Lilian should have died for her father's crimes.
When her father’s crimes destroy the Grey Gyre Cartouche, Lilian loses everything in a single brutal stroke. Her family name is ruined. Their fortune seized. Their allies scattered. To protect the last of her family, Lilian accepts a three-year Trial by Ordeal under the authority of Monsignor Lucius Mercio, ruler of the powerful Serengeti Group.
In the Twelve Systems, commerce is war and power belongs to the cartels.
Lucius Mercio did not build his empire through mercy. Ruthless, brilliant, and feared across the systems, he rules Serengeti with absolute control. Political rivals, economic warfare, and hidden enemies surround him on every side.
What he does not expect is Lilian.
Beneath her quiet obedience lies an extraordinary mind, one capable of uncovering patterns, conspiracies, and threats his enemies worked desperately to conceal. As counterfeit vistrite spreads through the systems and powerful forces move against Serengeti, Lucius realizes his disgraced apprentice may become his greatest advantage.
And his most dangerous weakness.
Drawn into a world of cartel intrigue, brutal hierarchy, and scorching desire, Lilian finds herself trapped between survival and temptation. Because the closer she grows to Lucius, the more impossible it becomes to separate fear from trust, power from protection, and possession from devotion.
In the Twelve Systems, love is never safe.
And power always demands a price.
EG Manetti has always enjoyed a vivid imagination and occasional scribbling. Her epic science fiction series, The Twelve Systems Chronicles, blends the intrigue and danger of space opera with the passion and social rigidity of historical romance. Manetti is a two-time RONE Award-winning writer for Science Fiction and Urban Fantasy.
Science fiction romantic suspense from award-winning author EG Manetti. The first book in the epic Twelve Systems Chronicles introduces one of sci-fi’s most compelling couples; Lilian and Lucius. With all the intrigue of Game of Thrones and the action-adventure of Battlestar Galactica, The Cartel blends science fiction with romance, suspense, action, and adventure for an addictive read.
“With characters that jump off the page, love that is forbidden yet unstoppable mixed with top-notch worlds and technology, sci-fi has never looked so good or become so addictive! “ ~ InD'Tale Magazine
Five-stars. The world-building in this science fiction romance series is absolutely phenomenal. . . Lillian is brilliant. She is fierce and smart and vulnerable and endearing. ~ Paranormal Romance Guild
THE TWELVE SYSTEMS CHRONICLES
The Cartel: The Apprentice, Volume 1
Bright Star: The Apprentice, Volume 2
Transgressions: The Apprentice, Volume 3
Fortuna: The Apprentice, Volume 4
Serengeti Valor: The Apprentice, Volume 5
Nightingale: The Apprentice, Volume 6
Bond Proof: The Apprentice, Volume 7
Chalice Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 1
Shield Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 2
Thorn Bearer: Thornraven, Volume 3
