Skye Kilaen

Elsenna is second in command of the king's security forces. She's also a traitor to the brutal, horrible dictator, secretly working with insurrectionists to overthrow the oppressive regime. Oh, and she's also in love with the king's only daughter. What could possibly go wrong.

I make no secret of the fact – in books or in life – I have no use for romance. Too often I find it distracts from a story and/or attempts to stand in for genuine character development. Not so here. The characters are flawed and realistic and fully rounded.

Ninestar Press describes this as science fiction romance. I'd describe as a political intrigue thriller tale of found family. Beautifully diverse and disability positive.

If you've ever thought that what the world really needs is Heinlein's classic, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, but left-wing and queer, then this book is for you.… (mais)

Violet's business parter signs them up for a job nabbing a guy who's reneged on a contract. Sounds good – except it's a two-person job and Violet prefers to stay several planets away from her partner and estranged wife, Iona.

Followers of my reviews will know I dislike romance but love an established couple. With the estranged Violet and Iona, romance lovers and haters alike will find something to love here.

This punchy little sci-fi novelette introduces readers to two compelling characters who just can't seem to stay away from one another. A perfect bite-sized escape from reality.
… (mais)

What a wonderfully kind story.

If you're looking for a m/f romance with queer characters including the MCs, where terrible things happen but friendships are trustworthy, give this one a try. I'd have been impatient with the extreme caution that's a huge obstacle through a chunk of this book, but it's so intrinsic to each of the MCs that my impatience was FOR them. Thank you, author.

This was also absolutely the right book for me right now. Isn't it wonderful when the stars align like that?… (mais)

What a great story, told with great compassion and no small amount of research and skill.

Flawed main characters, the MC with (treated) depression, the love interest repressed and shunned by his family/religion, who face overwhelming challenges with each other and life. Terrific side characters, and an impressive blend of languages, with an on-point ending. I used an embarrassing number of tissues during the last chapters.

If there are flaws, I didn't see them (being not Mormon and sadly monolingual.)

Highly, highly recommended.… (mais)