Title: Exordium of Tears
Author: Andrew P. Weston
Genre: Science Fiction
Book Blurb:
Fight or die.
That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9th Legion of Rome; the 5th Company, 2nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, the survivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them.
But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.
The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. A metamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well.
Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlocking previously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made.
Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.
Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies.
A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.
It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.
Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…
Death is only the beginning of the adventure.
My Review:
Death is only the beginning of the adventure. This is the complete premise of this book and from the first page until the last, I was entranced. I’m a huge science fiction fan and you throw in historical elements, I’m in reader heaven.
This sequel picks up where The IX (book one) left off. The threat of the Hoarde is gone (or so everyone on Arden believes) and you can feel the communal exhaling of breath. Things can go back to normal but like with anything, life is rarely peaceful. There’s always the next challenge, the next obstacle to overcome and the soldiers must be prepared for what’s to come. People will die, secrets will be revealed and everyone will be pushed to their limits. Just when victory is at hand, death will rear its ugly head and no one is safe.
It’s been a long time since I read such a wonderful epic science fiction book. Andrew P. Weston’s storytelling style reminds me of Neal Stephenson. Andrew takes the time to detail meticulously all the action, through multiple points of view, but only revealing what he wants the reader to know at the time. The plot progressed at a steady rate. There were several characters to keep track of but Andrew made sure the reader followed along without getting lost.
What truly made this one of the best science fiction books I’ve read in a long time was his world-building technique. His concept is original, the motives of the species are realistic, the planets and technology are believable, the conflict is easy to understand and the commonality of survival is thread throughout the book.
Exordium of Tears is a roller coaster ride of adventure and suspense. Not everyone survives and that only adds to the shocking conclusion. Yes, I gasped in disbelief! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
If you love science fiction and/or pulse-pounding fiction, this is a must-read! It’s no wonder Andrew P. Weston is an International Best-Selling Author.
Favorite Character:
There were so many intriguing characters it was hard for me to pick just one. But the one character I identified most with is Sam. What he has to overcome against insurmountable odds is beyond incredible. Yet when his back is up against the wall, he still manages to keep his sense of humor. I loved that!
Favorite Quote:
“Bloody hell,” he quipped, “who organized the Liberace convention?” ~ Sam
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it now:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/exordium-of-tears-andrew-p-weston/1123449634?ean=9780996428996
Author Biography:
Andrew P. Weston is Royal Marine and Police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with his wife, Annette, and their growing family of rescue cats.
An astronomy and law graduate, he is the creator of the international number one bestsellers, The IX, and Hell Bound, (A novel forming part of Janet Morris’ critically acclaimed Heroes in Hell shared universe). Andrew also has the privilege of being a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the British Fantasy Society and the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.
When not writing, Andrew devotes some of his spare time to assisting NASA with two of their remote research projects, and writes educational articles for http://Astronaut.com and Amazing Stories.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.andrewpweston.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestonAndrew
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andrewweston/
Andrew P. Weston Blog: http://theix.blogspot.gr/
The IX Blog: http://theix.blogspot.gr/
Reviewed by: Mrs. N