3.5 stars ( )

This eighth volume in the series takes a step into the unknown, in the sense that the mating that causes all the emotional upheaval in this one is between two guests aboard the Lady Blue. But that, as intense as it was, isn’t all. Several revelations about some of the players in this space-drama later, I am now beginning to understand what is behind the hunt for the crew of the Lady Blue. The authors have been very good at keeping enough secrets each time, not to mention adding new ones, to keep me interested in the series.

Shane has a very tough life aboard the Lady Blue,, even though he is physically safe – most of the time. After having been rescued form Old Earth by his brother Mo, Shane finds himself in a future that is beyond his comprehension, attracted to a general who doesn’t seem to want him, and stuck with the knowledge that pizza is no longer a dish anyone is familiar with. That last one is easy to fix for him (since, at least, ovens still exist), but his unwavering attraction to the general gets him into a lot of trouble. Not that he lets that stop him. For once in his life, or so he has decided, he will not let others tell him what he needs. And that includes not only his brother, but the general himself.

Vedic Merrick, the insufferably arrogant general who now suddenly finds himself hunted by the same people who are after the crew of the Lady Blue finds his match in Shane. I had no idea what type of creature he would turn out to be, but let me tell you, it was a surprise well worth waiting for. Didn’t see it coming at all, but then, the general has always been a man who plays his cards close to his chest. I loved the way he ended up taking care of Shane – even though I am still somewhat upset that it took him so long!

This book almost feels as if it kicks off a new phase of the adventure, and one that, from the looks of it so far, will be at least as interesting as this series. The bigger picture that emerged will delight the conspiracy addicts amongst you, while the sizzling hot physical attraction between each of the couples that each story focuses on makes things even more interesting. If you like space adventures, crews that discover they may not be as perfectly supportive as they thought they were, and if you’re looking for between the sheets, or rather in-the-bunk, action, you may like this book.
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I had to think about why I didn't like this book.

First it was
he said
he said
he said
he said
he said
he said
he... you get the point. It read a bit like a 13 year old's first attempt at writing when they don't understand enough but to say "He said..." He said then he said but he said while he said...

The second major problem was it felt like someone took a book, chopped it into segments, changed the point of view to different characters and then sold it as a new book to a bunch of suckers who didn't see that coming. The story should not have been split up. The book really didn't stand alone and if you didn't read the first 7 [which is a nice way for the author to make more money at this which is good, btw, when they can't write well] you would be totally confused.

Read James Lee Burke and then tell me if you really consider this a story.


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