Review: A Blacksmith's Guide to Dragon-Rearing (Dragons of Safe Haven #2) by Julia Huni

Title: A Blacksmith's Guide to Dragon-Rearing

Series: Dragons of Safe Haven #2

Previous book in this series: A Dragon Rider's Guide to Retirement

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, cozy fantasy

Publication date: March 31st, 2026

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review of author

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Synopsis: Raising dragons is easier than raising a five-year-old. Probably.

Nevan never planned on becoming a dragon rider. He was perfectly content swinging a hammer in the forge—until an injured dragon rider retired to Safe Haven. Now he’s supposed to help train the island’s brand new sea dragon fire brigade. That means long days, soaked clothing, and a growing suspicion that dragons like to play matchmaker.

Franisa has her hands full keeping her bakery--and her daughter--in one piece, but she still manages to keep an eye on Nevan. After all, she’s known him since childhood—and maybe, just maybe, she’s starting to see the dragon rider in a new light.

But when sparks fly—literally and figuratively—the whole village gets involved. Between curious dragons, nosy neighbors, and one busy little girl, Nevan and Franisa might have to decide if their friendship is ready to turn into something more.

Dragons, fresh bread, and a magical island town—welcome back to Safe Haven.

My rating: ★★★★⯪

This book was just like a warm hug. I loved it!

Warp, Rinse, Repeat (Tales of a Former Space Janitor #6) by Julia Huni

Title: Warp, Rinse, Repeat

Series: Tales of a Former Space Janitor #6

Previous books in this series: The Rings of Grissom (#1) | Planetary Spin Cycle (#2) | Waxing the Moon of Lewei (#3) | Christmas Cookie Crumbs (#3.5) | Changing the Speed of Light Bulbs (#4) Sun Spot Remover (#5)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, cozy mystery

Publication date: December 26th 2025

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review

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Synopsis: Surviving parenthood is hard enough—try doing it when the universe keeps hitting reset.

Triana Moore thought pregnancy would be messy—but not this messy. Between malfunctioning baby simulators, her mother’s attempts to fire her (again), and a snarky “smart” house that refuses to learn her name, life on SK2 is already chaos.

Then Monday refuses to end. Literally.

Now, Triana and O’Neill are stuck reliving the same day on repeat—while her pregnancy keeps marching forward. As her belly expands and her patience wears thin, they must re-convince her charming cousin Arun, their sharp-tongued friend Vanti, and a hopelessly romantic AI that the time loop is real before the triplets make their debut in a full-blown temporal paradox.

Cosmic chaos, domestic drama, and one very pregnant heroine who just wants a nap. And probably a snack.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I love the Space Janitor Universe, we all know this about me lol, but I also love a time loop, so I was extra excited about this book in particular! And it was SO fun!

Review: Dark Quasar Reckoning (Friends of a Former Space Janitor #3) by Julia Huni

Title: Dark Quasar Reckoning

Series: Friends of a Former Space Janitor #3

Previous books in this series: Dark Quasar Rising (#1) | Dark Quasar Ignites (#2)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: October 22nd 2025

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Synopsis: Political drama. A rogue AI. And a coup with grandma at the helm.

Special Agent Lindsay "Vanti" Fioravanti and her crew thought their mission to Leweian space was complete. But when their AI shuttle Helva—presumed lost forever—calls for help, they are pulled into a planetary rebellion orchestrated by their shipmate Leo’s grandmother.

With friends kidnapped, loyalties tested, and her Hadriana caat stirring up trouble, Vanti has one job: survive the galaxy’s most dysfunctional family reunion and get her crew out alive.

Dark Quasar Reckoning—a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud space adventure where high-tech espionage meets family drama, and the only thing more dangerous than a galactic coup is listening to the caat.

My rating: ★★★★☆

A megalomanic wannabe empress and a self-aware Al. That is not a good combination.

I was really looking forward to this book because on this mission, Vanti sought out help from Nick and Katie Li! These characters are from a spinoff book called Luna City Limited: The Phoenix and Katie Li. It was a lot of fun with lots of spying! Anyway, I love a good crossover, which is why I was very excited to read this! And it was so much fun! I really enjoyed it!

Review: A Dragon Rider's Guide to Retirement by Julia Huni

Title: A Dragon Rider's Guide to Retirement

Series: Dragons of Safe Haven #1

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, cozy fantasy

Publication date: August 5th 2025

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Buy it: Amazon | Julia Huni's store

Synopsis: They survived the war. Now they just have to survive retirement.

When dragon rider William Ordell is grounded by a battlefield injury, he trades conflict for peace and purchases an abandoned lighthouse on the island of Safe Haven. But quiet doesn’t suit a man used to action. After a series of mysterious fires, William finds himself launching the island’s first fire brigade—with help from the local sea dragons.

Calantha Stormbringer has left war behind, along with the last sparks of her fading magic. She retreats to Safe Haven to rebuild her late aunt’s dusty bookshop—and maybe herself. Restoring the shop will require patience, intelligence, and gold. Calantha figures two out of three isn’t bad.

What neither of them wants? To run into each other. Again.

Old grudges, magical dragons, and one cozy, nosy village—what could possibly go right?

A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement is a cozy, low-stakes fantasy filled with magic, mischief, and a slow-burn romance that won't steam your glasses. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Cursed Cocktails, and J. Penner’s Adenashire series.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I love Julia Huni's cozy sci-fi books, so I was super excited when I found out that she was going to be writing a cozy fantasy! In general, the cozy fantasy genre just doesn’t sound like it's for me. I'm a girly who loves her plot-driven books with lots of exciting action. But like I said, I love all of this author's books, so of course I was going to give this one a shot! And I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it! And maybe this will be my gateway into more cozy fantasies. Who knows?

Review: The Romara Confrontation (Colonial Explorer Corps #5) by Julia Huni

Title: The Romara Confrontation

Series: Colonial Explorer Corps #5

Previous books in this series: The Earth Concurrence (#1) | The Grissom Contention (#2) | The Saha Declination (#3) | The Darenti Paradox (#4)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: April 24th 2025

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC from author for review

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Synopsis: Two civilizations. One planet. No second chances.

Lieutenant Serenity “Siti” Kassis has trained her whole life for first contact missions, but nothing prepares her for this—arriving at a promising new world only to find it already inhabited by an advanced, spacefaring civilization. As acting commander, it’s her call whether to push forward or back away. One wrong move could spark a conflict neither side can afford.

On Lunesco, Quinn Templeton is expecting a quiet lunch with an old friend when the planetary defense system flags an unidentified ship in orbit. Since the revolution, she’s learned to negotiate, but first contact with an unknown species? That’s a whole new challenge.

Siti and Quinn could navigate mistrust, politics, and the weight of history to build something neither of their people expected—a future together. But they have to meet first. And something--or someone--is trying to keep them apart.

The Romara Confrontation is book 5 in the Colonial Explorer Corps, and follows Siti, Joss, and Derek Lee as they meet the heroes of the Krimson Empire. If you haven't read either series, I recommend you start with book 1 of the CEC series. If you're short on time, you can jump in at book 4. This book can be read without reading Krimson Empire first. (But I hope you'll read it, too!)

My rating: ★★★★★

I have been looking forward to reading this book since the author talked about writing a crossover between the Colonial Explorer Corps series and the Krimson Empire series. And it met all the expectations I had for this book. It was so good!

Review: Dark Quasar Ignites (Friends of a Former Space Janitor #2) by Julia Huni

Title: Dark Quasar Ignites

Series: Friends of a Former Space Janitor #2

Previous books in this series: Dark Quasar Rising

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: August 22nd 2024

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Synopsis: Impossible mission... or set up for failure?

Vanti’s handler sends her to Lewei to investigate a derelict ship. But she insists the agent take along a less-than-crack team to “help.” Saddled with a ravenous comm expert, a criminal inventory specialist, a timid chef, and a demolition expert who wants to blow up everything, Vanti must keep her wits about her simply to survive.

Command insists the mission is sneak into Leweian space, find the ship, discover what happened, and return with everything of value. And don’t let anyone know they’re there. It would be easy if anyone would follow the rules.

Aided by the reliable Arun and the inventive Elodie, plus Apawllo the cat, Vanti figures she can manage the impossible. If the whole thing doesn’t spontaneously ignite.

My rating: ★★★★☆

One of my favorite characters in the Space Janitor series is Vanti, so I am very happy that she now has her own series. And this book was just as fun as the first one!

Review: The Darenti Incongruity (Colonial Explorer Corps #0.5) by Julia Huni

Title: The Darenti Incongruity

Series: Colonial Explorer Corps #0.5

First book in this series: The Earth Concurrence

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: August 2023

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Kickstarter reward

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Synopsis: When Colonial Explorer Corps Lieutenant Nate Kassis gets trapped on an alien planet, he discovers something that will change the galaxy—if he gets back to his team.

*This story was first published in The Expanding Universe 8.*

My rating: ★★★★☆

I have been loving Julia Huni’s books! She just writes really fun sci-fi books with lovable characters! In her Colonial Explorer Corps series, Siti and her friends/colleagues, well, explore planets. Lol.

Review: The Darenti Paradox (Colonial Explorer Corps #4) by Julia Huni

Title: The Darenti Paradox

Series: Colonial Explorer Corps #4

Previous books in this series: The Earth Concurrence (#1) | The Grissom Contention (#2) | The Saha Declination (#3)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: October 2022

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Purchased ebook

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Synopsis: Lieutenant Serenity "Siti" Kassis has built a name for herself and the beginning of a career with the Colonial Explorer Corps. But after five years on active duty, she's assigned to a new mission: the return to Darenti.

Over a hundred years ago, her father discovered the first intelligent life in the galaxy, becoming the Hero of Darenti Four. Siti has lived in his shadow all her life, and now she's forced to follow in his footstep once again.

But this time she's on her own. After being separated from her team, Siti must decide if she can trust the Darenti--and figure out what their goal is. Because if she doesn't, they could unleash a terrifying menace on the unsuspecting human race.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I've really been enjoying reading this series, and one thing I have always been curious about is why Siti’s dad is called the Hero of Darenti Four. Well, in this book, Siti and the crew are heading to Darenti Four! I was very excited about that!

Review: A Sprinkle of Krimson (Tales of a Former Space Janitor #4.5, Krimson Empire #4.5) by Julia Huni

Title: A Sprinkle of Krimson

Series: Tales of a Former Space Janitor #4.5 | Krimson Empire #4.5

Previous books in the Space Janitor series: The Vacuum of Space (#1) | The Dust of Kaku (#2) | The Trouble with Tinsel (#2.5) | Glitter in the Stars (#3) | Sweeping S'Ride (#4)

Previous books in the Tales of a Former Space Janitor series: The Rings of Grissom (#1) | Planetary Spin Cycle (#2) | Waxing the Moon of Lewei (#3) | Christmas Cookie Crumbs (#3.5) | Changing the Speed of Light Bulbs (#4)

Previous books in the Krimson Empire series: Krimson Run (#1) | Krimson Spark (#2) | Krimson Surge (#3) | Krimson Flare (#4)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: December 2023

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Kickstarter reward

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Synopsis: When Scott Calvin shows up on SK2, you know it's Christmas time. This year, he needs Triana and O'Neill's help, although as usual, he doesn't know exactly what he needs help with. When the Reinsdyr takes them to an interdicted system, our heroes meet new friends from the Krimson Empire.

*Author's note: If you haven't read any Space Janitor stories, this one might not make a lot of sense to you. I recommend starting with The Trouble with Tinsel if you're short on time, or The Vacuum of Space. Links to both of those books can be found in the back of this story.*

My rating: ★★★★★

Ah! A Space Janitor/Krimson Empire crossover novella?!

Review: Krimson Flicker (Krimson Empire #0.4) by Julia Huni

Title: Krimson Flicker

Series: Krimson Empire #0.4

Books in this series: Krimson Run (#1) | Krimson Spark (#2) | Krimson Surge (#3) | Krimson Flare (#4)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: September 2023

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Kickstarter reward

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Synopsis: Tony meets Quinn prequel short story.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Quinn and Tony had been friends for several years by the time we caught up to them in the first book of the Krimson Empire series, Krimson Run. I was always so curious about how they first met so I was very excited when the author gave us this prequel novella!

Review: Krimson Flare (Krimson Empire #4) by Julia Huni

Title: Krimson Flare

Series: Krimson Empire #4

Previous books in this series: The Trophany (#0.5) | Krimson Run (#1) | Krimson Spark (#2) | Krimson Surge (#3) | Sashelle's Quest (#3.5)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: December 2023 (originally published July 2020)

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Backed on Kickstarter

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Synopsis: The last piece falls into place. Will it open the door to freedom or failure?

When they crushed the Russosken, Quinn and Tony knew the Federation would come gunning for them. But they can’t hide—too many depend on them.

While Tony searches for a missing Krimson agent, Quinn must fight off pirates and rescue an old friend. Francine and her siblings struggle to salvage the remains of their new inheritance. When the Marconi family arrives looking for assistance, will they have the resources to respond?

As the Federation lines up their pawns for battle, Quinn and her team move their own pieces into place. With the help of a fresh-faced academy cadet, a famous newscaster, and, of course, Sashelle, can they bring liberty to the Federation? The final battle will test everyone to their limits and only the strong will survive.

My rating: ★★★★☆

The last book in the series.

Review: Sashelle's Quest (Krimson Empire #3.5) by Julia Huni

Title: Sashelle's Quest

Series: Krimson Empire #3.5

Previous books in this series: Krimson Run (#1) | Krimson Spark (#2) | Krimson Surge (#3)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: September 2023

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Kickstarter reward

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Synopsis: Can one small kitten turn the tables on an invading horde of marauders?

*Originally published in the Hellcats Anthology.*

My rating: ★★★★☆

I love Sassy so I was very much looking forward to reading this novella! Excuse me, Sashelle. She hates being called Sassy. Lol.

Reviews: Sun Spot Remover (Tales of a Former Space Janitor #5) by Julia Huni

Title: Sun Spot Remover

Series: Tales of a Former Space Janitor #5

Previous books in this series: The Rings of Grissom (#1) | Planetary Spin Cycle (#2) | Waxing the Moon of Lewei (#3) | Christmas Cookie Crumbs (#3.5) | Changing the Speed of Light Bulbs (#4)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, cozy mystery

Publication date: April 25th 2024

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Synopsis: Same space janitor. Shiny new mess.

Three years have passed since Triana and Ty's failed honeymoon to Armstrong. Finally ready to try again, they've booked into an all-inclusive resort on Moghbeli Luna Major, where the water is warm, the drink-bots are preprogrammed, and all systems are green. Or so the holo-ads claim.

When they arrive, they find murderous seabirds, failing force shields, and a hotel owner in way over her head. And wait... is that a dinosaur?

The happy couple's long delayed vacation devolves into a mad scramble to save the resort, track down the bad guys, and save the creme brûlée. And maybe ride the water slide before they head home. If they make it that far.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Another book in one of my favorite series.

Review: Krimson Surge (Krimson Empire #3) by Julia Huni

Title: Krimson Surge

Series: Krimson Empire #3

Previous books in this series: The Trophany (#0.5) | Krimson Run (#1) | Krimson Spark (#2)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: November 2023 (originally published May 2020)

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Backed on Kickstarter

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Synopsis: They won the battle, but victory comes with a price.

After the triumph at Lunesco, Tony spreads plans for the rebellion throughout the Federation, while Quinn helps distribute resources and weapons. But when a mysterious data card connects her to an old enemy, she must gather friends to protect her children then venture out on her own to find answers.

Avoiding Federation officers and bounty hunters is difficult, but staying one step ahead of the Russosken—the Federation’s hired thugs—requires assistance from dubious allies. Quinn helps devise a plan to loosen the death grip on the Federation’s outlying planets. But if she takes down the Russosken, what rise from the ashes?

Freedom comes at a price. The final bill might be more than Quinn is willing to pay.

My rating: ★★★★☆

One revolution down, a couple hundred more to go.

Review: Krimson Spark (Krimson Empire #2) by Julia Huni

Title: Krimson Spark

Series: Krimson Empire #2

Previous books in this series: The Trophany (#0.5) | Krimson Run (#1)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: November 2023 (originally published April 2020)

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Backed on Kickstarter

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Synopsis: She ran, but she couldn’t hide.

When Quinn escaped the Federation, she took her kids into hiding. But a message from Tony brings her back to the stars. She owes him—and his family. And they’ve called in the favor.

Quinn agrees to risk her life to help Tony, as long as the family keeps her kids safe. She must follow the breadcrumbs to find him and hope she doesn’t leave behind a trail for the Feds.

Because the Federation doesn’t forget when a death row inmate escapes. And they never forgive.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Another fun sci-fi read from Julia Huni.

Review: Krimson Run (Krimson Empire #1) by Julia Huni

Title: Krimson Run

Series: Krimson Empire #1

Prequel novella: The Trophany

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: October 2023 (originally published March 2020)

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Backed on Kickstarter

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Synopsis: The Federation made three mistakes:

Leaving Quinn to die
Framing Quinn for treason
Taking Quinn's kids

She could get over the first two.

With her friend Tony, a man of surprising connections and mysterious family, Quinn rescues herself and the other "inconvenient" spouses left to die on the abandoned asteroid outpost. When Quinn launches her campaign to retrieve her kids, the Federation will realize taking children from their mother is the biggest mistake of all. Because Quinn will do whatever it takes to get them back—even start a revolution.

My rating: ★★★★☆

It’s been three weeks since the event of The Trophany (the prequel novella) went down, and now Quinn has been convicted of aiding and abetting a Krimson Spy and is currently waiting in jail to be executed.

Review: The Trophany (Krimson Empire #0.5) by Julia Huni

Title: The Trophany

Series: Krimson Empire #0.5

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: July 2023

Published by: Julia Huni

Source: Kickstarter reward

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Synopsis: When gaggle of military spouses gets abandoned on a defunct asteroid base, can Quinn Templeton rescue herself and the others before the Krimson Empire attacks?

This story was first published in The Expanding Universe 5.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Quinn and a bunch of other military spouses are suddenly left stranded on an asteroid base just as they find out that the Krimson Empire is set to attack.

Review: Dark Quasar Rising (Friends of a Former Space Janitor #1) by Julia Huni

Title: Dark Quasar Rising

Series: Friends of a Former Space Janitor #1

Other series in the Space Janitor Universe: Space Janitor | Tales of a Former Space Janitor

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: October 8th 2023

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Synopsis: In the heart of enemy territory, Vanti must save the day without blowing her cover... or her cool.

Security for a reality star cruising on a billionaire's space yacht should be excellent cover for secret agent Lindsay "Vanti" Fioravanti. Her boss, the famous Elodie-Oh, doesn't care where they go, as long as it's viral.

Then Arun, the ship's owner and pilot, grabs an opportunity to do business on Gagarin--a planet emerging into capitalism with enthusiasm. Getting in on the new market is a huge risk, but could offer enormous rewards. And visiting Gagarin gives Vanti the chance to recruit new informants.

But when a shipmate is kidnapped, Vanti and Arun must come to the rescue. Can they do it without exposing Vanti's secret identity? And if not, who will feed the cat?

My rating: ★★★★☆

I have been obsessed with the Space Janitor world ever since I discovered it two years ago, so to tell you that I was excited when I found out Vanti was going to get her own book is an understatement.

Review: The Saha Declination (Colonial Explorer Corps #3) by Julia Huni

Title: The Saha Declination

Series: Colonial Explorer Corps #3

Previous books in this series: The Earth Concurrence (#1) | The Grissom Contention (#2)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: September 2021

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Purchased ebook

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Synopsis: She survived the academy, but did it prepare her for an alien world?

Siti Kassis excelled at the Academy, earning honors and respect. She has one last cadet mission before she graduates, but it should be easy. She'll be the most junior member of an established Explorer Corps team landing on a partially explored planet. With decades of experience and the full support of the corps, what could go wrong?

Then they encounter dangerous aliens, sabotage from within, and a deadly enemy at the gates.

Siti must rely on her friends--and some of her enemies--to survive the final challenge.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Siti and the crew are headed on their senior mission, which is the last mission before they graduate from Colonial Explorer Academy. And if you think things are gonna go easy-peasy for Siti, that she's gonna go explore a planet, learn things, and come back to the academy without issue, well you’d be WRONG. Because just like in the last book, things go all sorts of wrong in this book! And I loved it! Lol.

Review: The Grissom Contention (Colonial Explorer Corps #2) by Julia Huni

Title: The Grissom Contention

Series: Colonial Explorer Corps #2

Previous book in this series: The Earth Concurrence

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi

Publication date: April 2021

Published by: IPH Media

Source: Purchased ebook

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Synopsis: Fresh from the mission to Earth, Siti Kassis, daughter of the "Hero of Darenti Four," enrolls in the Colonial Explorer Corps academy--the same academy where her father was the captain of the rev-ball team, and still holds flight records for the extreme piloting competitions. As the daughter of an honored alum, she's expected to lead the legacy students to victory in every training scenario and game.

But Siti wants to prove her own worth. Shunned by the other legacies when she refuses to play by their unfair rules, she joins a band of misfits for her class's most arduous trial: Prime Survival Week.

When Siti and her friends discover they've been dropped into a PSW with no rules and no end, will they figure out how to survive? Will they devise a plan to win?

My rating: ★★★★☆

After the very crazy mission on Earth where they discovered people still living there after the planet was supposedly evacuated 500 years ago, Siti heads to Grissom to finally attend Colonial Explorer Academy!