In an epic that rivals Frank Herbert’s Dune in scope and echoes the provocative philosophy of Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land, Sean Sayers unveils a tale of Gods and Men...

" An epic post-apocalyptic fantasy that pits man against gods in an age-old battle for the  survival of humanity’s very soul." -Independent Book Review

Hoplite Ridge is an ambitious and thought-provoking novel that blends mythology, science fiction, and high-stakes adventure into a gripping, emotionally resonant tale. Critics praise its immersive world-building, vivid prose, and pulse-pounding pace that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The novel’s richly developed characters, from mortal warriors to ancient gods, add emotional depth to the sweeping cosmic conflict, making their struggles both intimate and epic. With a unique fusion of philosophical depth and action-packed storytelling, Hoplite Ridge has been lauded as a bold and unforgettable journey that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

 "Overall, I highly recommend Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers to readers who enjoy thoughtful science fiction that bridges the gap between ancient mythology and future possibilities."

 Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers is a masterful work of science fiction that blends mythology and futuristic warfare across a perilous cosmic landscape. The story follows Mars and Ares Augustus, warriors of an empire, and Neptune, a rebel of legend, as ancient gods awaken and technology clashes with myth. Through detailed world-building and intricate plotting, Sayers creates a universe where ancient deities walk among advanced civilizations, weaving together elements of classical mythology with cutting-edge technology in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The narrative explores themes of power, destiny, and the cyclical nature of conflict while maintaining a pulse-pounding pace that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Sayers seamlessly combines mythological depth with futuristic innovation in vivid, detailed prose that brings both cosmic battles and intimate character moments to life with equal intensity.

Sean Patrick Sayers' complex and morally ambiguous characters evoke genuine empathy while challenging readers' assumptions about heroism and villainy. The close narrative viewpoint lets readers into the psychological and emotional influences on the decisions that these bold warriors make. The philosophical exploration of loyalty, destiny, and rebellion brings complex and nuanced layers to the narrative, elevating it beyond typical science fiction fare to offer something that feels real and powerful despite its godly scope. The careful balance of action and introspection creates a satisfying read that resonates long after the final page. The author makes such well-known ancient mythological figures feel relevant and compelling in a futuristic setting, breathing new life into familiar legends while creating something entirely original. Overall, I highly recommend Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers to readers who enjoy thoughtful science fiction that bridges the gap between ancient mythology and future possibilities. 

Hoplite Ridge is a compelling and thought-provoking story that challenges the myths of progress and power through a gripping tale of apocalyptic war and social collapse. Sayer offers readers a vision of hope rooted in sacrifice, love, and cooperation—making this a must-read for anyone seeking science fiction that questions what it means to be human.

Staying true to the tradition of science fiction, Hoplite Ridge explores the meaning of being human. Built around a story of apocalyptic war and social collapse, Sean Sayers takes readers on an epic journey that spans moments of individual vulnerability and willing sacrifice to the terror of ecological and technological Armageddon.

Sayers’s story exposes—and then reconceives—the mythology of modern human progress. He weaves historical, religious, and scientific myths that have fueled humanity’s arrogant and inevitably violent sense of destiny and dominance. Against this, he suggests that fate may offer an alternative, more hopeful path.

Hoplite Ridge presents symbols and events that initially feel familiar and conforming within universal concepts of God, progress, victory, or power. Yet when pulled out of the manufactured and manicured world of myth-makers, these symbols reveal themselves as horrid and inhuman.

The novel immerses readers in a whirlwind of discomfort, confusion, and reexamination—but not hopelessness. Instead, Sayers offers a space where the power of human community—through sacrifice, love, and cooperation—can merge with the power of technology to overcome sickness, famine, and scarcity.

Will humanity choose such a path?

- Dr. Donald Wallace, Professor of History and Genocide Studies.  

From Alex @  Likely Story

 Review: Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers – Likely Story 

Overall, Hoplite Ridge is an ambitious, cerebral, and ultimately rewarding read. It challenges, entertains, and invites reflection—qualities I value in speculative fiction. If you’re looking for a novel that pushes the boundaries of genre and explores the deeper questions of existence, this one is worth diving into. 

Favorite Lines:

“Now that we know what is going to happen in the next few hours and then the following two weeks, I say to you…all we have now is each other. My comrades, in this moment of terrible trial, let us stay united as we will face a challenge unlike any other. Know that I stand here not as your Colonel, but as your brother-in-arms. We are bound together by a common purpose, a shared determination to protect our families and our future. Your families are my families, and I vow to do everything in my power to shield them from harm.”

“Become a naval aviator, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. Ejection seats never fail, they said.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers is a thought-provoking and ambitious dive into speculative fiction, blending mythology, science, and philosophy into an expansive narrative that challenges readers to think beyond the ordinary. 

The story centers around Ares Augustus, Mars Augustus, and the resurrected god Osiris as they navigate a world teetering on the edge of destruction due to humanity’s reckless technological pursuits. The stakes are cosmic, yet the characters remain deeply human—flawed, conflicted, and striving to make sense of their roles in a rapidly unraveling reality. I was particularly drawn to Ares Augustus, whose internal struggles mirrored the broader themes of destruction and renewal that permeate the novel.

What sets Hoplite Ridge apart is the presence of Vulture, an ancient entity narrating from the Fold, a metaphysical realm that weaves together divine plans and mortal choices. This narrative perspective adds a unique layer of depth, offering insight into the tension between destiny and free will. Sayers’s world-building is nothing short of remarkable—the volcanic landscapes of Eden and the futuristic Aeolis Mons facility felt vividly real, each setting imbued with its own character and atmosphere.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the exploration of the Techno-Enlightenment Philosophy. It raises compelling questions about the intersection of technological advancement and spiritual evolution, challenging readers to consider the consequences of pushing boundaries without foresight. These philosophical musings are woven into the narrative, adding layers of meaning, though at times they slightly slow the pace.

Despite its complexity, Hoplite Ridge remains grounded in the relationships between its characters. The interactions between gods and mortals are handled with nuance and emotional weight, adding a personal dimension to the grand scale of the plot. While the main characters are well-developed, I felt that a few supporting figures could have been explored more deeply to enhance their narrative impact.

This book isn’t just a sci-fi adventure—it’s a meditation on humanity’s potential to create or destroy, to transcend limitations or fall victim to them. Sayers’s prose is rich and evocative, making even the most abstract concepts feel accessible. Fans of high-concept science fiction, mythology, and philosophical narratives will find much to appreciate here.

Summary:

Overall, Hoplite Ridge is an ambitious, cerebral, and ultimately rewarding read. It challenges, entertains, and invites reflection—qualities I value in speculative fiction. If you’re looking for a novel that pushes the boundaries of genre and explores the deeper questions of existence, this one is worth diving into. Happy reading!  

Independent Book Review: A Celebration of Small Press and Self-Published Books

 Hoplite Ridge  By Sean Patrick Sayers  Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy / Post-Apocalyptic  Reviewed by Joelene Pynnonen 

 An epic post-apocalyptic fantasy that pits man against gods in an age-old battle for the  survival of humanity’s very soul.

 When Commander Ares Augustus discovers that a  technologically devastating Electromagnetic Pulse  (EMP) is set to hit his planet, he knows that he only has  hours to act. Protecting his men and their families is his  first priority, and he knows that the army will take  measures that will prove disastrous. But Ares intends to help as many of his people  survive as possible.   

 The first night after the EMP, Konaki attack. These creatures, long thought only to  inhabit storybooks, are vicious, tearing through the military’s protective gear with  ease. Now, Ares must make the long and difficult journey to Kydonia, a place where  they may be safe. 

 Unbeknownst to him, the battle humanity has been plunged into goes far deeper than  merely withstanding the end of advanced technology. The gods themselves are  watching this disaster play out. More than that, they are calling forth players to spin  the game in their favor. If humanity has a chance to survive, two heroes—both sworn  enemies—will need to step forward and risk everything to protect what is left of the  world.  

 Hoplite Ridge is a dystopian sci-fi fantasy where multiple stories converge; different  characters navigate different dilemmas in the same post-apocalyptic world. This novel  has all the elements of an epic tale. The characters are larger than life monoliths in  stature, personality, and fighting prowess. They have the essence of the gods they are  named for—beings whose focus is on achieving their tasks in any way they can.  The set-up for this novel is quite gripping. From the outset, we’re introduced to a god  who wants to destroy humanity. Once we drop into the human world, there’s the  excitement of preparing to survive a catastrophic event. Even before the monsters  show up, the atmosphere is tense. Once night falls and the Konaki arrive, this amps up  tenfold. As the novel progresses and the situation becomes more dire, the smothering,  strained mood only gets heavier.  

 While the premise of Hoplite Ridge is unique, it draws heavily on aspects of human  culture, history, and philosophy. Mythological themes and motifs permeate these  pages. All major characters share their names with gods or beings from a diverse  range of mythological sources. There is also a good deal of history woven into the  framework of Hoplite Ridge. Some of these things are clever little nods to how the  story will play out, others help unpack the philosophical questions of what humanity  owes to each other. Through the novel, the themes of compassion, duty, and sacrifice  appear.

 Hoplite Ridge has the makings of an epic mythological tale. It pits men against brutal  gods, has characters who stand for ideals far greater than themselves, and has an  overwhelming feeling of allegory to the situations that rise in our lives. Anyone who  devours mythology will likely find this a fascinating read.