Rebel's Flight

The Obsidian #1

by Kate Pearce

Sentenced to ten years hard labor on a prison planet means the end of Nia’s protected existence as the emperor’s ‘pet’. But her welcome among her own people isn’t assured, and the man assigned as her bond holder makes his disgust of her all too clear. Can Nia convince her peers that she has valuable information that might prevent the eradication of their telepathic race or will their distrust of her cause them to miss the opportunity to soar?

Genres: Science Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2021

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.

She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

Reviews

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

The first half was an amazing prison planet/captive read; the second half was ok.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel’s Flight by Kate Pearce
The Obsidian Series #1

This author sweeps me away and immerses me in her stories no matter what genre she chooses to write in. I have enjoyed historical, contemporary and now science fiction stories that she has written and look forward to reading ANYTHING she may decide to write in the future!

What I liked:
* Nia: strong, independent, positive, hard worker, stalwart, good friend, intelligent, intuitive, someone I can identify with…kind of. She is perfect with and for Ten.
* Ten: enduring, intelligent, loyal, strong, wise, quiet, caring, capable, a hunk and a half and great book boyfriend though not warm and fuzzy…he is perfect for Nia.
* Kao: felt so sorry for her…loyal, giving, kind, abused, hope things come right for her and her partner.
* The plot, writing, setting, twists and turns.
* That I felt I was there…all senses engaged…on bleak, dusty, red Heliodor
* The pace of the story that had me guessing, caring, wondering then understanding and eager for more.
* That some of the people I wasn’t sure of became more intriguing as I kept reading.
* That I became fully invested in the characters, the story, and what the eventual outcome will be.
* Being able to hate the bad guys.
* That there will be more books to look forward to.

What I didn’t like:
* The emperor
* Ulexite: Nia’s mother
* That the Adamite community was persecuted and being able to see, sadly, similarities to this in real life.

Did I like this book? Definitely!
Would I read more in this series? As soon as possible!

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible new world! And I don’t mean the planets. I was thrown into a deeply intriguing, terrifying story…and I wasn’t even one of the characters. I loved Nia – she is strong, independent, and a wee bit broken but she is alive! She made me cheer for her and hope that she can make it to the next day. Ten started out as a conundrum, to me, but he, too, stole my heart. His brother is funny as well – but they have stuck together, and stood up for one another, their entire lives.

Although there is an ending, of sorts, to this book, it looks like it is the beginning of a series. I know when I finished, I wanted to read more. There is intrigue and suspense and sweetness and horrific things that are done to the people on this planet. But I really loved the science fiction story of this book! Terrific!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebel's Flight kicks off the latest sci-fi series by Kate Pearce. What an amazingly talented author to be able to jump genres like this but still deliver a high-quality product. Nia is a very strong and independent woman. Ten is the bondsman who is stuck with her once she arrives at the Adamite prison settlement. There is a lot of moving parts to this story including the romance between Nia and Ten that will keep you entertained throughout. While there is sort of an ending, the back story obviously continues in the next book. I can't wait!

[Sabine Honig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that I haven’t read any sci-fi/fantasy books by Kate Pearce and so this is a first for me. I’m much more used to her cowboys – love them.

This is the beginning of a new series and there is obviously a bit of world building to set up where we are and why. Nia is the heroine and she is an Adamite, a race of people who can thinkspeak and as such are oppressed and enslaved. She was the face for the Emperor until she did something that got her banished to a prison planet where she is widely hated for appearing to be in league with the Emperor, whereas the reality of what she endured was quite the opposite.

The days on the prison planet are long and hard and if quotas aren’t met, punishment is meted out. Nia has to learn how to survive, and also exactly what life is like on Heliodar. To assist her is the man who holds her bond, Ten. He’s a bit hard to get to know in the beginning, being reserved and definitely not a man of many words. I’m not sure he knows what to make of Nia, nor she of him. The whole bond thing isn’t really explained which, given that we don’t know much about the Adamites other than their ability to thinkspeak is something important I would have thought would be included.

The banishment to the prison planet is a blessing in disguise as it enables Nia to learn about her background and her people, and boy does she have a lot to learn.

I did find the characters a bit ‘remote’ for me at the beginning, and even though Nia and Ten ‘bonded’, when they do meet up again, after she gets taken back to the emperor, nothing really indicated that they were bonded or that there was something going on between them. There was a lot that was not filled in story wise, but that was covered by the ubiquitous if we’d told you, you might have given it away sort of thing. I felt that the growth of the resistance really needed to be explained a bit more, because all of a sudden we go from Nia on prison planet, to Nia back working with the military but prospectively going to be the emperor’s concubine, to Nia on a ship with the resistance.

Obviously there is more to the backstory and it will continue with the other books that are to come. I’m interested in seeing how this all plays out and will continue to read the other books in the series. Not a bad start to a new trilogy and foray into a genre I haven’t read from this author.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series, Loved Nia and Ten
Set in the far future, humans have long ago let Earth. Racism is still unchanged in the Empire. The Emperor's hatred is well know among the telepathic Adomites. Nia since the age of 7 has been the Emperor's poster child for his "reeducation" of the Adomite people. The Empior's former Military Captain is now branded a traitor to the Empire and sent to the prison planet, Heliodor. While there are laws governing the treatment of prisoners. Where the Adomite are concerned they are largely ignored.
Ten Dravite, served his time on Heliodor, and is a free man. He is now head of security for the Adomite Council on Heliodor. He has been charged as Nia's bond holder. She is seen as a traitor to her people, and they need to know why she is there.
Nia struggles with her new reality. Everyone around her is insisting she mind speak. Mind speaking was forbidden by he Emperor and she learned fast and hard the consequences. Then there is her obligation to provide children to the Empire, who will taken from them and to Ten who will be raised on Heliodor.
Nia and Ten forge a bond through sex. Nia lost her ability to trust as a child, she is resistant to more than that. She does not trust that Emperor and or sure his First Consort have forgotten her. Staying distant protects her and them. She is slowly making connections to the Adomite people around her. Grows closer to Ten.
Then the First Consort comes for her. She and Ten are torn apart.
Nia has a plan. With the help of her Lieutenant Sylvie Fulgrate the steal the newest ship in the Emperors fleet. They head to Heliodor. The Emperor has a terrible plan for the Adomite people and they need to be warned.
A fast paced, steamy, dark sifi romance. Ends in a little cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next book.
Received a copy of the book from the Author in exchange for a honest review. Have added this series to my buy list.

[Madoka Kamimura Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Pearce brings us Nia and Ten in the first story of The Obisidian Series. Nia is a prisoner who ends up on Heliodor to work out her sentence watched over by Ten, her bond holder. Ten has a mission: Find out what Nia did to get herself on a prison ship and hope that it can help their cause. It's easier said than done when Nia does not confide or speak to Ten or the women who work alongside her. We get to watch as they both circle around each other. Nia has to learn that in order to survive, she will need to earn the trust of those around her. Will she ever let the others in? Will Nia and Ten be able to lower their guards enough to see what the future could hold for them? Will Nia's truth be able to set Ten and the people on Heliodor free?

Kate Pearce brings us into a very bleak world where those in power oppress the weak. There are groups throughout the worlds working toward freedom. We watch Nia and Ten grow from hatred and mistrust to admiration. You want to turn the page to see what they will do next and how their relationship and feelings grow as time passes.

I enjoyed reading about Nia and Ten. Although their story has ended, the plight of the people continues. I look forward to the next adventure and to pick up where this story left off. I received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank Kate Pearce for this privilege.

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun start to a new sci-fi adventure series by Kate Pearce. I loved the whole trip. It starts when our heroine arrived as a prison planet and ends with a rebel cause against an evil empire. It's kind of a Star Wars type series with people who can thinkspeak. It is truly and amazing adventure full of twists and turns as Nia becomes part of a rebel force determined to bring freedom to the Adamite people. What fun!

Nia was rescued by the Emperor when her parents crashed on a planet practically at his feet. She an Adamite, a race of people oppressed and frequently enslaved. The race is feared by the Emperor and his regime because they can thinkspeak. She becomes "Captain Smile" and is set up as an example of what can happen when Adamites follow the rules and turn their back on their heritage. In truth she's terrorized by the Emperor's staff & her mother, who's become the Emperor's First Consort (he adores Adamite women). While in the military, to get away from the palace, she refuses an order to shoot Adamite women & children. She's tried for treason and sent to the prison & mining planet Heliodar. Here she finds that Ten is her bond holder and he takes her home to supervise & keep her in line. This starts an amazing adventure of Nia learning who she is as an Adamite and trying to gain the trust of her fellow prisoners.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to the Obsidian series and as usual Pearce exceeds all expectations. The story follows Nia from the time she was considered the emperor’s pet to where she is imprisoned and then where she is part of the resistance movement. When imprisoned, Ten is assigned as her bond holder but their mutual attraction was not expected. The story is full of action, an unexpected relationship and the start to save the Adamites. Nia’s strength of character makes her a great heroine and Ten is an equally strong partner. I loved the story and can’t wait to see to see the continuation of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific Sci-Fi Adventure!!

Nia is sentenced to ten years on a prison planet. We meet her as she is “processed”. Ten has served his sentence and decided to stay at the Adamite Settlement. He has been asked to take chard of Nia. Nia is infamous, and widely hated.

The settlement is still under construction so days are filled with hard work. And there are penalties for not meeting your quota. This is a gritty, fascinating read. The development of a relationship between these two is tough going.

There are twists and turns and the fate of a race at stake. An excellent read!!

**I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book**

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this book. The first part details life in a prison colony in this empire. It is pretty bleak and disturbing. The rest of the book is about what the team does to try to help others of their people group. The problem is that only one character knows the plans, so the reader is left scrambling with the H and h to figure out what is happening. By the end, things are feeling more balanced and less confusing. I think the next book will be that way, too. I am curious to see what happens next.

[Claire Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of Sci-fi books, but due to an ongoing health issue, I'm stuck in bed and running out of books to read. When I was given the opportunity to read and review this book, I jumped at the chance and I'm so glad I did. The story, characters and setting was well developed and the story keeps you guessing and wondering how its going to end. Nia and Ten are a fascinating pair, butting heads and fighting the chemistry they have. Will definitely read more from this author. This just goes to show that sometimes it's good to branch out and try different genre's

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in Kate Pearce's new series, Rebel’s Flight is not a genre I am used to from her. I normally stay away from science fiction reads, but I have to say that after reading Ten and Nia's story, I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated. A futurist story that takes place on a prison colony, a connection develops between Ten and Nia. Not only do they find a way to save each other, but also many others as well. Their story is well developed with a pacing that kept me engaged. **I was gifted "Rebel's Flight" via the author, leaving my review based on my reading.** 4.25 Stars!

[Lupe McClan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Obsidian Series is definitely a must read! Kate Pearce’s new series starts off with a huge hook-you-into-this sci-fi romance. World building storytelling with fascinating characters. Throughly enjoyed reading about Nia & Ten, and their life on the far flung prison planet of Heliodor. But all is not as it seems and that’s what keeps you wrapped up in this story. Don’t miss the beginning of this series!

[Erin OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome!!
This new sci-fi series by Kate Pearce checks all my boxes. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down! From the start, I new this would be a series I’d want to continue reading. There’s danger around every corner for Ten, Nia and the rest of the Adamite’s. I can’t wait to see what happens next with, not only their group’s cause, but with Ten and Nia. The coldness of outer space just got a little bit hotter.
5 stars!!

[Svgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun start for a new series. The book was entertaining enough that I read it all in one sitting. I gave the book a 5 star rating since the book was so entertaining to me. I will cavate this with the fact that the romance part of this book did not work for me. The characters seemed to be "drawn helplessly together" and I definitely enjoyed the descriptions of the new world and the supporting character interactions way more.


Received an advanced copy of this book.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel’s Flight is a definite page turner. It grips you right from the beginning with so many twists and turns that you have to keep reading to find out where it is going. Nia has a kick-ass attitude but uses it with intelligence while teaching Ten a thing or two, but you just can’t help liking Ten. With all of the other strong characters to choose from, I can’t wait to see whose story is next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger, betrayal, hope and loss all surround Nia when she is sentenced to 10 year's hard labour for disobeying an order. But will her presence on the prison planet Heliodor change the course of her future? Will Ten, the man who is bond-mated to her, teach her to embrace her telepathy? Will she survive the drastic change of circumstance?

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read many books by Kate Pearce, I was excited to see that she was starting a sci-fi series. And I have to say there is a lot going on in this first story! Plenty of intrigue, action and of course romance! Looking forward to where the Obsidian and the crew end up next in their fight against the emperor.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new sci-fi series. Nia is sent to prison and while there Ten is her bond holder. Everyone thinks Nia is a traitor because before being sent to prison she was with the Emperor who treats her people poorly. Will she survive prison or find a way to help her people? Fast-paced read with loads of twists and turns and great world building. I liked it.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating and very entertaining sci-fi story. I really like Nia's, she's smart and very strong considering the harshness of the environment on the planet and her situation, she has a big heart. I like Ten as well although he had to grow on me because he just seemed very reserved. Emotional ride. I received a free advanced copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

I’m a huge fan of Kate Pearce. Her Triad series introduced me to MMF erotica and I will forever be grateful. Honestly when I first saw it I was hoping it was going to be a little kinkier, but I really enjoyed this new world and characters. I’ll read anything she writes, this MF romance was a great read. Can’t wait for more!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to the Obsidian Series a well written sci-fi story that kept me turning pages. Nia is sent to the Adamite prison settlement for ten years, Ten is the bondsman who is charge of her. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Kate Pearce’s new series, The Obsidian Series. This is a science fiction book that I really enjoyed. The storyline was fabulous and original and the characters were wonderfully developed. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi rebel with a cause.

Kate Pearce is writing an alien space series. Hell, yeah. What next? Tentacles?

Nia is a sassy space girl who’s on a perilous adventure that lands her on a prison planet. Ten is her bond holder.

Sci-fi rebel with a cause.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this first book of the Obsidian Series by Kate Pearce. I read it in one sitting. Our heroine goes from being the Emperor's favorite to a prisoner to saving herself and her follow prisoners. And along the way she finds love and acceptance. What a wild ride.

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed several of the authors novels especially those centered in the Morgan Valley realm. This latest book is a welcome departure. The world building, interesting characters. action and action weave together for an entertaining story. I look forward to what comes next Kate Pearce.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. I’d like to read more in this world.

Freebie from author