In the 24th century, three major powers maintained control of a galaxy overshadowed by division and political instability. The Ethnarch Kingdom connivingly collaborates with the Andrasian Republik, with the intent of eventually neutralizing the formidable Galactic Federation and taking complete control of the galaxy for themselves. In her attempt to escape the Crown Prince of Ethnarch, Princess Adara, and her soccer robot, Number 34, sneak on board a cargo ship en route to the Bandolier Asteroid Belt. Jake Jones, a cargo smuggler, rescues them both. Grateful for the rescue, Adara asks Jake to assist her with reaching out to the WFA, a feminist group that fights against social injustice. With war, covert plots, and deceit brewing in the background, Jake is pressed to make a life-changing decision. Will he aid Adara and Number 34 on their quest? Or will he stand on the sidelines and watch everyone he cares about be destroyed? Grab a copy of Smuggler's Rebellion by Daniel P. Douglas and find out.

Smuggler's Rebellion is the exhilarating first installment in the Wild Frontier Chronicles series. Fast-paced and morally charged, this compelling sci-fi novel offers readers a relentless fight for justice, daring escapes, and a reluctant hero caught in a galaxy-wide battle. This riveting space adventure will take you on a journey overflowing with constant action, danger, suspense, and humor. As the tale progresses, Daniel P. Douglas skillfully explores themes like survival, loyalty, power struggles, corruption, and equity. I admired Jake's growing fondness for his newfound 'family.' It was invigorating watching him care for someone other than himself and seeing him fight for a worthy cause that could save countless innocent lives across the galaxy. I especially enjoyed Number 34's lively personality, obsession with soccer, and comical Cockney dialect. Every aspect of this quirky robot is well-depicted. If you like action-packed space adventures filled with interstellar intrigue and dynamic characters, you will definitely love this new and exciting space opera.

Smuggler’s Rebellion: Dawn of Defiance by Daniel P. Douglas is the first book in what promises to be an enthralling science fiction series titled Wild Frontier Chronicles. Jake Jones is an interstellar smuggler. He’s been a loner since his dismissal from the Space Academy for insubordination. He travels the galaxies solo in his ship Lone Wolf, with his only companion being his spaceship’s Artificial Intelligence INCA. Steering clear of space politics, Jake’s only concern is where his next illicit cargo is coming from. Elsewhere, the warriors of the Women’s Federation Alliance are determined to make a difference for women, especially in those areas of the galaxies where they are oppressed, such as the Ethnarch Kingdom and the Andrasian Republik. When Adara, an Ethnarch princess, and her giant robot escape from Adara’s husband, the Crown Prince, Jake finds himself caught up in just what he always tries to avoid; politics, insurrection, and messy personal relationships. 

When I read science fiction, I look for excellent character development and a minimum of techno-speak. Smuggler’s Rebellion is exactly my style of science fiction. This is ultimately a story about right vs wrong, abuse of power, the subjugation of women, and the search for meaning and purpose that happens to be set in outer space in the distant future. Author Daniel P. Douglas has created a cast of characters that are readily identifiable and immensely likable. The robot, Number 34, adds a surreal aspect to all the interactions, with irrepressible wit, a desire to please, and of course an unusual turn of phrase. As the first of a series, this story sets up a fascinating scenario that will undoubtedly be played out in future iterations of this adventure. That is not to suggest that this book is not a full story in itself because it is. But what is impressive about this opening salvo in the battles that are doubtless to come is that the author has created some archetypal characters that readers will be able to root for; the lovable rogue Jake, the beautiful princess Adara, and two excellent, humorous sidekicks in Number 34 and INCA. I was impressed with the plot, the subterfuge, and the twists, and I look forward to seeing where this story goes. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it.