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After taking down the Yennai Corporation, Barnabas has earned a little break.

On the way back to High Tortuga, however, he stops to answer a distress call.

How long could it take, after all?

Barnabas is about to find out. In what should have been an open-and-shut murder case, questions begin to pile up fast: who, exactly, was this Jotun Naval captain? Why was there a black ops ship lurking nearby, ready to shoot down anyone who tried to approach?

Barnabas has made a promise to a friend that he’ll unravel the murder, but the closer he gets, the more he finds himself asking just who this captain was.

And just what in hell did he get himself involved with?

NOTE: This book contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don't suggest reading this book.


272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2018

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About the author

Natalie Grey

45 books91 followers
Natalie Grey grew up in rural New England, surrounded by a lot of vegetables and relatively little excitement. Therefore, she was obliged to make up excitement by pretending to be a knight, mage, jet-setting international assassin, jedi, or (occasionally) a shape-shifting dragon. She read everything she could get her hands on, from Lord of the Rings to Modesty Blaise, and eventually started writing her own stories full of what-ifs and snarky put-downs. Now she lives with her two German Shepherd mixes in the frozen wilds of Minnesota, and does a lot of inventive swearing while she shovels.

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5 stars
266 (67%)
4 stars
88 (22%)
3 stars
38 (9%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,436 reviews2,378 followers
March 19, 2024
Justiciar
By Natalie Grey
This wasn't as good as the others, in my opinion, but still entertaining. Still had characters that were interesting and Barnabas and the AI.
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
August 14, 2021
This was about the murder of Huword, one of Jeltor's own species. One that everyone liked and admired, only to find that if Jeltor had known what Huword was really like Jeltor, or any number of people, would have murdered him themselves. It was about who killed him and who was he working for.

As usual, gotta love Barnabas and Shinigami, and their team.

No romance and the F-bomb was used 21 times.

As for the narration: Love, love, love Chris Andrew Ciulla. He's an awesome narrator.
Profile Image for Katy.
1,600 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2022
I loved this book.

Not only were Barnabas and Shinigami drawing closer together - becoming a true partnership of equals - but Gar and Tafa are also showing just how much they truly contribute to the team.

There was also the fact that this was an amazing whodunit, too.

I've always been a sucker for a good whodunit, though I'm really awful at working out who the culprit/culprits usually are. But this was a good one, and I'm really, really, looking forwards to what's going to happen next - because it's obviously something huge!

I'm also loving Shinigami's efforts to control her new body - the body that big, tough, always correct, Barnabas was adamant she wasn't going to get - and it made me realise just what amazing things our bodies really are, plus how long it really takes to learn how to use it properly (I still don't use mine as well as I could, and I'm 60!) Lol

I'm not sure whether it was Tabitha who found Barnabas' soft side, or whether it has been a gradual softening caused by all of the people around him but, despite Shinigami 's teasing about the stick stuck up him, I think that Barnabas has truly become the Paladin he was named for in the previous book.

And for me, growing up reading about King Arthur and the knights of the round table, the Paladin ethos is just up my street, even if I'm not as trusting, now, as I used to be, then. I think that reading David Eddings too many times as an adult, is to blame for that, too!

Anyhoo, looking at my reading list, it seems that I need to hop over to another new series, for me, as I have book one of the Shadow Vanguard series: Gravity Storm, to read next.

To be honest, it's so long since I bought the series, that I can't remember what it's about now but, to be fair, that's fine with me as, with my memory problems, I wouldn't remember anyway - hence why I'm writing a review for every book I read, as soon as I've read it!

So, on I go, to yet another book series, and another new author. This time, it's Tom Dublin.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,018 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2018
Repeatedly stupid evil creatures

One thing I love about the whole series is how the baddies always talk about how others before them were stupid and how they will be successful! Hilarious!

A very straightforward looking rescue turned into something far more sinister. We see more of an old friend, and watch Barnabas frustrated with not seeing the big picture. The action is fast, the laughs hard, and it’s one roller coaster of a ride!

We’re left on a cliffhanger, with the promise of more action and justice being delivered yet to come.
Profile Image for John Tyson.
187 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2018
Very consistent

I have read a lot of books in my lifetime some great some I regretted. I have read series and standalone either is fine but I have to say when I stumbled into the Kurtherian universe I admit I was not expecting anything. And with that said I will say WOW the writing has been consistent and has branched out into places I never thought possible keep up the great works.
1,254 reviews18 followers
December 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and this character.

I enjoyed this book immensely, it is very fast-paced, full of humor, and you got a love the come Ratterree between Barnabas and his ship. I hope to see more character development with the rest of the crew especially the artist and now possible pilot. Besides that I’m about to read the next book in the series and I’m sure I will not be disappointed.
26 reviews
October 20, 2018
Just when Barnabas thought he could take a break... A murder mystery & a new enemy! This book is full of twist, turns, & trouble!! Plus snarky comments like “—do not leave your body around in the corridors."... I mean, seriously, how do you beat that?! But seriously - these books keep getting better & better! I couldn't wait for this one, now I'm on the lookout for the next sequel!
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews21 followers
October 20, 2018
Good Read

Barnabas gets involved in a murder mystery that turns out to be much more. Political intrigue involving the Jotun Senate, navy and secret cabals. I like the action and snarky humor. Will an intriguing assassin become an ally? I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,240 reviews11 followers
October 23, 2018
A very compelling installment

Solid five star rating!
These authors never cease to amaze me. The storyline was very captivating. Barnabas and the crew did it again. The action, suspense and humor even in battle was a definite page turner for me.
I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Charlotte Pawson.
700 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2018
See Shinigami

Love the continuing growth of Shinigami and her interactions with Barnabas she certainly keeps him on his toes. A distress call leads to the complicated politics of the Jotun and a revisit with Captain Jeltor. This story leaves on a bit of a cliff edge so would be well worth looking for the next instalment.
Profile Image for Debra Stubbins.
335 reviews
April 4, 2022
Don’t go past this book

Once again, Grey and Anderle deliver an intriguing read that captivates from the first to the last book. It is really interesting to see how Shinigami and Barnabas are evolving as a unit whilst Shinigami learns how to use her new body. Can’t wait to read book 6
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2018
Loved the story

Can I do not like follow on stories where they are definitely follow ons. I wanted this one to continue. But I am curious how this will unfold. Great story, keep it up.
543 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2018
5 stars

Outstanding story. The only problem was the annoying 444 scattered throughout the book. Once it became apparent that that signified a break , it was ok. Otherwise , another perfect 5 star book.
Profile Image for George  Lawson.
515 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2018
Another solid read

More excellent adventures with Barnabas. Evil plots and assassins are everywhere. Shinigami and Barnabas take it all in stride though and we have a fun adventure as a result.
874 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2020
Really enjoying this series

One more book down, was really good. The only problem is that means one book closer to the final book which is hopefully still a few books away. Still can’t wait to read the next one, so will start on it now. 😃
Profile Image for Scott.
1,511 reviews12 followers
May 3, 2021
Nicely adjusted change of direction

Good change of direction here with mystery and conspiracy instead of just the usual , no spoliers but it brings something fresh and needed to the series.
Profile Image for Lori.
806 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2022
Really good!

Love this series, both the main and "Vigilante Chronicle"! The characters are what makes this one extra special, and I love the effect it's having on Barnabas. Read them all, and enjoy!
🐝✋🐺
278 reviews
February 27, 2023
So much fun

Although a lot of battles ensue in this book, as the team gets closer and all figure out their places the byplay between them is thoroughly enjoyable. A lot happens and it's all set up for a great finale even if it takes a couple more books. Enjoy!
82 reviews
October 21, 2018
Fantastic!

I love love love Barnabas, shinigami, and the crew. I cant wait to see what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Bobby Childers.
88 reviews
October 23, 2018
Justice still lives

Barnabas with his "ragtag" crew manage to do the impossible, bring justice to the Jolton and still remain alive so they can continue their justice.
19 reviews
February 11, 2019
WOW

OMG I am a soo loving this series! And yes I know I put an extra o in so LOL! Barnabas is a great character! I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Fred.
607 reviews
August 10, 2023
Barnabas just wants to answer a distress call. It works as well as you'd expect at this point

More info about Jotuns, shinigami learns more to do with her new toy, Gar gets more Garlike 😂

Update: 2022 2nd pass
Poor Barnabas and all the accidental corruption discoveries.
Cleaning up some lingering bits and learning more about this society.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews