Ciao, SEers. You got me twice in one week this time. Today, I’ve been tasked with sharing a book that I enjoyed and discussing why. I’m going to do you one better. Actually, I’m going to do you six better. I’m sharing a seven-book series—the Invasion series by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant.
I don’t typically read a lot of science fiction. I enjoy watching it. In fact, some of my favorite television series and movies are sci fi. But for some reason, I don’t read it often. (Maybe it’s just that my TBR list is so crazy long that I don’t seek out other genres.) In any event, I will be writing for the Invasion expanded universe this year, so I had to read the books to prepare.
I’m so glad I did. In fact, I wish I had read these sooner.
Sometimes, I find that science fiction relies so heavily on the science that the characters and story are lost. That’s not the case here. Platt and Truant created a collection of characters who are eminently relatable and deliciously flawed. The plot is well thought out, both within each title and over the entire series. And the story world is rich and vibrant and full.
If you like science fiction stories, you’ll love this. But honestly, if you like dramatic interpersonal relationships and intense thrillers—science or not—you’ll enjoy this body of work. I know I did. And the best part? The universe is expanding, so you’ll have a lot more titles to choose from over the course of the next two years.
Have you read this series? Heard of it? Are you interested in science fiction? Maybe you aren’t, but now you’re intrigued? Let’s talk about it below.
Story Empire 
I love the book covers for this series!
I read my first sci-fi novel in fourth grade and was immediately hooked. Robert Silverberg’s Planet of Death opened a whole new world for me. I can still see that book cover with its black background and multi-color alien plants. I have a current copy on my Kindle.
Today, I’m all about character development in my sci-fi, over the hard core science (hough I’m not entirely averse to those types of stories). I also love space operas, and have even written some in my day. 🙂
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I watch a lot of sci-fi, but I don’t read that much. I think that might change. I really enjoyed these. And I’d love to read your take on a space opera!
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Pingback: Friday Book Share: Invasion Series | Ann Writes Inspiration
Reblogged this on Loleta Abi.
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Thanks for sharing, Traci.
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I’m more fantasy than sci-fi. I hated maths in school, and sci-fi has a lot of numbers – and engineering, and a lot of computer-geeky stuff. I love computers, but can’t understand a thing about what goes inside them.
But every story is bigger than its genre tropes. It’s flawed and humane characters, conflict, and one trek of a backstory. Maybe I will give this a chance and add it to my list (yes, I’ve got a list, a long one).
This was great piece, simple reading also. Thanks for sharing.
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Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed this.
I wasn’t a fan of math and science in school, either. Yet I took well more than my fair share. (That’s what happens when you go to a technology-forward university, I suppose.) But these stories, as well as most of the sci-fi I enjoy, are very character forward. I also I have an incredibly long TBR list, and it seems to grow exponentially. So, believe me, I understand the demand on your time. But if you do choose to read these, I’d love to hear what you think.
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Thanks for the recommendation. I too am not a big sci-fi reader. That being said, I do thoroughly enjoy fantasy.
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I used to love fantasy, but I haven’t read any in quite a while. The same was true of sci-fi until I read these books. But I firmly believe we shouldn’t read something that doesn’t appeal to us. I mean, I’m all about broadening horizons and trying new things, but not if you go into it with negative, preconceived opinions. There’s nothing worse than reading a review on something you poured your heart and soul into and seeing it’s a 1-star because the reader didn’t like the genre.
Thanks for dropping by, Jan.
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Sounds like an interesting read. I tend to stay away from sci-fi and longer series. I find that I hate waiting for the next release or that I don’t always get the science in the science fiction.
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If a series is good, I love when it’s long. What I hate (and you know the series I mean) is when the author is just adding to a series to make money, phoning in the work and not advancing the plot. Then, I lose interest.
I like the new avatar pic.
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Thanks for the share.
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Appreciate you dropping by, John.
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I actually was skydiving and tried to stear into Harmony’s blog but hit yours instead. (sorry about the roof)
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That’s okay. I needed to have some repair work done, anyway. 😉
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out Staci Troilo’s post from The Story Empire blog that shares the Invasion series by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant.
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Thanks for sharing, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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Love science fiction! Thank you for sharing!
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Yay! Glad I found a fan. If you like alien stories, you’ll enjoy this series.
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I’m more into soft science fiction myself. Hard SF often has too much science involved, and it’s fiction anyway.
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That’s how I feel, too. I enjoy the suspension of belief, although I like it to be grounded in reality. I just don’t want to do the math. lol
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In SF worlds there will be people like you and I. Not to touch a sore spot, but you know how to use a computer. You don’t know how to repair it. (Hope that’s all past now.) In a SF world most of the people will adopt the new tech without inventing it themselves. That’s soft science fiction. Hard SF expects more of the creation and science behind the tech.
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Ouch! Computers are a sore spot with me. lol
I love your analogy. I think you nailed it.
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I love to read a series that keeps on growing. I’m more into fantasy than sci-fi, but I’ll check it out. 🙂
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That’s awesome! I probably lean the other way a bit. I’m more likely to read sci-fi than fantasy, but I enjoy both. If you end up reading it, I’d love to know what you think.
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This series looks fantastic. I’ve just bought book one and look forward to reading it. From the sample I did read, I reckon I’ll soon have all seven books. Thanks for sharing, Staci. Like you and Denise, I usually prefer watching sci-fi for the same reasons.
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That’s funny, isn’t it? I don’t know why I don’t read more of it. But I’m glad I read this set. Let me know what you think after you read it.
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I have not heard of this series! Like you I really like watching sci fi over reading it. I found several books I’ve read with too much science and explanation over characters I cared about. But I’ve read some good ones, too. This series sounds like something I’d enjoy. Thanks Staci!
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I wasn’t a science or math girl in school. I love the concepts and themes in science, but I have no interest in the execution of it all. This series definitely focuses on the human relationships and not the specifics of interstellar travel. I’ve never read anything quite like it.
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