Red-Haired Ash Reads

This was an absolutely fantastic introduction to Vesper Quill and this universe. Vesper works in the research and development lab at the powerful Kent Corp. Unfortunately after she identifies a safety hazard in the new line of starcruisers she finds herself being hunted. 

Like Estep’s previous series, this book instantly sucked me in and I didn’t want to put it down. This was a fascinating world with a deadly political atmosphere. This is a world where three powerful groups: the Imperium, the Techwave, and the Erzton are all fighting for control of the galaxy. The Imperium has current control and their leader, Lord Callus Holloway, is determined to stay in control and uses his siphon abilities to keep people in line. Everything about this world, the three power groups, and this leader was fascinating and provided a really rich world that makes me want more. 

Vesper is an extremely smart woman who’s seer ability allows her to see how things work and how to improve them. Vesper was a fascinating woman who instantly captivated me. I loved learning about her past, her magic, and her feelings about the true bond. Kyrian Coldren is the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, and is the personal assassin for Lord Holloway. While Kyrion is portrayed as a ruthless man, he is actually hiding quite a lot of emotions under that armor. Kyrion was a character who I didn’t think I was going to like but by the end of his first POV chapter I loved him. He is such a strong man who is determined to survive Holloway but is also extremely lonely, which he realizes after meeting Vesper. 

Vesper and Kyrian’s relationship was not what I was expecting. They have a true bond (basically fated mates) but neither of them want it due to various reasons that I won’t get into because I don’t want to spoil anything. I really enjoyed that this wasn’t an instant love story and that these two are reluctantly together. Their relationship starts as hostile and ends up being more like a partnership/ friendship by the end of this. Their relationship is still up in the air by the end of this so I am very excited to read book two to see what happens. 

Overall, this was a wonderful introduction to a new world. I really enjoyed the politics and conflicts that these two are dealing with and really can’t wait to see how it plays out in the next book. 

Trigger Warnings: sexual harassment in the workplace; kidnapping; war;  references to child abandonment; death of parents; patricide; violence and death;

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