Dubious Risks

Gate Ghosts #12

by S.H. Jucha

The conclave continually pressures the Imperium Empire by ousting peacekeepers and Radag mercenaries from imperial territories. This interdicts resources bound for Krackus worlds from the suborned races and exacerbates Imperium distribution protocols.On Jegstrat, a populous Krackus world, declining grain shipments lead to favoring distribution to large companies. Saboteurs plan to slow production at Imperial Grains, the largest processing plant. The goal is to rebalance grain distribution, but the attack goes terribly awry, causing death and great damage.On the empire’s far side, the Liberation and its accompanying Trident squadrons deliver the next Helgart resident to the planet of Balgrade. The home world has a robust population, and the system offers rich resources. As such, large numbers of Krackus and Radags are widely distributed throughout the system.Captain Mila Pappas and Salus, a SADE, sail a traveler to reconnoiter the Balgrade home world. Mila makes the decision to drop planetside, and the pair’s tactics create chaos for Radag teams.With the Quellers relatively safe, Julien focuses on the races living on the far side of a Queller anomaly. His immediate goal is to meet with the Freiots. However, Utilimats intend to resist Julien’s visit with their warships.On the Krackus home world, Presiding Executor Gaketork’s efforts to convince the executors of the empire’s dire circumstances earn him the animosity of powerful individuals who believe the best thing for Imperium is to remove him from office — permanently.

Genres: Audiobook, Science Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

From my early years to the present, books have been a refuge. They’ve fueled my imagination. I’ve traveled to faraway places and met aliens with Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, Herbert, and Le Guin. I’ve explored historical events with Michener and Clavell, and I played spy with Ludlum and Fleming.

There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.

Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.

My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.

Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.

If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.

The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dubius Risks,” the twelfth installment in the Gate Series by S. H. Jucha, does not disappoint. As an ardent admirer of Mr. Jucha, I have relished every single one of his books. What captivates me the most are his intricate and enthralling characters. They are so well-developed and realistic that I feel as though they are my friends. It saddens me to realize that the series is nearing its end, and with it, my regular visits with these beloved friends.

I experienced this book as an audiobook from Audible, which runs for thirteen hours and thirty-three minutes. Nicole Poole, once again, excels in her narration, bringing the series to life with her exceptional performance.

[Bessda William · Rating 3 out of 5]

somewhat boring until chapter 12

somewhat boring until chapter 12, then the action starts and some of the old magic can be glimpsed. Almost gave up before then

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Another solid book in the Gate Ghost series. I have enjoyed each of the series Starting with the Silver Ships continuing on through with the Pyrean series. And now the Gate host series. I look for to the next book.

[David Sieglinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gate ghosts go 12

This book continues to tell a story of races overall wanting a better life and a government that doesn't lie or push their own personal agenda. Good storytelling, good characters,

[Roger D. Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alien society with earthly problems to be solved

Story continues with unique problem solving that could help our present society. Imaginative situations with real world solutions. Enjoy as our heroes solve the problems that we can't.

[Bob Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxiously await each book

This book had a number of entertaining sub stories but none more fun to read than the escapades of fearless Mila and her SADE Salus. I wouldn’t want to play poker with Mila.

[Joy Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Ships books a great read!

Every sci fi fan should read these books. I loved following the characters through the many adventures. Great writing and believable heros.

[Craig Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to review a book when I just finish it yet can scarcely recall what happened. Actually, that’s a pretty faithful review.