Book Review: Shadow Run by AdriAnne Strickland and Michael Miller

Media Type: Ebook (ARC)
Title: Shadow Run
*Series: Kaitan Chronicles #1
Author(s): Adrianne Strickland & Michael Miller
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: Hardcover; 400
Release Date: March 21, 2017
Source: Publisher
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Content Screening: Mild Violence

HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart

Recommended to: Readers who enjoy action packed science fiction with well-written characters.

Add it on: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Firefly meets Dune in this action-packed sci-fi adventure about a close-knit, found family of a crew navigating a galaxy of political intrigue and resource-driven power games.

Nev has just joined the crew of the starship Kaitan Heritage as the cargo loader. His captain, Qole, is the youngest-ever person to command her own ship, but she brooks no argument from her crew of orphans, fugitives, and con men. Nev can’t resist her, even if her ship is an antique.

As for Nev, he’s a prince, in hiding on the ship. He believes Qole holds the key to changing galactic civilization, and when her cooperation proves difficult to obtain, Nev resolves to get her to his home planet by any means necessary.

But before they know it, a rival royal family is after Qole too, and they’re more interested in stealing her abilities than in keeping her alive.

Nev’s mission to manipulate Qole becomes one to save her, and to survive, she’ll have to trust her would-be kidnapper. He may be royalty, but Qole is discovering a deep reservoir of power–and stars have mercy on whoever tries to hurt her ship or her crew.

I’m not going to lie, I am always so delighted when I find a Science Fiction novel that is accessible and exciting! I had high hopes for Shadow Run, and I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. The Kaitan Heritage is a ship after my own heart. Cobbled together, barely holding on, and full of the most loyal and intriguing set of people there ever was! I remember seeing somewhere that this book was likened to Firefly and Dune. Yes, friends, that is entirely accurate. A little bit of love, a dash of danger, and a whole lot of sarcasm and wit. That’s what you’ll find between these pages.

First off, massive kudos to the authors for crafting as captivating a character as Captain Qole. At just 17 years old, she’s the best Shadow fishing captain in the Universe. But that’s not where her intrigue ends. Qole is also poisoned by the very thing that both makes up her livelihood, and makes her such an excellent captain. It’s a compelling double-edged sword. What I loved most about her character though, was how self-assured and bad-ass she was. Qole doesn’t need your admiration. She’s strong, loyal, and full of a kind of fierce love that made me fall for her instantly. I love seeing forceful women in positions of power. Qole doesn’t disappoint.

Better still, Nev’s entrance into this story didn’t dim Qole’s light one bit. In fact, Nev is a beautiful contrast to Qole’s dark and resolute personality. See, Nev is ever the optimist. He’s both tough as nails and has a heart that is fit to burst with pride for his family. His quick thinking and kindness make him the perfect opposite to Qole, and watching them interact is honestly a lot of fun. I never felt like the tension brewing between them was overbearing and the little romance that may have existed just felt like it belonged. Color me impressed.

The absolute only reason I wasn’t able to give this a full five-star rating is because the climax felt a little rushed. The first three-quarters of this book are perfectly paced. There is world-building galore, time for our characters to grow and understand one another, plus even the perfect amount of action to keep things fresh. As the book neared the end, I felt like it was rushing to push everything still left undone in order. Which, to be honest, I can totally understand. It makes me happy to know that there’s another book coming after this one. I absolutely cannot wait to read it!

You need to meet the ragtag crew of the Kaitan. Plain and simple. If Shadow Run isn’t already on your wishlist, put it there.

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.

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