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When you are a young adult in the Etheric Empire, your life can be changed in mere moments. Often for the better.

Anne was saved by the Queen herself many years before on planet Earth. Now, she is struggling with focus, and coming into adulthood while her mom struggles with her own future.

When Anne’s mother makes an ultimatum, the Empress steps in, and Anne’s life is saved by her young friend, with four paws.

Now, Anne must grow up with her partner, and fast. Her new friends are going to need her in the future.

Together, the young woman and her partner, Jinx, have a future to affect.


Set on the foundation laid by the Kurtherian Gambit Series, this story tells about one of the fan favorites and her new partner. Together, they just may be instrumental in changing the future of technology and life.


154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2017

417 people are currently reading
232 people want to read

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S.R. Russell

9 books30 followers

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5 stars
850 (67%)
4 stars
301 (24%)
3 stars
80 (6%)
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16 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,224 reviews2,340 followers
December 11, 2017
Etheric Recruit: A Kurtherian Gambit Series (Etheric Adventures: Anne and Jinx #1) by S.R. Russell, Michael Anderle is a teen, and young adult book and fairly short. It is about a girl being picked by a dog to be her chosen person. These aren't just any dogs. On this planet, these are the Queen's dogs and they are super smart and the girl can talk to the dog. Yep, most people have implants to be able to but she can without the implant. There are other things that happen but this is just the start. It is really very good. There are only a handful of dogs on the planet and they are guarded. There are aliens, weres, vamps, and more. This is a fun fantasy. Teens and young adults will love this.
Profile Image for Judy.
404 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2017
Remember young Anne from the trophy wife op? She is 16 and one of the pups chooses her. Good story
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
September 22, 2017
Etheric Recruit: A Kurtherian Gambit Series

I loved it! A wonderful SF your adult novel full of teenage angst, problems and a serious illness no one seemed to notice....Hope there is a sequel because I love the two main characters!
Profile Image for Edgar.
443 reviews49 followers
January 4, 2021
Ableger der Science Fiction Serie Kurtherian Gambit Universe von Michael Anderle, geschrieben von einer Mitarbeiterin aus seinem Team. Die extrem populäre Serie wird durch die Geschichte der 16-jährigen Anne und damit um eine Teenagerperspektive erweitert und in eine eigene Reihe entwickelt. Alles extrem auf Geldverdienen ausgelegt, von Literatur keine Spur. Für Jugendliche möglicherweise besser geeignet als für einen weißen alten Mann.

Hinweis für Diverse: abgesehen von menschlichen Hunden gibt es hier keine nichtbinären oder queere Wesen und auch Schwarze und Antikapitalismus- und Antipatriarchatsaktivist*innen gehen hier leer aus. Weder Klima noch Corona werden thematisiert. Skandal!

Bethany Ann ist die Königin und Nachfolgerin des Patriarchen. Ihre Hundewelpen sind extrem clever und fähig und suchen sich ihre eigenen Menschen. Die Schäferhundwelpin Jinx wählt sich nach langem Suchen Anne als menschliche Partnerin aus, die von Bethany Ann mit ihrer Familie von der Erde gerettet wurde und die ganz normalen Probleme eines Teenagers mit ihren Eltern und der Schule hat.

In dieser Welt gibt es fortgeschrittene KI und Wissenschaft und die Wesen werden durch Implantate laufend verbessert, es sei denn sie können gattungsspezifisch sowie so schon viel besser riechen und hören als Menschen, wie es auf die Hunde zutrifft. So werden Sprachkenntnisse um allerlei außerirdische Sprachen erweitert und Hunde und Menschen sprechen miteinander.

Eines Tages riecht Jinx, dass irgendwas mit Anne, ihrem Menschen, nicht stimmt und sie vermutet, dass Anne krank ist, weil die anderen Menschen diesen Geruch nicht aufweisen. Anne wird untersucht und mit Leukämie diagnostiziert. Kein Problem für die kurtherianische Wissenschaft, sie zu heilen und dabei ihre DNA (und auch die von Jinx) erheblich zu verbessern!

Extrem enttäuschendes, kleines Büchlein, das es an so ziemlich allem fehlen lässt. Lediglich die erwähnte Episode mit der Heilung Annes hat mir gefallen. Der Rest war Langeweile. Die enthusiastischen 5-Sterne-Bewertungen und Rezensionen anderer erscheinen wie von einem anderen Stern.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,494 reviews10 followers
March 20, 2022
I really enjoyed reading more about Anne, and then Jinx joined with her to make such a wonderful team, which made it even better.

It was fun to read about how both of them changed, and grew, and matured into a wonderful partnership.

It's also great to see that they will be doing a bunch of research, too, as I'm sure there must be ways that the Etheric can be utilised more.

I'm a total sicker for any story with an animal in it, be they real, or a figment of fantasy but, as a longtime dog person, seeing Jinx and her family showing just how bright dogs really are, was a true treat.

All of my dog companions are gone to their reward now, so I get my 'fix' while reading stories like these (friends are kind enough to share their furry friends with me, occasionally, too - there's nothing like a doggy hug to make things feel right with the world!)

So far, I have found every author who writes within the Kurtherian Universe, that I've read, to be amazing bringers of ideas, and who can sweep their readers right into the centre of their stories, and this is true of this author, too.

I'm so pleased to have come across these books, and can't wait to read the next one in this series : Etheric Researcher, to find out what other adventures our intrepid team will get up to - because it's so obvious that they are bright, and curious about everything around them, of course! Lol
Profile Image for Elaina Myers.
356 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2018
Love the characters

This is an interesting universe, I definitely need to read the main series now too, and I really like the characters. It is definitely an interesting situation for Anne and Jinx to start out and I am interested in seeing how they progress and grow into their new roles and responsibilities.

Also, while there are times I enjoy reading detailed descriptions, if the story (plot, characters and dialogue) is good, then I appreciate a minimalist approach to the scenery. Which leaves more time for action!

Also, while I am more of a cat person, I love dogs and I think it would be really neat if I could talk to mine. I am sure his comments would include things along the lines of “What do you mean I already had my daily treat? Hmm, I can’t seem to recall it. You should give me one, just in case you misremembered..” while smiling his I’m happy, cute and innocent smile.

I hope Jinx’s request for more steak in the future is granted; as long as it is healthy for her of course. :-)
175 reviews
December 13, 2017
Almost a book

I quite enjoyed this new addition to the KGU. The characters were fun, likable and leaving one wanting to know more of them. As all of these books, it is short and easily read in one or two sittings. If the little book been more substantial it would have earned a 5, but it is apparent that Michael Andereles’ Book fifedom is starting to crumble. I am seeing a number of aspects of these books that I find to be juvenile and immature such as adults sticking their tongues out every other page and cursing in inappropriate ways (not that am offended, but that the cursing is gratuitous). This book and it’s second seem to be enjoyable and well enough written but I am finding that this little publishing company is starting to fall apart with very poor standards. The first group of books were very good but the last six or so months have brought in a number of very second rate books with really stupid covers. If you can’t do it right just don’t freaking do it.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,390 reviews62 followers
August 30, 2019
Fun Spin Off

I really enjoyed this story about Anne a 16 year old girl who featured in The Kurtherian Gambit Series when she was 12. In this story her parents are not giving her any support, her school work is poor and her mother keeps grounding her.

The book covers Anne being chosen by a puppy to be her companion and all the events that happen as a result of that.

The book wasn’t written by Michael Anderle, but someone from his publishing team who helped with beta reading and editing from early on in the series. I really wouldn’t have known it wasn’t Michael Anderle writing the book because the style is very similar, but if they’ve been working together for so long, it’s not surprising that SR Russell has tapped into Anderle’s style.

It’s an enjoyable book that adds to the series as a whole and worth a read, especially if you have KU.
272 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2020
At last!

I have been frustrated by being lost in the various story arches. Finding out I missed a whole bunch of books that followed the storyline but because they were by different authors they weren't linked. The way you have listed the various worlds and arches by author and in order is fantastic. That's what I have been looking for!! I'm not a Facebook person which may also be a part of the problem. The assumption everyone is. The information should be right in the books and not require the reader to look elsewhere. Forgive the corrective tone. Thank you so much. Its a shame if the readers are unable to follow the world development just because they aren't listed in order. Only the traditional listing of books by the author exclusively. This series of so many books isn't traditional. Its it's own world. Thanks for a path to find the works MA
200 reviews
June 1, 2021
(Spoiler alert) Good read...

with a cool female lead. Anne Jayden, who becomes just Anne, and Jinx, one of Ashur and Bellatrix's pups star in this extra adventure.

Anne's mother almost kills her because she's too self-absorbed to notice Anne's illness. Jinx figures it out & tells B.A. The pod-doc fixes her, but changes Anne into a Vampire, thus her loss of last name.

Anne is a smartypants and gets hired as a "Junior Etheric Researcher" even though only 16. She begins her new job in the next book.
NOTE: Dogs don't lean against human legs (or vampire legs) because they are being "supportive". They do this to show dominance. Maybe change the leaning to head burrowing or licks? Or even face rubs, as those transfer the dog's scent to their human to mark them as "pack". Since dogs find packmates reassuring, they may assume we do also.
10/10 unicorns
206 reviews10 followers
April 7, 2020
Awesome "Coming of age" story of a young woman and her very special dog.

Sixteen year old Anne is tired all the time, can't stay awake, can't focus and gets bruised at the slightest bump.

Luckily, one of the smartest young female dogs in the universe, Jinx, decides to "adopt" Anne as her "person". From there on Anne's life goes into fast forward and her life changes forever in many near miraculous ways.

I loved this book very much and read it straight through in one reading. Now, I'm very eagerly looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.

Get this book and read it immediately, you WILL be VERY glad that you did. Matter of fact, if you have a teen daughter who likes Sci-fi, let her read it too, cause she will love it too!
Profile Image for Debra Stubbins.
334 reviews
May 10, 2020
Dog meets girl.... and the rest is history

Loved to see the character of Anne come more to life after she was delivered to safety from a bed of explosives. From a sad beginning, she and her parents moved to space, however, Anne was not feeling the best and was having a hard time at home. Jinx happens upon Anne’s scent and decides she wants Anne as her human, but things go bad. In steps Bethany Ann to the rescue and Anne’s and Jinx’s life aren’t the same again.
This was a very interesting read and is great to see the growth of Anne and Jinx happening right before our eyes.
Bring on the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Sandy Chapman.
240 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2017
Interesting start of a new series and great dog story

Anne returns, now a teenager who is having problems at home and school. Jinx, one of the German Shepard puppies, is concerned that she hasn't found a companion yet. But once the meet the first time, they both know they were meant for each other. Although a little slow at times as some series openers tend to be, the writing came together as the book progressed. Looking forward to reading more of the adventures Anne and Jinx have in store based on the solid foundation this series opener has provided.
Profile Image for John Tyson.
187 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2020
Hum what to say

I am good with words but since I have written quite a few reviews for this huge series trying to come up with something you hadn't said before can be a little daunting but here I go well first it's a great book outstanding beginning of this branch of the universe I am impressed how they can keep pushing out fresh takes without being bogged down with information all you need is a basic knowledge about the Kurtherian Gambit series and it will allow you to just read and enjoy
170 reviews6 followers
September 15, 2017
Inadvertently here

Our rescued muppet, Ann, has felt like a sugar cube being assaulted on all sides. Her despondent mom, separated from her bubble of glitz has a friggin hard time being safe upon an asteroid. The closest verbal punching bag is her daughter. Misery shared inappropriately. How can this turn out well? The Etheric universe has a way. Open this book & find out why don'cha?
Profile Image for Gaileen Crowell.
171 reviews
October 8, 2017
Nice little read.

Every addition to the Kutherian Gambit is fun as it blends all the characters together to make the universe more deeply real. Anne will prove to be a minor character who will give depth to the idea that all the people are in this battle together. She is a teen and has some reality to look forward to but has the potential to be a more important piece of the picture. Keep writing, folks, it's great!
305 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2017
First oft; Welcome SR Russell! The "Etheric Recruit" is a lovely new introduction to yet another side of the Gambit Series. I had wondered what had happened to Anne after all this time. I had envisioned her doing great things, she wrote a letter of "help us" to BA after all, and that showed she was a person on interest. It's been a long wait, but, it is well worth it! I look forward to more episodes, and again, WELL DONE!
46 reviews
January 14, 2018
Wow! I love this!

Where has it been hiding? I only found out about it through word of mouth in the TKG fb groups and I wish I'd known about it sooner. Apart from being concise and an absolute joy to read, I was happy to get all the background on what's going on in the main story. I understand Capture Death a hell of a lot more now. I really hope there's a book 2 in the kindle store!
Profile Image for Donald.
40 reviews
February 11, 2019
it's a pretty good story but leaves me wanting so much more. even after reading the follow up story i just feel like there is more to the Anne and Jinx story in general.

i'd be very interested to see a collected tales of the Etheric Canines and their chosen companions that follows the stories from the dog perspectives. the interactions between Jinx and Matrix i think were the best part of the story and really what separated this story from the other side series
57 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2020
Excellent ya space opera

This is clearly a followup on the Alpha Class series with a unique new character. What i really enjoyed was clear character development development in a minimum of words. The story ends pointing toward a future book. I finished this book in short order and it kept me consumed in the story line so I read the story straight through. I read a lot and I often discard the book of the story line does not move at an appropriate speed.
Profile Image for Larry.
3,048 reviews17 followers
May 18, 2023
I have yet to read a book from the Kurtherian Gambit world of books that even came close to disappointing me. Every one I have read, no matter from what series has rated 5 stars and if they have ten, they would all be ten stars. THAT is how much I love these books! The characters, both male and female, are top of the line role models for any human, child OR adult. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,162 reviews5 followers
September 16, 2017
Love it!!

Poor Jinx wondered why she didn't have her own companion. Then one day she smelled something or rather someone. Her Mom and Dad with help from their friends found Anne!! Can't wait for the next book to come out!! Also guys and girls remember there are cat people out here that love your books too and I know for a fact that there are also cats there so?!?!?!
577 reviews
September 29, 2017
Wondering

I do wonder if Michael realize how much his universe would grow. Now another author who I will be fallowing, Ann and Jinx just proved the foundation of a series that I will enjoy reading more about. Wounded if a threesome's in the works just seems Christian fits in with Ann and Jinx. I do suffer from AAD so my spelling is what it is.
56 reviews
November 17, 2017
Loved it!

I want more now so please write more about Anne and jinx, fast !! I'm also a animal lover pet photography, dog training and also the dog show world(Boxers tho😜) can't wait to see more from this storyline and what else they've so barbarically interpreted with the etheric and it's abilities!
1,188 reviews17 followers
November 21, 2017
Wanting more, excellent first book.

I enjoyed this book immensely, I gave it five stars because it is fast-paced, I enjoyed the characters, there were no slow spots in this book. I am awaiting more because it was totally enjoyable. Bring on more, can’t wait for the next one. Because it is in the age of expansion it is more meaningful to me. Hurry hurry hurry.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,013 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2018
Frankfarters?

The point of view of the dogs is great. I enjoyed being able to hear what they have to say. Some old minor characters made into main characters is fun, too. I'm so loving this universe! I'm extremely impressed that Michael plays well with other authors when sharing his universe, and that the stories meld together so well.
233 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2019
Great new read

Sometimes a small part of a larger story will stick in the back of your head and you wonder what happened to that person. In this case I'm really happy to have a bunch of cool stuff come back together and, Pow, it all works! Second book is loaded and away we goooo 😎 ✌
Profile Image for Levia.
1,381 reviews16 followers
July 22, 2019
Not usually a dog person

But I absolutely love that the puppies are highly intelligent and helping their human partners. I love Jinx and Anne. After the healing (minor spoiler there) I cannot wait to find out what happens next. As a mom battling depression and anxiety, my heart broke for both Anne and her mom. I hope that as the series goes on that their relationship improves.
1 review3 followers
January 24, 2020
First review!

This was my favorite co authored book in the Kurtherian Gambit series! I loved the connection between Anne and Jinx, and the way you incorporated Anne from a previous book. I also see a future romance between Peter and Anne. Can't wait to read the next book by S. D Ruxsell! THis is the first review I've given that's how much I loved this book!
Profile Image for Patricia Loynd.
201 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2020
Easy, fun read

Loved getting to meet Jinx and hearing more about Anne and Christina as they have grown up. The side story of Anne's mom was well thought and brought some true reality, something I as a psychology major wondered. Fun, fast read with proof that people don't change. Just because they change locations.
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