Commander Sorăna Mirra has spent years leading a hand-picked team of marine special operators. Together they've taken the fight to humanity's oldest foe, the vicious Kyrans, defeating them time and again—time and again, knowing they’ll get no credit for their victories.
When an audacious Kyran raid strikes deep into human territory, Mirra and her team are thrust into the heart of hostile space to retaliate. It's business as usual—until a shocking discovery in the enemy compound calls the true purpose of their mission into question, and dredges up painful memories of the Great War.
Now, Mirra must battle not only the enemy, but her own buried regrets as she and her team fight for survival, retribution, and the truth. But in war, truth—like memory—can be a dangerous thing.
The Blade Within is a gripping prequel to the Si Vis Astra series, delivering intense action, sharp tactics, and a powerful exploration of the scars left by war.
An exciting, space opera page-turner[...] The battle scenes provide an adrenaline rush in their realism, with weaponry and defensive armor descriptions that make it easy to suspend belief. Mirra’s struggle with the questions raised by her superiors about the outcome of the battle[...] makes one anxious to read the follow-on novel. I highly recommend it.
— Rick Moltzon, Beta Reader
This is the start of an incredible saga for a military series. The characters are real, the story and plot are gripping and fast paced. Mirra became a fast favorite of mine as she looked back at recent events with a critical mind. A no nonsense personality and quick thinking with thorough understanding of missions to accomplish, make her a great commander. There is emotional turmoil that adds to the suspense as the plot unfolds and the danger increases.
— Lisa Hunt, Beta Reader
“Elaborately detailed setting—an expansive universe containing numerous human cultures, aliens, and a mysterious A.I. race, all embroiled within a multi-dimensional series of relationships and conflicts. Impressive, imaginative and thought provoking look at a possible future. The Appendix alone is amazing.”
— Dan Loving, Beta Reader
“A must read prequel novella of unprecedented calibre & storytelling in Dylan's uniquely picturesque style. Action from the first sentence with characters & tech so realistically mind blowing, this will keep you awake turning pages needing to know what's next.
☆☆☆☆☆”
— Adam McDonough
