Title: Prelude to Sorrow
Author: Andrew P. Weston
Genre: Science Fiction
Book Blurb:
The task force dispatched from Arden to eradicate the Horde menace failed, and for those few left alive, the tenet by which they have survived for so long resounds as never before.
Fight or Die!
Now marooned, out of time and out of place, the survivors lick their wounds and struggle to recover while the Horde gather their strength for a final strike that will change the course of history forever. The fate of the galaxy – and more – hangs in the balance.
But fate, it seems, isn’t done with the Ninth, and our heroes find themselves forced to mount a last-ditch attempt to end the threat once and for all.
Will the darkness be vanquished, or will our heroes’ efforts finally signal the beginning of the end of their adventure?
My Review:
Prelude to Sorrow is the final installment of the bestselling series, The IX, and since I don’t want to give away any spoilers from the previous two books, there won’t be a summary of the plot. This review will focus on themes of Prelude to Sorrow and the author’s immense talent.
Military Science Fiction can be a double-edged sword to not only write but read as well. I’ve read my fair share of boring military science fiction where I’m skimming through pages of uninteresting facts and the world-building is less than stellar. This is not the case with Prelude to Sorrow and Andrew Weston. In fact, he makes me want to learn more about space technology and whether the thrusters, pods, etc. he describes can be a possibility in the future. Through his storytelling, he makes the world he’s created come to life and my mind instantly envisions it. Even now, when I’m doing mundane tasks, I wonder if Arden could exist in the future.
Beyond the technology, is a group of intriguing characters who propels the plot forward and I can see parts of myself in different ones, including the Horde. The Horde is a group of baddies lead by their Queen who has an agenda of her own. I found the psychology of the Horde fascinating. Beyond monsters, they represent what happens when science tries to create genetic-modified creatures. Are they evil or victims? You’ll have to read to find out.
Prelude to Sorrow is an emotionally gripping book with spiritual undertones as well as a glimpse into both our pasts and our future. To ascend to a higher plane, do you have to commit unspeakable acts or is it as simple as understanding what the god/goddess is teaching you?
The best part of Prelude to Sorrow is, of course, the action scenes. Andrew Weston takes the reader and plunges him/her into the world he’s created. Weston reveals pieces of the plot a little at a time and lets you mull it over before unleashing the next plot twist. Descriptive scenes allow you to envision everything that is going on without pulling you from the story. Impressive considering that only happens in the movies.
If you’re looking for an epic tale paying homage to the past (Ancient Rome) while situated in the future (think Star Trek), pick this up right now. While this is a standalone, I highly recommend you start with The IX and then Exordium of Tears before reading this phenomenal conclusion. Trust me, the payoff is worth it!
Favorite Character/Quote: “No wonder their Empire spanned more than three million square miles and twenty-one percent of the populated world. They possessed resourcefulness until any other power before them… or since, judging from what I can see now.”
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it now:
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prelude-to-sorrow-andrew-p-weston/1128137461?ean=2940159082121
Author Biography:
Andrew P. Weston is Royal Marine and Police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with his wife, Annette, and their growing family of rescue cats.
An astronomy and criminal law graduate, he is the creator of the internationally acclaimed IX Series, along with Hell Bound & Hell Hounds, (Novels forming part of Janet Morris’ critically acclaimed Heroes in Hell shared universe). Andrew also has the privilege of being a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the British Science Fiction Association, British Fantasy Society, and the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.
When not writing, Andrew devotes some of his spare time to assisting NASA with one of their remote research projects and writes educational articles for Astronaut.com and Amazing Stories.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.andrewpweston.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestonAndrew
Reviewed by: Mrs. N