Review: Solid space-opera driven by compelling characters and lots of action.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 31, 2014
Even in novella form, Brandon Ellis has found a way to pack every page of Star Guild with unending action and suspense. But with limited page numbers one would expect to find paper thin characters set together with Swiss cheese plot development. Not here. In fact this action packed story is both driven by well fleshed out characters and well written storylines.A Fleet Admiral is forced to make tough decisions as innocent citizens die in droves all around him and starships under his command explode in brilliant flashes of light. But together with an experienced crew and faith in a mythical group of saviors, the Admiral presses on until only a heartbreaking retreat brings a temporary reprieve from what may be certain death.But the Admiral isn't fighting this unknown force alone. Planet side a tough and gritty mech pilot is forced to use brutal tactics to fend off an alien of both incredible size and strength. What was once a tool for profit is transformed into a metallic coffin until one of her coworkers can rescue her from the grip of death, a favor she will return in kind. A coffin no more, the suit of steel is transformed once again into a deadly weapon and a means to an end in her ongoing battle for life and against death.Another strong female character is forced to use her wit and sense of duty to give her life for the continuation of mankind. But before doing so, she is given the chance to prove her worth to the fleet, a chance she takes seriously and without hesitation.As the end comes near, political players show their cards and threaten the very future, characters struggle against ever growing threats, and the human race faces certain destruction at the hands of the vile, nameless aggressors that have chased them from their homes.Will a threatened Admiral survive political threats and fight on? Will a sacrificed pilot make an unexplained return to the fight? Will a once forgotten mech pilot survive long enough to escape the clutches of her pursuers? These are the things that make Episode three so eagerly anticipated, and I cannot wait to find out the answers.Good, quick read that any space-opera fan would enjoy.