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As a database programmer from Arizona and a fan of sedate, indoor activities, Indi Smith doesn’t belong in outer space. Certainly not in a star system with a broken wormhole gate and no way home. But through no fault of her own, that’s where she’s landed, and nobody on the ship, not even the genius chief engineer Hierax, knows how to repair the gate. The only clue that could help is an untranslatable transmission coming from an uninhabitable planet with no atmosphere.

Though she’s a fish out of water, Indi is determined to use her knack for analysis and recognizing patterns to decode the transmission and help Hierax fix the gate, whether he wants the assistance of some civilian woman or not. She refuses to die in the middle of nowhere, even if it means she has to prove her worth to an arrogant, know-it-all engineer. She’s had experience dealing with geeks, albeit not ones with such big, sexy muscles, but that doesn’t mean working with him will be easy.

Chief Hierax is used to being in charge of all things mechanical, and he’s used to being the smartest person on the ship. Few of his burly Star Guardian colleagues were recruited for their brains. So when Indi shows up with a clever way of looking at the alien transmission, one he hadn’t thought of, he’s not sure what to make of it—or her.

His focus should be on fixing the gate, but he finds himself speculating about romantic endeavors. Would she be interested in seeing his hobby projects or maybe his favorite tools? It’s hard to tell. He has a hard time understanding women—and people in general, for that matter—so charming her may be tougher than finding a way home.

The Star Guardians Series

Book 1: Orion
Book 2: Treyjon
Book 3: Sagitta
Book 4: Hierax
Book 5: Zakota (September)

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2017

188 people are currently reading
150 people want to read

About the author

Ruby Lionsdrake

29 books512 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Chanel.
399 reviews61 followers
October 15, 2017
I have to start by saying Indi is black.

I'll say it again. Indigo "Indi" Smith is black! She's also a database programmer. Why is this a big deal to me, I'll tell you. This is a big deal to me because it's very rare to see an intelligent black woman in a book who is the main character written by an author who isn't black. And you know what? Ruby Lionsdrake did a fantastic job!

Hierax focuses on Hierax of course, but also Indi. Hierax is the nerd who is always holed up in engineering and has a bit of an arrogant view of the world because he feels he's more intelligent than everyone else. It reminded me of Temperance Brennan on Bones. Imagine that attitude but for a man. The Star Guardians are currently stranded in an area of space after being chased by a fleet of Zi'i and going through a broken gate. They are worried about supplies getting low because they're not sure how long they'll be stuck. They come across a planet that looks like it could have a livable atmosphere. They get closer to explore and the planet transmits its version of language using music.

Indi, in addition to being a programmer, has an extensive music background and notices a pattern in the notes that are being transmitted. It then becomes decided that she will be part of the team that goes down to the planet to explore if there's civilization down there or anything that could possibly help them repair the gate so they can get back to Dethocles. Once down there, the drones of the planet take even more interest in Indi and she kind of becomes an unexpected translation conduit. As they explore deeper and deeper, they learn that things on the planet paired with the translation may be the key to getting them home.

I quite enjoyed this installment. I felt Heirax's nerdiness and Indigo's understated humor was a great match. It was surprising and refreshing to see her trade riddles back and forth with him while they were exploring. I also loved the fact that both Heirax and Indigo had a much deeper understanding of what it feels like to be an outcast to regular society (even alien society) but how they don't show that it bothers them too much. Heirax is used to being made fun of because he's so smart and gets made fun of because of it. Indigo is a black woman programmer. I mean it really doesn't get more outcast than that. They were seriously perfect for each other and I really hope Ruby Lionsdrake continues adding diversity in her stories.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,907 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2017
Taking a big risk here, seeing as there are almost no reviews or safety information. However, this author has always been safe for me and I'm hoping that continues to be true. And I like reading her books since they're usually some good fun, especially after I've read something sad.

On a side note, I always laugh when I see this particular picture used for a book cover. Because honestly? What happened to his shirt? That didn't happen by accident. He did that to his shirt on purpose. And then he put it back on. Because he thought to himself, "Yeah. That looks real good." Haha.

Upon finishing, I'd give this 1.5 stars. It's not that it was bad. It was just a little bit boring. And the sci-fi geek in me was a little disappointed by that. There was definitely a lack of characterization and too much telling, not enough showing. And Juanita really started to bug me. Her friend, the h, would have a harrowing experience with alien technology and all Juanita would ask was "what did it feel like?" Not "are you ok?" I was upset on behalf of the h for having such a crappy friend.

The H was funny with his unintentionally arrogant remarks about himself and others. But aside from that, I didn't really feel the chemistry between the MCs. Everything (the plot, the characters, the relationship) was a little superficial. And the sci-fi references weren't enough to save this one. I am glad that this was a safe read, but I think I'm going to pass on the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,697 reviews376 followers
September 1, 2017
The fourth book in the Star Guardians series by Ruby Lionsdrake. The story continues with the crew of the Falcon 8 stranded in a place without a "gate" to get back to warn their people of the impending danger they are in. They find a planet that sends out a message in musical form. Indi, one of the kidnapped Earth women, sees a pattern in the music and mentions it. The Captain then assigns her to the away team with Hierax. Hierax is the brilliant engineer that doesn't like to leave engineering and even has a cot "with upgrades" in engineering so he won't have to leave. Then a bright light appears and seems to choose Indi. So the group travels to the planet...

Hierax is certainly a character! He needs someone like Indi to ground him. Of course, the story concentrated more of the situation at hand but a little romance was squeezed in. Again, while not a major cliffhanger, the story is not done. I believe there is only one more book left. I hesitate to say this has an HEA (happily ever after) since the story is not complete.
Profile Image for Celestine.
952 reviews132 followers
December 29, 2017
In looking back at my notes and highlights for Hierax, the fourth book in the Star Guardians series by Ruby Lionsdrake, I noticed that I REPEATEDLY highlighted quotes regarding Hierax's intellect. They were funny, quirky, snappy and arrogant. Did I mention funny? And arrogant?

I had to laugh out loud that as he is facing certain death, Hierax is irked that he let a drone be the reason for his demise. Arrogant to the end. Plus, he likes a woman's brains before he likes her boobs.

This series is episodic in that each constitutes a very immediate and present danger that must be solved by the couple-of-the-moment. This one involves ancient technology, math-speak, a very smart woman who discovers her inner adventurer, and a geeky engineer with six pack abs. In reading the other stories, I knew Hierax was going to be a hoot. Thank you, Ruby Lionsdrake, for allowing him to live up to my expectations.

Do yourself a favor and make sure Hierax and Indi are a geeky couple you put on the must-read list.

Book source: Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Profile Image for Gena.
650 reviews17 followers
August 28, 2017
This was a lot of fun. Yes there were a lot of engineer cliches but I enjoyed them all :) Hierax and Indi are a great couple and I love how their relationship grows (no insta love here!).
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
370 reviews35 followers
September 12, 2017
Best one yet

Love the very unconventional heroine and hero. She's shy and afraid of many things, he's only interested in engines, tools and tinkering. Circumstances bring them together unexpectedly. Each interaction moves the relationship forward another step.

The suspense and wonder in this episode is on high from the beginning and never slows or stops. Can't wait for the next story.

Read through Kindle unlimited, now in my want to buy wish list.
Profile Image for Llaph .
1,066 reviews29 followers
September 24, 2017
I finished this book days ago, but am now just getting to writing a bit of a review as I'm reading the last book in the series--Zakota.
I really enjoy this series it is a nice light read that isn't heavy in one way or another and gifts the reader with a bit of everything.
I <3 how smart is sexy--because it so is.
I loved the insight on the Wanderers, I wonder if they will actually get to meet one of the mysterious race. I had a hard time picturing the 12 sided stuff all over—but I thought the language/science stuff being based on music and math was truly awesome.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
August 30, 2017
All the Right Tools🍌🌋✋🔨🔧

Hierax🐺🔧🔨 is the Chief Engineer in the space ship, Falcon 8. He spends almost all his time in Engineering, because he loves his work, and he's the smartest Space Guardian🔪🔫 on the ship.
When he's called to the bridge to help figure out what an alien message means, he stumbles into Indi💋💻, one of the 🌎human women that they are returning to 🌎earth. But they didn't get far, they are trapped behind a non working wormhole gate just off of an abandoned planet.
Captain Sagitta thinks the planet was inhabited by the Wanderers, the creators of the wormhole gates.

This book is much more of a space opera adventure than an erotic romance🍌🌋✋. Not a lotta Lovin' 💘 goin' on in this one!

Indi💋💻 is pressed into service by the Captain because of her musical and computer background. He sends her planetside with Hierax🐺🔧🔨🍌🌋, over his objections, to look for a way to reactivate the stargate. When she saves his life, he realizes maybe this human woman isn't so bad to be around!
YEHAW!🍌 Ride Em Bareback, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Profile Image for Heike.
662 reviews55 followers
December 5, 2017
Super intelligent but arrogant and nerdy engineer Hierax is sent to a planet with an abandoned high-tech colony to find parts to repair the star gate, the only way out of this system. A planet side AI contacts them, and Indy, a black data bank programmer from earth, shows a talent to be able to read a pattern in the mysterious message. She ends up reluctantly helping Hierax’ team on the planet, where the two involuntarily get closer.
I absolutely LOVED this story, mostly due to the alien exploring and discoveries, and due to Hierax’ and Indy’s bantering through most of the book. I even forgave the very ill-timed sex scene in the middle of an emergency. Twice.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,685 reviews228 followers
September 5, 2017
What do you do when you're trapped in outer space, not keen on adventure, and desperately trying to stay off the radar of some very bad aliens? If you're Indi, you end up smack-dab in the middle of the action when you see patterns in the transmissions coming from a seemingly dead planet.

Because when the intimidating commander asks for her help, Indi can't see a way out of it. Even though her help involves space suits and one-on-one time spent with the brilliant chief engineer. (Spoiler: The more time she spends with Hierax, the less she hates it. Pitting their brains against one another is its own type of foreplay.)

On his end, Hierax has pretty much ignored the Earth women since their rescue. Indi's different way of processing information interests him. And might I say Hierax is very focused when things interest him.

I mean, he stumbles a little during the play, but in an adorably awkward way.

As far as the predicament the crew found themselves in at the end of the last book, things are looking up. Things aren't completely rosy yet, but they are moving in the right direction.

Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Lula Pantoofle.
1,017 reviews40 followers
March 4, 2018
Geek Indie meets geek engineer Hierax. I love a good story. We’d been introduced to the paranoid engineer in other books do I was looking forwards to this book. I would say this book is a departure from the other books. It’s far less steamy. The previous books are all in the erotic genre, but this one is very chaste in comparison. They kiss 50% through the book and get it on once at 70%. Not that I’m counting or anything... but you know, I came into this with expectations.

So I was disappointed. Our protagonists are so geeky that sex really isn’t on their minds a lot. How noble... and er, well, a bit boring. This story is far more about the storyline, shocking I know. Unfortunately, the storyline wasn’t really strong enough to carry the book. Not for me anyway. It moved the book into more of the sifi genre with a touch of romance, where you are up against a lot of great authors with really interesting ideas and world-building skills.

Measured against that the book is not as strong. Maybe because most of the ideas seem to stem from existing tv shows. All the geeky language/music stuff was a bit over my head and bored me a bit in the end. Sorry to be damning. That’s just my opinion. I am sure others will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews14 followers
February 12, 2018
Indie to the rescue!

The Falcon 8, its crew and the women from Earth are stranded in a solar system that had no working gate. Indie is a programmer and somewhat of a musical savant, which is lucky for the crew and passengers of the Falcon 8 as music is the way in which the ancients communicate! The AI left by the ancients can give Indie the information that she and her companions need to repair the gate - if she is strong enough!
Hierax is the chief engineer aboard Falcon 8. To date he has never met a woman who could keep up with him intellectually. Indie shows that she can and intrigues him. While searching an ancient artefact for anything that might aid them, Hierax finds himself drawn to Indie and doesn't realise it.
The story is becoming more gripping as it goes on. Unlike many books in this genre, there is a good sci-fi story along with a good romance that isn't erotic. Anybody who is looking for continual, erotic sex as portrayed in many books will probably not like it but any sci-fi romance fan will.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
September 2, 2017
Ruby Lionsdrake is the SFR pen name of Lindsay Buroker. I've been reading the latter's books pretty much from the start. She is a real grand master of Sci Fi in my book. I came across her Lionsdrake books not knowing thiscwas the same person, and (many books later) I was eventually happily surprised when I figured out that their "new" author was one and the same. Hierax, the fourth of the "Ruby Lionsdrake" Star Guardians books, is a perfect example of why I do love her SFRs. First, the series plot - Star Guardians rescue a bunch of Earth gals from a slaver ship; romance ensues, actually works beautifully. Second, the sci fi in it makes sense in a way that only a real full time masterful sci fi writer can do. Finally, the book itself is just a lot of fun, with a great h and H who have wonderful chemistry, and excellent well-written plot. This book is yet another Lionsdrake novel that's a total blast to read.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Leigh UK.
223 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2017
I lost a night of sleep!

I started at 10pm.
Very stupid of me.

Next time I checked it was 3:47am and I've got 2 kids under the age of 7.
More stupid of me.

I woke again at 8am (God bless wknds and the hubby). It's now 11am and I'm done. *happy exhale *

I'm now going to grab breakfast. I couldn't do that before. There was nowhere to stop. This book raced from one action session to the next. There was no point where I could comfortably stop without constantly thinking "what's going to happen next?"

Indi was a great heroine. She didn't coming out swinging but she was no shrinking violet either. Hierax was hilarious. His appeal is unique for sure.

Another terrific book from Ruby Lionsdrake. I simply cannot wait for Zakota!
Profile Image for The Book Worm.
749 reviews14 followers
April 14, 2023
I loved it! Hierax is book four in the Star Guardians series by Ruby Lionsdrake, and closely follows books one (Orion), two (Treyjon) and three (Sagitta), and it's a page turner. I had a lot of fun with Hierax and the banter between him and the other crew members.

The romance isn't all that great - a bit lukewarm during most of the book and then with two sex scenes almost back to back - but the rest of the plot is great, in the true science fiction, space exploration sense.

However, this is a book that can't be read as a stand alone: you need to read the previous in the series to have the context, and then you feel the need to read the next ones to know how the story ends.

I have by now moved on to book five and post a review of that one as soon as I finish it.

Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
August 27, 2017
Adventure?

Ruby Lionsdrake writes great stories! Lots of sexual tension and loads of action!

Indi is a woman that was abducted by aliens. Hierax is one of the Star Guardians who rescued her. He is an obsessed engineer who doesn't necessarily notice normal human interaction. But, he knows he likes Indi.

Indi is terrified and tired of this whole adventure thing, but when she is called upon to help set up a new gate, what is she supposed to do?

There is great interactions between Indi and Hierax from the very beginning. I love Indi's journey and his she handles everything. Overall, great story and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Cc.
2,087 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2017
Indi and Hierax

He's the super-geek Engineer, she's a super-geek math whiz, programmer. Turns out they work well together, to their mutual surprise.

This time they're trying to figure out how to escape the system they're stuck in because of a non-functioning gate. Guess which two people on the Falcon8 save the day.

Another super interesting installment in the Star Guardians Series. Each book is better than the previous one! I read there is only going to be one more book in this series!!!! Oh NO! I'm so loving it; there have to be more!
Profile Image for Kara Prem.
786 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2017
The Star Guardians and the Earth women that they are trying to return home are stranded in a strange and uninhabited system, with a broken gate barring their way back. A completed gate is found on an abandoned planet with a still working AI that seems to take a liking to Indi, one of the women from Earth. She works with chief engineer Hierax to unlock the mysteries of this planet and to get the gate working, with some other adventures (another man eating alien for example) on the side. Plus this book is their romance.
Profile Image for Nancy.
346 reviews11 followers
October 11, 2017
Ruby poured a lot of creative juices all over this book. It was a really enjoyable read. Very science fiction. The action filled trip through the gates and then down on the dark planet surface was so clearly detailed. The fun banter between crewmates and then between Hierax and Indi put enough humor into the story so that it was not all harrowing experiences - one after another. As far as I’m concerned, Ruby keeps getting better with each book in this series. Like potato chips, I couldn’t stop after one.
Profile Image for Claire.
1,302 reviews22 followers
August 28, 2017
Much more adventure action than the previous two books, and a lot more backstory on the worldbuilding. Took a bit of mental adjusting at first, since Hierax had been so grumpy previously that I'd been picturing him in his early 50s - whoops! I appreciated that Indi was able to put her skills to use, and that she had a reason for possessing those skills in the first place, rather than being a magical girl who can do anything with no training.

71 reviews
September 4, 2017
Fun to read series

The Star Guardians are an interesting group of aliens especially when paired off with rescued kidnapped women from earth. Each book involves two main characters, one from earth and one "alien". Reading the books in order is a must as each novel builds from the one before giving you insight into their lives. The descriptions of their lives is creative and I enjoyed the many references to television science fiction shows.
Profile Image for Carly Kirk.
829 reviews9 followers
September 25, 2017
So, so good! It was nice to finally have the female lead, Indi, show how afraid and unhappy she was, though she was coping as well as she could. And having the male lead, Hierax, be so enthralled with his projects and tools that he barely noticed the women on board, so that until interacted with Indi and realized how smart she he wasn't lusting after her body was very cool. Can't wait to see how this series ends!
30 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2018
there is something in this series which is making me reading book after book. When I finished first, I've been thinking "it was fun but no, not good enough to buy and read next...uh, ok...let's try second, maybe it'll be better".
Def quick read. Has potencial. Def COULD be better written. But fun. So, after 4th in the series, there is huge probablybity (it this a real word or am I just making it up) that I'll get next one.
Strong 3,5 from me. And for geeky hero 3,75 even.
245 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2018
Very good read

This book is a great addition to the Star Guardian series. I really liked the quirky personality's of both Hierax and Indi. They made a very interesting match and very comical. The dealings the Falcon 8 has on the Wander Planet is very different from anything I've read B4. Looking forward to reading Zakoda's book next. DanaLynn
Profile Image for Misty.
689 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2020
A bit too technical for me, but it was to be expected since the hero was the Chief of Engineering.
Still, I enjoyed how he protected Indi, how he appreciated her brains, how they got to know each other. This is the start of a beautiful relationship!
And now on to the last book and the conclusion of this space journey!
Profile Image for Magpie.
161 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2025
The more I read of the Star Guardians, the less convinced I am that they belong in my Trashy Book Era. They're just really good and I mean in a genuine way. This one was no different and in fact, might be my favorite thus far. Indigo just seems like a realistic person which I appreciate when there are unrealistic things happening in the plot.
2,205 reviews
August 27, 2017
I really liked this novel...it was a perfect engineers' story. Smarts mixed with humor (lots of humor and euphemisms) as well as adventure and action. Zakota comes out next and it is slated as the final book, but I am hoping Ku (aka Killer) gets a book too.
76 reviews
August 28, 2017
Loved it

Another great installment in the Star Guardians series. Loved the storyline showcasing Hierax and Indi. Two amazing characters and an amazing look into the world of the Wanderers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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