House Xrion


Fiction - Science Fiction
461 Pages
Reviewed on 06/08/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Ray Jorge Ryes Jr.'s House Xrion, Winston Xrion orchestrates the assassination of a House Reston ambassador and subsequently accepts a contract to eliminate the king of House Urian. As negotiations fail between House Reston and House Carthania, House Xrion's military, the Hammer Fleet, takes action, only to face further complications with the arrival of marauders. Xesar, representing House Xrion, questions the source of the marauders' intelligence, while speculation mounts regarding Winston's involvement in the death of King Leopold. As things ratchet up, House Maelstrom detects unidentified ships and remains on high alert, while Winston investigates discrepancies in a House Reston contract. Collaborating with allies like Bah'l Forzon and Solis, Winston races against the clock to suss out what exactly is happening, in the hope of preventing a full-blown war through diplomatic efforts.

Ray Jorge Ryes Jr. does an excellent job in the making of a new space opera series with the first book, House Xrion. The standout character with the hugest arc is Winston Xrion, an anti-hero who has had huge success for House Xrion, but ultimately has to reconcile what the cost was, and how to stop the steamrolling of corruption and betrayal. The book wraps up with a satisfying and well-done conclusion, tying up the biggest loose ends, and mercifully does not end on a straight cliffhanger despite the penchant for series intros to do that. It is a credit to Ryes that he trusts his story, and his ability to deliver it, to allow it to stand on its own two feet. The story is that good, and its delivery is too. I love books that give us hereditary houses and a fully functioning society, for better or for worse, within its universe. As much as I am looking forward to more on Xrion, Ryes' world-building is so good that I would absolutely read tie-ins on the backstories of the other houses. Very highly recommended.

Parul Sood

Ray Jorge Ryes Jr.’s House Xrion gives an inside look into the complex and secretive world of House Xrion in a sci-fi setting. The Xrions gain immense influence as they rise from mediators to a ruling House, managing trade, diplomacy, and clandestine actions. However, as their power grows, the facade of invincibility starts to crack, jeopardizing the delicate balance of the Governing Council and setting the stage for intense interstellar conflict. The protagonist, Winston, is a highly skilled assassin with the dangerous task of eliminating Ambassador Huntington of House Reston. His journey is filled with peril, from a dramatic alleyway skirmish to a tense interrogation by Agent Litton of the Polzstat Security Services.

House Xrion by Ray Jorge Ryes Jr. excels in character development, skillfully blending high-energy action with intricate political maneuvers, creating a dynamic and captivating novel. The interactions between the characters elevate the narrative, emphasizing themes of espionage, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of power on a galactic scale. Agent Litton, embodying the relentless pursuit of truth, adds layers of suspense and tension. The exploration of corruption within power structures and the ethical complexities of House Xrion’s dual roles as mediators and assassins provides a thought-provoking backdrop to the action. Ryes adeptly depicts a galaxy where political intrigue and covert operations intersect, questioning the morality of the ruling houses and the price of maintaining order. House Xrion is a captivating blend of intrigue and action, fusing fast-paced storytelling with profound political undercurrents. For enthusiasts of science fiction and political thrillers alike, this book offers an exhilarating journey into the machinations of power and corruption.

K.C. Finn

House Xrion is a work of fiction in the science fiction, suspense, and adventure genres, penned by author Ray Jorge Ryes Jr. This engaging novel chronicles the rise of the Xrion Family from mediators and peace brokers during planetary expansion wars to a powerful House entrusted with commerce, finance, and covert assassinations. Elevated to significant status by the Governing Council, their influence becomes paramount. However, as their power grows, so does corruption within their ranks. With dissenting whispers threatening to destabilize the Council and multiple Houses teetering on the brink of chaos, the galaxy faces potential war. The narrative delves into whether order can be restored or if House Xrion's legacy will lead to galactic upheaval.

Author Ray Jorge Ryes Jr. shows a real gift for suspense in a gripping dive into a complex universe of interstellar politics and power. The intricate web of financial dealings, mediations, and covert assassinations was well-balanced and fully thought out in detail, and it’s clear that the author understands everything about this world to be able to explain it so smoothly and clearly. From the beginning, I was fascinated by the Xrion Family’s ascent to power because the worldbuilding and logic were so credible and fascinating. The tension between their public duties and hidden corruption kept me on edge and tied us into the emotional journey of the different characters as they faced temptations and challenges. This is coupled with strong, dynamic dialogue that propels the plot forward but also reveals the emotional strain on the central cast, making the stakes feel real and urgent whenever they’re put to the test. The moral complexities and shifts of power in the narrative are well-paced with some brilliant twists, making for a genuinely unpredictable ride. Overall, House Xrion is an enthralling science fiction novel that fans of high-concept suspense and political drama are sure to enjoy.