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The Empress' Spy #1
Diplomatic Recruit
What if you were given an offer you shouldn’t refuse?
Seraphina Waters craves the opportunity to protect Bethany Anne’s growing Etheric Empire.
Thrown a lifeline when she needs it most, she’s given a chance to prove herself.
If she can.
Pulled into alien politics, and a life beyond her imagination, Phina might just have a chance to have the one thing she’s always wanted.
Now, she just needs to pull it off without getting killed.
Go Up and click ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Read for Free’ in Kindle Unlimited and follow a young woman unleashed against the threats of the Empire!
Note: You are heading to the edge of the space map where danger lies, your only clue a note written that warns, “Here be dragons.”
The first group are the dragons of cursing. This series is part of a universe where cursing is not only accepted but encouraged to be as creative as possible. Some dragons of cursing in this series are small and some are full grown, but they all could pose a barrier to those who find cursing dragons to be offensive.
The second group are the dragons of violence. The dragons of violence in this book are relatively young, but they grow as the series progresses. They make no apologies for staring you in the face while they kick the asses of those who find injustice acceptable.
The last group are the dragons of abuse. The dragons of abuse in this book are mental and emotionally related, but they still exist to nibble at the unwary traveler’s defenses.
If these dangerous dragons intimidate you, best you stay clear. There will always be dragons at the edge of the map.
Seraphina Waters craves the opportunity to protect Bethany Anne’s growing Etheric Empire.
Thrown a lifeline when she needs it most, she’s given a chance to prove herself.
If she can.
Pulled into alien politics, and a life beyond her imagination, Phina might just have a chance to have the one thing she’s always wanted.
Now, she just needs to pull it off without getting killed.
Go Up and click ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Read for Free’ in Kindle Unlimited and follow a young woman unleashed against the threats of the Empire!
Note: You are heading to the edge of the space map where danger lies, your only clue a note written that warns, “Here be dragons.”
The first group are the dragons of cursing. This series is part of a universe where cursing is not only accepted but encouraged to be as creative as possible. Some dragons of cursing in this series are small and some are full grown, but they all could pose a barrier to those who find cursing dragons to be offensive.
The second group are the dragons of violence. The dragons of violence in this book are relatively young, but they grow as the series progresses. They make no apologies for staring you in the face while they kick the asses of those who find injustice acceptable.
The last group are the dragons of abuse. The dragons of abuse in this book are mental and emotionally related, but they still exist to nibble at the unwary traveler’s defenses.
If these dangerous dragons intimidate you, best you stay clear. There will always be dragons at the edge of the map.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2021
239 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 22, 2021
Got my fingers and toes crossed that Phina's a flaming lesbo!
July 28, 2021
Fantastic First!
What a wonderful first novel. Great character development. Fun and action packed. It is also great to see a new spin off series during this timeframe in the KG Universe. Looking forwards to this being a long series….. take your time writing S.E.W. I know it will be worth the wait. Not all MA/BA fans get impatient if it takes more than 8 weeks between books… ;) lol
What a wonderful first novel. Great character development. Fun and action packed. It is also great to see a new spin off series during this timeframe in the KG Universe. Looking forwards to this being a long series….. take your time writing S.E.W. I know it will be worth the wait. Not all MA/BA fans get impatient if it takes more than 8 weeks between books… ;) lol
January 10, 2024
Great
This was a very good read. I'm happy for every book I come across that's a connection in the Kurtherian series universe. I really enjoyed reading this series.
This was a very good read. I'm happy for every book I come across that's a connection in the Kurtherian series universe. I really enjoyed reading this series.
March 23, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
It was wonderful to travel along with this intelligent, thoughtful girl, as her dream comes true, and she truly learns what it means to become the Empress' Diplomatic Spy.
It was wonderful to read her opening up from that almost solitary girl, to find more friend, have great adventures, and learn to fight her own battles.
Like every other series that I've read, so far, of the Kurtherian Universe, this one also seems to be full of real people, doing things we either all do, or wish we could, and the plot lines are captivating, making the reader really want the people within the story to survive, and prosper.
It's really wonderful for me, to find so many new authors whose worked captivates me, and holds me rapt, until the very last page - no, even beyond that, as I've become just as addicted to reading the articles authors' notes, as I am, the wonderful stories they have written!
I must admit, that I'm glad that, on looking at my book list, the next one to read is book two of this new to me series: Diplomatic Crises!
If it's half as good as this one was, I'll be one very happy reader!
It was wonderful to travel along with this intelligent, thoughtful girl, as her dream comes true, and she truly learns what it means to become the Empress' Diplomatic Spy.
It was wonderful to read her opening up from that almost solitary girl, to find more friend, have great adventures, and learn to fight her own battles.
Like every other series that I've read, so far, of the Kurtherian Universe, this one also seems to be full of real people, doing things we either all do, or wish we could, and the plot lines are captivating, making the reader really want the people within the story to survive, and prosper.
It's really wonderful for me, to find so many new authors whose worked captivates me, and holds me rapt, until the very last page - no, even beyond that, as I've become just as addicted to reading the articles authors' notes, as I am, the wonderful stories they have written!
I must admit, that I'm glad that, on looking at my book list, the next one to read is book two of this new to me series: Diplomatic Crises!
If it's half as good as this one was, I'll be one very happy reader!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2021
Very well done book, fast paced very enjoyable.
This is a coming of age story about a young girl, a very good story at that. Obviously I am not the only one who thinks so, just look at the amount of reviews for this book. It takes place in the KGU, and should show Michael and other authors how much we miss the happenings in this universe The main protagonist a young woman who goes to diplomat/spy school. She’s very likable as well as her best friend. There are other characters from the KGU universe who made cameos in this first book but it was especially nice to see that Anna Elizabeth Houser had an important role in this book. I always liked her character because of her trying to protect Bethany Ann. There is some action and some intrigue and some good character development. I urge people reading this review to read this book. I read a lot of books some of them I review some of them I do not but I’m telling everybody to get on the bandwagon.
This is a coming of age story about a young girl, a very good story at that. Obviously I am not the only one who thinks so, just look at the amount of reviews for this book. It takes place in the KGU, and should show Michael and other authors how much we miss the happenings in this universe The main protagonist a young woman who goes to diplomat/spy school. She’s very likable as well as her best friend. There are other characters from the KGU universe who made cameos in this first book but it was especially nice to see that Anna Elizabeth Houser had an important role in this book. I always liked her character because of her trying to protect Bethany Ann. There is some action and some intrigue and some good character development. I urge people reading this review to read this book. I read a lot of books some of them I review some of them I do not but I’m telling everybody to get on the bandwagon.
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November 25, 2023I stopped reading after 38%.
The reason for that is partly because it is written as if you knew the world and side characters mentioned in this book. So I checked and found out it's part of the Kurtherian Gambit series which I haven't read.
Apparently, it plays on a huge space station that has an invasive surveillance system where school mentors can watch every moment of your life. We follow mostly Phina's life though it's written in multiple POV's. Reading the blurb, it sounds like she's out in the world having adventures. However, she just started her education in becoming a diplomat and we follow her school life.
The whole time I was reading I just felt 'meh' about the story and the MC. Maybe you have to have read the previous series to enjoy this book since most reviews were highly rated.
The reason for that is partly because it is written as if you knew the world and side characters mentioned in this book. So I checked and found out it's part of the Kurtherian Gambit series which I haven't read.
Apparently, it plays on a huge space station that has an invasive surveillance system where school mentors can watch every moment of your life. We follow mostly Phina's life though it's written in multiple POV's. Reading the blurb, it sounds like she's out in the world having adventures. However, she just started her education in becoming a diplomat and we follow her school life.
The whole time I was reading I just felt 'meh' about the story and the MC. Maybe you have to have read the previous series to enjoy this book since most reviews were highly rated.
January 24, 2022
Complex
A brilliant storyline is interwoven with numerous subplots making this book almost impossible to put down. After hacking into the system and getting passes for her friend and herself they get caught and while her friend is sent home she is faced with a meeting with one of the space station top executives, where much to her surprise she is offered a chance to train in the diplomatic corps. The surprises keep coming as aside from the normal lessons she also has too learn unarmed combat. Discovering that not everything is as it seems and all the aliens are not as honorable as they make out she follows her enigmatic mentor into one puzzling situation after another. A well-written engrossing read, highly recommend Baz.
A brilliant storyline is interwoven with numerous subplots making this book almost impossible to put down. After hacking into the system and getting passes for her friend and herself they get caught and while her friend is sent home she is faced with a meeting with one of the space station top executives, where much to her surprise she is offered a chance to train in the diplomatic corps. The surprises keep coming as aside from the normal lessons she also has too learn unarmed combat. Discovering that not everything is as it seems and all the aliens are not as honorable as they make out she follows her enigmatic mentor into one puzzling situation after another. A well-written engrossing read, highly recommend Baz.
July 26, 2021
You are so impressive SE Weir!
I loved this book. That a young girl on the cusp of adulthood could accomplish so much is amazing enough. Her capability for learning & believing the best of people is wonderful. I'll be reading this series & enjoying every minute.
After reading the beginning of the Author notes, I was blown away. We have health issues in common. That a FT mother & could write a book brought me to tears, knowing how exhausted you are regularly. May your life change for the better, while improving the lives of your family in the process. You have truly impressed me.
I loved this book. That a young girl on the cusp of adulthood could accomplish so much is amazing enough. Her capability for learning & believing the best of people is wonderful. I'll be reading this series & enjoying every minute.
After reading the beginning of the Author notes, I was blown away. We have health issues in common. That a FT mother & could write a book brought me to tears, knowing how exhausted you are regularly. May your life change for the better, while improving the lives of your family in the process. You have truly impressed me.
September 14, 2022
Pretty okay chosen one sci-fi book. It’s about a super genius girl going to a diplomat school but also getting super spy training.
The alphabet soup of random worlds, names, species, and abilities comes at you fast. Randomly strewn into the alphabet soup, there are references to classic movies and places named after places in the US like Connecticut. For some reason the alphabet soup really tripped me up in the one. Felt like it all came at me fast with minimal explanation, so it was hard to keep track of.
By the end I started to get my bearings a bit more and was able to enjoy, but it took a while to breakthrough.
The alphabet soup of random worlds, names, species, and abilities comes at you fast. Randomly strewn into the alphabet soup, there are references to classic movies and places named after places in the US like Connecticut. For some reason the alphabet soup really tripped me up in the one. Felt like it all came at me fast with minimal explanation, so it was hard to keep track of.
By the end I started to get my bearings a bit more and was able to enjoy, but it took a while to breakthrough.
June 17, 2021
Loved it
I adored this book. It’s probably one of my favorite in the KGU series. It takes us a bit back in time- back to the Empire- and there are some familiar characters who I adore who are in here. But the best is Phina, of course. She has her own fighting (and flying) style, is engaging and thoughtful. I so enjoyed her close observations of characters. Maybe I sympathized with that- the close observation ironically accompanied by personal social awkwardness. Anyway- enjoyed this and looking forward to the series!!!
I adored this book. It’s probably one of my favorite in the KGU series. It takes us a bit back in time- back to the Empire- and there are some familiar characters who I adore who are in here. But the best is Phina, of course. She has her own fighting (and flying) style, is engaging and thoughtful. I so enjoyed her close observations of characters. Maybe I sympathized with that- the close observation ironically accompanied by personal social awkwardness. Anyway- enjoyed this and looking forward to the series!!!
July 25, 2021
Again, I can say nothing against anything Michael Anderle has a hand in. I am by NO means belittling S.E. Weir's efforts either. This book was the first in a new to me series and it has surpassed all my rather high expectations. The main and supporting characters are believable, fun, oh so darned intelligent, and very endearing. The plot is easily followed and surprises around almost every corner. I highly recommend this book and anything to do with the character Bethany Anne, no matter how far removed.
January 24, 2022
To be fair I didn't fully "read" this title.
After a couple of chapters I stopped reading the book. It really was a terrible fit for what I enjoy. This is one of those books that is accurately marked as "young adult." The first few chapters were about how two young women feel about becoming adults. YMMV
I'm down rating it a couple of stars for poor advertising/poor start. The blurb and cover image lead you to believe this will be an action/adventure novel. It might be, but several chapters in there's no sign of it.
After a couple of chapters I stopped reading the book. It really was a terrible fit for what I enjoy. This is one of those books that is accurately marked as "young adult." The first few chapters were about how two young women feel about becoming adults. YMMV
I'm down rating it a couple of stars for poor advertising/poor start. The blurb and cover image lead you to believe this will be an action/adventure novel. It might be, but several chapters in there's no sign of it.
June 9, 2021
Excellent reading
This book is a long awaited piece to the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. It is the authors first book but you would never know it. She is as polished some who has written a hundred books. Diplomatic recruit made me laugh , cry and have me that tingly feeling you get when great deeds are done. I have already preordered book 2 . I am a huge fan of this universe and even more so of this book. Go buy it and read it you won't be sorry you did!
This book is a long awaited piece to the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. It is the authors first book but you would never know it. She is as polished some who has written a hundred books. Diplomatic recruit made me laugh , cry and have me that tingly feeling you get when great deeds are done. I have already preordered book 2 . I am a huge fan of this universe and even more so of this book. Go buy it and read it you won't be sorry you did!
June 14, 2021
Finally Phina
I, and millions of other people, have waited eagerly for Phina's story to expand since we first met her in the pages of the first Fans Write anthology. I was not disappointed, it was well worth the wait. Phina is believable and fun, and her arc in this story shows that it takes all sorts of skills to build an Empire. I cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Thank you Sarah for persevering.
I, and millions of other people, have waited eagerly for Phina's story to expand since we first met her in the pages of the first Fans Write anthology. I was not disappointed, it was well worth the wait. Phina is believable and fun, and her arc in this story shows that it takes all sorts of skills to build an Empire. I cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Thank you Sarah for persevering.
August 2, 2021
Mary Sue fic
The self insert character who everyone loves, who gets immediate attention from the highest levels of power, who succeeds at everything she tries… it’s a pretty common trope in fan writing. In fan writing communities most writers learn quickly that egoistic self inserts are not good writing, and move on to more complicated characters. Sadly, that lesson is not one that Anderle teaches his co-writers.
The self insert character who everyone loves, who gets immediate attention from the highest levels of power, who succeeds at everything she tries… it’s a pretty common trope in fan writing. In fan writing communities most writers learn quickly that egoistic self inserts are not good writing, and move on to more complicated characters. Sadly, that lesson is not one that Anderle teaches his co-writers.
August 13, 2021
Great story
Loved this book, all the characters in it are so well written and the storyline is awesome. I totally got lost in Phina's story and could not put it down until I finished it. I really enjoyed meeting up again with some characters from other stories and how well they meshed with Phina and her friends. Anyone one who enjoys action, AIs, espionage and aliens is really going to love these books.
Loved this book, all the characters in it are so well written and the storyline is awesome. I totally got lost in Phina's story and could not put it down until I finished it. I really enjoyed meeting up again with some characters from other stories and how well they meshed with Phina and her friends. Anyone one who enjoys action, AIs, espionage and aliens is really going to love these books.
June 19, 2022
A new style
This book and the characters in it are, at least in my opinion, quite different from the preceding Kurtherian books and series. This is the second series to feature abusive caregivers, and I love how they address it and help Phina realize her inner strength. She's still very much growing into her own and after this book it seems to me that the rest of Phina's series will be just as riveting.
This book and the characters in it are, at least in my opinion, quite different from the preceding Kurtherian books and series. This is the second series to feature abusive caregivers, and I love how they address it and help Phina realize her inner strength. She's still very much growing into her own and after this book it seems to me that the rest of Phina's series will be just as riveting.
June 10, 2021
New Direction in the Kurtherian Universe
I really enjoyed this blending of spy and diplomat. Phina is a totally new character to me and I enjoyed her growth through adversity in this first installment. Plenty of twists and turns - this series seems to focus more on the Wechselbalg side of modified humans. I can't wait for book 2.
I really enjoyed this blending of spy and diplomat. Phina is a totally new character to me and I enjoyed her growth through adversity in this first installment. Plenty of twists and turns - this series seems to focus more on the Wechselbalg side of modified humans. I can't wait for book 2.
June 11, 2021
Excellent addition to the Kurtherian universe
So, I’ve been reading books in this universe for quite a while now and this is an excellent addition. It weaves old characters and new ones in a story that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next. The story is interesting and fun and now I’m mad because I’ve finished the book and the next one isn’t out yet.
So, I’ve been reading books in this universe for quite a while now and this is an excellent addition. It weaves old characters and new ones in a story that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next. The story is interesting and fun and now I’m mad because I’ve finished the book and the next one isn’t out yet.
June 15, 2021
A brilliant and enthralling first book
Both the first book this author has published and first book in a new series set in the KGU. Even better there is only a weeks wait for the second book. Even betterer is that there is a weeks wait as this one kept me up till the wee hours on a work night. I need some sleep, occasionally.
Both the first book this author has published and first book in a new series set in the KGU. Even better there is only a weeks wait for the second book. Even betterer is that there is a weeks wait as this one kept me up till the wee hours on a work night. I need some sleep, occasionally.
July 21, 2021
For a first book, AMAZING! As the start of another series in the Kutherian Gambit Universe, equally amazing!
This start to another segment of Michael Anderle's shared KG universe is off to a wonderful start.
I had to actually force myself to stop and write this review before jumping on the next book. I'm THAT eager to continue.
What more needs be said.
This start to another segment of Michael Anderle's shared KG universe is off to a wonderful start.
I had to actually force myself to stop and write this review before jumping on the next book. I'm THAT eager to continue.
What more needs be said.
July 23, 2021
Very good story, I wholeheartedly recommend
This is third 3rd spinoff from the main root of the Kurtherian Gambit universe that I have read. While the other were good, this one has characters that I find very personally relatable.
Strap in and dive in head first, you will not regret it.
This is third 3rd spinoff from the main root of the Kurtherian Gambit universe that I have read. While the other were good, this one has characters that I find very personally relatable.
Strap in and dive in head first, you will not regret it.
August 9, 2021
An amazing story
Welcome to the world of wonder. The story of young Phina expanding into her adulthood. Even though her dream is to become a spy for the Empire, she gets shuttled into the diplomatic institute where she meets her mentor, who is the consummate diplomat/spy. A great read.
Welcome to the world of wonder. The story of young Phina expanding into her adulthood. Even though her dream is to become a spy for the Empire, she gets shuttled into the diplomatic institute where she meets her mentor, who is the consummate diplomat/spy. A great read.
December 16, 2021
Good Read
This is good except where Anna Marie's character is concerned. I have read all the books concerning Bethany Anne and as I remember it Anna Marie became yacht so she shouldn't be aging. Other than that this is worth a read so far. Good plot, great characters and an expansion into new worlds and new aliens.
This is good except where Anna Marie's character is concerned. I have read all the books concerning Bethany Anne and as I remember it Anna Marie became yacht so she shouldn't be aging. Other than that this is worth a read so far. Good plot, great characters and an expansion into new worlds and new aliens.
November 24, 2023
Fun read
S.E. Weir with the guidance of Michael Anderle has created not only great new characters but revived several from past books. I love learning more about what characters are up to later in life. Between the drama of becoming a spy and growing up this story is full of fun, peril and adventure. Enjoy!
S.E. Weir with the guidance of Michael Anderle has created not only great new characters but revived several from past books. I love learning more about what characters are up to later in life. Between the drama of becoming a spy and growing up this story is full of fun, peril and adventure. Enjoy!
June 4, 2021
Wonderful first book!
This is a great addition to the Kurtherian Gambit universe and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. Great characters! And being a fellow fibro warrior with three active grandkids, I appreciate your hard work that much more. Keep it up!😍
This is a great addition to the Kurtherian Gambit universe and I look forward to reading the next books in the series. Great characters! And being a fellow fibro warrior with three active grandkids, I appreciate your hard work that much more. Keep it up!😍
June 8, 2021
Excellent start to a new series
So glad got some of the lesser known characters get highlighted. China plays an important part in the Federation and the fight against the Kutherians. Looking forward to more.
So glad got some of the lesser known characters get highlighted. China plays an important part in the Federation and the fight against the Kutherians. Looking forward to more.
June 11, 2021
Great First book
So exciting. Phina seems to pick up things really quickly and is really good at deductive reasoning..her hacking skills are well above average and she has vastly improved her fighting skills. She showed surprisingly outstanding skills on her first assignment.
So exciting. Phina seems to pick up things really quickly and is really good at deductive reasoning..her hacking skills are well above average and she has vastly improved her fighting skills. She showed surprisingly outstanding skills on her first assignment.
June 17, 2021
Great first book
Loved it! Phina and her best friend are funny and help each other cope. Now that Phina is a trainee she learns that she has been watched for a while! I wonder what is going on with her Aunt!
Loved it! Phina and her best friend are funny and help each other cope. Now that Phina is a trainee she learns that she has been watched for a while! I wonder what is going on with her Aunt!
July 9, 2021
Good book!
Very interesting book. Phina is a cool character with family issues. I like how she is super smart, is kinda a smart ass, and actually thinks before she does something. Looking forward to the next book!
Very interesting book. Phina is a cool character with family issues. I like how she is super smart, is kinda a smart ass, and actually thinks before she does something. Looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews