Ann Aguirre - Killbox

Table of Contents

PRAISE FOR THE SIRANTHA JAX NOVELS

DOUBLEBLIND

"One of my favorite aspects of this series is Jax. I love her as a heroine and this book really allows Jax to shine... I cannot wait to see where they go from here. Rating: five stars."

--Smexy Books

"Ann Aguirre tells a good story, plain and simple... Doubleblind was a fantastic installment in the series."

--Tempting Persephone

"Aguirre's rich and descriptive world and characters are as solid as ever in Doubleblind , so already-established fans will definitely want to continue with their story."

--BookLove

"Sirantha Jax is already a character we can't help but love--independent, brash, funny, and brave... This is spacefaring science fiction romance at its best."

--Spacefreighters Lounge

" Doubleblind is not just the latest chronicle of Sirantha Jax; it is without a doubt the greatest as well. High stakes, crackling tension, and a tangled web of political intrigue would have been amazing enough, but the entire book is built on strong characters and stronger relationships between them, which is proof that you really can have it all. If you read Ann Aguirre, that is."

--Moira Rogers: Where Things Go Bump & Grind in the Night

WANDERLUST

"Fast-paced and thrilling, Wanderlust is pure adrenaline. Sirantha Jax is an unforgettable character, and I can't wait to find out what happens to her next. The world Ann Aguirre has created is a roller-coaster ride to remember."

--Christine Feehan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dark Peril

"The details of communication, travel, politics, and power in a greedy, lively universe have been devised to the last degree but are presented effortlessly. Aguirre has the mastery and vision which come from critical expertise: She is unmistakably a true science fiction fan, writing in the genre she loves."

--The Independent (London)

"A thoroughly enjoyable blend of science fiction, romance, and action, with a little something for everyone, and a great deal of fun. It's down and dirty, unafraid to show some attitude."

--SF Site

"Once in a while you come across certain characters that just remain with you long after you've finished a book. For me, I found those characters in the cast of Grimspace and Wanderlust ."

--Dear Author

"Emotions run high in Wanderlust , and the many twists and turns will leave readers hungry for more."

--Darque Reviews

"Vivid world-building accented with gut-wrenching action ensures that following Sirantha Jax through her first-person adventures will leave you breathless."

--Romantic Times

GRIMSPACE

"A terrific first novel full of page-turning action, delightful characters, and a wry twist of humor. Romance may be in the air. Bullets, ugly beasties, and really nasty bad guys definitely are."

--Mike Shepherd, national bestselling author of the Kris Longknife series

"An irresistible blend of action and attitude. Sirantha Jax doesn't just leap off the page--she storms out, kicking, cursing, and mouthing off. No wonder her pilot falls in love with her; readers will, too."

--Sharon Shinn, national bestselling author of Quatrain

"A tightly written, edge-of-your-seat read."

--Linnea Sinclair, RITA Award-winning author of Rebels and Lovers

"An unflinching tale of survival, redemption, and serious ass-kicking. Jax's brutal eloquence will twist your heart when you least expect it."

--Jeri Smith-Ready, award-winning author of Bring on the Night

"An exciting, evocative, and suspenseful science fiction romance, reminding me of Firefly and Serenity . Characters and a world you'll think about long after the book is done. Fascinating!"

--Robin D. Owens, RITA Award-winning author of Heart Journey

Also by Ann Aguirre

Sirantha Jax Series
GRIMSPACE
WANDERLUST
DOUBLEBLIND
KILLBOX

Corine Solomon Series
BLUE DIABLO
HELL FIRE

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

KILLBOX

An Ace Book / published by arrangement with the author

PRINTING HISTORY
Ace mass-market edition / September 2010

Copyright (c) 2010 by Ann Aguirre.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,
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375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

eISBN : 978-1-101-44252-4

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For Andres, always. Because we got lost in Interlomas in the dark and you hate that zone. We only had my dubious sense of direction to find the way home. ("I think I recognize that wall, veer right!") But you cranked Shakira and made it a party. Plus, you bought me a new 360 the day after mine died. Now, that's love.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks to Laura Bradford--for everything. I talk about her at the beginning of every book, and this one is no exception. In my mind, there will always be something magical about signing with her. She pulled my manuscript out of the slush pile; I didn't come with a recommendation. I didn't have gold stars beside my name. So what we've accomplished together feels miraculous. She will always be a fairy godmother in my eyes. With Killbox in particular, she provided valuable insight in resolving a plot issue, which involved a lively discussion about nanites; there is no end to her talents.

Here's a big thank-you to Anne Sowards, who edits with a keen eye and asks questions that I don't. For all you readers who wonder about these things--she's the reason the answers exist. I've learned so much working with her, and my books are better for it. In fact, I still find it hard to believe I'm lucky enough to tap her expertise.

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