After reading the previous book in the Cy'ren Rising series, Nightfall, I was left greatly anticipating this next installment and my anticipation was richly rewarded. From its exciting outer space battles that left you on the edge of your seat and your pulse pounding, to the political intrigue tearing families apart, this story moved at a quick yet immensely satisfying pace. Throw in lots of super steamy sexual interludes between an intriguing trio of emotionally battered individuals and you end up with a decadently delightful sci-fi feast for the imagination.
Jace is the second son in House Morningstar and as such is arrogant, commanding, and used to the finer things in life. His home life isn't perfect though as his brother is obsessed with inheriting their family's wealth which has put Jace's life in constant jeopardy as well as anyone he cares about. Fear has kept him alone and refraining from claiming a mate. When his current mission leads to the rescue of numerous sex slaves though his life completely changes as the powerful pheromones of his people has him desperate to claim the delicate and bruised Sabine along with her fiercely loyal lover Bryn. In an unexpected twist for his House he claims both of them which leads to danger as their pasts come to light and as the deceit of House Nightfall continues to be discovered. It also leads to a triad based on love, respect, unquestionable loyalty, and LOTS of scorching interludes. Jace is a loyal man who's saved himself for the right woman. It's a wonderful facet to his character and made him even more endearing. He was very serious-minded early on but Bryn and Sabine brought out a playful side that made their encounters even more satisfying.
Bryn was once a shadow sword, a powerful warrior fighting alongside other soldiers when she was made a slave. Her rebelliousness led to numerous beatings with the scars still apparent. She was also sterilized which is the cruelest thing that can be done as their species is heading towards extinction. She braved all of it with strength and with her love for Sabine. Bryn is someone that loves to take care of others and having Sabine kept her going and fighting for their freedom. She sees Jace as a threat at first but their love for Sabine binds them and their mutual admiration for each other has their connection deepening even further. Jace sees her as an equal when it comes to fighting and he trusts her to keep Sabine safe from any threats from his brother which allows him to finally accept happiness. Bryn is a remarkable heroine who fights tooth and nail for those she loves. She's been through so many physical and emotional beatings but never weakened, she kept protecting others like the true warrior she honed herself into being.
Sabine is not as compelling as her mates as she's quieter and weaker through the circumstances of her life. She's always been a slave and is unaccustomed to fighting for what she wants. She counts on Bryn and Jace for her happiness and her safety. When it comes to sexual appetites though her being in phase leaves her insatiable and jumping Jace and Bryn whenever possible. For her species being in phase is their time to conceive and find a mate and gives us our first glimpse of Jace losing control over his tightly-wound nature which promises a future full of sex and unexpected changes. Sabine is sweet with a sensual and playful side who brings calm to both her mates from a world full of chaos. Once her past comes to light though the ramifications promise to be intriguing and will greatly influence what comes next.
This was an exhilarating story that kept me fully immersed in the twists and turns of political intrigue and the battle waging between the haves and the have-nots. The deceit from House Nightfall continues to keep everyone on edge and battling to discover the truth before a bioweapon is unleashed. The action is fast paced in a sci-fi world vividly depicted to keep readers fully immersed in the battles in both outer space and at home. The main characters along with the secondary ones are memorable with unique personalities with pasts that have you rooting for them to finally find their HEA. This was a wonderful addition to the series that can be read on its own, but with such talented storytelling each book isn't to be missed and I'm again left greatly anticipating the next installment.