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Taran Empire Saga #1
Empire Reborn
Break the treaty, be destroyed.
We forgot.
Now we pay the price.
Jason Sietinen lives in the shadow of greatness. He’s worked hard to become a TSS officer in his own right, but having war heroes for parents is hard to top.
When Jason is assigned to investigate a mysterious attack, he finds evidence of powerful transdimensional beings never before seen. Or so he thought.
Jason soon learns that critical information was lost through the millennia: Tarans had an ancient treaty with the aliens. Unfortunately, rogue actions by a shadow faction within the Empire just broke the peace.
With the future of the Empire hanging in the balance, Jason must find a way to unite the Taran worlds, including the lost colony of Earth, against the mounting threat. There’s just one problem: how do you fight an enemy you can’t see or touch?
Perfect for fans of epic sci-fi featuring sprawling galactic empires, drama, intrigue, and psionic abilities, Empire Reborn is the first book in the Taran Empire Saga, a new entry point to the bestselling Cadicle Universe.
We forgot.
Now we pay the price.
Jason Sietinen lives in the shadow of greatness. He’s worked hard to become a TSS officer in his own right, but having war heroes for parents is hard to top.
When Jason is assigned to investigate a mysterious attack, he finds evidence of powerful transdimensional beings never before seen. Or so he thought.
Jason soon learns that critical information was lost through the millennia: Tarans had an ancient treaty with the aliens. Unfortunately, rogue actions by a shadow faction within the Empire just broke the peace.
With the future of the Empire hanging in the balance, Jason must find a way to unite the Taran worlds, including the lost colony of Earth, against the mounting threat. There’s just one problem: how do you fight an enemy you can’t see or touch?
Perfect for fans of epic sci-fi featuring sprawling galactic empires, drama, intrigue, and psionic abilities, Empire Reborn is the first book in the Taran Empire Saga, a new entry point to the bestselling Cadicle Universe.
427 pages, ebook
First published March 19, 2021
235 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
A.K. DuBoff
80 books118 followersA.K. (Amy) DuBoff has always loved science fiction in all its forms, including books, movies, shows, and games. If it involves outer space, even better!
She is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling indie author specializing in space-based science fiction and fantasy. Dubbed the modern “Queen of Space Opera” by her readers, she is most known for her acclaimed Cadicle Universe. Amy’s short fiction has been published by NewCon Press, Seventh Seal Press, and in numerous indie publications.
When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.
She is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling indie author specializing in space-based science fiction and fantasy. Dubbed the modern “Queen of Space Opera” by her readers, she is most known for her acclaimed Cadicle Universe. Amy’s short fiction has been published by NewCon Press, Seventh Seal Press, and in numerous indie publications.
When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, wine tasting, binge-watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 23, 2023
Here for the SPSFC round one judging and definitely 100% I can firmly say that this is my favorite out of our initial book allocation. Empire Reborn is the best edited, best presented, most interesting, and generally best space opera representation that I think we have read.
As a standalone in a larger series, it works. As the beginning of a larger series, all the big pieces are there to create something cool going forward. I already downloaded book 2 for whenever I manage to have time for it.
I believe I'm rating it the highest of the group (8/10) but I believe in presentation and comprehensive reading. Space operas should have those big casts, big stakes, and big moral discussions
I wasn't a huge fan of the slang (really, fok vs fuck and shite vs shit etc isn't going to break any language barriers) but otherwise I have nothing else bad to say.
Sign me up for more of these books!
As a standalone in a larger series, it works. As the beginning of a larger series, all the big pieces are there to create something cool going forward. I already downloaded book 2 for whenever I manage to have time for it.
I believe I'm rating it the highest of the group (8/10) but I believe in presentation and comprehensive reading. Space operas should have those big casts, big stakes, and big moral discussions
I wasn't a huge fan of the slang (really, fok vs fuck and shite vs shit etc isn't going to break any language barriers) but otherwise I have nothing else bad to say.
Sign me up for more of these books!
October 7, 2022
Ouch. Too much magic technology.
Quit at 11%.
- cross the galaxy in three hours
- instantaneous telepathy across the same distance
- and I broke on:
“Jason hadn’t been trained in the most nuanced arts of telepathic therapy, but just as with physical-focused telekinetic feats, the general principle was that the stronger a person’s abilities, the more they could do. So, even with his comparatively basic telepathy training, he had the potential to delve into a person’s mind as well as the experts—raw ability compensating for his lack of learned skills.”
Power renders skill unnecessary even for subtle tasks?
Quit at 11%.
- cross the galaxy in three hours
- instantaneous telepathy across the same distance
- and I broke on:
“Jason hadn’t been trained in the most nuanced arts of telepathic therapy, but just as with physical-focused telekinetic feats, the general principle was that the stronger a person’s abilities, the more they could do. So, even with his comparatively basic telepathy training, he had the potential to delve into a person’s mind as well as the experts—raw ability compensating for his lack of learned skills.”
Power renders skill unnecessary even for subtle tasks?
May 2, 2023
SPSFC 2 Semi-Finalist Review.
My Rating: 5/10 (rounded up to 3/5 on a 5 point scale)
This is my personal rating, as are all of my reviews. This is not a team or overall score for SPSFC 2.
This is the first book in the Taran Empire Saga. The Taran Empire Saga is part of the larger Cadicle Universe series. The author's notes indicate this is intended to be a new entry point to the Cadicle Universe books, but it just didn't work well for me. Quite a lot of the book is spent explaining/referencing what happened in prior books to get us to this point, but not in an engaging way. It ends up with a lot of telling instead of showing.
I found a lot of the book's premises to be hard to swallow – from how humans ended up on Earth to why there's a secret military base on the dark side of Earth's moon (that's super secretly kept from those on Earth) to the elite leaders having super-powered twins who are practically cartoon characters of all the abilities – the strongest mental powers! The most amazingly politically gifted! The youngest leader to be advanced to such exalted ranks! Not to mention Dad (Wil) – the most amazing engineer ever AND the strongest mental powers, along with his son! It was pretty over the top to me and made it hard to get into the narrative.
There are basically two main plot lines, one involving a political faction and rebellion plot and the other involving the breaking of a lost alien treaty. I didn't find either of the plot lines to hang together particularly well, though the political rebellion one seemed a bit more developed. The alien broken treaty plot was a little more engaging to me but the alien interaction and then the resolution to the plot felt anticlimactic. The alien plot also seemed to involve some action with the “Gatekeepers” who are minimally explained in this book. Again, perhaps they were featured/explained more in other books in the series?
I think if you came into the book with a relationship to the characters already established and knowledge of the Cadicle Universe's history from the prior books this might be a more satisfying read. For me, this book did not do the heavy lifting of a developing a relationship with any of the main characters or piquing my interest in the Taran Empire/Cadicle Universe.
I did think there was a lot of potential with the other alien races, particularly the Andvari that Wil had established a relationship with in a prior book. I'm kind of curious about the whole “Cadicle” (I think similar to a prophet?) situation which isn't fully explored in this book.
Overall this book is pretty well edited and smooth enough reading (although prone to long paragraphs), but the characters and plot just didn't hook me. This one didn't click for me.
Recommended for: those who like super-powered protagonists and multi-story arc universes
My Rating: 5/10 (rounded up to 3/5 on a 5 point scale)
This is my personal rating, as are all of my reviews. This is not a team or overall score for SPSFC 2.
This is the first book in the Taran Empire Saga. The Taran Empire Saga is part of the larger Cadicle Universe series. The author's notes indicate this is intended to be a new entry point to the Cadicle Universe books, but it just didn't work well for me. Quite a lot of the book is spent explaining/referencing what happened in prior books to get us to this point, but not in an engaging way. It ends up with a lot of telling instead of showing.
I found a lot of the book's premises to be hard to swallow – from how humans ended up on Earth to why there's a secret military base on the dark side of Earth's moon (that's super secretly kept from those on Earth) to the elite leaders having super-powered twins who are practically cartoon characters of all the abilities – the strongest mental powers! The most amazingly politically gifted! The youngest leader to be advanced to such exalted ranks! Not to mention Dad (Wil) – the most amazing engineer ever AND the strongest mental powers, along with his son! It was pretty over the top to me and made it hard to get into the narrative.
There are basically two main plot lines, one involving a political faction and rebellion plot and the other involving the breaking of a lost alien treaty. I didn't find either of the plot lines to hang together particularly well, though the political rebellion one seemed a bit more developed. The alien broken treaty plot was a little more engaging to me but the alien interaction and then the resolution to the plot felt anticlimactic. The alien plot also seemed to involve some action with the “Gatekeepers” who are minimally explained in this book. Again, perhaps they were featured/explained more in other books in the series?
I think if you came into the book with a relationship to the characters already established and knowledge of the Cadicle Universe's history from the prior books this might be a more satisfying read. For me, this book did not do the heavy lifting of a developing a relationship with any of the main characters or piquing my interest in the Taran Empire/Cadicle Universe.
I did think there was a lot of potential with the other alien races, particularly the Andvari that Wil had established a relationship with in a prior book. I'm kind of curious about the whole “Cadicle” (I think similar to a prophet?) situation which isn't fully explored in this book.
Overall this book is pretty well edited and smooth enough reading (although prone to long paragraphs), but the characters and plot just didn't hook me. This one didn't click for me.
Recommended for: those who like super-powered protagonists and multi-story arc universes
August 31, 2022
This is the first book I've read from A. K. DuBoff and I enjoyed the depth of the universe she's developed. This book in particular had a similar vibe to the first Star Wars book about the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. You have a generational (slightly less dysfunctional) family in positions of galactic power, an alien threat from 'outside' the galaxy and other human factions choosing the worst moments to do their own thing.
It did seem a bit slow for me, which is odd because it seems a normal length in terms of pages. That's perhaps partly because I don't read books with this level of detail and generational scope in their foundation very often. But it also felt like there were quite a few long monologues, internal or via dialogue, that slowed the pace a bit. And I sometimes struggled to keep track of who was speaking because the characters felt quite similar, at least in terms of speech – perhaps if I'd met them earlier in the universe, I'd have been better at picking up the differences.
In any case, it was a good read, and it was interesting coming into a pre-existing universe partway through, getting to see little hints about what's happened before. I'm curious about , and I'm intrigued about what happens next. The central threat of the aliens was pretty cool but I'll admit I expected a few more of the sub/side-plots to be resolved by the end.
It did seem a bit slow for me, which is odd because it seems a normal length in terms of pages. That's perhaps partly because I don't read books with this level of detail and generational scope in their foundation very often. But it also felt like there were quite a few long monologues, internal or via dialogue, that slowed the pace a bit. And I sometimes struggled to keep track of who was speaking because the characters felt quite similar, at least in terms of speech – perhaps if I'd met them earlier in the universe, I'd have been better at picking up the differences.
In any case, it was a good read, and it was interesting coming into a pre-existing universe partway through, getting to see little hints about what's happened before. I'm curious about , and I'm intrigued about what happens next. The central threat of the aliens was pretty cool but I'll admit I expected a few more of the sub/side-plots to be resolved by the end.
March 20, 2021
I’m excited for where this new series goes. For those familiar with the Cadicle series, this book encompasses the full 3 generations of Chris, Wil, and Jason & Raena (including partners and siblings). While the focus seems evenly split between Wil and Jason, there is plenty of story shared with Chris, Raena, and others. This really emphasizes the point that the story isn’t about one of the dynastic heirs, but as the culture as a whole. After stopping to digest the story, one recurring theme in the book is showing how the “cultural elites” of this dynastic family are working to overcome long biases and trying to unify as a people.
While there’s a inspirational unifying message, there’s a great humanistic story for the individuals. The challenges of leading, the ache of an amicable breakup of longtime friends as they move on in life, and the heartache of the loss of a loved one to name just a few. All this while trying to save humanity and not lose their own humanity. A DuBoff has outdone herself integrating the individual lives and weaving their challenges into the whole while not losing either. I definitely recommend Empire Reborn and am anxiously awaiting the next book.
While there’s a inspirational unifying message, there’s a great humanistic story for the individuals. The challenges of leading, the ache of an amicable breakup of longtime friends as they move on in life, and the heartache of the loss of a loved one to name just a few. All this while trying to save humanity and not lose their own humanity. A DuBoff has outdone herself integrating the individual lives and weaving their challenges into the whole while not losing either. I definitely recommend Empire Reborn and am anxiously awaiting the next book.
April 19, 2021
I just finished reading my ARC of Empire Reborn, and while I'm new to the Cadicle Universe I found it easy to follow with just enough back story to clarify without over-complicating it. I found the characters interesting and likeable, the plot and story-lines were convincing. I liked that the central characters weren't teenagers but young adults with adult lives and responsibilities, I also liked that it wasn't just one problem at a time happening sequentially, but just like real life things happened all at once, and the different characters each played to their own strengths to all contribute to the resolution. I also like that while this an introduction to a new series and there are lots of things to be resolved, it didn't end on a cliffhanger. This is my unbiased and voluntary review. I plan on reading the next books in the series, and enjoyed this one enough to go back and read some of the previous books.
April 10, 2021
Empire Reborn, by A K DuBoff, is as elegant as it is ambitious. Picking up shortly after the original Cadicle series leaves off, this new series quickly delivers us to a new, unfathomable threat to all Taran life.
Though this is considered a standalone series, I found it more pleasurable to read being already immersed in the original storyline. An unfamiliar reader, however, will be brought up to speed with key characters and background as the story progresses.
I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait until the story is continued. Do yourself a favor and purchase this.
Though this is considered a standalone series, I found it more pleasurable to read being already immersed in the original storyline. An unfamiliar reader, however, will be brought up to speed with key characters and background as the story progresses.
I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait until the story is continued. Do yourself a favor and purchase this.
October 27, 2025
Three and a half stars. I really enjoy the Starship of the Ancients series by Amy Duboff, so I tried this earlier series of hers. Didn't measure up.
Way too much profanity. Slight spelling changes in swear words don't change that. Profanity doesn't make your characters more real, it's just a poor substitute for writing.
I liked the concept of this series. An unknown, super powerful enemy suddenly attacks, based on a violation of a treaty that Tarans/humans didn't know existed. A massive empire that looks at Earth as a backwater. An enemy that's from another dimension.
Character development was OK to good.
I will continue reading the series, as the plot is compelling enough.
Way too much profanity. Slight spelling changes in swear words don't change that. Profanity doesn't make your characters more real, it's just a poor substitute for writing.
I liked the concept of this series. An unknown, super powerful enemy suddenly attacks, based on a violation of a treaty that Tarans/humans didn't know existed. A massive empire that looks at Earth as a backwater. An enemy that's from another dimension.
Character development was OK to good.
I will continue reading the series, as the plot is compelling enough.
April 4, 2021
Ms. DuBoff’s has given us once again a new an interesting start for what I am sure will be a great series. The characters have depth and the story is riveting. There is plenty of action as well as character development. Having some knowledge of the prior work in the Cadicle Universe would be helpful, but isn’t necessary to enjoy this book.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, and like others I purchased a copy.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, and like others I purchased a copy.
June 22, 2021
Very Good Start to New Series
The story starts off with an entity eating a large salvage ship like it is food.. This creates confusion and fear in the Taran Empire. Good characters and world building . The pace is quick , the 400 + pages feels like 250 pages. I liked the book.
The story starts off with an entity eating a large salvage ship like it is food.. This creates confusion and fear in the Taran Empire. Good characters and world building . The pace is quick , the 400 + pages feels like 250 pages. I liked the book.
March 20, 2021
A great start to a wonderful new series in the Cadicle universe! Incredibly well written, and enthralling characters who suck you in from page one! I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend checking this book out!
April 9, 2021
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. A broken peace and mysterious aliens that could hold the key to reforging a needed alliance. An unforgettable journey that begins a much worthy new series.
January 18, 2022
The Cadicle returns
The new Empire is confronted by its own doom and Will and his family must find out how to deal with such destructive force.
Great new stories for those of us who like this Cadicle Universe.
The new Empire is confronted by its own doom and Will and his family must find out how to deal with such destructive force.
Great new stories for those of us who like this Cadicle Universe.
March 14, 2023
Intriguing
So....we are the lost tribe again ? Interesting take on earth possibly being the last hope of the known galaxy. I look foward to reading more in the Cadicle series for sure.
So....we are the lost tribe again ? Interesting take on earth possibly being the last hope of the known galaxy. I look foward to reading more in the Cadicle series for sure.
November 23, 2022
Intriguing
A slow read, but well enough written so that it never drags. Good characters, but some of the locations are a bit hard to believe
A slow read, but well enough written so that it never drags. Good characters, but some of the locations are a bit hard to believe
July 31, 2025
Awesome so far!
This author is able to deftly craft the good guys to be on the brink of collapse and pull it out of the fire in the last second! Continuing to book2.
This author is able to deftly craft the good guys to be on the brink of collapse and pull it out of the fire in the last second! Continuing to book2.
January 7, 2026
I have been "currently reading" this book for around 3 years. It started out ok but I lost interest about 30% so I think it's time that I just DNF the entire thing.
June 29, 2022
SO Duboff
Great reading in the continuing saga of Tarans. She missed a couple of details that happened earlier in the book. Overall a well constructed story
Great reading in the continuing saga of Tarans. She missed a couple of details that happened earlier in the book. Overall a well constructed story
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews