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The Kurtherian Gambit #20
Capture Death
Baba Yaga has taken over and no one knows if Bethany Anne will ever come back.Beaten on the crucible, Bethany Anne decided she will bring justice to the Kurtherian's that tortured the Leath and her people, personally.
The problem? She releases Baba Yaga who has now taken control.
Even ADAM and TOM aren't sure they can help their friend.
While Baba Yaga is tracking down the Seven Kurtherians, her friends and family are desperately trying to find her. During this time, General Lance Reyolds must start negotiations with other star nations who wish to create an Etheric Federation.
The problem?
How can you complete an Etheric Federation Treaty, if you can't find the Empress?
The problem? She releases Baba Yaga who has now taken control.
Even ADAM and TOM aren't sure they can help their friend.
While Baba Yaga is tracking down the Seven Kurtherians, her friends and family are desperately trying to find her. During this time, General Lance Reyolds must start negotiations with other star nations who wish to create an Etheric Federation.
The problem?
How can you complete an Etheric Federation Treaty, if you can't find the Empress?
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2017
1140 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 25, 2018
This one felt like filler. I didn't care for the BA has a psychotic break storyline. Most frustrating of all, however, is the rapidly diminishing continuity in the this, the main series. If you haven't read the spin offs by now then at least half the characters you have no clue where they came from nor do you understand the vast majority of the references about their back stories.
I don't think it's a good idea to have your main series become dependent on the storylines in the spin offs. It ends up feeling like a cluster fuck. Even the mostly filler stories.
Consequently, there is only one book in this main series to go and I'm more than ready to finish it. Being confused because I can't get my hands on the spin-offs in the format I started with is frustrating.
I don't think it's a good idea to have your main series become dependent on the storylines in the spin offs. It ends up feeling like a cluster fuck. Even the mostly filler stories.
Consequently, there is only one book in this main series to go and I'm more than ready to finish it. Being confused because I can't get my hands on the spin-offs in the format I started with is frustrating.
March 10, 2018
4.25 Stars
January 18, 2018
I have just read this book Capture Death and the previous one Ahead Full together and at times I feel like I could just give up on the whole series.
Both books have the same faults, although this one is by far the worse. They are just so disjointed, the author has spent too much time trying to write clever ‘banter’ that he seems to have forgotten he is supposed to be telling a coherent story.
Also in Ahead Full there were several storylines that weren’t resolved and I naively thought that they might be picked up in this book, but they have just disappeared into the ether.
The problem is, I love most of the characters and every now and then the story actually makes sense and becomes interesting again.
I wish the author had just concentrated on writing the ‘Kurtherian Gambit’ series instead of trying to become ‘God’ to the whole Kurtherian Universe.
Both books have the same faults, although this one is by far the worse. They are just so disjointed, the author has spent too much time trying to write clever ‘banter’ that he seems to have forgotten he is supposed to be telling a coherent story.
Also in Ahead Full there were several storylines that weren’t resolved and I naively thought that they might be picked up in this book, but they have just disappeared into the ether.
The problem is, I love most of the characters and every now and then the story actually makes sense and becomes interesting again.
I wish the author had just concentrated on writing the ‘Kurtherian Gambit’ series instead of trying to become ‘God’ to the whole Kurtherian Universe.
October 18, 2025
Second read and still excited but this is more of a catharsis for BA. A lead into the final book that will have her focus on returning to earth.
April 9, 2022
And the Saga continues
I was on pins and needles with this read. All the emotions that one can humanly have occurred in this read. Whew. Mr. Anderle packed a lot into this novel. But however I loved it all the same.
I was on pins and needles with this read. All the emotions that one can humanly have occurred in this read. Whew. Mr. Anderle packed a lot into this novel. But however I loved it all the same.
March 20, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed reading this story and I loved the shell game maneuver. I can't wait for the next book to read!
I enjoyed reading this story and I loved the shell game maneuver. I can't wait for the next book to read!
June 20, 2019
This book is a great ending to an awesome series! The narrator did a great job as well!
December 29, 2017
Well that was different, there was internal conflicts and loss of priorities in that book. What else? It was gripping and sad. That's not the usual that we have in the series, I ask myself how everything is going to mesh together. How Michael and BA are going to reunite, and are those 3 Kutherians on earth now? To bring about the age of madness? We miss some books to make the puzzle fit. Can't wait for the last one!
March 31, 2021
4 Night Of The Long Knives Stars
Capture Death is the twentieth book in The Kurtherian Gambit series by Michael Anderle.
A whole star knocked off because there’s more Kurtherian annoyances and shenanigans in the future. I had been hoping Baba Yaga would decimate all of them and then leave the last book for searching out a way to give TOM autonomy. Alas, not the case.
Is there a list somewhere that labels where the books are in the series. Is it as they were released? Because I need to catch up with Michael’s books before I can go on.... I think.
This book was a long time coming. You could feel her unraveling through the past many books. Staggering under the weight of her responsibilities, her people’s expectations, and her enemies slander. That it took this long in the series for her to create an avenue in which to release all of this built up tension? Unimaginable.
I’ll be glad to see where the Etheric Empire goes from here. Who travels back to Earth, ti pickup Michael, hunt the remaining Kurtherians, and discover unchartered alien worlds? Who stays and builds the Etheric Federation, shapes so that it will not follow Earth’s downfall? This series has been an amazing journey. But even though I remember, and abhor the politics and annoyances it presented, I miss Earth in this literary Universe. It has always been their core focus. Thankfully they’ll be returning soon.
Capture Death is the twentieth book in The Kurtherian Gambit series by Michael Anderle.
A whole star knocked off because there’s more Kurtherian annoyances and shenanigans in the future. I had been hoping Baba Yaga would decimate all of them and then leave the last book for searching out a way to give TOM autonomy. Alas, not the case.
Is there a list somewhere that labels where the books are in the series. Is it as they were released? Because I need to catch up with Michael’s books before I can go on.... I think.
This book was a long time coming. You could feel her unraveling through the past many books. Staggering under the weight of her responsibilities, her people’s expectations, and her enemies slander. That it took this long in the series for her to create an avenue in which to release all of this built up tension? Unimaginable.
I’ll be glad to see where the Etheric Empire goes from here. Who travels back to Earth, ti pickup Michael, hunt the remaining Kurtherians, and discover unchartered alien worlds? Who stays and builds the Etheric Federation, shapes so that it will not follow Earth’s downfall? This series has been an amazing journey. But even though I remember, and abhor the politics and annoyances it presented, I miss Earth in this literary Universe. It has always been their core focus. Thankfully they’ll be returning soon.
April 1, 2022
Wow, this really set me up for the final stories to this arc. Baba Yaga is really doing her thing, and she's awesome - but a little bit broken, too.
It can't have been easy to be the Empress to so many diverse species, and then she was prevented in doing what she's always done best - kick law breakers either into being straight, or dead!
So it's no surprise that she ran off, to chase those pesky Kurtherains - well, at least the bad ones, anyway!
This story, as usual for Michael Anderle, was awesomely unputdownable - it had me laughing out loud, then sobbing like a baby, so that was a great success in my eyes - if the writing doesn't affect my emotions, then I'll lose interest, but these books have had me on the edge of my seat, and ALWAYS wanting more!
I can't wait for the next book, as usual - I'm very excited that it will be the first book I have n the Second Dark Ages series: The Dark Messiah, so that's going to be interesting!
It can't have been easy to be the Empress to so many diverse species, and then she was prevented in doing what she's always done best - kick law breakers either into being straight, or dead!
So it's no surprise that she ran off, to chase those pesky Kurtherains - well, at least the bad ones, anyway!
This story, as usual for Michael Anderle, was awesomely unputdownable - it had me laughing out loud, then sobbing like a baby, so that was a great success in my eyes - if the writing doesn't affect my emotions, then I'll lose interest, but these books have had me on the edge of my seat, and ALWAYS wanting more!
I can't wait for the next book, as usual - I'm very excited that it will be the first book I have n the Second Dark Ages series: The Dark Messiah, so that's going to be interesting!
January 30, 2018
I've been waiting for this book. I looked forward to BA kicking Kurtherian ass. I looked forward to BA realizing she was on the razor edge of the dark side. I was looking forward to BA doing what BA does best. I got everything, except BA and Michael reuniting (next book). What I didn't look forward to was crying. (you big bully). So much emotion at the end ... everyone taking a part of the blame, making it a big old hug fest and don't worry bro I've got you, fest. (to be honest, I cry a McDonald's Christmas commercials. the ones where the big guy goes and gets the little kid so they can skate? yeah, my cry gene is over hyper.) And, YOU, my favorite author, have abused my cry gene ... beautifully. Thank you, Michael Anderle. I look forward to BA and Michael getting together. I have a brand new box of Puffs with Lotion. Bring it on, I can take it.
May 7, 2018
Death. Destruction. Revelation.
Another action-packed, awe-inspiring, fast-paced, fascinating story delivered! I have a minor point of confusion, so if you don't want a minor spoiler, then don't read any further.
SPOILER PART:
The timeframe is a bit confusing as this continues from #19, which indicated they seemed to have been there around 40-50yrs, but it now seems they've been there around 150yrs. I'm. It sure if it's because they were previously using Earth years and are now using Yollin years, or if the timeframe changed to fit with the Earth stories from when Bethany Anne and crew left. Either way I found it somewhat disconcerting. I think the runaway success caused this small problem, as Michael has developed this complex series over a couple of years.
Having said that, I love the series and there's no way I can stay away! Thank you, Michael, for such a fascinating series.
Another action-packed, awe-inspiring, fast-paced, fascinating story delivered! I have a minor point of confusion, so if you don't want a minor spoiler, then don't read any further.
SPOILER PART:
The timeframe is a bit confusing as this continues from #19, which indicated they seemed to have been there around 40-50yrs, but it now seems they've been there around 150yrs. I'm. It sure if it's because they were previously using Earth years and are now using Yollin years, or if the timeframe changed to fit with the Earth stories from when Bethany Anne and crew left. Either way I found it somewhat disconcerting. I think the runaway success caused this small problem, as Michael has developed this complex series over a couple of years.
Having said that, I love the series and there's no way I can stay away! Thank you, Michael, for such a fascinating series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
A Bit Different!
Total focus on Baba here, and really interesting as she seems to have lost her edge at times. Part of her take of being tired of saving everyone? Interesting as we worry about her, too.
Lots of humorous input with our young looking 100 yr parents kicking kids out. Who keeps the kids past 25, plus what 25 yr old wants parents underfoot since they still run things anyway. Would have loved more kid progress since we catch up with everyone else.
Loved the AI progression and antics as humor and independence cannot go hand in hand if everyone 's life depends on AIs following orders. Lots of fun.
Some confusion with the enslaved princess. Not her choice unless I missed something.
Happy to go on to book 21!
Total focus on Baba here, and really interesting as she seems to have lost her edge at times. Part of her take of being tired of saving everyone? Interesting as we worry about her, too.
Lots of humorous input with our young looking 100 yr parents kicking kids out. Who keeps the kids past 25, plus what 25 yr old wants parents underfoot since they still run things anyway. Would have loved more kid progress since we catch up with everyone else.
Loved the AI progression and antics as humor and independence cannot go hand in hand if everyone 's life depends on AIs following orders. Lots of fun.
Some confusion with the enslaved princess. Not her choice unless I missed something.
Happy to go on to book 21!
May 4, 2021
So good! Great series.
Yes, loved this one too. I'm addicted to this...I can't really just call it a series! In order to get the most out of 'The Kurtherian Gambit' you really need to read the associated books. Please see lmbpn.com for the timeline, it's important. For instance, at the end of this book they say that book #21 is next. But what you really need to read is on that timeline. The other books, co-written by Michael Anderle, take this series from really and truly good and fills in the blanks, gives you the stories about what happened on Earth after they left, and what happened to the people they left behind. It becomes something unlike anything I've read before, and it blows me away.
✋🐺
Yes, loved this one too. I'm addicted to this...I can't really just call it a series! In order to get the most out of 'The Kurtherian Gambit' you really need to read the associated books. Please see lmbpn.com for the timeline, it's important. For instance, at the end of this book they say that book #21 is next. But what you really need to read is on that timeline. The other books, co-written by Michael Anderle, take this series from really and truly good and fills in the blanks, gives you the stories about what happened on Earth after they left, and what happened to the people they left behind. It becomes something unlike anything I've read before, and it blows me away.
✋🐺
August 12, 2023
Baba Yaga rocks!
If you’re going to let your alter ego take charge to kick butt and take names then I guess having a Baba Yaga serves the purpose. The only problem with that was Bethany Anne got in the back seat and stayed there for much too long.
She did manage to whittle the Kurtherian 8 down to 3 before the surviving members made their escape. Her escapades while reducing their ranks made such for some great reading!
This book was so good. I could read it several more times and not get tired of it. I want to thank the mind of Michael Anderle for creating such a magnificent character as Bethany Anne. It has been a pleasure following along as she grows and finds her way.
If you’re going to let your alter ego take charge to kick butt and take names then I guess having a Baba Yaga serves the purpose. The only problem with that was Bethany Anne got in the back seat and stayed there for much too long.
She did manage to whittle the Kurtherian 8 down to 3 before the surviving members made their escape. Her escapades while reducing their ranks made such for some great reading!
This book was so good. I could read it several more times and not get tired of it. I want to thank the mind of Michael Anderle for creating such a magnificent character as Bethany Anne. It has been a pleasure following along as she grows and finds her way.
December 28, 2017
The Lost Finds The Way
The Empress released Baba Yaga to kill the remaining evil Kurtherians. The problem is that with all the stress of running the Empire, losing friends and seeing innocents hurt, Bethany Anne has become lost within the Baba Yaga avatar. This book answers the questions of how she came to this and whether she will be able to come back to herself and her friends. What a series! I really like the snarky humor and the smooth release of action. The characters are well written and very compelling. I feel that I am in the Shinigami with her. I look forward to the next book.
The Empress released Baba Yaga to kill the remaining evil Kurtherians. The problem is that with all the stress of running the Empire, losing friends and seeing innocents hurt, Bethany Anne has become lost within the Baba Yaga avatar. This book answers the questions of how she came to this and whether she will be able to come back to herself and her friends. What a series! I really like the snarky humor and the smooth release of action. The characters are well written and very compelling. I feel that I am in the Shinigami with her. I look forward to the next book.
December 30, 2017
It’s all coming together
In this next to the last installment of this Arc the Queen Bitch is off the leash in her Baba Yaga persona to bring some good old fashioned justice to a group of Kurthurians known as the seven. They have been a thorn in her butt for years and have caused the deaths of many of her people and it is time for Saint Payback to make a call.
As she falls deeper into being Baba Yaga Adam and Tom work to keep her alive and try to bring Bethany Anne back to the surface, the Empresses Witch is not cooperating as she continues to relentlessly pursue the Seven across the galaxy.
In this next to the last installment of this Arc the Queen Bitch is off the leash in her Baba Yaga persona to bring some good old fashioned justice to a group of Kurthurians known as the seven. They have been a thorn in her butt for years and have caused the deaths of many of her people and it is time for Saint Payback to make a call.
As she falls deeper into being Baba Yaga Adam and Tom work to keep her alive and try to bring Bethany Anne back to the surface, the Empresses Witch is not cooperating as she continues to relentlessly pursue the Seven across the galaxy.
November 7, 2019
A better read read but still can't get over the misuse of her other persona (Baba Yaga)
A much better read but hasn't the author read about Baba Yaga? Leaving that aside it was more of a moving forward book. Her split personality has taken over, she has slipped away and is after the remaining Kurtherians whilst her Empire is still in turmoil. The different planets are all scared off her power and want her removed as the Empress, her technology shared and her fleet destroyed - sounds familiar? She, herself, has gone on a planet to planet search for the remaining 'gods'. Does she find them? Does she get them? Does she ever get back to being Bethany?
A much better read but hasn't the author read about Baba Yaga? Leaving that aside it was more of a moving forward book. Her split personality has taken over, she has slipped away and is after the remaining Kurtherians whilst her Empire is still in turmoil. The different planets are all scared off her power and want her removed as the Empress, her technology shared and her fleet destroyed - sounds familiar? She, herself, has gone on a planet to planet search for the remaining 'gods'. Does she find them? Does she get them? Does she ever get back to being Bethany?
March 27, 2019
Laughs and tears
With Baba Yaga firmly in the driver's seat, she is hot on the heels of our ancient enemy. But the only way to try to bring this to a close is to walk in to what is obviously a massive trap. And when that trap is sprung it's all or nothing. BA discovers that she is not only fighting to defeat her enemies, but is fighting for her humanity as well. Add Tom, Adam, and a thoroughly pissed off and heavily armed fledgling AI, to the mix, and the stakes are ever higher.
With Baba Yaga firmly in the driver's seat, she is hot on the heels of our ancient enemy. But the only way to try to bring this to a close is to walk in to what is obviously a massive trap. And when that trap is sprung it's all or nothing. BA discovers that she is not only fighting to defeat her enemies, but is fighting for her humanity as well. Add Tom, Adam, and a thoroughly pissed off and heavily armed fledgling AI, to the mix, and the stakes are ever higher.
September 8, 2019
Excellence!
What more can one say a out the work of Michael Anderle'? I have devoured 20 of 21 books in this series. The eager anticipation with which I view starting book 21 is dampened akin to attending a funeral of a deeply loved friend- the fun and entertaining ride is over Kemosabe...
I can honestly say I was never bored or just killing time at any point in any of the books. They were all wonderfully engrossing and entertaining. If you are just starting the series give yourself a true treat and start your foray with book one.
What more can one say a out the work of Michael Anderle'? I have devoured 20 of 21 books in this series. The eager anticipation with which I view starting book 21 is dampened akin to attending a funeral of a deeply loved friend- the fun and entertaining ride is over Kemosabe...
I can honestly say I was never bored or just killing time at any point in any of the books. They were all wonderfully engrossing and entertaining. If you are just starting the series give yourself a true treat and start your foray with book one.
December 10, 2019
I have fallen in Love with an AI
Ok, Mike, over the too.
Yes, I love and respect the leaders of the Etheric Empire, and would march with them into the center of a sun if they told me too. Check.
You made me cry over BA's broken heart. Check.
I sobbed for Tabitha and Peter's losses. Check.
And so much more. Check.
But I was caught up short over Ricky Bobby. That was more than I could process. Why would an EI want to upgrade to an AI just so it could experience a broken heart?!
Quid hoc ad aeternitatem.
Ok, Mike, over the too.
Yes, I love and respect the leaders of the Etheric Empire, and would march with them into the center of a sun if they told me too. Check.
You made me cry over BA's broken heart. Check.
I sobbed for Tabitha and Peter's losses. Check.
And so much more. Check.
But I was caught up short over Ricky Bobby. That was more than I could process. Why would an EI want to upgrade to an AI just so it could experience a broken heart?!
Quid hoc ad aeternitatem.
December 26, 2017
When I bought this book I was shaking because I couldn't wait to read it.The plot keeps thickening and the story gets better and better. All in all, this is a wonderful book if you are looking for a story to lose yourself in. You have to read each book to continue the story where it left off. The characters will follow you wherever you go even after you have turned that last page. You become so attached to them that you want the story to go on and on...
December 29, 2017
Wow, what more can I say
Of course it's a solid rating. I love BA. It was good to see that even BA can get lost in all that's going on. It shows she's not perfect but can be redeemed. There's lots of action and adventure. The EI and AI's are always amusing to read about and TOM.
I cannot believe we are almost at the end. I'm excited and sad at the same time.
I have read this series over and over so many times I lost count but it is that good!
Of course it's a solid rating. I love BA. It was good to see that even BA can get lost in all that's going on. It shows she's not perfect but can be redeemed. There's lots of action and adventure. The EI and AI's are always amusing to read about and TOM.
I cannot believe we are almost at the end. I'm excited and sad at the same time.
I have read this series over and over so many times I lost count but it is that good!
January 6, 2018
Beautiful and brilliant.
Literally killed dead because my heart broke for BA the whole way through reading it. Those message scenes! And now I want to know what happens next with everyone! Something happened that I wanted for ages and the fighting was just -so many tentacles! I really don't want to wait for the next book. It's a good job there's a load more TKG on my reading list because otherwise I'd be really crying.
Literally killed dead because my heart broke for BA the whole way through reading it. Those message scenes! And now I want to know what happens next with everyone! Something happened that I wanted for ages and the fighting was just -so many tentacles! I really don't want to wait for the next book. It's a good job there's a load more TKG on my reading list because otherwise I'd be really crying.
August 20, 2018
A very different book and with a very different feel. I guess after 20 books in this series there was to be some kind of shake up. I was on the border line through the first 3/4 of the book wondering if the series had finally jumped the shark. The last quarter however really pulled it all back together and showed why Michael Anderle is such an amazing author. One book left in the series. It's bittersweet wondering how this is all going to come to an end.
September 14, 2018
Massive battles
Wow no 20 and BA or in this case her dominant alter ego Baba Yaga has went full throttle to her promise to kill the remaining Kutherians leaving behind all those who love her. Will she survive intact physically and mentally is a case in point. No matter what ,she does the book proud and makes for an interesting end as we near the Arc completion. One of my favourite in the series
Wow no 20 and BA or in this case her dominant alter ego Baba Yaga has went full throttle to her promise to kill the remaining Kutherians leaving behind all those who love her. Will she survive intact physically and mentally is a case in point. No matter what ,she does the book proud and makes for an interesting end as we near the Arc completion. One of my favourite in the series
May 14, 2019
Capture Death Book 20
Baba Yaga loses her ever loving mind over the Kurtherians and goes on a solo mission to eliminate them, mean while the Etheric Empire wants to become a federation but has conditions that no one much like. Bethany Anne gets to kick some aliens where it hurts and is working on a way to set up that Federation but still keep her Armada.
Read on and enjoy! Off to read the last book before the spinoffs!
Baba Yaga loses her ever loving mind over the Kurtherians and goes on a solo mission to eliminate them, mean while the Etheric Empire wants to become a federation but has conditions that no one much like. Bethany Anne gets to kick some aliens where it hurts and is working on a way to set up that Federation but still keep her Armada.
Read on and enjoy! Off to read the last book before the spinoffs!
November 22, 2019
Another good story!
Don't like to write reviews. Yeah, sometimes I get carried away. I think a truth is, people don't want your opinion, they want their opinion coming out of your mouth. Even if they are stupid. Ignorant is just not knowing, and can be fixed with the proper information. Stupid is knowing "for example" global warming is a bunch of BS, but you keep pushing it for some reason .
Don't like to write reviews. Yeah, sometimes I get carried away. I think a truth is, people don't want your opinion, they want their opinion coming out of your mouth. Even if they are stupid. Ignorant is just not knowing, and can be fixed with the proper information. Stupid is knowing "for example" global warming is a bunch of BS, but you keep pushing it for some reason .
October 21, 2020
It continues to be a fun series. Once I accepted that the beverage plugs were going to continue regardless, I was able to mentally 'get over it' and just allow the story to remove me from these current government enforced restrictions and help my mental health by joining a galaxy 'far far away'. Very pleased to say that author Michael Anderle has helped me enormously with this. It is all as far removed from 'reality' as you could possibly wish for. Thank you MA.
January 7, 2018
Finally!
It took awhile, but #20 is finally out. And it (of course) meets expectations. With a schedule like Michael Anderle has I'm amazed it got done on time. But that's thanks to his brilliant work making so many friends to help in this crazy universe. This is another win for BA and crew. I hope other fans enjoy it as much as I did.
It took awhile, but #20 is finally out. And it (of course) meets expectations. With a schedule like Michael Anderle has I'm amazed it got done on time. But that's thanks to his brilliant work making so many friends to help in this crazy universe. This is another win for BA and crew. I hope other fans enjoy it as much as I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews