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Kris Longknife #9.5
Welcome Home / Go Away
Kris Longknife is back home from her galactic adventures, but her entire Fleet of Discovery has been annihilated. Now, humanity finds itself at war with an alien race more monstrous than anyone could have possibly imagined.
General Terrance “Trouble” Tordon, Kris’s great-grandfather, is given the task of calming the panicked politicians, some of whom blame Kris for the disaster and would like to eliminate the ever bothersome Commander Longknife.
But as “Trouble” struggles to defend his Kris, the level of uncertainty among the civilians leads to more panic and a rush to judgment that makes him believe that he’s facing a fight he’s bound to lose…
General Terrance “Trouble” Tordon, Kris’s great-grandfather, is given the task of calming the panicked politicians, some of whom blame Kris for the disaster and would like to eliminate the ever bothersome Commander Longknife.
But as “Trouble” struggles to defend his Kris, the level of uncertainty among the civilians leads to more panic and a rush to judgment that makes him believe that he’s facing a fight he’s bound to lose…
155 pages, ebook
First published September 25, 2012
About the author
Mike Shepherd
79 books567 followersA pseudonym used by Mike Moscoe.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 18, 2016
Nothing earthshattering here. Which isn't a bad thing as it's only a novella. This gives us a bit from the perspective of the folks back home just prior to Kris' return to human space. Frankly, no real revelations. Well, maybe confirmation for things I assumed were going on. Personally, not worth the ~$3 but I'm not going to actually complain about it.
May 10, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
A nice look at the end of Daring but from a different perspective: Kris' grandfather Trouble. We get a nice view into the great relationship that Ruth and Trouble share as well as their concern for Kris and her well being. This is also a bridge that explains how Kris ends up in "Siberia" and separated from her friends and Jack in the next book, Furious.This is a short novella but meaty enough to be worth the read. It will give more insight into Trouble as well as how deep King Ray has his head buried in the political machine. The theme of the book is that Ruth's love saved Trouble but when Ray lost his wife Rita, he lost too much of his humanity at the same time.
April 8, 2015
This is book nine and half or a novella in the Longknife series. It comes right after “Daring” book number nine. You must read these books in order otherwise you are lost.
This is a background novella telling what problems Kris’s family has been caused by her battle with the aliens. The novella focuses on Kris’s great grandfather General “Trouble” Tordon. He has been tasked with the job of calming the panicked politicians, who blame Kris for the disaster and pending war. The want to court marshal Kris for Crimes against humanity.
The book looks at the ending of “Daring” book number nine from a different point of view than from Kris’s. It is great to get a boarder insight into the politics of Wardhaven and the plants of human space.
The book is well written and this story provides some back story to some of the other characters. The question I have is can grandpa Trouble help save Kris or not? I enjoyed learning more about great grandma Ruth and great grandpa Trouble. We first met Ruth when Kris went to New Eden, Ruth was teaching at the college. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Dina Pearlman did an excellent job narrating the book.
This is a background novella telling what problems Kris’s family has been caused by her battle with the aliens. The novella focuses on Kris’s great grandfather General “Trouble” Tordon. He has been tasked with the job of calming the panicked politicians, who blame Kris for the disaster and pending war. The want to court marshal Kris for Crimes against humanity.
The book looks at the ending of “Daring” book number nine from a different point of view than from Kris’s. It is great to get a boarder insight into the politics of Wardhaven and the plants of human space.
The book is well written and this story provides some back story to some of the other characters. The question I have is can grandpa Trouble help save Kris or not? I enjoyed learning more about great grandma Ruth and great grandpa Trouble. We first met Ruth when Kris went to New Eden, Ruth was teaching at the college. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Dina Pearlman did an excellent job narrating the book.
May 31, 2019
Author Mike Shepherd brings us a side tale to the Kris Longknife saga as her ship the Wasp returns for a voyage of discovery. One of Kris's great-grandafthers a old solder nicknamed Trouble finds out that Kris has returned and that she and Vicky Pertwald are safe. But the king calls Trouble to his office to speak with him about what they should and he also being one of Kris's great-grandafthers has a choice that he has to make. That choice sends him right into Kris's crosshairs because of the weapons that they sent her out with and the fact that they ran into an alien armada that will turn their attention onto both the Iteeche Empire and the U.S. This is a great short novella and one that I highly recommend picking up.
March 15, 2025
Ruth & Trouble in cahoots…
I started reading book 10, Furious before I remembered that this novella existed. So I quickly read this & of course am quite happy that I did!
Other than the nice but very strong lady who was kidnapped & beaten in an earlier book we haven’t learned much about Kris’s Grandpa Trouble aka General Tordon or his wife Ruth. So here we get a glimpse into what makes them tick that better prepares us to understand what they do for Kris in Furious. I definitely recommend reading this book before you read Furious!
I started reading book 10, Furious before I remembered that this novella existed. So I quickly read this & of course am quite happy that I did!
Other than the nice but very strong lady who was kidnapped & beaten in an earlier book we haven’t learned much about Kris’s Grandpa Trouble aka General Tordon or his wife Ruth. So here we get a glimpse into what makes them tick that better prepares us to understand what they do for Kris in Furious. I definitely recommend reading this book before you read Furious!
April 15, 2019
A look behind the scenes.
February 24, 2023
3 stars.
Feb 2023 - re-listened. I still have to go and find the stories of the elders. But Ray does seem to have become more of a politician these days.
_________
April 2021
This is a novella giving some insights of what was happening on Wardhaven when news of Kris's fight with the new aliens from Daring arrived. It looks like grandpa Trouble and grandma Ruth are the only ones who support what Kris had to do. Grandpa King Ray is head deep in politics and just wanted to exile Kris away from Wardhaven asap, without even the support of Jack or Penny.
I understand there are stories of these elders on the Iteeche war, I guess I'll get to them when I've caught up in this series. :)
Feb 2023 - re-listened. I still have to go and find the stories of the elders. But Ray does seem to have become more of a politician these days.
_________
April 2021
This is a novella giving some insights of what was happening on Wardhaven when news of Kris's fight with the new aliens from Daring arrived. It looks like grandpa Trouble and grandma Ruth are the only ones who support what Kris had to do. Grandpa King Ray is head deep in politics and just wanted to exile Kris away from Wardhaven asap, without even the support of Jack or Penny.
I understand there are stories of these elders on the Iteeche war, I guess I'll get to them when I've caught up in this series. :)
October 12, 2012
This is a novelette set in the time after Daring, while Kris and her beaten up Wasp and crew were limping their way back home. Told mostly from the point of view of her Grandfather Trouble it is a departure from the action and humor of the novels. As usual Kris is in trouble for things she did, things she was supposed to do but that her other grandfather - King Ray is going to hang her out to dry for. As Trouble tries to interceede for Kris with the dire news from the "front" that is coming in there is increasing dismay and unrest from the civilian population who think that just by wishing it away there won't be a war. A very short Novella and a bit of a different presentation but it fills in a bit of a gap before Furious is released
February 20, 2013
This novella was much better than his other one in this series. While I would have loved to have seen more of the primary character of this series, the look behind the scenes at the people who move her around on the chessboard was very interesting. Rather than feeling like a minor writing exercise by the author to appease the fans between books this one felt like he actually put some effort and work into it, and I appreciate that extra work. Rather than simply being filler that provides a little bit of back story, this one actually adds real value to the series, and I have never been happier with a purchase. This novella is a worthy addition to the series, and a welcome piece in my library.
October 22, 2012
This “companion novella” takes place between Kris Longknife – Daring and the upcoming Kris Longknife – Furious. It is not a fantastic piece but serves as a good way to bring readers up to date. The story focuses on General “Trouble” Tordon, one of Kris’s great-grandfathers, and his involvement in the events on her homecoming from the mission in Daring.
Note: Shepherd has previously written about our heroine’s great-grandfather Raymond under his real name, Mike Moscoe.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1590
Note: Shepherd has previously written about our heroine’s great-grandfather Raymond under his real name, Mike Moscoe.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1590
March 29, 2017
I have to admit, I read this in the bath. On my new Kindle Paperwhite, to make matters worse (well, it was cheaper than my iPad if I dropped it!). Anyhow, I finished it in one sitting, by which time the water was cold.
This novella re-tells the ending of Daring, but from the point of view of Grandpa Trouble on Wardhaven. It gives an interestingly different perspective from the normal Kris POV, and an insight into the politics and machinations that go on behind the scenes. I hope Mike writes more of these - it's been a fun little diversion. :)
This novella re-tells the ending of Daring, but from the point of view of Grandpa Trouble on Wardhaven. It gives an interestingly different perspective from the normal Kris POV, and an insight into the politics and machinations that go on behind the scenes. I hope Mike writes more of these - it's been a fun little diversion. :)
May 22, 2014
This is a rare look at the world of Kris Longknife from a third party perspective, that of Grandpa Trouble. It also bridges the gap with the prequel series (Jump Universe).
As a short story, this doesn't even have a plot, it just explains how Trouble and King Ray react to Kris' return from the battle in #9.
Really, this should have been included as a prologue to #10.
All that said, it's well written and adds insight to the story arc.
As a short story, this doesn't even have a plot, it just explains how Trouble and King Ray react to Kris' return from the battle in #9.
Really, this should have been included as a prologue to #10.
All that said, it's well written and adds insight to the story arc.
May 23, 2016
A short little palette cleanser from some of my recent books. This novella fills in a little of the backstory of the Kris Longknife series. Told from a different perspective than normal, mostly from her grandparents point of view (mostly General Trouble). It was interesting to see how the events of the latest book played out from another perspective. Nothing significant happens in this book but it was fun to spend a little more time in this world.
November 2, 2012
This short novella worked fine as a segue into Furious. Told from grandpa Trouble's point of view, it gets you into the right kind of mind for the followup. You don't have to read it to enjoy Furious but I did.
May 10, 2014
A quick little side jaunt int he Longknife saga brings us more background into General Trouble and 'Gramma Trouble'. A quick read at only 85 pages, this short story gives us insight into the fracturing Longknife alliance and sets the reader up for further adventures.
August 11, 2014
Decent enough, though completely impenetrable if you aren't familiar with the series, including the prequel. Fundamentally the issue is that this should have been folded into Daring and much of that novel excised.
January 19, 2016
Good trouble story. I really enjoyed this short story from a different point of view during this time frame. It was a enjoyable read that was worth a read and it shows what was happening during the time of the last book and it was a nice look inside a different part of the world.
December 12, 2023
Well! Hmm.... Most of this is just a repeat of what happened in 'Daring', but boy did Grandpa Ray (the politicking king) screw Kris over at the end! I think I may just skip this book the next time I listen to the series. (sigh)
September 20, 2017
This little novella was an interesting change of view - this time we see things from General Trouble's POV. Adds a little light to why and how the king chose to exile Kris to the space equivalent of Siberia. I hope that her surviving staff gets to follow and join her in exile.
September 26, 2012
Better than the last novella, and a great intro to next month's Furious.
October 2, 2012
Short quick reading novella that fills information between the lines for the last and next books in the series. Only for those who have been reading along.
May 26, 2014
While this book doesn't stand on its own, it fits well into the series, with some character development that's due.
April 12, 2013
All of his books in this series are amazing! love them! Incredibly visceral characters and inordinately detailed action and worlds!
February 22, 2014
Very short. Worth reading if you are into the series.
February 26, 2014
I've gone 5 stars because for what it is, it's perfect - a little vignette for seeing the goings on at home as Kris prepares to drop her evil aliens bombshell. Short and sweet.
July 23, 2014
Short, and short on substance.
January 31, 2015
Very little Kris in this one, but a lot of detail on various VIPs that are often giving her orders and causing trouble.
November 15, 2015
Great!!
When is the rest of the story coming?? Hurry up,we're waiting!!! I can't help being impatient, I am retired and waiting for the story to continue!!!
When is the rest of the story coming?? Hurry up,we're waiting!!! I can't help being impatient, I am retired and waiting for the story to continue!!!
October 6, 2016
Novella
Reread Sept 2016
Reread Sept 2016
November 7, 2012
I didn't get anything interesting from this book, but it was OK
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews