Of Treasons Born

A Novel of the Treasons Cycle

By: J. L. Doty

Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine

A gripping military science fiction adventure starring the hero of A Choice of Treasons.

As a lifer in the Imperial Navy fighting in a war that has lasted for generations, York Ballin's only hope for an honorable discharge is the grave. But what events led up to his reluctant enlistment? What spawned York's almost fanatic loyalty to his friends - and his doubts regarding the imperial uniform he once wore with such pride?

York rarely recalls his childhood, which began with a mystery and ended at age 11 when he was given a harsh choice: Join the navy or face certain death on a prison asteroid. The navy has its own code of justice, but a youngster with curiosity and grit is able to rise in the ranks...if he's given a fair shot.

A few rigorous years later, as a newly commissioned ensign, York is assigned to the hunter-killer ship The Fourth Horseman. But when an unexpected foe kills his superior officer and leaves the crew stranded in enemy territory, the young ensign must do whatever he can to save the ship - even if it means he'll be court-martialed for treason.

Of Treasons Born is a novel of the Treasons Cycle; the series was written so that it can be listened to in any order.

©2016 J. L. Doty; published in 2016 by Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

This one of the best space/military books I have come across. J L Doty is a brilliant writer. The plot is so full of action, mystery and courage . I like the main character very much. His determination to excel despite all odds is admirable. Noah Michael Levine performed beautifully. I hope there will be more books on this series.

Just finished book two!

First down load the prequel then the second book and enjoy. I listened to them back to back. The story was very well done with interesting characters and chock full of plot twist. The space battles are well done with a hint of WW2 submarine warfare tactics. The battles are really secondary to story. The story is driven by characters and intrigue. Btw no cliffhangers. The book raps up nicely. I am very patiently waiting to enjoy the next book.

too short!

Would you listen to Of Treasons Born again? Why?

One of the best SF stories I have ever read, and one of the best narrators as well. You will love this book if you like SF.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Balin, great depth

What does Noah Michael Levine bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

wonderful voices and inflection - does not overdo it

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

no

This is an engaging sci fi - character profile.

My Rating 4.5.

York Ballin was mostly raised on the streets. He was pressured by the wrong sort of friends and at age 11 he ended up with a conviction for murder. He is sentenced to a prison asteroid where he will no doubt be dead soon. He is surprised when he is confronted by naval officers who “offer” him a place in the space navy. It isn’t really a choice.

York has to start at the bottom swabbing floors – he learns they are called ‘decks’. He is smart and picks up quickly… if only someone is willing to train him. He learns that there are bullies in the navy too and he ends up caught in a bad situation again. He takes the punishment and is sent to the Marines for further discipline. They figure he is a loser who will wash out but soon discover that he learns quickly and is willing to take risks for others. Bit by bit York makes friends and shows himself as more than a loser.

He is sent to Naval Academy where he bunks with three others of totally different backgrounds. One comes for power, one from money and one from influence. They realize that York is the one from experience. There are superiors who feel that street kids have no business in the Academy – they aren’t smart enough to learn and not worthy of the training. These men make trouble for York but fortunately there are others who see the potential for leadership in York and want him to succeed.

I found this story very engaging. I liked how Doty develops York’s character and how friends and staff along the way contribute to that character. York is a sympathetic character who is able to rise through the ranks even when he doesn’t even know what the space war is all about. There is a suitable balance between the strong action and human elements. I have the next book in the series (although this was actually shown as book 2) and I am looking forward to reading/listening to more. I recommend this to fans of space military tales.

Audio Notes: Noah Michael Levine does a great job on the narration. The voices are varied and the inflections are conveyed to share the nuances of the situations. I really enjoyed the listen.

Timing

I would have preferred to listen to this part of the series before the other books!

I feel I have just finished a long tour of duty.

loved it. next book forward, March ! I am ready to ship over and ship out once more.

Excellent New Running Battle Space Combat Series

If you enjoyed the Lost Fleet military science fiction series written by John G. Hemry under the pen name Jack Campbell or Evan Currie's books or Horatio Hornblower -- you will like these. Two books in a new series: "Of Treasons Born" (prequel) and "Choice of Treasons". Embattled ship, a destination and mission, desperate, running space battles, a tough captain who came up the hard way -- the whole enchilada. The first book gives you all of the background -- then comes the 21-hour second book that is a continuous, destination-oriented space fight at its best. Enjoyed these very much. Also enjoyed the performance greatly !

Great!!!🎉🎉

It was a Great book 📚 and listen!!! Will listen to the rest of the series. 😎

Excellent Military Sifi - Read 2nd book First

Although both of the books in this series are stand-a-lone, you really should listen to them both, and you should listen to “Of Treasons Born” first, (even though it was released second, as a prequel).

Between the two books - “Of Treasons Born” & “A Choice of Treasons”, we get 29 hours of really enjoyable military scfi. This is your classic ‘struggling underdog fighting the unfair system and perceptions, and overcoming the evil and corrupt superiors,’ . . . but it always keeps you guessing and off balance. And there are continuous ‘crises and resolutions’ along the way, so the story never bogs down.

Now, one can always pick apart a plot and say “that wouldn’t happen”, or that’s not plausible “ . . . But we listen to these books to be entertained, and these two books are highly entertaining, if you’ll just sit back, listen to the excellent narration, and enjoy.