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Falken Chronicles #1
Escape from Oz
In the distant future, Earth's worst criminals have all disappeared … and no one knows where they've been sent.Sirio Falken has been a fighter his whole life. But when the government bans professional fighting, his life spirals out of control. All of the convicts he's ever known have disappeared from Earth, never to return. He's about to find out firsthand what happened to them. He'll have to stay alive amongst Earth’s most ruthless felons if he wants to survive … and become the first man to escape from Oz.
- GenresScience Fiction
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2017
126 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Piers Platt
21 books74 followersI grew up in Boston, but spent most of my childhood in various boarding schools, including getting trained as a classical singer at a choir school for boys. I joined the Army in 2002, and spent four years on active duty, including a year-long deployment to Iraq in 2004 as a tank and scout platoon leader.
When I’m not spending time with my lovely wife and daughter, I’m frantically working on my next book.
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When I’m not spending time with my lovely wife and daughter, I’m frantically working on my next book.
To be the first to hear about new releases - and get a free e-book! - sign up for my newsletter HERE
You can find my books here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
iTunes
Google Play
Also available on Kobo, Scribd, Oyster, and more!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 27, 2018
Pretty cool
This book reminds me of one episode on deep space nine tv shows. The pretty badass idea even I was blind to it until the end. It was fun to read. I would wish it extend 100 more pages at least. the additional parts would be enjoyable. The character creation could use some works. Overall is solid enough.
This book reminds me of one episode on deep space nine tv shows. The pretty badass idea even I was blind to it until the end. It was fun to read. I would wish it extend 100 more pages at least. the additional parts would be enjoyable. The character creation could use some works. Overall is solid enough.
November 20, 2017
NOTE: The author graciously gave me a copy of this book and asked me to write a review.
For those who may be unaware, the continent of Australia was originally settled in large part by convicts from other parts of the British Empire, who were sent to the most remote place on the planet to serve out their sentences. Author Piers Platt takes that idea one step further in Escape from Oz, his exciting tale of a futuristic universe where violent convicts go to an entirely new planet to serve their time. And, like the settlers in Australia who encountered all sorts of strange animal life when they arrived, Platt's convicts (and the readers) will be exposed to some bizarre and dangerous sights as well.
The protagonist of Escape from Oz is Sirio Falken, a big brawler of a man, literally. He’s a former professional fighter turned underground fighter turned killer, whose temper got the best of him, resulting in the death of his wife’s boyfriend. For this crime, he gets sent to New Australia (nicknamed New Oz), a prison planet where he and the other new arrivals are literally parachuted down in large crate-like craft and left for good. What Falken discovers is that there are no more guards on the planet, but that, since an accident destroyed the sole method of landing ships years before, the prisoners have had to fend for themselves on a large, flat island in the middle of a foreboding ocean.
Falken soon falls in with one group of convicts who live in the remnants of the old landing facility, a group that engages in constant gladiatorial combat to improve their social status in the group. Although Falken does fairly well in his fights, he wants no more part of it and throws his lot in with another group, a more agrarian, democratic group who call themselves the Colony. After Falken realizes that no one from Earth is ever coming back to take any of the prisoners back, he tries to figure out a way to escape.
Escape from Oz is primarily an adventure story, and Platt does a good job of describing the action, with several fights and an exciting finale, as Falken and some of the others try to put the final touches on their method of escape before time runs out on them. But the book also provides an example of a good, imaginative premise for a society of the future and how the consequences of the convicts’ decision making play out in their lives. The society in which one group of more militant convicts extorts a more peaceful group parallels the current status on the TV series, The Walking Dead, another example of a very harsh environment. In Escape from Oz, Falken and his fellow cons also have to try to figure out the meaning of the very strange ecosystem they encounter on the planet.
Actually, most readers will probably be able to figure out what’s happening on the planet well before Falken and his fellow convicts do, but that isn’t the end of the story, because the author has one more trick up his sleeve, a wildly imaginative twist ending that I never had a hint was coming. Many independent authors telegraph surprise endings with far too many clues, but Platt manages to come up with one that’s a stunner, completely surprising yet totally in keeping with the themes he’s trying to establish in the book.
Escape from Oz is a fairly short book and, frankly, one that I wish were a good fifty pages or so longer to allow the author to explore the fascinating society he’s created in more detail. Falken barely gets to spend any time with the first group of convicts before leaving them for good, and the discussion of the society at the Colony is also somewhat sketchy before Falken and another convict go off in a makeshift boat to explore some other islands. But what readers do get of Platt’s musings is intriguing enough in its own right. He is a rare science fiction writer who generates as much interest in the action aspects of his story as the more thought provoking ones. Fans of both old-fashioned space opera and the more cerebral, speculative variety will enjoy “Escape from Oz.”
A fair rating for this book, in my view, would be 4.5 stars. However, I’m rounding it up to 5 based largely on the effective and surprising ending. Simply put, author Platt fooled me, but in a way that enhances the book, rather than merely calling attention to a clever gimmick. The power and effectiveness of the ending is enough for me to round the rating up. Although the author plans to write a sequel based on some of the themes raised in Escape from Oz, this novel is completely self-contained, so readers shouldn’t worry about being left with a cliffhanger ending. Instead, what they will find is that, although Falken may want to escape from his prison, readers will want to stay and spend a lot of time with Escape from Oz.
For those who may be unaware, the continent of Australia was originally settled in large part by convicts from other parts of the British Empire, who were sent to the most remote place on the planet to serve out their sentences. Author Piers Platt takes that idea one step further in Escape from Oz, his exciting tale of a futuristic universe where violent convicts go to an entirely new planet to serve their time. And, like the settlers in Australia who encountered all sorts of strange animal life when they arrived, Platt's convicts (and the readers) will be exposed to some bizarre and dangerous sights as well.
The protagonist of Escape from Oz is Sirio Falken, a big brawler of a man, literally. He’s a former professional fighter turned underground fighter turned killer, whose temper got the best of him, resulting in the death of his wife’s boyfriend. For this crime, he gets sent to New Australia (nicknamed New Oz), a prison planet where he and the other new arrivals are literally parachuted down in large crate-like craft and left for good. What Falken discovers is that there are no more guards on the planet, but that, since an accident destroyed the sole method of landing ships years before, the prisoners have had to fend for themselves on a large, flat island in the middle of a foreboding ocean.
Falken soon falls in with one group of convicts who live in the remnants of the old landing facility, a group that engages in constant gladiatorial combat to improve their social status in the group. Although Falken does fairly well in his fights, he wants no more part of it and throws his lot in with another group, a more agrarian, democratic group who call themselves the Colony. After Falken realizes that no one from Earth is ever coming back to take any of the prisoners back, he tries to figure out a way to escape.
Escape from Oz is primarily an adventure story, and Platt does a good job of describing the action, with several fights and an exciting finale, as Falken and some of the others try to put the final touches on their method of escape before time runs out on them. But the book also provides an example of a good, imaginative premise for a society of the future and how the consequences of the convicts’ decision making play out in their lives. The society in which one group of more militant convicts extorts a more peaceful group parallels the current status on the TV series, The Walking Dead, another example of a very harsh environment. In Escape from Oz, Falken and his fellow cons also have to try to figure out the meaning of the very strange ecosystem they encounter on the planet.
Actually, most readers will probably be able to figure out what’s happening on the planet well before Falken and his fellow convicts do, but that isn’t the end of the story, because the author has one more trick up his sleeve, a wildly imaginative twist ending that I never had a hint was coming. Many independent authors telegraph surprise endings with far too many clues, but Platt manages to come up with one that’s a stunner, completely surprising yet totally in keeping with the themes he’s trying to establish in the book.
Escape from Oz is a fairly short book and, frankly, one that I wish were a good fifty pages or so longer to allow the author to explore the fascinating society he’s created in more detail. Falken barely gets to spend any time with the first group of convicts before leaving them for good, and the discussion of the society at the Colony is also somewhat sketchy before Falken and another convict go off in a makeshift boat to explore some other islands. But what readers do get of Platt’s musings is intriguing enough in its own right. He is a rare science fiction writer who generates as much interest in the action aspects of his story as the more thought provoking ones. Fans of both old-fashioned space opera and the more cerebral, speculative variety will enjoy “Escape from Oz.”
A fair rating for this book, in my view, would be 4.5 stars. However, I’m rounding it up to 5 based largely on the effective and surprising ending. Simply put, author Platt fooled me, but in a way that enhances the book, rather than merely calling attention to a clever gimmick. The power and effectiveness of the ending is enough for me to round the rating up. Although the author plans to write a sequel based on some of the themes raised in Escape from Oz, this novel is completely self-contained, so readers shouldn’t worry about being left with a cliffhanger ending. Instead, what they will find is that, although Falken may want to escape from his prison, readers will want to stay and spend a lot of time with Escape from Oz.
April 27, 2018
This futuristic tale was pretty good and believable – I could imagine a penal colony on another planet. Without having a spoiler, the author paints a realistic scenario and situation that make you feel as if you are there, with nice character development. The ending was very nice – it came to a logical conclusion or you can continue on with book 2 of the series. I picked this up for 99 cents during a Kindle promotion, and certainly received more than 99 cents worth of entertainment value.
February 14, 2019
Enjoyable story, easy character and plot development, nothing too taxing on the brain.
Convict sentenced to life on an strange planet.
Joins the hunter/gatherer clan rather than the bully clan. Even through they most live off the meager resources of the planet.
Of course there is a twist and the plot slowly builds up to this part.
I enjoyed the story, passed a few hours via audio book, looking forward to book2.
Convict sentenced to life on an strange planet.
Joins the hunter/gatherer clan rather than the bully clan. Even through they most live off the meager resources of the planet.
Of course there is a twist and the plot slowly builds up to this part.
I enjoyed the story, passed a few hours via audio book, looking forward to book2.
August 21, 2017
Falken is a thoroughly relatable protagonist, and Escape from Oz is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The ending is a surprisingly nice touch. Altogether it was a decidedly fun and intriguing read, and the resolution hints at exciting possibilities for the next book without going the cheap route of ending on a cliff hanger. I'm hooked!
November 17, 2017
I started reading this book after finishing the Janus Group series by Piers Platt. Initially I found it not quite as engaging but, quickly started to enjoy the story and get into the characters.
The ending was a surprise (no spoilers) and I thoroughly enjoyed the book, enough at least to carry on with Book 2.
The ending was a surprise (no spoilers) and I thoroughly enjoyed the book, enough at least to carry on with Book 2.
June 25, 2017
Better than expected
I really enjoyed the Janis Group books and was looking forward to this new series. In a way I liked this one better. It was pretty easy to empathize with the characters, and the ending was a complete surprise. Looking forward to the next installment.
I really enjoyed the Janis Group books and was looking forward to this new series. In a way I liked this one better. It was pretty easy to empathize with the characters, and the ending was a complete surprise. Looking forward to the next installment.
August 13, 2017
Great spin on what is real and what is not
You will sympathize with the hero who is just trying to start over while trying to survive. Mysteries are answered only to change again. I love the ending.
You will sympathize with the hero who is just trying to start over while trying to survive. Mysteries are answered only to change again. I love the ending.
August 28, 2017
I was going to give it 4 starts because it was predictable in some parts. But then I realized that I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down, so I figure that merits 5 stars. Awesome ending!!
May 10, 2018
Loved it! What a great find!
Got it free (or cheap, can’t recall) and wasn’t expecting much. Boy was I wrong, and happy about it. Good story, lots of heart, nice twist - can’t ask for much more than that. Great book!
Got it free (or cheap, can’t recall) and wasn’t expecting much. Boy was I wrong, and happy about it. Good story, lots of heart, nice twist - can’t ask for much more than that. Great book!
September 17, 2017
Prisoner in future version of Australia Penal Colony, with a twist at the end
January 30, 2018
Another great book by Piers Platt. An excellent story that kept me hooked until the end.
April 24, 2018
Grows on you. I enjoyed it and will read the trilogy.
August 29, 2018
It was a little flat for me, but I will read the second book at some point.
December 15, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
February 11, 2021
Awesome read. The story moves along briskly and easily sweeps you off your feet to another place and time. On to Book 2 with anticipation!
January 23, 2020
A ripping yarn!
Great characters, world, and story. Told in an old school style, this reads like a classic sci fi adventure novel. Glad I found it!
Great characters, world, and story. Told in an old school style, this reads like a classic sci fi adventure novel. Glad I found it!
May 15, 2017
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
I love this author's Janus Group series, it is one of my all-time favorites, so I was excited when I found out he was writing another series. Something a bit different, but still in the sci-fi realm (something I don't read nearly enough of). And I was not disappointed.
Escape from Oz was a fun read. It follows the adventures of Falken as he tries to, as the title suggests, escape from New Oz. He is a fighter, or was, and his temper can get him into some bad situations. Most recently it made him do something he regrets, but cost him a long prison sentence. He is hoping to appeal his sentence, but first he has to figure out where he is and what is going on. He thinks he will be put in a jail with other inmates, but instead they ship him and everyone else off to another planet. To somewhere that is similar to earth, but not quite the same.
Falken doesn't really want any trouble, but in his quest to find a phone and way to contact his lawyer he finds it. There are two groups on the planet they are on - one not so good tough guys who starve newcomers and make them win fights to earn a place there. Then there are the settlers, the people who have planted crops and are trying to make this work. Everyone knows they will not get off of this rock, they are stuck there until they die, but which group will they stay with until that time? Which one would work for them?
I know Falken had a hard past, but he is really trying to change. He is trying to control his temper and keep his new friends safe. He starts learning about the biology of the planet, the plants and animals that live there and some of the odd things those who have been there longer have observed. He was fun. I loved watching him turn into this really great guy, this person who puts others before himself. When he went off on adventures to try and see what else this planet has in store or just helped the doctor with his patients I enjoyed it all. I especially loved how it all worked out. I won't spoil anything, but this was a great read. If you are a fan of the author alrerady you won't want to miss this newest work. If not it is a great place to start. I can't wait to read more of Falken's adventures!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for voluntary honest review consideration
I love this author's Janus Group series, it is one of my all-time favorites, so I was excited when I found out he was writing another series. Something a bit different, but still in the sci-fi realm (something I don't read nearly enough of). And I was not disappointed.
Escape from Oz was a fun read. It follows the adventures of Falken as he tries to, as the title suggests, escape from New Oz. He is a fighter, or was, and his temper can get him into some bad situations. Most recently it made him do something he regrets, but cost him a long prison sentence. He is hoping to appeal his sentence, but first he has to figure out where he is and what is going on. He thinks he will be put in a jail with other inmates, but instead they ship him and everyone else off to another planet. To somewhere that is similar to earth, but not quite the same.
Falken doesn't really want any trouble, but in his quest to find a phone and way to contact his lawyer he finds it. There are two groups on the planet they are on - one not so good tough guys who starve newcomers and make them win fights to earn a place there. Then there are the settlers, the people who have planted crops and are trying to make this work. Everyone knows they will not get off of this rock, they are stuck there until they die, but which group will they stay with until that time? Which one would work for them?
I know Falken had a hard past, but he is really trying to change. He is trying to control his temper and keep his new friends safe. He starts learning about the biology of the planet, the plants and animals that live there and some of the odd things those who have been there longer have observed. He was fun. I loved watching him turn into this really great guy, this person who puts others before himself. When he went off on adventures to try and see what else this planet has in store or just helped the doctor with his patients I enjoyed it all. I especially loved how it all worked out. I won't spoil anything, but this was a great read. If you are a fan of the author alrerady you won't want to miss this newest work. If not it is a great place to start. I can't wait to read more of Falken's adventures!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for voluntary honest review consideration
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews