Riding Redemption: A 47th Lancers Novella

The 47th Lancers #1

by Jolie Mason

NOTE: Alternate cover edition for ASIN B014NF1CMM.

The 47th Lancers mercenary unit has been assigned to Havoc Station to protect the rim planets nearby. The enemy is new, and Humankind is at a distinct disadvantage.

Mechpilots Dahlia and Jackson know the last thing they need in a war is the complication of each other. They've been ordered to work it out, find a way to fight alongside each other or else. While the enemy gets closer, so do Dahlia and Jackson.

They'll need each other to fight what's coming.

43 pages, ebook

First published August 29, 2015

About the author

Jolie Mason was born and raised in New Madrid County in Swampeast Missouri, and has gone home again, as so many seem to do. She lives there with three kids, one monster dog, and two crazy cats.

She's published the complete series Home in the stars, a scifi romance, filled with space adventure and her newest release is the companion series, the 47th Lancers. This group of novellas will follow a mercenary company through the upcoming war. Look for War in the stars sometime in the next year.

Reviews

[Stephanie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a romance junkie, but not so much a sci-fi fan, so I thought I'd dip my toe into the genre with this series. Good choice. What surprised me was that I went into reading this expecting to "lean on" the romance as I explored my feelings on the sci-fi aspect of the book. While the romance wasn't bad, it felt like a relatively minor side story to the sci-fi action. Had I known that going in, I might have assumed I'd be disappointed. How wrong I would have been! The action and suspense had me glued to my seat and anxiously turning the pages. I didn't feel spoon-fed. It was a "jump in and hang on" type of ride that kept me engaged and hungry for more. I found the entire cast of characters likable, believable, and intriguing, and I look forward to reading about them all as I work my way through the series. Great start!

[MSTarot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy in the cockpit.

Love me some mech on mech action and this one brought back memories. Good ones. With a feel reminiscent of David Drake’s “Hammer’s Slammers” novels, Riding Redemption easy catches the reader militarily and pulls them into the sci-fi foxhole. The mechs and drones of the “Cans” wreak havoc among the warriors of the 47th Lancers, but they do not go down without a fight. Bravo.

Then, in this hail of lasers and shrapnel, there is the relationship between Dahlia and Jackson. Wonderfully brought to life. Two former lovers, each with a troubled past, made by their commander to get along in a battle zone. Very nice.

Dialog spot on, storytelling well realized, world building there but not intrusive. Excellent work, Jolie.
MST

[A.M. Manay · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a teenager, science fiction was my jam, to the point that I actually attended Star Trek conventions. As an adult, I've been more into fantasy and historical fiction, but Jolie Mason has reminded me of all the things I enjoy about the genre, where technology and human feelings form a mix that is simply compelling and fun. I was a huge fan of the Battlestar Galactica reboot, and this novella has some of that flavor of underdogs fighting against the overwhelming force of aliens. The main female character definitely has a bit of a Starbuck tough-but-damaged vibe going on, which is super cool. This taste definitely makes me want to read more from the author.

[Pandora Spocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Adventure With a Side of Romance

I loved this story! Wendy, call-sign Dahlia, and Beau, call-sign Jackson, are members of the 47th Lancers, tasked with repelling alien invaders. They also happen to be former lovers. But when Jackson got too close, Dahlia broke it off. Now they struggle to work together and maintain their professionalism.

This story has heart-pounding action and I love the fact that the author doesn't dumb down the technical details of battle. There's also hot romance. I can't wait to read the next installment.

[Nanette M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first sci-fi romance -- I enjoyed it! The characters are authentic and come to life on page 1. The author effectively unfolds the story and the history between the main characters for the readers, and it's clear there is a lot more to come in this world. This novella offers just the right amount to get the reader hooked on the story.

[Aditi Chopra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first sci-fi romantic story I have ever read and it was an enjoyable read. I prefer novella length stories and this was a quick and entertaining read. Author has sketched out the plot and characters well and the dialogues are lively and relatable. You can follow the story right from the beginning and it keeps you hooked. Great read!

[Patient Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Sci-Fi is NOT my thing, this was a truly enjoyable read. On the first page, I had to phone a friend to find out what a "mech" is. Once I figured out that it would look similar to the robot guy on my ten-year-old son's sheets, I settled in to take in the romance.

Mason's writing is slick and tight. No extra fluff to be found. I love that, especially in an action-packed story. I don't want extra words slowing down the pace. Mason did not disappoint. The story moved like a freight train.

In the middle of all kinds of action, there is a sweet love story. Two damaged people with a history work far too closely together to be apart. Their commanding officer gives them the gift of time to work out their differences. Which they do in a sexy hotel suite. This is not erotica. There is a virtuous fade-to-black alluding to a wild night before rushing back into battle.

Jolie Mason's writing is so good, I wish that her interests were more similar to mine. She's excellent.