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Alien Empath #3
The Fated Stars (Alien Empath #3)
Larissa Channer, a tough no-nonsense mercenary in the Sectors, is celebrating success on her last job and a big bonus, with no slightest thought of taking on another assignment anytime soon. Out for a night of carousing with her friends at a third rate carnival on a backwater planet, she walks into the tent of a fake fortune teller and finds herself confronting the most intriguing man she’s ever seen. But something’s wrong, ominous currents lie beneath the surface of their encounter and Larissa can’t leave well enough alone.
Samell, a powerful, high born empathic priest, has been kidnapped from his own primitive planet along with a number of his people, and sold to the shady operator of an interstellar carnival. Kept enslaved, pretending to be a fortune teller while forced by his captor to steal information from the minds of all who come before him, Samell despairs of every breaking free.
Until Larissa walks into his tent and he recognizes the warrior who might mean the difference between life and death.
The situation becomes dire when Larissa and Samell come to the attention of the Shemdylann pirates who kidnapped him in the first place and the deadly Mawreg, aliens who threaten the Sectors. Can she save herself and the empathic alien noble, and derail the Mawreg plot against the Sectors? And will the soldier end up with her prince when all’s said and done?
Samell, a powerful, high born empathic priest, has been kidnapped from his own primitive planet along with a number of his people, and sold to the shady operator of an interstellar carnival. Kept enslaved, pretending to be a fortune teller while forced by his captor to steal information from the minds of all who come before him, Samell despairs of every breaking free.
Until Larissa walks into his tent and he recognizes the warrior who might mean the difference between life and death.
The situation becomes dire when Larissa and Samell come to the attention of the Shemdylann pirates who kidnapped him in the first place and the deadly Mawreg, aliens who threaten the Sectors. Can she save herself and the empathic alien noble, and derail the Mawreg plot against the Sectors? And will the soldier end up with her prince when all’s said and done?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2017
14 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Scott
91 books242 followersUSA Today Best Selling Science Fiction & Paranormal Romance author.
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
MISC FACTS ABOUT VERONICA
Seven time winner ~ SFR Galaxy Award
Proud recipient ~ NASA Exceptional Service Medal but must hasten to add the honor was not for her romantic fiction!
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – I’ll improve your process (mwahahahaa)!
Elvis Presley’s best friend once serenaded Veronica on a local TV telethon…now that could be a novel…
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
MISC FACTS ABOUT VERONICA
Seven time winner ~ SFR Galaxy Award
Proud recipient ~ NASA Exceptional Service Medal but must hasten to add the honor was not for her romantic fiction!
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – I’ll improve your process (mwahahahaa)!
Elvis Presley’s best friend once serenaded Veronica on a local TV telethon…now that could be a novel…
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 13, 2022
While this story returns to a fourth tale about a one of the enslaved psychic aliens sold to a human, there is a twist. This alien is a priest and his ‘warrior’ is a tough female ex special forces now turned mercenary. I was all for the change and seeing a tough female warrior in action.
The Fated Stars is #11.5 in The Sectors series and can be read standalone, but personally I thought getting the earlier books about members of Samell’s race and their adventures staring with #8.5 Star Cruise: Stowaway, then Danger in the Stars and Two Against the Stars filled in some back story for this one.
The Fated Stars opens with Larissa Channer, a successful merc just finished up a job and got a bonus with her payout. A little R&R at a scrubby carnival has her suspicious about the way the fortune teller is restrained and seems under duress. But, then he sends telepathic thoughts of needing help to escape. Larissa thinks it will be a simple rescue attempt because she doesn’t realize who and what the fortune teller is beyond a telepath. But, she relishes a challenge and doesn’t let a fail thwart her or even the guy’s fatalistic attitude about his dreary slavery. Samell seems way out of her starlane, but he doesn’t seem to think so.
The Fated Stars has an interesting dynamic in that the tough military type doing the rescue and protecting is a woman and the helpless alien in need of rescue is a male priest. Even in his own culture, Samell is aware that the legend is more apt about priestess and warrior. Samell is a powerful psychic, but his power has been kept as imprisoned as his physical body by an alien tech and he is forced to use his telepathy to read thoughts for his masters. He’s resigned to his fate and needs Larissa’s combat boot up the butt to believe that she can get him free and safe even if the situation is a bit tricky. They both think they are undeserving of the other and I loved that Samell did step up and make it clear to Larissa that he finds her beautiful and attractive and he can respect her skill and see her worth so that she eventually starts to believe him and believe in that side of herself.
I love some good alien action especially against the formidable types in this series so I was glad to see the big climax action scene and a nice developed denouement after spiced up with a bit of political intrigue.
This series has offered up so many wonderful settings, situations, and characters that I am in high anticipation for what comes next. Sci-Fi romance fans who like far future space, aliens, and a touch of fantasy along with a swift and spicy romance for an engaging pair should definitely give the book/series a go.
My full review will post at Books of the Heart in Dec 2022.
The Fated Stars is #11.5 in The Sectors series and can be read standalone, but personally I thought getting the earlier books about members of Samell’s race and their adventures staring with #8.5 Star Cruise: Stowaway, then Danger in the Stars and Two Against the Stars filled in some back story for this one.
The Fated Stars opens with Larissa Channer, a successful merc just finished up a job and got a bonus with her payout. A little R&R at a scrubby carnival has her suspicious about the way the fortune teller is restrained and seems under duress. But, then he sends telepathic thoughts of needing help to escape. Larissa thinks it will be a simple rescue attempt because she doesn’t realize who and what the fortune teller is beyond a telepath. But, she relishes a challenge and doesn’t let a fail thwart her or even the guy’s fatalistic attitude about his dreary slavery. Samell seems way out of her starlane, but he doesn’t seem to think so.
The Fated Stars has an interesting dynamic in that the tough military type doing the rescue and protecting is a woman and the helpless alien in need of rescue is a male priest. Even in his own culture, Samell is aware that the legend is more apt about priestess and warrior. Samell is a powerful psychic, but his power has been kept as imprisoned as his physical body by an alien tech and he is forced to use his telepathy to read thoughts for his masters. He’s resigned to his fate and needs Larissa’s combat boot up the butt to believe that she can get him free and safe even if the situation is a bit tricky. They both think they are undeserving of the other and I loved that Samell did step up and make it clear to Larissa that he finds her beautiful and attractive and he can respect her skill and see her worth so that she eventually starts to believe him and believe in that side of herself.
I love some good alien action especially against the formidable types in this series so I was glad to see the big climax action scene and a nice developed denouement after spiced up with a bit of political intrigue.
This series has offered up so many wonderful settings, situations, and characters that I am in high anticipation for what comes next. Sci-Fi romance fans who like far future space, aliens, and a touch of fantasy along with a swift and spicy romance for an engaging pair should definitely give the book/series a go.
My full review will post at Books of the Heart in Dec 2022.
July 23, 2018
Part of The Sectors SF Romance series by Veronica Scott. Larissa Channer is a mercenary out with some of her buds when they visit a carnival and decide to get their fortunes. But Larissa knows that something is off. The fortune teller appears to be enslaved and Larissa feels the need to help him. Samell, the fortune teller is really a priest from Tulavarra. He and many of his people were kidnapped by the Shemdylann and sold into slavery.
Of all of Veronica Scott's books I think I really like the ones about the Tulavarra people the best. I am not by any means downplaying the other books because I really like them too. Of course this one is a reverse role theme. Our mercenary warrior and savior is a woman and the "damsel" in distress is a man. I loved that Larissa is one heck of a kick*** woman.
Of all of Veronica Scott's books I think I really like the ones about the Tulavarra people the best. I am not by any means downplaying the other books because I really like them too. Of course this one is a reverse role theme. Our mercenary warrior and savior is a woman and the "damsel" in distress is a man. I loved that Larissa is one heck of a kick*** woman.
November 24, 2018
4 stars.
For the first time, we have a kick-ass female ex-Special Forces turned Mercenary, Larissa, as the heroine. On a break after an ops, she and her friends went to a carnival where they had their fortunes read. But the fortune teller asked for her help telepathically and she couldn't resist getting involved.
The fortune teller turned out to be a Tulavarran high-priest, Samell, imprisoned and used by the bad guys to take secrets out of people's minds. What follows is another action-packed instalment fighting human bad guys as well as the Mawreg and the spider-like Shemdylann. And we discovered another Tulavarran ability that can be used against the spider-like Shemdylann, previously thought immune. Yay! More please.
For the first time, we have a kick-ass female ex-Special Forces turned Mercenary, Larissa, as the heroine. On a break after an ops, she and her friends went to a carnival where they had their fortunes read. But the fortune teller asked for her help telepathically and she couldn't resist getting involved.
The fortune teller turned out to be a Tulavarran high-priest, Samell, imprisoned and used by the bad guys to take secrets out of people's minds. What follows is another action-packed instalment fighting human bad guys as well as the Mawreg and the spider-like Shemdylann. And we discovered another Tulavarran ability that can be used against the spider-like Shemdylann, previously thought immune. Yay! More please.
November 20, 2017
Another hit from Veronica Scott. I love her Sectors series--strong military men and the women they rescue. The Fated Stars has a unique twist. A female hero. Larissa is retired military and, for the past 10 years, a mercenary. Samell is a captured priest who needs rescuing. He's no wimp, though. Under a spell and restrained in stasis, he chafes at his captivity but is worn out and nearly hopeless. Until Larissa comes along, reluctantly accompanying her friends to a circus. Amazingly, she can hear his plea for help. How can she refuse?
Just rescuing him isn't enough. They flee his captors and their handlers. Not good. Fast-paced, complex characters, and plot twists make this an exciting read.
Just rescuing him isn't enough. They flee his captors and their handlers. Not good. Fast-paced, complex characters, and plot twists make this an exciting read.
December 9, 2017
Good twist on Scott's always excellent Sectors SF romance series. In this one the Warrior (retired military, now mercenary) is the heroine, while the hero, although far from a wimp, is the High Priest and leader of his people, and the one who needs rescuing--from a "carnival" (there's more to it than that) where he is being held as a captive fortune teller. If you like your SFR on the SF end of the scale, you'll enjoy any of Scott's Sectors stories.
November 16, 2017
A great addition to the series.
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the sector's series. It is nice to see the lead female have a more prominent role. If you keep writing I will keep reading. This is worthy of space on my Kindle. And that is the highest Accolade I can give.
A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the sector's series. It is nice to see the lead female have a more prominent role. If you keep writing I will keep reading. This is worthy of space on my Kindle. And that is the highest Accolade I can give.
February 3, 2018
Interesting, with a few issues
Generally this was a fun read. I’m thinking of buying others in the series, though reviews that say the books are formulaic concern me.
On the upside -
1. Reversal of usual gender roles: begins with woman as the merc warrior, man as the priest in need of a rescue, and those roles are flexible in the remainder of the book.
2. Lots of races, some of whom reminded me of those in other books, but that’s a hazard of a now-crowded field.
3. People from all the human-side races contribute substantially to the win, it’s not a one-sided show.
On the downside -
1. Occasional overwrought dialogue. Sample:
“I intend to learn everything there is to know about you, Larissa Channer. I’m as a moth to your flame, and I have been from the first time your mind touched mine.”
2. Not much character building. The main characters begin by inhabiting their roles of honorable intelligent lovers and nothing develops or changes.
3. The cover. Who is the guy on the cover? How did the artist miss the fact that the hero is supposed to have pale green skin and dark green long hair? I hate it when the cover betrays the author’s intent like this. . .
4. The jealous ex- character. She came off as both petty and silly at a point in the story when neither worked. The main characters were already mates, everyone knew it, their god had sealed them, so the ex complaining to Larissa that she was interfering in the ex’s and Semell’s relationship as fiance/fiancee was both weird and stupidly unbelievable.
By the way, in romance convention, why is the woman the lesser ‘h’ and the man the big ‘H’? When are women going to refuse to inhabit that world and understand that they’re just as real and just as important as men?
Generally this was a fun read. I’m thinking of buying others in the series, though reviews that say the books are formulaic concern me.
On the upside -
1. Reversal of usual gender roles: begins with woman as the merc warrior, man as the priest in need of a rescue, and those roles are flexible in the remainder of the book.
2. Lots of races, some of whom reminded me of those in other books, but that’s a hazard of a now-crowded field.
3. People from all the human-side races contribute substantially to the win, it’s not a one-sided show.
On the downside -
1. Occasional overwrought dialogue. Sample:
“I intend to learn everything there is to know about you, Larissa Channer. I’m as a moth to your flame, and I have been from the first time your mind touched mine.”
2. Not much character building. The main characters begin by inhabiting their roles of honorable intelligent lovers and nothing develops or changes.
3. The cover. Who is the guy on the cover? How did the artist miss the fact that the hero is supposed to have pale green skin and dark green long hair? I hate it when the cover betrays the author’s intent like this. . .
4. The jealous ex- character. She came off as both petty and silly at a point in the story when neither worked. The main characters were already mates, everyone knew it, their god had sealed them, so the ex complaining to Larissa that she was interfering in the ex’s and Semell’s relationship as fiance/fiancee was both weird and stupidly unbelievable.
By the way, in romance convention, why is the woman the lesser ‘h’ and the man the big ‘H’? When are women going to refuse to inhabit that world and understand that they’re just as real and just as important as men?
November 28, 2017
Larissa Channer cannot get the fortune teller off of her mind. She is a woman who cannot tolerate any form of slavery so she decides to act to free Samell who is being held against his will. This is the first time we have a story that features a male who has been kidnapped and sold so his powerful empathic powers can be used for the profit of others. Larissa and Samell end up on a very dangerous journey. Change has arrived and Samell and his people have come under the protect. That protection just has to find the two. I loved how everything worked out for the two. This story helps put a period to this group of Sectors Romances. Like all the others in the series there is danger, tension and plenty of romance.
March 1, 2019
Mercenary and former soldier Larissa attends a carnival on a backwater planet with some friends. They enter a "fortune teller's" tent for a cheesy fortune, but the fortune teller is a man who Larissa realizes is being held against his will. He is able to psychically connect with her and tells her that he is a priest from a distant planet, kidnapped with many of his people and forced to read the minds of diplomats for spy purposes while in the disguise of fortune teller.
The rest of the book involves Larissa freeing the fortune teller, Sammell, then being caught by the alien creatures who kidnapped him in the first place. Very easy read.
The rest of the book involves Larissa freeing the fortune teller, Sammell, then being caught by the alien creatures who kidnapped him in the first place. Very easy read.
May 5, 2021
Another Easy Read
Trekking through Veronica Scott for about the sixth time and enjoying it very much. Our warrior heroine stands out as she faces alien foes with her partner. Lots of very creative images with our new worlds and the villains are pretty horrendous with visuals and plots. Establishing a new colony with refugees is hard work so lots of SyFy fun with a nice dose of romance.
Trekking through Veronica Scott for about the sixth time and enjoying it very much. Our warrior heroine stands out as she faces alien foes with her partner. Lots of very creative images with our new worlds and the villains are pretty horrendous with visuals and plots. Establishing a new colony with refugees is hard work so lots of SyFy fun with a nice dose of romance.
January 2, 2018
Super Cute!
What a great read, did not want to put it down. The Heroen was so strong and smart, I absolutely loved the idea that the female was the Warrior, you never read about the female being the stronger character and I loved it! Alissa was such a smart person and on top of her game, didn't let life's little hiccups bring her down. Thanks Veronica Scott, wonderful job!
What a great read, did not want to put it down. The Heroen was so strong and smart, I absolutely loved the idea that the female was the Warrior, you never read about the female being the stronger character and I loved it! Alissa was such a smart person and on top of her game, didn't let life's little hiccups bring her down. Thanks Veronica Scott, wonderful job!
June 2, 2022
FORTUNETELLER PROPHECY
Yes, it’s good. Yes, I recommend. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but I have yet to be disappointed in any Veronica Scott story; this book was no exception. Fantastic romance, lots of action, intrigue, twists and surprises, a well written story with a perfect ending.
Yes, it’s good. Yes, I recommend. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but I have yet to be disappointed in any Veronica Scott story; this book was no exception. Fantastic romance, lots of action, intrigue, twists and surprises, a well written story with a perfect ending.
December 15, 2018
Excellent
This was again another excellent tale of fighting, love, survival, enemies and hope. Escape the mud run real life and allow 5his author to take you’re imagination for a ride.
This was again another excellent tale of fighting, love, survival, enemies and hope. Escape the mud run real life and allow 5his author to take you’re imagination for a ride.
November 11, 2020
Very good book
I discovered your books through the pets in space books. I was drawn into the world you created and thoroughly enjoyed them so much I had to try another and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this series.
I discovered your books through the pets in space books. I was drawn into the world you created and thoroughly enjoyed them so much I had to try another and I was not disappointed. I highly recommend this series.
August 31, 2023
SFR. I found this one a bit uneven. It had an interesting premise and it was really nice to see a woman warrior this time, but the plot had some raised-eyebrow conveniences where the protagonists were too lucky and there was a loss of forward momentum.
April 13, 2022
Fated Stars
As always, an enjoyable light read from Veronica Scott. I don’t ever expect much depth in the plots but the storyline is decent if a bit rushed.
As always, an enjoyable light read from Veronica Scott. I don’t ever expect much depth in the plots but the storyline is decent if a bit rushed.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews