Gambit Of Our Forefathers

Book 1 of The Infinite Cyclical Universe

Fiction - Science Fiction
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 01/18/2026
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Gambit of Our Forefathers by Ryan Pearcy traces the life of Devira Levin. As a teenager in Missouri, Devira meets Trition, an emissary of the remnants of the Bankan Tey, after witnessing the deployment of ancient devices seeded across Earth. Those devices are part of a wider contest involving the Barra and the Juaaree, whose expansion programs and internal rebellions span billions of years and multiple galaxies. Devira’s early contact alters her capabilities and draws her into repeated points of contact with recovered artefacts, from Nazi Germany to Cold War military sites. She acts as a recurring human node bridging alien technology, intelligence agencies, and actual manipulation of history. Across eras, these same forces provoke wars, religions, and scientific acceleration to prepare Earth for future reclamation.

Gambit of Our Forefathers by Ryan Pearcy is an immersive science fiction story that has way more scope than I was expecting. The timeline formatting is in multiple jumps, extending back over five billion years, and then pulling us forward thirty years, then over two thousand. I bring this up because it takes one heck of a skilled author to make that work well, and Pearcy absolutely nails it. The symbolism and parallels between belief, technology, and power are brilliant. A Babylonian exile interprets a descending machine as divine command, whereas on an alien world, Bashefer’s induction into an expansionist order embraces engineered societies and selective advancement. Pearcy takes all these small pieces—and there are many in the book—and turns them into a philosophical adventure that is sci-fi Tolkienesque. Overall, this is a sweeping epic and worth every minute of the time investment, and I'm really looking forward to book two. Very highly recommended.

Carol Thompson

Gambit of Our Forefathers: The Infinite Cyclical Universe by Ryan Pearcy is an ambitious exploration of existence, humanity, and the cosmos. The narrative spans billions of years, weaving together the lives of diverse characters across time and space. From the mysterious encounters of Devira Becker during World War II to the cosmic battles of the Juaaree civilization, the book presents a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that push the boundaries of imagination. The novel’s core themes of free will, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge are examined through the perspectives of its varied cast. Each character's journey features moments of deep discovery, loss, and transformation. The story prompts questions about the nature of existence, the influence of higher powers, and how individual actions shape the larger whole.

Ryan Pearcy's ability to craft intricate worlds and complex characters is evident throughout the novel. The vivid descriptions of alien landscapes, advanced technologies, and the characters’ philosophical musings create a compelling, immersive read. The story transitions between different timelines and perspectives, offering a unique glimpse into the grand scale of the universe and the mysteries it holds. Pearcy's writing is poetic and precise, capturing the beauty and complexity of the universe. The pacing is masterful, balancing moments of quiet reflection with intense action and suspense. Gambit of Our Forefathers challenges readers to consider their place in the universe and the interconnectedness of all life. Pearcy's ability to blend science fiction with philosophical inquiry makes this a compelling read for those who enjoy exploring the mysteries of existence and the possibilities of the cosmos. It is a story that lingers, inviting readers to ponder the infinite possibilities of life and the universe.

Essien Asian

In Ryan Pearcy's Gambit of Our Forefathers, Devira Levin used to have a happy family, but all that changed when her mother passed on, leaving her to cope with her grieving father. During one of those difficult moments, she experiences a near-death encounter of an extraterrestrial nature. Upon introducing himself as Trition, her rescuer gives her a unique tablet along with a cryptic message about its importance. She has no idea at the time, but her gift is one part of a puzzle in an intergalactic battle between two alien races hellbent on total domination. Only time will tell what critical role the young Jewish girl must play to save her planet from becoming collateral damage in this deadly game.

Gambit of Our Forefathers is the first installment in Ryan Pearcy's The Infinite Cyclical Universe series. Detailed world-building introduces readers to the principal alien factions at war, highlighting their physical and cultural differences and motives, making it easier for readers to align with the faction whose motives appeal to them. The descriptive narrative style blends with the graduated pace to immerse readers in the adventure. What stands out is the way Pearcy jumps between past and present, highlighting Devira's transition from child to adult by using critical moments in Earth's history as reference points. The author immerses readers through thought-provoking depictions of first contact between humans and extraterrestrial species, both religious and scientific. Pearcy weaves these elements into a fluid, riveting narrative that will enthrall romance and science fiction enthusiasts alike.

K T Bowes

In Gambit of Our Forefathers by Ryan Pearcy, Devira Levin is little more than a girl when she stumbles across Trition’s spaceship and is mortally wounded. Their interaction is forbidden by the protocol that binds all Watchers, but he heals her, and that stolen moment of alien compassion changes the direction of her life. He warns her of a coming disaster, and when the Nazis extend their stranglehold toward Devira’s community, the Jewish girl takes a stand. Trition’s momentary and ill-advised interaction with a human will change the course of history. Bashefer is a Juaaree prodigy, raised to the higher echelons of power within his species' ruling body. He’s a beacon of hope for his proud family until he detects the black inner workings of the Quintet of power. Their rule isn’t benevolent but grasping and cruel, based on coercion and control of the universe. They decide who lives and who dies. When Bashefer makes a split-second decision to disobey them, he unleashes a horror that will change the course of the universe’s development.

Society, current and past, has always doubted the sanity of UFO enthusiasts, but what if they’re right and everyone else is wrong? Gambit of Our Forefathers by Ryan Pearcy challenges the premise of a universal godhead alongside the notion of alien interference, and I enjoyed how the author turns everything on its head. I loved how Ryan Pearcy spins his theories into an engaging science-fiction delight, spanning millennia and introducing intricate relationships between the many inhabitants of the universe. The prevalent theme is deception. Belief in a deity predisposes a relationship of loving kindness, but the Quintet are ruthless and barbaric. Their meddling has produced a tenuous existence based on lies. The theme of deception is continued in Devira’s life with her spy ops role and her marriage to a prominent Nazi scientist. The world-building is awesome, and the characters are endearing. It felt like I was watching a series with the complexity of Star Trek. Each chapter reveals a skillful cliffhanger, and the multi-viewpoint narration offers a non-judgmental consistency within the ever-changing landscapes.

Christian Sia

In Gambit of Our Forefathers, Ryan Pearcy examines the nature, origins, and fate of the universe in a story that spans billions of years. The narrative introduces the birth of the cosmos from nothingness and expands to the formation of the galaxies, the planets, and the stars. Then it shifts to a near-future Earth when Devira Levin witnesses an alien craft emerging from a river, revealing a hidden, technologically advanced civilization monitoring Earth for impending threats. Her life had been ordinary. Now she is connected to technology that surpasses anything she imagined. The story takes you into a distant galaxy with the highly advanced technology of the Juaaree and the Bankan Tey. Bashefer prepares for the most important day of his life, his transition into adulthood. What is the connection between these two characters and the sentient manner in which the elements of the cosmos behave, and what is their connection to human existence?

Gambit of Our Forefathers is the first book in The Infinite Cyclical Universe. Ryan Pearcy excels at delivering a narrative bursting with imagination, exploring possibilities about life and the universe, and making a compelling inquiry into a past civilization that is more advanced than ours. The universe and the galaxies become actors in this spellbinding tale. I was captivated by Devira’s curiosity, and her encounter with a Trition offered an explosive premise. I also enjoyed the skillful development of the ambitious Bashefer and the ancient, burdened Ezekiel. This tale is grounded in philosophical inquiry, and you’ll enjoy how the author handles the themes of fear vs curiosity, the thin line between order and chaos, the nature of consciousness, and cosmic destiny. I found this book to be thoughtful, complex, and exciting.