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Repelling the Invasion #1
The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station
When pirates conquer Farflung Space Station, security chief 'Duke' Dukelsky fights back with only two allies. One is Lockey, a kick-ass princess who lusts for Duke's body. The other is Sandrina, a mysterious and alluring waif with more secrets--and secret powers--than the rest of Farflung Station put together.
Some of Sandrina's secrets might free the station and Lockey's repressed needs--yet at the same time, enslave Duke's heart forever.
Some of Sandrina's secrets might free the station and Lockey's repressed needs--yet at the same time, enslave Duke's heart forever.
- GenresScience FictionRomance
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
42 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 12, 2016
Edward Hoornaert is a new-to-me romance writer. The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station works for me in many ways.
It's filled with humour (maybe I shouldn't have snort-laughed at "Greatest need: To shove his intestines back into his belly" but I did. Not sorry.) I adore Sandrina and her plarking bad (err) mouth. As a woman who can't speak, we rely on her inner dialogue and the reactions of others in order to understand her. From her inner dialogue to her body language she's completely expressive and endearing.
I found Lockey to be a pleasant surprise. The depth of her character grew as the story went on and even when she became someone unexpected, I found she stayed "in character" and new revelations about her built other existing character without turning her into someone unrecognizable. Since we don't get the impression her greatest need has ever been met, there's also an appealing innocence about her. She's never explored the joys and pitfalls.
I liked how Duke looks after Farflung Station and everyone on it yet he seems desperately incomplete. He gravitates to Sandrina and recognizes her strengths. He doesn't let anything minimize her abilities. He's the heart of Farflung Station as much as she is.
Hoornaert makes Farflung Station real in both its scope and culture. It's a great setting and he lets us discover it through his characters eyes.
I enjoyed this action filled SFR with a sweet HEA. The followup, Escapee: Repelling the Invasion, comes out on April 19. It's based in the same SF world and can be read standalone.
It's filled with humour (maybe I shouldn't have snort-laughed at "Greatest need: To shove his intestines back into his belly" but I did. Not sorry.) I adore Sandrina and her plarking bad (err) mouth. As a woman who can't speak, we rely on her inner dialogue and the reactions of others in order to understand her. From her inner dialogue to her body language she's completely expressive and endearing.
I found Lockey to be a pleasant surprise. The depth of her character grew as the story went on and even when she became someone unexpected, I found she stayed "in character" and new revelations about her built other existing character without turning her into someone unrecognizable. Since we don't get the impression her greatest need has ever been met, there's also an appealing innocence about her. She's never explored the joys and pitfalls.
I liked how Duke looks after Farflung Station and everyone on it yet he seems desperately incomplete. He gravitates to Sandrina and recognizes her strengths. He doesn't let anything minimize her abilities. He's the heart of Farflung Station as much as she is.
Hoornaert makes Farflung Station real in both its scope and culture. It's a great setting and he lets us discover it through his characters eyes.
I enjoyed this action filled SFR with a sweet HEA. The followup, Escapee: Repelling the Invasion, comes out on April 19. It's based in the same SF world and can be read standalone.
October 20, 2018
Farflung Station, in the outlying reaches of Civ Space near the lawless border planets, has seen better days. Piracy by the so-called Free Folk of these fringe worlds has shriveled trade, battered the economy and left the formerly prosperous outpost dingy, crumbling and sparsely populated. One of its two wheels has been shut down completely. In the other, half the lights are extinguished to save money, cracked windows never get repaired, corridors and ventilation ducts gather dust as their cleaning robots deteriorate, and the critical life support systems need constant maintenance.
Principal Officer Priam “Duke” Dukelsky has all the right characteristics for his job as chief of security for Farflung. He’s strong, brave, intuitive, skilled in both the martial arts and in human interactions. In fact, someone with his qualifications, not to mention his pedigree, should have a much more prestigious posting. Duke’s still in rebellion against his aristocratic, authoritarian parents, though. He likes Farflung just fine.
A good security officer notices things others miss. When Duke spies a dirty waif of a girl sneaking through the corridors of Farflung, he’s both suspicious and curious. He discovers that she’s the victim of a childhood attack by pirates. Orphaned, her tongue torn out, Sandrina was cast into space to die. Instead, she found her way to Farflung, where she has grown to womanhood. She scuttles through the air vents and lurks in the shadows, doing anonymous good deeds to adjust the karmic balance in the aftermath of the evil she has personally suffered.
Meanwhile, a senator from Civ Space is scheduled to visit Farflung, on the way to negotiations with the Free Folk, hopefully to re-open the trade routes. Senator Striden’s chief of security arrives ahead of time to survey Duke’s preparations, and turns out to be a fierce female warrior from the mountain tribes of Heartsrest, Princess Lakshmi Andrea de Bourbon Savoy Braganza – or Lockey, for short. Gorgeous and domineering, she decides she wants to bed the dashing Duke. That’s what Sandrina wants as well. This romantic triangle is interrupted by a vicious attack on the station, just as the Senator’s ship arrives. Despite their conflicting desires, Duke, Sandrina and Lockey must work together to save the Senator’s ship, the inhabitants of Farflung, and the future of the peace deal.
The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station is original, lively, funny, romantic, and profoundly entertaining. Ed Hoornaert deserves his nickname as Mr. Valentine, if only for his skill in creating distinctive, memorable female characters. Sandrina is wonderful – clever, feisty, deeply wounded but never a victim, a match for any man, including Duke, despite her diminutive size and inability to speak. Lockey’s character is less nuanced, but still impressive, especially when the author reveals her deepest desire and her greatest fear. I really enjoyed her colorful, stilted manner of speech. She sounds a bit like a Russian, which actually fits quite well with her personality.
Duke is courageous, skillful and sexy, the perfect hero. In fact, he’d probably be too perfect, if it were not for his interactions with the two females. He’s vulnerable to both of them, in different ways. The Heartsrest warrior princess manages to defeat him at martial arts, something no man has ever done. Sandrina’s influence is more subtle and profound. She touches something in him, healing some of the alienation that drove him to Farflung in the first place.
The book is full of colorful details about the society and environment in Farflung, including delightful space oaths. There’s lots of action, too, as the unlikely alliance of Sandrina, Duke and Lockey struggle against nearly impossible odds to defeat the pirates. The description of Sandrina’s “hidey hole”, where she guides the other two in order to escape from the pirates is, if you will pardon a pun, truly stellar. I don’t want to say more, so as not to reveal Sandrina’s secrets.
In short, this novella is great fun. If you enjoy space opera with strong female characters, I highly recommend this quick and satisfying read.
Principal Officer Priam “Duke” Dukelsky has all the right characteristics for his job as chief of security for Farflung. He’s strong, brave, intuitive, skilled in both the martial arts and in human interactions. In fact, someone with his qualifications, not to mention his pedigree, should have a much more prestigious posting. Duke’s still in rebellion against his aristocratic, authoritarian parents, though. He likes Farflung just fine.
A good security officer notices things others miss. When Duke spies a dirty waif of a girl sneaking through the corridors of Farflung, he’s both suspicious and curious. He discovers that she’s the victim of a childhood attack by pirates. Orphaned, her tongue torn out, Sandrina was cast into space to die. Instead, she found her way to Farflung, where she has grown to womanhood. She scuttles through the air vents and lurks in the shadows, doing anonymous good deeds to adjust the karmic balance in the aftermath of the evil she has personally suffered.
Meanwhile, a senator from Civ Space is scheduled to visit Farflung, on the way to negotiations with the Free Folk, hopefully to re-open the trade routes. Senator Striden’s chief of security arrives ahead of time to survey Duke’s preparations, and turns out to be a fierce female warrior from the mountain tribes of Heartsrest, Princess Lakshmi Andrea de Bourbon Savoy Braganza – or Lockey, for short. Gorgeous and domineering, she decides she wants to bed the dashing Duke. That’s what Sandrina wants as well. This romantic triangle is interrupted by a vicious attack on the station, just as the Senator’s ship arrives. Despite their conflicting desires, Duke, Sandrina and Lockey must work together to save the Senator’s ship, the inhabitants of Farflung, and the future of the peace deal.
The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station is original, lively, funny, romantic, and profoundly entertaining. Ed Hoornaert deserves his nickname as Mr. Valentine, if only for his skill in creating distinctive, memorable female characters. Sandrina is wonderful – clever, feisty, deeply wounded but never a victim, a match for any man, including Duke, despite her diminutive size and inability to speak. Lockey’s character is less nuanced, but still impressive, especially when the author reveals her deepest desire and her greatest fear. I really enjoyed her colorful, stilted manner of speech. She sounds a bit like a Russian, which actually fits quite well with her personality.
Duke is courageous, skillful and sexy, the perfect hero. In fact, he’d probably be too perfect, if it were not for his interactions with the two females. He’s vulnerable to both of them, in different ways. The Heartsrest warrior princess manages to defeat him at martial arts, something no man has ever done. Sandrina’s influence is more subtle and profound. She touches something in him, healing some of the alienation that drove him to Farflung in the first place.
The book is full of colorful details about the society and environment in Farflung, including delightful space oaths. There’s lots of action, too, as the unlikely alliance of Sandrina, Duke and Lockey struggle against nearly impossible odds to defeat the pirates. The description of Sandrina’s “hidey hole”, where she guides the other two in order to escape from the pirates is, if you will pardon a pun, truly stellar. I don’t want to say more, so as not to reveal Sandrina’s secrets.
In short, this novella is great fun. If you enjoy space opera with strong female characters, I highly recommend this quick and satisfying read.
October 3, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! It's a real old fashioned space opera aimed at today's readers!
Farflung Station used to be important. It was comprised of two independently powered wheels, but as piracy grew in the area so Farflung saw less and less traffic. Now only one wheel is used and that is under attack by powers wishing to stop a peace mission to the pirates (sorry, Free Folk). It is up to Sandrina, a young mute woman; Duke, the Head of Security and Princess Lakshmi (Lockey) to save the day. These three characters make you laugh and cry. I couldn't out it down once I started and I think that anyone who loves sci-fi with a bit of romance will love this book too. Ed Hoornaert takes you to Farflung with his powerful descriptive writing. I love his books about Kwadra but, for me, this is even better.
Farflung Station used to be important. It was comprised of two independently powered wheels, but as piracy grew in the area so Farflung saw less and less traffic. Now only one wheel is used and that is under attack by powers wishing to stop a peace mission to the pirates (sorry, Free Folk). It is up to Sandrina, a young mute woman; Duke, the Head of Security and Princess Lakshmi (Lockey) to save the day. These three characters make you laugh and cry. I couldn't out it down once I started and I think that anyone who loves sci-fi with a bit of romance will love this book too. Ed Hoornaert takes you to Farflung with his powerful descriptive writing. I love his books about Kwadra but, for me, this is even better.
October 10, 2018
The characters are absolutely charming. Sandrina is remarkable, intelligent, gentle, and considers herself too damaged to exist. The haughty Princess has a huge ego for a good reason. And Duke is a big, lovable teddy bear of a guy. Together they are unstoppable. The space station is fabulously fabricated with intriguing science that feels so real and plausible. And the plot is so exciting I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more by this amazing author.
October 24, 2014
I adored Sandrina,the main character without a tongue. Some scenes induced such empathy but kept up with the quick-paced adventures of this uniquely badass heroine. It was lots of fun visiting Hoornaert's world!
January 27, 2015
Very well written, strong characters. Highly recommend this book. A friend told me about it, I didn't know whether I'd like a book with a heroine with no tongue. Turns out she's one of the best characters I've read about lately. Thoroughly enjoyable.
February 2, 2018
Charming story.
April 9, 2021
A lovely surprise
Was there ever a sweeter, more heartfelt romance than that between Sandrina and Duke? They find and accept each other with relative ease, then battle mercenaries to save a senator. But there’s so much more to this story. Acceptance of and working past disabilities. Another must face going against their societal rules. Family. Loss and grief. In the end I would hope that you too will feel the warmth in your heart for the real love that proceeds to the most beautiful HEA!
Was there ever a sweeter, more heartfelt romance than that between Sandrina and Duke? They find and accept each other with relative ease, then battle mercenaries to save a senator. But there’s so much more to this story. Acceptance of and working past disabilities. Another must face going against their societal rules. Family. Loss and grief. In the end I would hope that you too will feel the warmth in your heart for the real love that proceeds to the most beautiful HEA!
May 2, 2020
The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station review
Welcome to a fast paced read of active characters letting you ride along their amazing adventure - in space no less!
Y. Deck
Welcome to a fast paced read of active characters letting you ride along their amazing adventure - in space no less!
Y. Deck
July 5, 2021
Fun to read.
July 1, 2022
Very entertaining. The story was engaging from the beginning. Couldn't put it down.
April 14, 2017
A thoroughly entertaining tale. From the blurb: "When pirates conquer Farflung Space Station, security chief 'Duke' Dukelsky fights back with only two allies. One is Lockey, a kick-ass princess who lusts for Duke's body. The other is Sandrina, a mysterious and alluring waif with more secrets--and secret powers--than the rest of Farflung Station put together."
The characters are outstanding--their chemistry works so well. The author did a great job of infusing humor into the story. The two women appeared to be tempering a standoff over Duke, the male main character. There's a nice plot twist to that.
Sandrina, the guardian angel, has no tongue. Her backstory makes her a sympathetic character, but don't tell her that. The last things she wants is pity from anyone. And since she can't talk, the readers spend a lot of time in her thoughts. She's spunky, witty, and might miss a few social cues.
Lockey is the perfect counterpoint to Sandrina. She's a princess, beautiful, a fighter, makes her living providing security. A regular tough-girl character. And when she spars with Sandrina over Duke, it gets pretty funny.
Duke is the likeable, overwhelmed head of station security.
A good read. Satisfying ending. :-)
The characters are outstanding--their chemistry works so well. The author did a great job of infusing humor into the story. The two women appeared to be tempering a standoff over Duke, the male main character. There's a nice plot twist to that.
Sandrina, the guardian angel, has no tongue. Her backstory makes her a sympathetic character, but don't tell her that. The last things she wants is pity from anyone. And since she can't talk, the readers spend a lot of time in her thoughts. She's spunky, witty, and might miss a few social cues.
Lockey is the perfect counterpoint to Sandrina. She's a princess, beautiful, a fighter, makes her living providing security. A regular tough-girl character. And when she spars with Sandrina over Duke, it gets pretty funny.
Duke is the likeable, overwhelmed head of station security.
A good read. Satisfying ending. :-)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews