Oppression

Miners of Zalma #1

by L.H. Whitlock

Thief. Street rat. Criminal. Clover’s been called many things; all of which she claims innocence to. She has spent her life working in the mines on Zalma, barely making ends meet, and cursing the floating city, Istrance, where wealth, power and the simple luxuries that are kept from the miners are abundant. One day her friend falls ill to a mysterious sickness that only the forbidden healing gem, letia, can cure and, while the gem is off limits to those on Zalma, she knows just where she can find some.

Lev has worked years to make a name for himself on Istrance. One of power, wealth, and luxury. Now all he needs to secure his position is a wife. He submits his request for a bride but before he can celebrate, he gets word of an attempted robbery on one of his shuttles. He expects to find a dirty thief and a poor miner. Instead, he finds a hot red-head and for the first time in years he finds himself at a loss.

Tension between the two worlds is building, and rumors of a rebellion are stirring. Will Lev and Clover find common ground when their lives unexpectedly collide? Or, will they be forced to choose their side and fight a war that’s been brewing for centuries?

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2016

About the author

Lyndsay began her writing adventure when she moved to Colorado with her husband. She has always loved stories and has been an avid reader for most of her life. Her fascination with science and astronomy started in school and only grew as the years went on. Most of her inspiration comes from day to day interactions as well as movies, game’s and articles. When not writing, Lyndsay is playing with her two dogs, Skip and Peaches, or running and kick boxing at the gym.

Reviews

[Carole Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this author's world-building. It takes ingenuity and talent to dream up the world this book portrays, and although my genre isn't usually science fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but could use some editing

I liked the premise of this book and how the author shows you the injustices of each caste. One of the things i thought was new and refreshing was the way the author had the community of miners banded together against oppression. You don’t really see that often. I liked the book up until Clover went to “meet” Lev. Lev is a character i cannot like or understand. Once Clover and Lev meet they are “predestined” by Lady Krass. Which is ok I get it but it was just cringy how he spoke to Clover and acted. One moment he is bargaining her best friends life to stay with him and then calling her sweetness etc etc. I don’t know it was a weird introduction to this Lev character for me.

[Celestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whitlock gets an A+ for world-building and creativity, but only a C for follow-through. The bones are very, very good, but the storytelling gets a little muddled along the way. The tension is there, but the story arc isn't tight - too much detail in some places and not enough in others. However, I thought the oppression theme is very well done and there are some interesting leads for further stories. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Gina Salamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this new series and can't wait to see what happens next!
Great characters and great story telling by this author. Lots of hidden messages that we all could stand to think about. I adore her mix of romance and humor, and the world building is superb.
Bring on book two!

[Killing It Write · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this new series and can't wait to see what happens next!

Great characters and great storytelling by this author. Lots of hidden messages that we all could stand to think about. I adore her mix of romance and humor, and the world-building is superb.

Bring on book two!