I enjoyed Susan Grant's The Scarlet Empress, a continuation, in a way, of The Legend of Banzai Maguire. However, while I thought the first came out short due to Banzai’s character that ended up not as a strong or sympathetic protagonist; here I was pleased to see that Grant was able to recover: we see very credible characters and we cheer for them. However, being the last of the 2176 series I felt it could be more, even if in different ways.

Named for Cameron “Scarlet” Tucker, USAF fighter pilot, wingman and best friend of Banzai Maguire, this book concludes the story of the two pilots that were shot down over Korea in 2006, put in stasis to awaken only in 2176. After Banzai’s rejection, Prince Kyber, the Emperor of Asia, tried to protect himself behind the alias of the Rim Rider Kublai, but this time the outcome is different and had a happy ending. While in the first book, Scarlet or Cam was practically absent, here it takes off with her, but later it also picks up to conclude Banzai and Tyler’s story, with their own hurdles and hardships. Therefore, the story of Cam and Prince Kyber was a bit hasty. In that, both stories suffer, and I finished the book with the feeling that the unraveling could be improved.

The lead protagonists suffered and ended up fighting together towards freedom, or the end of the UCE and return of a Free America. Some may say it was a little too patriotic, but I enjoyed the remittance to the American Revolution and the use of well-known quotations. Even Prince Kyber is swayed by Cam that the time for change requires his support of the Colonies. Unsurprisingly, victory is easier than expected, helped by the Shadow Fighters and the Voice of Freedom, whose identity is finally revealed. So all is well that ends well. But as this stories were interlaced there was a lot to be covered in this final installment.

As I really love Susan Grant's books, and I thought the idea behind it was very creative and fun that I wanted more. So, The Scarlet Empress was a good entertainment read.part-of-series read-2015 scifi ...more2 s Christian Woman13 2

I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. First of all, The Scarlet Empress is the second volume in a two-book series updated since its original release. Here, Susan Grant tantalizes the reader with a page-turning book shaped by intelligent suspense, political intrigue, sexual tension, and drama. Set in the year 2176 on earth, the strong character development scores high with another plucky heroine, Cameron Tucker, and plays out amidst a political maze juxtaposed against the early American revolutionary spirit. Although not an overt romance storyline, the romance between “Cam” and Prince Kyber nearly sizzles off the page. Furthermore, I am consistently amazed at the way Susan blends the story lines within a book series to fill in the blanks, which makes Scarlet a must read as a follow up to The Legend of Banzi Maguire. Finally, I recommend a second read as I did to capture the full scope of nuances crafted by Susan. Maria2,136 43

Better than the first in the series but still somewhat choppy to read, bouncing back and forth between Cam and Bree in two different parts of the world. I confess that part of my discontent is that my view of the world in 170 years is a lot more peaceful than Ms. Grant's, so I had to deal with that disappointment on top of the confusion in trying to understand what is happening in this series. Plus the clone treatment really bothered me. Once the clone is created, it is human and just as deserving of respect and treatment as a human created in a womb, so I didn't really appreciate the way they were treated. It was as if the people of the times figured that if a clone died, they could just create another one, but they were each different as one would expect, so if one died, they are just as dead as any other person, their personalities and character unique and never to be repeated. Grrr! Don't get me started.science-fiction-fantasy Jamoz234,969 45

The absolute best way to read this two book series is in the box set.
Read in the box set through Kindle Unlimited.
Ms Grant can really write a book that grabs you and refuses to be put down.
This is one of those stories but I really suggest reading THE LEGEND OF BANZAI MAGUIRE prior to this book as they flow continuously from one to the other.
The author wrote what she knows best, flying F-16 fighter jets but has merged that knowledge into a story that pulls you under from the first page.
Time travel stories are hard to do as it needs to be believable. I found myself believing in this future world, though being an Ozzie I did find Australia referred to as a cesspool a bit disappointing.
Loved the characters and the way everything played out.
The Americanism patriotism runs rampant throughout but that was what was needed to change the future of this time. Frances Law1,076 12

Totally enjoyed!

Bree (call sign Banzai) Maguire, is captured by the UCE, tortured and sentenced to death!
Cam (call sign Scarlet), has been revived from her cryosleep but has ended up in a primitive village in Mongolia. Her resurrection was much harder than Bree’s because of the lack of modern medicine.
Both of them want to find each other and neither knows how to accomplish that goal. Meantime, Cam has fallen in love with Kyber the Han acting emperor! Bree is in love with Ty but they are separated.
There is so much going on that it’s hard for you to catch your breath! A really good action filled adventure where two young pilots from 2016 find themselves in 2176. After going through massive obstacles is romance possible for them? RoseyLovesBooks1,954 13

US Air Force fighter pilot Cameron "Scarlet" Tucker is rescued by the handsome Crown Prince Kyber 160 years after she was shot down, put in biostatisis, then set adrift in a world she no longer recognizes. When Cam finds out that her best friend in the world, Bree Maguire, is alive and at the center of the firestorm, she comes up with a plan to save Bree. Will she succeed?

The Scarlet Empress is a heart pounding, suspenseful and steamy story full of twists and turns that will keep you glued to your seat K.M. Gabrysch4

Susan Grant has come though again with a entertaining story with engaging characters. The story starts off a little slow as we catch up the Bree and Tyler from The Legend of Banzai Maguire, but the action quickly picks up as Cam (Scarlet) and Kyber meet. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy Science Fiction, positive story lines, romance and strong independent women.
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Glen625

4.5 stars. The only things that stops it from being 5 is that it's not a major work. It's pure fantasy entertainment, and as such demands a significant level of suspension of disbelief. The entertainment value is worth it though.

Note: this review applies to the complete 2-book series. Lisa1,061 6

4.5

Excellent story with a wonderful, uplifting ending. I really enjoy Susan Grant’s characters. Their interactions are best described as loving and respectful, rather than just sexual. Angela2,662 9

Scarlet's awakening in a world 160 years in the future comes as a surprise. But will the man who steals her away be the hero in her new life, or will he become the villain many proclaim him to be? M Robinson 2,071 Read

Dnf it starts off all about banzai again and sorry I really don't want to read about her, book 1 was dnf bad enough so I guess I won't be reading this book after all Judy Lewis1,568 48

YOWZA!!! PULSE-POUNDING FUTURISTIC ACTION/ADVENTURE SCI-FI ROMP...WITH ROMANCE!!!
Title: The Scarlet Empress
Series: 2176 Series
Designation: Book Two, Full-Length Novel, Not Recommended As Standalone (292 Pages), Originally released as part of a multi-author anthology, NO Cliffhanger
Author: Susan Grant
Genre: #sciencefiction #action/adventure #futuristic #dashofromance
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Sexy Riveting Stars*****
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! I adore science fiction, addicted to action and adventure and completely captivated by fierce, courageous, kickbutt heroines but give me the perfect combination of all three along with a generous dash of romance and I'm in heaven! And that's exactly what Susan Grant has given her readers with The Scarlet Empress! Grant totally rocked my world...again with the lengthened and revamped re-release of The Scarlet Empress, the second riveting story in the 2176 Series. Although this book could certainly be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Legend of Banzai Maguire first since there is an underlying interconnected storyline with crossover characters appearing in both books of the series. And folks, it just doesn't get any better than this for sci-fi action adventure fans. The Scarlet Empress is an exciting, fast-paced, action-packed, well-crafted, well-edited and beautifully written full-length sci-fi romp filled to the brim with heart-pounding danger, spellbinding drama, edge-of-your-seat action, pulse-pounding adventure, spine-tingling suspense, intriguing twists and turns, agonizing angst, and a generous dash of spicy romance. The narrative is exceptionally well written with a riveting third-person perspective but once again includes an introductory first person pov prologue from Bree 'Banzai' Maguire. The dialogue is smart, snappy, easy-to-follow, well executed and flows effortlessly. But without a doubt, my favorite element of this mesmerizing tale is the cast of engaging, fascinating and well-developed characters. I fell in love with the feisty, brave Air Force pilot Cam 'Scarlet' Tucker. YES! We finally find out what happened to Bree's missing wingman! There is absolutely nothing sexier or more entertaining than a smart, loyal, courageous, strong-willed, tough-as-nails, kickbutt heroine who is determined to live life to the fullest and never back down from a challenge, and Tucker exemplifies these qualities in spades! And what can I even say about the seemingly dominant, cold-as-ice dictator Prince Kyber? *sigh* But never fear, even the coldest heart can be melted with sufficient heat and Cam has never walked away from a challenge. She doesn't mind kicking some royal butt and she may even break her handy-dandy blowtorch! lol... And when you put these two characters together....well, let's just say the sparks fly brighter than fireworks on the Fourth of July! Oh dear! Their interaction is nothing short of explosive! What more could you ask from a great read? Not a darn thing! Did I this book? No, I loved it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am! If you read the first book of the series, The Legend of Banzai Maguire, and wanted more heart-pounding danger, more edge-of-your-seat action, more spine-tingling adventure, more nail-biting twists and turns, more steamy romance and another larger-than-life, tough-as-nails, kickbutt heroine, then The Scarlet Empress is most definitely the book for you! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! It's no secret I'm a diehard Susan Grant fan and have been for years but there's a very good reason for my loyalty. Grant is an incredibly gifted writer with a boundless imagination who excels at creating detailed and beautifully depicted worlds, then populates them with captivating, larger-than-life characters who will not only engage your imagination but will also capture your heart! Was I entertained? Completely! I was glued to my seat, white-knuckling my reader with my heart fluttering wildly in my chest while the time flew as quickly as the pages! Well done, Susan Grant! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! Goddess of Chaos2,540 11

Fighting for the America they were born in, after an unplanned 160 year cryo-nap,

Banzai, from the first story is front and center here, in this culmination of a wonderful story about two fighter pilots who are shot down, captured, experimented on, and wake up after a 160 year cryogenic nap they never expected to take.

This book explores the characters we met in the first story, as well as the cultures, digging deeper and adding layers as we continue to try and figure out who to trust, who is the shadow voice urging revolution, and try to understand the current world political situation which is so different from what Banzai and Cam knew when they were shot down.

Between the isolationist Asiatic Hans, and the imperialist Colonists, the concepts of refusing to interact beyond ones borders, as well as constant expansion are both explored, as are some of the citizens concerns... though more stories could be written exploring how those with no government connections live, and feel about their world.

Both Banzai and Cam, aka Scarlet, are strong, loyal, patriotic characters, which made them particularly interesting to me. They did not wait for others to act, they were looking for their part to play, that moment when their strengths would be of use. Tara van Beurden391 11

This was the final of the 2176 books and again was written by Grant. Grant’s other piece in this series, the first book, this one suffered with the problems that being a final book in a series has: being the wrap up and all that entails. The story itself, about the Emperor Prince of Asia (again) and Banzai Maguire’s best friend, who was also put in stasis for 170 years. Of course, this time, our Asian Emperor is in luck and the best friend, Cam returns his feelings, so our little circle is closed. That’s pretty much it on Cam’s story and we’re back with Banzai’s trying to find the spirit America has lost. It’s a little too patriotic from that point in, especially for a foreigner, but the plot works and it was an enjoyable read. Probably the most awkward bit is right at the very end, when Banzai and Cam meet all the women from the three middle books, their stories explained in an elevator speech. A little clichéd if you ask me, but I understood the point. I enjoyed the book upon reading it, but in hindsight…well, its all a little pedestrian. Still, a good one for anyone who enjoys Susie’s work, as well as dystopian/sci-fi/future-world kind of stories. books-read-2011 own romance ...more Anna748 25

I did not that Bree had so much of the book for herself. I actually would have d the story to be told from the POVs of the characters I had assumed were the main focus of the book. The series is basically The Bree Show. And I didn't , or know, the character well enough to be happy about this. The only other book of this series I read was The Power of Two by O'Shea, which I thought as pretty good. So I wasn't too familiar with Bree, but we do get plenty of backstory explanations, so reading them isn't required.

I skipped the Bree parts after a bit. The book is full of well used romance/etc cliches so I skimmed along pretty quick. No thinking necessary. A good book if you need a brain break. The characters were lacking their own unique personality and depth, we just see some familiar molds. And the relationship between Kyber and Cam is developed fast and unconvincingly. But then again I didn't care too much.

The ending was ribbon-bow wrapped and everything came together rather nicely. Too nicely. Too Hollywood happy ending. And all characters seemed to suddenly come in soft focus and become bland...and generally happy and overly emotional.skimmed Cindy Rampmeyer21 3

This book is about two women who are Air Force Pilots who were shot down over North Korea and kidnapped by a scientist. The scientist put them in cryogenic sleep. When they woke, the world had changed and they found themselves separated from each other and on the front lines of a revolution. The United States is gone and they do not what has taken it's place. They each find an ally and fall in love. This is the second book in the series. I d how believable this new world is and how two women, displaced in time, fit into it. I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading it until I finished it. I just HAD to see what was going to happen next. This book is full of adventure and romance. This book is a stand alone but the book is better if you have read the previous book as some of the characters from the first book are in this book. I voluntarily left this review of an ARC. Ladiibbug1,574 81

#5 (and final book) in the futuristic action/romance "2176" series

Four different authors in this 5 book series

Susan Grant, a favorite author of mine, winds up the series in the year 2176 with an exciting, action-packed finale.

I thoroughly enjoyed the imaginative locations, futuristic governments, or what passed as governments in this series. Each story, romantic couple, setting & detals were so unique - great job, authors!

Hooray for all five strong, intelligent, capable heroines we met in these books! Nice to see so many "kick #ss" women :-)

*woot!* Always nice to finish up a series!

Next stop: The lovely Lexie in trade Gmc537

The Scarlet Empress - 2176, Bk 5 by Susan Grant

Cameron "Scarlet" Tucker U.S.A.F. fighter pilot shot down over Korea then put into stasis for 170 years. the first thing she wants to know is where is her best friend Banzai Maguire. She is being cared for on a small farm in Mongolia and has been told the the rest of the world has been laided waste in nuclear war and to hide from Rim Riders.

Kyber, the emperor prince goes to Mongolia in his disguise as Rim Rider "Kublai" goes to Mongolia and takes Cam back to his capitol.

Who is the Voice of Freedom, the Shadow Voice???

This is the conclusion of this 5 part multi-author series. Jen121 8

I d the first book of this series, the Legend of Banzai Maguire But, I d this story even more than the first due to the interaction between Kyber (Kublai) and Cam (Scarlet). The heat between the two main characters was believable as their relationship developed. I enjoyed watching Kyber change through this novel. He truly did grow. Bree and Can grew as well, into more confident and responsible woman willing to risk everything for what they loved and believed. Overall, this was a great book and I highly recommend it. Cristina68 3

Lots of action and romance, but I felt this second installment was rushed. I understand that it's only two books that were reformatted, but I feel it could have been 3, or two more proportional ones. The chapters at the end were throwing me off because I kept thinking it was the end, and then there was another chapter. Otherwise I enjoyed the book, the future world building, 2 awesome female fighter pilots, the romance between the Emperor and Cam, and how everything came together at the end. *I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Beenee Reads391

This entire series was awe inspiring. I loved that the characters were believable and that Kyber got his HEA with Cam.
The 5 books in this series each had strong lead characters that suffered and lived everyone else and it made the fight towards freedom that much better.

This last book was probably my favorite just because I d the interaction between Kyber and Cam, they are just the cutest couple ever!reviewed romance science-fiction ...more Kathrynn1,178

Book #5 in the 2176 Series and to my knowledge, this ended the series. Book #1 was written by this author, too, but the others in the series are written by different authors. Cam finally got her story!

This was a nice read!2006 own reviewed ...more Kate42 1 follower

Good fun read. Enjoyed Susan Grant's writing. Romance. Strong female characters. Action. History.

The second book in the 2176 series. Easy reading for a holiday weekend. As a veteran, I understood it, but you don't have to be in order to enjoy this futuristic romance novel. Linda 1,864 294

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