Star Marque Rising — Shami Stovall

The future is governed through a genetic hierarchy -- superhumans at the top, humans and defects at the bottom. Welcome to an all-new military science fiction novel from critically-acclaimed author Shami Stovall.

Clevon Demarco, a genetically modified human, has a cocksure attitude and the combat skills to back it up. With his unparalleled skills, he makes his living as a ruthless gunrunner on a shady space station near the edges of the quadrant. Stronger, faster, and wittier than most sad sacks, no one even comes close to Demarco's abilities -- until he crosses paths with the captain of the notorious Star Marque, Endellion Voight.

Captain Voight arrests Demarco and offers him a choice: go to a prison planet for his crimes, or join her starship, the Star Marque, working as mercenaries for the superhumans. But she didn't pick him at random. She has a plan to become a planet governor; a title no human has held since the superhumans won the war. It doesn't matter the cost -- assassinations, extortion, blackmail -- she's determined to claw her way to the top.

All Captain Voight needs is Demarco's help to carry out her machinations, and she'll give him everything he's ever wanted in return.

A fast-paced space opera for those who enjoy Old Man's War by John Scalzi, Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds, or anything by Robert A. Heinlein.