What do you think?
Rate this book
Alorian Wars #1
Broken Worlds
The Greshian Empire has reached across the Alorian Galaxy, using its naval might to bring its enemies to their knees. Dead planets float in their wake as the empire fights to assert themselves as the supreme race. Ensign Brendle Quinn has spent five years loyally serving the Greshian Empire in their relentless quest to dominate the Alorian Galaxy. But as his ship decimates planet after planet, he finds his sympathies swinging towards their defeated enemies.
Sergeant Anki Paro, a Luthian Marine, has been anxiously awaiting the call to deploy. As the last line of defense against the crushing Greshian forces, she hopes the time has finally come where her world can stand against tyranny and protect the rest of the worlds in her sector of the Alorian Galaxy. As her path towards war draws near, Anki begins to notice a shift in balance as her society prepares itself for imminent destruction. Questions of misplaced loyalties lead her to wonder if the world she is trying to save has any real intentions of surviving. As Brendle and Anki’s worlds collide, they find themselves in an unlikely alliance to try to stop the full might of the Greshian Empire before there’s nothing left to fight for.
The Alorian Wars is a military science fiction series for fans of The Expanse, Star Trek, and Old Man’s War. If you want a fast-paced space opera adventure then look no further, The Alorian Wars is here!
Sergeant Anki Paro, a Luthian Marine, has been anxiously awaiting the call to deploy. As the last line of defense against the crushing Greshian forces, she hopes the time has finally come where her world can stand against tyranny and protect the rest of the worlds in her sector of the Alorian Galaxy. As her path towards war draws near, Anki begins to notice a shift in balance as her society prepares itself for imminent destruction. Questions of misplaced loyalties lead her to wonder if the world she is trying to save has any real intentions of surviving. As Brendle and Anki’s worlds collide, they find themselves in an unlikely alliance to try to stop the full might of the Greshian Empire before there’s nothing left to fight for.
The Alorian Wars is a military science fiction series for fans of The Expanse, Star Trek, and Old Man’s War. If you want a fast-paced space opera adventure then look no further, The Alorian Wars is here!
- GenresScience Fiction
195 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 24, 2016
128 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Drew Avera
95 books167 followersDrew Avera is a Navy veteran, musician, and the bestselling author of the Dead Planet series and the Alorian Wars.
He was born and raised in rural Mississippi and grew up with a deep affection for comic books and science fiction movies and television shows. At one point he boasted a comic book collection with more than 1,000 issues. His love for comics inspired him to pursue a career as a comic book artist, but an injury to his hand ended that dream permanently.
Still, he was inspired to create in one medium or the other. He picked up a guitar at fifteen years old and began writing songs almost immediately. That “obsession” as his parents called it put him on the path to rock stardom…in his bedroom.
It was when he turned sixteen and bought the novel “What Savage Beast” by Peter David (The Incredible Hulk) that he caught the bug to be a writer. Unfortunately, it would not come to fruition until fourteen years later.
Drew enlisted in the US Navy as an Aviation Electricians Mate at seventeen years old. He served twenty years and deployed on four combat deployments to the Persian Gulf. During those deployments he would spend his free time reading books. He loved reading books in a series and that inspired his journey to becoming a fiction author.
In November 2012, at the age of thirty, Drew began his journey as an author by participating in national Novel Writing Month (NANoWriMo). He published his first book in March of 2013 and the rest, as they say, is history. With more than twenty books published in the space opera, military science fiction, cyberpunk, and dystopian genres, he has built a backlog with something for everyone who enjoys science fiction adventures.
After retiring from the Navy, he began an exciting new career in the simulation field. Drew is now focusing his efforts on building upon what he learned in his first eight years of publishing. He has plans for an all-new space opera and military science fiction series as well as new collaborations with other writers.
The best is yet to come!
To learn more about Drew and his books, visit www.drewavera.com.
Subscribe to Drew’s newsletter for updates on new releases, or follow his Amazon Author Page to receive updates directly from Amazon.
The Alorian Wars (Space Opera/Military Science Fiction Series)
Broken Worlds
Deadly Refuge
Mutiny Rising
Shadow Empire
Regime Change
The Dead Planet Series (Cyberpunk/Dystopian)
Exodus
Verity
Endgame
The Syndicate Series (Cyberpunk)
Rise of the Syndicate
Eye of the Syndicate
Other books
Traitor
Skye Byrn
He was born and raised in rural Mississippi and grew up with a deep affection for comic books and science fiction movies and television shows. At one point he boasted a comic book collection with more than 1,000 issues. His love for comics inspired him to pursue a career as a comic book artist, but an injury to his hand ended that dream permanently.
Still, he was inspired to create in one medium or the other. He picked up a guitar at fifteen years old and began writing songs almost immediately. That “obsession” as his parents called it put him on the path to rock stardom…in his bedroom.
It was when he turned sixteen and bought the novel “What Savage Beast” by Peter David (The Incredible Hulk) that he caught the bug to be a writer. Unfortunately, it would not come to fruition until fourteen years later.
Drew enlisted in the US Navy as an Aviation Electricians Mate at seventeen years old. He served twenty years and deployed on four combat deployments to the Persian Gulf. During those deployments he would spend his free time reading books. He loved reading books in a series and that inspired his journey to becoming a fiction author.
In November 2012, at the age of thirty, Drew began his journey as an author by participating in national Novel Writing Month (NANoWriMo). He published his first book in March of 2013 and the rest, as they say, is history. With more than twenty books published in the space opera, military science fiction, cyberpunk, and dystopian genres, he has built a backlog with something for everyone who enjoys science fiction adventures.
After retiring from the Navy, he began an exciting new career in the simulation field. Drew is now focusing his efforts on building upon what he learned in his first eight years of publishing. He has plans for an all-new space opera and military science fiction series as well as new collaborations with other writers.
The best is yet to come!
To learn more about Drew and his books, visit www.drewavera.com.
Subscribe to Drew’s newsletter for updates on new releases, or follow his Amazon Author Page to receive updates directly from Amazon.
The Alorian Wars (Space Opera/Military Science Fiction Series)
Broken Worlds
Deadly Refuge
Mutiny Rising
Shadow Empire
Regime Change
The Dead Planet Series (Cyberpunk/Dystopian)
Exodus
Verity
Endgame
The Syndicate Series (Cyberpunk)
Rise of the Syndicate
Eye of the Syndicate
Other books
Traitor
Skye Byrn
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 18, 2017
Broken Worlds (The Alorian Wars #1) by Drew Avera was a free audio I won by responding to the author's newsletter on time. The first 20-25% was a bit slow but then it picked up. I liked the premise and the characters, the plot was good and it sounds like it might me a good series. The narrator spoke way too slow so I just upped the speed and it worked out perfect, so that wasn't a problem. Overall, it was an okay read considering the slow beginning and all. I am not going to give up on this author because I see great stories that can be had. I bought some stories and plan to give them a try. If it wasn't for the slow start I would have given this a star higher.
January 6, 2017
This is my first novel by Drew.
I have read and loved Drew's short story writing. His military background helps make his stories that much more believable because he writes what he knows. I will definitely be reading EVERY piece of his, because this novel just reaffirmed why I love reading him. It really blew me away!
I have read and loved Drew's short story writing. His military background helps make his stories that much more believable because he writes what he knows. I will definitely be reading EVERY piece of his, because this novel just reaffirmed why I love reading him. It really blew me away!
November 14, 2016
DNF because for me it was unreadable. Severely overwritten, with what I consider to be eleven editorial errors within the first 400 words or so. I made it into the second chapter and quit. Opening sentence: "Each step drew her closer to war, but it was better than waiting for death to kiss her lips and take her breath away with the fiery exhale of a Greshian war vessel." And, in the middle of the second paragraph, there was this one: "Where the pillars ended was an optical illusion, but Anki often wondered what it would be like to stand on the umbilical and look down upon the world she had never stepped foot off of." Had I used Amazon's 'Look Inside' feature, I would not have bought this.
November 26, 2017
This book had a slow start, but I enjoyed it overall. Reminiscent of Star Wars and numerous other sci-fi stories, it was an enjoyable read. The author is a good writer and his world-building and descriptions were very good.
The narrator spoke way too slowly for me, so I sped up my Kindle to 1.25x and enjoyed it much more. Since the book was written from 2 alternating perspectives, I think that the narration would have benefited from having two different people also.
I was given the opportunity to listen to this book through the author's newsletter and chose to review it.
The narrator spoke way too slowly for me, so I sped up my Kindle to 1.25x and enjoyed it much more. Since the book was written from 2 alternating perspectives, I think that the narration would have benefited from having two different people also.
I was given the opportunity to listen to this book through the author's newsletter and chose to review it.
October 4, 2016
Enjoyable start
I have enjoyed reading this book the first book of what I am sure will be a interesting series. We see a new crew thrown together, all from different races. One knows the first power of his race and their only concern of destroying any people who don't surrender. The others are from world's now destroyed. Can they start a fight back, we will see what book two leads both the crew and the readers.
I have enjoyed reading this book the first book of what I am sure will be a interesting series. We see a new crew thrown together, all from different races. One knows the first power of his race and their only concern of destroying any people who don't surrender. The others are from world's now destroyed. Can they start a fight back, we will see what book two leads both the crew and the readers.
October 29, 2016
Easy read
The world building proved fascinating and I liked the characters. The romance at the end happened way to fast to be believable and came out of nowhere. This book is GLBT friendly as well. I'd recommend this book and will continue the series. The author shows a lot of talent.
The world building proved fascinating and I liked the characters. The romance at the end happened way to fast to be believable and came out of nowhere. This book is GLBT friendly as well. I'd recommend this book and will continue the series. The author shows a lot of talent.
November 1, 2016
I'd say, esp lately, that indie sci fi was giving me more of what I wanted. Its just a fun ride. Really love Brendle and Anki. Hopefully Ill get to see more of their misfit crew in the future.
Some parts gave me a Cowboy Bebop vibe. Which is always a plus for me.
Some parts gave me a Cowboy Bebop vibe. Which is always a plus for me.
October 19, 2016
A wonderful start to a new series.
I loved the flow of the chapters and I loved the growth of the characters. I am looking forward to the next book.
I loved the flow of the chapters and I loved the growth of the characters. I am looking forward to the next book.
October 25, 2016
An intriguing book, with some solid characters. I enjoyed reading this, the excitement and twists in the plot kept me wanting to read onwards. I'm looking forward to Book 2 to see how events unfold!
February 14, 2017
An interesting scifi story that moves along at a great pace. First book for me by this author but not the last. Well written
March 5, 2017
I highly recommend Broken Worlds by Drew Avera!
September 22, 2018
The writing has problems. The novel does have two main characters that start to seem 3D but their personalities evaporate by the end.
The writer repeats entire paragraphs not just once but for some passages, three or four times, I think. The main characters are not developed, instead the reader gets reminded of their one emotional state over and over. Sometimes the reminder covers several pages. The weakness of the female character is her unreadiness for combat, despite her years? of training to be an assassin and her constant reference to how important it is that she's a marine. The male is so guilt ridden that it almost paralyzes him at every key point. There are only two other significant characters who are introduced towards the end of the novel. They makes as little sense as the rest of the group.
The warfare doesn't make much sense except in a cheap, space opera way. The bad guys slash and burn their way across the galaxy purely for the sake of conquest, deriving little economic benefit from the expense. Their home world is economically stagnant and I don't follow how the bad guys can support generations of constant war. The political Structure seems to involve a king but the military structure seems to exist outside of the political/governmental universe. The standard military unit is the single big gun warship, which can kill planets? It's a pale copy of Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica mashed up.
The good guys don't field recognizable units, either. A single ship with no supports goes head to head with a bad guy ship inside an asteroid field? The good guy navy and military didn't put a lot of thought into equipment, training and tactics after years of war. The good guy marine is constantly referring to her wanting to die for her planet but is unable to even fight for it. Marines board a ship to destroy it from within but there aren't defending marines? Remind me of the point of all the missiles and big guns, again.
Between the teen-like angst of the two main characters, the "lucky" meeting of the four significant characters in the immediate aftermath of a big battle, the pointlessness of their survival and weird YA dialogue, there is nothing to hold my attention. The writer may have enthusiasm but no skill. As long as he can sell these books, he doesn't have an incentive to improve. I doubt that he sees the problems. I can walk away from this writer with a clear conscience.
The writer repeats entire paragraphs not just once but for some passages, three or four times, I think. The main characters are not developed, instead the reader gets reminded of their one emotional state over and over. Sometimes the reminder covers several pages. The weakness of the female character is her unreadiness for combat, despite her years? of training to be an assassin and her constant reference to how important it is that she's a marine. The male is so guilt ridden that it almost paralyzes him at every key point. There are only two other significant characters who are introduced towards the end of the novel. They makes as little sense as the rest of the group.
The warfare doesn't make much sense except in a cheap, space opera way. The bad guys slash and burn their way across the galaxy purely for the sake of conquest, deriving little economic benefit from the expense. Their home world is economically stagnant and I don't follow how the bad guys can support generations of constant war. The political Structure seems to involve a king but the military structure seems to exist outside of the political/governmental universe. The standard military unit is the single big gun warship, which can kill planets? It's a pale copy of Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica mashed up.
The good guys don't field recognizable units, either. A single ship with no supports goes head to head with a bad guy ship inside an asteroid field? The good guy navy and military didn't put a lot of thought into equipment, training and tactics after years of war. The good guy marine is constantly referring to her wanting to die for her planet but is unable to even fight for it. Marines board a ship to destroy it from within but there aren't defending marines? Remind me of the point of all the missiles and big guns, again.
Between the teen-like angst of the two main characters, the "lucky" meeting of the four significant characters in the immediate aftermath of a big battle, the pointlessness of their survival and weird YA dialogue, there is nothing to hold my attention. The writer may have enthusiasm but no skill. As long as he can sell these books, he doesn't have an incentive to improve. I doubt that he sees the problems. I can walk away from this writer with a clear conscience.
March 20, 2017
"the past is no place to live when the future is so unsure."
The powerful Galashian Empire is expanding throughout the Galaxy. Those still not ruled by it have two choices: surrender or be destroyed. There is no middle way. Now the attention is turned towards the outclassed Luthurian System. And they intend to fight.
Young Luthurian marine, Anki, has been given her first space assignment on board an old but luxuriously appointed ship being sent on salvage duty. She is alone and afraid. Brendle is an officer of some years standing on a successful battle ship of the Galashian Empire, but lately he has been growing weary of the death which he so effortlessly bestows on whole populations. He makes the mistake of letting others know. Eventually, this enemy couple will be thrown together, dependent upon each other if either is to have a hope of survival.
The characterisations in this book are excellent, with the main protagonists emerging from the introductory chapters, in part by repetition and seemingly clunky text, as three dimensional, living people, their lives and inner feelings revealed by a type of mind alteration trick played upon the reader by the author. And when the action in space begins, the flames of battle seem to leap from the pages, so palpable is the terror.
This is an excellent first story in what promises to be an innovative and exciting series. Sadly, the text also includes a number of annoying little typos which should by now have been edited out and it is these, combined with some needlessly badly constructed English, which has pulled this otherwise excellent book from five stars down to four.
The powerful Galashian Empire is expanding throughout the Galaxy. Those still not ruled by it have two choices: surrender or be destroyed. There is no middle way. Now the attention is turned towards the outclassed Luthurian System. And they intend to fight.
Young Luthurian marine, Anki, has been given her first space assignment on board an old but luxuriously appointed ship being sent on salvage duty. She is alone and afraid. Brendle is an officer of some years standing on a successful battle ship of the Galashian Empire, but lately he has been growing weary of the death which he so effortlessly bestows on whole populations. He makes the mistake of letting others know. Eventually, this enemy couple will be thrown together, dependent upon each other if either is to have a hope of survival.
The characterisations in this book are excellent, with the main protagonists emerging from the introductory chapters, in part by repetition and seemingly clunky text, as three dimensional, living people, their lives and inner feelings revealed by a type of mind alteration trick played upon the reader by the author. And when the action in space begins, the flames of battle seem to leap from the pages, so palpable is the terror.
This is an excellent first story in what promises to be an innovative and exciting series. Sadly, the text also includes a number of annoying little typos which should by now have been edited out and it is these, combined with some needlessly badly constructed English, which has pulled this otherwise excellent book from five stars down to four.
June 23, 2017
Anki joined Luthia’s military to help her people defend against invasion. Brendal is a Grecian invader who thinks his peoples’ invasion of the galaxy is wrong. Two morally sound people on opposite sides of a fight. Broken Worlds puts these adversaries face to face and both must struggle with what is truly worth fighting for… and against. Will things turn out okay? Read it and find out for yourself!
I used an ereader’s synthetic text to voice option to listen to this fast paced story in my Jeep while driving out to Niagara Falls. I received a free copy but I can’t remember where from. My TBR pile is a large and frightening place, and by the time I get to things, I often draw a blank on their origin. I also tend to download freebies that I see on twitter @S_Shane_Thomas or facebook at S.Shane.Thomas.author.
Avera has given us two unlikely heroes and set them up for bigger adventures. This is the beginning of a great adventure for Anki and Brendal. I get the feeling that somewhere in their near future the gang would rub shoulders with the likes of Han and Chewie before they quite smuggling.
I used an ereader’s synthetic text to voice option to listen to this fast paced story in my Jeep while driving out to Niagara Falls. I received a free copy but I can’t remember where from. My TBR pile is a large and frightening place, and by the time I get to things, I often draw a blank on their origin. I also tend to download freebies that I see on twitter @S_Shane_Thomas or facebook at S.Shane.Thomas.author.
Avera has given us two unlikely heroes and set them up for bigger adventures. This is the beginning of a great adventure for Anki and Brendal. I get the feeling that somewhere in their near future the gang would rub shoulders with the likes of Han and Chewie before they quite smuggling.
December 15, 2017
For decades the Greshian Empire has ravaged other civilizations. Extending its reach across the stars, they destroy all who refuse to bend the knee and subdue those who capitulate.
Someone, somewhere, must be able to stop their relentless rampage?
Anki Paro – A Marine Recon sergeant from Luthia – certainly thinks so. But on her very first assignment into deep space, she discovers just how relentless her enemy is when one of the Greshian world killers destroys the ship on which Anki is stationed. Stripped of crewmates and all hope of getting home, Anki is left alone, stranded on an uninhabited moon.
What follows is a tale of personal discovery where total strangers are forced to reassess their former blinkered view of things, only to find that, deep down under all the propaganda and prejudice, we’re all the same.
I rather enjoyed “Broken Worlds.” It’s an entertaining, enthralling adventure that moves along at a brisk pace and engages the reader in a way that makes you want to find out what comes next.
Well done to Drew Avera, this is one draft I’ll sign up for again.
Someone, somewhere, must be able to stop their relentless rampage?
Anki Paro – A Marine Recon sergeant from Luthia – certainly thinks so. But on her very first assignment into deep space, she discovers just how relentless her enemy is when one of the Greshian world killers destroys the ship on which Anki is stationed. Stripped of crewmates and all hope of getting home, Anki is left alone, stranded on an uninhabited moon.
What follows is a tale of personal discovery where total strangers are forced to reassess their former blinkered view of things, only to find that, deep down under all the propaganda and prejudice, we’re all the same.
I rather enjoyed “Broken Worlds.” It’s an entertaining, enthralling adventure that moves along at a brisk pace and engages the reader in a way that makes you want to find out what comes next.
Well done to Drew Avera, this is one draft I’ll sign up for again.
January 8, 2019
Like I mention in my review of the prequel, this type of character-driven story is not my usual reading preference. But Broken Worlds was a great read for me and I will continue to read the series. One thing that character driven story does better than my usual fare of action oriented reads is to make you feel deeply everything that the characters endure/experiment. It does not take an all out action crescendo to evoke some excitement from the reader, every little situation is enough to carry tension, glee, suspense, etc. Drew Avera is also a talented storyteller and the world of The Alorian Wars is fully fleshed out and the story itself is full of action, excitement and tension. I was fully engaged in the story and not bother in the least by the slower/less action style of the book.
July 29, 2017
"Interesting sci-fi story with good narration."
Overall 3 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
Would you be willing to try another book from Drew Avera? Why or why not?
Yes, I'm interested to see how the Alorian wars continues.
Was Broken Worlds worth the listening time?
Yes, but I found my attention wandering a few times on the technical stuff.
Any additional comments?
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and in particular space/alien sci-fi. I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook after receiving an advanced listeners copy.
Overall 3 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
Would you be willing to try another book from Drew Avera? Why or why not?
Yes, I'm interested to see how the Alorian wars continues.
Was Broken Worlds worth the listening time?
Yes, but I found my attention wandering a few times on the technical stuff.
Any additional comments?
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and in particular space/alien sci-fi. I voluntarily reviewed this audiobook after receiving an advanced listeners copy.
September 11, 2017
This is for the audio version
Quite good but didn't catch my imagination all the way through that i thought it would.
Characters are quite appealing but i feel that there is something missing in the overall story or that perhaps we just haven't got there yet.
Narrator is quite good although i must admit i do usually prefer a male voice.
Overall the story is quite well written and works well if you like more of a story without lots of space battles. For me it didnt click but know that these stories can work quite well for a lot of people.
Quite good but didn't catch my imagination all the way through that i thought it would.
Characters are quite appealing but i feel that there is something missing in the overall story or that perhaps we just haven't got there yet.
Narrator is quite good although i must admit i do usually prefer a male voice.
Overall the story is quite well written and works well if you like more of a story without lots of space battles. For me it didnt click but know that these stories can work quite well for a lot of people.
May 25, 2019
When Anki, a Luthian Marine, and Brindle, a Greshian Ensign, worlds collide things in their worlds become very confusing from what they have grown up being told. But can they change things and will they save their people?
This is a wonderful military science fiction book/audio. This is a highly entertaining book, I had the audio version with voice actor Rebecca Sternberg, who does a awesome job bringing this world alive for the listener and making you feel as though you are there and part of the crew family. I really enjoyed this as a audio and can not wait for more.
This is a wonderful military science fiction book/audio. This is a highly entertaining book, I had the audio version with voice actor Rebecca Sternberg, who does a awesome job bringing this world alive for the listener and making you feel as though you are there and part of the crew family. I really enjoyed this as a audio and can not wait for more.
December 27, 2017
Drew Avera's Broken Worlds is rich in characterization, setting, and cinematic feel. I listened to the audio book version of this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience every step of the way. Ankie and Brenchel are two fully-fleshed, three dimensional beings, or at least the author has done an exceptionally thorough job of convincing me otherwise. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
September 11, 2018
A solid beginning to this space opera
A diverse group of people drawn together in the wake of an interplanetary war are just trying to survive. Told from the perspectives of Brindle, the remorseful bomber from the aggressive Greshian invaders, and Anki, the soldier trained to defend her home. I found the story very compelling and look forward to continuing this series.
A diverse group of people drawn together in the wake of an interplanetary war are just trying to survive. Told from the perspectives of Brindle, the remorseful bomber from the aggressive Greshian invaders, and Anki, the soldier trained to defend her home. I found the story very compelling and look forward to continuing this series.
October 22, 2017
kindle unlimited
read this one in GALAXY AT WAR: Three Space Opera Adventures for the Price of One!
Broken Worlds, Scavengers, DARKEST BEYOND (CHANCERIAN Book 1)
read this one in GALAXY AT WAR: Three Space Opera Adventures for the Price of One!
Broken Worlds, Scavengers, DARKEST BEYOND (CHANCERIAN Book 1)
November 20, 2017
I liked the book but didn't care for the Political correctness of it. I could do with the two guys married to each other, just give me good science fiction without all the political correctness.
February 1, 2018
Great story
I just recently found Drew's book, definitely will read the other 2 in the series. The story captivated me from the first chapter and held me to the end.
I just recently found Drew's book, definitely will read the other 2 in the series. The story captivated me from the first chapter and held me to the end.
February 1, 2018
A good start to an interesting tale.
I enjoyed the book. I’m going to continue with the rest of the series to see how it plays out.
I enjoyed the book. I’m going to continue with the rest of the series to see how it plays out.
May 2, 2018
Great read a real page turner. I recommend highly to SiFi fans. Fully of adventure, action and some supernatural. Looking forward the next edition.
September 18, 2018
Evera never fails to deliver a great story. His writing is top notch and his charecters are will developed. Love his work.
October 3, 2023
Coming of age story in a military sci-fi setting. This book really focuses on the characters more than the larger war or or politics. It is more in the vein of military sci-fi books that are disillusioned with war rather than the ones that have a clearly defined "good guy" and an indisputably "evil" enemy that must be defeated. Told from the point of view of Brendle and Anki, a couple young soldiers on opposite sides who are thrown together to survive. They are limited in their knowledge of the larger conflict which gives the reader a much more personable, intimate look at the realities of this conflict as we learn their past and see them disabused of their preconceived notions and questioning all their beliefs.
It is a bit of a slow start with all the world building, but when the action takes off it is explosive! Avera's writing style can be very lyrical, even poetic. The deeply descriptive prose either draws you deep into the scenes or is jarring when at odds with the sometimes gruesome scenes being depicted. Like a beautifully blossoming slow-mo explosion with gentle classic music overlaying it in a movie. Polarizing, but effective. Brendle and Anki are written very believably young and naive, growing through the propaganda they have been raised with to the reality they find themselves thrust into. I thought the romance was a bit forced and fast and perhaps not necessary, but there wasn't much of it and we will see how it plays out in the next book.
Narrated by Rebecca Sternberg. He reading is clear, easy to understand, voices were distinct. Her voice was so young it surprised me when I started listening but as I got more into the story it suited the characters and the story. A bit of a foil to the story in fact, in that it is not the type of voice I associate with this genre in general, but she carried the story well.
This is the 1st book in the Alorian Wars series and does end with a big reveal to tease the next book in the series and hit to larger story arcs, but does contain a complete plot arc. This is an honest and voluntary review of an ARC
It is a bit of a slow start with all the world building, but when the action takes off it is explosive! Avera's writing style can be very lyrical, even poetic. The deeply descriptive prose either draws you deep into the scenes or is jarring when at odds with the sometimes gruesome scenes being depicted. Like a beautifully blossoming slow-mo explosion with gentle classic music overlaying it in a movie. Polarizing, but effective. Brendle and Anki are written very believably young and naive, growing through the propaganda they have been raised with to the reality they find themselves thrust into. I thought the romance was a bit forced and fast and perhaps not necessary, but there wasn't much of it and we will see how it plays out in the next book.
Narrated by Rebecca Sternberg. He reading is clear, easy to understand, voices were distinct. Her voice was so young it surprised me when I started listening but as I got more into the story it suited the characters and the story. A bit of a foil to the story in fact, in that it is not the type of voice I associate with this genre in general, but she carried the story well.
This is the 1st book in the Alorian Wars series and does end with a big reveal to tease the next book in the series and hit to larger story arcs, but does contain a complete plot arc. This is an honest and voluntary review of an ARC
June 28, 2023
Book: ***
Performance: **
Slow Start and a Quick End …
This is a short “Enemy Mine” Space Adventure story. On the Dark side you have the evil Greshian Empire that brooks no defiance from inferior races on pain of completely destroying your home worlds (not actually the best strategy, but who can figure out the alien mind). While experiencing a twinge of conscience, a young Greshian officer is betrayed by an ambitious fellow officer and exiled on an abandoned planetoid after a ridiculous kangaroo court in from of his commanding officer. Soon thereafter, a Luthian transport breaks apart over that same place, introducing the enemy pilot as an obvious future love interest. The remainder of the story centers around the two of them trying to get off the rock without alerting the lurking Greshian patrol main plot point). Along the way they meet two more refugees of the Greshian genocidal policies whose only purpose in the story is to bring the ship to our intrepid heroes … so, while it IS a very short story that takes a long time to actually DO anything, it does actually resolve the plot; so technically not a cliffhanger, but nothing really major accomplished either.
The narration was subpar, though not horrible … the cadence and enunciation just didn’t feel natural to me; although I did get somewhat use to it by the end. Additionally the narrator struggled with voicing male characters making it hard for me to differentiate the speakers.
#BrokenWorlds #TheAlorianWars #StoryOrigin #KindleUnlimited
Performance: **
Slow Start and a Quick End …
This is a short “Enemy Mine” Space Adventure story. On the Dark side you have the evil Greshian Empire that brooks no defiance from inferior races on pain of completely destroying your home worlds (not actually the best strategy, but who can figure out the alien mind). While experiencing a twinge of conscience, a young Greshian officer is betrayed by an ambitious fellow officer and exiled on an abandoned planetoid after a ridiculous kangaroo court in from of his commanding officer. Soon thereafter, a Luthian transport breaks apart over that same place, introducing the enemy pilot as an obvious future love interest. The remainder of the story centers around the two of them trying to get off the rock without alerting the lurking Greshian patrol main plot point). Along the way they meet two more refugees of the Greshian genocidal policies whose only purpose in the story is to bring the ship to our intrepid heroes … so, while it IS a very short story that takes a long time to actually DO anything, it does actually resolve the plot; so technically not a cliffhanger, but nothing really major accomplished either.
The narration was subpar, though not horrible … the cadence and enunciation just didn’t feel natural to me; although I did get somewhat use to it by the end. Additionally the narrator struggled with voicing male characters making it hard for me to differentiate the speakers.
#BrokenWorlds #TheAlorianWars #StoryOrigin #KindleUnlimited
July 8, 2019
Book One of The Alorian Wars Series is a strong opening novel. We meet Anki, a Luthian Marine and Brendle, a Greshian Combat Ensign. The Greshians are systematically conquering or destroying every planet in their path and Luthia is in their path. Anki would rather meet her death fighting for her planet than waiting placidly for the Greshians to arrive. Brendle, only wants something better for himself than slowly starving (mentally and physically) on an overpopulated world. He thought he had found it when he joined the Greshian Navy but the endless killing has proven him wrong. They meet on a moon where they are both marooned - Brendle as punishment and Anki after her ship is destroyed. The two form an uneasy working relationship in order to get off the moon. When they send out a mayday, a Lechun couple land to save them. This whole novel is based on their struggle to learn to trust and work together, to survive in this war-torn system and to escape the Greshian warship chasing them.
Hopefully we will see more of Anki and Brendle in the further Alorian Wars Series.
Hopefully we will see more of Anki and Brendle in the further Alorian Wars Series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews