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The Legend of ZERO
Zero Marked
For lovers of Science Fiction Adventure, Action, First Contact, Military, and Space Opera, Zero Marked is a thrilling ride through Zero's first days as a Congie PlanOps graduate...
Two turns after the events of Forging Zero, Rat and Joe finally finish their PlanOps training and get orders to their first duty station--a hellhole Bagan planet called Blekk--but first, a little good old fashioned R&R! Joe and Rat get set loose on the Ueshi pleasure planet of Kaleu with fourteen days and five turns' worth of credits burning a hole in their pockets, and they plan to make full use of it! But this wouldn't be a Legend of Zero if Zero didn't do something legendary, now would it? One would certainly think that a 15 day vacation to an Ueshi pleasure planet would be nothing but peace and relaxation... However, when Baga are involved, a lot can go sideways--especially when one of Joe's groundmates is a numbers-crunching, gambling-obsessed savant fixated on beating the house! Kidnapping, assassination, a splash of gratuitous violence, nailbats... Can Zero save his teammates from the bowels of a casino and salvage his vacation before time runs out? Will Rat get her revenge, or will her competitive streak go too far? Come enjoy the latest installment in the Legend of ZERO!
This is a stand-alone anthology. It contains a 66,000 word novella of Rat and Joe's first (chaotic) taste of freedom after graduating from PlanOps, as well as 4 ZERO world short stories averaging about 10,000 words each. This book is an stand-alone to the ZERO series and can be read in any order. The main novella sets up the next ZERO book to be published in June 2022, Mission Swarm.
Two turns after the events of Forging Zero, Rat and Joe finally finish their PlanOps training and get orders to their first duty station--a hellhole Bagan planet called Blekk--but first, a little good old fashioned R&R! Joe and Rat get set loose on the Ueshi pleasure planet of Kaleu with fourteen days and five turns' worth of credits burning a hole in their pockets, and they plan to make full use of it! But this wouldn't be a Legend of Zero if Zero didn't do something legendary, now would it? One would certainly think that a 15 day vacation to an Ueshi pleasure planet would be nothing but peace and relaxation... However, when Baga are involved, a lot can go sideways--especially when one of Joe's groundmates is a numbers-crunching, gambling-obsessed savant fixated on beating the house! Kidnapping, assassination, a splash of gratuitous violence, nailbats... Can Zero save his teammates from the bowels of a casino and salvage his vacation before time runs out? Will Rat get her revenge, or will her competitive streak go too far? Come enjoy the latest installment in the Legend of ZERO!
This is a stand-alone anthology. It contains a 66,000 word novella of Rat and Joe's first (chaotic) taste of freedom after graduating from PlanOps, as well as 4 ZERO world short stories averaging about 10,000 words each. This book is an stand-alone to the ZERO series and can be read in any order. The main novella sets up the next ZERO book to be published in June 2022, Mission Swarm.
- GenresScience Fiction
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2022
124 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Sara King
21 books789 followersAfter a long, twisted road, Alaskan Fury is my 15th book. The rest (aside from the first five or so ‘practice books’) spent the last 3-6 years languishing on my hard drive as I waited for some really cool editor at a big, traditional publishing house to notice me. It didn’t happen, even with a world-famous agent doing his damnedest to get my books out there.
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 16, 2022
Due to a few editing errors, I’d probably give this a 4.5 if I was able. However, the errors are not egregious enough to warrant a full star deduction. Excellent novella that ends with a BANG! Worth the price of admission! As a bonus there are a few short stories included at the end, which give some insight to the Zero Universe.
April 7, 2022
A wild ride with Zero & Company
As one of the beta readers, I was lucky enough to get an early peek at this crazy ass space adventure. Couldn't put it down until it was finished, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in Zero's saga. Many thanks to our masterful Overlord Sara for another fantastic piece of character driven fiction! Your minions are pleased.
Blurb: "For lovers of Science Fiction Adventure, Action, First Contact, Military, and Space Opera, Zero Marked is a thrilling ride through Zero's first days as a Congie PlanOps graduate...
Two turns after the events of Forging Zero, Rat and Joe finally finish their PlanOps training and get orders to their first duty station--a hellhole Bagan planet called Blekk--but first, a little good old fashioned R&R! Joe and Rat get set loose on the Ueshi pleasure planet of Kaleu with fourteen days and five turns' worth of credits burning a hole in their pockets, and they plan to make full use of it! But this wouldn't be a Legend of Zero if Zero didn't do something legendary, now would it? One would certainly think that a 15 day vacation to an Ueshi pleasure planet would be nothing but peace and relaxation... However, when Baga are involved, a lot can go sideways--especially when one of Joe's groundmates is a numbers-crunching, gambling-obsessed savant fixated on beating the house! Kidnapping, assassination, a splash of gratuitous violence, nailbats... Can Zero save his teammates from the bowels of a casino and salvage his vacation before time runs out? Will Rat get her revenge, or will her competitive streak go too far? Come enjoy the latest installment in the Legend of ZERO!
Note: This is a stand-alone anthology. It contains a 66,000 word novella of Rat and Joe's first (chaotic) taste of freedom after graduating from PlanOps, as well as 4 ZERO world short stories averaging about 10,000 words each. This book is an stand-alone to the ZERO series and can be read in any order. The main novella sets up the next ZERO book to be published in June 2022, Mission Zero: Swarm.
As one of the beta readers, I was lucky enough to get an early peek at this crazy ass space adventure. Couldn't put it down until it was finished, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in Zero's saga. Many thanks to our masterful Overlord Sara for another fantastic piece of character driven fiction! Your minions are pleased.
Blurb: "For lovers of Science Fiction Adventure, Action, First Contact, Military, and Space Opera, Zero Marked is a thrilling ride through Zero's first days as a Congie PlanOps graduate...
Two turns after the events of Forging Zero, Rat and Joe finally finish their PlanOps training and get orders to their first duty station--a hellhole Bagan planet called Blekk--but first, a little good old fashioned R&R! Joe and Rat get set loose on the Ueshi pleasure planet of Kaleu with fourteen days and five turns' worth of credits burning a hole in their pockets, and they plan to make full use of it! But this wouldn't be a Legend of Zero if Zero didn't do something legendary, now would it? One would certainly think that a 15 day vacation to an Ueshi pleasure planet would be nothing but peace and relaxation... However, when Baga are involved, a lot can go sideways--especially when one of Joe's groundmates is a numbers-crunching, gambling-obsessed savant fixated on beating the house! Kidnapping, assassination, a splash of gratuitous violence, nailbats... Can Zero save his teammates from the bowels of a casino and salvage his vacation before time runs out? Will Rat get her revenge, or will her competitive streak go too far? Come enjoy the latest installment in the Legend of ZERO!
Note: This is a stand-alone anthology. It contains a 66,000 word novella of Rat and Joe's first (chaotic) taste of freedom after graduating from PlanOps, as well as 4 ZERO world short stories averaging about 10,000 words each. This book is an stand-alone to the ZERO series and can be read in any order. The main novella sets up the next ZERO book to be published in June 2022, Mission Zero: Swarm.
April 17, 2022
Great read, deceptively simple with lots of layers
This has been one of my favorite authors. When you first pick up her books, you'er immersed into a unique world with characters that stick with you long after the story ends. You can rip through these books because the the writing is so well done, but you do this at your own folly. There are layers, twists and cross reference to her other books you may miss out on. Some books get called brain candy, and while this book may read like it, it's not a fair description for this book. This is more like a stack cake. It has layers--decadent and satisfying layers. Take your time and enjoy it.
This has been one of my favorite authors. When you first pick up her books, you'er immersed into a unique world with characters that stick with you long after the story ends. You can rip through these books because the the writing is so well done, but you do this at your own folly. There are layers, twists and cross reference to her other books you may miss out on. Some books get called brain candy, and while this book may read like it, it's not a fair description for this book. This is more like a stack cake. It has layers--decadent and satisfying layers. Take your time and enjoy it.
July 19, 2025
I loved this book. I loved the following audiobook…. And I’m loving (not yet finished) the post apocalyptic earth audiobook as well….
But can someone PLEASE shed some light on Rat? She does some really terrifying and weird vampire-type stuff in “zero marked” …. But it never gets referenced again…. That seems… strange. Seems to me like that sort of thing should have a much larger influence on the continuing story…
I’m having trouble fully enjoying the post apocalyptic mayhem due to meta-concerns that the author has lost an important thread of continuity
But can someone PLEASE shed some light on Rat? She does some really terrifying and weird vampire-type stuff in “zero marked” …. But it never gets referenced again…. That seems… strange. Seems to me like that sort of thing should have a much larger influence on the continuing story…
I’m having trouble fully enjoying the post apocalyptic mayhem due to meta-concerns that the author has lost an important thread of continuity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
EXCELLENT…as expected!
Everyone is looking for an amazing, imaginative vicarious ride into the vast unknown universe with a bunch of crazy-smart super soldiers, right? Then just check out Zero Marked! It is is a fresh story about our favorite familiar characters, trying without much success to have a well deserved vacation. It’s full of angst, intrigue, violence, and lots & lots of laughs!
Everyone is looking for an amazing, imaginative vicarious ride into the vast unknown universe with a bunch of crazy-smart super soldiers, right? Then just check out Zero Marked! It is is a fresh story about our favorite familiar characters, trying without much success to have a well deserved vacation. It’s full of angst, intrigue, violence, and lots & lots of laughs!
April 16, 2022
Another great, although short, zero book.
Another great book from Sara king! It is great to have you back! It provides a flashback on zero in I'm between the other zero stories plus some sort stories on other species that provide a better context on the Galaxy history/politics.
P.S. I am eagerly awaiting for the outer bounds next books.
Another great book from Sara king! It is great to have you back! It provides a flashback on zero in I'm between the other zero stories plus some sort stories on other species that provide a better context on the Galaxy history/politics.
P.S. I am eagerly awaiting for the outer bounds next books.
April 24, 2022
Title story is after first book, so we get old characters, still fresh in the universe. It also includes a Baga, so mischief is involved.
Other stories expand lore on main species and important Congress points.
As always a great, fun, captivating read.
Other stories expand lore on main species and important Congress points.
As always a great, fun, captivating read.
May 5, 2022
Holy!
How does Sara King continue to dazzle and astound with complex and deep characters, set in amazing places and times? And each new book stays true to previous lore. She really is sublime. I strongly recommend reading all of her quite significant catalog.
How does Sara King continue to dazzle and astound with complex and deep characters, set in amazing places and times? And each new book stays true to previous lore. She really is sublime. I strongly recommend reading all of her quite significant catalog.
May 11, 2022
Best thing ive ever read
This is the best thing I’ve ever read. Obviously. Everything written by Sara King is the best thing I’ve ever read. And if you will excuse me, I’m gonna read Outer Bound one more time
This is the best thing I’ve ever read. Obviously. Everything written by Sara King is the best thing I’ve ever read. And if you will excuse me, I’m gonna read Outer Bound one more time
May 25, 2022
4.5
Not sure how to describe a Sara King book except to say long or short, logical or illogical, they always pull me in and I love the alien characters. How she keeps them straight I don’t know.
Not sure how to describe a Sara King book except to say long or short, logical or illogical, they always pull me in and I love the alien characters. How she keeps them straight I don’t know.
July 29, 2022
Good addition to Zero’s ongoing story.
Always like spending time with Zero and company. And this was a true mind bender. What have you done to Rat! Gonna love finding out how that plays out. Missed you Sara! Begging for more outer bounds.
Always like spending time with Zero and company. And this was a true mind bender. What have you done to Rat! Gonna love finding out how that plays out. Missed you Sara! Begging for more outer bounds.
April 13, 2022
More Zero!
I’ve been waiting for years to find out what’s happening with Zero. This book is what Zero fans have been asking for.
I’ve been waiting for years to find out what’s happening with Zero. This book is what Zero fans have been asking for.
April 26, 2022
Well written Sci-Fi
I cannot wait for the next stories. Sara King has a way of closing a story line yet leaving you wanting more with each book.
I cannot wait for the next stories. Sara King has a way of closing a story line yet leaving you wanting more with each book.
April 27, 2022
Awesome.
Really enjoyed the Zero novella, and the short stories set in the Zero world were an unexpected bonus.
Great storytelling as always by Sara King.
Really enjoyed the Zero novella, and the short stories set in the Zero world were an unexpected bonus.
Great storytelling as always by Sara King.
July 3, 2022
Great anthology
Enjoyable reads, shed some light on things but opened up more questions I'm thinking that future stories will meld things together 😀
Enjoyable reads, shed some light on things but opened up more questions I'm thinking that future stories will meld things together 😀
November 30, 2022
Good collection. Adds depth to characters and history. Learning more about the Baga was fun. Readability 6. Rating 6.
May 15, 2024
compelling as always
I don’t always know what is going on in these stories but I’m always satisfied by the end.
Five more words to reach the limit.
I don’t always know what is going on in these stories but I’m always satisfied by the end.
Five more words to reach the limit.
January 15, 2025
Who knew?!?
Well, I did not put that down. A few unexpected twists and a lot of great story telling. Still loving the ZERO stories.
Well, I did not put that down. A few unexpected twists and a lot of great story telling. Still loving the ZERO stories.
December 9, 2025
Awesome read!
This is a set of stories within the world of Zero. The first is a short book about Zero and Rat with an unbelievable reveal that you just have to find out by reading yourself.
This is a set of stories within the world of Zero. The first is a short book about Zero and Rat with an unbelievable reveal that you just have to find out by reading yourself.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews