The Crown Jewels (#1)
Next: House of Shards (#2)
Peleng is a planet ripe for the plucking, and Drake Maijstral is an Allowed Burglar rated in the Top Ten by the Imperial Sporting Commission. But what should be a simple case of breaking-and-plundering turns into an intergalactic crisis when Maijstral steals something so rare, so valuable, so utterly desirable, that everyone wants it—everyone including well-armed Imperial spies, gun-toting human militias, a homicidal maniac with a very large sword, and a fanatical countess with a really, really nasty croquet habit.
Reviews
“A talented chameleon-like author, Williams has written superior science fiction ranging from cyberpunk to philosophical novels. Now he offers a light, roguish comedy of manners set in a stellar empire where style is so highly valued that thieves are allowed […] A deft, charming entertainment that honorably recalls the classic of this genre.”Publishers Weekly
“THE CROWN JEWELS reveals the author’s flair for understated wit and delicate sarcasm. Known for his hard-biting cyberpunk novels, Williams deserves appreciation for his comedic fiction as well.”Library Journal
“Sophisticated science fiction comedy at its best.”Fantasy Literature