Wonderful Reads for the Quirky & Discerning Book Lover
Adult
Science Fiction Fairy Tale
Availability:
Amazon
Format:
ebook
Clean Fiction Edition:
Spring 2022
Reviewer:
ALM
Reviewer Website:
Blurb:
A retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but in space. The human race is at war with the Rox, a ferocious race of horned, demonic humanoids from space, and humanity is losing. When the humans and Rox agree to a hostage exchange, Lieutenant Zayn is asked to volunteer because of her social standing. She will be housed with a prince of the Rox, and their good behavior will ensure that peace talks will go forward between their races. Zayn is terrified of sharing living space with one of the demons, but she agrees in order to bring about an end to the war. Alnair l’Nath is a prince and commander in the Rox fleet. He is nervous about being shut in with a human princess who might knife him in the back, but he wants the war to end, too. He and Zayn despise each other on sight, even though Alnair finds her oddly attractive. Zayn and Alnair gradually make peace as they discover that humans and Rox are not so different. But when a rogue agent of the Rox kidnaps Zayn and Alnair in order to end the peace talks and escalate the war, it will fall to a human and a Rox, and the growing love between them,
Review:
I only had to read the first line of the book blurb, “A retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but in space.”, to be rushing to click the buy button on this book. I know that we have had a couple Beauty and the Beast retellings already in this edition, but what can I say? It is a popular trope.
ACTION: This is no wilting princess book. Our “princess” is a political liaison for the military in the midst of war with an alien race. Though the theme of war between the races is a heavy theme, there is not much in the way of battle scenes. There is constant reference to past battles, but if you were hoping for a military tactical book, this is not your gingersnap.
ADVENTURE: As with any book that is set in space, there is a level of wonder included with the setting. The author gives lovely descriptions of the particular part of space that this story occupies, but it is by no means the main focus. I will say that the colorful culture that is created for the Rox was well thought out and gave an authenticity to the story that would not have been found otherwise. It makes me want to learn more about Rox customs and way of life.
ROMANCE: The relationship progression with the main couple has a side of sauce. As I mentioned before, this is not a wilting princess book and watching these two try to out scheme each other was fun. Going from bickering to bettering one another is a couple style that has some weight. Carroll uses this to its full advantage in this story, commenting on both prejudice and point of view while simultaneously tying them both with a sense of unity.
RELIGION: There is a sort of deity worship that only makes itself known later in the story. I am not sure what it is based on or if it was created by the author out of her imagination.
FINAL THOUGHTS: There are several wonderful things about this book that I thought were both creative and made the story very enjoyable...the problem? Spoilers! So in lieu of spoiling the best parts of this “retelling in space”, I will leave you with this: read this book. Starting with the beautiful cover and ending with the wit and finesse of a seasoned writer, whether you are a sci-fi buff or a fantasy fan this is a book for you.
G - This does not mean for general audiences, includes action, adventure, intrigue, and suspense. More violence is allowed, as well as mild language and mature themes.
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