Customer Reviews

The Scarlet Empress (2176 Series, Book 5)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm bleary-eyed -- just finished reading The Scarlet Empress, and I'm blown away. The whole 2176 series, with its deep, patriotic themes and high stakes, has breakout written all over it. Better yet, The Scarlet Empress really delivers on the series' premise, with action, humor, and excellent romance. I was on the edge of my seat, palms sweating, as dual heroines bring the story to a kick [...]finale.

Count me as a big fan.

The 2176 ladies have really taken us on a rollercoaster ride of adventures this summer. Susan Grant conceived the series of five books, and Dorchester publishing permitted her to take the "bit between her teeth" and run, selecting three very talented writers (Kathleen Nance, Day of Fire; Liz Maverick, The Shadow Runners; Patti O'Shea, The Power of Two) to following the path she blazed.

It's not often writers have as much say or control that goes in a series such as this. It's a "bible concept' - meaning several writers are given a premise. They will have certain characters, certain points in the plots they need to hit, but then each writer takes their turn in the showcase. It's interesting to watch this unfold. Grant, you expect to knocks your socks off. A PR man's dream, Grant one of the first women in history to attend the US Air Force Academy, a former Air Force instructor pilot and now currently a 747 jumbo jet pilot for United Airlines, brings all that skill and knowledge into creating her two tales. The first was The Legend of Banzai Maguire. We meet Bree Maguire and her wingman, Lieutenant Cameron "Scarlet" Tucker. Scarlet was not only her wingman, but she was Bree's best friend. They are taken prisoner, put into suspended animation, and then awakened in the year 2176.

Through the other three books you track Bree awakened by Prince Kyber, to the realities of this new world. She escapes with Seal Commander Tyler Armstrong, and she has since become a rallying cry to the world. People want to use her as a spur to provoke the fight for freedom; others want to kill her to prevent that. So she has been on the run, all the time believing her best friend Cam was dead.

Only, resourceful Cam is far from out of the picture. Prince Kyber is still singed by what he views as Bree's betrayal, so he is not so willing to trust another lady from the past. However, Cam has learned Bree's been captures and is held prisoner, and Kyber is the only one Cam can turn to for help. Kyber soon finds out Cam gets what she wants, even when she wants him! I won't say any more, for you will want to experience this fast pace, pedal to the metal series for yourself.

It's hard for writers to come through with their best writing when working within the "bible format". But these four writers have done just that! It's a powerful series, so "today", with strong heroines who can be all, do all. Each writer brought their own talent to their tales, but all five tales blend seamlessly into one great series. And Grant's powerful finale is just the way to end it!

Kudos for Grants original concept, to Dorchester Publishing for allowing their very talented writers to boldly go where none have before, and to Susan Grant, Kathleen Nance, Patti O'Shea and Liz Maverick for delivering 110% in the dazzling series!

2004 Reviewers International Organization's Award of Excellence Finalist and 2nd Place Winner

The Scarlet Empress
Susan Grant
Love Spell, Dec 2004, $6.99
ISBN: 0505525976

In 2006 Captain Bree "Banzai" Maguire and her wingman Cameron "Scarlet" Tucker fly a sortie over North Korean when both of their F-16 jets are shot down by surface to air missiles. A fanatical scientist apparently not associated with the North Korean government captures both American aviators. He injects the duo with some sort of experimental elixir (see THE LEGEND OF BANZAI MAGUIRE).

In 2176 Cam assumed dead along with Banzai awakens from her hundred-seventy years plus sleep. She learns that Banzai also survives and has been leading a freedom fighting revolt alongside a SEAL, but that her buddy is being held prisoner. She plans to rescue her pal, but needs help from her "host" Kingdom of Asia ruler Prince Kyber, who still burns over losing Banzai to SEAL Commander Tyler Armstrong refuses to make the same mistake twice with Cam.

The 2176 tales have been one of the best science fiction romance series to come on the market in several years (to be honest cannot think of one that has been better). Each tale was terrific and the various authors (besides Susan Grant's opening and closing act, Kathleen Nance, Liz Maverick, and Patti O'Shea) added to the legend while keeping the basic characteristics and motives of the prime players consistent throughout. The final book THE SCARLET EMPRESS wraps up the innovative twenty-second century action-packed tales with a triumphant finale. These five stars five books are must reading for sub-genre fans who appreciate strong futuristic Lara Craft-like competent females.

Harriet Klausner

For those of you who like sci-fi action and romance you should read "The Legend of Banzai Maguire" first. The action rips right through the book and you'll finish reading it in no time, hence that leads to "The Scarlet Empress." In this book you'll find the deeper emotions revealed between Ty and Bree and their struggles with the U.C.E., and in my humble opinion the best parts in this book (which there are many) is the interaction between Cam and Kyber, the delicate movements between the two, like Swans drawing closer each dancing around but not quite sure...yet! I love the witty dialog exchange between these two, you'll laugh because you'll swear you've had a similar conversation or you'll say to yourself "oh, good come back! I have to use that next time." I found myself feeling closer to Kyber this time around (you'll have to read the book as to why), and that's a good thing! A good writer will have enough details of each character that you as a reader will find yourself relating not so much as the experiences (maybe for some of you), but to the personal struggles one goes through. Now that's real! Take the risk and read the book, you won't be disappointed.

This is an action-filled romance novel with loads of
suspense that you have to just keep reading and not put
the book down.Great characters that you will learn to love and
see how they go through some exciting times to accomplish their
goals.A greatlove story!

Could have been an awesome story. Having Banzai captured in the beginning is exciting but then you don't hear anything about what's going on with her for another 100 pages. Cam flying over the rebels is old Washington was pointless. The ending is totally flat. The first book in this series has a much stronger story.

The 2176 series comes to an exciting close with a story both complex and emotionally satisfying. Cam 'Scarlet' Tucker has been found and removed from her cryogenic container. But the efforts to keep her hidden from those that want her for political reasons fail. Cam is captured by a disguised Prince Kyber, who is still hurting from Banzai Maguire's escape and subsequent capture by the UCE. As Kyber and Cam form an emotional bond Banzai attempts to survive the brutal tortures of the UCE regime. The revolution begins, the Voice of Freedom is revealed, and Cam comes to the patriotic rescue. Recommended.

This is the final story in the 2176 Series. In this story, we have the pleasure of once again being with Banzai "Bree" Maguire and the love of her life, Tyler "Ty" Armstrong. They have been constantly on the move ever since Bree managed to rescue Ty from the acting Emperor of Asia's prison. Finally deciding to call in an old favor, the two of them decide to hide out with pirates for a while. Of course, Bree can sense that something just isn't right...

We also get to discover that Southern Belle and Bree's wingman, Cameron "Scarlett" Tucker is alive and living in Mongolia. Once again, the acting Emperor strikes and manages to take Scarlett back to his home. This time, Prince Kyber has no intentions of becoming emotionally involved with his "guest", despite Scarlett's best attempts.

THE SCARLETT EMPRESS is one of the best stories I have read in 2004! Susan Grant started the 2176 series with a bang and left me crying at the end of this story. The series wraps up beautifully with all the women fighting for freedom coming together. Of course, their men are no slouches either. The biggest shock of the entire series is discovering just who the "Voice of Freedom" is. If you enjoy a good futuristic action story, don't miss THE SCARLETT EMPRESS. If you enjoy reading about strong women and equally strong men, don't miss THE SCARLETT EMPRESS. If you enjoy a story with a wonderful ending bringing on the tears, don't miss THE SCARLETT EMPRESS. In other words, this book has to be on your to be read list!

It was a great conclusion to the series! Susan Grant never disappoints me!

2176 give you four different writers with their own vision of the near future. All the tales were refreshing, strong, and kept the reading on the edge of their seat. This one was no exception. I really adored the whole series. Usually when you have a "concept" like this one or two books are good, the others are weak. NOT 2176. All five books are GREAT.