Reader Feedback

Welcome and thanks for visiting my website. Please feel free to leave any comments and suggestions. Thanks again,

Sam Barone

27 thoughts on “Reader Feedback”

  1. Janne Grete Sortevik

    Please.
    I would really like to know what happens between the end of the war with Elam and the end of the story as told in the two last books, prologue in Battle for Empires and epilogue in Clash of Empires. I think we deserve to know how and when Esskar died, and what happened to Sargon in the years between. Is those stories not meant to be told? I have read the books several times and I love them.

  2. Your books are about an incredibly interesting time that is rarely touched by historical fiction authors. Love the time period as well as your writing style. Any teasers about any upcoming books? Very hopeful that you keep on writimg.

  3. Dear Mr. Sam Barone
    I am almost done with the clash of empires p.425 out of 473. Tears are coming down my cheeks. Of course I have read all the previous books. I only tear when I am happy. Now I am starting to feel empty. I am 67 years old . I am in my 30th year as a teacher in Queens for the NYC BOE. History is a sickness with me a monkey on my back; all I think & dream about

    You have given me a great deal of insight historically speaking, plus great fun. Thank you and may G D bless you.

    PS . You got anything cooking? I have read all of the great historical novelist. That’s what you are, right? Can you give me any advice or point me in a “good direction”

    Faithfully Yours Laurence brill

    1. Dear Mr. Brill,
      first, let me thank you for visiting the site (I know it still needs a lot of work, but I lost my original site and had to start over). I appreciate your kind words, and I’m just like you, I tear up when I’m happy. BTW, I grew up in Queens (Middle Village), so we have that in common as well. I’m about 10 years older than you, and I still enjoy reading history and historical books.

      Are you aware of the Quora site? There are many interesting historical stories there, like how would Alexander the Great match up against Julius Caesar, and sometimes there’s a wealth of detail there, mixed in with the stuff. They send out an email every day, and I usually find something that perks my interest.

      As for the Eskkar stories, when you finish Clash of Empires there are 2 Eskkar & Bracca short stories available on Amazon Kindle. As for the next Eskkar story, that will have to wait until next year. I’ve just finished a sci-fi novel, which is also available on Kindle, so if you’re in the mood for a change of pace, give Sentinel Star a try. I’m also working on a sequel to Sentinel Star, a mystery story, and a historical fiction novel set in the 16th century. That one, I think, would interest you. Let me know if you’d like to be an advance reader, someone who could give me some useful feedback.

      It really is true that when you try to do several things at once, you don’t accomplish very much.

      Only after I finish those will I get back to Eskkar. I do have an outline ready, and it involves Eskkar and Hathor, and takes place a few years after Quest for Honour.

      So thanks again for taking the time to write. And please let me know if you get this email, as I’m still testing some of the new software.
      sam

  4. Hi Sam we emailed before I am the fellow Manhattan graduate class of 66 .
    I too am waiting for the next book of the series and I am curious to see how you will treat Sargon going ahead. Especially the relationship to the real Sargon and Sargon II the famous king

  5. Steven Rothenberg

    Mr. Barone
    Like many of your other faithful readers I’ve read the Eskkar books many times over the last several years . My wife thinks I’m crazy to reread them , but I do enjoy them and every few years start them again.
    Reading a book over again is not always as good as reading it the first time but if you wait a suitable amount of time they become just as enjoyable . Usually it’s the characters that we love , identify with and appreciate. We become well aquainted with them and somehow you have managed to capture the ancient DNA of our distant ancestors and have brought them to life .
    I’m very particular about my readings and there’s something about your novels and the characters which brings satisfaction , peace , and the feeling of not just a witnessing the story but becoming part of the actual saga .
    I am a retired police officer from Southern California , and your books somehow allow me to relive some of the adrenaline that I experienced when I carried the badge .
    You are a story teller of old , like the ones that would tell their tales around the camp fires of of our very distant ancestors
    I only hope that some intelligent creative producer will bring the Eskkar stories to Netflix like the Bernard Cornwell novels about Sharpe and The Last Kingdom .
    Ps
    I’ve read your sci fi novella Jettisoned and thought it a great read . I look forward to reading Sentinel Star in the next few days .
    PSs

  6. Hi Sam,

    I very much enjoyed these books, both for the characters and the explanations of martial strategies. It was interesting to see into the minds of leaders who are experiencing an awakening to knew ways of thinking. Have you ever considered creating audio versions of your books? I like reading text when I can, but sometimes when I travel or work out it’s great to be able to listen to a good story. I’d enjoy adding your books to my collection.

    Thanks again for your efforts.

    1. Michael, hi, and thanks for taking the time to visit the site and comment. Yes, I would love to have audio versions of my books, but unfortunately, those rights lie with the publish for the first three books, and I hesitate to attempt it for the remaining three. Perhaps someday.

      As for the characters, I tried to make them as realistic as I could, given the situation. And I have studied most of the great military battles, so it was easy to add those situations to the story.
      Thanks again,
      sam

  7. Hello “Little Sammy”
    This is your cousin John Barone originally from Glasco where you used to visit in the summers when we were quite young! I am just learning about you from cousin Carolyn. Seems some catching up is long overdue!

    1. John,
      hi, sorry to take so long to get back to you. Somehow didn’t get notified when you posted your message on the site. I remember the Glasco visits very well, but can’t recall a ‘John.’ Will send you a message via regular email.
      sam

  8. Hi Sam,

    I’ve been a fan since Dawn of Empire first came out. We used to e-mail a few years ago, then fell out of contact. The last e-mail I have from you was dated January, 2016.

    Yesterday I goggled your name and found this website. I’m glad to see you’re still writing, and I’m hopeful–along with several other fans–that I’ll get to read another Eskkar book.

  9. Hi Sam I have read all the Eskkar books not once but several times over the last 10 years or so and they really are something quite special ,a magnificent achievement and I can honestly say I have never done that with any other book series. I would love to read more of the saga but I am looking forward to reading your latest science fiction novel.

    1. Hi, Michael, and thank you very much for your kind words about the Eskkar stories. I’m glad you enjoyed them. I really enjoyed writing them. That was one of my goals when I started writing, to write the kinds of stories that I would want to read – and re-read. (I’ve read the stories a few times myself).
      I hoping to get back to writing another Eskkar novel, but I’ve got a few projects to finish first, so it won’t be until the middle of next year before I get started. And I’ve slowed down considerably, so I can’t do as much work as I once did.
      Please let me know what you think about the sci-fi story – Sentinel Star. I’m almost finished writing the sequel, still unnamed, and then I have to finish another historical fiction story I’ve been working on for a few years.
      Thanks again for your support.
      sam barone

  10. Hi Mr. Barone,

    Thank you for the Eskkar Series. My one feedback/question is, I’m fascinated with Eskkar’s motives. In your perspective and intention, what are his motives in Eskkar and Trella – The Beginning and how do they evolve for better, or for worse if applicable, with each book?

    I hope that this message gets to you sooner or later.

  11. Mr. Barone:

    I am writing to thank you for many hours of interesting reading. I first read Dawn of Empire in 2010 and later the other Eskkar and Trella novels. They are simply the most interesting and involving historical novels I have ever read. I reread them yearly and savor every page – not for the ending, but for characters and the journey.

    My lifelong interest has always been science fiction, and suddenly I find my favorite historical author has moved his chosen period forward 5,000 years! Eskkar and Trella have been replaced by Delano and Lian in Sentinel Star.

    My working life was in aerospace and your discussions on the principles of spaceship propulsion, plasma shields and vacuum energy are convincing and satisfying. Quite simply, Sentinel Star is one of the best science fiction books I have read.

    For the future, I anxiously await the Sentinel Star sequel to read of the next 17 months and beyond of technology transfer and frantic ship production. Note: Please start series production of Skylon/SABRE SSTOs immediately!

    Lastly, returning to 3000 yrs BCE, Hathor has long been one of my favorite characters! (Hint, Hint)

  12. Mr. Lynch,
    first, thank you so much for your kind words about the Eskkar stories. I’m glad you enjoyed reading them. If you started reading them in 2010, and re-read them yearly, that makes you one of several readers who make a habit of reading the series yearly.

    I can tell you that the highest compliment an author can receive is to learn that a reader has read his work more than once.

    As for the sequel to Sentinel Star, tentative title is Earth Besieged, I just finished it this month. It will require some review and hopefully only minor edits, but it should be available in a few months. If you’re interested, I can send you a proof copy, and I would appreciate any comments and feedback you might have, especially given your sci-fi interests and aerospace background.

    I tried to get as much of the science right as I could, rely heavily on Professor Michio Kaku book, “Physics of the Impossible.” Thanks again, Sam

  13. Hi Sam

    I enjoyed all your books (Eskkar & Sentinal Star).
    Any further news when ‘Earth Besieged’ will be released ?
    Will it be on Kindle ?

    Really need some reading material in this ‘Covit Besieged’ time……

    Keep writing
    Mark

  14. Mark,
    hi, thanks for your interest. In fact, Earth Besieged just finished being reviewed by my critiquers, and I’m making the changes now. After that, it goes through one more final reviewer, and then out the door.

    So I would guess about 2-3 weeks should see it completed. And yes, it will be available as a kindle.

    One of my early readers suggested reading “The Wailing Asteroid” by Murray Leinster from the 1950s, to see how he handled an alien invasion. I read it as a kid, and really liked it, and it still held up, for me at least. Another suggested “A Sword into Darkness” by Thomas Mays.

    I also intend to have another historical fiction story out in a month or so, tentatively titled “Malta’s Guns,” which I really enjoyed working on, though it’s taken several years.

    Or you could check my website to see some of my favorite books.

    Thanks again for your interest and support.

    sam

  15. Hi Sam,
    Been reading your Eskkar series again, while in Lockdown, here in the UK.
    I just loved your books mate. Fascinating to read you are x-military. I was in the UK Parachute Regiment, came out with combat PTSD and was homeless for a while. I suffered for years from symptoms but since getting treatment, by NHS in the UK, and being inspired by your books, I started writing.
    (Falling Soldiers on Kindle at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Soldiers-Neil-Davies-ebook/dp/B07RDM166K )
    It’s not historical fiction but a crime genre fiction, dealing with the transition from Military into UK Civilian life. The central theme running through the story is the struggle to survive, with mental illness and disability on the tough streets of London.
    So, what propelled you into writing your terrific series? And how tough was it for you to find a supportive agent?

    Cheers, Neil davies

  16. Hello! So happy to learn a new Sam Barone book is on the near horizon. But … I’m still waiting for a new Eskkar – or perhaps – an Escander book. I was introduced eons ago (2006) to Eskkar by Barbara Peters of The Poisoned Pen and have followed his adventures ever since. (I actually have a signed hard copy of “Dawn of Empire!”) At one point, I believe you mentioned writing about the further adventures of Eskkar and Hathor. I can only say: ESKKAR ESKKAR ESKKAR HATHOR HATHOR HATHOR – please! I would also love to read about some things you’ve mentioned in passing: the revolt of the Hawk Clan at Nuzi, Sargon’s raid on the city of the Carchemishi, Zakita’s role in Akkad… I have no idea how many times I’ve read your books, but each time is still enjoyable. I’m actually in the middle of re-reading the saga yet again. Thank you for countless hours of pleasure, but I’m greedy. I want more! Please! Thanks again!

  17. Thank you for Earth Besieged and Malta’s Guns!!!! Long time to wait for new books from you but it was worth it!! Now you have me hooked on three stories and you can’t write fast enough lol. Can’t wait for your next book!!!

    1. Michael,
      hi, and thank you so much for the kind words. Yes, it was a long time, and that’s what happens when you decide to work on 2 books at once. Not going to do that again. But glad you enjoyed the stories. Already started on the sequel to Malta, but it’s going to take some time, probably next summer before you see it. Please spread the word to your friends. We need all the help we can get!
      sam

  18. Marty & Mary Hunt

    The Sentinel Books 1 and 2… terrific! Eskkar and Trella would be proud.
    We especially enjoyed the Doolittle raid at the end of Book 2!

    Your biggest fans in Santa Barbara, California,
    Mary & Marty Hunt

    P.S. Can’t wait for Book 3. When can we expect it?

  19. Hello Mr. Barone, I am reading your series and am just about to begin Battle for Empire. I came upon the second book in the series, picked it up and immediately began buying the other books. I really enjoy the story and appreciate your historical detail. I have been looking for “Eskkar & Trella-The Beginning” and the only copies I’ve found are on line and are really expensive. Do you know of any bookstores in Tucson that carry the books? I should say I love studying history.I don’t usually read about battles and fighting in such detail, but your characters come to life and your writing is so good that I can picture what might have actually happened. What I came to realize, too, is that the story is still going on…the quest for power and conquest…nothing has changed except the names and the weapons, sadly we are still either preparing for war or engaged in war…
    Also, I am looking forward to reading your other books.
    A fan, Barbara Martin

  20. Just finished Malta’s Guns and I am glad to see that a sequel is planned. I read and enjoyed all the Eskkar books but forgot about the SciFi series. I need to re-read Jettisoned and then get to the sequels. Great work!!

  21. Hi Sam
    Love you Ktarran series. I first contacted you when you wrote your Dawn of Empire book as I thought it was a great read. I thought it was a great book from a new author. I’ve read all your books since as I love historical fiction and love your story lines.
    So, it was a surprise, seeing you move into Science Fiction. It as a genre that I struggled to enjoy reading about much as I like the subject. I read your books out of the respect I have for you and your earlier books and found myself enjoying them immensely. I hope you keep the series going as Sentinel Star and Earth Besieged were exceptional. Keep well Sam

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