that the book is the first in a series. Well that’s one series that I wont be reading any more of.
June 8, 2020
Entertaining and action packed adventure
In vast galaxy full of danger and intrigue, nothing and no one is what they seem. Kreon, Kyra, Blas, and Tristan are part of the Wardens, a peacekeeping and justice dispensing organization. Our heroes cause is to protect Earth, because while it was apparently the origin for at least some of the species occupying the galaxy, decisions were made to protect it by not allowing interaction with the broader galaxy community. The Wardens are the ones that enforce this edict, although this is only a small aspect of their role as peacekeepers. Tristan is a British teenagers forcibly recruited as an apprentice for Kreon. Tristan's father was once a Wardens, but died mysteriously when Tristan was young. There are powerful and dangerous people with evil plans for Earth that must be stopped. The pace is hectic, as our heroes are betrayed and chased across the galaxy.
This was a fun read, and I'm about to jump into the second book. There's much excitement to be had.
In vast galaxy full of danger and intrigue, nothing and no one is what they seem. Kreon, Kyra, Blas, and Tristan are part of the Wardens, a peacekeeping and justice dispensing organization. Our heroes cause is to protect Earth, because while it was apparently the origin for at least some of the species occupying the galaxy, decisions were made to protect it by not allowing interaction with the broader galaxy community. The Wardens are the ones that enforce this edict, although this is only a small aspect of their role as peacekeepers. Tristan is a British teenagers forcibly recruited as an apprentice for Kreon. Tristan's father was once a Wardens, but died mysteriously when Tristan was young. There are powerful and dangerous people with evil plans for Earth that must be stopped. The pace is hectic, as our heroes are betrayed and chased across the galaxy.
This was a fun read, and I'm about to jump into the second book. There's much excitement to be had.
August 31, 2021
This book starts off kinda slow for me as it is introducing the main character as young thief. Tristan has a lot to discover about himself and his universe. He is not who he thinks he is. The world building is very good. The overall story itself is very good. For some reason, the characters didn'[t draw me in, but the story did. I just needed to know what was going to happen next. There is all kinds of behind and in front of the scenes treachery, missions, secrets, and mayhem going on. There are genetic experiments, alien artifacts and murder. I enjoyed the story, but the book does leave you with a cliffhanger, which is not my favorite thing. In my opinion, a great book completes the story and leaves a lead into another story, it doesn't just leave you hanging wondering what is going to happen. Anyway, it is a good story and I would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2021
Nice Start !! . . .
This book was a nice blend of good characters and intriguing adventure, both of which easily caught the reader’s interest and pulled us right in. In a humorous way, we are led on an exciting adventure. Enough gadgets and futuristic techno-gizmos also keep the thrill there as we watch to see how they work against whatever the heroes come up against. I think this series has enough of everything that makes a good sci-fi adventure – well done! I’ll be back for the next book too!
This book was a nice blend of good characters and intriguing adventure, both of which easily caught the reader’s interest and pulled us right in. In a humorous way, we are led on an exciting adventure. Enough gadgets and futuristic techno-gizmos also keep the thrill there as we watch to see how they work against whatever the heroes come up against. I think this series has enough of everything that makes a good sci-fi adventure – well done! I’ll be back for the next book too!
May 4, 2020
Great Story, great characters
Terrific writing and reading. Tristan is "stollen" from Earth by Kreon and Kyra (KK) to become an apprentice warden. Wardens have the job of protecting planetary systems in the galaxy. However, his apprenticeship becomes almost a loss as he helps KK fight dir their lives.
Terrific writing and reading. Tristan is "stollen" from Earth by Kreon and Kyra (KK) to become an apprentice warden. Wardens have the job of protecting planetary systems in the galaxy. However, his apprenticeship becomes almost a loss as he helps KK fight dir their lives.
May 13, 2020
Good reading
The cover artist and I agree Kyra is the most interesting character, she has depth, mystery and allure. The others are not so shabby but she wins the show.
The tale gallops along with tons of action but little tension but that's ok it is a space opera.
The cover artist and I agree Kyra is the most interesting character, she has depth, mystery and allure. The others are not so shabby but she wins the show.
The tale gallops along with tons of action but little tension but that's ok it is a space opera.
September 25, 2018
I've read and loved just about everything Tony James Slater has written up to this point, and he's rapidly become one of my favorite writers. The catch here is that up to this point, everything he's written has been either a memoir or a travel book (or some combination of the two). Still, there's no denying that he's a great writer with a wicked sense of humor and an ability to find something to laugh at in just about any situation. So when I learned that he was releasing a sci-fi novel, I was surprised but curious, and given that I love sci-fi and had enough faith in Tony's writing skills to believe he could pull it off, I knew I had to read it.
Having read it, I have to say that... for a first foray into fiction (say that three times fast...), this is a decent book. It has its flaws, but despite said flaws it's a wildly entertaining ride, and I'm eager to see more of this series.
Tristan is a young man trying to eke out a living in Great Britain, having lost his parents when he was young and resorting to burglary to survive. His life changes forever, though, when he's abducted by a mysterious man named Kreon, who tells him a startling truth -- his father was a Warden, one of the legendary warriors who safeguard worlds, including Earth, from destruction and exploitation. But the Wardens have grown corrupt, and one in particular wants to see Earth stripped and exploited for his own gain. Tristan, as the heir to an incredible legacy, must help Kreon and his allies -- the chipper yet deadly assassin Kyra and the trigger-happy weapons specialist Blas -- stop them... if he can come to grips with this strange new galaxy and his family legacy first, and if he can trust Kreon to tell him the full truth...
Tony's writing is always entertaining, but there's a huge difference between writing fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, Tony proves he can handle both, and his first foray into fiction is well-written. He keeps the pace steady but not rushed, and gives the reader the necessary information to understand the world and setting without massive info-dumps. And he deftly sprinkles generous amounts of humor in the book, which I found a welcome breath of fresh air. Science fiction is a genre that too often takes itself deadly serious, and it's nice to see that leaving Earth doesn't mean having to leave your sense of humor behind.
The plot does have some predictable elements to it, and follows some of the usual cliches of sci-fi -- the Wardens function about the same here as the Jedi in "Star Wars" but without superpowers, for example. But I'm a firm believer in the idea that even old ideas can be executed well if given a fresh twist, and Tony brings enough new to the table that the more well-worn concepts he uses can be forgiven. Also, there are a few bits that I felt weren't explained quite well enough -- why are the bad guys so focused on exploiting the Earth above all other planets, for example -- but I hope these are answered in the next novel.
The characters are probably the best part of this book, however. Tristan is the everyman thrust into an incredible situation, and despite having been trained in combat he feels quite out of his element and reacts pretty much as you'd expect -- confused, terrified, yet insanely curious as well. Kreon can be a real jerk at times, but was still enjoyable as a drill-sergeant mentor figure. Kyra is an interesting mix of bubbly shopping-happy young woman and collected assassin, and while one might not think those two elements go together at all, I enjoyed the juxtaposition. Not every action girl has to be a stoic and "strong" tomboy, after all... Other characters are more minor, but many are still enjoyable, especially the gun-happy Blas and the surprisingly friendly assassin Ella.
A commendable first novel, "Earth Warden" may not be perfect, but it's still enjoyable and entertaining... and really, that's all I expected out of this book. Tony has made a decent start here to his novel-writing career, and I hope he only improves his game from here on out. I know that I'm eager to read the sequel, whenever it may appear...
Having read it, I have to say that... for a first foray into fiction (say that three times fast...), this is a decent book. It has its flaws, but despite said flaws it's a wildly entertaining ride, and I'm eager to see more of this series.
Tristan is a young man trying to eke out a living in Great Britain, having lost his parents when he was young and resorting to burglary to survive. His life changes forever, though, when he's abducted by a mysterious man named Kreon, who tells him a startling truth -- his father was a Warden, one of the legendary warriors who safeguard worlds, including Earth, from destruction and exploitation. But the Wardens have grown corrupt, and one in particular wants to see Earth stripped and exploited for his own gain. Tristan, as the heir to an incredible legacy, must help Kreon and his allies -- the chipper yet deadly assassin Kyra and the trigger-happy weapons specialist Blas -- stop them... if he can come to grips with this strange new galaxy and his family legacy first, and if he can trust Kreon to tell him the full truth...
Tony's writing is always entertaining, but there's a huge difference between writing fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, Tony proves he can handle both, and his first foray into fiction is well-written. He keeps the pace steady but not rushed, and gives the reader the necessary information to understand the world and setting without massive info-dumps. And he deftly sprinkles generous amounts of humor in the book, which I found a welcome breath of fresh air. Science fiction is a genre that too often takes itself deadly serious, and it's nice to see that leaving Earth doesn't mean having to leave your sense of humor behind.
The plot does have some predictable elements to it, and follows some of the usual cliches of sci-fi -- the Wardens function about the same here as the Jedi in "Star Wars" but without superpowers, for example. But I'm a firm believer in the idea that even old ideas can be executed well if given a fresh twist, and Tony brings enough new to the table that the more well-worn concepts he uses can be forgiven. Also, there are a few bits that I felt weren't explained quite well enough -- why are the bad guys so focused on exploiting the Earth above all other planets, for example -- but I hope these are answered in the next novel.
The characters are probably the best part of this book, however. Tristan is the everyman thrust into an incredible situation, and despite having been trained in combat he feels quite out of his element and reacts pretty much as you'd expect -- confused, terrified, yet insanely curious as well. Kreon can be a real jerk at times, but was still enjoyable as a drill-sergeant mentor figure. Kyra is an interesting mix of bubbly shopping-happy young woman and collected assassin, and while one might not think those two elements go together at all, I enjoyed the juxtaposition. Not every action girl has to be a stoic and "strong" tomboy, after all... Other characters are more minor, but many are still enjoyable, especially the gun-happy Blas and the surprisingly friendly assassin Ella.
A commendable first novel, "Earth Warden" may not be perfect, but it's still enjoyable and entertaining... and really, that's all I expected out of this book. Tony has made a decent start here to his novel-writing career, and I hope he only improves his game from here on out. I know that I'm eager to read the sequel, whenever it may appear...
October 17, 2018
I don't even know how I originally came across Tony's first books, his "travel memoirs" (for lack of knowing what else to call them). Those books made me fall in love with Tony (sorry, Roo), and established that I would buy anything Tony published in the future. His style is accessible, his voice engaging and exciting, and his humor... well, that alone is worth the price of his books. So when I found out he had published his first work of fiction, I was intrigued. Could all the things I loved about Tony himself and his travel books be translated into fiction? I needn't have worried. The fact that he could take the otherwise mundane aspects of a trip through the Australian Outback and turn them into a page-turning, thrill-ride should have been my first clue. The guy is a natural born storyteller.
Tony's writing drew me in immediately because his characters were so well done. The first person we meet, Tristan, is immediately familiar, and everything about him makes us want to cheer for him. So I had buy-in from the get-go. With each successive character introduced is equally well-drawn and sympathetic. Each has something quirky and curious about them to make them unique, and each has a mystery about them - a past in most cases - that keep one reading to find out more. These are hallmarks of well done characterizations.
I don't read a lot of sci fi, but as I said, that didn't matter because I'd already bought into the characters. The setting (outer space) was merely the backdrop. That being said, the world Tony created was complex, multi-faceted, and authentic. If you love Star Wars, I found many aspects of Tony's universe that felt familiar to that beloved universe while being unique enough not to seem a copy in any way.
The plot: I don't want to say much here because I hate spoilers. But it kept moving, kept me guessing, and kept me wanting to get back to read at every opportunity. Now that I'm finished with it, I miss Tris, Kreon, Kyra, and Blas. I want to get back into their world, see what they are up to, have coffee with them, wish them well as they move on to the next all-the-universes-hinge-on-the-brink adventure.
Tony, write faster. Your rabid fans await. :-)
Tony's writing drew me in immediately because his characters were so well done. The first person we meet, Tristan, is immediately familiar, and everything about him makes us want to cheer for him. So I had buy-in from the get-go. With each successive character introduced is equally well-drawn and sympathetic. Each has something quirky and curious about them to make them unique, and each has a mystery about them - a past in most cases - that keep one reading to find out more. These are hallmarks of well done characterizations.
I don't read a lot of sci fi, but as I said, that didn't matter because I'd already bought into the characters. The setting (outer space) was merely the backdrop. That being said, the world Tony created was complex, multi-faceted, and authentic. If you love Star Wars, I found many aspects of Tony's universe that felt familiar to that beloved universe while being unique enough not to seem a copy in any way.
The plot: I don't want to say much here because I hate spoilers. But it kept moving, kept me guessing, and kept me wanting to get back to read at every opportunity. Now that I'm finished with it, I miss Tris, Kreon, Kyra, and Blas. I want to get back into their world, see what they are up to, have coffee with them, wish them well as they move on to the next all-the-universes-hinge-on-the-brink adventure.
Tony, write faster. Your rabid fans await. :-)
September 7, 2018
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed Tony's travelogues, so know his writing well. I was a bit unsure about reading his sci-fi epic as I'm not into space operas with silly names full of Ks, Xs and Zs. I needn't have worried. Yes, two of his 4 main characters start with a K, but the other letters flow nicely.
As a sci-fi story, it's quite light. There's not too much intergalacticness about it. But there's a great story about a fish out of water - Tristam, trying to make sense of this wider universe that he didn't know about and about power struggles.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It was an easy read and I'm quite sad I've finished it. While the ending leaves things open for future stories, this chapter was satisfactorily concluded.
From the first paragraph I read about Tristam, I pictured him as Tony himself. And of course Kyra's hair is Roo's with future technology.
As a sci-fi story, it's quite light. There's not too much intergalacticness about it. But there's a great story about a fish out of water - Tristam, trying to make sense of this wider universe that he didn't know about and about power struggles.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It was an easy read and I'm quite sad I've finished it. While the ending leaves things open for future stories, this chapter was satisfactorily concluded.
From the first paragraph I read about Tristam, I pictured him as Tony himself. And of course Kyra's hair is Roo's with future technology.
November 8, 2019
Shocking world-building, complex characters, non-stop action
This is an "edge of your seat," action-packed sci-fi adventure that I couldn't put down. A few times I was so worried about Kreon, Kyra, Blas and Tris being killed that I had to stop reading and gather my courage to go on. Their universe is chock full of surprises and danger, both past and present, human and alien. Unexpected aspects of our main characters are revealed while they fight threat after threat and during their respites. Betrayal, politics, dedication, insanity and love move the action forward inexorably.
This is an "edge of your seat," action-packed sci-fi adventure that I couldn't put down. A few times I was so worried about Kreon, Kyra, Blas and Tris being killed that I had to stop reading and gather my courage to go on. Their universe is chock full of surprises and danger, both past and present, human and alien. Unexpected aspects of our main characters are revealed while they fight threat after threat and during their respites. Betrayal, politics, dedication, insanity and love move the action forward inexorably.
April 13, 2021
Right from the very first page I was hooked.
The story is centred around Kreon (the Earth Warden), his partner Kyra and Tristan an, at first, not too willing apprentice to Kreon.
Kreon and Kyra have a psychic link and can communicate their thoughts to each other however Tris has only heard a couple of warnings and is unsure if he dreamt them.
The writer has the knack of describing his characters, scenes and actions to make them totally believable.
This is the first book in the Earth Warden Saga and at present there are another four so that should keep me reading for a little while.
Come and join me in following their adventures, you’ll be glad you did.
The story is centred around Kreon (the Earth Warden), his partner Kyra and Tristan an, at first, not too willing apprentice to Kreon.
Kreon and Kyra have a psychic link and can communicate their thoughts to each other however Tris has only heard a couple of warnings and is unsure if he dreamt them.
The writer has the knack of describing his characters, scenes and actions to make them totally believable.
This is the first book in the Earth Warden Saga and at present there are another four so that should keep me reading for a little while.
Come and join me in following their adventures, you’ll be glad you did.
December 8, 2019
A rollicking good read!
I bought this primarily on the basis that it was written by Tony James Slater. I had enjoyed his previous travel books and this was on offer, even though Sci-fi isn’t my normal read. however I found myself drawn into the story and enjoying this immensely - it reminded me of the early teen sci-fi I used to read years ago. The action is breathless and there are some areas that require a bit belief suspension (however isn’t that the point of fiction?), so really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Sit back, read and just enjoy!
I bought this primarily on the basis that it was written by Tony James Slater. I had enjoyed his previous travel books and this was on offer, even though Sci-fi isn’t my normal read. however I found myself drawn into the story and enjoying this immensely - it reminded me of the early teen sci-fi I used to read years ago. The action is breathless and there are some areas that require a bit belief suspension (however isn’t that the point of fiction?), so really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Sit back, read and just enjoy!
November 24, 2018
Interesting
I’ll have to admit, I’m straddling the fence here. I’m liking the story line but there’s just a little something that bugs me. I know that isn’t much of review, but.... Maybe it’s just just something as trivial as Brit spelling, but they probably say the same about the Yanks. Use a z instead of a s, mate. Or don’t use the word “knackerd” :) The book is entertaining enough that I’ll read the next.
I’ll have to admit, I’m straddling the fence here. I’m liking the story line but there’s just a little something that bugs me. I know that isn’t much of review, but.... Maybe it’s just just something as trivial as Brit spelling, but they probably say the same about the Yanks. Use a z instead of a s, mate. Or don’t use the word “knackerd” :) The book is entertaining enough that I’ll read the next.
January 16, 2019
Earth Warden is the first book in The Ancient Guardians series. This can be read as a standalone, though it is clear from the ending that the story continues on in the next book. There is violence. This is a SciFi space opera story. Parts of the book kept me reading, even though the premise is a bit far fetched. But the underlying theme of what people will do for power and greed is clear and easily understood. Now I want to read the next book in the series.
October 14, 2020
Meh!
Lots of blood and guts, mass slaughter and destruction of ships. Not much plot beyond the sequential attacks, and minimal character development. The expected protagonists are less than forthcoming with each other and the reader, leaving lots of guess work where there should be planned responses.
I managed to 60% before I realized that even if the book did i prove any, I no longer cared about any of the main characters.
Lots of blood and guts, mass slaughter and destruction of ships. Not much plot beyond the sequential attacks, and minimal character development. The expected protagonists are less than forthcoming with each other and the reader, leaving lots of guess work where there should be planned responses.
I managed to 60% before I realized that even if the book did i prove any, I no longer cared about any of the main characters.
November 29, 2020
This was a good story. I could see it as a movie. This orphaned boy, living under the radar in his father's house, stealing when necessary, is kidnapped and taken into space by the man who killed his father. Why? To train him to be a Warden. Someone who watches that people aren't doing wrong. Anywhere in the Universe.
There are some hairy escapes and loyalty is tested. Kind of an action/drama.
I got this book for free through Discover Sci-Fi. (I think)
There are some hairy escapes and loyalty is tested. Kind of an action/drama.
I got this book for free through Discover Sci-Fi. (I think)
September 11, 2018
Awesome!!!
Tony's prose is always impeccable even if it's punctuated with British oddities on occasion. I love his travel books and was excited to see what kind of crazy story he would write. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, but this sucker had me hooked on page one. Definitely worth reading.
Tony's prose is always impeccable even if it's punctuated with British oddities on occasion. I love his travel books and was excited to see what kind of crazy story he would write. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, but this sucker had me hooked on page one. Definitely worth reading.
September 15, 2018
I put this book on my Kindle in the event I ran out of other books. Although I will read Sci Fi, I am normally a high fantasy reader. Once I started this book I was hooked. I enjoyed the writing and the story. It was very difficult to put down. I hope it does not take long for the next book in the series to come out.
October 17, 2018
highly entertaining read that I could not put it down.
The plot is extremely well thought out. Cannot wait to read the sequal. Hopefully it was the start of a grear series. Honestly he is such a good and entertaining writer that I will read any science fiction book he writes.
The plot is extremely well thought out. Cannot wait to read the sequal. Hopefully it was the start of a grear series. Honestly he is such a good and entertaining writer that I will read any science fiction book he writes.
January 16, 2019
Tony James Slater's previous work in humorous travelogues has been quite entertaining. His first foray into fiction with this space opera was a respectable first showing. I will likely read the second book in the series. Cool characters, decent space battles, and political intrigue. All the basic components of a good space opera are well represented here. Nice debut.
December 31, 2019
Tony James Slater's "Earth Warden" is a really fun space romp with some cool ideas and interesting characters. There's a lot of big universe building going on here, but the story doesn't suffer as it sets up the larger saga of the series to come. Loaded with action and peppered with humor, "Earth Warden" is a great introduction to Slater's work.
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