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Kris Longknife #15
Emissary
Kris Longknife has discovered that this desk job is not at all what she expected. Being desk bound hasn't even decreased the number of assassination attempts! Then Kris gets home to find her two kids playing with an Iteeche. Ron has come back to human space with a request. Should Kris take it? Can she finally get some straight answers for her Grampa Ray, King Raymond to most? Does she risk taking the kids into a situation with a whole lot of unanswered questions? Oh, and what can go wrong? Kris know something will go wrong. Something always goes wrong.
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First published May 1, 2017
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About the author
Mike Shepherd
78 books563 followersA pseudonym used by Mike Moscoe.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 22, 2017
Kris now has two children. She has been working at a desk job for King Raymond for the past five years on the home world. The assassination attempts have continued leaving Kris to wonder why. Ron arrives from Iteeche asking if Kris will be the Emissary to the Iteeche world. When Kris arrives on the Iteeche home world, she finds the kingdom is in civil war and she has been called in by the King to solve their problems.
This is apparently a transitional book and the first part of a trilogy. I have discovered that Shepherd has decided to break away from this long-time publisher and self-publish. The book is slow in getting started and there is more filler than in prior books of the series. I was hoping for more information and descriptions about the Iteeche home world, but maybe that is coming in future books. I miss a number of the old gang, but Abby and Kara are busy taking care of the children. The characters have continued to develop and have aged and evolved with the story. My favorite is Nelly, Kris’s artificial intelligence computer. It is taking me some time to adjust to Kris’s new role as Ambassador and diplomat. The diplomatic game is interesting, but there is still plenty of non-stop action both in space and on land.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is just over nine hours long. I am pleased to have the same narrator that has read the entire series, Dina Pearlman. Pearlman is an actress and award-winning audiobook narrator.
This is apparently a transitional book and the first part of a trilogy. I have discovered that Shepherd has decided to break away from this long-time publisher and self-publish. The book is slow in getting started and there is more filler than in prior books of the series. I was hoping for more information and descriptions about the Iteeche home world, but maybe that is coming in future books. I miss a number of the old gang, but Abby and Kara are busy taking care of the children. The characters have continued to develop and have aged and evolved with the story. My favorite is Nelly, Kris’s artificial intelligence computer. It is taking me some time to adjust to Kris’s new role as Ambassador and diplomat. The diplomatic game is interesting, but there is still plenty of non-stop action both in space and on land.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is just over nine hours long. I am pleased to have the same narrator that has read the entire series, Dina Pearlman. Pearlman is an actress and award-winning audiobook narrator.
May 13, 2017
5 stars for Kris...3 stars because it felt like half a book...
November 4, 2017
Mike Shepherd really needs to hire a proofread and an editor now that he is self-published
May 27, 2017
This entry returns us to the Kris we know and love. Although this is obviously the first in a trilogy, it has all the elements of intrigue and military action, with returning characters interacting with new ones.
I mentioned that when this author decided to self-publish, his first books had several editing errors. I am happy to see that there were almost zero typos here.
It would not be good to start the series with this book. I will read the rest of these.
I mentioned that when this author decided to self-publish, his first books had several editing errors. I am happy to see that there were almost zero typos here.
It would not be good to start the series with this book. I will read the rest of these.
November 30, 2017
Edit! EDIT! EDIT!
June 20, 2017
This review is one big mutha of spoilers.
not as strong as it could have been. The 99 cent books are kinda starting to piss me off. I see other authors giving away that kinda stuff in newsletters.
this is a transitional book. It kinda goes somewhere and kinda doesn't. Kara and Abby don't get used effectively. Which I love when abby and kara and all the gang get used effectively. Love to see a bit more with the kids as well. who are they as little people. I get the little boy is a big ball of energy fun and adventurism but who is the daughter? We have a high character count and author who is now allowed to write books as long or as short as he likes but we still have characters not really being used well. Just kinda dump into a plot and lets say wait for it. For example, Libby refers to the kids being stolen we get the reflection of the real fear that kris has which is kidnapping. why she's dragging her kids everywhere. We don't get an alone moment with abby. I see kara becoming abby. she has the skill set. to be her daughters abby. also, the reasons for kara just up and leave is kinda weak. this author for some reason is super focused on everyone getting married, or everyone's relationship being everything for female characters. Which is great and everything cos it is like that for some women but kara could just be about sticking with Libby and Bruce. even though she's older. she still has past fears about being abandoned so forth. (she wants to protect them) which could be a shift in the way she sees herself in the world. it doesn't have to be run from a bad breakup. seriously?
I think what sold me on this series was the audio books. I just sorta made it past the hump and this series always had moments I enjoyed. so I ended up reading the whole thing and becoming a fan. good audio books. at the same time........................................................................................ I'm shocked how much more reading it the whole issues that niggled me stick out more. The obsession the with breast, not very well written female characters, I like her being with Jack.. but it's like over the top sometimes. like in a 1960s kinda way.. i almost expect characters to say EARS looking at you kid.
over all I'm just pumped to get this book out of the way.. I LOVED THE IDEA of the empire. i always have and the cup of apology always cracked me up. So please get the next book out! also...............pls pls pls. don't i mean don't...................waste kara and abby. i love them lol
not as strong as it could have been. The 99 cent books are kinda starting to piss me off. I see other authors giving away that kinda stuff in newsletters.
this is a transitional book. It kinda goes somewhere and kinda doesn't. Kara and Abby don't get used effectively. Which I love when abby and kara and all the gang get used effectively. Love to see a bit more with the kids as well. who are they as little people. I get the little boy is a big ball of energy fun and adventurism but who is the daughter? We have a high character count and author who is now allowed to write books as long or as short as he likes but we still have characters not really being used well. Just kinda dump into a plot and lets say wait for it. For example, Libby refers to the kids being stolen we get the reflection of the real fear that kris has which is kidnapping. why she's dragging her kids everywhere. We don't get an alone moment with abby. I see kara becoming abby. she has the skill set. to be her daughters abby. also, the reasons for kara just up and leave is kinda weak. this author for some reason is super focused on everyone getting married, or everyone's relationship being everything for female characters. Which is great and everything cos it is like that for some women but kara could just be about sticking with Libby and Bruce. even though she's older. she still has past fears about being abandoned so forth. (she wants to protect them) which could be a shift in the way she sees herself in the world. it doesn't have to be run from a bad breakup. seriously?
I think what sold me on this series was the audio books. I just sorta made it past the hump and this series always had moments I enjoyed. so I ended up reading the whole thing and becoming a fan. good audio books. at the same time........................................................................................ I'm shocked how much more reading it the whole issues that niggled me stick out more. The obsession the with breast, not very well written female characters, I like her being with Jack.. but it's like over the top sometimes. like in a 1960s kinda way.. i almost expect characters to say EARS looking at you kid.
over all I'm just pumped to get this book out of the way.. I LOVED THE IDEA of the empire. i always have and the cup of apology always cracked me up. So please get the next book out! also...............pls pls pls. don't i mean don't...................waste kara and abby. i love them lol
September 27, 2017
This is the 15th book in the Kris Longknife series by Mike Shepherd a.k.a. Mike Moscoe. In this one Kris has been at a desk job for five years raising her kids and trying to lead a normal life. Even so attempts on her life are a common thing and only through the protection of her super computer, Nelly, and her husband Jack has she survived them. She is considering a change of jobs when her alien friend Ron from the Iteeche Empire shows up with a request from his Emperor to King Raymond to send Kris as a formal ambassador for the human race. She suspects that King Ray knows more than he tells her but in the end she decides to accept and loads her family and friends up and heads to Iteeche space. What she finds when she gets there is more than either she or King Raymond bargained for. In typical Kris Longknife fashion she decides to tackle the many problems she faces in the hope of finally bringing a lasting peace between humanity and the alien Iteeche. This is another great read in this series and I recommend to all Mike Shepherd a.k.a. Mike Moscoe fans.
September 13, 2017
This book was probably the least interesting of the series so far. It was very much a transition book. Kris is moving from a military person to a position of ambassador. This is not to say it was bad, it didn't have near as much discussion about breastfeeding like the previous book. So that's a definite improvement.
But this seriously lacked substance. Half the book was setup, there was one 'event' that happens, but doesn't amount to anything really. Then it's over. And given how short it was, I would say this really felt like a short story and a novella combined to form a book. Just not enough there to really be a book in its own right.
For now it ends with a lot of the setup being done, and I can see where this is going. So, hopefully the next books in the series will be better.
But this seriously lacked substance. Half the book was setup, there was one 'event' that happens, but doesn't amount to anything really. Then it's over. And given how short it was, I would say this really felt like a short story and a novella combined to form a book. Just not enough there to really be a book in its own right.
For now it ends with a lot of the setup being done, and I can see where this is going. So, hopefully the next books in the series will be better.
July 11, 2017
Set up book for the next Arc in the Saga. Should have been a Novella.
December 3, 2017
Good read.
Too many editing errors though.
Too many editing errors though.
December 29, 2023
Kris has been getting very tired of her desk job trying to bring the Navy up to her specifications. Sure, she's enjoyed going home each night to her husband and two children, but work is not what she had hoped.
When Ron, the Iteeche Kris knows best, comes from his Emperor asking that Kris be sent as Emissary of her people to the Imperial Court, Kris is intrigued. She knows that this is a big job that she may not be totally qualified for, but she has the encouragement of her king and a free hand to build the team she thinks will help her do the job.
Only things are not as they seem. It seems the Iteeche are in the middle of a civil war which no one thought to mention to Kris. And she has been saddled with the role of being Speaker for Humanity along with assorted ambassadors from most of the human settled worlds who all have differing agendas. This doesn't count the large horde of human merchants who are all looking to get rich as the interact with the Iteeche industrial base.
Then there is the journey which includes an Admiral in command of the escort force who isn't on board with the new Navy Agenda and who needs to be relieved when their convoy is threatened by an Iteeche Rebel space fleet.
And once they get to the planet where the Emperor lives, they have to fight their way to his palace through other forces who don't want them to meet. Once the meeting is achieved, Kris is saddled with another impossible job: the Emperor puts her in charge of his Imperial Navy and wants her to battle the rebels. Unfortunately, they are all equipped with the same ships and tactics as the Imperial Fleet. Kris has never fought a battle of equals. But she's a Longknife and a smart and tricky one.
This book definitely has a cliffhanger ending tempting me to begins Admiral which is the next in the series right now.
When Ron, the Iteeche Kris knows best, comes from his Emperor asking that Kris be sent as Emissary of her people to the Imperial Court, Kris is intrigued. She knows that this is a big job that she may not be totally qualified for, but she has the encouragement of her king and a free hand to build the team she thinks will help her do the job.
Only things are not as they seem. It seems the Iteeche are in the middle of a civil war which no one thought to mention to Kris. And she has been saddled with the role of being Speaker for Humanity along with assorted ambassadors from most of the human settled worlds who all have differing agendas. This doesn't count the large horde of human merchants who are all looking to get rich as the interact with the Iteeche industrial base.
Then there is the journey which includes an Admiral in command of the escort force who isn't on board with the new Navy Agenda and who needs to be relieved when their convoy is threatened by an Iteeche Rebel space fleet.
And once they get to the planet where the Emperor lives, they have to fight their way to his palace through other forces who don't want them to meet. Once the meeting is achieved, Kris is saddled with another impossible job: the Emperor puts her in charge of his Imperial Navy and wants her to battle the rebels. Unfortunately, they are all equipped with the same ships and tactics as the Imperial Fleet. Kris has never fought a battle of equals. But she's a Longknife and a smart and tricky one.
This book definitely has a cliffhanger ending tempting me to begins Admiral which is the next in the series right now.
February 28, 2018
This book ended up in the category of books that I got because it was part of a series that I liked but I had my doubts about this particular book so it gathered imaginary dust on my virtual shelf for quite a while.
The reason I had my doubts about the book was the title and the book blurb. Kris as an emissary sounded way too much like a story focusing on politics and the usual scheming and backstabbing related to that subject which is not at all what I am looking for in a book.
Sure enough there is a fair bit of this but as I found out while reading, it is Iteeche politics and, as I also found out, Iteeche politics can be a real killer (pun intended).
Actually it does not take long at all for Kris’ to have to rely more on her battlecruisers than her negotiation skills. Not surprisingly Kris’ mission is not exactly a mission for a traditional emissary, at least not one in human terms, and there is more than one surprise in store for her as she enters deeper and deeper into Iteeche space as well as their social and political structures.
That the Iteeche are different from the humans was clear from the beginning. Now it becomes clear how different they are. Well maybe I should say different from the humans in the part of the globe where I live. I am sure quite a few people would say that the Iteeche are pictured after this or that society or religion but I leave that to each one to decide.
Anyway, as it turns out, the Iteeche are stubborn, deeply racist, oppressive towards the females of their society, fanatic about procedures, as far from a democracy that you can get and quick to resort to violent and less than honorable methods for solving their “issues”. I am sure that you can see one or two small problems assigning Kris’ as an emissary for a situation like this. At least if you were expecting a peaceful solution.
Well, the Iteeche did not really want an emissary anyway but what they actually wanted (some of them at least) actually surprised both Kris and myself as a reader.
Unfortunately I personally feel that the author went somewhat over the top with some of the Iteeche fanaticism and strange thinking. It just did not feel very believable at times. Same goes for the (over)use of smart metal. It is really a bit over the top now. Have a problem? Just throw some smart metal at it.
Overall the book is very good but these two things are dragging it down for me. It does set up quite an interesting scenario for the next book though which I am now quite looking forward to.
The reason I had my doubts about the book was the title and the book blurb. Kris as an emissary sounded way too much like a story focusing on politics and the usual scheming and backstabbing related to that subject which is not at all what I am looking for in a book.
Sure enough there is a fair bit of this but as I found out while reading, it is Iteeche politics and, as I also found out, Iteeche politics can be a real killer (pun intended).
Actually it does not take long at all for Kris’ to have to rely more on her battlecruisers than her negotiation skills. Not surprisingly Kris’ mission is not exactly a mission for a traditional emissary, at least not one in human terms, and there is more than one surprise in store for her as she enters deeper and deeper into Iteeche space as well as their social and political structures.
That the Iteeche are different from the humans was clear from the beginning. Now it becomes clear how different they are. Well maybe I should say different from the humans in the part of the globe where I live. I am sure quite a few people would say that the Iteeche are pictured after this or that society or religion but I leave that to each one to decide.
Anyway, as it turns out, the Iteeche are stubborn, deeply racist, oppressive towards the females of their society, fanatic about procedures, as far from a democracy that you can get and quick to resort to violent and less than honorable methods for solving their “issues”. I am sure that you can see one or two small problems assigning Kris’ as an emissary for a situation like this. At least if you were expecting a peaceful solution.
Well, the Iteeche did not really want an emissary anyway but what they actually wanted (some of them at least) actually surprised both Kris and myself as a reader.
Unfortunately I personally feel that the author went somewhat over the top with some of the Iteeche fanaticism and strange thinking. It just did not feel very believable at times. Same goes for the (over)use of smart metal. It is really a bit over the top now. Have a problem? Just throw some smart metal at it.
Overall the book is very good but these two things are dragging it down for me. It does set up quite an interesting scenario for the next book though which I am now quite looking forward to.
May 17, 2018
This was a disappointing and frustrating read. I've loved Kris Longknife since the first book and they have always been "must buys". I moved over to the kindle version a few years back because I could. not. wait for the next book to arrive from Amazon. hahaha
I ordinarily don't mind set-ups, which this is. So much preparation for very little action. She didn't even TALK to His Worshipfulness! But every now and again, it is handy to step back from the nonstop action that surrounds those d*^n longknifes and breathe.
Unfortunately, this was just not a good book. So many spelling errors, editing misses, and even a couple contextual snafus. In fact, there were so many that I spent the last 10% wondering if I could even finish the book. I don't know the reasons behind the split with Ace but to be brutally honest, this is an author that needs an editor. When you look at the pace at which they're being published, I guess it shouldn't be surprising to see this many gaffes. :(
Aside from the errors, the storyline was decent. The conversation was fairly witty. The tech is fun as always plus there's NEW tech from the Iteeche!
My final quibble would regard the constant rehashing. Ugh, enough. Yes, King Ray does XYZ a lot. Yes, you seem to be particularly inept at recognizing it. MOVE ON!
I ordinarily don't mind set-ups, which this is. So much preparation for very little action. She didn't even TALK to His Worshipfulness! But every now and again, it is handy to step back from the nonstop action that surrounds those d*^n longknifes and breathe.
Unfortunately, this was just not a good book. So many spelling errors, editing misses, and even a couple contextual snafus. In fact, there were so many that I spent the last 10% wondering if I could even finish the book. I don't know the reasons behind the split with Ace but to be brutally honest, this is an author that needs an editor. When you look at the pace at which they're being published, I guess it shouldn't be surprising to see this many gaffes. :(
Aside from the errors, the storyline was decent. The conversation was fairly witty. The tech is fun as always plus there's NEW tech from the Iteeche!
My final quibble would regard the constant rehashing. Ugh, enough. Yes, King Ray does XYZ a lot. Yes, you seem to be particularly inept at recognizing it. MOVE ON!
May 13, 2017
Shepherd has broken away from his long time publisher and is striking out on his own. Emissary is his first full length novel featuring Kris Longknife. Kris has been at her desk job for five years and is really getting tired of the politics. She needs a change and as luck would have it a new and interesting opportunity comes her way. Ron, her Iteeche friend, wants her to go to the Iteeche Empire as the first Ambassador from the human worlds. All is not what it seems and Kris faces more challenges and danger than expected. While there was action I did find the story line a little slow. This just sets the stage for Kris' new adventures. I did not think it was the best book in the series but it is still a must read for series fans.
October 10, 2018
Admiral Kris Longknife thought she would enjoy a desk job after the battles she’s survived. But political posturing and power struggles has her questioning this choice. So when her King says Ron, a high-caste representative of the Iteeche race, has asked for her as emissary to bridge a peace between their peoples, Kris accepts. They need to be allies to fight the enemy coming for them from beyond the stars. It’s not until Kris approaches the Iteeche homeworld that she realizes Ron has neglected to tell her a few things. When rebel forces attack, she wonders if she can even make it to the audience with his emperor. Or once again will she have to battle her way forward? This story is another fast-paced and witty ride with space battles, political intrigue and surprise twists.
June 4, 2017
After I was about a quarter of the way through this book I thought it was OK but a bit slow to get going, what I didn’t realise was that it would never get going.
This book has been written to start a new phase in Kris’s career and it is all about establishing the scene for what is about to happen in the rest of the series.
As a story it is fairly easy to read and it just about held my interest, but it isn’t particularly exciting. I nearly gave it just 2 stars but I still enjoy the interaction between Kris and Nelly and I am looking forward to the battles to come, so I have been generous and given it three stars.
This book has been written to start a new phase in Kris’s career and it is all about establishing the scene for what is about to happen in the rest of the series.
As a story it is fairly easy to read and it just about held my interest, but it isn’t particularly exciting. I nearly gave it just 2 stars but I still enjoy the interaction between Kris and Nelly and I am looking forward to the battles to come, so I have been generous and given it three stars.
May 7, 2017
A task not what it seems
I am thoroughly enjoying all of these continuing chapters in Kris Longknife s space opera. This version has Kris and her crew stumbling forward with few facts and circumstances known in their mission. Surprises are all around and yet she is one on those Longknife s. Beginning to a hard campaign is ahead. Looking forward to the next novel. Thanks Mike Sheppard I am a real fan.
I am thoroughly enjoying all of these continuing chapters in Kris Longknife s space opera. This version has Kris and her crew stumbling forward with few facts and circumstances known in their mission. Surprises are all around and yet she is one on those Longknife s. Beginning to a hard campaign is ahead. Looking forward to the next novel. Thanks Mike Sheppard I am a real fan.
June 11, 2017
What a good space romp should be.
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Lorum iodine. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Can I submit yet?
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Lorum iodine. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Can I submit yet?
June 21, 2017
Wonderful start to a new story arc for Kris. Great development of characters; everyone has grown a bit, even the Magnificent Nelly. And the problems and solutions are classic thorny Longknife. Loved this more than the other series that Mike Shepard has written in this universe ( Sandy Santiago, Rita Longknife). Although the Vicky Peterwalds are good, the Kris Longknife series is better.
Looking forward to the next one!
Looking forward to the next one!
April 17, 2021
Wow!!! This was number 15 in the series and they are still throwing curve balls at me. The story line continues to follow a normal progression with just enough twists and turns to surprise you. And, they do talk about/perform sexual situations when necessary. Usually they do not have time to do the necessary. I will be ready for the next in the series soon.
May 9, 2017
Getting to see the Itchee homeworld has been a long time coming and it was well worth the wait. Even if the more things change the more they stay the same trouble wise. Getting to see and learn about the alien Itchee is fascinating.
May 16, 2017
Mike Shepherd, I have to thank you for new installment of Kris Longknife. The ability of finding new and evolving story lines for her and the hole crew is a great achievement. I can hardly wait to find for this new chapter in Kris Longknife's story.
June 14, 2017
Compelling
Talk about mission creep...diplomatic mission - not so fast. Fast paced and well crafted, Kris has learned and will learn again new tactics and diplomatic underhanded tricks. Looking forward to the next book.
Talk about mission creep...diplomatic mission - not so fast. Fast paced and well crafted, Kris has learned and will learn again new tactics and diplomatic underhanded tricks. Looking forward to the next book.
March 22, 2018
This is one time Kris saw plenty of action but she didn't have to shoot anyone! All she did was outnumber them, and she is pulling ships out of thin air to do it. This one has battle tension and plenty of politics to commend it. Quite fun!
December 23, 2020
I really liked the story once I decided to ignore all the printing and text errors. If you can find an edition later than 2017, I would recommend you get it in the hope that the publisher has gotten their proof reading and production acts together.
October 18, 2017
Loved it. yet it left me feeling the question. "where is the rest of the book?"
May 7, 2017
A new beginning for Kris
Kris is not looking for a new job. Not really. But one shows up any way. Is it safe? Is she getting the right skinny? Of course not,but only she can do it!
Kris is not looking for a new job. Not really. But one shows up any way. Is it safe? Is she getting the right skinny? Of course not,but only she can do it!
June 9, 2017
I am looking forward to the rest of it!
July 14, 2017
The length of the series is starting to wear at this point - more of the same, really.
October 18, 2017
This is a bridge book. No real resolution at the end. Disappointing.
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