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Verdant String #3
Trailblazer
He's on a mission . . . She's running for her life . . . And if they get off-planet alive, she'll have to trust he won't reveal her darkest secret. Tally Riva is not what she seems, and even she's not happy about it. Infected, invaded, she's not quite sure how to describe it, but on a disastrous mission to a ghost ship, something burrowed its way into her body. Into her mind.When her commander decides the best cure for what he thinks is Tally's trauma is to send her on the famous Veltos Trail, Tally goes without revealing what's really behind her mental anguish. Anything to be seen as normal again, anything to ignore what she's afraid is happening to her.But Veltos isn't the safe place it seems. The chosen military personnel lucky enough to be offered the chance to walk the Trail are supposed to be the only people on Veltos. But Ben Guthrie, a captain in Arkhoran Special Forces, knows they're not. He and his team have been on Veltos for a month already, tracking suspicious enemy activity, and he's gone undercover on the Trail in search of a satellite his superiors are sure has been shot down.When Ben's worst fears become reality, and they find themselves hunted by a cunning enemy through the thick forests of Veltos, Tally and Ben fight together to survive. And Tally has to decide if accepting the changes inside her will save them both, or be her doom.TRAILBLAZER is the third book in the Verdant String series but can be read as a standalone novel.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
258 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Diener
53 books1,914 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 86 reviews
August 12, 2022
This is third in a sci-fi romance series, but it's only lightly attached to any of the others. Like, some shared background is all. So you can definitely take this one stand-alone.
Tally was interesting as we pick up with her on a strange ship, stranded but not quite alone. She's doing things she doesn't understand and a little afraid of something that may have infected her from the ship. She's not wrong, and becoming familiar with the changes she has undergone is the rest of the story. Along with hiding it from people who would probably see her as a specimen rather than a person should they find out.
The premise of the plot is that there's a planet with a famous trail that was once part of a victory and is now something of a recuperation/reward for soldiers who have suffered grave ills. It is also a lonely planet with no human settlement and it turns out that is attractive to a different kind of population, which becomes obvious when thespace-orcs, sorry, Coruson, shoot down their support craft that is there for emergencies and to take them off-planet at the end. Good thing Ben is there with his special forces team investigating irregularities.
I liked Ben, too. He's competent and caring and completely intrigued by the puzzle that is Tally. Trying to figure out why she can keep up with him in some their more trying times occupied a lot of his motivation. Well, and their mutual attraction, of course.
I really liked the change of scenery and that Diener kept the plot moving at a great pace and how it held together throughout. I particularly liked that this story finally gives us some nuance to the Coruson as we run into a commander who isn't a simple brute. I particularly liked the solution to a thorny problem with getting his wounded treated that required .
Anyway, this was very much what I've come to enjoy about this series and another strong five star read.
A note about Steamy: There's an explicit sex scene but it's short so this is the low end of my steam tolerance. At this point, I'm just assuming that birth-control and STDs are a solved problem. So yeah, this is as much fantasy as sci-fi...
Tally was interesting as we pick up with her on a strange ship, stranded but not quite alone. She's doing things she doesn't understand and a little afraid of something that may have infected her from the ship. She's not wrong, and becoming familiar with the changes she has undergone is the rest of the story. Along with hiding it from people who would probably see her as a specimen rather than a person should they find out.
The premise of the plot is that there's a planet with a famous trail that was once part of a victory and is now something of a recuperation/reward for soldiers who have suffered grave ills. It is also a lonely planet with no human settlement and it turns out that is attractive to a different kind of population, which becomes obvious when the
I liked Ben, too. He's competent and caring and completely intrigued by the puzzle that is Tally. Trying to figure out why she can keep up with him in some their more trying times occupied a lot of his motivation. Well, and their mutual attraction, of course.
I really liked the change of scenery and that Diener kept the plot moving at a great pace and how it held together throughout. I particularly liked that this story finally gives us some nuance to the Coruson as we run into a commander who isn't a simple brute. I particularly liked the solution to a thorny problem with getting his wounded treated that required .
Anyway, this was very much what I've come to enjoy about this series and another strong five star read.
A note about Steamy: There's an explicit sex scene but it's short so this is the low end of my steam tolerance. At this point, I'm just assuming that birth-control and STDs are a solved problem. So yeah, this is as much fantasy as sci-fi...
March 8, 2019
3 1/2
Trailblazer brought me back to Verdant Spring with a bang after the disappointment of book 1. We still have Wonder Woman as an heroine, but we are given a reason (kinda), a plot and some depth.
I gobbled it down and enjoyed myself.
Unfortunately I don't remember much from book 0.5 Interference / Insurgency where all the rules, geopolitical and world building were explored. So there were a few moments of confusion along.
Trailblazer brought me back to Verdant Spring with a bang after the disappointment of book 1. We still have Wonder Woman as an heroine, but we are given a reason (kinda), a plot and some depth.
I gobbled it down and enjoyed myself.
Unfortunately I don't remember much from book 0.5 Interference / Insurgency where all the rules, geopolitical and world building were explored. So there were a few moments of confusion along.
March 5, 2019
Trailblazer was a highly addictive read. I flew through it in three days, which is really fast but I just couldn't put the story down. I was very hooked. It's the third book in the Verdant String series but you can easily read it as a standalone. And even though I've read the previous books I felt like in Trailblazer there was extra danger to this particular story and for its characters which raised the stakes even more and I really liked that since it made it all that more exciting to read. It's probably the main reason why I didn't want to put the book down.
The two leading characters, Tally and Ben were just so interesting to read about. I feel like I enjoyed reading about them both equally, which isn't a thing that happens a lot because I either like one character more than the other but in the case of this book I really couldn't pick a favorite. They were both great characters and I loved their chemistry as well. The romance isn't the main part of the story. This is a thing I love so much about these books. Yes, there is romance but it doesn't overshadow the plot or even the characters' personalities. They have jobs to do and lives to save and that's what's most important to them. This will always be a possitive thing for me and a big win in any book.
The author also has a great knack for writing secondary characters and making me care for them, even the antagonists in a way. Except Irwin. I fucking hated Irwin. Sorry. lol But yeah, the secondary characters were also awesome (as they always are) and I'd love to read more about them, maybe in their own books. Who knows, right?
I probably say it in all my reviews of books by Michelle Diener but I always highly enjoy her science fiction novels. Trailblazer was no different. It had a great cast of characters, especially the two leading protagonists. The story was action packed and the writing was fast-paced, never getting dull. The dash of romance, which was just the right amount for me was amazingly writting as well. What more can I say? I really love the world of the Verdant String.
The two leading characters, Tally and Ben were just so interesting to read about. I feel like I enjoyed reading about them both equally, which isn't a thing that happens a lot because I either like one character more than the other but in the case of this book I really couldn't pick a favorite. They were both great characters and I loved their chemistry as well. The romance isn't the main part of the story. This is a thing I love so much about these books. Yes, there is romance but it doesn't overshadow the plot or even the characters' personalities. They have jobs to do and lives to save and that's what's most important to them. This will always be a possitive thing for me and a big win in any book.
The author also has a great knack for writing secondary characters and making me care for them, even the antagonists in a way. Except Irwin. I fucking hated Irwin. Sorry. lol But yeah, the secondary characters were also awesome (as they always are) and I'd love to read more about them, maybe in their own books. Who knows, right?
I probably say it in all my reviews of books by Michelle Diener but I always highly enjoy her science fiction novels. Trailblazer was no different. It had a great cast of characters, especially the two leading protagonists. The story was action packed and the writing was fast-paced, never getting dull. The dash of romance, which was just the right amount for me was amazingly writting as well. What more can I say? I really love the world of the Verdant String.
April 20, 2023
Talla the ass kicking Raxian and Ben the undercover Arkhoran beef cake.
I was flying from Ontario to British Columbia and just wanted to escape the claustrophobic confines of a tin can 35,000 feet above the ground.
I couldn't have picked a better book. Read the whole thing by the end of the flight!
The book opens with Tally being stranded on an ancient ghost ship flying far from the other planets of the Verdant String. She is rescued but she brings something or someone else out with her.
duh Duh DUH
She is reluctant to share the truth of what's freaking her out, because they might just lock her away in an insane asylum. Even so, it's apparent that she is having mental stress and so she is sent on an excursion used by the military to rehabilitate vets who have suffered trauma.
There she meets the others who will be sharing the journey with her and their guide.
But by the second day it's clear that things on the planet are far from as they should be and she and her new friends must run for their lives.
The intrigue continues for verdant string and their enemies.
Tally was a total special snowflake with the changes her ghost companion had made to her and it was a little bit much, but still enjoyable.
I REALLY wish there had been more said about her 'ghost'. I don't want to give too much away as it was fun to read about what she does discover. I just wish there had been more revealed.
But other than that, the intrigue/action was fairly unpredictable and a nice blend of action and world building.
Unfortunately it really would NOT make a good stand alone. There's too much built on what happened in previous books.
safety is good.
I was flying from Ontario to British Columbia and just wanted to escape the claustrophobic confines of a tin can 35,000 feet above the ground.
I couldn't have picked a better book. Read the whole thing by the end of the flight!
The book opens with Tally being stranded on an ancient ghost ship flying far from the other planets of the Verdant String. She is rescued but she brings something or someone else out with her.
duh Duh DUH
She is reluctant to share the truth of what's freaking her out, because they might just lock her away in an insane asylum. Even so, it's apparent that she is having mental stress and so she is sent on an excursion used by the military to rehabilitate vets who have suffered trauma.
There she meets the others who will be sharing the journey with her and their guide.
But by the second day it's clear that things on the planet are far from as they should be and she and her new friends must run for their lives.
The intrigue continues for verdant string and their enemies.
Tally was a total special snowflake with the changes her ghost companion had made to her and it was a little bit much, but still enjoyable.
I REALLY wish there had been more said about her 'ghost'. I don't want to give too much away as it was fun to read about what she does discover. I just wish there had been more revealed.
But other than that, the intrigue/action was fairly unpredictable and a nice blend of action and world building.
Unfortunately it really would NOT make a good stand alone. There's too much built on what happened in previous books.
safety is good.
March 8, 2019
I have been waiting to read something from Michelle Diener that felt as good as Dark Horse when I finished it and this was the one. While I have enjoyed all the books of this series this one stands out as a really "feel good" type story and you love the interplay between Ben and Tally, since the main thrust of this book is more of an action adventure/space opera story the romance was rushed a bit but still added to the story.
I loved the creative ways they kept getting out of binds and such but while I was not needing blood thirsty revenge it came across as a bit as preaching non-violence while blowing up and killing people (pretty much people who richly deserved it) and then letting the one guy who really needed killing walk away. That kind of confusion took away from the book a bit for me. Tally was getting to look like Supergirl by the end but it all worked for this story I thought.
Bottom Line: I really enjoyed it even with some minor shortcomings so 4 stars and close to 5 for pure entertainment value.
I loved the creative ways they kept getting out of binds and such but while I was not needing blood thirsty revenge it came across as a bit as preaching non-violence while blowing up and killing people (pretty much people who richly deserved it) and then letting the one guy who really needed killing walk away. That kind of confusion took away from the book a bit for me. Tally was getting to look like Supergirl by the end but it all worked for this story I thought.
Bottom Line: I really enjoyed it even with some minor shortcomings so 4 stars and close to 5 for pure entertainment value.
August 8, 2025
Another fabulous entry in a wonderful SF-romance series
Tally and Ben are fabulous MCs. They are highly skilled warriors who are consistently honorable, extremely brave and enormously skilled. I loved their relationship, both on a personal level and the way that they work as a team keeping each other safe and saving many other people. This is a closed-bedroom-door romance, as is pretty consistently the case with every novel by MD. But as is also the case in all of her novels, the passion and love between the MCs is sizzling.
This story is jam-packed with thrilling action, and the resolution is utterly satisfying, with every plot thread tied up in a believable and just manner.
I read this novel for the second time today, and it was just as exciting for me as the first time.
Tally and Ben are fabulous MCs. They are highly skilled warriors who are consistently honorable, extremely brave and enormously skilled. I loved their relationship, both on a personal level and the way that they work as a team keeping each other safe and saving many other people. This is a closed-bedroom-door romance, as is pretty consistently the case with every novel by MD. But as is also the case in all of her novels, the passion and love between the MCs is sizzling.
This story is jam-packed with thrilling action, and the resolution is utterly satisfying, with every plot thread tied up in a believable and just manner.
I read this novel for the second time today, and it was just as exciting for me as the first time.
March 15, 2021
3.25 stars. I liked this one the best so far. The character development for the heroine was much better than for the previous books’ heroines. The plot was also different and more interesting. I’m curious to see how the author ends this series.
May 10, 2024
Apparently Michelle Diener is a guaranteed 5 star author!
Writing- Phenomenal. I absolutely loved the jungle-planet setting, the intergalactic world building, & the international relations, but none of that overshadowed the character interactions and plot line. Everything was so well done.
Plot- Sci-fi romantic adventure. I was engaged the entire time. Fantastic!
Romance- Great chemistry. Michelle Diener usually has the love interests come together in the middle of the book and then they complete the rest of the mission together. I wish the romantic tension was extended longer in her books by not having their first kiss often lead straight into sex, especially since they usually haven’t known each other very long. That was the case here; they only knew each other for a couple days so the depth of their feelings felt a bit premature. However, I can’t complain since I absolutely loved them together, the adventure was very cool, and all the characters interacted well together.
I would say that this ends in a HFN, which I was satisfied with. (Happy For Now)
Characters- I love that this author writes emotionally strong, confident, capable characters who aren’t arrogant or over-anxious. They are never TSTL. They don’t ruminate in their own heads. They have worries but they don’t allow their worries to control them. They think before they speak. They respect others and are socially normal, mature, rational, and cool human beings. It’s hard to explain but I LOVE HER CHARACTERS. They really resonate with me!
(I can’t even describe how often I come across irrational FMCs. Why????😩)
Content-
Language- I don’t recall any swears
Substance abuse- none
Spice- one very short, descriptive, hot scene (fondling, grinding) that pulls the curtain quickly.
Cover- fine
Format- KU
Writing- Phenomenal. I absolutely loved the jungle-planet setting, the intergalactic world building, & the international relations, but none of that overshadowed the character interactions and plot line. Everything was so well done.
Plot- Sci-fi romantic adventure. I was engaged the entire time. Fantastic!
Romance- Great chemistry. Michelle Diener usually has the love interests come together in the middle of the book and then they complete the rest of the mission together. I wish the romantic tension was extended longer in her books by not having their first kiss often lead straight into sex, especially since they usually haven’t known each other very long. That was the case here; they only knew each other for a couple days so the depth of their feelings felt a bit premature. However, I can’t complain since I absolutely loved them together, the adventure was very cool, and all the characters interacted well together.
I would say that this ends in a HFN, which I was satisfied with. (Happy For Now)
Characters- I love that this author writes emotionally strong, confident, capable characters who aren’t arrogant or over-anxious. They are never TSTL. They don’t ruminate in their own heads. They have worries but they don’t allow their worries to control them. They think before they speak. They respect others and are socially normal, mature, rational, and cool human beings. It’s hard to explain but I LOVE HER CHARACTERS. They really resonate with me!
(I can’t even describe how often I come across irrational FMCs. Why????😩)
Content-
Language- I don’t recall any swears
Substance abuse- none
Spice- one very short, descriptive, hot scene (fondling, grinding) that pulls the curtain quickly.
Cover- fine
Format- KU
July 31, 2022
This was a fun adventure, my only issue is that the mystery that was present throughout this entire book was not solved. It didn’t quite feel like a satisfying ending because of this. Like a major plot point was ignored. I mean more than 300 pages and the author still me hanging. And I guess we will never know because each book is a standalone, which is a little frustrating.
Otherwise, it was action packed with a hint of romance (think scenes that fade to black), and overall was an exciting space opera book.
Otherwise, it was action packed with a hint of romance (think scenes that fade to black), and overall was an exciting space opera book.
May 27, 2020
4.50 / 5 Stars
This is another story where I'm coming in late in the game and many reviews already give details of the storyline. So, I will simply say....
...this is my favorite of the Verdant String stories! I liked Tally and her "little helpers" and how they enabled her to be more than she was before. I also liked the hero, Ben. They made a good team.
This is another story where I'm coming in late in the game and many reviews already give details of the storyline. So, I will simply say....
...this is my favorite of the Verdant String stories! I liked Tally and her "little helpers" and how they enabled her to be more than she was before. I also liked the hero, Ben. They made a good team.
September 2, 2025
3.5/5.0
The “romance” aspect of this story is insta-love on steroids (meet as strangers, first kiss within hours, sex the next day and love-of-my-life a couple of days later with absolutely no reasons or depth given). BUT, the story and action and excitement is top-notch - as usual for a MD book. SO good!
The “romance” aspect of this story is insta-love on steroids (meet as strangers, first kiss within hours, sex the next day and love-of-my-life a couple of days later with absolutely no reasons or depth given). BUT, the story and action and excitement is top-notch - as usual for a MD book. SO good!
November 9, 2019
So crazy in love with another amazing installment for the Verdant String series! Michelle Diener is one of my Top Three SciFi/Rom authors! Loved such a perfect combination of entertaining and heart wrenching scenes! I felt like every one of her story in the series spoke directly to me and touched my soul. The SciFi part was written in such a way that a science-challenged reader like me had no problem envisioning as well enjoying it. And oh, yeah, the fight scenes as well as the battle strategies were breath-takingly brilliant!
Sharing one of my favorite scenes:
Sharing one of my favorite scenes:
"Not only I, but the rest fo my command team, agrees we should accept the offer of a replacement for Officer Riva to join the Special Forces team. . . Does that suit you, Officer Riva?"
"It suits me." . . .
"Why?" Hopl was looking at her directly, ignoring the annoyed frown of the admiral.
"Mainly because I have developed a romantic relationship with Captain Guthrie, Commander."
March 7, 2019
3.5 stars
March 4, 2019
Tally Riva is a science officer who was stranded on a ghost space ship while on a mission. After surviving for two weeks she is rescued by her crew, but something strange has happened to Tally. Some kind of entity from the ghost ship has merged with her giving Tally some super powers. Tally is sent to the planet Veltos to take the Veltos Trail which is a kind of recovery trek for those in the military who have suffered a physical or emotional combat injury. On the trail with her is Ben Guthrie, an Arkhoran Special Forces undercover captain who has been there a month trying to discover what an enemy has been up to on the planet.
Once they embark for the two week hike, things go quickly awry so Ben and Tally must scramble to take care of others and figure out how to survive until help can arrive. Tally has kept her new enhanced abilities a secret fearing what would happen to if her superiors knew of the strange, unusual alterations. She is not quite sure her “helpers” as Tally calls them always work in her best interest. As Ben and Tally work together to save themselves from the enemy as well as their colleagues, a mutual attraction develops so that protecting one another comes to take on a deeper meaning.
Ms. Diener’s heroines are always well crafted; they have a lot of courage and resourcefulness. Her heroes are equally appealing and while protective, they appreciate having a partner who matches them in all aspects of skills and bravery. Third in the Verdant String series, fans of Ms. Diener’s Space Opera’s will enjoy the drama, intrigue, and action with a little romance that comprises this story.
Once they embark for the two week hike, things go quickly awry so Ben and Tally must scramble to take care of others and figure out how to survive until help can arrive. Tally has kept her new enhanced abilities a secret fearing what would happen to if her superiors knew of the strange, unusual alterations. She is not quite sure her “helpers” as Tally calls them always work in her best interest. As Ben and Tally work together to save themselves from the enemy as well as their colleagues, a mutual attraction develops so that protecting one another comes to take on a deeper meaning.
Ms. Diener’s heroines are always well crafted; they have a lot of courage and resourcefulness. Her heroes are equally appealing and while protective, they appreciate having a partner who matches them in all aspects of skills and bravery. Third in the Verdant String series, fans of Ms. Diener’s Space Opera’s will enjoy the drama, intrigue, and action with a little romance that comprises this story.
March 6, 2019
"A unique , exciting , fast paced, action packed story with heart. A must read!"
I was given ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit bias, I'm a fan of Michelle Diener's work, and she surpasses herself with her latest book in the Verdant String series.
You are immersed in this world almost instantly, even though it's a foreign world , it takes a very talented author to achieve that.
The main characters, Tally and Ben are engaging, believable, three dimensional, and relatable. You feel that know these people, and you want them to prevail.
While it's totally engaging, it's a 'natural' read. Even though it's an alien planet, with different races, it never jars or feels unrealistic. It's refreshingly unpredictable.
I highly recommend this book, it's a wonderful read. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I will re read this book this week, as 'life' prevented me from devouring it in one, long, read. Despite that, the story never lacked momentum and the anticipation of what came next.
As an aside, I was quite grumpy about being interrupted while reading this book :D
I was given ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I must admit bias, I'm a fan of Michelle Diener's work, and she surpasses herself with her latest book in the Verdant String series.
You are immersed in this world almost instantly, even though it's a foreign world , it takes a very talented author to achieve that.
The main characters, Tally and Ben are engaging, believable, three dimensional, and relatable. You feel that know these people, and you want them to prevail.
While it's totally engaging, it's a 'natural' read. Even though it's an alien planet, with different races, it never jars or feels unrealistic. It's refreshingly unpredictable.
I highly recommend this book, it's a wonderful read. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I will re read this book this week, as 'life' prevented me from devouring it in one, long, read. Despite that, the story never lacked momentum and the anticipation of what came next.
As an aside, I was quite grumpy about being interrupted while reading this book :D
December 25, 2021
Needs more explanation
I love Michelle Diener's books. I really do. But I'm starting to hate how she leaves some of her stories hanging. Not in a cliffhanger way. But she tends to leave some questions/problems unanswered. The fight is over, the couple is safe and in love. But there are loose ends that need tying still. And you never get your answers.
SPOILERS AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
For instance, the "helpers" that Tally got from the ghost ship were never explained. There were hints that maybe they were human or something similar whose people had been killed through a type of nuclear bomb. But we never really know. We also don't know if she can become "one" with them, making it less likely for there to be a struggle as to who is in control of her body.
I understand that some people probably won't mind not getting answers. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. It's getting to be a bit frustrating how abrupt the endings are. Sigh. I do hope she wraps up her stories better in the future. She really is good at writing Sci Fi and Fantasy romance books.
I love Michelle Diener's books. I really do. But I'm starting to hate how she leaves some of her stories hanging. Not in a cliffhanger way. But she tends to leave some questions/problems unanswered. The fight is over, the couple is safe and in love. But there are loose ends that need tying still. And you never get your answers.
SPOILERS AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
For instance, the "helpers" that Tally got from the ghost ship were never explained. There were hints that maybe they were human or something similar whose people had been killed through a type of nuclear bomb. But we never really know. We also don't know if she can become "one" with them, making it less likely for there to be a struggle as to who is in control of her body.
I understand that some people probably won't mind not getting answers. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. It's getting to be a bit frustrating how abrupt the endings are. Sigh. I do hope she wraps up her stories better in the future. She really is good at writing Sci Fi and Fantasy romance books.
June 4, 2020
4.5 ***
Tally has been rescued off the ghost ship. She's keeping secrets about her experience on the ghost ship as well as her 'little helpers' infection. To help recuperate she's sent to Veltos to participate in walking a historic trail to stimulate her body and ease her traumatized mind. Ben is Arkhoran special forces investigating Caruson activity.
Tally and Ben were a fantastic couple. Both of them serious, capable and smart. They worked well together. I wish we had learned more about what Tally's 'liitle helpers' are. I'm thinking some type of nanos. I'd like to know more about the ghost ship; where it came from and what happened to it's crew. Maybe that will be another story.
Tally has been rescued off the ghost ship. She's keeping secrets about her experience on the ghost ship as well as her 'little helpers' infection. To help recuperate she's sent to Veltos to participate in walking a historic trail to stimulate her body and ease her traumatized mind. Ben is Arkhoran special forces investigating Caruson activity.
Tally and Ben were a fantastic couple. Both of them serious, capable and smart. They worked well together. I wish we had learned more about what Tally's 'liitle helpers' are. I'm thinking some type of nanos. I'd like to know more about the ghost ship; where it came from and what happened to it's crew. Maybe that will be another story.
March 3, 2019
Another great book from Michelle Diener! I have loved everything I have ever read by Michelle Diener, and "Trailblazer" is no exception. There are new worlds to conquer, in more ways than one, and new enemies to vanquish. If some of those enemies are allies, then so be it.
Tally Riva underwent a harrowing experience, and her superiors are concerned about whether or not her recovery is proceeding well enough for her to return to duty. To ensure that end, they sign Tally up for an excursion on the Veltos Trail…an excursion reserved for the walking wounded. Supposedly, taking the Trail will give Tally more time to recover her health, and help her to gradually get fit for duty again.
The action is fast paced, the plot is exciting and the storyline is well thought out from beginning to end. Once again, Michelle Diener has provided an excellent read that leaves the reader wanting more.
Tally Riva underwent a harrowing experience, and her superiors are concerned about whether or not her recovery is proceeding well enough for her to return to duty. To ensure that end, they sign Tally up for an excursion on the Veltos Trail…an excursion reserved for the walking wounded. Supposedly, taking the Trail will give Tally more time to recover her health, and help her to gradually get fit for duty again.
The action is fast paced, the plot is exciting and the storyline is well thought out from beginning to end. Once again, Michelle Diener has provided an excellent read that leaves the reader wanting more.
March 5, 2019
This is part of a series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. I have been enjoying the series, but this is my favorite so far! There is action, lots of sci-fi elements, world building, humor, twists, and romance. I enjoy reading about strong female characters and the heroine is absolutely fascinating! The hero is perfecting suited to her, with his military training and current mission. There is lots of stuff going on and many characters that move the story along, but the author makes sure it doesn’t get confusing. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes action and excitement with their romance!
March 18, 2019
So this one is my favorite Verdant String book. It feels a lot more like the Class 5 series that I loved. Not that it has to be like the other series, but this one had all of the things that made it fun.
February 4, 2024
3.5 stars
That was a solid sci-fi story. Not a hard, technology-heavy kind of sci-fi but a personal adventure story set in a sci-fi world. The futuristic technology was embedded but not really important in the grand scheme of things. The focus was on the characters.
Tally and Ben are both career military. Tally is a science officer. Ben is a Special Forces officer. They are thrown together on a planet that is supposed to be unpopulated by humans, except for a small number of scientists, but something sinister is going on. The enemies of Tally's and Ben's people, the Carusons, are working in stealth, and they are willing to kill all the witnesses to protect their secrets.
The protagonists have no choice but to try to figure out what the Carusons are doing and save all the survivors they can from being exterminated. Along the way, as Tally and Ben travel through the dense forest and fight their enemies, a romance flourishes between them.
The tension is thrumming from the beginning to end, and the stakes are high all the way through, as both the hero and the heroine explore the pristine planet together, while navigating the growing affection between them.
Altogether, a light sci-fi romance. The only objection I have: there are several dangling ends left by the last page. I think this book needs a more definite conclusion. Maybe an epilogue. Despite that one flaw, I enjoyed reading it.
That was a solid sci-fi story. Not a hard, technology-heavy kind of sci-fi but a personal adventure story set in a sci-fi world. The futuristic technology was embedded but not really important in the grand scheme of things. The focus was on the characters.
Tally and Ben are both career military. Tally is a science officer. Ben is a Special Forces officer. They are thrown together on a planet that is supposed to be unpopulated by humans, except for a small number of scientists, but something sinister is going on. The enemies of Tally's and Ben's people, the Carusons, are working in stealth, and they are willing to kill all the witnesses to protect their secrets.
The protagonists have no choice but to try to figure out what the Carusons are doing and save all the survivors they can from being exterminated. Along the way, as Tally and Ben travel through the dense forest and fight their enemies, a romance flourishes between them.
The tension is thrumming from the beginning to end, and the stakes are high all the way through, as both the hero and the heroine explore the pristine planet together, while navigating the growing affection between them.
Altogether, a light sci-fi romance. The only objection I have: there are several dangling ends left by the last page. I think this book needs a more definite conclusion. Maybe an epilogue. Despite that one flaw, I enjoyed reading it.
August 2, 2021
The third book in the Verdant String universe Trailblazer can easily be read as a standalone. But why would you? The Verdant String series is fun, the world is interesting and each story is great. Like the others in the series Trailblazer has plenty of action and a strong competent female lead who doesn't wait to be rescued but does her share of the rescuing. I liked both Ben & Tally, and while I would have preferred a slower progression in their relationship the story just works better with a romance between our leads so I was willing to overlook the speed with which they fell in love. This a complete story with everything wrapped up but I was also left wanting to read more about Ben & Tally - which I guess is the sign of a good story. I would have like to discover more about Tally's helpers though.
I received an advance copy in return for an honest review.
I received an advance copy in return for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
Yeah for strong heroines 😊
Loved this Verdant String book. My favorite of the series. I've read the Class 5 series 4 times and this book is in that vein the most, imo. Good story, admirable male lead but the strong female lead who is really a hero (ine) stands out the most. Highly recommended.
Loved this Verdant String book. My favorite of the series. I've read the Class 5 series 4 times and this book is in that vein the most, imo. Good story, admirable male lead but the strong female lead who is really a hero (ine) stands out the most. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2024
An unexpected treat to have the third book in the series. Perfect fun for a day off.
July 1, 2022
I'd consider taking off a star for the ending being so abrupt, but I'm in a good mood.
March 19, 2021
Fresh air, exercise, and espionage
Tally is still recovering from being trapped in an alien ship for 2 weeks. Alone. Unless you count the decomposing body of her crewmate. Her team of scientists were so excited after coming across the distress signal, and then realizing it was an ancient ship, possibly a Verdant settler ship. Then Caruso came out of nowhere and started firing on them. She and Rew had been working out getting in the ghost ship and Rew was hit before they could get inside. They were clamped and dragged until she figured out how to unclip part of the ship. Something she shouldn't have been able to do. But like the fugue states, waking up to needed supplies, her new hearing, sight and speed, something has moved into her body to make this her new normal. So this therapy hike seems like a nice break. Until the Caruso are spotted on Vesso. No rest for the alien inhabited it seems like.
Spoilers ahead.
While I liked the story, and it had to go somewhere after the Breakaways were brought back into the VS fold, this one didn't fit. We still don't have any real idea of who the Caruso are, their motives beyond greed, and that last one is shaky. It seems more "last stand" tactics. But they're a larger, stronger, better tech and military weaponized people. They literally have the cards stacked in their favor. How do they continuously lose? Humans are scrappy but we're not omnipotent. The aliens/possible spirits of ancient humans/whatever that inhabit Tally are never explained. The team change at the end, she defied those officers, people tend to hold grudges. Love is great, but a happy work environment goes a long way. Also, she now has all new people to hide her abilities from. She should have retired and gone mercenary. Ben, like Sebastian, needed constant rescuing. Not a good feature for a special forces soldier. The whole satellite thing didn't make sense. Satellites are used in a net array. They run on line of site. There'd be more than 1 in orbit, and redundancy is huge in communication tech. The baseline of the plot starts unraveling quickly when you think about it. And why would they wait a month when they know Caruso are interested in a planet? Any toehold would be logically removed quickly. And why would their first order not be to reinstall an invisible, "only their systems show it" satellite before dropping people on the planet, since their communication tech doesn't go too far? I don't know. If you turn down the voice shouting, "but...why??" the book is ok. Another fun action adventure sci-fi. It just didn't shine as much for me as the others.
Tally is still recovering from being trapped in an alien ship for 2 weeks. Alone. Unless you count the decomposing body of her crewmate. Her team of scientists were so excited after coming across the distress signal, and then realizing it was an ancient ship, possibly a Verdant settler ship. Then Caruso came out of nowhere and started firing on them. She and Rew had been working out getting in the ghost ship and Rew was hit before they could get inside. They were clamped and dragged until she figured out how to unclip part of the ship. Something she shouldn't have been able to do. But like the fugue states, waking up to needed supplies, her new hearing, sight and speed, something has moved into her body to make this her new normal. So this therapy hike seems like a nice break. Until the Caruso are spotted on Vesso. No rest for the alien inhabited it seems like.
Spoilers ahead.
While I liked the story, and it had to go somewhere after the Breakaways were brought back into the VS fold, this one didn't fit. We still don't have any real idea of who the Caruso are, their motives beyond greed, and that last one is shaky. It seems more "last stand" tactics. But they're a larger, stronger, better tech and military weaponized people. They literally have the cards stacked in their favor. How do they continuously lose? Humans are scrappy but we're not omnipotent. The aliens/possible spirits of ancient humans/whatever that inhabit Tally are never explained. The team change at the end, she defied those officers, people tend to hold grudges. Love is great, but a happy work environment goes a long way. Also, she now has all new people to hide her abilities from. She should have retired and gone mercenary. Ben, like Sebastian, needed constant rescuing. Not a good feature for a special forces soldier. The whole satellite thing didn't make sense. Satellites are used in a net array. They run on line of site. There'd be more than 1 in orbit, and redundancy is huge in communication tech. The baseline of the plot starts unraveling quickly when you think about it. And why would they wait a month when they know Caruso are interested in a planet? Any toehold would be logically removed quickly. And why would their first order not be to reinstall an invisible, "only their systems show it" satellite before dropping people on the planet, since their communication tech doesn't go too far? I don't know. If you turn down the voice shouting, "but...why??" the book is ok. Another fun action adventure sci-fi. It just didn't shine as much for me as the others.
March 25, 2019
I loved the beginning of this book that proved it would not just be another typical Verdant String book.
Let me explain. Breakway and Breakeven were the first two books in the series that both dealt with the breakaway planets of the Verdant String. They had a lot of similarities in protagonists, antagonists and the way the story developed. The opening chapter of Trailblazer proved that there would be a little something different in this book.
I could not turn the pages fast enough.
After a stint on a ghost ship, Tally has been blessed/infected with some type of organism that helps her when she needs help. With or without her approval. They make her stronger, faster, heighten her senses and sometimes take her sleepwalking. But they are only trying to help. Ben is the first person that Tally admits all too, since everyone else seems to think the ghost ship adventure may have affected Tally’s mental capacities. It did, but in a good way. If you like those little friends running around inside your body.
Perhaps the Tally and Ben, jumped into bed together a little fast. I mean, they really did not know each other that well. However, they work together well – as in evading capture, leading the bad guys astray, protecting the rest of the team and facing the bad guys. However, of the pair, Tally is the enticing wild card. With her little friends inside her, nobody knows what she might do next. That is what kept me reading into the night.
On Veltos, there is a lot going on. And you never really get the whole story of why the Caruson are on Veltos. But the Caruson have been the aggressors in all three books, so while the details are lacking, the overall picture of the Verdant String worlds against the Caruson holds the series together.
You also do not get an explanation of Tally’s little friends. Where they came from, what their goal is, and why they chose Tally. I kept waiting for this explanation. A tie to Earth is hinted at, or maybe I just read that into it based on my own Earth-centric view. I can only hope there will more to the Verdant String series, though Diener’s past series have been limited to 3 books. Usually, I am happy with the 3 and out philosophy. However, with the series, I want more!
Trailblazer is, without question, my favorite of the Verdant String series so far.
Thanks to the author who gave me a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
Let me explain. Breakway and Breakeven were the first two books in the series that both dealt with the breakaway planets of the Verdant String. They had a lot of similarities in protagonists, antagonists and the way the story developed. The opening chapter of Trailblazer proved that there would be a little something different in this book.
I could not turn the pages fast enough.
After a stint on a ghost ship, Tally has been blessed/infected with some type of organism that helps her when she needs help. With or without her approval. They make her stronger, faster, heighten her senses and sometimes take her sleepwalking. But they are only trying to help. Ben is the first person that Tally admits all too, since everyone else seems to think the ghost ship adventure may have affected Tally’s mental capacities. It did, but in a good way. If you like those little friends running around inside your body.
Perhaps the Tally and Ben, jumped into bed together a little fast. I mean, they really did not know each other that well. However, they work together well – as in evading capture, leading the bad guys astray, protecting the rest of the team and facing the bad guys. However, of the pair, Tally is the enticing wild card. With her little friends inside her, nobody knows what she might do next. That is what kept me reading into the night.
On Veltos, there is a lot going on. And you never really get the whole story of why the Caruson are on Veltos. But the Caruson have been the aggressors in all three books, so while the details are lacking, the overall picture of the Verdant String worlds against the Caruson holds the series together.
You also do not get an explanation of Tally’s little friends. Where they came from, what their goal is, and why they chose Tally. I kept waiting for this explanation. A tie to Earth is hinted at, or maybe I just read that into it based on my own Earth-centric view. I can only hope there will more to the Verdant String series, though Diener’s past series have been limited to 3 books. Usually, I am happy with the 3 and out philosophy. However, with the series, I want more!
Trailblazer is, without question, my favorite of the Verdant String series so far.
Thanks to the author who gave me a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2024
I didn't expect book 3 in a series I wasn't wholly grooving on was going to be a 5 star read for me, but here we are. Nor did I expect a book which could comfortably be labeled as romantic suspense, despite the sf trappings, would keep me up well into the night. While I really dig competent people thrown into dire situations, the copaganda coming off of the average romantic suspense -- beleaguered schoolteacher/baker/librarian/whatnot on the run from cartoon mobsters is protected/banged by a detective/Navy SEAL/bodyguard/whatever -- leaves me cold. (Look, I know, that is an unfair characterization, but I have run into this plot a lot.)
Anyway, the set-up is complete scifi bollocks, one of those genre-specific situations that is invisibly ridiculous to genre readers. I'm more sensitive to this sort of thing when I'm reading outside my area of interest. Mysteries, for example, often lose me in the set up, because I'm not a versed enough reader to say, whatever, get to the good stuff when the detective goes undercover as her own twin sister or whatever.
But once we get past the bollocks, this godamn book moves. A number of very competent people are thrown into a low tech and extremely dangerous situation, on the ground on an alien planet completely cut off from the larger universe. While they may be cut off and alone, nonetheless very important shit, as it pertains to the Fate of the World &c, is going down right on this little planet. So they have to not get eaten by crocodiles while at the same time head off a fucking war.
I love this so much.
I also love that the main couple -- because there is a romantic thread -- lets the other one kick ass without shouting MINE or being overcome by a paroxysm of "protectiveness". (I cannot abide some fucking dude interfering with his girlfriend's competence because he's feeling "protective". I swear to Grom that word is a euphemism for something, I just can't figure what exactly. Patriarchy? Too on the nose?) But then they do protect each other's secrets, the ones that matter, while kicking ass in their own ways.
So. Not sure what more there is to say. I have a growing respect for Diener as a writer, because I can only think of one other time when book three in a series blew my socks off this way. (And that was the Feververse by KMM, which ended up being a one-off for me.) Good shit. I'm glad there's more.
Anyway, the set-up is complete scifi bollocks, one of those genre-specific situations that is invisibly ridiculous to genre readers. I'm more sensitive to this sort of thing when I'm reading outside my area of interest. Mysteries, for example, often lose me in the set up, because I'm not a versed enough reader to say, whatever, get to the good stuff when the detective goes undercover as her own twin sister or whatever.
But once we get past the bollocks, this godamn book moves. A number of very competent people are thrown into a low tech and extremely dangerous situation, on the ground on an alien planet completely cut off from the larger universe. While they may be cut off and alone, nonetheless very important shit, as it pertains to the Fate of the World &c, is going down right on this little planet. So they have to not get eaten by crocodiles while at the same time head off a fucking war.
I love this so much.
I also love that the main couple -- because there is a romantic thread -- lets the other one kick ass without shouting MINE or being overcome by a paroxysm of "protectiveness". (I cannot abide some fucking dude interfering with his girlfriend's competence because he's feeling "protective". I swear to Grom that word is a euphemism for something, I just can't figure what exactly. Patriarchy? Too on the nose?) But then they do protect each other's secrets, the ones that matter, while kicking ass in their own ways.
So. Not sure what more there is to say. I have a growing respect for Diener as a writer, because I can only think of one other time when book three in a series blew my socks off this way. (And that was the Feververse by KMM, which ended up being a one-off for me.) Good shit. I'm glad there's more.
March 17, 2019
Suspenseful and adventure packed
This is an expertly crafted and suspenseful read with plenty of action and also a romance for the central character Tally. I was so engrossed in the story that after a while I felt as if I was living and breathing alongside Tally and her fellow trail walkers on the planet Veltos where much of the book is set. The story worked well for me as a standalone, although I feel that if I had read the earlier books in the series they would have only added to my enjoyment.
I loved Tally the central character. She is one strong woman despite the trauma she has recently endured of being the sole survivor on a ghost ship, where an alien entity has invaded her body and mind. This makes her vulnerable as she finds herself at war with herself. For although whatever it is that has burrowed inside her is determined to protect her, its host, from harm, she is sometimes compelled to act in ways that are at odds with her free will.
Sent on the Veltos trail to aid her recovery from what was a disastrous mission, she is at pains to conceal what has taken up residence inside her and her oftentimes new abilities. However, she finds it increasingly difficult to keep her secret from fellow trail members as they find themselves the quarry of an enemy who is stalking them. It is especially difficult to hide the truth from Ben Guthrie, a member of the special forces who is on a mission to find out what really is going on on Veltos. Ben too is a strong character and a worthy mate for Tally.
I found the whole premise of the book, combined with the central characters of Tally and Ben and the secondary characters, made for a cracking scifi adventure. The read has plenty of tension and suspense as the plot develops and truths reveal themselves. I was on pins with how far Tally could control the entity inside her and how others would react when and if its presence was revealed. and also whether they would survive the enemy stalking them.
Thoroughly recommended for lovers of sci-fi and space opera who also love romance.
Please note that an ARC of this book was given t me by the author for a fair and honest review.
This is an expertly crafted and suspenseful read with plenty of action and also a romance for the central character Tally. I was so engrossed in the story that after a while I felt as if I was living and breathing alongside Tally and her fellow trail walkers on the planet Veltos where much of the book is set. The story worked well for me as a standalone, although I feel that if I had read the earlier books in the series they would have only added to my enjoyment.
I loved Tally the central character. She is one strong woman despite the trauma she has recently endured of being the sole survivor on a ghost ship, where an alien entity has invaded her body and mind. This makes her vulnerable as she finds herself at war with herself. For although whatever it is that has burrowed inside her is determined to protect her, its host, from harm, she is sometimes compelled to act in ways that are at odds with her free will.
Sent on the Veltos trail to aid her recovery from what was a disastrous mission, she is at pains to conceal what has taken up residence inside her and her oftentimes new abilities. However, she finds it increasingly difficult to keep her secret from fellow trail members as they find themselves the quarry of an enemy who is stalking them. It is especially difficult to hide the truth from Ben Guthrie, a member of the special forces who is on a mission to find out what really is going on on Veltos. Ben too is a strong character and a worthy mate for Tally.
I found the whole premise of the book, combined with the central characters of Tally and Ben and the secondary characters, made for a cracking scifi adventure. The read has plenty of tension and suspense as the plot develops and truths reveal themselves. I was on pins with how far Tally could control the entity inside her and how others would react when and if its presence was revealed. and also whether they would survive the enemy stalking them.
Thoroughly recommended for lovers of sci-fi and space opera who also love romance.
Please note that an ARC of this book was given t me by the author for a fair and honest review.
March 8, 2019
5 stars
A gripping sci-fi adventure with heart
I absolutely love this novel! From the very first page, I was hooked by the captivating heroine Tally and by the finely written narrative tension. The plotting is perfection! If you want a smart space opera with a strong heroine, danger, and a little bit of eeriness, then definitely grab this book. The entire “Verdant String” series has been stellar, and this new standalone addition to the series is everything that I hoped it would be and more. The content is suitable for both teens and adults.
Most of the chapters are told from the third person perspectives of the two main characters, Tally and Ben. There are occasional chapters from the perspectives of other people. The story focuses on two people in a dangerous situation, but it has a possible impact on multiple planets full of people. I love how the readers see what Tally and Ben are thinking and feeling. There is a romantic element, but the book is more of a sci-fi adventure than a romance. Don’t let a romantic element scare you off. This is real science fiction. I don’t want to say too much about the plot; the book blurb says just enough about that. The plot does include covert special forces military operations and a group of people walking the equivalent of the Appalachian Trail, except that it is located on a nearly uninhabited planet. My review can’t suitably convey the high quality writing and the rich entertainment value of this novel.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
A gripping sci-fi adventure with heart
I absolutely love this novel! From the very first page, I was hooked by the captivating heroine Tally and by the finely written narrative tension. The plotting is perfection! If you want a smart space opera with a strong heroine, danger, and a little bit of eeriness, then definitely grab this book. The entire “Verdant String” series has been stellar, and this new standalone addition to the series is everything that I hoped it would be and more. The content is suitable for both teens and adults.
Most of the chapters are told from the third person perspectives of the two main characters, Tally and Ben. There are occasional chapters from the perspectives of other people. The story focuses on two people in a dangerous situation, but it has a possible impact on multiple planets full of people. I love how the readers see what Tally and Ben are thinking and feeling. There is a romantic element, but the book is more of a sci-fi adventure than a romance. Don’t let a romantic element scare you off. This is real science fiction. I don’t want to say too much about the plot; the book blurb says just enough about that. The plot does include covert special forces military operations and a group of people walking the equivalent of the Appalachian Trail, except that it is located on a nearly uninhabited planet. My review can’t suitably convey the high quality writing and the rich entertainment value of this novel.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
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