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(as of Oct 05, 2024 05:45:51 UTC – Details)

Connor Balcazar never expected to have a destiny. Though his family has served the galactic empire for generations, his older brother Adam has always outshone him in combat abilities and natural charisma. The brothers are the best of friends, but Connor is determined to prove himself and master his hidden ability to see the future to assist Emperor Esteban any way he can.
Connor gets his chance when the emperor discovers a sinister plot. His brother Lorenzo, a gifted but bitter scientist, has been scheming to take the throne. Using his newly developed weapon, Lorenzo rallies an invincible army against Esteban.
The Balcazar brothers can’t stand by and let this happen. In a quest that spans all corners of space, Adam seeks out the truth of Lorenzo’s experiments, while the emperor’s daughters, Christina and Emily, ally to defeat his technology. Meanwhile, Connor visits the mysterious warlike planet of Zada 5, intending only to train and finally match his brother. But what waits for him on the large mining planet is not just new allies and abilities. A prophecy waits for Connor to fulfill it at last- if he can survive long enough.

From the Publisher

                                                    5 out of 5 stars     [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Zada 5" by R D Moreno.]                                         <p class="description"> Zada 5: Path of the One by R D Moreno is an intricate blend of science fiction and political thriller, exploring themes of power, love, war, survival, family bonds, loyalty, and betrayal. The plot centers on Connor, who has psychic ability but hasn’t figured out how to wield and manage it; he is also on a quest to have his first real-life experience of what war and battle look like; thus, he must rescue Adam, whose ship crashes behind enemy lines. He must navigate a treacherous landscape to survive and rescue his brother. This is a pivotal moment in the story, showcasing the perilous environment they operate within and allowing readers to experience the war from both the perspective of a seasoned soldier and an untested youth. The narrative discusses further economic manipulation with characters like Lorenzo, who hides excess crystals to manipulate market prices and create economic turmoil. The character arcs are well-developed, as exemplified by Esteban's relentless quest to expose Lorenzo's schemes and protect the empire. This dynamic interplay of motivation and responsibility adds richness to the storyline.     Moreno's writing style is one of the standout features; his descriptive prowess and immersive world-building bring the futuristic world to life, making the advanced technology and political intricacies both tangible and engaging. The detailed descriptions of Castia's war-ravaged landscapes and the futuristic military technology ground the reader in a believable and compelling setting. The narrative is smoothly paced and meticulously structured, with each chapter seamlessly building upon the previous one to maintain a cohesive and immersive experience. Among the ensemble of characters, Esteban emerges as a particularly engaging figure. His strategic thinking and unwavering resolve to uphold justice make him a standout character. The author’s skill in crafting suspenseful and impactful moments is well demonstrated in the intense scene of a lab explosion on Korbin, orchestrated by Craven. It is also commendable of the author; despite the suspenseful and heightening scenes in the book, the author beautifully includes humor that helps lessen the tension. Finally, the title in each chapter is another lovely standout point in the book as it gives the reader a grip on what to expect in the chapter.     The book excels in many areas, but it is not without its shortcomings. Some parts of the book were poorly paced. Some sections feel rushed while others drag; an example of this can be seen in the extended discussions between Eric and Connor, which sometimes feel repetitive and disrupt the narrative flow. Additionally, the heavy emphasis on technological aspects, such as Chris’s detailed sketches of advanced equipment, occasionally overshadows the emotional depth and turmoil of the characters, making it challenging for readers to fully connect with them at the moment. Balancing these details will enhance the reader's engagement.     I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I have had an enjoyable read, and its gripping plot, well-rounded characters, and imaginative setting make it an engaging read for enthusiasts of science fiction and political thrillers. And the minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment. I highly recommend this intriguing tale to readers who enjoy a complex, multi-layered narrative that skillfully weaves technological intrigue with political drama, especially lovers of science fiction and military science fiction. They will find the rich world-building and storyline captivating. </p>          

     <br> ASIN                                    ‏                                        :                                    ‎                                 B0CYLFMPRW <br> Publisher                                    ‏                                        :                                    ‎                                 Independently published (April 17, 2024) <br> Language                                    ‏                                        :                                    ‎                                 English <br> Paperback                                    ‏                                        :                                    ‎                                 639 pages <br> ISBN-13                                    ‏                                        :                                    ‎                                 979-8882103360 <br> Item Weight                                    ‏                                        :                                    ‎                                 1.75 pounds <br> Dimensions                                    ‏                                        :                                    ‎                                 5 x 1.44 x 8 inches <br>