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The Reliance Trilogy #1
Reliance
Finn No Last Name lives her life exactly the way she likes. Sure, she lives on a Mud Pit with some of the worst criminals and cast-offs the Reliance has to offer, but she has a knack for stealing things that has earned her a reputation as the best thief the Farthers has to offer. Unfortunately for Finn, her life gets turned on its head when she tries to steal from an upper-caste courtesan and winds up stuck in space on a merchant ship. This ship happens to be run by a strange, eclectic crew and Finn quickly learns that there is more to them than meets the eye. Before she can escape or con her way back home, she finds herself embroiled in a mission to uncover the Reliance’s darkest secret . . . a secret that may hit closer to home than she could have ever imagined.
Reliance introduces a fantastic new character as impetuous and defiant as Rogue One’s Jyn Erso and begins a thrilling new trilogy that fans of crew-driven space operas by authors such as Rachel Bach (Fortune’s Pawn), Mike Brooks (Dark Run), and James S.A. Corey (The Expanse) will find themselves racing through at light speed.
Reliance introduces a fantastic new character as impetuous and defiant as Rogue One’s Jyn Erso and begins a thrilling new trilogy that fans of crew-driven space operas by authors such as Rachel Bach (Fortune’s Pawn), Mike Brooks (Dark Run), and James S.A. Corey (The Expanse) will find themselves racing through at light speed.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2019
1 person is currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Andersen
8 books18 followersA native of Portland, OR, Kaitlyn Andersen has a degree in psychology and creative writing from Oregon State University. Her studies have helped her to create believable characters and explore the effects of mental health in science fiction and fantasy. Since graduating, she has had writing featured in the Oregonian and 101fiction.com. Reliance, her debut novel, is the first in a trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 21, 2020
Couldn't get past the first chapter, which lingers repeatedly on how dumb a sex worker is, and then goes on to say that she loves cops? Fastest DNF of my life.
October 2, 2019
A great freshman offering! Plucky characters, a tough-as-nails protagonist, and a far-reaching empire right for the kicking! I can't wait for book two!
January 27, 2021
That was some real shit. Fucking Bravo.
January 12, 2024
I disagree with most of the comp titles in the book description. This book reminds me more of a YA fantasy book. Finn acts young, and I could not wrap my head around the fact that she's supposed to be 21. She felt 15. Her journey of identity and family is typical for YA novels. The narrator is talented, but her voice is suited more toward younger protagonists. There's also a blossoming romance because of course there is. You can tell because of his dimple that we are told about every two seconds and his massive muscles. And guess what? They have to go to a ball and she's just so pretty! This is absolutely a YA fantasy book parading as SF.
It starts out feeling very much like Firefly. The ship has a courtesan who is very respectable throughout the galaxy, a gallant ex-military captain, a corrupt government in charge, talk of a past resistance that failed, a ragtag crew which is mostly comprised of young people. They immediately decide to keep Finn for some reason.
Most of the characters didn't really serve a purpose except as background. There's a conflict with an actual young adult that felt like it would be pulled into a major subplot but honestly didn't affect the story at all.
Tilli the little girl, though, is amazing. I absolutely loved her. She is adorable and must be protected at all costs.
The twists were decent. I didn't guess all of Finn's true identity correctly (I am completely biased and like mine better), but it wasn't bad.
Not bad, though. I don't regret reading it, but I feel that the book description gives the wrong vibe. Not planning to continue the series.
It starts out feeling very much like Firefly. The ship has a courtesan who is very respectable throughout the galaxy, a gallant ex-military captain, a corrupt government in charge, talk of a past resistance that failed, a ragtag crew which is mostly comprised of young people. They immediately decide to keep Finn for some reason.
Most of the characters didn't really serve a purpose except as background. There's a conflict with an actual young adult that felt like it would be pulled into a major subplot but honestly didn't affect the story at all.
Tilli the little girl, though, is amazing. I absolutely loved her. She is adorable and must be protected at all costs.
The twists were decent. I didn't guess all of Finn's true identity correctly (I am completely biased and like mine better), but it wasn't bad.
Not bad, though. I don't regret reading it, but I feel that the book description gives the wrong vibe. Not planning to continue the series.
July 23, 2021
A little known gem and knowing that, I am giving more information than normal.... I actually typed this stuff out as I went along. Hope this helps in discovering this new adventure. This may have spoilers.
Reliance
Trilogy
By- Kaitlyn Andersen
Finn- MC (Slave class may be misclassified)
Grim- Red, large Guardian mudpit
Nova- Doxie on mud pit
Captain Shane- ship captain
Iliana Consort sister- separated and abducted sister ship
Conrad- ship, hybrid
Tearie- Purple child on ship
Isis- shipmate, doctor
Jax and Lex- Male and female hybrid Twins,(pilots)
A.J.- Teenage boy, shipmate, hybrid, special projects
The Frog- Criminal kingpin
Settings:
Mud pit
Spaceship- Independence, supposedly merchant type ship
Inner Core- planets where the elite live
Science fiction/ possible romance
Some Plot Points:
There was some type of multi-species, galaxy resistance to an invading force and the original inhabitants lost. Book picks up sometime after that….
There are some type of hybrid species that make the invaders nervous enough to institute a propaganda war.
Finn was at some point, separated from her family (sister) and had a very different original life.
Series of events to bring some truths out into the open…..
Impressions:
Fast paced
Fun
Firefly but not
Rating: 5/5
Reliance
Trilogy
By- Kaitlyn Andersen
Finn- MC (Slave class may be misclassified)
Grim- Red, large Guardian mudpit
Nova- Doxie on mud pit
Captain Shane- ship captain
Iliana Consort sister- separated and abducted sister ship
Conrad- ship, hybrid
Tearie- Purple child on ship
Isis- shipmate, doctor
Jax and Lex- Male and female hybrid Twins,(pilots)
A.J.- Teenage boy, shipmate, hybrid, special projects
The Frog- Criminal kingpin
Settings:
Mud pit
Spaceship- Independence, supposedly merchant type ship
Inner Core- planets where the elite live
Science fiction/ possible romance
Some Plot Points:
There was some type of multi-species, galaxy resistance to an invading force and the original inhabitants lost. Book picks up sometime after that….
There are some type of hybrid species that make the invaders nervous enough to institute a propaganda war.
Finn was at some point, separated from her family (sister) and had a very different original life.
Series of events to bring some truths out into the open…..
Impressions:
Fast paced
Fun
Firefly but not
Rating: 5/5
July 23, 2020
A great starter to a series that once I finished listening to it I was ready for book 2. Which isn't out, with no anticipation of a release date.
Interesting characters, more time spent on character development than world building which really made me enjoy the story. However, there was enough world building to see how the environment influences people's behaviours.
While technically sci-fi as set in space with aliens, this isn't a space opera and there isn't a lot of time spent on the 'space' environment and technical details of space flight but time is well spent on social aspects of communities and caste system and leadership.
Found myself sitting in the car after driving home to continue listening to the story which is always a good sign of interest.
Will keep an eye out for book 2 and follow this author.
Very surprising quality for a first book. Would be happy to re-read / re-listen prior to book 2 coming out to get a refreshment on the story.
Interesting characters, more time spent on character development than world building which really made me enjoy the story. However, there was enough world building to see how the environment influences people's behaviours.
While technically sci-fi as set in space with aliens, this isn't a space opera and there isn't a lot of time spent on the 'space' environment and technical details of space flight but time is well spent on social aspects of communities and caste system and leadership.
Found myself sitting in the car after driving home to continue listening to the story which is always a good sign of interest.
Will keep an eye out for book 2 and follow this author.
Very surprising quality for a first book. Would be happy to re-read / re-listen prior to book 2 coming out to get a refreshment on the story.
July 30, 2020
3.5. Interesting book with interesting characters. But while I finished the book quickly and enjoyed it, it didn’t feel right. I didn’t quite connect with the characters, the universe didn’t seem quite fleshed out enough, and the plot wasn’t quite strong enough to me. I’m left with a sort of wishy washy feeling. I definitely want to see what happens next. But I don’t seem to be able to give this book 4 stars.
There were some really awesome moments, and some cool character developments, but it also felt a little bit predictable. But seeing as this is Andersen’s first book, I’m excited to see what she’ll be able to do next:).
There were some really awesome moments, and some cool character developments, but it also felt a little bit predictable. But seeing as this is Andersen’s first book, I’m excited to see what she’ll be able to do next:).
December 3, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up
I really really enjoyed the first half of the book and the eclectic cast of characters (the crew and their interactions is what makes the story so fun to read). In the second half, parts of the story dragged a bit (endless descriptions of ball attire) and others felt a bit rushed to the point that Finn's decisions didn't seem entirely believable, which soured my enjoyment somewhat. I didn't love where the story ended, but will definitely keep an eye out for book 2.
I really really enjoyed the first half of the book and the eclectic cast of characters (the crew and their interactions is what makes the story so fun to read). In the second half, parts of the story dragged a bit (endless descriptions of ball attire) and others felt a bit rushed to the point that Finn's decisions didn't seem entirely believable, which soured my enjoyment somewhat. I didn't love where the story ended, but will definitely keep an eye out for book 2.
August 1, 2024
This was a free Friday book from Barnes and Noble. It gave me Firefly vibes. Finn is just a girl who is a very good thief who doesn't remember/talk about her past. But then she meets a ship of misfits while pulling a job. During her 4 days with them she learns who she is, what she can do, who she can trust, and that the "half-breeds" the Reliance say are all dead aren't as dead as they say. What she does with that info is yet to be learned....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2019
This book was amazing. I rarely give 5 star reviews but wow did this deserve it.
I LOVE FINN. I love the crew and more to the point I feel like characterization is insanely strong throughout. Every character's action makes sense. I get it. I still got surprised by them and the plot though which made this read all the more delicious. I can't freaking wait until the next book.
I LOVE FINN. I love the crew and more to the point I feel like characterization is insanely strong throughout. Every character's action makes sense. I get it. I still got surprised by them and the plot though which made this read all the more delicious. I can't freaking wait until the next book.
July 5, 2020
Fabulous!
I can’t wait to see what else Finn No Last Name does! I loved the story that evolved with twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat! I am looking forward to more from this author!
I can’t wait to see what else Finn No Last Name does! I loved the story that evolved with twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat! I am looking forward to more from this author!
October 31, 2019
The character development and their interactions with each other make Reliance an absolute joy to read!
April 3, 2022
Original characters but not story
May 10, 2024
Thought it was great definitely 5 stars , though I feel Finn, as a character fell a little flat. I'm hoping to see more growth for her in the next two books
April 23, 2025
Ok, I’m giving it 4 stars even though I really didn’t like the ending. Good world building. Fast paced.
April 24, 2025
Reads like the first draft of a AO3 passion project that may or may not be turned into a real book. Could actually be really compelling YA if it was fleshed out and like, 350 pages longer.
May 30, 2021
Just couldn't get into this one. I liked Finn, but I felt like everything was just happening at lightning speed. Relationships weren't earned. They went from zero to 100 in a couple of pages. Just didn't click with me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews