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The Revelations Cycle #6
Peacemaker
Peacemakers. The Galactic Union’s most capable enforcers and resolute negotiators, their name alone elicits fear and awe among the Union’s citizenry. Having completed a harrowing confirmation mission, Jessica Francis stands ready to become Earth’s first Peacemaker and believes obtaining her commission is a mere formality. However, certain members of the Guild question her ability. Worried that she’ll fall back on her mercenary ways, they want Jessica to prove her mettle at the negotiating table before she puts on the distinctive insignia of a Peacemaker. Dream Worlds are terraformed planets inhabited by multiple species living and working in harmony. Operated by a governing Consortium, each carefully-controlled world is marketed as a paradise, but Araf is far from. The conditions are deplorable, and its three colonies are moving relentlessly toward all-out war over scarce resources and broken promises. A three-way showdown for dominance looms—can Jessica prevent war and bring back peace? One thing is certain; she’s never walked away from a fight, and she’s not going to start now.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2017
259 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Ikenberry
117 books108 followersKevin’s head has been in the clouds since he was old enough to read. Ask him and he’ll tell you that he still wants to be an astronaut. Kevin has a diverse background in space and space science education. As an adult, he's managed the world-renowned U.S. Space Camp program and operated two Challenger Learning Centers. A retired Army officer, Kevin continues to work with space every day.
Kevin is the author of the science fiction novel SLEEPER PROTOCOL (2016) which Publisher's Weekly called "an emotionally powerful debut." His military science fiction novel RUNS IN THE FAMILY (2016) has gained a growing legion of fans. He continues to work on sequels for both novels as well as short fiction and an alternate history novel.
Kevin is the author of the science fiction novel SLEEPER PROTOCOL (2016) which Publisher's Weekly called "an emotionally powerful debut." His military science fiction novel RUNS IN THE FAMILY (2016) has gained a growing legion of fans. He continues to work on sequels for both novels as well as short fiction and an alternate history novel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 4, 2017
I obtained this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
Papa Pat Rambles includes a slightly expanded version of this review: http://habakkuk21.blogspot.com/2017/0...
Jessica Francis simply will not accept that she is overmatched. Although her choices haven't been perfect, it's the actions of others that keep dumping adversity on her, and she seems to have been born without the ability to quit.
She's a former mercenary. While she was good at what she did, her incompetent, manipulative husband managed to wreck the company, killing off friends and comrades-in-arms while doing so.
She gets a chance to become the first Human Peacemaker, thus becoming part of the thin team that provides what little galactic security there is. Since Humans are a newcomer to the Galactic Union, they encounter all of the standard prejudice of the old-timers, some of whom have the desire and ability to eliminate the species. Her first mission, in fact, as a Probationary Candidate, is to stop exactly such a project.
She succeeds. And because of her actions, the Earth is not depopulated.
Sorry, that's not good enough.
So, they give her another project, and maybe this time, if she succeeds, she'll get to join the team. Maybe.
All she has to do is solve the puzzle of three races fighting over turf, when there should BE no problem. It is pathetically obvious that there is at least ONE behind-the-scenes manipulator, because the original set-up should have produced a good environment for the three races, separate from each other, at a nice profit to the merchant-engineers behind the deal. The mission has FAILURE stamped all over it, in glowing letters. But hey, if you don't play the game, you can't win, right?
Somebody in the hierarchy likes her, though, because he arranges for her to have some support. Admittedly, it's in the form of an under-strength mixed unit of armor and CASPERS, composed of raw rookies and redliners, but at least she has a bit of a reaction force.
Except she's not supposed to use it.
And she has one especially hostile individual assigned as her Mediator.
Secrets. Everybody has secrets. And what you don't know probably WILL kill you deader than Fergus' goose.
Expect plenty of action, and the elements of a detective story. It's a great read!
Papa Pat Rambles includes a slightly expanded version of this review: http://habakkuk21.blogspot.com/2017/0...
Jessica Francis simply will not accept that she is overmatched. Although her choices haven't been perfect, it's the actions of others that keep dumping adversity on her, and she seems to have been born without the ability to quit.
She's a former mercenary. While she was good at what she did, her incompetent, manipulative husband managed to wreck the company, killing off friends and comrades-in-arms while doing so.
She gets a chance to become the first Human Peacemaker, thus becoming part of the thin team that provides what little galactic security there is. Since Humans are a newcomer to the Galactic Union, they encounter all of the standard prejudice of the old-timers, some of whom have the desire and ability to eliminate the species. Her first mission, in fact, as a Probationary Candidate, is to stop exactly such a project.
She succeeds. And because of her actions, the Earth is not depopulated.
Sorry, that's not good enough.
So, they give her another project, and maybe this time, if she succeeds, she'll get to join the team. Maybe.
All she has to do is solve the puzzle of three races fighting over turf, when there should BE no problem. It is pathetically obvious that there is at least ONE behind-the-scenes manipulator, because the original set-up should have produced a good environment for the three races, separate from each other, at a nice profit to the merchant-engineers behind the deal. The mission has FAILURE stamped all over it, in glowing letters. But hey, if you don't play the game, you can't win, right?
Somebody in the hierarchy likes her, though, because he arranges for her to have some support. Admittedly, it's in the form of an under-strength mixed unit of armor and CASPERS, composed of raw rookies and redliners, but at least she has a bit of a reaction force.
Except she's not supposed to use it.
And she has one especially hostile individual assigned as her Mediator.
Secrets. Everybody has secrets. And what you don't know probably WILL kill you deader than Fergus' goose.
Expect plenty of action, and the elements of a detective story. It's a great read!
July 13, 2022
I will admit that I am reading this book without having read anything else in the shared Four Horsemen universe. Therefore, it is entirely possible that some of my quibbles with this novel are due to missing context. That said, I found this an unsatisfying stand-alone read.
Jessica Francis is a Peacekeeper at the end of her training. In order to earn the status of the first human Peacekeeper ever, she must complete one last mission. But there are forces that want her to fail, and her last test may be her final mission ever as she struggles to mediate between three warring colonies on a planet potentially rich in resources.
The various colonies and alien species are really not well established enough for me to ever keep their motives straight. Many of the characters in the novel are just so underdeveloped as to be practically interchangeable. There are some sacrifices made by some of the characters, but those sacrifices are rendered practically moot by the nearly deus ex machina ending. There is a giant mecha that Jessica makes a very big deal of, but it ultimately plays no part in the overall story. Jessica also has an important key item she receives as a clue from her long-absent father; this item serves a purpose but also has no explanation. Ultimately, there are just too many loose plot points to overlook, and I was just mostly disinterested.
Jessica Francis is a Peacekeeper at the end of her training. In order to earn the status of the first human Peacekeeper ever, she must complete one last mission. But there are forces that want her to fail, and her last test may be her final mission ever as she struggles to mediate between three warring colonies on a planet potentially rich in resources.
The various colonies and alien species are really not well established enough for me to ever keep their motives straight. Many of the characters in the novel are just so underdeveloped as to be practically interchangeable. There are some sacrifices made by some of the characters, but those sacrifices are rendered practically moot by the nearly deus ex machina ending. There is a giant mecha that Jessica makes a very big deal of, but it ultimately plays no part in the overall story. Jessica also has an important key item she receives as a clue from her long-absent father; this item serves a purpose but also has no explanation. Ultimately, there are just too many loose plot points to overlook, and I was just mostly disinterested.
August 31, 2017
As a huge fan of mechs (or mechas, as they are called in this universe), thanks to Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers I was very excited to find the Four Horsemen Universe. Peacemaker (basically a sequel to the short story "Stand On It" from the A Fistful of Credits anthology) isn't about any of the mercenary companies per se but it is a great look at one of the other Guilds that makes up the Union within the Four Horsemen Universe.
Jessica "Bulldog" Francis successfully completes her Peacemaker "finals" mission only to find out she's being asked to complete a second before she can officially become the first Human member in the Peacemaker's Guild. Sent to Akar to try and resolve an issue between three alien colonies, she soon finds out that just talking might not be enough to resolve the issue. Luckily her mentor has sent her friend Hex, a member of her former mercenary company, some green Academy graduates, and the remnants of a tank group to "assist" her.
And just because someone says they're on your side, doesn't mean you can always believe what they're telling you.
Jessica "Bulldog" Francis successfully completes her Peacemaker "finals" mission only to find out she's being asked to complete a second before she can officially become the first Human member in the Peacemaker's Guild. Sent to Akar to try and resolve an issue between three alien colonies, she soon finds out that just talking might not be enough to resolve the issue. Luckily her mentor has sent her friend Hex, a member of her former mercenary company, some green Academy graduates, and the remnants of a tank group to "assist" her.
And just because someone says they're on your side, doesn't mean you can always believe what they're telling you.
June 12, 2020
Oh what a tangled web we weave ...
Peacemaker is a tale of Jessica Francis, Earth's first Peacemaker. She is still reeling from the near annihilation of her old mercenary company and her divorce from their so-called commandant She just successfully completed her commissioning assignment but for political reasons she must undergo a second trial.
This second assignment is to meditate a solution between two warring races on a Dream World Consortium planet. Unfortunately there is a third race trapped in the middle of this war. Unknown to her, her mentor has asked a couple of her mercenary colleagues to gather a company and go to the planet to assist her if need be.
Follow Jessica as she deals with the political machinations of the planetary governor, the non-helpful mediator, and the leaders of the three colonies. Watch you six and stay out of dark alleys!
Peacemaker is a tale of Jessica Francis, Earth's first Peacemaker. She is still reeling from the near annihilation of her old mercenary company and her divorce from their so-called commandant She just successfully completed her commissioning assignment but for political reasons she must undergo a second trial.
This second assignment is to meditate a solution between two warring races on a Dream World Consortium planet. Unfortunately there is a third race trapped in the middle of this war. Unknown to her, her mentor has asked a couple of her mercenary colleagues to gather a company and go to the planet to assist her if need be.
Follow Jessica as she deals with the political machinations of the planetary governor, the non-helpful mediator, and the leaders of the three colonies. Watch you six and stay out of dark alleys!
November 1, 2017
This book expands on a story that began in "A Fistful of Credits" edited by Chris Kennedy and Mark Wandrey. Kevin has written a complex story about a human trying to become the Galactic Union's first human Peacemaker. She's already completed one mission, but that wasn't good enough. So now she's been sent on a seemingly impossible mission, with all but one group plotting against her. She's about to show the galaxy why humans are such good problem solvers, and while she wants to save lives, she'll do what she needs to, even if she has to kill everyone to do it.
March 3, 2018
Interesting addition to the Four Horsemen Universe
Not what I was expecting but a well written and welcomed addition to the Four Horsemen Universe.
The characters and their interactions were engaging with well thought back stories. I particularly enjoyed the way the author ties in his short story from A Fist Full of Credits.
I would recommend reading A Fist Full of Credits before this.
Not what I was expecting but a well written and welcomed addition to the Four Horsemen Universe.
The characters and their interactions were engaging with well thought back stories. I particularly enjoyed the way the author ties in his short story from A Fist Full of Credits.
I would recommend reading A Fist Full of Credits before this.
December 6, 2017
A fun read. I like military SciFi, and (like someone commented), I like the mech/battle armor concept that is reminiscent of Starship Troopers (the book, not the movie). This expanded on a good character that was introduced in "A Fistful of Credits" and it's a good one. I'm not sure I buy how they resolved a family matter, but it's a good character and I would read another one about her.
September 7, 2018
Awesome tale. I’ve been reading the Revelations books since within weeks of the first publishing. And given that I am a child of Heinlein, I have been in total bliss throughout. Kevin is a gifted creator of places and voices and situation that almost driven to roar through his works. A great member of the Revelations family. Write On! Bear with me. I’m a Trojan, too!
January 10, 2019
Like many of the Horseman novels, this is a fun sci fi romp that doesn't worry too much about the hardness of its sci fi setting. The themes are similar; humans as unpredictable heroes, aliens having the upper hand by being overconfident, a threatened alien colony, etc. There isn't any new ground, but it was still a fun read over a couple days.
December 22, 2021
Making Peace Isn't Easy
The first human Peacemaker candidate is sent to resolve a conflict between 3 groups of settlers (2 of which have hired mercenary units), the Corporation egging them and a mediator assigned to assist her. Lots of action and intrigue. Can the rookie candidate resolve this problem? A well written, fast paced story with great characters. You'll enjoy it.
The first human Peacemaker candidate is sent to resolve a conflict between 3 groups of settlers (2 of which have hired mercenary units), the Corporation egging them and a mediator assigned to assist her. Lots of action and intrigue. Can the rookie candidate resolve this problem? A well written, fast paced story with great characters. You'll enjoy it.
September 1, 2017
Redhead to the rescue
Excellent continuation of the 4HU, I hope they never stop. Force 24 needs some serious reinforcing, but I know they can do it or possibly be absorbed into one of the Four Horsemen. Wonderful job Kevin,but I expected nothing less.
Excellent continuation of the 4HU, I hope they never stop. Force 24 needs some serious reinforcing, but I know they can do it or possibly be absorbed into one of the Four Horsemen. Wonderful job Kevin,but I expected nothing less.
September 15, 2017
Fun addition to the 4 horsemen universe
Well written book, with good character development and an interesting plot. I enjoyed that the author wanted to shed light on a differant guild or faction in the door horse universe.
Well written book, with good character development and an interesting plot. I enjoyed that the author wanted to shed light on a differant guild or faction in the door horse universe.
March 15, 2018
I like the overall series from various author. Excellent mech series and each book has a common universe but different characters. More of a police/ diplomacy book than a military mech storyline. Not my favourite of the ones I read but still a good book.
April 27, 2018
A logical step in the continuing story
Every one of the books in this series has been a page turner. Great character's with a strong story line. Can't wait to get on to the next book.
Every one of the books in this series has been a page turner. Great character's with a strong story line. Can't wait to get on to the next book.
May 21, 2018
wow, what a ride this book was and it twisted and turned every which way
the characters were well written and some you loved and some you hated very much
i look forward to reading more about Jessica
the characters were well written and some you loved and some you hated very much
i look forward to reading more about Jessica
April 7, 2019
Nice side track
Although this is based in the same universe this is before the events of the first 5 books so it sure how it works as book 6. Will tune into book 7 and see if they have characters etc in common.
Still a worthwhile read however
Although this is based in the same universe this is before the events of the first 5 books so it sure how it works as book 6. Will tune into book 7 and see if they have characters etc in common.
Still a worthwhile read however
September 15, 2019
The setup isn't bad, but it seems like the author works themselves into a corner toward the end and pulls the rug out for the ending.
This seems like a waste of a really interesting area of the setting.
This seems like a waste of a really interesting area of the setting.
May 6, 2020
Excellent story with an excellent character
I have loved every book in this series! But I have to say that this one is my favorite yet! The pace of the story is outstanding, the plot is involved and character development is awesome! Read it!
I have loved every book in this series! But I have to say that this one is my favorite yet! The pace of the story is outstanding, the plot is involved and character development is awesome! Read it!
August 28, 2017
Wow
This series is getting better and better!! So much action with every page. I really can't wait for the next one to come out!!
This series is getting better and better!! So much action with every page. I really can't wait for the next one to come out!!
April 4, 2018
Wow! What a great story!
The story is fantastic, the characters are ones that you pull for through the whole book, and the read is exceptional!!
The story is fantastic, the characters are ones that you pull for through the whole book, and the read is exceptional!!
May 24, 2018
Excellent!! My favorite (so far) in the 4HU. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
June 8, 2019
I have a new role model.
September 11, 2019
A very good continuation of the Peacemaker story from the previous book. A very good plot and excellent characters.
December 17, 2019
I really like this story about someone overcoming bias to become one of the best at what she does. Lots of butt kicking and action as Jessica navigates an impossible situation.
June 10, 2022
Wild romp and great characters
I thoroughly enjoyed Jessica and her first mission. The military action is spoy on and the emoyions are just as well done. Hoping to see more!
I thoroughly enjoyed Jessica and her first mission. The military action is spoy on and the emoyions are just as well done. Hoping to see more!
March 26, 2020
The Peacemakers are the guild responsible for order in the Galaxy. They have very broad powers, i.e. they can be judge, jury and executioner…
Each member race of the Galactic Union is supposed to have its own peacemakers, whose loyalty is to the guild and not to their race.
Jessica Francis is the first human peacemaker and, well, she has a lot to prove as many people don't see humans in a positive way!
So even though her confirmation mission was successful, she needs to do another one and, well, if you think Tom Cruise has it hard in Mission: Impossible, it's nothing compared to Jessica Francis's mission.
She isn't alone though, she can deputize, hire forces and she has her ace in the hole, her best friend since well, forever, her name is Lucille!
Really enjoyable read, the first in the Peacemaker series and a solid Fundation upon which to build!
Each member race of the Galactic Union is supposed to have its own peacemakers, whose loyalty is to the guild and not to their race.
Jessica Francis is the first human peacemaker and, well, she has a lot to prove as many people don't see humans in a positive way!
So even though her confirmation mission was successful, she needs to do another one and, well, if you think Tom Cruise has it hard in Mission: Impossible, it's nothing compared to Jessica Francis's mission.
She isn't alone though, she can deputize, hire forces and she has her ace in the hole, her best friend since well, forever, her name is Lucille!
Really enjoyable read, the first in the Peacemaker series and a solid Fundation upon which to build!
May 4, 2021
I didn't enjoy Ikenberry's short story from a Fistful of Credits, and I was even more put off by Peacemaker being a sequel to that story. I tried, but the first time around trying to listen to this, I DNF'd. Thankfully I went back and gave the book a second chance, and it ended up being very enjoyable - full of double crosses and a decent story. Worth checking out, and I can understand why it's in the main 4HU reading order
March 1, 2025
I returned to this tale, the first of many about the Peacemakers Guild in the 4 Horsemen Universe.
What I initially took for unresolved elements in this story was the author laying groundwork for many later adventures.
What I initially took for unresolved elements in this story was the author laying groundwork for many later adventures.
May 3, 2019
Definite page turner
This book kept me engaged and turning pages, up later to finish it than I should have been up. Good action, memorable characters.
This book kept me engaged and turning pages, up later to finish it than I should have been up. Good action, memorable characters.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews