
Publishing History
In Conquest Born
The Great War between Braxi and Azea has gone on since the beginning of interstellar history, and will continue–some claim–to its end. Unable to achieve final victory, unwilling to accept defeat, both sides have devoted centuries to perfecting their martial capacity, each according to a unique tradition. In the Braxin Holding, the ruling Braxaná tribe draws upon ancient customs to create a warrior race as strong as it is ruthless, and utterly without human weakness. In the Azean Empire scientists race to perfect the human genome, and to unleash the psychic potential of the human mind against their implacable opponent.
Now two great generals have arisen, each determined to breach the stalement at any cost. And their obsession will soon spark a vendetta that will change the course of empires…
Nominated for the John Campbell Award
Reviews
“C.S. Friedman makes an auspicious SF debut with IN CONQUEST BORN, a big, ambitious, book with all the excitement of good ol’ space opera. The novel is built on the contrast of two protagonists, young people whose talents lead them to the tops of two space-going societies: one militaristic, paranoid and male-dominated; the other pluralistic, with advanced mental powers. The plot follows them from birth to their clash as the two vast space-empires struggle for domination. This is space opera in the best sense: a combination of high-stakes adventure with a strong focus on ideas and characters whose fate an intelligent reader can care about.”
“In Conquest Born’ is the monumental science fiction epic that received unprecedented acclaim and launched C.S. Friedman’s phenomenal career. A sweeping story of two interstellar civilizations locked in endless war, it was nominated for the John W. Campbell Award.”
“Space opera with brains.”