King of Pain (Interstellar Rescue, #5) by Donna S. Frelick – Feature

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aliens, Donna S. Frelick, feature, romance, scifi, series

Introducing the next installment in the Interstellar Rescue series. I’ve been a fan since book 1 and I am currently reading this new one. At roughly 1/3 through the book, I am going to predict King of Pain will be one of my favorite SciFi’s of the year. I’ll be reviewing soon!

About King of Pain by Donna S. Frelick

One planet, two worlds. And only Fate could unite them. 

Trevyn Dar was once a Hunter of Thrane, feared throughout the galaxy as the son of the Butcher of Four Systems. But he clawed his way free of that bloody legacy to find his true path, as captain of a ship serving the anti-slavery goals of the Interstellar Council of Abolition and Rescue. 

Lael Saphora is Hinarr, shapeshifter, sharing her skin with a snow cat Companion, but, like all her people, hunted, and oppressed because she lacks the telepathic skills of the genetic Thranes of her home planet. Since she witnessed the brutal death of her father as a child, Lael has been fighting for her people. She leads the Uprising against the iron grip of the Thrane Ruling Houses. 

When Trevyn receives unusual orders from Rescue to seize a ship smuggling weapons for slavers, he discovers the darkly compelling Lael at the helm—no slaver, but a political prisoner, whose extradition to Thrane means torture and death. His journey to uncover what’s behind her false arrest takes him back to a home planet he had hoped to never see again, reveals an ugly conspiracy at the heart of Rescue, and rips open old wounds. But Trevyn and Lael share a common past, and only love can heal two hearts broken by an ancient pain.

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The Devil You Know (Mercenary Librarians, #2) by Kit Rocha – Review

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5 stars, Atlanta, Book Review, Kit Rocha, librarian, Post Apocalyptic, scifi, scifi romance, series, supersoldiers

About The Devil You Know by Kit Rocha

Maya has had a price on her head from the day she escaped the TechCorps. Genetically engineered for genius and trained for revolution, there’s only one thing she can’t do―forget.

Gray has finally broken free of the Protectorate, but he can’t escape the time bomb in his head. His body is rejecting his modifications, and his months are numbered.

When Maya’s team uncovers an operation trading in genetically enhanced children, she’ll do anything to stop them. Even risk falling back into the hands of the TechCorps.

And Gray has found a purpose for his final days: keeping Maya safe.

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Review of The Devil You Know

In The Devil You Know, the Mercenary Librarians continue with their mission in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta.  A mission to make the world a better place for everyone, not just the elite in power.   Working in secret and against a powerful force, they will come up against one of the most powerful villains they can face. 

This story centers on Maya and Gray.  Maya is the one among the gang that does not have any enhanced physical abilities.  But what she does have is an eidetic memory.  Which can be a superpower.   It can also be a source of sensory overload.  Her former job as a data courier put her in a very dangerous and in demand position. 

Gray’s sniper background is not filled in as well as Maya, but he is one of the more interesting characters.  His extremely cool façade and nerves of steel may lead some to think he is sociopathic.  But Maya gets to know him and finds he is a quiet loner and much more.  His impending death due to the failure of his super soldier implant adds an emotional charge to the relationship.

Each chapter begins with a memo, log entry or part of a memoir.  They can be difficult to decipher since subjects are coded and names are left out.  I could do without them.

The ensemble is increased with the addition of outsider rebels who are going to stir things up.  Also, children who have been genetically-manipulated.  It is always hard for me not to adore cute kids, especially those that have had a tough time.

I thought book 2 was even better than the first book.  The first book was mostly action while the second book had a little more focus on character development.  The result is a story equally balanced between exciting missions, compelling characters and passionate romance.  There are also hints at things to come in a series that must be continued.  The Devil You Know can be read as a standalone but is part of a great series.

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