Review: Really Enjoyable Sci Fi Romance Short
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 15, 2011
Between 4 & 5 stars for this sci fi romance novella. It's set in the same world as Silent Blade, but you don't have to read one to understand the other. It was a treat getting an update on Meli and Celino, though.Ilona Andrews referred to this one as a Billionaire and His Secretary romance, except that the secretary can kill you with her mind. This is my kind of romance.For the sci fi fan, there are biologically enhanced psychic warriors (called psychers), bionet computers that psychers jack into and interact with, and the issues of refugees from one planet trying to assimilate to life on a new one. You also have a planet that while beautiful to look at, is ruled by mafia-type families whose feuding often leads to bloodshed. Only the strong survive and thrive here. I really liked the bionet scenes, there was a lot of action and imagery.For the romance fan you have a smolderingly hot male lead, Ven, who can't seem to find the right girl to settle down with. You also have Claire, the ultra powerful psycher from a war-torn planet who must pretend to be normal to have a chance at a new life on a world that appears to be a paradise compared to her home. I like that although there were secrets and miscommunications, there was a really good reason for that - Claire is terrified of being deported or killed for her abilities.The attention to the small details that I've come to expect from Andrews is here from the comparisons of the different planets, to the discovery of new enticing foods, to the interactions between the characters. There is also some subtle humor, especially in Claire's asides. A very fun romantic getaway, with a good dose of action too.[I received a review copy of this novella.]