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Coalition Rebellion #2
Skypirate
A legendary warrior and a slave with dangerous secrets.
Bound by a love neither expected or wanted.
A need for revenge.
Hunted by the Coalition and haunted by his past, Dax Silverbrake is determined that those who conquered his planet, almost completely destroying the Triotian people, will not enslave his young ward. But to rescue her, he must also rescue a woman who wears the notorious Coalition slave collar—a woman whose secrets could destroy what is left of his soul.
An unforgivable past.
Once an integral part of the Coalition command structure, collared slave Califa Claxton hides secrets that could mean her death by rebels and the Coalition alike. Her biggest fear is that the one act of courage which left her collared may never be enough to erase the past or give her a future.
One chance, two souls who need redemption.
An unexpected and white-hot passion might change everything—if they can put the past behind them and risk everything for the rebellion.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1995
21 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Justine Davis
252 books217 followersAuthor biographies are supposed to give you all those statistics, books written, awards won, etc. and I will, I promise...but first let me tell you about this ornery little tomboy (back then, the boys had all the fun...) who was always the one to make up the stories the neighborhood kids would "play". For those who came of age in the computer game era, this is something that was done usually in the backyard, by any number of summer-bored children, with props where appropriate. (Did you know a 55 gallon drum tied to a picnic bench makes a very cool horse?) It wasn't until much later that this tomboy realized two things: A) not everyone made up stories in their heads all the time, and B) in real life, the boys that had already had all the fun now seemed to always be winning.
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 2, 2021
*3.5* Doesn’t this cover just scream 1990’s?
All the stars for Dax! His character was wonderful. The heroine however...
Califa was a slave owner in the first book, so I had a really difficult time feeling any kind of positive emotion for her in the story. She's only been a slave for one year (a punishment for not giving up her friend to the Coalition) but that year in a collar makes her turn to 180 about the treatment of slaves. Let's not forget this is a woman who actively participated in the torture of men and women who wore her slave collars.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more had I not just finished reading Lord of the Storm.
All the stars for Dax! His character was wonderful. The heroine however...
Califa was a slave owner in the first book, so I had a really difficult time feeling any kind of positive emotion for her in the story. She's only been a slave for one year (a punishment for not giving up her friend to the Coalition) but that year in a collar makes her turn to 180 about the treatment of slaves. Let's not forget this is a woman who actively participated in the torture of men and women who wore her slave collars.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more had I not just finished reading Lord of the Storm.
May 27, 2011
I really liked the way this book dealt with the theme of forgiveness. It is one thing to be able to forgive another for the hurts they have done, it is quite another to be able to forgive oneself for hurts done to others.
One does not need to have read Lord of the Storm by Justine Davis to understand this work of hers, but the events in that story are referred to in this story often. This is a good standalone, but the events of the first book throw quite a different light on the collaring of Califa. I suggest reading them both in order.
The only thing keeping this book out of my top rating was that the hero's character was only revealed to us through his actions and what others said of them, very little of his reflections and thinking processes were shown to us by Davis.
Back in the nineteen nineties, only Davis, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Dara Joy (that I know of) were writing futuristic romance books of this type. If you liked this, I'd suggest going after Joy's work first. Try her great Matrix of Destiny series, it has been a long time since I read and loved them. Krentz, writing as Jayne Castle, has a very good Amaryllis/Orchid/Zinnia trilogy, and the Harmoy stories that later became tied into her Arcane series.
Happy reading!
One does not need to have read Lord of the Storm by Justine Davis to understand this work of hers, but the events in that story are referred to in this story often. This is a good standalone, but the events of the first book throw quite a different light on the collaring of Califa. I suggest reading them both in order.
The only thing keeping this book out of my top rating was that the hero's character was only revealed to us through his actions and what others said of them, very little of his reflections and thinking processes were shown to us by Davis.
Back in the nineteen nineties, only Davis, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Dara Joy (that I know of) were writing futuristic romance books of this type. If you liked this, I'd suggest going after Joy's work first. Try her great Matrix of Destiny series, it has been a long time since I read and loved them. Krentz, writing as Jayne Castle, has a very good Amaryllis/Orchid/Zinnia trilogy, and the Harmoy stories that later became tied into her Arcane series.
Happy reading!
May 16, 2020
I know I’ve done a review of this book in the past but I’ve no idea where it might be stored so I guess I’ll just have to reinvent it.
I LOVE this book. It’s the second book in the Coalition Rebellion series and I love it even MORE then Lord of the Storm. Dax Silverbreak is the hero and a more tortured hero is hard to find. Because he was away when his home planet of Trios was destroyed by the evil Coalition, He thinks he’s on of a very, very few survivors and survivor’s guilt is eating him up. He’s turned to piracy, something that never would have been accepted on Trios. He’s rescuing a member of his crew at the opening of the book and is forced to rescue another prisoner in order to hide his identity. It seems his young crew member has been a little bit too loose lipped and since he is a pirate with a high price on his head, he takes the stranger with him.
The stranger is Calipha Claxton and for anyone who has read Lord of the Storm, she’s the one who held Wolf, the hero, as a slave. Has time and circumstances ever changed for Calipha since last we saw her. She’s now a gold collared slave herself and it’s a terrible, terrible thing.
But she has news that Dax is not aware of. There were more survivors from Trios and it seems they have a rebellion going against the Coalition.
This is a thrilling, highly romantic alpha type people with A Lot of chemistry and really good old fashioned space swashbuckling fun and it gets some very well earned 5 stars from me. I love this author and this book is her at her best.
If I ever do find where my other review is I’ll add it to this one.
I LOVE this book. It’s the second book in the Coalition Rebellion series and I love it even MORE then Lord of the Storm. Dax Silverbreak is the hero and a more tortured hero is hard to find. Because he was away when his home planet of Trios was destroyed by the evil Coalition, He thinks he’s on of a very, very few survivors and survivor’s guilt is eating him up. He’s turned to piracy, something that never would have been accepted on Trios. He’s rescuing a member of his crew at the opening of the book and is forced to rescue another prisoner in order to hide his identity. It seems his young crew member has been a little bit too loose lipped and since he is a pirate with a high price on his head, he takes the stranger with him.
The stranger is Calipha Claxton and for anyone who has read Lord of the Storm, she’s the one who held Wolf, the hero, as a slave. Has time and circumstances ever changed for Calipha since last we saw her. She’s now a gold collared slave herself and it’s a terrible, terrible thing.
But she has news that Dax is not aware of. There were more survivors from Trios and it seems they have a rebellion going against the Coalition.
This is a thrilling, highly romantic alpha type people with A Lot of chemistry and really good old fashioned space swashbuckling fun and it gets some very well earned 5 stars from me. I love this author and this book is her at her best.
If I ever do find where my other review is I’ll add it to this one.
February 28, 2016
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved LORD OF THE STORM. While I can't say I enjoyed SKYPIRATE quite as much, I did appreciate it. There was a lot of cheesiness (so much cheesiness), and the plot seemed to drag, but I liked the characters for the most part (except when they were busy being martyrs to self-inflicted emotional punishment).
These are some of my favorite passages, all of them relating to the romance (cheesiness ahead):
But this was the first time a woman had ever made him so aware of himself as a man.
How often had she indulged herself in that casual pleasuring, secure in her knowledge that since she never cared beyond the moment, she could never be hurt?
This man shamed her. His emotions ran true and deep, and he made a mockery of the way she had lived most of her life, skimming along on the surface, never seeing reality, or feeling it.
Something let go inside him, some last remnant of doubt or hesitation. "I want, too, Califa. So touch me. As you wish, not at my lead."
The reason for my lower rating is mainly the length of the book. It took me forever to read (or it felt like a long time, anyway), and I felt a lot of the content could have been cut out or pared down.
This author is pretty much singlehandedly responsible for me realizing I might be into sci-fi romance, and she's also written some pretty darn good beta males. I might look into more of her work in the future.
I loved LORD OF THE STORM. While I can't say I enjoyed SKYPIRATE quite as much, I did appreciate it. There was a lot of cheesiness (so much cheesiness), and the plot seemed to drag, but I liked the characters for the most part (except when they were busy being martyrs to self-inflicted emotional punishment).
These are some of my favorite passages, all of them relating to the romance (cheesiness ahead):
But this was the first time a woman had ever made him so aware of himself as a man.
How often had she indulged herself in that casual pleasuring, secure in her knowledge that since she never cared beyond the moment, she could never be hurt?
This man shamed her. His emotions ran true and deep, and he made a mockery of the way she had lived most of her life, skimming along on the surface, never seeing reality, or feeling it.
Something let go inside him, some last remnant of doubt or hesitation. "I want, too, Califa. So touch me. As you wish, not at my lead."
The reason for my lower rating is mainly the length of the book. It took me forever to read (or it felt like a long time, anyway), and I felt a lot of the content could have been cut out or pared down.
This author is pretty much singlehandedly responsible for me realizing I might be into sci-fi romance, and she's also written some pretty darn good beta males. I might look into more of her work in the future.
January 4, 2015
This was a fantastic sci-fi romance. I wish I'd read the first book so I had a better grounding in the universe - I'll have to look it up. Califa was a great character in how she grew over the course of the book, from the slave freed by Dax with the leftover arrogances of a former member of the Coalition to actually wanting to help break the Coalition's back.
Dax - wow. Swoon worthy and a space pirate. What's not to love? I adored the fact that he seriously had issues when he found out the true about Califa. It wasn't a matter of him simply having a fit once and being done with it. It cast a serious shadow over the potential for the for a good, long time.
The resolution when it came on Dax's homeworld was enthralling. Definite a great ending to the book and makes me want to read more, a LOT more, in this universe and books by Ms. Davis!
Dax - wow. Swoon worthy and a space pirate. What's not to love? I adored the fact that he seriously had issues when he found out the true about Califa. It wasn't a matter of him simply having a fit once and being done with it. It cast a serious shadow over the potential for the for a good, long time.
The resolution when it came on Dax's homeworld was enthralling. Definite a great ending to the book and makes me want to read more, a LOT more, in this universe and books by Ms. Davis!
July 22, 2011
*dreamy sigh*
and I love the cover. Pure escapism, well written, excellent blend of scifi and romance.
and I love the cover. Pure escapism, well written, excellent blend of scifi and romance.
October 23, 2018
I LIKED THE IDEA OF OUR HERO BEING A SKY PIRATE, ALTHOUGH I HONESTLY DIDN'T READ THE BLURB OF THIS BOOK AND WAS CLUELESS THAT IT WAS CALIFA'S STORY. I DOUBT MANY LIKED HER IN THE FIRST STORY, SO THIS ONE WILL BE ONE YOU EITHER LIKE, DISLIKE OR FEEL A BIT OF IN BETWEEN. I AM THE LATTER ONE.
OUR HERO is a man who has been living with regrets and it explains his foolhardiness and also the ghost that haunts him drives him to take his own revenge against the Coalition by robbing them. The scene opens with Dax 'rescuing' one of his crew members, a young girl from his own heritage and one he loves like a sister although they weren't blood related. He also never expected to bring back a woman - an Aurellian slave who has a Gold Collar, bringing up questions of who she was and how she ended up in this state. Dax struggles between his desire for her, and also the fact that she has secrets that might endanger his crew. When the truth gets out that she was a Coalition member, how will he react? Dax himself is as interesting as Dare or Wolf as we know, he's a definite alpha, he's confident and he's also intelligent.
OUR HEROINE will shock the hell out of you, well maybe not so much but still her character goes through a 180 change here after being a slave for a year. Blamed for Wolf and Shaylah's escape, the Coalition turned against her and made her a Gold Collar slave - now she understands what Wolf has endured, and she begins to see the real face of the Coalition, knowing now why Shaylah had never been like her. Califa has her own set of mommy issues that pushes her into becoming a wandering soul, a woman who is too free with her body and one who is cold and close to unfeeling. The only friend she knew was Shaylah, but she was gone. While one can dislike Califa initially, when her background comes to light, you sort of get why she acted the way she did - all haughty, cold and basically a bitch. But, while I KNOW now, it still doesn't mean I like her as much as I do Shaylah.
OVERALL this wasn't as great as the first book, maybe because I am biased and already set my heart against the heroine. While the sci-fi is still great, and the romance quite passionate....I still wasn't entirely invested in the whole story. I liked the hero enough, but had wished for MORE to happen in the story.
OUR HERO is a man who has been living with regrets and it explains his foolhardiness and also the ghost that haunts him drives him to take his own revenge against the Coalition by robbing them. The scene opens with Dax 'rescuing' one of his crew members, a young girl from his own heritage and one he loves like a sister although they weren't blood related. He also never expected to bring back a woman - an Aurellian slave who has a Gold Collar, bringing up questions of who she was and how she ended up in this state. Dax struggles between his desire for her, and also the fact that she has secrets that might endanger his crew. When the truth gets out that she was a Coalition member, how will he react? Dax himself is as interesting as Dare or Wolf as we know, he's a definite alpha, he's confident and he's also intelligent.
OUR HEROINE will shock the hell out of you, well maybe not so much but still her character goes through a 180 change here after being a slave for a year. Blamed for Wolf and Shaylah's escape, the Coalition turned against her and made her a Gold Collar slave - now she understands what Wolf has endured, and she begins to see the real face of the Coalition, knowing now why Shaylah had never been like her. Califa has her own set of mommy issues that pushes her into becoming a wandering soul, a woman who is too free with her body and one who is cold and close to unfeeling. The only friend she knew was Shaylah, but she was gone. While one can dislike Califa initially, when her background comes to light, you sort of get why she acted the way she did - all haughty, cold and basically a bitch. But, while I KNOW now, it still doesn't mean I like her as much as I do Shaylah.
OVERALL this wasn't as great as the first book, maybe because I am biased and already set my heart against the heroine. While the sci-fi is still great, and the romance quite passionate....I still wasn't entirely invested in the whole story. I liked the hero enough, but had wished for MORE to happen in the story.
April 30, 2012
What happens when a man who can't forgive himself meets a woman who requires redemption? A futuristic romance called THE SKYPIRATE. I read it as a stand-alone but it would have helped to understand all the secondary characters better if I read LORD OF THE STORM first.
It was surprisingly stronger than most visionary romances written in the 1990's. Believe me I should know, I have read enough of them. Dax Silverbrake- OK, Ms. Davis could have come up with a better last name- is an enigma of sorts. This tough nut is hard to crack. If something needs to be done and it is dangerous, he succeeds where others would have failed. Both good looking and fair, most everyone likes him.
The Coalition is the enemy. Dax does everything in his power to cause this faction problems. So when he meets Califa for the first time while saving a friend, he is leery yet attracted to her. She is a slave controlled by a collar but he knows there is more to her and he intends to find out.
If you keep an open mind while reading this piece of fiction you'll figure everything out. There are the usual highs and lows with this type of romance. But if you are looking for something slightly different and you like this genre you should enjoy this couple's story.
It was surprisingly stronger than most visionary romances written in the 1990's. Believe me I should know, I have read enough of them. Dax Silverbrake- OK, Ms. Davis could have come up with a better last name- is an enigma of sorts. This tough nut is hard to crack. If something needs to be done and it is dangerous, he succeeds where others would have failed. Both good looking and fair, most everyone likes him.
The Coalition is the enemy. Dax does everything in his power to cause this faction problems. So when he meets Califa for the first time while saving a friend, he is leery yet attracted to her. She is a slave controlled by a collar but he knows there is more to her and he intends to find out.
If you keep an open mind while reading this piece of fiction you'll figure everything out. There are the usual highs and lows with this type of romance. But if you are looking for something slightly different and you like this genre you should enjoy this couple's story.
January 6, 2021
I read this book when it was originally published, and loved it. I started the series with this one, and then read the first. I much prefer The Skypirate.
On a whim, I went looking on Amazon & discovered the books were reprinted & available in ebook format! I hurriedly bought this and read it in one day, just to see if it was as good as I remembered.
Overall, it held up pretty well. It's not perfect, but I loved the redemption story arc for both Dax and Califa. The prose is a bit flowery for modern readers, perhaps. Dax's "performance issues" are amusing (at least to me), and held up. His suicidal tendencies are dealt with pretty well. I am still not a fan of how Dare and the rest of the Triotians treat him once he's back home, but thankfully, it's not carried on too long. Califa's redemption is the best part of the book, and that part holds up really well. I really loved her arc, and honestly wish we'd had more from before Dax rescues her, but that wouldn't be good for a romance, alas!
On a whim, I went looking on Amazon & discovered the books were reprinted & available in ebook format! I hurriedly bought this and read it in one day, just to see if it was as good as I remembered.
Overall, it held up pretty well. It's not perfect, but I loved the redemption story arc for both Dax and Califa. The prose is a bit flowery for modern readers, perhaps. Dax's "performance issues" are amusing (at least to me), and held up. His suicidal tendencies are dealt with pretty well. I am still not a fan of how Dare and the rest of the Triotians treat him once he's back home, but thankfully, it's not carried on too long. Califa's redemption is the best part of the book, and that part holds up really well. I really loved her arc, and honestly wish we'd had more from before Dax rescues her, but that wouldn't be good for a romance, alas!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2015
I recieved a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and Bell Bridge.
The Skypirate is a story that in my mind predated paranormal romance before it became such a huge trend. Justine has always been a strong writer and I have always loved her books. I am glad to see Skypirate get a new cover and see it get rebirthed because its always been one of my favorites.
Skypirate is the second book in the Coalition series and I would suggest starting at the beginning with the first book even though it could stand on its own and be read alone I do feel there is information that has certain background information that connect to this installment as well.
This is a romance that holds you close and takes its time to bloom in your heart. Its not like the romance of today that is rushed and quick flick instant connection and gratification. I The Skypirate is a story to take your time enjoying and savoring.
The Skypirate is a story that in my mind predated paranormal romance before it became such a huge trend. Justine has always been a strong writer and I have always loved her books. I am glad to see Skypirate get a new cover and see it get rebirthed because its always been one of my favorites.
Skypirate is the second book in the Coalition series and I would suggest starting at the beginning with the first book even though it could stand on its own and be read alone I do feel there is information that has certain background information that connect to this installment as well.
This is a romance that holds you close and takes its time to bloom in your heart. Its not like the romance of today that is rushed and quick flick instant connection and gratification. I The Skypirate is a story to take your time enjoying and savoring.
July 4, 2019
All a good sequel should be!
SKYPIRATE was a credit to its forerunner, Lord of the Storm. I was glad author Davis gave the reader the hero's point of view here; it was a noticeable absence in Book One. Dax is every bit the leading man with faults, heart and a mission he's wholly committed to. From the opener I saw his hidden anxieties as well as his loyalty to his crew. The ruthless and inventive leader of a successful pirate crew came later and I was all in.
The biggest surprise was Califa, as a slave. What a show changer. She morphs from a privileged position in a corrupt regime to the recipient of its punitive, soul crushing punishment. At first there was little sympathy for her, knowing how she treated Wolf now aka Dare. But there was her tenuous friendship with Shaylah, and her flashes about the off-ness of her post flight life and the Coalition. Califa's journey to rebuking her former position in the regime is kind of painful, and almost too hard to credit. The story does well in turning her around in a believable way.
The action scenes got through nicely and without too much techno-speak. The Sunbird crew squeaked through many close calls and I enjoyed them. I sometimes thought Dax's "suicide" complex was a bit overstated by Califa but in the finale I was glad all his possible motives were put out there for Dare and the people of Trios to hear. The ending was expected but thankfully not totally predictable. The reunion between Shaylah and Califa was carefully crafted and not emotionally overdone. Their earlier friendship had many tripwires, and with their positions reversed, there would be no hugs and happy tears.
Book Two of the series is a winner and fitting successor. Highly recommended.
SKYPIRATE was a credit to its forerunner, Lord of the Storm. I was glad author Davis gave the reader the hero's point of view here; it was a noticeable absence in Book One. Dax is every bit the leading man with faults, heart and a mission he's wholly committed to. From the opener I saw his hidden anxieties as well as his loyalty to his crew. The ruthless and inventive leader of a successful pirate crew came later and I was all in.
The biggest surprise was Califa, as a slave. What a show changer. She morphs from a privileged position in a corrupt regime to the recipient of its punitive, soul crushing punishment. At first there was little sympathy for her, knowing how she treated Wolf now aka Dare. But there was her tenuous friendship with Shaylah, and her flashes about the off-ness of her post flight life and the Coalition. Califa's journey to rebuking her former position in the regime is kind of painful, and almost too hard to credit. The story does well in turning her around in a believable way.
The action scenes got through nicely and without too much techno-speak. The Sunbird crew squeaked through many close calls and I enjoyed them. I sometimes thought Dax's "suicide" complex was a bit overstated by Califa but in the finale I was glad all his possible motives were put out there for Dare and the people of Trios to hear. The ending was expected but thankfully not totally predictable. The reunion between Shaylah and Califa was carefully crafted and not emotionally overdone. Their earlier friendship had many tripwires, and with their positions reversed, there would be no hugs and happy tears.
Book Two of the series is a winner and fitting successor. Highly recommended.
February 7, 2022
Dax goes to rescue Rina from jail and ends up also taking her cell mate, Califa, to avoid her exposing the escape. Califa wears a gold collar that identifies her as a highly prized slave. The collar has a controller that instills pain, mind control or death. As they spend time together, while he determines what to do with a slave when he is opposed to the concept but knows she may be a threat, he is drawn to her. But the reason she is a slave and her secrets are worse than he's imagined. During a battle they come out and the focus changes. This a complex adventure novel built around a heroine who was an evil person in the first volume of the series, who a year later has changed her thoughts but is judged by her past. It is an interesting plot but one that, needing a HEA ending, required a fairly quick bit of forgiveness. But a great climax scene at the end. Very enjoyable if a bit unbelievable.
August 5, 2025
Having read Book 1 of this series, I was fully prepared to hate Skypirate. But, being a Hoopla library borrow, it cost me nothing to check it out. Pun not intended. 😁 Much to my surprise, it grew on me. Pretty quickly, I was hooked. Ms. Davis managed to redeem Califa. I didn't think it could be done. But, she really did. She also gave us another true hero. Dax is that man who is without ego, yet is the absolute best in every way. And, I cried..... again! Man, tissue sopping, heart-breaking, stuffy-nosed, makeup gone.... crying. The woman knows how to not only pull on your heart strings, but reel them in, squeeze your heart into a painful remnant of itself, then let it go. This, like book 1, checks all the boxes for me. World building, character depth, story pacing and satisfying climax. No cliffhanger, just a tantalizing hint of things to come. 5 stars. (I've seen the comments re cheesiness. Yeah, a bit, I guess. Didn't bother me whatsoever)
July 7, 2020
I have had this and “Lord of the Storm” in bodice ripper paperback form for forever. And while I read “Lord of the Storm” in 2011, I don’t believe I ever picked this one up.
I thought it might take some effort to warm to Califa after who she was in the first book, but she more than made up for her past misdeeds. Interestingly enough, the collared male in the first book was manipulated on camera (as it were), but the collared female was only manipulated off screen before the events of the book began.
(spoiler) I was hoping we’d see Califa hand the controller to the man who knew its import the most.
I thought it might take some effort to warm to Califa after who she was in the first book, but she more than made up for her past misdeeds. Interestingly enough, the collared male in the first book was manipulated on camera (as it were), but the collared female was only manipulated off screen before the events of the book began.
(spoiler) I was hoping we’d see Califa hand the controller to the man who knew its import the most.
August 2, 2017
A FANTASTIC SCI-FI ROMANCE....
...reminiscent of Firefly. I picked the book up at a used book store on a whim, not knowing it was book 2 of the series.
It is SO hard to find a good sci-fi story with ACTUAL romance. Justine Davis has written a story that encompasses the thrill of action, the futuristic otherworldly science fiction and the heat of a passionate romance. I couldn't put the book down until it was finished.
I am so excited to read the rest of her books. You won't regret reading this book and it'll transport you to another world of fast paced story telling and fun!
...reminiscent of Firefly. I picked the book up at a used book store on a whim, not knowing it was book 2 of the series.
It is SO hard to find a good sci-fi story with ACTUAL romance. Justine Davis has written a story that encompasses the thrill of action, the futuristic otherworldly science fiction and the heat of a passionate romance. I couldn't put the book down until it was finished.
I am so excited to read the rest of her books. You won't regret reading this book and it'll transport you to another world of fast paced story telling and fun!
January 26, 2018
Califa Claxton, once an important Coalition officer, is cast into slavery for refusing to betray a friend who sided with the rebellion. Defeated, she huddles in her cell when a handsome warrior bursts in to rescue a cellmate. He takes pity on Califa and brings her along. Dax is the infamous skypirate who’s been raiding Coalition supplies. His crew isn’t too happy with his decision, but Dax senses the lovely slave can help him restore his humanity. He’s in torment over his past, and only her love can free him from his demons.
March 2, 2021
I hate this new cover. I have the original paperback with the more beautiful cover.
I read this book many, many years ago and loved it.
I have just re-read it and still love it.
I have only just learned that Justine Davis has written several sequels, so I'll have to hunt for those.
I read this book many, many years ago and loved it.
I have just re-read it and still love it.
I have only just learned that Justine Davis has written several sequels, so I'll have to hunt for those.
July 30, 2022
Ugh this one was good too. Idk, I wanted more resolution to Dare and Califa, and more flashbacks to that year before the story started. I wanted more showing and less telling that her views had been changed.
June 23, 2022
Read : June 23, 2022
Rating : 3,5 Stars
Very dramatic but I liked the ending.
Rating : 3,5 Stars
Very dramatic but I liked the ending.
January 13, 2023
I like a good redemption tale and this is one. Still I had some reservations at first, but Califa made me forget Shaylah. Although Dax is no Dare, I love him! And sweet Rina offcourse
Read
May 1, 2023This is a GREAT story! One of the best romances I've read -- and I've read hundreds of them!
November 14, 2023
4.5 stars
February 14, 2023
When storming a slave camp for an imprisoned crew mate, the hero is forced to free a fellow prisoner when she threatens him with the exposure of his identity. The heroine was once an enemy captain and a slave owner before becoming a slave herself. When it comes to light who and what she was, the hero is absolutely disgusted with her. But he's smart enough, and attracted to her enough to let her explain herself. She became a slave when she refused to expose her only friend as an enemy sympathizer but she was never a diehard Coalition officer to begin with. She's completely honest with herself and with the hero when she states that it was the only world she'd ever known. She was never a harsh or evil slave owner but she never fought against the injustice of it either.
The hero is the last of his kind, or so he thinks. He's tortured by the belief that almost all of his race is dead and he wasn't present during the battle to save them. He uses this guilt as an excuse to take any and every risk he can in hopes that it will kill him. He doesn't see just how admired and beloved he is by his crewmates and it takes the heroine's observations to snap his out of his melodrama. And it was melodrama. He would frequently go into very dark moods where he wouldn't eat or drink or speak to anyone. The hero and heroine had a very complex but honest relationship. He doesn't trust her and keep the controller for her slave collar close but he's kind to her and listens to her advice and values her opinion. When she lapses into her slave obedience he purposely will do something to anger her, saying he loves to see the fire in her eyes. But he was completely blind, as he was in most things, to the heroine’s feelings for him. Though she is the furthest thing from mushy or romantic, her words and actions broadcast her love even though she doesn't believe in such things. When he finds out that not only is his race alive but fighting a rebellion he knows he must return to offer his support. But he knows that he'll be meet with disappointment if not hatred by his kinsmen because of his cowardice in the war and his employment as a pirate since. The reception he had with his friend and king was completely stupid.
I haven't read the previous book in the series yet but I took an instant disliking to the king. How could he treat his friend like that? Sure, he wasn't there for the battle but you can see the guilt and tortured in the man's eyes at what he did! Also, he was a pirate but he used that power to screw with the Coalition, surely that's a good thing, right? No, instead he thrust into prison. What total crock! Other than the god-awful ending, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were honest and certainly had their faults but they worked every day to make themselves better. Now that's more said of the heroine than the hero but he still took the time to listen to advice which I loved.
The hero is the last of his kind, or so he thinks. He's tortured by the belief that almost all of his race is dead and he wasn't present during the battle to save them. He uses this guilt as an excuse to take any and every risk he can in hopes that it will kill him. He doesn't see just how admired and beloved he is by his crewmates and it takes the heroine's observations to snap his out of his melodrama. And it was melodrama. He would frequently go into very dark moods where he wouldn't eat or drink or speak to anyone. The hero and heroine had a very complex but honest relationship. He doesn't trust her and keep the controller for her slave collar close but he's kind to her and listens to her advice and values her opinion. When she lapses into her slave obedience he purposely will do something to anger her, saying he loves to see the fire in her eyes. But he was completely blind, as he was in most things, to the heroine’s feelings for him. Though she is the furthest thing from mushy or romantic, her words and actions broadcast her love even though she doesn't believe in such things. When he finds out that not only is his race alive but fighting a rebellion he knows he must return to offer his support. But he knows that he'll be meet with disappointment if not hatred by his kinsmen because of his cowardice in the war and his employment as a pirate since. The reception he had with his friend and king was completely stupid.
I haven't read the previous book in the series yet but I took an instant disliking to the king. How could he treat his friend like that? Sure, he wasn't there for the battle but you can see the guilt and tortured in the man's eyes at what he did! Also, he was a pirate but he used that power to screw with the Coalition, surely that's a good thing, right? No, instead he thrust into prison. What total crock! Other than the god-awful ending, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were honest and certainly had their faults but they worked every day to make themselves better. Now that's more said of the heroine than the hero but he still took the time to listen to advice which I loved.
December 1, 2014
One is driven by revenge, the other has an unforgivable past, both are bound by a love neither expected nor wanted and for atonement they will risk everything for the rebellion in this thrilling sci-fi romance.
A fast pace and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats with suspense, action and romance. The reader can’t help but get caught up in this emotionally gripping tale of two unlikely lovers as their unexpected attraction to each other burns with hot passion from every page. They were enemies, but Califa and Dax will have to work through their past issues and learn that not everything is black & white and people can change but the journey to that realization is full of some spark inducing clashes and some hot and steamy encounters. Dax and Califa really grab the reader’s attention and ensure that the reader enjoys every part of their story whether it’s their turbulent relationship, heartfelt emotional turmoil or the exciting adventures.
Spine tingling tension builds throughout the story as the well written scenes and details capture the imagination and danger and excitement this couple at every turn of course that could be because Dax is determined to antagonize the Coalition every chance he gets. There is never a dull moment as Dax and his crew engages in daring rescues, liberating supply runs, reckless behavior and seat of their pants escapes from their enemies.
I was completely caught up in the story as it captures the heart with Dax and Califa trying to heal each other which is easier said than done especially as they have to learn to forgiveness not only of others but of themselves, which is hard enough without the added complication of their attraction to each other. The fascinating futuristic world draws the reader into the story and ensures that the reader comes back for more and while you can read these out of order and still enjoy them…this one does reference events in the previous book.
4 ½ STARS
A fast pace and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats with suspense, action and romance. The reader can’t help but get caught up in this emotionally gripping tale of two unlikely lovers as their unexpected attraction to each other burns with hot passion from every page. They were enemies, but Califa and Dax will have to work through their past issues and learn that not everything is black & white and people can change but the journey to that realization is full of some spark inducing clashes and some hot and steamy encounters. Dax and Califa really grab the reader’s attention and ensure that the reader enjoys every part of their story whether it’s their turbulent relationship, heartfelt emotional turmoil or the exciting adventures.
Spine tingling tension builds throughout the story as the well written scenes and details capture the imagination and danger and excitement this couple at every turn of course that could be because Dax is determined to antagonize the Coalition every chance he gets. There is never a dull moment as Dax and his crew engages in daring rescues, liberating supply runs, reckless behavior and seat of their pants escapes from their enemies.
I was completely caught up in the story as it captures the heart with Dax and Califa trying to heal each other which is easier said than done especially as they have to learn to forgiveness not only of others but of themselves, which is hard enough without the added complication of their attraction to each other. The fascinating futuristic world draws the reader into the story and ensures that the reader comes back for more and while you can read these out of order and still enjoy them…this one does reference events in the previous book.
4 ½ STARS
November 12, 2017
4 Stars
Anything that promises space pirates is a definite read for me.
I loved Dax and his crew of miscreants. Califa’s transformation from heartless scag in Lord of the Storm to repenting comrade in Skypirate was engaging. I enjoyed the romance between Dax and Califa a lot more than Shayla and Wolf’s torrid affair. The book was delicious.
Review
Anything that promises space pirates is a definite read for me.
I loved Dax and his crew of miscreants. Califa’s transformation from heartless scag in Lord of the Storm to repenting comrade in Skypirate was engaging. I enjoyed the romance between Dax and Califa a lot more than Shayla and Wolf’s torrid affair. The book was delicious.
Review
August 31, 2013
2013, August 30 - re-read
The second (and unfortunately final) Coalition book...
I absolutely loved "Lord of the Storm" and "The Skypirate" was just as well written and full of strong themes and emotions. It was a bit slow at times - because I think the story is mainly character driven, not action driven (although there are some action scenes) - but it was still great.
I found it hard to believe this book was written in the 90's. The love scenes are hot, but this is not an erotic book. This author doesn't focus on sex, like so many authors today, but the story actually has strong conflict, both internal and external, and also strong, flawed characters. Even the secondary characters are great and well fleshed.
I'm going to read other books by Justine Davis - I'm curious to see whether she's as good with contemporary as she's with futuristic romance.
The second (and unfortunately final) Coalition book...
I absolutely loved "Lord of the Storm" and "The Skypirate" was just as well written and full of strong themes and emotions. It was a bit slow at times - because I think the story is mainly character driven, not action driven (although there are some action scenes) - but it was still great.
I found it hard to believe this book was written in the 90's. The love scenes are hot, but this is not an erotic book. This author doesn't focus on sex, like so many authors today, but the story actually has strong conflict, both internal and external, and also strong, flawed characters. Even the secondary characters are great and well fleshed.
I'm going to read other books by Justine Davis - I'm curious to see whether she's as good with contemporary as she's with futuristic romance.
December 13, 2014
I love the adventure, romance and world building. I read this years ago an it solidified my love of Science Fiction Romance. Davis is an excellent storyteller and builds character you will adore and believe in. Most of you will want their happily ever after as you rocket around in their wonderful world.
The rereading was joyful. Such fun!
I was giving this book for my honest review. So, there you have it!
The rereading was joyful. Such fun!
I was giving this book for my honest review. So, there you have it!
January 16, 2008
The Skypirate - VG
Davis, Justine (aka Justine Dare)
Dax, a skypirate hunted to the ends of the universe by the cruel interstellar Coalition, can't escape the allure of Captain Califa Claxton. A chance to destroy the Coalition awaits them, and in the white heat of their explosive union a new bond may be forged - souls joined by a magnificent love.
Very enjoyable
Davis, Justine (aka Justine Dare)
Dax, a skypirate hunted to the ends of the universe by the cruel interstellar Coalition, can't escape the allure of Captain Califa Claxton. A chance to destroy the Coalition awaits them, and in the white heat of their explosive union a new bond may be forged - souls joined by a magnificent love.
Very enjoyable
October 27, 2024
Was very excited to read this one based on the premise. It was the reason I started the series. A skypirate!
It was pretty good. The emotional payoff at the end was quite excellent, too.
(The Judgy McJudgers at the end prematurely judging the pirating were annoying, but whatever.)
It was pretty good. The emotional payoff at the end was quite excellent, too.
(The Judgy McJudgers at the end prematurely judging the pirating were annoying, but whatever.)
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