Prophecy by Lea Kirk #scifi #romance #spaceopera

Title: Prophecy (Book One in the Prophecy series)
Author: Lea Kirk
Genre: scifi romance
Publisher: self
Available: Amazon (pre-order price) $0.99 (Kindle) 342 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:
One normal day turns into a nightmare when Earth is attacked. Now ER nurse Alexandra Bock is imprisoned aboard an alien slave ship with no way out. She deems all aliens untrustworthy, including the handsome blue-skinned Matiran captain who shares her cell.

One night of betrayal leaves Senior Captain Gryf Helyg a prisoner of his enemies. Because of him, Earth’s indigenous people face extinction and his home world is threatened. But his plans for escape are complicated by his inexplicable draw to the Earth woman imprisoned with him.

One ancient prophecy holds the key to free Alexandra and Gryf’s war-ravaged worlds. Can two wounded souls who have lost everything learn to trust and forgive in order to fulfill the prophecy, and find a love that will last for eternity?

What I liked:
I've never been a fan of alien abduction or contemporary (ish) settings, which just goes to prove what a fabulous book this must be to win past my prejudices. Kirk's greatest skill lies in crafting her characters, winning you over to them, and writing even secondary romances in such a way that not only tugs on your heartstrings but completely reels you in, rips you apart, and leaves you with the warm fuzzies and tears in your eyes afterward. Prophecy also offers a different twist on the alien abduction trope by making both main characters abductees imprisoned together - one alien and one human - a variation that helped win me over (I'm not a fan of female abductee falls for alien abductor). It also plays on the Atlantis mythology, and two of my favourite themes: Soul mates and psi powers. The sex scenes are sensual and hot yet surprisingly quite non-explicit. This story packs some serious emotional punch.

What I didn't like:
While the story jumps straight into events, the first few chapters dragged just a fraction with all the main characters held prisoner. In some ways I suppose it accurately reflects their own frustrations at being trapped in a cell, but I would have liked it to move on a bit quicker. That said, it didn't put me off reading or impact my overall thoughts on the book.

In conclusion:
I LOVED. This. Book. While it's a little light on the SF elements for me, it's a stunning debut that reads like the work of a long-term professional author. The writing is smooth and highly polished, with great sensual intimacy in the sex scenes without a lot of explicit wording. Wonderfully three dimensional characters and perfectly written primary and secondary romances that will leave you longing for a Matiran of your own. Recommended for fans of alien abduction/invasion stories, gut-punching sensual romance, those who don't like their SFR too tech-heavy, and especially if you're looking for a variation on the alien abduction theme.

I received an ARC from the author for an unbiased and honest review.

Awake My Soul by CE Kilgore #spaceopera

Title: Awake My Soul
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Space Opera/Scifi Romance
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $2.99 (Kindle) 71 pages
Rating: 3*
Rater: Pippa



Blurb:
Bred to be a perfected example of Xen'dari genetic code, Hark had always known that something about him was slightly askew when compared to the rest of the Xen’dari in line. He could tell that there was a slight variation. He could feel it, but there was still something missing. Something within him that remained slumbering, awaiting the spirit that would awaken his soul.

Zasi was not certain what to make of the blue-eyed man found nearly dead in space, but one thing became quickly clear. He was not the typical Xen'dari that she, a proud Ruisk, had come to loathe and fear. Something about him called to her spirit and asked her to see past what he was to help him discover who he could become.

What I liked:
This is a book that deals with discrimination, subjugation, and diversity. All things even our civilized Western society still suffers from, and it was great to see it tackled so head on and so well in this story. As always the world building is well done and interesting, and continues to build on the Corwint universe.

What I didn't like:
The romance was too rushed and not believable for me. I also found the conflict at the end resolved too quickly and easily. Much as I'd love years of intolerance and cultural brainwashing to be stamped out so instantly and with no bloodshed, but even in fiction I find it unbelievable. Not for the central characters so much, particularly Hark, as we see their understanding grow and know their background, but for all the secondary characters to just fall in line with a short speech didn't ring true. I would like to have seen this acceptance and understanding take place at a more natural pace and with the inevitable conflicts.

In conclusion:
I don't normally post reviews for books that I rate three stars, or review or rate anything less than that, but since I've reviewed all the other books in the series so far I couldn't really skip one. Although well written and enjoyable, the rushed romance and too pat resolution spoiled it for me and left me dissatisfied with this particular title. Still worth reading as part of the universe to learn more of the races, cultures and characters making it up, but not the best of the bunch.

Breathe Into Existence by CE Kilgore #spaceopera #scifi #romance

Title: Breathe Into Existence (Corwint Central Agent Files, #4)
Author: CE Kilgore
Genre: Space opera/scifi romance
Publisher: Tracing the Stars
Available: Amazon $3.80 (Kindle) 246 pages
Rating: 5*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

Asha journeys to the Vesparian homeworld, breaking the laws of her sisterhood in a hope to save the life of Merik - the Trexen who nearly lost his mind in his attempts to protect her from herself. As she seeks reconciliation for her past and a reason to hope for the future, she must accept responsibility for Merik's condition at the possible cost of her heart.

Merik awakens to an alien world and the silver eyes that have come to haunt his dreams. Fighting against his Trexen nature, his heart begs him to protect Asha while his carnal spirit calls him to claim her as his and no one else's.

Bonds will be forged and broken. Trust will be lost, love tested and the strings of Fate pulled taught. The universe will tilt as two Vestrasa collide and Ethan learns a truth that has the power to change everything.

What I liked:
This is a hard one to do without spoilers: be warned! So, my new favourite character got what I was hoping for. Despite the head hopping and multiple POVs, I found this one far less confusing to follow than book three. And wowzers, was there was a huge surprise with massive, universe changing potential at the end! Lots of tension culminating in what would be a completely satisfying conclusion as a final book, but intriguing threads that promise more to come. I much preferred this one to book three.

What I didn't like:
There are still another four books to come, and none of them are available yet! I felt that after all the build up the fate of the 'villain', though expected, was a bit of a damp squib. And yet, in some ways, we understand his drives so much better that some may feel sympathy for him. The head hopping remains an issue, but less confusing in this installment.

In conclusion:
Classic space opera with real emotion that made me cry. Loved the ending, loved the romance that was resolved in this book, and in some respects this would be a great finale to a series, while still leaving openings for more books (which the back matter promises there will be). Who is the mysterious fourth player?! Oh, and I'd recommend skipping the side stories to make it easier to focus on the main books as it's less confusing. Those can stand alone so you can always come back to them later.