Salvage

by Robin Blackwell

Three years ago, Corel Lifaneyer was part of a four person team who battled in massive Paladin mech units to beat back invading aliens from the Sirius solar system. They won, but not without great cost. Suffering from mostly invisible wounds, Corel disappeared, content to fade into obscurity. Now, he works in a junkyard, salvaging parts of old warships that he identifies too much with and making the best of his life, having lost contact with his old friends and fellow pilots. That is, until the Earth Space Command pulls him from his retirement and reunites him with his Paladin, Vanquisher, in order to embark on an exploratory mission into Dog space. They say another attack might be coming, and either Corel fights again, or they’ll use one of the more severely injured pilots. Working with a new Admiral, Althair Feras, outside the chain of command and away from the relative safety of Earth’s solar system, can Corel repair the invisible injuries left from the first war in time to survive the fight that’s coming? Salvage is a fade-to-black romantic military sci-fi adventure with an implied power exchange dynamic between the two main characters and a guaranteed happily ever after.

173 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2023

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not good at writing reviews, but I wanted to have on record how much I enjoyed this book. I was immediately drawn in. In fact I had trouble putting it down. What Corel was going through hooked me and I needed to know more. The story unfolded with perfect pacing. Never rushed. Never slow. I adored all the characters. Just a really sweet, adventure, emotional journey, and romance to watch unfold.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent romantic sci fi adventure

But Corel has severe PTSD, and the story may be difficult for some people to read. And the method of ending the war is one I hope humans are never forced to use. Dr Feras is great and often lightens up a rather grim story. I liked Corel, an injured man doing what he has to, and Althair, the man who decides to help.

[MaryK · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. The story starts well but falls apart as it progresses. The military structure is simplistic, and the romance is completely unconvincing.