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MALCON: Thornscore, Volume 3
A former assassin. A brilliant breacher. A conspiracy that threatens everything they love.
MALCON
Taken by the Assassins’ Guild as a child, Malcon Stone survived through stealth, discipline, and emotional control. Years after escaping the Guild, he serves Serengeti Security-Privilege as one of its most trusted operatives, handling the dangerous assignments that secure the cartel yet can never be acknowledged.
Loyalty to Serengeti gave him purpose. Rebecca Serengeti gave him something far more dangerous to a man like him: someone to lose.
When evidence from a recent act of sabotage begins connecting seemingly unrelated events, Malcon is drawn into a deadly web of black commerce, hidden enemies, and secrets buried deep within the Thirteen Systems. To protect the people he loves, he may have to become the monster he once escaped.
REBECCA
Sold into academic apprenticeship as a child, Rebecca survived exploitation through intelligence, determination, and an extraordinary gift for breaching secure archives. She learned at an early age that pretty things are easily discarded and love is a fable. Now a protégé of Serengeti Security-Privilege, she uses information as skillfully as Malcon uses violence.
For years, Malcon remained carefully out of reach, a dangerous man who hid himself behind discipline and shadows. Beneath his restraint, Rebecca discovered fierce loyalty, quiet devotion, and a man willing to risk everything for those under his protection.
As the investigation takes them into the lawless Hebrides, Rebecca must confront the one thing she has feared all her life: trusting someone enough to let them fight for her.
As they search for the truth buried beneath layers of deceit, Malcon and Rebecca discover that some enemies are willing to wait years to finish what they started.
MALCON
Taken by the Assassins’ Guild as a child, Malcon Stone survived through stealth, discipline, and emotional control. Years after escaping the Guild, he serves Serengeti Security-Privilege as one of its most trusted operatives, handling the dangerous assignments that secure the cartel yet can never be acknowledged.
Loyalty to Serengeti gave him purpose. Rebecca Serengeti gave him something far more dangerous to a man like him: someone to lose.
When evidence from a recent act of sabotage begins connecting seemingly unrelated events, Malcon is drawn into a deadly web of black commerce, hidden enemies, and secrets buried deep within the Thirteen Systems. To protect the people he loves, he may have to become the monster he once escaped.
REBECCA
Sold into academic apprenticeship as a child, Rebecca survived exploitation through intelligence, determination, and an extraordinary gift for breaching secure archives. She learned at an early age that pretty things are easily discarded and love is a fable. Now a protégé of Serengeti Security-Privilege, she uses information as skillfully as Malcon uses violence.
For years, Malcon remained carefully out of reach, a dangerous man who hid himself behind discipline and shadows. Beneath his restraint, Rebecca discovered fierce loyalty, quiet devotion, and a man willing to risk everything for those under his protection.
As the investigation takes them into the lawless Hebrides, Rebecca must confront the one thing she has feared all her life: trusting someone enough to let them fight for her.
As they search for the truth buried beneath layers of deceit, Malcon and Rebecca discover that some enemies are willing to wait years to finish what they started.
- GenresRomance
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
E.G. Manetti
20 books162 followers
I write from the world around me, and the world around me is full of color.
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
Award-winning author EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance.
The ten-volume series began in 2012, with The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1, and completed in 2021 with Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3. The series has received four Paranormal Guild Reviewers Choice Awards, seven InD’tale RONE (Reward for Novel Excellence) nominations with five volumes award finalist badges. Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2 received the 2021 RONE for Science Fiction.
Elemental Fire: The Hidden Realms #1, her first venture into fantasy, combines her favorite aspects of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and action/adventure genres.
A former information technology project manager, EG resides in Florida with her beloved (often confounded) husband and their severely OCD Jack Russell Terrier. She writes as often as possible, cooks exceptionally, and gardens adequately.
The Twelve Systems Chronicles are epic science fiction romance that blends elements of space opera with the intrigue and suspense of a political thriller. “With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive!” ~ InD'Tale Magazine, February 2018.
Enter The Twelve Systems with a free copy of The Cartel
Like EG Manetti on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
EG Manetti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egmanetti/
EG Manetti Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@egmanetti
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 19, 2026
This is another wonderful addition to the Thornscore series. In Malcon, we learn the history of Malcon and Rebecca. Neither one of them had an easy life as they were trained and exploited for their skills. They both did what they needed to do to survive. As they come into well deserved honor and respectability, they find mutual attraction that is deeper than physical. Their relationship grows and they work together on a mission to investigate sabotage. There is intrigue, combat, interrogations, passion, and more of what I have come to love in this series. It is satisfying to see those who were apprentices at the same time as Lilian find their partners in life.
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July 12, 2026A FAVORITE PASSAGE
***
Malcon watched from the shadows as his target moved with wary grace through the dimly lit obstacles. Not as large as the assassins’ guild training warehouse, the repurposed storage chamber was sufficient for Blooded Dagger’s less brutal version of stealth training. Chimes, whistles, chalk powder, and other harmless devices armed the traps. The training blades would bruise but not cut.
For this exercise, Rebecca’s goal was to navigate the maze without triggering a trap or being captured. She would not succeed, but that was not the purpose. He needed to understand her instincts. How would she react to threats and surprises?
As she neared, he deliberately scuffed his foot. She half turned and then darted away.
Good. It was better that she fled from a hidden enemy than attempt confrontation.
She moved too quickly, releasing the cymbals, which clanged on the floor. “Rimon’s saber!”
As profanity went, the double entendre was far from the worst Malcon had heard, let alone voiced. Nonetheless, Trevelyan’s orders were explicit. He stepped out of the shadows and into a pool of light. “Twenty push-ups for the trap. Ten more for the profanity.”
Her lips formed a mutinous line. “I do not see how my language has anything to do with stealth training.”
Surprised at his sudden desire to kiss away her unhappy expression, he hardened his voice. “Questioning your instructor is another ten push-ups. Once you are done, we will discuss your performance and start again.”
She glowered at him, crossing her arms.
“I have all day.”
With a defeated sigh, she dropped into position and began her push-ups. Her training trousers tightened over her ass—pleasing but distracting. Too distracting. “Count out loud, Mistress Rebecca.”
“Three. Four . . .”
***
Malcon watched from the shadows as his target moved with wary grace through the dimly lit obstacles. Not as large as the assassins’ guild training warehouse, the repurposed storage chamber was sufficient for Blooded Dagger’s less brutal version of stealth training. Chimes, whistles, chalk powder, and other harmless devices armed the traps. The training blades would bruise but not cut.
For this exercise, Rebecca’s goal was to navigate the maze without triggering a trap or being captured. She would not succeed, but that was not the purpose. He needed to understand her instincts. How would she react to threats and surprises?
As she neared, he deliberately scuffed his foot. She half turned and then darted away.
Good. It was better that she fled from a hidden enemy than attempt confrontation.
She moved too quickly, releasing the cymbals, which clanged on the floor. “Rimon’s saber!”
As profanity went, the double entendre was far from the worst Malcon had heard, let alone voiced. Nonetheless, Trevelyan’s orders were explicit. He stepped out of the shadows and into a pool of light. “Twenty push-ups for the trap. Ten more for the profanity.”
Her lips formed a mutinous line. “I do not see how my language has anything to do with stealth training.”
Surprised at his sudden desire to kiss away her unhappy expression, he hardened his voice. “Questioning your instructor is another ten push-ups. Once you are done, we will discuss your performance and start again.”
She glowered at him, crossing her arms.
“I have all day.”
With a defeated sigh, she dropped into position and began her push-ups. Her training trousers tightened over her ass—pleasing but distracting. Too distracting. “Count out loud, Mistress Rebecca.”
“Three. Four . . .”
August 15, 2026
This is a fantastic addition to this series. The back story of Malcon and Rebecca is compelling and well written. You can read this without having read anything in the Twelve Systems, but you will enjoy it more if you have read the other books first. That said, there is more than enough intrigue, action, adventure and romance in this book to enjoy. Bravo to EG Manetti for weaving in many of the core events of the main series and yet making Malcon and Rebecca's story all their own. This is my favorite of the Thornscore series thus far. I look forward to the next stories in this series.
August 12, 2026
This is a fantastic addition to the series.
Rebecca and Malcon have lived separate yet somewhat parallel lives, trapped by circumstance with no easy escape. Both excel at making the best of their situations, forced to find the least bad choices from those presented. Soon, they both find themselves under the Serengeti umbrella, through guile and good fortune. Along the way, they discover each other, and a deep romance evolves. While there has always been spice in these stories, this couple merges their individual strengths to add heat to their erotic interludes.
The story spans over 20 years, and includes many of the major events that make up the Twelve and Thirteen Systems saga. Recounting these incidents from an tangential perspective adds depth and context to the intensity of the original events. We also gain subtle insights into several favored characters along the way.
I have really enjoyed this series from book 1 through this entry and on to the next.
Note that since this interconnects with the rest of the series, it would not be wise to start here.
Rebecca and Malcon have lived separate yet somewhat parallel lives, trapped by circumstance with no easy escape. Both excel at making the best of their situations, forced to find the least bad choices from those presented. Soon, they both find themselves under the Serengeti umbrella, through guile and good fortune. Along the way, they discover each other, and a deep romance evolves. While there has always been spice in these stories, this couple merges their individual strengths to add heat to their erotic interludes.
The story spans over 20 years, and includes many of the major events that make up the Twelve and Thirteen Systems saga. Recounting these incidents from an tangential perspective adds depth and context to the intensity of the original events. We also gain subtle insights into several favored characters along the way.
I have really enjoyed this series from book 1 through this entry and on to the next.
Note that since this interconnects with the rest of the series, it would not be wise to start here.
September 1, 2026
Thornscore Scores Again!
Once more an exciting story and a terrific book from E. G. Manetti. I’ve every book in this series. I can hardly wait for another or a new series. I’ll buy any book Manetti writes.
Once more an exciting story and a terrific book from E. G. Manetti. I’ve every book in this series. I can hardly wait for another or a new series. I’ll buy any book Manetti writes.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews