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The Mamluks Saga #1
The Mamluks
Something terrible is happening in Los Angeles.
Dazed by a blinding light from outside, and numbed by the wreckage of their apartment, Andrew and Emily stagger into a shocking new reality: Earth is being invaded by a powerful alien race called, The Mamluks.
Separated by the malicious invaders, Andrew and Emily must fight to survive, and fight for the values that make life worth living.
Dazed by a blinding light from outside, and numbed by the wreckage of their apartment, Andrew and Emily stagger into a shocking new reality: Earth is being invaded by a powerful alien race called, The Mamluks.
Separated by the malicious invaders, Andrew and Emily must fight to survive, and fight for the values that make life worth living.
- GenresScience Fiction
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2013
10 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 16, 2013
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http://amzn.to/1gkmp5E
Watch out "The Hunger Games," here comes "The Mamluks"
The plot of the first book in Edward Lake's newest series, "The Mamluks," deals with an alien invasion, and how two characters react to the change their world sees. Much like "The Hunger Games" series, the reader learns what is happening as soon as the characters find out—this is due to the 1st person narratives we follow. We first meet these characters, Emily and Andrew, while they are trying to decide what to watch that night—a normal, daily challenge faced by most couples. We are then thrust into a world turned chaotic by the invasion, which separates the protagonists, and begin to see the new world through both Emily's and Andrew's eyes.
Unlike other novels where one main character's story is focused on, Lake decided to focus on both Emily and Andrew to propel the storyline. This means we get to see two sides to the story, and find out information the other character may not know. The only downside I had with this approach was not immediately knowing whose voice I was reading in—but that only lasted for the first few words in each new chapter.
Another mini "down" to the book was the Mamluk name Juozas. He is a character who, I believe, will become very important in the next book, but I found myself stumbling over his name each time I read it. I eventually found a way to pronounce it in my head that felt right, and this in no way detracted from the storyline. Other Mamluk names, such as the ruler Dalia, were easier to read through without interruption.
It was refreshing to read how Lake uses his female characters in roles of power. Instead of having the ruler be male, we find that certain power resides in a wise female (Dalia).
In many ways, this book made me think of the TV series 'Star Trek.' The Mamluks were somewhat reminiscent of Vulcans: their mannerisms reflect a cold, nearly emotionless detachment from everything that moved (until you get to know them from Emily's experiences)¬. I liked this aspect of the book, because it made me think about who the real "good" and "bad" guy is in this series—another reason why I liked the 1st person narrative and how it switched between the two characters.
So, if you are looking for a book that will get you started on a new series, look no further. With this book having an accessible narrative, you will be drawn in like a dog to a rare and juicy steak: once you bite, you will have a hard time putting it down.
http://amzn.to/1gkmp5E
Watch out "The Hunger Games," here comes "The Mamluks"
The plot of the first book in Edward Lake's newest series, "The Mamluks," deals with an alien invasion, and how two characters react to the change their world sees. Much like "The Hunger Games" series, the reader learns what is happening as soon as the characters find out—this is due to the 1st person narratives we follow. We first meet these characters, Emily and Andrew, while they are trying to decide what to watch that night—a normal, daily challenge faced by most couples. We are then thrust into a world turned chaotic by the invasion, which separates the protagonists, and begin to see the new world through both Emily's and Andrew's eyes.
Unlike other novels where one main character's story is focused on, Lake decided to focus on both Emily and Andrew to propel the storyline. This means we get to see two sides to the story, and find out information the other character may not know. The only downside I had with this approach was not immediately knowing whose voice I was reading in—but that only lasted for the first few words in each new chapter.
Another mini "down" to the book was the Mamluk name Juozas. He is a character who, I believe, will become very important in the next book, but I found myself stumbling over his name each time I read it. I eventually found a way to pronounce it in my head that felt right, and this in no way detracted from the storyline. Other Mamluk names, such as the ruler Dalia, were easier to read through without interruption.
It was refreshing to read how Lake uses his female characters in roles of power. Instead of having the ruler be male, we find that certain power resides in a wise female (Dalia).
In many ways, this book made me think of the TV series 'Star Trek.' The Mamluks were somewhat reminiscent of Vulcans: their mannerisms reflect a cold, nearly emotionless detachment from everything that moved (until you get to know them from Emily's experiences)¬. I liked this aspect of the book, because it made me think about who the real "good" and "bad" guy is in this series—another reason why I liked the 1st person narrative and how it switched between the two characters.
So, if you are looking for a book that will get you started on a new series, look no further. With this book having an accessible narrative, you will be drawn in like a dog to a rare and juicy steak: once you bite, you will have a hard time putting it down.
February 1, 2014
Too choppy. The POV changes from person to person without getting much from each of them. Also not descriptive enough. The aliens walk down a ramp and into a spaceship. How? Are they slower? faster? Are they adjusting to the gravity? What does the ship look like? Everything is very vague. Give me something. Build the atmosphere. Set the scene.
You’re told how they feel, scared. Nothing more descriptive and you don’t experience it with them. Everything is very bland and it feels like reading a text book. Which I found very bizarre considering I think this book to be very much about emotions and how we, as humans, deal with them.
The plot was good. It’s a shame it wasn’t fleshed out more. I was slightly offended with the depiction on Emily. She is basically raped by an alien and seems to be cool with it. Her friends seem downright ecstatic as long as they get new shoes and clothes for it.
And when she is told he is pregnant there is no terror. Let’s get serious, an alien child is being developed inside her (by a basic stranger who forced her into sex) and she is excited about the prospect of a child? No concerns for her health or anything? And then we hop to the birth. She is in love with her alien mate and all is happy in her life. No in between story. And the story hops more than once.
I felt no connection to the characters. None. When bad things were happening I didn’t worry about them or even care if they made it out. It’s a shame because the concept and some of the stories twists and turns were unique and interesting and would have been amazing if it wasn’t so dry and rushed.
I do feel like it got a bit better towards the end but it was already too late to save the book.
You’re told how they feel, scared. Nothing more descriptive and you don’t experience it with them. Everything is very bland and it feels like reading a text book. Which I found very bizarre considering I think this book to be very much about emotions and how we, as humans, deal with them.
The plot was good. It’s a shame it wasn’t fleshed out more. I was slightly offended with the depiction on Emily. She is basically raped by an alien and seems to be cool with it. Her friends seem downright ecstatic as long as they get new shoes and clothes for it.
And when she is told he is pregnant there is no terror. Let’s get serious, an alien child is being developed inside her (by a basic stranger who forced her into sex) and she is excited about the prospect of a child? No concerns for her health or anything? And then we hop to the birth. She is in love with her alien mate and all is happy in her life. No in between story. And the story hops more than once.
I felt no connection to the characters. None. When bad things were happening I didn’t worry about them or even care if they made it out. It’s a shame because the concept and some of the stories twists and turns were unique and interesting and would have been amazing if it wasn’t so dry and rushed.
I do feel like it got a bit better towards the end but it was already too late to save the book.
November 27, 2013
Kindle Freebie, which I grabbed because it didn't have many reviews, but did have pretty high ones, so I thought worth a shot.
Horrible book, didn't finish, gave up around 30%.
Full review @ Booklikes
March 14, 2014
I initially passed over this book not interested in another apocalypse story. However I gave it another chance and thankfully so. This is not just another alien story of attacks and takeover but a tale of courage and hope. The Earth characters were carefully crafted to show emotional strength as well as those humans that gave up and into their captors. There is a very important storyline woven with the aliens and humans. Will human compassion win over alien resolution that it is their way that will triumph over humanity? I cannot wait to continue Edward Lake's thrilling Sagas of the Mamluks.
July 30, 2016
First to be fair, I have to admit that I don't like or read science fiction or dystopia so I am NOT a credible judge of this book.(I read it for a reading challenge I needed to complete.) This is the story of a alien invasion and enslavement of all the humans left on earth. Like in any oppressive regime, the defeated either become collaborators or resistance or the brutalized.
March 27, 2017
Disappointed
The story could have been great. The characters fall flat, there is no feeling to them, nothing to make them real. The humans should have passion, a desire for freedom, dislike for the invaders, not be robotic.
The story could have been great. The characters fall flat, there is no feeling to them, nothing to make them real. The humans should have passion, a desire for freedom, dislike for the invaders, not be robotic.
May 3, 2022
Poorly developed story with even poorer developed characters. You should avoid this one, and you will miss nothing.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews