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Where Peace Is Lost
A brand-new space fantasy novel from master world-builder Valerie Valdes! A refugee with a secret, a dangerous foe, and a road trip that could either save a planet or start a war.
Where peace is lost, may we find it.
Five years ago, Kelana Gardavros lost everything in the war against the Pale empire. Now Kel Garda is just another refugee living on the edge of an isolated star system. No one knows she was once a member of an Order whose military arm was disbanded and scattered across the galaxy. And no one knows that if her enemies found her, they might destroy the entire world to get rid of her.
Where peace is broken, may we mend it.
Kel’s past intrudes in the form of a long-dormant Pale war machine, suddenly reactivated. If the massive automaton isn’t stopped, at best it will carve a swath of devastation that displaces thousands of people. At worst, it will kill every sentient creature on the planet.
Where we go, may peace follow.
When two strangers offer to deactivate the machine for a price, Kel and a young friend agree to serve as their guides. The journey through swamps infested with predators and bandits is bad enough, but can they survive more nefarious dangers along the way? And will Kel’s fear of revealing her secrets doom the very people she’s trying to protect?
Where we fall, may peace rise.
Where peace is lost, may we find it.
Five years ago, Kelana Gardavros lost everything in the war against the Pale empire. Now Kel Garda is just another refugee living on the edge of an isolated star system. No one knows she was once a member of an Order whose military arm was disbanded and scattered across the galaxy. And no one knows that if her enemies found her, they might destroy the entire world to get rid of her.
Where peace is broken, may we mend it.
Kel’s past intrudes in the form of a long-dormant Pale war machine, suddenly reactivated. If the massive automaton isn’t stopped, at best it will carve a swath of devastation that displaces thousands of people. At worst, it will kill every sentient creature on the planet.
Where we go, may peace follow.
When two strangers offer to deactivate the machine for a price, Kel and a young friend agree to serve as their guides. The journey through swamps infested with predators and bandits is bad enough, but can they survive more nefarious dangers along the way? And will Kel’s fear of revealing her secrets doom the very people she’s trying to protect?
Where we fall, may peace rise.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2023
54 people are currently reading
2221 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Valdes
30 books433 followersValerie Valdes is co-editor of the award-winning Escape Pod science fiction podcast, as well as the author of the Chilling Effect trilogy and space fantasy novel Where Peace Is Lost. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Nightmare Magazine and several anthologies. She lives in an elaborate meme palace in Georgia with her husband, children and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 20, 2023
A damn good mystic sci-fi. Best sci-fi I’ve read in 2023.
Valdes has amazing world building, knows how to switch pacing, and writes romance very well.
The MC, Kel, has a secret past and is looking to not share it on the planet Loth. She has a call to action with her local friend, Lunna, and is thrust into a mission to deactivate technology from the Pale Empire.
The sci-fi is written to ‘just work’ so not the most technical of science fiction but that doesn’t take anything away for me as everything is still cool. There was so much depth in the 380ish pages that I’m hoping this turns into a series.
An easy 5 star read for me!
Valdes has amazing world building, knows how to switch pacing, and writes romance very well.
The MC, Kel, has a secret past and is looking to not share it on the planet Loth. She has a call to action with her local friend, Lunna, and is thrust into a mission to deactivate technology from the Pale Empire.
The sci-fi is written to ‘just work’ so not the most technical of science fiction but that doesn’t take anything away for me as everything is still cool. There was so much depth in the 380ish pages that I’m hoping this turns into a series.
An easy 5 star read for me!
September 29, 2023
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/09/23/...
Valerie Valdes has really come a long way since her debut Chilling Effect, surprising me with her newest space fantasy adventure Where Peace Is Lost. While her first novel was more of a fun-filled space opera that didn’t take itself too seriously, this one clearly sought to make stronger connections and tell a deeper story, and I believe it succeeded.
In Where Peace Is Lost, we follow Kelana Gardavros, a lone sojourner on the swampy planet of Loth where she’s keeping a low profile as just another refugee of the war against the Pale empire. That was five years ago, when she gave up everything in the name of peace, but apparently the war isn’t done with her yet. Deep in the wilderness of Loth lies an abandoned machine known as a demolisher, and now it has come back to life with no way to stop it. Destruction on a massive scale would soon follow, but unfortunately, the rogue machine’s former owners, the Pale, prove to be no help at all. Loth itself has no defenses against such a devastating force and is desperate to find a way to save its people, and as luck would have it, along comes two off-worlders who claim they can deactivate the machine.
Kel, however, is skeptical of their timing and can’t help but wonder at their motives. Her suspicion only grows when a friend of hers offers to be a guide for the newcomers, and seeing an opportunity, Kel tags along to keep an eye on things. All these years, she has kept her past life as a knight of the First Sword to herself, especially now that her order has been disbanded, but it is soon discovered that the Pale have not been following the conditions of the peace treaty. This development forces Kel to make a hard decision. As ever, her instincts are to fight back, but what if revealing her identity also means putting those she cares about in danger?
Once again, Valdes has written an incredibly entertaining novel that’s fast paced and action-packed. From start to finish, the plot never really loses its momentum, featuring all manner of thrilling escapades which include everything from up close encounters with monstrous swamp creatures to bandit attacks. And yet, the author also manages to weave a number of thought-provoking themes into the narrative without allowing everything else to overshadow its underlying emotions. After all, we must remember that Where Peace Is Lost is also a post-war story, and Kel’s characterization is that of a survivor.
What really stood out for me were the protagonist’s internal struggles and subsequent growth. Between the breathtaking action sequences, we get breaks to really appreciate the character development as Kel wrestles with her inner demons and personal dilemmas. As I recall, I described Chilling Effect as a fun romp that was nevertheless a shallow and fluffy read, but with this one, I sense a genuine effort to provide more depth, which definitely paid off. I have a feeling that, whether it is sacrifice or the consequences of living with one’s choices, the themes explored in this book will stick around for far longer than readers expect.
Speaking of which, I was also pleasantly surprised by the side characters and their interactions which provided the life behind this book. The relationships felt genuine, and the dialogue was well-written. I just couldn’t help but root for the group as I watched them navigate the challenges of Loth. That said, although it was relatively minor, the romance arc that unfolded was perhaps the biggest treat of all, made even more delicious due to its unexpectedness, which added a layer of warmth and depth.
All told, I had a blast with Where Peace Is Lost, with its snappy pace and endearing characters, plus a romance that sneaks up on you. The story is a lively mix of adventure and action, one that is also grounded in emotions. Valerie Valdes proves herself to be a fantastic storyteller whose future projects are worth keeping an eye on.
Valerie Valdes has really come a long way since her debut Chilling Effect, surprising me with her newest space fantasy adventure Where Peace Is Lost. While her first novel was more of a fun-filled space opera that didn’t take itself too seriously, this one clearly sought to make stronger connections and tell a deeper story, and I believe it succeeded.
In Where Peace Is Lost, we follow Kelana Gardavros, a lone sojourner on the swampy planet of Loth where she’s keeping a low profile as just another refugee of the war against the Pale empire. That was five years ago, when she gave up everything in the name of peace, but apparently the war isn’t done with her yet. Deep in the wilderness of Loth lies an abandoned machine known as a demolisher, and now it has come back to life with no way to stop it. Destruction on a massive scale would soon follow, but unfortunately, the rogue machine’s former owners, the Pale, prove to be no help at all. Loth itself has no defenses against such a devastating force and is desperate to find a way to save its people, and as luck would have it, along comes two off-worlders who claim they can deactivate the machine.
Kel, however, is skeptical of their timing and can’t help but wonder at their motives. Her suspicion only grows when a friend of hers offers to be a guide for the newcomers, and seeing an opportunity, Kel tags along to keep an eye on things. All these years, she has kept her past life as a knight of the First Sword to herself, especially now that her order has been disbanded, but it is soon discovered that the Pale have not been following the conditions of the peace treaty. This development forces Kel to make a hard decision. As ever, her instincts are to fight back, but what if revealing her identity also means putting those she cares about in danger?
Once again, Valdes has written an incredibly entertaining novel that’s fast paced and action-packed. From start to finish, the plot never really loses its momentum, featuring all manner of thrilling escapades which include everything from up close encounters with monstrous swamp creatures to bandit attacks. And yet, the author also manages to weave a number of thought-provoking themes into the narrative without allowing everything else to overshadow its underlying emotions. After all, we must remember that Where Peace Is Lost is also a post-war story, and Kel’s characterization is that of a survivor.
What really stood out for me were the protagonist’s internal struggles and subsequent growth. Between the breathtaking action sequences, we get breaks to really appreciate the character development as Kel wrestles with her inner demons and personal dilemmas. As I recall, I described Chilling Effect as a fun romp that was nevertheless a shallow and fluffy read, but with this one, I sense a genuine effort to provide more depth, which definitely paid off. I have a feeling that, whether it is sacrifice or the consequences of living with one’s choices, the themes explored in this book will stick around for far longer than readers expect.
Speaking of which, I was also pleasantly surprised by the side characters and their interactions which provided the life behind this book. The relationships felt genuine, and the dialogue was well-written. I just couldn’t help but root for the group as I watched them navigate the challenges of Loth. That said, although it was relatively minor, the romance arc that unfolded was perhaps the biggest treat of all, made even more delicious due to its unexpectedness, which added a layer of warmth and depth.
All told, I had a blast with Where Peace Is Lost, with its snappy pace and endearing characters, plus a romance that sneaks up on you. The story is a lively mix of adventure and action, one that is also grounded in emotions. Valerie Valdes proves herself to be a fantastic storyteller whose future projects are worth keeping an eye on.
January 21, 2024
My first book by Valdes, and I loved it!
Kel is a former elite soldier, now in hiding to protect the terms of the treaty with the “winners” of the war. But now things are happening on her adopted home planet of Loth and she needs to decide whether the price she paid is really for peace or if she is just failing to protect innocent people from harm.
The outward story is fast paced and action packed, but also has a quietly thoughtful inner story that plays out beautifully. Valdes writes descriptively and with a deft hand, providing the reader with a complete package of story, character, and vividly imagined setting.
I’m not so interested in humorous SF, so I don’t plan to read Valdes’ previous series, but this more serious stand alone book is a wonderfully thoughtful and entertaining read, and was right up my alley.
In the storm, the calm eye. Above the storm, clear sky. This was the place she came to when she meditated. Her feelings weren't gone, and she had no doubt she would feel them again soon. But every storm, no matter how brutal, passed in time. And above every storm, peace persisted, a respite from the tumult below for any who managed to rise up.
Kel is a former elite soldier, now in hiding to protect the terms of the treaty with the “winners” of the war. But now things are happening on her adopted home planet of Loth and she needs to decide whether the price she paid is really for peace or if she is just failing to protect innocent people from harm.
The outward story is fast paced and action packed, but also has a quietly thoughtful inner story that plays out beautifully. Valdes writes descriptively and with a deft hand, providing the reader with a complete package of story, character, and vividly imagined setting.
I’m not so interested in humorous SF, so I don’t plan to read Valdes’ previous series, but this more serious stand alone book is a wonderfully thoughtful and entertaining read, and was right up my alley.
In the storm, the calm eye. Above the storm, clear sky. This was the place she came to when she meditated. Her feelings weren't gone, and she had no doubt she would feel them again soon. But every storm, no matter how brutal, passed in time. And above every storm, peace persisted, a respite from the tumult below for any who managed to rise up.
February 9, 2024
Liz Bourke wrote at tor.com, https://reactormag.com/tor-com-review...
"my favourite novel of the year. It’s a well-executed, rip-roaringly good planetary space opera adventure with an incredibly skilled warrior protagonist—a protagonist whose commitment to the cause of least harm involves a willingness to die rather than kill, because her enemies’ lives are also valuable. A refreshing and entertaining look at the ethical conundrum of armed pacifism."
This paragraph sold me on reading the book. Thanks, Liz.
I had fun with this one. The publisher describes it as a "cozy space fantasy." I'd call it a superhero action-adventure, with a really fine found-family ending. Almost certainly there will be a sequel, and I'll be reading on. There's not a lot of subtlety or depth here, which was fine with me. When the reluctant pacifist Kel Garda kicks out the jams, and flies out fully-armored to humble her enemies with her soul-sword, well. Hot stuff! An easy four stars from me. Recommended reading.
Liz Bourke has a full review of the novel posted at Locus: https://locusmag.com/2023/11/liz-bour...
I found it a bit spoilery and perhaps more than I would have wanted to know before I read the book (I didn't see it until after I read it.) But it's a good review, and she liked it a lot. We have similar tastes.
"my favourite novel of the year. It’s a well-executed, rip-roaringly good planetary space opera adventure with an incredibly skilled warrior protagonist—a protagonist whose commitment to the cause of least harm involves a willingness to die rather than kill, because her enemies’ lives are also valuable. A refreshing and entertaining look at the ethical conundrum of armed pacifism."
This paragraph sold me on reading the book. Thanks, Liz.
I had fun with this one. The publisher describes it as a "cozy space fantasy." I'd call it a superhero action-adventure, with a really fine found-family ending. Almost certainly there will be a sequel, and I'll be reading on. There's not a lot of subtlety or depth here, which was fine with me. When the reluctant pacifist Kel Garda kicks out the jams, and flies out fully-armored to humble her enemies with her soul-sword, well. Hot stuff! An easy four stars from me. Recommended reading.
Liz Bourke has a full review of the novel posted at Locus: https://locusmag.com/2023/11/liz-bour...
I found it a bit spoilery and perhaps more than I would have wanted to know before I read the book (I didn't see it until after I read it.) But it's a good review, and she liked it a lot. We have similar tastes.
March 10, 2023
3 stars. Full review to come closer to publication date.
December 23, 2023
A series of new potential methods of dying spread out before her like a feast in the village.
Excellent science fiction set in a backwater planet on the fringes of an expanding galactic empire. Fantasy elements meld well to add depth. Everyone has secrets; this protagonist even hides things from herself.
Lunna yelped and covered their head with their hands.
Highlights the current pronoun mess. Surely the creative community can come up with something clearer than using an existing plural pronoun for single people of indeterminate gender. There are innovative solutions to this dilemma. This isn’t it.
“I’m a simple human.” “There’s nothing simple about you.”
Cheesy cover art. Almost dissuaded me from reading. Art matters, if only negatively.
“There is more than one course to the core. Everyone has their strengths, and it’s best to play to them rather than endlessly fighting against them.” “Am I to be treated to these pithy wisdoms daily now?”
Excellent science fiction set in a backwater planet on the fringes of an expanding galactic empire. Fantasy elements meld well to add depth. Everyone has secrets; this protagonist even hides things from herself.
Lunna yelped and covered their head with their hands.
Highlights the current pronoun mess. Surely the creative community can come up with something clearer than using an existing plural pronoun for single people of indeterminate gender. There are innovative solutions to this dilemma. This isn’t it.
“I’m a simple human.” “There’s nothing simple about you.”
Cheesy cover art. Almost dissuaded me from reading. Art matters, if only negatively.
“There is more than one course to the core. Everyone has their strengths, and it’s best to play to them rather than endlessly fighting against them.” “Am I to be treated to these pithy wisdoms daily now?”
January 4, 2024
really good sci fi: not too complex world building, but everything it does is very effective and impactful. i especially liked the planet they are on, a very good demonstration of how people can take care of each other without harmful capitalistic and consumerist practices. the characters are great and i even enjoyed the straight ship! maybe i’m improving as a human being (it’s still very queer, with two queer secondary characters and general queer norm. which imo, all sci fi should be queer norm in this day and age. queer people exist and good sci fi knows that). great read, great message, great audiobook
September 8, 2023
Excellent sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is somewhat grim, since the Pale is a violent, usurping empire, although Loth is a marvelous, imaginative planet. Kel is a believable, grieving, awesome character. Lunna is funny, sensible, and delightful. Savvy and Dare have secrets as important as Kel's. The story is surprisingly mild, until it isn't, and the action becomes startling and explosive. There is graphic violence. There is also breathtaking beauty. I read a library copy of Where Peace Is Lost, but I will buy a copy to reread. I love this book.
The worldbuilding is somewhat grim, since the Pale is a violent, usurping empire, although Loth is a marvelous, imaginative planet. Kel is a believable, grieving, awesome character. Lunna is funny, sensible, and delightful. Savvy and Dare have secrets as important as Kel's. The story is surprisingly mild, until it isn't, and the action becomes startling and explosive. There is graphic violence. There is also breathtaking beauty. I read a library copy of Where Peace Is Lost, but I will buy a copy to reread. I love this book.
October 9, 2024
I liked listening to this book, but the romance plotline was more central than I expected and not as interesting to me so that had me losing steam.
August 13, 2023
Where Peace is Lost is described as a romantic space opera, and there are elements of that - there's a romance, an evil galactic empire, and rebels who are fighting against the evil galactic empire. But mostly, it's a story about Kel and the simple world she has escaped to, so much so that, when technology pops up, it feels intrusive.
Kel reluctantly volunteers to help disable a war machine that threatens the life she has built the last several years. She does this, knowing that it could cost her her refuge and possibly her life. It seems selfless, but as the story unfolds, we learn her motivations.
The romance moved a bit quickly, I thought, especially given the backgrounds of the characters. The ending left me with a "well, why didn't she just do that in the first place and save all this fuss" feeling., but it was still good. The worldbuilding to me was the star of the book. I want to know more about the war and the different worlds and how all this came to be. Hopefully, there will be a sequel where there will be more backstory.
Why you should read it: characters you want to spend time with and whose stories you'll care about; camaraderie, a romance that takes up a good chunk of the latter part of the book, and interesting abilities for some of the characters.
Why you might not want to read it: the villains are predictable and not really worth our heroes' time. There's not a lot of tech for a SF novel, and the speed and amount of romance in the book may put some readers off.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from Harper Voyager via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Kel reluctantly volunteers to help disable a war machine that threatens the life she has built the last several years. She does this, knowing that it could cost her her refuge and possibly her life. It seems selfless, but as the story unfolds, we learn her motivations.
The romance moved a bit quickly, I thought, especially given the backgrounds of the characters. The ending left me with a "well, why didn't she just do that in the first place and save all this fuss" feeling., but it was still good. The worldbuilding to me was the star of the book. I want to know more about the war and the different worlds and how all this came to be. Hopefully, there will be a sequel where there will be more backstory.
Why you should read it: characters you want to spend time with and whose stories you'll care about; camaraderie, a romance that takes up a good chunk of the latter part of the book, and interesting abilities for some of the characters.
Why you might not want to read it: the villains are predictable and not really worth our heroes' time. There's not a lot of tech for a SF novel, and the speed and amount of romance in the book may put some readers off.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from Harper Voyager via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2024
The cover really drew me in on this book.. that and I want to read more sci-fi. A dangerous quest between 4 different characters is what intrigued me. But this was just ok. There is a lot of action in this book but at the same time I’m not sure how, or if, it’s important to the plot? If that makes sense. Like things are happening, but things aren’t really happening.. for me.
The romance was a miss for me unfortunately. The MMC was very bland. I didn’t believe the pacing of the relationship, nor did I find myself caring. Some characters felt very one dimensional. Like I said it was ok, I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook arc.
The romance was a miss for me unfortunately. The MMC was very bland. I didn’t believe the pacing of the relationship, nor did I find myself caring. Some characters felt very one dimensional. Like I said it was ok, I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook arc.
November 6, 2024
This is a simple, fairly typical sci-fi story and setting, and I enjoyed it so much. Despite having very little motivation to read lately, I burned through it in two evenings and I'm a little sad it wasn't longer or part of a series, because I would like to have more of it. The best thing about it was how genuine it was. The characters are capable of sarcasm, criticism, and negative emotions but somehow, in the year of our Lord 2024, where insipid Marvel-style humour (consisting solely of shallow one-liners) creeps into everything, it felt natural and real and humble without being overly self-deprecating or aggrandizing, which was very refreshing.
February 2, 2024
2.5 stars
Definitely not one of my favourite books. I didn't like the MC much (she’s too “sainty”) nor Luna (too childish for her age) and the pace is uneven (Kel’s thoughts are repetitive for one thing) making me lose interest and focus.
Characters 5
Atmosphere 5
Writing Style 6
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 4
Execution/Pace 4
Execution/Setup 4
Enjoyment/Engrossment 4
Narration 6
Definitely not one of my favourite books. I didn't like the MC much (she’s too “sainty”) nor Luna (too childish for her age) and the pace is uneven (Kel’s thoughts are repetitive for one thing) making me lose interest and focus.
Characters 5
Atmosphere 5
Writing Style 6
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 4
Execution/Pace 4
Execution/Setup 4
Enjoyment/Engrossment 4
Narration 6
September 22, 2024
This book somehow manages to capture the delightful quirks of a Star War and a magical girl anime without the inherent pitfalls of actually being a Star War or a magical girl anime. 😆 The characters are lovely, the world is rich and fascinating, the romance is sweet, and it manages to be both bloody and cozy in turns. Definitely a compelling read!
July 12, 2024
3.5/5
March 25, 2025
This was a solid standalone sci-fi! I think I would have liked a bit more of a hint at Kel’s past earlier, but her pacifism and competence (plus the understanding that those were the result of rigorous training - all of which she needs to keep secret) were well established. I also really liked the dynamic between our four main characters.
Part of me really hopes Valdes will come back to this group and this world and bring us more books, but even if this is destined to be a standalone, I’m satisfied
Part of me really hopes Valdes will come back to this group and this world and bring us more books, but even if this is destined to be a standalone, I’m satisfied
August 9, 2023
Where Peace is Lost by Valerie Valdes
Kel is lost, not literally but figuratively. She isn’t herself she is someone else. Kel is confused about her role and misled by her emotions. Her life before her exisiting, not living on Loth is lost to her. Then a remanent of the Pale, the autocracy that has destroyed her reason for living, threatens her new home, and she feels the overwhelming need to protect.
The characters in the book are good but not as thoroughly defined as I would like. Kel has depth as well as Lunna but the other major characters, Savvy and Dare could use more depth. With that thought, this appears to be the beginning of a new series and it is certainly possible that the backstories will be told in future books. I hope they will as I enjoyed the book.
There is action, violence, love, and treachery, What’s not to like?
I recommend the book.
Kel is lost, not literally but figuratively. She isn’t herself she is someone else. Kel is confused about her role and misled by her emotions. Her life before her exisiting, not living on Loth is lost to her. Then a remanent of the Pale, the autocracy that has destroyed her reason for living, threatens her new home, and she feels the overwhelming need to protect.
The characters in the book are good but not as thoroughly defined as I would like. Kel has depth as well as Lunna but the other major characters, Savvy and Dare could use more depth. With that thought, this appears to be the beginning of a new series and it is certainly possible that the backstories will be told in future books. I hope they will as I enjoyed the book.
There is action, violence, love, and treachery, What’s not to like?
I recommend the book.
September 16, 2023
Really enjoyed this book - both the writing and the setting/plot- and look forward to trying more from this author.
May 12, 2024
Wow! My heart is racing!
Valerie Valdes is one hell of a writer. This story is adventurous and thrilling, while also meditating on violence, ptsd, safety, and connection, all in a way that stays present. And if you love a page-turner, this never lets up.
I especially liked the incorporation of the difficult but essential exploration of how trauma can make connections difficult, yet with an implied urgency that they are still as vital. Still as deserved. And also - transformative.
If a thoughtful thriller might interest you, here is one to grab!
Valerie Valdes is one hell of a writer. This story is adventurous and thrilling, while also meditating on violence, ptsd, safety, and connection, all in a way that stays present. And if you love a page-turner, this never lets up.
I especially liked the incorporation of the difficult but essential exploration of how trauma can make connections difficult, yet with an implied urgency that they are still as vital. Still as deserved. And also - transformative.
If a thoughtful thriller might interest you, here is one to grab!
May 14, 2024
I wanted to like this one more because there were some cool bits of worldbuilding, but it was Just. So. Sloooow.
February 25, 2024
Really enjoyed this. Great characters and fun world. Something happened at the end that I feel like was not set up at all.
January 4, 2025
Very powerful story. More serious than this author's previous books with a beautiful voice and setting. This bordered on cozy but still had plenty of suspense and tension. It was the exact vibe I was looking for. Great cast of characters and a hopeful ending.
February 8, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH IT IS SO GOOD!!!!
Very Obi Wan on Tatooine vibes but if someone had given him a hard shake, plus a soft, slow-burn romance!
Very Obi Wan on Tatooine vibes but if someone had given him a hard shake, plus a soft, slow-burn romance!
January 27, 2024
Kel is a refugee, from an Order that chose to disband in the hope that it could do more good than continuing to fight the Pale empire. Now she's in hiding on an out of the way planet, remaining anonymous to protect those around her. Except someone has activated one of the Pale's giant war machines, and Kel finds herself, along with a young friend, guiding two strangers who have offered to shut it down again... for a price.
I really enjoyed Valdes' previous trilogy featuring swashbuckling space captain Eva Innocente so pre-ordered this as soon as I found out about its existence, without even stopping to check what it was about. And now, having read it, I don't regret that at all.
This is a quieter, more contemplative piece than the Chilling Effect books. As the author unfurls the world, you get the impression that, if she wants to be, Kel could be incredibly powerful, and could leave destruction in her wake. But that's not what her Order was about. That can be summed up in their mantra, which Kel repeats to herself throughout the book:
"Where peace is lost, may we find it. Where peace is broken, may we mend it. Where we go, may peace follow. Where we fall, may peace rise."
She continues to hide, always second-guessing herself - would she cause more harm by continuing to hide, or by revealing herself and fighting? And near the end of the book, you're just waiting for the switch and for her to stand up and draw her sword... and then she makes a different choice. It's not a story often told, and is slightly heartbreaking. (minor spoiler: you do get to see her doing her thing eventually, and it's awesome).
The other thing I really liked about this book is showing how lonely that Kel is. She lives in the wilderness, with only the young Lunna going out of their way to befriend Kel. She tries to hide this loneliness from herself, but when she has to go on this road trip with Lunna and the off-worlders - Dare and Savvy - it starts to hit home. In a lot of ways, Kel reminds me of Obi-Wan or Yoda, albeit we see much more of the pain of self-inflicted isolation than we did with those two characters.
The romance that slowly blossoms between Kel and another character is lovely to see, between two very damaged people who, it turns out, have as much in common as divides them.
This is very much as self-contained story, but I hope Valdes comes back to the setting, since I'm sure there are more stories to be told about Kel and her new found family and resistance against the Pale. And I'm here for them.
I really enjoyed Valdes' previous trilogy featuring swashbuckling space captain Eva Innocente so pre-ordered this as soon as I found out about its existence, without even stopping to check what it was about. And now, having read it, I don't regret that at all.
This is a quieter, more contemplative piece than the Chilling Effect books. As the author unfurls the world, you get the impression that, if she wants to be, Kel could be incredibly powerful, and could leave destruction in her wake. But that's not what her Order was about. That can be summed up in their mantra, which Kel repeats to herself throughout the book:
"Where peace is lost, may we find it. Where peace is broken, may we mend it. Where we go, may peace follow. Where we fall, may peace rise."
She continues to hide, always second-guessing herself - would she cause more harm by continuing to hide, or by revealing herself and fighting? And near the end of the book, you're just waiting for the switch and for her to stand up and draw her sword... and then she makes a different choice. It's not a story often told, and is slightly heartbreaking. (minor spoiler: you do get to see her doing her thing eventually, and it's awesome).
The other thing I really liked about this book is showing how lonely that Kel is. She lives in the wilderness, with only the young Lunna going out of their way to befriend Kel. She tries to hide this loneliness from herself, but when she has to go on this road trip with Lunna and the off-worlders - Dare and Savvy - it starts to hit home. In a lot of ways, Kel reminds me of Obi-Wan or Yoda, albeit we see much more of the pain of self-inflicted isolation than we did with those two characters.
The romance that slowly blossoms between Kel and another character is lovely to see, between two very damaged people who, it turns out, have as much in common as divides them.
This is very much as self-contained story, but I hope Valdes comes back to the setting, since I'm sure there are more stories to be told about Kel and her new found family and resistance against the Pale. And I'm here for them.
November 19, 2023
Valerie Valdes delivers a romantic space opera sci-fi story in "Where Peace Is Lost," a story woven with found family, a fantastic character arc, and a soft romance with two former enemies. Kel, a former member of a highly trained but disbanded military order, retreats to live a quiet and anonymous life on a world whose people are highly connected to nature. When a relic of the prior war endangers the planet, she is pulled into a scheme to save the people while trying to keep her secrets intact. This all happens with the backdrop of a war-torn galaxy.
The narrative is a whirlwind of action, maintaining an unyielding pace that keeps readers engaged. Valdes masterfully blends thrilling escapades with introspective moments. Moreover, the author excels at crafting believable found family dynamics, presenting an ensemble of diverse and multifaceted characters whose connections deepen as they navigate the perils of their mission. Kel’s journey to confront her past and redeem herself from haunting guilt is a compelling narrative arc, showcasing her transformation from a reluctant once-heroine to someone she recognizes again. Kel’s internal struggle with her past, coupled with the slow-burning admiration and romance between her and another character, is incredibly engaging.
"Where Peace Is Lost" is not merely a space opera but a poignant tale of survival and personal growth. Valdes weaves a narrative that seamlessly intertwines action, emotional depth, and compelling character arcs, ensuring a gripping and thought-provoking read for fans of space fantasy and nuanced character-driven stories.
I ADORED this book.
The narrative is a whirlwind of action, maintaining an unyielding pace that keeps readers engaged. Valdes masterfully blends thrilling escapades with introspective moments. Moreover, the author excels at crafting believable found family dynamics, presenting an ensemble of diverse and multifaceted characters whose connections deepen as they navigate the perils of their mission. Kel’s journey to confront her past and redeem herself from haunting guilt is a compelling narrative arc, showcasing her transformation from a reluctant once-heroine to someone she recognizes again. Kel’s internal struggle with her past, coupled with the slow-burning admiration and romance between her and another character, is incredibly engaging.
"Where Peace Is Lost" is not merely a space opera but a poignant tale of survival and personal growth. Valdes weaves a narrative that seamlessly intertwines action, emotional depth, and compelling character arcs, ensuring a gripping and thought-provoking read for fans of space fantasy and nuanced character-driven stories.
I ADORED this book.
July 26, 2023
An enthusiastic 5 stars.
I picked up Where Peace is Lost based on the title and the cover — I think both are beautiful. As it turns out, the story lives up to that initial impression.
There is plenty of action and romance to love, but the lyrical, meditative thoughts sprinkled throughout are what really stole my heart.
It��s one of those books where I knew it was a new favorite just 10% in. I truly hope we get to see more from this world in the future.
Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for me to review.
I picked up Where Peace is Lost based on the title and the cover — I think both are beautiful. As it turns out, the story lives up to that initial impression.
There is plenty of action and romance to love, but the lyrical, meditative thoughts sprinkled throughout are what really stole my heart.
It��s one of those books where I knew it was a new favorite just 10% in. I truly hope we get to see more from this world in the future.
Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for me to review.
February 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this book overall, I will admit that I was frustrated for the first quarter of the book. There didn’t seem to be a lot of world building - just plopped right in- so much so I actually checked to see if I was accidentally reading a sequel. But eventually information about the characters and the world they live in are supplied and the book picks up the pace.
October 29, 2023
A truly delightful read. Surprisingly quiet for a sci fi action tale, and some lines so gorgeous they truly took my breath away. The motley crew of characters are easy to root for at every turn and the world was easy and lovely to slip into. Will definitely be checking out Valdes’ other works!
September 14, 2024
Eine Frau ist vor ihrer Vergangenheit auf einen entlegenen Planeten geflohen. Ein altes Kriegsgerät wird dort plötzlich wieder aktiv und sie wird in die Unternehmungen verstrickt, es zu deaktivieren - was sie dazu bringt, sich wieder mit ihrer Vergangenheit zu beschäftigen. Ok.
tried_but_not_for_me
February 7, 2024I never thought I would set aside a book by this author since I liked her trilogy a lot. I might come back and finish this eventually, or not.
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