Book cover of 'Templar of Archaea' by Caleb Franklin displayed on a tablet, smartphone, and hardcover edition, featuring a knight with a red cape before a fantasy landscape with a tall castle.

The Doomed Empire Saga

Redemption is a costly commodity. It’s time to pay the price.

Series Information

Series
The Doomed Empire Saga
Author
Primary Genre
Military Science Fiction
Secondary Genre
Science Fantasy
Books in Series
1 Published / Additional Books Planned
Series Status
Ongoing
Series Type
Continuing Military Science-Fiction and Fantasy Saga
Reading Order
Books Should Be Read in Publication Order
First Book
Main Characters
Augen and Emperor Alexander
Target Audience
Adult Military Science Fiction and Science Fantasy Readers
Setting
The planet Archaea and the Golden Empire, a richly developed civilization where ancient traditions, religion, advanced technology, augmented soldiers, sprawling cities, and devastating warfare collide
Core Themes
Redemption, duty, forgiveness, trauma, sacrifice, leadership, war, personal responsibility, survival, and the rise and fall of empires
Popular Tropes
Wounded reluctant hero, augmented soldier, crumbling empire, war-torn civilization
Publisher

The Golden Empire was built on conquest. Now it teeters on the edge of annihilation.

Rapid change and rising conflict grip the planet Archaea. As old powers fracture and new ideologies clash, the very fabric of society begins to tear at the seams. Through a volatile mix of fate and personal choice, Augen finds himself on the distant battlefield against a dangerous and cunning foe. Physically augmented and outfitted with the blessings and weapons of the Golden Empire, the young warrior seems well equipped to bring purpose to his own life and death to his enemies. Or is he?

Augen’s battles are not only against enemies on the front lines or his own arrogant commander, but with the remnants of his shattered past. Tossed into the fires of a bloody conflict from the wreckage of personal tragedy, he must learn to forgive himself and confront the darkness tormenting him within. If he cannot reconcile with the memories haunting him, they may lead him straight into the arms of death – a presence that lurks around every corner.

As the world unravels, what does redemption truly cost—and what decides who is worthy of it? Can an imperfect man rise to become a symbol of salvation, or will he become another casualty etched into the forgotten margins of history? When the smoke clears and the war ends, will there be anything left of a once-thriving empire or the Templar of Archaea who dared to fight for it?

Archaea is a fascinating world that blends ancient traditions, religion, technology, augmented soldiers, large cities, war, and a rich culture into one intriguing melting pot. What gives this novel its dramatic impact is not only the battles and machines of war, but the focus on characters torn between their sense of duty and their personal challenges. Augen’s character is imperfect but genuine - an archetype of the wounded, reluctant hero. Simultaneously, Emperor Alexander’s leadership fatigue and mental turmoil force him to confront his own inner demons. Their profound character development will completely draw readers into this world and the characters’ personal struggles.

PRAISE FOR THE DOOMED EMPIRE SAGA

  • The characters are well-developed and execute their roles flawlessly. The pacing was fast enough to keep me on edge as I read, with different plot twists that made it more unpredictable.

    — Mary Clarke for Readers’ Favorite


  • Templar of Archaea is a powerful, heavy, and at times unsettling story that will resonate with readers who enjoy gritty, morally complex fantasy. If you like your worlds grim and your heroes flawed, this book will be right up your alley.

    — Literary Titan

  • “This was a strong start to the series and left me wanting to read more in this series.”

    — Goodreads Reader Review

Awards & Recognition

The Doomed Empire Saga has earned early recognition for its ambitious blend of military science fiction, epic fantasy, political conflict, and character-driven storytelling. Templar of Archaea, the first novel in Caleb Franklin's saga, has received recognition from Literary Titan and a Five-Star Review from Readers’ Favorite.

Award Name Year What It Was For
Literary Titan Book Award 2025 Templar of Archaea — Literary Book Award recognition for Caleb Franklin's military science-fiction and fantasy novel
Readers’ Favorite Five-Star Review 2025 Templar of Archaea — Five-Star Editorial Review for its science-fiction worldbuilding, action, character development, and military conflict
A silver coin with five stars and text that reads 'Readers' Favorite Five Stars', featuring a stylized heart and laurel branches.
Black and silver badge with the text "Literary Tank Book Award" and five stars at the top, surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Books in The Doomed Empire

Author

Caleb Franklin

A fluent reader at an unusually young age, Caleb has more than a little promise in the writing department. The seeds of the world he has built were planted in high school drawings and writing the story in college. Now a history teacher, he seamlessly brings historical elements into a fantasy/sci-fi realm.

A young man in a black suit and tie smiling outdoors with trees and a white fence behind him.