Smuggler’s Guilt (Reese Daniels Smuggler series book 2) by T.D. Wilson (book review).

Reese Daniels might not want to be a hero but in the second novella in the T.D. Wilson’s series chronicling the smuggler’s adventures, he might not have much choice.

In the first story, ‘Smuggler’s Valor’, Daniels follows his heart as he comes to the aid of a marine troop marooned on Ariel. Alas, no good deed goes unpunished and in the second story, ‘Smuggler’s Guilt’, Daniels finds himself again between a proverbial rock and a hard place.

The Earth Defense Forces have a job for him and are not shy about using his past as leverage. He is tasked with getting the goods on a criminal cartel. But, once inside, he’ll have to use every trick in his bag to get back out with his head still attached to his body.

‘Smuggler’s Guilt’ is another fast-paced SF action adventure that takes full advantage of the shorter page length. Wilson gives us just enough to appreciate Daniels’ character, good at heart, even if he tries not to show it, and not an ounce more. As I stated in my previous review, there’s enough world-building here for the reader to appreciate the setting without getting lost in it. The side characters, too, are ripe for the story.

I’m enjoying these bite-sized stories. It’s nice to be able to read another chapter of Daniels’ adventures without having to sit for a week or more holding up a doorstop of a book. I’m looking forward to seeing where Daniels goes next but, if I had one hope for the following adventure, we would finally get to meet the family he’s doing all of this for.

Kelly Jensen

October 2023

(pub: Greywalker Press, 2023. 50 page ebook. Price: $ 0.99 (US), £ 0.79 (UK). ASIN: B0CGYXJHG9)

check out website: https://tdwilsonbooks.com/