Defiant (Kris Longknife #3)

Defiant by Mike Shepherd is the third book in the Kris Longknife science fiction series. 

After returning to Wardhaven following a daring rescue of her best friend, Kris learns that her position has been taken - likely the consequences would be worse if not for being one of those damn Longknifes. 

What is available is a squadron of fast attack boats called mosquitos. They are untried in combat but may be an idea for planetary protection from invasion - something that is more likely since the galaxy wide alliance has ended.

A theory that Kris and her crews will be able to test when war ships enter Wardhaven space. 

Shepherd has written and entertaining space opera series featuring an audacious character with a band of friends who help keep her alive. 

Shepherd, Mike. (2005). Defiant. New York: Ace Books. 

The River of Silver (Daevabad tales)

The River of Silver by S.A. Chakraborty is a collection of tales that extends her Daevabad trilogy to four books. 

Have you ever finished a great series and just wanted more? So has author S.A. Chakraborty!

This collection includes tales of all the best characters of her Daevabad series - taking place before, during and after the time of the series (including an alternative ending!).

Chakraborty, S.A. (2022). The River of Silver. New York: Harper Voyager. 

Deserter (Kris Longknife #2)

Deserter by Mike Shepherd is the second book in the Kris Longknife science fiction series. 

Kris is back on the planet of Wardhaven putting a new ship through its tests when she gets a call saying that Tom has been taken. He was on vacation on a cruise halfway across the galaxy. 

Taking leave for a week, Kris - along with her bodyguard and the new dresser her mother hired when Kris's grandfather became king, making Kris a princess - race to a far off planet to rescue Tom. All of which may be a trap.

Mike Shepherd has created a great character in a fun space opera series. I will be reading them all. 

Shepherd, Mike. (2004). Deserter. New York: Ace Books.

The Empire of Gold (Daevabad #3)

The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty is the third book in her Daevabad fantasy series.

Magic is lost. The city of the djinn has fallen. Chaos rules. 

Ali and Nahri wash up on the shore of a great river. Neither of them knows where they are or how they got there.

And that is all I can say without giving spoilers! Read the Deavabad series. It is one of my favorite fantasy series.

Chakraborty, S.A. (2020). The Empire of Gold. New York: Harper Voyager. 

The Kingdom of Copper (Daevabad #2)

The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty is the second book in her Daevabad fantasy series set in the central city of the djinn.

Nahri is learning the traditions and healing arts of the djinn while the whole city prepares for the holiday of the new century. Djinn will come from all over the world to celebrate in the city and for a chance to glimpse a member of the Nahid family. 

Ali has been banished from the city and is trying a quiet life in the desert - enjoying being a (somewhat) regular djinn instead of the prince. 

But on the horizon is a plot to attack the city during the holiday, to bring Daevabad to its knees and usurp King Ghassan whose family has ruled for millennium. 

Chakraborty is a wonderful storyteller. Her books have all of the hallmarks of a brilliant fantasy series with the added bonus of magical creatures of desert folklore. Read this series!

Chakraborty, S. A. (2019). The Kingdom of Copper. New York: Harper Voyager.