FOR FASTER ANSWERS, CHECK THESE LINKS BEFORE YOU EMAIL US:

Received an email from us, or wondering if something changed at Smashwords?
Check our 'Site Updates' for the latest news.

Have a question not already answered in the links at left or on our FAQ? Ask it below.

Your E-mail:
Subject:

Location: United States

Member Since: Nov. 18, 2014

ellareed

Smashwords book reviews by ellareed

The Last Immortal : Book One of Seeds of a Fallen Empire on Nov. 18, 2014
(no rating)
Get ready to expand your mind! This thoughtful and provocative novel explores themes of time and space travel (in fascinating scientific detail that makes it seem tantalizingly possible); the origin of life in the Universe; evolution; immortality and soul; free will, destiny, and mind control; politics, power, and greed; corruption and cruelty; virtue, honor, and compassion; destruction, loss, and despair; love and hope. The story weaves together pieces of history spanning all of space and time (and beyond) to set the scene for the next 5 books in the series, and though this book has a story line that is able to stand alone, I am definitely excited to keep reading and see what happens next!
The Osiris Invasion: Book Two of Seeds of a Fallen Empire on Nov. 24, 2014
(no rating)
Ever wonder what the future holds for planet Earth? As the scene of the action moves closer to home, this book extrapolates from current events where the future of this planet might be headed over the next couple of millenia, with some predictions that are definitely intriguing and well thought-out, whether you agree with them or not. We get some food for thought about what it means to be human, as the book explores the differences and similarities between some of the characters from Book 1 and the residents of planet Earth, both of which consider themselves to be human. We also get a sneak peek behind the science of immortality, and what that might look like at a genetic level. But mostly this is the story of young people growing up in a time of unexpected war, learning about themselves as their abilities are put to the test, and trying to find love in a time when there is all too little time for it. And, of course, trying to save the Earth from aliens! Spoiler alert, this book is a cliffhanger--while we are left with the sense that the Earth will be okay, I get the feeling that there is a lot more to come in this saga that will make you want to pick up Book 3 ASAP!
Across the Stars: Book Three of Seeds of a Fallen Empire on Dec. 04, 2014

I think this may be my favorite book of the series...at least so far! Leaving Earth behind, we are taken on a voyage of discovery through the remnants of a once-vast Empire, piecing together the history of humanity through the clues the explorers find scattered throughout the galaxies. Their spaceship, which seems to have a mind of its own, also gradually gives up its secrets. And Erin (or should I say Selereal) reveals some secrets of her own! I love the ending, which shows us so much that was hidden, inspires us with hope, brings us closure, and still manages to tease us with the promise of further adventures.
Star Gods: Book Four of Seeds of a Fallen Empire on Dec. 15, 2014

Another wild ride across the Universe, this time in the distant past! Like the Earthlings in their borrowed spaceship in Book 3, at the whim of the ship's computer to guide them safely through uncharted territory, we are along for the ride, without any real way to guess where we might be going next. So be prepared for some surprises! Our understanding of the overall storyline definitely deepens in this book, and we begin to see how everything is interconnected. A note to help readers who are not history buffs: When the Explorers reach ancient Earth, skip over to the Appendix at the end for a quick history lesson that will help some of the names make sense. Also read the final section on Dramatis Personae and Places for a Cliffs-Notes review of important names used in the story. Then go back and pick up reading the story, because you definitely don't want to miss what happens next! I stayed up too late reading parts of this book, towards the end, because I didn't want to wait to find out what was going to happen, but it was worth it!
The Comet Riders: Book Five of Seeds of a Fallen Empire on Jan. 09, 2015

Thought-provoking. This book has a lot of back story, and after reading parts of the series that occur later in time, it feels like an honor to witness some of the important events that occurred earlier in the time sequence of this series, like the childhoods of major historical characters, and the launch of Seynorynael's first spaceship. There is also a lot of food for thought, as various characters engage in deep philosophical conversations about life and especially ethics. More than just idle speculation, characters in the book put their ideas into practice in ways most of us could only dream of, finding a way to gain immortality in a mechanized form and creating an Empire over which they have complete control. Are they evil for what they have done? Or are they only human? It is up to the reader to decide - for even good intentions run amok, and inadvertently help create the evil powers they are trying to avoid.
The Empire: Book Six of Seeds of a Fallen Empire on Jan. 09, 2015

What a great end to the series! I thought this was Book 5 when I started reading it, but clearly it is the end of this series. There are a lot of mini stories woven together, surprising glimpses into the lives of characters we had previously taken for granted that add a whole new dimension to the story line...some that bring tears, some that make you yell What?!? and then look around to make sure nobody heard you... After 5 books, you wouldn't think there could be too many surprises that would still be consistent with the story line, but it turns out that is not the case. Even with all the time travel, and people trying to go back and change the past, the unity of the story is still preserved. I don't want to give too much away, but you will be glad you read this; the ending is just beautiful, and wonderfully written. All I can say is thank you...