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Barbarians at the Gates

The Decline and Fall of the Galactic Empire, Book 1

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About this listen

The Federation has endured for hundreds of years, but now it is dying, killed by the corruption and decadence of the Senate and the rising power of military warlords. The shipping lanes are coming apart, the colonists are revolting, and outside forces are pressing against undefended borders. Now, as one warlord makes a bid for supreme power, the entire edifice is on the verge of falling apart. Two officers, bearers of a proud military tradition, may be all that stands between the Federation and total destruction.

For Admiral Marius Drake, there is no greater cause than the survival of humanity's prized unity. For the young and ambitious Roman Garibaldi, the growing civil war offers a chance of promotion far beyond the usual boundaries. Together they will save the Federation or die trying. But with the Senate suspicious of any competent commanding officers, their success may condemn them to an inglorious death.

©2014 Christopher G. Nuttall (P)2015 Audible, Inc. Military Science Fiction Space Opera Fiction
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I am not a fan of war stories, but this one gripped me from the start. Cleverly written, characters are interesting, altho, some of those deserved a bit more, just to give them depth. The narrator is very good, he has one of the voices born for storytelling.
There are some similarities with well-known space sagas, but the story has its own life, and I dare to say - even better plot.

Surprisingly good

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Hard to finish. A lot of political wrangling which was slightly boring. And warning of an extra chapter in next book to make it seem longer which makes me more angry then anything - why do they need to do that?

More a political story

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Very well narrated. decent story. classic tale of decaying empire. has some useful lessons for the current world.

good narration

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So good to hear British accent. Enjoyed listening to this space opera. It has everything including a begrudging romance, politics with knives, and several heroes.

Compelling listening

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