Linnea Sinclair, Hope's Folly

Hope's Folly

Linnea Sinclair

Bantam, Mar 3 2009, $6.99

ISBN: 9780553592184

Rya Bennton lives for vengeance; her sole reason for breathing is to kill the persons responsible for the death of her father. This is why she signs on the rebel vessel Hope's Folly as she believes the junker will take her closer to achieving her goal. The only negative with a position on what was a fruit carrying cargo ship is her puppy love hero when she was a little girl Admiral Philip Guthrie who is in command.

Former Imperial Fleet Commander Admiral Guthrie hides some of his injuries still not healed (see SHADES OF DARK)and all of his concerns and doubts that his dilapidated converted vessel and motley crew are ready for combat against the overwhelming superior Imperial forces. Making matter complicated is someone with entrance to any part of the ship is sabotaging their preparation efforts. Even more complex to Guthrie is his adult feelings for Rya, whom he has known since she was a child as the daughter of his best friend who died under his command.

Although this terrific romantic military science fiction thriller can stand alone, fans will gain even more pleasure by reading the prequels GABRIEL'S GHOST and especially SHADES OF DARK (Guthrie is a hero in his ex wife's tale). The story line is fast-paced from the onset as Guthrie struggles with a broken down ship and a crew not fit for war especially against a much more powerful foe. As he and Rya fall in love, he tries to keep his objectives in proper order as the safety of the crew and the mission come before his personal feelings while she struggles with love and his role in her dad's death. Fans will appreciate their extraordinary escapdes in scintillating Sinclair space.

Harriet Klausner