Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchette

2nd book in the Endeavor series. Science fiction romance adventure. Rebels against the Dark Watch and Overseer. A female Captain fighting for the poor. Best to read the first book, Nightchaser, for the extensive world building.

Zero to sixty percent was a bit slow. More romance and relationships. Sweet while building up the galaxy and back story of Shade. 61% to the end was a race of desperation, of fighting, planning, escaping, fear, death, fighting, and trying to prevent the mad man from winning.
The secondary characters have depth and individuality.

This is an ongoing adventure that is clearly not yet finished. I look forward to reading more adventures of the Endeavor’s crew.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.

I love this series so much, I was addicted in the first book and I was addicted to this one too. I was so excited to be approved for this and I wasn’t disappointed at all. I loved being back with Tess and Shade , it felt like I’d never left them and we jumped right back into an action packed, twisty turns read, heartwarming and exciting every page. My only criticism, the bookends and I have to wait for the next ! I love Amanda’s writing, she always makes me feel all the emotions her characters go through, I just love it. Highly recommended to keep you up way past your bedtime.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet picks up more or less right where Nightchaser left off, with us following the adventures of the Endeavor and the remaining crew members, as well as the romance between Tess and Shade. If you've not read Nightchaser probably don't read this review because I'll try not to spoil anything, but I have some specific thoughts that will give you some clues about how Nightchaser ends.

It's hard for me to review this book, because it wasn't bad, it just wasn't really what I wanted it to be. Bouchet writes a series with a good amount of action, but they're still romance and the romance plays a huge role. The problem for me as a reader is that because Tess and Shade got back together at the end of Nightchaser, I didn't want them to keep circling back to the same problems regarding Shade's deception. As a person who doesn't like deception plots in the first place, I can understand WHY Tess was still frustrated, but that doesn't make it enjoyable to read about. I wish that instead of focusing on Tess and Shade again, the series had been reworked to be about a different couple in each book. And I know that's difficult where you have Tess playing such an important role in terms of the overarching plot, but it just didn't quite work for me. I felt that the beginning dragged and really up until the 50% mark, I could have sat the book down and walked away without really thinking twice about it.

The second half of the book squeezed in a whole lot of plot and it definitely made the book more interesting and left off on a cliff-hanger that has me saying I'll definitely read book three, but the truth is, I'm afraid it's going to be like The Kingmaker Chronicles where I wait years to return to it and then am disappointed by the ending. I hope not though.

Anyway, the book is still a fun sci-fi romp, it's just not exactly what I wanted from it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read and review this book early!

THIS BOOK!!! OMGeeeeeee! I will just DIE for the next year waiting for the final one!

Tess Bailey is a badass Captain of a spaceship. She's a Nightchaser, a rebel, a thief, a lover, a friend, and the presumed-dead daughter of the Overseer, the horrible despot of the universe. She's been knocked down, again and again, but she keeps coming back to stir up trouble in every way she can, and her crew is always behind her all the way. Now, her crew looks different than it did before. She's lost some of her people, her family, but she gained a few more too. When Shade gave up everything in book 1, to be with her, she decided to forgive him, and take him on to her crew. But, there's no rest for the wicked, and within a few days of arriving in the Fold with the super soldier serum, they've been given a new rebel assignment: Break a scientist out of an impenetrable prison, so the woman can use her knowledge to clear the toxic air on her home planet. Sure, no problem, right?!?

Shade Ganavan has left his life behind to be with Tess. His life was far from perfect, but it's all he's known for the last 10 years, after he lost his parents. But, more time with Tess has shown him that his old life wasn't really worth living. He worked for the enemy, as a bounty hunter, and did so much harm to the rebel cause close to Tess' heart. She has made him see that his skills and strength would be better served on her side, and since he's decided he'd follow her anywhere, he's up for the challenge. But, he has no real idea what he's in for.

Tess and Shade are such an awesome couple, and I love them together beyond words! They truly complement each other's strengths, and compensate for each other's weaknesses. They fit together perfectly. Going on adventures together really brings them even closer, though they both have more to lose now. The crew of the Endeavor is SO AWESOME and I adore them all, even when I want to smack Jax on the back of the head for being so stubborn. They really are a family, and I love watching the ways in which they care for each other.

The crew, the rebellion, and the jobs they pull as bandits, remind me so much of how I felt watching Firefly. I ADORED that show, and this series gives me the same heart-feels, and having the captain be a kickass lady boss just makes it all that much better! I love Tess' heart, and how much she's willing to risk for others, not just the people she loves, but people she's never even met too. She's amazing. And Shade loves her so much, and works so hard to right the wrongs he's done, and I love him. He really becomes a part of the Endeavor family, and a true hero in his own right.

So, while the overarching story of the series is not completed in this book, I definitely wouldn't call it a cliffhanger. And I HATE cliffhangers, so I feel qualified to make this statement! You see where all our good guys are, and what they have left to do, and it made me SO EXCITED for book 3. I can't believe it's probably a year away! I was lucky, and just read book 1 in this series, Nightchaser, last week, before I read this, so now I'll have to wait for the next one this time. This was my first foray into this author's work, and I am anxious to come back for more!

Once again Amanda has given us a winner in Starbreaker with strong female characters that are her trademark and an action-packed storyline that still has room for romance and heat! Tess, Shade and her band of Nightchasers on the Endeavor are attempting to futher subvert the plans of the Overseer after their theft of the serum he uses to create his super soldiers and the general disruption of his plans for universal domination. Their next mission is to rescue scientist Reena Ahern from the Dark Watch stronghold Starbase 12, a place Tess knows well from her previous life as the daughter of the Overseer himself and a seemingly impossible feat even for Tess and her crew. They find themselves quickly caught up in intrigue and even more danger, with new and shocking allies to aid them in their mission which culminates in an intense battle for survival against all odds.

One of the things I like most in my romances is a big helping of angst, which is done so well in this book as Tess is dealing with the afteraffects of Shade’s near betrayal in Nightchaser plus the heartbreak of losing 2 crewmembers. Due to her upbringing she has a hard time trusting others therefore Shade must work to win back her confidence. His determination to prove himself to her is one of the strongest themes in this outing, and his willingness to admit his mistakes makes me love him even more. The rest of the crew (with one exception called out below) get their own opportunities to shine in this book and there may be a couple of other relationships heating up in book 3 I hope!

The only thing I felt shorted on with this book was there was not enough Bonk! Of course the cat is going to be my favorite character so I would have really loved more of him, but maybe in book 3. Granted he isn’t a superhero or Flerken in disguise so he isn’t going to be coming to anyone’s rescue but considering Tess’s past she needs a pure soul that she can rely on for friendship and comfort with no chance of treachery! (Maybe a hairball on the bed though…)

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the awesome opportunity to read this early!

With a new crew and a dangerous new mission Tess and Shade do their best to stay off the radar and avoid the bounty on their heads. Danger and secrets lurk at every corner and she no longer knows what is real and what is a lie. What she does know is that she will risk everything for the ones she loves and no risk is to great. It's action pact and heartfelt and I could not put it down. I am devastated it's over and I have to wait for the next one!

Loved reading this book so much! It was a fantastic sequel, and such an entertaining read! I loved spending more time with these characters, we learned more about this world, and of course there was a ton of action! So well done!

The fact that Tess and the crew of Endeavor are sent on this mission with basically no information, that's awful and suspicious, since they just gave the higher ups the serum, albeit with some conditions. I felt so bad for Tess!

There were a ton of surprises and reveals in this book. Like who her father is. That one person isn't what they seem. That was pretty shocking, and we did get to see it play out a little bit. I would really like to explore it more, though!

So the way things ended with this book, things are fairly wrapped up. There could be a 3rd book or more, or this might be the end. We are going back to her Kingmaker world with her next book, so I have no idea if we are getting a 3rd book or not. I would love a 3rd one because I just enjoy these characters and this world so much! Also, I have a sinking feeling about one of the characters, which may very well be wrong, but it would explain a little question I have.

This was such a wonderful read, I loved it so much, and I would love more of this world if we do get more!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Starbreaker is the second installment/continuation in the Endeavor series and cannot be read independently as a standalone. Start with Nightchaser first.

Nightchaser was an amazing debut in the series, instantly causing me to become invested in the characters. There's a dynamic within a shorter series, where if the first book is amazing, it's hard for the second book to live up to the hype. If the first book is ho-hum, the second book is usually a massive hit. In the case of the Endeavor series, this dynamic holds true.

After being so invested in the characters, I was eager to read what happened next, but the interest waned quickly. Starbreaker was definitely a second book slump, almost filler. A bridge between an exciting beginning and an even more exciting ending.

What I loved is that we got to read Shade's point of view, got to know him on a deeper level by being directly inside his head. This helped build the relationship between Shade and Tess, while showing different facets of how the team interacted with one another. More background on Tess's family is revealed.

The pacing was directly affected by redundant inner monologue as well as tons of description. There is setting a scene, trying to bring life to the scents and sounds and the surroundings, but then there is burying the story beneath the inane, where the reader has to wade through pages of description to get to the action going on around them. The overall page count of the novel didn't support the story, because there was a ton of padding filler in between and not a lot happening on the story front. It's a delicate balance between story and description, too little and it's a fast-paced one-dimensional read. Too much, and it slows it to a crawl.

Even though Starbreaker suffered from the second-book-slump, I'm still invested what will happen in the next installment.

I don't know if I can use any better word than devoured. This book I ultimately devoured in one sitting. When I found out this was in a series, I went back and read the first book "Nightchaser." I am absolutely glad that I did.

This book definitely delivers a heart pounding experience as they try to rescue Reena Ahem. The one part that I loved though is that with this pulse pounding, page turning experience you still get to enjoy Tess & Shade a lot. You get to see how not only are they developing as their own characters but also how they are growing closer to each out. Especially after Shade nearly betrayed her before you can see how they are overcoming those obstacles.

If you want a great sci-fi romance with a page turning thriller definitely pick this book up. Actually pick both of the books up in the series you will not be disappointed!

#netgalley #starbreaker

Starbreaker is the second installment to Amanda Bouchet’s Endeavor series. This is one book I’ve been waiting for since I read Nightchaser. Yes, I would say this is one of my ‘most-anticipated’ books to read in 2020. Amanda Bouchet is one author that I will change my reading schedule to make room for her books.

If you have not read the first book, Nightchaser, then I highly recommend you do before diving into Starbreaker. The reason why is the second book picks up where the first book left off in the end. I’m going to try not to spoil anything from this book, especially since this book has a lot in it that happens.

Things I enjoyed in the second book:

1. I loved learning more about Tess in this book. Readers will get more of her history, especially with what happened to her when she was younger. Secrets will be revealed to Tess. It’s going to be a shocker. I’m still shocked and can’t wait until the next book. I need more!

2. I loved Tess and Shade in this book. Shade is all about Tess in this book. Although, Tess still had trust issues with Shade after finding out about his betrayal. There’s a particular part in the book when Shade introduces Tess in his world before the Night Watch. They become connected. There were steamy scenes between the two characters too. Very steamy scenes!

3. The dangerous, action-packed mission. The Endeavor crew has been tasked to free a renowned scientist Reena Ahern from Starbase 12. This is when all of them will be tested.

4. Secondary characters. I love how Amanda Bouchet not only has me adore her main characters but the secondary characters too. Although, I’m going to go through the book and knock some sense into Jax. He drove me crazy!

5. The bad guys. The Overseer is someone I despise and wish he would go away. The other bad guy in the story I hate too, but now I may have different feelings for also. The Overseer does something unthinkable in this story that makes it even harder for the Endeavor crew to do their jobs soon. The Overseer is pure evil!

I haven’t read much of the Sci-Fi Romance genre, but I love Sci-Fi thanks to the Star Wars franchise. This is why I love this series by Amanda Bouchet because it reminds me so much of Star Wars. I love how the characters have a mission to help other people and how these characters despise the Night Watch. They are trying to be two steps ahead of the bad guys. The bad guys, though, know everything. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with the Endeavor crew, especially after what happened to Tess and her team. Will Tess and Shade have a HEA? Will Tess be able to trust the one person who gave her away when she was younger?

I only gave this book 4-stars, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t still love it. There was a lot of repetition in the book, but it didn’t stop me from reading the book. I highly recommend this book to readers that loved Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles and readers that love Sci-Fi Romance. If you are a fan of Star Wars, then these books are for you.

I received the second book in Amanda Bouchet’s Endeavor series from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I started reading right before the pandemic shut everything down. It took me a month to get through the first two chapters. That’s not the book’s fault, it’s my brain. Once I was actually able to focus on the book, I enjoyed it.

Starbreaker is a middle book and does not stand on it’s own, nor is much resolved. Characters evolve and the plot moves forward, but you cannot read this book without having first read Nightchaser, and it leaves you waiting for the third book due in 2021. Right now I am having a hard time comprehending we are only 4 months into 2020, so I am feeling skeptical that 2021 is a real thing that will happen.

It’s a little difficult to discuss the book without getting into spoilers for the first book. I like that Bouchet is keeping the story focused on a few characters who are at the heart of the galactic conflict. At the same time, I wish we saw more of the universe and spent more time in The Fold. Bouchet does choose to give readers slices of what life is like under the Dark Watch.

This is the kind of middle book that’s hard to judge on it’s merits, because the story isn’t done. I have a sense of where it’s going and a general idea of the end result, but I can’t judge the middle until I know the end. I liked Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix a lot better after the series was over because I could see what was being built. Right now, I can guess. But I don’t know if we needed to spend time with the rival bounty hunters or not until I read the last book.

If you liked Nightchaser, you will like Starbreaker. I’ll definitely read it again after the series in complete.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

After a successful start with Nightchaser, the series remains strong (and perhaps gets even better) with its second installment, Starbreaker. It delivers on the premise of the first book, being an awesome space opera thrill ride from start to finish. The one shortcoming is that I did read book one so long ago that I remember so little of it; however it didn’t take me long to end up back in the swing of things with Tess and Shade and the rest of the crew.

One of the things I enjoyed was that Tess and Shade are very much a couple in this one, and while there are some issues of trust between them, it’s refreshing to not have to deal with multi-book angst of “will-they-won’t-they.”

I liked seeing more of the secondary characters and the world as well, especially with the fact that Tess and Shade remain Most Wanted, and they’re pulling off another dangerous mission.

This book is an absolute delight, both in its own right and as a continuation of the adventures of the crew of the Endeavor. If you loved the first book, I definitely recommend picking up this one.

I was really looking forward to this book because I enjoyed Nightchaser so much, but I cannot for the life of me bring myself to finish it. It's so weird! It became very apparent as I started Starbreaker that I remembered nothing from book one, but I thought it'd come back to me eventually. It never did, though, so I put the book down assuming I just wasn't in the mood for sci-fi romance since I was trying to read this when stay-at-home orders first started going into effect and I was craving historicals. But I found myself reluctant to pick it back up again, and despite being more than 100 pages in, I'm still not hooked on this book, either as a sequel to Nightchaser or in its own right. There just hasn't been much of a plot yet that I've been at all invested in, and I don't really care for reading about Tess questioning Shade's past decisions and frequently making him defensive. It's probably best for them to sort that out as part of their relationship, but when I don't really remember them from book one, I really don't want to read about it.

I did ultimately decide to DNF this book, but I'm hoping that other people's excitement about it will motivate me to push past where I am and finish it. After all, my preordered paperback copy is already here, and I'd feel really weird not finishing it! I'll try and make sure to come back and update this post with my thoughts if I do wind up finishing it at a later date.

Full of action, danger, high stakes space adventure, and kissing. Plus a central romance (stretched across the trilogy) and a couple (?) of potential secondary relationships.

You really should read the first book before diving into this one. While you'd be able to follow what's going on, there's a lot to be gained from the first book in the saga. And know that this is very clearly the middle book in an ongoing saga. Resolution to the story, presumably, will come with the third book.

I had fun reading this. Space heists! Jungle planets! Terrifying AI galactic history casually mentioned! And then the Big Bad drops a totally bananas evil plan which our heroes must somehow thwart.

For all the big space action, the relationships are strong. In particular the unique (non-romantic) relationship between Tess and Jax. These characters care for each other and want the best for each other and will risk anything. I find that really lovely. They're also evolving - able to confront problems and accept evidence to adjust their own headings. Some more effectively than others, but that's the way these things go.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 3/4
Friendships will be tested
Enemies with surprises up their sleeves
Secrets revealed
Resolves will grow stronger
Freedom in the balance

Starbreaker is the second installment of Amanda Bouchet’s Endeavor trilogy (yes, you need to read book one Nightchaser first). Starbreaker picks up shortly after the events of book one end and brings us deeper into the world of the Nightchaser’s, the Dark Watch and the universe as a whole. We learn a great deal more about Tess and her history. We also learn a lot more about the events that have brought them to where they are today and the battle that has to be fought soon.

This was a great follow up to Nightchaser. I really enjoyed reading this book and getting back with these characters. Amanda does a great job of making you fall in love with each of her characters. Tess and Shade are a great team and I am looking forward to seeing them grow. There is action, excitement, surprises, suspense and love all wrapped up in this story.

If Jax doesn’t get off his duff soon I might have to jump into the story and slap him.

I am so excited for the final book in this trilogy. I can’t wait to see how everything turns out. If you are a SciFi fan or a fan of Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Series you need to get this series!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet


5*


‘I slid a shoulder under Jax’s arm and helped him toward the gate. Tess and Fiona strode beside us, watchful and ready. Regret didn’t shadow their faces. Only determination. Fight for what you believed in. One day at a time. Keep going.’


I always find when reading a great book series that there is always perhaps one book in that trilogy or series that falls flat, doesn’t hold its own against the others, where the characters are stagnant and dull and the plot is flatlining or jumping the shark. I have yet to read a book like that from author Amanda Bouchet. Her stories are constantly, consistently, phenomenally, mind-blowingly AMAZING. If ever there was a woman meant to write it was her.


Starbreaker continues on from the first book in Amanda’s The Endeavour trilogy, Nightchaser. Tess our female protagonist is still as fierce, independent, courageous and awe-inspiring as ever, maybe even more so. She is truly one of my absolute favourite literary heroines to date. She is beyond brave, smart, loyal, resourceful and determined. Yet behind her powerful, almost impenetrable shield that she wears day in and day out, she has a beautifully complicated, soft and delicate heart. And for me, it is within these contrasts of warrior and woman, of battle ready fighter and young woman who wants to be loved, that she exudes the most strength. She is complex and multifaceted and I managed to fall more in love with her personality and character in Starbreaker, than I ever thought possible.


Although I have a major soft spot for the serious, burdened and heartbroken Jax, I still think my heart belongs to Shade. His character as a hero is magnificent. He doesn’t storm into the scene demanding to be the centre of attention, he’s not there to simply rescue the damsel in distress and offer up sedate kisses, author Amanda Bouchet has written his character as Tess’s equal. He is there to support, love and assist. It’s in his desire to fight for redemption, to show Tess how much he sees the real her, that he truly becomes the very definition of a hero. He offers Tess something warm, sweet, lasting and solid. In fact they both offer each other something utterly devastating and profound. Love. Which is as much a sanctuary and home for both of them, as much as The Endeavor is.


The Dark Watch and the Overseer are still the ultimate bad guys here, as Tess and her band of merry men rise up and fight against them, helping the poor and sick along the way. Starbreaker brings about more revelations, more danger, more adventure. Different planets, strange new species, the food, the atmosphere, it’s all just so fantastically explained, described and experienced.


The battle scenes in Starbreaker, as well as the action-packed violence and drama, the hand to hand combat, the fighting and defending- Amanda has this remarkable way of describing everything. It feels chaotic and fast-paced, exhilarating and exciting. You feel like you’ve been thrown into the midst of it all, the bullets ricocheting, the feel in your stomach as you're zooming through space at hyperspeed, the adrenaline rush of evading capture, it’s utterly incredible how a few sentences can entice, enthrall and ignite your imagination.


For me, Starbreaker is a beautiful windstorm of fantasy, action-adventure with a beautiful smidge of romance between our two multifaceted and darling protagonists, lending it all heat and heart. It’s a truly captivating, phenomenally well plotted out and executed story, one where you are swept up into the fray of fun, love, family, danger and secrets.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

This was a wonderful book. The heists were thrilling, the chases and fights well laid out, and the secrets unveiled at the perfect pace. Nothing really felt rushed or out of place, and the multiple viewpoints was a nice contrast for how the story unfolded. We got to see the relationship between Shade and Tess unfold and grow, as well as learn about characters that have been in the periphery in the past. I really loved the twists, and want to know how they will be dealt with in the next story.

I think this was another great read from the author, and if you can’t wait for this, then read the Kingmaker series she wrote for a different flavor of fantasy that is just as engaging.

Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet is the second book. I did not know this going in but figured it out pretty fast. I believe I figured out the relevant details due to the authors awesome job filling in without info dumping. This was a good book, the twist was obvious to me but well done. The world was well developed and easy to figure out. Characters are interesting and flawed. I enjoyed the characters and am looking forward toward to book 3 and will probably go back to book 1. I give this a 4 star for being enjoyable and well written.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the ARC. This is an honest review.

Included in April New Releases Part 2, which highlights exciting upcoming releases: https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/2020/04/aprils-new-releases-part-two/

~Review will be posted on my blog on April 15, 2020~
**3.5 Stars**

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this eARC.

This is the second book in the Endeavor series and it takes off right away. We are back in space with Tess and Shade and there is more shady business going around.

Their relationship is constantly being tested and there are always curveballs thrown at them. Will they get through this mission?

What I Liked:
*I like Tess and Shade as a couple. Even when they have trust issues, at least they don’t give up on each other! They always have each other’s backs and they just make a good team.

*So much action. Tess and crew get into harrowing situations all the time!

(The world building is great – it’s in space but they visit different planets, like the jungle planet where some steamy scenes take place. But I just love how her version of space and different planets isn’t the usual dry landscapes that we are usually presented with when it comes to Sci-Fi.

*I like the secondary characters that make Tess and Shade’s crew. They add humor and I found myself caring for them too.

Things That Made Me Go Hmm:

*I found the second half much more exciting than the first. I think because it’s been awhile I read the first book, I had to get my bearings in this one and it took awhile.

*It’s definitely a mood read for me – I’d have enjoyed even more if I was in the mood to read about space. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Final Thoughts:
This sequel is filled with space fights, romance and surprises so if you enjoyed the first book in the series, I think you will definitely enjoy this one as well.