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Star Traveler Series #1
The Helavite War
ASIN B00CMJEN96 moved to the most recent edition here
Jake is a human mercenary looking for a quiet place to rest, when his Protect Dar-dolf attacks the last living Henu, Arr. Feeling responsible, Jake stays on to care for Arr, as the alien with deep blue cat eyes and unusual abilities recovers.
Jake, who is almost twice Arr's age, takes on the role of teacher, mentor, father, and lost brother for his new alien friend. He and Arr experience adventures dealing with the Hydra, a race of lizard-like creatures who kidnap members of other species to sell on the black market as slaves; battle the Narnon on Gligula where Tuldavian Swamp Lizards lay their traps just below the surface of the slime; endure the incredible cold of the Ice Planet; dodge the Drifits of Nulian; and meet several old friends, as well as making new ones. During these travels their appreciation of each others rare abilities leads to a deep and enduring bound which will only grow stronger throughout their lifetimes.
Ultimately, they must face their toughest foe, the Helavites, a species which has been preying on the weaker beings in the universe for generations. In the underground catacombs of these beetle-like creatures a mystery is solved and the grounds for the resurrection of an old world are laid.
Jake is a human mercenary looking for a quiet place to rest, when his Protect Dar-dolf attacks the last living Henu, Arr. Feeling responsible, Jake stays on to care for Arr, as the alien with deep blue cat eyes and unusual abilities recovers.
Jake, who is almost twice Arr's age, takes on the role of teacher, mentor, father, and lost brother for his new alien friend. He and Arr experience adventures dealing with the Hydra, a race of lizard-like creatures who kidnap members of other species to sell on the black market as slaves; battle the Narnon on Gligula where Tuldavian Swamp Lizards lay their traps just below the surface of the slime; endure the incredible cold of the Ice Planet; dodge the Drifits of Nulian; and meet several old friends, as well as making new ones. During these travels their appreciation of each others rare abilities leads to a deep and enduring bound which will only grow stronger throughout their lifetimes.
Ultimately, they must face their toughest foe, the Helavites, a species which has been preying on the weaker beings in the universe for generations. In the underground catacombs of these beetle-like creatures a mystery is solved and the grounds for the resurrection of an old world are laid.
- GenresScience Fiction
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2013
50 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Snyder
36 books65 followersTheresa Snyder is a multi-genre writer with an internationally read blog. She grew up on a diet of B&W Scifi films like Forbidden Planet and The Day the Earth Stood Still. She is a voracious reader and her character driven writing is influenced by the early works of Anne McCaffrey, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein and L. Ron Hubbard. She loves to travel, but makes her home in Oregon where her elder father and she share a home and the maintenance of the resident cat, wild birds, squirrels, garden,and occasional Dragon house guest.
Check out her other work at: http://www.TheresaSnyderAuthor.com
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Check out her other work at: http://www.TheresaSnyderAuthor.com
For a Free Sample of her work and to join her newsletter:
http://www.theresasnyderauthor.com/fr...
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/TheresaSnyder19
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 24, 2020
Enjoyed the science fiction
A mercenary and the survivor of a planet attack form a unique relationship in the story. Though the story started a little slow, I enjoyed the small episodes marking friendship and love. Liked it.
A mercenary and the survivor of a planet attack form a unique relationship in the story. Though the story started a little slow, I enjoyed the small episodes marking friendship and love. Liked it.
September 27, 2014
At the beginning of month, I put a request out on my Facebook author page for an Indie book to feature on West Coast Book Reviews blog for September. The only stipulations were it be Science Fiction or Fantasy, be Indie and the author provide the Amazon.ca link. In the end my daughter picked one to read with me and I used random.org to pick one for West Coast Book Reviews.
That's how I found Theresa Snyder and The Helavite War.
I liked the old-school video game look of the cover. I remember pushing quarters into arcade games with the same feel, picturing myself in space and doing good for the galaxy. To me, each sun on the blue background promises an adventure and I'm pleased I got exactly that.
The Helavite War is the first in a series of six young adult Sci-Fi novels, the Star Traveler Series, which starts with the destruction of the Henu at the hands of the Others. Arr, a child at the time, and his brother were the only survivors. When Arr's brother dies, he's left alone. The only surviving Henu.
That is, until Jake and his dar-dolf arrive looking for a little peace and quiet.
I loved how the relationship between Jake and Arr grows and takes shape. Both are honest, good men who each find something they need in the other. Both make mistakes, both learn and they become inseparable friends. It's an amazing buddy story like Buzz and Woody from Toy Story and Steve and Sarah in Jeffrey M. Poole's The Prophecy. They are great companions first and foremost and I really felt the strain when they weren't together.
This book also has plenty of action. As a mercenary, Jake takes on jobs for pay from routing invaders to babysitting industrial operations and recovering kidnapping victims. Each little adventure they take builds on the whole and gives us hints of the Helavites, who take what they want from planets and destroy everything in their way. We get to see different planets and peoples to get a good feel for the galaxy Snyder builds.
If you're looking for some great space adventure, unique characters and to find out who loves the Raspberry Goo Chews more than anyone, strap in and take The Helavite War for a ride.
That's how I found Theresa Snyder and The Helavite War.
I liked the old-school video game look of the cover. I remember pushing quarters into arcade games with the same feel, picturing myself in space and doing good for the galaxy. To me, each sun on the blue background promises an adventure and I'm pleased I got exactly that.
The Helavite War is the first in a series of six young adult Sci-Fi novels, the Star Traveler Series, which starts with the destruction of the Henu at the hands of the Others. Arr, a child at the time, and his brother were the only survivors. When Arr's brother dies, he's left alone. The only surviving Henu.
That is, until Jake and his dar-dolf arrive looking for a little peace and quiet.
I loved how the relationship between Jake and Arr grows and takes shape. Both are honest, good men who each find something they need in the other. Both make mistakes, both learn and they become inseparable friends. It's an amazing buddy story like Buzz and Woody from Toy Story and Steve and Sarah in Jeffrey M. Poole's The Prophecy. They are great companions first and foremost and I really felt the strain when they weren't together.
This book also has plenty of action. As a mercenary, Jake takes on jobs for pay from routing invaders to babysitting industrial operations and recovering kidnapping victims. Each little adventure they take builds on the whole and gives us hints of the Helavites, who take what they want from planets and destroy everything in their way. We get to see different planets and peoples to get a good feel for the galaxy Snyder builds.
If you're looking for some great space adventure, unique characters and to find out who loves the Raspberry Goo Chews more than anyone, strap in and take The Helavite War for a ride.
October 10, 2013
Science fiction, especially space opera, has always been my favorite genre to read. Because of this, when I got an opportunity to read The Helavite War – Vol. 1 of the Star Traveler Series by Theresa Snyder, I jumped at it. I was not disappointed.
This is an excellent work of sci-fi that is very easy to read but it will grab you by the seat of the pants and will not let you go throughout the entire book. The author did an excellent job of developing the storyline and kept adding new twist and turns which kept me glued to the story. The story was both very real and believable which made it easier to follow.
I really liked the characters Theresa Snyder created in the story. Again, they were both believable and real. This made it easy to identify with them and get into each of their stories.
I really enjoyed The Helavite War by Theresa Snyder and I highly recommend it to all readers.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
This is an excellent work of sci-fi that is very easy to read but it will grab you by the seat of the pants and will not let you go throughout the entire book. The author did an excellent job of developing the storyline and kept adding new twist and turns which kept me glued to the story. The story was both very real and believable which made it easier to follow.
I really liked the characters Theresa Snyder created in the story. Again, they were both believable and real. This made it easy to identify with them and get into each of their stories.
I really enjoyed The Helavite War by Theresa Snyder and I highly recommend it to all readers.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
June 10, 2019
I have read the "Farloft Chronicles" all 4 books by this author then I bought this book a while ago, well, more than 2 years ago, but never came around to read it.
And now I finally read it, since i found it in my book library on my phone again and found out, what i missed.
What a great story, I loved it from the first page.
Just by change or was it fate? Jake, the mercenary, landed an Arr's planet Henu. Its people were killed by the evil Helavites. Arr was the only survivor. Lonely, he made his life as good as he know, until Jake's arrival.
Jake takes him under his wing and teaches him, all he know. With that he found out how special he really is, with his special ability and learning fast language.
I love reading her style of writing and her books. I won't forget her again. Need to read the next book in the series.
And now I finally read it, since i found it in my book library on my phone again and found out, what i missed.
What a great story, I loved it from the first page.
Just by change or was it fate? Jake, the mercenary, landed an Arr's planet Henu. Its people were killed by the evil Helavites. Arr was the only survivor. Lonely, he made his life as good as he know, until Jake's arrival.
Jake takes him under his wing and teaches him, all he know. With that he found out how special he really is, with his special ability and learning fast language.
I love reading her style of writing and her books. I won't forget her again. Need to read the next book in the series.
August 26, 2017
The last of his kind! A survivor fighting for a species which have been wiped out by pirates. His name is Arr and he just can't fathom why all these lives were brutally ended? He is alone in a the vastness of space until, by stroke of luck or fate, a man named Jake arrives about his ship.
Jake takes Arr into his keep. He trains him and schools him. And from here both their lives change. No spoilers!
I will add that Ms. Snyder builds wonderful worlds, creates believable characters, and takes over your mind as realize the skills this author has.
A must read for all sci-fi fans!
Jake takes Arr into his keep. He trains him and schools him. And from here both their lives change. No spoilers!
I will add that Ms. Snyder builds wonderful worlds, creates believable characters, and takes over your mind as realize the skills this author has.
A must read for all sci-fi fans!
October 4, 2020
OK, I just started chapter 7 but the story seems implausible and shallow so far. Like there is just one village on a planet even though someone owned an interstellar space ship. Makes no sense.
I'll keep going for now but it had better get better.
I have had it. Reached chapter 31.
Andre Norton is better and her stuff is olde.
Alan Dean Foster is better.
Mentions "window to another galaxy" and then doesn't explain or describe it.
I'll keep going for now but it had better get better.
I have had it. Reached chapter 31.
Andre Norton is better and her stuff is olde.
Alan Dean Foster is better.
Mentions "window to another galaxy" and then doesn't explain or describe it.
March 11, 2020
An interesting premise combined with intriguing primary characters are this book's main appeal. The writing, however, did not flow well for me, and exposition was often clunky when it could easily have been worked in organically. On balance, it was a fun read that could have been improved by the addition of a grumpy editor.
January 10, 2020
An enjoyable space novel read.
Quite a different adventure. Space mercenaries fighting the bad guys in many planets. Jake befriends Arr a one of kind species and trains him. Jake meets Margaret who wants to study Arr. This leads to a surprise ending.
Quite a different adventure. Space mercenaries fighting the bad guys in many planets. Jake befriends Arr a one of kind species and trains him. Jake meets Margaret who wants to study Arr. This leads to a surprise ending.
July 20, 2021
Absolutely a must read.
This story had me so immersed that I lost track of time. As I smiled at good parts, cried at sad parts, and did a bit of both at the end of the story.
This story had me so immersed that I lost track of time. As I smiled at good parts, cried at sad parts, and did a bit of both at the end of the story.
December 4, 2019
I found it hard to finish half way through but I kept going hoping it would get better but I found it boring. The story was wasted it could have been better with details and fact. The story lacks depth.
October 8, 2013
Scroll down for the English version.
Una lunga avventura nello spazio
Questo primo romanzo della serie “Star Traveler” di Theresa Snyder ci catapulta in un futuro imprecisato, un po’ alla Star Wars, in cui l’Uomo viaggia senza problemi tra un sistema stellare e l’altro della galassia, popolata da numerosissime specie di alieni, alcuni molto socievole e altri un po’ meno. In questa ambientazione quasi da favola seguiamo le avventure dell’umano Jake e del giovane henu Arr, mercenari dai sani principi, che nel corso di diversi anni si trovano ad affrontare situazioni rocambolesche e pericolosi nemici. Ma il vero punto di forza della storia è proprio il rapporto fraterno tra i due protagonisti. Da una parte c’è Jake, abituato a una vita solitaria, che in uno dei suoi tanti viaggi si imbatte nel giovanissimo henu, ultimo superstite della sua specie aliena, e lo prende sotto la sua ala protettiva, come se fosse un fratello minore. Il legame tra i due è fortissimo e più di una volta porta il lettore a commuoversi nel sentire la sofferenza di Arr, quando viene separato da Jake.
Questo tipo di space opera, adatta a un pubblico di qualsiasi età, è diversa da quella più cinematografica cui sono abituata. La storia non ha un unico filo conduttore, a parte l’amicizia di Arr e Jake, ma si dipana attraverso tutta una serie di episodi molto godibili, che ne fanno una lettura affascinante e leggera, che trova la sua forza proprio nei personaggi.
La consiglio a qualsiasi lettore che ami le storie con buoni sentimenti e tante astronavi.
A long adventure in space
In this first novel in the “Star Traveler Series” Theresa Snyder sends us into a unspecified Star Wars style future, where mankind travels smoothly between a star system and the other in the galaxy, populated by numerous species of aliens, some very sociable and others a bit less. In this almost fairy-tale setting we follow the adventures of the human Jake and the young Henu Arr, mercenaries with sound principles, who in the course of several years are facing daring situations and dangerous enemies. But the real strength of the story is the fraternal relationship between the two protagonists. On the one hand there is Jake, used to a solitary life, who in one of his many trips encounters the young Henu, last survivor of his alien species, and takes him under his wing, as if he were a younger brother. The bound between the two is strong and more than once takes the reader to be moved while feeling the suffering of Arr, when he is separated from Jake.
This type of space opera, suitable for an audience of any age, is different from the more film style one I’m used to. The story does not have a single thread, apart from the friendship of Arr and Jake, but unfolds through a series of very enjoyable episodes, which make it a fascinating and light reading that finds its strength in the characters.
I recommend it to any reader who loves stories with good feelings and many spaceships.
Una lunga avventura nello spazio
Questo primo romanzo della serie “Star Traveler” di Theresa Snyder ci catapulta in un futuro imprecisato, un po’ alla Star Wars, in cui l’Uomo viaggia senza problemi tra un sistema stellare e l’altro della galassia, popolata da numerosissime specie di alieni, alcuni molto socievole e altri un po’ meno. In questa ambientazione quasi da favola seguiamo le avventure dell’umano Jake e del giovane henu Arr, mercenari dai sani principi, che nel corso di diversi anni si trovano ad affrontare situazioni rocambolesche e pericolosi nemici. Ma il vero punto di forza della storia è proprio il rapporto fraterno tra i due protagonisti. Da una parte c’è Jake, abituato a una vita solitaria, che in uno dei suoi tanti viaggi si imbatte nel giovanissimo henu, ultimo superstite della sua specie aliena, e lo prende sotto la sua ala protettiva, come se fosse un fratello minore. Il legame tra i due è fortissimo e più di una volta porta il lettore a commuoversi nel sentire la sofferenza di Arr, quando viene separato da Jake.
Questo tipo di space opera, adatta a un pubblico di qualsiasi età, è diversa da quella più cinematografica cui sono abituata. La storia non ha un unico filo conduttore, a parte l’amicizia di Arr e Jake, ma si dipana attraverso tutta una serie di episodi molto godibili, che ne fanno una lettura affascinante e leggera, che trova la sua forza proprio nei personaggi.
La consiglio a qualsiasi lettore che ami le storie con buoni sentimenti e tante astronavi.
A long adventure in space
In this first novel in the “Star Traveler Series” Theresa Snyder sends us into a unspecified Star Wars style future, where mankind travels smoothly between a star system and the other in the galaxy, populated by numerous species of aliens, some very sociable and others a bit less. In this almost fairy-tale setting we follow the adventures of the human Jake and the young Henu Arr, mercenaries with sound principles, who in the course of several years are facing daring situations and dangerous enemies. But the real strength of the story is the fraternal relationship between the two protagonists. On the one hand there is Jake, used to a solitary life, who in one of his many trips encounters the young Henu, last survivor of his alien species, and takes him under his wing, as if he were a younger brother. The bound between the two is strong and more than once takes the reader to be moved while feeling the suffering of Arr, when he is separated from Jake.
This type of space opera, suitable for an audience of any age, is different from the more film style one I’m used to. The story does not have a single thread, apart from the friendship of Arr and Jake, but unfolds through a series of very enjoyable episodes, which make it a fascinating and light reading that finds its strength in the characters.
I recommend it to any reader who loves stories with good feelings and many spaceships.
January 11, 2015
I happen to know Theresa, the author, personally. I have done business with her quite a bit, and surprisingly, none of that business related to Scripted Genius or her works as an author. During the course of our conversations, I learned of her passion for writing. I had the opportunity to download this book during one of the free download days that she was able to provide. Thus, this review is not a traditional review. I was not provided a copy for reviewing purposes, but am reviewing it out of her request for me to read her book.
The style of prose used for this book has a feel of medieval times, despite the intergalactic part of it all. A simple yet poetic writing style, Snyder’s voice gives to be a narrator retelling the tale as if passed down from generation to generation. It rings similar of “there once was” and “once upon a time,” giving a classic feel to her recent works. Despite this feeling, I am occasionally caught up on the grammatical challenges that this style of prose presents. Nevertheless, I am sure this would be an entertaining read for many, despite it not being my personal flavor of fiction. In all, I would give this book 3.5 stars, erring on the higher end, as it is bound to be a favorite for many, if not one of mine.
It is hard to write a book and have it be successful, of this I can personally attest. Nevertheless, Snyder’s attempt in this book is much appreciated and lends trust that the voice only gets better with experience, as readers may discover if they continue in her series…
The style of prose used for this book has a feel of medieval times, despite the intergalactic part of it all. A simple yet poetic writing style, Snyder’s voice gives to be a narrator retelling the tale as if passed down from generation to generation. It rings similar of “there once was” and “once upon a time,” giving a classic feel to her recent works. Despite this feeling, I am occasionally caught up on the grammatical challenges that this style of prose presents. Nevertheless, I am sure this would be an entertaining read for many, despite it not being my personal flavor of fiction. In all, I would give this book 3.5 stars, erring on the higher end, as it is bound to be a favorite for many, if not one of mine.
It is hard to write a book and have it be successful, of this I can personally attest. Nevertheless, Snyder’s attempt in this book is much appreciated and lends trust that the voice only gets better with experience, as readers may discover if they continue in her series…
August 12, 2016
The Helavite War by Theresa Snyder is a well-written sci-fi adventure story set in the distant future. Arr is the last Henu, the sole survivor of human-like beings who were exterminated by mysterious planetary pirates. Arr lives alone until Jake arrives in his space ship Calpernia, seeking R&R from his job as a mercenary fighter. His destructive, loveable bear-dog Kay-o is an interesting addition. Jake, a large human, invites the young Henu aboard his ship and trains him to be his comrade in arms. A deep bond forms between them as they face dangers together. Additional human characters and unique alien species fill out the story. The alien details, culture, and future-world descriptions are excellent.
The characters are terrific and memorable. Theresa Snyder is a natural story-teller, and I truly enjoyed this book…so much that I read it in one day! I highly recommend this for a fun, fast-paced, entertaining read.
The characters are terrific and memorable. Theresa Snyder is a natural story-teller, and I truly enjoyed this book…so much that I read it in one day! I highly recommend this for a fun, fast-paced, entertaining read.
September 23, 2013
I may read a sci-fi or fantasy book here and there but none in a long time had my attention like this book. Ms. Snyder weaves a thread of humanity into her characters, which make them likeable and real. She is easy on the technical jargon which runs rampant through most fantasy and sci-fi novels. One of my favorite things about young Arr, a main character, is the way his pain and devastation because of his incredible loss is well conveyed by the author. I especially liked how the two main characters, Jake and Arr, formed a strong bond of friendship. There was a consistency in the characters and they remained true to themselves throughout the book. Also, this wasn't a generic fantasy book which could have been written by anyone. The author has a distinctive voice and tells a wonderful story.
This was a truly great read and I can't wait to read more from Ms. Snyder!
This was a truly great read and I can't wait to read more from Ms. Snyder!
September 7, 2016
"The Helavite War (The Star Traveler Series)" by Theresa Snyder is a lovely science fiction story that centers about the friendship between space mercenary Jack and Arr, the sole survivor of his planet and his people, the Helu.
The Helavites raid the solar system, kill and rob planets. When Jack arrives at the planet and finds Arr he forms a friendship with the boy and takes him under his wings.
It is almost impossible not to fall for the beautiful writing and to feel for Arr as he has lost everything. You'll love Jack for taking on the responsibility and to see the two of them become friends and develop through their friendship.
The world creation and science fiction aspects were also very entertaining and well written.
There are some wonderful moments in this story and there is scope for much more to come in this promising series.
The Helavites raid the solar system, kill and rob planets. When Jack arrives at the planet and finds Arr he forms a friendship with the boy and takes him under his wings.
It is almost impossible not to fall for the beautiful writing and to feel for Arr as he has lost everything. You'll love Jack for taking on the responsibility and to see the two of them become friends and develop through their friendship.
The world creation and science fiction aspects were also very entertaining and well written.
There are some wonderful moments in this story and there is scope for much more to come in this promising series.
May 6, 2013
Good young adult read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews