The Paladin Chronicles is a space-faring adventure story set in the near future and it was written as a tribute to the great science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein. Its target audience is readers who enjoyed the works of Heinlein, Asimov, Clarke, and other writers of their genre. The Earth is facing invasion by fierce cold-blooded killers and its only chance for survival is to ally itself with a little known group of space-traveling Earthlings: The Paladins.

The Paladin Chronicles

B.W. Philpot
Outskirts Press (2006)
ISBN 1598005502
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (11/06)


In their search for knowledge the Elders find life on other planets.  They find that most planets are inhabited by primitive reptilian species.  The Zillians were an “advanced reptilian species that exhibited traits of a civilized and structured society.”  The Zillians realized that the Elders had superior technology.  It became their goal to gather that technology and conquer the Elders.  The Zillians succeed in their plan and forced the Elders to cooperate. The few Elders that managed to escape tried to assist other planets.  The Elders realized that Earth was inhabited by intelligent humanoids that were ”capable of disciplined warfare and had developed primitive space flight and possessed nuclear weapons.”

The Elders formed a plan, they would take infants from earth and train them to be superior warriors, they would teach them and give them superhuman powers.  “This group would be known as the Paladins and their allegiance would be to the Elders.”  But like in most well thought out plans, not all went well.  A virus nearly destroyed Earth and many of the Paladins.  The Elders believe the deadly virus was part of an attack planned by the Zillans.

The Elders and Paladins make an effort to rebuild society on Earth.  But soon know that there is too much resistance to their presence there.  Standing alone, the Paladins plan the defeat of the Zillians.  “Paladins, the time of our destiny is at hand.  You all know your duty and you all know your place in the plans that have been made.  Bow your respect to the Elders and go with me now.  May you meet our destiny without fear.”

When the Zillans attack Earth, the Paladins and Earthlings work together to ward off their enemy.

Ridi tries hard to gain her father’s approval but always feels she has fallen short.  She is the pilot of a warship.  Lensil and Ridi have been friends for many years. Once they had mind-synched, without permission, linking in way they had never anticipated.  After 18 years of being stationed in a remote area Lensil returns to the Domain. 

His feelings for Ridi are rekindled but he doubts they can ever marry.  Lensil is unorthodox as he pushes limits.  He captures a Zillian and makes an unauthorized trip to Earth, returning with a dog.  Now he’s sent on a mission along with Ridi and Dr. Grosset. How can he possibly keep the dog and Zillans a secret?

So the adventure begins.  This is Science Fiction at it’s finest.  The plot is well developed.  Mr. Philpot has offered up a fine read with a bit of everything: intrigue, romance, technology, action and adventure.  Bringing Earth in made the plot much more intersecting than if the author had named another fictional planet. It gave me something to relate too.  I found myself quickly turning the pages to see what would happen next.  The characters are well defined.  Ridi is strong, intelligent and a bit spoiled.  Lensil is intelligent, but tends to be a wildcard.  Together they are perfect.  The cover promises a galactic battle and it isn’t deceiving.  The print is a good size. I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy science fiction, romance, action, and political intrigue.  This is a rare find.  Well-done Mr. Philpot!