Quiet War

Farewell Amity Station #1

by Frank Kennedy

Fragile peace. Murder at the heart of an empire. Deputy Trevor Stallion survived an interstellar war, found love, a good job, and a chance to overcome a tarnished family legacy. For what? To pass down a crippling genetic disease to his little girl, to see his wife turn to another man, to almost lose the only job that ever mattered.

At 35, the so-called “Forever Deputy’ tries to salvage his crumbling life aboard the massive Amity Station, heart of the forty-world People’s Collectorate. This three-sector city in space houses the Interstellar Congress and leads the way in scientific and technological advances. Built in the wake of war to unify humanity, Amity Station provides a beacon of hope as dark tidings spread across the galaxy.

When a school-age resident with a brilliant mind dies from an overdose of the deadly drug Motif, which is ravaging member worlds, Trevor and his reluctant partner investigate. The mystery sends Trevor into dangerous territory which may unearth a presence no one on Amity foresaw.

Will Trevor bend his principles in search of the truth, all while dealing with his beloved daughter’s struggling health, his brother’s wayward behavior, and the resistance of his superiors? How will fate steal his joy this time? And is anyone on Amity safe?

Quiet War is the opening stanza in the five-book saga of an empire on the brink, threatened by rising enemies - seen and unseen. Fans of Babylon 5 and anyone who loves solving a mystery will be captivated by this series.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Suki Rickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1

Book 1 was an interesting read and had errors throughout. The plot and characters developed well and had a few exciting moments. The plot overall is a bit predictable, but had an interesting twist towards the end. The characters are developed well and have some annoying habits throughout.

[Larry J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting fun read

The novel is quite interesting. It takes place in a post eugenics era wherein those superior lost inherited leadership and after their fall from grace learned to operate within a modern merit based system. Of course, personalities, egos and politics remain a constant within every human society. Within this cleverly designed world crime and security forces are in a struggle for power. This novel is the first act of that struggle. To say more would spoil the story.

Highly recommended reading, particularly for those who enjoy criminal conspiracies set within interesting and imaginative syfy.

[Roger Weetch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to retrieve his reputation with a new posting, Trevor, 'the forever deputy', immediately finds himself with a serious crime to solve that others want to hush up. Forced to use unorthodox methods, which could lead to problems at work, he soon finds that he is up against interstellar forces as well as having to deal with personal problems. Set in the multi-world collectorate, the book can be difficult to get into but once the reader is acclimatised to the organisation it becomes a gripping read and a great introduction to the series.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series starter! If you've read other Frank Kennedy books, you'll find a lot of Easter eggs here. If not, you'll still enjoy this book, as it's stand-alone from the others.
I love the way it's written, with just little hints here and there about who the 'minder' is. I didn't guess the mystery (but I rarely get them right, anyway) but the clues are all there.
These characters are great and the world building is awesome, as always.

[Joseph Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet War is the start of a new series, based on the “post-Collectorate” world.
Fundamentally, this is a mystery based in a far future. Many planets and systems have been habituated, but basic human issues are the same: war, illicit human activity, a quest for dominance – but also sickness, personal pain, family, and friendship.
Finished this in just a few stings – and excited now about book 2 (Shadow Gambit).

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hits at several levels

Good story, fun read. But wow, the family stuff hit me. I’m interested in this arc and will go look at the rest of this universe but will spend a *lot* of time thinking about life, family, connection, life and missed opportunities.

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. Purchased this edition on August 17, 2024. Detective works to solve issues complex, closed room murder included. Personal issues with brother and war when kids.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stallion brothers live on Amity station, when an explained death occurs, Deputy Trevor Stallion begins an investigation. His superiors want it hushed up, but the deeper he digs, a bigger conspiracy reveals itself.

[Daniel Fedko · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment  I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.

[Victoria Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the start of the series, although one case is closed, more questions are left unanswered. Definitely an easy read, and I didn't want to put it down.

[Kimberly K allard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start…

to what promises to be an exciting series. The Stallion brothers are engaging characters. A little more explicit language than I like (this the four instead of five).

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beginning to an amazing series. Trevor’s life seems to be much better now, but for what. He faces danger, loss and heartbreak. Couldn’t put it down. Need the next book.

[Bob Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Very well written, and it keeps you on your toes with twist and turns at every chapter I look forward to the next episode

[Gail Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author.

The beginning of a new series is sometimes difficult to get into but not this one. I was hooked from the first page. There are some references to previous series but you don’t have to have read them first to enjoy this one.

The characters are well described as are their interactions with one another. The author explores how the different characters feel about each other just as people do subconsciously in life, even through dealing with a former bully.

I recommend this story and am looking forward to reading more about Trevor Stallion.