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Daughters of the Empire
The story kicks off with a punch. It drops you straight into a massive space battle where Valerica Crassus commands a fleet with sharp precision and a colder kind of confidence. Then the book switches gears and gives a warm, grounded look at Deanna and her cousin Miyu living a quiet merchant life on Dorset II. Their world feels ordinary until it suddenly breaks apart as raiders strike the annual Vintage Festival. From that moment on, the story pulls together politics, ancient prophecies, power struggles, and a galaxy that feels both huge and fragile. The contrast between star-spanning warfare and small human hopes gives the novel a strong emotional core.
I enjoyed how bold the writing can be, and I felt pulled into the action when Valerica faced Drakos. The pacing had real energy. I liked how the author shifts from sweeping military strategy to quiet domestic scenes. The jump between those worlds kept me on my toes. I did find myself craving more breathing room during some of the denser political explanations, since the universe is packed with factions and titles. Still, I appreciated that the author refuses to treat worldbuilding like filler. It carries weight. It feels like people actually live in this place instead of moving through a backdrop.
I also got attached to Miyu more quickly than I expected. His stubborn bravery and his rough humor made the raid hit hard. Watching Deanna run into the forest felt tense in a very personal way. The book knows how to mix danger with heart, and that mix worked for me. On the other hand, Valerica’s storyline sometimes felt so large that it overshadowed Deanna’s. Even so, the emotional sparks between Valerica and Lana were vivid, and their relationship added warmth to a story that could have been too cold without it.
I would recommend Daughters of the Empire to readers who enjoy big galaxy-shaking plots but also want characters who feel alive and flawed. It’s a good pick for fans of military sci-fi who like mythology, political tension, and a bit of romance. If you want a space opera that moves fast, has heart, and isn’t afraid to swing between quiet moments and high stakes, this one should be on your list.
Pages: 525 | ASIN : B0FVXWR1NZ
The Last Defense: The Fight for Epsilon
The Last Defense drops us straight into a brutal, crumbling world where Earth’s last hope rests in the hands of worn-out soldiers trying to fend off an overwhelming alien invasion. Major Jonas Cross, our gritty and deeply human lead, fights not just for survival but for family, memory, and something that feels a lot like hope. The story unfolds across the wreckage of Epsilon City, blending desperate last stands, gut-wrenching rescues, and shaky alliances into a tense, high-stakes battle for humanity’s future.
Right from the first chapter, A. Peters pulled me in with raw, vivid imagery. The opening scene where Jonas is crouched behind a slab of concrete, breathing smoke and fear, while Nightfangs hunt the ruins, slammed the urgency into my chest like a hammer. I loved how Peters didn’t waste time with long setups; you’re thrown straight into the fire. When Jonas reflects on his late wife Anna while hiding from monsters, it doesn’t feel forced or preachy. It feels real, like the kind of memory that guts you when you least need it. Peters has a knack for giving action scenes an emotional spine, and that’s a rare trick.
There were moments, though, where the pacing buckled a little under all the world-building. For instance, the section in the starport had so much tactical briefing that it almost felt like I was reading mission notes instead of a novel. I wanted to get back to Jonas, Ethan, and Selina fighting their way through the city ruins. That said, when the story veers into darker territory, like the prisoner experiments Jonas stumbles upon in the factories, it hits like a punch to the throat. That part genuinely made my skin crawl, and that’s a good thing.
What really stuck with me was the relationship between Jonas and Ethan. Their bond isn’t syrupy or melodramatic; it’s stubborn and bruised and heartbreakingly real. When Jonas risks everything to find his captured brother, dragging himself and a whole squad through hell, it made every firefight and every narrow escape count for more. And the moment Jonas finally finds Ethan, broken but alive, was pure gold. Peters writes brotherhood the way it feels: messy, guilt-ridden, and absolutely necessary.
The Last Defense is a grim, relentless ride, but it’s also filled with tiny flickers of hope that feel all the more precious because they’re so hard-won. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves gritty sci-fi war stories that don’t skimp on heart. Readers who appreciate the intense, character-driven science fiction of The Expanse or Halo: Fall of Reach will find much to admire here. Prepare for a gripping experience that demands both attention and emotional investment until the very last page.
Pages: 169 | ASIN : B0DY386H36
Another World
Another World, by I.M. Stoicus, is the sequel to the dystopian fiction Humans’ Enhancements, which introduced us to the dark, futuristic tale of Solon, an enhanced soldier. In this follow-up, Stoicus delves deeper into a dystopian future where global elites wield advanced technologies to exert control over society. The Globalist Legislative Unified Enterprise, a new power rising from the ruins of cities devastated by the Great War, offers stability at the cost of freedom, using deceptive holograms to maintain their grip. Solon emerges as the central figure in the rebellion against this regime, battling both human oppressors and formidable android armies.
Another World explores themes of resistance, unchecked technology, and the unbreakable human spirit against tyranny and oppression. The story propels readers into a future where technology is both a tool of control and a beacon of hope. Solon is a relatable character whose struggle against the globalist regime echoes real-world issues, making his fight compelling and poignant. The book excels in world-building, immersing readers in a society where freedom is sacrificed for a false sense of stability, prompting reflections on the true meaning of freedom.
Another World stands out as an impressive continuation of what promises to be a thrilling series. The interaction between humans and androids adds a layer of intrigue, prompting ethical considerations about advanced technology. The plot’s twists and turns maintain a brisk pace, though I feel the narrative leans occasionally toward detailed descriptions. This, however, does not detract from the gripping storyline. The book’s portrayal of resistance and the fight for freedom is powerful and unflinching, highlighting the harsh realities and stakes of rebellion.
While some plot twists are predictable, the emotional depth and resonance of the story make it a worthy read. Familiar themes and conflicts are given fresh, thoughtful treatment, making Another World a compelling exploration of contemporary concerns about technology and governance.
This story of resilience and courage, and the thirst for freedom will captivate fans of thought-provoking dystopian fiction. Not only does Another World successfully continue the gripping tale from its predecessor, but it also stands alone as a phenomenal story with a powerful message about the indomitable human spirit and the fight for what is right.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0D348C7L6
Fiction Based In Facts
Lunacom follows a group of military and science personnel who are cut off suddenly from Earth by a mysterious attack and now must uncover what is happening before it is too late. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
While in attendance at the Command and General Staff College, I engaged in many conversations with my military colleagues. We often would talk about the world’s future and the advancement of technology. One day while sitting in class, I decided I would capture our conversations in fiction. LUNACOM is basically our conversations metamorphized into a book for entertainment.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
Roman Whitacker easily serves the role of my favorite character. Roman represents me during the course. I’m a human resources officer in the Army, and Roman lives the life I believe will represent the future of military human resources. The scene that most captures Roman’s essence is when he interacts with his team in the ‘TMAD’ section. In this scene, we see the value of teamwork and leadership.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
While working for senior leaders within our military, I have routinely been reminded to keep facts backed against sources. When I wrote LUNACOM, I used science grounded in facts, and then I imagined where that science could grow and tried to write it down in plain terms. Anyone reading LUNACOM can see these technologies being built today. For instance, just look at the rockets SpaceX is building.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I haven’t fully decided if there will be a follow-up. I’m waiting to see how people will respond to my ideas first, and then I will commit to my decision. I’ve drafted some ideas, and if I decide to write a sequel to this story, then I will cover life on Earth more, and I will also dive deeper into the RA and explore their characters. I’m leaning toward covering military operations around Mars and the inner asteroid belt.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
With no way to know who or what is behind the attack, tensions rise and alliances fracture as the outpost struggles to defend its resources and personnel against the unrelenting enemy. As the situation grows more desperate, a small group of officers and scientists must work together to uncover the truth and find a way to stop the attackers before it’s too late.
Lunacom
Lunacom by Rich Wyatt is a fast-paced, science-fiction action that will captivate you from the start. The story quickly debriefs the reader on where everything begins and how the world has become very different in 2062, where the United States, China, and Russia all play significant roles in occupying various parts of space. Mining operations are a primary mission, and while artificial intelligence has advanced significantly, playing a pivotal role in everyday life, various challenges arise from this technology.
While many branches and outposts were created throughout the 2020s and 2030s, the U.S. military established Lunacom, or Lunar Command, to better manage many facets of the operations. As a streamlined approach and cooperative teams of scientists and operating forces appear to be moving positively, a mysterious force suddenly places them and everyone on Earth at risk. When communication is instantly cut off from military personnel, and their ability to send messages to Earth is thwarted, they must face an unknown threat and fight for their lives.
I really enjoyed reading this story, as Wyatt does an incredible job of reeling in the reader from the very start with a clear, visual description of the future world and a quick outline of how we got there. It’s also a cautionary tale, in a way, that gives readers a chance to ponder the use of technology, space exploration, and mining, among other developments, as a means to advance society. Will this advancement into the unknown improve people’s lives on Earth and in space, or set us back when faced with frightening and unknown forces beyond our control?
Lunacom by Rich Wyatt is a spectacular adventure that will keep you turning one page after another from start to finish! I especially like how the author’s past experience with the military and related knowledge infuses a sense of reality into this story, which is ideal for anyone interested in sci-fi action and futuristic/military-themed tales. I hope to read more of Wyatt’s work!
Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0C2NRCZPR
Cargo 3120
It is the year 3120, and humans have entered the world of intergalactic travel and commerce. The Milky Way has become a battle zone for resources between all the different alien races that reside there. With a new power source discovered, it is a race to see what race will control it, giving them the upper hand to control the direction of the galaxy. Can humans win the race? What will it take to get the job done and gain control of this new resource?
Author Aaron Walker Sr.’s Cargo 3120: Ties that Bind is an excellent science fiction adventure. Set in the distant future, the spirited members of the outlaw group, Raven Squad, find themselves in the middle of a heist gone wrong that could have implications for the future of the entire galaxy. Led by the imposing Marcus La’Dek, Raven Squad comprises sci-fi mainstays; the hotshot upstart, a cocky explosives expert, a brutish heavy gunner, and a brilliant hacker. Walker Sr. breaks some molds with the situations he puts his characters into, primarily by showing the devastating consequences of their actions.
At times, Cargo 3120 feels more like a crime drama than a sci-fi novel. There’s plenty of scheming, backstabbing, and betrayals. However, Marcus’s crew is brave and ambitious, often to a fault. The story takes a lengthy, albeit necessary, detour depicting a miserable stint in a galactic penitentiary. La’Dek is sent there for his past actions and the actions of his crew. Once “reformed,” Marcus is put into the unenviable position of choosing between his squad and his family. The author makes the situation work as La’Dek struggles to deal with the “ties that bind.”
Walker Sr. does an excellent job of building a vibrant world. The varying factions and syndicates of the Interstellar League of Planets are fleshed out and feel like real organizations. I like how the author presents a “real” fictional history for his future world. Also, the science fiction elements aren’t too far out there, allowing the reader to enjoy Marcus’s and the other characters’ journeys.
Cargo 3120: Ties that Bind is a riveting science fiction adventure that takes space opera fans into the world they love and gives them new villains and battles to follow along with. This remarkable story is sure to be the start of a captivating and engaging series that will garner the love of old and new sci-fi fans alike.
Pages: 263 | ASIN : B09B8454KV
Forbidden Horizon
The human race has an ongoing debate about the existence of life elsewhere in the universe. But what if there was life outside of humans, and what if they already knew everything about us? The Xalin are just such a race. Having conquered what they considered to be human beings’ weaknesses for wars and destruction, the Xalin hatch plans to make themselves known to humans on Earth. They wish to show humans that great scientific advancements are possible, if only they could stop making critical mistakes.
Told in three parts, Forbidden Horizon by David Crane is about groups of astronauts and their adventures in outer space. Humans have already created a base on the Moon, and a group of astronauts are enroute to Mars. But when David Blackstone, the leader of the Lune One Moon base, is confronted with an out-of-this-galaxy opportunity, he has no choice but to take it.
Author David Crane’s extensive knowledge of science and space travel really shines in this intellectually-invigorating novel as the ships and methods of space travel are believable for a science fiction novel. The amount of detail about space in this sci-fi story is impressive and, at some points, a little dense. However, Forbidden Horizon draws the reader into the story so much so that you feel like you are standing inside the IMS Daedalus on your way to Mars.
Forbidden Horizon contains fascinating detail about outer space and space travel, making this an intriguing read. I would have liked more action or danger included in the story, but this still feels like a classic science fiction story, much like Isaac Asimov’s novels where the ideas are fascinating all on their own. Fans of hard science fiction will enjoy the attention to detail about space and technology and will surely be engrossed with Forbidden Horizon‘s plot.
Pages: 274 | ASIN: B0BH3HCKG7
The Fight Is Never Easy
At the Threshold of the Universe follows the Castus family and their struggle for survival against a formidable enemy that will alter the course of humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This book was a long time coming for me. I knew what I had built over the course of the trilogy, and I knew how I wanted it all to pay off in the end. I was thrilled when I was outlining this novel and how well it was all coming together, which only works with deep, deep planning. I wanted to make something that was completely my own, and wrap it all up nicely.
How has character development for the main character changed for you through the series?
There are a few characters I would consider as mains in this trilogy, and each has surprised me with their growth on the pages. Eliana comes from a place of deep trauma and finds a way to live with herself peacefully. She’s mostly alone in the start of In the Orbit of Sirens, but over the course of the trilogy, she forms a family and finds happiness. Denton Castus starts as a man who’s looking for a purpose, a new way of life on Kamaria. He is thrust into a situation that gives him both of those things, but not the way he intended. Both of them have to fight for what they have earned, and the fight is never easy.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I believe so. I felt fulfilled with every plotline I created, and I feel like it all came together better than I could have hoped for. I still miss Kamaria and the days of writing this trilogy, it’ll forever hold a place in my heart. With a passion project like this, it means the world to see reviews like the one here on Literary Titan and know that I stuck the landing for some readers. I am very happy with this trilogy.
What is the next book project that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a world-hopping adventure set within the universe of the Song of Kamaria trilogy, but so loosely tied to it that readers are not required to read the trilogy to enjoy this new book. It’s a stand-alone. I am still knee-deep in writing out the first draft, so I won’t say too much, but I do hope to have it published sometime either early to mid 2023. I post regular updates on my website for readers looking for more information. I can’t wait to share more info!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
ALL SONGS END.
War ravages Kamaria as an old enemy resurfaces from the depths of the ocean. Offering no support in the coming battles, the Auk’nai isolate themselves in their tightly guarded Nest. Outgunned and outmatched, humanity once again trembles on the edge of obliteration.
The Castus family is torn apart. Denton fights on the front lines, hoping to free Cade from a nightmarish foe. Meanwhile, Eliana and Nella set out on a path that will change everything they understand about the Sirens. The Song will end, but who will remain to hear its final verse?
LITERARY TITAN 