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A planet in dispute. Farmers vs miners, and no one knows the full story.

The Federation sends Rivka and her team to resolve a case of settlers squatting on a remote planet when the owners finally came calling.

Not what it seems. Three generations of settlers and more. A planet that isn’t as welcoming as it appears. Crops coming ripe. Miners ready to dig. Tempers flare as the sides face off.

Until the Magistrate gets in the middle of it with all the firepower at her command – the law, a calm voice. and a good railgun.

Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.

Get it today.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2020

164 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Craig Martelle

332 books7,904 followers
Visit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.

I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.

I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.

No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.

We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.

Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.

It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.

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5 stars
416 (77%)
4 stars
106 (19%)
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15 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for The One Tree.
210 reviews16 followers
October 8, 2020
Bravo

No spoilers...

There is always something satisfying in completing a first read of a good book. Suffice to say, this was one of them.

This entire series is going onto my top shelf. That’s where I keep all the books for reading again. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series... I can only hope that the next one is already available to read.
6,342 reviews40 followers
September 10, 2021
This novel is basically divided into two parts. In the first part various members of the crew get some time off to actually get to enjoy things for a while including a honeymoon and causing trouble at a bar. The Artificial Intelligences (renamed later Sentient Intelligences) will begin to get android-like bodies and they are realy happy over that.

As with all books int his series, though, there's trouble which forms the second main theme of the book. In this case there is a planet that has colonists who are farmers. It also has a bunch of guys working for a mega-corporation who are trying to mine the same planet.

They don't get along and it's up to Rivka to research the law, find a solution and to that without a lot of shooting going on.

The ship is also carrying a bunch of the AI beings and the way the writer has given them fascinating and different personalities is really neat.

The question is who owns the planet? If it's the farmers then the miners might have to leave. If it's the miners than the colonists may have to look for somewhere else to live. For the colonists that might be a problem as they have very little in the way of technology and they have a biological problem that could doom their entire group.

It's also to watch how everything is progressing as the ship gets more advanced, the Sentient Intelligences get more and more interesting and the crew also gets more interesting. I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,585 reviews11 followers
June 24, 2022
These books just keep on getting better!

I don't know whether its the plotlines, or the mixture of characters both old, and new, but I always enjoy another adventure with Rivka and her team of meatbags, and AI/SI's - and now that she's finally given in, and had Tyler move his stuff into the ship, I feel that things will become a lot more interesting on the Wyatt Earp.

The Case/Mission that Rivka had to solve this time was really interesting, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the glimpses into the ins and outs of each decision that Rivka has go through, then to judge, no matter where they have to go to look into things.

But I think that, what I love most about this whole series of books, is the feel that this is a family forging through everything together, no matter what their species, and this will be the best thing for Rivka, especially each time she has to look into the depths of depravity, as she judges each criminal.

There is also the realness to the stories: this particular book brought it very much home to me, that, despite progresses in the sciences, even in p future there will still be the haves, and have nots; there will always be the outcasts, or those who drop through the cracks; there will still be our own nature, as human beings, to be overcome, or propped up.

This is the reality of life, whether living on Earth, or roaming across the stars and, I have no doubts that, if we ever do get to roam the stars, as Rivka and her team do, even the aliens will probably have the same wants, needs, and emotional ups and downs that we do, no matter what their shapes turn out to be!

As I finished this story, then read on to the Author's Notes, I was also happy that, in the last glimpse that I took of my reading list, I knew that I could read on to the next few J, J, and Ex books - with only a pause to write a review of each of them!

That's made me one very happy reader.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,987 reviews73 followers
September 25, 2020
Adverse Possession - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Magistrate Rivka Anoa is forced to bring tough justice to bear, as she arbitrates between rival factions at Rorke's Drift, a distant planet under the Federation's aegis.

Aboard the Wyatt Earp, on the mission are Red, Lindy, Sahved, Ankh, dentist Tyler and doctor Cole. They find a large mining company is trying to oust peaceful farming communities from their lands.

Rivka manages to broker a deal suitable to all factions, after some unexpected consequences and an arrest.
Needless to say, peace is promptly restored and a Federation interim government is established on Rourke's Drift.

Read the glorious denouement of Adverse Possession, #10 in the Judge, Jury and Executioner series by the wonderfully creative Craig Martelle, - it'll stir your heart and blow your mind!
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,017 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2020
A breath of fresh air...

...and maybe a battle or two! Rivka and her team have an unusual assignment, a little different to the usual. Nonetheless, she pursues justice and looks at all angles.

I’m impressed at the new scenarios Craig comes up with, as he has avoided being repetitive in the missions, sorry the cases, Rivka is sent on. The interpersonal relationships and personal growth of the characters is fascinating and the laughs keep me in danger of snorting coffee out of my nose!

Another great story in a great series.
392 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2020
This book is worth your time and money, guaranteed.

The title of this review is most definitely plagiarised. Almost word for word it's what the author wrote I. The afterword. That doesn't make it any less than truthful. The guaranteed part is mine, it is now ~01:50 on a monday morning and l'm due up in about 3 hours to get ready to go to work. I really shouldn't have started this as I know better - all the books in this series demand to be read in one sitting, regardless of the consequences.
28 reviews
September 17, 2020
Improvement to high quality

Craig has raised his writing level to complex, witty, and clear. It’s easy to follow due to his craftsmanship being improved. Scenes are linked and no incorrect references to events, places,etc. that don’t make sense. Great use of humor that isn’t overwhelming perverted. It’s very hard to write “in character” from so many characters perspective and keep it true to each one. Craig has accomplished that feat. He’s grown so much since I first “met” his talent.
This is a great series. Keep Rivka bringing the long arm to the galaxy.
Profile Image for Kathy Dulohery-Hedrick.
47 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2020
Rivka always gives a great story

Most of the regular crew is here for the newest case, with a very special guest star. One of my favorite people from the Walton family is riding along with the Justicar and giving assistance where needed. The guest is also given one of the most special gifts possible, but I'm not going to spoil it.
We seem to be getting a slower and saner case, but that isn't possible with this crew. It's laugh out loud and edge of the seat right to the end. Another great outing for the toughest barrister in the Galaxy.
29 reviews
January 13, 2024
Great Series, Well Written

I'm really enjoying this series. It has plenty of interesting, likable characters, with clear growth and development of each one, including Rivka, a kick-ass lawyer. Action in some form or other is guaranteed, and adds spice to the legal convolutions presented with each new tale.
In addition, the stories are well researched and varied, so one is never bored, at least in my opinion.
The icing on the cake is the high quality of the writing and editing...I haven't been thrown off by major editing oversights yet! Looking forward to the next books.
Profile Image for Lee.
47 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2020
Keep ‘me coming!

Another great book in my favorite KGU series! I love watching as Rivka’s team continues to evolve and mature. The character development in this series is second to none. That’s not to say the plot isn’t great, don’t get me wrong! I’m absolutely blown away by the consistently high quality of writing I’m able to read for free with Kindle Unlimited. Thank you, Mr, Martelle! I can’t wait for number 11!
34 reviews
December 27, 2020
Best one yet

I have loved Rivka from the first book and this book leaves me eager for the next while being satisfying on its own. I admit I reread the entire series (something I'm thrilled to be able to do) so the progression is fresh in my mind. Great characters who evolve, stories that remain fresh and entertaining, pretty much everything I look for in a book. Kudos to Craig Martelle
777 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2021
The Case of Adverse Possession.

Rivka and her legal team are sent to a remote planet to settle a dispute between farmers and miners.
When they arrive they find two groups of people living on opposite sides of the planet.
The two groups are unaware of each other and believe they are alone on the planet.
Rivka is sent there to investigate and to offer assistance if it is needed. Kind of a twilight zone vibe to this one. I liked this book.
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,337 reviews39 followers
September 8, 2020
Hamilton Reviews.

I enjoy this series a lot. I read every new one in this series because I adore the characters. This plot became very complicated from a simple premise. Endangered children, declining population and who really owned rights to the planet. Corporate skulduggery is involved.
1,239 reviews18 followers
September 10, 2020
Another well done book in the series.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is like an action adventure and a law tutorial all in one. It has a great mix of characters and their interactions with each other are very humorous. If you want to good sci-fi story and learn something at the same time read this book as well as the series.
10 reviews
September 10, 2020
Wonderful reading!

This is another wonderful read. You have grown the characters into so much more. The have taken on a life of their own. It's great to see Red and Lindy growing. Mr Martelle I wish to thank you for all the stories you have brought to us, and please bring more:). Thanks again. Mark
225 reviews
September 12, 2020
Another winner!!

I absolutely love the J J & E series!! Whatever you do, please don't stop. Who knew that so many aspects of the law could be so interesting? Always just enough twists to keep it interesting. I always jump right into every book when it is released. Now I hope to get some sleep tonight!!
10 reviews
Read
September 13, 2020
I love this series!!!

Just what I needed, a story of Justice working the way it should! Rivka and her crew/family are wonderful distraction I needed from the world of today. Laughter, danger, excitement (the fish!!), and the law applied as it was meant to be. I've read every book in this series and each of them deserved the 5 stars I have them. Thank you Craig Martelle!!!
867 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2020
This is a super fun series so far

I really enjoyed all the books in this series so far. There has been a lot of really fun character development. It tied back into the other kutherian universe books enough to make it fun that way as well. I definitely recommend this series. Hopefully there will be future books as well.
70 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2020
Tech meets agriculture

Having history with the mineral rights versus surface rights conflict, I found Rivkas pursuit of fairness and a way out of the problems to be very interesting. I am interested in how the settlers adjust to having their isolation disturbed. Maybe they will need the Rivkas services again( hint hint)
Keep writing these, I love this series.
27 reviews
January 4, 2021
Totally enjoying this series

As the purpose and characters development has been fun to see. The topics and themes of the books are ones we grapple with as technology becomes more advance. COVID is an example of how people respond to science— accept, reject or ignore... until they get sick/die.
97 reviews
June 12, 2021
Fun crew, good teammates, and really funny AIs

The addition of multiple AIs is quite fun, especially their quips as they try to shepherd and support Rivka. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the whole group as they go from one (mis)adventure to the next, serving the greater good, discovering new creatures, and figuring out legal issues in expanding space. Thank you Mr. Martelle
9 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2021
Again and again.

I have had the privilege to read many of your books. They flow very fast and keep the reader riveted. I read the Urantia book for 1 hour (as much as I can process) then read the Judge and Jury series. I get lost in time and have set an alarm so I don’t read until 2 am. Great read, keep them coming!
92 reviews
February 7, 2023
I am so enjoying this series!

I’m glad I’ve come late to this “hell yeah!” series! This allows me to go from book to book and enjoy what Anderle and Martelle have written so well. I will repeat…hilarious wit, great action, JUSTICE not revenge! LOVE THESE GUYS! Appreciate the character developments as well.
Profile Image for Diana.
47 reviews
September 7, 2020
Justice Rules.

Magistrate Rivka. Judge, jury and executioner. She and her crew/family get only the hard cases because she believes in LAW. You’ll love her and the crew, the SI’s and new crew members, but they’re new only in person.
62 reviews
September 8, 2020
Very enjoyable

Who would have thought you could write science fiction and space ships around the legal term of adverse possession. The book was fun, the usual cast of characters nice to be reunited with. Not too many fights or extreme violence, this one was nice.
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,163 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2020
Great as always

Own has the right to the plant that is the question. Turns out there are 3 groups of survivors from the crashed spaceship and a mine company that might have the rights!
356 reviews
September 12, 2020
Almost made it!!! So good!

Half the book before the fight breaks out LOL
SO good to see Cory!
And the level up! I don't wanna give anything away
READ THIS SERIES!!!!!!!!!
HOWARD S (the S stands for super fan )
Profile Image for Larry.
3,199 reviews19 followers
September 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have ALL the books of this extraordinary series. The characters are stronger with each story. The plot is well thought out and straightforward, yet with all the twists and turns needed. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series.
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2020
Just wonderful

Is all I can say about this story. I love Ricks and now she has her candy with her, boy on boy. Exciting times with people trying to do things underhanded but they always get caught in time. Great story.
937 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2020
Brilliant as usual, favourite line is.......fook off I'm a barrister not Poseidon

Loved this latest addition to the series.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews