The Lazarus War: Artefact

by Jamie Sawyer

Overview

Artefact is book one of The Lazarus War, an explosive new space adventure series from one of the brightest new stars in science fiction — perfect for fans of The Edge of Tomorrow, Alien and James S. A. Corey's Expanse series. Jack Campbell, author of the Lost Fleet novels calls it "a gripping read that moves at warp speed."

Mankind has spread to the stars, only to become locked in warfare with an insidious alien race. All that stands against the alien menace are the soldiers of the Simulant Operation Programme, an elite military team remotely operating avatars in the most dangerous theatres of war.

Captain Conrad Harris has died hundreds of times — running suicide missions in simulant bodies. Known as Lazarus, he is a man addicted to death. So when a secret research station deep in alien territory suddenly goes dark, there is no other man who could possibly lead a rescue mission.

But Harris hasn't been trained for what he's about to find. And this time, he may not be coming back . . .

Artefact is an action-drenched tale of elite space marines, deep space exploration and galactic empires. Discover The Lazarus War — the thrilling new space opera series from one of the most exciting new voices in science fiction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316386371
Publisher:	Orbit
Publication date:	02/23/2016
Series:	The Lazarus War , #1
Pages:	544
Sales rank:	1,088,538
Product dimensions:	4.20(w) x 7.40(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Jamie Sawyer was born in 1979 in Newbury, Berkshire. He studied Law at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, acquiring a Master's degree in human rights and surveillance law. Jamie is a full-time barrister, practicing in criminal law. When he isn't working in law or writing, Jamie enjoys spending time with his family in Essex. He is an enthusiastic reader of all types of SF, especially classic authors such as Heinlein and Haldeman.

Editorial Reviews

"A gripping read that moves at warp speed."—Jack Campbell

"Gripping, gritty and unsentimental - Sawyer shows us how perilous future war can be."—Michael Cobley, on The Lazarus War: Artefact

"A hostile race of alien biomechs somewhat in the mould of H. R. Giger aliens . . . terrorism, subterfuge and traitors . . . starships sporting particle beam weapons, railguns the size of skyscrapers, laser batteries, missiles . . . And then there are the uber-human super-soldiers clad in powered armour and wielding plasma weapons . . . Is that enough for you? . . . This, dear readers, is the good stuff. Recommended."—Neal Asher, author of the Agent Cormac novels, on The Lazarus War: Artefact

"A highly promising science fiction debut - a fun, gripping adventure story, with a mystery at its core that kept me turning the pages."—Gary Gibson on The Lazarus War: Artefact

"An adrenaline shot of rip-roaring military SF packed with cinematic action sequences and tightly drawn characters."—Stephen Deas on The Lazarus War: Artefact

"Hyper-speed entertainment from a new master of science fiction!"—William C. Dietz

"This novel is fast-paced and stimulating, grabbing the reader at the beginning and never letting go."—Booklist

From the Publisher

02/15/2016
Capt. Conrad Harris commands an elite squad in the SOP (Simulant Operations Programme). He and his team link to remote avatars who fight battles in situations no other soldier could survive. Of course, the simulants don't usually survive either, but they tend to take out a number of the enemy Krell before they die. Harris has perished so many times in his simulant bodies that others have started calling him Lazarus. Chosen to go deep into Krell space to check on a science station observing an alien artifact that might be the key to defeating the Krell, Harris and company are soon fighting for their lives in their own skins. VERDICT The use of remote bodies has been done before (the film Avatar for example), but debut author Sawyer digs into the psychic damage simulant operators like Harris suffer from by dying repeatedly. While at times the dialog is a bit clichéd, the novel works best with its action and battle scenes. For fans of Robert Heinlein, John Scalzi, and Joe Haldeman.—MM

Library Journal