Pack Leader

by Joseph Hendon

“What the hell?” How was I supposed to know she was the damn president? It’s not like she had a pin that said, “I’m the lead bull shitter,” or anything. Fuck it. I would rather be here in this damn dirt hole looking for survivors than kissing some woman’s ass I didn’t even vote for. This is the third tunnel system I have crawled into on a ruined planet. Perasor had succumbed to a new enemy. One, even the Tremon were terrified of. Some type of over grown bug. My job? Pick through the scraps the Tremon left behind when they bugged out. Get it? Bugged out? Sometimes I crack myself up. “Shit,” I said under my breath. Smell that, Drake ole buddy? No other stink like it. I slowly raised my hands, palm out towards the darkness in front of me. All I really needed to know is if there were any human survivors. Plugging this shit hole with a few penetrator nukes would leave me sleeping like a baby. If the Terabuel Collective wanted to recruit Werekin for their fledgling army, they sure as hell sent the wrong person. “More food for the larder,’’ a scary sounding Werekin growled. “You have others like me here?” it was all I really wanted to know. I hated Werekin almost as much as I hated Tremon. “Food doesn’t speak, it whimpers for its life,” it said as a rifle butt slammed into my back, sending me to the ground. “I am an emissary for the Terabuel Collective,” I gasped. “I have an offer for your pack.” The legal binder ordering me to make the offer, done and recorded on my implant. I smiled. Now it was play time. I saw human foot prints on the ground as I was being dragged back towards their den. Fuck. The hard way, then. I need to find a better job.

254 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2015

About the author

working professional. Married with kids, writing for fun. Have killed of a boss or two, several of my daughters boyfriends and others in my writings. My shrink is afraid of me. jk.

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Drafin (Book One of The Tremon Wars series) and I really enjoyed it. I had high hopes for the next book in the series. Pack Leader did not disappoint. The author created an interesting world. Drake Collins is a seriously flawed hero, but he's also loyal and willing to go to any length to accomplish his goals. He makes unpopular decisions and sacrifices to ensure that the human world survives. Sefia is an amazing heroine. She's faithful, strong and a sensible calming force for Drake. The secondary characters enhanced the story, especially Jarvald and Tammy. I enjoyed the witty back and forth banter. It was fascinating how the different species related to one another and the steps they would take to insure that their species not only survived but ruled.

Pros: compelling world building, complex characters, political intrigue, backstabbing, lots of action, well-written battle scenes, vivid scenery, laugh out loud humor
Cons: I can't think of a single one

I would highly recommend this story to all sci-fi lovers or anyone looking for a great read. I will definitelyread the next book in the series.