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raineser's reviews
422 reviews
The Descendants of Prontoth by Mark Raines
The Descendants of Prontoth: Galactic Civilizations, Book 2, the sequel to Felan's Rescue, maintains the high standard set by its predecessor. Felan's Rescue provided a rich historical backdrop, giving insight into the formation of the League of Galactic Civilizations and the crucial Developing Civilizations Non-Intervention Compact. This historical context set the stage for the events in The Descendants of Prontoth, where the League's role in galactic affairs and its impact on various civilizations become central themes.
This book continues the galaxy-spanning Galactic Civilizations series, focusing on the Timion High Command's centuries-long pursuit of the Descendants of Prontoth. Hamron Modestus, the newly appointed Timion Delegate to the League of Galactic Civilizations, seeks to offer a fresh approach to this age-old conflict by challenging the established methods of the Timion High Command.
The narrative includes two timelines: one detailing the history of the League and the Descendants and another set in the present, exploring the tensions among the Timion High Command, the League, and the Descendants.
The book provides dialogue-driven character development and an interesting mix of historical and present-day details on governance and politics. The politics and governmental structures depicted are both fascinating and engaging, adding depth to the galactic community. Readers are immersed in the governance, politics, military strategy, and structure of the League. The historical context woven throughout the book allows readers to understand current tensions and alliances while they engage with the evolving present narrative.
I greatly enjoyed the slow build to the return of the Descendants of Prontoth to Carbash. In my opinion, some of the author's best writing was in that section:
Overall, the novel shows an optimistic outlook on life and society. Even characters like Modestus, who supports the authoritarian regime he lives under, are portrayed as evolving toward a balance between political interests and a moral + just society. Is a true Galactic Community that respects those in Galactic Civilizations and Developing Civilizations possible? However,Modestus' quick alignment with Prontoth's plan feels somewhat abrupt, leaving readers curious about his true intentions and future actions. I would have liked to see more examples of Modestus as a "reformer" if that is the direction the series takes instead of someone out to get the Descendants and support his Authoritarian government.
I was glad to see Felan still had a role and that his friendship with Sandra continued. His journey in this sequel reflects a more introspective and personal struggle. Felan, often found alone and contemplative in settings like a bar, grapples with his sense of belonging in a technologically advanced world far removed from his own civilization. I hope to see more about his ability to adapt and learn as his perspective coming from a developing civilization into the stars makes for compelling reading and adds a unique dimension to the narrative.
Mark Raines' Galactic Civilizations Series is an immersive experience in interstellar politics, character development, and narrative. He has crafted a universe rich with political intrigue, complex characters, and a well-thought-out interstellar society. I greatly enjoyed his ability to intertwine the vastness of space with the intricacies of individual lives. This series is particularly recommended for readers who relish space operas infused with deep political undertones and for those who enjoy exploring the evolution of civilizations over time. The audiobook versions, with their excellent narration, are particularly recommended for an immersive experience.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The League Delegate was an important role, one that Modestus passionately believed had been underutilized for centuries. Each Galactic Civilization chose a Delegate to represent their interests with the League of Galactic Civilizations, the governing body for the galaxy ... To High Command, the League was a necessary evil that allowed Timion High Command to remain largely autonomous while keeping other Galactic Civilizations out of their internal business.
Modestus could not help but think how much better off the other Galactic Civilizations would have been if the Timions had achieved interstellar flight first and could have used their government to rule the galaxy.
The Descendants of Prontoth: Galactic Civilizations, Book 2, the sequel to Felan's Rescue, maintains the high standard set by its predecessor. Felan's Rescue provided a rich historical backdrop, giving insight into the formation of the League of Galactic Civilizations and the crucial Developing Civilizations Non-Intervention Compact. This historical context set the stage for the events in The Descendants of Prontoth, where the League's role in galactic affairs and its impact on various civilizations become central themes.
This book continues the galaxy-spanning Galactic Civilizations series, focusing on the Timion High Command's centuries-long pursuit of the Descendants of Prontoth. Hamron Modestus, the newly appointed Timion Delegate to the League of Galactic Civilizations, seeks to offer a fresh approach to this age-old conflict by challenging the established methods of the Timion High Command.
The narrative includes two timelines: one detailing the history of the League and the Descendants and another set in the present, exploring the tensions among the Timion High Command, the League, and the Descendants.
The book provides dialogue-driven character development and an interesting mix of historical and present-day details on governance and politics. The politics and governmental structures depicted are both fascinating and engaging, adding depth to the galactic community. Readers are immersed in the governance, politics, military strategy, and structure of the League. The historical context woven throughout the book allows readers to understand current tensions and alliances while they engage with the evolving present narrative.
I greatly enjoyed the slow build to the return of the Descendants of Prontoth to Carbash. In my opinion, some of the author's best writing was in that section:
Carbash emerged as a dot in the distance, then rapidly ballooned in front of them. Sensors began to blink and shine across the walls that projected the view of space surrounding the Prometheus in all directions. There were at least fifty Timion warships in their sector. Intelligence suggested thousands surrounded Carbash, protecting the planet from invaders.
Overall, the novel shows an optimistic outlook on life and society. Even characters like Modestus, who supports the authoritarian regime he lives under, are portrayed as evolving toward a balance between political interests and a moral + just society. Is a true Galactic Community that respects those in Galactic Civilizations and Developing Civilizations possible? However,
I was glad to see Felan still had a role and that his friendship with Sandra continued. His journey in this sequel reflects a more introspective and personal struggle. Felan, often found alone and contemplative in settings like a bar, grapples with his sense of belonging in a technologically advanced world far removed from his own civilization. I hope to see more about his ability to adapt and learn as his perspective coming from a developing civilization into the stars makes for compelling reading and adds a unique dimension to the narrative.
Mark Raines' Galactic Civilizations Series is an immersive experience in interstellar politics, character development, and narrative. He has crafted a universe rich with political intrigue, complex characters, and a well-thought-out interstellar society. I greatly enjoyed his ability to intertwine the vastness of space with the intricacies of individual lives. This series is particularly recommended for readers who relish space operas infused with deep political undertones and for those who enjoy exploring the evolution of civilizations over time. The audiobook versions, with their excellent narration, are particularly recommended for an immersive experience.