Review: Space opera at its finest
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 28, 2014
What I liked.I loved the characters, even the secondary ones. Bo is a strong, capable woman without being so kick ass she simply becomes a caricature. She retains an edge of vulnerability, and definite femininity while remaining believable. She reminded me very much of Dejah Thoris from John Carter. By contrast, I expected to hate Blade, as I'm not a fan of alpha males in general. But his self confidence didn't stray into arrogance, and despite his notorious reputation, he's a man with a deep seated sense of honour. Maybe Captain Mal from Firefly but he doesn't try to make out he's not really a good person like Mal seemed to. Great story arc with a decent opening to further books with a bigger arc. Interesting settings and technology, though not heavy tech. A military edge with Bo's standing as leader of the Black Wing. Good romantic tension without any explicit scenes for those who prefer their romances without all the intimate details.What I didn't like.Absolutely nothing. If I have to pick something, the opening wasn't instantly grabbing to me, but since the action kicks then off very quickly I have no complaints.In conclusion.This was a fantastic piece of space opera along the lines of Firefly/Farscape/original Battlestar Galactica. Flawless, entertaining, and with a solid, intriguing cast of three dimensional characters and thorough world building. This is one of my top reads for 2014, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!