Outlaw by Edward W. Robertson

This book was brought to my attention by Kindle Unlimited.

After reading the description of this book, I thought it would be mostly about Mazzy Webber, newest member of the junky cargo ship Fourth Down that has turned pirate. But that's only half right. Webber shares the first half of the novel with Rada Pence, an employee of an eccentric billionaire, who is following the trail of recently murdered Jain Kayle. The two don't meet until about 65% into the book when they join forces and solve Kayle's murder.

At first, I did not like alternating between Webber and Rada. I didn't like reorienting to each character's very different story lines. And, for obvious reasons, their connection wasn't made clear until closer to their meeting. But, to my surprise, it did not take away from the story. Of the two, I found Rada's experience more interesting (as murder mysteries often are) rather than Webber's entry into piracy. I think more time could've been spent with Rada and Webber could've summarized his experience when they meet--but I think he will be a main character of the series over Rada so I think that is why the author did it that way. Overall, I thought the story was well written and had good flow. I'm looking forward to reading the second book.

I selected this book because I thought it was the first book in a series. And while I'm right that it is, I feel like I would've enjoyed the book more had I known it was a sequel series to a previous series written by the author (The Breakers). There are some things in the novel that are foreign concepts that I hope are clearer to familiar readers. Since I liked this novel, I am seriously considering reading those prequels. Whether or not I'll also review them, time will tell.

Visit Edward W. Robertson's site for more information about the author and how to purchase his books.