By: Katee Robert
Published By: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: March 17, 2012
Format: eNovella, 112pgs
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Series: 0.5 in Sanctify series
Recommendation: Oh yes, for science romance fans and romance fans alike. Great build of a universe and sparks of a romance.
Synopsis:
Marianna Zain is in trouble. The handsome stranger she just kissed? He's a member of the most terrifying hate-group in the universe. Even after he takes her captive, Marianna can't shake her initial instincts that he's a man of worth...and her only chance at escaping death.
One of Sanctify's most decorated lieutenants, Gerard Leoni thought he had everything figured out. But then he crosses paths with a Diviner, the most despised of the alien races, and is honor-bound to bring her in. One night with Marianna makes him question everything he knows.
As the day of her scheduled execution draws near, Marianna forms a plan. She's going to seduce Gerard - a task that would be simpler if she weren't being seduced as well. But Sanctify doesn't take kindly to their people cavorting with aliens, and instead of finding a savior, Marianna may be dragging Gerard to his death alongside her...
First Sentence:
An unnatural calm blanketed the streets of Keiluna, as if its residents sensed a predator in their midst, searching for the perfect kill.
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/ My Thoughts and Summary:
Gerard and his team are on a mission; assassinate a group of aliens who have affiliated themselves with those against the Sanctify. They are surprised when they think they accomplished their goal and Gerard is hurt. Not able to move fast enough he sends his crew back to the ship to get away without him, and he stumbles out to find aid at a Sanctify sympathetic bar. Marianna sees the injured man hobble through the door. Her skin crawls with the Lady's push to read the cards, which is punishable if a Diviner doesn't do so when called. This man feels like trouble to Marianna, which is what she avoids, yet she's drawn to meet him and the cards seem to confirm it. Marianna has to be careful as Diviners are tortured and killed by Sanctify, but the cards wouldn't send her into trouble...or would they? The cards, that the Lady guides, never lie.
This is the kind of romance reads I like. I know I'm reading romance yet there is action to keep me going. It feels the romance is worth it in with all the characters have to triumph. There is a little bit of bitter with the sweet, and I like that.
Right off Katee wastes no time, into the meat of the happenings with action. Katee knows her words are valuable in a novella and uses every one powerfully. We meet Gerard and set the mood for his station in the Sanctify, see a world and his current job, along with meeting others and learning bits of the Sanctify to make you curious, filled with suspense and action. All within the first chapter of ten pages.
In space sci fi reads I love that anything, one, place is possible. In this novella we are packed full of world and alien possibilities. We focus on what we have here, but you get the fill the universe can be rather large.
Gerard is of a group that believes anything not human, alien, can not be trusted. Sanctify is a group of humans run by a High Priest, who purifies the universe by killing aliens. They believe they are doing right. Marianna is of a race the Sanctify looks the worse upon, and the Lady seems to have guided her right into their clutches. Even thought every turn gets worse and worse for Marianna, the cards telling of the future give her glimpses of hope however Marianna finds herself and others she seduces to help her deeper in trouble waiting her death.
A man with a shred of doubt and a woman with a drop of hope and faith, even from different sides of the human spectrum, could make a difference and blossom a love.
We also have the first three chapters of the first novel, Queen of Swords, which is also now available. Which I WILL be getting.
**I read this novella for my own enjoyment.
**This review is a collection of my thoughts.
Sounds like it was interesting enough...but don't you think the cover model looks a bit like Christina Ricci? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGMR, oh I really enjoyed this one. And I was't sure how Christina Ricci was, but yes, I do see it after I Googled her. Wow! I never saw it. :D Thank you!
DeleteCool cover :) Can't see the Ricci thing that Gmr sees though..must watch it again
ReplyDeleteBlodeuedd, well, lame me didn't even know who Ricci was. lol. I had to go Google her to see. :D Thanks for stopping!
Deleteoh you always have the most intriging Sci-fi books. And I'm always ashamed to be difficult with this genre.
ReplyDeleteOh Thank you Melliane. Glad you like the sounds of the books I find here. :) And this was a very good read and not hard to follow as it's more space than sci fi. :) Thank you dear.
DeleteOh you don't get much romance in sci-fi books. I usually enjoy those when you find them so I am glad you now put this one on my radar.
ReplyDeleteMelissa (B&T) No, you don't. And this space read was wonderful for romance. :) I do hope you get a chance to give this one a go. I really did love it. :)
DeleteOooohhhh, another good one! I've been reading novellas lately, so will add this one to my list. And I sort of see the Ricci resemblance, as they have the same round face. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yes Alexia, a very good one. I've been stuck on the Novellas lately as well. Do hope you get a chance to give this one a try. :) Thank you!
DeleteNot big on novellas, but it sounds interesting. And the cover has great colors.
ReplyDeleteHi Rainy Kaye, thank you for stopping. I know there are many not big on novellas. I seem to have struck a gold mine with them lately though. lol. Thank you for stopping.
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