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Princess Gizel #1
The Princess & The Privateer
Princess Gizel stood second in line to the throne of the largest empire in her part of the galaxy. She was also a teenager. So when her parents tell her she can't go to Starfire, THE music festival, for the third year in a row, she does the normal teenage thing. She sneaks out of the Palace and goes anyway.
Her illicit fun is interrupted when armed thugs render her unconscious. She wakes to find herself on a spaceship in a different system, crewed by people who claim they were rescuing her from the thugs.
Are they telling the truth? Can she trust them? And if they are being honest, then who was really hunting her?
The Captain of this unusual cargo ship with all its secrets is a tall, enigmatic Brython. A very handsome Brython at that.
Princess Gizel has to discover the truth about the Kormorant and her vagabond crew. And if they weren't responsible, then who was trying to kill her. Along the way, she will learn things about herself she never knew and would maybe have never learned.
And we simply won't talk about the Captain's dimples!
Her illicit fun is interrupted when armed thugs render her unconscious. She wakes to find herself on a spaceship in a different system, crewed by people who claim they were rescuing her from the thugs.
Are they telling the truth? Can she trust them? And if they are being honest, then who was really hunting her?
The Captain of this unusual cargo ship with all its secrets is a tall, enigmatic Brython. A very handsome Brython at that.
Princess Gizel has to discover the truth about the Kormorant and her vagabond crew. And if they weren't responsible, then who was trying to kill her. Along the way, she will learn things about herself she never knew and would maybe have never learned.
And we simply won't talk about the Captain's dimples!
375 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2021
About the author
Peter Rhodan
38 books71 followersI grew up in Sydney Australia but have lived on the Gold Coast, Australia for over thirty years. I have been many things over my life, courier driver, retail sales assistant, casino croupier, small business owner, a bankrupt former small business owner, a graphic designer, poker tournament operator and most recently an Uber driver.
I have a marvellous wife and two great kids (both adults now) plus a border collie cross dog who thinks she's a human.
I have always liked science fiction books, especially gung-ho space opera, time travel and alternate history genres. The first fiction book I read that I liked was Eagle of the Ninth and fist Science Fiction book I read and liked was Foundation by Asimov.
My favourite authors, at the moment, are David Weber, Lois McMaster Bujold, Christopher Nuttall and Pam Uphoff. Weber writes the best space opera while Bujold is simply the best writer and Miles Vorkisgan an amazing character. Chris Nuttall rarely writes anything that is only so-so and his Schooled in Magic books are the best magic school series I have read so far. Pam Uphoff writes primarily a cross dimensional series called the Wine of the Gods with the Directorate stories offshoot. These are delightful, entertaining and often thought provoking books that I love.
Chris Nuttall and Pam Uphoff inspired me to "have a go mate" and so I have.
My first novel is On the Rocks, the first story of Arturo Sandus (Sanders) and his adventures as a Space Ship captain marooned on a primitive swords and sandals era planet. Sort of...
I have a marvellous wife and two great kids (both adults now) plus a border collie cross dog who thinks she's a human.
I have always liked science fiction books, especially gung-ho space opera, time travel and alternate history genres. The first fiction book I read that I liked was Eagle of the Ninth and fist Science Fiction book I read and liked was Foundation by Asimov.
My favourite authors, at the moment, are David Weber, Lois McMaster Bujold, Christopher Nuttall and Pam Uphoff. Weber writes the best space opera while Bujold is simply the best writer and Miles Vorkisgan an amazing character. Chris Nuttall rarely writes anything that is only so-so and his Schooled in Magic books are the best magic school series I have read so far. Pam Uphoff writes primarily a cross dimensional series called the Wine of the Gods with the Directorate stories offshoot. These are delightful, entertaining and often thought provoking books that I love.
Chris Nuttall and Pam Uphoff inspired me to "have a go mate" and so I have.
My first novel is On the Rocks, the first story of Arturo Sandus (Sanders) and his adventures as a Space Ship captain marooned on a primitive swords and sandals era planet. Sort of...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 5, 2024
This was a good space adventure book. I quite liked it.
Although it has a somewhat military setting I would say it is more a swashbuckling space adventure (yes there are pirates) than pure military science fiction.
I was a bit concerned with the “A very handsome Brython at that.” crap in the blurb and it is indeed a “Knight in shining armor rescues the Princess and they live happily ever after.” kind of story but it is nicely done and the focus is on the story, the adventure and the characters rather than the somewhat simplistic romance.
It has a bit of everything, nice character, adventure, conspiracies, pirates, space battles, boarding action and of course the aforementioned romance.
Sure the story is a bit simplistic at times. Our hero Princess goes from a, if not a spoiled brat so at least a rather immature and careless, young lady to… well hero Princess including being marine boarding party leader, crack shot, master tactician etc. etc. in a rather short period of time.
But even with that little caveat, this is a really nice adventure story. Simple, not overly loaded with soap opera bullshit, heroes are heroes and the bad guys gets what they deserve. Heck, even the politics in the story is reasonable. It is not filled with corrupt asshats and incompetent officers.
Some people seems to feel the books is a bit slow and has too much details in some cases. I have to respectfully disagree. As I wrote above some character advancement is rather a tad fast but overall I felt the pace was, if not just right so at least quite good. So where the background details and explanations.
I hope the series continues in the same way.
Although it has a somewhat military setting I would say it is more a swashbuckling space adventure (yes there are pirates) than pure military science fiction.
I was a bit concerned with the “A very handsome Brython at that.” crap in the blurb and it is indeed a “Knight in shining armor rescues the Princess and they live happily ever after.” kind of story but it is nicely done and the focus is on the story, the adventure and the characters rather than the somewhat simplistic romance.
It has a bit of everything, nice character, adventure, conspiracies, pirates, space battles, boarding action and of course the aforementioned romance.
Sure the story is a bit simplistic at times. Our hero Princess goes from a, if not a spoiled brat so at least a rather immature and careless, young lady to… well hero Princess including being marine boarding party leader, crack shot, master tactician etc. etc. in a rather short period of time.
But even with that little caveat, this is a really nice adventure story. Simple, not overly loaded with soap opera bullshit, heroes are heroes and the bad guys gets what they deserve. Heck, even the politics in the story is reasonable. It is not filled with corrupt asshats and incompetent officers.
Some people seems to feel the books is a bit slow and has too much details in some cases. I have to respectfully disagree. As I wrote above some character advancement is rather a tad fast but overall I felt the pace was, if not just right so at least quite good. So where the background details and explanations.
I hope the series continues in the same way.
September 5, 2022
Rhodan, Peter. The Princess and the Privateer. Princess Gizel No. 1. Kindle, 2021.
Ahh. Old-school space opera. If the title makes you think of Han Solo and Princess Leia, you are not far wrong. Princess Gizel, 17, breaks out of the palace to attend a music festival. Bad guys try to kidnap her. She is rescued and whisked off the planet by the Kormorant, a freighter with concealed armament. There follows military action and a slow-burn romance between the Princess and the ship’s captain. The book is more fun than you might expect. Gizel is likable and does grow up as the story progresses. 3.5 stars.
Ahh. Old-school space opera. If the title makes you think of Han Solo and Princess Leia, you are not far wrong. Princess Gizel, 17, breaks out of the palace to attend a music festival. Bad guys try to kidnap her. She is rescued and whisked off the planet by the Kormorant, a freighter with concealed armament. There follows military action and a slow-burn romance between the Princess and the ship’s captain. The book is more fun than you might expect. Gizel is likable and does grow up as the story progresses. 3.5 stars.
May 8, 2024
Princess & the Pew-Pew
The story and premise are great, the bad guy stays hidden until the end, and everything else from coming of age to romance is done in chunks. This felt a little like the author focused on action, and sacrificed the emotional aspects and timeline, in order to fit it all into one book. 1 battle does not make an adult. The juxtaposition of childish behavior with battle readiness and competence in a shootout is a bit jarring, and the love story is a near miss of grooming.
All that being said, the premise and characters are engaging, and I’m still willing to see if there is something next.
The story and premise are great, the bad guy stays hidden until the end, and everything else from coming of age to romance is done in chunks. This felt a little like the author focused on action, and sacrificed the emotional aspects and timeline, in order to fit it all into one book. 1 battle does not make an adult. The juxtaposition of childish behavior with battle readiness and competence in a shootout is a bit jarring, and the love story is a near miss of grooming.
All that being said, the premise and characters are engaging, and I’m still willing to see if there is something next.
October 10, 2021
A bit slow but still a fun read
The pace is a bit slow, with a lot of unimportant details unnecessarily described in great detail, the plot is a bit simplistic, almost cartoonishly so, and there are things in the plot that make no sense (the station oficer towards the end refuses the imperial order but to what end? what could he do even if he hadsucceded?), but the book is non the less an enjoyable read.
The pace is a bit slow, with a lot of unimportant details unnecessarily described in great detail, the plot is a bit simplistic, almost cartoonishly so, and there are things in the plot that make no sense (the station oficer towards the end refuses the imperial order but to what end? what could he do even if he hadsucceded?), but the book is non the less an enjoyable read.
May 16, 2022
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. It was a nice twist on the "rescue the bratty princess" trope, and I think Rhodan gives Gizel a satisfying character arc. I think the story would have been served by a better setup to the over-arching plot regarding the kidnapping that kicks off the novel--I think it would have made the payoff at the end more satisfying. Still, kudos for giving us a reasonably complex and capable woman at the center of a nice space opera story. We need more of those.
May 29, 2023
This was an excellent read, although it wasn’t a great start, Gizel appears to be a spoiled brat and as the story progresses it seemed she was unable to control her hormones and I worried this was going to turn into a rubbish teenage romance.
However this improved and Gizel turned into a really interesting heroine.
The only other problem with this book is the author loves describing and explaining everything no matter how inconsequential it is to the story.
However this improved and Gizel turned into a really interesting heroine.
The only other problem with this book is the author loves describing and explaining everything no matter how inconsequential it is to the story.
February 19, 2024
A Fun Introduction
Here in the first novel of the Princess Gizel series we meet the named character and get introduced to her fictional setting. The basic technology is closely related to that of the Arturo Sandus initial setting. While it centers on the adventures of the just coming of age princess herself the setting itself is a lot of fun to explore as well and this novel is a great lead in to the whole series.
Here in the first novel of the Princess Gizel series we meet the named character and get introduced to her fictional setting. The basic technology is closely related to that of the Arturo Sandus initial setting. While it centers on the adventures of the just coming of age princess herself the setting itself is a lot of fun to explore as well and this novel is a great lead in to the whole series.
September 2, 2021
Mr. Rhodan's Arturo Sandus series is possibly the best alternate timeline series around. Hopefully this book is also the start of a series and its equally good. Fully as good as early Honor Herrington novels. While definitely in the SF genre its much more about people than technology and most excellent story telling.
January 15, 2022
Excellent Read
Princess Gizel is a headstrong teenager who is determined to go to the Empire's version of Woodstock, against the wishes of her parents. What could go wrong? Kidnapping, assault, and rescue ensue. Captain Karvon, her rescuer, is mysterious, competent, and oh so attractive. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Princess Gizel is a headstrong teenager who is determined to go to the Empire's version of Woodstock, against the wishes of her parents. What could go wrong? Kidnapping, assault, and rescue ensue. Captain Karvon, her rescuer, is mysterious, competent, and oh so attractive. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
May 23, 2023
Great sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is fascinating, and the romance is well-written, believable, and lacking unnecessary angst and drama. Gizel's poor judgment is annoying, but the story depended on her early mistake. I was not expecting the graphic violence and high body count. But I enjoyed the story and the crew of the Kormorant.
The worldbuilding is fascinating, and the romance is well-written, believable, and lacking unnecessary angst and drama. Gizel's poor judgment is annoying, but the story depended on her early mistake. I was not expecting the graphic violence and high body count. But I enjoyed the story and the crew of the Kormorant.
January 5, 2024
After a first chapter was going to stop because was not interested in adventure os a teenage girl.
Well that changed quickly and I as hooked. a like the tone of the writting. just enough lightness to match with the serious action I will probalby buy and read the next one in the series.
Good read.
Well that changed quickly and I as hooked. a like the tone of the writting. just enough lightness to match with the serious action I will probalby buy and read the next one in the series.
Good read.
March 21, 2025
The book is actually unexpected fun for a good while although straining the suspension of disbelief here and there, and sadly it breaks that in the last part where it starts reading like a bad teenager romance rather than space opera. Energetic and hard to put down for most part, though I do not see myself reading more in the series
September 30, 2025
Who are all the people giving this a 5? I read the sample only of this KU offering and that was more than enough for me. Juvenile style and dreadful writing from a technical standpoint. Missing commas, misused words, typos, stilted awkward dialgue, etc. And, it should be tagged as young adult. Cannot recommend.
July 9, 2021
Nice
I really liked this book! I have read his others series and enjoyed it but this one surprisingly was even better! Always nice to see a writer successfully transition to a different genre!
I really liked this book! I have read his others series and enjoyed it but this one surprisingly was even better! Always nice to see a writer successfully transition to a different genre!
July 26, 2021
Fun reading
I totally enjoyed reading this story, as I have the authors other books. The story didn’t drag, go into multiple detailed space battles, or read like a Regency romance. Looking forward to the sequel.
I totally enjoyed reading this story, as I have the authors other books. The story didn’t drag, go into multiple detailed space battles, or read like a Regency romance. Looking forward to the sequel.
August 7, 2021
Damn fine book
I read the authors other series, and didn't know what to expect. What I got was a great book and a whole new set of characters to be introduced to. I really enjoyed the world building, character development and I look forward to the next book.
I read the authors other series, and didn't know what to expect. What I got was a great book and a whole new set of characters to be introduced to. I really enjoyed the world building, character development and I look forward to the next book.
August 16, 2021
Excellent storytelling - as always!
Adventure and action kept the story interesting. Normal - natural sounding dialog between characters.
I really enjoy his storytelling abilities.
Ready for another book!
Adventure and action kept the story interesting. Normal - natural sounding dialog between characters.
I really enjoy his storytelling abilities.
Ready for another book!
November 24, 2024
That went well
This was a great coming of age book. Significantly interesting characters and the world building was laid into the storyline without becoming obstructive. Episode was fairly good as well
This was a great coming of age book. Significantly interesting characters and the world building was laid into the storyline without becoming obstructive. Episode was fairly good as well
July 9, 2021
Good start
This is a author, he's writing real stories with a great deal of meat to them. Try his Arturo sandus series
This is a author, he's writing real stories with a great deal of meat to them. Try his Arturo sandus series
January 26, 2022
A good story
This is a very good book. You have a story that is good. The characters are outstanding and show what life is like
This is a very good book. You have a story that is good. The characters are outstanding and show what life is like
August 10, 2022
Treachery
The princess deals rather abruptly and permanently with bad guys. I value this writer over most space opera scribbles because he keeps things comfortably human.
The princess deals rather abruptly and permanently with bad guys. I value this writer over most space opera scribbles because he keeps things comfortably human.
August 28, 2025
RECOMMENDED
August 3, 2021
I found this to be an interesting departure from his previous work and hope this is another series. A very good read and an author I Will follow .
January 29, 2025
fun story
Great plot and character development as a “space opera “. It is a Well written enjoyable story and looking forward to the sequel. .
Great plot and character development as a “space opera “. It is a Well written enjoyable story and looking forward to the sequel. .
July 1, 2024
Excellent story. Original and a good read. I loved the charzcters and the adventure very much.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews