*I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Captain Jared Mertz and Princess Kelsey have been living in Pentagaran space since the fight with the Pale Ones that crippled their ship. They've been working to get Courageous up to speed along with helping Pentagar build their fleet of ships to fight the Rebels when they return to Erorsi. Surprisingly, six ships from the Empire come through the weak flip point that has stranded Jared and his crew here. And the captain is one who's not a fan of Jared's and difficult to work with. Jared and Kelsey have their work cut out for them on all sides of the line as battles come faster then they hoped.

Veronica has returned for the next Empire of Bones novel, yea! She voices each person as their own. The characters have their own voice tone and personality. By doing this Veronica makes listening entertaining and easy to differentiate the large cast of characters. Thank you! The audio is clear and easy to listen to.

I love the character interactions here! The ones we love are here and interacting better than we ever hoped. Relationships of all kind are growing stronger. I absolutely love Jared and Kelsey. Then their's Elise and Talbot and all others that surround them. All are amazing people and lived through so much already. Kelsey gets to demonstrate her power as second in line to the throne (of the Empire) and it's awesome! Add to it the strength she holds from the implants. Dang that woman is a force to reckon with.

Kelsey. Wow. She's such a strong female character. She's everything wrapped into one little package. She's small, but she is mighty! She has the power to verbally put people into place and quick thinking to get around things. But with her implants, she's also a physically strong woman. Everyone tries to protect her with being the princess, but she can protect herself just the same. Jared faced the frustrating prejudice he has always faced in the Empire as the Kings illegitimate son. I feel he does this with the honor he feels he should, and accepts it. However another doesn't see it that way and feels Jared is worth more credit (tons more!) than he's given. There is a direction taken in the story for this very reason, and it's well deserved.

Then we have new members added. Oh, the new captain we see... Captain Breckenridge. Grrr. I hate him when we meet him. And continue to not care for him as the story goes. Though, he is written to be that way. He's a stubborn old man that won't listen but thinks he knows all. Grrr. He adds a new challenge to the story. I found I was not looking forward to seeing him in scenes because he was just trouble, but I love Kelsey as she stands up to him.

The ships from home that are now stuck in space with them adds a new difficulty in Kelsey and Jared's lives. They are already working to prepare for fights that are coming. And there are more to worry about getting home or what they are going to do next.

The AI and computer connections are starting to unfold for Kelsey and Jared. Wow. The things that we learn here. I'm stunned. And the potential of what's yet to come by learning this... Oh this is so good. Then there's what we learn of the Rebel Empire forces that were to come in contact with the AI on Erorsi (which was found)... The connections are becoming open to us with Kelsey, Jared, and Elise and so many more.

Oh Terry has done an amazing job of creating a system with the Empire I find believable. And the history to go with it! I love the chain of command we see in the space fleet. We get to see that a bit more here. I get the feel we are constantly moving forward with the characters, never going backward - except for that darn new Captain getting in our way, even then things move forward. There is always something to explore and learn about here. And Kelsey is written in a way that she wants to hear all opposing thoughts, which opens up the story even more. Wonderfully written!

Oh man! I know there's more to this history of the Rebel Empire and AI's. And I want to know it! What was the intent of the ship Invincible that they found? There are connections to the planet. Dang! I want more! This book ends with the big battle in space, but leaves me wanting more with the curiosity of what will happen on the planet they found. Thank heavens I have the next audio book! ( )