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Paperback Book Details
  • 02/2019
  • 9780998045207 B07L6V417H
  • 436 pages
  • $14.99
Shami Stovall
Author, Editor (anthology)
Star Marque Rising
The future is governed through a genetic hierarchy—superhumans at the top, humans and defects at the bottom. Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human, has a cocksure attitude and the combat skills to back it up. With his unparalleled skills, he makes his living as a ruthless gunrunner on a shady space station near the edges of the quadrant. Stronger, faster, and wittier than most sad sacks, no one even comes close to Demarco’s abilities—until he crosses paths with the captain of the notorious Star Marque, Endellion Voight. Captain Voight arrests Demarco and offers him a choice: go to a prison planet for his crimes, or join her starship, the Star Marque, working as mercenaries for the superhumans. But she didn't pick him at random. She has a plan to become a planet governor; a title no human has held since the superhumans won the war. It doesn’t matter the cost—assassinations, extortion, blackmail—she’s determined to claw her way to the top. All Captain Voight needs is Demarco’s help to carry out her machinations, and she’ll give him everything he’s ever wanted in return. A fast-paced space opera for those who enjoy Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, or anything by Robert A. Heinlein.
Reviews
Rife with action, intrigue, and plenty of backstabbing, Stovall’s space opera takes readers on a bumpy ride through a distant future where genetically modified cyborg humans face off against even more genetically modified superhumans. When tough guy Clevon Demarco is chosen to join the crew of cyborg enforcer starship Star Marque, captained by ruthless Cmdr. Endellion Voight, he accepts without a second thought. Enforcers are usually “fighting the filth of the outer colonies,” but ambitious Endellion has other plans: she wants to become the first human governor of a planet, in contradiction of superhuman tradition. As readers observe her progress through Demarco’s unwitting eyes, it’s hard to believe neither he nor the rest of her crew realizes that her determination masks a deadly ruthlessness. Although the setting and characters lack depth, action fans will enjoy the violence and scheming that drive this story of guile and dark ambition. (BookLife)
Entrada Reviews

"The protagonist has been so skillfully crafted that it's impossible not to love him... Star Marque Rising is so much more than a traditional science fiction novel, and this is all due to Stovall's skillful and creative writing. This shows true talent from the author to blend layered character development, action, and back stories without giving away too much of the plot at once; this novel is a truly captivating read. Even those who generally do not overly gravitate toward sci-fi will be hooked and left on the edge of their seat begging for more."

The Prairies Book Review

"Tightly written, succinct, stunning, and at times moving, Star Marque Rising is a fascinating read... The pace of the book is fast and characterization thorough. Without elaborate wordplay, Stovall manages to communicate the humane side of her characters. The snappish relationships between Demarco and some crew members; Lysander and Sawyer on the Star Marque is wryly depicted, and various missions they attend to during their time on the star ship itself makes fascinating reading as both an action adventure and an intellectually stimulating premise. A thrilling read!"

Formats
Paperback Book Details
  • 02/2019
  • 9780998045207 B07L6V417H
  • 436 pages
  • $14.99
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