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Rystani Warrior #4
Quest
A warrior on a missionKirek of Rystan's objective is to destroy the Federation's deadliest enemy, but he needs help. When assistance comes in the form of a sexy and irresistible space pilot , he takes on a second goal--to win her heart. A woman with a planCaptain Angel Taylor's going after the biggest salvage haul in her career. Fiercely independent, she can't imagine a life with Kirek, a traditional Rystani warrior with extraordinary psi powers -- but he has seductive skills she can't resist.The QuestTeaming up, Angel and Kirek risk their lives to fight the evil Zin empire -- but Kirek's biggest battle of all is to win Angel's love.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 27, 2006
14 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Susan Kearney
119 books129 followersSusan Kearney used to set herself on fire four times a day, now a USA TODAY—BESTSELLING author, she does something really hot—she writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense for Tor. She can apply the old rule of "write what you know" and never run out of ideas for characters and plots. An All-American and professional diver, expert in martial arts, sailor, real estate broker and owner of a barter business as well as women's fitness and three hair salons, she has enough material for a lifetime.
Kearney, a native of New Jersey, writes full time and has sold books to the industries' top publishing houses — Grand Central, Tor, Simon & Schuster, Harlequin, Berkley, Leisure, Red Sage and Kensington. As an award winning author, Kearney earned a Business Degree from the University of Michigan. Kearney's knowledge and experience spans throughout the romance genre, and her fifty plus books include contemporary, romantic suspense, historical, futuristic, science fiction and paranormal novels. She resides in a suburb of Tampa—with her husband, kids and Boston terrier. Currently she's plotting her way through her 54th work of fiction.
Kearney, a native of New Jersey, writes full time and has sold books to the industries' top publishing houses — Grand Central, Tor, Simon & Schuster, Harlequin, Berkley, Leisure, Red Sage and Kensington. As an award winning author, Kearney earned a Business Degree from the University of Michigan. Kearney's knowledge and experience spans throughout the romance genre, and her fifty plus books include contemporary, romantic suspense, historical, futuristic, science fiction and paranormal novels. She resides in a suburb of Tampa—with her husband, kids and Boston terrier. Currently she's plotting her way through her 54th work of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 29, 2016
This is series is delightful! :)
It's a little naive, but I love it!
It's a little naive, but I love it!
August 24, 2019
I read the first book in this series, and I guess I couldn't find the others on my shelves. Anyway, I think this would have been more enjoyable had I read the previous ones. The characters and plot were fine. Hopefully, I'll get to read book 2 and 3 soon.
July 24, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Susan Kearney's Rystani Warriors series of books continues with The Quest, a novel about captain Angel Taylor and gifted psi agent Kirek. Kirek, who appeared in The Ultimate, makes a return in volume 4 as he takes on a personal mission to stop the Zin from destroying the galaxy. He'll make use of Angel's ship to take him to a long lost star gate in the hope of crossing it to confront the Zin. Along the way, he'll use his powerful psi powers to seduce angel and make sure they get his mission completed. But Angel's been scarred by two previous failed relationships and she's not too eager to get into any kind of long term commitment with the Rystani. Kirek, of course, is supremely confident he can convince her otherwise.
The writing is solid, as expected from Kearney, and having a hero who can rely on mental rather than physical prowess does give the book a different type of edge. However, I did feel there was a bit too much of a Superman-complex in the story since Kirek was just a bit too powerful and too confident he'll win over Angel. Whether subverting computer systems, taking over Angel's ship or clothing, or defeating Zin warriors, he was just a bit too undefeatable. As well, there was little sense of danger or suspense - especially when the main characters never really felt any. Even the relationship, which had a manufactured type of tension by having Angel only wanting a short term sexual tryst type of relationship and being afraid of anything more serious, just seemed to be an plot device or deus ex machina drama around which to build a story. But even the story, from about the point where we are told Kirek is going after the entire Zin population alone and not telling anyone else about their plans to destroy the Galaxy (really?) seemed kind of half hearted.
I like a good romantic sci fi but I do prefer to the romance to be subservient to the plot - and not have a romance and then build a plot around it. As such, I didn't care for this particular title. But I don't think it was terrible, either, and that fans of Kearney will appreciate and continue to eagerly follow the series.
Received as an ARC from the publisher.
May 13, 2019
Just a heads up I'd highly recommend reading the previous three books first to get the whole picture. You don't have to but it does make the story more enjoyable when you can place characters and action and adventures when mentioned in The Quest.
So the baby born in hyperpace, the same one who was claimed as an oracle at 4 and survived his slavery on his enemies planet and even survived astral projecting wormhole collapse has grown up. On his own journey to save the galaxy, his family, race, planet basically everyone he must infiltrate the Zin home world and put an end to their destruction.
A stubborn female captain is put in his path to assist him on his quest and that where the fun begins.
Can they stop the Zin, get along, learn to trust each other and engage in their lusty appetites without complications?
So the baby born in hyperpace, the same one who was claimed as an oracle at 4 and survived his slavery on his enemies planet and even survived astral projecting wormhole collapse has grown up. On his own journey to save the galaxy, his family, race, planet basically everyone he must infiltrate the Zin home world and put an end to their destruction.
A stubborn female captain is put in his path to assist him on his quest and that where the fun begins.
Can they stop the Zin, get along, learn to trust each other and engage in their lusty appetites without complications?
September 26, 2018
An enjoyable fantasy/romance, except that I am sick of authors (especially female authors) who think that no means yes and that the woman really wants sex when she is resisting. I skipped these scenes. That said, it is still an entertaining read.
May 30, 2024
This is a fast paced adventure with fighting, family. Falling in love.
March 27, 2023
Growing up under the strict and oppressive rules of her mother and her grandparents, the heroine vowed that as soon as she came of age she would be out of there. And that's exactly what she did and she's never looked back. Yes, she's made mistakes (i.e her first and second ex-husbands) but they were her mistakes and she's more than willing to take the consequences in order to maintain her freedom. Her ship, won in a card game, may not be the prettiest vassals and may need some desperate repairs but the Raven is her home and her pride and joy.
While on a savage mission for a well-deserved and needed pay day, the heroine finds herself in the company of the hero who needs her help. Born in space during a hyper drive, the hero has been gifted with extraordinary psi powers and all the confidence and self-assurance that comes with. He may be damaged from spending 7 years in astral projection from his body, but even with the handicap he is extremely powerful. And he's set his eyes on the heroine. He loves a woman who knows her own mind, has confidence in herself and can handle the dangers this universe throws at her and the heroine is certainly that type of gal. Yes, she's a little prickly and any little hint of true intimacy makes her shut down but from the second he laid eyes on her he knew she was meant for him. As it happens, she is also needed to get him to a wormhole that will lead him to the enemy Zin so he can destroy the monovalent race before they can murder more people.
Being pursued by the enemy, the hero and heroine dodge the attacks and fight their way to the meeting point for the hero and his contact all the while battling for who will win the war of their relationship. The hero is very self-assured and confident but not cocky. The heroine even admits that even though he makes her angry at times, he has this calm air about him that inspires comfort and begins to lure her into an emotional snare. She refuses to fall in love, refuses to have any bond with a man that goes beyond sexual. And much to her unease, the hero makes it clear that though he may desire her body, he wants something deeper and he informs her that he knows very well she wants the same thing. At times he pushes her too far with the belief that he knows what's best for her and it's a good man who can balance between pushing for what he wants and what he knows the heroine can give and also able to pull back when he senses he's pushing too hard. Added to the emotional stress of fighting her feelings and being put out of her comfort zone the fact that the hero goes behind her back and pays for upgrades to her ship pushes her over the edge. His error has lost him her trust and it takes some time in order for him to win her back but the hero is nothing if not patient and relentless. Besides, they have bigger fish to fry. Mainly the soul deep connection needed between them in order to defeat the enemy and save the universe.
This was a much better story than the last Futuristic romance I read because it had a balance of action and character development. The interaction between the hero and heroine was great and they had mad chemistry and an emotional tug of war that lasted throughout the book. I loved the hero because though he was a strong, sometimes arrogant male who took what he wanted, he was also loyal to the heroine, able to step back and let her lead, only stepping in when he needed to. He also was the only man able to push her out of her comfort zone and into the possibility of lasting true love. The heroine was also great because she was stubborn and prideful and emotionally closed off but she was smart enough to accept help when needed and she did allow the hero to push her into the emotionally territory before she would reach her limit and back off. She didn't immediately shut him down but instead subconsciously wanted that connection and love he was offering. The story was a bit Meh and most of the time they were being found by the enemy and fighting to escape ( a bit one noted in my opinion) but I enjoyed it well enough.
While on a savage mission for a well-deserved and needed pay day, the heroine finds herself in the company of the hero who needs her help. Born in space during a hyper drive, the hero has been gifted with extraordinary psi powers and all the confidence and self-assurance that comes with. He may be damaged from spending 7 years in astral projection from his body, but even with the handicap he is extremely powerful. And he's set his eyes on the heroine. He loves a woman who knows her own mind, has confidence in herself and can handle the dangers this universe throws at her and the heroine is certainly that type of gal. Yes, she's a little prickly and any little hint of true intimacy makes her shut down but from the second he laid eyes on her he knew she was meant for him. As it happens, she is also needed to get him to a wormhole that will lead him to the enemy Zin so he can destroy the monovalent race before they can murder more people.
Being pursued by the enemy, the hero and heroine dodge the attacks and fight their way to the meeting point for the hero and his contact all the while battling for who will win the war of their relationship. The hero is very self-assured and confident but not cocky. The heroine even admits that even though he makes her angry at times, he has this calm air about him that inspires comfort and begins to lure her into an emotional snare. She refuses to fall in love, refuses to have any bond with a man that goes beyond sexual. And much to her unease, the hero makes it clear that though he may desire her body, he wants something deeper and he informs her that he knows very well she wants the same thing. At times he pushes her too far with the belief that he knows what's best for her and it's a good man who can balance between pushing for what he wants and what he knows the heroine can give and also able to pull back when he senses he's pushing too hard. Added to the emotional stress of fighting her feelings and being put out of her comfort zone the fact that the hero goes behind her back and pays for upgrades to her ship pushes her over the edge. His error has lost him her trust and it takes some time in order for him to win her back but the hero is nothing if not patient and relentless. Besides, they have bigger fish to fry. Mainly the soul deep connection needed between them in order to defeat the enemy and save the universe.
This was a much better story than the last Futuristic romance I read because it had a balance of action and character development. The interaction between the hero and heroine was great and they had mad chemistry and an emotional tug of war that lasted throughout the book. I loved the hero because though he was a strong, sometimes arrogant male who took what he wanted, he was also loyal to the heroine, able to step back and let her lead, only stepping in when he needed to. He also was the only man able to push her out of her comfort zone and into the possibility of lasting true love. The heroine was also great because she was stubborn and prideful and emotionally closed off but she was smart enough to accept help when needed and she did allow the hero to push her into the emotionally territory before she would reach her limit and back off. She didn't immediately shut him down but instead subconsciously wanted that connection and love he was offering. The story was a bit Meh and most of the time they were being found by the enemy and fighting to escape ( a bit one noted in my opinion) but I enjoyed it well enough.
September 28, 2013
I remember the first book in this series so well, when the hero of this book, Kirek, was born in hyperspace. It’s awesome to get to see him all grown up. I haven’t gotten to read The Ultimatum, unfortunately, so I don’t know about the whole incident of him being a sex slave, but I’m sure it was a great book. Strangely, I remember checking this book out from the library (different publisher, different cover, everything, but it was the same book). I couldn’t get into it then, and now I understand why: I didn’t know the series set up, nor the importance of Kirek. I’m definitely glad I decided to give it a go when I saw it on NetGalley, having now read 2 of the 3 books that lead to this one.
Angel was a fabulous heroine. Strong, determined, and definitely with a past. I liked that she was neither a shy, retiring virginesque character or a slut. She was comfortable with her own sexuality, saw no problem in taking an occasional lover, with no intention of finding a permanent man. She was devoted to her crew and the ship she’d made her home since leaving earth.
Kirek is, well, Kirek. Strong Rystani male, though with a surprising core toward non-violence/non-killing that I could truly understand. Given all he’s gone through in his life (I remember him as a child in Dora’s story), he is who he is and tries to balance that with what he sees as his ultimate mission: saving the galaxy from the dreaded Zin.
This book I believe concludes the Zin arc, but I have no doubt there are other stories possible in this universe. It’s certainly large enough. Unfortunately, the reason I couldn’t give this book 5 stars is simply how the Zin threat was eliminated. While there was certainly a lot of tension and nerves leading up to the very end when Kirek and Angel find their way to the Zin core to stop their menace, the way they solved it just totally fell flat for me. I’m quite disappointed, though with Kirek as he was put together, given the options in front of him, his choice makes sense. I just don’t like it personally and freely admit this is a subjective point of view.
However, everything else in this book was absolutely fabulous and without a doubt Susan Kearney is one of my favorite authors (I love love LOVE her Pendragon series, especially Rion, heh). Totally recommend it to anyone who wants some space drama without an over emphasis on technology, yet no doubt that it is a futuristic-set book.
Thank you NetGalley, BelleBooks, and Ms. Kearney for letting me share in this experience!
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Angel was a fabulous heroine. Strong, determined, and definitely with a past. I liked that she was neither a shy, retiring virginesque character or a slut. She was comfortable with her own sexuality, saw no problem in taking an occasional lover, with no intention of finding a permanent man. She was devoted to her crew and the ship she’d made her home since leaving earth.
Kirek is, well, Kirek. Strong Rystani male, though with a surprising core toward non-violence/non-killing that I could truly understand. Given all he’s gone through in his life (I remember him as a child in Dora’s story), he is who he is and tries to balance that with what he sees as his ultimate mission: saving the galaxy from the dreaded Zin.
This book I believe concludes the Zin arc, but I have no doubt there are other stories possible in this universe. It’s certainly large enough. Unfortunately, the reason I couldn’t give this book 5 stars is simply how the Zin threat was eliminated. While there was certainly a lot of tension and nerves leading up to the very end when Kirek and Angel find their way to the Zin core to stop their menace, the way they solved it just totally fell flat for me. I’m quite disappointed, though with Kirek as he was put together, given the options in front of him, his choice makes sense. I just don’t like it personally and freely admit this is a subjective point of view.
However, everything else in this book was absolutely fabulous and without a doubt Susan Kearney is one of my favorite authors (I love love LOVE her Pendragon series, especially Rion, heh). Totally recommend it to anyone who wants some space drama without an over emphasis on technology, yet no doubt that it is a futuristic-set book.
Thank you NetGalley, BelleBooks, and Ms. Kearney for letting me share in this experience!
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2015
I love the Rystani Series. We have great world building, compelling characters, strong women, heroes of all types, humor, and action adventure.
This addition to the series features the baby, we saw born in the first book all grown up, hunky, and super powered.
Our heroine is a self determined pilot and a Captain in every sense.
The plot is a engaging space action adventure and the love story is well written.
This series has been on my keeper shelf for years. If you like like Science Fiction Romance, it is likely to make yours as well.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it!
This addition to the series features the baby, we saw born in the first book all grown up, hunky, and super powered.
Our heroine is a self determined pilot and a Captain in every sense.
The plot is a engaging space action adventure and the love story is well written.
This series has been on my keeper shelf for years. If you like like Science Fiction Romance, it is likely to make yours as well.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it!
April 22, 2014
The Quest is the fourth book in the Rystani scifi/romance series. It is well written and well edited.
Even though The Quest is part of a series it reads well as a stand alone novel. I did have a bit of a problem figuring out the psi suits.
The world building is very good in this book and it is done by including the information in the plot, which I prefer. The characters were thoroughly developed and engaging. I did feel that the male lead (Hero) was hard for me to emotionally connect with, but the heroine was engaging and likeable.
If you enjoy science fiction and romance I believe that you will enjoy The Quest.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
Even though The Quest is part of a series it reads well as a stand alone novel. I did have a bit of a problem figuring out the psi suits.
The world building is very good in this book and it is done by including the information in the plot, which I prefer. The characters were thoroughly developed and engaging. I did feel that the male lead (Hero) was hard for me to emotionally connect with, but the heroine was engaging and likeable.
If you enjoy science fiction and romance I believe that you will enjoy The Quest.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
April 2, 2014
I was disappointed in the 4th book. Kirek is a character that grew through each of the previous books, so I looked forward to his story. He went through a lot in the 3rd book, but in this one he isn't that different then when he was in the previous books. He could have been a much more dynamic and complex character and I wanted more of him. He went through some things, but had no scares that affected his decisions when it came to Angel. Angel was more dynamic. I just found myself getting bored with the book. I wanted it to be more and it fell short.
September 2, 2008
Captain Angel Taylor hopes to salvage a derelict ship, but she doesn’t expect to find a Rystani warrior aboard. With reluctance, she agrees to aid Kirek in defeating the Zin, a terrible enemy bent on annihilation of their worlds. Will her newfound psi powers be enough to face their foe? Moreover, how will she subdue her lust for this man who disrupts her independence and claims her for his own?
August 20, 2011
It was good. A little OUT THERE, but good. I enjoy futuristic books but they have to be a little easier to follow along than this book was. I think if I had read The Dare and The Challenge before I read this one it might have been easier to follow along but I was unaware these books were linked. I probably will not buy this book and I don't even think I'll read it again.
September 22, 2013
Realized a few pages into this that I had read it several years ago. I remember liking it well enough. It had that goofy sci-fi rom essence to it that I have a weak spot for. Wasn't interested in reading it again though.
April 1, 2010
heh heh... the picture of the cover should give you a good idea about this "sci-fi" bodice ripper.
July 21, 2014
2 stars
September 1, 2013
I love me some sci fi romance.
abandoned-unfinished
August 13, 2009Very “Your mouth says no, but your eyes say yes!”
Life's too short, I'm not reading this dreck.
Life's too short, I'm not reading this dreck.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews