Review: The Kutherian Boxed Set 2: Kutherian Gambit 12-21+Kutherian Endgame Books By Michael Anderle

Rating:4⭐️

CONTENTS

We Have Contact

My Ride is a Bitch

Don’t Cross this Line

Never Submit

Never Surrender

Forever Defend

Might Makes Right

Ahead Full

Capture Death

Life Goes On

Payback is a Bitch

Books By Michael Anderle

The second boxed set, 11 books, are set after Bethany Anne and her group take flight through the gate to space and start their own adventures with aliens and their own galactic empire.

It’s space exploration and Buck Rogers action adventure with vampires, werewolves and AI companion spaceships. Unlike the more innocent Buck Rogers and his arch nemesis. the Emperor Ming, Queen Bitch Bethany Anne and her troops often use their own powers and enormous weapons to attack their enemies in the hundreds or thousands. It’s a bloody but still often bloodless battles she wages in book after book with only one or two characters actually being lost.

Bethany Anne and her friends and family are, for the most part, immortal, and the time frame of the series jumps forward decades then hundreds of years later, without significant changes in their lives or personalities. Without any real development or depth of growth in the relationships or dynamics here, it all becomes very one note action driven.

For me, it lessens any real tension or connection and let me treat these characters and their storylines as a fun romp through space. Which I did

Another thing that happens is the acquisition of more and more characters, especially as the original characters have families (we don’t know when it happens sometimes). Suddenly there’s grandchildren and adults who belong to, I don’t know, someone. And the cast is muddy with people who honestly we have no clue who they are.

It’s bang, weapons, where’s the enemy, what’s Bethany Anne up to now sort of plot and high stakes energy. Fun space entertainment.

I recommend it as such. But don’t expect anything else from it.

Buy link

Book 2 of 3: The Kurtherian Saga Boxed Sets

Blurb

When you least expect it, expect it.

Bethany Anne has been notified there is a spaceship inside the system…but they can’t find it. Is it Kurtherian, someone else?

The governments have to be told about aliens, which sparks a worldwide effort by Governments to find what TQB has…

Oh, and Eric wants to date Gabrielle but he wants her to know he can protect her if need be. But his idea on how? Well, let’s just say it might not be the best solution.

Continue the story with the last 10 books in The Kurtherian Gambit series and step off into the continuing series, The Kurtherian Endgame, with this massive boxed set.

Included in this boxed set:

WE HAVE CONTACT
My Ride is a Bitch
Don’t Cross This Line
Never Submit
Never Surrender
Forever Defend
Might Makes Right
Ahead Full
Capture Death
Life Goes On
Payback Is A Bitch (The Kurtherian Endgame #1)

NOTE: This boxed set contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don’t suggest reading this book.

Review: The Kutherian Boxed Set 1: Books 1-11: Kutherian Gambit By Michael Anderle

Rating:4⭐️

CONTENTS /Books Included

Death Becomes Her

Queen Bitch

Love Lost

Bite This

Never Forsaken

Under My Heel

Kneel or Die

We Will Build

It’s Hell to Choose

Release the Dogs of War

Sued for Peace

I have reviewed books 1-4 and then said, I am just going to binge it the easiest way possible. That’s a collection of books, and luckily with such an extensive series of novels that Michael Anderle put out 3 collections but he also wrote a 4-book series that is a necessity for Collection 2 as their events are of utmost significance to each other.

That’s the series that focuses on vampire Michael and his adventures on earth as he attempts to make his way to Bethany Anne. Those four books happen within the same time line as the second Collection.

That author is a busy writer as this goes from 2014 to 2024, maybe even past that.

Here it’s centered around Bethany Anne, her journey to becoming the Queen Bitch, the organization she establishes and the battle to escape to space.

The novels are all quick reads, flowing naturally one into the next with all the high stakes and adventure energy of the early Buck Rogers movies. Or maybe the Adam West Batman tv series.

There’s werewolves, vampires, secret societies, government agencies, crazy space ships and AI beings along with genetically modified humans doing battle with magic and robots and aliens. Bloodshed, deaths, sometimes by the thousands, but it’s removed from any real emotion or connection with those events as we don’t know or haven’t built up any foundation for a real cause to be engaged with anything happening here. It’s all very one dimensional. All actions sequence scenarios. Which is fine because that’s what you are expecting.

All framed out by an action packed, fast paced adventure narrative that’s just short of a “KAPOW” and a “BAM” and an Emperor Ming.

Highly entertaining, and I find myself blowing through them like narrative Bon bons.

Space exploration that’s fun, not taking too seriously but highly enjoyable.

All the books are listed above.

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

Boxed Sets: The Kutherian Gambit/Endgame Saga:

Kutherian Gambit Boxed Set 1: Books 1-11
Kurtherian Gambit Boxed Set: Books 12-21 + Kurtherian Endgame Book 1 *
The Kurtherian Endgame Books 2-11

Must Read w/ Collection 2:

*The Second Dark Ages Boxed Set: The Complete Series-4 books (Michael’s series)

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: The Kurtherian Saga Boxed Sets

Blurb

Her time is running out. His reign is coming to an end.

The UnknownWorld is on the cusp of gaining a new Queen, one who sees humanity in shades of gray. But will this world accept her? With her special-ops team and a legacy of secrets, Bethany Anne must untangle the web Michael leaves behind.

As she steps into her new role, the question isn’t just whether she will survive but whether the UnknownWorld will splinter under her reign or unite in unforeseen harmony?

Dive into The Kurtherian Saga with the first 11 books of the bestselling urban fantasy-meets-scifi series!

—

Die young or live forever. What’s your choice?

Bethany Anne Reynolds isn’t your typical government cold case investigator. Known for her fiery temper and creative cursing that would make even the battle-hardened blush, her pursuit of justice is borderline obsessive…

And now, with her own life ticking away due to the same rare blood disorder that claimed her mother, her fight for the defenseless becomes even more urgent.

Her last hope? A world-weary vampire. Michael, bound by his legendary inflexible honor, has ruled the UnknownWorld with an iron fist for over a millennium. Exhausted and on the brink, he finds in Bethany Anne a fire that could reignite the supernatural world—or destroy it.

As Michael prepares to pass his mantle, he wonders: in choosing Bethany Anne, is he saving his world or thrusting it into deeper chaos?

As she steps into her new role, the question isn’t just whether she will survive but whether the UnknownWorld will splinter under her reign or unite in unforeseen harmony?

Unleash the power of choice and change humanity’s destiny.

Included in this boxed set:

Death Becomes Her
Queen Bitch
Love Lost
Bite This
Never Forsaken
Under My Heel
Kneel Or Die
We Will Build
It’s Hell To Choose
Release The Dogs of War
Sued For Peace

Unleash the power of choice and change humanity’s destiny. Click ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Read for Free’ to join Bethany Anne’s epic journey!

NOTE: This boxed set contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don’t suggest reading these books.

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

June 1, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

2857 pages

Book 1 of 3

The Kurtherian Saga Boxed Sets

Review: Never Forsaken (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 5) by Michael T. Anderle

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Terrific story with one of the best elements being the mission to reach and rescue Michael, the Patriarch, who’s been missing since the beginning of the series.

Michael’s status and how he, a formerly strict, rigid ruler, is going to factor into a very changed world and future is just one of the great narrative challenges here.

Bethany Anne’s role and character is developing in tandem with her team’s, as she grows her mission and expands their bases and branches from military to scientific research and space innovation.

Sometimes, I’ll admit it’s hard to keep track of every new character beyond the initial Queen’s Guard, her found family and father. Then it begins to blur.

Except for the villains of course.

But the military hardware, the helicopters, the planes and all the other equipment/weapons are well defined and marvelously deployed here. Things go boom often.

Many, many battles, lots of fighting and tons of bloodshed and bodies. Heads and body parts do go flying.

So, for me, it’s sort of funny to see a note from the author talking about the all the “cursing” here in the dialogue. IMO, if it’s the naughty words and not the constant bloodshed and death (however well deserved) that a reader takes issue with, maybe some sort of reflection might be needed. Just saying.

Anyway, I thought this story has some really terrific writing, great elements ( especially Michael in a box) and all the things factored into that thread. Plus do I love Ashur? Yes I do. Paul is another great favorite character.

Heading quickly to more of this series. A real winner.

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

The Kurtherian Gambit (21 book series)

Death Becomes Her #1

Queen Bitch #2

Love Lost #3

Bite This #4

Never Forsaken #5

Under My Heel #6

Kneel Or Die #7

We Will Build #8

It’s Hell To Choose #9

Release The Dogs Of War #10

Sued For Peace #11

Buy link

Book 5 of 21: The Kurtherian Gambit

Blurb

Life is beyond dangerous when you are caught up in the ongoing war between Bethany Anne’s group and the Forsaken.

** AMAZON Top 100 Best Selling Author **

Both vampires and humans have been targeted, but if there is one thing those who work with Bethany Anne learn, it is that you are NEVER FORSAKEN.

This time, Bethany Anne is after Anton, who has something, or someone, Bethany Anne wants back.

Can she find out where he is and break in to save the Patriarch if he is still alive?

Or is it a trap? Will Anton, with his centuries of experience, have the final laugh at both of their expenses?

This time, Bethany Anne is up against one of Michael’s direct children, who is one of the most powerful vampires in existence.

Don’t miss the reunion.

Go up and click Read for Free or Buy Now and continue The Kurtherian Gambit.

Never Forsaken, The Kurtherian Gambit 05 follows the story after Bite This. If you haven’t read the preceding books YOU PRETTY MUCH HAVE TO. These are a series and many of the characters have been introduced in preceding volumes.

—

NOTE: This book contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don’t suggest reading this book.

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

January 12, 2016

Edition

3rd

Language

‎English

Print length

264 pages

Book 5 of 21

The Kurtherian Gambit

Review: Queen Bitch (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 2) by Michael T. Anderle

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The fabulous bloody high action hijinks of Bethany Anne continue as she earns her title of Queen Bitch and starts to gather up a multi-species team around her.

Need a helicopter? Check! Gorgeous mansion? Check! Smack down the werewolves and gain some allies? Check and check!

Bethany Anne is rewriting the rules and those that have an issue with that are finding out how much trouble they might be in.

Another high action story with new characters, added locations and new developments that just make this even better.

Love it.

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

The Kurtherian Gambit (21 book series)

Death Becomes Her #1

Queen Bitch #2

Love Lost #3

Bite This #4

Never Forsaken #5

Under My Heel #6

Buy link

Queen Bitch (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 2)

Blurb

America has been losing good men since their teams don’t have a Vampire to help them and Frank is hoping Bethany Anne can, and will, help.

Further, the American Pack Council is having internal problems with their own “young and dumb” Were’s who want to ignore Michael’s strictures.

With no one seeing Michael, the fear of the ‘Boogeyman’ is starting to recede.

That’s ok with Bethany Anne, it means she will personally deliver the message there is a new vampire in town.

Immediately following the story of Bethany Anne from ‘Death Becomes Her’, Queen Bitch rides a rollercoaster of action and a heavy dose of creative cussing. Bethany Anne starts to get a team in place to help her affect change.

Because, whether the UnknownWorld wants it or not, change is coming.

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

November 12, 2015

Edition

3rd

Language

‎English

Print length

234 pages

Book 2 of 21

The Kurtherian Gambit

Review: Death Becomes Her (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 1) by Michael T. Anderle

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Well, this was unexpected. Picked this up when looking for another series and found an awesome series that I’m binging.

Honestly, it’s the best, like discovering a new favorite bag of popcorn or chips for that late night snack. One you can’t stop eating when you’ve opened the bag.

Yes, I’m way past this book.

This series is great for those who love action movies and paranormal stories. All that mixed in with military stuff, helicopters, things that go boom, vampires and werewolves and even science fiction space travel. And it’s awesome.

No I don’t take any of this seriously but what fabulous fun.

“Bethany Anne Reynolds is dying”

That’s the hook. She’s a very smart, beautiful and highly qualified woman in Intelligence. Her father? A general.

Turns out all through the history of the USA, a very powerful “family” has been helping the country succeed in turn for a certain favor. Now it’s time for that favor to be paid back again.

This is a really interesting take on vampires, their origins and how they reproduce.

The first novel sets the stage, the characters and Bethany Anne’s first steps in taking the role that will define her character. And give her a team.

The story is a quick read and it’s over before you know it.

Luckily it’s a complete series and you can swiftly move on to the next one. Which I did. And then the next.

It absolutely wrecked my sleep and my dog’s I can tell you.

It’s a bloody, high action, foul mouthed, blast! Loved every minute of it and Bethany Anne too!

I need more snacks!

Highly recommended.

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

The Kurtherian Gambit (21 book series)

Death Becomes Her #1

Queen Bitch #2

Love Lost #3

Bite This #4

Buy link

Death Becomes Her (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 1)

Blurb

Bethany Anne Reynolds is dying. The monsters should be relieved she’s running out of time.

A vampire with secrets older than the legends offers her one way out: pain, power, and a place in a hidden war the government pretends doesn’t exist. Bethany Anne takes the deal with both hands and a loaded weapon. The transformation kills most who attempt it. She survives it—and wakes up with fangs, superhuman strength, and an alien consciousness living rent-free in her head.

Once she steps through the door, werewolves, black ops, alien tech, and bloodlines that rewrite the dark start crawling out of the shadows. These aren’t the vampires of legend. And Bethany Anne isn’t here to whimper, bargain, or behave. If the monsters want to run the world, they’ll have to get through the woman Death couldn’t keep—the one her enemies will learn to call the Queen Bitch.

Profane, violent, and funny as hell—the first shot in a sprawling urban fantasy / military sci-fi universe readers tear through in batches.

Scroll up and one-click to meet the Queen Bitch herself

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

November 3, 2015

Edition

3rd

Language

‎English

Print length

248 pages

Book 1 of 21

The Kurtherian Gambit

Review: We Are Legion (We Are Bob) (Bobiverse #1) by Dennis E. Taylor

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I don’t remember how I stumbled across this book and author but I’m thrilled that I did.

Taylor’s story asks a great many thoughtful questions, the first being if you are still considering being cryogenically frozen, will you want to after reading this? My answer is no.

I remember when the first person was cryogenically frozen back in 1967, and yes, there are quite a few facilities around the world still operating and with wait lists, several in the USA.

A perfect cautionary tale for anyone who has considered or is planning to use cryogenics, as Bob Johansson, the genius software designer who has sold his business for billions in the story, is set himself up to be frozen once he dies. He’s fabulously wealthy, he can sustain himself while frozen and once he’s revived, he’s set.

Ah, the assumptions that everyone makes about the world they will reenter into. If they do.

Because Taylor has written an entirely plausible world and narrative here that scarily doesn’t seem too out of line with extrapolating alongside current events.

Bob is awakened ,after being hit by a car , over a hundred years later to a vastly different world. A theocracy rules .There’s new centralized mass governments and national borders have shifted dramatically. And his status also has undergone enormous changes.

Frozen as just his head (and brain obviously), it’s been used as a AI tool, he’s not seen as human anymore (thank you, Theocracy) and all his wealth has been “transferred” to the hands of God/government. He’s owned by scientists to do with whatever they choose. He’s a program.

Bob has to figure out what it means to exist in this form, and work through the various aspects and agendas of those in charge. Meanwhile, the world is in turmoil, turbulent political instability has it on the verge of collapse.

Eventually we see a fight to flee and the narrative will divide into sections between multiple Bobs, who will have different opinions, personalities, names and journeys.

While it sounds confusing, it’s not. It’s harrowing as space exploration can be, frustrating, exhilarating and full of surprises. And odd and funny cultural references, which I loved.

It’s got suspense and action too. And lots of science, but for those who find that overwhelming, it won’t be a dense read in that sense.

I’m looking forward to reading the second book and picking up the action there.

Fantastic storytelling. And nothing will ever make me decide to be cryogenically frozen . No.

Cover design by Jeff Brown

Bobiverse (5 book series):

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) #1

For We Are Many #2

All These Worlds #3

Heaven’s River #4

Not Til We Are Lost #5

Buy link

Book 1 of 5: Bobiverse

Blurb

Bob Johansson has just sold his software company and is looking forward to a life of leisure. There are places to go, books to read, and movies to watch. So it’s a little unfair when he gets himself killed crossing the street. Bob wakes up a century later to find that corpsicles have been declared to be without rights, and he is now the property of the state. He has been uploaded into computer hardware and is slated to be the controlling AI in an interstellar probe looking for habitable planets. The stakes are high: no less than the first claim to entire worlds. If he declines the honor, he’ll be switched off, and they’ll try again with someone else. If he accepts, he becomes a prime target. There are at least three other countries trying to get their own probes launched first, and they play dirty. The safest place for Bob is in space, heading away from Earth at top speed. Or so he thinks. Because the universe is full of nasties, and trespassers make them mad – very mad.

Worldbuilders Press

Publication date

September 20, 2016

Language

‎English

Print length

322 pages

Book 1 of 5

Bobiverse

Review: Apollo (The Noah Project Book 1) by M. Tasia

Rating: 4🌈

I’ve read M. Tasia before in her fantasy novels and enjoyed them, so I picked up Apollo not realizing it was part of a larger universe. Starting with Fire Lake series and continuing with The Noah Project, both are focused on the survivors of a hidden, government agency science project. One that used soldiers, and kidnapped civilians in horrific lab experiments to create paranormal mutations in the military’s secret weapon branch. It was called The Noah Project.

Each series has what’s left of the survivors trying to discover to the others, rescue them and destroy the remnants of The Noah Project that continues to operate unchecked.

It’s a couple per book type of story and series. And the length, here 200 pages, doesn’t really give the characters adequate space for a relationship of any depth to develop to at a realistic level. So it’s an instant/lust/love type of relationship. Which is acknowledged, a mystical connection.

It develops very quickly, the drama and the resolution. And the next couple is highlighted at the end.

It’s entertaining and quick. But I wasn’t as connected to the characters here as I have been in similar situations and storylines. Not enough depth for the story.

Interconnected series, starting with:

Fire Lake (9 book series)

The Noah Project:

Apollo #1

Buy link

Apollo (The Noah Project Book 1)

Blurb

A Soul Forged in Shadow, A Heart Found in the Light

For years, Apollo was nothing more than a number. A perfect weapon crafted in the cold, sterile labs of the Noah Group. He knew only the grey of concrete walls and the sting of betrayal until the day he finally escaped his chains and claimed his freedom.

But even though he broke free from the group’s stranglehold, he couldn’t deny the isolation of being a “mutant” in a world that feared him. Now he’s a leader with a fearsome burden on his shoulders.

Then Rocko comes calling.

A weary detective who’d walked away from everything, Rocko wasn’t looking for a hero. And he certainly wasn’t looking for a man who could sense the hum of the world around him. But in Apollo’s guarded eyes, Rocko sees a soul worth protecting.

And in Rocko’s steady presence, Apollo finds the one thing the Noah Group could never manufacture: a reason to hope.

As they lead a band of survivors against the shadowy organization that still hunts them, the battle becomes personal. In the quiet moments between the gunfire and the narrow escapes, a bond forms that is more powerful than any genetic enhancement.

Apollo has spent his life fighting to survive. Now, with Rocko by his side, he’s finally learning what it means to live.

Boroughs Publishing Group

Publication date

March 18, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

200 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Noah Project

Review: Calamity (Uncharted Hearts Book 1) by Constance Fay

Rating: 3⭐️

Have you ever read a book and been absolutely irritated by an author’s decision to make their main character an absolute idiot? Mostly because of the time that you spent trying to make sense of the narrative and that character before giving up?

No it wasn’t a comedy. It was a science fiction story. With a romantic plot included.

A story made up of cardboard characters, a MFC who’s so poorly written that I found her not just ludicrously incompetent but whose actions just compromised what her character’s ability, history, and experience says she was.

Plus a MMC so largely physically cartoonish that his face has a “butt chin” (written term in the book) and a smile so white that you might expect that star twinkle when you see that flash of white teeth. He’s made so “beautiful” that he’s all she thinks about, even on a mission with a deadline that is high stakes and deadly to crew on an undercover planet.

Can I say SMH?

This isn’t to say that the book doesn’t have some interesting features or intriguing elements, because it does. Once again there’s a world divided into powerful Families, the top Five, the Ten Families next fighting for their own power and political interests, then the other Twenty families. And so on.

How that works or came about isn’t clear. That they are heavily modified genetically is. Or the most powerful are, and society isn’t a benign place.

Other interesting elements are secondary characters like Etzel, a crew member who’s also a former assassin cult member. More Etzel.

But instead we get a Capt who just acts as though she’s the newbie on the crew and it’s her first encounter and mission.

Does she knowingly eat food that she thinks is suspicious when in a hostile environment/encampment? Yes, and is drugged and poisoned. Threatening her crew, mission, and the other person there.

On a hostile planet and mission where they have actively engaged with enemies, has she as the Captain of her ship set adequate measures to protect her ship and crew from attack or invasion? No.

We’re not even at 50 percent of the story. How does a author present such a totally inadequate main woman character, so amazingly stupid in her choices and decisions, utterly hormonal that she appears to be thinking with her uterus 90 percent of the time, and with the tendency to flare up in anger like a toddler that I had to double check that a woman actually wrote this. Even a teenager is more credible these days.

This is a book where I felt myself losing brain cells the further I read. Passage after passage of just events that made my mind hurt. Dialogue that considering the status of their respective missions, the situations that they had maneuvered themselves into (honestly ,you rescued someone who didn’t want to be rescued and then don’t secure them? SMH), endlessly discussing things that have no relevance to the dire situation the crew and danger they are in.

Others were rating this story highly. I don’t understand why. Nothing made sense to me about it. Not the plot or characters.

No I’m not reading the sequel.

If you are interested, read it. Tell me your thoughts.

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: Uncharted Hearts

Blurb

The captain of a ragtag mercenary ship is given an offer she can’t refuse by the ruthless head of an intergalactic noble family. The only catch? She’ll have to team up with his son–an upsettingly competent hardbody with his own agenda–to get her reward.

She’s got a ramshackle spaceship, a misfit crew, and a big problem with its sexy newest member…

Temperance Reed, banished from the wealthy and dangerous Fifteen Families, just wants to keep her crew together after their feckless captain ran off with the intern. But she’s drowning in debt and revolutionary new engine technology is about to make her beloved ship obsolete.

Enter Arcadio Escajeda. Second child of the terrifying Escajeda Family, he’s the thorn in Temper’s side as they’re sent off on a scouting mission on the backwater desert planet of Herschel 2. They throw sparks every time they meet but Temper’s suspicions of his ulterior motives only serve to fuel the flames between them.

Despite volcanic eruptions, secret cultists, and deadly galactic fighters, the greatest threat on this mission may be to Temper’s heart.

Bramble

Publication date

November 14, 2023

Language

‎English

Print length

310 pages

Review: Chameleon Assassin (Chameleon Assassin Series Book 1) By BR Kingsolver

Rating: 4⭐️

This is another engaging, interesting series by Kingsolver, an author who I automatically follow. I enjoyed this story and the character, a woman assassin/thief raised by her criminal parents in a dystopian world.

The world building is well established and the society is one that the reader can understand visualize.

Voted Best Urban Fantasy 2017, it’s very contemporary in its content with corporations ruling over the population, and the Chamber of Commerce at the top. The poor have become even more worse off and the rich elite are obsessed with staying there.

Kingsolver is best at portraying the lower classes, the castoffs of society, where her spare language is used to maximize the impact of their lack economic status and dire social conditions. The way that Libby, utilizes her mutations (a norm of this world) is fascinating. She’s a rare type, one being a chameleon, perfect in her many roles from assassin to thief.

Her parents, both great characters as well, are intriguing in their own roles and I look forward to learning more about them.

The storyline is suspense filled with plenty of action, mystery, and intriguing characters.

This introduces the reader to her and her world, setting the groundwork.

My few thoughts about her development was that a character so well trained, and established, especially from a young age, wouldn’t be telling a “friend “ details about a delicate highly confidential heist, one that could potentially cause her death and that of her father. That made no sense. She would have kept quiet.

This and a few other narrative “mis-steps” took some credibility away from her character.

Chameleon Assassin (Chameleon Assassin Series Book 1)

By BR Kingsolver was a fun read and another Kingsolver recommendation.

Cover art by Heather Hamilton-Senter

The Chameleon Assassin Series Chameleon Assassin Chameleon Uncovered Chameleon’s Challenge Chameleon’s Death Dance

Buy link

Book 1 of 5: Chameleon Assassin Series

Blurb

Voted Best Contemporary/Urban Fantasy of 2017 by eFestival of Words

I’m the best thief, hacker, and assassin money can buy. But even I know when a job is too dangerous.

In 2200, corporations rule what’s left of civilization, turning the world into a ruthless battlefield of wealth and survival. The elite live in their walled estates, indulging in luxury, while the mutants, the poor, and the criminals scramble to survive.

That’s where I come in. Need a corporate rival eliminated? A priceless artifact retrieved? A high-security system hacked? I’m your girl—if the price is right.

But even paradise has its problems. A deadly new drug is killing off the elite’s sons and daughters, and the

Chamber of Commerce wants me to find out who’s behind it. Millions are on the line. Bodies are piling up. And this time, there may be no clean way out.

They think I’m just another player in their game.

They’re wrong.

If you’re ready for a gritty, high-tech thrill ride with a heroine who never blinks, start here

Review: Uncertain Sanctuary : The Complete Trilogy by Jenny Schwartz

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The collection contains the following books:

The House That Walked Between Worlds #1

House in Hiding #2

The House That Fought #3

This was a terrific way to binge the series. I was able to read all three novels as though they were one big book, each flowing seamlessly into each other’s narrative.

Charting the journey , through three books,of human sorcerer Dr Kira Aist from a state of deep raging, grieving trauma as she flees Earth and the deaths of those she loved to one of a woman content with her new as one of the few supremely powerful sorcerers and her role in the universe.

While Schwartz has created so many imaginative and fascinating characters and elements here, I have to admit that Kira’s “House” , an enormous sentient black intimidating castle, is one of my favorites. Full of personality, capable of space travel and a “world ender” in offensive combat powers, some of the best scenes and moments occur when the House is involved.

Honestly I could see a cable series with this.

Then there’s a goblin giant war cat (see the cover), and fascinating group of found family of friends that Kira starts to gather around her, and more importantly, a cyborg elf that eventually becomes her partner.

I did have a few notes about the trilogy. The overall theme involves children suffering as well as child deaths. Also brief torture scenes. While the torture scenes aren’t particularly graphic, they’re still emotional scenes. If any of these scenes or elements are triggering, please be warned.

Then finally, Evander, an elf turned into a cyborg without his permission, with devastating consequences, wears “warrior braids “. This is a hairstyle where each braid is one of remembrance, of a fallen brother warrior. That’s an element that is seen by many cultures and traditions.

But Schwartz’ Kira refers to them occasionally as Corn rows, which struck me as odd. Kira’s background is Russian. So this started veering away from warrior braids and into cultural appropriation territory. At least that’s how it felt to me.

Aside from those notes, this is another highly successful and well written trilogy from an author who is an auto-read for me.

Another winner and recommendation.

Cover design by Miblart

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Complete Trilogy: Uncertain Sanctuary, Books 1–3 (Audible Audio Edition)

Blurb

No spaceship needed. Kira has a magic, traveling castle.

Pursued by her parents’ killers, Doctor Kira Aist calls on her inheritance as Baba Yaga’s great-granddaughter to create a House and escape Earth.

Plunging into the dangerous mysteries of Reality, she learns what it means to be a rare human sorcerer.

As strangers are drawn to her House, Kira becomes enmeshed in a diabolical plot to destroy Reality.

Who can she trust?

Of her new friends, some seek refuge, others power, and one just wants kitty treats.

In a Reality that includes cyborg elves and goblin space pirates, kobold gossips and dinosaurian scholars, one human doctor must decide the price she’ll pay for justice—and for love.

***

The Uncertain Sanctuary bundle includes three previously published novels:

The House That Walked Between Worlds

House in Hiding

The House That Fought

A high stakes, cozy fantasy that romps across the universe.

Publication date

September 5, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

618 pages

Galactic empire science fiction,

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