Peacekeeper: A Major Ariane Kedros Novel

by Laura E. Reeve

Book Overview

First in a brand new action-packed military science fiction series, meet Major Ariane Kedros--daring pilot, decorated soldier, war criminal. Fifteen years ago, Ariane Kedros piloted a ship on a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451462459
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Ace
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.0" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

Promising beginning to a series

In "Peacekeeper," ex USAF officer Laura Reeve introduces Ariane Kedros, who once followed legitimate orders that resulted in the destruction (maybe?) of an entire solar system. Anyhow, that action caused the alien Minoans to step in and broker a peace between her faction, the Autonomous (Greek-speaking) Worlds, and the (English-speaking) Terrans. Now, the two factions have reached an agreement to destroy the weapons of seriously mass destruction. Intel, finding Ari blameless (she was following orders), gave her a new id, and a reserve commission as major in the Autonomous Worlds Intelligence Service. Now, she's been called into service to investigate the murders of her crew on that mission, and in order to do so, she's sent to monitor the arms inspection procedure as a cover. It's not a bad read at all: a blend of space opera, detective thriller, and cyberpunk, with a suitably complicated plot--you'll probably keep reading. And in Ariane Ms. Reeve has created an interesting, if somewhat damaged, heroine. She's no superhero, she keeps making mistakes, but she perseveres. Adding to the tension are the frenemies Matt, her business partner in a prospecting business, and her intel minder, Colonel Edones. Edones, like Ari herself, is well drawn. Matt is not. He's portrayed as impetuous, brash, and hot blooded. Maybe you'll feel somebody ought to smack him upside da haid. I did. Anyway, it's hard to believe the Colonel would drag him around on the mission. It's even harder to believe Ariane would put up with someone like that. But that's what happens. All in all, though, this is an auspicious series beginning. It's complete in itself and leaves enough loose ends for the next book. See that parenthetical "maybe" I tossed in there? Notes and asides: This book continues the annoying convention of beginning each chapter with "quotations" from imaginary sources. Do sci-fi authors figure, "well it worked in 'Dune' so I'll use it?" Or what? I do so wish they'd stop.

Enjoyable new storyline

This science fiction story has an experienced female military pilot attempting to both survive and find out who is killing her former shipmates. Her former crew was given the order to launch a weapon that may have destroyed an entire inhabited planet. As a result of following orders, the crew was given new identities and scattered to prevent the opposing side from seeking revenge. The author creates a future universe with a friendly alien race that provided Earth new technology to speed space travel. Earth was also devastated though infighting and environmental problems. Humans also split into two different factions, those who remain loyal to Earth, and those on the colonized planets. The author uses science to describe the setting. The aliens control the technology, and humans are attempting to unlock the principles of it to gain greater independence in commerce and travel. Humans are also vying each other with each side having their own unique traits in government, equipment, and encryption technology. The author previously served in the US Air Force, which would explain the military personnel all having a similar rank structure. This makes sense, for in her universe, the Air Force would have led space exploration. In other science fiction stories, the Navy ranks are used as space fleets are designated as being naval. The character has many foils and weaknesses that negate her skills and strengths. The supporting characters are powerful, but not omniscient, even why trying to save her. It will be interesting on how the story evolves with the Terrans trying to hold her accountable for being part of the planet destroyer while the colonized planets attempt to unlock ancient technology. Hopefully the character will evolve and not remain a stereo-typical alcoholic trying to break the vice. Overall the story was entertaining and easy to read. Looking forward to reading the next book, whenever it is published.

Well written interesting sci fi

Ariane Kedros is a commercial pilot for an exploration venture and a veteran on reserve status to the military intelligence branch. These roles intertwine in a competition for off world leases and a special investigation associated with a military mission that occurred 15 years before. The characters' actions and motivations are consistent and believable and the plot filled with action and unexpected turns. Looking forward to the next one!

exhilarating military science fiction

Fifteen years ago, the Armed Forces of the Consortium of Autonomous Worlds deactivated N-space pilot Major Ariane Kedros when her mission left behind an eradicated solar system. The Terran Expansion League, whose solar system and its inhabitants were murdered, believes she is a war criminal deserving execution. However, the AFCAW hide in a protection program the major and other alleged war criminals from the wrath of the TEL. Filled with guilt and remorse, currently she works for Aether Exploration in an uncharted sector seeking artifacts and occasionally goes on missions from AFCAW, who remind her she is still a reservist who can be deployed without notice. However, someone has gotten inside the AFCAW databases to identify those who pandemic butchered the solar system. Twelve were assassinated including Ariane's crewmember Cipher. Though she considers giving up her reserve commission and ergo AFCAW protection, Ariane accepts the mission to go undercover to expose the avenging killer; not understanding that her side has placed her as an expendable pawn in the elliptic path of the assassin. PEACEKEEPER is an exhilarating military science fiction thriller that hooks readers from the opening scene when the AFCAW assign Ariane her orders. The story line is as fast-paced as any in recent memory as the heroine struggles with one deadly incident after another while her guilt threatens at any moment to overwhelm her. Fans will relish this fine tale as the challenges keep on mounting for a beleaguered heroine who believes her adversary has the right to kill war criminals like her though she will try her best to stop the killer. Harriet Klausner