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The Great Gods: The Time Wars - Book One
The long-awaited first volume in the Time Wars series, The Great Gods find young Camber Tremodian growing up on Domain, three hundred years after the Man-Spacething War, a thousand years after Trent the Uncatchable.
He doesn't know his parents, doesn't know where he fits in the Continuing Time. Raised by his grandfather in a small village outside a small town, no one knows that there is anything special about him.
But Camber Tremodian, the driving force behind wars that will reshape his universe, will rise.
He doesn't know his parents, doesn't know where he fits in the Continuing Time. Raised by his grandfather in a small village outside a small town, no one knows that there is anything special about him.
But Camber Tremodian, the driving force behind wars that will reshape his universe, will rise.
- GenresScience Fiction
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2023
36 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 25, 2023
The origins of Camber Tremodian
For anyone who started reading Daniel Keys Moran’s Continuing Time novels back when Emerald Eyes was released, this book is like coming home. For new readers, this is an excellent place to start - a story separate enough from the events of those first novels to stand on its own. I read The Great Gods in a day, and I suspect most readers will find themselves doing the same.
For anyone who started reading Daniel Keys Moran’s Continuing Time novels back when Emerald Eyes was released, this book is like coming home. For new readers, this is an excellent place to start - a story separate enough from the events of those first novels to stand on its own. I read The Great Gods in a day, and I suspect most readers will find themselves doing the same.
March 3, 2023
*no spoilers, so forgive the vagueness*
Moran's latest, the LONG awaited new book in the Continuing Time series, is another phenomenally good read. His talent for explaining the world/universe without feeling like an infodump remains, and if anything his dialog has become sharper over the decades. The reader wishes they were half as clever or as confident as any DKM protagonist.
This short novel offers a great glimpse into the K'Aillae society and their mixed support of the humans in their fight against the Sleem. We will have to wait for some future story to explore the war with the Sleem, which is just how Moran builds his audience.
We also get a bit of detail about how the Tremodian clan began, and some hints of where it's going. He also explains why there was a planet named Tin Woodman.
But that's just worldbuilding. The action, the story, the interpersonal relationships and interspecies/intersociety relationships - that's where the real excitement builds. Like any good book in a series, Moran leaves us wanting the next tale, while still wrapping up enough of the narrative to feel like a good stopping point. Now that DKM has retired from his day job, I hope we won't have a decade before the next installment.
Moran's latest, the LONG awaited new book in the Continuing Time series, is another phenomenally good read. His talent for explaining the world/universe without feeling like an infodump remains, and if anything his dialog has become sharper over the decades. The reader wishes they were half as clever or as confident as any DKM protagonist.
This short novel offers a great glimpse into the K'Aillae society and their mixed support of the humans in their fight against the Sleem. We will have to wait for some future story to explore the war with the Sleem, which is just how Moran builds his audience.
We also get a bit of detail about how the Tremodian clan began, and some hints of where it's going. He also explains why there was a planet named Tin Woodman.
But that's just worldbuilding. The action, the story, the interpersonal relationships and interspecies/intersociety relationships - that's where the real excitement builds. Like any good book in a series, Moran leaves us wanting the next tale, while still wrapping up enough of the narrative to feel like a good stopping point. Now that DKM has retired from his day job, I hope we won't have a decade before the next installment.
March 9, 2023
great start to the series
Interesting read on the childhood of the God of Players and backstory on Name Storyteller. Twists and turns keep you wanting to read more.
Interesting read on the childhood of the God of Players and backstory on Name Storyteller. Twists and turns keep you wanting to read more.
March 19, 2023
Started a little slow, but what a joy to return to the Continuing Time! This book has deep and complex universe building and the story drags you in. I loved it and want ever so much more.
——
2nd read: Read it again almost immediately after the first read, 80% of the book was still totally engaging, which is quite remarkable. I love the way that things just happen often without explanation or context until later or at all. I saw a review that said they preferred the more grounded components of DKMs writing in “The Long Run” I have a different experience, I love the breadth of scope that this series is attempting, the ambition alone is wonderful.
——
2nd read: Read it again almost immediately after the first read, 80% of the book was still totally engaging, which is quite remarkable. I love the way that things just happen often without explanation or context until later or at all. I saw a review that said they preferred the more grounded components of DKMs writing in “The Long Run” I have a different experience, I love the breadth of scope that this series is attempting, the ambition alone is wonderful.
February 28, 2023
on par or better than his previous works
The only bad thing about the book is that it is over and now the waiting for a new story begins again.
The only bad thing about the book is that it is over and now the waiting for a new story begins again.
March 10, 2023
It's weird when what I like about an author's writing is clearly NOT what they like about their own writing. I really love The Long Run, and I've read it multiple times. And this book, it's all of the things I DIDN'T like about that book. I found that the hints of a larger narrative in The Long Run were just getting in the way of an otherwise fantastic heist/adventure tale.
And, given the title of this book, I knew the Space Opera aspects would be much more emphasized, and that's fine - it's clearly the story the author wants to tell. But as the focus moves out to larger groups of characters, who are even less human than the characters in previous books, I find myself caring less.
It's still well-written, and has some great bits in it. But I just don't care as much about Camber as I did about Trent (or even Mohammed Vance).
And, given the title of this book, I knew the Space Opera aspects would be much more emphasized, and that's fine - it's clearly the story the author wants to tell. But as the focus moves out to larger groups of characters, who are even less human than the characters in previous books, I find myself caring less.
It's still well-written, and has some great bits in it. But I just don't care as much about Camber as I did about Trent (or even Mohammed Vance).
March 4, 2023
great to see the series continue
I was thrilled to see the series start back up after such a long break. Stylistically, this book is different than the others even though there are similarities. I miss Trent. It would have been great if the book picked up where the series left off, but interesting to get more surrounding context to the story.
I was thrilled to see the series start back up after such a long break. Stylistically, this book is different than the others even though there are similarities. I miss Trent. It would have been great if the book picked up where the series left off, but interesting to get more surrounding context to the story.
March 2, 2023
If you've been starved for good books, or want a new series to jump into - Daniel Keys Moran delivers. With breathtaking scope, phenomenal characters and intricate interactions across the universe, The Great Gods delivers. It tells the origin story of a complicated and extremely powerful character. And when you finish, you'll wonder what will happen next!
February 25, 2023
The first long Continuing Time story to make it out of Earth's solar system. Built around a simple chronicle of Camber Tremodian's childhood, the plot is pretty slight. But the book is full to the brim with new information about this universe, as we learn much more about Domain (formerly known as Tin Woodsman), the K'Aillae, November, the Zaradin Great Gods, the Source, etc. All of it is every bit as engaging as Moran's earlier novels. Can't wait to see where this story goes next...
March 23, 2023
brilliant as expected
I may be a bit biased but this is a must read, and I'm not even much of a sci-fi fan. If your hunting for a new world, dive into this one.
I may be a bit biased but this is a must read, and I'm not even much of a sci-fi fan. If your hunting for a new world, dive into this one.
October 19, 2023
Review of: The Great Gods: The Time Wars - Book 1
I really like DKMs books. I even searched out and found the first couple of chapters of the "The A.I. War: The Big Boost" back in the early 2000s when they were just a webpage of HTML on DKMs homepage. (fun read at the time BTW). The Long Run is one of my favorite sci fi novels of all time. So with that lead in here it goes.
This book is good, quite good.
It reminds me less like "The Long Run" and more of "Emerald Eyes" - shorter, jumps around a bit, introduces a TONNE of new characters and world setup. You can't set this book down and come back later, you will lose track. Its all cool, but there are a lot of things going on. I will look forward to how he pulls it together.
My problems with the book aren't related to the book or the big ideas but with some stuff around the margins.
He jams in stuff about gender swapping. Now it isn't heavy handed and I don't think any wokenes impacts the overall fun of the read, my problem is it does nothing for the plot. It is literally pointless and feels added in - bolted on - whenever it is brought up. Like the plot is going on and then up pops this statement about gender fluidity out of nowhere, it does nothing for the story and the next paragraph we're back in the plot. Like useless.
Also, I don't know if there is a woman in the story. There isn't a woman-type character in the whole book. The men are written as men and the women are written as men and the alien women are written as men. Not one dose of the feminine in the entire book.
For example - What if Kess's Wife in the story, Corisande, was actually in the story as his long lost brother. The character has to change none of her (now his) lines, none of his scenes, except for the platonic sleeping together scenes. I mean Corisande reads like a male in speech and action, not a woman.
Still fun book.
I really like DKMs books. I even searched out and found the first couple of chapters of the "The A.I. War: The Big Boost" back in the early 2000s when they were just a webpage of HTML on DKMs homepage. (fun read at the time BTW). The Long Run is one of my favorite sci fi novels of all time. So with that lead in here it goes.
This book is good, quite good.
It reminds me less like "The Long Run" and more of "Emerald Eyes" - shorter, jumps around a bit, introduces a TONNE of new characters and world setup. You can't set this book down and come back later, you will lose track. Its all cool, but there are a lot of things going on. I will look forward to how he pulls it together.
My problems with the book aren't related to the book or the big ideas but with some stuff around the margins.
He jams in stuff about gender swapping. Now it isn't heavy handed and I don't think any wokenes impacts the overall fun of the read, my problem is it does nothing for the plot. It is literally pointless and feels added in - bolted on - whenever it is brought up. Like the plot is going on and then up pops this statement about gender fluidity out of nowhere, it does nothing for the story and the next paragraph we're back in the plot. Like useless.
Also, I don't know if there is a woman in the story. There isn't a woman-type character in the whole book. The men are written as men and the women are written as men and the alien women are written as men. Not one dose of the feminine in the entire book.
For example - What if Kess's Wife in the story, Corisande, was actually in the story as his long lost brother. The character has to change none of her (now his) lines, none of his scenes, except for the platonic sleeping together scenes. I mean Corisande reads like a male in speech and action, not a woman.
Still fun book.
Read
March 27, 2023Let me save you some time, no pun intended.
Buy 'The Great Gods: The Time Wars - Book One' by Daniel Keys Moran right now. Don't dither, DO start reading, and you can thank me later.
It's that good, and it's only the start of what promises to be a remarkable long-form story about people (of several species) you will quickly come to care about. The plotting and universe-building are twisty and turn-y in most excellent ways. This is SF of the highest caliber. You can thank me later.
Be advised that it's a complex universe with a complex history. Moran does not spoonfeed his readers. He expects you to put a fair number of pieces together for yourself. You can do it.
Thank me later.
DKM had great reviews and very good sales with his four-book 'The Continuing Time' series. He stopped writing rather abruptly, almost two decades ago, when he found himself with a wife and a crew of step-children. He did Responsible Dad Stuff, made a successful IT developer of himself, built a good career, and raised those children.
Now, with all but one through college, he has put pen to paper again, and boy-oh-boy, are you gonna be glad of it. Thank me later.
Buy 'The Great Gods: The Time Wars - Book One' by Daniel Keys Moran right now. Don't dither, DO start reading, and you can thank me later.
It's that good, and it's only the start of what promises to be a remarkable long-form story about people (of several species) you will quickly come to care about. The plotting and universe-building are twisty and turn-y in most excellent ways. This is SF of the highest caliber. You can thank me later.
Be advised that it's a complex universe with a complex history. Moran does not spoonfeed his readers. He expects you to put a fair number of pieces together for yourself. You can do it.
Thank me later.
DKM had great reviews and very good sales with his four-book 'The Continuing Time' series. He stopped writing rather abruptly, almost two decades ago, when he found himself with a wife and a crew of step-children. He did Responsible Dad Stuff, made a successful IT developer of himself, built a good career, and raised those children.
Now, with all but one through college, he has put pen to paper again, and boy-oh-boy, are you gonna be glad of it. Thank me later.
October 9, 2023
Never been so happy to realize a book has been put out
A tale of the continuing time. 30 plus years ago. Give or take for I do not have the recollection. I picked up a copy of the long run in a second hand bookstore. Like my recollection second hand book stores no longer exist. But but I do recall that that book was amazing. So much so that I sought out the last dancer, shockingly, even better. Both books reference the third book, the original titled emerald eyes. However, emerald eyes was no longer in print. This was of course prior to Amazon and even Barnes& Noble. I looked for an eternity at every used bookstore in my location on vacations etc. My girlfriend who later became my wife finally found a copy after calling around maybe 100 bookstores. She drove 2 hours to get it and presented it to me on my birthday. I still have that book. It is one of my prize possessions. I have wanted the series to continue. No, maybe hungered for the series to continue for decades. This installment was everything I could hope for. I can only say thank you. Daniel keys Moran.
A tale of the continuing time. 30 plus years ago. Give or take for I do not have the recollection. I picked up a copy of the long run in a second hand bookstore. Like my recollection second hand book stores no longer exist. But but I do recall that that book was amazing. So much so that I sought out the last dancer, shockingly, even better. Both books reference the third book, the original titled emerald eyes. However, emerald eyes was no longer in print. This was of course prior to Amazon and even Barnes& Noble. I looked for an eternity at every used bookstore in my location on vacations etc. My girlfriend who later became my wife finally found a copy after calling around maybe 100 bookstores. She drove 2 hours to get it and presented it to me on my birthday. I still have that book. It is one of my prize possessions. I have wanted the series to continue. No, maybe hungered for the series to continue for decades. This installment was everything I could hope for. I can only say thank you. Daniel keys Moran.
April 1, 2023
I've waited decades for this book, wondering about all the things that lead to the Time Wars alluded to in the Continuing Time series... and while I know that my love of the Castanaveras and Trent brought me here, what I found was much more.
It really isn't just world building, it's universe building, from the gods underlying the whole of the universe to the way everything works. This book has a deliberate pacing that brings to mind the pacing of Le Morte d'Arthur, and this, the first, is of the coming of age of Camber Tremodian, as he discovers his timeline and world with the reader, coming as fresh to it as we are. The introduction and foreshadowing of what is to come feels like the deliberate laying of the gun in the drawers of our mind or the mistakes that may or may not become tragedy in future works.
I loved the action sequences, crisp, clearly visible in my mind, even with the timing of enhanced humanity. And the gradual learning and building of the characters within the tale feels solid. I am looking forward to the what may come.
It really isn't just world building, it's universe building, from the gods underlying the whole of the universe to the way everything works. This book has a deliberate pacing that brings to mind the pacing of Le Morte d'Arthur, and this, the first, is of the coming of age of Camber Tremodian, as he discovers his timeline and world with the reader, coming as fresh to it as we are. The introduction and foreshadowing of what is to come feels like the deliberate laying of the gun in the drawers of our mind or the mistakes that may or may not become tragedy in future works.
I loved the action sequences, crisp, clearly visible in my mind, even with the timing of enhanced humanity. And the gradual learning and building of the characters within the tale feels solid. I am looking forward to the what may come.
March 25, 2023
I've been waiting for so long for more DKM, especially for more material fleshing out the Continuing Time universe that he has taunted and tempted us with bits and hints of here and there scattered through his other books. This volume finally begins the payoff for all the waiting. I tried to slow down and savor it but was entirely unable. The events of the book flow along like a river, with eddies, slower pools, and a descent into rapids. The last line of the book literally knocked the wind out of me. Worth the read and IMHO worth the wait. Eagerly awaiting more!
February 25, 2023
I had forgotten
I've read all of Mr. Moran's earlier novels, but I still managed to forget just how good a storyteller he is. This was marvelous! Now I need to track down my old copies of The Long Run and Emerald Eyes and the others, to re-read them once again! Now... How long until the next book???
I've read all of Mr. Moran's earlier novels, but I still managed to forget just how good a storyteller he is. This was marvelous! Now I need to track down my old copies of The Long Run and Emerald Eyes and the others, to re-read them once again! Now... How long until the next book???
August 24, 2024
Immersive storytelling by a master
The world Mr. Moran shares with the reader in this book is a pleasure to experience and well crafted.
The story is an adventure that pulled me along with it. Following along with the life of Camber Tremodian as he learns of the Continuing Times and his future in it is something that came to an end to soon.
I hope for more...
The world Mr. Moran shares with the reader in this book is a pleasure to experience and well crafted.
The story is an adventure that pulled me along with it. Following along with the life of Camber Tremodian as he learns of the Continuing Times and his future in it is something that came to an end to soon.
I hope for more...
March 1, 2023
brilliant and worth the wait
I’ve been waiting for this book for over 25 years. It was worth it. The world and the story are just as rich as earlier books. I’m excited to see more of them come
I’ve been waiting for this book for over 25 years. It was worth it. The world and the story are just as rich as earlier books. I’m excited to see more of them come
March 12, 2023
it’s a setup for the rest to come, but what a setup.
DKM is back. There is so much world building in here in threatens the actual story, but it’s fun, it knows what it’s doing and it’s impatient to get on the road. Let’s go!
DKM is back. There is so much world building in here in threatens the actual story, but it’s fun, it knows what it’s doing and it’s impatient to get on the road. Let’s go!
March 19, 2023
Recent Reads: The Great Gods. Daniel Keys Moran's long-awaited return to The Continuing Time explores the childhood of the enigmatic Camber Tremodian, 1000 years after Trent. Why are avatars of the gods of the Zaradin watching over him, in a rural colony? Mystery and adventure.
February 23, 2023
Brilliant
I can't express how delighted I am with Daniel Keys Moran's brilliant return to fulltime writing. The god news is that there is more to come!
I can't express how delighted I am with Daniel Keys Moran's brilliant return to fulltime writing. The god news is that there is more to come!
February 25, 2023
Another great world building novel from DKM. Well worth reading if you enjoyed any of his other books. Looking forward to the rest of this series
February 27, 2023
It was great to have read the book coming along on Patreon, but much more satisfying to give it a re-read knowing the whole was ready for consumption. More please!
April 15, 2023
Excellent
A worthy introduction to a big story. Daniel doesn't seem to disappoint. Looking forward to the next book too. Excellent.
A worthy introduction to a big story. Daniel doesn't seem to disappoint. Looking forward to the next book too. Excellent.
April 11, 2023
Really great to back in the continuing time again, and looking forward to future books.
May 1, 2023
A return to Moran's Continuing Time that fans have been awaiting for years: A stand alone, coming of age tale unfolds and long teased details emerge; rife with rich characters with emotional pull and a detailed world history that feels completely realized in a way few writers ever pull off. I'll be eagerly awaiting more.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews