Veena’s review of Renegade: The Coalition Rebellion Ziem 3 (Coalition Rebellion, Book 6) by Justine Davis
Futuristic Space Fantasy Romance  published by Bell Bridge Books 24 May 19 

I have absolutely loved this series and couldn’t wait to see how this final chapter in the trilogy would unfold.  This story is probably the best in the series with its strong emotional impact and, of course, its message of how strength and cunning can outwit a giant enemy. Caze Paladen, one of the coalition’s most decorated commanders, is dying. Ziem is his final assignment, where he wants to go out with all guns blazing, and yet he has a strange fascination and admiration for the rebel leader and his mother, whose portrait he has rescued and hidden in his own quarters. When circumstances bring him face to face with Iolana Davorin, whom he has believed long dead but the rebel forces call the “Spirit,” all bets are off.

Iolana, with her healing power, not only heals his grievous injuries but also restores a percentage of his emotions that have long been frozen. Watch out for the outcome, since it is definitely not going to be good for the coalition forces.  When long-hidden truths emerge, Caze’s very foundation is shaken. I found the story deeply moving and emotional as Caze first fights against the truth and then reluctantly comes to terms with it.

I truly hope Ms. Davis will continue to spin stories of this universe and perhaps some day even bring some of the characters together to throw off the yoke of the coalition.

Grade: A

Summary:

A traitor may be their only hope.

The Coalition’s most decorated battle commander Caze Paladen is running out of time—personally and professionally. A shard of shrapnel embedded close to his spine threatens his life, and the resistance of Ziem’s people to Coalition rule threatens his career. Either way, Paladen is on borrowed time, unless he can find a way to win this war.

The legendary Spirit of the Mountain, widow Iolana Davorin—long believed dead—has the power of healing along with the blessing and curse of far-seeing vision. Following her path has saved Ziem so far, but cost her nearly everything, including the love of her children. Now, when she’s almost reclaimed her life, she must risk it all again and find a way to turn an honorable man into a traitor.

Caze Paladen holds her world and the lives of her children in his hands. Yet, she sees something in him that gives her hope, for both her home and her heart. If she can find the long buried spark of humanity in him and flame it to life again. If she can stop the rebels from killing him. . . .

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series: