What if the fall of the Roman Empire didn’t just affect our world, but countless others? That is the driving focus of Hyperfleet: The Path To Valor.
This novel is the first in an intended series of sci-fi military political thrillers written by Lance Williams.
A unique premise, the story takes place in a fully realized galactic society that parallels some of the falls out of the collapse of the western Roman empire in 467 AD. There are some minglings of other aspects of the empire pulling elements from other eras and locations of the fall.
Fascinated by political history and as a scientist, Mr. Williams had this to say about his direction on the book:
“Being a fan of the great sci-fi franchises since I was a kid, I have always wanted to live in those realms to some degree. Becoming a scientist, and even an amateur historian, I began to notice or was pointed out, the flaws in my favorite stories. Debating with fellow fans how this or that could or couldn’t really work became a fun pastime. This is not to knock the great writers.They were phenomenal for their time, but sometimes science and knowledge catches up to visions. I didn’t just want to be a writer. I wanted to try to bridge the gap between real science and Hollywood science while still keeping the fun escapism that we, as readers, enjoy so much.”
The lead protagonist of the series is Admiral Jendarm, a shrewd tactician, negotiator, and diplomat of the highest marks. He is pursuing a mostly hidden end goal known only to himself. However, parts of his plan are revealed as the story progresses. Jendarm has broken from the empire seeing it as a failed, dangerous, society led by an insane ruler. This is one of the parallels that the author has linked to the real world Roman Empire.
Along with the military and political aspects of the Roman Empire, Mr. Williams also explores the rise of the Holy Roman Empire and how it gained a new type of power and how the outlier colonies annexed by the Empire both by the Caesars and The Pope’s were affected by the oversight and neglect of those on charge.
Although a sci-fi tale with aspects of Tom Clancy and F. Paul Wilson it is a story both entertaining and cautionary. With a subplot concerning young smugglers and their journey to find a mysterious treasure and beings with fantastic mental powers (to scratch that fantastical sci-fi itch), this is a highly recommended book that fulfills the need to read for those looking for a different type of tale, one that is equal parts style and substance.
Available on Nook, Google Books, Kindle, and in paper formats.
