The Guardsman: Book 1: Honor of the Fallen
Honor of the Fallen: A Science Fiction Mystery Thriller
From the R.G. Taark Files: ‘In a distant future where mega-corporations rule vast interstellar empires, John Smith, a disgraced former elite soldier, must navigate a world of intrigue, danger, and redemption. Once a respected Guardsman in the Chroynos Stellar Hegemony, John now works as a lowly private investigator, haunted by his past and stripped of his honor. When a routine case uncovers a web of corruption and conspiracy, John is thrust into a perilous mission that could offer him a chance at redemption – or seal his fate forever.
Honor of the Fallen blends high-stakes action, complex world-building, and a compelling mystery into a gripping science fiction thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.’
Where To Get Yours:
eBooks |
Printed Books |
Audio |
| Direct Download | Amazon Paperback (+) | Direct Download |
| Amazon (+) | Amazon Hardcover (+) | Audible (+) |
| Smashwords | Independently Published | Video Episode #1 |
| Online |
Genre:
SciFi & Fantasy Genre Books: “The Guardsman: Honor of the Fallen” by R.G. Taark (Douglas A. Franklin) is a gripping military science fiction saga set in the expansive Chroynos Stellar Hegemony.
Thriller Genre Books: “Guardsman: Book 1: Honor of the Fallen” is a thrilling ride through a futuristic universe where mega-corporations control empires, and interstellar travel is the norm.
Mystery Genre Books: The story starts with a theft at the Research and Development Division, setting the stage for a high-stakes investigation of everything else going wrong.
Genre Articles:
Just one more thing before you go.
If you’re curious about how romance threads through epic tales like Honor of the Fallen, dive into my latest LinkedIn Pulse article exploring my Romance Genre works: Content Release: Romance Genre Page.
Highlights from Honor of the Fallen
A Disgraced Hero’s Journey
John Smith, once an elite Guardsman, now struggles to make ends meet as a private investigator. Stripped of his name and honor, he navigates a world that has cast him aside:
“John Smith woke. He did not bother opening his eyes. The chaos that swirled in his mind was the symptom of a guilty man’s crime that only a moral man could feel, in his fall. Shame and failure were his to bear. The only honorable escape from his prison is death in combat, from old age, or starvation. Or very rarely with a death redeemed.”
A Complex Futuristic Society
The novel paints a vivid picture of a future where mega-corporations control vast interstellar empires:
“It was a system. It’s a system that worked. It was the same system that had developed over the millions by many millions and millions more cubic parsecs of human-controlled space. The hundreds of thousands of populated worlds all worked on more or less the same system. It was those independent corporations that built and supported the apartment blocks, and others that operated the foundries, and then the factory corporations, and the utility corporations, that all merged together into massive interconnected corporate conglomerates.”
High-Stakes Action and Intrigue
John’s investigation leads him into dangerous territory, forcing him to rely on his military training and resourcefulness:
“John was pleased to find a number of parts for his preferred weapons, which were military-grade weapons. How it was that those parts ‘found their way’ into a civilian resale shop would have probably made some good campfire stories. They were most likely sold by brigands, deserters, or grifters. But the pieces and parts were there, and that pleased John infinitely, like finding an old friend after years of separation.”
The World of Honor of the Fallen
The Chroynos Stellar Hegemony
At the heart of the story lies the Chroynos Stellar Hegemony, a vast corporate empire spanning thousands of worlds. The Chroynos family rules through a complex network of corporations:
“The Chroynos Dynasty did a few things really well. They were really good at producing and distributing power utilities. And they were even better at designing, licensing, controlling, and hunting down infringers on their patented designs. The ‘Design Division’ was almost as ruthless in hunting down and destroying their enemies as the Military Corporation was itself at waging war.”
The Guardsmen – Honor of the Fallen: Elite Soldiers of the Empire
The Guardsmen are the elite fighting force of the Chroynos Stellar Hegemony, highly trained and augmented with advanced technology:
“Guardsmen were multi-million credit investments. Twelve years of training, plus the year of officer training, plus all the improvements, made them well worth the investment and the expense of keeping them alive and rebuilding them, even when they were catastrophically damaged.”
A Society Built on Honor and Names
In this future, a person’s name carries immense weight, determining their place in society:
“A distinguished name was everything for them. There were so many billions stacked upon billions that a man without a great name all his own was nothing but forgotten scenery.”
Technology in Honor of the Fallen
Advanced Weapons
The novel features detailed descriptions of futuristic weaponry, such as gauss pistols:
“Components were sorted based on type and cleaning requirements. Everything needed to be stripped and cleaned to the smallest components, all the while looking for rust, wear, and missing parts. Permanently ‘damaged’ components were removed from the piles and returned to the ‘Junk’ box.”
Nanobots and Medical Technology
Advanced medical technology, including nanobots, plays a crucial role in the story:
“Because of Phyllip’s background in the Empire’s most elite military force, the Guardsmen, he was one of a very small cadre in the entire Empire who was authorized to use the exceptionally expensive ‘Guardsmen Nanobots’. They were only available after extensive multi-year preparation, and custom-tailored to suit his personal physiology.”
Themes Explored in Honor of the Fallen
Redemption and Honor
At its core, Honor of the Fallen is a story about one man’s quest for redemption in a world that has cast him aside. John Smith’s journey explores the nature of honor and what it means to regain one’s place in society.
Corporate Power and Control
The novel delves into the implications of a future where corporations wield immense power, controlling entire star systems and shaping the lives of billions.
The Nature of Identity
In a world where one’s name carries such weight, the story explores what it means to lose one’s identity and how individuals define themselves beyond societal labels.
About the Author
R.G. Taark is the pen name of Doug Franklin, an accomplished author with a diverse background. As a US Army Combat Infantry Officer, entrepreneur, and martial arts practitioner, Franklin brings a wealth of real-world experience to his writing. His unique perspective infuses Honor of the Fallen with authenticity and depth, creating a rich and immersive science fiction world.
[Get Your Copy of Honor of the Fallen Now]
Embark on a thrilling journey across the stars with John Smith as he fights to uncover the truth and reclaim his honor. Honor of the Fallen is the first book in an exciting new science fiction series that will keep you captivated from start to finish.
More Thrilling Adventures in Honor of the Fallen
High-Stakes Space Combat
Honor of the Fallen doesn’t just confine its action to planetary surfaces. The novel also features intense space battles that will keep readers on the edge of their seats:
“The Indomitable shuddered as another volley of enemy fire slammed into its shields. Captain Alexios gripped the command chair, his knuckles white. ‘Status report!’ he barked.
‘Shields at 30%, sir!’ the tactical officer shouted over the din of alarms. ‘Enemy frigates are moving to flank us!’
Alexios’s mind raced. They were outgunned and outnumbered, but he’d be damned if he’d let his ship fall to these raiders. ‘Helm, full power to engines. Plot a course through their formation. Weapons, prepare to fire all batteries on my mark.”
This scene showcases the novel’s ability to create tension and excitement in space combat scenarios, reminiscent of authors like David Weber or Jack Campbell.
Covert Operations and Espionage
John Smith’s background as a former elite soldier makes him perfect for dangerous undercover missions:
“John adjusted his disguise one last time before stepping into the opulent ballroom. The crystal chandeliers and well-dressed attendees were a far cry from the grimy underworld he’d been inhabiting for the past week. But he knew the real monsters wore tailored suits and sipped champagne.
His target, a high-ranking corporate executive with ties to illegal weapons trafficking, stood chatting with a group near the bar. John casually made his way over, all senses on high alert. He had one chance to plant the tracking device without being detected. If he failed, it wouldn’t just be the mission at stake – his life would be forfeit as well.”
This excerpt highlights the novel’s blend of action and intrigue, similar to the works of Richard K. Morgan or Neal Asher.
Why You Should Get Your Copy of Honor of the Fallen
For Fans of Military Science Fiction
If you enjoy the gritty realism and tactical details found in the works of Joe Haldeman or John Scalzi, Honor of the Fallen will be right up your alley:
“The Guardsmen moved silently through the dense jungle, their advanced armor systems masking their heat signatures and dampening any sound. John took point, his enhanced senses scanning for any sign of the enemy.
A twig snapped somewhere to their left. In an instant, the squad dropped into defensive positions, weapons trained on the source of the noise. John’s HUD lit up with targeting data as he identified multiple hostiles closing in on their position. With a series of hand signals, he directed his team to prepare for an ambush. The air crackled with tension as they waited for the perfect moment to strike.”
For Lovers of Complex World-Building
Readers who appreciate the intricate societal structures and political machinations found in works by Frank Herbert or Iain M. Banks will find much to enjoy in Honor of the Fallen:
“The Chroynos Stellar Hegemony was a labyrinth of competing interests and hidden agendas. At its core, the ruling family maintained a delicate balance between the various corporate entities that formed the backbone of their empire. The Military Corporation, the Design Division, and countless others all vied for influence and resources.
John knew that navigating this complex web of alliances and rivalries was just as dangerous as any battlefield. One wrong move, one misplaced word, and he could find himself caught in the crossfire of corporate warfare that spanned entire star systems.”
For Enthusiasts of Character-Driven Narratives
Like the best works of Lois McMaster Bujold or C.J. Cherryh, Honor of the Fallen puts its characters front and center:
“John stared at his reflection in the grimy mirror, barely recognizing the man who looked back at him. The years of battle, betrayal, and loss had left their mark, both physically and emotionally. He thought of all he had sacrificed in service to the empire, and of the dishonor that now clung to him like a second skin.
But beneath the weariness and the shame, a spark of defiance still burned in his eyes. He may have lost his name and his position, but he hadn’t lost his sense of right and wrong. And as long as that remained, he knew he could find a way to reclaim his honor – or die trying.”
Unique Elements That Set Honor of the Fallen Apart
A Fresh Take on Nanotechnology
While many science fiction novels incorporate nanotechnology, Honor of the Fallen explores its implications in new and exciting ways:
“The nanobots coursed through John’s bloodstream, repairing damage and enhancing his physical capabilities far beyond normal human limits. But they were more than just tools – they were a part of him, integrated into his very being in ways that blurred the line between man and machine.
As he pushed his body to its limits during the grueling mission, John could feel the nanobots working overtime, burning through his reserves of energy to keep him functioning at peak efficiency. He knew that one day, they might be the only thing keeping him alive in the face of otherwise fatal injuries. It was both a comfort and a source of unease, this symbiotic relationship with the microscopic machines that had reshaped his biology.”
Exploration of Honor in a Corporate-Dominated Future
The novel delves deep into questions of personal and societal honor in a world where corporations wield immense power:
“In the Chroynos Stellar Hegemony, a person’s name was everything. It carried the weight of their accomplishments, their family history, and their place in society. To be stripped of one’s name was a fate worse than death – it was to become a non-entity, a ghost drifting through the vast empire with no identity and no future.
John Smith. The name of shame, the designation given to those who had fallen so far that they no longer deserved even the most basic recognition of their humanity. As he walked through the crowded streets, invisible to those around him, John grappled with the concept of honor in a world that had cast him aside. Could a man with no name still live with integrity? Could he find redemption when the entire system was arrayed against him?”
This exploration of honor and identity in a corporate-dominated future sets Honor of the Fallen apart from many of its contemporaries in the science fiction genre.
Perplexity:
Here is a nice article on Perplexity about Honor of the Fallen.
(+) Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer:
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this website. This means I may receive a commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. To learn more about how this works and how we maintain transparency, please read our full Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer. Your trust is important to us, and we appreciate your support!