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OS Universe
Falaha's Journey: A Spacegirl's Account in Three Movements
FALAHA'S JOURNEY SERIES Vol. 1
The complete serial novel in a single volume (Books 1-3).
A young girl with ambition.
A desperate man on a mission.
An ancient enemy set to wipe out their entire race.
When a seemingly simple space rescue mission turns into a nightmare, Falaha, a Danna Commander Trainee with a power she can't use properly yet, has her skills put to the ultimate test as her world begins to collapse, throwing her to the center of the conflict that might wipe out her entire race.
The Danna are a species of humanoid aliens who share the Milky Way with humanity. Unlike humans, they have been around for at least three billion years and are the oldest species in the Galaxy. Born with an alien artifact in their blood, they possess abilities surpassing anything any living creature can dream of. However, both their superb space technology and their unusual blood legacy have attracted danger no one expected. Abandoning their home Galaxy, the remaining population sets out in secrecy to their last resort, Kan Diona, the place to witness their victory or to become their grave.
FALAHA’S JOURNEY is a vivid tale of alien species, races, and cultures, a family saga spanning multiple generations and extending across the Universe, a tale of identity, exploration, and self-discovery amidst a devastating struggle for survival, and a love story that touches the stars.
Publisher's Note: This is NOT a YA/children's book.
The complete serial novel in a single volume (Books 1-3).
A young girl with ambition.
A desperate man on a mission.
An ancient enemy set to wipe out their entire race.
When a seemingly simple space rescue mission turns into a nightmare, Falaha, a Danna Commander Trainee with a power she can't use properly yet, has her skills put to the ultimate test as her world begins to collapse, throwing her to the center of the conflict that might wipe out her entire race.
The Danna are a species of humanoid aliens who share the Milky Way with humanity. Unlike humans, they have been around for at least three billion years and are the oldest species in the Galaxy. Born with an alien artifact in their blood, they possess abilities surpassing anything any living creature can dream of. However, both their superb space technology and their unusual blood legacy have attracted danger no one expected. Abandoning their home Galaxy, the remaining population sets out in secrecy to their last resort, Kan Diona, the place to witness their victory or to become their grave.
FALAHA’S JOURNEY is a vivid tale of alien species, races, and cultures, a family saga spanning multiple generations and extending across the Universe, a tale of identity, exploration, and self-discovery amidst a devastating struggle for survival, and a love story that touches the stars.
Publisher's Note: This is NOT a YA/children's book.
686 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
386 people want to read
About the author
Jeno Marz
11 books26 followersI'm a writer from Latvia, Northern Europe, with background in electronics engineering, computer science, and warehouse logistics. All my fiction is aimed at an adult audience. English is my third language.
Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenoMarz/
OS UNIVERSE SERIES by Jeno Marz
FALAHA'S JOURNEY SERIES
Falaha's Journey: A Spacegirl's Account in Three Movements
Falaha's Journey: Into Pleasure
Falaha's Journey 2: Graveyard of the Gods
A Sky of Her Own, a short story
RJG TRILOGY
Rjg: Blood Threads (Rjg #1) (In revision)
Rjg: Adventurous Tide (Rjg #2) (In revision)
Rjg: Godslayer (Rjg #3) (In revision)
Connect with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenoMarz/
OS UNIVERSE SERIES by Jeno Marz
FALAHA'S JOURNEY SERIES
Falaha's Journey: A Spacegirl's Account in Three Movements
Falaha's Journey: Into Pleasure
Falaha's Journey 2: Graveyard of the Gods
A Sky of Her Own, a short story
RJG TRILOGY
Rjg: Blood Threads (Rjg #1) (In revision)
Rjg: Adventurous Tide (Rjg #2) (In revision)
Rjg: Godslayer (Rjg #3) (In revision)
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December 8, 2025A/N: Final corrections to the published text were made on November 16th 2014.
This is not a review, of course, since I'm the author of this story, but I wanted to tell a couple of things about what one should expect getting into reading this serial novel.
(English is not my native language, so I apologize for any mistakes you might find in this note. Don't worry, the book is edited.)
Falaha’s Journey is a space adventure set during a devastating conflict between spacefaring species, but it is not about war or even about lives of members of the armed forces. The shortest and simplest way to describe what this novel is about would be a story about solving problems in a creative way.
It is also a family story set in the future in our Universe. It has no ties to humanity or Earth. It features several alien (for us) species, who have long connections with each other. It also explores what spacefaring people might be like among other things, and their interaction with technology.
You, the reader, are the only human in this book. You are not here to understand the alien ways or relate to them in any meaningful way (as some readers struggle with this, I know). You are here to observe. In a sense, this book is a book of First Contact. The one who participates in it is you, the reader. The main question is, what would happen if humanity met someone who looks so much like us and tried to establish a connection with these cultures? At least, this is the idea behind it.
*** Minor Spoilers Ahead ***
This is NOT a YA/children's book and I've been asked a couple of times why I had made my main protagonist a child. Well, one can tell a lot about the society and culture by the ways it treats their children, elderly, and animals. This is a story told from a POV of an alien child barely short of six years old. (Actually, there are three protagonists, aged ~6, ~10, and 38; see Glossary for notes on alien calendar.) Though, age doesn't tell anything about character maturity, since these are not humans.
The main character of Falaha’s Journey is Falaha, a little alien girl, the spaceship Commander-in-training and future explorer, who is also one of the central figures in the massive conflict between two species, and who is on a mission to resolve it. The whole story is her account of this mission. You'll be spending plenty of time in her head, but don't be discouraged, she is a smart young lady. Though still very young, she has big plans for her future and is ruthless in bringing them to reality. Yet there are many things new to her (which also makes her the best candidate to tell her culture's story) -- this is also a part of her journey.
There is a bit of romance, but the subplot is a love story unlike many others out there. This is a story of a young family-to-be [where people work hard to make things work and not in a "girl meets boy" style], in a society where polyandry/polyamory is one of the norms, and where men outnumber women ~ 3 to 1 (though I touched on this subject and the reasons behind this occurence directly only in Book 3.5 specials.)
Also, initially, the story was supposed to be illustrated. Unfortunately, that didn't come into being and probably never will.
Enjoy your ride. ;-)
This is not a review, of course, since I'm the author of this story, but I wanted to tell a couple of things about what one should expect getting into reading this serial novel.
(English is not my native language, so I apologize for any mistakes you might find in this note. Don't worry, the book is edited.)
Falaha’s Journey is a space adventure set during a devastating conflict between spacefaring species, but it is not about war or even about lives of members of the armed forces. The shortest and simplest way to describe what this novel is about would be a story about solving problems in a creative way.
It is also a family story set in the future in our Universe. It has no ties to humanity or Earth. It features several alien (for us) species, who have long connections with each other. It also explores what spacefaring people might be like among other things, and their interaction with technology.
You, the reader, are the only human in this book. You are not here to understand the alien ways or relate to them in any meaningful way (as some readers struggle with this, I know). You are here to observe. In a sense, this book is a book of First Contact. The one who participates in it is you, the reader. The main question is, what would happen if humanity met someone who looks so much like us and tried to establish a connection with these cultures? At least, this is the idea behind it.
*** Minor Spoilers Ahead ***
This is NOT a YA/children's book and I've been asked a couple of times why I had made my main protagonist a child. Well, one can tell a lot about the society and culture by the ways it treats their children, elderly, and animals. This is a story told from a POV of an alien child barely short of six years old. (Actually, there are three protagonists, aged ~6, ~10, and 38; see Glossary for notes on alien calendar.) Though, age doesn't tell anything about character maturity, since these are not humans.
The main character of Falaha’s Journey is Falaha, a little alien girl, the spaceship Commander-in-training and future explorer, who is also one of the central figures in the massive conflict between two species, and who is on a mission to resolve it. The whole story is her account of this mission. You'll be spending plenty of time in her head, but don't be discouraged, she is a smart young lady. Though still very young, she has big plans for her future and is ruthless in bringing them to reality. Yet there are many things new to her (which also makes her the best candidate to tell her culture's story) -- this is also a part of her journey.
There is a bit of romance, but the subplot is a love story unlike many others out there. This is a story of a young family-to-be [where people work hard to make things work and not in a "girl meets boy" style], in a society where polyandry/polyamory is one of the norms, and where men outnumber women ~ 3 to 1 (though I touched on this subject and the reasons behind this occurence directly only in Book 3.5 specials.)
Also, initially, the story was supposed to be illustrated. Unfortunately, that didn't come into being and probably never will.
Enjoy your ride. ;-)
December 13, 2015
How about a series with NO humans involved? True science fiction, space adventure, a tale of survival and war and manipulations, Falaha’s Journey Series Volume 1 is the complete serial novel under one cover! Three books in one! Jeno Marz brings the story of a young girl to life and follows her through changes, dangers and a transformation into a brilliant leader.
Intergalactic wars rage, the fear and prejudice of different races as well as the quest for total domination will bring death to many as Falaha’s universe is brought to its knees. Similar to humans, but gifted with unique powers and an alien artifact in their blood, they have become the targets of those who seek to understand and possess their gift. Will escape to another world save what is left of their people or will it only prolong the wars, the battles, and the rising death count?
Follow Falaha as she comes of age and embraces her destiny, with her true love by her side. A treasure for true science fiction aficionados, follow the tale of one young woman, one family and one race in their fight to survive and thrive.
Jeno Marz has created a brutal world, foreign to us, where spaceships can be larger than anything we can imagine, characters have powers that evolve and grow and the traveling through space is a normal occurrence. Ms. Marz’s imagination is “out of this world.” The details she gives us almost feel as if she may have inside information on other worlds. Let your mind fly free, and feel the very human emotions shared across the universe. The best part? The delivery is practically flawless, divided as a serial, each scene is complete and leads us smoothly into each consecutive scene. Heroes may die, but new one will rise as we leave this world for places far away and unknown.
I received this copy from Jeno Marz in exchange for my honest review. My Rating 4.5 Stars
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Jeno Marz
ISBN: 1500384070
Genre: Science Fiction
Print Length: 688 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Intergalactic wars rage, the fear and prejudice of different races as well as the quest for total domination will bring death to many as Falaha’s universe is brought to its knees. Similar to humans, but gifted with unique powers and an alien artifact in their blood, they have become the targets of those who seek to understand and possess their gift. Will escape to another world save what is left of their people or will it only prolong the wars, the battles, and the rising death count?
Follow Falaha as she comes of age and embraces her destiny, with her true love by her side. A treasure for true science fiction aficionados, follow the tale of one young woman, one family and one race in their fight to survive and thrive.
Jeno Marz has created a brutal world, foreign to us, where spaceships can be larger than anything we can imagine, characters have powers that evolve and grow and the traveling through space is a normal occurrence. Ms. Marz’s imagination is “out of this world.” The details she gives us almost feel as if she may have inside information on other worlds. Let your mind fly free, and feel the very human emotions shared across the universe. The best part? The delivery is practically flawless, divided as a serial, each scene is complete and leads us smoothly into each consecutive scene. Heroes may die, but new one will rise as we leave this world for places far away and unknown.
I received this copy from Jeno Marz in exchange for my honest review. My Rating 4.5 Stars
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Jeno Marz
ISBN: 1500384070
Genre: Science Fiction
Print Length: 688 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 27, 2016
One of the things I enjoyed most throughout the novel were the relationships between the characters and I especially enjoyed Falaha’s relationship with her father and with her first spouse. To be honest I was more interested in the development of those relationships than the development of the plotline, although the plot is interesting (when you can understand what is happening).
The main reason that this book only gets three stars is because there were frequent occasions when throughout the novel where I was completely lost. I managed to find my way again but that was mostly by making logical guesses about what had happened and reading on as though I was making the right assumptions. It was quite disconcerting as I am quite a hard-core space opera reader and I thought after reading and understanding the world building in novels by authors like Peter F. Hamilton then there were few books that would lose me.
Something that would have helped a lot with understanding would have been a good glossary as there were so many fictional words within the novel. A glossary is provided but it is so incomplete that it is barely worth having and focuses on unimportant words such as terms of endearment and leaves out the important ones that have a huge impact on the plot. If the author creates a fuller glossary then I think that readers would get a lot more enjoyment out this novel.
I did really like the fact that there were absolutely no humans in this novel which I do not come across very often in sci-fi so that was quite an interesting experience. The author was very clever in the fact that even though all the species are humanoid in appearance the reader never forgot that they were reading about alien species with very different cultural norms. Overall I think this is a worthwhile read for space opera fans but I really hope that the glossary is updated at some point.
I was given a free digital copy of this novel in exchage for an honest review.
The main reason that this book only gets three stars is because there were frequent occasions when throughout the novel where I was completely lost. I managed to find my way again but that was mostly by making logical guesses about what had happened and reading on as though I was making the right assumptions. It was quite disconcerting as I am quite a hard-core space opera reader and I thought after reading and understanding the world building in novels by authors like Peter F. Hamilton then there were few books that would lose me.
Something that would have helped a lot with understanding would have been a good glossary as there were so many fictional words within the novel. A glossary is provided but it is so incomplete that it is barely worth having and focuses on unimportant words such as terms of endearment and leaves out the important ones that have a huge impact on the plot. If the author creates a fuller glossary then I think that readers would get a lot more enjoyment out this novel.
I did really like the fact that there were absolutely no humans in this novel which I do not come across very often in sci-fi so that was quite an interesting experience. The author was very clever in the fact that even though all the species are humanoid in appearance the reader never forgot that they were reading about alien species with very different cultural norms. Overall I think this is a worthwhile read for space opera fans but I really hope that the glossary is updated at some point.
I was given a free digital copy of this novel in exchage for an honest review.
June 29, 2015
Falaha's Journey introduces you to Falaha and her spouse to be, Eyuran. They are of the Danna race, a kind of humanoid aliens.
With Falaha's Journey, Jeno Marz has created an epic science fiction story, combining the first three instalments of the series. Falaha's Journey is the story of a rescue mission gone wrong, a female with ambitions, growing up and detecting her emotions. Most of the time, the books have a steady flow; some passages being on the slower side. The latter are also needed - to comprehend some complex situations. I was drawn into the story, trying to hide in safe places. Falaha's Journey is a good read for hardcore science fiction fans, who like complex stories and characters and appreciate a good fight.
This is a huge and vastly exciting read.
With Falaha's Journey, Jeno Marz has created an epic science fiction story, combining the first three instalments of the series. Falaha's Journey is the story of a rescue mission gone wrong, a female with ambitions, growing up and detecting her emotions. Most of the time, the books have a steady flow; some passages being on the slower side. The latter are also needed - to comprehend some complex situations. I was drawn into the story, trying to hide in safe places. Falaha's Journey is a good read for hardcore science fiction fans, who like complex stories and characters and appreciate a good fight.
This is a huge and vastly exciting read.
June 21, 2015
I finished the first book in this trilogy box set and can definitely say this is one for SciFi enthusiasts. Those that love Star Trek, etc in particular.
The range of characters and new ideas is fantastic, but it was a bit too much for me. I admit I got lost several times and found it hard to keep track with what was happening.
I did start book two and was intrigued by the new twist. Unfortunately, I then got lost again and since SciFi is not my preferred genre I have decided to stop at book one.
The author's imagination is fantastic, but it lacked the romantic element that always pulls me into books.
I thank the author for giving my a review copy. This is a genre I rarely read and I enjoyed trying it out.
The range of characters and new ideas is fantastic, but it was a bit too much for me. I admit I got lost several times and found it hard to keep track with what was happening.
I did start book two and was intrigued by the new twist. Unfortunately, I then got lost again and since SciFi is not my preferred genre I have decided to stop at book one.
The author's imagination is fantastic, but it lacked the romantic element that always pulls me into books.
I thank the author for giving my a review copy. This is a genre I rarely read and I enjoyed trying it out.
June 9, 2015
Falaha is a Commander Trainee and her father is the Commander of the spacecraft Quennah. They are on a journey to another galaxy and Falaha, her family members and others aboard encounter many experiences . . .
I enjoyed Falaha, the likable character and the story was a breeze to get through with the short chapters. I think anyone who enjoys space travel, sci fi, and/or light reading, they will like these books.
“Exploration is a journey of beauty and terror, of failure and triumph. No frontier is final, no feeling is final, so keep going, keep reaching, keep asking and wondering, let everything happen to you, and seize every opportunity.” (Falaha's Mom)
I enjoyed Falaha, the likable character and the story was a breeze to get through with the short chapters. I think anyone who enjoys space travel, sci fi, and/or light reading, they will like these books.
“Exploration is a journey of beauty and terror, of failure and triumph. No frontier is final, no feeling is final, so keep going, keep reaching, keep asking and wondering, let everything happen to you, and seize every opportunity.” (Falaha's Mom)
July 15, 2015
This book was a very good book and I enjoyed it immensely. It did seem slow in some areas, but it was well worth the read. I am not a true hard core sci-fi fan, but I still enjoyed this book!
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
January 9, 2015
Che devo dire? L'ho amato. Alieni, ma umanoidi, almeno per la maggior parte delle caratteristiche fisiche, questo ci permette di relazionarci ad essi.. beh, almeno a molte delle specie, dato che alcune hanno una logica veramente aliena, secondo me. Quello che li rende davvero diversi è il soma: una caratteristica ereditabile in grado (tra l'altro) di mettere in contatto tutti gli individui che lo posseggono, e di attuare modifiche a livello genetico e fisico che permettono di avere una progenie fertile con specie diverse. E che progenie...
I personaggi, anche quelli secondari, sono ben delineati, tridimensionali, fortemente caratterizzati e vividi. La parte scientifica è solida, l'universo creato dall'autrice è coerente e strutturato in maniera elegante, e per complessità mi fa venire in mente quella dell'ecosistema di Dune, creato da Frank Herbert.
Diverse volte, nel corso della lettura, mi sono fermata a pensare "Ma se si potesse...", dato che tutto è possibile, semplicemente ancora non abbiamo sviluppato la tecnologia adatta. Ho chiuso il libro stupita, sorridente e soddisfatta. Spero di poter leggere presto altro di questa autrice.
What to say? Loved it. Aliens, but human-like beings, at least for most of physical structure, so we can relate... well, at least with most of the species ;) as some of them have really alien logic, IMHO. What makes most of them really different from human beings is the soma: an inherited feature, capable (amongst other things) of connecting all the beings who possess it, and of modifying them genetically and physically, allowing them to generate a fertile offspring with different species. And what sort of offspring...
Characters, even secondary ones, are well described, they emerge from the words, all of them are alive. I can see them grinning and frowning, rejoicing and worrying, fighting and loving. Science part is solid, the universe created here is coherent and elegantly structured, in a way that reminds me of Frank Herbert's Dune ecosystem. Several times I stopped reading to think "But what if..", as it's all possible, we just don't have the technology yet. And at the end of the book I was there, amazed and smiling... I want more from this author.
I personaggi, anche quelli secondari, sono ben delineati, tridimensionali, fortemente caratterizzati e vividi. La parte scientifica è solida, l'universo creato dall'autrice è coerente e strutturato in maniera elegante, e per complessità mi fa venire in mente quella dell'ecosistema di Dune, creato da Frank Herbert.
Diverse volte, nel corso della lettura, mi sono fermata a pensare "Ma se si potesse...", dato che tutto è possibile, semplicemente ancora non abbiamo sviluppato la tecnologia adatta. Ho chiuso il libro stupita, sorridente e soddisfatta. Spero di poter leggere presto altro di questa autrice.
What to say? Loved it. Aliens, but human-like beings, at least for most of physical structure, so we can relate... well, at least with most of the species ;) as some of them have really alien logic, IMHO. What makes most of them really different from human beings is the soma: an inherited feature, capable (amongst other things) of connecting all the beings who possess it, and of modifying them genetically and physically, allowing them to generate a fertile offspring with different species. And what sort of offspring...
Characters, even secondary ones, are well described, they emerge from the words, all of them are alive. I can see them grinning and frowning, rejoicing and worrying, fighting and loving. Science part is solid, the universe created here is coherent and elegantly structured, in a way that reminds me of Frank Herbert's Dune ecosystem. Several times I stopped reading to think "But what if..", as it's all possible, we just don't have the technology yet. And at the end of the book I was there, amazed and smiling... I want more from this author.
December 21, 2015
This book is definitely for science fiction fans. It's rare to see a true sci-fi novel in the indie circuit so it's a nice change of pace to what I'm usually picking up for review.
To keep it spoiler free:
The world building is what really drew me into this story. All of the life forms described in the story are as real and emotional as people, yet so unique it makes me think of the depth used to create creatures in Star Wars or Avatar. Just unlike anything I've ever read before. Unique lifestyles and religions, etc.
The characters themselves are all ones that you want to root for on their journey through space. Each has their own set of strengths and just as many weaknesses.
The science in the book is also sound as it's all plausible and not just a bunch of random stuff thrown together. That makes it clear the author did a her research and that's always appreciated in these types of books.
Overall, this was a good read. A long read, but well worth the investment.
To keep it spoiler free:
The world building is what really drew me into this story. All of the life forms described in the story are as real and emotional as people, yet so unique it makes me think of the depth used to create creatures in Star Wars or Avatar. Just unlike anything I've ever read before. Unique lifestyles and religions, etc.
The characters themselves are all ones that you want to root for on their journey through space. Each has their own set of strengths and just as many weaknesses.
The science in the book is also sound as it's all plausible and not just a bunch of random stuff thrown together. That makes it clear the author did a her research and that's always appreciated in these types of books.
Overall, this was a good read. A long read, but well worth the investment.
July 14, 2016
I was deliberately delaying my reading time with this book. It looked soo massive! But once I started I actually wanted to keep reading so I ended up very happy that the whole story was available to me in one book, however big. I enjoyed the characters, sometimes I wanted more of the easily followed up details, but this book is for the attentive reader, the reader who wants to discover while reading and not just have things pointed out to them. I do not know yet if I will be reading anything else by the same author after this first book I have just read. One thing I know for sure is that I will be thinking of the characters of the book for quite a long time...
July 31, 2014
See my reviews of separate parts of this serial novel:
Descent
The Pit
Perseverance
P.S. I love this cover.
January 8, 2016
This was a goodreads giveaway. Thank you. I found this book a little hard to follow. I am not an avid sci fi reader, so maybe not the best critic. I did like the main characters and found the story interesting.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews