Readers Favourite 5 star Review - Born of Empire

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite

Born of Empire: The Last Heir and the Unregistered Orphan, A Galactic Quest for Survival by S.A. Melia begins with Guy Erma, a skilled but “unregistered” youth, who trains in martial arts, hoping to join the Dome Militant while living among forty-four unregistered children at House Jewel. He is eventually offered a place in the Dome Militant despite his unregistered status. Meanwhile, Prince Teodor, the last male heir of the Dodecahedral Imperial House, undergoes training with the Dome Militant, rides telepathically bonded gorans, and prepares for his upcoming ascension. Teodor is kidnapped during a chaotic attack on the Cathedral by cyborg soldiers called Battle Borgs. Efforts by allies, including surveillance, mapping, and telepathy, focus on locating and rescuing him, all while a host of separate threats and political maneuvering over the succession unfold.

S.A. Melia’s Born of Empire delivers an unforgettable journey through danger, loyalty, and youthful courage, and between the fantasy and science fiction elements, it really ticked all the entertainment boxes. I had the most fun in the book when we were with Prince Teodor, especially as he endures captivity at the hands of the Battle Borgs, facing disorienting drugs, perilous tunnels, and relentless challenges that test both his wits and endurance. Melia does a great job in providing moments of tenderness as well, and no reader will be able to resist the softening of their hearts when Teodor delicately bonds with a newborn goran cub. Guy is likable in more traditional ways, and with those on the hero's journey with him, we see decisive acts to protect the innocent and reclaim the prince. With carefully structured sequences and richly imagined world-building, this is a solid entry into the new Dodecahedral Space Empire series.