What do you think?
Rate this book
Vicky Peterwald #3
Rebel
Vicky Peterwald is no longer just the heir apparent to an imperial dynasty. She survived naval training and proved her mettle in combat to help the starving people of the ravaged world of St. Petersburg. Now, she is truly a Grand Duchess, leading a growing battle fleet in a rebellion against the tyranny of her stepmother, the Empress.
Determined to stop her spoiled stepdaughter’s betrayal from upsetting the balance of power within the Peterwald Empire, the Empress is leading her own armada to St. Petersburg, intent on killing Vicky and every soul on the planet that gave her refuge.
But Vicky is her father’s daughter, and it would be a grave mistake to underestimate her...
Determined to stop her spoiled stepdaughter’s betrayal from upsetting the balance of power within the Peterwald Empire, the Empress is leading her own armada to St. Petersburg, intent on killing Vicky and every soul on the planet that gave her refuge.
But Vicky is her father’s daughter, and it would be a grave mistake to underestimate her...
349 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 31, 2016
30 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Mike Shepherd
78 books564 followersA pseudonym used by Mike Moscoe.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
Mike was born in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Hospital -- and left that town at the age of three days for reasons he does not presently recall. But they had to draft him to get him back there. He missed very little of the rest of the country. Growing up Navy, he lived about everywhere you could park an aircraft carrier.
Mike was one of those college students who didn't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. In 1968, his Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Two days into boot camp, the Army was wondering if they might not have been a bit hasty. Mike ended the day in the Intensive Care Unit of the local Army hospital. Despite most of Mike’s personal war stories being limited to "How I flunked boot camp," he can still write a rollicking good military SF yarns.
Mike didn’t survive all that long as a cab driver (he got lost) or bartender (he made the drinks too strong) but he figured he could at least work for the Navy Department as a budget analyst. Until he spent the whole day trying to balance the barracks accounts for paint. Finally, about quitting time, a grinning senior analyst took him aside and let him in on the secret. They'd hidden the money for refitting a battleship in that little account. Slowly it dawned on Mike that there were a few things about the Navy that even a kid who grew up in it would never understand.
Over the next twenty years, Mike branched out into other genres, including instruction memos, policies, performance standards and even a few labor contracts. All of those, you may notice, lack a certain something. Dialogue ... those things in quotes. In `87, Mike’s big break came. He landed on a two year special project to build a digital map showing where the trees, rivers, roads, Spotted Owls and other critters were in western Oregon. The list went on and on with no end in sight and two years became ten.
Since there was no writing involved in his new day job, Mike had to do something to get the words out. He signed up for a writing class at Clark Community College and proudly turned in a story ... Star Wars shoots down the second coming of Christ.
Two years later, Analog bought "Summer Hopes, Winter Dreams" for the March, 1991 issue. Four years later he sold his first novel. In the ten years since then, Mike’s turned in twelve novels and is researching the next three.
Mike's love for Science Fiction started when he picked up "Rocket Ship Galileo" in the fifth grade, and then proceeded to read every book in the library with a rocket sticker on its spine.
Mike digs for his stories among people and change. Through his interest in history, he has traces the transformations that make us what we are today. Science launches us forward into an ever changing universe. Once upon a time, the only changes in peoples lives came with the turning of the seasons and the growing wrinkles on their brows. Today, science drives most of the changes in our daily lives. Still, we can't avoid the pressure of our own awakening hormones or hardening arteries. Mike is happiest when his stories are speeding across thin ice, balanced on the edge of two sharp blades, one anciently human, the other as new as tomorrow's research.
Trained in International Relations and history, salary administration and bargaining, theology and counseling, Mike is having a ball writing about Kris Longknife ... coming of age while the world her grand parents built threatens to crash down around her ears. These are books I think you’ll love ... and my granddaughter and grandsons too!
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, his mother-in-law and any visiting grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, watching grand-children for story ideas and upgrading his computer -- all are never ending.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 31, 2016
The Grand Duchess takes charge!
I am in two minds about this spinoff from the Kris Longknife series. More a Gilbert and Sullivan space operetta than a grand space opera. In the end, I did like it.
I did find the dialogue straying perilously close to wooden, if not verging on something from a B grade detective novel. Sometimes I felt like I was reading the cartoon balloons from a Superhero graphic novel.
Her Imperial Grace, The Grand Duchess, Lieutenant Comander Victoria of Greenfield, otherwise known as Vicky could be a carbon copy of Samantha B. (Sex in the City) in 'space.' (That is, intelligent, sexy, and marches to the beat of her own outrageous drum). That's ok 'cause our girl is growing up and coming through the spoilt princess brat stage, albeit with her own particular twists.
So there's planets to save, Admirals to jolly along, aliens threatening and bad old step-mom thinking up new and devious ways to take out Vicky. Along the way losing it spectacularly over the air waves, all as Vicky holds her course à la Kris Longknife's tried and true tricks and examples.
And of course, we're left hanging about what comes next.
A fun read!
A NetGalley ARC
I am in two minds about this spinoff from the Kris Longknife series. More a Gilbert and Sullivan space operetta than a grand space opera. In the end, I did like it.
I did find the dialogue straying perilously close to wooden, if not verging on something from a B grade detective novel. Sometimes I felt like I was reading the cartoon balloons from a Superhero graphic novel.
Her Imperial Grace, The Grand Duchess, Lieutenant Comander Victoria of Greenfield, otherwise known as Vicky could be a carbon copy of Samantha B. (Sex in the City) in 'space.' (That is, intelligent, sexy, and marches to the beat of her own outrageous drum). That's ok 'cause our girl is growing up and coming through the spoilt princess brat stage, albeit with her own particular twists.
So there's planets to save, Admirals to jolly along, aliens threatening and bad old step-mom thinking up new and devious ways to take out Vicky. Along the way losing it spectacularly over the air waves, all as Vicky holds her course à la Kris Longknife's tried and true tricks and examples.
And of course, we're left hanging about what comes next.
A fun read!
A NetGalley ARC
June 28, 2016
In the prior two books Lieutenant Commander Vicky Greenwald had gone from a spoiled brat to a Naval officer. She fought to help the starving people of the planet St. Petersburg and its neighboring planets.
Vicky’s stepmother has gained control of the Peterwald Empire. Vicky has put together a battle fleet from the oppressed nations and peoples and has set out to stop her stepmother. Her stepmother has also put together her own fleet to stop the uprising lead by Vicky and to kill her. At times the story feels like a Kris Longknife story. It was Kris that talked Vicky into joining the Greenwald Navy that changed her life.
The book is well written; the characters continue to develop and the plot is interesting as are the subplots. The ending is left hanging; I can hardly wait for the next volume in the story. Shepherd is an excellent story teller. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Dina Pearlman does a great job narrating the book. Pearlman graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University and moved to New York where she started a career as a stage actress; also acts in movies and T.V. shows. She is also making a name for herself in narrating audiobooks.
Vicky’s stepmother has gained control of the Peterwald Empire. Vicky has put together a battle fleet from the oppressed nations and peoples and has set out to stop her stepmother. Her stepmother has also put together her own fleet to stop the uprising lead by Vicky and to kill her. At times the story feels like a Kris Longknife story. It was Kris that talked Vicky into joining the Greenwald Navy that changed her life.
The book is well written; the characters continue to develop and the plot is interesting as are the subplots. The ending is left hanging; I can hardly wait for the next volume in the story. Shepherd is an excellent story teller. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Dina Pearlman does a great job narrating the book. Pearlman graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University and moved to New York where she started a career as a stage actress; also acts in movies and T.V. shows. She is also making a name for herself in narrating audiobooks.
June 2, 2016
Mike Shepherd's plotting has returned to its prior standard. However, he still needs an editor to chop out repetitive parts and force MS to come up with different military scenarios. The main plot line here is resolved; the ongoing story of Ms. Peterwald's growing up and fixing her Daddy's realm is not wrapped up. Many more books to go, I expect.
This is a review of the audio version.
This is a review of the audio version.
June 26, 2017
Still far too much "What would Kris Longknife do", and an anticlimactic ending that pulls its punches let down an otherwise enjoyable book.
January 13, 2024
3 stars.
So Vicky has finally raised the flag against Stepmommy Dearest and the book becomes even more like a Kris Longknife story with talks of battleships, strategies and space battles. There's still a lot of references to how Kris did this and that and Vicky telling her Navy officers what to do.
Now I'm going back to Bold to refresh on what happened when Kris comes to mediate between the dark hearted Empress and Grand Duchess Vicky.
So Vicky has finally raised the flag against Stepmommy Dearest and the book becomes even more like a Kris Longknife story with talks of battleships, strategies and space battles. There's still a lot of references to how Kris did this and that and Vicky telling her Navy officers what to do.
Now I'm going back to Bold to refresh on what happened when Kris comes to mediate between the dark hearted Empress and Grand Duchess Vicky.
November 5, 2017
This last book in the this series was ok. Lighter Space Opera, more Gilbert and Sullivan rather than something harder and darker. I am glad to see Vicky grow up some, cease flaunting her sexuality and think before she acts. I hope that Vicky and Kris get time for some girl talk, because Vicky really needs to apologize to Kris for stabbing her in the back after what was left of the ships of the Voyage of Discovery returned.
June 1, 2016
As a big fan of Kris Longknife,, having an "opposite" in the Greenfield Empire adds a nice twist over the series. Having Vicki grow into a Peterwald version of Kris was inevitable. As much as she protests, kicking and screaming, she also admits just how much she has "learned" from that damn Longknife. If the battles and dialogue seem familiar, they are after all a kind of shadow of Kris' earlier adventures. That takes nothing away from this story and I am guessing leads right up to the next Kris story.
May 12, 2016
In the latest Vicki Peterwald spin off from the Kris Longknife series we see Vicki gathering support against the coming battle with her stepmother. There is a lot of action and a really good supporting cast most of which survived this time. A fun space opera series with an ending that lets fans know that there will be more to come.
July 31, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Vicky is coming to realize that outright rebellion may be the only way to save the empire. But does she dare work against the father she still loves in order to save his empire? This book has plenty of action and ends on a cliffhanger - but be aware that the next book in this series comes after several Kris Longknife books should be read or you will have massive spoilers in that series (there is a long timeline gap in which Kris has a lot of life changes).Story: Vicky has now stood up to her stepmother and defied her father. But her stepmother has also consolidated her power base and is sending out fleets to wipe out Vicky and the rebellion. Through it all, Vicky wonders how this is happening behind her father's back - and why her father doesn't see the ravage of the empire committed by his new wife's family. Vicky will have to step up and lead a rag tag rebellion to save not only these remote worlds but also her father's empire.
Vicky's character development arc continues as she pretty much turns into a Kris Longknife. She is saving starving people, building a support base, surviving assassination attempts, and leading artfully in battle. Fortunately, Vicky relies more on her colleagues than Kris has had to do - friends who have more knowledge in their areas and lend her their expertise - so we have a more believable story.
That said, this is bubble gum space opera - fun and silly and not to be taken too seriously. Just enjoy the ride and some mindless entertainment. Note that I listened to the audio version and it was read by Dina Pearlman, who does all the Kris Longknife books. The narration was good and I appreciate the continuity.
August 19, 2017
Rebel is Rebelling
So, I checked out Target and Rebel from the library without realizing Rebel is book three in the series. I started the novel and wondered why we weren't beginning planet side and Vicky convincing the mayor, Mannie, to participate in her trade idea that could save several planets and possibly millions of lives. Good plot idea (book 2 go figure), but we started with the trading agreement in place after some time had passed and Vicky's roving libido, er eyes, having found a new target (haha, accidental pun that works).
The new plot worked without me really missing anything. Good on one hand, but not so much on the other. Vicky bothered me with her easily moving between (haha, another unintentional pun that works) her deadly female assassins-bed partners and her spy-bed partner. Yes, her arc makes her more likable. By the end of the book she's in love with one character...makes it hard to believe though when she invited him to her bed with her twin female assassins and he walks away. He loves her not them. She sees anyone she's attracted to as a possible fun bed mate. This doesn't lead to romance and love. Just sex that scratches an itch.
As you can see from this back and forth review my feelings about this series swing back and forth as well. This series is well thought out, full of action and political intrigue. I guess I won't read book two since I actually kind of like Vicky now. Really must be the romantic in me. I'm all for hot, sweaty, dirty sex...just with someone I love. Definitely will check out book four though.
So, I checked out Target and Rebel from the library without realizing Rebel is book three in the series. I started the novel and wondered why we weren't beginning planet side and Vicky convincing the mayor, Mannie, to participate in her trade idea that could save several planets and possibly millions of lives. Good plot idea (book 2 go figure), but we started with the trading agreement in place after some time had passed and Vicky's roving libido, er eyes, having found a new target (haha, accidental pun that works).
The new plot worked without me really missing anything. Good on one hand, but not so much on the other. Vicky bothered me with her easily moving between (haha, another unintentional pun that works) her deadly female assassins-bed partners and her spy-bed partner. Yes, her arc makes her more likable. By the end of the book she's in love with one character...makes it hard to believe though when she invited him to her bed with her twin female assassins and he walks away. He loves her not them. She sees anyone she's attracted to as a possible fun bed mate. This doesn't lead to romance and love. Just sex that scratches an itch.
As you can see from this back and forth review my feelings about this series swing back and forth as well. This series is well thought out, full of action and political intrigue. I guess I won't read book two since I actually kind of like Vicky now. Really must be the romantic in me. I'm all for hot, sweaty, dirty sex...just with someone I love. Definitely will check out book four though.
December 30, 2021
Shepherd, Mike. Rebel. Vicky Peterwald No. 3. Ace, 2016.
Mike Shepherd seems to be one of those Indy authors who has found himself a publisher to provide good cover art and some promotion. In this third number of the Vicky Peterwald series, which is a spinoff of the Kris Longknife series, and which Shepherd would now like us to think of as the combined Society of Humanity series, Vicky must decide whether to become the leader of a revolutionary movement aimed at unseating her stepmother and her family. She is whipsawed between the democratic forces on the planet of St. Petersburg and her loyalty to the empire of which the is the Grand Duchess. Her military skills continue to develop, a la Honor Harrington, and she has found the love of her life in a prominent mayor on St. Petersburg. The fictional world is not as well imagined as David Weber’s Honorverse, but the series continues to amuse. 3.5 stars.
Mike Shepherd seems to be one of those Indy authors who has found himself a publisher to provide good cover art and some promotion. In this third number of the Vicky Peterwald series, which is a spinoff of the Kris Longknife series, and which Shepherd would now like us to think of as the combined Society of Humanity series, Vicky must decide whether to become the leader of a revolutionary movement aimed at unseating her stepmother and her family. She is whipsawed between the democratic forces on the planet of St. Petersburg and her loyalty to the empire of which the is the Grand Duchess. Her military skills continue to develop, a la Honor Harrington, and she has found the love of her life in a prominent mayor on St. Petersburg. The fictional world is not as well imagined as David Weber’s Honorverse, but the series continues to amuse. 3.5 stars.
April 11, 2018
What is it about being a princess or grand duchess that makes everyone want to kill Kris and Vicky? They seem to get into and out of more scrapes than any one person should have to outside of a Matthew Reilly novel.
Both of these series keep up with the entertainment value and still stay readable and enjoyable. I look forward to future installments for Vicky and Kris and hope their paths continue to cross. Makes for a infinitely more interesting universe.
Both of these series keep up with the entertainment value and still stay readable and enjoyable. I look forward to future installments for Vicky and Kris and hope their paths continue to cross. Makes for a infinitely more interesting universe.
December 7, 2019
I have to admit, this book pissed me right off. It literally HAS NO ENDING.
Seriously.
It's 'to be continued' in Kris Longknife BOLD.
It should also be noted that you could literally SKIP THE WHOLE TRILOGY, jump right into Bold and have no issues following the Longknife plotline.
Pretty much this entire mini-series was a huge waste of time, reader-wise.
Seriously.
It's 'to be continued' in Kris Longknife BOLD.
It should also be noted that you could literally SKIP THE WHOLE TRILOGY, jump right into Bold and have no issues following the Longknife plotline.
Pretty much this entire mini-series was a huge waste of time, reader-wise.
November 22, 2017
This time there's more ship battles and some more assassination attempts, not to mention more meetings and proof Vicky knows business. Vicky is a Peterwald with a heart and her word can be trusted, unusual in the family. Then there's the Empress, who could use some serious anger management.
May 19, 2017
I love the humor that is sprinkled through the story
May 29, 2017
Battle scenes were good, but not very graphic. Romance was very light. Need to read the previous books to truly understand the political and personal dynamics between the characters.
March 15, 2019
Learning that she is made of better stuff.
Vicky Peterwald has proved herself usefull.
Read this one soon.
Vicky Peterwald has proved herself usefull.
Read this one soon.
July 11, 2024
'twas a good conclusion (from what I recall) to what I thought was a trilogy but apparently is not. Now to find the other two books someday (hopefully sooner than later.
January 8, 2017
4.5 stars
“Vicky Peterwald: Rebel” by Mike Shepherd provides the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Grand Duchess Vicky Peterwald, following her as she rebels against the depredations and machinations of her evil stepmother. Learning how to juggle the responsibilities of her roles in the military and in the monarchy while trying to keep safe all of those both on planets and in space will require ingenuity and determination, and staying alive long enough to see things through…with a little help from her friends and allies.
This science fiction story continues the saga of a woman who is learning so much about herself and those around her. I think it is my favorite of the series because I can finally see Vicky thinking for herself and doing things the way she wants to rather than being at the mercy of everyone else’s decisions. Of course, for me, the romantic aspect of the series is definitely moving slower than molasses, especially given that there is no guarantee that both Vicky and Mannie will survive. Personally, I have no real interest in the armament and number of ships that are mustered, nor how they are converted to other purposes, but I understand that this is something other folks like to analyze and critique, and I admit that it adds to the tension and verisimilitude of the story. I love the rise and fall of the story as things ramp up, and although it was a little annoying that things end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, I love the idea that things are going to circle around to connect everything together.
As always, this author has provided an exciting episode in one of his ongoing space opera series and I am anxious to read the next installment. I think that it is possible but probably not recommended to read this as a stand-alone title. Those who enjoy adventurous tales played out among the stars should join the series and become acquainted with Vicky Peterwald and then go back and get enthralled by the Kris Longknife series!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which was submitted to Night Owl Reviews
“Vicky Peterwald: Rebel” by Mike Shepherd provides the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Grand Duchess Vicky Peterwald, following her as she rebels against the depredations and machinations of her evil stepmother. Learning how to juggle the responsibilities of her roles in the military and in the monarchy while trying to keep safe all of those both on planets and in space will require ingenuity and determination, and staying alive long enough to see things through…with a little help from her friends and allies.
This science fiction story continues the saga of a woman who is learning so much about herself and those around her. I think it is my favorite of the series because I can finally see Vicky thinking for herself and doing things the way she wants to rather than being at the mercy of everyone else’s decisions. Of course, for me, the romantic aspect of the series is definitely moving slower than molasses, especially given that there is no guarantee that both Vicky and Mannie will survive. Personally, I have no real interest in the armament and number of ships that are mustered, nor how they are converted to other purposes, but I understand that this is something other folks like to analyze and critique, and I admit that it adds to the tension and verisimilitude of the story. I love the rise and fall of the story as things ramp up, and although it was a little annoying that things end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, I love the idea that things are going to circle around to connect everything together.
As always, this author has provided an exciting episode in one of his ongoing space opera series and I am anxious to read the next installment. I think that it is possible but probably not recommended to read this as a stand-alone title. Those who enjoy adventurous tales played out among the stars should join the series and become acquainted with Vicky Peterwald and then go back and get enthralled by the Kris Longknife series!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which was submitted to Night Owl Reviews
June 18, 2016
Rebel by Mike Shepherd is the the 3rd book in his Vickie Peterwald series. This series was a different type of read for me. It is sort of sci fi space series with ships, planets and military. Vicky Peterwald is our heroine, having been introduced in Shepherd’s famous Kris Longknife series. The premise of this story has Vicky, now the Grand Duchess, Lieutenant Commander Victoria of Greefield gathering the Navy and other planets to support her rebellion again her step mother, The Empress, who is out to kill Vicky any way she can. The Empress has taken control of the Empire, and has become sort of a dictatorship; she wants Vicky out of the way. Having rallied the troops in the first two books of this series, and using her knowledge of battles that she learned from the infamous Longknife, Vicky is on course to fight the Empress and her many ships to save her own life, as well as all those planets trying to survive and return to the normal lives they had under her father.
Vicky Peterwald is an unusual heroine, as she is fearless, very outgoing and sexual, but she is also smart and savvy, thereby winning over the Admirals to her side. This is not a standalone, and though it was not necessary, I did feel I was somewhat at a disadvantage not have read the Kris Longknife series. Do not attempt to read this unless you read at the first two books. This was confusing for me, but I did enjoy some of the humor, and did like Vicky. As we reach the climax, with Vicky just about face to face with the woman who is out to destroy her, we are left hanging. I am not sure if this series will continue under the Vicky Peterwald name or move this to continue under Kris Longknife.
Rebel was an interesting and at times fun read, though not really my type of read. If you like sci fi, space and battles using much of the military terminology, then give this a try.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Vicky Peterwald is an unusual heroine, as she is fearless, very outgoing and sexual, but she is also smart and savvy, thereby winning over the Admirals to her side. This is not a standalone, and though it was not necessary, I did feel I was somewhat at a disadvantage not have read the Kris Longknife series. Do not attempt to read this unless you read at the first two books. This was confusing for me, but I did enjoy some of the humor, and did like Vicky. As we reach the climax, with Vicky just about face to face with the woman who is out to destroy her, we are left hanging. I am not sure if this series will continue under the Vicky Peterwald name or move this to continue under Kris Longknife.
Rebel was an interesting and at times fun read, though not really my type of read. If you like sci fi, space and battles using much of the military terminology, then give this a try.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
August 14, 2016
This is the 3rd book in the Vicky Peterwald trilogy by Mike Shepherd. In this one Vicky realizes that she has no other choice but to lead a rebellion against her stepmother the Empress and her family. Her father the Emperor has ordered her home and she knows that her stepmother will have her killed if she complies. Having been recently kidnapped by her stepmother's henchmen and the escaping she has her friends and a doctor make her injuries look more severe than they really and pleads that she is unable to travel but assures her father she will as soon as possible. In the meantime she is getting more planets to come to her side as well as many ships of the Greenfield Space Navy. The problem is that her stepmother is also raising ships to fight Vicky. After several failed attempts to ambush Vicky and her ships in space the Empress leads a battle group of ships and attacks Vicky and her ships. Vicky knows that to lose this battle will not only mean her death but the death and enslavement of the planets who have sided with her. This is a great finally to this trilogy and I hope we see more Vicky Peterwald books from Mike Shepherd in the future.
November 13, 2016
This is the last book in the Vicky Peterwald arc, and the story is completed in Kris Longknife: Bold. The writing and characters are familiar, maybe too familiar.
This is a build-up and transition book, you can't start either series here. However, it brings together several threads and sets the scene for the final chapter. There is the usual combination of politics, warfare, and crazy family members.
The biggest negative is that there is too much or Kris here, even though she never makes an appearance.
If you have enjoyed this series, you need to read this book. Although it's not the best of the bunch, it is solid and advances the plotlines.
This is a build-up and transition book, you can't start either series here. However, it brings together several threads and sets the scene for the final chapter. There is the usual combination of politics, warfare, and crazy family members.
The biggest negative is that there is too much or Kris here, even though she never makes an appearance.
If you have enjoyed this series, you need to read this book. Although it's not the best of the bunch, it is solid and advances the plotlines.
December 31, 2020
It finally happens Vicky has to invade the other half of the Empire she serves to save her father and her people. We get lots of action in this book and the introduction of Maggie the AI. We have gone so far from where this character started to get to this point but it has all naturally flowed to this point. In between combat and struggle Vicky even takes time to contemplate how she got to this point which is some very nice introspection. The author even showcases some of the ways this new Empire will be different from Wardhaven and that it is still in flux. The long reconquering of the Empire isn't complete but the work has begun.
June 11, 2017
I like this series and I enjoyed this book but there are things that I found a bit irritating. I suppose it was inevitable that Vicki would turn into a clone of Kris, but couldn’t she keep at least some of her own personality, even her sex life has turned into the straight monogamous copy of Kris’s.
Secondly the whole book was building up to a big space battle between Vicki and the Empress, but what we got was a bit of an anticlimax. A lot of plans were made to counter the Empress’s superior forces that were not used, I presume they will have some role in the next book.
Secondly the whole book was building up to a big space battle between Vicki and the Empress, but what we got was a bit of an anticlimax. A lot of plans were made to counter the Empress’s superior forces that were not used, I presume they will have some role in the next book.
June 20, 2016
if Kris Longknife is the goodie-twoshoes, then Vickie Peterwald is her slutty sister. This was a fun trivial summer read. But, I do think the author has his work cut out trying to keep his two heroines differentiated. Especially, as Vickie matures toward more responsible, less outrageous and less fun behavior (just like Kris).
June 17, 2016
Typically good military scifi continues in this the final book of three in this side series ! The ending folds this story back into the main Kris Longknife series and I look forward to the next book continuing this story line along with new ones !
June 16, 2016
Vicky's personality is coming along nicely, but the story itself is unfortunately not that thrilling. About 25% of the book is devoted to detailed space battle descriptions, which don't interest me much.
December 8, 2019
Excellent work as always
Another solid offering in the Longknife universe. The protagonist is growing up fast but I suspect is far from living a quiet life. Solid politics, space battles, and intrigue. Well done!
Another solid offering in the Longknife universe. The protagonist is growing up fast but I suspect is far from living a quiet life. Solid politics, space battles, and intrigue. Well done!
June 30, 2016
A very good read overall, setting up for a rousing space battle at the end of the story, although, I was getting a bit tired of all the references to WWKLD (what would Kris Longknife do) Does no one have an original thought?
August 4, 2016
Riveting
What is next for poor Vickie? While some of the story is predictable it is still an excellent read, and Vickie is not the incurable sl#t that she is often made out to be and has a brain in her head. Waiting for the next installment.
What is next for poor Vickie? While some of the story is predictable it is still an excellent read, and Vickie is not the incurable sl#t that she is often made out to be and has a brain in her head. Waiting for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews