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Sanctify #1
Queen of Swords
When the cards tell Ophelia Leoni she's supposed to marry the Prince of Hansarda, the gunrunner grits her teeth and boards the starship that comes for her. It doesn't matter if the ship's commander is the gorgeous stranger whose bed she just spent a wild, drunken night in. As a Diviner, she’s painfully aware the cards don't lie. Ever.
Boone O’Keirna knows Ophelia is trouble the second he sees the way she moves. Not about to let the deadly little hellcat marry his sadistic half-brother, Boone pretends to be the Prince’s emissary and kidnaps Ophelia. Too bad they can’t be in the same room without him wanting to throw her out an airlock–or into bed.
Even as they fight each other–and their explosive attraction–Ophelia and Boone sense something is wrong. Too much is going their way. Soon, they realize while the cards may never lie, the truth is sometimes hidden between them…and the future king of Hansarda is not one to take defeat lying down.
Boone O’Keirna knows Ophelia is trouble the second he sees the way she moves. Not about to let the deadly little hellcat marry his sadistic half-brother, Boone pretends to be the Prince’s emissary and kidnaps Ophelia. Too bad they can’t be in the same room without him wanting to throw her out an airlock–or into bed.
Even as they fight each other–and their explosive attraction–Ophelia and Boone sense something is wrong. Too much is going their way. Soon, they realize while the cards may never lie, the truth is sometimes hidden between them…and the future king of Hansarda is not one to take defeat lying down.
Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
28 people are currently reading
2095 people want to read
About the author
Katee Robert
159 books36.8k followersKatee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over two million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 13, 2012
Woohoo! If you are looking for a great sci-fi book then look no further this one has it all. Aliens, adventure, space, and one kick ass heroine!! Katee Robert has definitely grabbed my attention with her Sanctify series.
Ophelia is a Diviner. A special type of species that serves the Lady, a God that gives them the power of seeing the past, present, and future through card reading. Ophelia, who helps run her fathers gunrunner business, returns home after a devastating loss to her crew after not listening to her cards. Once there she finds out she has to marry the Prince of Hansarda and not only does she not have a choice, but she has to leave right away. Complications arise when Boone, the one night stand she thought she left behind comes to get her to take her to her awaiting husband to be. Having plans of his own, Boone and Ophelia embark on a fantastic adventure told from both POV's that is beyond exciting.
I loved all the card reading that was done throughout the book. It was intriguing and very different from anything I have read before. It showed another side to Ophelia and it showed that she does have a soft side no matter how much she tried to hide it. The heat between Boone and Ophelia was off the charts!! Their chemistry was so hot that I needed a fan beside me! I enjoyed every single character that was written in this book. I have to say that I have a soft spot for Cole and I really can't wait to see more of that awesome tigerman. Jenny was another great addition. She was fun and I have a feeling that Ophelia and her will make a great pair of badasses. Like I said every character was amazing and were totally right for the story.
I can't leave out the awesome world that Robert has created here. There are so many things going on, but I never felt lost. I want to know more I tell you MORE!! I loved all the aliens running around and I would have loved a glossary in the back detailing each species. They all sounded so unique and different that I like I said wanted more.
A great story with a wonderful sci-fi cast! I cannot wait for the next installment!!
One more thing! I would highly recommend reading The High Priestess before reading this one. There is a HUGE bomb dropped at the end of this one and if you don't read the The High Priestess fist you won't catch and believe me you won't want to miss it!!
Ophelia is a Diviner. A special type of species that serves the Lady, a God that gives them the power of seeing the past, present, and future through card reading. Ophelia, who helps run her fathers gunrunner business, returns home after a devastating loss to her crew after not listening to her cards. Once there she finds out she has to marry the Prince of Hansarda and not only does she not have a choice, but she has to leave right away. Complications arise when Boone, the one night stand she thought she left behind comes to get her to take her to her awaiting husband to be. Having plans of his own, Boone and Ophelia embark on a fantastic adventure told from both POV's that is beyond exciting.
I loved all the card reading that was done throughout the book. It was intriguing and very different from anything I have read before. It showed another side to Ophelia and it showed that she does have a soft side no matter how much she tried to hide it. The heat between Boone and Ophelia was off the charts!! Their chemistry was so hot that I needed a fan beside me! I enjoyed every single character that was written in this book. I have to say that I have a soft spot for Cole and I really can't wait to see more of that awesome tigerman. Jenny was another great addition. She was fun and I have a feeling that Ophelia and her will make a great pair of badasses. Like I said every character was amazing and were totally right for the story.
I can't leave out the awesome world that Robert has created here. There are so many things going on, but I never felt lost. I want to know more I tell you MORE!! I loved all the aliens running around and I would have loved a glossary in the back detailing each species. They all sounded so unique and different that I like I said wanted more.
A great story with a wonderful sci-fi cast! I cannot wait for the next installment!!
One more thing! I would highly recommend reading The High Priestess before reading this one. There is a HUGE bomb dropped at the end of this one and if you don't read the The High Priestess fist you won't catch and believe me you won't want to miss it!!
March 1, 2012
I admit, I had started this one a long time ago and put it down only a chapter in, because I didn't care for the fact that the book started off with the heroine climbing out of the hero's bed after a drunken one-night stand.
I should never have put it down.
There was tons of intrigue, betrayal, angst, danger and excitement plus a good dose romance and sexual chemistry.
A very solid 4/5 Stars, with a full review to follow.
I should never have put it down.
There was tons of intrigue, betrayal, angst, danger and excitement plus a good dose romance and sexual chemistry.
A very solid 4/5 Stars, with a full review to follow.
November 2, 2016
I don't know why the hell I added this book to my TBR shelf. I like romance and I like science fiction. But in my experience, when you add the two genres, weird shit happens. Like in Hunting Julian, Forced Mate et cetera. Your hero whips out the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Penis" *cough*Nicholas*cough* and he maybe even gets pregnant. O__o Or the heroine, Princess Vagin'Nee Blahblah saves THE GALAXY by doing The Sex with the entire male population of well-hung Rat shifters. Or some shit like that. Maybe I added QoS because of the first sentence:
"Ophelia couldn't find her underwear."
Hmmmm. I too have had problems finding my undies. But whereas Ophelia's problem is a result of smutty sex, mines is because I I guess you can say that I can never find my clean undies. Either way, I will read this book. Hopefully I won't get eye-raped.
"Ophelia couldn't find her underwear."
Hmmmm. I too have had problems finding my undies. But whereas Ophelia's problem is a result of smutty sex, mines is because I I guess you can say that I can never find my clean undies. Either way, I will read this book. Hopefully I won't get eye-raped.
July 11, 2012
I'll admit, the only reason I picked this book up was because of its title & cool cover, and for once, I didn't regret it.
Normally I'm put off by sci-fi books (which is weird, because I love good sci-fi movies), but Queen of Swords is different. Yes, there are spaceships, lasers & multiple alien races running around, but rather than beat me over the head with technical jargon & long-winded explanations (you know, in case I failed to realize just how different & advanced everything is), Katee Robert used a light touch. For me, that made all the difference.
The story moves at a brisk pace. Sometimes too brisk, IMO, but somehow, it works. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, or that the characters were under-developed. Boone & his sister won me over instantly. Ophelia was a bit of a hot-head at the start, but as the story progressed, she seemed to balance out. The romance was nice too ;)
A damn good read, worth checking out.
Normally I'm put off by sci-fi books (which is weird, because I love good sci-fi movies), but Queen of Swords is different. Yes, there are spaceships, lasers & multiple alien races running around, but rather than beat me over the head with technical jargon & long-winded explanations (you know, in case I failed to realize just how different & advanced everything is), Katee Robert used a light touch. For me, that made all the difference.
The story moves at a brisk pace. Sometimes too brisk, IMO, but somehow, it works. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, or that the characters were under-developed. Boone & his sister won me over instantly. Ophelia was a bit of a hot-head at the start, but as the story progressed, she seemed to balance out. The romance was nice too ;)
A damn good read, worth checking out.
February 12, 2012
The story starts out with Ophelia waking up in a strangers bed. She gets a call from her mother saying she needs to come home immediately. She sneaks out of the guys house and when she gets home she realizes she is in for a surprise. She finds out that she is being picked up and is going to marry Prince Kristian. However, the guy who picks her up to take her to the prince is non other than the guy who's bed she warmed last night. What she doesn't know is that Boone is actually Kristian's little brother and isn't there to take her to his brother but rather to steal her away from him.
Ophelia is a very strong independent character. She is suffering from a recent loss of her crew members, all because she didn't listen to her card reading. Diviners are very superstitious about their card (tarot) readings. However, Ophilia didn't listen to them the last time and ultimately payed the price. So when she finds out that the cards tell her that she is going to marry a man and the prince comes a knockin', she grits her teeth and sets out on her journey. What she isn't expecting is to fall in love with Boone, the guy who she thought was sent to bring her to the prince. Instead, he locks her up and kidnaps her on his ship.
Boone was only supposed to get a look at his brother's soon to be wife. He never expected to be so attracted to her when he meets her at the bar. He also wasn't planning on sleeping with her and ultimately falling in love with her. However, he knows that there is no place in his life for her. Since his brother has his eyes set on being king, that means that Boone and everyone he is associated with is are on his brother's list to get to the top. The only way to keep his people safe is to kill his sadistic brother.
The world that Katee Robert developed was an interesting one. I liked the idea of instant food. I sort of wish we had that now. I liked the fact that the majority of the storyline took place on ships. I also enjoyed the love/hate relationship between Ophelia and Boone. The one thing I had a problem with was that I saw a couple of parts coming from the get go and I couldn't believe that no one else seemed to have caught on to it. Other than knowing the big surprise from the beginning, the story was a good one. It was a fun, easy light futuristic romance.
Favorite quote...
"How could I resist your charms after I heard you tell that guy you'd cut off his balls and shove them down his throat?" -Boone
Ophelia is a very strong independent character. She is suffering from a recent loss of her crew members, all because she didn't listen to her card reading. Diviners are very superstitious about their card (tarot) readings. However, Ophilia didn't listen to them the last time and ultimately payed the price. So when she finds out that the cards tell her that she is going to marry a man and the prince comes a knockin', she grits her teeth and sets out on her journey. What she isn't expecting is to fall in love with Boone, the guy who she thought was sent to bring her to the prince. Instead, he locks her up and kidnaps her on his ship.
Boone was only supposed to get a look at his brother's soon to be wife. He never expected to be so attracted to her when he meets her at the bar. He also wasn't planning on sleeping with her and ultimately falling in love with her. However, he knows that there is no place in his life for her. Since his brother has his eyes set on being king, that means that Boone and everyone he is associated with is are on his brother's list to get to the top. The only way to keep his people safe is to kill his sadistic brother.
The world that Katee Robert developed was an interesting one. I liked the idea of instant food. I sort of wish we had that now. I liked the fact that the majority of the storyline took place on ships. I also enjoyed the love/hate relationship between Ophelia and Boone. The one thing I had a problem with was that I saw a couple of parts coming from the get go and I couldn't believe that no one else seemed to have caught on to it. Other than knowing the big surprise from the beginning, the story was a good one. It was a fun, easy light futuristic romance.
Favorite quote...
"How could I resist your charms after I heard you tell that guy you'd cut off his balls and shove them down his throat?" -Boone
August 4, 2013
Rating: 3 out of 5.
It started out great, but I found the heroine a bit too prickly for my liking. I also wished the ending was longer and more complete in its conclusion.
It started out great, but I found the heroine a bit too prickly for my liking. I also wished the ending was longer and more complete in its conclusion.
May 28, 2014
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Imagination Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Action Level ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 3 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars
One of the things I love most about sci-fi romances is the fact that there is a lot of imagination that goes into these books. Katee Robert did just that, she has an excellent imagination, it made this book very unique and like no other I've read before. The world she created included planets, spaceships, food, drinks, clothes, weapons and some very neat characters of different species. All these things helped to make this a very interesting read and this is where I felt the author’s talent shined.
The heroine, Ophelia, was my favorite character from this book. She was a Diviner, and the only way you could tell that she was not human was by looking at her eyes, which were a brilliant shade of violet. She had some wonderful abilities that made her character stand out for me. The hero, Boone, was also a good character and I thought his back story added a lot to the overall plot.
There were a lot of really good action scenes that kept me glued to the pages. These scenes were very exciting to read, they moved the book along nicely and there was never a dull moment.
The love/sex scenes were heated but nothing too over the top. I felt just the right amount of steam was added in and the connection between Boone and Ophelia deepened with each scene.
Even though this book ended with Boone and Ophelia together, the ending was a bit rushed. There was a bad situation that happened near the end of the book and I thought it should have been dealt with better than it was. There should have been a better conclusion and once again this was a book with NO epilogue! These two things, a better conclusion and epilogue, would have added so much more to the overall story and possibly an even higher overall rating.
All and all this was a REALLY GOOD read. I definitely would not hesitate to read more books by Katee Robert.
*A copy of this book was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Imagination Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Action Level ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 3 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars
One of the things I love most about sci-fi romances is the fact that there is a lot of imagination that goes into these books. Katee Robert did just that, she has an excellent imagination, it made this book very unique and like no other I've read before. The world she created included planets, spaceships, food, drinks, clothes, weapons and some very neat characters of different species. All these things helped to make this a very interesting read and this is where I felt the author’s talent shined.
The heroine, Ophelia, was my favorite character from this book. She was a Diviner, and the only way you could tell that she was not human was by looking at her eyes, which were a brilliant shade of violet. She had some wonderful abilities that made her character stand out for me. The hero, Boone, was also a good character and I thought his back story added a lot to the overall plot.
There were a lot of really good action scenes that kept me glued to the pages. These scenes were very exciting to read, they moved the book along nicely and there was never a dull moment.
The love/sex scenes were heated but nothing too over the top. I felt just the right amount of steam was added in and the connection between Boone and Ophelia deepened with each scene.
Even though this book ended with Boone and Ophelia together, the ending was a bit rushed. There was a bad situation that happened near the end of the book and I thought it should have been dealt with better than it was. There should have been a better conclusion and once again this was a book with NO epilogue! These two things, a better conclusion and epilogue, would have added so much more to the overall story and possibly an even higher overall rating.
All and all this was a REALLY GOOD read. I definitely would not hesitate to read more books by Katee Robert.
*A copy of this book was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
May 25, 2014
If you enjoy love-hate tug o' wars in your romance...
If you read the blurb for QUEEN OF SWORDS you've got a good grasp of the plot and the hero and heroine of this fresh scifi romance from Katee Robert. She wastes no time in the set up before rocketing readers into an adventure that has plenty of snicker-worthy moments and action of both the gun-toting and steamy varieties.
I would be remiss if I didn't admit now that I didn't realize this was the second in the Sanctify series when I grabbed it. That said there's good news! It stands alone really well. Aside from wishing I'd had just a bit more background on Sanctify itself this was a pretty great story without the big info dumps one might expect in any scifi series with a world this big. As a big scifi romance geek I love alien races and Robert did an excellent job bringing in interesting secondary characters that were less human-like than the Diviner race which I found really satisfying.
The one thing that made me unable to love QUEEN OF SWORDS was the relationship between Ophelia and Boone. While I loved that they had that love-hate, headbutting kind of sexual tension that was all I found it to be. Lots of sexual chemistry (which is by no means bad), but I found that by the time they were both claiming to love each other I still couldn't buy it. Ophelia's strong willed and independant by nature rock and Boone's wounded but not broken personality were really enjoyable individually, I just wish I'd been able to feel their love connection forming.
While I might not have quite bought into their happily-ever-after love this was certainly a terrific scifi adventure romp with plenty of steamy love scenes, hardcore fight scenes that were utterly engrossing, and a cast of secondary characters I want to read more about. I would definitely recommend it to my fellow scifi loving readers who gag at overly mushy romances and skip ahead for read 'the good parts' (lol).
***ARC received via NetGalley.
If you read the blurb for QUEEN OF SWORDS you've got a good grasp of the plot and the hero and heroine of this fresh scifi romance from Katee Robert. She wastes no time in the set up before rocketing readers into an adventure that has plenty of snicker-worthy moments and action of both the gun-toting and steamy varieties.
I would be remiss if I didn't admit now that I didn't realize this was the second in the Sanctify series when I grabbed it. That said there's good news! It stands alone really well. Aside from wishing I'd had just a bit more background on Sanctify itself this was a pretty great story without the big info dumps one might expect in any scifi series with a world this big. As a big scifi romance geek I love alien races and Robert did an excellent job bringing in interesting secondary characters that were less human-like than the Diviner race which I found really satisfying.
The one thing that made me unable to love QUEEN OF SWORDS was the relationship between Ophelia and Boone. While I loved that they had that love-hate, headbutting kind of sexual tension that was all I found it to be. Lots of sexual chemistry (which is by no means bad), but I found that by the time they were both claiming to love each other I still couldn't buy it. Ophelia's strong willed and independant by nature rock and Boone's wounded but not broken personality were really enjoyable individually, I just wish I'd been able to feel their love connection forming.
While I might not have quite bought into their happily-ever-after love this was certainly a terrific scifi adventure romp with plenty of steamy love scenes, hardcore fight scenes that were utterly engrossing, and a cast of secondary characters I want to read more about. I would definitely recommend it to my fellow scifi loving readers who gag at overly mushy romances and skip ahead for read 'the good parts' (lol).
***ARC received via NetGalley.
February 28, 2012
Author: Katee Robert
Published By: Entangled Publishing
Age Recommend: Adult(Language)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Queen of Swords" by Katee Robert was a wonderful fantasy read. The two main characters (Ophelia and Boone) were really great. This read was one of those page turners finding it hard to put down until finished.
The cards are really played in this story so get ready for a good read. The story starts with Ophelia Leoni (Diviner) was to get married to the Prince of Hansarda (Kristian) however, his half brother Boone has different plans for this union. After sending an evening with Ophelia, Boone pretends to be the Prince's emissary and kidnaps Ophelia. And then this story get underway... you are really in for a good read. Ophelia has lost her spaces craft and crew to the evil Sanctifiers, then there is a pregnancy(morning sickness and sexual interludes), and then on to trying to save Boone from his brother Kristian and Sancitify torturers. It all comes back to what's in the cards? Will her parents be saved? What's up with the love-hate relationship between Ophelia and Boone? And who will be the future King of Hansarda? By picking up this novel you will find all of this information out in this good read.
If you are in for a good fantasy romance the "Queen of Swords" would be a good read for you.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Published By: Entangled Publishing
Age Recommend: Adult(Language)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Queen of Swords" by Katee Robert was a wonderful fantasy read. The two main characters (Ophelia and Boone) were really great. This read was one of those page turners finding it hard to put down until finished.
The cards are really played in this story so get ready for a good read. The story starts with Ophelia Leoni (Diviner) was to get married to the Prince of Hansarda (Kristian) however, his half brother Boone has different plans for this union. After sending an evening with Ophelia, Boone pretends to be the Prince's emissary and kidnaps Ophelia. And then this story get underway... you are really in for a good read. Ophelia has lost her spaces craft and crew to the evil Sanctifiers, then there is a pregnancy(morning sickness and sexual interludes), and then on to trying to save Boone from his brother Kristian and Sancitify torturers. It all comes back to what's in the cards? Will her parents be saved? What's up with the love-hate relationship between Ophelia and Boone? And who will be the future King of Hansarda? By picking up this novel you will find all of this information out in this good read.
If you are in for a good fantasy romance the "Queen of Swords" would be a good read for you.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2019
While Borders Bookstores still lived, I enjoyed regular visits and perused the clearance shelves each time. I found some real gems for less than a dollar including this one. I spotted this one because I recognized the author, saw it was a sci-fi that had whiffs of Firefly to it and I was sold and then it sat. But, on a whim, I pulled it off the shelf because I was in a sci-fi mood. The book didn't hold up to pre-read excitement, but it was a moderately good, spicy hot, sci-fi adventure that I'm glad I picked up.
Queen of Swords is the first book in the Sanctify series, but I learned after I read it that there is a prequel, The High Priestess, and it really shouldn't be skipped. Oops! This one worked pretty good standalone even though I think I'd have picked up on some things easier if I'd read the prequel intro to the Sanctify world.
This one introduces tough gunrunner Ophelia who is a Diviner (she uses tarot card with her psychic ability to see the future and is a whole religious system for her race) privately grieving the loss of her crew because she ignored the cards. She drowns her sorrows in a one night stand, skips out and then comes home to learn through another reading that she is to marry the Prince of Hansorda, a certain Kristian who plans to rise to the kingship on the blood of others in his path.
Her escort ship comes with none other than her 1NS, Boone, and he has his own plans for her that don't involve marrying Kristian or letting Kristian gain that much power to be used in the wrong way. A space adventure ensues involving the villainous Sanctifiers and encounters with many alien races when she ends up seeing how things really are with Kristian's ambitions to rule not being a good thing and having to go rescue Boone from his half-brother. All along the pair engage in a sensual love-hate battle full of snark and lots of heat since they are both a strong-willed pair.
I liked this one in many ways and had a good time reading it, but I didn't thoroughly enjoy it and did a great deal of skimming after awhile and was left needing more when it came to the romance. This was one where I enjoyed both Ophelia and Boone as individuals and as 'save the galaxy' partners, but I was never convinced about their romance. There was a lot of sizzle in the sack- this is where I skimmed. So much sexy time that I was actually bored after a while and just wanted to get on with the action. But, I couldn't get a read on how they would be when not in a rush to thwart the bad guys or ravishing each other. I suppose this can be chalked up to preference. I needed to see the chemistry in action beyond physical attraction particularly since they tended to snarl at each other a lot.
But, that said, there was plenty of other stuff going on to engage me. The world building was unique. I enjoyed the use of Tarot to inspire a religious society and it was fun to meet all the alien races. There were side characters that are getting their stories and I'm glad of that. The action side was great and I do love that in my sci-fis.
So, I'm glad I finally picked it up. I haven't decided if I'll get the other stories in the series. Those who like action-packed, sizzling hot sci-fi snarky romance should definitely give this one a go.
Queen of Swords is the first book in the Sanctify series, but I learned after I read it that there is a prequel, The High Priestess, and it really shouldn't be skipped. Oops! This one worked pretty good standalone even though I think I'd have picked up on some things easier if I'd read the prequel intro to the Sanctify world.
This one introduces tough gunrunner Ophelia who is a Diviner (she uses tarot card with her psychic ability to see the future and is a whole religious system for her race) privately grieving the loss of her crew because she ignored the cards. She drowns her sorrows in a one night stand, skips out and then comes home to learn through another reading that she is to marry the Prince of Hansorda, a certain Kristian who plans to rise to the kingship on the blood of others in his path.
Her escort ship comes with none other than her 1NS, Boone, and he has his own plans for her that don't involve marrying Kristian or letting Kristian gain that much power to be used in the wrong way. A space adventure ensues involving the villainous Sanctifiers and encounters with many alien races when she ends up seeing how things really are with Kristian's ambitions to rule not being a good thing and having to go rescue Boone from his half-brother. All along the pair engage in a sensual love-hate battle full of snark and lots of heat since they are both a strong-willed pair.
I liked this one in many ways and had a good time reading it, but I didn't thoroughly enjoy it and did a great deal of skimming after awhile and was left needing more when it came to the romance. This was one where I enjoyed both Ophelia and Boone as individuals and as 'save the galaxy' partners, but I was never convinced about their romance. There was a lot of sizzle in the sack- this is where I skimmed. So much sexy time that I was actually bored after a while and just wanted to get on with the action. But, I couldn't get a read on how they would be when not in a rush to thwart the bad guys or ravishing each other. I suppose this can be chalked up to preference. I needed to see the chemistry in action beyond physical attraction particularly since they tended to snarl at each other a lot.
But, that said, there was plenty of other stuff going on to engage me. The world building was unique. I enjoyed the use of Tarot to inspire a religious society and it was fun to meet all the alien races. There were side characters that are getting their stories and I'm glad of that. The action side was great and I do love that in my sci-fis.
So, I'm glad I finally picked it up. I haven't decided if I'll get the other stories in the series. Those who like action-packed, sizzling hot sci-fi snarky romance should definitely give this one a go.
March 24, 2012
First Line - 'Ophelia couldn’t find her underwear. They had to have been around there somewhere. She’d been wearing them last night, after all, but she was hard pressed to find that small piece of silk amongst the other clothing scattered about the room.'
I like this opening, Ophelia seems like a fun person - though she isn't quite as promiscuous as she sounded to me initially. Though the guy she is in the process of sneaking away from is the very man who will change her life forever. Who knew a drunken one night stand could cause so many problems for a girl? Ophelia does eventually find her underwear but from there her day goes from bad to worse. Ophelia returns home to find that the prince of Hansarda wants her for his bride, not only that but her mother practically pushes her out the door when the emissary arrives to take her to her future husband. Only the emissary is an imposter, a man desperate to keep her from her future husband and Boone will do anything to keep Ophelia from his sadistic half brother - the prince of Hansarda.
Boone (aka the one night stand guy and imposter) wakes to find Ophelia gone - he'd only meant to follow her to find out why his half brother (and heir to the throne) wanted Ophelia so badly but he couldn't resist her fire and fell for her instead. Now he has the urge to protect this little hellcat, though I did laugh when Boone's ego was severely dented because Ophelia didn't remember him from the night before...and again when she proves she's no meek woman to be kidnapped without a fight, man she kicks ass.
Queen of Swords is more a Science Fiction/ Romance but thankfully the Sci-Fi isn't too hardcore, as I've said before I can't handle hardcore Sci-Fi. I liked the world that Katee Robert has created, full of different species like Ophelia - who is known as a Diviner, one who has their Goddess whispering in her ear. Diviners are able to read the past, present and future of anyone they come across and become stronger once they become mothers. The Diviners had been hunted to the brink of extinction by a radical hate group known as Sanctify. They detest anything human and Ophelia's 'punishment' should she ever be caught involves dismemberment and burning alive. The obvious genocide committed by Sanctify is handled supremely by Katee Roberts and I hope they radical group are brought to justice for the crimes against humanity they are guilty of. Thankfully the tortures aren't over described...just the thought is enough to make me shiver. Strangely Ophelia's mother is a Diviner but her father is a former Sanctify member...I am extremely curious as to how these two got together *makes mental note to read their book*.
Boone and Ophelia are great characters...Boone has the coiled strength that would have you backing him if he ever challenged his brother for the throne but he is also haunted by nightmares of a trauma that happened when he was young. A horrific incident that left him scarred at the hands of his brother. He is loyal to a fault and will protect those he loves with his life. Just the kind of character I love *smiles with happiness*. Ophelia is a smart, strong woman who will not be told what to do. The only things that have influence over her is her Goddess and sometimes her mother. No man will ever rule over her. Despite her intelligence there was one thing I understood and saw well before she did, every time Ophelia thought her stomach problems were from food poisoning I wanted to hit her over the head...but other than that she is a very likeable character. I personally love Jenny - she's a female version of Boone, its no wonder that her and Ophelia get along like a house on fire...though God help Boone if those two ever team up against him...he hasn't got a chance.
I really enjoyed Queen of Swords as a whole. I loved Katee Robert's writing style, the way she mixes the humour with the dark and scarred past of both Boone and the Diviner race as a whole is brilliant. If done wrong the humour can come across as inappropriate but this is the perfect mix to show that there is still a glimmer of light in the darkness of the Sanctify regime. I think fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon's The League Series will enjoy Queen of Swords and I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author!
I like this opening, Ophelia seems like a fun person - though she isn't quite as promiscuous as she sounded to me initially. Though the guy she is in the process of sneaking away from is the very man who will change her life forever. Who knew a drunken one night stand could cause so many problems for a girl? Ophelia does eventually find her underwear but from there her day goes from bad to worse. Ophelia returns home to find that the prince of Hansarda wants her for his bride, not only that but her mother practically pushes her out the door when the emissary arrives to take her to her future husband. Only the emissary is an imposter, a man desperate to keep her from her future husband and Boone will do anything to keep Ophelia from his sadistic half brother - the prince of Hansarda.
Boone (aka the one night stand guy and imposter) wakes to find Ophelia gone - he'd only meant to follow her to find out why his half brother (and heir to the throne) wanted Ophelia so badly but he couldn't resist her fire and fell for her instead. Now he has the urge to protect this little hellcat, though I did laugh when Boone's ego was severely dented because Ophelia didn't remember him from the night before...and again when she proves she's no meek woman to be kidnapped without a fight, man she kicks ass.
Queen of Swords is more a Science Fiction/ Romance but thankfully the Sci-Fi isn't too hardcore, as I've said before I can't handle hardcore Sci-Fi. I liked the world that Katee Robert has created, full of different species like Ophelia - who is known as a Diviner, one who has their Goddess whispering in her ear. Diviners are able to read the past, present and future of anyone they come across and become stronger once they become mothers. The Diviners had been hunted to the brink of extinction by a radical hate group known as Sanctify. They detest anything human and Ophelia's 'punishment' should she ever be caught involves dismemberment and burning alive. The obvious genocide committed by Sanctify is handled supremely by Katee Roberts and I hope they radical group are brought to justice for the crimes against humanity they are guilty of. Thankfully the tortures aren't over described...just the thought is enough to make me shiver. Strangely Ophelia's mother is a Diviner but her father is a former Sanctify member...I am extremely curious as to how these two got together *makes mental note to read their book*.
Boone and Ophelia are great characters...Boone has the coiled strength that would have you backing him if he ever challenged his brother for the throne but he is also haunted by nightmares of a trauma that happened when he was young. A horrific incident that left him scarred at the hands of his brother. He is loyal to a fault and will protect those he loves with his life. Just the kind of character I love *smiles with happiness*. Ophelia is a smart, strong woman who will not be told what to do. The only things that have influence over her is her Goddess and sometimes her mother. No man will ever rule over her. Despite her intelligence there was one thing I understood and saw well before she did, every time Ophelia thought her stomach problems were from food poisoning I wanted to hit her over the head...but other than that she is a very likeable character. I personally love Jenny - she's a female version of Boone, its no wonder that her and Ophelia get along like a house on fire...though God help Boone if those two ever team up against him...he hasn't got a chance.
I really enjoyed Queen of Swords as a whole. I loved Katee Robert's writing style, the way she mixes the humour with the dark and scarred past of both Boone and the Diviner race as a whole is brilliant. If done wrong the humour can come across as inappropriate but this is the perfect mix to show that there is still a glimmer of light in the darkness of the Sanctify regime. I think fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon's The League Series will enjoy Queen of Swords and I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author!
May 18, 2014
I don't often read this kind of sci-fi romance but I love Katee Robert's contemporary romance series so I jumped at the chance of reading Queen of Swords when I was offered a review copy. I'm happy to say I was impressed, the author has created an interesting universe with diverse species of alien characters and she gives us enough information to build a good picture of things without overwhelming us with unnecessary details. None of the terms used are too complicated so the story is very easy to follow and there are enough technological advances to be interesting but not confusing.
Ophelia is from a race known as the Diviners, they have a strong connection with the Lady (their equivalent of god) and they use tarot cards to seek guidance and figure out what path they should take. Ophelia's readings are all telling her that she needs to marry the prince of Hansarda so no matter how much she hates the idea of marrying a stranger who is probably only interested in her because of her father's contacts as a gun runner she will accept his proposal because bad things happen when you don't follow the Lady's path. The cards are always open to interpretation though so even though she thinks she knows what she has to do it could be that she's misreading the situation.
Boone is the half-brother to the prince and also happens to be the sexy stranger she just spend a night with. When he tells Ophelia that it is his job to take her to Hansarda for her marriage she agrees to go with him but Boone actually has other plans. Prince Kristian is Boone's enemy and Boone plans to kidnap Ophelia to stop the wedding from going ahead. Boone will do whatever it takes to protect his people and that means stopping Kristian becoming the King of Hansarda, no matter what it costs him.
I really loved both of the main characters, they're both strong, capable fighters who are determined to do what they believe is the right thing. Most of the time Ophelia and Boone manage to rub each other up the wrong way but no matter how fierce their arguments you can always sense the underlying chemistry between them and you know they are going to be absolutely explosive together when they eventually give in to that passion. Alongside the main couple we also get to meet a variety of other well developed characters, Boone's sister Jenny was definitely a favourite and I'm glad that her book is next in the series.
Queen of Swords is a fun read with great romance and plenty of action and intrigue. I should probably mention that there is a prequel novella called The High Priestess (which actually features Ophelia's parents) but since I haven't read that story yet I can confirm that this one works well as a stand alone. I'll definitely be continuing this series when Queen of Wands comes out, there is a lot going on with the religious cult Sanctify and I'm looking forward to seeing how that resolves itself.
Ophelia is from a race known as the Diviners, they have a strong connection with the Lady (their equivalent of god) and they use tarot cards to seek guidance and figure out what path they should take. Ophelia's readings are all telling her that she needs to marry the prince of Hansarda so no matter how much she hates the idea of marrying a stranger who is probably only interested in her because of her father's contacts as a gun runner she will accept his proposal because bad things happen when you don't follow the Lady's path. The cards are always open to interpretation though so even though she thinks she knows what she has to do it could be that she's misreading the situation.
Boone is the half-brother to the prince and also happens to be the sexy stranger she just spend a night with. When he tells Ophelia that it is his job to take her to Hansarda for her marriage she agrees to go with him but Boone actually has other plans. Prince Kristian is Boone's enemy and Boone plans to kidnap Ophelia to stop the wedding from going ahead. Boone will do whatever it takes to protect his people and that means stopping Kristian becoming the King of Hansarda, no matter what it costs him.
I really loved both of the main characters, they're both strong, capable fighters who are determined to do what they believe is the right thing. Most of the time Ophelia and Boone manage to rub each other up the wrong way but no matter how fierce their arguments you can always sense the underlying chemistry between them and you know they are going to be absolutely explosive together when they eventually give in to that passion. Alongside the main couple we also get to meet a variety of other well developed characters, Boone's sister Jenny was definitely a favourite and I'm glad that her book is next in the series.
Queen of Swords is a fun read with great romance and plenty of action and intrigue. I should probably mention that there is a prequel novella called The High Priestess (which actually features Ophelia's parents) but since I haven't read that story yet I can confirm that this one works well as a stand alone. I'll definitely be continuing this series when Queen of Wands comes out, there is a lot going on with the religious cult Sanctify and I'm looking forward to seeing how that resolves itself.
June 27, 2012
So Sanctify 0.5 (prequel novella) was The High Priestess and I really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to reading this.
We start off with Ophelia having trouble finding her knickers (best opening EVER), can't run from a one night stand with no pants now, can we? Then her mum (Marianna) tell her she has had a marriage proposal from some prince and, after reading her cards, she accepts. Turn out Boone is the guy that comes to collect her, only she soon finds out that he wasn't really there to collect her ... he kidnapped her instead. she realises some things on her journey and ends up liking him, then must go save him and then has to go save her and they (sort of) get their HEA.
First off, I don't think I'd mind getting kidnapped by Boone - he sounds yummy. I mean, if you're going to be kidnapped it should at least be by a sexy dude, right?
Anyway back to the story, I really enjoyed this possibly more than the prequel. It's a lot longer so you get more story for your pennies, and more character development. I would've possibly liked more background on what happened with Ophelia's former crew, but who knows? Perhaps we shall find more in a later book, which I am really looking forward to reading.
We start off with Ophelia having trouble finding her knickers (best opening EVER), can't run from a one night stand with no pants now, can we? Then her mum (Marianna) tell her she has had a marriage proposal from some prince and, after reading her cards, she accepts. Turn out Boone is the guy that comes to collect her, only she soon finds out that he wasn't really there to collect her ... he kidnapped her instead. she realises some things on her journey and ends up liking him, then must go save him and then has to go save her and they (sort of) get their HEA.
First off, I don't think I'd mind getting kidnapped by Boone - he sounds yummy. I mean, if you're going to be kidnapped it should at least be by a sexy dude, right?
Anyway back to the story, I really enjoyed this possibly more than the prequel. It's a lot longer so you get more story for your pennies, and more character development. I would've possibly liked more background on what happened with Ophelia's former crew, but who knows? Perhaps we shall find more in a later book, which I am really looking forward to reading.
June 18, 2012
Full review at http://wickedlilpixie.com/2012/06/17/...
It's really weird writing a review for a novel I beta-read... a while ago. For starters, I need to be totally up front--Katee Robert is my critique partner and has been since I first had a critique partner. She wouldn't have lasted that long if I didn't love her work. So, what you're about to read is a gushing review, but it's a gushing review because I truly think her stuff is fantastic.
Okay, now that that is out of the way...
Queen of Swords reinvigorated my love of space opera. Prior to this book, it had been a while since I bothered reading any because every time I did, it was too much romance or too much hard sci-fi or too much blech. Queen of Swords strikes a near perfect balance for me of romance, action, drama, and space-travel-sci-fi-awesomeness.
Let's start with our hero/heroine...
It's really weird writing a review for a novel I beta-read... a while ago. For starters, I need to be totally up front--Katee Robert is my critique partner and has been since I first had a critique partner. She wouldn't have lasted that long if I didn't love her work. So, what you're about to read is a gushing review, but it's a gushing review because I truly think her stuff is fantastic.
Okay, now that that is out of the way...
Queen of Swords reinvigorated my love of space opera. Prior to this book, it had been a while since I bothered reading any because every time I did, it was too much romance or too much hard sci-fi or too much blech. Queen of Swords strikes a near perfect balance for me of romance, action, drama, and space-travel-sci-fi-awesomeness.
Let's start with our hero/heroine...
June 10, 2012
I started this one on the train on my way home from BEA and it held my attention. I found myself cheering for Ophelia and really enjoying all of the space elements (the world building is really well done if it does sometimes seem to give homage to Star Wars-especially with this Han and Leia type romance). This is the second book in the series, and I did not read the first, but I felt it stood alone. The species of aliens are very original and creative. The Diviner religion is also very creative. I do not read romance, like, ever, but I sped through the flirting, etc and was focused on the plot.
My favorite character was Jenny, as she was rather kick ass. Recommended for fantasy readers, especially fans of Ann Aguirre's Jax series.
My favorite character was Jenny, as she was rather kick ass. Recommended for fantasy readers, especially fans of Ann Aguirre's Jax series.
March 23, 2012
It was a page turner from the beginning, but some points the pacing was dragging the story and it was hard to follow. I believe I might have enjoyed it more if it were a novella.
The spiritual side to it was very interesting to see, and I would have never expected to see tarot cards as part of a sci-fi series! The main characters are a kick ass heroine and a sexy prince who are extremely hot together!
(...)If you have watched the TV series Firefly, they both share a similar atmosphere. The elements that create this story made this a title full of action!
The spiritual side to it was very interesting to see, and I would have never expected to see tarot cards as part of a sci-fi series! The main characters are a kick ass heroine and a sexy prince who are extremely hot together!
(...)If you have watched the TV series Firefly, they both share a similar atmosphere. The elements that create this story made this a title full of action!
September 16, 2015
Yet another book I read last summer but didn't have time to write a review for and now I can't remember much about it... Given the storyline (which I vaguely remember now that I've read the synopsis again) I'm quite surprised I gave the book a three-star rating but it must mean I found the story entertaining! Then again, I have almost no recollection of the book which isn't such a good sign... Who knows?!
March 13, 2012
Great scifi romance! I'll be posting the review on GraveTells soon and then here shortly after. In the meantime, I'll just say that it has action, humor, chemistry, steamy sex, and likeable characters with believable world-building. Looking forward to the next Sanctify novel! Will it be about Jenny? That would be awesome!
January 30, 2012
This book is full of snarky, sexy fun! If you loved the banter between Han Solo and Princess Leia, you'll love Ophelia and Boone.
August 6, 2017
I’m a big “I’m in the mood for a good – blank – book”. So far this year it’s mostly been contemporary but there’s been a couple of Westerns thrown in the mix as well as a few Sci/Fi romances. This is a Sci/Fi romance by a mostly contemporary book writer and I liked it quite a bit. I have a number of books loaded by Katee Roberts but oddly, this is the first one I’ve read – odd that.
Ophelia Leoni is – well to put it more easily – a futuristic fortune teller. She tells fortunes by reading cards. And her cards tell her she is to marry the Prince of Hansarda, a planet that is slowly gaining strength and power. But before she does she has a one night stand with Boone O’Keirna. As well as being a Diviner (or fortune teller) the gift she has inherited from her mother, she also captains ships, something she gets from her father. She has recently lost her ship and crew and is suffering from great guilt, which leads to her drinking too much, which leads to one night stand. Much to her horror the next day it turns out that Boone, Boone of the previous evenings’ adventure, is the one who is taking her to the prince – or so she thinks. She while dismayed it’s him, she’s willing to fulfill her destiny.
But!
Things aren’t what they seem. Boone is actually the brother of the prince (which Ophelia doesn’t know) and the prince is a monster. Boone has a scheme to use Ophelia in his efforts to rid the planet of his evil brother and as such he’s been watching Ophelia, just waiting to kidnap her. But after their night together, he can’t go through with his original plans. While he remembers their night vividly, he’s frustrated that Ophelia can barely remember it.
Now Ophelia is not a happy camper when she finds out that Boone isn’t taking her to the Prince so we have a rather volatile situation on our hands. Ophelia is not a weak character, not in any shape or form. So the two of them go on to have an explosive relationship. Ophelia is very drawn to Boone, though it’s very much against her will and Boone is determine to fulfil his plans only without using Ophelia..
This is an adventure fueled SciFi romance and was very enjoyable and fun to read. There is another book in the series about Boone’s sister, another very strong character and I fully plan on reading it too. I’m glad I listened to my “I’m in the mood for” reading mind.
Ophelia Leoni is – well to put it more easily – a futuristic fortune teller. She tells fortunes by reading cards. And her cards tell her she is to marry the Prince of Hansarda, a planet that is slowly gaining strength and power. But before she does she has a one night stand with Boone O’Keirna. As well as being a Diviner (or fortune teller) the gift she has inherited from her mother, she also captains ships, something she gets from her father. She has recently lost her ship and crew and is suffering from great guilt, which leads to her drinking too much, which leads to one night stand. Much to her horror the next day it turns out that Boone, Boone of the previous evenings’ adventure, is the one who is taking her to the prince – or so she thinks. She while dismayed it’s him, she’s willing to fulfill her destiny.
But!
Things aren’t what they seem. Boone is actually the brother of the prince (which Ophelia doesn’t know) and the prince is a monster. Boone has a scheme to use Ophelia in his efforts to rid the planet of his evil brother and as such he’s been watching Ophelia, just waiting to kidnap her. But after their night together, he can’t go through with his original plans. While he remembers their night vividly, he’s frustrated that Ophelia can barely remember it.
Now Ophelia is not a happy camper when she finds out that Boone isn’t taking her to the Prince so we have a rather volatile situation on our hands. Ophelia is not a weak character, not in any shape or form. So the two of them go on to have an explosive relationship. Ophelia is very drawn to Boone, though it’s very much against her will and Boone is determine to fulfil his plans only without using Ophelia..
This is an adventure fueled SciFi romance and was very enjoyable and fun to read. There is another book in the series about Boone’s sister, another very strong character and I fully plan on reading it too. I’m glad I listened to my “I’m in the mood for” reading mind.
May 29, 2014
5*s
Loved it!
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
You know what? I loved this book… it was sci fi, it was fantasy & it was refreshingly different.
We meet Ophelia Leoni as she is getting smashed, grieving for the loss of her crew and ship, all she wants is oblivion and what better way to achieve it that through alcohol and anonymous no strings sex with a one night stand…… what she doesn’t bank on is the one night stand she has just left, turning up at her home on the same day to cart her off to marry the Prince of Hansarda – something she wouldn’t be doing if not for her gift & her cards telling her it was the right direction for her life to take – for she is a Diviner, a seer/clairvoyant of sorts and she knows now that the cards don’t lie.
Boone O’Keirna is scouting out his brother’s intended, why does he want her so badly? Is it because she has a massive arsenal of weapons at her disposal or does he know her true nature? Whatever it is, when Boone realises that the woman is Ophelia - the woman he spent an amazing night with last night – he knows that he can’t allow his brother to have her….. so he kidnaps her and stows her aboard his starship and hopefully, she might come around to his cause….OR they could always use her as a bargaining tool. What neither of them is prepared for is the connection they seem to share or what fate has instore for them – hidden amongst Ophelia’s cards.
So yeah, I loved this book and as I said, it’s different to what I normally read. I really liked the book as a whole, the characters were great; I totally loved Ophelia, she was kick ass, dominant, assertive & not afraid to take what she wants – at first it was a bit overwhelming as she seemed too tough but as the book progressed, we got to see a softer side to her but also a woman who is constantly alert to danger. I loved her gift, it again was different to the usual and I loved the way she used the Tarot cards. Boone was great too, just as dominant as Ophelia and yep, that made them clash like hell! Which was great to read; I love a good power struggle and Boone was not lying down for any one! I love a good love/hate clash between couples and these two really went for it, which not only created some hot moments but also some sweet moments that made me like the characters even more. I wanted them together and that feeling grew throughout the book, which to me is the sign of a good coupling. I was also invested in the secondary characters – Jenny & Cole are a pair to look out for and Sadie also caught my interest, so I’m hoping for more from those too.
The storyline was good and I really liked the initial set up of Boone kidnapping Ophelia after a one night stand, the connection between them was set up from the start and when they were confined in the starship, it started to kindle into something bigger. The relationship had a big influence in the overall story and I liked that it connected a lot of things together and not just there for the ‘romance’ part but was integral to the story. I liked the world building that set up a multi planet universe, accessible through starships and warp tunnels giving the travel and universe a very star wars/star trek feel plus it is filled with different species or people with abilities which could be limitless. There is the immediate threat of Boone’s brother to contend with in this but it also brings what I feel is the ‘series threat’ in the form of a religious like zealot group that put humans above all else and their job is to eradicate any ‘other’ life forms as being blasphemous to their religion – we’re talking the wiping out of whole groups using methods of torture and fire etc. – they come across as very sinister, single minded people & so they pose a massive threat to everyone not human and none moreso than that which Ophelia is – a Diviner – who are practically extinct, which will make you understand just how precious and special she & her talent really are. You really get a good feel for the world and dynamics of it all and I love the way the tarot is used throughout, I thought it brought a certain mysticism to the story and Ophelia and her mother sort of reminded me of the Bene geserit from Frank Herbert's Dune with their gifts and varying stages of power – which was not a bad thing. I loved where the story went though, the ending was very satisfying but promises bigger & better things, with more danger and battles on the horizon and really cannot wait for the sequel.
Loved it!
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
You know what? I loved this book… it was sci fi, it was fantasy & it was refreshingly different.
We meet Ophelia Leoni as she is getting smashed, grieving for the loss of her crew and ship, all she wants is oblivion and what better way to achieve it that through alcohol and anonymous no strings sex with a one night stand…… what she doesn’t bank on is the one night stand she has just left, turning up at her home on the same day to cart her off to marry the Prince of Hansarda – something she wouldn’t be doing if not for her gift & her cards telling her it was the right direction for her life to take – for she is a Diviner, a seer/clairvoyant of sorts and she knows now that the cards don’t lie.
Boone O’Keirna is scouting out his brother’s intended, why does he want her so badly? Is it because she has a massive arsenal of weapons at her disposal or does he know her true nature? Whatever it is, when Boone realises that the woman is Ophelia - the woman he spent an amazing night with last night – he knows that he can’t allow his brother to have her….. so he kidnaps her and stows her aboard his starship and hopefully, she might come around to his cause….OR they could always use her as a bargaining tool. What neither of them is prepared for is the connection they seem to share or what fate has instore for them – hidden amongst Ophelia’s cards.
So yeah, I loved this book and as I said, it’s different to what I normally read. I really liked the book as a whole, the characters were great; I totally loved Ophelia, she was kick ass, dominant, assertive & not afraid to take what she wants – at first it was a bit overwhelming as she seemed too tough but as the book progressed, we got to see a softer side to her but also a woman who is constantly alert to danger. I loved her gift, it again was different to the usual and I loved the way she used the Tarot cards. Boone was great too, just as dominant as Ophelia and yep, that made them clash like hell! Which was great to read; I love a good power struggle and Boone was not lying down for any one! I love a good love/hate clash between couples and these two really went for it, which not only created some hot moments but also some sweet moments that made me like the characters even more. I wanted them together and that feeling grew throughout the book, which to me is the sign of a good coupling. I was also invested in the secondary characters – Jenny & Cole are a pair to look out for and Sadie also caught my interest, so I’m hoping for more from those too.
The storyline was good and I really liked the initial set up of Boone kidnapping Ophelia after a one night stand, the connection between them was set up from the start and when they were confined in the starship, it started to kindle into something bigger. The relationship had a big influence in the overall story and I liked that it connected a lot of things together and not just there for the ‘romance’ part but was integral to the story. I liked the world building that set up a multi planet universe, accessible through starships and warp tunnels giving the travel and universe a very star wars/star trek feel plus it is filled with different species or people with abilities which could be limitless. There is the immediate threat of Boone’s brother to contend with in this but it also brings what I feel is the ‘series threat’ in the form of a religious like zealot group that put humans above all else and their job is to eradicate any ‘other’ life forms as being blasphemous to their religion – we’re talking the wiping out of whole groups using methods of torture and fire etc. – they come across as very sinister, single minded people & so they pose a massive threat to everyone not human and none moreso than that which Ophelia is – a Diviner – who are practically extinct, which will make you understand just how precious and special she & her talent really are. You really get a good feel for the world and dynamics of it all and I love the way the tarot is used throughout, I thought it brought a certain mysticism to the story and Ophelia and her mother sort of reminded me of the Bene geserit from Frank Herbert's Dune with their gifts and varying stages of power – which was not a bad thing. I loved where the story went though, the ending was very satisfying but promises bigger & better things, with more danger and battles on the horizon and really cannot wait for the sequel.
September 6, 2016
I'm not a reader of sci-fi romances, this is new territory for me but I've read Katee Robert's Brazen offerings so when I was offered the chance to read Queen of Swords for review, I grabbed the chance.
If you've read the synopsis you will have a good idea at where the book is going. Boone is sexy, witty and protective, Ophelia independent and feisty and whilst they can fight & spar against each other, they can't deny their attraction or chemistry and this leads to some explosive passion. But alongside this runs the story of Boone's plight to keep those closest to him safe from the hands of his sadistic evil brother and it's this that keeps you guessing what will happen. And I loved that it was told from both their POV; I love to get in a male characters head.
With secondary characters to love and to hate, I liked it but I have to confess that sci-fi isn't at the top of of my favourite list; odd considering I like my sci-fi on screen! But I liked that it was different to what I usually read yet had had the passion, intimacy, fight, frustration and humour that I love in a romance. Whilst I can't compare to anything in this genre because this is my maiden voyage, once I got into it, it was a good read and I will likely read more of this genre in the future.
3.5 stars
If you've read the synopsis you will have a good idea at where the book is going. Boone is sexy, witty and protective, Ophelia independent and feisty and whilst they can fight & spar against each other, they can't deny their attraction or chemistry and this leads to some explosive passion. But alongside this runs the story of Boone's plight to keep those closest to him safe from the hands of his sadistic evil brother and it's this that keeps you guessing what will happen. And I loved that it was told from both their POV; I love to get in a male characters head.
With secondary characters to love and to hate, I liked it but I have to confess that sci-fi isn't at the top of of my favourite list; odd considering I like my sci-fi on screen! But I liked that it was different to what I usually read yet had had the passion, intimacy, fight, frustration and humour that I love in a romance. Whilst I can't compare to anything in this genre because this is my maiden voyage, once I got into it, it was a good read and I will likely read more of this genre in the future.
3.5 stars
August 2, 2012
I read the prequel novella before this book. And that made me sad, because I got to know Marianna and Gerard in that book. Gerard changed his mind about diviner abilities, despite the fact that in The High Priestess his belief in those abilities is one of the big reasons he escapes with Marianna. Also That is not what someone who read the prequel would expect or want.
Aside from that though, Ophelia and Boone were adorable together in a scarily violent way. I do realise that sentence is oxymoronish but let me explain. Ophelia and Boone are highly trained action people, Ophelia because as a Diviner everyone including half-rational people hate her race. Boone because his father and brother are psychopaths and he's been protecting his people for years as a mercenary/smuggler/exiled-prince. But together Ophelia and Boone suit so well they complement each other and the chemistry is hot (no wonder Robert go to launch Entangled's Brazen imprint).
We have the smallest of resolutions in the series' arc. Ba'al's high priest is dead at the end of this book. But questions of Azure and Mac the guy who designed some awesome weaponry are left hanging (for me at least).
Looking forward to the next one, whenever that is.
Aside from that though, Ophelia and Boone were adorable together in a scarily violent way. I do realise that sentence is oxymoronish but let me explain. Ophelia and Boone are highly trained action people, Ophelia because as a Diviner everyone including half-rational people hate her race. Boone because his father and brother are psychopaths and he's been protecting his people for years as a mercenary/smuggler/exiled-prince. But together Ophelia and Boone suit so well they complement each other and the chemistry is hot (no wonder Robert go to launch Entangled's Brazen imprint).
We have the smallest of resolutions in the series' arc. Ba'al's high priest is dead at the end of this book. But questions of Azure and Mac the guy who designed some awesome weaponry are left hanging (for me at least).
Looking forward to the next one, whenever that is.
January 17, 2013
4.5/5 stars
Really, really enjoyed this one! I loved that there was a reason (beyond being in love) that made the heroine shift from being completely kick-ass and hard to being a little less so. I'm not going to say what it is, I'm not a spoiler gal, but it worked and wasn't gimmicky. I also loved the sheer multitude of awesome and unique species. They were painted with vivid strokes and fearless creativity - blending into the universe and making it a far more interesting place to visit. And I know this won't be my only visit into this universe - already looking forward to the next trip!
Really, really enjoyed this one! I loved that there was a reason (beyond being in love) that made the heroine shift from being completely kick-ass and hard to being a little less so. I'm not going to say what it is, I'm not a spoiler gal, but it worked and wasn't gimmicky. I also loved the sheer multitude of awesome and unique species. They were painted with vivid strokes and fearless creativity - blending into the universe and making it a far more interesting place to visit. And I know this won't be my only visit into this universe - already looking forward to the next trip!
June 22, 2014
This book was a great sci-fi read and it came to me at the perfect time. I am not sure if it is because I read to much or what but I have been getting tired of the same old stories over and over just with different characters. Katee took this story beyond that with her unique plot and intriguing characters and pulled me out of my reading slump. If you are looking for something different that grabs you and holds your interest until the very end then I HIGHLY recommend this book. I am really excited for the next one. Katee with be going on my "Authors to Stalk" list.
March 1, 2016
Uggggghhhh.
Deluded. contrived. boring as all hell. Skip it.
Reading this, I had one question
*snorts*
No. It doesn't.
Hard pressed to call it romance. I really wouldn't classify it as a sci-fi either. :/
It just a whole lot of .....ink used.
I wanted to like it so much!! I stuck in there until....about 30 pages from the end. Then I skimmed. I just didn't care about the plot, or the characters....or any of it.. aw well.
Deluded. contrived. boring as all hell. Skip it.
Reading this, I had one question
*snorts*
No. It doesn't.
Hard pressed to call it romance. I really wouldn't classify it as a sci-fi either. :/
It just a whole lot of .....ink used.
I wanted to like it so much!! I stuck in there until....about 30 pages from the end. Then I skimmed. I just didn't care about the plot, or the characters....or any of it.. aw well.
March 6, 2017
So I had pretty much forgotten all that happened in this book, the baby I guessed pretty soon after she threw up the first time, and yeah, can't wait to read more!
*First read March 20th 2012*
Really great book! The characters were really great, the plot was awesome, and yeah, I just want to read more!!!
*First read March 20th 2012*
Really great book! The characters were really great, the plot was awesome, and yeah, I just want to read more!!!
March 19, 2016
Oh goodness, I thought this was just going to be another chintzy romance novel but oh jeeze it was so much better. Usually I give 5 stars for a book being awesome in writing and characters and story and etc but I had to give this novel because of my pure enjoyment of it. I loved Boone and Ophelia's chemistry and how it had more than just sex. oh so good, can't wait to read the next book.
November 17, 2014
I won this from the goodreads first reads giveaway. This had a good storyline but i had a hard time really getting into it. It just kinda stayed level throughout the book without any shocks or surprises that would leave me at the edge of my seat craving more. It was just okay
February 27, 2013
I'll try to write a review after our book club discussion.
One word summary? "Grrr..."
One word summary? "Grrr..."
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