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Star #0.5
The Star Queen
New edition found here
On their war-torn planet, falling in love is the greatest risk of all...
On the decimated planet of Sienna a band of survivors fights back against the brutal enemy that destroyed their world. In the wake of terrifying carnage, a raider captain and his munitions officer dare to take the greatest risk of all—falling in love.
“The connection between Taj and Romjha is intense, and the love scenes are extremely hot." — Jennifer Keirans, All About Romance
HEA. Stand-alone. No cliffhangers. This is the NEW and UPDATED prequel novella to The Star Series.
On their war-torn planet, falling in love is the greatest risk of all...
On the decimated planet of Sienna a band of survivors fights back against the brutal enemy that destroyed their world. In the wake of terrifying carnage, a raider captain and his munitions officer dare to take the greatest risk of all—falling in love.
“The connection between Taj and Romjha is intense, and the love scenes are extremely hot." — Jennifer Keirans, All About Romance
HEA. Stand-alone. No cliffhangers. This is the NEW and UPDATED prequel novella to The Star Series.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2013
52 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Susan Grant
62 books451 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 24, 2021
While written after the series was established, this story came chronologically at the beginning when the Vash Empire and it's eight ruling families are established. And, Star Raider tells the story of a hidden camp of people eking out their survival on a decimated world until resistance fighters come. One raider captain is bold enough to dream big of a fair ruling federation and see it through even while he sits in a hidden cave on his decimated homeworld controlled by a vicious warlord. He will do it for the love of his life, a brilliant munitions maker who must find the courage to stand beside him and face forward.
It established the dark times and the desperation, but also told of people who survived and grew strong. I enjoyed the connection to the characters and the intro to the world, but wished for more pages so the parts that had to be summarized like the confrontation with the warlord could have been fleshed out. Still, a good start.
It established the dark times and the desperation, but also told of people who survived and grew strong. I enjoyed the connection to the characters and the intro to the world, but wished for more pages so the parts that had to be summarized like the confrontation with the warlord could have been fleshed out. Still, a good start.
March 23, 2021
3 stars.
It's a bit short to really flesh out the storyline. But good for a quick read. I'm hoping the next books will get better.
It's a bit short to really flesh out the storyline. But good for a quick read. I'm hoping the next books will get better.
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December 16, 2020I read this as part of the anthology The Only One
I swear I read this story already too. A woman fighting her feelings, a man waiting for her, and then some big stuff happens that makes them get a move on it. 3 stars.
I swear I read this story already too. A woman fighting her feelings, a man waiting for her, and then some big stuff happens that makes them get a move on it. 3 stars.
July 31, 2018
Stars: 3.5 / 5
Recommendation: Unique combination of science fiction and romance with the will to fight for peace
The Star Queen is the second book in the anthology The Only One by Susan Grant and published in May of 2003. The other two authors who contributed to this anthology are Christine Feehan and Susas Squires. The plot is set in a dystopian universe with several worlds trying to survive. This particular story revolves around Romjha B'kah - commander of the raiders on the planet called Sienna - and Taj Sai - the bomb maker of Sienna aiding the raiders in any attack.
After the interstellar government fell and warlords had taken over, the universe went into a war that left several planets and worlds cut off from the rest of the galaxy, trying to survive below ground and be safe from any warlord attacks. Sienna is one such planet that Romjha B'kah commandeers and urges to end the war. With his trusted munitions maker Taj Sai he tries at least to get that peace in his world yet dreaming of big plans.
Taj, very much want the peace but does not want anything to do with the grand plans that Romjha seems to have. Afraid that she would lose him in that plan, she shuns her feelings towards him. Will Romjha gain her trust, win her heart and at the same time achieve his goal of getting interstellar peace ending war is what the rest of the plot surmises to.
Susan Grant has written the plot really well, a lot of meat for such a short novel. Incidentally this is the fifth book in her Star Series, although it is a prequel to the series itself. Having served with United States Air Force I am guessing her novels tend to warrior themed and galaxy sci-fi themed. The scenes describing the planes, pilots, the galaxy are so real that one almost feels them in front of your eyes.
The romance between Romjha and Taj is very electric, although both take a little while to act on it. Susan may have put the plot a very small one, but the time period that she narrates in the plot stretches quite a bit. That is why I wish it could have been a little more than the 100 pages it came with the book.
One thing however did not get lost on the readers - if you don’t start protecting your planet and respect the universe around, one day we will be part of a much greater war that we cannot heal from as easy as it is plotted here. A powerful message she does manage to translate through the plot.
A unique combination of science fiction with romance and having an agenda of greater good certainly keeps the reader hooked. Another author that I would definitely want to read again, once I complete my pile of books.
An easy read for those lazy lazy days.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. This anthology was released as its own stand-alone book in February of 2017 with a new title - Star Raider.
b. Jal and Chey as the outsiders to Sienna, Aleq - Taj's former boyfriend, are some of the characters we see in this plot. Knowing this is part of a series, I wonder if these characters recur. Only way to tell is to read the rest of the books - once I finish what I have in my pile. :)
2. Grammatical / Geographical / Location / Character / Historical Errors:
a. On Pg. 182, line 13, there is a repeat "the way".
Recommendation: Unique combination of science fiction and romance with the will to fight for peace
The Star Queen is the second book in the anthology The Only One by Susan Grant and published in May of 2003. The other two authors who contributed to this anthology are Christine Feehan and Susas Squires. The plot is set in a dystopian universe with several worlds trying to survive. This particular story revolves around Romjha B'kah - commander of the raiders on the planet called Sienna - and Taj Sai - the bomb maker of Sienna aiding the raiders in any attack.
After the interstellar government fell and warlords had taken over, the universe went into a war that left several planets and worlds cut off from the rest of the galaxy, trying to survive below ground and be safe from any warlord attacks. Sienna is one such planet that Romjha B'kah commandeers and urges to end the war. With his trusted munitions maker Taj Sai he tries at least to get that peace in his world yet dreaming of big plans.
Taj, very much want the peace but does not want anything to do with the grand plans that Romjha seems to have. Afraid that she would lose him in that plan, she shuns her feelings towards him. Will Romjha gain her trust, win her heart and at the same time achieve his goal of getting interstellar peace ending war is what the rest of the plot surmises to.
Susan Grant has written the plot really well, a lot of meat for such a short novel. Incidentally this is the fifth book in her Star Series, although it is a prequel to the series itself. Having served with United States Air Force I am guessing her novels tend to warrior themed and galaxy sci-fi themed. The scenes describing the planes, pilots, the galaxy are so real that one almost feels them in front of your eyes.
The romance between Romjha and Taj is very electric, although both take a little while to act on it. Susan may have put the plot a very small one, but the time period that she narrates in the plot stretches quite a bit. That is why I wish it could have been a little more than the 100 pages it came with the book.
One thing however did not get lost on the readers - if you don’t start protecting your planet and respect the universe around, one day we will be part of a much greater war that we cannot heal from as easy as it is plotted here. A powerful message she does manage to translate through the plot.
A unique combination of science fiction with romance and having an agenda of greater good certainly keeps the reader hooked. Another author that I would definitely want to read again, once I complete my pile of books.
An easy read for those lazy lazy days.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Plot Reveals:
a. This anthology was released as its own stand-alone book in February of 2017 with a new title - Star Raider.
b. Jal and Chey as the outsiders to Sienna, Aleq - Taj's former boyfriend, are some of the characters we see in this plot. Knowing this is part of a series, I wonder if these characters recur. Only way to tell is to read the rest of the books - once I finish what I have in my pile. :)
2. Grammatical / Geographical / Location / Character / Historical Errors:
a. On Pg. 182, line 13, there is a repeat "the way".
July 16, 2019
Great romance set during a galactic war
When the galaxy's monarchy fell and the warlords took over, planet Sienna, was one of many that was left in ruins. Pockets of survivors hide under ground, making raids on the warlords store houses to survive.
Romjha B'kah at 25, is Captain of the Raiders in his small community. Yah Soi is the women he has been in love with since she was 12 and he 14. Learning history, religion, and galactic politics from her father and former Captain of the Raiders.
When Loren died Romjha and Taj found comfort in each other, but Romjha's cavalier attitude on missions had Taj pulling away. She buried herself in her apprenticeships as a munitions specialists. When Romjha is carelessly injured and her mentor loses his life to a careless accident in the lab, Taj speaks out. Romjha vows that he and his Raiders will take better care. He wants to be a man worthy of Taj.
There peace is shattered when off worlders attack supply hubs of the warlord the crash land on the planet. The bring new of rebellion and of the warlord being slowly pushed back. Taj sees the hunger and longing in Romjha's eyes.
Fast paced, and a little steamy, galactic war romance.
When the galaxy's monarchy fell and the warlords took over, planet Sienna, was one of many that was left in ruins. Pockets of survivors hide under ground, making raids on the warlords store houses to survive.
Romjha B'kah at 25, is Captain of the Raiders in his small community. Yah Soi is the women he has been in love with since she was 12 and he 14. Learning history, religion, and galactic politics from her father and former Captain of the Raiders.
When Loren died Romjha and Taj found comfort in each other, but Romjha's cavalier attitude on missions had Taj pulling away. She buried herself in her apprenticeships as a munitions specialists. When Romjha is carelessly injured and her mentor loses his life to a careless accident in the lab, Taj speaks out. Romjha vows that he and his Raiders will take better care. He wants to be a man worthy of Taj.
There peace is shattered when off worlders attack supply hubs of the warlord the crash land on the planet. The bring new of rebellion and of the warlord being slowly pushed back. Taj sees the hunger and longing in Romjha's eyes.
Fast paced, and a little steamy, galactic war romance.
December 1, 2017
In a world decimated by the attacks of a despicable warlord, Romjha B'kah fights to ensure the survival of his remaining people after years of living in fear and deprivation. The one bright spot is Taj Sai, the daughter of his former mentor, and the woman he longs to make his own. Taj secretly yearns for Romjha as well, but will not allow herself to care for him because she doesn’t want the heartache of losing him if he’s killed. When resistance fighters arrive on their planet, Romjha is determined to help in the fight for freedom and peace for the galaxy, which will take him away from Taj but ultimately give their people a better future. This was a prequel to the Star series and sets up the world of the Vash Nadah and explains why their rules and laws are so important to them. The action is riveting and the romance is sizzling, along with great characters and world building, just as it has been in all of the rest of the series.
August 14, 2017
I've had to urge to reread these for a while and Susan Grant has recently released updated ebook versions. So I bought the ones I was missing and started reading.
This is a prequel that was written later in the series and really, I think that's where it is best read. On it's own, it's missing a certain charm that knowing the future brings.
It didn't matter to me as I'd read them before, but I think it is something to consider.
This is a prequel that was written later in the series and really, I think that's where it is best read. On it's own, it's missing a certain charm that knowing the future brings.
It didn't matter to me as I'd read them before, but I think it is something to consider.
December 25, 2018
Characters - 2
Story Telling - 3
Pace - 5
Cover & Blurb - 4
Narration - 4
Overall - 3.5
Even though this is the prequel to the Star series, I think it's best to read it later. Reading it after book 1 and I see the ties but I don't feel I appreciate it as much. It's also been a long time since I read the first book, so that could be my problem too. I might reread Star King and see if that changes how I feel about Star Raider. This novella is still good on it's own though!
Story Telling - 3
Pace - 5
Cover & Blurb - 4
Narration - 4
Overall - 3.5
Even though this is the prequel to the Star series, I think it's best to read it later. Reading it after book 1 and I see the ties but I don't feel I appreciate it as much. It's also been a long time since I read the first book, so that could be my problem too. I might reread Star King and see if that changes how I feel about Star Raider. This novella is still good on it's own though!
July 30, 2019
Short little prequel story
I've read the first and third book in this series. I enjoyed both of those more than this one. Part of that disappointment is likely the short length. It's hard to get that involved with a quickie hot romance when the depth isn't there.
But I do like this series, and I enjoy the writing style and World. There's always hot sex and plenty of action.
I've read the first and third book in this series. I enjoyed both of those more than this one. Part of that disappointment is likely the short length. It's hard to get that involved with a quickie hot romance when the depth isn't there.
But I do like this series, and I enjoy the writing style and World. There's always hot sex and plenty of action.
December 23, 2016
35 rating. I enjoy good sci-fi/romance books and this author has done a fine job with her Star series. This one is a prequel to the series that was written after book 3. It's also a novella. I like the couple and their chemistry, but story was just too brief to be satisfying, in my opinion. But I highly recommend the series itself to those who enjoy this genre.
August 28, 2022
. . . É uma leitura legal, não foi de apaixonar, foi interessante, mas não marcou para fazer querer ler o resto, porém vou dar uma chance para os livros da série, quem sabe, eu goste. . . Boa Leitura 😘
May 12, 2019
A short prequel where the most interesting stuff happens off page, just how did the small group of rebels defeat the evil warlord and become the ruling council.
August 2, 2019
Good sci fi short read
Enjoyable little read about a decimated planet and it’s survivors meeting up with others fighting an evil warlord. Nice little romance.
Enjoyable little read about a decimated planet and it’s survivors meeting up with others fighting an evil warlord. Nice little romance.
September 19, 2020
an intriguing start to the series.. just how will honor play a role in the future?
January 19, 2021
This was actually Star Queen, already read.
February 9, 2017
Solid stand alone story about life... and some of its hardest moments...
Having not read any of the books in this series yet (though the paperbacks are in my to be read stack) I can attest this story is a solid stand alone. Ample world building creates a sense of the Universe beyond the planet on which these events take place, while building Sienna's culture and post-attack environment.
When I sat down to read this, I was frustrated with the real world, and in the early chapters I wondered if I had chosen the wrong piece of escapism for my mood, but sometime after the halfway point the story began to spin in a way I had not been looking for.
Taj not only acknowledged her fears, she faced them, and Romjha B’kah revealed his fairytale future, ala the white picket fence, and suddenly a story about surviving and getting by grew into much more. Goals were no longer just about today, or the immediate future, and I loved this shift from fighting to stay afloat, to working to get to dry land. (Metaphorically speaking)
I was gifted with a copy of this story, and accepted in part because the series is in my tbr stack, and I wondered if not reading the prequel first would leave me feeling like I was missing you a few puzzle pieces later. For me, this stand alone novella is a great introduction to the Universe, some of the cultures, and gives me an idea of the damage it is recovering from, and the baggage characters may be emotionally carrying when I read the series.
Having not read any of the books in this series yet (though the paperbacks are in my to be read stack) I can attest this story is a solid stand alone. Ample world building creates a sense of the Universe beyond the planet on which these events take place, while building Sienna's culture and post-attack environment.
When I sat down to read this, I was frustrated with the real world, and in the early chapters I wondered if I had chosen the wrong piece of escapism for my mood, but sometime after the halfway point the story began to spin in a way I had not been looking for.
Taj not only acknowledged her fears, she faced them, and Romjha B’kah revealed his fairytale future, ala the white picket fence, and suddenly a story about surviving and getting by grew into much more. Goals were no longer just about today, or the immediate future, and I loved this shift from fighting to stay afloat, to working to get to dry land. (Metaphorically speaking)
I was gifted with a copy of this story, and accepted in part because the series is in my tbr stack, and I wondered if not reading the prequel first would leave me feeling like I was missing you a few puzzle pieces later. For me, this stand alone novella is a great introduction to the Universe, some of the cultures, and gives me an idea of the damage it is recovering from, and the baggage characters may be emotionally carrying when I read the series.
February 9, 2017
THE STORY OF LOYALTY AND COURAGE AMIDST THE ASHES OF OPPRESSION
I was very exciting to read this novella, a prequel to the Star series which enthralled my imagination. I was not disappointed. The Star Queen is a stand-alone novella that takes us on a journey with a band of survivors rising out of the ashes of oppression. But more important, here, Susan lays the foundation for the Star sequels that function within the binding values and stabilizing force of the governing body of the galaxy, the Vash Nadah.
Worth paying attention to the way Susan portrays the love story of Taj and Romjha B’kah with the message that together woman and man can strengthen society. I am eager to reread the sequels after reading The Star Queen. The only criticism I have is that I would have preferred a book to this novella. As a book, more detail more detail would heighten the image of the planet, the oppressor, and survival tactics. That said, I still give The Star Queen 5 stars because of Susan’s skillful writing.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author with no expectations or requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest and sincere opinion.
I was very exciting to read this novella, a prequel to the Star series which enthralled my imagination. I was not disappointed. The Star Queen is a stand-alone novella that takes us on a journey with a band of survivors rising out of the ashes of oppression. But more important, here, Susan lays the foundation for the Star sequels that function within the binding values and stabilizing force of the governing body of the galaxy, the Vash Nadah.
Worth paying attention to the way Susan portrays the love story of Taj and Romjha B’kah with the message that together woman and man can strengthen society. I am eager to reread the sequels after reading The Star Queen. The only criticism I have is that I would have preferred a book to this novella. As a book, more detail more detail would heighten the image of the planet, the oppressor, and survival tactics. That said, I still give The Star Queen 5 stars because of Susan’s skillful writing.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author with no expectations or requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest and sincere opinion.
February 15, 2017
The Star Queen delivers what it promises by giving the gift of knowing how her elaborate universe came to be, in the early leaders who fought for its formation. The characters sizzle with chemistry, and delay gratification with their hardened resolve to focus on the mission at hand. If you are a fan of the The Star King, you will enjoy the birth of The Star Queen. As always this review was offered of free will after receiving a copy free of charge for my honest review. Check it out ya'all!!!
July 12, 2020
A great sci-fi story or loss, hope, adversity and destiny.
Grabs you from the start.
In the midst of a Great War, a people in hiding underground scrape a living the best they can.
The warrior contingent who go out to scavenge food and suppliers are the raiders, revered by their people for protecting and providing for them.
Two of these hardy people are Taj and Romjha.
Taj’s is basically a chemist. Her main job is as a bomb maker, but she also makes soaps, candles and oils.
Romjha is the Raider leader.
They love each other but Taj refuses to acknowledge or accept her feelings, keeping things business only.
Taj is just a bit selfish in her thinking. She wastes years that her and Romjha could have been together.
Taj is so focused on distancing herself from Romjha, believing that if she does not acknowledge loving Romjha, then her emotions cannot be hurt.
She doesn’t understand that it will hurt to lose him whether they are together or not.
When change comes in the form of resistance fighters, she realises that distance will not stop the pain.
Romjha is a work in progress. Once he grows up and steps up he is a great leader and a warrior who will change the history of his people.
Read many many years ago. So happy to see these in Kindle Unlimited.
Great to read them in the correct flow instead of disjointedly as I first did.
Reread in the box set through Kindle Unlimited.
Grabs you from the start.
In the midst of a Great War, a people in hiding underground scrape a living the best they can.
The warrior contingent who go out to scavenge food and suppliers are the raiders, revered by their people for protecting and providing for them.
Two of these hardy people are Taj and Romjha.
Taj’s is basically a chemist. Her main job is as a bomb maker, but she also makes soaps, candles and oils.
Romjha is the Raider leader.
They love each other but Taj refuses to acknowledge or accept her feelings, keeping things business only.
Taj is just a bit selfish in her thinking. She wastes years that her and Romjha could have been together.
Taj is so focused on distancing herself from Romjha, believing that if she does not acknowledge loving Romjha, then her emotions cannot be hurt.
She doesn’t understand that it will hurt to lose him whether they are together or not.
When change comes in the form of resistance fighters, she realises that distance will not stop the pain.
Romjha is a work in progress. Once he grows up and steps up he is a great leader and a warrior who will change the history of his people.
Read many many years ago. So happy to see these in Kindle Unlimited.
Great to read them in the correct flow instead of disjointedly as I first did.
Reread in the box set through Kindle Unlimited.
October 28, 2014
I read the Star trilogy several years ago and then discovered that there was a prequel to the series that was only available in a compilation book with two other short stories, which I really didn’t want to buy. Then it got released as a stand alone e-book, so I broke my e-book rule and bought it. You don’t really need to have read the Star series to enjoy this short story (it’s 322 iPhone size pages!). It introduces the ancestors to the characters of the Star trilogy, who are basically hostages on their own planet, doomed to live underground and scavenger due to an alien threat. When non hostile aliens turn up, they team up to defeat their overlords. It was a good, sharp read with Grant’s enjoyable romantic angle that manages to be sweet and sexy not sickly or pornographic. An good quick little read.
February 7, 2017
Susan Grant at her finest! This is a wonderful stand-alone prequel that tells the story of Romjha B'Kah and his quest for a new civilization of peace. Don't miss this one! [Warning: contains a section of explicit sex.]
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author with no expectations or requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest and sincere opinion!
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author with no expectations or requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest and sincere opinion!
March 4, 2017
This was sort of okay. I read this after I read the Star King and I'm not even sure how this story fits into the whole universe. Maybe its been too long since I read The Star King. For a romance novella, this story is surprisingly not very romance centered. A lot of the story involves the characters dealing with politics and the details of rebellion and war and how that in turn affects the relationship between them. Taj was actually sort of annoying. This was just an okay story - not the best.
December 24, 2025
The Star Queen by Susan Grant short story contained in "The Only One".
Romjha B'kal is a raider/warrior on a concurred planet and they are fighting and have been for generations. He leads dangerous missions above ground.
Taj Sai became the Bombmaker when her father died.
Romjha B'kal is a raider/warrior on a concurred planet and they are fighting and have been for generations. He leads dangerous missions above ground.
Taj Sai became the Bombmaker when her father died.
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