Intrepid

''The [fifth] book in this fast-paced, exciting military SF series continues the saga of a strong heroine who knows how to kick serious ass and make an impression on friends and enemies alike. Mike Shepherd has a great ear for dialogue and talent for injecting dry humor into things at just the right moment … The characters are engaging, and the plot is full of twists and peppered liberally with sharply described action. I always look forward to installments in the Kris Longknife series because I know I'm guaranteed a good time with plenty of adventure. Audacious doesn't disappoint in this regard. Military SF fans are bound to get a kick out of the series as a whole, and fans will be glad to see Kris hasn't lost any of her edge.'' —SF Site

''Mike Shepherd is a fantastic storyteller who excels at writing military science fiction. His protagonist is a strong-willed, independent thinker who does what she thinks is best for humanity … There is plenty of action and tension … This is a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience for science fiction fans.'' —Midwest Book Review

… and for the Kris Longknife novels

''Shepherd's grasp of timing and intrigue remains solid, and Kris's latest challenge makes for an engaging space opera, seasoned with political machinations and the thrills of mysterious ancient technology, that promises to reveal some interesting things about the future Kris inhabits.'' —Booklist

''Enthralling … fast paced … a well-crafted space opera with an engaging hero … I'd like to read more.'' —SFRevu

''Everyone who has read Kris Longknife will hope for further adventures starring this brave, independent, and intrepid heroine. Mike Shepherd has written an action-packed, exciting space opera that starts at light speed and just keeps getting better. This is outer-space military science fiction at its adventurous best.'' —Midwest Book Review

''I'm looking forward to her next adventure.'' —The Weekly Press (Philadelphia)

''Fans of the Honor Harrington escapades will welcome the adventures of another strong female in outer space starring in a thrill-a-page military space opera. The heroine's dry wit [and] ability to know what she is good at [as well as] her faults while keeping her regal DNA in perspective—especially during a crisis—endear her to readers. The audience will root for the determined, courageous, and endearing heroine as she displays intelligence and leadership during lethal confrontations.'' —Alternative Worlds

''[Shepherd] has a good sense of pace … very neatly handled, and served with a twist of wry. A surprisingly talented read from a very underrated author.'' —Bewildering Stories

''Shepherd does a really good job with this book. If you're looking for an entertaining space opera with some colorful characters, this is your book. Shepherd grew up Navy, and he does an excellent job of showing the complex demands and duties of an officer. I look forward to the next in the series.'' —Books 'n' Bytes

''You don't have to be a military sci-fi enthusiast to appreciate the thrill-a-minute plot and engaging characterization.'' —Romantic Times

Ace titles by Mike Shepherd

KRIS LONGKNIFE: MUTINEER

KRIS LONGKNIFE: DESERTER

KRIS LONGKNIFE: DEFIANT

KRIS LONGKNIFE: RESOLUTE

KRIS LONGKNIFE: AUDACIOUS

KRIS LONGKNIFE: INTREPID

1

Lieutenant Kris Longknife had been looking for a fight for most of the last week. Strange enough, not only had the pirates she was hunting been lying low, but no one in all of human space had offered her the chance to cross swords, cross lasers, cross fire, or even toss a few cross words their way.

This had to be a first.

Kris finished zipping up her shipsuit and turned on Abby, her personal maid. For once, even she was beating a hasty retreat to her own quarters next door to Kris's.

Kris put an end to that. ''We need to talk.''

Any talk with Abby inevitably entailed cross words, often crossed knives, and, occasionally, cross fire.

Abby stopped in her tracks and, without bending her rigid spine even a fraction of an inch, glanced over her shoulder. ''I've never known you to have problems getting a word out. What's been keeping you so quiet?''

''I'm not quiet,'' Kris shot back in her defense, and realized just as quickly that Abby was, once again, counterattacking before Kris even got her own attack decently under way.

''All while I was dressing you, Your Lieutenantship, Highness, and Longknifehood, you were silent as a statue.''

Kris's repost sounded weak even to her. ''Lost in thought.''

''Well, when you find your way home, I'll be next door helping Cara with her schoolwork.''