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The Zochtil (Almek Manning)

by J.A. Dalley (Goodreads Author)

3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 · rating details · 24 ratings · 10 reviews

Jump to the Stars! Join the Solar Fleet!

The Solar Fleet faces just two problems: one, the alien blockade that prevents any ship from leaving the solar system, and two, the United Monarchy of Europe, which is tying up most of the Solar Fleet's resources, thus preventing them from attacking the blockade.

Almek Manning is eighteen and wishes to join the Solar Fleet as a midsh...more

Paperback, 225 pages

Published January 1st 2012

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Oct 04, 2012 J.A. Dalley added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: science-fiction

Below is a review from scififx.com:

J.A. Dalley’s book The Zochtil is a military sci-fi story about a boy whose father was a captain of a ship that was destroyed when humans succeeded for the first time in going faster than the speed of light. This boy then spent the next 10 years of his life growing up on the streets of London that have been basically changed in to a prison for kids that have no supervision.
This book has so many aspects that I enjoyed that I’m only going to go through a few of t...more Below is a review from scififx.com:

J.A. Dalley’s book The Zochtil is a military sci-fi story about a boy whose father was a captain of a ship that was destroyed when humans succeeded for the first time in going faster than the speed of light. This boy then spent the next 10 years of his life growing up on the streets of London that have been basically changed in to a prison for kids that have no supervision.
This book has so many aspects that I enjoyed that I’m only going to go through a few of them here. The first aspect I want to talk about is my favorite part, is that we have aliens from both sides of the fence. What a mean by this is that we don’t have aliens that are all against us, and we don’t have aliens that are all for us, and in some cases we have aliens that are more or less neutral. I also enjoyed the little hints of what we’re given early on in the story with the aliens, that later on when the story took place, you’re able to realize what happened in the beginning.
As I said, this is a very military sci-fi based book. There is a lot of military jargon, a lot of military-style scenes, and in a lot of cases, your military-style titles are almost exclusively used. For me this was a huge plus, as some of you know I am very fond of WWII and military movies. And for the most part, it was well done and not overdone with only few exceptions.
The characters in this book are very well-formed, you feel an attachment to each one of them, and when one of them fails or is killed you feel the sadness with or for them. In addition to well formed characters the storyline was well written, I found it quite exciting, and I enjoyed the fast-paced action scenes, as well as some of the more average training in day-to-day activities scenes.
With all that said once this boy grows up we have the next book to look forward to, and the Solar Fleet still has two big problems the alien blockade preventing them from traveling outside the solar system, and the United Monarchy of Europe, which is still at war with the Solar Fleet, is tying up the Fleet’s resources and preventing the Solar Fleet from attacking and ending the blockade.
I really enjoyed this book and rate it a 9 out of a possible 10. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series and surely will read it as soon as it’s out.

Below are two reviews on other sites that were not put here.

The following review can be found at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
Five Star Review
I loved the book. The battles in the book are full of variety, from a legal battle, to a simulated space battle, to a violent infiltration of a marine base. Each has its own intensity and stakes involved, and all are well narrated.

If a book doesn’t teach you something, either something that’s definitely true or something to consider, I personally don’t think it’s a good book. The author of this book didn’t write the book with an agenda, but slips in several things that we can learn from, or at least think about. Some of them are political. Some are about human nature, or other subjects.

The following review can be found at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-z...
Four Star Review
The Zochtil is the debut novel of J.A. Dalley and is a great read. From start to finish Dalley keeps you pulled into the story, wanting to know what’s coming next.
Although he credits this as a Military Sci-Fi, I believe anyone will enjoy this great book. I can’t wait to read his sequels, and maybe a prequel.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Per Gunnar rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult, military

I thought this book sounded promising. Sure it is not very long and with a very moderate price so it smelled a lot of “new and inexperienced author” but some of those books that I have read have been quite good. When it comes to this book I would say that the author needs to work on his writing and perhaps certainly get some more experience. The main story about a kid growing up in a lawless wasteland that used to be London, managing to enlist in the Solar Fleet and then going out into adventure...more I thought this book sounded promising. Sure it is not very long and with a very moderate price so it smelled a lot of “new and inexperienced author” but some of those books that I have read have been quite good. When it comes to this book I would say that the author needs to work on his writing and perhaps certainly get some more experience. The main story about a kid growing up in a lawless wasteland that used to be London, managing to enlist in the Solar Fleet and then going out into adventure land is certainly a story that would appeal to me. However there’s so much wrong with how it is implemented.

Earth is bottled up by an Alien species that blocked their first ever attempt to travel outside of the solar system and the resort to civil war between Europe and some allies and US and some allies. Then we have the son of the captain of the first ever successful FTL-ship. He is left to more or less die in above mentioned wasteland by the authorities. I’m the first to call the European Union’s politicians and bureaucrats for assholes but that is still a bit far fetched. Also do not get me started about the “United Monarchy of Europe”. Seriously…monarchy? That is just so I-really-have-no-clue-but-I-think-they-have-kings-and-queens-in-Europe.

Basically, a lot of the story is written in a very infantile and unintelligent way, even for a young adult type of story. This inexperienced kid is rocketed to positions he can, in no way, be sufficiently experienced and qualified for in no time at all. The author also seems to have zero military as well as physics knowledge. For instance, space-ships with FTL-travel where you have to repeat all bridge orders verbally with a chain of physical persons? Some of the book is actually not bad reading but it never really manages to pull itself out of the swamp of nonsense that it rather quickly dug itself down into. Also, sometimes events that I would really like to read about in more details are skipped over with a a sentence or two. Like, “Hi Sky Admiral, we have some alien friends, isn't that great, ok, next chapter…”.

The book is not a total train wreck but it is not going on any of my top-lists that is for sure. Having said that, given that the books are moderately priced I will read the next one in the series. The core plot of the book is not bad and I would like to see where it goes. Besides, how will the author get experience and improve if no one supports him and buys his books?
(less)

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Sep 16, 2012 Amy Stapleton rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a military sci-fi novel told from the perspective of Almek Manning, a precocious teenager who is clearly marked as "the chosen one" from the start of the narrative. The story is told in the first person from Almek's point of view. Almek sees the world from a budding military leader's perspective and views the people around him primarily for their ability to contribute to the cause. The cause, in this case, is to free earth from the Draconians, an evil alien race. Other alien races, such...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 24, 2013 Bulwor rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: downloaded-audiobook, military-science-fiction

My name is Almek. My dad was awesome. I am awesome. The Sky Marshal is my best friend. The doggy aliens chose me as their emissary. Mark Zuckerberg, the guy in charge of the other space fleet likes me a lot too. Also, I never screw up. Here is my story.

If you can live with all of that, the story isn't bad. The action is actually quite well-written. The characters are as developed as one may expect from a young author. The emotional depth and realism of the adults lacks in every department. Alme...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Ted Guglielmo rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: young and old

Won this book on a goodreads giveaway. First let me say i really liked this book alot...My 14 year old son is going to love it. We will both look forward to the next in the "Almek Manning series". I was enthralled by the story of the son of a revered starship captain who ends up in a hell hole and through hard work rising to leader and escapes to pursue his dream. I was buzzing through this until his meeting with the aliens that will help in the fight with the earth's enemies. I don't want to gi...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2012 Lynette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-author-s-books, favorites, science-fiction, series-currently-reading

Read full review here: http://escapingrealitybookreviews.wor...

UPDATE:
So, I just finished the audiobook...and it's phenomenal. Nick really did an incredible job with this book.
The 2nd time around, I loved it even more then I did the first time. The characters - extraordinary. The plot - still had me at the edge of my seat! The writing style - Beautiful. I love J.A. Dalley's work. It's really amazing.

I'm 15, and I highly recommend this (audio) book.

ORIGINAL REVIEW 2011:

This is a military science...more

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Feb 27, 2012 James rated it 5 of 5 stars

As a big fan of science fiction I found The Zochtil to be a great story and an enjoyable read. The depth of the characters and the pace of the story keeps the reader engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. Packed with action and plenty of sci-fi elements, J.A. Dalley creates a universe that draws you in and makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters. The Zochtil is the first book in the series and I for one can’t wait to read the next books to come.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 29, 2012 Carol Blackhurst rated it 5 of 5 stars

As a life-long fan of science fiction, I found "The Zochtil" to be a very entertaining. The characters are engaging and interesting. The story is a fast-paced, action-packed experience. Mr. Dalley weaves many new and intriguing sci-fi aspects into his tale. A great beginning to a sure to be thrilling series.

1 like · like · see review

Nov 05, 2012 Justin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi

I won this book as a good read giveaway. I really like this book. I felt that they author was able to come up with a great story. I cannot wait to read the next story, I really like how Almek Manning developed as a character.

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Nov 07, 2012 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

ASPIRING YOUNG AUTHOR WITH LOTS OF GOOD IDEAS, THIS BOOK DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION

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About J.A. Dalley

A native Texan, I started writing stories at age twelve and have continued to love creative writing. I attended Richland Collegiate High School and earned an associate’s degree in general science in parallel with a high school diploma. I’ve been reading science fiction ever since being introduced to Robert Heinlein’s classic military sci-fi book, Starship Troopers, at age 10. Personal interests ha...more

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