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Kris Longknife #5
Audacious
You can't keep a good woman down—Kris Longknife returns.
Once again Kris finds herself caught in the crosshairs of unknown enemies who want her dead. Factions, both legitimate and underground, vie for control of the planet New Eden. And someone is taking advantage of the chaos to unleash a personal vendetta against Kris.
Once again Kris finds herself caught in the crosshairs of unknown enemies who want her dead. Factions, both legitimate and underground, vie for control of the planet New Eden. And someone is taking advantage of the chaos to unleash a personal vendetta against Kris.
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 30, 2007
48 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Mike Shepherd
78 books563 followersA pseudonym used by Mike Moscoe.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 12, 2016
Well, so much for getting any sleep. This week (if patterns continue). Who needs work, right? Places pay for book reviews. Real money and everything. Somewhere. I think. Maybe. sigh
This one takes place entirely on the planet Eden and not even in orbit but actually on the planet. So no space battles. Lots of space Marines, though, and that's as good. This one is actually on the high end of my so far four-star-only ratings (i.e. one of the better in the series so far) so I didn't miss the space at all. Kris is as much a force of nature on planet as she is in space, it was just a different problem set and we've already seen she can handle herself dirtside. Eden was an interesting nut to crack and it was fun to see the team fighting the Byzantine systems there.
One thing I found interesting is that the setup for Eden made for an excellent opportunity for Shepherd to exercise any political hobby horse he may have had. And he gave it a big fat pass. There are a lot of issues on both the right and left side of current politics that could have easily found their way into this story (which is one of political upheaval). And there were a few from both sides that were even tangentially mentioned and could have easily come in without feeling manipulated. Instead, Kris' only real political concern is, from first to last, the issue of disenfranchisement. She gives an excellent speech at the end that was a perfect time for an author to vent and have the weight of circumstances underline his message. Shepherd had Kris make an impassioned speech for one citizen one vote. He nailed it. That may be authorial discretion, but I thought it was wonderful.
I still have a concern with Kris' nemeses. Victoria Smythe-Peterwald is no better than her brother. She's a big package of empty maliciousness with no finesse or even low cunning. As a villain (and she is certainly villainous), she's disappointing. Throwing her around the neck of the minion actually carrying out these plans hinders them and neuters some of the earned victory Kris pulls out. Yeah, the minions are typically smart and capable. But their babysitting duties almost always monkey with that capability and it's becoming a boring pattern. It's a pain, but not enough to hamper my enjoyment. Much.
So anyway, still fun. Still engaging. And still keeping me up to the larger small hours...
This one takes place entirely on the planet Eden and not even in orbit but actually on the planet. So no space battles. Lots of space Marines, though, and that's as good. This one is actually on the high end of my so far four-star-only ratings (i.e. one of the better in the series so far) so I didn't miss the space at all. Kris is as much a force of nature on planet as she is in space, it was just a different problem set and we've already seen she can handle herself dirtside. Eden was an interesting nut to crack and it was fun to see the team fighting the Byzantine systems there.
One thing I found interesting is that the setup for Eden made for an excellent opportunity for Shepherd to exercise any political hobby horse he may have had. And he gave it a big fat pass. There are a lot of issues on both the right and left side of current politics that could have easily found their way into this story (which is one of political upheaval). And there were a few from both sides that were even tangentially mentioned and could have easily come in without feeling manipulated. Instead, Kris' only real political concern is, from first to last, the issue of disenfranchisement. She gives an excellent speech at the end that was a perfect time for an author to vent and have the weight of circumstances underline his message. Shepherd had Kris make an impassioned speech for one citizen one vote. He nailed it. That may be authorial discretion, but I thought it was wonderful.
I still have a concern with Kris' nemeses. Victoria Smythe-Peterwald is no better than her brother. She's a big package of empty maliciousness with no finesse or even low cunning. As a villain (and she is certainly villainous), she's disappointing. Throwing her around the neck of the minion actually carrying out these plans hinders them and neuters some of the earned victory Kris pulls out. Yeah, the minions are typically smart and capable. But their babysitting duties almost always monkey with that capability and it's becoming a boring pattern. It's a pain, but not enough to hamper my enjoyment. Much.
So anyway, still fun. Still engaging. And still keeping me up to the larger small hours...
November 18, 2019
I'm a big fan of the KRIS LONGKNIFE series and this is one of my favorite books in the series. Kris has been assigned to be ambassador for her planet on a corrupt oligarchy where every street corner contains a different set of plotting families. Despite the belief she'd be safe there, every day is another assassination attempt by the locals (probably in the employ of future heroine Victoria Peterwald--who is portrayed here as a very dumb spoiled brat).
As usual, Kris has to figure out some way to stop the assassinations, conspiracies, and plots to end democracy. It's a nice change of pace from the usual boots on the ground and Naval engagements. I also liked getting some insight into Kris' ninja maid and her backstory. This is one of the best books in the series and deals with my favorite subject of the series: palace intrigue.
9/10
As usual, Kris has to figure out some way to stop the assassinations, conspiracies, and plots to end democracy. It's a nice change of pace from the usual boots on the ground and Naval engagements. I also liked getting some insight into Kris' ninja maid and her backstory. This is one of the best books in the series and deals with my favorite subject of the series: palace intrigue.
9/10
September 23, 2015
The "Kris Longknife" series is great - it's pure fun in the best way while also delivering great character development, a solid story, and entertaining prose. That's what I've come to expect from this series. Since Shepherd has a knack for dropping just enough of a hook to make reading the next novel a priority, I started "Audacious," the fifth book in this open-ended series, almost as soon as I'd finished "Resolute." I often find myself turning to this series when I find myself wanting some rollicking, space-themed entertainment...and this novel definitely did not disappoint. Spoilers follow.
"Audacious" wastes no time in getting Kris into trouble...in fact, it opens with her running from some would-be assassins that are bound determined to take her out of the picture. After taking care of that problem, Kris quickly realizes that her seemingly mundane task of collecting "office supplies" (really licenses for software) on New Eden is anything but. The attempt on her life doesn't even make local news; in fact, the media is so tightly controlled that very little of of interest is reported on. This on top of some pretty harsh discrimination leading to certain groups being denied voting rights, gang violence, and security being suspiciously tight quickly makes it apparent that New Eden is hardly the paradise its name would imply. Add to that a plot to brutally eliminate most of the planet's governmental figures and the emergence of a new Peterwald heir, and Kris may have more on her plate than she initially bargained for.
The novel takes place planet-side rather than in space, as the previous two novels have. This was something of a point of contention with some readers in the last novel that took Kris out of the space-navy scene ("Deserter"), but worry not since the story certainly isn't boring and still packs an entertaining wallop. Despite this change of setting, the book doesn't stray from the overarching plot - it just follows it somewhere new. While the last book that took place on the ground focused on Kris getting used to her new role as a princess and perhaps suffered a little for it, Shepherd seems to have learned from his mistakes and corrected them in "Audacious." Rather than descriptions of Kris's clothing and her attempts to navigate in a social environment, we get weapons, intrigue, and our heroine trying to get to the bottom of numerous attempts on her life while minimize the death toll to Eden's elite. If the book has a "gimmick", it's the presence of Wardhaven's Marines, but they up working pretty well to still give the story a military feel while taking it decidedly out of a typical sci-fi military setting. So, yes, this installment has Kris and friends stuck dirt-side, but it both maintains the story and manages to provide the same space-military atmosphere from the previous novels.
The story presented is solid and complete. In a departure from the previous two installments, "Audacious" mostly focuses on one central plot rather than having Kris experience a couple distinct adventures ("Resolute," for example, had Kris exploring alien worlds and then coming back just in time to thwart Greenfeld's takeover attempt). Sure, Kris still gets into some antics rescuing her grandmother from a militant group and retrieving a kidnap victim from a local gang, but the story stays pretty solidly on figuring out what's happening on the secretive New Eden and how the Peterwalds are involved. Shepherd really excels in pacing the novel. The story never meanders off course or slows to the point of detriment. The author knows when there needs to be action and when there needs to be slower character/plot development. He has a handle in keeping the book interesting, exciting, and always moving forward while also maintaining the characters and their growth. This results in a book that is never boring or tedious. There's always something happening, whether it's an action-packed fight, some intriguing investigation, or character development, and it makes for a very satisfying read. I also appreciate that the novel doesn't end on a cliff-hanger. As I mentioned above, Shepherd provides a hook into the next book, but doesn't leave the ending wide open; if you wanted to stop here, you'd get this book's full story...but I don't know why you wouldn't want to read on.
Shepherd's writing style is great for this type of book. Much like his series and characters, his writing is witty and entertaining. It's full of personality and effectively gives colour to his world and the people who inhabit it. He clearly knows a lot about the military, which makes sections involving the Navy and Marines interesting and gives those aspects a very authentic feel with his sometimes informal word usage and jargon (though he never uses so much jargon as to lose the reader - it's always obvious what he's talking about). His writing flows well, never feeling stilted or forced, and it aids in weaving an entertaining story. He also knows when to halt the descriptive passages, character introspection, and subplot exploration in order to sprint to the finale, ensuring that the climax will be full of non-stop excitement without pulling the readers away to focus on something inconsequential to what's occurring. I often find myself smiling and sometimes chuckling when I read and unable to put the book down once things start to pick up. I read "Kris Longknife" partially for the entertainment factor - and Shepherd's writing has yet to disappoint.
Character-wise, "Audacious" marks the point when Kris starts to grow up. She's been developing nicely as the series' heroine up to this point, but this is when she really begins to mature and figure out who she is as a princess, a naval officer, and "one of those Longknifes." Despite the fast-paced nature of the book, character development doesn't fall by the wayside. In earlier novels, Kris was an eager young woman, ready to prove herself capable of following commands and quick to implement her own solutions if necessary. However, after the civilian death toll in "Defiant," struggling with survivor's guilt and being faced with the decision to put more lives in danger in "Resolute," and then having the lives of both her Marines and New Eden's political heads on the line in this book, she's become a little more wary of both those in charge and her own ideas. Rather than jumping to the first idea that comes to her, she's beginning to carefully self-evaluate her own plans and motivations before putting them into action, and she's realizing that her first ideas aren't always the best ones. Kris is also beginning to realize that she can't always trust the admiralty, either, since their withholding information from her about New Eden left her with a huge mess and a high body count. And, as always, she's reminded that she can't trust her family, especially her Grampa Ray, who seems to delight in sending her unprepared into potentially dangerous situations to see how she'll react. The rift in her family has widened, and Kris wants to take a more active role in her future, even if it potentially means leaving the Navy. On a personal level, Kris is still struggling with the necessity to sometimes send good men to their deaths, but she never becomes mired in it and instead uses it as a jump-off point to move forward. She's also starting to think that it might be nice to have a boyfriend, but she has the unfortunate tendency to jump on these things too late, as all of her potential romantic interests seem to get married before she can make her interest in them known. Shepherd manages to make Kris's character growth feel very natural and waves it seamlessly into the story, never bogging the plot down to focus on the main character's internal struggles. Kris is a wonderful protagonist: she's competent and effective as a leader, but is still sympathetic and relatable. Her personal battles make her feel more real and her physical battles put her right at home in the sci-fi military setting. And, perhaps most importantly to me, she's actually growing as the series progresses.
The other characters are equally interesting. We finally get to know Abby's origins, and it's both interesting and rather sad. It definitely puts the mysterious maid in a new light and helps us better understand why she is the way she is and why she's gone through some great lengths to keep her background in the dark. Jack is his drawling, sarcastic self, as per usual and Penny is equally en pointe. We're introduced to a new villain: Vicky Peterwald, the never-spoken-of sister of Hank. Though not as well known as her late brother, she's easily more dangerous, even borderline psychotic, and has the potential of being a deadly threat. We don't see too much of her in this installment, so she's rather two-dimensional at this point - I'm hoping Shepherd better fleshes her out in later books. The Marines are all a lot of fun and portray a great sense of camaraderie both with each other and Kris. The characters all do their parts and none seem superfluous or unneeded. The dialogue between them is also quite a treat; these are all witty, sometimes scathingly sarcastic individuals and their discussions very much tend to reflect that. They know when to stop snarking at one another and get to business, and even then their interactions are amusing. This is a group that works well as a team, despite their individual flaws and quirks, and I look forward to seeing their dynamic develop in the next books.
My one character complaint would have to be Cara. It's not so much that she's a bad character. Like everyone else, she has her role and is decently characterized as a typical twelve-year old. She's also important to Abby, which means we see a decent amount of her. My issue comes with the idea that she'll be hanging around for at least the next book and maybe beyond. Maybe it's just because I don't like kids in general; maybe it's because having a kid on a ship that's heading out for exploration seems incredibly pointless and potentially detrimental to all involved; maybe it's something else entirely...whatever the reason, I can see Cara getting really annoying really fast. I hope I'm wrong, I really do...I guess I'll have to see how it plays out in the next book.
"Audacious" is a solid entry in the "Kris Longknife" series. It's vastly entertaining with witty writing and characters that are getting better and better. I love that Kris is growing as a character and I'm enjoying watching her world unfold and become more complex with each new adventure. I read for entertainment, and this book is that and then some. I'll happily give it 5 stars.
This review is also posted on Amazon.com
"Audacious" wastes no time in getting Kris into trouble...in fact, it opens with her running from some would-be assassins that are bound determined to take her out of the picture. After taking care of that problem, Kris quickly realizes that her seemingly mundane task of collecting "office supplies" (really licenses for software) on New Eden is anything but. The attempt on her life doesn't even make local news; in fact, the media is so tightly controlled that very little of of interest is reported on. This on top of some pretty harsh discrimination leading to certain groups being denied voting rights, gang violence, and security being suspiciously tight quickly makes it apparent that New Eden is hardly the paradise its name would imply. Add to that a plot to brutally eliminate most of the planet's governmental figures and the emergence of a new Peterwald heir, and Kris may have more on her plate than she initially bargained for.
The novel takes place planet-side rather than in space, as the previous two novels have. This was something of a point of contention with some readers in the last novel that took Kris out of the space-navy scene ("Deserter"), but worry not since the story certainly isn't boring and still packs an entertaining wallop. Despite this change of setting, the book doesn't stray from the overarching plot - it just follows it somewhere new. While the last book that took place on the ground focused on Kris getting used to her new role as a princess and perhaps suffered a little for it, Shepherd seems to have learned from his mistakes and corrected them in "Audacious." Rather than descriptions of Kris's clothing and her attempts to navigate in a social environment, we get weapons, intrigue, and our heroine trying to get to the bottom of numerous attempts on her life while minimize the death toll to Eden's elite. If the book has a "gimmick", it's the presence of Wardhaven's Marines, but they up working pretty well to still give the story a military feel while taking it decidedly out of a typical sci-fi military setting. So, yes, this installment has Kris and friends stuck dirt-side, but it both maintains the story and manages to provide the same space-military atmosphere from the previous novels.
The story presented is solid and complete. In a departure from the previous two installments, "Audacious" mostly focuses on one central plot rather than having Kris experience a couple distinct adventures ("Resolute," for example, had Kris exploring alien worlds and then coming back just in time to thwart Greenfeld's takeover attempt). Sure, Kris still gets into some antics rescuing her grandmother from a militant group and retrieving a kidnap victim from a local gang, but the story stays pretty solidly on figuring out what's happening on the secretive New Eden and how the Peterwalds are involved. Shepherd really excels in pacing the novel. The story never meanders off course or slows to the point of detriment. The author knows when there needs to be action and when there needs to be slower character/plot development. He has a handle in keeping the book interesting, exciting, and always moving forward while also maintaining the characters and their growth. This results in a book that is never boring or tedious. There's always something happening, whether it's an action-packed fight, some intriguing investigation, or character development, and it makes for a very satisfying read. I also appreciate that the novel doesn't end on a cliff-hanger. As I mentioned above, Shepherd provides a hook into the next book, but doesn't leave the ending wide open; if you wanted to stop here, you'd get this book's full story...but I don't know why you wouldn't want to read on.
Shepherd's writing style is great for this type of book. Much like his series and characters, his writing is witty and entertaining. It's full of personality and effectively gives colour to his world and the people who inhabit it. He clearly knows a lot about the military, which makes sections involving the Navy and Marines interesting and gives those aspects a very authentic feel with his sometimes informal word usage and jargon (though he never uses so much jargon as to lose the reader - it's always obvious what he's talking about). His writing flows well, never feeling stilted or forced, and it aids in weaving an entertaining story. He also knows when to halt the descriptive passages, character introspection, and subplot exploration in order to sprint to the finale, ensuring that the climax will be full of non-stop excitement without pulling the readers away to focus on something inconsequential to what's occurring. I often find myself smiling and sometimes chuckling when I read and unable to put the book down once things start to pick up. I read "Kris Longknife" partially for the entertainment factor - and Shepherd's writing has yet to disappoint.
Character-wise, "Audacious" marks the point when Kris starts to grow up. She's been developing nicely as the series' heroine up to this point, but this is when she really begins to mature and figure out who she is as a princess, a naval officer, and "one of those Longknifes." Despite the fast-paced nature of the book, character development doesn't fall by the wayside. In earlier novels, Kris was an eager young woman, ready to prove herself capable of following commands and quick to implement her own solutions if necessary. However, after the civilian death toll in "Defiant," struggling with survivor's guilt and being faced with the decision to put more lives in danger in "Resolute," and then having the lives of both her Marines and New Eden's political heads on the line in this book, she's become a little more wary of both those in charge and her own ideas. Rather than jumping to the first idea that comes to her, she's beginning to carefully self-evaluate her own plans and motivations before putting them into action, and she's realizing that her first ideas aren't always the best ones. Kris is also beginning to realize that she can't always trust the admiralty, either, since their withholding information from her about New Eden left her with a huge mess and a high body count. And, as always, she's reminded that she can't trust her family, especially her Grampa Ray, who seems to delight in sending her unprepared into potentially dangerous situations to see how she'll react. The rift in her family has widened, and Kris wants to take a more active role in her future, even if it potentially means leaving the Navy. On a personal level, Kris is still struggling with the necessity to sometimes send good men to their deaths, but she never becomes mired in it and instead uses it as a jump-off point to move forward. She's also starting to think that it might be nice to have a boyfriend, but she has the unfortunate tendency to jump on these things too late, as all of her potential romantic interests seem to get married before she can make her interest in them known. Shepherd manages to make Kris's character growth feel very natural and waves it seamlessly into the story, never bogging the plot down to focus on the main character's internal struggles. Kris is a wonderful protagonist: she's competent and effective as a leader, but is still sympathetic and relatable. Her personal battles make her feel more real and her physical battles put her right at home in the sci-fi military setting. And, perhaps most importantly to me, she's actually growing as the series progresses.
The other characters are equally interesting. We finally get to know Abby's origins, and it's both interesting and rather sad. It definitely puts the mysterious maid in a new light and helps us better understand why she is the way she is and why she's gone through some great lengths to keep her background in the dark. Jack is his drawling, sarcastic self, as per usual and Penny is equally en pointe. We're introduced to a new villain: Vicky Peterwald, the never-spoken-of sister of Hank. Though not as well known as her late brother, she's easily more dangerous, even borderline psychotic, and has the potential of being a deadly threat. We don't see too much of her in this installment, so she's rather two-dimensional at this point - I'm hoping Shepherd better fleshes her out in later books. The Marines are all a lot of fun and portray a great sense of camaraderie both with each other and Kris. The characters all do their parts and none seem superfluous or unneeded. The dialogue between them is also quite a treat; these are all witty, sometimes scathingly sarcastic individuals and their discussions very much tend to reflect that. They know when to stop snarking at one another and get to business, and even then their interactions are amusing. This is a group that works well as a team, despite their individual flaws and quirks, and I look forward to seeing their dynamic develop in the next books.
My one character complaint would have to be Cara. It's not so much that she's a bad character. Like everyone else, she has her role and is decently characterized as a typical twelve-year old. She's also important to Abby, which means we see a decent amount of her. My issue comes with the idea that she'll be hanging around for at least the next book and maybe beyond. Maybe it's just because I don't like kids in general; maybe it's because having a kid on a ship that's heading out for exploration seems incredibly pointless and potentially detrimental to all involved; maybe it's something else entirely...whatever the reason, I can see Cara getting really annoying really fast. I hope I'm wrong, I really do...I guess I'll have to see how it plays out in the next book.
"Audacious" is a solid entry in the "Kris Longknife" series. It's vastly entertaining with witty writing and characters that are getting better and better. I love that Kris is growing as a character and I'm enjoying watching her world unfold and become more complex with each new adventure. I read for entertainment, and this book is that and then some. I'll happily give it 5 stars.
This review is also posted on Amazon.com
January 25, 2011
Another good installment in the series, this time out we meet the new Peterwald scion - Victoria Smythe-Peterwald.
Nitpick: However, editing issues abound - there seemed to be a real shortage of question marks when this was typeset, and several dozen places where a word was used, but it was the *wrong* word. The editor obviously relied on computer spell-check, rather than a human, to their lack.
Nitpick: However, editing issues abound - there seemed to be a real shortage of question marks when this was typeset, and several dozen places where a word was used, but it was the *wrong* word. The editor obviously relied on computer spell-check, rather than a human, to their lack.
May 31, 2016
The author seriously needs to attend a romance writers' convention and learn more about women, how they think, and how they live.
An active duty female Marine needs 2200-2400 calories a day. A bran muffin for breakfast isn't going to cut it. Kris may be Navy but she's hanging out and working out with the Marines in this book. She needs to be strong and healthy.
For that matter, if she's worried about her weight, why not ask Nelly to monitor her? I'm sure Nelly can figure out nutrition, caloric intake, and caloric output.
Running in heels is not the same thing as running in running shoes. The Marines would really have to hold back so that Kris could run in her heels. Running in heels is just begging for a busted ankle.
Kris has just faced a major battle in a socialite dress (albeit armored dress). There's blood and guts and excrement and brains everywhere. And the only piece of clothing to survive is her shoes!?! Wasn't she just wading through and stepping on dead bodies? She's wearing three-inch pumps yet they survive the gory mess? Talk about science fiction!
Why is Kris so focused on her boobs? She knows they're not her best asset. (If she's six feet tall, her best asset is going to be her long, long legs.) Her outfits ought to be showing off those legs. Is this an example of her mother and maid not knowing how to dress for success?
Why doesn't her maid know how to apply make-up to hide her "huge nose"? Unless that nose is so large that she needs an especially large helmet for clearance, her maid ought to be able to use simple make-up tricks to minimize the nose.
The story is good but there are so many errors/questions that I could not stay focused on the story. Research on the part of the author is needed.
An active duty female Marine needs 2200-2400 calories a day. A bran muffin for breakfast isn't going to cut it. Kris may be Navy but she's hanging out and working out with the Marines in this book. She needs to be strong and healthy.
For that matter, if she's worried about her weight, why not ask Nelly to monitor her? I'm sure Nelly can figure out nutrition, caloric intake, and caloric output.
Running in heels is not the same thing as running in running shoes. The Marines would really have to hold back so that Kris could run in her heels. Running in heels is just begging for a busted ankle.
Kris has just faced a major battle in a socialite dress (albeit armored dress). There's blood and guts and excrement and brains everywhere. And the only piece of clothing to survive is her shoes!?! Wasn't she just wading through and stepping on dead bodies? She's wearing three-inch pumps yet they survive the gory mess? Talk about science fiction!
Why is Kris so focused on her boobs? She knows they're not her best asset. (If she's six feet tall, her best asset is going to be her long, long legs.) Her outfits ought to be showing off those legs. Is this an example of her mother and maid not knowing how to dress for success?
Why doesn't her maid know how to apply make-up to hide her "huge nose"? Unless that nose is so large that she needs an especially large helmet for clearance, her maid ought to be able to use simple make-up tricks to minimize the nose.
The story is good but there are so many errors/questions that I could not stay focused on the story. Research on the part of the author is needed.
March 4, 2016
This is the 5th book in the Kris Longknife series by Mike Shepherd. In this one Kris is sent to the planet Eden by her Grandpa Ray who is also King Raymond of The United Sentients. Eden is the oldest Earth colony and believed to be the most civilized and peaceful of all the colonies of mankind. Kris quickly finds out that things aren't quite what they seem. Their is much unrest in the lower classes who aren't allowed to vote and are considered second class citizens by the elite of Eden. There is the threat of civil war in the air. On top of that Kris runs into Vicky Peterwald, daughter of Kris's arch nemesis. She is also the sister of Henry Peterwald who Vicky believes Kris killed. She hires men to make several attempts on Kris's life which fail due to Kris's quick thinking and that of her team. This book is full of action and intrigue. A must read for fans of the Kris LongKnife series and Mike Shepherd/Mike Moscoe.
February 18, 2023
4 stars.
Feb 2023 - re-listened. I agree with Kris, King Ray needed to be more forthcoming but it's sad to see
___________
April 2021
This one was much better than the previous book. The story was much more cohesive, although I did have some problem remembering who's who in New Eden. The baddies were easy to identify. And I liked that we were spared given too much details on the preparations before the fight. I think that should be the way forward so that the readers can be surprised. Looks like Victoria Peterwald is going to be Kris's new nemesis.
We also got to learn much more about Abby's backstory and that was quite interesting. She's definitely not a normal lady's maid!
Looking forward to seeing Kris's next adventure now that she's pretty much got her own ship.
Feb 2023 - re-listened. I agree with Kris, King Ray needed to be more forthcoming but it's sad to see
___________
April 2021
This one was much better than the previous book. The story was much more cohesive, although I did have some problem remembering who's who in New Eden. The baddies were easy to identify. And I liked that we were spared given too much details on the preparations before the fight. I think that should be the way forward so that the readers can be surprised. Looks like Victoria Peterwald is going to be Kris's new nemesis.
We also got to learn much more about Abby's backstory and that was quite interesting. She's definitely not a normal lady's maid!
Looking forward to seeing Kris's next adventure now that she's pretty much got her own ship.
September 25, 2022
Kris Longknife has made the Rim too hot for her, so her king and Navy boss send her to New Eden as part of a procurement team. The only problem is that Kris knows there is more to her mission than her superiors told her about.
New Eden is an interesting world. It was one of the first settled when people from Earth began to leave the planet. Kris finds a society that is big on secrets and information security. She also finds a stratified society with the rich, original settlers who have the right to vote and all the others whose ancestors might have come to the planet as indentured servants and whose descendants are still disenfranchised.
The government has a lock on the news. Only good news gets reported in the powerful press. Neither of the two assassination attempts on Kris manage to make the news. Gun control is supposed to be absolute with only hired security services allowed to carry. But the security firms don't advertise and need word of mouth recommendations. Getting a permit to carry for herself, her team and even the Marines at the Embassy is not an easy task.
We also learn that New Eden is Abby's home planet - the one she was very glad to leave fifteen years earlier. As she goes looking for her mother and sister, she discovers that she has a twelve-year-old niece and that her mother and sister are aiming to get themselves out of the slums where they live by latching onto powerful men.
Kris also gets a chance to meet Vicky Peterwald, the little-known sister of Hank Peterwald who met his fate in the last book. Vicky has a major grudge against Kris and is the author of the assassination attempts. She's supposed to be on the planet to learn from Peterwald agents who are attempting to overthrow the current government in order to take over New Eden. Her actions bring that plot to overthrow the government to Kris's attention and she finally knows why King Ray sent her to New Eden.
However, she doesn't know if she is supposed to stop the revolution or begin it until she finds out the Peterwalds are on the other side. Whatever they want, Kris knows her home planet wants the opposite.
This was another great episode in the Kris Longknife series.
New Eden is an interesting world. It was one of the first settled when people from Earth began to leave the planet. Kris finds a society that is big on secrets and information security. She also finds a stratified society with the rich, original settlers who have the right to vote and all the others whose ancestors might have come to the planet as indentured servants and whose descendants are still disenfranchised.
The government has a lock on the news. Only good news gets reported in the powerful press. Neither of the two assassination attempts on Kris manage to make the news. Gun control is supposed to be absolute with only hired security services allowed to carry. But the security firms don't advertise and need word of mouth recommendations. Getting a permit to carry for herself, her team and even the Marines at the Embassy is not an easy task.
We also learn that New Eden is Abby's home planet - the one she was very glad to leave fifteen years earlier. As she goes looking for her mother and sister, she discovers that she has a twelve-year-old niece and that her mother and sister are aiming to get themselves out of the slums where they live by latching onto powerful men.
Kris also gets a chance to meet Vicky Peterwald, the little-known sister of Hank Peterwald who met his fate in the last book. Vicky has a major grudge against Kris and is the author of the assassination attempts. She's supposed to be on the planet to learn from Peterwald agents who are attempting to overthrow the current government in order to take over New Eden. Her actions bring that plot to overthrow the government to Kris's attention and she finally knows why King Ray sent her to New Eden.
However, she doesn't know if she is supposed to stop the revolution or begin it until she finds out the Peterwalds are on the other side. Whatever they want, Kris knows her home planet wants the opposite.
This was another great episode in the Kris Longknife series.
March 17, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Each of the Longknife books thus far has explored a culture or milieu and this one takes a more noirish turn with femme fatales and seedy inspectors. But we are also given a lot more background on Kris' mysterious maid, Abbie, since this is her homeworld.Story: King Ray has sent his great granddaughter to New Eden as a glorified supply manager in an attempt to get her as far away from the Greenfelds as possible. Supposedly - because Kris has begun to see a pattern of being assigned to places with hidden troubles and soon she will discover a conspiracy that even she, with all her resources, may not be able to handle.
For New Eden, Shepherd has created a world that was one of the first colonized and therefore is hidebound in old Earth politics: sections of the planet run by Chinese, American, European, etc. None trust the other and the entire world is highly disconnected. Kris runs into bureaucratic nightmares and officials working against their own interests just to keep the status quo. Into this mix, enters Vicky Smythe Peterwald - who has an axe to grind against the woman she feels killed her brother. There are plenty of confrontations and assassinations as well as the usual big battle in the end.
We do get chunks of POV from Abbie as she confronts her past and becomes embroiled in local politics. I really enjoyed those sections since they helped define Abbie and give us more insight into why she has the special skillset she does.
In all, very enjoyable. I listened to the Audible version and the narrator is excellent, as always. She has a great way of making each character unique and you never have to ask who is talking.
August 12, 2024
The main character is behaviourally so utterly and overly pathetic in being politic and taking crap from everybody while swallowing and just marching on like pacman, that character realism is out the airlock, making the story feel even more contrived, just harming the whole. So if that is your sort of kink/story this will probably be the book for you.
It is by now utterly obvious that the author is pushing a certain sort of mentality, instead of writing a believable and even handed story, that I am here dropping my average and waffling 3/5 rating down to 1/5.
This being a re-read for me many years having passed since last I listened to these five books, doing so in order over the last few days, seems to be my limit. My pot of patience has truly boiled over followed by completely evaporating with the hot-plate making a sad mess of said pot.
Also the ending is so lame that the contrivance killed of the positive mindset I had by the books fairly entertaining final action finale.
MC: "I am being ordered off the planet"
- Yeah sure you are.. by the say so of a no name bureaucrat and the MC just bends like a complete doormat because "just maybe" the authors perverse plot needs her to. As if she couldn't have done so many other things. Instead we get treated to the MC thinking the line: "No matter how ungrateful this nation was toward its saviours!" upon being ordered by an already known vile little, now powerless toady evincing no other authority than his words. This harms the validity of Kris Longknife as a character since she is here tarring all the people of the nation in question with the same brush when throughout the story to this point its been proven that probably only the powerbrokers/governing bodies of said nation suck DD.
It is by now utterly obvious that the author is pushing a certain sort of mentality, instead of writing a believable and even handed story, that I am here dropping my average and waffling 3/5 rating down to 1/5.
This being a re-read for me many years having passed since last I listened to these five books, doing so in order over the last few days, seems to be my limit. My pot of patience has truly boiled over followed by completely evaporating with the hot-plate making a sad mess of said pot.
Also the ending is so lame that the contrivance killed of the positive mindset I had by the books fairly entertaining final action finale.
MC: "I am being ordered off the planet"
- Yeah sure you are.. by the say so of a no name bureaucrat and the MC just bends like a complete doormat because "just maybe" the authors perverse plot needs her to. As if she couldn't have done so many other things. Instead we get treated to the MC thinking the line: "No matter how ungrateful this nation was toward its saviours!" upon being ordered by an already known vile little, now powerless toady evincing no other authority than his words. This harms the validity of Kris Longknife as a character since she is here tarring all the people of the nation in question with the same brush when throughout the story to this point its been proven that probably only the powerbrokers/governing bodies of said nation suck DD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2017
This was one of the better Kris Longknife books to me. We get to see Kris grow up some and become a better commander, considering her people and the butcher's bill before she leaps into action. She also realizes that her first idea is not likely always her best.
We also learn that despite being beautiful, but not in the traditional sense, Kris is somewhat insecure about her bust size and the size of her nose. I don't know much about makeup, but I would assume that Abby could use some techniques to draw attention away from Kris's honker. As a tall woman at 6', Kris's best feature is going to be her long, long legs. Abby should dress her more to show off those legs, not emphasize how small Kris's bust is.
Some other readers have nitpicked Kris's diet. I don't think that an author has to tell us everything that a character eats, but allows the reader to assume that the character will eat a sufficient meal. We do see Kris eat steak, and other hearty meals.
We learn quite a bit about Abby in this book, getting to see some of her backstory. We also get to see a little romance for Abby, but not sure if it continues into the next book which I am reading now.
We also learn that despite being beautiful, but not in the traditional sense, Kris is somewhat insecure about her bust size and the size of her nose. I don't know much about makeup, but I would assume that Abby could use some techniques to draw attention away from Kris's honker. As a tall woman at 6', Kris's best feature is going to be her long, long legs. Abby should dress her more to show off those legs, not emphasize how small Kris's bust is.
Some other readers have nitpicked Kris's diet. I don't think that an author has to tell us everything that a character eats, but allows the reader to assume that the character will eat a sufficient meal. We do see Kris eat steak, and other hearty meals.
We learn quite a bit about Abby in this book, getting to see some of her backstory. We also get to see a little romance for Abby, but not sure if it continues into the next book which I am reading now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2019
je deviens de plus en plus fan, c'est bien écrit, avec de très bonnes scènes d'action, de l'humour .. ce n'est pas prise de tête, je m'évade (le but recherché); et bon, je m'habitue au côté "Princesse" de Kris et ses problèmes de chaussures à talon.
May 13, 2024
Another look one down
Another one down in this series reread. Really enjoying this. Lot of fun. Kris is like a bullet Just pointer in the direction and watch the damage to the bad guys. Off to the next read.
Another one down in this series reread. Really enjoying this. Lot of fun. Kris is like a bullet Just pointer in the direction and watch the damage to the bad guys. Off to the next read.
November 18, 2024
I particularly liked this one since we get a bit more Abby, and New Eden is an interesting setting that Shepherd gives us some windows into. Plus Victoria is a fantastic flouncy villain, throwing out assassins left and right.
November 6, 2016
Although at a disadvantage cause I'm not familiar with the world and it';s politics still it was an entertaining, solid, military space opera read
July 24, 2017
Recent Reads: Audacious. Bk 5 of Mike Shepherd's Kris Longknife series. Sent out of harms way, Kris finds planetary politics risky business.
August 2, 2018
Right up there with Honor Harrington.
April 1, 2019
Great addition! I love the new villian. And I loved the honorable ending.
May 12, 2019
He uses more adjectives in this one. It is great to get actual descriptions.
June 22, 2020
2 1/2 **
February 19, 2017
Growing up is hard on your family.
The continuing saga of Kris Longknife is a joy and interesting read. I will continue to follow the series . This was hard growth on our heroine but ever forward bringing law and order.
The continuing saga of Kris Longknife is a joy and interesting read. I will continue to follow the series . This was hard growth on our heroine but ever forward bringing law and order.
Read
January 31, 2014 Up until the last novel, the Peterwald heir has been a genetically modified plastic playboy who may or may not have been oblivious to what was really going on. Suddenly he went all Stepford wife and became Daddy's little tool, and as a pumped up Tin Admiral, he went way out of his depth and got himself killed. Yes his life pod was rigged to fail, but it was his mistakes that required it and his mistake to trust it. So he is thoroughly complicit, by incompetence, in his own death.
Now, deux ex machina, comes a new heir, a natural born sister. I start to drool with her potential to go balls to the wall with Kris, to be Moriarty to her Sherlock, to be an arch nemesis that can deal her a setback and remove our certainty that Kris will always prevail. As a girl, she was sidestepped, neglected, discounted. She would have had to fight harder and smarter to get one tenth of what her vacuous brother got by right of birth. Not genetically modified, she, like Kris, would have avoided the curse of perfect beauty that saps your intellect and will by making life to easy to manipulate. She could have lurked unnoticed in the background and soaked up how the power game was played by Daddy, and now with brother out of her way, she could show Daddy that she is the true heir to his ambition.
What I got was a barbie clone of brother as simple minded as he. What a waste of a character, and my first let down in the series. I am only 68 pages in, but have already lost enthusiasm. We shall see where this goes, as I already have the following books.
Well, once past the useless Victoria, it as good as every other. Kris ends up not only with her own ship, but a marine contingent as well. The Navy was so busy finding a place for her that they missed her finding her own. (...and I wrote that before reading the last chapter. :) )
Now, deux ex machina, comes a new heir, a natural born sister. I start to drool with her potential to go balls to the wall with Kris, to be Moriarty to her Sherlock, to be an arch nemesis that can deal her a setback and remove our certainty that Kris will always prevail. As a girl, she was sidestepped, neglected, discounted. She would have had to fight harder and smarter to get one tenth of what her vacuous brother got by right of birth. Not genetically modified, she, like Kris, would have avoided the curse of perfect beauty that saps your intellect and will by making life to easy to manipulate. She could have lurked unnoticed in the background and soaked up how the power game was played by Daddy, and now with brother out of her way, she could show Daddy that she is the true heir to his ambition.
What I got was a barbie clone of brother as simple minded as he. What a waste of a character, and my first let down in the series. I am only 68 pages in, but have already lost enthusiasm. We shall see where this goes, as I already have the following books.
Well, once past the useless Victoria, it as good as every other. Kris ends up not only with her own ship, but a marine contingent as well. The Navy was so busy finding a place for her that they missed her finding her own. (...and I wrote that before reading the last chapter. :) )
January 18, 2015
This is book five in the Longknife series. Navy Lieutenant Kristine Longknife, Princess of Wardhaven is going on vacation to the planet New Eden. Of course, her family assigns her various diplomatic and military obligations while on the planet. These jobs are to stand around looking pretty during diplomatic occasions and dealing with paperwork.
Two assassination attempts convince Kris and her bodyguard Jack something is wrong in New Eden. They dig deeper into the planet society and find a deeply conflicted planet on the verge of a revolution. Those who tried to kill Kris picked on the wrong person as Kris shoots back. They also find that as the planet falls into chaos the Peterwald are trying to take over the planet.
More is revealed about Abbey's past in this book. Seems the author is gradually peeling away Abbey's mysterious background in each book. The characters are interesting and the plot is full of twists and peppered liberally with sharply described action. The pace of the story is fast. As with each book the author sprinkles the book liberally with humor. Every time I read one of the books in this series I become more fascinated with Kris’s computer Nelly. I would love to have a Nelly of my own. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. Dina Pearlman narrated the book.
Two assassination attempts convince Kris and her bodyguard Jack something is wrong in New Eden. They dig deeper into the planet society and find a deeply conflicted planet on the verge of a revolution. Those who tried to kill Kris picked on the wrong person as Kris shoots back. They also find that as the planet falls into chaos the Peterwald are trying to take over the planet.
More is revealed about Abbey's past in this book. Seems the author is gradually peeling away Abbey's mysterious background in each book. The characters are interesting and the plot is full of twists and peppered liberally with sharply described action. The pace of the story is fast. As with each book the author sprinkles the book liberally with humor. Every time I read one of the books in this series I become more fascinated with Kris’s computer Nelly. I would love to have a Nelly of my own. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. Dina Pearlman narrated the book.
December 6, 2007
As usual, Shepherd is up to his usual tricks combining a well-fashioned plot with humor and characters you love. His main character is a member of a larger than life family--the Longknifes and she has gotten into the same sort of heroic hijinks that has won a name for other members of her family.
In this book, she is sent to supposedly negotiate contracts for her family's software company and wins over the marines who guard the embassy as well as have to deal with a planet that doesn't allow all of its citizen's to vote and requires a princess who has had a couple of assassination attempts to jump through hoops to get weapon's permits.
The question is how will Kris fix or change things on this planet? Read the book to find out, but if you haven't read the previous books, read them first.
Honestly, Shepherd's books are excellent, and I understand that he has other books published under his real name (check the copyright page to look for the author's actual name if you want to read more books by him). I intend to look up some of his earlier books as I love his space opera.
In this book, she is sent to supposedly negotiate contracts for her family's software company and wins over the marines who guard the embassy as well as have to deal with a planet that doesn't allow all of its citizen's to vote and requires a princess who has had a couple of assassination attempts to jump through hoops to get weapon's permits.
The question is how will Kris fix or change things on this planet? Read the book to find out, but if you haven't read the previous books, read them first.
Honestly, Shepherd's books are excellent, and I understand that he has other books published under his real name (check the copyright page to look for the author's actual name if you want to read more books by him). I intend to look up some of his earlier books as I love his space opera.
February 13, 2025
Thrown into the fire again…
The people that work with Kris Longknife are usually in situations where they’re fighting for their lives. They aren’t happy about it exactly but they’re growing resigned to their lot.
However they are still capable of being surprised by the unusual. When Princess Kris is sent to the “civilized” world of Eden she is supposed to be combining the supply officer role to purchase “paper clips etc” with the royal duties of being seen in the highest social circles representing their society. Unfortunately this barely lasts any time since she’s forced to improvise to survive the first major assassination attempt at the first soirée she attends.
She, Nelly & everyone else is then faced with the total lack of knowledge about how things work on Eden. The information system is actually designed to prevent the flow of even the most basic knowledge, much less important facts that might make it possible to figure out the who, what and how regarding the source of the increasingly complex attacks against her.
The mystery posed by Abby is partially explored along the way as she has unexpected insights into Eden that prove useful.
The people that work with Kris Longknife are usually in situations where they’re fighting for their lives. They aren’t happy about it exactly but they’re growing resigned to their lot.
However they are still capable of being surprised by the unusual. When Princess Kris is sent to the “civilized” world of Eden she is supposed to be combining the supply officer role to purchase “paper clips etc” with the royal duties of being seen in the highest social circles representing their society. Unfortunately this barely lasts any time since she’s forced to improvise to survive the first major assassination attempt at the first soirée she attends.
She, Nelly & everyone else is then faced with the total lack of knowledge about how things work on Eden. The information system is actually designed to prevent the flow of even the most basic knowledge, much less important facts that might make it possible to figure out the who, what and how regarding the source of the increasingly complex attacks against her.
The mystery posed by Abby is partially explored along the way as she has unexpected insights into Eden that prove useful.
October 22, 2011
In Audacious, Kris is sent to Eden, an old and conservative colony world where her native and cosmopolitan Wardhaven is thought of as very much a backwater. The plot seems absent at the start, apart from the by now de rigeur repeated attempts on Kris’ life. As usual, the Peterwalds are trying to take over. As usual, Kris Longknife is in the way.
While the series cannot live forever on repetitive plots somewhat varied, the characters do carry this book along like they did the others. The added wrinkle of a glimpse into Abby’s past is a nice bonus. The sometimes strained praise of Marines is oddly both fun and tiresome. After five books, I would happily read more. But just as I did after Resolute, I can’t help but wonder where it is all going in the end.
Note: Shepherd has previously written about our heroine’s great-grandfather Raymond under his real name, Mike Moscoe.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1275
While the series cannot live forever on repetitive plots somewhat varied, the characters do carry this book along like they did the others. The added wrinkle of a glimpse into Abby’s past is a nice bonus. The sometimes strained praise of Marines is oddly both fun and tiresome. After five books, I would happily read more. But just as I did after Resolute, I can’t help but wonder where it is all going in the end.
Note: Shepherd has previously written about our heroine’s great-grandfather Raymond under his real name, Mike Moscoe.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1275
July 22, 2012
Weakest book of the series, I'm afraid.
On the plus side, we learn a lot more about Abby and het past. We are introduced to Vicky Peterwald, who takes over from Hank as dumb baddie (with no more smarts, it seems), and we've picked up a couple of teenage kids to ad into the mix. We still get the usual bloodbath, and we still end the book in Mac's office back on Waldhaven.
This book felt like it was just marking time, waiting for the next big space adventure. We are planet-bound on New Eden for the whole story (except for when Kris is kicked off at the end), It could be any contemporary military-style actioner (e.g The Expendables etc), there's very little that's "sic-fi" about it other than the fact that it's Kris and her cohorts with their invincible armour and almost invincible pet computer. Heck even the Eden factions were labelled as "American" etc. Disappointing.
Hope the next one is better.
On the plus side, we learn a lot more about Abby and het past. We are introduced to Vicky Peterwald, who takes over from Hank as dumb baddie (with no more smarts, it seems), and we've picked up a couple of teenage kids to ad into the mix. We still get the usual bloodbath, and we still end the book in Mac's office back on Waldhaven.
This book felt like it was just marking time, waiting for the next big space adventure. We are planet-bound on New Eden for the whole story (except for when Kris is kicked off at the end), It could be any contemporary military-style actioner (e.g The Expendables etc), there's very little that's "sic-fi" about it other than the fact that it's Kris and her cohorts with their invincible armour and almost invincible pet computer. Heck even the Eden factions were labelled as "American" etc. Disappointing.
Hope the next one is better.
November 24, 2020
After the events of the last book Kris Longknife gets assigned to the Embassy on New Eden to facilitate the purchase of equipment for the Navy. But that's just the official reason instead she is thrust into an unknown situation. New Eden as the first colony was the dumping ground for Earth for years similar to Australia. In the present many of the decisions that are keeping the rich in power and denying those that came later the vote are bubbling to a head. Corruption and secrecy have hidden the rot and the Peterwald Empire plans to take advantage of that to capture the planet. Only Kris, her small group of friends, the Embassy marines, her maid and her family stand between the villain and their bloody victory.
In this book we get to crack some of the secrets about who Kris' suspiciously skilled maid. We also meet the Peterwald version of Kris a young woman named Vicky. By the end of this book Kris' relationships will all change. Some subtly but all make for great character growth.
In this book we get to crack some of the secrets about who Kris' suspiciously skilled maid. We also meet the Peterwald version of Kris a young woman named Vicky. By the end of this book Kris' relationships will all change. Some subtly but all make for great character growth.
January 13, 2008
The first of the series where Kris doesn't really spent tons of time dealing with space combat (well I suppose there is plenty of dirtside action in the other books, but this one has NONE up in space, where's the fun in that?). I felt that with this book things really took a downhill turn. Still a pretty good book and I do reccomend reading it, but don't expect it to be quite as engaging as the other ones unless you are into big city sprawls with their messed up political intrigue they can spawn.
July 21, 2015
I love these books so much. Kris kicks butt. She's one of my favorite heroines - across genres - and tied for favorite heroine in the SF genre (with Cherijo Greyveil of the Stardoc series by SL Viehl). And man, this book does not disappoint with the writing and the characterization and the sheer attention-grabbing, forget-to-do-anything-else action. I love Abby - the maid who isn't a maid - and the insertion of some backstory for her upped the book-love for this series to a whole other level. I can't wait to read the next - and lucky for me, I have it waiting on the shelf.
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