Review: Another Good Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 22, 2013
Star's Storm. .. I loved the first bookRiver's Run (Lords of Kassis: Book 1)and of all the books S.E. Smith's written, River's Run would be the one I'd recommend.  It's funny, well presented, and a light read.  Star's Storm goes into detail on Jarim and Star's relationship and how outside forces impact their life together and their world.SPOILERS:The three girls (River, Jo, and Star) weren't in each other's pockets in this book.  Instead, secondary characters are more fleshed out and take their place.  Star is a warm touchie feeling type lady and while she wants to please her mate she's feeling her way in the relationship. She wants to please Jazin but doesn't want to be smothered in protection. We see a maturity and confidence bloom in Star as she deepens her friendship with Madas. We see the loyalty of Jazim's armsmen extended to Star as she works with them and proves herself.  Relationships are deepened between Madas and her mate Gil as well as the main leads Star and Jazin.I appreciate the cliff hanger being in the middle of the book and solved. Yes!  Jazin is captured AND rescued.  Yeah!  We don't have to wait on another book to find out where, why, how and when . ..There was an incomplete story line dealing with saving Ristéard's planet, the linking prophecy, and Roald & Ricki's meeting.  Some parts of that bothered me.  Like how Ristéard could leave his planet and have his title when he returned.  From the way he ruled and his rule being challenged made me think he was a guy that could never leave.  That if he did some unsurper would try to steal his throne.  He didn't believe the prophecy yet was questioning it enough to leave and I did wonder about his thought process to make that drastic move.  Not just to ensure the crystals were bought but to check out the Earthlings.I wondered why the crystal plant was being sabotaged.  I assume it was because Ristéard didn't come through on the deal of getting rid the Lords of Kassis.  That evil ex-councilman was probably behind it. . . And while he is still behind the scenes causing havoc and trouble. .. And he's still not caught, that hanging thread is ok because we all know he'll get caught.  As time passes Kassis is making more alliances against him.I enjoyed the light hearted scene with the Frenchmen.  Star is terrified and alone, that whole situation was dire yet it turned out to be the brightest part of the book.  Nice touch.I did wonder about the logistics of the smex scene in the bathroom . .. after she was turned around.  Despite her being limber she was still tied up and her feet barely touching the ground.  Turn around and face the wall -- She couldn't brace herself.  While he was constantly brutal to her. . . As her first lover. .. She still accepted everything he did.  Yup, I had problems with that passive submission of hers.I hope the ongoing situation with Ristéard Roald & Ricki will continue into Jo's book. There was just enough of a teaser to expect that.Overall I enjoyed the book.  It dragged a bit in places and the summary of the previous book was ok.  Not sure if it was needed but the reminder worked.  Anyway, a good read overall for those that read River's Run. -- Dan's Wife