Shadows of Empyriad

Empyriad #1

by Josi Russell

Aliens are coming to Yellowstone Global Park.

In order to protect its delicate ecosystem, the park has been closed to the public for a quarter of a century. But the fortifications that keep the public away from the bison and the geysers are perfect for keeping the arriving aliens–the Stracahn–away from humanity.

Solomon Brooks lives on the edge of the park, but he has never been inside. Outside the park, bitter land wars threaten to tear human society apart, and Sol seeks refuge from the conflict by volunteering to work with the aliens inside Yellowstone. There, he meets Zyn’dri, a Stracahn girl with gifts even her own species doesn’t fully understand, and Walt, a ranger whose knowledge of the park is second only to his knowledge of human nature. As the three forge an unlikely friendship, they uncover a sinister plot and an impending disaster.

The Stracahn have come from their dying planet, Empyriad, in search of a peaceful new home. But with warring humans outside the gates of Yellowstone and the world’s largest supervolcano inside, Earth is anything but peaceful.

Genres: Science Fiction, Amazon

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2016

About the author

Josi Russell’s science fiction novels explore familiar human relationships in unfamiliar contexts. She currently teaches creative writing and fiction courses as an Associate Professor of English for Utah State University Eastern. She lives in the alien landscape of the high desert American Southwest with her family and a giant tortoise named Caesar. Josi is captivated by the fields of linguistics, mathematics, and medicine, by the vast unknown beyond our atmosphere, and by the whole adventure of being human.

Reviews

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advanced reader copy of Shadows of Empyriad book one for an honest review. Beautifully written. Josi Russell has out done herself with the story. Nothing like her Caretaker series. This story takes place here on Earth in the future after a war that has killed billons of people and the leaders of the world have come together to form one government and where there is no more boundaries or country’s only zones and Yellowstone Global Park. An alien race is brought here to live after their home planet is destroyed. The aliens themselves are then caught in the middle of yet another war where three unlikely people (a Park Ranger named Walt, a teenaged boy named Sol and an alien girl named Zyn’Dri) must work together to help save what is left of the alien race and lead them to safety. With great character development and a flowing story line and well over 400 pages, the book keeps moving at a great pace till the very end.

[Jamie Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadows of Empyriad (Empyriad, #1) by Josi Russell

I don't know how many books this series will become, but this definitely the first book. It's almost a YA title, but not quite. That said it was mostly enjoyable to read, but a bit too much fluff for me.
The characters were all pretty much cookie cutter of what you would expect, and so the plot was also quite predictable. Altho I will say that there some surprises along the way, and I kept turning the pages. This is the first time I have read any of the author's works, coif I di choose to read the series, it will be interesting to see how she matures as a writer. Hopefully she won't just stick to formula, as I think this series has some real possibilities.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, and thought the interaction between the humans and Empyrians was well done. As in any interaction between peoples of different raves, (in this case species), there is a lot of misunderstanding. It was good to see how in the end Sol, Uncle Carl, and the Empyrians were able to get past their mistrust and forge a bond.

[Dave Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Great writing, with a complicated storytelling that is enjoyable to read. It takes you down and brings you up, starting with a dark beginning with various peaks and valleys along the way to a brighter future.

[Paul Martin Schofield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written with few mistakes. Ms. Russell grabs your attention from page one and keeps it there to the end. Excellent and accurate description as well as character development. A pleasure to read.

[Ann Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book. The author obviously knows Yellowstone Park well, but writes as if she knows the Stracahn well too. Beautifully observed with real characters and vivid description.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read this!

This book was captivating! I am a great fan of Josi Russell. The first reason I love her books is that they are different from many books I have read..she has her unique style and it keeps me guessing..unpredictable!! The second reason is that the characters are believable and there are very human heroes and villains. The third reason I love her books is that they are clean! This book is a great example of all I love about her books and it is just so good!! I am anxious for the next one in the series...and it can't come soon enough to suit me.

[Kevin Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Empyriad once again proves that Josi Russell knows how to write solid science fiction that explores both the dark and light reached of the “human” soul. I found myself intrigued from the opening scene to the last, which is challenging to do these days. Josi Russell has created a richly nuanced story which not only manages to explore the nature of humanity and the subtleties of science, but also entertain. Simply a must read

[Lisanel83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my favorite Josi Russell book so far. I loved the characters and the story kept me flipping through the pages. I highly recommend this book.

[Doug Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Read

Great read! The story flowed together very well , bringing each character and the next scene gracefully together. Can't wait for the next book.