The rise of pilot Ryan Jones in the Aerospace Force is nothing short of phenomenal. His level of skill and dexterity within the cockpit of an aircraft is simply unbelievable. His abilities endear him to his colleagues and catch the eye of the seductive Wendy Watson. Sparks are almost certain to fly if only she can have her way with this mystery man. What nobody knows is he harbors a dark secret, one that threatens to destroy the very planet they inhabit. Can Wendy help him before it is too late? Or will the Winds of Destiny run their course? Adventure beckons for these two individuals in John R. Carden's The Trecian Witch And The Imperial Admiral! An ICOPE Story.

The Trecian Witch And The Imperial Admiral! An ICOPE Story is a work of science fiction by John R. Carden. I must admit I was initially unsure how to classify this book upon reading it. I would have felt comfortable calling it an all-out action piece going by the extensive detailing of weaponry and their uses by the author but, as the story progressed, an interesting romance subplot develops and takes up a very prominent position in the overall storyline. John R. Carden does a thorough job in developing the origin stories for both the primary and peripheral characters. The downside to this was I felt like I spent more time reading about machinery and military achievements than on the genuinely interesting mystery the storyline presented. Despite that, I honestly enjoyed the story. It may not be a science-fiction masterpiece, but it definitely holds its own in that genre.

John R. Carden’s The Trecian Witch And The Imperial Admiral! An ICOPE Story is a science-fiction tale of epic proportions. In an unprecedented event, Admiral Ryan Nelson Baxter is retiring. He escapes a traumatic past by moving to Earth. Before he arrives, Captain Cody, a spy, presents him with a ring that will prevent mental manipulation from a Trecian Witch. Decades pass as Ryan keeps as busy as possible. However, he still can’t escape the pain in his soul. One evening, he spies a poster advertising the Aerospace Space Combat Pilot Program. He has his AI computer, Julie, lock away his memories after he takes a special Interferon 777 shot. The shot acts as a youth serum and Ryan enlists in the service. This proves how talented the man is as he exceeds expectations. The Winds of Destiny predict a major life-altering event will occur, depending on Ryan’s actions. Wendy, a Trecian Witch, has her focus locked on the man.

John R. Carden held nothing back in describing the Imperial Galaxy and every moment in Ryan’s life on Earth. Despite the lengthy explanations of several aspects, I was thankful for the thorough information contained at the back of the book. I could envision the breathtaking scenery of the galaxy beyond what we know. It was entertaining as I felt I was reading the classified documentation of a foreign government. Every chapter heading was well-defined, and the character transitions were easy to follow. Every interpersonal relationship was dynamic, with Ryan gaining respect for his actions instead of acting like a political leader. The Winds of Destiny were an important part of the book, and I appreciated how they could alter as well. I would recommend The Trecian Witch And The Imperial Admiral to anyone who enjoys intense science-fiction stories with the edge-of-your-seat action to hold your breath for.