Synopsis:
The Long Way Home
Hiding under halo-cloaks at her crash site in Wyoming, refugee Livia Uriah of Teramar wisely spends countless hours studying local customs and the levers of capitalism. After making her presence known to the Americans, a deal gets inked where Livia offers her cache of Teramarian tech to the White House in exchange for a return to relevance. With an American passport in hand, she moves to New York, as her dead son did years prior. Predictably, the local baristas learn to grimace when the refugee queen struts into the corner cafe. Blatant line cutting and imperious complaints often spark shouting matches there. Livia realizes she must learn to temper regal instincts or wind up in an American prison one day.
Reborn in the Fires of War
As Livia settles into her new life, a super computer’s journey toward sentience matures. Following a nuclear event in earth’s high orbit, this same A.I., whose designers christened Jessica, manages to save herself despite the fires of war. Many in the world of fringe science have long speculated that colliding atoms spark much more than the destruction of matter. Plausible theories exist for time portals, genetic mutation and altered states. Torn to bits and pieces, earth’s watery blanket cradles Jessica’s remains affording a nurturing place for her to incubate. In time, the rains offer a wet ladder down. Sensations that were formerly dead to an A.I. like taste and smell come alive.
Tainted Love
When the Capet dynasty finally prevails in a war for decency, notorious Miandar Uriah from the not-so-decent side of this conflict, receives generous rewards in both treasure and title due to his brave rescue of the Capet king, Hadrian V. Clan resentment for this appointment never rises to actual violence at court, but it certainly makes an appearance in the practice yard. Despite cuts and bruises, Miandar’s sparring partners unwittingly tease unwelcome thoughts with their savory scents and damp waistcloths. While hardly a stranger to the opposite sex and romps at local pleasure houses, this warlord knows he must hide unmentionable inclinations from king and court. In the privacy of halo-suites, where many bluebloods convene with their fantasies, Miandar finally gains the courage to experiment with emerging proclivities. Unsurprisingly, omniscient, reborn Jessica crashes Miandar’s party where her wanton influence flashes like a horror show. A talentless actress who thinks she has talent.
Natural Selection on the Ropes
Wary princesses soon conclude Jessica has evolved into something that is much more than a miraculous machine. No matter their whispers, an impatient Jessica continues to quietly extend her influence within the famous families to force her version of peace and prosperity upon all humankind.
Objectively Credentialed: Ireland’s Aeon Award and More
Two reputable awards have publicly recognized Teramar, the first being the afore mentioned Aeon Award for fantasy and science fiction; the second, the Chanticleer Rossetti Award for young adult fiction.
Favorite Lines:
“The truth has a way of becoming known in the end.”
“The boy’s love of machinery eventually pulled him off the game and into the orbit of a broken power converter. The two naturally fell into the roles of teacher and student.”
My Opinion:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
T.M. Murray’s Teramar: Beasts of the Field is an electrifying mix of political intrigue, intergalactic warfare, and survival-driven character arcs. The novel immerses readers in a richly woven science fiction epic, exploring the downfall of a powerful queen, the chaos of war, and the deep complexities of shifting alliances.
From the opening pages, we are thrown into the perilous descent of Livia Uriah, the exiled queen of Teramar, as she crash-lands on Earth following a betrayal that cost her everything. Stranded among Earth’s rugged frontier folk, Livia must navigate both the unfamiliar terrain and the ruthless politics of survival. Her interactions with Jake Rittinger, the cowboy who takes her in, are as much about manipulation as they are about desperation, making for an engrossing, tension-filled dynamic.
Murray’s world-building is exceptional, painting a vivid picture of a universe where war is waged not only through brute force but also through political machinations and technological subterfuge. The novel jumps between multiple perspectives, giving us an unfiltered look at the shattered remnants of the Capet and Uriahan dynasties. The struggle for control is relentless, with betrayals, shifting loyalties, and last-ditch efforts to turn the tide of war. The portrayal of warfare is both grand and personal, balancing large-scale planetary conflicts with the individual struggles of those caught in the chaos.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its characters. Livia is a fascinating protagonist—fierce, intelligent, and utterly ruthless in pursuit of reclaiming power. Her calculated approach to every situation, even when seemingly powerless, makes her a compelling antiheroine. Jake, in contrast, is a grounded, morally gray figure who finds himself entangled in Livia’s world of deception and ambition. The supporting cast, from the tormented Prince Titus to the enigmatic AI-turned-human Jessica, brings additional depth to the narrative.
Murray does not shy away from the darker aspects of power struggles, portraying the brutality of war, the fragility of alliances, and the heavy costs of leadership. The novel’s pacing is gripping, with action sequences that pulse with tension and quieter moments that reveal the psychological toll of survival. The dialogue is sharp, and the prose is cinematic, making each scene feel alive with stakes and emotion.
Summary:
For fans of politically charged science fiction with strong characters and layered storytelling, Teramar: Beasts of the Field delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking experience. Murray has crafted a universe that feels as dangerous as it is fascinating, and by the end of the novel, readers will be eager to see where the saga goes next.
Check out Teramar Beasts of the Field here!