The Clone Republic

Apart from the Star Wars novels, I'm not much of a science fiction reader. Over the years, I've waded through a few volumes by various authors but never found anything that truly captivated me. "The Clone Republic" however had me hooked from the first page. I finished it in three days--which is quite a feat for a slow reader like me. This book avoids all of the things I have disliked in other sci-fi works. There are no invading bug-eyed aliens. There are no mutant/advanced humans with strange powers. There is no babbling on about theoretical science and advanced technology. And there is no plodding plot. Instead, the author gives us likable characters and a storyline that starts strong and keeps building to a climax that is satisfying yet also leaves one wanting more. I look forward to getting the next book in the series. In the meantime, I may just have to read this book again. It really is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

My personal experience with "The Clone Republic" has been interesting. When I first picked it up, I was completely thrown by Kent's use of first-person narration. It had been so long since I had read a book written in the first person that it took me a little while to adjust! Once I did, I found "The Clone Republic" to be a very enjoyable, entertaining, and impressive journey through the UA's Milky Way. As a sci-fi (and military) fiction fan, I truly enjoyed Mr. Kent's book. His storytelling ability really brought me into the world of a future clone soldier that is as expendable as the bullets he fires. The descriptions of weapons, starships, and other futuristic technologies were really entertaining for me, but I think the thing I most enjoyed about "The Clone Republic" was Kent's way of developing his characters. I really think that any good story stands on its characters, and "The Clone Republic" has very solid footing. Mr. Kent's characterization is strong and he has built several interesting characters full of depth that should carry over very well in sequels. Keep in mind that many of these characters are clones! One other thing that stood out to me as I read "The Clone Republic" was the way the story seemed to accelerate. It starts out slow and builds to a frenetic pace that really had me hooked towards the end, thanks to some very interesting plot twists. It practically compelled me to finish it. I actually didn't want it to end, and it didn't. The way Mr. Kent finishes this book leads perfectly into the sequel ("Rogue Clone") which I hope to start reading soon. "The Clone Republic" is a fun read and sci-fi/military fiction fans should enjoy it a lot. It really is a well-executed entry into this genre for Mr. Kent and I look forward to seeing what else he has to offer.

Just when you think it's all been said and done before, just when you think clone wars were nothing but tripe and cliche, Steven L Kent comes along and writes the coolest, freshest rendition of the clone war story yet (and that includes Lucas's clone wars!). As previous reviewers have mentioned, the society in 2508 is based on Plato's "Republic", but even Plato would have to agree that he never anticipated such an oppressive corruption of his utopian dream, nor such a talented literary hand taking license with his ideas. Kent does everything right, and very little wrong, in his debut military, sci-fi space drama. And perhaps his greatest asset is creating a universe that operates so much like our own that we subconsciously give the story a pass on credibility without realizing it. No easy task to pull off, and one that requires a masterfully subtle hand. But don't get me wrong, the universe of 2508 has a few surprises for the reader. For one, you'd give your eye teeth to have a suit as cool as the marines' climate-controlled body armor, and you'll never think of the Navy Seals the same way again. The story is told through PFC Wayson Harris's first person point of view. Most authors would have taken the easy way out and stuck to multiple third person point of view to tell this story, but Kent brilliantly handled the challenges of keeping Harris on screen during all of the critical action that takes place--again, no easy task. That said, Harris could have filled his Hero shoes a little more. The plot too often got Harris out of trouble without his own effort. I understand why Kent chose to do so, but I really wanted Harris at least once or twice to just kick some [...] (which he eventually does, much to my satisfaction). Kent's Clone Republic series is sure to become a genre favorite, so don't be left behind. Book two in the series is already out. This will be one of those series you won't want to come to an end. I know I don't.

This fine novel sucks your imagination into the world of a seemingly common soldier among an army of clones. The most notable aspect of this book is seeing how the political leaders effect Wayson Harris. The political arena is very complicated and sucks you into deep thought, while the battle scenes are very realistic, and show a lot of tactical creativity and originality. While reading the book I had a very clear picture of what was going on, like I actually could see through his eyes, and register his every thought. This book seemed to have everything a guy could ask for, intellectual politics, realistic battle scenes, and some great humor. What is really nice about this book is that most people want the excitement of the battle, but the brilliance of the top leaders, and also finesse of the fine political streams. Kent brings this all smoothly into one amazing book. Since this only his debut novel, I can hardly wait to see the next books in this series, and (hopefully) future series by Steven Kent.

This book may take place hundreds of years in the future, but it could just as easily be written about everything that's going on in the world today. In "Clone Republic", Steven Kent's characters live in a galaxy where there is a fine line between the protection of democracy and the destruction of individuality. Kent engages the reader in the life of Wayson Harris as he is forced to discover the truth in a galaxy of half truths and fabricated news. A news that is used to placate and suppress a galaxy of people. Kent uses vivid imagery to bring foreign landscapes alive as battles rage across the alien landscapes. He also navigates the grand scope of galactic politics and has created a political thriller that would give John Grisham a run for his money.