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Sky Raiders #1
Sky Raiders
First they flew their mysterious sky craft through the skies of Barit. Then they started attacking. Finally, they began to raid.
Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.
Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.
She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.
She does have an idea of how she can break free--the sky raiders have brought them to Shadow to mine for ore. A very special ore which Taya has worked out is as dangerous to the sky raiders as it is valuable.
What she doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.
Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.
Garek's one year of duty as a guard walking the walls of Garamundo was extended to two when the sky raiders appeared. Two long years away from home and his lover, Taya. When he finally returns, the town is empty. While Garek was protecting Garamundo, the sky raiders were taking their victims from his hometown.
Taya can't bear looking into the night sky. All she can see is Barit, her home planet. Impossibly, the sky raiders have brought her and their other victims to Shadow, the planet that shadows her own, and looking up makes her aware of everything she's lost. Garek is out there somewhere. She knows he'll look, but he'll never find her.
She and the other captives have to find a way to escape. Without the food and clothes the sky raiders bring them from their raids on Barit, they'll starve on the almost barren wastes of Shadow. And when they've given the sky raiders enough of what they want, that's exactly what the sky raiders will leave them to do.
She does have an idea of how she can break free--the sky raiders have brought them to Shadow to mine for ore. A very special ore which Taya has worked out is as dangerous to the sky raiders as it is valuable.
What she doesn't realize is she'll have some help with her plan. Because Garek isn't giving up. And he's even more resourceful than she could ever have imagined.
Nothing is going to keep him from Taya. Not even space itself.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2016
241 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Diener
54 books1,920 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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December 23, 2016I thought it might be of interest to include the three articles I wrote about Sky Raiders just after it was released.
My Roots Are Showing
My latest novel, SKY RAIDERS, the first book in a new space opera trilogy, is in many strange ways a return to my writing roots.
While I wrote fantasy and even time travel novels before I was published by Simon & Schuster in 2011, my first published books were all historical novels.
I've always been a voracious reader of historicals, fantasies and science fiction, and I've always felt that they sit together comfortably because they are all, to a greater or lesser degree, true escapism. I find it as challenging, technically, to write a historical scene as a science fiction scene, needing to draw on the world I'm working with and its rules to create something believable. In historicals, this means research and in science fiction or fantasy, this means the rules and backstory I have made up.
As I worked on the Sky Raiders series, with SKY RAIDERS the first novel, and it was only after a while that I realized I was writing a novel that easily mirrored the invasion of Kwa-Zulu Natal by the Victorian Empire that I'd written about in my historical novel DAUGHTER OF THE SKY, as it was about a planet, Barit, invaded by aliens who were far more technically advanced.
That Victorian theme continued when I was thinking hard about the way one of the cultures on Barit treat their women. The idea of putting women on a pedestal as a way to disempower them is extremely Victorian. The Victorians pretended they were honoring the feminine, but instead were condescending to women by denying them experiences and power 'for their own good'. But I obviously like to mix things up, because rather than a Victorian level of technology on Barit, the level is more analogous to the Renaissance, with walled cities. But I didn't stop there. Into the mix, I threw the Hallstatt Culture. This Celtic culture which gets its name from Hallstatt, near Salzburg in Austria, has always fascinated me, and there are definite threads of this culture in the people of Barit.
Another fun tradition I incorporated was the Viking Clap – although it isn't exactly the same in Sky Raiders, the inspiration definitely comes from this. (Those who want to see it in action, performed by 100,000 Icelanders on the triumphant return of the Icelandic soccer team after a big win during the European Cup, can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTq_v...). The Viking Clap wasn't actually invented by the Icelanders, it's from Motherwell in Scotland, but whoever is doing it, it's awesome to watch. And staying with Iceland, I also used their real women's Day Off, which happened in 1975, where over 90% of Icelandic women took a day off and didn't do any work to protest their lower pay (60% of what men were earning) and the general inequality of women in the workforce. Laws were past the following year guaranteeing gender equality in the workforce (the Day Off literally shut the country down for the day) and although true change was a little slower, Iceland does now have one of the highest levels of gender equality in the workforce in the world.
I think it was inevitable that my years of writing historicals would find a way to touch my science fiction work, and I had a lot of fun, and gave a lot of thought, to the use to which I put my historical background. I think fictional cultures with some basis in real culture, however much of a mix they are, make for a more believable, more interesting world, and I hope my readers think so, too.
Star-crossed Lovers Who Won't Bow to Their Fate
The official definition of star-crossed lovers is two people who love each other deeply but cannot be together because fate is against them. Whatever is written in their stars means they are doomed to never find happiness, never be together.
Obviously, this is not a HEA or even a HFN situation :)
Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde . . . they're the gold standard of star-crossed lovers, but when I was writing Sky Raiders, I thought a lot about the concept, because I kept thinking of Garek and Taya, my hero and heroine, as star-crossed, but only to a point. They love each other, and fate keeps them apart, but neither of them accepts this.
Garek throws caution to the wind and never lets the obstacles in front of him even slow him down in his determination to get to Taya. And she, equally, is driven not only to survive, but also to work a way out of her situation, because she will not give up her desire to be with Garek again.
It was so much fun, but also really poignant, to write a love story like Garek and Taya's, and I loved every minute of it. I hope my readers enjoy it just as much. Tristan and Isolde, but without the downer at the end :)
The Making of Sky Raiders
Some books take longer than others. :) I wish they all fell onto the page with no effort and much joy, but that's not how it goes, sadly. I started writing Sky Raiders back in 2013. I wrote, and then I stopped, and then I wrote some more. Then I put it aside completely as I worked on the Class 5 series.
The reason for this is that the story was still brewing in my head. The cultures and world I wanted to build on my imaginary planet of Barit, the overreaching ARC of the series, needed time to come together in my head.
I would think of it fondly, play music I associated with it (like Flora's Secret by Enya (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESiRI...), which is what I imagine was playing in the heavens when Garek and Taya lay together in the meadows above Pan Nuk) as I worked on the Class 5 series, and looked forward to working on it when the time was right.
When that time came, I knew I'd done the right thing. Writing Sky Raiders was still challenging, but my subconscious had done a lot of work for me, and I was able to clearly visualize the world I wanted to describe.
It's always satisfying when I finish a book, but when I finished Sky Raiders, it felt really good. Like the end of a journey that has been as satisfying to make as to complete.
I hope my readers enjoy it just as much.
Michelle
My Roots Are Showing
My latest novel, SKY RAIDERS, the first book in a new space opera trilogy, is in many strange ways a return to my writing roots.
While I wrote fantasy and even time travel novels before I was published by Simon & Schuster in 2011, my first published books were all historical novels.
I've always been a voracious reader of historicals, fantasies and science fiction, and I've always felt that they sit together comfortably because they are all, to a greater or lesser degree, true escapism. I find it as challenging, technically, to write a historical scene as a science fiction scene, needing to draw on the world I'm working with and its rules to create something believable. In historicals, this means research and in science fiction or fantasy, this means the rules and backstory I have made up.
As I worked on the Sky Raiders series, with SKY RAIDERS the first novel, and it was only after a while that I realized I was writing a novel that easily mirrored the invasion of Kwa-Zulu Natal by the Victorian Empire that I'd written about in my historical novel DAUGHTER OF THE SKY, as it was about a planet, Barit, invaded by aliens who were far more technically advanced.
That Victorian theme continued when I was thinking hard about the way one of the cultures on Barit treat their women. The idea of putting women on a pedestal as a way to disempower them is extremely Victorian. The Victorians pretended they were honoring the feminine, but instead were condescending to women by denying them experiences and power 'for their own good'. But I obviously like to mix things up, because rather than a Victorian level of technology on Barit, the level is more analogous to the Renaissance, with walled cities. But I didn't stop there. Into the mix, I threw the Hallstatt Culture. This Celtic culture which gets its name from Hallstatt, near Salzburg in Austria, has always fascinated me, and there are definite threads of this culture in the people of Barit.
Another fun tradition I incorporated was the Viking Clap – although it isn't exactly the same in Sky Raiders, the inspiration definitely comes from this. (Those who want to see it in action, performed by 100,000 Icelanders on the triumphant return of the Icelandic soccer team after a big win during the European Cup, can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTq_v...). The Viking Clap wasn't actually invented by the Icelanders, it's from Motherwell in Scotland, but whoever is doing it, it's awesome to watch. And staying with Iceland, I also used their real women's Day Off, which happened in 1975, where over 90% of Icelandic women took a day off and didn't do any work to protest their lower pay (60% of what men were earning) and the general inequality of women in the workforce. Laws were past the following year guaranteeing gender equality in the workforce (the Day Off literally shut the country down for the day) and although true change was a little slower, Iceland does now have one of the highest levels of gender equality in the workforce in the world.
I think it was inevitable that my years of writing historicals would find a way to touch my science fiction work, and I had a lot of fun, and gave a lot of thought, to the use to which I put my historical background. I think fictional cultures with some basis in real culture, however much of a mix they are, make for a more believable, more interesting world, and I hope my readers think so, too.
Star-crossed Lovers Who Won't Bow to Their Fate
The official definition of star-crossed lovers is two people who love each other deeply but cannot be together because fate is against them. Whatever is written in their stars means they are doomed to never find happiness, never be together.
Obviously, this is not a HEA or even a HFN situation :)
Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde . . . they're the gold standard of star-crossed lovers, but when I was writing Sky Raiders, I thought a lot about the concept, because I kept thinking of Garek and Taya, my hero and heroine, as star-crossed, but only to a point. They love each other, and fate keeps them apart, but neither of them accepts this.
Garek throws caution to the wind and never lets the obstacles in front of him even slow him down in his determination to get to Taya. And she, equally, is driven not only to survive, but also to work a way out of her situation, because she will not give up her desire to be with Garek again.
It was so much fun, but also really poignant, to write a love story like Garek and Taya's, and I loved every minute of it. I hope my readers enjoy it just as much. Tristan and Isolde, but without the downer at the end :)
The Making of Sky Raiders
Some books take longer than others. :) I wish they all fell onto the page with no effort and much joy, but that's not how it goes, sadly. I started writing Sky Raiders back in 2013. I wrote, and then I stopped, and then I wrote some more. Then I put it aside completely as I worked on the Class 5 series.
The reason for this is that the story was still brewing in my head. The cultures and world I wanted to build on my imaginary planet of Barit, the overreaching ARC of the series, needed time to come together in my head.
I would think of it fondly, play music I associated with it (like Flora's Secret by Enya (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESiRI...), which is what I imagine was playing in the heavens when Garek and Taya lay together in the meadows above Pan Nuk) as I worked on the Class 5 series, and looked forward to working on it when the time was right.
When that time came, I knew I'd done the right thing. Writing Sky Raiders was still challenging, but my subconscious had done a lot of work for me, and I was able to clearly visualize the world I wanted to describe.
It's always satisfying when I finish a book, but when I finished Sky Raiders, it felt really good. Like the end of a journey that has been as satisfying to make as to complete.
I hope my readers enjoy it just as much.
Michelle
February 3, 2017
I think this is the best book Ms Diener has written until now. A mix of sci fi e fantasy, it has a strong female lead that was easy to like.
The story has an end, but as this is a trilogy, it's not fully satisfying :) One thread ends, but the others will have their own story. The love story is important, but it's not all the story. On the contrary it's the supporting cast in a way. This isn't a romance, as in boy-meet-girl story and they fall in love. It's about what happen if they divide the boy and the girl, and what both have to do to reunite .. and save a world at the same time. Well, it's more interesting than that, sorry. It's always so much more difficult to explain why we like a book :)
It has a few cons, namely the super easy way a few things developed, but they didn't mar my enjoyment.
The story has an end, but as this is a trilogy, it's not fully satisfying :) One thread ends, but the others will have their own story. The love story is important, but it's not all the story. On the contrary it's the supporting cast in a way. This isn't a romance, as in boy-meet-girl story and they fall in love. It's about what happen if they divide the boy and the girl, and what both have to do to reunite .. and save a world at the same time. Well, it's more interesting than that, sorry. It's always so much more difficult to explain why we like a book :)
It has a few cons, namely the super easy way a few things developed, but they didn't mar my enjoyment.
March 1, 2017
Sometimes it's nice to read a little science fiction and this authors previous books have been so inventive that I was keen to read this the first of a new series. It's an adventure really as two estranged lovers fight to find each other.
Garek is a soldier with the ability to manipulate air but he was lied to and conscripted for not the original one year as planned but two! He's finally home , ready to return to his beloved Tara but when he arrives it's only to discover that Tara and many others have been spirited away and are no longer on the planet!
Tara longs for freedom from the mines she and her people are forced to work in but the aliens who have captured them have technology that is unknown to Tara's more simplistic people. Yet Tara won't give up and keeps looking for a way to defeat their captors. Unknown to her though is the fact that Garek is not about to let the woman he loves go!
I found this very easy to read in an afternoon and it simply flowed in a way that had me eagerly turning the pages. First I have to say I loved the ever calm and resourceful Tara! She's the sort of person that thinks outside the box and if there's pressure building then Tara is definitely someone you want on your side. Yes there are the Sky Raiders to contend with but unfortunately there are also enemies within the camp!
The chapters switch to give both Gareks and Tara's side of the story and I have to say there's never a dull moment. Garek is pretty gung ho and determined that nothing and no one will stand in his way. Yet even as I cheered for him I also liked the way the author added political intruige and it's clear that changes are on the horizon .
Aliens, danger and romance all come together here but there's a slight paranormal twist too that I feel is only just beginning to be explored. The contrast between technology and what those on planet Barit can do makes for a very interesting scenario indeed!
Garek is a soldier with the ability to manipulate air but he was lied to and conscripted for not the original one year as planned but two! He's finally home , ready to return to his beloved Tara but when he arrives it's only to discover that Tara and many others have been spirited away and are no longer on the planet!
Tara longs for freedom from the mines she and her people are forced to work in but the aliens who have captured them have technology that is unknown to Tara's more simplistic people. Yet Tara won't give up and keeps looking for a way to defeat their captors. Unknown to her though is the fact that Garek is not about to let the woman he loves go!
I found this very easy to read in an afternoon and it simply flowed in a way that had me eagerly turning the pages. First I have to say I loved the ever calm and resourceful Tara! She's the sort of person that thinks outside the box and if there's pressure building then Tara is definitely someone you want on your side. Yes there are the Sky Raiders to contend with but unfortunately there are also enemies within the camp!
The chapters switch to give both Gareks and Tara's side of the story and I have to say there's never a dull moment. Garek is pretty gung ho and determined that nothing and no one will stand in his way. Yet even as I cheered for him I also liked the way the author added political intruige and it's clear that changes are on the horizon .
Aliens, danger and romance all come together here but there's a slight paranormal twist too that I feel is only just beginning to be explored. The contrast between technology and what those on planet Barit can do makes for a very interesting scenario indeed!
December 21, 2016
4 stars
SciFi Space Opera at its finest.
I found Michelle Diner exactly one year ago. Her book Dark Horse (Class 5, #1) was recommended by one of my most trusted writers, and I just had to try it. I was literally blown away by the quality of her writing and outstanding storytelling.
Action, space adventure and a touch of romance, a strong heroine and a wonderful hero, and you got a hit. At least that's how I felt about her books.
In Sky Raiders Garek and his love Taya were ripped apart by alien Sky Raiders. The more advanced species was searching a particular material and they used Garek and Taya's home planet as a source for workers. When Garek came home after two years or working as a guard protecting their capital and he found his home town raided and Taya gone.
Garek, smart, strong, and resourceful didn't take long to figure out what was going on and started to plan a rescue mission.
Even so their home planet Barit was not as advanced as the aliens, their genetics balanced it out giving them other skills. Some inhabitants of Barit were able to call the Change. The Change was a manipulation of water, air and earth. In Garek's case he manipulated air in such a way that had not been seen before. His skill was one of the reasons why he was so thought after as a guard.
While Garek searched for a way to reunite with Taya. Taya and the other captives were stranded on a neighboring planet, without any way back to Barit. The Sky Raiders used the captured inhabitants to mine for a specific ore. While in such close proximity to the mineral Taya discovered her own talent. She was able to manipulate the shadow ore, a kind of iron that the Aliens were particular interested in. Suddenly the prisoners weren't helpless anymore and the captives started making their own escape plans.
Sky Raiders was as fascinating as I hoped it would be. Her talent of combining science fiction with romance was fantastic. I've always liked romance in my books. But I would never say no to a great adventure and space travel opera. And Michelle Diener's book made al that happen. I absolutely adored this book. It was captivating, entertaining and unique. And I can't wait to read the next in this series.
SciFi Space Opera at its finest.
I found Michelle Diner exactly one year ago. Her book Dark Horse (Class 5, #1) was recommended by one of my most trusted writers, and I just had to try it. I was literally blown away by the quality of her writing and outstanding storytelling.
Action, space adventure and a touch of romance, a strong heroine and a wonderful hero, and you got a hit. At least that's how I felt about her books.
In Sky Raiders Garek and his love Taya were ripped apart by alien Sky Raiders. The more advanced species was searching a particular material and they used Garek and Taya's home planet as a source for workers. When Garek came home after two years or working as a guard protecting their capital and he found his home town raided and Taya gone.
Garek, smart, strong, and resourceful didn't take long to figure out what was going on and started to plan a rescue mission.
Even so their home planet Barit was not as advanced as the aliens, their genetics balanced it out giving them other skills. Some inhabitants of Barit were able to call the Change. The Change was a manipulation of water, air and earth. In Garek's case he manipulated air in such a way that had not been seen before. His skill was one of the reasons why he was so thought after as a guard.
While Garek searched for a way to reunite with Taya. Taya and the other captives were stranded on a neighboring planet, without any way back to Barit. The Sky Raiders used the captured inhabitants to mine for a specific ore. While in such close proximity to the mineral Taya discovered her own talent. She was able to manipulate the shadow ore, a kind of iron that the Aliens were particular interested in. Suddenly the prisoners weren't helpless anymore and the captives started making their own escape plans.
Sky Raiders was as fascinating as I hoped it would be. Her talent of combining science fiction with romance was fantastic. I've always liked romance in my books. But I would never say no to a great adventure and space travel opera. And Michelle Diener's book made al that happen. I absolutely adored this book. It was captivating, entertaining and unique. And I can't wait to read the next in this series.
January 12, 2019
Very interesting. Sci fi and fantasy in one. I loved this author's Class 5 series. And I am loving this one, as well.
The characters are very likeable. I can't wait what's going to happen next.
The characters are very likeable. I can't wait what's going to happen next.
December 13, 2016
I can save you some time if you read and loved Dark Horse you are going to love this one as well, it has some very basic similarities as far as being what is called a "space opera" (I have no clue why) it is a science fiction adventure that is based around a romance (or maybe it is the other way around).
Garek was forced to leave the love of his life for conscription in the guard for what was supposed to be 1 year but due to some political machinations he was kept for 2 years, when he returns his love Taya is gone with most of his village, take by the sky raiders (hence the title).
Garek and Taya's civilization are somewhere around 17th or 18th century level if this was Earth and obviously they have little defense against the sky raiders but some people like Garek have special abilities that allow them to fight them more effectively.
This book is taken up with Garek's mission to get Taya back which is going to be hard since they have moved all their prisoners to another nearby planet for reasons that will be explained in the book.
It was a great story, but these David and Goliath type tales are always a great story.
Bottom Line: Loved the story, I am assuming that this will be a trilogy from her other writings but as with her previous SF trilogy, each book has a good ending and no cliffhangers involved so for this first installment 4 Stars for a great story and making you want to scream for the next one because it was so good and you want to see where this story goes from here.
Garek was forced to leave the love of his life for conscription in the guard for what was supposed to be 1 year but due to some political machinations he was kept for 2 years, when he returns his love Taya is gone with most of his village, take by the sky raiders (hence the title).
Garek and Taya's civilization are somewhere around 17th or 18th century level if this was Earth and obviously they have little defense against the sky raiders but some people like Garek have special abilities that allow them to fight them more effectively.
This book is taken up with Garek's mission to get Taya back which is going to be hard since they have moved all their prisoners to another nearby planet for reasons that will be explained in the book.
It was a great story, but these David and Goliath type tales are always a great story.
Bottom Line: Loved the story, I am assuming that this will be a trilogy from her other writings but as with her previous SF trilogy, each book has a good ending and no cliffhangers involved so for this first installment 4 Stars for a great story and making you want to scream for the next one because it was so good and you want to see where this story goes from here.
December 22, 2016
At first I had a pretty hard to getting into Sky Raiders. I may also had a mini reading slump so that didn't really help things. After the first 50% I started getting more into the book and I was getting more invested in all the characters. I wish I had liked the story a little more since I absolutely loved Michelle Diener's other sci-fi trilogy, Class 5 but I'm still looking forward to the next two books to see where everything will be going.
Garek has been away for two years due to guard duty that had been extended to two years instead of one. When he finally gets back, he arrives at his home town only to find it empty because the sky raiders have taking everyone, including the woman he loves, Taya. Meanwhile Taya and the other people the sky raiders have taking have been brought to Shadow where they are forced to work in the mine. Garek is working on a plan to save Taya while Taya is working on a plan to get off Shadow and back to her home planet.
The story is written in dual point of view by Garek and Taya. I always felt myself drawn more to Garek's POV. Not that I didn't like Taya also but I loved him as one of the lead characters, especially when he was trying to get to Taya. Another favorite character of mine was Aidan Hansard who kind of had to go along with Garek to find Taya. I really liked how their friendship developed out of a sort of necessity.
I found myself almost not being able to wait until Garek and Taya finally would be reunited and once they did it was worth all the trouble they both had to go through. I loved them as a couple and how they both wouldn't stop until they would find each other. To me this book also had a certain fantasy element because some of the characters could call upon the change and basically control an element, which I thought was very cool.
Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener had a slow start for me. Like I said, I had a hard time getting into it. There was loads of action in the story which was something I loved but I still missed a certain "oomph", to be honest. But I still thought it was a great sci-fi adventure and a good start of this new trilogy.
Garek has been away for two years due to guard duty that had been extended to two years instead of one. When he finally gets back, he arrives at his home town only to find it empty because the sky raiders have taking everyone, including the woman he loves, Taya. Meanwhile Taya and the other people the sky raiders have taking have been brought to Shadow where they are forced to work in the mine. Garek is working on a plan to save Taya while Taya is working on a plan to get off Shadow and back to her home planet.
The story is written in dual point of view by Garek and Taya. I always felt myself drawn more to Garek's POV. Not that I didn't like Taya also but I loved him as one of the lead characters, especially when he was trying to get to Taya. Another favorite character of mine was Aidan Hansard who kind of had to go along with Garek to find Taya. I really liked how their friendship developed out of a sort of necessity.
I found myself almost not being able to wait until Garek and Taya finally would be reunited and once they did it was worth all the trouble they both had to go through. I loved them as a couple and how they both wouldn't stop until they would find each other. To me this book also had a certain fantasy element because some of the characters could call upon the change and basically control an element, which I thought was very cool.
Sky Raiders by Michelle Diener had a slow start for me. Like I said, I had a hard time getting into it. There was loads of action in the story which was something I loved but I still missed a certain "oomph", to be honest. But I still thought it was a great sci-fi adventure and a good start of this new trilogy.
dnf
July 14, 2019DNF at 60%
It's OK but I just find I am not interested in how it ends.
I'm not sure why. It has lots going for it. Interesting world building and characters.
But I just don't care.
I feel bad because I really enjoyed her 'Class 5' series. (Dark Horse)
Oh well.
It's OK but I just find I am not interested in how it ends.
I'm not sure why. It has lots going for it. Interesting world building and characters.
But I just don't care.
I feel bad because I really enjoyed her 'Class 5' series. (Dark Horse)
Oh well.
December 16, 2023
Probably not quite as tightly written as Ms. Diener’s Class-5 series but still a great sci-fi romance/action story just the same. It could have used a bit more back story to help us understand the bone-deep, love-or-die relationship Garek and Taya have from page one. It is assumed we know - but we never see it develop enough to really buy into it fully. I do know the author offers a prequel but even that doesn’t really cover how they became soul-mates that deep.
Even so, the story and the love is still all kinds of awesome, escapist entertainment!
Even so, the story and the love is still all kinds of awesome, escapist entertainment!
February 9, 2017
Slow starting but so awesome
I wasn't sure about the beginning, it seemed focused on attempted rape and cultural differences. But then it came together and I was eagerly reading one chapter to the next.
The story is told from the points of view of the hero and heroine. They are less technologically advanced then their enemies, the sky raiders. Instead, they have elemental powers. This is a triumphant tale but leaves at least three big problems to be addressed in future stories. I can't wait!
Read in KU
Mature themes
I wasn't sure about the beginning, it seemed focused on attempted rape and cultural differences. But then it came together and I was eagerly reading one chapter to the next.
The story is told from the points of view of the hero and heroine. They are less technologically advanced then their enemies, the sky raiders. Instead, they have elemental powers. This is a triumphant tale but leaves at least three big problems to be addressed in future stories. I can't wait!
Read in KU
Mature themes
April 6, 2021
2.5 stars.
This was OK. None of it really grabbed my attention, but I wouldn't be able to pinpoint what was missing. I liked that it was safe. Overall, I'm not sure I'm going to finish out the series. I'm going to dig a little deeper into the GR reviews and see.
This was OK. None of it really grabbed my attention, but I wouldn't be able to pinpoint what was missing. I liked that it was safe. Overall, I'm not sure I'm going to finish out the series. I'm going to dig a little deeper into the GR reviews and see.
February 17, 2019
I've read another series by this author, which I loved, and hoped that I'd enjoy this one also! Once I got past the beginning, the story line improved and I did enjoy the escape scene! Cliffhanger-ish ending leading to the next book, but I have no interest in continuing with the series.
March 6, 2024
Outstanding SF romance
The publisher's blurb does an excellent job of describing the plot of this novel, so I won't repeat it here.
This isn't a typical romance in the sense of focusing primarily on the courtship of a couple. Tara and Garek fell in love and committed to each other during the separately published prequel novella of this series. The plot of this novel could be characterized as SF romantic suspense or SF romantic action-adventure. Though Tara and Garek are separated throughout much of this novel, they remain deeply in love and totally loyal to each other. They are both positive, protective warriors and, whether they are apart or onstage together, they consistently do everything in their considerable power to rescue all of the people from their planet who have been kidnapped and forced into slave labor by the aliens called the Sky Raiders.
In every possible way, I adored this book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, it was a painful wrench every time I had to put it down, because I couldn't read it while I was working around the house or sleeping. The moment I finished it, I began the second book in this trilogy.
The publisher's blurb does an excellent job of describing the plot of this novel, so I won't repeat it here.
This isn't a typical romance in the sense of focusing primarily on the courtship of a couple. Tara and Garek fell in love and committed to each other during the separately published prequel novella of this series. The plot of this novel could be characterized as SF romantic suspense or SF romantic action-adventure. Though Tara and Garek are separated throughout much of this novel, they remain deeply in love and totally loyal to each other. They are both positive, protective warriors and, whether they are apart or onstage together, they consistently do everything in their considerable power to rescue all of the people from their planet who have been kidnapped and forced into slave labor by the aliens called the Sky Raiders.
In every possible way, I adored this book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, it was a painful wrench every time I had to put it down, because I couldn't read it while I was working around the house or sleeping. The moment I finished it, I began the second book in this trilogy.
August 22, 2017
4.25 / 4 Stars
Like Diener's Class 5 series I enjoyed Sky Raiders, and will continue on with this series.
The Sky Raiders are an advanced race that come to Garek's planet, Barit, to scoop up people to work as salves off planet. On Shadow there is something the Sky Raiders want, but can't get it themselves because they can't breath the air there. When Garek comes back after 2 years of forced service he finds all the people have disappeared from his village. When he finds out what happened to them his mission is to get them back...at any cost. This story is between a technically superior race VS a medieval race with supernatural powers.
Like Diener's Class 5 series I enjoyed Sky Raiders, and will continue on with this series.
The Sky Raiders are an advanced race that come to Garek's planet, Barit, to scoop up people to work as salves off planet. On Shadow there is something the Sky Raiders want, but can't get it themselves because they can't breath the air there. When Garek comes back after 2 years of forced service he finds all the people have disappeared from his village. When he finds out what happened to them his mission is to get them back...at any cost. This story is between a technically superior race VS a medieval race with supernatural powers.
July 14, 2017
The planet Barit has been attacked by the sky raiders who are an alien race previously unknown to this largely agrarian, non-technically advanced society. The invaders attacked the planet’s inhabits kidnapping many of them and continue to raid Barit’s resources. Garek, a villager from Pan Nuk, had been conscripted from his rural home to serve and protect as a Guard in the major city of Garamundo and then help fight the invaders. What was supposed to have been only a year became a forced second one because he is the strongest Guard ever seen. When Garek finally arrives home it is to find his village empty with the woman who is his heart missing. Taya and her people have been taken to a nearby planet called Shadow to work in the mines as slave labor for the enemy sky raiders. They live closely watched by the enemy forced to labor day and night for the Shadow ore that the raiders need but cannot access themselves. Garek sets out again with a plan to steal a raider ship he brought down with a special ability known as the Change which can call elements of nature to his aid. He does not know where Taya and her people are, but he will do anything, make any sacrifice, to get her back. Taya and her group are making their own plans to overcome their enslavers while having to deal with adversarial factions within their rough camp. Back on the home planet, political machinations are also going on complicating all that Garek and those wanting to save the stolen people can accomplish.
Taya and her helpers prove to be resilient and resourceful in covertly opposing the hated sky raiders. As desperately as Garek is trying to get to Taya, she is also working to find a way back to him. They are apart for the first half of the book as it takes time to work out their individual plans and implement them. Taya discovers her own hidden talent learning that even though she was not trained for fighting, she can be a warrior for her people as well as an effective partner in battle to the man she has waited such a long time to see. Taya has a kind, compassionate nature as well as being fiercely protective of those whom she loves. Garek’s equally strong dedication to love and protect her while helping his people shows his worthy qualities as well. They will need all their strength and cunning to find a way back to each other and bring everyone home.
This initial story in a series of interconnected new space operas (think Star Wars) from Michelle Diener has intense action and adventure with a romance element. Fans of her Class 5 series will be most happy to go on this exciting journey to new worlds; first time readers will be in for quite a treat as well.
Taya and her helpers prove to be resilient and resourceful in covertly opposing the hated sky raiders. As desperately as Garek is trying to get to Taya, she is also working to find a way back to him. They are apart for the first half of the book as it takes time to work out their individual plans and implement them. Taya discovers her own hidden talent learning that even though she was not trained for fighting, she can be a warrior for her people as well as an effective partner in battle to the man she has waited such a long time to see. Taya has a kind, compassionate nature as well as being fiercely protective of those whom she loves. Garek’s equally strong dedication to love and protect her while helping his people shows his worthy qualities as well. They will need all their strength and cunning to find a way back to each other and bring everyone home.
This initial story in a series of interconnected new space operas (think Star Wars) from Michelle Diener has intense action and adventure with a romance element. Fans of her Class 5 series will be most happy to go on this exciting journey to new worlds; first time readers will be in for quite a treat as well.
June 7, 2017
Garek was assigned guard duty for one year walking the walls of Garamundo but after the Sky Raiders showed up his one year was extended to two years. All Garek wanted was to return home to be with his beloved Taya. But unbeknownst to Garek the Sky Raiders took Taya along with other family members and friends to the planet Shadow to mind the ore there that is more dangerous to the Sky Raiders than it is valuable.
Taya and the other prisoners on Shadow have no clue what the Sky Raiders want with the ore but they know how afraid they are of it. Taya is a very smart and resourceful girl and has a plan working in her mind for escaping and for how helpful the ore is going to be for them.
Taya thinks about her home planet Barit and Garek every night while looking up in the night sky. She wants to return home so she can be with her friend and lover Garek more than anything. She knows that Garek is out there looking for her but she knows in her heart and mind that there is no way he will ever find her.
After two long years Garek finally returns home only to find everyone gone and that the Sky Raiders are responsible. Garek has no idea where the Sky Raiders have taken Taya and the others but he will not stop until he finds them no matter how long it takes. But Garek is a very resourceful man as well and he has a plan too.
When I read the summary for Sky Raiders and saw that it was about people living in outer space and traveling to other planets I thought Star Trek and then I just had to read it. It did make me think about Star Trek, Captain Kirk and Spock visiting other planets. I really and truly loved the world the author created for Sky Raiders with the aliens and taking the people to another planet. Taya is a very smart and strong person who is not afraid to stand up and fight for not only herself but especially for others no matter what the cost to own self.
I would like to recommend Sky Raiders to anyone who loves to read about space and spaceships or who just loves science fiction or anyone loves Star Trek. Sky Raiders turned out to be way more than I thought it would be.
Taya and the other prisoners on Shadow have no clue what the Sky Raiders want with the ore but they know how afraid they are of it. Taya is a very smart and resourceful girl and has a plan working in her mind for escaping and for how helpful the ore is going to be for them.
Taya thinks about her home planet Barit and Garek every night while looking up in the night sky. She wants to return home so she can be with her friend and lover Garek more than anything. She knows that Garek is out there looking for her but she knows in her heart and mind that there is no way he will ever find her.
After two long years Garek finally returns home only to find everyone gone and that the Sky Raiders are responsible. Garek has no idea where the Sky Raiders have taken Taya and the others but he will not stop until he finds them no matter how long it takes. But Garek is a very resourceful man as well and he has a plan too.
When I read the summary for Sky Raiders and saw that it was about people living in outer space and traveling to other planets I thought Star Trek and then I just had to read it. It did make me think about Star Trek, Captain Kirk and Spock visiting other planets. I really and truly loved the world the author created for Sky Raiders with the aliens and taking the people to another planet. Taya is a very smart and strong person who is not afraid to stand up and fight for not only herself but especially for others no matter what the cost to own self.
I would like to recommend Sky Raiders to anyone who loves to read about space and spaceships or who just loves science fiction or anyone loves Star Trek. Sky Raiders turned out to be way more than I thought it would be.
February 15, 2017
3.5/5
While I was a little bit disappointed that Sky Raiders wasn't connected to Diener's previous space opera series, it was still a very entertaining read. A clash of high technology with a medieval magical world made for a fascinating story.
Garek has an affinity for air, one of the strongest there is, which means he is a hot commodity and has been serving as a guard on the walls of Garamundo for way too long. There is a girl waiting for him back home and he is determined to go back, grab her and start a new life somewhere else. Only when he arrives, his whole village is abandoned as most of the people were taken by sky raiders, and Taya disappeared with them.
Now Garek is plotting the impossible and is determined to get his beloved back. It's actually really fun to watch him figuring out the technology of sky raiders, and he finds an interesting accomplice along the way too.
Taya, who is classic Diener's heroine is an absolute pleasure to read about. She has been waiting for Garek to come back to her for 2 years when the sky raiders come and take a group of the villagers to Shadow, the moon planet of her own Barit. They are forced to mine an unknown mineral with dangerous properties along with tribes taken from different points of Barit. It's hard work, and there are inevitable cultural clashes among various groups in the camp.
Taya takes on one of the leading roles with her decisive, concise and resourceful personality while plotting an escape for them all. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up to bullies, and she forces others to do the same. In short, she makes things happen just like Garek.
It's a very well-written space opera with great pace and a sweet romance which doesn't overwhelm the rest of the plot. Diener's sci-fi reminds me of R.L. Smith, just as a much gentler version.
I enjoyed the characterisation and the world-building while secretly wishing for a longer novel. It felt a bit simplistic at times, but I hope further books in the series will expand this fascinating world and answer my burning questions.
Recommended.
* * *
Хоть я и была немного разочарована, что Небесные Рейдеры оказались не связаны с предыдущей серией НФ от Дьенэ, читала я эту книгу с удовольствием.
Концепция, хоть и не нова, но развита интересно: столкновение между примитивным средневековым миром Барита, где некоторые люди рождаются со сверхъестественными возможностями и миром высоких технологий, представители которого похищают баритцев в рабство.
Гарек, талант которого заключается в манипуляции воздухом, возвращается в родную деревню, отслужив 2 года стражником в Гарамундо в качестве дани, и обнаруживает её пустой, так как практически всех его соседей похитили небесные рейдеры. Вместе с ними исчезла Тайя, его наречённая.
Но Гарек так просто не сдаётся, решаясь на невозможное: похитить сбитый корабль рейдеров и найти Тайю.
Тайя работает в шахтах Шадоу, планеты-луны Барита, добывая неизвестный минерал с опасными способностями, к которому сами рейдеры не могут притронуться. Классическая для Дьенэ героиня, она решительна, говорит по существу, смекалиста и не боится противостоять несправедливостям. Она заставляет окружающих реагировать на события вместе с ней, вместо того, чтобы их игнорировать. Беря на себя роль одного их лидеров лагеря, она помогает объединить баритцев с разных частей планеты, чтобы разработать план побега.
В этом отношении парочка хорошо подходит друг другу!
Небесные Рейдеры - хорошо выписанная космическая опера c милой любовной линией, не подавляющей сюжет. Мнен книга показалась коротковатой, в которой построение мира не успело развернуться, но я надеюсь, что автор ответит на мои вопросы в следующих книгах серии. Стиль напомнил мне Р.Л. Смит, только гораздо мягче.
В общем, понравилось. Рекомендую.
While I was a little bit disappointed that Sky Raiders wasn't connected to Diener's previous space opera series, it was still a very entertaining read. A clash of high technology with a medieval magical world made for a fascinating story.
Garek has an affinity for air, one of the strongest there is, which means he is a hot commodity and has been serving as a guard on the walls of Garamundo for way too long. There is a girl waiting for him back home and he is determined to go back, grab her and start a new life somewhere else. Only when he arrives, his whole village is abandoned as most of the people were taken by sky raiders, and Taya disappeared with them.
Now Garek is plotting the impossible and is determined to get his beloved back. It's actually really fun to watch him figuring out the technology of sky raiders, and he finds an interesting accomplice along the way too.
Taya, who is classic Diener's heroine is an absolute pleasure to read about. She has been waiting for Garek to come back to her for 2 years when the sky raiders come and take a group of the villagers to Shadow, the moon planet of her own Barit. They are forced to mine an unknown mineral with dangerous properties along with tribes taken from different points of Barit. It's hard work, and there are inevitable cultural clashes among various groups in the camp.
Taya takes on one of the leading roles with her decisive, concise and resourceful personality while plotting an escape for them all. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up to bullies, and she forces others to do the same. In short, she makes things happen just like Garek.
It's a very well-written space opera with great pace and a sweet romance which doesn't overwhelm the rest of the plot. Diener's sci-fi reminds me of R.L. Smith, just as a much gentler version.
I enjoyed the characterisation and the world-building while secretly wishing for a longer novel. It felt a bit simplistic at times, but I hope further books in the series will expand this fascinating world and answer my burning questions.
Recommended.
* * *
Хоть я и была немного разочарована, что Небесные Рейдеры оказались не связаны с предыдущей серией НФ от Дьенэ, читала я эту книгу с удовольствием.
Концепция, хоть и не нова, но развита интересно: столкновение между примитивным средневековым миром Барита, где некоторые люди рождаются со сверхъестественными возможностями и миром высоких технологий, представители которого похищают баритцев в рабство.
Гарек, талант которого заключается в манипуляции воздухом, возвращается в родную деревню, отслужив 2 года стражником в Гарамундо в качестве дани, и обнаруживает её пустой, так как практически всех его соседей похитили небесные рейдеры. Вместе с ними исчезла Тайя, его наречённая.
Но Гарек так просто не сдаётся, решаясь на невозможное: похитить сбитый корабль рейдеров и найти Тайю.
Тайя работает в шахтах Шадоу, планеты-луны Барита, добывая неизвестный минерал с опасными способностями, к которому сами рейдеры не могут притронуться. Классическая для Дьенэ героиня, она решительна, говорит по существу, смекалиста и не боится противостоять несправедливостям. Она заставляет окружающих реагировать на события вместе с ней, вместо того, чтобы их игнорировать. Беря на себя роль одного их лидеров лагеря, она помогает объединить баритцев с разных частей планеты, чтобы разработать план побега.
В этом отношении парочка хорошо подходит друг другу!
Небесные Рейдеры - хорошо выписанная космическая опера c милой любовной линией, не подавляющей сюжет. Мнен книга показалась коротковатой, в которой построение мира не успело развернуться, но я надеюсь, что автор ответит на мои вопросы в следующих книгах серии. Стиль напомнил мне Р.Л. Смит, только гораздо мягче.
В общем, понравилось. Рекомендую.
February 7, 2018
Plot: 4.5/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
April 18, 2018
3.75 stars.
A good start. I liked how a low-tech but "talented" people can fight back against high-tech alien invaders. Garek and Taya make strong leads and Aidan a good "side-kick". Looking forward to seeing how the trilogy plays out.
A good start. I liked how a low-tech but "talented" people can fight back against high-tech alien invaders. Garek and Taya make strong leads and Aidan a good "side-kick". Looking forward to seeing how the trilogy plays out.
December 27, 2016
A new book from a favorite author is always exciting. A new book in a brand new series – even better!
In Sky Raiders, Michelle Diener has crafted a wonderful new world – Barit. The descriptions of walled cities, liege-based political divisions, farmers and crafters gives Barit a medieval feeling. The sky raiders are just so out of place. To the pre-industrial humans, the sky raiders with their flying ships and white lighting are powerful, mystical, and dangerous.
But there is something powerful, mystical and dangerous about some of the inhabitants of Barit. Some have the ability to call the ‘Change’. The ability to manipulate certain elements. Air, water, earth. That the low tech-talent is a threat to the technologically advanced sky raiders is not only ironic, but by redefining the balance between the adversaries, it is just.
Garek is one that can call the Change and he may be the one of the most powerful when he calls it. This makes his life more complicated than he wants it to be. It got him an extra year of conscripted service to Garamundo when all he wanted was to be with his love Taya. While he was gone, Taya, along with many others, was taken by the sky raiders and now, all Garek wants is to find her and rescue her.
The romance of Garek and Taya began before the time of the book, so you don’t see that development except through memories of the characters. But Taya and Garek are truly in love and will do anything to find each other. They just happen to have a lot of other people along for the ride. The lack of a developing romance did not bother me at all. The well-established romance left room for the author to develop other aspects of the story: the setting, the people, the conflict.
The story of Sky Raiders is told from both Garek’s and Taya’s viewpoint, alternating between Garek’s heroic efforts to find and rescue her and Taya’s equally heroic struggle to escape from the sky raiders who are using their captives as slave labor.
The sky raiders need the slave labor because there is something they want but they cannot survive in the atmosphere of Barit or it’s sister world Shadow. When on planet, a raider must wear an awkward robotic suit. Even their equipment breaks down quickly in the atmosphere. This seems to be an extreme disadvantage, but typical of any technologically advanced society, they have the required arrogance needed to make them believe they can handle the disadvantages.
In addition to the struggle with the sky raiders, the people of Barit have their own problems to deal with. It seems like a threat from the stars might unite all people to defend their world. Not so on Barit. The feudal-like system they live under works well as long as the lieges are strong and are able to command their people’s loyalty. Power struggles among the lieges add to the problems the people of Barit must deal with. One of the key characters, Aiden, is the heir apparent to one of the lieges. His position is both a complication and an asset during the rescue of the people stolen by the sky raiders. I like Aiden. He added humor, perspective and some interesting facets to the tale.
There are also different races. The Illy are the main race. The sky raiders have enslaved Illy and Kardanx. There are two major differences between these peoples. The Kardanx have, in effect, bred out the Change ability, using cruel and bloody methods. The second difference is in how they treat their women and that difference will cause conflicts between the Illy and Kardanx.
Among the Illy, strong women, like Taya, are not unusual. And cultures that don’t treat women as equal or as less important than men, such as the Kardanx, are depicted as less than enlightened. A secondary character, Min, the half-breed Kardanx-Illy, was generally as tough as Taya, and did not let any Kardanx get to her even though she feared them. The desirability of a strong woman as a leader is a theme that recurs several times.
The world that Michelle Diener has created in Sky Raiders is gratifyingly complex. But it is not just the world of the Illy and Barit. The sky raiders are out there in space. What do they want? And are there more of them? There is so much going on this this book, you will find plenty to keep the pages turning. The end was satisfying, while letting you know there is much more to the story. I’ll be looking forward to the next chapter.
The author provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Whiskey With My Book.
In Sky Raiders, Michelle Diener has crafted a wonderful new world – Barit. The descriptions of walled cities, liege-based political divisions, farmers and crafters gives Barit a medieval feeling. The sky raiders are just so out of place. To the pre-industrial humans, the sky raiders with their flying ships and white lighting are powerful, mystical, and dangerous.
But there is something powerful, mystical and dangerous about some of the inhabitants of Barit. Some have the ability to call the ‘Change’. The ability to manipulate certain elements. Air, water, earth. That the low tech-talent is a threat to the technologically advanced sky raiders is not only ironic, but by redefining the balance between the adversaries, it is just.
Garek is one that can call the Change and he may be the one of the most powerful when he calls it. This makes his life more complicated than he wants it to be. It got him an extra year of conscripted service to Garamundo when all he wanted was to be with his love Taya. While he was gone, Taya, along with many others, was taken by the sky raiders and now, all Garek wants is to find her and rescue her.
The romance of Garek and Taya began before the time of the book, so you don’t see that development except through memories of the characters. But Taya and Garek are truly in love and will do anything to find each other. They just happen to have a lot of other people along for the ride. The lack of a developing romance did not bother me at all. The well-established romance left room for the author to develop other aspects of the story: the setting, the people, the conflict.
The story of Sky Raiders is told from both Garek’s and Taya’s viewpoint, alternating between Garek’s heroic efforts to find and rescue her and Taya’s equally heroic struggle to escape from the sky raiders who are using their captives as slave labor.
The sky raiders need the slave labor because there is something they want but they cannot survive in the atmosphere of Barit or it’s sister world Shadow. When on planet, a raider must wear an awkward robotic suit. Even their equipment breaks down quickly in the atmosphere. This seems to be an extreme disadvantage, but typical of any technologically advanced society, they have the required arrogance needed to make them believe they can handle the disadvantages.
In addition to the struggle with the sky raiders, the people of Barit have their own problems to deal with. It seems like a threat from the stars might unite all people to defend their world. Not so on Barit. The feudal-like system they live under works well as long as the lieges are strong and are able to command their people’s loyalty. Power struggles among the lieges add to the problems the people of Barit must deal with. One of the key characters, Aiden, is the heir apparent to one of the lieges. His position is both a complication and an asset during the rescue of the people stolen by the sky raiders. I like Aiden. He added humor, perspective and some interesting facets to the tale.
There are also different races. The Illy are the main race. The sky raiders have enslaved Illy and Kardanx. There are two major differences between these peoples. The Kardanx have, in effect, bred out the Change ability, using cruel and bloody methods. The second difference is in how they treat their women and that difference will cause conflicts between the Illy and Kardanx.
Among the Illy, strong women, like Taya, are not unusual. And cultures that don’t treat women as equal or as less important than men, such as the Kardanx, are depicted as less than enlightened. A secondary character, Min, the half-breed Kardanx-Illy, was generally as tough as Taya, and did not let any Kardanx get to her even though she feared them. The desirability of a strong woman as a leader is a theme that recurs several times.
The world that Michelle Diener has created in Sky Raiders is gratifyingly complex. But it is not just the world of the Illy and Barit. The sky raiders are out there in space. What do they want? And are there more of them? There is so much going on this this book, you will find plenty to keep the pages turning. The end was satisfying, while letting you know there is much more to the story. I’ll be looking forward to the next chapter.
The author provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted at Whiskey With My Book.
February 21, 2017
4-1/2 stars
What a great sci fi romance!
Adventure & action & a capable heroine, along with a sweet romance.
Happy sigh!
What a great sci fi romance!
Adventure & action & a capable heroine, along with a sweet romance.
Happy sigh!
December 19, 2016
4.5 stars
review scheduled
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
review scheduled
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
January 10, 2017
Diener has a creative mind for stories.
I really enjoyed this one, although there were a couple of things that I found a bit implausible. For a society that is largely still feudal with some magic-like abilities the protagonists adapted very well to alien space-travel tech.
Other than that it was a good story. Diener essentially writes romances but she couches them in very entertaining scifi. I'll be watching for the next one in this trilogy to come out later this year.
I really enjoyed this one, although there were a couple of things that I found a bit implausible. For a society that is largely still feudal with some magic-like abilities the protagonists adapted very well to alien space-travel tech.
Other than that it was a good story. Diener essentially writes romances but she couches them in very entertaining scifi. I'll be watching for the next one in this trilogy to come out later this year.
September 12, 2022
You can never go wrong with a Michelle Diener's book, no matter the genre she is writing. Although I love all her books, I must admit that science fiction romance is my favorite of hers. This book is a blend of a space opera and fantasy and the two main characters are just perfect together. They complete each other in every way that counts and their love is tested time and time again. Amazing read!
October 14, 2025
Sky Raiders
The start of another wonderful new series by Ms. Diener. Fascinating new world with great characters who are complex and exciting. Garek and Taya are a great couple with charisma and a love that knows no bounds. Their story is fascinating and intriguing. I can't wait to read the next in this series. I highly recommend this book.
The start of another wonderful new series by Ms. Diener. Fascinating new world with great characters who are complex and exciting. Garek and Taya are a great couple with charisma and a love that knows no bounds. Their story is fascinating and intriguing. I can't wait to read the next in this series. I highly recommend this book.
December 28, 2016
Great start to a new trilogy
I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for the next one to find out what the Sky Raiders are up to, what they are mining for and how they are defeated.
I really enjoyed this book. Can't wait for the next one to find out what the Sky Raiders are up to, what they are mining for and how they are defeated.
June 20, 2021
Sky raiders, allies and enemies
Taya has missed her partner for 2 years. What was supposed to be 1 year of service was stolen into 2. Sky raiders appeared and city gaurds wouldn't let a strong talent leave. She missed Garek, but even more so since she was one of those taken by the raiders.
Garek left his demanded service and conscripted extra year only to return to an empty village. Raiders had taken all the able bodied adults and left all others. He remembered something he took from the raiders during one of their attempts and made a choice to follow the raiders to where his people might be kept. But his plans were noticed, and not all approve.
Spoilers ahead.
In ranking of best series by this author the Class 5s is absolutely the best, followed by The Rising Wave series, then the Verdant String. This has a very YA feel to it. It isn't bad but the other 3 are definitely better. Garek is headstrong, independent, foolish and takes unnecessary risks. We're never given his age exactly, but he can't be above 20 by much considering his attitude. Instead of forming a team, as the raiders are much more tech advanced, he and 1 other sneak about. He never taught his technique to another to help other cities under siege, or other small villages with those able to call the Change. Had more been able to, the raiders might have decided that the effort wasn't worth it. They're unable to breathe human air, their machines rapidly deteriorate in the atmosphere, and they're bound to encapsulated suits while trying to control an enslaved people. And, the use they need the humans for ruins their tech. The ore mined destroys their systems. The only thing keeping the humans in check is a single weapon that throws electricity. There's a lot to pick apart, and maybe I have been spoiled by her other series. It was interesting, watching the steps taken by both sides. Taya is methodical, plans things out intricately, and sees all sides. Garek is all action, has a basic plan but wings it if things change and only his Change allowed him to be able to complete his mission. Taya and Garek are each working from opposite ends towards the same goal, freedom. Taya works on unting the 2 factions in the slave camps. Different cultures are handling things very differently. Warnings for a practice that believes it is protecting women by not allowing them to be taken alive. The 1 faction killed their wives, mothers, daughters and sisters rather than them be taken with them. It is only mentioned months after the fact, when they try to replace women by taking them from the other camp. Nothing happens but a scare before interference occurs but should be mentioned for sensitive readers. I liked the set up: complacent cities vs empire building cities on the new world we're in, invaders using forced labor for unknown purposes, various Change abilities, learning about mysterious whispered about abilities and completely new abilities discovered under duress, and an array of characters and background plots moving about. That part was the pure Diener charm we're used to.
Taya has missed her partner for 2 years. What was supposed to be 1 year of service was stolen into 2. Sky raiders appeared and city gaurds wouldn't let a strong talent leave. She missed Garek, but even more so since she was one of those taken by the raiders.
Garek left his demanded service and conscripted extra year only to return to an empty village. Raiders had taken all the able bodied adults and left all others. He remembered something he took from the raiders during one of their attempts and made a choice to follow the raiders to where his people might be kept. But his plans were noticed, and not all approve.
Spoilers ahead.
In ranking of best series by this author the Class 5s is absolutely the best, followed by The Rising Wave series, then the Verdant String. This has a very YA feel to it. It isn't bad but the other 3 are definitely better. Garek is headstrong, independent, foolish and takes unnecessary risks. We're never given his age exactly, but he can't be above 20 by much considering his attitude. Instead of forming a team, as the raiders are much more tech advanced, he and 1 other sneak about. He never taught his technique to another to help other cities under siege, or other small villages with those able to call the Change. Had more been able to, the raiders might have decided that the effort wasn't worth it. They're unable to breathe human air, their machines rapidly deteriorate in the atmosphere, and they're bound to encapsulated suits while trying to control an enslaved people. And, the use they need the humans for ruins their tech. The ore mined destroys their systems. The only thing keeping the humans in check is a single weapon that throws electricity. There's a lot to pick apart, and maybe I have been spoiled by her other series. It was interesting, watching the steps taken by both sides. Taya is methodical, plans things out intricately, and sees all sides. Garek is all action, has a basic plan but wings it if things change and only his Change allowed him to be able to complete his mission. Taya and Garek are each working from opposite ends towards the same goal, freedom. Taya works on unting the 2 factions in the slave camps. Different cultures are handling things very differently. Warnings for a practice that believes it is protecting women by not allowing them to be taken alive. The 1 faction killed their wives, mothers, daughters and sisters rather than them be taken with them. It is only mentioned months after the fact, when they try to replace women by taking them from the other camp. Nothing happens but a scare before interference occurs but should be mentioned for sensitive readers. I liked the set up: complacent cities vs empire building cities on the new world we're in, invaders using forced labor for unknown purposes, various Change abilities, learning about mysterious whispered about abilities and completely new abilities discovered under duress, and an array of characters and background plots moving about. That part was the pure Diener charm we're used to.
June 13, 2017
When a simple living planet with minimal technologies, Barit, is invaded by evil aliens known as Sky Raiders, Taya’s world is not only turned upside down – it’s completely taken away from her. The Sky Raiders abduct the people of Barit – including Taya, and force them into slavery and manual labor work on their planet Shadow. Taya’s lover, Garek, happened to be away at the time as he was on duty working as a guard protecting Garamundo. He had no idea that Taya and the townspeople were taken until he finally returns home. Garek sets out to find Taya and the people of Barit. However, they are beginning to get restless and start constructing a plan of escape. Taya knows Garek is out there looking for her, but she’s sure he won’t be able to find her. Time is running out and food is running low – with the captives setting their plans in motion will Garek find Taya in time or will the people of Barit take on the Sky Raiders themselves?
I really liked the main characters – Garek and Taya. They were enjoyable and genuine. Garek is a strong, protective, resourceful, and determined soldier who won’t let anything compromise his success of finding Taya. Taya is sweet, smart, brave, and compassionate. She recently discovers a special talent she possesses and is starting to stand up for herself and fight back against the Sky Raiders.
I found this book to be mostly moderately paced, with just a few slower scenes thrown in throughout. The writing flowed and was easy to follow and understand. Michelle did a great job with the worldbuilding and really provided so much detail in her writing that it was easy to picture.
I really liked the storyline – especially the romantic lovestory component. It’s amazing what kind of bravery and courage people can possess when they’re fighting for someone they truly love. It was very romantic to see to what lengths Garek would go to find Taya. Also, the level of hope and faith that Garek and Taya had for each other and their belief of being reunited.
I think this book has a lot to offer readers. There’s a bit of something for everyone. This book is about love, romance, hope, faith, courage, bravery, determination, compassion, strength, slavery, science fiction, aliens, space, mystery, suspense – and so much more!
I would definitely recommend this book to readers – especially those that enjoy science fiction and space opera books. Although, I think even romance readers would also enjoy this book!
This book is book one in a three-book trilogy. So add this book to your TBR List so you’ll be ready when book two is released!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
I really liked the main characters – Garek and Taya. They were enjoyable and genuine. Garek is a strong, protective, resourceful, and determined soldier who won’t let anything compromise his success of finding Taya. Taya is sweet, smart, brave, and compassionate. She recently discovers a special talent she possesses and is starting to stand up for herself and fight back against the Sky Raiders.
I found this book to be mostly moderately paced, with just a few slower scenes thrown in throughout. The writing flowed and was easy to follow and understand. Michelle did a great job with the worldbuilding and really provided so much detail in her writing that it was easy to picture.
I really liked the storyline – especially the romantic lovestory component. It’s amazing what kind of bravery and courage people can possess when they’re fighting for someone they truly love. It was very romantic to see to what lengths Garek would go to find Taya. Also, the level of hope and faith that Garek and Taya had for each other and their belief of being reunited.
I think this book has a lot to offer readers. There’s a bit of something for everyone. This book is about love, romance, hope, faith, courage, bravery, determination, compassion, strength, slavery, science fiction, aliens, space, mystery, suspense – and so much more!
I would definitely recommend this book to readers – especially those that enjoy science fiction and space opera books. Although, I think even romance readers would also enjoy this book!
This book is book one in a three-book trilogy. So add this book to your TBR List so you’ll be ready when book two is released!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
May 30, 2017
4.25 stars
“Sky Raiders” by Michelle Diener is a science fiction tale with elements of romance that introduces a mysterious conflict between the inhabitants of a world called Barit that has minimal technological advances and the aliens they call sky raiders who have inexplicably kidnapped groups of able-bodied individuals and forced them into manual labor despite having wondrous machines and capabilities. Garek’s quest to find Taya, the woman he was forced to leave when conscripted into service, leads him to overcome amazing challenges and search for a way to counter the sky raiders. Taya, not one to passively accept oppression, is doing her best to find a way to fight back. Her newly discovered talent may help or hinder her, but her faith in Garek may be her best weapon.
I was delighted to discover a new universe to explore as I became immediately captured in this story. The mysterious elements and intense determination displayed by Garek as he works his way back to the woman he reluctantly left behind was nicely contrasted with the plight of those who have been forced into manual labor under an odd set of circumstances. I enjoyed the undercurrents of the friction between groups forced to depend on each other despite cultural differences and the author did a great job of depicting personalities through the actions and reactions of different characters.
I was a little frustrated at the sheer number of mysteries that aren’t solved. The gradual revelation of powers and their limitations, the complication of the mysterious ore, the ignorance of the capabilities and appearance of the sky raiders, the cultural distrust and oppression of one of the factions, the complex hierarchy and obligations that go with it, and other issues are touched upon but rarely completely fleshed out. Fortunately, the action and emotion conveyed in the story were strong enough to keep me fascinated despite my confusion about the myriad of details, and I have no doubt that revelations will be made in subsequent stories.
Those who are squeamish should be aware that there is a degree of violence present, some of which is alluded to from past events, and intimate scenes are discreetly portrayed.
This is a great introduction to an exciting and intriguing series and I definitely look forward to reading more about these charismatic folks and finding out how the power struggles play out.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“Sky Raiders” by Michelle Diener is a science fiction tale with elements of romance that introduces a mysterious conflict between the inhabitants of a world called Barit that has minimal technological advances and the aliens they call sky raiders who have inexplicably kidnapped groups of able-bodied individuals and forced them into manual labor despite having wondrous machines and capabilities. Garek’s quest to find Taya, the woman he was forced to leave when conscripted into service, leads him to overcome amazing challenges and search for a way to counter the sky raiders. Taya, not one to passively accept oppression, is doing her best to find a way to fight back. Her newly discovered talent may help or hinder her, but her faith in Garek may be her best weapon.
I was delighted to discover a new universe to explore as I became immediately captured in this story. The mysterious elements and intense determination displayed by Garek as he works his way back to the woman he reluctantly left behind was nicely contrasted with the plight of those who have been forced into manual labor under an odd set of circumstances. I enjoyed the undercurrents of the friction between groups forced to depend on each other despite cultural differences and the author did a great job of depicting personalities through the actions and reactions of different characters.
I was a little frustrated at the sheer number of mysteries that aren’t solved. The gradual revelation of powers and their limitations, the complication of the mysterious ore, the ignorance of the capabilities and appearance of the sky raiders, the cultural distrust and oppression of one of the factions, the complex hierarchy and obligations that go with it, and other issues are touched upon but rarely completely fleshed out. Fortunately, the action and emotion conveyed in the story were strong enough to keep me fascinated despite my confusion about the myriad of details, and I have no doubt that revelations will be made in subsequent stories.
Those who are squeamish should be aware that there is a degree of violence present, some of which is alluded to from past events, and intimate scenes are discreetly portrayed.
This is a great introduction to an exciting and intriguing series and I definitely look forward to reading more about these charismatic folks and finding out how the power struggles play out.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
July 25, 2017
Taya and Garek live in some corner of the universe on a planet that has not discovered technology. They do have magic though where they call upon the elements. Anyway they are not the most advance society and when the skyraiders come, sure magic is good, but hey those other guys have ships and guns. The Ily can hold their own, but, there is always a but, the guardians can not be everywhere at once. And that takes us to this book.
Taya was taken and is now a slave in a mine. Why the raiders want that stuff she does not know. She is smart, resourceful and I liked her from the start.
Garek comes home to find almost everyone gone. No wonder he is pissed since not one word was sent to him. He is brave, loyal and smart. He will do anything to get her back. Awww. Good guy there.
I want to know more about the raiders and I hope the next book tells me more. Right now I just see them as evil.
"Magic" versus tech. An advanced society against one that would not stand a chance were it not for the guardians, and certain other things.
I enjoyed it. It was light sci-fi and was very character driven. I do wonder what truly is going on though. It ends well, but something more is going on, I can not wait to find out what
Taya was taken and is now a slave in a mine. Why the raiders want that stuff she does not know. She is smart, resourceful and I liked her from the start.
Garek comes home to find almost everyone gone. No wonder he is pissed since not one word was sent to him. He is brave, loyal and smart. He will do anything to get her back. Awww. Good guy there.
I want to know more about the raiders and I hope the next book tells me more. Right now I just see them as evil.
"Magic" versus tech. An advanced society against one that would not stand a chance were it not for the guardians, and certain other things.
I enjoyed it. It was light sci-fi and was very character driven. I do wonder what truly is going on though. It ends well, but something more is going on, I can not wait to find out what
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