Empire

Star Force, Book 6

By: B. V. Larson

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Kyle Riggs has been away from Earth for a long time.... What’s happening back home? In Empire, the sixth book of the Star Force Series, the story moves in a new direction.

Earth falls quiet, and the few reports coming out of the homeworld are increasingly strange. Isolated in the Eden system, Riggs realizes his enemies are forming an alliance against him. Crushed between two monstrous fleets, the last defenders of Star Force must forge their own alliance with the biotic aliens. But which alien race can Riggs truly trust?

©2012 B. V. Larson (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Fun series always full of action

Any additional comments?

This is always a fun series, I enjoy listening to. There is always a surprise added and the author has an infinite amount of ideas he can draw on fr new twists to the plot. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys space stories.

Very weird misogynistic rationalization

The exposition of Kyle Riggs surrounding his objectification of his captain is so weird and makes feel real bad about the character and author. Literally saying, "It's just a guy thing." It's totally unnecessary and rationalizes the character's behavior.

Less tech and more galactopolitical

With installment #6 of the Star Force series, Larsen finally has Riggs exactly where he wants him, smack dab in the middle of everything. The remnants of Star Force under the command of Riggs are establishing themselves in the Eden system, 3 ring jumps from Earth. Opposite Earth side lies the Thor system and an unknown number of other rings beyond. The local sentients are mixed with an alliance with the centaurs, a loose alliance with the worms and uncertain relationships with the crustaceans and the blues. Riggs also learns that Earth has finally devolved into a single governmental structure with Crow as the emperor and hegemon. Star Force must battle multiple enemies and are always on the brink. There is also the recognition that the situation has been changed for good; there is no going back once the machines are defeated. Riggs and Star Force are out on the frontier for the duration.

Larson is a very good storyteller with solid pacing and twists along the way. There is less of the technical, engineering projects in this installment relative to earlier volumes with more emphasis on outlining the new political "normal". Another welcome relief is that although Riggs is still the one to largely decipher all the nuances, Larsen is letting his closest associates play a larger role. Alien species are somewhat wanting as well; not only are they essentially Earth style creatures (except for the blues) with intelligence, but they tend to overdo the anthropomorphizing of individual human traits (the worms are warrior barbarians, the centaurs are chivalrous knights, the lobsters are pretentious snobs, and the blues are apathetic intellectuals). With that said, Larsen has crafted a great playing field with room to roam.

The narration is adequate, but unremarkable. Character distinction is achieved through extreme accents leading to a one of every type feeling. Pace and tone are appropriate and the listening is easy.

Book 7 in series

Really enjoying this series. I am looking forward to the next book. Am having a hard time putting these books down. This author is one that knows how to tell a story that captivate his readers from start to finish with all emotions mixed within. He adds lots of action and drama along with humor and romances.

Another good installment

I've been enjoying the series. On to the next book. I'm sure it will be another good book in the series.

great book in a great series

a story so big that it can't be properly explained to someone who hasn't read or listened to it. amazing ideas and characters. the author has done his research and has a natural nack for making his characters feel real

Loving this series

I am really enjoying this series. Storyline continues to develop. Lots of interesting new plot developments to keep you listening. The narrator is great too.

Great listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The series is really good and the 6th one in the series is WOW. Can't wait for the next one.Mark Boyett does an outstanding job with voices and such, I hope he gets an award for his work pertaining to this book and series!!!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Riggs and many of his staff.

Have you listened to any of Mark Boyett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Great performance!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No the book was exciting and built to a wild time.

Any additional comments?

The entire series is worth a listen!

Love the story, problems with the audio

The editor did a terrible job with making his edits seamless. Love the Star Force series, B. V. Larson rocks!

Empire

This is the 6th book within this series. Riggs continues to get into very difficult positions. The question keeps coming up: how is he going to get out of this one. He always seems to get out of his jams. I enjoyed the book and I think you will as well.