A Pale Light In The Black by K. B. Wagers

A close loss in the annual boarding games has haunted the crew of Zuma's Ghost in the NeoG, or Near-Earth Orbital Guard in KB Wagers new series which starts with A Pale Light in the Black. The crew is looking forward to this year's games which they feel confident will finally result in a win for the NeoG. Unexpectedly, their best swordsman is transferred and a new lieutenant, Maxine Carmichael, is assigned to take his place. Max is faced with a daunting task, trying to prove to herself and her team that she can be an asset.

While on patrol, Zuma's Ghost encounters a missing ship that has turned up and kicks off a mystery that quickly threatens the lives of the crew. They're being targeted and must figure out why and by whom before not only them but thousands more die. Solve the mystery, win the games and save the day. Just another day in the life of the NeoG.

This is a tremendously fun space adventure. Wagers’ talent for writing great characters is on full display in this book. Max is so much fun to get to know, as is Jenks, the volatile ensign and the best fighter in the NeoG. They are surrounded by a talented crew and must all work together if they are going to win the games. The same teamwork is necessary to unravel the mystery that started with a missing ship and leads to a secret that could rock their society to its core.

The description of the games, both as a whole and in the individual matches, is tremendously exciting. The story is largely about family. Family you are born to, family you find, and family you make. This is the heartbeat of the story which ties together all the great action pieces. A Pale Light in the Black is a lot of fun and I am definitely looking forward to more adventures with the NeoG. Highly recommended.

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

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