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Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Science Fiction. HTML: New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep blasts off with an exciting new science-fiction fantasy adventure with a dash of historical romance. This action-packed space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates and enemies-to-lovers story. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice. A WOMAN WHO SEES EVERYTHING . . . Few people know the name Vesper Quill. To most folks, I'm just a lowly lab rat who designs brewmakers and other household appliances in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. But when I point out a design flaw and a safety hazard in the new line of Kent Corp spaceships, everyone knows who I am�??and wants to eliminate me. I might be a seer with a photographic memory, but I don't see the trouble headed my way until it's too late. Suddenly, I'm surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life. I don't think things can get any worse until I meet Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord who insists that we have a connection, one that could be the death of us both. A MAN WHO CAN'T FORGET HIS PAST . . . The name Kyrion Caldaren strikes fear in the hearts of people across the Archipelago Galaxy. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium's elite fighting force, I'm used to being a villain, as well as the personal assassin of Lord Callus Holloway. Even the wealthy Regals who live on the planet of Corios are afraid of me. But everything changes when I meet Vesper Quill. I might be a powerful psion with telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities, but Vesper sees far too many of my secrets. Thanks to an arcane, unwanted quirk of psionic magic, the two of us are forced to work together to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and outwit the deadly enemies who want to bend us to their will.… (more)
User reviews
Now, when I say it's SFF I'd
Another plus was that this (burgeoning?) Romance (is there even a romance to speak of??) was not insta-lovey (I really loathe the insta-love trope) even though there was a magical bond tethering each to the other straight from the start. So there wasn't a slow burn so much as an instant hate--> begrudging respect--> slightly enamored/protective state on both sides therefore calling it a romance is a bit premature... let's just leave it at they are done with the murderous thoughts about one another and have moved on to respecting and wanting to protect one another... a big leap from - stabby stabby/ I'll throw you out of an airlock and never look back- type thoughts.
Overall:
This was a really enjoyable (audio)book!! The characters were dynamic, interesting and morally gray (as they damn well should be). The writing was solid and the world building kaleidoscopic. I loved that our FMC, Vesper, was a super smart, techno savvy tinkerer with understated beauty. She grows from a lab rat doormat to a bad ass revenge seeking, psyonic force wielding hero by the end of the book. Our MMC, Kyrion, was always physically (and magically) strong but, by the end, he has a few personal A-HA moments leading to a modicum of emotional growth. His tortured soul/ killer persona is valid... he was wronged wronged wronged by the Man calling all the shots and ruling over everyone. There were subtle hints about what's likely to come in future installments and those few breadcrumbs, along with my enjoyment of this first book, have me excited for book #2. I have enjoyed Jennifer Estep's writing, and her whole vibe (to be honest) with previous books and I am excited to see more of the Galactic Bonds series.
~ Enjoy