A Warrior's Heart

A Warrior's Heart is the first book in the Marastin Dow Warriors series, introducing readers to Ben and Aaron Cooper, two brothers who endure kidnapping, enslavement, and a harsh life in space after being abandoned by their mother and raised by an alcoholic father. Their story of survival intertwines with that of Evetta and Hanine Marquette, two formidable alien warrior women seeking to escape their own violent culture. This action-packed science fiction novel explores themes of sibling loyalty, resilience, and finding belonging in a dangerous universe. Parents should be aware of prominent themes including kidnapping, slavery, violence, and a moderate level of romantic content, making it best suited for older teen readers.

Ben and Aaron Cooper’s life had never been one of ease. Deserted by their mother and raised by a drunken father, they fought to survive on the Kansas farm where their father worked. Life deals them a horrendous twist when they are kidnapped by an alien trader and sold. Ben, the oldest by sixteen months, convinces the aliens who enslave them that he and Aaron will die if they are separated. It is the only way he can think of to keep them together and protect his younger brother. The next fifteen years prove to be the most challenging of their lives. They do what they have to in order to survive. They are convinced their time has come to an end when the freighter they are on is attacked by a species known for their lust for blood and killing. Evetta and Hanine Marquette are Marastin Dow; a species whose leaders thrive on living in the old ways where only the strongest, most ruthless are allowed to live. The life expectancy for most Marastin Dow is short, especially on one of the warships that all Marastin Dow, male or female, are expected to serve a mandatory service. Advancement usually comes by murder. Evetta and Hanine want a different life and work together to stay alive in the hopes of finding a life away from the constant threat of death. Life changes for them when they encounter two strange and unusual alien males. When the males’ lives are endangered, there is only one thing these warrior women can do to save them... run! A NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, the internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith presents a new story with her signature humor and unpredictable twists! Exciting adventure, hot romance, and iconic characters have won her a legion of fans. Over TWO MILLION books sold!