{"product_id":"the-presence-malign-9781668072738","title":"The Presence Malign","description":"\u003cb\u003eIn a desperate fight for humanity's survival, Captain Saef Sinclair-Maru must lead the powerful private warship \u003ci\u003eSalahdiin \u003c\/i\u003eand an unlikely alliance against genocidal forces, balancing the demands of shareholders with the heart of a rebellion.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003ePiracy, War, and Humanity's Last Stand\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e The heavy cruiser \u003ci\u003eSalahdiin\u003c\/i\u003e is the most powerful private warship in the history of the Myriad Worlds, and bears a Letter of Marque, the Imperial charter for legalized piracy. As the most successful fighting captain of the Imperial Fleet, Saef Sinclair-Maru is the ideal choice to command the privateer, but exchanging egotistical admirals for demanding shareholders carries its own unique challenges, particularly when the fate of humanity lies in the balance. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e While war rages within the Imperium, few comprehend the inhuman instigators at the heart of the conflict or their genocidal ambitions, but Saef and his counterpart, Inga, draw a surprising coterie of allies to their campaign of desperate resistance, including spy master Winter Yung, former Molo Ranger Kyle Whiteside, and even Erik Sturmsohn, a Thorsworld war chieftain sworn to overthrow the emperor. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Together, in the face of approaching annihilation, they each must choose: Obedience to the edicts of their leaders, or loyalty to a deeper motivation that defines the very heart of humanity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough born in the northwestern United States, \u003cb\u003eMichael Mersault\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003espent his formative years in a series of magical locales, including expat communities in the Middle East, a secretive air base in the Arizona desert, and an Alaskan fishing village. These endless hours of travel prompted an enduring love for books that continues unabated. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e At times in his adult years, he has dabbled in kickboxing, competitive marksmanship, and international business ventures. He now lives as a semi-recluse back in the northwest, where he fluctuates between the paths of a confirmed technophile and a neo-Luddite.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Baen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51415219667218,"sku":"9781668072738","price":20.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_06aa25dd-b311-49df-81c7-e79e6523f723.jpg?v=1751130994","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-presence-malign-9781668072738","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}