Freedom Fighter

Solar Wind #3

by Lyz Russo

(The Solar Wind III): He shook his head and glanced again at the message he held in his hand, on the piece of card that had carried the by now disappeared fingerprint. There was new text on it: "Ancient Tzigan Trick. You've officially been diddled." Federi whistled as he piloted the plane out of range of the base's radar. Rushka in charge of the Solar Wind! Is the girl, who has been groomed for captaining all her life, capable of taking the Solar Wind all the way to Ginavis without her father - or any of the senior crew - aboard? In the midst of chaos, attacks and insubordination, the job of keeping it all together falls to Federi... And while he rolls his dramatic eyes, Paean Donegal, who doesn't like ambiguities, arms up and signs up for hero craft!

Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2011

About the author

Peeps, sorry - the first "Solar Wind" book is not entirely free any longer. It is still deeply discounted at only $1 on Smashwords though. That won't break the bank.

Here's the link:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Grab yours while this lasts. The sequels come in at $4.95 - those are big books, folks. Immersive, escapist. If you liked the first, you'll love the others.

Or feel free to help yourself to a shortstory from here:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/byse...

Enjoy!!

(Footnote: I have not yet started writing again. Once my life has stabilized, once I have kept a number of commitments, then... I'll write again. Maybe 2 more years.)

Reviews

[BestChickLit.com]

Ready for another complex, piratical adventure? Good! Because Freedom Fighter is just as delicious as Lyz Russo’s two previous novels in The Solar Wind Series.

This is the third Solar Wind book I’ve read and I’ve loved each one more and more to the point where now I’m desperate to have questions answered and I’m missing the characters not being part of my life…Oh, alright, I’m missing not being on board a pirate ship in my imagination!

But this series is becoming progressively darker and more mysterious and suddenly The Solar Wind doesn’t seem quite as much fun as a traditional Jolly Roger. The captain and his senior crew members are all involved in peace talks, leaving his daughter as stand in captain. When she becomes sick everyone turns to Federi, the assassin, to be in charge. But doesn’t he have enough on his plate fighting terrorists, saving lives and fending off over-sized marine life? And things are becoming unbearably strained between him and Paean. Maybe being soulmates just isn’t enough sometimes? Especially when she’s tinkering with her own secret weapons and vowing to be the captain’s little Freedom Fighter.

This swashbuckling book is more than just an adventure story. It’s a young adult book that treats hormones, emotions and relationship with care and attention as well as exploring biology, politics and doing the right thing, whatever the risks. I found it heart breaking to see the strain my favourite characters were put under and I can’t wait to see if things are resolved in the next installment.

review by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com

[Roughseasinthemed]

I can't believe there is even more action in this third book in the Solar Wind series.

Russo manages to change scenarios and dynamics at the drop of a hat which means each new book is different to its predecessor.

Character development continues to be excellent with Paean growing all the time (wish I was as savvy at her age), and we continue to learn more about the captain, Radomir, and the gypsy Federi, the star of the series and of the ship.

Secondary characters aren't neglected, and in this book we are introduced to the enigmatic Perdita.

Another good read, a long read, but well worth it. Just don't leave it too long between reading it or you might forget what has happened, it's so busy!

[Colleen Chesebro]

*The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

“Freedom Fighter,” is the third installment in the intriguing Solar Wind series. I have to tell you all, I am hopelessly in love with this series. The characters have found their way into my heart. I feel pained every time I come to the end of another exciting installment because I want to know more! I think I must have some gypsy blood running through my veins!

What happens next? I’m dying to find out!

Freedom Fighter finds Captain Radomir Lascek up to his neck in negotiations with the Unicate and other warring factions as he tries to carve out a peaceful treaty to the new world order that has taken over the earth. So much so, that he has no choice but to make his daughter, Rushka Donegal, the captain of the Solar Wind.

Rushka, married to Paean Donegal’s brother, finds herself in quite the predicament. Pregnant with twins and suffering from horrible bouts of morning sickness, Rushka is forced to count on the experience and expertise from Federi, the gypsy, when it comes to the obstacles the Solar Wind is forced to endure. This causes a rift between Rushka and her husband, as he is the second mate on the ship, even though he does not possess the experience needed to man the craft alone.

Meanwhile, Paean has her own problems dealing with her gypsy husband. Still a teenager, she grapples with the feelings of love she has for Federi. She knows there is a physical part of loving her gypsy but understands that she is not yet ready for that step. Or is she? Federi pulls away from Paean trying to respect her age. He is willing to wait until she is older to consummate their marriage. Through it all, Paean believes the gypsy is reconsidering his marriage to her. A genius at manipulating cells and genetic codes, Paean brews a love potion sure to win over Federi’s heart, with disastrous results!

Nevertheless, their bond is strong as Paean becomes Federi’s backup in the war against the Unicate. In no time, Paean proves to be quite the pugilist and earns the recognition from the captain as “The Captain’s Little Freedom Fighter.” Federi is consumed with jealousy and reminds Paean that she belongs only to him.

This novel takes on a more mysterious and sinister air than the previous two installments. Something is happening to the sea life in the oceans. It is up to Federi and Paean to solve this mystery.

However, I find there are still many unanswered questions. Why is the Unicate hunting down the Donegal Troubles? Why did the Unicate want the Donegal’s mother dead? Lyz Russo skillfully drops hints that Paean is the key to the whole mystery…

Now, I can’t wait to read Solar Wind Book 4, Raiders! If you love science fiction with a pirate twist you will love the Solar Wind series. Freedom Fighter deals with the theme of relationships. Love, lust, desire, and greed! Throw in some gypsy magic to keep things real and you are ready for another great adventure.