Synopsis
Jace Hughes is a Renegade. That means taking almost any job that comes his way, no matter the situation. So long as he can keep his ship floating, he’s free to live the life he wants. But that all changes when he meets Abigail Pryar, a nun looking for safe passage out of the system. Too bad there’s something off about the cargo she’s carrying.
Jace knows he shouldn’t ask too many questions, but when strange sounds start coming from inside the large, metal box, he can’t help but check it out. Big mistake. To make matters worse, he’s being pursued by unknown ships—people who want that cargo. Does Jace give up the goods and hand over the nun…or does he risk it all for an even bigger payout?
Experience the beginning of a sprawling galactic tale in this first entry to The Renegade Star series. If you’re a fan of Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, or Leviathan Wakes, you’ll love this epic, space opera thriller. Warning: This book contains action, cussing, and general badassery. Read at your own risk.
Review
A renegade starship captain roves the galaxy, making black-market runs for his questionable clientele. Lurking in the background are the mobsters who fund his starship and want their money. Now.
This is a simple, fast-moving tale about Jace Hughes, a starship captain who operates outside the law. He tries to stay on the fringes of the galaxy, beyond the control of the regime that is trying to clamp down on renegades.
Jace takes on a passenger who succeeds in turning his life upside down. A motley crew ends up tagging along with him, until he gets involved with their affairs too deeply to get out.
This is a quick, fun read. The story revolves around his ship, the Renegade Star, the jobs he takes on, and the places he visits across the galaxy. There’s an AI first mate with the personality of a British butler, and a nun who turns out to be a beautiful badass. Oh, and a strange, gifted girl, and other entertaining characters. And lots of guns. I also enjoyed the quieter moments inside the ship when he’s enjoying coffee, or the descriptions of traversing space.
The voice of the first-person protagonist immediately hooked me. An irreverent, crusty ship captain ala Hans Solo, who just like Solo, has a heart of gold buried underneath it all.
The ultimate mission is revealed as the story unfolds, launching what promises to be a rollicking space opera series.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Luke Daniels, who personifies Jace with gruff perfection.
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