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Maverick #1
Maverick Gambit
No plan survives first contact with the enemy.
Space is a deadly business, and Knox knows this first hand. He’s lost a lot, and he has the scars to prove it.
But then pirates target a town that Knox loves. They kidnap the town’s children and sell them into slavery. Knox knows they’ll be back for more and he won’t let it happen again. The town needs shields and he’ll get them, even if he has to steal them.
Knox devises a carefully crafted plan and hires the perfect crew. He’ll “borrow” from Caravan Suppliers—the Goliath of space shipping—a company that can afford to lose a shield generator or two. No one will know he was there.
But Caravan Suppliers has a dirty slave habit, and they’ll kill to it keep secret. When Knox stumbles onto it, he endangers his crew and his family. Will this operation cost Knox more than he’s willing to pay?
From debut author Marjorie King, Maverick Gambit is the first book in the Maverick series. With a layered galaxy full of rich characters and thrilling heists, it’s perfect for fans of JN Chaney and Timothy Zahn. Get your copy today!
Space is a deadly business, and Knox knows this first hand. He’s lost a lot, and he has the scars to prove it.
But then pirates target a town that Knox loves. They kidnap the town’s children and sell them into slavery. Knox knows they’ll be back for more and he won’t let it happen again. The town needs shields and he’ll get them, even if he has to steal them.
Knox devises a carefully crafted plan and hires the perfect crew. He’ll “borrow” from Caravan Suppliers—the Goliath of space shipping—a company that can afford to lose a shield generator or two. No one will know he was there.
But Caravan Suppliers has a dirty slave habit, and they’ll kill to it keep secret. When Knox stumbles onto it, he endangers his crew and his family. Will this operation cost Knox more than he’s willing to pay?
From debut author Marjorie King, Maverick Gambit is the first book in the Maverick series. With a layered galaxy full of rich characters and thrilling heists, it’s perfect for fans of JN Chaney and Timothy Zahn. Get your copy today!
360 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2019
386 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Marjorie King
13 books16 followersEngineer turned SciFi Author who loves Firefly, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Asimov. House Ravenclaw (with a little bit of Slytherin)
On her website, EngineerStoryteller, she reviews her favorite SciFi/Fantasy books and posts pics of them on #bookstagram. Occasionally she posts recipes on her blog too. Why not?
Marjorie can sometimes be spotted in the wild... literally, since she loves hiking in National Parks across the US.
On her website, EngineerStoryteller, she reviews her favorite SciFi/Fantasy books and posts pics of them on #bookstagram. Occasionally she posts recipes on her blog too. Why not?
Marjorie can sometimes be spotted in the wild... literally, since she loves hiking in National Parks across the US.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 3, 2024
'Maverick Gambit' is Space Opera in the mode of Becky Chambers' 'Wayfarer' series. It's about nice people stopping nasty people from doing bad things while discovering the value of found family, except that it has a more 'Firefly' vibe than the Becky Chambers books.
Re.reading that first paragraph, I can see that it might sound dismissive. I don't mean it to be. To my surprise, I enjoyed 'The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet' and I was smiling most of the time while I read 'Maverick Gambit'. I just find it harder to critique science fiction that's as wholesome as this.
'Maverick Gambit' is about an experienced spacer pulling a crew together to steal some shields to protect pockets of population on the now almost abadoned Earth from the space pirates who have been kidnapping their children and selling them into slavery.
The crew are recent graduates of the Institute of Adapted Soldiers (IAS) which trains the small percentage of people whose bodies have adapted to the human diaspora by manifesting enhanced abilities useful to predators. I thought this was a great way of producing a crew with interesting abilities but who are also likely to be seen as outsiders by many and who will all have been seperated from their families.
There's a strong anti-slavery element to the story. Although the human trafficking in the story is done on an inter-planetary scale, the mechanics of it mirror how the modern slavery models that the UN is currently trying to supress.
Space Opera wouldn't be Space Opera without a space ships and advanced weaponry and 'Maverick Gambit' delivers interesting versions of both. My favourites were the crazy little devices spliced together by Ximena, Maverick's co-owner and chief mechanic.
'Maverick Gambit' is the first book in a series, It uses a simple mission structure- steal the shields, free the slaves, protect the villages - to build the Maverick universe, introduce its crew and get them to bond and set up two sets of bad guys as Maverick's enemies. The pace moves along nicely, the action scenes work and Majorie King doesn't hold back from inflicting pain and loss on her central characters.
Many of the characters in the book are young. Some are children. A lot of the book looks at the concept of family, found or genetic, the effects of abusive behaviour on children and the possiblity of happiness offered by found-family. I thought this was well done. Neither too distressing nor too mawkish, it got the points across in a way that didn't trivialise the damage but did place the emphasis on hope and healing.
If you're looking for an engaging, mostly uplifting, Space Opera with some good fight scenes, some sad moments, and a lot of emotion, youll enjoy 'Maverick Gambit' .
Re.reading that first paragraph, I can see that it might sound dismissive. I don't mean it to be. To my surprise, I enjoyed 'The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet' and I was smiling most of the time while I read 'Maverick Gambit'. I just find it harder to critique science fiction that's as wholesome as this.
'Maverick Gambit' is about an experienced spacer pulling a crew together to steal some shields to protect pockets of population on the now almost abadoned Earth from the space pirates who have been kidnapping their children and selling them into slavery.
The crew are recent graduates of the Institute of Adapted Soldiers (IAS) which trains the small percentage of people whose bodies have adapted to the human diaspora by manifesting enhanced abilities useful to predators. I thought this was a great way of producing a crew with interesting abilities but who are also likely to be seen as outsiders by many and who will all have been seperated from their families.
There's a strong anti-slavery element to the story. Although the human trafficking in the story is done on an inter-planetary scale, the mechanics of it mirror how the modern slavery models that the UN is currently trying to supress.
Space Opera wouldn't be Space Opera without a space ships and advanced weaponry and 'Maverick Gambit' delivers interesting versions of both. My favourites were the crazy little devices spliced together by Ximena, Maverick's co-owner and chief mechanic.
'Maverick Gambit' is the first book in a series, It uses a simple mission structure- steal the shields, free the slaves, protect the villages - to build the Maverick universe, introduce its crew and get them to bond and set up two sets of bad guys as Maverick's enemies. The pace moves along nicely, the action scenes work and Majorie King doesn't hold back from inflicting pain and loss on her central characters.
Many of the characters in the book are young. Some are children. A lot of the book looks at the concept of family, found or genetic, the effects of abusive behaviour on children and the possiblity of happiness offered by found-family. I thought this was well done. Neither too distressing nor too mawkish, it got the points across in a way that didn't trivialise the damage but did place the emphasis on hope and healing.
If you're looking for an engaging, mostly uplifting, Space Opera with some good fight scenes, some sad moments, and a lot of emotion, youll enjoy 'Maverick Gambit' .
August 6, 2021
The opening chapter wasn’t too bad, but I was finding it a struggle to understand who or what Knox was, then came chapter two and I was totally confused, who were all these other people?
It was probably just me and it might have turned out to be an interesting book, but I couldn’t get into it, so I had to give up after a few chapters.
It was probably just me and it might have turned out to be an interesting book, but I couldn’t get into it, so I had to give up after a few chapters.
September 19, 2022
Knox and His Maverick Crew
If you have ever read any of My reviews, you know already that I never talk about the characters or the plot. However, I can truly say that I loved both in this book. Kudos to the author for such a magnificent read. Loved it!
If you have ever read any of My reviews, you know already that I never talk about the characters or the plot. However, I can truly say that I loved both in this book. Kudos to the author for such a magnificent read. Loved it!
June 3, 2020
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. In this wild journey of this novel, Knox finds himself in a precarious situation of protecting a town he loves or keep his crew alive at the cost of vulnerable individuals. He won't sacrifice those in need and that means delivering shields as he balances the lives of his crew. Gritty, engrossing and on the edge crazy action will have you swept up into web of agendas that encompasses this story. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2022
Solid enough YA skewing space opera, with an initially intriguing space slavery plot. But as it rolled on it became much more about the various comings of age of the young protagonists (and/or the need for a child of the older ones which has never been a substitute for a personality), and the back end leaves far too much open for future books to be all that enjoyable. There's a guy who is good at smelling though.
May 5, 2019
Maverick's Gambit starts building a rich futuristic world from the very beginning. Through the eyes of Knox and his crew, we're introduced to life in colonized space. The technology that makes life possible is brought up without being over explained.
A lot didn't change when humans left Earth. People that are vulnerable are exploited, but good people stand ready to defend them. By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to stand with Knox against the human traffickers that had stolen the children of people he loved.
The characters are what made this story for me. While the plot is well paced and exciting, the cast of relatable people, with their flaws and virtues, is what drew me in and kept me engaged throughout the story. As they work through their mission to steal shields to defend vulnerable villages, they learn to work together and build relationships that feel authentic and life long. Like old friends, I'm looking forward to visiting them again when the sequel comes out.
A lot didn't change when humans left Earth. People that are vulnerable are exploited, but good people stand ready to defend them. By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to stand with Knox against the human traffickers that had stolen the children of people he loved.
The characters are what made this story for me. While the plot is well paced and exciting, the cast of relatable people, with their flaws and virtues, is what drew me in and kept me engaged throughout the story. As they work through their mission to steal shields to defend vulnerable villages, they learn to work together and build relationships that feel authentic and life long. Like old friends, I'm looking forward to visiting them again when the sequel comes out.
dnf-not-for-me
March 3, 20211/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
February 28, 2023
Maverick Gambit
I only discovered Marjorie King’s Maverick series properly a few days ago and I’m so glad that I did, they contain all the best things that can be written into Space Opera and more all tied together by Marjorie’s unique style. There are 3 more books in the series and I can’t wait to dive into them.
The characters are well developed and develop more into their own particular selves as the story itself develops. The plots are deeply thought out yet still leave plenty of room for progression. It is going to be very interesting to see where and how she takes them.
I only discovered Marjorie King’s Maverick series properly a few days ago and I’m so glad that I did, they contain all the best things that can be written into Space Opera and more all tied together by Marjorie’s unique style. There are 3 more books in the series and I can’t wait to dive into them.
The characters are well developed and develop more into their own particular selves as the story itself develops. The plots are deeply thought out yet still leave plenty of room for progression. It is going to be very interesting to see where and how she takes them.
October 3, 2021
Good new space series
This story has interesting characters and an intriguing universe. Nice set up for the next book in the series. Some humans have developed adaptations to their new home worlds in space, and the Institute of Adapted Soldiers collects the "mutant" children and gives them a home, training and jobs. However not all of the adapted are part of the IAS and not all of the adapted use their skills for good. Some of the appeal of this story is how the author takes known human evils and translated them into an intergalactic culture. Very well done.
This story has interesting characters and an intriguing universe. Nice set up for the next book in the series. Some humans have developed adaptations to their new home worlds in space, and the Institute of Adapted Soldiers collects the "mutant" children and gives them a home, training and jobs. However not all of the adapted are part of the IAS and not all of the adapted use their skills for good. Some of the appeal of this story is how the author takes known human evils and translated them into an intergalactic culture. Very well done.
November 7, 2021
Really engaging
I get this book 5 stars for the story and the characters. I’ll give it just ONE star for editing. Word usage (and less so, punctuation) was awful. Example rice “patties” vs. the correct word, paddies. One other thing I didn’t care for was the fact that the jumps were instantaneous and there was virtually no travel time in space. However, since this is speculative fiction, I could end up being wrong whenever faster than light travel actually comes to fruition, so I’ll keep that as my own opinion. Read it, though! You’ll enjoy it!
I get this book 5 stars for the story and the characters. I’ll give it just ONE star for editing. Word usage (and less so, punctuation) was awful. Example rice “patties” vs. the correct word, paddies. One other thing I didn’t care for was the fact that the jumps were instantaneous and there was virtually no travel time in space. However, since this is speculative fiction, I could end up being wrong whenever faster than light travel actually comes to fruition, so I’ll keep that as my own opinion. Read it, though! You’ll enjoy it!
December 21, 2021
Military science fiction at it’s finest!
Knox is a space- trucker and part-time philanthropist. When space pirates steal teenagers from three colonies that were just assisted by the agency he and his wife helped, soon after the mission to help them was completed, Knox decides to recruit a crew and “acquire” shields to protect the villages. Along the way, his crew becomes family and is targeted with traps and attacks. Can he survive and keep everyone safe?
I received a no cost copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Knox is a space- trucker and part-time philanthropist. When space pirates steal teenagers from three colonies that were just assisted by the agency he and his wife helped, soon after the mission to help them was completed, Knox decides to recruit a crew and “acquire” shields to protect the villages. Along the way, his crew becomes family and is targeted with traps and attacks. Can he survive and keep everyone safe?
I received a no cost copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
November 8, 2022
Great book
The first of the series is excelent.
It balances action and regular happenings just fine, but action is well paced and intense.
Id recommend this to anyone who wants a good read and a true adventure filled with every bit you expect. Its simple to read, easy to track and realy fun.
Only finest reads deserve 5 stars and this is one of them.
Now its time to get the second in the series, what i expect to be even more intruiging and action packed with interesting twists.
The first of the series is excelent.
It balances action and regular happenings just fine, but action is well paced and intense.
Id recommend this to anyone who wants a good read and a true adventure filled with every bit you expect. Its simple to read, easy to track and realy fun.
Only finest reads deserve 5 stars and this is one of them.
Now its time to get the second in the series, what i expect to be even more intruiging and action packed with interesting twists.
August 2, 2021
Stopped at 3%
I couldn’t get into this story—some things that put me off: a protagonist who identifies other characters by their smells—is he human or not?; a friend who just shows up to ward off a possible attack—too handy; the protagonist’s wife (there goes the potential for romance) is beneath their spaceship—like it’s a car in a repair shop, but it’s a sizable spacecraft?; and numerous awkward sentence constructions and punctuation errors.
I couldn’t get into this story—some things that put me off: a protagonist who identifies other characters by their smells—is he human or not?; a friend who just shows up to ward off a possible attack—too handy; the protagonist’s wife (there goes the potential for romance) is beneath their spaceship—like it’s a car in a repair shop, but it’s a sizable spacecraft?; and numerous awkward sentence constructions and punctuation errors.
August 10, 2021
It's a really well written sci-fi book but it feels like some things are out of place. We're supposed to deeply care about characters we've just met, but it just comes across as their characterization.
It feels like there were more chapters that just didn't make the final cut.
There's also the distinct feeling the ending was supposed to be different but that might just be my bias.
I do actually recommend this book, but be warned that it might mess with your expectations.
It feels like there were more chapters that just didn't make the final cut.
There's also the distinct feeling the ending was supposed to be different but that might just be my bias.
I do actually recommend this book, but be warned that it might mess with your expectations.
February 23, 2021
Wonderful listening
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me. This fantasy thriller Sci-Fi novel is will written with interesting will developed realistic characters with weakness and strength 💪. The story line is fast moving with lots of twist and turns leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this novel to readers of fantasy fiction. Enjoy reading ��2021 😕
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me. This fantasy thriller Sci-Fi novel is will written with interesting will developed realistic characters with weakness and strength 💪. The story line is fast moving with lots of twist and turns leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this novel to readers of fantasy fiction. Enjoy reading ��2021 😕
April 2, 2021
Space, a place that is not reachable for most of us!
Space a frontier to explore. Watching the lives of adapted individuals come together is a treat that most people that Iive in the mundane world is exciting to try and understand when all you can really do is dream of what is like .
Space a frontier to explore. Watching the lives of adapted individuals come together is a treat that most people that Iive in the mundane world is exciting to try and understand when all you can really do is dream of what is like .
August 17, 2021
Smart scifi
Really enjoyed this series . King has managed to paint a complete and complex world, introduce a cast of relatable characters and run a great plot through its paces. Relationships are explored and human failings delved as well as a good dose of conspiracy and betrayal.
A good read.
Really enjoyed this series . King has managed to paint a complete and complex world, introduce a cast of relatable characters and run a great plot through its paces. Relationships are explored and human failings delved as well as a good dose of conspiracy and betrayal.
A good read.
October 7, 2021
Real sci-fi with a message
This is a great book but, seeing as I’m no longer young, it’s really not for me. The story is great and the social message is very clear and just improves the narrative. It’s a great book for teenagers and young adults but a little bit wasted on jaded over fifties like myself .
This is a great book but, seeing as I’m no longer young, it’s really not for me. The story is great and the social message is very clear and just improves the narrative. It’s a great book for teenagers and young adults but a little bit wasted on jaded over fifties like myself .
June 18, 2022
a bit slow
I usually like books that make the characters the focus, but I didn’t really know anyone in this story. Close on Knox but there was no history on the others. Good action scenes. Just felt let down at the end… what happened? Will try this author again because she has writing chops. Needs to make it more clear to me where it all came from
I usually like books that make the characters the focus, but I didn’t really know anyone in this story. Close on Knox but there was no history on the others. Good action scenes. Just felt let down at the end… what happened? Will try this author again because she has writing chops. Needs to make it more clear to me where it all came from
April 14, 2023
Above average.
This is a fairly common sci-fi space adventure told uncommonly well. The characters are well developed and interesting, the story arc, though predictable, flows well. I would read more from this author. Pity that additional works aren't available through Kindle Unlimited, if it were I would have the entire set for binge reading.
This is a fairly common sci-fi space adventure told uncommonly well. The characters are well developed and interesting, the story arc, though predictable, flows well. I would read more from this author. Pity that additional works aren't available through Kindle Unlimited, if it were I would have the entire set for binge reading.
August 11, 2021
Enthralling
I wish I had found this series earlier.
From the opening few lines I was hooked.
Good levels of suspense,a totally enthralling read
Just got the second book ,I am hoping there will be more in this series.
Prequel is also on my list.
I wish I had found this series earlier.
From the opening few lines I was hooked.
Good levels of suspense,a totally enthralling read
Just got the second book ,I am hoping there will be more in this series.
Prequel is also on my list.
December 4, 2021
Misdirection always works
Fast moving plot will keep readers interest. Some trouble for me was relating to characters. Some confusion on the role of the mutant school to the plot other than supply support characters.
Fast moving plot will keep readers interest. Some trouble for me was relating to characters. Some confusion on the role of the mutant school to the plot other than supply support characters.
December 7, 2021
Wow!
This was a tremendous read. I love the story. Absolutely original! I can't wait to read the rest of the series. By the time I finished this one, I was smiling ear to ear. Fantastic!
This was a tremendous read. I love the story. Absolutely original! I can't wait to read the rest of the series. By the time I finished this one, I was smiling ear to ear. Fantastic!
March 27, 2022
interesting story
Decent read. I have to say it’s a bit out of the ordinary, definitely a character driven story with development and not a full on action and adventure space opera type novel.
I enjoyed it.
Decent read. I have to say it’s a bit out of the ordinary, definitely a character driven story with development and not a full on action and adventure space opera type novel.
I enjoyed it.
June 17, 2022
excellent story
Knox leads the band of what appears to be misfits but turn out yo be a family on a great adventure as Brant Ximena Sann and Tryska join as a A team even Alex had a part it was awesome
Knox leads the band of what appears to be misfits but turn out yo be a family on a great adventure as Brant Ximena Sann and Tryska join as a A team even Alex had a part it was awesome
July 15, 2025
Care and Concern makes a Family.
Misfits all, joined together for a cause, is sacrifice, sorrow, love and affection. All of these emotions come together and make a family of these misfits. The death of one of their own cements the Family.
Misfits all, joined together for a cause, is sacrifice, sorrow, love and affection. All of these emotions come together and make a family of these misfits. The death of one of their own cements the Family.
November 28, 2020
Loved it:-)
February 15, 2021
Good read
This was a book that you had to pay attention to as you read it , it was easy to get lost . I enjoyed it and will read the next one.
This was a book that you had to pay attention to as you read it , it was easy to get lost . I enjoyed it and will read the next one.
March 12, 2021
Great stuff
Read this book. The author has great writing ability. The story and the characters are believable. You won't regret buying it
Read this book. The author has great writing ability. The story and the characters are believable. You won't regret buying it
April 4, 2021
A good guy hero and tons of action
Lots of surprising twists and turns, interesting characters and a good storyline. I enjoyed it! I would call this a “light read”.
Lots of surprising twists and turns, interesting characters and a good storyline. I enjoyed it! I would call this a “light read”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews