Empire City: No Woman’s Land is the first book in George Valvis’ Empire City series. The author asks readers to picture a world where women have been banished for reasons outside of their control and now men are fully in control. They have replaced women with synthetics for companionship and to be their servants. Jason has just graduated from the Academy and is about to go on his Criss. His objective? Learn, survive, and come back after 100 days. Jason just wants to get by so that he can come back and continue his love of racing. His father wants him to prove himself and not embarrass him. When a freak accident takes place Jason will find that what he has been told and taught all his life...is a lie.
Empire City is the first book that I have read by George Valvis, but I can guarantee you this..it won’t be the last. The blurb for this book really piqued my interest when I read it. I wondered...what could a world/city look like without women? Why were they banished? What exactly happened to the world to bring it to its knees like it is in this science fiction novel. Some of my questions are answered, but others are still there waiting for answers. The author gives readers a brief prologue and then pushes forward into the story. Apparently, the world has been rocked and rocked roughly by a number of wars if not bombs galore. The author gives readers an idea of these devastating weapons in the prologue as well.
When I started reading this book I was expecting things to take a certain path. While things don’t go necessarily as expected this book does a good job at engaging me. I will admit that the first few chapters were a bit of a struggle for me. For me, it felt like the author was struggling a bit to find their stride, but once the main character, Jason gets out of the city, the story truly begins to come to life at high speeds. Truly when Jason meets Benedetta the story blooms. The author shows how Jason’s training and teachings in life have shaped him when he is dealing with the women he encounters. I was taken a bit aback by his attitude, but I’m thankful that the author doesn’t have him pushing the envelope. It’s nice to see that Jason knows when and where to toe the line.
I will admit that I was a bit disappointed that Jason doesn’t get a more difficult track. I thought that he’d have to into the more dangerous areas, but that doesn’t happen. I say that because I thought that he’d encounter a group of women who had banded together and believed in the “danger of men.” While the story doesn’t take that path, it’s still an enjoyable novel. My disappointments are short-lived overall in that respect, as I’m engaged by the storyline. I will say that I felt that some aspects were a bit rushed, but those are later on in the story so I won’t spoil those elements for readers. But I will say this...it’s naive for any of the characters to think that they can bring a 180 change to a society that has become set in their ways over three generations.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book and I’m honestly eager for the next book in this series. I want to learn what happens next and how these characters will forge ahead with the challenges that face them. I enjoy a good science-fiction novel, and this book definitely fits. So, I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. This book loses half a star because I felt some elements are rushed, but the author did a fantastic job making this book a page-turner after a rough start. If you enjoy science-fiction futuristic novels then I encourage you to read this book. I’m hopeful that maybe the author will consider writing a prequel so we can learn how exactly things fell apart. I know I’d read it. LOL!
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