What an amazing book! I am totally in love with all things Kalquor! Even though this is book ten of the Clans of Kalquor series, Tracy St. John continues to give us fresh stories and interesting scenarios! I am literally addicted to this world and look forward to every book! Of course there are more and more characters that deserve their stories told so I can't wait to whose tale is told next!
Each book kind of builds on the previous books, but they can be read independently of each other. Some previous characters do make appearances that enhance the story but you are never lost.
First things first. Kalquor clans are made up of three Kalquor species: Dramok-the clan leader, Imdiko-the clan nurturer or healer, and Nobek-the clan protector. Most clans would like to add a Matara to give them heirs, but Kalquor is dying. A virus wiped out the fertility of the Kalquor females. The only choice they have is to procreate with Earthers, that have shown to be a good match, and develop a hybrid race. There is a growing force that wants to keep Kalquor free of Earthers and the hybrids. They do not care that the race would completely die out, they want Kalquor to be pure when it does.
Civil war is looming. Those currently in power, the Imperial Clan, have an Earther for a Matara and have hybrid children set to eventually inherit the throne. The opposition wants a pure Kalquor and wants to rid the planet of Earthers and the hybrids they have bred.
Tasha is a Matara in the making and has been "interviewing" clans. She's not real serious though because her past gives her issues. When she and her three-year old cousin are kidnapped, she's forced to dig deep, stay alive, and find a way to escape. When an opportunity presents itself, she's thrust into the care of Clan Falinset. Although reluctant, Tasha and Clan Falinset find they need each other in order to get the young princess to safety.
This book ticks all the boxes! I loved it. Clan Falinset fast became one of my favorite clans! They felt raw and real. No fluff. They are sound by themselves, but when Tasha was added-wham! The chemistry is explosive and she seemed to be the puzzle piece the clan never knew they were missing! Their sex is off the charts! Very inventive and seemed to have specific real implications within the story. The author didn't just add scenes in for the heck of it. What was there-and there was a lot, was there for specific reasons. I like that.
Overall this story was sound, it has intriguing characters, and we are even visited by some old friends. This is definitely a favorite in the series for me and I continue to look forward to whatever Tracy St. John comes up with next!
5 stars/4 flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinions.