TEST
When Shades of Dark arrived, I was excited because it was my first Linnea Sinclair novel and I’ve read such good things about her writing. Then I noticed that it was the second of a series involving the same couple, somewhat of a disappointment because I find it incredibly hard to enter a world-building, science fiction romance mid-stream. However, I didn’t stay disappointed for long and I would now describe the feeling as impatient to continue the series and read Gabriel’s Ghost, the first in this series.
Chasidah Bergren, otherwise known as Chaz, is the captain of a fugitive crew hiding from Imperial forces and planning to destroy an illegal gen-lab created by those bent on taking power. When word comes of her brother’s arrest and imprisonment, she and Sully – her lover and a human Kyi-Ragkiril who has secret telepathic and telekinetic powers – know that all hell will break loose for them and all those connected to them. However, their own mission to meet someone with knowledge of the jukor labs is more critical and practical than the rescue of her brother, a Fleet Commander with powerful connections but deadly information.
Gabriel “Sully” Sullivan is determined to stop the creation of jukors, genetically engineered monsters, and the two powerful men using them to bring war to the Empire in an attempt to seize power. However, before he can keep the people within the Empire from destroying each other, he’s got to deal with his own secrets that will have damaging consequences. Other than a select few trusted friends, no one knows he is Kyi-Ragkiril (a very small group of feared individuals with unique powers). When the Empire charges Chaz’s brother with treason, they know he’ll revel Sully’s secrets against his will when questioned by other Kyi-Ragkiril. The revelations will turn many of Sully’s contacts, and some of his own crew, against him.
To complicate matters, his powers are changing and intensifying and he doesn’t know how to cope. Sully and Chaz share a ky’sara and ky’sal bond that enables them to communicate with each other telepathically and share the other’s feelings and experiences. As a result, she experiences all of his uncertainties, fear, and angst until he begins to shut her out, particularly when he discovers a mentor who can teach him how to use his powers more fully, but who also causes more trouble than Chaz and Sully need.
Sinclair’s world is solid and her characters are unique and intriguing. Chaz is a strong heroine who holds principles dear, yet doesn’t compete to control with her mate. When it’s time for her to be the “captain” she is, but when she needs to step back and let others lead, she can do that too. Sully is a hero who isn’t afraid to show fear or uncertainty. Because of the changes he undergoes, he questions himself and is willing to listen to others and admit when he is wrong. During the course of the story, he tries to find himself – his personal journey is heart wrenching at times. The secondary characters, especially Sully’s mentor and Chaz’s ex-husband, help enrich the tension of the plot while keeping attention focused on the primary couple and the unfolding drama. Also, the story is written in the first person from Chaz’s point of view, but because of the bond she and Sully share, the reader is able to experience his emotions and feelings as well.
While a definite keeper, Shades of Dark isn’t quite perfect. Because of the build up in tension and the powerful emotions between all the characters, I found the ending somewhat rushed, certainly bittersweet, and marked with uncertainty. Since the problems aren’t all resolved, I impatiently want to know what happens next.
Linnea Sinclair has definitely found a new fan in me and I can eagerly recommend this book for those who enjoy intense emotions and the action-packed adventure that science fiction romance provides.
Grade: A-
Book Type: Science Fiction Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 08/08/08
Publication Date: 2008
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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.