Ahoy me mateys! Grab your grog! Well, all ye scalawags should be familiar with Matey Sarah’s blog and wonderful book reviews. But some of ye may not be aware that she also be a writer. (What be wrong with ye wretches?) When the first book was published years ago in 2017, I bought me a copy. And then bought the next two in the trilogy as each was released. But shame on me, I didn’t read them right away. So with this Sci-Fi Month celebration, I thought I would finally give Matey’s Sarah’s work the time it deserves in return for all those sparkly treasures she be constantly adding to me ports for plunder list.

After the debacles of the first book (it was a doozy!), Lizzy finally gets to undergo officer training and works towards her goals of active duty. But after her graduation, her family’s history with the General and his wishes for her future go directly against Lizzy’s own ideas. Lizzy finds herself stymied at every turn and worse yet gaining more unwelcome revelations into her own past. The consequences are completely unexpected.

Jumping into book two was great fun. I loved the sections of training ye get to experience as well as Lizzy’s first foray into battle. I have to admit that I was surprised at how Lizzy ends up in the unwanted Procurement position and the political issues around that decision. I certainly wasn’t expecting that angle! I completely understood Lizzy’s conflicted feelings about her relationship with the General. However, I wanted to punch him in the face. Often.

Though Lizzy be placed in a desk job, her life be anything but boring (for the reader at least!). I guessed several plot points in the book but did not guess how they would resolve. I continued to love Lizzy’s relationship with Jessica. I continued to cheer Lizzy on. I wanted her to catch a break and get much deserved happiness. Lizzy continues to be a bit naive at times but it stems from her desire to do a good job and to not make more mistakes that impact others. Sadly life under the General’s command is beyond rough.

I can’t get into more details because of massive spoilers but this is a book where ye have to read the first book first. I will say that the complexities of the storyline are fun and that ending was not what I was expecting. Matey Sarah keeps me guessing. I am looking forward to what happens next. Arrrr!