Founded by survivors of alien genetic experimentation that imparted superhuman abilities, the Denuitian Empire has been the premier military power in this part of the galaxy for thousands of years. No one has ever been able to challenge their military might—No one except themselves.
As head of the military caste, the Luren family has protected the star empire for thousands of years, but can they help the empire evolve from its feudal ways as it spirals into a civil war no one wants and no one seems capable of winning?
The imperial peace is fraying and order on the empire's borders is a distant concern for the court. Ten years ago, Nyren Luren petitioned the emperor for help and was denied. That didn't stop the young officer from stealing an Imperial Battle cruiser, leaving the empire, and blazing a trail of glory across the outlying sectors to save the woman he loved. This rebellion gained him a fearsome reputation in the frontier but brought him disgrace in the empire. Branded a traitor for his actions, he can never go home.
Maddirel Tovan was born into a high-ranking noble family. Disgraced for her affections for Nyren, her family had married her off to avoid scandal. Kidnapped by space pirates under suspicious circumstances and subsequently rescued by Nyren, she has a mysterious control device of alien origin still embedded in her head that prevents her from remembering who she is, how she ended up on the alien vessel where Nyren found her, and most importantly why?
Nyren and Maddirel have spent the better part of the past ten years wandering the outer sectors under various aliases in the employ of the criminal Syndicate fruitlessly searching for answers. However, their fortunes are about to change. They may be done with the Empire, but the Empire is not done with them.
But the story is chaotic; multiple points of view, aliases, and confusing family relationships detract from the story. The basic story is good, but I found rhe plot difficult to follow at times. And the book ends on a major cliffhanger.
The book definitely starts with a lot of action. It was fast-paced, yet still dull at times.
There are so many family issues intertwined with the story that it makes the plot difficult to follow. Character development is somewhat lacking. I couldn't really identify with any of them, and they weren't overly interesting. Overall, I felt the story was written well. I can't say that I would recommend this book to anyone. I'm glad it was free with Kindle unlimited.
This was a strong start to the Heirs of Denuitia series, it had that element that I was looking for and thought worked as a great scifi concept. M.J. Rosay has a strong writing style and am excited for more. Everything worked well in the world and that the characters were everything that I wanted from this type of book. This plot was everything that I was looking for and was glad I got to read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fast paced story with a plot that is about FAMILY, an imperfect one, but still Family. Lots of action, lots of questions, most answered , but some not and hints at more secrets to come. Who will be the winner and who is the loser, or is there a surprised waiting.