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Age of Expansion: Confessions of a Space Anthropologist #1

Giles Kurns: Rogue Operator: Confessions Of A Space Anthropologist Book 1

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Giles is a roguish space archeologist.
And a good one too.
The problem?
He's addicted to adventure.
When the continued existence of his whole world is thrown into jeopardy, Professor Giles Kurns may well have to face his biggest challenge yet...
Growing up.
Together with an old war ship, an old frienemy, and a rather spunky AI, he embarks on a high stakes journey of intrigue to uncover the truth about the Ascension Myth.
Will they solve the riddle of the strange but powerful talismans before it's too late?
If you like fun, Indiana Jones-like adventures you'll love this series because it is a smart, hilarious, swashbuckling romp in space with characters you'll just want to take home with you.

270 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2021

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About the author

Ell Leigh Clarke

69 books128 followers
Relapsing theoretical physicist, professional geek, sci fi novelist, and Doctor Who fan.

Though she is originally from England, she is mostly what her friends call a “digital nomad”, hanging in whichever country calls to her… as long as it has good wifi, and coffee.

@ellleighclarke

Official Ell Leigh Clarke Fan Club for book discussions and shenanigans: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ellle... Join Us <3

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Community Reviews

5 stars
279 (60%)
4 stars
123 (26%)
3 stars
50 (10%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews16 followers
October 6, 2019
Catch up.

This new series is about Giles, Arlene and Beno’or finding the first of a number of artefacts in the Moons of Orn. It fills us in as to what they were doing while Molly and the Sanguine Squadron were busy elsewhere. We also discover a bit more about Anne and how she came to be on the ship from which she was rescued. Good fun.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,600 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a better insight into Giles, and his life, and filled in a few gaps of info about him that I'd wondered about a few times, when coming across him in various books.

I think that, what made this even better, is that he has got involved in Molly's life - and I really enjoy any book that Molly is in. This means I'm getting the best of both worlds, and who could argue with that?

Giles is a much more complex character than I'd realised from his previous appearances, and I'm really hoping that he and Molly become an item, so that I can keep up with his character development.

It's so wonderful that I've found so many authors that I enjoy, and that I managed to get all of their 'other' works, as well as the Kurtherian stuff - 'though I must admit that I haven't a clue when I'll actually get around to reading them all, as keeping up with the Kurtherian Universe has become like a full time job for me - one that, although I'm not paid, is reward enough, when I get to read books like this one!

Rogue Operator is a very apt title for this book, as it portrays Giles' roguish nature very well - but Ellie has also managed to show that softer side of him, too, and even made him a little klutzy, which I found both adorable, and so very refreshing!

In the Kurtherian Universe, so many of the men are both hunks, and hulks - men formed with muscle on muscle and, even though they show their emotions, and are pretty good at understanding their women, I found Giles to be a pleasant change, and can't wait to learn more about him.

But, looking at my reading list, I guess I'll have to wait a little while, as my next book is book two of the Superdreadnought series, and so I guess I'd better get on with it!
369 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2024
love the Giles stories

Having read all the Molly book in the Ascension series, I noticed that all the Characters seemed to know what Giles and Arlene (?) we’re up to
Sooo
I had to see if there were stories about it
Now in reading this book, there seems to be some Giles stories from the Beth Ann chronicles that I either missed or forgot
I remember Dad (Frank) and that Giles like to go off and do his thing, but not any books about his adventures

Back to this book
It was fabulous, thank you so much for writing it!
177 reviews
November 10, 2017
Yet another fun and action packed KGU

This one took a little time to take off because of all of the different storylines being woven together. The Anne bit was no more than a tease and contributed nothing to the story. Although choppy all of the way through it hung together just enough to be entertaining and fun. Now it is time to do away with the ostentatious “FINIS” and just an “END” or even more appropriate, “To be continued...”
Profile Image for Richard W Lindsey.
126 reviews
November 29, 2017
Disappointing

I was disappointed with this Kurtherian Series book. First I thought it jumped around to much from one plot line to another and place. I don't where to find anything out about Giles and Arlyene past, though some of hers is found in Molly's set. I really don't know if I'll read another of Giles Kurns books or not. Sad to say but I think the Kurtherian Gambit Series may be getting out of control with the number of off-shoots.
Profile Image for dawn lynn cline.
81 reviews
November 21, 2017
Excellent " retelling"

If the adventure, I was having deja vu flash backs ! I was like...wait, I know that...I know what's coming up next, hey! Didn't they say that before? ( making fun of Molly not getting the joke...) But then I was like...ahhhhh, I get it, same story, different viewpoints! Very cool twist...sweet " ending" .
Profile Image for Amy Minckler.
7 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2017
Spectacular

Awesome, superb, and all the rest of the adjectives which declare that something is really really above the norm. Thank you so much for giving Giles a story!!!! I was really hoping someone would. Like his father he is like the quite one you never know much about but you do know that they have great stories to tell. And thank you for Molly as well she is so real.
Profile Image for John DeBlanc.
339 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2018
Ok, we have now caught up to my current book in the timeline. For those following this review saga, i am trying to catch up with my reviews. I love this freaking series and the way it weaves in and out of Molly's series. Great work! Keep it up! Can't wait to see what comes next. Whoops had to take some stuff out to avoid spoilers, my bad.
Profile Image for Alastar.
510 reviews
November 8, 2017
Fun stuff

Well seeing what Giles got up to during Mollies last adventure was a nice switch up and just adds to the story. He's not as much fun as our little Empress but I did enjoy the story.
Profile Image for C.D. Martin-Rivera.
12 reviews
November 10, 2017
The perfect nerdy archeologist

The fleshing out of Giles is perfect. He is the best of the Librarian, Big Bang's Sheldon and Indiana Jones. A fun and exciting and addictive story. I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,165 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2017
Great adventure!!

Looking for another talisman and the adventure that goes with it. Another talisman is hidden and Anne is going to help Giles and company!! Can’t wait for the story to continue!
Profile Image for George  Lawson.
515 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2017
Nice departure from the Molly series

While there is a tiny but if Molly and the gang Giles and And Arlene are the focus of this adventure. Even see a little magic. Hope to see more of Giles. Still need another Molly fix though.
Profile Image for Amanda.
379 reviews
November 18, 2017
Great

I loved seeing more Giles, this was fun. I look forward to seeing what happens next in this expansion of an expansion of an expansion. Lol. And more author notes. Always the notes.
38 reviews
November 18, 2017
Loved it!

I was interested in Giles so it was a treat to see this book available suddenly. Keep them coming along with the Molly books! Also I am intrigued with the new concept you mentioned in the author notes (with JT). Really interested!?!
165 reviews
December 5, 2017
Awesome

A lot of overlapping between this book and the last AOE book, regardless it was an excellent story. I'm looking forward to reading more about Ann and Giles excellent adventure.
54 reviews
December 8, 2017
Love this book and Ell

I was very excited for this book!! I have a great fondness for Giles myself and love the way the last book and this one have meshed. Very clever and with some clear thinking ahead. Can't wait for the next one!! Great job Ell and congrats!!!
Carissa
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,018 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2018
Filling in and expanding

Giles is an adorable character, and I love seeing more of Arlene as well. The interrelationships are so well narrated, and I'm loving the plot development. Some craziness is happening, NGOs are being set up for later on. Awesomeness!!!
Profile Image for Tara Von Doodlebug.
200 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2018
Another awesome book!

I didn't like Giles at all when he first appeared in the KG universe so was a little reluctant to read this but DAMN I am glad I did! This book adds depth to him as well as helping you see why he but the egotistical but I thought he was :)
Profile Image for Queen Talk Talk.
1,311 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2020
The timeline is getting convoluted.

Giles and Arlene meet up with Molly and company. He tell them about events that occurred before their seventh book "Cloaked". Anne's background and perspective is given. As confusing as it is this was meant to be read after "Cloaked".
28 reviews
May 12, 2024
Rewrite over previous stuff.

Not necessary reading. Too much copied from previous books. Not interesting and new perspectives not needed. I would not bother reading these 2 booms, if you want a new Story. They are just giving a few more details, with a lot of previous stuff.

Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2017
Good reading

Sorry, there was. A lot of Molly's last story in this story it got kinda lost. It did have a lot of good things for a starter story.
26 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2017
Keep writing

Definitely interested in this new angle. Giles is even more interesting than his Dad. Like the link to Molly and the further insights to her story.
Profile Image for Eli.
22 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2017
Great addition to 7.0

I was hungry for this half of the story and I'm glad Ell got it to us. I'm looking forward to more.
Profile Image for DeAnsin.
68 reviews
January 12, 2022
Giles is not the typical Kurtherian character. He's something else, but someone who really adds to the Kurtherian Universe because of his outlook on life and the oath he chose to take.
278 reviews
October 14, 2022
A fun read

Getting to know Giles Turns and the misfits he hangs out with is a load of fun. I highly recommend you take some time to get to know him and his friends. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Amba Jane.
267 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2017
From the moment I picked it up I couldn't put it down. The writing is sharp, funny, and absolutely transforms the reader into a different reality. The story is crafted very well, the end of each chapter only makes you want to immediately read the next. Looking forward to next one in this collection.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews