Saturday, April 11, 2015

April Reviews

 
What are readers saying about the IX this April?
Here are some snippets to pique your interest
 
*******
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I couldn't not read it and I am so glad that I did. The warriors of different countries and eras brought together to fight a single foe, this is fantasy, science fiction, horror, historical and military all seamlessly rolled into one great story.
*******
Romans, Native Americans, fierce Celtic warriors, Special Ops, American Civil War fighters – not a huge amount in common one would think. Wrong. Death is what they expect – but not necessarily what they get – at least not where and when they think. From differing backgrounds they are thrown into a war and a world far removed from Earth. The Horde have decimated the galaxy and the Ardenese for decades and now all that remains is myth and the hidden remnants of a once mighty civilisation. The 9th intake is the last best hope for the salvation of Arden, if they can put aside their differences. Technology far beyond ours brought expansion, then it brought war.
Action takes the fore in this adventure which encompasses military, historical, science fiction and fantasy. The characters are varied, at once both complex and simplistic, and often surprising. Death stalks the pages, but his companions are loyalty, courage and dignity. Well written with twists and turns, and a rather unexpected ending.
Great for fans of sci-fi, time travel fiction and historical.
*******
I was really attracted to the premise of The IX. Warriors and heroes from different ages coming together to fight a common enemy, and the three groups from the different eras could not be more different. The three groups, a Roman legion, a US cavalry division and an elite squad of British commandos from the near future, are all snatched away at the moment of their violent deaths on Earth and flung across the galaxy. In an interesting twist the enemies of each group are also transported to the new world. We therefore have Celtic tribesmen, red Indians and a gang of eco terrorists also caught up in the struggle to save their new home. At first I thought this may lead to various tensions but each of the rivals quickly put their enmity aside and assimilated quickly into their new life, where ancient rivalries are put aside. They all quickly get used to their new environment and technologies, particularly alien to the older groups. In a quirk of fate, it is the iron in their more primitive weapons that prove deadly to their new enemy – The Horde.

The Horde are a, seemingly, endless and mindless army of aliens who feed off the energy and life-force of the humans, prepared to throw themselves in suicidal assaults in order to reach their goal. At first it appears as if The Horde will continually assault the city of Rhomane until either they or all of the residents of the city are dead. Each chapter is packed full of action as the deadly struggle seems to head inexorably to a conclusion. But then something changes, giving more depth to the plot. Perhaps There is more to The Horde and the mutually destructive war they at first seem to blindly relish.
*******
This sci-fi, military history novel really gets your imagination working. The possibilities of going to another world to prove ourselves worthy of moving on to a higher more spiritual evolved planet sound intriguing. Andrew P Weston weaves a fascinating story of adventure mixed with a touch of metaphysics. I love these kinds, of stories where your imagination is being challenged. This is a good read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading sci-fi, military history.
*******
The author has created a wonderfully rich universe, the characters, action and plot are all brilliantly conceived. Though clocking in at 400plus pages you feel the need to read more and then a bit more to see what happens to these chosen warriors. Great, great book.
*******
Author Andrew Weston blends history, action, adventure, fantasy, science-fiction and a spectacular story line in his epic tale...The IX.
An advanced civilization faces annihilation from a horde of monstrous aliens intent on destroying all mankind. Three armies from different times on earth are chosen at the time of their deaths and are spirited away to another planet. There they will unite and use their military strategies and special resources to fight against this seemly unstoppable nemesis.
I can see this as the next science-fiction blockbuster movie, or better yet, a television series. I did not want the story to end, and like many other books, I will read it again! I am a science-fiction fan, but this read also contains mystery, adventure, and science put forth in such an intelligent and invocative write that it should appeal to many people looking for a great intense adventure. I hope this is part on an ongoing saga because I want to continue reading the adventures of the IX. 5 stars...wish I could give it 10!
******* 
I am not generally a fan of this genre, but I've been trying to spread my wings a bit lately with my reading. I wouldn't say that this book has made me want to buy more in the genre, but it kept my attention the entire time and the writing was superb. I was definitely invested in the characters and had to finish the book to see how it would end. This is a fast-paced read with a large cast of characters each with their own agenda. I would say readers of high fantasy and epic fantasy will rate this very highly. Enjoy!TOP 1000 REVIEWER
 
*******
The people above seemed to like it.
What about YOU?
 
What could unite a Roman Legion and the Caledonian army they are fighting?
Or a US Cavalry Company with the Native American tribes arrayed against them?
How about a highly trained and motivated Special Forces unit and the terrorists they have been sent to wipe out at all costs?
Yes…
What could such a diverse and mutually aggressive group possibly have in common?
Arden – and the Horde, that’s what!
Arden, home to a culture that has existed for thousands of years and which spans dozens of worlds. Regardless, their sophistication cannot prevent calamity at the hands of an unstoppable nemesis. Known only as the Horde, this enemy has proven relentless. They have not only stripped the outer colonies bare, but now threaten the existence of the entire Ardenese way of life.
Realizing there is nothing they can do to prevent the inevitable march toward extinction, the Ardenese governing body comes to a drastic decision. They gather together at their capital city, Rhomane, and place their remaining genetic heritage in a vast underground ark, in the care of an advanced AI construct called the Architect. Its mission? To use Rhomane’s dwindling reserves and safeguard their race by reaching out across time and space toward those who might be in a position to help reseed a devastated world at some time in the future.
That’s how soldiers from varying eras and vastly different backgrounds find themselves together. Snatched away from Earth at the moment of their passing they are transported to the far side of the galaxy. Thinking they have been granted a reprieve, their relief turns to horror when they discover they face a simple but stark ultimatum:
Put aside your former animosities and preconceptions in order to survive. Yes…
Fight or die!
How does this group of mismatched and antagonistic misfits fare?
Do they survive?
Find out for yourselves, in The IX.
… And remember…
Sometimes, death is only the beginning of the adventure!
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