Peace Maker

Verdant String #6

by Michelle Diener

Fliss knows all about her ancestors, the Travelers, who were forced to land on Fjern thousands of years ago, but when it comes to the Gyr—the enhanced warriors who protect the people of Fjern from the monsters that inhabit the planet—she’s in the dark, even though she is one herself. There’s plenty of ceremony and arcane tradition set up around who receives the gyra—the nanotech that makes the warriors the super-protectors that they are—but Fliss doesn’t care about any of that, she just wants to brush off the dust of the tiny mining settlement she’s been protecting all her life and leave the combative relationship she has with her father far behind her.

When the Gyr who offered her a way out of her old life dies in spectacular fashion, though, she comes to the attention of a host of powerful people, both the Gyr and the administrators from the institution that controls them, alike. Fliss is about to find out more about the Gyr—and herself—than she ever dreamed of.

Gyr leader, Hannu Kardenian, thought he was being called to investigate the strange death of a fellow warrior, but what he finds instead is a woman who breaks every rule he’s ever lived by. Everything about her sets his own gyra on fire, and when she comes to the attention of Gyr Command—the institution that mandates the Gyr’s very existence—he is determined to make sure she never ends up in their clutches, even if he has to upend the very structure of Fjern itself.

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Aliens, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance, Adventure, Action

340 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2022

About the author

Michelle Diener is a bestselling, award-winning author of historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Having worked in publishing and IT, she's now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters.

Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.

When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sixth in a sci-fi romance series with elements that resonate with those from Trailblazer on. I recommend reading those others first, but it isn't necessary as this is a different planet and features different characters.

By now, you should know what you're getting with these stories (if you don't, I have very handy reviews on those stories you can use to cheat). This is very much the same without feeling at all samey. This one has the twist that the silver nanobots are well-known and integrated as a part of the planetary society. They've also maintained a lot more knowledge about their heritage than the others have so we get more backstory about the Travelers who settled the region of space the Verdant String features.

I really liked both protagonists of this one, but that's not a surprise. Fliss was particularly endearing as the kinda-outsider breaking all the rules they thought were important. So we get some societal upheaval in the story as traditions are challenged and evil bad-guys overset.

And I liked how steady Han was and how he was able to stay focused on his responsibilities even as the kinda magical mating thing takes him and Fliss. (I never could read "gyrbar" without a snicker and I honestly don't know why it strikes me as such a stupid word). I mean, he finds Fliss and they connect and all and he's very determined to be the gyrbar (heh) thing with her. But he's still a good leader/commander and still gets the job done and makes good choices while he's at it. I guess I'm saying that I kept expecting it to get silly or dumb and that never happened. At least for my definitions of silly and dumb.

Anyway, this is a great entry of the series and a full five stars for me. Bear in mind that it's to something with universal appeal, but it's very much in my wheelhouse.

A note about Steamy/Chaste: Diener generally pulls away from the sex scenes, but this one got far enough I can't really flag it chaste. But it also didn't go so far that I feel good flagging it steamy. So it gets no flags. Or, at least, neither of those...

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking LOVED this installment! Ms. Diener is absolutely the BEST SciFi, Action/Adventure, romance author IN.THE.BUSINESS! So much fun to read. Absolute “Don’t bother me until this book is finished” reading.

I actually think Fliss (FMC) and Hannu (MMC) are two of my all-time favorite couples. Both are extremely relatable, smart, yet caring, AND they make sensible decisions. Hallelujah!!

[James McRay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth in a sci-fi romance series that are connected by a single plot thread but can be read as a standalone. Peacemaker, however, builds on the thread established in books 3-5, so I would recommend reading those first, though it is not required to enjoy the story.

Well, that wraps up that mystery. After being introduced to the mysterious silver balls in books 3-5 of the Verdant String series, book 6 gives answers in spades to what those are, and where they come from. Now we have a name for the silver balls—gyra--and a name for the enhanced warriors that are gifted with the nanotech, Gyr.

Peace Maker centers around Fliss, a Gyr who doesn’t understand the larger ramifications of all that she is, until her mentor tries to kill her which brings the attention of the political and military machinations of the Gyr society on her planet. Fortunately, she has an ally in Han, a leader in the Gyr forces who comes to investigate the attempted murder. With Han’s help, Fliss will discover that she is unique in many ways and that makes her dangerous to the Gyr Command. As the book jacket says, “Han is determined to make sure she never ends up in their clutches, even if he has to upend the very structure of their planet.”

It’s been over a year since book 5, Wave Rider , was published and Diener has fit in a couple of books from other series in the intervening time, so I was excited to discover what direction she would take Peace Maker in relation to the earlier books in the series. For better or worse, Verdant String has been very formulaic, and I was hoping she might shake things up a bit in this new story, and I was delighted to discover she did.

Also, for better or worse depending on your opinion, the romance really takes a backseat to the action/adventure storyline. I’m okay with that, because that non-romance plotline was excellent, and a departure from the “heroine and hero against the world” plot thread that has become a bit of a trademark of Diener’s. However, when the one sex scene did come around, it almost felt a little placed out of necessity. As if, fans were expecting to see it, so it better be there.

Overall, I really enjoyed Peacemaker, and it was a bit of a reset on the series, I think. If Diener wanted, I can see further books in the series that stem from the plot of this book. Or rather, I can see the planet Fjern connecting to the other Verdant String planets in future books, as it was barely even mentioned in this book.

[Kate McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

More adventures with fascinating AI-nano technology

This novel adds a fascinating twist on the ongoing theme in this wonderful SF-romance series of AI-nano technology. I also really like the romance between the MCs, two powerful, ethical, compassionate warriors. Some romance fans don't like the popular romance trope of chosen mates, but it's really well done in this book, and I enjoyed it.

By the way, there is a fun short-short story starring this couple offered free from the author.

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best in the series, so far.
Don’t forget to read the bonus epilogue too ☺️.

❤️❤️❤️

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the Verdant String series, this story is set on a planet outside the Verdant String, where the ancestors of the Travelers have been using the nano tech for centuries that was newly discovered in previous books in ancient abandoned Traveler ships. The Gyr are enhanced warriors that protect the regular citizens of Fjern from the monsters that make the planet their home. The two main characters are Fliss Belaire and Hannu Kardenian. Both are Gyr but Fliss did not become Gyr in the usual way and is a bit different, missing some abilities but with some additional unusual and very useful ones. After meeting Fliss, Han realizes that she might be the partner he never dreamed existed, and he won’t stop until he’s sure Fliss is safe from those that are seeking to harm her. Fliss was a strong and courageous woman who had been abused by her father and didn’t trust easily, and I enjoyed watching her get to know Han and his group and see what it was like to work with a team, giving her hope her life could be what she’s dreamed of. I loved the premise of the story, it was a unique and interesting setting with many great characters. I can’t wait to see what new and exciting stories come next in this wonderful series.

[Tania Hubmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advance Copy and it was so good I stayed up late to finish it. Wonderful world building and although it is in the Verdant Strings world, you don't need to have read the other books, as this is a different planet where things have developed very differently.

[AlwaysV · Rating 5 out of 5]

So crazy in love with Fliss Belaire and Hannu Kardenian in this brilliant SciFi/Rom installment❣️Even if this was Book 6 in the Verdant String series, it certainly could be read as a Stand-Alone. Trust me on this, since both Fliss and Han, as well as the population on the entire Planet Fjern never even heard of "Verdant String" before now! But of course, to experience the optimal magic of the world building, reading in order is highly recommended!

Fliss was the latest of the most unique, powerful, and kick-ass heroines exquisitely created by Michelle Diener, who is hands down one of my TOP SciFi/Rom authors! This book was mesmerizing, action packed, entertaining, adventurous, and yes ~ super romantic with a beautiful happy ending! Plus a Bonus Content of five more chapters too!

Fliss's uniqueness was her being the first Gyr-born on the planet. No glossary needed to explain the term "Gyr ~ gyra." Just prepared to enjoy its unimaginable power once you started reading!

The fight scenes against the wild creatures/monsters native of Fjern as well as against bad Gyr warriors ~ plus against other aliens with more advanced weapons ~ were heart pounding and gripping!

The written words was so visually rich that I felt like I was watching the story unfolding on the big screen while reading! And yes ~ completed with sound ~ scent ~ smells ~ for sure!

The word I loved most was gyrbar ➡️ the mythical partner——the the lover, fighter, friend who resonated perfectly, gyra to gyra.

So! Here's sharing one of my favorite scenes:

"What will happen to the Gyr Command?"

"I don't care right now . . . but I will not have faceless administrators threatening my gyrbar." . . .

She had hoped for a new life when she'd left the escarpment . . . she had hoped to meet more Gyr and find some personal freedom.

She had gotten everything she’d wished for.
She looked up at Han.
And more.
So much more.

[Olga Godim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Update Feb 2024: I'm upping the rating of this novella. I keep re-reading it and I keep enjoying it, so up it goes. I take back what I said before about its semi-professional feel. I'm now convinced it is a solid story, even if a light-weight one, and I'm happy with it.

3 stars
This was a strange novel, falling in-between science fiction and fantasy. It felt 'semi-professional', with 2-dimentional characters and world building without depth. It is announced as belonging to the Verdant String series, but the connection is tangential at best. Despite all the problems of this book, I enjoyed reading it. It has an elusive charm that kept me reading the story. I wanted to know how it ended for the heroes. I never once considered a DNF, and my rating reflects that. I always give 3 stars or higher when I like what I read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: by now, I have read most of this author's output. I never give her books high rating, but she almost never disappoints me either. She is immensely 'readable', her stories light and entertaining. The perfect escapism material. Of everything I tried by her, I only DNFed one book.
BUT. Her sci-fi covers are dismal. I wish I had been asked to design them. I would've done a better job of it, even though I'm not a professional artist.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it more the second time around, I was high on cough syrup the first time and had no idea what I had just read. Hope to see more in this series.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who reads any of Michelle Diener books will love this continuation of the Verdant String series. This book does NOT disappoint. Once again she comes up with a unique story about a world where the people share the history with those in the Verdant String; seven planet spanning five solar systems.

‘Peace Maker’ tells about the world of Fjern. It is not a part of the Verdant String but the people from one of the original colonization ships settled there giving them a common ancestry. The nanotech from the ship has passed on through the generations to a select few – the Gyr. Although limited in number, the Gyr protect Fjern’s population from the local ‘raveners’ - indigenous animals that prey on humans. This is Fliss and Hannu’s story and how their world developed.

In general, all the books in the series are stand-alone books which center on one couple and often a particular world in the Verdant String. A major characteristic of the series is that the shared history is woven among the stories bringing a rich texture/nuance. For this reason, I would not recommend reading this book out of order. Since I have read the other books in the series, it is difficult to separate the back stories that the other books provide. So, although it can be read by itself, I strongly suggest reading the books in order or at least, start with book 4, ‘High Flyer’, as a minimum to fully appreciate the world building and each character’s story.

As I mentioned at the start, any fans of Michelle Diener will love this continuation. For those of you who haven’t read her yet – start now!

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fjern is off the beaten path when it come to the Verdant String. When it was settled, the ancestors sent the Gyra with them for protection. Gyr are the Fjern who have been changed by the gyra nano-technology. It makes them stronger and faster. Fliss has lived in a remote part of the world and never been exposed to the Gyr culture. She is not like the typical Gyr in many ways. When she leaves home to join a Gyr team, her ‘sponsor’ Dakar, keeps the fact that she is Gyr secret from his team. Dakar’s death launches Fliss into a situation where she will need to learn fast.

Han, the leader of a Gyr team sent to investigate Dakar’s death, is immediately drawn to Fliss. And she is drawn to him. And their gyra are drawn to each other.

While the Gyr are dealing with the death of Dakar and the new Gyr who is different from them, their world has already been quietly invaded by aliens who are on Fjern to take resources. Fliss is lured to their base in a trap, Han is looking for Fliss and Gyr command (composed of non-Gyr) is trying to maintain an arcane status quo. Things are about to get interesting ….. and dangerous.

I loved these characters. Fliss is quiet, and not likely to take any crap. Han is the great leader with a well-honed team of fellow Gyr. These characters are well-developed with just enough background and are further shaped by the events of the story. The complication of a stogy old Gyr command who seem to be interested only in power, adds a political aspect to the action-packed adventure.

When I read the last book of the Verdant String series, Wave Rider, I said it was my favorite in the series. Well, now I have a new favorite – Peace Maker!

Many thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book. My review is my honest opinion.

[ancaraisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another success in the "Verdant String" series, number six until this date and I'm sure another one of many to come. I was always an SF lover and I thought that I have read every possible scenario when it comes to SF and that nothing can surprise me anymore, but I was wrong... Michelle Diener did succeed in surprising me. She always manages to come up with new and exciting theories and concepts. The romance in this book is almost nonexistent or behind closed doors, not like in the other books and series Michelle got us used to, but there is good chemistry between our hero and heroine that by the time I finished the book I didn't even feel the lack of romance. That's how good this book is. The story is engaging and has a good pace, on every page, there is action, drama, betrayal, and mystery. The bond between Han's team members and their easy acceptance of Fliss's gifts and the betrayal of the Gyr Command adds to the story enriching the experience. I loved Peace Maker and I highly recommend it to everyone that loves to read a good book. Always a pleasure to discover what this author has in store for the future books in this series!

[Jess4books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kick butt gals rule!

Another fun and exciting addition to the verdant string books! This one answers some of the origin questions raised by previous books, and has some familiar (incompetent) baddies who we love to see thwarted. Floss and Han are a great pair! Now to read the bonus adventure!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I've been in a kind of book slump recently, and can remember DNFing at least two books in the past couple of weeks. Count on Michelle Diener to write something that breaks me out of it.

This story was engaging, sucking me in from the very beginning with the action and mystery of the heroine's life and what was really going on on the planet. I'd categorize this (and most of what Ms. Diener writes) as sci-fi/fantasy lite with a splash of romance and this followed that formula. It worked for me, and it's the first book in a long while that I read in one day. I used to devour books at that rate, 365 days a year. I've slowed way down this year, and while I'm going to miss my reading challenge goal this year, this book reminds me that reading can be so, so fun. :)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Verdant String series. If you've been following the series, this entry gives you a look at some of the other travelers (those who didn't land in the Verdant String, and whom we've only seen echoes of through crash archaeology). If you haven't read any of the previous books, you don't need to in order to enjoy this book as a stand-alone.
I'm trying hard not to include any spoilers! Michelle Diener is an excellent writer - I love how well-developed her characters are, and the strong story lines just pull you along. The characters in each new book have their own personalities, strengths, and limitations, which is refreshing and enjoyable. Highly recommend.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same Universe, Very Different World

This is the 6th book in a series of standalone novels that are set in the same universe. You don’t need to read the previous books to understand this one, but you might find it more enjoyable to do so.

Fliss is a Gyr, but she wasn’t made, she was born one. This has never happened in 2000 years, to anyone’s knowledge. Her father was a made Gyr and escaped his responsibilities of protecting the population from the ravening beasts that populate their world of Fjern and hid his daughter in an out of the way settlement where she met no other Gyr. Her father told her plenty of lies to keep her exactly where he wanted her, making money, so she has no real knowledge of what she is. When she is offered a chance to escape her father she grabs onto it with both hands not realising that she might be jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

Han is a leader of a Gyratta, the compound that houses a group of Gyr, exclusively. Ordinary humans who don’t have gyra can’t even walk through the gates. It’s a very small group that protect a large area and a huge responsibility, but he’s been getting the feeling lately that Gyr Command aren’t really on the side of the Gyr, the ones putting themselves in danger every day. When he’s sent to investigate the death of a fellow leader of a neighbouring Gyratta he finds himself face to face with Fliss, someone who shouldn’t exist.

I enjoyed this book because it had lots of mysterious powers and fighting with dangerous beasts. It also had an element of politics and alien invaders. I really liked Fliss and wish we got to know more about Han’s background because he seemed like a good guy, but we really only got to know him in the present without any knowledge of how he got to be who he was. This is something I’ve noticed about this author, she seems really invested in the MFC but doesn’t go as deep with the MMC. It’s not a problem as such, it’s just something I’ve noticed. However, I’ll probably continue to one-click this series because I really enjoy it, despite it having only a very low-heat romance as part of the story.

[Lynn Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the planet of Fjern, Fliss Belaire finds herself in the middle of several controversies. She was raised on a remote outpost and has only recently come into contact with those like herself: a group known as Gyr, who are endowed with a nanotect called gyra that can migrate to and from their hosts. The gyra give their hosts enhanced abilities that are used by this warrior class to protect the planet from its plethora of nasty and deadly monsters who want to make them lunch. Fliss has no clue about all the rules and regulations attached to being a Gyr with her very existence flying in the face of what most of the other Gyr believe about themselves, and the people who run the government. Fliss was kept under the thumb of an abusive father and then escaped with someone she thought would help her, but he turned out to be another user.

Gyr commander, Hannu Kardenian, who is in change of investing the death of the man who brought Fliss into his Gyr group, is stunned by the presence of Fliss once he discovers not only is she a Gyr, but they have an instant connection. Hannu and those in his group are all about duty and protection; however, it becomes clear that some of those in government whom they trusted may turn out to be self-serving enemies. The inhabitants of Fjern’s ancestors, known as The Travelers, came from deep space millennia ago and until now, they have not had contact with anyone else until Fliss stumbles into a bad situation for her people.

As an outsider, Fliss has to struggle with learning all the protocols of her group as well as fighting off some deeply ingrained prejudices from those in the Gyr and the ones in control of the planet. Hannu realizes he has some hard choices to make while intending to explore his relationship with Fliss whose connection to him seems to be what was once thought only mythical. This very enjoyable story has quite a bit of action, adventure, and a little romance; it is number six in the Verdant String series but can be read as a standalone.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received an advance copy for review purposes)
I've really enjoyed the Verdant String Series, but this book definitely stands on its own. In fact, you could easily read it first, then the other VS books, and get even more out of them by doing so.

Books 3-5 of the Verdant String had alluded to the idea that their might have been other Travellers, the common ancestors of the VS planets on other planets yet to be discovered. In those books, silver balls composed of nanotech were introduced, and it was posited that perhaps explorers to more dangerous territories might have employed the technology as a vanguard exploration force. This novel gives us a look into that world. It's a new direction for the series and fills in a lot of backstory.

The novel centers around the political tension between the Fjernas who want to control the warriors with the nanotech, and the warriors themselves, in the midst of other crises. Fliss is an outsider to the Gyr (the name for the nanotech warriors) world and she is a challenge to some of their customs and rules. Han, the leader of a unit of these Gyr, is her ally in challenging the way the Gyr are managed, and between them they attempt to uncover a missing colleague and possible corruption.

The romance usually takes a backseat to plot in Ms. Diener's stories, and there is plenty of alien culture, tech and flora/fauna to keep things interesting. I had a problem with some of the explanations for the state of tech development on Fjerna, but if one can put that aside, it's a fast-paced plot and fantastic world building with a very relatable and likeable hero and heroine and supporting cast. I'm looking forward to more books set in this world.

If you enjoy excellent world building of alien worlds--tech, culture, monsters and machinations--this book is for you!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot- The plot was fast paced and exciting. I was relieved that this plot was fresh, as the plot lines in the series have been getting a little redundant lately (main characters discovering the silver nanotech balls that they don’t understand). Instead, the society in this novel knows exactly what the silver balls are and the main characters have them from the get-go. This new storyline piqued my interest again.

Writing- Great writing. Things made sense and the characters’ reactions were natural and relatable. The world building was a lot of fun, which is usually a strength in this author’s writing.

Characters- The main characters were both likable and easy to root for.

Romance- Writing romance is not what I would consider this author’s strong point. She begins to build some interest (bordering on chemistry) through their attraction but then she just has them strip and jump into bed and it’s super anticlimactic (although I did appreciate in this book that there is no sex scene). But I wanted buildup! I wanted to feel the anticipation of a kiss. I wanted to feel the chemistry.

It did help that they didn’t sleep together until near the end of this book. (Usually this author has the MCs sleep together around the 50% mark which basically ends the romantic tension immediately and then the rest of the book is the action/plot. Luckily the action/plot is good so it makes up for the underwhelming romantic chemistry.)


Content-
Language- some swears, including 8 f-words.
Spice- No sex scene although they do sleep together. The curtain is pulled immediately.
Format- dual POV, if I remember correctly
Cover- fine


How I rated this series-
(Each book is a standalone, although they do sometimes build on each other in the grander space opera storyline.)

#0.5 Interference/Insurgency - 5 stars
#1 Breakaway- 5 stars
#2 Breakeven - 5 stars
#3 Trailblazer - 5 stars
#4 High Flyer - 4 stars
#5 Wave Rider - 3.5 stars
#6 Peace Maker - 4 stars
#7 Enthraller - haven’t read yet

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace Maker

Fliss Belaire isn’t having a great day, first the man who “rescued” her from her father, tries to kill her, then his team who is highly suspicious and resentful of her tells her that her presence inside the gyretta will no longer be accepted.

To add to the chaos of her bad day, she finds herself attracted to the leader of the team sent to investigate the death Fliss’s tormentor.

Han can’t believe the mess he has landed himself in. The fact that a Gyr was forced to kill himself by the very technology that makes them “more” is mind boggling…the fact that the team who is supposed to support each other and band together has literally been covering up a bigger issue than he was led to believe is aggravating.

Then add to that fact that his Gyr is attracted to Fliss a non member of the team, who isn’t showing up as an actual known Gyr is very puzzling. The more Han finds out about this team the more he uncovers, and he’s determined to take Fliss with him when he finishes his investigation. Too bad he didn’t talk to Fliss about said plans!

Join Fliss and Han as Fliss stumbles into a bigger plot than anything the gyretta has ever come across before, double crosses, Gyr Command who are determined to keep the Gyr under their control, and a group of Travelers who have landed on the planet and are stealing their resources!!!!

This book is a fantastic addition to this series. It can be read as a stand-alone if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but this whole series is so intriguing and addictive I recommend you read them in order to understand the entire universe. This book will literally keep you glued to your Kindle! Run an download it Now!

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to see more of this world but I feel that way about nearly all of the various worlds in this series. I liked the direction Diener took the story, with new people and new cultures in a heretofore unknown world that isn't yet a part of the Verdant String but the natives come from the same common stock as the rest of the Verdant String, they've just been living on a world that is so harsh it developed strengths other than tech. Now they have first contact.

I would love more from this specific world.

I also read the bonus content short story, which left me wanting more, but there is no way to mark it as read on Goodreads.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele Diener is the best story teller in the business! Peace Maker was nonstop action from the first chapter on. Your will be peaked as you begin the roller coaster ride of this book. You are in for a treat. As the first chapter opens we meet Fliss Belair and questions are swirling about the death of the commander while in her room. Hannu Kardenian is sent to explore his death and both are swept up into mystery and intrigue as events unfold that have you gripping your chair. I love that Fliss is a strong heroine and is written as a clearly well developed character. I am hoping the Verdant String series never ends. Excellent read! Download and enjoy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these ridiculous sci-fi romance novels <3 More in this series please!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, only direct connection to last 2 books, our little shiny friends that WEREN'T lost on this landing for good reasons 😱👹👺👻👽👾☠

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic story! I really liked it.. It is unique and cool, exciting and intense.. Wonderful characters!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really want more from this planet's pov. The free short story was good too 👌

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This instalment of this series sees those who are fleeing the Verdant String alliance targeting a planet protected by the Gyr. The Gyr have for several thousand years passed their nano technology to new generations in order to protect against the native inhabitants who I can only describe as monstrous predators. These powerful warriors know they can never be parents due to an anomaly but what if that was a lie and the woman who might be responsible for a death of one of the Gyr isn't quite like them , a product of science but actually born a Gyr with the technology in her blood ?
Fliss is such a confused and quite innocent character that it's very easy to emphasize with her although I hasten to add that she's no fool. Han is instantly attracted to the female he's investigating but when she goes missing a whole load of secrets, lies and betrayal comes to light !
This is such a unique series and I'm always surprised by where the authors muse takes us. With a wealth of planets and habitat to explore we are truly led on a ride through the cosmos. The romance here is perhaps not as fleshed out and as realistic as I prefer but it certainly led to an entertaining story. My only real niggle is the lack of description when it comes to the Gyr and their ability to transform themselves which did leave me frustrated trying to visualize what they looked like. This ends in a way that can only lend itself to further adventures and I'm definitely on-board for more set in the Verdant String universe.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

‘The seven planets of the Verdant String, the green, fecund sources of life spanning five solar systems, comprise the Verdant String Coalition. While the people of the Verdant String know they have a common ancestor, a group of explorers who colonised the planets at the same time a thousand or more years ago, the mysteries of who they were, and where they came from, persist.’

Peace Maker is Book #6 in The Verdant String series by Michelle Diener. I have really enjoyed exploring this series which is made up of captivating science fiction, romance, and adventure, all set against the lush and imaginative backdrop of seven life-rich planets, spanning five solar systems. The worldbuilding is one of its strongest elements - each planet feels distinct, with its own culture, politics, and environmental challenges, making the Coalition setting feel alive and interconnected.
A series highlight is the balance between high-stakes action and heartfelt character development. Ms. Diener’s protagonists are resourceful, intelligent, and emotionally layered, often navigating both interplanetary intrigue and deep, personal relationships. The romance elements are woven seamlessly into the plot, never overshadowing the sci-fi core but instead enriching it.
Throughout it all there is a sense of optimism and resilience. Even amid danger, there’s a thread of hope, cooperation, and respect for diversity - both human and alien.
If you enjoy richly imagined space settings, strong and capable leads, and a perfect mix of romance and adventure, then you should jump on board for a rewarding journey through the stars.
Happy Reading…

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbed my attention from the first page.

I love this story and highly recommend it. With this one there's definitely no need to have read any of the other Verdant String books.

I was going to take just a peek to see what the "new" Verdant String planet was like.

Next thing I know I'm 7 chapters in and, sadly, have to put the story down so I can get ready for work.

Fliss and Han are memorable, competent, ethical main characters who strengthen each other's weaknesses. Han knows more details about Gyr life, traditions and history than Fliss but she has a unique viewpoint on living with the Gyra.

The primary secondary characters are the Gyra themselves. Not independent of their host but definitely protective and capable of emotions.

The number of characters increase as the book progresses, both villains, heroes and the undeclared.

Some interesting bioengineering has occurred on Fjern that hasn't been mentioned on any of the other Verdant String planets. Maybe the Travelers had to work some scientific magic as Fjern seems to have the most hostile, aggressive native species.

The story ends with significant social changes coming to Fjern, hopefully generating a few more stories.

It's probably many books from now, but Arkhor Special Forces will have some competition.

posted goodreads, bookbub and maybe amazon (their review process has gotten odd)