Author: Thom Bedford Release Date: April 5, 2025 Series: Genre: Military Space Opera, Science Fiction Format: E-book Pages: 100 pages Publisher: – Blurb: Spend an evening on a warship in this military space opera novella! SABOTAGE AND SUSPICION After narrowly escaping an explosion from a botched sabotage attempt, Captain Felysta Sandorn of the Combined Systems Alliance receives orders to lead a small fleet of agile warships to hunt down and destroy a pirate group. On arrival to the neutral system, however, not everything is as it seems, as they encounter archaic vessels and subdued, nervous behavior.
The year is 2815 and the galaxy teeters on the brink of war, but not everyone can be trusted. Is Felysta’s target a ragtag band of pirates as she’s been told? Or is it an organized fleet sent by the supposed Free Planetary Union, an emerging galactic empire? Only time will tell. THE PIRATES OF WAN-NAKHON This military space opera novella brings deception, suspense, and epic fleet combat to the genre, with detailed world-building, politics, and a hint of romance. All the best parts of science fiction. For fans of franchises like Star Wars or the darker side of Star Trek, and fans of authors like Jack Campbell or John Scalzi.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Blackheart by Thom Bedford is everything I expected from a military sci-fi space opera: it had layered world-building, strong yet complex leadership, high-stakes conflict, and tons of morally charged choices. As a writer and editor, I can’t help but appreciate the precision and pacing in the prose. This book knows exactly when to go full-throttle and when to pause for introspection.
Captain Felysta Sandorn is a standout protagonist. She is commanding, strategic, and quietly compassionate beneath all that steel. Her dynamic with her XO, Jameson, adds just the right dose of philosophical tension, especially as rumors of the Free Planetary Union gain traction. Their contrasting perspectives on duty versus morality create a compelling undercurrent throughout the story.
The tension builds steadily, from the ominous return to Exeter Station to the explosive confrontation with a mysterious rogue fleet. There’s a real sense of tactical choreography in the action scenes, and I especially enjoyed the dialogue’s realism, they were crisp, military, and always character-revealing.
What held me back from giving it a full five stars was the fact that just a touch more emotional vulnerability from Felysta could have elevated her arc to perfection. We see glimpses of it, but I wanted more, more heart to balance all the head and command. Still, Author Bedford delivers a smart, sophisticated, and thoroughly entertaining sci-fi adventure that kicks off a promising series. Think The Expanse meets Mass Effect, but with a voice that’s very much his own. I’ll definitely be following this series to see where the crew of the Blackheart goes next.
Author: Michael C. Bland Release Date: April 8, 2025 Series: The Price of Trilogy (Book #3) Genre: Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction, Thriller, Dystopia Format: E-book Pages: 286 pages Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC Blurb: It’s 2047. The rebellion has been crushed. The Agency is reestablishing control. Rebel leader Dray Quintero languishes in his cell, struggling against his captors’ manipulations. His daughter Raven’s cries torment him at night. He has doomed them both.
When given an unexpected chance to escape prison, they break out–but they’re not safe. No one is. The Agency is still in power. And they’re tightening their grip. As dangers mount, Dray is haunted by an impossible dilemma: flee and survive, or gamble his last chance for freedom by taking a stand against impossible odds. He tried running. He tried fighting. This time, he must try something radically different. Something no one will see coming.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
What a ride! The Price of Freedom is one of those books that grabs you by the collar in the first chapter and doesn’t let go, not even at the final page. Author Bland beautifully crafts Dray Quintero’s story in this adrenaline-packed book that blends high-stakes action with razor-sharp commentary on surveillance, manipulation, and the cost of resistance. As someone who values character depth and emotional complexity in thrillers, I was floored by how intimately we journey through Dray’s pain, resilience, and impossible choices.
There’s something especially gutting about watching a father try to save his daughters while the entire weight of a dystopian surveillance state bears down on him. You feel every beat of Dray’s desperation. You rage with him. And you hope, desperately, for just one win in a world where every turn seems stacked against him. The pacing is relentless but not rushed. The stakes are high, the tech scarily plausible, and the emotional beats are gut-wrenching. The writing is crisp, cinematic, and rich with detail without being heavy-handed, a rare balance that, as an editor, I truly admire.
I especially appreciated how the story doesn’t sacrifice nuance for action. Even the “villains” are layered, their motivations rooted in ideology, not caricature. And Talia, what a revelation! Her strength and intellect, especially given her condition, give the story a compelling edge. She’s a standout character I won’t soon forget.
The Price of Freedom is sci-fi with a soul. It asks all the right questions: What are we willing to sacrifice for safety? How far can one man be pushed before he breaks? And when the system is rigged, what does true freedom even look like? This book is for fans of thought-provoking speculative fiction with a heart that is gritty, bold, and impossible to put down.
Welcome to TRB Lounge! We’re thrilled to host author Robert A. Walker today, who will be unveiling an intriguing excerpt from their new series, The Legends of Baelon. Dive in and get an exclusive sneak peek into the intriguing world they’ve crafted in their latest work!
About the Book
Two Crowns, Three Blades
“Revenge is a temptress, full of promise, but she rarely satisfies… and almost always exacts payment.“
Still grieving over the loss of his wife and daughter, King Axil of Aranox declares war on The Guild of Takers. The GOT’s High Order responds, strengthening its efforts to kill both of Baelon’s monarchs. Tristan Godfrey seeks his brother’s murderer, and true love is made to wait again as Sibil Dunn embarks on a solitary crusade. Saved from the guillotine, Overseer Reynard Rascall looks to avenge Spiro’s death, while retired Royal Guard, Rolft Aerns, recovers from his wounds and puts away his sword—until, that is, he learns of Sibil’s quest.
By mid-morning, they were deep in what Gradi repeatedly referred to as “the wicked woods,” surrounded by coniferous evergreens, patches of smokewood, and masses of joining trees so closely knit the sun could not find the forest floor. Overhead, the only visible patch of sky mirrored the trail they followed, like a ribbon of blue framed by the tips of tall trees on either side.
Warm air enveloped them, prompting conservation of movement. Their horses plodded along, side by side, hooves nearly silent on a carpet of duff.The lush forest undergrowth captured other noises, quickly suffocating them. But each snap of a twig, every rustle of dried leaves, reminded Sibil that the bortok thought itself the king of the Dark Woods, and its subjects all fair prey.
There was little in the landscape to spark interest, or to distinguish one stretch of trail from the next, until the sudden appearance of a fork in the road.
“Corpse’s Choice?” she asked.
Gradi nodded. “Decision time. You’re sure you won’t turn back?”
Before she could answer, the old man raised a hand, suggesting she stay silent. What sounded like the faint patter of rain caused her to look back down the trail, her gaze fixed there until three bare-chested riders turned a corner into view.
The biggest of them, a heavy, burly man, sat atop his horse like a large soup kettle. Or is he half beast? Thick, dark hair covered his bare arms and chest. A dozen or more coarse braids dangled past his shoulders, a few resting on his untrimmed beard. A string of white shells encircled his neck. Two leaner riders followed, their faces hidden from Sibil’s view until Black Braids stopped his mount to gawk at her and Gradi. His companions sidled next to him, one bald with a square, clean-shaven face and sunken eyes; the other was clearly younger than his counterparts, despite his scraggly beard. Even sitting in the saddle doing nothing, he appeared wild-eyed and agitated.
Just the type one might expect to inhabit the Dark Woods!
Wherever they were headed, the leader seemed in little hurry. Black Braids cast a look at Corpse’s Choice before cultivating his interest in Sibil. The way he stared reminded her of the king’s steward, and she glared back at him. He would have to do or say something especially pleasant in the very near future to change her first impression of him.
He spat into the woods. “Lost, are you?” His bald companion circled slowly behind Gradi. The youngest, all too interested in Sibil, coaxed his mount so close to Shadow the two horse’s flanks rubbed against one another. Sibil’s hand crept inside her shirt.
“Listen to me, friend.” Gradi leaned forward in his saddle to capture Black Braids’ attention. “Where we’re going is of no concern to you.” The words came slowly, as though meant to be digested just as carefully. “But as I can see what’s on your mind, I’m going to do you a favor and tell you what you need to know. The young lady is to be received by someone of importance. I’m not at liberty to say just who has sent for her, but given our location and the direction of our travel, I think that you might guess. If she does not arrive when expected, and in sound condition, whoever is to blame for that will live just long enough to regret his actions a thousand times over.”
“Is that right?” Black Braids snorted. “Someone special, is she? And yet…” His eyes spent a few moments studying Gradi and his rusted sword. “Whoever waits for her trusts the likes of you to protect her?”
“I’m not here to protect her,” Gradi said. “I’m merely her escort, and that should tell you something about the degree of trouble we are expected to encounter from others. You could easily dispense with me, no doubt. Just know that would offend the one who waits for her. She’s not to be touched. Not by me. Not by anyone. No one in their right mind would dare.”
One of Black Braids’ little fingers barely twitched, but its message was as clear to Sibil as it was to its intended audience. The youngest rider removed his hand from Shadow’s rump.
Gradi cleared his voice. “You’ve been warned.”
Clearly weighing options, Black Braids tried a different tack. “You don’t say. Perhaps whoever’s waiting for her would appreciate our joining you. Might they not be grateful for our protection?”
“They would not,” came Gradi’s curt response. “I’m to report any contact or unpleasantness upon our arrival. I trust I shan’t have to mention you, and that we’ll not cross paths again.” One of Black Braids’ nostrils began to twitch. Gradi’s expression did not waver. “I’ll close my eyes for a silent count of ten, shall I? And when I open them, I’ll pretend you were never here.”
Sibil’s fingers curled around the hilt of her knife. Her heart pounded as Gradi’s eyelids lowered.
Black Braids gave her a last look, and she returned it impassively. He spat toward the ground before digging his heels into his horse’s ribs. “Hyah!” All three riders took the left fork and trotted out of sight.
Sibil’s hand relaxed.
Gradi opened his eyes, and for a long moment, he just stared at her. “We’ll stay put for a bit, and let them put some distance between us, shall we?” Sibil nodded. “Though I seriously doubt they’ll trouble us further.”
“You’re shaking,” Sibil said.
“Am I?” Gradi held a hand out and watched it tremble. “So I am.”
“That was…” Sibil struggled to find the right words.
Gradi gave a nervous laugh. “Yes, it was.” He exhaled a heavy breath. “But I know the type.”
“Which is to say?” asked Sibil.
The old man smiled. “There are men whose courage is bound to their heart. It’s as much a part of them as any limb or bone. You cannot tame it, nor can they, not even in the face of certain death. It’s in their blood, you see, and will remain there until the last drop is spilled.”
Like Rolft, wounded and unarmed, challenging the knife-wielding “cat” to attack him during the celebration of Six Moons!
“These were a different breed,” Gradi said. “Their courage comes and goes like water from their bodies. If they think they hold the high ground or sense a weak opponent, they drink it in and swell like a sponge. But if they sense the slightest threat or danger, their courage leaks from them as easily as sweat or piss until there’s nothing left. A baby lamb could be attacking them, but if they’re made to believe it is a bortok, if they see it as a bortok, they’re going to run and hide.”
“What told you they were this breed?”
Gradi shrugged. “It was a gamble, to be sure. What I could see without a doubt was their intent. What else was I to do?”
Sibil nodded slowly. “I see.”
“You know the kind of man I’m talking about?”
“I do. And now I know the kind you are as well.” She tilted her head toward the left fork of Corpse’s Choice. “Shall we?”
About The Author
Robert A. Walker
I grew up in a small Northwestern town in Massachusetts. My father was a professional editor, so I’m sure the itch to play with words is something I inherited from him. I was always writing stories as a youth, and my dad would scribble all over them before handing them back to me. When I graduated college, I packed everything I owned into a small car with a rusted-out floorboard and headed west. I wound up in California where I found not only employment, but a wife, and we have lived here happily with our dogs and a view of the Pacific Ocean ever since. When I’m not fabricating tales, I can be found competing on local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
Author: David Jacinto Release Date: May 06, 2025 Series: The Courageous Series (Book #2) Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Western Fiction, Immigrant Fiction Format: E-book Pages: 416 pages Publisher: Meadow Vista Corporation Blurb: Arriving in America just as the nation is emerging from the devastation of the Civil War, Thomas and Annie find themselves at the heart of an extraordinary economic boom. The country is on the brink of monumental change, and they are determined to chase their American dream amidst this backdrop of opportunity and upheaval.
As we follow Tom and Annie across the Atlantic Ocean and through various terrains—navigating rivers, crossing vast plains, and scaling formidable mountains—they encounter numerous challenges along their path. From Indian uprisings to western disasters, their journey is fraught with peril yet filled with resilience. Their experiences reflect both the struggles and triumphs faced by many during this transformative era. The construction of the transcontinental railroad stands as one of the greatest technological feats of the nineteenth century. Tom’s expertise plays a vital role in overcoming obstacles that threaten to derail progress. His ingenuity not only aids in building tracks but also fosters collaboration among diverse groups working together toward a common goal—the unification of America’s wild west with its burgeoning eastern cities. Join Thomas and Annie Wright on their remarkable journey as they navigate through history’s challenges while striving for their place in America’s unfolding story. This book promises to engage readers with its rich historical context, relatable characters, and thrilling adventures that capture the essence of what it means to pursue one’s dreams.
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Where Eagles Fly Free by David A. Jacinto is a sweeping historical novel that immerses readers in the struggles and triumphs of Thomas and Annie Wright as they chase the American Dream in a post-Civil War era. From the perilous Atlantic voyage to the construction of the transcontinental railroad, this book paints an evocative picture of the immigrant experience, filled with hardships, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of survival.
Author Jacinto’s storytelling is immersive, pulling readers into the grit and determination of his characters. Tom and Annie’s journey is fraught with tension, from the grueling voyage at sea to the harrowing dangers of the Wild West, including conflicts with Native American tribes, unpredictable disasters, and the ruthless hands of fate. Their love for each other is tested at every turn, but their commitment to carving out a future never wavers.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its rich historical detail. The novel does an incredible job of bringing the era to life, the brutal realities of industrialization, the ambitious (and often reckless) expansion westward, and the sacrifices made by those who sought a better life. You feel the desperation, the longing, and the hope that fueled these pioneers, making the story all the more engaging. That said, the pacing occasionally drags with some dense historical exposition that, while fascinating, slows down the narrative’s momentum. At times, I wanted to see more character-driven moments and internal conflicts rather than extended descriptions of historical events.
Overall, Where Eagles Fly Free is a compelling read that will appeal to historical fiction lovers who enjoy stories of adventure, endurance, and the indomitable human spirit. It’s a well-researched and deeply moving novel that captures both the beauty and brutality of an era that shaped a nation.
Author: B.R.M. Evett Release Date: September 15, 2023 Series: Genre: Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic Format: E-book Pages: 406 pages Publisher: Sleeping Dog Press Blurb: A hurricane strikes the Elysium Spa, and a gentle android named Tender can only save one of his guests – a fifteen-year-old girl named Virgo. She has the innocence of an infant – the Spa guests are born, reproduce, and die in scientifically calibrated baths that keep them in a state of perpetual ecstasy, called Joy. She has never walked, or spoken, or had a cogent thought. Tender’s sole purpose is to return Virgo to the state of bliss that is her birthright. He takes her on a journey across a post-apocalyptic American landscape depopulated by war, famine, and plague.
On the road, they meet other travelers on the New Frontier, including a scientist in search of life’s greatest secret, a group of First Nations warriors seeking to reclaim their stolen land, and a young power thief fleeing forced labor, looking for a better life and his lost family. As Tender and Virgo struggle to survive, they come face to face with what it means to be a human on this earth. And they face a choice — embrace this painful, beautiful world, or return Virgo to an existence of mindless, but perfect, Joy.
Shortlisted for the 2024 Rubery Book Award. “This is a propulsive, post-apocalyptic thriller that touches on some fascinating philosophical issues.”
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
JOY: A Novel of the New Frontier by B.R.M. Evett is one of those rare books that stays in the mind long after its over. Author Evett has crafted a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic tale that is as much about survival as it is about the very essence of being human. It is not simply a story that you read, it makes you feel it, makes you question, and ultimately, leaves you irrevocably changed.
At the heart of this book is Virgo, a girl who has never known life outside of Joy—a chemically engineered, blissful state of being, where suffering and self-awareness do not exist. When a catastrophe forces her out of this artificial paradise, she is thrust into a raw, unfiltered world that she has no comprehension of. Alongside her is Tender, the android caregiver who has been programmed to protect her and ensure her uninterrupted ecstasy. But without a system to govern him, Tender is left on his own emerging sense of morality, logic, and something even deeper, something he was never designed to have.
The journey that follows is simply brilliant! Evett’s writing is lyrical, precise, and deeply immersive, effortlessly drawing readers into a world that feels eerily real despite its dystopian setting. Through their travels, Virgo and Tender encounter fractured remnants of humanity, each one shaped by war, famine, climate collapse, and the unchecked ambitions of the past. The world-building is meticulous, with a level of detail that makes every moment pulse with tension and poignancy.
There’s an aching beauty in JOY, an undercurrent of poetic melancholy that reminds me of classic speculative fiction, yet it feels profoundly contemporary. Author Evett has crafter an emotional and philosophical experience, brilliantly balancing the tenderness of his characters with the harsh, unforgiving world around them.
If you love speculative fiction that challenges your perception, if you appreciate intricate character development and prose that sings, this book is for you. JOY is not just a story, it’s a meditation on what it truly means to live.
Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Robert A. Walker for his book, Two Crowns, Three Blades.
Book: Two Crowns, Three Blades Author: Robert A. Walker Publication Date: April 30, 2025 Genres: Fantasy, Adventure Page Count: 394 pages
About the Book
“Revenge is a temptress, full of promise, but she rarely satisfies… and almost always exacts payment.“
Still grieving over the loss of his wife and daughter, King Axil of Aranox declares war on The Guild of Takers. The GOT’s High Order responds, strengthening its efforts to kill both of Baelon’s monarchs. Tristan Godfrey seeks his brother’s murderer, and true love is made to wait again as Sibil Dunn embarks on a solitary crusade. Saved from the guillotine, Overseer Reynard Rascall looks to avenge Spiro’s death, while retired Royal Guard, Rolft Aerns, recovers from his wounds and puts away his sword—until, that is, he learns of Sibil’s quest.
I grew up in a small Northwestern town in Massachusetts. My father was a professional editor, so I’m sure the itch to play with words is something I inherited from him. I was always writing stories as a youth, and my dad would scribble all over them before handing them back to me. When I graduated college, I packed everything I owned into a small car with a rusted-out floorboard and headed west. I wound up in California where I found not only employment, but a wife, and we have lived here happily with our dogs and a view of the Pacific Ocean ever since. When I’m not fabricating tales, I can be found competing on local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.
If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com
The Reading Bud 