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The Augmented: The Complete Series: A Space Opera Box Set
Get the Augmented Box Set, featuring all three books in the series. 1000+ pages of aliens, war, and explosive space opera action!
Across thousands of planets in the Krey Empire, all humans have a single title... Slave.
Born to oppression, Siena is an ordinary young woman, until an act of defiance leaves her scarred and marked as a rebel. She's sold to Ero, a fallen Krey with a desperate plan to redeem his once-powerful family. He intends to enhance slaves by altering their genetic code, increasing their value through an illegal experiment.
Reklin, a bone-armored soldier, hunts them both. His orders come from a mysterious source, but his loyalty to the Empire has no limits.
Noble, soldier, and slave, they are about to discover a dangerous truth–that humans can be augmented. But none can predict the abilities they'll unlock, or the rebellion they'll unleash.
Experience an entire Epic Space Opera Saga from #1 Amazon Bestseller Ben Hale. It's perfect for lovers of both Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as fans of authors such as Chris Fox, J.N. Chaney, and Lindsay Buroker.
This boxset contains three full-length
Book 1: Empire of Ashes
Book 2: Rise of Renegades
Book 3: Galaxy of Titans
Across thousands of planets in the Krey Empire, all humans have a single title... Slave.
Born to oppression, Siena is an ordinary young woman, until an act of defiance leaves her scarred and marked as a rebel. She's sold to Ero, a fallen Krey with a desperate plan to redeem his once-powerful family. He intends to enhance slaves by altering their genetic code, increasing their value through an illegal experiment.
Reklin, a bone-armored soldier, hunts them both. His orders come from a mysterious source, but his loyalty to the Empire has no limits.
Noble, soldier, and slave, they are about to discover a dangerous truth–that humans can be augmented. But none can predict the abilities they'll unlock, or the rebellion they'll unleash.
Experience an entire Epic Space Opera Saga from #1 Amazon Bestseller Ben Hale. It's perfect for lovers of both Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as fans of authors such as Chris Fox, J.N. Chaney, and Lindsay Buroker.
This boxset contains three full-length
Book 1: Empire of Ashes
Book 2: Rise of Renegades
Book 3: Galaxy of Titans
- GenresAudiobook
1516 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
About the author
Ben Hale
53 books359 followersAs an avid snowboarder from Utah, Ben grew up with a passion for learning. This thirst for knowledge led him to sports, music, and academic endeavors. After a year of college, he did volunteer work in Brazil and became fluent in three languages. Graduating from the University of Central Florida, he started and ran several successful businesses before publishing his first novel in June of 2012. By the end of the year he'd sold almost ten thousand copies of The Second Draeken War, and he began writing full-time. Now spanning 10,000 years, ten titles, and two series, The Chronicles of Lumineia represents a sprawling YA series that has sold over fifty thousand copies, and continues to expand its readership across all ages. Each of his books has been inspired by his wonderful wife and five beautiful children.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 16, 2023
well told story
This was an enjoyable and captivating read.
I can’t wait to find out how the story ends in the next book.
This was an enjoyable and captivating read.
I can’t wait to find out how the story ends in the next book.
July 8, 2023
inconclusive ending
A really fun story, but the ending doesn’t really end which leaves off with a cliffhanger. I find it frustrating, but I still would recommend this series so long as you know in advance, it doesn’t yet really come to a conclusion.
A really fun story, but the ending doesn’t really end which leaves off with a cliffhanger. I find it frustrating, but I still would recommend this series so long as you know in advance, it doesn’t yet really come to a conclusion.
June 27, 2026
What I liked...
Not much... Actually.... Nothing.
This book fails to deliver on every single level.
Characters - the protagonist is a young female slave. She gets bought and sold like a slave. It's illegal to train slaves in fighting but her master, trying to rebuild his house trains her regardless. But he shouldn't bc she's a slave. He lets her act somewhat normal which is frowned upon by EVERY SINGLE OTHER CHARACTER. Because after all she is only a slave.
She can't ask questions. She's just a slave.
She can't fight. She's just a slave.
She can't be given anything. Because she's a slave
Did I mention the main character is a female slave? It's very important you know this. In fact, it's so important every single other character in the book has to mention it. Why do they need to mention it? Bc she's a slave.
So anyway... The main character, who is a slave, by the way, becomes superman on steroids but that's impossible bc she's just a slave.
The other characters, when they're not busy reminding the reader that the protagonist is a slave, are just 1 dimensional characters. They're either really stupid, stubborn or both. But unlike the protagonist (who is a slave BTW) the other characters are those evil and stupid characters cut out from Mexican telenovelas. They only have one catch phrase or one goal or one thought other than the protagonist is a slave.
Imagine taking all the worst characters of game of thrones and putting them together just to continuously remind you that the main character is a little person... I mean slave.
The protagonist who is a slave has an owner... You know bc she's a slave. Please keep that in mind... Anyway the owner seems determined to undermine everything and everyone for some past glory of his house and is able to achieve this with the help of his slave even though it's wrong immoral and illegal. You know.... Bc she's a slave.
So anyway the slave becomes superman on steroids and there is no longer any friction or the stakes are removed.
Sci fi concepts. Nothing special. The book has FTL to transport slaves. They have instant communication to talk about buying and selling slaves.
What completely destroyed this book for me was the fact that despite being so advanced with FTL, instant communications and the slave owners being basically immortal... Living for dozens of thousands of years still can't figure out genetics.
the best and most advanced mad scientist can't wrap his head around how the experiments he invented were able to augment the slaves.
Horrible horrible horrible.
Plot - nothing original here. It's basically a midieval story in space but the backdrop is a cheap temu bought sci fi image which is only mentioned to move the people vast distances. A ruined house is being rebuilt by two brothers who can't even afford slaves anymore. They devise a plan to get investors to rebuild their house. Boring.
Prose... The writing style and flow is so slow and whenever there is a hint of any actual movement we have to be reminded that the protagonist is a slave and the slave owners live forever. Again... Take all the bad writing from Mexican telenovelas and game of thrones and mix it in space and u get this pile or words.
I think the author thought he owned the word slave and the more he uses it the more he'll get paid.
Promises: brothers have to rebuild their house. Boring. They're trying to achieve it but they have to do illegal stuff which is somewhat interesting until you get reminded 3x in a single paragraph that the protagonist is a slave.
World building - this was the best part...but the bar was set so low from other aspects of this so called story it's honestly still horrible... Info dumps after info dumps in the conversations. At least the boring and pointless conversations are interrupted by a friendly reminder that the protagonist is a slave. 1 star out of 5. Stay a way.
I also read the first book of the following series. The word slave only makes up 33 percent of the total word count in that one but the failures of these books continue. Stay away!!!
Not much... Actually.... Nothing.
This book fails to deliver on every single level.
Characters - the protagonist is a young female slave. She gets bought and sold like a slave. It's illegal to train slaves in fighting but her master, trying to rebuild his house trains her regardless. But he shouldn't bc she's a slave. He lets her act somewhat normal which is frowned upon by EVERY SINGLE OTHER CHARACTER. Because after all she is only a slave.
She can't ask questions. She's just a slave.
She can't fight. She's just a slave.
She can't be given anything. Because she's a slave
Did I mention the main character is a female slave? It's very important you know this. In fact, it's so important every single other character in the book has to mention it. Why do they need to mention it? Bc she's a slave.
So anyway... The main character, who is a slave, by the way, becomes superman on steroids but that's impossible bc she's just a slave.
The other characters, when they're not busy reminding the reader that the protagonist is a slave, are just 1 dimensional characters. They're either really stupid, stubborn or both. But unlike the protagonist (who is a slave BTW) the other characters are those evil and stupid characters cut out from Mexican telenovelas. They only have one catch phrase or one goal or one thought other than the protagonist is a slave.
Imagine taking all the worst characters of game of thrones and putting them together just to continuously remind you that the main character is a little person... I mean slave.
The protagonist who is a slave has an owner... You know bc she's a slave. Please keep that in mind... Anyway the owner seems determined to undermine everything and everyone for some past glory of his house and is able to achieve this with the help of his slave even though it's wrong immoral and illegal. You know.... Bc she's a slave.
So anyway the slave becomes superman on steroids and there is no longer any friction or the stakes are removed.
Sci fi concepts. Nothing special. The book has FTL to transport slaves. They have instant communication to talk about buying and selling slaves.
What completely destroyed this book for me was the fact that despite being so advanced with FTL, instant communications and the slave owners being basically immortal... Living for dozens of thousands of years still can't figure out genetics.
the best and most advanced mad scientist can't wrap his head around how the experiments he invented were able to augment the slaves.
Horrible horrible horrible.
Plot - nothing original here. It's basically a midieval story in space but the backdrop is a cheap temu bought sci fi image which is only mentioned to move the people vast distances. A ruined house is being rebuilt by two brothers who can't even afford slaves anymore. They devise a plan to get investors to rebuild their house. Boring.
Prose... The writing style and flow is so slow and whenever there is a hint of any actual movement we have to be reminded that the protagonist is a slave and the slave owners live forever. Again... Take all the bad writing from Mexican telenovelas and game of thrones and mix it in space and u get this pile or words.
I think the author thought he owned the word slave and the more he uses it the more he'll get paid.
Promises: brothers have to rebuild their house. Boring. They're trying to achieve it but they have to do illegal stuff which is somewhat interesting until you get reminded 3x in a single paragraph that the protagonist is a slave.
World building - this was the best part...but the bar was set so low from other aspects of this so called story it's honestly still horrible... Info dumps after info dumps in the conversations. At least the boring and pointless conversations are interrupted by a friendly reminder that the protagonist is a slave. 1 star out of 5. Stay a way.
I also read the first book of the following series. The word slave only makes up 33 percent of the total word count in that one but the failures of these books continue. Stay away!!!
October 20, 2024
My lower review is partially borne out of bitterness.
This was billed as a "complete series" and it's not. I realized this when I was 2/3 of the way through book three and major plotlines were not drawing toward any sort of conclusion. As of this review (October 2024) there have been no more books published in this series, and given the pace these three were released (roughly within 4 months) it doesn't seem the author intends to return to this any time soon. There are a number of other books in the Lumineia universe but none seem to directly continue the story set up in these books. I suspect this is set up as a prequel of sorts; I haven't read the other books but they are all described as epic fantasy, so it seems that the author is trying to establish a larger universe where the fantasy world is tied into a greater sci-fi one, leaning on Clarke's Third Law as the tie-in.
The writing and characters etc. were mostly okay. I often found myself getting annoyed at Ero's storylines and much preferred to follow Sienna and Reklan; Ero's persistent immaturity and general cluelessness made him a good everyman in the beginning, but by the later parts of the book(s) his inability to clue into what was going on around him just came off as idiotic. The plotlines were familiar but well structured. Again, the biggest fault I found was that the author set up so many storylines that had a good chance of getting somewhere and then just...left them hanging.
This was billed as a "complete series" and it's not. I realized this when I was 2/3 of the way through book three and major plotlines were not drawing toward any sort of conclusion. As of this review (October 2024) there have been no more books published in this series, and given the pace these three were released (roughly within 4 months) it doesn't seem the author intends to return to this any time soon. There are a number of other books in the Lumineia universe but none seem to directly continue the story set up in these books. I suspect this is set up as a prequel of sorts; I haven't read the other books but they are all described as epic fantasy, so it seems that the author is trying to establish a larger universe where the fantasy world is tied into a greater sci-fi one, leaning on Clarke's Third Law as the tie-in.
The writing and characters etc. were mostly okay. I often found myself getting annoyed at Ero's storylines and much preferred to follow Sienna and Reklan; Ero's persistent immaturity and general cluelessness made him a good everyman in the beginning, but by the later parts of the book(s) his inability to clue into what was going on around him just came off as idiotic. The plotlines were familiar but well structured. Again, the biggest fault I found was that the author set up so many storylines that had a good chance of getting somewhere and then just...left them hanging.
March 30, 2025
The Augment series by Ben Hale is a thrilling space opera that combines action, intrigue, and deep character development. Across its three books—Empire of Ashes, Rise of Renegades, and Galaxy of Titans—the series explores themes of rebellion, identity, and the fight for freedom in a galaxy ruled by oppression.
The story begins with Siena, a young woman whose act of defiance against the Krey Empire sets her on a path of transformation. Her journey intertwines with Ero, a fallen noble with a daring plan to genetically enhance humans, and Reklin, a soldier loyal to the Empire but driven by mysterious orders. The narrative is packed with twists and turns, as the characters discover hidden truths and unlock abilities that could change the fate of the galaxy.
Ben Hale's writing is immersive, with vivid descriptions of alien worlds and intense battles. The series is perfect for fans of Star Wars and Star Trek, offering a blend of epic storytelling and personal struggles. Without giving away spoilers, the books delve into the complexities of power dynamics and the resilience of the human spirit.
If you're looking for a gripping saga with rich world-building and compelling characters, the Augment series is must-read!
The story begins with Siena, a young woman whose act of defiance against the Krey Empire sets her on a path of transformation. Her journey intertwines with Ero, a fallen noble with a daring plan to genetically enhance humans, and Reklin, a soldier loyal to the Empire but driven by mysterious orders. The narrative is packed with twists and turns, as the characters discover hidden truths and unlock abilities that could change the fate of the galaxy.
Ben Hale's writing is immersive, with vivid descriptions of alien worlds and intense battles. The series is perfect for fans of Star Wars and Star Trek, offering a blend of epic storytelling and personal struggles. Without giving away spoilers, the books delve into the complexities of power dynamics and the resilience of the human spirit.
If you're looking for a gripping saga with rich world-building and compelling characters, the Augment series is must-read!
October 23, 2022
Interesting plot. I began reading thinking I pretty much knew the story. To a degree, I was right. The typical slaves fighting for freedom trope ruled the plot.
The author did a good job of growing the characters and setting up the action scenes. The universe and technology described was interesting. The three species of intelligent beings were distinct enough to add an interesting flavor to the interactions.
This is a complete series, so there are a lot of pages. I never really got bored or wished for it to end more quickly.
A very good read for an incredibly inexpensive price.
The author did a good job of growing the characters and setting up the action scenes. The universe and technology described was interesting. The three species of intelligent beings were distinct enough to add an interesting flavor to the interactions.
This is a complete series, so there are a lot of pages. I never really got bored or wished for it to end more quickly.
A very good read for an incredibly inexpensive price.
July 2, 2026
I loved this series
I didn’t read this series in order I read the 1st book of the 2nd series, I loved it so much I found the 1st series & quickly read them, & now I’m going straight to the 2nd series, it is about a group of slaves who are humans, with 2 other species that keep them subjected, but one of their owners came to see them differently because he became friends with the main female character, I highly recommend this set, if you like star wars like stories mixed with a little star gate, & a couple more I’m not going to state here, I think you will enjoy it as much as I have.
Now I’m starting the next book.
I didn’t read this series in order I read the 1st book of the 2nd series, I loved it so much I found the 1st series & quickly read them, & now I’m going straight to the 2nd series, it is about a group of slaves who are humans, with 2 other species that keep them subjected, but one of their owners came to see them differently because he became friends with the main female character, I highly recommend this set, if you like star wars like stories mixed with a little star gate, & a couple more I’m not going to state here, I think you will enjoy it as much as I have.
Now I’m starting the next book.
July 11, 2026
Finished the entire box series and looked for more
Interesting world building. I got clear images of the places and characters with the author biting me with descriptions.
Solid pacing. The author lets the characters develop through action, so it always feels like the story is moving along.
There were definitely some logic leaps and mildly questionable creative choices that didn't pan out for me, but they weren't enough to distract from my overall enjoyment.
There's nothing terribly deep here. It's not your great classic literature. It is just a really fun read. I'm going to find the next trilogy in the series now!
Interesting world building. I got clear images of the places and characters with the author biting me with descriptions.
Solid pacing. The author lets the characters develop through action, so it always feels like the story is moving along.
There were definitely some logic leaps and mildly questionable creative choices that didn't pan out for me, but they weren't enough to distract from my overall enjoyment.
There's nothing terribly deep here. It's not your great classic literature. It is just a really fun read. I'm going to find the next trilogy in the series now!
November 12, 2022
One of the good ones.
cwb_1a@outlook.com I've got to say that this is one (actually 3) of the best I have read from Amazon. While the there were some minor mistakes (mostly in book 3) as to exactly who was saying what and when,they were not too significant. I am an old fan of space opera, (I love every thing E. E. Smith wrote and most of the sequels to his stories written by others who were fans of his work and authorized to write them.) These books come close to Smith's work, mostly the Lensman series. So I give them 4 stars, and a hearty recommendation.
cwb_1a@outlook.com I've got to say that this is one (actually 3) of the best I have read from Amazon. While the there were some minor mistakes (mostly in book 3) as to exactly who was saying what and when,they were not too significant. I am an old fan of space opera, (I love every thing E. E. Smith wrote and most of the sequels to his stories written by others who were fans of his work and authorized to write them.) These books come close to Smith's work, mostly the Lensman series. So I give them 4 stars, and a hearty recommendation.
February 4, 2024
Fantastic story, editing nightmare.
This is one of the best stories I have read in quite some time. It woyld have garnered a rare 5 Star rating from me, if it was not for one thing. The grammatical and editing nightmare that is throughout the entire series. Whomever is editing this author's writing should be ashamed. If the author continues to tell stories of this magnitude, they will go far and have great success.... as soon as they find an Editor that is worth their salt.
This is one of the best stories I have read in quite some time. It woyld have garnered a rare 5 Star rating from me, if it was not for one thing. The grammatical and editing nightmare that is throughout the entire series. Whomever is editing this author's writing should be ashamed. If the author continues to tell stories of this magnitude, they will go far and have great success.... as soon as they find an Editor that is worth their salt.
July 19, 2022
Really Good Reading
I'm going to buy the rest of this series, I really enjoy books of this kind and it's also refreshing that there is no twaddle to pander to the so called YA! This book is obviously set very, very far in the future and humans have suffered a setback. I want to find out this authors solutions.
I'm going to buy the rest of this series, I really enjoy books of this kind and it's also refreshing that there is no twaddle to pander to the so called YA! This book is obviously set very, very far in the future and humans have suffered a setback. I want to find out this authors solutions.
September 11, 2022
Good read, but a bit long
Great character development. I really felt for the protagonists. Bait of the hook is long winded, but mostly worth it. Some of the object names are weird ("hammer lance") and some are all sit unrelated to their subject ("cortex").
All in all, read it, but set aside a week to do so.
Great character development. I really felt for the protagonists. Bait of the hook is long winded, but mostly worth it. Some of the object names are weird ("hammer lance") and some are all sit unrelated to their subject ("cortex").
All in all, read it, but set aside a week to do so.
February 15, 2024
a brilliant read
Probably the best SF novel I have read in the past 70 years. Enthralling character developement. A heroine one can relate to and believe. A stryline that went from drama to climax constantly and made it really difficult to put down. My compliments to the author. If i could ever write a novel i hope it would be as good as this. Thankyou for an amazing book
Probably the best SF novel I have read in the past 70 years. Enthralling character developement. A heroine one can relate to and believe. A stryline that went from drama to climax constantly and made it really difficult to put down. My compliments to the author. If i could ever write a novel i hope it would be as good as this. Thankyou for an amazing book
April 21, 2024
Dammnn...
Dammnn...this ol' boy can write! I am amazed at the plots and twists in the story...!
The depths of the villains and their villainy are astounding...
The development of the Augmented Heroine is like Heroin- you get addicted and you want more...
Conflict, back-stabbing, double- dealing, all with the Universe as a back- drop...
Space- Opera indeed...
Dammnn...this ol' boy can write! I am amazed at the plots and twists in the story...!
The depths of the villains and their villainy are astounding...
The development of the Augmented Heroine is like Heroin- you get addicted and you want more...
Conflict, back-stabbing, double- dealing, all with the Universe as a back- drop...
Space- Opera indeed...
January 23, 2023
the augmented
I gave it four stars because the first third of the first book was very boring and could be written in a lot shorter span of words. The rest of the books were very entertaining and a joy to read.
I gave it four stars because the first third of the first book was very boring and could be written in a lot shorter span of words. The rest of the books were very entertaining and a joy to read.
January 29, 2025
I'm not usually one for sci-fi but this series I really enjoyed! I got it on audio book and the readers did such a fantastic job! Honestly at times it felt like I was watching a movie- it was just so good.. and I want more...
July 18, 2022
I liked it!
Lots of intrigue. Bad guys both genders galore. Plots inside more plots. Growth of all the characters, heroes and villains. Worth the effort.
Lots of intrigue. Bad guys both genders galore. Plots inside more plots. Growth of all the characters, heroes and villains. Worth the effort.
March 14, 2023
loved these 3 books was sad when it ended, characters were likable , enemy's were easy not to like.
October 3, 2023
Amazing Series!
I absolutely loved it!
The characters and story line was so good. Lots of things happening all the time. Lots of action and interesting characters.
Narration was very good.
I absolutely loved it!
The characters and story line was so good. Lots of things happening all the time. Lots of action and interesting characters.
Narration was very good.
December 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. It was super fun, and I was fully engaged with all the characters.
January 7, 2025
Really enjoyed this series!
August 15, 2022
A good entertaining read.
I found the topic different than most, entertaining. Good space opera.
The topic could be life ever lasting. Teaches you about the follies of eternal life
I found the topic different than most, entertaining. Good space opera.
The topic could be life ever lasting. Teaches you about the follies of eternal life
July 9, 2023
First book in a 3 part bundle: Empire of Ashes.
This was a good book about Reklin, Ero, Skorn and Siena, 3 different species, 2 of which have trillions of slaves called animals but are really humans. And there's a scientist who is trying to make the slaves faster and stronger so they'll sell for more "Glint" (more money.) This should get more interesting as it goes on.
There's no romance and no swearing.
As for the narrators: Fabulous! Eric Michael Summerer, Jay Snyder and Reba Buhr do great jobs with the voices and emotions when the read.
This was a good book about Reklin, Ero, Skorn and Siena, 3 different species, 2 of which have trillions of slaves called animals but are really humans. And there's a scientist who is trying to make the slaves faster and stronger so they'll sell for more "Glint" (more money.) This should get more interesting as it goes on.
There's no romance and no swearing.
As for the narrators: Fabulous! Eric Michael Summerer, Jay Snyder and Reba Buhr do great jobs with the voices and emotions when the read.
January 30, 2024
I bought this on sale on a whim after finishing another series. I was hoping the 5 star reviews weren't all fluff. I have to say I really embraced it and finished the entire series in just a few days.
Picked up the 1st book of the next series and I'm looking forward to the rest of them.
Picked up the 1st book of the next series and I'm looking forward to the rest of them.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews