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Barnabas has destroyed the Committee's research facility, but his victory came at a his friend Jeltor remains captive and brainwashed. He isn't going to stand for that. He is going to find and rescue his friend, no matter what it takes.
But what will he do when he has to decide between saving his friend... and saving an entire planet?
The Committee has set its sights on the Brakalon homeworld, and it intends to convert every single citizen to serve as their new army.
And with two of the Jotun admirals on their side, is it too late to stop them?

306 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2018

119 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Natalie Grey

42 books92 followers
Natalie Grey grew up in rural New England, surrounded by a lot of vegetables and relatively little excitement. Therefore, she was obliged to make up excitement by pretending to be a knight, mage, jet-setting international assassin, jedi, or (occasionally) a shape-shifting dragon. She read everything she could get her hands on, from Lord of the Rings to Modesty Blaise, and eventually started writing her own stories full of what-ifs and snarky put-downs. Now she lives with her two German Shepherd mixes in the frozen wilds of Minnesota, and does a lot of inventive swearing while she shovels.

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5 stars
241 (71%)
4 stars
71 (21%)
3 stars
20 (5%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Terry Easom.
94 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2018
Go Barnabas!

I truly love these Vigilante Chronicles! The story lines are always intelligent and exciting! I can't imagine what Alaine is up to concerning Barnabas but I'm sure it will be a great adventure!
Profile Image for Katy.
1,495 reviews10 followers
May 1, 2022
What a brilliant ending to this book, and this series!

Mind you, I'm as sad as can be for the series ending, but I always read the Author's Notes after every story, and have been reassured that Barnabas and the gang will be back again, so I'm extremely happy about that! 😁

I've actually - probably - got the new Barnabas series written by them (I'm reading their books around two years after they were first written, as I only discovered them at the beginning of 2022) but, due to memory problems, can't think what it might be called, or where in TKU that it's placed - but I'm used to that, and so my life is always full of nice surprises when I come across things I've forgotten!

But, getting back to my review of this particular book, Protector kept me enthralled from start to finish, and I loved that it ended on a promise of more things to come, especially in the relationships stakes.

It was such fun to read of an embarrassed Barnabas! He was adorable. I imagine the whole team will have a lot of fun teasing him, too! Lol

But the plot line of this book wasn't all light and breezy. There were some really serious issues throughout both this book, and the whole series, and I loved the way that it was dealt with by both Natalie Grey, and Michael Anderle.

All I can say, is that I'm glad that I bought everything published, so far, by both authors, as they are awesome writers, and I want more of that.

The characters in both book, and series are, like any beings: complicated.

As with everyone I know, there are things kept hidden, and things you might not expect, that the people you think you know have kept deep inside themselves.

It's reading all of this, about all of those written in this book, that kept my attention latched on to them. It made me want to know more about each of them, to know their back stories, and to watch as life, and deliberate conflict, changed them all - some for the worse, and some the better!

I've never understood why some people look down on SciFi, or fantasy, books. If they are as well written as these so obviously are, then you can explore all of life's lessons while tucked up, reading them.

They might take place in space, or strange planets. There might be strange, or complex, civilisations to deal with, or ideas that you might not have come across in your life before but, no matter how strange the places, and the people's inhabiting them, in the end, they are just like you and I, wanting to live a decent life, and to thrive without hurting others.

To be able to get all of this, by opening the pages of a book - whether of the printed kind, or by eBook - is an amazing, and sometimes humbling, thing to me.

We are so very lucky in our society, to have such instant access to the written word, and if it entertains us, or even educates us at the same time, as these books often have, then what a blessing that is for us all!
70 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2020
BEST ending to a GREAT series!

Wow! I want more of this series, but the ending, specifically the last scene was maybe the best I ever read! I know, right? But really, having gone through so many adventures with Barnabas, and watching him change (and change/save others) I just couldn't have asked for a more awesome ending. Though I AM bummed that it ended, just such a great way to do it! Nat, MA, everyone at LMBPN, all of you are so awesome, thank you for the entire KGU.
So, my highest recommendation for this series, but I highly recommend every series in The Kurtherian Gambit universe. If you can give it the time, start at Death Becomes Her, and keep reading series after great series! There is not a single author or series in the KGU that I would not highly recommend. Happy Reading!
Great job, and congratulations on a great series, to (she who goes by) "Natalie Grey!" 😉
1,197 reviews17 followers
May 20, 2019
Excellent book, read the fender first.

I enjoyed the second half of the story. The reason I say second half is because book 6 defender was the first part of the story which ended on a cliffhanger. I really enjoyed Barnabas and the team he has assembled. There is plenty of action, humor, and character development. The story I found basically it was about friendship and what you would do for a friend. The story will make you laugh tear up a little and think. I hope there will be additional stories since there has not been a new book out in five months. If there are readers Who are sitting on the fence jump off and read this series.
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
August 17, 2021
Last one! But I hope it's not the very last one. I loved Barnabas and Shinigami. AND that they only killed evil people. Like in this one. Some of Jeltor's people thought it would be good to brainwash other species and with the help of Barnabas they put a stop to that.

No romance and the F-bomb was used 10 times.

As for the narration: I think this series was so good because of the tones Chris Andrew Ciulla gave Barnabas and Shinigami. She was always making fun of him and he was always so calm, it was hysterical. I do hope Natalie Grey is not through with this series.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,229 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2018
Getting more and more interesting

Solid 5 star rating!
I loved this installment. The battles were full of action and the always enjoyable banter between Barnabas and the Crew. I enjoy seeing Shinagami continue to grow as an AI. This new interest in the storyline is one I'm really looking forward to...It has definitely been too long for Barnabas.
Rock on authors and continue working those creative minds of yours!
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,014 reviews5 followers
Read
December 22, 2018
Hilarity amidst the action

Interactions between the characters is fascinating. There are little subplots sprinkled throughout the main story, which adds to the overall interest. The humour is, indeed, humorous! I love the sarcasm and witty repartee that abounds throughout all of the books.

We see more of the Jotun plot unfolding, and the characters continue on their journeys of personal development, even Barnabas! Another excellent story in the arc, and I can’t wait for book 8!
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews20 followers
December 21, 2018
A Different Approach To War

Barnabas cleans up problems eluded to in previous book. I like the action, snarky humor, and possible romance. I particularly like scenes where tricksters are tricked. Barnabus likes to play mind games and mess with people, or AIs. It will be interesting to see what the games with Aliana will bring. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Charlotte Pawson.
700 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2019
The battle for Brakalon

Barnabas is determined to rescue his friend Jeitor even though he is now the enemy after brainwashing. He gets involved in protecting the Brakalon home world and must take sides when further Jotun are brainwashed into starting a war. There is light relief in the start of a possible romance for Barnabas.
97 reviews
March 11, 2019
enjoyable series

I have enjoyed the seven books I have read in this series and looking forward to the next. One thing I really liked about these books, that are different from most I read, are the illustrations at the beginning of the aliens in the story. Always good to have that image in your head. Great job.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,489 reviews12 followers
May 20, 2021
Great action and enjoyable characters

This part of the story has ended, and now we have seen plenty of character development along with a few nasty threats dealt with we can take a break before the next adventure begins. Overall the journey has been great if shorter than i thought when i first seen the number of books.
Profile Image for George  Lawson.
515 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2018
Another great story

As usual Barnabas and company get the job done with plenty of style. Shinigami is her usual brilliant self and proves, once again, that she is a worthy adversary. Fun read.
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2018
Wonderful story

Love, love all of the Barnabas stories and this one is every bit as good. Bananas interested in a woman, that I did not see coming. Love how this storyline was wrapped up.
44 reviews
January 7, 2019
Barnabus doesn't give up friends

Barnabus is on a recovery mission for his friend,and to avert a war.Will be be successful?Read the book!Hints to possible romance for the main man.We shall see
862 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2020
Really good book

This was good. Thou now it makes me want Nader what is next for Barnabas and if he will lose his ship in the next book or so, even if temporary, or not. Now I have to go see if more books came out and buy them for this series. Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Debra Stubbins.
334 reviews
April 4, 2022
Vigilante for the win

OMG! What a brilliant ending for Barnabas’ mission to fix injustice. It will be interesting to see how his relationship goes and how much teasing he is going to cop from Shinigami and the crew, can’t wait! Bring on the next book!
278 reviews
March 3, 2023
Another great one

Natalie Grey, with Michael Anderle's guidance has taken the mysterious Barnabas and let us see him in a brand new light. As he and the AI' have grown their friendship he's also made new friends. And Barnabas is SMITTEN! Enjoy! Read the authors notes please.
Profile Image for Crystal Wren.
58 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2018
Just can't get enough.

Watching the development of the AI is always a favorite. Figuring out more human things and developing such a strong friendship.
68 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2019
It had to end!

This is a great series of books. Action laced with light colorful banter. I highly recommend you read these books. You will not be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Donald.
40 reviews
April 5, 2019
completely loving the Barnabus stories. i cannot wait for the next installment to be released
5 reviews
October 26, 2021
This series is Awesome

If you are looking for something to occupy , check out LMPB....... The Lutheran Gambit series is totally different and worth it!
Profile Image for Fred.
596 reviews
September 20, 2022
Original review first pass in 2020:

Great narration as always, high action, and a climax to the committee subplot. In order to not spoilthings I offer you this parody of Smooth Criminal

Jeltor, are you okay?
Are you okay?
Are you okay, Jeltor?

Jeltor, are you okay?
Are you okay?
Are you okay, Jeltor?

You've been hit by,
You've been snuck by,
A sleeze Senator

Second pass in 2022.

Still sad this was the end of the series (at least so far).
But a great wrap up to do many of the plot lines with an amusing but hopeful thread for Barnabas s future.
It was also nice to see how Barnabas has truly become less silo'd

Also... past me was hilarious above.
Profile Image for Nigel Frankcom.
398 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2018
Bravo!

I hope this series continues, the characters will put a smile on your face if not make you laugh out loud on occasion. In general, I’ve never been especially good at creating a visualisation of characters and scenes but, this book in particular, evoked several clear pictures in my mind. Funny, engaging and hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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