I almost missed my subway stop – that’s how engrossed I was in The Phoenix Rising.
'Rising' picks up the story where The Phoenix Conspiracy left off. I recommend reading 'Conspiracy' first; while both novels are complete in themselves, the overarching mystery continues. Besides, you can’t beat Conspiracy’s price.
The series revolves around Calvin Cross and the crew of the IWS Nighthawk, one of a few phantom-class stealth warships serving the human Empire. Once stars of Intel Wing, the authorities are now actively hunting the Nighthawk with a dead or alive mandate. But just as Cross had questioned the motivations of the villain of 'Conspiracy', so his assigned hunter wonders about Cross’s motivations and is determined to take him alive.
Sanders’ series takes place against a well-built backdrop; his aliens have unique perspectives, beliefs and desires, rather than being humans in disguise; and his characters, human and alien alike, are all individuals with their own issues including addiction, unrequited love and youthful rebellion.
The only downside is that I have to wait for the next book in the series.
(reviewed 11 days after purchase)