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The Renegade #1
The Renegade
Jace Hughes is a Renegade.
That means taking jobs and not asking questions, whether that involves smuggling, transporting runaways, or performing other, far less wholesome work. Whatever the situation, Jace is willing to do what it takes to achieve his dream and live the life he’s always wanted.
That is, until he comes face to face with an item of unprecedented value—something that could give him everything he needs to pay off his debt and be free.
The only problem is that selling it would also shift the balance of power between the two largest empires in the galaxy.
And spark another intergalactic war.
Unfortunately for Jace, he won’t have long to decide. Renegades, assassins, and government cronies are after the item, too, and unlike Jace, they won’t hesitate to kill.
That means taking jobs and not asking questions, whether that involves smuggling, transporting runaways, or performing other, far less wholesome work. Whatever the situation, Jace is willing to do what it takes to achieve his dream and live the life he’s always wanted.
That is, until he comes face to face with an item of unprecedented value—something that could give him everything he needs to pay off his debt and be free.
The only problem is that selling it would also shift the balance of power between the two largest empires in the galaxy.
And spark another intergalactic war.
Unfortunately for Jace, he won’t have long to decide. Renegades, assassins, and government cronies are after the item, too, and unlike Jace, they won’t hesitate to kill.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2020
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 6, 2020
The Origin story we’ve all been waiting for.
Following Jace Hughes to his shady beginning has been a curiosity for me for sometime. We get to see him as a newer Renegade, one who has yet to learn of Earth’s mystery. Pro tip: listen to the end of the audio for hilarious Luke Daniels bloopers!
Following Jace Hughes to his shady beginning has been a curiosity for me for sometime. We get to see him as a newer Renegade, one who has yet to learn of Earth’s mystery. Pro tip: listen to the end of the audio for hilarious Luke Daniels bloopers!
August 26, 2020
Fun, witty, a decent renegade? Cocky, brash, a know it all, with his own code and set of rules.
The author brought me to the edge of your seat action, unexpected twists and turns, a crazy knit of group who had to learn to trust each other, tons of humour, friendship, Sigmond (Siggy) an AI on the verge of learning human sarcasm..This has been a fun and entertaining read, the origins of how the protagonist started as a Renegade, full of adventures. The character development through the series is phenomenal, the storyline progression is fantastic, taking us on a nonstop rollercoaster ride. The beginnings of Jace, how his actions will take him towards what will be his destiny to become a saviour of humanity, that will be the spectacular Star Renegade Series. I never tire of this stories, always wanting for more. Looking forward to reading The Deal #2!
The author brought me to the edge of your seat action, unexpected twists and turns, a crazy knit of group who had to learn to trust each other, tons of humour, friendship, Sigmond (Siggy) an AI on the verge of learning human sarcasm..This has been a fun and entertaining read, the origins of how the protagonist started as a Renegade, full of adventures. The character development through the series is phenomenal, the storyline progression is fantastic, taking us on a nonstop rollercoaster ride. The beginnings of Jace, how his actions will take him towards what will be his destiny to become a saviour of humanity, that will be the spectacular Star Renegade Series. I never tire of this stories, always wanting for more. Looking forward to reading The Deal #2!
November 15, 2022
This is my first entry into the series, even though I understand it is not the first one written.
This book seems like a good starting point, in the fact that it gives a lot of background on the characters and universe that it operates in. I don't feel I got the full picture, though, but I guess that's what other books are for.
The main character is a likable... Not anti hero, but definitely not a traditional hero. He has morals and guidance, but they definitely have limits.
The story is told first person, so we only have superficial secondary characters, this is fine, as the main character has enough personality for the whole book.
The settings are mostly typical, Space ship interior, space station interior, earth like planet, etc. Not much new, except for the FTL travel, which is slightly new, but also very Star Wars Hyperspace.
The plot is a little convoluted, but nothing abnormal for this type of adventure. A few twists and turns are to be expected.
The voice narration, by Luke Daniels, is very well done. Luke brings his A game for this series, and he beings it to life.
All in all this is a fun book. It is more Space Opera than Sci fi, but definitely a fun book. The voice narration is well done, the characters are well written and likeable. I look forward to hearing this series.
This book seems like a good starting point, in the fact that it gives a lot of background on the characters and universe that it operates in. I don't feel I got the full picture, though, but I guess that's what other books are for.
The main character is a likable... Not anti hero, but definitely not a traditional hero. He has morals and guidance, but they definitely have limits.
The story is told first person, so we only have superficial secondary characters, this is fine, as the main character has enough personality for the whole book.
The settings are mostly typical, Space ship interior, space station interior, earth like planet, etc. Not much new, except for the FTL travel, which is slightly new, but also very Star Wars Hyperspace.
The plot is a little convoluted, but nothing abnormal for this type of adventure. A few twists and turns are to be expected.
The voice narration, by Luke Daniels, is very well done. Luke brings his A game for this series, and he beings it to life.
All in all this is a fun book. It is more Space Opera than Sci fi, but definitely a fun book. The voice narration is well done, the characters are well written and likeable. I look forward to hearing this series.
April 17, 2023
I see what Chaney was trying to do here, with this character, but I'm not sure it was accomplished. Jace was simply a drunkard and jerk with little redeemable properties, and Calipso wasn't much better. About the only likeable character in the book was the AI and that was only because of his dry wit and consistent behavior.
There are some tie in to the Constable and Galactic Law series, but those are tenuous connections at best. More like, hey remember that person from the book, he's in this one as well.
I hope the Jace character and story telling gets better by the start of the Renegade Star series. Still have the Last Reaper books to get through in this chronological order read of the Renegade universe books. So far, it been 50/50 with the various books and authors, but I'm in it for the long haul.
There are some tie in to the Constable and Galactic Law series, but those are tenuous connections at best. More like, hey remember that person from the book, he's in this one as well.
I hope the Jace character and story telling gets better by the start of the Renegade Star series. Still have the Last Reaper books to get through in this chronological order read of the Renegade universe books. So far, it been 50/50 with the various books and authors, but I'm in it for the long haul.
July 24, 2021
The Renegade is a sci-fi western novel that is a good combination of action, world building and sass.
The novel is part of a multi-series storyline all set in the same universe. Although I haven’t read any other novels in the series/universe I wasn’t lost as every series is written to read on their own.
The action and pacing is top notch without a dull moment.
The world building is extensive and probably my favorite part of the novel. There are hints about previous battles and historical moments that made me interested in reading other novels in the series.
The characters are easily the weakest part of the novel. The MC is such a dick that I had trouble routing for him. I don’t expect every character to be good but he’s just so unlikeable. He treats everyone around him like dirt and treats women like they owe him something I understand he’s a criminal and therefore weary of getting close to people but come on!
Although I loved the world building I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series. I’m usually not a big fan of western sci-fi’s so I really have to love a novel in this genre to be interested. And I just enjoyed this novel, I solid 3 stars but only 3 stars. The audiobook was okay but the accent the voice actor used/had put me off (I think it was a New Jersey accent, not positive though as I’m terrible at accents and languages).
The novel is part of a multi-series storyline all set in the same universe. Although I haven’t read any other novels in the series/universe I wasn’t lost as every series is written to read on their own.
The action and pacing is top notch without a dull moment.
The world building is extensive and probably my favorite part of the novel. There are hints about previous battles and historical moments that made me interested in reading other novels in the series.
The characters are easily the weakest part of the novel. The MC is such a dick that I had trouble routing for him. I don’t expect every character to be good but he’s just so unlikeable. He treats everyone around him like dirt and treats women like they owe him something I understand he’s a criminal and therefore weary of getting close to people but come on!
Although I loved the world building I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series. I’m usually not a big fan of western sci-fi’s so I really have to love a novel in this genre to be interested. And I just enjoyed this novel, I solid 3 stars but only 3 stars. The audiobook was okay but the accent the voice actor used/had put me off (I think it was a New Jersey accent, not positive though as I’m terrible at accents and languages).
February 2, 2024
Hmmmmm. I’m giving this 4 stars because there is no 3.5 option. In summary, the character of Jace feels like a mix of Han Solo meets a Spaghetti Western cowboy. The world building was cool, and some of the entanglements our rogue hero gets into are entertaining, but I still got the sense that this has all been done before. Still, it is a page turner that keeps the reader engaged, its just not quite what I expected.
June 7, 2022
The Renegade. J.N. Chaney
Jace Hughes is a hardened, relentless highly skilled renegade. Another term for a smuggler, or whatever the job entails. He takes on a job that unknown to him, until he discovers utilizing his A.I. what he is in possession of is of extremely high value. He is also expendable. An excellent read!!
Jace Hughes is a hardened, relentless highly skilled renegade. Another term for a smuggler, or whatever the job entails. He takes on a job that unknown to him, until he discovers utilizing his A.I. what he is in possession of is of extremely high value. He is also expendable. An excellent read!!
December 10, 2025
It's so-so, can get through it if don't have anything else, but it can be a bit of a slog. There is nothing that have not been done better in different books by different authors and it's pretty thin on the content. Main character you wish was dead as he is very annoying. Especially then you combine it with the terrible narration.
September 20, 2020
Definitely worth paying for
At first I didn't know if I wanted to pay this book. I like using kindle unlimited. But the writing is great and the story top notch. If you've enjoyed his other series, do yourself a favor and buy this.
At first I didn't know if I wanted to pay this book. I like using kindle unlimited. But the writing is great and the story top notch. If you've enjoyed his other series, do yourself a favor and buy this.
August 23, 2020
Just terrible, the MC is a total dick. Talks to his employers like THEY OWN him everything. Not likable in anyway. I wanted to shove his ass out a airlock and forget about it.
January 26, 2021
Light and entertaining
Quick moving, developed but not overly complicated. Very refreshing compared to most of the garbage I’ve been finding lately. Grabbing the next one now.
Quick moving, developed but not overly complicated. Very refreshing compared to most of the garbage I’ve been finding lately. Grabbing the next one now.
November 28, 2021
Great characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 28, 2022
This book takes us back to when Jace's first year as a Renegade.
I loved to get to know Jace a bit more and see him working as a Renegade.
I loved to get to know Jace a bit more and see him working as a Renegade.
August 10, 2022
I liked this entry but it lacked the same awe and discovery as J.N. Cheney's other titles.
December 5, 2022
Not a bad read
December 13, 2023
Too many character inconsistencies. Could not get into the story. DNF series
September 29, 2023
This story is everything one could want from a swashbuckling space adventure. An ornery renegade with morals. A sarcastic AI. High-stakes conflicts with inventive solutions. Great, distinct characters. A battle over… a coffee maker? Even that’s fun. It’s got it all, exploring the underbelly of futuristic worlds in a believable yet not overly indulgent way.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews