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Empress of the Endless Sea #1
Pirate of the Prophecy
On the world of Dematr, the Emperor and his legions rule over the lands on the eastern side of the Sea of Bakre, and the Great Guilds rule over the Emperor and his subjects. The Mechanics Guild, whose members claim they came from the stars, controls technology far beyond that of the swords and sailing ships of the common people, while the Mage Guild wields strange powers that terrify all who face them.Jules, an orphan from the Imperial city of Landfall, has fought her way up to become an officer in training with the Emperor’s fleet. But her plans and her life are shattered when a Mage prophesizes that a daughter of her line will one day overthrow the Great Guilds and free the world. In that moment, the prophecy takes over her life. The Mages plot to kill her, the Mechanics try to find ways to use her, and the Emperor seeks to coerce her into having his children.Unwilling to surrender her life to serving the prophecy, Jules makes her escape by joining the crew of a pirate ship. As she fights for her comrades’ freedom as well as her own, she learns that the world is finally changing. But if that change triggers all-out war between the Great Guilds and the Empire, it may well devastate the world rather than free it.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2020
95 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Jack Campbell
116 books3,042 followersJack Campbell is a pseudonym for American science fiction author John G. Hemry.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
John G. Hemry is an American author of military science fiction novels. Drawing on his experience as a retired United States Navy officer, he has written the Stark's War and Paul Sinclair series. Under the name Jack Campbell, he has written four volumes of the Lost Fleet series, and on his website names two more forthcoming volumes. He has also written over a dozen short stories, many published in Analog magazine, and a number of non-fiction works.
John G Hemry is a retired United States Navy officer. His father, Jack M. Hemry, also served in the navy and as John points out was a mustang. John grew up living in several places including Pensacola, San Diego, and Midway Island.
John graduated from Lyons High School in Lyons in 1974 then attended the US Naval Academy (Class of '78) where he was labeled 'the un-midshipman' by his roommates.
He lives in Maryland with his wife and three kids. His two eldest children are diagnosed as autistic and suffer from Neuro immune dysfunction syndrome (NIDS), an auto-immune ailment which causes their illness, but are progressing under treatment.
John is a member of the SFWA Musketeers whose motto reads: 'The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword, but the Wise Person Carries Both'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 11, 2021
Empress of the Endless Sea book 1. A prequel series. I don't think there are any spoilers for Pillars of Reality ahead. . . .
But this is when Jules, a young lieutenant in training, is pulling duty in a port that should exists and meets with a Mage. Who prophesies that a daughter of her line will unite Mages, Mechanics, and commons, to overthrow the power of the Guilds.
Her fellow lieutenants think the Emperor will be delighted. She bolts, and succeeds in getting on a ship by warning they will be searched when the hue and cry arise for her. Then she realizes they are pirates.
Piracy! Daring rescues! Discovery of new lands past the control of the Empire! Jules wanting to make a name for herself so that people will believe that a daughter of her line can succeed because she's descended from the famous Jules! Mages trying to kill her, Mechanics trying to use her, and more.
I think it works as a stand-alone, though I did read the original series first.
But this is when Jules, a young lieutenant in training, is pulling duty in a port that should exists and meets with a Mage. Who prophesies that a daughter of her line will unite Mages, Mechanics, and commons, to overthrow the power of the Guilds.
Her fellow lieutenants think the Emperor will be delighted. She bolts, and succeeds in getting on a ship by warning they will be searched when the hue and cry arise for her. Then she realizes they are pirates.
Piracy! Daring rescues! Discovery of new lands past the control of the Empire! Jules wanting to make a name for herself so that people will believe that a daughter of her line can succeed because she's descended from the famous Jules! Mages trying to kill her, Mechanics trying to use her, and more.
I think it works as a stand-alone, though I did read the original series first.
May 28, 2021
These books cannot be read out of order. You have to enjoy women with agency, deluxe world and character building, and derring-do, to enjoy the series.
There are mages with powers that cannot be explained. Engineers who hog any knowledge of "modern" technology, such as radio, guns, railroads and electricity, from everyone else on this lost planet, the "common" people. Sailpower is the order of the day.
I listened to this series.
There are mages with powers that cannot be explained. Engineers who hog any knowledge of "modern" technology, such as radio, guns, railroads and electricity, from everyone else on this lost planet, the "common" people. Sailpower is the order of the day.
I listened to this series.
August 30, 2021
Wow that started fast, I was expecting a lot more build up to the prophecy
August 6, 2024
Retired naval officer Jack Campbell has proven himself a master of military space opera. So it is not a stretch for him to turn his hand to nautical steampunk science fantasy. The Empress of the Endless Sea trilogy is a prequel to Campbell’s six-volume Pillars of Reality series. Like the first Star Wars movie, Pirate of the Prophecy can be treated as a standalone, but you know there will be more. Its world is an empire with two powerful guilds that take promising commoner children from their parents to be trained in their discipline. The Mages are unfriendly sorts who see the world as an illusion but make reliable predictions. The Mechanics are engineers who control technology generations ahead of the rest of the world.
Jules, the pirate of the title, is an orphan who has worked to become a lieutenant in the Emperor’s Legion. Her life changes when a mage tells her a daughter of her line will unite the mages, mechanics, and commoners to overthrow the guilds. That prophecy makes her a target and leads her to join the crew of a pirate ship that unaccountably runs like a democracy. Like the protagonists of Campbell’s space operas, she strives to do the right thing in a dangerous, morally complex world.
This one was an adventurous beach read, and I wished I were at the beach to read it.
May 9, 2023
Over the past few weeks, I sailed through (pun intended) the three books in the Empress of the Endless Sea series by Jack Campbell.
It was a swift voyage. The pages almost turning themselves. A great story with an exciting end to the last book in the series. Overall a truly enjoyable swashbuckling pirate adventure. I can't recommend Jack Campbell's books enough.
Relatable main character
The books revolve around the life of pirates fighting not only for loot but to free people from imperial rule. Read this series if you like smoothly written books, full of naval engagements, and discovery of new lands, all centered around the any-person hero, Jules of Landfall. She is a lieutenant in training when we first meet her. A very likable young woman with a hard center. The sort of person who wants to do the right thing, but welcomes a fight.
I think a lot of readers will relate to Jules quite easily, respect her sense of decency, and admire her commitment and drive.
Read the rest of the review on my blog: https://runesnielsen.com/book/2020/3/...
It was a swift voyage. The pages almost turning themselves. A great story with an exciting end to the last book in the series. Overall a truly enjoyable swashbuckling pirate adventure. I can't recommend Jack Campbell's books enough.
Relatable main character
The books revolve around the life of pirates fighting not only for loot but to free people from imperial rule. Read this series if you like smoothly written books, full of naval engagements, and discovery of new lands, all centered around the any-person hero, Jules of Landfall. She is a lieutenant in training when we first meet her. A very likable young woman with a hard center. The sort of person who wants to do the right thing, but welcomes a fight.
I think a lot of readers will relate to Jules quite easily, respect her sense of decency, and admire her commitment and drive.
Read the rest of the review on my blog: https://runesnielsen.com/book/2020/3/...
February 17, 2022
Man, I'm so glad to have found this gem! It's a book that I didn't know Jack Campbell had written! It's a spin-off series in one of my favorite sagas, Pillars of Reality and the subsequent books in follow up trilogy Legacy of Dragons.
I found this book in one of Audible's 2fer1 deals and well I couldn't resist. 'Cause 'Pirate' was in the title and Jack Campbell wrote it! I downloaded it so fast that I didn't even take the time to listen to the snippet! You can imagine my confusion when I started the book, because it sounded so familiar. I actually had to stop and read the blurb for once! 😆
This is the series where it all started! About the Prophecy, and how it changed Jules life once spoken. It's about Jules refusing to be a pawn in someone else's game. So if you're looking for a great action-packed read you're gonna wanna listen to this book and I can assure you Caitlin Davies is the right narrator to tell us Jules story! Once you're done go ahead indulge yourself and read or re-read the Pillars of Reality. That's what I did!
I found this book in one of Audible's 2fer1 deals and well I couldn't resist. 'Cause 'Pirate' was in the title and Jack Campbell wrote it! I downloaded it so fast that I didn't even take the time to listen to the snippet! You can imagine my confusion when I started the book, because it sounded so familiar. I actually had to stop and read the blurb for once! 😆
This is the series where it all started! About the Prophecy, and how it changed Jules life once spoken. It's about Jules refusing to be a pawn in someone else's game. So if you're looking for a great action-packed read you're gonna wanna listen to this book and I can assure you Caitlin Davies is the right narrator to tell us Jules story! Once you're done go ahead indulge yourself and read or re-read the Pillars of Reality. That's what I did!
October 5, 2025
I will start by saying I love Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series. He has a way of writing science fiction in a way that is believable and I called the first book, "A fan-dadgum-tastic military science fiction adventure".
I had high hopes that this fantasy world would be similar in believability and adventure. It is an adventure but it didn't have exactly what I was looking forward to. I liked it enough but I got a little tired of the main character. When she was working through the problems set before her, she was great. But when she kept whinging on about being the main part of a prophecy and kept asking 'why me' and wondering if people wanted her around only because she the mother of the future woman who would be the Commons' salvation from the guilds of Mechanics and Mages and Imperials.
Thankfully the strong problem solver and wanting to help others was the majority of the book so I kept listening.
I will likely listen to the next book but it will be a while before I look for it.
I had high hopes that this fantasy world would be similar in believability and adventure. It is an adventure but it didn't have exactly what I was looking forward to. I liked it enough but I got a little tired of the main character. When she was working through the problems set before her, she was great. But when she kept whinging on about being the main part of a prophecy and kept asking 'why me' and wondering if people wanted her around only because she the mother of the future woman who would be the Commons' salvation from the guilds of Mechanics and Mages and Imperials.
Thankfully the strong problem solver and wanting to help others was the majority of the book so I kept listening.
I will likely listen to the next book but it will be a while before I look for it.
September 17, 2020
Interesting twist to a Pirates life
I love and used to reading Jack Campbell's SciFi books so when I heard about this Pirate series I had to take a look, out of curiosity mostly. And boy did he not disappoint, it was a great story with memorable main characters like Jules (Jeri) and Captain Mak and side characters like Liv and Ang. The known world is run by the two great Guilds, the Mechanics and the Mage's who see everyone else as commons which pretty much means dirt. They are rules by an Emperor but they are not free nor safe, the Guilds can kill you as they please while they expand their power at will. Here is where the Pirates come into play as free people who have fled the Empire and avoid the Guilds at all costs, that is until Jules is told of a prophecy that turns her world upside down and she has no choice but to run and live. Finding her way to Captain Mak and a Pirate vessel...here is where the adventure begins.
I love and used to reading Jack Campbell's SciFi books so when I heard about this Pirate series I had to take a look, out of curiosity mostly. And boy did he not disappoint, it was a great story with memorable main characters like Jules (Jeri) and Captain Mak and side characters like Liv and Ang. The known world is run by the two great Guilds, the Mechanics and the Mage's who see everyone else as commons which pretty much means dirt. They are rules by an Emperor but they are not free nor safe, the Guilds can kill you as they please while they expand their power at will. Here is where the Pirates come into play as free people who have fled the Empire and avoid the Guilds at all costs, that is until Jules is told of a prophecy that turns her world upside down and she has no choice but to run and live. Finding her way to Captain Mak and a Pirate vessel...here is where the adventure begins.
November 11, 2022
A book for dedicated fans of the series
If you are a huge fan of the series (I am) and want more from the world of Dematr(I do). If you thought Daughter of Dragons got panned unjustly (It wasn't that bad) and if you'd read anything by Jack Campbell, then this prequel trilogy should serve as a kind of comfort food.
I do not recommend this book as a starting place, or any kind of introduction to the world of Dematr or the Pillars of Reality Series.
To be honest, this has the feel of a fat free / healthy choice version of a dish you like. It tastes nearly identical, but there is something lacking.
If it's all you can get, you take it.
But if you're not dying for more, or if you felt let down by Daughter of Dragons you could just as easily skip this and not miss too much.
I'm personally enjoying it, but I can see that if it were a stand-alone I would be underwhelmed.
If you are a huge fan of the series (I am) and want more from the world of Dematr(I do). If you thought Daughter of Dragons got panned unjustly (It wasn't that bad) and if you'd read anything by Jack Campbell, then this prequel trilogy should serve as a kind of comfort food.
I do not recommend this book as a starting place, or any kind of introduction to the world of Dematr or the Pillars of Reality Series.
To be honest, this has the feel of a fat free / healthy choice version of a dish you like. It tastes nearly identical, but there is something lacking.
If it's all you can get, you take it.
But if you're not dying for more, or if you felt let down by Daughter of Dragons you could just as easily skip this and not miss too much.
I'm personally enjoying it, but I can see that if it were a stand-alone I would be underwhelmed.
Read
June 4, 2022This book takes place where there are 3 types of rulers over the common people, the emperor, the mechanics, and the mages. Mechanics have a couple of powered ships and guns and a story that they came from the stars. Mages have some types of powers. The protagonist was an orphan who got trained to become an officer trainee in the imperial navy when she walked into a bar and a mage said “This one sees that one, and hears a voice inside say the day will come when a daughter of your line will unite Mechanics, Mages, and the common folk to overthrow the Great Guilds and free the world. A daughter of your line will someday do this.”
Then she flees, and she joins a pirate ship. She has adventures as those groups wants to kill her or use her.
Then she flees, and she joins a pirate ship. She has adventures as those groups wants to kill her or use her.
August 6, 2020
Prequel to the Pillar of Reality series (which I loved). Because it's a prequel series, you do NOT have to have read that other series. However, if you have read it, your experience reading this will be that much richer.
I did not know how much I needed this prequel! And had no idea it was being worked on. What a nice surprise!
Even if you're not familiar with the series, you might enjoy this if you like stories about naval adventure, sailing ships, drama, danger, and strong female (and male) characters.
I did not know how much I needed this prequel! And had no idea it was being worked on. What a nice surprise!
Even if you're not familiar with the series, you might enjoy this if you like stories about naval adventure, sailing ships, drama, danger, and strong female (and male) characters.
January 15, 2026
A solid fantasy story with a small twist to the chosen-one trope.
Jules is a sympathetic protagonist, although she laments her fate far too often. I like the way she develops as a leader by being competent and selflessly taking chances. While the Mechanics guild is fleshed out to some degree, we only get a teasing look into the Magician's society. There's plenty left to explore in the following books.
While I'm not compelled to immediately complete the series, but I'll definitely be returning.
Jules is a sympathetic protagonist, although she laments her fate far too often. I like the way she develops as a leader by being competent and selflessly taking chances. While the Mechanics guild is fleshed out to some degree, we only get a teasing look into the Magician's society. There's plenty left to explore in the following books.
While I'm not compelled to immediately complete the series, but I'll definitely be returning.
April 14, 2021
I like the new narrator, that lady is good enough to make me forgive her for not being MacLeod Andrews. On purely a story level, I have thought for a while that the story of Jules would be really fun to explore, and even if the author went in a different direction than I would have, it was still fun! Yay!
July 4, 2021
I've read so many of Campbell's books and loved them all. I was worried that this one would be too much like "The Pirates of Pacta Servanda" but there's enough new here that it's a great adventure story. A bit more internal worrying by Jules but I'm willing to forgive that too. A great beginning to a new (sort of) trilogy.
July 21, 2021
I don't know if it's the narrator or that I've already read the Pillars of Reality series but this was a bit of a disappointment. Probably since I already know what happens with 'the daughter of jules' this seemed an unnecessary prequel. The writing is fine, characters are good and I'll probably still pick up other Jack Campbell books but I'm going to pass on this mini series.
November 12, 2022
Technology and science on one end; spiritualism on the other, and Jules in between. Her battle has to do with keeping the future alive in the present moment. Which has more power to motivate a person: the present moment or a promised and hoped for future? Sometimes you have to have both (and o both) at the same time.
January 17, 2023
Very good book!
I thoroughly enjoyed book one and can't wait to read book 2. It's a slower book but very enjoyable. It's not brimming with action but it has enough to keep you going and keep you wondering what's going to happen to the characters you've come to know. Definitely worth a relaxing and enjoyable read.
I thoroughly enjoyed book one and can't wait to read book 2. It's a slower book but very enjoyable. It's not brimming with action but it has enough to keep you going and keep you wondering what's going to happen to the characters you've come to know. Definitely worth a relaxing and enjoyable read.
August 11, 2020
Prequel series starts on well
A few rough spots in the development of the main character. Imho she begins as emotionally damaged and very angry at the world and very unsure of herself.
Takes some interesting escapes and crises to break out of her lack of confidence.
A few rough spots in the development of the main character. Imho she begins as emotionally damaged and very angry at the world and very unsure of herself.
Takes some interesting escapes and crises to break out of her lack of confidence.
Read
September 17, 2020This just didn't quite work for me. I might go back and read it someday.
Prequels don't always work out for me. It quite depends. This one felt all right to start, but eventually it felt tiresome.
Prequels don't always work out for me. It quite depends. This one felt all right to start, but eventually it felt tiresome.
April 12, 2021
We enjoyed this first book about Jules. It is my son's favorite in the Dematr books so far.
I felt much of the information about how the world worked and about the mages and mechanics was repeated, and repeated from the first books. But once I could get past that, the story was quite enjoyable.
I felt much of the information about how the world worked and about the mages and mechanics was repeated, and repeated from the first books. But once I could get past that, the story was quite enjoyable.
May 24, 2021
It's fine, I guess, but not super entertaining and the world-building is very primitive and obvious. Also, I can tell you the ending now, without having to read the rest of the series. From the author of the Lost Fleet series I had hoped for more...
September 7, 2022
Love Jack Campbell and his Pillar of Reality series, as well as his sequel trilogy so of course I picked up this prequel trilogy as well!
Fantastic work and it made me cry. The new narrator performed very well.
Fantastic work and it made me cry. The new narrator performed very well.
December 8, 2022
Jules faces a prophecy made by a Mage and flees to a pirate ship. Fast paced action with a heroine that does not take no for an answer. The story and worldbuilding slowly grows on you. A mix of fantasy and sci-fi elements
April 20, 2020
I have always liked this series and it is nice to see where it all began.
December 29, 2020
No surprise this is as good as I've come to expect from this author and a great addition to this story world.
February 20, 2021
A good beginning to one of my favorite stories.
March 31, 2022
Good beginning for a story. It has just enough tie ins to the other books that I really enjoy it.
Read
June 3, 2022In love with this Universe, enough said!
February 4, 2023
Great nautical fantasy. A touch of sci fi. The editing was bad, but the story more than makes up for it. Having read all the lost fleet novels, i look forward to the rest of this series.
March 13, 2021
I wasn't sure I liked the main character at first, but she grew on me.
I've seen people complain about the narrator, but I enjoyed her reading.
I've seen people complain about the narrator, but I enjoyed her reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews