The Council

by Phillip Giroux

With the planet Earth uninhabitable, The Council wields absolute control over the remains of humanity scattered through the solar system, the power of life and death resting on the whims of its despotic High Councilor. When Karin, the young, headstrong second-in-command of the mysterious starcraft The Journey, rescues Grant, a handsome but haunted young man adrift in deep space, they become caught in a web of secrets and danger. Even as they discover their feelings for each other, Karin and Grant must battle for freedom and the very survival of the human race. Their journey will change the universe forever.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2015

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humans have finally done it. Earth has become uninhabitable and ships were sent years ago to find a new planet. Meanwhile, survivors have taken to the stars, living in mammoth ships, all led by The Council (cue the music of the maniacs). Rebels and pirates traverse the galaxies in search of freedom, plunder and taking a bite out of the gridlock of power the Council imposes. One former Council member has an axe to grind and hope for the future of free humans. Armed with knowledge few have, this captain has a plan that can finally come to fruition when a lone capsule is found floating in space. Inside is a body, of an attractive young man, dead. But when the captain’s daughter, Karin retrieves his floating coffin, a miracle occurs and Grant revives, with few memories, at least that he will share. Could he be the final key to long lost technology and scientific advances? Is it possible he is more powerful than a speeding bullet, able to leap spaceships in a single bound? Could this man who seems ‘lost in space” be the secret weapon to take down The Council and its power hungry leader? If what he is doing to the normally distant Karin’s heart, mind and body is any indication, Grant is a confusing, nerve-grating guy with many secrets he is not ready to share with his new captors.

You don’t even need to be a Trekkie to get lost in this amazing tale by Phillip Giroux. The Council the first book in the Journey series is science fiction adventure at its best! No wild aliens, just humans fighting to survive in the future with the help of massive spacecraft, pillaging and black market dealing. One group is determined to bring the Council down and create an existence where humans can thrive, free to love, live and work in peace. Heroes may die so others can live. Deceit and traitors live side by side with loyal crew members, fierce warriors and the determination to win. You want breath taking battles that keep you on the edge of your seat? Want to delve into the minds of each character? Ever thought of what floating in a spacesuit might feel like? Like your heroines with grit and your heroes with honor? Thank Phillip Giroux for giving his readers all of that and more with a brilliant plot, amazing scenes and nail biting action. Just for kicks, there is a little budding romance that seems to be thwarted by interruptions, Every. Single. Time. Cue, the laugh track for those scenes! New to Scifi? This is a gentle place to land and find a new genre to add to your favorites! Mark your calendars for this release!

I received an ARC edition from Phillip Giroux in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Journey - Book 1
Publication Date: August 18, 2015
Publisher: Propel (Pulse)
ASIN: B00YK9XJPU
Genre: Scifi | Adventure/Romance
Print Length: 368 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Mike K · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-packed start to a series I look forward to reading more of.

Giroux takes the reader to a rich world of space-faring pirates and an overbearing government obsessed with control of what remains of humanity. The setting and characters are solid and the tone stays light-hearted even through the tense moments.

The Council lays the foundation for what promises to be an entertaining series while maintaining and resolving it's own storyline. I appreciate that the story doesn't hinge on what comes next, but leaves the possibilities for future entries wide open.