Book Review: Longknifes Defend the Legation by Mike Shepherd

Longknifes Defend the Legation
Author: Mike Shepherd
Publication: KL & MM Books (April 15, 2020)

Description: Grand Admiral Kris Longknife is rampaging across the stars, kicking butt and taking planets away from the Iteeche rebels. She asks her grandparents, Gramma and Grampa Trouble, to came out to spend time with Kris's kids while she is gone.

Meanwhile, back on the Iteeche Imperial Capitol planet, intrigue and power plays continue. Within fifty kilometers of the Imperial Palace are a dozen clan factions who dream of seizing the purple from the hand of the young Emperor.

The Human Embassy once more comes under siege. This time, however, the entire Legation District, all thirty-six blocks and three million Iteeche must be protected.

Meanwhile, the kids are left on their own. Sneaky parents should not be surprised to discover that their kids are just as sly as they are.

Before too long, Little Ruth and Johnny, along with thirty of their Human and Iteeche friends, are in way over their heads.

Can Little Ruth keep her friends alive long enough for Gramma Trouble to race to their rescue.

Can Ruth, not yet eight, learn the hard lesson of being a Longknife?

This action-packed adventure of just under 100,000 words is a great parallel story for Kris Longknife Stalwart that shows just what measures need to be taken to keep the home fires burning, because - Longknifes do what they have to do . . . no matter the cost.

My Thoughts: Meanwhile back at the capital planet while Kris Longknife is off in space trying to put the rebels down, her children Ruth and Johnny are learning and playing with their friends both human and Iteeche. While the grownups are dealing with attempts to disrupt life at the Legation District, the kids just want to go swimming in the Emperor's lake. 

They make plans using their computers Daisy and Hippo, who are some of Nelly's children, to find a way to sneak out of the Legation District and find their way to the lake. Unfortunately, they are kidnapped on their way. While the humans and their associated Iteeche are combing the planet for them, Ruth who isn't quite eight-year-old uses her intelligence and the remembered guidance of her mother to find a way to let her Gramma and Grampa know where the kids are. 

This was an excellent adventure. I enjoyed getting a look at the next generation of Longknifes who are as intrepid and smart and determined as their forefathers. This story is told from both the viewpoints of Gramma Ruth and young Ruth who is her great-granddaughter. 

Favorite Quote:

"Let's see how their boss guys like being caught in a cage with one of their snakes on the loose."

"Good idea," Gramma Trouble said. "I sure don't want to have to look under my bed for one of those critters."

"You wouldn't look," Grampa Trouble grumbled. "You'd have me do the looking."

"I don't want anyone in the Legation District to have to look," Abby said. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.