One survivor, one secret, one spark that could start a war
For the Greater Good is a fast- paced, high-stakes space opera with romance woven through the action. Tian Axmar and Brent Walker team up to stop a killer who wants an inter-species war – and intends to hit a target at the heart of the Empire
About the book
When a Human settlement is wiped out, all signs point to an Yrmak raid. Imperial agents Tian Axmar and Brent Walker are sent to investigate—but what they find changes everything. Amid the ruins, they discover a single survivor: a rare alien feline with extraordinary abilities.
As tensions between Humans and Yrmaks spiral toward war, Tian and Brent must use every ounce of their cyborg skills to untangle a web of deception and betrayal. The creature—quickly dubbed Puss and strongly bonded to Tian—may hold the key to the mystery. But that bond drives a wedge between Tian and Brent, forcing him to question his decision to become a cyborg.
As the evidence unfolds, it becomes clear that a devious plot to incite an interspecies war will strike at the very heart of the Empire. With lives at risk, there’s no time to waste. Racing against the clock, Brent, Tian, and Puss must stop the planned carnage, and this time for Brent and Tian… it’s personal.
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FAQ
Genre and details
- Space opera with science fiction romance elements
- Action, political tension
Is this the first book in the series
It is a stand-alone short story
Who are the Yrmaks
The Yrmaks are an alien species with its own culture and traditions. They tend to be warlike, fighting amongst themselves. They are often pirates and slavers. Read more here.
What is Puss
Puss is an alien feline species that superficially resembles a domestic cat. She is an auralfang, a rare species with some telepathic abilities
Is there romance?
Yes. Tian and Brent team up to solve a murder mystery and love develops along the way
Is there sex
Yes, but the scenes are non-specific and focused on emotion and character.
Is this hard science fiction
The science is realistic but the story focuses on character, action, and political tension. Readers who enjoy smart SF with heart tend to settle in quickly.
What themes does the book explore?
Prejudice, fear, and the cost of mistrust between species
Duty versus personal desire
Found partnership, two loners learning to rely on each other
Moral choices in a politically charged investigation
Cultural understanding, seeing an alien society from the inside
Violence as manipulation, how a hidden hand can push worlds toward war
What formats is it available in
Ebook and paperback. Audiobook status depends on future plans.
Tropes and elements
- The problems with being a cyborg
- Murder investigation with political stakes
- Space-freighter pilot meets disciplined Imperial agent
- Conspiracy that uses violence to trigger a larger conflict
- High-risk fieldwork far from safety or backup
- Two characters learning to trust each other when trust is hard to give
This novel is the second story starring Brent Walker and Tian Axmar. Like the other Dryden books, it’s a space opera full of action and adventure, with a romance thrown in. And there’s a new character – Puss.
It won an SFR Galaxy Award.
If you’d like to read a bit more about Princess Amira and Admiral Ul-Mellor, take a look at A Matter of Trust. How Tian and Brent got together is the story in Eye of the Mother.
Reader praise
“This story has all the elements I like in science fiction romance – strong, multi-dimensional characters, adventure, exciting action, good versus despicable evil, mystery and, in this case, a small dollop of romance”
“The best thing is the new pet. That is the Puss in space part of the title. Puss in a really great character. She is much more than just a cat. Great story for cat fans.”