He’s on a mission . . . She’s running for her life . . . And if they get off-planet alive, she’ll have to trust he won’t reveal her darkest secret.Tally Riva is not what she seems, and even she’s not happy about it. Infected, invaded, she’s not quite sure how to describe it, but on a disastrous mission to a ghost ship, something burrowed its way into her body. Into her mind. When her commander … mind.
When her commander decides the best cure for what he thinks is Tally’s trauma is to send her on the famous Veltos Trail, Tally goes without revealing what’s really behind her mental anguish. Anything to be seen as normal again, anything to ignore what she’s afraid is happening to her.
But Veltos isn’t the safe place it seems. The chosen military personnel lucky enough to be offered the chance to walk the Trail are supposed to be the only people on Veltos. But Ben Guthrie, a captain in Arkhoran Special Forces, knows they’re not. He and his team have been on Veltos for a month already, tracking suspicious enemy activity, and he’s gone undercover on the Trail in search of a satellite his superiors are sure has been shot down.
When Ben’s worst fears become reality, and they find themselves hunted by a cunning enemy through the thick forests of Veltos, Tally and Ben fight together to survive. And Tally has to decide if accepting the changes inside her will save them both, or be her doom.
TRAILBLAZER is the third book in the Verdant String series and can be read as a standalone. Other books in the series include the novella box set, Interference & Insurgency, and two novels, Breakaway and Breakeven.
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“Trailblazer” by Michelle Diener is the third book in her Verdant Strings science fiction series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. It is an exciting and mysterious sci-fi adventure with a movie-worthy plot. The accelerating pace and great writing are engrossing. Tally and Ben make a fantastic couple; each strong on their own, but even more motivated together.
Awesome Sci-Fi Adventure!
A wonderful combination of action packed adventure and romance. Great characters and intriguing storyline chock full of suspense and drama with a side of love thrown in for Tally and Ben. I hope they are assigned to the same team as they work so well together. I’d love to learn more about Tally’s ‘little helpers’ and the ghost ship. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Enjoy!
I received an arc copy and am happy to leave my honest review.
The third book (plus two novellas) set in the Verdant String series, Trailblazer is a standalone story – but I think you’ll enjoy it even more if you read the rest of the series like I have. Raxian Science Officer Tally Riva was changed after a mission gone wrong aboard a ghost ship – something made its way into her body and can control her actions without her consent. So far they’ve done nothing but help, which enabled her to survive being stranded on the ghost ship, but she’s still not happy about their help. When she’s sent to Veltos to complete the challenging Veltos Trail, along with several other military personnel, including Arkhoran Special Forces Captain Ben Guthrie, they discover that enemy Caruson are on the planet and up to no good. Ben is undercover posing as a member of the group following the Trail, but he’s been working with a team that is investigating the enemy’s actions. It’s an exciting, action-packed adventure as they fight to best the enemy and figure out what they are doing on Veltos, and Tally and Ben are a great couple who work well together. Tally discovers that her “little helpers” can give her abilities she’s never had, which comes in handy in the fight for survival, and as she trusts Ben with the truth, he accepts her as she is and keeps her secrets. I’m really enjoying this world and look forward to more stories, as the trouble with the Caruso seems to have escalated to war and the people of the Verdant String will have their hands full fighting them.
This is part of a series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. I have been enjoying the series, but this is my favorite so far! There is action, lots of sci-fi elements, world building, humor, twists, and romance. I enjoy reading about strong female characters and the heroine is absolutely fascinating! The hero is perfecting suited to her, with his military training and current mission. There is lots of stuff going on and many characters that move the story along, but the author makes sure it doesn’t get confusing. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes action and excitement with their romance!
Trailblazer by Michelle Diener is a great story that I have read. This is a great Sci-Fi story to read, it has strong characters and a great story line I really enjoyed reading this story very much. I highly recommend this story to everyone who likes or loves reading Sci-Fi stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fabulous series filled with action, romance and wonderful characters. I am absolutely hooked on this series. I love the story/plot and will look forward to any story this author writes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have loved everything I have ever read by Michelle Diener, and “Trailblazer” is no exception. There are new worlds to conquer, in more ways than one, and new enemies to vanquish. If some of those enemies are allies, then so be it.
Tally Riva underwent a harrowing experience, and her superiors are concerned about whether or not her recovery is proceeding well enough for her to return to duty. To ensure that end, they sign Tally up for an excursion on the Veltos Trail…an excursion reserved for the walking wounded. Supposedly, taking the Trail will give Tally more time to recover her health, and help her to gradually get fit for duty again. Unknown to Tally’s superiors, this will also help Tally to come to terms with the changes that her experience left her…changes that nobody else knows about.
The action is fast paced, the plot is exciting and the storyline is well thought out from beginning to end. Once again, Michelle Diener has provided an excellent read that leaves the reader wanting more.