Protector of the Union
About
In the unforgiving void of the rim of human expansion, Raimond Augustus Solomon von Machthaber, once the overlooked younger son of the Felgenland Union's founding Protector, rises to power through a shocking twist of fate, igniting a mandate to unleash total war against the iron-fisted Terran Directorate's overwhelming hordes.
Fresh from his father's improbable ascension, Heinrich "Henry" von Machthaber, heir apparent and battle-hardened Assault officer, plunges into a deadly labyrinth of espionage, sabotage, and Directorate dirty ops. Torn between the visceral thrill of frontline command and the weight of dynastic destiny, Henry must master the shadows to claim his birthright as the next Protector—or watch the Union crumble.
In stark counterpoint, Jurgen Wulfjaeger, a rags-to-ranks everyman risen from poverty through sheer grit in the Assault, charges into the fray as a corporal in the infamous Ninth Stahlburgh Rifles, known as “Violence Regiment." Facing an amoral enemy that shreds humanity's rules of war, Jurgen battles through fog-shrouded kill zones, incompetent brass, and relentless misfortune, where every pin rifle round and orbital strike tests the limits of duty to God, nation, and Protector.
Amid epic fleet clashes, ground-pounding assaults, and unbreakable resolve, their sacrifices forge the Union's fate. Will they shatter the Directorate's tyranny... or fall as martyrs for the Protector of the Union?
Praise for this book
n Protector of the Union: Book One of The Felgenlander Saga, author Eric Holtgrefe crafts a rich and immersive universe blending sci-fi and feudal intrigue. The story is a compelling mix of gritty combat and palace politics, offering something for fans of both action-packed military sci-fi and intricate power struggles.
As someone who's read a fair amount of military sci-fi, I was impressed by Holtgrefe's ability to capture not only the intensity of battle but also the humanity behind the conflict. His vivid descriptions of combat paint a clear picture of how future warfare, with its combined arms tactics, might unfold. The action scenes are detailed and gripping, making it easy to visualize the chaos and strategy.
While I'm not typically well-versed in political intrigue (outside of real-world events), I found the politics of this world accessible and engaging. Holtgrefe does an excellent job of balancing complex power dynamics with clear storytelling, allowing readers like me to follow along without feeling overwhelmed. The interplay of alliances and betrayals added depth to the narrative and kept me invested.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. If you're a fan of sci-fi with strong military and political elements, Protector of the Union is well worth checking out.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters interesting and real, by the end I really cared what happened to them and what would be next. I did not realize the suggested age range of 13 to 18 when I bought it, but despite many action scenes that range is not inappropriate and the quality of the character descriptions enhances the value for younger readers. Looking forward to the next volume.
Both my wife and I really enjoyed the prequel to this new Felgenlander Saga series ("Love and Honor in the Felgenland"), and also both very much enjoyed this first of at least three planned volumes in the main series.
The premise is freedom-loving human space colonies defending against a tyrannical Earth-based empire. Most of the characters are Scottish, and their clan cultures are well described. The political and military and class cultures are also well explained, as are the joys and troubles of key families.
There are elements of humor and romance and of Christian faith, all clean enough for young adult readers, but still interesting for fully-mature readers.
At least two more books are planned for the series, and my wife and I look forward to reading both.
Definitely recommended.