Star Blade

When aliens invade Las Vegas, one man is thrust into a battle beyond imagination, fighting the terrifying shock troops of a sprawling galactic empire. To protect a terrified child, he seizes the strange weapon of a fallen hero—an ancient, sentient sword—and is catapulted far into the future with no way back. Now trapped in an alien world, he must master the sword's mysterious power and navigate a deadly game of political intrigue. But time is running out for humanity.

Jake Fox wrestles free of Sotalorian politics to return home and learn what really happened to Earth. The only people he trusts are rebels, outcasts, and a starship that should have been scrapped decades ago. The sentient weapon he captured from his defeated rival is a dangerous burden, and the viceroy seems to have turned against him. All is not well for the only Star Blade. He uses the last of his influence to secure pardons for his friends, which are quickly rescinded by the Emperor's political machine, forcing them to run.

When a new Srack overlord ambushes Jake and his apprentices, they are served a painful lesson in humility. Only the timely arrival of Vilak, The One Who Vanishes, saves their lives, and that isn't going to work twice. The fate of Earth, Calden, and several other planets is at stake. Fortunately, the events of the past have provided a plan for the future. All they must do is find four ancient weapons and pass a series of tests on the Ulniiri homeworld. Then the real fighting can begin.