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Starquest
When Jestine Darnell is rescued from her sabotaged starship by the crew of the Destiny her only objective is to complete her mission and keep her promise to save a world from slavery. Love is the last thing on her mind. However, she has not counted on losing her heart to Kerry Marchant the ship's second in command, who makes his distrust of her painfully obvious, despite the chemistry between them. The completion of her mission has consequences that neither of them could have foreseen. Enter Dahll Tarron, who becomes involved in a long and dangerous quest to find the Destiny. Fates become intertwined, perils shared, culminating in the realization that sometimes love may be so close that there is a danger it will not be recognized until it is too late.
- GenresRomanceScience Fiction
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
46 people want to read
About the author
Hywela Lyn
9 books162 followersFor as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed reading and writing Westerns, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adventure stories - always with a strong romantic element.
My first novel, 'Starquest', a futuristic romance was published by The Wild Rose Press, followed by a sequel, 'Children of the Mist'. A third story in what has become 'The Destiny trilogy' 'Beloved Enemy',was published in 2016 and I'm delighted that it was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists Association 2017 RoMNA Award and was runner up for the RONE 2017 awards and winner of the 'Best Banter' contest in the SF/Fantasy categories. My novella about the Greek Muse, Terpsichore, set in 5th Century Wales and originally published by TWRP, is also available, on Amazon, from Smashwords or my website. Look out for my new book, THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE a sweet paranormal equestrian romance published by the Wild Rose Press on 5th May 2025.
(More details on my website)
A horse and dog lover, I live with a little terrier called Choccy, adopted by my late husband and I, and who rules the house. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, 'Hywela' is Welsh and is my first name. Since I've always been called by my second name, Lyn, I thought I'd combine the two and use Hywela Lyn as my pen name)`
Member of The Romantic Novelists Association and Chiltern Writers
My first novel, 'Starquest', a futuristic romance was published by The Wild Rose Press, followed by a sequel, 'Children of the Mist'. A third story in what has become 'The Destiny trilogy' 'Beloved Enemy',was published in 2016 and I'm delighted that it was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists Association 2017 RoMNA Award and was runner up for the RONE 2017 awards and winner of the 'Best Banter' contest in the SF/Fantasy categories. My novella about the Greek Muse, Terpsichore, set in 5th Century Wales and originally published by TWRP, is also available, on Amazon, from Smashwords or my website. Look out for my new book, THE MATCHMAKER'S MARE a sweet paranormal equestrian romance published by the Wild Rose Press on 5th May 2025.
(More details on my website)
A horse and dog lover, I live with a little terrier called Choccy, adopted by my late husband and I, and who rules the house. (Oh, and in case you're wondering, 'Hywela' is Welsh and is my first name. Since I've always been called by my second name, Lyn, I thought I'd combine the two and use Hywela Lyn as my pen name)`
Member of The Romantic Novelists Association and Chiltern Writers
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 18, 2018
I was surprised by this book. I was expecting it to be a bit too heavy on the romance, but in fact the romance was just at the right level for me. The story was quite gripping although I admit I skimmed some of the more technical sci fi bits since although I enjoy the genre, my brain isn't wired to completely comprehend it.
Some of it was in diary form which I normally wouldn't like, but in this case, it worked.
Overall, a good read.
Some of it was in diary form which I normally wouldn't like, but in this case, it worked.
Overall, a good read.
September 9, 2009
Starquest, by Hywela Lyn, is a story that starts with a bang; a very big bang. Then a lonely woman pilot is rescued by strangers on a beautiful space-ship. Of course, it’s not just the ship that’s beautiful, and soon pilot and lover are involved in an effort to free a peaceful planet from violent enslavement.
The tragic consequences of that effort eventually lead to Jess’s quest to return to her beloved. The story is told in the form of journal entries, giving a pleasant feeling of intimacy and immediacy. The reader meets the mysterious Dahll and journeys to Niflheim, a planet beautifully described and replete with images from Norse mythology; then on again to more strange and wonderful places peopled with fascinating characters. I found myself remembering Gulliver’s Travels and wondering where the quest would end.
There’s a mystery here as well as a quest, and both come together in a surprising and satisfying conclusion. The author’s nicely imagined future, with realistic fears and concerns, is a fitting backdrop to a very well-told tale. Thanks Hywela.
The tragic consequences of that effort eventually lead to Jess’s quest to return to her beloved. The story is told in the form of journal entries, giving a pleasant feeling of intimacy and immediacy. The reader meets the mysterious Dahll and journeys to Niflheim, a planet beautifully described and replete with images from Norse mythology; then on again to more strange and wonderful places peopled with fascinating characters. I found myself remembering Gulliver’s Travels and wondering where the quest would end.
There’s a mystery here as well as a quest, and both come together in a surprising and satisfying conclusion. The author’s nicely imagined future, with realistic fears and concerns, is a fitting backdrop to a very well-told tale. Thanks Hywela.
December 26, 2010
I'm not sure if I was reading the same book as previous reviewers were but this was just bad. I think the storyline if it had been outlined a little better would have had potential. As it was, this alternated between first person and a strange sort of third person, part of the story was told in journal entries and the story itself was all over the place. It lacked structure.
I wouldn't classify this as a romance, although it did have a "sweet romance" element to it. To me this was more of a sci-fi/futuristic tale of a woman's journey to discovering what love actually is. The characters were interesting but just not quite "there" in terms of being fleshed out. The story had certain elements that made me feel like I was watching a cross between a re-run of Star Trek and CSI.
Kudo's to Ms. Lyn for putting her work out there for the world to critique, but for this reader it just didn't pan out.
I wouldn't classify this as a romance, although it did have a "sweet romance" element to it. To me this was more of a sci-fi/futuristic tale of a woman's journey to discovering what love actually is. The characters were interesting but just not quite "there" in terms of being fleshed out. The story had certain elements that made me feel like I was watching a cross between a re-run of Star Trek and CSI.
Kudo's to Ms. Lyn for putting her work out there for the world to critique, but for this reader it just didn't pan out.
July 9, 2011
Jess is piloting her spacecraft on a vital mission when a disaster befalls her ship. She sends out a distress call and is picked up by a passing vessel. During the voyage home, she falls in love with the second in command. The crew helps her people when they’re attacked by a vicious race. They repel the invaders, but Jess takes enemy fire and is presumed dead.
Unknown to the crew who depart without her, she is taken to a healing center and kept alive. Desperate to find the man she loves once she’s well again, and puzzled as to why he’d leave without her, she hires another pilot and craft so she can search for him. Thus begin many adventures where Jess and her new partner draw closer together until Jess realizes which man it is that she truly loves.
The story has some unexpected twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion. If you’re a fan of futuristic romance, you might like this story that’s told in a unique journal format.
Unknown to the crew who depart without her, she is taken to a healing center and kept alive. Desperate to find the man she loves once she’s well again, and puzzled as to why he’d leave without her, she hires another pilot and craft so she can search for him. Thus begin many adventures where Jess and her new partner draw closer together until Jess realizes which man it is that she truly loves.
The story has some unexpected twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion. If you’re a fan of futuristic romance, you might like this story that’s told in a unique journal format.
January 21, 2010
First I want to thank Hywela Lyn for contributing this book to the Clean Romance Club 200 member giveaway. I was so happy to have won it. I just finished reading this in ebook form. This book is an adventure across space in search of true love. I loved the ending (and I won't give anything away). It was by far my favorite part of the whole book. The blue rose, the vows.... A good read.
June 10, 2009
Beautiful, tender, captivating romance set in the splendor of outer space. If you enjoy reading about other worlds, and love the excitement of battling evil aliens while finding true love amidst the danger, then pick this one up!
August 28, 2018
If you like action-packed, science fiction romantic suspense, Hywela Lyn’s Starquest (The Destiny Trilogy: Book 1), is a must read. Starquest is an exciting romp through the far reaches of outer space. With the help of an attractive spaceship pilot, the strong-willed heroine searches for her lost love. In the process, they encounter a vicious enemy determined to destroy them. The author’s vivid imagination creates unique planets and intriguing alien life forms.
November 28, 2021
Definitely a must read if you like futuristic romance and, if like me, you are just stepping into this genre you really must go for it. I loved this book! From the moment I started reading I really couldn’t stop. It was easy to visualise and get to grips with the characters and wanting to cheer them on. Well done Hywela Lyn.
March 26, 2022
Starquest by Hywela Lyn is an interesting sci fi romance. From the beginning it grabbed my attention, it did have a very strong start. As the story evolved I found that I cared for the characters that is not something that can be achieved very easily. Overall, a very captivating read with the right amount of everything. I recommend it.
April 2, 2022
I usually don't read romance but I love sci fi. This book, surprisingly, kept me engaged from the beginning till the end. The story itself is written very well, it is clearly well thought out and I enjoyed it a lot. I'm rating it 4.6 and I recommend it to the genre lovers.
April 18, 2017
This was a well-written science fiction novel with a healthy dose of romance. There were twists that I didn't see coming and that I really liked which would make this a superior book in any genre. I thought the world building was excellent; each new planet had very definite characteristics, scenery, animal and plant life, and customs that clearly differentiated it from others in space. The main character, Jess, is a pilot on a mission to save a planet that was conquered by a militant race and enlists the aid of another spaceship to help her. It is when that mission is accomplished that things go awry and Jess sets off on another mission to find her lover with the aid of another pilot Dahll.
In some ways this book reminded me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series which I love. I would heartily recommend this book. I already have the next one in the series, Children of the Mist, on my reader and can't wait to read it.
In some ways this book reminded me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series which I love. I would heartily recommend this book. I already have the next one in the series, Children of the Mist, on my reader and can't wait to read it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews