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Class 5 #6
Collision Course
A step into the unknown . . .
Rose is looking forward to meeting the Fisone as part of the United Council’s outreach mission. Since the Tecran were defeated, and the full scope of their crimes were uncovered, the UC has wanted to find the Tecran’s victims and extend the hand of friendship. The fact that Rose is close to having her baby is just another element to the adventure of finding the Fisone’s planet and seeing if they could be potential allies.
An explorer’s dream . . .
Dav Jallan has been captain of the Barrist for a few years, but this is the first time he’s headed for a planet inhabited by advanced sentients. The Fisone exist—that is indisputable—and every part of this mission is why he became an explorer in the first place. The goal is to find them, form alliances, and make friends. The fact that he’s about to become a new father simply adds to his sense of excitement.
A collision course with reality . . .
When Sazo’s Class 5 and the Barrist enter the Fisone’s airspace, what they find is far from the uncomplicated meeting they had envisioned. The Fisone are divided, carrying a grudge, and are sure the Grih are no different from the Tecran they encountered the year before. When they take Rose as a hostage, both Dav and Sazo focus everything they have on finding her, and as the Fisone’s actions create more and more danger, ideas of alliances, friendship, and cooperation become less and less important.
The only comfort both Dav and Sazo have to draw from is that Rose has been taken by others before, underestimated before, and her abductors have lived to regret it.
They are counting on history repeating itself.
Rose is looking forward to meeting the Fisone as part of the United Council’s outreach mission. Since the Tecran were defeated, and the full scope of their crimes were uncovered, the UC has wanted to find the Tecran’s victims and extend the hand of friendship. The fact that Rose is close to having her baby is just another element to the adventure of finding the Fisone’s planet and seeing if they could be potential allies.
An explorer’s dream . . .
Dav Jallan has been captain of the Barrist for a few years, but this is the first time he’s headed for a planet inhabited by advanced sentients. The Fisone exist—that is indisputable—and every part of this mission is why he became an explorer in the first place. The goal is to find them, form alliances, and make friends. The fact that he’s about to become a new father simply adds to his sense of excitement.
A collision course with reality . . .
When Sazo’s Class 5 and the Barrist enter the Fisone’s airspace, what they find is far from the uncomplicated meeting they had envisioned. The Fisone are divided, carrying a grudge, and are sure the Grih are no different from the Tecran they encountered the year before. When they take Rose as a hostage, both Dav and Sazo focus everything they have on finding her, and as the Fisone’s actions create more and more danger, ideas of alliances, friendship, and cooperation become less and less important.
The only comfort both Dav and Sazo have to draw from is that Rose has been taken by others before, underestimated before, and her abductors have lived to regret it.
They are counting on history repeating itself.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2024
377 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Diener
50 books1,913 followersMichelle Diener is a bestselling, award-winning author of historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Having worked in publishing and IT, she's now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters.
Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.
Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 11, 2024
Collision Course is Book 6 of Diener’s Class 5 series, and features the protagonists from Book 1, Dark Horse. Can this be read as a stand-alone? Yes, but I suggest reading at least Dark Horse and Book 5, Dark Class.
If you are familiar with Diener’s Class 5 series, you’ve probably read the previous five (and 4.5) books, and have your favorite Earth-stolen heroine. For me, Rose from book 1, Dark Horse, has always been my favorite, so I was delighted to discover the sixth installment, Collision Course, features Rose, Dav, and Sazo.
In Book 6, Rose and her boys are off to meet the previously unknown alien race whose sentient AI spaceship, Irini, was stolen by the Tecran (as detailed in book 5, Dark Class ). However, before Dav and his explorer crew can even make first contact, the Fisone snatch away a 9-months pregnant Rose, wanting to use her as ransom for restitution of the loss of Irini. This turns out to be a very bad choice for the Fisone as they’ve not just pissed off Dav and his Grih crew, but also Sazo, Rose’s sentientDeath Star Class 5 BFF.
A classic Diener action and adventure then unfolds, with Rose being her usual badass damsel as she thwarts her foes and makes new friends along the way. Though I love Diener’s powerhouse leading lady formula, in past books, the FMC has often overshadowed the MMC love interest. However, in Collision Course, both Dav and Sazo get screen time being awesome.
This book is awesome. If you’ve enjoyed the Class 5 series, book 6 is the perfect exclamation point to all the fun and adventure you’ve come to love and enjoy. Cheers, cheers, cheers and bravo.
Note: I had the privilege to review an ARC of Collision Course as part of Michelle’s reader group, and scan out a few typos. Look for me in the acknowledgements! #nothumblebragging
If you are familiar with Diener’s Class 5 series, you’ve probably read the previous five (and 4.5) books, and have your favorite Earth-stolen heroine. For me, Rose from book 1, Dark Horse, has always been my favorite, so I was delighted to discover the sixth installment, Collision Course, features Rose, Dav, and Sazo.
In Book 6, Rose and her boys are off to meet the previously unknown alien race whose sentient AI spaceship, Irini, was stolen by the Tecran (as detailed in book 5, Dark Class ). However, before Dav and his explorer crew can even make first contact, the Fisone snatch away a 9-months pregnant Rose, wanting to use her as ransom for restitution of the loss of Irini. This turns out to be a very bad choice for the Fisone as they’ve not just pissed off Dav and his Grih crew, but also Sazo, Rose’s sentient
A classic Diener action and adventure then unfolds, with Rose being her usual badass damsel as she thwarts her foes and makes new friends along the way. Though I love Diener’s powerhouse leading lady formula, in past books, the FMC has often overshadowed the MMC love interest. However, in Collision Course, both Dav and Sazo get screen time being awesome.
This book is awesome. If you’ve enjoyed the Class 5 series, book 6 is the perfect exclamation point to all the fun and adventure you’ve come to love and enjoy. Cheers, cheers, cheers and bravo.
Note: I had the privilege to review an ARC of Collision Course as part of Michelle’s reader group, and scan out a few typos. Look for me in the acknowledgements! #nothumblebragging
December 31, 2024
Reading a Class 5 novel is always such a joy. The author is truly one of a kind—I can count on one hand the authors whose newsletters I subscribe to and whose books I devour the moment they're released, and she's one of them.
Her stories are comforting, entertaining, and consistently enjoyable, following a reliable formula that allows for instant escape into her worlds. There's something uniquely uplifting about her books; they always leave me feeling good.
While I adore all her works, her Class 5 series holds a special place in my heart, very closely followed by her The Rising Wave series. They're the perfect mix of romance and fantasy, that speaks to me on every level.
Her stories are comforting, entertaining, and consistently enjoyable, following a reliable formula that allows for instant escape into her worlds. There's something uniquely uplifting about her books; they always leave me feeling good.
While I adore all her works, her Class 5 series holds a special place in my heart, very closely followed by her The Rising Wave series. They're the perfect mix of romance and fantasy, that speaks to me on every level.
November 7, 2024
****4.5****
Man, I blitzed through this yesterday, finishing in the wee hours last night. I wasn't sure that I wanted the author to reopen this series, because I thought the last book's extended epilogue was a perfect cap on the series and I was afraid she'd ruin that. But she didn't.
This book revisits my favorite of the Class 5 main characters: Rose, Sazo, and Dav. I think I not only loved going back to them, but I also loved that this feels like a glimpse of how their lives will go now that the main series drama is over - exploration, occasional bits of action/drama, but their ability to utterly rely on each other will save the day and keep their little family together.
I like that Dav and Sazo's ships feel like separate worlds from the Grih society and the overall Galactic alliance, because frankly, I am not impressed with them and their xenophobia and would rather these amazing characters live their lives away from that bullshit. We got the teeniest hint of it in this book (that a couple parents may not like Rose and Dav's baby joining the daycare when she's born), but it was mostly waved away - we're told it is 1-2 people that no one else likes much anyway. That's fine. There are always going to be assholes in the world. But I feel like they are safe here together, their family is safe, Sazo is safe and doesn't have to be scary (except to outside threats, like in this book).
I also enjoyed Sazo getting to interact with a new AI that is just waking up, and seeing both how much he's grown and learned (morality, most of all), but also seeing how it could go terribly wrong. It was a wonderful arc for him, and it also will keep him from being overly trusting to any new AI they might encounter.
Really fun. I'm going to have to queue up the series for a re-read.
Man, I blitzed through this yesterday, finishing in the wee hours last night. I wasn't sure that I wanted the author to reopen this series, because I thought the last book's extended epilogue was a perfect cap on the series and I was afraid she'd ruin that. But she didn't.
This book revisits my favorite of the Class 5 main characters: Rose, Sazo, and Dav. I think I not only loved going back to them, but I also loved that this feels like a glimpse of how their lives will go now that the main series drama is over - exploration, occasional bits of action/drama, but their ability to utterly rely on each other will save the day and keep their little family together.
I like that Dav and Sazo's ships feel like separate worlds from the Grih society and the overall Galactic alliance, because frankly, I am not impressed with them and their xenophobia and would rather these amazing characters live their lives away from that bullshit. We got the teeniest hint of it in this book (that a couple parents may not like Rose and Dav's baby joining the daycare when she's born), but it was mostly waved away - we're told it is 1-2 people that no one else likes much anyway. That's fine. There are always going to be assholes in the world. But I feel like they are safe here together, their family is safe, Sazo is safe and doesn't have to be scary (except to outside threats, like in this book).
I also enjoyed Sazo getting to interact with a new AI that is just waking up, and seeing both how much he's grown and learned (morality, most of all), but also seeing how it could go terribly wrong. It was a wonderful arc for him, and it also will keep him from being overly trusting to any new AI they might encounter.
Really fun. I'm going to have to queue up the series for a re-read.
November 16, 2024
Sazo and Rose are my favorites in the Class 5 series. So happy they are back in this book.
April 14, 2025
Third read 4/14/25:
I agree with everything I said below in my rave review from 5 months ago. The audiobook was very recently released, and I re-listened to my audiobooks for the entire series and experienced this book for the second time as an audiobook. The story is fantastic, and the narration is terrific.
Review 11/11/24:
The FMC and MMC of Dark Horse, Book 1 of this series, are back in another fabulous book of their own
Rose McKenzie is traveling with her husband, Dav Jallan, who is captain of the spaceship, Barrist, as they head for a planet inhabited by advanced sentients, the Fisone. Sazo’s Class 5 is always right next to Dav's ship. Rose stays on Sazo’s ship except when she needs to come to the Barrist for prenatal care from the medical staff. She is currently eight months pregnant, and she and Dav are very excited, as they anticipate the imminent birth of their baby girl. Dav works all day on the Barrist and spends the nights on Sazo’s ship with Rose. They are the only ones that Sazo allows on his ship.
The evening before they approach the Fisone planet, when Rose is taking a shuttle from the Barrist to Sazo's Class 5, the shuttle is sucked into a Fisone ship, and she is taken prisoner.
I highly recommend reading, at the very least, Dark Horse, Book 1 of this series, before reading this novel. Better yet, read the whole series, in order, because it is absolutely fantastic. I have posted a review of Dark Horse, which describes everything significant about Rose and Dav and Sazo, so I will not repeat any of that information here. The main thing I want to say is that this book is absolutely wonderful! I love everything about it, and I am so grateful that MD wrote it. Any book in this series she chooses to write, I will be snatching up immediately. Currently this book is only available in Kindle format, but if she releases it as an audiobook, I will definitely buy it.
By the way, MD has provided for free to her fans a wonderful bonus epilogue to this novel.
I agree with everything I said below in my rave review from 5 months ago. The audiobook was very recently released, and I re-listened to my audiobooks for the entire series and experienced this book for the second time as an audiobook. The story is fantastic, and the narration is terrific.
Review 11/11/24:
The FMC and MMC of Dark Horse, Book 1 of this series, are back in another fabulous book of their own
Rose McKenzie is traveling with her husband, Dav Jallan, who is captain of the spaceship, Barrist, as they head for a planet inhabited by advanced sentients, the Fisone. Sazo’s Class 5 is always right next to Dav's ship. Rose stays on Sazo’s ship except when she needs to come to the Barrist for prenatal care from the medical staff. She is currently eight months pregnant, and she and Dav are very excited, as they anticipate the imminent birth of their baby girl. Dav works all day on the Barrist and spends the nights on Sazo’s ship with Rose. They are the only ones that Sazo allows on his ship.
The evening before they approach the Fisone planet, when Rose is taking a shuttle from the Barrist to Sazo's Class 5, the shuttle is sucked into a Fisone ship, and she is taken prisoner.
I highly recommend reading, at the very least, Dark Horse, Book 1 of this series, before reading this novel. Better yet, read the whole series, in order, because it is absolutely fantastic. I have posted a review of Dark Horse, which describes everything significant about Rose and Dav and Sazo, so I will not repeat any of that information here. The main thing I want to say is that this book is absolutely wonderful! I love everything about it, and I am so grateful that MD wrote it. Any book in this series she chooses to write, I will be snatching up immediately. Currently this book is only available in Kindle format, but if she releases it as an audiobook, I will definitely buy it.
By the way, MD has provided for free to her fans a wonderful bonus epilogue to this novel.
September 7, 2025
Phenomenal addition to the Class 5 series
I absolutely loved this book - what an exhilarating ride! From start to finish, this book had me glued to every page, burning the midnight oil just to find out how it all ends.
Michelle Diener crafted an intensely suspenseful journey with beloved characters who have grown so much since the first book, Dark Horse, where we first met Sazo, Dav, and Rose. That initial story is still my favourite because it introduced a breathtaking world of sci-fi adventure I hadn’t seen anywhere else, but Collision Course has taken everything I loved and amplified it.
Their mission to make contact with the Fisone. form alliances, and make friends - an exploration steeped in high stakes, with the added twist of Rose’s impending motherhood bringing even more intensity to her journey.
Dav’s excitement as a soon-to-be father gives the story a unique warmth, but when things spiral out of control, it’s pure, edge-of-your-seat tension. But the Fisone’s grudge upends the mission. They see no difference between Dav’s Grih and the oppressive Tecran, and when they take Rose hostage, everything about the UC’s hopeful mission of peace hangs by a thread.
And then there’s Sazo. I loved the layers Diener gives him. He and Dav stop at nothing to get Rose back, proving yet again that they’re a force to be reckoned with.
The Kimols’ arrogant entitlement is irritating; their disregard for humanity and their treatment of other alien species is appalling. But Rose calling them out on their actions is nothing short of satisfying, even as they remain infuriatingly unchanged.
This book is a thrilling adventure wrapped up in deeply satisfying character moments and high-octane action. Michelle Diener has woven a cautionary tale, heart-pointing adventures, and a storyline that resonates, reminding us that not every AI or alien species will share Sazo’s and Dav’s rare depth and loyalty. But it's not all lost as Rose, Sazo and Dave form another unexpected alliance with someone else.
Collision Course is a phenomenal addition to the Class 5 series - Michelle Diener has delivered once again, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!
I absolutely loved this book - what an exhilarating ride! From start to finish, this book had me glued to every page, burning the midnight oil just to find out how it all ends.
Michelle Diener crafted an intensely suspenseful journey with beloved characters who have grown so much since the first book, Dark Horse, where we first met Sazo, Dav, and Rose. That initial story is still my favourite because it introduced a breathtaking world of sci-fi adventure I hadn’t seen anywhere else, but Collision Course has taken everything I loved and amplified it.
Their mission to make contact with the Fisone. form alliances, and make friends - an exploration steeped in high stakes, with the added twist of Rose’s impending motherhood bringing even more intensity to her journey.
Dav’s excitement as a soon-to-be father gives the story a unique warmth, but when things spiral out of control, it’s pure, edge-of-your-seat tension. But the Fisone’s grudge upends the mission. They see no difference between Dav’s Grih and the oppressive Tecran, and when they take Rose hostage, everything about the UC’s hopeful mission of peace hangs by a thread.
And then there’s Sazo. I loved the layers Diener gives him. He and Dav stop at nothing to get Rose back, proving yet again that they’re a force to be reckoned with.
The Kimols’ arrogant entitlement is irritating; their disregard for humanity and their treatment of other alien species is appalling. But Rose calling them out on their actions is nothing short of satisfying, even as they remain infuriatingly unchanged.
This book is a thrilling adventure wrapped up in deeply satisfying character moments and high-octane action. Michelle Diener has woven a cautionary tale, heart-pointing adventures, and a storyline that resonates, reminding us that not every AI or alien species will share Sazo’s and Dav’s rare depth and loyalty. But it's not all lost as Rose, Sazo and Dave form another unexpected alliance with someone else.
Collision Course is a phenomenal addition to the Class 5 series - Michelle Diener has delivered once again, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!
November 3, 2024
What a rollercoaster high stakes ride this turned out to be: inter-species interplanetary warfare plus Civil War mixed with sentient AI warfare! I really liked the interspecies alliance and friendship between the two main female characters who are both expecting. I loved that this was family friendly and not a romance, with both fathers being true heroes.
(This is an ARC Review and the views are my own.)
(This is an ARC Review and the views are my own.)
November 30, 2024
The BEST freaking sci-fi adventure series EVER!! Seriously, I think this is my favorite sci-fi series of all time. It’s not too techie, but techie enough to be believable, and it is full of action and intrigue with a bit of romance sprinkled in for yumminess sake.
The best part of all are the heroines, especially Rose. She is such a real and sympathetic character! She doesn’t possess any super talents, isn’t more kick-A than any others, she isn’t super snarky or sarcastic. She is just a normal woman thrown into extraordinary circumstances. She (and all the other heroines in this series) rises to each occasion with smarts, aplomb and a pragmatism that is refreshing and riveting. They don’t whine about whatever circumstances they are in - and Rose is in some extremely whine-inducing ones in this story - they just dig in and figure out how to fix things and stay alive. I LOVE it!!
Gosh, I wish these books could publish faster and that they would continue forever. That’s just how much I relish them.
The best part of all are the heroines, especially Rose. She is such a real and sympathetic character! She doesn’t possess any super talents, isn’t more kick-A than any others, she isn’t super snarky or sarcastic. She is just a normal woman thrown into extraordinary circumstances. She (and all the other heroines in this series) rises to each occasion with smarts, aplomb and a pragmatism that is refreshing and riveting. They don’t whine about whatever circumstances they are in - and Rose is in some extremely whine-inducing ones in this story - they just dig in and figure out how to fix things and stay alive. I LOVE it!!
Gosh, I wish these books could publish faster and that they would continue forever. That’s just how much I relish them.
November 7, 2024
I love this series. I have followed it from the beginning and any new additions are sure to be a blast.
It was an emotional ride for the characters but I enjoyed getting a glimpse into their world again. I will say it felt like it ended rather fast and definitely left some open ends. I would love to see how those will play out. Definitely and hopefully left open to continue the series.
I reread this series at least once a year and I’m happy to add this and its epilogue to the mix.
Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this series. The woman are strong and don’t wait for the hero to save them. They are smart, compassionate, and figure things out. They have backbones and don’t bend their morals. Also there’s no catty atmosphere between the woman main charters. They support each other.
The hero’s are willing to learn, show emotions and are of course protectors at heart but they don’t smother and aren’t alphaholes.
Let’s not forget the thinking systems which may just be the heart of the series. We get to see them grow into their own and gain friends and family.
I just might need to reread the whole series again now.
I am an arc reader but my opinions and thoughts are my own. I have also purchased a copy.
It was an emotional ride for the characters but I enjoyed getting a glimpse into their world again. I will say it felt like it ended rather fast and definitely left some open ends. I would love to see how those will play out. Definitely and hopefully left open to continue the series.
I reread this series at least once a year and I’m happy to add this and its epilogue to the mix.
Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this series. The woman are strong and don’t wait for the hero to save them. They are smart, compassionate, and figure things out. They have backbones and don’t bend their morals. Also there’s no catty atmosphere between the woman main charters. They support each other.
The hero’s are willing to learn, show emotions and are of course protectors at heart but they don’t smother and aren’t alphaholes.
Let’s not forget the thinking systems which may just be the heart of the series. We get to see them grow into their own and gain friends and family.
I just might need to reread the whole series again now.
I am an arc reader but my opinions and thoughts are my own. I have also purchased a copy.
November 7, 2024
With the increase of AI in our world, this series with sentient AI always intrigues me. This is a return of Rose and Sazo. This book can be read as a standalone. I recommend reading the series in order for the best experience.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 2, 2024
4.5 stars. It was good to get back to this pair, but i still felt too much was left unanswered for me. I wanted more!!!!
November 7, 2024
I was really happy to hear that there was another Class 5 novel, featuring Rose, her husband Dav and Sazo, the Class 5 AI she befriended. There was so much danger and action, and Rose is pregnant and due any day to boot! Dav and his ship, The Barrist and Sazo have come to the Fisone's area of space to let them know what happened to their sentient ship the Tecran had stolen. That ship, Irini, has no interest in ever coming back to the people who enslaved her, so they are on their own to explain what happened to the Fisones that were on Irini - they had killed themselves when the Tecran took them. The Fisone don’t take this kindly and blame the messengers, deciding to take Rose hostage at their base on a moon nearby. Unfortunately, there are two warring factions of the Fisone, and Rose escapes one group only to be taken by another, all the while hampered by her pregnancy, which doesn’t stop her from escaping and fighting for her freedom, but it makes it harder. She befriends another group of aliens that were captured and forced to slave labor in a mine on the moon. Meanwhile, Sazo has about lost it trying to rescue her, and Dav is feeling just as frantic. Then throw in a malignant AI who is only out for herself, and all hell has broken loose. Rose is very resourceful and these aliens don’t know who they’re messing with. I loved the way everything is worked out - eventually and look forward to the short story/epilogue the author has written to find out more about how things are going.
November 8, 2024
Just when you thought the series was over! Wow, just wow. This book evoked more visceral reactions from me than any other in this series. I never would have thought to take this series in this direction. Brilliant!
April 27, 2025
3.5 stars
It was good, high tension, but also just frustrating.
It was good, high tension, but also just frustrating.
November 16, 2024
Romance:
November 11, 2024
Excellent
Michelle Diener is expanding the horizons of her Class 5 universe when Rose, Sazo, and Dav travel to the vicinity of Irini’s home world on a diplomatic mission to Irini’s creators, the Frisone. Irini is an advanced AI spacecraft that was stolen by the Tecran. The mission to explain and apologise for the theft of Irini goes awry when heavily pregnant Rose is kidnapped by the vengeful Frisone. Complications arise because the Frisone are fighting amongst themselves over their attacks on a neighbouring planet and the taking of slaves. The action takes place on a moon in the same solar system. While Rose fights to escape, Dav and Sazo search desperately for her.
The story is very compelling, the development of Sazo’s character is interesting, and it’s very good to see Dav and Rose again and their continued relationship. The book is well-written as usual. The book can be read as a stand alone but enjoyment and understanding would be very much enhanced by reading previous novels of the series, especially 1 and 5.
I love Michelle Diener’s intelligent writing and look forward to each new novel from her. I received an ARC of this novel and I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who are looking for quality SF / romance.
Michelle Diener is expanding the horizons of her Class 5 universe when Rose, Sazo, and Dav travel to the vicinity of Irini’s home world on a diplomatic mission to Irini’s creators, the Frisone. Irini is an advanced AI spacecraft that was stolen by the Tecran. The mission to explain and apologise for the theft of Irini goes awry when heavily pregnant Rose is kidnapped by the vengeful Frisone. Complications arise because the Frisone are fighting amongst themselves over their attacks on a neighbouring planet and the taking of slaves. The action takes place on a moon in the same solar system. While Rose fights to escape, Dav and Sazo search desperately for her.
The story is very compelling, the development of Sazo’s character is interesting, and it’s very good to see Dav and Rose again and their continued relationship. The book is well-written as usual. The book can be read as a stand alone but enjoyment and understanding would be very much enhanced by reading previous novels of the series, especially 1 and 5.
I love Michelle Diener’s intelligent writing and look forward to each new novel from her. I received an ARC of this novel and I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers who are looking for quality SF / romance.
November 12, 2024
Wandering Rose
Although Rose is a regular Daphne (always being kidnapped) she is never a damsel in distress awaiting rescue. Even while extremely pregnant. This book incorporated some Sky Raider elements that made things interesting. Finally, aliens with different air requirements. The 5 in the UC are all fairly close in diet, breathing, and gravity. Rose broke free of that on the gravity front. These new aliens broke the air requirements standard.
The new alien society feels very young to be so cosmically advanced. And rather foolish, too. They can see how advanced the Grih are and still tried to use strong-arm tactics. Diener always creates an interesting take and this held true. Although, this story has a lot more sadness than her usual.
Although Rose is a regular Daphne (always being kidnapped) she is never a damsel in distress awaiting rescue. Even while extremely pregnant. This book incorporated some Sky Raider elements that made things interesting. Finally, aliens with different air requirements. The 5 in the UC are all fairly close in diet, breathing, and gravity. Rose broke free of that on the gravity front. These new aliens broke the air requirements standard.
The new alien society feels very young to be so cosmically advanced. And rather foolish, too. They can see how advanced the Grih are and still tried to use strong-arm tactics. Diener always creates an interesting take and this held true. Although, this story has a lot more sadness than her usual.
November 7, 2024
Excellent sci fi adventure!
I adore the Class 5 series and was ecstatic to see a new book in the series. And Diener didn't disappoint me. Rose is perfectly Rose, even pregnant. Sazo is awesome, and Dav is believable as a worried lifemate and captain. Bad things happen, and there is a body count. The non-humans are well-written, flawed, and fascinating. The story is filled with thrills, chills, friendship, betrayal, compassion, and a bit of sorrow. Collision Course is awesome science fiction.
I adore the Class 5 series and was ecstatic to see a new book in the series. And Diener didn't disappoint me. Rose is perfectly Rose, even pregnant. Sazo is awesome, and Dav is believable as a worried lifemate and captain. Bad things happen, and there is a body count. The non-humans are well-written, flawed, and fascinating. The story is filled with thrills, chills, friendship, betrayal, compassion, and a bit of sorrow. Collision Course is awesome science fiction.
February 4, 2025
Good book. Rose is kidnapped again & so close to birth.
2 fractions: The Kimol & the Bandri. It was the Kimol who kidnapped Rose & continued to recapture her every time she escaped them.
Caudra is such a bastard & how can either fractions not notice how pregnant Rose is. The Harmarga noticed immediately even though their method of reproduction is different from theirs.
Love when Dav arrives on Dimal & organises Rose's rescue mission.
Pyre is also evil due to evil the Kimol who will try to enslave her if they discover her awakening, & she didn't have someone like Rose to guide her.
2 fractions: The Kimol & the Bandri. It was the Kimol who kidnapped Rose & continued to recapture her every time she escaped them.
Caudra is such a bastard & how can either fractions not notice how pregnant Rose is. The Harmarga noticed immediately even though their method of reproduction is different from theirs.
Love when Dav arrives on Dimal & organises Rose's rescue mission.
Pyre is also evil due to evil the Kimol who will try to enslave her if they discover her awakening, & she didn't have someone like Rose to guide her.
August 2, 2025
Collision Course
Wonderful addition to the Class 5 series. This story was scary, thrilling, sad and loving. I have always loved Rose, Dav and Sazo. Their story continues and I loved it. This world is absolutely fascinating and this was a wonderful continuation. I really hope we get to hear more!
Wonderful addition to the Class 5 series. This story was scary, thrilling, sad and loving. I have always loved Rose, Dav and Sazo. Their story continues and I loved it. This world is absolutely fascinating and this was a wonderful continuation. I really hope we get to hear more!
November 10, 2024
3.5 stars.
I enjoy Michelle Diener's writing and her stories, but this one isn't my favourite. The being kidnapped, then escaping, and then being kidnapped again was kind of one note after a while. I did like visiting Rose, Dav, and the whole gang, so there was that.
I enjoy Michelle Diener's writing and her stories, but this one isn't my favourite. The being kidnapped, then escaping, and then being kidnapped again was kind of one note after a while. I did like visiting Rose, Dav, and the whole gang, so there was that.
November 15, 2024
This story is full of action, adventure . Excellent i loved it very much.
December 12, 2024
The constant escape and recapture got really old - she escaped and was recaptured by one side or the other like 5 times. Definitely not as good as the earlier books in the series.
December 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this sci-fi adventure. It was lovely to have another book focused on Sazo and Rose. I loved the inclusion of Rose’s pregnancy in the story and the development of the young lives plot. It did get a little repetitive and tiring after half way, mainly because the same groups kept being idiots. I understood the purpose, but it made the story lose steam. All in all, a nice read!
February 4, 2025
I thought the Class 5 series was over, so spotting this book on the new releases shelf was a fantastic surprise! While it doesn’t introduce new characters, it does bring fresh adventures with old favorites from Dark Horse—Rose, Dav, and Sazo.
I really enjoyed it. Rose’s happy-go-lucky attitude is such a breath of fresh air, especially when so many protagonists these days lean toward doom and gloom. Even when she’s in trouble, she never loses her sparkle.
I hope Michelle Diener has more surprises in store for us in the future! 😉
I really enjoyed it. Rose’s happy-go-lucky attitude is such a breath of fresh air, especially when so many protagonists these days lean toward doom and gloom. Even when she’s in trouble, she never loses her sparkle.
I hope Michelle Diener has more surprises in store for us in the future! 😉
December 16, 2024
The Class 5 series is the best
I have enjoyed every last one of the Class Five series and have reread each of them several times. I was so pleased to see the new one to add to the series. Dav and Rose awaiting their first child are put into a galactic battle with the Fisone people and a little known species when trying to make friends and report what happened to Irina. Now Sazo is demonstrating all he has learned from being with Rose as he and Dav agree they’re going to get her back by any means necessary!
I have enjoyed every last one of the Class Five series and have reread each of them several times. I was so pleased to see the new one to add to the series. Dav and Rose awaiting their first child are put into a galactic battle with the Fisone people and a little known species when trying to make friends and report what happened to Irina. Now Sazo is demonstrating all he has learned from being with Rose as he and Dav agree they’re going to get her back by any means necessary!
December 15, 2024
4.5
I really love this particular series that Michelle Diener writes. Yes, I have read it several times and it still pulls me in each time.
I really love this particular series that Michelle Diener writes. Yes, I have read it several times and it still pulls me in each time.
December 5, 2024
Escape . . .
Rose was looking forward to encountering the Fisone, part of an outreach mission on behalf of the United Council to make contact, form alliances, and generate friendship. Instead, far into her pregnancy, Rose is kidnapped, showing the truth that these are actually slavers as they tried to force her to work at one of the mines. Dav Jallan, her mate and Captain of the Barrist, along with Sazo, the artificial intelligence running a Class 5 ship, will have to get Rose back no matter what the risk. Regardless, they will never give up until she is returned. The storyline will keep the reader on the edge of the seat as we wait to see how this will all turn out. Much is at risk on both a personal level as well as the outreach mission. And clever Rose will not be a simple captive to deal with!
Rose was looking forward to encountering the Fisone, part of an outreach mission on behalf of the United Council to make contact, form alliances, and generate friendship. Instead, far into her pregnancy, Rose is kidnapped, showing the truth that these are actually slavers as they tried to force her to work at one of the mines. Dav Jallan, her mate and Captain of the Barrist, along with Sazo, the artificial intelligence running a Class 5 ship, will have to get Rose back no matter what the risk. Regardless, they will never give up until she is returned. The storyline will keep the reader on the edge of the seat as we wait to see how this will all turn out. Much is at risk on both a personal level as well as the outreach mission. And clever Rose will not be a simple captive to deal with!
November 30, 2024
"Collision Course" is the sixth installment in the captivating "Class 5" series by Michelle Diener, and it has quickly risen to the top of my favorite reads. I find myself utterly entranced by the journeys of Rose, Dav, and Sazo. Rose, with her gentle spirit and kind heart, embodies resilience as she navigates the harrowing trials imposed by her kidnappers. As the due date for her baby's arrival draws near, her struggles intensify, showcasing her strength in the face of adversity.
I am particularly fascinated by Sazo's character development throughout the series. From his early days in the first book to now, he has demonstrated remarkable growth, taking a thoughtful and analytical approach to every piece of information he encounters. His determination to rescue Rose and ensure her safety brings a sense of urgency to the narrative that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
The complex dynamic between the various species introduced in the series adds an intriguing layer to the story. The stark contrasts in culture and behavior pique my curiosity, compelling me to delve deeper into their backgrounds. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming books, hoping to unravel more of their adventures and discover where the story will take them next!
I am particularly fascinated by Sazo's character development throughout the series. From his early days in the first book to now, he has demonstrated remarkable growth, taking a thoughtful and analytical approach to every piece of information he encounters. His determination to rescue Rose and ensure her safety brings a sense of urgency to the narrative that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
The complex dynamic between the various species introduced in the series adds an intriguing layer to the story. The stark contrasts in culture and behavior pique my curiosity, compelling me to delve deeper into their backgrounds. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming books, hoping to unravel more of their adventures and discover where the story will take them next!
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November 27, 2024I got super excited when I saw Diener had released a new Class 5 book. Collision Course is a bit of a departure. The other 5 pretty much had the same plot: an Earth woman gets abducted by aliens, then escapes due to friendship with a terrifying AI. This one has the same main characters, Rose and Dav, from the very first Class 5 novel in a First Contact situation that goes really awry. Also, Rose is very very pregnant.
Diener makes a lot of really interesting choices here. Rose and Co make first contact with two sentient species in the novel. One species is described as looking like the Greys, the kind of aliens that supposedly crash landed at Roswell with the big black eyes. The other are giant crab-looking things. It's almost always true in science fiction that the more humanoid aliens are the good guys. This bucked the trend by having the Greys be massive assholes.
Also, I can't think of another action adventure with a pregnant woman protagonist. Rose is also believably pregnant: slow moving, easily out of breath, just generally uncomfortable. Having the heroine be so physically vulnerable in a perilous situation highlights how Diener's protagonists generally rely on being both kind and clever over fisticuffs. And often, it's the kindness more than the cleverness that gets them out of the jam. That's a fine message in any genre.
Diener makes a lot of really interesting choices here. Rose and Co make first contact with two sentient species in the novel. One species is described as looking like the Greys, the kind of aliens that supposedly crash landed at Roswell with the big black eyes. The other are giant crab-looking things. It's almost always true in science fiction that the more humanoid aliens are the good guys. This bucked the trend by having the Greys be massive assholes.
Also, I can't think of another action adventure with a pregnant woman protagonist. Rose is also believably pregnant: slow moving, easily out of breath, just generally uncomfortable. Having the heroine be so physically vulnerable in a perilous situation highlights how Diener's protagonists generally rely on being both kind and clever over fisticuffs. And often, it's the kindness more than the cleverness that gets them out of the jam. That's a fine message in any genre.
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