Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
A secret war. A galactic empire in crisis. One final hope for victory. Wil Sietinen is torn between two worlds. As a High Dynasty heir and the galactic military's most promising telekinetic trainee, teenage Wil is expected to be nothing short of exceptional-and he's starting to crack under the pressure. When Wil is captured by the mysterious enemy Bakzen, he comes face-to-face with his destiny. An all-out war has been secretly waging for generations, and Wil's unique telekinetic powers are the only remaining hope to win. However, there's a dark secret behind the conflict, and Wil realizes that he and his loved ones are at the center of an insidious galactic conspiracy. With enemies not who they seem, who can Wil trust in his fight to save the Taran Empire? Shadows of Empire is the riveting first installment in the Cadicle series, a timeless space opera epic filled with interstellar adventure, political intrigue, and virtuous heroes. Join three generations of one noble family as they navigate love and war to lead a revolution that will change the course of a galactic empire. "Appealing characters and detailed worldbuilding draw the reader into a tale of politics, sabotage, kidnapping, telekinesis, and clones. [...] DuBoff weaves together sympathetic characters, an intriguing plot, devious villains, exciting space adventure, and hopes pinned on a chosen savior." - Publisher's Weekly Shadows of Empire is Book 1 in the Cadicle series, containing three volumes: Volume 1: Architects of Destiny Volume 2: Veil of Reality Volume 3: Bonds of Resolve NOTE: Shadows of Empire was previously published as Rumors of War.
Tags
Is Shadows of Empire: An Epic Space Opera appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
Teen faces war, kidnapping, and political conspiracy in a galactic empire. Contains action violence and mature themes of manipulation and deception, but no explicit content.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include kidnapping, captivity, and war (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will love the telekinetic powers, space battles, and a teen hero caught in a massive conspiracy threatening his family and empire.