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In the first book of an epic sci-fi/Fantasy series, EMPIRE is the coming-of-age story of Reza Gard, a young boy of the Human Confederation who is swept up in the century-long war with the alien Kreelan Empire. Captured and enslaved, Reza must live like his enemies in a grand experiment to see if humans have souls, and if one may be the key to unlocking an ages old curse upon the Kreelan race.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2009
About the author
Michael R. Hicks
29 books1,486 followersBorn in 1963, Michael Hicks grew up in the age of the Apollo program and spent his youth glued to the television watching the original Star Trek series and other science fiction movies, which continues to be a source of entertainment and inspiration. Having spent the majority of his life as a voracious reader, he has been heavily influenced by writers ranging from Robert Heinlein to David Weber, and many in between. Living in Maryland with his beautiful wife, two wonderful stepsons and two mischievous Siberian cats, he left his government career job and now writes full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
April 17, 2020
Genre dysphoria?
I picked this up wanting a trashy space opera with starship battles and the like, having had it on my list for years since a friend recommended it to me. And while it was surprisingly decent for a book that was free to read, with fast-paced action, pretty solid writing and a few tidbits here and there of interesting lore, there is a strange issue practically oozing from the whole thing: it is a fantasy book in disguise.
All the way through, I could not escape the feeling that Hicks had written a pretty solid fantasy novel that for some reason he insisted on trying to make into science fiction, adding the occasional gun and every now and then reminding you that there are multiple planets. But Empire is a tale of humans facing down blue fanged female warriors with swords, of forbidden love in a world of exotic monsters, of priestesses, prophecies and mortal combat in the sand; of... ...you get the idea.
While the story is intriguing enough to proceed into the second book, I found myself wishing that the author had simply removed the few scenes containing marines and firearms and taken the story, the characters and the background lore and moved it all into the kind of fantasy world that it so obviously belongs in.
I picked this up wanting a trashy space opera with starship battles and the like, having had it on my list for years since a friend recommended it to me. And while it was surprisingly decent for a book that was free to read, with fast-paced action, pretty solid writing and a few tidbits here and there of interesting lore, there is a strange issue practically oozing from the whole thing: it is a fantasy book in disguise.
All the way through, I could not escape the feeling that Hicks had written a pretty solid fantasy novel that for some reason he insisted on trying to make into science fiction, adding the occasional gun and every now and then reminding you that there are multiple planets. But Empire is a tale of humans facing down blue fanged female warriors with swords, of forbidden love in a world of exotic monsters, of priestesses, prophecies and mortal combat in the sand; of... ...you get the idea.
While the story is intriguing enough to proceed into the second book, I found myself wishing that the author had simply removed the few scenes containing marines and firearms and taken the story, the characters and the background lore and moved it all into the kind of fantasy world that it so obviously belongs in.
February 14, 2015
nope. 19% and I'm saving myself the headache and quitting now. This book is the CakeWrecks version of Warchild and as I have already read the better story, I don't feel like continuing. However, for those considering this book, the first 19% has the following:
- a boy whose parents get heroically killed but who himself is inexplicably spared by the aliens
- said boy saving an (older) girl from attempted rape
- the rapist trying again later (in great detail both times)
- it turns out the boy is the only kid in his area who cares about learning! SHOCKER. AIN'T HE SPECIAL.
- he apparently picks up fluent French in a few months despite not being able to recognize a French accent at first, not being in an immersion situation, and being taught by a 14 year-old
- did I mention this kid is like 12
- and that he and the 14 year-old French girl are supposed to be in love
- and that he's perfectly gorgeous in every way
- he's FUCKING PREPUBESCENT AND HE'S ALREADY A GARY STU
- also: other victims of the rapist abuser? killed w/ no sympathy and demonized in death. Because it's not like that character systematically hurt and twisted everyone he could get his hands on - no, they were just monsters.
I'm deleting this garbage from my Kindle. It's not worth the time I've spent on it already, and it certainly isn't worth any more.
- a boy whose parents get heroically killed but who himself is inexplicably spared by the aliens
- said boy saving an (older) girl from attempted rape
- the rapist trying again later (in great detail both times)
- it turns out the boy is the only kid in his area who cares about learning! SHOCKER. AIN'T HE SPECIAL.
- he apparently picks up fluent French in a few months despite not being able to recognize a French accent at first, not being in an immersion situation, and being taught by a 14 year-old
- did I mention this kid is like 12
- and that he and the 14 year-old French girl are supposed to be in love
- and that he's perfectly gorgeous in every way
- he's FUCKING PREPUBESCENT AND HE'S ALREADY A GARY STU
- also: other victims of the rapist abuser? killed w/ no sympathy and demonized in death. Because it's not like that character systematically hurt and twisted everyone he could get his hands on - no, they were just monsters.
I'm deleting this garbage from my Kindle. It's not worth the time I've spent on it already, and it certainly isn't worth any more.
October 8, 2012
Let me preface this first with the warning this may be edited in the next few days before I post a review on Amazon.com; I want to get this right.
Second, let me say that I normally prefer to review a book after I've read it a second time as I find I'm normally unable to think critically about a book after only one reading. However, Mr. Hicks seems like a good guy and since he asks his followers to please review his books and offers this one for free I felt obliged to give it some thought.
The book is a solid 3 stars for me for a number of reasons. First off one can tell this is his first attempt at writing anything substantial. In fact it's almost painfully obvious for the first quarter of the book. I honestly had a hard time getting to the "good stuff". He uses far to many words to communicate simple concepts, and uses far to many adverbs (something I have a problem with too). I couldn't help but edit and condense a lot of his sentences as a read the first few chapters. The plot itself is nothing new, and the parallels he draws with the alien warriors can be a little to obvious at times.
The change came somewhere around chapter five or so. I began to speed read and skip over a lot of his wording and things got a lot better. That and one could see his writing improve dramatically as the book went on.
The most important thing though is that I began to care for the main character. At first I couldn't care if he lived or died he was so familiar. But as the book went along you realized that Mr. Hicks has these characters fully fleshed out in his head, and knows exactly what they are going to do in any given situation. Through his knowledge he draws you in and by the halfway point I found I cared about what was going to happen next. I care so much that I am going to buy the next two books in the series.
The book is by no means bad. It is a compelling and interesting read, but it has its obvious flaws, and for that it only merits three stars in my eyes. I can't wait to see how much he has grown as an author and what direction his writing goes.
*edit*
I'm afraid I'll have to amend my review after some time has passed. I still like the book and wouldn't mind reading more, but this book just doesn't deserve 3 stars. I was being a bit generous as I was new to the whole self-promoting authors thing. I liked it. everything said above still stands, but just replace three stars with two stars.
Second, let me say that I normally prefer to review a book after I've read it a second time as I find I'm normally unable to think critically about a book after only one reading. However, Mr. Hicks seems like a good guy and since he asks his followers to please review his books and offers this one for free I felt obliged to give it some thought.
The book is a solid 3 stars for me for a number of reasons. First off one can tell this is his first attempt at writing anything substantial. In fact it's almost painfully obvious for the first quarter of the book. I honestly had a hard time getting to the "good stuff". He uses far to many words to communicate simple concepts, and uses far to many adverbs (something I have a problem with too). I couldn't help but edit and condense a lot of his sentences as a read the first few chapters. The plot itself is nothing new, and the parallels he draws with the alien warriors can be a little to obvious at times.
The change came somewhere around chapter five or so. I began to speed read and skip over a lot of his wording and things got a lot better. That and one could see his writing improve dramatically as the book went on.
The most important thing though is that I began to care for the main character. At first I couldn't care if he lived or died he was so familiar. But as the book went along you realized that Mr. Hicks has these characters fully fleshed out in his head, and knows exactly what they are going to do in any given situation. Through his knowledge he draws you in and by the halfway point I found I cared about what was going to happen next. I care so much that I am going to buy the next two books in the series.
The book is by no means bad. It is a compelling and interesting read, but it has its obvious flaws, and for that it only merits three stars in my eyes. I can't wait to see how much he has grown as an author and what direction his writing goes.
*edit*
I'm afraid I'll have to amend my review after some time has passed. I still like the book and wouldn't mind reading more, but this book just doesn't deserve 3 stars. I was being a bit generous as I was new to the whole self-promoting authors thing. I liked it. everything said above still stands, but just replace three stars with two stars.
July 1, 2011
I wish I could give 1/2 stars, because this is a solid 3 1/2 star book. I actually got it as a free download for my Kindle (it's still free on Amazon at the the moment, by the way) and read it as it was highly recommended. I will say that it's one of the best free reads I've encountered. It isn't a bad book actually, but the first 1/3 is, well, veeerrry sloooow, so minus 1 star for that. If you're thinking of reading it, stick around for at least 50 pages after he gets off Hallmark, it gets better. This part of the book reads like a set up for the sequels. The book actually becomes quiet engaging after he leaves the human worlds, but I subtract another 1/2 star for the ending, which was kind of abrupt. I'm hoping that the next book makes up for it. I foresee a LOT more pain and angst ahead for Reza Gard.
One of the things I did like about the book is that it puts the hero in a very unique situation and shows how he deals with it. I'm not sure I would have made the same choices he did, but I don't think what he did was necessarily the wrong thing either (trying to keep this spoiler free.) The moral issues presented do make for a very interesting dilemma.
I'm purchasing the sequel now. I believe all books in this series are under $3 on Kindle, so it's a great price. Overall, recommended...just stick through the first third of the book.
One of the things I did like about the book is that it puts the hero in a very unique situation and shows how he deals with it. I'm not sure I would have made the same choices he did, but I don't think what he did was necessarily the wrong thing either (trying to keep this spoiler free.) The moral issues presented do make for a very interesting dilemma.
I'm purchasing the sequel now. I believe all books in this series are under $3 on Kindle, so it's a great price. Overall, recommended...just stick through the first third of the book.
August 22, 2012
So on one hand, this book covers some pretty well-tread science fiction ground. Young boy is orphaned (twice), captured by aliens, learns about their culture, then becomes better at being an alien than any of the other aliens. Sound familiar? Oh, and they're all tall, blue, and have fangs, and are a primitive warrior race (only not really). If it weren't for the publication dates, I might have been suspicious. There's also a prophecy about a super-special chosen one, and a star-crossed alien love affair.
So basically, this is like a laundry list of things in sci-fi I hate. And yet I could barely this book down. I had a blast reading it, and am already reading the sequel.
I think what it boils down to is that Hicks knows how to write compelling characters, and knows where to trim the fat. He tells his story with supreme economy, with no wasted scenes and no laborious exposition. The worst I can say is that his writing is a bit too on-the-nose in places, but it often serves the operatic, space-opera style in which it's written. Empire is reminiscent of Babylon 5 in that way -- sometimes the painful sincerity of the prose made me cringe or roll my eyes, but it didn't stop me from reading.
Empire is not revolutionary sci-fi, but as a space-opera romp, it delivers everything it promises, and more. A fun read. I plan to be reading lots more Michael Hicks in the future.
So basically, this is like a laundry list of things in sci-fi I hate. And yet I could barely this book down. I had a blast reading it, and am already reading the sequel.
I think what it boils down to is that Hicks knows how to write compelling characters, and knows where to trim the fat. He tells his story with supreme economy, with no wasted scenes and no laborious exposition. The worst I can say is that his writing is a bit too on-the-nose in places, but it often serves the operatic, space-opera style in which it's written. Empire is reminiscent of Babylon 5 in that way -- sometimes the painful sincerity of the prose made me cringe or roll my eyes, but it didn't stop me from reading.
Empire is not revolutionary sci-fi, but as a space-opera romp, it delivers everything it promises, and more. A fun read. I plan to be reading lots more Michael Hicks in the future.
January 27, 2012
What this story is and what it's not
Let's be clear: I liked this story. I read the free edition of the first book and the bought the omnibus edition, which includes the next two books. I wish I could give this one 3.5 stars because I see promise - but need a little more. Let's also be clear: there's no science fiction here - at least no more than Star Wars or the John Carter stories. The setting happens to be in the far future, on different planets, and involving a race of humanoid aliens. Science fiction generally involves not only some element of scientific thinking, but has a plot point which revolves around that idea. The major plot points in this story revolve around identity, perseverance, force of will, love, coming of age, and spiritual awareness (and maybe a bit of Stockholm Syndrome?). All good, all done well. Almost all of the action takes place on the surface of three planets, only one small scene takes place on a ship. There's no discussion of the method of FTL travel, physics of the energy weapons, or effects of planet orbital differences.
The structure of the story is solid with the right amount of suspense. Information about the aliens and their culture is spread out naturally without the dreaded info-dump.
Some aspects of the characters don't mesh as well, and seem contrived - characters not behaving consistently within the previously established behaviors. These, however, are few and relatively minor - maybe even owning to my own sense of the characters and not the author's. The only major exception being how advanced the aliens are though they shun technology. The ending definitely seems inconsistent with some of the characters, but seems necessary to set up the second book. Reza, himself, is very well done. His character development follows a natural progression while keeping consistent with the plucky character we meet as a child, running across an urban battlefield to his soldier parents.
No passive voice, but there is mid-scene head hopping and the occasional overuse of adjectives.
There's one true sex scene, several suggested scenes, a few glossed over sex scenes, and a bit of language (particular from some nasty characters). Adults will enjoy this story, particularly if you like John Carter (Barsoom), Out of a Silent Planet, and stories about Jedi but want a bit of romance and adult themes
Let's be clear: I liked this story. I read the free edition of the first book and the bought the omnibus edition, which includes the next two books. I wish I could give this one 3.5 stars because I see promise - but need a little more. Let's also be clear: there's no science fiction here - at least no more than Star Wars or the John Carter stories. The setting happens to be in the far future, on different planets, and involving a race of humanoid aliens. Science fiction generally involves not only some element of scientific thinking, but has a plot point which revolves around that idea. The major plot points in this story revolve around identity, perseverance, force of will, love, coming of age, and spiritual awareness (and maybe a bit of Stockholm Syndrome?). All good, all done well. Almost all of the action takes place on the surface of three planets, only one small scene takes place on a ship. There's no discussion of the method of FTL travel, physics of the energy weapons, or effects of planet orbital differences.
The structure of the story is solid with the right amount of suspense. Information about the aliens and their culture is spread out naturally without the dreaded info-dump.
Some aspects of the characters don't mesh as well, and seem contrived - characters not behaving consistently within the previously established behaviors. These, however, are few and relatively minor - maybe even owning to my own sense of the characters and not the author's. The only major exception being how advanced the aliens are though they shun technology. The ending definitely seems inconsistent with some of the characters, but seems necessary to set up the second book. Reza, himself, is very well done. His character development follows a natural progression while keeping consistent with the plucky character we meet as a child, running across an urban battlefield to his soldier parents.
No passive voice, but there is mid-scene head hopping and the occasional overuse of adjectives.
There's one true sex scene, several suggested scenes, a few glossed over sex scenes, and a bit of language (particular from some nasty characters). Adults will enjoy this story, particularly if you like John Carter (Barsoom), Out of a Silent Planet, and stories about Jedi but want a bit of romance and adult themes
July 29, 2012
This was a really good story, actually. I recommend trying an unknown author now and then to anyone who truly loves to read. At one point i started trying to make a list of the borrowed elements I found included in the book. They included Romeo & Juliet, Ender's Game, Enemy Mine, Avatar, John Carter of Mars, Les Miserable, Messianic prophesies, King David and even passing elements of eroticism. And I'm sure I've forgotten some as well.
So, as I said, the story was good, the writing was most of the time very readable. The two qualms I had were related to similes and prophesy. There were several misfires, for my reading, when similes were employed. The kind of phrase that would stop me in my tracks, interrupt the flow of my reading and make me say, "No. That doesn't make sense to me." The simile failed to paint the picture of what was happening but instead muddied it. Please bear in mind as I make this criticism that it's one my only TWO major problems with the book. My other problem was with the prophesy which is a key component that drives the story forward and makes what could be nonsensical make sense. But we don't see it until over halfway through the book. Something like that should come earlier, not so late.
One thing the author did well was give me a compelling interest in the main character. And since this is the first of a series, this is extremely important.
I would recommend this book to fans of space fiction, particular those those dare to present aliens as something other than the stuff good targets are made of. It compares strongly to Burroughs' "Mars" books without the horribly deployed use of you-gotta-be-kidding-me science elements Edgar Rice uses freely. If you loved the Avatar movie you will probably like this book. If you're a fan of Orson Scott Card's world of Ender you will probably enjoy this book.
Also, the main character of this book is a child for the best part of the story, but this is not a youth fiction book in my opinion. Though if you can comfortably read Harry Potter, The Hobbit or The Hunger Games this book is not in my opinion written in a way that would give you problems.
So, as I said, the story was good, the writing was most of the time very readable. The two qualms I had were related to similes and prophesy. There were several misfires, for my reading, when similes were employed. The kind of phrase that would stop me in my tracks, interrupt the flow of my reading and make me say, "No. That doesn't make sense to me." The simile failed to paint the picture of what was happening but instead muddied it. Please bear in mind as I make this criticism that it's one my only TWO major problems with the book. My other problem was with the prophesy which is a key component that drives the story forward and makes what could be nonsensical make sense. But we don't see it until over halfway through the book. Something like that should come earlier, not so late.
One thing the author did well was give me a compelling interest in the main character. And since this is the first of a series, this is extremely important.
I would recommend this book to fans of space fiction, particular those those dare to present aliens as something other than the stuff good targets are made of. It compares strongly to Burroughs' "Mars" books without the horribly deployed use of you-gotta-be-kidding-me science elements Edgar Rice uses freely. If you loved the Avatar movie you will probably like this book. If you're a fan of Orson Scott Card's world of Ender you will probably enjoy this book.
Also, the main character of this book is a child for the best part of the story, but this is not a youth fiction book in my opinion. Though if you can comfortably read Harry Potter, The Hobbit or The Hunger Games this book is not in my opinion written in a way that would give you problems.
March 27, 2012
This book actually gave me the adventure I was looking for. More than that, it held my attention. A pleasant and timely surprise after a recent run of bad science fiction reads. However, it does have downsides.
The book starts out slow. There's plenty of action first thing but none of it fits together in a way that pulls the reader into a greater story. Combined with unnerving switchbacks in point of view and no real sense of a main character, it's no surprise that I almost stopped reading without finishing the first chapter.
Fortunately, the appearance of the main character caught me. I was curious enough to continue reading. Even then, however, the pull of his character doesn't really set in until about the third chapter - a long time to hold on if you're an impatient reader.
The entire book is filled with jarring POV changes, unnecessary info dumps, and long scenes of narration instead of the action the reader so desperately wants. (I was also disappointed by the ending but that may be more a matter of taste than anything else.)
These are pet peeves of mine, enough to sink other books. But here, the author surprised me. The story itself is gripping. It makes you want to find out more.
If you plan to check it out yourself, I have two cautions: anyone with a strong inner editor may not be able to enjoy themselves and there are explicit, mature themes about halfway through the book that some readers may not feel are appropriate.
The book starts out slow. There's plenty of action first thing but none of it fits together in a way that pulls the reader into a greater story. Combined with unnerving switchbacks in point of view and no real sense of a main character, it's no surprise that I almost stopped reading without finishing the first chapter.
Fortunately, the appearance of the main character caught me. I was curious enough to continue reading. Even then, however, the pull of his character doesn't really set in until about the third chapter - a long time to hold on if you're an impatient reader.
The entire book is filled with jarring POV changes, unnecessary info dumps, and long scenes of narration instead of the action the reader so desperately wants. (I was also disappointed by the ending but that may be more a matter of taste than anything else.)
These are pet peeves of mine, enough to sink other books. But here, the author surprised me. The story itself is gripping. It makes you want to find out more.
If you plan to check it out yourself, I have two cautions: anyone with a strong inner editor may not be able to enjoy themselves and there are explicit, mature themes about halfway through the book that some readers may not feel are appropriate.
Shelved as 'not4me'
August 13, 2022Sci-fi.
Unsure.
Can't figure out if YA or Adult
Does it or Does It NOT have sex scenes?
Is there romance?
Purchased from Amazon November 15, 2015
Unsure.
Can't figure out if YA or Adult
Does it or Does It NOT have sex scenes?
Is there romance?
Purchased from Amazon November 15, 2015
September 2, 2012
Having just finished this book I can honestly say that it's well worth a second read just to absorb yourself in the world Hicks has created. It's part Gladiator, part Dances With Wolves but it is space opera and it's perhaps unfortunate that Avatar had blue skinned aliens too but I think Hicks' blue skinned Amazonian aliens are way cooler and much more exciting.
It starts with the main character Reza being orphaned and meeting the Kreelan high priestess. He marks her with a knife and she responds with a corresponding mark using her claws, apparently we humans of the Confederation are the clawless ones. She lets him go and the next time we meet Reza it is on the planet Hallmark which has definite Dickensian overtones with workhouse orphanages, the entire planet is an orphanage. When the planet is once again attacked by the blood crazed Kreelans, Reza is taken prisoner when the same high priestess recognises the mark on his cheek. He is taken back to their home world to take part in a grand experiment to see if we humans actually possess a soul.
And thereby hangs a tale.
Reza is put under the control of Esah Zhurah a young Kreelan warrior as her tresh. It remains her task to educated him not only in the arts of war but also the culture, language and customs of his adopted people. It is a love story and as a writer I know how hard it is to write interspecies love scenes without the ick factor but Hicks does a masterful job and you forget it's a blue skinned woman with claws and sharp teeth.
I won't say anymore as it's verging on spoiler territory but it is a fantastic read although you need to get past the fifty page mark before it grabs you. Soldier on and you'll find you don't want to leave this world. Indeed it was with a sense of deep regret I finally put it down. The only criticism I had concerned the final few pages and the twist in a tale ending, which came out of nowhere and kind of hit me in the face. I need to go back and read it again but I'm pretty sure that there was no foreshadowing or not enough to explain the ending. It almost feels like he was trying to keep down his word count. Hence the four stars instead of five.
Still I've bought the second book and am dying to get into it. Well worth a read and I'm betting you might even read it twice. Still haven't worked out if I want to be human or Kreelan in my next life but after this book it's humans none, Kreelans one.
It starts with the main character Reza being orphaned and meeting the Kreelan high priestess. He marks her with a knife and she responds with a corresponding mark using her claws, apparently we humans of the Confederation are the clawless ones. She lets him go and the next time we meet Reza it is on the planet Hallmark which has definite Dickensian overtones with workhouse orphanages, the entire planet is an orphanage. When the planet is once again attacked by the blood crazed Kreelans, Reza is taken prisoner when the same high priestess recognises the mark on his cheek. He is taken back to their home world to take part in a grand experiment to see if we humans actually possess a soul.
And thereby hangs a tale.
Reza is put under the control of Esah Zhurah a young Kreelan warrior as her tresh. It remains her task to educated him not only in the arts of war but also the culture, language and customs of his adopted people. It is a love story and as a writer I know how hard it is to write interspecies love scenes without the ick factor but Hicks does a masterful job and you forget it's a blue skinned woman with claws and sharp teeth.
I won't say anymore as it's verging on spoiler territory but it is a fantastic read although you need to get past the fifty page mark before it grabs you. Soldier on and you'll find you don't want to leave this world. Indeed it was with a sense of deep regret I finally put it down. The only criticism I had concerned the final few pages and the twist in a tale ending, which came out of nowhere and kind of hit me in the face. I need to go back and read it again but I'm pretty sure that there was no foreshadowing or not enough to explain the ending. It almost feels like he was trying to keep down his word count. Hence the four stars instead of five.
Still I've bought the second book and am dying to get into it. Well worth a read and I'm betting you might even read it twice. Still haven't worked out if I want to be human or Kreelan in my next life but after this book it's humans none, Kreelans one.
September 5, 2011
In progress:
The story starts out with a futuristic society as war with alien invaders - always a popular theme. It follows one young man to another world, and another society. Still good science. When he ends up on yet another world living among a people who live like primitives and live for warfare with swords, the story veers close enough to becoming fantasy that I was becoming concerned. However, this story is one of the few that, though written in a fantasy style, I continue to enjoy. And I have continued reading...
Mr. Hicks crafts an excellent multi-genre story in this book and I'be been kept awake late, sitting in bed with my Kindle and Mighty Bright book light reading. I found nothing that impeded the flow of the story, no spelling or grammatical errors (I’m picky about these) no distracting word choices, no stilted language. It was a smooth, pleasant read and an exciting tale. There was one point in the story where the voice being used changed some, it became more literary or flowery and that did cause me to wonder what had happened, but it was not so discernible as to impede the story.
The story ended with a satisfactory conclusion that also leads the reader to want to buy the next book in the series, “Confederation” – which I have done and I look forward to getting started on it. If you’re looking for a well-crafted story that will hold your interest as it steps neatly over standard genre boundaries and melds them into a single cohesive body of work, In Her Name: Empire is an excellent choice.
The story starts out with a futuristic society as war with alien invaders - always a popular theme. It follows one young man to another world, and another society. Still good science. When he ends up on yet another world living among a people who live like primitives and live for warfare with swords, the story veers close enough to becoming fantasy that I was becoming concerned. However, this story is one of the few that, though written in a fantasy style, I continue to enjoy. And I have continued reading...
Mr. Hicks crafts an excellent multi-genre story in this book and I'be been kept awake late, sitting in bed with my Kindle and Mighty Bright book light reading. I found nothing that impeded the flow of the story, no spelling or grammatical errors (I’m picky about these) no distracting word choices, no stilted language. It was a smooth, pleasant read and an exciting tale. There was one point in the story where the voice being used changed some, it became more literary or flowery and that did cause me to wonder what had happened, but it was not so discernible as to impede the story.
The story ended with a satisfactory conclusion that also leads the reader to want to buy the next book in the series, “Confederation” – which I have done and I look forward to getting started on it. If you’re looking for a well-crafted story that will hold your interest as it steps neatly over standard genre boundaries and melds them into a single cohesive body of work, In Her Name: Empire is an excellent choice.
November 29, 2011
I haven't read from the sci-fi genre since Star Wars first came out and I'm not sure what led me to this one, but I downloaded it onto my kindle and gave it a try. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put the thing down! Morning sure comes early when you've been awake most of the night reading. Normally I don't like books that have anything to do with war (the alien Kreelans are at war with the human race) and yet this book captured my imagination, flung me into a world that became quite real and made me care for the characters that came into play. Especially Reza, the main character. I became quite fascinated with him and curious as all heck to know his fate. The story is written very well, puts you right there in the story, making you a part of things. I became emotionally involved with the story and was crying my eyes out by the end. Now, of course, I can't wait to read the next book. I've already downloaded the rest of the trilogy onto my kindle and started book two. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story with lots of action, lots of emotion, and lots of character interaction. I love the romance aspect of it and though I've had to flinch through some of the more gory scenes, I don't skip anything (really, this is a first for me!) My hat is off to the creative mind that came up with this story. All I could think as I was reading it was that the story was sort of a cross between Avatar and Enemy Mine. Epic, engaging, riveting. Yeah, I loved this book!
May 21, 2012
I have found my new Sci-fi author! If you enjoy books like "Star Wars", "Dune", or Anne McCaffrey's "Dragons of Pern" series, then you will absolutely LOVE Michael Hicks' "In Her Name - Empire".
I was immediately sucked in from the first sentence and didn't want to put the book down to go to sleep. Needless, to say, I was sad to reach the end of the book and have to surface to reality once more.
The action/fight scenes are realist and believable. The plot did not drag or lose focus. I can usually spot mistakes or typos, but did not find the first mistake throughout the entire book! Michael's writing is impeccable.
The hero of the story is Reza and starts off when he is seven years old in the midst of a war with aliens. Both of his parents are killed and he encounters an alien himself and lives to tell the tale. When next we meet Reza, he is twelve and living on an orphanage planet. Again, the aliens attack, killing everyone except for some children they take as part of a grand "experiment", one of which is our hero.
Can he survive living among the aliens who killed his family and friends? What is the experiment? Get the book and find out.
I was immediately sucked in from the first sentence and didn't want to put the book down to go to sleep. Needless, to say, I was sad to reach the end of the book and have to surface to reality once more.
The action/fight scenes are realist and believable. The plot did not drag or lose focus. I can usually spot mistakes or typos, but did not find the first mistake throughout the entire book! Michael's writing is impeccable.
The hero of the story is Reza and starts off when he is seven years old in the midst of a war with aliens. Both of his parents are killed and he encounters an alien himself and lives to tell the tale. When next we meet Reza, he is twelve and living on an orphanage planet. Again, the aliens attack, killing everyone except for some children they take as part of a grand "experiment", one of which is our hero.
Can he survive living among the aliens who killed his family and friends? What is the experiment? Get the book and find out.
September 11, 2011
In the distant future, Reza Gard, an orphan of a horrific war with ruthless aliens, finds the courage to survive against desperate odds. In doing so, he learns as much about his enemy, the Kreelans, as he does about inner strength. Through trying circumstances, physical and mental stresses and the bitter loss of all he has ever known and loved, Reza grows from a child to a man. As his understanding and abilities grow under the tutelage of the Kreelans who have captured him, he seems poised for a great future. However, when his past catches up with him, Reza has a decision to make, one that can undo everything he has worked so hard to accomplish.
I have never been as caught up in the plight of characters as I was in this book; my emotions completely frayed, going from pity to anger to sadness and acceptance throughout the chapters. It was an incredible journey for the characters and a testament to Michael Hicks' skills that he can weave such a spell on his audience. I bought the next two in the series after finishing Empire, and I cannot wait to resume Reza's journey.
I have never been as caught up in the plight of characters as I was in this book; my emotions completely frayed, going from pity to anger to sadness and acceptance throughout the chapters. It was an incredible journey for the characters and a testament to Michael Hicks' skills that he can weave such a spell on his audience. I bought the next two in the series after finishing Empire, and I cannot wait to resume Reza's journey.
June 1, 2011
This book is amazing, a definitely five star book.
This is the first book in the "In Her name" series. Most of the action of this book takes place in the Kreela Empire which is beautifully and very realistically described. The story is very well written and it keeps you captivated all the time. There is a lot of action/plots in the book, but also it is touching and emotional. What I really liked about "Empire", is that you don't know where the story takes you, and what to expect on the next page.
This is the first book in the "In Her name" series. Most of the action of this book takes place in the Kreela Empire which is beautifully and very realistically described. The story is very well written and it keeps you captivated all the time. There is a lot of action/plots in the book, but also it is touching and emotional. What I really liked about "Empire", is that you don't know where the story takes you, and what to expect on the next page.
April 17, 2012
Fantastic world building, great characters, and a compelling story. I wasn't sure, going into reading this one, how I would enjoy it and honestly, I'm hooked.
The relationship between Reza and Esha isn't one you expect, especially seeing as her people see humanity as nothing more than soulless animals. The slow change of that viewpoint is one that Reza earns. It's not given to him, it's not easy and not quick at all.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy, which I already have loaded on my Kindle at this point.
The relationship between Reza and Esha isn't one you expect, especially seeing as her people see humanity as nothing more than soulless animals. The slow change of that viewpoint is one that Reza earns. It's not given to him, it's not easy and not quick at all.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy, which I already have loaded on my Kindle at this point.
March 27, 2014
I downloaded this book, "Empire: In Her Name" free from BookBub. With free e-books, you take your chances on getting a good book. This was surprisingly well-written. A cross between Star Wars and Avatar, the action starts on a dystopian planet of humans that is invaded by the Kreelans. When Reza is taken as "spoils of war" to the planet of the Kreelans, he must learn their ways in order to survive. The end was totally unexpected. The book is part of a trilogy that I can't wait to finish. Exciting, good characters, and a well-told story, I couldn't put it down.
March 18, 2014
I had a hard time reading this book, it is so bleak and terrible, I also must admit to being bore by the premise that sounds cookie cutter at best. Hicks needs to get an editor to trimmed his sentences because this book has sentences in sentences. I was also a little triggered by the child abuse, I understand it happens but can we not used words such as "he grabbed her budding breast" because that is just not right.
January 18, 2012
Excellent read right up to the end after a slightly slow start. Wonderful action/adventure SciFi/Fantasy tale of the clash of cultures - human and alien. Exciting, engaging and makes me want to read more. And so I shall since there is a sequel scheduled. Read this on my new Kindle Fire and loved it.
January 9, 2012
3.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
The Kreelan story was incredibly interesting and Reza made for an entertaining lead. I bought into the characters and the way of life.
It wasn't a really memorable story so I will keep the review brief. I did read the sequels which really where not as good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
The Kreelan story was incredibly interesting and Reza made for an entertaining lead. I bought into the characters and the way of life.
It wasn't a really memorable story so I will keep the review brief. I did read the sequels which really where not as good.
January 28, 2012
*wow*
Somewhat reminiscent of Enemy Mine, this first book was a fast paced, fun read. If you like your sci-fi to have aliens, fighting, and a lone human trapped in the middle of it all, you've come to the right place.
Somewhat reminiscent of Enemy Mine, this first book was a fast paced, fun read. If you like your sci-fi to have aliens, fighting, and a lone human trapped in the middle of it all, you've come to the right place.
February 29, 2012
I'm not really the Sword and Sorcery type of guy, but when you throw in spaces ships, a galactic war mixing it up with hard science fiction, I'll come along for the ride. I really enjoyed, In her name: empire. I think I'll read the next two books in the trilogy. I highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2015
Excellent
This is a well told story of the makings of a warrior.I could hardly wait for the next turn of events as the pages turned. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Its a joy to read.
This is a well told story of the makings of a warrior.I could hardly wait for the next turn of events as the pages turned. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Its a joy to read.
November 28, 2015
A real page turner!
I just couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from the first chapter and kept me glued to it till I finally finished it.
I just couldn't put it down. It grabbed me from the first chapter and kept me glued to it till I finally finished it.
May 17, 2019
Empire(In Her Name:Redemption) by Michael Hicks
I received this book free and what a bargain. This book reminded me of C.J. Cherryh's Faded Sun series. Mix that with James Clavell's Shogun (I have only seen the mini series- not read book). And an eerie shades of William Golding's Lord of the Flies.
We first meet Reza as a seven year old whose parents are fighting a deadly battle against the Kreelan's. The safe place where he had been was under attack and he came looking for his parents. He arrives in time to witness their death at the hand of a Kreelan priestess and he expects to die and strikes out with a knife slashing the Kreelan's face. Rather than killing him, the Kreelan uses her claw to mark his face in an identical fashion.
A few year later Reza is at an orphanage on a world full of orphans. He's younger than some but has become a leader of house 48 by force of character. Here we see the shades of Lord of the Flies when an evil warden, Muldoon, attempts to rape a new arrival,Nichol. Reza steps in and immediately all the other children gather round. It gets a bit tense before diffusing, but it looked as though these kids might be willing to do more than complain.
Reza seems to fall for Nichol though she seems to treat him like a brother. She is older and is able to soon leave the orphan world to join the military, much to Reza's joy and dismay. She leaves in time to escape the destruction of the planet, by the Kreelans. For a change, the Kreelans take captives of the children and Reza is almost disposed of, because he does not fall in the given criteria. Out of curiosity the priestess, Tesh-Dar, checks this captive slated for disposal and finds the scar, which matches her own scar. She chooses to include him into the experiment in which the Kreelans attempt to discern if the humans(animals) might have souls. (Soul is something they can feel between each other in the blood)
Taken to one of the Kreelan home-worlds Reza is treated like a pet housed and fed and eventually trained in the Kreelan Way by Esah-Zhurah. He eventually will be the only of the experiment who survives, perhaps because his will and determination match Esah-Zurah's. Predictably this animosity between them will eventually lead to their growing close.
There is an enormous amount of world building packed into this book. And though it seems strange and alien that the Kreelan's can have such advanced technology and yet seem so savage at times, it is a good thing in that we are, after all, talking about aliens. Though it almost seems that parts of the story are slow and ponderous, it does give one the illusion of the time needed to pass for many of Reza's values and attitude to change realistically.
There are predictable elements, but still a lot of surprises and though things often come close to what I suspect; they often suddenly veer off in a different direction that logically fits the plot and the characters.
It almost becomes a story that could be as tragic as Romeo and Juliet.
After concluding the story I purchased the two other books that follow, and will definitely make time to read them.
Every science fiction and fantasy reader should find something good to take out of this book. I'm expecting a lot out of the next two books.
J.L. Dobias
I received this book free and what a bargain. This book reminded me of C.J. Cherryh's Faded Sun series. Mix that with James Clavell's Shogun (I have only seen the mini series- not read book). And an eerie shades of William Golding's Lord of the Flies.
We first meet Reza as a seven year old whose parents are fighting a deadly battle against the Kreelan's. The safe place where he had been was under attack and he came looking for his parents. He arrives in time to witness their death at the hand of a Kreelan priestess and he expects to die and strikes out with a knife slashing the Kreelan's face. Rather than killing him, the Kreelan uses her claw to mark his face in an identical fashion.
A few year later Reza is at an orphanage on a world full of orphans. He's younger than some but has become a leader of house 48 by force of character. Here we see the shades of Lord of the Flies when an evil warden, Muldoon, attempts to rape a new arrival,Nichol. Reza steps in and immediately all the other children gather round. It gets a bit tense before diffusing, but it looked as though these kids might be willing to do more than complain.
Reza seems to fall for Nichol though she seems to treat him like a brother. She is older and is able to soon leave the orphan world to join the military, much to Reza's joy and dismay. She leaves in time to escape the destruction of the planet, by the Kreelans. For a change, the Kreelans take captives of the children and Reza is almost disposed of, because he does not fall in the given criteria. Out of curiosity the priestess, Tesh-Dar, checks this captive slated for disposal and finds the scar, which matches her own scar. She chooses to include him into the experiment in which the Kreelans attempt to discern if the humans(animals) might have souls. (Soul is something they can feel between each other in the blood)
Taken to one of the Kreelan home-worlds Reza is treated like a pet housed and fed and eventually trained in the Kreelan Way by Esah-Zhurah. He eventually will be the only of the experiment who survives, perhaps because his will and determination match Esah-Zurah's. Predictably this animosity between them will eventually lead to their growing close.
There is an enormous amount of world building packed into this book. And though it seems strange and alien that the Kreelan's can have such advanced technology and yet seem so savage at times, it is a good thing in that we are, after all, talking about aliens. Though it almost seems that parts of the story are slow and ponderous, it does give one the illusion of the time needed to pass for many of Reza's values and attitude to change realistically.
There are predictable elements, but still a lot of surprises and though things often come close to what I suspect; they often suddenly veer off in a different direction that logically fits the plot and the characters.
It almost becomes a story that could be as tragic as Romeo and Juliet.
After concluding the story I purchased the two other books that follow, and will definitely make time to read them.
Every science fiction and fantasy reader should find something good to take out of this book. I'm expecting a lot out of the next two books.
J.L. Dobias
January 18, 2019
Earth has reached the stars
And a star ship is exploring uncharted space when they encounter another race.
This race call themselves the Empire and they are linked to their Empress by thought and spirit.
They are warriors and have been looking for a race that would provide worthy opponents.
They are exclusively female
Males have only one function.. procreation
They are humanoid in appearance, some have claws, their eyes are like cats, and their skin is blue..some of the story is from their point of view
They have bloodsong... which is something that they experience as a group..
They can heal any problem and recreate anything through their will.
The main warrior.. daughter to Empress can transport herself anywhere.. she can allow bullets to pass through her body
All the warrior fight with swords
Everyone they encounter who can fight with a sword is treated with honour..
When someone impresses them they take a lock of hair
They kill everyone from the ship except for the youngest...Sato
They give him a disc and call him Messenger
He is returned with his ship
Interestingly they do not intend to use the ship even though it has been enhanced?
The warriors of the empire will not engage with him and allow whatever ship he is on to travel through without attacking
Great detail in fighting sequences
Incredible amount of detail given to space conflicts and various ground assaults
Switching points of view from humans to enemy and varying the 1st person was a bit confusing..
A ship is hit and about 8 chapters later we are dealing with the aftermath of that impact with the people onboard
I found myself skipping a lot of the fighting ...
And a star ship is exploring uncharted space when they encounter another race.
This race call themselves the Empire and they are linked to their Empress by thought and spirit.
They are warriors and have been looking for a race that would provide worthy opponents.
They are exclusively female
Males have only one function.. procreation
They are humanoid in appearance, some have claws, their eyes are like cats, and their skin is blue..some of the story is from their point of view
They have bloodsong... which is something that they experience as a group..
They can heal any problem and recreate anything through their will.
The main warrior.. daughter to Empress can transport herself anywhere.. she can allow bullets to pass through her body
All the warrior fight with swords
Everyone they encounter who can fight with a sword is treated with honour..
When someone impresses them they take a lock of hair
They kill everyone from the ship except for the youngest...Sato
They give him a disc and call him Messenger
He is returned with his ship
Interestingly they do not intend to use the ship even though it has been enhanced?
The warriors of the empire will not engage with him and allow whatever ship he is on to travel through without attacking
Great detail in fighting sequences
Incredible amount of detail given to space conflicts and various ground assaults
Switching points of view from humans to enemy and varying the 1st person was a bit confusing..
A ship is hit and about 8 chapters later we are dealing with the aftermath of that impact with the people onboard
I found myself skipping a lot of the fighting ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
I stayed up late three nights to finish it on my tiny iPhone screen (that being said, I'm an insomniac due my in part to recent jet lag and tend to finish books/ movies I start after I get to a certain point). I liked being taken to the kreelan world,how details were gradually unraveled, and enjoyed the unexpected development between Reza and the female warrior. I was very invested in Reza's journey and want to read the next book to see how he copes, being torn between two worlds, wonder if he'll use the recommendation letter and I'll assume the cross being given back to him also alludes to him seeing Nicole again. Hopefully his kreelan mate becomes empress soon so that she may decree him unbanished, although the current empress did say she still has many cycles to go before that and that her white hair is just starting to grow. Side note, I imagine her looking very rabbit-like with the red claws, white hair and green eyes.I'm tired of mystical women with white hair in fantasy books. Perhaps a bit jealous, although we do all get it towards the latter years, so something to look forward to?
September 18, 2017
Overall, this was an enjoyable story that has non-stop action, you can certainly relate to the main character but, even as someone who loves science fiction I had to scratch my head a little bit. The rest of this review might be considered a slight spoiler, so if you are not so inclined I'd recommend you stop reading now.
One of the first things I called b.s. on was you have this supposed super-advanced civilization, yet on their home planet you see no signs at all of technology - nor the promotion of it through schools or science - and all of the aliens live and die (literally) by the sword. I also found the human on alien sex and love angle as something that could have been avoided and still not lost part of the story. All that aside, things were going good with the book and it seemed as if all of a sudden the author was ready to end it - and end it he did with a rather strange ending. It was enough to make me wonder what was going to happen next, but not enough to make me want to rush out and buy the next installment.
One of the first things I called b.s. on was you have this supposed super-advanced civilization, yet on their home planet you see no signs at all of technology - nor the promotion of it through schools or science - and all of the aliens live and die (literally) by the sword. I also found the human on alien sex and love angle as something that could have been avoided and still not lost part of the story. All that aside, things were going good with the book and it seemed as if all of a sudden the author was ready to end it - and end it he did with a rather strange ending. It was enough to make me wonder what was going to happen next, but not enough to make me want to rush out and buy the next installment.
November 15, 2017
This book is way under recognized.
The storyline is flawless. I mean, yes, it revolves around the effects of Stockholm Syndrome. But, no one can deny the awesome marvellous plot around it. A human in love with an Alien. This should not only be in the sci-fi section, but also the Romance section. The novel shows alternate meaning of love.
The way the surroundings are described are beyond belief. While reading, I felt as if I'm watching a 3D movie, like the characters are going in and around me all the time. Marvellous work by the author. I have read the prequels to this book, "In her name, series". Each and every work of this author deserves more recognition.
Our modern authors are changing the sci-fi or rather the sci-fi category is evolving. This entire series is based on one theme, 'a species of aliens killing all other life forms because they can't feel other species spirit, like they can feel their own. So everyone who's soul/spirit can't be felt is termed un-worthy to live. A mere experiment on a human changes their belief and changes their entire understanding and thinking. Not only the human proves to be equal if not stronger to them, but also he proves to be their long awaited salvation.'
This story teaches a lot of things, courage, intelligence, bravery, friendship, trust, creativity and the most of important of them being love and patience. This is a wonderful piece of work.
Don't wait grab a copy and start reading, or you'll never have a clue as to what an amazing novel you're missing.
The storyline is flawless. I mean, yes, it revolves around the effects of Stockholm Syndrome. But, no one can deny the awesome marvellous plot around it. A human in love with an Alien. This should not only be in the sci-fi section, but also the Romance section. The novel shows alternate meaning of love.
The way the surroundings are described are beyond belief. While reading, I felt as if I'm watching a 3D movie, like the characters are going in and around me all the time. Marvellous work by the author. I have read the prequels to this book, "In her name, series". Each and every work of this author deserves more recognition.
Our modern authors are changing the sci-fi or rather the sci-fi category is evolving. This entire series is based on one theme, 'a species of aliens killing all other life forms because they can't feel other species spirit, like they can feel their own. So everyone who's soul/spirit can't be felt is termed un-worthy to live. A mere experiment on a human changes their belief and changes their entire understanding and thinking. Not only the human proves to be equal if not stronger to them, but also he proves to be their long awaited salvation.'
This story teaches a lot of things, courage, intelligence, bravery, friendship, trust, creativity and the most of important of them being love and patience. This is a wonderful piece of work.
Don't wait grab a copy and start reading, or you'll never have a clue as to what an amazing novel you're missing.
April 2, 2018
An interesting story... It starts off seemingly stalled, but it's actually easing the characters on to you, but not giving you a taste of something delicious. It continues feeding you in this way until you get to the point were you just need it. And then it gives it to you in your face. I ended up reading six of the entire series. This book is not noted to be #4... the order I took is 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 6.
If you like Sci-Fi Military, this is the one for you. If you like Fantasy, this one is for you. If you like the ugly side of combat... this one is for you.
If you like Sci-Fi Military, this is the one for you. If you like Fantasy, this one is for you. If you like the ugly side of combat... this one is for you.
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