TEST
One Bright Star contains many elements of a romance. It is a contemporary, an adventure, a paranormal, as well as science fiction, and while the contemporary/adventure elements shine, the science fiction fizzles. Imaginative story elements are combined here to intrigue the reader, but it is done at the expense of fully developing the human element, making for a less than satisfying romantic read. 
The story begins with Brehan Tucker contemplating the Atlantic Ocean and entertaining thoughts of suicide. Her attempt to blow the whistle on the hideous physical and mental abuse being practiced in an institution for orphans (that she has only recently escaped by reaching maturity) has been thwarted, and Brehan is left filled with rage and despair. By page two we find that a mysterious entity with definite ideas of her/its own shares Brehan’s body, and the cohabitation is far from peaceful. Brehan is highly psychic, although she doesn’t understand her abilities, and has occasional visions. One such incident sends Brehan tearing home to collect her two roommates and flee for their lives. The first chapter continues at a rip-roaring pace culminating in a horrifying automobile accident that should be fatal. But that is only the beginning. Instead of dying, Brehan and her friends are caught up in a bright white light and, you guessed it, come to consciousness in a spaceship filled with gorgeous pseudo-humans from another galaxy who have been raiding earth for breeders. Brehan is soon introduced to the hero, Erth, who is an alien in a human form he can put on and take off at will.
I loved the first chapter; it was riveting and posed questions I was eager to have answered. Mickee Madden is good with dialogue and she spins a fast-paced tale. The story is certainly imaginative, and abounds with intriguing mysteries. But therein lies some of the flaws of the book as well.
I found the science fiction aspects of this book a bit of a strain on my willingness to suspend disbelief. The spaceship is immense, every room huge, and yet occupied by a mere dozen or so people. There is absolutely no indication of what it must feel like to an human to suddenly be hurtling through space. Brehan seems to suffer little or no culture shock when there is no indication she even believed extraterrestrial life existed before her abduction. Here and there a few special effects are thrown in, like waterless amenities and occasional navigational emergencies that only Erth can remedy. There seemed to be no science in the fiction.
A hero who is not only alien, but in his true nature not even remotely human, was also hard for me to picture in a sexual love relationship. As Erth progresses from sexual curiosity to outright lust I couldn’t help but wonder why. I mean, that would be as likely as me suddenly getting hot and bothered over something as inhuman as a hamster or a squid. Erth’s behavior is erratic as well. In general he is depicted as strong, masterful, good-humored, and a wise leader, but he has sudden moments of frustration and temper that aren’t in keeping with a benevolent entity who is supposed to be tens-of-thousands-of-years old. Brehan’s past and her subsequent neuroses keep her terrified of love, so her relationship with Erth is combative at best. In some of their interactions the behavior reminds me of the bodice-rippers of old. For instance, in one scene, this “wise leader” actually throws this deeply flawed heroine, whom he knows to have been brutally abused in her lifetime, over his knee and spanks her. Another element of the book I found unsatisfying is the development of the secondary characters. Brehan’s enemies take an instant dislike to her presumably due to jealousy, but that does not seem motivation enough for the horrible things they attempt and in some cases succeed in doing. Both the friends and foes are barely sketched in, yet their motivations are important to the story line.
While I liked the way Mickee Madden aroused my curiosity, I really dislike a book that requires reading a sequel to finish the story when that is not made clear up front. There was nothing on the cover or inside it to indicate that One Bright Star is continued in another volume, and many, if not most, of the story questions this book raises are not answered. I hate coming to a “to be continued” when I don’t know in advance that is what I am getting. So-will I read the sequel? Perhaps. But probably not anytime soon.
Grade: C-
Book Type: Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: Hot
Review Date: 14/08/98
Publication Date: 1997
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.