Ghost Pirate Gambit

Nanshe Chronicles #1

by Jessie Kwak

Haunted space stations? Puzzling totems? Cursed relics? No job's too bizarre for the crew of the Nanshe.

Lasadi doesn't like strangers on her ship, but she'll need a bigger crew if she's going to break into a dead pirate's long-lost space station. She takes a chance on a charming grifter named Raj, along with a skilled hacker and her genius little brother. And it's . . . nice? If Lasadi isn't careful, she's going to start enjoying having a crew aboard.

Raj's last bit of luck capsized right before he ran into Lasadi, and this job could finally get his life back on track — as long as Lasadi never learns the truth about his past. Raj isn't the only one on this crew with secrets, though, and Auburn Station holds more than long-dead ghosts. Unless this fledgling crew can learn to trust each other, none of them are getting off this station alive.

The Nanshe Chronicles is set in Jessie Kwak’s Durga System, where humans have managed to populate the stars, but they haven’t left behind their vices. And that’s very good for business. Perfect for fans of Cowboy Bebop, Firefly, and Leverage.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fiction, Action, Romance

324 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2022

About the author

Jessie Kwak has always lived in imaginary lands, from Arrakis and Ankh-Morpork to Earthsea, Tatooine, and now Portland, Oregon. As a writer, she sends readers on their own journeys to immersive worlds filled with fascinating characters, gunfights, explosions, and dinner parties. When she’s not raving about her latest favorite sci-fi series to her friends, she can be found sewing, mountain biking, or out exploring new worlds both at home and abroad.

She is the author of supernatural thriller From Earth and Bone, the Bulari Saga series of gangster sci-fi novels, and productivity guide From Chaos to Creativity. You can learn more about her at www.jessiekwak.com, or follow her on Twitter (@jkwak).

Reviews

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of Ghost Pirate Gambit in exchange for an honest review (and books are far too important for anything less than honesty, anyway.)

I loved the book. It's a seamless combination of science fiction and crime novels, and would be compelling as an example of either genre, but the integration of the two makes it even more interesting and fun to read.

As a science fiction novel, the world created by the author is consistent and believable. In some sci-fi, the future technology is overwrought and becomes a substitute for a good story, but here it properly frames and serves the plot lines and the characters. The politics of the Durga System come into play, and seem likely to grow in importance over time. As a crime story, there are plenty of white hats, plenty of black hats, and most importantly, plenty of characters who seem bad but are really good and vice versa. Lots of strong female characters on both sides. I love how well developed the main characters are, with complex motivations, secrets, and substantial back stories. In another life, I'd love to be as much of a badass as Lasadi. But also as sensitive and centered as Jay.

There's enough action to keep things moving but never too much. There's the right amount of relationship drama, enough to add to the characters and plot but never becoming sappy.

Most importantly, the story is just really well written. I can't handle books with awkward syntax, poor vocabulary, or stilted dialogue, and this book has none of that.

Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. Much. Fun.
This was 100% the book I needed right now. Part space opera, part heist caper, all humour, action and thrill with a tiny flicker of romance thrown in. I'm a sucker for any sort of "ragtag bunch of misfits on a quest" type story, and this highly entertaining series opener offers just that, alongside excellent worldbuilding, a hold-on-to-your-seat kind of pace, compelling characters and a plot that hooked me from the very first chapter. (Also, an abandoned space station potentially haunted by space pirate ghosts. I just felt that needed to be mentioned.) Really enjoyed this and can't wait for more of this sci-fi adventure series!

*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Dawn Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Pirate Gambit is the first book in Jessie Kwak’s Nanshe Chronicles, named after the ship her protagonists travel on. This new series is a prequel of sorts to Kwak’s first Durga System book, Starfall, with a strong focus on the interpersonal relationships of the crew and others onboard the Nanshe, as well as the unusual job they’ve taken on.

Captained by Lasadi, the Nanshe belongs to a notorious criminal family. So when the heir apparent approaches Lasadi with a job, she’s got no real choice other than to accept. She’s also just met Raj, a criminal with secrets of his own, who she winds up bringing onboard with some of his associates. The ship is full of tension as the crew sets out–and the job hasn’t even started yet! The narrative alternates between Lasadi and Raj, letting the reader see both sides of an extremely slow burn “will they or won’t they” subplot.

All in all, it’s a delightful, fast paced read, with plenty of peril and danger lurking in the derelict space station filled with booby traps they’ve been hired to get their client into the heart of. Similar to shows like Firefly and Cowboy Bebop, the crew of the Nanshe finds themselves working jobs for unsavory elements and taking on whatever comes their way, all in the hopes of someday leaving this life behind. Also similar to these shows, the crew has “found family” aspects, but there are also plenty of secrets they’re hiding from one another about their pasts and motivations, threatening to push them apart. And even though it possesses some of these tropes, there’s plenty in Ghost Pirate Gambit that is refreshingly novel!

The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for review consideration.

(This review originally appeared at HistoryThatNeverWas.com)

[Cass Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! If you like heist stories you'll enjoy this one set in space and focusing on stealing from a pirate who built their own space station… complete with traps. I really enjoyed the story of each member and how they came together as a crew. The story had tension and a realistic resolution that wasn't predictable but also not a surprise twist you couldn't mesh with the rest of the story.

Now I'm off to buy the next story in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two characters moving around each othr like opposing strands of a double-helix. Both are scarred, absolutely devoted towards keeping their own pasts sealed while being curious about others. Both are highly skilled and very-very dangerous. Both are somehow snagged into a missiin where 'risky' becomes 'fatal' within a heartbeat. And in course of that they find, apart from each other, some real friends as well as unexpected allies.
They also make old enemies interested in them.
This was an absolutely unputdownable thriller where technology didn’t distract or submerge the characters. Instead, they allowed them to bloom.
To all the Browncoats! A genuine gold-standard 'Firefly'-esque series has begun here. Take note and follow.
Highly recommended.

[Lynn Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an almost-enjoyable mishmash… Although it is listed as being the first in the series, I realize from the afterward that this is not the first book in this "universe." Without context I found it confusing and complicated, with loads of missing backstory. It also jumps from genre to genre: space opera, caper, sorta-romance. And, of course, these days everybody wants to create the next "Expanse." With more than a touch of "Aliens," in this case.

The writing is perfectly fine, but I feel like it just slid in and out of my brain. Not as memorable as one might wish, at least for me. As brain candy it's fine.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free ARC of this book.

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read this lady's work and I found the story an enjoyable space romp. Anger, suspicion, dread, love, jealousy, an almost impossible mission and a crew laden with emotional baggage resulted in an interesting mix as they hunt for a specific booty on an abandoned space station. I liked the ghost concept and Rasheda's challenges but I would have made more of her. For those who like constant fleet battle action then this book won't satisfy you but if you want small scale fighting and human relationships then enjoy it.

I got an ARC copy but this is my honest opinion.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything necessary to be a fun and entertaining read. It's introduction is full tilt spy thriller/con game/action movie... that morphs into a science fiction space adventure, with a little romance to add some sizzle. The characters are well written and likeable, flawed and scarred by their pasts, but still human and caring. It tells a full story but does end with a bit of a cliffhanger teasing the next book.... which can't come soon enough! I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and unbiased opinion.

[Rick Cook, Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

• TITLE: “A Fun & Engrossing Adventure to a Haunted Space Station”
• This is a well-written, fast-paced, fun space adventure with well-developed characters with touches of humor and romance. The tension between the two main characters, Raj & Lasadi, is palpable and done very well, especially as the book reaches its climax. Jessie Kwak portrays the emotional baggage each character carries with nice details that hint at the dangerous underlying currents between Raj & Lasadi without boring the reader or tipping her hand to show too much too early. I enjoyed that aspect of her writing best of all. I’ve not read many sci-fi novels with the emotive forces so aptly developed and expertly described. Her ability to capture the scene in good detail without slowing the plot too much is impressive as well.
• The psychological aspects between Raj & Lasadi are excellent fuel for inner conflict & character redemption, preventing both of them from getting through an impasse from their collective past until the climax. Kwak weaves reminders of this conflict in seamlessly with a great mix of internal dialogue, facial expressions, and juxtaposed words & actions. The tech is cool and understated, just the way it should be: seen & used, but not gawked at or marveled over.
• The story starts off with a heist as seen from two different vantage points. Overall, it’s nicely done, but perhaps a little slower than I’d expected. However, the pace picks up quickly after that. The author trades off plot pace for character development, and it took me a little while to appreciate that, but it definitely pays off in the latter half of the book. The professional and sexual tension between Raj and Lasadi is fun to read and experience with them. The “Will they? Won’t they?” questions are nicely balanced by their haunted pasts.
• Speaking of haunted things, the traps and surprises the space station has in store for the crew of the Nanshe are interesting without being overly burdensome to the plot or its pace. Overall, they were very welcome additions to the story.
• The book is written in present tense, a format I’m not used to, but that choice helps keep the intimacy & immediacy for the reader riding along right beside the characters. So, for this plot, it’s an excellent choice. (One tiny pet peeve, though: too many semicolons were used. People don’t talk in semicolons).
• The only real knocks I have about it are… I was hoping for a bit stronger climax, a bit more threat of death, a bit more hints of ghosts (artificial or real) when the crew finally hits the deserted space station in the last third of the book. I never really felt the fear of visiting a haunted space station or the threat of pending death like I’d hoped/expected, especially considering how well the author developed the emotional arcs of the characters. Also, while I understand the need/desire to set up for the next book in the series, I felt the plot post-final-battle to be too anti-climactic, going on a bit too long. The author does tie up a lot of loose ends, which I appreciated, but perhaps they could’ve been wrapped up a little quicker. However, this book does nicely set up for the next one without leaving the reader with too many unanswered questions.

[Karen Eisenbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced space caper/romance, grab this book and be prepared to get drawn into the Nanshe Chronicles.

There’s immediate, sizzling chemistry between Raj and Lasadi when they both try to heist the same artifact. For her next, bigger job, Lasadi needs a bigger crew if she’s to have a hope of success—which might allow her to buy the Nanshe and be her own boss. Raj seems perfect for the job, but she’s wary, partly because he’s so darned attractive. Little does she know, they both had their lives upended by the same tragic event during a war in which they fought on opposite sides. Guilt and grief are among the ghosts they encounter as they fight their way to the heart of a reportedly haunted space station.

I loved spending time with the crew of the Nanshe, a diverse group from rich, distinct backgrounds. Lasadi has a small found family with her mechanic, Jay. Raj has a similar relationship with hacker Ruby. Ruby’s brother Alex adds his own energy to the mix, while boss of the job Tora Garnet ups the tension by her mere presence. There’s also lots of cool tech, devious traps, and deep history underlying everything. A satisfying read and start to what promises to be an exciting series.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are introduced to Raj Demetriou and Lasadi Casino in the prequel story Artemis City Shuffle and this first story in the new Nanshe Chronicles series allows us to get to know the pair, along with their crew, much better. Working for a crime lord she owe’s her life to, Lasadi is trying to finish enough jobs to purchase the Nanshe so she’ll be free of any obligations and can take any jobs she likes, along with her partner Jay. Raj brings along his partner, skilled hacker Ruby, as well as her little brother Alex. They have a mission to break into a dead pirate queen’s space station ahead of its new owners, which entails avoiding the rumored ghosts and any pirates that might be hanging around the station. What follows is an exciting adventure that brings a great crew together and paves the way for more adventures to come (many more I hope). I loved these characters, flaws and all, and look forward to getting to know them much better, and the secondary characters are quite fun as well. The ending gives a great teaser for the next story, which I’m dying to read - it can’t come soon enough. I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Pirate Gambit

One of my absolute favorites from 2022! The Nanshe Chronicles follow the adventures of Lasadi and her growing crew of accomplices on the not-quite-pirate ship-but-definitely-less-than-legit vessel Nanshe as they ping from caper to caper across known space.

Volume 1 sends Lasadi and a growing crew of misfits to a haunted space station, and so much more. No spoilers here, but I loved that the plot doesn't work out as they plan, as well as the introduction of SF characters with realistic backstories, realistic hangups and--gasp!--who grow and evolve as the series goes on.

Kwak has constructed an expertly-drawn and lovingly-rendered set of characters, done solid world-building, and overlaid it all with creative plot twists and fun, precise and vivid writing.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winchester Mystery House in SPAAAACE! Or anyway, a derelict space station that clearly seems inspired by the Winchester mansion. Ragtag/found family/small ship yarn in a universe that seems to play by Firefly-ish or Vorkosigan-ish rules (easy space travel, no aliens, AI not much more sophisticated than what we have now, recent large-scale conflict uneasily resolved). That's not to say it reads like fanfic with the serial numbers filed off; there was a lot of unique detail, and overall the milieu felt lived-in and credible. The cast is diverse (is it a spoiler to say there's some trans rep?), and I found the protagonists likable. Some rom vibes, maybe of the blossoming-over-a-few-books variety. A bit more violent than most of what I read, with a lot of attention to blocking hand-to-hand combat in zero-G/vacuum.

I didn't realize this is the start of a prequel series; I kind of like approaching it this way, since I don't know actually know what's coming.

[C.A. Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Pirate Gambit by Jessie Kwak is Book 1 of a brand new series, The Nanshe Chronicles. The chapters are between the POVs of Raj and Lasadi who barely just met and are now embarking on a dangerous mission with the promise of a good payout.

It's a page-turner, very exciting, and unpredictable. The characters are so colorful, entertaining, and relatable.

My favorite line is in Chapter 11:
They say Auburn Station is full of ghosts, but Lasadi's mind has been swirling with them since the minute she agreed to take this job.

I received an ARC. My review is voluntary.

The prequel novella, Artemis City Shuffle, is available for free when you sign up for Jessie Kwak's newsletter. Be sure to sign up so you don't miss out! Her website is jessiekwak.com

[The Book Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of an odd name for an otherwise pretty good science fiction book. I was a slightly lost at the beginning, but quickly cached up. I loved how Lasadi, Raj and the rest of the crew make such a good team, and the truth us that after the initial shock of landing in the middle of what sounded like an on going story, the action is non-stop and you just can't put down this book.

Ghost Pirate Gambit makes for a great space adventure. Just be warned: it's book one in the Nanshe Chronicles series and although the adventure is concluded, the story still ends at a cliffhanger, so you need to move onto book two if you want to know more.

[AJ Kerrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heck yeah!

I came across Jessie Kwak by way of "Black as Thread", her entry in the short story collection "Dispatches from Anarres: Tales from Portland Authors in Tribute to Ursula K. Le Guin". It's a low grade trust fall thinking "Hey I enjoyed one short story, surely jumping into a series of novels will also be good". But it pays off here - I love the space heist vibe with this cast of characters.

Jessie pitches this series as "Cowboy Bebop + Firefly + Leverage", and while I haven't watched Leverage the other references make sense. There are some definite parallels to the Expanse series too. I'm curious to see where this series (and Jessie Kwak's work more broadly) goes from here.

[D.N. Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Ghost Pirate Gambit by Jessie Kwak. This is a fantastic, super fun space adventure. The characters are well developed and believable. The alternating POV is a great way to get into the main characters' heads. Their different perspectives are a great way to get to know the secondary characters, too.

There’s just something about them that makes me wish I could hang out with them in real life. I haven't wanted to be friends with fictional characters this much since Firefly.

Definitely reading the rest of this series.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lasadi trusts... less people than she used to. So she is unable to explain why she helped a guy who was trying to rob the same rich dude that she was. But somehow Raj ends up on her ship.
And maybe he's sneaking into her heart as well?
When the Nanshe gets a job to collect an item from a space station it sounds tricky - more so when the station owner tried ye olde 'load my consciousness into the machine to cheat death' thing. And she probably won't want them being there, let alone taking anything.
Very entertaining, and lots of great hooks to carry through the rest of the series.
4 stars

[Anelru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story I liked the characters and I felt their various backstories were interesting. I love a creepy space station so that was a cool idea. I think everything up to the space station was great but then it seemed too simple an outcome once we got there. There was some nice queer rep and hooks for the rest of the series so I may read more for the characters but the plot fell a bit flat for me.

I think I was hoping for a horror and got an episode of Firefly instead so probably a me problem.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Jessie Kwak's work and I enjoyed it a lot. I liked the world building. I enjoyed the complex characters. The ambiance had some spine-tingling moments. There were flashes of humor. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. J. S. Arquin's narration was great and kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Firefly for the Next generation

This is an excellent start to a hopefully long series. The cast of layered and likeable characters have definite parallels to the crew of Serenity -- a scrappy mechanic, honorable but scarred war veterans, a whole set of brilliant and snarky dregs making their way on elbow grease and luck -- but there is already a depth of worldbuilding that I can't wait to see fleshed out.

[Dipankar Bhadra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Pirate Gambit is the first book in the Nanshe Chronicles. It's about a spaceship crew led by Captain Lasadi, a member of a criminal family. They take on a risky job from a powerful crime heir and bring on a new member, Raj, and his friends. The story alternates between Lasadi and Raj, with a slow-building romance. The crew faces danger as they work on a dangerous mission in a booby-trapped space station. It’s filled with action, secrets, and a sense of family. Highly recommended.

[Priscilla King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Space pirates and the "ghosts" of a remarkably durable security system are defending a long abandoned space station. Raj and Lasadi, still bristling over differences despite or because of a mutual attraction, have the challenge of dismantling the security system. If you like an action-adventure story with more strategy than killing, and a romance that builds over the course of several volumes rather than rushing from attraction to marriage in one novel, you'll like this book.

[Heather Texle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part space opera, part heist, all fun! There wasn't much not to love about Ghost Pirate Gambit. The characters were distinct and well-defined with some strong found-family vibes cementing the relationships, and the world building was unique, yet plausible. This was my first Jessie Kwak book, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series!

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sci fi adventure

The worldbuilding is fascinating but somewhat grim, the crew is great, and the story is a thriller. There are touches of romance and humor which help lighten the grimness. Raj's new vocation is a hopeful glimpse of the future. I'm looking forward to book 2.

[Mark Lucas-Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Pirate Gambit

Fast paced, everyone has secrets in their past. This is the first in the Nanshe Chronicles and sets up for subsequent adventures.
Jessie Kwak has written an exciting adventure, well written and skilfully executed.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a fun read. Light space adventure story. I see there’s free prequel linked in the back of the book I’m going to grab and I’ll absolutely be looking for book two.

[Medusa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable palate cleanser that has a bit of a Firefly feel. I’m sure I’ll at least read the next one.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I had a lot of fun reading this!

[Goddess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid Space Opera -