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The Course of Empire #2
Five Tribes
Countdown to Doomsday
The year is 2026. The US military has a new weapon in its arsenal: an intelligent life-form so versatile that it can not only create a new generation of weapons but can become a weapon itself - entering a host’s body to manipulate (or kill) them. Admiral James Curtiss is tasked with deploying the new weapons, first in Cuba, then Venezuela, then China. But the news of the military’s breakthrough has gotten out and there are menacing forces trying to steal it.
What’s more, a single man has somehow harnessed the new power and has become something more than human - godlike and seemingly indestructible. He is known only as the Inventor, and he has a warning for humanity: abandon the new technology or the human race will face extinction. It’s a countdown to doomsday. But humanity’s final fate may be decided in the most unlikely of places: among the primitive tribes of the Kalahari Desert where a top secret military mission has just taken an unexpected turn.
The year is 2026. The US military has a new weapon in its arsenal: an intelligent life-form so versatile that it can not only create a new generation of weapons but can become a weapon itself - entering a host’s body to manipulate (or kill) them. Admiral James Curtiss is tasked with deploying the new weapons, first in Cuba, then Venezuela, then China. But the news of the military’s breakthrough has gotten out and there are menacing forces trying to steal it.
What’s more, a single man has somehow harnessed the new power and has become something more than human - godlike and seemingly indestructible. He is known only as the Inventor, and he has a warning for humanity: abandon the new technology or the human race will face extinction. It’s a countdown to doomsday. But humanity’s final fate may be decided in the most unlikely of places: among the primitive tribes of the Kalahari Desert where a top secret military mission has just taken an unexpected turn.
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First published March 23, 2021
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About the author
Brian Nelson
27 books108 followersBRIAN NELSON is a former Fulbright Scholar who holds degrees in international relations, economics, and creative writing (fiction). His first book, The Silence and the Scorpion: The Coup against Chávez and the Making of Modern Venezuela, was named one of the Best Books of 2009 by The Economist. His work has appeared in The Virginia Quarterly Review, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Southern Humanities Review, among others. He lives in Colorado with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 31, 2023
4 ⭐️s. THOUGHT-PROVOKING
FIVE TRIBES, by Brian Nelson, is a solid second book in “The Course of Empire” series. He’s done it again…continuing the story of events happening in 2026 when man (military, science, Everyman) and science (genetics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, etc) impose their will each upon the other.
If we had the responsibility/drive/compassion, or whatever we thought was the idea “for the good or best” of the people, a situation, or the world..what would we find ourselves capable of? Would we all be able to set aside our possible egos/ulterior motives/greed to do what is best needed in a particular situation? Could we say “NO”?
I’m reflecting on a combined statement issued in the last few days from the major scions in the technology orbit warning that the development of artificial technology slow down or put on the brakes for a bit.
How serendipitous that I am reading this series at this particular moment.
WARNING: Again, graphic scenes of torture and death.
FIVE TRIBES, by Brian Nelson, is a solid second book in “The Course of Empire” series. He’s done it again…continuing the story of events happening in 2026 when man (military, science, Everyman) and science (genetics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, etc) impose their will each upon the other.
If we had the responsibility/drive/compassion, or whatever we thought was the idea “for the good or best” of the people, a situation, or the world..what would we find ourselves capable of? Would we all be able to set aside our possible egos/ulterior motives/greed to do what is best needed in a particular situation? Could we say “NO”?
I’m reflecting on a combined statement issued in the last few days from the major scions in the technology orbit warning that the development of artificial technology slow down or put on the brakes for a bit.
How serendipitous that I am reading this series at this particular moment.
WARNING: Again, graphic scenes of torture and death.
March 20, 2021
This was an excellent follow-up to The Last Sword Maker and was even better is some regards. It was extremely fast-paced. In fact, once I got to page 50, I read it straight through. I also thought that the merging of current events into the plot was extremely well done and even eerily prophetic (including an attack near the US Capitol). I loved many of the new characters, especially Riona Finley, and the frightening idea of an advanced AI system that is keeping tabs on everyone.
But for me, the scenes with Eric Hill in Africa were the most fascinating and I found myself looking forward to those sections most of all. I truly felt like I had been transported there and fell in love with the San people just like Eric Hill did.
While US-China relations were not at the center of this book, like they were for The Last Sword Maker, the material about China was, once again, well-researched and accurate, including the material about the Laogai—China’s prison labor program. It was great to see that Nelson got this right, since it is something that is horrific and shocking, but is rarely covered by the mainstream media.
I had hoped to learn more about the mysterious inventor who appeared at the end of the last book. While he does make a few appearances, it looks like we will have to wait for the next book to find out more about him.
Recommended.
But for me, the scenes with Eric Hill in Africa were the most fascinating and I found myself looking forward to those sections most of all. I truly felt like I had been transported there and fell in love with the San people just like Eric Hill did.
While US-China relations were not at the center of this book, like they were for The Last Sword Maker, the material about China was, once again, well-researched and accurate, including the material about the Laogai—China’s prison labor program. It was great to see that Nelson got this right, since it is something that is horrific and shocking, but is rarely covered by the mainstream media.
I had hoped to learn more about the mysterious inventor who appeared at the end of the last book. While he does make a few appearances, it looks like we will have to wait for the next book to find out more about him.
Recommended.
June 27, 2021
I’d seen some other reviews that complained that this book in the series was simply a set up for the next. Honestly, aren’t all books in a series set ups for the next? Personally I think this one was a well thought out plot line to show the growth of our characters. Most scientists from history, who discovered what came to be means for mass destruction, ended up regretting what inevitably came to pass. This book helps us, the reader, to understand one way that could occur through Eric Hill. I very much enjoyed this book in the series and am looking forward to the next installment.
January 20, 2021
Fascinating political thriller. Raised a lot of questions regarding power, authority and the advance of technology while staying as a riveting page Turner thriller. Enjoyed the characters and the action. Clearly there will be a third book and that was a slight weakness as some plot lines where left far too dangling to give this Second book a sense of being enough. But I definitely will be reading book three when it is available.
May 9, 2021
GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a day and a half, and I would definitely recommend it. However, as I sit down to write this, I’m realizing that this is not an easy book to describe. There are a lot of moving parts: there’s a Chinese prisoner being forced to work in a labor camp, a protagonist who crash lands and is rescued by a group of African tribesmen, an eco-terrorist killing US Senators, a scary AI system smart enough to make jokes about War Games, a ten-year-old girl dying of a rare genetic disease, and finally “the inventor”--a character who has become super-human.
Writing it out makes it feel almost overwhelming. But, in fact, it’s all brilliantly fused together and very exciting to read. And while some of the components might seem unrelated—such as what Artificial Intelligence has to do with hunting in Africa—when you read it, you begin to see the connections and it’s really fascinating.
The book also has a way of making you “feel” like you are involved, and I had a strong emotional connection to the characters—especially the San tribe in Africa. For me that was the heart of the story—the way that our rampant technological “progress” has these powerful unintended consequences that we rarely consider.
So in the end, this book was both exciting and profound...and definitely worth it.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a day and a half, and I would definitely recommend it. However, as I sit down to write this, I’m realizing that this is not an easy book to describe. There are a lot of moving parts: there’s a Chinese prisoner being forced to work in a labor camp, a protagonist who crash lands and is rescued by a group of African tribesmen, an eco-terrorist killing US Senators, a scary AI system smart enough to make jokes about War Games, a ten-year-old girl dying of a rare genetic disease, and finally “the inventor”--a character who has become super-human.
Writing it out makes it feel almost overwhelming. But, in fact, it’s all brilliantly fused together and very exciting to read. And while some of the components might seem unrelated—such as what Artificial Intelligence has to do with hunting in Africa—when you read it, you begin to see the connections and it’s really fascinating.
The book also has a way of making you “feel” like you are involved, and I had a strong emotional connection to the characters—especially the San tribe in Africa. For me that was the heart of the story—the way that our rampant technological “progress” has these powerful unintended consequences that we rarely consider.
So in the end, this book was both exciting and profound...and definitely worth it.
June 23, 2021
The underground Tangshan Military Laboratory China was damaged but not destroyed. Their leader, General Ming Long Wei along with some of the scientists were killed in the explosion, fire, and resulting panic. The nanocytes that were released killed many more. At the closing of the prior volume, the revelation of a man called The Inventor, who used and controlled the nanocyte technology, was disclosed. This new technology, nicknamed “Force Evolution”, is a merging of three sciences; genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. As the story opens, Admiral James Curtiss has people looking for a man, a man imprisoned in a Chinese labor camp in Namibia, Africa. The man’s name is Chow Ping. Eric Hill in a Valor helicopter, utilizing Force Evolution, along with a team of operators on the ground, was there to free Chow Ping. Who was Chow Ping? What made him so important to risk such a mission? Unfortunately for Eric, the mission didn’t go as planned. The circumstances surrounding Eric from this point forward are very interesting, consuming a major portion of the story. Rhianna Finley, the New Anarchist leader, is a radical that despised those who destroy without forethought, conscience, or consequence. She coldly sentences those to death. Olivia Rosario is the newest AI scientist added to the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). She was placed there by General Walden, who is no friend of Admiral Curtiss and is one of many who crave Force Evolution for their own needs. In effect, Rosario is a spy. Ryan Lee, an AI researcher for NRL, is infatuated with Rosario. I’ve outlined the major plotlines and characters without giving away the details. IMO the story in this second volume is much more interesting, thought-provoking, and at times, even heart-warming, than the prior volume. It possesses more humanity and interaction between the characters rather than primarily science. Eric Hill is the primary character of course. Later, The Inventor will take the focus, answering many questions. I come away with the realization that we must be very diligent with our advancing technology, never losing control. There are many science fiction titles referring to such loss. And we all know now that many of the titles in the past have come to be. “7.324%”
October 28, 2024
The story starts shortly after the first book in the series, THE LAST SWORD MAKER, ends and is both a smooth continuation of the story, yet moves into a very cool new direction.
What I loved about the opening was that it finally showcased some of the cool applications of the military technology that was only hinted at in the first book. For example, the book begins with a prison break on an African. The US military wants to rescue one of the inmates, but doesn’t want to get caught in the act, so they use these microscopic machines to enter the other convicts’ bodies to alter their blood chemistry, making them hyper-aggressive and violent. This causes a riot which the military uses as diversion to snatch up the prisoner they want. It’s a cool idea and shows how mixing different technologies like AI and nanotechnology can be used in creative ways that are essentially undetectable.
The book really makes you think about how fast technology is changing and it all seems very real and just around the corner. And it's full of stuff like thsi: ingenious applications of near future science. This culminated in the final battle scene where the Navy Seals use this state-of-the art system that allows a single soldier to track multiple targets on a battlefield simultaneously. I'd like to get my hands on that!
Overall a fun book and very exciting.
What I loved about the opening was that it finally showcased some of the cool applications of the military technology that was only hinted at in the first book. For example, the book begins with a prison break on an African. The US military wants to rescue one of the inmates, but doesn’t want to get caught in the act, so they use these microscopic machines to enter the other convicts’ bodies to alter their blood chemistry, making them hyper-aggressive and violent. This causes a riot which the military uses as diversion to snatch up the prisoner they want. It’s a cool idea and shows how mixing different technologies like AI and nanotechnology can be used in creative ways that are essentially undetectable.
The book really makes you think about how fast technology is changing and it all seems very real and just around the corner. And it's full of stuff like thsi: ingenious applications of near future science. This culminated in the final battle scene where the Navy Seals use this state-of-the art system that allows a single soldier to track multiple targets on a battlefield simultaneously. I'd like to get my hands on that!
Overall a fun book and very exciting.
February 23, 2022
One of the best sequels I have ever read. Not the same replay like many sequels, very different, but still maintaining the same action and ingredients as the first book. A new adventure, but with the same heros as the first book.
Certainly a continuation from The Last Sword Maker, but fresh. The science is absolutely fascinating in this book, exploring AI and Nanotechnology, mixed with the war between enemy countries as well as conflict within the various departments of the USA government.
Brian Nelson’s writing style is excellent. One sequence in the story is of a hunt for a wild animal, it is vibrant and visual, placing you there as one of the hunters, running, panting and becoming one with the wounded animal.
Nelson’s knowledge and understanding of the affects of war and the death of operators and military personnel seems accurate, heartfelt, and empathetic. The characters are deep and likable, or deep and unlikeable, depending on who they are.
This series may be the best techno-thrillers I have ever read. Absolutely amazing! Both books have a sprinkle of science fiction, in the way of technology, not aliens. The discussion of technology normally reserved for sci-fi is closer than we think, making it rather daunting and scary.
Certainly a continuation from The Last Sword Maker, but fresh. The science is absolutely fascinating in this book, exploring AI and Nanotechnology, mixed with the war between enemy countries as well as conflict within the various departments of the USA government.
Brian Nelson’s writing style is excellent. One sequence in the story is of a hunt for a wild animal, it is vibrant and visual, placing you there as one of the hunters, running, panting and becoming one with the wounded animal.
Nelson’s knowledge and understanding of the affects of war and the death of operators and military personnel seems accurate, heartfelt, and empathetic. The characters are deep and likable, or deep and unlikeable, depending on who they are.
This series may be the best techno-thrillers I have ever read. Absolutely amazing! Both books have a sprinkle of science fiction, in the way of technology, not aliens. The discussion of technology normally reserved for sci-fi is closer than we think, making it rather daunting and scary.
July 31, 2025
This was a fun and, at times, very intense book. As a nurse with a pretty good chemistry background I found a lot of the science and technology very scary and very possible. For example, at the beginning of the book they start a prison riot by having nanobots enter the inmates bodies and increasing certain hormones like adrenocorticotropic hormone and Corticotropin-Release Factor (CRF), sending the men into a violent rage. This was just one of many very clever ways that this new technology could be used--some for good and some for bad.
The action takes place between the United States and Africa and that made a neat contrast. But I found myself looking forward to the parts in Africa the most, I suppose because I felt I was learning about the life and culture of the people there. Yes, definitely one of those books that takes you on an adventure, but is teaching you a lot at the same time.
I'll definitely go on to book #3...especially because this one ends in a cliffhanger.
The action takes place between the United States and Africa and that made a neat contrast. But I found myself looking forward to the parts in Africa the most, I suppose because I felt I was learning about the life and culture of the people there. Yes, definitely one of those books that takes you on an adventure, but is teaching you a lot at the same time.
I'll definitely go on to book #3...especially because this one ends in a cliffhanger.
September 4, 2023
This is an excellent series. I loved the 1st book & didn't believe the 2nd could exceed my expectations, however it most certainly did. The Syfi in this series is such that I not only expect to see many become actuals in the next 5 to 10 years, but I can see that the world my children and grandchildren inherit, will be like nothing that can be imagined today. Then there are the tribes, which this series allows one to to see that which makes up our world and how we have come to be that which we are today... some incredibly amazing, but many so incredibly sad and disappointing. I highly recommend this series and will move on to the final book in the series.
March 23, 2021
Fascinating, thrilling and imposible to put down, I loved everything about this story.
A fast-paced thriller, with great characters and an extremely clever plot that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
My favorite parts of the story were the scenes in Africa, I was completely captivated by them.
This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley , Blackstone Publishing and Brian Nelson Author for this ARC.
http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...
A fast-paced thriller, with great characters and an extremely clever plot that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
My favorite parts of the story were the scenes in Africa, I was completely captivated by them.
This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone.
Thank you NetGalley , Blackstone Publishing and Brian Nelson Author for this ARC.
http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoff...
December 9, 2023
This book does a great job with the description of technology, places, and cultures, but this book feels like a .5 in the series. For instance, the first book The Last Sword Maker(https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/...) has a great full story of events, where this one felt like a filler almost an entire book that is a filler episode. It plays up the next and final book set to release 3/21/2023. It is a good story, but doesn't really drive the main character forward.
For more https://boydsbar.xyz/five-tribes/
For more https://boydsbar.xyz/five-tribes/
December 30, 2025
Based on my enjoyment of the first book in the series, I anticipated that I would also enjoy this one. However, I found its content and motifs to be disengaging and rather jading: romanticizing cannibalism, really? The storylines felt myopic; despite the envelope of geopolitical contention, the focus on the aboriginal aspects weren't why I enjoyed the first in the series. Overall the themes explored in this installment didn't resonate with me as much, making it difficult to stay invested chapter in the series.
https://www.notesofapilgrim.com/2020/...
https://www.notesofapilgrim.com/2020/...
March 4, 2021
I couldn't put it down! It picked up shortly after the first book, The Last Sword Maker, with solid characters, great pacing and the age old struggle between Science/Advancing Technologies and Power. Scary Technology I might add! As the cover teases, there is also a fascinating dive into the San people's culture which I thoroughly enjoyed. A Really Great Sci-Fi Thriller.
I can't wait for the third book!
I can't wait for the third book!
October 1, 2021
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This was a decent sequel and with a decent cliff hanger to lead to the next book. Reconnection with nature and a technology that is getting out of control. They are trying to save lives and to promote technology that can kill someone based on DNA. There was some good action scenes and the characters were interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4e...
This was a decent sequel and with a decent cliff hanger to lead to the next book. Reconnection with nature and a technology that is getting out of control. They are trying to save lives and to promote technology that can kill someone based on DNA. There was some good action scenes and the characters were interesting.
April 11, 2022
Five Tribes
Quite a violent a book for me. Too much focus on describing acts of violence, blood and gore. Lots of information about artificial intelligence and the possibilities of new technology in the future. The author addressed well the flip side of progress in that it can be used for good and bad. Lots of characters introduced throughout and keeping track of them was confusing. Overall worth reading.
Quite a violent a book for me. Too much focus on describing acts of violence, blood and gore. Lots of information about artificial intelligence and the possibilities of new technology in the future. The author addressed well the flip side of progress in that it can be used for good and bad. Lots of characters introduced throughout and keeping track of them was confusing. Overall worth reading.
March 29, 2022
This is shaping up to be an unexpected delight! I like this series, I like this type of writing. This is a smart soft sci-fi book. The physics is scary to how close we could be to it, but you don't need a college degree to understand it. Politics, heartbreaking reality, and technology. Lovely mix for a weekend! :)
Can't wait to see what comes next...
Can't wait to see what comes next...
June 28, 2022
ok well I feel like with a book that is obviously in the middle of a series you can’t really say much on it? I’ll note now that I’ve finished it a few weeks ago that the whole ~half the book being in the heart of a remote African culture~ was weird but as a brother i’ll give the benefit of the doubt that Mather did his research?
April 1, 2021
Best series I have read in years!
Absolutely the most original and riveting books I have devoured in recent memory! The science presented and characters involved are intricately interwoven to present a fascinating and scarey future. Cannot wait for the next book.
Absolutely the most original and riveting books I have devoured in recent memory! The science presented and characters involved are intricately interwoven to present a fascinating and scarey future. Cannot wait for the next book.
September 3, 2021
Wow, and I thought the first book was good!
Very imaginative story telling crossing the high tech over to the beautiful primitive lives of an ancient African tribe. Gosh, very descriptive and visual. Many lessons to be learned from this series!
Very imaginative story telling crossing the high tech over to the beautiful primitive lives of an ancient African tribe. Gosh, very descriptive and visual. Many lessons to be learned from this series!
February 21, 2022
I read this after being impressed with the previous book 'The Last Sword Maker'. Unfortunately a potentially great story is let down at times by way too much detail and mind numbing slow down in pace. Page after page of what felt like unnecessary detail in the moment - couldn't finish it.
July 18, 2022
I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last. I enjoyed the intrigue, the science fiction and mutli story narratives. It definitely feels like an alleyhoop to the next one. I will certainly be reading the next.
July 12, 2023
Brian Nelson does a great job of keeping you reading with the thrills and addressing large issues associated with technology through fiction, would recommend to anyone looking for a fun book that will make you think
March 31, 2021
Fast paced thriller that once I started reading I couldn't put down. I am going to read the first book in this series now for sure.
August 20, 2021
Great tech series
But know that Book 2 of 2 ends on a cliffhanger. I thoroughly enjoyed these two books, but am really disappointed that I now have to wait for more!
But know that Book 2 of 2 ends on a cliffhanger. I thoroughly enjoyed these two books, but am really disappointed that I now have to wait for more!
October 26, 2021
Awesome storyline and closer to reality than many of us might believe. I think he
November 13, 2021
DNF @ 30%. I tried my best to finish the book. I think maybe it’s just not my style of book. Possibly if it’s your style, then it would be more enjoyable.
February 15, 2022
Fascinating concept, pieces woven together neatly with plenty of action and intrigue. The end feels somewhat ambiguous.
March 26, 2022
Got slow after the beginning. Got to wait for book 3 to find out what happened. Very interesting concepts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews