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Class 5 #7
Crash Course
A logistics problem just became a conspiracy . . .
Fiona Russell is overseeing the logistics for Paxe’s rebuild of his Class 5 battleship, but when the slow delivery of parts dries up to nothing, she’s forced to go down to Balco, the planet beneath the way station she controls, and find the root cause of the problem. The trouble is, she more or less took Larga Ways from the Balcoans in an audacious power move the year before, and some of them are still not over it.
Strange maneuvers on the border just became a flirtation with war . . .
Grihan battleship captain Hal Vakeri’s job is to patrol the space boundary between the Grih and the Garmman, but when his ship picks up huge ships on the Garmman side, only for them to disappear faster than any ship should be able to, he realizes there’s a problem. Either the Garmman are playing games, or they’re getting more serious than the Grih are ready for.
And both issues are about to come crashing down around them . . .
When it becomes clear that Fee and Hal’s problems have the same players at their core, they’ll be forced to walk the line between diplomacy and conflict, and hope that Larga Ways is still standing at the end of it.
Fiona Russell is overseeing the logistics for Paxe’s rebuild of his Class 5 battleship, but when the slow delivery of parts dries up to nothing, she’s forced to go down to Balco, the planet beneath the way station she controls, and find the root cause of the problem. The trouble is, she more or less took Larga Ways from the Balcoans in an audacious power move the year before, and some of them are still not over it.
Strange maneuvers on the border just became a flirtation with war . . .
Grihan battleship captain Hal Vakeri’s job is to patrol the space boundary between the Grih and the Garmman, but when his ship picks up huge ships on the Garmman side, only for them to disappear faster than any ship should be able to, he realizes there’s a problem. Either the Garmman are playing games, or they’re getting more serious than the Grih are ready for.
And both issues are about to come crashing down around them . . .
When it becomes clear that Fee and Hal’s problems have the same players at their core, they’ll be forced to walk the line between diplomacy and conflict, and hope that Larga Ways is still standing at the end of it.
336 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2026
About the author
Michelle Diener
57 books1,939 followersMichelle Diener is a bestselling, award-winning author of historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Having worked in publishing and IT, she's now very happy crafting new worlds and interesting characters.
Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.
Michelle was born in London and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.
When she's not writing, or driving her kids from activity to activity, you can find her online at Twitter and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 16, 2026
In the latest story in the Class 5 series, human Fiona Russell is running the way station Larga Ways with her AI friend, Eazi and overseeing the rebuild of Paxe’s Class 5 battleship. When the Security Chief comes to her with a rumor of an assassination plot against her, she decides to go down to the planet Balco to get away while the plot is investigated. She also plans to check into the problems they’ve been having receiving the parts needed for the Class 5. Once on Balco, they find a lot more than just missing deliveries, there are several attempts on Fee’s life and attacks on the Grih officers assigned to help protect her. In the meantime, Fee’s romantic partner, Grih Captain Hal Vakeri is patrolling the border between Grih space and the Garmman, where the Garmman seem to be playing games. Then things really fall apart and Fee is on her own and must defeat a plot between some disgruntled Balcoans and the Garmman. She’s very resourceful and can certainly hold her own with the help of some alien weapons she’s wearing and an old friend she runs across. There is quite a lot of action, the AI’s help where they can, but mostly it’s up to Fee on her end and Hal on the military end, to do their part to stop the plot and get things back to normal. As usual, I really enjoyed the story, and I hope to see more books in this series in the future.
July 4, 2026
I really love this series and it was great to be back with Fiona, Hall, Eazi, and Paxe! There are kidnappings, escapes, assassination attempts, daring rescues, space battles, and encounters with alien creatures.
Fiona is forced to go down to Balco to find out why the supplies to build Paxe's ship aren’t arriving. It’s a good time to leave the station because there’s a rumor of an assassination attempt against her At the same time Hall is embroiled in a mystery with Garmann ships.
This was an exciting episode in a terrific ongoing series. Fans of the series will love it, but it’s not the best place to start. Dark Horse is the first book in the series and will get you hooked!
July 5, 2026
I wish I could give this book 10 STARS…I love this series. I must say that Michelle Diener is a magnificent storyteller. Each page has you at the end of your seat. As the plot unfolds, you are swept away into an adventure with twists and turns…you are never sure who is part of the conspiracy. If you are a reader of this genre, well this series is a MUST READ! It’s great to revisit some of the characters that you fell in love with. I love the appearance of the motley crew! They were my favorite characters. Please don’t end this series. Download and enjoy❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 4, 2026
I love Michelle Diener's Class 5 series, and this book didn't disappoint either.
The world-building, the character development, and the plot, which runs like a common thread through the books—all of it is simply fantastic, and it’s a real pleasure to read them.
Once again, I couldn't put the book down, so it's a good thing it's the weekend.
The world-building, the character development, and the plot, which runs like a common thread through the books—all of it is simply fantastic, and it’s a real pleasure to read them.
Once again, I couldn't put the book down, so it's a good thing it's the weekend.
Want to Read
December 5, 2025Waiting for this to be published, said 1st of December but nothing on Amazon yet? Hmmm.
July 15, 2026
I liked it. This book was like a sweet, refreshing breeze blowing across the bleak landscape of current news and much of recent fiction. The heroine is Fiona from Dark Deeds, the novel #2 of this series.
In the end of her previous story, Fiona and her sidekick Eazi, the thinking system (an AI in essence), became managers of a space station. Now, they are building a new spaceship for another thinking system - Paxe from Dark Class - after his old ship was destroyed. They get details delivered from various companies on the planet of Balco below their space station, but suddenly, the companies who had promised those details are reneging on their contracts, and the deliveries stop. Fiona decides to head to the planet of Balco to investigate.
The action is furious, the plot convoluted, and the tension high throughout the story, while Fiona uncovers the nefarious plot the villains have concocted.
I liked Fiona in Dark Deeds and I liked her here too. Her character is not very deep, but she is kind, courageous, and resourceful, and her competence and positivity are uplifting. No anxiety attacks, no self-doubts, no artificial faults, which plague so many fictional protagonists. Fiona simply shines in all she does, and her glow, though shallow, cheered me up considerably.
Overall: the story - a light sci-fi adventure - was fun to read, and the escalating danger to the heroes kept me glued to my kindle for two days.
A note of caution: don't start this series with this book. It is not a standalone. Start at the beginning of the series. Otherwise you won't enjoy it as much as I did.
In the end of her previous story, Fiona and her sidekick Eazi, the thinking system (an AI in essence), became managers of a space station. Now, they are building a new spaceship for another thinking system - Paxe from Dark Class - after his old ship was destroyed. They get details delivered from various companies on the planet of Balco below their space station, but suddenly, the companies who had promised those details are reneging on their contracts, and the deliveries stop. Fiona decides to head to the planet of Balco to investigate.
The action is furious, the plot convoluted, and the tension high throughout the story, while Fiona uncovers the nefarious plot the villains have concocted.
I liked Fiona in Dark Deeds and I liked her here too. Her character is not very deep, but she is kind, courageous, and resourceful, and her competence and positivity are uplifting. No anxiety attacks, no self-doubts, no artificial faults, which plague so many fictional protagonists. Fiona simply shines in all she does, and her glow, though shallow, cheered me up considerably.
Overall: the story - a light sci-fi adventure - was fun to read, and the escalating danger to the heroes kept me glued to my kindle for two days.
A note of caution: don't start this series with this book. It is not a standalone. Start at the beginning of the series. Otherwise you won't enjoy it as much as I did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 7 in the Class 5 series. It is a complete novel, a new and separate installment in the Class 5 world, not an installment in a serialized story, so it has a beginning, mystery, crisis and resolution. It could be read as a stand alone but it is better read as part of the series, since there are spoilers for the other books contained in this one. You can read the author’s description of the plot, so let me just say that this is space opera-ish, not too dark, and it contains a light romantic element but that is not the focus of the story.
Crash Course picks up some of the unresolved issues in the series, especially the fraught political situation Fiona finds herself in having basically stolen a space port from its previous owner, the Balcoans, after saving it from destruction, and making it her and the thinking system Eazi’s home. This is the crux of the conflict, as the Balcoans have had a thriving space port taken from them and cannot object because of the might wielded by the thinking systems who control very powerful spaceships and can seemingly take over most any computer system. Thrown into the mix is the dubious character of the Garmann who have been implicated in some of the schemes the Tecran had put into play in breaking treaties with the other United Council members.
The story leaps from one attack to another, with plenty of mysterious happenings to puzzle over. Fiona cannot be sure who is really on her side and who is a turncoat or aligned with the group trying to stop Paxe from rebuilding his Class 5 spaceship. Hal’s skirmishes with mysterious sensor readings on the Garmann border are skillfully woven into the narrative of Fiona on the run from attacks while trying to sort out her mysteries when she doesn't know whom to trust. The dual timeline dovetails into a shared adventure as the stakes increase.
This was definitely a fun page-turner and added depth and nuance to the Class 5 world. Crash Course delivers adventure in alien worlds including alien fauna as well as tech. There is a goldilocks level of tension: the heroine is in danger and the plot moves from fraught moment to tense altercation but there’s not so much darkness that I end up bummed out. There are lots of good guys engaged in derring-do to keep it fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it all in one big gulp!
Review of advance copy received from Author
After a year of being the big boss on the orbiting station world Larga Ways, Fiona Russell is getting very frustrated with the rebuild of Paxe’s ship. As a thinking system part of the intimidating Class 5 battleships, Paxe is not favored by many people on both Larga Ways nor the planet Balco which they orbit. Fiona believes someone is stealing, or delaying the promised parts so she decides to go planet side for some answers. Fiona’s own sidekick, Eazi, lost his ship and is integrated into the Larga Ways systems helping her run the station.
Fiona’s significant other, battle captain Hal Vakeri of the Grihan military patrols the space boundary in his battleship. A supposed ally, the Garmman, is causing his own problems with some new technology. A cat and mouse game ensues with Hal becoming suspicious that they are up to something nefarious.
Fiona and Hal’s problems appear to be related so he returns his ship to Larga Ways going down to Balco to help her find out who is behind all the recent problems. Since Fiona is from Earth, and Hal is Grihan, the Balconians seem less than cooperative and some of them, are not all that friendly.
As usual with this series, Fiona and Hal have lots of adventures and need to deal with miscreants and malcontents who wish them great harm. The Garmman seem only a step above their allies, the troublemaker Tecrans, who developed the Class 5 ships. They are in big trouble with the United Council that oversees several players. Fans of the series will enjoy being back in this world as well as seeing some of the “motley crew” helping out when things go sideways. This is book number seven in the Class 5 series.
Fiona’s significant other, battle captain Hal Vakeri of the Grihan military patrols the space boundary in his battleship. A supposed ally, the Garmman, is causing his own problems with some new technology. A cat and mouse game ensues with Hal becoming suspicious that they are up to something nefarious.
Fiona and Hal’s problems appear to be related so he returns his ship to Larga Ways going down to Balco to help her find out who is behind all the recent problems. Since Fiona is from Earth, and Hal is Grihan, the Balconians seem less than cooperative and some of them, are not all that friendly.
As usual with this series, Fiona and Hal have lots of adventures and need to deal with miscreants and malcontents who wish them great harm. The Garmman seem only a step above their allies, the troublemaker Tecrans, who developed the Class 5 ships. They are in big trouble with the United Council that oversees several players. Fans of the series will enjoy being back in this world as well as seeing some of the “motley crew” helping out when things go sideways. This is book number seven in the Class 5 series.
July 16, 2026
I re-read Dark Deeds the other day since I knew this was coming out. Fiona's book was alright. Her story and all the stories with each woman is the same, white woman/white elf captain guy, AI sidekick, some action etc.. Fiona's book had no romance in it, it's implied and she did the pursuing, can't say I cared for Hal, as an mc he was fine but not as the romantic male lead, too beta and not very good at his job.. anyways, I was hoping maybe there would be more romance in the follow up but no. The book is good, the plot and mystery, I did enjoy it, because I like MD's writing style. The grahudi is still alive and saved, I liked the appearance of some of the motley crue, the only other earth woman mentioned was Ellie and she was off somewhere else. It was weird to me that Hal & Fiona's relationship was so blah, in her inner thoughts its even mentioned they hardly spend time together, she never goes to his ship, she manages larga ways and never leaves until now, he's always on duty, so what relationship? but they love each other?? couldn't convince me of any of that but aside from that, the story was good. I have to let go of some of the things that nitpick at my brain when I read scifi to enjoy the story though. edited to add - not a standalone, helpful to read the previous books also I forgot that she was dressed like a grih as a disguise. I kept thinking she looked like a hobbit with spiky hair, lol. couldn't get that image out of my head. this author has an elf kink me thinks.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another massive winner in the Class 5 series! I was beyond thrilled to see another book in this series because it is so good, and spoiler alert; I received an ARC (OMG I got one!!!) in exchange for a review. And this review is easy. READ THIS BOOK!! You will not regret it, in fact you will be hooked. Of course start at the beginning of the series, and try not to stay up all night to finish (they will understand at work 🤭) What I really enjoyed about this book, besides it’s continuation of the Class 5 series was that it is a solid story in its own right. The plot was excellent, the characters were all complete and sometimes complex people, and the settings so well written that you forget they’re alien places. The story flowed very well, and there were several moments that had my heart racing, and a few that tugged hard at the heart strings, and a few more that had me smiling with genuine happiness for the characters. And that is what a really great story should do, and what this one does. I will be re-reading the entire series again now, and crossing my fingers that there are more installments to come. 5 stars, 10-10 recommend, two giant thumbs up, I promise you’ll fall in love with this book and the whole series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fiona is either loved or hated!
In book two, Fiona (Fee) Russell was kidnapped from Earth and forced into slave labor. She was later saved by Eazi, one of the thinking systems who controlled a Class 5 battleship that was destroyed, and they’ve been besties ever since. Fiona and Eazi ended up taking control of the Larga Ways space station from the Balcoans. Lots of the inhabitants hate her, but she has brought order and higher profits. Paxe, another thinking system who also lost his Class 5 Battleship, is on the planet, building a new Class 5. The Aliens do not appreciate the woman from Earth or the thinking systems ruling over them, and someone is sabotaging Paxe’s ship by diverting his parts. When Fee investigates, she finds a conspiracy to steal the Class 5 parts so an enemy can build their own Class 5. There’s so much action, an impending war, and it’s hard to figure out who’s good and who's bad. I love Eazi and his feelings for Fiona. Fee is so brave and tenacious, looking after Larga Ways and its people. Her mate, Hal, diverts his battleship back to Larga Ways to rescue Fiona, but she proves to be a force to be reckoned with. Linda
In book two, Fiona (Fee) Russell was kidnapped from Earth and forced into slave labor. She was later saved by Eazi, one of the thinking systems who controlled a Class 5 battleship that was destroyed, and they’ve been besties ever since. Fiona and Eazi ended up taking control of the Larga Ways space station from the Balcoans. Lots of the inhabitants hate her, but she has brought order and higher profits. Paxe, another thinking system who also lost his Class 5 Battleship, is on the planet, building a new Class 5. The Aliens do not appreciate the woman from Earth or the thinking systems ruling over them, and someone is sabotaging Paxe’s ship by diverting his parts. When Fee investigates, she finds a conspiracy to steal the Class 5 parts so an enemy can build their own Class 5. There’s so much action, an impending war, and it’s hard to figure out who’s good and who's bad. I love Eazi and his feelings for Fiona. Fee is so brave and tenacious, looking after Larga Ways and its people. Her mate, Hal, diverts his battleship back to Larga Ways to rescue Fiona, but she proves to be a force to be reckoned with. Linda
July 17, 2026
Give Me a Break
Because I really need a vacation, and one of my favored destinations is Michelle Diener’s Class 5 universe. I totally enjoy diving into adventures with Eazi, Paxe, Oris, Bane, Sazo and all the rest of their friends. It’s entertainment at it’s finest.
Kidnapped from Earth by the birdlike Tecran, Fiona Russell as made a new life for herself as the manager of Larga Ways space station, along with her thinking system best friend, Eazi. Everything was going pretty well for them, until problems with the supplies for the new Class 5 being built for their other thinking system friend, Paxe. Suddenly, Fiona is the target of assassins, and hiding out while trying to sort out who is sabotaging the new build and why. She, Hal, Eazi, Paxe and the UC have their hands full trying to get to the bottom of things, trying to stay alive while hunting for the leaders behind this new insurrection. It’s non-stop excitement, suspense and danger, with some laughter and hi-jinx thrown in for good measure. No one tells a story quite like Michelle Diener.
Because I really need a vacation, and one of my favored destinations is Michelle Diener’s Class 5 universe. I totally enjoy diving into adventures with Eazi, Paxe, Oris, Bane, Sazo and all the rest of their friends. It’s entertainment at it’s finest.
Kidnapped from Earth by the birdlike Tecran, Fiona Russell as made a new life for herself as the manager of Larga Ways space station, along with her thinking system best friend, Eazi. Everything was going pretty well for them, until problems with the supplies for the new Class 5 being built for their other thinking system friend, Paxe. Suddenly, Fiona is the target of assassins, and hiding out while trying to sort out who is sabotaging the new build and why. She, Hal, Eazi, Paxe and the UC have their hands full trying to get to the bottom of things, trying to stay alive while hunting for the leaders behind this new insurrection. It’s non-stop excitement, suspense and danger, with some laughter and hi-jinx thrown in for good measure. No one tells a story quite like Michelle Diener.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reread Note: It did help on reread knowing what was where and who was who and such. Plus, it's always a good suggestion to reread a Class 5.
Another brilliant installment to a brilliant sci-fi romance series
If you’re here, it’s probably because you’ve read this series—perhaps several times like me—and are waiting for this book to be published next week, and just need me to assure you that this installment is as wonderful as all the others. It is. Enjoy reading.
If you are here, and haven’t read this series, start with book one, Dark Horse, read all the books in order and yes, of course, you can name your first child after me as thanks.
About Crash Course: I have confirmation that the fab five Earth-obducted women are each receiving their own sequel (2024’s Collision Course is the first sequel). This book features FMC Fiona, her man MMC Hal, and her bestie C5MC, Eazi; who are all introduced in Dark Deeds. Definitely read that book first because it has all the backstory for this book. Vets, worth giving DD a reread before starting this one.
In Crash Course, all your formula favorites (intergalactic coffee, eavesdropping, heroine obduction (I’ll save myself, thank you), hero badassery, and of course lots of showering) are blended perfectly within a well-written action adventure story. With these sequels, the romance is less sexy, swoony; and more affirming of the relationship between the MCs that were introduced in the OG installment.
However, and this is a feature not a bug, you really need to pay attention to the plot as there are lots of characters and changing locations, along with two unlabeled POVs. I’m reading this a second time right away, just because now that I’ve been introduced to the cast and moving pieces, I expect I’ll enjoy it more. BTW, my favorite formula feature is every character gets a name, including baddie #3, and baddie #4; but that does add to needing to pay attention to the plot.
Cheers and brava, MD.
I received an ARC of this book as a member of Michelle’s FB reading group, and because I was able to sus out a few typos, look for my name in the acknowledgments. #nothumblebraggingjustbragging
Another brilliant installment to a brilliant sci-fi romance series
If you’re here, it’s probably because you’ve read this series—perhaps several times like me—and are waiting for this book to be published next week, and just need me to assure you that this installment is as wonderful as all the others. It is. Enjoy reading.
If you are here, and haven’t read this series, start with book one, Dark Horse, read all the books in order and yes, of course, you can name your first child after me as thanks.
About Crash Course: I have confirmation that the fab five Earth-obducted women are each receiving their own sequel (2024’s Collision Course is the first sequel). This book features FMC Fiona, her man MMC Hal, and her bestie C5MC, Eazi; who are all introduced in Dark Deeds. Definitely read that book first because it has all the backstory for this book. Vets, worth giving DD a reread before starting this one.
In Crash Course, all your formula favorites (intergalactic coffee, eavesdropping, heroine obduction (I’ll save myself, thank you), hero badassery, and of course lots of showering) are blended perfectly within a well-written action adventure story. With these sequels, the romance is less sexy, swoony; and more affirming of the relationship between the MCs that were introduced in the OG installment.
However, and this is a feature not a bug, you really need to pay attention to the plot as there are lots of characters and changing locations, along with two unlabeled POVs. I’m reading this a second time right away, just because now that I’ve been introduced to the cast and moving pieces, I expect I’ll enjoy it more. BTW, my favorite formula feature is every character gets a name, including baddie #3, and baddie #4; but that does add to needing to pay attention to the plot.
Cheers and brava, MD.
I received an ARC of this book as a member of Michelle’s FB reading group, and because I was able to sus out a few typos, look for my name in the acknowledgments. #nothumblebraggingjustbragging
Review of advance copy received from Author
CRASH COURSE features Fiona Russell, an earth woman abducted by aliens and used as slave labor in Dark Deeds, Class 5 book number two. And also Grih Battleship captain Hal Vakeri.
I really like these two characters. They are practical, pragmatic, and tenacious, all characteristics that I have personally and highly prize in my literary fav characters as well. Fiona has managed to maintain her compassion and kind-hearted nature too, despite the many injustices perpetrated upon her, which is quite admirable. Hal is more suspicious and slow to extend grace, as you would expect from a military commanding officer!
There is a complex plot among the evil aliens, because, of course there is! Watching the thinking ships and the good guys foil the nefarious intentions of the corrupt beings from several different planetary races is quite satisfying!
I adore Diener's space adventures, which always have a solid element of romance to them as well. I am enjoying this series a lot!
I really like these two characters. They are practical, pragmatic, and tenacious, all characteristics that I have personally and highly prize in my literary fav characters as well. Fiona has managed to maintain her compassion and kind-hearted nature too, despite the many injustices perpetrated upon her, which is quite admirable. Hal is more suspicious and slow to extend grace, as you would expect from a military commanding officer!
There is a complex plot among the evil aliens, because, of course there is! Watching the thinking ships and the good guys foil the nefarious intentions of the corrupt beings from several different planetary races is quite satisfying!
I adore Diener's space adventures, which always have a solid element of romance to them as well. I am enjoying this series a lot!
July 14, 2026
I really enjoyed spending more time in the Class 5 universe.
As always Michelle Diener is one of the best at showing rather than telling. She also does a great job of recapping previous events without making the it feel repetitive or slowing the story down. I truly appreciate how she accomplishes this.
Returning to Fee and Easy was a real treat. I loved catching up with Rose & Sazo & Dav in book 6 and now with Fee & Easy & Hal. Returning to their stories is very satisfying. I'd really like to see a second book for each of the them!
The story itself is thrilling from start to finish, full of action and impossible to put down. Even though I was super busy, I kept finding moments to sneak in five or ten minutes of reading whenever I could. That’s always a sign of a great book.
I can't wait for the next one.. it seemed like new troubles might be brewing...
As always Michelle Diener is one of the best at showing rather than telling. She also does a great job of recapping previous events without making the it feel repetitive or slowing the story down. I truly appreciate how she accomplishes this.
Returning to Fee and Easy was a real treat. I loved catching up with Rose & Sazo & Dav in book 6 and now with Fee & Easy & Hal. Returning to their stories is very satisfying. I'd really like to see a second book for each of the them!
The story itself is thrilling from start to finish, full of action and impossible to put down. Even though I was super busy, I kept finding moments to sneak in five or ten minutes of reading whenever I could. That’s always a sign of a great book.
I can't wait for the next one.. it seemed like new troubles might be brewing...
July 4, 2026
Michelle once again manages to deliver a story with all the action, adventure, clever characters and alien plots we have come to love whilst still keeping it fresh.
In this one Fiona travels planet side to Balco to find out what is causing delays to the delivery of the parts for Paxe's Class 5 build while Eazi tries to track down a supposed Garmin plot onstation to assassinate Fiona. Meanwhile Hal is off investigating what appears to be a potential incursion by an invisible Garmen battleship. But nothing is quite what it seems and kidnappings, poisonings, state dinners, communication blocks and a poor injured blast from the past make for an exciting tale as Fiona, Eazi, Hal and Admiral Hoke deal with a new threat to Larga Ways and the UC.
In this one Fiona travels planet side to Balco to find out what is causing delays to the delivery of the parts for Paxe's Class 5 build while Eazi tries to track down a supposed Garmin plot onstation to assassinate Fiona. Meanwhile Hal is off investigating what appears to be a potential incursion by an invisible Garmen battleship. But nothing is quite what it seems and kidnappings, poisonings, state dinners, communication blocks and a poor injured blast from the past make for an exciting tale as Fiona, Eazi, Hal and Admiral Hoke deal with a new threat to Larga Ways and the UC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michelle Diener has done it again! This was a fast-paced, never-a-dull-moment adventure. It was thoroughly entertaining and I finished the book within 2 days! While this book recaps events that happened in the past, it is an extension of the previous Class 5 books and is best when read in order. It was so much fun to read about the adventures of Fee, Hal, Eazi and Paxe again! I really enjoy the sci-fi elements (space ships, space tech/gadgets, epic battles, alien creatures) mixed with a hint of romance. I’ll have to do a re-read of the series to tide me over until the next book in the series.
July 14, 2026
"Crash Course" continues the Class 5 series and specifically the main characters of Fiona, Hal, Paxe and Eazi from book 2, "Dark Deeds". You could just read these 2 books but you would miss all the back story which is totally worth the read. I love the Class 5 world and hope Michelle Diener continues to write about the World through the main characters from her previous books in the series. "Crash Course" expands that World with further insights into Balco, Largo Way and the relationship between the Grih and the Garmman. And it may be a small thing but I really like knowing what happened to the grahudi from "Dark Deeds". A definite read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve missed this world so reading this book was a treat. Fiona, Hal, Eazi and Paxe have the odds stacked against them as they race to uncover yet another secret plot. They’re more than up to the challenge however despite being separated, so prepare for a whirlwind of adventure and action. There was definite character growth, more world building and a surprise reappearance of a character I didn’t think I needed but happened to be my favorite moment of the series. Fans of the series won’t want to miss this latest release, it keeps getting better and better. Highly recommended!
July 13, 2026
This is a fast paced story as Fiona and Eazi have to determine why parts to rebuild Paxe’s ship have not been making it up to Largo Way, her space satellite space station in orbit around Balco. For the first time since she left the planet, Fiona decides to go to Balco and investigate the situation. It took me a minute to refresh on the storyline and then I just loved this book. Ms Diener writes a superb, tale and I cannot wait to find out what happens next with the Class 5 ships and their human partners.
July 15, 2026
Super readable and not deep thinking inducing, MD is my go-to when I'm in a bit of a reading slump. This was fun and strangely heartwarming, even though there was plenty of bad and sad things going on. To be clear, I think that the idea being put forth in this series (that thinking systems- think completely self-aware and self-determining AI- can be good) is patently untrue, I can see why some would want to believe it. MD certainly makes a lovely case for it.
Overall, I enjoyed the space opera-esque feel of this book and the continuation of the story of Fiona, Hal, Paxe, and Eazi.
Overall, I enjoyed the space opera-esque feel of this book and the continuation of the story of Fiona, Hal, Paxe, and Eazi.
July 19, 2026
love this series
This series just gets better. Every book so far has been a reread for me and this one will be as well.
Love the action, the relationships and how everything is in motion throughout this book without loss of detail or character. I can’t say enough about this series.
Actually, every book I’ve read by this fabulous author is a favorite. I don’t usually reread books but this series is a go to for audiobooks on road trips or if I need a comfort read. I was so stoked to get this one, well worth the money!
This series just gets better. Every book so far has been a reread for me and this one will be as well.
Love the action, the relationships and how everything is in motion throughout this book without loss of detail or character. I can’t say enough about this series.
Actually, every book I’ve read by this fabulous author is a favorite. I don’t usually reread books but this series is a go to for audiobooks on road trips or if I need a comfort read. I was so stoked to get this one, well worth the money!
July 15, 2026
This is best enjoyed when the series is read in order. It was a very entertaining read with lots of action, suspense, twists, romance, sci-fi elements, and humor. There are a lot of familiar characters, some new ones, and a returning one that was a total surprise. This is definitely one of my favorites of the series! I really hope that there will be more stories to come in this series!
July 17, 2026
You need to have read the series, this is not a standalone book. It follows Fiona from, I believe, the second or third book in the series. It’s a good story with lots of action and different locations. It’s a lot of fun and brings back an animal I was hoping they would return to. You do get both the FMC and MMC perspectives with a little romance.
July 21, 2026
Crash Course
Absolutely delightful story. It was wonderful reconnecting with all the main characters and meeting some engaging new ones who enriched the overall narrative. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, and the world-building remains remarkably believable. I highly recommend both this book and the series.
Absolutely delightful story. It was wonderful reconnecting with all the main characters and meeting some engaging new ones who enriched the overall narrative. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, and the world-building remains remarkably believable. I highly recommend both this book and the series.
July 14, 2026
Advanced copy from author
I love this series so much. The growth of the characters, the constant underestimation of the FMCs, who are ridiculously capable, and the world building is top notch!
I’m thrilled there is more in this world and can’t wait for the rest in the series!
I love this series so much. The growth of the characters, the constant underestimation of the FMCs, who are ridiculously capable, and the world building is top notch!
I’m thrilled there is more in this world and can’t wait for the rest in the series!
July 14, 2026
Another great adventure in the Class 5 world!
The latest Class 5 book delivers a fun adventure with Fiona, Hal, Eazi and Paxe, filled with intrigue, kidnapping, creatures and cool gadgets. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to any more in the Class 5 world!
The latest Class 5 book delivers a fun adventure with Fiona, Hal, Eazi and Paxe, filled with intrigue, kidnapping, creatures and cool gadgets. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to any more in the Class 5 world!
July 15, 2026
Loved it
I love the class 5 so much. As soon as I read any new release I want to keep on reading. I think I'm going to start with the first book again.😌 it is addictive to me. I hope to see more of the class 5 and their humans adventures.💕
I love the class 5 so much. As soon as I read any new release I want to keep on reading. I think I'm going to start with the first book again.😌 it is addictive to me. I hope to see more of the class 5 and their humans adventures.💕
July 16, 2026
Seventh book in the series. I have loved this series and thought it was done. But I got surprised by this new addition. We met the main characters in previous books, Fiona and Hal and Eazi and Paxe. Anyway, I enjoyed it immensely.
July 16, 2026
I very much enjoyed this. Of course I've liked all of the previous Dark Horse volumes. My only caveat would be that the extra they touted about the Grahudi being returned actually was a short about Rose from her previous book. But it was also good.
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