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Paladin #1
Paladin: Dauntless
The galaxy is a shattered, broken place.
The Terran Empire has been in decline for centuries, fighting wars against one rebellion after another. Meanwhile, all but forgotten by the inner worlds, the Fringe systems operate more or less independently. Skirmishes, banditry, and petty wars abound.
She woke with no memories, a stranger on a world she didn't know.
Lost, alone, and without any memories of where she came from, Kira finds herself on the desert planet Percival, in the most distant part of the Fringe. Taken in and healed by the kindness of strangers, she quickly realizes there’s more to her than meets the eye when raiders strike the town.
Kira is fast, strong, and fights like she was born for battle. Each combat feels like it awakens something sleeping inside her. She's is a warrior, but for whom did she fight? Determined to learn more about her past - and ensure the safety of those who helped her - Kira embarks on a perilous quest for answers.
But like most secrets, discovering the truth behind her past will lead Kira into ever more danger.
Each step she takes only deepens the mysteries around her past. Can she discover who she is? And when she does, will she want to know the truth at all?
The Terran Empire has been in decline for centuries, fighting wars against one rebellion after another. Meanwhile, all but forgotten by the inner worlds, the Fringe systems operate more or less independently. Skirmishes, banditry, and petty wars abound.
She woke with no memories, a stranger on a world she didn't know.
Lost, alone, and without any memories of where she came from, Kira finds herself on the desert planet Percival, in the most distant part of the Fringe. Taken in and healed by the kindness of strangers, she quickly realizes there’s more to her than meets the eye when raiders strike the town.
Kira is fast, strong, and fights like she was born for battle. Each combat feels like it awakens something sleeping inside her. She's is a warrior, but for whom did she fight? Determined to learn more about her past - and ensure the safety of those who helped her - Kira embarks on a perilous quest for answers.
But like most secrets, discovering the truth behind her past will lead Kira into ever more danger.
Each step she takes only deepens the mysteries around her past. Can she discover who she is? And when she does, will she want to know the truth at all?
- GenresScience Fiction
312 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2024
239 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Kevin O. McLaughlin
174 books143 followersWhen not practicing hobbies which include sailing, constructing medieval armor, and swinging swords at his friends, Kevin McLaughlin can usually be found in his Boston home. Kevin’s award-winning short fiction is now available in digital form at all major ebook retailers. He writes fantasy in settings both historical and contemporary, and science fiction in both the near and distant future.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 8, 2024
if the MC is supposed to be a super soldier, then let her be a super soldier.
Good storyline, plenty of mystery and intrigue. a likable MC, but there are inconsistencies in this story. The nanos and augments. That the MC has are supposed to be the best around so why is the MC going toe to toe with characters that she should be able to dispatch with one punch or maybe two. She should’ve been able to put the captain of the private tear on his butt, instead of fighting him almost to a stalemate. There are. A few other inconsistencies that I will not mention. Or else this review would be extremely long. good book will read the next one in the series if the author decides to write one.
Good storyline, plenty of mystery and intrigue. a likable MC, but there are inconsistencies in this story. The nanos and augments. That the MC has are supposed to be the best around so why is the MC going toe to toe with characters that she should be able to dispatch with one punch or maybe two. She should’ve been able to put the captain of the private tear on his butt, instead of fighting him almost to a stalemate. There are. A few other inconsistencies that I will not mention. Or else this review would be extremely long. good book will read the next one in the series if the author decides to write one.
December 7, 2024
Too soon...
Won't ruin ending, but as I went to turn digital page Review Book popped up....Nooooooooo
Ended way too soon.
Next one please.
Won't ruin ending, but as I went to turn digital page Review Book popped up....Nooooooooo
Ended way too soon.
Next one please.
March 12, 2026
No way to tell if this was a good story or not
A lot of people can probably just read the story as it is, But people like myself just can't get over the constant inconsistency.
She picked up a silver with a strange head, then the next paragraph it turns into pitch fork...
A guy reaches into a jacket and hands her a blaster , and suddenly she puts it into her holster on her hip... huh? Even if the guy took off the holster , it would have been a shoulder holster , not a hip holster but there's no mention of it. We have spaceships and colonizations of multiple star systems and yet vehicle backfires and the engine hums... On a moving scooter shoots the gun out of the hand of another man on a moving scooter coming toward her... That is some amazing nanotechnology, however, he then immediately somehow gets into a bike with 2 men that are supposed to be in a cab obviously fights them outside of the cab when do they get out?
Those are just a few of the multiple inconsistency in just the first quarter of the book , which is when I gave up trying to read it. Is it a good story? I guess I'll never know.
A lot of people can probably just read the story as it is, But people like myself just can't get over the constant inconsistency.
She picked up a silver with a strange head, then the next paragraph it turns into pitch fork...
A guy reaches into a jacket and hands her a blaster , and suddenly she puts it into her holster on her hip... huh? Even if the guy took off the holster , it would have been a shoulder holster , not a hip holster but there's no mention of it. We have spaceships and colonizations of multiple star systems and yet vehicle backfires and the engine hums... On a moving scooter shoots the gun out of the hand of another man on a moving scooter coming toward her... That is some amazing nanotechnology, however, he then immediately somehow gets into a bike with 2 men that are supposed to be in a cab obviously fights them outside of the cab when do they get out?
Those are just a few of the multiple inconsistency in just the first quarter of the book , which is when I gave up trying to read it. Is it a good story? I guess I'll never know.
December 7, 2024
Paladin: Dauntless is the first book in this new series, and it's a good one. Nanotech, Cyborgs (of a sort), space ships, a kickbutt heroine, and of course, the ever present political intrigue all adds up to make this one of the best books I've read this year. Great fun for scifi fans looking for an action packed adventure story. I'm certainly going to keep an eye out for more books in this series, This one's a keeper.
December 15, 2024
Fast paced and action filled.
From the first page I just inhaled this book. I picked it up and didn't put it back down til I'd read the last word. It was fast paced and action packed. Kira is an amazing character with an interesting and engaging cast of supporting characters. Kira is looking for the group that has been doing xmash and grab hits on the town she lives close. When she finds them what results isn't anything you'd expect which makes it especially interesting. Since I don't want to give anything away that's all I'll say except read this book, you'll be glad you did.
From the first page I just inhaled this book. I picked it up and didn't put it back down til I'd read the last word. It was fast paced and action packed. Kira is an amazing character with an interesting and engaging cast of supporting characters. Kira is looking for the group that has been doing xmash and grab hits on the town she lives close. When she finds them what results isn't anything you'd expect which makes it especially interesting. Since I don't want to give anything away that's all I'll say except read this book, you'll be glad you did.
December 15, 2024
Another hit
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
Another hit series by Kevin McLaughlin to add to your reading list! "Paladin" introduces the readers to a series quite unlike other authors. The story may start out the same, and the lead character sounds like other novels you've read, but this story is fresh and different from other books I've read lately. It will be worth your while to start this series. If you haven't read anything by Kevin McLaughlin, start with this book. If you've read Kevin's books, you'll know what I mean.
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
Another hit series by Kevin McLaughlin to add to your reading list! "Paladin" introduces the readers to a series quite unlike other authors. The story may start out the same, and the lead character sounds like other novels you've read, but this story is fresh and different from other books I've read lately. It will be worth your while to start this series. If you haven't read anything by Kevin McLaughlin, start with this book. If you've read Kevin's books, you'll know what I mean.
July 30, 2025
Excellent
And he actually kept me reading, not scanning... That's the biggest compliment I can pay any author. What a satisfying ending this book had. I'm almost afraid to read what might come next when it does... But a person as enhanced as she is would soon get bored with a quiet life on a farm.... And besides, we need to know her background to! After all, she just appears... From where!!! 🙂
And he actually kept me reading, not scanning... That's the biggest compliment I can pay any author. What a satisfying ending this book had. I'm almost afraid to read what might come next when it does... But a person as enhanced as she is would soon get bored with a quiet life on a farm.... And besides, we need to know her background to! After all, she just appears... From where!!! 🙂
March 7, 2026
I Got 2nd Book 1st
Well I'd been so happy reading the 2nd book that I just had to see how it all started. I don't believe that I've ever done that before. The structure of this story was such a great read and drew my interest so strong I just had to do it. I believe that you won't want to miss reading such a well put-together story. If wonderful science fiction is what you are looking for; you have found it here.
Well I'd been so happy reading the 2nd book that I just had to see how it all started. I don't believe that I've ever done that before. The structure of this story was such a great read and drew my interest so strong I just had to do it. I believe that you won't want to miss reading such a well put-together story. If wonderful science fiction is what you are looking for; you have found it here.
December 11, 2024
One of the best MC's to come out this year. Surrounding plot line had some rough edges but better than average. So I'm wanting more. Just as long as it keeps the quality instead of succumbing to the entropy of Anderle pulp fiction.
After thought - nice cover art EXCEPT she never did get to use or carry two pistols at once in the story.
After thought - nice cover art EXCEPT she never did get to use or carry two pistols at once in the story.
February 23, 2026
Intriguing with good hard working people & villains
Pirates, raiders, hard scrabble farmers, crafters, builders, pilots, starships, — where everyone works to contribute to the community's needs. Good plot. Good people. Bad guys.
Looking forward to the next.
Reminiscent of the Rehumanization of Jade Darcy.
Pirates, raiders, hard scrabble farmers, crafters, builders, pilots, starships, — where everyone works to contribute to the community's needs. Good plot. Good people. Bad guys.
Looking forward to the next.
Reminiscent of the Rehumanization of Jade Darcy.
December 5, 2024
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was not only military sci-fi but also a mystery about the main characters past with a good storyline and interesting character development
I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was not only military sci-fi but also a mystery about the main characters past with a good storyline and interesting character development
December 27, 2024
New Series
Great start to a new series! Great characters, interesting universe, good story, and most importantly, no cliffhanger! Looking forward to more adventures with our Paladin heroine.
Great start to a new series! Great characters, interesting universe, good story, and most importantly, no cliffhanger! Looking forward to more adventures with our Paladin heroine.
February 19, 2025
Awesome introduction to this series!
I am hooked and wanting more to read and I honestly think that you will, too. The story was exciting and interesting for me to enjoy reading and this author has yet be disappointing to this fan! Thank you Kevin McLaughlin for writing it. A fan!
I am hooked and wanting more to read and I honestly think that you will, too. The story was exciting and interesting for me to enjoy reading and this author has yet be disappointing to this fan! Thank you Kevin McLaughlin for writing it. A fan!
July 26, 2025
Formulaic Space western
That said, it's not bad. Not quite Louis L'Amour, but more Zane Gray. If you like that sort of writing, then you will probably enjoy this. I found it a bit simple and clichéd. But one can always hope.
That said, it's not bad. Not quite Louis L'Amour, but more Zane Gray. If you like that sort of writing, then you will probably enjoy this. I found it a bit simple and clichéd. But one can always hope.
April 20, 2026
amazing storyline, great characters add a little spice o
Of mystery to the story you’ve gotta read this for yourself. I love the main character, but then they have great offshoot characters also.
Of mystery to the story you’ve gotta read this for yourself. I love the main character, but then they have great offshoot characters also.
April 26, 2026
A good story overall but a lot of inconsistency. Like electric car backfires or having super nanotechnology but having trouble knocking out guys without it. Having very good medical equipment but not taking facial recognition and DNA of suspects. Probably read the next book
November 24, 2024
Great read
Very likable characters. Great story line. I could not put the book down. I can not wait for the next book to continue this series.
Very likable characters. Great story line. I could not put the book down. I can not wait for the next book to continue this series.
November 29, 2024
Prepublication extract (149 pages on kobo) from author
December 2, 2024
Captivating, as I could not put it down.
March 18, 2025
Lots of action
This was hard to put down! Loved the way the action keeps you from putting the book down. Looking for the next book in the series.
This was hard to put down! Loved the way the action keeps you from putting the book down. Looking for the next book in the series.
March 19, 2025
Great Sci Fiction!!
This was one of my favorite science fiction books. I hope there another book 2 soon. It kept me interested the whole time
This was one of my favorite science fiction books. I hope there another book 2 soon. It kept me interested the whole time
June 26, 2025
Fun and exciting!
Well written and fun, action and great plotline. I'm looking forward to more of this story. I hope the Paladin finds what she looking for.
Well written and fun, action and great plotline. I'm looking forward to more of this story. I hope the Paladin finds what she looking for.
July 2, 2025
Good reading!
Intriguing characters, fantastic heroine, enough twists in the story to hold my attention and want more to the story! Kevin McLaughlin is a Paladin himself.
Intriguing characters, fantastic heroine, enough twists in the story to hold my attention and want more to the story! Kevin McLaughlin is a Paladin himself.
August 16, 2025
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, read with the Alexa audio assist application.
September 9, 2025
A light in the day!
Kira dhes fun to read. Fast paced mistry has a place here also. I enjiyed this book and want more. Please
Kira dhes fun to read. Fast paced mistry has a place here also. I enjiyed this book and want more. Please
November 18, 2025
A fast living character that I hope to see again. My first time reading anything from this author, but plan to do so again.
February 23, 2026
Great read
Great read, second time I’ve read it. Needed to, since book 2 comes out tomorrow. Likable characters, fun fights, good plot. Totally enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
Great read, second time I’ve read it. Needed to, since book 2 comes out tomorrow. Likable characters, fun fights, good plot. Totally enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
February 20, 2025
I have to say that I quite liked this one.
Our heroine is found without memory on a rather poor, agricultural, planet and taken in and nurtured back to health by a farmer. There is bit of western, unknown gunslinger wibe over the story.
As the book blurb indicates there is more, a lot more, to Kira than what one might think at first glance. She is very likable, helpful, intelligent and, of course, quickly ends up defending the farmers against the big bad bandits when she and everyone else discovers that she has almost superhero abilities to kick ass.
During the course of the book we are gradually digging into Kira’s past and why she is is a kick ass fighter. Of course some of that history wanders into the dark side.
The robbers and bandits also has a history which makes the story a wee bit more complex.
Having said that, the story overall is pretty simple and straightforward. But it is a good story which nicely propels the characters and, most importantly, the action, forward.
As I wrote, I quite liked this book. I quite quickly started to root for the heroin, the characters surrounding her are likable as well. So far there are no outright assholes, at least not in prominent roles. Even the bandits and robbers are, well, perhaps not nice and likable but at least not outright psychopaths.
I will definitely get the next installment in the series.
Our heroine is found without memory on a rather poor, agricultural, planet and taken in and nurtured back to health by a farmer. There is bit of western, unknown gunslinger wibe over the story.
As the book blurb indicates there is more, a lot more, to Kira than what one might think at first glance. She is very likable, helpful, intelligent and, of course, quickly ends up defending the farmers against the big bad bandits when she and everyone else discovers that she has almost superhero abilities to kick ass.
During the course of the book we are gradually digging into Kira’s past and why she is is a kick ass fighter. Of course some of that history wanders into the dark side.
The robbers and bandits also has a history which makes the story a wee bit more complex.
Having said that, the story overall is pretty simple and straightforward. But it is a good story which nicely propels the characters and, most importantly, the action, forward.
As I wrote, I quite liked this book. I quite quickly started to root for the heroin, the characters surrounding her are likable as well. So far there are no outright assholes, at least not in prominent roles. Even the bandits and robbers are, well, perhaps not nice and likable but at least not outright psychopaths.
I will definitely get the next installment in the series.
June 5, 2025
I would have given this book a five-star rating, but there were so many typos that it became difficult to read without distractions. Hopefully, there will be more proofreading done before releasing for publication. Other than that, it was a very good story with lots of action and interesting character developments. Look forward to further books in this series. Nice job!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews