“Alliance” eBook was published in 2016 and was written by S. K. Dunstall (http://www.skdunstall.com). This is the pseudonym for Sherylyn and Karen Dunstall. Together they have published three novels in their “Linesman” series. This is the second in the series.

I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in the far future with humanity spread out into the stars. The “Lines” are what enable starship travel and “Linesman” control and take care of the Lines. The primary character in the story is Linesman Ean Lambert.

Though he was thought to have little skill, he discovered that there were more than 10 lines and found a new, more effective way of communicating with them (the subject of the first novel in the series "Linesman"). In this second volume of the series, Lambert must train wary Linesmen in his new technique as well as defend himself from attacks. War has been declared between the fledgling New Alliance and the Gate Union, but while the tension is high, military action is still only a threat.

Lambert must maneuver a difficult path. He is the center of much turmoil between the new head of Crown Princess Michelle’s security team Commodore Vega, stalking kidnappers and political intrigue.

I enjoyed the 11 hours I spent with this 390 page Science Fiction novel. I liked the characters and the concept of the Lines. The cover art is OK, but really only relates to a small part of the story. I give this novel a 4.2 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.

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