Was she human… A female alien... Or? Whatever she was, Explorer Guild First-in Scout Roke Stenner is caught within her powers and like a mythological Greek sailor, he can’t stop himself from answering her siren’s call. —Anadi was the perfect uninhabited earthlike planet for human colonization; but, Roke knew something was wrong soon after he landed. His job was to make certain it would be ready for colonization. What he discovered on the planet was anything but normal. On his first survey of the planet, he fell from the side of a mountain and into a river. The woman who saved his life, the woman who appeared to be human, was the only inhabitant on the planet, but her presence was impossible!
Was he her prisoner... Or her breeding stud? —All too soon, Roke fell under her powers and her sexual demands. He knew he had to get away from her and warn the rest of the galaxy about what he discovered on Anadi, and the danger it was to the rest of humanity. Between their lovemaking, and her psionic abilities, how could he get away?
International award winning author and double B.R.A.G. Honoree, I have published forty-six novels including Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, and suspense thrillers. I live in Florida, with mywife Bonnie.
A Hybrid Traditional and Independent Author, I became an independent publisher, author, and writer in 2008 with Angels in Mourning, my 'homage' to the old-time private detective's of the 50's and the 60's. (I used to sneak them from my parents' night tables and read them as a young boy.) Angels is a contemporary take on the old-style noir detective and won the Amazon.com Book of the Month Reader's Choice Award.
The first book of my Sci-Fi Fantasy series Tales of Nevaeh. Born to Magic, is an international Amazon genre Best Seller, Awarded the Silver medallion from the Drunken Druid International Literary Awards, and was a Kindle Review of Books finalist for Fantasy Book of the year. The final book of the series, A Dance of Light and Dark, Volume 8, was released on September 1, 2022.
Among my Mysteries & Thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary Guild alternate selection); The Sokova Convention, The Morrisy Manifest, Desperately Killing Suzanne, The Whistleblower’s Daughter, and Out of the Shadows. My first non-fiction book, The Indie Writer’s Handbook, Designed for Independently Published authors, was honored with a B.R.A.G. Medallion for literary excellence, and awarded the Bronze Medal by the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.
I wrote a contemporary fiction novel, based on the Harry Chapin Song, A Better Place to Be, was named a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, signifying a book of the highest literary quality, and written by an independent writer; and, A Better Place to Be also received the Bronze Medal Award from Ireland's Drunken Druid International Literary Awards.
I have read several of David Wind’s books in the past and loved them. This new story reminds me of Andre Norton’s books from my youth. Forerunners were entwined in many of her stories. This book brings a whole new perspective to the forerunners. But it still has that Andre Norton feel of excitement and danger in exploring new worlds.
This book is written more about the characters and their experiences which to me is the best part of reading a book than about the guns and technology descriptions. It has guns, lasers, stunners, satellites, intelligent computers, and so much more. I love good characters and this book has characters that intrigue me. Roke is Dine’ and has been raised in old traditions which makes him a wonderful character. Caruso is a knowledgeable mentor. The forerunner is manipulative, yet also vulnerable to her own species genetic manipulations.
This book is very easy to read and it is entertaining. I had a hard time putting it down last night to go to sleep. It is full of twists and turns that I didn’t imagine until I read it. It is kind of scary in a way. It is a page turner for sure. Some might think it is romantic, but I didn’t think so. It could trigger some people, but the power play is from the female instead of the male. There are a few adult scenes in it, but they are essential to the story and not just to fill in pages to make the story longer or titillate you.
What I like most about this book is that it is a complete story and there is no cliffhanger like books from years ago. It does leave open the possibility for more stories to come in the future and I hope to read more in this universe. If I could give this story 10 stars, I would, but since I can’t, I will tell you I loved it and would highly recommend this book for people who like space explorer adventures like I do. It is a great book.
Goddess by David Wind is a sci-fi mystery/thriller -¬ not necessarily your usual first contact or military sci-fi fare. There is the Guild tasked with finding planets suitable for exploration, and when First-In Scout Roke finds one suitable, Anadi, in a vein that looks at first similar to the Alien film franchise, he thinks he’s onto a winner.
Yet, you’re not reading an Alien film adaptation and it soon becomes clear there is plenty of interesting stuff happening anyway: strange rocks that Roke touches that he relates to dreams, fantasies, he has about this creature that is sometimes in the guise of a beautiful woman, and imaginative creatures that can give you the chills. Both have Roke’s senses on alert.
If you’re familiar with some of the themes author David Wind writes about you’ll notice he’s included good powers enriched by ancient earth tradition, and bad powers in new and unsuspecting guises. He’s delivering a future Earth in a galaxy where the dangers are far away and yet curiously close to home.
The enemy was introduced to early on, and what helps keep it interesting is that it still feels like we don’t really know who she is and what she’s capable of, and how Roke is going to use his psi abilities and ancient teachings to block the powers that have rendered his DNA compatible with hers, thus forcing them both to engage in enjoyable, yet compulsive sex, for the purpose of procreation. It’s addictive to Roke who must discover how to break free, and how he’s going to protect the human race from the same when the Guild decides to investigate.
I must say Goddess was fast-paced with much to keep reader interest. There weren’t too many sex scenes; they showed Roke’s struggle for his own mind and his motivations. I was intrigued where the story was going and how the new race would unlock the secrets of the universe.
l just finished reading the above book and WOW! I received my copy yesterday and I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed it and felt a if I was actually part of what was happening. This book pulls you in right from the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really liked the inclusion of the Navaho Nation. I can't wait to start reading the Tales of the Nevaeh. I am hooked! If you are looking for a new author, this one is golden!
Another epic read from Wind ... I highly recommend this series. It packs so much that I'll likely leave some out, but I'll give it a shot.
🛸 Space-exploration. 🛰 Set in the future, humans have colonized various planets & galaxies. 🛸Military vibes. 🛰Survivalist skills put to the test. 🛸Post-apoc vibes. 🛰Fresh start / adventure / discovery. 🛸Epic world-building, complete with plants, animals, diet, etc. 🛰Mystery. 🛸(Evil) fun with genetics and psi abilities. 🛰Strong, chivalrous, brilliant, relatable male lead / Hero. 🛸Snarky AI. 🛰Completely twisted villain. 🛸Adventure 🛰Laugh-out-loud banter.
Written in multiple POVs … mostly we get the POV of the hero, Roke, but at times the reader is provided with others as well, and it’s fun to have the insight. Before long, I found myself submerged in this world and I feel like I could never really get enough of it.
The book both wrapped up nicely, but had a sort-of cliffie, if that makes sense. Wind brilliantly ties up the most immediate issues, but makes it clear there’s more to come. I don’t want to spoil anything, so you’ll have to either take my word for it, or read it & see for yourself.
Beautifully done—as someone with a very visual mind, I was treated to stunning landscapes and basically traveled in time and space. I could read this book over and over again.