Renegade Magic

Star Bandits: Uprising #1

by Jennifer M. Eaton

In outer space, there is no right or wrong...unless you get caught.

Cal turns to a life of smuggling to escape a death sentence for a crime he didn't commit, and when a galactic law enforcer lands far too close, Cal’s crew kidnaps her in hopes they can prove his innocence.

Hey, what could go wrong?
Dania, a powerful mage enforcer, is on a mission to eliminate a human trafficking ring. When a small team of criminal buffoons grabs her instead, she’s honor bound to execute them despite their pleas of innocence.

The Star Renegade crew is guilty on many counts, and they must be punished for their crimes. However, they use their smuggling profits to feed the hungry.
Dania will face her own execution for not enforcing royal edicts, but how can she execute people breaking the law for all the right reasons?

Star Renegades is Guardians of the Galaxy meets Firefly and Robin Hood.
Jump on board and start your inter-galactic adventure today!

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

372 pages, ebook

First published December 22, 2020

About the author

Jennifer M. Eaton hails from the eastern shore of the North American Continent on planet Earth. Yes, regrettably, she is human, but please don’t hold that against her.

While not traipsing through the galaxy looking for specimens for her space moth collection, she lives with her wonderfully supportive husband and three energetic offspring. (And a poodle who runs the spaceport when she’s not around.)

During infrequent excursions to her home planet of Earth, Jennifer enjoys long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but great adventures are always a short shuttle ride away.

Who knows where we’ll end up next?

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an email about this book a couple of days before it was due to come out, except for some reason I had the date marked down as the 13th instead of the 11th...which I only realised yesterday when I started reading, so I feel really bad about that now. I also planned to finish it then, but didn't manage to (my eyes needed to rest *sobs*). SO HERE WE ARE NOW.

This book has been an unforgettable roller coaster and I am so happy I was given an opportunity to read it.

Our story starts with Dania, an Enforcer, who has a plan to infiltrate a human trafficking ring and destroy them from within. Her plan goes awry when she's picked up kidnapped by good ol' regular smugglers whose leader is the crown's most wanted man ever since he killed the prince's best friend.

Dania's programming is telling her to execute everyone on board for their numerous crimes, but she's not in a position to do so. The more time she spends with the motley crew of miscreants, the more she realises the King's Law isn't as just as she was programed to believe. There are two sides to every story, which side will she be on in the end?

THIS BOOK.
THIS BOOK.
THIS BOOK.

I CAN'T EVEN EXPLAIN.

I AM AN EMPTY SHELL.

SEND HELP.

I love Renegade Magic. It's a brilliant mix of everything you could ever want in a story. There's action, adventure, magic, space pirates, evil alien royals, a warm and friendly crew of smugglers and a powerful general turned confused girl who needs to find her way.

This is a book for everyone who's still not over Firefly *cough* we need another season *cough* or really anyone who likes any of the mentioned things above.

The characters are alive, they're natural, no behaviour is forced and it's impossible to dislike them.

I'm a sucker for evil princes and THIS BOOK DELIVERS. I love him. I shouldn't, but I do.

And Enforcers? I don't want to spoil anything but the whole "lore" around them is extremely interesting and the feeding idea is so creative, I LOVE IT.

The writing style is just right, dynamic. I cried so many times while reading because the author managed to get the exact feelings across. Like with the children...I CAN'T THINK ABOUT THIS, I'LL CRY AGAIN.

The changes Dania goes through are realistic. I like how she's more robotic/repetative in the beginning and it slowly fades the further along we get. Obviously she got the most character development.

There's not a lot of romance, but there's an idea which direction it's going to go in. Knowing me, I don't ship it. HA. I ship her and Ty, it makes more sense to my brain.

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and I am angry and sad, but it's not the worst one out there. I'm just upset that it had to end. I need book two ASAP.

I AM BEGGING YOU TO READ THIS BOOK. YOU WON'T REGRET IT.

11/10, I would let this book kill me over and over again and I wouldn't complain once.

*I received a free copy through Bookfunnel and I'm leaving a review voluntarily*

[kay! · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been so so long since I've loved a book this much



If you are a fan of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson or Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston, then you'll definitely love this.

With loveable characters and an incredibly engaging plot, I guarantee you won't be able to put this book down. Found family and the beginnings? of an enemies to lovers romance... what more could you ask for.

The writing was outstanding. I can only compare it to Brandon Sanderson's writing in Skyward because Jennifer M. Eaton makes the science aspects of the plot make sense , which is a hard feat in Science Fiction.

I don't know how I am going to wait till May for the sequel... UGH!

[Sheia (Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9

Genre: Space Fantasy
✅️ Smuggler Spaceship
✅️ Ragtag Crew
✅️ Found Family
✅️ Alien colonizers
✅️ Different Worlds
✅️ A whole-ass developing PLOT
🆗️ World-building (didn't really need it that much)

REVIEW (after reading multiple books in the series)

SO, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I definitely was looking for a book that was more than space smut—having had my fair share of it, and gotten bored rather quickly. Hence, a book with substance, a good plot and well-developed characters was the goal. I read the synopsis and thought this book might be it. Those who read space fantasy know how disappointing it can all end up being. This, however, gave me hope that the world has more to offer.

Is it T.A. White level fanatastical—nope! But does it do the job—definitely.

The plot is simplistic in the beginning, though it does become episodic later and very dynamic. There are series of unfortunate and fatal events that keep befalling the crew of Star Renegade but it is nothing they are not used to—well mostly because they bring it upon themselves since they care a little too much about a lot. This time they kidnap save an undercover enforcer who has orders to kill all of them on sight. But what really makes an enforcer? And how will they save this one's humanity?!

Read to find out. ;)

A lot of alien characters in the series are not what they seem, or have tendencies hidden and unexplored initially. I did find the change in them somewhat and sometimes abrupt, but meh, I rolled with it.

Btw, this does have romantic elements intertwined later in the series.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if to put a 3 or 4 I'm not much of a sci-fi reader, but it had lots of action, suspense, magic and details were good. What will Dania do to take down the smugglers? What will Call do to prove innocents? What will happen when they do meet? I received a free copy for my honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, there is a definite Firefly feel to the book. Loved the team but Dania got on my nerves quite often. She was better near the end. Story is fast paced. Lots of action as well as a bit of a mystery with Dania's past. Fun sci-fi romp that will keep you reading.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is a tough place out there. Human colonists had walked on the flowers in the king’s garden. When Dania’s men reported that they had captured the 23 colonists, they were ordered to execute them. The only mercy she could give them was that they were to be killed quickly with no pain.

Dania is a powerful mage enforcer, with the rank of General, currently on a mission to take down a trafficking ring that has even kidnapped novice enforcers to sell as exotic pets! Her plan was to be captured as she pretended to be an inexperienced enforcer. Her men all played their parts well, letting her catch a thief and act afraid to terminate him, instead giving him a coin and telling him to get a job to feed his family by going to the staffer for work rather than stealing fruit. Her enforcers took her to an alley, smacked her and sent bolts of pain into her to again convince watchers of her weakness. Then they left her there on the ground as they walked away.

Cal contacted his engineer Ethan about a blinking light. He was told to tap it three times and it would go out. Then the crew told him Enforcers just landed! He called them all back. If the Enforcers had found them, they had to leave immediately. He couldn’t risk their being here was a coincidence. He was wanted for killing an aristocrat with close ties to the royal family. It wouldn’t matter that he didn’t do it. And they would kill his crew just for being on the same ship with him!

Before Dania’s capture by the traffickers could happen, two of Cal’s crew on the Star Renegade, Ty and Ethan, kidnapped her instead, hoping she could help prove Cal innocent of the false charge made against him (which would result in his immediate execution if they ever found him). Now, because of their crime of taking her, she is bound by the law to execute all of them – despite the fact they use their profits from smuggling to feed the hungry, and it just doesn’t feel right to her to kill them! If she doesn’t, then she herself can be executed. But when Dania realizes that they are now all being hunted by the traffickers, they will need to work together to come out of this alive!

This story was so excellent! I adored the crew and Dania and Alexander from the Enforcers group. In this case, the “Firefly” aura is awesome, because I automatically adore the crazy crew members who feel like old friends. This is a fun yet serious and well done story line where, despite the best intentions, the enforcers also can be unjust. Instead of making a perfect world, they inspire fear. And as Ty told Dania, if they killed the father who stole food for his kids, the mother and/or kids would have to go out and steal to live. It gives readers something to think about while also keeping us amused at the crew and hopeful that they can rescue Dania’s enforcer friend and save their own lives along the way! I look forward to more of this series. I’m loving it!

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one and the ending sort of ends on a cliffhanger or could be considered closer to a continuation, just be aware.

That said the book hooked me right from the start. Dania’s no nonsense attitude with following the decree of the royal family lets you know right away the type of person she is, rules are meant to be followed and obeyed no matter the consequences.

Using herself as bait to try and stop a human trafficking ring at it’s source, Dania finds herself forcibly entangled with a motley crew led by Cal/Calvin Espinoza, captain of the Star Renegade.

The action is almost non-stop, the crews camaraderie has a natural family feel to it. The caring is genuine as well as the banter and every member is valued.

As Dania spends more and more time with the crew her carefully constructed world has begun to fall apart. The world is no longer black and white and she is angry, confused and scarily powerful.

As the crew works at clearing their names, helping those less fortunate, staying one step ahead of the bad guys all the while realizing that they have allowed a ticking time bomb to stay on board that could destroy them at any minute.

This is what you would call a slow burn romance, as Dania and Cal only seemed to share one slightly charged moment.

There are a few points that got a bit repetitive with Dania and the numerous betrayals, plus some of the saving the world things seemed to drag out a bit in the story.

The characters were engaging and the bad guy at this point isn’t over the top villain, hopefully that stays the same and he doesn’t de-evolve into a mustache twirling bad guy.

I received an advanced reader copy from Hidden Gems and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[NoNo JoJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.25 stars

This was a fun little read. It's basically a sci-fi/found family mash-up with a sprinkling of redemption. There's not a ton of depth to the plot or characters - several of the B-tier crew members are a bit thin - but it's still fun to follow. I enjoyed the descriptions of the enforcers abilities and finding out more about their society/mindset. Dania was a fun subversion of how this type of story would usually go, especially early on, where she and her friends act out the typical "naive reluctant female villain" scene that most stories like this begin with, and use it as a trap to lure in their foes.

I also liked that this was light on the romance. Usually this type of story would again have that naive/reluctant/female villain turned toward the good side via super mushy love, but that doesn't happen here. There's not really any romantic tension between our leads at all, which I much preferred, especially given Dania's state of mind.

I did feel Dania's conversion was just a little too convenient, especially in how most of her character flaws are the result of brainwashing vs actual choice; it definitely lessens the punch of her redemption and learning to explore the gray areas in life. At the same time, it would be difficult to pull off her turn any other way.

Overall, if you like found family stories and want a bit of sci-fi flare, this will satisfy you just fine. I would be interested in reading the sequel.

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dania is an enforcer; a member of the royal guard. Sent to the station to stop a kidnapping ring, her carefully thought out plan to lure in the kidnappers goes sideways as she is kidnapped... By the wrong crew....

“At first, I thought you were the trapper whom I’d been tasked to find and eradicate. Once I realized that wasn’t true, I was intrigued to learn why you would take me on board when there was a price on your head.” Her head continued to throb. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. “Then, of course , you provided that sealed evidence about Filluck Palogivan . I must admit , I’m intrigued. I want to know who sealed that file. " - Dania

Cal Espinoza is a wanted man... Wrongly accused of murder, Cal keeps himself and his crew under the radar, away from the Bane enforcers, or he did, until Dania...

"All she could see were the people smiling and hugging each other as they left with basic necessities that her king had denied them. She sniffed and blinked back tears she hoped no one noticed. Maybe there wasn’t such a clean line between right and wrong. If called to judge this man, or any of them, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to find them guilty, even though they’d plainly broken the law." - Dania

What Dania sees, and learns, shatters her view of the world and her understanding of it; worse, it leaves her adrift... Unless...



A fascinating tale, with twists, turns and action!

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a funny, action packed science fiction read, than you need to check out Renegade Magic! It’s a great read from start to finish. The moment you delve into this outer space setting, you’ll really feel like you’re there. Eaton‘a writing is out of this world. (See what I did there? 😉) She writes in such a way that the reader steps into the characters shoes.

You’ll meet a rag tag gang of funny companions, a strong willed female lead, lots of twists and things you won’t see coming, and lots of action. Dania and Cal are strong characters, both with quirky, headstrong traits and a little bit of crazy to stir things up. The chemistry between all of the characters in this novel is so thoughtful on Eaton’s part. The dialogue is natural, it flows well.

So many sci fi books leave the reader feeling a little disbelieving. Others often spend so much time with the setting and plot to make the science a little more real, that they forget to really give the characters good development. Eaton manages to hit the sweet spot, both painting us a beautiful picture and placing some good entertainment in it.

This book will leave you dying to pick up the next.

[Short and Sweet Reviews by Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I begin my review for Renegade Magic (Star Renegades book one) by Jennifer M. Eaton, I would personally like to thank the author, publishers and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.

Dania, a ruthless and powerful law enforcer finds herself captive upon the criminal space ship Star Renegade after a botched mission. The captain, Cal, is number one on her Princes most wanted list. Join the unlikely crew as they explore self-discocery and truths on this death defying space journey.

Renegade Magic features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Sci-fi
○ Magic
○ Space travel
○ Corrupt corporations
○ Manipulation
○ Self discovery
○ Anti-heroes

My overall rating for Renegade Magic is…

4 Stars!

Action and suspense galore! Renegade Magic combines an attractive combination of magic, a brutal and cruel law enforcement species, black holes, tight escapes and an anti-hero space crew. I found the tale deeply entertaining, enriching and exciting. Danias' tale of self discovery was empowering and emotional and Cals' criminal antics were aesthetic and out of-this-world (literally!) Overall, Renegade Magic was an epic series starter.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cal and his crew of misfits are smugglers that are barely making a living. But, when Cal's crew decides to kidnap an Enforcer in a effort to clear him of a murder charge, it just may get them all executed. Dania is one of the most powerful Enforcers in the galaxy. She is determined to take down a trafficking ring that has also kidnapped other enforcers. Her plan to be captured by the traffickers seems to be going perfectly, until Dania realizes that she, and her kidnappers, are all being hunted by the traffickers.
I thought this was a fantastic read. Not only is it action packed, it is sometimes laugh out loud funny. Well written and intriguing characters, as well as unexpected twists in the plot kept me glued to the pages.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of the book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small crew of smugglers are surprised when 2 of their own kidnap an Enforcerr and bring her on their ship. The first mate thought she was a novice Enforcer and could be convinced to help overturn the ship’s captain’s murder charge. Dania isn’t a novice Enforcer, she’s a General and was attempting to go undercover as a less powerful Enforcer to be captured by sentient being traffickers to be able to eliminate the leaders of the traffickers.

The story has adventure, magic, mystery, suspense, surprises and drama throughout. The story kept me entertained and engaged. The story leaves off with the crew in peril and leaves you anticipating the next book in the series.

This was my first book by this author and I will definitely continue with this series. I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is an enforcer bound to uphold the law, but when the punishments are too strict, they can have just the opposite effect. Enter our hero and his crew who has a more realistic viewpoint.

This is book one of the series, so you can't go wrong here.

This is a soft science fiction story, focused on the characters and the setting rather than the tech. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting that is rich in detail. The characters are also well done, with distinct personalities including some interesting quirks that makes them all real. The plot moves at a good pace and includes plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, a highly enjoyable story and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The world and the premise were fascinating. The characters were unique and felt real. I really felt for Dania as her world changes and for the crew with their various problems. I didn't really feel the romance side of things, so I'm guessing it's going to puck up in the future books. The only reason I think I know who the love interest is is because there were two point of view characters. I'm eager to see what happens next and I really hope the next book won't take as long as the current preorder date.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but my opinions are my own.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and could not put it down. It started out with a bang and just god better and better. It made me laugh and sigh but the characters were awesome. I loved Cal and Dania the best and thought the rest of the crew were really good supporting characters. I liked the world setup and the small hints that were revealed that made me think and wonder what was going to come next. I liked the story line and its feel of the underdog fighting for survival and cannot wait to see what the powers in control try next. Cal and his crew have scary powers of luck, which they sooo needed for most of the story. Loved the space opera/good vs evil feel to the story.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, Firefly-esque read 💫

What happens when everything one has ever believed is turned on its head? Meet an interesting crew of space traders (or criminals depending who you talk to) whose day abruptly changes when their paths unexpectedly cross with an Enforcer. Both groups have the opposite goal in mind, but fate has something else in store. Filled with wonderful characters with wit, snark, heart and family by choice... What happens when their view of life is utterly upended. What happens next? I thoroughly enjoyed watching each character in their pondering of what is their true reality, and how they might proceed once gaining the answers.

[Lorieah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you take the humanity out humans? Can you give it back? Would life be easier if there was just one punishment for any and all infractions — death?

I love the little rag-tag family on the starship Renegade! This book is a clean, well-written sci-fi that held my attention right from the start. It didn't end QUITE on a cliffhanger, but enough to know that I want the next one!

I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Jennifer M. Eaton. I enjoyed Renegade Magic but I kept getting the feeling I was reading the "Further Adventures of Firefly".

I loved the t.v. show Firefly. It was taken off the air way too soon. Anyway, I couldn't stop thinking I was reading a book in the Firefly universe.

Regardless, I still enjoyed the story. I've already downloaded Renegade Thief and I'm going to start reading it.

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of space orientated fiction, but this one actually grabbed my attention and held it the whole way through. Smugglers and enforcers should not be able cohabite, but miracles acutally do happen sometimes. The whole crew are great characters and I loved the quirky, funny writing. Great read.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renegade Magic (Star Renegades Book 1) by Jennifer M. Eaton is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number one in this amazing series that I am so hooked on. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about Sci-Fi and fantasy in their stories.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good narrative overall. It starts becoming dogmatic in the middle through. It doesn't really have an ending. It seems it's only a potentially significant part of a much larger story.

Action-packed. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[Dee Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away! It was way better than I was expecting. The characters were relatable, the plot was intense and the romance had spark. It wasn't too fast, too slow or unfounded. Perfect! I really hope there is more to come!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firefly Meets Crazy Magic

I prefer to view my science fiction on the big screen. The special effects and character interactions make up for the inconceivable plots. And then there’s this book.
Well-crafted characters and non-stop action combined with witty conversations make the reader fall in love with the cast and look for the “play next” button for episode two.

[Laura Beltran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful start to a new series

I loved this book. I couldn't out it down. The author introduces you to the characters and their world with detail without being overwhelming. Cal, Dania and the rest of the crew are great. Since is is a series it does end of a bit of a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read book two so I can find out more .

[Amy Holiday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun, fast read with a lot of action that was fast-paced but not overdone. Great plot twists where you had to keep reading! Now I have to get the next one to find out what happened!

Also, loved the lil Easter egg with a character being named after our friend Glenn, and the matching love of french fries <3 I highlighted it!! Others should do the same ;-)

[Barrie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Epic

A well written complex story from small beginnings as smugglers trying to help the far-flung colonies to a Galaxy spanning fight against the ruling class and their Enforcers. When the punishment for any crime is death this band of misfits has nothing to lose. A slow build epic story not to be missed, Baz.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sci fi adventure

Ok, so the worldbuilding is a little grim. And the king's enforcers are brutally violent monsters. But Cal and his crew are interesting with a lot of secrets and good intentions. The story is thrilling with some unexpected twists, and I'm looking forward to Renegade Thief.

[Jonathan Gardner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not finished yet and will update but holy smokes, these characters are the dumbest characters I've ever read. Ty needs to die. Painfully. Just for being the biggest moron I've ever gone across. I get the author is trying to go for the lovable outcasts and criminals with a heart of gold but what we actually get is a crew with the collective intelligence of a four year old (no offense to four year olds intended). Seriously? Show her the good can be done illegally and someone who is programmed to enforce the law, which isn't about good and evil anyway, will just be cool with it? What kind of naive idiocy is this?

The premise and character concepts are good but the collection is a disaster. This could be really good if the entire plot wasn't dependent on sheer, unimaginable stupidity and naivete. At this point, I'm rooting for Dania to wipe them out. They deserve it.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. A few grammar mistakes and inconsistencies dropped the rating, but still worth reading.

For my clean readers: language, a bit, but no f-bomb. Violence-attempted murder, attempted kidnapping, murder, discussion of murdering children, drug running, stealing, fighting, pretense of rape, but no actual rape, and slavery. Romance-none.