Vendetta Protocol (The Protocol War Book 2)
By Kevin Ikenberry
A review
The story
Centuries into the future, the DNA of the 20th century is used to regenerate skilled fighters to lead humanity in an intergalactic war against the Greys. In joint military exercises with a species called the Styrahi, the object of the war is to engage a powerful enemy at a front line called the Rim. This farthest frontier is located millions of miles from Earth.
Vendetta Protocol (The Protocol War Book 2) is the second book in the series that continues the tale of Mally. The Protocol was created in a previous regenerated for Captain Kieran Jackson Roark, United States Army from Jonesborough, Tennessee. In another life, he was called to duty in the 20th century during the Afghanistan war. He paid the ultimate price for his country. In a previous regeneration, Mally’s role was to help Keiran adapt to his new life and monitor his psych for signs of restoring his memory. She returns in this book as the vengeful lover. He was understanding only that she was unfairly separated and robbed of Kieran. Her new mission is to find him and become part of his life again—his protocol.
Keiran is unaware that Mally has survived. And at first, Mally thinks Keiran is dead in her new reiteration as Ayumi. Her mission is to avenge the lives of those who stole Keiran from her. A vendetta.
While training for his new roles, Keiran’s memories of his original life slowly return in addition to deep frustration. Leaders of the militarized current government, the Terran Defence Force, believe that Keiran has no memory of his previous life. But with each testing moment during war maneuvers, memories slowly return. Kieran’s new mission is to save humankind. But the battle has already begun between Keiran and his superiors. They want nothing to do with his enacted knowledge of 20th-century battle strategies.
The TDF deploys Keiron millions of miles away to the farthest frontier, the Rim. Near the front lines, Keiran finds comradery while training in joint military exercises with the Styrahi. Although this is his second regeneration, recovery of his memories and 20th-century battle knowledge is kept a secret. But he soon learns the Styrahi have human friends in the government and are aware of Keirens secret and the restoration of his memories.
An attempt on his life makes Keiran realize that friends don’t always wear a human face.

You are in the machine. I don’t make mistakes.
<<Really? Underestimating Dr. Bennett? Failing to level with Kieran?>>
There was no program, no connection, and no source for the voice. The data reassured her, in a way. Scanning early searches, some from Kieran’s life, she wondered about the possibility of a soul or some other ethereal presence that couldn’t be explained.
Ayumi sighed. I do not need a human conscience.”
<<The hell you don’t. Now, get some chow, and get moving. Two hours and change until you fly.>>
Why are you helping me?
Amy laughed, actually laughed in her mind. <<You’re a machine in a human suit without me, You’ll be found out and exterminated under the AI laws within a week. I don’t want that. Get moving.>>
Vendetta Protocol (The Protocol War Book2), Chapter 12

My thoughts
The only thing I want most from an author is to satisfy my need for a memorable character. One that lingers in your thoughts after the last page. Kieran is that character, and the author Kevin Ikenberry is gifted. His storytelling skills match his expertise in aviation.
Unfortunately, I began this series with the second book. Now I must go back and read the first before my journey continues into the third. The story brings to mind recollections of Ghost n the Shell; Halo mixed with Top Gun. This book may not have been written intended as a stand-alone. Still, this story whets the appetite for books one and three in the Protocol series.
Vendetta Protocol (The Protocol War Book 2) is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good SciFi tale from the farthest frontier, the Rim. The pages are stocked with bravery, love of country and humanity, and a call to duty.
An easy five-star rating.

This was an enjoyable read, a little difficult to begin with as I did not read book one, however it managed to capture my attention and give me enough information to enjoy the story. The characters really spoke to me, they were properly fleshed out rather than cardboard cutouts. I really enjoy the pace of the story and I needed all of that action in my life.

I struggled with the start of this due to not having read the previous story in the series.
Once I had placed all the characters though the story certainly grew on me.
Definitely worth a read.