Hard to put this page-turner down. A fast-paced
story with captivating characters. Worth the read.
Title: Price of Vengeance
Author: Kurt Springs
Genre(s): Military Science Fiction
Word Count: 90,000
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: 2/1/2024
Summary: What is the price of vengeance?
One could understand why Liam was angry. He was orphaned at the age of two by a group of giant carnivorous insects called the chitin. Taken in by High Councilor Marcus and his wife, Lidia, Liam was raised with their older son, Randolf, in New Olympia, the last remaining city on the planet Etrusci.
As an adult, Liam becomes a soldier. After being cut off from the city, Liam finds that there is an alien intelligence behind the chitin. To defeat it, he must discover who he is and how to use his powers. Then, Liam discovers that a traitor, responsible for his birth parents’ deaths, had murdered his beloved foster parents. Will the price he has to pay in his quest for vengeance prove to be an even more unbeatable foe?
My Review:
Orphaned at age two by carnivorous insects called the chitin, Liam grew up to be a bit of a loner. Smaller in stature and noticeably different from everyone in New Olympia, Liam found his place in the loving arms of his foster family and their son, Randolf, and behind the scope of his favorite sniper rifle while guarding the outposts during extra shifts.
When the chitin resurfaces on Liam’s watch, sabotage leaves Liam injured, stranded, and presumed dead as an alien intelligence coordinates a devastating attack on the last remaining city on planet Etrusci. To have a fighting chance at saving the last city, Liam must become who he is meant to be or succumb to the ever-enticing lust for vengeance.
Author Kurt Springs crafts an immersive, fast-paced read in this military science fiction. I was immediately drawn into this world of danger. I appreciated the gradual introduction of new weaponry, adding depth and excitement to the story. The reader gets a small taste of what could be on the outside of the last city when Liam befriends a colorful creature with an intriguing persona. As the chitin press in on the citizens, the reader feels tugged into the streets and shops of the city Liam call’s home in his last ditch effort to save it’s people.
Liam’s character stole my heart from the first page. He is a selfless individual who quickly adapts to new challenges and obstacles. Injecting humor into dire situations made me laugh out loud. I particularly enjoyed a moment where Liam and his companions, amidst a life-threatening situation, deemed it the opportune time to discuss property damage. Humor I can appreciate. On the other side of that coin, this is a war. Although the characters are fighting monstrous creatures, Springs also highlighted some of the atrocities that human monsters make during times of war. It felt authentic, evoking genuine emotions as I read. Springs doesn’t forget about the villains and antagonists of the story. This villain had a personality and standards. I always love a villain who believes he’s doing the right thing and Springs really captured that aspect of his character well.
There is one line that resonates above the rest. “Love is the answer to the darkness surrounding him.” Although there is a romantic undercurrent throughout the novel, this line felt more directed to the characters’ overarching journey. Overall, this is an enjoyable read and by the way it ended, I eagerly anticipate the next installment. (ARC received from Reedsy)