Play the game. Murder the innocent. Don’t let them see you sweat. Commander Boone’s treacherous secret could save thousands of lives—if he could only escape from the murderous warlord who employs him. He wears his game face while following orders to destroy enemy fleets and handles a reckless assassin with elemental powers. Behind the scenes, he is undermining the warlord’s pursuit of an innocent rival. The duplicity and the horrors are taking their toll. Boone wants out. In a bold gambit, he crafts a plan to escape. But his superiors might be catching on, and the plan is not without its own horrors. With everything working against him, including the woman he thought was his salvation, he may not live long enough to execute it. BOOKFEST AWARD WINNER 2024. READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR x3. “One of the best space opera stories I’ve read all year.” — P. Deka, Reader’s Favorite “A fresh take on the classic themes of rebellion and redemption.” —Demetria H., Reader’s Favorite “Loved it! Perfect for fans of Ender's Game, Handler's Gambit contains intricate worldbuilding and gripping action scenes.” — Jodi F., Reedsy Discovery “A stellar piece of science fiction that left me utterly captivated.” — Dustin L., Amazon Space Battles | Biological “Magic” | Ground Assaults Reckless Assassins | Betrayal | Unlikely Allies The Handler's Gambit is a dark, character-driven thrill ride across the galaxy, where the sacrifices made for freedom clash with the indomitable human spirit.

Eight years ago, a chain of events was set into motion—events that now culminate in the brutal murder of a tyrant king. The killer, a woman with eyes full of sorrow and shadows, vanishes without a trace, leaving behind broken men and unanswered questions. Lycus, the world’s best tracker, is tasked with hunting her down. But as he uncovers the truth, he’s forced to confront a devastating reality: the assassin may be someone he once loved—a woman he thought dead, now twisted by time and vengeance. As he follows the trail of smoke and blood, Lycus finds himself colliding with the ghosts of his past, unraveling secrets buried deep in the kingdom’s heart. The past and present converge in a dark tale of betrayal, redemption, and the unstoppable fall of consequences long ignored.