Why Consider the IX Series?
If you're still undecided about dipping your toes into the world of the IX Series, consider what recent reviewers have to say about this, the epic sci-fi adventure that takes Roman Legionaries, US Cavalry troopers, and modern day Special Forces soldiers and throws them together in a kiln where the choice is simple:
Fight or Die!
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The IX is the most
inventive science fiction novel I have read since Stranger In A Strange Land.
That's saying a lot. The plot is highly complicated, and yet so clearly and
gracefully written that it is easy to follow. In the far future in a galaxy far
far away the Arden are besieged by the Horde and though it will take a long
time it is clear that their defenses will eventually crumble and they will be
destroyed ... unless. The Ardenese, in an act of creative self-immolation
sacrifice their lives to save their DNA, in hopes that someone will eventually
reseed the planet with its original inhabitants. Their lead computer, The
Architect, also recruits defenders through time and space, specially selected
for qualities that are not apparent to the Ardenese, from a far off planet
called Earth. They snatch great fighters from different eras just before they
were about to die anyway. So they're thrown into a probably suicide mission
with bonus time. There are problems integrating fighters who were snatched in
the act of trying to kill each other, and from far different times, the IX
Legion of Rome and Scottish tribesmen, the US Cavalry and Indian tribes, and
22d Century Royal Marine Commandos and terrorists, all welded into an
integrated force.
The ending
is to wildly inventive and too brilliant to give away here. Suffice it to say I
ended the book with tears in my eyes.
Enjoyed how Mr.
Weston weaved several time periods, types of warfare and people's custom into
this story. I learned several historical facts along the way. This was hard to
put down! I’d like to see a prequel of this about the other eight groups.
First off, I have to
say this book has been sitting on my kindle for over 1 1/2 years. I’m not sure
why I bought it, but I’m glad I did. Since I started publishing my late
husband’s stories, I’ve read nothing but indie books for the past three years.
Don’t get me wrong, I love indie books and their authors, but I miss the
feeling of reading a professionally published book. So when I started reading
this little gem, my reading persona gave a big sigh of relief.
This is a
long book, so be prepared to spend some time devoted to it. And it’s not a
fast-paced story, but there were times when I couldn’t read fast enough. I
loved the premise of the story, bringing different cultures and times from
Earth to Arden to save the people and the planet from the Horde. I could tell
this was written by a military man as there is a lot of military jargon and
strategies throughout the book.
I became
attached to quite a few of the characters, but like all war, people die. So,
this book is laced with emotions. Especially the Epilogue, which brought tears
to my eyes. Now I read some 1 star reviews that felt the Native American aspect
wasn’t used to its full advantage, or not needed at all. I didn’t feel that
way. For me, it meshed nicely with all the other cultures that were trying to
adapt to an extremely violent environment. I also have a soft spot for the
Native American culture, so I very much enjoyed their inclusion.
If you
love alternate history, military stories, and sci-fi, you’ll want to read this
book. This is book one in the series, but this ended so well, with no loose
ends, I don’t feel compelled to read the next book. I give it my 5 feathers.
I love it when an author has the courage to step outside the box and try
something different. This is exactly what you get here with Weston's, The IX.
It is a fantastic idea of combining the historical with the modern in a sci-fi
tale. This is a stunning book that you will struggle to put down. I can't
recommend this book enough. It's fantastic
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
A fan of the first
book 'The IX' of this fabulous series, I was excited to lay my hands on
'Exordium', excited that it came out at long last.
Oh what
can I say? Another great read doesn't come close to describing my reading
experience. Like the description said "death is only the beginning of the
adventure" that starts the story of warriors who settled their new home
planned, wishing to rise their families in peace. Too much to hope for with the
inhuman Horde still lurking on the outskirts, waiting for its chance.
Apparently not all of those foes joined the original battle. Far from it! "As
worlds are sundered, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated, a universal
conflict proves again..." that no peace could be achieved without the need
to fight for it unless the other side is prepared to listen and talk. Not the
case in the Exordium colonies.
This
brilliant work is a mix of fantasy and history, science fiction and drama,
breathtakingly realistic warring scenes and action-adventure aplenty. It covers
every aspect and provides a wonderful study on human nature, it educates while
entertain, it offers a realistic and epic ride that rivals every classic and
actual historical happening. I simply couldn't put this book down!
I’m kind of amazed.
Vivid scenes and a continuation of an epic tale. It just keeps getting better.
“Exordium of Tears (The IX Series Book 2)” by Andrew P. Weston is a wonderful
addition to this stunning series. Recommended. Five stars.
Andrew P. Weston has
given us yet another stellar masterpiece from his epic arsenal. Having had the
privilege of previously reviewing his debut novel the IX, I must admit how
thrilled I am to having dived into this one. This sci-fi/Adventure/History
novel draws inspiration from all around to make it into this unique tale of
war, death, blood and gore. It follows the same crisp and beautiful writing
style of its predecessor and the editor, Janet Morris, did an amazing job in
editing. No wonder it hit the bestsellers list. Mr. Weston has a bright and
brimming career ahead of him and one that looks like he will enjoy much longevity.
Al-Khemet
Book Club
This is a
continuation of Weston's incredible tales of the fabled IXth Legion of Rome. I
just adore the way that Weston manages tocombine historical elements with
science fiction and fantasy. This book is no exception and is as brilliant and
inspired as the previous. Any reader who has already discovered Weston's
series, will absolutely love this and for new readers it is a great opportunity
to delve into this series. Highly recommend.
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If YOU feel drawn to the adventure of a lifetime, you know what to do:
The links are in the side column.
