Review: Step off world for an exciting and hair-raising ride...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 29, 2012
J. Bryden Lloyd is an author with a mission...a mission that he deftly hands off to a believable young hero named Jensen Quest the Third. Strap on your sidearm and cinch your seatbelt tight, because this story is about to slingshot you straight into outer space where a full-scale war is already underway.If his father hadn't mysteriously disappeared, teenage Jensen Quest probably wouldn't have been greeted by an alien one morning. Worse yet, after a short discussion with the creature, he learns that if he doesn't agree to become a galactic soldier, the aliens known as Keepers will no longer protect the Earth. Still reeling from the enormity of what he's hearing but unable to let everyone he knows or cares about die from an alien attack, Jensen packs his bags and leaves for battle.During a short but high-pressure galactic boot camp, Jensen discovers that though the Quest line has left big fighting shoes for him to fill, he like his father and grandfather before him has natural piloting and leadership skills. The other fighters of the Great Drak army made up of humans from many worlds readily assign him as their Wing Commander. He can hardly believe he's gone from Earth boy to military leader in a span of days. However, he has little time to dwell on it because the next battle with the deadly Zyll race awaits.I could go on to summarize several exciting space battles and to recall half a dozen well-drawn and memorable characters who surround and support our young hero, but let me instead just say that you'll continue to think about these personalities long after you've finished the last page. What I like best about this first book in "The Chronicles Of Jenson Quest " series is how the author seamlessly weaves scenes from the enemy race into the narrative. I was just as anxious to see how several of these enemy Zyll soldiers would fare as I was to continue the fascinating and exciting story of Jensen Quest. Rest assured, by the final battle, you will be cheering for both sides. And you will love the nonstop action ending.I strongly encourage everyone to read "The Chronicles Of Jenson Quest - The Rise Of Va'kaar," but don't say I didn't warn you to keep your bookstore website open, because you'll immediately want to dig into the next book in this well-written, well-edited series.