Cosmos Tales

Ready to settle into a favorite chair and head off into an intergalactic adventure from Cosmos Tales? Then this is the book you are looking for.


Empire Breakers

by John C. Koutze

Marooned in the far north, Draymond Raltan flees the conquering armies of two empires. Thinking all government and military presence of his former allegiances gone, he marries into the local populace and settles. But betrayal and death force him to leave and begin a driven quest to exact revenge! Meanwhile in the still cold though milder southern climes of Menetus, the remnants of the former planet nation tolerate imperial occupation. Their conquerors from the planet Cryte are after all far more lenient than the harsh Ishtians who control the planet's northern half. Some locals even profit from it, collaborating with the Cryton imperial forces in return for security and peace. Others struggle with the moral dilemma, wanting their home planet free once again. Some resist, yet others value human life and strive to keep all sides in the struggle in accord, and thus less bent on mutual destruction. Draymond Raltan eventually returns, and the mix ignites with intrigue and conflict!

Myself as well as a handful of people I know who have read Empire Breakers agree it is a genuine page turner. The reader is given bits and pieces of what is at the heart of the story until its culmination. Apparent protagonists suddenly commit vile acts, betray loved ones or conspire with "the bad guys." Antagonists are cunning, deceiptful and swift to act when they find their enemies. The reader has the sense that "something else is going on here," and a number of parallel plots in the story are well blended to lead the reader along, beckoning one to find out what's next, and what it all means, and where it will all end. Guarantee this one gets read quickly once you start.

On the surface it seems to be just your average intergalactic conflict. Two empires trying to gain control of a planet that's rich in the primary substance that fuels intergalactic space vessels. But there's native resistance fighters, collaborators, peace makers, and former native military that influence the conflict one way or the other. There's also imperial forces who are up to more than playing soldier and want to retire at the war's end and not have to worry about income, as well as enjoy themselves along the way. And then the vigilant, shrewd, patient antagonist who watches all, and only has the empire's interests in mind. You know this character will eventually figure it all out - problem is try as you might you can't until he does. Great story.


About the author:

John C. Koutze is a graduate of Catholic University of America, and is a registered architect who has had an interest in writing since the age of twelve. He writes science fiction in his spare time, and puts his writing and editorial skills to use as an architect. On his web site "Cosmos Tales" you will find unique and compelling science fiction and fantasy, including a link to his latest novel "Empire Breakers." There is also a non - SF section for miscellaneous stories about life on earth. John is a native of Washington D.C. and began writing SF short stories at the age 0f 12. He has many works on the shelf which, after some polishing , will be posted on Cosmos Tales. John lives in Falls Church, Virginia, with his wife Kathy and their five year old son Andre'