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Empire of Bones: Book 1 of The Empire of Bones Saga Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Terry Mixon (Author), Veronica Giguere (Narrator), Yowling Cat Press (Publisher)
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,732 ratings

Five hundred years ago, a terrible war almost extinguished humanity. Now the Terran Empire rises from its own ashes.

Tasked to lead an exploratory mission, Commander Jared Mertz and his crew set off into the unknown.

Only the Old Empire isn’t quite dead after all. With everything he holds dear at stake, Jared must fight like never before. Victory means life. Defeat means death or worse.

If you love military science fiction and grand adventure on a galaxy-spanning scale, grab Empire of Bones and the rest of The Empire of Bones Saga today!

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  1. Listening Length
    7 hours and 24 minutes
  2. Author
    Terry Mixon
  3. Narrator
    Veronica Giguere
  4. Audible release date
    December 16, 2014
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Yowling Cat Press
  7. ASIN
    B00R3L7WLO
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 24 minutes
Author Terry Mixon
Narrator Veronica Giguere
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date December 16, 2014
Publisher Yowling Cat Press
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B00R3L7WLO
Best Sellers Rank

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,732 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers thoroughly enjoy this science fiction book, praising its well-developed plot with good action sequences and relatable characters, particularly noting the interesting villain. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting the uncommonly good grammar. Additionally, they appreciate the universe-building elements and consider it a great space opera series. However, the technology aspect receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding it simplistic.

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EnjoymentPaceCharacter developmentStartWriting qualityConceptTechnology
79 customers mention "Enjoyment"79 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very enjoyable and entertaining, describing it as a fantastic adventure.

"...Empire of Bones is a fun read with adventure, excitement, characters you can be drawn to, and enough peril to make you worry about them...." Read more

"...forced and the characters, while somewhat flatter than I desire, were likeable...." Read more

"The Empire of Bones was a real pleasure to read - great action, likeable characters, an interesting plot-line, exploring a derelict space-craft from..." Read more

"...But what big bad is using them as cannon fodder? -Tech that helps drive the plot but doesn't overwhelm it...." Read more

67 customers mention "Pace"50 positive17 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with its well-developed plot and good action sequences that draw readers in.

"...His style is very easy to follow, never over your head. The novel is fast-paced so that there were no points where it seemed to drag...." Read more

"...I also want to give the author credit for their ability to pace the story’s plot and throw in various “I never saw that coming” moments that kept me..." Read more

"...real pleasure to read - great action, likeable characters, an interesting plot-line, exploring a derelict space-craft from the old Terran Empire and..." Read more

"...The villain is interesting and presented well but has a very minor amount of the book...." Read more

42 customers mention "Character development"35 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the relatable and interesting villain, with one customer highlighting the dynamic hero and heroine who don't roll their eyes at each other.

"...It starts with two dynamic characters. First, we have Commander Jared Mertz of the Terran Fleet as he’s heading out on an exploration mission...." Read more

"...So it is no surprise it was well presented. She was able to voice the many different characters making it easy for me to stay engaged and know who..." Read more

"The Empire of Bones was a real pleasure to read - great action, likeable characters, an interesting plot-line, exploring a derelict space-craft from..." Read more

"...The villain is interesting and presented well but has a very minor amount of the book...." Read more

42 customers mention "Start"42 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the start of this science fiction series, describing it as a great space opera with adventure elements.

"...Empire of Bones is a fun read with adventure, excitement, characters you can be drawn to, and enough peril to make you worry about them...." Read more

"...If you, like me, enjoy a good science fiction story that has technology, unique ships, and some strange alien races; I think you would enjoy it...." Read more

"...action, likeable characters, an interesting plot-line, exploring a derelict space-craft from the old Terran Empire and a scary group of bad guys..." Read more

"...Its not really hardcore mil-sci fi. Its space opera. Through and through." Read more

22 customers mention "Writing quality"19 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well written and readable, with one customer noting the uncommonly good grammar and another mentioning there are no spelling errors.

"...Terry Mixon has a great writing style that injects a underlying sense of humor throughout the book; the action sequences are tautly described and..." Read more

"...The writing was good, the editing was good, the plotline was engaging...." Read more

"...will be continuing on with the series for as long as the writing and story stay solid." Read more

"...The prose was alright, nothing extraordinary and the setting and technical information kept me interested...." Read more

9 customers mention "Concept"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the concept of the book, with one customer highlighting the interesting universe building and another noting the fascinating scope of empires and kingdoms.

"...The author did a good job of building up the various worlds, political systems, races, and characters while also describing well the technology and..." Read more

"...Empires and kingdoms, Galaxy Spanning war, strange aliens, Crazy Artificial Intelligence’s, Fantastic Adventures…...." Read more

"It was creative and had some very unique concepts mixed in with the standard space sci-fi that can be found in many many other novels." Read more

"Interesting universe building. Relatable characters. Intriguing, mysterious circumstances. Needs a bad guy...." Read more

10 customers mention "Technology"6 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the technology in the book, with some finding it simplistic, while one customer appreciates how well it is described and another notes its interesting combination with hard science.

"...political systems, races, and characters while also describing well the technology and difficulty of space travel...." Read more

"...Things that lined up too neatly, answers that were too easy, etc...." Read more

"...The story is Space Opera with some nice technology that is described very little but fits within the world well enough to believe...." Read more

"...Everything about the writing is clipped and simplistic, like a trash tier movie...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Michelle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Fast-Paced Read, with a Strong Female Co-star
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Empire of Bones is a perfect opening to a very creative science fiction series. It starts with two dynamic characters. First, we have Commander Jared Mertz of the Terran Fleet as he’s heading out on an exploration mission. He’s the bastard son of the emperor though he’s reluctant to take advantage of his heritage. Then add his half-sister, Princess Kelsey Bandar who has grown up with a negative view of her brother. She has a desire to do more, be more, and gets that chance when the emperor assigns her as a junior ambassador on her brother’s ship just before they head out on the possibly long term exploration mission.

    Terry Mixon has done a masterful job of creating characters and a story to draw you in and keep you turning pages right to the end. Princess Kelsey is a very strong willed woman and she does not take a back seat to her male counterparts. She’s front and center throughout the novel. Kudos to Terry for creating such a well-written female character.

    His style is very easy to follow, never over your head. The novel is fast-paced so that there were no points where it seemed to drag. Empire of Bones is a fun read with adventure, excitement, characters you can be drawn to, and enough peril to make you worry about them. Once you read the first book, you won’t be able to keep yourself from buying the next.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Quella
    4.0 out of 5 stars A light space opera that scratches the Sci-Fi itch
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Let me start by saying this book is more in a category of a light space opera, however this should not frighten you away if you like more heavy Sci-Fi books. Just be aware this one has all the goodness of a solid science fiction story without going overboard on the technical details. If you are someone that only enjoys deep and heavy space books, this one may not be for you. If you, like me, enjoy a good science fiction story that has technology, unique ships, and some strange alien races; I think you would enjoy it.

    The book is well paced and the author often threw in action or drama at the right times. It did not seem forced and the characters, while somewhat flatter than I desire, were likeable. The author wove in some political struggles along with some family intrigue and surprises along the way. There are aspects of mystery and thriller all wrapped up in an exciting space story. If you are a Star Trek movie fan, the opening chapter will remind you of a specific movie scene. Not that the author copied it, but it will bring it to mind if you are knowledgeable of the movies.

    The author did a good job of building up the various worlds, political systems, races, and characters while also describing well the technology and difficulty of space travel. A new and exciting worm hole like object called “flip points” helps the crew to travel vast parts of the universe; like warp drive. I also want to give the author credit for their ability to pace the story’s plot and throw in various “I never saw that coming” moments that kept me listening.

    I also want to say thank you to the author for not having to add unnecessary vulgar language or adult material. Even the parts that were romantic were light and not overly descriptive, etc.

    With all the above said, I do have a few negative things I would like to include in this review. Again, these are more subjective, but I know I would like to know them when I read other’s reviews or when I think about making a book purchase. At times I found the use of some words to be something I would not think a race of this intelligence would use. A term like “wicked” (not used often) pulled me out of the story briefly. Also the use of normal measurements like the metric system were used to describe an object instead of some other word like ‘clicks’, etc. The author also includes in a few places the use of alcoholic beverages (beer and hard liquor), but these are not heavily focused upon.

    I would say that the story is safe for most teens as long as the above is not an issue for them. The story itself and the narration can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.

    Veronica Giguere did a good job of narrating this book. She currently (at the time of this review) has over thirty other titles narrated on Audible across a number of different genres. So it is no surprise it was well presented. She was able to voice the many different characters making it easy for me to stay engaged and know who was speaking. I will say the princess’s voice by the end of the book sounded more like a little girl to me, but this is more a subjective comment.

    I did want to note a number of audio artifacts in the recording that by the end of the book appeared to be more frequent than at the start. Items such as background noise, swallows, and others which were often heard during times of longer pauses. Not something that would keep me from listening to the book again, but not as crisp and clean as other books I have listened too.

    I would like to thank the author and narrator for all the hard work that goes into producing a book that I can enjoy. I know it is not an easy task and it often takes months or years of their life to get to the point of publishing it. Well done.

    Disclaimer: This book was provided to the reviewer free of charge in exchange for posting a non-bias review.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Catherine Mackay
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read - action and mystery abound
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Empire of Bones was a real pleasure to read - great action, likeable characters, an interesting plot-line, exploring a derelict space-craft from the old Terran Empire and a scary group of bad guys called: the Pale Ones. Terry Mixon has a great writing style that injects a underlying sense of humor throughout the book; the action sequences are tautly described and you can visualise been in the battle at the end. The main premise of the story centers on a group of explorers, including fleet personnel, an assortment of scientists and one princesses, who set out to explore the former territories of the old Terran Empire which was over-run by rebels some 500 years ago. They come across a wrecked Imperial Fleet ship which opens up further mysteries concerning the old Empire. Along the way the group gets stuck in an area of space with no 'flip' points (a particular method ships use to get around solar systems) that will take them back to their home territory. They find new friends along the way and of course they also meet the gruesome Pale Ones with unexpected results.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Fiannawolf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Space Opera + Mystery.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Has many elements I enjoy:

    -Derelict Ships
    -Ancient Battle Mysteries
    -Old Advanced Human Society suddenly went Dark from some sort of Golden Age. What tripped the Fall?
    -Good for the sake of Good
    -Human Factions that aren't Suspicious Backstabby Murder Hobos at first meeting.
    That's refreshing. Granted there are factions within that will be antagonists later but overall? I like that this series has humans working together to solve problems rather than shoot first, ask questions later. Esp when the Athena took action in system to save civilians.

    Overall:That's the Pale Ones. Insta-hostiles! But what big bad is using them as cannon fodder?
    -Tech that helps drive the plot but doesn't overwhelm it. (Yes, I still love Weber's stuff but he's very tech heavy now.)

    Honestly, if you want gritty realism: Plenty of books out there will give you that.
    This series is more of a focus on optimistic heroism in the face of overwhelming odds.
    Has a very pulpy flavor. Like the Lensmen of Old.

    Lots of "Modern" Sci fi Books go the path of the Mundane Manifesto.

    If you want fun and entertainment: Read this.
    Its not really hardcore mil-sci fi. Its space opera. Through and through.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Peter B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on June 20, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A great read. One reading between the lines would think just maybe the old rebels were code altered by a virus that destroyed an empire.
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  • Peter Germany
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Page Turner
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 23, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    There's some fascinating character relationships in this story. I loved the relationship between Kelsey and Jared and how it evolved and I'm keen to see how the revelations in the story impact the universe it's all set in. The story itself is pretty good, And is told at a pretty decent pace. I'm keen to read the next book when it comes out not just to find out where the story goes but to learn more about the world it's set in. There is a lot of history there which I hope will be revealed in the future books.

    I zipped through the whole novel at a pretty good pace, but the last few chapters stepped up a gear and I couldn't put it down. Very keen to read the next novel :)
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  • hurlz1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Australia on September 18, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really ejoyed the story and the characters. Well written with a sensible plot with the right amount of twists and turns.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best SF stories I have come across
    Reviewed in Germany on June 5, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book captures your imagination, of worlds yet to be discovered, of heroic acts, and a fine plot unfolding in unexpected ways.
    I have read it in one go, and will continue reading the saga.
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  • Paul Kelly
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great military sci-fi
    Reviewed in Australia on May 10, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Very enjoyable read. Lots of action and complex characters. Read this is one sitting and starting on the next book soon.
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