What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Guardians #5
Zakota
Katie Saunders isn’t used to sitting on her butt, but she’s been stuck doing exactly that as the Star Guardians fly all over the galaxy, trying to get her and the other kidnapped women back home. Now, it looks like they have to engage in a battle against evil aliens before making the final flight to Earth. Since they’ve captured an extra ship and are short on pilots, Katie wants to help.
She flew jets during her time in the navy, and she’s been training on the spaceship’s flight simulator, so she knows she can be useful. Because the captain won’t listen to her, she turns her focus onto the ship’s helm officer, Zakota. He’s an odd man who apparently believes he’s a shaman, but maybe she can convince him she can fly.
Wheeling and dealing with Zakota reveals a couple of unexpected things. First off, he’s super hot under that uniform, and second, he’s not quite as kooky as she thought. As a fellow pilot, he gets her, far better than she expected anyone out here would, and he’s quick to see her worth in the cockpit.
The problem? There’s not time for them to get to know each other better or much of anything else. They’re headed into a battle against a superior foe with superior numbers, and the odds are against them making it out alive.
The Star Guardians series:
Book 1.0: Orion
Book 2.0: Treyjon
Book 3.0: Sagitta
Book 3.5: Sagitta
Book 4.0: Hierax
Book 5.0: Zakota
Book 6.0: Ariston
She flew jets during her time in the navy, and she’s been training on the spaceship’s flight simulator, so she knows she can be useful. Because the captain won’t listen to her, she turns her focus onto the ship’s helm officer, Zakota. He’s an odd man who apparently believes he’s a shaman, but maybe she can convince him she can fly.
Wheeling and dealing with Zakota reveals a couple of unexpected things. First off, he’s super hot under that uniform, and second, he’s not quite as kooky as she thought. As a fellow pilot, he gets her, far better than she expected anyone out here would, and he’s quick to see her worth in the cockpit.
The problem? There’s not time for them to get to know each other better or much of anything else. They’re headed into a battle against a superior foe with superior numbers, and the odds are against them making it out alive.
The Star Guardians series:
Book 1.0: Orion
Book 2.0: Treyjon
Book 3.0: Sagitta
Book 3.5: Sagitta
Book 4.0: Hierax
Book 5.0: Zakota
Book 6.0: Ariston
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2017
217 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 30, 2017
Plucky and talented Katie is one of my favorite female characters so far in the Star Guardians series. She is a retired pilot and is anxious to get the joy stick back in her hands. In this case, she has to stick her fingers through the Zi'i piloting gel, but what's that matter? She is back at the helm. Sort of. Captain Saggita won't give her the time of day, so Katie turns to shaman-pilot Zakota for behind-the-scenes lessons. He quickly comes to admire her skill and her other assets. She proves her bravery in a tense situation with a battle scene only Lionsdrake can write.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited.
September 10, 2017
I've been itching to find out how Sagitta's crew were going to extract themselves from the sticky situation they ended up in a couple books ago. Stuck on the far end of the galaxy with a defunct gate and a horde of man-eating aliens making tracks toward their home planets? NO PROBLEM, right? Honestly, things looked not so great for the Star Guardians and the Earth women they'd rescued. But Sagitta has a solid crew and they have MANY strengths. And once they start tapping into the strengths of the Earth women, too, everything gets even better.
Speaking of strengths, Katie holds her own against the more experienced pilots. She might be from a primitive planet (by Star Guardian standards), but she's quick and determined and she shows her resourcefulness time and again. It's that resourcefulness that intrigues Zakota. Well, that and she actually seems interested in him.
As for Zakota, his spiritualism has made him the butt of a few jokes amongst the crew. Actually, it might be more his penchant for pushing his lucky carvings on the other Guardians. Or maybe a bit of both. Turns out, he's a wee bit deeper than everyone gives him credit for. He might be a joker and enjoy some good verbal sparring, but he takes his job as navigator very seriously.
Closing out the arc that started with Orion's book, we get a satisfying conclusion to the abduction of the Earth women. I'm crossing my fingers we get more adventures set in this universe because I had a blast reading them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Speaking of strengths, Katie holds her own against the more experienced pilots. She might be from a primitive planet (by Star Guardian standards), but she's quick and determined and she shows her resourcefulness time and again. It's that resourcefulness that intrigues Zakota. Well, that and she actually seems interested in him.
As for Zakota, his spiritualism has made him the butt of a few jokes amongst the crew. Actually, it might be more his penchant for pushing his lucky carvings on the other Guardians. Or maybe a bit of both. Turns out, he's a wee bit deeper than everyone gives him credit for. He might be a joker and enjoy some good verbal sparring, but he takes his job as navigator very seriously.
Closing out the arc that started with Orion's book, we get a satisfying conclusion to the abduction of the Earth women. I'm crossing my fingers we get more adventures set in this universe because I had a blast reading them.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 20, 2017
The fifth addition to the Star Guardians series by Ruby Lionsdrake. Katie Saunders was a Navy Pilot on earth and would really like to get her hands on the helm of a spaceship. She believes that Zakota, the head helmsman, should be able to get her there. Meanwhile, the Falcon 8 is headed back to Dethlocoles in hopes of warning their people of the danger from the Zi'i. So Zakota agrees the help her if she passes the simulator test.
This wraps up the story nicely and includes an entertaining epilogue featuring the couples from the series. Loved the series and I must confess Sci-fi Romance is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me and Ms. Lionsdrake makes it easy for me to love. That said I see another "Star Guardian" book is out and I am so excited.
This wraps up the story nicely and includes an entertaining epilogue featuring the couples from the series. Loved the series and I must confess Sci-fi Romance is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me and Ms. Lionsdrake makes it easy for me to love. That said I see another "Star Guardian" book is out and I am so excited.
September 5, 2017
Wild ride
With Zakota and Katie piloting smooth and wild definitely describes this last story. A hero and heroine who know their strengths. Their relationship starts, grows and thrives in all the external conflict.
Conflict drives the story since the crew's goal is to save their home worlds. Then get the kidnappees home finally. Everything comes together spectacularly.
Hopefully we'll see more in the Star Guardian universe, meet and find out more about Captain Ares, Katie's sister Mick, and many others.
Read through kindle unlimited but another one going on my buy someday wish list. A Star Guardian box set with the 5 stories and 1 short story would be nice.
With Zakota and Katie piloting smooth and wild definitely describes this last story. A hero and heroine who know their strengths. Their relationship starts, grows and thrives in all the external conflict.
Conflict drives the story since the crew's goal is to save their home worlds. Then get the kidnappees home finally. Everything comes together spectacularly.
Hopefully we'll see more in the Star Guardian universe, meet and find out more about Captain Ares, Katie's sister Mick, and many others.
Read through kindle unlimited but another one going on my buy someday wish list. A Star Guardian box set with the 5 stories and 1 short story would be nice.
September 6, 2017
What a great book! The humor was outstanding and the epilogue was the best!!! I look forward to more books in this world, even if not a "Star Guardian" book - though I do think Ku "Killer" deserves his own story.
January 24, 2018
While billing itself as a sci-fi romance, it was really more of a below average romance in a space adventure setting.
After reading good space operas like the Honor Harrington series (David Weber), I can't really enjoy poorly thought out space battles where distances and time delays don't factor into the tactics, and the weapons officer invents and makes a brand new brilliant weapon in two days.
After reading good space operas like the Honor Harrington series (David Weber), I can't really enjoy poorly thought out space battles where distances and time delays don't factor into the tactics, and the weapons officer invents and makes a brand new brilliant weapon in two days.
September 9, 2017
Sorry it ended
I should give it 1 stars for ending the series. I love the 5 book series and hope she will write more about the star guardian universe. Loved the epilogue. If you want to know how they defeated A I'm the read the book lol, I don't believe you'll be disappointed.
I should give it 1 stars for ending the series. I love the 5 book series and hope she will write more about the star guardian universe. Loved the epilogue. If you want to know how they defeated A I'm the read the book lol, I don't believe you'll be disappointed.
April 17, 2023
From the science fiction/space adventure point of view, Zakota is probably one of the best books in he Star Guardians series by Ruby Lionsdrake. It's book 5, and closely books one (Orion), two (Treyjon), three (Sagitta) and four (Hierax). It's also the conclusion of the original series, the end of the adventure that started when a group of women was abducted from Earth by slavers and ended up with them returning with a status sort of similar to heroes, together with the Star Guardians that saved them. The five books are all episodes of that same story, and therefore not meant as stand alones.
I had a lot of fun with Zakota and Katie, and there were lots of places throughout the story where I found myself smiling or even laughing out loud.
The only part I didn't really like all that much and I could have done without was the epilogue. Because this was supposed to be the last book in the series, there's sort of a multiple points of view epilogue, as seen from the eyes of each of the main female characters in each of the books. While I find the idea fairly original, I didn't feel it added all that much to the story - when compared with the non-stop action of the rest of the plot, this last part is kind of boring and anti-climatic.
There's one more book in the series, which seems to be a later add-on, but now that I have read all five in a row I definitely need to I read that one too. I'll post a review as soon as I finish it.
I understand these books are not for everyone, and some installments in the series are better than others, but if you love the genre, you shouldn't miss them.
I had a lot of fun with Zakota and Katie, and there were lots of places throughout the story where I found myself smiling or even laughing out loud.
The only part I didn't really like all that much and I could have done without was the epilogue. Because this was supposed to be the last book in the series, there's sort of a multiple points of view epilogue, as seen from the eyes of each of the main female characters in each of the books. While I find the idea fairly original, I didn't feel it added all that much to the story - when compared with the non-stop action of the rest of the plot, this last part is kind of boring and anti-climatic.
There's one more book in the series, which seems to be a later add-on, but now that I have read all five in a row I definitely need to I read that one too. I'll post a review as soon as I finish it.
I understand these books are not for everyone, and some installments in the series are better than others, but if you love the genre, you shouldn't miss them.
September 7, 2017
I love Ruby Lionsdrake's Star Guardians series. The main plot driver is the perfect plot device for a SFR novel, a Star Guardians ship (crewed by a tin of yummy alpha males, of course) which rescues a group of Earth women kidnapped by a slaver ship and is now flying all over the galaxy, trying to get them back home. Each novel then deals with how one of the ship's crew match up with one of the Earth gals. This time it's the turn of Katie Saunders, former navy pilot, who gets to learn how to fly in space thanks to simulators and working (in more ways than one) with Zakota, the ship's helmsman.
Superior foe with superior numbers? Check
Helm officer who is indeed "super hot under that uniform"? Check.
Superb thrills and adventure? Check.
Superb sexy romance. You betcha, umm, check!
All systems are clearly a "go" for another super fun novel by Ruby Lionsdrake and, as a bonus, since "Ruby" is actually the pen name of Lindsay Buroker, easily one of the best indie Sci Fi authors (actually, make that simply "authors") writing today, you know the Sci Fi in this SFR works well too!
Highly recommended.
Superior foe with superior numbers? Check
Helm officer who is indeed "super hot under that uniform"? Check.
Superb thrills and adventure? Check.
Superb sexy romance. You betcha, umm, check!
All systems are clearly a "go" for another super fun novel by Ruby Lionsdrake and, as a bonus, since "Ruby" is actually the pen name of Lindsay Buroker, easily one of the best indie Sci Fi authors (actually, make that simply "authors") writing today, you know the Sci Fi in this SFR works well too!
Highly recommended.
June 25, 2018
I read this book because of an A-Z book reading challenge (I needed a 'Z' book) - so I started on this (book 5) and I'm missing plenty of back story. I don't know how the main characters in this book were described in previous books but I'm curious. I very much like that Zakota is not a stereotypical 'alpha-male.' Yeah, he has a great muscular physique and he is in the military (par on course for alien romances) BUT at some point in the book he is described as having the fake smile of a used-car sales man. He isn't cool, and though in the military, he is a pilot - not a combat-fighter. I really like that the main character/love interest isn't the stereotypical buff war-hero but instead a kinda weird, kinda awkward (and may-be a little annoying/smarmy [until you get to know him] with the whole selling religious charms to anyone he can thing) but still lovable in the end guy.
The female character is the stereotypical busty/good-looking, action girl (ex-pilot in US military) - able to pilot alien ships through battles after only very minor training, etc. I'm happy to see women represented as confident and capable, so I'm good with her character :)
The female character is the stereotypical busty/good-looking, action girl (ex-pilot in US military) - able to pilot alien ships through battles after only very minor training, etc. I'm happy to see women represented as confident and capable, so I'm good with her character :)
February 13, 2018
The Zi'i on the attack!
The last book in this series, Zakota is packed full of action while at the same time it highlights the talents of Katie. Having been a fighter pilot who landed planes on aircraft carriers, she now wants the chance to pilot a spacecraft. Zakota, the senior pilot on the Falcon 8, finds her to be unlike any woman he has previously met. They speak the same language and its not long before they share a kiss. And so another Star Guardian bites the dust.
The conflict with the Zi'i comes to a head when they attack Dethocoles. Sagitta and his crew have a big job ahead of them if they are to get back to Federation space to help their people.
I was disappointed with the ending though as so much was glossed over. What wasn't was a bit too unrealistic I thought. Because of this I only gave this book 4 stars.
The last book in this series, Zakota is packed full of action while at the same time it highlights the talents of Katie. Having been a fighter pilot who landed planes on aircraft carriers, she now wants the chance to pilot a spacecraft. Zakota, the senior pilot on the Falcon 8, finds her to be unlike any woman he has previously met. They speak the same language and its not long before they share a kiss. And so another Star Guardian bites the dust.
The conflict with the Zi'i comes to a head when they attack Dethocoles. Sagitta and his crew have a big job ahead of them if they are to get back to Federation space to help their people.
I was disappointed with the ending though as so much was glossed over. What wasn't was a bit too unrealistic I thought. Because of this I only gave this book 4 stars.
October 25, 2017
Gah, I had most of a review written for this, but my computer ate it.
I can say:
I loved it
I'm sad this is the last in the series but not for the whole universe (hopefully)
As usual I love her characters. The author's fight scenes are awesome too. I especially love her battle scenes--it gets me right in my nerdy heart.
I especially loved the epilogue and seeing the culmination of all of the personalities she created over the span of the series. It just showed how good she was about creating unique characters, to me at least.
I can't wait for the next one, but I'm so excited to have read news that she was working on another Dragon's Blood book under her other name. I *love* that series.
I can say:
I loved it
I'm sad this is the last in the series but not for the whole universe (hopefully)
As usual I love her characters. The author's fight scenes are awesome too. I especially love her battle scenes--it gets me right in my nerdy heart.
I especially loved the epilogue and seeing the culmination of all of the personalities she created over the span of the series. It just showed how good she was about creating unique characters, to me at least.
I can't wait for the next one, but I'm so excited to have read news that she was working on another Dragon's Blood book under her other name. I *love* that series.
September 7, 2017
I like the author's style but I've found in this series some of the couples work and some don't. This was a miss for me. Zakota and Katie were interesting characters but they didn't have any chemistry and it seems like they were fighting with Ruby on whether they were a true couple or friends. Zakota seemed a little more open but Katie was like "I'll maybe see u on breaks from flight class" even through the epilogue. The fight that has been a recurring theme through the series wraps up awfully easy in two pages at the end and was a bit of a let down after a rip off(homage?) of the star wars scene. For me kind of a let down for the series finale.
September 8, 2017
A nice ending to the five book series. Katie is one of the Earth women stolen by slavers and rescued by the Star Guardians. She is a pilot and really wants to fly a star ship. Zakota is a pilot on the ship and with a lot of pleading and a bet he lets her fly a shuttle . In the coming battle she gets to do more flying and be in more danger than she really wanted. Along the way she and Zakota start on their HEA. This was nice ending to the series but I would love to see more of the Star Guardians. The world building and back story is already done so I hope to see more stories set in this fascinating universe.
September 16, 2017
'Lost in Space' was NOTHING like this!
If you have to be stuck in another galaxy, far far away, this is the group of guys you want to be stuck with! All the Star Guardians are hot and hunky, and Ruby gives us some toe-curling action with 5 of the hunkiest in this series. From being kidnapped by space slavers in the first book, to being stuck between galaxies in the third to fighting space battles in alien shuttles in the fifth one, the women prove they're more than up to the challenge of wrapping these warriors around their little fingers. This a fast, fun series - definitely start at the beginning!
If you have to be stuck in another galaxy, far far away, this is the group of guys you want to be stuck with! All the Star Guardians are hot and hunky, and Ruby gives us some toe-curling action with 5 of the hunkiest in this series. From being kidnapped by space slavers in the first book, to being stuck between galaxies in the third to fighting space battles in alien shuttles in the fifth one, the women prove they're more than up to the challenge of wrapping these warriors around their little fingers. This a fast, fun series - definitely start at the beginning!
September 21, 2017
I was a bit hesitant about reading Zakota as a hero, after his characterization in the other books, but I think the author did a great job of peeling back his goofy exterior and adding a lot of depth. The cocky pilot's banter between him and Katie was great as well, and I liked the longer length and additional space battle action we got.
The epilogue with POV from all of the heroines was nice to read, and a good way to wrap up the series. Though I'm still hoping for more novellas, and maybe a sequel series now that first contact has been made?!
The epilogue with POV from all of the heroines was nice to read, and a good way to wrap up the series. Though I'm still hoping for more novellas, and maybe a sequel series now that first contact has been made?!
Read
December 28, 2020HA! Katie is my favorite heroine along with Tala. She's the poster girl for "just keep trying!"
I loved her determination even though at the beginning she seems selfish and childish in her desire to fly. She got Zakota in trouble but she also was really dedicated to help.
The war was wrapped up a bit too fast, but I guess the big turning point was what the Star Guardians did on the cube, so it's alright.
Well... I usually don't read sci-fi, but I think this sci-fi romance might be a new genre for me. I loved following those women on their journey!
I loved her determination even though at the beginning she seems selfish and childish in her desire to fly. She got Zakota in trouble but she also was really dedicated to help.
The war was wrapped up a bit too fast, but I guess the big turning point was what the Star Guardians did on the cube, so it's alright.
Well... I usually don't read sci-fi, but I think this sci-fi romance might be a new genre for me. I loved following those women on their journey!
September 14, 2017
This was my favorite book of the series! It was a great mix of action and romance with great characters. I was not sure how Zakota would be as the main love interest - but I thought he was a good mix of crazy, fun, and sweet. Katie was pretty much the same!
I really enjoyed reading this series and how each developed the story of the last. I hope that the author will continue writing in this universe and give us updates on all the characters from this series.
I really enjoyed reading this series and how each developed the story of the last. I hope that the author will continue writing in this universe and give us updates on all the characters from this series.
September 18, 2017
Happy Sigh!
Truly a perfect ending to an action packed series. I've started another scifi romance and it's making me miss the Star Guardians already. The Star Guardians books were such a perfect blend of adventure and romance unlike the current title I'm reading where I may dislocate my eyeballs as I roll them while skipping over another over the top sex scene. Write more Ruby! I need more of your quality books to absorb and devour. Did I mention that I love this series?
Truly a perfect ending to an action packed series. I've started another scifi romance and it's making me miss the Star Guardians already. The Star Guardians books were such a perfect blend of adventure and romance unlike the current title I'm reading where I may dislocate my eyeballs as I roll them while skipping over another over the top sex scene. Write more Ruby! I need more of your quality books to absorb and devour. Did I mention that I love this series?
September 23, 2017
Loved this series!
I'm so sad to see this series end. This book concludes the series and answers all of the questions that have ben n building up. Zakota and Katie are so cute together! Katie wants to learn to pilot the spaceships, but Sage refuses, citing she must be a trained pilot. Zakota teaches her how to fly one of the alien shops and she proves that she is a kicka@@ pilot!
I'm so sad to see this series end. This book concludes the series and answers all of the questions that have ben n building up. Zakota and Katie are so cute together! Katie wants to learn to pilot the spaceships, but Sage refuses, citing she must be a trained pilot. Zakota teaches her how to fly one of the alien shops and she proves that she is a kicka@@ pilot!
September 27, 2017
Once again Ruby Lionsdrake created a great series! Characters you enjoy getting to know and root for, a great story arc for each book and for the whole series, plenty of action and romance and the world/universe she creates is fun to learn about. I enjoyed each book a lot (though some characters more than others) and reading them reminded me of how much I enjoyed her "Mandrake Company" series and I'm planning on rereading them now.
September 10, 2017
Good sci-fi action with light romance ...which is my preference. Also anyone referencing some of my favorite sci-fi such as Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Stargate...can't go too wrong in my book. Just finished the series and I loved the action and humor throughout and would love to read more Star Guardians adventures!!!
September 24, 2017
Star Guardians
Once I read Orion the first book in this series, couldn't stop till I read the whole series. Lots of adventure, action with a little of spice with romance. All the main characters have very different personalities. My favorite character was the engineer, was very quirky.
Once I read Orion the first book in this series, couldn't stop till I read the whole series. Lots of adventure, action with a little of spice with romance. All the main characters have very different personalities. My favorite character was the engineer, was very quirky.
November 3, 2017
The crew of the Fire Falcon and the abducted Earth women make it back to the system that Dethoclese (I know I spelled that wrong!) is in and a battle with the enemy ensues. Katie gets a chance to pilot a spaceship and grows closer to Zakota. I liked both characters and loved that there was a nice epilogue where all the characters in the series are mentioned.
February 16, 2022
Warfare and romance, what more could you ask for?
Ruby Lionsdrake once again draws you in to the lives of a space ship full of interesting women and handsome, and ripped men. They are Star Guardians who defeat horrible aliens, rescue women from slavery, and they are all around fascinating companions. This is another series that will keep you coming back for more.
Ruby Lionsdrake once again draws you in to the lives of a space ship full of interesting women and handsome, and ripped men. They are Star Guardians who defeat horrible aliens, rescue women from slavery, and they are all around fascinating companions. This is another series that will keep you coming back for more.
August 4, 2023
What Action…Loved The Series!
I truly enjoyed this series and the authors ability to hone in on a different main character in each book, even though it followed a storyline. The descriptions of the new worlds, weapons, unique, planet, characters, and plots were extremely creative. The tie in to the Gaia characters was very romantic and heartwarming. Super fun and compelling!
I truly enjoyed this series and the authors ability to hone in on a different main character in each book, even though it followed a storyline. The descriptions of the new worlds, weapons, unique, planet, characters, and plots were extremely creative. The tie in to the Gaia characters was very romantic and heartwarming. Super fun and compelling!
November 7, 2025
I can tell I'm going to have a lot to say about this series, but I'll try to keep this short and sweet. This was a good book, really good actually, the series just gets better with each installment. The only thing with this one was I didn't really feel the romantic chemistry between Katie and Zakota.
September 7, 2017
Just finished #5
Great read. I definitely vote for more books in the series. I want to know what happens next. The characters are quirky,funny,sexy, strong, brave. Everything you want in a hero and heroine.
Great read. I definitely vote for more books in the series. I want to know what happens next. The characters are quirky,funny,sexy, strong, brave. Everything you want in a hero and heroine.
September 10, 2017
Great Series!!!
Absolutely love the Star Guardian series!!! I hope Ruby decided to write a few more. The guys are quirky but honorable and the ladies add the right amount of spice to the fantastic adventures. A must read series!
Absolutely love the Star Guardian series!!! I hope Ruby decided to write a few more. The guys are quirky but honorable and the ladies add the right amount of spice to the fantastic adventures. A must read series!
September 11, 2017
More please!
I'm kind of sad the series is over. I'm glad that Katie finally got to fly. And now I'm glad it ended the way it did. But I really want to see more of the Star Guardians.
I'm kind of sad the series is over. I'm glad that Katie finally got to fly. And now I'm glad it ended the way it did. But I really want to see more of the Star Guardians.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews