What do you think?
Rate this book
Essence Chronicles #1
Essence Septima
Troy, with his irrational fears, is the least likely person to lead a war. But that doesn't mean he can escape his destiny.
A trip to New Orleans turns into something much larger when aliens called the Pirans kidnap him and his friends. A perfect doppelganger for their dead general Tohmas, Troy is thrust into the front lines of battle against Reptauran invaders. Now, the Pirans must convince their people that Tohmas rose from the dead to lead them to victory.
As it turns out, the Pirans aren’t totally wrong. Tohmas isn't quite gone—and his lingering essence has found Troy a suitable host. Troy must fight with everything he's got to save both Pira and the Earth, the Reptaurans' next likely target. As he struggles to maintain control of his own destiny, Troy knows that no matter the outcome, his life will never be the same.
Explore the mind of this unlikely hero in Essence, the first book in a new sci-fi series by Nick Braker, a coming-of-age tale full of adventure and steamy encounters.
A trip to New Orleans turns into something much larger when aliens called the Pirans kidnap him and his friends. A perfect doppelganger for their dead general Tohmas, Troy is thrust into the front lines of battle against Reptauran invaders. Now, the Pirans must convince their people that Tohmas rose from the dead to lead them to victory.
As it turns out, the Pirans aren’t totally wrong. Tohmas isn't quite gone—and his lingering essence has found Troy a suitable host. Troy must fight with everything he's got to save both Pira and the Earth, the Reptaurans' next likely target. As he struggles to maintain control of his own destiny, Troy knows that no matter the outcome, his life will never be the same.
Explore the mind of this unlikely hero in Essence, the first book in a new sci-fi series by Nick Braker, a coming-of-age tale full of adventure and steamy encounters.
- GenresScience FictionAliens
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2016
7 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 19, 2020
Essence: Septima by Nick Braker is the first book in a series about alien contact and abduction. While this book’s trappings are science fiction, it does manage to push into the realm of the fantastical.
The story revolves around a young man who is nearly paralyzed by his fears. During an abduction, he is recognized as being someone else, which inexplicably begins his metamorphosis. Readers will witness an individual once afraid of going outside become a general who will lead a people to freedom.
The characters are nuanced and complex, with a depth that is difficult to fathom at first. The reader quickly becomes aware that there is more than meets the eye. The author appears to use the main character’s many conquests (and failures) as a mechanism to bring details to life.
Nick writes an action-packed story that will allow the reader to navigate through the murky waters of his world. As the character gains more insight on his own state of change, the reader will gain awareness on what is at stake.
Since this book is part of a series, readers may feel like much is left unresolved. They are right. Fortunately, the trilogy is complete, and Essence: Alta is just a click away!
The story revolves around a young man who is nearly paralyzed by his fears. During an abduction, he is recognized as being someone else, which inexplicably begins his metamorphosis. Readers will witness an individual once afraid of going outside become a general who will lead a people to freedom.
The characters are nuanced and complex, with a depth that is difficult to fathom at first. The reader quickly becomes aware that there is more than meets the eye. The author appears to use the main character’s many conquests (and failures) as a mechanism to bring details to life.
Nick writes an action-packed story that will allow the reader to navigate through the murky waters of his world. As the character gains more insight on his own state of change, the reader will gain awareness on what is at stake.
Since this book is part of a series, readers may feel like much is left unresolved. They are right. Fortunately, the trilogy is complete, and Essence: Alta is just a click away!
May 26, 2017
I picked up this book last year at MegaCon because I always love finding new authors. Even though this is not normally a genre I read, I fell in love with this book. The storyline is interesting, the characters well developed, and overall this is a well-written book. If you haven't had a chance to read this book, I recommend that you do!!!
December 14, 2016
Plunged into the midst of interstellar intrigue Troy has to fight not just for survival, but for his identity. A great book.
January 6, 2020
This is an amazing start to a series! The world of the Essence Chronicles is well-developed as are its characters. The universe has all the traditional draws of the alien/first contact genre while the premise centers around an intriguing use of explaining the soul by way of science. Particularly, the mind and journey of the protagonist Troy is incredible. It follows the change of his body, mind, and spirit at the hands of humanoid aliens as he is drawn into their world of apocalyptic war. The author maintains an air of suspense throughout the story which, coupled with details of the world and revelations of the other characters, creates an amazing thriller.
November 7, 2019
This is a thrilling sci-fi adventure that deals with fundamental questions about the nature of existence. Who are we? Bodies, memories, or a composite thereof? What happens when those elements fuse with someone else? The plot also had some twists I didn't expect, which kept me interested throughout the novel.
Another thing I liked was the world building. At least half of the action takes place on a planet that has similar characteristics to Earth, and the descriptions of this planet made it easy for me to visualize this place.
Another thing I liked was the world building. At least half of the action takes place on a planet that has similar characteristics to Earth, and the descriptions of this planet made it easy for me to visualize this place.
July 20, 2019
AMAZING read!!
I’ve never enjoyed sci-fi/alien novels but this one blew my mind. The author’s dialogue and prose was well-thought out and wonderfully executed. Troy and Septima’s journey was relatable/believable. Troy’s attitude and personality made me smile; I related to him and often saw myself in him. This novel has opened me up to exploring other genres and I look forward to more work from him.
I’ve never enjoyed sci-fi/alien novels but this one blew my mind. The author’s dialogue and prose was well-thought out and wonderfully executed. Troy and Septima’s journey was relatable/believable. Troy’s attitude and personality made me smile; I related to him and often saw myself in him. This novel has opened me up to exploring other genres and I look forward to more work from him.
October 31, 2019
I don't normally read sci-fi, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this, but I enjoyed it very much. Some parts were not for me, like the swearing. Since I mainly read teen fiction, I dont fault the author for that. It's a very well written story and I'm planning to read the whole series.
August 21, 2019
We are not who we are
I enjoyed this book. The main character, Troy, is interesting and I was intrigued by how he changed throughout the book. There are several species of alien throughout the book, and I would have loved to have learned more about them as well as the war they were fighting. I found the war, intrigue and alien technology very interesting. This book would have got a higher rating from me if Troy hadn’t lusted after every female character and had sex with most of them, including very violent sex with one character. I enjoyed the science fiction elements but not the sexual relationship parts of the book.
I enjoyed this book. The main character, Troy, is interesting and I was intrigued by how he changed throughout the book. There are several species of alien throughout the book, and I would have loved to have learned more about them as well as the war they were fighting. I found the war, intrigue and alien technology very interesting. This book would have got a higher rating from me if Troy hadn’t lusted after every female character and had sex with most of them, including very violent sex with one character. I enjoyed the science fiction elements but not the sexual relationship parts of the book.
April 13, 2021
Not one I would recommend. Well written but the main character is mentally confusing with a dual personality.
June 28, 2022
Invasion of the body snatchers concept.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews