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Galactic Gladiators #8
Rogue: Information Rogue / Desert Rogue
Listening length: 5 hours, 45 minutes
Abducted by alien slavers and taken to a lawless desert world, the last thing she expects is to be claimed by a handsome alien rogue...
Rogue contains two action-packed novellas in the Galactic Gladiators series.
Novella #1: Information Rogue
Arrogant information merchant Zhim doesn't know what hits him when he collides with feisty human hacker Ryan...
Rescued by the humans and gladiators from the House of Galen, Ryan Nagano is working hard to piece her life back together. Her priorities are conquering her anxiety, recovering from her captivity, and using her exceptional computer skills to help the House of Galen decrypt alien data that could reveal the location of other abducted humans. That's all she's focused on. But when she needs help, she finds herself having to work with arrogant genius Zhim... and discovers that the two of them redefine the word explosive!
Zhim thrives on the need to uncover information and ensure his wealthy, carefully constructed life is exactly as he wants it. Then one infuriating menace of a woman blasts into his life. Ryan matches him skill for skill, drives him crazy, and worms her way under his skin.
But forced to take her deep into Kor Magma's shadowy hacker underworld, Zhim soon learns exactly what he's willing to risk to keep Ryan safe!
Novella #2: Desert Rogue
Prickly, independent human Neve doesn't want or need any help…
But a certain cocky desert rogue isn't taking no for an answer!
Neve Haynes survived her abduction through grit and determination. She's always made her own way through life, depends on no one, and is determined to achieve her own personal mission.
So, as she sneaks out of the House of Galen, the last thing she needs is help in the form of a tawny-haired, lean-hipped caravan master with more confidence and swagger than any man she's met before!
Corsair is a man of the desert and leader of the Corsair Caravan. He listens to his gut and something about Neve draws him in. He can't let her go off and get herself killed, but she's the most skittish, strongest woman he's ever met. As they trek deep into the desert on a dangerous mission to find a map to an infamous desert arena, they will fight side by side and be forced to depend only on each other to survive. And in Carthago's desert sands, they will uncover a desire that burns hotter than the desert sun!
Audible Audio
First published November 26, 2017
675 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
164 books2,924 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 2, 2020
Rogue is book eight in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett. This book has two novellas in it which feature Ryan and Zhim and Neve and Corsair. I like that the author put these two novellas into one book.
I love this series! The world keeps building and we always get to see something new. The two stories here branch off and feature secondary characters that have been helping out the Gladiators in searching for the human’s that have been captured and imprisoned.
Information Rogue: Zihm and Ryan’s Story
Both are computer/information geeks. They pit their wits against each other which transfers into fun and hilarious banter and competition. Zhim is the information broker on the plant. He’s the one you go to when you need information. Ryan is determined to help find the remaining missing humans.
Desert Rogue: Corsair and Neve’s Story
Neve is a bad ass. She has a hidden agenda, but now she’s trapped on Kor Magna and her agenda has changed. Corsair is a caravan leader. He’s the pirate of the desert. These two team up to navigate the deadly landscape that is second nature to Corsair.
As always we are treated to action, danger, and romance. The over all ARC progress and we learn that their are more survivors to save. We are also treated to glimpses of the Gladiators. Both novellas progresses quickly and where enjoyable. I just wish they were a bit longer.
Rated: 3 Stars
I love this series! The world keeps building and we always get to see something new. The two stories here branch off and feature secondary characters that have been helping out the Gladiators in searching for the human’s that have been captured and imprisoned.
Information Rogue: Zihm and Ryan’s Story
Both are computer/information geeks. They pit their wits against each other which transfers into fun and hilarious banter and competition. Zhim is the information broker on the plant. He’s the one you go to when you need information. Ryan is determined to help find the remaining missing humans.
Desert Rogue: Corsair and Neve’s Story
Neve is a bad ass. She has a hidden agenda, but now she’s trapped on Kor Magna and her agenda has changed. Corsair is a caravan leader. He’s the pirate of the desert. These two team up to navigate the deadly landscape that is second nature to Corsair.
As always we are treated to action, danger, and romance. The over all ARC progress and we learn that their are more survivors to save. We are also treated to glimpses of the Gladiators. Both novellas progresses quickly and where enjoyable. I just wish they were a bit longer.
Rated: 3 Stars
February 24, 2019
Can I give 5++?!
I am definitely in love with Anna Hackett’s Galactic Gladiator series. It contains all the ingredients and more which I love in a good book. The adventure, danger component, fun, romance and steamy scenes. The main characters and secondary characters are equally good. If I love a writer’s book I tend to read all her books. So, soon I’m going to spread my wings with this writer.(fingers 🤞)
Hatsoff to her imagination and the way she weaves a story. The alien world she created, it’s Very fascinating. And the villains and new comers are sooo good.
Can’t wait for more books from this series! Especially our super imperator Galen’s!
Recommended.
I am definitely in love with Anna Hackett’s Galactic Gladiator series. It contains all the ingredients and more which I love in a good book. The adventure, danger component, fun, romance and steamy scenes. The main characters and secondary characters are equally good. If I love a writer’s book I tend to read all her books. So, soon I’m going to spread my wings with this writer.(fingers 🤞)
Hatsoff to her imagination and the way she weaves a story. The alien world she created, it’s Very fascinating. And the villains and new comers are sooo good.
Can’t wait for more books from this series! Especially our super imperator Galen’s!
Recommended.
November 28, 2017
I've very much enjoyed this series with its big tough alien gladiators discovering just how tenacious humans can be but this book is a delightful step away. First of all it's not exactly about the warriors who fight for and defend the House of Galen and secondly it brings into the foreground a couple of characters who we've previously met . Yes here we are treated to two short stories that really help to expand this world that the author has created.
The first story has two tech geniuses pitting their wits against each other and the word banter comes springing into my mind in glorious technicolor! Zhim is the one to go to when you need information and always has his hand on the pulse or mouse! So imagine his bafflement when challenged by the human hacker Ryan. Ryan is determined to help find the remaining missing humans but this alien technology is not exactly cooperating. Maybe two heads are better than one ?
The second story was right up my street with the ever so slightly shady Corsair. I'd been undecided on him but he steps up here and really steals the show! This pirate of the desert is paired with the somewhat elusive Neve who seems to excel at constantly confounding everyone! Still she has very good reasons and is set on going into the desert but she is going to need a guide and who better than the swaggering Corsair .
This book had all the elements that I love about this series with action, danger, fun and romance. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect but in terms of the overall story arc there is progression and indeed even enticing elements added as it's revealed that there are more survivors to save. Best of all is we still get to see glimpses of our favourite gladiators and now it seems that there's a huge clue as to just who Galen himself might end up with but my lips are sealed so you really need to read this book !
This is a voluntary take of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
The first story has two tech geniuses pitting their wits against each other and the word banter comes springing into my mind in glorious technicolor! Zhim is the one to go to when you need information and always has his hand on the pulse or mouse! So imagine his bafflement when challenged by the human hacker Ryan. Ryan is determined to help find the remaining missing humans but this alien technology is not exactly cooperating. Maybe two heads are better than one ?
The second story was right up my street with the ever so slightly shady Corsair. I'd been undecided on him but he steps up here and really steals the show! This pirate of the desert is paired with the somewhat elusive Neve who seems to excel at constantly confounding everyone! Still she has very good reasons and is set on going into the desert but she is going to need a guide and who better than the swaggering Corsair .
This book had all the elements that I love about this series with action, danger, fun and romance. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect but in terms of the overall story arc there is progression and indeed even enticing elements added as it's revealed that there are more survivors to save. Best of all is we still get to see glimpses of our favourite gladiators and now it seems that there's a huge clue as to just who Galen himself might end up with but my lips are sealed so you really need to read this book !
This is a voluntary take of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
June 8, 2025
Rogue: Information Rogue / Desert Rogue immerses readers in a captivating sci-fi universe that masterfully weaves together an array of compelling elements. The narrative includes a diverse cast of bizarre creatures, skilled gladiators, and harrowing trials that put characters to the ultimate test. The story unfolds with an intricate tapestry of secret plans, deep-rooted mysteries, intense action sequences, and the raw emotions of frustration, pain, and suffering, all interspersed with moments of unexpected romance.
The multi-perspective storytelling is a significant strength of this narrative, allowing readers to explore the inner thoughts and feelings of various characters. This depth enriches the overall experience, creating a more immersive and well-rounded story.
Life as a gladiator is portrayed as incredibly dark and perilous, where every moment is shadowed by deception and hidden agendas. It’s a brutal existence that not only challenges physical endurance but also tests the very limits of human spirit, shaping or dismantling the individuals who dare to fight for their survival.
If you are in search of a gripping and entertaining read that offers a blend of excitement and emotional depth, I highly recommend diving into this book.
The multi-perspective storytelling is a significant strength of this narrative, allowing readers to explore the inner thoughts and feelings of various characters. This depth enriches the overall experience, creating a more immersive and well-rounded story.
Life as a gladiator is portrayed as incredibly dark and perilous, where every moment is shadowed by deception and hidden agendas. It’s a brutal existence that not only challenges physical endurance but also tests the very limits of human spirit, shaping or dismantling the individuals who dare to fight for their survival.
If you are in search of a gripping and entertaining read that offers a blend of excitement and emotional depth, I highly recommend diving into this book.
July 13, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Rogue is a book that has two novella's in it but is still a full-length novel overall, if you consider what this author writes a full-length novel. This one is such a kick ass novel, and it really builds in the intensity level. We really get to see two stories of couples that we have been wanting to see. I really felt like despite how short these stories are, they are well fleshed out regarding the relationship aspects that are built here.
What I Loved
I dearly loved this story, although its not my favorite installment in the series, it was quite a interesting dynamic on the two stories that we see implemented on this one here. I was so intrigued by what the author handled with these two stories. I will admit that I loved the heroine of Information Rogue and the hero of Desert Rogue the most. I became really endeared by these stories and we get hints for upcoming books that I am very eager to see come into place here. I will admit that the story that intrigued me the most was the later one with Desert Rogue, we get our lovely pirate of the desert who runs his caravan and I love what a protector he is. Both stories have such solid plot building so if you love some great action themes, then this will be a fascinating tale for you.
What I Struggled With
Some of the characters I wasn't super drawn into with. I wasn't super invested in the pairings that were matched up here. But I loved the heroes here. But these heroines took a while for me to like.
Overall View
I found Rogue to be a fascinating romance that was packed with thrills, sexy feels and atmospheric vibes that continues to hold my attention for more...
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Character Types: Desert Pirate Alpha-Mellow
Themes: Kick Ass, Protector
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of both
Song This Book Inspires
Bigger than the Whole Sky by Taylor Swift
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you will want to read this series in order
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
August 13, 2018
3.5 stars.
Two fun stories in this book, it just too short for my taste. 🤨
But I really like Ryan and Zhim’s story. Earth nerd girl and Alien info boy!😘 ❤️
Two fun stories in this book, it just too short for my taste. 🤨
But I really like Ryan and Zhim’s story. Earth nerd girl and Alien info boy!😘 ❤️
January 17, 2018
All the stories in these books are similar, but I enjoy them all the same! :)
October 3, 2019
This was a two for one...
Information Rouge: Zihm and Ryan's story
Loved the banter between the two characters. Both are computer/information geeks and the competition with each other is hilarious! The story progressed too quickly. Both of the characters were extremely likeable and this brief plot was not enough for them in my opinion. I believe this would have been a stronger stand alone story than a rushed novella. There needed to be more texture.
Desert Rogue: Corsair and Neve's story
Again way too rushed for my liking. Neve's story could have been one of the best in the series so far. She was possibly more bad arse than Harper and that's saying a lot. Perhaps that is why Hackett did not pour much into Neve's story. Hackett might have felt she would be slighting Harper's character.
Bit disappointed in this read. Love this series but this felt like an after thought write.
Happy reading! DD
Information Rouge: Zihm and Ryan's story
Loved the banter between the two characters. Both are computer/information geeks and the competition with each other is hilarious! The story progressed too quickly. Both of the characters were extremely likeable and this brief plot was not enough for them in my opinion. I believe this would have been a stronger stand alone story than a rushed novella. There needed to be more texture.
Desert Rogue: Corsair and Neve's story
Again way too rushed for my liking. Neve's story could have been one of the best in the series so far. She was possibly more bad arse than Harper and that's saying a lot. Perhaps that is why Hackett did not pour much into Neve's story. Hackett might have felt she would be slighting Harper's character.
Bit disappointed in this read. Love this series but this felt like an after thought write.
Happy reading! DD
May 8, 2018
I loved Zhim and Ryan ❣️
I loved Zhim and Ryan together ,the chemistry wasn’t perfect or as electric ⚡️as maybe I’d have liked but there was no denying these two were made for each other .....
Even though we’d seen both scattered in several in several stories, Zhim of course more than Ryan , personally I only really felt like I got to know Ryan, watching Ryan’s tenacity is fighting her captors for others and then herself I felt like I got to know her....
While Zhim’s true character had mostly stayed hidden til now,soo while these to came together soo easily I see why the writer might not feel the needed a longer story, I really wish they had been given one ....
No, not as long as say Harper or Rory or Mia or Blaine or Dayna ,Yeah I haven’t enjoyed all the h’s , I would have liked to have finally gotten to really know the Zhim behind his mask and the Zhim no one else has ever seen and probably never will except Ryan and any children they have ...
Which personally I think the first one should be a little girl, with her mother’s Japanese features but her fathers eyes...
Zhim and his girls, just sounds right ;) Maybe a a girl who has their brains but maybe a bit of a warriors soul,if for not other reason of all the gladiators kids that will most likely be her best friends ;) a little girl overflowing with brawn and lots of brains ;)
Ryan was also in my short list of females/heroines that a) didn’t get in my last nerve and stay there ( like say Neve) and b) didn’t just mindlessly run into danger,she actually had a good reason to be there other than just wanting to be...
Yeah, the secret must now be released,the four stars 🌟 are PURELY for Zhim and Ryan,I . Could. Not . Stand. Neve!
While physically strong and definitely a huge bad A when it comes to fighting etc., in my opinion no matter how battle savvy you might be,no matter physically strong you are, and no matter how good a fighter you are if you think you should be an island and only lean in your own strength and understanding ?
You. Are. Weak...
We ALL need someone to watch our backs, we all need help from time to time and hard,unyielding stubborn women like her wok my last nerve .....
If it weren’t for Ryan and Zhim and co. Not only would she have gotten killed she’d NEVER have found her sister on her own...
Ever suffered while Neve ran around butting with her own head...
Soo read it if your following the series and definitely read it for Ryan and Zhim....
Neve ? Just depends on your taste ...
Thank Ms. Hackett I love this series ...
And if you ever redo anything please please give more to Ryan and Zhim and let us know ...
I loved Zhim and Ryan together ,the chemistry wasn’t perfect or as electric ⚡️as maybe I’d have liked but there was no denying these two were made for each other .....
Even though we’d seen both scattered in several in several stories, Zhim of course more than Ryan , personally I only really felt like I got to know Ryan, watching Ryan’s tenacity is fighting her captors for others and then herself I felt like I got to know her....
While Zhim’s true character had mostly stayed hidden til now,soo while these to came together soo easily I see why the writer might not feel the needed a longer story, I really wish they had been given one ....
No, not as long as say Harper or Rory or Mia or Blaine or Dayna ,Yeah I haven’t enjoyed all the h’s , I would have liked to have finally gotten to really know the Zhim behind his mask and the Zhim no one else has ever seen and probably never will except Ryan and any children they have ...
Which personally I think the first one should be a little girl, with her mother’s Japanese features but her fathers eyes...
Zhim and his girls, just sounds right ;) Maybe a a girl who has their brains but maybe a bit of a warriors soul,if for not other reason of all the gladiators kids that will most likely be her best friends ;) a little girl overflowing with brawn and lots of brains ;)
Ryan was also in my short list of females/heroines that a) didn’t get in my last nerve and stay there ( like say Neve) and b) didn’t just mindlessly run into danger,she actually had a good reason to be there other than just wanting to be...
Yeah, the secret must now be released,the four stars 🌟 are PURELY for Zhim and Ryan,I . Could. Not . Stand. Neve!
While physically strong and definitely a huge bad A when it comes to fighting etc., in my opinion no matter how battle savvy you might be,no matter physically strong you are, and no matter how good a fighter you are if you think you should be an island and only lean in your own strength and understanding ?
You. Are. Weak...
We ALL need someone to watch our backs, we all need help from time to time and hard,unyielding stubborn women like her wok my last nerve .....
If it weren’t for Ryan and Zhim and co. Not only would she have gotten killed she’d NEVER have found her sister on her own...
Ever suffered while Neve ran around butting with her own head...
Soo read it if your following the series and definitely read it for Ryan and Zhim....
Neve ? Just depends on your taste ...
Thank Ms. Hackett I love this series ...
And if you ever redo anything please please give more to Ryan and Zhim and let us know ...
May 21, 2018
I'm LOVING where this series has gone and how these characters (ALL of them) have had to fight to save the things that matter to them. Looooooove!
Information Rogue - Zhim! I like that guy. He thrives on being juuuuust on this side of irritating, but he's got a heart of gold under all that arrogance. And Ryan DOES IT for him. I mean, she can keep up with his intellect and she can crack his security and he's down with that.
Plus, she's pretty fearless when she's put on the spot. Given the type of people Zhim sometimes has to deal with, this is important. I mean, when a person agrees to go into the lair of a notorious, shadowy being, they need to have someone like Ryan at their back.
Desert Rogue - Neve and Corsair! She's got a reason for pushing as hard as she does and she's completely unwilling to back down. Because family is everything and Neve's not going to sit idly by while her sister is still out there.
Which puts Corsair in a bit of a bind. Because as wily and smart at Neve is, she doesn't know the desert like he does. So he steps in to make sure she makes it where she needs to get to. And if they happen to act on that chemistry while they're out in the dangerous desert, so it goes.
But seriously, Corsair and Neve work together. And their journey nets them another of the stolen human slaves, so not only did they end up in a serious relationship, they also saved one of the good guys. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Information Rogue - Zhim! I like that guy. He thrives on being juuuuust on this side of irritating, but he's got a heart of gold under all that arrogance. And Ryan DOES IT for him. I mean, she can keep up with his intellect and she can crack his security and he's down with that.
Plus, she's pretty fearless when she's put on the spot. Given the type of people Zhim sometimes has to deal with, this is important. I mean, when a person agrees to go into the lair of a notorious, shadowy being, they need to have someone like Ryan at their back.
Desert Rogue - Neve and Corsair! She's got a reason for pushing as hard as she does and she's completely unwilling to back down. Because family is everything and Neve's not going to sit idly by while her sister is still out there.
Which puts Corsair in a bit of a bind. Because as wily and smart at Neve is, she doesn't know the desert like he does. So he steps in to make sure she makes it where she needs to get to. And if they happen to act on that chemistry while they're out in the dangerous desert, so it goes.
But seriously, Corsair and Neve work together. And their journey nets them another of the stolen human slaves, so not only did they end up in a serious relationship, they also saved one of the good guys. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 24, 2020
I really wish it wasn't the same as all previous books. Rinse and repeat. Author does not disappointed in her stubbornness to reuse the same pattern and script and refusal to make up something new. Same type of characters with same type of action, with same type of events,with same type of love story and ending. Over and over again. Characters have the same problems, make the same mistakes and get in to the same type of conflicts with the same type of antagonists. They never learn, never evolve, never have new approach and never use logic. All of them-copy/paste.
Am I a fool for continuing with the series and hoping for something new and different?
Am I a fool for continuing with the series and hoping for something new and different?
November 30, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
Unlike the rest of the Galactic Gladiators series, Rogue consists of two novelettes instead of a single novella. The stories center around a bit of a theme, in that both of the heroes are rogues – as much anti-hero as they are hero, and more in the mold of a rogue-type character in a video game than the gladiators themselves, who are straight-up tanks. Not just tanks, but definitely tanks, big and strong and hard fighters who can take a lot of punishment – even the female gladiators.
But worlds don’t consist entirely of straightforward fighters, not even worlds whose economy is based on old-style gladiatorial contests. Fortunately for the gladiators, these interstellar blood and sand games have lots of very high-tech healing operating in the background.
But the heroes of Rogue are cut from another cloth entirely. The first story features the information merchant and data-hacker Zhim, our second hero is Corsair, leader of the desert caravan that assisted in the rescue of the women re-captured from House Galen by the Srinar.
Zhim, the hero of Information Rogue, has been part of the series almost from its beginning. As Galen discovered that there were more victims from Earth than he first believed, he reached out to Zhim to help him discover who they were, where they were hidden and how best to rescue them. As the series has progressed, Zhim’s services have been in increasing demand, hunting not just for any remaining Earth captives but also for any other people or creatures who have been enslaved and need rescue.
He’s also figured out a way – a very expensive way – for the Earth refugees to “call home” – because they are stuck on the far side of a collapsed wormhole and can’t go home again. He’s been a lifeline in so many ways, and now it’s his turn to find the woman he belongs to, and very much vice versa.
While many of the stories in this series have featured opposites attract romances, Zhim and Ryan have much more in common than they have differences. Both are their own galaxy’s variety of nerds, hackers and info-junkies who lust after the latest hardware almost as much as they discover they lust after each other.
But it takes a lot for two people who both have serious trust issues to give anyone else the cipher key to their hearts.
In Desert Rogue it is Corsair’s turn to find his HEA. Corsair first appeared out of the desert sands at least as early as Champion, if not before. It is his caravan that Galen trusts to help rescue the women who were kidnapped a second time while under his protection. And Corsair keeps coming back to help as the gladiators find themselves returning to the desert over and over to rescue more slaves and break up more underground fight rings.
Neve Haynes is a fascinating choice for Corsair. She’s a very different character from many in the series, because she has a hidden agenda, hiding under yet another hidden agenda, and its hidden agendas pretty much all the way down. She was on the Jupiter Station as a corporate spy, and she’s used to hiding herself in plain sight and operating completely alone.
Now that she’s stuck on Kor Magna, her agenda has shifted. She needs to rescue her sister, who is still in the hands of the slavers. But as much experience as Neve has in operations under all types of deadly conditions, there are no deserts in space. Or in the corporate headquarters she used to prowl. She may want to rescue Ever all on her own, but she needs Corsair’s help to navigate the deadly landscape that is second nature to him.
It takes her a long time to realize that she just needs Corsair, and it takes him every bit as long to convince her of what has become, for him, an unalterable fact.
Escape Rating B: I enjoyed both of these stories, but I wish that they had both been a bit longer. Not that I don’t always wish that Anna Hackett’s stories were a bit longer, but that seemed particularly true in this case.
If these were not part of an already well-established series, there wouldn’t be nearly enough setup to make the stories work. As it is, the romances still felt a bit rushed, especially in Desert Rogue. While Zhim and Corsair have both been around for awhile, and Ryan and Zhim have been teasing each other over their version of the interwebs for a bit, Neve was barely introduced in the previous books, and her backstory is so different from everyone else’s that I really wanted to know more of what made her tick and especially about her relationship with her sister, particularly as Ever is set up to be the heroine of one of the future stories in this series.
But I’m always happy to receive a treat from Anna Hackett, and Rogue was no exception. It made for a great Thanksgiving read!
Unlike the rest of the Galactic Gladiators series, Rogue consists of two novelettes instead of a single novella. The stories center around a bit of a theme, in that both of the heroes are rogues – as much anti-hero as they are hero, and more in the mold of a rogue-type character in a video game than the gladiators themselves, who are straight-up tanks. Not just tanks, but definitely tanks, big and strong and hard fighters who can take a lot of punishment – even the female gladiators.
But worlds don’t consist entirely of straightforward fighters, not even worlds whose economy is based on old-style gladiatorial contests. Fortunately for the gladiators, these interstellar blood and sand games have lots of very high-tech healing operating in the background.
But the heroes of Rogue are cut from another cloth entirely. The first story features the information merchant and data-hacker Zhim, our second hero is Corsair, leader of the desert caravan that assisted in the rescue of the women re-captured from House Galen by the Srinar.
Zhim, the hero of Information Rogue, has been part of the series almost from its beginning. As Galen discovered that there were more victims from Earth than he first believed, he reached out to Zhim to help him discover who they were, where they were hidden and how best to rescue them. As the series has progressed, Zhim’s services have been in increasing demand, hunting not just for any remaining Earth captives but also for any other people or creatures who have been enslaved and need rescue.
He’s also figured out a way – a very expensive way – for the Earth refugees to “call home” – because they are stuck on the far side of a collapsed wormhole and can’t go home again. He’s been a lifeline in so many ways, and now it’s his turn to find the woman he belongs to, and very much vice versa.
While many of the stories in this series have featured opposites attract romances, Zhim and Ryan have much more in common than they have differences. Both are their own galaxy’s variety of nerds, hackers and info-junkies who lust after the latest hardware almost as much as they discover they lust after each other.
But it takes a lot for two people who both have serious trust issues to give anyone else the cipher key to their hearts.
In Desert Rogue it is Corsair’s turn to find his HEA. Corsair first appeared out of the desert sands at least as early as Champion, if not before. It is his caravan that Galen trusts to help rescue the women who were kidnapped a second time while under his protection. And Corsair keeps coming back to help as the gladiators find themselves returning to the desert over and over to rescue more slaves and break up more underground fight rings.
Neve Haynes is a fascinating choice for Corsair. She’s a very different character from many in the series, because she has a hidden agenda, hiding under yet another hidden agenda, and its hidden agendas pretty much all the way down. She was on the Jupiter Station as a corporate spy, and she’s used to hiding herself in plain sight and operating completely alone.
Now that she’s stuck on Kor Magna, her agenda has shifted. She needs to rescue her sister, who is still in the hands of the slavers. But as much experience as Neve has in operations under all types of deadly conditions, there are no deserts in space. Or in the corporate headquarters she used to prowl. She may want to rescue Ever all on her own, but she needs Corsair’s help to navigate the deadly landscape that is second nature to him.
It takes her a long time to realize that she just needs Corsair, and it takes him every bit as long to convince her of what has become, for him, an unalterable fact.
Escape Rating B: I enjoyed both of these stories, but I wish that they had both been a bit longer. Not that I don’t always wish that Anna Hackett’s stories were a bit longer, but that seemed particularly true in this case.
If these were not part of an already well-established series, there wouldn’t be nearly enough setup to make the stories work. As it is, the romances still felt a bit rushed, especially in Desert Rogue. While Zhim and Corsair have both been around for awhile, and Ryan and Zhim have been teasing each other over their version of the interwebs for a bit, Neve was barely introduced in the previous books, and her backstory is so different from everyone else’s that I really wanted to know more of what made her tick and especially about her relationship with her sister, particularly as Ever is set up to be the heroine of one of the future stories in this series.
But I’m always happy to receive a treat from Anna Hackett, and Rogue was no exception. It made for a great Thanksgiving read!
November 29, 2017
Rogue by Anna Hackett
Rogue is one volume with two novellas. Here's what they have in common: hot action and sex, excellent pacing, a woman from future Earth as a heroine, and some scary enemies. There's a formula, and Hackett makes it work quite well, usually introducing us to another aspect of Carthago that's interesting enough to keep me interested. If you liked previous books in the series, these two are particularly good.
Information Rogue gives us two technical people who fall in love with each other's brains as much as their bodies or souls. Zhim and Ryan keep each other on their toes and show you don't have to be able to physically kick ass to do dangerous or heroic work. Speaking of work, the villain of this piece is really a piece of work! I liked her a lot.
Desert Rogue, on the other hand, features a lady fighter and a caravan captain. She's not very good at accepting help, but he's certain she's worth the effort. I got to learn more about the deserts of Kor Magna and their varied inhabitants. The novella leaves some open ends to the series, creating fascinating possibilities for the next story.
I received a copy for review.
Rogue is one volume with two novellas. Here's what they have in common: hot action and sex, excellent pacing, a woman from future Earth as a heroine, and some scary enemies. There's a formula, and Hackett makes it work quite well, usually introducing us to another aspect of Carthago that's interesting enough to keep me interested. If you liked previous books in the series, these two are particularly good.
Information Rogue gives us two technical people who fall in love with each other's brains as much as their bodies or souls. Zhim and Ryan keep each other on their toes and show you don't have to be able to physically kick ass to do dangerous or heroic work. Speaking of work, the villain of this piece is really a piece of work! I liked her a lot.
Desert Rogue, on the other hand, features a lady fighter and a caravan captain. She's not very good at accepting help, but he's certain she's worth the effort. I got to learn more about the deserts of Kor Magna and their varied inhabitants. The novella leaves some open ends to the series, creating fascinating possibilities for the next story.
I received a copy for review.
December 4, 2017
Anna Hackett’s ‘Rogue’ is in fact, a collection of 2 stories (and 2 pairings) fitted into the typical length of her book, which is kind of a surprise considering how her Galactic Gladiators series has hit its stride. Still, ‘Rogue’ is as always, an adventure-filled book that follows a certain pattern that Hackett subscribes to: a pairing that is cemented through the undertaking of a massive quest—typically a search for something or someone—in which sparks fly, and love eventually comes along.
I’m a little uncertain about the short length of this novella duo—most of my other reviews of Hackett’s books often gripe about length and/or development of plot or relationships—though it’s easy to say as always, that there’s a lot packed into the 70-odd pages allotted to each couple here. For something already so short, Hackett’s couples do run the risk of instalove and I did get the feeling that things got hot and heavy way too quickly (along with the revelation that they’re falling in love with each other, which leaves me feeling sceptical) despite the slight buildup in the previous books.
‘Rogue’, for its 2 novellas, magnifies this problem of believability (I’m just speaking pairing-wise), but it isn’t to say that the ride isn’t a fun one. It’s wild, crazy and showcases the author’s sheer imaginative power that always brings to mind the great adventure movies with the backdrop of an epic syfy series. And obviously, I’m left still wanting more.
*ARC by the author
I’m a little uncertain about the short length of this novella duo—most of my other reviews of Hackett’s books often gripe about length and/or development of plot or relationships—though it’s easy to say as always, that there’s a lot packed into the 70-odd pages allotted to each couple here. For something already so short, Hackett’s couples do run the risk of instalove and I did get the feeling that things got hot and heavy way too quickly (along with the revelation that they’re falling in love with each other, which leaves me feeling sceptical) despite the slight buildup in the previous books.
‘Rogue’, for its 2 novellas, magnifies this problem of believability (I’m just speaking pairing-wise), but it isn’t to say that the ride isn’t a fun one. It’s wild, crazy and showcases the author’s sheer imaginative power that always brings to mind the great adventure movies with the backdrop of an epic syfy series. And obviously, I’m left still wanting more.
*ARC by the author
June 26, 2018
4.5 Stars! Two novellas!
Information Rogue, 4.5 stars
Desert Rogue, 4 Stars
Information Rogue, 4.5 stars
Desert Rogue, 4 Stars
March 11, 2018
Ok, two short novellas so there is little if any character development.
August 9, 2018
4 stars.
2 for the price of one! We have the stories of Zhim the info merchant and Corsair the caravan leader. They are not gladiators but they still pack quite a punch.
2 for the price of one! We have the stories of Zhim the info merchant and Corsair the caravan leader. They are not gladiators but they still pack quite a punch.
July 4, 2022
UPDATE:
I enjoyed escaping again with a reread of the ROGUE DUO, INFORMATION ROGUE and DESERT ROGUE. Both stories are Proximity-Danger novels where the heroes and heroines are grossly out numbered, out-powered and/or seemingly overwhelmed but they don’t give up. Evil is vanquished, at least for a time, and life, justice and love thrive again.
ORIGINAL POST:
The covers in this series really do a nice job of capturing an essence of the hero. This cover is for Corsair in DESERT ROGUE, my favorite book of the two.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
ROGUE, #8 includes 2 novellas INFORMATION ROGUE and DESERT ROGUE in the GALACTIC GLADIATORS series by Anna Hackett.
INFORMATION ROGUE and DESERT ROGUE connect, as the storyline of INFORMATION ROGUE leads into DESERT ROGUE. INFORMATION ROGUE is a story featuring planet Carthago’s foremost Information Merchant and technology guru, Zhim/MMC, who has been assisting The House of Galen gladiators in their concentrated search for the scattered, abducted earth women originally from Space Station Fortuna (destroyed by the Thraxians during book #1). Ryan/FMC was Fortuna’s lead Data Information expert prior to its destruction. Ryan survived being taken from the Space Station, repeated beatings, and was finally rescued by the House of Galen gladiators in the previous book The Beast, #7. In INFORMATION ROGUE, Ryan and Zhim pool their talents as technology geeks (by challenging each other) and dig out new information leading to the whereabouts of the last known survivors. Again, there are risks taken and danger braved into the underworld of Carthago, and a HEA. 4 Stars. The new settings were a bit creepy but well described, with a lot of action scenes.
DESERT ROGUE - Previously a Corporate Spy working undercover on Fortuna Space Station and a survivor of the abduction that followed, Neve Haynes/FMC finds it difficult to adjust to her free life on the foreign planet Carthago (within the protection of the House of Galen gladiators). Neve’s sister, Ever, had been a scientist on Station Fortuna and continues to be missing. Although no one has seen or heard of anything regarding Ever’s situation, a recently discovered list naming humans abducted from the Space Station confirms that Ever was among the few taken by the Thraxian and later sold elsewhere. Corsair/MMC, a badass, leader and founder of the Corsair Desert Caravan, hears all kind of rumors while guiding and transporting various humanoid travelers across the deadly Carthago deserts. Corsair is attracted to sneaky, loner “ninja” Neve and joins her search for Ever (and the remaining “lost” earthlings). I liked the description of the desert setting and the people who manage to make a life amidst its desolation. DESERT ROGUE is among my favorites in the GALACTIC GLADIATORS series. Corsair and Neve were individually unique characters and seemed like a good fit together. 4.5 Stars. Again the setting and action kept my interest throughout. The sex scenes are a bit much at times.
ROGUE, #8 can be read as a standalone title yet the complete 12 book series includes an over-reaching story arc that is best enjoyed when they are all read in order (especially after the 1st three books). Each book reads quickly, contains steamy scenes, ends with a HEA. The world building in this series is fascinating, the characters mostly unique, and the storylines keep my interest - I don’t want to stop until I finish each book. I have purchased and am looking forward to completing the series.
Anna Hackett has authored action-adventure romance novels in a variety of genres - contemporary, paranormal, dystopian, and space opera/alien. Galactic Gladiators is her Space Opera series - quickly becoming one of my favorite. But I find them all fascinating.
READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - Yes. Sci-Fi and Gladiator action/fighting scenes (think Star Wars/SG-1 mixed with The Gladiator) but not written in an extremely graphic/dark manner.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. There are a number of sexy scenes with dialogue which may offend some readers.
Not recommended to readers who prefer Clean fiction or to YA readers.
I enjoyed escaping again with a reread of the ROGUE DUO, INFORMATION ROGUE and DESERT ROGUE. Both stories are Proximity-Danger novels where the heroes and heroines are grossly out numbered, out-powered and/or seemingly overwhelmed but they don’t give up. Evil is vanquished, at least for a time, and life, justice and love thrive again.
ORIGINAL POST:
The covers in this series really do a nice job of capturing an essence of the hero. This cover is for Corsair in DESERT ROGUE, my favorite book of the two.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
ROGUE, #8 includes 2 novellas INFORMATION ROGUE and DESERT ROGUE in the GALACTIC GLADIATORS series by Anna Hackett.
INFORMATION ROGUE and DESERT ROGUE connect, as the storyline of INFORMATION ROGUE leads into DESERT ROGUE. INFORMATION ROGUE is a story featuring planet Carthago’s foremost Information Merchant and technology guru, Zhim/MMC, who has been assisting The House of Galen gladiators in their concentrated search for the scattered, abducted earth women originally from Space Station Fortuna (destroyed by the Thraxians during book #1). Ryan/FMC was Fortuna’s lead Data Information expert prior to its destruction. Ryan survived being taken from the Space Station, repeated beatings, and was finally rescued by the House of Galen gladiators in the previous book The Beast, #7. In INFORMATION ROGUE, Ryan and Zhim pool their talents as technology geeks (by challenging each other) and dig out new information leading to the whereabouts of the last known survivors. Again, there are risks taken and danger braved into the underworld of Carthago, and a HEA. 4 Stars. The new settings were a bit creepy but well described, with a lot of action scenes.
DESERT ROGUE - Previously a Corporate Spy working undercover on Fortuna Space Station and a survivor of the abduction that followed, Neve Haynes/FMC finds it difficult to adjust to her free life on the foreign planet Carthago (within the protection of the House of Galen gladiators). Neve’s sister, Ever, had been a scientist on Station Fortuna and continues to be missing. Although no one has seen or heard of anything regarding Ever’s situation, a recently discovered list naming humans abducted from the Space Station confirms that Ever was among the few taken by the Thraxian and later sold elsewhere. Corsair/MMC, a badass, leader and founder of the Corsair Desert Caravan, hears all kind of rumors while guiding and transporting various humanoid travelers across the deadly Carthago deserts. Corsair is attracted to sneaky, loner “ninja” Neve and joins her search for Ever (and the remaining “lost” earthlings). I liked the description of the desert setting and the people who manage to make a life amidst its desolation. DESERT ROGUE is among my favorites in the GALACTIC GLADIATORS series. Corsair and Neve were individually unique characters and seemed like a good fit together. 4.5 Stars. Again the setting and action kept my interest throughout. The sex scenes are a bit much at times.
ROGUE, #8 can be read as a standalone title yet the complete 12 book series includes an over-reaching story arc that is best enjoyed when they are all read in order (especially after the 1st three books). Each book reads quickly, contains steamy scenes, ends with a HEA. The world building in this series is fascinating, the characters mostly unique, and the storylines keep my interest - I don’t want to stop until I finish each book. I have purchased and am looking forward to completing the series.
Anna Hackett has authored action-adventure romance novels in a variety of genres - contemporary, paranormal, dystopian, and space opera/alien. Galactic Gladiators is her Space Opera series - quickly becoming one of my favorite. But I find them all fascinating.
READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - Yes. Sci-Fi and Gladiator action/fighting scenes (think Star Wars/SG-1 mixed with The Gladiator) but not written in an extremely graphic/dark manner.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. There are a number of sexy scenes with dialogue which may offend some readers.
Not recommended to readers who prefer Clean fiction or to YA readers.
February 8, 2025
Series: Galactic Gladiators #8
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Information Rogue: 4 stars
Ryan Nagano is working tirelessly to find the location of the missing humans. In between struggling with her PTSD and anxiety she torments the information merchant Zhim by hacking into his files. These two team up to hack files and rescue Neve from a deadly maze.
What a steamy couple! These two quickly went from combative competitors to lovers. These two worked extremely well together. They both are very experienced hackers and working together they can get through anything.
Ryan was such a spunky and determined woman. I just loved her. Zhim has been hiding his soft side behind his reputation. I love a hero who is secretly sweet. Also I loved how Zhim encouraged Ryan to try things off her list.
Desert Rogue: 4 stars
Neve Hayes is determined to find her sister. She reluctantly works with the desert caravan leader Corsair to find a map to Zaabah. During the journey she finds more than just a map though, she loses her heart.
Corsair was such a great hero. I have been curious about the desert caravans since they were first introduced. The desert way seems to be such a community based one and I loved it. Corsair lets the desert guide him, rescues those in need, and is just a great man. I really loved his personality and character. He is the perfect person for Neve because he pushes her to open up and live for herself, not just for others.
Neve was a little annoying in the beginning because of her reluctance to ask for help. She makes a couple bad decisions and is very reckless. Working with Corsair changes her and makes her realize leaning on people for help isn’t a bad thing.
We end this book with a glimpse of Rillian! I cannot wait for his book, especially after we see that he might be more than just a simple alien.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Information Rogue: 4 stars
Ryan Nagano is working tirelessly to find the location of the missing humans. In between struggling with her PTSD and anxiety she torments the information merchant Zhim by hacking into his files. These two team up to hack files and rescue Neve from a deadly maze.
What a steamy couple! These two quickly went from combative competitors to lovers. These two worked extremely well together. They both are very experienced hackers and working together they can get through anything.
Ryan was such a spunky and determined woman. I just loved her. Zhim has been hiding his soft side behind his reputation. I love a hero who is secretly sweet. Also I loved how Zhim encouraged Ryan to try things off her list.
Desert Rogue: 4 stars
Neve Hayes is determined to find her sister. She reluctantly works with the desert caravan leader Corsair to find a map to Zaabah. During the journey she finds more than just a map though, she loses her heart.
Corsair was such a great hero. I have been curious about the desert caravans since they were first introduced. The desert way seems to be such a community based one and I loved it. Corsair lets the desert guide him, rescues those in need, and is just a great man. I really loved his personality and character. He is the perfect person for Neve because he pushes her to open up and live for herself, not just for others.
Neve was a little annoying in the beginning because of her reluctance to ask for help. She makes a couple bad decisions and is very reckless. Working with Corsair changes her and makes her realize leaning on people for help isn’t a bad thing.
We end this book with a glimpse of Rillian! I cannot wait for his book, especially after we see that he might be more than just a simple alien.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
November 17, 2021
INFORMATION ROGUE
4 stars
Zhim and Ryan have been in a battle of wills since they first crossed keyboards and now they’re working on the same side to find the other human women, Dayna and Neve, who are still trapped. I loved the sparks these two set off with each other because both Zhim and Ryan are passionate people. They move quickly from combative competitors to spicy lovers. First off, this cover is AMAZING! Anna Hackett has some of the best book covers out there in my humble opinion. The pace was quick and there was plenty of action throughout.
I loved Ryan and all her spunk! She’s a wonderful heroine who’s confident but also just a touch insecure. This helped add some vulnerability to her tough woman persona. Zhim is a big softy deep down and I enjoyed seeing his sweeter side.
----------------------------
DESERT ROGUE
4 stars
Corsair might be attracted to Neve’s beauty and her strength but he’s equally frustrated by how stubborn she is. But he’s determined to keep her out of trouble and Neve is quickly taken in by Corsair’s charm. These two take a bit of time to start working together but once they do it’s wonderful.
Corsair really sold this one for me. I loved his desert ways and his easy going nature; he goes where the winds tell him and there was something really appealing about his personality. Neve was a bit rough in the beginning and she was so resistant to asking for help that she makes some really bad decisions. I came to like her but I’m still annoyed that she was ready to rush out into the desert with no idea what she was doing.
Rillian is back! I was missing him in the last few and I’m so excited that the next book will be about him. The set up for his love interest and some details about who he is have me really excited!
4 stars
Zhim and Ryan have been in a battle of wills since they first crossed keyboards and now they’re working on the same side to find the other human women, Dayna and Neve, who are still trapped. I loved the sparks these two set off with each other because both Zhim and Ryan are passionate people. They move quickly from combative competitors to spicy lovers. First off, this cover is AMAZING! Anna Hackett has some of the best book covers out there in my humble opinion. The pace was quick and there was plenty of action throughout.
I loved Ryan and all her spunk! She’s a wonderful heroine who’s confident but also just a touch insecure. This helped add some vulnerability to her tough woman persona. Zhim is a big softy deep down and I enjoyed seeing his sweeter side.
----------------------------
DESERT ROGUE
4 stars
Corsair might be attracted to Neve’s beauty and her strength but he’s equally frustrated by how stubborn she is. But he’s determined to keep her out of trouble and Neve is quickly taken in by Corsair’s charm. These two take a bit of time to start working together but once they do it’s wonderful.
Corsair really sold this one for me. I loved his desert ways and his easy going nature; he goes where the winds tell him and there was something really appealing about his personality. Neve was a bit rough in the beginning and she was so resistant to asking for help that she makes some really bad decisions. I came to like her but I’m still annoyed that she was ready to rush out into the desert with no idea what she was doing.
Rillian is back! I was missing him in the last few and I’m so excited that the next book will be about him. The set up for his love interest and some details about who he is have me really excited!
November 30, 2017
ROMANCE SIZZLES IN THESE TWO STORIES!
TWO FANTASTIC stories packed with suspense, action, danger, life-threatening moments, breathtaking scene descriptions, witty banter, two sexy alphas and two sassy women who bring them to their knees. The romances are blazing hot and both have happy endings that are so well deserved.
ROGUE; If you want to find out information you go to the pompous Zhim who is most helpful but charges too. He has a haunted past and does not trust easily. Ryan captured by evil aliens and used for her computer skills is now under the protection of the House of Galen. When the two meet they clash; both computer savvy and highly intelligent.
DESERT ROGUE; Neve has survived many life-threatening incidents, is on her own dangerous mission and is extremely skilled at protecting herself. Corsair is gorgeous, kind, generous and his desire for Neve burns deep. Corsair's priorities are to keep Neve safe and to capture her heart forever.
THRILLING fast-paced stories that hold your attention until the last page. Loved all the characters and the romances were just perfect. If you enjoy sci-romance with action, danger and suspense this is definitely a fabulous book for your library. I loved both stories, can't wait for the next book in this exciting series and {I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.} Without reservations, I highly recommend this read.
November 27, 2017
This can be read as a stand-alone, but it is best enjoyed when the series is read in order. This is two individual stories and they are half the size of the usual for this series, but they have all the elements that make Galactic Gladiators such an exciting series. There is humor, mystery, suspense, action, sci-fi elements, and steamy romance. Despite the shorter format, they are definitely complete stories, with happily ever afters for both couples and no cliff hanger. The major story arc continues on and we see who will be the featured couple in a future book. I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole.
April 22, 2018
Going rogue suits Ryan and Neve
This book has two novellas in it that help push the overall plot along. Two of the supporting characters, Zhim and Corsair, fall in love with two women from Earth. Both males fall hard, fast and forever. I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
This book has two novellas in it that help push the overall plot along. Two of the supporting characters, Zhim and Corsair, fall in love with two women from Earth. Both males fall hard, fast and forever. I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
December 6, 2017
I'm a big fan of Ms. Hackett's books and this book is just another in her line of great stories. I loved it. Great characters, action, adventure and romance all rolled up into one. I highly recommend this and all of Ms. Hackett's books.
- - Gifted copy - -
L.
- - Gifted copy - -
L.
June 12, 2018
Another cute SFR from Anna Hackett - the stories are formulaic but I still like them as the characters themselves are all different. In this book we have two stories - a cute hacker couple and an adventurous one.
December 3, 2017
In this book we are gifted with two very exceptional stories that are totally different in content. They are both very well-written and contain all the right twists and turns to keep the reader interested. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these stories and would have no hesitation in recommending the book.
Information Rogue:
It is time for Ryan to embrace her new life, so the lists she makes highlight her most secret wishes and fantasizes. Ryan loves the District, the glitz, the glamor and the action, but the only time she feels good is when she is on her comp. Ryan and Zhim have been trying to encrypt stolen data from the Srinar, but it is proving a challenge. Neve and Dayna were out there somewhere and Ryan will not stop until they are found. There is a rapport between Ryan and Zhim and a mutual respect for each other’s computer skills, but Zhim has so many secrets and Ryan wants to learn them all. Ryan views Zhim as an insanely intelligent and arrogant information merchant, while Zhim has learned from a young age that love and caring were risky emotions. While extremely rich now, Zhim came from poverty; he survived his own hell and for years has only focused on himself. With Ryan, Zhim wants more; he doesn’t feel that ever present drive to know and have. When Zhim discovers that the Srinar data has a liquescent lock, there is only one option open; he has to take it to a hacking den, a place he has been to before, a dangerous, unpredictable place, but Ryan will not let him go alone. At last the data is decoded and on it there is information about Neve; she has been captured by a shapeshifter, Gabriez, a black-market dealer, whose home is an underground labyrinth. People that go in, never come out, but every base has a weakness. A rescue mission is planned, but Gabriez is playing games, making everyone confront their deepest, darkest fears and secrets. Will Ryan and Zhim’s hacking skills be sufficient to bring about Gabriez’s own downfall.
Desert Rogue:
Neve is used to sneaking around; it started during her childhood, but her years as a corporate spy helped her to hone her stealth skills. For so long it had just been her and her sister, Ever; but Ever is lost somewhere on Carthago, a place neither of them ever expected to be. No matter how many times Neve leaves the House of Galen to gather information, no one knows anything useful about Zaabha. Corsair is annoying, tempting and a distraction and she didn’t need him getting in her way. Corsair knows Neve is trouble; he had learned to predict trouble at a very young age and yet he is still drawn to her; she is all strength and agility that he finds insanely attractive. Corsair has a lead; the desert witch at Solitude Oasis has a map to Zaabha. Neve is not content to wait for Galen to gather data, but Corsair cannot understand why Neve is so distrusting. Running his Caravan was Corsair’s passion and everyone obeyed his orders, always, but Neve does everything to challenge him. Corsair knows the desert better than anyone else; but will Neve ever ask him for help? Neve liked the desert; it is quiet, wild and open, but Corsair upsets her equilibrium and her only goal is to find her sister. Corsair is far more complicated than his desert adventurer persona and something about him throws her off balance; he saw through her, like no one ever had before. The two set off toward Solitude Oasis accompanied by Rogue, a desert shrike. Their journey is thwart with danger, with the desert witch laying traps along the way. Corsair wants to make Neve happy and for that he has to find her sister; Neve wonders how Corsair could know her so well in such a short time and what would it be like to call the Caravan home. Neve and Corsair are heading to a safe house close to Solitude Oasis, but before they reach it they are attacked by Desert Raiders. Corsair is hurt, but Neve will not abandon him; she is strong and stubborn and practically kills herself rescuing him, unaware of his healing haze. The desert witch agrees to hand over the map on condition the two pass her trial, but really she is more interested in adding them to her collection. When Corsair is pinned to a stone wall, he realises he has underestimated the desert witch, a being that feeds off the energy of other living creatures. Dayna is supposed to be at Zaabha, but here she is in the desert witch’s cave dying. Neve is given the map, but in exchange she has to walk away, leaving Corsair behind; this she does without a single hesitation or look at Corsair. Now Neve needs a plan to rescue him and Dayna, knowing it will probably be a suicide mission. Neve cannot do this alone, but the one time she is ready to ask for help there is no one around. Rogue is circling overhead and Neve has to trust that the desert shrike can bring her help. As Neve tackles the desert witch, she realises she is risking everything to save Corsair and Dayna.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Information Rogue:
It is time for Ryan to embrace her new life, so the lists she makes highlight her most secret wishes and fantasizes. Ryan loves the District, the glitz, the glamor and the action, but the only time she feels good is when she is on her comp. Ryan and Zhim have been trying to encrypt stolen data from the Srinar, but it is proving a challenge. Neve and Dayna were out there somewhere and Ryan will not stop until they are found. There is a rapport between Ryan and Zhim and a mutual respect for each other’s computer skills, but Zhim has so many secrets and Ryan wants to learn them all. Ryan views Zhim as an insanely intelligent and arrogant information merchant, while Zhim has learned from a young age that love and caring were risky emotions. While extremely rich now, Zhim came from poverty; he survived his own hell and for years has only focused on himself. With Ryan, Zhim wants more; he doesn’t feel that ever present drive to know and have. When Zhim discovers that the Srinar data has a liquescent lock, there is only one option open; he has to take it to a hacking den, a place he has been to before, a dangerous, unpredictable place, but Ryan will not let him go alone. At last the data is decoded and on it there is information about Neve; she has been captured by a shapeshifter, Gabriez, a black-market dealer, whose home is an underground labyrinth. People that go in, never come out, but every base has a weakness. A rescue mission is planned, but Gabriez is playing games, making everyone confront their deepest, darkest fears and secrets. Will Ryan and Zhim’s hacking skills be sufficient to bring about Gabriez’s own downfall.
Desert Rogue:
Neve is used to sneaking around; it started during her childhood, but her years as a corporate spy helped her to hone her stealth skills. For so long it had just been her and her sister, Ever; but Ever is lost somewhere on Carthago, a place neither of them ever expected to be. No matter how many times Neve leaves the House of Galen to gather information, no one knows anything useful about Zaabha. Corsair is annoying, tempting and a distraction and she didn’t need him getting in her way. Corsair knows Neve is trouble; he had learned to predict trouble at a very young age and yet he is still drawn to her; she is all strength and agility that he finds insanely attractive. Corsair has a lead; the desert witch at Solitude Oasis has a map to Zaabha. Neve is not content to wait for Galen to gather data, but Corsair cannot understand why Neve is so distrusting. Running his Caravan was Corsair’s passion and everyone obeyed his orders, always, but Neve does everything to challenge him. Corsair knows the desert better than anyone else; but will Neve ever ask him for help? Neve liked the desert; it is quiet, wild and open, but Corsair upsets her equilibrium and her only goal is to find her sister. Corsair is far more complicated than his desert adventurer persona and something about him throws her off balance; he saw through her, like no one ever had before. The two set off toward Solitude Oasis accompanied by Rogue, a desert shrike. Their journey is thwart with danger, with the desert witch laying traps along the way. Corsair wants to make Neve happy and for that he has to find her sister; Neve wonders how Corsair could know her so well in such a short time and what would it be like to call the Caravan home. Neve and Corsair are heading to a safe house close to Solitude Oasis, but before they reach it they are attacked by Desert Raiders. Corsair is hurt, but Neve will not abandon him; she is strong and stubborn and practically kills herself rescuing him, unaware of his healing haze. The desert witch agrees to hand over the map on condition the two pass her trial, but really she is more interested in adding them to her collection. When Corsair is pinned to a stone wall, he realises he has underestimated the desert witch, a being that feeds off the energy of other living creatures. Dayna is supposed to be at Zaabha, but here she is in the desert witch’s cave dying. Neve is given the map, but in exchange she has to walk away, leaving Corsair behind; this she does without a single hesitation or look at Corsair. Now Neve needs a plan to rescue him and Dayna, knowing it will probably be a suicide mission. Neve cannot do this alone, but the one time she is ready to ask for help there is no one around. Rogue is circling overhead and Neve has to trust that the desert shrike can bring her help. As Neve tackles the desert witch, she realises she is risking everything to save Corsair and Dayna.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
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February 28, 2019For the love of God please don't say the title IN the actual book
July 29, 2019
Loved this one, too!
December 3, 2017
Our favourite Inter-Stellar Gladiators take a back seat to the action in these 2 little gems!
House of Galen is more than just the Warriors who fight in the arena. There are the background staff and her allies that are just as important. In the first we get to see out favourite Information Master come out of the shadows long enough to get a HEA.
Zhim doesn't believe in hiding his tech genius under a bushel but his past is a different matter. You'd need a decade or two probably to unlock that but Ryan is no ordinary hacker and she can give Zhim a run for his money. She truly loves to annoy the man and beat him at how own game.
Ryan wants to get her other friends back safely but she doesn't want to wait..or share with Zhim. But when she finally has to admit that she needs Zhim and his murky tech contacts, the action increases. A very Medusa like creature is holding her friend and it's all hands on deck to get her back!
In the 2nd story we get Corsair's story! He may be a pirate of the desert but that doesn't mean he is a bad guy. He is very close to his friends and his caravan of travellers are his family. He is definitely hiding a whole lot of sweet under that crusty exterior!
Neve is like a Ninja! If she wants out of a place she'll get out! She is another human female who can't seem to sit still whilst her friends are in danger. But she has added danger, her sister is out there somewhere!
What a great way for some of the essential but less well known characters to get a HEA. Zhim is kind of Neo from Matrix in my opinion and Corsair has a very Han like appeal!!!
Lots of new twists and turns and new characters to get interested in. There is a hint at Galen's HEA but that is super-secret and could be a total red herring! Loving this series so much!
House of Galen is more than just the Warriors who fight in the arena. There are the background staff and her allies that are just as important. In the first we get to see out favourite Information Master come out of the shadows long enough to get a HEA.
Zhim doesn't believe in hiding his tech genius under a bushel but his past is a different matter. You'd need a decade or two probably to unlock that but Ryan is no ordinary hacker and she can give Zhim a run for his money. She truly loves to annoy the man and beat him at how own game.
Ryan wants to get her other friends back safely but she doesn't want to wait..or share with Zhim. But when she finally has to admit that she needs Zhim and his murky tech contacts, the action increases. A very Medusa like creature is holding her friend and it's all hands on deck to get her back!
In the 2nd story we get Corsair's story! He may be a pirate of the desert but that doesn't mean he is a bad guy. He is very close to his friends and his caravan of travellers are his family. He is definitely hiding a whole lot of sweet under that crusty exterior!
Neve is like a Ninja! If she wants out of a place she'll get out! She is another human female who can't seem to sit still whilst her friends are in danger. But she has added danger, her sister is out there somewhere!
What a great way for some of the essential but less well known characters to get a HEA. Zhim is kind of Neo from Matrix in my opinion and Corsair has a very Han like appeal!!!
Lots of new twists and turns and new characters to get interested in. There is a hint at Galen's HEA but that is super-secret and could be a total red herring! Loving this series so much!
November 28, 2017
Duo
This KU library novella duo features characters that are peripheral to the Galactic Gladiators and the House of Galen. The first is "Information Rogue", which spotlights the information merchant Zhim, who has helped Galen in his raids to rescue humans stolen by Thraxian slavers. One of those they rescued was Ryan Nagano, a hacker who revels in breaking into Zhim's system and pranking him. But another, less ethical, information broker has knowledge they need to rescue one of their own. She's extremely dangerous and it will take both their skills, working together, to get what they need from her.
The second story in the duo is "Desert Rogue", featuring Corsair, the caravan master who has escorted Galen and his people across the desert in their endeavors to rescue humans from the slavers. In Information Rogue, Neve, also introduced earlier, was freed from a captivity she had engineered in her quest to find her missing sister. But in this story, when she evades Galen's guards and heads into the desert, she isn't alone. Corsair has followed the former corporate spy and has made himself available to help her find her sister, Ever. But Neve isn't used to asking for or accepting help, and she definitely has no experience with surviving the desert. She will need all his help, and more.
This duo is a great read. The stories are well developed, as are the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend them.
This KU library novella duo features characters that are peripheral to the Galactic Gladiators and the House of Galen. The first is "Information Rogue", which spotlights the information merchant Zhim, who has helped Galen in his raids to rescue humans stolen by Thraxian slavers. One of those they rescued was Ryan Nagano, a hacker who revels in breaking into Zhim's system and pranking him. But another, less ethical, information broker has knowledge they need to rescue one of their own. She's extremely dangerous and it will take both their skills, working together, to get what they need from her.
The second story in the duo is "Desert Rogue", featuring Corsair, the caravan master who has escorted Galen and his people across the desert in their endeavors to rescue humans from the slavers. In Information Rogue, Neve, also introduced earlier, was freed from a captivity she had engineered in her quest to find her missing sister. But in this story, when she evades Galen's guards and heads into the desert, she isn't alone. Corsair has followed the former corporate spy and has made himself available to help her find her sister, Ever. But Neve isn't used to asking for or accepting help, and she definitely has no experience with surviving the desert. She will need all his help, and more.
This duo is a great read. The stories are well developed, as are the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend them.
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