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The Battle for Halcyon

(The Halcyon Cycle #2)

Peter Kazmaier (Goodreads Author)

4.18 · Rating details · 11 ratings · 7 reviews

In the first book of The Halcyon Cycle, a risky physics experiment transports the island University of Halcyon to a new world. Meglir, a being of great power, is released from his prison and threatens Halcyon and the tiny refugee colony of Eleytheria.

In The Battle for Halcyon, we follow the struggles of Dave, Al, Pam and Floyd with their Hansa allies as they work to stop M ...more

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Paperback, 314 pages

Published June 29th 2015 by Word Alive Press

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Jul 12, 2015 David rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

In Peter Kazmaier’s fast-paced Halcyon Dislocation we read the story of an island university that disappeared from our world and appeared in a new, mysterious place. Much of the story introduced us to this new world as university students along with naval officers stationed on the island explored the new world. We learned that an evil force named Meglir had brought the university to his world and was possessing one of the faculty. At the end of the book Meglir was defeated, but with him still pr In Peter Kazmaier’s fast-paced Halcyon Dislocation we read the story of an island university that disappeared from our world and appeared in a new, mysterious place. Much of the story introduced us to this new world as university students along with naval officers stationed on the island explored the new world. We learned that an evil force named Meglir had brought the university to his world and was possessing one of the faculty. At the end of the book Meglir was defeated, but with him still present a sequel was clearly in the works.

The Battle for Halcyon is that sequel, picking up about a year after the events of the first book. Dave Shuster, the main character of the first book, remains the main character here. His exploration of the world leads to encountering a whole new civilization of humans. But these humans, unlike Dave and the humans of his world, never experienced a fall from grace. Thus, they possess certain gifts, such as the ability to change their skin color.

The story continues the fast-paced tone of the first, covering lots of ground and culminating in a battle on the island of Halcyon, hence the title.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It had everything that made the first one so good. At the same time, it seemed almost too fast-paced at times. Peter is a good and engaging writer, but he seemed to struggle under the weight of so telling the story while including so many characters.

For example, two of the best secondary characters from the first book, Floyd and Al, play a minor role in this story. In the first book they were two of Dave’s closest companions and nearly had as much screen time as he did. It is fine to focus more on Dave, but what bothered me was that when we got a bit of Floyd and Al they disappeared from the story without much explanation (especially Floyd).

Other characters from the first book pop up to serve a function in moving the story along, but do not do much. For such characters I wish there had been some sort of recap of the first book with brief bios of each character. Two guys named Tim and Dwight show up and help Al at a key point but I struggled to remember the role they played in the first book. If you read the two books back-to-back this would not be an issue, but reading the first one two years ago makes it one. There is a glossary at the end, but the characters I am thinking of (Tim, Dwight, Commander McDonald) do not appear in there.

Also, while the book is packed with action and lots of drama, the primary enemy, Meglir, barely appears on screen. He is mentioned quite frequently but his threat seems diminished with his lack of appearance. There is clearly a lot of plotting going on by him and his evil allies and perhaps the payoff will come in the next book.

All that said, the book is still great. Dave is a likable character and his love interest, Arlana, who is really the other main character of this book, is quite interesting. His conversion experience and the change he goes through provide an excellent story. And as before, Kazmaier weaves thoughtful religious dialogue in that is neither cheesy nor unwelcome.

This is where Kazmaier’s greatest gift lies. So many Christian books are preachy. Many secular stories ignore religion. Kazmaier’s character speak on religious topics, like normal people in the real world. When you read what they are saying, it makes sense and sounds like what you would hear.

Even Dave’s “conversion”, if you can call it that, fits. It is not the climax of the book, nor is it shoved in your face. As Dave’s character has grown, you can see him moving in this direction and this step makes sense for his character.

In the end, I liked this book. As I said before, if you are a fan of the works of the greats like Tolkien and Lewis, I think you would like the Halcyon series. This book has more flaws than I recall the first one having and I hope the third book sees more Floyd and Al as well as Meglir being fleshed out more. Overall though, an entertaining and at times thought provoking read. ...more

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Sep 29, 2020 Andrew Seddon rated it really liked it

I typically don’t like to jump into the middle of a series, and so decided to read “The Halcyon Dislocation” before embarking on “The Battle for Halcyon”. I don’t know that it is totally necessary, because “Battle”, taking place a year after “Dislocation”, can probably stand on its own, but I appreciated knowing the characters and background situation first.
There is much to like about both books. Kazmaier has obviously put considerable time, thought, and effort into world-building, in the proc I typically don’t like to jump into the middle of a series, and so decided to read “The Halcyon Dislocation” before embarking on “The Battle for Halcyon”. I don’t know that it is totally necessary, because “Battle”, taking place a year after “Dislocation”, can probably stand on its own, but I appreciated knowing the characters and background situation first.
There is much to like about both books. Kazmaier has obviously put considerable time, thought, and effort into world-building, in the process of which he has combined science fiction with fantasy and created a unique and intriguing parallel Earth into which the island university of Halcyon is dislocated as the result of a physics experiment. Abandoned ruined cities, strange creatures, unusual races both human and non-human, the lurking threat of an ancient evil – all combine to provide a fascinating milieu for the story he aims to tell.
Particularly well-done is the depiction of the effects of atheism and secularism as embraced by Halcyon University - principles (anti-principles?) which flourish in our own universities and culture. The decay of Halcyon society following the death of the morally upright chancellor starkly depicts the consequences when the forces of secularism and atheism are set loose (as if the lessons of the 20th century weren’t enough). The death plants, which “resurrect” the dead into soulless, mindless beings are potentially illustrative of this (although whether this was Kazmaier’s intent or not, I don’t know). On an individual level, the imprisonment of a Christian student for “mental illness” because he prays and believes that God answers prayer, is chilling, and surely not beyond the bounds of credibility.
Kazmaier illustrates the consequences of willful departure from God by creating several races of humans: the Ancients, who possess some capabilities that regular humans lack, still seek to follow God; their opposites are the Bent Ones, followers of the evil Meglir who corrupt the good creation for their own ends; the Lesser Men, humans like ourselves, but lacking the wisdom and some characteristics of the Ancients; the Halfmen, degraded humans that follow their lusts; and the Apeman, soulless creatures that obey the will of Meglir. Best of all are the amiable Hansa, lacking the intelligence of humans, but wise, good-natured, and self-sacrificing creatures.
This depiction of the corruption and degradation of humanity and society is perhaps the strongest aspect of the two novels.
For those who like adventure, there is more than enough and to spare as the Halcionites, most prominently Dave Schuster and his friends Al, Pam, and Floyd, adjust to life in their new world. Dave’s slow journey towards faith is handled discretely. Spiritual themes are generally woven in naturally, although Kazmaier is not afraid to have his characters engage in frank discussions when appropriate. There are fewer instances of this in “Battle” than in “Dislocation,” perhaps because of the increased focus on action in “Battle”.
The romantic relationship between Dave and Arlana (an Ancient) is handled with humor (I love how she likes to call him “Youngling”), while that between Al and Pam is rockier but also satisfying.
While I enjoyed both books, “Battle” does not feel as polished as “Dislocation”. Both come across stylistically as a little stiff, perhaps because Kazmaier prefers to use dialogue tags such as “said Dave”, “answered Al”, “encouraged Pam”, rather than the reverse. Other readers may not mind this. First person thoughts interjected into a third person narrative felt intrusive. And there are several inconsistencies. For example, Dave is distraught when he loses his New Testament when captured by Halfmen, but there was no mention of him possessing or reading a New Testament before, and no mention of one ever again. Similarly, a Swiss Army knife and flashlight appear out of nowhere.
“Battle” could benefit from additional proof-reading and polishing. There are numerous missing commas and quotation marks, repeated phrases, too many dialogue tags, and a tendency to use a character’s name repeatedly, when “he” or “she” would suffice.
But technical and stylistic details aside, it is really the story that matters, and Kazmaier’s Halcyon Cycle is certainly a worthwhile, enjoyable series with spiritual depth that is natural and not forced. On the level of storytelling, Kazmaier delivers. Not everything is resolved at the end of “Battle”; Kazmaier wisely leaves the door wide open for a sequel. The battle of good versus evil isn’t over. And surely there is more to come for Dave and Arlana…
I definitely recommend this series.
...more

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Aug 13, 2020 Jes Drew rated it really liked it

Strangely enough, I read the third book before reading this, the second in the series. That was an interesting experience, but not a bad one. Suddenly, all the foreshadowing became references that I had inside knowledge of that the characters didn't yet. Also, it was quite charming to see a couple that I knew as already married and established in their relationship first meet and fall in love. Theirs was a very interesting dynamic that I wasn't expecting, knowing their future selves!

My favorite ...more

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Jun 02, 2015 Rod Horncastle rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

What a fun experiment:
I jumped right in to reading book 2 (in the Halcyon Cycle) without reading book 1. I wanted to test the author's character development as well as my ability to quickly catch up. WE both did okay. Now i'm excited to read Book one since I know a great deal of what I missed.
This is similar to watching the 2nd movie of the Back to The Future series without knowing the first.

Of course, it's also similar to how they began the Star Wars experience: with a fully functioning Dark What a fun experiment:
I jumped right in to reading book 2 (in the Halcyon Cycle) without reading book 1. I wanted to test the author's character development as well as my ability to quickly catch up. WE both did okay. Now i'm excited to read Book one since I know a great deal of what I missed.
This is similar to watching the 2nd movie of the Back to The Future series without knowing the first.

Of course, it's also similar to how they began the Star Wars experience: with a fully functioning Dark Vader kidnapping a lovely Princess Leia and quickly following the journey of two droids in a galactic battle of good verses evil. Jumping right into the middle of a story is not so bad. But in general I always recommend starting from the beginning.

Thankfully, my buddy (and author) Peter Kazmaier, tells us his influences at the back of the book. So there's no reason to bother obviously comparing this work to Stephen R. Lawhead's The Song of Albion or Tolken's the Lord of the Rings. I won't even touch it. Promise. This story heavily stands on its own.

This story needed to be 200 pages longer, there was so much action and never ending motion that we all could have used more breathers - maybe more opportunities for the characters to just chill. WE did get to know them on numerous occasions BUT I WANT MORE! I love Hanomer and the Hansas: especially when they call people "Friend Dave, and Friend Arlana". For some reason that gets more endearing as the story goes on. Maybe I need to get a stuffed Hanomer as a momento. Keep it next to my Minions and Chewbrian from Family Guy.

I loved the Maps included with the book. I must have looked at them over 20 times. I kind of wished they were filled with even more detail - but that leaves room for our imagination. They were appreciated though, and I looked forward to them exploring the realm... and they do!

Not totally a spoiler BUT: This story has one of the best punches I've ever read in a book. Dave not only becomes the occasional impressive hero but he lands a well timed jawbreaker on a deserving badguy (even with the odds heavily against him.) I won't say which villain is on the receiving end - But the Testosterone in me fully felt it being delivered - I even cheered out loud!

...and the love story is one for the ages. A few love stories actually - I eagerly await the next book to watch them develop.
_________________________________

I'm a little disappointed in the Biblical and theological content of this tale. I was hoping for way more. Thankfully the story really isn't over yet. Honestly I have very little idea how to keep the Jesus' Gospel inserted into this - Different realms, creatures, natures. How do you even state a universal truth across Zones of reality? It may be simpler than we imagine - or enter into the realm of Demons and Angels.

I was impressed by the use of Liberal politics displayed in the human government. How normal and horrific it was to see basic evil and greed asserted into the University and power structures. Probably similar to how Churchill dealt with the Hitler incident - against all liberal media and human altruism. Forget that liberal crap: It's time for a hero to go to WAR. And Peter gave us a few great heroes in this book (and a Heroine - I wonder who would play her in the MOVIE?)

Now i'll have to send Peter Kazmaier some cash to get a copy of the first book...and later the third. He can't just keep us hanging - the story is still up in the air.

...more

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Aug 26, 2020 J.R. Baude rated it really liked it

The battle for Halcyon is a classic "second in a series" kind of book that moves it's characters through a dense landscape of worlds and cultures. It is a journey picking up from the opening act (Book one which I unfortunately didn't read before this) and leaving us wanting more in the end and looking forward to the third book. The story contains too many facets to elaborate here (and not to add spoilers as well), but as a whole, the novel has something for everyone with some deft surprises one ...more

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Mar 18, 2019 Joshua Grant rated it it was amazing

As we return to Halcyon in Peter Kazmaier’s The Battle for Halcyon, we see a more turbulent world. Kazmaier does a great job jumping us into the action without losing the sense of exploration that drove the first novel. We rejoin Dave and the rest as they face new challenges, including a new menace assisting Meglin and the ever moral struggles of Halcyon’s pursuit of Utopia. This is a novel with depth woven in throughout all the action making it a quick and enticing read!

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Jun 02, 2015 Kevin King rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this second book in the Halcyon series, and have to confess that at times it kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed or got on with my other work. It also often had me thinking about the potential twists and turns in the plot, as it evolved, when I should really have been concentrating on other things. So - best advice - don't read it until you've got plenty of time to relax and enjoy.

But, having said that, I feel obliged to award 4 stars this time around because I I really enjoyed this second book in the Halcyon series, and have to confess that at times it kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed or got on with my other work. It also often had me thinking about the potential twists and turns in the plot, as it evolved, when I should really have been concentrating on other things. So - best advice - don't read it until you've got plenty of time to relax and enjoy.

But, having said that, I feel obliged to award 4 stars this time around because I enjoyed The Halcyon Dislocation even more; and can't really feel satisfied until I've read book 3. Although this book comes to what looks like a conclusion fit for a part 3, it is replete with loose ends and unanswered questions which leave the impression that this is probably just the lull before the hurricane. And the mystery remains unsolved. Why this strange connection between their world and ours? Who is the sinister mastermind in whose hands not only Hoffstetter but even Meglir seem no more than pawns; and what is his plan?

Preferring book 1 is perhaps subjective. If your preference is for action-packed adventure, you may well rate book 2 even higher: but I personally missed the depth and variety of philosophical discussion that came across in book 1. In large part, this has to do with the plot development: times of war tend to polarise attitudes and leave less room for debate: but there are many issues left begging that I hope to see addressed in book 3, and some clues that further enlightenment awaits us there.

The plot continues to develop an interesting intermix of science and fantasy, as the university scientists begin to learn that the seemingly supernatural powers at work in this strange new world are in fact the result of incredibly sophisticated bioengineering. Where does this knowledge come from? What would happen if the sinister mastermind could also gain mastery of earthly technology? Evidence also emerges that interactions between the two worlds have stretched back to Roman times and possibly beyond. But why? And might there even be a third world, as the theory seems to suggest?

I can identify with many of the comments in David's review: but I would have to disagree with his assessment of the 'Ancients,' whom he describes as having 'never experienced a fall from grace.' Though they have greater mental and physical powers than our own, there are nonetheless signs that they too are imperfect and vulnerable to more subtle forms of corruption. So far, it is the badger-like Hansa who seem to have the noblest character - but are even they incorruptible? We shall have to wait and see. ...more

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Jun 01, 2015 Peter Kazmaier added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: 2015-read, fantasy, science-fiction, own, kazmaiers-books, 2014-read, colonization-epic

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About Peter Kazmaier

Peter Kazmaier

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Peter Kazmaier is the award-winning author of four books. His third novel The Battle for Halcyon won the 2016 Word Award in the category of Speculative Fiction. This sequel to The Halcyon Dislocation follows the fate of the dislocated University of Halcyon and the splinter colony Eleytheria as they fight for survival in a parallel world.

The Halcyon Cycle is Peter Kazmaier’s first book series. In ...more