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Archarian #1
Mission of the Ro'arck
Archaria has stood for millennia.
But nothing lasts forever.
The Archarian Alliance is under attack. A merciless enemy has emerged with technology and weapons that rival their own. Their vendetta is clear: destroy the Alliance.
The Archarian council selects Kaytrix to command their best starship, the Ro’arck, to defend the Alliance, but there’s another reason they chose him.
During the rising chaos, Kaytrix uncovers a deadly secret, one that could destroy Archaria and the Alliance before the enemy has a chance to.
Kaytrix is eager to prove his worth, but can he sacrifice his morality for his dream?
But nothing lasts forever.
The Archarian Alliance is under attack. A merciless enemy has emerged with technology and weapons that rival their own. Their vendetta is clear: destroy the Alliance.
The Archarian council selects Kaytrix to command their best starship, the Ro’arck, to defend the Alliance, but there’s another reason they chose him.
During the rising chaos, Kaytrix uncovers a deadly secret, one that could destroy Archaria and the Alliance before the enemy has a chance to.
Kaytrix is eager to prove his worth, but can he sacrifice his morality for his dream?
- GenresScience Fiction
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2022
3 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Ericka Evren
4 books36 followersE. Evren enjoys writing and reading science fiction. She loves classics like Dune, but also enjoys new novels such as The Last Watch or Red Rising. Space Opera is her favorite subgenre.
Be sure to follow Ericka on BookBub for the latest on sales bit.ly/BookbubEricka
Be sure to follow Ericka on BookBub for the latest on sales bit.ly/BookbubEricka
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 5, 2024
This was my first space opera, and I loved Kaytrix from start to finish. I loved his bravery and voice. To date, I have never seen Star Wars or Star Trek, but I know enough about them from pop culture. I thoroughly loved this story and how it felt inspired by the classics, yet had its own unique flavor.
The Archarian people have a tri-caste system.
Kaytrix Torex was born a farmer, but had the freedom to move into the warrior clan. Despite this freedom to change castes, society is not very accepting of those who do, and he struggled up the ranks against those born-warriors.
His motive: pay for his mother's medicine to keep her cancer from spreading and support his father.
His dream: Command his very own star-ship to protect Archaria.
Kaytrix is thrust from monotonous guard-duty over the farmer's fields (though it's not clear why the Archarian farmers need guarding on their own planet's surface as the Archarian race is the mightiest known force in the galaxy and in alliance with a host of other races therein) and into a catastrophic war on the planet O'ber. The Archarians are suffering a beating on the planet's surface, and over the course of one battle, Kaytrix realizes his people have not only met their match, but are up against a terrifying enemy fully capable of smearing them from existence.
(Spoilers omitted--we jump ahead to when...)
Kaytrix is given command of the Archarian's secret weapon-- the latest and greatest technology, a new starship called the Ro'arck. On his first mission out, he's compelled to disobey orders to carry out an executive decision of his own, scapegoated by the Archarian High Council, and suspicious that something ugly has been covered up by Archarian leadership for decades.
Kaytrix needs answers and begins questioning everything he's ever believed about his people and their position in the galaxy. But in the short space of about two weeks, his world literally and figurately crumbles around him and he has to find the inner strength to stand and fight amidst the chaos.
Characterization:
Kaytrix is noble and fairly well-developed. Physical descriptions are completely lacking, but I was able to build an extremely handsome image of him through his dialogue and actions.
The villain is formidable and well-described. The Archarian council felt a bit weak, as were most of the side characters and other races. One race is described as having a canine face with no other details given, so I had to pull on what I'd absorbed from space opera pop culture to build images of the races and characters in my head.
A few others like the energy beings, T'Vos, and the Varanus race were better descripted, and were easily my favorite beings next to Kaytrix.
Worldbuilding/Tech:
This is far from hard-scifi. Characters blip in and out of portals at light speed with no side-effects from bending space-time (nobody ever received damage to their portal-jump drives on their ships either), ships use sub-light engines, energy shields, and plasma blasters with no details on how these components work, and we hear nothing of habitat, onboard oxygen, water, or food.
But hey, I love me a magical portrayal of interstellar travel too, so I'm not complaining.
Still, I believe this warrior's tale would've greatly benefited from a more realistic portrayal-- ESPECIALLY with how much it felt similar to nautical stories like Master and Commander. The Ro'arck took realistic damage in each battle and had to limp back to base for repairs, fuel, and weapons.
But repairs took between 24-36 earth hours and Kaytrix was able to reach the planet's surface to visit his parents and then somehow made it back to the atmospheric space-base same day.
Communications never failed due to planets or moons being obscured in orbit and crew were able to make adjustments and code new technology with a few keyboard strokes or hologram touches. Data crystals and super computers seemed to do most of the work in this universe!
Kaytrix also wears a cape. Wholly unrealistic for space but capes are cool. :) It really amped up his style as a cyborg-butt-whooping hero.
Pacing:
The introduction to action in Act 1 was awesome, and the rest of it is a page-turner. There were a few scenes I wanted MORE from, such as Kaytrix's visit to his parents in which he left much too fast after saying far too little due to a non-urgent phone call. And I really wanted to see him give his friend Nat a little more attention.
Takeaway:
Despite a few pieces that I felt had the potential for better development, this story caught and held me and threw me right into book II. I really needed more of a sweet moment (cute banter) between Kaytrix and Nat. All character deaths were impactful and no scenes felt extra or redundant.
The themes of heroism, justice, duty to people, and respect for one's enemy were excellent and I look forward to exploring these deeper in the conflict between Kaytrix and the villain in the sequel.
It almost felt like the villain respected Kaytrix's guts and I began questioning if the Nevo were actually the good guys.
Content:
Contains a handful of swears but otherwise, content is appropriate for YA.
Other thoughts:
It's never explained why the Archarians bleed blue.
Why are you still reading this review? Go read the series!! :)
The Archarian people have a tri-caste system.
Kaytrix Torex was born a farmer, but had the freedom to move into the warrior clan. Despite this freedom to change castes, society is not very accepting of those who do, and he struggled up the ranks against those born-warriors.
His motive: pay for his mother's medicine to keep her cancer from spreading and support his father.
His dream: Command his very own star-ship to protect Archaria.
Kaytrix is thrust from monotonous guard-duty over the farmer's fields (though it's not clear why the Archarian farmers need guarding on their own planet's surface as the Archarian race is the mightiest known force in the galaxy and in alliance with a host of other races therein) and into a catastrophic war on the planet O'ber. The Archarians are suffering a beating on the planet's surface, and over the course of one battle, Kaytrix realizes his people have not only met their match, but are up against a terrifying enemy fully capable of smearing them from existence.
(Spoilers omitted--we jump ahead to when...)
Kaytrix is given command of the Archarian's secret weapon-- the latest and greatest technology, a new starship called the Ro'arck. On his first mission out, he's compelled to disobey orders to carry out an executive decision of his own, scapegoated by the Archarian High Council, and suspicious that something ugly has been covered up by Archarian leadership for decades.
Kaytrix needs answers and begins questioning everything he's ever believed about his people and their position in the galaxy. But in the short space of about two weeks, his world literally and figurately crumbles around him and he has to find the inner strength to stand and fight amidst the chaos.
Characterization:
Kaytrix is noble and fairly well-developed. Physical descriptions are completely lacking, but I was able to build an extremely handsome image of him through his dialogue and actions.
The villain is formidable and well-described. The Archarian council felt a bit weak, as were most of the side characters and other races. One race is described as having a canine face with no other details given, so I had to pull on what I'd absorbed from space opera pop culture to build images of the races and characters in my head.
A few others like the energy beings, T'Vos, and the Varanus race were better descripted, and were easily my favorite beings next to Kaytrix.
Worldbuilding/Tech:
This is far from hard-scifi. Characters blip in and out of portals at light speed with no side-effects from bending space-time (nobody ever received damage to their portal-jump drives on their ships either), ships use sub-light engines, energy shields, and plasma blasters with no details on how these components work, and we hear nothing of habitat, onboard oxygen, water, or food.
But hey, I love me a magical portrayal of interstellar travel too, so I'm not complaining.
Still, I believe this warrior's tale would've greatly benefited from a more realistic portrayal-- ESPECIALLY with how much it felt similar to nautical stories like Master and Commander. The Ro'arck took realistic damage in each battle and had to limp back to base for repairs, fuel, and weapons.
But repairs took between 24-36 earth hours and Kaytrix was able to reach the planet's surface to visit his parents and then somehow made it back to the atmospheric space-base same day.
Communications never failed due to planets or moons being obscured in orbit and crew were able to make adjustments and code new technology with a few keyboard strokes or hologram touches. Data crystals and super computers seemed to do most of the work in this universe!
Kaytrix also wears a cape. Wholly unrealistic for space but capes are cool. :) It really amped up his style as a cyborg-butt-whooping hero.
Pacing:
The introduction to action in Act 1 was awesome, and the rest of it is a page-turner. There were a few scenes I wanted MORE from, such as Kaytrix's visit to his parents in which he left much too fast after saying far too little due to a non-urgent phone call. And I really wanted to see him give his friend Nat a little more attention.
Takeaway:
Despite a few pieces that I felt had the potential for better development, this story caught and held me and threw me right into book II. I really needed more of a sweet moment (cute banter) between Kaytrix and Nat. All character deaths were impactful and no scenes felt extra or redundant.
The themes of heroism, justice, duty to people, and respect for one's enemy were excellent and I look forward to exploring these deeper in the conflict between Kaytrix and the villain in the sequel.
It almost felt like the villain respected Kaytrix's guts and I began questioning if the Nevo were actually the good guys.
Content:
Contains a handful of swears but otherwise, content is appropriate for YA.
Other thoughts:
It's never explained why the Archarians bleed blue.
Why are you still reading this review? Go read the series!! :)
April 20, 2024
Review of Mission of the Ro’Arck (Archarian Series, Book 1) by Ericka Evren
Having known Ericka for a while now, I was excited to dive into the world of the Archarian series and see what she’d cooked up. Mission of the Ro’Arck is a great start to a new space opera series. It’s is a quick read without any fat. It’s a lean and mean story, that is also clean and recommended for all. The story follows Kaytrix Torex—former farmer turned soldier—as he is rewarded for his valiant efforts with the command of an exciting new spacecraft, the Ro’Arck. Spaceship battles, reminiscent of Star Trek become the primary action focus, with some political intrigue and conspiracy sprinkled in for tension. The world Evren has created brings back great memories of watching Star Trek Next Generation with my family as a teenager. The Arkross devices that appear in the story are reminiscent of Stargate. I enjoyed Evren’s nod to these fantastic TV shows from years past. Her love for the genre is evident. The themes of family and friendship play an important role in the story as well. I really like the main enemy and his unique species and purpose. I’d like to know a lot more about him. Finally, the book ends with an exciting “Last Stand” final battle, which was my favorite part of the book. The last pages are guaranteed to make the reader immediately order book 2. Well done, Ericka!
Having known Ericka for a while now, I was excited to dive into the world of the Archarian series and see what she’d cooked up. Mission of the Ro’Arck is a great start to a new space opera series. It’s is a quick read without any fat. It’s a lean and mean story, that is also clean and recommended for all. The story follows Kaytrix Torex—former farmer turned soldier—as he is rewarded for his valiant efforts with the command of an exciting new spacecraft, the Ro’Arck. Spaceship battles, reminiscent of Star Trek become the primary action focus, with some political intrigue and conspiracy sprinkled in for tension. The world Evren has created brings back great memories of watching Star Trek Next Generation with my family as a teenager. The Arkross devices that appear in the story are reminiscent of Stargate. I enjoyed Evren’s nod to these fantastic TV shows from years past. Her love for the genre is evident. The themes of family and friendship play an important role in the story as well. I really like the main enemy and his unique species and purpose. I’d like to know a lot more about him. Finally, the book ends with an exciting “Last Stand” final battle, which was my favorite part of the book. The last pages are guaranteed to make the reader immediately order book 2. Well done, Ericka!
July 30, 2024
A great and fun read perfect for fans of Stargate, Star Trek, and Star Wars. I especially enjoyed the way the author wrote the scenes on the bridge. They were very engaging, and I felt like I was there with the crew. I liked the way the author explored the themes of pride and revenge and could see myself using them as illustrations in teaching on these subjects. So glad I picked up this book!
April 1, 2024
Read it ya dummies. It’s so good!
August 24, 2022
An intriguing and delightful sci-fi novel with a line of mystery that made me want to keep turning the pages.
In Mission of the Ro'arck, we follow Kaytrix, an underdog who fights for his opportunity to rise through the ranks and serve the Archarian Alliance as best he can. The council sends Kaytrix on a series of dangerous and epic missions, filled with intense (and brilliantly written) battle scenes.
The world building was my absolute favorite part of this novel. Evren has created a complex yet understandable universe with an array of interesting species and cultures. I loved finding out about each and every one of them, especially as we dove further into the Nevo, the villains of our piece. Such intriguing villains (though I can't say why because you know, spoilers).
I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about the class systems within the Archarian culture, a chance to reflect on how we value farming and warriors through the clan system and our protagonist’s desire to rise above his station, and we see him start to do just that, rising up and taking his values with him to fight for change for good.
I was totally sucked in to this novel at the start. Though, I eventually found the plot a tad repetitive in the middle. The book ends on a beautifully crafted hook for the next book, rounding out this section of Kayrix’s story well but leaving the reader with some quality questions as to where this could go next. Endings are hard and I though this one was nicely done.
I enjoyed Kaytrix as a protagonist, he’s easy to root for and a pleasure to read along with. When things went a bit wrong for him or whenever he went into battle, I found myself honestly worried for him and hoping he’d get out alive and well.
The author is skilled at writing battle scenes and I found myself fully immersed in them when they arose. Such detail and artistry of prose.
Overall, an enjoyable read and introduction to a well crafted universe of interesting characters and cultures. A good read for any sci-fi fan who loves space and a good battle scene!
In Mission of the Ro'arck, we follow Kaytrix, an underdog who fights for his opportunity to rise through the ranks and serve the Archarian Alliance as best he can. The council sends Kaytrix on a series of dangerous and epic missions, filled with intense (and brilliantly written) battle scenes.
The world building was my absolute favorite part of this novel. Evren has created a complex yet understandable universe with an array of interesting species and cultures. I loved finding out about each and every one of them, especially as we dove further into the Nevo, the villains of our piece. Such intriguing villains (though I can't say why because you know, spoilers).
I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about the class systems within the Archarian culture, a chance to reflect on how we value farming and warriors through the clan system and our protagonist’s desire to rise above his station, and we see him start to do just that, rising up and taking his values with him to fight for change for good.
I was totally sucked in to this novel at the start. Though, I eventually found the plot a tad repetitive in the middle. The book ends on a beautifully crafted hook for the next book, rounding out this section of Kayrix’s story well but leaving the reader with some quality questions as to where this could go next. Endings are hard and I though this one was nicely done.
I enjoyed Kaytrix as a protagonist, he’s easy to root for and a pleasure to read along with. When things went a bit wrong for him or whenever he went into battle, I found myself honestly worried for him and hoping he’d get out alive and well.
The author is skilled at writing battle scenes and I found myself fully immersed in them when they arose. Such detail and artistry of prose.
Overall, an enjoyable read and introduction to a well crafted universe of interesting characters and cultures. A good read for any sci-fi fan who loves space and a good battle scene!
March 18, 2024
Before starting, I wanted to thank Ericka for providing me with this copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. This will be a spoiler-free review.
Mission of the Ro'arck is the first book in the Archarian Series, which follows the exploits of a Farmer raised to be a Warrior named Kaytrix. We watch as Kaytrix is quickly promoted through the ranks while he battles an enemy that threatens to destroy the apparent peace that the Archarian Alliance has established and led for thousands of years.
This is an epic military sci-fi book with plenty of space battles and military tactics. There are twists and turns that kept me guessing and engaged throughout the book. Mission of the Ro'arck is a short book, clocking in around 200 pages. The pace is lightning fast, which serves to keep the story fresh and enjoyable, but also occasionally leaves characters or situations feeling less fleshed out than comparable stories in this genre.
There was a section in the middle of the book which alternated between Kaytrix leading his team on a mission, reporting back to the Council, redeploying, reporting back to the Council, etc. Each of the episodes was interesting and helped build the story (and honestly, it is probably how true military life feels). But there were times where the formula felt a little repetitive.
Because of the blazing hot pace of the book, I did feel that hugely impactful decisions for the Archarian race felt a little hastily made. Our hero went through a wild roller-coaster of emotions and moral dilemmas which occasionally felt rushed. Ericka stuck her landing with an emotional, no-holds bar, brutal ending which I really appreciated. She also snuck a dastardly detail into the epilogue that makes me really excited to see where she takes this series moving forward.
All of that being said, Ericka has already published the second book in this series: The Echoes of Destiny. I'll be starting it tonight! Mission of the Ro’arck was intriguing enough that I'll definitely be continuing on with the series and will eagerly follow Ericka as she expands on the Archarian Series!
Mission of the Ro'arck is the first book in the Archarian Series, which follows the exploits of a Farmer raised to be a Warrior named Kaytrix. We watch as Kaytrix is quickly promoted through the ranks while he battles an enemy that threatens to destroy the apparent peace that the Archarian Alliance has established and led for thousands of years.
This is an epic military sci-fi book with plenty of space battles and military tactics. There are twists and turns that kept me guessing and engaged throughout the book. Mission of the Ro'arck is a short book, clocking in around 200 pages. The pace is lightning fast, which serves to keep the story fresh and enjoyable, but also occasionally leaves characters or situations feeling less fleshed out than comparable stories in this genre.
There was a section in the middle of the book which alternated between Kaytrix leading his team on a mission, reporting back to the Council, redeploying, reporting back to the Council, etc. Each of the episodes was interesting and helped build the story (and honestly, it is probably how true military life feels). But there were times where the formula felt a little repetitive.
Because of the blazing hot pace of the book, I did feel that hugely impactful decisions for the Archarian race felt a little hastily made. Our hero went through a wild roller-coaster of emotions and moral dilemmas which occasionally felt rushed. Ericka stuck her landing with an emotional, no-holds bar, brutal ending which I really appreciated. She also snuck a dastardly detail into the epilogue that makes me really excited to see where she takes this series moving forward.
All of that being said, Ericka has already published the second book in this series: The Echoes of Destiny. I'll be starting it tonight! Mission of the Ro’arck was intriguing enough that I'll definitely be continuing on with the series and will eagerly follow Ericka as she expands on the Archarian Series!
September 9, 2022
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC copy of Mission of the Ro'arck in exchange for an honest review.
🌟 3.5/5 🌟
In order to follow his dreams of commanding his own starship, Kaytrix Torex leaves the life of the Farmer clan behind and becomes a member of the Warrior clan. When a mysterious threat emerges and the existence of his people is put at risk, Kaytrix's dreams come true and he is given command of the Ro'arck.
Mission of the Ro'arck is a fast-paced military sci-fi with hints of political intrigue and mystery. Readers are thrown right into the action in the first few chapters, and even the political scenes have a sense of urgency to them as Kaytrix tries to uncover the mysteries that surround the council. I really enjoyed it when a new alien species was introduced, and the energy-based Shargan are probably my favorite! T'vos is certainly one of my favorite characters.
While I did enjoy the pacing of the story, it felt at times that I didn't really get to know the characters as well as I would have liked. The supporting cast comes into their own during the high-intensity space combat scenes and really shine. The alternating combat and council scenes do become a bit repetitive, but overall it didn't impact my interest in continuing the story. I believe one of Evren's strengths is in the complexity of the main character Kaytrix, and how the struggles he goes through both internally and externally affect him. His actions have genuine consequences, for better or worse and the impacts of his decisions aren't lost.
Mission of the Ro'arck is an excellent first entry into the Archarian Series. I'm looking forward to future entries and getting the chance to explore new worlds and see how certain plot points resolve! Fans of military sci-fi are sure to enjoy this book.
🌟 3.5/5 🌟
In order to follow his dreams of commanding his own starship, Kaytrix Torex leaves the life of the Farmer clan behind and becomes a member of the Warrior clan. When a mysterious threat emerges and the existence of his people is put at risk, Kaytrix's dreams come true and he is given command of the Ro'arck.
Mission of the Ro'arck is a fast-paced military sci-fi with hints of political intrigue and mystery. Readers are thrown right into the action in the first few chapters, and even the political scenes have a sense of urgency to them as Kaytrix tries to uncover the mysteries that surround the council. I really enjoyed it when a new alien species was introduced, and the energy-based Shargan are probably my favorite! T'vos is certainly one of my favorite characters.
While I did enjoy the pacing of the story, it felt at times that I didn't really get to know the characters as well as I would have liked. The supporting cast comes into their own during the high-intensity space combat scenes and really shine. The alternating combat and council scenes do become a bit repetitive, but overall it didn't impact my interest in continuing the story. I believe one of Evren's strengths is in the complexity of the main character Kaytrix, and how the struggles he goes through both internally and externally affect him. His actions have genuine consequences, for better or worse and the impacts of his decisions aren't lost.
Mission of the Ro'arck is an excellent first entry into the Archarian Series. I'm looking forward to future entries and getting the chance to explore new worlds and see how certain plot points resolve! Fans of military sci-fi are sure to enjoy this book.
July 19, 2024
If Stargate, space battles and cool alien races are your thing, then chances are you'll dig Mission of the Roa'Arck.
The pacing is pretty consistent throughout this relatively short read, but during that time, it manages to take us through multiple space battles and political counsels, although this formula became a little repetitive.
In terms of where I think there is room for improvement, I would have liked to see more depth regarding the wider galaxy and different alien cultures and make them distinct. There was lots of talk about this vast galaxy and planets falling, but we only really ever see two spaceships battling.
I think the dialogue overall could have been utilised in stronger ways to let us know more about the characters and their motivations.
The ending was the strongest part of the book for me. It left on a violent cliffhanger, leaving me wondering how our protagonist will fare in the next instalment.
The pacing is pretty consistent throughout this relatively short read, but during that time, it manages to take us through multiple space battles and political counsels, although this formula became a little repetitive.
In terms of where I think there is room for improvement, I would have liked to see more depth regarding the wider galaxy and different alien cultures and make them distinct. There was lots of talk about this vast galaxy and planets falling, but we only really ever see two spaceships battling.
I think the dialogue overall could have been utilised in stronger ways to let us know more about the characters and their motivations.
The ending was the strongest part of the book for me. It left on a violent cliffhanger, leaving me wondering how our protagonist will fare in the next instalment.
February 11, 2025
I am one of the judges of team Space Girls for the SPSFC4 contest. This review is my personal opinion. Officially, it is still in the running for the contest, pending any official team announcements.
Status: Cut
Read: 100%
As people might recall from last year, my team samples each of the alotted books. I usually sample as close to 30% as possible to give books the chance to see where the story is heading. It seems like this book was a participant from the prior year's contest, assigned to a different team, so I have no prior knowledge of the book.
This seems to be a Colonization, Space Opera and Military SF seen from the POV of a still somewhat green Lieutenant with a name that is hard to me to remember. I believe it is Kaytrix and for some reason, my brain constantly thinks his name is the brand of a breakfast cereal, one of those brands loaded with sugar and artificial colors. ^_^''
Anyhow, Kaytrix seems like a decent guy and doesn't hold prejudice against female superiors. He seemingly treats everyone with equal respect, but prefers seeing soldiers with initiative that are more suitable for special forces. It seems to me these were the infantry fields he has been working in for the last 10 uhh rotations.
To the nearly 30% of the novel, we don't really have a physical description of his species. Archarians like himself seem to have brown or blue eyes and can have blond or brown hair. Skin color seems to vary between various light and dark shades. Everything at first sight points to everyone being human, except their blood is blue. I kept on thinking everyone has purple skin in varying shades because of their blue blood.
Kaytrix's current (and very boring planetary guardianship) post ends rather abruptly and he and some of his men are tasked to travel to a distant planet ASAP for a seemingly ordinary recon mission. The beginning of this book somewhat reminds me of the chaos of the Starship Troopers film where everyone gets far more than they bargained for. After barely surviving a fearsome enemy with defense shields that are immune to most weapons, Kaytrix's life ends up in greater upheaval as his superiors order him to command a brand new spaceship with zero training to face a powerful enemy nobody seemingly knows anything about.
I am quite intrigued by the book at this early point in the novel. There's constant vibes these so called enemies aren't what they seem and the Archarians are not the beloved galactical police force society they think they are.
One thing that has been an issue with me with the book is the writing style and I have had this same issue with some other English written books this year. Authors are constantly told to avoid passive speech so much that I end up reading books where over 70% of each sentence starts wih a pronoun. I haven't manually counted them (I might do it out of sheer curiosity), but I have a hunch in the first 5 chapters of this novel, sentences starting in the word He have occured at least 200 times. Since every chapter happens from Kaytrix's POV, some of the pronouns could have been cut with zero issue.
For unusual reasons, while active speech is insanely omnipresent, the book breaks the show don't tell rule. Usually, I am a reader that doesn't mind breaking this rule because Spanish language fiction does it all the time both I believe due to cultural conventions and because the language seems to be more designed for it. However, a good chunk of the He sentences are ones where Kaytrix is experiencing emotions regarding the disdain of his superiors or making difficult military decisions. 'He felt nervous being in the same room as the admiral.'
No, this isn't a sentence of the book, but I did see similar ones happen very often. These scenes could have shown physical signs and features of Archarians when they get nervous. 'The purple buds of both tentacle fingers bellowed in a painful throb.' Or something of the sort. Maybe Archarians are in reality 99% human and they sweat and have palpitations or something. Scenes in the book where there is greater action are quite fluid and the 'he felt this' 'he felt that' seems more prominent in the more peaceful military HQ chapters.
---
Update: Just as I promised several months ago, the very long wait for the full book verdict is up. The writing gets better in some later chapters and Kaytrix assumes the role of captain of the Ro'arck spaceship, fighting the mysterious enemy who always seem 3 steps ahead of him with superior firepower.
We will learn the truth about the mystery behind the motivations of the enemy and a satisfying cliffhanger end that pretty much forces the reader to check out the sequel and discover what will happen next.
The bad news is that even though the book is only 50,000 words long, a lot of the middle section seems to have a repetitive alien attack of the day formula. Felt a bit like watching the Pokemon anime where you always knew Team Rocket will appear, wreak some havoc and Pikachu defeats them. Rinse & repeat the next episode... I mean chapter.
These nonstop skirmishes intertwined with forced docking for ship repairs forgoes the chance for getting to know each alien species and maybe other ships in the interplanetary alliance. We do however get a cute chapter of Kaytrix visiting his parents, so it isn't like the entirety of the book are neverending brief space battles. Sadly since we don't get to know the crew, it is difficult forming a bond with them and feel emotions whenever someone gets killed.
Even so, despite cutting this book from the competition, I felt glad I gave the book a chance to read to completion.
Status: Cut
Read: 100%
As people might recall from last year, my team samples each of the alotted books. I usually sample as close to 30% as possible to give books the chance to see where the story is heading. It seems like this book was a participant from the prior year's contest, assigned to a different team, so I have no prior knowledge of the book.
This seems to be a Colonization, Space Opera and Military SF seen from the POV of a still somewhat green Lieutenant with a name that is hard to me to remember. I believe it is Kaytrix and for some reason, my brain constantly thinks his name is the brand of a breakfast cereal, one of those brands loaded with sugar and artificial colors. ^_^''
Anyhow, Kaytrix seems like a decent guy and doesn't hold prejudice against female superiors. He seemingly treats everyone with equal respect, but prefers seeing soldiers with initiative that are more suitable for special forces. It seems to me these were the infantry fields he has been working in for the last 10 uhh rotations.
To the nearly 30% of the novel, we don't really have a physical description of his species. Archarians like himself seem to have brown or blue eyes and can have blond or brown hair. Skin color seems to vary between various light and dark shades. Everything at first sight points to everyone being human, except their blood is blue. I kept on thinking everyone has purple skin in varying shades because of their blue blood.
Kaytrix's current (and very boring planetary guardianship) post ends rather abruptly and he and some of his men are tasked to travel to a distant planet ASAP for a seemingly ordinary recon mission. The beginning of this book somewhat reminds me of the chaos of the Starship Troopers film where everyone gets far more than they bargained for. After barely surviving a fearsome enemy with defense shields that are immune to most weapons, Kaytrix's life ends up in greater upheaval as his superiors order him to command a brand new spaceship with zero training to face a powerful enemy nobody seemingly knows anything about.
I am quite intrigued by the book at this early point in the novel. There's constant vibes these so called enemies aren't what they seem and the Archarians are not the beloved galactical police force society they think they are.
One thing that has been an issue with me with the book is the writing style and I have had this same issue with some other English written books this year. Authors are constantly told to avoid passive speech so much that I end up reading books where over 70% of each sentence starts wih a pronoun. I haven't manually counted them (I might do it out of sheer curiosity), but I have a hunch in the first 5 chapters of this novel, sentences starting in the word He have occured at least 200 times. Since every chapter happens from Kaytrix's POV, some of the pronouns could have been cut with zero issue.
For unusual reasons, while active speech is insanely omnipresent, the book breaks the show don't tell rule. Usually, I am a reader that doesn't mind breaking this rule because Spanish language fiction does it all the time both I believe due to cultural conventions and because the language seems to be more designed for it. However, a good chunk of the He sentences are ones where Kaytrix is experiencing emotions regarding the disdain of his superiors or making difficult military decisions. 'He felt nervous being in the same room as the admiral.'
No, this isn't a sentence of the book, but I did see similar ones happen very often. These scenes could have shown physical signs and features of Archarians when they get nervous. 'The purple buds of both tentacle fingers bellowed in a painful throb.' Or something of the sort. Maybe Archarians are in reality 99% human and they sweat and have palpitations or something. Scenes in the book where there is greater action are quite fluid and the 'he felt this' 'he felt that' seems more prominent in the more peaceful military HQ chapters.
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Update: Just as I promised several months ago, the very long wait for the full book verdict is up. The writing gets better in some later chapters and Kaytrix assumes the role of captain of the Ro'arck spaceship, fighting the mysterious enemy who always seem 3 steps ahead of him with superior firepower.
We will learn the truth about the mystery behind the motivations of the enemy and a satisfying cliffhanger end that pretty much forces the reader to check out the sequel and discover what will happen next.
The bad news is that even though the book is only 50,000 words long, a lot of the middle section seems to have a repetitive alien attack of the day formula. Felt a bit like watching the Pokemon anime where you always knew Team Rocket will appear, wreak some havoc and Pikachu defeats them. Rinse & repeat the next episode... I mean chapter.
These nonstop skirmishes intertwined with forced docking for ship repairs forgoes the chance for getting to know each alien species and maybe other ships in the interplanetary alliance. We do however get a cute chapter of Kaytrix visiting his parents, so it isn't like the entirety of the book are neverending brief space battles. Sadly since we don't get to know the crew, it is difficult forming a bond with them and feel emotions whenever someone gets killed.
Even so, despite cutting this book from the competition, I felt glad I gave the book a chance to read to completion.
November 6, 2024
This was a fast-paced and fun read that I enjoyed a ton. Definitely get Stargate and Star Trek vibes from this which is cool! The scenes from the bridge of the ship were some of my favorites. They were executed well and you could envision them. This is where I got strong Star Trek vibes from especially with the holocom and hailing between enemies. Excited to see what happens next with that cliffhanger!
August 31, 2022
This was a cool sci-fi read, and I’m so glad I got the chance to review it in advance! Many thanks to the author.
When a new threat to Archaria makes itself known, Kaytrix Torex, a farmer-turned-warrior, is given the opportunity of his dreams to command a starship. With a crew made up of green recruits and old friends, Kaytrix must combat the menacing new threat while also uncovering the secrets of the ruling council of Archaria. Kaytrix is prepared to give everything for this mission- and as it turns out, he may very well have to.
This book is great for fans of sci-fi more focused on military structures and starship combat. Personally, the sequence of ship battles and council meetings in the first half of the book went very slowly for me. But I’m so glad I finished, because through the second half of the book, I became engrossed in the alien allies, old friends, and strong family bonds that Kaytrix explores. I love a good farm boy, and as the book progresses, Kaytrix’s heart slowly comes on full display.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Ericka Evren’s next release, and if you like more military-focused sci-fi, this will be a perfect read for you!
When a new threat to Archaria makes itself known, Kaytrix Torex, a farmer-turned-warrior, is given the opportunity of his dreams to command a starship. With a crew made up of green recruits and old friends, Kaytrix must combat the menacing new threat while also uncovering the secrets of the ruling council of Archaria. Kaytrix is prepared to give everything for this mission- and as it turns out, he may very well have to.
This book is great for fans of sci-fi more focused on military structures and starship combat. Personally, the sequence of ship battles and council meetings in the first half of the book went very slowly for me. But I’m so glad I finished, because through the second half of the book, I became engrossed in the alien allies, old friends, and strong family bonds that Kaytrix explores. I love a good farm boy, and as the book progresses, Kaytrix’s heart slowly comes on full display.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Ericka Evren’s next release, and if you like more military-focused sci-fi, this will be a perfect read for you!
September 14, 2022
Wow! This book was just magnificent
March 23, 2024
In the heart of the cosmos, the Archarian Alliance faces a dire threat. A relentless adversary, armed with formidable technology, seeks the annihilation of all they hold dear. With their very existence on the line, the Alliance must unite and stand firm against this merciless onslaught.
The Archarian Council appoints Kaytrix to lead the defense with the mighty starship Ro'arck. Yet, unbeknownst to many, Kaytrix bears a secret burden, one that holds the key to the Alliance's survival.
Amidst the turmoil, Kaytrix unearths a perilous truth, a clandestine revelation poised to shatter Archaria and the Alliance while the enemy strikes.
Kaytrix, driven by an ardent desire to validate his prowess, finds himself at a crossroads where his aspirations clash with his conscience.
The Archarian Council appoints Kaytrix to lead the defense with the mighty starship Ro'arck. Yet, unbeknownst to many, Kaytrix bears a secret burden, one that holds the key to the Alliance's survival.
Amidst the turmoil, Kaytrix unearths a perilous truth, a clandestine revelation poised to shatter Archaria and the Alliance while the enemy strikes.
Kaytrix, driven by an ardent desire to validate his prowess, finds himself at a crossroads where his aspirations clash with his conscience.
November 16, 2022
I am not normally a sci-fi reader but you know what, I would read sci - fi again.
Loved that you get some insight of who the characters are, and you become apart of their story and their mission. You will feel involved in the Mission and will not want to put the book down because you want to know what will happen next and next.
It was great reading and being involved within the obstacles, distractions and the up and downs of the mission.
Can't wait for book 2.
Loved that you get some insight of who the characters are, and you become apart of their story and their mission. You will feel involved in the Mission and will not want to put the book down because you want to know what will happen next and next.
It was great reading and being involved within the obstacles, distractions and the up and downs of the mission.
Can't wait for book 2.
January 15, 2024
This is Ericka Evren’s debut novel, a military sci-fic that checks all the boxes from intrigue, suspense, action, impossible missions, an evil antagonist, and space-travelling jump gates! I was immediately drawn into Kaytrix's, the protagonist’s, story and how he must overcome self-doubt and prove his worth, fighting against the stigmas cast onto him because of his status in life. He is from Farmer class, and has entered into a world run mostly by the Warrior class, as a soldier for the Archarian Alliance. After surviving a brutal and senseless massacre, he is given command of a battleship, the Ro’ark. He must defend the planets of the alliance, that are systematically destroyed by a fearsome enemy, and battle this unconscionable evil at great cost. But he soon learns of treacherous secrets and lies committed in the past by the alliance leaders. Kaytrix is determined to uncover the truth, and what links the enemy to the mysterious past. A thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced read. Listed as a serial, I’m excited to read more!
March 6, 2024
The size says novelette attempting to be full-length. I wanted more personal time with these characters and a little more sci behind the sci-fi.
Imagine a cowboy kicks in a bar door guns drawn on some patron you have no idea who these people are but it's a fascinating situation to watch matter of fact it goes on for hours the door-kicking cowboy even calls a few of his friends to help and they're shooting at the menacing patron and he comes out with a bigger gun. you have no clue why then the door kicking cowboy call the authorities who are terrified of the big gun menacing patron but won't tell the onlookers why then all the onlookers are commanded to leave and start a riot. And then the door kicking cowboy his friends and the menacing patron are left alone
That's exactly what this book felt like. I do declare this probably makes no sense but 🤷🏾♀️
Imagine a cowboy kicks in a bar door guns drawn on some patron you have no idea who these people are but it's a fascinating situation to watch matter of fact it goes on for hours the door-kicking cowboy even calls a few of his friends to help and they're shooting at the menacing patron and he comes out with a bigger gun. you have no clue why then the door kicking cowboy call the authorities who are terrified of the big gun menacing patron but won't tell the onlookers why then all the onlookers are commanded to leave and start a riot. And then the door kicking cowboy his friends and the menacing patron are left alone
That's exactly what this book felt like. I do declare this probably makes no sense but 🤷🏾♀️
November 3, 2024
If you’re looking for adventure and politics in space with Star Gate vibes—this could be right up your alley! Evren establishes a broad universe and array of likeable characters as we journey along side Kaytrix fighting for his people and searching for the truth. The ending will have you wanting more!
August 25, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a free Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mission of the Ro'arck is the debut sci-fi novel of Ericka Evren which follows the tale of the Archarian captain, Kaytrix, and his new ship, the Ro'arck. Discovering a dangerous new enemy, Kaytrix must use his skills to bring the fight to this foe and protect the galactic alliance. I've broken my review up into the below:
Praises:
- Worldbuilding is pretty good with a decent attention to detail, particularly since Evren took the time to put an index in the beginning to help explain terms.
- Kaytrix is a sympathetic protagonist, which a lot of authors don't handle as well as Evren did. After a devastating event hits him early on, Kaytrix easily hooks a reader's empathy.
- The variety of aliens was a nice touch, a lot of which haven't been huge staples of sci-fi. A lot of thought went into how each civilization operates in the galaxy and their biological capabilities.
Critiques:
- Formatting and grammar definitely needed a once over. Oftentimes the tense would change from present to past. This is a nitpick, but the chapter titles were often cliche or spoilery; an example is one chapter titled "Ambush" and it's no surprise when an ambush happens. The titles took away a lot of the tension.
- We are told rather than shown a lot about Kaytrix, like how he apparently has a huge temper but it never comes to light in his actions. Similarly with his friends, we are told that they have strong bonds and that we should care about them, but we aren't shown anything to correlate this.
- The dialogue ranges from bland to cheesy, particularly in the space combat scenes. The crew talk like drones, just spouting generic combat phrases with not an ounce of characterization in their voices. Everyone sounds the same.
- The plot is repetitive, most of the book follows the Ro'arck setting out to a planet, having a space battle, returning for repairs, and Kaytrix reporting to the council. Then rinse and repeat at least 3-4 times.
Verdict: While I was excited to read another indie sci-fi novel, it was bogged down by a lot of the issues which tempered my enjoyment. There were too many holes in this proverbial ship, and much like the Ro'arck itself, this novel could've used a few rounds of repairs. I give Mission of the Ro'arck 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).
Mission of the Ro'arck is the debut sci-fi novel of Ericka Evren which follows the tale of the Archarian captain, Kaytrix, and his new ship, the Ro'arck. Discovering a dangerous new enemy, Kaytrix must use his skills to bring the fight to this foe and protect the galactic alliance. I've broken my review up into the below:
Praises:
- Worldbuilding is pretty good with a decent attention to detail, particularly since Evren took the time to put an index in the beginning to help explain terms.
- Kaytrix is a sympathetic protagonist, which a lot of authors don't handle as well as Evren did. After a devastating event hits him early on, Kaytrix easily hooks a reader's empathy.
- The variety of aliens was a nice touch, a lot of which haven't been huge staples of sci-fi. A lot of thought went into how each civilization operates in the galaxy and their biological capabilities.
Critiques:
- Formatting and grammar definitely needed a once over. Oftentimes the tense would change from present to past. This is a nitpick, but the chapter titles were often cliche or spoilery; an example is one chapter titled "Ambush" and it's no surprise when an ambush happens. The titles took away a lot of the tension.
- We are told rather than shown a lot about Kaytrix, like how he apparently has a huge temper but it never comes to light in his actions. Similarly with his friends, we are told that they have strong bonds and that we should care about them, but we aren't shown anything to correlate this.
- The dialogue ranges from bland to cheesy, particularly in the space combat scenes. The crew talk like drones, just spouting generic combat phrases with not an ounce of characterization in their voices. Everyone sounds the same.
- The plot is repetitive, most of the book follows the Ro'arck setting out to a planet, having a space battle, returning for repairs, and Kaytrix reporting to the council. Then rinse and repeat at least 3-4 times.
Verdict: While I was excited to read another indie sci-fi novel, it was bogged down by a lot of the issues which tempered my enjoyment. There were too many holes in this proverbial ship, and much like the Ro'arck itself, this novel could've used a few rounds of repairs. I give Mission of the Ro'arck 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).
July 18, 2024
Mission of the Ro'arck is a fast paced, hard hitting space story that is loaded with action. The story moves forward at a break neck speed, allowing me to easily fly through the story. It is a military fantasy story, but also has it's fair share of politicking and enough twists to keep the reader guessing.
We follow a man named Kaytrix who gets himself thrown into a situation with no chance to prepare, and the situation is quite dire. The story follows a fairly typical plot, where multiple races are at war and our central characters are doing whatever they can to protect their own. As mentioned before, this book moves forward very quickly, and we find ourselves jumping between epic space battles, and council meetings that help build history and the politics of the world.
Where this book shines for me is it's inherent readability and all the action. I feel that most readers will easily be able to get through this one in a single sitting, and it provides an exciting story with a satisfying ending (though, this is the first of a series). I do find myself saying it often when debut novels are quite short, but I do wish this one was longer. Kaytrix was a solid character to follow, but I wish we had more backstory and really got to know him. The fast pace and low word count lead to a lot of big moments and decisions feeling a bit rushed.
Really the only thing that didn't work for me is the dialogue. To me, it felt like a good portion of the story was told through direct conversation. While the battles were entertaining, so much of them were told through the characters manning the Ro'arck. Being told "we are shooting at their port" and "they have shields and are firing back" and "they are fleeing" over and over did get very repetitive to me. Other than that, I did find that the writing was solid overall and the prose was perfect stylistically for the pacing of the story.
If science fiction is your thing, I do highly recommend picking this one up, as it is a fast paced action adventure that does not waste words.
We follow a man named Kaytrix who gets himself thrown into a situation with no chance to prepare, and the situation is quite dire. The story follows a fairly typical plot, where multiple races are at war and our central characters are doing whatever they can to protect their own. As mentioned before, this book moves forward very quickly, and we find ourselves jumping between epic space battles, and council meetings that help build history and the politics of the world.
Where this book shines for me is it's inherent readability and all the action. I feel that most readers will easily be able to get through this one in a single sitting, and it provides an exciting story with a satisfying ending (though, this is the first of a series). I do find myself saying it often when debut novels are quite short, but I do wish this one was longer. Kaytrix was a solid character to follow, but I wish we had more backstory and really got to know him. The fast pace and low word count lead to a lot of big moments and decisions feeling a bit rushed.
Really the only thing that didn't work for me is the dialogue. To me, it felt like a good portion of the story was told through direct conversation. While the battles were entertaining, so much of them were told through the characters manning the Ro'arck. Being told "we are shooting at their port" and "they have shields and are firing back" and "they are fleeing" over and over did get very repetitive to me. Other than that, I did find that the writing was solid overall and the prose was perfect stylistically for the pacing of the story.
If science fiction is your thing, I do highly recommend picking this one up, as it is a fast paced action adventure that does not waste words.
July 17, 2024
Fast-paced space battles, political intrigue, and a creepy existential threat.
Mission of the Ro'Arck is a sci-fi novel that follows the captain of the battleship, the Ro'Arck, as they face down a threat never before seen by the Archarian military. Along the way, they discover a secret that could upend the entire system, and makes it not just a battle for survival, but a battle against the sins of the past. It's a book that gave me prolific vibes of Star Trek and Starship Troopers.
Firstly, the plot of the book was likely its biggest strength. I think the mystery of uncovering the threat as well as the mystery of its origin is done well. The Author rewards the reader along with the characters as they figure out how all the pieces fall into place.
My favorite part of the book was likely the space battles. They are succinct, with no-nonsense prose that describes the battle plainly and with a punch. Although, the formula that the book follows of "battle, report, downtime, repeat" can get a bit repetitive. Once the halfway point of the book is reached, this issue mostly goes away.
One of the things I would have liked to see more of in this book is character development. Aside from Kaytrix, I felt that my knowledge or view of most characters was surface-level. This is something that could have been helped by the book being a bit longer. Normally, I would not say to pad a book unnecessarily, but I think there would be organic ways to include character development through other downtime activities or perhaps Kaytrix bringing someone with him during one of his reports or errands.
The ending definitely had me hooked, and it was something that I did not see coming at all. Overall, I had a pleasant time with this book, and it is a hefty reminder that I need to balance my diet between Fantasy and Sci-Fi.
Mission of the Ro'Arck is a sci-fi novel that follows the captain of the battleship, the Ro'Arck, as they face down a threat never before seen by the Archarian military. Along the way, they discover a secret that could upend the entire system, and makes it not just a battle for survival, but a battle against the sins of the past. It's a book that gave me prolific vibes of Star Trek and Starship Troopers.
Firstly, the plot of the book was likely its biggest strength. I think the mystery of uncovering the threat as well as the mystery of its origin is done well. The Author rewards the reader along with the characters as they figure out how all the pieces fall into place.
My favorite part of the book was likely the space battles. They are succinct, with no-nonsense prose that describes the battle plainly and with a punch. Although, the formula that the book follows of "battle, report, downtime, repeat" can get a bit repetitive. Once the halfway point of the book is reached, this issue mostly goes away.
One of the things I would have liked to see more of in this book is character development. Aside from Kaytrix, I felt that my knowledge or view of most characters was surface-level. This is something that could have been helped by the book being a bit longer. Normally, I would not say to pad a book unnecessarily, but I think there would be organic ways to include character development through other downtime activities or perhaps Kaytrix bringing someone with him during one of his reports or errands.
The ending definitely had me hooked, and it was something that I did not see coming at all. Overall, I had a pleasant time with this book, and it is a hefty reminder that I need to balance my diet between Fantasy and Sci-Fi.
March 1, 2024
Great worldbuilding: I love the glossary given before the book starts as a reference point. Something I haven’t seen. Each species was defined well. The political and governmental structures were well written and comprehendible.
Family Relationship: The main character, Kaytrix, has such great interactions with his parents. Very similar to how a soldier comes home for a season and leaves off for his next assignment. The love and care that these three show is much appreciated. Sometimes, it’s nice to read family dynamics without any complicated drama.
Romance is done well: The romance between Kaytrix and Nat was kept simple and didn’t stagnate the plot. The twist in this subplot was definitely a surprise and left me floored (in a good way).
Fights, high stakes, and a jaw-dropping ending that leads right into the next book.
Friendship and teamwork dynamics was always a pleasure to read. The camaraderie and the so-called chemistry between them was wonderful. There was a natural dialogue that portrayed them well as good friends and long-time friends.
Wonderful story for a debut novel and a series.
Family Relationship: The main character, Kaytrix, has such great interactions with his parents. Very similar to how a soldier comes home for a season and leaves off for his next assignment. The love and care that these three show is much appreciated. Sometimes, it’s nice to read family dynamics without any complicated drama.
Romance is done well: The romance between Kaytrix and Nat was kept simple and didn’t stagnate the plot. The twist in this subplot was definitely a surprise and left me floored (in a good way).
Fights, high stakes, and a jaw-dropping ending that leads right into the next book.
Friendship and teamwork dynamics was always a pleasure to read. The camaraderie and the so-called chemistry between them was wonderful. There was a natural dialogue that portrayed them well as good friends and long-time friends.
Wonderful story for a debut novel and a series.
September 14, 2025
As a fellow traveler in the genre, I can appreciate a book that understands the larger picture. Mission of the Ro'arck is a thrilling book that, delves into the grand themes of command, orders, and politics. From the trenches of a muddy planet to the high-stakes political maneuvering that drives a fleet - it's a fast-paced, high-stakes read that pulls you in and never lets up.
The core of any good sci-fi is its protagonist, and the author nails it with Kaytrix. He's a moral compass in a world of political shades of gray, and his struggle to overcome the stigmas of his background provides a fantastic character arc. His journey to protect his people while navigating the betrayals from the council is genuinely compelling. It’s the kind of character-driven conflict that elevates a standard genre story into something more resonant.
The plot moves at a breakneck pace, which is no small feat given the complex web of intrigue and military strategy. The world-building is woven into the narrative, providing just enough detail about the Alliance and its mysterious enemies to keep the pages turning without ever feeling bogged down. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
The core of any good sci-fi is its protagonist, and the author nails it with Kaytrix. He's a moral compass in a world of political shades of gray, and his struggle to overcome the stigmas of his background provides a fantastic character arc. His journey to protect his people while navigating the betrayals from the council is genuinely compelling. It’s the kind of character-driven conflict that elevates a standard genre story into something more resonant.
The plot moves at a breakneck pace, which is no small feat given the complex web of intrigue and military strategy. The world-building is woven into the narrative, providing just enough detail about the Alliance and its mysterious enemies to keep the pages turning without ever feeling bogged down. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
September 12, 2022
I have a new favourite sci-fi author, and her name is Ericka Evren. Once I began reading her debut novel, Mission of The Ro'arck, I could not put it down. The story has all the best bits from sci-fi world I love, like Star Gate, Battle Star Galactica, and a sinister enemy that is relentlessly coming after you. Even with those familiar bits, Ericka managed to keep the story fresh and original through the main character Kaytrix, who slowly grows into the hero he was alway meant to be.
Easy five stars and warmly recommended.
Easy five stars and warmly recommended.
January 18, 2024
Mission of the Ro’arck. Archarian series book 1
An excellent introduction into this world and Debut Novel. Fast paced with the sense of real overwhelming Jeopardy which makes for a great page turner.
Action packed with enjoyable world building and character development.
Personally i liked the flitting between council meetings and battles, It added to tense atmsophere being built.
Reading the final chapter before work, i couldnt put it down and was a little late. But i couldnt leave ot hanging i had to know!
Excited for Book 2 coming end of Feb.
Defiantely recommended
An excellent introduction into this world and Debut Novel. Fast paced with the sense of real overwhelming Jeopardy which makes for a great page turner.
Action packed with enjoyable world building and character development.
Personally i liked the flitting between council meetings and battles, It added to tense atmsophere being built.
Reading the final chapter before work, i couldnt put it down and was a little late. But i couldnt leave ot hanging i had to know!
Excited for Book 2 coming end of Feb.
Defiantely recommended
September 9, 2025
What a solid story! There were stakes, rising action, and actual consequences. Ericka does a fantastic job of crafting relatable characters in a short amount of time. The worldbuilding wastes no time, and pulls you right in. I can't wait to dive into the next one.
May 28, 2024
This was very hard to put down. I really liked the book.
November 23, 2025
An excellent sci-fi series starter. It appears there has been a great deal of deceit promoted by the ruling council. Try as he might the commander risks all to get to the truth. A twisty tale.
December 19, 2023
This book had me up early in the morning to find out what happened next. I can't wait to read book 2. I usually don't buy physical copies of books anymore but this series I will add to my collection.
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