The Dauntless Gambit
A starship vanishes. An operative goes rogue. An empire begins to crack.
The mission briefing
When Imperium Navy starship Dauntless vanishes after answering a distress call, the Red Kestrels are blamed — but the evidence doesn’t add up. Field operative Samantha Mori discovers proof of high-level treason, and is sent on an unsanctioned mission with no support, no approvals, and no backup. What follows is a four-book saga of conspiracy, moral ambiguity, and the cost of doing the right thing inside a system that doesn’t want the truth.
Four books. One conspiracy.
Kestrel & Claw
Samantha Mori discovers that the empire she serves is hiding something worth killing for.
Legacy & Lies
The conspiracy deepens. Alliances form in the dark. Trust becomes a luxury no one can afford.
Turnabout & Temerity
The lines between friend and enemy blur. The cost of the truth becomes devastatingly clear.
Ascension & Ash
Arc 1 concludes. Empires don’t fall quietly, and neither does Samantha Mori.
Book 5 in progress. 7 books planned.
The operatives
Samantha Mori
Rogue operative. The woman who pulled the thread.
The Imperium’s best field agent — blindly loyal, cold-blooded, and terrifyingly competent. Until the day she found evidence that the empire she served was rotting from within.
Decker Sagan
Smuggler with a conscience. The reluctant ally.
Co-captain of the retrofitted wartime freighter Matilda. All Decker wants is a quiet life on the Fringe, far from the Imperium’s reach. He’s not going to get it.
Renic Tau
Imperial loyalist. The man who chose the wrong side.
Once Samantha’s closest ally, now her most dangerous adversary. A year of estrangement and a conspiracy have put them on a collision course.
Qin Meredessi
The intelligence. Quiet, precise, and always watching.
Imperium Navy intelligence officer asked to turn her considerable gifts against her own government. Samantha Mori is on her target list.
For readers who love...
- The Expanse
- Firefly
- Tom Clancy in space
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
- Mass Effect
- Political intrigue with real consequences
What to expect
- Multiple POV storytelling
- Slow-burn conspiracy
- Characters who earn your loyalty
- A galaxy that feels lived-in
- Moral ambiguity — no pure heroes
- An author who respects your intelligence
Verified readers
"5 stars, no doubt. This is my favorite new series, can’t wait for more!"
Audiobook listener"Like a new Bladerunner, very Phillip K Dick. The world-building is incredible."
Paperback reader"Tight, fast-paced romp with a soft sci-fi blend that pulls you in and doesn’t let go."
Kindle reader"The immersive detail is like TV beamed directly into your mind. I could see every scene."
Audiobook listener"Elements of Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, and Guardians. If you like any of those, you’ll love this."
Audiobook listener"Binged the entire series! Each book is better than the last. The character development is phenomenal."
Audiobook listener
Start the mission.
Available in paperback, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible. Pick your format and enter the universe.
These books were originally published under the name Erik Flowers prior to the author’s transition. Updated editions with new covers are planned.