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Quest For The One

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Kreelan High Priestess Tesh-Dar thought nearly a century of agony had been her greatest trial. Then her Empress placed the survival of their entire species in Tesh-Dar’s hands.

When she cloistered herself away in the temple of the Desh-Ka after she brought shame upon herself during the battle on Saint Petersburg, Tesh-Dar endured a nightmarish ordeal of pain and suffering to redeem her honor. Summoned by the Empress after nearly a century, Tesh-Dar was given an impossible find The One among the humans spoken of in an ancient prophecy who could save her own kind from extinction.

On a small colony world, Lieutenant Colonel Wiley Hickock of the Confederation Marine Corps leads a brutally mauled Marine division against a vastly superior Kreelan force. Drawing on his knowledge of ancient human history, he hands his alien enemies not just one, but two spectacular defeats. But after he is nearly killed by Tesh-Dar and no longer able to fight after suffering major brain damage, he’s exiled by his hateful son to the backwater world of Hallmark to work as a lowly handyman.

Emotionally numb and stricken with nightmares after his parents are killed by Tesh-Dar, Reza finds that the Kreelans aren’t the only enemies he will have to face. But he also learns that he won’t have to face them Wiley becomes his friend, protector, and surrogate father against those who prey on the children. All Reza has to do is survive long enough to become a Marine and take vengeance against the aliens who killed his parents.

On the far side of the galaxy, young warrior Esah-Zhurah is sent to the Homeworld to learn all she can about the humans as part of a great experiment set in motion by Tesh-Dar, to teach humans of the Kreelan Way in hopes that at least one of them has a soul and can save their people. There is only one slight Esah-Zhurah hates humans with a fiery passion.

From the frozen wastes atop an ancient mountain of the Kreelan Homeworld to the arid wheat-covered plains of the planet Hallmark, Tesh-Dar’s quest binds Reza, Esah-Zhurah, Wiley, and others to an ancient prophecy. The only question is who, if any, among them will survive

Authors Quest For The One falls between Dead Soul and Empire in the In Her Name saga

If you enjoy tales of epic space opera, alien invasion, and interstellar war, blended with science as magic and loaded with action and adventure, you’ll love Quest For The One

Get your copy now!

597 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2025

5 people want to read

About the author

Michael R. Hicks

29 books1,494 followers
Born in 1963, Michael Hicks grew up in the age of the Apollo program and spent his youth glued to the television watching the original Star Trek series and other science fiction movies, which continues to be a source of entertainment and inspiration. Having spent the majority of his life as a voracious reader, he has been heavily influenced by writers ranging from Robert Heinlein to David Weber, and many in between. Having finally retired from government service, Michael and his lovely wife, along with their Siberan cat, Nina, are enjoying life as expats in France.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
9 reviews
September 16, 2025
I have enjoyed this story it filled in the background of Reza Gard .and priestis darloo tesh the story is fast paced and enjoyable . I would like more about the Empress and when the curse is removed
1 review
September 16, 2025
about to read it all over again, and only just finished it. so glad to have another off the series. can't wait for the next
1 review
September 18, 2025
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Quest For The One in exchange for an honest review—and as a longtime fan of Michael R. Hicks’s In Her Name series, I was thrilled to return to this richly imagined universe.

This installment stands out for its dual perspective: the spiritual, duty-bound journey of Tesh-Dar and the grounded, battle-worn resilience of Wiley Hickock. Their stories unfold in parallel, yet converge in ways that are emotionally resonant and thematically profound. Hicks explores not just war and prophecy, but the quiet power of mentorship—how guidance, sacrifice, and belief in others can shape destinies.

Tesh-Dar’s quest for redemption and Wiley’s quiet strength as a mentor resonated deeply with me as a nurse and educator. Hicks doesn’t just write about war—he writes about healing, legacy, and the power of transformation. This book reminded me that even in brokenness, there’s purpose. Even in exile, there’s leadership.

As someone who’s followed this series from the beginning, I found Quest For The One to be one of the most introspective and soul-stirring entries yet. Shout out to the author for crafting a saga that never loses its heart. This book is a gift to longtime readers and a compelling entry point for new ones
59 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2025
Michael R. Hicks’s In Her Name: Quest For The One delivers an engaging continuation of the sweeping In Her Name saga, blending military sci-fi grit with spiritual depth and alien mysticism. The two chapters highlighted here showcase the dual narrative strength of the book: the intimate, ritual-driven world of the Kreelans and the raw, boots-on-the-ground struggles of the human Confederation.

The first chapter excerpt places us firmly within Kreelan culture, following Tesh-Dar, high priestess of the Desh-Ka. Her farewell to Pan’ne-Sharakh is steeped in ritual, honor, and the quiet melancholy of warriors who know that every departure may be their last. Hicks’s writing shines in how he captures the gravity of their traditions—the Bloodsong, the reverence for relics, the deep sense of duty that transcends time and even life itself. The Kreelans are more than just alien adversaries; through characters like Tesh-Dar, Hicks renders them with dignity and depth, reminding us of the thematic heart of the series: that war is never just about victory, but about meaning, sacrifice, and the pursuit of something greater.

The second chapter shifts tone entirely, grounding us in the weary but determined perspective of Lieutenant Colonel William “Wiley” Hickock. Wiley’s reintroduction is quintessential Hicks: a man of humor, grit, and humility thrown into impossible circumstances. His reunion with Commodore Zhukovski injects warmth into the otherwise grim backdrop of impending battle, as old camaraderie collides with the crushing realities of a failing front. Hicks masterfully builds tension here—the Marines are leaderless, the Confederation is stretched thin, and Tellervo hangs on the brink of collapse. The vodka-laced banter between old friends only sharpens the tragedy of what’s to come.

Together, these two perspectives—the sacred duty of the Kreelans and the desperate pragmatism of humanity—encapsulate what makes Quest For The One compelling. Hicks doesn’t just tell a story of war; he tells a story of parallel destinies, where faith, friendship, and sacrifice matter just as much as firepower.

Verdict:
In Her Name: Quest For The One is a richly layered novel that balances alien spirituality with human resilience. The highlighted chapters show Hicks at his best: creating characters you want to follow, worlds you want to understand, and stakes that keep you turning the pages. For fans of military sci-fi who also crave heart and philosophy, this installment is a must-read.

I received an ARC all the opinions are my own.
14 reviews
September 16, 2025
I love this series and was so happy to jump back into this world where the humans and an alien race called the Kreelans have been battling for over a century.
While this book is a part of the series set between books 3 and 4, you can also read this as a standalone as I haven't read this series in a a few months was able to jump back into the story easily.
*Spoilers ahead*
The story begins with Tesh-Dar, the greatest Kreelan warrior, back from the Desh-Ka temple, where she has been sequestered for over a century.
Tesh-Dar goes on a quest to find the One, a human whose blood sings and can save her people from the Curse.
While on her quest, she witnesses but does not participate in many battles between humans and Kreelans. In one of these battles, she sees Colonel Wiley Hickock masterfully execute a plan that defeats many Kreelans. Tesh-Dar respects Wileys bravery, honour, and skill so much she decides to fight him one-on-one. Wiley is no match, and Tesh-Dar defeats him with a life-changing injury.
Tesh-Dar continues on her quest while Wiley lives his post-battle days on an outpost where orphaned children are sent. Here, Wiley meets 7 year old Reza Gard, who has also had an encounter with Tesh-Dar and survived. After her encounter with this child, Tesh-Dar wonders if the One can be found in the seed of the human children.
Thus begins the Great Experiment, where Kreelans bring a large number of children to their world and teach them the Kreelan way. Will they find the One?
I absolutely loved this book. The first book in the series was my first foray into science fiction, and I couldn't put it down. Same with this latest book. Check it out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for David.
2 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2025
The legend of the sword herself, Tesh Dar, is back better than ever in this wonderful companion to the In Her Name series!

I was generously gifted an advanced review copy of this book by Mr. Hicks and was really excited to tear into a new installment in the In Her Name series! This isn’t necessarily a ‘new’ installment per se, it’s more of an in between installment that fills in some time gaps and fleshes out Tesh Dar’s challenge as she sets out in search of the One, a human who is able to hear and empathize with the Kreelan Bloodsong, a sort of innate telepathy that is shared amongst all of the Kreelan race.

As I have stated, this is more of a companion novel and is meant to add more lore and depth to the overall story and characters involved in the main trilogy. And it is certainly a wonderful addition in this respect. A lot of details of the preparations and even an in depth look at what Tesh Dar and the Kreela collective were willing to sacrifice for the benefit of their race is recounted in this tale. There are even some minor appearances of characters from the origin trilogy as well.

Personally, I love this type of storytelling, the addition of specific details and minutiae- it just adds to the overall atmosphere and worldbuilding and makes it more real. Every moment that I can spend in a world I like, the happier I am!

Please don’t hesitate to pick this book up, you will not regret it- just as long as you keep my caveat in mind! Even though I was gifted an advanced copy by Mr. Hicks himself, I will be purchasing a copy any way, to support a wonderful author and to celebrate this wonderful story/world that he so kindly shared with us.
Profile Image for Mike Nemeth.
672 reviews13 followers
October 7, 2025
Tesh-Dar, the Kreelan high priestess, went through a lot of suffering on behalf of the Empress. Her penance took so long that most of those she knew had died by the time she had suffered enough to be set free of her quest to the nether world. "Quest for the One," the 11th in Michael R. Hicks' In Her Name series, goes back in time to chronicle the struggle of the last remaining of the Desh-Ka as she seeks to restore the future of her people. Prophecy says that the Kreelans will die if they don't find the One. What that exactly means is unknown. The race of blue warriors has been battling humans in space for about 100 years seeking a member of another race whose blood "sings." The Kreelans share a telepathic connection that allows each of them to feel the presence of their empress and, to a lesser degree, others in their race. But the Kreelans are all female. The males of their race have no intelligence because of an ancient curse and die soon after their contributions to reproduction. Kreelans also believe that other races are no different than animals because without being able to sense the bloodsong, they have no soul. Quest again introduces Reza Gard, this time with more detail and with more perspective. I don't know where Hicks goes from here, but it was sure good to read his works again and get lost in the brutal world he's created. "Red Legion," the 10th in the series, covered Reza's present activities. I'm looking forward to the next in the series as I have no idea what Hicks has in mind. It will be good.
3 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2025
First, I should say I consider the In Her Name series the best that I have ever had the pleasure of reading in a space series. I have read the entire previous 10 books at least a dozen times. So consider my excitement when the 11th book arrived. Revisiting the world and lives of Reza, Esah-Zhurah, Tesh-Dar, and various other players in this saga put me in my happy place.

This book takes place between Book 3 (Dead Soul), and Book 4 (Empire). It expands and fills in additional information of the events of those 2 books. Not only were the characters instantly brought back to the forefront of the story, but all the additional nuggets of new facts and feelings served to enrich the readers understanding of each of their lives.

This story in narrated from multiple characters and views. Mr. Hicks has an exceptional talent of immediately drawing you into these worlds and totally have you identifying with their trials and tribulations. His world building is second to none. Well done sir!

I won't go into any spoilers as I feel it would be depriving readers of the excitement of each new revelation, but I loved every minute of it and hated for the book to end. Oh well, I feel another reading of the entire series may be coming my way again. Can't wait!
1 review
September 29, 2025
I was so pleased to receive an advanced copy of ‘In her name’ instalment, but I got a puppy and my time was sucked up into a vacuum!

The ‘In her name’ series for me is one I keep going back to. Feeling poorly, on holiday, or needing something familiar. When a new book comes out, I get it straight away, I find myself rooting for both sides, which maybe it’s that which draws me. All too often with other authors, there is just an enemy that’s bad. I’m a strong proponent of there is always another side or point of view.

This story starts by following Tesh-Dar, and the events from her point of view of how she came to the spark of an idea that sets in motion the events that enfold. We get to find out how Esah-Zhurah was trained in readiness for the arrival of Reza.

I was also very pleased to get more back story to Wiley Hicock and Hallmark. There are some characters you just want to know more about and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Michael weaves in and out of the series so deftly, it is definitely an art. Yet again I’m left wanting more so I’m going back to re-read.

Even though I received an advanced copy I have decided to buy it too. I am happy to pay for it.
Also, Audible and podium, get ya skates on and snap this up. I would buy the whole series again on Audible.
42 reviews
September 17, 2025
After centuries of warfare between humans and the blue-skinned alien Kreelans, the military leader of the latter, Tesh-Dar, is given a mission to find the one human whose blood "sings" as does that of the Kreelans. The survival of the Kreelan race depends upon it.

This book is part of the "In Her Name Series" but can be enjoyed separately. Having read previous books in the series, I was eager to see what would happen in this latest offering by the brilliant author, Michael Hicks. I was not disappointed because this book filled in a lot of information between "Legend of the Sword" and "Empire" about the Kreelan civilization, their customs, their "Bloodsong" and the reason why a human child was sought to save the Kreelans. It includes back stories for Reza Gard, Wiley, Tesh Dar and other important characters in the series.

I received an ARC for review without any remuneration and the opinions in this review are my own.
1 review
September 17, 2025
Now this is a between book when Tesh Dar’s first encounter Reza before he was taken back to Homeworld. I remember part of it, was so long ago when I read the book but don’t remember which one, when Reza sliced Tesh Dar with his knife above the eye end cheek and that she did the same to Reza with her claw. This is an interesting insight of how Reza lived after his release from Tesh Dar and all he had to go through as an orphan and the battles to save the human race.
Very good book, I recommend it to all who love thrillers and si-fi to read it as well as all the series of In Her Name…
Thanks and keep up the good work Michael, you’ve still have a few hundreds of thousands cycles of imaginations if your willing to venture that far out before the Castes foundation and Priest and Priestesses creations …

Bob Koby
Profile Image for CA Portnellus.
288 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2025
If you love epic and grand plots that pull you in and with characters that resonate through time and space-here it is!
Hicks’ opus and continuing saga has again blown away our minds and the science-fiction genre.
Mixing legends fresh from millennia with heroes of the time, the reader is wowed by the complexity and power on the page.
From ancient warriors to modern Marines each society battle for supremacy and survival. We are offered hope that the alien enemy wishes to learn and grow with young humans possibly becoming a new alliance in the galaxy to teach the Way of their ancestors.
But evil and dangerous biases might create new enemies.

I have enjoyed many of Michael Hicks books for a few years now.
As part of a beta ARC group I received a copy for review without any remuneration.
1 review
September 16, 2025
I loved it!. This is the missing link leading up to Empire that you didn’t realize you needed. It is the story of Tesh-Dar, Esah-Zhurah as well as Colonel Hickock, their respective backgrounds and insights that segue into the kidnapping of the human children and in particular Reza. This is a great, well written science fiction saga that will keep you riveted throughout the books. While this is the eleventh book, I would definitely read this one first prior to reading Empire. In fact, I reread Empire after finishing this book. It’s a captivating story that will keep you enthralled. Well done Michael Hicks and thank you for providing this to us.
Profile Image for Annie B.
12 reviews32 followers
September 16, 2025
Tesh-Dar has always been on of my favorite characters of the story. From the first time you meet her to the very end, she had been there. It was honestly her story that made me really love this even though she was usually always not in the fore to allow others the honor to fight.


But this book...This book Tesh-Dar really becomes what we know, taking from what we once had and building on it.
The other side characters that showed so much in the short spans they were in the books made me wanting more as well and I got it with this book.

Well done.
1 review
September 19, 2025
If you a fan of Michael Hicks' In Her Name series, Quest For The One takes you back to retell the events that lead to finding the prophesized on, and the salvation of the Kreelan people. Michael adds new perspectives on the events that add more detail and enrichment to the story told in Empire, Confederation and Final Battle. You'll see events unfold from both human and Kreelan points of view giving greater insight to how the story of Reza Gard plays out. I highly recommend this for long time fans of the In Her Name series!
4 reviews
September 16, 2025
Amazing and wonderful. Getting all the different points of view gives so much more depth and understanding to the life of the Kreelan Race and their desire to find the one and save themselves from destruction. it amazes me how all of the individuals work together through all their own shortcomings to build each other into what they must become to be successful in their search, while Reza is being lead through his own path of discovery and growth to be ready.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
September 16, 2025
A really good read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Quest for the One". Having read the other novels in the IN HER NAME series, I found this one the best. It also renewed my interest in retourning to the Kreelan Empire. As a treat for myself, I am going to reread the other novels in the series and pick up those I am missing!

Enjoying space opera, alien invasion, and interstellar war novels, I found "Quest For The One" by Michael R. Hicks to my complete satisfaction!
Profile Image for Becky .
582 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2025
Thank goodness Hick's Muse visited again!
I have long been a fan of the In Her Name books, and this one, The Quest for the One, fits nicely in between The Legend of the Sword and Empire. It gives us another view of how and why Reza Gard came to Her children, and boy was I happy to enjoy it!
Sci-Fi with some mild gore, but absolutely Fabulous characters that I was happy to read about again.
4 reviews
September 16, 2025
Quest For The One fills in and adds so much to the characters in the In Her Name books such as Tesh-Dar, and her personal journey. And especially to Wiley, one of my favourite characters, in how he came to be on Hallmark, and his relationship to Reza and Nicole, and the impact he had on these young children. Such a wonderful read!
Profile Image for Mike.
53 reviews
Read
September 16, 2025
Author Michael R Hicks has penned a great addition to the “In Her Name” series. “Quest For The One” slots perfectly into the series and fills in many details in Reza’s start along the Kreelan way. It greatly expands the characters and story line. If you have read and enjoyed the previous books, you will not want to miss this one.
1 review
September 16, 2025
Takes place after Dread Souls and before Empire.

Came out swinging for the feels, and I practically devoured it.

Reading along, I was struck by how the author’s wordplay struck me much as foreplay. I wanted to get to the main course, but not reveling in the appetizer seemed a crime.

The inhumanity of man to his fellow man is on full display. Are the Kreela hiring?
14 reviews
September 17, 2025
Few authors can create a Universe such as the one portrayed in "In her name" book eleven. Michael R. Hicks' writing is flawless in his characterizations, taking the reader deep into the culture and lives, past and present of the Kreelan empire and it's protagonists. A potent mixture of mysticism and martial prowess, this book is very easy to become totally immersed in. Highly recommended.
70 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2025
This book has everything, rich world-building, complex characters, and a plot that pulls you in from page one. The Kreelan culture is fascinating, and the moral and spiritual undertones elevate it beyond typical sci-fi. It’s rare to find a series opener this strong. I’m already hunting for the sequel!
1 review
September 16, 2025
Great addition to the In Her Name series by Michael! I particularly enjoyed the background on Tesh-Dar 100 year penance/sabbatical as well as the backstory on Colonel Hickock and how he became what he called Wiley the Clown. Keep up the great work Michael!
2 reviews
September 17, 2025
This is one of the best reads! It’s one of my favorite sci-fi series. This book bridges the gap between book six and one! Keep up the great work. I truly love it and I’m reading the entire 10 books again. I like how Desh-Ka is linked to Reza and Esah-Zhurah. Utterly fantastic!
1 review
October 13, 2025
Excellent read

I was excited to hear of a new book in this series . Could not wait to get my hands on it.
And I devoured it. Not one bit of disappointment though I wish it would keep going.

Thank you for this

1 review
September 16, 2025
This is such a pleasure to dive back into the Kreelans world. I really enjoyed this book. Great story and so easy to read. Now I just want to read Empire again…
1 review
Read
September 16, 2025
Best Scifi I Have read in the last 20 Years. The in her name series is just fantastic. If you enjoy space opera you can't go wrong. Highly Highly recommend this book. Keep writing Michael
3 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2025
After a long wait, it was great to get reacquainted with Reza and the other characters in the books. This is Reza's "origin" story, and not to be missed. I now want to reread the whole series.
18 reviews
November 13, 2025
a great addition to the saga!

This is a truly wonderful read. Although it overlaps other books in the series, it offers new viewpoints, and embellishes the backgrounds of my favourite characters. A worthy addition to this excellent series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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