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The Black Wing Chronicles #1
Sovran's Pawn
Convicted of treason and sentenced to be executed, Bo Barron is the last person who should be infiltrating a Sub-socia weapons auction. But when her father is kidnapped and the ransom demand is the schematics to an experimental weapon, she has no choice but to go under cover with her uncle to get it.
Nobody counted on former-government-agent-turned-holofeature-hero Blade Devon’s infatuation with her. A botched assassination under the guise of a bar brawl leaves Bo blind and Blade wondering if there isn’t more to this job than he was led to believe.
Never able to resist playing the hero, Blade tends her injuries and delves deeper into the intrigue only to find this mission isn’t about a weapon at all. It’s about two Sovrans’ maneuvering for control, with Bo and Blade as their pawns.
All Bo and Blade have to do is figure out how to survive the game they didn’t know they were playing.
The catch is, no one and nothing are what they seem…
Nobody counted on former-government-agent-turned-holofeature-hero Blade Devon’s infatuation with her. A botched assassination under the guise of a bar brawl leaves Bo blind and Blade wondering if there isn’t more to this job than he was led to believe.
Never able to resist playing the hero, Blade tends her injuries and delves deeper into the intrigue only to find this mission isn’t about a weapon at all. It’s about two Sovrans’ maneuvering for control, with Bo and Blade as their pawns.
All Bo and Blade have to do is figure out how to survive the game they didn’t know they were playing.
The catch is, no one and nothing are what they seem…
262 pages, ebook
First published April 15, 2012
3 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Cassels
9 books54 followersJC Cassels, a native of Tampa, Florida, traces her lifelong fascination with SF/Adventure to watching Star Trek on a tiny black and white portable television aboard the family boat as a child. The Space Opera trend that followed the release of Star Wars fed an obsessive need for swashbuckling adventure set in deep space. Today, JC feeds that need by writing her own adventures, heavily inspired by 1960's television adventure shows like Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, and Wild Wild West and fueled by Firefly reruns.
When not writing in her haunted hospital, JC lives with her husband, three children, five dogs, four chickens and a horse in a century-old house in a tiny rural community, and enjoys spending her free time sewing, camping, and heckling theoretical physicists on the Science Channel.
When not writing in her haunted hospital, JC lives with her husband, three children, five dogs, four chickens and a horse in a century-old house in a tiny rural community, and enjoys spending her free time sewing, camping, and heckling theoretical physicists on the Science Channel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 30, 2013
This book saw me coming. It's lean and it moves, so get ready and hold on! What an amazing and awesome surprise.
I don't think there's anyone more cynical than me, so finding a book that had me this interested from the get-go, turning page after page to see what would happen next, is a rare thing (and a real treat).
Right from the opening page, JC Cassels sets the stage for an exciting and really interesting ride. You can tell this is the beginning to a much bigger and bolder story than what's here in book one. The universe of Sovran's Pawn is alive and real. JC's vivid descriptions of the surroundings (and the fashions!) bring everything alive in full 1080p HD, without ever bogging down the proceedings.
And let me just say this - do NOT mess with Blade Devon. Trust me. The introduction of this character had me completely on edge. This is a man who is not afraid to go the distance and do whatever he thinks necessary. Yikes!
I don't think there's anyone more cynical than me, so finding a book that had me this interested from the get-go, turning page after page to see what would happen next, is a rare thing (and a real treat).
Right from the opening page, JC Cassels sets the stage for an exciting and really interesting ride. You can tell this is the beginning to a much bigger and bolder story than what's here in book one. The universe of Sovran's Pawn is alive and real. JC's vivid descriptions of the surroundings (and the fashions!) bring everything alive in full 1080p HD, without ever bogging down the proceedings.
And let me just say this - do NOT mess with Blade Devon. Trust me. The introduction of this character had me completely on edge. This is a man who is not afraid to go the distance and do whatever he thinks necessary. Yikes!
January 9, 2013
From page one, Cassels creates an expansive and realistic universe that opens the doors to a spectacular story. Filled with action and suspense, the plot grabs you and doesn't let go until the last page is done. I had to force myself to stop reading when I got off the bus to go to work each morning. The bits of comedy sprinkled generously throughout the book had me in stitches, and I earned curious looks from the other bus riders when I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. The protagonists, Bo Barron and Blade Devon, make an amazing pair. The romance, seemingly unlikely at first, develops organically and feels completely natural when you look back on it.
I'm looking forward to reading more. Hurry up and release the next book!
I'm looking forward to reading more. Hurry up and release the next book!
July 30, 2012
The Black Wing Chronicles - Sovran's Pawn by J.C. Cassels is just one of those books that suck you in and leave you reluctant to drag yourself out, or to reach the end despite the fact that you want to know what happens next. This is a character-driven book, and it's evident that J.C. Cassels has spent time (years) fine-tuning her two main protagonists traits to perfection: Bo Barron and Blade Devon. The result, you simply adore them! Set primarily on a deep-space cruise liner, centered around a poker-like tournament, amid a colourful world of gadgets and style sprinkled in like background scenery, there are assassination attempts, intrigue, loads of suspense, action, and teeth-grinding thrills. Excellent stuff, J.C. and I so look forward to the sequel!
April 19, 2013
I am not one who likes Science Fiction/Fantasy or Action type books. I leave those books for my husband and son Raul. My preference is more the romantic type novel. Sovran's Pawn really surprised me in that this was a fun book that seemed to be able to blend Science Fiction, Action, and Romance all together in one novel and it felt that those three combinations of genre's have always belong together. This was a really well written book with very good character development. If you are looking for a fun book, I highly recommend you give this book a shot. Also, you may wish to follow this young author, she seems to be going places in the literary world.
April 24, 2012
J.C. Cassels delivers an enjoyable sci-fi romp. She has created a vast universe of (some-what) cooperative peoples, but avoids the common pitfall of describing every single aspect of these worlds. The reader gets enough description to feel engaged in the action without feeling the need to skip ahead to the action. If you love your heroes in the mold of Han Solo and Malcolm Reynolds, you'll be left idolizing Blade Devon. For less than $5 you can pick up the Kindle version of this book that will leave you laughing and wondering what the characters will do next.
October 11, 2015
I really enjoyed Sovran's Pawn.
JC Cassels has crafted a tale that is both classic and unique. At first glance it seems like the standard, well-written, space opera/adventure, but as the story progressed it became apparent I was reading something out of the ordinary. Filled with action, romance, and intrigue, Sovran's Pawn put me on a fantastic ride I didn't want to get off. The use of two, well-blended points of view to tell the story was masterful, and really made this one stand out for me. It's a must read.
JC Cassels has crafted a tale that is both classic and unique. At first glance it seems like the standard, well-written, space opera/adventure, but as the story progressed it became apparent I was reading something out of the ordinary. Filled with action, romance, and intrigue, Sovran's Pawn put me on a fantastic ride I didn't want to get off. The use of two, well-blended points of view to tell the story was masterful, and really made this one stand out for me. It's a must read.
June 24, 2012
Sovran's Pawn creates an interesting world of political intrigue where our two heroes aren't sure who to trust and who's the enemy. I really liked the dynamic between Bo and Blade as they see through each others masquerades to the real person underneath.
July 12, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel. All the right amounts of suspense, intrigue and romance to make a great space adventure. Loved the characters and seeing them progress throughout the story. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
April 19, 2013
My brother gave me this book and told me I had to read it. I took it with me on a trip, not expecting much from a self-published novel. I was pleasantly surprised to find it hooked me from the start. I was expecting all kinds of typos and editing errors and was pleasantly surprised to find almost none! Once I realized that this self-published novel was better edited than most I've read from the bigger, established, "reputable" publishers, I was able to really settle in and seriously enjoy myself.
I love the author's tongue-in-cheek tone and the sly humor she injects at just the right moments. I have to say I laughed out loud, earning strange looks from my fellow travelers, but it was all worth it. I fell in love with the characters from the first page and I wasn't ready to say goodbye when I reached the last page. They are people I'd love to spend more time with.
Blade Devon is just the right kind of wounded, jaded hero that I love. He's like a cross between James Bond and Malcolm Reynolds, except a little more human. I think that has to do with the presence of his elder brother Chase. Chase is a foil for Blade, keeping him from coming off as a cartoonish, indestructible superhero. Chase is more of an Indiana Jones meets Rick Castle. He's reluctantly dragged along by his brother into the adventure. Chase serves as Blade's moral compass and the everyman's reaction to the adventure.
The heroine, Bo Barron is more difficult to pin down. She hit me as a Bene Gesserit crossed with a Starship Trooper with the idealism of a Starfleet Cadet. At times, she reminded me of a female version of the young King Arthur from the Disney movie "Sword In The Stone." She knows what she's supposed to do, but she's young and untested and unsure of herself and makes mistakes. Her Uncle Royce and her brother Edge reminded me of Merlin-type mentors. I think the author shot herself in the foot by injuring Bo so early in the book and requiring her to spend the majority of the story in bed alone and semi-conscious. But somehow it worked. She gets distracted from her goal by her attraction to Blade.
Really. Who wouldn't?
At first, I didn't buy the growing relationship between the two, but as it unfolded, it really made sense. As jaded and wounded as Blade is, her lack of guile and need to be rescued was just the right setup to let him be the kind of hero he really wanted to be and not the jerk he was trained to be. By the end, Bo redeemed herself as a heroine in my eyes by her daring escape. I can't wait to see where the author is taking this character and the relationship between the two of them.
This book is a character study with some political intrigue and mystery thrown in. I was expecting something pulpy and light. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was all that and more with surprising depth and layers. It's one to be read and reread to truly appreciate it. It's obviously part of a much larger story and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Normally, I leave a book behind on the plane or train when I finish them. Not this one. Despite my initial misgivings, Sovran's Pawn is a book I want to hold onto.
I love the author's tongue-in-cheek tone and the sly humor she injects at just the right moments. I have to say I laughed out loud, earning strange looks from my fellow travelers, but it was all worth it. I fell in love with the characters from the first page and I wasn't ready to say goodbye when I reached the last page. They are people I'd love to spend more time with.
Blade Devon is just the right kind of wounded, jaded hero that I love. He's like a cross between James Bond and Malcolm Reynolds, except a little more human. I think that has to do with the presence of his elder brother Chase. Chase is a foil for Blade, keeping him from coming off as a cartoonish, indestructible superhero. Chase is more of an Indiana Jones meets Rick Castle. He's reluctantly dragged along by his brother into the adventure. Chase serves as Blade's moral compass and the everyman's reaction to the adventure.
The heroine, Bo Barron is more difficult to pin down. She hit me as a Bene Gesserit crossed with a Starship Trooper with the idealism of a Starfleet Cadet. At times, she reminded me of a female version of the young King Arthur from the Disney movie "Sword In The Stone." She knows what she's supposed to do, but she's young and untested and unsure of herself and makes mistakes. Her Uncle Royce and her brother Edge reminded me of Merlin-type mentors. I think the author shot herself in the foot by injuring Bo so early in the book and requiring her to spend the majority of the story in bed alone and semi-conscious. But somehow it worked. She gets distracted from her goal by her attraction to Blade.
Really. Who wouldn't?
At first, I didn't buy the growing relationship between the two, but as it unfolded, it really made sense. As jaded and wounded as Blade is, her lack of guile and need to be rescued was just the right setup to let him be the kind of hero he really wanted to be and not the jerk he was trained to be. By the end, Bo redeemed herself as a heroine in my eyes by her daring escape. I can't wait to see where the author is taking this character and the relationship between the two of them.
This book is a character study with some political intrigue and mystery thrown in. I was expecting something pulpy and light. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was all that and more with surprising depth and layers. It's one to be read and reread to truly appreciate it. It's obviously part of a much larger story and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Normally, I leave a book behind on the plane or train when I finish them. Not this one. Despite my initial misgivings, Sovran's Pawn is a book I want to hold onto.
January 29, 2013
This is my review of Sovran's Pawn that I wrote on Amazon.com:
First of all, I never write reviews. I am one of those people that is way over-extended in life with really too much on their plate. In fact, this is the first review I have ever written on an Amazon purchase and I am probably one of their best customers. So in general when I take the time to sit down to actually write a review it is either because I thought the item was absolutely horrific or incredibly earth-shattering fantastic. This book is the later of the two.
If you are looking for a book that is going to help you get away from reality and immerse you into a new world of adventure and romance...this is the book for you. From the first chapter, the reader is involved in the prison escape of Bo Barron who has been wrongly convicted of treason and at the time is sitting in her cell awaiting execution. As the plot moves along in this book- Bo becomes an unwilling participant in one political intrigue after another all with unexpected and unpredictable twists and turns. Along the journey she also unexpectedly meets a mysterious man who is her match in both wits and character. Somehow this overly head-strong and independent heroine manages to meet her hero or is this mysterious man really her nemeses and the tool of her eventual downfall? On the surface this budding romance may appear sappy but rather I found the whole book entertaining and way too short. In reality this book possesses a lot of depth with layer upon layer of intrigue and suspense which on another level makes the reader reflect and analysis the characters and events.
Overall, this book is well written. It is full of non-stop action that actually does have a well-developed and for the most part a very unpredictable plot. As the book progresses the reader is introduced to characters that are real with just enough information that makes the reader want to come back for more which surprisingly only adds to the suspense of the plot. This book is a fast read and probably one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in a while. I am totally looking forward to the second book in this series.
First of all, I never write reviews. I am one of those people that is way over-extended in life with really too much on their plate. In fact, this is the first review I have ever written on an Amazon purchase and I am probably one of their best customers. So in general when I take the time to sit down to actually write a review it is either because I thought the item was absolutely horrific or incredibly earth-shattering fantastic. This book is the later of the two.
If you are looking for a book that is going to help you get away from reality and immerse you into a new world of adventure and romance...this is the book for you. From the first chapter, the reader is involved in the prison escape of Bo Barron who has been wrongly convicted of treason and at the time is sitting in her cell awaiting execution. As the plot moves along in this book- Bo becomes an unwilling participant in one political intrigue after another all with unexpected and unpredictable twists and turns. Along the journey she also unexpectedly meets a mysterious man who is her match in both wits and character. Somehow this overly head-strong and independent heroine manages to meet her hero or is this mysterious man really her nemeses and the tool of her eventual downfall? On the surface this budding romance may appear sappy but rather I found the whole book entertaining and way too short. In reality this book possesses a lot of depth with layer upon layer of intrigue and suspense which on another level makes the reader reflect and analysis the characters and events.
Overall, this book is well written. It is full of non-stop action that actually does have a well-developed and for the most part a very unpredictable plot. As the book progresses the reader is introduced to characters that are real with just enough information that makes the reader want to come back for more which surprisingly only adds to the suspense of the plot. This book is a fast read and probably one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in a while. I am totally looking forward to the second book in this series.
May 27, 2014
What I liked.
I loved the characters, even the secondary ones. Bo is a strong, capable woman without being so kick ass she simply becomes a caricature. She retains an edge of vulnerability, and definite femininity while remaining believable. She reminded me very much of Dejah Thoris from John Carter. By contrast, I expected to hate Blade, as I'm not a fan of alpha males in general. But his self confidence didn't stray into arrogance, and despite his notorious reputation, he's a man with a deep seated sense of honour. Maybe Captain Mal from Firefly but he doesn't try to make out he's not really a good person like Mal seemed to. Great story arc with a decent opening to further books with a bigger arc. Interesting settings and technology, though not heavy tech. A military edge with Bo's standing as leader of the Black Wing. Good romantic tension without any explicit scenes for those who prefer their romances without all the intimate details.
What I didn't like.
Absolutely nothing. If I have to pick something, the opening wasn't instantly grabbing to me, but since the action kicks then off very quickly I have no complaints.
In conclusion.
This was a fantastic piece of space opera along the lines of Firefly/Farscape/original Battlestar Galactica. Flawless, entertaining, and with a solid, intriguing cast of three dimensional characters and thorough world building. This is one of my top reads for 2014, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I loved the characters, even the secondary ones. Bo is a strong, capable woman without being so kick ass she simply becomes a caricature. She retains an edge of vulnerability, and definite femininity while remaining believable. She reminded me very much of Dejah Thoris from John Carter. By contrast, I expected to hate Blade, as I'm not a fan of alpha males in general. But his self confidence didn't stray into arrogance, and despite his notorious reputation, he's a man with a deep seated sense of honour. Maybe Captain Mal from Firefly but he doesn't try to make out he's not really a good person like Mal seemed to. Great story arc with a decent opening to further books with a bigger arc. Interesting settings and technology, though not heavy tech. A military edge with Bo's standing as leader of the Black Wing. Good romantic tension without any explicit scenes for those who prefer their romances without all the intimate details.
What I didn't like.
Absolutely nothing. If I have to pick something, the opening wasn't instantly grabbing to me, but since the action kicks then off very quickly I have no complaints.
In conclusion.
This was a fantastic piece of space opera along the lines of Firefly/Farscape/original Battlestar Galactica. Flawless, entertaining, and with a solid, intriguing cast of three dimensional characters and thorough world building. This is one of my top reads for 2014, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
March 2, 2014
This is another one of those books that makes me hate the five-star rating system. If I had ten stars, I'd give it a nine out of ten. I really, really want to give it five stars, but I just don't quite feel like it's a real 5-star book for me.
There is quite a bit to praise about this book. The characters are well-drawn, consistent, and have that kind of fictional self-awareness that makes one believe they could exist in the real world. The setting is vivid and offers plenty of tantalizing hints about future extensions of the story. The plot is structured with just the right amount of conflict and no "deus ex machina" kinds of events, and the pacing is excellent. Finally, just the basic mechanics of the writing are very, very good. In fact, it's the actual writing itself that tempts me to give it five stars, because I couldn't really find anything significantly negative to say about it. The crafting of words is as good or better than anything in a traditionally published book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates sci fi/space opera/unique romances. Very entertaining and well-written. Not *quite* my usual fare, as I tend toward fantasy when it comes to spec fic and don't normally choose stories with such a strong romantic storyline, but still--this book is quite good and worth the time.
There is quite a bit to praise about this book. The characters are well-drawn, consistent, and have that kind of fictional self-awareness that makes one believe they could exist in the real world. The setting is vivid and offers plenty of tantalizing hints about future extensions of the story. The plot is structured with just the right amount of conflict and no "deus ex machina" kinds of events, and the pacing is excellent. Finally, just the basic mechanics of the writing are very, very good. In fact, it's the actual writing itself that tempts me to give it five stars, because I couldn't really find anything significantly negative to say about it. The crafting of words is as good or better than anything in a traditionally published book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates sci fi/space opera/unique romances. Very entertaining and well-written. Not *quite* my usual fare, as I tend toward fantasy when it comes to spec fic and don't normally choose stories with such a strong romantic storyline, but still--this book is quite good and worth the time.
July 14, 2012
SOVRAN'S PAWN is a stonking space opera in the vein of Star Wars and Firefly. It centres around the two main characters, so it's not hard sci fi, but Cassels gives a good basis of her worlds without too much exposition.
Full of mystery and intrigue, this is a universe at the edge of self-destruction and it's not clear who's on what side, or even which side is "good" - something that I loved, as black-and-white is nowhere as interesting as morally grey. I think my only complaint is that Bo and Blade are kept apart in what is an obvious attempt to ramp up sexual tension. Against such a rich background, this device seems clunky and is more than a little frustrating.
Still, SOVRAN'S PAWN is a fabulous read and there was a twist to one of the characters that I didn't see coming. Bo and Blade are well rounded and very real, and I look forward to the sequel.
Full of mystery and intrigue, this is a universe at the edge of self-destruction and it's not clear who's on what side, or even which side is "good" - something that I loved, as black-and-white is nowhere as interesting as morally grey. I think my only complaint is that Bo and Blade are kept apart in what is an obvious attempt to ramp up sexual tension. Against such a rich background, this device seems clunky and is more than a little frustrating.
Still, SOVRAN'S PAWN is a fabulous read and there was a twist to one of the characters that I didn't see coming. Bo and Blade are well rounded and very real, and I look forward to the sequel.
February 10, 2016
Very good book. Great character development. Good details, felt real, and was easy to picture what the author was trying to portray. I really enjoyed this book.
August 29, 2012
Oh my!!! I had originally planned to 'just read a few chapters' in bed......however several cups of tea with biscuits later I had looked at the clock, realised it was 2am and had completed the book with a huge smile on my face wanting more!
The central characters Bo and Blade are brilliant. Bo is the fearless Baron, who's life takes a huge twist with the events challenging what she trusts and believes. Blade is, well he's BLADE! Ruthless, egotistical, dangerous and, well I'm my imagination, pretty hard hot.
The plot is so well written and draws you completely in. The story moved me through a good range of emotions, parts made me smile, others I actually laughed aloud. (You will know the parts!) Mainly, I was in awe and had lots of moments during reading that I said 'ooooooh' and could barely wait to turn the page over.
If you can put this book down easily you cannot be reading it properly!
My only complaint is that I need to know what happens next! Will we hear more about Edge and Chase? What about the back stories of Bo and Blade, their childhoods and the training they undertook? Oh and what about Bo's home Mondhuoun? Will she get back there? Oh the list is endless......
To say that I will be waiting as patiently as I can for the next book..... Well I shall do my best!
The central characters Bo and Blade are brilliant. Bo is the fearless Baron, who's life takes a huge twist with the events challenging what she trusts and believes. Blade is, well he's BLADE! Ruthless, egotistical, dangerous and, well I'm my imagination, pretty hard hot.
The plot is so well written and draws you completely in. The story moved me through a good range of emotions, parts made me smile, others I actually laughed aloud. (You will know the parts!) Mainly, I was in awe and had lots of moments during reading that I said 'ooooooh' and could barely wait to turn the page over.
If you can put this book down easily you cannot be reading it properly!
My only complaint is that I need to know what happens next! Will we hear more about Edge and Chase? What about the back stories of Bo and Blade, their childhoods and the training they undertook? Oh and what about Bo's home Mondhuoun? Will she get back there? Oh the list is endless......
To say that I will be waiting as patiently as I can for the next book..... Well I shall do my best!
September 22, 2013
This book broke my reading dry spell! For a long while now, I've been starting books and not finishing them. Because I don't have a lot of free time, I've gotten into the bad habit of stopping after a chapter or two unless a story grabs me by the lapels and holds me captive. Sovran's Pawn did exactly that.
This book has all the elements that I love:
1. Exotic setting: A space-faring universe ruled by "Sovrans", where heroes wield phase-blasters and heroines pilot ships capable of going into hyperspace.
2. Fairy tale setup: Bo is an exiled equivalent of a (very kick-ass) princess, and Blade is a secret agent/holofeature heartthrob (destined to save her, obviously).
3. Gripping conflict/mystery: You'll have to take me on my word since I don't want to include spoilers (the story was that good).
I'm predominantly a reader of romances and therefore, *cough*, expected a bit more steaminess than I got. However, this book is the first of a series and there was enough sexual tension to keep me happy. All in all, this is an awesome book. I very much look forward to reading the sequel, Hero's End.
This book has all the elements that I love:
1. Exotic setting: A space-faring universe ruled by "Sovrans", where heroes wield phase-blasters and heroines pilot ships capable of going into hyperspace.
2. Fairy tale setup: Bo is an exiled equivalent of a (very kick-ass) princess, and Blade is a secret agent/holofeature heartthrob (destined to save her, obviously).
3. Gripping conflict/mystery: You'll have to take me on my word since I don't want to include spoilers (the story was that good).
I'm predominantly a reader of romances and therefore, *cough*, expected a bit more steaminess than I got. However, this book is the first of a series and there was enough sexual tension to keep me happy. All in all, this is an awesome book. I very much look forward to reading the sequel, Hero's End.
November 17, 2017
I had such high hopes due to the rating. It's not bad but I can't say it's good. The beginning starts off rather contrived and I was annoyed with Bo's optimism that although all evidence pointed her way she'd be declared not guilty. Obviously this doesn't happen as the blurb says she's a convicted traitor. It's not really a female empowerment story as she heads off to the family business (prostitution) and learns to be an escort and then uses said training for a cover to do nothing. I kept slogging though and then a ridiculous episode of Bo deciding to search for paper schematics in a futuristic age of space travel, and getting caught by the bad guy, had me shaking my head and skipping over pages to get to the end. Dev, the hero, is actually the good part and why I've rated 2*. He falls in love with Bo fairly quickly and has a decent character. The ending isn't an ending as there are more books in the series but I don't really have any interest in reading more.
September 3, 2015
3.5 stars
Well, firstly I've decided to not give an indpeth run down of the plot since there are reviews applenty about that already.
Firstly, I did enjoy this book, it was relatively light, with action, romance and adventure.
But at the beginning it took me a while to be hooked, there was a huge scene of action and fighting but I found myself slightly confused on what it was about, I felt a bit bombarded with new planet names and their names for their social status. But, as the story continued all of this was puzzled together more conherantly for me to understand. Other than that the characters were likeable there was a strong female heroin, a sexy, mysterious hero and was well plotted!
I have a feeling the second will be alot better now I understand and love the characters :D
Well, firstly I've decided to not give an indpeth run down of the plot since there are reviews applenty about that already.
Firstly, I did enjoy this book, it was relatively light, with action, romance and adventure.
But at the beginning it took me a while to be hooked, there was a huge scene of action and fighting but I found myself slightly confused on what it was about, I felt a bit bombarded with new planet names and their names for their social status. But, as the story continued all of this was puzzled together more conherantly for me to understand. Other than that the characters were likeable there was a strong female heroin, a sexy, mysterious hero and was well plotted!
I have a feeling the second will be alot better now I understand and love the characters :D
July 18, 2018
Open the pages of this book and meet Bo Barron, the young ruler of her people, and Blade Devon, a Predator, holo actor and gambler. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and counter-punch, romance sparks in the strangest of ways. JC sketches out locations and worlds with ease, bringing images vividly forward in the mind. This book is one of the wittiest, sexy and intricate I've read in a long time. There are loads of questions running through my mind as I close the book, and I am hungry for more from JC Cassels - especially if those questions get their answers.
If you're a scifi lover, do yourself a huge favour and pick this book up. It made my day!
If you're a scifi lover, do yourself a huge favour and pick this book up. It made my day!
February 2, 2014
I was surprised by just how good this book is. I am not usually a reader of Science Fiction and I certainly never expected to enjoy the book as much as I did. Excellent story, great pace, engaging characters and an all around entertaining, fun book to read. It offers a little bit of everything, from suspense to comedy. Sovran's Pawn may very well have made me a convert! I look forward to delving a little deeper into this genre. If you haven't yet read this, you should!
May 18, 2012
Sovran's Pawn shows promise. The characters came alive. The banter was great. The story grabbed me from the start. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. It was a fun ride that didn't seem to take itself too seriously. Great literature it isn't, but for lighthearted escapist fare in the tradition of Star Wars and Firefly, it's a definite winner.
February 4, 2014
One of the things I like about JC Cassels is the way the words create the image, as if watching a tv series. I haven't found that in a book in a long time.
The hero's are complex and enticing. She keeps me guessing as to what the characters are going to do with twists that are unexpected.
I have read "Hero's End", the 2nd in the series and I'm looking forward to the 3rd installment.
The hero's are complex and enticing. She keeps me guessing as to what the characters are going to do with twists that are unexpected.
I have read "Hero's End", the 2nd in the series and I'm looking forward to the 3rd installment.
August 30, 2012
looks and sounds awesome cant wait to read it....
January 5, 2014
It was amazing!
May 14, 2014
The first half is a 2 it gets a bit better after the first half though.
August 28, 2018
This was a pretty fast paced and exciting book. I have a bad feeling that this thing starting with bo and blade is going to end badly. Especially since he didnt just tell her up front about his "special"assignment. *sigh* people never seem to learn. I cant wait to read the next book! Hopefully it's as action packed as this one!
October 29, 2017
Any book that I read less than a month ago, and I can't remember anything more than the bare details (and then only after reading the synopsis) can't rate more than 3 stars.
September 8, 2015
I very much enjoyed reading Sovran's Pawn. It not only made for a in interesting start to a new space opera series, but its characters kept me turning pages to find out what fate awaited them in every chapter. The interaction between Bo and her male counterpart (who will remain secret for spoiler reasons) really makes this book work. Kudos to Ms. Cassels for making Sovran's Pawn a great story and a lot of fun.
February 7, 2017
there is clearly a reason this was free. -.-
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