Freehold

Sergeant Kendra Pacelli is innocent, but that doesn't matter to the repressive government pursuing her. Mistakes might be made, but they are never acknowledged, especially when billions of embezzled dollars earned from illegal weapons sales are at stake. But where does one run when all Earth and most settled planets are under the aegis of one government? Answer: The Freehold of Grainne, the only developed system that belongs to neither the UNES nor the Colonial Alliance. There, one may seek asylum and build a new life in a society that doesn't track its residents' every move, which is just what Pacelli has done. But now things are about to go royally to hell. Because Earth's government has found out where she is . . .

Sergeant Kendra Pacelli is innocent, but that doesn't matter to the repressive government pursuing her. Mistakes might be made, but they are never acknowledged, especially when billions of embezzled dollars earned from illegal weapons sales are at stake. But where does one run when all Earth and most settled planets are under the aegis of one government? Answer: The Freehold of Grainne, the only developed system that belongs to neither the UNES nor the Colonial Alliance. There, one may seek asylum and build a new life in a society that doesn't track its residents' every move, which is just what Pacelli has done. But now things are about to go royally to hell. Because Earth's government has found out where she is . . .

Ginger Armstrong - KLIATT

Sergeant Kendra Pacelli finishes her service in Mtali and is framed for selling weapons illegally. To save herself from an unforgiving government, the innocent Pacelli seeks refuge on the Freehold of Graine, a system that is not under Earth's governmental rules. The Freehold is also a system with mores and customs totally different from those of Earth. Although the language spoken is the same, the connotations can be different, for the Freehold is definitely an alien culture. Hallucinogens, sex, and weapons are not restricted. Food is generally extremely hot and spicy. Nudity in public is normal, and regular citizens carry firearms on a daily basis. Pacelli feels like an outsider in this bizarre society that she has chosen as a safe haven. After she joins the military on the Freehold, Pacelli becomes embroiled in a war between Earth and her new home. This highly readable SF adventure is a fast-paced, compulsive read. Kendra Pacelli is a strong female protagonist who can be spunky one minute and vulnerable the next. Her adaptation to the culture of Freehold is fascinating as the reader experiences the alien world through her eyes. Military SF readers will enjoy the technical details and the story of a fugitive soldier on the run while those who enjoy reading about alien cultures will appreciate the Freehold way of life. With its military action and alien cultures, this novel will appeal to fans of John Ringo, David Drake, Lois McMaster Bujold, and David Weber. A high adventure tale, this novel is recommended for military SF readers. KLIATT Codes: A—Recommended for advanced students and adults. 2004, Baen, 688p., Ages 17 to adult.