Lots of fun, but somehow not quite as good as Hail and co even though that series is rightfully finished and doesn't want any more episodes. One of the blurbs has it as like Becky Chambers but with more kickboxing which is also true, but somehow not, as the saccharine family cosy feelings sometimes seem forced and over the top here, which I never found in BC.

It's a couple of years later from the first book, and more personnel changes for Zuma's ghost. Both her captain Rosa, and the crew chief Ma, have moved on, leaving Nita to return as boss, and Jenks to finally be promoted. Jenks is never happy with change, especially when it means somebody might start trusting her, but Nita seems yo have something to hide and that's not boding well for team cohesion. The newest recruit isn't helping. Max of course has her gut instinct screaming, but needs to allow a new relationship to form with her newest commander despite their years of contact.

Plotwise the biggest issue is that Neo-G are the coast-guard equivalents, there is a full armed navy around, but somehow they get wrapped up in a military Intelligence (oxy-moron)plan, that would realistically never have got near them. MI think they know the identity of a group of smugglers who are siphoning off supplies to the colony worlds (where our newest recruit is from), they just need a bit more evidence to convict the ringleaders, and it's hoped the Neo-G will be able to provide it, with a few tweaks to their usual operations. It seems a ridiculous co-incidence that Jenks' just about lovers are on the teams involved. I was un-convinced that the terrorists would have that depth of penetration into military systems, especially as it was never really explained.

Wagers writes very well, but this just feels a little forced at times. There are some lovely moments, and some heart-wrenching ones, but they've become the focus rather than the story. There are a few cutaways which work well when its messages between the teams, and are my least favourite device when it's highlighting the gloating villains revealing their plans, utterly unnecessary. Fortunately the whole contrived Games issues is very much a back-burner and hangs around just to provide continuity.

Very readable, and enjoyable, but not her best work. I'm sure there will be a few more in the series, but hopefully not too many. ( )

Read book 1 first

I have enjoyed reading K. B. Wagers before so I asked for this book even though I have not read " A Pale Light in the Black" the first in this series. Big mistake. I had no idea what was going on and I stopped reading.

I received a review copy of "Hold Fast Through the Fire" by K. B. Wagers from Harper Voyager through NetGalley.com. ( )

Getting to know the characters and the world of the NeoG (Near Earth Orbital Guard) in A Pale Light In The Black was half the fun. With that basis, the second book, Hold Fast Through The Fire really soars to new heights in K. B. Wagers’ latest thrilling adventure!

Fresh off their second consecutive victory in The Boarding Games, the annual competition among the military branches, the crew of Zuma’s Ghost is dealing with the retirements of a couple of key crew members as well as integrating their replacements into the team. The Games foster bonding amongst the crew and build the trust that is necessary when their lives are dependent on one another out in “the black”. Meanwhile, a task force is being formed to patrol the area around the Trappist station where funds and supplies are going missing, keeping the colonists on the edge of starvation and financial ruin. A conspiracy is discovered which includes trying to start a war with Mars separatists in order to distract from the financial misdeeds. Unraveling the conspiracy, bringing the criminals to justice and staying alive are going to test the NeoG like never before!

The plot moves steadily forward through the first part of the book and then picks up even more intensity as it barrels toward an exciting conclusion filled with battles, explosions and excitement all along the way. As great as the plot is, the relationships between the characters fuel the story. Intensity and depth of emotion pull you in, underscoring the seriousness and tragedy of what is happening. No more so than with Jenks, a five-foot-nothing kid from the streets with a punch that can lift you out of your boots and wrapped in emotional armor that makes it tough for anyone to penetrate.

Wagers marries intense character drama with space adventure, politics, action and mystery. Hold Fast Through The Fire shows just how good this series can be. Fans are going to be excitedly waiting for the next installment. Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. ( )