Thursday, May 24, 2007

Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair

COPYRIGHT: 2007
PAGES: 525
SETTING: Futuristic
TYPE: SF Romance
SENSUALITY: Warm
SERIES: No

REASON FOR READING: Janine, Rosario, KristieJ, and a bunch of other bloggers gave this one glowing reviews.

SUMMARY: [Amazon]

The universe isn’t what it used to be. With the new Alliance between the Triad and the United Coalition, Captain Tasha “Sass” Sebastian finds herself serving under her former nemesis, biocybe Admiral Branden Kel-Paten–and doing her best to hide a deadly past. But when an injured mercenary winds up in their ship’s sick bay–and in the hands of her best friend, Dr. Eden Fynn–Sass’s efforts may be wasted.

Wanted rebel Jace Serafino has information that could expose all of Sass’s secrets, tear the fragile Alliance apart–and end Sass’s career if Kel-Paten discovers them. But the biocybe has something to hide as well, something once thought impossible for his kind to possess: feelings . . . for Sass. Soon it’s clear that their prisoner could bring down everything they once believed was worth dying for–and everything they now have to live for.



THOUGHTS / OPINION:
I was completely blown away by the hero, Branden Kel-Paten, admiral of the Triad huntership on which Tasha (Sass) Sebastian serves as captain. Here we have a hero who is a biocybe, part human - part machine, who everyone thinks is completely devoid of feeling, and therefore treated callously by his crew. But inside he is seething with emotion for he has been desperately in love with Sass for years. I love the hero-in-love-with-heroine-for-years storyline and Sinclair does it very well. Tasha is hiding some major secrets as well and she is a great kickass heroine. I loved both of these characters so much I didn't want to let them go at the end of the book which doesn't happen very often. Branden's inner thoughts, fears and insecurities just broke my heart and when Tasha reads his private logs about her, I just wanted to cry.

I also loved the furzels, two furry cat-like creatures with extraordinary abilities. There was a secondary romance but I couldn't work up much interest in it because the primary one was so outstanding. Oh, and BTW, GoC was an excellent Science Fiction, with a rip roaring adventure which was very fast moving. It took me a while to get into the world building with all the strange names and acronyms but I think that lasted for only a couple chapters. Then the plot took off and it was hard to put down. The ending was a bit abrupt but still had a HEA.

MISCELLANEOUS:
I'm disappointed that there is no sequel to GoC which was originally written as Command Performance and published by NBI. Sinclair's new publisher, Bantam, wanted a standalone that wrapped up Sass and Branden's story. So the sequel, Command Decision, was never published by NBI, which folded, and Bantam decided not to publish it. Go to Sinclair's website here to get the scoop. I wonder if a write-in campaign by readers would get it published? Eh, probably not, when have publishers listened to readers?

GRADE: A-

9 comments:

Jennie said...

I love Kel-Paten. It's the strong/vulnerable mix. So endearing. :)

I didn't know about the sequel--that's a real shame. Maybe it will still happen. Games of Command seems to be getting a lot of attention, and if it sells really well the publisher might change their tune.

CindyS said...

I am so itching to read this but I'm trying to read another book right now and don't want to give up. Stupid brain is trying to short circuit.

CindyS

ReneeW said...

Jennie: Yes, it's a shame. Hopefully if we all pass the word around this book will get the attention it deserves and maybe someday the pub will change their mind. We can always hope.

Cindy: I hope I tempted you. I really want to hear your opinion on this one. I think you'll like Kel-Paten as much as I did.

Kristie (J) said...

Wouldn't it be nice if a write in campaign were to work? *sigh*
This is a good one isn't it? I love finding excellent new books to read!

ReneeW said...

Kristie: Yes, it would be nice to have an influence on the publisher but I know one individual books it won't happen.

Kristie (J) said...

Oh - and have you read Gabriel's Ghost? It's another most excellent book by Linnea Sinclair and I enjoyed it just as much as GoC.

Anonymous said...

You made me take this off my TBR pile and finish it! I really enjoyed the thing between Sass and Brandon, but - maybe because I so much wanted to see things resolved for them - I thought the first half of this book just dragged on and on...

Miki (who's Blogger identity must have been deleted because I hadn't updated my blog in over a year *blush*)

ReneeW said...

Kristie: I haven't read GG. I better put it on my list.

Miki (my mom's nickname is Miki) :)
I think I'll agree that the romance sort of dragged at the beginning but for me the SF action kept my interest so I didn't mind. But I see your point. Hope you enjoyed the last half though. :)

Rosie said...

I guess I'll have to break down and try to find GAMES OF COMMAND online. I did happen on a new UBS yesterday and found GABRIEL'S GHOST so I'm going to start with that.

Wow, I haven't touched my blog in over 6 years and I'm still logged in!  Good thing because I have no idea what my password is.  In ...