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Borderlands #3
Sureblood
Five years ago rival space pirate captains Val Blue and Dake Sureblood stole one incredible night together. But their brief, passionate history ended with the assassination of Val's father and the condemnation of Dake's clan.
Now Val struggles to prove her mettle–to herself and to the dissenters amid her own people. Every successful raid is a boot heel ground into the burning memory of Dake Sureblood–and their secret son is a constant reminder of their shared past….
Ambushed and captured before he can clear his name, Dake Sureblood returns from a hell like no other to expose the true killer of Val's father. But as the identity of their enemy becomes chillingly clear, the former lovers must put aside their mistrust and join forces to protect their clans and their precious son.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2010
4 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Susan Grant
66 books452 followersSusan’s childhood dreams of becoming a space explorer fizzled when she found out calculus was involved. Luckily, she didn’t need math skills to fly jets--or to create sky-high stories in her head, first for herself, then for friends, and now for readers everywhere.
A New York Times/USA Today bestselling author and a military veteran, Susan won the prestigious RITA® Award for her book Contact, a sci-fi aviation-thriller romance.
A New York Times/USA Today bestselling author and a military veteran, Susan won the prestigious RITA® Award for her book Contact, a sci-fi aviation-thriller romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 22, 2010
I am a huge fan of sci fi romance. There is so little of it and it's really the best of both worlds for me. I hate to give this one such a mediocre review. The story idea was really interesting and appealing. It was the writing that failed it.
There seemed to be more showing than telling involved. In the parts where there was actual action, it was interesting, not intense, but okay. But there were places where in order to get the story on to the next point the author sort of told "and this happened then this happened". Maybe the story should have been trimmed here and there. It seemed that the main part of the story was them getting the clans to act together so maybe the first part of the story should have been shorter and the second part longer. I can't really put my finger on why I wasn't more drawn in. I guess the actual details that make you feel the cold of the deck under your feet and hear the hiss of the air escaping just weren't clear or realistic enough.
The sci fi element wasn't great. I think it was a bit too Star Trekkie (easy) for me. (Don't get me wrong, I'm a long time ST fan.) But the actions and capabilities of the ships seemed too simplistic. There was one mention of an engine, no mention of star drives, or FTL, etc. You were left wondering how the ships operated. Could the big ships land on planets? How? What sort of space dock facilities did they have? The ships didn't act like space ships truly would. They showed up in a system, the crew was on planet a few minutes later. Where was the time lag? Why were the ships so unrealistically quick? Why were the pirates able to sneak up on ships time and again and latch on to the hulls and not be noticed? Did they have no outside scans/cameras? If pirates are a problem in space, why do none of the ships have any kind of ship to ship weapon? One torpedo does not a defense system make. Why was there mention that communication was instantaneous between systems (and how did that work?), yet there was no ship to ship communications? How far apart were these systems that you could just ring up the neighbors? The guns that they had, were they lasers or what?
The people on the pirate planets do not have an agricultural system capable of supporting the populace. Why? How did these people get there ages ago? What is their history? Why were the colonies so small? Why did they need to pirate for money? Who did they trade their ill gotten gains with? There was a vague mention of a black market. Where was it? Who ran it?
As to the romance part. They were together about 4 days total. There was a part at the end where the author told us basically "they went from planet to planet convincing the other pirate bands to join with them." That was only a paragraph which in building a relationship doesn't count for me. They fell in love easy, they were separated (and he's right, she should have called) there was intense hatred on her part but with one explanation she forgave him and poofta! Happy ever after. There wasn't much heat or tension. I just wasn't sold on the romance.
The actions of the pirates were fairly unrealistic. The reacted like children and any detail however vague, and most of the details of the plots and machinations were vague, swayed them like the wind. They didn't seem like real people.
This lack of world building and traditional/realistic feeling sci fi elements slants this novel more towards "futuristic romance" rather than "sci fi romance." It also kept it from being a more satisfying read.
There seemed to be more showing than telling involved. In the parts where there was actual action, it was interesting, not intense, but okay. But there were places where in order to get the story on to the next point the author sort of told "and this happened then this happened". Maybe the story should have been trimmed here and there. It seemed that the main part of the story was them getting the clans to act together so maybe the first part of the story should have been shorter and the second part longer. I can't really put my finger on why I wasn't more drawn in. I guess the actual details that make you feel the cold of the deck under your feet and hear the hiss of the air escaping just weren't clear or realistic enough.
The sci fi element wasn't great. I think it was a bit too Star Trekkie (easy) for me. (Don't get me wrong, I'm a long time ST fan.) But the actions and capabilities of the ships seemed too simplistic. There was one mention of an engine, no mention of star drives, or FTL, etc. You were left wondering how the ships operated. Could the big ships land on planets? How? What sort of space dock facilities did they have? The ships didn't act like space ships truly would. They showed up in a system, the crew was on planet a few minutes later. Where was the time lag? Why were the ships so unrealistically quick? Why were the pirates able to sneak up on ships time and again and latch on to the hulls and not be noticed? Did they have no outside scans/cameras? If pirates are a problem in space, why do none of the ships have any kind of ship to ship weapon? One torpedo does not a defense system make. Why was there mention that communication was instantaneous between systems (and how did that work?), yet there was no ship to ship communications? How far apart were these systems that you could just ring up the neighbors? The guns that they had, were they lasers or what?
The people on the pirate planets do not have an agricultural system capable of supporting the populace. Why? How did these people get there ages ago? What is their history? Why were the colonies so small? Why did they need to pirate for money? Who did they trade their ill gotten gains with? There was a vague mention of a black market. Where was it? Who ran it?
As to the romance part. They were together about 4 days total. There was a part at the end where the author told us basically "they went from planet to planet convincing the other pirate bands to join with them." That was only a paragraph which in building a relationship doesn't count for me. They fell in love easy, they were separated (and he's right, she should have called) there was intense hatred on her part but with one explanation she forgave him and poofta! Happy ever after. There wasn't much heat or tension. I just wasn't sold on the romance.
The actions of the pirates were fairly unrealistic. The reacted like children and any detail however vague, and most of the details of the plots and machinations were vague, swayed them like the wind. They didn't seem like real people.
This lack of world building and traditional/realistic feeling sci fi elements slants this novel more towards "futuristic romance" rather than "sci fi romance." It also kept it from being a more satisfying read.
August 16, 2010
This book reminded me of the movie, Cutthroat Island, starring Geena Davis. There were a lot of group mob scenes with pirates saying things like "aye" and "cap'n" and throwing fists in the air.
I thought the romance was easy. Hero and heroine meet, like each other, sleep together. An Event happens that separates them for five years during which heroine tries to be pissed at hero. They're reunited and hero explains about the big misunderstanding. Heroine forgives hero, they sleep together.
There were no surprises, partly because the back cover copy gives away the plot when it mentions the child they have together. The child doesn't come about until halfway through the book (seriously, she has the baby on pg 203; there are only 376 pgs totao). You know who all the bad guys are from the beginning, and it's pretty much a given that the child is going to be kidnapped (so much a given that I really don't want to put a spoiler warning on this review, but I will). The hero and heroine save the child and get revenge in a raid where everything goes perfectly.
I thought the romance was easy. Hero and heroine meet, like each other, sleep together. An Event happens that separates them for five years during which heroine tries to be pissed at hero. They're reunited and hero explains about the big misunderstanding. Heroine forgives hero, they sleep together.
There were no surprises, partly because the back cover copy gives away the plot when it mentions the child they have together. The child doesn't come about until halfway through the book (seriously, she has the baby on pg 203; there are only 376 pgs totao). You know who all the bad guys are from the beginning, and it's pretty much a given that the child is going to be kidnapped (so much a given that I really don't want to put a spoiler warning on this review, but I will). The hero and heroine save the child and get revenge in a raid where everything goes perfectly.
August 13, 2016
Sureblood takes off running with some interesting character dynamics and the action/danger of a raid gone bad. There's a lovely attention to detail, especially as far as clan traditions and societies go, which is segued into the narration in a way that adds life to the characters without bogging down the action.
Initially, upon hearing the romance was between prominent members of rival clans, I was afraid we'd be getting into some Romeo and Juliet territory, but it was neatly side-swiped with the question of peace throughout the clans. Val's father didn't want her to marry "Paris," he wanted her with Dake to secure peace and her own happiness. Val and Dake worked well together, both as a raiding team and as a couple, and without any swooning or star-crossed nonsense.
This is not the kind of book you read for the epic plot twists. Before you get halfway through the book, you know exactly how things are going to end. You know who the bad guys are, you know what the finale has to consist of, but you may have fun watching them all get there. Sometimes the fun is in the journey, not the destination.
That being said, I would have liked a subtler touch to be used now and again. If, say, the villain had been a likeable or at least a charming fellow instead of a creepy sadist, it might be easier to believe these characters don't want to put him on trial as a suspect immediately. (I swear, I am not giving out any spoilers. You know this the minute you meet the villain, which is early in the book.) Even smaller subtleties would have been nice, like if the reader didn't discover Val was the Blue leader's daughter until after the raid, when Dake discovers just who he's been working with, it would have been a lovely and thrilling moment. As it is, a few of these moments just didn't have the punch they wanted.
Overall, the book is a fun ride if you're looking for a little light space opera or sci fi romance. If, however, you're looking for something more plot heavy, this is not the droid you're looking for.
Initially, upon hearing the romance was between prominent members of rival clans, I was afraid we'd be getting into some Romeo and Juliet territory, but it was neatly side-swiped with the question of peace throughout the clans. Val's father didn't want her to marry "Paris," he wanted her with Dake to secure peace and her own happiness. Val and Dake worked well together, both as a raiding team and as a couple, and without any swooning or star-crossed nonsense.
This is not the kind of book you read for the epic plot twists. Before you get halfway through the book, you know exactly how things are going to end. You know who the bad guys are, you know what the finale has to consist of, but you may have fun watching them all get there. Sometimes the fun is in the journey, not the destination.
That being said, I would have liked a subtler touch to be used now and again. If, say, the villain had been a likeable or at least a charming fellow instead of a creepy sadist, it might be easier to believe these characters don't want to put him on trial as a suspect immediately. (I swear, I am not giving out any spoilers. You know this the minute you meet the villain, which is early in the book.) Even smaller subtleties would have been nice, like if the reader didn't discover Val was the Blue leader's daughter until after the raid, when Dake discovers just who he's been working with, it would have been a lovely and thrilling moment. As it is, a few of these moments just didn't have the punch they wanted.
Overall, the book is a fun ride if you're looking for a little light space opera or sci fi romance. If, however, you're looking for something more plot heavy, this is not the droid you're looking for.
September 24, 2010
Overall I liked this book. It's about space pirates, but they're good-guy pirates. (I know--but they are.) These pirates are more like an ad hoc police force, stopping thieves from stealing valuable ores. Except they're sorta like Celtic clans, or Amerindian tribes, because they're raiding each other as much as the bad guys.
The hero is leader of the Sureblood clan. The heroine is daughter of the Blue clan leader. They meet when they're both after the same smuggler/thief freighter. They start fighting each other, then team up to fight other bad guys making holes in the ship. After the victory, they agree to split the salvage down the middle, and call a truce between the warring clans. Everybody shows up on Blue clan's planet for a "gather" to negotiate a more permanent peace, including the guy who runs the sector mines. The hero & heroine start to act on their attraction--then everything blows up. Heroine's daddy dies, hero's accused, she gets him off the planet, and things go from blowed up to smithereens.
It felt to me like the story tried to squeeze too much time into too few pages, and the villain was pretty obvious and over-the-top--but that didn't actually matter to me as I read it. I enjoyed the book.
The hero is leader of the Sureblood clan. The heroine is daughter of the Blue clan leader. They meet when they're both after the same smuggler/thief freighter. They start fighting each other, then team up to fight other bad guys making holes in the ship. After the victory, they agree to split the salvage down the middle, and call a truce between the warring clans. Everybody shows up on Blue clan's planet for a "gather" to negotiate a more permanent peace, including the guy who runs the sector mines. The hero & heroine start to act on their attraction--then everything blows up. Heroine's daddy dies, hero's accused, she gets him off the planet, and things go from blowed up to smithereens.
It felt to me like the story tried to squeeze too much time into too few pages, and the villain was pretty obvious and over-the-top--but that didn't actually matter to me as I read it. I enjoyed the book.
August 19, 2022
I was always into a lot of things. I don't know how many times I have read this one over the years I've had it. I always liked it. Val Blue, her first time as skiff leader, are in the middle of a raid on a huge prize, when the Surebloods show up! They know the law of pirating First come, first raid! It belongs to them! The Surebloods can get lost! Unfortunately the Surebloods see it the other way. They saw it first, & the supplier it was stolen from told them to go get it! Because the war is over, there hasn't been kind of slim pickings for a while. So even though Blues are already onboard they proceed & end up in a stand off while Val tells him to get off their ship! Who is this little spitfire, that won't budge? He gets a better look, not only is she a feisty, little thing, she's cute too. His kind of woman! He'd like to find out more about her. He tries to tell her it's theirs & to get off. She isn't backing down, she is going to do her clan proud. While she is trying to figure out what to do, she gets a better look at Dake. Where is the monster that the ore supplier had been telling them about all their lives? Who is this man? He doesn't seem so bad. Handsome, too. About the time Dake decides they can share it's big enough, an explosion goes off & knocks them all to the floor. They start working together to get to the bridge & find out what is going on. The ship is rupturing, he manages to save them all. A message from Conn Blue, the clan leader, is opened, and they start talking. He thanks Dake for saving his daughter, Val. Dake gives him his idea of splitting the bounty. Conn agrees & invites the Surebloods to a party of his home planet. When the everyone gets there, along with the ore supplier which she doesn't think should have been invited, her brother is late (again) so she has to take his place on patrol. The ore supplier is seeing his worst nightmare coming true! the pirates uniting! While he makes nice watching thing happen a slave girl rescued from the ship just hours before is watching everyone to see if she can blend in. Dake is looking all over for Val, he wants to see her. When she finally gets a break she comes in to dance with him. He is thrilled! So is Conn. This is what He & Dake's father had been trying to do years ago before he died in an accident that destroyed his ship. Uniting the pirates! Ayl, one of Blues is not too happy, he wants Val. She can't seem to make him understand that she doesn't want him! He won't quit pushing! He only wants her for her status anyway! She can read him just fine. Dake & Val get away. They spend the night together, only to wake up the next morning to find out her father has been murdered! They already half in love are trying to find out what happened when one of the Blues start saying Surebloods did it! The clans having been bitter rivals for years made it quite easy too doubt the Surebloods honor. Val trusted Dake & told him to get his people home until they found out what was going on. He promised he would get back to her & left. She had also just found out that she beacame the new Clan leader! Her brother's ship had been destroyed by an asteroid! Dake makes for home, his ship is ambushed by a Drakken ship. How did it know where to find them? He sends one of his shipmates & dog off in a skiff to tell his family what happened. He wakes up in a cell with only 2 of his crew left. Val waits to hear from Dake for almost a month before she finds out she is going to have his child. Her mother tells her for the baby's safety, no one should know who the father is. A son, Jaym. There are rumors, but no one ever knows. Since Val never hears from Dake it is assumed that His clan did kill Conn. His clan & hers keep fighting amongst themselves for ways to support their clans. As time passes Val becomes the worst She-pirate of the galaxy. The ore supplier is getting upset by what she is stealing from him & selling on the black market. The triad are cleaning out cells and Dake is set free. After 5 yrs, he's going home! He hears that the Triad want to offer a deal to pirates to get them to move out of the channels & give up pirating for a better life. He is on his way up to see the Captain of the Unity when he comes face to face with the ore supplier who he thinks set him up. When the man sees him, he almost faints, now Dake is sure! He tells the captain his what he believes & that none of the Pirates are going to leave their homes. When he hears his clan is thinking about it, he is surprised! He tells him to let him talk to Val so there will be no bloodshed. The Captain agrees, she has already told his people under no terms are they leaving their home & to get off their planet or else! When Dake gets to the surface, he is not met with the welcome he had hoped for. He explains why he never returned, & shows them the Drakken prison brand behind his ear, & tattoo. Several scars that would not be there if he had been home to have proper nanomeds. That & with the testimony from the slave girl from the ship who says she saw the ore suppliers men buying herbs from one of Blues People the night Conn was killed. With that, the charges are dropped. Dake and Val get back together. He asks about Jaym & finds out he has a son. Aly is not happy, he is talking to the ore supplier telling him what is going on & wants to know why Dake is still alive? He has also figured out who Jaym's Father is! Just seeing them together, he has Dake's eyes! That being, he tells the ore supplirer of the Blue-Sureblood heir. He is furious! He wants that boy! There is a celebration about their engagement. They go to wish their son goodnight, no one can find him! Where is their child? When they have searched everywhere it finally comes out, there is a traitor amongst them! Aly, confesses to letting the ore supplier take him, along with many other past things that have happened & sabotaged by him for the ore supplier, just to keep the pirates fighting against each other. Val throws him in the brig. They tell the Captain what he has done & that they will be coming to the Unity to talk with him. The Ore supplier is thrilled to find out he has Jaym, he's going to kill the brat! Not before he can have him begging for his parents though! What he doesn't know is that this little guy has a lot of both his parents in him, & doesn't seem to fear anything. He tells him to take him home before his parents come to get him! He tries to scare him some more, he would give anything to see him cry. Jaym won't give in! When he is about to kill him anyway, he gets a call from the Unity to inform him that the pirates are joining the Captain for talks about the ore rights that he had hoped been destroyed. He puts the kid on his ship & goes. The pirates get ready, this is going to be the most important raid of their lives! The Surebloods & Blues together! They're going to get their baby! As they board they see all the other clans as well penning the ship in. Pirates United! The staff are telling them where to find Jaym. Dake has one open the door. Val holds her little boy while his daddy frees his leg from the cuff holding him there. They want him safe, tell another raider to get him to their ship. But being a true raider, tired as he is, all the little guy can say is "but I wanna fight too!" He goes back to the ship, the ore supplier makes the wrong choice & himself killed. The pirates head to the Unity to talk to the Captain, & find out that the mines belong to them! They can be a legit business & keep their homes!
February 25, 2022
The Blues and the Surebloods are rival pirate clans who hunt for thieves of the valuable metal used in spacecraft, returning it to the mine owner for reward. But a raid that goes bad makes the captains, Val and Dake, allies to save the mission. During the ensuing celebration they learn the other isn't what they have been led to believe. But the attraction is jeopardized when Val's father, the clan chief, is murdered and distrust returns. Dake determines to clear his clan's name but is captured an outside enemy and spends 5 years as slave labor and imprisoned. The bulk of the story is told after his release and he attempts to continue his mission. Great adventure story. Told in the same world as the previous 2 volumes but different characters, peoples and territory within the Borderlands. Lots of action and romance.
March 25, 2022
Loved the first 2 books in this series. This one just doesnt seem to fit. Book 3 was supposed to be Kaz's story, but apparently the plan changed. I love sci-fi romance, but I'm not a fan of pirate romance. This one fits better into the second category, even though the ships are in space, not on the ocean.
April 24, 2018
Uniting the Pirate Clans
A story of wars, families, and a forever love. An evil mine owner plotted to kill and disrupt families for his own benefit and wealth.
A story of wars, families, and a forever love. An evil mine owner plotted to kill and disrupt families for his own benefit and wealth.
May 5, 2021
2nd time reading and it gripped me as much as the first.
Great storyline, characters and writing.
Love this series for the adventure!
Great storyline, characters and writing.
Love this series for the adventure!
August 2, 2010
If you've read any of Susan Grant's Borderland tales then you will surely recognize the world and situations presented in Sureblood. If you have not and this is your first time, then prepare yourself for a great adventure - a science fiction romance type of adventure, Susan Grant style.
The Sureblood and Blues Borderland pirate clans, although not necessarily enemies, are rivals and tough competitors. When the new young Sureblood clan chief, Dake Sureblood begins breaking some of their unwritten raiding laws, it doesn't take long before the Blues retaliate and tensions escalate.
During just such a raid, Valeeya Blue, young raider-in-training and daughter to the Blues' chief, meets the young Sureblood chief and the two end up raiding together in order to survive an unknown enemy's attack. The two begin by admiring each other's courage and grit and an attraction grows from there. At a meeting of the two clans, Val and Dake steal away and enjoy a night full of passion where they make plans for a hopeful, united future.
Unfortunately, their clans and unknown enemies get in the way. Val's father is assassinated that night and the visiting Surebloods are blamed. Dake is allowed to leave Val's planet only to be ambushed and captured by the Drakkens before he can clear his name and that of his clan.
In the meantime, Val becomes chief of the Blues clan where she must prove her strength to her dissenters time and again. When she doesn't hear word from Dake, Val becomes an embittered and vengeful woman. Believing them guilty of her father's death, she goes after the Sureblood clan. When she finds herself pregnant with Deke's child, she lies to protect her position and the child from her own clan, her enemies and dissenters. During the five years Dake is away, Val becomes one of the Borderlands most feared and hardened pirates.
I really enjoy the world Susan Grant has created, and I'm so glad she focused this story on the pirates. The pirates are a wild and barbarous bunch; their culture is violent, although there's honor and discipline that goes along with all that violence. We meet Val when she's a young woman with potential and we go along for the ride as she matures and becomes a strong leader. We see her mistakes, self-doubts and victories -- and she makes plenty of mistakes along the way. The most glaring one being that Val lets her personal feelings and bitterness cloud her judgment, and it takes Dake's return and lots of proof to make her see the truth.
Dake on the other hand is a clear thinking man -- even when we first meet him as a young man feeling his way through new responsibilities as chief of his clan. He's actually a visionary who sees beyond the obvious and I really liked him as the central male figure in this story. Together, he and Val made a passionate and courageous couple -- a Susan Grant specialty. I actually love Susan Grant's male protagonists and the way they love their women, Dake is no exception.
This is the adventurous romance of two people who go through the ringer before finding that happily ever after. The science fiction details are there without overwhelming the story, and although this is part of the Borderland Tales series, the story stands well on its own. I loved getting to know quite a few of the large cast of well developed secondary characters, all of whom added depth to the story.
Sureblood is a book I recommend to science fiction romance fans, or to those who just want to read a great romance adventure full of space pirates, love and intrigue. I had a wonderful time reading it.
The Sureblood and Blues Borderland pirate clans, although not necessarily enemies, are rivals and tough competitors. When the new young Sureblood clan chief, Dake Sureblood begins breaking some of their unwritten raiding laws, it doesn't take long before the Blues retaliate and tensions escalate.
During just such a raid, Valeeya Blue, young raider-in-training and daughter to the Blues' chief, meets the young Sureblood chief and the two end up raiding together in order to survive an unknown enemy's attack. The two begin by admiring each other's courage and grit and an attraction grows from there. At a meeting of the two clans, Val and Dake steal away and enjoy a night full of passion where they make plans for a hopeful, united future.
Unfortunately, their clans and unknown enemies get in the way. Val's father is assassinated that night and the visiting Surebloods are blamed. Dake is allowed to leave Val's planet only to be ambushed and captured by the Drakkens before he can clear his name and that of his clan.
In the meantime, Val becomes chief of the Blues clan where she must prove her strength to her dissenters time and again. When she doesn't hear word from Dake, Val becomes an embittered and vengeful woman. Believing them guilty of her father's death, she goes after the Sureblood clan. When she finds herself pregnant with Deke's child, she lies to protect her position and the child from her own clan, her enemies and dissenters. During the five years Dake is away, Val becomes one of the Borderlands most feared and hardened pirates.
I really enjoy the world Susan Grant has created, and I'm so glad she focused this story on the pirates. The pirates are a wild and barbarous bunch; their culture is violent, although there's honor and discipline that goes along with all that violence. We meet Val when she's a young woman with potential and we go along for the ride as she matures and becomes a strong leader. We see her mistakes, self-doubts and victories -- and she makes plenty of mistakes along the way. The most glaring one being that Val lets her personal feelings and bitterness cloud her judgment, and it takes Dake's return and lots of proof to make her see the truth.
Dake on the other hand is a clear thinking man -- even when we first meet him as a young man feeling his way through new responsibilities as chief of his clan. He's actually a visionary who sees beyond the obvious and I really liked him as the central male figure in this story. Together, he and Val made a passionate and courageous couple -- a Susan Grant specialty. I actually love Susan Grant's male protagonists and the way they love their women, Dake is no exception.
This is the adventurous romance of two people who go through the ringer before finding that happily ever after. The science fiction details are there without overwhelming the story, and although this is part of the Borderland Tales series, the story stands well on its own. I loved getting to know quite a few of the large cast of well developed secondary characters, all of whom added depth to the story.
Sureblood is a book I recommend to science fiction romance fans, or to those who just want to read a great romance adventure full of space pirates, love and intrigue. I had a wonderful time reading it.
September 2, 2010
Susan Grant is one of a handful of authors who write science fiction romances. I enjoy the sub-genre so I wish there were more writing it. Thankfully, Grant looks to be continuing her Borderlands series, giving readers more sci-fi romances to look forward to.
Valeeya Blue is about to get what she's been wanting - command of a skiff. It's a small craft, built for boarding freighters. Val, along with the crew of the Varagon, are about to conduct a raid - boarding a freighter believe to be carrying stolen ore. Pirating is a hard life for Val but it's one she's always wanted and has worked hard to get where she is. Right off, I liked Val. We meet her when she's still working her way up the ranks. Val's the daughter of the clan-leader and some think she should be seeking to create an alliance through marriage, not as a raider on a pirate ship. She certainly had some obstacles to overcome!
The raid doesn't go as planned, instead Val runs into Dake Sureblood, leader of a rival clan. They do eventually form a tentative truce and must work together. Val and Dake even come to like each other, spending some quality time together. It doesn't last long. Val's father is murdered and the Surebloods are blamed. Fast forward five years and there is still bad blood between the clans. There are also secrets that are about to be revealed that could change everything Val and Dake believe. Val has matured a lot, much of which was due to necessity. She has been leading her clan during the difficult times since her father's death.
I didn't mind that Val and Dake are apart for some of the story. It wasn't a lot and it built the storyline of why Val is so distrustful of the Surebloods as well as giving their rivals opportunities to escalate that distrust. The hostility between the two clans is still there but they also have other things to worry about. Keeping the clans feed and taken care of has become challenging and pirating has become even more dangerous.
When Dake comes back into Val's life he's not greeted with open arms. Instead, his greeting is more of a greeting for a hated enemy. It's good that Dake is very stubborn and is determined to get Val on his side. I liked the way these two related to each other. They had much in common, both raiders, both born to clan-leaders. They came from different places, different climates with different societies but ultimately it's their loyalty and love of their clans and love for each other that brings them back together. While they were separated they both went through terrible times, Dake's circumstances were horrendous. The way Dake had to not only overcome the nightmares of his imprisonment but also trust Val and her clan - it was certainly hero worthy!
The secondary characters round out the story nicely with a sweet romance between Val's friend and the woman he helps rescue. And Val and Dake's son is adorable with flashes of his parents stubbornness and intelligence. There's also Lord Viro Nezerihm who is a vicious nemesis that has no problem using people and enjoying punishing those that displease him. He hates Val and Dake and will do anything to destroy them.
This is book three in the series but I don't think you would have any problem understanding what is happening in the world building. Grant does a good job explaining the political and social aspects of the world of the Borderlands. Sureblood delivered the science fiction setting with romance and action to create a captivating tale.
Valeeya Blue is about to get what she's been wanting - command of a skiff. It's a small craft, built for boarding freighters. Val, along with the crew of the Varagon, are about to conduct a raid - boarding a freighter believe to be carrying stolen ore. Pirating is a hard life for Val but it's one she's always wanted and has worked hard to get where she is. Right off, I liked Val. We meet her when she's still working her way up the ranks. Val's the daughter of the clan-leader and some think she should be seeking to create an alliance through marriage, not as a raider on a pirate ship. She certainly had some obstacles to overcome!
The raid doesn't go as planned, instead Val runs into Dake Sureblood, leader of a rival clan. They do eventually form a tentative truce and must work together. Val and Dake even come to like each other, spending some quality time together. It doesn't last long. Val's father is murdered and the Surebloods are blamed. Fast forward five years and there is still bad blood between the clans. There are also secrets that are about to be revealed that could change everything Val and Dake believe. Val has matured a lot, much of which was due to necessity. She has been leading her clan during the difficult times since her father's death.
I didn't mind that Val and Dake are apart for some of the story. It wasn't a lot and it built the storyline of why Val is so distrustful of the Surebloods as well as giving their rivals opportunities to escalate that distrust. The hostility between the two clans is still there but they also have other things to worry about. Keeping the clans feed and taken care of has become challenging and pirating has become even more dangerous.
When Dake comes back into Val's life he's not greeted with open arms. Instead, his greeting is more of a greeting for a hated enemy. It's good that Dake is very stubborn and is determined to get Val on his side. I liked the way these two related to each other. They had much in common, both raiders, both born to clan-leaders. They came from different places, different climates with different societies but ultimately it's their loyalty and love of their clans and love for each other that brings them back together. While they were separated they both went through terrible times, Dake's circumstances were horrendous. The way Dake had to not only overcome the nightmares of his imprisonment but also trust Val and her clan - it was certainly hero worthy!
The secondary characters round out the story nicely with a sweet romance between Val's friend and the woman he helps rescue. And Val and Dake's son is adorable with flashes of his parents stubbornness and intelligence. There's also Lord Viro Nezerihm who is a vicious nemesis that has no problem using people and enjoying punishing those that displease him. He hates Val and Dake and will do anything to destroy them.
This is book three in the series but I don't think you would have any problem understanding what is happening in the world building. Grant does a good job explaining the political and social aspects of the world of the Borderlands. Sureblood delivered the science fiction setting with romance and action to create a captivating tale.
November 20, 2010
I have a secret love for space operas and science fiction romance- when I saw this one available on Netgalley I gobbled it up. While I did enjoy the book well enough, I have to admit, I'd recommend this one to others as a library or Paperback Swap book.
Val Blue cannot catch a break to save her life, whether it be as a squad leader for pirates, a daughter, a clan leader, or a lover. It seems like any time she tries to make a decision or act independently, something crops up that renders that decision either irrelevant or emotionally painful for her. She's also got the unfortunate task of leading the densest, most easily swayed group of pirates in the history of the universe- someone could tell these folks the sky was purple and they'd believe that person regardless of any evidence that may or may not be present. Val is boxed in at every turn, seemingly forced to do things that she doesn't want to do but can't seem to avoid. It was frustrating to read about since we know as readers what's going on since the story is told from Dake's perspective as well as Val's.
Dake as a hero was...okay. I feel like, at the close of the book, that we don't really know a whole lot about him except that he's a hottie, a decent person, and the father of a child with Val that he knows nothing about. The conflict in this book was a little too soap opera-esque for me. While I appreciated the happily ever after and the resolution to the Big Conflict, they were very clearly laid out of from the beginning of the book and I feel like that took some of the excitement out of the story. The problem with knowing who the villains are from the get go is that nothing they do is surprising, and that was definitely an issue in this book.
The pseudo-conflict with Ayl, the womanizing creep who seems to think he and Val have a future together, was easily my least favorite part of the story. While they had some history together, he cheated on her (not a spoiler, that's in the excerpt on the Harlequin website,) was an arrogant ass, and did everything in his power to undermine her at every turn! And yet she STILL continued to consider an alliance with him, in and out of the bedroom! I understand that Val was feeling beaten down and defeated and was looking for support anywhere she could get it but I felt like for a smart lady, she did a lot of stupid things. I attribute this feeling as much to the lack of character development for Dake as anything else- I feel like it was unfair for Val to have to do all the bungling in this book. So often I feel like the female characters are shortchanged when it comes to knowledge of the bigger picture- why did Dake get all the info about the big scheme to exterminate the pirates and Val had to muddle through with half-truths and deception?
Meh. This wasn't a terrible book- I did finish it and like parts of it, and hey, space romance is a good thing in my opinion. The level of frustration I experienced while reading was what led to my sort of lackluster final review.
Overall Grade: C
Read more reviews and other good stuff at What Book is That?
Val Blue cannot catch a break to save her life, whether it be as a squad leader for pirates, a daughter, a clan leader, or a lover. It seems like any time she tries to make a decision or act independently, something crops up that renders that decision either irrelevant or emotionally painful for her. She's also got the unfortunate task of leading the densest, most easily swayed group of pirates in the history of the universe- someone could tell these folks the sky was purple and they'd believe that person regardless of any evidence that may or may not be present. Val is boxed in at every turn, seemingly forced to do things that she doesn't want to do but can't seem to avoid. It was frustrating to read about since we know as readers what's going on since the story is told from Dake's perspective as well as Val's.
Dake as a hero was...okay. I feel like, at the close of the book, that we don't really know a whole lot about him except that he's a hottie, a decent person, and the father of a child with Val that he knows nothing about. The conflict in this book was a little too soap opera-esque for me. While I appreciated the happily ever after and the resolution to the Big Conflict, they were very clearly laid out of from the beginning of the book and I feel like that took some of the excitement out of the story. The problem with knowing who the villains are from the get go is that nothing they do is surprising, and that was definitely an issue in this book.
The pseudo-conflict with Ayl, the womanizing creep who seems to think he and Val have a future together, was easily my least favorite part of the story. While they had some history together, he cheated on her (not a spoiler, that's in the excerpt on the Harlequin website,) was an arrogant ass, and did everything in his power to undermine her at every turn! And yet she STILL continued to consider an alliance with him, in and out of the bedroom! I understand that Val was feeling beaten down and defeated and was looking for support anywhere she could get it but I felt like for a smart lady, she did a lot of stupid things. I attribute this feeling as much to the lack of character development for Dake as anything else- I feel like it was unfair for Val to have to do all the bungling in this book. So often I feel like the female characters are shortchanged when it comes to knowledge of the bigger picture- why did Dake get all the info about the big scheme to exterminate the pirates and Val had to muddle through with half-truths and deception?
Meh. This wasn't a terrible book- I did finish it and like parts of it, and hey, space romance is a good thing in my opinion. The level of frustration I experienced while reading was what led to my sort of lackluster final review.
Overall Grade: C
Read more reviews and other good stuff at What Book is That?
June 18, 2010
This is the latest fast-paced futuristic story in Susan Grant's Federation series. It involves two strong-willed people who fall in love even though it's frowned upon by their clans. Afterall, Valeeya Blue is the daughter of the leader for Clan Blue and Dake Sureblood was recently named leader for Clan Sureblood after the death of his father. The pirate clans have been at war for centuries and just when it looks like an alliance between these two clans might be possible, tragedy strikes and feelings of betrayal force two lovers apart and back into a clan war more bloody than ever before. Will the truth finally come out and will true love overcome years of bitterness to bring two emotionally scarred young lovers back together, or will the war rage on forever?
Val and Dake meet during a pirate mission gone wrong and it's only through working together that they return home alive. Through this shared experience, it's believed that the clans can work together to gain riches. On the night of a party celebrating the clans coming together, Val and Dake proclaim their love for one another and lay the groundwork for a shared future. But forces at the party and other outside influences separate the two for five years and all hope of a treaty disinigrate. Warring between the clans is exactly what Nezerihm, the owner of the zelfren mines, wants. As long as the clans are warring amongst themselves, they won't question his legitimacy to claiming the mines. He's an evil man only concerned with riches and there are numerous instances of his cruelty thoughout the book. As these instances of cruelty progress, and as the action speeds up, lives are put in jeopardy and unity amongst the clans becomes tatamount to survival.
Val is a very strong woman who knows her leadership is precarious because of her sex and her beliefs for an alliance. But she forces others to listen through physical and emotional strength. Even when she's emotionally hurting, she still leads her clan with strength. Dake's leadership is also based on strength. Emotionally tough even after the five years of physical and mental torture he's endured. His love for Val is what kept him going and it's what will save all their people. Their relationship was honest and true to life without rambling misunderstandings and you're definitely rooting for them to triumph over Nezerihm.
There's an interesting side story that I wish had been fleshed out more involving a mysterious girl who's mermaid-like. She becomes a part of Clan Blue, but her purpose in the story was only mentioned two or three times and resolved itself quickly. Hopefully these new creatures will have a greater part in the series since the small taste we got has me intrigued.
Susan Grant has created yet another exciting story full of action and suspense. The Federation series is still going strong and I look forward to where it goes next.
Val and Dake meet during a pirate mission gone wrong and it's only through working together that they return home alive. Through this shared experience, it's believed that the clans can work together to gain riches. On the night of a party celebrating the clans coming together, Val and Dake proclaim their love for one another and lay the groundwork for a shared future. But forces at the party and other outside influences separate the two for five years and all hope of a treaty disinigrate. Warring between the clans is exactly what Nezerihm, the owner of the zelfren mines, wants. As long as the clans are warring amongst themselves, they won't question his legitimacy to claiming the mines. He's an evil man only concerned with riches and there are numerous instances of his cruelty thoughout the book. As these instances of cruelty progress, and as the action speeds up, lives are put in jeopardy and unity amongst the clans becomes tatamount to survival.
Val is a very strong woman who knows her leadership is precarious because of her sex and her beliefs for an alliance. But she forces others to listen through physical and emotional strength. Even when she's emotionally hurting, she still leads her clan with strength. Dake's leadership is also based on strength. Emotionally tough even after the five years of physical and mental torture he's endured. His love for Val is what kept him going and it's what will save all their people. Their relationship was honest and true to life without rambling misunderstandings and you're definitely rooting for them to triumph over Nezerihm.
There's an interesting side story that I wish had been fleshed out more involving a mysterious girl who's mermaid-like. She becomes a part of Clan Blue, but her purpose in the story was only mentioned two or three times and resolved itself quickly. Hopefully these new creatures will have a greater part in the series since the small taste we got has me intrigued.
Susan Grant has created yet another exciting story full of action and suspense. The Federation series is still going strong and I look forward to where it goes next.
August 23, 2010
The tale is set in the Borderlands of the Universe, where pirate clans clash with each other while raiding those that steal from their lands. Valeeya Blue has a lot to prove, both as a female raider and as the daughter of the clan captain. During her first raid as skiff commander, she boards a ship only to find that a rival clan, the Surebloods, has also decided to help themselves to the bounty. The Surebloods are led by their own young captain, Dake, and the sparks immediately start to fly between the handsome raider and the captivating she-pirate.
The Blues and the Surebloods band together to escape a third enemy, which starts them down the bumpy road to clan unity. During a celebration that follows, Dake and Val follow through with the desire that has been quickly building since they met. Evil plots have been set in motion and, while they are indisposed, Val's father is assassinated.
Instantly, the Blues blame the Surebloods, the fragile peace starts to crumble, and Val's life is forever changed. Dake leaves to help find out the truth behind the attack, but fails to contact Val in the months that follow. She becomes clan captain and soon after becomes a new mother, too.
What Val doesn't know is that Dake enduring the worst hell a pirate can imagine, but he never forgets his Blue girl and vows to return to her and to restore peace to all the clans. Will he return in time to help forge peace? Will Val believe in his innocence or has she found love with another?
The pacing in this story was top-notch and I found it difficult to put the story down or to let it out of my mind. Just as I would catch my breath after a tension filled scene, the story would careen into another dangerous section. The elements of foreboding woven throughout added to the suspense, as did the evil villain present throughout the novel.
The world was believable and easily imagined and I enjoyed the subtle physical and cultural differences between the clans. The perspective switched from Val to Dake (and sometimes others) and I believe that adds a little more depth to each character. The characters themselves suffer hardships that make you hurt for them and hope that things will, somehow, work out in the end.
This was another title from the Harlequin's Big Summer Reads (thanks HQN for the ARCs!). As a side note, even in the world of eBooks, cover art is still important. The stylistic cover art immediately caught my attention. I look forward to catching up with Grant's previous novels and I am glad that my reading tastes were gently nudged in a new direction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
Dake’s Clan leader father wanted nothing more then then to end the bitterness and fighting within the clans, then his death set the possibility of a truce back. Now that Dake has taken control of the Surebloods, he has the same desire that his father did and during a particularly dangerous raid that could have spelt the end of the Surebloods leader and the daughter of the Blue clan, Dake now has an opportunity again to unite them.
Val, like the rest of her clan, have grown up with distrust and loathing towards the Sureblood clan. For their breaking of Pirate code and stealing their raids. But it was a Sureblood who saved her, a Sureblood who also makes her stomach flutter. Val has always fought to prove herself as a capable pirate, one who could lead one day. And Dake sees her as both a Pirate and a woman. It’s this reason that she sleeps with him at the momentous celebration of both Sureblood and Blue clans coming together for the first time and ending their war. But when her most beloved father is murdered the night of celebrations and all fingers point towards Surebloods as the culprit, she can’t let Dake stay. He must flee and fight another day, Val struggling between her desire to believe in his innocence and the fact that the evidence keeps mounting.
Now, 5 years later – Dake newly released from an enslavement camp, Val leader of the Blue clan must once again come together to prevent the end of both their clans. The child made at the day of celebration the means to finally end the fighting between them for good.
I truly loved this book and from the start to the end I was 100% invested in the reason and rationality of all these characters. I loved Dake as a character and I beyond adored Val as a heroine. I loved the ease of this story as it read like a well thought out script. It didn’t have must bells and whistles and by that, I mean there were little EXTRA scenes. Scenes of fighting or action or over the top dialogue. Everything that happens and the way the characters react to it makes sense and is natural. Val wasn’t prone to hysterics, and even when she believes Dake might be guilty for killing her father, she still listened to reason and acting accordingly.
I could easily see this book being made into a movie and I would definitely be first in line.
Val, like the rest of her clan, have grown up with distrust and loathing towards the Sureblood clan. For their breaking of Pirate code and stealing their raids. But it was a Sureblood who saved her, a Sureblood who also makes her stomach flutter. Val has always fought to prove herself as a capable pirate, one who could lead one day. And Dake sees her as both a Pirate and a woman. It’s this reason that she sleeps with him at the momentous celebration of both Sureblood and Blue clans coming together for the first time and ending their war. But when her most beloved father is murdered the night of celebrations and all fingers point towards Surebloods as the culprit, she can’t let Dake stay. He must flee and fight another day, Val struggling between her desire to believe in his innocence and the fact that the evidence keeps mounting.
Now, 5 years later – Dake newly released from an enslavement camp, Val leader of the Blue clan must once again come together to prevent the end of both their clans. The child made at the day of celebration the means to finally end the fighting between them for good.
I truly loved this book and from the start to the end I was 100% invested in the reason and rationality of all these characters. I loved Dake as a character and I beyond adored Val as a heroine. I loved the ease of this story as it read like a well thought out script. It didn’t have must bells and whistles and by that, I mean there were little EXTRA scenes. Scenes of fighting or action or over the top dialogue. Everything that happens and the way the characters react to it makes sense and is natural. Val wasn’t prone to hysterics, and even when she believes Dake might be guilty for killing her father, she still listened to reason and acting accordingly.
I could easily see this book being made into a movie and I would definitely be first in line.
March 2, 2011
I keep thinking it must be impossible for these books to get any better but they somehow do. This one tells the story of the space pirates living in the channels, a region of the Borderlands rich with asteriods that contain a vital mineral called zelfen. The story focuses mainly on two of the pirate clans, the Blues and the Surebloods. Dake Sureblood comes to power young when his father is killed in a bizarre accident. Valeeya Blue is the daughter of the Blue Clan leader Conn and his preferred successor, in favour of her wayward brother Sethen. The pirates' raid ships stolen from Nez, the nasty owner of th company that controls the zelfen mining, and bring them back to Nez for a fee. When Dake and Val end up forced to team up on a raid together, their actions encite Dake to suggest that unity should be persued by the pirate clans, in order to remove their dependency on Nez, whom Dake doesn't trust. A historical meeting between the pirates on the Blue's homeworld sees the infatuated Dake and Val consummate their relationship, only to be torn apart when Val's father and brother are killed in two seperate incidents. The story explodes from there, leading Dake and Val down roads that they never thought they'd travel. As a result of internal deception and miscommunications, a war ensures between the Blues and Surebloods for five years after the Blues accuse the Surebloods of Conn's murder.
The attraction between Dake and Val is instanteous and explosive and even without the son they conceive on that one night of passion (a gorgeous little boy called Jaym who ends up being the catalystic for bring the pirates to glory), they clearly need each other. Reading about Dake's experience during the five year gap, in which he is captured and imprisoned by the Drakken, one half of the warring powers in the galaxy, I actually had to put the book down a few times, it was that distressing. Val is a fierce raider and a reluctant mother who comes to adore her son, and I adored her development as a person. As pirates, Dake and Val are fearsome, as parents, they are unstoppable. I loved every bit of this story and if nothing else, it made me want to hunt down more space pirate stories. Please write another one, Susan!!
The attraction between Dake and Val is instanteous and explosive and even without the son they conceive on that one night of passion (a gorgeous little boy called Jaym who ends up being the catalystic for bring the pirates to glory), they clearly need each other. Reading about Dake's experience during the five year gap, in which he is captured and imprisoned by the Drakken, one half of the warring powers in the galaxy, I actually had to put the book down a few times, it was that distressing. Val is a fierce raider and a reluctant mother who comes to adore her son, and I adored her development as a person. As pirates, Dake and Val are fearsome, as parents, they are unstoppable. I loved every bit of this story and if nothing else, it made me want to hunt down more space pirate stories. Please write another one, Susan!!
July 21, 2018
The pirate clans rule the Channels region of the Borderlands, but it’s been a long time since the clans were united. Raid crashing, tempers, and prejudices keep clans like the Blues and the Surebloods fighting. Then a mission throws Valeeya Blue into the path of Dake, leader of the Surebloods, and the unexpected happens. Attraction sparks and the idea of peace between the clans suddenly becomes possible. But Val and Dake’s relationship ends before it really has a chance to begin when Val’s father, the Blues’ clan leader, is murdered. Val’s clan blames the Surebloods and when Dake disappears, it seems he truly is guilty.
What Val doesn’t know is that Dake was ambushed and imprisoned before he had a chance to clear himself and his clan. Five years later, Dake has been freed and he returns to Val to find her a changed woman. Val is now the leader of the Blues and she’s hardened herself to him…or so she thinks. But when a mutual enemy threatens to expose and eliminate a secret Val has been holding dear, she must join forces with her former lover and put the past behind her, or there will be no future for her to have with Dake.
Enjoy a ride as thrilling as any pirate raid in space adventure Sureblood. I admit, I’m not generally a sci-fi fan, but Susan Grant drew me into the world of the Borderlands. Ms. Grant perfectly mixes romance, courage, hardship, deception, triumph, loss, and hope to deliver a fast-paced, engaging story that is sure to entertain fans new and old. Val and Dake are both likeable, hard-working protagonists who do their best in often less than ideal situations. Their road to happily ever after isn’t an easy one, but I liked them so well together that I couldn’t put Sureblood down until I was sure they’d get their happy ending.
Sureblood is the third book in Ms. Grant’s Borderlands series, but not having read the first two books (Moonstruck and The Warlord’s Daughter), I can safely say Sureblood can be read as a standalone. However, after enjoying Sureblood as much as I did, I’m definitely looking forward to reading the other Borderlands tales, as well as other works by Ms. Grant.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
What Val doesn’t know is that Dake was ambushed and imprisoned before he had a chance to clear himself and his clan. Five years later, Dake has been freed and he returns to Val to find her a changed woman. Val is now the leader of the Blues and she’s hardened herself to him…or so she thinks. But when a mutual enemy threatens to expose and eliminate a secret Val has been holding dear, she must join forces with her former lover and put the past behind her, or there will be no future for her to have with Dake.
Enjoy a ride as thrilling as any pirate raid in space adventure Sureblood. I admit, I’m not generally a sci-fi fan, but Susan Grant drew me into the world of the Borderlands. Ms. Grant perfectly mixes romance, courage, hardship, deception, triumph, loss, and hope to deliver a fast-paced, engaging story that is sure to entertain fans new and old. Val and Dake are both likeable, hard-working protagonists who do their best in often less than ideal situations. Their road to happily ever after isn’t an easy one, but I liked them so well together that I couldn’t put Sureblood down until I was sure they’d get their happy ending.
Sureblood is the third book in Ms. Grant’s Borderlands series, but not having read the first two books (Moonstruck and The Warlord’s Daughter), I can safely say Sureblood can be read as a standalone. However, after enjoying Sureblood as much as I did, I’m definitely looking forward to reading the other Borderlands tales, as well as other works by Ms. Grant.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
August 18, 2010
I am REALLY developing a love for these Space Opera type books!! I wonder if it has something to do with watching Star Trek: TNG with my dad all the time when I was younger. I love the spaceships. I love the living on different planets.
I really loved this story. I enjoyed the struggles that Val and Dake had to endure before the HEA. It's not something new, but it was unique in my mind. I loved that Val was this kick ass pirate, not afraid to take on the world, but was still young enough to suffer from self doubt. Dake was a worthy opponent for her. He was supposed to be her enemy, a fellow pirate from another clan. He grew up young, but had that same strength that Val had.
I enjoyed reading from both Val and Dake's views. I do have to admit though, I LOVE reading from the hero's perspective. I love reading about how he feels for the heroine. I just really enjoy the male perspective, seeing their thought process.
I'd almost like to see more of this world, I wonder if Susan Grant is going to do more. I will have to check that out. I would like to see how the worlds evolve after the wars. I am definitely going to be looking into more of her writing.
WOW. I just did a search on Susan Grant's website. And this book is #3 in the series. I didn't have a clue. THAT is a well written series.
Who do I recommend to? Did you like Star Trek? How about Firefly/Serenity? Do you enjoy that bit of fantasy mixed in with reality? If so, I definitely think you will enjoy this book!
I really loved this story. I enjoyed the struggles that Val and Dake had to endure before the HEA. It's not something new, but it was unique in my mind. I loved that Val was this kick ass pirate, not afraid to take on the world, but was still young enough to suffer from self doubt. Dake was a worthy opponent for her. He was supposed to be her enemy, a fellow pirate from another clan. He grew up young, but had that same strength that Val had.
I enjoyed reading from both Val and Dake's views. I do have to admit though, I LOVE reading from the hero's perspective. I love reading about how he feels for the heroine. I just really enjoy the male perspective, seeing their thought process.
I'd almost like to see more of this world, I wonder if Susan Grant is going to do more. I will have to check that out. I would like to see how the worlds evolve after the wars. I am definitely going to be looking into more of her writing.
WOW. I just did a search on Susan Grant's website. And this book is #3 in the series. I didn't have a clue. THAT is a well written series.
Who do I recommend to? Did you like Star Trek? How about Firefly/Serenity? Do you enjoy that bit of fantasy mixed in with reality? If so, I definitely think you will enjoy this book!
February 20, 2011
Fantastic! Even though I'm not a fan of the secret baby, it worked in this case. This is the latest in the Tales of the Borderlands series. This time it's about the pirates who operate in the Borderlands, their struggle to survive, an evil mine owner, the deadly Drakken and their war with the Coalition, and finally, the new peace time, multi-world Triad. The two main characters, Valeeya Blue and Dake Sureblood go through many hardships after their first meeting before they finally meet again and work to unite their people. As a result of their first encounter, Val has a baby but keeps the father's name a secret. Dake has been accused of wrong doing, but then through no fault of his own, cannot return so doesn't know about his child and can't clear his name. I loved the conclusion of the story, where wrongs are righted, lovers and friends are reunited, and families are made whole again.
I don't know what's next for Susan Grant, but it will be an automatic buy for me, I love her books.
I don't know what's next for Susan Grant, but it will be an automatic buy for me, I love her books.
January 23, 2011
This one had a lot of twists and turns and jumps, most of which were fairly traditional. Only a few were unexpected. However, one was down right cliche, but at least she didn't play it out for long.
I like the growing number of subplots in Grant's novels. I just wish she would learn to metaplot. She's got a good strong universe growing, and it seemed like she had it down for a few books there, but she really doesn't. However, she does clearly wrap up all of her subplots so that none of them are left hanging.
Her world building is consistent, but not as obvious in this one. As I mentioned in my first update I was thinking she was starting a new universe rather than continuing the one that really began to flourish with "Your planet or mine."
Her characters are fairly cookie cutter characters - strong female lead, alpha male who wants peace, the usual suspects of sidekicks.
However, the story did eventually sweep me up and I really enjoyed it while I was reading it. I just don't know if I'm going to read it again.
I like the growing number of subplots in Grant's novels. I just wish she would learn to metaplot. She's got a good strong universe growing, and it seemed like she had it down for a few books there, but she really doesn't. However, she does clearly wrap up all of her subplots so that none of them are left hanging.
Her world building is consistent, but not as obvious in this one. As I mentioned in my first update I was thinking she was starting a new universe rather than continuing the one that really began to flourish with "Your planet or mine."
Her characters are fairly cookie cutter characters - strong female lead, alpha male who wants peace, the usual suspects of sidekicks.
However, the story did eventually sweep me up and I really enjoyed it while I was reading it. I just don't know if I'm going to read it again.
March 26, 2011
Pirate Captain Val Blue sets off on another rousing space adventure by Susan Grant. Seduced by rival clan captain Dake Sureblood and his talk of unity, Val spends one passionate night in his arms. Then her father is poisoned and the evidence points to Dake. He flees the camp at her request, fully expecting to return and prove his clan’s innocence. But fate intervenes and he’s taken prisoner on his way home. He’s a conscripted soldier for five long years. When he finally regains his freedom, he rushes back to see Val. Will she believe his tale, now that she’s clan leader, or will she believe he betrayed her?
I’ll read anything by Susan Grant, one of my favorite SFR authors. If you’re looking for strong heroines, a good plot, and a setting in space, she’s the author for you.
I’ll read anything by Susan Grant, one of my favorite SFR authors. If you’re looking for strong heroines, a good plot, and a setting in space, she’s the author for you.
August 12, 2010
I would give this book 3.5 stars. I am a fan of Susan Grant but Sureblood wasn't quite as enthralling as some of her other stories. It's still very enjoyable but the plot devices used to keep the H/h apart and make them doubt each other felt unbelievable to me. At times I was annoyed with the heroine for choosing to believe anyone but the Hero and flicked past these pages. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a solid Scifi Romance with some great space pirate scenes and a sexy hero.
November 8, 2012
The first third would have rated a five star, hot, steamy, action-packed, the outer space land the characters inhibit vivid and real. Lots of strong emotions. Once they separate though, it becomes boring and formulaic, predictable struggle between good and evil kept together only by author's luxurious details about that groovy different world and cataclysmic evolution changes in it. Agree with other reviewers that some drama possibilities were wasted, emotional letdowns.
August 16, 2016
I've really enjoyed a lot of books by Susan Grant, but this one felt a little more rough around the edges. The space pirates were very interesting (although there were some ethical gray areas I didn't feel were fully resolved) and the romance was good. But the book felt like it had two distinct halves and I didn't like the second half nearly as much. In fact, I got sidetracked a couple of chapters from the end and never finished it....
September 10, 2010
Although the book bogged down a bit in the middle, most of it was fast-paced and exciting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having read all of the other books in the series, I especially liked its departure from the worlds already introduced and the peoples already met with only small references to them. It made the book much more interesting than some of the previous books.
October 11, 2011
I was riveted by this sci-fi story even though the romance took a back seat to the plot. I really liked the alpha heroine and the tough decisions she had to make. Rivaling pirate captains Val and Dake start off with an exciting fast paced action packed fight to take over a freighter.”
September 2, 2010
3.75 out of 5
August 31, 2013
Just started reading this. Love that I checked it out as an ebook from the library.
October 4, 2011
Scifi pirate romance mash up. As convoluted as it sounds.
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