Breakout

PRAISE FOR THE DRED CHRONICLES

Havoc

“There's so much action, so much adventure, and more than that, it's great writing.”

—USATODAY.com

“Spectacularly and spellbindingly perfect with high-octane action that keeps you on the edge of your seat and a romance that is surprisingly sweet and tender in a harsh and unforgiving setting . . . This is honestly one of the best SF romance series I have read.”

—
The Book Pushers

“[A] fast-paced space adventure . . . A raucous tale of grit and gumption.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“Ann Aguirre doesn't let up on the pace in this action-packed second installment.”

—
The Qwillery

“If you like science fiction with plenty of action and drama, blood and gore, and sequences you can see playing out in a J. J. Abrams blockbuster, then pick up this series.”

—
Drey's Library

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

“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 . . . Overall, the fast, hectic pace, the intrigue, and the great characterization made this a breathless and amazing read.”

—
The Book Pushers

“
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.”

—
The Nocturnal Library

“Definitely a must for fans of Aguirre's Sirantha Jax series or Joss Whedon's
Firefly
.”

—
Vampire Book Club

PRAISE FOR THE SIRANTHA JAX NOVELS

Endgame

“Infusing love and war together to make a pulse-pounding, heart-breaking 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.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“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 . . . immensely satisfying.”

—
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

“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

BREAKOUT

Corine Solomon Series

BLUE DIABLO

HELL FIRE

SHADY LADY

DEVIL'S PUNCH

AGAVE KISS

Cowritten as A. A. Aguirre

BRONZE GODS

SILVER MIRRORS

An imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

BREAKOUT

An Ace Book / published by arrangement with the author

Copyright © 2015 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 and the “A” design are trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC.

For more information, visit
penguin.com
.

eBook ISBN: 978-0-698-18703-0

PUBLISHING HISTORY

Ace mass-market edition / September 2015

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.

To Karen and Maja.

This book wouldn't exist without you two.

Thanks for everything.

Acknowledgments

First of all, thanks to Laura Bradford. We're heading toward eight years together, and that's amazing. Thanks for being a wonderful partner and friend.

Next I must mention Anne Sowards. This book heralds our second completed SF series, and it's been such a pleasure. I've learned a great deal and greatly appreciate all of her hard work, expertise, and dedication. Likewise, thanks to the Penguin team for all of their efforts. I need to tip my hat to Bob and Sara Schwager, who have been my copy editors. They do such a fantastic job; it has truly been a privilege and an honor.

Sometimes my friends are all that keep me going. This was a tough year, but because so many amazing people believe in me and encouraged me to keep going, I made it through. Words are inadequate to express how much that support means, but . . . Megan Hart, Lauren Dane, Vivian Arend, Bree Bridges, Donna Herren, Rae Carson, Veronica Rossi, Colleen Houck, Yasmine Galenorn, Courtney Milan, Kate Elliott, Sharon Shinn . . . thank you all so much.

To my beloved children, thank you for taking care of Christmas. Writing
Breakout
ransacked me, so I was too sick to do most of the things that I usually do. Because you guys are awesome, our holidays were still wonderful. It was touching, humbling, to sit back and see what competent, responsible young adults you've become. Thanks also to my husband, Andres, for making my dreams come true, no matter how difficult or improbable. I love you all.

Finally, thanks to my readers. My initial plan was to leave Dred and Jael drifting in space with a more open ending, so the reader could decide what happened—if they made it out or if they died together—but I decided that was a cop-out. Therefore, I hope you're as pleased with the end of their journey as I am. Truly, again thanks for staying with us all this while.