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The Empire #1
The Empire
"It will be interesting to discover which will make you beg. Will it be the pain or the pleasure?"
How do you tame a man without breaking his spirit?
The galaxy is under siege from alien invaders. The Empire is the only force that stands in the gap, trading the freedom of its citizens for a tenuous security.
Amidst this chaos, Lt. Adrian Stannis is a brilliant scientist trying to stay out of the limelight. He hides on a research vessel plying the Outer Rim and finds peace of a sort with Kali Mirren, a psi-enabled humanoid. But his days of anonymity may be coming to an end. Someone has discovered his secret and is determined to make him pay for his treachery. He must finish the project he abandoned years ago, one the Council deems essential in its fight against the aliens, but things are never that simple where Adrian is concerned.
Is he more man than machine, or have years hiding behind a mountain of logic eroded his humanity? Can he learn to love and will he be able to survive the tangled web of political expediency and psychological manipulation that surrounds him?
Will Kali be able to save him from himself, or is there a mystery surrounding him that may explode in their faces?
Everyone wants to know the truth, but will it set them free?
How do you tame a man without breaking his spirit?
The galaxy is under siege from alien invaders. The Empire is the only force that stands in the gap, trading the freedom of its citizens for a tenuous security.
Amidst this chaos, Lt. Adrian Stannis is a brilliant scientist trying to stay out of the limelight. He hides on a research vessel plying the Outer Rim and finds peace of a sort with Kali Mirren, a psi-enabled humanoid. But his days of anonymity may be coming to an end. Someone has discovered his secret and is determined to make him pay for his treachery. He must finish the project he abandoned years ago, one the Council deems essential in its fight against the aliens, but things are never that simple where Adrian is concerned.
Is he more man than machine, or have years hiding behind a mountain of logic eroded his humanity? Can he learn to love and will he be able to survive the tangled web of political expediency and psychological manipulation that surrounds him?
Will Kali be able to save him from himself, or is there a mystery surrounding him that may explode in their faces?
Everyone wants to know the truth, but will it set them free?
326 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lang
14 books53 followersElizabeth Lang was an avid reader from an early age. Science Fiction and Fantasy were and still are her passions, with occasional dips in the pools of Mystery. She has spent many years in the IT industry and started writing late in life, but once begun, she couldn't stop.
Elizabeth lives in Canada though she's worked in many places around the world. She loves traveling, learning about different cultures, and sampling their delectable foods.
She has 2 science fiction thrillers published with IFWG Publishing.
Elizabeth lives in Canada though she's worked in many places around the world. She loves traveling, learning about different cultures, and sampling their delectable foods.
She has 2 science fiction thrillers published with IFWG Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 18, 2011
The Empire has all the essential elements of a classic space opera: romance, sex, action, alien invaders, the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, an Empire organized as an ostensible democracy, real political power in the hands of a military oligarchy and enough intrigue to satisfy anyone. The military is divided into three factions: the professional dedicated soldiers (more or less good guys), the competing Security Service that enjoys disciplining the others (more or less bad guys) and the mega-monopoly that provides the economic and material muscle to the fleet and is the balance of power. Add the independent Psychostrategists Guild that sells its services to the others at exorbitant cost and pursues its own unknown agenda, planets of human rebels whose hatred of the Empire is so great they refuse to join the common defense and court destruction by the Empire, a reluctant and damaged hero and a psi-enhanced and courageous heroine who is ready to sacrifice all for love and what she believes is right. All this is pulled together and woven into an engaging story by deft plotting and crisp writing. The characters are particularly well drawn and credible. A thoroughly enjoyable read. The Empire is said to be the first of a three book series. The lead in to the second at the end of the first is certainly enticing. I look forward eagerly to the publication of the second and third books. Highly recommended.
April 15, 2012
Book Info: Genre: Science-fiction thriller (per author); military sci-fi/space opera (per me) Reading Level: Adult
Disclosure: I received a free eBook copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Humanity is in danger of annihilation as a centuries old war with the Andromedans heats up again. The Empire, an increasingly totalitarian society, is the only force that stands in the gap.
Thrust into this chaos of alien invasion, rebellion, and political intrigue, Lieutenant Adrian Stannis is caught between the ends and the means. No one knows why this brilliant scientist chooses to hide himself in the farthest reaches of the galaxy, doing research on an insignificant science vessel. His days of anonymity may soon be coming to an end, whether he wants it to or not.
Adrian's freedom, and his very survival may depend on friends he's afraid of having. Kali, a psi-enabled humanoid who is the only person he gets along with, just barely, and Bryce, his personal assistant and one-time conman and thief, may be his only hopes, if he doesn't push them away, not to mention a mystery surrounding him that may explode in their faces.
Everyone wants to know the truth, but will it set them free?
My Thoughts: My deepest apologies to the author for taking so long to get to this book!
Wow, the Empire is a real piece of work. While many of the actions of the people involved are understandable once you know their motivations, and while there are many good people involved in the Empire, it also seems rather... dictatorial. I mean, the clenched fist and all, it’s rather obvious that the Empire is not meant to be a warm, fuzzy entity. And then you run across people like High Admiral Gretchen van Ruinationofallmankind (or that should be her name). Man, that’s one cold woman. Speaking of the characters, Ms. Lang did a wonderful job of developing the characters – even fairly minor ones like Ture, the computer lab tech, were developed enough so you felt like you knew them. Adrian was an enigma – intellectually brilliant, socially so backward one would think he had Asperger’s, but we learn the truth eventually, and it is much more chilling. Then there is Sester, the psychostrategist...
The psychostrategist reminded me of a character in a Timothy Zahn book I read a few years back, who also had an uncanny ability to read people and reach conclusions that seemed as if he were reading their mind. However, in Zahn’s book, Deadman Switch , the talent was used for a different purpose than the psychostrategists’ purposes, so the story itself really isn’t similar, despite the similar genre and all – it just reminded me of the book because of the similar abilities and the similar themes about protecting people from unscrupulousness. Excellent book if you can find it, by the way.
There are a few editing issues in this book; it could have done with another go-over by a line-editor. It wasn’t as bad as some I’ve seen, but it definitely did need some work in that way. However, the story itself was gripping, the character development was terrific, and the flow was very well-done.
Fans of military science-fiction and space opera should enjoy this book, although it is left somewhat unfinished. That’s not terribly surprising, since she plans for this to be the first book of a trilogy, to be followed by The Rebels and The Andromedans. I can’t find information about exactly when it will be released, but you can find more at her website: here. She describes her book as a mixture of romance, intrigue and humor in a science-fiction thriller, but there are enough battles and action in this book to appeal to readers who prefer the military/space opera form of sci-fi, like I do myself, while the romance is there but not overwhelming, and there is enough humor to break up the tension. Definitely check this one out, and keep an eye open for the upcoming releases.
Disclosure: I received a free eBook copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Humanity is in danger of annihilation as a centuries old war with the Andromedans heats up again. The Empire, an increasingly totalitarian society, is the only force that stands in the gap.
Thrust into this chaos of alien invasion, rebellion, and political intrigue, Lieutenant Adrian Stannis is caught between the ends and the means. No one knows why this brilliant scientist chooses to hide himself in the farthest reaches of the galaxy, doing research on an insignificant science vessel. His days of anonymity may soon be coming to an end, whether he wants it to or not.
Adrian's freedom, and his very survival may depend on friends he's afraid of having. Kali, a psi-enabled humanoid who is the only person he gets along with, just barely, and Bryce, his personal assistant and one-time conman and thief, may be his only hopes, if he doesn't push them away, not to mention a mystery surrounding him that may explode in their faces.
Everyone wants to know the truth, but will it set them free?
My Thoughts: My deepest apologies to the author for taking so long to get to this book!
Wow, the Empire is a real piece of work. While many of the actions of the people involved are understandable once you know their motivations, and while there are many good people involved in the Empire, it also seems rather... dictatorial. I mean, the clenched fist and all, it’s rather obvious that the Empire is not meant to be a warm, fuzzy entity. And then you run across people like High Admiral Gretchen van Ruinationofallmankind (or that should be her name). Man, that’s one cold woman. Speaking of the characters, Ms. Lang did a wonderful job of developing the characters – even fairly minor ones like Ture, the computer lab tech, were developed enough so you felt like you knew them. Adrian was an enigma – intellectually brilliant, socially so backward one would think he had Asperger’s, but we learn the truth eventually, and it is much more chilling. Then there is Sester, the psychostrategist...
The psychostrategist reminded me of a character in a Timothy Zahn book I read a few years back, who also had an uncanny ability to read people and reach conclusions that seemed as if he were reading their mind. However, in Zahn’s book, Deadman Switch , the talent was used for a different purpose than the psychostrategists’ purposes, so the story itself really isn’t similar, despite the similar genre and all – it just reminded me of the book because of the similar abilities and the similar themes about protecting people from unscrupulousness. Excellent book if you can find it, by the way.
There are a few editing issues in this book; it could have done with another go-over by a line-editor. It wasn’t as bad as some I’ve seen, but it definitely did need some work in that way. However, the story itself was gripping, the character development was terrific, and the flow was very well-done.
Fans of military science-fiction and space opera should enjoy this book, although it is left somewhat unfinished. That’s not terribly surprising, since she plans for this to be the first book of a trilogy, to be followed by The Rebels and The Andromedans. I can’t find information about exactly when it will be released, but you can find more at her website: here. She describes her book as a mixture of romance, intrigue and humor in a science-fiction thriller, but there are enough battles and action in this book to appeal to readers who prefer the military/space opera form of sci-fi, like I do myself, while the romance is there but not overwhelming, and there is enough humor to break up the tension. Definitely check this one out, and keep an eye open for the upcoming releases.
March 3, 2011
The Empire by Elizabeth Lang is accomplished, multi-layered entertainment, unfolding strategic plots, subplots and characters to the delight of the reader. It is a strong, skilful entry in the world of science fiction.
The novel is set in a future where the human race is in the middle of a galactic war and the military complex all but runs an Empire. Caught in this tangled web is Adrian Stannis, a pawn in the games of the military who want to use his genius to build weapons.
The Empire is intricate, intriguing, and full of fascinating characters while the author twists her plot threads admirably. Like all good science fiction the narrative ponders controversial issues and questions, but it deftly maintains balance between plot and character. You are pulled into the story effortlessly; her world is well-realized. The author seems to be comfortable with science fiction, and I had the sense of influencing echoes as I read her prose.
One of the more appealing aspects of the book, for me, was the characters. Lines were drawn in the beginning of the book that appeared straightforward, but as motivations and personalities came to light antagonists became sympathetic, reasons less black and white. The interaction of characters highlights the tension, romance, rivalry, and unhappiness adeptly.
The ending was a bit open-ended with some sub-plots left to speculation (leaving me hope there will be a sequel) but it was still satisfying. I enjoyed reading The Empire and hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.
The novel is set in a future where the human race is in the middle of a galactic war and the military complex all but runs an Empire. Caught in this tangled web is Adrian Stannis, a pawn in the games of the military who want to use his genius to build weapons.
The Empire is intricate, intriguing, and full of fascinating characters while the author twists her plot threads admirably. Like all good science fiction the narrative ponders controversial issues and questions, but it deftly maintains balance between plot and character. You are pulled into the story effortlessly; her world is well-realized. The author seems to be comfortable with science fiction, and I had the sense of influencing echoes as I read her prose.
One of the more appealing aspects of the book, for me, was the characters. Lines were drawn in the beginning of the book that appeared straightforward, but as motivations and personalities came to light antagonists became sympathetic, reasons less black and white. The interaction of characters highlights the tension, romance, rivalry, and unhappiness adeptly.
The ending was a bit open-ended with some sub-plots left to speculation (leaving me hope there will be a sequel) but it was still satisfying. I enjoyed reading The Empire and hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.
January 1, 2011
The Empire by Elizabeth Lang
I would like first of all to congratulate Elizabeth for a very brilliant piece. I would like to thank her for giving heart stopping moments. She wove a story of love, naked abuse of power, real evil and outright hypocrites. I would like to thank her for using the novel “The Empire to lay bare our pretensions to civilization and ‘empire building.’ I have never felt so involved in a supposed fantasy as Elizabeth made me feel with the brilliant characterization of Adrian Stannis, Kali MIrren and the very awful Sester. Humanity has great potential for infinite good and absolute evil and in the portrayal of Adrian, the scientist who learned through love to discover his own humanity and almost die in the process of saving humanity, I had an urgent prayer that copies of this book be made available to all those ‘intelligence’ men. The tragedy might be they may not find themselves in time as Sester did. I could not drop the book even as my eyes went heavy, every page held me and tortured me with the hunger to know more so I kept turning the pages and forgot all else. Thank you Ms Lang. Congratulations may your quill continually flow with creativity.
I would like first of all to congratulate Elizabeth for a very brilliant piece. I would like to thank her for giving heart stopping moments. She wove a story of love, naked abuse of power, real evil and outright hypocrites. I would like to thank her for using the novel “The Empire to lay bare our pretensions to civilization and ‘empire building.’ I have never felt so involved in a supposed fantasy as Elizabeth made me feel with the brilliant characterization of Adrian Stannis, Kali MIrren and the very awful Sester. Humanity has great potential for infinite good and absolute evil and in the portrayal of Adrian, the scientist who learned through love to discover his own humanity and almost die in the process of saving humanity, I had an urgent prayer that copies of this book be made available to all those ‘intelligence’ men. The tragedy might be they may not find themselves in time as Sester did. I could not drop the book even as my eyes went heavy, every page held me and tortured me with the hunger to know more so I kept turning the pages and forgot all else. Thank you Ms Lang. Congratulations may your quill continually flow with creativity.
December 3, 2010
I had the pleasure of reading this prior to publication. I enjoyed it immensely. What attracted me to the novel is that it isn't cliche-ridden - it genre blends somewhat (there is an element of romance) and it's core storyline is not plot driven (a well constructed epic science fiction backdrop), but rather focuses on the weaknesses, and the strengths, of the human spirit. In this case the main characters. All these characters are three-dimensional.
Well done Elizabeth, you have crafted a very good debut novel.
Well done Elizabeth, you have crafted a very good debut novel.
May 12, 2011
Excellent story,
Poor Adrian is so smart he is almost void of emotion, well, any he wants someone to see.
As grand a Space Opera tale as there is, as The Empire is portrayed as the evil villain with its many ruthless parts and the exploitation of the human and his condition.
Defiantly a must read for SciFi fans with a good plot and several interesting and twisted subplots...
May 4, 2012
i enjoyed reading this first book of this budding author. this book captured my interest and kept me on the edge. adrian stannis is the kind of hero that is relateable to many people, though i did want to give him a whack now and then, which is a strange compliment to the author. it's because e. lang has written a book that makes you get involved with the characters. you want to feel for them. it also covers issues or morality. i cringed when i read the things that 'the powers that be' did when they made decisions and acted on them. they trampled over the individuals' rights and they seemed to feel that it was their right to do so, because the individuals were not important. the needs of the many outweigh the needs/rights of the individuals. maybe their intentions were understandable in the beginning, like many good intentions, but it changed when the people in the government allowed their fears/ambitions cloud their judgements. they ignored that humans are individuals and that it is the unique individuals that can create and uplift society, not conforming automatons. i never thought that fear and torture were good ways to control people. they seem to forget that when the people feel that they have nothing left to lose, that's when wars and rebellions happen. i also liked the interaction of the main characters, the action, the humor (a little dry), and the bit of romance that was toosed into the mix. i hope to see more character development and am anxiously waiting for the next books. and they better not end with a one word cliffhanger!
January 15, 2012
One of the things I enjoyed most about The Empire, which is volume one of Elizabeth Lang’s trilogy, is that it’s big—as in epic—and yet small. There is the story of the seemingly omnipotent Empire threatened by the Andromedans, an alien race of rebels. At the same time it’s a tale of intimate relationships.
Brilliant scientist, Lt. Adrian Stannis is a man who has more than his share of trouble dealing with expressing emotions. Tortured by The Empire, who want to use his knowledge for their own malevolent means, Stannis through sheer will struggles to fight back. Thrown in the mix is Kali Mirren, a beautiful psychic from another planet who falls for him. Theirs is a story of not only overcoming the iron reach of The Empire, but of breaking through to the emotionally dead Stannis. This is the dimension that separates Lang’s story from other dramas of this nature.
She also has a knack for inventing interesting characters such as Bryce, a scallywag who proves to have just as much heart as mischief, and Sester who is a psychostratagist who finds his own humanity while trying to remove Adrian’s.
My only gripe was just as everything came to a head the first part of the trilogy ended and I wanted to read more. Fortunately, from what I understand, volume two is just around the corner.
Brilliant scientist, Lt. Adrian Stannis is a man who has more than his share of trouble dealing with expressing emotions. Tortured by The Empire, who want to use his knowledge for their own malevolent means, Stannis through sheer will struggles to fight back. Thrown in the mix is Kali Mirren, a beautiful psychic from another planet who falls for him. Theirs is a story of not only overcoming the iron reach of The Empire, but of breaking through to the emotionally dead Stannis. This is the dimension that separates Lang’s story from other dramas of this nature.
She also has a knack for inventing interesting characters such as Bryce, a scallywag who proves to have just as much heart as mischief, and Sester who is a psychostratagist who finds his own humanity while trying to remove Adrian’s.
My only gripe was just as everything came to a head the first part of the trilogy ended and I wanted to read more. Fortunately, from what I understand, volume two is just around the corner.
September 18, 2011
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There are qualities in this book that will tempt just about every reader to pick it up. The science fiction in the novel is tame, most readers won't have a hard time understand the plot and the dialogue between the characters. There are increasingly heated hints of romance between the main characters. This book is chock full of action as well, the events are fast-paced and the very fate of humanity is dependent on crucial decisions and actions. Mystery lingers in some of the sub-plots to round out the book.
The main characters are very well-developed. The reader will meet Adrian and Kali early on in the book. Adrian is secretive, enigmatic, and highly intelligent. Kali is the softer character; she is compassionate, brave, and headstrong. They are very compatible and work well together. The secondary characters are interesting, the reader's opinion will vary as he/she continues to read the book.
This book has the perfect ending, a hint of a teaser at the end. The plot was detailed and easy to follow and the characters were fun to read about. This book is recommended to young adults/adults.
There are qualities in this book that will tempt just about every reader to pick it up. The science fiction in the novel is tame, most readers won't have a hard time understand the plot and the dialogue between the characters. There are increasingly heated hints of romance between the main characters. This book is chock full of action as well, the events are fast-paced and the very fate of humanity is dependent on crucial decisions and actions. Mystery lingers in some of the sub-plots to round out the book.
The main characters are very well-developed. The reader will meet Adrian and Kali early on in the book. Adrian is secretive, enigmatic, and highly intelligent. Kali is the softer character; she is compassionate, brave, and headstrong. They are very compatible and work well together. The secondary characters are interesting, the reader's opinion will vary as he/she continues to read the book.
This book has the perfect ending, a hint of a teaser at the end. The plot was detailed and easy to follow and the characters were fun to read about. This book is recommended to young adults/adults.
May 15, 2012
Really enjoyed this one. I usually don't read first books of trilogies that haven't been finished yet, and never from new authors. I've been burned too many times when the author doesn't finish them, but I read this one on a recommendation from a friend who raved about a great new author, and I'm glad that I took the chance.
Elizabeth Lang is a wonderful find and I'm keeping my eye on her. I hope you finish this one Elizabeth, not just because you had a doozie of a cliffhanger, but you made me feel for these characters and I want to know what happens to them.
Elizabeth Lang is a wonderful find and I'm keeping my eye on her. I hope you finish this one Elizabeth, not just because you had a doozie of a cliffhanger, but you made me feel for these characters and I want to know what happens to them.
May 15, 2012
I haven't found too many new authors who are so full of promise, but Elizabeth Lang is definitely one of those.
Characterization is her strong suit. No cardboard or derivative characters here. Fascinating, quirky, tortured and most of all, gritty and complex. Her characters breath and sing. You love them, hate them, love and hate them at the same time, while others confuse you to no end. Sester is a prime example. He doesn't appear until the half-way through, but once he does, you cannot take your eyes off him. At first, the main character, Lt. Adrian Stannis seems colorless and passive, at first. But all of the other characters around him are drawn in vivid colors and you realize the genius of this author. When the true Adrian surfaces, little by little, like a strangling puppy lifting its head for air, the horror of what was done to him to make him this way is doubly accentuated. The subtle nuance of the characterization is brilliant and belongs to a much more experienced author, so bravo Elizabeth.
Plot is well developed with one major and many side plots weaving throughout and gives it an epic feel. It reminds me of other ensemble cast authors like Tolkien.
World-building. This is fairly tame. Not that it isn't well done, but we don't learn a great deal about this world, except through the characters interaction in it. No massive info dumps. The author focuses much more on the characters and how they live in this world, than the world itself. I could have used more details about the origins of the Empire and how the military and politics works. The author gives us tantalizing glimpses of it through the glimpses into the leaders, especially Andrew Tennyson. But it only whets the appetite. I hope she shows more in the subsequent books.
Science and Technology. While The Empire is set in the far future, (I get the idea that it's the very far future though it's never specified) the book is not heavy on the science and technology. It has a comfortable, lived-in feeling. The characters use and live in this world naturally, just like we use our cars without focusing or understanding how it works. A little more on how the science and technology has progressed would make it even more interesting. The emo-projectors in the theaters was an interesting idea. One shudders at the possibilities of that technology, and of course, Adrian's creation which sparks a great deal of the controversy in the book.
Action and Adventure. There is a good amount of action and adventure, not a lot, but enough. The book is focused more on the characters and the psychological battles between them.
As a first book, this is an impressive beginning and I will be adding Elizabeth Lang to my watch list of authors. I hope the rest of her trilogy comes out soon.
Characterization is her strong suit. No cardboard or derivative characters here. Fascinating, quirky, tortured and most of all, gritty and complex. Her characters breath and sing. You love them, hate them, love and hate them at the same time, while others confuse you to no end. Sester is a prime example. He doesn't appear until the half-way through, but once he does, you cannot take your eyes off him. At first, the main character, Lt. Adrian Stannis seems colorless and passive, at first. But all of the other characters around him are drawn in vivid colors and you realize the genius of this author. When the true Adrian surfaces, little by little, like a strangling puppy lifting its head for air, the horror of what was done to him to make him this way is doubly accentuated. The subtle nuance of the characterization is brilliant and belongs to a much more experienced author, so bravo Elizabeth.
Plot is well developed with one major and many side plots weaving throughout and gives it an epic feel. It reminds me of other ensemble cast authors like Tolkien.
World-building. This is fairly tame. Not that it isn't well done, but we don't learn a great deal about this world, except through the characters interaction in it. No massive info dumps. The author focuses much more on the characters and how they live in this world, than the world itself. I could have used more details about the origins of the Empire and how the military and politics works. The author gives us tantalizing glimpses of it through the glimpses into the leaders, especially Andrew Tennyson. But it only whets the appetite. I hope she shows more in the subsequent books.
Science and Technology. While The Empire is set in the far future, (I get the idea that it's the very far future though it's never specified) the book is not heavy on the science and technology. It has a comfortable, lived-in feeling. The characters use and live in this world naturally, just like we use our cars without focusing or understanding how it works. A little more on how the science and technology has progressed would make it even more interesting. The emo-projectors in the theaters was an interesting idea. One shudders at the possibilities of that technology, and of course, Adrian's creation which sparks a great deal of the controversy in the book.
Action and Adventure. There is a good amount of action and adventure, not a lot, but enough. The book is focused more on the characters and the psychological battles between them.
As a first book, this is an impressive beginning and I will be adding Elizabeth Lang to my watch list of authors. I hope the rest of her trilogy comes out soon.
March 28, 2013
Adrian Stannis is driven, he knows that one day, they'll come for him. Maybe one day soon. And when they do, he needs to be ready, he needs to be hardened, he needs to be unfeeling.
Kali Mirren longs to break through Adrian's hard exterior, she can almost see the tenderness that he works so hard deny.
The Empire wants Adrian and the secrets he's keeping, and they'll break him to get them.
The Empire by Elizabeth Lang tells the story of Adrian and Kali. Adrian has already failed the Empire once, he destroyed what he'd worked on for, but now, they're back, ready to mind rape him once again. Kali knows there's more to that cold exterior than Adrian letting on, but to let go even a little, might let those who want to steal his mind, his soul, in to the place he's worked so hard to hide. Can he learn to love again, to trust? And what will happen to him if he does?
The Empire is a saga of intergalactic travel and war, and an Empire that will do whatever is needed to make sure they're the victors, even destroying the one scientist who might be able to save them all. I found myself drawn to these characters. To Adrian who had such a thick mental wall surrounding him, it was impossible to see inside, to Kali whose tender care Adrian found himself in and craving, to Sester, the cruel psychostrategist who'd use everyone and anything to achieve his goals, no matter the consequences, literally. If you find yourself drawn to stories of space travel, to epic stories, then this might be the read for you. Throw in a growing love story, and romance readers have a reason to pick this one up too. I very much enjoyed this seemingly quick read, and recommend it to others who enjoy the genre.
Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.
Kali Mirren longs to break through Adrian's hard exterior, she can almost see the tenderness that he works so hard deny.
The Empire wants Adrian and the secrets he's keeping, and they'll break him to get them.
The Empire by Elizabeth Lang tells the story of Adrian and Kali. Adrian has already failed the Empire once, he destroyed what he'd worked on for, but now, they're back, ready to mind rape him once again. Kali knows there's more to that cold exterior than Adrian letting on, but to let go even a little, might let those who want to steal his mind, his soul, in to the place he's worked so hard to hide. Can he learn to love again, to trust? And what will happen to him if he does?
The Empire is a saga of intergalactic travel and war, and an Empire that will do whatever is needed to make sure they're the victors, even destroying the one scientist who might be able to save them all. I found myself drawn to these characters. To Adrian who had such a thick mental wall surrounding him, it was impossible to see inside, to Kali whose tender care Adrian found himself in and craving, to Sester, the cruel psychostrategist who'd use everyone and anything to achieve his goals, no matter the consequences, literally. If you find yourself drawn to stories of space travel, to epic stories, then this might be the read for you. Throw in a growing love story, and romance readers have a reason to pick this one up too. I very much enjoyed this seemingly quick read, and recommend it to others who enjoy the genre.
Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.
May 15, 2014
Review by Tammy
The story of Adrian and Kali… And Bryce quickly became a favorite! This futuristic novel follows the budding romance of Adrian and Kali throughout space, time, science and torture.
Adrian must create a machine he once sabotaged to save his life and Kali’s. Their complex relationship transcends what we think of as a normal relationship. For even the most brilliant person sometimes cannot fathom the simplistic basic relationship. Add a little mental and physical torture by people aiming to punish yet rise in power from the success of others and you have one exciting, scary, captivating story. Bryce is tossed in the mix as the lowly ranked, not looking to be promoted, but he’s learned his lesson and takes opportunity where it arises. He begins to understand the complexities of Adrian and Kali and joins in their venture for selfless reasons. He grows as a person and gains an education and relationship he never thought possible.
It’s been said some books take a person right into the story and keep them captive as everything unfolds. This is most definitely one of those novels.
Personally, I don’t read many futuristic novels, but when I began I just couldn’t wait to see where it went. The differences in thought and action in Adrian and Kali’s work and personal relationships and the twists Bryce, Adrian and Kali ride throughout this action packed novel definitely keep you wondering. I cannot wait to start the second book, The Rebels. I’m anxious to see where the analytical mind of Adrian’s takes me.
March 25, 2013
The Empire is a great Science Fiction read. I have to say that I normally do not read sci-fi books but this one grabbed me and I really enjoyed it. The world structure and the world was a great one that I could easily envision. In The Empire we meet Adrian and Kali. The world is ending as they know it because of an alien invasion and Adrian and Kali go hide out on a research ship. Adrian being a scientist the government wants him to finish a project that they feel will help them against the aliens but Adrian refuses and hides out with Kali. But someone discovers what Adrian has done and they report him and the government wants him.
Can the government make Adrian finish the project? What will make Adrian beg for his life? Can they break Adrian without breaking his spirit? Is he more man than machine? Can he and Kali be together? What will t take for the government to leave him alone? There is so much action in this book and what happens will blow your mind. This is a great read that really took me by surprise. Like I said I have not really read many sci-fi books but this one is going to be a series I follow.
Can the government make Adrian finish the project? What will make Adrian beg for his life? Can they break Adrian without breaking his spirit? Is he more man than machine? Can he and Kali be together? What will t take for the government to leave him alone? There is so much action in this book and what happens will blow your mind. This is a great read that really took me by surprise. Like I said I have not really read many sci-fi books but this one is going to be a series I follow.
August 29, 2012
Trama: Un terribile attacco perpretato da una razza aliena priva di ogni scrupolo e violenta ha cambiato per sempre le dinamiche politiche dello spazio. Per difendersi dai loro attacchi e dalle stragi conseguenti gli umani crearono L’impero, e alte razze e pianeti alieni vi aderirono sempre perché solo uniti poteva sperare di riuscire a fermare quella terribile razza aliena.
Nato in fondo per disperazione e sopravvivenza, L’impero non è certo una repubblica felice o un’alleanza pacifica, è un regime dittatoriale di stampo militare. Gli umani che lavorano e vivono sotto il suo giogo non sono certo felici, ma sono vivi. Eppure alcuni di loro iniziano chiedersi se non ci sia un modo diverso di poter sopravvivere alla minaccia degli alieni che li hanno quasi estinti, perché in fondo sono vivi ma non liberi, e senza libertà che vita è?
Il romanzo si concentra sulle vicissitudini di uno scienziato che lavora su una nave spaziale esplorativa, altamente intelligenze, fa parte di quella parte della popolazione dell’Impero che gode di certi privilegi perchè geneticamente superiore ad altri individui, ma di fatto, data la sua importanza strategica non è padrone della sua vita. Infatti L’impero vuole sfruttarlo per creare un arma terribile che li possa aiutare nella guerra contro quei maledetti alieni, ma è talmente terribile che lo scienziato non vuole certo completare quel progetto, poiché sa bene che se l’arma sarà finita probabilmente l’impero non l’userà solo per proteggersi attaccherà e non solo e gli alieni nemici….
Per un po’ lo scienziato è riuscito a prender tempo e ha goduto di un poco di calma su quel vecchio vascello, ma ora lo vogliono rimandare su una nave militare in modo che finisca in fretta il progetto. Per convincerlo lo torturano per giorni, in modo vario e terribile (ed è così che inizia il libro con le sue torture che sono fisiche e disturbanti), ma lui non cede, si salverà la vita solo perché un membro dell’equipaggio un’aliena telepatica innamorata intercede per lui cedendo alla richiesta di trasferimento in sua vece e per salvare lei a sua volta cede lui.
Sulla nave militare non va certo meglio al nostri scienziato, tra il chip che gli impiantano che permette al capitano di procurargli dolori terribili a piacimento, una sua sadica ex e uno scienziato viscido che lo odia….diciamo che la sua vita è un inferno….se poi aggiungiamo spie disposte a tutto pur di avere i suoi progetti, capiremo che questo poverino ad un certo punto vede i ribelli come sua unica speranza….
La mia opinione. Anche qui abbiamo diversi punti di vista, ma sono pochi, e permettono di approfondire bene i personaggi, la cui psicologia è bene approfondita. Intelligente soprattutto creare un protagonista talmente chiuso e altero che il lettore pur intuendo che è così per una ragione, non può provare eccessiva pietà per lui, nonostante ciò che subisce per tutto il libro, e questo è un bene, a chi piace avere pietà dell’eroe?
Bene anche i sentimenti, i giochi di potere e i personaggi sono tutti simpatici, tranne i cattivi che sono veramente cattivi in questo libri, alcuni quasi fino alla pazzia per intenderci, e non si tratta di alieni. Al contrario del libro di cui ho parlato prima qui il pathos non manca di certo, anzi a volte è pure troppo, iniziare il libro con la tortura del protagonista, tortura che comprende quasi un suo stupro, è certamente un modo molto forte di iniziare il racconto, talmente forte da essere quasi disturbante. E per tutto il libro la violenza, psicologica e fisica abbonda, così come i sentimenti dei personaggi, che sono sempre o quasi ad estremi livelli, siano essi rabbia , amore, o altro, niente mezze cartucce tra loro. E mai un attimo di respiro per i protagonisti poveretti. Probabilmente al libro avrebbe giovato, in certi tratti, la struttura del libro precedente, che spiegava meglio l’universo che circonda la storia, le motivazioni delle varie parti, qui tutto è azione in prima persona e il lettore deduce, qualche momento più…..di logica ed esplicativo, insomma anche interazioni a livello normale tra i personaggi, sarebbe stato gradito. Qui sembrano tutti perennemente in preda a sbalzi ormonali
Anche questo è un libro a cui comunque do un voto alto, direi sette e mezzo,ma direi che l’ideale, un libro da nove per intenderci, sarebbe scaturito dall’unione degli stili di queste due scrittrici, la prima più esperta nel darci l’ambientazione e la struttura logica della trama in modo chiaro e scorrevole ed interessante, con riusciti colpi di scena, e la seconda avrebbe potuto aggiungervi sentimento e pathos nonché personaggi più coloriti. Allora avremmo avuto un opera più completa e piacevole, invece così abbiamo un libro per ponderato e scritto, ma un poco asettico e freddo, e uno molto coinvolgente ma fin troppo colorito e marcato.
Per intenderci il primo libro Dremiks, lo potremmo paragonare ad una delle puntate del telefilm Star Trek originale, ben strutturate, ma un poco asettiche un po’ troppo pulite, dove Spock e Kirk devono vedersela con la diplomazia di diversi popoli che lottano per la proprietà dello stesso pianeta.
Mentre The empire lo potremmo paragonare ad una delle puntate di Star Trek the next generation dove Picard è prigioniero dei Borg e viene torturato fin quasi a perdere la propria identità, ci sono lotte per liberarlo e qualcosa esplode in modo violento.
Nato in fondo per disperazione e sopravvivenza, L’impero non è certo una repubblica felice o un’alleanza pacifica, è un regime dittatoriale di stampo militare. Gli umani che lavorano e vivono sotto il suo giogo non sono certo felici, ma sono vivi. Eppure alcuni di loro iniziano chiedersi se non ci sia un modo diverso di poter sopravvivere alla minaccia degli alieni che li hanno quasi estinti, perché in fondo sono vivi ma non liberi, e senza libertà che vita è?
Il romanzo si concentra sulle vicissitudini di uno scienziato che lavora su una nave spaziale esplorativa, altamente intelligenze, fa parte di quella parte della popolazione dell’Impero che gode di certi privilegi perchè geneticamente superiore ad altri individui, ma di fatto, data la sua importanza strategica non è padrone della sua vita. Infatti L’impero vuole sfruttarlo per creare un arma terribile che li possa aiutare nella guerra contro quei maledetti alieni, ma è talmente terribile che lo scienziato non vuole certo completare quel progetto, poiché sa bene che se l’arma sarà finita probabilmente l’impero non l’userà solo per proteggersi attaccherà e non solo e gli alieni nemici….
Per un po’ lo scienziato è riuscito a prender tempo e ha goduto di un poco di calma su quel vecchio vascello, ma ora lo vogliono rimandare su una nave militare in modo che finisca in fretta il progetto. Per convincerlo lo torturano per giorni, in modo vario e terribile (ed è così che inizia il libro con le sue torture che sono fisiche e disturbanti), ma lui non cede, si salverà la vita solo perché un membro dell’equipaggio un’aliena telepatica innamorata intercede per lui cedendo alla richiesta di trasferimento in sua vece e per salvare lei a sua volta cede lui.
Sulla nave militare non va certo meglio al nostri scienziato, tra il chip che gli impiantano che permette al capitano di procurargli dolori terribili a piacimento, una sua sadica ex e uno scienziato viscido che lo odia….diciamo che la sua vita è un inferno….se poi aggiungiamo spie disposte a tutto pur di avere i suoi progetti, capiremo che questo poverino ad un certo punto vede i ribelli come sua unica speranza….
La mia opinione. Anche qui abbiamo diversi punti di vista, ma sono pochi, e permettono di approfondire bene i personaggi, la cui psicologia è bene approfondita. Intelligente soprattutto creare un protagonista talmente chiuso e altero che il lettore pur intuendo che è così per una ragione, non può provare eccessiva pietà per lui, nonostante ciò che subisce per tutto il libro, e questo è un bene, a chi piace avere pietà dell’eroe?
Bene anche i sentimenti, i giochi di potere e i personaggi sono tutti simpatici, tranne i cattivi che sono veramente cattivi in questo libri, alcuni quasi fino alla pazzia per intenderci, e non si tratta di alieni. Al contrario del libro di cui ho parlato prima qui il pathos non manca di certo, anzi a volte è pure troppo, iniziare il libro con la tortura del protagonista, tortura che comprende quasi un suo stupro, è certamente un modo molto forte di iniziare il racconto, talmente forte da essere quasi disturbante. E per tutto il libro la violenza, psicologica e fisica abbonda, così come i sentimenti dei personaggi, che sono sempre o quasi ad estremi livelli, siano essi rabbia , amore, o altro, niente mezze cartucce tra loro. E mai un attimo di respiro per i protagonisti poveretti. Probabilmente al libro avrebbe giovato, in certi tratti, la struttura del libro precedente, che spiegava meglio l’universo che circonda la storia, le motivazioni delle varie parti, qui tutto è azione in prima persona e il lettore deduce, qualche momento più…..di logica ed esplicativo, insomma anche interazioni a livello normale tra i personaggi, sarebbe stato gradito. Qui sembrano tutti perennemente in preda a sbalzi ormonali
Anche questo è un libro a cui comunque do un voto alto, direi sette e mezzo,ma direi che l’ideale, un libro da nove per intenderci, sarebbe scaturito dall’unione degli stili di queste due scrittrici, la prima più esperta nel darci l’ambientazione e la struttura logica della trama in modo chiaro e scorrevole ed interessante, con riusciti colpi di scena, e la seconda avrebbe potuto aggiungervi sentimento e pathos nonché personaggi più coloriti. Allora avremmo avuto un opera più completa e piacevole, invece così abbiamo un libro per ponderato e scritto, ma un poco asettico e freddo, e uno molto coinvolgente ma fin troppo colorito e marcato.
Per intenderci il primo libro Dremiks, lo potremmo paragonare ad una delle puntate del telefilm Star Trek originale, ben strutturate, ma un poco asettiche un po’ troppo pulite, dove Spock e Kirk devono vedersela con la diplomazia di diversi popoli che lottano per la proprietà dello stesso pianeta.
Mentre The empire lo potremmo paragonare ad una delle puntate di Star Trek the next generation dove Picard è prigioniero dei Borg e viene torturato fin quasi a perdere la propria identità, ci sono lotte per liberarlo e qualcosa esplode in modo violento.
March 26, 2013
"It will be interesting to discover which will make you beg. Will it be the pain or the pleasure?"
This line from The Empire fits the book perfectly. From the very beginning, I empathized with Adrian Stannis, the brilliant scientist at the center of the story. The tyrannical government of the year 4045 (the Empire) believes him to be aligned with a band of rebels. They are determined to break Adrian's spirit and force him to construct a weapon that will destroy their arch-enemies, The Andromedans. They begin with physical torture of the most heinous kind--the kind that makes a man beg for death. When that fails, they bring in a 'psychostrategist', a man who's on par with Adrian's intellect, to manipulate him into cooperating. But no one, not even a mind-meddler, can foresee the events that will unfold.
Throughout it all, Adrian takes comfort in the beautiful Kali Mirren, a not-quite-human (Tellaran) with psi abilities. She can feel every ounce of the pain Adrian is put through, and works tirelessly to help him escape the Empire's clutches. With the help of lowly weapons tech Bryce, the trio must navigate the dangerous waters of a government gone bad while war threatens to destroy them all.
I'd been wanting to read this book for a long while, and I'm glad I finally got the chance. Elizabeth Lang's writing cuts marrow deep. She doesn't hesitate to dig right down into the murky depths of the human psyche, showing us the full range of what men and women are capable of, from the downright despicable to the surprisingly noble.
For someone like me, who's often leery of reading science fiction, I'm happy to say that The Empire has changed that. Sure, there are plenty of futuristic technologies going on throughout the story, but I never got bogged down with the lingo. Elizabeth blends it all in perfectly with the character-driven plot. Each and every character in the story came alive on the page, even the supporting cast. I had no trouble connecting with them, even the ones I grew to absolutely loathe!
Of course, I connected most with the leads, Adrian, Kali, and Bryce. Adrian, the poor guy, is so intelligent, he's almost android-like at times in being unable to show emotion. All the torture he endures doesn't help that at all. Kali is his lifeline to humanity. She's a courageous woman to go up against such a juggernaut as the Empire for Adrian's sake. And Bryce shows his own fair share of bravery, despite being hesitant and acting more in his own interests for the better part of the story.
The clincher, which should come as no surprise to those who know me, was the romance between Adrian and Kali. Their scenes together are heart-wrenchingly good and beautifully written. I love the dynamic of their connection. Adrian depends on Kali to connect him to humanity again, while Adrian is an enigma for her by being so devoid of emotion. For a woman who feels everything from everyone all the time, I think she was attracted to Adrian partly because he's not constantly spewing emotional energy. She has to dig for it, to really seek out the man inside to know what he's feeling. And that makes for a fabulous love story, even in a sci-fi setting.
If I could nitpick anything, it would be a few places where the POV switched abruptly and made me wonder whose head I was in, but just for a moment. And there were some typos here and there. However, these minor issues didn't draw me out of the story enough to detract from the experience.
I'll definitely be reading the second book, The Rebels (available now), and the rest when they're finished. Thank you, Elizabeth Lang, for the start of a great new series. I'd recommend this book for any adult reader, whether you're a sci-fi fan or not. I think you just have to try it and see for yourself!
This line from The Empire fits the book perfectly. From the very beginning, I empathized with Adrian Stannis, the brilliant scientist at the center of the story. The tyrannical government of the year 4045 (the Empire) believes him to be aligned with a band of rebels. They are determined to break Adrian's spirit and force him to construct a weapon that will destroy their arch-enemies, The Andromedans. They begin with physical torture of the most heinous kind--the kind that makes a man beg for death. When that fails, they bring in a 'psychostrategist', a man who's on par with Adrian's intellect, to manipulate him into cooperating. But no one, not even a mind-meddler, can foresee the events that will unfold.
Throughout it all, Adrian takes comfort in the beautiful Kali Mirren, a not-quite-human (Tellaran) with psi abilities. She can feel every ounce of the pain Adrian is put through, and works tirelessly to help him escape the Empire's clutches. With the help of lowly weapons tech Bryce, the trio must navigate the dangerous waters of a government gone bad while war threatens to destroy them all.
I'd been wanting to read this book for a long while, and I'm glad I finally got the chance. Elizabeth Lang's writing cuts marrow deep. She doesn't hesitate to dig right down into the murky depths of the human psyche, showing us the full range of what men and women are capable of, from the downright despicable to the surprisingly noble.
For someone like me, who's often leery of reading science fiction, I'm happy to say that The Empire has changed that. Sure, there are plenty of futuristic technologies going on throughout the story, but I never got bogged down with the lingo. Elizabeth blends it all in perfectly with the character-driven plot. Each and every character in the story came alive on the page, even the supporting cast. I had no trouble connecting with them, even the ones I grew to absolutely loathe!
Of course, I connected most with the leads, Adrian, Kali, and Bryce. Adrian, the poor guy, is so intelligent, he's almost android-like at times in being unable to show emotion. All the torture he endures doesn't help that at all. Kali is his lifeline to humanity. She's a courageous woman to go up against such a juggernaut as the Empire for Adrian's sake. And Bryce shows his own fair share of bravery, despite being hesitant and acting more in his own interests for the better part of the story.
The clincher, which should come as no surprise to those who know me, was the romance between Adrian and Kali. Their scenes together are heart-wrenchingly good and beautifully written. I love the dynamic of their connection. Adrian depends on Kali to connect him to humanity again, while Adrian is an enigma for her by being so devoid of emotion. For a woman who feels everything from everyone all the time, I think she was attracted to Adrian partly because he's not constantly spewing emotional energy. She has to dig for it, to really seek out the man inside to know what he's feeling. And that makes for a fabulous love story, even in a sci-fi setting.
If I could nitpick anything, it would be a few places where the POV switched abruptly and made me wonder whose head I was in, but just for a moment. And there were some typos here and there. However, these minor issues didn't draw me out of the story enough to detract from the experience.
I'll definitely be reading the second book, The Rebels (available now), and the rest when they're finished. Thank you, Elizabeth Lang, for the start of a great new series. I'd recommend this book for any adult reader, whether you're a sci-fi fan or not. I think you just have to try it and see for yourself!
June 24, 2012
This falls into the science fiction category, but it is more about people, personalities and more abstract concepts than it is about hard-core science, though the science and technology that act as a background are consistent and credible (if we fast-forward a few centuries in our imagination). Thankfully, it avoids New Age paranormality, and although one of the characters has psi ability (telepathy), this is a perfectly natural phenomenon in this universe - nothing mysterious.
Parts of this novel made me uncomfortable - it's a very "tactile" novel in that tactile sensations are described in (to me) almost embarrassing intimate detail - both pain (and there's a lot of pain) and pleasure (and there's a lot of that, too). But it's a long way from being S/M erotica or indeed any kind of erotica, though love and physical intimacy play a role in the plot, as well as the characterisation.
Several of the characters are super-bright in a variety of different ways - and it's a challenge to write about such people, but Lang has pulled it off well, and thought through the ramifications of these characters' actions and motives. There's also a comic character, playing the role of Fool to the Hero's Lear, who comes over slightly less well, in my opinion, but certainly lightens the mood when things start to get too intense.
It's a novel which in my opinion could only have been written by a woman (I mean that as a compliment, and it's not intended to be condescending) in that it is sensitive, and treats the female characters and male characters as equals, and not merely decorative appendices to one gender or the other, while avoiding an overtly feminist message.
The plot ends fast, closing with a bang, and I was unsatisfied with the book's ending, until I realised that it is the first of a trilogy, and there's more to come. I'm now waiting for Part II.
Parts of this novel made me uncomfortable - it's a very "tactile" novel in that tactile sensations are described in (to me) almost embarrassing intimate detail - both pain (and there's a lot of pain) and pleasure (and there's a lot of that, too). But it's a long way from being S/M erotica or indeed any kind of erotica, though love and physical intimacy play a role in the plot, as well as the characterisation.
Several of the characters are super-bright in a variety of different ways - and it's a challenge to write about such people, but Lang has pulled it off well, and thought through the ramifications of these characters' actions and motives. There's also a comic character, playing the role of Fool to the Hero's Lear, who comes over slightly less well, in my opinion, but certainly lightens the mood when things start to get too intense.
It's a novel which in my opinion could only have been written by a woman (I mean that as a compliment, and it's not intended to be condescending) in that it is sensitive, and treats the female characters and male characters as equals, and not merely decorative appendices to one gender or the other, while avoiding an overtly feminist message.
The plot ends fast, closing with a bang, and I was unsatisfied with the book's ending, until I realised that it is the first of a trilogy, and there's more to come. I'm now waiting for Part II.
March 16, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this sci-fi book of political intrigue, possible love, and military warfare. Adrian reminds me closely of a friend of mine, so socially inept that its painful, and yet, when he's brought out of his shell, he certainly tries.Kali's abilities are slowly growing as she is forced to use them more. I would love to see them advance even more, of course, I am partial to psi powers and empaths. Bryce was by far the best character in the book, witty, sarcastic and loyal to a fault, even if he tries to act as if he isn't.
I had a large problems with the book. First was the speed of the book and the action. It seemed to go so slowly at times. It was enough to keep me hooked, but barely. The part that really had me hooked was probably the last 25 pages, which I flew through. The second problem I had was the relationship between Adrian and Kali. I just wasn't feeling it. I couldn't feel the emotional connection between them.It just seemed to be on a purely 2 dimensional plane, just words. I felt more between Bryce and his love interest, then Kali and Adrian. There was more of a spark there.
Beyond that, the writing was good, the book could stand to be looked over by a line editor again, as there were some small problems with it (referring to a male character as "she" on one page, for instance). However, once those were overlooked, it was a relatively enjoyable sci-fi book.
I enjoyed reading this sci-fi book of political intrigue, possible love, and military warfare. Adrian reminds me closely of a friend of mine, so socially inept that its painful, and yet, when he's brought out of his shell, he certainly tries.Kali's abilities are slowly growing as she is forced to use them more. I would love to see them advance even more, of course, I am partial to psi powers and empaths. Bryce was by far the best character in the book, witty, sarcastic and loyal to a fault, even if he tries to act as if he isn't.
I had a large problems with the book. First was the speed of the book and the action. It seemed to go so slowly at times. It was enough to keep me hooked, but barely. The part that really had me hooked was probably the last 25 pages, which I flew through. The second problem I had was the relationship between Adrian and Kali. I just wasn't feeling it. I couldn't feel the emotional connection between them.It just seemed to be on a purely 2 dimensional plane, just words. I felt more between Bryce and his love interest, then Kali and Adrian. There was more of a spark there.
Beyond that, the writing was good, the book could stand to be looked over by a line editor again, as there were some small problems with it (referring to a male character as "she" on one page, for instance). However, once those were overlooked, it was a relatively enjoyable sci-fi book.
June 5, 2011
Maybe it's because I don't normally read books of this genre, but I really didn't enjoy The Empire. The story was interesting, however, and I did enjoy reading about some of the minor characters.
The main problem was the two main characters. I didn't like either of them. The female seemed 'just there', agreeing with everything the hero said. And the hero never changed. Too me, characters need to change, to grow. He acted the same way at the beginning as he did at the end. Because of that I really didn't care what happened to him.
This book was well-written, and easy to read. Yet at times I got lost in the story.
Overall, the plot had promise that I didn't see produced.
The main problem was the two main characters. I didn't like either of them. The female seemed 'just there', agreeing with everything the hero said. And the hero never changed. Too me, characters need to change, to grow. He acted the same way at the beginning as he did at the end. Because of that I really didn't care what happened to him.
This book was well-written, and easy to read. Yet at times I got lost in the story.
Overall, the plot had promise that I didn't see produced.
September 13, 2011
Adrian Stannis is brilliant, socially inept to the point of being robotic, and a traitor to the Empire. Instead of being punished for his crime (the punishment would normally consist of re-training in the Security Section - however, such punishment would ruin his mind), he is assigned to a science vessel in the middle of nowhere. Here the Empire keeps him until he is needed again. When the Empire's needs clash with Stannis' values, will he choose to do what he thinks is right, or will he do what the Empire wants to save the one person he loves?
I was intrigued by the description of the book and decided it would be a great book to review. I like Sci Fi,
to be continued...
I was intrigued by the description of the book and decided it would be a great book to review. I like Sci Fi,
to be continued...
August 23, 2013
The Empire has all the elements I enjoy in an SF book. Elizabeth Lang shines in developing characters that I care about, and villains that I loathe. Even her minor characters are well-drawn. The premise of a large autocratic empire willing to do anything to develop new weaponry is all-too plausible. The plot progresses nicely, with just enough action to spice things up. And there are plenty of questions left unanswered to lure me into reading the sequel. All in all, an excellent adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
March 20, 2015
This book is very intriguing and kept me on the edge of my chair, I loved the characters even the mean ones, my heart went out to Stannis! The author is good with the way she holds your attention, you just want to look around the corner to see how the rest of the story goes.
The other planets with humans on it refuse to follow the empire and fight for them, the hero's sacrifice everything for what they feel is right.
I liked that the love scenes where not described second by second but just the beginning and it leaves the rest to your own fantasy.
The other planets with humans on it refuse to follow the empire and fight for them, the hero's sacrifice everything for what they feel is right.
I liked that the love scenes where not described second by second but just the beginning and it leaves the rest to your own fantasy.
April 3, 2013
This book really takes a step outside the stereotypical sci-fi book. The environment feels Battlestar Galactica meets Firefly, and the characters are well created and described.
There are a few things that made the book predictable, but overall the book was a good read.
For my full review, check out: http://tonygraff.com/2013/04/the-empi...
There are a few things that made the book predictable, but overall the book was a good read.
For my full review, check out: http://tonygraff.com/2013/04/the-empi...
May 8, 2011
It was interesting enough to keep me reading to find out what happens, but not interesting enough that I really wanted to read it.
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