Setting an original story in the world of the Twilight Imperium games is a difficult task. An author can go one of two directions: go all in and try to encompass every bit of lore and politics this sprawling game offers, or zoom in on one small, isolated story. In VOICE OF ONE, Tristan Palmgren does the latter. And while there's plenty of Twilight Imperium lore scattered throughout, this novel shows that this setting has more than enough space for personal, human stories.

Sil is a member of the L1Z1X Mindnet: the cybernetically-enhanced hivemind of beings what remains of the Lazax. But something strange has happened: Sil was found alive after a deadly crash, all cybernetic implants gone—replaced by a strange fungus spread by the being known as the Arborec. Normally, this fungus turns corpses into Dirzuga: zombie mouthpieces for the Arborec. But Sil is still Sil, even if there is now a smaller second voice weighing in on any thoughts. Still loyal to the Mindnet, Sil sets out on a journey of discovery. What is this new breed of fungus that leaves the mind and personality intact. How do other factions stand to benefit from controlling it? And, Sil's own fierce loyalty aside, are the L1Z1X Mindnet really in the right?

VOICE OF ONE manages to take Twilight Imperium's massive backstory and make it accessible to new readers. Even if you've never played the game, even if you don't know the deep lore of the Emirates of Acan or what makes the Yin Brotherhood tick, you can still appreciate this singular human story. It's a unique and dramatic identity crisis. Is Sil still Sil with the fungus? Without the implants? And considering how much time Sil spent withint he L1Z1X Mindnet, can we ever really know who Sil is? If this is the future of Twilight Imperium novels, it's a good one. These little human moments sparkle against the vast landscape of their source material.

Definitely one of a kind story with great characters. I will be reading this one again again and again ! Love it and the cover !!!

This review is a bit late.

I did not enjoy this, but I am sure others would.
To me it read like someone had read a textbook of astrophysics and neuroscience and threw in all they they knew.
Personally, I struggled with the idea that the main character had patches of fuzzy fungus all over them.
I read this because I had to. That being said, the last 20% I was interested to find out what would happen and was fairly disappointed.

All in all, I’m glad I’m done.
I think there are definite things to improve - there are ways of including science without it seeming like you’re throwing the whole book at the reader just to seem smart.
I hope you have caught all the sentences that don’t fully make sense and cleared them up, but as the book is out now, there is no point in writing them here.

★★★¾ | Voice of One by Tristan Palmgren

In this intriguing space opera set in the Twilight Imperium universe, Palmgren delivers a tale that's equal parts identity thriller and exploration of autonomy. Following Sil, a character whose mind houses memories that aren't her own, the novel weaves through complex territories of self-determination and loyalty with measured precision.

The story's strength lies in its careful balance of espionage elements with deeper philosophical questions about consciousness and free will. While the pacing occasionally meanders, particularly in the middle sections, the author's grasp of character development keeps the pages turning. The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, though some readers might find themselves wanting more detail about certain aspects of this vast universe.

What elevates this novel above standard tie-in fiction is its willingness to grapple with weighty themes while maintaining the entertainment value of a solid science fiction adventure. The protagonist's journey from cybernetic servitude to self-discovery hits more often than it misses, even if some plot threads don't quite reach their full potential.

Though not perfect, "Voice of One" stands as a compelling entry in the space opera genre that should satisfy both fans of the Twilight Imperium setting and newcomers alike. Those seeking a thoughtful exploration of identity within a science fiction framework will find plenty to appreciate here.

Voice of One is, by far, the best offering to date in the Twilight Imperium series of gaming tie-in novels. First person narrator Sil is a member of a technologically linked multi-species collective nation, for whom she works as an agent. She becomes infected by a fungal based multi-species collective, which destroys her technological link, while being unable to incorporate her into its own collective. Sil is suddenly an individual.

This is a book about identity, choices, and self realization. Sil isn't like able but she is well drawn and grapples intelligently and realistically with fundamental issues about herself and the entity she has had a lifelong connection on every level. This is also a story about loyalty and its conclusions, in an age that celebrates the individual, may be surprising.

Good intrigue, fun adventure, deeper writing than usual. Well done.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a free search in exchange for a fair review.