Havoc

PRAISE FOR

Perdition

“Aguirre revisits the classic idea of survival within an anarchic, violent society, offering protagonists whose moral gray contrasts with the stygian dark of those around them. Sirantha Jax fans may be intrigued to see what befell Jael after his ill-considered actions there, and new lead Dred is a strong linchpin for a promising new series.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“Let me just say I didn't think Ann Aguirre could top the [Sirantha Jax] series, but she definitely did with
Perdition
 . . . The themes of the book were thought-provoking and gripping because it really explores the nature of what it is to be human in a place like Perdition, but also the nature of good and evil . . . I also think the atmosphere reminded me of a crossover with an adult-rated version of
Pirates of the Caribbean
and
Prison Break
. I loved this mishmash of elements, and it really helped to create a vibrant but dark world. But overall, the fast, hectic pace, the intrigue, and the great characterization made this a breathless and amazing read. I was very sad that I had to turn the last page. Dred and her cohorts [have] firmly captured my heart! I give
Perdition
an A+.”

—
The Book Pushers

“When [
Perdition
] finally found its way into my greedy little hands, I was basically in ecstasy. And I remained in an absolute state of bliss throughout . . .
Perdition
will give you no time to breathe, but it will make you appreciate your freedom . . . It will also make you care for its characters despite their awful and violent histories. My recommendation? Get out of that chair and go grab a copy now!”

—
The Nocturnal Library

PRAISE FOR THE SIRANTHA JAX NOVELS

Endgame

“Infusing love and war together to make a pulse-pounding, heartbreaking read, the Sirantha Jax series . . . will remain on my keeper shelf for some time.”

—
Under the Covers Book Blog

Aftermath

“Highly satisfying . . .
Aftermath
has all of the heart, soul, adventure, and sense of wonder that you could ask for in a character-driven series like this.”

—
SF Site

“Aguirre's writing is tight, and the characters have plenty of depth . . . [She] is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers, and
Aftermath
is a big reason why.”

—ScienceFiction.com

Killbox

“Fraught with action, farewells, and sorrow, fans of this series won't be able to put
Killbox
down . . . Ms. Aguirre has left the reader hanging with a finish that guarantees the reader will be on pins and needles waiting for the next installment.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“Oh wow! I literally inhaled this book, and I could not put it down . . . An epic space opera . . . Five out of five stars!”

—
The Book Pushers

Doubleblind

“One of my favorite aspects of this series is Jax. I love her as a heroine, and this book really allows Jax to shine.”

—
Smexy Books

“Ann Aguirre tells a good story, plain and simple . . .
Doubleblind
was a fantastic installment in the series, and, while being immensely satisfying, it still left me wanting more in the best possible way.”

—
Tempting Persephone

Wanderlust

“Fast-paced and thrilling,
Wanderlust
is pure adrenaline. Sirantha Jax is an unforgettable character, and I can't wait to find out what happens to her next. The world Ann Aguirre has created is a roller-coaster ride to remember.”

—Christine Feehan, #1
New York Times
bestselling author

“The details of communication, travel, politics, and power in a greedy, lively universe have been devised to the last degree but are presented effortlessly. Aguirre has the mastery and vision which come from critical expertise: She is unmistakably a true science fiction fan, writing in the genre she loves.”

—
The Independent
(London)

“A thoroughly enjoyable blend of science fiction, romance, and action, with a little something for everyone, and a great deal of fun. It's down and dirty, unafraid to show some attitude.”

—
SF Site

Grimspace

“A terrific first novel full of page-turning action, delightful characters, and a wry twist of humor.”

—Mike Shepherd, national bestselling author

“An irresistible blend of action and attitude. Sirantha Jax doesn't just leap off the page—she storms out, kicking, cursing, and mouthing off. No wonder her pilot falls in love with her; readers will, too.”

—Sharon Shinn, national bestselling author

“A tightly written, edge-of-your-seat read.”

—Linnea Sinclair, RITA Award–winning author

Also by Ann Aguirre

Sirantha Jax Series

GRIMSPACE

WANDERLUST

DOUBLEBLIND

KILLBOX

AFTERMATH

ENDGAME

The Dred Chronicles

PERDITION

HAVOC

Corine Solomon Series

BLUE DIABLO

HELL FIRE

SHADY LADY

DEVIL'S PUNCH

AGAVE KISS

Cowritten as A. A. Aguirre

BRONZE GODS

SILVER MIRRORS

THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

Published by the Penguin Group

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A Penguin Random House Company

HAVOC

An Ace Book / published by arrangement with the author

Copyright © 2014 by Ann Aguirre.

Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.

Ace Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group.

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For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,

a division of Penguin Group (USA) LLC,

375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-698-13971-8

PUBLISHING HISTORY

Ace mass-market edition / September 2014

Cover art by Scott M. Fischer.

Cover design by Lesley Worrell.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For Courtney Milan, who makes me feel smarter and more talented than I am, just because she reads my books.

As usual, I'm starting with Laura Bradford, my agent, partner, and friend.

Next I offer a hat tip to Anne Sowards for following me into dark places and never doubting that I'll write us out again. Thank you for making my books better. In addition, kudos to the team at Penguin for producing such beautiful books. Thanks also to my copy editors, Bob and Sara Schwager, who do such a fantastic job polishing my prose.

Over the years, I've been blessed with tremendous colleagues and amazing friendships. There's no space to articulate how much these individuals have contributed, so I'll name them in lieu of eloquence: Lauren Dane, Tessa Dare, Bree Bridges, Donna J. Herren, Vivian Arend, Megan Hart, Kate Elliott, Myke Cole, Leigh Bardugo, Courtney Milan, Robin LaFevers, Rae Carson, Lish McBride, and Yasmine Galenorn. You've all taught me something or led by example, possibly talked me down from a bad place or inspired me to keep going. So thank you all for being brilliant.

Thanks to my family for putting up with me. I'm trying to spend more time with you, and I hope that's a good thing. I appreciate how you listen to my ideas and give me new ones.

To my beta readers, Karen Alderman and Majda Colak, there are no words to express my affection and gratitude. Through many projects, your excitement and enthusiasm fuel mine. I hope you know how much your support means to me, but the number of books I write—with you both cheering me on—should tell you everything.

Thanks also to my wondrous proofreader Fedora Chen. She always makes me look good, no matter how challenging the task.

Finally, all my love to you, readers, who make it possible for me to live my dream. Thank you so much for the letters and cards. I cherish them all.