Enemy at Bay

Cercians, Book 2

By: S. H. Jucha

Narrated by: Nicole Poole

The conclave evicts the mercenary forces surrounding Cercia. It gives Mila Pappas the opportunity to lead the first wave on an offensive against these races in their territories. However, Mila’s strategy quickly evolves from one of offense to persuasion.

Sadie and the suits are at the forefront of the new campaign. When the carriers practice their unbalanced trade exchanges with the local populations, Sadie shifts the team aboard the ships. Slowly, information is collected from the carriers’ control centers. A third language, Metter, is added to those of the Zafts and the Ondas.

While aboard Metter carriers, the team accumulates information that this race struggles to maintain military par with the Ondas and the Zafts.

An idea forms, and it’s decided to ask Metter carrier commanders to relay a message to their leaders. Of the three carriers boarded, two commanders comply, while the third resumes his trade route.

Despite contention among the Metter triumvirate, the offer to talk is accepted. Suspicion is rife among the Metters’ military leaders forcing discussions to start slowly. The carrier commanders, who initially encountered Sadie and the suits, are instrumental in keeping the dialog open.

After a historic initial meeting, Mila chooses to visit Meron, the Metter military base, to continue negotiations. This is the opportunity to challenge the naysayers who oppose an alliance. Mila’s team must convince a triumvirate member and the three commanding officers of the alliance’s value.

©2025 Hannon Books, Inc. (P)2025 Hannon Books, Inc.

Great

I just finished “Enemy at Bay: Cereians” and found it thoroughly engaging. Vice Admiral Mila Pappas wastes no time: after swiftly dismantling an Ondas war fleet, she turns her attention to the Mitter fleet, not just proposing but skillfully persuading them into an alliance. Her strategic finesse is impressive, and I’m eager to see how she handles the looming threat of the Zafts.

S. H. Jucha continues to prove himself a master storyteller. His characters are so vividly drawn and emotionally resonant that they begin to feel like old friends rather than fictional creations. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

I listened to this as an audiobook from Audible, which runs twelve hours and forty-eight minutes. Nicole Poole delivers another stellar performance: her narration brings depth and consistency to the series, enhancing the immersive experience.