Change by NG Nelson is the first book in a riveting science fiction saga. This fast-paced story takes place over many worlds. The novel follows Major Patricea Markis and her journey to protect the young prince, Kal Jerran. This is a captivating story of warring dynasties, there are themes of myths, legends, loyalty and deception. Allegiances are tested and questioned, and betrayal is frequent. Change is rife with action to keep the reader hooked, including violence, seduction and assassination. The continuous action ensures Change is an energetic read.

Change has numerous characters that narrate each chapter but overall the story follows the path of Major Patriciea Markis who is charged with the difficult task of protecting the young prince Kal Jerran and evading the forces of the New Imperium. However, there are also many other important characters, such as Paul and Bernadette from Earth, Hellia, a journalist, Vel Toyan, Ral Dannan and Martial Varian. Nelson’s clever use of vocabulary and dialogue help to distinguish between the many characters and their worlds. The characters are further defined by the outfits and descriptions of body language and physical characteristics, ensuring each character is fully developed and easily distinguishable. The rich descriptions of the setting throughout the story appeal to the reader’s sense of sound and sight. The worlds are like characters in their own right. This is an epic space opera with a universe that feels large and intriguing, reminiscent of the Frank Herbert’s Dune series.

Like any good science fiction tale, the story is filled science fiction trappings: teleportation, inter galactic travel, and holograms. Coupled with this and interwoven into the story are the trappings of royal life; servants, military protection and ladies in waiting. These are further juxtaposed with the description and narration of Paul and Bernadette and their everyday life on Earth. These stark contrasts between lives add to the multifaceted story being told.

Change is an enthralling space adventure novel that will appeal to fantasy and science fiction fans alike. Thoughtful world building, intriguing characters, and high stakes ensure readers are consistently entertained.  

- Literary Titan

Change by N G Nelson is the first novel of a science fiction saga. The murder of the Heir Royal Ral Dannan triggers a series of events that include intrigue around and even within the Imperial Court. Major Patricea Markis gets involved to assist Marshal Varian in the protection of Prince Kal Jerran and Princess Vel Nadia. The Emperor knows that his other grandson, Prince Ral Karjeck, intends to proclaim himself Emperor. Understanding who is loyal to the Emperor, who is old and sick, and who is loyal to his grandson Ral Karjeck is difficult.

On Earth, Paul and Bernadette are shocked when a bang in the sky is followed by a group of armed people who kidnap them and other locals to bring them to planet Es-ra to use them as forced labor. Ruthless guards beat and even kill their prisoners whenever they want.

This saga is set in a universe full of civilizations of humanoid species in various stages of advancement. Such a common presence of humanoids is a mystery to them. The Earth is a backward planet, as there are interstellar civilizations such as the Imperium, ruled by the Sarajevias Dynasty, where most of the novel is set. Its inhabitants are a species different from humans but, in this fictional universe, humanoids share similarities in their emotions and feelings as much as in their physical appearance. That makes it easy to understand the characters' motives and reactions to the events, which are all important elements in their development.

An interstellar empire facing a crisis is a theme used that has been used in science fiction for decades. N G Nelson found a new angle to use that theme creating a complex cosmic landscape in which advanced technologies are used for intrigue and deception. Since the beginning of the novel, it's clear that there are various layers of secrets around the Sarajevias Dynasty and only the first ones are accessed in this novel. The mix of elements is skillfully used to create several twists that can change the readers' impression of one or more characters. This was the element I appreciated the most in this novel.

The only part of the novel I found not completely satisfying was the subplot that started on Earth with Paul and Bernadette as its protagonists. There's great tension because, after they're captured and used as forced labor, they're always in danger. Some bits are disturbing for the guards' brutality. My problem is that this subplot seems to go nowhere until the end of the novel.

My complaint pales in comparison to the merits of a novel full of wonders and revelations that keep the readers' attention until the end. Note that the end is actually made of more twists that will be developed in the sequels, as this is only the first book of a saga that tells a bigger story. Some bits are quite graphic, so they make the novel unsuitable for readers who are young or triggered by brutality. In comparison, some mild sex acts and the common use of profanity are secondary.

Change was exceptionally well edited, as I found just one error. This is a very promising start of a saga, so I'm happy to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. If you want to read a science fiction saga full of surprises and don't mind some brutality, I recommend this one.

- Online Book Club