An alien armada. A demon god's offer of lost technology. An unfulfilled suicide pact. Her daughter was alive. Instead of fulfilling her woefully-overdue suicide pact and going out in a rocket blaze of revenge-filled glory, Capt. Cadian Galas must scour the jungle of a lost continent for a weapon only hinted at existing. With the impending final wave of a forty-year campaign of genocide by an alien race just days away, humanity's clock is ticking. And that's when the Deathhounds arrived... Warming up her power armor, Cadian will have to overcome impossible odds with dwindling resources if she wants to save what little humanity has for her daughter's sake. Being a mech pilot was never an ideal way of life, but she's damn good at what she does. The question is, can she succeed where so many others have failed? This book is perfect for readers looking for an action-packed space opera. Strap in for the ride of your life. "As I've come to expect from Eric Lard, Arcfire is a high-stakes thrill ride from cover to cover ... things I absolutely loved about this book: the fight scenes and military flavor are spectacular, and the host of obstacles/aliens/diabolical sun gods is impressively diverse... Galas' wry humor also sucked me in, and as she let her guard down and let other characters further into her sphere, I found myself rooting for her even harder." - SK Marre "I inhaled this book in one sitting. I loved every second of it. The characters were likable and interesting. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review." - J. Lambert "Cadian Galas is a mech pilot and a tough-as-boots heroine who overcomes the odds. No spoilers on the plot, but the power armor and the world-building in this fast-paced sci-fi are top-notch . Looking forward to more from this author." - Merrin Slade "If you are looking for a Sci-fi with lots of action and compelling characters then you couldn't do better than picking up "Arcfire of Antiquity". Galas' driven personality and grit really keep you invested as you try to see how she will overcome the impossible odds stacked against her. The setting and flow of the story harken to a futuristic Tomb Raider vibe that is both fun and refreshing. All in all, the plot, setting and characters offer an entertaining mix that leave you wanting more." - Taylor A Masterpiece of (a) Military Sci-Fi/Supernatural/Alien World Explorer Mashup Arcfire of Antiquity by Eric Lard is a masterfully crafted sci-fi novel that captivates with its intricate plot, vivid world-building, and well-developed characters. The military sci-fi elements are particularly impressive, with the use of AIs and drones seamlessly integrated into the story. Almost like reading a detailed MechWarrior or Halo video game story . The depth of the characters and the emotional detailing, especially the heroine's determination and drive, add a rich layer to the narrative. The interactions between the heroine, her AI wingman, and her alien co-pilot provide a perfect balance to the high-octane action. The suggestion of including a map of the city inside the mountain at the end would be a nice touch, enhancing the reader's immersion in this meticulously constructed world. The storyline, centered around discovering an ancient planetary defense system to combat the seemingly invincible Delvadr aliens, is ambitious and thrilling. The heroine's journey, filled with relentless mechanical, biological, and spectral adversaries, is both exhilarating and intense. Initially, I was skeptical about the inclusion of religious gods/demons fantasy elements, particularly the emphasis on Western Christian themes. However, as the story progressed, these elements grew on me, culminating in a powerful line that resonated deeply: "Humanity had always shown a preference for serving gods they couldn't see and murdering those they could." This novel is a treasure trove of military sci-fi, packed with twists and turns, and a profound exploration of character vulnerability. The heroine's relentless battle against insurmountable odds to save her planet is a testament to her resilience and courage. You'll be amazed by the inventive ways battlesuit grappling hooks can be used to splatter alien bugs! The time and effort invested in imagining and writing this book are truly remarkable. Arcfire of Antiquity is a must-read for any sci-fi enthusiast. Definitely add this one to your bookshelf! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. - Richard Bailey Eric's base camp is at the foot of the oft-smoldering Sierra Nevada in NorCal where he enjoys surfing, snowboarding & mountain biking with his wife and three adult sons. You can check out excerpts for upcoming projects at his author page: enlard-author.weebly.com.On his nightstand; The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, The Martian by Andy Weir, any one of the Muderbot Diaries books by Martha Wells or the Arcane Cas