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Iron Altar #1
IceFlight
Darsey Ise never thought her first trip past Jupiter would claim the lives of her crew. But then she hadn’t expected to become the first person to make contact with aliens either.
Kidnapped, enslaved and lost on the Outer Rim of a mighty civilization light-years from Earth, the only person she can turn to is her enigmatic new owner. A dishonored outcast, he is just as alone as Darsey. Exiled by his people and struggling to survive, the last thing he wants is a rebellious primitive as a slave. She complicates his efforts to hide a dangerous secret and to complete a quest that is likely to claim both their lives. They will only survive if they can find enough trust to forge an unwanted alliance.
Kidnapped, enslaved and lost on the Outer Rim of a mighty civilization light-years from Earth, the only person she can turn to is her enigmatic new owner. A dishonored outcast, he is just as alone as Darsey. Exiled by his people and struggling to survive, the last thing he wants is a rebellious primitive as a slave. She complicates his efforts to hide a dangerous secret and to complete a quest that is likely to claim both their lives. They will only survive if they can find enough trust to forge an unwanted alliance.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2010
96 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Casey Lea
13 books36 followersCasey Lea is a mother-daughter writing partnership, which began a couple of decades ago (and counting) with the birth of Emma Casey, to Shelley Lea and Gary. A shared imagination and love of the fantastic eventually led to the creation of a growing number of books.
We write to share our passion for science-fantasy with our readers and enrich your world. Our sole goal is to send you screaming round the room, with your hair on fire and one of our stories in your hand. Metaphorically of course. Our novels are a rollercoaster, so strap yourself in.
We deliver a powerful emotional experience in fabulous settings filled with characters you love.
We achieve this with the help of our wonderful hubbies, gorgeous girls and slightly scabby cat. The dog was our most enthusiastic cheerleader and we trust she’s still looking down on us with a huge, slobbery grin.
We live a topsy-turvy life down under in New Zealand and are thrilled by modern technology’s ability to spread story and connect minds. We look forward to sharing our worlds with you…
We write to share our passion for science-fantasy with our readers and enrich your world. Our sole goal is to send you screaming round the room, with your hair on fire and one of our stories in your hand. Metaphorically of course. Our novels are a rollercoaster, so strap yourself in.
We deliver a powerful emotional experience in fabulous settings filled with characters you love.
We achieve this with the help of our wonderful hubbies, gorgeous girls and slightly scabby cat. The dog was our most enthusiastic cheerleader and we trust she’s still looking down on us with a huge, slobbery grin.
We live a topsy-turvy life down under in New Zealand and are thrilled by modern technology’s ability to spread story and connect minds. We look forward to sharing our worlds with you…
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 22, 2012
Iceflight is total immersion into a whole other universe - a universe with multi-feathered and reptilian species, intergalactic travel, awesome futuristic spaceships, and hostile unknown planets. The story centres on the unlikely relationship between banished alien Nightwing, and his hostage, 'primitive' human Darsey, as they embark upon an epic journey to the Slave Auction of an icy planet, and beyond.
The technology in this novel is fantastically futuristic and believable, although sometimes to the extent that I didn't understand it! In parts it often left me with the same feeling as does watching an episode of 'Star Trek' or 'A Town Called Eureka.' However, that isn't to say this was a bad thing.
The characters in the story were imaginative and likeable, with the simmering, long-to-be-realised romance between two of them predictable yet endearing. Many of the characters speak in 'Bridge' - a modified and often amusing version of English - which I enjoyed a lot.
To read Iceflight is to be bombarded with clashing, kaleidoscopic colour, and rich, detailed description. Sometimes there was a little too much detail, and I found myself skim-reading the intricasies of a character's every movement, keen for the story to progress. In places, however, this rich description enables the reader to vividly imagine the alien landscape of its outer planets - the picture portrayed of the planet 'Blossom' is quite stunning.
Iceflight is an epic, sparkling space romance, and I'd recommend it to fans of sci-fi, fantasy and romance alike.
The technology in this novel is fantastically futuristic and believable, although sometimes to the extent that I didn't understand it! In parts it often left me with the same feeling as does watching an episode of 'Star Trek' or 'A Town Called Eureka.' However, that isn't to say this was a bad thing.
The characters in the story were imaginative and likeable, with the simmering, long-to-be-realised romance between two of them predictable yet endearing. Many of the characters speak in 'Bridge' - a modified and often amusing version of English - which I enjoyed a lot.
To read Iceflight is to be bombarded with clashing, kaleidoscopic colour, and rich, detailed description. Sometimes there was a little too much detail, and I found myself skim-reading the intricasies of a character's every movement, keen for the story to progress. In places, however, this rich description enables the reader to vividly imagine the alien landscape of its outer planets - the picture portrayed of the planet 'Blossom' is quite stunning.
Iceflight is an epic, sparkling space romance, and I'd recommend it to fans of sci-fi, fantasy and romance alike.
December 29, 2013
This was a great scifi read. It's a 4 for me because the beginning only teased about romance and then the characters didn't get together until the end. I like slow-pace love stories too but the lack of it started to wear down my attention a little. Otherwise this was a great book. I loved the story and the way all the characters' stories built up to meet at the end.
January 23, 2017
I was ready to throw in the towel not even half way in. But I decided to keep going a little longer. Then it was as if someone had taken over writing and the book was getting better. It still didn’t excuse the ridiculously juvenile names for the characters. For example: Firefall FarFlight, BackBeak clan, Tetrarck Feathernest, etc. Even the bridge of their ships is called a nest. This would work in childrens books but this is the adult section. Also, the book is full of ‘sah’s’ and ‘ye sah’s’ to the point I was ready to scream. It was hard to concentrate on the story due to the crazy bird names and all the sah’s. I couldn’t tell if she was trying to sound like a pirate or what. Whatever it was, it was annoying as hell. We get to an alien auction scene and it is announced to the buyers that the female for sale is of a new species and her two ovaries are intact. This is a new species to all these aliens so how do they know what the heck an ovary is? I stuck with it though and trying to ignore the above, the story got a little better. I know I will not buy any more books by Casey Lea or Shelley Lea. Perhaps she will do better when her writing matures. Perhaps not. In any event, this is not an adult book. This is a book for young adults and should be advertised as such. I hope this review helps.
April 27, 2014
4 Fangs
I received this book for an honest review from Paranormal romance and authors that rock and Casey Lea.
Darsey Ice was one of the crew of earthlings sent into space to explore past Jupiter and make contact with aliens. Unfortunately she didn’t expect it at the cost of her fellow crew member. The ship was rammed by the huge alien vessel and she barely had time to put her helmet on. The aliens thought she could be of value especially her ice blue eyes. The caption of the pirate’s vessel wanted to take her eyes and sell them on the black market to the highest bidder knowing they would fetch quiet and pretty penny. Luckily one of the pirates stepped forward and asked the pirate if he could have her as a slave. They bartered over her and finally came to an agreement. He became an outcast from his people. Being light years away from earth with nowhere to go and no one to rely on she relied on her slave master. Will Darsey survive or become useless and eye worthy only?
This book is for Sci-fi readers who enjoy reading of new species and what if’s in the universe. I enjoyed how intricate the writer got with how the halls looked and how outsiders looked in on the crew of pirates.
Sci-fi for sure, young adult vibe
I received this book for an honest review from Paranormal romance and authors that rock and Casey Lea.
Darsey Ice was one of the crew of earthlings sent into space to explore past Jupiter and make contact with aliens. Unfortunately she didn’t expect it at the cost of her fellow crew member. The ship was rammed by the huge alien vessel and she barely had time to put her helmet on. The aliens thought she could be of value especially her ice blue eyes. The caption of the pirate’s vessel wanted to take her eyes and sell them on the black market to the highest bidder knowing they would fetch quiet and pretty penny. Luckily one of the pirates stepped forward and asked the pirate if he could have her as a slave. They bartered over her and finally came to an agreement. He became an outcast from his people. Being light years away from earth with nowhere to go and no one to rely on she relied on her slave master. Will Darsey survive or become useless and eye worthy only?
This book is for Sci-fi readers who enjoy reading of new species and what if’s in the universe. I enjoyed how intricate the writer got with how the halls looked and how outsiders looked in on the crew of pirates.
Sci-fi for sure, young adult vibe
January 24, 2016
This book wasn't what I thought it would be. I assumed from the cover that it was a romance, but instead it was a sci fi adventure. The adventure was pretty cool, but the male main character vacillated so much, I had trouble relating to him and the main female character did a lot of really dumb things. I'm kind of on the fence about whether I liked this or not.
January 5, 2021
This is only for serious fantasy and science-fiction readers. It has many thought provoking and innovative ideas and theories and fantastical "alien" species. The many themes and plots are well interwoven and challenges the reader, especially in the beginning to try and connect all and. Be prepared to think about what motivates the characters' actions as it may just as well apply to humans here on earth. The ending is satisfying, but so written as to entice the reader to want to read the follow-up.
February 6, 2018
Suprisingly good
I was surprised to find just how much I liked it after I finally understood what the author was doing, I initially had quite a hard time with this book but I finally understood that duh it's a Sci-fi book and it entails aliens so of course it doesn't make sense to me it's alien. After I came to that understanding it made much more sense and by the end I really enjoyed it.
I was surprised to find just how much I liked it after I finally understood what the author was doing, I initially had quite a hard time with this book but I finally understood that duh it's a Sci-fi book and it entails aliens so of course it doesn't make sense to me it's alien. After I came to that understanding it made much more sense and by the end I really enjoyed it.
May 3, 2018
4.5
Pros: This book was amazingly intricate, with lots of interesting aliens, great characters, and enough suspense to keep the story driving forward. Sci-fi fans should love this book.
Cons: For me, there was a disconnect between Darsey's meekness during the initial alien encounter while she was with her crew and the warrior woman she seemed to be in every other scene of the book. I also had to do some mental gymnastics to visualize some of the action scenes, but overall they were awesome.
Pros: This book was amazingly intricate, with lots of interesting aliens, great characters, and enough suspense to keep the story driving forward. Sci-fi fans should love this book.
Cons: For me, there was a disconnect between Darsey's meekness during the initial alien encounter while she was with her crew and the warrior woman she seemed to be in every other scene of the book. I also had to do some mental gymnastics to visualize some of the action scenes, but overall they were awesome.
July 22, 2018
Best book
This story had so many twist and turns. It kept me up all night to finish it. I love how it kept me guessing as to what would happen. I also love the that the rest of the books are already written. I just wish it had ended in a different way
This story had so many twist and turns. It kept me up all night to finish it. I love how it kept me guessing as to what would happen. I also love the that the rest of the books are already written. I just wish it had ended in a different way
November 17, 2017
This was a good story. Very fleshed out and well written I think. I just had a little trouble keeping up with the bazaar names sometimes. They definitely didn't role off the tongue.
August 12, 2015
"Your body is odd," Wing grunted, digging maniacally through the gravel.
"Thanks a lot. So's your face."
Sorry, I just had to start with this quote!
So this book was pretty good for a freebie! I enjoyed that!
In all it's science, intergalactic fiction with a dash of romance. It makes for an entertaining read!
It's also a clean read which made me deliriously happy, finding these books nowadays are a dime a dozen! And the romance wasn't an instant one, it built up first through friendship and trust to then blossom into love.
though it is by no means the primary focus of this story, it's actually pretty minor compared to everything else in this book.
The characters were developed quite nicely and had depth, the story was engaging.
Overall, a good read!
-The Book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
"Thanks a lot. So's your face."
Sorry, I just had to start with this quote!
So this book was pretty good for a freebie! I enjoyed that!
In all it's science, intergalactic fiction with a dash of romance. It makes for an entertaining read!
It's also a clean read which made me deliriously happy, finding these books nowadays are a dime a dozen! And the romance wasn't an instant one, it built up first through friendship and trust to then blossom into love.
though it is by no means the primary focus of this story, it's actually pretty minor compared to everything else in this book.
The characters were developed quite nicely and had depth, the story was engaging.
Overall, a good read!
-The Book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
July 8, 2016
Birds of a feather
Enjoyed the evolution of birds to humanoid and how they evolved into their culture. Wing, Darcey, Free and Clear were amazing characters and so fun to read about though I did enjoy Lady Grace as well. Well worth reading and getting the next book as this one ended way too soon.
Now on the negative side; many editing and spelling errors. A couple of characters introduced but not clarified and went nowhere. Darceys' past not truly mentioned but a couple hints of pain in her past then at the end she comes up with a brother? Just saying.
Still worth reading and getting the second book.
Enjoyed the evolution of birds to humanoid and how they evolved into their culture. Wing, Darcey, Free and Clear were amazing characters and so fun to read about though I did enjoy Lady Grace as well. Well worth reading and getting the next book as this one ended way too soon.
Now on the negative side; many editing and spelling errors. A couple of characters introduced but not clarified and went nowhere. Darceys' past not truly mentioned but a couple hints of pain in her past then at the end she comes up with a brother? Just saying.
Still worth reading and getting the second book.
February 29, 2016
It took me a long time to read this book and it was extremely painful. Not because of the book, but because I had no time to read it. The book kept calling me back but I couldn't get there!
Once my real life calmed down, I got to finish and it was well worth the wait!
The book is immersive. The worldbuilding is wonderful! Characters are great. I took off a star because I was hoping for more spice. I felt more could have been done there.
All in all its a great read. Looking for more by this author!
Now I just have to work on my to read list ...
Once my real life calmed down, I got to finish and it was well worth the wait!
The book is immersive. The worldbuilding is wonderful! Characters are great. I took off a star because I was hoping for more spice. I felt more could have been done there.
All in all its a great read. Looking for more by this author!
Now I just have to work on my to read list ...
January 26, 2016
Trip to remember forever
Darcy survives a fatal space attack to . . .
Nightwing is a Krebs with a job that has no room for a new species
When nightwing . . . Darcy, it was . . . And then he . . . . To a . . . Who . . . eventually they are together . . . In port with . . .
Sufficient to say, there's no way these two are going to be bored ;)
Will they have friction that will save them or will it tear them apart???
Enjoy!!
Darcy survives a fatal space attack to . . .
Nightwing is a Krebs with a job that has no room for a new species
When nightwing . . . Darcy, it was . . . And then he . . . . To a . . . Who . . . eventually they are together . . . In port with . . .
Sufficient to say, there's no way these two are going to be bored ;)
Will they have friction that will save them or will it tear them apart???
Enjoy!!
July 13, 2016
This book was overwhelming. And very long. There was so much happening, the ideas could have written a few separate stories. The descriptions were hard for me to visualize. The romance happened suddenly, at the end, in a wholly unbelievable manner (from the main character's end particularly). It was very much a sci-fi action adventure book and I did enjoy it, but the aforementioned prevented loving it.
April 28, 2014
I was really interested in the story from readying the synopsis but something about the writing style just wasn't my type and I really struggled to finish the book. The story itself was good but there was way too much technicality and we didn't really get to know the characters in depth.
February 4, 2016
Good
This is a very good book. It's full of action, aliens,spaceships, strange worlds and love. The story line is awesome and the characters are great. The main character is a kick butt kind of girl. So get your copy and enjoy reading it.
This is a very good book. It's full of action, aliens,spaceships, strange worlds and love. The story line is awesome and the characters are great. The main character is a kick butt kind of girl. So get your copy and enjoy reading it.
November 30, 2016
Really enjoyed this.
The characters, the way they spoke and interacted.
I'd love to read more but sadly I wasn't really that interested in Amber Grace and her conniving. Characters like that annoying me something fierce.
So, more books like this but more human/alien mixes?
The characters, the way they spoke and interacted.
I'd love to read more but sadly I wasn't really that interested in Amber Grace and her conniving. Characters like that annoying me something fierce.
So, more books like this but more human/alien mixes?
December 29, 2019
Story WAY TO convoluted. The constant switching POVs was confusion and description was vague. Plot was all over the place and I skipped most of the book because the unnecessary was explained in great detail while the important information was barely existent.
July 21, 2014
Great book, loved the characters and the world, can't wait to read more!
March 4, 2015
Nope, can't finish this. Maybe I'm too old, story and characters seem more for younger readers.
July 4, 2016
Awesome read!
I enjoyed this book very much. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't want to put it down, till the end. Loved it! Now to the second book!
I enjoyed this book very much. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't want to put it down, till the end. Loved it! Now to the second book!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews