Shadows Within the Empire, The Nephilim War, Book 1

by John Maldonado

An ancient alien race from humanity’s past has awakened after thousands of years. Their true name has been forgotten, but at this moment in time, they are known as the Fallen. And they have decided humanity’s fate. Extermination.

Imperial Death Dealer Ethan Wolfe has been dispatched to kill a terrorist at the edge of the galaxy. It was a simple mission until the Emperor and his Lord Commander outlawed and condemned him to death, without any reason.

But as he goes on the run, with Hope Adair, a former smuggler, Ethan learns that his dead father was not an archaeologist but an agent of the Empire with a terrible secret. And that secret will lead him on a quest to find an ex-Imperial soldier and a being called the Guardian. Little does he know that he has a big role to play in the coming Great War with the Fallen.

Meanwhile, Lord Jonas Ares, hero of the Machine War and Lord Commander, has been aware of the Fallen for some time but before he can engage them. He must root out the human traitors. As he mobilizes his entire war machine, he realizes that the infiltration of these traitors is deeper than he could ever have imagined. And the problem is that time is running out….

He is guided by an entity of light called Michael, and with his help the Lord Commander has the element of surprise. But not all things go according to plan.

In his obsession to find the human traitors working with the Fallen, he discovers that there is an ancient relic known as the Gateway that is about to be activated in a world known as Hades. And worse of all, it appears that the Church of the Crusaders is working with the Fallen.

It's up to Lord Ares to figure out how to deal with the Fallen and their human allies before it’s too laten ancient alien race from humanity’s past has awakened after thousands of years. Their true name has been forgotten, but at this moment in time, they are known as the Fallen. And they have decided humanity’s fate. Extermination.

Genres: Science Fiction

578 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

**** New Version of Nephilim War, Book 1 Releases September 12 2024 **** New Battles and New ending

Hello, thank you for visiting my page. My name John Maldonado and I am the author of Shadows within the Empire, the Nephilim War, Book 1 & Tales of the Machine War (Nephilim War Short Story). I was born and raised in San Francisco. I am currently working on book 2 of the Nephilim War releasing in January 2025.

Book is dedicated to my niece Hope, and my two nephews Ethan and Owen. I will continue to put out stories based in the worlds I have created. Thank you for reading my bio and look forward from hearing for you. Link below to my Kindle Ebook.

Instagram: jmaldonado415

Thank you for visiting

Reviews

[Kevin]

Good story, bad editing

I enjoyed the story and it's weaving together of Judeo-Christian theology/mythology. My only critique was that the editing made it painful to read sometimes. Misspelled words, wrong punctuation, but it was still enjoyable to read

[No one of consequence One]

Love the plot and the world building. Definitely will read the second one. My only complaint is that some parts felt a bit cheesy at times but that is my only real complaint. Otherwise good book.

[Anna Rimmer]

Biblical evil

Ok, I loved this story. Take Babylon 5, biblical evil , the Game of Thrones and a touch of Ancient Aliens and you have his story and it's brilliant, The bad guys are really bad, the good guys are ruthless and outgunned but that's ok .This is rip roaring science fiction and I really need to read the sexual soon

[Mick]

Wow, what a great read!

Instagram out this book in front of me 4 days ago and it has been a ride. Maldonado has written a sci-fi winner that evokes epic novels like Dune, the Star Wars Heir to Empire saga and Enders Game. His narrative style and pacing, however, reminds me of Clive Cussler adventure novels--there is not a wasted chapter, plotline or character. Every word and sentence is crafted to deliver a punch of excitement and adrenaline. The weaving in of elements of Christian/biblical mysticism is an intriguing element that I am excited to see developed as the series progresses.

[Nick Snape]

Shadows within the Empire is an ambitious blend of action, space opera and galactic empire scifi that should be applauded for its scope. It comes across as a sweeping epic that falls just short due to the sheer ambition of the storyline, with the blend of political, military and evil alien strategy pulling you along but perhaps requiring more depth to maintain the readers’ focus as the pacing outstrips the description in the latter stages. I am keen to read the next instalment because the story has me gripped, and as a treatise on the greed of people against just how far leaders have to go keep such ambition in line, it works well.

[Ella S]

This was a fun, action packed story. I was intrigued by the characters, especially Ethan Wolf, Hope Adair, and Jonas Ares. I liked the 'Audio Journal' entries throughout the story as it brought in good word building information. The dialogue at times could be written a better, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment. There was also good setup for the next book.

I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Will Solomon]

John Maldonado never fails to deliver!

To sum up Nephilim Wars, it is a mix between being an epic space opera like Star Wars, a Tom Clancy novel, and a warring galaxy not unlike the world of Dune.

Sci-fi lovers and military enthusiasts will undoubtedly love this book for the amount of lore, action, and Judeo-Christian theology all woven into one epic novel.

You won't be disappointed and this book will surely pave the way towards a new era in classic sci-fi.

[Jon]

This book has a little bit of everything I like. Sword fights, space battles, AIs, hateful bad guys, and heroes that kick butt! Previous review is correct. It has elements of Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Halo. There are angels good and bad waging their own war mixed in to the story. Its brilliant and fun. Want to read more now!

[John L.]

A blend of sci fi and the Bible

Very unique book. Well written, except that everyone speaks "dryly". It is star wars versus satan. Characters are biblically accurate, the action is fast paced and the characters are complex and flawed. I have to give the author kudos for the w concept. I hope to see more and soon.

[Norah Newman]

I think it’s a good book with an amazing plot and characters. I read the original version (AKA the unedited one on Apple Books, which means there were considerably more grammar mistakes than the official version). Regardless, the story is amazing and I think this books deserves more support so Mr. Maldonado can keep improving upon suggestions.

[Keith R.]

jumpy, lacked character development

I really liked the idea and the story, but the narrative was, sporadic? Jumped around? Not the different story lines, that was fine, just a lack of consistency and fleshing out of the story.
I will def buy the next installment!

[Chris McKelley]

Great start

Cool take on good and evil. Really appreciate the characters in this book. Cannot wait for more books. Nice work

[Eric Maldonado]

FUN RIDE!

This book is fast-paced with a unique storyline. Love how the good guys are just rurhless. Want to read more in this series!

[Tripp Berry]

I wanted to like this. But dude needs an editor. Pulled me out of the story so much that I just couldn't get into it. Sorry to say, I DNF'd it.

Still, 3 stars for Christian SciFi.