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Marc Alan Edelheit
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Fallen Empire: A Military Science Fiction Epic Adventure (Born of Ash Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Marc Alan Edelheit (Author), Gianpiero Mangialardi (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,499 ratings
After years of catastrophic fighting, the rebellion is over. The First Galactic Empire has fallen.

The Keeper of the Unknowable, Guardian of the Gates, the Eternal Emperor, is dead. Entire star systems have been ravaged by war, planets cracked by powerful weapons, and suns sent into supernova. The infrastructure of an advanced civilization that spanned thousands of stars is ruined. Trillions have died. Instead of liberation and a return to democracy, freedom, and a new golden age, humanity has been plunged into darkness.

Eighteen years after the Great Fall of civilization, stranded on the wrecked world Asherho, Keira Kane struggles to make her way. Shattered by war, the climate of the planet has become inhospitable to life and is getting worse with each passing year. The government is a brutal regime, focused on maintaining its own grip on power instead of feeding the few million ragged survivors living upon its surface. What little law and order there is has begun to erode and break down.

Adopted, protected, and raised by former Imperial Marines, Keira has been trained as a mechanic and technician. Her skillset is indispensable to maintaining the decaying infrastructure of her dying planet.

Sent out on a routine repair job to Hakagi Tower, a seedy apartment block, Keira rapidly finds herself a fugitive, hunted not only by the government she has faithfully served, but by the planetary militia who wants her for their own nefarious reasons. A mysterious battle-damaged warship has also arrived in-system and they want something too. Unbeknownst to Keira, her Imperial Marine companions have been guarding an incredibly valuable secret, one that has the potential to save humanity or see its light extinguished from the galaxy forever.

Caught up in a planetary revolt and hunted, Keira is thrust into a life-or-death struggle she never imagined possible. Though she has yet to suspect it, the road ahead is not only dangerous, but a path destined for her and her alone.

Does she have the courage to walk it? Does she have the willpower to pick up a fallen standard? Or will she falter and allow humanity to continue its fall into darkness? Only time will tell…

Find out why thousands of readers have fallen for Amazon bestselling author Marc Alan Edelheit’s captivating books! The battle to save the galaxy begins here!
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Born of Ash
  2. Print length
    438 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 6, 2021
  6. File size
    611 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Marc Alan Edelheit Author sci-fi and fantasy
Sci-fi trilogy space marines with female lead character
Sci-fi trilogy space marines with female lead character

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Marc Alan Edelheit is the author of fiction novels in several series, including the the Tales of the Seventh, the Karus Saga, and Tales of an Imperial Legionary Officer, among others.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B096YFPXLM
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 6, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 611 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 438 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Born of Ash
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,499 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
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  1. Marc Alan Edelheit

    Marc Alan Edelheit

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Marc is an avid reader and accomplished author that spends his days – and nights – dreaming and writing about all things fantasy and sci-fi. In 2015 he decided to make his dream a reality and published his first fantasy novel... the rest is history!

    Marc has traveled the world, from Asia to Europe. He is the ultimate history fan and incorporates much of that passion into his work to bring greater realism to his fantasy and sci-fi books. In 2021, he moved his family to a cabin in the mountains to gain further inspiration from his surroundings and bring you amazing books!

    More information about Marc can be found at http://www.maenovels.com/

    Find out why thousands of readers have fallen for Amazon bestselling author Marc Alan Edelheit’s captivating series!

    FANTASY

    The Stiger Chronicles

    Originally published as Chronicles of an Imperial Legionary Officer

    Stiger’s Tigers

    The Tiger

    The Tiger’s Fate

    The Tiger’s Time

    The Tiger’s Wrath

    The Tiger's Imperium

    The Tiger’s Fight (2023)

    Tales of the Seventh - The Early Years

    Stiger

    Fort Covenant

    A Dark Foretoken

    Tresh (2023)

    The Karus Saga

    Lost Legio IX

    Fortress of Radiance

    The First Compact

    Rapax Pax Roma (2023)

    A Ranger’s Tale

    Eli

    By Bow, Daggers & Sword

    Lutha Nix (2023)

    The Way of Legend with Quincy J. Allen

    Reclaiming Honor

    Forging Destiny

    Paladin’s Light (Conclusion)

    SCI-FI

    Born of Ash

    Fallen Empire

    Infinity Control

    Rising Phoenix (2024)

    NONFICTION

    Every Writer’s Dream: The Insider’s Path to an Indie Bestseller

    See more on the author's page
  2. Gianpiero Mangialardi

    Gianpiero Mangialardi

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Gianpiero Mangialardi is an illustrator based in Italy, specialized in genre fiction book.

    https://www.gianpieromangialardi.com/

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,499 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this science fiction book to be an absolute must-read with an intriguing storyline filled with twists and turns that sets up the ongoing narrative well. They appreciate the deep world building with attention to detail, and one customer notes how the environment and characters enhance the story. The writing style receives positive feedback, and customers consider it a great beginning to the series. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding parts fast-paced while others note it starts slow.

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StorylineReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting styleWorld buildingStartPacing
66 customers mention "Storyline"59 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it entertaining and filled with twists and turns that set up the ongoing narrative well.

"...the pace is slow at times but I personally think it's well balanced with the action scenes and understanding that this book is doing the work to set..." Read more

"...Though predictable, the book is reasonably entertaining and has a well written female protagonist, which is unfortunately relatively uncommon." Read more

"...and the deep characters, excellent grasp of all things military, paired with action and suspense are all hallmarks of Mr. Edelheit's literary..." Read more

"Marc Alan Edelheit writes really cool military Sci Fi and Historical novels. Excellent stories and world building...." Read more

64 customers mention "Readability"61 positive3 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as fantastic and an absolute must-read, with one customer noting that the second book in the series is even better.

"...But for a light casual read, especially for those not well versed in sci Fi or normally attracted to the genre,I find this book perfect...." Read more

"A good read, though the world building that starts the book in the last days of the old Empire could have had more depth and detail of both the..." Read more

"...The second book in this series is better but you need this one to understand the second one." Read more

"This was great. A lot of world building so the action was slower than I expected...." Read more

29 customers mention "Character development"26 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting how the environment enhances the story, while another mentions that no character is untouchable.

"...Overall it's a strong book thats building a universe and story that promises to blow minds in book 2 with an increase in depth and proportion...." Read more

"...the book is reasonably entertaining and has a well written female protagonist, which is unfortunately relatively uncommon." Read more

"...This time it's a post apocalyptic future, and the deep characters, excellent grasp of all things military, paired with action and suspense are all..." Read more

"...This story was very well written with lots of fighting with a nice main character with very capable friend...." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing style"17 positive6 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, with one noting it is edited to the highest standard.

"...Then the book speeds up to a strong ending. Marc is a good author and I like most of his stories...." Read more

"...This story was very well written with lots of fighting with a nice main character with very capable friend...." Read more

"...Just explanations of things that made no sense being in the book; no clarity and no deepening of understanding that would have given some meaning to..." Read more

"...Extremely well written and edited to the highest standard. Easily worth 6 stars but Amazon only lets me give 5." Read more

13 customers mention "World building"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the world building in the book, noting its deep development and attention to detail, with one customer highlighting its compelling broad framework and another mentioning its post-apocalyptic overtones.

"...There's deep world building, a very interesting and compelling broad frame work to the universe,and more importantly a cast of characters that has..." Read more

"...This time it's a post apocalyptic future, and the deep characters, excellent grasp of all things military, paired with action and suspense are all..." Read more

"...Excellent stories and world building. Downloading the rest of the series next." Read more

"...Marc has sprinkled plenty of hints and allusions to keep the reader guessing and looking for the two promised sequels...." Read more

11 customers mention "Start"11 positive0 negative

Customers like the beginning of the book, describing it as a great start to the series.

"The beginning chapter was very good...." Read more

"Good start to a series. A lot of questions book 2 should answer. Even good marines die fighting governments that lie and deceive the people...." Read more

"...An excellent start to what I hope is a long series. The "what if" of current events in 2021 may also draw people into the story. Highly recommended." Read more

"An enticing beginning to an interesting story line with galactic implications. Looking forward to the remaining installations. A great beginning!" Read more

26 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive18 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding parts fast-paced while others note it starts slow and has a slow plot.

"...downside is that with the world building it can feel like the pace is slow at times but I personally think it's well balanced with the action scenes..." Read more

"An exciting adventure with an intriguing beginning a fast paced story and unexpected ending...." Read more

"...Very slow plot, detailing the leaves and twigs of each tree the protagonist comes across. A better balance would have made the book much better...." Read more

"The beginning of this book is kind of slow, lots a character back story, that got a little long winded for my tastes...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lot of world building but fun
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    As primarily a fantasy reader and fan of the author's other works I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this story.

    It's a simple straight forward story, readers spoiled by the authors fantasy stories aren't going to find the deep multifaceted read layered with Easter eggs and twisting plot lines they have grown to expect with the author's other works. But for a light casual read, especially for those not well versed in sci Fi or normally attracted to the genre,I find this book perfect.

    There's deep world building, a very interesting and compelling broad frame work to the universe,and more importantly a cast of characters that has something for everyone. My biggest surprise of the story was just how much I actually was able to immerse and enjoy the MC. I don't normally read sci_fi and I maybe have read two books my entire life with a female MC but I was able to get into it and appreciate her with no issue.

    The only thing I could look at as a downside is that with the world building it can feel like the pace is slow at times but I personally think it's well balanced with the action scenes and understanding that this book is doing the work to set up a series in scope similar to the authors fantasy worlds.

    To address some of the more negative or neutral reviews: I feel a lot of these are due to fans expecting a typical Edelheit badass male MC...just set in space instead of a Roman themed fantasy verse. I think they forget how simple and similar to this novel those stories started out. Secondly, it'd be safe to assume a lot are fantasy readers crossing over to sci Fi and the genre probably isn't their normal cup of tea and had the wrong expectations to start out.

    Overall it's a strong book thats building a universe and story that promises to blow minds in book 2 with an increase in depth and proportion. I'd definitely recommend giving it a read if you are looking for a sci Fi novel to casually read.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Gesler
    4.0 out of 5 stars good but too slow.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Forest for the trees. This book has too much focus on the trees and the occasional glimpse of the forest. Very slow plot, detailing the leaves and twigs of each tree the protagonist comes across. A better balance would have made the book much better. The plot is also predictable, including the final denouement.

    Though predictable, the book is reasonably entertaining and has a well written female protagonist, which is unfortunately relatively uncommon.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Pxkatz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am familiar with Mr. Edelheit's work as I absolutely loved the Steiger's Tigers series.

    This time it's a post apocalyptic future, and the deep characters, excellent grasp of all things military, paired with action and suspense are all hallmarks of Mr. Edelheit's literary prowess.

    In other words, I loved it and couldn't put it down!

    Don't miss this if you're a fan of action and things getting blown up!

    I can't wait to read the next one!
    Helpful
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  • John in Indy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written space opera with post apocalypse overtones
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A good read, though the world building that starts the book in the last days of the old Empire could have had more depth and detail of both the benefits of Empire, pre v Fall, and of how the lack of personal challenges or duty and obligations to the Empire caused its collapse. Recommended
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fallen Empire
    Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Marc Alan Edelheit writes really cool military Sci Fi and Historical novels. Excellent stories and world building. Downloading the rest of the series next.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Tom
    4.0 out of 5 stars Starts slow, ends strong.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The beginning of this book is kind of slow, lots a character back story, that got a little long winded for my tastes. Then the book speeds up to a strong ending. Marc is a good author and I like most of his stories. The second book in this series is better but you need this one to understand the second one.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Takeyabue
    5.0 out of 5 stars New direction for this talented author
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This first volume represents a new direction away from the historical/fantasy themes of his other novels. While still taking place upon a single planet, this new series features many of the trappings of classical science-fiction with orbital stations, energy weapons, powered armor, and even artificial intelligences. Internal revolt has brought down the far reaching stellar empire, but some individuals struggle to keep the ideals and idea of something larger than just their own lives and location alive. Marc has sprinkled plenty of hints and allusions to keep the reader guessing and looking for the two promised sequels. If armored space marines are a bit more down your alley that sword wielding legionaries, this new series a read and discover a new author to add to your list.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Dr. Steve
    3.0 out of 5 stars Science Fiction? Not even close.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book had nothing to do with science Fiction. It was totally about a Roman legion. Never even got started and the book was finished
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Lawrence M McLean
    5.0 out of 5 stars lots of action
    Reviewed in Canada on April 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A fun read with lots of well written action. Easy to like the main characters. Several surprises. Looking forward to the next book.
    Report
  • BreakMaster Q
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fallen for this new series
    Reviewed in Australia on July 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Had read all Stigers series and enjoyed them immensely. Often ending up pulling all nighters as they were so riveting. Thank you to Marc for writing such enjoyable novels on so many levels.
    Started this book at first it seemed to be slow moving but realised that it was needed to create the world building. When the action started wow it grabbed me and didn’t let up. Seemed like first three quarters of book was climbing up a mountain then it was a downhill ski fast action adventure leaving me wanting more. Cannot wait for next instalment. Also congratulations on the editing as being a read-a-holic am regularly distracted by spelling and grammar errors. Makes the journey somewhat bump free. Thank you, the attention to detail is much appreciated.
    Report
  • RcTomcat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another genre, another imperium, Another great book
    Reviewed in Germany on February 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Edelheit seems to like the imperium ;)
    Coming from the fantasy books Edelheit wrote it is a refreshing switch of genre.
    The books is a great read and left me wanting to buy part 2.
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  • Pockets
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Just ordered the third in the series.
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  • Peds
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good start
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting setting, good introduction, just disappointed in what felt like a shortened ending. After all the set up, it leaves you feeling short changed to not have the many character details and motives explained.
    Report

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