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Dock Five Universe #2
Shades of Dark
Can love alone save the day? Award-winning author Linnea Sinclair returns with a vibrant interstellar thriller of romance and adventure in which two lovers are tested in the crucible of deep space.
Before her court-martial, Captain Chasidah Chaz Bergren was the pride of the Sixth Fleet. Now she s a fugitive from the justice of a corrupt Empire. Along with her lover, the former monk, mercenary, and telepath Gabriel Ross Sullivan, Chaz hoped to leave the past light-years behind until the news of her brother Thad s arrest and upcoming execution for treason. It s a ploy by Sully s cousin Hayden Burke to force them out of hiding, and it works.
With a killer targeting human females and a renegade gen lab breeding "jukor" war machines, Chaz and Sully already had their hands full of treachery, betrayal - not to mention each other. Throw in Chaz s Imperial ex-husband, Admiral Philip Guthrie, and a "Kyi-Ragkiril" mentor out to seduce Sully, and not just loyalties but lives are at stake. For when Sully makes a fateful choice, changing their relationship forever, Chaz must also choose between what duty demands and what her heart tells her she must do.
Before her court-martial, Captain Chasidah Chaz Bergren was the pride of the Sixth Fleet. Now she s a fugitive from the justice of a corrupt Empire. Along with her lover, the former monk, mercenary, and telepath Gabriel Ross Sullivan, Chaz hoped to leave the past light-years behind until the news of her brother Thad s arrest and upcoming execution for treason. It s a ploy by Sully s cousin Hayden Burke to force them out of hiding, and it works.
With a killer targeting human females and a renegade gen lab breeding "jukor" war machines, Chaz and Sully already had their hands full of treachery, betrayal - not to mention each other. Throw in Chaz s Imperial ex-husband, Admiral Philip Guthrie, and a "Kyi-Ragkiril" mentor out to seduce Sully, and not just loyalties but lives are at stake. For when Sully makes a fateful choice, changing their relationship forever, Chaz must also choose between what duty demands and what her heart tells her she must do.
411 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2008
48 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Linnea Sinclair
24 books695 followersWinner of the prestigious national book award, the RITA, science fiction romance author Linnea Sinclair has become a name synonymous for high-action, emotionally intense, character-driven novels. Reviewers note that Sinclair’s novels “have the wow-factor in spades,” earning her accolades from both the science fiction and romance communities. Sinclair’s current release is HOPE'S FOLLY and, scheduled for 2010 from Bantam Dell, REBELS AND LOVERS, book #4 in the Dock Five Universe. A former news reporter and retired private detective, Sinclair resides in Naples, Florida (winter) and Columbus, Ohio (summer) with her husband, Robert Bernadino, and their thoroughly spoiled cats. Readers can find her perched on the third barstool from the left in her Intergalactic Bar and Grille at www.linneasinclair.com .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 2, 2023
Every now and then I have an urge for a great science-fiction book, not that urge is always satisfied, mind you. But here I found everything I wished for! In Shades of Dark Linnea Sinclair continues the story of Chaz and Sully. It’s intense and incredible from start to finish, even better than Gabriel's Ghost.
It all starts as Chaz and Sully, having escaping Marker after destroying the Jukor breeding lab, are now searching for another Jukor ship lab travelling through endless space. After a slower start, things escalate from bad to worse very quickly as the Empire disintegrates as the struggles for power are brought out into the open. Thad, having helped his sister Chaz and Sully escape Marker along with Philip, is arrested for treason by the conspirator behind the Jukor labs. His capture also brings the danger of the secret, that Sully is a rare human and feared Ragkiril, may be revealed.
Two new members also join the Boru Karn’s crew: Admiral Philip Guthrie, Chaz’s ex-husband, is rescued after an assassination attack; and Captain “Del” Regarth, who comes to them with information on the ship lab they are seeking to destroy. Del is willing to help for a price, he can train Sully to learn and control his growing power and Kyi capabilities. But Del is not who both Sully and Chaz expect, and not all good.
Shades of Dark is much more than the chase after a rogue lab ship. Sinclair does her usual outstanding job producing fascinating characters, a gripping plot and richly thought out settings. But above all, she deals with personal conflicts and internal questionings of what should or shouldn’t be, in sum, of hard choices. And in that she surpasses even herself with a work that, as the title suggests, can be at times a very dark story.
With directness and clarity Sinclair explores the issue of the corruption pitfalls of power. Chaz and Sully are embroiled in all that as Sully needs to come to term with his growing talents and how his humanity and being a Ragkiril blend together. Add to that Del and it all comes down to conflicts and prices to be paid. Sully seems lost and confused at times, and that is heart-breaking, but always and despite all he loves Chaz with all that he is. Simultaneously, Chaz too loves but not blindly. That makes for a very courageous and engaging couple that the reader can admire and appreciate.
The ending is painful yet beautiful and right in its own way. And in that it’s superior, since there is no simple for-ever-after-happy-ending, but there is future and there is hope.
Highy recommended. Enjoy it!
It all starts as Chaz and Sully, having escaping Marker after destroying the Jukor breeding lab, are now searching for another Jukor ship lab travelling through endless space. After a slower start, things escalate from bad to worse very quickly as the Empire disintegrates as the struggles for power are brought out into the open. Thad, having helped his sister Chaz and Sully escape Marker along with Philip, is arrested for treason by the conspirator behind the Jukor labs. His capture also brings the danger of the secret, that Sully is a rare human and feared Ragkiril, may be revealed.
Two new members also join the Boru Karn’s crew: Admiral Philip Guthrie, Chaz’s ex-husband, is rescued after an assassination attack; and Captain “Del” Regarth, who comes to them with information on the ship lab they are seeking to destroy. Del is willing to help for a price, he can train Sully to learn and control his growing power and Kyi capabilities. But Del is not who both Sully and Chaz expect, and not all good.
Shades of Dark is much more than the chase after a rogue lab ship. Sinclair does her usual outstanding job producing fascinating characters, a gripping plot and richly thought out settings. But above all, she deals with personal conflicts and internal questionings of what should or shouldn’t be, in sum, of hard choices. And in that she surpasses even herself with a work that, as the title suggests, can be at times a very dark story.
With directness and clarity Sinclair explores the issue of the corruption pitfalls of power. Chaz and Sully are embroiled in all that as Sully needs to come to term with his growing talents and how his humanity and being a Ragkiril blend together. Add to that Del and it all comes down to conflicts and prices to be paid. Sully seems lost and confused at times, and that is heart-breaking, but always and despite all he loves Chaz with all that he is. Simultaneously, Chaz too loves but not blindly. That makes for a very courageous and engaging couple that the reader can admire and appreciate.
The ending is painful yet beautiful and right in its own way. And in that it’s superior, since there is no simple for-ever-after-happy-ending, but there is future and there is hope.
Highy recommended. Enjoy it!
February 2, 2011
The tedium's worth it. Until 35-38% into Shades of Dark, I thought I was reading Gabriel's Ghost Redux, only with less action. Sure, Linnea Sinclair pens us a couple of new conflicts: Chaz's brother Thad Bergren's imprisonment and a mole, but Shades really plumbs Sully and Chaz's relationship more than politics or schemes.
Sinclair shines because she allows her heroes and heroines vulnerability. Female lead Chasidah "Chaz" Bergren, while capable and practical, owns a lot of sympathy and fears not the emotional intimacy! ;)
Male lead Gabriel "Sully" Sullivan ranks as one of the most vulnerable heroes I've read, and I appreciate that Sinclair doesn't perpetuate the image in romance novels and life that men must not be vulnerable, they must be emotionally unavailable.
She already one-ups many urban fantasy authors that I've read by writing a hero who respects the heroine. Gasp! Could this be true? He even vocalizes this respect? Madness!
Yes, the hero doesn't have to smack the heroine around for a reader to appreciate him, LOL. Some readers may find Chaz x Sully mild (see anti-soap opera). I like their constant snuggling. Healthy relationships hearten a gal, but as much as I love all the gooey, eventually I wearied of Sully's angst. Am I bad, Chazzy, am I?
I appreciate his dilemma, but we discussed this in book #1, Gabriel's Ghost . If you agree, then you'll be pleased a third of the way into Shades, when stuff goes down. New characters emerge, Phillip Guthrie makes a reappearance, and Sinclair wades into much darker waters. If you became desensitized to the horror of jukor breeding with repeated exposure, Sinclair introduces new and different horrors. What a killer climax!
Definitely a must-read for readers of Gabriel's Ghost , Shades isn't just another episode in Sully and Chaz's Adventures. Their relationship changes, it's important! (Perhaps allow some time between #1 and #2 because of the initial rehash of Sully's conflict.)
I'm glad I read Shades, and I'm sorry I doubted Sinclair! ;_; I am so looking forward to Phillip's book, Hope's Folly ! His problems may not be as dramatic as Sully's, but I'm sure Sinclair will surprise me. I am really liking these practical but very sensitive characters!
Sinclair shines because she allows her heroes and heroines vulnerability. Female lead Chasidah "Chaz" Bergren, while capable and practical, owns a lot of sympathy and fears not the emotional intimacy! ;)
Male lead Gabriel "Sully" Sullivan ranks as one of the most vulnerable heroes I've read, and I appreciate that Sinclair doesn't perpetuate the image in romance novels and life that men must not be vulnerable, they must be emotionally unavailable.
She already one-ups many urban fantasy authors that I've read by writing a hero who respects the heroine. Gasp! Could this be true? He even vocalizes this respect? Madness!
Yes, the hero doesn't have to smack the heroine around for a reader to appreciate him, LOL. Some readers may find Chaz x Sully mild (see anti-soap opera). I like their constant snuggling. Healthy relationships hearten a gal, but as much as I love all the gooey, eventually I wearied of Sully's angst. Am I bad, Chazzy, am I?
I appreciate his dilemma, but we discussed this in book #1, Gabriel's Ghost . If you agree, then you'll be pleased a third of the way into Shades, when stuff goes down. New characters emerge, Phillip Guthrie makes a reappearance, and Sinclair wades into much darker waters. If you became desensitized to the horror of jukor breeding with repeated exposure, Sinclair introduces new and different horrors. What a killer climax!
Definitely a must-read for readers of Gabriel's Ghost , Shades isn't just another episode in Sully and Chaz's Adventures. Their relationship changes, it's important! (Perhaps allow some time between #1 and #2 because of the initial rehash of Sully's conflict.)
I'm glad I read Shades, and I'm sorry I doubted Sinclair! ;_; I am so looking forward to Phillip's book, Hope's Folly ! His problems may not be as dramatic as Sully's, but I'm sure Sinclair will surprise me. I am really liking these practical but very sensitive characters!
May 1, 2009
I really enjoyed Linnea Sinclair’s first book about Chaz Bergren and her growing relationship with Gabriel Sullivan (not to mention her involvement with political intrigue, ex-husbands, monster breeding programmes and difficult family relationships). So when I heard there was a direct sequel coming out that would continue Chaz and Sully’s adventures I was delighted. But then the reviews started coming out. They were pretty much uniformly positive, but most talked about it being a dark book and about Sully making bad choices and stupid decisions. My book fear (where I worry desperately about the characters and/or how much reading about what happens to them is going to stress me) came rising up and I kept finding excuses not to face up to reading the book. But the third related book (not about Chaz and Sully, but about Chaz’s ex-husband Philip) is due out in a couple of weeks and the random number generator picked Shades of Dark for me, so I figured it was time to take the plunge and read it.
Chaz and Sully have escaped after destroying the Jukor breeding lab on Marker, but they know there is another lab out there on a ship. While trying to track it down, they find themselves caught up in high politics. Chaz’s brother Thad, who helped them on Marker, is arrested by the conspirators behind the Jukor labs (and more) as bait to draw out the fugitives. Whether he co-operates or has his mind scanned, his knowledge that Sullivan is a hated telepath or Kyi-Ragkiril is sure to be discovered. Chaz and Sully have to deal with the reactions of their crew to this news, the discovery of traitors in that same crew, not to mention the potential fall of the Empire itself (along with the arrival of Chaz’s ex-husband, Philip) and the intrusion of an alien Storloth Kyi-Ragkiril onto their ship. The latter, Del, can train Sully, whose power is growing at a rate he can’t control, but his mentorship comes with oaths, traditions and complications that will strain Chaz and Sully’s relationship to breaking point.
For once, my fears about a book proved to be true. By its end, this was a disturbing book. A very good disturbing book, but a disturbing book all the same. Sinclair doesn’t ever choose to take the easy way out and she explores the adage that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely with a clear and unwavering gaze. Sully needs to come to terms with what he is, but as the only human Kyi-Ragkiril that he knows about, he has no guidelines except for scanty research about Storloth Kyi-Ragkirils. When Del enters the scene, he thinks he’s found a tutor and mentor, but the very things that make him human are not things Del, as a Storloth, sees as necessary or important. Chaz sees Sully changing and has to come to decide for herself how much of this is a good thing and how much, if any, is a bad thing.
Sully does indeed make some very bad and stupid choices, and Chaz’s responses are strong, brave and sometimes heart-breaking. I’m still processing exactly what happened and both Chaz and Sully’s choices. I’m not 100% clear how much of what happened was freely Sully’s choice and how much was Del manipulating him. Even if Del influenced things, the power inside Sully is a hungry, demanding thing and he must, as the story progresses, discover if he can stand up to it or if it will devour him too.
Chaz does not love blindly, and this makes her a strong and brave character that the reader can only admire. She’s fantastic as she walks her own path through the minefield of her relationship with Sully, further confused as it is by the presences of Del and Philip. She knows where her moral boundaries lie and she will stick to them despite what it costs her – and who can’t love a woman who’s prepared to shoot her lover because he’s crossing a line he shouldn’t cross and it’s the only way to get through to him?
Sully is lost and confused and his pain is heart-breaking, but at the same time both he and Chaz know, and Sinclair doesn’t let the reader forget, that we are still responsible for our actions and we must take the consequences for what we do. We must fight to stay human and in touch with those things that are the best in humanity. Sully tries and, in the end, he stumbles, but still he tries. And always, always he loves Chaz with all that he is.
There’s a lot more plot in this book as the Empire disintegrates and the Jukor breeding lab is found – and it’s very good plot that weaves neatly though the focus on Sully and Chaz’s relationship and Sully’s growing power in the Kyi and what responsibilities that does or doesn’t place upon him. But at bottom this book is an study of love, as it seeks to explore its limits and its limitlessness. Sully says frequently to Chaz that all that he is is hers. But sometimes we have to draw lines in the sand, and where Chaz chooses to draw hers and how much she loves despite that make for a painful and uplifting conclusion to the book.
The ending is downbeat, yet beautiful in its own way. It’s painful, but it’s right. These people and their situation and experiences could only end here. And despite everything, the reader can still believe in their happy ending. It might not be happy right now, and it might be totally different from what they (or we) originally imagined, but there’s a rightness to their relationship that nothing has yet destroyed and we can believe nothing will.
Like I said way back at the beginning of this review, this is a disturbing book. It’s disturbing because, through Sully, we are forced to face some of the darker shades to human nature – and we don’t have a hero who can automatically be assumed to stand strong against them, because real people often fail and if Sully is anything, he is very real, despite his great power. So it’s disturbing, but it is also very good. If you have book fear like me, don’t let it stop you. This is a book worth reading, and there’s a love here that is strong and true yet real in its complications and its pain. Trust in Linnea Sinclair; she’s taken on a hard challenge here and she’s succeeded.
All the same, I’m hoping the next book, Hope’s Folly, won’t be so hard on its readers. I can’t take books like this all the time.
Shades of Dark
Linnea Sinclair
Dock 5, Book 2
8/10
Qualifies for: 100+ Reading Challenge, eBook Reading Challenge, Romance Reading Challenge
Dock Five:
1.Gabriel's Ghost
2.Shades of Dark
3.Hope's Folly (to be published 24th February, 2009)
Chaz and Sully have escaped after destroying the Jukor breeding lab on Marker, but they know there is another lab out there on a ship. While trying to track it down, they find themselves caught up in high politics. Chaz’s brother Thad, who helped them on Marker, is arrested by the conspirators behind the Jukor labs (and more) as bait to draw out the fugitives. Whether he co-operates or has his mind scanned, his knowledge that Sullivan is a hated telepath or Kyi-Ragkiril is sure to be discovered. Chaz and Sully have to deal with the reactions of their crew to this news, the discovery of traitors in that same crew, not to mention the potential fall of the Empire itself (along with the arrival of Chaz’s ex-husband, Philip) and the intrusion of an alien Storloth Kyi-Ragkiril onto their ship. The latter, Del, can train Sully, whose power is growing at a rate he can’t control, but his mentorship comes with oaths, traditions and complications that will strain Chaz and Sully’s relationship to breaking point.
For once, my fears about a book proved to be true. By its end, this was a disturbing book. A very good disturbing book, but a disturbing book all the same. Sinclair doesn’t ever choose to take the easy way out and she explores the adage that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely with a clear and unwavering gaze. Sully needs to come to terms with what he is, but as the only human Kyi-Ragkiril that he knows about, he has no guidelines except for scanty research about Storloth Kyi-Ragkirils. When Del enters the scene, he thinks he’s found a tutor and mentor, but the very things that make him human are not things Del, as a Storloth, sees as necessary or important. Chaz sees Sully changing and has to come to decide for herself how much of this is a good thing and how much, if any, is a bad thing.
Sully does indeed make some very bad and stupid choices, and Chaz’s responses are strong, brave and sometimes heart-breaking. I’m still processing exactly what happened and both Chaz and Sully’s choices. I’m not 100% clear how much of what happened was freely Sully’s choice and how much was Del manipulating him. Even if Del influenced things, the power inside Sully is a hungry, demanding thing and he must, as the story progresses, discover if he can stand up to it or if it will devour him too.
Chaz does not love blindly, and this makes her a strong and brave character that the reader can only admire. She’s fantastic as she walks her own path through the minefield of her relationship with Sully, further confused as it is by the presences of Del and Philip. She knows where her moral boundaries lie and she will stick to them despite what it costs her – and who can’t love a woman who’s prepared to shoot her lover because he’s crossing a line he shouldn’t cross and it’s the only way to get through to him?
Sully is lost and confused and his pain is heart-breaking, but at the same time both he and Chaz know, and Sinclair doesn’t let the reader forget, that we are still responsible for our actions and we must take the consequences for what we do. We must fight to stay human and in touch with those things that are the best in humanity. Sully tries and, in the end, he stumbles, but still he tries. And always, always he loves Chaz with all that he is.
There’s a lot more plot in this book as the Empire disintegrates and the Jukor breeding lab is found – and it’s very good plot that weaves neatly though the focus on Sully and Chaz’s relationship and Sully’s growing power in the Kyi and what responsibilities that does or doesn’t place upon him. But at bottom this book is an study of love, as it seeks to explore its limits and its limitlessness. Sully says frequently to Chaz that all that he is is hers. But sometimes we have to draw lines in the sand, and where Chaz chooses to draw hers and how much she loves despite that make for a painful and uplifting conclusion to the book.
The ending is downbeat, yet beautiful in its own way. It’s painful, but it’s right. These people and their situation and experiences could only end here. And despite everything, the reader can still believe in their happy ending. It might not be happy right now, and it might be totally different from what they (or we) originally imagined, but there’s a rightness to their relationship that nothing has yet destroyed and we can believe nothing will.
Like I said way back at the beginning of this review, this is a disturbing book. It’s disturbing because, through Sully, we are forced to face some of the darker shades to human nature – and we don’t have a hero who can automatically be assumed to stand strong against them, because real people often fail and if Sully is anything, he is very real, despite his great power. So it’s disturbing, but it is also very good. If you have book fear like me, don’t let it stop you. This is a book worth reading, and there’s a love here that is strong and true yet real in its complications and its pain. Trust in Linnea Sinclair; she’s taken on a hard challenge here and she’s succeeded.
All the same, I’m hoping the next book, Hope’s Folly, won’t be so hard on its readers. I can’t take books like this all the time.
Shades of Dark
Linnea Sinclair
Dock 5, Book 2
8/10
Qualifies for: 100+ Reading Challenge, eBook Reading Challenge, Romance Reading Challenge
Dock Five:
1.Gabriel's Ghost
2.Shades of Dark
3.Hope's Folly (to be published 24th February, 2009)
May 19, 2009
Fugitives in space! That is what has become of Chasidah "Chaz"' Bergren, a former captain of the Sixth Fleet along with outlaw Gabriel Ross "Sully" Sullivan and their ragtag intergalactic crew. Chaz and Sully are lovers on the run from Hayden Burke, who happens to be Sully's cousin, and Darius Tage. These two have secretly re-created mutant beasts called Jukors that were originally used by the Empire and are now considered to be too dangerous, even in battle. Chaz and Sully are searching for Burke's illegal lab where these beasts are being created. If they aren't able to stop Burke, he could take over the entire galaxy.
If things aren't bad enough, Sully himself places everyone in danger because of what he is. Sully is a rare human breed called a Kyi-Ragkiril who has secret telepathic and telekinetic abilities. His kind are so feared that, if found out, he would be killed. Chaz is able to keep Sully under control as his ky'sara, where he can sense all her thoughts and emotions just as she can do the same to him. They have only been lovers and mates for three months, but their attraction for each other has been there for years. Sully saved Chaz from a place where only death would be a welcome relief, and now they are closer than any humans can be.
Even though time may be running out for this motley crew, Chaz does have some support on her side with her brother Thad and her ex-husband, Philip Guthrie, who is an Admiral of the Sixth Fleet. Things go from bad to worse when Thad is arrested for treason because he aided the fugitives. Unless Thad tells everything he knows, he will be executed.
The race is on for both Chaz and Sully, along with the help of Ren, who is good friends with the couple and is a blind Stolorth empath. They must find any information they can about these labs, even looking for help from those who shouldn't be trusted. There is one man who may be the answer to their problems. Regarth Serian Cordell Delkavra, otherwise known as Captain "Del" Regarth, is also a Stolorth and a Kyi. He is willing to help for a price, and that is training Sully to become more powerful and in control of his Kyi capabilities.
As Sully and Del bond in ways that makes Chaz very uncomfortable, Sully is slowing changing into something that scares Chaz. She doesn't trust Del because Del wants to share Chaz with Sully! But Chaz has to put her trust in Del's hands because he is possibly the only one who can help save the universe as they know it. It all comes down to the price Chaz is wiling to pay to keep her lover sane and hope their love is strong enough to keep them alive.
Buckle yourselves in and prepare for a ride you will not soon forget! Linnea Sinclair has written a masterpiece of science fiction fantasy with SHADES OF DARK. This is the sequel to her award winning GABRIEL'S GHOST that turned me into a sci-fi fanatic, and don't be surprised if you find yourself doing the same. SHADES OF DARK takes place three months after GABRIEL'S GHOST and reveals how Chaz and Sully are surviving and if their love is still stronger than ever. And I can tell you that the love and devotion between these two is so strong, that if one died, the other one would be lost as if a piece of their soul was gone.
The love story between Chaz and Sully is more out in the open and just as important as the action and suspense as they try to save the known galaxy. There are excellent fight scenes and some nice funny moments to relieve the non-stop tension. You will find yourself welcoming old friends, such as Ren, an alien being with a scary reputation who is so kind, sweet and very intuitive, along with Philip, Chaz's ex-husband, who in GABRIEL'S GHOST was a roadblock to Chaz and Sully's newly formed relationship. Philip is a very worthy hero, and I anxiously await his personal story to be told in HOPE'S FOLLY.
I also enjoyed the shady Del who is one of the most interesting characters in this book. He straddles the fence between good and evil and is a worthy adversary for Chaz. You will have no clue what he has up his sleeve till the very end, and that may surprise you in ways I didn't even see coming. Even when he was propositioning Chaz, I still found him to be a bit irresistible.
SHADES OF DARK is not to be missed. Of course, I recommend you read GABRIEL'S GHOST first to get a good idea of the story and the characters. If you don't find yourself having a crush on Sully, well that is fine, because I want to claim him for myself! *G*.
Linnea Sinclair is always an author you can count on for amazing stories and is one of the best in the business. SHADES OF DARK is going down as one of my favorite books of all time.
If things aren't bad enough, Sully himself places everyone in danger because of what he is. Sully is a rare human breed called a Kyi-Ragkiril who has secret telepathic and telekinetic abilities. His kind are so feared that, if found out, he would be killed. Chaz is able to keep Sully under control as his ky'sara, where he can sense all her thoughts and emotions just as she can do the same to him. They have only been lovers and mates for three months, but their attraction for each other has been there for years. Sully saved Chaz from a place where only death would be a welcome relief, and now they are closer than any humans can be.
Even though time may be running out for this motley crew, Chaz does have some support on her side with her brother Thad and her ex-husband, Philip Guthrie, who is an Admiral of the Sixth Fleet. Things go from bad to worse when Thad is arrested for treason because he aided the fugitives. Unless Thad tells everything he knows, he will be executed.
The race is on for both Chaz and Sully, along with the help of Ren, who is good friends with the couple and is a blind Stolorth empath. They must find any information they can about these labs, even looking for help from those who shouldn't be trusted. There is one man who may be the answer to their problems. Regarth Serian Cordell Delkavra, otherwise known as Captain "Del" Regarth, is also a Stolorth and a Kyi. He is willing to help for a price, and that is training Sully to become more powerful and in control of his Kyi capabilities.
As Sully and Del bond in ways that makes Chaz very uncomfortable, Sully is slowing changing into something that scares Chaz. She doesn't trust Del because Del wants to share Chaz with Sully! But Chaz has to put her trust in Del's hands because he is possibly the only one who can help save the universe as they know it. It all comes down to the price Chaz is wiling to pay to keep her lover sane and hope their love is strong enough to keep them alive.
Buckle yourselves in and prepare for a ride you will not soon forget! Linnea Sinclair has written a masterpiece of science fiction fantasy with SHADES OF DARK. This is the sequel to her award winning GABRIEL'S GHOST that turned me into a sci-fi fanatic, and don't be surprised if you find yourself doing the same. SHADES OF DARK takes place three months after GABRIEL'S GHOST and reveals how Chaz and Sully are surviving and if their love is still stronger than ever. And I can tell you that the love and devotion between these two is so strong, that if one died, the other one would be lost as if a piece of their soul was gone.
The love story between Chaz and Sully is more out in the open and just as important as the action and suspense as they try to save the known galaxy. There are excellent fight scenes and some nice funny moments to relieve the non-stop tension. You will find yourself welcoming old friends, such as Ren, an alien being with a scary reputation who is so kind, sweet and very intuitive, along with Philip, Chaz's ex-husband, who in GABRIEL'S GHOST was a roadblock to Chaz and Sully's newly formed relationship. Philip is a very worthy hero, and I anxiously await his personal story to be told in HOPE'S FOLLY.
I also enjoyed the shady Del who is one of the most interesting characters in this book. He straddles the fence between good and evil and is a worthy adversary for Chaz. You will have no clue what he has up his sleeve till the very end, and that may surprise you in ways I didn't even see coming. Even when he was propositioning Chaz, I still found him to be a bit irresistible.
SHADES OF DARK is not to be missed. Of course, I recommend you read GABRIEL'S GHOST first to get a good idea of the story and the characters. If you don't find yourself having a crush on Sully, well that is fine, because I want to claim him for myself! *G*.
Linnea Sinclair is always an author you can count on for amazing stories and is one of the best in the business. SHADES OF DARK is going down as one of my favorite books of all time.
December 27, 2008
Perfect blend of sci-fi, romance, action, suspicion and suspense - don’t miss this one!
**Spoiler Warning - This review will contain spoilers**
Not long after Chaz and Sully escaped Marker with the help of her brother and her ex-husband, Chaz receives news that her brother, Thad, had been arrested for treason. From there, things quickly escalate from bad to worse. Hayden Burke and First Barrister Darius Tage are in cahoots together, wanting the Empire for themselves, and are planning on taking it any way they know how. They’re sure that Burke is behind the jukor gen labs, and Chaz and Sully intend to shut them down, no matter the cost. With the help of an informant, Del, they find the lab, but the cost is greater than anyone would even begin to believe, for Del is Stolorth, and a Kyi-Radkiril, and has taken Sully on as a student, helping him harness and use his power. But Del is hiding something from both Sully and Chaz, and it’s not good.
And now a war is starting, and no one is sure how it will turn out. Those who don’t swear allegiance to Tage are hunted, some killed. Being hunted is her ex-husband, Admiral Philip Guthrie, and Chaz and Sully save him just in time. And just when we think that everything will finally work out - the gen lab found, the crew out of the way, and Hayden Burke walking aboard to deal with the lab - more betrayal hits too close to home.
The story begins right at the start, when Chaz finds out her brother has been arrested. She he be questioned by a Radkiril, their enemies will learn what Sully truly is, and nothing could be worse for them right now.
I didn’t like Del right from the start, and I was right not to like him. Just when you want a good guy to help, the bad comes along with dark intentions, and that pissed me off. Yes, the story needed him, but I think I’d have liked to see this come about in a different fashion. I’m glad that we got to see more of Philip Guthrie - we needed more between him, Chaz and Sully. Finally, you really understand where Philip and Chaz stand with each other, and while is makes the reader sad that their relationship turned the way it had, it’s understandable, and not unlike those in higher social standing that we’re used to reading.
And now, the ending. Oh, was I mad! With all the action, you’re adrenaline pumps up as you’re following the story. You want so badly that Sully wins against Del, that Chaz and Philip manage to help him, but I felt let down. Sure, Del is beaten, but the price that Chaz and Sully pay is over the top, leaving several questions unanswered; questions that need answers. We understand how it happens and why (from earlier explanations about cultures, customs and such), but it wasn’t fair for that to happen. And what was between Sully and Chaz will never be the same. Then I’m told that there will be a Book #3, Hope’s Folly, but after reading the description, the book is about Philip, not Chaz and Sully. Please, Ms. Sinclair, we need more on Chaz and Sully. It’s not just because I like them very much, but to leave them hanging like that, as well as the reader, isn’t fair.
**Spoiler Warning - This review will contain spoilers**
Not long after Chaz and Sully escaped Marker with the help of her brother and her ex-husband, Chaz receives news that her brother, Thad, had been arrested for treason. From there, things quickly escalate from bad to worse. Hayden Burke and First Barrister Darius Tage are in cahoots together, wanting the Empire for themselves, and are planning on taking it any way they know how. They’re sure that Burke is behind the jukor gen labs, and Chaz and Sully intend to shut them down, no matter the cost. With the help of an informant, Del, they find the lab, but the cost is greater than anyone would even begin to believe, for Del is Stolorth, and a Kyi-Radkiril, and has taken Sully on as a student, helping him harness and use his power. But Del is hiding something from both Sully and Chaz, and it’s not good.
And now a war is starting, and no one is sure how it will turn out. Those who don’t swear allegiance to Tage are hunted, some killed. Being hunted is her ex-husband, Admiral Philip Guthrie, and Chaz and Sully save him just in time. And just when we think that everything will finally work out - the gen lab found, the crew out of the way, and Hayden Burke walking aboard to deal with the lab - more betrayal hits too close to home.
The story begins right at the start, when Chaz finds out her brother has been arrested. She he be questioned by a Radkiril, their enemies will learn what Sully truly is, and nothing could be worse for them right now.
I didn’t like Del right from the start, and I was right not to like him. Just when you want a good guy to help, the bad comes along with dark intentions, and that pissed me off. Yes, the story needed him, but I think I’d have liked to see this come about in a different fashion. I’m glad that we got to see more of Philip Guthrie - we needed more between him, Chaz and Sully. Finally, you really understand where Philip and Chaz stand with each other, and while is makes the reader sad that their relationship turned the way it had, it’s understandable, and not unlike those in higher social standing that we’re used to reading.
And now, the ending. Oh, was I mad! With all the action, you’re adrenaline pumps up as you’re following the story. You want so badly that Sully wins against Del, that Chaz and Philip manage to help him, but I felt let down. Sure, Del is beaten, but the price that Chaz and Sully pay is over the top, leaving several questions unanswered; questions that need answers. We understand how it happens and why (from earlier explanations about cultures, customs and such), but it wasn’t fair for that to happen. And what was between Sully and Chaz will never be the same. Then I’m told that there will be a Book #3, Hope’s Folly, but after reading the description, the book is about Philip, not Chaz and Sully. Please, Ms. Sinclair, we need more on Chaz and Sully. It’s not just because I like them very much, but to leave them hanging like that, as well as the reader, isn’t fair.
July 18, 2018
Wow. To think I almost didn’t jump right into this book. After reading Gabriel’s Ghost, I felt kind of like Chas and Sully’s love story was complete. Obviously, there were threads left open in the larger story arc, but it felt like a good stopping place. In fact, I thought perhaps the world would continue following other characters in that book. Ren maybe… or Phillip. I was wrong. There is still a ton left to mine between our main characters.
As this installment begins, three months have passed since the last book. Chas is completely in love with Sully and he, her. But the big issue is that he has not finished learning what he is and what he can do. His bond with Chas is making him even stronger and he doesn’t know what to do with his growing power.
Meantime, there is another breeding installation that they need to take down and the politics of the world they live in are coming to a boiling point. They need help. Enter an informant named Del.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but suffice it to say Del is a major catalyst to all of the shocking and heart wrenching action to follow. Philip is back and I was surprised by how much I liked him. Wren is around, too, albeit in a less visible role. I missed his gentle presence to the degree I felt it in Gabriel’s Ghost.
My emotions were chewed up and spit out, especially in the last third of this book. I hated the things that were happening, yet I was glued to the page. I couldn’t look away. I had so many feels… anger, heartbreak, and fear. I was kept guessing about the resolution all the way to the very end. And still, questions remain.
My feelings about Sully are all over the place. I am still not 100% sure why things twisted the way they did at the very end. But I’ve got to tell you, it was riveting. And there’s no way I am going to wait before I read book 3. If you are looking for a sci-fi romance series, look no further than the Dock Five Universe.
Linea Sinclair is awesome, y’all.
Rating: B+/A-
As this installment begins, three months have passed since the last book. Chas is completely in love with Sully and he, her. But the big issue is that he has not finished learning what he is and what he can do. His bond with Chas is making him even stronger and he doesn’t know what to do with his growing power.
Meantime, there is another breeding installation that they need to take down and the politics of the world they live in are coming to a boiling point. They need help. Enter an informant named Del.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but suffice it to say Del is a major catalyst to all of the shocking and heart wrenching action to follow. Philip is back and I was surprised by how much I liked him. Wren is around, too, albeit in a less visible role. I missed his gentle presence to the degree I felt it in Gabriel’s Ghost.
My emotions were chewed up and spit out, especially in the last third of this book. I hated the things that were happening, yet I was glued to the page. I couldn’t look away. I had so many feels… anger, heartbreak, and fear. I was kept guessing about the resolution all the way to the very end. And still, questions remain.
My feelings about Sully are all over the place. I am still not 100% sure why things twisted the way they did at the very end. But I’ve got to tell you, it was riveting. And there’s no way I am going to wait before I read book 3. If you are looking for a sci-fi romance series, look no further than the Dock Five Universe.
Linea Sinclair is awesome, y’all.
Rating: B+/A-
February 3, 2011
I can't review this right now. The emotional turmoil and angst is still too fresh. I'd probably just ramble on in an uncontrolled fashion and no one wants that....so, I'll leave you with these brief thoughts.
Tedious at the beginning.
More of Chaz and Sully angstiness ala Gabriel's Ghost.
LOTS more.
A new Stolorth enters the scene, and is he ever--uh---um--interesting? Hot? Evil? Insanely twisted.
Ending is rather abrupt.
Linnea Sinclair is a fantastic storyteller, but I don't know if I can handle another installment for awhile. The turmoil is a bit much.
Tedious at the beginning.
More of Chaz and Sully angstiness ala Gabriel's Ghost.
LOTS more.
A new Stolorth enters the scene, and is he ever--uh---um--interesting? Hot? Evil? Insanely twisted.
Ending is rather abrupt.
Linnea Sinclair is a fantastic storyteller, but I don't know if I can handle another installment for awhile. The turmoil is a bit much.
March 14, 2009
The sequel to Gabriel's Ghost is intense. Very intense. Sinclair does her usual outstanding job producing fascinating characters, a gripping plot and richly thought out settings. She did a world class [should that be universe class?:] job but as the title suggests it is a very dark story. Since I like my stories to end with some variation of 'and they lived happily ever after or until the next adventure' I was not satisfied with the ending. Which explains why this is marked as a 4 instead 5 - 5 star writing though!
Currently available - read in order or you won't have a clue...
1. Gabriel's Ghost
2. Shades of Dark
3. Hope's Folly
Currently available - read in order or you won't have a clue...
1. Gabriel's Ghost
2. Shades of Dark
3. Hope's Folly
November 1, 2020
Chaz and Sully are back with the stakes even higher. I was pleasantly surprised to get more time with this romance pair even as the series arc continued to offer more thrills than ever.
Shades of Dark is the second of the Dock Five Universe books and is an ongoing story so reads best in order.
Former military fleet captain, Chasidah Bergren, is now on the run for her life as a noted criminal wrongfully accused of murder and probably a few other notorious deeds. She and Sully set out to stop the production of a vicious monster and came across a chilling plot to take over the empire. Good people in power are getting permanently silenced or put on the run with false accusations making them criminals. Finding the breeding labs is still a priority, but so is staying ahead of those after them and finding a way to wrest the empire back from the bad guys.
The enemy arrests her brother and she knows that he is meant to be a source of knowledge about her and Sully's whereabouts and situation. He is also meant to be bait to bring her back.
If that weren't enough, Sully's Kyi-Ragkiril talents have gone on overdrive and the darkness of the power threatens to take him. But, a mentor appears and Chaz's instincts are aroused that the help might come at too great a cost.
Can it get more dire? Yes, it can!
Gabriel's Ghost was the first book and introduced the characters and plot. It was exciting, but had some issues that made some spots lag. Shades of Dark didn't have the introductory work and could simply progress with the action-suspense as well as the romance. It was so much better as a result. There was conflict coming from all directions including with Chaz and Sully's rocky romance, but it fit and didn't over do it. I was excited to see all the plot threads progressing. This one ended at a good spot, but it was very much open-ended and continues in book three with a new couple taking the forefront.
I liked seeing Chaz and Sully both continue to grow. Chaz was a control freak and struggled with something she had been taught to fear while Sully was secretive and so alone because he knew that people couldn't accept who and what he was. I liked seeing them tease this out further and survive some pretty big storms in their romance. The book ended with some things left open, but I have a feeling they are going to still be a big part of the rest of the series.
All in all, it was a much better read in the second book for me and I'm excited to keep going. Sci-Fi Romance fans who like the space action and political intrigue mixed with their romance should give this older series a go.
Shades of Dark is the second of the Dock Five Universe books and is an ongoing story so reads best in order.
Former military fleet captain, Chasidah Bergren, is now on the run for her life as a noted criminal wrongfully accused of murder and probably a few other notorious deeds. She and Sully set out to stop the production of a vicious monster and came across a chilling plot to take over the empire. Good people in power are getting permanently silenced or put on the run with false accusations making them criminals. Finding the breeding labs is still a priority, but so is staying ahead of those after them and finding a way to wrest the empire back from the bad guys.
The enemy arrests her brother and she knows that he is meant to be a source of knowledge about her and Sully's whereabouts and situation. He is also meant to be bait to bring her back.
If that weren't enough, Sully's Kyi-Ragkiril talents have gone on overdrive and the darkness of the power threatens to take him. But, a mentor appears and Chaz's instincts are aroused that the help might come at too great a cost.
Can it get more dire? Yes, it can!
Gabriel's Ghost was the first book and introduced the characters and plot. It was exciting, but had some issues that made some spots lag. Shades of Dark didn't have the introductory work and could simply progress with the action-suspense as well as the romance. It was so much better as a result. There was conflict coming from all directions including with Chaz and Sully's rocky romance, but it fit and didn't over do it. I was excited to see all the plot threads progressing. This one ended at a good spot, but it was very much open-ended and continues in book three with a new couple taking the forefront.
I liked seeing Chaz and Sully both continue to grow. Chaz was a control freak and struggled with something she had been taught to fear while Sully was secretive and so alone because he knew that people couldn't accept who and what he was. I liked seeing them tease this out further and survive some pretty big storms in their romance. The book ended with some things left open, but I have a feeling they are going to still be a big part of the rest of the series.
All in all, it was a much better read in the second book for me and I'm excited to keep going. Sci-Fi Romance fans who like the space action and political intrigue mixed with their romance should give this older series a go.
February 17, 2011
*2.75?*
This was nowhere near as exciting as Gabriel's Ghost.
Though I had a few issues with the pacing of the first book, I still enjoyed the characters and found the overall plot intriguing. Thinking that some of my complaints might be attributed to an aversion to quickly-built romances, I was eager to read Shades of Dark and follow the progression of the story arc, as well as the fuller development of Chas and Sully's relationship.
I was utterly disappointed in terms of the story arc. The first 75% of the (e)book focuses mostly on interpersonal drama: Chas and Sully adjusting to one another, crew reactions, personal tragedies, and quite a few pissing contests between various male characters. 75% of the book trudges on by before our heroes receive any concrete leads on their primary mission. The result is a distinct lack of adrenaline. Sure, there are some tense scenes. But they weren't strong enough or frequent enough to prevent me putting this book down for days at a time.
New elements are introduced, including an arrogant character named Del. He offers interesting complications and added information on Gabriel's powers. Unfortunately, much of his value is lost amidst all the shipboard drama. By the time the plot does center on him, he's lost most of his appeal.
All of this bickering and emotional tension has a negative affect on the pacing. In addition, the crew is stuck on the ship for the majority of the book - playing a waiting game - and I couldn't help feeling the plot reached a point of stagnancy. How many times can we read about ready-room discussions, mind-link debates, and the reiteration of the goal?
The final scenes brought back some of the thrill of the first book: Chas fully armed and running in Captain Mode, Sully's talents showcased, a whole host of problems brought on through new alliances. I only wish that the unpredictable and fresh action of the last chapters had appeared throughout the rest of the story.
I think the universe is worth exploring further. Some day I will continue and find out more about Admiral Phillip Guthrie. Unfortunately, because of my disappointment in Shades of Dark, I won't be rushing out for the next installment any time soon.
This was nowhere near as exciting as Gabriel's Ghost.
Though I had a few issues with the pacing of the first book, I still enjoyed the characters and found the overall plot intriguing. Thinking that some of my complaints might be attributed to an aversion to quickly-built romances, I was eager to read Shades of Dark and follow the progression of the story arc, as well as the fuller development of Chas and Sully's relationship.
I was utterly disappointed in terms of the story arc. The first 75% of the (e)book focuses mostly on interpersonal drama: Chas and Sully adjusting to one another, crew reactions, personal tragedies, and quite a few pissing contests between various male characters. 75% of the book trudges on by before our heroes receive any concrete leads on their primary mission. The result is a distinct lack of adrenaline. Sure, there are some tense scenes. But they weren't strong enough or frequent enough to prevent me putting this book down for days at a time.
New elements are introduced, including an arrogant character named Del. He offers interesting complications and added information on Gabriel's powers. Unfortunately, much of his value is lost amidst all the shipboard drama. By the time the plot does center on him, he's lost most of his appeal.
All of this bickering and emotional tension has a negative affect on the pacing. In addition, the crew is stuck on the ship for the majority of the book - playing a waiting game - and I couldn't help feeling the plot reached a point of stagnancy. How many times can we read about ready-room discussions, mind-link debates, and the reiteration of the goal?
The final scenes brought back some of the thrill of the first book: Chas fully armed and running in Captain Mode, Sully's talents showcased, a whole host of problems brought on through new alliances. I only wish that the unpredictable and fresh action of the last chapters had appeared throughout the rest of the story.
I think the universe is worth exploring further. Some day I will continue and find out more about Admiral Phillip Guthrie. Unfortunately, because of my disappointment in Shades of Dark, I won't be rushing out for the next installment any time soon.
June 25, 2011
This Dock Five series book had A LOT going on with the different factions, the betrayals, the inner conflict, the mission, etc. It looked like it was going to get a little kinky too. The ending is not what I was expecting and it didn't give closure to Sully and Chaz's relationship. I'm going to have re-read a few parts before I can rate it. At this point, it deserves no less than 3 stars.
Final vote: 4 stars
Yes, this story can get complicated if you don't keep your eye on the players. I love how breathes life into her character and her world-building is top notch. Reading this book is like watching a watching a movie in the best seat in the house. Is there angst? No, but there is internal conflict and a lot of internal dialogue. And Del. What a sensual and intriguing character! I almost gave this book 3.5 stars based on the ending and how slow it was at the beginning. (The slow beginning does have a reason.) At the end of Shades of Dark, Chaz's decision-making wasn't adequately explained IMO and I wasn't sure what to make of how she got over a certain act that so intensely disturbed her. There is still much that can be learned about the Kyi-Ragkiril.
Final vote: 4 stars
Yes, this story can get complicated if you don't keep your eye on the players. I love how breathes life into her character and her world-building is top notch. Reading this book is like watching a watching a movie in the best seat in the house. Is there angst? No, but there is internal conflict and a lot of internal dialogue. And Del. What a sensual and intriguing character! I almost gave this book 3.5 stars based on the ending and how slow it was at the beginning. (The slow beginning does have a reason.) At the end of Shades of Dark, Chaz's decision-making wasn't adequately explained IMO and I wasn't sure what to make of how she got over a certain act that so intensely disturbed her. There is still much that can be learned about the Kyi-Ragkiril.
May 29, 2016
The second book in the Dock Five Universe by Linnea Sinclair. Chaz and Sully have escaped from the baddies but the story is not done. Chaz and Sully continue to do what they can to bring Hayden Burke and his jukors down. Then comes the news of her brother, Thad’s arrest for treason.
Sully continues to learn about his abilities and a new character enters in the form of "Del", another Kyi-Ragkiril, who mentors Sully. But Del requires a price that Sully may not be able to pay. There are traitors among them and they must be found. Not to mention people are dying and more will die if the baddies don't get stopped. Can Sully and Chaz' love survive it all?
Not as good as the first. There was a lot of time spent early in the book explaining the events from the first book. That is good for those who did not read the first book but for those who did it bogged down the story and made it slow going for a while. But once the story got going it ran smooth and was exciting and entertaining.
Sully continues to learn about his abilities and a new character enters in the form of "Del", another Kyi-Ragkiril, who mentors Sully. But Del requires a price that Sully may not be able to pay. There are traitors among them and they must be found. Not to mention people are dying and more will die if the baddies don't get stopped. Can Sully and Chaz' love survive it all?
Not as good as the first. There was a lot of time spent early in the book explaining the events from the first book. That is good for those who did not read the first book but for those who did it bogged down the story and made it slow going for a while. But once the story got going it ran smooth and was exciting and entertaining.
August 24, 2010
The last 100 + pages warrant the 3 star rating. I would give the ending 5 stars but it just can't diminish the slow start and dead middle.
I almost want to say to all readers just skip to page 295.... you don't want to read most of the book. And that is sad because this is a great series with a strong heroine and an interesting world.
So what is my problem with Shades of Dark? It was soooooo slow.
As soon as Philip enters the picture again the story gets good and I mean really good. I love Philip and he and Chaz's story really develops well, perfect closure. I love to hate Del, Sully and Chaz sizzle.
I just can't figure out why Sinclair couldn't have put this together better. She had all the pieces to her puzzle but couldn't get it done.
So do I read book #3? Of course I do! I love Philip!
I almost want to say to all readers just skip to page 295.... you don't want to read most of the book. And that is sad because this is a great series with a strong heroine and an interesting world.
So what is my problem with Shades of Dark? It was soooooo slow.
As soon as Philip enters the picture again the story gets good and I mean really good. I love Philip and he and Chaz's story really develops well, perfect closure. I love to hate Del, Sully and Chaz sizzle.
I just can't figure out why Sinclair couldn't have put this together better. She had all the pieces to her puzzle but couldn't get it done.
So do I read book #3? Of course I do! I love Philip!
August 8, 2019
A very slow and dull start let this one down. There are long, long periods of Chaz thinking about things and looking at the news with no action or any sort of plot to spice it up.
If I'm honest I read Linnea Sinclair books for the romance, she does romantic tension really well and it's a bonus for me that it's in a sci-fi setting. Here, Chaz and Sully are already together and the build-up of tensions between them from the last book is gone, replaced by some weird, soul-mate, spiritual sort of sex scenes. Not interesting, just odd.
It picks up a bit when Del appears and there is some action at the end but since I abandoned this for a couple of months before deciding I wanted to finish it I couldn't keep up with the endless list of names. We don't see any of these people either, it's just another load of Chaz thinking about them.
So overall, too slow and dull for me. I will be reading the next one though, it looks like it's about Chaz's ex-husband Philip and I thought he turned out to be one of the more interesting people in the story.
If I'm honest I read Linnea Sinclair books for the romance, she does romantic tension really well and it's a bonus for me that it's in a sci-fi setting. Here, Chaz and Sully are already together and the build-up of tensions between them from the last book is gone, replaced by some weird, soul-mate, spiritual sort of sex scenes. Not interesting, just odd.
It picks up a bit when Del appears and there is some action at the end but since I abandoned this for a couple of months before deciding I wanted to finish it I couldn't keep up with the endless list of names. We don't see any of these people either, it's just another load of Chaz thinking about them.
So overall, too slow and dull for me. I will be reading the next one though, it looks like it's about Chaz's ex-husband Philip and I thought he turned out to be one of the more interesting people in the story.
September 20, 2021
Chasidah Bergren has been court-martialed and drummed out of the service. She has fallen in love with a Gabriel Ross Sullivan, human who has powers no human has ever possessed, a psychic superpower. Their crew is on the trail of a madman who is breeding jukors, terrible beings who can lay waste to planets. Chas' brother, Thad, has been arrested and she is afraid he will reveal what he knows about Sully and her. Along the way, they pick up Admiral Phillip Guthrie, Chas' former husband and a Stolorth (whose race has the psychic powers as well). Things get heated between the three main characters and Chas is forced to choose. I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. If you like space opera, you will enjoy this one.
May 2, 2019
The honeymoon is over (but the sex is still great) and real life as a mercenary couple begins. And then there are always the Ex's and relatives to keep things interesting. I enjoyed the further development of Chaz and Sully's relationship although I wasn't happy with the ending. I had the feeling that the Pandora's Box of Sully's powers was just opening and I was very concerned for Chaz.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2015
Sci-Fi/Romance Heart-wrenching
Again, superb character development. Now I understand the title of the first book, Gabriel's ghost, understand the vulnerability beneath the surface of Sully's trademark grin. It's been a long time since a hero grabbed my heartstrings like this.
Watching Gabriel struggle against the insidious evil beckoning him is heartbreaking, seeing his shame and hopelessness, and, ultimately, his selflessness. I understand the decision Chas made, I even applaud her for it, she stays true to herself and to her principles, but, oh, did that hurt.
Well done on the ending too, I wasn't sure how Ms. Sinclair was going to pull it off.
While the first book was a standalone, this book should not be read as a standalone. Read Gabriel's Ghost first. That said, this is a well-written and completely engaging sequel, Ms. Sinclair didn't take any short-cuts. It appears this is the final book focused on Sully and Chas.
The book has a few bad words, not as many as the first, and a couple of intimate scenes.
Again, superb character development. Now I understand the title of the first book, Gabriel's ghost, understand the vulnerability beneath the surface of Sully's trademark grin. It's been a long time since a hero grabbed my heartstrings like this.
Watching Gabriel struggle against the insidious evil beckoning him is heartbreaking, seeing his shame and hopelessness, and, ultimately, his selflessness. I understand the decision Chas made, I even applaud her for it, she stays true to herself and to her principles, but, oh, did that hurt.
Well done on the ending too, I wasn't sure how Ms. Sinclair was going to pull it off.
While the first book was a standalone, this book should not be read as a standalone. Read Gabriel's Ghost first. That said, this is a well-written and completely engaging sequel, Ms. Sinclair didn't take any short-cuts. It appears this is the final book focused on Sully and Chas.
The book has a few bad words, not as many as the first, and a couple of intimate scenes.
July 22, 2013
This is true SF Romance. You can practically see it play out (would love to see this as a movie). I liked it even more than Gabriel's Ghost (first in the series and really ought to be read fairly shortly before this one). Sully's Kyi powers play a greater role, more action, more romance, more tension, etc. (at least for me, apparently not other reviewers). But I do wish the ending had been more complete (even if it was wildly romantic). I was more willing to be left hanging after the first book because I knew this one was very much a sequel. However, the next book in the series doesn't involve Chaz and Sully, so I don't even have hope for satisfaction. The other Linnea Sinclair book I read (Finders Keepers) was very good too, but also had a vague ending. I guess I should have been prepared. Enjoying her writing so much and being drawn in so deeply by the characters makes me resent her endings all the more.
August 23, 2015
Whew, Shades of Dark was so much better than it's predecessor Gabriel's Ghost!
I liked the story in Gabriel's Ghost, but there were a lot of minor issues with the writing and the characterization that Sinclair really improved upon in Shades of Dark.
I thought Shades of Dark does a much better job of handling character emotions. It still wasn't perfect, but it was much improved. In the first book I found Chaz to be childish and unreliable in her emotional reactions to things - she was much more rational and, I thought, acted more her age in Shades of Dark.
I actually think these two books could have been edited and combined into one book for a much more complete story.
I liked the story in Gabriel's Ghost, but there were a lot of minor issues with the writing and the characterization that Sinclair really improved upon in Shades of Dark.
I thought Shades of Dark does a much better job of handling character emotions. It still wasn't perfect, but it was much improved. In the first book I found Chaz to be childish and unreliable in her emotional reactions to things - she was much more rational and, I thought, acted more her age in Shades of Dark.
I actually think these two books could have been edited and combined into one book for a much more complete story.
December 29, 2008
9/10
By the end of Gabriel's Ghost, I was so hooked that I had to go out and buy Shades of Dark so I could start it immediately. That night, I was halfway through this book and finished it about two days later (it would have been much sooner if I didn't have to go to work). I found this one a little slower to get into in the beginning with a few info dumps about happenings from the previous book but overall better (and much darker) than the first book. Dark books are my favorites, and I really loved how Sully had to come to terms with who and what he was in this book.
Full review:
http://fantasycafe.blogspot.com/2008/...
By the end of Gabriel's Ghost, I was so hooked that I had to go out and buy Shades of Dark so I could start it immediately. That night, I was halfway through this book and finished it about two days later (it would have been much sooner if I didn't have to go to work). I found this one a little slower to get into in the beginning with a few info dumps about happenings from the previous book but overall better (and much darker) than the first book. Dark books are my favorites, and I really loved how Sully had to come to terms with who and what he was in this book.
Full review:
http://fantasycafe.blogspot.com/2008/...
September 21, 2008
I admit I really liked this book - this series to be exact. Love the relationship between Sully & Chaz, love the dialogue and the action. However, there was something missing from this book. The end didn't satisfy me at all. Hopefully there will be a sequel because there are too many questions that are going unanswered.
If there isn't a sequel then the conclusion should've been longer. At 400+ pages, I would have been okay with another thirty or so pages because it was just too jumbled and confusing toward the end. Those extra pages would have explained and hammered out a lot.
If there isn't a sequel then the conclusion should've been longer. At 400+ pages, I would have been okay with another thirty or so pages because it was just too jumbled and confusing toward the end. Those extra pages would have explained and hammered out a lot.
July 21, 2016
The follow up to Gabriel's Ghost again told from the first person POV of Chasidah Bergen. As the mind meddling and telepathy become even more a feature of the book, this limited POV becomes even more important. Sully, Del and her ex-husband, Philip Guthrie have to remain enigmas to her.
Anyone wanting to learn how to write should either read Linnea's books or better still take one of her writing courses. Her craft is excellent.
All her books are definite must reads for fans of scifi romance. The pacing, the plot and the characters are all second to none.
Anyone wanting to learn how to write should either read Linnea's books or better still take one of her writing courses. Her craft is excellent.
All her books are definite must reads for fans of scifi romance. The pacing, the plot and the characters are all second to none.
November 8, 2013
I'm tempted to only give this a 3.5 for the ending. The ending wasn't terrible but it felt not quite done, like there should have been a epilogue. Oh well hopefully the missing information will come through in the next book.
I did like the book overall. It was fast passed and the characters good and bad where well done. The plot easily held my interest. I thought there was a point or two that felt like they could have been resolved in a way that didn't seem so convenient but I still liked it.
I did like the book overall. It was fast passed and the characters good and bad where well done. The plot easily held my interest. I thought there was a point or two that felt like they could have been resolved in a way that didn't seem so convenient but I still liked it.
October 9, 2013
I read the first fifteen chapters, then skipped to the last two. I don't normally review books that I can't finish, but... I feel cheated. Sinclair's books are usually fluffy, fun, a bit silly, with enough action to keep the plot going. With lots of tall, good looking men.
This book had more angst than five subpar teen coming of age novels.
This book had more angst than five subpar teen coming of age novels.
January 1, 2009
You *must* read the prequel to understand anything in this book. The plot is not just complicated but confusing. The ending is anticlimatic and leaves many of the plot lines unresolved. Not one of her better books.
May 16, 2024
Loved it. Loved the characters, and the writing, and the plot. Loved the setting and the relationships. Loved how competent everyone was throughout both books.
3.75 stars, though, because Chasidah's character growth and rich inner life contrast rather starkly with Sully's. He does get his own arc, and he does grow as a result, but since we don't get his POV all the subtlety of Chaz's progression is missing in his, and that ultimately hurts his character arc as many of his inner conflicts reflect unflatteringly in his relatinship with her. While I can imagine what he was going through, I shouldn't have to work so hard to figure out where he's coming from. This, in turn, meant that their relationship felt super one-sided given how he could have his privacy, but she didn't, for example. This leaves a lot of the emotional work on Chaz's shoulders, and basically requires her love for him to excuse/forgive his behavior. Intellectually, I understand him and I believe his love for and fascination with Chaz, but I don't feel for him, it doesn't feel as intimate and vulnerable as Chaz's does.
I LOVE the kind of supportive, caring, cuddle-master hero Sully was, but his secrecy and fears were justified in the first book, redundant in this one, and further, it sometimes felt childish and plain stubborn on his end. He deserved better and so did the readers, his POV might have alliviated this, I think.
Also, there was Not Enough Ren.
That ending, though. LIsten, I knew something along those lines was needed, as the book was nearing the end and no other solutions were presenting themselves to that particular problem, and since there would be no third book for this couple, an effective arc required the issue be solved here. And I guess it ultimately was, but it was unexpected in a bad way, didn't feel like a plot twist so much as a cop-out, which kinda cheapens the overall progression of that storyline for me; it makes that journey a plot device rather than legitimate character complexity building. Plus, now I wish there was a third book for them even more! This is essentially a new character arc, and we're not really going to be there for it, it feels like a let down. We deserved an epilogue, at the very least.
Chaz is my queen, has never ever done anything wrong ever. She's perfect and I am not open to debate on this.
Now, onto Phillip's book (and I better get updates on Chaz and Sully and their role in the overarching plot).
3.75 stars, though, because Chasidah's character growth and rich inner life contrast rather starkly with Sully's. He does get his own arc, and he does grow as a result, but since we don't get his POV all the subtlety of Chaz's progression is missing in his, and that ultimately hurts his character arc as many of his inner conflicts reflect unflatteringly in his relatinship with her. While I can imagine what he was going through, I shouldn't have to work so hard to figure out where he's coming from. This, in turn, meant that their relationship felt super one-sided given how he could have his privacy, but she didn't, for example. This leaves a lot of the emotional work on Chaz's shoulders, and basically requires her love for him to excuse/forgive his behavior. Intellectually, I understand him and I believe his love for and fascination with Chaz, but I don't feel for him, it doesn't feel as intimate and vulnerable as Chaz's does.
I LOVE the kind of supportive, caring, cuddle-master hero Sully was, but his secrecy and fears were justified in the first book, redundant in this one, and further, it sometimes felt childish and plain stubborn on his end. He deserved better and so did the readers, his POV might have alliviated this, I think.
Also, there was Not Enough Ren.
That ending, though. LIsten, I knew something along those lines was needed, as the book was nearing the end and no other solutions were presenting themselves to that particular problem, and since there would be no third book for this couple, an effective arc required the issue be solved here. And I guess it ultimately was, but it was unexpected in a bad way, didn't feel like a plot twist so much as a cop-out, which kinda cheapens the overall progression of that storyline for me; it makes that journey a plot device rather than legitimate character complexity building. Plus, now I wish there was a third book for them even more! This is essentially a new character arc, and we're not really going to be there for it, it feels like a let down. We deserved an epilogue, at the very least.
Chaz is my queen, has never ever done anything wrong ever. She's perfect and I am not open to debate on this.
Now, onto Phillip's book (and I better get updates on Chaz and Sully and their role in the overarching plot).
May 15, 2023
I loved it, way way more than book one (Gabriel's Ghost). There's still a lot of angst around Chaz and Sully, but the writing flows much better in this second book, making it much easier to read.
The action, the romance and all the twists and turns in the story make Shades of Dark a book that it's very, very hard to put down until the very end.
Shades of Dark is not, however, meant to be read as a stand alone. You need to have read book 1 first, otherwise it will be very had to follow the story and the characters.
There are two more books in this Dock Five series and I definitely want to read them all in a row.
The action, the romance and all the twists and turns in the story make Shades of Dark a book that it's very, very hard to put down until the very end.
Shades of Dark is not, however, meant to be read as a stand alone. You need to have read book 1 first, otherwise it will be very had to follow the story and the characters.
There are two more books in this Dock Five series and I definitely want to read them all in a row.
December 19, 2018
Wow, I was all set to give this read 5 stars - but the crisis and then the ending, just like *that* - !!
I was paging my Kindle muttering, "that's IT?" Then I reread the last few pages to verify that indeed, everything suddenly ended. (less 1 star at that point)
And then I found out reading the first chapter of Hope's Folly how things turned out later - so the sudden ending is not quite a cliffhanger, but a tease to get you to read the next book. (less another star)
Too bad because it was such a good read up until that point.
I was paging my Kindle muttering, "that's IT?" Then I reread the last few pages to verify that indeed, everything suddenly ended. (less 1 star at that point)
And then I found out reading the first chapter of Hope's Folly how things turned out later - so the sudden ending is not quite a cliffhanger, but a tease to get you to read the next book. (less another star)
Too bad because it was such a good read up until that point.
May 30, 2023
Excellent romantic sci fi adventure
I prefer SFR with the emphasis on the story and not the sex scenes; Linnea Sinclair does a stellar job of writing that kind of story. The worldbuilding is excellent, albeit grim, and Del broke my heart. Chaz and Sully are wonderful together...until they aren't. There is mildly graphic sex, graphic violence, and a body count. Phillip is an intriguing character, and I'm looking forward to reading his story.
I prefer SFR with the emphasis on the story and not the sex scenes; Linnea Sinclair does a stellar job of writing that kind of story. The worldbuilding is excellent, albeit grim, and Del broke my heart. Chaz and Sully are wonderful together...until they aren't. There is mildly graphic sex, graphic violence, and a body count. Phillip is an intriguing character, and I'm looking forward to reading his story.
May 4, 2017
A bit too much randy porn for my taste. But the passionate scenes were not detailed nor dwelled on too long. The rest of the book was good. I had hoped for a bit more space tech, and opera but I will move on to the next in the series
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