Author Maxx Powr published the novel “The Promise" in 2019. This is the first novel in the "Piecer Chronicles" series and his first publication.

I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence, mature language, and mature situations. The story is set in 2173. The primary character is twenty-two-year-old Chase 523.

The alien species, the Klix, had tried to conquer Earth years before but they had been beaten off. Suddenly when most everyone thinks it is safe they are back. Chase 523 has just graduated from Piecer Academy. He would be in the last graduating class. The Piecer Corp was being disbanded. When the Klix first attacked Earth the only way Earth could respond was with genetically engineered soldiers. Chase was in batch 523.

The graduation ceremony hadn't even ended when the Klix attack came. It was devastating. The Klix targeted Piecer facilities, families, and homes. Many died in the attack and the survivors took what refuge they could.

Chase joined with a few other Piecer Cadet survivors. They steal space vessels that had been placed in museums. They agree to meet at a remote location in the Solar System. The Piecers gather new allies and eventually bring the fight back to the Klix.

Along the way, Chase encounters Sheen, an android Courtesan, and becomes her Commander. He also encounters Max 325. Max has been genetically engineered to be a 'fixer'. He is a master of all things mechanical and electronic. Chase also encounters Eve again. She had been the love of his life while he was at the Academy.

All does not go well for the Piecers and their allies. They find that a human traitor has been behind the Klix attack. Their struggle against the Klix puts them all at risk more than once.

I enjoyed the 8+ hours I spent reading this 280-page science fiction novel. There were a lot of 'details' that were ignored in this novel. That said, I enjoyed it. It was a fun read. It reminded me of the kind of science fiction written in the 50s and 60s. The plot wasn't complex and the action kept the story moving along. The cover art isn't the greatest, but it is OK. I give this novel a 4.4 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.

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I can’t wait for the next book. Maxx Powr is the new must read Sci-Fi author. I loved Firefly and really miss it. Maxx Powr has given me a great substitute. This book has it all. I kept reading and could not put it down. The characters are well drawn and you get emotionally involved with them. I found myself almost holding my breath during some of the well written action scenes. Fighting the aliens with so little help from their fellow comrades of The Piercer Corp., keeps you rooting all the more for Tripp, Chase, Gage and others as their defend Earth. I heartily recommend this book. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Maxx Powr for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. Can’t wait for the next one.

I really enjoyed this book. A traitor of humans combines forces with aliens to defeat attempt to defeat earth. A small band of humans flee earth and fight the enemy. I enjoyed the development of all the characters and felt I knew them. It's a fast paced, well written novel. Well worth a read.