Emily Skrutskie Libri

Set in a futuristic world, this novel features a blend of intense competition and survival as young women navigate a brutal training program. With themes of resilience and camaraderie, the story explores the characters' struggles against oppressive systems while honing their skills for an impending conflict. The narrative combines elements of military strategy and personal growth, drawing comparisons to popular sci-fi classics, making it a gripping read for fans of action and adventure.

Three weeks after pledging allegiance to pirate-queen Santa Elena, Cassandra Leung struggles as a pirate trainee while dealing with her feelings for Swift, the girl who broke her heart. When other Reckoners threaten the NeoPacific, Cas must confront her past and decide whether to protect or fight against the monsters she once cared for.

Separated for the first time and in full command of their respective forces, the time has finally come for Gal and Ettian to confront what they owe their empires, their friends, and each other if they are ever to forge a universe where the two of them can be together

Torn between loyalty and love, a young prince will learn how much he’s willing to sacrifice as he tries to destroy the rebellion that threatens his throne in the exhilarating sequel to Bonds of Brass. “A knockout.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) Gal’s destiny has always been clear: Complete his training at the military academy, prove his worth as a royal successor, and ascend to the galactic throne. When a failed assassination plot against Gal sends him and Ettian—his infuriatingly enticing roommate—on a mad dash through the stars, Gal’s plans are momentarily disrupted. But he was born to rule the Umber Empire, and with Ettian by his side, nothing will stop him from returning home and crushing the growing insurgency threatening his family’s power. Yet nothing is ever that simple in war—or in love. Gal is captured by the rebellion during a skirmish and faces public execution, his grand fate cut short. To save Gal’s life, Ettian does the unthinkable: He reveals himself as the secret heir to the fallen Archon Empire and rightful leader of the rebellion . . . and, therefore, Gal’s sworn enemy. Now a political hostage in this newly reignited conflict, Gal must use his limited resources to sabotage the rebellion from within, concoct an escape plan, and return to the empire he’s destined to lead. And if that means taking down the man he thought he loved? All the better.

Cassandra Leung--a seventeen-year-old trainer of Reckoners, sea beasts bred to defend ships--is kidnapped by the pirate queen Santa Elena and ordered to train a Reckoner pup to defend Santa Elena's ship.

A young pilot risks everything to save his best friend--the man he trusts most and might even love--only to learn that his friend is secretly the heir to a brutal galactic empire. Ettian's life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded his world. He's spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he's met Gal--his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who's made the academy feel like a new home. But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating secret comes to light: Gal is the heir to the Umber Empire. Ettian barely manages to save his best friend and flee the compromised academy unscathed, rattled that Gal stands to inherit the empire that broke him, and that there are still people willing to fight back against Umber rule. As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who's won his heart and trust that Gal's goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what's rightfully theirs?