Review: A Perfect Blend of Sci-Fi, Mystery and Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 12, 2011
The Kolian Chronicles #1, "Space Turbulence," by Alex la Soum starts with a bang and doesn't let up.  Prepare yourself for an incredible ride.Hammer Mehran is just the man you'd want piloting your spaceship through an asteroid belt, but the last person you'd leave alone with your wife.The book opens in court, where a pretty dancing girl attracts the unwanted attentions of the king, who proceeds to humiliate his long-suffering and beautiful wife, Queen Mysior, on her 23rd birthday.  This fantastically detailed scene is written with humor and precision.  In a few broad strokes, we understand who holds power in the royal court and what the relationships are.Beaten by the king later that night, Mysior runs away--straight into the arms of bad boy Hammer Mehran.  He is transporting passengers from Mysior's miserable home planet (called The Dump) to the center of the empire.  Once they are safely aboard The Spirit of Freedom, Hammer and Mysior fall in love against both their better judgment.Suddenly, in mid-flight, the First Mate is brutally murdered, and Hammer and Mysior (knowing they are both innocent) must team up to investigate the other 12 passengers and solve the mystery before they dock on the Home World--they have 4 days.  What follows is an action-packed, funny, sexy whodunit that will keep you turning pages.The book is full of astute observations:  "The man was 500 yards down the road and still running."  "The Queen shifted awkwardly in her seat, her face like thunder."  The dialogue is great, descriptions of space are totally believable, and the dance between characters is compelling.  This is an intelligent space romp with plenty of twists and hooks and a surprise ending.  I can't wait to read the next installment of this terrific epic adventure.  Highly recommended.