Tag: Galactic empire science fiction

Review:  Age of Deception (The Firebird Chronicles Book 2) by T. A. White 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The author does a remarkable job of seamlessly flowing the end of each book into the next, so if they end in cliffhangers, they are immediately resolved and the reader rewarded with a new chapter of the journey and a sense of purpose. 

This author has become a new favorite of mine and I’ll admit I’ve blown through this series. It’s fantastic. Now to catch up on my reviews.

Age of Deception sees Kira caught up in another web of plots from all factions that see her as their best player in the galactic political power struggle and potential new war that is about to begin. 

From one house to the another, one of her parents to her father’s clan, now it’s as a daughter of House Roake who has staked their claim and wants her to prove herself one of their race and warrior class. 

White’s plot has a multitude of strong storylines that she continues to explore, among them the effects of the horrors of the abuse, violence and experimentation that the children of the Sorrowing underwent. Whether it’s Kira or Jin or any other of the lost, bit by bit, what actually happened to them is slowly revealed. And that works so more powerfully than if we get the information all at once.

The political intrigue is complex and another aspect of the story that has its own twists. Because between the different planetary systems and ruling powers, and what roles each played in the last war, the intrigue and structures are still being rolled out. It’s riveting and suspenseful.

 

The best is the torn relationships and divided dynamics between species and that of Kira and her new family and that of her old found family of military crew, the Curs.  Humans are not regarded by other species as anything but weak animals. But the Curs are special. 

Kira with a long history with the Curs, has a heartbreaking secret, and Jin, a being who is regarded as “demonic “ on the new world, is the incredible complicated elements here. Highly emotional, physical and beautifully written in every aspect of this book, it’s a page turner in the best way. 

White juggles many storylines and characters without losing the depth of plot or character dimension. We’re watching this, exploring the new territory, culture and world just as the characters do. It’s fabulous.

And as it ends, on a cliffhanger. It’s easy to swing right into the next book and right into the plot without a hitch. 

Which is what I did. 

Highly recommended. A real winner for lovers of strong women, great storytelling and fast paced action. 

The Firebird Chronicles (6 book series)

Rules of Redemption 

Age of Deception 

Threshold of Annihilation 

Facets of Revolution

Trials of Conviction #5

Echoes of Insurrection #6

Connected new series:

(Picks up right after Echoes of Insurrection)

Cosmic Dryad series:

Botanical Mischief #1)

Buy link 

 Book 2 of 6: The Firebird Chronicles 

Blurb 

War hero and daughter to two Houses, Kira is just beginning to learn how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Agreeing to accompany her father’s people back to their homeworld, Kira Forrest prepares for the fight of her life. She’s agreed to undertake the Trial of the Broken, a rite of passage every member of her father’s House must pass. It offers a path to independence and freedom that is too tempting to deny. 

Not everyone welcomes this lost daughter of Roake. There are those who fear what her presence might bring to light. Betrayal stalks the halls of Kira’s birthplace—its roots embedded deep in the events that claimed her parent’s lives and set her on her current path.

Walking the wire’s edge between truth and deception will test the person Kira has become as she separates ally from betrayer. An old enemy has put into motion a plan that could topple the balance of power in the universe. Letting them succeed spells doom—but the price might be more than Kira is willing to pay.

Review:  Rules of Redemption (The Firebird Chronicles Book 1) by T. A. White 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I found this series and author by accident but I’m thrilled that I did. Rules of Redemption, the first book in The Firebird Chronicles by T. A. White, is a absolutely fantastic read and gripping space tale of a woman seeking  knowledge and revenge against those who both tortured her and others and who she fought against in a galactic war. 

Kira Forest, along with her AI companion, Jin, is now a space scavenger.  But during a visit to a space station to retrofit her ship, a selfless move by her ends up bringing her back into the attention of those she’s been avoiding. 

I consumed this book. Up til the early morning hours and then started reading the next because Kira and Jin’s saga has me completely hooked.

I’m not going to spoil anything but there so much to this. Author T.A. White is laying out the story arc so that Kira’s past and Jin’s is slowly revealed over the series, as events in the books make it clear what happened to them. 

It’s alien invasion, galactic wars, alien abductions, genetic engineering and manipulation, so much more. Various alien societies and cultures and their own historical traditions that impact on Kira and her people. 

It’s funny, dramatic, highly emotional, action packed with great sequences of battles and fights and even sentient sea beings. 

But my favorite relationship? Kira and Jin, the AI, a tightly connected, deeply engaging dynamic that’s still unfolding. I’m holding my breath as to how this relationship will end. 

So many mysteries, so many complications, and expanding casts. 

I don’t think this series is going to be long enough. 

Highly recommended. 

The Firebird Chronicles

Rules of Redemption 

Age of Deception 

Threshold of Annihilation 

Facets of Revolution

Buy link

 Book 1 of 6: The Firebird Chronicles 

Blurb 

The war everyone thought was over is just beginning.

Kira Forrest is a survivor. She’s risen above the pain of her beginnings to become a war hero only to leave it all behind in the pursuit of a simple life. Now a salvager, she makes a living sifting through the wreckage of dead alien ships from a war that nearly brought humanity to its knees.

After her ship takes damage, she’s forced to re-route to a space station where her past and present collide with dangerous consequences.

Kira’s existence holds the key to a faltering peace treaty with the Tuann—a technologically advanced alien race who dislikes and distrusts all humans. Winning her freedom should be easy, but a powerful and relentless Tuann warrior stands in her way. Deceiving him seems impossible, especially when he strays dangerously close to secrets she struggles to hide.

Can Kira reconcile the pain of her past with the possibilities of her future? The fate of two races depends on her success.

The war everyone thought was over is just beginning.

Kira Forrest is a survivor. She’s risen above the pain of her beginnings to become a war hero only to leave it all behind in the pursuit of a simple life. Now a salvager, she makes a living sifting through the wreckage of dead alien ships from a war that nearly brought humanity to its knees.

After her ship takes damage, she’s forced to re-route to a space station where her past and present collide with dangerous consequences.

Kira’s existence holds the key to a faltering peace treaty with the Tuann—a technologically advanced alien race who dislikes and distrusts all humans. Winning her freedom should be easy, but a powerful and relentless Tuann warrior stands in her way. Deceiving him seems impossible, especially when he strays dangerously close to secrets she struggles to hide.

Can Kira reconcile the pain of her past with the possibilities of her future? The fate of two races depends on her success.

Review: A House By Any Other Name by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The second of author Jenny Schwartz’ Hidden Sanctuary series, A House By Any Other Name is my favorite of the two novels. 

Both tales take place in the fabulous Uncertain Sanctuary universe but only this story is directly related to the characters in that series. And that immediately gives A House By Any Other Name added depth and detail missing from Any House in a Storm.

This story is filled with engaging,intriguing characters, some of which we’ve met before. Like Hector who is the disgraced brother of Evander, cyborg Elf and partner to Sorcerer Kira (Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy). 

But Schwartz has also created a great character in Raisa, who’s fully grounded in a wealth of other characters and rich in her own history. She’s a strong personality, certain of her own abilities and her goals. 

The revelation of the fact she’s a sorcerer isn’t much of a surprise, but the real joy is her sentient house. As each is created by the sorcerer themselves, they spring from an emotional source of that sorcerer. Raisa’s house is totally unique and unexpected. A aspect of this story I didn’t expect and loved. 

And it happily is part of a successful twist at the end of the story. Another element that just made this story even more special for me. 

The plot and storylines are ones that keep one absolutely invested in the characters journey and outcome. The romance is slow and credible between these two intelligent powerful people. 

I just wish Schwartz would have more than one story to explore their journey going forward. They are that interesting. 

I’m highly recommending this story and the Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy it’s related to. 

Hidden Sanctuary series:

Any House in a Storm #1

A House By Any Other Name #2

Buy link

 Book 2 of 2: Hidden Sanctuary 

Blurb 

Reality is a complicated multiverse of many species and rare magic. Diplomats are the official envoys and investigators who hold the Union of Worlds together.

Raisa never intended to be a diplomat. Like so many things in her life, it was her stepmother’s idea.

Hector is an elf in disgrace. He chose his cyborged brother over his lying, abusive family. Elves revile augmented people. They leave such despicable technology to their ancient enemies, the goblins.

When a diplomatic mission strands the two elves on a goblin world they find themselves the target of a legendary killer. If they die, so will the emergent species they were sent to save.

***

A House By Any Other Name is a stand alone novel in the Hidden Sanctuary series. It includes characters from the Uncertain Sanctuary trilogy. No previous knowledge of Reality is necessary to enjoy the adventure.

June 12, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

255 pages

Review:  Tigra by R. J. Leahy

Rating: 3⭐️

A first book by this author, I thought Leahy did a good job with many aspects of the story and world building. 

The plot of a escaped woman soldier ending up on a planet where there’s several other cultures at war , including one that has and continues to systematically obliterate one of  planet’s “animals “, the Tigras.  Different planetary cultures she comes into contact with approximate earth religions with zealotry and magical rituals associated with them.

Leahy does a excellent job layering each city/tribe with their own individuality, and even with an abundance of characters, it’s not hard to separate out each smaller personality in the supporting role from another one from a different culture. 

The battle scenes, the weapons, all well defined and varied. Same for the ship Jeena Garza arrives on. 

If you are hearing a “but” here, you are correct. 

My main concern or issues are with the two or perhaps, one character here. 

🚩Trigger warnings for torture, multiple S.A., child death, which occurs during Jeena Garza’s capture and long imprisonment by the enemy during the prologue. 

Jeena has undergone unbearable torture, physically traumatic and emotionally devastating experiences. Ones that are so severe, so damaging that those who have suffered from them along side her didn’t survive. Yet, upon escaping, she’s able to accept touch and have sexual relations months later. She was “hurt, went a little mad “. But she’s fine now. 

Absolutely not believable. And establishing the sort of behavior that seems to disavow what happened to Jeena in the prison does an incredible disrespect to the reality of survivors of SA no matter that she’s a fictional character. 

Past that, the relationship between Sampson the Tigra and Jeena also felt equally rushed and not well defined. He’s actually absent for a period of time during the story, which leaves a development “hole” for the relationship and plot lines.  They are friends until suddenly they aren’t. 

Everything works here but the characters themselves. They need better definition and layering. 

There’s 2 more books to the series. Read this and those stories if you find it interesting. 

Tigra (3 book series)

Tigra #1

Tigra II: The Sins of Rothra Orr

TIGRA III: The Light of God

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comTigra – Leahy, R.J.: Kindle Store

 Book 1 of 3: Tigra 

Blurb 

Elite soldier Jeena Garza crash-lands on the desert world of Ararat, desperate to escape the trauma of war and her recent imprisonment. She wants solitude. A place to disappear. To forget and to be forgotten.

Instead, she finds Samson — a tiger-like beast feared for its ferocity. But Samson is different. Gentle. Intelligent. Maybe more than just an animal.

As ancient prophecies stir and buried secrets rise, Jeena is thrust into a battle for a world she doesn’t understand — and a destiny she never asked for. To save him, she’ll raise a forgotten people, topple an empire, and awaken something lost for eons.

She was forged as a weapon

He was born a beast.

Together they will change a world and challenge man’s place in the galaxy.

Review: Uncertain Sanctuary : The Complete Trilogy by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The collection contains the following books:

The House That Walked Between Worlds #1

House in Hiding #2

The House That Fought #3

This was a terrific way to binge the series. I was able to read all three novels as though they were one big book, each flowing seamlessly into each other’s narrative. 

Charting the journey , through three books,of human sorcerer Dr Kira Aist from a state of deep raging, grieving trauma as she flees Earth and the deaths of those she loved to one of a woman content with her new as one of the few supremely powerful sorcerers and her role in the universe. 

While Schwartz has created so many imaginative and fascinating characters and elements here, I have to admit that Kira’s “House” , an enormous sentient black intimidating castle, is one of my favorites. Full of personality, capable of space travel and a “world ender” in offensive combat powers, some of the best scenes and moments occur when the House is involved.  

Honestly I could see a cable series with this. 

Then there’s a goblin giant war cat (see the cover), and fascinating group of found family of friends that Kira starts to gather around her, and more importantly, a cyborg elf that eventually becomes her partner. 

I did have a few notes about the trilogy. The overall theme involves children suffering as well as child deaths. Also brief torture scenes. While the torture scenes aren’t particularly graphic, they’re still emotional scenes. If any of these scenes or elements are triggering, please be warned. 

Then finally, Evander, an elf turned into a cyborg without his permission, with devastating consequences, wears “warrior braids “.  This is a hairstyle where each braid is one of remembrance, of a fallen brother warrior. That’s an element that is seen by many cultures and traditions.  

But Schwartz’ Kira refers to them occasionally as Corn rows, which struck me as odd. Kira’s background is Russian. So this started veering away from warrior braids and into cultural appropriation territory. At least that’s how it felt to me. 

Aside from those notes, this is another highly successful and well written trilogy from an author who is an auto-read for me. 

Another winner and recommendation. 

Cover design by Miblart 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Complete Trilogy: Uncertain Sanctuary, Books 1–3 (Audible Audio Edition)

Blurb 

No spaceship needed. Kira has a magic, traveling castle.

Pursued by her parents’ killers, Doctor Kira Aist calls on her inheritance as Baba Yaga’s great-granddaughter to create a House and escape Earth.

Plunging into the dangerous mysteries of Reality, she learns what it means to be a rare human sorcerer.

As strangers are drawn to her House, Kira becomes enmeshed in a diabolical plot to destroy Reality.

Who can she trust?

Of her new friends, some seek refuge, others power, and one just wants kitty treats.

In a Reality that includes cyborg elves and goblin space pirates, kobold gossips and dinosaurian scholars, one human doctor must decide the price she’ll pay for justice—and for love.

***

The Uncertain Sanctuary bundle includes three previously published novels:

The House That Walked Between Worlds

House in Hiding

The House That Fought

A high stakes, cozy fantasy that romps across the universe.

Publication date

September 5, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

618 pages

Galactic empire science fiction, 

Review:  Hexes Fly (Caldryn Parliament Book 2) by Jenny Schwartz

 

Rating: 5 ⭐️✨

Jenny Schwartz’s Caldryn Parliament series is one of those series where the books just get more brilliant and more highly complex as the series progresses.  The writing, the incredible characters, and this labyrinthine storytelling is beyond amazing. 

For those readers who dislike cliffhangers, yes, this book, Hexes Fly, ends on a cliffhanger. FYI.

Also there’s really no romance. Just a fantastic science fiction thriller, multiple magical mysteries, a cast of incredibly powerful multidimensional characters, and enough hidden political agents and agendas for a number of galaxies. 

It all starts with Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, who is still defining how she will handle the job of Warden while rebuilding it and restoring the Wards and stabilizing the situation that her predecessors have undermined. 

There’s no way to go about describing the complexities and depths of world politics here that Schwartz has and continues to craft. Utterly brilliant. Contains science fiction, magical systems, mythology and more. And it all works perfectly alongside political and military power dynamics. 

To follow this character of Vanda in her journey, the reader must absolutely start with the first book and continue reading forward. But the path is full of action, but never at the expense of forgetting about the human factor. Here it’s two young people who have to face the consequences of their actions and find their way forward. A moving and powerful element of this book. 

The only drawback? Waiting until the next book is released. 

This is an absolute dream of a book and a new must read for me. Highly recommended! 

  

Cover by Jenny Schwartz . I adore these covers!

Caldryn Parliament:

Stars Die #1

Hexes Fly #2

Rogues Lie #3 – Nov 29,2025

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: Caldryn Parliament 

Blurb 

The Spring Ball on the first Saturday of Caldryn Parliament’s Spring Term is a night of glamour and power.

However, this year the witch clans are feuding, and when rival clans trade curses in the ballroom non-magical bystanders are the victims.

As people transform into animals, burst into unwilling song, or fall into magical slumber Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, is suspicious.

The witches claim they never intended to hurt anyone, and Vanda believes them. So, who is using the witches as a stalkinghorse for their own agenda, and what is it that they hope to achieve?

Most importantly, why can’t the witches undo their own hexes?

If the spells aren’t broken by the next full moon the curses will be permanent.

  • Publication date: July 26, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 346 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Caldryn Parliament

Review:  Cajole (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 4) by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating:  4✨

Cajole is the penultimate book in The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist by Jenny Schwartz and I’m finding it very entertaining, while making me think a bit more about how some of the more “familiar” Earth elements made the passage through the gate and successfully established themselves in the new Human Section. 

Donkeys, horses, many types of earth fauna as well as fauna is essentially as well known as they are as an Earth species. Which given the history, as colony ships so long ago, seems unusual. I wish their background had been explained as fully as some of the other “alien elements “ that Schwartz does so vividly. 

The relationship dynamics, the Forgotten, those people in hiding, the entire storyline of how and why they are used and acquired through the galaxy is a fascinating story, and emotional one. It drives many of the characters and their interactions here. 

And it’s also the hidden aspects behind the power of the thrones. 

Driving the characters , the need to cage and the equal opportunity to flee for freedom. 

Another exciting story and move towards the finale. Throughly entertaining. 

I really love these covers. 

Cover designed by MiblArt”

The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist:

Astray #1

Doubt #2

Rebel #3

Cajole #4

Resolve#5

Continuing Series:

With sister Cherry:

2years after the first series 

The Delphic Dame (3 book series)

Buy link

        Cajole (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 4)

    

Blurb 

If life on the border was complicated, life on Capitoline is insane. Nora and Liam struggle to reconcile her abilities and his duty, while caught up in the dangerous games of the powerful.

Political intrigue, family drama, and ancient alien technology combine in the fourth novel of the Human Sector.

Review:  Rebel (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 3) by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating: 4✨

Jenny Schwartz is really such a great go to author for me lately. And I’m having a blast reading this science fiction series about a strong woman building a new family and eventually a new life together for a found family clan that also includes a alien AI , an adopted daughter, and now a military or ex military war hero as a husband. 

The science fiction and world building is a fascinating combination of familiar elements and imaginative burr alien science, one that includes intergalactic space currents that ships travel like rivers , space arrays that operate like doorways , and a veritable explosion of complex environments and scientific knowledge that builds, book upon book as the series progresses.

It’s interesting to see how Schwartz balances what’s essentially a galactic monarchy system so familiar with readers, along with its inherently continuous plotting of heirs, powers, and connections with that of a alien science, unknown realms, and potentially a unknown human world they’ve been unable to reconnect with. 

The found family of Nora, Jonah, and Liam remain my favorite elements. Jonah being an alien IA. 

Each book is around 14 to 15 chapters, so they go quickly.  And it’s great to binge read them, one after another. 

Which I’ve done. 

Fabulous work. Creative, entertaining, and the universe is one that could be easily explored further with secondary characters. 

I really love these covers. 

Cover designed by MiblArt”

The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist:

Astray #1

Doubt #2

Rebel #3

Cajole #4

Resolve#5

Continuing Series:

With sister Cherry:

2years after the first series 

The Delphic Dame (3 book series)

Buy link

        Rebel (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Life is complicated along the Hadrian Line. Decisions made on the border will decide the fate of the entire Human Sector.

Nora is adjusting to her new role as a player in the games of the powerful. She’s gained some interesting enemies and some even more dubious allies. She has also been presented with a unique opportunity, courtesy of Jonah. The question is, who can she trust to explore it with her?

Independent action is a necessity for the sole Royal Capitoline Navy captain patrolling the border region. But Liam will have to defend his actions later in front of the Admiralty board. How can he best serve his realm? By a rigid definition of duty and defense of the status quo, or is there a greater cause, one worth his career and his very life?