The Only Game in the Galaxy: The Maximus Black Files

Description

In a galaxy of cut-throat companies, shadowy clans and a million agendas, spy agency RIM barely wields enough control to keep order. Maximus Black is RIM's star cadet. But he has a problem. One of RIM's best agents, Anneke Longshadow, knows there's a mole in the organisation. And Maximus has a lot to hide.

Together with Michael Pryor, Paul is the co-editor of the highly successful fantasy series, "The Quentaris Chronicles"; he has also contributed seven titles to the series as an author. Paul's other works include "The Jelindel Chronicles", "The Earthborn Wars" trilogy and "The World of Grrym" trilogy written with Danny Willis. Paul has been the recipient of several awards, notably the inaugural Peter McNamara, the A Bertram Chandler, the Aurealis, and the William Atheling. He has been short-listed for many others, including the Speech Pathology Australia and Ditmar awards.

"After an agonising wait, Maximus Black is back more sinister than ever. The Only Game in the Galaxy concludes the race between Anneke Longshadow and Maximus Black to locate the hidden weapon caches. Each contains a fleet of Demon Class dreadnoughts capable of destroying planets. Along the way Maximus commits unspeakable crimes that Anneke tries to thwart at every twist and turn. With her Blaster no longer set on stun, Anneke means business when she aims it at Black. Assisted by the Envoy who believes Maximus is the Instrument of Kadros of destiny, they arrive on the hell planet Arachnor; the birth place of the Sentinels. Here the third set of coordinates can only be retrieved if Maximus and his nemesis Anneke work together. Swept back in time, Anneke and Maximus must shape the history that is to become their present, without destroying their future. Big players combine for the final conflict; all with hidden agendas and scores to settle. Sasume from Myoto and Bodanis of Imperial Standard join forces with the RIM Agency and Annekes fleet of dreadnoughts. Backed up by the might and power of Quesada, an army of transmogrified humans and two fleets of dreadnoughts, Maximus strives to conquer the galaxy and destroy Anneke once and for all. Throughout the chaos small players step up to the fore, turning the tide of battle and shaping a new destiny. The internal struggles of the main characters left me wanting the best outcome for all concerned. A surprise in itself, after doing the unpardonable, I still wanted Black to be happy! This action packed, fast paced book will keep you on the edge of your seat, and keep you guessing right until the end. It was a great pleasure to read this finely crafted book from the mighty fine author Paul Collins!- Robyn Donoghue, Goodreads"