Revolution's Shore

In this “delightful SF adventure,” plucky interstellar adventurer Lily Ransome faces off against a despotic empire (Locus).
 

Lilyaka Hae Ransome grew up on the colonized planet of Unruli. Strong-willed and with a warrior’s spirit, she broke free of her preordained life as part of a privileged mining family, choosing instead to venture into space in search of her missing martial arts instructor and mentor, Heredes. The journey took her into the maw of an explosive revolution where she became involved in an intergalactic rebellion and found love in an unexpected place—as well as true strength within herself. Now, as a tyrannical empire flexes its muscle in the universe, Lily and the charismatic, not-quite-human Hawk must band together with a motley crew of unforgettable characters, engaging in a conflict in which honor, love, and freedom are all at stake.

Revolution’s Shore is the second book of the Highroad trilogy, which begins with A Passage of Stars and concludes with The Price of Ransom.