Dee had been fighting one war, only to find herself caught up in another . . .When circumstances leave Dee stranded on the Breakaway planet of Lassa, she has to choose–take the easy way out, or stand and fight an enemy much like the one she left behind on her home world of Garmen.For Sebastian, leading the Lassian resistance has come at a heavy price. Forced to gamble the last of his resources … the last of his resources on a risky ploy to get some leverage over the Core Companies that run Lassa, he stares defeat in the face when it fails. There’s no backup plan left. Nothing more to work with. And all around him, people are starving, and it looks as if the Cores have entered a deal with a hostile alien force, to enrich themselves even more.
But Dee inspires him. Even though it’s his fault she’s on Lassa to begin with, her courage and steady calm are the assets he needs, and unbeknownst to both of them, she has with her the key to bringing the Cores to their knees.
Now they just have to turn the lock in time.
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This story picks up where the first ended. Dee had boarded a ship, on the deck, because she was warned that all systems were about to be shut down. Some Lassian resistance kidnappers happened to board at the last minute. They mistake Dee for the victim of there plot. In the end, it was good for the Genpop that Dee was brought to Lassa.
A tense thrill ride in this must-read space opera!
This tension-filled novel has rebellion, espionage, pulse-pounding action, a cute little pet, a dash of romance, and a cool-headed heroine. What more could you ask for in a space opera? I highly recommend this novel to everyone who loves adventurous sci-fi.
I am so happy with this newest sci-fi adventure from Michelle Diener. It can be read as a standalone, but it is better if you have at least read the previous book in this Verdant String series, “Breakaway”. The culture, politics, lingo, and a few characters were introduced in that novel. The romance and violence both feels like it would be rated PG-13. The romance element is secondary to the adventure plot.
If I was comparing “Breakeven” to Diener’s brilliant “Class 5” trilogy, I would say that “Breakeven” has fewer moving parts for a slightly less complicated plot, but it is just as tense, entertaining, and has equally smart, capable lead characters.
I received a free advanced reading copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
Fantastic Sci-Fi Thriller/Romance!
The fight for survival continues in this second book of the Verdant String series and it’s a winner! The backstory is explained in the very beginning of this exciting adventure story. The action packed sequel is full of intrigue, drama, suspense, betrayals, fighting and courage with a little romance thrown in for freedom fighters Dee Vanuka and Sebastian Xian. The well developed characters show great courage and ingenuity. I look forward to reading more in this series. Enjoy!
I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
When the alien Caruson launch an attack on Garmen’s tethered way station, Dee Vanuka takes cover in a pleasure cruiser and is mistaken by the Lassian resistance for Rina Fattal, a spoiled rich girl whose father is leader on Lassa. After meeting Sebastian Xian and his crew, Dee realizes that in order for them all to survive, she will have to pretend to be Rina Fattal and is drawn into the resistance plot against the Cores who run Lassa. Once they arrive on Lassa, Dee realizes the resistance needs all the help it can get, and there may be a mole that is making things even more difficult. We met Dee in Breakaway and at the end she was left floating off into space, so it was great to hear her story. And what a story it is. Even though Sebastian and his people are being starved and mistreated by the Cores, they’re determined to make things better and get help from the Verdant String against the Cores. He’s a strong, determined leader and although he’s sorry that he’s the reason Dee is on Lassa, he’s happy to have her help. They make a great team, and an awesome couple as well. I’m really enjoying the Verdant String series, and look forward to more stories in this world.
This story is much more enjoyable when the series is read in order. The author does an amazing job pulling of you into the world she has created and then taking you on a wild ride with action, mystery, suspense, sci-fi elements, an adorable little creature, humor, and romance. There is a HEA for the hero and heroine and totally free of a cliff-hanger ending.