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kp_khera's review
3.0
This book was gripping and very easily held my attention in its grasp. While the book and I didn’t get off on the right foot because of a spelling mistake on the first page which jumpstarted the editor within me (honestly, it’s lucky it was an ARC otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to move past it - also please don’t get your character names wrong… please), it was still able to reclaim my attention by getting me invested in both Varo and Adlar. Their worlds, their relationship.
Both Varo and Adlar come from two very different worlds (quite literally). Their planet, their culture, their language, even the way they look… In every regard, these two are opposites - except for their attraction for one another which neither can explain. Varo comes from a planet that is on the brink of civil war, economic collapse and rampant with poverty. A prince that is expendable to his own family and sent on a suicide mission to “negotiate” a deal with the Helkans.
Adlar is the older brother to the King of the Helkans. An assassin, you quickly realise how dangerous he can truly be.
Varo is thrust in a world that challenged his worldview every step of the way. He’s confronted with the reality that his prejudices were wrong. That what he believed, as many others, about this race that refuses to interact with the rest of universe was wrong. He moves past that though, and that development of his character was great to see.
I liked how the way they got together was clearly built up, except when you think of the actual time it took between Varo crashing in his shuttle on enemy territory, being captured by Adlar and becoming his prisoner to when they end up doing it.
Varo clearly isn’t thinking clearly, and frankly throughout I felt as though his “captain” status wasn’t really used adequately as a plot device. Varo gave up a bit too quickly. It’s understandable, and if more time had passed it would make more sense, but it hadn’t and it didn’t. He fell into the flow of things very quickly, as he did in Adlar’s bed. They’re kind of awesome together, but that doesn’t mean the mental anguish that situation calls for couldn’t have been delved into (more).
Another thought that I kept thinking was that when this relationship started out it was a lot like ’stockholm syndrome’.
Okay, it was basically stockholm syndrome. Except, somehow it’s okay because in the end they really fell in love, Adlar kept asking Varo for his permission and didn’t do anything against his wishes and there was a cross planetary rescue mission.
Yes, there’s attraction between the two before they even truly meet. Yes, they’re totally hot for one another - instalust, clear as day. But, this all started with Varo being captured by Adlar. He’s described himself as prey, and Adlar as a predator. One that even the jungle around him recognised Adlar as.
Except he does a complete 180° the more he gets to know Varo and falls for him. Well… 150°, because he’s never felt this way before.
The possessiveness throughout was animalistic, and objectifying Varo - but frankly, Varo didn’t mind and I wasn’t complaining either.
Some of the text was a bit on the ridiculous side.
I’m really not a fan of exclamation marks as well.
In the end, this was more about Varo and Adlar getting together. I would have love to get to know their worlds better though. The whole concept sounds fascinating, and would have been even better if it'd been worked out a bit more. The whole "vampire" thing was a nice touch, and the fear it caused very real within Varo. Moving past that, and giving us a scientific explanation (or as good as it could possibly get to explain why you need to suck blood) for having fangs and drinking blood helped the reader as well navigate this world unknown to them.
I feel I have to say this, if it isn't already clear - this book is about 70% Varo & Adlar being hard for the other because of something they did. That's okay though, because M.A. Church was able to keep the book interesting.
Some points I missed having a clear resolution to (and feel could be expanded upon) were: the rest of Varo’s crew, Varo’s father, Lars, more on Wierif, Omori, how the Helkans would accept Varo and their life After.
Overall, there’s a lot to this book. The development of Varo and Adlar’s relationship will keep you hooked until you finish it, the spike of danger and “will everything be okay? Who am I kidding, of course everything will be okay” at the end was great. If anything I want to read more, because that epilogue was not enough.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Reviewed by Kudrat from Alpha Book Club
Both Varo and Adlar come from two very different worlds (quite literally). Their planet, their culture, their language, even the way they look… In every regard, these two are opposites - except for their attraction for one another which neither can explain. Varo comes from a planet that is on the brink of civil war, economic collapse and rampant with poverty. A prince that is expendable to his own family and sent on a suicide mission to “negotiate” a deal with the Helkans.
Adlar is the older brother to the King of the Helkans. An assassin, you quickly realise how dangerous he can truly be.
Assumptions were dangerous, and as he kept finding with Adlar, often wrong.
Varo is thrust in a world that challenged his worldview every step of the way. He’s confronted with the reality that his prejudices were wrong. That what he believed, as many others, about this race that refuses to interact with the rest of universe was wrong. He moves past that though, and that development of his character was great to see.
I liked how the way they got together was clearly built up, except when you think of the actual time it took between Varo crashing in his shuttle on enemy territory, being captured by Adlar and becoming his prisoner to when they end up doing it.
Varo clearly isn’t thinking clearly, and frankly throughout I felt as though his “captain” status wasn’t really used adequately as a plot device. Varo gave up a bit too quickly. It’s understandable, and if more time had passed it would make more sense, but it hadn’t and it didn’t. He fell into the flow of things very quickly, as he did in Adlar’s bed. They’re kind of awesome together, but that doesn’t mean the mental anguish that situation calls for couldn’t have been delved into (more).
Another thought that I kept thinking was that when this relationship started out it was a lot like ’stockholm syndrome’.
There were times he wished the Helkans had just blown him out of the sky. A split unit second of pain and it would have all been over. He wouldn’t be here possibly falling in love with his captor. Could he? Or was this more of a captor-bonding type deal? How could he possibly tell?
Okay, it was basically stockholm syndrome. Except, somehow it’s okay because in the end they really fell in love, Adlar kept asking Varo for his permission and didn’t do anything against his wishes and there was a cross planetary rescue mission.
Yes, there’s attraction between the two before they even truly meet. Yes, they’re totally hot for one another - instalust, clear as day. But, this all started with Varo being captured by Adlar. He’s described himself as prey, and Adlar as a predator. One that even the jungle around him recognised Adlar as.
Except he does a complete 180° the more he gets to know Varo and falls for him. Well… 150°, because he’s never felt this way before.
The need to claim Varo rode him hard. Varo was his!
The possessiveness throughout was animalistic, and objectifying Varo - but frankly, Varo didn’t mind and I wasn’t complaining either.
Some of the text was a bit on the ridiculous side.
Is it getting darker in here, or am I about to pass out from lack of oxygen?
I’m really not a fan of exclamation marks as well.
In the end, this was more about Varo and Adlar getting together. I would have love to get to know their worlds better though. The whole concept sounds fascinating, and would have been even better if it'd been worked out a bit more. The whole "vampire" thing was a nice touch, and the fear it caused very real within Varo. Moving past that, and giving us a scientific explanation (or as good as it could possibly get to explain why you need to suck blood) for having fangs and drinking blood helped the reader as well navigate this world unknown to them.
I feel I have to say this, if it isn't already clear - this book is about 70% Varo & Adlar being hard for the other because of something they did. That's okay though, because M.A. Church was able to keep the book interesting.
Some points I missed having a clear resolution to (and feel could be expanded upon) were: the rest of Varo’s crew, Varo’s father, Lars, more on Wierif, Omori, how the Helkans would accept Varo and their life After.
Overall, there’s a lot to this book. The development of Varo and Adlar’s relationship will keep you hooked until you finish it, the spike of danger and “will everything be okay? Who am I kidding, of course everything will be okay” at the end was great. If anything I want to read more, because that epilogue was not enough.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Reviewed by Kudrat from Alpha Book Club
teresab78's review
4.0
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
I love sci-fi and slave fic, so when I saw the blurb for In Enemy Hands, I had to read it. I really connected with the characters and liked how both the sci-fi and slave portion of the story worked, with only a few exceptions.
Varo, although a starship captain, is very naïve in some respects. He cares about his crew and hates his abusive father. When he is captured by Adlar, even though he is a prisoner, he is not treated like a slave; he is given choices. As such this doesn’t read entirely like a slave fic but it does bring up questions as to the validity of feelings as Varo is still a prisoner. Adlar was noble and kind for an assassin. I liked him and his treatment of Varo very much.
The few exceptions I had were some of the sci-fi details. One was the common names for food. Adding a different planet’s name to cinnamon or other spices is not as creative as I would have liked, especially as Earth is not a planet named in this world, nor is there any indication that humans or Earth has anything to do with this system. I know it was used to help the reader get a feel for the food by relating it to something we know but it took me out of the story a bit. There was also a lot of terminology borrowed from other space shows; things like beaming people from ships. There were unique animals, though, and a few other technologies that were put forth. I appreciate that effort.
On the whole, it was an entertaining, sexy story.
I love sci-fi and slave fic, so when I saw the blurb for In Enemy Hands, I had to read it. I really connected with the characters and liked how both the sci-fi and slave portion of the story worked, with only a few exceptions.
Varo, although a starship captain, is very naïve in some respects. He cares about his crew and hates his abusive father. When he is captured by Adlar, even though he is a prisoner, he is not treated like a slave; he is given choices. As such this doesn’t read entirely like a slave fic but it does bring up questions as to the validity of feelings as Varo is still a prisoner. Adlar was noble and kind for an assassin. I liked him and his treatment of Varo very much.
The few exceptions I had were some of the sci-fi details. One was the common names for food. Adding a different planet’s name to cinnamon or other spices is not as creative as I would have liked, especially as Earth is not a planet named in this world, nor is there any indication that humans or Earth has anything to do with this system. I know it was used to help the reader get a feel for the food by relating it to something we know but it took me out of the story a bit. There was also a lot of terminology borrowed from other space shows; things like beaming people from ships. There were unique animals, though, and a few other technologies that were put forth. I appreciate that effort.
On the whole, it was an entertaining, sexy story.
ellelainey's review
5.0
Book – In Enemy Hands
Author – M.A. Church
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 214
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – Fantasy, LGBT, Science Fiction
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
*sigh*
This was an epic fantasy of mass proportion, with science fiction space lingo that was understandable, characters who were loveable and relateable as well as a romance that ticked my heart with affection.
I'm a sucker for both fantasy and science fiction, so the combination of vampire-like Helkan's – with fangs and a need for blood – and the fey-like appearance was awesome. Add in the slightly more human-like Yesri and it was a recipe for greatness. The volatile situation between their people, the way Helkan's were considered animals and the way Varo had been treated by his family – his father in particular – offered up the perfect blend of circumstances to open Varo's mind and allow the events after his capture to take place. The transition was believable fraught with tension, conflict and resistance, though there were also those lovely moments of submission, of not having anything left to fight with and, of course, Adlar's very skilful seductions breaking down Varo's barriers.
The chemistry was palpable; so real and explored in a way that made sense. Instant attraction and lust grew slowly for Varo, guided by events, feelings and the isolation they enjoyed in their first few days together. After that, when others got involved, it was great to see how Adlar suddenly realised everything that Varo had been struggling with and responded accordingly. At the same time, I love how they were both quite clear with each other as to the boundaries that could and couldn't be crossed. It was heart-warming to see the Master/slave relationship turned on it's head and become something much deeper than is common for the theme; even when Adlar had every reason to doubt, when others told him he was wrong and his trust was misplaced, he didn't doubt Varo for a minute.
The drama and danger were realistic and believable, as well as a great way to provide conflict and wrap up the lingering questions about Varo's family back in Yesri.
The dual POV was fantastic for displaying both sides of the story without ever having the need to repeat scenes in both POV's to show both sides. The characters of Varo, Adlar, as well as Omori and the nature of the Helkan's was made so vivid and clear that it was easy to interpret their reactions, a small word here, a look there, and figure out their feelings on matters that weren't shown in their POV. I was never left wondering about anything and all the questions I had about what happened right from page 1 were answered by the end of the story.
As well as incredible characterisation, great attention to detail with the descriptions, locations and starship/space aspects, there was an impressive level of world building that made everything visual and real, without leaving items unexplained or mysterious.
There was hot, sexiness, sharp wits, exhilarating arguments, seduction and so much more in the space of just over 200 pages. Yet, the story was fully complete, leaving me with no sense of needing more to explain or wrap up the story. Though I would definitely love to see Wrief's story, because I'm intrigued by these Orh'Neonian's (winged telepaths), that's just me being eager to read more of this world and these characters.
In short, it had absolutely everything I could want and nothing I didn't. As my first book by this author, I'll be eagerly delving into more soon.
~
Favourite Quote
“The tremble that threatened to shake Varo's frame caught him off guard. The look in that gaze was a mixture of scorching heat and frosty coolness – a predator who had Varo in his sights. The danger he felt flamed his body.”
“Never was he so glad to be in enemy hands.”
Author – M.A. Church
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 214
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – Fantasy, LGBT, Science Fiction
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
*sigh*
This was an epic fantasy of mass proportion, with science fiction space lingo that was understandable, characters who were loveable and relateable as well as a romance that ticked my heart with affection.
I'm a sucker for both fantasy and science fiction, so the combination of vampire-like Helkan's – with fangs and a need for blood – and the fey-like appearance was awesome. Add in the slightly more human-like Yesri and it was a recipe for greatness. The volatile situation between their people, the way Helkan's were considered animals and the way Varo had been treated by his family – his father in particular – offered up the perfect blend of circumstances to open Varo's mind and allow the events after his capture to take place. The transition was believable fraught with tension, conflict and resistance, though there were also those lovely moments of submission, of not having anything left to fight with and, of course, Adlar's very skilful seductions breaking down Varo's barriers.
The chemistry was palpable; so real and explored in a way that made sense. Instant attraction and lust grew slowly for Varo, guided by events, feelings and the isolation they enjoyed in their first few days together. After that, when others got involved, it was great to see how Adlar suddenly realised everything that Varo had been struggling with and responded accordingly. At the same time, I love how they were both quite clear with each other as to the boundaries that could and couldn't be crossed. It was heart-warming to see the Master/slave relationship turned on it's head and become something much deeper than is common for the theme; even when Adlar had every reason to doubt, when others told him he was wrong and his trust was misplaced, he didn't doubt Varo for a minute.
The drama and danger were realistic and believable, as well as a great way to provide conflict and wrap up the lingering questions about Varo's family back in Yesri.
The dual POV was fantastic for displaying both sides of the story without ever having the need to repeat scenes in both POV's to show both sides. The characters of Varo, Adlar, as well as Omori and the nature of the Helkan's was made so vivid and clear that it was easy to interpret their reactions, a small word here, a look there, and figure out their feelings on matters that weren't shown in their POV. I was never left wondering about anything and all the questions I had about what happened right from page 1 were answered by the end of the story.
As well as incredible characterisation, great attention to detail with the descriptions, locations and starship/space aspects, there was an impressive level of world building that made everything visual and real, without leaving items unexplained or mysterious.
There was hot, sexiness, sharp wits, exhilarating arguments, seduction and so much more in the space of just over 200 pages. Yet, the story was fully complete, leaving me with no sense of needing more to explain or wrap up the story. Though I would definitely love to see Wrief's story, because I'm intrigued by these Orh'Neonian's (winged telepaths), that's just me being eager to read more of this world and these characters.
In short, it had absolutely everything I could want and nothing I didn't. As my first book by this author, I'll be eagerly delving into more soon.
~
Favourite Quote
“The tremble that threatened to shake Varo's frame caught him off guard. The look in that gaze was a mixture of scorching heat and frosty coolness – a predator who had Varo in his sights. The danger he felt flamed his body.”
“Never was he so glad to be in enemy hands.”
anya_doesntmatter's review
4.0
Prince Varo is sent on a suicide mission by his father to negotiate mining rights with the Helkan King for Black phopolrock, a source of energy that has become vital to Varo’s home planet survival. There’s one small problem however, The Helkans, do not allow outsiders on their planet. The Helkans also, refuse to share their Phopolrock because to do so would invite every other planet in the solar system to try and exploit (and drain) their planet’s natural resources. Prince Varo’s true mission, however; isn’t to “negotiate” mining rights (his father knows the Helkans will never allow this). Varo’s true mission is to assassinate the Helkan king or else his crew's families would be put to death. The king is well aware that this would be an impossible mission and deliberately assigned his “weakest” son to the task.
Resigned to his fate, Varo, made contact with the Helkans and from that moment on this reader was baited and hooked to find out how this story was going to unfold.
The breath froze in Varo’s chest as he stared. There on the screen was the most gorgeous creature Varo had ever laid eyes on. Long, glossy black hair cascaded over his shoulders and disappeared from sight. A narrow face that was hauntingly beautiful peered back at Varo. Full lips that tilted up in a slight smirk drew Varo’s attention. A tingle raced up Varo’s spine and nailed him in the back of the head. Varo was suddenly achingly hard and more than a little horrified by his response.
The Helkans
The Helkans, were assumed to be backward and uncivilized. Varo is about to learn how wrong those assumptions were when he is captured by the King's brother, Prince Adlar, after he deliberately crash landed on the Helkan planet. As a "captive” Varo, came to learn that the Helkans were a civilized society, technologically more advanced than Varo’s home planet and a tight-knit family clan, fiercely protective of their kin....unlike Varo’s family.
The Tale
This is a wonderful enemy to lovers story minus what could easily be misconstrued as Stockholm Syndrome because of the immediate enslavement of Varo at the hands of Adlar ( despite the fact that we know both are immediately attracted to each other). I liked these two together. I liked how Adlar takes care of Varo and my heart broke a couple times for Varo as he stared enviously at the love and camaraderie between Adlar and his brother. There are a couple things I didn't care for which kinda spoiled my enjoyment of the story.
My first pet peeve is the name errors in the book. I kept wondering who is Caleb? It was a typo which occurred a couple times, pulling me out the story. My second pet peeve was the epilog. Varo's upbringing in comparison to Adler was night and day. His father didn't care if he died and growing up his siblings treated him deplorably.... or so he thought until he learned a few things concerning his older brother. Which brings me to my third pet peeve. I liked Lars (Varo's oldest brother) and really wanted him to have his own book, however; the epilog summed up everything and pretty much guaranteed there would be no book two.
*ARC provided by publisher. Reviewed at my discretion*
tibra's review
5.0
A prince must always do his best for his people. Prince Varo Kutchif, the third son of the royal family and a starship captain, must attempt the impossible to prevent the Yesri kingdom from spiraling further into chaos. The king, his father, cares more for satisfying his carnal appetites than making sure the kingdom flourishes. His desperation for more money to support his hedonistic lifestyle has pushed him to send Varo on a fool’s mission: convince the Helkans to allow the mining of Black Phospolrock.
The mysterious Helkans maintain isolation from other planets. There have been many others who attempted to exploit them for Black Phospolrock, but all have failed. Varo makes contact with Adler Mondur, the king’s older brother and head assassin. Adler is determined to protect his king and kingdom from any threat, including the Yesri prince when he crash lands on their planet after being commanded to exit their planet’s orbit.
Varo is alone on an unfriendly, unfamiliar planet that never releases hostages. It isn’t long after he crashes that Adler finds him, and makes sure Varo can’t get away. Thus begins a journey where two men from disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.
-
Varo goes into his diplomatic mission almost desperate not to fail. His father has ordered him to attack if negotiations fall through. He can’t ignore orders either, since his crew was threatened to force his compliance. Varo is willing to sacrifice himself to protect his crew, which is how he ends up stranded on Helkan. Once there, he’s open-minded enough to begin truly understanding the tenets of Helkan culture. He even begins to appreciate and respect the Helkan way of life more than the Yesri traditions.
Adler has no respect for the Yesri since he knows them only as violent people with no respect for the environment or interest in preservation. He knows that if the Yesri, or any other interested party, are allowed to mine Black Phospolrock, they won’t make any effort to do so sustainably or avoid destruction to the land. The Helkans have no interest in allowing that to happen. After meeting Varo, Adler believes he is not as violent or willfully ignorant as expected and attempts to help him experience Helkan culture.
Both of them are caught off guard by their intense attraction to each other, though Varo is the most resistant. Having experienced very little love and care in his home life, Varo isn’t prepared for how Adler treats him. The Helkan isn’t necessarily kind, but he is patient and he never does things without asking for Varo’s consent.
5 stars! Recommended for anyone interested in princes, assassins, and enemies-to-lovers.
The mysterious Helkans maintain isolation from other planets. There have been many others who attempted to exploit them for Black Phospolrock, but all have failed. Varo makes contact with Adler Mondur, the king’s older brother and head assassin. Adler is determined to protect his king and kingdom from any threat, including the Yesri prince when he crash lands on their planet after being commanded to exit their planet’s orbit.
Varo is alone on an unfriendly, unfamiliar planet that never releases hostages. It isn’t long after he crashes that Adler finds him, and makes sure Varo can’t get away. Thus begins a journey where two men from disparate civilizations grow from enemies to lovers.
-
Varo goes into his diplomatic mission almost desperate not to fail. His father has ordered him to attack if negotiations fall through. He can’t ignore orders either, since his crew was threatened to force his compliance. Varo is willing to sacrifice himself to protect his crew, which is how he ends up stranded on Helkan. Once there, he’s open-minded enough to begin truly understanding the tenets of Helkan culture. He even begins to appreciate and respect the Helkan way of life more than the Yesri traditions.
Adler has no respect for the Yesri since he knows them only as violent people with no respect for the environment or interest in preservation. He knows that if the Yesri, or any other interested party, are allowed to mine Black Phospolrock, they won’t make any effort to do so sustainably or avoid destruction to the land. The Helkans have no interest in allowing that to happen. After meeting Varo, Adler believes he is not as violent or willfully ignorant as expected and attempts to help him experience Helkan culture.
Both of them are caught off guard by their intense attraction to each other, though Varo is the most resistant. Having experienced very little love and care in his home life, Varo isn’t prepared for how Adler treats him. The Helkan isn’t necessarily kind, but he is patient and he never does things without asking for Varo’s consent.
5 stars! Recommended for anyone interested in princes, assassins, and enemies-to-lovers.
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach
If you’ve read M.A. Church’s sci-fi series before and enjoyed them, then you’re in for another great book with In Enemy Hands. I enjoyed this new universe with the Helkans and Yesrians.
Prince Varo, the third son of a despotic ruler, is sent to get materials from the secluded, mysterious planet where the Helkans live. This race is shrouded in mystery and no one really knows who they are, except for the fact that no one lands on their planet—and anyone that does, never leaves. After a solar storm forces his people to abandon ship, Varo decides to crash land on the Helkan planet. When Adlar finds him, he is immediately taken prisoner. However, as time unfolds, it becomes clear that Adlar and Varo are beginning to care for each other more than as just master and prisoner.
I truly enjoyed the story. The Helkans are an advanced race that, while they might seem primitive to other races, have found a way to live with their land rather than on it, and that is one reason they fiercely protect their planet. After all, the Yesrians have all but destroyed theirs. Who would want to let them near their own precious resources?
Varo is an interesting character to read. While he is strong and fierce, he is also innocent and naïve. Adlar is immediately attracted to him for his light hair and darker skin as well as that innocence. Varo, though attracted to Adlar, doesn’t want anything to do with him. As a prisoner, he thinks he has no choice. When Adlar treats him with respect and consideration, he isn’t sure how to react. As the third son, he’s not used to respect. When he thinks Adlar will force him to have sex, all he has to say is no and Adlar retreats.
Adlar was also fascinating. His race of people are vampiric, and seeing that paranormal/fantasy element blended so well with the sci-fi was interesting. The reasoning for it is built into the story well, and how the species handles it on a cultural level is also explored. While I wasn’t sure I understood the entire reasoning for it on an evolutionary standpoint, I still enjoyed that element.
Of course, over time the two fall for each other, but there are people who want to prevent them from being together. Adlar and Varo will have to prove to themselves, their families, and their people that their bond is strong and true. They face some unexpected twists and turns at the end that had me worried about the outcome, even if the final resolution was a bit too tidy.
This is a world I would love to revisit again. Perhaps another book with Adlar and Varo, showing how they are faring? Or even of Varo’s brother, Wrief? I don’t think there will be more, but Church has crafted a memorable world.
If you’ve read M.A. Church’s sci-fi series before and enjoyed them, then you’re in for another great book with In Enemy Hands. I enjoyed this new universe with the Helkans and Yesrians.
Prince Varo, the third son of a despotic ruler, is sent to get materials from the secluded, mysterious planet where the Helkans live. This race is shrouded in mystery and no one really knows who they are, except for the fact that no one lands on their planet—and anyone that does, never leaves. After a solar storm forces his people to abandon ship, Varo decides to crash land on the Helkan planet. When Adlar finds him, he is immediately taken prisoner. However, as time unfolds, it becomes clear that Adlar and Varo are beginning to care for each other more than as just master and prisoner.
I truly enjoyed the story. The Helkans are an advanced race that, while they might seem primitive to other races, have found a way to live with their land rather than on it, and that is one reason they fiercely protect their planet. After all, the Yesrians have all but destroyed theirs. Who would want to let them near their own precious resources?
Varo is an interesting character to read. While he is strong and fierce, he is also innocent and naïve. Adlar is immediately attracted to him for his light hair and darker skin as well as that innocence. Varo, though attracted to Adlar, doesn’t want anything to do with him. As a prisoner, he thinks he has no choice. When Adlar treats him with respect and consideration, he isn’t sure how to react. As the third son, he’s not used to respect. When he thinks Adlar will force him to have sex, all he has to say is no and Adlar retreats.
Adlar was also fascinating. His race of people are vampiric, and seeing that paranormal/fantasy element blended so well with the sci-fi was interesting. The reasoning for it is built into the story well, and how the species handles it on a cultural level is also explored. While I wasn’t sure I understood the entire reasoning for it on an evolutionary standpoint, I still enjoyed that element.
Of course, over time the two fall for each other, but there are people who want to prevent them from being together. Adlar and Varo will have to prove to themselves, their families, and their people that their bond is strong and true. They face some unexpected twists and turns at the end that had me worried about the outcome, even if the final resolution was a bit too tidy.
This is a world I would love to revisit again. Perhaps another book with Adlar and Varo, showing how they are faring? Or even of Varo’s brother, Wrief? I don’t think there will be more, but Church has crafted a memorable world.
mrella's review
1.0
Seriously missing an mpreg element, what with nesting and googly eyes and the whole nine yards.
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