Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Avenger

Rate this book
Five years after physicist Mark Holder discovered the Slipstream Drive in 2058, humanity reached for the stars and began to colonize the galaxy. For centuries, humans continued to populate system after system without encountering intelligent alien life.

Some twelve hundred years later, after many generations of relative peace, in the year 3278, human space is invaded by a powerful and mysterious enemy. To these invaders the very concept of free will is heresy. Their crusade—to eradicate humanity.

The war begins, and the fight for the survival of the human race is on.

Book 1 of Sovereign Stars, Avenger, is the first novel in a gripping, action-filled military space opera in which Avenger, under the command of Knight Captain Richard Morian, is sent to one of the outer star systems on a rescue mission. What he discovers there suggests the entire Orso Carrier Group is destined for annihilation.

Start the adventure, with Avenger Book One!

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2022

171 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Blair Howard

370 books347 followers
Blair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.

Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
162 (55%)
4 stars
85 (29%)
3 stars
28 (9%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
56 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2022
Earlier this year Blair stated that he is working on a new series, this one being a science fiction (sci fi) based series. If you like any of his other series, even if you are not a fan of science fiction, I believe that you will be thrilled to learn that book one of his new series, Sovereign Stars Saga, Avenger is worth reading.

Yes, I enjoy reading sci fi books as much as I like reading other genre of books. Even if you are not a fan of sci fi I believe his new series will be worth you time to read. As always Blair has delivered a book with characters that you will start to feel as if you know who they are. You will care for them as much as you care for Harry, Kate and all of his other characters that appear from book to book.

The year is 3278, humans have left Earth, and over the hundreds and hundreds of years, with the help of developing telepathy and telekinesis, a ruling class has stabilized the different worlds that humans have settled on. Over the years while these extra sensory skills were passed down from generation to generation, but seemed to have past over the years. It is now generally believed that these skill never really just stories that were needed to keep the general population in order. War has, for the most point, become non-existent with over 200 years of peace among the different worlds (kingdoms). This peace is in part due to the United Sovereign Fleet, the peacekeepers and protectors over the different kingdoms.

As we find out at the beginning of the story The Avenger is one of the oldest battle cruisers in the fleet. Her Captain, Richard Morian, and his twin sister, Danis, a pilot of one of the Avenger's fighter spacecraft, become pivotal characters. Without warning, or any thought of a war, a fleet of advance spacecraft has attacked one of the kingdoms. No one knows who controls these spacecraft, who pilots them or where did they came from. The Avenger is sent to help protect the system under attack.

Captain Morian and his crew find out that this seems to be an impossible task. Add to this, aboard his ship he has just come aboard a Prince from a neighboring Kingdom and his some of his staff, has come aboard and has informed him that the Avenger is about o be scrapped. Along the way Captain Morian is dispatched to rescue another Prince that is reported to be missing from another Kingdom and must go from one battle to yet another to perform this task.

With all of this, plus a few other sidelines, Blair has written a science fiction book that, in my view, is very enjoyable to read.
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,829 reviews43 followers
June 4, 2022
I normally dont read science fiction but I really do enjoy books by this author so thought I would give it a try. So glad that I did it was really worth it.

Now I cant wait for the next one - made me a reader in this.

I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
1,872 reviews14 followers
May 26, 2022
I normally do not read sci fi novels, but Blair Howard can write in any johndra and capture your interest. This takes place many years in the future. A space war to fight off an invasion. A futuristic thriller.
1,015 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2023
A good story. Too much fantasy for me. I haven't decided whether to read the next installment.
3 reviews
March 26, 2024
Standard space opera, maybe for youth readers?

I hate to cast stones but this is a mediocre story, the characterization is weak and unfortunately the science behind the science fiction doesn’t fit a consistent set of rules. I also noticed some simple avoidable arithmetic errors in rounds per second versus how many minutes a rifle could fire… distracting to the narrative. Lastly, the command structure of the navy was poorly explained and the motivations of the captains were not logical.
Perhaps this is Mr. Howard’s first book? Certainly better than I can write, but there are better stories out there. Sorry to be a downer.
Profile Image for Keith.
2,184 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2022
Lots of Killing

The beginning has promise but once the fighting starts the book becomes an endless stream of slaughters, most one at a time, with graphic descriptions and body parts. Whatever I thought the original story premise or intent were changed into consecutive battles, killing nearly everyone. At 80% I was out of patience and quit.
266 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2022
Naval action in space.
Not terrible as science fiction goes, but not good enough to continue the series.
Lots of problems with time and distance for travel and communication.
Profile Image for Gary.
310 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for posting my honest review. *No spoilers*.

I’m familiar with the author having read many of his detective/thriller/mystery books (Harry Stark and Kate Gazzara). When he announced he was writing a science fiction novel I was intrigued as that is my favourite genre.

One of the things I like most about the author’s previous books is his character development. He brought that skill to Avenger and created characters that are interesting, flawed and relatable. The main characters experience personal growth throughout the book which leads to interesting developments in the story in the last third of the book.

His universe development made the book at little slow at the start, however it picked up quickly with the introduction of the alien fleets. Don’t take the universe development as a criticism as you’ll need it as you get into the book.

The battle scenes, of which there are a good number as the story takes place across three systems, not only keeps you turning the pages, but moves the book along at a nice pace.

To sum up, to me it reads like the science fiction I grew up reading, which kept me smiling. I gave the book 5 stars for the characters and their development, the story line and well, making me smile.
Profile Image for Robert Browning.
228 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2022
Masterful with suspense and action at its best!
A completely different genre from Blair but again his story telling and writing is superb and the story is absorbing and futuristic and I must say enjoyable to read; as always. This is not my usual genre but as Blair’s crime books are always so enjoyable I gave it ago and so glad that I did!

I did find it hard to get into especially with all the names, galaxy systems and descriptions at first but the more I did the better and more I enjoyed until I was so engrossed I couldn’t put it down!
It tells the story in the far future in our universe where there are many planets and solar systems where we live peacefully and have not had any type of war for so long and is unheard of. But suddenly and for no known reason we are attacked by a superior and an unknown alien race. It then becomes a race against time to survive and for all in house home forces leaders to unite and survive. Lots and lots of action and suspense make this first science fiction book by Blair a “huge hit!”
A must give it ago regarding your normal genre and I for one can’t wait for the next book.
872 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2022
Space has been colonized and kingdoms have emerged out of the many star systems now inhabited. A military force made of men and women from all systems is tasked with preserving the peace amongst other things. At the forefront of this fleet, this wonderfully written story concentrates on the star vessel Avenger, her captain, CAG, her crew, and their numerous adventures when the systems face annihilation at the hands of alien invaders determined to exterminate them.
The author has succeeded in creating a well researched as well as wonderfully well written story with the "WOW!" effect. The main characters are realistic with all the flaws and qualities that this entails, the action is continuous with the treasonous adversaries ever present in the persons of colleagues or self proclaimed revolutionaries hiding behind the easily influenced to spread their conspiracy theories, the emergence of dormant abilities in a chosen number of people, the rescue efforts deployed to save key players, and the new friendships and alliances formed to counter the capabilities displayed by this new species of attackers. A 5 Stars + page -turner at its best.
Profile Image for John Mahan.
105 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2022
I am a long time fan of Blair Howard's work, but will have to admit, I normally do not seek out or read much science fiction. I know Blair has been working on Avenger for some time and that it is a definite departure from what he has written in the past. I'm sure it was a challenge to map out an entirely new set of characters in a much-different and distant future Universe, who find themselves engaged is a horrific war with unknown beings from unknown origins. Having just finished this tale of the future, I must admit I just might be a fan of Blair's future efforts if he continues to develop this set of characters and the challenges they face in an uncertain future.

If you are already a fan of science fiction and tales of distant star systems far in the future you I think will enjoy reading Avenger and getting to know this cast of characters as the story-line unfolds. If you are not already fond of this genre, I encourage you to give Avenger at try. I know I enjoyed it.
227 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2022
Blair Howard has written an engaging, soundly developed sci-fi tale based in a future universe where mankind has expanded into the universe without finding any other sentient beings. He has developed a society where differing factions of humanity uncomfortably share the known universe.
This book begins a new journey for humanity when it is attacked by an alien presence and humans must find a way to come together to handle the menace.
I do not believe in reiterating a storyline as I feel it steals from a new reader's enjoyment of the book. Mr. Howard has put together a well-drawn cast of characters to interact in his tale of action, strife and growth of both his main characters' inner strengths and unusual talents within a far reaching backdrop of space travel. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to further adventures in this new genre by Mr. Howard.
41 reviews
June 4, 2022
I have read all of Blair Howard’s crime novels and really like his writing. He starts off with keeping your attention right away and that holds right through to the end. I don’t normally read science fiction, but when I heard he was venturing in to that genre, I wanted to see for myself what he would do. I was pleasantly surprised. He creates a futuristic world in crisis and makes it believable. As in his other books, there is an absence of vulgar language and unnecessary sex scenes. My interest was captured immediately and the story wasn’t so bizarre or foreign that it was hard to follow. Another of my favorite authors went from historical novels to fantasy and I just couldn’t even finish the book. Blair Howard was successful in my opinion and I hope this is a continuing series because he has me hooked!
89 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2022
Blair Howard has a great start to a new series. If you like sci fi you will love this book. A world that has been searching for new civilizations for hundreds of years and has not found any. The military has not been engaged in hundreds of years. Then they are attacked by an alien race that has far superior weapons. Captain Morian and the crew of the Avenger are told their ship is too old and is going to be retired. Then the invasion and they are caught in the middle of it. The captain's twin sister Danis is the leader of the fighter squadron. Their mission to rescue the kings son. Mr. Howard takes you into battle scenes and makes you feel that you are there. I highly recommend this book and you won't be able to wait on the next installment.
174 reviews9 followers
May 25, 2022
First of all, this was a great book, and I really enjoyed it. This book was one of my first forays into the world of science fiction/space travel, and it was a delightful change of pace for me. The ending was quite unexpected, but I will say no more because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. The author does a wonderful job of describing the battle scenes; so much so that I could easily picture what was being described. I kept thinking...this would make a great movie....and I mean that as a compliment. There were also several laugh out-loud moments for me: moments when my husband would give me a sideways glance! Again, this was quite a big departure from what I normally read, but the book has made me a fan of futuristic science fiction/space travel books. Kudos to the author.
282 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2022
Definitely 10 out of 5 stars! Set in the future mankind has settled on many planets in many systems living peacefully for the most part. With the sudden attack on humankind by a superior alien race no one knew existed, this sci-fi thriller is instantly full of non-stop action. The characters are all well developed, realistic and believable. Our quick thinking hero Captain Morian is calm and decisive as he faces dangerous situations both within his ship and fighting the aliens. I kept getting flashbacks to Captain Kirk on Star Trek! I have sooooo much more to say but don't want to spoil the story for anyone so I'll just say READ IT!!! I received this ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2022

Sci-Fi full of Action
Avenger is a new Genre for author Blair Howard. Sci-Fi! To be honest, this is not my favorite Genre, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this 1st of a new series. Great characters who are in depth and well rounded with an other worldly plot made for a fantastic story. I wasn’t sure I would really get in to this story, but it grabs you and you MUST keep reading to find out what is going to happen. The story is full of action and you can see how each character grows throughout the story. A great read! As an ARC reviewer for author Blair Howard, I was given a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
44 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2022
When You’re Up Against the Rails...
What a cool book! I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next in every scene. Is modern technology always the best? Sometimes tried and true saves the day. The depth of the characters and the story line was well planned out and flowed smoothly throughout the entire book. This book is not in Blair Howards usual genre but he is so multi-talented he can write a best seller in any genre! I hope this continues as a series as it was so much fun to read and the story was so good I’m sure Blair can continue on with more follow-on episodes. I highly recommend this book to all of Blairs fans along with any thriller and sci-fi fan.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,813 reviews28 followers
June 6, 2022
Avenger (Sovereign Stars Book 1), my thirty-eighth read from author Blair Howard, one of my favorite authors. Very different than his earlier books but every bit as enjoyable. I'm not a great science fiction fan but I am a Blair Howard fan. Well-written, enjoyable, and thoroughly entertaining! I always look forward to the next work from Howard; a Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old friend. I look forward to Gods of War (Sovereign Stars Book 2). I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
184 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2022
Science fiction is a new thing for Blair Howard and it shows. The first half of the book was a slog with dangling threads of plot everywhere. I struggled to get through it and almost abandoned it many times. I expect/hope that some of those ideas will resurface in future books and things will begin to make more sense.
When the actual conflict started (a real shooting war) the action picked up, characters became more interesting and I started to enjoy the book. I give this 4 stars because that’s how I felt at the end of the book. If you can get through the first half (2 stars), you’ll probably enjoy it.
I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
7,800 reviews51 followers
May 7, 2022
A group that had survive, the captains, the generals, ones who could see the future, the heroic bloodlines to pass down to generations.
Interesting a glimpse of new galaxies Some of the old is still there, being with others developing games, and apps is thoughts of the young. frustrating their fathers.. A new time of robots, space centers, wars, and new groups forming.
Well done, good flowing plot, of families, a new earth, I enjoyed.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 1,2022. Release
1 review
May 27, 2022
Avenger
I received an ARC of this book and really enjoyed it. I am more of a mystery reader but I do enjoy a good Sci-Fi story now and then. l got hooked and read the book in 2 sittings. I was hoping to have it last for a couple days but ignored my other interests in order to finish the book.
I'm waiting patiently for the next book. Thanks for another great read.
2,121 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2022
Great start to a new space science fiction series. The story is filled with lots of action, a new war against humanity, and some backstabbing. If you're a fan of science fiction, you will definitely want to read this book. And if you are not a fan of science fiction but like Blair Howard's other series, you should give it a try. I loved the action in the story and how the characters had to pivot to find a way to combat and defeat the enemy. Science fiction is a genre that I don't normally read but this story was well-written and will keep you engaged.
371 reviews8 followers
June 6, 2022
I have enjoyed reading many of Mr. Howard’s books in the Harry Starke and Lt. Kate Gazzara series. His strong characters, vivid descriptions and intricate plots keep me glued to the story. I was pleasantly surprised when he announced plans for a series of Sci-Fi novels, because I read widely in that genre, too. This book proves that he can generate the same caliber of stories in outer space as well. If you enjoy sci-fi action adventures, I highly recommend this one to you. I’m eager to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,426 reviews15 followers
May 10, 2022
Wow!! This author has proved that he is very good at his craft; he can tell a story that is exciting and so detailed you feel like you’re there. It reads like it’s fact instead of science fiction; everything about the storyline feels true and that’s exciting! I love all the tech!! I hope at some point that someone will ask an alien “Can we talk about this?”. Mr. Blair is a very talented writer with a great imagination. I am going to enjoy reading the rest of this series!!!
Profile Image for Allison Valentine.
680 reviews18 followers
May 19, 2022
This is a completely different genre for Blair
And he has pulled it off magnificently.
Science fiction at its best.
It's set in many planets in our universe that we have already made contact with other races in the galaxy .
But with the sudden attack on humankind by an unknown alien race that no one ever knew existed it's a race against time to save everyone.
An absolute gem of a read and I got one can't wait for the next book.
715 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2022
Avenger is based upon a battleship in a world without conflict and wars. Those in the military train but do not have any enemies to actually fight. Then everything changes. There is another life form out there and they want to destroy humanity. This group of people on multiple planets must come together to fight. They will also learn many new things about themselves including new abilities. This is a great start to a new series and I for one cannot wait until the next installment.
352 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2022
I found Avenger to be a very good story. It contained strong, likeable characters, good descriptions and plenty of action. I very much look forward to the next entry in the series.

Science not being my strong point I cannot attest to how realistic the science and tech is but it is fiction and I for one do not care as I am able to just enjoy a good story.

I received an Arc of Avenger which in no way influenced my opinion in this voluntary review.
766 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2022
This is a departure from Howard's regular thrillers, but still a good sci-fi tale. The story started a bit slow, but picked up quickly and moved along well. There were exciting fight scenes and some good character development. Most of the problems are resolved in the story, but the overall threat to humanity is still threatening. I enjoyed the book and I look forward to seeing how the series progresses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews