Tag: Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers

Monthly Features – March 2025

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Black Cliff Chronicles by Steve Sterling

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Three intertwined time travel rescue missions reveal how ordinary people rise to extraordinary acts of valor, driven by selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice for others.

The thriving university town of New Jerusalem nestles in the secluded hill country north of the Ozark National Forest in rural Arkansas. New Jerusalem is a wonderful place to put down roots as long as you don’t go into the experimental forest and find Black Cliff, a place of dark power.

Was it a simple misstep in 1989 when high school seniors Mary Sanders and Charlie Barrows became lost during a fall hike and stood facing Black Cliff? Or were other forces at play?

Before they can flee, Black Cliff entangles Mary in a web of time travel, strands that transport her back 300 years in history to a horrific civil war and a daring solo rescue mission.

Months later, Mary returns to New Jerusalem and to 1989, battered by her war experiences and heartsick over those she left behind. Once home, her struggles continue. Time travelers and friends gather to help Mary and Charlie. They have less than three days to rescue America from a plot to seize the presidency.

Summary: Overall, Black Cliff Chronicles is more than just a time travel adventure—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to confront the past and shape the future. Whether you’re a fan of speculative fiction, historical thrillers, or character-driven dramas, this book has something to offer. Happy reading!

See the full review here: Black Cliff Chronicles
Purchase here

Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Hoplite Ridge – A Military, Dystopian, and Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Epic

In a universe where war is eternal and gods refuse to be forgotten, Hoplite Ridge thrusts readers into a high-stakes conflict that will determine the fates of worlds. This gripping military science fiction saga blends dystopian science fiction with post-apocalyptic science fiction, exploring the cost of loyalty, the power of rebellion, and the blurred lines between destiny and free will.

Spanning across multiple war-torn planets, Hoplite Ridge follows elite warriors caught in a battle far greater than themselves. As political tensions rise and hidden forces awaken, alliances are tested, secrets unravel, and a dangerous truth comes to light—one that could reshape the course of history.

For fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune and Joe Haldeman’s The Forever War, Hoplite Ridge delivers pulse-pounding action, deep philosophical themes, and a richly detailed world where strategy, survival, and sacrifice define the battlefield.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through war, myth, and the unknown. In the fight for the future, only those who dare to challenge fate will survive.

Summary: Overall, Hoplite Ridge is an ambitious, cerebral, and ultimately rewarding read. It challenges, entertains, and invites reflection—qualities I value in speculative fiction. If you’re looking for a novel that pushes the boundaries of genre and explores the deeper questions of existence, this one is worth diving into. Happy reading!

See the full review here: Hoplite Ridge
Purchase here

The Mental Toolbox by David Harrison

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Practical Brain Training for a Happier, Stress-Free, and More Productive Life

In today’s fast-paced world, improving mental wellness has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a 25% rise in anxiety and depression worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for tools to build mental resilience.

The Mental Toolbox can help you create those tools, tailored to fit your lifestyle, and flip the script from mental illness to mental wellness. This book is for everyone—whether you’ve faced mental health challenges or not. Along the way, you’ll unlock the keys to a healthier mind, greater resilience, and your full potential.

Written in clear, straightforward language, The Mental Toolbox is practical and accessible to everyone. It offers tools, strategies, and advice that can strengthen your mental resilience, cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and ability to deal with stress. By doing so, it helps you enhance your overall well-being, serving as a valuable guide on your journey of personal growth.

Inside, you’ll be introduced to the five main pillars of mental health and overall well-being:

  • Sleep
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition
  • Mindfulness
  • Conscious Thinking

Understanding these pillars and how they interconnect is key to boosting your overall health and enhancing your ability to manage stress. By learning to apply these principles in your daily life, you’ll develop stronger mental resilience, improve cognitive function, and build a foundation for long-term well-being.

This book has the power to transform your mindset and your life. With the right approach, the possibilities are limitless.

Change your mind,
Change your life
—and discover just how far you can go with….

The Mental Toolbox.

Summary: Overall, The Mental Toolbox serves as a valuable resource for those aiming to proactively manage stress, enhance cognitive abilities, and foster a happier, more productive life. It’s a testament to the idea that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can achieve mental wellness and resilience. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in practical brain training and self-improvement. Happy reading!

See the full review here: The Mental Toolbox
Purchase here

 

Review: Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Hoplite Ridge – A Military, Dystopian, and Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Epic

In a universe where war is eternal and gods refuse to be forgotten, Hoplite Ridge thrusts readers into a high-stakes conflict that will determine the fates of worlds. This gripping military science fiction saga blends dystopian science fiction with post-apocalyptic science fiction, exploring the cost of loyalty, the power of rebellion, and the blurred lines between destiny and free will.

Spanning across multiple war-torn planets, Hoplite Ridge follows elite warriors caught in a battle far greater than themselves. As political tensions rise and hidden forces awaken, alliances are tested, secrets unravel, and a dangerous truth comes to light—one that could reshape the course of history.

For fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune and Joe Haldeman’s The Forever War, Hoplite Ridge delivers pulse-pounding action, deep philosophical themes, and a richly detailed world where strategy, survival, and sacrifice define the battlefield.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through war, myth, and the unknown. In the fight for the future, only those who dare to challenge fate will survive.

Favorite Lines:

“Now that we know what is going to happen in the next few hours and then the following two weeks, I say to you…all we have now is each other. My comrades, in this moment of terrible trial, let us stay united as we will face a challenge unlike any other. Know that I stand here not as your Colonel, but as your brother-in-arms. We are bound together by a common purpose, a shared determination to protect our families and our future. Your families are my families, and I vow to do everything in my power to shield them from harm.”

“Become a naval aviator, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. Ejection seats never fail, they said.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers is a thought-provoking and ambitious dive into speculative fiction, blending mythology, science, and philosophy into an expansive narrative that challenges readers to think beyond the ordinary. 

The story centers around Ares Augustus, Mars Augustus, and the resurrected god Osiris as they navigate a world teetering on the edge of destruction due to humanity’s reckless technological pursuits. The stakes are cosmic, yet the characters remain deeply human—flawed, conflicted, and striving to make sense of their roles in a rapidly unraveling reality. I was particularly drawn to Ares Augustus, whose internal struggles mirrored the broader themes of destruction and renewal that permeate the novel.

What sets Hoplite Ridge apart is the presence of Vulture, an ancient entity narrating from the Fold, a metaphysical realm that weaves together divine plans and mortal choices. This narrative perspective adds a unique layer of depth, offering insight into the tension between destiny and free will. Sayers’s world-building is nothing short of remarkable—the volcanic landscapes of Eden and the futuristic Aeolis Mons facility felt vividly real, each setting imbued with its own character and atmosphere.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the exploration of the Techno-Enlightenment Philosophy. It raises compelling questions about the intersection of technological advancement and spiritual evolution, challenging readers to consider the consequences of pushing boundaries without foresight. These philosophical musings are woven into the narrative, adding layers of meaning, though at times they slightly slow the pace.

Despite its complexity, Hoplite Ridge remains grounded in the relationships between its characters. The interactions between gods and mortals are handled with nuance and emotional weight, adding a personal dimension to the grand scale of the plot. While the main characters are well-developed, I felt that a few supporting figures could have been explored more deeply to enhance their narrative impact.

This book isn’t just a sci-fi adventure—it’s a meditation on humanity’s potential to create or destroy, to transcend limitations or fall victim to them. Sayers’s prose is rich and evocative, making even the most abstract concepts feel accessible. Fans of high-concept science fiction, mythology, and philosophical narratives will find much to appreciate here.

Summary:

Overall, Hoplite Ridge is an ambitious, cerebral, and ultimately rewarding read. It challenges, entertains, and invites reflection—qualities I value in speculative fiction. If you’re looking for a novel that pushes the boundaries of genre and explores the deeper questions of existence, this one is worth diving into. Happy reading!

Check out Hoplite Ridge here!