Merker's Outpost [Paperback]

Intrigue, revenge, mysticism, martial arts and sexual attraction, all in a galaxy far, far away. Pick your favorite genre and you'll probably find some of it in Merker's Outpost. It's a story that holds your attention and requires your attention to be fully enjoyed.

Merker's Outpost is a planet protected by Guardian that several factions would like to control. Slave traders have setup a base and the smuggling of weapons and other illegal goods is also going on. Lieutenant Harriet Montran believes she is on a routine visit to the planet until she is betrayed by the soldiers who accompany her there and she is rescued by Guardian, a sophisticated computer system that contains the brain of a dead scientist. Harriet is recruited by Guardian to help clear the planet of the undesirable elements and in the process she discovers that her reason for being there is also tied to the plotting of a figure from her past who doesn't want her dead, yet, but turned into a metraperson, someone whose total ability to exert self determination is erased by a chip that is implanted in the brain creating a mindless servant of someone else. Harriet has help with her efforts from several sources, including Major Zohra, an undercover secret operative of Naboth's Vine, an organization that it trying to save the galaxy from the scheming of more than one evil force. Harriet and Zohra have a bond developed when they were cadets together, but they haven't seen each other in many years and can't be sure how strong that bond still is. Together they must keep the planet and each other safe until rescue forces can arrive. They also need to discover what the secret is that Guardian is protecting, a secret that is so powerful that it could ignite galactic war and cost them their lives.

Merker's Outpost easily fits into more than one genre. It's an adventure story and a romance wrapped in a mystery. It takes place in a galaxy where bots that seem almost human do most of the mundane work and people change their appearance and genetics almost as easily as they change their clothes. It's a longer book that allows the two main characters time to develop their personalities and explore their past actions in a way that explains and enriches the story. The story tests the reader's attention. Characters are known by more than one name, which can be a little confusing at first, and the altered science and references to groups need focus to keep them straight, but this is a small matter.

Merker's Outpost is a good read. It has a little of something for everyone and the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. If you're taking a book to the beach for a week, this is the only one you'll need.

This is a sci fi lover's dream.
It's fun to feel as though you're living on this planet called Merker's Outpost.
Our heroine is dropped off on the surface of the planet in what seems to be a gigantic sand storm but her survival suit is damaged and she's starting to black out.I swear I could hear the wind and feel little pieces of sand coming through the mask.It's tough to breathe when your oxygen supply is dwindling rapidly.
I was fascinated by the gadgets this author dreamed up.The "bots" that prepare your food and clean up after you were a special favorite of mine.Where can I buy one?Oh yeah,it's only make believe.
I.Christie has quite an imagination and has created a world in turmoil.
Smugglers are trying to invade the planet and steal the technology that the "Guardian" has created but more importantly they want to control a special secret about Merker's Outpost.I'm not telling you what it is.
Lady Harriet is the main character.She and Sargent Major Zohra were cadets in a military academy.Of course they have a history together but it's been 9 years since they've seen each other.A lot of emotional trauma has occurred to each of them.
They suddenly find themselves thrown together in this conflict and they're not sure if they can trust each other.
I enjoyed everyone of the 300+ pages in this story and am looking forward to the sequel.

Found the book difficult to follow. Background should be presented early on in the story so the reader has a frame of reference. The sudden flashbacks and scene changes made it a read I couldn't finish. Deleted from my Kindle.