Pirate's Code

Shades of Starlight #2

by B.L. Dean

The fate of the galaxy depends on two reluctant heroes. Digger du Bois led the galaxy’s pirate armada until a recent coup left him marooned. But Digger has a trick up his sleeve—a coded map to a hidden arsenal. He’ll reclaim his position once he decodes the file, claims the weapons…and finds his way off this barren excuse for a planet. Hacker Reina Alcantar has escaped the revolutionaries who held her hostage, but she had to leave her family behind. Now she’s determined to return and save them. Exposing the revolutionaries in the process would be an added bonus. When Digger and Reina meet on a frontier outpost, they agree to work together—he’ll help free her family, she’ll solve his map. But when they reach the revolution’s base, the rebels and Reina’s family are gone. Evidence reveals the revolutionaries and the pirates are working together, and they also want the hidden weapons. Digger and Reina must decide if they’ll put aside their personal quests to join a larger fight before the groups incite full-out galactic war. The exciting space opera series continues, perfect for fans of Firefly and Star Wars .

Genres: Space Opera, Science Fiction

394 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2023

About the author

B.L. Dean grew up on a diet of Star Trek, Star Wars, and stargazing, so when she started writing books, it was no surprise that many of them were set in space. When she’s not writing, she can be found traveling, drinking tea, and watching science fiction shows. Though she lives in Texas with her husband, she remains a Southern California girl at heart.

Reviews

[Jason Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great continuation of the Shades of Starlight series. I love that the author mixes different main characters in this series. The MCs from the first book make an appearance, but the new stars of Digger and Reina make this story their own. Digger is an especially fun character to read. The plot continues to run with twists and turns that keep the story running to an explosive finale.

I loved the first book Rogue Pursuit, and Pirate's Code continues the entertaining ride. I'm really intrigued to see where this goes.

[Bethany Olin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation of this space opera. Digger & Reina are distinctly different characters from the first installment of Perrin & Tai.

The planets are as vibrant as they are different.

The romantic subplot is suitable for young adult readers. I love that Digger was more attracted to Reina’s cleverness than her appearance.

The plot’s progression demonstrating how Digger & Reina’s skills though opposite complement each other instilled a healthy theme for YA readers.

[Abby (Reader of Clean Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨

DIGGER DOES INDEED GET HIS OWN BOOK!!🎉🎉🎉

FYI, 90% of this review will revolve around Digger and his general awesomeness (I will probably be incoherently babbling about all the different things about him lol). To be honest, he’s the kind of guy I would avoid like the plague in real life. What does that tell you about my taste in book men? BUT I LOVE HIM ANYWAYS.🤭

Digger du Bois, the man that he is. There are so many things about him that I want to talk about, but I have no idea where to start!😭

I like Reina more than Perrin. There’s just something about her that’s better. She’s my second favorite character, right after Digger.

The scene where Digger was doing Reina’s hair? OMGOSH.🥰🫠 I sense more chemistry between Digger and Reina than I ever did with Tai and Perrin. THEY’RE SO STINKIN’ CUTEEEE!!

The Obsidian Force is a perfect example of “the ends do not justify the means.” They’re awful. Good villains though.

Digger and Reina were living rent free in my head for a few days after I finished this. But mostly Digger. I think I might be in love with Digger du Bois.

There was one part towards the end that had me absolutely terrified (I’m not gonna tell you what it was tho. No spoilers for you). I was so worried and scared.

DIGGER. DIGGER. DIGGER. He’s a secret gentleman (kinda), he’s so sweet and respectful to Reina! I feel like he’s kind of a bundle of contradictions lol. But aren’t we all?? He also talks like Jack Sparrow. HE’S GREAT AND AMAZING. I ABSO-ROOTIN-TOOTLY LOVE HIM.

Quotes!⬇️

“Every moment, you’re one decision away from being a hero or a villain. A hero or a coward. What you chose last time doesn’t matter. Or the last hundred times. Just what you do next. Simply because you haven’t been a hero in the past doesn’t mean you couldn’t be one now.”
(Page 18)

“That was the longest shower in the history of showers,” Digger said. “I shudder to think how dirty you must have been, and I sincerely hope you left a trickle of water for me.”
(Page 24)

“I don’t suppose they had chocolate?”
“I ate it all.”
He clutched his chest and gasped.
She grinned and shook her head. He was completely ridiculous. “Kidding. I only ate half. That bin’s full of food.”
(Page 83)

“My algorithm is…” She rattled off words he didn’t understand, and her lips twitched. “How does that sound?”
“Hm? What? Oh, I stopped listening.”
Reina’s smirk emerged. “Now you know how I feel listening to you.”
(Page 100)

“Hugh Jeego. You’re kidding me. That’s so obviously fake.”
“I thought it was rather accurate.” She glanced at him over her shoulder and raised her eyebrows.
He scowled.
(Page 102)

“What would you normally do if you were here, you know, for work?”
He snorted at the way she made his occupation sound so official. “Board meetings and writing reports.”
“Please don’t ever make me read a report you write. It would be three times as long as necessary.”
(Page 111)

“Surrender or die?”
“We don’t kill often. Dead people are useless.”
She rolled her eyes.
“What? They can’t work, can’t entertain you, can’t get you a ransom.”
(Page 114)

“Fine. If it keeps you talking in single words, it’s worth it.”
Shades help him, he was starting to enjoy it when she insulted him.
(Page 148)

“Money and weapons are nice if you’re talking about physical treasure, but only because of what they represent.”
“What’s that?”
“Power. The ability to take care of yourself, to get what you want, and ensure no one takes it.”
(Page 162)

“Trouble sure seems to follow you,” Perrin said.
Digger raised his hands. “This wasn’t my fault.”
“That’s what you said last time, too,” Reina pointed out.
“You keep blaming me, and yet you’ve also been present the whole time.”
(Page 180)

No. today he was hero-ing, not stealing.
(Page 255)

“You’re enjoying this, like you do all your plans. Ordering people around. Them obeying you. Don’t tell me you didn’t like it when she called you ‘sir.’”
(Page 265)

Digger stroked his chin. “I’ve always found power to be a relative concept. If the only people over whom you are able to exercise said power are, for example, innocent families with little means of fighting back, that hardly speaks to the grand reach of your influence.”
(Page 367)

[Gr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Light, fun potato chip YA SCIFI Space Opera.

Book 2 of the Shades of Starlight series was good, but I did not like it as much as the first book. There were just a few things that stretched my the believably.

It's still fun, with engaging and likable characters. I found the audio version at my library narrated by Sierra Kline. Sierra's narration was excellent and complimented the writing.

3.3 stars rounded down to 3 stars.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only problem I had with this book was that it was so good, I couldn’t put it down! The characters in this book were honest, intriguing, and fun. I enjoyed their adventures and was very invested in the outcomes. The worlds created by BL Dean were imaginative and delightful. How I longed to travel to some of them. Can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out!