Luray

Behind the Last Gate #1

by Dennis Haupt

One of humanity's colonies makes contact with an alien civilization that calls itself the Aurigan Empire. The empire politely demands the United Earth Military's unconditional and immediate surrender and sends wave after wave of warships. Strangely, the Aurigan ships are technologically inferior, lack any sort of effective weaponry and are easily shot down - or so the UEM claims.

When the colony's investors start getting nervous, acclaimed risk assessment agent Luray Ulyssa Cayenne is sent to determine what is going on and whether the Aurigans truly pose a threat. What she finds is well beyond her pay grade, and what she does to uncover the truth could cost not only her freedom, but her very humanity.

Enjoy a mysterious science-fiction story challenging the reader and asking difficult questions that will keep you awake at night.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ecopy from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.

One of humanity's colonies makes contact with an alien civilization that calls itself the Aurigan Empire. The empire politely demands the United Earth Military's unconditional and immediate surrender and sends wave after wave of warships. Strangely, the Aurigan ships are technologically inferior, lack any sort of effective weaponry and are easily shot down - or so the UEM claims. When the colony's investors start getting nervous, acclaimed risk assessment agent Luray Ulyssa Cayenne is sent to determine what is going on and whether the Aurigans truly pose a threat. What she finds is well beyond her pay grade, and what she does to uncover the truth could cost not only her freedom, but her very humanity. Enjoy a mysterious science-fiction story challenging the reader and asking difficult questions that will keep you awake at night.

Luray (Behind the Last Gate # 1) by Dennis Haupt caught my attention right away when I spotted it on Reedsy Discovery. I mean, just look at that cover art after all. I wasn't at all familiar with the author Dennis Haupt going into this novel, but I decided to give this new science fiction novel a chance. Just based on that description and short sneak peek, it sounded like it would have a lot of potential. Luckily, now that I've finished and have had some time to digest it I can officially say that it's an addicting and unique story with a great cast of characters and just the right dash of dry humor and banter to round it out. It mostly lives up to all that potential I found in just the summary and sample.

This novel goes really fast. I honestly felt like I couldn't put it down since I just had to know what was coming up next for Luray, the titular character. I can't say I've every read a novel featuring a main character that's a risk assessment agent, let alone one in a science fiction setting. She's performing a risk assessment of a colony that's made first contact with an alien civilization. I greatly appreciate that she is very, very good at what she does and what she finds out could change everything. I've mentioned it before, but I also appreciate a complex story that requires you to use your head and this definitely does that on top of everything else. My only real complaint for this novel are that at points the writing feels a bit stilted. Not so much during dialog, but there are other moments where the novel doesn't flow as well as it ought to.

Overall, though, Luray (Behind the Last Gate # 1) by Dennis Haupt is well worth your time if you're looking for a unique sci-fi ride with a great lead character. After that ending, I can't wait to see what's next for Luray in the Behind the Last Gate series. Dennis Haupt is definitely a new talent to look out for and I'm certainly interested in what he does next.

Luray (Behind the Last Gate # 1) by Dennis Haupt will be launched by Reedsy Discovery on January 21, 2021 and my review is also available on my blog.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onlinebookclub.com gifted me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Luray by Dennis Haupt follows the story of a woman in her thirties named Luray Ulyssa Cayenne, who is a risk assessment agent sent on a mission to determine whether one of the UEM (United Earth Military) colonies is safe because of a contact made with an alien civilization named the Aurigan Empire. The colony itself claims that everything is fine and that the Aurigans impose no threat to the UEM; but, as Luray will soon discover, it is not as simple as the UEM puts it. Luray, with the help of Kailoon, will try to solve this mysterious situation and will end up in a reality far more advanced than ours. As she finds herself wound up in this strange world, she will have to question her own integrity and the idea of reality itself as she sees it.
This novel is a perfect union of sci-fi, mystery and adventure.

First, I have to say that this novel was an absolute blast! I have enjoyed reading every single page, and I am in awe at how professionally drafted this book is!
The story is very entertaining and interesting, it keeps you hooked to the very last page, and I must say that the cliffhanger that ends the book is majestic.
The author knows for sure how to capture an audience and how to unfold such a complex and mysterious adventure.
The story gives some food for thought because it makes you reflect on life-changing questions, and alters the way you think about reality and others around you.
The world building is also fantastic: the author really did a wonderful job in creating this sci-fi dimension, which is so different from ours, but, at the same time, shows links to reality as we know it.
I also appreciated Luray’s stream of consciousness inserted in the story: it helps the reader understand her thoughts and personality better given the fact that the book is written in the third person.
Also, the fast pace of the whole adventure added a grip to the story, since you really cannot put the book down and want to know what happens next.

There were no negative aspects, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would say it was one of my best reads of this year!

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or fantasy literature, as well as those who are looking for a story that will keep them hooked to the very last line. If you are new to sci-fi fiction and are interested in seeing if you would enjoy it, this is the book for you; I promise you will not be disappointed!

Since it was an amazing read and I enjoyed it lots, I am giving this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

[Marry-Joena Donath · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Luray" by Dennis Haupt is a captivating fantasy novel that takes readers on an unforgettable adventure. From the first page, I was hooked by the rich world Haupt has created and the intriguing characters that inhabit it.
The story centers around Luray, a character who quickly won me over with her depth and resilience. As the plot unfolds, we follow her through a series of challenges that are both thrilling and emotionally engaging. Haupt's skill in character development really shines here, making it easy to connect with Luray and root for her throughout her journey.
One of the things I loved most about "Luray" is the vivid and immersive world-building. Haupt's descriptions are so detailed and evocative that I felt like I was right there in the middle of the action. The fantasy elements are seamlessly woven into the story, creating a setting that's both magical and believable.
The pacing of the novel is spot on.
There's a great balance between action-packed scenes and quieter, more reflective moments.
This keeps the story moving forward without feeling rushed, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge.
The supporting cast of characters is just as compelling as Luray herself. Each one adds something unique to the story, and their interactions are full of depth and authenticity.
These relationships enrich the narrative and make the world of "Luray" feel even more alive.
Haupt's writing style is engaging and easy to read, with prose that flows beautifully and enhances the overall experience. Whether he's describing a breathtaking landscape or a tense confrontation, his words draw you in and keep you captivated.
In summary, "Luray" by Dennis Haupt is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy adventures. It's a well-crafted story with memorable characters and a world that you'll want to revisit long after you've turned the last page. Don't miss out on this!

[Tetiana Golosun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the paper version of Luray by Dennis Haupt. I am not a sci fi fan at all, but the world created by the author made me forget about that.
Luray, the main and my favourite character is kind of a genius, smart at making decisions, good at taking risks, irreplaceable at what she is doing, in a perfect shape, super professional. I was thinking how can this be combined in one person. I always wanted to be like her. Luray is good at reading systems, finding contradictions and with help of Bin, AI implant, solves any possible riddle she has to deal with.
Dialogs between Luray and Bin deserve special attention.
A lot of philosophical questions are raised in the book. Questions I ask myself and look for answers.
What real identity means, how to know whom to trust and does being alive after death mean that it is still the same you?
Characters and environment are well thought out and it's a real pleasure to follow the story and to be a part of it.
Should be a big book, It will be interesting to watch a movie, to enjoy Luray's adventures with Bin again and to see how concept artists create an environment so well described by Haupt. 
I highly recommend this book not only to sci fi fans but to everyone who likes to play with different ideas, who is open minded and who asks questions and can’t sleep until these questions are answered. 

[BookTrib.com]

Throughout its pages, Luray brings up a series of questions and mysteries, and many remain unresolved and unsolved at the end. Says Haupt on his website, “This book series has been written with readers in mind that want to read something that takes them on a journey, that asks them to try to figure out the mysteries by themselves, that surprises them at every turn." By author design, LURAY will leave you wanting more, and waiting anxiously for KAILOON, the planned second book of the series.

Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/04/27/sci-f...

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. It was interesting, and I really enjoyed it. I would have liked to see some romance in it, but other than that it was great. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Akanksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise, the world, the pacing, the characters and the writing: chef's kiss. But the ending... WHY?!

My complete review
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[Vanushka Sh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was amazing. Well written beginning and ending and it kept me on edge all the time that i was reading it. I could not put the book down unless i had something urgent to do! I loved the characters and i desperately wish for the second book.

[Johann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning: Might contain minor spoilers

The dust-jacket text of Luray offers an intriguing hook: What if an invading force sends a small number of ships, easily defeated by the human defenders, and then keeps increasing their numbers with every further wave?

Starting the book I was off to a lukewarm start though: Our heroine has a lengthy conversation with the shady head (literary) of some company she is meant to take down during which she is unsuccessfully bribed and threatened. Here we learn about her name (Luray), the fact that she is smart and that she likes money. The two parties are constantly making educated guesses, trying to outsmart each other. This should become a reoccurring theme of the book: The smarter ones with more information usually win. Emotions do not play a role in this world filled with winners and losers who do not seem to be connected by anything but money and their mind games.

Being the clever girl Luray is she succeeds. She is an employee in an insurance and security firm called SafetyNet, where she is referred to as a "genius". She then takes a few days off which are enlivened by martial arts practice. When she is finally on her way to meet with her boss and the narrator tells us how much she dislikes socializing with the receptionist (and is thus forced to being rude) I could not help suspecting her of being a (mostly) idealized self-insertion of the author.

Conveniently Luray has a companion (Bin) that makes her constant internal monologue a little more bearable (without bothering her with being a real person) by commenting on it. This works well in the matter-of-fact-way every aspect of the text is subjected to. Social or psychological issues are unimportant and if you expect more than clever but frustratingly emotionless characters you won't find much to like here. Instead you get a protagonist whose mind is constantly running while she is poking, estimating, second-guessing herself, outguessing others and being overly conscious.

Stylistically the reader is a constant witness to the heroine's thought process – and what a bustling train of thought that is! Luray is invariably wondering what other people think, trying to outsmart them, friend and foe alike. There is a manipulative aspect to this which I thought was rather unappealing (cf. p. 212: "She seems very naive. I can use that.")

While I do not mind the character's appreciation of intelligence there is also a distinct disdain for those who are less witty than her, like the common soldiers she encounters. These are muscular and tall, but reduced to taking orders. Physically nauseated our heroine leaves their presence as quickly as possible because in this high-stake world of masterminds dullards won't be tolerated! She also repeatedly calls them monkeys(!) and even argues that their life is worth less than that of other people as their contribution to society is tied to their worth (cf. p. 260 and 295). This explains alarming statements like "You could easily argue that their lives have less value [...]." Additionally, when Luray notices the lack of respect her associate has for them she is thrilled (p. 111): "I like that he disdains them." It is easy to see how a character like this can rationalize sacrificing another for the "greater good" later in the story.

Once Luray discovers an alternative place to live, she admires its qualities, as it is free of other people, dirt and beggars(!). Whether this is just naivete of the character, the author or an intentional cruel statement, I cannot say. In any case this does complete the image of Luray being an uncaring tech-bro’s Mary Sue perfectly.

Sadly the characters in this book are rather flat. Beside being oh so smart, our heroine is fearless and has knowledge of martial arts while her boss is fat and greedy and the "worthless" soldiers are naive and simpleminded. There really is not much more to say about any of them. At the end of the story we still don't know much about Luray, except for the above mentioned keywords.

The language of the book is the stilted style a German would employ when writing in English (like me here). It's proofread but doesn't flow very well. That is not much of a flaw in a science-fiction though if there are convincing ideas to be found. There may be a few cumbersome expressions but otherwise the text is grammatically correct and oddly fits the matter-of-fact viewpoint of the protagonist (and possibly author).

The story also contains a few historic and modern logic puzzles and mind games that are being brought up and discussed. This is not unusual for the genre and welcome. In this world reduced to logical mechanisms they contain the solution for some of its problems.

On the surface Luray offers a generic but solid story with well executed tropes and ideas as well as an interesting premise. On further reflection however I cannot help but feel there is a misanthropic hidden (or actually not so hidden) solipsistic viewpoint bordering on an antisocial mindset to be found at the story’s core, which is communicated via the protagonist’s thoughts and actions. Similarly the "logic" presented here is a cruel and uncaring one that is mere veiled egotism. There are no interesting characters and the present ones show no development. However the author demonstrates he has a good grip on technology and is able to present an advanced society. That being said the protagonist's perspective was wearing me out eventually as her elitists overtones definitely did not sit right with me.

As for the answer to the hook presented on the back cover? That one was muddled and unsatisfying.

[Nisha Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luray is a book that needs no introduction beyond the first bit. It's fun, stimulates the mind and adds a somewhat deeper sense of understanding to the ways in which rationality can be bent for fiction. That it also includes an awesome lead character is just the icing on top of this delicious cake filled with aliens, A.I.s too smart for their own good and political intrigue to hold your attention.

(Cross-posted from Amazon)

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that follows Luray Ulyssa Cayenne, a risk assessment agent who predominantly works alone as she hides behind a computer screen as an anonymous lawyer tasked to reach out to companies that need investigating. Luray is very good at what she does: finding loopholes and weak spots in systems. For every successful monetary extraction from clients, Luray sends the communication to her boss. However, her job outside the office isn’t completely legal but her boss decides to assign Luray a big job that, unbeknownst to anyone, will change her perspective and routine forever.

Luray is tasked to investigate the Aurigan Empire and she reaches out to the United Earth Military (UEM). UEM claims the Aurigan Empire is not an issue and the military is not at risk. However, Luray discovers otherwise. To help with her investigation, Luray has an AI called Bin implanted on the inside of her skull and they communicate to undertake research. She also works with Kailoon, who is assigned to help uncover the truth with Luray.

This is an engaging story and Luray is a delightful character to follow. Her characteristics are introduced early on in the story. For example, she likes to keep people on their toes if it means gaining their trust. Luray checks whether Bin can determine information without error, demonstrating that AI is unable to process emotion. Luray keeps Kailoon on his toes as well as she can detect issues that need to be addressed. Luray makes sure Kailoon is on her side and their companionship is ultimately healthy. In addition, since the story follows Luray’s thoughts, readers gain insight into her investigation and the obstacles she faces with Bin and Kailoon. This makes for a personal read as Luray provides her research strategy and findings.

However, the structure of the book is extremely complex in regards to the use of quotation marks and italics featured throughout the book. The quotation marks are used for spoken and written dialogue as well as Luray’s communication with Bin. However, the text written in italics is supposed to be Luray’s thought process. But the text in italics is sometimes Bin’s input. This is an inconsistency that takes time to grasp. Moreover, for the majority of the book, the quotation marks are not connected with the characters so it’s often unclear who is talking. This can only be achieved through context. As a result, this is not a casual read as it requires full focus and attention to follow the story, particularly as Luray faces plenty of ordeals during her investigation.


I received a free review copy. Thank you to OnlineBookClub and author.

[Eddy Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started the book yesterday and finished it late last night (I read fast). I like a book that I just can’t put down!!! Very well written, really like the main character Luray and the world she lives in and for me I was glad it was mainly centred on her. After reading the first 2 chapters from a free teaser offer then seeing the back cover of the book I thought it might be centred around Bin and it becoming self aware moving away from Luray’s story and the Aurigan invasion. I suppose in a small way you do see Bin becoming more self aware but it mainly centres around Luray, her relationship with Bin, the invasion and how she is going to survive. This is a deep book in parts, it looks at morality and how some choices you make affect others but for me who isn’t really into that stuff it didn’t put me off and fit nicely into the storyline.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next instalment. :)

[Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has created a powerful main character in Luray. Let's hope she stays at the forefront.

I noticed book two has been out for two months with no reviews. Maybe it's the $5 price tag (Kindle Unlimited would have gotten far more exposure), but i bought it and will read it. I hope Kailoon is as powerful a character as Luray, otherwise this series could be doomed.

[Gevera Piedmont · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a cliffhanger ending.

[Rain · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Too much telling, not showing.

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Score : 4 / 5

[James Ervin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling space opera filled with new worlds and a detective and sometimes spy looking for answers. Great first book in a new series. The ending was not satisfying, but the story was compelling.

[LuisaTDH · Rating 1 out of 5]

Luray works at an insurance and security company. She makes sure that the investments her company makes are secure and are profitable. She is sent on a special mission in which she must make sure that a human colony under construction is safe from an Alien threat by the Aurigans Empire.

Luray will soon understand that things could be way more dangerous than what they want her to believe. When she finally makes the decision to leave the colony and return to Earth with her conclusions about her mission made, she is taken by the enemy and becomes a prisoner for the Aurigans.

The story has a fast pace and a very mysterious plot. However, I think it failed to properly execute the topics it tried to bring to the table.

Luray doesn't really like her job. She feels she has great potential for the amount of money she is being paid. Constantly tries to raise the money her boss offers and even thought of accepting a blackmail from one of the lawyers she was investigating. She holds no true loyalty for anyone except herself. There was a point in the story where I thought this self-awareness that she holds would build such a frustration that she would stop ignoring her need for more: more money, higher status, to be recognized for her value and not seen as a mere tool her teammates and boss can use whenever they like. I thought maybe someone would be able to use this weakness against her and bait her or set her in a trap. At least, destabilize her in some way. But that didn't happen. This made me feel a bit disappointed since it raised curiosity about her world, her initial relationships and frustrations just to be thrown into a completely different conflict that had nothing to do with how unfulfilled she was feeling in her job.

Learning to be her own resource and not rely on anyone except herself really played well during the story. She prepares different scenarios and investigates enough to make sure she handles any situation by herself. This is shown early in the story and gets well carried whenever an issue arises. She is logical, analytical and that helped her in every step of the story. Especially when she got taken as a prisoner. Her superior intellect kept her safe by making her stand out as Augarians really value characteristics that Luray beholds.

Now, while I appreciate a logical and intelligent character, I really think there must be a balance between flaws and traits. It seemed to me that we had a character without weakness points. There were no consequences for her actions, there was no development in her character. Whenever she had a problem, she was able to solve it just with intellectual force. This caused the story to stay in a safe position.

Another problem I found was the way the story constantly made me focus on different characters, made me try to connect with them, understand their position on the story, search for traits, philosophical views just to completely take them off the story. For example, the prisoners she first met when she found herself a prisoner: Steve, Krov, John and the rest. I can’t really explain to myself the purpose of these characters. None of them brought a conflict to be resolved, changed the view of the main character nor contributed to the plot. Especially since they were discarded like nothing without any consequence for Luray. The only thing I learned about her is that she hates ignorance, which is really predictable.

Ignorance on its own doesn’t justify the mass destruction of a planet like Luray initially commented when thinking about the reasons why the Aurigans would be right to absorb human’s society. And the real reasons that Aurigans used to eradicate humans held any significant meaning for me as a reader since the conflict didn’t have an impactful consequence on the main character. She felt nothing when thinking about millions of people losing their lives, she didn’t think about her cat, her job. She didn’t care at all and for the same reasons, I didn’t care at all. So, again, no point, no philosophical depth.

The story constantly tried to be deep in a philosophical way but failed miserably due to the fact that it didn’t stay with one conflict, but presented many over and over without giving it the proper time to explore, without creating characters to build the idea, just randomly threw them at the reader just to be forgotten due to a new conflict to resolve.

Overall, the ideas presented were interesting on their own. There was a good base for the story and the writer showed talent to build characters, worlds and cultures, however, it needed consistency when presenting conflicts and philosophical views. If you make the reader wonder about something, make sure we get the answer or a promise that if we keep reading, we will get the answer.