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Diplomat's Apprentice: Diplomat's Apprentice, Book 1
The best laid plans . . . Fall apart when family gets involved!
Anwyn's family has always assumed that she'd follow in the footsteps of her illustrious mother and uncle as a diplomat and eventual head of state. But Anwyn is an impulsive rule-breaker, and she's made other getting off her home planet and seeing the galaxy after training as a starship pilot.
Persuaded to go with her uncle on one diplomatic mission, Anwyn arrives at a planet in the midst of a violent uprising.
Space battles, daring rescues, dramatic chases, firefights, and yes, even a bit of diplomacy, all make for a more exciting trip than Anwyn could have imagined. For her uncle has a hidden past that comes to light when they run into a small, specialized band of freelance agents with their own agenda, who know her uncle far too well.
Anwyn will find unexpected allies and dangerous adversaries. But she will need to learn to think before she acts if she wants to help her uncle and survive her journey as a Diplomat's Apprentice?
Anwyn's family has always assumed that she'd follow in the footsteps of her illustrious mother and uncle as a diplomat and eventual head of state. But Anwyn is an impulsive rule-breaker, and she's made other getting off her home planet and seeing the galaxy after training as a starship pilot.
Persuaded to go with her uncle on one diplomatic mission, Anwyn arrives at a planet in the midst of a violent uprising.
Space battles, daring rescues, dramatic chases, firefights, and yes, even a bit of diplomacy, all make for a more exciting trip than Anwyn could have imagined. For her uncle has a hidden past that comes to light when they run into a small, specialized band of freelance agents with their own agenda, who know her uncle far too well.
Anwyn will find unexpected allies and dangerous adversaries. But she will need to learn to think before she acts if she wants to help her uncle and survive her journey as a Diplomat's Apprentice?
- GenresScience Fiction
Audible Audio
Published January 7, 2025
154 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 24, 2025
Willful, rule-breaking, freshly graduated pilot Anwyn Owens’ plan is become a transport pilot and see the galaxy, her politically oriented family wants her follow their path and name her heir to the role. Accompanying her diplomat uncle on am export trip with the promise of time with working pilots. Before they land at their destination, the entourage is caught in a drone attack disrupting their plans. Anwyn sneaks out to join the battle and is complimented on her skill.
At a welcome dinner, Anwyn’s wanders from her talkative but inattentive escort and is approached by mercenary leader, Veraz to pass a message to her uncle. After questioning Veraz and her uncle, Anwyn believes she understands the battle and situation. On a pleasure day, Anwyn and her cousin detour to make a daring rescue before they’re chased to ground. Luckily, it was Veraz and their rescue his teammate, Mark, Anwyn’s first crush. Veraz has more information for her uncle and Anwyn realizes nothing is what she thought it was.
This sophisticated/jaded reader was torn by the offering from a new to me author. There’s a touching foreword leading to a well-written, dramatic adventure tale with fairly good world-building, pacing and measured pieces to keep characters involved. There’s other Anwyn’s immaturity (hubris and naivete) and feats more impossible than heroic making the read feel dated and/or more tween than YA (visions of messy mudpies kept intruding). And it’s a foundation tale, the next could be more to my taste but I haven’t decided to take a chance.
Rating: 3stars
At a welcome dinner, Anwyn’s wanders from her talkative but inattentive escort and is approached by mercenary leader, Veraz to pass a message to her uncle. After questioning Veraz and her uncle, Anwyn believes she understands the battle and situation. On a pleasure day, Anwyn and her cousin detour to make a daring rescue before they’re chased to ground. Luckily, it was Veraz and their rescue his teammate, Mark, Anwyn’s first crush. Veraz has more information for her uncle and Anwyn realizes nothing is what she thought it was.
This sophisticated/jaded reader was torn by the offering from a new to me author. There’s a touching foreword leading to a well-written, dramatic adventure tale with fairly good world-building, pacing and measured pieces to keep characters involved. There’s other Anwyn’s immaturity (hubris and naivete) and feats more impossible than heroic making the read feel dated and/or more tween than YA (visions of messy mudpies kept intruding). And it’s a foundation tale, the next could be more to my taste but I haven’t decided to take a chance.
Rating: 3stars
January 23, 2024
The first two chapters were phenomenally good - full of action, exciting, and well written.
Beginning with Chapter 3, however, Anwyn, the main character of DIPLOMAT’S APPRENTICE, shows herself to be a loose cannon who has no respect for orders or even for requests by older and wiser loved ones. At 18, she has a rather typical teenager’s belief that she knows it all and can’t be seriously hurt no matter how impetuously she behaves. No one disciplines her. She blithely breaches high level security, even taking and piloting a fighter plane in the middle of a space battle! These points move the book from a serious story into the fairy tale realm which was a huge disappointment for me.
EXCELLENT YOUNG ADULT TALE.
Beginning with Chapter 3, however, Anwyn, the main character of DIPLOMAT’S APPRENTICE, shows herself to be a loose cannon who has no respect for orders or even for requests by older and wiser loved ones. At 18, she has a rather typical teenager’s belief that she knows it all and can’t be seriously hurt no matter how impetuously she behaves. No one disciplines her. She blithely breaches high level security, even taking and piloting a fighter plane in the middle of a space battle! These points move the book from a serious story into the fairy tale realm which was a huge disappointment for me.
EXCELLENT YOUNG ADULT TALE.
October 7, 2024
I enjoyed the beginning of the book. Not realizing this was a YA series, I expected it to be more concentrated on the espionage aspects. The main character, Anwyn, was a bit of a brat who was certain her way was always right regardless of the impact on other people. She did many things without lots of thought and got some of her crew injured in the process. Everyone seemed to be ok with it except for a few minor discussions about how it could have not been a good idea. It was a little too frustrating for me. I think Book 1 is enough.
February 7, 2025
What better tribute for a son to his mother to write down stories his mother told him, while he was growing up. I am impressed with this author's work and look forward to the next book of the series. The plot is easily followed and straightforward and the premise is showing the main character that diplomacy is nowhere near as staid and boring as she envisioned. Her doubts were taken care of and her adventures were risky, usually because of her own fault in being impetuous. Youth! I most certainly recommend this book.
May 13, 2025
Great opening gambit!
Must admit there were a few jumpy parts at the beginning which nearly put me off...but am glad I kept going! Anwen gets into some rather 'fun' scrapes...causing palpitations for those close to her lol but that doesn't stop her...not the next time. Definitely a series worth watching...and reading. And was rather nice seeing some familiar phrases (being Welsh myself!!)...
Must admit there were a few jumpy parts at the beginning which nearly put me off...but am glad I kept going! Anwen gets into some rather 'fun' scrapes...causing palpitations for those close to her lol but that doesn't stop her...not the next time. Definitely a series worth watching...and reading. And was rather nice seeing some familiar phrases (being Welsh myself!!)...
January 16, 2024
This was an enjoyable story
Good characters as Anwyn is finishing her academy training her life takes an unexpected turn. She will still be serving her world but in a different and unwelcome role. However with the assist from friends and family she finds this role isn't as bad as she thought. I will watch for her next adventure
Good characters as Anwyn is finishing her academy training her life takes an unexpected turn. She will still be serving her world but in a different and unwelcome role. However with the assist from friends and family she finds this role isn't as bad as she thought. I will watch for her next adventure
February 8, 2024
An enjoyable story!
I started this book one night before bed & had to force myself to close it & go to sleep (if I wanted to be able to function at all in the morning).. It was fast paced, a quick read & very enjoyable. I'm very interested in seeing what the main character gets up to next.
I started this book one night before bed & had to force myself to close it & go to sleep (if I wanted to be able to function at all in the morning).. It was fast paced, a quick read & very enjoyable. I'm very interested in seeing what the main character gets up to next.
March 12, 2024
Really enjoyed this entertaining series start!!!!!
Congratulations to L.J. Dix for this really amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Congratulations to L.J. Dix for this really amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 18, 2024
Great sci fi adventure
People may skip Apprentice because the main character is a 21 year old woman, but anyone who loves a good, thrilling adventure should enjoy this story. The worldbuilding is interesting, the story is well-written, and the characters are diverse and fascinating. I'm glad book 2 is available, because I don't have to wait for more of Anwyn's adventures.
People may skip Apprentice because the main character is a 21 year old woman, but anyone who loves a good, thrilling adventure should enjoy this story. The worldbuilding is interesting, the story is well-written, and the characters are diverse and fascinating. I'm glad book 2 is available, because I don't have to wait for more of Anwyn's adventures.
October 11, 2025
Excellent first story
As the first published story by an author, this is excellent. I have been reading this book solidly since I started it this morning. I am looking forward to binge reading the rest of the series.
As the first published story by an author, this is excellent. I have been reading this book solidly since I started it this morning. I am looking forward to binge reading the rest of the series.
January 24, 2024
Red Headed Terror?
Excellent world building, characters that one can identify with, plenty of action and suspense, and more. When can I get the next book ???
Excellent world building, characters that one can identify with, plenty of action and suspense, and more. When can I get the next book ???
January 29, 2024
Enjoyable story
I've been thinking that there's a number of stories that get few reviews yet are very worthwhile to read. This is one of them.
I've been thinking that there's a number of stories that get few reviews yet are very worthwhile to read. This is one of them.
February 1, 2024
An interesting series starter with many intriguing possibilities and characters.
August 18, 2024
Really great story. Character development is amazing. You really like the characters. I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 14, 2025
enjoyable read
I really likes this book, I love the character building of the main heroine but the building out of the characters around her was really well done.
I really likes this book, I love the character building of the main heroine but the building out of the characters around her was really well done.
April 8, 2024
Such Fun!
Just finished Diplomat’s Apprentice by LJ Dix. What a fun ride! In this inaugural book by Dix, she stealthily endeared me to the characters and took me on a light and lively journey. Can’t wait to read the sequels!
Just finished Diplomat’s Apprentice by LJ Dix. What a fun ride! In this inaugural book by Dix, she stealthily endeared me to the characters and took me on a light and lively journey. Can’t wait to read the sequels!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews