Author: Sarah A. Hoyt
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 502
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Publication Date: January 5th, 2010
Publisher: Baen
Rating: A-
This book is part of the 2011 Women of Science Fiction book club hosted by Dreams and Speculation.
From Goodreads: Athena Hera Sinistra never wanted to go to space. Never wanted see the eerie glow of the Powerpods. Never wanted to visit Circum Terra. Never had any interest in finding out the truth about the DarkShips. You always get what you don’t ask for. Which must have been why she woke up in the dark of shipnight, within the greater night of space in her father’s space cruiser, knowing that there was a stranger in her room. In a short time, after taking out the stranger—who turned out to be one of her father’s bodyguards up to no good, she was hurtling away from the ship in a lifeboat to get help. But what she got instead would be the adventure of a lifetime—if she managed to survive. . . .
I actually finished this book more than a week ago and when I sat down to write this review, I realized this book left a pretty good impression on me. It's one of my favorite science fiction romances to date.
The book is about Athena, who runs into trouble on board her father's ship and manages to escape - only into the ship of a darkship thief named Kit. Athena is a headstrong and brave female heroine that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. She was incredibly real to me and totally kick-ass with realistic flaws. Kit, her love interest, is also just as enjoyable. I loved the interactions between these two. I really liked how the romance was portrayed: it didn't feel rushed or unbelievable. You really grow with the characters. I also really appreciated how the romance didn't turn into an angst fest, like sometimes they do.
The romance isn't the only good thing about this book and if you aren't into romance too much, you shouldn't let my gushing deter you. It isn't heavy. You can completely enjoy this book if you don't mind a bit of romance. One thing that impressed me throughout Hoyt's story was the fact that there's just so much going on in it (and not in a bad way). There's space travel, visiting of other world(s), genetic engineering, and a history shaped by politics and betrayal on Earth. It's really quite interesting and kept me turning the page to find out what else was going to be revealed.
Overall, I think this is a stellar science fiction romance and cannot recommend it enough to those interested in that genre. If you're not, I'd still say give it a try; there's a lot here to sink your teeth into. Apparently there's a sequel coming out this year called Darkship Renegade. I'll definitely be picking that up. A-
I liked it quite a bit, glad you liked it. Yup, left me with a good impression too. :)
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